14: The Monthly Meeting

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

DAHIL ABALA PA si Papa sa paghuli ng panibagong Urban Legend samantalang nasa trabaho naman si Ate Keena at may pasok si Tavleen ay ako na ang pumunta sa monthly meeting ng Sagrado clan sa araw na iyon bilang representative ng pamilya namin at ni Papa.

The secret meeting for clan members, including billionaires, celebrated professionals, and key public figures, will take place in Westwood City's tallest building. Tight security measures are in place for the exclusive gathering.

Bilang pagsunod sa protocol ay nagsuot din ako ng formal attire. I wore coordinating tan trousers and blazer over a white dress shirt. I completed the look with a pair of white Oxford shoes and a white tote bag.

Habang naghihintay na bumukas ang elevator pagkatapos kong pindutin iyon ay inayos ko muna ang bangs ko habang nakatitig sa repleksyon ko sa pinto no'n. After taking the elevator, I arrived at the expansive conference room situated on the highest floor of the building. The room boasted seats arranged at semi-circle desks and all facing a platform with a podium positioned in front.

Napangiti ako nang matanaw ko si Mamita na nakaupo sa malapit. Wala siyang katabi kaya roon ko na ipinuwesto ang sarili ko.

"Alohi, nasaan si Levi?" she asked.

"May hinuhuli pa pong Urban Legend. Nakisuyo po siyang ako na lang muna ang pumunta ng meeting bilang representative niya."

"What a busy man. Kung may sasabihin mang hindi kaaya-aya ang mga gurang dito mamaya sa meeting, huwag mo na lang pansinin," bilin ni Mamita na tinanguan ko naman.

"Huwag po kayong mag-alala," I reassured her. "Kaya ako po ang pinadala kasi hindi po kasing-init ng ulo ni Ate Keena ang akin. Kalmado po tayo rito."

Hindi nagtagal ay nagsimula na rin ang meeting. They shared updates and exchanged ideas and suggestions until the discussion eventually turned to the Urban Legends haunting Westwood City.

"Where is Levi Sagrado?"

Tumayo ako bilang representative ni Papa nang hanapin siya nang tumatayong ministro ng meeting na iyon. "Good morning, everyone. I am Alohi Sagrado, Levi Sagrado's second daughter and representative for today because Father is out sealing an Urban Legend. If you have any questions, you may direct them to me."

"Can you give us an update about your family's mission? These Urban Legends have been plaguing Westwood City for the past few months. Share with us your progress."

"As of today, we've successfully sealed 47 Urban Legends out of the 100 listed in the Monsters Playbook's copy. Papa is currently handling the 48th Urban Legend, leaving us with 52 more on the loose," I reported as I recalled the information from the folder I left in the Library.

Kailangang kumayod ng brain cells ko upang bumawi sa pag-iwan ko ng folder na naglalaman ng report namin. Saka ko pa kasi iyon naalala nang makaupo na ako sa tabi ni Mamita kanina. Five minutes na lang at magsisimula na ang meeting kaya hindi na ako umalis pa para balikan iyon. Mabuti na lang talaga at nabasa ko ang nilalaman no'n kanina.

"How about the original Monsters Playbook? Do you now have any idea about the mysterious Book Thief?"

"Unfortunately, we still don't know the identity of the Book Thief or the individuals responsible for unsealing the Urban Legends from the original Monsters Playbook," I admitted. "However, we believe that more than one person is involved in this situation."

"Can you elaborate on your assumption, Ms. Sagrado?"

"The Library did not feel the presence of the Book Thief on the night of the theft. Additionally, the CCTV footage revealed no discernible figure. It appears that the individual unsealing the Urban Legends possesses a Bibliokinetic ability, which means psychic capabilities that the Library could detect upon entry," I clarified and added, "Psychics are still considered special in the mortal spectrum. The original Monsters Playbook did not return to the Library when it was stolen, an indication that the Book Thief was not a mortal and, therefore, was not the same person responsible for unsealing these Urban Legends. We suspect the involvement of someone even more powerful."

Tumango-tango naman ang lahat ng nandoon, tila sumasang-ayon sa naging paliwanag ko. Kapagkuwan ay may isang nagtaas ng kamay. The minister called his attention to stand up and ask his question.

"How about your long-term plan for the Sagrado Library?" the old man asked. "Your family is the clan's remaining Bibliokinetics. Knowing its rarity among psychics, a long-term plan must be made now to ensure that there will be Keepers protecting and managing the Sagrado Library for the years to come."

May isa pang lalaki ang sumang-ayon. Bakit ba hindi ko kilala ang mga ito? At bakit ang dami-dami rin naming mga Sagrado?

"I agree. Maintaining your bloodline is crucial for the continuity of Bibliokinetics in our clan. I've heard your eldest sister is already 28 years old. It's about time she get married and start a family," the other man suggested.

I was starting to dislike the discussion. Hindi pa sila natigil sa topic na iyon dahil may isa pang sumang-ayon.

"Tama, I've read from a study that women may face challenges in reproduction when they reach their 30s. If she's already 28 and unmarried, I think that would raise serious conce—"

"Saan niyo naman po nabasa 'yan?" putol na tanong ko sa kanya.

"Well..." Feeling threatened and uneasy, he adjusted his blazer to regain composure. "I can send you some links about that kind of stud—"

"Provide me a review of the related literature for that study and cite all your references in APA style."

I addressed everyone in the meeting with a louder and more precise voice, "Now, ladies and gentlemen, if there's any misconception that my family follows some kind of seasonal breeding pattern to reproduce at specific times, I must clarify that we're humans. We possess emotions and the freedom to make choices about our lives, including when and how we decide to marry and start a family. Hindi kayo ang magsasabi kung kailan kami ikakasal at magkakapamilya. We will marry because we want to, not because we're meeting your deadlines. Thank you."

Malakas na napapalakpak naman si Mamita sa upuan niya sabay hiyaw ng, "That's my girl! Wohoo!"

Nangako ako sa kanya kanina na hindi didibdibin ang kung anumang mapag-uusapan sa meeting. Pero hindi ko rin natiis dahil naiinis ako na kahit magkakadugo kami rito ay tingin ng iba sa amin mga lab rat o hindi kaya ay subjects ng experiment. Para bang maglalaho iyong halaga namin sa kanila kung hindi na Bibliokinetic ang pamilya namin. Hindi naman namin ginusto na kami lang ang Bibliokinetics sa angkang 'to.

Kinabahan ako kanina habang sinasabi ang mga iyon sa harap nilang lahat, lalo na at maimpluwensya at mayayaman pa ang karamihan sa kanila. Pero mabuti na lang at hindi ako nautal. Thank God, Mamita was also there to support me.

The Westwood City Mayor, the Honorable Raoul Sagrado, who is also one of the clan's strongest exorcists of this generation, rose to his feet during the closing remarks. He urged everyone to safeguard the city and promptly report any encountered Urban Legends.

Mayor Sagrado also suggested holding them in place temporarily to prevent further harm to lives and properties. He further stressed the necessity of contacting my family to ensure the proper sealing of these Urban Legends into the Monsters Playbook.

Pagkatapos ng meeting ay inaya ako ni Mamita na mag-dinner. Tinawagan ko muna si Papa upang magpaalam. Pumayag naman siya dahil siyempre ay si Mamita na 'yon. Nakasisiguro siyang nasa mabuting mga kamay ako.

"MAMITA, BAWAL KANG uminom!" pumipikit-pikit na awat ko sa kanya sabay agaw no'ng baso niya ng alak.

"As the Sagrado clan's high priestess, you have to remain pure!"paalala ko pa saka sinapo ang noo ko gamit ang magkabilang kamay nang mapansin kong pitong bote ng alak na pala ang naubos namin.

"Pure, my ass!" Inagaw niya sa akin ang baso ng alak at inisang-tungga iyon. "Sa puntong 'to mamamatay na akong virgin. Kaya hayaan mo na akong uminom!"

"Virgin pa po pala kayo?"

"Ang lintek na nobyo ko kasi no'ng nineteen purgaten, ang weak! Hanggang third base lang, hindi na nag-homerun ang hayup!"

Napahagikhik ako sa narinig. Wala na talagang preno ang bibig niya kapag nalalasing.

"Kaya ikaw, mag-enjoy ka kasi bata ka pa. The things you're likely to regret the most are the ones you never tried when you had the chance. If you want to buy that dress, go ahead and buy it. If you're dreaming of that trip, make that journey, and if you're interested in that boy, go ahead and date him. No one's stopping you but yourself."

"Paano ko po ba malalaman kapag siya na si The One?" tanong ko naman.

"Pipitik."

"Ang puso ko po?"

"At ang..." aniya at nginuso ang baba ko.

Napahagikhik kaming pareho sa kapilyuhan ni Mamita. Hay naku.

Mayamaya pa ay nagdesisyon na kaming dalawa na umuwi. Niyakap niya ako sa labas no'ng pub. Kaya niyakap ko rin siya pabalik.

"Mag-iingat ka pauwi, Alohi. Suntukin mo sa mukha lahat ng mga magtatangka," paalala niya habang tinatapik-tapik ako sa likod.

Tinapik-tapik ko rin siya sa likod niya. "Kayo rin po, Mamita. Sumulat kayo pagdating niyo ng Saudi."

"Video call na lang tayo. Tinatamad akong magsulat." Bumuwag siya sa yakap upang iabot sa akin ang isang bote ng alak. "Ito, ito, baunin mo 'to. Para hindi ka mauhaw sa daan."

"Eh, kayo po? Wala kayong baon? Paano kung mauhaw kayo?"

Marahan niyang tinatapik ang kanang pisngi ko at nakangiting sumagot ng, "Makita ko lang na lasing ka, okay na ako. Ganoon kita kamahal, apo."

Touched by her words, I sniffed and hugged her back. "Thank you, Mamita! Alabyow tow!"

Tahimik na ang kalsada nang maghiwalay kami ni Mamita. Wala na ring mga sasakyan kaya tumawid na ako. Nauhaw ako bigla kaya iinumin ko na sana ang pabaon ni Mamita nang mapansin kong walang lumalabas doon. Kunot-noong huminto ako at sinuri iyon.

"May laman naman pero bakit walang lumalabas?"

Napahagikhik ako nang matanto kong hindi ko pa pala nabubuksan ang takip no'n. Tinanggal ko ang tansan no'n at iinom na sana nang may kung anong malakas na bumangga sa akin.

"What the hell did you do to my car?!" galit na sigaw ng isang pamilyar na lalaki paglapit niya sa akin.

"Huh?"

"Tingnan mo! Tingnan mo ang ginawa mo sa sasakyan ko!"

Pagbaling ko sa kotse niya ay nakita ko ang matinding pagkakayupi ng nguso no'n at sa mismong banda kung saan ako nakatayo ngayon. I blinked and mumbled, "Aya-yay..."

"Bayaran mo 'yan kung ayaw mong ipapulis kita."

"Hoy!" Dinuro ko siya pero nang ma-out-balance ako ay tinapik-tapik ko muna ang mga pisngi ko gamit ang magkabilang palad ko habang hawak pa rin 'yong baon ko upang mahimasmasan ako kahit papaano. "Sinagasaan mo ako kaya sasamahan kita sa presinto. Mag-re-report din ako!"

"Miss, naka-green light. Tanga ka ba?!"

"Ang sakit mong magsalita ha! Bakit? Magkano ba 'yan? Akala mo ba wala akong pambayad?" panghahamon ko naman.

"Judging from the damage, the car repair would cost me 100, 000."

"100, 000?!" Nahimasmasan ako sa laki no'n saka mahinahon siyang tinanong, "Tumatanggap ka ba ng installment?"

Bigla akong hinawakan sa braso ng lalaki na ngayon ay nakilala ko na bilang si Jared Cuevas, iyong mayabang na host ng Good Night, Westwood.

"Samahan mo ako sa presinto at doon ka na magpaliwanag."

"Oy, oy, huwag," pigil ko sa kanya saka inagaw ang braso ko bago pumihit paharap sa kanya upang makiusap. "Sa bahay mo na lang ako ihatid. Babayaran kita ro'n, promise."

Laking pasalamat ko nang maabutan ko sa labas ng café niya si Griffin. Nakapantulog na ito na napaibabawan ng itim niyang roba. Pagbaba ko ng kotse ay agad na sumunod sa akin ang kahit papaano ay nahimasmasan na rin sa galit niya na si Jared.

"Alohi," tawag ni Griffin sa akin. Bakas sa mukha niya ang pagtataka nang tapunan ng tingin ang lalaking kasama ko.

"I'm Jared Cuevas," agad na pakilala ng lalaki sa kaibigan ko sabay lahad ng kamay nito.

Griffin accepted his hand for a shake and introduced himself, too. "I'm Griffin Rai. Alohi's fr—" Mabilis na kumapit ako sa braso niya.

"Boyfriend ko," pakilala ko at sinulyapan ang nagtatakang si Griffin saka nginitian at nakapikit na tinanguan upang pasimpleng senyasan siya na sumakay na lang.

"Yeah..." Griffin nodded hesitantly. "I'm her boyfriend. May problema ba?"

"She was drunk and carelessly, no, stupidly crossing the road as if she owned it," panimula ni Jared. "Nakikita mo ang malaking yupi na 'yan sa kotse ko? Girlfriend mo ang may gawa niyan. Now I need money to repair that."

"What?"

"Jared, sandali lang. Mag-uusap muna kami ng jowa ko."

Hinila ko muna sa gilid si Griffin. The poor guy was so clueless. I think he deserves an explanation from me.

"Griffin, ganito kasi 'yon. Kapag umuwi ako sa amin ngayon na lasing, may kasamang lalaking nagrereklamo at kotseng sira, at manghihingi nang malaking halaga ng pera, nasisiguro kong lalamunin ako nang buhay ni Ate Keena."

I rubbed my right cheek in frustration before getting straight to the point with him. "Pwede ba akong umutang ng pera sa 'yo? Wala akong ibang kilalang yayamanin na friend kundi ikaw. Pero promise, babayaran ko kaagad bukas. Please..."

"How much do you need?"

"Okay lang ba kung 100, 000?"

Griffin cast a glance at Jared and then back at me before letting out a sigh. "Okay, just wait here."

"Thank you so much. Utang ko sa 'yong buhay ko," pahabol na hirit ko sa lubos na pasasalamat.

Iniwan kami ni Griffin saglit upang kuhanin iyong pera. Jared and I found ourselves surrounded by an awkward silence afterward. Hiyang-hiya ako sa nangyari simula pa kanina hanggang ngayon sa paghiram ko ng pera kay Griffin. Malaking lesson learned ito para sa akin at sa irresponsible drinking habit ko.

"Ahmm... gusto mo ba ng coffee, tea, or tubig?" alok ko nang hindi na makayanan ang katahimikan.

"Money. I need the money. That's all," ang masungit na tugon naman niya habang nakahalukipkip.

"Baka gusto mong pumasok sa loob at maupo muna habang naghihintay?"

"No, thanks. Who knows what will happen to me if I get there. Baka hindi na ako makalabas pa nang buhay kapag pumasok ako r'yan."

"Alam mo, ang judgemental mo. Ikaw na nga 'tong inaalok, ikaw pa 'tong masungit."

Pinukol naman niya ako ng masamang tingin. "Hindi ako judgemental. Segurista lang. Malay ko ba kung may balak kayong masama sa akin para hindi kayo makapagbayad."

Pagbalik ni Griffin ay agad niyang binigay kay Jared ang brown envelope na naglalaman ng perang pambayad.

"Here's the money, and I apologize for my girlfriend causing you trouble."

Lalo akong na-guilty nang mag-sorry si Griffin para sa akin. Mabilis din akong yumuko at nag-sorry. "I'm sorry din."

Dahil nga segurista ay sinilip pa ni Jared ang envelope upang bilangin ang laman no'n. Nang makasiguro ay binalingan na niya kami ni Griffin.

"Thank you," aniya. "Sa susunod huwag mong hayaang umuwi nang mag-isa at lasing 'yang girlfriend mo para hindi nababangga kung kani-kaninong sasakyan."

Pag-angat ko ng ulong nakayuko ay nagulat ako nang bigla akong kabigin ni Griffin palapit sa kanya at patagilid na niyakap.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to take better care of my girlfriend from now on," he reassured me with a smile, and there it was again—the familiar tingling in my stomach as I continued to gaze at him.

Each gentle stroke of his index finger on my arm during our side hug didn't make things easier. It intensified my feelings and even made my heart swell. It was both comforting and something else.

Pag-alis ni Jared ay dinala ako ni Griffin sa loob ng café niya habang yakap-yakap pa rin ako.

"Sit. I'll make you a cup of coffee to sober you up," he said as he guided me to sit.

I silently gasped when I caught a whiff of his natural, pleasant scent. My heart felt like it was about to leap out of its ribcage as he continued crouching. His eyes locked with mine while we were just inches away. His right hand was casually resting on the table while the other confidently secured on the back of my seat, almost as if creating an intimate space that left me with nowhere to escape.

"You know, I'd consider a single kiss as payment for that hundred thousand," he remarked with a playful tone.

"H-Huh?" I stammered nervously, and the corners of his lips curved up into a smile before he chuckled and pinched my right cheek.

"Your cheeks are red," he pointed out and stood up to go to the counter. But before he could leave, I heard him whisper, "I guess I'll just settle for your blushing face this time."

「 ✦ 𝓛𝓸𝔀𝓵𝓪 𝓟𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓸 ✦ 」

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