Case 80: The Meet Up

Skyler’s POV

Esburgh University. Friday. 1045 HR.

Nanunuod yung mga schoolmates ko ng basketball. Mainit na naman kasi ang labanan para sa University Cup. I’m sure you’re all familiar about it. Everyone from all the universities, colleges and international academy are watching that.

Pupuntahan ko sana si Miss Amy sa classroom niya, surprisingly, naabutan ko siya sa hallway na may mga kausap na babae. Unti-unting nakikipag-socialize na si Miss Amy with her classmates. Good indication toh para lumuwag ang pagbabantay ko sa kanya.

“Hi Miss.” bati ko sa kanya, ngumiti din ako sa mga kausap niyang babae.

“Hi Sky.” she smiled at me, ganun din yung mga kausap niya.

“Good morning Senior Skyler.” bati nila saken.

“Good morning din.”

“What brings you here? Akala ko pa naman you’re also like those guys out there na seryosong nanunuod ng basketball eh.” turo ni Miss Amy sa mga kumpulang lalaki sa may isang side ng hallway.

“Ah, hindi. Itatanong ko lang kung may lakad ka? So I can clear my schedule and accompany you.”

“Hmm… wala naman. I’m going home lang. You can just call the driver so he can pick me up. I’m fine naman na eh.” sabi nito.

“Oh? Okay.” tatawag na sana ako sa driver ng bigla akong hinila ni Miss Amy.

“Ahh wait—onga pala, may gagawin ka ba sa Saturday Sky?”

“W-Wala naman po Miss Amy, why?”

“Ahh! Good. Kasi yayayain sana kitang magdinner sa labas. Ang alam ko kasi, after this semester, you’re going to apply na for OJT training sa industry right? So di ka na din pala magba-bodyguard saken. My Dad told me that last night.”

“Ah—okay. I was planning to inform you that next week pa, akala ko kasi malulungkot ka.”

“No! I’m fine! I’m a big girl naman na eh.” she smiled at me. Lately, nakikita ko ngang kaya na niyang umuwi mag-isa.

And all of that happened nung nawala siya at natagpuan ko siyang kasama pa si Rima. I don’t know what Rima told her pero I’m sure, she did that for Miss Amy. Alam kong naging anghel na naman ang girlfriend ko sa ibang tao just as how she was an angel noon saken.

Wew. Angel pala girlfriend ko eh? That means I’ll go straight to heaven right? ;)

“Hey Sky!” naawat ako sa paged-daydream ng tawagin ako ni Miss Amy.

“Y-Yeah?”

She giggled. “You’re stunned. You thought of something?” she asked.

“N-No. Nothing. Just a playful memory I guess.”

“Wow. A memory can make you smile now huh?” she sighed and smiled at me. “I remember those days when I was the only one who can make you smile. Ngayon even simple memories can do that to you now. I’m kinda jealous!” she pouted.

Ginulo ko naman yung buhok niya. “Silly—“

Natigilan ito at hinawakan agad ang buhok nito. “Ahh. My hairrrr.” she squealed. Oh shoot. I forgot na hindi nga pala siya si Rima na pwede kong batok-batukan anytime. Just simple gestures are too much for her, ganun siya ka-sensitive.

“Miss, sorry. I’m—“

“N-No it’s okay. Punta lang ako ng washroom ah. And don’t forget our date on Saturday!” nakangiti niyang sabi tsaka tumakbo sa restroom.

=____=

Ang sensitive naman nun. Oh well, that’s Miss Amy. Dati naman sanay ako sa ganun niyang ugali. Ugh. Maybe I’m getting used to Rima so much. It’s more of an addiction already.

^____^

Who cares? Haha.

Rima’s POV

Gilmore College. Friday. 0323 HR.

“Rima eto na yung notes mo salamat ah!”

“Kelan ka pupunta ng mall? SAMA!”

“Eh talaga? Haba ng hair mo dyan!”

“Teh ano ka? Si Chichay? Di bagay sayo yan!”

“Oh please, watch and learn!”

Naglalakad ako sa hallway at wala ng mag-sink in sa lahat ng mga naririnig ko sa mga maiingay kong schoolmates. I’m just being haunted while I’m awake.

“Rima!”

I need to choose.

Will I do what that person said?

Paano pag hindi totoo yung email?

“Rima!!! Hey!!!”

What if I put myself in danger just like before?

Pero kung hindi ngayon, kelan pa?

What on earth am I gonna do?!

“RIMA!” may biglang humila saken swinging me fast in the back. Shocked is obviously written all over my face and in a zap I’m back in reality.

“P-President Carleen?!”

“I was calling you so many times! You deaf?” she said.

I shake my head just so I can put two in two of things. “I-I’m sorry. Uhm, medyo pagod lang siguro.” I reasoned out.

“Well, obviously you looked tired. How was your exams?”

“It’s fine. Sana. Hopefully. Err. Ewan.” =___=

“Aish.” she rolled her eyes.

“M-Mauna na ako Pres. Medyo madami pa akong gagawin eh.” I said.

“Madami? Tapos na ang finals ah?”

“Aish basta! Bye!” nagkamot ako ng ulo tsaka nagmamadaling tumakbo paalis ng school. Ugh sorry Pres, madami akong dapat ayusin at alalahanin kesa sa walang kwentang finals!

Manang Ason’s Apartment. 0934 HR.

Pag-uwi ko ng bahay, nakatitig lang ako sa sketch ng meeting place na sinabi sa email. Hanggang ngayon, I don’t know kung pupunta ba ako o hindi. Si Tito Harvey ba toh? Kilala ko siya, if siya nga toh, magpapakilala siya. He’s very fond of his name.

Dela Vega… a very prominent name. Who wouldn’t want to scream it to the world, right?

After a few hundreds of sighs, I decided to… go downstairs and eat.

Excuse me, nagugutom din ako. Mamaya na ulit ang serious talk, uunahin ko muna ang tawag ng tiyan ko. Ayokong tumawa, wala ako sa mood. -_-

O________O

Napatigil ako saglit pagbukas ko ng pintuan. Nakasandal sa pader si Skyler, ano toh? Nagpo-photo shoot mag-isa? Problema nito? =___=

“Anyare sayo?”

Tumayo siya ng tuwid at lumapit saken. “Ikaw dapat ang tinatanong ko niyan. Anong nangyari sayo ha?” seryoso niyang tanong saken. T-Teka? Nalaman na ba niya yung email? P-Paano?!

“W-Wala ah! Anong nangyaring pinagsasasabi mo dyan!” I said defensively.

Walang pasabi ba namang nagpout sa harap ko. “Eh kasi namiss kita. Kanina pa kaya ako nag-aantay na lumabas ka dyan sa kwarto mo.” he said.

( > 3 <)/

Aww. What a cutie pie. :”>

“Ah ganun ba?” I closed the door at niyakap siya. Natigilan siya dahil sa nagawa ko. Bigla kasing gumaan ang loob ko eh. Buong araw na akong di mapakali tapos eto ang bubulaga sayo… medyo masarap sa feeling? ^_^

“Wow Bangs. Ang sweet mo ah. Wait kinikilig ako. Haha.” he laughed and hugged me tight. I felt him kiss me in the forehead too.

“I just had a long day. Thanks for being here.”

Kumalas siya sa pagkakayakap at tumingin saken. “Something happened?” he asked worriedly.

Should I tell him?

“Wala. I’m hungry. Let’s eattt!” hinila ko na siya papunta sa baba tsaka kami kumain. Natapos kaming kumain at lahat na nakatitig lang siya saken habang nakangiti. Nyemas, nakakailang talagang kumain kasama toh.

“Yah. Kanina ka pa nakangiti dyan ah!”

“Haaay. Eh sa maganda yung view ko eh.” sabay kindat pa saken.

“For God’s sake I’m eating Skyler. Will you stop that?” I spat.

“Aww. But I love you~” he said at nagpuppy eyes pa.

“Ughhh.”

“Kanina lang ang sweet mo saken tapos eto at parang kinamumuhian mo ako. Wala naman akong ginawa kung hindi ang mahalin ka.”

Gusto ko ng tumawa pero di ko magawa. Alam mo yung kahit gusto mong matawa kasi corny pero napapangiti ka nalang? Magka-iba yung tawa at ngiti. MAGKAIBA SIYA PARA SAKEN. Please maka-relate kayooooo! >_<

“Uyyy. Kilig ka noh? Alam mo kung bakit?”

Tumingin lang ako sa kanya.

“Kasi…” he reached his hands sa cheeks ko. “mahal na mahal kita!” then he smiled.

I can’t help it, napangiti nalang ako habang nagsasalansan ng mga pinggan. Pinapanuod niya nga lang pala akong maghugas ng plato. Kapal mukha. >///>

“Fine.” I said while smiling widely.

“Oo nga pala, may lakad ako bukas, kasama ko si Miss Amy.” sabi nito.

“Lakad? Eh Saturday yun ah? Saan lakad niyo?”

“She’ll treat me dinner. Nalaman niya kasi na magreresign na ako as bodyguard after this semester. Parang farewell party lang ganun. Okay lang ba?” he asked.

“Sure. Okay lang!” ^_^

“Ewan ko kung matutuwa ako o hindi dahil hindi ka man lang magselos eh.” he grinned.

“There’s nothing to be jealous of Sky. Amy is such a nice girl.”

Kinabukasan, nagkulong ako buong araw sa kwarto. Kumatok lang saken si Skyler para kumain. After that, sinasabi kong gusto kong matulog para makatakas muna sa kanya. Ewan ko pero buti nalang at may lakad siya mamayang gabi. And why would I be jealous? Patay na patay saken yang si Sky eh. Cheret. XD

Okay serious talk na nga.

Pinag-aaralan ko na rin yung location, in case lang na magkaroon ng kung ano mang scenario eh makakatakas ako in one piece. AND ALIVE. Isang lumang abandoned underground parking lot malapit sa pier ang napili niyang meeting place.

Playful ang location. Gaya ng ibang underground parking lot, paikot ito at napakaraming pader. Para ka lang naglalaro ng Winback, Counter Strike at kung ano ano pang shooting games sa pc. Ni hindi ko alam if I’m going to face one person or one group… but whatever it is, me and my .45 caliber is ready.

Bago umalis si Sky, kumatok ito saken at nagpaalam. Ang bango naman ng lalaking toh, makikipag-dinner lang naman siya sa boss niya ah? Effort much? =_=

“Why the sad face?”

“Wala, you seemed very prepared.”

“Oh come on, ganito talaga ang normal kong itchura Rima. Don’t deny it.” he grinned.

“Madapa ka sana sa sobrang yabang mo!”

“Sus.” kinurot niya ilong ko. “I’ll be back later. Don’t go anywhere else ha?” he said.

Medyo natamaan ako dun ah. Reality check Rima, you’re about to face a person who just sent you an email threat. We never know if you’re gonna be alive or dead after a few hours.

Still not gonna say it to him, ey?

Oh shut up stupid thoughts. Why are you even speaking. >_>

“Uy. Natahimik ka bigla?”

“Ah—eh, wala. Nag-iisip lang ng gagawin habang mag-isa ako dito. Safe sa loob ng apartment. He-he-he. You know…” ang bobo ko talagang magsinungaling. T^T

“Okay?” Skyler said awkwardly. “Aalis na ako. Be a good girl okay?” I nodded and he kissed me on the forehead tsaka siya bumaba. Nung tignan ko ang relo, 0912 HR.

After 30 minutes, dahan-dahan akong lumabas ng apartment at sumakay sa motorbike ko. Wearing my helmet with pride and fear, I head on to the location…

May the odds be ever in my favor.

Skyler’s POV

Very expensive restaurant. 1023 HR.

Honestly, medyo di maganda ang memory ko sa restaurant na toh. Dito yata dinala ni Charlie yung isa naming target noon for a dinner date right? Oh well.

“Sky. Are you sure you don’t want to order more? It’s probably our last dinner together.” she said and then pouts.

“Miss Amy, I’m just going to be away for one semester. After that pwede parin naman ako ang bodyguard mo if my schedule is okay at work. Hindi naman ako basta basta bibitaw sa FDD.”

“Talaga? I hope so. You’re the only bodyguard that can stand my ups and downs you know.”

“Don’t say that… actually mas ladylike ka pa nga than—“ oh shit, I almost slip. +_+

“Than who?”

“Ahh—than the other girls. You’re just every inch of a true lady Miss Amy. You should be proud of that.” pambawi ko sa kanya.

She smiled and then drinks some wine. “Di ba after graduation, you’re gonna work? Don’t tell me part-time spy ka parin nun? Well that’s heroic.” she said.

“FDD is special to me.”

“I see.” she stirred her wine glass and raise it. “Well, I wish you all the luck for your OJT, Skyler. And advance congratulations to your graduation?” she was waiting for a toast.

*toast*

“Thanks Miss Amy.”

“You’re welcome Sky.”

*ringgggggg*

Narinig ko yung pagtunog ng phone ko galing sa bulsa ko. I looked at Miss Amy and she happily nodded. Lumabas ako ng restaurant and answer the phone.

“Ken? Napatawag ka?”

“Sky, we have a problem.”

“What problem?”

“Asan ka?”

“Ken what is—“

“Where are you? You need to get out of there.”

“Nasa restaurant ako. Kasama ko si Miss Amy—wait Ken…”

“Get your things, susunduin kita dyan.” then the bastard just hang up on me. What the fvck? Ano bang problema niya?! Tss.

Nung nakaupo ako sa table agad akong tinanong ni Miss Amy. “Something wrong? May emergency ba?” she said looking so worried.

“Ahh—oo eh. Dadaan dito si Ken—Miss Amy is it okay if…”

“I understand. Mag-iingat ka ha?”

I smiled at her. “Yes Miss. Thank you for the treat.” I said habang nakatayo.

“You’re welcome Sky. Sige na magpapasundo nalang ako sa driver.” with that, iniwan ko na si Miss Amy and head straight outside. After a few minutes, Ken’s car approach drastically fast on the driveway.

“Whoa. Have you lost your mind?” sabi ko while trying to put on my seatbelt. Paglingon ko sa rear view mirror, nakita ko si Carleen sa likod. “Wait up—why is she here? Are you two pulling off some kind of jackass stunt? Speed limit na tayo oy!!!” I panicked. Ikaw ba naman mag 120 sa free way? Dafuq.

“Carleen, tell Sky what you saw.” Ken said serious.

“What?”

“Sky, ganito kasi yun… kahapon sa school, I saw Rima dazed off and seemed bothered. Kinuwento ko siya kay Kenneth kahapon din when we met. I was worried so I thought she was sick. So I decided to go and check her up since I’ll also ask about Mikki or how was she doing. Pero pagpunta namin ni Ken dun sa apartment wala siya—“

“B-But she’s there! Iniwan ko siya dun kanina!”

“Wala yung motorbike niya Sky.” Ken said while still driving the car too darn fast.

“That’s impossible—“

“I called Ken and decided to go up her room. And…”

“And what? What happened?”

“We saw this Sky…” Carleen handed me a printed email.

From: [email protected]

Subject: Confidential Email for Ms. Reema Danielle Andrade Dela Vega

1 attachment

Hi. May alam ako tungkol sayo at gusto kong makipagkita sayo. Hindi lang ang mga kaibigan mo ang idadamay ko pati na rin ang lolo mo. Sawa na kasi kitang sundan at sawa na din akong makipaglaro pa kaya pwede pa tayong magkita? Nasa attachment ng email na to hang mapa kung saan tayo magkikita.

Sabado. 1100 HR.

Pag nagdala ka ng kahit sino sa mga kasama mo sa FDD at mga pulis, papatayin ko ang lolo mo.

Bye.

“Oh no—hell no… don’t tell me…” I can’t believe this. Rima why did you—

Rima’s POV

Underground Parking Lot. 1100 HR.

Naglakad ako pababa ng underground parking lot. There were few abandoned cars piled up in one corner. As I go down deeper, I felt chills. Kahit pa nakaleather jacket ako, ramdam ko ang lamig na gumagapang sa batok ko.

I breathe in and checked if my gun is in place. I stopped at the very middle of the level 1 parking lot kung saan may ilaw.

I can hear footsteps… indicating there’s a lot of them. Lunok laway iyak tawa nalang tayo guys. Handicapped yata ituuuu. T^T

“Reema Danielle Andrade De-la Ve-ga.” a guy said from the shades of darkness on the right side of the building. He even syllabicated my real surname.

“Sino ka?” I said, hiding so much fear in me. I will not stammer and show them I’m afraid.

“Oh you know me too well, na-erase mo na ba ako sa phonebook mo?” lumutang ang nakakasukang mukha ni Ovan. Oh please, feeling gangster ang isang toh pero mukha siyang lamang lupa na sinumpa ng isang daang beses kung ako ang magdedescribe sa kanya. =_=

“Excuse me. Di ako naglalagay ng mga panget sa phonebook ko.” nagcross arms pa ako sa harap niya.

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya and gritted his teeth. Naiinis agad nagsisimula palang ang laban. Pucha. Eto na ba ang kalaban ko? Wow effort ah, halos maibagsak ko ang finals ko para sa patabaing baboy na toh? Yung totoo author? >__>

“Hoy ikaw! Kahit kelan talaga matabil yang dila mo ah!” tinutok niya ang baril niya saken. Di ako nakaramdam ng takot. Sa taba niyang yan, mas mauna pang manginginig ang baby fats niya bago niya makalabit ang trigger ng baril niya. LOL.

O________O!

Uh-oh.

Halos maduling ako ng sabay sabay na may tumutok sakin na laser. Oh shit.

I just spoke too soon, didn’t I?!

“Natahimik ka?” pagyayabang niyang sabi kasabay ang hagalpak. Nanatili ang mapupulang mga laser sa buong katawan ko.

“What do you want from me?”

“Well, yung financer namin, ang tagal ka ng pinapasundan. Nauumay na ako eh ang alam ko naman ipapapatay ka din nun.” sabi niya.

“So ikaw na ang gagawa?”

“Exactly.” nakangisi nitong sabi sabay hagalpak na naman. Talagang pagnakaalis ako dito kokotongan ko sa anit ang isang toh. =_=

“Hoy baboy ka! Tatawa-tawa ka pa! Asan ang Tito Harvey ko?!”

“Ayyy lalo lang akong nanggigigil na patayin ka dahil sa Tito mo!!!” tinutok niya bigla ang baril saken kaya napasinghap ako bigla. Jusko lerd help! T^T

T-Teka? Problema niya kay Tito Harvey? Akala ko ba—

*BANG!*

Napapikit ako sa pagputok ng baril. Shet shet shet. Am I dead? Angel na ba ako? Omg. Panget boses ko paano ako kakanta ng hallelujah sa clouds? T___T

Nung bubuksan ko na ang mata ko nabigla ako ng may humila sa braso ko. Tsaka niya tinakpan ang bibig ko. Di ko alam pero parang pamilyar ang amoy na yun saken.

“T-Tito Harvey?!!!”

Lumuwag ang pagkakahawak sa bibig ko. Pagharap ko parehas kaming nagulat pagkakita namin sa isa’t isa.

“Paanong—“

“I recognize your smell.” sagot ko sa kanya.

“Aso ka ba?!” naiinis nitong tanong saken.

“Tao ako!” sabi ko at agad nitong tinakpan ang bibig ko at hinila sa mga likod ng pila-pilang kotse.

Wait—why is he here?!

“Wag kang maingay… I can explain.”

Will I give him a chance to explain? I went here to face a threat pero while I was I danger, this man who killed my parents and almost killed me and even planned to kill me… saved my life.

WHAT? WhAT? TwAT? WHuT? O_O

***

HAHAHAHAHA MABITIN KAYO. >:D

Wala akong otor’s note. Basta thank you guys. Vote comment naman kayo. Hihi. Malapit na tong matapos. HAHAHAHAHA. MABITIN KAYO! XD

kupad ko noh? oh well papel ganyan talaga. :) pag pray niyo yung boyfriend ko para sa board exams ah? HAHAHAHAHA. ♥