CHAPTER 16

KNIGHT'S in a bad mood. SM can tell while they're having lunch. Umuuwi ito palagi mula sa café para magkasama silang kumain ng tanghalian. That has been their routine for more than a week now and Knight always looks happy.

But today was different. Kaninang umaga pa niya 'yon napansin pero hindi lang siya nagtanong.

Pabulong siyang nagtanong kay Cloud ng salinan siya ng tubig sa baso. "Is your Lord sulking?"

"Who knows what my Lord is thinking..." Cloud sighed, "he's incomprehensible most of the time."

Napabaling siya kay Knight, "baby... are you feeling okay?"

Nagsalubong lang ang kilay nito at hindi siya pinansin kaya pinakatitigan niya ito para pag-aralan ang emosyon sa mukha at galaw nito. Sanay na siyang ganito palagi pagdating kay Knight, binabasa ang kakaunting emosyong nakikita niya sa kabuonan nito.

Thank God her father taught her at deducing small gestures and voice tones. Naniniwala kasi ang ama niya na mahirap para sa isang tao ang magsabi ng totoo, kaya tinuruan siya nito kung paano tatalasan ang obserbasyon niya para mabasa at makita niya ang nilalaman ng isip ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kaniya.

While her mother taught her other things. Still cognitive related.

And looking at Knight now, she can tell that he's sulking.

Reason? Unknown.

Emotion she can see in his deep frown? He's bothered by something and it's pissing him off. The way his eyes glanced at her from time to time, means he wanted to ask her about something but he's holding back or couldn't do it.

Will he calm down? Probably not... unless she sweet talk him.

Even though he's sometimes expressionless, for her, Knight was actually easy to read once she got to know him these past few weeks.

Though he's like a bear... cuddly but no one can miss the dangerous aura around him.

Gusto niyang lapitan ang kasintahan para suyuin para umayos na ang mood nito pero pumasok si Midnight at Love na balot na balot ng pawis.

"It's ready." Midnight was still slightly panting as he sat on the dining table. "Damn, that was one deep hole."

"Hole?" Kunot ang nuong tanong niya kay Midnight.

Tinuro ni Midnight si Knight, "inutusan kami ni Kuya na maghukay. It's not actually a hole. It's bigger and wider than that."

"It's six feet deep." Sabad ni Love na kumakain na.

Mukhang na-curious na rin si Cloud dahil nagtanong na ito, "my Lord, what are you planning to do with the hole?"

"I'm just readying it." Ani Knight na kalmadong kumakain.

"Readying for what?" Love asked.

"It's for who, not for what." Kalmado pa ring sagot ni Knight saka matamis itong ngumiti. "I'll make sure to bury him properly."

Lahat sila nanigas sa huling sinabi ni Knight habang nakangiti ito ng matamis.

That's one scary smile.

"It's a grave?" Gagad na tanong ni Cloud.

"For who?" Midnight asked.

Nakangiti pa ring uminom ng tubig si Knight bago sumagot. "Oh, just someone I know that I want to skin alive. I'll bury that motherfucker there."

"My Lord, so thoughtful of you... to actually ready the grave. You are such a fine gentleman." Ani Cloud na hindi alam ni SM kung sarkastiko ito o hindi.

Kahit si Midnight ay nag thumbs up. "That motherfucker should be flattered, Kuya."

Samantalang si Love naman ay pabulong na nagsalita. "And here I thought my family are bunch of psychos."

"Sino bang ililibing mo dun?" Tanong niya matapos kumain. "Anong ginawa niya sa 'yo para gawin mo 'yon?"

"His name is Khairro Sanford and it's because he pissed me off."

Namilog ang mga mata niya at umawang ang labi niya sa gulat. "Si Cap?!"

Naningkit ang mga mata ni Knight. "I told you to only look at me, remember? Tumawag siya kanina at ako ang nakasagot. That motherfucker!"

Napatitig siya kay Knight. He looks really mad. And even after knowing that he prepared a grave for Cap. Sanford, she can't even get mad at him.

He's just jealous... again.

SM sighed.

"Hindi ka ba nasasakal na palaging nagseselos si Kuya?" Biglang tanong sa kaniya ni Midnight na ikinatingin niya rito kapagkuwan ay bumaling siya kay Knight.

Knight's eyes were wide with worry. "N-nasasakal ka sa 'kin—"

"Not at all." Nginitian niya si Knight saka tumayo para lapitan ito pagkatapos ay hinalikan ito sa mga labi, "my baby is just jealous, that only means one thing. I have to work really hard to assure you that it's only you... right?"

Knight nodded in dazed.

Hinalikan niya ito sa nuo, "so please tone your jealousy down? Diba sabi ko sa 'yo, hindi 'yon maganda?" Malumanay ang boses na pakiusap niya. "Ayokong makapanakit ka ng dahil sa 'kin. Kung nagseselos ka kay Captain, gusto mo bang ipakilala kita sa kaniya?"

Knight was still in daze while nodding.

"Great!" She gave him a quick kiss, "ipapakilala kita sa kaniya kapag magaling na ako, okay?"

Knight nodded again.

"Thank you." She kissed him on the lips again.

Mabilis siyang napabaling ng marinig na tumunog ang cellphone niya na nasa ibabaw ng lamesa.

"It's Eli." Imporma niya kay Knight baka magselos na naman ito. "I'll just talk to her. Huwag ka nang magselos, okay?"

Tumango naman ito.

Lumabas siya ng kusina para sagutin ang tawag ni Eli. It's been a long time since they last talk. She missed her.

"WHAT THE fuck just happened?" Knight asked when he came out from the daze. One minute, he was so jealous and the next he was feeling happy and loved. "I think I'm losing my mind. Cloud," tumingin siya sa butler niya, "can falling for someone make a person lose his mind?"

Midnight tsked. "Kuya, she sweet talked you. That's what happened."

Tumango si Love. "She's good... to say the right words that can change someone's emotion. That's a rare talent."

Cloud nodded as well. "Ngayon ko lang din napansin. She does know the right words to say."

Napatitig siya sa iniwang upuan ng kasintahan. That's true... what Love and Cloud said was true. Alam ni SM kung paano aalisin ang galit niya, ang pagod niya o ang selos niya. She knows what to say and do to make him feel better.

"It's a good thing, right?" Ani Midnight na nakatingin sa kaniya, "nakahanap na rin ang Kuya ko ng taong kilala siya, naiintindihan siya at tanggap siya, kasama na ang mga pangit niyang katangian. I'm happy. Don't lose her, Kuya. She's a keeper."

Nakangiting inabot niya ang buhok ng kapatid at ginulo 'yon. "I know she's a keeper, little brother."

Midnight smiled back. "Good."

Ginulo niya ulit ang buhok ng kapatid saka tumayo, "aalis na ako. Kailangan ko nang bumalik sa café."

Nang makalabas siya ng hapagkainan, hinanap niya si SM para magpaalam dito. Natagpuan niya ito sa gilid ng bahay, nakatingin sa pinahukay niyang paglilibingan niya kay Sanford habang may kausap ito sa cellphone.

And he can't help but to eavesdrop.

"... he's really cute in my opinion. Getting jealous like that." Mahinang natawa si SM, "bakit naman ako masasakal sa kaniya? He's a good person, Eli. He becomes so adorable in my eyes when he's jealous." Paused. "Siguro dahil gustong-gusto ko siya?" Paused. "Hindi ko alam, Eli. Siguro dahil mas nararamdaman ko ang pagkagusto niya sa 'kin kapag nagseselos siya?" Tumawa ito. "Am I making any sense? Yeah... I know. I just want to keep him. I don't think I'll ever find someone as good as Knight."

Napahawak siya sa dibdib kung nasaan ang puso niya. Mabilis at malakas ang tibok niyon.

I'm so lame... eavesdropping like this. Fuck!

Hearing SM defend him from her friend, hearing her say that he's a good person even though he's really not... he's exhilarated.

Lumapit siya kay SM saka bigla itong hinalikan sa pisngi na ikinaigtad nito.

"Alis na ako." Hinalikan niya ito ulit pero sa sa gilid ng noo sa pagkakataong 'yon, "pahinga ka, okay? You need it."

Nakangiting tumango ito. "Ingat ka— oh, Eli says hi."

Inilapit niya ang bibig sa cellphone na hawak ni SM, "hello to you too, Eli." Have a nice day."

Mahinang natawa si SM, "sabi ni Eli huwag ka raw masyadong seloso."

"Can't help it." He kissed her on the lips and bit her lower lip before whispering, "estoy loco porti."

Napakurap-kurap sa kaniya ang dalaga. "What? Can you say it again?"

He just chuckled, kissed her then he left with a happy smile on his face.

But when he entered SM's café, his mood drops and his face darkened when he saw the motherfucker named Khairro Sanford.

Is he here for my baby?

The bastard even waved at him. "Velasquez! I can explain. It's a misunderstanding!"

"Don't care." He grinned darkly while cracking his knuckles, "I think I'll prefer burying you alive. I already ready your grave. You should thank me."

"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" Malalaki ang matang umatras si Khairro at sinubukang tumakbo palayo sa kaniya.

Knight tsked. "As if I'll let a motherfucker like you escape." With that, he attacked Sanford.

"Come on, Velasquez! Be reasonable!" Pasigaw na sabi ni Khairro habang sinasalag ang bawat pinapakawalan niyang suntok. "Sweet was just my junior—"

"Don't call her Sweet!" Malakas na umigkas ang paa niya at tumama iyon sa tagiliran ni Khairro.

Khairro's face darkened as he seized his leg and kicked him, but he was quick to twist his body and used his other leg mid-air— with controlled strength— to kick Khairro on the shoulder.

Napaatras si Khairro habang sapo ang balikat nito at hindi maipinta ang mukha. "Fuck you! That was strong! Are you trying to kill me?!"

Kumuyom ang kamao niya at inihanda ang sariling umatake. "I'm not trying, I will kill you."

"Fuck you!"

"You're welcome."

Inisahang hakbang niya ang pagitan nila ni Khairro at nagpalitan sila ng suntok at sipa. Sunod-sunod na sinikmura niya si Khairro at sinipa sa dibdib hanggang sa narinig niyang tumutunog ang cellphone niya sa bulsa.

"Wait." Aniya kay Khairro na nabitin sa ere ang kamao na susuntok sana sa kaniya. "Someone's calling me."

"Really?!" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong sa kaniya ni Khairro.

"Yeah." Sinagot niya ang tawag ng ama, "Papa."

"What took you so long to answer my call?"

Nagtagis ang bagang niya, "I was beating a friend."

Khairro rolled his eyes at him. Pabagsak itong naupo sa isa sa mga upuan habang nakangiwing sapo-sapo ang tiyan nitong ilang beses niyang pinatamaan ng malalakas na suntok.

"I want you to visit the Dela Cerna Family. I will send you the coordinates." Anang ama niya na ikinatigil niya, "they broke the rule. Finish them all, Knight. Leave no survivors behind."

His blood runs cold but he managed to reply, "noted, Papa."

"Good. I will wait for your update tonight. Make it quick but make sure it's painful." Pagkasabi nito niyon ay nawala na ito sa kabilang linya.

Siya naman ay nagtagis ang bagang niya.

He will take another life again. When will this stop? When will I stop being a monster?

"You okay, bud?" Tanong sa kaniya ni Khairro na iniinda pa rin ang mga suntok at sipa niya sa tiyan nito.

He flopped on the sit next to Khairro. "I'll beat you up next time."

Khairro tsked. "Geez. I feel loved. I think my small and big intestine is in chaos."

He let out a loud breath. "Stay away from SM. She's my baby."

"And I'm telling you, I'm just her superior before." Khairro tsked again. "At saka tumawag ako sa kaniya kasi tinutulungan ko siya sa kaso ng mga magulang niya."

He glared at Khairro, "then why the fuck did you hanged up?"

"Because someone was calling me."

"Don't bullshit me." Nalukot ang mukha niya, "nonetheless, I still dislike you. And I will not apologize for your car."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Khairro at nagmamadaling lumabas para tingnan ang sasakyan nito, at nang hindi nito makita 'yon ay tumakbo ito pabalik sa kaniya, "what did you do to my car, Knight?! I bought it with my hard-earned money! That's my girlfriend!"

"I know." He smirked at Khairro, "I kidnapped it. Kapag lumapit ka kay SM, hindi mo na makikita ang girlfriend mo."

"Knight! You animal!"

"Yep. I'm a very handsome animal." Tinuro niya ang pintuan ng café. "You may go. If it's about SM's case, call me. Nangako akong tutulungan ko rin siya."

The hostility in Khairro's face disappeared and he seems pleased. "That's good. She needs all the help she can get. May malaking taong pumipigil sa 'min na magawa ang mga kailangan naming gawin. And since you're a Count, you'll be a big help."

"Anything that can make my baby happy."

Khairro chuckled before waving his hand while walking towards the café's door. "You better ready the beer and bbq. You'll be welcome to the UnderStanding Club soon."

"I'm broke. I'll tell Valerian."

"Whatever. Pupunta ako ng Hospital dahil sa ginawa mo sa 'kin. I'll send you the receipt."

"Give it to Shun. Wala akong pera, but if it's a grave you need, I already made you one. It's a six feet deep hole. Wanna see?"

Masama ang tingin ni Khairro sa kaniya ng lingunin siya nito. "Fuck you."

Nginitian niya ito. "You're welcome."

Iritadong lumabas si Khairro sa café ni SM samantalang siya naman ay tinawagan si Cloud.

"My Lord." Anito sa kabilang linya.

"Ready my Katana." Utos niya kay Cloud. "I was asked to clean up tonight."

"Yes, my Lord."

Nang patayin niya ang tawag, napabuntong-hininga siya saka ipinikit ang mga mata. "I'm sorry, SM. Please don't hate me."

He has to make sure that she won't find out this monstrous side of him. I won't give her a reason to leave me.

No way in hell!

ESTOY LOCO PORTI means 'I'm crazy about you' according to Eli who somehow knew Spanish. She should have asked her when Knight said the word 'te quiero'.

Naiiling na napatingin siya sa pinahukay na lupa ni Knight. Malalim 'yon.

"Jealous of Capt. Sanford, huh?" Napangiwi siya, "ano kayang gagawin niya kapag nalaman niyang may crush ako dati kay Captain?" Hinilot niya ang sentido, "he's gonna explode for sure."

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga saka pumasok sa kabahayan at tinungo ang kuwarto para magpahinga. Pero dahil hindi siya makatulog, nilibang niya ang sarili sa pag-aayos ng mga damit ni Knight at paglilinis ng kuwarto.

Kinahapunan, nakatulog siya ng ilang oras. Nang magising siya, madilim na sa labas pero mag-aalasais palang ng gabi kaya naman bumalik siya sa paghiga sa kama.

When seven strikes, Cloud called her to have dinner.

"Nasaan si Knight?" Tanong niya kay Cloud na pinaghahain siya ng pagkain. "Nasa café pa ba siya?"

"Yes, Lady SM."

Ngumiti siya saka tahimik na kumain pagkatapos ay niligpit niya ang pinagkainan. Hindi na niya hinintay na si Cloud pa ang gumawa nun.

Nang makabalik sa kuwarto, tinawagan niya si Knight pero parang nakapatay ang cellphone nito kaya si Monet na lang ang tinawagan niya.

Gusto niyang magpadala ng cake kay Knight.

"Good evening, Boss." Magiliw na bungad sa kaniya ni Monet.

"Good evening." Aniya. "Monet, puwede ko bang makausap si Knight? Sandali lang. Hindi ko kasi matawagan ang cellphone niya."

"Boss, wala na po rito si Knight." Imporma sa kaniya ni Monet na ikinagulat niya. "Umalis po siya. Sabi niya may gagawin lang siyang importante. Ako nga ang pinagsasara niya ng café palagi."

"P-palagi?" Nauutal niyang gagad.

"Oho. Mag-a-apat na araw na ho siyang palaging maagang umuwi."

"Sige, salamat Monet. Ingat kayo." Pagkasabi niya nun ay tinapos niya ang tawag at humigpit ang hawak niya sa cellphone.

Knight had been going home late these past few days.

Other work?

But no, Knight always tells her that he just close the café.

Unti-unting nagsalubong ang kilay niya habang malalim na nag-iisip. Nang walang maisip, nagdesisyon siyang hintayin si Knight at tanungin ito.

But four hours had passed, still no Knight.

Tumingin siya sa wall clock.

11:30 PM.

Knight... where are you?

Hindi pa rin niya ma-contact ang numero nito. And every time she would ask Cloud about Knight, Cloud would just smile reassuringly at her.

Finally, at 11:58, Knight came home.

He has a blank expression on his face as he enters the room and immediately head to the bathroom.

Worried about him, she followed him inside the bathroom.

Pero halos nayanig ang buo niyang pagkatao ng makitang nasa ilalim ito ng shower habang hinuhubad ang itim na tshirt nitong suot at nakikita niya ang pulang kulay na bumabalot sa katawan nito at nagkalat ang pulang likido sa kinatatayuan nito.

Is that... Blood?

"Knight!" She was horrified as her mind came back to that moment when she saw him bleeding profusely outside her café. "Are you okay?"

Hindi ito sumagot sa kaniya. Natulos lang ito sa kinatatayuan habang takot na nakatingin sa kaniya na para bang nakakita ito ng multo.

Walang sabi-sabing pumasok siya sa shower room para tingnan kung may sugat ito sa katawan.

And to her relief, he has none.

"But..." bumaba ang tingin niya sa pulang likido sa paanan nila at sa katawan nito. It's like a blood stain on his skin. "I-is this... b-blood? Maybe paint or something—"

"It's blood." Knight's cold eyes held hers, "not mine though."

Napaawang ang labi niya rito. "What did you say?"

"The blood's not mine." He whispered as he looked away from her, ashamed. "They won't come off."

Nakatanga pa rin siya habang nakatingin sa katawan nitong bakas pa rin ang pulang kulay ng dugo.

"Go away, SM."

"Knight—"

"Leave." Pagtataboy nito sa kaniya. "You shouldn't have enter."

"Knight—"

"I said, leave!" He shouted at her. Nakatuon sa kaniya ang matalim nitong mga mata.

Pero nunkang makikinig siya rito.

Umalis siya sa tabi nito, hindi para iwan ito, kundi para buksan ang gripo ng bath tub at binuhusan niya iyon ng body wash. Pagkatapos ay binalikan niya si Knight, hinawakan ito sa pulsuhan at hinila patungong bath tub.

"Take off your jeans." Utos niya rito.

He didn't move, he was just looking at her, bewildered.

Napabuntong-hininga siya saka siya na lang ang naghuhad sa pang-ibaba nitong damit at giniya niya ito pa-upo sa bath tub.

"There." Aniya bago kumuha ng body pouf sponge para kuskusin ang bakas ng dugo na kumapit sa balat ni Knight. "Stay still..."

Habang kinukuskos niya ang dibdib nito gamit ang body sponge para maalis ang bakas ng dugo doon, narinig niya ang pabulong na boses ni Knight na nagtatanong sa kaniya.

"Hindi ka ba magtatanong?"

"Let's clean you up first."

"Aren't you scared of me?"

"I'm more worried than scared." Sagot niya habang nilalagyan naman ng shampoo ang buhok nito, "soak your body properly so the blood residue would come off after a little while."

Nakinig naman si Knight at nanatiling tahimik.

Siya naman, ng makitang nagkukulay pula na ang tubig sa bath tub, pinindot niya ang button sa gilid para ma-drain ang tubig na laman niyon at nang wala nang laman ang bath tub, binuksan niya ulit ang gripo para punuin 'yon ng tubig habang nasa loob pa rin niyon si Knight.

And to help Knight more, SM took off her clothes and joined him on the tub.

Lumuhod siya sa likuran ni Knight habang sina-shampoo ang buhok nito.

SM was in the middle of rinsing Knight's hair when he leaned in on her.

Natigilan siya sa ginagawa at napatitig sa batok ng kasintahan.

"Knight—"

"I'm tired." He sounded tired indeed. "I'm so tired. So...tired... SM... I'm so tired."

Niyakap niya mula sa likuran ang binata at hinalikan niya ito sa pisngi. "I'm here, Knight. I'm just here."

Humigpit ang yakap niya sa kasintahan ng pagsiklupin nito ang kamay nito at kamay niyang nakayakap dito.

"Thank you... for not leaving me even when I shouted at you." He whispered as he leaned in to her more.

Kaya naman mula sa pagkakaluhod, napaupo siya sa bath tub, sa likuran ni Knight habang ito ay nakahilig sa dibdib niya at ang ulo nito ay nasa balikat niya.

Hinaplos niya ang buhok nito. "Ayos ka lang ba?"

Umiling ito. "I'm sorry you have to see me like that."

"It's okay. Rest for now. You look exhausted. Nandito lang ako. Hindi ako aalis."

Knight glanced at her, the tenderest expression on his face. "Te quiero mucho."

She smiled softly and kissed his cheeks, "And I, to you, baby."

Knight finally smiled as he pressed his back against her. "You feel so good. Don't leave me... even though I'm a monster please don't leave me. I'll be good... I'll be a good boyfriend."

"I won't leave you."

Slowly, Knight's eyes started dropping close and she just let him have his rest.

Kapagkuwan ay napabuntong-hininga si SM habang tinititigan ang mukha ng kasintahan.

Who in the world are you really, Count Knight Alastair Minrod Gutterez Velasquez?