Road trip

“I’ll leave you two here. Maghanda lang ako ng hapunan natin.”
Mommy said and my eyes widen a surprise. It was too late to contradict her words since she immediately left, leaving me with, Drake.

I was deliberating whether to strike a conversation or not but it would be awkward if I’ll just stand before him.

Tumikhim ako “Why are you here?” tanong ko.

Mula sa pagkakaupo, Drake stood up. I noticed his clean cut hair now. He’s wearing a black long sleeve shirt and grey chinos paired with Nike shoes. Naningkit ang mata ko ng makita ang polseras na nakapalibot sa kaniyang palapulsuhan.

It’s kinda familiar..

Nawala agad doon ang atensyon ko ng ng mapansin ang putok sa gilid ng kaniyang labi. Nakipag-suntukan siya?

“I’m here to talk with your parents. I didn’t know you’d be here, Angel..” Drake answered with his calm voice.

He put his hands inside the pocket of his pants. Dahil sa pagtitig sa kaniyang putok na labi, nakita ko ang pagbasa niya sa ibabang labi niya.

I fake a cough before averting my eyes away from his face. “I assume you’re done talking to them. Makakaalis ka na, Drake.”

Kahit gusto kong itanong kung saan niya nakuha ang kaniyang pasa, pinigilan ko na lamang ang sarili.

It’s none of my business.

“I’m still waiting for your father, Angel. Isa pa, kadarating ko lang din.” agad na sagot niya.

Pinigilan ko ang mapairap. Nandito siya dahil sa mga magulang ko, bakit parang disappointed ako?

Nagkibit balikat ako saka muling hinawakan ang maleta. “Okay, suit yourself.” sagot ko saka tumalikod.

Ngunit bago ko pa man maihakbang ang mga paa ko, muli akong natigilan dahil sa pagtawag niya. Kunot noo ko siyang nilingon at hindi ko inaasahan ang sumalubong sa akin.

“I passed by a flower shop, bumili ako para kay tita but then I remember you adoring sunflower’s kaya bumili na rin ako. Plano ko sanang kay tita Beatrice nalang ibigay but it seems that God has a better plan.” he defensively answered kahit wala pa akong tinatanong.

Muntik na akong mawalan ng balanse sa mga naririnig. Seriously, ano na namang pakulo ito, Drake?

I thought I already made it clear na hindi ko siya babalikan katulad ng gusto niya. Bakit may pa flowers pa?

“Then give it to mommy, bakit sa akin mo inilalahad?” taas kilay kong sagot.

He wet his lower lip making it more reddish than usual. “Naibigay ko na sa mommy mo ang para sa kaniya, para sayo ‘to.”

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa maleta habang pinagmamasdan ang tungkos ng sunflower na nasa harapan. Nagpabalik balik ang tingin ko sa bulaklak at sa mukha niya.

“Come on, accept this. Nangangalay na ako, Angel.” he said again seriously.

I pressed my lips together. My eyes narrowing at him then to the thing he’s holding.

It’s just a flower, Angel. Wala naman sigurong masama, besides hindi lang din naman ako ang binigyan niya. Mayroon din si mommy.

Malakas akong napa-buntonghininga bago pikit matang inabot ang bulaklak na nakalahad. Drake grinned when he saw his flower in my hand, and I was stunned seeing him did that..

“Ah, t-thanks,” I replied reluctantly.

He chuckled inwardly, “Yeah, you’re welcome.”

Bitbit ang bulaklak, tinungo ko ang kwarto sa second floor. Nang masigurong wala na siya sa paningin ko, dinala ko ito sa ilong ang para amuyin. It’s fresh.. mabuti nalang.
Napanguso ako. Hindi ko alam ang trip niya sa buhay.

When I reached the door of my room, I open it with my left hand. Walang pinagbago ang ayos ng kwarto ko. The structure and some of my stuff were arranged like how I leave it. Parang walang gumalaw o nagtangkang gumalaw sa mga iyon. Malinis  kahit walang gumagamit.

Dahil nasa baba si Drake, nagdadalawang isip na tuloy ako kung lalabas ba o hindi.

I mean, maayos naman ang naging huling pag-uusap namin. Or para sa akin maayos na talaga. We settled the rift between us.. narinig na niya ang side ko and so am I. But then again..

Bahala na nga, hindi naman siya ang pinunta ko dito.

Nasa sala pa rin si Drake nang sandaling lumabas ako ng kwarto. Kaharap ang malaking istante namin na siguradong naroon ang mga pictures ko noon.

I stared at his broad shoulder for a seconds before sighing. Instead of staring at his back, I decided to help my mother in preparing for our dinner.

“Mommy,” tawag ko sa atensyon niya.

Mula sa kawali, bumaling ang tingin ni mommy sa akin.

“Si Drake?” she asked as if I just did a mistake by leaving him alone.

“Sa sala po,” Lumapit ako sa kaniya saka sinilip ang niluluto.

Adobong manok..

“Aalis din po ako bukas, ‘my. Sa makalawa na po ang flight namin.” I started, looking at the food.

From my peripheral vision, I saw her stilled.

“O’o na-kwento nga nang mama mo.” matamlay niyang sagot.

I bit the inside of my cheeks. Bihira nalang din kaming magkita-kita. Hindi ko maipagkakailang nangungulila din ako sa kanila ni daddy.

They were my heroes.. my mentors..

Parang gusto ko nalang bumalik sa dati. Maging bata ulit na walang dinadalang problema. That way, I’d be  with them, hindi ko na kailangan pang umalis.

But sadly, it’s all just hopes. Dahil ibang-iba na ang ginagalawan namin ngayon. I’m not that Angel who’s happy and contented when given a toys or  candy’s. May mga responsibilidad na ako, na hindi ko kailan man matatakasan.

“But I’ll try to talk with tita Clarries po muna before leaving. Hindi ko alam kung kailan ako muling makakabalik, mas mabuti nang makahingi ako ng tawad sa kanila ng personal.” I replied.

Nilagyan niya ng takip ang niluluto bago ako hinarap. Ginagap ni mommy ang kamay ko saka ito pinisil. Tipid lang akong ngumiti.

“Are you sure? Pwede namang hindi na honey, they already knew the truth.” she whispered with her soothing voice.

“Opo. Sabi ni mama pero gusto ko pa rin pong humingi ng tawad.” I insisted.

I want to close that chapter of my life. I wan to live without this weight in my chest. Gusto kong tuluyan nang matahimik ang konsensya ko.

This is going to be tough but I’m certain I can face them. I’ve inflicted them much.. way too severe than what I am feeling and the least I could do is to ask for their forgiveness again.. ito na ang tamang panahon.

“Okay, if that’s what you want.” she smiled before caressing my cheeks.

I looked at her lovingly. Kahit hindi ako galing sa kaniya.. kahit hindi ko siya tunay na ina, she will always be the best mother in the world.

Sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa kanila ni daddy sa pagkupkup at pag-alaga sa akin. If it wouldn’t for them, sigurado akong hindi ako magiging ganito. Hindi ko matatamasa ang mamuhay ng marangya at payapa sa nakalipas na mga taon.

I am forever indebted and grateful having them as my second parents.

“Gusto mo bang samahan ka ni mommy?” masuyo niyang tanong.

Umiling ako “Kaya ko po, hindi naman siguro ako kakainin ni tita.” pagbibiro ko, saka kami natawa.

When she finished cooking, saktong dumating si daddy at agad kaming naghapunan. Sa kasamang palad, katabi ko si Drake sa hapag.

“Honey, may sasabihin daw si Drake sayo.” pagbasag ni mommy sa katahimikan.

I was surprised that they’re like this. Sa pagkakaalala ko kasi ay nagalit si daddy nang nalaman niyang..

Ah anyway, that was in the past.

“I’d like to talk to you in private po sana tito.” magalang na sagot ng katabi ko.

I remained silent. Wala naman akong alam sa kung ano mang sadya niya..
Isang tango lang ang sinagot ni daddy kay Drake saka nagpatuloy sa pagkain. While I did my best not to glance at his side. Nanunuot sa ilong ko ang  pabango niya kahit gabing gabi na..

“Ako na po ang maghuhugas mommy.” I volunteered when we’re done. Nasa study na sila daddy at Drake at naiwan kaming dalawa sa hapag.

“Sige, hon. Kumikirot din kasi ang ulo ko.” I worriedly looked at her.

“Did you take your medicine, mommy?” nag-aalalang tanong ko.

Sa nakalipas na taon, her headaches worsen. Nagsasalamin na rin siya and she rarely uses gadgets. Si daddy naman sa awa ng Diyos ay nalabanan ang sakit sa puso. Three years ago, he undergo a heart transplant in U.S and it was a success.

“Yes, don’t worry honey. I’ll just take a nap.” aniya, tumango ako.

Pagkatapos, naghugas na agad ako ng mga plato para I-check si mommy sa itaas. When I’m done, nagtimpla muna ako ng gatas saka dinala sa kwarto nila ni daddy.

I knocked twice before twitching the doorknob. She’s laying in her bed, her eyes closed but I can tell that she’s not yet sleep. May pag-iingat akong naglakad saka binaba ang baso ng gatas sa nightstand. Naramdaman niya siguro ang paglapit ko dahil nagmulat siya ng mata.

“Inumin mo muna ‘to mommy.”

Mula sa pagkakahiga, naupo siya saka sumandal sa headrest ng kama. I grab the glass and give it to her.

“Thank you,.”

Nang maubos, muli siyang nahiga and I tucked the comforter around her body.

“Goodnight, mommy.” bulong ko bago siya halikan sa noo.

“Goodnight, honey.” she said, merely a whisper.

Nang makalabas ako ng kwarto niya, napagdesiyunan kong magpunta muna sa garden. It’s been a long time since I went here. Mabuti nalang at inaalagaan pa rin ang mga bulaklak dito.

Sumandal ako sa batong upuan na nakaharap sa ilang bulaklak. I was only wearing a gray tank top and a high waist pants. Yinakap ko ang aking sarili ng umihip ang malamig na simoy ng hangin saka napatingin sa kawalan.

Iniisip ko ang posibleng maging kahinatnan nang magiging pag-uusap namin ni tita Clarries. Maybe they’re furious and maybe not. Kahit ano man sa dalawa, wala akong karapatang magreklamo.

It was the aftermath of my sin.

“It’s cold, you should go back inside.”

Hindi na ako nagtaka ng marinig ang boses na iyon. I didn’t bother looking at his direction and focus in front while I can feel him standing beside me.

We fell into silence the next moments, until he decided to talk again.

“I’m sorry,” mababaw niyang sagot.

Napatingin ako sa gawi niya at nakitang nakatingin din pala siya sa akin.

“Sorry for?” I asked because I don’t have any idea why he’s sorry all of a sudden.

Nakatingin lang siya sa mukha ko, as if memorizing every part of it. Ilang hakbang lang ang layo namin at amoy na amoy ko na naman ang pabango niya.

“For everything.” halos pabulong niyang dugtong.

My brows creased.
“Come again?”

He gulped before averting his eyes away from me. Lumipas ang ilang segundong pananahimik niya, hinayaan ko ang sariling pagmasdan ang kabuuan niya.

His side profile is no doubt..

“Sa lahat ng sinabi nila sayo noon. From Dwayne to my mother.. please know that you’re not that kind of person. You’re way too special to be one.” he directly answered.

Umawang ang labi ko “H-Huh?”

He looked at me once again and I notice how his eyes changed into gentleness. Malamlam na ang mga ito kumpara sa mga nakaraang pagkikita namin.

“H-Hindi ko alam, Angel. I didn’t know they’re capable of saying those words and made you feel small. My brother and mother was just blinded with their pain and range kaya nasabi nila ang lahat ng iyon. But believe me, they all meant nothing you know that right?” masuyo niyang dagdag.

Napalunok ako, kahit gustuhin ko mang mag-iwas ng tingin, hindi ko magawa. It’s like his eyes were hypnotizing me..

“O-Okay lang, matagal na iyon.” I shook my head even though their words still linger in my head.

Nagkatinginan kami, tipid lang akong ngumiti para ipakitang maayos lang talaga.

“It’s not fine with me, Angel.” aniya sa mababang boses.

Nataranta ako ng bigla siyang humakbang pasulong, ngunit hindi ko rin mahanap ang lakas para kumilos.

“They hurt you,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving mine.

“O’o naman, sinong hindi masasaktan kung sabihing isa kang puta ng harapharapan?”

I bite my lips when I saw his jaw moved in a furious manner.

“It hurts yes. Pero wala na, tapos na 'yon. I’ve already moved-on.” I warily smile before straightening my sitting position.

Naisip kong walang mangyayari sa buhay ko kung patuloy lang akong magpapaapekto sa mga naririnig ko. If I would continue to dwell in the past rather than moving forward. Sabi pa nga ni mama, forgiveness.

Never forget to forgive even those people that caused you an unbearable pain.

“Their false accusation doesn’t define me as a person. Maybe that time, I was badly pained when they called me names, but then I realized.. I know myself better than anybody else. Bakit pa ako magpapaapekto kung alam ko sa sarili kong walang kabuluhan ang lumalabas sa mga bibig nila?” mahabang litanya ko. Nakatingin lang si Drake sa akin, as if digesting every word’s I say.

I couldn’t deny the fact that Dwayne and tita Clarries statement impacted a lot to me. Sobra akong nasaktan sa bawat salitang binabato nila sa akin noon.. sobra pa sa sobra.

But then again, I realized that they’re just victims to this unforeseeable circumstances. Naisip ko rin na siguro nakatadhana talaga iyong mangyari.

Because if not for them, I wouldn’t see the other side of reality. Hindi ako mamumulat sa maraming katotohanan. Life is not all about rainbow’s and sunshine. There will always a time of dark clouds and thunderstorm. And that’s normal.. that is life…

More importantly, I grow and matured with all of the experiences that I went through.

“I’d take into consideration their feelings. Kasi kung sa akin nangyari ‘yon, sigurado akong mas malala pa sa sinabi nila ang masasabi k—”

“Hindi tayo magpinsan.” nakakunot noo niyang sambit. I was taken aback when he suddenly cut me off.

I blinked.

Rapidly.

“Yes, but that time we all know we’re cousin. Their reactions is nor—”

“Still not enough reason to accuse you. What they said was below the belt.” he cut me off again with his jaw clenching.

I sighed “O’o nga, but seriously tho. Tapos na 'yon, wala nang magagawa ang pagabalik tanaw noon.”

I rolled my eyes. I hate it when someone cut’s me off. Nagsasalita pa ang tao eh, ‘di ba pwedeng maghintay na muna siya bago ako matapos?

“That’s why I’m apologizing on their behalf, Angel.” muling dagdag niya.

Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwalang nag-uusap kami ng ganito ngayon. I mean, he’s acting weird since this afternoon. Mula sa bulaklak hanggang dito.

“Okay then, apology accepted.” pagsuko ko.

He was about to say something but I cut him this time. “Papasok na ako, masyadong malamig  dito.” ani ko saka tumayo.

His face is void of emotion but I still turned my heels around and leave the area. Palihim kong hinawakan ang bandang dibdib dahil ramdam kong mabilis ang pagtibok nito.

Damn, heart you’re betraying me.

The next day, we had our simple breakfast. Maagang umalis si Drake na malaking pabor sa akin. Ilang oras lang din ang nilagi ko sa Bicol. I bond with my parents until the last minute. We watched the Finding Nemo movie, had a talk in the garden and bake cupcakes. Mga ginagawa namin noon…

Hapon ng araw na iyon, napag-desisyunan kong magpunta muna sa Tacloban.

The idea of me talking with tita Clarries and tito Emmanuel is tremulous as hell. I felt like my chest would be out of my ribcage any minute from now. Para akong nabibingi sa sobrang lakas ng tibok ng dibdib ko. At the same time having this hallow feeling in my stomach realizing that I am here again.

After five years...

This used to by home.. my comfort zone. Pero lahat iyon nagbago ng sandaling pasukin ko ang sekretong relasyon namin ni Drake.

The person who used to be my friend.. fooled me.  Yung taong akala ko karamay at kasangga ko niloko ako...

How are you now, Benjie?

I sighed and shook my head. Despite of what he did, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako at nakilala ko siya sa ganoong kaikling panahon. Hindi ko maipagkakailang naging masaya ang ilang buwan ko sa SMU dahil sa kaniya.

But for now, Benjie is now part of my past. He will remained as a memory.

The Damascus household was the same from the last time I saw it.
“Angel, hija ikaw ba ‘yan?” Nay Esmeralda said when she open the gate.

Ngumiti ako “Ako nga po,”

“Dios Mio, ang tagal mong hindi bumisita! Kumusta ka na?” she exclaimed.

Alanganin akong tumawa. I don’t know if she had any idea about what happened before.

“Maayos lang po,” I politely answered.

I didn’t thought I’d see her here again. I mean, ilang taon na rin naman. Akala ko umalis na siya sa paninilbihan kina tito.

“Mabuti, parang mas gumanda ka pa lalo, hija. Ano ba ang sekreto mo?” she asked with a hint of mischief.

Tumawa lang ako bilang sagot. Sabay naming tinahak ang malawak na bakuran ng bahay nila tita. Para akong binalik noong mga panahong unang tungtong ko palang dito.. napakaganda.

“Si tita po?” tanong ko habang nililibot ang paningin sa kabuuan.

“Kakaalis lang nila Sir, hija. Pero sabi’y hindi naman daw magtatagal.” sagot niya.

Tumango ako “Ganun po ba, sige antayin ko nalang po.”

Nang marating namin ang sala, she asked me for snacks but I firmly shook my head. Umalis din agad siya dahil may gagawin pa daw and I was left in the living room alone.

Today is Wednesday and I was planning to go back to Manila this afternoon since isang oras lang naman ang biyahe. Pagkatapos, doon nalang kami magkikita kita nila mama sa airport. I suggested that I’ll went to Laguna but they said it would be better kung sa airport nalang kami magkita.

Nakayuko ako sa sariling cellphone habang hinihintay sila tita, siguro naman hindi sila aabutin ng gabi.

“Anong ginagawa mo dito?”

Nag-angat ako ng tingin ng marinig ang boses ng isang lalaki. Hindi na ako nagulat ng makita si Dwayne, since technically bahay nila ito.

But what made my eyebrows creased was the tone of his voice.

Bakit siya galit?

Dwayne is standing in the middle of their grand staircase. Nakakunot ang noo na parang takang taka nga kung ano nga ba ang masamang hangin ang nagpadpad sa akin dito.

“Sila ti—”

“Wala sila dito, umalis ka na.” he said almost shouting. Huminga ako ng malalim.

Where is his rage coming from?

Sa pagkakaalam ko, wala naman akong atraso sa kaniya noon.
“I need to talk to them, Dwayne. Huwag kang mag-alala hindi ako magtatagal dito.” I replied with a flat tone.

Dwayne started walking hanggang sa maabot niya ang huling baitan ng hagdan. Pinagkrus nito ang dalawang braso sa ilalim ng dibdib saka ako pagtaasan ng kilay.

Because of what he did, I can’t help but to compare him to his brother. They mostly have the same personality and vibe. Wala na siyang suot na salamin katulad noon at napansin kong may pasa..

He has bruise in the side of his eyes and the corner of his lips.

“Ibabalita mo ba sa kanilang nagkabalikan na kayo ni kuya? Now that you’re no longer a Damascus, you’ll continue your deeds with my brother without restrictions since you’re not his cousin anymore by paper. Is that it, Angel?”

My lips parted a little. This man is impossible. Binabawi ko na ang sinabing magkatulad sila ni Drake because clearly, Drake is not cocky as he is right now.

Hindi ko nga maisip na kaya niyang magsalita ng ganitong bagay dahil malayong malayo sa itsura niya.

“Nagkakamali ka, Dwayne. Nandito lang ako para humingi ng taw—”

I stop midway when he suddenly chuckled. Pinigilan ko ang sariling singhalan siya dahil sa iritasyon.

Really, time changes people..

“Save your apology, Angel. It would be useless since I’m sure you're fucking my brother again. Ano pang silbi ng paghingi mo ng tawad kung sa huli uulitin mo pa rin?” he said again with his smuggish smirk.

My hands balled into fist that is resting on my lap. Huminga ako ng malalim saka ngumiti.

Gusto kong sabihing wala kaming relasyon pero pinili ko na lamang itong sarilihin. Na-realize ko na pagdating sa kaniya o sa ibang tao man.. your explanation is futile especially when they already closed their mind to listen.

Mapapagod ka lang at magsasayang ng laway..

“I’ll stay, hihintayin ko sila.” mariing tinuran ko. Ignoring his accusations.

“Kahit humingi ka pa ng tawad o lumuhod man. It wont change the fact that you’re dirty and a slut, kahit sabihing hindi ka anak ni tita Beatrice, you still grew up believing that she’s your mother, Drake’s cousin to be exact.”

I remained my stoic face and listen to his vain rants.

“You have the nerve to even fuck him, and with the guts to change surname just to be with him again? Nice..” dugtong niya saka humalakhak.

Nanatili lang ako doon. Nakaupo habang nakatingin sa kaniya. Hindi nag-abalang ipagtanggol ang sarili kasi para ano pa?

Total naman alam ko sa sarili kong hindi iyon totoo.

“Wala kang mahanap na lalaki sa ibang bansa at talagang pinanindigan mo ang pagiging puta? Napakagaling, Angel.” aniya pa. Kulang na lang ay pumalakpak siya para ipakitang ang galing ko talaga.

I really don’t know why Dwayne is like this. Parang ang laki ng kasalanan ko sa kaniya sa mga salitang binabato niya. If my memory serves me right, we rarely interact when I was here. Hindi ko nga siya nakakausap na umaabot ng limang minuto..

Dwayne smirk, he was about to say something but a baritone voice interfered him.

“One more word and I swear, Dwayne. Hindi lang pasa ang aabutin mong sakit sa katawan.”

Nanlaki ang mata kong napabaling sa bungad ng pinto. Standing proudly with a coat on his shoulder, Drake made his way to my direction looking at Dwayne with his pierce set of orbs.

Napalunok ako. Anong ginagawa niya dito?

“Wow! I’m impressed bro.”

I snapped my head back to where Dwayne is when he clapped his hand… finally..

Natatawang umiiling ito habang nakatingin kay Drake saka sa akin.
“If not because of this woman, hindi mo maiisipang tumuntong muli sa bahay na ‘to.” aniya.

Napatayo ako ng wala sa oras. Still hazed with Drake’s presence. Akala ko nasa Manila na ang isang ‘to?

“I can fucking remember how my mother begged for you to come back, pero ‘di mo man lang pinagbigyan!” I can feel the frustration in Dwayne’s voice.

Hindi siya sinagot ni Drake sa halip ay hinuli ang pulso ko saka walang pasabi akong hinila.

“Let’s go.” he said, gritting his teeth.

“Teka,” halos mabunggo ako sa likod niya sa bilis ng kaniyang paglalakad.

It seems that Drake is determined to leave because no matter how I tried to free my wrist, I failed.

“You just prove how ungrateful bastard you are, kuya. Wala kang kwenta.”

Words betrayed me the moment Dwayne’s irritated voice echoed in the living room. Subalit, hindi lang iyon pinansin ni Drake at nagpatuloy sa paghatak sa akin hanggang marating namin ang kaniyang sasakyan.

He threw his coat in the backseat. His breathing were ragged. He instantly grip the stirring so tight that his knuckles turn white.

“D-Drake..” bulong ko.

What the hell is happening? Bakit ganun nalang kung makapagsalita si Dwayne sa kaniyang kapatid and did I hear him right?

He was the the reason behind those scratches and bruised on Dwayne’s face? Does it also means that the wound on his lips was because of Dwayne?

“Bababa ako..”

I said but quickly pressed my lips together when he turned to my direction with his bloodshot eyes.

“Hindi ka pa kontento sa pambabastos ni Dwayne at talagang babalik ka pa?” he utter with intense severity.

Napalunok ako, “Hindi naman ako nandito para sa kaniya, I’m here for you parents—"

“Why does it matter, Angel? They hurt you and you already apologized five fucking years ago. If they don’t understand the fact that we’re not related in  any forms then so be it. Walang rason para humingi ka pa ng tawad.” dugtong niya.

Napaamang ako. Yes, I did apologized but that was before. Hindi ko nga alam kung narinig ba ni tita iyon dahil galit na galit siya.

“I know but—”

Hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ng mabilis niyang pinaandar ang kaniyang kotse. I want to yell and tell him to stop but I know it would be useless. Agaran kong sinuot ang seatbelt.

“Saan mo ‘ko dadalhin?”

I asked when I remember I have a flight this four in the afternoon and it’s already one.

Hindi siya nagsalita ”Drake!” I called his attention hoping to receive an answer but there’s none.

Nagsimula akong kabahan ng makitang halos kakahuyan na ang tinatahak naming daan. What the actual fuck? Saan niya ako dadalhin?

“Where the hell are we, Drake? May flight pa ako!”

Hindi ko mapigilan mapasigaw. Hindi pwedeng hindi ako makaabot sa flight ko. Sa byernes na ang flight namin to Dallas.

“Drake saan mo ‘ko dadalhin sabi eh!” uminit ang ulo ko ng lumipas ang ilang minuto, wala pa rin siyang sagot.

“Tangina, anong silbi niyang bibig mo kung ‘di ka rin magsasalita? Bwesit!”
I annoyingly snapped. I saw his lips pursed at mula sa rearview mirror, he glanced at me with a menacing smirk.

“You know very well how this mouth works other than talking. Kailangan pa bang itanong, Angel?” he asked with a lopsided grin.

It took me a seconds before his words down on me. Nanlaki ang mata ko kasabay ng pamumula ng pisngi ko.

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin habang tawa lang ang sinukli.

“I’m serious, Drake. Hindi ako nakikipagbiruan sayo.” supladang ani ko. Masama ang tingin sa kaniya.

He sighed “Santa Fe, we’re going to Santa Fe, Leyte.”

Mahina akong napasinghap. Nababaliw na ba siya?

"Ihinto mo, this is damn kidnapping!" I said in annoyance. While he just chuckle.

"That's a heavy complaint, Angel. You can call this road trip instead of kidnapping. Ang gwapo ko namang kidnapper.".

I glared at him. 

Santa Fe? Anong gagawin namin doon?

Instead of voicing out my question, I decided to take my phone from my sling bag. But before I could even open the screen, someone snatched it from me.

Drake cursed under his breath. “No phone for you, Angel.”

Nanlaki ang mata ko kasabay ng pag-awang ng bibig ng makitang ihagis iyon ni Drake sa labas ng bintana.

“You left  me once, and you think I’ll let you go this time? Then think again. Tama na ang limang taong pagtatago, masyado ka nang abuso kung dadagdagan mo pa.” he said.

“It’s over baby. You can never run from me again.. I was actually planning to chase you but thank God, you made the move. Palay na nga ang lumalapit sa manok, ba’t ‘di pa tutukain?” he added with a ghost of smile.

Hind ko maintindihan ang mga lumalabas sa bibig niya dahil ang tanging nasa isip ko ay…

Yung cellphone ko..