Chapter 36: Vague Truth

I sat near on the floor near the comfort room. Filter immediately run towards me and he wagged his tail. He sat on my lap but he faced me, still wagging his tail.

It's past 12 in the morning and I had a long and tiring day. I had a wrong deduction and left school. Alas dyes ng gabi na ako nakabalik sa dorm after Mom and we visited Fortune Cookie,
the famous soothsaying house. Maaga kaming umalis doon at sinadya ko lamang na matagal makauwi to avoid judgmental stares of people.

I expected already that if Bridle would see me, they would be thinking about what happened kanina at sasabihan ulit ako ng loser. But being a school loser and the campus laughing stock slash talk of the school for the wrong deduction is least of my concerns now.

I made an imaginary heirarchy of matters need to be done and it was the last one. As of now, I have my father, the Genesis and Mom's memory. I recalled what happened when Mom consulted Cookie, the soothsayer.

"Amethyst", wika ng babaeng nakasuot ng makulay na gamit. She was thoroughly covered with colorful fabrics at tanging mata lamang ang nakikita mula dito.

"Kilala mo ako?", hindi makapaniwalang wika ni Mommy.

"Narinig ko lamang."

"Oh. So it's really true that you've got the clairaudience ability as sixth sense", komento ni Mommy. I sat on the sofa on the side while pumwesto naman si Mommy sa harap ng babae. The place is weird and creepy at masakit sa mata ang kulay ng ilaw but I endure it all at nakamata lang sa kanila.

Bahagyang tumango ang manghuhula. She stared at Mom for a while bago
nagsalita. "Ano ang maipaglilingkod ko sa'yo?"

"I want to ask something about my dreams and vision. I'm not a psychic like you, the visions that I'm talking about ay sanhi ng pagkawala ng alaala ko. So I have this consulted to you. I always
see a little boy in my visions and
dreams. Who do you think he is?"

She tapped her gloved hands on the table. Paulit-ulit niya iyong ginawa na para bang may pattern or was it part of her rituals?

"I'm sorry pero hindi saklaw ng kakayahan ko ang pasukin ang iyong panaginip. Maari kong masagot iyan sa hindi direktang paraan. Tarot cards", she said. What was her name again?

Cookie? I guess that's it.

"So be it", Mom said. Cookie laid cards infront of her and began murmuring words that only she can understand. She rolled her eyeballs in a weird manner and I thought she was having some attacks but she wasn't. Mukhang bahagi iyon ng rituals niya. Bumunot siya ng isang baraha at inilapag iyon sa harap ni Mommy.

"Deception."

Napatayo ako at masinsinang tumingin kay Cookie. Deception?

"Nabubuhay ka sa kasinungalingan", wika nito at bahagyang napaisip si Mommy.

Yes Mom, we do.

"Mag-ingat ka sa taong malapit sa iyo. Siya ang kumokontrol sa buhay mo."

"What does that suppose to mean?", Mom asked. Cookie picked another card and laid it front of her.

"Malalaman mo sa nalalapit na panahon. At isang hindi inaasahang pangyayari ang magaganap sa buhay mo", wika ulit nito.

"Can you exactly tell me what will happen?"

Umiling si Cookie. "Hindi ko masasabi pero ang mga naririnig ako ay malakas na tunog ng musika na tila ba mula sa kasiyahan."

"A party?"

"Malamang. Vincit omnia veritas", she said.

"Pardon?"

Lumapit ako doon at hinarap si Mommy. "It's the Latin phrase for truth conquers all Mom."

Hinarap ko ang manghuhula na aware sa presensya ko. "Are you saying we're up to some truth revelation?"

Tumango ulit ito. She seems limited with her talking than I imagine soothsayers are. Iniisip kong madaldal ang mga ito to satisfy their customers but this one is different. Hindi niya kailangang piliting maniwala sa kanya ang mga tao by explaining deeper. And maybe that's what makes her the reliable one..

"Babalik ang lahat sa dati. Status quo ante bellum."

"What's what?", tanong ni Mommy but she didn't answer. Sa halip ay tila muling inatake ito and when she stop her eyes seemed drowsy.

"Cookie? Ano ang ibig sabihin niyon?", tanong ulit ni Mommy but her eyes is different from what it was kanina. Ngayon ay tila pagod na pagod ito.

"You may now leave", wika ni Cookie at niligpit ang mga tarot cards.

"What? But we aren't satisfied with your service yet!", wika ko. Napalakas yata ang boses ko but she didn't even flinch a little.

"Customer satisfaction is not part of my service. I just give you an overview of what lies ahead or even in a retrospective manner. Now if you want a detailed prophecy, you came to the wrong house. You should consult a book
because detailed prophecy are can be found only in stories", wika niya and I was surprise of how fluent she was. Her attitude shifted from being the serious soothsayer na sa tingin ko ay gumagamit ng mga malalalim na salita into a fierce well-spoken lady. I shouldn't have been surprised. She's good in Latin so there's no sweat with the universal langguage too. I had a feeling that she's still young.

"We're sorry. Thank you for your service", wika ni Mommy at bahagyang yumuko. She pulled me out from that room at naghulog ng tatlong libo sa fishbowl na may mga pera which I believe na lalagyan service fee.

"Filter what do you think will happen tomorrow? I'm wrecked tapos baka may bagong club pa dito sa Bridle bukas with the name Amber Sison Haters' Club. Oh, that's not me. Maybe Amber Allejo", wika ko kay Filter. He just stared at me with his tounge out. "Let's call it a date Filter, goodnight."

I woke up earlier than I used to. Sinadya ko iyon at nang hindi ako maabutan nina Andi at Therese. I know they would talk to me regarding what happened yesterday and I don't want to. Matapos maligo ay agad akong nagbihis at nagpunta sa rooftop ng isa sa building ng Bridle. Aside from the library, it's one of my favorite place that I always visit kapag ganitong sarado pa ang library noon. Papasikat pa lamang ang araw kaya medyo madilim pa ang paligid. Sumandal ako sa railings na naroon at tiningnan ang unti-unting pagsibol ng araw.

"Sabi na nga ba na nandito ka."

I looked back on who owned the voice. Jeremy.

"Je."

"Good morning Amber", bati niya. Where's the Bestie thingy? I guess if he doesn't call me Bestie, his mood is serious.

"Good morning Je. How do you know I'm here?", tanong ko sa kanya. He was already in his uniform too. Mukhang maaga din itong naghanda but for what purpose? "Ang aga mo yata ngayon?"

He shrugged his shoulders at sumandal din doon. His gaze was fixed on the rising sun too. "I was hoping to see the girl that I used to see in this spot or the library before."

I looked at him intently. He must be referring to me.  "Je...."

"We used to be on the same boat, right? Kaya alam ko. This place is one of those loved by nerds", wika niya and he smiled. "I don't exactly have the idea of how do you feel right now Amber but you can let it go."

I felt the urge to cry but I try my best not to. "Perhaps there's nothing worse than reaching the top of the ladder and realized that you're actually on a wrong wall."

"Well, we do learn from our mistakes Amber. And from that errors, we correct our own. I know you have so much worries at dumagdag pa iyon kahapon. But it's been taken care of. I hope it will make you less worry Amber."

Kunot ang noo na napalingon ako kay Jeremy. "Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

"You didn't have a wrong deduction. Tricia really pushed Joseph but he was able to took hold. There's a small platform there which helped him. Regretful of what she did, Tricia ran away dahil sa takot and Joseph was able to climbed up again. Saka pa lamang dumating si Mitchell where she had a little fight with him and for the second time ay naitulak siya ulit this time. The rest goes Math's deduction so basically, yours and Math's deduction is right", wika ni Jeremy. So my deduction just lacks and so as Math's?

"How do you know all of that Jeremy?"

"Gray reinvestigated the case after you left. Tricia admitted it after Gray spilled everything. He also made a public remark that you're not a loser and you doesn't have a wrong deduction", sagot ni Jeremy at napaamang ako. Gray did that?

"I.... I don't know what to say....", wika ko. Even if he did so, what if the student still think that I'm a loser?

"Cheer up Amber. Bridle owes you an apology", wika ni Jeremy. He gave me an assuring smile. "Now let's talk about your other worries. What was it about?"

I don't want Jeremy to involve into my worries and troubles so I decided to keep it to myself. Hinila ko siya at inakbayan.

"Hali ka na nga Bestie", wika ko sa kanya. "Libre kita ng breakfast."

He giggled when I said the word Bestie. He punched the air with excitement at gumanti ng akbay sa akin. "Madaya ka. But it's okay if you will not tell now. And oh, the best things in the world are free foods!"

As Jeremy and I walked on the school grounds ay may mga ilang estudyante na ang bumati akin and some apologized. It relieved me somehow. Mas dumami pa ang nag-apologize when it was breaktime and we're sitting on the cafeteria. I gave them genuine smiles after their apology.

"Grabe Amber! Dapat pala hindi tayo nagcompete. We should have collaborated instead!", nakangiting wika ni Math.

"Ikaw lang naman ang nakikipagcompete eh", bulong ni Jeremy. "Yabang mo kasi, mabulunan ka sana."

"Jeremy?"

"Yes Math?", he asked.

"Are you saying something?"

"Am I?"

"Ay ewan. Thank you nga pala Gray, you saved Amber", wika ni Math at bahagyang hinimas ang braso ni Gray. Je darted the fork on her position ngunit agad ding ibinaba iyon ng lumingon si Math sa kanya.

"Ganyan kasi yan. OTP kasi sila", wika ni Jeremy. "Ayiiiii!"

I raised a brow on him. "OTP?"

"One true pair! Ganun!", he answered hyperly. Math frowned at him samantalang napa-pokerface lamang kaming dalawa ni Gray. Where does he got that acronym?

My phone rang and Mommy was calling me again. I excused myself at agad na sinagot ang tawag niya.

"Mom..."

"Sweetie, I had a little request. Be bad even once and ditch school, please?", she asked in a low voice. My parents really think that I'm the epitome of a perfect student. I always ditch school, unbeknownst to them.

"Sure Mom, for you but bakit naman po?"

“My friend Solenn is troubled. She’s a a phycisian at Vergara Private Hospital and her father Dr. Abraham Murillo is a patient there too and unfortunately, he just died last night. Heart condition, so I decided to visit Solenn and at the same time have a consultation with a doctor regarding my condition. Please come with me."

“Okay mom, I’m ditching class now. Can you pick me up at the mall or we’ll meet at the hospital?”, tanong ko sa kanya. Vergara Private Hospital is not far from here. It’s just a 45 minutes’ drive from Bridle kaya okay lang kung doon na kami magkita.

“Let’s meet at the hospital dear. Thanks. I love you.”

“I love you too Mom.” Bumalik na ako sa mesa kung nasaan sina Jeremy. “I’m ditching school.”

“Again?”

“Mom just called. Kailangan naming pumunta sa hospital for her check-up”, paalam ko sa kanila. “I have to go.” Hindi na sila nagtanong pa at nagpaalam na lamang sa akin.

Dahil nagmarka na sa guard ang mukha ko kahapon, I used the backdoor exit. Madali lang naman iyon kaso madamo nga lamang. I cannot use Khael’s means of entering Bridle dahil
masyadong mataas ang mga pader at isa pa ay nakasuot ako ng palda. After I passed the exit ay naghintay ako ng taxi. Hindi naman nagtagal ay may dumating at agad akong nagpahatid sa nasabing ospital. Mom was already there when I arrived and she was with a woman in her late 40’s. She was wearing a labgown like doctors always wear kaya naisip kong isa itong staff ng ospital.

“Oh here’s my daughter Amber”, wika ni Mom nang makalapit ako sa kanila. She kissed my hair at ipinakilala ako sa doktora. I smiled at here at inilahad ang palad ko.

“Hello Doktora, my name is Amber.”

Gumanti ito ng ngiti at tinanggap ang palad ko. She kissed my cheek and greeted me too. “Hi Amber. I’m doctor Solenn Murillo. Let’s go to the doctor's lounge.”

She lead the way at sumunod naman kami ni Mommy sa kanya. Truth is I hate hospitals. I mean I hate being a patient. Hospital is one of the places full of suffering. People are suffering to survive. So basically a hospital is not a lovable at all.

She opened the door and offered seat for us. It was a small yet cozy office from the lounge.

“This is actually the office of Papa bago pa man siya maging pasyente dito. He’s a surgeon but unfortunately, he’s old and he had a heart condition, he just died last night. Maybe hindi na niya nakayanan.”

Tears started to fell from the doctor’s eyes. “Ang totoo niyan ay ilang beses na siyang nasugod sa ospital. He’s old and he's not able to endure the pressure of medication. He’s a doctor so he knows that it’s not easy to be a patient.”

“It’s okay Solenn. God will always help us”, pag-alo ni Mommy sa kaibigan niya. I just sat there and stared at them. "Just think of him na para bang kasama mo pa rin siya."

"He is old and strict but I still love him. Must be his way of showing love to me and he never get tired of showing me his love by being strict despite my age. Not that I'm against to it, no. Nasanay na ako sa kanya kahit na pinapalo pa rin niya ako kapag nagkakamali ako kahit malaki na ako. Suffer the pain till you get used to it and it won't hurt no more, that's what he always tell me kaya magpapakatatag ako para sa amin."

I just stared at her while listening to her words. "Kung nasaan man siya ngayon, I'm sure he don't want to see you hurting like this. Surely, he doesn't want to see you crying", pag- alo ni Mommy. Marami pa itong sinabi kay Dra. Solenn to make her feel better and I was wondering why I didn't inherit her advising power. Matagal din silang nag-usap tungkol doon before their subject shifted.

“By the way Amy, didn’t you say that you want to have your memory checked? I have a specialist to recommend. Hali ka, let’s see him”, wika ng doktora at sumunod ulit kami ni Mommy sa kanya. “He’s good in Psychotherapy and hypnosis so he’s the best person for this.”

On the way ay nakasalubong namin ang isang medical representative. Napansin ko ang kakaibang aura sa pagitan nina Dra. Solenn at ng medical representative. She smiled at Mommy na para bang na-recognize niya ito.

“Hi Amethyst. Kumusta ka na? I never seen you in years”, wika ng medical representative. Mom respectfully smiled at her.

“Sorry but I don’t recognize you. I had an amnesia way back so I find it hard to remember all of you, sorry”, wika ni Mommy. “But you are?”

“She’s Berna Ordineza. The social climber who fooled the old man”, sagot ni Dra. Solenn and it confirmed my suspicion. They’re not in good terms.

“Move on Solenn. After all I did love your father at hanggang ngayon ba naman? I just went here upon hearing the news.”

“Pera lang ang habol mo sa kanya! Sino ang maniniwalang minahal mo nga ang lalaking halos tatay mo na dahil sa agwat ng edad ninyo! I wonder how do you sleep at night after you had—"

“Tumahimik ka! Anong klaseng doctor ka! Atleast respect your workplace!’, wka naman ni Berna sa kanya. Bahagyang huminahon si Doktora at hinarap ulit ito.

“Dad died. Siguro naman ay masaya ka na? After all he’s the reason why you didn’t become a doctor at naging medical representative na lamang! Dahil sa nangyaring scandal tungkol sa pagkatao mo!”

Mapaklang tumawa si Berna. “Oh come one! Baka ikaw ang magiging masaya kapag nawala na ang daddy mo. Isn’t he so strict to you kahit na napakatanda mo na? You must have hated him.”

Mukhang umiinit na ang usapan sa pagitan nila kaya nakisingit na si Mommy. “Excuse me Solenn, but can you accompany me to that doctor that you’re saying? May lakad pa kasi ako.”

Saka lamang tila naauhan ang dalawa. Nagpaalam na si Berna kay Mommy. Looks like they know each other bago pa man magka-amnesia si Mommy kaya nakilala siya nito. Dra. Solenn apologized to us at sinamahan na kami sa sinasabi niyang doctor. Ipinakilala ni Doktora Solenn si Mommy sa isang middle-aged doctor. He was Dr. Lorenzo Mayuman.

He examined Mom inside his private office kaya naiwan ako mag-isa sa labas dahil bumalik naman sa trabaho niya si Dra. Solenn. I wander around the hospital at tiningnan ang mga pinto ng naroong private rooms. Napatigil ako sa paglalakad nang makilala ang isang taong lumabas mula sa emergency room.

It was the reaper Hermes.

Natigilan din ito nang Makita ako. He smiled at me at lumapit. “Hey! The Vander’s girl!”

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at natatawang inulit niya ang sinabi. “Ibig kong sabihin ay hello Amber, what are you doing here in a hospital?”

Napansin kong marami itong pasa sa mukha at bali din ang isang kamay nito. He got a big dressed wound on his head too. “Anong nangyari sa’yo?”

Hindi pa aman ito nakasagot ay muling bumukas ang pinto ng emergency  room at iniluwa niyon ang sugatan ding si Eros. He got a casted knee and a dressed wound on his tummy. Hulaan ko nga, they fought with each other again and ended up beating each other too much?

“Ikaw din Eros?”

He giggled at me and darted a dangerous look at Hermes. “Ambs! Anong ginagawa mo dito?”

“Baka naglalaba”, pamimilosopo ni Hermes. I rolled my eyes at him. He just asked the same question at me at ngayon ay pinipilosopo nito si Eros.

“Shut up Hermes! You almost stabbed me to death. Humanda ka kapag naka-recover ako”, wika niya niya. Uh, just as I thought.

“Nagpatayan ulit kayo?”

“We always do kasi part yun ng training naming dalawa.”

“Oh yeah pero mukhang nasobrahan yata kayo. You two ended in the hospital eh? Great!”, pangangatyaw ko sa kanila. These two reapers are weird but Artemis is weirder. Sa tuwing naglalaban kasi ang dalawa ay palagi itong nanunuod at nagtsi-cheer pa na tila ba amazed na amazed ito sa nangyayari.

Bahagyang bumulong sa akin si Hermes. “Well yeah but it’s actually an assignment.”

Napangiti rin si Eros.  “Yeah reaper’s duty.”

“Wait! You’re going to kill someone here? What the hell?”, tanong ko sa kanila. Hininaan ko rin ang boses ko dahil baka marinig kami ng mga ilang tao na dumadaan sa hallway ng ospital.

“It’s not like that. Reapers like us cannot kill in a place na maraming tao gaya ng ospital. If that’s the case, the mafia should have asked the stealth assaulter Red or the sniper Ares. Our task is just to find some information.
Gotta go Amber”, Eros said at bahagyang tinapik ang balikat ko. Nagpaalam na din si Hermes and he went to a different direction.

I decided to go back to Dr. Mayuman’s office ngunit napansin kong nagkakagulo sa may ICU. I looked at the people in the area at mukhang may nangyayari yata sa isang pasyente. The nurses are busy as they went out of the units.

"Grabe, namatay na si Mr. Fellon ano? Katulad nung kay Mr. Murillo, hindi ba ang lakas pa niya? When I left him yesterday, he's fine and coping. Ako kasi ang nakatokang mag-rounds kagabi and he was just lying fine there. Sinabi pa nga niya sa akin na mukhang
makakalabas na ulit siya. I didn’t expect na mamamatay na siya. My God!”

Nagulat ang kausap nitong nurse. “Ha? Do you think it was contrived?”

“Naisip ko rin talaga iyan. Hindi kaya naging biktima din siya ng maling prescription katulad ni Mrs. Durano? Naalala mo ba yung pasyenteng namatay few weeks ago dahil sa maling prescription ni Dr. Ramos?”

“Oo! Yung matandang babae sa 204. Oo nga pala ano , pero wala na si Dr. Ramos, he’s already suspended who could have given him wrong prescriptions?”

“Ewan ko ba. Sige na Jean, una na ako sayo.” Naghiwalay na ang dalawang nurse and I was left upon hearing their conversation. Is it possible na may nagbigay nga ng maling prescription gaya ng napag-usapan ng dalawang nurse? My God, I need to see Dra. Solenn and tell her about it! I immediately rushed towards the doctors' lounge ngunit bigla na lamang akong nabundol ng isang pigura.

“Oops, sorry…”

It was Miss Berna, the medical representative. Mukhang nakikinig din ito sa usapan ng mga nurse. Nagmadali itong umalis matapos humingi ng depensa. Nang makarating ako sa doctors' lounge ay sakto namang lumabas si Dra. She was with a middle-aged guy in hippy clothing.

“Umalis ka na dito Osler!”

“Narinig kong namatay si Tito Abraham. Totoo ba?”

“Wala kang pakialam sa Daddy ko!”, wika ng doktora.

“Look Doktora, kahit ayaw mo ay may pakialam ako kay Tito Abraham. He’s the one who nurtured me as I was growing up at—"

“At isa ka sa makikinabang sa mga naiwan niya? Tell me Osler, nagpunta kaba rito sa ospital para makiramay o i-check kung may mamanahin ka? I’m telling you, walang kahit isang kusing ang makukuha mo mula sa kanya!”, galit na wika ni Dra. Solenn. “Ginamit niyo lang lahat si Daddy, mga mapanlinlang!” Nagsimula na itong umiyak at parang wala lamang iyon sa kanyang kausap. “Excuse me….” She said at muling pumasok sa loob. I followed her and watch her cried. I cleared my throat for her to know I'm here.

“Amber, ikaw pala.”

“May sasabihin po sana ako sa iyo doktora Solenn, I heard the nurses are talking about how positive your Dad is about getting well, ayon sa kanila ay posibleng naging biktima ito ng maling prescription.”

Nagulat naman si Dra. Solenn sa sinabi ko. She paused for a while at naglalagan na ulit ang mga luha nito. “Maling prescription?”

“Opo.”

“I suggest na kailangan nating magpagawa ng isang autopsy sa bangkay”, suhestiyon ng lalaking tinawag nitong Osler. Sumunod pala ito pagpasok namin. He glanced at me for a while at sinamaan ako ng tingin.

“I wouldn’t give permission to it! Katawan ng ama ko ang pinag-uusapan dito!”, wika ni Dra. Solenn.

"Pero iyon lamang ang paraan upang mapatunayan nating may nagkamali nga!"

"Umalis ka na Osler!", wika nito. The guy sighed bago lumabas. Mukhang ayaw talaga itong makita ng doktora. Naiwan  na lamang kaming dalawa doon.

"Doktora...."

“It’s hard for me to allow it but if that’s the only possible way, we can do it.” Tumawag siya ng mga doktor and told the them about her, granting a body autopsy for his Dad. Her dad’s body was on the morgue and it will be brought to the pathology lab tomorrow.

Naging abala ito doon and I was left at the doctor’s lounge waiting for her or mom. When I felt boredom ay muli akong naglibot sa kabuoan ng ospital. I went to the ground floor and walked on the white path hanggang sa marating ko ang sign na HOSPITAL MORGUE.

The door opened and some guys in a surgical gown brought a cadaver na nasa isang tila cabinet. There were lots of steel cabinets there at gaya ng mga nakikita ko sa mga palabas, doon nilalagay ang unclaimed dead bodies. Nang makaalis ang mga lalaking kumuha ng bangkay ay nagmadali na rin akong umalis doon.

Unfortunately, hospitals are one of my hated places due to creepiness. They are said to be hunted with souls na mula sa mga namamatay doon. Tumawag si Mommy sa akin kaya agad ko iyong sinagot. She asked me where I was kaya nagmadali na akong bumalik sa doctors' lounge kung saan ito naghihintay. Pagdating ko roon ay kausap nga nito si doktora Solenn. They were talking about her father.

“Dad suffered too much already. I think it’s better this way upang hindi na siya mahirapan pa. He may act too strong but he’s suffering too much", umiiyak na wika nito. “But ngayong naging usapin pala sa ospital ang pagkamatay nito, I guess I have no other choice but to allow an autopsy upang mapatunayan kung may mali nga ba sa prescriptions doon.”

“Solenn, everything will be fine soon. Don’t strain yourself about it”, wika ni Mommy. She smiled at me nang naupo ako sa tabi niya at nagmasid sa kanilang dalawa.

“I hope so Amy. But…..” Bigla na lamang itong natigilan at napatingin sa amin.

“But what?”

“He didn’t have prescriptions! His last medications are his usual ones and I don’t think… oh my God! Someone must have sabotaged his medicines!”, wika ni Doktora Solenn. “I need to know who’s his nurse last night.”

“Can we go with you?”, mom asked nang tumayo si doktora Solenn.

“Yes, but we’ll do it later. I still have duty, can you wait for me a little longer Amy? My shift will end at 1 PM, then let’s have a late lunch.”

Pumayag si Mommy and we stayed at the doctors' lounge a little while. It’s almost 12 at hindi pa naman kami nagugutom. We can also have a little snack at the hospital cafeteria but Mom doesn’t want hospital food.

“Mom why don’t we help doktora a little by asking the nurse on duty kanina?”, I asked Mommy at nang pumayag ito, agad kaming nagpunta sa nurse station at nagtanong-tanong
doon. The head nurse told us that a certain Marie Garsula was assigned kanina.

“She must have changed the medicines”, wika ko sa kay mommy and she felt excited about it too.

“Oh Dear, I guess we can really help Solenn”, wika niya. "Nae-excite tuloy ako para dito. It's not easy for her to grant the autopsy but she still did. But Sweetie, who do you think could have done it?"

Napangiti ako kay Mommy. It never crossed my mind that she will be investigating a case with me. "Four persons", I said, showing four fingers. "First one is Dra. Solenn herself."

"What? She can't be the culprit sweetie", protesta nito which I beg to disagree. One of the things that I learn much about is playing the victim's role. It could be possible na ito ang gumawa niyon. "Remember Mom, Berna said na istriktong ama si Dr. Murillo."

"Oh. And the second is that Berna. Sabi ni Solenn na hindi ito naging doktor dahil sa scandal nila, tama ba anak?"

I winked at her. "Yes Mom. And the third one is the hippy guy that I saw, his name is Osler. Ayon kay doktora ay may mamanahin ito sakaling mamatay man ang doktor. Lastly is the nurse which the possible reason is still unknown."

"Sa tingin ko ay bukas pa masasagawa ang postmortem. Why don't we visit the morgue Amber?", Mom suggested at agad ko naman iyong sinang-ayonan. Perks of having an always-on-the go mother.

We headed to the morgue where I had been a while ago. We looked around the area at pumasok sa morgue. I can still smell the stinging scent of the morgue due to the formaldehyde at bahagya kong niyakap ang sarili ko nang maramdaman ang malamig na temperatura.

"Excuse me", bati ni Mommy sa lalaking nakaupo sa gilid ng desk. Bahagya itong tumayo at hinarap si Mommy.

"Ano po ang maipaglilingkod ko sayo Ma'am?"

"I just want to check Dr. Abraham Murillo's body. Can you show it to us?"

"Iyong subject for autopsy bukas? Sorry Ma'am but—"

"Please?", ngumiti ng napakatamis si Mommy at napaganti na rin ng ngiti ang lalaki.

"Sige po Ma'am. Sandali", he said and checked the logbook. Nang tila nakita na nito ang hinahanap ay muli itong bumaling sa amin.

"Dito po Ma'am."

We walked through the large pile of steel cabinets and I knew that there are bodies inside. Nang mahanap na namin ang pangalang Dr. Abraham Murillo ay napahigit ako ng hininga ng hinila ng lalaki ang drawer.

I gasped even more when we all saw the the cabinet was empty! What the hell?! Empty? How could it be?

"Walang laman?!", gulat na wika ng lalaki.

"What do you mean? Are you sure this is the cabinet?", tanong ko sa kanya and he nodded.

"Ako mismo ang naglagay dito matapos naming kunin iyon mula sa ICU kaninang madaling araw."

Someone must have kept the body! "Let's check the other cabinets", suhestiyon ko and we started opening the cabinets but Dr. Murillo's corpse is nowhere to be found.

"Imposible talaga..."

"Umalis ka ba dito sa pwesto mo? Or who guard here last night", tanong ko sa lalaki. He thinks for a while saka it nagsalita.

"Ako lang mula kagabi at matatapos ang shift ko ng alas dos. Nag-CR ako saglit, masama kasi ang tiyan ko."

"And no one's left here?"

Tumango ang lalaki. "Wala pa kasi yung papalit sa shift ko eh."

Napaisip ako for a while. The body is not in the morgue but it must have been hidden in a cool place. Maliban sa morgue, ano pang cool place ang nasa ospital? Naalala ko ang mga bangkay na inilabas kanina kaya itinanong ko ang tungkol doon.

"Kuya, nakita kong inilabas ang mga bangkay kanina. Saan po dadalhin iyon?"

"Ah, iyon ba? Pwedeng nai-claim na iyon o kaya naman ay dadalhin sa anatomy lab."

"Anatomy lab?", halos magkasabay naming tanong ni Mommy.

"Hindi lang ito ospital, it's a medical school as well. So kaya ang mga unclaim corpses ay dinadala sa anatomy lab. They use the authorized body for dissecting."

I have a different feeling about this case. Bakit naman itinago ng salarin ang bangkay ni Dr. Murillo? Is the one responsible for it trying to hide something?

Then it occured to me everything. Bumalik sa gunita ang mga narinig ko kanina. It must have been that person who have done this!

"Mom, let's go back to the doctors' lounge and wait for Dra. Solenn there", yaya ko kay Mommy.

"Aren't we going to the anatomy lab dear?", she asked and I shook my head. I don't think there's a need for that. Pagbalik namin sa lounge ay nagliligpit na ng mga gamit niya si Dra. Solenn as she gets ready for lunch.

We went to a nearby restaurant and had our late lunch. Napag-usapan nila ang mga bumabalik na gunita ni Mommy. She's trying to help her regain the memories. Nang mag-excuse ito at nagpunta sa CR ay agad ko siyang sinundan. She washed her hands and she faced the big mirror.

"Doktora...."

"Oh Amber."

"Can I ask you something?", tanong ko sa kanya. Bahagya itong nagtaka but she was able to maintain her composure. "Sure, ano iyon?"

"Did you hide the body in the dissecting room's freezer or you just switched the name cards in the morgue?"

Nagulat ito at bahagyang napamaang. "Hindi ko alam ang sinasabi mo."

"No need to deny it. I know you performed mercy killing. You hate seeing him suffer, so you performed it. Maybe you're the one who put something on his dextrose..."

Biglang naglaglagan ang mga luha sa mata nito. "How do you know?"

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "The hidden message in your words. He is old and strict but I still love him. Must be his way of showing love to me and he never get tired of showing me his love by being strict despite my age. Not that I'm against to it, no. Nasanay na ako sa kanya kahit na madalas niya akong pinapalo kapag nagkamamali ako kahit na malaki na ako. Suffer the pain till you get used to it and it won't hurt anymore, that's what he always tell me kaya magpapakatatag ako para sa amin. He must not suffer is the hidden message, right?"

She smiled bitterly. "You're one smart girl. Yes, I did end his suffering. Kahit pa mukhang malakas siya, isa na siyang lantang gulay. Ang totoo niyan ay siya ang may gustong mamatay na lamang. I used to object to it but now I agreed dahil nasasaktan ako kapag nakikita siyang nagdurusa. It hurts to see him kapag nagkakaroon siya ng seizures at atake so I agree to his idea and ended his suffering. Am I a bad daughter?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I cannot judge you or condemn you about it doktora. I'm not qualified to judge people, in fact all people are. It's your own discretion so be it."

She smiled and thank me bago kami bumalik sa mesa where mom is waiting. Matapos ang lunch ay bumalik na kami sa ospital upang ihatid si Dra. Solenn doon bago umuwi. We bid each other goodbye and decided to go home ngunit hinarang kami ng guard sa entrance ng ospital.

"Excuse me Ma'am. Kayo po ba si Amy Sison?", tanong ng guard kay Mommy. Nagtataka man ay sumagot pa rin si Mommy dito.

"Yes, bakit?"

"Nais po kayong makausap ng director ng ospital. Sumunod po kayo sa akin", wika ng guard. Hindi ko alam pero kinakabahan ako habang dinala kami ng guard sa opisina ng director.

Pagbukas ng pinto ay nakatalikod ang malaking swivel chair sa amin kaya hindi ko makita kung babae ba o lalaki ang nasa likod niyon. I heard a different and familiar clasping of metal. I looked for anything near me and found a syringe at may bote pa ng sedative sa gilid. Kinuha ko iyon and keep it in my pocket secretly. I heard the locking of doors after the guard left kaya mas lalo akong kinabahan.

"Excuse me but the guard said you were looking for me", wika ni Mommy. I almost held my breathe when the swivel chair faced us at makita ang isang magandang babae. She was wearing a labgown at mapanganib ang paraan ng pagngiti nito. She looks as old as Mommy or she's younger a little. I'm pretty sure that she's not the director dahil Dr. Marcos Vergara ang pangalang nakita ko sa labas.

"Hello Amy Sison", she said and pointed a gun at Mom. "Oh, I mean Sweet Vander Morisson."

Nagulat si Mommy sa sinabi nito ngunit mas lalong nagulat ako. Sweet Vander Morisson?!

"Excuse me? I'm Amy but who's Sweet? At sino ka?"

Napatawa ang babae. "Stop this nonsense Athena. I know that Copper saved you from that burning car. Walang may alam na tinraydor niya ang organisasyon and he kept you somewhere. He saved you and your daughter. You must be the youngest Vander", wika ng babae na ako ang pinatungkulan.

Para akong na-estatwa sa kinatatayuan ko. I don't know what to do, what she just said is like a bomb exploded in my mind. What's the Vander Mafia connection here? Who's Sweet Vander Morisson? How is he connected to Ryu? And Copper? Copper is really my Dad?!

"Look Miss, hindi ko alam ang pinagsasabi mo. Could you please put that gun aside? You're scaring my daughter", wika ni Mommy. She was trying to be calm too but her voice is not shaking.

"Stop the charade Athena. Don't you recognize me? After all we used to love the same guy Rionessi and fought over him", wika nito na hindi man lamang ibinaba ang hawak na baril.

Rionessi! That's Ryu's father! Now everything is complicated now! If Mom is Ryu's mother then I must be —

"I talked to Dr. Lennon and he told me about the surgery that Copper asked. Tinago niya iyon sa organisasyon pero hindi ninyo maitatago sa akin ang tungkol dito. I saw with my own eyes that the real Amethyst Sison died few months after your reported death. She's at labor that time but unfortunately, they had an accident on their way to the hospital when hijackers robbed them on the way. Wala dalang kahit anong armas si Copper noon to prevent the hijackers and they ended blowing up the car with the real Amethyst and her child inside. Naisugod pa sila sa ospital but ended up dead. Copper got mad and desperate for losing two important people at naalala ka niya. So he resorted in giving you surgery to retain his memory for his wife. Kabuwanan mo rin noong mga panahong iyon diba? Then you delivered the youngest Vander which I presume is this girl here and the crazy Cooper loved the two of you like his own! I don't know if you're still faking that memory loss but —"

"She's not faking anything!", singhal ko sa babae. This is too much to hear for now.

"Sino ka ba talaga?", tanong ni Mommy. I cannot tell if she's afraid or not but I guess she is pero pinipilit lang niya ang sariling magpakatatag.

"Doesn't the name Preciosa Vergara ring a bell?", wika ng babae.

Preciosa Vergara! I read that name in Dad's file! Then everything is real! I don't need to confirm it from him! My God! Daddy...

"Let's put it this way, Vander mafia ex-reaper Andromeda but now I'm called Tin. "I guess totoo ngang nawala ang alaala mo. My bad, nasabi ko sa iyo ang lahat but don't worry, you won't remember it anyway since you will die today. Say hello to death, Athena", she said at tinangkang barilin si Mommy but I was able to seize the gun and pricked the needle to her. The doctor stared at the tiny puncture mark on her arm.

"I can't let you harm my mother. Don't worry doctor, it's just a sedative." Unti-unti itong napaupo sa kanyang upuan bago ito nawalan ng malay.

I grabbed Mom to the door but it was lockded from the outside. I tried kicking the door but it's not opening.

"Amber.... What's really going on here?", wika ni Mommy. Ngayon ko lamang napansin na umiiyak pala ito. I looked at her helplessly. Maybe one of the worst feeling is seeing someone important to you crying. Actually we have the same question. What's really going on here?

I shrugged my shoulders at pinilit ang sarili kong maging matatag. "I don't know Mom but I guess I know some people who can give us answers."

I reached for the gun that Dra. Preciosa was holding kanina and shot it to the door. It didn't make a loud bang since there was a silencer in it. Everytime I pull the trigger ay napapakislot ako but the feeling of confusions that are drowning me made me numb and mad. I'm afraid of guns yet I fearlessly shot it just now. The door flung open at agad kong hinila si Momm palabas ng office. I never imagined of going back to that place lalo na at kasama ko si Mommy but as of now that everything is complicated, I guess it's our only refuge.

We rode the taxi and gave the directions. Mom is still crying beside me. She keeps on asking who is Copper and what the organization is about but I remained silent.

I dialled for Cooler's number and it's not long when he answered it.

"Amber."

"Cooler, I'm heading there. Is Cronus around?", I asked. I heard him cussed a little pero hindi ko iyon pinansin.

"Shit! Are you into him now? Ayaw mo talaga sa aki—"

"Cooler please, I'm in a desperate situation now so cut the comedy."

"What's the matter Amber? Yes he's here. Why?", tanong nito. I can hear a a noisy background na para bang maraming tao doon.

"Is Ryu and his dad there too?"

"Hindi kita maintindihan Amber. You sound so serious and why are you looking for them? Ano ba ang problema? Yes, we're having a mafia meeting later so they're all here."

Perfect timing eh? I took a deep breath at bahagyang sinulyapan si Mommy na tahimik na umiiyak at nakamasid din sa akin.

"Tell them that I'm heading there with someone named Sweet Vander Morisson and meet me at the gate", wika ko at agad na pinatay ang tawag. I don't know what will their reaction might be but I'm taking shots. When we arrived at the Vander estates ay nasa gate nga si Cooler. He had the most serious face ever, and he was not alone. He was with Artemis and Ares who are both bringing big weapons.

Sinalubong ako ni Cooler.Tiningnan niya ng masama si Mommy at hinila ako sa tabi.

"What's the meaning of this Amber? Why did you bring your Mom?"

I dodged his question. "Did you tell everyone about it?"

"Answer me first!"

"No. Ako ang sagutin mo Cooler", my voice raised a little and I saw the two reapers watched us like a hawk. Para bang handa ang mga ito na patayin ako the moment I do something to Cooler.

"No. I secretly told Cronus about it. He's considering on bringing you in the conference room and face everyone", wika niya.

"Then good, let's go." I stepped away but Cooler was able to pull me. "What are you doing Amber? If you're doing this for something or you're making stories sa ano mang walang kwentang dahilan, alam mo na ang kahihinatnan mo", he said with a worried expression on his face. "Go home before it's too late."

"Cooler it's a do or die situation. I'm left in a situation where you've got no choices. Lies and death awaits home and I need confirmation and protection here and only Vander Mafia can give that", paliwanag ko sa kanya.

"Hindi kita maintindiha Amber."

Binawi ko ang braso mula sa kanya. "Then let's go and see Cronus and Rionessi", wika ko sa kanya at nilapitan si Mommy.

"Let's go Mom."

"What's this all about Amber? Nalilito na ako..."

"We'll have it clarified Mom", wika ko at sumunod kina Cooler papasok sa loob. We rode a car since the mansion was a bit far from the gate. Hindi talaga maikakaila ang yaman ng mga Vander. Hindi pa rin nagsasalita sina Ares at Artemis. Gone was the weird and cool Artemis that I knew who would greet me and kiss my cheek.

Tahimik kaming bumaba sa sasakyan as we entered the mansion at pumasok sa isa pang malaking silid at tumambad sa amin ang isang mahabang mesa na may mga tao. They're in business suits and they look respectable. They must be mafia partners and big fishes. Nakatayo naman sa isang tabi sina Mnemosyne, Red at Hades.

There were also young people
standing on one side but I don't recognize them. Everyone's gaze darted on us as we enter the door. Bigla na lamang napatayo si Ryu mula sa
kinauupuan niya.

"Amber...? Tita Amy?" Nagtatakang tiningnan niya kami. "Why did you bring them here Zeus?"

"Amber's request and approved by Cronus", sagot ni Cooler. I saw Cronus emerged from his seat at lumapit sa amin. He has a dominating presence like the first time I saw him but I know he has a playful side. Of course I don't expect him to show that side given this situation. Lumapit siya sa akin at bahagyang yumuko.

"We meet again Miss. I should say that you should not ditch classes." He said as he looked at me. I haven't forgotten that I'm still wearing my Bridle uniform. "What did you say to Cooler? You're bringing someone here? Who's that someone?"

"I.... I'm with..." God, Cronus is really scary lalo na at masama ang tingin ng mga nasa mesa as well as the reapers sa akin. "I'm with Sweet Vander Morisson."

And like a thunder, I heard everyone angrily murmured suddenly.  I saw a man got up and strode towards me and pointed a gun at me. The reapers Mnemosyne, Red and Hades pointed gun at me too. The guy walked towards me with rage in his eyes. He got eyes like those of Ryu's.

"How dare you say my wife's name without remorse?", wika nito. Mom pulled me nang makitang napakaraming baril ang nakatutok sa akin.

This guy is Rionessi. I stared at him and felt my tears fell from my eyes. This guy.... this guy is my...

"Rion..." Biglang sambit ni Mommy but she was confused. This time ay sa kanya na itinutok ni Rionessi ang baril.

"Who are you? Don't call me Rion because only my late wife can call me that way", wika nito.

"I'm sorry. It just crossed my mind", wika ni Mommy. He stared hard at Rionessi like she was trying to remember who he is.

"If you're here and sent by the other mafia, this will be your end. Yan ay dahil sa paglapastangan mo sa pangalan ng asawa ko."

"But she's Sweet Vand—"Hindi ko na natapos ang sasabihin ko nang sumigaw si Rionessi. My knees are shaking mula pa kanina and I was amazed how it was able to hold me until now.

"SHUT UP!", he said and pointed the gun at me. I flinched and closed my eyes ngunit agad akong napabuka ng makarinig ako ng pagkasa ng baril. I saw Cooler pointed a gun at Rionessi's head.

"You can't shoot her", wika nito. Cooler.. He's protecting me? The other reapers which I don't recognize ran towards us and this time ay itinutok nila ang mga hawak na baril kay Cooler.

"Put all your guns down", malakas ang boses na wika ni Cronus at sumunod ang lahat sa kanya except Cooler. "Put your gun down Zeus kung ayaw mong ang baril na iyan ay sasabog sa mismong ulo mo."

If I had a gun that time, susunod talaga ako. His presence injects fear and so is his voice!

"I'm working this with my trusted reapers especially Demeter. During the accident seventeen years ago, it's only seven years after we found out na isang bangkay lamang ang nasa sasakyan na sumabog and it wasn't of a pregnant woman but a guy. Must be the driver pero itinago namin iyon sa inyo. We searched for the traitors but they're nowhere to be found. If Sweet was still alive, she must have went back to us but she didn't so naisip namin na baka namatay nga ito. Then this little Miss here claims that she's with my sister. Please explain everything", wika nito sa akin.

Umingay ang paligid at nagbulong-bulungan ang mga naroon. Rionessi barely move at maging si Ryu halos hindi makagalaw.

Napalunok ako bago isiniwalat sa kanila ang lahat ng sinabi ni Dra. Preciosa Vergara. The accident, the surgery and everything. Mas lalo na lamang silang umingay matapos kong
isiwalat iyon.

To our surprise, lumapit si Rionessi kay Mommy at pinunit ang damit nito sa may dibdib. Mom almost screamed when he looked on her chest at nabitawan nito ang hawak na baril.

"Sweet....." He cried and hugged my puzzled Mom. "She's Athena. She got a tattoo on her breast with our initials but it's now removed and that explained the scar but her moles can't lie. She got three big moles aligned on her chest. I'm sorry.... I'm very sorry Sweet...."

I saw Rionessi cried hard but if their was a priceless expression inside that room, it would be Ryu's. Hindi ko matukoy kung ano ba ang nadarama nito sa mga sandaling iyon. He walked towards us at humarap sa akin.

"T- then.... Then you must be Ryle... my sister...." He grabbed me and hugged me tightly and cried so hard.

#

—ShinichiLaaaabs♥