#SAT9S

DEDICATED TO : ZYMIE PINGAL

CHAPTER 59 : PHOTOGRAPH

His confidence unleashed all the unspoken anger that I have for him. He seemed so sure of himself. He has the same level of confidence that I got and none of us wants to surrender first. He'll, I won't. This is not about battered egos. I fight for a girl I cared for and that's the same girl he abandoned. Hindi ko alam kung saan siya kumukuha ng kakapalan ng mukha. Dahil sa pagkakaalam ko, siya ang may atraso.

Even in a very twisted idea, I couldn't understand why he has to act like he doesn't care for her. Maybe, Roy has something to do with it. But if the guy has guts, he would have defy them. Gumawa sana siya ng paraan. Nakaiinis na makita siyang nasa harap ko. If I could easily erase his face, ginawa ko na.

I'm beyond angry. I'm extremely mad. The people around Rhea think she's strong enough to handle situations like this. Pathetic idiots.  I want to strangle them all. Ren Delgado is on the same line. The Ramirez guy, too. Both of them are cowards. Even Rhea's family belongs on that category. Do they really knew her or Rhea had a great job on hiding her trueself to them? I strongly believe that what I've seen in her was geniune. The trauma, her sadness, her weaknesses. She is not expressive but easy to read. Pain can be simulated but on her case, that's impossible. Hers was real and it almost destroy her.

I have this thought that the asshole knew what Rhea has been going through and it's sickening to think that she let her suffer alone. Recap of unanswered questions is too late. I wouldn't bother to ask. Lalabas rin kung ano ang totoo. Hindi ko na kailangang tahasang magtanong kung ano ang nasa isip nila.

The world knows I'm not forgivable. I'm selfish. I don't usually estimate fairness and unfairness. I don't question what's ethical and immoral. I don't usually wait for equity because I find my own justice. Napatunayan ko 'yon nang kalabanin ko ang sarili kong pamilya. I will not treat anyone like a saint. But this is the first time that I truly cared for someone. Ang makitang paulit-ulit na nasasaktan ang taong gusto kong protektahan ay nakapanggagalaiti at ang makita na maayos at nasa masayang kalagayan ang taong nanakit sa kanya ay mas ikinagagalit ko.

"Ayos ka lang, Shinn?" I forced Rhea to set a day-off, so we can have a tour. She's been working like a dog. She turned into a compulsive worker. Hindi  naman siya ganyan sa New Zealand. I don't know if she's simply busy or she just want to be with her asshole ex. The latter is more reasonable.

I nod. "Yeah."

"You seem off today." She sighed. "Nabobored ka na ba rito sa Pilipinas? Sabi ko naman sayo busy ako ngayon. Hindi kita masasamahan palagi."

"I'm fine, but I miss to party with you. Let's party tonight?"

She pouts. What a cute gesture. "May pasok pa ako bukas ng maaga. Baka hindi ako magising."

"Your work seems very demanding." I said drily. "Or is it your boss?"

She flushed. I almost roll my eyds. Okay. I get it. "Hindi. Talagang natambak lang ang mga dapat kong gawin."

"Really, feisty?"

"Oh, cut the crap, Shinn." Pinunasan niya ang bibig niya. "Saan mo gusto pumunta?"

I shrup my shoulders. "Your the boss. Wala akong alam rito maliban sa bars at hotels."

Naningkit ang mata niya. "Ilang babae na ang dinala mo sa hotel na tinutuluyan mo?"

I smirked. "Wala pa."

"Hindi ako naniniwala sayo!"

"Nagsasabi po ako ng totoo." I sliced my steak. "I bring them to other hotels."

She laughed merily. "At marunong ka na mag-'po' ngayon? Siguro matatanda yung dinadala mo. My gosh, Shinn."

I burst out laughing, too. "You're bad."

She shook her head while grinning. "That's because you're a bad influence. Kanino mo natutunan 'yon?"

"Sa Papa mo. Nung pumunta siya ng New Zealand."

"Ohh." She smiled cheekily. "Wanna see Papa, again?"

"You'll bring me to your house?"

Umiling ulit siya. "To my home."

For a second, I felt a brief spasm of pain in my chest. She still considers this country as her home. Well, that's already given considering that she grew up here. The pain wasn't pertaining to her but myself. I could build mansions, buy a house or pay for a grand suite in a hotel but there was no place on earth that I could call my home. That made me question what's my greatest possession aside from money, intellect and freedom.

The Marvals. Images of my moments with them flashed on my mind. They are not my possession but I consider them as my family. More special than the Aslejos. They are just ordinary people, not as powerful and wealthy as me but in obscure part of my mind, I consider them my home. Kaya hindi ko makukumbinsing ang sarili ko na mali kung gugustuhin kong makabawi. Hindi ako ang sinaktan pero sa isang tulad ko na mabibilang sa kamay ang mga taong pinahahalagahan, wala akong pakialam kung ano ang tama at mali ang magalit sa taong walang ginawang masama sa akin.

Their home didn't even reach 1/3 of Aslejos mansion in Las Vegas and Malibu. An average house but has a world-class touch of artistry. There was a life-size painting of steed and a horseman placed in the middle of the staircase which is surely one of Ryan's masterpiece. Damn. I like that one. The portraits on the side walls were sceneries. I'm sure that's taken by Roy.

Rhea seems excited to tour me around. I keep calm but I'm equally excited inside.

May lumapit na katulong sa amin at niyakap agad 'yon ni Rhea at nilambing. Nagpapahanda siya ng pagkain. She introduced me to their maid. She seemed close with her. I remember my own nanny. I sighed to dismiss the thought.

"Wala pa pala si Papa. Akala ko half-day lang siya ngayon. Do'n tayo sa garden."

The garden was quite impressive. Parang kasing laki ng buong bahay ang espasyo ng garden nila.

"Rex worked on this?"

"Good guess." She smiled sheepishly. "Ako na lang walang contribution sa bahay namin. Balak ni Papa na ipa-renovate 'tong bahay namin next year."

"And you'll work with it?"

"Oo, sana. Kaya lang ang alam ko kinukumbinsi ni Kuya Ryan si Papa na magmigrate na lang kami sa Amerika." I stiffened. "Wala kasi siyang kasama dito."

"Pumayag si Tito?"

Umiling siya at ngumiti. "Ayaw niya."

"Why?"

"He doesn't wanna leave our home. This house is his first investment with my mom. My father is sentimental. He loves to keep Mom's memories."

"Very like you." Pumangalumbaba ako. Napatulala siya sa akin. "You're sentimental, too. Not to mention, you love to keep your memories with your ex."

Ngumiwi siya. "Why do you have to be so blunt?"

"But you don't look like your father. Rex and Ryan has the same physical features. Magkamukha kayo ni Roy."

She cleared her throat. "Sabi sa akin ni Papa, kamukha ko raw si Mama."

"I see." I tucked my tongue on my cheek. "May I enter your room."

She glared at me. "No."

I chuckled. "Why? I just wanna see it. Please?"

"Wala ka namang makikita ro'n." She looked away.

"Oh, come on. Don't tell me you sleep in the floor and you don't have anything and your room."

Nakulitan siguro siya sa akin dahil paglipas ng ilang minuto ay nasa kwarto niya na kami. Hers was simple and wallpapered.

"I thought it's going to be all pink." Pinuntahan ko ang drawing table niya at pinagbubuksan ang drawers.

"Shinn! Huwag ka ngang mangalikot dyan!" Sinugod niya ako at pinigilan.

"I just wanna see your sketches. I'm sure you keep at least one."

"Bahala ka na nga. Ayusin mo ang pagkakabalik, ha?"

The drawers contain of magazines and architectural reference. "Why don't you put this in shelve instead of emplacing on drawers? This is too many. You're not that organize, are you?"

"Masmarunong ka pa sa akin, eh mga gamit ko naman 'yan."

There are sketchpads and some of her submitted plates in college. Iilan lang 'yon dahil isang sem lang daw ang natapos niya rito sa Pilipinas bago nag-aral sa New Zealand.

"Bakit karahimahan ng sketches mo puro structures and building for school?"

"H-ha?"

Para siyang nataranta. She can't answer me directly. I shrugged it off. Though, I have a hunch. Hindi ko na lang sinabi.

"Where's your photo albums?"

"Ang dami mo namang hinanap!" She snapped.

"Can't you just be thankful that I'm asking those instead of asking you to have se-" She threw her pillow directly on my face.

"Hold your malicious mouth." Inis siyang tumayo at naghanap ng photo album. Tinungo ko naman ang malaking cabinet niya at binuksan 'yon.

"Shinn!" She shouted my name. "Hindi ka ba pwedeng manatili sa isang tabi!"

Hindi ko siya pinansin. I saw hanged dresses and formal attires but there was something that caught my attention. Inabot ko ang caps sa pinakataas ng kama. I frowned while looking at it.

"You really wear caps?" I asked her.

"Shinn!" Inagaw niya sa akin 'yon.

"Hey, that's mine."

Her eyes widened. "Paano naging sa'yo 'to? Regalo 'to sa akin ni Kuya Ryan!"

What? Nagreregalo si Ryan ng ganyan kay Rhea? What the hell? That's so out-of-style for girls.

I remembered something. I thought Ryan stole my caps out of habit. Pinapadala niya kay Rhea ang mga sombrero ko? Sa lahat ng ipapadala niya, bakit ito pa? That's very unusual.

"That's originally mine, feisty." I crossed my arms. "Your brother loved to steal my caps. Care to tell me why it seems very important to you? Hindi kita nakitang nagsuot niyan nung nasa New Zealand ka."

Her jaw dropped. Niyakap niya ng mahigpit ang hawak niyang album. Naningkit ang mata ko. Nilapitan ko siya at inagaw 'yon sa kanya.

"Shinn!" She didn't let it go. Kailangan ko pa gumamit ng lakas para makuha 'yon. Umupo ako sa kama at iniwan siyang frustrated na nakatayo. She stomped her feet like a kid. "Shinn!"

I opened it. The first photograph was a little boy who was wearing a jersey, embracing a big ball in his hands. I thought it was Roy. But the second photo made me puzzled. There was four boys in that picture. Ryan, I guess he was in his teens in this photo, was carrying the boy in the first picture. Rex was on his side, smiling like an idiot. And Roy who wore a poker-face aura. It took me awhile before the whole idea enters my mind. My jaw dropped as I looked back to Rhea.

"Are you a transgender?"

She gasped. "How dare you! Hindi 'no!"

"Then, who's this?" Tinuro ko ang batang nasa litrato. "This is you, right?"

"Oo! Pero hindi ako transgender! Mukha ba akong gano'n? Oh, my God!" (No offense po sa transgenders. I love you!)

"Pero ba't mukha kang lalaki rito?" I flip the pages. Mukha talaga siyang lalaki nung bata siya.

"Boyish ako dati." She sat beside me hesitantly.

"But you're not a lesbian?" I'm really confused.

"Ang boyish ba sa'yo ay lesbian?" She sounds pissed.

"Let me see your other albums."

Nakipagtalo pa siya sa akin pero napilit ko rin naman. To know that she remained boyish 'til her teenage years was a big surprise to me. Meron silang picture ni Anne na mukha siyang. . .I don't know how I could describe the old her.  I kept my opinions to myself because she might accuse me of being judgemental if I speak it out. Hindi ko naisip na gano'n siya. For me, she's an epitome of a lady. Not the subtle type like princesses and queens usually practiced but the one who possess a strong personality. Fierce and bold.

"Sinubukan mo talagang maging lalaki dati?" Hindi ako makapaniwala. Sinabi niya na sa akin 'yon pero hindi ko alam na literal pala ang ibig niyang sabihin.

Her face turned into a dark shade of pink. Seconds later, I found myself laughing.

"W-What's funny?" Her voice was far from steady. Natigal ako sa pagtawa,

"Nothing. I'm just amazed." Hinawakan ko ang kamay. "Sorry. I didn't mean to insult you, if that's what your thinking."

She bit her lower lip. "Is that so bad?"

"No!" Napalapit ako sa kanya. "Of course. I was just shocked. I never imagined you as a boy. You've always been a lady to my eyes."

She froze. Naramdaman ko 'yon. Napatitig siya nang matagal sa sahig. "Hey, I'm sorry."

She smiled a little but she didn't look back. "You think so?"

"Of course." I frowned. "But I want to know when did you start to change. If you were use to act like a boy and wear unladylike clothes for years, what made you change?"

"B-Bago naging kami ni Ren." Ako naman ang natigilan sa sagot niya.

"Did. . .he change you?"

She closed her eyes tightly. Wala sa loob akong napabitaw sa kanya. "Shinn-"

"He changed you?"

"N-No. Hindi gano'n. Hindi niya ako pinilit. I. . .changed for him kasi gusto."

Tinitigan ko siya sa loob ng mahabang sandali. Rhea changed for him. She gave up so many things for him. I remembered the day I saw her helplessly laying on that hospital bed, she almost gave up her life for him. Then, what? Nagkagusto sa iba, iniwan, at pinagpalit. I almost tremble in fury.

"Shinn." She must have felt tension. She caressed my arm, trying to calm me down. "Don't get mad, please. Don't get mad at him."

I'm not mad, Rhea. I'm on the edge of my patience with you!

Gusto ko na magalit sa kanya dahil masyado na siyang nagpapakatanga. Damn it. She still takes his side. Why? What's with him? There would be other men. Men who can give more than what she deserves. Kung kailanang maghanap ako, bakit hindi? Fuck. She got stuck with him. Hindi ako makakapayag na bumalik siya sa taong hindi siya kayang panindigan. Kung ngayon pa nga lang, naduduwag na, ano pang mabubuga no'n?

"Did he even love you when you were a boyish girl?"

"Y-Yes."

I don't know but her answer pisses me more. A long moment of silent passed before she speaks again.

"Tara na. Mamasyal na tayo."

Tinignan ko siya. Kinakabahan siya dahil siguro akala niya ay galit ako sa kanya. A little bit.

That pushes me to plan a better scheme. I'll make sure the asshole would bleed to death. I hired a private agent to know Ren Delgado's activities. He joined a Triathlon event somewhere in Tagaytay. I don't know where it is. I made sure that Rhea and Coby will join me.

"For moral support lang ako, ha?" Rinig kong sabi ni Rhea. I looked on the venue while puffing a cigarette. This is going to be interesting.

Coby also joined. Ginamit ko pa si Rhea para mapilit siyang magregister. This man has a good but very boring lifestyle. If I were on his place, I would die young.

"First time?"

"I've joined bicycling, marathon and swimming tournament. Hindi nga lang sabay-sabay." Sounds unconvincing. He's not standing on the same level. I kept on observing 'til I see my target. I smirked afterwards.

"Good. Let's have a bet then.If you finished first, I'll help you to get Rhea. If I finished first, you'll join my scheme."

"What scheme?" He asked.

"Make Rhea's ex suffer. In a hard way."

Though, I don't need his help. I can work on it alone. Besides, I'm not expecting him to win against me. In other words, that's just a bluff.

"Take it seriously. I'm not your only competitor here. Look behind you."

I saw Coby tensed. I stretched my arms to get ready. I can't be sure if the asshole is aware of my presence. It doesn't matter. I'll give him a good battle.

The bike ride requires 24 kilometer distance from the starting point. Isa ako sa mga nasa unahan. Magkakahiwalay na ang mga bikers pagtapos ng sampung kilometro. This is a good workout. Maya-maya ay may sumabay sa bilis ko. It was the asshole.

Huminto ako nang marating ang fifteen kilometer sign. Huminto rin siya.

"I don't believe in coincidence." That's his greeting. Nice.

"Really? Should I be happy that we believe in one idea?"

Bumaba ako nang bike ko at uminom. He did, too. He's alert but undeniably calm. Nakatitig lang siya sa akin na parang anumang oras ay susunggaban ko siya.

"You invest in our institute. What for?"

"To waste some coins." I shrugged my shoulders while he glared.

"That's millions of peso investment."

"That's my money. Ako ang magdedecide kung saan ko ilalaan ang pera. I'm a businessman, too." I grinned viciously. "Natanggap ko na ang invitation sa induction party. I'll be there."

"I don't think you do that for business." He pointed out.

"Nice instincts but I'm smarter. I already told you."

"I told you'll never win."

"You can't be sure of that."

"I will." Lumuhod siya at may hinugot na kung ano sa sapatos niya. That was too sudden. That was a Swiss knife. Sinaksak niya 'yon sa gulong ng bike ko. I got immobilized.

Nang sumakay siya sa bike niya ay saka lang ako natauhan. "I told you so. Tuso ako. I'm always ready for you. Enjoy the run." Saka siya mabilis na umalis.

Fuck. That was a robbed!

Isa ako sa mga huling dumating. Rhea and Coby had a good time by teasing me. Kung alam lang nila kung ano ang nangyari.

"Cheater wins, eh?" Sabi ko nang mag-awarding na. The asshole won the second place. Tss. He don't deserve it. Rhea didn't hear me because she's preoccupied watching her ex. Coby was the one who answere.

"You have poor sources."

"And what do you mean by that?"

"You should've hired better investigators in a good quality agency. The one which guarantees that they can satisfy your undying curiosity. Hindi yung basta may ma-hire ka lang na tao para  manghalukat ng impormasyon ng iba."

"What makes you think that way? You think I planned it all? You suck, fuckfaced." Yes, I've planned it but his instincts sucks.

"You're an easy read. Don't play innocent. Hindi bagay sayo. Your defensive instincts strikes at the wrong moment. You're just making it more obvious."

I let out a boring laugh. "You don't have any idea who you are talking to. I'm sorry but I've got more braincells than you."

"You don't know me. Neither Ren. What do you have against us?"

I want to answer that one but I held myself. Coby deserves Rhea but I feel sorry for him because he's gutless. He can't fight an old friend.

"Don't ever compare poisonous snake to annelid worms."

I won't deny that one. I'm a snake. I've mastered treachery because it's one of the best tactics to gain power in business world. I can also apply it in their boring world. I had a word fight with Coby Ramirez. He's out of the game. My focus would be Rhea's asshole ex.

Hindi ko sinabi kay Rhea na nag-invest ako sa institute. Hindi ko rin pinaalam sa kanya na imbitado ako sa induction, so I went alone. She'll be surprised when she saw me.

I saw her talking with a man. I'm certain that's not Coby, nor her ex. She's wearing a red gown. Pinagmasdan ko sila sa malayo. The man was having fun and Rhea wasn't aware that men were breaking their necks as they glance at her. She's dense at certain times just like now.

Nang makita kong sinasayaw siya nang lalaki ay pumasok na ako sa eksena. Hinawakan ko ang baywang niya at inagaw siya sa lalaki. The man got irritated, I gave him a dangerous glare. Try to complain, boy, and you'll be out of this company.

"Shinn!" Gagad niya.

Nginitian ko. "Hey, feisty. You got a new boy, too?"

"W-what?" Mataktika niyang inalis ang kamay niya sa kamay ko.

"Who is he?" Binalik ko ang tingin sa lalaking kaharap namin.

"T-This is Engineer Malihan. We're on the same team." Ngumiti si Rhea sa engineer na parang humihingi ng paumanhin. "Joma, this is Shinn, my. . .friend."

"Nice to meet you."

I offered my hand. He accepted it. I squeezed it tight and I saw him wince. "Nice to meet you too, Engineer."

Hinila agad ako ni Rhea palayo. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm invited."

Nanlaki ang mata niya. "Huwag mo akong lokohin. Ba't ka naman iimbitahan rito? You're not their employed-"

"Hindi kita niloloko. Yes, I'm not their employee but I'm one of their investors, feisty. Isn't that enough reason for them to invite me in this party?"

She gasped. She clutched my sleeves tightly. She's worried. "Y-You didn't. . .Oh, my God, Shinn!"

I kissed her forehead and scanned the whole room. I saw Ren Delgado with his girlfriend. His face was grim. I couldn't help but grin. "Leave it to me."

"No, Shinn. Please, no." She whispered frantically. Nagsink in na sa kanya ang plano ko.

Humanap ako ng tyempo para makausap ang dapat kong makausap. Ayaw humiwalay sa akin ni Rhea dahil siguro ayaw niyang magsimula ako ng gulo. She went to the comfort room nang magsimula ang programme. Tumayo rin ako para hanapin ang taong nakita ko kanina.

I took a sip on my wine while heading towards her. What a great timing. She's alone.

"Where's your boyfriend?"

Naestatwa siya nang makita ako. I smiled at her. "Nice to see you again. Do you remember me?"

She blankly stared at me. "Shinn Aslejo."

"Great. You have a good memory." I crossed my arms. "Georgia, right?"

"Hindi kita gustong makausap. Excuse me." She was about to go when I grip her arm.

"What about me? I want to talk to you. You can't escape me, my dear. Nakatakas kayo nung una. That's not going to happen again."

She struggled. "Bitawan mo ako."

I pulled her to me and she gasped. I whispered on her ear. "I know your secrets. Beware."