LORELEI

I WOKE up because of the noise I heard from the outside. Argh! Ano ba naman, its too early! Pinilit kong idilat ang aking mga mata pero agad ko rin itong isinara dahil sa sinag ng araw. Can everyone please let me sleep? Sembreak naman ngayon kaya pagbigyan niyo na ako.

Great! Bumangon ako mula sa pagkakahiga and pushed myself to walk, even though I feel like my bed is calling me and waiting for me to go back to it.

I walked to my door and opened it. I walked out and found Loki na sitting on the sofa with an envelope in his hand.

"What is that?" tanong ko at lumapit sa kaniya. Instead of answering my question, he handed me the envelope he's holding.

Binasa ko ang nakasulat dito at nakitang galing ito sa aking ama.

"Pupunta ka ba?" tanong sa akin ni Loki ngunit bago pa man ako makasagot, lumabas mula sa kusina si Jamie at may dalang pagkain.

"Loki, kumain muna tayo." sabi nito. Huh! At talagang si Loki lang ang inaya nito.

Lumapit si Loki sa lamesa, while a big grin was plastered on Jamie's face. Lumapit na rin ako at nagsimula na kaming kumain.

"Nag-text sa akin si Alistair at sabi niya, sasama siya. Ikaw Lorelei?" sa kalagitnaan ng aming pagkain ay nagsalita si Jamie.

"What?" nagtataka kong tanong sa kaniya. I dont have any little idea what they are talking about.

"Hindi niya pala alam, akala ko sinabi mo na." nagpalitan ng tingin si Jamie at Loki habang ako ay takang-taka sa kung anuman ang tinutukoy nila.

"Kung tutuloy si Lorelei, malamang ay hindi siya makakasama sa atin." sabi ni Loki at tumayo. Naiwan naman kaming dalawa ni Jamie sa hapag-kainan.

"Pupunta ka ba sa party ng father mo o sasama ka? Well, I hope na huwag ka nalang sumama, para naman ma-solo ko si Loki." sabi ni Jamie habang nakabalandra ang isang ngisi sa mukha nito. I arched my eyebrow high and shook my head

"Where are we going anyway?" tanong ko upang makapagdesisyon ako kung sasama ako sa kanila o hindi. Pero ngayon palang, gusto kong sumama sa kanila dahil wala akong interes sa party na tinutukoy ng aking ama.

"May isang palaro na gaganapin. It was like a mystery game. May crime scene, may mga taong maga-act as detectives, victims and suspect. Pero walang police and ambulance." sabi niya.

It somewhat excites me, so I made a decision to come with them.

"Sasama ako.....Sa inyo." I said and went to my room.

I took a bath and took my clothes on. Lumabas ako ng kwarto ko at nakitang andoon na si Alistair.

"So, you will be coming with us. Hindi ka tutuloy sa papa mo?" pambungad sa akin ni Alistair. Tumango lang ako at umupo sa tabi niya.

"Gaano katagal ba tayo roon?" tanong ko sa kanila dahil napansin kong may mga dala silang malalaking bag.

"Hindi pa ba sinabi sa iyo ni Jamie, we will be there in about 4 days." sabi ni Loki at labis akong nagulat. I didn't expect that it would be so long.

I went to my room hurriedly and packed my things that I will be needing for about 4 days. When I was ready and about to leave my room, my phone rang. I almost forgot my phone, shocks!

Natigilan ako ng makita kong nagtext sa akin si dad. I open the text message and read it.

From: Dad

I hope you would come.

Meh! I can't come and I won't.

Lumabas ako ng kwarto ko and we all left.

Dinala ni Alistair ang sasakyan niya at agad namang pumasok sa backseat si Loki kasunod si Jamie. Alistair opened the door in the passenger seat at inalalayan akong umupo doon. I mouthed him 'thank you' and he just smiled at pumasok na sa driver seat.

Sumulyap ako sa rearview mirror at napapansin kong tila sobrang focused silang dalawa, I think they're playing chess in their minds again without any board.

"You should rest first, medyo malayo pa ang pupuntahan natin." Alistair said and I did so. Bumibigat na rin ang talukap ng aking mga mata at gusto ko munang magpahinga.

I HEARD a familiar voice so I slowly opened my eyes. I saw Alistair and it made me realize that we've finally reached our destination.

"Lorelei, tara na. Naghihintay na sila Jamie and Loki sa labas." he said then smiled at me.

Mabilis akong lumabas sa kotse at inayos ang damit ko. When I got out, I saw Loki and Jamie. Jamie's hands were wrapped in Loki's arm. I just absent-mindedly rolled my eyes.

"Let's go." said Loki and left, still not pulling his hands off of Jamie, Alistair and I followed them.

Nagtataka ako kung bakit tila mansyon ang paggaganapan ng larong sinsabi nila, I thought it was just... Nevermind!

Binuksan ni Loki ang pinto ng mansyon and suddenly we became the center of attention. I really hate attentions, lalo na kapag sobrang dami. We enter the room and I was shocked when the door behind me mercilessly closed. It gives me quiver, but I didn't mind it.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen. Now we are here to have our little game, called, The Survivors' List. Please be informed that, the only thing you need to survive is, DO NOT TRUST EASILY. Thank you." said by a voice. No one knows who spoke and everyone is in confusion.

"Meh, you know I have trust issues." I heard Loki said.

"The Survivors' List?" bakas sa tono ng boses ni Alistair na pati siya ay naguguluhan at walang ideya sa kung anuman ang nangyayari, well, me too.

"Hi, I am Shekinah. Pleased to meet you." a woman with a curly blonde hair that almost reached her waist approaches us. She lends her hand offering a shake hands while introducing her name on Loki. She smiled on Loki and takes a look on us.

"I'm Alistair, he is Loki, and this is Jamie and Lorelei. Pleased to meet you too." said by Alistair while shaking hands with Shekinah when Loki didn't even bother to take a look at her. She gave a genuine smile on us but we all stopped when we heard the locking of the door.

I turned around and checked the door to only found that it was locked.

"The game begins, huh?" I give a gaze to someone who speaks; actually, we all gave a look at her. " My name is Irish." she said while sipping in her wine.

I'm completely clueless of what was happening.

Lumapit na rin kami nila Loki sa isang malaking table at nakiupo kasama ang iba pang mga participant.

"Since we will be staying with each other for 4 days, we should at least know each other, right?" said by a chubby guy with a transparent eyeglasses and a curly brown hair. "My name is David." he said and gave us a big smile.

"I am Willson." a guy said, he has well-toned body built and a tattoo on his left arm. His tattoo is like a name, I think, but I can't read it properly.

"And I am Andrea." a cute little girl said. She has a brown hair that reaches her shoulder and a beautiful pair of violet eyes.

"I am Alistair." and he smiled to everyone.

"Hi, I'm Jamie Santiago. Nice to meet you all." she said to everyone with a smile on her face.

"I'm Lorelei, you can call me Lori." and I'm all done. I gaze on Loki who is comfortably sitting right next to me.

"What?" he said innocently ng mapansin niyang nakatingin sa kaniya ang lahat ng tao sa loob ng kwarto.

"Introduce yourself." I whispered to him in a low voice.

"Meh, I don't have time for that." he said. I just rolled my eyes on him.

"Sige na." pagpupumilit ko pa.

"Loki." he said while raising his right hand.

"Now ladies and gentlemen, since you all knew each other, let's all start the game by knowing what will be your character. In your chair, you can see yours. Hope you all gonna love it."

Kinilabutan ako ng marinig ko ang huling sinabi nito. We are all clueless kung sino nga ba ang nagsasalita but setting it aside, we all took a look underneath our seat and I saw a paper attached on it.

Detective

It was written here that I'm going to act as detective.

I saw Loki smirked and if my deduction is right, he is also a detective.

"A victim, huh?" I heard Jamie said, it was like a whisper but I heard it clearly.

"Alistair, anong sa iyo?" tanong ko sa katabi kong si Alistair.

"Secret."

"At the back of your chair is a corresponding number, it will be your room number. Good night everyone, and enjoy!" and then it was followed by a demon's laugh and everyone froze for a moment as if they are thinking seriously.

I looked behind the chairs. Nakita kong hindi sunod-sunod ang numerong nakalagay dito. Alistair's number is 6, mine is 10, Loki's is 5, and Jamie's 9.

"Napansin kong hindi magkakasunod-sunod ang number nating apat." I said habang umaakyat na kami patungong second floor kung nasaan ang mga kwarto.

The rooms 2 to 5 are at the left, and the rooms 6 to 10 are at the right. I wonder kung bakit walang room number 1, maybe it is the masters bedroom.

Sa aming apat, tanging si Loki lang ang lumayo dahil nasa left side ang room niya.

MY ROOM was big enough to fit 4 persons, but I was alone here, well, everyone was alone in their own room.

I closed my door and locked it. When I closed the door, I saw a stick-note at the back of it stating

'I must tell you that 10 is a lucky number'

I just shrug my thought off and went to my bed and relaxed myself to sleep.

"KYAAAH!!!"

NAPABALIKWAS AKO ng bangon dahil sa narinig kong sigaw. I hurriedly went out of my room and then I saw a bunch of people in one specific room, the room 8. When I got there, I saw Irish and Willson.

"Bastos ka. Bastos ka. Anong ginagawa mo dito sa kwarto ko? Bastos ka." paulit-ulit na hinahampas ni Irish si Willson habang sinasalag naman ito ng binata.

"Wala akong alam..." sabi ni Willson. Inawat naman nila si Irish.

"Anong nangyari?" sabi ni Andrea ng mahimasmasan na si Irish.

"Pagkagising ko, nakita kong katabi ko na siya." sabi nito habang niyayakap ang sarili.

"Wala akong alam, promise. Ang naaalala ko lang ay natulog ako sa room ko. Doon sa room 3, tapos wala na." sabi nito habang nakataas ang dalawang kamay. "I swear, wala akong ginawang masama."

KYAAAAHHH!!!

I was about to speak when we heard another scream. We ran quickly to where we heard it came from. We saw Shekinah, throbbing, quivering while pointing someone or something.

Loki immediately went to that room, room 2. We followed him only to found out David was hanging on the ceiling. His eyes were wide open, so as his mouth. He was still wearing his socks and pajamas. Loki checked his pulse but he turned to us and shook his head as if he is saying that David is dead.

"David..." said by Andrea while in bended knees... "No..." she was crying, throbbing.

Lumapit ako sa crime scene and I saw a card. The ace of heart. At the back of it, stains of blood were left. But the one that caught my attention is, the three dots. (···)

"Call the police!" said by Willson.

"No. We can't." said by Shekinah while slowly standing up.

"Ano?!" bakas sa boses ni Irish ang galit. "At bakit naman?"

"Nakalimutan niyo na ba na sa larong ito, walang police ni ambulansiyang tutulong sa atin. Wala!" sigaw na sagot ni Shekinah. I froze for a minute at that thought.

Walang ambulansiyang tutulong sa larong ito, walang police kaya mas mainam na gunawa ng perpektong krimen liban nalang sa card na sadya o hindi sadyang iniwan ng killer sa crime scene. Ataska, kung laro lamang ito, bakit nauwi sa ganito?

One thought suddenly came up in my mind, the killer must have taken the chance to kill someone, he took the chance in this game.

I froze for an instant until we heard a sound of bomb near on us. We look out the window and we found out that the bridge connecting this mansion to the the civilization was broken down.

"Ikaw ang may gawa nito?" dali-daling lumapit si Andrea kay Shekinah at akmang sasabunutan ang pinagsususpetsyahan ng biglang sumabat si Loki.

"Walang magagawa ang pagaaway niyo para malutas ang kasong ito." and he turned around leaving us dumbfounded.

NAGPUNTAHAN kami sa dining table at nakita ang isang matandang babae.

"Sino po kayo?" tanong ko sa matandang naghahain ng pagkain.

"Ako po ang inutusan na maghanda ng makakain ninyo. Ipinasasabi din po ng aking master na umupo kayo kung saan kayo na-upo kahapon." sabi nito, pero bago pa man makaalis ay tinanong ko siya dahil kanina pa ito bumabagabag sa aking isipan simula ng makita ko siya.

"Kailan pa po kayo narito?" tanong ko at ngumiti ng kaunti.

"Kahapon pa ineng. Nasa room 1 ako, katulad ng bilin ni master." sabi nito bago umalis.

Nagsiupuan na kaming lahat at naging bakante na ang inupuan ni David kahapon.

Nagsimula na kaming kumain lahat. Tahimik at tanging langitngit lamang ng mga kubyertos na tumatama sa babasaging pinggan ang maririnig.

"Aalis lang ako, maninigarilyo." paalam ni Willson at umalis.

Makalipas ang ilang saglit na katahimikan ay biglang tumayo si Shekinah sa kaniyang upuan.

"Aalis muna ako, excuse me." lahat kami ay nakatingin sa kaniya habang papalayo sa hapagkainan. Napatingin ako bigla kay Andrea ng makarinig ako ng hikbi, namumugto pa rin ang mata nito sa kaiiyak. Si Irish ay nakaismid lang at nakataas ang kilay.

"Nagtataka ako kung bakit nangyari iyon." narinig kong bulong ni Alistair na katabi ko lamang. Nilingon ko siya.

"Bakit naman?" tanong ko sa kaniya pero nanatiling tutok ang kaniyang paningin sa kaniyang pinggan.

"Akala ko'y simpleng laro lamang ito..." sabi niya nang biglang magrinig kong magsalita si Loki.

"This would be interesting and... Fun." he said while grining.

Kinikilabutan ako dahil kay Loki.

Does he said, it would be interesting? Life is at sake here, yet he find it so funny?

May sira na talaga ang lalaking ito. Napailing na lamang ako.

"SINO ba ang unang dumating dito? Well, obviously, kami ang pinakahuli..." said by Jamie sa kalagitnaan ng katahimikan.

"Nang dumating ako dito, kasabay ko si Irish and David. Nakita naming magkasama na si Willson and Shekinah. But we never saw the old lady." sabi ni Andrea habang tinitignan kami sa mata.

"And if I'm not mistaken, they were actually arguing. But I am not really sure what they are arguing about." maarteng saad ni Irish at uminom ng juice.

Itinukod ni Loki ang kaniyang dalawang braso sa lamesa at ipinatong ang kaniyang baba sa palad. He was really thinking seriously, and so am I, I am really confused.

KYAAAAHHH!!!

We heard a shout. If I'm not mistaken... It came from the terrace. We all went to the terrace and we saw Shekinah and Willson...

Shekinah was pulling away herself from Willson's grip...

"Let go of me!" she screamed then suddenly Willson was lying in the floor while holding his throat. His eyes were widely open, white dominated, and his mouth were open...

Napatingin ako sa sahig at nakita ang sigarilyo na sa tingin ko'y ginamit ni Willson but one thing caught my attention, a card.

"He's dead." said by Loki after checking Willson's pulse.

"Ikaw na naman? Ikaw siguro talaga ang may kaggaawan nito, ano?" narinig kong sabi ni Andrea. "Una si David, sunod si Willson. Ano, sino pa ha?"

"Hindi ako ang may gawa nito! Hindi ko sila mapapatay!" agad na sagot ni Shekinah at umalis sa terrace habang umiiyak.

I don't know what to say but I have this gut feeling that.... This card must be stating something.

Dinampot ko ang baraha at nakitang 3 of hearts iyon. Sa harapan nito ay nakasulat ang dalawang tuldok na kulay itim (··).

What must be these cards trying to say?

Ang salarin o ang biktima ba ang nag- iiwan ng clue? Kung ang salarin, bakit niya ginagawa ito? Nais niya bang mahuli siya o may nais siyang pagbintangan... Kung ang biktima naman, bakit hindi isang code nalang ang ibigay niya at hindi itong hiwa-hiwalay. O baka naman, nagpapanggap lang silang lahat and I'm taking everything seriously, and acting like a "real" detective on this game.

"The killer's dead." narinig kong sabi ni Alistair sa aking tabi kaya agad kong inangat ang aking paningin sa kaniya.

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" I asked.

"Nakita ko sa bulsa niya ang papel na ito." ipinakita niya ito at may nakasulat na 'KILLER'

That made me confused at tila nawala bigla sa isipan ko ang huling choice na kanina lamang ay ginawa ko.

And it was not a show, no drama, no acting... It was all real and the killer must be one of us.

I was lying in my bed. The second day is really a tiring day. Kahit na wala akong masyadong ginawa. I feel that all my energy are drained. Paano ba naman, I am still confused of what was happening.

Suddenly, nakarinig ako ng kaluskos mula sa labas and my curiosity triggered me to follow it. I went to my door and opened it slowly, hoping that it won't make any sound.

As I walk out of my room, I saw Shekinah heading to room 7, Andrea's room. She came out from Irish's room.

Nagtataka ako kung ano ang ginawa niya doon.

I slowly followed her into Andrea's room pero nanatili lang ako sa labas.

"Andrea, you should believe me. Please..." I heard Shekinah said.

"Why would I? Alam ko namang hindi mo na mahal si David pero ayaw ka niyang pakawalan... Maybe you planned this kasi sobrang desperada ka nang makawala sa relasyon niya at gusto mo namang sulutin ngayon ang boyfriend ng Ate Irish. Gusto mo si Willson pero he just loved Irish too much at hindi mo matanggap kaya pinatay mo siya... My gosh Shekinah! Tell me why would I kung sa lahat ng circumstances na nakikita ko ay ikaw ang itinuturong may sala. You're my best friend. Alam mong mahal ko si David pero since ikaw ang gusto niya, I let him go pero sana kung ayaw mo na sa kaniya, you shouldn't never killed him."

I was shocked of what I just heard from Andrea. It's just...

I shook my head but I froze when I saw Loki behind me, standing still and looking serious as he always is.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him and he looked at me.

"I followed Shekinah. But I never really heard her talking with Irish. Pero alam kong galing siya sa kwarto nito. Then now... Hmm.." he said and straighten his back. "I feel something odd." he said before passing me and leaving me behind.

"What is it?" I asked but he seem not to hear it.

I just shrugged and went to my room. I closed it and lay down to my bed. Still wondering what Andrea means when she said those words.

THE THREE of us went to Loki's room, room 5. Alistair, Jamie and I were confused of what this sudden and 'urgent' meeting will be.

It was 3 a.m. when Loki suddenly texted me that we should have a meeting in his room, URGENT.

Kaya heto kami at nakatayo palibot sa kaniya habang siya ay nanatiling kalmadong nakaupo.

"Have you heard about the three survivors?"

I raised my eyebrow after hearing what Loki said. Anong connect? Like, anong connect noon sa urgent meeting na sinasabi niya.

"What about them, Loki?" said by Jamie while slowly seating beside Loki.

"Ever heard the story about this mansion?"

"No." Alistair answered. I remain quiet and listen to what Loki might add.

"This mansion was said to be mysterious. 10 years ago, police found this mansion full of blood and dead people." he said. Nagtaka ako kung saan niya nakuha ang kwentong iyon pero hindi ko maitatangging kinilabutan ako...

"Madaming namatay at pinaghihinalaan na dahil iyon sa iniwan ng may-ari nito."

"And what is that?" Curiosity triggered me to speak and ask.

"Gold." he said and stood up. Nilagay niya sa bulsa ang mga kamay and he intently looked at the three of us.

"You should trust... NO ONE." and he went out of the room leaving us dumbfounded.

WE ALL went to the dining room. I look at everyone and I observed that Shekinah's eyes swell as well as Andrea's eyes.

Irish? Since the day I met her, she have this aura. Parang laging bad mood. She never smiled on us. Or it is just what I thought because when our eyes met, she gave me a little smile.

" I think we should get some fresh air outside. It would be great if did, right?" yaya ni Irish sa aming lahat. Well, this news for me, she smiled all the gay in her eyes.

"It's okay." and it was also news to me for Loki to reply quickly.

Not so sudden, we are all in the garden. The front door may be locked but the back door isn't. Manang Taila, the one who always prepare our breakfast, joined us and toured us.

"Sige, maglakad- lakad muna kayo at lumanghap ng sariwang hangin dito sa hardin, doon muna ako sa kusina at magluluto ng pananghalian."

Manang Taila left us. We continued exploring this mansion's garden. Irish was ahead, I'm behind her then Andrea was slowly walking behind me then the others are savouring the view.

Sinundan ko si Irish nang may makita akong parang alambreng walang kulay na maaaring mahagip ang paa ni Irish. If I'm not mistaken, this trap was what mostly used to attack someone indirectly.

Before Irish could step on it, I pulled her hand but she seemed to be surprised and she got out of balance, natapakan niya ang string na iyon. Luckily, nahila ko ang ulo niya pababa kaya hindi iyon nahiwa ng blade na bigla na lang lumabas ng maapakan

Opo...

Before Irish could step on it, I pulled her hand but she seemed to be surprised and she got out of balance, natapakan niya ang string na iyon. Luckily, nahila ko ang ulo niya pababa kaya hindi iyon nahiwa ng blade na bigla na lang lumabas ng maapakan niya ang alambre.

"Oh my gosh! Thank you Lorelei. Thank you so much!" she said and hugged me. I heard her sobbed. "I'm scared that I will be the third victim... I don't want to die." she said.

I'm not really good at comforting, so I just patted her back hoping that this would help her ease her fear.

WE ALL went inside and when we are all done eating, they went to their room but I didn't instead, I followed Manang Taila who was heading somewhere else.

I followed her until we reached a big door, above it is the engraved number 1.

She went inside and so I did. The door closed and made a sound, Manang Taila looked at my direction and I saw a look of surprise plastered on her face.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito, ineng?" she asked and I smiled sweetly.

"Pwede po ba kayong matanong tungkol sa nangyari dito, sampung taon na ang nakararaan?" tanong ko sa kaniya.

"I-ineng... Bakit mo pala natanong?" parang kinakabahang tanong nito.

"May nakapagsabi lamang po sa akin... Hindi naman pong masama kung maitanong ko sa inyo, diba? Feeling ko po kasi may alam ka dahil alam na alam mo at kabisado mo ang bawat parte ng bahay. Ibig sabihin hindi lamang isang beses kundi maraming beses ka ng namalagi rito." I slowly said those words while taking slow steps towards her.

She seemed too nervous.

"Ah... Eh... Hindi ko alam kung ako ba dapat ang magsabi nito... Pero kasi... Ano..." namamawis ang kaniyang noo at nanginginig ang boses habang sinasabi ang mga iyon.

Nginitian ko siya, "Makakaasa po kayong, sa atin lamang ito."

Nagaalinlangan man, kusang bumuka ang kaniyang bibig at nagsalita.

"You should at least took the shot. Once in a lifetime lang naman eh... Haha!"

"Naman, ako pa ba men?"

"The fuck was wrong with you, stupid maid!" napahinto ang isang babaeng nakasuot ng uniporme ng bulyawan ng isang lalaking lango na sa alak.

"P-asensya na po sir." tugon nito at agad pinulot ang mga nahulog niyang gamit pati na rin ang nabasag na mamahaling babasaging baso.

"Tsk." sabi ng lalaki at pasuray-suray na umalis.

Pumatak na ang alas-diyes ng gabi at tinungo na ng mayordoma ang room 1 tulad ng utos ng kaniyang master.

"Sir, matutulog na po ako." paalam niya sa kaniyang master na nasa room 1 bago pumunta sa room 10. Wala mang narinig na tugon ay isinawalang-bahala na lamang niya iyon kahit na nagtataka dahil tumutugon naman ito dati pwera nalang ngayon.

Naka-idlip ang mayordoma ngunit pagkapatak ng alas-dose ay tumunog na ang orasan, ang orasan sa room 1. Naalompungatan siya at nakaramdam ng uhaw kaya agad niyang tinungo ang kusina ngunit, nasa hagdan pa lamang ay nakakahindik na pangyayari na ang kaniyang natunghayan. Ang mga tao na kanina'y nagkakasiyahan ay ngayon, walang habas na nag-aaway at... Nagpapatayan.

Dali-daling tumakbo paakyat ang mayordoma patungong room 4 kung nasaan ang nagiisang anak na babae ng kaniyang master. Malapit palang ay naririnig na niya ang hagulgol nito. Binuksan niya ang pinto at agad niyakap. Pinsan ito sa kaniyang likod at nagtungo sa room 1 pero naabutan niyang naliligo na sa sariling dugo ang master niya.

"Da-daddy... Huhu..." iyak ng batang nasa likuran niya. Gusto niyang umiyak at sumigaw ngunit mas poniki niyang maging kalmado... Alang-alang sa batang pasan-pasan niya.

Ginamit niya ang back door upang makaalis sa isang buhay na bangungot na iyon. Tiningnan niya ang mukha ng batang babaeng karga-karga niya. May balat ang babae sa likod ng tainga patungong batok.

"Pinili kong umalis at huwag magsalita. Natatakot ako." sabi ni Manang Taila. Bakas sa kaniya ang pagkatakot habang kinukwento ang kaganapang iyon.

"Bakit naman?" tanong ko.

"May tatlong nakaligtas. Ang akala ng iba'y, isang masayang balita na iyon dahik maituturo na ang salarin at nagpaumpisa ng pangyayaring iyon. Pero nagkamali sila..." tugon nito.

"Paanong nagkamali? Sabihin mo, ano ba ang nangyari?"

"Ilang araw lang ang nagdaan matapos ang balitang pagkakaligtas ng tatlong tao, pimunta ako sa mansion ngunit nakita ko silang tatlo doon at naguusap..."

"What happened will remain in the three of us. Okay?" sabi ng isang babae habang humihithit ng sigarilyo.

"Buti nalang at ang alam nila ay biktina lang din tayo, pero ang nakakainis... Hindi natin alam kung saan tinago ng gagong iyon ang ginto. Puta, papatayin na't lahat-lahat, nagmatigas pa rin." lalaking-lalaki ang boses na sabi ng isang lalaking may malaking tattoo sa leeg. 'Winter' ang nakasulat dito.

Sa pangamba ng mayordoma ay agad siya umalis ngunit nakalikha lamang iyon ng ingay kaya napalingon ang isang lalaking nakatalikod sa kaniya at nakita ang mukha nito.

"Naaalala mo pa ba ang itsura niya?" tanong ko sa kaniya.

"Kamukha niya si... David."

"OKAY KA lang ba?" sabi ni Alistair sabah tapik sa aking balikat. Nagbalik ako sa aking diwa. "Mukhang malalim ang iniisip mo, mind sharing it?" sabi nito at umupo sa tabi ko. Andito kami ngayon sa hardin, nakaupo sa ibabang parte ng malaking puno.

"Ang gulo..." naisatinig ko. Naguguluhan na ako sa mga pangyayari.

"Handa akong makinig..." sabi niya at hinawakan ang kamay ko, napatingin ako sa kaniya at napahinga ng malalim.

"Si David, isa siya sa mga survivor sa insedenteng nangyari dito, sampung taon na ang nakakaraan." sabi ko at inialis ang tingin sa kaniya. Pinisil niya ang kamay ko kaya wala na akong nagawa kundi ikwento lahat ng aking nalalaman.

"Anong nangyari sa anak na babae?" tanong ni Alistair nang matapos kong magkwento.

Napatayo ako ng maalala kong nakalimutan ko rin iyong itanong. Dali-dali akong napatakbo patungong room 1 habang kasunod si Alistair.

Pagkadating ko roon ay nakita kong andoon na ang lahat. Nagtataka ako dahil tila ba may pinagtututukan sila ng atensyon. Tumingin ako roon at nakitang nakahandusay na sa sahig si Manang Taila, punong-puno ng dugo habang yakap-yakap siya ni Shekinah na umiiyak at puno na rin ng dugo.

"BUKAS MATATAPOS na ang laro. Uuwi na tayo pero, hindi akong naniniwalang si Shekinah ang gumawa noon." sabi ni Jamie habang nakahawak sa kaniyang ulo at napaupo.

Napatango nalang ako dahil maski ako ay sang-ayon sa kaniya. Nasa room 10 kami ngayon, sa kwarto ko.

Nilapag ni Loki sa table ang dalang card, ace of hearts at three of hearts.

"Morse code..." sabi niya at napataas ang kilay ko.

"Anong kinalaman ng morse code dito?" tanong ko bigka sa kaniya.

"See the three dots in the ace of hearts, it means letters 'S'. The two dots in three of hearts means letter 'E'." he said while writing down the letters he said.

"S and E? Sino ang tinutukoy nito?" tanong naman ni Alistair.

"Maybe Ace signifies as the first which mean, S should be the first letter. Three, well, obviously means the third. E should be the third letter." he then write letters S and E, sa gitna nilang dalawa ay isang blank.

"May isa pang letter na kulang." sabi naman ni Jamie.

"Pero hindi ba kayo nagktataka kung kanino galing ang mga cards na ito." tanong ko ulit.

"Good observation, but what if the killer intently left this card to point someone else. Sometimes, the one who acted as a victim is the killer."

"THIS MEET up was really unexpected though." said by Irish but she still choose to sit down. Kahit naman ako ay nagulat ng biglang mag-aya si Loki na pumunta sa dining table.

"Since bukas na ang last day, I want everyone's attention to be in this." said by Loki and like what he do earlier, pinakita niya ang dalawang cards.

"Ano naman ang gagawin namin diyan?" asked by Andrea habang nakataas ang kilay.

"Titigan mo ng matagal baka gumalaw." sarkastikong pahayag ni Jamie. Napatingin naman si Andrea sa kaniya at binigyan naman siya ni Jamie ng malaking ngiti. Napailing nalamang ako.

"Just what I said to Alistair, Jamie and Lorelei, the killer's first letter must be S and the third one is E." explained by Loki.

"And how do you come up with such thing?" asked by Irish while raising her eyebrows on Loki.

"Ace is first, the letter is written in morse code which means S, three means third, letter is E." sabi ni Loki habang nilalabas ang papel na kanina'y sinulatan niya.

"Uhuh? How about the second letter? Have any deduction, Mr. Detective?" Irish said and laugh sarcastically.

"The letter I am thinking is 'H'." sabi niya habang nakakunot ang noo.

"Paanong..." napabulong ako sa sinabi niya. But then, on the second thought, hindi na ako umangal. It is Loki, alam kong may masasabi siya. Well, I can't contrast him kasi wala naman akong madededuct.

"Simple, Ace of Hearts and three of Hearts. Letter H stands for hearts. Mapapansin niyong, walang two, it was intend to be like that. Sinadya ng killer." Loki said then we heard a clap.

"Nice deduction of yours, Mr. Detective. I was really surprised about it, how about reaveling the killer's identity? Oh, sorry, I almost forgot. Did you all miss me?" we heard again that voice.

Strange, who was that and what is his or her intention?

"Who are you..." I heard Alistair said while shrugging. He seemed really confused.

"I am..." then we heard nothing after that.

"It just some trick made by someone, someone with us." Loki said while raising a recording.

"Oh..." we all have wide eyes when we saw it.

"Sino naman ang posibleng may pakana ng lahat na ito?" tanong ni Shekinah.

"The killer." Loki said. "Planado na ang lahat simula pa lamang."

"So the killer must be..." said by Jamie while looking at Shekinah.

"We are still not sure kung siya, wala pa tayong ebidensiya." sabi naman ni Alistair nang makita niya ang kakaibang tingin ng halos lahat ng taong nasa silid.

"But Andrea said, si Willson at Shekinah ang nauna rito. It must be one of them pero since wala na si Willson, it must be Shekinah. At isa pa, they were actually arguing when we arrived." dipensa naman ni Irish.

"Oh no. You were wrong... It is not Shekinah, even though the card says the word SHE. It doesn't mean SHEkinah is the killer. Well, I found out that it was the word SHE that the cards were saying by some realization. The first letter is S and the third is E, hearts ang ginamit ng killer. Why so? Bakit hindi Diamond or anything? Because of the significant of letter H to solve the mystery word." mahabang explanation ni Loki.

"She, hindi ba't iyon ang first three letter ng pangalan ni Shekinah? Bakit hindi siya ang killer?" tanong ulit ni Andrea.

"By means, ang ibig sabihin ng 'she' ay babae. The only girl who survived. The mansion was a mystery since ten years because of what happened here. Maraming namatay at may tatlong nakaligtas, at nagiisa lamang ang babae doon. And she was here to continue what she started, ang masaklap, her plan doesn't go at what it is. The two others who survived are planning to take part."

"Planning to take part?" tanong ko.

"When Lorelei asked Manang Taila all about the incident ten years ago, I was there and listening. And I found out, that the three survivors are also the manipulator of the incident. Sa madaling salita, ang mga nakaligtas ang nagpasimula ng gulo at bumabalik sila dito para tapusin ang sinimulan nila. It is not really about solving case or mystery why she was here, she was after the gold that is kept here."

"Gold?" we asked in chorus.

"Pero bakit kailangan niya pang patayin yung dalawa?"

"Bakit hindi natin tanungin mismo sa kaniya?" Loki said and looked at Irish.

"Anong ako?" she said while raising her eyebrows.

"Bakit hindi ikaw?" Loki said.

"Well, bakit ako ang naging killer. I was also a victim at muntik na rin akong mamatay." dipensa niya.

"It is just for some acting. Acting like a victim para makatakas sa paghihinala ng tao. It was good though, but I'm not convinced, bigla kang bumait and act as if you are vulnerable but after that, you return as what you are, fearless."

"No... Hindi ko magagawang patayin si Willson. I just can't!" she said. "Mahal ko siya, okay?"

"No you're not. For the record, simula nang araw na nakita namin kayong magkasama sa kwarto, naghinala na ako. Bakit hindi mo kayang tabihan si Willson, bakit parang diring-diri ka? Well, that is to divert our attention at hindi naming mapansing wala si Shekinah and David. You actually used David's number to message Shekinah to go to his room. You actually don't love Willson... As much as you love David? Ang tanong, bakit mo siya nagawang patayin?" sabi ni Loki habang hinihimas ang baba niya.

"What..." napailing na lamang si Irish at tila hindi makapaniwala. We are all intently listening to them.

"To sum it all, you Miss Irish is the killer and the mastermind of the incident ten years ago." he step forward until he reached Irish and held her arms.

Irish cried. "Sorry detective, but you are wrong." she laughed but her tears are still falling from her eyes. "They pushed me to kill them. Tama ka, hindi ko mahal si Willson." she said and look into Andrea , "I'm sorry, ate lied to you."

"Ate..." Andrea's tears started to fall too.

"Everyone thinks I aged twenty, but actually I am thirty. I tried to forget what happened ten years ago and live life with David. Pero nalaman kong sila na ni Shekinah. I tried to break-up with Willson but he wouldn't let me and he threaten me. Kung hindi ko makukuha ang ginto na nandito sa mansyon, he will kill Andrea and David. I laothe him, he's such a monster, a hearthless monster... Ginawa ko lahat huwag lang niyang gawin iyon, but then, David said that he would sing. Ipapaalam niya ang mga kagaguhang ginawa naming tatlo ten years ago, dahil gusto niyang mapatawad siya ni Shekinah." humagulgol sa iyak si Irish.

"Hindi ko na gustong mabahiran pang muli ng dugo ang aking kamay pero... Nagawa kong muli iyon. I know Shekinah loved Willson and all she do was to hurt David. Masyadong magulo at kabit-kabit... Akala ko sa mga ginawa ko, siya ang mapagbibintangan, but I was wrong at nagsisisi na ako kung bakit kong nagawang patayin si David." she said.

"And I also have this feeling, you killed David pero naramdaman mong nasa likuran mo si Willson, because actually, he has a sleep walking habit and as his girlfriend, I'm pretty sure that you know it al

"And I also have this feeling, you killed David pero naramdaman mong nasa likuran mo si Willson, because actually, he has a sleep walking habit and as his girlfriend, I'm pretty sure that you know it already." added by Loki. "But killing was never really a solution, it was indeed a mistake."

"Yes, I know. And killing was never really my cup of tea, kasi kahit gaano ko pa na-master iyon, you really have a way to make me surrender. Paank ba iyan, wala na ang tulay?" sabi ni Irish habang tinataas ang dalawang kamay.

"Who said that we are using the bridge?" Loki said at may narinig kaming malakas na ugong na nanggagaling sa labas. We all went out and we saw a helicopter.

THE DAY went on, Irish surrender to the police and the bridge was in re-construction. But one thing still can't get out of my brain.

I was lying on my bed when I heard my phone rang. I answered the phone without looking at the caller.

"Hello, who's this?" I asked in bored tone.

"Lorelei, your Tita Martha said that your not at home for four days. Where were you?" he asked without any greeting.

"Anywhere... Just having some fun." I answered.

"You never come to the party, napahiya ako sa harap ng business partners natin." he said in monotonous voice and I just shrug even if he can't see it.

"Sorry, I am busy." I said.

"I have something to give you." he then cut the line.

MONTHS later, it was our Christmas break and I was surprised to saw a letter from my dad.

"What's that?" Loki said while sitting in the sofa. I sit beside him.

"Ewan ko, parang mapa." I said. Inabot ko sa kaniya and his eyes widened.

"Ang nawawalang mapa!" he said. I was cluess of what he is saying so I asked him what, "Remember the incident in the mansion? Irish is searching for the gold pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi niya pa rin iyon mahanap dahil nawawala ang mapa, but then, all of a sudden. Nasa dad mi lang pala." he said and I was shocked.

We hurriedly call Jamie and Alistair to come with us. We will search the missing gold.

LAHAT kami au nakatingin sa mansion na nasa harap namin. Gladly at mabilis lang natapos ang pagaayos sa brige, medyi maliit lang naman ang naging damage ng pagsabog, nag-over react lang kami.

Before we enter, tiningnan muli namin ang mapa, sa ibaba nito ay may nakasulat.

When the north clock moved

Nagkatinginan kaming lahat and decided na pumasok na. Nagulat kami ng makita si Shekinah na nasa loob rin...

"Uh... H-hello..." bati niya sa amin. Nginitian ko naman siya.

"Hi..." sabi naman ni Jamie.

"Aalis na ako." pero bago pa man makalaais ay pinigilan na siya ni Loki.

"Bakit hindi ka sumama sa amin?" tanong ni Loki at wala namang ibang nagawa si Shekinah kundi ang sumama.

The map guide us to room 1. Nang makapasok kami ay tatlong malalaking orasan ang bumungad sa amin. Noong una kong makapasok dito ay hindi ko ito agad napansin dahil tutok ang atensyon ko kay Manang Taila. Ngayon ko lamang napagmasdan ang buong silid at masasabi kong maganda ang ayos nito, peri halata mong luma na. Magaganda rin ang antique na orasan na nasa harapan namin.

Lumapit ako sa orasan na iyon at hindi sinasadyang magalaw ang isang kamay nito, may narining akobg crack pero binalewala ko lamang iyon.

"Morse code ulit?" narinig kong sabi ni Jamie habang nakatingin sa papel na mapa. Lumapit akong muli sa kanila.

·----/---···/-----/-----

"One o'clock?" patanong na saad ni Loki. I looked to the clock na kanina lang ay nilapitan ko.

Lumapit akong muli at kusang naggalaw ang mga kamay ko upang hawakan ang kamay ng orasan, nagbalik lang ako sa diwa ng maramdaman kong matatanggal na ang orasan. Doon ko lang napagtanto na sa likuran ng malaking orasan na ito ay may nakatagong isa pang pintuan.

Lahat sila ay napatingin, agad namang lunapit sa akin si Shekinah at tunulungan akong ibaba ng maayos ang orasan.

Pinihit ni Jamie ang pintuan at bumungad sa amin ang limpaklimpak na kayamanan. Agad na pumasok si Shekinah at nakita ko ang mga luhang pumatak sa mata niya.

"BAKIT NA sa iyo ang mapa ba iyon, dad?" tanong ko sa aking ama. Andito kaming muli sa coffee shop kung saan kami'y dati nagkita. Kagagaling ki lamang sa school.

"Alam kong pinuntahan mo ang mansyong iyon. Nakakatawa dahil, ikaw pala at ang mga kasama mo ang makakalutas sa pinagaagawan ng tao noong sampung taon na ang nakakaraan. Marahil ay, sila David, Willson at Irish lang ang nakilala mong nakaligtas." sabk niya at kusang napakunot ang aking noo.

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" tanong ko sa kaniya. "Paano mo sila nakilala?"

"Tinatanong mo kung bakit nasa akin ang mapa. Ten years ago, kasama ako sa mga taong nakaligtas sa nangayaring insidente. Pinagaagawan ng lahat ang kayamanan ni Don Isiah, ang dapat sana'y pagpapakilala niya sa nagiisang anak ay nauwi sa kaguluhan dahil sakim ang mga tao. Sila Irish, David, at Willson ang nagplano sa pagpatay sa kaniya at ang nagpasimula ng kaguluhan. Marahil ay hindi mo alam pero naging mabuting kaibigan ko si Isiah at sa akin niya pinagkatiwala ang anak niya at ang mapa ngunit ng puntahan ko ang kwarto ng anak niya ay wala na ito." sabi nito at sumimsin sa kapeng hawak-hawak.

"Huh..." napahingab malalim ako ng marinig ko ang rebelasyong iyon. Hindi ako nakapaniwala. "Ibig sabihin, hindi lang isang babae ang nakaligtas."

"Tama ka. Dahil ang totoong bilang ng nakaligtas ay anim." sagot nito at nanatiling walang emosyon ang kaniyang mukha.

"Pero bakit hindi ka nagsalita? Bakit hindi mo sinabi ang nalalaman mo?" tanong ko sa kaniya.

"Dahil hindi na kailangan. Alam kong darating din ang araw na ito. Ayoko namang madawit ang pangalan ko tungkol sa nangyari noong sanpung taon, baka masira lang ako sa mga business partners ko. At isa pa, tapos na iyon. Gusto ko lamang na malinawan ka. Isa ako sa mga nakaligtas sa insidenteng iyon kasama na sila Irish, Willson, David, Taila at ang anak ni Don Isiah na si Shekinah." and he stand and leave me dumbfounded.

So it has six, the survivors are them.

TO MAKE long story short, siguro magiging masaya na ang lahat.

Irish was in prison because of killing Willson ang David. Inamin na rin niya ang nangyari insidente twn years ago.

Willson's family and so as David's, mahirap man tanggapin ang pagkamatay ng mahal sa buhay, life must go on. They continue life without them, iniisip na, they are always guiding them.

For Andrea, she slowly moving on. Alam ko namang sobrang hirap makakita nh bangkay sa harap, especially she loved David so much. At the thought na ang ate niya ang killer, it would definitely hurt so much.

Shekinah is very thankful dahil finally, his father's death has the justice she wished for. Ang mga mana niya at nakuha na niya and live life to its fullest.

For the four of us, same thing go on. School and the club. Well, I am used to it. Ganito ang palaging eksena sa buhay ko, but I'm happy.

~THE END~

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