CHAPTER 8

"I'M SORRY TALAGA, Lucky, need kasi ako ni Dad ngayon," kagat-labing sabi ni Happy kay Lucky na kausap sa cell phone. "A bit of emergency lang. Next time na lang kita samahan, okay lang?"

"Okay lang ba si Dad?" may pag-aalalang tanong ni Lucky. "Do you need me there to take care of Daddy?"

"Dad is fine. Just a little flu," sabi niya. "Call you later for update, okay?"

"Sige."

"Bye, Lucky."

"Bye, Ate."

Pinatay ni Happy ang tawag at umikot patungo sa kusina pero natigilan nang makita ang ama na nasa likuran niya pala at mukhang narinig ang mga sinabi niya sa kapatid.

"Dad..."

Pinakatitigan siya ng ama bago ito bumuntong-hininga. "That wasn't nice, lying to your sister like that."

Happy felt bad making excuses to Lucky after she informed her that Blaze would accompany them for the food tasting. That was why she came up with dad-has-a flu excuse.

"Sorry, Dad," sabi niya sa mahinang boses.

Lumapit ito sa kanya, saka hinaplos ang magulo niyang buhok dahil kababangon lang niya. Lumabas lang siya para kumuha ng tubig na maiinom nang tumawag si Lucky. "What happened? Do you want to tell me, princess?"

Umiling siya, saka nginitian ang ama. "I can handle it, Daddy. Magsasabi ako kapag hindi ako okay at hindi ko na kaya."

"Okay. I know you will, I trust you, princess." Her father smiled back. "By the way..." May iniabot ito sa kanyang sobre. "I got this from a friend last night while I was wasting my money in the casino. You were locked in your room when I came back that's why I didn't bother you."

Tinanggap niya ang sobre, saka binuksan iyon para tingnan ang laman. It was an invitation to a jewelry auction.

Mabilis siyang nag-angat ng tingin sa ama. "Why do I get an invitation?"

Her father gave her a proud look. "Maybe because I'm looking at the most skilled jewelry maker in the United States?"

Inirapan niya ito. "Stop patronizing me, Dad. Bakit ba talaga ako invited?"

Her father sighed before telling her the truth. "I was playing poker, you know, sometimes talking while playing. And then one of the players said something about his wife being invited to a jewelry auction and he was boasting, like it's an important thing to be invited. So, I asked."

"And?" she urged him when he paused.

"I stopped listening after the word jewelry. I know you would love to go there. So, I made a bet. If I lost, I would give him all the money I have that night, but if he lost, his wife's invitation is mine. And guess what?" Her father grinned proudly. "Your old man won!"

Napailing siya. "So, you're gambling again?"

Her father stilled then gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry?"

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "The next time you gamble, I swear, Daddy, I will kick you out of my hotel room and in our house."

"Princess! I have a game later!" Her dad exclaimed.

"You're supposed to be sick, a flu, remember? Stay here. Gambling is never a good thing, Daddy. I'm not happy about it." Inirapan niya ito, saka pumasok siya uli sa kuwarto niya at ini-lock 'yon.

Agad namang kumatok ang ama.

"Princess, let's talk about this." Panay ang katok nito. "I'm playing poker tonight—"

"Then pack your bags before you leave to play and rent your own room!" sigaw niya, saka binuksan uli ang sobreng hawak at binasa ang imbitasyon.

'Buti na lang at tumigil na sa kakakatok ang ama niya mayamaya.

Itinuon na lang niya ang atensiyon sa imbitasyong hawak. Walang pangalan 'yon.

It only had "You're invited to Contessa Vasquez' Jewelry Auction" written on top of the scented paper and the address and time were written below it.

Pupunta ba ako? tanong niya sa sarili.

Huminga si Happy nang malalim. Maybe it would be a good idea to go to the party and enjoy the night. She'd been busy these past weeks because of her sister's wedding. Oras naman na para sarili niya ang asikasuhin at aliwin.

And she wanted to see the jewelry that would be auctioned. She bet it was all going to be beautiful. Lahat naman ng alahas ay maganda sa paningin niya.

Happy took a deep breath before rummaging her closet, looking for a dress to wear. Nang makapili siya ng isusuot, ang mga dala naman niyang sapatos ang inisa-isa niyang tingnan hanggang sa makita niya ang babagay sa damit na napili.

At dahil mamaya pa naman ang auction, pabagsak siyang nahiga sa kama bago inabot ang cell phone na nasa bedside table at kanina pa nag-iingay.

Nang tiningnan niya kung sino ang tumatawag, bumuntong-hininga siya nang malakas bago sinagot 'yon.

He deserved to know why she didn't want to see him or talk to him.

"Blaze—"

"Thank you for answering my call." He sounded relieved.

"Sinagot ko lang ang call mo kasi gusto kong sabihin na huwag ka munang mag-call sa akin. Puwede ba?"

Natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya kaya nagpatuloy siya sa pagsasalita.

"I still don't want to see you or talk to you, Blaze, because of what happened. I still feel insulted and irritated up until this very moment. Hindi ko mabura kahit anong pilit ko. Sorry if parang maarte ako or nagde-demand ako ng respeto samantalang ginusto ko naman ang mga nangyari sa atin. Hindi lang ako kumportable na makipag-talk sa iyo like before. I hope you can respect that."

"Kaya ba hindi ka sumama sa amin ni Lucky ngayon?" tanong nito sa matamlay na boses na parang walang emosyon. "Umaasa ako na kasama ka kaya sumama ako."

"Yes, kasama ka kasi kaya hindi ako sumama. Alam mo naman 'yong reason ko, 'di ba? And just to be clear, I'm not doing and saying this, so you'll do something about it. Wala ka namang magagawa, eh." Happy answered honestly. "Sige, bye na."

Hindi niya hinintay ang sagot ni Blaze, pinatay niya ang tawag at napatitig siya sa kisame ng kuwarto.

This is the right thing to do. I'm doing the right thing. For myself because I deserve to be respected.

Too bad, she was enjoying Blaze's company. He was fun to be with. He had always made her smile and elated. His kisses made her feel so alive, and she didn't really mind if he had issues. But for him to say something to her—to feel something that was not really for her... it insulted her.

She felt used.

Huminga siya nang malalim at ipinikit ang mga mata, saka pinilit na makatulog. Hindi siya kasi nakatulog nang maayos kagabi dahil sa mga pumapasok sa isip niya na pilit niyang nilalabanan dahil ayaw niyang mag-isip ng negatibo.

Ngayon na lang siya babawi ng tulog.

INAYOS MUNA NI HAPPY ang ipina-salon niyang buhok bago lumabas ng sasakyan. Agad siyang napahanga sa disenyo ng mansiyon na nasa harap niya na nagpatigil sa paglalakad.

Beautiful luxury houses fascinated her because of the designs. Just like Blaze's house. One look and she knew it was renovated because the mixture of two designs, the old Spaniard mansion design and the modern American mansion design, weren't well combined. It was like the modern design was put there to cover the old, but it failed.

And this mansion in front of her, it was a mediterranean design mansion. So elegant and beautiful with red tiled roof—made of clay and brick, arches—like in Roman times and stucco walls. And the large, heavy wooden doors with ornate carvings caught her attention.

And from where she stood, she could see an open space with a fountain in the center of the house and benches.

The flooring outside was made of terracotta tiles, but some were made of granite and marble. There were limestones plastered all over the walls of the house, making the house illuminated at night when hit by a light.

Just beautiful!

Huminga si Happy nang malalim at nakataas ang noong naglakad palapit sa bantay na nasa gilid ng pasilyo papasok sa malaking solar ng mansiyon. Napapalibutan ng maraming security guard and buong bahay.

Ibinigay niya sa bantay na nasa entrance ang imbitasyon niya.

"Enjoy the party, Ma'am," nakangiting wika ng lalaki na tumangap sa imbitasyon niya, saka iminuwestra ang papasok sa malaking solar na nagsilbing bulwagan kung saan gaganapin ang auction.

Tipid siyang ngumiti, saka nakataas pa rin ang noong naglakad papasok. Marami nang tao, nagkakasiyahan lahat, nagkukumpulan at nag-uusap-usap, may mga ngiti sa mga labi habang nakaupo sa kanya-kanyang mesa na nakapalibot sa malapad na swimming pool at naghihintay na mag-umpisa ang auction.

Tahimik siyang umupo sa bakanteng mesa habang hawak ang ibinigay sa kanyang numero ng isang staff nang makapasok siya.

Pasimple niyang inilibot ang tingin. Wala siyang kilala ni isa. Siguro dahil hindi naman ito auction sa US kung saan halos lahat ng mahihilig sa alahas ay kilala niya at nakapagpagawa na sa kanya.

While roaming her eyes, it stopped on the gemstone—a blue diamond in front—inside a glass box. She couldn't help admiring the beauty it beheld. It was like the stone was emitting a light from the inside and reflecting it outside stealing all her attention.

"So beautiful..." she whispered.

"I know, right?"

Bumaling si Happy sa nagsalita dahil parang pamilyar sa kanya ang boses. Agad na gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi niya nang makilala iyon.

"Ream!" Thank God! Someone she knew!

Agad siyang tumayo at yumakap kay Ream dahil masaya siyang makita ito uli. She knew Ream because they ran in the same circle and he used to order jewelry from her—rare ones and the ones that were so hard to make and very expensive.

"It's been what?" Pinakawalan niya sa pagkakayakap si Ream at masaya itong nginitian. "One, two years since we last saw each other?"

Ream let out a short laugh. "Just one."

"Oh..." Her smile never left her face. "It's nice to see you again. How's the married life?" Alam niyang ikinasal na ito dahil siya ang gumawa ng singsing nito at ng fiancée nito.

Mas lumapad ang ngiti ni Ream sa tanong niya. "Happy... contented... fulfilling... amazing... I can go on and on and on and you'll get bored."

Natawa siya. "I'm happy for you."

Ream chuckled, amusement in his eyes. "Yes, you are Happy."

Inirapan niya ito. "Still haven't changed, I see." Luminga-linga siya kapagkuwan. "Nasaan ang wife mo?"

Sa halip na sagutin siya, manghang napatitig ito sa kanya. "Whoa, you speak Tagalog now?"

She smiled. "Still learning. My sister lives here and I'm helping her with her wedding and all that. And I think it's a must to learn the language."

Kumunot ang noo ni Ream sa ikinuwento niya. "I thought you're an only child."

"Half sister." Her smile widened when she remembered how adorable Lucky was. "Her name is Lucky Hart, but now, she's Lucky Quinn."

Parang nagulat si Ream nang marinig ang pangalan na sinambit niya. "Lucky Hart?"

"Yes. Why? Do you know my sister?"

"I'm not sure. My friend's fiancée's name is Lucky Hart."

"Oh. Is your friend's name Blake Vitale?"

"Yes."

"Then that's my sister," she said proudly.

Ream chuckled. "Small world."

"Indeed," she agreed.

"So... where's your wife?" tanong niya uli kapagkuwan. "I wanna meet her."

Ream sighed. "I'm alone tonight. Wife's pregnant and when she said no, it's a no. I'm still in my right mind not to argue."

Natawa siya. "Takusa ka. Is my term correct?"

Si Ream naman ang natawa. "Well... maybe."

"Anong maybe?" natatawang tanong niya, saka napailing. "Very halata."

Tumawa lang si Ream pero natigil ang pagtawa nito nang may makakuha sa atensiyon nito na nasa likuran niya. Tinawag nito ang taong 'yon.

"Vasquez, my man!"

"Oliveros," sabi ng lalaki na naglalakad palapit sa kanila. Nagkamay ang dalawa. "Enjoying the party?

Nagkibit-balikat si Ream at ipinakita ang hawak nitong baso na may lamang alak. "I'm enjoying."

The man named Vasquez frowned. "Really? It's boring as fuck. I shouldn't have come here."

Napailing si Ream sa sinabi ng lalaki, saka ipinakilala siya. "By the way, Reigo, this is Happy Quinn, a jewelry designer from Pennsylvania, and, Happy..." Iminuwestra na naman nito ang kamay sa lalaki. "This is Reigo Vasquez. A friend of mine and the only son of the owner of this huge fucking mansion."

"The host?" Agad niyang inilahad ang kamay. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Vasquez."

"I'm not the host but likewise," Mr. Vasquez replied then he gave her a small smile while shaking her hand. "Just Reigo, Mr. Vasquez is my father."

Napangiti siya. "But you are Mr. Vasquez too."

"Yeah, but I prefer Reigo."

"Okay."

"He's still single," sabad ni Ream, saka kinindatan siya. "Sige, maiwan ko na kayo. May kakausapin lang akong kliyente." Then he glanced at her. "Happy, enjoy the night."

Nakangiting tumango siya, saka nabaling uli ang atensiyon niya sa blue diamond na nasa loob ng glass box na nasa harap ng lahat.

"It's really pretty," mahina niyang sambit.

"I told my mom to sell it."

Nanlalaki ang mga matang napabaling siya kay Reigo. "What? You're kidding..."

"No." He looked serious all right. "Pero sabi niya, mas kaya niya akong ibenta kaysa sa bato na 'yan."

Hindi niya napigilan ang matawa sa sinabi nito. "That was harsh."

"It was." Reigo tsked before looking at her. "Want some drink?"

"I would like that. Thank you."

Umalis si Reigo para kumuha ng wine para sa kanya at ibang inumin naman para dito. Parang brandy iyon.

"Salamat dito," sabi niya nang tanggapin ang ibinigay nitong wine glass sa kanya.

Reigo looked at her questioningly. "You know how to speak Tagalog? I mean, I thought you're from Pennsylvania."

"I am. I'm still learning." Nahihiya siyang ngumiti dahil alam niyang hindi pa siya straight mag-Tagalog minsan. "Kaunti pa lang. Still not straight and still with accent."

Napatango-tango ito, saka inilibot ang tingin sa kabuuan ng solar. "This party is boring," sabi nito pagkatapos sumimsim ng alak. "I don't even know why I let my mother talk me into coming here."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Well, It's not that lively, but that..." Iminuwestra niya ang kamay sa jade. "It's beautiful. It's worth my time and effort to come here. And I'm sure the jewelry that will be auctioned are stunning too. I can't wait."

"There is one thing more beautiful than that," sabi ni Reigo at nakuha n'on ang interes niya.

Nakataas ang kilay na bumaling siya rito. "Talaga? What?"

"It's not what, it's where. And since you like stones, I'm pretty sure you'll like it. Come on." Hinawakan siya nito sa pupulsuhan at tinahak nila ang daan patungo sa fountain na nakita niya kanina na nasa gitna ng bahay. "There," sabi nito, saka itinuro ang hindi kalayuang fountain kung saan sila patungo. "That's more beautiful."

"Than the blue diamond?" Umiling agad siya. "I don't think so."

"You'll eat your words," sabi ni Reigo, saka iginiya siya palapit sa fountain.

And just like what Reigo said, she did eat her words. It rendered her capability to move or speak actually.

The fountain... it was like a wishing fountain, but instead of coins, there were stones— gemstones—embedded and some were scattered on the floor! Not only on the floor, there were also stones ornamenting the whole fountain. And they were shining—no, more like illuminating—because of the lights on the water inside the fountain.

Garnet, black opal, sapphire, red beryl, taaffeite—one of the rarest stones. Jade, rubies, benitoite that were considered as one of the most beautiful gems. She could even see few alexandrite gemstones, even diamonds! Every gemstone that she could think of were there—in the fountain.

"Wow..." Hindi niya napigilan na ilubog ang kamay sa tubig ng fountain para hawakan at haplusin ang mga batong naroon. "These are beautiful! And they're all real!" She pulled her hands from the water before standing up and looking at Reigo in awe. "It's beautiful. Really stunning!"

Tipid na ngumiti lang si Reigo. Nang makita ang basa niyang kamay, may kinuha itong panyo sa bulsa nito, saka tinuyo ang kanyang kamay at braso.

Happy smiled at Reigo. "Thank you."

"I feel like a gentleman today," he said like he was joking but he looked serious though. "Tomorrow, I'll be an asshole again."

His last sentence made her laugh. "You don't really mean it."

"I do. I decided to be an asshole tomorrow," sabi nito sa seryoso pa ring boses.

Nangingiting napailing si Happy, saka bumalik uli ang tingin niya sa fountain. "I can't believe nasa labas lang siya ng house n'yo." Hindi niya maalis ang tingin sa mga batong nagkalat. "They're all genuine... even the diamonds. You're that rich?"

Natawa si Reigo sa huli niyang tanong. "My parents are. My mom likes shiny beautiful things and she found it on gemstones. Nangongolekta siya at iyang mga nasa fountain, 'yan 'yong mga hindi niya gusto o kaya pinagsawaan na niya."

Napatanga siya. "So itinapon niya lang 'yon sa fountain?"

Tumango si Reigo. "Kind of."

She was shocked. "Wow..."

"Yeah..." sabi ni Reigo, saka umupo sa naroong bench na malapit at hinayaan lang siyang pagmasdan at humanga sa fountain.

Halos ilang minuto rin niyang tinitigan ang mga batong kumikinang dahil sa ilaw sa loob ng fountain bago nagawang alisin ang mga mata roon at naglakad palapit kay Reigo.

"Thank you for bringing me dito." Kahit paano ay naaliw siya ng mga magagandang batong nakita at nawala ang mga negatibo niyang iniisip na pilit niyang iwinawaksi.

Pinakatitigan siya ni Reigo bago nagsalita. "You look happy now."

Natigilan siya sa sinabi ng lalaki at napabaling siya rito. "Why? Hindi ba ako masaya earlier?"

Reigo shrugged. "Masaya pero may lungkot sa mga mata mo kanina kahit nakangiti ka nang ipakilala ka sa akin ni Oliveros." Sumandal ito sa likod ng bench at lumipat ang tingin sa fountain. "Actually, kilala kita. Nandoon ako sa kuwarto ni Blake nang pumasok ka at hinanap ang kapatid mo. Hindi mo lang ako nakita kasi tinamad akong magpakilala sa iyo."

Kaya pala mabait ang lalaki sa kanya. Napatango-tango siya. Kapagkuwan ay napangiti sa huling sinabi nito. "May tao palang nata-tire na magpakilala?"

"Yes. Me," sabi ni Reigo, saka tumingin sa kanya. "You and Blaze, huh?"

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Paano mo..." Umiling siya. "No, we're not together. If 'yon ang ibig mong sabihin."

"Hindi kayo?" May gulat sa boses ni Reigo. "That's not how I see it. I mean, I saw him look at you and I know that look. Marami akong kaibigan na ganoon tingnan sa asawa nila."

Blaze looked at me like that because I remind him of his ex.

Umiling siya. "You're mistaken. Walang kami. We're just being nice sa isa't isa." Tumingin siya sa fountain para umiwas ng tingin dito pero bumalik pa rin ang tingin niya sa lalaking nakaupo dahil may gusto siyang itanong. "Kilala mo ba si Blaze? Like close kayo?"

"Not really," sagot nito at bahagyamg umiling. "Hindi kasi kami palaging nagkikita o nagkakausap. 'Pag may nangangailangan lang ng tulong sa isa sa mga kaibigan namin kami nagkikita-kita. We have the same circle of friends that's why. Mas malapit siya sa mga basagulero naming kaibigan. Sina Phoenix, Titus, Nate, Khairro, Andrius at sa iba pang masasakit ang ulo at mga baliw."

Bahagyang namilog ang mata ni Happy sa gulat sa narinig. "Basagulero pala si Blaze? Hindi halata."

"You have no idea." Natawa si Reigo na para bang may alam ito na hindi niya alam. "Wala ka talang kaidi-ideya kung sino siya? Kung sino ang kambal na 'yon?"

Naguguluhang umiling siya. "Sino ba sila?"

"Ask them," sabi ni Reigo. "It's their story, not for me to tell. Sorry, it's respect and all that shit."

Tumango siya. "I understand."

Tumayo si Reigo mula sa pagkakaupo, saka tumingin sa bulwagan. "Let's go back. Looks like the auction is starting."

Tumango si Happy at magkatabi silang naglakad ni Reigo pabalik sa pinagdadausan ng auction. Akala niya ihahatid lang siya nito sa mesa niya pero nagulat siya at natuwa na rin nang samahan siya nito.

"Mind if I stay?" Reigo asked.

Happy shook her head. "No, not at all."

Reigo smiled before glancing at Ream who also sat on their table.

"Do you mind sharing the table?" Ream asked her and Reigo.

Sabay naman silang umiling ni Reigo at tumingin sa platform na nasa harap kung nasaan ang emcee na iniimporma ang lahat na mag-uumpisa na.

And the auction started.

Beautiful jewelry after jewelry. Necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and more. Lahat magaganda pero walang nakakuha sa atensiyon niya. Walang nakapagpataas ng kamay niya para bumili.

"Your mother has beautiful collections," sabi niya kay Reigo.

Reigo just hummed. Halatang hindi ito interesado sa nagaganap na auction.

"Hey, you two," sabi ni Ream na kinuha ang atensiyon nila. "Let's take a picture."

Pumayag naman sila ni Reigo. Pero kinailangan ni Reigo na lumipat ng upuan, sa tabi niya, para pasok silang tatlo sa screen ng cell phone ni Ream.

Happy smiled, Reigo did a little twitch of the lips and Ream was grinning.

"Thanks," pangiti-ngiting sabi ni Ream matapos silang mag-picture at may ginawa ito sa cell phone nito. "And sending."

Seconds later, Reigo took out his phone from his pocket and frowned at Ream. "Bakit mo isinend sa Jumbo Hotdog Club?"

Ngumiti lang nang makahulugan si Ream, saka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa auction.

Ganoon din ang ginawa ni Happy.

Ilang alahas pa ang ibinenta na hindi nakakuha sa atensiyon niya hanggang sa nakita niya ang sunod na ibebenta.

It was not really a jewelry, but it caught her attention.

"A key chain made of gold and is also a can opener. With small cut of diamond ornamenting the edges and even the key chain holder is made of gold, ladies and gentlemen, the bidding will start at two million!" sabi ng emcee.

At natagpuan na lang ni Happy ang kamay na nakataas habang hawak ang numero niya.

"Two million to the lady who's holding the number thirty!" sabi ng emcee.

Agad na may nagtaas ng numero para labanan siya. Lalaki 'yon. "Two point five million!"

Itinaas niya uli ang kamay. "Three million."

"Three point five million!" sigaw ng lalaki sa na nasa kanang bahagi ng solar.

She raised her number again. "Four million."

"Five million!" sigaw uli ng lalaki na nasa kanang bahagi ng solar.

"Six million," laban niya.

"Six point five million!"

Patuloy siyang lumaban. "Seven million!"

"Seven point five million!" Hindi rin papatalo ang kalaban niya.

Tumayo si Happy at nakangiting nagsalita. "Ten million."

Lahat natahimik, walang nagsalita hanggang sa narinig niya ang boses ng emcee.

"Ten million! Going once..." Everyone was silent. "Going twice!" Still quiet. "Sold to the beautiful lady who's holding the number thirty!"

Lahat nagpalakpakan. Bumalik naman siya sa pagkakaupo at natigilan nang makitang hindi makapaniwalang nakatingin sa kanya sina Ream at Reigo.

"Really? Ten million for a key chain and a can opener?" Reigo looked at her absurdly. "Hell..."

"Hindi ako magugulat kung lalaki ang bibili n'on, pero ikaw?" Parang hindi makapaniwala si Ream sa ginawa niya. "Ano'ng gagawin mo sa key chain na 'yon?"

Nginitian lang niya ang dalawa, saka ibinalik uli ang atensiyon sa auction hanggang sa matapos 'yon. Samantalang ang dalawa ay busy sa cell phone. Si Ream panay ang tawa habang si Reigo naman ay hindi maipinta ang mukha.

She wanted to ask what was happening but it was none of her business, so she stayed silent. Until Reigo showed her something on his phone.

It was a group chat and its name "Jumbo Hotdog Club" made her frown.

Blaze Vitale: Touch Happy, @ReigoVasquez, and I'll kill you. You know me.

Blaze sounded possessive of her. It should have made her felt giddy with happiness, but for some reason, his possessiveness irritated her.

Why?

Nakatingin pa rin siya sa screen ni Reigo habang nagta-type ito ng reply kaya nabasa niya ang isinagot nito kay Blaze.

Reigo Vasquez: @BlazeVitale, bago ka mang-angkin at handang pumatay, alam mo na ang dapat mong gawin. And I'll touch her if she lets me because she's not yours to begin with.

When Reigo hit send, he glanced at her apologetically. "I hope you don't mind what I said. If it disrespects you in any way, tell me."

Umiling siya, saka tipid na ngumiti. "It's okay. Totoo naman ang sinabi mo. I'm not his."

"And that makes you sad," pansin ni Reigo.

Sasagot sana siya nang makita niyang gumalaw ang group chat.

Someone sent a picture of her and Reigo while talking closely. And it was none other than Ream Oliveros!

Bago pa niya matanong si Ream kung ano ang ginagawa nito, mabilis itong umalis at hindi na nagpakita sa kanila.

Napailing na lang si Happy, saka tinakpan ng kamay niya ang screen ng cell phone ni Reigo nang mag-umpisa iyong gumalaw dahil sa mga chat na sunod-sunod na nagsidatingan.

"It's private," sabi niya, saka nginitian ito.

Reigo looked at her with admiration in his eyes. "You're different. Good different."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bakit palagi n'yong sinasabi 'yan? I'm not different, trust me."

"You are." May pinalidad na sabi ng lalaki. "Maybe because you grew up in the States or maybe, that's who you really are. I like it."

"Thank you."

Reigo smiled at her. "You're welcome."

Humugot si Happy ng malalim na hininga. "May question pala ako. Noong isang araw pa siya nagko-cause ng chaos sa isip ko at ayoko ng chaos like this in my head right now because it's making me grumpy and a liar and I don't want that. It's nakakapagod. And I just want to hear ng ibang opinion, an unbiased opinion about this matter. Kapag kasi ang family ko ang ini-ask ko, kakampi sila sa akin. I hope it's okay kung mag-a-ask ako sa iyo?"

Reigo nodded. "Go on."

Humugot uli siya ng malalim na hininga bago nagtanong. "Ahm... I have a woman friend who's with a man who reminds her of her ex-boyfriend... and, ahm, this man knows about this issue but chose not to make a big deal out of it—"

"Then that man is an idiot," sabi ni Reigo na hindi man lang pinatapos ang kuwento niya.

Napaawang ang mga labi niya. "W-what?" I'm an idiot?

"That man is an idiot," ulit nito saka nalukot ang mukha. "I mean, he should know that your friend, this woman, is just being with him because he remind her of her ex. That's downright insulting and it's called rebound. It's never a good thing."

Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "I know, right..."

"Yeah, and now you look sadder." Nasa boses ni Reigo na parang nagsisisi ito sa opinyong ibinigay.

Pinilit niyang ngumiti, saka ibinalik uli ang tingin dito. "I'm okay. Thank you for answering my question."

Nailang siya nang pinakatitigan siya ni Reigo na parang binabasa ang emosyon sa mukha niya na hindi niya kayang itago. "This woman friend of yours... is this you?"

"No." Mabilis siyang umiling.

Reigo frowned. "Then you're the man? I mean, you look sadder than earlier—Oh, fuck, it's you and Blaze. Tama ako, 'di ba? I mean, I heard that Blaze's ex-fiancée died eleven years ago and maybe you remind him of her?"

Umawang ang mga labi niya sa nalaman. "S-she's dead?" All along she thought the woman was alive! "H-how?"

Reigo shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not sure how she died. As I said, we're not really that close."

Happy was unmoving even after a long minute. She was shocked to the core.

The woman was dead but Blaze still loved her? Jesus Christ! "Then I'm a replacement?" pabulong niyang tanong sa sarili pero narinig naman siya ni Reigo.

"I don't know. Ask him."

Napatitig siya kay Reigo. "You're right. 'Yan ang pinakamadaling gawin actually. Tanungin siya."

It was Reigo's turn to be shocked. "Gagawin mo talaga ang suggestion ko? I was just kidding."

"Yes, I will," sabi niya na tumango pa. "Less overthinking and no complications. It's easier than assuming and thinking negatively."

The shock on Reigo's face was replaced by amazement. "You're really one hell of a woman."

That put a small smile on her lips. "Thank you." Tumingin siya sa orasang pambisig. "It's getting late. Uwi na ako. Thanks for everything, especially the talk. I appreciate it."

Tumango lang si Reigo, saka sinamahan siya munang bayaran ang key chain na binili. Bukas pa iyon ipapadala sa kanya dahil 'yon ang gusto niya. Para iwas kaba na rin at baka may hinding maganda mangyari sa daan. Pagkatapos ay sinamahan din siya ni Reigo palabas ng maluwang na solar ng mansiyon patungo sa kung saan nakaparada ang sasakyan niya at naghihintay ang driver niya.

"Ingat," sabi ni Reigo. Kapagkuwan ay kumunot ang noo nito na parang may naisip. "Ihatid na lang kaya kita?" sabi nito. "Don't worry, wala akong gagawing masama sa iyo. I swear."

"Hindi ako worried," sabi niya, saka mahinang tumawa. "Sigurado akong I can beat you up if you do something funny, but my answer is no. Good man naman ang driver ko. And careful driver siya."

Tumango si Reigo at ito na ang nagbukas sa pinto ng backseat ng sasakyan para sa kanya. "Well, good night, Miss Quinn," sabi nito, saka tipid siyang nginitian. "I will not ask if you enjoy the party because it was boring as hell. Admiring stones and golds are not really my thing."

Happy let out a short laugh. "The jewelry are beautiful. Tell your mom I enjoyed the auction, and I will wait for my key chain to be delivered to me." Inisang hakbang niya ang pagitan nila ni Reigo, saka hinalikan ito sa pisngi. "Salamat for everything. Have a good night too."

Tumango si Reigo, saka inalalayan pa siyang makasakay sa sasakyan at maingat nitong isinara ang pinto niyon.

Masaya siya habang paalis sa mansiyon ng mga Vasquez. Pero habang tumatagal ang biyahe nila pabalik sa hotel, pilit na pumapasok sa isip niya ang mga negatibong bagay na pilit niyang iwinawaksi.

I'm a replacement.

She kept on pushing the thought away because of her no overthinking rule, but it wouldn't go away. It kept on coming back... and it was haunting her mind.

And she was scared... scared because it was not only her mind that was in chaos... her heart—it was in chaos too.

CECELIB | C.C.