To Dyiana, my bestfriend, as we happily graduated.

* * *

A silent, deadly and very ruthless killer was mostly arm with poisons, silenced weapons, high caliber guns and sharp knives. An assassin do: scaling city walls, vaulting between rooftops, balancing along ledges, lurking in the shadows, existing and yet being unseen, unheard, unknown. They are on a mission, they kill people.—-I'm an assassin, a well-known one in the underground society. I do all those things. I mastered all those stuffs. However, the world seems turned up side down when I became a waitress, which will serves as my temporary occupation for the meantime.

A waitress was mostly wearing an assigned uniform, like blouses and skirts. They hold tray and serves food or drink to people in a restaurant. She's polite, jolly and nice. She needs to be a very patient person and always smiles to every costumer. Indeed, a friendly and lovely person. —- Well, I definitely don't do all those things. The said qualities oppose all my behaviors. Being an assassin won't do well in being a waitress. This is not a great combination and probably one of the worst. I think I'll need an anger management here. And, I hope that I won't kill an annoying costumer, now that it's my glorious first day of work in my newly found job.

"Aurora, pakilinis daw sa Table 12. May natapong juice."

Wika ng isa sa mga waitress na nagngangalang Mae ayon sa nametag nito. Tumango ako at tahimik na tumungo sa nasabing bilang ng lamesa para linisin ang natapong inumin. Hell! Will you look at that! I'm acting as an obedient server here. They should give an award for my best acting skill coz I don't really like to be command.

This fancy restaurant is fine. There is a flickering chandelier at the center. I see stools, flowery paintings and benches along the wall, leathered tables, chairs, and glass walls in front. Same restaurant design that is making me yawns. I think this place is more suitable and perfect for a massacre venue.

Patapos na ako sa pagpupunas ng sahig ng may nakita akong maliliit na sapatos na saglit ay humarang sa mop na gamit ko. Inanggat ko ang aking paninggin at nagtama ang mata naming dalawa. A smiling cute little boy was staring at me. He's wearing a baby blue Tee shirt with an airplane designed on it and white pants. I think he's a two years old kid based on his height. He's big black eyes are looking direct to mine, almost squinting while he smiles. He looks so adorable and I think he's waiting for me to smile back. Yet, because I'm the evil crook here, I didn't. When he didn't receive a smile back, he puckered his cute little lips and began crying.

Ugh! That's why I don't like kids no matter how adorable and cute they are. Their cries are deafening.

Naisipan ko na lang umalis at hayaan ang mga magulang nito ang magpatahan sa umiiyak na bata. I turned around to go back to the counter but then stopped when I accidentally bumped with someone. Muntikan na akong madulas sa basang sahig pero hinawakan na nito ang magkabilang braso ko para hindi matumba. Damn! Sino ba itong tangang ito at paharang-harang sa lilikuan ko?

"Grabe... Pati bata pinapaiyak mo?" The person I bumped with whispered. His voice sounds so familiar, very familiar. I stepped back to see his face. I stared at him biweldered, wide-eyed and mouth slightly open. In seconds, I hid it quickly with a blank expression.

What the hell is he doing here?

"Hey, Staring is rude." Aniya habang kunyareng nakatingin sa akin ng masama. "Oh, wait! I almost forgot... you're naturally rude." He added and then flashes a sheepish smile. This jerk!

"Max?" Ito lang ang nasabi ko. I can't think of any follow-back sarcastic remarks right now.

"The one and only." He said.

Yeah, right. Is this a fucking reunion? It's been three years since we last saw each other.

His true name is Xam Monterverdi. I made fun of his name by reversing it, calling him 'Max'. He's an assassin too and we usually worked as partner in the Clemente Mafia. The organization teamed as up because we can coordinate with each other. Noong una ay nahirapan ang organisasyong hanapan ako ng magiging kasama para sa mga mahihirap na misyon. Mostly, my co-assassins felt intimidated when I am around and their little frights won't do well in our missions. Until they paired me with this guy. Fortunately, we clicked. We became close to each other and I consider him as one of important people I have. But then again, it's been three since I left the Mafia. Walang nakaalam ng plano ko sa aking pagtakas. Walang akong pinagsabihan, kahit mismo sakanya. I wonder now what he thinks about me that time. I left him too without saying a simple 'goodbye'.

"What are you doing here, Max?" I asked him inquisitively. "Wait. Let's talk outside." I returned the mop rapidly and dragged Max outside the restaurant, to the secluded part where mostly no one's passing.

I noticed that his face became more mature but still the gorgeous fella I met years ago. Just that his hair got longer than before. He became a little taller and more muscled, too. I remember when they paired us, almost all of the female assassins were jealous. So damn lame!

"So, kamusta?" Wika nito. "Akala ko di na tayo magkikita pa ulit..." He gave me his friendly smile, the one he always uses when I'm around. Well, akala ko rin. Naisip ko noon na baka sa kabilang buhay na kami magkita ng isang ito.

"Yeah. I miss you, too." I told him mockingly and smiled back, my true smile. I treat him as a brother when no one is around but become civil during missions.

"I really wanted to hug you right now," Saglit siyang tumingin sa likuran ko, sa loob ng restaurant, bago muling magsalita. "But, he's watching us intently." He added in low voice that I barely heard it. I tried to look at my back but he stopped me by gripping my chin and holding my arm before I could.

"What?"

"Don't look." Max said.

"Why?" I asked again. "Anong meron? Who's watching?" Nang hindi ito sumagot ay doon ko na napagtantong may kinalaman na naman ang pesteng Mafia kung bakit siya nandito. Duh! Ano pa nga ba? Hindi siya makakarating dito para lang kumain at mamasyal.

"Tell me honestly, Max. Did the Mafia send you? Are you here to get me? Kill me?" Binitawan niya ako at huminga ng malalim. Natahimik kaming dalawa. Nararamdaman ko ang pagbagal ng hininga ko sa paghihintay ng sagot niya. I can't accept this if they sent him to kill me. Why of all people would they choose Max? Will I treat him too as my enemy? Tension invades the atmosphere. I looked at him intently direct to his eyes, one way to see if the person is telling you the truth.

"Yes. The Mafia sent me here to see you. And no, I'm not ordered to kill you." I take in and let out a breath. I felt relieved. He's somehow telling the truth. At least, he's not my killer.

"So, pinadala ka para lang magkamustahan tayo?" I asked sarcastically. I still don't get it. Is this some sort of their tricks? By using people that are important to me. They know I don't easily trust someone but I certainly trust Max. But now, my trust for him is quite fading. Maaari nila itong gamitin laban sa akin. At ibig sabihin na rin ng pagpunta nito ay alam na naman nila kung asan ako. Darn!

"If you want to put it that way... Then, yes. Kamustahan." Hinawakan nito ang kamay ko. "But always remember, Aurora. I'm on your side. Kahit na hindi ko alam kung bakit ka umalis sa organisasyon." Tinignan ko siya ng masama at inalis ang pagkakahawak nito sa kamay ko.

"You know my damn reason." I said carefully in a controlled tone. I wanted to shout but I keep myself composed. This is not the time to pound my fist in someone or something. I won't do that kind of recklessness if my reason was shallow. They did something horrible in my life and that is my biggest reason to go against the Clemente Mafia.

"Yeah. I know your reason but what I mean is that you left without a single word to me. Akala ko ba partners in crime tayo?" Max said. My deep-inside anger slightly smoothens.

"Oh. About that, I'm sorry. I just don't wanna share my cool escape plan." I said scornfully and he chuckled in return. Just like that, the tension between us faded.

"I really missed you, Aurora." Unexpectedly, he hugs me. The memories from the past few days came flashing back, the time when Katy and Devon was hugging me. I almost shivered. The feeling is hella creepy for me.

"What the hell, Max?" I said frowning.

"I know you don't do hugs and might kick my ass afterwards but can we stay like this for a while? It's been three years when we last saw each other, you know?" Napatigil muna ako saglit at napagtantong wala ng kwenta kung umangal pa ako kung gantong nakayakap na siya kaya tumango na lang ako. I'll let this one pass. "The Mafia Boss will surely kill me for this. Tsk. Screw him." He murmured.

"Huh? Mafia Boss? You met the Boss? You're allowed?" I asked puzzled. That's classified! Why did they give him a chance to meet the Boss? Now, I wonder kung anong mukha ng gagong iyon. I imagined him as an ugly fat old man with many rings in his fingers. Probably, he's dressed in a suit with a tobacco in his hand while holding an expensive cat. His white hairs are also visible. He was guarding with numerous assassins around him. Oh! In addition, don't forget the he have many tattoos, too.

Cliché.

"Ahm. Yes. Alam mo bang galit na galit iyon nong umalis ka?" Wika ni Max. I just rolled my eyes.

"Sino ba namang pinunong matutuwa kung sinunog ang pinakaimportanteng gusali ng pinakamamahal nitong Mafia?" Parang sinunog ko na rin ang kuta ni Kamatayan. Now, his up for a revenge and will slice my head using his bloody sharp scythe.

"By the way, you really did that unexpectedly. And I'm proud of you." He broke the hug and look at me. Sawakas at naalis din ang kakaibang pakiramdam na dala ng mga yakap sa akin. Really, why do hugs jolt me the hell out?

"I know. I'm awesome." I said boastfully. Tumawa ito ginulo ang buhok ko. 

"Hey!" I shrieked.

"Sige. Kailangan ko ng umalis. I can see the Boss glaring at me now." He said while chuckling. Tumingin pa ito sa paligid. Tinaasan ko lang ito ng kilay.

"Whatever." I said, waving a hand in dismissal. Tumalikod na ako sa kanya para bumalik sana sa loob ng restaurant pero pinigilan niya ako sa unang hakbang ko pa lang.

"Isa pa pala," Wika nito. "Hindi ko alam kung paano nila nagagawa. Pero alam nila palagi kung saan ka pumupunta o nagtatago. I tried to know how but it seems we're concealed in any information about you. Nautusan lang akong kausapin ka ngayon. I don't even know kung anong plano nila sayo." Nakakunot ang noo kong nakikinig sa kanya.

"What? They always know where I am? How's that? Tracking device?" I asked feeling slightly disoriented. I even felt a heavy feeling in my stomach. Shit! Eh, di wala din palang kwenta tong ginagawa ko, pati ang paglayo ko. I'm screwed!

"I don't know. Pero mas maganda na itong trabaho mo ngayon kumpara sa pag-aassassinate ng mag-isa. Stay here for a while until you'll come up with another cool escape plan." He quoted in the air the words 'cool escape plan'. He's obviously mocking me.

"Shut up. Baka unahin ko pang isipin ang 'cool kill-Max plan'." I snapped at him. Ngumiti ito at umiling lamang. Pumunta na ito sa magarang itim na sasakyan, na malamang ay sa kanya, pagkatapos ay kumaway at umalis. Nang wala na siya sa paningin ko ay tumalikod na ko at bumalik sa loob.

"Uy. Sino yun? Boyfriend mo? Nice catch!" Malisyosong wika ni Mae ng makarating ako sa counter. Ghad! Girls and their horrible imaginations. I kept my blank expression and didn't respond to her malicious comment. Baka mabaril ko pa ang isang to lalo na't gulong-gulo ang utak ko ngayon.

"Aurora, pakiserve daw to Table 10. Request." Sabi ng bagong lapit na waitress sa counter na kinalalagyan ko. Request? She hand me the round tray with the ordered food and drink. When I accepted it, she winked at me making me raised my brow. What's that wink means? Pinabayaan ko na lang nagsimula ng maglakad.

Table 10 was place near the glass wall. I saw the costumer's back seating casually, a man. When I reached the table, I gingerly placed the plate and didn't bother looking at the costumer.

"From assassin to waitress." The person whispered and I slightly froze when I remembered his velvet like voice. "Oh. Nice skirt." I felt him smirking. I don't feel him complementing me but more like mocking me. I stood up straight and gave him a direct look. And I'm going to ask this again to myself,

What the hell is he doing here?

"Let me guest... The Mafia sent you, too?" I gazed at him looking bored and unaffected by his sudden appearance. However, I want to shout and kill everyone here deep inside. I felt a sudden radiating frustation in this table. Max was right! They always know where I am. Kakaumpisa ko pa nga lang sa bagong kong trabaho ay natunton na nila ako agad. Damn!

"Take a sit first, Waitress Aurora." He said insultingly. Tinignan ko siya ng masama bago umupo sa harapan nito. At ngayon ko lang napansin na wala pala itong kahit anong takip sa mukha.

Crap! I knew he's a good-looking guy but I didn't expect he's this gorgeous, insanely perfect features. I mentally shook my head. You aren't interested, Aurora.

Kill the enemy. Kill him. I want to grab a knife and I'll slash that around his neck slowly and deeply, blood flowing out. That'll be great...

"What are you doing here, Doctor Devon?" I said, copying his mockery. Posibleng may kasama ito sa paligid lamang ng restaurant or Max is with him a while ago.

"I'm scheduled to checkup my hardheaded patient named Aurora Silvestre." Wika nito. I almost shivered when he told my full name.

"Magaling na ang pasyente. Actually, she can already do some exercises like stabbing a fake doctor with fork." I eyed the fork placed in the table. I'm really thinking about it actually.

"Oh, really? Thus flirting with her co-assassin is one of her exercises?" I held my frown, maintaining my composure. He is talking about Max. And, what the heck! I'm flirting with Max? Seriously? Aaargh. I want to attack him right now but I stopped myself. He's just provoking me and I won't fall to this trick.

"I think that doesn't concerns you at all." I said calmly. Pinatong nito ang dalawang siko niya sa lamesa at pinagsalikop ang mga kamay. His cocky smirk suddenly vanished. He became serious.

"You thought wrong then. Everything about that stupid patient concerns me." I became uptight. "Everything." He added in a cooing voice. My mind process went slow. Ganito rin ang ipanapahayag niya dati sa bar. Paano niya kaya ito nasasabi? Ni hindi ko siya kilala. Well, except that I know his name, his arrogant attitude and that his from the Mafia.

"No, you don't. You are just being delusional. You might try to schedule your own checkup." I said. By the way, why are we talking in third person point of view? Clearly, ako naman ang tinutukoy ditong pasyente.

"The only one who's having a delusion here is you." His devilish smile went back. "You can't run away from Clemente Mafia."

I sneered at him before answering. "But, I just did." I said and grinned at him, too.

"Your escape was temporary. Kukunin ka and you'll die." Aniya. I chuckled arrogantly.

"You'll die first." We exchanged insults, deadly remarks, smirks and menacing glares to one another. I quite am enjoying this. Kung hindi lang siguro marami ang tao rito ay nagsimula na kaming magpatayang dalawa. Sa ngayon ay maaanghang na salita pa lamang ang kaya naming ibato sa isa't-isa. Napatigil lang ito ng tinawag na ako sa counter. I forgot that I'm a server here. "Enjoy your food, Sir. Nilagyan ko yan ng lason. Mamatay ka sana." I said in a too-sweet tone and smiled gently. With that, I went back to the counter.

Damn! Kung alam ko lang na siya ang hahatiran ko ng pagkain ay nilagyan ko nga sana ng lason ang inorder nito.