CHAPTER 27

Tennessee, USA
Sunday, 20:08 EST
February 14, 1999

Hi, Hannah!

It's your 9th birthday. I hope you are happy celebrating your special day even without me. It's been almost a year since we parted. I missed you so much already. I've been asking my Mom to send me back to the Philippines but she said we have to stay here until Dad gets well.

I wonder if you're looking for me or thinking about me. I hope you are; and I hope you are safe. I dreamed about you last night. You were bullied again. I'm so mad right now. I'm not even there to protect you from those bullies. I'm praying it was just a bad dream because I couldn't bear to see you hurt. I wanted to escape from this country but there's no means. Mommy kept my passport and she also limited my allowance.

I know you're too young for me. I just turned 13 last November. You know what? I met a lot of girls in school. Some of them blatantly told me that they had a crush on me but I shoved them off. I only have one crush— and that's Hannah Pantino.

You might be surprised when the time come you'll be able to read this. I have a crush on you since I was 12. Do you still remember the day we first met? You were crying under the mango tree because your classmates hanged your back pack that I had to climb up the tree just to get it for you.

Forgive me but I found you cute when your nose turned red because of crying. Your puffy eyes were like telling me that I need to protect you. I knew I was too young to feel that way but since then I promised to myself that I'm gonna take care of you.

By the way, I bought a gift for you but it's a surprise. I will give it to you when I return to the Philippines. Please wait for my comeback.

Happy birthday, Hannah! I really miss you. I hope you're dreaming of me, too.

Your forever Valentine,
David B.

.....

Tennessee, USA
Monday, 22:38 EST
February 15, 1999

Hi, Hannah!

I badly want to see you! Mom and I had a little argument early this morning because I've been asking her nonstop to send me back home. I'm so bored here. I got no friends because they're not really my cup of tea. Also, they're not you. I only want you, Hannah.

How I wish I could send these letters to you; but I don't even know your address there in the Philippines. Damn, I should have asked you before!

I also skipped my breakfast and lunch because I was upset when I learned that we will be staying here for few more years. Mom's working on the expansion of our business here as well and I don't really get it. We got a lot of money. Why do they have to expand the business here?

I also planned to skip my dinner but Mom entered my room unannounced. She told me to finish my secondary school here then she will give me my freedom. I'm gonna be finishing my college degree in the Philippines. But I have to wait for almost five years. I'm still in 6th grade now because I had to start all over when we suddenly migrated here.

Five more years, Hannah. I wish could pull the years off so I could see you already. By that time, you will be in your teenage and I hope your parents will allow you to have a boyfriend. Don't worry; I'm gonna be the one to ask them. I'm gonna curt you.

Just like what I promised before, I'm gonna marry you when you grow up.

I love you.
-David B.

.....

Tennessee, USA
Wednesday, 17:05 EST
November 15, 2000

My Hannah,

My parent's surprised me today. It's my birthday again. As usual, I had to pretend I was really surprised when in fact, I wasn't. Parties are boring. Perhaps, you could change my impression towards parties.

Do you like parties, too? I can throw you one even if I'm not into it. Everyone greeted me and gave me gift but none of those piqued my interest. I only want your gift. Do you have one for me?

Of course, I'm kidding. You don't really need to give me gifts. You are already a gift for me. I wonder if you're thinking about me at this time. Maybe you have whispered your greetings to the air because I can feel my heart beats fast while I am staring at our picture together.

You really looked too cute in this picture. Glad you let Mom take a picture of us together. I love your smile while you were staring at the camera that I spent my time staring at you.

Thank you for your greetings. I love you.

Birthday boy,
David

.....

Tennessee, USA
Wednesday, 23:32 EST
December 24, 2003

My Hannah,

It's Christmas Eve again but I always have one wish—that is to see you. By the way, I also made a gift for you. It's a surprise again.

I've been counting the days. In a few months, I'm going back there—finally! I can't wait to see you. I wonder how you look. You might have grown into a beautiful lady. Please do not entertain any suitor, no one else's deserve you except me. I can take care of you and protect you from anyone that would hurt you.

You'll be turning 13 in two months, right? I really do pray you're thinking about me because I've only been thinking about you. I did my very best to excel in my studies so Mom would not hesitate to send me off once I graduated.

P.S. I really love you. I really do.

-David B.

.....

Tennessee, USA
Wednesday, 06:22 EST
June 2, 2004

My Hannah,

Finally—it's my graduation day! I'm so damn happy!

I already packed my things last night because I'm gonna be going back to the Philippines the day after tomorrow. Mom already booked me a ticket. My ass has been very excited that I didn't get a decent sleep. I've already made a mental note about the things that I'm gonna do once I get back there.

I missed you and see you soon!

Always thinking about you,
David B.

.....

Tennessee, USA
Thursday, 23:11 EST
June 3, 2004

My Hannah,

I need you right now.

It fucking hurts like hell! Mom and Dad didn't make it to my graduation day. Their car crashed.

My parents were gone. Fck! I'm fcking hurt, Hannah!

-David

.....

Tennessee, USA
Friday, 10:02 EST
June 4, 2004

My Hannah,

I really wish you're here. This is just too much to bear.

We're heading to the airport today, with my Mom and Dad's corpse. I'm sorry that I might not be able to go straight to your place. We have to take care of my parent's funeral.

-David

.....

Manila, Philippines
Tuesday, 18:20 MNL
June 15, 2004

My Hannah,

I asked helped from Kuya Hugh to locate your address. Thankfully, our school principal still remembers me, so she gave us your address.

See you tomorrow.

-David

.....

Manila, Philippines
Wednesday, 22:00 MNL
June 16, 2004

FCK! FCK! FCK! FCK THEM ALL, HANNAH! THEY WILL ALL PAY FOR WHAT THEY DID TO YOU! I WILL MAKE THEM PAY!

-David

ITINIKLOP ko ang journal na hawak ko. Hindi ko kayang basahin lahat ng laman. Parang sasabog ang puso ko sa bawat letrang nakasulat dito. Some of the words were almost unreadable but they speak volumes of the writer's emotion.

Para akong sinasakal. Vivid images flashed in my mind. I did took a trip down memory lane for few minutes.

"You okay?" I heard Briggs asked. Tumigil na rin ang kotse. Namataan ko na iyong malaking pinto ng bahay nina Heaven. I didn't realize I spent the whole reading David's journal.

"I'm fine." Pinahid ko ang aking mga luha.

Briggs stared at the rear-view mirror. He shook his head and was about to say something but he closed his mouth.

"Gustong-gusto ko siyang makita, Briggs." I huffed. Pagkatapos kong basahin ang ilan sa mga pahina ng makapal na journal ay sumidhi ang paghahangad kong makita si David. I want to hug him, to kiss him. Gusto kong ipadama sa kanya na nandito lang ako para sa kanya.

"Don't push it, Hannah. It's not safe for you." Binuksan niya ang pinto ng kotse na sa gilid niya.

"At bakit? Ikamamatay ko ba kung kikitain ko siya? Hindi ninyo naintindihan, Briggs! Mas ikamamatay ko kung hindi ko siya makikita!"

Marahas akong lumabas ng kotse. Tiningnan lang ako ni Briggs. He didn't say a word. Umiwas lang siya ng tingin, tinungo ang main door at binuksan iyon para sa akin. Tiningnan ko siya nang masama. Bakit nila itinatago sa akin si David? Bakit?

"Kung hindi n'yo sasabihin kung saan siya nakapiit, puwes, ako ang gagawa ng paraan para malaman."

Binunggo ko ang balikat niya at dire-diretsong nagmartsa sa loob ng bahay. Naabutan ko si Kuya Hugh, kausap ang asawa ni Heaven. May tatlong kalalakihang nando'n na sa tantiya ko'y kaedad din ni David. May isang matandang lalaki rin silang kausap. They're all in their business suit.

I stopped in the mid-way when I heard David's name.

"I have to be honest with you. Baka mahihirapan tayong ilusot ang kasong ito sapagkat bukod sa criminal case ay nagsampa rin ng administrative case ang NBI. Maaaring sa mga oras na ito ay nag-iimbestiga na sila kung ground for conflict of interest ang nangyaring pagpatay sa biktima."

Kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay abogado ang matandang lalaking nagsasalita.

"What are the possibilities once they have proven their accusations, Attorney?" It was Heaven who asked. Nakasandal siya sa sofa katabi ng asawa niya.

"Maaaring matanggal si Mr. Bustamante sa organisasyon. Bukod sa non-bailable ang murder ay panghabang-buhay rin na pagkakulong ang sentensya nito."

Lumikha ng tunog ang hikbi ko na nagpalingon sa kanila. Sabay na nanlaki ang kanilang mga mata.

"Nasaan ho ang asawa ko?" mariing tanong ko.

"Hannah?" Napatayo ang kakambal ko.

"Sagutin n'yo ako. Nasaan ho ang asawa ko?"

Tiningnan ko sial isa-isa. Tumayo iyong matangkad na lalaki na may misteryosong mga mata. Wala na akong panahong purihin ang kagandahang lalaki niya.

Sinalubong niya ako at inalok ang kanyang kamay sa akin.

"Mrs. Hannah Bustamante, I am Theo Montreal-- David's colleague. I used to work closely with him when it comes to surveillance operations of NBI."

I nodded and accepted the handshake. Agad siyang namulsa at iminostra ang upuan sa akin.

"Sasabihin n'yo na ba sa akin kung saan nakapiit ang asawa ko?"

Nagkatinginan silang lahat. Mahabang katahimikan ang namayani bago nagsalita ang abogado.

"I am Attorney Florencio Del Rosario, Mr. Bustamante's lawyer. Ipagpaumanhin mo sana, Mrs. Bustamante, ngunit kabilin-bilinan ng asawa mo na huwag na huwag kang palalapitin sa kanya hangga't hindi pa siya nakakalaya. You can be used as pawn by the enemies. Nag-iingat lang kami. Maraming mga mata sa paligid, at hindi lahat ay mapagkakatiwalaan. I hope we have your cooperation."

Natameme ako. Nilukob ng konsensya ang puso ko. David's face flashed in my mind. He never really failed to surprise me. Kahit nasa alanganing sitwasyon na siya ay kapakanan ko pa rin ang iniisip niya.

"Pero gusto ko ho sana makatulong."

"Keeping yourself safe is already a big help, Mrs. Bustamante." Seryoso ang mukha noong Mr. Montreal.

Sumusukong tumango ako.

"Makakalaya siya, 'di ba?" pagkuwa'y tanong ko. They all sighed deeply.

"We are doing everything and collecting evidences to prove your husband's innocence, Mrs. Bustamante. Ipanatag mo ang iyong kalooban." It was attorney.

Wala akong nagawa kundi ang tumango. Napahigpit ang hawak ko sa journal. Nabalot lang kami ng katahimikan nang mahulog sa sahig ang memory stick na inipit ko sa loob ng journal kanina.

My reflexes hitched. I turned to Heaven.

"Ano 'yon, Ate?"

"Heaven, kailangan ko ng laptop."

©GREATFAIRY