Chapter 13

Bad Luck

"Gusto mo bang pumasok ulit sa loob?" he offered after a while of both of us being quiet.

"Hindi na. It would be awkward. Uuwi na ako." Nasa isipan ko pa rin ang huli niyang sinabi.

"Ihahatid na kita." Luminga siya sa may parking area. "Where's your driver? I'll tell him."

"I don't have a driver. Ako ang nagdrive," I said proudly. "At saka may party pa sa loob. You can't just leave your guests."

"Babalik din naman ako."

"Siyempre, need mo talagang bumalik," parinig ko. "Baka hanapin ka pa ni Sofia Uy."

"I like it when you get jealous." He grinned.

"Excuse me!" Singhap ko.

He chuckled boyishly. "Come on. Fine. I'll let you drive. But I'll tail your car until you reach the mansion."

"There's really no need, Alec."

"I wanna see if you drive good," pamimilit niya.

"Fine." Umirap ako at tinalikuran na siya para puntahan ang sasakyan sa may parking area.

Ramdam ko ang pagsunod niya sa likod. When I reached the car, I opened its door.

"Did you choose this car?" he suddenly asked.

Nagtagpo ang kilay ko at tiningnan na siya. "No. It's just one of our cars at home. My parents didn't really buy me a particular one since I don't drive."

He looked thoughtful. "What model do you like?"

Nag-isip pa ako bago sumagot."A BMW X6. It looks cool."

"Okay. I'll buy you one."

Nagtagpo ang kilay ko. "I can buy it myself."

He crossed his arms. "Show me how well you drive." Hindi niya pinansin ang sinabi ko.

Pumasok na ako sa loob. He closed the car door for me. I turned on the engine. There were two cars on each side of mine so I had to carefully move the car.

When I finally reached the driveway, he signalled for me to stop. There was another black car coming from the other side and it stopped to where he was standing. It took me a while to realize that it was his car.

May lumabas dito na nakaitim na lalaki at ibinigay kay Alec ang susi ng kotse. Alec went inside and closed the door.

I started the car. Nagpakitang gilas ako sa pagmamaneho para wala siyang masabi. He tailed me. When I went slow, he would go slow. When I went fast, he would go fast as well.

When we reached the mansion he turned his car around and drove off just like what he'd promised.

"Everybody was talking on how he went after you," si Kuya Lee. Nasa harap kami ng dining table habang kumakain ng agahan.

"Why did you walk out in the first place?" si Papa naman sabay lapag ng kanyang tasa ng kape.

"I saw him with Sofia Uy," I said. Wala akong rason para magsinungaling.

"You chickened out because of her?" criticised my brother with a grin.

"I knew Alec would come after me," puno ng kumpiyansa kong sinabi. Of course kasinungalingan lang ito. Gusto ko lang na maisip ni Papa at Kuya Lee na alam ko ang ginagawa ko.

"I guess your plan worked out in the end." My father nodded at me with approval.

"So, did you two talk about your engagement?" sabat ulit ni Kuya. "I mean, we should move fast."

"Yes." My father turned to him sharply. "Because your brother just lost another millions of deal."

"What do you mean?" tanong ko. I looked at my brother. He looked deflated.

"It is none of your concern, Jia. It's business," my dad stated as if it was an excuse enough. "Just focus on your dealings with Alec."

Tiningnan ko si Ate Shen na tahimik lang na kumakain sa tabi ng kapatid ko. I did not probe.

"He said he never cancelled it," imporma ko kay Papa. "He said he wants to marry me. The wedding will push through as planned which will be in two months."

"I knew it. The fool really is crazy about you just like the rumors!" exclaimed my brother.

"What?" Na-offend ako sa pang-iinsultong tawag ni Kuya kay Alec.

"There's this rumor going around when you were in the States that he really went against his family regarding your engagement." My brother chuckled crazily. "Nasuntok nga daw ni Gregorio Cua."

I looked at my father for confirmation. He didn't say anything and just quietly sipped on his coffee.

"You'll attend the auction tomorrow night, Jia," paalala sa'kin ni Papa.

"I've seen the catalog of the jewelry which are up for the auction," sabi ko bago ko pa makaligtaan. "I want to double check if there are items which I could keep."

"You have to talk to your Amma regarding that matter."

"Pero, Papa, alam mo naman po ang stand ni Amma diyan," I said frustratingly. "If you can just talk to her and convince—"

"Do you think I have time for that kind of idle matter?" He raised an eyebrow at me.

"It's Mama's jewelry collection we're talking about," malamig kong sinabi.

He avoided my gaze and wiped his mouth with the napkin.

"Well, if your mother did not kill herself you could've inherited her jewelry collection. It wouldn't go to charity, would it?"

I scoffed. Kahit patay na si Mama, hindi pa rin siya nakakaligtas sa mga paninisi ni Papa.

"If you hadn't repeatedly cheated on her, she wouldn't have killed herself." Nakabibinging katahimikan ang namayani matapos ko itong sabihin.

Malakas na tinampal ni Papa ang ibabaw ng mesa. It made the fine wares on the table clang. All the maids in the dining room knew what to do. They all quietly left the dining area.

I glanced at my sister-in-law and saw her hands shook in fear. Dumapo ang tingin ko kay Kuya na matalim lang akong tinitingnan. It was like he's blaming me for getting my father angry.

"I'm sorry. It was my fault," paghingi ko ng despensa sa walang emosyong boses, maski sobrang labag sa loob.  "It won't happen again."

"Make sure that it won't." His voice was very cold and dangerous. "I've never hit your mother but that doesn't mean that I could never hit you."

My knees wobbled in fear. At that moment, I believed every word he said.

"Let's go, Lee," he called my brother's attention and they both stood.

When they both left the dining table, it was at that moment that I allowed my angry tears to fall. Halos nagdurugo ang mga labi ko sa kakagat para lang mapigilan ang paghikbi.

Ate Shen quietly cried with me. Tumayo siya at nilapitan ako. She hugged me and slowly caressed my hair.

"You have to marry Alec, Jia," she whispered urgently. "You have to, by any means. Kahit ikaw na lang ang makaalis na sa pamilyang 'to."

Hindi na ako sumubok na kumbinsihin si Amma patungkol sa jewelry ni Mama. I did not have the strength to be heartbroken again. Alam ko rin na imposibleng pumayag siya.

I attended the auction with a heavy heart. I wore a twist sequin maxi dress with an elegant V neck. Its color was a shade between brown and gold. Terno rin sa purse at heels ko.

Kung ako ang papipiliin, ayaw ko na sanang dumalo. Habang iniisip na makikita ko ulit ang mga alahas na importante sa ina ko na mapapasakamay sa ibang tao. Alam kong paulit-ulit lang akong sasaktan nito.

The private room in one of our hotels were filled with the bidders. I've seen some familiar faces from the rich families. Some of them were already seated on the red chairs. They all stood as the auctioneer announced the start of the preview period.

Each of my mother's jewelry collection was displayed in a glass box. Hindi lang naman ang collection niya ang kasama sa auction. May collection din na nagmula  sa namayapang beteranang artista.

The bidders were given the chance to inspect the jewelry that they're interested in. They were given opportunities to ask any questions they had about the pieces. They also inspected the items closely and made notes of their condition and details.

'Yong iba naman sa kanila ay tumitingin-tingin na lang at wala ng naging tanong pa. I guess they trusted how the pieces were acquired.

Lalo lang akong nanghina nang sa wakas ay tinawag na ako ng host sa stage para sa opisyal na pagsisimula ng auction. Dahil pamilya ko ang nag-organisa nito, ako ang napiling magbukas.

I walked and went on stage. I stopped in front of the microphone stand.

"Good evening, everyone," nakangiting bati ko. "I know for a fact that you are here because your interest is piqued by the pieces you've seen displayed in the catalog."

Marahan akong napalunok bago nagpatuloy. "To tell you frankly, this is hard for me." Some of them nodded, agreeing to my sentiments. "It's my mom's collection. Letting go of some of her favorite pieces felt like letting go of her as well."

Some started whispering at each others ears. Hindi ko na kailangan pang pakinggan ang bulungan nila para malaman na ang paksa nito ay ang nangyari sa ina ko.

"But I know that these pieces will be in good hands and the proceeds will be with the deserving chosen charities." I finally said before getting carried away. Ngumiti ako. "So, without further ado, it's my honor to officially open the auction."

They clapped their hands for me. I made my exit and went back to my seat. Bago pa ako tuluyang makaupo ay natigilan ako dahil nakita ko ang pagpasok ni Alec. He was wearing a black tuxedo.

He quietly went up to the vacant seat at the farthest row. Mula sa puwesto ko na halos kaharap ang bidders ay tanaw ko agad siya. One of the staffs approached him and gave him the paddle.

"Please be reminded that bidding involves raising your paddle," muling paalala ng host sa lahat. "Being oriented by some of the rules can help this auction process run smoothly and will ensure that your bids are recognized."

The host gave the floor to the male auctioneer.

"The first piece is the Peacok Brooch from Madame Cora Chen's collection," panimula ng auctioneer na kumuha ng atensiyon ko. His voice sounded very professional. "It's made by Lué Diamonds...."

Aside from the piece being displayed inside the glass box on the stage, it was also shown on the displayed large screen.

Hindi ako mapakali habang nakatingin sa screen. Kung kanina ay gusto ko na lang matapos ang auction, sa pagdating naman ni Alec ay naging kuryoso ako kung bakit siya nagpunta.

"...and the starting price is five million."

One woman raised her paddle.

"We have the five million." The auctioneer immediately recognized her bid. His eyes scanned the crowd to confirm if somebody else wanted to bid against it.

"Six million." Nagulat ako sa pag-angat ng paddle ni Alec.

"Six fifty," bid naman ng isang matanda.

"Seven million," si Alec.

"Seven point five," balik naman ng babae kanina.

"Eight million," Alec's voice rang in the room.

"Higher than three million anyone?" inquired the auction. The room was quiet. He smiled. "Sold!"

Umawang ang labi ko sa gulat. I stopped myself my gaping at Alec.

The auctioneer introduced the second piece which was still from my mother's collection. Ibinalik ko ang tingin kay Alec.

Kalmante lang siyang nakasandal sa upuan habang ang isang daliri niya ay ipinapalandas niya sa ibabang labi. He was studying the piece being displayed on the screen.

I looked at it and saw my mother's favorite necklace with her birthstone being displayed on screen. Naging banayad ang tingin ko rito nang naalala ang sabi niya noong bata pa ako na ibibigay niya ito sa'kin kapag ikinasal na ako. It was too late because she's gone.

I had to look away because the pain of loss attacked me once again. Napatingin ako kay Alec. I caught him looking at me as well.

"The starting price is six million."

"Seven million," deklara ni Alec. The bidders turned their heads and looked at him with curious eyes.

"Seven point five million," bid naman ng nakangiting matandang lalaki. Sa pinakaunahan ito nakaupo.

"Eight million," joined another bidder.

"Nine million," si Alec ulit sa malamig na boses.

Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa matanda. He was also looking at me. He grinned. "Nine point two million."

"Ten point five million," si Alec ulit.

It was like we were watching a tennis match as they were going back and forth at each other.

The old man chuckled. "Eleven million."

Pagod na tiningnan ni Alec ang matanda. Umiling lang ito at para bang nag-eenjoy pa sa nagaganap.

"Fifteen million," pagbid ni Alec.

Natawa ang matanda at ipinasa ere pa ang dalawang kamay senyales ng pagsuko.

"Sold for fifteen million!"

Alec bought every piece from my mom's collection. He won all the biddings. He bid so high that nobody even dared to bid against him anymore. He spent millions of money in just one night.

When the auction ended, I was so busy thanking some of the bidders. Kinausap na rin ng head of staff si Alec patungkol sa mga item na na-bid niya.

Nilapitan ako ng matanda na naging katapat ni Alec sa pagbid kanina.

"Hi. You must be Jia Chen." He offered a hand which I accepted and whe shook hands. "I'm Attorney Pelaez, an acquaintance of Alec Von."

"Thank you for bidding." I politely smiled at him.

"It's a pleasure."

"You know Alec?" I repeated just to confirm.

He nodded. His aura seemed friendly and approachable. Ibang-iba sa ama ko.

"Pasensiya ka na kanina, hija. Natuwa lang akong inisin si Alec. He was just so serious earlier. Nanibago ako."

I didn't know how to react. I glanced at Alec. Insaktong nakatanaw din siya sa akin kaya nagtama ang tingin namin.

He excused himself to the head of staffs and made his way towards us.

"Attorney Pelaez." Alec nodded at the old man before looking at me.

"Attorney Cua," bati naman ng matandang abogado pabalik. "I was just talking to Miss Jia Chen. Gusto ko sanang ireto sa kanya ang anak kong si Benedict..."

Hindi pa man nakakatapos sa pagsasalita si Attorney Pelaez ay umikot na ang mata ni Alec.

The old man humorously chuckled.

"She's not available for your son," si Alec.

Tumingin ulit sa akin ang matanda. Namutawi sa mga mata nito ang natitirang tawa kanina.

"Is that so, hija? You have a boyfriend?"

"Uh..." Nangapa ako sa isasagot. Kung magkilala nga sila ni Alec, for sure alam niya na ikakasal na kami? Or he might have thought na cancel na nga ang engagment just like what the rumors were?

Alec didn't say anything. He was just looking at me quite expectantly.

I sighed. "I'm Alec's fiancee."

"Oh. You two are engaged. When is the wedding?"

Napatingin ulit ako kay Alec. Wala na naman ulit siyang sinabi. Parang hinihintay niya na namang ako mismo ang sumagot.

"Two months from now," sagot ko.

"Ah. Matagal pa pala. Pwede pang magbago ang isip mo." Alec scowled at him. Nagpatuloy naman sa pang-iinis ang matanda, "My son is available if you ever change your mind. He may not be Chinese, but he is not a playboy." The old man winked.

Tinawag din ang atensiyon niya ng isa pang guest kaya kalaunan ay nagpaalam din siya sa amin.

Hinarap ko na si Alec. Bigla siyang naging abala sa kakukulikot ng cellphone niya.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Checking if Ben has a girlfriend," he answered without looking up.

"At kung wala?"

"I'll find him one."

Mahina akong natawa sabay iling. Hinayaan ko siyang maging abala sa pang-iistalk ng ilang minuto. Hindi kalaunan ay natapos din yata siya at inilagay na sa bulsa ang cellphone.

Nagtaas ako ng isang kilay. "And? Is he single?"

"Not for long." He looked problematic.

I crossed my arms. "Bakit? Bibigyan mo ng girlfriend kasi marami ka naman?"

Halos may talim niya akong tiningnan. Tama si Attorney Pelaez, nakakatuwa nga siyang inisin.

"I won't change my mind, Alec," pangngako ko sa kanya. Nanatili ang tingin niya sa akin. "Hindi ka ba naniniwala?"

"Naniniwala." He looked away and his jaw ticked. "Natatakot lang."

"We're engaged, Alec," paalala ko. "In two months, we'll marry each other."

"A lot can happen in two months."Nagbuntonghininga siya.

Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi at tinitigan siya. "Why did you buy my mother's entire collection by the way?"

"So that you can have them all back."

"I'm not allowed to own them because of how she died. My family doesn't allow it."

"I'll allow it." Umigting ang panga niya. "Once I become your husband, I'll be your family and I'll allow it."

Parang may mainit na palad na humawak sa puso ko.

"I watched you earlier." He licked his lower lip as his gaze on me softened. "I saw how you looked at them. I know how important her things are to you."

Idinaan ko na lang sa ngiti ang lahat. "Aren't you afraid of bad luck? I am not allowed to inherit her jewelry collection because of how she died you know. It's bad luck."

"What could go wrong if you're happy?" aniya na may kaonting ngiti na rin. "Are you afraid of bad luck?"

Marahan akong umiling. "I think I've had too much of bad luck growing up that it doesn't scare me anymore."

"Did your mother like me?" he asked all of a sudden.

"Yes. She liked you." Naging banayad ang boses ko. "She badly wanted me to marry you."

He looked very satisfied. "Then let's get married tonight. We can have Attorney Pelaez officiate our wedding."

"Takot ka lang na mapunta ako sa anak niya." Natawa ulit ako. "Is he good looking? Baka magustuhan ko?"

"He has no personality so you won't like him," mabilisang tugon niya.

I chuckled. "Give me one good reason why we should marry right now other than you being afraid this Benedict would take me away."

Unti-unting sumidhi ang titig niya sa akin. "Because I wanna marry you without our families. I know that this marriage is arranged by our families but I want you to know that isn't the case for me."

Tiningnan ko lang siya at hinintay na magpatuloy. He slowly took my hand. His thumb graze the engagement ring on my finger. It was his elders who gave it. My entire body tingled.

"I'm marrying you because I've fallen in love with you," he softly declared as his gaze landed on my eyes.

"Akala ko ba ako ang magsasabi kung in love ka na sa'kin?" Bumanayad ang boses ko. "You said that you don't even know what love is, kaya pa'no mo nasasabi na mahal mo na ako?"

"I'll tell you the reasons in our vows tonight." May namutawing ngiti sa sulok ng mga labi niya.

"I can't marry you tonight, Alec."

His face slowly fell. Madali rin naman niyang pinalitan ang ekspresyon ng pagtanggap. He silently nodded.

"But tomorrow would be fine." I smiled.