Chapter 28: Niece

Violet Vallejos.

My lips parted. What's the meaning of this?

Vallejos... How is Violet related to Mr. Vallejos, our professor?

I looked at the date she was born and died.

And I realized something...

She has the same birthdate with my mom. And if I were to calculate her age... She's probably on her 40s now.

Who's Violet? Why would Mommy visit her grave? How is she related to Mr. Vallejos?

Iyan ang laman ng isip ko nang umalis na ako hanggang sa nasettle na rin kami sa isang restaurant sa malapit.

I was watching Mr. Vallejos curiously while we're eating our dinner. Ito iyong hinihingi niyang favor.

I remember the picture on his office's table. It looked like Mommy, there must be something I wasn't aware of.

I put down my utensils and crossed my arms. "Mr. Vallejos," I called.

He stopped eating and quickly diverted his attention to me. "Yes?"

"I am curious... you said you have a wife and a daughter?"

He stiffened but quickly straightened his posture. "Oo, what about it?"

I cleared my throat. "What happened? Saan na sila ngayon?"

"They... they vanished like what I said earlier."

I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What do you mean? Like, what are they? Ghost?" I sarcastically said.

"Okay... we lived in Canada, we have a one-year old daughter back then... isang araw, nalaman ko na lang na umalis sila. And I don't know why and where they went..."

I nodded. "So, what do you mean when you said I was somehow reminded as your daughter when she's still one back then?"

He laughed in pain. "Because I know by now... she has the same age with you, and you somehow shared a resemblance..." he trailed off.

I sighed. "Hindi mo sila hinanap?"

"I looked for them for years in Canada but it wasn't enough, mahirap lang ako at kulang sa pera... I was diagnosed with depression, so I stopped looking for them too, years later I continued my life without them, when I realized I couldn't be happy when my family's without me, so... here I am now..."

Nagpatango-tango ako habang nakikinig. "Are you still looking for them?"

He let out a small smile. "No..."

"Why?"

"Because I already found them..." he said as he looked at me with his longing eyes.

I rolled my eyes. "Magkuwento ka na lang, hindi naman p'wedeng walang dahilan kung bakit ka iniwan." I picked my fork and started rolling my pasta.

"I eloped with her back then... she told me her parents didn't like me even though I didn't meet them even once, I was... I was afraid to let go of her so that was why we eloped... And I guess that was one the reasons why she left."

I laughed sarcastically. "If she loves you, ipaglalaban ka niya at hindi makikipagtanan. And now, ano ang napala niya? Baka naman kinuha siya ng parents niya even your daughter?"

"Well, I guess not. My wife has a family now..."

I stopped. "How did you know?"

"I saw it, they are even looked successful together . Many have changed, and I really wanted to ask her everything, but I am now afraid to even take a glimpse of her, I don't know why... She looks so happy now with her new... husband."

"And who are they?"

He cleared his throat and looked down on his food before answering. "She changed her name, so I don't know what must I call her. Uh, can we change the subject now?"

I shrugged. "Yeah, whatever."

After we ate, my mind clouded by my thoughts. I was getting curious as the time passes by, but I set it aside 'coz I shouldn't really care with someone's business.

"I'll send you home, Miss Valderama."

I looked at Mr. Vallejos. "Definitely no. My driver will pick me up."

"Okay, then. I'll wait for your driver before I go."

I ignored him and just texted Kuya Henry to pick me up while we're walking to exit the restaurant.

I stopped on my ground when I saw Marga nearby.

What is she doing here?

I was just watching her moves and I know she's arguing with someone... no, it was a group of people.

I pursed my lips and looked at Mr. Vallejos. "Can you go now? I saw my friend, so I have decided to just hang out with her for a bit."

He slowly nodded. "Are you sure? Where?"

I pointed somewhere, ayaw kong ituro ang direksyon ni Marga dahil baka makiusyuso siya.

"Go, I'll take care of myself. And, don't you ever bother me again as you have promised, got it?"

He nodded like a good puppy and started walking away.

I walked towards Marga's direction, nasa bandang gilid sila at malapit sa hagdan pababa at sa elevator, so they aren't drawing people's attention by their noises and actions.

"Sinungaling ka! So, ano pinaglalaruan niyo lang ako? Sira ulo ka pala, e! Isusumbong talaga kita kay Audrey tingnan natin kung maaabot mo pa iyang mga pangarap mo!"

Habang naglalakad patungo sa kanila ay rinig ko na ang matining na boses ni Marga.

I stopped on my track and maintained a blank expression when I saw who she's arguing with.

It was her boyfriend, Dante. On the other side, there were Rea and Jes, and I don't know the rest, I just know their faces not their names.

"Akala mo naman talaga seryoso si Dante sa 'yo? Well, at least kahit papaano nakaganti kami kay Audrey," si Rea.

I clenched my fist. So, si Marga ang ginagantihan nila dahil hindi sila makaganti sa 'kin?

"Walang hiya talaga kayo! Wala naman akong masamang ginagawa, ah!" Marga slapped Dante's chest.

I tsked. Kung ako pa iyan baka bugbog-sarado na iyan sa 'kin.

"Marga, listen to me..." mahinahong ani Dante.

Hindi pa rin nila napapansin ang presensya ko dahil masyado silang nakatuon kay Marga na ngayon ay umiiyak na.

I rolled my eyes as I got irritated with her actions. I said she shouldn't cry over a guy!

"Listen to me mo, mukha mo! Dante, butete!" Marga screamed and pushed him to excuse herself.

Nahinto siya nang nakita niya ako sa harap niya. "A-Audrey?"

I let out a sarcastic laugh at her. "Iyan lang ba kaya mong gawin?" I asked, crossed arms.

She didn't respond and just ran our distance before hugging at me tightly. She buried her face on my shoulder and cried.

I sighed. "You made her cry?" I asked even it's already obvious.

"Oh, nandito na ang tagapagligtas!" Rea exclaimed.

I raised my middle finger at them. "Do you wanna live in hell for the rest of your lives?" I said as my voice went dangerous.

I then looked at Dante who's now eyes looked guilty.

I smirked as I gently pulled Marga away. "Just give me a second," I whispered as I gave her my tote bag, she nodded while sniffing.

Poor Marga. Don't worry I'll take avenge.

Dahan-dahan akong naglakad patungo sa kanila. Nang may maliit na lang na distansya ay huminto ako.

Nagtaas muna ako ng kilay sa kaniya bago walang pasabing umikot sa ere at malakas na sinipa sa dibdib iyong si Dante, I don't care if I'm wearing a skirt, the important thing is I can get even with what they did to my bestfriend.

He stepped backwards and held his chest while giving pained expression.

"That's what you get if you mess with me. Fvck you and go to hell," I said and took a glance with his friends who were not moving on their grounds. "Meet Satan as soon as possible," I added and turned my back at them.

"You bitch, let's go before I kick you." I harshly grabbed her arm and left them.

"Where the hell is your driver?" I asked her once we arrived at the parking lot.

She shook her head. "Pinauwi ko nang maaga," she said and wiped her tears.

"Call him—"

"Margaret, hop in." I was cut off when a car parked in front of us.

The person inside the car rolled down the car's window, and rested his elbow on the door. "C'mon, oh, who's this hottie beside you?" He smirked and checked on me, he raised a brow and whistled. "Margaret's hotter," he said and winked at Marga.

I raised a brow. "Who the hell is he, Marga?" I asked, not glancing at her.

It was a guy who has a blonde long hair, and it looked good on him.

"Ewan, 'di ko kilala iyan. Tara na nga—"

"C'mon, the rain is about to pour, I don't wanna get you wet, well, unless in bed."

"Manyak, bastos!" Sinipa-sipa ni Marga iyong sasakyan ng lalaki.

I let out a heartily laugh. "What the heck, bastard?"

"I have a name, Miss. Don't call me such names, I am Reymarc Acosta, Margaret's ex." After saying that, he opened the driver seat's door and went out, leaning against his car.

My eyes widened and looked at Marga. "Your ex?!"

She nodded hesistantly.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Siya iyong ex ko na kinalimutan ko na kaya bakit ko pa sasabihin?"

"Ang sakit mo namang magsalita, mahal ko."

"Mahal mo, mukha mo! Sungalngalin kita r'yan, e!"  Marga was about to raise her fist when the guy who named Reymarc held her hand and quickly pulled her closer while holding her waist. She spun Marga on the car and in my horror, he kissed her thoroughly!

I bit the insides of my cheek. "Get a room, will you?" I glared at his back before pulling his hair to get rid of Marga.

Si Marga naman ay natanga at parang wala sa sarili.

"Ouch! We're doing something we missed, ba't mo naman ginawa iyon?" si Reymarc.

"You dumbass, leave her alone or I'll slice you into pieces?" I warned.

He raised his both hands in surrender. "Chill, namiss ko lang siya, ang sungit na nga, e. Kumusta na ba siya?"

"Nasa tabi mo na tapos sa 'kin mo pa itatanong kung kumusta na siya? Are you even real?"

"Audrey! Tara na kasi! Hep, hep, ikaw! Huwag mo akong susundan, demonyo ka!" ani Marga at hinila na ako papalayo roon. Reymarc continued calling her name but Marga didn't even look back.

"Kuya Henry, ihatid muna natin si Marga," utos ko nang nakita si Kuya Henry na kakarating lang.

"Sige, ma'am."

"What happened earlier?" I asked as we got in.

"Alam mo, tama ka nga. Sana pala nakinig na lang ako sa 'yo o baka naman talagang malas ka lang magsalita kaya nagkakatotoo?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I mean, niloko niya ako... pinamukha niya sa 'kin kanina na ginamit niya lang ako sa harap ng mga iyon. Ni hindi ko alam na pinsan pala ng kaaway mo si Dante, si Rea ba iyon? Sabi niya inutos niya kay Dante na lokohin lang ako para makaganti sa 'yo."

I felt guilty when her eyes got teary.

"I am sorry—"

"Weh? Nagsorry ka nga?"

"Stupid. Just don't talk to him again, okay?"

She nodded. "From now on, sa 'yo na 'ko makikinig. Butete naman iyong isang iyon, hayaan mo na."

I smiled. "Good."

My phone beeped inside my skirt's pocket. There's a message from Zian.

Zian:

Persian, I'll be busy these days. Let's just see each other next time. Is it okay?

I scoffed before typing in a reply.

Me:

Whatever. Take care.

Zian:

Galit ka?

Me:

Nope.

Zian:

Iyong totoo?

Me:

I said no.

Zian:

Okay, sabi mo, e.

I irritatingly sighed. Bahala ka.

"SEEING someone years older than you? That sounded so... disgusting."

Tumigil ako para harapin si Fiona. Hindi pa nga ako nakakahinga ay may pakulo na naman siya.

"Are you picking a fight again? Ganiyan ka ba kababa, Fiona?"

She laughed, pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin at ngumiti ulit. "You gained weight. Buntis ka?"

I bit my lower lip. "Ba't inggit ka?"

"Well, no doubts, halata namang malandi ka."

Hindi ko siya pinansin at nagpatuloy na lang sa pag-akyat. I heard her steps, following me.

I wonder how did she know I met someone today, and it was Mr. Vallejos.

"Look at this, Audrey." She showed me her phone, so I stopped and looked at it.

It was a photo with a bad quality, pero makikita roon si Mr. Vallejos at ako na kumakain.

My brows furrowed. "Where did you get that?"

"Well, a friend sent this to me. You looked like a slut."

Out of annoyance I slapped her phone and turned my back. But before I could take a step, she grabbed my hair and arm causing my arm to have a scratch with her nails.

"Jusko, ano na namang ginagawa niyo!" I heard Manang Lita's nervous voice.

"How long will you do this, Audrey? You're so fvcking disgusting! Lahat na lang inaagaw mo!" she screamed.

"Fvck you, wala akong inaagaw sa 'yo!" I shot back.

"Shut up! You'll pay for this!" She slapped me again, when I had enough of her rage towards me I hardly pushed her away causing her to fall on stairs.

"Jusko!"

My eyes widened as I saw what consequences happened after what I did. "N-No..." I stuttered.

Nagpagulong-gulong si Fiona sa hagdanan hanggang sa umabot siya sa baba, and I clearly saw her body went unconscious.

Unti-unting lumakas ang kabog ng dibdib ko at ang panglalamig ng katawan. I felt colors left my whole body making me pale.

Dali-dali akong bumaba para tingnan siya, at nakita ko ang dugo galing sa ulo niya.

Sumisigaw na si Manang at iba pang mga katulong, pero pakiramdam ko nawalan ako ng pandinig at boses naman para makapagsalita.

I covered my face using my hands.

No, I didn't do it intentionally...

She started it and I just defended myself!

They carried Fiona's unconscious body to bring her to the hospital, while I was there, still shocked on what just happened.

I stared in nowhere with my trembling lips and hands.

Iisipin ko pa lang na malaman ni Mommy at Daddy ang nangyari para na akong malalagutan ng hininga.

I closed my eyes tightly.

"Hija, a-ano ba ang ginawa mo?" Manang Lita looked at me with her teary eyes.

I bit my lower lip and shook my head. "Manang... hindi ko sinasadya..."

She gave me a faint smile and reached for me to hug. "Magiging ayos lang iyon, ipagdadasal natin siya."

Sasagot pa sana ako na hindi madadala sa padasal-dasal si Fiona dahil dakilang demonyita siya pero mas pinili ko na lang na manahimik. "Manang, what if Mommy kill me?" I cried.

"Hindi, hindi niya gagawin iyon sa anak niya..."

"N-Nagagawa niya nga akong saktan."

"Oo, pero hindi niya magagawa iyon. Kumalma ka, hija." She tapped my shoulder.

I wiped my tears and let go of her hug. "They're on their way to hospital, right?"

She nodded.

"Pahinga ka muna, babalitaan na lang kita mamaya, ha? Sige na, kailangan mo nang magpahinga."

That's what I did. I entered my room and played a soothing music and covered my body a comforter.

I don't know how I abled to sleep, but I woke up when I felt a hard slap on me.

"Paano kang nakakatulog pagkatapos mong ilagay sa alanganin ang buhay ni Fiona?!"

Parang nagising ang diwa ko nang nakita si Mommy sa harapan ko.  Hindi ako makailag sa sampal, hampas, at sabunot niya sa 'kin.

I let her doing those, baka sakaling matauhan pa ako. I always put myself in trouble. Kahit iwasan ko ay iyon na yata ang lumalapit sa 'kin.

I cried hard when I feel my body trembling in pain so as my face.

She was about to hit me with the stool when Daddy appeared in my room and stopped Mommy.

"Stop it, Scarlet! You're no help! Imbes na nandoon ka sa hospital para tingnan ang pamangkin mo, nandito ka at sinasaktan ang anak mo!" Daddy roared and threw the stool on the floor causing a loud bang.

But something didn't fit right.

Pamangkin?