#SAT9S

DEDICATED TO : LYNARD MAE ARMENSIO ESPINOSA

CHAPTER 53 : FEISTY

"Do you know a girl named Rhea Louisse Marval?" I was talking to Rex over the phone while looking to the passport of the girl who distressingly collapsed in front of me. I couldn't help but link all the similarities they have. I only knew one family who bears the same surname, and it happened that Rex is the only Marval I knew in New Zealand. No matter how strange it was, I still think they are related. Somehow. There was a fifty-fifty chance. Hindi ko maiwasang isipin kung sinadya ba 'to o nagkataon lang.

I brought her to the hospital, my hospital rather. The airport personnel offered assistance but I declined. I even lie to them by saying that she's my girl. Buti na lang at nagawa kong makalusot sa mga tanong nila. And thank God she didn't wake up or else I would be branded as a fool-who-tries-to-kidnap-a-helpless-girl.

The doctor said stress was the main reason of her sudden unconsciousness. He states some possible factors like lack of sleep, over-thinking, anxiety, etc,. I could see it myself. Even in her sleep, she looked restless. There were traces of dried tears in the corner of her eyes that smudged her make up a little bit. Nevertheless, this girl is quite attractive. Undeniable.

But before letting this attraction get down into my groin, I want to confirm my conception. Hindi pwedeng unahin ko pa 'to kaysa sa mga hinala ko. If she's related to the three assholes, I wouldn't dare to lay a finger. Not that I'm afraid, pero alam kong hindi ako sasantuhin ng tatlong iyon. I took a glimpse of her image, the one inserted on her passport. I spit a soundless cuss. The resemblance was transparent. She's like a girl version of Roy. Now, I don't think this was just a series of fucking coincidence. The assholes never mentioned about them having a sister.

"Why?"

"Don't ask why. I'm only expecting a 'yes' or 'no' for an answer."

He sighed, letting out a sign of defeat. "Yes. Why?"

"Is she related to you?"

"She's my sister." He paused for a moment. I almost roll my eyes. See? My instincts are still reliable. Hindi lang 'to nagkataon. "Don't. . .tell me you're with her?"

"What if I am?" I challenged. I crossed my arms and lean my back on the seat. A wide-mischievous grin starting to form on my lips. Hindi ko alam kung takot ba 'tong may gawin ako sa kapatid niya. "You never mentioned her to me. Are you trying to hide your sister from a venomous friend?"

"Puro ka kalokohan. Nagkasalubong ba kayo dyan sa airport? My father just called. Hindi ko inasahang ngayon siya uuwi galing Pilipinas. And how did you know her?"

"We're not on the airport."

"What?"

"Go in my hospital. Nandito kami ngayon."

"Wait, kasama mo nga si Rhea?" The asshole sounds frantic. Seems like he can't fully trust anyone when his sister is the concern. What a protective brother. "Bakit kayo nandyan? May nangyari ba?"

"Don't panic. She just lost her consciousness-"

"WHAT?" I heard a long screeching sound on the other line. Must be his breaks. I cussed Rex over the phone.

"Calm down, fucker. She's fine. You must get yourself here alive, for you to see your sister. Focus on your driving." I ended the call immediately, then sighed.

In one quiet moment, a vague pattern of memories flashed into my mind. The first time I saw their family photograph inside Ryan's wallet, I completely thought that their youngest sibling was a girl-looking boy. Hell. She's a real girl. I never saw recent family photographs on their apartment. All of it was taken ages ago. Mostly, their teenage days. Walang mga bagong litrato ng pamilya. Lagi akong napapatingin sa mga estanteng puno ng frames at wala ni isang babae na naligaw ro'n maliban sa wedding photo ng mga magulang nila. I recall those few times that I've asked them about their youngest sibling but they intentionally made me believe that they were an all-boy family. Was it due to their protectiveness over their only girl or just a way to make fun of me? If it's the latter, I would hunt them one by one.

I was having a quality time throwback-thinking when tiredness finally sunk into me. Ang pagod sa mahabang byahe at idagdag pang wala rin akong masyadong tulog sa eroplano para umpisahan ang mga dapat kong asikasuhing trabaho rito sa NZ. Taking a nap would be a big help.

I don't know how long I've gone to sleep, but another screeching sound cut my desire to continue my nap. I opened my eyes and the first thing that comes to the view was the girl's shocked image, her eyes grew as wide of a saucer, it almost occupy her whole face. Na tila takot sa presensya ko. Hindi marahil niya inasahan na gigising siyang nasa isang hindi pamilyar na lugar at may isang estranghero sa kanyang tabi. I focused on her face, down to her lips which was slightly parted. Hmm, tempting. . .

"You're awake." I should've greeted her nicely but I changed my mind. That wasn't my style. I told you I'm not the gentleman type.

"Who are you?" I could sense repulsion. She's alarmed by my presence. I expected that but instead of assuring her in a positive way, I grinned foolishly. That must've scared the shit out of her. I couldn't take my actions back when it used to be so natural. I couldn't blame myself either. Ganito naman talaga ako.

"Shinn Aslejo at your service, Miss Marval."

"H-How did you know me?" She asked.

I bring her passport out my jacket. "Marval. Rhea Louisse. Celtier. Filipino. Manila City-" She snatched it away from my hands. Muling lumipad ang tingin ko sa mukha niya.

"How did you get this?"

"Can't you just be thankful that a handsome man saved you instead of throwing impractical questions?" I leaned on my seat. She didn't answer. She was gaping at me wordlessly, so I stand in front of her. Sinundan niya ako nang tingin. "Are you staying here for good?"

She got back to her senses. Iningusan ako at tila walang kainte-interes makipag-usap sa akin. "None of your biz, Mister. Now, who's asking impractical questions?" She rolled her eyes at me. I almost laugh. She got me there. I've got shots for spunky type, the hard to get ones. Though, I mostly prefer aggressive girls with no reservations, a feisty one isn't at the bottom of the list either. If the three assholes wouldn't kill me, I'll grab a chance to score.

She checked her clothes and I tried so hard to suppress my laughter. Don't tell me this girl is a stiff like her brothers? How prude. I bit my lower lip as I watched her roaming her eyes to each surface of the room, looking for something. Must be her baggage. I left it outside.

"Where's my things? Give it back." I pulled my seat closer to the hospital bed to stare at her closely. I was enjoying my moment to piss her.

"Pretty." I said in obvious amusement. I couldn't help it. I cotuldn't recognize pretensions. What you see is what you get type of a girl, or maybe she's more than that? She really got my interest in our first interaction. Hmm. . .

Tumayo siya sa kama at kinuha ang unan. She was about to throw it. I stared at her, bemused. Finally, the idea penetrates my head and I laughed at her sudden reaction.

I raised my arms to forgo on her favor. "I surrender, Ma'am."

Binaba niya ang unan at tinitigan akong mabuti. "Who are you?"

"I've already said my name. Pay me with a kiss before I repeat." Of course, the last sentence was made to tease her but if she would have take it seriously, I also wouldn't mind. I grinned playfully.

And I guess, she did because she frantically run towards the door. Natawa ulit ako. Bago pa niya mahawakan ang doorknob, bumukas na ang pinto at nagkabanggaan ang magkapatid. The asshole finally came.

"Rhea? Ba't ka tumatakbo?" Rex asked immediately. He swiftly darted his eyes on me. "Anong ginawa mo sa kapatid ko, Shinn?"

"Wala." Tumayo ako sa aking kinauupuan. Hindi maiwasang matawa sa reaksyon ng magkapatid. Especially, Rhea. "Wala pa."

"Sino ba siya?" Asked by the girl.

Rex didn't answer his sister. He refuse to introduce a 'good' friend. How impolite. "Let's go home nang makapagpahinga ka na."

"Why don't you answer her first? Be a good friend and introduce me to your sister." I butt in.

"Sasama ka naman sa amin, ba't hindi na lang ikaw ang gumawa?" Now, he's annoyed. Parang gusto ko sumabog sa pagtawa. I get it. The asshole is overly protective.

"What? Sasama natin 'yan?"

"She's our visitor, Rhea." Lumabas si Rex at sumunod sa kanya ang kapatid. I followed them.

"And visitors should be treated nicely." I dared to touch her head but she thwack my hands away.

"Don't touch me. We're not close." She squawked.

Oh, baby, I don't give up that easy. I grinned to piss her more. Inakbayan ko siya at hinapit. "Now, we're close."

I just laughed it off. She was about to punch me in the face. Look what I've got here. Sinalag ko ang kamay niya para hindi ako matamaan. "Not in the face, feisty."

"Feisty. Feisty. Peste ka." What did she say? Hindi ko naintindihan yung huli kaya tinawanan ko na lang. Marahas niyang inalis ang kamay ko sa kanyang batok at humabol siya kay Rex.

Pagdating sa bahay ni Rex ay saka lang kami nakapag-usap nang maayos nito.

"What happened to her?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Overstress." Binigay ko sa kanya ang isang pouch. "Prescribed vitamins and supplements. Painom mo sa kanya."

"Overstress? Kagagaling lang niya sa bakasyon, ah?"

"Why are you asking me? Di ba dapat ikaw kasi kapatid mo 'yan?" Binagsak ko ang aking sarili sa sofa. I sighed as comfort comes after. "And why do you have to hide her from me?"

He frowned. "What makes you think that way? And is that necessary? Hindi naman siya napupunta sa America. Kung hindi pa nga namin pinilit mag-aral dito sa New Zealand, hindi siya aalis ng Pilipinas."

"So, she's living with you?" Rex nodded lazily. "She's still studying? What course?"

"Same as mine. 2 years palang siya rito. Hopefully, makagraduate na siya next year. She doesn't like it here. Gusto niya sa Pilipinas."

"And I've been friends with your brothers for a decade but they never mentioned her. Not even once."

"Sinabi ko na sayo. I don't think it's necessary. Ba't hindi sila Ryan at Roy ang tinanong mo tungkol dyan?"

"I did but those assholes made me believe otherwise."

"That's not my fault." The asshole started to build up his defense.

"She's twenty-one, right? I've seen her passport."

Rex glances turns into glare. "I'm warning you. Don't mess up with her."

Natawa ako. "Who says I'm going to mess up with your sister? Too lame for my terms. What about making it up, since I think I went overboard?"

"Ano ba kasing ginawa mo?"

"Sorry. I've got a great time pissing your her."

"Good luck to you then. Tigas ng bungo mo." He shook his head in defeat. "She has a boyfriend in Phil. She wouldn't even pay you a glance. Try to push her buttons and you'll end up castrated."

"Long-distance?" That holds my interest for a moment. That arrangement sucks. They would eventually break apart. I would bet a million bucks. "Thanks for the threat but I've got enough of it to last me a lifetime.
So, be a good friend instead and warmly welcome me into your home."

"Hindi ka na magpapahatid sa hotel?"

"Too tired for another ride." I yawned lazily. "Be thoughtful at least for a day and let me sleep here." End of conversation. I was glad Rex wasn't as defensive as his two brothers.

The next day, I woke up late than the usual. I was about to take a jog but I've heard someone mentioned my name. Nag-uusap ang magkapatid tungkol sa akin. I grinned.

"Talking about me is your new bonding, eh?" I asked while leaning on the kitchen's door. They turned their heads on my direction.

"Wala ka bang damit!" The tigress snapped. What's with her? This is my usual morning get-up. Normal lang ba sa kanya ang pagiging mapuna? Have I pissed her too much yesterday and she couldn't act nicely to me? Her eyes met mine and she frowned. "Alien ka ba at pabago-bago 'yang kulay ng mata mo?"

I got stunned for a moment, then laugh at what she said. Man, she has ridiculous ways to make me go beyond sanity. I don't know if her wit naturally strikes at the right time or she's just too innocent and prude for my nasty behavior.

"Those were just contacts. Blue ones are real."

Ngumiwi siya. "Are you gay?"

It was Rex turn to laugh. "I told you, he's in disguise."

That's the truth. I used contact lenses whenever I'm on disguise. I've been doing this for years. I have a brother who looks exactly like me, the only noticeable difference is our eyes color. He has gray ones. I got blue. I used gray for imitation, to confuse the predators who wants to hunt me as their prey. The reasons are endless. I better keep it to myself.

Ngumisi ako nang nakakaloko at bumaling kay Rex.

"Stop me, Rex, before I rape your sister." They both froze, jaw-dropped. Ang aga pa para mang-asar pero nakakatawa ang reaksyon nila. "That's a joke."

I can't decide whether to love their stiffness or mock at it. My lifestyle isn't comparable to theirs. I want it loud and a little bit fucked-up. Theirs has no thrill and kinda boring. They live in the same rotation while I consider ups and downs, and loops as a normal struggle. That justifies the reason why I don't break even in the most difficult times.

"You're the spice and I'm the fire. We compliment each other." One afternoon that I request them to tour me around, and it happened that I enjoy Rhea's company rather than looking at Auckland's spectacular view. Madaling mapikon kaya ang sarap inisin.

"I prefer water, so I could kill you now."

I chuckled. "How thoughtful."

"Kainis. Bakit pa ba ako sumama?" She murmurs.

"You should be grateful." I butt in.

Nagulat siya at muntik na akong hampasin. "Pwede bang huwag ka na magsalita!"

"Hey, nag-aaway na ba kayo?" Nilingon kami ni Rex. Rhea glared at me, and I whistled innocently.

I don't usually pay interest if it isn't my business but my curiosity is another matter. I could easily notice trouble if I see one. What I see in her eyes was more than that. Binabawi ko na ang sinabi ko nung una kaming makita. She's not an easy guess. She's pretentious, too. Magaling magtago. Too bad she couldn't hide it well from a keen observer.

"Who's Ren? Your boyfriend?" Naiwan kami sa restaurant dahil sinundo ni Rex ang lalaking nagngangalang 'Ren.' The one she calls out when she collapsed at the airport.

"You don't know him."

"You haven't answered my question."

"Ba't ko naman sasabihin sayo?"

"I can sense hesitation. Denying a situation is close to escaping, you know. If you don't wanna see a person, it's either you're care too much or you don't really give a damn. Alin do'n sa dalawa?"

"Ano naman 'yon sayo?"

"Sabihin na nating, parang ako ikaw. May mga taong hindi gustong makita pero hindi maiwasan 'coz they are a part of my life. I want to omit them one by one but it's impossible unless I kill them all."

"Is that your normal attitude? You're oppressive. Parang ang hirap mo pakisamahan."

I chuckled. "You'll love me, feisty."

"Could you please stop calling me like that? Sa pandinig ko, minumura mo ako. Hindi ako insekto." She rolled her eyes. Natawa ako nang tuluyan.

"Insekto? Why? May ibang meaning ba 'yan sa tagalog?"

"Wala!" She snapped.

"I've been there twice. Sa Pilipinas. Hindi nga lang masyadong nagtagal. I just had a one-night stand and gone." That was my last visit couple of years back. The first one was when Ryan offered to help.

Tinakpan niya ang kanyang tainga. "Ano ba? Huwag mo nga akong kwentuhan ng mga ganyan!"

"My feisty is naive?"

"Jerk." She hissed.

"Huhulaan ko ang nangyari sa inyo ng boyfriend mo. He cheated on you, didn't he? Sabi ng kuya mo dalawang taon ka na nag-aaral rito at nasa Pilipinas ang boyfriend mo. I wonder how did you cope up with that. Long distance relationship sucks. In all kinds of relationship, that has lowest percentage of survival." I skim the rim of my wineglass. Do'n rin ako nakatingin. She didn't answer, so I get it as a 'yes.' I smirked and kept on blabbering.

"Did I hit home, feisty? Umuwi ka ng Pilipinas at nakita mo siyang may iba kaya bumalik ka agad ng New Zealand? And now, he's here to chase after you and beg for a second chance? What a common story. I've seen in it mawkish romance flicks. Drama is such a waste. Men are real cheaters. I'm a man. I also cheat. That's a fact. Even archaic history can prove that-"

I immediately stop on completing the next sentence when I saw her face dampen with tears. She was biting her lower lip like she's in deep pain. Guilt rushed into me. I've seen a number of girls cried in front of me but I never felt this huge pang of rue. I should get myself ready. In less than an hour or two, Rex would kill me for making his dear sister cry. Ilang sandali akong natigagal bago makaisip ng gagawin.

"I'm sorry." I said, soothing her. I never did this to any girl and I rarely apologize for my mistakes. "Stop crying. I didn't mean it."

Mas lalo siyang umiyak. She seems lost. I sighed in defeat. Pinagtitinginan kami ng ibang costumer, I glared at them. "Mind your own." I hissed. Nilapit ko ang upuan ko kay Rhea at pinatahan siya kahit hindi ko alam kung paano. Fuck. I wasn't use to this kind of scenes. Another record was made, the other one was broken. Good thing, tumahan na siya bago pa makarating si Rex pero hindi siya kumikibo. The guilt haven't decreased, instead it piled up.

None of us spoke 'til we got home. Hinatid siya ni Rex sa kwarto at hinintay ko ang lalaki. I wanted to know something.

"What happened? Hindi naman siya gano'n nang iwan ko kayo, ah?"

"I've said something bad."

"I told you not to mess with her. Hindi maganda ang pakiramdam ng kapatid ko, Shinn. Huwag mo na dagdagan."

"Where is her boyfriend?"

"Pina-check in ko muna sa hotel." He sighed. "Please, stop meddling when it doesn't concerns you."

"And what if I don't?"

He didn't answer me directly. Before I could guess his next move, his fist already touched down in my face. "Deal with it."

That was a hard blow. I've got a difficult night. I couldn't sleep thinking about nonsense. Rex was probably right. I shouldn't meddle on other people's business. Babalik na ako sa Amerika sa makalawa. Iniisip ko kung babawi pa ba ako kay Rhea o palilipasin ko na lang. There will always be a 'but' to consider. The guilt wasn't taken off me. I let the time passed by looking at the frames 'til something snatched my attention. Someone is familiar. . .Ilang minuto akong nag-isip bago nagkaro'n ng hinala kasabay sa pagbuo ng plano. I called Ryan immediately.

"What?" He snapped.

"Can I take your sister with me?"

"Sister?" He sounds puzzled. Idiot. Nagmamaang-maangan pa rin.

"May iba ka pa bang kapatid?"

"You've met Rhea?"

"Fortunately. Thanks for keeping it a secret." I said with sarcasm. "So, can I take her?"

"What do you mean?"

"Pauwi na ako dyan. I wanna tag her along. I'll arrange the tickets. May atraso ako."

"Anong ginawa mo sa kapatid ko?"

"That's for you to find out. Come on, sa flight lang kami magkakasabay, then you can fetch her after. Don't you wanna see your sister?"

"Fine. Kung sasama siya sayo." Sagot nito na tila puno ng kumpyansang hindi sa sasama sa akin ang kapatid niya.

"That won't be a problem." Call ended.

I called my escritoire to arrange a flight for two in the given dates. Inistorbo ko si Rex sa pagtulog para humingi ng info.

"Hindi ka talaga nadadala, 'no?" Inis niyang sabi.

"I have Ryan's permission. You have no say on that."

"Hindi sasama si Rhea sayo."

"She's the one who's going to decide that matter. Not you."

He let out an exasperated sighed. "Bahala ka na."

Kinuha ko ang partikular na frame kung saan may kasamang babae si Rhea. Pinakita ko 'yon kay Rex. "Sino 'to?"

"Si Rhea."

"No. Yung kasama niya."

"Anne? Her bestfriend." Bestfriend? Damn. What a small world. "Why?"

"Wala. She seems familiar."

Contrary to what her brothers think, Rhea considered the idea.

"Sasama ka na talaga?" I didn't know that chocolates could be that effective. And oh, don't forget the note. . .

"Kilala mo ang bestfriend ko?" She asked instead of answering my question.

Kumunot ang kanyang noo. "Who?"

"Annielle Martin."

"So, nagsasabi ng totoo si Rex? Bestfriend mo nga siya?"

"Sagutin mo na lang kaya ang tanong ko?"

"Chill. Her boyfriend is one of my closest friends. Namukhaan ko siya sa isa sa portraits na nakadisplay sa sala niyo. Sa Stanford siya nag-aaral, di ba? We own a branch of hospital in California. Isa siya sa mga nakuha naming OJT."

"Magkakilala kayo?"

"Ako lang ang nakakakilala sa kanya. Sa ngayon." I grinned. "Isa pa, Martins negotiates with us. Same line of business ang tinatapakan ng mga pamilya namin. Mas marami nga lang ang amin." I paused for a moment. "I know where she stays."

"Stalker ka ba ng bestfriend ko?"

"Easy there, feisty. I know her whereabouts dahil lagi kong nakakasama ang mga kaibigan ko sa California if my sched is not that hectic." Not to mention, I'm a jet setter and her bestfriend's boyfriend happened to be a jet setter, too.

"Malayo ang NY sa California!"

"Not that far when you have a fast car and a private plane. Sasama ka na ba? Consider this as your greatest escape. You shouldn't stress yourself on just one problem. You have to take a break, relax and enjoy everything that wealthiness can offer."

"Hindi ako tulad mo."

"Mas lalong hindi ako tulad mo. I hate commitment 'coz it's suffocating, same intensity of my hate with flowery words 'coz I know for a fact that those are just ploys to get laid. And look how happy I am." I leaned closer to her. Our faces our just inches apart. "While you're pathetically crying over a guy who seemed to be discontented with you. Serious relationship will get you nowhere. Darating ang araw na magkakasawaan rin kayo. That's why I like sport girls. You can be clingy with no attachment. Simple but incredible rule of liberation."

That was intentional. I wanted to push her to the hilt, meeting her limits. Reservations won't help her as of this moment. Ang sama ko lang talaga siguro para balewalain ang pinagdadaanan niya. Why would I care? Wala naman akong alam tungkol ro'n. What I'm offering isn't a call for help but to cut the rope she put on her own neck.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not insulting you but you're stiffness would only make your hair gray in a young age. Rest assured, I won't do anything with you. Wala akong balak mamatay sa kamay ng mga kapatid mong lalaki. You look like a fine lady but that's not enough. You have to loosen up. Forget your boyfriend and try to find a new place without him."

She didn't answer, so I kept on pushing her to the edge. Making her realize things. I know better because I've escaped a few times in my life before I dare to stand against the ghost of my past. Yung araw ng pag-alis namin, hinahanap siya ng boyfriend niya. I didn't know what's going into her mind.

"Change your mind? I told you. Running away is not a bad option but running forever would make you the most coward person. Pwede mo 'tong takasan ngayon. Malay mo, makatulong sayo. You'll only stay in US for three weeks, right? Hindi 'yon matagal. Pag hinintay ka niya. . .By that time, ikaw na ang magdi-decide. What now? Tutuloy ka pa ba?"

And we escaped together. She agreed to escape with me. I gave her time to say run back, yet she stayed. Siguro dahil gulong-gulo pa rin siya. Or maybe the given time wasn't enough. Pagpasok namin sa eroplano, umiyak siya. Hinayaan ko siya. She have to release even a part of what she's keeping inside her. Hindi 'yon maganda.

"I've seen more than a hundred of girls cry in front of me and I never got affected by their agony, specially when I'm not involve. When it's because of me, guilt would only last a minute. Why would I care anyway? So, I don't know why I have to feel hate whenever I see you cry. What makes you different from the rest of the girls I've met?" I couldn't keep it too myself. Who the fuck cares anyway? I wasn't proud of it but I have to spill it out. I just wanted her to be aware.

But that wasn't a good sign. I should keep my distance. I only get to stay with her for a few days and here I am, digging hate for someone I didn't know. Keeping my concern to someone I barely know. Hangga't maari ay 'yon na ang huling pagtulong na gagawin ko. Nang iwan ko siya sa New York kay Ryan, hindi ko na siya gusto makita ulit. I have to stay away. Hopefully, she could make concrete decisions after this escape.

Diversion was my first key. I focused on my studies, then my business. Kung meron man akong natitirang koneksyon sa mga Marval, iyon ay ang minsanan nilang pagtawag. A year had passed. Nalaman ko kay Ryan na naka-graduate na ang bunsong kapatid niya.

"Medyo nagkaproblema nung araw ng graduation niya. Ngayon, madalang kumain. Nababahala na kami kaya hindi pa rin ako makakabalik sa New York."

"Why? What happened?"

"Mahabang kwento." He refused to say it over the phone. "Ikaw? Kumusta ang Harvard?"

"Normal."

"Mayabang ka lang, gago." He snickered. "Kung may libreng araw ka hanggang sa susunod na linggo, dumalaw ka rito. Kumpleto kami ngayon."

I should've declined his offer pero madalang silang mag-request sa akin kaya pinagbigyan ko na. Minsan lang din kami makukumpleto. Isang taon na rin naman ang lumipas. I think that was enough.

Iba ang nadatnan ko sa New Zealand. There was no celebration or a warm welcome for me. Hindi na nila ako nasundo sa airport dahil nasa ospital silang lahat. The first person I think of was Rhea. Hindi ko nagustuhan ang kutob ko.

"Did she commit. . ." I couldn't even finish the sentence. Fuck! All their face grimaced. Ryan punched the concrete wall. Saka naman lumabas ang doktor.

"She's awake but a little bit groggy."

"Can we see her, doc?" Tanong ni Rex.

"You can."

"May I come first?" Nagsitinginan silang lahat sa akin. I don't care. The urge was hard to resist. Self-restraint wouldn't help at this moment. "Please. It won't take long."

Walang nagsalita. I still took it as a 'yes.' Pumasok ako sa pintong nilabasan kanina ng doctor. I stopped at the middle. I saw Rhea lying on that hospital bed, her eyes were unsteady. Her skin was on its palest color. I closed my eyes tightly. She looked different from the last time I saw her. I. . .couldn't even describe her further. Lumapit ako sa kanya at hinawakan ang kanyang kamay. I was breathless. My chest was constricting.

"Why?" I whispered. Hindi ko alam kung naririnig niya.

But she did hear it. She squeezed my hand lightly. That simple gesture electrified my whole system. Lalo nang pilitin niyang magsalita.

"I. . .w-want. . .to escape."

That four words made me shiver. I leaned forward as I placed a kiss on her forehead.

"We'll find another escape. But not like this, feisty. I promise, we'll find another one."