Detective Files Season 2

TABLE OF CHARACTERS
Table of Characters
Amber Sison - Smart, stubborn and fragile (as what Gray thinks). Once nerdy though
not physically but now stepping into the light. Observant at times yet still
lacking detective skills. Grade 10 student (Grade 9 in file one and on the first
few chapters of file 2). Curious and concern, she draws herself towards baffling
codes and cases together with Gray. Kung ano-ano na ang napasukan niyang
kapahamakan but thanks to Gray (as well as the other characters) for saving her
always.
Gray Ivan Silvan - Smart and everything. Amber's classmate at Bridle High and a
high school detective. He's been solving cases and he always give a hand to the
police. Born with a police-turned-lawyer mother and a mafia boss father, Gray is
chosing his path in the righteous way. He is smart but when it comes to emotional
aspects, he is slow (or just in denial?!) The serious type, snob but an
overprotective guy.
Mikhael Timothy Alonzo - Khael as what he wants to be called. A highschool
detective, son of a police chief and Gray's best buddy (his term) and classmate at
Athena High School before he transferred to Bridle. He can match wits with Gray
though he sometimes lose on a deduction battle with him. Masyado siyang vocal sa
kanyang pagkakacrush kay Amber.
Cooler Vander - Gray's half brother. Plays a big role in Vander Mafia.
Ryu Vander Morrison - a hacker and a mafia guy. He always pissed off Amber by
threats of death.
Jeremy Martinez - A nerd and oh well, you'll find out soon.
VANDER MAFIA - A friend or a foe? Either way, the characters will enter the mafia
world and solve codes and mysteries.
OTHER CHARACTERS AND PLACES :
Detective Tross - police detective na palaging tinutulungan nina Khael at Gray (and
Amber too!)
Inspector Dean - Gray and Khael's friend from the police who secretly (and overtly)
allows them to enter crime scenes upang tumulong.
Bridle Highschool - A known private school na pinapasukan nina Amber at Gray.
Athena Highschool - An equally-known school as Bridle. Dito nag-aaral si Khael at
Gray's former school bago nagtransfer sa Bridle. Secretly owned by Vander Mafia
(it's not a secret anymore! Lol!)
Character Spoilers :
* A new high school detective
* Mafia traitor
* New antagonist (probably more wicked than X)
* Third party (?????)
Settings :
* Different settings per case
Time frame :
Last 3 months in Grade9 and then Grade 10 school year
[SHINICHILAAAABS' NOTE]
Dahil sa inyong suporta sa Detective Files: Crimes, Clues, Love, Mysteries and
Deductions (File 1), nagkaroon ng File 2! I guess this is the best way to express
my gratitude -
by writing more stories for you. The wait is over. Here's File 2 for you and I
assure you, maglelevel up na sila dito (Ano raw?! HAHA)
Please be patient in waiting for the updates. Thank you!
By the way, someone asked me: YOU'RE A MYSTERY WRITER BUT YOU'RE NOT MYSTERIOUS.
WHY IS THAT SO?
Well, I don't agree with the idea na kapag mystery writer ka, you should be
mysterious to your readers too. It's not a requirement. It doesn't mean na kapag
hindi ka mysterious, you're not capable of writing mysteries. Being a mysterious
writer adds twist to your works, yes, but it's not necessary na ganoon ka talaga
dapat. That mentality is so wrong HAHA. Ayaw ko ring magpakamisteryoso, that's not
me! I'm an open book with secret pages! Lol! Yun lang! Sinasabi ko lang xD
For new readers, basahin niyo muna ang Detective Files (File 1) to fully understand
File 2. Thank you ulit! Napaaga ang pagpublish ko! HAHA Shucks!
DETECTIVE FILES (FILE 2)
Author : Shinichilaaaabs
Genre : Mystery/Thriller, Action, Romance (???)
Recommended Story : Detective Files (File 1)
Published: JUNE 11, 2016
CHAPTER 1: DARE ME, DATE ME

Chapter 1: Dare Me, Date Me
I have never been as excited as this. Hindi naman pasko. Hindi rin bagong taon o
kaya ay kung anong holiday ang meron. Well it's a holiday for me.
Ano ba ang kahulugan ng holiday sa isang highschool student? Holiday means no
class. Iyon naman talaga ang gusto naming mga estudyante. Today is Rizal's Day and
I have never been excited on such holiday. I'm not a Rizalian. Not that I don't
recognized his heroic act for the Philippines. I do appreciate him but I believe
that he should not be the sole national hero. Uh, whatever. Iba-iba naman tayo ng
opinyon tungkol doon.
As a nerd, uh! It's too awkward to say nerd to myself since I don't consider myself
as one. Okay, as a nerd, I already read some of Rizal's poems and even his novels
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Not because it's a requirement in Filipino
but because I'm interested in his works. I even played as Paulita Gomez in El
Filibusterismo before.
But today, Rizal day is special. Bakit? Kasi may date kami ni Kulay ngayon. I have
never seen the color gray as lively but now I'm starting to like it. Why? Ewan.
Baka dahil kay Gray. Oh, I'm not putting any colors on this date. He just asked me
to go out on a date with me. He does not specify whether it's a friendly date or a
romantic one. So to keep myself on the safe side, I will consider this as a
friendly date.
Our last phone call was on December 26. It was during the time na nadecipher ko ang
ibinigay niyang code. I didn't call him after that dahil baka isipin nitong atat
ako! He didn't call me also kaya maghihintay na lang ako. I don't even know if
anong oras ang date namin!
Anong klaseng lalaki ba yan si Gray! He didn't specified anything. He just asked me
to go out on a date with him! Arrrggh! I'm not even sure kung seryoso ba ito sa
pagyayaya! Sinulyapan ko ang nakabalot na bagay na nakapatong sa study table ko.
It's a vintage compass. It's made of brass and it really caught my attention while
browsing on an online shop. Hindi iyon masyadong mahal but it's really nice. I just
hope Gray would like it too.
Inilagay ko iyon sa bag ko at umalis na ng bahay. I have no destination kaya mas

pinili ko na lang magliwaliw.
I didn't bothered our driver to take me anywhere. Hindi naman sa iniisip kong
isasakay ako ni Gray sa porsche o sa convertible BMW niya. I just don't want to
bother the driver so I took the cab instead.
Naalala kaya ni Gray na date namin ngayon? Uh, I'm not really sure but I do hope.
Ako lang ba ang naeexcite ng ganito? Wala sa sariling pumara ako ng kotse at agad
na sumakay. My mind is still occupied with the thoughts of Gray. I was wondering if
December 30 is an ideal date. Sana ay basbasan ni Rizal ang araw na ito kahit na si
Khael ang kamag-anak nito. He's an Alonzo right?
I don't know how long I have been occupied with the thoughts about today. Bumalik
lang ako sa wastong huwisyo ng paulit-ulit na tinawag ng driver ang pansin ko.
"Maam, saan po kayo? Maam?", the driver asked and he waived his hands in front of
me. Aba't feeling close tong lokong driver na ito ah?
Napatingin ako sa labas and I noticed that we're in a subdivision at nasa harap
kami ng isang malaking gate. Where the hell did this driver brought me?
"Kuya nasaan po tayo? Ito po ba ang sinabi kong address?", I asked the driver. The
area is unfamiliar kaya nagtaka ako. Nang sulyapan ko ang driver ay nagulat ako.
He's too young and too hot to be a taxi driver!!!!
Did I say hot? Uh, Amber! I mean he's too handsome. Moreno ang balat nito but he
doesn't look like a driver! Maayos din ang pananamit nito!
"No, this isn't the address that you said, actually you haven't said any address.
Kanina pa kita tinatanong but you seemed occupied with something. This is my
destination, my friend's residence", he said. Aba! Engliserong taxi driver?
"Uh, bakit mo ako sinama dito? You should have take me to the mall!"
He frowned at me. Saka ko lang napansin na makapal ang kilay nito na bumagay sa
maitim nitong mata. He got luscious -
Arrgh! What am I doing?!
"Una sa lahat Miss, hindi ako driver. Pangalawa, like I said kanina hindi mo sinabi
kung saan ka pupunta and pangatlo, HINDI TALAGA AKO DRIVER", wika niya.
Whaaaaaaat?! Eh ano siya?!

"But I called a taxi cab!"
"This is not a taxi. This is my car."
"What? Eh bakit huminto ka nung pinara kita?", I scowled at him.
"I thought you're asking for help. Nagulat nga din ako ng bigla ka na lang sumakay.
I keep on asking you where are you going but nakatulala ko lang", wika niya. Uh, I
really did such thing?
Muli akong lumingon sa labas at saka ko lang napansin na may dalawang police car sa
tapat ng bahay na hinintuan namin.
"Where are we?", I asked him.
"Andrade Subdivision."
"Take me back immediately!", I hissed. Oh, that was rude. Like I

he said, he wasn't a taxi driver but since siya ang nagdala sa akin dito, siya din
dapat ang magbalik sa akin kung saan ako galing!
"You're demanding."
"I-I'm in hurry", pagsisinungaling ko. The truth is hindi ko naman talaga alam kong
saan ako papunta.
"Well, I'm in hurry too. You see, my friends were murdered kaninang madaling araw,
right after I leave and I'm considered as a suspect so I came back to clear my
name", paliwanag niya. Murdered? That explains the police car here. "What's your
name?"
Kumunot ang noo ko sa tanong niya. "At ano namang kinalaman ng pangalan ko dito?"
He sighed na para bang sinasabing sinasayang ko ang oras niya. "Miss, look. Kanina
pa tayo nag-uusap but we don't know each other. Don't we deserve some little
introduction of each other?"
I rolled my eyes. Ah! What's up with this guy? Paano pala kong ito nga ang killer
sa nangyaring murder? Dapat ba akong magpakilala?
Napansin siguro nito ang pag-aalangan ko kaya kinuha niya ang wallet at inilabas
ang kanyang driver's license at inabot iyon sa akin.
"Red Villan. 19. Philippines", wika niya at tila mas lalo kong gustong ipaikot ang
mga mata ko. Is this a pageant? "And you are?"
"I don't have any license so I'll just introduce myself. I'm Amber Sison", sagot ko
sa kanya.
"And?"
"18."
"You look younger", komento niya.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It is."
"Urgh. I'm leaving. Kung ayaw mo akong ihatid kung saan man ako, I'll take a cab
instead", wika ko sa kanya at akmang lalabas na sana ng kotse ngunit nauna itong
magsalita.
"This is an exclusive subdivision, not a highway. Walang dadaan na taxi dito", he

said.
What? Walang dadaan na taxi dito? Then how do I get out of this place?
"What the hell!", I uttered at tiningnan niya ako ng masama.
"No cussing in my car please", wika niya na ikinaikot ng eyeballs ko.
Yes po, Santong Pula.
"Paano ako makakaalis dito?", I asked hopelessly! Kasalanan niya ito! Bakit ba kasi
dinala niya ako dito?!
"We have two possible solutions for that", he said and he showed two of his
fingers.
"What?"
"First, you will wait for me in this car habang papasok muna ako sa loob at
kakausapin ang mga pulis. Second, maghihintay ka dito ng taxi hanggang sa mangugat
ka sa kahihintay", he enumerated.
I know gaano katagal ang police questioning and there's no way I'll be waiting
forever for a cab here.
"None of the choices. I'll tag along with you. Come on", wika ko at naunang lumabas
ng kotse.
"Hey wait -"
Hindi ko siya pinansin at tuluyan ng lumabas. Napasunod naman ito at agad lumapit.
"Hey, you can't tag along, okay? They said my friends are murdered. I'm sure
makikita mo pa lang ang crime scene ay baka himatayin ka na", wika niya sa akin and
I glared at him.
"Cut out the prejudice", I told him. "I've been to worst."
"Really?"
"Try me", wika ko and he sighed after staring at me for a while.
"Fine, let's go", he said at pumasok na sa loob. Sumunod naman ako sa kanya at gaya
ng inaasahan, may mga pulis nga doon.
"Amber?"
Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. It was Inspector Dean at nagtatakang nakatingin ito sa

akin. I mean sa amin ni Red.
"Hey, Inspector Dean", bati ko sa kanya and this time si Red naman ang nagtatakang
nakatingin sa akin. He must be wondering why I know the inspector.
"Did Ivan summoned you?", he asked.
Wait, Gray? Gray is here? I was about to ask him kung nandoon din ba si Gray nang
may tumawag na naman sa pangalan ko.
"Amber?"
This time, it was Gray at gaya ni Inspector Dean, nagtatakang nakatingin siya sa
aming dalawa ni Red. Oh! What are you thinking Gray?!
"Gray?", after I uttered his name ay nagkaroon kami ng staring contest. It only
lasted for a few seconds dahil agad akong nagbawi ng tingin.
Bigla na lamang tumikhim si Red. "Ito ba ang ibig sabihin ng sinabi mo kanina na
you've been to worst? Hindi kaya secret agent ka ng mga pulis kaya sanay ka sa mga
crime scene?", he asked. Urgh. This guy seems like a fan of too much action movies.
May nalalaman pa itong secret agent!
"I'm not. I'm just a highschool student", sagot ko sa kanya. He exhaled in relief.
"Ah, I'm relieved to know that. How about the guy? He's a police? I don't
recognized him as one of the acquaintances na dinala ng mga kaibigan ko kagabi",
Red asked. He didn't doubt about Inspector Dean since he was wearing a police
uniform.
"He's a highschool student too", sagot ko sa kanya and again, he exhaled in relief
again.
"Don't tell me he's been to the worst too?", he asked in amusement.
"If there's worse than worst, he's been there", wiko ko and this time, si Gray
naman ang tumikhim. He pulled me towards him.
What the fudge?! Closer please!
I mean, why is he pulling me away from Red?!

"Who's that guy?", he asked at nagtagpo ang mga kilay nito. Ngayon ko lang napansin
na nakaporma ito. He was wearing a black long-sleeved polo na tinupi niya hanggang
balikat and a gray jeans. May date ba ito?
Uh, I mean, tuloy ba ang date namin?!
"I'm Red Villan, tinawagan ako ng mga pulis dahil sa nangyari dito", sagot ni Red
ngunit hindi ito pinansin ni Gray, sa halip ay muli siyang bumaling sa akin.
"Do you know that guy?", he asked me at si Red pa rin ang muling sumagot sa tanong
niya.
"She mistook my car for a taxi and she's spaced out when I asked her about her
destination so I ended up taking her along with me", wika ni Red. What's with the
two of them? Ako ang tinatanong ni Gray pero si Red ang sumagot. Si Red na ang
sumagot pero sa akin pa rin nagtatanong si Gray?! I don't get them!
Napansin marahil ni Inspector Dean ang kakaibang ambiance kaya sumingit na ito.
"Ah, yes we called you since isa ka sa mga kasama ng biktima kagabi sa party.
Halika, follow me", he said ay pumasok. Sumunod naman si Red sa kanya samantalang
naiwan kami ni Gray doon. Namayani sandali ang katahimikan sa aming dalawa but he
was the one to broke the silence first.
"Why did you rode on a stranger's car? Hindi mo ba naisip na baka mapahamak ka?",
he said and I prevented myself to scowl at him. I must maintain my patience today.
Just for today hangga't hindi pa natatapos ang date namin para naman hindi
masyadong awkward.
"Like Red said, I mistook his car for a cab and as of the second question, I don't
know where I am going", pag-amin ko.
"What?!", he sounded mad.
"Listen, don't be mad okay? I'm just wandering since I'm bored at home", sagot ko
sa kanya. There's no way that I'll admit to him that I'm tensed and excited for our
date today.
"Didn't you agreed to have a date with me today?" Oh! Thank God, naalala pala niya!
"Yes, but I don't know what time is it", sagot ko sa kanya.
"Haven't I told you it will be for the whole day? An hour or more is not enough",
he said and I shook my head.
Uh! Kung sinabi niya edi sana ay naghintay lang ako sa kanya sa bahay, not like
this na hindi ako mapakali sa kaiisip kung anong oras kami magde-date!
"Oh, I must have forgot to tell you", wika niya. "Let's get inside. I'm lending a
hand to the police para sa nangyaring murder dito kaninang madaling araw."
Pumasok na kami sa loob at may apat na tao nga na kinakausap ang mga pulis. Well,
Red makes them five.
Ayon sa police report, the murder happened around 3 AM. They were having a
Despedida party for their friend who was one of the murdered. Dalawa ang pinatay
kanina and the police already took the bodies but the crime scene was preserved for
further investigation.
One was Andrei Ramos, the owner of house. He was 21 years old and living alone in
the house. He was the one who was having the despedida party since his parents
acquired green card in Canada kaya susunod na ito doon. He was found lying cold on
the yard at may sugat ito sa ulo.
Another was Loren Salve, 19 at kaibigan ni Andrei. Natagpuan ang bangkay nito sa
banyo ng bahay. Just like Andrei, her head was hit with something hard at duguan
iyon causing her death. The weapon is not yet identified.
Ayon sa testimonya ng mga natira, they were playing a dare game. Habang ginagawa
ng mga biktima ang dare nila ay natagalan ang mga ito kaya nagpasyang umuwi si Red
at naiwan ang apat na sina Arvee Teves, Matt Sante, Aila Martin at Rovie Besana.
Isa-isang tinanong ng mga pulis ang mga ito at nakinig naman si Gray habang
matamang pinagmamasdan ang mga ito. Maybe he was observing each one's reaction and
he's also mindful of their words.
Unang kinausap ng mga pulis ay si Arvee. "Where are you around 3-5 AM kanina?"
"I was resting at our room since nalasing na ako. Kapag kasi hindi namin nagagawa
ay kailangang uminom as a consequence", sagot nito na halos nagkandautal-utal. I
don't know if he's telling the truth.
"Any witness?"
"Wala dahil nagpatuloy pa sila sa paglalaro."
"Oh, so walang witness? Ibig sabihin ay hindi matibay ang alibi mo", the police
said at tumango naman ito. Sunod na tinanong ay si Red. Lumapit siya sa akin bago
umupo sa harap ng pulis.
"I guess the choice you made is better. Matatagalan pala ako kapag pinaghintay kita
sa kotse and they say it's not good to make a woman wait", wika niya. He didn't
wait for my answer at agad na naupo doon. Lumapit naman sa tabi ko si Gray but he's
not doing anything. Nakakunot lamang ang noo nito habang tinitingnan si Red.
Inulit ng pulis ang tanong niya. "Where were you around 3-5 AM?"
"I went home", wika ni Red. He was as cool as ever.

"Any witness?"
"Yeah. Our subdivision guard saw me passing the gate around quarter to four", sagot
niya and he gave contact details of their subdivision. Marami pang tinanong ang mga
pulis hanggang sa natapos iyon ay muli siyang lumapit sa akin.
"Good thing I've got a witness", he said with a big smile matapos makumpirma ang
alibi nito. The police called their subdivision to confirm Red's alibi.
"Mabuti naman", komento ko and Red smiled.
"It doesn't mean that you're cleared from suspicion, you can still be the killer",
Gray said in a low voice.
"Did you said something?", Red asked him but Gray smirk.
"Did I?"
Uh, ano ba ang problema ni Gray? Why is he acting so bratty for this case?
Naramdaman ko ang tension sa pagitan nila kaya nagpasya akong ipakilala na lang
sila sa isa't-isa.
"By the way, Gray, his name is Red Villan, and Red, this is Gray Silvan",
pagpapakilala ko sa kanila. Red flashed a smile but Gray maintained his pokerface.
See? He's being a jerk.
Inilahad ni Red ang kanyang palad. "I see. Our names are both color but I believe
red is a better one since red symbolizes love, passion, sensitivity, romance, joy,
strength, leadership, courage, vigor and willpower while gray is an emotionless
and moody color which is usually dull, dirty and dingy. Oh, that's according to
psychology by the way", wika niya.
Emotionless and moody? Yeah, I agree! But dull, dirty and dingy? Not even close to
Gray!
Pinagmasdan ni Gray ang nakalahad nitong palad bago iyon tinanggap.

"Really? It's unfair for you to state positive on your side but it's the other way
on mine. Since you have cited psychology, you must knew also that red is the symbol
of blood and fire and of rage, anger, danger, malice, wrath and stress. Don't you
think that makes you the culprit?", direktang wika ni Gray dito na ikinagulat
naming dalawa ni Red but he was able to redeem himself.
"Whoah! I don't think so", he said with a smile. "Well, that's true but that
doesn't makes me the culprit. By the way, red also symbolizes happiness and
goodluck."
"I see. As of my hue, it may means detached, neutral, impartial and indecisive but
it is also the color of intellect, knowledge and wisdom. I consider myself as a
gray closer to black because the more mysterious it is", muling wika ni Gray, and
he still flashed his pokerface. (A/N: Shoutout for @-yunara for the gray and black
book cover! It's really mysterious!)
"Bravo for such knowledge about psychology. It's all true. Mukhang marami kang
nalalaman", Red said.
"So as you."
Red seemed proud of himself. "I'm a psychology student."
Gray flashed a prouder face. "And I'm a high school student with a super
photographic memory."
They're both bragging and that's when I decided to interrupt. Uh! Pag-untog ko kaya
tong dalawang kulay na ito?!
"Enough with the hue okay? Gray it's already Matt's turn", pagbibigay alam ko and
that's also the time that Red excused himself.
Muli kaming nakinig sa usapan ni Matt Teves at ng pulis. He said he went to the CR
to throw up but he slept on one cubicle since he's too drunk and that was very
remarkable since the bathroom was the crime scene. There were two cubicles and
since he said that he was dead asleep kapag nakakatulog ng lasing, he doesn't
observed anything at the bathroom.
Next was Aila Martin. She said she went to take a rest at the girl's room nang
hindi pa bumabalik si Andrei at Loren mula sa pinapagawang dare sa mga ito.
Lastly was Rovie Besana na naiwan sa sala at doon nakatulog. She was also the first
one to discover the body of the victims at agad na tumawag ng mga pulis.
In other words, sa kanilang lima ay si Red lamang ang mag alibi mula 3-5 AM.
"What's the dare that you ordered them to do?", tanong ni Gray sa kanila.
Rovie was the one who answered. "The dare for Loren was to find anything in the CR
and wear it for the whole time."
Uh, anong klaseng dare ba iyon? It's gross!
"And how about for Andrei?"
"I dared him to wear a girl's bikini so he went upstairs to change", sagot naman ni
Arvee. I want to pout for their dares! Sabagay! It's a dare so they have to do
unimaginable things.
Matapos iyon ay inilibot ni Gray ang kabuoan ng bahay. Pumayag din ang mga pulis na
maglibot ako doon as long as I will not touch anything, dahil na rin sa request ni
Insp. Dean.
Lumapit si Gray sa lima at nagpatuloy sa pagtatanong. I don't how he was able to

compel them to answer him gayong hindi siya bahagi ng pulis. Well, I guess he have
his ways. It's Gray Silvan's way.
I went to the bathroom where Loren's body was found. Nagkalat pa ang mga dugo doon
at minarkahan iyon ng mga pulis. Hindi nagtagal ay pumasok din doon si Gray at
matamang pinagmasdan ang crime scene.
"You look beautiful today", wika nito at agad akong napatingin sa kanya.
"Don't say such words in the middle of a case!", wika ko upang maitago ang
pagkahiya. It's not the right time to praise me!
"Oh, even if this case arrived ahead of me, we will still have our date kahit pa
dito sa crime scene mismo", wika niya. "So, let's start our date by solving this
case. How far have you got?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. My only observation is that ang sagwa ng
mga dare na pinagawa sa kanila."
"It's because it's the trick used by the killer", seryosong wika ni Gray.
"You mean you already knew who's the killer?", I asked and he nodded.
"Yes, I just lack proof."
"Uh. You're amazingly smart", komento ko.
"So as you. You're amazing."
Oh Gray! Please stop! I chose to ignore him at nagpatuloy sa pagtingin doon. He

went near the toilet bowl at looked intently at the floor. He went outside the
bathroom which is near the window kung saan natagpuan ang bangkay ni Andrei. He
looked at me seriously at nagsalita.
"Amber what do people usually do when they date?", he asked me. Gusto ko siyang
sagutin ng ewan. I've never been in a formal date before. Uh, kami ni Khael dati
but I don't think it's a formal one. Inalala ko na lang ang mga nakikita ko sa mga
movie.
"They usually talk. Why?"
"Right. I guess we have to do it since we're dating", he said. Seryoso ba talaga

ito ng sinabi nitong magde-date kami in the middle of this case?!
"Are you familiar with a luminol test?", tanong niya. I guess our talk will be
about this case. This is a unique date.
"I usually heard that sa mga balita and action movies but I don't really have
knowledge about it", sagot ko sa kanya.
"It's a test that forensics used to trace amounts of blood left in the crime
scenes", paliwanag niya. It's the basic knowledge that I have with luminol test.
"How do they do it?", tanong ko sa kanya. This discussion will be all throughout
the case.
"They spray luminol in the area as well as hydrogen peroxide, and an amount of
activating oxidant makes the luminol emit a blue light. The iron from the blood
acts as a catalyst and reacts with it, thus producing that blue glow", paliwanag
niya. "It's called chemiluminescence."
There he goes again with all his science explainations. I wonder how does his brain
works. He said he got a photographic memory. I bragged to him before that I also
have such memory but it's a bluff. I just have a sharp memory and not a
photographic one. Nasabi ko lang naman iyon dati upang pantayan ang kayabangan
niya.
"You think all the blood here are sufficient for such test?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Traces of blood is enough since only a little amount of iron is needed for
chemiluminescence", sagot niya.
"Why are you telling me all of that?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Because I guess we need a luminol test", he said. Lumapit siya sa mga pulis at
nagrequest ng luminol test sa mga area na nais niyang ipatest. To my surprised, it
wasn't the bloody area but rather the clean one. Ano ba ang naiisip nito?
Not long after, he announced that he already knew the culprit behind the Dare
Murder Case. Pinaipon niya ang lahat sa sala para sa kanyang pagsisiwalat.
"I guess I have to pull down the curtains of this little show about the Dare Murder
Case", deklara ni Gray.
"You already knew who's the culprit?", tanong ni Arvee.

"I do."
"What are you?", Red asked. "Some sort of a detective?"
"I am."
"Unbelievable", lumapit si Red sa akin at kinausap ako. "Tell me he's lying."
I rolled my eyes at him. Mukhang hindi nila gusto ang isa't-isa. "He is."
"I see. So, who's the killer?", wika naman ni Matt.
"Let's start with the murder weapon first. You know what the killer used?", he
asked ngunit walang sumagot. Clueless ang lahat, maging ang mga pulis kong ano ang
ginamit na murder weapon sa ginawang krimen.
"You have identified it Ivan?", Inspector Dean asked. Sinagot ito ng tango ni Gray.
"Didn't the culprit hide it immediately after his crime?", tanong ni Rovie.
"The culprit can't do it. It's more obvious that it's the weapon used if it's
disposed immediately", sagot ni Gray. He glanced at his watch pagkatapos ay sa
akin. "I guess we really have to make this fast. I'm in a hurry because I still
have a date", wika niya and I frowned. It's not necessary to mention na may date pa
siya!
"So, who killed Andrei and Loren?", Matt asked. Tumahimik ang lahat at naghintay sa
sagot ni Gray.
"It's Rovie Besana."
Bigla na lamang napatayo ang may-ari ng pangalang tinawag ni Gray. "What? Are you
accussing me? Ano naman ang naging basehan mo sa pagtuturo sa akin. Nakalimutan mo
na bang ako ang tumawag ng pulis?"
"Well I didn't forget about it. It's your ploy to make it looks like you're the
concerned citizen here. Tumawag ka ng pulis after you cleared all the evidences of
your crime", buo ang boses na wika ni Gray. Kapag ganoon ang boses nito ay
siguradong-sigurado ito sa sinasabi. I never heard him spoke a wrong deduction.
"Kung gayon ay wala kang ebidensya laban sa akin?"
"We did a luminol test and identified how you execute the plan. Since lasing na ang
mga kasamahan mo and the guy with a color as a name already left, naging madali na
para sayo ang pagpaslang kina Loren at Andrei. You used the cover of the ceramic
toilet tank to kill Loren at iniwan siya doon. After few minutes, Andrei saw you
washing the tank cover at naging hudyat iyon upang patayin mo rin siya using the
same thing. Paulit-ulit mo silang pinaghahampas niyon hanggang sa bawian sila ng
buhay, that explains the ragged lacerations in their heads. Sa pagkataranta mo ay
pinunasan mo na lang ng toilet paper ang tank cover that's why naging positive ito
sa luminol test. You dragged Andrei outside at hinulog siya sa bintana and that
explains why his body is outside. Ginawa mo iyon to mislead the police. You mopped
the floor to clean up the dragged stains of blood but you seemed unknowledgable
about luminol testing and therefore revealing your crime", paliwanag ni Gray.
"Paano naging si Rovie ang salarin. Everyone can do such trick", Aila asked at
sumang-ayon naman ang iba.
"Oo nga. Paano naging salarin si Rovie dahil doon?", tanong ni Red.
"Everyone's too drank to do such crime and clean up every detail of evidence at
base sa pakikipag-usap ko sa inyong lahat kanina, Rovie is the most sane here since
hindi siya masyadong uminom and she's also the one who made such dare for Loren",
wika ni Gray but I still don't get it. Is it fair to make such assumption dahil
lang doon?
"You have an amazing deduction Mr. Detective, papatok iyan kapag gumawa ka ng
nobela na ang pamagat ay Murder Tricks. Kung dahil pala sa pinagawa kong dare kaya
ako ang naituro mong killer, I dare you to present your evidence", hamon ni Rovie
kay Gray.
The latter just smiled, his usual arrogant and victorious smile. "I also dare you
to present the slippers that you are wearing for luminol testing. I saw you wiping
it with your black shirt", Gray said at halatang nagulat ang mukha ni Rovie.
"Luminol tests can identify even with only traces of blood", paghahamon din ni
Gray. Nagsukatan sila ng tingin at unang sumuko si Rovie.
Sumuko naman si Rovie. "Mukhang wala na akong kawala. Lahat ng sinabi ng lalaking
ito ay totoo. Yes, I killed Loren and Andrei."
"What? Bakit mo ginawa iyon Rovie?", gulat na tanong ni Matt. Lahat sila ay nagulat
sa ginawa ng kaibigan. "You and Loren are like sisters!"
"Yun ang akala ninyo! She's nothing but a brat! Ginagawa niya akong alalay at
inaagaw niya ang lahat sa akin!", sigaw ni Rovie. "Palagi niya akong ipinapahiya sa
mga walang kwentang pinagsasabi niya! Alam niyo bang hindi ako makakagraduate
ngayong taon dahil dinelete niya ang thesis paper ko sa laptop at sa lahat ng
ginawa kong backup dahil lang hindi rin siya makakagraduate kaya dinamay niya ako!
She messed everything in my life!"
"But why did you killed Andrei!", tanong ni Aila.
"Nakita niya ako kaya natakot ako at nagdilim ang paningin ko!", unti-unti itong
umiyak. "Pinagsisisihan ko ang pagpatay ko kay Andrei ngunit hindi ang kay Loren",
she said as she wiped away her tears.
Lumapit ang mga pulis dito at pinosasan ito. "Sumama ka sa amin sa presinto."
Maayos naman itong sumama at pinauwi na rin ang ibang naroon. I pity their
situation. It was friendship turned into something worst. Naging mapang-abuso
marahil si Loren sa kabaitan sa kanya ni Rovie. Loren also possessed a
characteristic which is not good. Crab mentality. She pulled down Rovie sa akmang
pag-angat nito sa buhay. It's a very bad characteristic lalo na at para naman sa
kabutihan ang pag-angat ng isang tao.
Everything has been settled at nagsimula ng umalis ang mga pulis at iba pang
naroon. Lumapit naman si Red sa akin.
"So, Amber let's go. Hop in", wika niya at pinagbuksan ako ng kotse.
"Sorry but she's not going with you", wika ni Gray na kadarating lamang sa tabi ko.
"Oh, I see. You've got a car?", tanong nito. Nilingon ko ang paligid. There was no
sign of his BMW or his porsche.
"I left my car", he said with a sigh.
"Sumakay na lang kayo sa kotse ko", pagyaya ni Red ngunit mabilis na tumanggi si
Gray.
"We'll take the police car. Good day", he said at agad akong hinila palayo kay Red.
Hindi man lamang ako nagkaroon ng pagkakataong magpaalam dito kaya tila nanghihingi
ng paumanhin na tiningnan ko na lang ito.
Sumakay kami sa police car na minamaneho ni Inspector Dean. "I'm sorry I let you
ride a police car on our first date", wika niya. Iniwasan kong sulyapan ang
nakangiting mukha si Insp. Dean mula sa rearview mirror.
"Okay lang."
"Don't worry. My car's in the nearest station", he said. After few minutes ay
dumating na kami sa police station at nandoon nga ang porsche nito. Bumaba kami
matapos nagpasalamat ang mga pulis kay Gray at lumipat sa nakaparada niyang kotse.
"You're driving a black porsche", komento ko.
"A gift from Cronus. I tried returning it pero ibinabalik pa rin niya hanggang sa
nagpatulong na siya kay Dad upang tanggapin ko ito. That's when I decided to use
it", wika niya.
"You listen to your Dad than Cronus?"
"Of course. I respect Dad more than Cronus. I'm establishing civil relationship
with him anyway."
Hindi na ako nagkomento pa tungkol doon. Mukhang matagal na panahon pa bago niya
makakasundo ang sariling ama. He opened the door for me at agad akong pumasok doon.
He went on the other side at pumasok na rin sa kotse. He immediately drives towards
an outdoor shooting range.
Uh, a shooting range? Bakit dito?! "This is where Mom used to play with her
friends", wika niya. "It's designed for firing guns and archery. Turuan mo ako ng
archery", wika niya at naalala ko noong minsang PE namin. He's really bad in it.
Pumasok kami doon and Gray settled everything. Nang magsimula na kami ay agad ko
siyang tinuruan.
"I want to watch you shoot that arrow first", he said at sumandal sa isang puno
doon.
"Akala ko ba ay magpapaturo ka?"
"Yeah, that's why you have to do it first."
I rolled my eyes bago kumuha ng bow and arrow. I released it and hit the target.
Pumalakpak ito pagkatapos.
"Your turn", wika ko at inihagis sa kanya ang bow. Agad naman niya iyong nasalao at
kumuha siya ng arrow. Inayos niya iyon at tinamaan ang target but it missed.
"Focus on the target, not on the arrow. Use a mechanical sight, so you focus to the
bow to aid your aiming. Using a rear sight cam also adjunct for a consistent anchor
point", wika ko sa kanya.
"Is there other form of aiming that can be used too?"
I nodded my head. "I used barebow. I used sight picture, so I usually focus on the
target, the
bow, the hand, the arrow shaft and the arrow tip. I see them at the same time",
wika ko at muli naman siyang punalakpak.
"Amazing."
"Whatever. Shoot your arrow", wika ko sa kanya but he pouted.
"Aren't you supposed to guide me from my back? Yun bang tipong parang niyayakap mo
ako", he asked at namula ako dahil doon. Where did he got such ideas?
"Bakit ko naman gagawin iyon?"
"Dahil tinuturuan mo ako", wika niya at inirapan ko siya. He gave me a hearty

laugh.
"Happy Rizal Day Amber", bati niya at napangiti naman ako.
"You're a Rizalian? Well, happy Rizal Day too Gray", nakangiting bati ko sa kanya.
See? Mukhang binasbasan nga kami ni Rizal ngayong araw.
"I like him as a writer. I admire his novels. I really love Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo", wika niya. "I like Crisostomo Ibarra's character."
"He's been blinded with anger sa El Fili at palpak lahat ng plano niya", komento
ko. "Enough of Rizal, shoot now."
Ipinagpatuloy namin ang pagtuturo sa kanya. It took us few hours bago kami
nagpasyang umalis doon at kumain sa isang restaurant.
Nang sumapit ang hapon ay namasyal kami sa mall at nanuod ng pelikula sa movie
house. It's almost night nang ihatid niya ako sa bahay.
"Thank you for today Amber", wika niya sa akin. I gave him a smile at kinuha ang
regalo ko sa kanya mula sa bag ko.
"Here's my christmas gift. I hope you like it", inabot ko sa kanya ang maliit na
kahon at binuksan naman niya iyon. He smiled when he saw the compass.
"I like it."
"Walang halong biro?"

He nodded. "I really like it. Thanks and by the way, have you read or watched Paper
Towns?", tanong niya sa akin.
"You mean the book of John Green? No, I have neither read nor watched its film.
Why?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"By any chance, do you have a copy of such book?", tanong niya sa halip na sagutin
ang tanong ko.
"Wala rin. I'm more into Nicholas Sparks and I don't usually watch films kapag
nabasa ko na ang isang libro dahil ayaw kong madisappoint sa kalalabasan ng film."
"Thank God!", he said at binuksan muli ang kotse. He got something and it was
wrapped with a brown paper. Ibinigay niya iyon sa akin at agad ko namang binuksan
iyon.
It was a book with a girl's face in the cover. May nakasulat rin doon na John Green
in bold letters at sa baba naman ay Paper Towns.
"It's the first edition of the book. It's published last 2008", wika niya. "You
should read it. It's a good one."
"I will. Thanks", wika ko. I have always heard about this book lalo na at si Cara
Delevingne pa ang gumanap na bidang babae sa film but I have never read nor watch
the film. Therese and Andi are also crazy over Nat Wolff kaya madalas nilang pinag-
uusapan iyon.
"I gave you such book because I think you're like Margo Roth Spiegelman", he said
with a smile.
"You mean the female protagonist?" He nodded and I asked why.
"Because I could never stop thinking also that maybe you like mystery so much that
you become one", he said and he kissed my cheek. "Goodnight Amber and thank you for
today."
Oh my! What the fudge! I never saw it coming! This may not be the ideal date since
nagsimula ito sa isang crime scene, he doesn't prepare flowers or anything but for
me, this date is one of a kind. I also got a bonus kiss on my cheek! Well, it's
really a good night.
**
A/N: I don't know if it's a bad news or a good one. I decided to take summer
classes kaya hindi ko na maiaraw-araw ang pag-uupdate. Don't worry, six units lang
naman ang load ko kaya makakapag-update pa ako ng hindi masyadong matagal. :))
Ang dami talagang may gusto kay Ryu! Hala sige paghatian niyo! xD And Gray have
bashers HAHA, kawawa naman si bebe! Pakabait ka lang, magugustuhan ka rin nila.
-Shinichilaaaabs. ♥
CHAPTER 2: THE NEW DETECTIVE?

Chapter 2: The New Detective?
Maaga akong gumising ngayong araw. Bakit? Dahil tapos na ang christmas break at
balik skwela na naman. I really miss school. Nakakamiss din pala ang kama ko sa
dorm, ang mga guro at ang mga kung anu-anong ginagawa namin sa skwela.
Nang ihatid ako ng driver sa Bridle ay maaga pa kaya nakapag-ayos pa ako sa dorm. I
cleaned my spot dahil may mga alikabok sanhi ng ilang araw na walang tao roon. Nang
matapos akong maglinis ay nagbihis na ako ng uniform at pumasok sa classroom namin.
Panay kwento ang mga classmate namin tungkol sa christmas break nila kaya hindi
nila ako pinansin nang pumasok ako. I sat on my chair, beside Jeremy who was
reading a book.
"Good morning seatmate!", masiglang bati nito sa akin. I gave him a smile but I
paused for a while nang mapansin ko na baligtad ang ginagawa nitong paglipat ng
pahina ng libro. When I looked at the book ay nagulat ako nang mapagtanto ko kung
ano ang binabasa nito. It's a Detective Conan Manga!
"Jeremy, what's up with you?", tanong ko sa kanya. Kailan pa ito nahilig sa

pagbabasa ng mga manga? At bakit mukhang masigla yata ito ngayon?
"What?"
"Why are you reading a manga?", gulat kong tanong sa kanya. It's very unusual to
see him reading such things!
"Why? What's wrong with reading a manga?", tanong niya. Ano nga ba? Wala naman but
kapag si Jeremy ang nagbabasa?! Unbelievable!
"Nothing! It's just too unusual for you to read such thing", wika ko sa kanya. I
can't imagine Jeremy reading about murders and other stuffs.
Ngumiti ito ng matamis at saka ko lang napansin na wala na itong suot na braces!
Wait! Where did his braces went? Bakit hindi na nito suot iyon? See! Lumelevel up
na nga si Jeremy!
"I'm done with Sherlock Holmes so I'm into Detective Conan now", wika niya. Oh no!
Sinapian ba ng espiritu si Jeremy? What's with the sudden shift of book choice?
Dati ay puro educational books lang naman ang binabasa nito ah!
"Where's your braces?!"
"My dentist already removed it. I've been wearing it for almost three years! And I
already undergone adjustments and he said I don't have to wear retainers", wika
niya at muling ngumiti. Uh, I'm not used in seeing him without his braces! Hindi
rin ito nagsusuot ng retainers!
"Hi Amber! Hindi pa rin ba papasok si Marion?", singit ni Lorie sa usapan namin ni
Jeremy.
No one knows about what really happened. Pinili naming itago ang lahat ng nangyari.
Marion's parents already talked to the school. She didn't went to school after that
incident at mukhang wala na talaga itong balak pumasok since she's abroad for
psychological treatment.
Hindi pumasok sa mga natitirang araw bago ang christmas break si Gray dahil nasa
ICU ito noong mga panahong iyon. Ako naman ay umabsent ng dalawang araw at si
Jeremy lang ang hindi.
Our classmates have been bugging us about Marion's whereabouts ngunit sinabi ni
Maam Mendez na nauna nang magbakasyon si Marion. Ngayon naman ay panay pa rin ang
pagtatanong nila tungkol dito.
"Hindi na siya papasok. Bumalik na daw ulit sila sa London", wika ng kadarating
lang na si Gray. Bagong gupit ito and he looked so fresh. Uh, ilang araw nga ba
kaming hindi nagkita?
"Ganoon ba? Mamimiss ko si Marion! Ang bait pa naman noon kahit possessive siya kay
Gray", wika ni Lorie at nagkatinginan lamang kami ni Jeremy. Umalis na ito doon at
naupo naman si Gray sa upuan niya. Uh, he doesn't have a seatmate anymore. Kawawa
naman ito, tabihan ko kaya? Di! Joke lang!
"Hi Gray! Cool hairstyle!", bati ni Jeremy. Kill me now! Kailan pa natutong bumati
sa iba si Jeremy maliban sa akin na seatmate niya?
"What hairstyle? I didn't have new hairstyle, I just got a haircut", wika ni Gray.
Pansin ko rin. Bagong gupit lang ito at walang bagong hairstyle.
"Well you look handsome today kaya akala ko nagbago ka ng hairstyle. Long time no
see nga pala BRO!", he said na mas lalong ikinagulat ko. BRO? Aba! Saan naman ito
natuto ng ganoon?
Bumaling ako ng tingin kay Gray. "Tell me, is this his new year's resolution? An
overall make over?"
Napaisip naman sandali si Gray. "I have a different thought. I guess it's a
hangover from the previous holidays."
"I'll agree on that."
"Please stop talking about me on my front. Not that I like it if you do it on my

back", wika nito. "How about a logic question from me?"
"Go ahead. I guess that's included in your total make over", wika ko sa kanya. He
smiled widely at tumikhim.
"Here it is. May tatay, nanay at anak. They're in a boat. As they sailed, the
father sang a song pero nahulog siya kaya kumanta nanay para sa kanya. Nang kumanta
ang nanay ay ito naman ang nahulog kaya kumanta ang anak . Nang ang anak naman ang
kumanta ay ito naman ang nahulog. The question is: SINO ANG KUMANTA SA ANAK?"
"None. Wala ng natira sa bangka", sagot ni Gray.
"Noooooo."
"Uh, ang bangka?", I asked and I received deadly glares from both of them.
"Kailan pa natutong kumanta ang bangka?!", wika ni Gray. Sorry na! Malay ko ba!
"You're so stupid Amber!", Jeremy said at siya naman ang binigyan ko ng matalim na
tingin.
"Shoot Jeremy."
"Hindi ninyo talaga alam?", he asked again and Gray and I both shrugged our
shoulders.
"The answer is FREDDIE AGUILAR! Siya ang kumanta ng anak! Nang isilang ka sa
mundong ito, laking tuwa ng mga magulang mo at ang kamay nila'y iyong ilaw!
Teneneneneng! Teneneneneng! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", he laughed so
hard hanggang sa napaubo ito.
Uh, I should have known! His puns will never change! Oh Jeremy! My poor Jeremy.
Tsk!
Hindi na kami muling nag-usap pa dahil dumating na si Maam Mendez amd just as I
expected, pinasulat kami ng essay about our most precious moment during our
christmas break.
Well my precious moment? Maliban sa nakasama ko sina Mommy at Daddy ay noong

nagdate kami. Marahil ay wala iyong kahulugan kay Gray but for me it's a precious
moment kahit pa isang friendly date lamang iyon.
I wrote everything in my essay maging ang tungkol sa date namin ni Gray ngunit
syempre ay hindi ko inilagay ang pangalan niya! There's no way I'll be naming him!
Nilagay ko lang doon kung ano ang nangyari. Nagulat na lang ako ng bigla na lang
kinuha ni Jeremy ang papel ko at binasa iyon ng malakas.
"It's a precious moment when you spend time with someone in an unimaginable
setting, a crime scene and in a -"
"GIVE ME THAT!", I shrieked at agad kong hinila ang papel bago pa niya mabasa lahat
iyon! Aaaaargh! Makakapatay ako! Ayoko pa naman dahil pwede na akong makulong!
Sinulyapan ko si Gray na napatigil sa pagsusulat at napatingin sa aming dalawa ni
Jeremy.
"Mind your own paper okay!", wika ko at inirapan ito. I'm sure Gray heard it! Ang
lakas kaya ng boses ni Jeremy at isa pa ay tenga ng detective ang meron kay Gray!
He can hear even a whisper! Aaaaaaargh! Ipa-ambush ko kaya si Jeremy!
Buong umaga ako nainis kay Jeremy. He keeps on pissing me by asking what happened
in that crime scene. Ikwento ko kaya yung luminol at chemiluminescence sa kanya at
ng tumahimik! Duh!
Wala masyadong pasok sa hapon dahil mukhang hindi pa nakakaget over mula sa
christmas break maging ang mga guro.
"Where's that weird?", Gray asked at inilibot ang paningin sa classroom. Galing
kami bg cafeteria at bumili ng meryende. I bought some pizza slice and a coke in
can.
"Weird?", I asked at inilapag ko ang nakabukas na coke sa mesa.
"You know, Jeremy."
"I thought he's a nerd", wika ko amd Gray nodded.
"Well, he used to be pero ngayon, he's weird", Gray said. Yeah, Jeremy is really
weird.
Bigla na lamang may lumapit sa aming estudyante. I guess she was a Grade 7 student.
"Excuse me po, kayo po ba si Amber?", tanong nito ng lumapit ito sa akin.
"Ako nga. Bakit?", I asked at inabot niya sa akin ang isang kapirasong papel.
"May nagpapabigay po", wika niya at akmang umalis.
"Teka, sandali! Sino ang nagpapabigay?"
The girl shrugged her shoulders. "Hindi ko po kilala eh. Sige po, mauna na ako."
Agad kong inabot ang papel na binigay nito.
"What's that?", tanong ni Gray.

"Ewan", wika ko at binuklat iyon. Tumingin din doon si Gray mula sa tabi ko. The
last time I received a something like this was a bad one. Galing iyon kay X which
is Marion.
Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but
once.
18-15-15-6-20-15-16
- JRMY.
P.S. Don't let the detective brat on your back help you. Decode the message and
find me. I need your help.
Nakataas ang kilay ko matapos basahin iyon? Kung kailangan niya ng tulong, pwede
naman niyang sabihin ng direkta! Hindi na niya kailangang gumawa pa ng
cipheredtext!
"See? He's really weird. Siya na nga ang nangangailangan ng tulong, kailangan mo
pang mag-isip upang mahanap siya at ikaw pa mismo ang pupunta sa kanya", Gray said.
"So? What will you do?"
Inilapag ko ang papel sa mesa at napaupo. "Bahala siya sa buhay niya", sagot ko.
Anong pakialam ko sa kanya? Ayokong pahirapan ang sarili ko.
"What if he really needs your help?", he asked at napabuntong-hininga ako.
"Fine. I'll try dec- oh!", bigla na lamang akong napatayo at kinuha ang mga gamit
ko ng masagi ko ang coke in can na inilagay ko sa mesa. It spilled on the table at
nabasa ang papel na galing kay Jeremy! Oh no! Mukhang hindi ko na talaga ito
matutulungan!
"Uh, it's wet at hindi na mababasa ang mga nakasulat", wika ko nang pinulot ko ang
papel. It was soaked with cola. "Mukhang hindi ko na matutulungan si Jeremy."
Kumuha ako ng tissue mula sa bag ko at agad na pinunasan ang mesa. Napalingon na
lamang ako kay Gray ng magsalita ito.
"You can still find him. I remember every lines", seryosong wika niya.
"Hindi nga?"
"I told you I'm gifted with photographic memory. It goes like, Cowards die many
times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. The numbers
are 18-15-15-6-20-15-16. Pagkatapos ay ang pangalan niya, without the vowels. The
P.S. goes like you must not ask help from a detective on your back", wika ni Gray.
"It says Detective brat", wika ko.
"It must be referring to me. And I'm not a brat, damn that weird guy", he said at
natawa naman ako. I let him repeat what the codes habang isinusulat ko naman iyon.
"How do I decipher this?", I asked and Gray shrugged his shoulders.
"He said don't ask help from me", wika niy habang hindi man lamang ako
sinusulyapan. He's busy scrolling his cellphone.
"Fine! I'll do this on my own!" Hinarap ko ang sinulatang papel. What's with the
poetic line? Bakit parang nabasa ko na ang linyang iyon?
"I really admire the play that the two of us portrayed the main cast", wika nito.
Hindi pa rin ito nakatingin sa akin.
Uh, why is he reminiscing such play? Of course ang ganda kaya ng mga akda ni
William Shakespeare at -
Wait. William Shakespeare? I got it! The poetic line was from William Shakespeare!
Ngunit ano ba ang naiambag ni William Shakespeare sa cryptography?
And did Gray asked such question on purpose? Sinadya ba niya iyon upang magkaroon
ako ng ideya?
Inisip kong mabuti kung saang libro ni Shakespeare ang linyang iyon. I'm 100% sure
that it wasn't from Romeo and Juliet. Hindi rin iyon galing sa Merchant of Venice.
Saan nga ba? I think harder and that's when I remembered Julius Ceasar! That's it!
Julius Ceasar!
Ano ang naiambag ni Julius Ceasar sa cryptography? Ah! Anong silbi ng cellphone ko?
I can just type it and with one click google will display everything.
Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko mula sa bag and started typing ngunit bigla na lamang
hinablot ni Gray ang cellphone ko.
"That's cheating", wika niya. Cheating? Bakit, exam ba ito? O kaya ay relasyon?
Duh!
"Eh ano ngayon? Give me back ny phone", wika ko ngunit inilagay niya iyon sa
kanyang bulsa.
"Not unless you do it on your own. I will give you a hint. Julius Caesar uses a
cipher called Caesar's shift. He usually used a left shift of three. That's all I
will say", wika niya at muling bumaling sa cellphone niya. Ano ba kasi ang ginagawa
nito?
Yumuko naman ako sa papel. Mukhang tama ang hula ko na galing ang linyang iyon sa
Julius Caesar and it's a clue sa sinasabi ni Gray na Caesar's whatsoever and
hellIcare shift.
Left shift of three. From what? From the Alphabet? Pero bakit numero ang mga
narito?
"Hoy Kulay Abo, tulong!", wika ko sa kanya. I tried making my voice sweet ngunit
mukhang wala talaga itong balak tulungan ako.
"Do it on your own Amber. At ang lakas ng loob mong tawagin akong Kulay. Your name
is a color too", he said.
"What are you saying? My name Amber is a fossilized tree resin that are used as an
ingredient in perfumes and can be used as jewelry", wika ko.
"You don't know that Amber is a color?"
I shrugged my shoulders. Malay ko. Ang alam ko lang ay yun yung sa mga kulay orange
na alahas.
"Check the color wheel. It's located between the colors of gold and orange", wika
ni Gray. What the fudge!? My name's a color too? Maresearch nga mamaya!
.
"Uh, whatever! Aren't you gonna help me?", tanong ko ulit and he shook his head.
"Ayaw ko."
Muling akong yumuko at inatupag ang papel. Left shift of three? Masubukan ko nga
ang alphabet.
I wrote the alphabet and shifted it thrice to the left so I started with X.
XYZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVW and that shift is equivalent to -
Napatigil ako sa pagsusulat nang mapansin kong may ilaw. It wasn't a light from the
ceiling but it seems like a camera's flash. Napatingin ako kay Gray who was holding
his phone.
"Are you taking photos of me?", I asked.
"Why should I?"

"Ewan ko sayo kung bakit. I'm sure it's a flash from your cellphone. Let me see",
wika ko at akmang kukunin ang cellphone niya ngunit agad niyang nailayo iyon.
"What are you doing? I'm not taking photos of you kaya harapin mo na lang yang
ginagawa mo", he said and frowned at me. Napasimangot na lang din ako at muling
hinarap ang papel.
XYZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVW is equivalent to X as 1, Y as 2 Z as 3 and so on. Ibig

sabihin, the numbers 18-15-15-6-20-15-16 is equal to the letters O-L-L-C-Q-L-M.
It's not comprehensible so I tried substituting it with the exact alphabeth
sequence after aligning the shifted one to the original one.
XYZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVW. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ.
Ibig sabihin, O=R
L=O, repeating it twice,
C=F
Q=T,
L=O
and M=P.
ROOFTOP! He's in the rooftop? Tiningnan ko si Gray at sinabi sa kanya na nasa

rooftop si Jeremy.
"Thanks God, you already deciphered it!", wika niya. Uh, well sorry kung natagalan!
I'm not a freak like him!
"Alam mo ang sagot doon?", I asked him..
"Piece of cake. All you have to do is use Caesar's cipher. Isang tingin ko pa lang
ay alam ko na Caesar's cipher ang gagamitin", he said with a proud face.
Inirapan ko siya at unang naglakad. "Edi ikaw na ang matalino", wika ko.
Natatawang sinundan naman niya ako at ginulo ang buhok. "Let's find him."
We went to the rooftop at gaya ng inaasahan ko ay nandoon nga si Jeremy. Nakangiti

ito ng makita kami.
"You're earlier than expected. I hope Gray did not lend you a hand", Jeremy said.
"What's this all about Jeremy?"
Mas lalo pa itong ngumiti. "I'm trying to be a detective like Gray and I'm testing
you too. Looks like the three of us makes a good team", wika niya na ikinagulat ko
A team? The three of us? Ano na naman ba ang pumasok sa kukote ni Jeremy? Sana pala
ay hindi ko ito pinahiram ng libro na Sherlock Holmes dati! This is not Jeremy!
Bigla na lamang kaming nakarinig ng sigaw. Agad kaming tumakbo at tiningnan ang
pinanggalingan niyon. Isang kumpol ng estudyante mula sa baba ang naroon. May
nakabulagta ding katawan ng lalaki sa lupa at hindi namin masyadong maaninag ang
iba pang detalye dahil nasa rooftop kami mula sa kabilang building but one thing is
for sure. That someone could either be pushed from the rooftop or he committed
suicide.
"Well, I guess this is an initiation rites for me to test if I can really be a

detective", Jeremy said habang pababa kami ng hagdan upang pumunta kung nasaan ang
katawan ng lalaki.
Pagdating namin doon ay mas lalo pang dumami ang mga nagkumpol na estudyante doon.
They already called the police at hinihintay na ang mga ito.
The victim was a Grade 10 student named Daryl Sindo. Ayon sa mga kaklase nito ay
ilang araw na itong tila may dinadalang mabigat na problema. He was also worried
everytime at wala itong ganang kumain. He doesn't talk to anyone. Ang dating
masayahin na si Daryl ay naging malungkutin noong mga nagdaang araw.
Hindi naman nagtagal ay dumating na ang mga pulis. Inimbistigahan nila ang kaso at
dahil nga kilala na si Gray ngga pulis ay hinayaan nila ito na tumulong sa pag-
iimbestiga.
Tatlo ang naroon malapit sa rooftop kung saan nahulog ang katawan ng biktima kaya
agad silang kinausap ng mga pulis.
Una ay ang babae na si Marice Randal. Ayon sa kanya ay galing siya sa rooftop kung
saan mahilig siyang tumambay kapag gusto niyang mapag-isa. Classmate din siya ni
Daryl.
Ang sumunod naman ay si Chester Delgado. He was a member of the varsity at

kasalikuyang tinatakbo ang mga hagdan upang mapatibay ang mga binti. He said that
it was a good exercise sa mga player na tulad niya kaya siya naroon. Hindi rin niya
kilala ang biktima ayon sa kanya.
The last one was Algene Romano. He was Daryl's roommate sa dorm at kaya ito nandoon
ay madalas itong pumupunta sa rooftop upang matulog.
"It's a suicide", deklara ni Jeremy kaya agad kaming napatingin ni Gray sa kanya.
"Paano mo naman nasabi?"
"If we take account of his classmates' statements, ilang araw na itong may
dinaramdam. It could be a family problem or what. Another ground to consider this
as a suicide is the victim's position. Nakadapa siya ng mahulog. Ibig sabihin ay
siya mismo ang tumalon mula sa rooftop."
"But how do you explain his open uniform? Bakit niya pinunit ang kanyang uniform at
natanggal ang mga butones ng damit niya?", I asked. Ang nakadapang bangkay kasi ay
punit ang damit at nagkalat din sa ibaba ang mga butones ng suot nitong uniform.
The victim was also gripping tightly on a button.
"Well, ibig sabihin ay sa galit niya sa sarili ay pinunit niya ang kanyang
kasuotan. That's what some people do if they're really frustrated over something.
Minsan nga ay sinasabunutan natin ang ating mga sarili. That explains the button on
his hands. Dahil iyon sa nadarama niyang frustration", wika nito.
"I'm sorry to say this but I don't really think that you could be a detective
Jeremy", Gray said arrogantly.
"Why? I got a wrong deduction? Oh! Sinasabi ko na nga ba! Magbabasa pa ako ng
maraming mystery novels!", laglag ang balikat na wika nito. Uh, he's not really
sure with his deduction a while ago huh?
"Hey Kid, you already figure this case?", tanong ng isang pulis at matalim na
tiningnan ito ni Gray.
"Yes, old man. I already did", Gray said. He's being rude to the police by calling
him old man.Looks like he doesn't like him.
"Is it a murder or a suicide?"
Gray flashed his arrogant face. "It's a clear murder done by the varsity guy", buo
ang boses na wika nito. Napatingin naman kaming lahat kay Chester.
"The fuck! You're accusing me?", he hissed. Galit na galit ito sa ginawang pagturo
ni Gray.
"There's a clear evidence. The button that the victim is holding belongs to you. He
also ripped his uniform to give us hint. He showed us his chest as a clue that
Chester pushed him. The button that he is holding belongs to you. As you see,
tatlong butones ang natanggal sa damit niya and the police recovered the buttons
hindi kalayuan sa binagsakan ng kanyang katawan. Now look ay your sleeve's button,
it's missing", wika ni Gray at natigilan naman si Chester. Unti-unti niyang inangat
ang suot ang sleeve ng kanyang coat na bahagi ng uniform ng Bridle at gaya ng sabi
ni Gray, one button was missing.
"See? It's you. Isa pa ay gasgas ang alibi mo. You can't run onstairs on your
uniform. Dapat ay suot mo ang jersey mo kung gusto mo palang mag-ehersisyo", Gray
said and he's still very sure of his every word.
Chester sighed heavily. "Yes, I pushed him because he threatened me to expose that
I'm using dope. Humihingi siya ng pera at palagi niya iyong ginagawa. That's when I
decided to pushed him down."
The police got Chester upang masailalim sa pagtatanong ng mga pulis. He's not a
minor anymore kaya pagbabayaran nito ang ginawa kay Daryl.
"You're amazing Gray! Mukhang hindi talaga ako magiging detective katulad niyo ni
Amber", wika ni Jeremy.
"I want to punch you. You said I'm a detective brat",

, wika ni Gray at tumawa naman si Jeremy.
"Sorry about that!", he said. "But I'm surprised to know that Chester is using
dope. Oh my God, I hate drugs."
Nagkatinginan kami ni Gray. What did Jeremy just said? Uh, he is really something!
**
Dry update. Sorry! Still, cast your votes and share your thoughts.
-Shinichilaaaabs.♥
CHAPTER 3: THE VALENTINE'S DEATH

Chapter 3: The Valentine's Death
You're the good in me even if I'm bad but still you're the man I never had.
It's the last part (and the only part) na nabasa ko sa liham ni Marion kay Gray.
Naging poetic na pala si Marion ngayon.
Oh, yes. Gray received a mail straight from somewhere kung nasaan man si Marion
kasama ng isang tumataginting na box ng Knipschildt Chocolatier's Madeline truffle.
Well if you're not familiar with such chocolate, let me tell you something about
it. Isa lang naman ito sa highest priced delicacy. It's a rich
cream infused with vanilla pods and truffle oil, folded into the ganache for a day.
Mind you, the truffle inside is the very expensive French Perigord Truffle!
Pero wala akong pake! Eh ano ngayon kung may chocolate siya mula kay Marion?! Who
cares? I don't care and the carebears don't care!
"She's not over you", komento ni Jeremy matapos basahin ni Gray ang sulat. Nasabi
ko na bang kaming tatlo na ang palaging magkasama ngayon?
"I don't know. Well, maybe. She even sent such expensive chocolates", wika naman ni
Gray habang tinitingnan ang kahon ng mamahaling tsokolate.
Sige! Kainin mo yan at nang masira yang pagkaganda-gandang ngipin mo o kaya ay baka
may inilagay na lason si Marion dyan o di kaya ay gayuma! Sige ka!
Sinulyapan niya ako na nasa gilid. I didn't say anything mula ng dumating ang sulat
at chocolate niya.
"You like this chocolates Amber? Gusto mo sayo na lang?", he asked at inirapan ko
siya.
"No thanks. Baka may gayuma pa yan", wika ko. Ayoko nga! Baka ipakulam pa ako ni
Marion at sabihing inagaw ko na lahat pati chocolates niya! NO WAY!
"I doubt it. It's still sealed", he said. Kahit pa nakakandado pa iyon, ayoko!
"I don't like the Italian truffles", wika ko. Of course that's a lie. Who doesn't
love truffles?! Naalala ko tuloy noong nasa isla kami na pagmamay-ari ni Sir Armand
Bridle, he prepared truffles for us!
Oh, Sir Armand! I need your truffles huhu! Nakakainggit yung truffles ni Gray na
galing kaya Marion eh!
What's with all the chocolates? Well, it's already February and the previous month
had been a peaceful one. Lumipas ang mga araw at linggo at ngayon ay araw ng mga
puso. Bridle High has been busy putting hearts around the school at may kung anu-
ano pang pakulo para sa valentine's day.
The school has suspended its classes upang matupad ang mga kapritso ng Student
Council. They have blind dates, marriage booths, love messages on air at kung anu-
ano pang kalandian na naisip ng SC na sinuportahan naman ng school!
Meh! They should have continue with the lessons lalo na at malapit na ang finals!
"I thought Marion is in London", wika ni Jeremy and Gray nodded.
"She's in London recently ngunit ayon kay Ryu ay inilipat na siya sa Italy for
treatments", wika ni Gray.
"You talked with the dev- I mean Ryu?", I asked. Himala! Mukhang magkaayos na yata
talaga si Gray kina Cooler at Ryu.
"He emailed me. And yeah, he mentioned it once ng minsang magkita kami."
See? Improving! Nagkikita na sila! "Looks like you're really friends with them.
That's good to know."
He smiled a little. "Not really. I'm just being civil to them. I'm fostering amity
with those guys."
"So ibig sabihin, nasa Italy ngayon si Marion?", Jeremy asked.
"Yeah."
"Why is she giving you a chocolate?", he asked again.
Ako na ang sumagot. "It's because it's valentine's day", wika ko and I rolled my
eyes.
"But guys are the one who's supposed to give you chocolates and not the other way
round", Jeremy said. "It's Japan's culture, so maybe nasa Japan siya."
I mentally rolled my eyes on his statement. Yes, it's Japan's culture na tuwing
valentine's ay ang mga babae ang magbibigay ng chocolate sa mga lalaki and in
return, guys would give them something on White Day which is March 14. Anong
klaseng logic ba ang meron kay Jeremy para isipin na porket ito ang nagbigay ng
tsokolate ay nasa Japan na ito?
Bigla na lamang may humuli na CAT officer kay Gray. "Sorry but you have another
wedding again", wika ng isang officer.
Gray sighed at tahimik na sumama dito. Iniwan lamang nito ang mamahaling tsokolate
sa mesa but he kept the letter in his bag. It's his 74th marriage just for today!
Dinaig pa nito yung ang mga bahagi na ng kultura ang polygamy!
"Aren't you jealous? Mula Grade 7 hanggang Grade 10 ay ikinasal na kay Gray", wika
ni Jeremy. He wasn't looking at me dahil may binabasa itong aklat.
Sinamaan ko ito ng tingin. Eh ano ngayon? Kahit pa lahat ng estudyante ng Bridle ay

makasal dito, wala akong pake! Isama niyo pa maging ang mga faculty at staff, WALA
AKONG PAKE!
"Jeremy, wala akong paki." Jeremy has been married six times already. Well, ako?
Nagkaroon akong isang blind date but I ended smashing the officer's face in the
fish bowl na pinaglagyan ng mga papel na bubunutin namin. My date got a paper and
it says that he can kiss me on the nose. Sa inis ko ay nahampas ko ang mukha ng
nagpabunot na officer sa fish bowl and I stepped hard on my date's foot. See? After
that incident ay wala ng lumapit pang officer sa akin.
Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin at sumeryoso bigla ang mukha ni Jeremy. "Do you
remember that guy who got shot with Gray?", tanong niya sa akin.
Napakunot ang noo ko sa tanong niya. "Si Ryu?" Si Ryu ang nabaril kasama ni Gray
diba?
"Right. That guy", he said.
"Why?", tanong ko. Bakit naman siya nagtanong tungkol kay Ryu?
"He's right behind you", he said at napalingon naman ako sa likuran ko. Ryu was
really standing there kaya bigla na lang akong napatayo.
"What are you doing here?", I asked in surprise. Ano na naman ang ipinunta nito
dito sa Bridle? Wala na si Marion dito ah?
Ah! Baka si Gray. Close na sila, right?
"I just dropped by to give you some chocolates. Baka kasi walang magbigay sayo kaya
sayo ko na lang ibibigay ito", wika niya at inabot sa akin ang isang box ng
chocolate.
And for this holy devil's sake, it's a Richart's Intense Valentine Gourmet
Chocolates!!!!!!
It's a box of 49 chocolates of each variety and aroma!!! WHAT THE HELL! WHY IS HE
GIVING ME SUCH EXPENSIVE CHOCOLATE!?!
"Bakit mo ibinibigay sa akin iyan?", I asked him in disbelief.
"I bought them for my whores ngunit sumobra eh", he said with a smirk.
"I'm not a whore, you asshole!", I yelled at him.
"It's a different brand from the one I gave my bitches so don't you worry", wika
niya.
Different brand?! I don't care basta hindi ko iyon matatanggap! I am not one of his
bitches.
"Look, I'm just joking okay? It's really for you kaya tanggapin mo na", he said. He
grabbed my hands at pinahawakan sa akin ang box ng chocolate.
"Listen Ryu, alam kong sobrang yaman ninyo at barya lang ang pagbili mo sa
chocolate na ito but I really cannot accept it! My gosh, that's very expensive.
Hindi ko maatim na kainin iyan", I told him in a low voice. My classmates looked at
me with jealousy in their eyes. A handsome guy gave me a box of super expensive
chocolate.
Marahil din ay nagtataka sila dahil alam nilang manliligaw ni Marion si Ryu dati,
but now he's giving me some chocolates?! Uh, I hate their judgmental gazes!
Ryu looked at me impatiently. "Fine! Ayaw mo? Edi itatapon ko na lang!", he said
and he walked straight towards the nearest trash bin ngunit bago pa man siya
makarating doon ay hinabol ko na siya. I know he would really throw it kapag hindi
ko iyon tinanggap. Like I said, barya lang sa kanya ang ipinambili niya sa
tsokolateng iyon.
"Don't! Fine! Akin na!"
"Good", wika niya. "I have to go."
"Yun lang ang ipinunta mo dito?", hindi makapaniwalang tanong sa kanya.
"Yeah, I have an important thing to do. Dumaan lang ako upang itapon yan sa iyo",
he said arrogantly.
"Salamat sa PAGTAPON!", I said and I made emphasis on the word PAGTAPON. Okay! Sila
na ang mayaman! "Alis ka na!"
"Aren't you going to walk me towards the gate?", tanong niya.
"Nakaya mong pumunta ng mag-isa dito kaya kaya mo ring umalis mag-isa, sige na.
Sho! Sho!", pagbugaw ko sa kanya at sinamaan niya ako ng tingin.
"Uh, fine! I'll walk you! Don't look at me like you're going to slaughter me!", I
exclaimed at tumayo. I looked at Jeremy. "Please look after the devil's chocolate
for me. I'll just have to walk him towards his hellish car", I said at pumayag
naman ito.
Lumabas na kami ng classroom at nagtungo kung saan man ang kotse nito nakaparada.
Namumuro na talaga ito sa paglalabas-pasok niya sa Bridle. Binesfriend na niya
marahil ang guard!
"Aren't you going to say thank you?", he asked habang naglalakad kami.
"Uh, do I have to?", sarkastikong tanong ko. Aba! Naghahanap pa siya ng thank you?!
"Of course, you have to."
I rolled my eyes at him. "Ayoko. Don't thank me for walking you towards your car,
that way , we're even", wika ko sa kanya.
"You're a brat", he said.
"And you're a jerk."
"A handsome jerk."
"Whatever".
Nang makarating na kami sa tapat ng kotse niya ay sumandal ito saglit at tumingin
sa akin. Uh, by the way, he got another car at ayaw ko ng alamin kung ano ang model
niyon.
"You should prepare your teeth for more chocalates", wika niya habang tinitingnan
ako.
"Hindi ko uubusin sa isang kainan lang ang chocolate mo, at isa pa mamimigay ako",
sagot ko sa kanya.
He chuckled heartily. "I mean ay marami pang darating na chocolate para sayo."
Marami pang darating? Wala naman ah. Ito ang ang kaisa-isang nagbigay ng chocolate
sa akin. "Whatever devil. Umalis ka na."
Sumakay na siya sa kotse niya at tinanaw ko naman ito palayo. Nang hindi ko na
matanaw ang kanyang kotse ay bumalik na ako sa classroom.
"Thank God, you're back! I felt so uneasy sitting with these two expensive
chocolates from abroad", wika ni Jeremy. Nasa harap kasi niya ang dalawang box ng
chocolate na galing kay Marion at kay Ryu.
Dumating na rin si Gray at may dala na naman itong 'marriage certificate' na mula
sa kasal nito. Nilakumos niya iyon at itinapon.
"Uh, there's another chocolate here?", he asked ng makalapit siya sa amin.
"Yes, that's for Amber mula kay Ryu. I'm waiting for the expensive chocolate for me
too", Jeremy said and he giggled. May darating kayang mamahaling chocolate para
dito?
"Ryu gave you chocolates?"
Si Jeremy ang sumagot "Ano namang masama doon? Valentine's naman at isa pa, Amber
is single and that Ryu i-is a j-jerk so masama nga talaga."
I glared at Jeremy. Ano na naman ba ang nasa isip nito? Naupo kami doon saglit at
kung anu-ano ang pinag-usapan. Ilang saglit lang ay isa na namang officer ang
lumapit kay Gray.
"Argh! Okay! Sasama na ako", Gray said bago pa man magsalita ang officer. Tumawa na
lang ito at agad na tumayo si Gray upang sumama ulit dito.
"Wag ka ng bumalik dito Gray dahil kukunin ka lang nila ulit", Jeremy said at mas
lalong napatawa ang officer. Bumaling naman siya sa akin. "Magseselos na talaga ako
kung ako ikaw", he said, trying to brainwash me.
"Unfortunately, you are not me so just shut up, okay?", wika ko sa kanya. Inilapag
niya ang libro at hinarap ako.
Nagpatuloy kami sa pagbabasa ng muli na namang nagsalita si Jeremy. "Who's that guy
na kasama ni Ryu moong birthday mo?", tanong niya.
"He's Cooler. Why?"
"Hi Cooler!", bati ni Jeremy at bigla na lang akong napalingon sa binati ni Jeremy.
Nandoon nga si Cooler and just like Ryu, he was holding a box of expensive
chocolate.
"Hi and hi Amber! Happy Valentine's", he said at inabot sa akin ang box na may
nakasulat Debauve & Gallais's Le Livre.
"Happy Valentine's Day too Cooler", wika ko sa kanya ngunit hindi ko inabot ang
hawak niyang chocolate. "What's that?"
"It's a box of chocolate", wika ni Jeremy. I gave him a deadly glare at umakto
naman ito na iziniper ang bibig.
"Yeah, he's right. It's a box of chocolate", pagsang-ayon ni Cooler.
"I know, idiot. But why are you giving me such thing?", tanong ko sa kanya ngunit
si Jeremy pa rin ang sumagot.
"Kasi nga Valentine's day", Jeremy said at sumang-ayon ulit si Cooler. I gave
Jeremy a deadlier glare than the one I gave him a while ago. If course, I know that
it's valentine's!
"Amber, just accept it okay? Wala namang masama kasi Valentine's. Look, every girls
have chocolates too", wika niya at nilingon ang paligid. He's right. Most of the
girls had chocolates na marahil ay binigay ng mga kasintahan, manliligaw o kaya ay
flings ng mga ito. Maybe some just bought their own chocolate para sa sarili. Love
yourself kumbaga.
"I have 49 chocolates in a box na galing kay Ryu kaya hindi ko na kailangan iyan",
inirapan ko siya ng sinabi iyon.
His brows wrinkled. "Ryu went here? Kaya pala nagmadaling umalis ang loko! Both of
us have something important to do but he left ahead of time. Tell me, nanliligaw ba
sayo ang lokong iyon?", Cooler asked at hinawakan ako sa balikat.
Si Ryu manliligaw sa akin. Duh! Just duh! Para lamang nitong sinabi na nakakatakbo
ang isda. IMPOSIBLE! At isa pa, si Ryu at ako? Yuck, I can't imagine! Okay, he's
devilishly handsome but he's a jerk. I don't like him.
"Do you hear what you are saying Cooler? Nakakadiri ka", wika ko sa kanya at
mukhang nabunutan naman ito ng tinik.
"Wag kang pagpapabola dun. He's a jerk", he said.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Great. A jerk just called his cousin jerk." Ryu's a jerk
and Cooler's a jerk too. Both of them are jerks. Period.
"I'm a lesser jerk than him", he said while grinning. "Anyway, tanggapin mo na
dahil may importanteng lakad pa ako", wika niya at biglang tumunog ang cellphone
nito. Tiningnan niya iyon at agad nagpaalam sa akin. "See? They're calling me. I
have to go. Happy Valentine's day again Amber!" Agad na nagmadaling umalis doon si
Cooler. Ni hindi ko na ito nasamahan papunta sa main gate.
"Salamat at hindi mo ako iniwan dito kasama ang tatlong mamahaling tsokolate",
Jeremy said matapos kong ilagay sa desk ang box ng chocolate na mula kay Cooler.
"I can't believe those guys gave me chocolates as if they're just giving a one-peso
coin", wika ko habang tinitingnan ang mga nakalapag na chocolate sa mesa. I guess I
have to brush my teeth more than thrice kapag kinain ko na ito. Ilang saglit lang
ay nakabalik na si Gray at dumeretso ulit ito sa basurahan upang itapon ang
kapirasong papel tanda na ikinasal na ito.
"Another expensive chocolate?", he asked at mas lalo pang kumunot ang noo nito ng
makita ang isa pang box na galing kay Cooler.
"Your brother gave it to her", Jeremy said. Alam nitong magkapatid si Cooler at
Gray noong nasa ospital kami and Cooler donated blood for Gray. Ang hindi lamang
nito alam ay bahagi pala ng mafia sina Cooler at Ryu.
"He's here?
"Yeah and he just left. He's in hurry", sagot ko. Napansin kong dumilim ang
ekspresyon ng mukha ni Gray. Uh, what's wrong with him?
Kinuha niya ang bag niya at isinukbit iyon sa balikat. "Jeremy, you take care of
the truffles, we'll eat it later. May bibilhin muna ako sa labas", he said at agad
na lumabas ng classroom.
"Nagselos si mister", Jeremy said nang makaalis na si Gray. Nagselos? Jealousy and
Gray don't go together kaya imposible ang pinagsasabi ni Jeremy.
"You're talking nonsense Jeremy", wika ko sa kanya ngunit hindi niya ako pinansin.
Sa halip ay ipinagpatuloy lamang nito ang pagbabasa.
Ilang minuto rin ang lumipas bago ito muling nagsalita. "Amber, are you having an
affair with married-looking man?", he asked out of the blue kaya napaangat ang
tingin ko mula sa binabasa kong advance notes.
What the hell? Anong akala niya sa akin, home wrecker?! I'm not having an affair
with anyone! Be it married-looking or not! "Jeremy, masasapak na talaga kita. Why
are you asking?"
His gaze passed me nang magsalita ito kaya napalingon na rin ako sa pinto. Uh,
maybe I should sit facing the door at hindi ganitong nakatalikod ako. Paglingon ko
ay nakita ko si Kuya Rex, Khael's ever loyal driver walking towards our direction.
"Amber, mabuti at kilala ka dito. Nagpatulong ako sa isang estudyante kung saan ang
classroom mo kaya sinamahan nila ako dito", wika nito ng makalapit.
"Kayo po pala Kuya Rex", wika ko at inabot niya sa akin ang isang bouquet ng
bulaklak at isang malaking swiss dark chocolate.
"Pinapabigay nga pala ni Khael", wika niya.
"Naku po! Hindi ko po iyan matatanggap", tanggi ko ngunit pinilit ni Kuya Rex na
tanggapin ko iyon. Ayoko namang pahirapan pa ito kaya hindi na ako nagmatigas. Nang
makaalis ito ay agad kong tinawagan si Khael.
"Hi there Special A! Happy Valentine's day!", bati niya ng sagutin niya ang tawag.
"What's with the flowers and chocolate Khael?"
"Why? You don't like it?"
"You shouldn't have bothered! Inutusan mo pa si Kuya Rex!"
"It's because you are spe-", napahinto ito saglit. "Wait, I just have to finish
this call", wika nito and his voice seems irritated. Ako ba ang kausap nito?
"I'm sorry Special A. Hindi ako ang mismong nagbigay. I can't leave Athena, I'm
part of the student council. I'll just call you later, I still have a wedding", he
said with a sigh.
"Fine", wika ko at agad na pinatay ang tawag at hindi ko na hinintay ang sagot
niya. Uh, mukhang suki din ito ng marriage booth sa Athena.
Jeremy and I just sat there at may kanya-kanya kaming hinaharap na libro. Bigla na
lamang kaming napatayo ni Jeremy nang may isang estudyante ang humihingal na
lumapit sa amin.
"Nasaan si Gray?", tanong nito. Sa pagkakatanda ko ay bahagi ito ng student

council.
"He went somewhere. Why?", Jeremy asked.
Napahawak ito sa dibdib matapos magpunas ng pawis. "We need his help! An SSC
senator was poisoned to death!"
**
Agad kaming nagpunta ni Jeremy sa student council office. I already called Gray at
papunta na ito. Naroon na rin ang mga pulis na tinawagan ng skwelahan.
Kalunos-lunos ang sinapit ng biktimang si Janice Ellevera, a Grade-10 student. Her

body was stiffed and her back was arched. Nasa mesa ang kinakain nitong tsokolate.
Ayon sa ibang mga SC officer, it's been two hours since she told her co-officer
that her body began to spasm na nagsimula sa leeg nito. Nagkaroon din ito ng
convulsions na naging tuloy-tuloy until her backbone arches.
Lumapit si Jeremy at inamoy ang bibig na biktima. "No doubt, this is a case of
cyanide poisoning", seryosong wika nito.
Napatingin naman ang lahat ng nandoon sa kanya maging ang mga pulis. Silence filled
the room habang nakatitig ang lahat kay Jeremy. They must be surprised with his
statement.
"Uh, that's what you're going to say, right Gray?", he asked. Sumeryoso ang mukha
ni Gray at inilapag ang chocolate na kinakain ng biktima.
"No. There's no almond-scent from the victim's mouth and the evidence in the
victim's body indicates that it's not a cyanide poisoning. By the way, who gave the
victim this chocolate?", he asked and a guy from student council stepped forward.
"I did but I didn't put poison in it!", wika niya. Nagpakilala ito bilang Melvin
Dignos, another SC senator.
Nagtanong din si Gray kung sino ang kasama ng biktima sa loob sa lumipas na
dalawang oras. Isang kaklase nito na si Irish Magno ang kasama nito sa loob ng SC
office at ang SC auditor na si Jhonrey Cuizon.
Kinausap ang ito ng mga pulis upang hingin ang mga statements nito. Tiningnan ko
naman ang biktima. Gray said it wasn't a case of cyanide poisoning. Kung gayon ay
anong lason ang ginamit ng salarin upang lasonin ito?
Lumapit si Gray sa tatlong suspect. "What's your parent's business?", he asked each
one of them.
Si Melven ang unang sumagot. "Ano naman ang kinalaman ng business namin sa kasong
ito? I told you, that chocolate I gave her is not poisoned! Bakit ko naman siya
lalasonin? I'm courting her!"
"Why don't you just answer my question?", mahinahon na wika ni Gray. He wasn't
affected by the sudden outburst of one of the suspects.
"Is this your method of investigating? You dig personal lives", sagot naman ni
Melven.
"My method is build upon the observation of trifles", he said with full confidence.
He got his arrogant attitude again lalo na kapag may kinakaharap itong kaso. "So,
won't you answer my question?"
"Fine! To clear your doubts, my family's into farming and crop production", sagot
nito.
"That's all I want to hear. Thank you", wika niya at tinanong naman niya ang iba ng
parehong tanong.
Si Irish Magno ang sunod na sumagot. "We're into toy production business."
"My family is into pastry and cakeshop business", sagot naman ni Jhonrey. I was
thinking if Ryu and Cooler would be suspects of this crime at tinanong ito ni ng
Gray, 'hey, what's your family business?' it's ridiculous to think that they would
answer that they're into mafia. Uh, I rolled my eyes into my own stupidity.
"I already know who's the one responsible for such painful and dramatic death of
the victim", wika ni Gray kaya lumapit ang mga pulis sa kanya.
"Who did it?"
"It's the one who's into farming business", wika nito at galit na napatingin naman
si Melven sa kanya.
"What? Ano naman ang koneksyon ng family business namin sa kasong ito? And haven't
I told you that I'm courting Janice? Why should I kill her?", he asked in
disbelief.
"You must be familiar with strychnine. A sign of strychnine poisoning is just like
what we see in the victim. Her back is arched and there's an instant appearance of
rigor mortis. It attacks the nervous system and it contracts the muscles in the
body and death is a result of asphyxiation due to paralysis of the respiratory
pathways", paliwanag ni Gray.
"Ngunit ano ang kinalaman niyan sa family business ng mga suspect?", tanong ng
isang pulis.
Gray flashed his familiar arrogant smile. He only flash it when he's very sure of
his deduction. "It's an ingredient for stimulant but it's widely used as pesticides
and you're the only one who could have access to such alkaloid. You used pesticides
to eliminate pests and rodents, right? I'm sure you habr access to it", wika niya
habang nakaharap pa rin kay Melven.
"Thanks for the lecture but I don't even know such thing. Ngayon ko lang narinig
mula sa iyo ang bagay na iyan. I don't even intervene with the family business kaya
hindi yan pamilyar sa akin", mayabang na wika nito.
"Do you have any evidences or proof?"
"I'm sure he already disposed the proofs of it but we don't have to worry. We can
have an experiment using that bitter crystalline alkaloid. Mayroon tayo noon sa
laboratory. I can just request the new incharge to let us have some for our
experiment", Gray said.
"What kind of experiment?", tanong ni Irish.
"I want you to drop some strychnine on your eyes. Don't worry, it's used as
stimulants and it can improved performance that's why athletes used that thing",
sagot nito.
"If that will prove my innocence, I would participate in such experiment", wika ni
Jhonrey.
"Me too. I would also participate para malaman natin kung sino nga ba ang pumatay
kay Janice. God! I was hysterical during her convulsions!", pagsang-ayon naman ni
Irish.
"Good, so let's have Melven to be the first one to perform the experiment", Gray
said with a different smile. "Just a few drops on your eyes."
Napakunot naman ang noo ni Melven. "Are you out of your wits?! You want me to pure
that on my eyes! Don't you know that inhalation or absorption of that thing is
fatal and -", Gray cuts him off.
"Exactly. See? You already know how does it work. By why did you said a while ago
that you haven't heard such thing?"
"Oo nga! Sinabi mo kanina na hindi mo alam ang bagay na iyon", komento ng isang
pulis.
"Ang ibig kong sabihin ay -"
"You can't deny it anymore."
Napabuntong-hininga naman ito. "I guess I have to pay the consequences of my deeds.
Oo, pinatay ko siya using such poison. Everything that this guy, Silvan I think,
said is true."
"Bakit Melven? Gaya ng sabi mo ay nililigawan mo siya diba?", tanong ni Irish sa
kanya.
"Yes, I did and I thought she likes me. Yun ang sabi niya but the truth is may
boyfriend na pala siya. Alam mo bang nagconfess ako sa kanya in public? Sa mall. Sa
mall ko ginawa ang pakulong naisip ko. I thought she would like it ngunit pinahiya
niya ako. She said I'm the most disgusting guy she'd met in her entire life. I felt
humiliated that's why I killed her", pag-amin nito.
I wonder why people would resort to such thing. Hindi sila tulad ko na kapag may
bagay na nakakapagpadepress sa akin, I just go out and eat ice cream and after
that, I'm fine. Well that proves the indivudual differences of people. Pinanuod ko
na lamang ito ng ilabas ito ng nga pulis doon.
**
The case have been solved at naglalakad kami pauwi ng dorm. Nagvolunteer si Jeremy
at Gray na ihatid ako kaya pumayag naman ako. I let Jeremy carry the chocolate and
the flower.
"Sunod-sunod na yata ang mga pagpatay dito sa Bridle", komento ko habang naglalakad
kami. Gray was walking with his poker face at kanina pa ako nagsasalita dito ngunit
si Jeremy lamang ang sumasagot.
"Yeah. Who do you think is the murder magnet here? Is it you or Gray?", tanong
nito. Gray and I both glared at him. "Ah, eh, just kidding!"
Nagpatuloy naman kami sa paglalakad. Gray was holding tight on his backpack. Pansin
ko lang, kanina pa nito suot ang backpack nito, ni hindi nga niya iyon inilapag
kanina habang nilulutas niya ang Valentine's Day Murder Case kanina.
Nang makarating kami sa entrance ng dorm ay nagpasalamat na ako sa kanila. Jeremy

gave me the flower and chocolate ngunit nakatayo lang si Gray sa harapan ko.
"What?", I asked him. Tiningnan niya si Jeremy at tila naintindihan naman nito ang
ibig sabihin ni Gray. Lumayo siya sa amin at iniwan kami sa harapan ng dorm.
"Hoy, hindi ka pa aalis?", tanong ko sa kanya ng nanatili itong nakatayo doon

habang matamang nakatitig sa akin.
"I know you have expensive chocolates but I hope you would appreciate mine. I
cannot give you expensive one dahil wala akong panahon na bumili and I cannot just
travel abroad just to buy chocolates", wika niya. Kinuha niya ang backpack at
binuksan iyon. Inilabas niya ang malaking jar ng Nutella at iniabot iyon sa akin.
"Happy Valentines Day Amber", he said at iniwan akong nakatulala habang nakatitig
sa ibinigay niyang nutella.
He hope that I would appreciate it? Well, Nutella is my favorite! Ilang saglit ay
nahimasmasan na ako sa pagkatulala ko at agad akong pumasok ng dorm.
Pagdating ko sa kwarto namin ay agad kong inilapag ang mga box ng chocolate sa kama
kasama ang bulaklak samantalang kumuha naman ako ng kutsara at binuksan ang nutella
at agad nilantakan iyon.
I'm gonna thanks Gray for this. NUTELLA IS HEAVEN!
**
A/N: Natagalan ako ng update, walang load eh, sareey! Isa pa busy din ng konti kasi
araw-araw ang klase ko from 1-5 pm, tsaka wagas pa magbigay ng assignment ang proof
ko, biruin niyo 75 items at mga financial statements pa! Uhhhh! Kaya pasensysahan
niyo na! I hope this chapter is worth the wait.
Share your thoughts and cast your votes! Thank you! :*
-Love && Care,
Shinichilaaaabs♥
CHAPTER 4: HOSPITAL CASE/KISS?

Chapter 4: Hospital Case/Kiss?
A/N: This is to thank those people who cast their votes/share their thoughts sa mga
chapters ng File 2! Thank you rin sa mga nag-P-PM at nagpopost sa Msg. Board ko. Hi
sa mga bagong Fb friends ko at sorry kung hindi ako agad2x na nakakapagreply huhu!
Sorry talaga! Anyways, here's an update! Hope you will like it! And thank you for
the undying support! Ciao!
-Shinichilaaaabs♥
**
Today is the last community service na gagawin namin sa taong ito. Bridle decided
to have an outreach program at magkakaroon kami ng proper hygiene lecture and
feeding para sa mga bata sa lansangan. The outreach program is not only for the
orphans on the street but as well as sa mga batang may mga magulang hangga't nais
nilang lumahok sa programa.
"I like this community service, nakakatulong tayo sa mga bata", Jeremy said habang
nag-aayos kami ng mga gamit sa bus. We we're assigned with different jobs na mula
sa iba-ibang committees at sa "teaching committee kami napabilang ni Jeremy. Kami
ang magtuturo sa mga bata habang naghahanda ng masustansyang pagkain ang iba.
"Tree planting is a good one too, hindi lang tayo nakakatulong sa kalikasan, maging
sa mga taong naninirahan sa mundo. Who would benefit from that trees? Of course,
it's us", wika ko sa kanya.
"Amen", he said and I rolled my eyes at him. Minsan talaga ay walang kwentang
kausap si Jeremy.
Matapos maayos ang lahat ay umalis na ang bus. We chose a nearby baranggay para sa
outreach program namin. Hindi iyon kalayuan sa Bridle kaya makalipas ang
dalawampung minuto ay nakarating na agad kami doon.
Nauna nang dumating ang "Set Up Committee" na kinabibilangan ni Gray. Nagtatayo
sila ng mga mini-tent para sa amin samantalang sa covered court naman ng baranggay
gaganapin ang feeding program.
"Ang tagal niyo namang dumating", wika ni Gray nang nakalapit ito sa amin. Gaya ng
ibang nagse-set up ng mga maaring silungan doon ay pawis na pawis ito at walang
suot na tshirt. Shit! Bakit ba may abs ito!? Nakakawala ng concentration.
"Marami pa kasi kaming inaasikaso", sagot ko sa kanya. Ibinaling ko ang tingin ko
sa malayo upang hindi niya mapansin ang pagiging uncomfortable ko.
"Bakit ayaw mong tingnan si Gray Amber?", Jeremy asked. Naman eh! Lord, bakit ba
ganito tong lalaking ito?! I chose not to answer his question ngunit muli itong
nagsalita.
"Ah, alam ko na! Naiilang ka sa abs ni Gray."
What the hell?! Maari bang ichop-chop na lang si Jeremy at isahog sa lulutuin ng
food committee mamaya!?
"Uh, sorry about that", Gray said at agad na sinuot ang tshirt na hawak-hawak niya.
Uh! Pandesal na naging bato pa! Di, joke lang. Mas mabuti ng may suot itong damit
para hindi nakakailang.
"I have a stimulating riddle for the two of you", Jeremy said with a smile.
"You mean stupid riddle", wika ko.
"No, this one's different.
"Shoot.
Ngumiti ito ng malaki. "What do you call the guards in a Samsung store?"
"They're still security guards", Gray said.
"Enk! Mali!"
"Watchmen?"
"Mali pa rin."
"Ano?", I asked impatiently. I'm preparing my pokerface for his upcoming pun.
"They're called Guardians of the Galaxy! HAHAHAHAHA!", he started laughing out loud
again. Uh! Kung alam lang ng mga nagkakagusto kay Jeremy ang tungkol sa mga joke
nito, malamang madidiscourage sila!
"I knew all along that we'll be wasting time", Gray said.
"As expected."
Bumaling si Gray sa akin. "I'll help you carry all your teaching stuffs to the
covered court", he said at unakyat na siya sa bus upang tumulong sa pagdiskarga ng
mga gamit.
"Oh! You and Gray are both smart ngunit hindi niyo talaga masagutan ang mga riddle
ko", nagtatakang wika ni Jeremy.
"Dahil wala namang kwenta ang mga riddle mo. Hali ka na nga, tumulong na tayo",
wika ko sa kanya at tumulong na sa paghahakot ng mga gamit.
Nang maayos na ang mga gamit sa sa pagtuturo ay saka lamang napansin ng Head ng
Committee na si Yuri na wala roon ang mga alphabet cards at ang iba pang visual
aid.
"Hala, lagot! Naiwan yata ang ibang mga visual aid!", she said matapos halughugin
ang iba pang mga gamit doon.
"Wala ba sa bus?", tanong ng isang taga section C.
"Wala eh. Wala ng laman ang bus bago iyon umalis."
Babalik lamang mamaya ang bus ng Bridle kapag natapos na ang outreach program kaya
hindi namin mahanap ang mga visual aid sa bus. Konti lamang ang mga naroong visual
aid and the kids are looking forward for the colorful alphabet cards.
"I remembered! Mukhang naiwan ko sa room ng Section A!", Yuri said. "Sino ba ang
pwedeng bumalik sa Bridle upang kunin iyon?"
Nagkunwari namang abala ang lahat. Mukhang walang gustong bumalik sa Bridle.
Mahirap kasi ang magcommute mula sa baranggay na iyon. Kailangan munang sumakay ng
isang de-padyak bago nakarating sa sakayan ng jeep. Wala ring mga taxi doon.
Uh, mukhang wala ngang may gustong bumalik ng Bridle upang kunin iyon. Nagulat na
lang ako ng biglang nagvolunteer si Jeremy.
"Kami! Kami ni Amber", he said at tinuro ako. What the hell?! Idinamay pa talaga
ako?! I gave him a dagger stare ngunit nginitian niya lang ako!
"Talaga? Okay lang sayo Amber?", Yuri asked at nang lingunin ko ang paligid ay
hinihintay ng lahat ang sagot ko. Uh, may choice pa ba ako?
Tumango ako sa kanila at natuwa naman ang lahat. Uh, really?! Yuri gave Jeremy the
transportation expenses at nandito kami ngayon sa sakayan ng mga de-padyak na
trisikad driver.
"Nakakainis ka, alam mo ba? Ang init-init tapos nagvolunteer ka?", wika ko kay
Jeremy nang nakasakay na kami.
"It's for the children kaya indahin mo na lang ang init, okay?", he said.
Hindi ko na lang siya sinagot at nanatiling tahimik hanggang sa sumakay na kami ng
jeep at nakarating sa Bridle. Kinuha namin ang mga naiwang visual aid at muling
bumalik sa baranggay kung saan gaganapin ang aming outreach program.
Nang makababa kami ng jeep ay may nakita akong isang bata. He was about to cross
the street ngunit bigla na lamang may puting kotse ang muntik ng bumundol dito.
Napahiga ito sa daan nang muntikan na itong masagasaan. He was unconcious kaya
nilingon ko ang paligid ngunit walang tao roon. Paano ba ito?!
"Amber, kanina pa tumatawag si Yuri", Jeremy said at pinakita ang cellphone.
Kailangan ko ring tulungan ang bata.
"Jeremey mauna ka na sa sakayan na trisikad. Ihatid mo na yan doon at susunod ako.
I need to help the kid", wika ko sa kanya at tinulak siya.
"But Amber -"
I cut him off. "Don't worry about me. Those kids need that at kailangan din ng
tulong nung bata. You see? Wala masyadong tao sa paligid kaya sige na", wika ko sa
kanya at pumayag naman ito. I just assured him na susunod agad ako kapag natulungan
ko na ang bata.
Nang makaalis na si Jeremuy ay agad akong lumapit sa bata. Kasalukuyan itong
binubuhat ng may-ari ng kotse. Mabuti naman at naisipan nitong tumulong kahit hindi
niya talaga nabundol iyon. Hindi tulad na iba, after they hit their victims ay
tinatakbuhan lamang nila.
"Ayos lang po ba ang bata?", tanong ko sa nakatalikod na lalaki.
"He's fine. Wala naman siyang mga injury ngunit hinimatay siya kaya dadalhin ko
siya sa ospi- Amber?"
Nang lumingon ito ay nagulat ako ng makita si Red. Red as in pula. You know that
guy na napagkamalan kong taxi driver? The guy who hates cussing inside his car. The
guy who said gray is a dull, dirty and dingy color.
Yeah that guy.
"Red, right?", I asked him and he made a face.
"You're unsure? Yes, that's me."
Well, I'm sure but I just asked. Just uh, whatever.
"You should bring the kid to the hospital", wika ko at tiningnan ang batang karga-
karga niya. "He looks so pale."
"Let's go."
I looked at him puzzled. "Kasama ako?"
"Sumama ka na lang. Looks like you're in an outreach mission based on your shirt.
Ibig sabihin marami kayo kaya hindi ka na nila kailangan doon. Sumama ka na", wika
niya at dinala ang bata sa likurang bahagi ng sasakyan. Binuksan ko ang pinto at
inayos niya ang pagkakahiga ng bata doon.
Yes, I'm wearing a white shirt na may nakamarkang Bridle High School Outreach
Program. Nang tapos na niyang ilapag ang bata ay binuksan niya ang pinto ng shotgun
ride.
"Get inside at nang madala na natin ang bata sa ospital", wika niya. Napabuntong-
hininga na lang ako at sumakay doon. Maybe he's right. Marami naman sila doon na
magtuturo sa mga bata. Nang makapasok ako ay umikot ito sa kabilang side at pumasok
na rin sa kotse. He immediately drived into the nearest hospital.
Nang makarating kami doon ay agad na ipinasok sa emergency room ang bata upang
matingnan. Red and I stayed outside.
"God, I really thought I hit the kid. Mukhang hinimatay lang naman ito", he said in
relief.
"And I thought you'll gonna run away after hitting the kid."
He made a face. "Hindi ah. Only irresponsible people would do that. By the way,
it's good to see you again Amber."
Uh, anong good kapag makita ako? If it would be Jeremy, sasabihin na naman nitong
murder magnet ako.
"Really?"
"Yeah. And where's your boyfriend by the way? Gray right?", tanong niya na
ikinakunot ng noo ko.
Boyfriend ko si Gray? He really thinks so?
"He's not my boyfriend", I told him.
"But you're dating."
"It's a friendly date."
"Ganoon ba? Oh, I see. So you're from Bridle? It's a good school but I never had
the chance to study there. Bagsak ako sa aptitude exam and case analysis", he said
while chuckling.
"Saan ka nag-aaral ngayon?"
"Catarina University."
Naputol ang pag-uusap namin ng bigla na lamang kaming makarinig ng sigaw mula sa
isang private suite. Parehas kaming napatayo at tinakbo ang pinagmulan ng sigaw.
Nakatayo ang isang nurse kasama ang isang lalaking gulat na gulat habang nakatingin
sa kama. There was a patient lying on the bed but what was shocking was the knife
plunged on his chest. Nakahawak pa ang kamay nito sa kutsilyo!
**
Dumating ang mga pulis doon and I wasn't surprised to see Inspector Dean. Binati
niya ako and I asked him if we can linger there a little longer at pumayag naman
ito.
Nag-imbestiga sila and they were able to come up with three last persons who
visited the victim sa mga oras bago ito namatay. The first one was Luel Marasigan.
He was the friend of the victim na si Justie Dominggo. He was the one na nakita
namin ni Red kanina kasama ng nurse.
The second one was the nurse na si Ishell Romero. She was the assigned nurse at
kakilala din ng biktima. Ayon kay Luel, Justie was courting Ishell ngunit hindi pa
man ito nasasagot ng huli ay binawian na ng buhay si Justie.
The last one was Mara Canete. She was a patient from the same hospital at ex-
girlfriend ni Justie. Gaya ni Justie ay cancer patient din si Mara but she's
struggling to survive.
Bago pa man dumating ang mga pulis ay nauna na kaming pumasok ni Red doon. We
examined the dead body and we found a suicide note on the table.
The note says:
I can't take it anymore. My dreams are telling me to end this.
It's just a brief note but I found an angle on this case saying this isn't a
suicide. Unang anggulo ay pwesto ng tsinelas ng biktima. Nasa paanan iyon ng kama
ngunit ang gusot na nasa kama ay nasa gilid, tanda na doon banda sumampa ang
biktima sa kama. It's queer to to think iniwan muna nito sa paanan ang tsinelas at
dumeretso sa gilid bago sumampa doon. Another one was the note. It was torn from a
memopad na but I couldn't find kung saang bahagi iyon galing. None of the torn
papers matched with the one written as suicide note. At isa pa, bakit kailangan
pang tanggalin iyon? The victim could just write his suicide note and leave it in
the memopad without tearing at as long as it's open where the note was written. The
last one was the suicide note itself. Ang maikling sulat ay maaring hindi isang
suicide note since hindi naman naispecify kung ano ang nais niyang wakasan.
Gosh! Mukhang may natututunan din pala ako kay Gray. I have been observant to such
things gayong si Gray ang mapagmatyag sa mga bagay. This probably means sticking
with him and to those cases is not bad at all. I sometimes have the "detectives way
and will" but it wasn't as strong like what Gray and Khael possessed.
"Amber, I find this note ambigous. I don't think it's a suicide note", wika ni Red
habang matang nakatitig sa papel.
"Really? You think so?"
Tumango siya sa akin. "Yeah but I'm not really sure about it. Do you know Sigmund
Freud?"
"You mean the one who said "He that has eyes to see and ears to hear may convince
himself that no mortal can keep a secret. If his lips are silent, he chatters with
his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore?", tanong ko sa kanya and
he giggled.
"That's a good thing to remember about him. Yeah, he said that but he isn't a poet.
He's a neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis", wika niya. "Are you familiar
with Freudian psychoanalytic theory?"
I frowned at him. Engot din itong si Red ano? Di ko nga kilala si Sigmund FROYD na
yan, yung theory niya pa kaya?! Seriously Red?!
"Okay, I guess that look says 'how do I know his theory, I don't even know him'',
wika niya. The hell?! Is he a mind reader?
"How do you know that's what I'm thinking? Don't tell me you're some sort of a mind
reader?", I asked in disbelief at muli naman itong natawa.
"No. You're funny. I'm not a mind reader, I mean, sort of. I'm a psychology
student, remember?", he said.
"Whatever. So what's with that theory? And how does that connects to this case?",
tanong ko sa kanya.
"It's about the drive towards death and self-destruction", sagot niya. Uh, hindi ko
talaga magets what is exactly his point.
"So you're saying?"
"You don't get it?", he asked and I shook my head. "Mukhang hindi nga. It's like
this. I found the note lacking with death drive. I don't think it's a suicide
note."
I focused my attention on him. We have the same thought about this case but I based
it on my physical observations while he based it theorically in psychoanalysis and
whatsoever.
"I don't think it's a suicide too. Will you tell me more about such theory?", I
asked him. Maybe using psychological reference can help us on this case.
"It's like this, death drive contradicts with eros."
"You mean sex drive?", I asked and he shook his head.
"It's doesn't refers to sex drive alone but as well as to life force and the will
to live. It's for survival, propagation and other life-producing drives. I don't
see that note as one which refer to the third problem stated by Freud as 'to repeat
the repressed material as a contemporary experience instead of remembering it as
something belonging to the past. I guess that's his exact words".
Kahit wala akong stock knowledge sa psychology ay naintindihan ko naman ang mga
ipinaliwanag ni Red. I was amazed by his knowledge. Mukhang seryoso ito sa pag-
aaral.
I look closely at the note. Saka ko lamang napansin na may mga marka mula sa
pagkakadiin ng mga sinulat sa unang pahina niyon.
"I think something was written on the previous pages. Kung maari lang sana nating
pakialaman itong suicide note. We need a pencil to trace back the writings on the
previous page", wika ko.
"I don't think the police would agree on such idea", wika ni Red at tama nga ito.
If Gray was here, malamang papayag pa ang mga pulis but it's just me.
"I have another idea Amber", he said with a grin. "We can check the patient's
records upang malaman natin kung may death drive nga ba ang biktima."
"Patient's records are confidential kaya wag mong isiping madali ang iniisip mo. We
cannot just ask the hospital for it."
Mas lalo pang lumawak ang ngiti nito. "Who said we're asking the hospital?"
"What do you mean?"
"You have an important task to do. Let's go to the nurse station at tingnan mo ang
nameplate ng naroong nurse na nagbabantay, dali!", he said at hinila na ako papunta
sa nurse station.
"Teka, bakit ako?", I asked. Argh! Baka mahuli kami! Gosh, I'm not a minor anymore
kaya kung may gawin man akong illegal, tiyak sa malamig na rehas na ang bagsak ko.
"Titingnan mo lang naman eh, ako ang may delikadong role dito kaya gawin mo na",
wika niya at tinulak ako. Argh! Wala na! Nakita na ako ng naroong nurse kaya hindi
na ako pwedeng bumalik pa! Lecheng pula! Manulak ba naman.
I smiled at the nurse. This is it. I have to do this.
"Magandang araw po. Pwede po bang magtanong kung saan ang kwarto ni -" I paused.
Sino ba?
"Ni?", the nurse asked.
I pressed my lips. Sorry devil! Gagawin mo na kitang may sakit. "Ryu. Ryu Morisson
po. He's a cancer patient at dito po yata siya nakaconfine dahil bilang na ang mga
araw niya." I flashed my very sad face. Wait, did I overdo it?
"Sandali. Iche-check ko", wika niya at may tiningnan. That's the time that I
focused my gaze on her name plate. Suzanne Flores.
Nag-angat na ito ng tingin. "Sorry Miss but we don't have a patient na Ryu
Morisson."
"Ganoon po ba? Baka po nagkamali lang ako ng ospital, sige po." I immediately left
at pumunta sa kung saan iniwan ko si Red.
"So?"
Tiningnan ko siya. He was holding a doctor's coat and a stethoscope. Nakasuot din
ito ng eyeglasses. "Her name is Suzanne Flores. What's that?", tanong ko sa kanya,
referring to the coat and stethoscope.
"Props."
"Props? Saan? And where the hell did you get them?"
"Ah-uh! Drop the 'the hell'. Just where did you get them", wika niya. Uh, he's not
really into cussing, eh? Makapagtirik nga ng kandila sa santong pula na ito mamaya.
"Whatever."
"I got these from the doctor's locker. Mabuti na lang hindi nakalock yung isa", he
said with a smile.
"What the f-", sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. "Fish. What the fish! What are you
planning to do? Hindi ba tayo mahuhuli nito?"
"Not unless magmamadali tayo. Just watch me." Lumapit kami sa may nurse station. I
sat on the benches samantalang nakatayo naman ito.
He was already wearing the lab coat at nakasukbit sa balikat nito ang stethoscope.
He really looks like a doctor at bagay na bagay iyon sa kanya. Lumapit si Red sa
nurse station.
"Excuse me, Miss Suzanne Flores?"
"Yes?", tanong ng nurse na nakausap ko kanina. "Oh, doctor. You must be Kevin
Mendoza, the newly hired surgeon. I'm pleased to meet you."
Ngumiti naman si Red. Tsk! Nagpapacute lang naman yung nurse! "Ah, yes that's me.
By the way, pinapatawag ka pala ng hospital director. He said, ASAP."
"But wala pa ang kasama ko."
"Don't worry. I'll guard here for you", matamis na ngumiti naman si Red at parang
kiti-kiting kinilig ang nurse. Heh!
"Talaga? Sige, thanks Doc!", she said at lumabas na roon. Nagpaalam ito kay Red at
nang lumiko na ito ay agad akong hinila ni Red papasok. Hinubad niya ang suot na
coat at sinampay iyon sa harap CCTV camera. "We have to hurry", he said at agad na
hinanap ang room number ni Justie. Kinuha niya ang pangalan ng doktor nito at
matapos iyon ay agad kaming lumabas. Gosh! This is so - arrrgh! Pagnahuli kami,
patay talaga kami.
"That was exciting", wika ni Red. Tiningnan ko siya ng masama at sinapak. "Aray!
Para saan ba iyon?"
"Exciting your face! That's illegal!", I hissed at him ngunit tumawa lang ito.
"It's not illegal unless we're caught. Bumalik ka na sa crime scene, ako na ang
didiskarte para malaman ang kondisyon ng biktima. You go and find more evidence",
wika niya.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Now go", he said at bumalik na nga ako. Pagdating ko doon ay nag-
iimbetiga pa rin ang mga pulis. They were questioning the 3 people. Nakarating na
doon ang pamilya ng biktima and they were crying for their loss.
"Bakit ba parang ginagawa niyo kaming suspect? Can't you see that it's a suicide?",
galit na wika ni Luel.
"We found some things na nagsasabing hindi ito suicide", sagot ni Inspector Dean.
"Hindi suicide? Look at the note!"
"We're not sure if it is his penmanship", sagot ng pulis.
"Sa kanya iyan. I can prove it to you", Luel said at may kinuha sa bag. Naglabas
siya ng kwaderno. "This is his diary na ipinakuha niya sa akin. You can compare it
with the penmanship on the suicide note."
Kinuha iyon ng pulis at inexamine. He's right. The victim really wrote the suicide
note.
"But still, kailangan pa namin itong imbestigahan", the police said. Tiningnan ko
naman ang diary. I didn't read the contents ngunit binasa ko ang nasa cover. Those
are poetic lines describing life. Kawawa naman ang biktima. His works really
focuses about life since he didn't know when he will die dahil may cancer ito. But
why does he have to end his life?
I can't take it anymore. My dreams are telling me to end this.
Iyon ang nakasulat sa kanyang suicide note. But, is it really a suicide note?
Tiningnan ko ang naroong basurahan. There were crumpled papers there na gaya ng
nasa memo pad. Agad kong pinulot iyon at ibinuklat.
To do:
• Overnight reunion with friends.
• Hangout with Luel, my bestfriend
• Motivate Mara
• Date Ishell
• Visit Baclaran and other heritage churches
To do list ng biktima? Why does a person who wanted to commit suicide be writing a
to do list?
Tiningnan ko ang katawan ng biktima. He was holding the knife na tila nga ito ang
sumaksak sa sarili. Ayon sa mga pulis, limang oras na ang nakalipas mula ng bawian
ito ng buhay. Nakahawak sa plastic handle ng kutsilyo ang kamay nito but his other
hand was like pointing on the knife's metal part. Ano kaya ang ibig sabihin niyon?
Saka ko lang napansin ang tila maliit na sugat sa kamay nito. It's a cut from
something sharp. Sanhi ba ito ng kutsilyo? But I have a feeling that it wasn't.
Lumapit ako sa tatlong suspect and I observed them carefully. I saw sonething
interesting. That's it. It's the proof of the crime!
Dumating naman si Red at may kakaibang ngiti ito. "I found out everything. Basing
on your clear face, I guess you have figured out the killer. Let's start our
deduction show."
"Deduction show? You already solved this case Amber?", Inspector Dean asked na
nakarinig pala sa pag-uusap namin ni Red. I nodded at him at napangiti naman ito.
"Mukhang nahahawa ka na kay Ivan."
He gathered everyone upang makinig sa pagsisiwalat namin. Nagulat naman ang lahat
ng sinabi nitong kami ni Red ang nakakaalam ng lahat.
"Wait. Who are they? Pulis ba sila?", Mara asked.
"Even that highschool looking girl?", segunda naman ni Ishell.
"She's a detective and the guy with her is her apprentice", nakangiting saad ni
Inspector Dean.
"Bullshit! Namatay na at lahat si Justie tapos ngayon ay ipapahawak niyo lang sa
kung sinu-sinong mga bata ang kasong ito!", galit na wika ni Luel.
I winced on his words. Kahit bata lang kami, I'm positive that I have a correct
deduction about this.
"We understand how you feel mister but why won't you try to listen? That way, you
can justify his death", wika ko sa kanya at tumahimik siya.
"So you're saying this isn't a suicide? Go on brat. I'm listening", wika niya.
Napangiti ako at tiningnan si Red. Tumango siya sa akin bago nagsalita.
"Our first ground for saying that it isn't a suicide is the suicide note itself. It
lacks death drive. So we checked the victim's hospital records and we fou-"
Bigla na lamang sumingit si Ishell. "But how did you do it? Hospital records are
confidential", wika niya. Of course alam niya iyon, she's a nurse.
Red frowned. "Don't asked how. It's through the prohibited means. So, back to the
case, we found out that he's not dying. Ayon sa records, his body is developing
antibodies and he had a positive response to his chemo kaya malaki ang tsansa na
makalasurvive siya."
"Malaki ang tsansa niyang mabuhay? But why did he ended his life?", tanong ni Mara.
"He didn't. Someone killed him", wika ko at nagulat silang lahat. "That someone
killed him and make it looks like this is a suicide by leaving a note written by
the victim."
"Paano naman niya napilit ang biktima na sumulat ng suicide note?"
"Hindi na niya pinilit dahil kusang sinulat iyon ng biktima but it wasn't a suicide
note. It's a note about Eros", wika ni Red. "I mean the life-producing drives. The
note probably refers to his cancer. He wants to end cancer and not his life."
"Isa pa, bakit pa kailangang gumawa ng to do list ang may balak na magpakamatay?
Look at this", wika ko at ipinakita ang nilakumos na papel.
"But look at the victim's position. Siya mismo ang sumaksak sa sarili niya diba?",
Luel asked.
"No, he didn't. Hinawakan niya marahil ang kutsilyo to give us clue about his
killer's identity. Look at his right pointer finger. It's pointing on the knife's
metal blade. Ibig sabihin, his killer is someone who has a metal blade-like thing
and that's the nurse's metal name plate", I said fearlessly. I was rubbing my nose
while exposing the crime.
"Ano? Hindi ko pinatay si Justie!", galit na wika ni Ishell. "Wag mo akong
akusahan!"
"You did it Ishell?", hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Mara. "But why?"
"Yes, she did it. Sinaksak niya ang biktima and left him. Pagbalik niya ay
nakahawak na sa kutsilyo ang biktima, probably he wanted to pull it ngunit
nanghihina na siya that's why tinuro na lang niya ang metal blade ng kutsilyo. The
killer found out the victim's new position and it looks like he did it to himself",
diretsong nakatingin ako kay Ishell. "You made use of his rigor mortis to make it
looks like a suicide. Tiningnan mo ang memopad sa gilid and you saw such content.
Kung iyon lang ang pagbabasehan, mukha nga iyong suicide note ngunit kapag
babasahin mo ang ibang bahagi ay malalaman mong hindi. It's about positivity to
life. You tore the page from the memopad at tinago ang original na ginamit ng
biktima. You replaced it with a new memopad na marahil ay kinuha mo sa ibang mga
kwarto. Those memopads are the hospital's complementary things", wika ko sa kanya
ngunit nagmatigas pa rin ito.
"You don't have any evidence!"
"We do. Look at the victim's palm. There's a cut there and I believe it wasn't from
the knife kundi mula iyon sa nameplate mo when he struggled. Check your nameplate,
may konting dugo na nalalabi. If we do bloodtesting, we would find out na dugo ng
biktima iyan and you said you haven't gone near the body, right?", I asked her at
bigla na lang itong napaiyak.
"I killed him because he creeps me out! Sabi niya ay hindi niya ako titigilan
hanggat hindi ko siya sinasagot! He interfere with my life! Sinusundan niya ako
noong hindi pa siya naconfine dito. He told my suitor na girlfriend niya ako.
Nakakadiri siya and I can't take it anymore! Pinatay ko na lang siya gayong bilang
na ang mga araw -"
Bigla na lamang itong sinampal ni Mara. "Haven't you heard them? Makakasurvive si
Justie. At kahit pa hindi, wala kang karapatang wakasan ang buhay niya!"
Gulat na napahawak na lamang sa pisngi niya si Ishell. Hindi na ito pumalag pa ng
posasan ito ng mga pulis at dalhin sa presinto. Lumapit naman ang mga kaibigan at
pamilya ng biktima upang magpasalamat. Gayundin sina Inspector Dean. Nagpasalamat
muna ito bago umalis.
The case was cleared at pinuntahan na namin ang batang dinala namin sa ospital.
Ayon sa doktor, it was just over-fatigue at gutom kaya nawalan ito ng malay. Nang
gumising ang bata ay agad na binilhan iyon ni Red ng makakain. He also planned to
buy grocery items na ibibigay niya dito bago ihatid ang bata pauwi.
"Thank you for accompanying me here Amber", wika ni Red. I smiled at him.
"Salamat din sa 'psychological' knowledge mo na nakatulong sa paglutas sa kaso",
wika ko sa kanya and he giggled.
"Napakaexciting pala ang lumutas ng kaso", he said.
"AMBER."
Napalingon ako sa likuran ko kung saan nanggaling ang boses ng tumawag sa akin.
"Gray?!", I exclaimed. "Anong ginagawa mo dito?"

"Inihatid ko lang ang isang residenteng mangaganak", wika niya at bahagyang
sinulyapan si Red. His eyes were dark nang tingnan niya ito. "Let's go", bumaling
siya kay Red. "Mauna na kami."
Tumango naman si Red at bumulong sa akin. "Your dad's here. Tiyak may sinturon ng
nakahanda sa bahay", he said and he chuckled.
Uh, yeah. Gray's expression was like a father seeing his daughter with a random
guy. Yung tipo ng tingin na matatakot ka. It's like a father's single stare na
nakakatakot talaga. Well, yeah. Kakaiba ang aura ni Gray.
"Mauna na kami. By Red", wika ko at sumunod kay Gray patungo sa elevator. Hindi ito
nagsasalita hanggang sa lulan na kami ng BMW niya.
Nang makasakay kami ay nagulat ako ng hinila niya ako palapit sa kanya. He rested
his head on my shoulders.
"What are you doing?" Gosh, my heartbeat is fast. Kailangan ko bang bumalik doon sa
ospital at magpacheck up?
"Please stay still. Masakit lang ang ulo ko", wika niya.
"Edi magpacheck up ka. Nasa premises pa tayo ng ospital. Kailan pa ba yan?"
"No need. Kanina lang to nang si Jeremy lang ang bumalik. I felt so weak but I
guess I'll be fine. You're my cure", he said and I blushed. Naman eh! Anong ibig
sabihin niyon?
"Gray?"
"Hmmm?"
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", I asked. Inangat niya ang ulo niya at tiningnan ako.
"I said I'm weak and you were my medicine", wika niya. And then everything seemed
to stop. The only thing I know is that my fast heartbeat at ang unti-unting
paglapit ng mukha ni Gray sa mukha ko. Napatingin ako sa labi niya. Shit! Unti-unti
pa rin iyong lumalapit hanggang sa isang dangkal na lamang ang layo ng mukha niya.
I felt the urge to close my eyes so I did and -
"ACHOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Bigla na lamang akong napabahing! I do close my eyes if I sneeze.
And when I opened my eyes, I saw Gray's pokerface. He was pouting and I saw some
wet spots on his face, probably my saliva.
NOT PROBABLY! I'M 100% SURE IT IS MY SALIVA. ARRRRRGH! THIS IS SO EMBARRASSING!!!
Kumuha siya ng panyo at pinunasan ang mukha. Pagkatapos niyon ay binuhay na niya
ang makina. "Let's go", he said at pinatakbo ang kotse.
DAMN! Halik na naging bato pa!
**
A/N: Prelim exam ko mamayang alas dos para sa summer class kaya ako busy. Aja! Vote
and comments are highly appreciated. Mwah!
-Shinichilaaaabs♥
CHAPTER 5: THE REAPERS

Chapter 5: The Reapers
A/N: Hi readers! I want DF to be a satisfying story kaya ginawa ko itong full-

packed story. Its main genre is mystery/thriller but like I've said, it's action-
packed with a little romance. Ganyan tayong pinoy eh! Mahilig sa romance HAHA!
By the way, I have a hard time thinking about names for each chapter. Icomment niyo
nga mga pangalan niyo o kaya yung kaaway niyo tapos gawin nating killer HAHA!
Ibahin niyo lang ang apelyido para di masyadong halata! Gogogo tulungan ninyo ako
HAHA!
And as promised, we'll TRY invading the mafia world! Sa mga namimiss si Ryu, the
long wait is over, here he comes! *insert his smirk*
-Shinichilaaaabs, designer of bags under my eyes♥
**
Inilapag ko ang newspaper sa mesa. Meh, sumasakit na ang mata ko sa kababasa ng mga
balita tungkol sa nangyaring assasination sa isang pulitiko. He was a known
politician and he was killed by a single sniper shot. No one knows who did it and
what is the motive behind but many rumors says it's about the elections.
Kung totoo man iyon, I wonder how does people thinks. They really would go into
killing others just for power. I don't know why they do it. Nakakainis ngang isipin
na nagpapatayan ang mga tao over things that are temporary. In the end, everyone
will die, that's for sure but why does people make it as soon as possible?
It's saturday and I'm planning to go home. It's already March at ilang araw na lang
ay matatapos na ang skwela. I'm gonna miss school, that's for sure.
Inayos ko na ang kama ko at kinuha ang bag ko. I left my pass slip on the dorm's
office and made my way towards Bridle's main gate. I waited for a cab to stop in
front of me but there wasn't. Sa halip ay isang magarang sasakyan ang huminto.
Sumungaw ang ulo ng driver mula sa nakabukas na bintana.
"Hey, where to?"
I almost rolled my eyes when I saw the Devil Ryu's face. He wasn't flashing his
familiar smirk but he wasn't smiling either.
"No thanks", wika ko at lumingon sa paligid. Uh, Taxi! Nasaan ka nung kailangan
kita?!
"Don't expect a cab dahil may strike ang mga drivers ngayon. Haven't you heard
about such news?", he asked at nagulat naman ako.
Strike?! Kaya pala marami ang umuwi kagabi! Ni hindi ko man lang alam ang tungkol
sa sinasabi nitong strike.
"Now, sasagutin mo na ba ang tanong ko?", wika niya at sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
Suko na ako. I have no other choice. I told him my home address and I asked him to
take me there.
Pumayag naman ito and I regretted asking him to take me home.
"I'm surprised my future prey is asking me to take her home", wika niya and his
gaze was fixed on the road.
God, kailan ba niya titigilan ang pagbabanta sa buhay ko?
"Ryu please. Ceasefire muna okay?", naiinis kong wika. As much as possible, I
shouldn't throw words at him like the one he's throwing me. Sabi nga nila,
pagbinato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay. And as of this moment, tinapay ang
binabato ko sa kanya. Kapag ako hindi nakapagtantya, babatuhin ko pa rin siya ng
tinapay but this time, it's stuffed with stones.
"Where's your whiteflag? And can I reject your retreat? I always want war", he said
at hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko.
"My suggestion is that you should fly to the middle east. You should go to Lebanon
or Syria or wherever na may gyera, that's what you want right?"
Sinulyapan niya ako and he me gave a pokerface. "Ha. ha. ha. Hilarious", he said
sarcastically.
He pulled the car towards the nearest gasoline station. Nagpaalam naman ako sa
kanya na gagamit muna ng banyo sa katabing grocery shop. Paglabas ko ng CR ay
nagulat ako nang makita ko si Ryu na hinahawakan ng isang matandang babae. She was
dressed like a gypsy and she had dangling jewelries on her body. Marami din itong
suot na singsing.
"Let go of me old woman!", asar na wika ni Ryu as he tried to pull himself from the
visegrip of the woman. Is she a fortune teller or what?
Lumapit ako ng kaunti sa kanila. "Tayo na Ryu", tawag ko. Napalingon naman silang
dalawa sa akin.
This time, the old woman took my right hand in hers and she stared at my face. "Ito
ang araw na makikilala mo ang taong magpapahamak sayo. Marahas! Marahas!", she said
as if she was crying. She smiled at me at muling nagsalita. "Magandang bata!
Matalino! Isang matalinong lalaki din ang naghihintay sayo at darating ang panahon
na kailangan mong magdesisyon na may kinalaman sa pagkakaibigan ninyo."
I don't know how does she done it. I don't believe in fortune telling though many
people says it's really true. Tumigil ito sa pagsasalita. Suddenly, she moved her
head in a swaying motion and her eyes were rolling in a very strange fashion.
Natakot ako at bahagyang napaatras.
"Marahaaaas! Marahaaaas!", she began crying again and this time, Ryu pulled me so
hard. He put a 500-peso bill on the small table at hinila ako palayo doon.
"Enough. It's not making any sense."
Nang makarating kami sa may kotse ay agad ko siyang tinanong kung bakit nagawi
siya doon sa pwesto ng manghuhula.
"I don't know you're into fortune telling. Bakit mo naman naisipan na pumunta at
kumonsulta sa kanya?", I asked and he smirked.
"I didn't. I was hiding over some people kaya nagawi ako doon and then that crazy
woman came and she's saying something about her frightening premonition."
A frightening premonition? "About you?", I asked and he nodded at binuhay ang

makina.
"Yeah, she said that someone's into my life", wika niya. Napatigil siya saglit at
tinanong ako. "Are you in hurry?"
"Hindi naman. Bakit?", I asked him at saka ko lang napansin ang pagseryoso ng mukha
niya.
"Good, because I guess that crazy woman's premonition about me is going to happen",
wika niya at napatingin ako sa direksyong tinitingnan niya. I saw 3 guys in black
at matamang nakatitig din sila kay Ryu.
"Apollo!!!", one of the guy shouted. He let out his gun at itinutok iyon sa kotse
ni Ryu but he was fast. Agad niyang pinaharurot ang kotse at sinubukang sagasaan
ang mga lalaki but they were able to moved aside.
"Fasten your seatbelt Amber. We'll gonna fly!", he said at pinatakbo ng mabilis ang
kotse.
Napasigaw naman ako ng pinalipad niya ang pagpapatakbo ng kotse! Damn! He's worst
than Cooler! Kahit mabilis magpatakbo si Cooler ay maingat ito, unlike this devil!
Ilang beses na ba akong nauntog sa bintana?!!
"Careful devil - arrgh!", I shouted ng iniliko niya ang kotse at muli akong
nauntog.
"Amber, get that gun on the dashboard!", he said at mas lalong binilisan ang
pagpapatakbo.
Teka, naririnig ba ni Ryu ang sinasabi niya? He's asking me to get the gun?!
Hampasin ko kaya ito ng matigas na bagay? Uh, on the second thought, hindi na lang
pala dahil baka maabutan kami ng mga cockroach-looking goons na iyon.
"Are you out of your mind? Kunin mo kung gusto mo!", I shouted at bigla na lamang
nakaingos ng konti ang kotseng humahabol sa amin. They shoot on us at bahagyang
napayuko si Ryu nang may tumamang bala sa bintana.
"Fuck! Bilisan mo Amber!"
I had no choice but to follow his order. Agad kong kinuha ang baril at ibinigay
iyon sa kanya. Bahagya niyang ibinaba ang bintana and he shoot back. Wala naman
akong ginawa kundi magsisigaw.
Damn! Kamalasan nga talaga! Kapag nahuli kami, goodbye na sa lahat ng naging bahagi
ng buhay ko! Arrrgh! Bakit ba kasi pumayag pa akong makisakay ka Ryu!
Bigla na lamang may isang pulang kotse ang nakipagputukan na rin sa humahabol sa
amin. Medyo kumalma si Ryu nang dumating iyon. Could it be one of his allies?
Patuloy lang ang putukan nila ng bala hanggang sa napahinto ang itim na kotse na
humahabol sa amin. Pinaulanan ito ng bala ng kung sino mang nasa pulang kotse bago
iyon iniwan. The car honk nang malagpasan kami at gumanti rin si Ryu. I could not
see whoever was inside that car dahil tinted iyon.
"Who was that?", tanong ko kay Ryu.
"Artemis", wika niya at bigla na lang akong napasigaw at umiyak.
"Oh my God, Ryu, you've been hit!", natatarantang wika ko at inalog siya. "You're
bleeding!"
He pulled the car on one side. "Hey! Stop it! Malayo yan sa bituka. And why the
hell are you crying? I thought you want me dead as much as I want you dead?"
Binatukan ko siya ng malakas. "Idiot! I want to kill you on my own time and own
terms", wika ko at pinunasan ang mga luhang naglandas sa pisngi ko.
He chuckled. "You sounded like me. Wag kang umiyak, sinisira ng mukha mo ang araw
ko", he said with a smirk.
Hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi niya. "Let's drop by the nearest hospital", suhestiyon
ko ngunit tumanggi ito. Uh, is he planning to waste his blood? Ano, magpapadonate
na naman ito mula kay Cooler gaya ni Gray hanggang sa matuyuan si Cooler at -
Okay. I'm exaggerating. Hindi siya mamamatay sa sugat na iyon. He survived a fatal
shot on his chest and I'm sure he will not die over this. Isa pa matagal mamatay
ang masamang damo. On his case, mas matagal siyang mamatay dahil isa siyang
NAPAKASAMANG damo.
"No need. I'll just have this mended at the mansion", wika niya.
"And? What are you planning to do now?", I asked him. Kung iniisip niyang ihahatid
muna ako bago niya ipagamot iyon, hindi ako papayag.
"I'll drive you home", he said at muling binuhay ang makina.
"No way. Take me to the mansion with you at nang magamot iyang sugat mo", wika ko.
Nagtatakang tiningnan niya ako. "You mean, to the Vander mansion?"
"Bakit? May iba pa ba kayong mansion?", I asked. Uh, edi sila na ang mayaman kong
meron man.
"Of course. The Morisson's mansion", he said. See? I told you.
"Uh, which is scary mansion among the two?"
Nagtagpo ang kilay niya sa tanong ko. "Both. It's a lion's den. You know what our
family business is into so don't expect us to be hospitable to our guests."
"What's in the Morisson Mansion?", tanong ko sa kanya. Iniisip ko ang isang

napakalaking bahay na puro baril ang laman and uh, it creeps me out.
"Guys in tuxedo in front of a authorative guy who's expert in guns, ammo and other
explosives. That's my dad, Rionessi Morisson", he said at bahagya akong natakot.
Ryu is creepy and I can't imagine how creepy is his father.
"How about your mom?"
He flashed a serious face. "Don't have any. She's dead."
"Sorry."
"You don't have to."
I'm glad at hindi na pala ito naapektuhan but I'm sure I have touched some scars of
the past because of that question. Bahagyang tumamlay ang paligid sa aming dalawa
so I began asking questions again.
"How about in your room? What's in there?", I asked at saka ko lang narealize na
mali ang tanong ko. Why am I asking about his room? Duh?!
He flashed a wide grin. "I don't take bitches to my room. I do them on the bar, in
the bathroom, on the kitchen, on my car, on -"
"Shut up! You're such a manwhore and I'm not interested in your activities with
your whores and where did you done it. I'm just asking about your room, I'm not
saying - uh. That's it", wika ko. Gosh, I can't imagine saying the word.
"You're not saying we're gonna make love? Sorry to disappoint you but I don't make
love. I fuck hard", wika niya and that's when I covered my ears with my palm.
Arrrrrgg! My ears! My virgin ears! Bweset na Ryu!
"Will you please shut up?!", wika ko at natawa lang ito ng mahina so I changed the
topic. "How about in the Vander Mansion?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Uh, just the reapers", sagot niya. Reapers?! Uh, those words gave me chills.
They've got bloody hands. They kill mercilessly.
"Where's Cooler?", tanong ko and he smirked. What now? Bawal ba magtanong kung
nasaan ito?
"He's abroad with Cronus for some matters. So, which one?"
Uh, so he agreed on bringing me to the mafia mansions? Which do I prefer? Pinag-
isipan ko iyon ng mabuti and I came up with a choice.
"I think I'd pick the Vander mansion", wika ko. Mas gugustuhin ko pang harapin ang
mga reapers kaysa sa sangkatutak na baril at kung anu-ano pang pampasabog.
He let out a sexy smile. "Okay. Time for Snow White to meet the seven reapers", he
said at agad na pinatakbo ang sasakyan.
**
Nakarating na kami sa pamilyar na Victorian style mansion. Damn! I pity the

mansion! Such beautiful structure shouldn't be a home for monsters like them.
Bumaba kami sasakyan at binati ng isang katulong.
"Magandang Araw, Master Apollo", wika ng katulong at bahagyang yumuko. Sinulyapan

nito ako at binati. "Magandang araw binibini."
Gumanti ako ng bati sa katulong at agad itong umalis. Napansin ko ang pulang kotse
na tumulong sa amin kanina. So that Artemis is here. Maraming kotse ang naroon nang
hinila na ako ni Ryu ay nagpatangay na ako sa kanya.
Noong unang pagkakataon na nakapunta ako dito ay binalot ako ng takot. Ngayon ko
lamang ganap na napagtuonang pansin ang bahay. It was really splendid!
"Apollo."
Napatingin ako sa tumawag kay Ryu. He was a guy with a normal body built. Seryoso
ang mukha nito at hindi man lamang ngumiti ng sulyapan ako.
"Ares. Where are the reapers?", tanong ni Ryu sa kanya. So this guy's name is Ares?
Uh, what do I expect? They used greek mythology's deities as codenames.
"They're in the lanai. Nasa receiving area naman sina Eros at Hermes. They're like
killing each other", wika nito. He glanced at his watch at nagpaalam. "I have a
flight to catch. Mauna na ako." Agad itong umalis at ni hindi man lamang ako
sinulyapan.
Dinala ako ni Ryu sa isang malawak na receiving area at gaya nga ng sinabi ni Ares,
naroon ang dalawang lalaki na tila nagpapatayan. They were brawling with each other
at nasa gilid naman si Artemis na tila nagchi-cheer sa mga ito.
The guy with a braided hair lunged violently on the guy with a red hair. Naalala ko
tuloy si Marion sa buhok nito. And what's with the guy with the braided hair? I
never saw a guy who looks so handsome with their long hair but this one's
different. Ngayon lamang ako nakaappreciate ng lalaking lagpas balikat ang buhok.
When they both got up, the redhaired guy did the first move. He punched the guy
with a braided hair at agad natumba ang lalaki. He broke the big expensive vase on
one side ngunit wala itong pakialam. He kicked the redhaired guy in the gut at ito
naman ang natumba. Walang ni isa mang nagsasalita sa kanila. They're just brawling
and throwing punches with each other. Ang tanging maririnig doon ay ang ingay ng
mga nababasag na bagay at ang sigaw ni Artemis na gaya ng "Watch out Eros!", "Kick
him Hermes!" , "Look closely!" at kung anu-ano pa ang mga sinisigaw nito. They were
so engrossed with what they're doing and the two guy continued brawling on the
floor. Nang pumulot ang lalaking may pulang buhok ng isang basag na vase at akmang
isasaksak iyon kay braidedhair guy ay tumikhim si Apollo.
They stopped fighting at napatayo ang dalawa. Inalalayan nila ang isa't-isa as if
they hadn't just tried to kill each other.
"Apollo."
"Hi couz! Hi Amber!", Artemis said at agad na lumapit sa akin. She kissed my cheeks
at umabrisete sa akin. "Hey this is the infamous Amber!"
Nagulat naman ang dalawang lalaki sa sinabi ni Artemis. Why what's wrong with my
name?
The guy with a redhair smiled sexily. "Hi, Amber. My name's Eros and I'm pleased to
meet you." Lumapit siya sa akin at inabot ang kamay ko. He was about to kiss my
hand nang bigla na lamang iyong hilahin ni Ryu.
"You shouldn't do that if you want to live a longer life. Zeus will surely wants
you dead if you do it. So as the other young Vander", wika ni Ryu. Uh, anong ibig
niyang sabihin? And as of the other young Vander, does he mean Gray?
"And so as from the other Vander here", Artemis said in a low voice at bahagyang
sinulyapan si Ryu. The latter gave her a dagger stare at umastang parang wala
lamang si Artemis. At ano naman ang ibig sabihin niyon?
"Oh, I see. I'll be triple dead by then", wika ni Eros at ngumiti sa akin. The guy
with the braided hair stepped forward at ito naman ang nagpakilala.
"I'm Hermes and I finally know the potential reaper", he said. "I wonder what are
your skills." Inilahad niya ang kanyang palad at tinanggap ko naman iyon.
"I don't have any", matipid kong sagot sa kanya. God, they're reapers? Why do they
look so young?
"Let's go to the lanai and let's meet the other reapers", Artemis said at hinila
ako. Sumunod naman si Ryu sa amin at nakarating kami sa lanai kung saan naroon ang
isang lalaki at babaeng naglalaro ng chess.
"Hi everyone! I would like you to meet Amber!", masiglang wika ni Artemis. I wonder
where she got her energy as if she hadn't just shoot guns on the way here.
Tumayo ang babae at tumakbo palapit sa akin. He had a pearl white skin and a
highlighted hair. Napakaganda nito and her fair complexion tells me that she's very
fragile ngunit isa pala itong reaper.
"Hi! Now I know who's the girl Zeus is rooting for. I'm Mnemosyne!", she said and
she kissed me on the cheek. Lumapit siya kay Ryu at napansin ang sugatang balikat
nito. "What happened Babe?", she asked worriedly.
Babe? Ito ba ang girlfriend ni Ryu? Not bad. She's equally beautiful as Marion but
I pity her. Ryu's a jerk and a manwhore. That devil will just surely break her
heart.
Nagulat ako ng iniiwas ni Ryu ang balikat niya. "Shut up Mnemosyne. And stop
calling me babe. I told you, I don't like you. My bitches are better than you."
Hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan ko si Ryu. See?! He just broke a beautiful lady's

heart. Para lamang nitong sinabi na ayaw nito sa ulam. He said it without
hesitation. The girl just pouted at hindi pinansin si Ryu.
Lumapit naman sa akin ang lalaking kalaro nito ng chess. Goodness! Why does these
reapers doesn't look like they can kill a fly?! Not to mention that they're both
goodlooking! Bakit sa mga palabas ang papangit ng mga reapers at assasins?!
"Pleased to meet you The Great Archer. My name's Hades", wika niya at inilahad ang
palad. Tinanggap ko naman iyon at bahagyang ngumiti.
"Great Archer?", Mnemosyne asked.

"It's her skill. She's 100% accurate on every hit", paliwanag ni Artemis. Uh, looks
like they really did a thorough research about me. "By the way where's Poseidon?"
Ilang beses ko na bang narinig ang pangalang Poseidon but I never had the chance to
see him. Narinig ko dati si Ryu sa ospital ni Dra. Tyra saying such name.
"Probably he's gone manwhoring again", Hades said. "It's his specialty, right?"
"I thought my specialty is stealth assault."
"Poseidon!"
Napalingon ako sa nagsalita mula sa likuran ko and I was surprised to see who it
was.
RED. Yep. The red saint. The guy who I mistook for a taxi driver. The guy who hates
cussing in his car. The guy who helped me solved a case in the hospital.
"Red?", hindi makapaniwalang wika ko. He's a mafia reaper? Like seriously?!
"Hi Amber. It's nice to see you again", wika niya at saka lamang ako nakahuma sa
pagkagulat ko.
"You knew him Amber?", tanong ni Ryu and I slowly nodded. Hindi talaga ako
makapaniwala. I thought he's just an ordinary college student na nakila ko.
"Apollo, you have a wound. Let's have it cured", wika ni Mnemosyne but Ryu shook
his head.
"I can manage", wika nito at hinila ako. "Let's go Amber."
Hindi na ako nakapagpaalam sa kanila dahil bigla na lamang akong hinila ni Ryu. He
brought me in a room full of computers.
"This is your room here?", I asked and he nodded. Pumasok siya sa banyo at kumuha
ng first aid kit. The room was very big gaya ng kwartong unang pinagdalhan sa akin
dito. I sat on the bed at iginala ang pangin sa paligid.
Nang makalabas ito ng banyo ay may dala na itong box. Inilapag niya iyon sa harapan
ko at hinubad ang suot na damit at umupo sa kama katabi ko.
"Why are you stripping?", I asked him and he gave me a smirk.
"Treat my wound."
"Ayoko nga! Anong akala mo sa akin, doktor? Isa pa, ako ba ang may gawa niyan?"
He gave me his stare na yung tipong matatakot ka. "Just do it. Ikaw naman ang
dahilan nito."
"Stop pointing fingers! Ikaw ang nagpumilit na ihatid ako."
"It's for formality. You should have said no."
"I did but pinilit mo ako. Isa pa ikaw ang nagpagasolina doon!"
"And you used the comfort room!"
"Ikaw ang nagpahula!"

"I didn't! Ako ang nilapitan ng manghuhula!"
Argh! Walang patutunguhan ang pagtatalo namin kaya pumayag na akong gamutin ang
tama nito. Kinuha ko ang laman ng first aid na nasa box at sinimulang gamutin ang
sugat niya.
"Kilala mo pala si Poseidon", he said at bahagya akong napaangat ng tingin sa

kanya. I prevented myself from pulling the bedsheet and cover it over his body to
keep myself from glancing on his displayed abs. Sheyt lang! It wasn't too bulgy but
it's not fatty either. Just enough.
"Yeah, I met him on a case", wika ko at napatango ito. "Hey, he said, he's a
stealth assasin. What does it mean?"
"That's his special skill. He moved in a quiet and clever way and assasinate
someone without anyone noticing him", wika niya.
"Sounds like the assasin of the politician na laman ng balita ngayon", komento ko.
"Yeah, he did it. That politician is actually a drug lord." What the hell?! Red
killed that man? Oh! I really can't believe it.
"Uh, I can't imagine. You kill people as if you're just killing some flies. How
does it felt to kill?", I asked him and he looked at me with a smirk.
"I don't know. I haven't kill one. I'm not a reaper", wika niya. Hindi pa siya
nakakapatay gaya ni Cooler? I don't know why but I believed him. "I want you to be
my first blood."
I rolled my eyes. Eto na naman siya! Argh! Nakakainis!
"Hey careful!", he said nang diniinan ko ang bulak sa sugat niya.
Hindi ko siya pinansin at nagtanong ulit. "How about the others? What are their
skills?"
"Why are you interested in them? You want to consider joining them?", tanong niya.
"Sounds like a good idea ngunit napakarami na ng pitong reapers kaya no thanks",
wika ko sa kanya with a hint of sarcasm in my voice.
"Marami? They're just the descendants of the previous reapers. They're the fourth
generation. Vander mafia is a big one and seven reapers are not enough. As of their
skills, Artemis is an accurate shooter even in a moving vehicle. Not to mention
that she's also a devil when it comes to driving. Hermes is a martial arts master,
name every move, he's excellent. Eros? He's a jerk", wika niya.
I frowned at him. "So as you."
"He's a jerk but he's excellent with all types of guns as long as it's in a short
ranged. The opposite of Ares who's more accurate on a long-ranged distances.
Mnemosyne is the pathfinder. She always gets ahead of the others because of her
amazing speed. And Hades, he's the sharpshooter when it comes to guns. He's also
the reaper inventor. He's good in making explosive devices even with limited
resources as long as may enough na main ingredient", Ryu said. I was putting a
bandage on his arm at mahinang tinapik iyon.
"Done. And those reapers? They're amazing but still so villainy!", wika ko.
Bigla na lamang kaming nakarinig ng malakas na kalabog and the door swung open at
iniluwa niyon ang nagpupuyos ng galit na mukha ni Gray. On his back was Mnemosyne,
Eros, Artemis, and Hermes. Hades and Poseidon were nowhere to be found.
Lumapit siya sa amin at masamang tiningnan si Ryu. He pulled me from the bed where
I was sitting at marahas na tinago ako sa kanyang likuran. He gave Ryu a punch on
the face. What the hell!
"That's for bringing Amber into danger", he said at muling hinila ako palabas ng
kwarto. The reapers gave us way at walang nagsalita sa kanila ni isa man.
Nang nilingon ko sila ay nakita kong tumayo si Ryu mula sa kama. He wiped the blood
on the side of his lips at lumapit kay Eros.
"See? I told you", wika niya kay Eros at tinanaw kami habang pababa ng hagdan.
**
Vote and comments :)

-Shinichilaaaabs##
CHAPTER 6: THE ABDUCTION OF GRAY IVAN

Chapter 6: The Abduction of Gray Ivan
Gray continued pulling me hanggang sa makarating kami sa labas nga mansion. He
didn't said a word at maging ako ay hindi makapagsalita. He seemed so angry. Ano ba
ang problema nito? And why did he punched Ryu? I somehow felt pity for that devil.
Nabaril na nga, nasuntok pa!
He stopped in front of his car at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto. "Get inside", wika niya
sa akin.
Well, I'm Amber the hardheaded, so I remain standing there at nawalan ito ng
pasensya at nagagalit. I knew it when he's losing his temper dahil kinakagat niya
ang kanyang pang-ibabang labi at nakakuyom ang kanyang kamao. And have a told you
that he's scary if he loses his temper? He don't yell but he's stiff. If I would to
choose between an airconditioner or a Gray who lose his temper, I would choose
both. Parehas lang silang COLD. Yep, he's cold and stiff, the kind of treatment
that I hate the most. I would prefer if he would yell everything in my face kaysa
ganoong trato.
"Get inside Amber", he said in a voice full of authority. His face was very serious
as he looked at me.
I don't get him. Bakit ba ito umaasta ng ganoon?! "You sounded like a father. Ayoko
nga, don't just come here and give me orders", wika ko and it was too late to
realized my words.
Para itong nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig. His angry face became emotionless. Shit
Amber! What have you done? Now I really pissed him. By his look, he had reached his
limit and lose his temper.
He sighed. "I see. Sino nga ba ako para utusan ka?"
"G-gray. I- I mean-"
Umalis siya sa harapan ko at nagpunta sa kabilang pinto. He's still wearing his
pokerface. "I'm going somewhere. I just went here to follow my classmate na mukhang
uuwi. I was planning to take her home but may naunang isang kotse so I just
followed them to keep my classmate safe. I saw their car chased by some goons and
they exchanged bullets. I was so worried for my classmate but I saw an old woman
became a victim of hit and run so I helped her since I saw a red car helped the
other car with my classmate inside. After I brought the old woman to the hospital,
I went here to see if my classmate is safe and I guess she is. That's it", he said
at nakonsensya naman ako. Mabuti lang naman pala ang intensyon niya but look what
have I done?! I've been so mean gayong nais lang naman palang tumulong ni Gray sa
akin. I should have controlled my mouth.
"Gray, I'm so-"
He cuts me off again. "I'm leaving from this place. You can come with me lalo na at
walang mga taxi ngayon." Pumasok siya sa loob ng kotse. He doesn't want to hear my
apology. This is all my fault.
Sumakay na rin ako sa kotse niya and when I closed the door, agad na niyang binuhay
ang makina. The next hours were very awkward dahil walang ni isa man ang nagsalita
sa amin sa loob ng kotse hanggang sa makarating ako sa bahay namin. I said thank
you nang bumaba ako but I didn't heard him said anything hanggang sa umalis ang
kotse nito.
**
Monday morning and I haven't got any reply from Gray mula sa sangkatutak kong SORRY
na itinext sa kanya! Kulang na lang talaga at mag-ala Justin Bieber ako upang
patawarin niya! Sayawin ko kaya yung ECDance ni Ella Cruz ng Sorry? Uh, joke lang.
Parehong kaliwa ang mga paa ko kaya wala akong talent sa pagsasayaw. But seriously,
tinitikis niya talaga ako! Lahat na lang ng emoji na umiiyak o mukhang nagmamakaawa
ay itinext ko na sa kanya ngunit wala talagang ni ha o ho na reply akong natanggap
mula sa kanya.
Fine! I admit it's my fault. I know I've been mean by saying those words but hindi
ma ba niya ako mapapatawad dahil doon? A smoothie with a sticky note won't work
this time, I knew it kaya kailangan ko na namang mag-isip ng paraan kong paano
magsosorry sa kanya. I can't stand it kapag naiisip kong galit siya sa akin.
I arrived late kaya hindi ko man lang ito nasuyo. I was planning to handcuff myself
with him hanggang sa mapatawad niya ako! Nakipagkaibigan pa talaga ako sa mga CAT
Officers na may access sa mga handcuff na ginamit nila noong valentines day!
And I hate it! I really hate it! I have a big red pimple on my nose dahil dalawang
gabi akong napuyat dahil sa kaiisip kung paano ako mapapatawad ni Gray! Not to
mention the Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton bags right below my eyes! Arrrgh! I've
never been bothered like this before upang mapatawad lang ng isang tao! I'm
suffering too much from this ngunit mukhang hindi pa iyon sapat upang mapatawad ako
ni Gray!
Nagsisimula na ang klase namin ng bigla na lamang akong kinalabit ni Jeremy. Ang
hilig nitong mangalabit no? Suntukin ko kaya?!
"What?", I glared at him. I'm not in my best mode lalo pa at hindi pa kami
nagkakabati ni Gray.
"What happened to this?", he asked at pinisil ang tagiyawat ko sa ilong.
"AWWWWWW!"
Bigla na lamang napalingon ang lahat ng kaklase ko sa akin nang mapasigaw ako sa
sakit. Damn Jeremy! Hindi ba siya naorient na masakit magkapimple sa ilong?! Lalo
na kapag nasa loob iyon ng ilong! O kaya ay yung mga tagiyawat na nasa labi at sa
tenga pero pinakamasakit ang sa ilong!
"Yes Miss Sison?", our subject teacher asked and I immediately shook my head.
Another trouble! Mabuti na lamang at hindi ang terror na si Maam Laid ang guro
namin ngayon dahil malamang, isang katakot-takot na GET OUT OF MY CLASS na naman
ang aabutin ko.
"Nothing Maam. I was just- bitten by an ant." Oh, I suck at lying, eh?
Ibinalik ng guro ang tingin sa isinusulat sa pisara at gayundin ang mga kaklase ko.
That was quiet an attention! Damn this weird! I immediately stepped into Jeremy's
foot.
"Aww!", he whispered. Siya naman ang napangiwi sa sakit. I know it cannot
conpensate the pain he did to my nose ngunit sadyang nilakasan ko talaga ang pag-
apak sa kanya. "Why did you shout? Does a pimple in the nose hurts?"
I rolled my eyes at him. Mukhang wala nga itong ideya kung gaano iyon kasakit.
Magkapimples sana ito sa ilong tapos sipunin pa at nang maramdaman niya abg
pakiramdam ng napunasan mo ng panyo ang tagiyawat mo. That hurts too!
"Like hell. It hurts like hell, you idiot!" Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin and I'm
expecting na titigil na ito sa pangungulit but he didn't. Sa halip ay lumawak pa
ang ngiti nito.
"In love ka ano?", tudyo niya but he keep his voice low.
"In love, my ass. Shut up Jeremy!", wika ko sa kanya at hindi na siya pinansin. I'm
completely aware of Gray's presence behind me. Isa pa, alam kong naririnig niya
kami.
"In love ka eh. I bet hindi ka rin makakain", he said and I gave him a questioning
look.
"Why?"
"Ganyan daw yan eh. Hindi ka makakain at di ka makatulog tapos tagiyawat sa ilong.
Signs of being in love", he said and I raised my brow at him.
Nang sumapit ang break ay lumabas na kami ng classroom at nagpunta ng cafeteria. I

bought some snacks and I wasn't planning to join Gray and Jeremy ngunit nauna na
itong tawagin ako.
"Amber! Hali ka!", Jeremy said as they sat on a table in the cafeteria. Gray was
looking at me intently kaya naconcious ako. If I don't join them in the table,
masyado akong halata. Kapag naman nakijoin ako aa kanila, I doubt kung kakausapin
pa rin ako ni Gray. Uh, whatever! Lalapit na lang ako sa kanila. I took a deep
breath at lunapit sa kanila. I sat beside Jeremy at nasa harap ko si Gray.
Inilapag ko ang tray kong may lamang fries at pizza kasama ng isang coke in can.
"Ano sa tingin ninyo ang kulang to make our break complete?", Jeremy asked.
"Wala. Nasa harap na natin ang mga pagkain", Gray said habang sumusubo sa fries na
isinawsaw niya sa ketchup. He wasn't looking at me kaya marahil ay hindi pa rin
niya ako napapatawad.
"Mali. Ikaw Amber?"
Tiningnan ko ang mga pagkaing nasa mesa namin. Jeremy and Gray's fries were beside
a saucer of ketchup at ang fries ko lang ang wala. I don't like ketchup so that's
why I didn't get one.
"Ketchup?", I asked habang nakatingin pa rin sa mesa.
"Mali pa rin. Ketchup? Ano ba yang naiisip mo Amber, so lame", Jeremy said and I
raised my brow at him. Lame? That's him. "Haaay! Di niyo alam? Ang kulang upang
maging kompleto ang break natin ay ang -
tentenenen! My riddles!", he said proudly.
Gray and I sighed. Jeremy is a hopeless case. Kailang pa kumompleto sa break namin
ang mga riddles nitong ewan ko kung saang lupalop ng daigdig niya napulot.
"Today is special so it's not a riddle but a quiz. Give me 10 names of animals na
makikita sa Pilipinas na nagsisimula sa letrang M. Either english o tagalog", he
said.
"Monkey", wika ni Gray.
"Manok. Maya."
"Okay, 3. And?"
Ano pa nga ba? Parehas kaming natahimik ni Gray. What other animals starts with a
letter M? Wala akong maisip! Ito na yata ang side effect ng pagpupuyat ko!
"C'mon guys! Ano pa?", Jeremy asked.
"Mouse?", I asked.
"4. ano pa?", he asked.
"I give up. Shoot please", Gray said at ngumuya ulit ng pagkain.
"Uh! So easy! Manok, Monkey, Maya, Mouse, Mamoy, Maka, Maso, Musa, Mahas, Mambing!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", he said and he laughed hard.
He's really worst! Tumigil lang ito sa pagtawa nang mapansing hindi kami tumatawa
ni Gray. "What? You don't find it funny?"
I shook my head. "No, we don't."
"Fine. Ito seryoso na . Give me 10 Philippine fruits na nagsisimula sa letrang L",

he said again.
"What? Is this another Langka, Layabas, Langga and the likes?", I asked and he
shook his head.
"Seryoso na ito", he said at hinarap kami. "Sige na. Think."
"Fine", wika ko. "Lansones, Langka, lemon, uhh. Ano pa nga ba?"
"Dunno", tipid na sagot ni Gray. "Shoot Jeremy. I want to hear another pun."
"Lansones, Langka, lantang lansones, lantang langka, Lantang saging, lantang pinya,
lantang kahil, lantang mansanas, lantang ubas, lantang abokado! HAHAHAHAHA!", muli
itong tumawa. Uh, can anyone tell him that it's not funny? Please?!
"Uh, you're really a hopeless case Jeremy!"
Tumigil ito sa pagtawa. "Seryoso iyon. Prutas naman talaga sila ah! Lanta nga
lang."
This guy will never learn. I guess we have to make ourselves immune to his puns.
Natapos na ang break kaya bumalik na kami sa classroom. Few minutes bago magsimula
ang klase ay lumabas ng classroom si Gray ngunit nang nagsimula na ang klase ay
hindi pa rin ito bumabalik.
The morning class ended ngunit ni anino ni Gray ay hindi pa bumabalik sa classroom
namin. I've been waiting for him to come back ngunit hindi talaga ito bumalik.
Bigla akong kinabahan. What if - what if pinapatay siya ni Ryu dahil sa pagsuntok
nito sa kanyang noong nakaraang araw?!
Uh, ano bang iniisip ko? Of course, that devil will not do it. Hindi lang halata
pero alam kong protective siya sa pinsan niya. At isa pa, hindi naman siguro
magagalit si Ryu dahil lang doon.
But who could have got him? The aliens? No way?! I want to punch myself for such
stupidity. What if just some bad guys got him at binugbog siya and worst pinatay!
Arrrgh! Stupid me! Bakit ba ganoon ang iniisip ko? I should be optimistic on this.
I'm sure hindi pababayaan ni Gray ang sarili niya.
Isa pa, everyone in Bridle respects the famous Gray Ivan Silvan kahit pa bago pa
lamang ito dito so I dropped the possibility that some bullies took him gaya ng mga
nangyayari sa ibang estudyante.
I tried calling him on his mobile ngunit cannot be reached ito and it made me so
worried. Kapag umaalis ito ay nagpapaalam ito sa amin. Hindi kaya may lakad lang
ito at dahil magkagalit kami, hindi na niya ako pinaalam sa mga lakad niya? Maybe
Detective Tross or Inspector Dean called him and asked for his help. It could be
possible ngunit hindi pa rin ako mapakali hanggang sa hindi ako sigurado kung ayos
lang ba ito. I got my phone and I dialled Khael's number. Matapos ang ilang ring ay
agad niya itong sinagot.
"Yow, Special A!", bati niya mula sa kabilang linya.
"Khael can you call Detective Tross or Inspector Dean kung kasama ba nila sa Gray
or what? Please?", I asked. Ni hindi ko man lamang ito binati.
"Oh, okay. I'll call you back."
"Thank you Khael", wika ko bago pinatay ang tawag. Ilang beses akong nagpalakad-
lakad sa loob ng classroom. Umuwi na lahat ng mga kaklase ko maging si Jeremy. I
really can't stop thinking kung nasaan na ito.
After a few minutes, my phone rang at agad ko iyong sinagot. It was Khael.
"I've called them Special A but hindi daw nila kasama si Silvan. Why? He's
missing?", he asked. Being his best buddy, I know he would also be worried kapag
sinabi kong nawawala talaga si Gray. Isa pa ay hindi ako sigurado kung nawawala nga
ba talaga ito. Maybe he just went somewhere without me.
"Hindi naman. Nagcut lang siya ng klase. Thanks Khael, you're a big help", wika ko
bago pinatay ang tawag. Marahil nga ay nagpunta lang kung saan si Gray. Pumunta ako
sa student's locker upang itago ang libro ko ngunit may napansin akong nakaipit sa
pagitan ng pintuan ng locker ko. It was a piece of paper. Agad ko iyong kinuha at
binasa.
Greetings of peace from Suetonius !

Looking for Silvan? Just see the BENJO CMEH.
hint: Gaius Octavius of Pax Romana.
Who the hell is Benjo Cmeh? Mayroon bang ganoong estudyante sa Bridle? I went to
the bulletin board kung saan nakapost ang masterlist ng mga eatudyante per section
ngunit walang nagngangalang Benjo Cmeh doon. Hindi kaya isa iyong cipher?
And Suetonius? Familiar ang pangalang iyon. Pinag-isipan ko iyon ng mabuti and
something in Araling Panlipunan came into my mind. That's it!
I should use Caesar's cipher! Suetonius is the author of The Twelve Caesars or the
De vita Caesarum which literall means On the Life of the Caesars! I have studied
Caesar's cipher recently so I tried the Caesar's cipher with a left shift of three
gaya ng pagdecipher ko sa schemed disappearance ni Jeremy and I came up with the
words XDJEK YIAD.
XDJEK YIAD.?
Ano naman abng ibig sabihin niyon? Did I used a wrong cipher? But I'm sure it must
be Caesar's cipher based on the letter! Saka ko lamang naisip ang hint.
Gaius Octavius of Pax Romana.

I have something in mind with the name Gaius Octavius ngunit hindi ko lamang
maalala kung sino ito. Is he some sort of cryptographer? As of Pax Romana, it
simply means Roman Peace.
Roman Peace? Wait. Is this Gauis Octavius an emperor during Pax Romana?! Mas nag-
isip pa ako and I relate The Twelve Caesars to the hint!
Gaius Octavius is the name of Augustus noong hindi pa siya hinirang na emperor!
Naalala ko ang pag-uusap nami ni Gray noong hinanap namin si Jeremy.
"Nakakainis ka alam mo ba? Nastress ako sa kakaisip tapos alam mo pala ang cipher
na ginamit ni Jeremy!", I hissed at him nang nakaupo kami and Jeremy was answering
on the board. It was right after he solved the case of the guy who fell from the
rooftop.
"You should know about it since those are basic ciphers", he said but his gaze was
fixed on board. Marami kasi ang nasa blackboard at sinasagutan ang mga chemical
equations na kailangang ibalance.
"Basic? Basic kapag alam mo na. Iyon lang ba ang paraan ng Caesar's shift?", I
asked.
"Nope, there are many variations. Tulad na lamang ng Rot13 algorithm, it's a
Caesar's cipher with a shift of 13. Augustus Caesar uses a right shift of one. Even
the Vigenère cipher is a Caesar's cipher. Terrorists had their own variation of
Caesar's cipher and a mafia boss from Sicily used it too", he said at tumahimik na
ng makabalik na sa upuan niya si Jeremy.
That's it! Augustus Caesar's right shift of one! I tried deciphering it and I got
the word ADMIN BLDG.! Gray is in the Admin Bldg! I immediately made my way towards
there but to my surprise, he's nowhere to be found.
Nagtanong-tanong na rin ako sa mga staffs na naroon ngunit walang ni isa man sa
kanila ang nakakita kay Gray na nagawi doon. Nanghihinang napaupo ako. Who could
have put the letter on my locker at nasaan na nga ba si Gray? Galit pa kaya siya sa
akin?
Uh! I should have been mindful of my words. Bakit ko pa kasi nasabi iyon? I always
hate my bratty and bitchy side kapag lumalabas iyon at nakakasakit ng damdamin ng
isang tao.
He said he was just so worried about me. Masama bang mag-alala para sa kaklase mo?
I felt my eyes became blurry at may nga nagbabantang tumulo na luha sa gilid. I
immediately rubbed my eyes bago pa man pumatak ang mga iyon.
I glanced at the big bulletin board in the admin bldg. It was used to post the
names and birthdays of the staff na naroon. There was a big READ ME sign kaya
tumayo ako at lumapit doon. It was a small puzzle. A word search puzzle at may
nakalagay na -X sa ibabang bahagi niyon!
Isa lang ang alam kong nagsusulat ng -X ! Could it be that - oh no!
Tinanggal ko ang wordsearch puzzle mula sa bulletin board at tiningnan iyong mabuti
upang masagutan.
K C O Z M P C T S N V
Y X O D B R A I C L D
L S P N L Q X E Z K W
H Y N I F M R I L M G
A P L I H E M S W Q I
B H I N O T R U Q Z A
V I Q O D S U E X B C
N X M I F T D I- C M
- X
I don't see any word to search kaya nagtaka ako kung paano ko iyon sasagutan! I
hope Gray is not in danger.
I took me few minutes to stare intently at it and I came up with the idea of using
X.
K C O Z M P C T S N V
Y X O D B R A I C L D
L S P N L Q X E Z K W
H Y N I F M R I L M G
A P L I H E M S W Q I
B H I N O T R U Q Z A
V I Q O D S U E X B C
N I M I F T D I- C M
I read the word but I skipped the second E on the second word where it overlaps.
It's CONFERENCE ROOM! Agad akong tumakbo doon at gaya nga ng inaasahan ay naroon si
Gray.
**
MUST READ:
Hulaan ninyo kung sino ang "dumukot kay Gray" tapos kapag may nakahula, mag-uupdate
ako! Haha! Joke lang! Kahit walang makahula ang mag-uupdate pa rin naman ako, mahal
ko kayo eh! HAHA!
And by the way, you may want to join Detective Files Group on Fb para updated kayo
kung may bagong chapters ba ng DF o kaya may mga discussions tungkol sa DF na gusto
ninyong pag-usapan. Credits to @bluenymphhh for making the group, it's her idea as
well so join na (Lol! xD)
Here's the link:
https://facebook.com/groups/1574488042852082?refid=18&__tn__=C
Ewan ko kung tama ba, naka free data lang ako kasi pulubi ako HAHA! O kaya search
niyo na lang :
Detective Files by ShinichiLaaaabs (Closed Group yan) at sa mga friends ko na sa
Fb, iPM niyo na lang ako para ma-add ko kayo! As of the dedications and other
questions, saka na kapag hindi cp ang gamit. Thank you :****
Yours truly,
Shinichilaaaabs♥
CHAPTER 7: FROGS AND HUGS

Chapter 7: Frogs and Hugs
A/N: Nag-update ako kasi walang nakahula but all of you have amazing deductuons!
HAHA! Ang ganda ng naisip niyo kaso naiplot ko na ito. xD
Disclaimer: Sa mga names na nagamit, sorry kung culprit kayo o kaya ay biktima. Sa
iba naman, chill lang! Darating din tayo sa pangalan niyo, nag-iisip pa ako ng
magandang role HAHA! Enjoy this chapter! :)
**
Gaya ng inaasahan ay naroon nga si Gray. He wasn't tied or anything but when I saw
him, I immediately throw myself to him at ibinaon ang mukha ko sa leeg niya and I
was hugging him tightly. Gosh! I'm so worried ! Akala ko ay ano na ang nangyari sa
kanya! I thought Marion got him!
Marahil ay nagulat ito sa ginawa ko. Ang feeling close ko diba? Higpit ng yakap ko
tapos naalala kong hindi nga pala kami magkabati, but who cares?! Ang alam ko
lamang ay ligtas ito at walang nangyaring masama. I swore to myself not to let my
mouth slip mean words towards him. Kapag gagawin ko pa ulit iyon, bubunutin ko
talaga ang mga buhok ko sa ilong!
He hugged me back and when he pulled me upang matingnan ay kumunot ang noo niya.
"Why are you crying?", he asked as he looked directly to me. Hinawakan ko ang
pisngi ko and I was also surprised to see myself crying! Uh, bakit ba ako umiiyak?
Maybe I'm just happy dahil nakita ko ito. He wiped away my tears using his hands
and I blushed. Uh, ang arte ko diba?
That's when I understood everything! Did he -
I punched him on his gut at napangiwi ito sa sakit. Uh! He made me worried by
scheming his own abduction!
Hinawakan niya ang nasaktang sikmura at nagtatakang tiningnan ako. "What was that
for?"
I frowned at him. "That's for making me so worried! You schemed your own
disappearance and you made the codes, you idiot! Balak mo bang ipadama sa akin kung
paano mag-alala dahil kung oo, well you're successful! I'm so worried!", I said
straight on his face. Uh, yeah. Dapat hindi ako nagalit sa kanya noong nag-alala
siya nung kasama ko si Ryu but kailangan pa ba talagang gawin niya iyon?
"What? I didn't!", he said. Aba! In denial pa ang mokong!
"Don't deny it moron!", wika ko sa kanya. This is so full of effort. He sacrificed

his classes just to ploy this. Okay, this scheme is really something ngunit
nakakatakot! Argh! Akala ko talaga napahamak na ito!
"But I really didn't.", he said. "I was really kidnapped by some guys and I was
brought here. I was sleep for few moments at ilang minuto pa lang ang lumipas ng
nagising ako at dumating ka."
What?! He's really kidnapped?! Ngunit sino naman? Tama ba ang hinala ko na si
Marion nga ang nagpadukot sa kanya?!
"Then who could have done it?", I asked in confusion.
"I did."
Sabay kaming napalingon ni Gray sa nagsalita. We're so surprised to see who it was
at hindi agad kami nakapagsalita. Ilang segundo ang lumipas at si Gray ang unang
nakahuma.
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"MR. ARMAN BRIDLE!", he exclaimed in surprise. Yes, it's Sir Arman. The one who
gave us some adventures on his private island!
"Hello my detectives", he said with a big smile.
Tumakbo kami papunta sa kanya at niyakap siya ng mahigpit. HEEENDEEE! JOKE LANG!
He's Mr. Arman Bridle! The owner of the school and a respectable man! Alangan
namang magpakafeeling close kami, kapal naman ng mukha namin diba?
"Sir Arman! It's good to see you again!", I said. Like I said before, he's a
mysterious man. He's not like the other na kailangang ipalinis pa ang buong school
upang paghandaan ang pagdating nila. But him? Walang nakakaalam maliban na lamang
sa mga trusted staff ng Bridle High.
"Sorry for this facade. I abducted Gray and let you, Amber, track him by solving
the code and you did", he said at naupo sa swivel chair na naroon. "Please have a
seat."
Nang maupo kami ay hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nasa harap namin si Mr. Bridle.
He did showed himself to us for the second time! The adventure he gave to us was
unforgettable. That's where I overcome my fear of dark places at doon ko rin
nakilala si Cooler.
"Wag niyo po sanang mamasamain pero bakit niyo po iyon ginawa?", Gray asked to man.
Ngumiti ito ng matamis. May mga wrinkles na ito sa mukha, but he still look as
strong as a horse. Marahil ay healthy living ito. Some of his hairs were grey and
his presence yields out that he's a respectable man.
"Ah, I went here in the Philippines to visit my bedridden friend. Bago ako bumalik
sa London ay naisipan kong bisitahin ang mga institusyon ko so when I visited this
school, I remembered my promise to the both of you", paliwanag niya. Nagtatakang
nagkatinginan kami ni Gray. His promise?
"Ano pong ibig ninyong sabihin?", I asked in confusion. He promised us something?
Sir Arman frowned. "You two forgot? Sino ba ang matanda sa atin?", he chuckled
heartily. "Didn't I promised you to take the two of you to London some other time?
(Refer to File 1, Chapter 15: Mr. Arman Bridle) You both decided na hindi muna
noong panahon na iyon dahil a day or two in London isn't enough. I want to test
your detective skills again so I schemed everything from Gray's abduction to this.
I also heard from the staffs about your big help to the crimes and other events and
here I am, reminding you of your trip since classes are almost over", he said at
parehas kaming nasorpresa ni Gray. Oh, is he serious?!
LOONDON?! LONDON? LONDON as in LONDON?!
"You're not serious Sir, right?", I asked but he shook his head. Kinuha niya ang
isang brown envelope at inilapag iyon sa harap namin. Nang tingnan ni Gray iyon ay
passport at visa iyon namin. Uh, he's really serious in taking us to London!
**
Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na muling nagpakita sa amin si Sir
Arman kanina. Hindi naman siya nangako sa amin, he just told us that he can take us
to London if we want to but I really can't believe that he's a man of his words.
I'm not dreaming right?
Paulit-ulit kong sinampal ng mahiba ang mukha ko. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin
ako makapaniwala.
Kinuha ni Gray ang kamay kong pinagsasampal ko sa sarili. "Hey, stop that", wika
niya at napatingin ako sa kanya.
"Hindi ka ba nagtataka kung nananaginip ka ba or what?", I asked him. Kasalukuyan

kaming nasa gym at nanunood sa mga kaklase naming naglalaro. PE basketball
tournament kasi namin ngayon.
"Bakit naman ako nananaginip?", he asked. Bagay na bagay sa kanya ang suot niyang
puting jersey, wag mo na lang itong palaruin dahil hindi nito maija-justify ang
suot niya. He's not good in basketball.
"London Gray. London. L-O-N-D-O-N. London", wika ko.
"Tapos? I've been to London when I was young", he said.
"And we're going there. Hindi ka ba naeexcite?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Of course I am excited. What made you think na hindi ako naeexcite?", he asked.
"Kasi parang wala lang sayo."
He frowned at me. "Alangan namang pagsasampalin ko ang sarili ko gaya ng ginagawa

mo.
This time ako naman ang napasimangot sa kanya. Pero tama naman siya. Ang bakla
kayang isipin na sobrang naeexcite si Gray tapos kung anu-ano na ang pinaggagagawa
diba? Ugh, so gay.
I looked for my bag at saka ko lamang naalala na naiwan ko pala iyon sa classroom.
I asked Gray to come with me. Ayoko ng iwan siya, baka makidnap ulit.
"Ngunit baka ipasok na ako sa laro", he said. Jeremy is currently playing now at
gaya ni Gray, he suck in basketball.
"Sandali lang naman at isa pa, wag ka ng maglaro, hindi ka naman marunong", wika ko
sa kanya kasabay ng malutong na pagtawa.
Napasimangot ito nang tumayo. "You hurt my ego", he said with a frown.
"Sige na kasi. Samahan mo na ako", wika ko sa kanya.
He bowed down as if I'm a queen. "Okay po, Your Highness!", wika niya at sumunod sa
akin. Natawa naman ako sa sinabi niya at sabay kaming lumabas ng gym.
Paglabas namin ay nilapitan kami ng dalawang babae. At first, they were hesitant to
approach us but in the end ay nagpasya ang mga itong lapitan kami.
"Excuse me. You're Gray and Amber right?", they asked. They weren't from Bridle
dahil iba ang suot nilang uniform. If I'm not mistaken, they're from Carson High
School, a school na hindi masyadong kalayuan sa Bridle.
"Yes, why?", Gray asked and he smiled at them. Tila kinilig naman ang dalawa. Uh,
pagbuhulin ko kaya itong dalawa?!
Sumagot ang isa sa mga ito. "My name is Erryza Lopez from Carson High School. Ito
naman ang kaklase kong si Kirsten Lee", pakilala nila at kinamayan kami.
"Kaya kami nagpunta dito ay kailangan namin ang tulong ninyo. Our friend, Janicelle
is missing. Ilang araw na itong nawawala. We're members of the science club and
this Janicelle is the club president and she happened to be a sort of detective",
paliwanag ni Kirsten.
"Detective? Then you don't need our help. May kaibigan naman pala kayong
detective", I said in a bratty way. Naiinis kasi ako. Panay ang ngiti ni Gray sa
kanila at naiinggit ako! I mean hindi ako naiinggit. Naiinis lang.
"But like I've said, Janicelle is missing but she left some clues and we can't
figure it out. We heard about the two of you so we decided to ask for your help.
Tulungan niyo kami please. Nag-aalala na kasi kami sa kaibigan namin", Erryza said
and I was about to turn them down ngunit nauna ng magsalita si Gray.
"Can you wait a little longer while I change into my PE uniform?", he asked at nang
tumango ang mga ito ay agad akong hinila ni Gray papunta sa classroom namin.
"Get your bag at magbibihis muna ako", wika niya but I didn't move. Nakasimangot
lang ako sa kanya. "What?"
"Pumayag ka bang tulungan sila dahil magaganda sila o dahil gusto mo lang
tumulong?", I asked.
"What? Of course I want to help them."
"Ang tamis ng mga ngiti mo kanina, alam mo ba?"
This time ay napasimangot na ito. "What's wrong with it? Ang pangit namang tingnan
kung nakasimangot ako habang tinitingnan sila diba?", he asked. "Sige na, kunin mo
na ang bag mo."
Hindi ako gumalaw at tumayo lang doon. I seem like a spoiled brat pero wala akong
pakialam.
"Fine, ako na ang kukuha mahal na prinsesa", wika niya at kinuha ang backpack ko.
Hinawakan niya ang braso ko at pinasuot iyon sa akin. Kinuha niya ang isang strap
ng bag mula sa likuran kaya mukhang nakayakap siya sa akin. Sheyt! Forever mabango
talaga si Gray Ivan Silvan. Nang maabot niya iyon ay agad niyang ipinasok ang
kabilang braso ko doon. He held my shoulders and he raised my chin.
"Just wait here Your Highness, okay?"
It seems like I've been caught in the spell of his sweet fragrance kaya natango na
lang ako at hinintay siya habang nagbibihis sa CR.
Matapos magbihis ay agad naming pinuntahan ang dalawang babae. Gray brought his car
and we immediately drove towards Carson High.
Habang nasa daan ay tinanong ni Gray sina Erryza at Kirsten. "By the way, paano nga
pala kayo nakapasok ng Bridle?", he asked matapos kausapin ang guard upang
makalabas kami kahit na class hours. Mukhang tulad ni Ryu at Cooler, binestfriend
na din yata ni Gray ang mga ito. Maybe I should ask him to introduce Khael at nang
masali ito sa mga circle of friends ng mga guard nang hindi na ito magkaroon ng
challenging entrance sa susunod na dadalaw ito ng Bridle.
"We snuck in without them noticing", Erryza said and I mentally rolled my eyes.
Hindi talaga kayo napansin? Baka pusa kayo?
"Tell me more about this detective's disappearance", Gray said.
Si Kirsten naman ang nagsalita. "Ganito kasi yun, we're in the laboratory yesterday
habang hinihintay na dumating ang tatlong prospect na magiging next president ng
club. Kaso may pinuntahan kami ni Erryza so we left Janicelle alone at siya na ang
naghintay doon upang makipag-usap sa tatlo ngunit pagbalik namin ay marami ng basag
na equipments and she's nowhere to be found", kwento nito.
It's creepy! Naalala ko tuloy ang nangyari kay Mrs. Sera doon sa laboratory ng
Bridle. I still cannot imagine that Marion plotted everything.
"You said there are some clues that she left", Gray said.
"Yes, and well see it pagdating natin doon", Erryza said at patuloy naman sa
pagmamaneho si Gray. Hindi nagtagal ay nakarating na kami sa Carson High School.
It's also a big school but Bridle and Athena were bigger. Not to mention that both
school are prestigous.
Nang makababa kami ng kotse ay isang walking ESPASOL ang lumapit at yumakap kay
Gray. "Ivan!", the espasol exclaimed.
Do you remember Espasol Girl? Yung kinidnap ni Gray dati. Yung maarteng mahaderang
espasol na anak pala ng may-ari ng paborito kong pastry shop. Yep, Allison Easton.
"Ivan, I want to hate you! Mabuti na lamang at sinabi ni Dad na ikaw ang nag-
infiltrate sa gang", she said and she pouted. Hindi bagay girl, please stop it.
Tinanggal ni Gray ang nakayakap na palad ni Allison. "Sorry Allison, I cannot talk
with you right now, may importante pa kasi kaming gagawin", he said at tiningnan
sina Erryza at Kirsten. Naintindihan naman iyon ng dalawa at nagsimula na silang
maglakad. Sumunod naman kami ni Gray sa kanila.
Andaming nakatingin sa amin. Uh, well I can't blame them. Two Bridle Students are
here at nakasuot pa ng PE uniform ng Bridle.
Dinala nila kami sa science laboratory. Sa likod niyon ay ang office ng Science
Club. I thought we're going to deal with chemicals again ngunit hindi sa may mga
nakadisplay na chemicals kami dinala nina Erryza at Kirsten. They brought us in the
dissecting room.
May mga malalaking garapon doon na may mga nakalagay na nakapreserved na mga hayop.
There were snakes, small monkey, a kitten, fishes of different kind at kung anu-ano
pa. Kung may ayaw man akong pasukan sa Bridle, it's the dissecting room dahil
nakakadiring tingnan ang mga nakapreserved na mga hayop!
"D-dito ninyo kakausapin ang mga Science lab presidentiables niyo?", I asked in
disbelief. Gosh, nakakatakot kaya doon!
"No, not here. Dito lang namin nakita ang mga possible clues na iniwan ni
Janicelle", Erryza said at tinanggal naman ni Kirsten ang isang tela mula sa mesa.
May tatlong garapon doon na may lamang preserved frog. Iba-iba iyon ng uri and
they're so creepy! Ayaw ko pa naman ng nga palaka.
May mga nakalagay na electrical tape sa tatlong garapon. Sa isang garapon ay may
maliit na electrical tape doon. Medyo mahaba naman ang nasa isa at pinakamahaba ang
nasa ikatlo. May pitong garapon din doon na pinagdugtong sa pamamagitan ng
electrical tape. It's formed into a circle at bakante ang gitna. The electrical
tape was placed in the center.
Gray flashed his usual victorious smile. "Maari niyo bang ipatawag ang tatlong
kakausapin sana ng kaibigan ninyo?", he asked at tumango naman ang dalawa. Iniwan
muna nila kami doon.
Gray stared intently at the containers that were formed into a ring.
"You already got this clue?", I asked and he nodded.
"Yes, she's a detective no wonder she made such smart clue. Ang kailangan ko na
lang ay makita ang tatlong kakausapin sana niya kahapon. Ang hindi ko lang
maintindihan ay ito", he said at tinuro ang mga garapon na may electrical tape sa
gitna.
"The opposite of me. I think I have an idea on that kaysa sa tatlong garapon", wika
ko.
"We'll see about that later kung tama ba ang mga deductions natin", Gray said at
dumating na sina Erryza at Kirsten kasama ang dalawang babae at isang lalaki.
"Nandito na sila. These are the three persons na kakausapin sana ni Janicelle
kahapon. If you'd noticed, walang pulis o iba pang mga estudyante dito. We're
keeping this in private para na rin hindi masira ang pangalan ng Club", paliwanag
ni Erryza.
"I understand. Why don't you introduce yourselves to us?", wila ni Gray sa tatlong
kasama nina Kirsten at Erryza.
"What's this all about Kirsten? Anong ginagawa ng dalawang estudyante mula sa
Bridle dito?", a shorthaired girl asked Kirsten.
"They're Gray and Amber from Bridle and we asked for their help upang matulungan
kaming mahanap si Janicelle", wika ni Kirsten.
"And why are we summoned here? Don't tell me pinagdududahan ninyo kami?", galit na
wika ng lalaki.
"Hindi naman sa ganoon. Gray wants to see you three", Erryza said.
Napataas naman ang kilay ng isang babae. She had a long hair at maputi ang balat
nito. "Why? At bakit ba kayo nagpapaniwala sa kanila?"
This time ay nakisingit na si Gray. "Why are you all furious? Natatakot ba kayong
isiwalat namin ang mga nangyari dito kahapon?", Gray asked in his boastful and
arrogant tune.
"Bakit naman ako matatakot? I didn't do anything", sagot ng babae.
"Then have a little introduction and tell us what happened here noong kakausapin
niyo na sana si Janicelle", Gray said.
Ang lalaki ang unang nagsalita. "Okay then. My name is Geory Bascon. I went here
yesterday ngunit wala si Janicelle dito at makalat na ang paligid kaya umalis na
ako."
Sunod na nagpakilala ang babaeng maikli ang buhok. "My name is Erica Estinto. At
gaya ni Geory, wala rin si Janicelle dito ng dumating ako kaya umalis na agad ako."
The last one was the longhaired girl. "I'm Sophie Yuzon at gaya rin nila ay ito na
lang ang naabutan", she said as she looked around.
"Ibig sabihin walang nakakita kay Janicelle dito kahapon? Oh well, one thing is
for sure. One of you is lying", wila ni Gray.
"What? Sino sa kanila?", tanong ni Kirsten. They were waiting for him to spill who
was responsible for that Janicelle's disappearance.
Isa-isa silang tiningnan ni Gray. "It's you Erica Estinto."
Nagulat naman ang babaeng pinangalanan ni Gray. "Ano? Bakit mo ba ako

pinagbibintangan? I told you wala na si Janicelle nang dumating ako dito."
"Janicelle told us that you did it", wika ni Gray. Tinuro niya ang mga garapon na
nasa mesa. "This one represent Geory", he said at kinuha ang garapon na may
pinakamaliit na electrical tape. It's labelled with Pelophylax esculentus which is
know as an edible frog. This next container is labelled Pelophylax ridibundus or
the marsh frog and like the edible frog, it's not poisonous. It represents Sophie.
The problem is the third frog. This yellow frog is labelled Dendrobates leucomelas
or the Poison dart frog and frogs of Dendrobatidae family are poisonous and this
represents you, Erica."
"At ano naman ang kinalaman ko dyan? How can you say so that it represents me?",
galit na tanong ni Erica.
"Based on the electrical tape. It represents the length of your hair. The edible
frog is Geory since ang garapon nito ang may pinakamaikling tape. Sophie with the
long hair is the frog with the longest tape and you with a short hair ba hanggang
balikat ay ang tape na nasa poison dart frog. If you will deny about it, why don't
we asked the detective who made such clues? Amber knows where she is", wika ni
Gray. Nagulat ako sa sinabi nito.
He trusted me with my deduction? I hope I didn't get it wrong.
"Uh, mayroon bang well dito? I mean, balon na wala ng lamang tubig?", I asked. "I
guessed Janicelle is there."
"Yes, meron. Doon sa likod!", Erryza said at agad naming pinuntahan iyon. Just like
what I deduced based on the arrangement of the containers, naroon nga si Janicelle.
She was tied at may busal sa bibig kaya hindi ito makahingi ng tulong. Matapos
namin siyang ilabas sa hindi kalalimang balon ay dinala na namin si Erica sa
detention. Janicelle decided not to tell the police about it. Ayon sa kanya,
nagalit lamang si Erica dahil sinabi niyang wala itong kakayahang pamunuan ang
club. Marahil ay nainsulto ito kaya nagawa iyon.
She set up the clues nang hinahabol pa lang siya nito. Isinara daw niya ang pinto
at nilagay doon ang isang cart na may laboratory equipments kaya nagkaroon pa siya
ng pagkakataong iset up ang clues ng hindi nito nahahalata. Nang tuluyan itong
makapasok, she knocked her off using a chloroform.
The case was solved at kasaluluyan kaming hinahatid nona Erryza, Kirsten at
Janicelle sa parking lot ng Carson High.
"Thank you for your big help", Kirsten said at kinamayan kami. "Totoo nga ang mga
naririnig namin tungkol sa duo ng Bridle High."
"Walang ano man. It's our pleasure to help", wika no Gray sa kanila. Nginitian ko
naman sila.
"Thank you so much Gray and Amber. It's my pleasure to make your acquaintance",
wika ni Janicelle.
"Same here. You're so smart for making such clues", wika ko sa kanya.
"Paano? Mauna na kami. Nice meeting you all", Gray said at bumaling kay Janicelle.
"I'm looking forward on working with you Detective", he said at nagsalute naman sa
kanya si Janicelle.
Sumakay na kami sa kotse matapos magpaalam. On the way ay pinag-usapan namin ang
nangyari. I'm so amazed by how he figured out the clue left by Janicelle.
Nang makarating kami ng Bridle ay agad kaming bumaba ng kotse niya.
"Amber?", tawag niya sa akin.
"Yes?"
"Salamat nga pala at nag-alala ka sa akin noong nasa conference room ako", wika
niya and I blushed. Yes, sobrang nag-alala ako sa kanya kanina!
"Walang ano man Gray", wika ko. Nagulat ako ng bigla niya akong hinawakan sa kamay
at hinila palapit sa kanya. He slammed me against his body and wrapped his arms
around me.
"This is for hugging me kanina without my permission. I'm just returning it", he
said at mas hinigpitan pa ang pagyakap.
**
Vote and Comments! Join DF Group on FB! Search niyo lang DETECTIVE FILES by
Shinichilaaaabs! Thank you! :*
Sorry typo errors! Nagmamadali ako HAHA!
-Shinichilaaaabs♥
CHAPTER 8: THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

Chapter 8: London Arc 1: The Last Will and Testament
A/N: Ansakit isipin na may ayaw na nga kay Gray, may ayaw pa kay Amber.
Nakakawalang gana din mag-update :( Pero okay lang! :) I cannot please everyone,
I'm not a pizza aww. xD
At pangit pala ang chapter na ito kasi introduction pa lamang ito ng London Arc.
Babawi ako sa mga susunod na chapters.
********
Katatapos lamang ng final exams and most students were so excited for the summer
vacation. They have different plans for the summer but I just hope na hindi lamang
sila hanggang sa pagguhit ng mga plano nila. Minsan kasi ay nakakatamad kapag
summer vacation. Wala kang ibang gustong gawin kundi ang mahiga sa kwarto mo. Uh,
well that's how I spent my summer last year. Nagbabalak pa akong sumama sa mga
pinsan ko sa Palawan but in the end, I decided not to dahil hindi rin naman kami
masyadong close ng mga pinsan ko.
Kalalabas lang namin ng classroom at nasa cafeteria kami tumatambay kasama ang iba
pa naming mga classmates.
They were thinking of an academic year-end gathering para sa amin. Sumali na lang
kami sa meeting nila kahit hindi kami makakasama dahil may sarili kaming plano ni
Gray.
No, not our plan but rather Sir Arman's.
Hindi pa dumarating ang iba pa naming mga kaklase kaya may naisip na naman si
Jeremy.
"To kill time, let's have some riddles", he said. " I shrink smaller every time I
take a
bath. What am I?"
"Water?", Marcus asked.
"Lumiliit ba ang tubig? Baka sabon", Lorie said.
"Ako! Ito! I have no end and no beginning and no middle. What am I?", Yuri asked.
"That's pretty hard."
Saglit kaming nag-isip but Gray spilled the answer. "It's doughnut."
"Right!"
"My turn. I am owned by every man, through my length differs. Their wives use me
after getting married. What am I?", Marcus asked and I glared at him.
"Stop it Marcus! You're poisoning our mind", wika ko sa kanya and I was surprised
to find him and Gray laughed hard.
Uh, anong nakakatawa doon?
"What's funny?", Jeremy asked. "Dahil ang sagot ay -"
"Don't ever think of saying it Jeremy!", wika ko sa kanya. Knowing him, hindi ito
mag-aatubiling sabihin kung ano man ang sagot niyon.
"You have a colorful mind Amber", Marcus said with a laugh.
"Bakit?", nagtataka kong tanong. Ang awkward naman talaga ng riddle niya!
"The answer is Last name", Gray said at tumatawa pa rin.
"I like the way you think Amber", komento ng isa ko pang lalaki na kaklase. Nahiya
naman ako! My goodness! Pag-iisipan ko na talaga sa susunod ang mga sasabihin ko.
Marami na ang nakisali sa sa pagsasagot ng mga riddles namin.
Matapos ang meeting ay bumalik na ako sa dorm upang magpahinga. Wala pa roon sina
Andi at Therese kaya mag-isa muna ako doon. Pagdating ko ay sinalubong ako ng aso
kong si Filter. It barked and wagged it's tail. Pinulot ko ito at nilagay sa lap ko
matapos umupo sa kama. Hinawakan ko siya sa katawan at hinarap sa akin.
(A/N: May pinaghuhugutan si Amber! )
"Filter, masama ba ang ugali ko?", I asked the dog. I'm so stupid for talking to
the animal but it's I guess it's better this way. Talking to animals are good, para
sa akin. Unlike people, they don't judge you. They don't have any negative things
against you. Filter barked again matapos akong magtanong. Uh, pati ba aso ay
nasasamaan na sa ugali ko? "Is that a yes?", tanong ko at muli itong tumahol ngunit
mahina lamang.
I felt defensive and I tried explaining myself to Filter. "Hindi naman ako
masyadong masama at isa pa, may good side din naman ako ah. Do you want me to
change?" I asked but Filter didn't bark. Inangat ko ang mukha nito at inulit ko ang
tanong ko but still he didn't bark.
"So ayaw mong baguhin ko ang ugali ko, ganoon ba?" Filter barked once.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin? You want me to change but just a little?", tanong ko at
tumahol ulit ito. "But Filter, if I change, edi hindi na ako si Amber." The dog
barked again and I sighed.
"Okay Filter may aaminin ako sayo. Noong nakaraang araw ay inaway ko yung tatay
mong si Gray", wika ko sa aso. Tila tao naman ito na nakinig sa mga sinasabi ko.
"Okay na kami but I know I've done something wrong and this isn't the first time
that I did something na ikinagalit nung tatay mo sa akin. I asked for forgiveness
pero kahit delayed na, tinanggap pa rin naman niya. Do you think I deserved such
Filter? Ang sama ko talaga eh. Gray is just worried about me but I didn't
appreciate it but still he forgave me. I wonder how many times he will forgive me
even though I don't deserve his forgiveness, don't you think Filter?", wika ko at
tumahol naman ito ng maraming beses.
Natawa ako sa reaksyon niya. I pat his head at niyakap ko ito. "Thank you Filter!
That's so comforting, why don't you help me fix our things? I'm taking you home
tomorrow dahil magLo-London ako."
Filter barked at tumalon ito sa kama. He wagged his tale repeatedly at natatawang
binuksan ko ang locker at inilabas ang aking maleta. Looks like Filter is looking
forward for my London trip.
**
Maaga akong gumising kinabukasan at tinali si Filter. Iuuwi ko siya mamaya ngunit
nagpasya muna akong ilibot siya sa oval bago ko iuwi.
"Hey there, doggie", Gray said. He was jogging around the oval kasama ang mga
roommates niya ngunit nang makita ako ay tumigil muna siya.
"Wala lang, kawawa naman kung palagi lang siya sa dorm. I want to spend more
quality time with lalo naat malapit na tayong umalis", I said at patuloy na
hinimas-himas si Filter.
"What's his name?", he asked.
"Filter."
"What? You named your dog after a screen?"
Bigla na lamang dumating si Jeremy at gaya ko ay may dala din siyang aso. "So what?
My dog is named after a car. Her name is Porsche", he said at pinakita sa amin ang
dala-dala niyang hayop.
Porsche is a bulldog! She got a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. Uh, she's ugly
but so cute.
"Ang pangit ng mukha ni Porsche", komento ko and Jeremy frowned.
"Ang cute kaya niya!", he said at bumaling kay Gray. "Atsaka, Amber didn't named
her dog after a screen, she named it after you." Inilayo niya ng konti si Porsche
kay Filter dahil nagagalit ito. Uh, nakakatawa talaga yung mukha ni Porsche pero
cute din naman.
"Uh, I see. It's really named after me", wika niya at akmang hahawakan si Filter
ngunit nagalit ang aso. He barked into him many times.
"Uh. He doesn't like me", wika niya at hindi na pinilit na hawakan pa si Filter.
"He likes you ngunit nainis siya dahil hindi mo agad na gets na he's named after
you. Right Filter?", I asked at tumahol ito.
"Oh, I see. I'm sorry Filter, please?", he said to the dog and Filter wagged his
tale. Lumapit siya kay Gray at dinilaan ang binti nito.
"See? Matampuhin siya gaya ko na nanay niya and he got his
smart brain from his dad", wika ko and I stop and covered my mouth. Did I just said
that I'm Filter's mom and he's the dad?
Ugh, no no no! I just said that he got a smart dad, I didn't said that it's Gray!
Secret lang namin iyon ni Filter.
"Ah, mana kay Gray. Ibig sabihin mag-asawa kayo?", Jeremy asked asked and I
blushed. The hell with Jeremy! Makapagbaon nga sa susunod ng maraming masking tape
para sa bibig niya!
"Sinabi ko bang kay Gray?", wika ko atinuon ang paningin sa labas. Nagtatakang
nagpalipat-lipat din ng tingin sa amin si Gray.
"It's implied. And speaking of mag-asawa, may question ako", he said.
"About?"
He flashed his nerdy smile. "It's a quiz. Let's call this JM Quiz,short for Jeremy
Martinez's Quiz."
Iniwas ko ang tingin ko sa kanya. "I'm sure just like your puns, wala na namang
kwenta yan."
"What do we expect?", pagsang-ayon ni Gray.
"Uh, kaya lang naman hindi niyo gusto ang mga riddles and quiz ko kasi hindi abot
ng IQ ninyo", he said.
"Yeah, your riddles are for those who have low IQ's", Gray said at isinalampak ang
headset sa tenga ngunit tinanggal iyon ni Jeremy.
"Mamaya ka na bumalik sa pagjo-jogging. Makinig ka muna sa akin", wika niya kay
Gray.
"Listen to this okay? Ikaw din Amber", he said kaya nakinig na lang ako sa kanya.
"Anong sabi ni Andres Bonifacio noong may kasama siyang babae sa kwarto?"
"Shoot Jeremy. Don't expect us to sweat out just for that silly question", Gray
said at sumimangot si Jeremy. He turned his gaze to me at dahil wala akong maisip,
I just shrugged my shoulders.
"Oh! Hindi talaga kayo maaasahan sa ganito. He said, 'Baby, Andres me! HAHAHAHA",
he laughed. See? Wala talagang kwenta. Ipatumba ko kaya ito sa Seven Reapers ? Uh,
wag na lang, kawawa naman.
Gabi na ng mapagpasyahan kong ihatid si Filter. Hapon sana iyon kaso nakatulog ako
kaya ngayong gabi na lang since bukas na kami aalis. Gosh, I really can't believe
about this trip! Mahal ko na talaga si Sir Arman. Hindi naman sa hindi namin kayang
pumunta ng London, Mom and Dad were still saving for it. We're not as rich as those
guys in the mafia or ni Sir Arman.
Naghintay na ako ng taxi habang dala-dala si Filter. Mom and Dad already approved
our trip dahil nakausap na din nila si Sir Arman sa telepono.
Maliwanag ang buwan at maraming bituin ngayon. I was standing on the main gate nang
tumigil sa harap ko ang kotse ni Gray. Nakababa ang bubong ng convertible nito.
"Hi Miss, going somewhere?", he asked with a smile.
Ipinaikot ko ang eyeballs sa kanya. "Uh. I'm heading home para ihatid si Filter",
sagot ko sa kanya.
"Hindi mo pa pala siya nahahatid?"
"Nandito pa nga diba?", I said. Duh. May pagkaengot din si Gray minsan eh.
"Then hop in. Nag-aaksaya ako ng gasolina kaya hali ka na", he said and he opened
the other door for me.
"Sigurado ka?"
He nodded at me. "Yes, kaya hali ka na."
Sumakay na ako ng kotse at pinaandar na niya iyon at hinatid ako sa amin. Mom and
Dad were not around kaya ibinilin ko na lang si Filter sa mga katulong at bumalik
na kami ni Gray sa Bridle.
**
A/N: Kwento ko muna saglit ang history ng London Arc ko (Ano raw?) Naisip ko lang
to noong bago ako sa dorm na inu-occupy ko this summer, I have a roommate na mag-O-
OJT tapos nagliligpit siya ng gamit niya. Nakita kong may maliit na box (yung pang
size ng baraha) siyang inilabas at sabi ko, "Hala, bawal baraha sa dorm diba?"
tapos natawa siya at inabot sa akin yung box. Yung nakalagay sa box ay KNOWLEDGE IN
A NUTSHELL: LONDON, tas pagbukas ko, Omaygaaaat! Para siyang card-size na post
cards tapos may pictures ng Spots sa London tapos description sa likod. Bigla kong
naalala yung Holmes's Revelation Arc ng DC at naalala ko si Sir Arman Bridle at
sabi ko sa sarili, "ito gagawan ko ng version ko!". So ayon, sabi ko sa roommate
ko, "Feb pahiraaaaaaam muna!" Kaya eto na yung unang part! Yey!
-Shinichilaaaabs♥
Maaga kaming sinundo ng kotse ni Sir Arman. He can't travel with us dahil nauna na
itong bumalik doon.
"Excited na talaga ako!", I said habang nasa eroplano kami. Nasa may bintana ako at
nasa tabi ko si Gray. Masyadong seryoso ang mukha nito at panay lingon sa palingid.
"Hoy!"
Saka lamang niya ako pinansin. "Bakit?"
"Anong tininitingnan mo dyan?", I asked at tiningnan rin ang direksyon kung saan
panay ang tingin niya kanina. I saw a couple na nag-uusap. Sa katabing upuan nila
ang ang nga kasama nila. Napansin ko na sila kanina dahil nagtatalo ang ang dalawa
sa kanila.
"Hindi ba't sila yung nagtatalo kanina tungkol sa mana?", pabulong kong tanong.
Mahirap na at baka marinig kami.
"Yes, it's all about that at base sa narinig ko kanina, uuwi sila sa kung saan man
sila pupunta dahil ngayon daw babasahin ang last will and testament ng magulang
nila", wika niya.
He heard that much? Teka, clairaudient pa si Gray? Totoo ba ang sixth sense na
iyon?
"Narinig mo yan sa kanila?", I asked in disbelief at tumango siya.
"I'm secretly observing them habang nagfafastforward na ang isip mo sa London."
I frowned at him. Well, sorry for being excited!
"At bakit ka naman nakikinig sa usapan nila? Don't you think it's rude?", I asked.
He's been eavesdropping at them for a while. Marahil ay kompleto ang impormasyong
nakalap niya sa pamamagitan lamang ng pakikinig.
"I've heard someone talked about a hidden will and presented a fake one upang
mapasakanya lahat ng mamanahin", he said in a low voice. "Nasa CR ako kanina ng may
marinig ako, but I just can't tell who among them said it."
"What? They presented a fake just because of they want all the inheritance?
Unbelievable people", wika ko at sumeryoso naman ang mukha ni Gray.
Gray continued observing them hanggang sa makarating kami Heathrow Airport. Nang
pababa na kami ay tiningnan pa rin niya ang anim hanggang sa sumakay na ang mga
ito.
Nang makaalis kami doon ay sinalubong kami ng butler ni Sir Arman. Uh, he lend us
his car and to brought us to the hotel where we will be staying. Hindi na kami
umaasa na masasamahan kami ni Sir Arman, he's a busy person kaya naiintindihan
namin.
Habang umaandar ang kotse ay panay ang lingon ko sa labas! Gosh, I can't believe
it! Nasa London na nga ako! When we reached at the hotel, ibinigay ng butler sa
amin ang british credit cards na maari naming gamitin. Oh God! Bakit ba ang bait ni
Sir Arman?!
Leonardo, the butler talked to us bago umalis. "Sir Arman wants to have dinner with
you tonight. Please be back at seven", wika niya at pinayagan kaming maglibot ng
London.
Our first spot was the Tower Bridge. Gosh, bakit walang ganito sa Pilipinas? We
entered in the Tower Bridge Exhibition,which features the bridge's twin towers, the
high-level walkways and the Victorian engine rooms.
"Gray, naiiyak ako!", wika ko sa kanya. Gusto kong magselfie kaso nahihiya ako!
"Seriously? Bakit naman?", he
asked. I looked at him with my puppy eyes.
"Ang ganda dito!"
"So as you."
"What?"
"Nothing", he said at umiwas ng tingin.
"May sinabi ka eh!"
Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. Fine! Edi wala. Nagtagal kami sa pag-eexplore bago
kami nagpahatid sa Hyde Park.
Hyde Park was one of the Royal Parks at humanga ako sa laki niyon. I read in
Sherlock Holmes madalas maglakad doon sina Holmes at Dr.Watson! Naiimagine ko tuloy
sila ngayon but it's Holmes with Adler. Irene Adler.
Nagulat ako ng bigla na lamang hinawakan ni Gray ang kamay ko habang naglalakad.
Ipinagsalikop niya ang mga daliri namin and-
Yuck. Another HHWW.
Holding Hands While Walking. Yuck again.
Itinaas ko ang kamay naming magkahawak. "What's this Gray?", I know I'm blushing
pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko. It's a broad day light at masyadong halata kapag
nagblush ako!
"Baka mawala ka", he said at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad at hinila ako. Okay,this is
so awkward pero hinayaan ko na lang siya. We strolled around the park at napatigil
ako nang may makita akong bata na nadapa.
She was around 8 years old at nang makalapit ako ay agad ko siyang tinulungang
tumayo. She had pale white skin and a blonde hair.
"Be careful next time kid", wika ko sa kanya nang makatayo. Agad kong pinagpagan
ang suot niyang damit.
"Pasensya na po", she said and was surprised to hear her spoke Filipino.
"You can speak in Filipino?", I asked in surprise. She doesn't look like she's a
Filipino.
"Yes. My Ate Hazel taught me. You're a Filipino?", she asked and I smiled at her.
"Yes. My name is Amber at ito naman si Gray", pakilala ko sa kanya.
The kid smiled at us. "Hi Amber. Hi Gray", she said. "My name is Jodie. I want to
marry you Gray when I grow up."
Gray smiled at her. "Sure, you can Jodie but that if when you grow up, you still
wants to marry me."
Jodie flashed a sad face. "But I've got a problem. We're broke. My grandfather died
and he didn't left anything for me", wika niya.
Lumapit ang isang babaeng kaedad lang namin."Jodie! Kanina pa kita hinahanap", wika
niya ng makalapit sa amin.
Ipinakilala kami ni Jodie sa isa't-isa and we've learned that the girl was Hazel,
Jodie's aunt. We stayed for a while at magkwentuhan lalo na at purong pilipina pala
ito. Naikwento rin ni Hazel ang tungkol sa nangyari kanina. Ayon sa kanya ay binasa
ng abogado ng Lolo nilang si Jedidiah Wheatly ang huling testamento nito and it
states about giving all his estates to Higson siblings na siyang nag-alaga dito
noong nabubuhay pa ito.
"Ibig sabihin ay walang pinamana sa iba?", I asked and Hazel nodded.
"Yes but few people claimed that Jedidiah promised them some shares since the
Higson's are rude to him. Ang ikinagulat ng lahat ay kung bakit naging ganoon, we
thought there's another will and would render the first one void", wika ni Hazel.
"You think so?"
"Yes,we all hope since Jedidiah always assured us about our shares and he's a man
of his word."
"By any chance, are the Higson's just went here today, six of them and one got a
blond short hair and the others are not?", tanong ni Gray.
"Yes, that's them! How do you know?", Hazel asked.
"Because I think there really is another will and that we'll find out soon", Gray
said and flashed his smile. "We'll find it for you Hazel but you have to bring us
to that late Jedidiah's home."
***
Abangan niyo ang London Arc (Part 2) The Strange Mansion. ♥ Kaya yan bitin para may
aabangan kayo sa susunod. :)
Join DF's group on facebook! Search niyo lang: Detective Files by Shinichilaaaabs.
Thanks!
CHAPTER 9: THE STRANGE MANSION

Chapter 9: London Arc 2: The Strange Mansion
Dedicated to DetectiveLily/Lovely Simon dahil birthday niya! Yey! Happy
Birthday! :)
Disclaimer: All places are true and existing other than Jedidiah's Mansion! Wala
yun sa mapa ng London at kathang isip lamang ng poging author ! London's Eye, Big
ben and others are existing! xD
******
I was standing near the London's Eye at tinitingnan ang giant ferriswheel. I smiled
sweetly as I stared at the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel.
Napakaganda niyon! If I would have more patience, I would have ignored the hour-
long queues and waited upang makasakay sa ferriswheel. God! I can live forever here
in London! Bigla na lamang tumunog ang bigben and I was standing at the north side
of the Westminster Palace and in front of me was the great tower of the chiming
clock.
"Amber."
Napalingon ako sa tumawag sa pangalan ko and I saw Gray smiling all the way as he
walked towards me. Huminto siya sa harapan ko.
"You look good standing here in the palace, mahal na prinsesa", wika niya.
I pouted when I heard his nickname for me. Mahal na prinsesa. Mahal na nga,
prinsesa pa! It's good to hear anyway.
"Tss. It's so beautiful here Gray", wika ko and I look up at the giant clock.
"Indeed, Your Highness and it's a perfect time for this", he said and he pulled me
close to him. He wrapped his arms on my waist and I was too shocked to move. Or
should I say I prefer not to move as I felt his body on me. Unti-unti niyang
ibinaba ang kanyang mukha and my gaze was fixed on his luscious lips. I felt the
urge to close my eyes and waited for his lips to touch mine.
I waited for a few seconds ngunit walang dumapo na labi niya kaya dahan-dahan kong
binuksan ang mga mata ko and ....
Holy Crap! Napabalikwas ako ng bangon at nasuntok ang mukha ng lalaking nakahiga sa
harapan ko! His face was just few inches on mine!
"Damn! Can't you just say good morning?", Gray said habang kinukusot ang mata at
napahawak sa pisngi niya na nasuntok ko.
Teka, have I told you na umandar na naman ang kapilyohan ni Sir Arman at
nagpareserve ng iisang hotel suite para sa aming dalawa?!
Okay, the bed was kingsized ngunit nagulat na lamang ako nang mapansing sobrang
lapit na ng mukha namin! I thought it was just a dream ngunit totoo ngang halos
magkalapat na ang mga labi namin! Sheeet! Naconcious tuloy ako sa hininga ko!
"Bakit ka nakayakap sa akin?", I asked hysterically! Darn! Nakisabay pa talaga ang

panaginip ko!
"Am I? I thought you're the one who wrapped your legs on me", he said. How could he
look so good even if he just gone from bed? I prevented myself from touching his
dishevelled hair and run it through my fingers.
Arrrgh! What am I thinking!? No no no! Erase that thought! Erase! Nakakainis

talaga! Nakalimutan kang may katabi pala ako!
"I unconciously do it when I'm asleep! You don't have to take advantage!", I
scowled at him. Mahilig kasi akong yumakap ng mga unan kapag tulog ako. I prefer to
have a pillow beside me than having one on my head. Nadagdagan pa ang mga katabi ko
mula ng dumating si Baymax.
"I didn't took advantage on you Amber, it's the other way round. Pinagsamantalahan
mo ako habang tulog", he said with a pout.
"What do you mean?"
"You really want to know?", he asked with his mischievous smile.
"What?!"
"I felt something sof-"
I cut him off by covering my ears. "On the second thought, you shut up!"
"You said you want to hear it!", he said and he giggled samantalang nagmamadali
naman akong nagpunta sa banyo.
"I'm saying I felt your soft hair na nangingiliti sa leeg ko! You placed your head
on my neck all night", narinig kong sigaw niya kasabay ng halakhak. "Oh, you
punched me in my face, it hurts you know!"
Well, he deserved it. Uh, See? I guess this is how we say our good morning to each
other.
After we ate our breakfast ay nakatanggap kami ng email mula kay Hazel. We
exchanged emails yesterday after Gray said that we will help her find the other
will na maaring nasa mansion lamang ni Jedidiah Wheatly kung saan nananatili sina
Jodie at Hazel.
She told us that the will might be in the mansion where Jedidiah lived and nursed
by Helena Higson and her husband Dion Romano dahil si Jedidiah mismo ang sumulat
niyon after he consulted his lawyers.
He was a half-British, born and raised in the Philippines but he wasn't married.
Nanirahan ito sa London and lived a British lifestyle. Jedidiah's late wife was a
cousin of the Higsons. Yumao ito nang hindi man lamang nabibigyan ng anak si
Jedidiah.
Hazel and Jodie's grandparents were Jedidiah's cousin at nang maulila sila ay
napunta sila sa pangangalaga ni Jedidiah.
Hazel met us at Regent's Park that morning. Kasama nito si Jodie nang magkita kami.
She said in the email that we can stay at the mansion.
"Thank you for accepting my invitation. Nakausap ko na rin ang mga kaibigan ni Lolo
Jed. I told them about the two if you and they're hoping that we can really find
the other will", wika niya.
"Walang ano man iyon Hazel. But ayos lamang ba sa mga Higson na manatili kami sa
mansion?", I asked her. Baka kasi magalit ang mga Higson kapag manatili kami sa
mansion. Gray said that we'll stay there for a day or two if Hazel can find a way
to let us stay there. Suportado naman ni Sir Arman ang "misyon" namin. Napag-usapan
kasi namin kagabi sa hapunan ang tungkol sa mga balak naming gawin sa loob ng
dalawang linggo naming pananatili doon.
"Don't worry about it Amber. I told Aunt Helena na may mga kaibigan akong dadalhin
sa mansion at pumayag naman siya. Don't worry about her sister, Aunt Adella na
masungit. Their youngest sibling was Uncle Zach", she said. "By the way, if ever
we'll find another will, does it render the old one void and null?"
"Yes. We'll ask a lawyer to contest the old will", Gray said. "My mom's a lawyer
and I asked her if we can do that and she said yes. It's applicable in the british
law."
"But are you sure that it's really in the mansion?", I asked.
"I overheard them spoke about a written will by Jedidiah himself and it was signed
and witnessed by some lawyers both those lawyers were gone. One died due to his
sickness, the other one was of car accident and the last is murdered", wika niya.
"What? Is that a coincidence?", hindi makapaniwalala kong tanong and he shrugged

his shoulders.
"Who knows."
"Looks like you heard that much Gray. So, paano? Let's go to the mansion", Hazel
said at sumakay na kami.
It just took us few minutes bago kami dumating sa Wheatly Mansion and I was
surprised to see the house! It was a huge one at nagmukha itong royal abode! On the
yard was an angel statue and it was in the middle of a huge fountain. There were
flowers of different varieties on the side of the Tudor-styled mansion. It looks so
old but heck,you can call it a palace dahil sa lawak niyon. Sinalubong kami ng
pamilyar na mukha ng lalaki. He was one of the passenger of the same flight where
we have been.
"Sila na ba ang mga bisita mo Hazel?", he asked with a smile. He was a man around
mid-30's.
"Opo Uncle. This is Gray and ito naman si Amber", pakilala ni Hazel at bumaling sa
amin."He's Uncle Zach."
We exchanged greetings at sinamahan niya kami papasok. Habang naglalakad ay panay

ang kwento niya. Ayon sa kanya, he spent most his life sa Pilipinas at ngayon
lamang siya nakapunta dito. Tanging si Helena lamang ang nanatili sa London upang
alagaan ang matanda at madalang itong dalawin no Adella.
"I guess I'll be staying here lalo na at sa amin pinamana ni Tito Jed ang lahat ng
estates niya", he said and he laughed. "I'm a rich man."
I saw a glimpse of anger on Hazel's eyes. I understand her side. Isa pa ay sila ang
mas kadugo ni Jedidiah and not the Higson's. Marami silang pinangakuan ni Jedidiah
Wheatly ngunit lahat ng iyon ay napako. Nang mga sandaling iyon ay naisip ko rin
ang iba pang napangakuan ni Wheatly na makakatanggap ng shares mula sa estate nito.
Marami ang umaasa dito and this mission is an important one.
"Mauna na ako sa inyo, Hazel guide them to the guest quarters", Uncle Zach said and
he walks towards the other direction.
Inihatid kami ni Hazel at Jodie papunta sa quarters. I was clinging all the time to
Gray! Okay, don't get me wrong. Ginawa ko lamang iyon dahil sa mansion! It was a
bit strange and one of its eccentricities is that there where photos, pantings and
wallpapers which were eyes! Sa mga pinto ay may nakaguhit na mata and on the walls
were pantings of an eye! Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay andaming nakatingin sa akin.
Nang makarating kami sa kwartong gagamitin ko ay mas lalo akong natakot.
"There's no way I'll be sleeping alone here!", I exclaimed when I saw the room!
Gosh! It was a huge room with red bricks at gaya sa labas ay napakaraming mata
doon!
"You want to share rooms with me?", Gray asked.
"Yes! I mean No! Uh, I'm left with no choice. Ayaw kong manatili dito ng mag-isa!",
I said at inalog si Gray. "Please."
"Fine with me. I don't want to leave the princess alone", he said and I rolled my
eyes. Hazel just laughed at nagpaalam muna sa amin. She said she had some errands
to do at tatawagin lamang kami kapag kakain na.
When the meals were served ay tinawag na nga kami. Muli naming nakita ang mga
Higson.
The couple who was arguing at the flight was Adella Higson and her husband Rufino.
The younger guy was their child at Don ang pangalan nito. Si Helena naman ay kasama
rin ang kanyang asawa na si Dion. Uncle Zach is still a bachelor.
"Kayo pala ang mga kaibigan ni Hazel", wika ni Aunt Adella. "I'm telling you right
now, ayokong nandito kayo but for Hazel's sake ay pumayag nalang ako dahil aalis
rin naman siya dito sa mansion!", she said with full authority.
"Don't be rude on them Helena", wika ni Kuya Zach.
"Ano po ang ibig ninyong sabihin?", Hazel asked in disbelief.
"I'm sending you back in the Philippines, doon sa mga kamag-anak ninyo. Wala ka rin
namang silbi dito sa mansion. Nagbubuhay prinsesa ka lang", she said. Naikwento na
sa amin ni Hazel na siya at si Jodie ay apo ni Jedidiah but their parents were
already dead. Namatay ang mga ito sa plane crash but they still have their
relatives on the other side.
"Whaaaat? How about Jodie?", Hazel asked.
"Kasama mo. Kung wala kang silbi ay mas lalong wala siyang silbi!"
"Adella! Nasa hapag kainan tayo!", saway ni Helena sa kapatid.
"Totoo naman ha, Ate!", Adella said.
"But we lived here for so long!", wika ni Hazel. She was on the verge of crying.
Maging si Jodie na nasa murang edad ay inilapag ang kubyertos at biglang napayuko.
I can feel the tension on the dining hall at yumuko lang din ako. Tanging si Gray
ang direktang nakatingin sa mga Higson and I bet there are thousands of things on
his mind. His simple gaze can have many deductions.
"Tumahimik ka Adella dahil nasa harap tayo ng pagkain", her husband said.
"Wag kang makialam dito Rufino dahil sampid ka lang din naman. Why don't you just
sign our annulment papers at nang maghiwalay tayo? Wala ka ring aasahan sa mga
pamana ni Kuya Jed!", singhal nito sa asawa.
"Adella, tama ang kapatid mo. Nasa hapag kainan tayo", wika ng asawa ni Helena na
si Dion.
"Kinaklaro ko lamang ang lahat Kuya Dion! At alam niyo bang isa si Hazel sa mga
nagfile ng claim kasama ng iba pang mga kaibigan ni Kuya Jed, and declared that
they're told that another will was made in favor of them!"
"Totoo ba iyon Hazel?", tanong ni Helena at yumuko lamang ang naging tugon ni
Hazel.
"Sinasabi ko na nga ba! Huh!"
Nagsalita naman ang anak ni Adella na si Don. "I doubt Aunt Helena. That matter
never go further unless they located the other will kung totoong meron man."
Pinalakpak ni Uncle Zach ang kanyang kamay, sanhi upang naagaw niya ang atensyon ng
iba. "Cut the topic. Kumain muna tayo", he said at natahimik naman ang lahat at
ibinalik ang atensyon sa pagkain.
*****
I tossed and turn on my bed nang nagpahinga ng kami. I was thinking of the scene
kanina sa hapag-kainan. I hardly can't swallow my food kanina dahil sa pinag-usapan
nila! I pity Hazel and Jodie too! Sino nga kaya sa kanila ang narinig ni Gray sa
eroplano?
Speaking of Gray, he was busy surfing on his laptop. I don't know kung para saan
iyon ngunit mukhang seryoso ito sa ginagawa kaya hindi ko na ito inabala pa. Bigla
na lamang siyang lumingon sa akin.
"What?", I asked.
"Base sa nangyari kanina, what can you draw upon it?"
"They're greedy", sagot ko. Naiinis ako kapag naiisip na hindi man lamang nila
tutulungan sina Hazel gayong sila naman ang kadugo ni Jedidiah.
"Yeah, I know that. Other than that?", he asked again.
"I hate the steak. There's something off wit-"
"Not that."
"The dessert was -"
"Amber."
"Gray, I'm not as observant as you. So just spill it, okay?", I rolled my eyes at
him.
"I can say that there really is another will", wika niya at bigla na lamang kaming
nakarinig ng sigaw.
Agad kaming napatakbo sa pinagmulan niyon and we saw Aunt Adella sitting on the
floor at nahintakutang nakatingin sa nakabukas na pinto. Lumapit din doon ang iba
pang nasa mansion at nagulat na lamang kami ng makita ang katawan ni Rufino. He was
hanging on the ceiling with the rope on his neck!
"No! Rufino! No!"
Isa na namang sigaw ang narinig narinig namin and it was Hazel's voice! Tumakbo
kami papunta sa banyo and we saw Don sitting dead on the floor. Sa tabi nito ay may
kutsilyo at laslas ang pulso nito.
"Doooooon!", sigaw ni Adella nang pumunta ito doon at bigla na lamang itong
hinimatay.
"Oh my God!", Zach exclaimed. "Who could have done this?" Binuhat niya si Adella at
inakyat ito sa silid upang mailapag sa kama.
"Amber, call the police-", hindi na natapos ni Gray ang sasabihin dahil pinigilan
siya ni Zach.
"No. Don't call the police. Not yet. Hindi pa natin alam kong pinatay ba sila o
nagpakamatay and I don't want our family to be in such scandal kaya let's figure
out this on our own", paliwanag niya at sumang-ayon naman si Helena.
Gray flashed his usual smile everytime he encountered a case. "If you say so, but
as of now I can say that this is pure murder disguised as a suicide."
Nagulat naman sila at napatingin kay Gray. As of me, I'm not surprised anymore.
Inaasahan ko na malulutas ito ni Gray. I was busy observing the dead bodies too.
There were some peculiarities and remarkable things na nasa mga crime scene.
"This is a family matter kaya sa tingin ko ay labas muna kayo dito. I suggest you
should stay at your room while our family fix this", wika sa amin ni Dion.
The arrogant side of Gray appeared at hinarap ito. "We're directly involved on this
lalo na at nandito kami mismo sa bahay. We could be important witnesses to this
case and like I said, it's murder but if you wish not to call the police until we
solve this case, that's fine", Gray said. He was oozing with authority evertime he
speak arrogantly.
"Sino ka ba talaga?", tanong ni Helena. "Why do you act as if you know the police
procedures?"
"My name is Gray Silvan and I'm a detective", tinuro niya ako. "She's Amber Sison
and she's a detective."
Bigla na lamang humagalpak ng tawa si Zach. "You're a detective? Nagpapatawa ba

kayo? Okay, what are your grounds for saying this is a murder?"
"Want to try us? First is Rufino. Hindi mo ba napanson ang rope marks sa mga daliri
niya? It was because of his struggle bago siya binawian ng buhay. As of Don's case,
I haven't got much", Gray said at sumingit naman ako.
"As of Don's case it's also murder. Look at the position of the knife. It's on his
right side but the cut marks on his wrist was from right to left. Ibig sabihin, a
right handed killer cut his wrist and not Don himself", paliwanag ko sa kanila.
They checked our theories at napatunayan na totoo ang mga sinasabi namin. Tinanong
ang bawat isa kung nasaan sila sa mga oras na pinatay si Rufino at Don.
Helena said that she was from the bathroom and stayed at the bathtub for few hours.
His husband Dion was on the art room since he was a painter at kasalukuyang
tinatapos ang kanyang obra. Zach was smoking on the portico at silang tatlo ay
walang mga witness para sa mga alibi nila. As of Adella, hindi pa namin ito
nakakausap dahil wala pa itong malay after she fell unconcious nang makita ang
kalunos-lunos na kalagayan ng asawa at anak.
We continued our investigation for few minutes. We search the whole place para sa
mga posibleng makapagtuturo ng kung sino man ang gumawa niyon. It took as while at
saka ko lamang napansin na wala doon si Hazel at maging ang iba.
"Amber, nasaan sila?", Gray asked and I shrugged my shoulders.
"Let's go upstairs", wika ni Gray. Pumunta kami sa silid ni Hazel at kumatok doon.
She was with Jodie inside.
"Pasensya na kayo kung wala ako kanina doon sa pagtatanong ninyo. I'm comforting
Jodie at nilalayo ko lang siya sa crime scene. Looks like dinamdam niya ang sinabi
ni Aunt Adella kanina", Hazel said at naawa ako sa bata. Her eyes were red dahil
galing ito sa pag-iyak.
Lumapit si Gray sa kanya and he confronted her. "Don't worry about it Jodie, okay?"
"But Lolo said that this is our home", Jodie said at muli na naman itong umiyak.
"Hush Jodie. Kung nasaan man ngayon ang lolo mo, she don't want to see you crying",
wika ko. Pinunasan naman niya ang mga luha.
"Yes, that's what he told me when he died", Jodie said.
"Ah, oo nga pala. Si Jodie ang nasa tabi ni Lolo bago ito namatay", wika ni Hazel.
Si Jodie? Maybe she heard his last words. "Aside from saying na wag kang umiyak,
ano pa ang sabi ng lolo mo Jodie?", Gray asked at nag-isip saglit si Jodie.
"Hindi niya natapos ang sasabihin niya dahil binawian na siya ng buhay. His last
words was 'I will' and then he passed away", sagot ni Jodie.
"Do you know already who the culprit is?", tanong ni Hazel sa amin and Gray shook
his head.
"I still have no idea at kung bakit niya iyon ginawa and what's the reason behind.
Isa pa ay bakit ang mag-ama ang kanyang pinata - shit! Aunt Adella might be in
danger!", wika niya at tumakbo papunta sa silid kung saan inilapag kanina ni Zach
ang katawan ng kapatid.
Hazel called the others but it was too late. Gaya ng inaasahan ay wala nang buhay
ito.
"What? No! Anong nangyari kay Adella!", umiiyak na wika ni Helena.
"She was poisoned. I can smell the scent of almond on her mouth. This is a case of
poisoning", wika ni Gray. Saka ko lamang napansin na nasa master's bedroom pala
kami. Just like the rest of the house, there were lot's of eye in the wall. Naroon
din ang pinakamalaking painting ng mata. It was on the doorway towards the big
closet.
"But who did poisoned her at maging ang pumatay sa pamilya ni Ate Adella?", tanong
ni Zach.
I walked towards the big closet. Habang abala si Gray sa kanyang deduction show,
nacurious ako ng makita ang pinakamalaking mata. I opened the closet and walked
inside at isinara ang pinto ng closet. Saka ko lang napansin na may maliit na
button sa gitna niyon. Naririnig ko pa rin ang boses ni Gray as he was spilling his
deductions about this crime.
"The one who killed them was ...........
I pressed the button kasabay ng pagbigkas ni Gray sa pangalan ng killer and I was
shocked when the floor where I was standing suddenly opened and I fell on the long
tunnel downwards.
**
Who's your killer and why? Icomment na yan :)
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CHAPTER 10: EYE FOUND IT

Chapter 10: Eye Found It
All I can hear was my shout ng bigla na lamang akong nahulog. I was expecting to
hit on the hard floor ngunit sa halip ay bumagsak ako sa isang malambot na cushion.
Uh, where am I?
Madilim doon kaya kinuha ko ang cellphone na nasa bulsa ko and used it as a
flashlight. I looked for a switch on the wall and when I found one ay agad kong
pinindot iyon at umilaw ang paligid.
I was amazed to see where I was! It was a huge library with thousand books in it!
Malalaki ang shelves doon at may mga hagdan pa upang makaakyat sa mataas na mga
shelves! I saw a study table with a picture frame. Lumapit ako doon and I picked up
the picture frame. Larawan iyon ng dalawang lalaki na nakasuot ng Army uniform. At
the back of the frame was some writings.
"May you continue to see the beauty of life Pal."

Truly, Elton.
July 12, 1945
Jedidiah Wheatly was a soldier? Bakit hindi iyon naikwento ni Hazel? May mga
nagkalat na papel doon kaya isa-isa ko iyong tiningnan.
Jedidiah Wheatly.
Iyon ang nakaukit sa mesa. This must be his secret library! I scanned the papers at
may mga nakasulat doon ngunit hindi iyon tinapos.
I, Jedidiah Wheatly, do make this last will and testament -

there was an inkblot on the paper kaya hindi iyon natapos at ganoon din ang ibang
mga papel na naroon! Well this just means one thing!
There really is another will! I felt the excitement in me! Nanaig ang kagustuhan
kong tulungan sina Hazel at ang iba pang umaasa na maaring may iniwan si Jedidiah
sa kanila. I looked around the place at saka ko lang naramdaman ang takot. Just
like the other part of the house, the secret library was made of red bricks with
eyes on it.
I looked around the area and opened every folder na naroon. I totally ignored the
eyes that were staring at me. Nabuksan ko na lahat ng drawer at envelope doon
ngunit wala akong nakitang dokumento doon. Did he hide it on one of the pages of
the books?
I rolled my eyes on such thought. There's no way I'll be scanming the thousand
books in this library! Napakalawak niyon at nababaliw ba siguro si ginoong Jedidiah
kung inipit nga niya sa isang libro ang kanyang habilin and put it randomly in the
shelves. Duh.
I sat down on the chair at nag-isip ng maaring hanapan ng nga dokumento. I've read
in mystery novels na tinatago ng iba ang mga kayamanan nila sa ilalim ng kama o
kaya ay kung saan. Kung mga dokumento naman ay inilalagay nila iyon sa likod ng nga
antique na orasan o kaya ay sa mga jars at iba pa. I looked around for clocks but I
never saw one so I dropped the possibility that he had hide it on a clock. Wala
naman akong ibang nakikita sa paligid kundi mga mata at libro.
I stared at the wall for a while and I noticed something. May nakasulat sa ibaba ng
malaking mata na nasa harap mismo ng upuan.
P S E D U I O ~
Pseduio? Ano naman ang ibig sabihin niyon? Did Jedidiah wrote it as a clue? I
looked for a dictionary but I couldn't find such word. Was it a name of a person?
Jediah's pet? Baka naman iyon ang gumuhit sa mga mata. Artists usually signed their
artworks, right?
But I doubt on such thought. Those words were large na para bang sinadya upang
makita. Or maybe Jedidiah had bad side and decided to vandal on his library's
precious wall.
I observed closely at the biggest eye and it was staring straight at me. Uh,
malamang sa akin ito nakatitig dahil ako ang nasa harapan nito. I tried looking at
my back and it was a painting of an eye. Lumapit ako doon and observed it closely
but there wasn't anything strange about it. Nang hawakan ko iyon ay gumalaw iyon
and that's when I decided to look at its back at may nakasulat nga doon!
"So, you mock my blindness? Let me tell you this. You with your precious eyes,
you're blind to the corruption of your life ..."
Wait, that line seems so familiar! Hindi ko lamang maalala kung saan ko nga ba
nabasa iyon! Paulit-ulit kong binabasa iyon ngunit mas lalo namang naguguluhan ang
isip ko. Muli ko iyong binasa at inalala.
So, you mock my blindness? Let me tell you this. You with your precious eyes,
you're blind to the corruption of your life ..."
Saan ko nga ba nabasa ang linyang ito? And then I remembered the letters on the
wall! That could be it!
I arranged the letters P S E D U I O and I got the name OEDIPUS! The line was from
the classical tragedy OEDIPUS REX! Maybe it means that I should search for that
book!
Just like a usual library, Jedidiah Wheatly's library was labelled with different
sections. Hinanap ko ang mythology section sa mga shelves na abot ng tanaw ko but I
couldn't find it. I climbed on the few steps of the ladder at hinanap iyon ngunit
wala pa rin doon so I decided to look on the topmost part of the shelf.
It was a big and old book about Sopocles who was the playwright of Oedipus. Nang
hilahin ko ang libro ay may sumamang maliit na kahon. It was a very small box with
an eye on it's lid! Great! The will could be inside!
Dahan-dahan akong bumaba upang matingnan ang laman ng kahon. Nang makababa ako ay
inilapag ko sa study table ang kahon and opened it but someone suddenly grabbed my
hair. I cried in pain ng maramdaman ko ang sakit sa anit ko. I immediately turned
my gaze on my attacker at nagulat ako kung sino ito.
"Uncle Dion?", I asked in surprise.
"Yes , dear! It's me! I'm sorry but I have knocked down your important guy as well
as everyone! Thanks for finding me this box anyway! Masisira ko na ito so that the
current will cannot be contested", wika niya as he motioned the long sharp knife on
me.
Siya ang punatay kina Don, Uncle Rufino at Aunt Adella? But Why?! I thought that
Uncle Zach was more suspicious?! Sa kanilang tatlo ay Si Auncle Dion ang mabait at
hindi mahangin, unlike Uncle Zach!
Mas lalo niyang hinila ang buhok ko at napangiwi ako sa sakit. It's very convenient
for him since I have a long hair na abot hanggang bewang. Napangiwi ako sa sakit
dahil sa ginawa niya
"But why Uncle Dion? Bakit mo pinatay ang pamilya ni Aunt Adella?", I asked habang
napahawak sa buhok kong hila-hila pa rin niya. "The Higson's inherit everything
kaya hindi mo na sila kailangang patayin!"
"You're too naive dear. The Higson's are nothing but greedy demons! As a reward for
finding this box for me, I'll tell you why I killed them. Yes, they got everything
on that will that they forced the old man to do. But I have to kill them! Wheatly's
estate is a considerable one! I didn't even imagine that he got that much! I just
thought that he's an old man who's eccentricities includes too much obsession with
eyes! But damn! He's incredibly rich! Ang kailangan ko lang gawin ay patayin ang
mga kapatid ni Helena upang mapunta sa kanya ang lahat", wika niya. He was smiling
like an idiot and I thought that he had some mental disorders! God! He's so scary!
"Ibig sabihin ay kasabwat mo si Aunt Helena?", I asked and he shook his head.
"No! I'll kill her lastly after she signed an agreement that we practice conjugal
properties. At kapag nangyari iyon, mapapasaakin na ang kayamanan ni Jedidiah. That
woman can't even give me a child at maging ang kanyang ari-arian ay ipinagdadamot
pa niya so I need to kill her, right after you!", he said. Shocks, who would have
thought na mapaPilipinas o London ay manganganib ang buhay ko?
"You're so evil!", I hissed at him and he laughed like a mad man.
"I'm sorry dear! That's for sticking your butt in this business. This isn't a
playground for you", wika niya at hinila ang buhok ko palapit sa kanya. He held my
neck at idiniin doon ang hawak na kutsilyo. I felt the knife's sharp edge at
naramdaman kong may pumatak doon sa bahaging bahagya niyang diniinan.
Bigla na lamang may dumapo sa amin na malaking libro kaya napalingon kami sa
pinagmulan niyon and I saw Gray.
"Oops, sorry", he said with his mischievous smile. Wait, nakukuha pa niyang ngumiti
even if my life is in line?
"But I already knocked you out!", wika ni Uncle Dion.
Gray shrugged his shoulders as he pouted. "That's what you thought but I wasn't. I
have already seen through your ploy kaya I pointed out the wrong culprit which is
Uncle Zach to let your guard down. He's part of my scheme", Gray said. Ibig bang
sabihin ay iba ang tinuro niyang salarin sa deduction show niya kanina bago ako
nahulog?
"By the way, Uncle Zach is out to keep the others safe. You planned to poison us
that's why we played along with your idea. Nagkunyari kaming nalason upang matunton
namin ang daan papunta dito."
"Damn it! You're smart to read everthing but sorry, you can't stop me", Uncle Dion
said at inilapag ang kutsilyo sa mesa at kinuha ang baril mula sa bulsa.
"I've got a gun he-", bago pa man naitaas ni Uncle Dion ang kanyang baril ay binato
na ito ni Gray ng librong nakahard bound.
"Run Amber!", he shouted kasabay ng paglaglag ng baril ni Dion. I immediately moved

my foot to run away ngunit naunahan akong hawakan ulit ni Uncle Dion sa buhok.
"You can't escape me dear!", he said as he tried to pick the gun on the floor. I
winced in pain ng naramdaman ang paghila niya sa buhok ko at nasulyapan ko ang
kutsilyo sa mesa. I immediately grabbed the knife and cut my hair using it. Ininda
ko ang sakit na dulot ng paghila at ang kakaibang tunog ng kutsilyo sa buhok ko.
That's when Gray, na hindi ko namalayang nakalapit na pala, kicked the gun away
from Uncle Dion. He also kicked him on the gut kaya napaupo ito sa sahig.
He immediately stood up at galit na tiningnan si Gray. "HOW DARE YOU!", he shouted

at akmang sugod kay Gray but he was knocked down with a single blow of a baseball
bat na hawak-hawak ni Uncle Zach.
"I guess I'm just in time", he said and smiled at us.
Pinagtulungan naming itali si Uncle Dion habang wala itong malay. I frowned as I
saw my hair on the floor. Napahawak ako sa buhok ko and it was just few inches
below the shoulders. May iilang bahagi pa rin ng buhok ko na hanggang balikat pa
rin.
"Thank you for your help", Uncle Zach said matapos naming ilabas sa library si
Uncle Dion. We used another secret way palabas sa library na iyon, unlike the
tunnel on the master's bedroom.
Nang makarating kami sa sala kung saan naghihintay sina Hazel, Jodie at Aunt Helena
ay bigla na lamang napatakbo si Jodie sa akin.
"What happened to your hair Amber?", she asked habang tinitingnan ang hindi pantay
na buhok ko.
"I cut it Jodie", sagot ko sa kanya at bumaling kay Aunt Helena na biglang
nagsalita.
"Pasensya na kayo kung ganito ang nangyari dito. We've been blinded by our
rapacity", wika niya. "I know it's because of the will. Yes, we have forced Uncle
Jedidiah to leave everything to us but I know he made a latter will written by
himself. Nagpadala ako sa sulsol ni Adella sa akin. I felt guilty for the old man,
after all I'm closed to him since I'm the one who nursed him."
Lumapit ako sa kanila at inilapag ang box. "I know I have no right to say this but
I hope that you would respect the old man's will in this box", wika ko.
"The last will and testament was in that box?", Uncle Zach asked and I shrugged my
shoulders.
"I'm not really sure but I do hope", wika ko. Lumapit si Aunt Helena sa box at
dahan-dahang binuksan iyon.
We're expecting an old paper inside ngunit sa halip ay isa iyong mata! Napaatras si
Aunt Helena sa gulat. It wasn't a human eye but it was a bigger on and made of
glass.
"An ocular prosthesis?", Gray asked. Lumapit si Gray sa box at kinuha ang malaking
mata doon. He examined it closely. "It is really an ocular prosthesis."
"What was that for? Is Uncle Jedidiah that obsessive for an eye to the point na may
mga ganyan siya?", Uncle Zach asked.
As if a que, things flashed into my mind. From the strange design of the house with
the hundreds of eyes in it, the photo frame, the Oedipus reference, the artificial
eye and everything.
"Sir Jedidiah's is blind until his friend donated him his eyes after the second
world war", wika ko at nagtatakang napatingin silang lahat sa akin.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", Gray said.
"I think he's a soldier during the war and he got himself blinded at isa sa
kasamahan niyang sundalo ang nagdonate sa kanya ng mata.", wika ko.
"Uncle is a war veteran?", hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Aunt Helena.
"You don't know?"
Napailing sila. "I have no idea", Uncle Zach said.
"I saw a photo in the secret library and it can support my theory. Maybe his love
for such friend inspired him to design this mansion in a strange manner", wika ko
sa kanila.
"We don't have idea about the secret library too until Dion found it! Damn that
man! Sinasabi ko na nga bang hindi siya mapagkakatiwalaan!", Uncle Zach said at
napayuko lamang si Aunt Helena.
Everthing has been settled at nagkapatawaran na sina Hazel at ang mga Higson. They
apologized about their monopolization of the Wheatly's estates. Nangako din ang mga
ito na tutulong sa paghanap ng huling testamento ni Jedidiah.
The Metropolitan Police arrived at agad na hinuli sa Dion. Kinuha rin ang mga
bangkay ng biktima nito. I felt sorry for Aunt Helena and Uncle Zach's loss lalo na
at pinatay ni Dion ang kapatid at pamilya nito.
"I'm sorry for bringing you into this mess", wika ni Hazel. Kasalukuyan nila kaming
hinahatid sa labas ng mansion where Sir Arman's driver was waiting. Tinawagan ito
ni Gray upang masundo kami. We're not planning to stay over.
"Well, kahit hindi natin nakita ang dokumento ni Lolo, I'm glad that we knew his
history. Wala siyang sinabi tungkol sa karanasan niya noong kabataan niya. Kaya
pala strikto siya kung minsan."
"He loves making codes and ciphers for us too! Maybe he used military ciphers on us
before", nakangiting wika ni Jodie. Hawak-hawak niya ang malaking artificial eye na
laman ng box.
"I really thought that it was in the box", wika ko sa kanila. I saw Gray's face
became serious. Ano na naman ang naiisip nito? Is he planning to extend our stay at
this strange mansion?
"Jodie, can I borrow that eye for a while?", he asked at kahit nagtataka ay inabot
naman iyon sa kanya ni Jodie.
Nagulat na lamang kami ng bigla niya iyong ibinagsak at nabasag iyon since it was
made of glass.
"Gray! What have you-"

Napatigil ako ng pinulot ni Gray ang isang nakalakumkos na papel kasama ng maliit
at flat na susi with a tag marked 251. Binuklat niya ang papel and I was delighted
to see the writings. I assumed that the cramped writings was Jedidiah's and Hazel
confirmed it.
"That's Lolo's penmanship!", she exclaimed in excitement.
The paper read:

To the one who found this, my last will and testament will be found in a safe
deposit box in the Depository Bank of London. With this is the key to the box with
the number 251 and under the name Jedidiah Elton.
Elton! It must be the man in the photograph! They established an immeasurable

friendship! Hazel called their lawyer samantalang bumalik naman kami ni Gray sa
hotel na nakalaan sa amin. Hazel promised to email us for the progress of the new
will.
The next day, she emailed us and informed us about the new will at sa pagsang-ayon
ng mga Higson. She also told us that the Higson's already apologized for the first
will. Sa ngayon ay maayos na ang mga ito at ang mga Higsons. It's just sad to think
that they lose three family members. As of Uncle Dion, he was inprisoned and
charged with multiple charges of murder under the British law.
"I'm glad na ayos na pala ang mga napangakuan ni Jedidiah Wheatly", wika ni Gray.
He was facing on his laptop, busy surfing.
"Yeah, me too. Nakakalungkot lang isipin na kailangan pang mamatay nina Aunt Adella
at ng pamilya niya", wika ko.
"Yeah, and it's sad that you lose your beautiful, long hair", wika niya at saka ko
lang naalala ang hindi pantay kong buhok!
"I need to go to a parlor", wika ko at biglang napatayo mula sa kama. I changed my

clothes and hurried outside.
"Wait, hindi mo ako isasama?", he asked at biglang napatayo. I rolled my eyes at

him.
"You'll be bored there kaya dito ka ba lang, bye! No need to call the driver, I'll
take a cab!", wika ko at tumakbo palabas ng hotel, totally ignoring his protests.
Nang makalabas ako ng hotel ay agad akong pumara ng taxi at nagpahatid sa

pinakamalapit na parlor. The pocketmoney that Mom provided came in handy. Masyado
kasi kaming ini-spoonfeed ni Sir Arman sa mga pangangailangan namin kaya hindi ko
iyon nagagamit.
I frowned when I remember my hair. I have no other way but to cut it kahit ayaw ko.
I can't risk my life over my hair! I was thinking of a possible haircut ng bigla na
lamang huminto ang taxi. The door beside me swung open at isang baril ang
sumalubong sa akin.
"Get out of the cab", wika ng lalaking may hawak ng baril and I was surprised to
see who it was!
"Cooler?"
"Amber?", he asked at napalingon sa likuran niya. "DAMN!!", nagmamadaling pumasok

siya sa loob ng kotse at naupo sa tabi ko. He was sweating all over na tila ba
galing siya sa pagtakbo. Itinapat niya ang baril sa sintido ng driver. "DRIVE
FAST!", he said in an authoritative tune.
Sumunod naman ang driver at agad na pinaharurot ang kotse. Uh, seriously?! Hanggang
London ba naman?!
*****
Wiki is a reference and Nancy Drew is an inspiration. Sorry for the late update!
I'm editing the file 1 for the grammatical errors kasi :D
Join DF group in Fb! Just search Detective Files by Shinichilaaaabs and be
acquainted with DF readers! xD
CHAPTER 11: HIS EXCELLENCY

Chapter 11: His Excellency
**
"Cooler?"
"Amber? Damn!", he said at agad na itinuon ang baril sa driver na nahintakutan din.
"Drive fast!"
Hinampas ko ang isang braso niya. "Put away that gun idiot!" Natataranta na kasi
ang driver. Who wouldn't be kung bigla na lamang may pumara sayo at bigla ka na
lamang lalabasan ng baril!
Agad naman niya iyong binaba. "Shit, Amber! What the hell are you doing here?" He
keeps on looking back at halatang natataranta.
"I should be asking the same question. What are you doing here?", I asked him
habang nagpupunas siya ng pawis. The driver was glancing at us on the rearview
mirror. Cooler pointed again his gun at the driver. "What? Just drive anywhere and
make it faster!"
"Oh, nothing. Don't kill me. Please, don't kill me! I'll drive you anywhere, just
please don't kill me", wika ng driver and this time ay binatukan ko si Cooler.
"Awww! Aray ah!", he scowled at me. Uh, seriously?! Umaray siya sa simpleng
pagbatok na iyon?
"Ibaba mo sabi eh! Natatakot yung driver sayo!", wika ko sa kanya. Funny how he
looks so dangerous with a gun, yet sa simpleng pagbatok ay napapaaray na ito. "Sabi
ko anong ginagawa mo dito? Sinusundan mo ba ako?"
"Sorry to burst your bubble Amber but I wasn't following you. Dalawang linggo na
ako dito. I should be the one asking what are you doing here. Parang kailan lang ng
tumawag si Artemis to inform me that Ryu brought you in the mansion and now you're
here?", he said.
"I'm on a vacation with Gray", sagot ko sa kanya. Ikinuwenyo iyon sa kanya ni
Artemis?
"Ah, I see. A vacation huh? You decided to spend some time here with Gr- with Gray?
What the hell?!", he asked. "With Gray? You mean Gray Vander?"
I rolled my eyes at him. "Gray Silvan, not Vander."
"He's still a Vander whether he like it or not", he said with a pout. "But why the
hell?! Bakit si Gray ang kasama mo?!"
"Don't ask. It's a long story. Now mind sharing why you just came calling the cab
I'm in, sweating like a pig and pointing your gun on us?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"I don't know that you are in this cab. I'm chased by some guys, damn business",
wika niya. Panay pa rin ang lingon niya sa likuran.
"WHAT?"
"Ugh, sorry Amber", he said with a frown. Damn him! Idinamay na naman ako. I
remembered one time when we ran to escape his pursuers. We did escaped but in the
end ay ang nahuli kami ng mga inutusan ni Cronus. I gave him a dagger stare bago
itinapat ang paningin sa labas ng sasakyan
"What happened to your hair?", nagulat niyang tanong. Hinawakan niya ang hindi
pantay kong buhok while his hands was still holding the gun. "Did you went to a
parlor and escaped the barber?"
Hinila ko ang buhok ko mula sa kanya. "I'm going to a parlor. I cut my hair using a
knife."
"Have you gone crazy for doing such?! Sayang ang buhok mo", he asked surprisedly.
Kung nanghihinayang siya sa buhok ko, paano na lang kaya ako? Araw-araw ko iyong
inaalagaan and then one day -! Uh, masakit sa kalooban!
"It's a matter of life and death", sagot ko sa kanya. The driver asked kung saan
kami maaring bumaba. When I looked back, wala na ang mga kotse na sumusunod sa
amin.
"Bring us to Fleet Street", Cooler said at tumango ang driver sa kanya. Pinahinto
ni Cooler ang driver sa isang busy na daan at panay pa rin ang tingin ni Cooler sa
paligod kung ligtas na ba. When everything was cleared ay hinila niya ako palabas
ng kotse.
"Hey! I'm not going with you", wika ko sa kanya but he was strong enough to pull me
out. "I need to go to a parlor."
"Parlor can wait. I need your help", wika niya at nagbayad sa taxi. He pulled me
through the crowded street and his grip was tight kaya kahit anong pagpupumilgas ko
ay hindi pa rin ako makawala sa pagkakahawak niya. He brought me inside an
apartment at agad na isinara iyon.
"Ano naman ang maitutulong ko sayo?", I asked and I crossed my arms. My hair can't
wait! Kahapon pa ito ganito!
"I need you to help me decipher this message", wika niya at inilabas ang isang
papel mula sa bulsa. It was just a small paper but I think its contents were really
important.
"You're asking the wrong person. Maybe you should be consulting your brother and
not me", wika ko sa kanya. Duh. Kapag sa pag-dedecipher ng mga kung anu-ano, Gray's
sharp mind is the best solution.
"You know that he will not and will never help the mafia. We got a civil
relationship as of now through his consideration and I don't want to risk such
relationship by asking him to do things that he don't want to do", paliwanag ni
Cooler and I got his point. Gray is a man of his principle kaya kahit anong
pakiusap man ang gawin ni Cooler, malamang ay hindi ito mapagbibigyan.
"Then find a cryptographer. I really can't help you at isa pa, I really need to go
to a parlor", wika ko sa kanya. I tried to turn my heels back ngunit hinawakan ako
ni Cooler sa wrist. He pulled me inside the apartment at pinaupo ako sa harap ng
malaking salamin.
"The mafia can't trust cryptographer unless his loyalty was proven by the mafia. As
of now, the mafia cryptographer went on god-knows-where part of the earth and took
a vacation. We can't contact him", he said. Binuksan niya ang isang tokador at
naglabas ng isang gunting. WHAT THE ~ ! What is he planning to do?!
"How do you want your hairstyle to be?", he asked at iginalaw ang gunting sa
kanyang kamay. Nahintakutang napahawak naman ako sa buhok ko at biglang napatayo.
"What the fudge Cooler! What are you planning to do?", I asked loudly at napaatras.
"I'm giving you a free haircut", he said and flashed his cool smile. Damn! Kapag
nakangiti ito ay hindi maikakailang kapatid ito ni Gray. Maybe they got such
feature on Cronus. Nais ko tuloy makita si Cronus and see how he looks like because
he made two gorgeous offspring in the person of Gray and Cooler.
"No way! I can't trust you over my hair like the way you can't trust
cryptographers!", I exclaimed and Cooler laughed. Napaatras ako at panay pa rin ang
lapit niya sa akin hanggang sa naramdaman ko na lang ang malamig na dingding mula
sa likuran ko. Hinawakan niya ako sa balikat at muling pinaupo sa harap ng salamin.
"Trust me with this Amber", he said habang tinitingnan ako sa salamin. I took a
deep breath bago sumagot sa kanya.
"Fine." Okay, sana lang ang hindi ko ito pagsisisihan. Ipapapantay ko lang naman
iyon.
"You want an army cut?", he asked with a hint of playfulness. I gave him a frown at
natawa naman ito. "A bobcut, then?"
"No way! Ipantay mo lang iyan", wika ko sa kanya. There's no way I'll be wearing my
hair short. Few inches below the shoulder is just enough.
"Okay Maam!", he said at nilagyan ng tuwalya ang katawan ko. He started cutting my
hair at hindi nagtagal ay ipinagpag na niya ang tuwalyang nasa likod ko. I checked
my hair on the large mirror at ayos naman ang ginawa niyang pagpapantay sa buhok
ko.
"Not bad", wika ko sa kanya. "I need to go", I stepped towards the exit ngunit agad
akong nahawakan ni Cooler.
"Not so fast Amber. I really need your help", wika niya and I pouted. "Let's just
say, kabayaran ito sa paggupit ko sa buhok mo."
I frowned when I hear the word "kabayaran." I didn't asked him to do it, he
volunteered, right?
"Let me refresh your mind about what you said kanina. You said, you're giving me a
free haircut", I told him. Free stuffs aren't supposed to be paid.
"Binabawi ko na iyon. I really need your help on this Amber. You will help you,
will you?", he said and gave me puppy eyes. Yuck.
"Fine but I can't promise you that I could be a great help", wika ko, totally
giving up. I'm not really good in codes and ciphers unlike Gray, ngunit nakukuha ko
rin naman pag minsan.
"Yees!", he exclaimed and punched the air. Cooler is childish at times. I remember
the time when he brought me to a magic show. Mukha itong bata na tuwang-tuwa sa
magic.
"Who's apartment is this by the way?", I asked at inilibot ang paningin sa kabuoan
niyon. It was quiet cozy and clean.
"Ours."
"I thought you're staying in a hotel", wika ko and Cooler shrugged his shoulders.
"Not safe. Kapag nalaman ng mga kalaban ng mafia na nandito kami, the first thing
that they would check will be hotels na iisipin nilang pinaglalagian namin", he
said. Tama rin naman siya, kapag hinanap ko sila, malamang ay mga hotel ang una
kong susubaybayan.
"Uh, smart idea", komento ko.
"It's Cronus'. He's a good in pre-empting possible problems", he said and I felt
the shiver passed through my body. Kung ganoon ay hindi basta-basta si Cronus. He
can preempt things even before he knows it.
"Sige na. Asan ba yung sabi mong kailangan idecipher?", I asked and he got the
paper from his pocket again. Mabuti na lang at pagdating na pagdating namin ay agad
na niyang itinago ang baril na dala-dala niya kanina. "By the way, what happened
kanina? Why are those guys chasing you?"
"I got this paper from them. They're from a huge syndicate. They double-crossed us
on our latest transaction so I went to see them and got this paper. I think it
tells us where we can find their transactor", he said in a serious tone. Hindi ko
lubos maisip ang mga pinaggagawa ng mafia. Gosh, they're like moths, trying to get
their self into the flame.
"You mean you do it by yourself? How? Did you infiltrate their syndicate?"
"I did but I'm with Ares", wika niya. Oh Ares, one if the reapers? Noong nasa
mansion kami ay nauna itong umalis dahil may hahabulin daw itong flight. It must be
his flight to London.
Inilapag ni Cooler ang papel sa harap ko at tumabi sa akin. "How can we do this?",
tanong niya. I stared at the paper in front of me. There were couple of numbers and
symbols scribbled in the paper.
*8:3 5-3? &@(3 *99$#. #5@6 @5 '@4)6)3 -953) @/$ '@5'- 6974 &)8*-5 59/8*-5 @5
10:30PM.
I can't get anything by merely looking at the paper kaya tinanong ko ng mga kung
anu-ano si Cooler. "How do mafias use ciphers?", I asked.
"Well, Bernardo Provenzano of Corleonesi Mafia in Sicily where mafia iriginated
used a simple Caesar cipher and -" I stop him.
"Not interested with the history and origin of mafia. I'm asking how do you do it,
the Vander mafia for example", wika ko sa kanya. I don't have time hearing about
that Bernardo Whosoever.
"We used codewords na tanging ang cryptographer at negotiator lang ang may alam",
wika niya.
"Like?"
"Like papers for money or goods for guns", sagot niya sa akin. I made a face. Those
were just common code words at madali lang maintindihan. Kung ganoon lamang ang
ginagamit ng Vander Mafia, their security would be at risk.
"Hey, don't make such face. Hindi palaging ganoon ang ginagamit ng mafia. Example
lang yun. Vander mafia have iron wall when it comes to transaction security", wika
niya ng mapansin ang ekspresyon ng mukha ko. Teka, kailan pa ito naging mind
reader?
"Really? Kaya pala alam naming may illegal na transaksyong magaganap sa hotel na
pinagdaraosan ng Welcome Party ni Antonio Velmon", wika ko sa kanya. That was the
first time that I have encountered Ryu and Cooler, as Zeus.
"I told them that it's a hoax but they never listened to me. Anyway, let's forget
about it", wika niya at sumang-ayon ako.
Muli kong pinagtuunan ng pansin ang maliit na papel. It doesn't look so important.
Truth is mukha itong walang kwenta but if Cooler risked his life for it, it must be
of great importance.
*8:3 5-3? &@(3 *99$#. #5@6 @5 '@4)6)3 -953) @/$ '@5'- 6974 &)8*-5 59/8*-5 @5
10:30PM.
"The only part I got was 10:30PM. It surely tells us a time, right?", Cooler said
and I nodded at him.
"What's this syndicate like? I mean, like Vander Mafia, you used greek mythology,
how about them?", tanong ko sa kanya at nag-isip saglit si Cooler.
"Hmmm, I'm not really sure but I overheard one of those ugly goons said something
like Bossing", Cooler said with a grin. Uh, not helpful!
"What's their line of business?", tanong ko ulit sa kanya.
"They smuggle everything. "
I sighed at patuloy lamang na tiningnan ang papel. Sinasabi ko na nga ba na hindi
ako makakatulong dito. This one's difficult to decipher.
"I told you I can't help, maybe Gray can. I'll just text him the code. Don't worry,
hindi ko sasabihing may kinalaman ito sa mafia", wika ko at kinuha ang cellphone
ko. I tried texting Gray nang magsalita si Cooler.
"You lined your phone into British lines?", he asked at para akong nabuhusan ng
tubig. How stupid of me. My phone isn't functional here. I didn't tried the british
networks at sa internet ko lamang nababalitaan sina Mommy tungkol sa mga adventure
ko dito sa London, of course I skipped the dangerous ones.
"Sabi ko nga hindi diba?", wika ko. I keep my phone in my pocket ngunit agad ko din
iyong inilabas ng may maalala ako.
"Phone keyboard", I whispered.
"What?"
"I think we have to use a phone's keyboard", wika ko kay Cooler! Tama! We should
use a phone's keyboard!
"Give me your phone", wika ko at inilahad ang palad ko sa kanya. Kahit naguguluhan
ay ibinigay naman niya iyon. I used my phone as my reference at sa cellphone ko
niya inilagay ang nadecode na mga salita. Using the keyboard, I used the symbols
and look for the corresponding letter where the symbols are found.
GIVE THEM FAKE GOODS. STAY AT CARLYLE HOTEL AND CATCH YOUR FLIGHT TONIGHT AT
10:30PM!
"Damn! Those bastards! We lose millions because of them!", wika niya at hiniram ang
cellphone niya mula sa akin.
"Carlyle Hotel? That's where Gray and I are staying!", wika ko! Nagulat na lamang
ako ng may tunog ng ikinasang baril and someone pointed a gun at Cooler's head.
Bigla naman kaming napatayo but I didn't dare to move even a single step.
It was a man with a scary aura. He was tall and respectable in every manner. He was
wearing a black and white suit that fits him perfectly. He had the familiar dark
eyes, a well-chiselled nose and prominent cheeks. Katamtaman ang pangangatawan nito
and his serious face reminded me of Gray, solving a very serious case.
Maging si Cooler ay hindi nakagalaw. My hands were cold and I'm shaking. Yes, I had
overcome my fear of seeing a gun but seeing someone pointed with a gun is another
story.
"C-cronus", sambit ni Cooler and it confirmed my hunch about this man's identity. I
don't really need a confirmation since their physical features said it all.
Napaatras si Cooler ngunit hindi pa rin ibinababa ni Cronus ang baril. He was now
pointing it at Cooler's forehead.
Cronus said nothing, sa halip ay kinalabit niya ang gatilyo and I screamed my heart
out at kasabay ng pagpikit ko ng aking mata ay isang putok.
I slowly opened my eyes when I heard a chuckle. It was Cronus. He was giggling like
a child at nang sulyapan ko si Cooler ay basa ang buong mukha nito.
Uh, a water gun?! What the hell?! Did Cronus shoot Cooler with a WATER GUN?!
"Shit! You scared us!", Cooler said habang pinupunasan ang mukha. I want to slap my
face to check if this was reality. The mafia boss Cronus of theVander mafia played
a joke on us and giggled like a kid?!
"My apology for that young lady", Cronus said at inabot ang kamay ko at hinalikan
iyon. "It's a privilege to meet the woman that the young Vanders are interested in.
I thought I'll meet a woman as beautiful as Iveron, you don't actually meet my
expectation but nonetheless, you're a beauty of your own."
Dahan-dahan kong itinaas ang kilay ko ngunit agad din iyong ibinaba ng maalala kung
sino nga pala si Cronus. Hindi naman kasi talaga ako kasingganda ng mama ni Gray!
"Don't compare Amber with anyone. She's unique", Cooler said.
Lumawak naman ang ngiti ni Cronus. "Of course, Iveron is a timeless beauty. As of
this young lady, I overheard your conversation with Zeus from the other room. I
admire how smart you are", he said with a very serious face. Gone was his playful
side na ipinakita niya kanina. Maybe Cooler got his playful side from Cronus and
Gray's serious side was also from this man.
"Uhm, I'm - I'm just influenced by Gray's deducing skills", wika ko sa kanya. Gosh,
his presence is scary!
"Ah, yes. My son. And young lady, thank you for helping Zeus", he said in an
authoritative manner. He got his phone from his suit's pocket at may tinawagan.
Tahimik lamang kami ni Cooler na nanunuod sa bawat galaw niya. Despite Cronus'
playful side, I know Cooler is afraid of him. Or maybe Cronus' is really a monster
and the playful side is just a mask.
"Ares. That motherfucker-double-crosser con man is staying at Carlyle Hotel. Time
to do your job reaper, don't leave any traces", he said at agad na pinatay ang
tawag. Yumuko siya sa amin at nagpaalam. Uh, His Excellency just bowed down at us?
"Mauuna na ako sa inyo", said and disappeared into the door.
It took me few seconds bago nakapagsalita. "Your father's scary."
Cooler gave me a smile. "Oh, the playful side is Cool Vander and the serious one is
Cronus of Vander Mafia."
"Is he always like that?"

"Like what?"
I rolled my eyes at him. "Like a retarded man who played a crazy prank and then
transformed into a scary monster", wika ko sa kanya and Cooler chuckled.
"That's a funny description", wika niya. Uh, anong nakakatawa doon? Isn't that
Cronus a crazy man? Akala ko talaga totoong baril ang itinapat niya kay Cooler. I
thought he got angry because Cooler brought me here.
"I'm not trying to make you laugh", I said with a frown. I wonder how it feels to
live with Cronus in the same house. And I really believe in the saying that 'Be
careful of what you wish for'. Didn't I just said something a while ago that I want
to meet Cronus? Uh, I'd never wish for it again!
"Cool Vander is our father and Cronus is a mafia boss."
Hindi ko maintindihan ang ibig niyang sabihin. "What's the distinction between the
two?"
"Cool is the playful man and Cronus is the serious one."
"I still don't get it Cooler. Enlighten me please", wika ko sa kanya.
"I'm saying that Cool and Cronus are two different person eventhough they're one.
Magulo Amber. Wag mo na lang isipin. You wouldn't understand it unless you live as
his daughter and as his mafia subordinates", paliwanag ni Cooler.
"Neither of the two. I'm not interested and will never be", wika ko. I tried
touching the tip of my hair from my back ngunit wala akong nakapa. Saka ko pa lang
naalala na hindi na pala kasinghaba ng dati ang buhok ko.
"He's so angry with that transactor", komento ko ng maalala ang kanyang ekspresyon
habang kausap si Ares. He ordered him to do his job as a reaper at ayaw ko ng
isipin kung paano niya iyon gagawin.
"Of course. He personally went in that transaction and he was double-crossed. No
one must messed up with Cronus dahil hindi na ito sisikatan ng araw. That's why I
infiltrated that syndicate and got the top's order in this piece of paper which
says that the transactor must flee. You see, even their big fishes are afraid of
Cronus", Cooler said at mas natakot pa ako.
"But he's a different man as a father. You should meet him as Cool Vander. He's a
cool one, unlike Ryu's father."
"Why? What's with Ryu's father?"
Sumandal si Cooler mula sa tokador habang nakatingin sa akin. "Rionessi Morisson
and Tartarus is the same evil man."
"I see. Doon pala nagmana si Ryu", wika ko. Yeah, like father like son, eh?
Cooler chuckled. "Ryu's a good man. Hindi sila magkasundo ng daddy niya. And
Tartarus also hold a top position in the Vander Mafia."
"Ah, hindi magkasundo ang dalawang devil? I'm not surprised", I said. Ryu is a
devil. Yes, he had some good side but he is a devil. Period.
"You will like him when you get to know him", he said. Uh, really? There's no way
I'll like Ryu! Aside from the fact that he's a devil, may iba na akong gusto. And I
won't tell who it is.
"Whatever Cooler. Can I go back to the hotel already?", I asked and he stared at me
for a while.
"Okay, I'll take you there", wika niya and he got his gun at tinago iyon sa gilid
bago kami lumabas ng apartment.
Nang makarating kami sa hotel ay hindi na bumaba sa cab si Cooler. I bid him
goodbye bago ako nagmadaling pumasok sa hotel. When I entered, Gray was sitting on
the bed, his earphones were tucked on his ears at hindi man lamang niya ako
sinulyapan.
While on the way towards our suite, I saw some police on the lift. Maybe Ares did
his job and I can't believe he worked that fast! I really shouldn't underestimate
the mafia. They had the habit of doing everything in the blink of an eye.
Umupo ako sa harap ng salamin at tiningnan si Gray. He was banging his head like he
was enjoying his soundtrip. Ni hindi man lamang niya ako pinansin, I'm sure he's
aware of my presence. I tried opening a conversation to him.
"Gray, may nangyari ba sa ibaba? I saw some police", wika ko at sinadyang lakasan
ang boses but I never got an answer from him.
Ibinagsak ko sa sahig ang malaking lalagyan ng lotion to get his attention but
still no avail. Wait, is he doing it on purpose?!
"Gray!", this time ay malakas na talaga ang boses ko but he just sang kasabay ng
paggalaw ng ulo niya, completely ignoring me.
"Dalhin mo ako sa iyong palasyo ~", he sang.
"Oy, Gray!"
"Maglakad tayo sa hardin ng 'yong kaharian~"
"Oy Silvan!", I'm starting to get pissed! He's really doing it on purpose!
"Wala man akong pag-aari, pangako ko habangbuhay kitang pagsisilbihan, oh aking
prinsesa~"
Tumayo ako at lumapit sa kanya. I pulled the wire of his headset and I noticed it
wasn't attached to any device! Ha! He wasn't listening to any music at all!
"You're disturbing me. Ano ba kasi?", he asked irritatedly! Aba! Siya pa ang
nairita! Sino ba sa amin ang hindi nakikinig at may pakanta-kanta pa!
I showed him the headset's tip. "Liar! And why are you ignoring me?! What's wrong
with you?!"
"Wala", he said and he looked away. Agad niyang hinila ang headset mula sa kamay ko
at inilapag iyon sa kama. Gawain ng mga sinungaling, hindi makatingin ng deretso.
"Gray! Bakit nga?"
"Wala sabi!"
"Bahala ka sa buhay mo!"
"Fine! I saw you got off from the cab with Cooler! What's that guy doing here? Is
he following us?", he asked. He's pissed just because of that? Ayaw niya ba
talagang makita si Cooler? Diba civil na sila sa isa't-isa? Nakita ba niya kami
mula sa terrace? Cooler got off to open the car's door for me.
I rolled my eyes at him. "Sorry to burst your bubble but nauna siya dito kaysa sa
atin", wika ko, imitating Cooler's words kanina. "Now will you tell me why are you
ignoring me?"
Muli siyang nag-iwas ng tingin and his lips formed a pout. "Wala."
"Edi wala. Bahala ka nga", wika ko at lumayo sa kanya but I stopped and I didn't
bother to look back when he suddenly spoke.
"I like to see your hair long but your new hair length suits you well. You look
good, by the way", he said and a smile slowly emerged from my lips. It's a big
smile and I'm thankful na nakatalikod ako sa kanya. I exhaled bago ako nagtuloy sa
terrace ng suite. Damn! Gray really had a simple way of making me melt.
**
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-Shinichilaaaabs♥
CHAPTER 12: THE NEW DETECTIVE!

Chapter 12: The New Detective!
A/N: Chapter subtitle differs from Chapter 2: The New Detective? Notice the
difference?
*****
Napakabilis ng takbo ng panahon. It's been 2 months since we've visited London.
Dalawang buwan na rin ang lumipas ng putulin ko ang buhok ko gamit ang kutsilyo.
It's a bit longer now than it was two months ago. After our London Trip, hindi na
kami nagkita pa ni Gray dahil sumama na ako sa mga pinsan ko sa Palawan. Ngayon ko
lamang napagbigyan ang hiling nina Mommy na makipagbonding ako sa mga pinsan ko.
The two months that passed was a good one. Hindi kumapit sa akin ang napakaraming
kaso, there were some cases but I never meddled with the police works this time.
The two months vacation was over at ngayon ay balik skwela na naman kami sa Bridle.
It's my last year as a Junior High student at sa susunod na pasukan ay magse-senior
high na ako. For the two months that passed ay marami ang nabago sa Bridle
physically. Bagong pintura ang mga buildings, dumami ang mga convenient shades at
may mga bagong landscapes. Mayroon ding itinayo na mga bagong buildings. There were
new faces of students and faculties too. When I entered the Grade10-A's classroom,
I was suprised to see the new sitting arrangement. Okay, it wasn't really an
arrangement but rather new chairs and long tables. Gone where the plastic
armchairs, sa halip ay napalitan iyon ng mga bagong monobloc chairs. Mayroon ding
mga mahahabang mesa na gaya ng mga nasa laboratory and it fits four people. May
espasyo sa ilalim ng mesa na maaring paglagyan ng mga gamit o di kaya ay pwedeng sa
ibabaw ng mesa dahil maluwang naman iyon. Nagmumukhang conference room tuloy ang
classroom namin.
"Uy, Amber!" Napalingon ako sa tumawag sa akin. It was Jeremy. He was sitting on
the last table at the far corner of the room.
"Jeremy." Lumapit ako sa kanya at tinapik niya ang katabing upuan. "Your seat and
then before you is Gray's", wika niya. Nakaupo siya sa pangatlong silya and he
tapped the second chair as mine at tinuro niya ang unang silya para kay Gray.
"What's with the seat plan?", I asked ngunit naupo na rin ako sa silyang inilaan
niya para sa akin.
"It's based on the heirarchy of wits", wika niya at pasimpleng ngumiti. "Hey, did
you cut your hair?"
Huli na sa balita si Jeremy. Can't blame him. I didn't post any photo nor status in
the social media regarding my hair. "Yeah, two months ago."
I stared at him for a while. Bakit mukhang may bago sa kanya? Uh, ano nga ba?
"What? You won't noticed my newly dyed hair?", he said with a grin. Yeah, his hair!
It's dyed with brown ngunit ilang bahagi lamang iyon ng buhok niya which made him
look like some famous guy of a korean boy group.
I rolled my eyes at him. "Anong nakain mo Je? Ba't ka nagpakulay?", I asked. Iba na
talaga ang paglelevel up nito. This is Jeremy Martinez version 2.0.
"Je. I like it", he said referring to the nickname that I gave him. "Time for a
change so I started dyeing my hair. How do I look like? Mukha na ba akong Kpop?"
I rolled my eyes to him. "Je, hindi ka mukhang Kpop dahil hindi ka genre, okay? Uh,
well it suits you", simpleng wika ko and he frowned.
"It suits me. Ganoon lang?"
"What do you expect me to say?", I asked him. Grabe talaga si Jeremy. Kung dati ay
bilang lamang ang mga salitang binibitawan niya, ngayon ay pwede na siyang bigyan
ng Most Talkative Award.
"Hmmm, let me think first", he said habang nakaturo sa sintido niya. Jeez, old
habits. "Aha! Alam ko na, dapat sinabi mo, ANG GWAPO MO JE! SOBRA!", he said with a
grin.
I scowled at him at natawa naman ito. This guy will never learn. Pansin ko din na
medyo nagkalaman ito. Hindi kaya nagge-gym na ito? Jeremy's gaze were focused on
the front door at may tinawag ito.
"Gray! Dito ka", he said and motioned his arm on the chair beside me. Paglingon ko
sa pinto ay nakita ko si Gray. He had his gorgeous smile na nakuha niya sa ama
niya. The smile that makes me swallow a lump. Uh, bakit mukhang mas gumwapo ito?
Don't get me wrong. Gwapo naman talaga si Gray. I said it because that's the truth.
Hindi ko sinabi iyon sa anomang mga kadahilanan. Wala ng iba pang dahilan. As in
wala. Wala talaga. Walang-wala.
He walked his way towards us at nakatingin lamang ako sa kanya. Nagulat na lang ako
ng biglang bumulong sa tenga ko si Jeremy.
"Baka matunaw si Gray, Amber", he said with a grin. Uh, am I staring that much?
Damn Jeremy! Kung anu-ano lang ang mga pinagsasabi!
"Shut up", wika ko at tumuwid naman siya ng upo. Nakarating na rin si Gray sa tabi
ko at umupo sa mesang laan sa kanya.
"Ayan, kompleto na ang detective group natin. Ano ba ang magandang pangalan? Yung
tulad dun sa Detective Boys ng Detective Conan at ng Hardy Boys. Hmm, ano nga ba?",
Jeremy asked at mukhang nag-iisip ito.
Uh, detective group? Duh, I don't think we have to form one. But Jeremy seemed
serious about giving us a name.
"Walang detective group Je", wika ko. Uh, I hope he would stop.
"I don't think we need one", pagsang-ayon ni Gray sa akin. Nakakailang ang sulyapan
siya kaya mas hinarap ko na lamang si Jeremy.
"Ang KJ niyo! Para naman makatulong tayo sa mamamayan ng Bridle kapag may
pangangailangan sila. A detective group would be very helpful", paliwanag ni
Jeremy.
"We can help without having a group", sagot ni Gray sa kanya but Jeremy keeps on
thinking about a good name for us.
"Aha! How about The Detective Triumvirate? Bagay sa atin iyon. I'll be on the apex
of the pyramid while Gray will be on the base. Not that I'm the top position, dahil
iyon ako ang maliit ang naaambag. Maybe I should be a cartographer, oh, no. Hindi
ako magaling magsketch, hmmm. How about the photographer? Wag niyo lang akong
gawing biographer ng The Detective Triumvirate, I hate writing long essays", he
said.
Inalog ko ang balikat niya. "Je, listen. We don't neither a cartographer nor a
photographer. In short, we don't need to have a detective group, okay?", wika ko sa
kanya. Sinagot niya lamang ako ng kanyang pagsimangot.
"Fine! But still, we're the Detective Triumvirate. Let's start the first day of
school with a stimulating riddle from me", he said with a big smile.
Gray slouched on his chair samantalang napasandal naman ako. Very well then, I hope
his riddles had level up too.
"Don't gave me such bored look, this will make your day", wika niya.
"Fine", Gray said at humarap kay Jeremy. I'm completely aware of his presence
behind me kaya hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa siya masulyapan. Gosh, magkakastiff
neck ako nito!
"Okay, eto. There was a hungry tiger in a boat with some fresh meat, a bunch of
cabbage and a living human. They're in the middle of the sea and the only way to
escape is through jumping into the water. Among the four of them in the boat, alin
sa kanila ang mawawala after few minutes?"
"The human, of course. Tumalon siya sa tubig upang hindi siya kainin ng tiger",
sagot ni Gray.
"How about you Amber?", he asked.
"The fresh meat. Kasi gutom ang tiger kaya kinain niya ang fresh meat na nandoon",
I answered.
"Eeeeeeenk! Both of you are wrong! The man can't swim. The answer is the cabbage.
Wala na ang cabbage dahil kinain na siya ng tiger. Vegetarian kasi yung tiger
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", he said at gaya ng nakagawian,
sinabayan niya iyon ng malutong na tawa.
I should have known. If Jeremy would be upgrading, his puns will never.
"Puns", Gray said at sumubsob sa mesa niya. 'Your new name is Puns."
"You don't find it funny?", he asked at pareho kaming sumangot ni Gray. "Ang sama
ninyo. Hindi kayo supportive."
"Eto na lang. Amber, isummarize mo nga ang World War II", wika niya sa akin.
"Hindi ako nakinig ng ilecture natin yan sa Araling Panlipunan kaya wag mo akong
tanungin Je", sagot ko sa kanya. Gosh, ayaw ko sa History. Nag-eexcel ako doon pero
ayoko talaga sa history.
"Ikaw Gray", baling niya kay Gray.
Nag-isip saglit si Gray. "It started on September 1939 to September 1945, six
years to be exact. It's a great war between two military alliances, the Allies and
the Axis . It was the most widespread war in history. It resulted to the creation
of the United Nations and collapse of Nazi-", Jeremy cuts him off.
"Hep hep! Sabi ko summarize. Andami mo ng sinabi", wika niya.
"I did. It's a summary. Why? How should we summarize the World War II?", tanong ni
Gray.
"Dapat ganito", Jeremy said and positioned his hands like he was holding a shotgun.
"RATATATATATATATATAT!", umakto siyang tila nagtapon ng bomba sa hangin and then he
covered his eara. "BOOOM! Ganoon dapat", he said and he laughed.
This time ay natawa na talaga ako. What the hell! Where did he got such puns?
Natawa ako sa action niya, not the joke itself. Maging si Gray ay natawa na rin.
Okay, his puns were upgrading by 0.99%.
Pumasok na ang class adviser namin which happened to be Maam Saderna. I'm glad na
siya ang naging adviser namin, I like her teaching style in our Physical Education
class. Hindi siya nag-iisa. She was with a beautiful girl in ponytail. Her face
isn't familiar kaya I pressumed that she's not from Bridle before kahit na nakasuot
na siya ng uniform ngayon.
Uh, a transferee?
Inilapit ni Jeremy sa amin ang mukha niya. "I hate transferees. The last time that
we had one, it's a disaster", wika niya, referring to Marion.
Yes, it was really a disaster. Who would have thought na psychotic pala si Marion
behind her angelic face?
"Well, I'm a transferee", Gray said.
"In every rule, there's an exception at ikaw iyon. I don't hate you, I love you
dude", Jeremy said with a grin. Ang bakla nitong pakinggan! Pwe!
"Oh, shut up Puns", Gray said at humarap na kami nang tinawag na ni Maam Saderna
ang atensyon namin.
"Good Morning 10-A and welcome on your first day of school", paunang bati nito. The
class responded by greeting her a good morning too.
"New school year, new lessons new adventure and of course, I would like you to meet
your new classmate", she said at tumango sa babae. It's a cue for her to step
forward and introduce herself into the class.
"Hi, Good morning everyone. My name is Mathilde Corazon, Math for short. 16 years
old and I'm from Mindanao, from the City of Majestic Waterfalls to be exact. 45
kilograms, 5'4" and single. Born on July 25, 1999, under the zodiac sign Leo. I'm
previously a member of our school's drum and lyre corps. and an outstanding student
council president of the last school I attended. I was also the president of RCY
Mindanao chapter, Debating Club prime minister and had joined the latest Mindanao
Parliamentary Debates Championship and won as the defending champion, with the
title Best Speaker of the Year. I'm also member of a national organization movement
for ~blahh blaahh blahhh~", hindi ko na narinig ang iba pang sinabi nito ng
magsalita si Jeremy.
"I'm starting to hate her", she said to us. Nang lingunin ko si Gray ay matamang
nakatingin lamang ito sa babae. Uh! Don't tell me that he's mesmerized by her
beauty and achievements?! Muli akong nakinig sa nagbubuhat ng sarili niyang bangko
sa harap, aysti nagpapakilala pala.
"An MTAP finalist since elementary, twice elected as a YES-O regional president, a
regional officer of the GSP, the Photojournalist of the year amd won in the
National Schools Press Conference in Photojournalism as well as broadcasting, and I
can't remember my other organizations and achievements, I'm sorry I don't have a
list. My hobbies include reading mystery stories, watching a detective movie and
solving a mystery itself. My favorite author is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and one of
my favorite saying from his fictional character Sherlock Holmes is 'When you have
eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the
truth.' I also like Stephen King ~blaaah blaaah blaah".
Muling nagsalita si Jeremy. "Now I really hate her. I won't allow her in our
triumviate", he said.
I rolled my eyes at him. Of course, a triumvirate is just made up of three people.
"She have some nerves to brag! I can match wits with her when it comes to Sherlock
Holmes, thanks to the two of you, now I've got a complete set of books of my own",
wika niya.
"I'm glad to spend my last year in junior high school with you!", she said at
pumalakpak naman ang mga kaklase namin sa kanya. Uh, marami siyang napabilib sa mga
pinagbubuhat niya ng bangko! She smiled widely at the class at muling bumaling sa
amin si Jeremy.
"Hey, dude. Napipi ka dyan? Don't tell me interesado ka sa kayabanga-", bigla

siyang napatigil nang lumapit sa amin ang babaeng nagpakilala sa harap.
"Hi, Teacher said I should sit next to you", wika niya at nanlalaki ang mata ni
Jeremy nang sulyapan niya ang babae. He gave her a pokerface at tumango sa kanya.
Nakangiti naman ito ng umupo sa huling ipuan katabi ni Jeremy. Kumbaga ang pwesto
namin ay ganito: Si Gray, Ako, si Jeremy at saka yung factory worker ng isang
furniture shop na panay ang pagbubuhat ng bangko kanina. Nais ko tuloy magsecond
the motion sa sinabi ni Jeremy kanina na he's starting to hate her. Ano nga ba
pangalan niya? I'm not really sure what is it, mas tumatak kasi ang mga sinabi
niyang mga kung anu-anong kaek-ekan kaysa sa pangalan niya. One thing is for sure,
her name sounds like a subject.
"Ano nga pala sabi mo kanina Puns?", Gray asked at umiling si Jeremy. Nakakapag-
usap pa kami dahil umalis pa saglit si Maam Saderna.
"Wala dude. Tanong ko lang sana kung may alam kang furniture shop", he said with a
frown. Uh, ayun. Buti di siya narinig nung transferee. Naparusahan yata si Jeremy
kaya nakatabi yung bagong estudyante sa kanya.
"Hi seatmates!", bati ng babae at ngumiti. Saka ko lamang napansin na may mga
maliliit na dimples siya. She's pretty. Not as pretty as Marion ngunit maganda din
ito. Yung tipong ang sarap kurutin ng pisngi.
"Oh, hi Math", bati ni Gray and I was surprised! Luh! Naalala niya ang pangalan ng
babae?!
"Hi Pogi! Kagwapo ba nimu uy!", she said and smiled.
"Pardon?", Gray asked.
"Sorry, I just spoke on our vernacular langguage. What I said is that you're so
handsome", Math said at ngumiti.
Bumulong sa akin si Jeremy. "Anong nangyari kay Gray? Type niya ba si Maya?"
Gumanti ako ng bulong sa kanya. "Who's Maya?"
"The girl beside me. Maya as in Mayabang", wika niya. Nagmumukha na kaming mga
tanga sa kakabulong.
"Thank you. You're pretty too", wika ni Gray kay Math.
"Oo nga. Ang ganda mo. Sarap mo ngang kurutin sa pisngi eh. Pakurot naman pero di
muna ngayon. Saka na pag six months akong hindi nagnailcutter", wika ni Jeremy kay
Math at inapakan ko ang paa niya sa ilalim ng mesa. Masyado siyang hard!
Math giggled. "Your joke is funny! She said. I'm Math, at kayo?"
"Gray Ivan Silvan", wika ni Gray at tumayo upang abutin ang palad ni Math.
Napaatras kami ni Jeremy upang maabot niya ito. Umupo ulit siya matapos
makipagkamay kay Math.
"Hi Gray. How about you?", she said at ibinaling ang paningin kay Jeremy.
"My name is Jeremy Martinez and about what I said a while ago, I'm not joking",
Jeremy said bago tinanggap ang palad ng natatawang si Math. Muli kong inapakan ang
paa niya, and this time, it's with some force. "Awww!", he exclaimed at sinamaan
ako ng tingin but he never said a word.
"You're really funny Jeremy", she said while giggling at bumaling naman siya sa
akin. "Hi, I'm Math."
"Amber", I said at tinanggap ang palad niya. She got soft hands but mine was
softer, uh- Whatever.
"I've heard from my cousin from other school that Bridle got two smart detectives.
Actually I've heard about a detective in Athena too but as I was chosing among the
two school, Bridle High got my interest so I went here. I want to meet those
detectives and test if they are really good and if they can match wits with me",
Math said at pinigilan ko ang dahan-dahang pagtaas ng kilay ko. Bigla na lamang
napaubo si Jeremy sa sinabi ni Math. I'm sure Gray would be offended about this
too. Pinagdududahan ba niya ang kakayahan namin?
But to my surprise ay isang malawak na ngiti ang iginante niya. "Well you happened
to met them already."
"Where are they?", she asked and she looked around the room. "I've heard it's a
male and female tandem."
"It's Amber and yours truly", Gray said. Kailangan pa niyang umusod malapit sa mesa
upang makita ng maayos si Math dahil nakaharang kami ni Jeremy.
"Hala, kamong duha? Oh my god!", Math exclaimed. Ano raw?
"Pardon again?"
"I mean, the two of you? Oh, wow", sagot niya.
Biglang sumingit si Jeremy sa usapan. "Ugh, you want to trade seats with me dude?",
he asked.
No, wag lang please!
"You don't mind?", Gray asked. Oh no! Makikipagpalit nga. Bokya ako dito!
Jeremy smirked at him. "Of course I do pero sige na nga lang." Tumayo na siya at
gayundin si Gray. They traded seats at ngayon ay nakatalikod na si Gray sa akin at
nakaharap kaya Math.
"Aray beh", Jeremy said at mahinang siniko ako. "Iyak mo lang yan", he whispered.
"Shut up Je", wika ko sa kanya. I was trying my best not to hear Gray and Math's
conversation. Naririnig ko lamang ang malutong na pagtawa ni Math sa pag-uusap
nila. Tumayo ako sa upuan ko at nagpaalam kay Jeremy.
"Bibili muna ako", wika ko.

"I'll go with you", wika niya at bahagyang lumapit. "Wag mo akong ewan dito, out of
place ako sa closeness nila", bulong niya at bahagya naming sinulyapan sina Gray at
Math na panay tawa pa rin.
Umalis kaming dalawa ni Jeremy. I didn't bother to tell them where we are going.
Tanging si Jeremy lamang ang nagpaalam sa kanila.
Nagpunta kami sa Cafeteria but I decided to drop by the lockers. Balak ko sanang
kunin ang mga dating gamit ko at palitan iyon ng bago ngunit nagulat ako ng biglang
sumigaw ang isang babae habang nagbubukas ng kanyang locker.
Napatakbo kami ni Jeremy at lumapit sa babae. Nahintakutang nakatingin ito sa laman

ng kanyang locker.
"Anong nangyari?", tanong ko sa kanya at nanginginig ang kanyang mga kamay na

itinuro ang kanyag locker. Napabaling naman ang tingin namin ni Gray sa kanyang
locker. There were photos of the girl na kinunan mula sa iba't-ibang anggulo.
"M-my stalker! He told me last night na hindi niya ako titigilan lalo na at pasukan
na!", wika niya.
Kinuha ko ang mga larawan na nasa locker. Kinunan iyon mula sa iba't-ibang araw
dahil iba-iba ang damit na suot ng babae. Maging si Jeremy ay napatingin din sa mga
picture and he was surprised how eager the stalker was in following the girl.
Oh well, a stalker case meets me on the first day of school. I'll make sure to
identify who's behind this stalking case.
*******
Math's the new detective as stated in the FAQs/Spoilers of File 1 and Table of
Characters of File 2! Please don't hate Gray if he had a sudden change of heart
(did he?) The next chapter is about a Stalker Case as suggested by Gray's OP on
facebook. Join DF group on facebook and feel free to discuss about Detective Files!
Just search DETECTIVE FILES BY SHINICHILAAAABS and be acquainted with other DF
readers! Arigato!
-Shinichilaaaabs♥
CHAPTER 13: THE STALKER CASE (The Case)

Chapter 13: The Stalker Case (Part 1: The Case)
A/N: Namiss ko gumawa ng case na more than one part. Yung huli yata ay yung A
Series of Peculiar Events ng File 1 :3
********
Napatakbo kami ni Jeremy at lumapit sa babae. Nahintakutang nakatingin ito sa laman
ng kanyang locker.
"Anong nangyari?", tanong ko sa kanya at nanginginig ang kanyang mga kamay na
itinuro ang kanyang locker. Napabaling naman ang tingin namin ni Jeremy sa kanyang
locker. There were photos of the girl na kinunan mula sa iba't-ibang anggulo at
pawang malalapit.
"M-my stalker! He told me last night na hindi niya ako titigilan lalo na at pasukan
na!", wika niya.
Kinuha ko ang mga larawan na nasa locker. Kinunan iyon mula sa iba't-ibang araw
dahil iba-iba ang damit na suot ng babae. Maging si Jeremy ay napatingin din sa mga
picture and he was surprised how eager the stalker was in following the girl.
"Whooh! Persistent enough to follow dahil maging sa pagtulog mo. Your stalker took
this photos from a close distance", Jeremy said habang tinitingnan ang larawan ng
babae na natutulog at ang iba pa.
"Wait, your stalker broke into your house?", I asked her.
She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Natutulog kasi ako na bukas ang bintana
ng kwarto ko, maybe that's how he entered my room."
Stalkers are creepy. Naalala ko noong may prank caller ako. He's somewhat following
me dahil alam niya ang mga activity ko. Then he became a victim of fraternity
pranks at natulungan namin ni Gray, that's when he turned himself in and asked for
apologies.
"Teka, hindi ba ikaw si Amber? Can you help me identify who's been stalking me
lately?", the girl asked.
"Yes, I'm Amber and this is Jeremy at susubukan naming makatulong sa abot ng aming
makakaya", sagot ko sa kanya. She looked around like she was looking for someone.
"Wait, where's Gray?", tanong niya. Of course, kilala niya sa Gray. Gray's famous
not only because of his wits but as well as of his looks.
Jeremy stepped forward. "Wala si Gray, nagpapart time siya ngayon sa isang
furniture shop", wika niya na ikinakunot ng noo ng babae. Mahinang siniko ko naman
si Jeremy. Uh, he really dislikes Math, eh?
"Ang ibig kong sabihin, Amber and I can handle this case, we're part of the
Detective Triumvi-", hindi ko na siya pinatapos sa sasabihin niya.
"We will help kapag naikwento muna ang lahat sa amin. What's your name, by the
way?", tanong ko sa babae.
"I'm Heidee Gonzales. Grade 9B. Can we talk about it in the cafeteria? Okay lang ba
sa inyo?", she asked at sumang-ayon naman kami ni Jeremy. She got all the photos
and locked her locker. Sabay kaming tatlo na pumunta sa cafeteria. Pagdating namin
doon ay umorder kami ng makakain. As usual, I ordered my favorite snack. Pizza and
coke in can. Malamang nakabalik na sa classroom si Maam Saderna dahil ngayon at
marahil ay nagsisimula na sila sa mga introductions. Iyon naman talaga ang madalas
ginagawa kapag first day of class at pagkatapos ay election of officers.
"Teka, baka may pasok pa kayo", wika ni Heidee. She was munching her burger. Nasa
gilid niya ang napakaraming litrato na galing sa stalker niya.
"Wag kang mag-alala, hindi pa naman proper lesson ngayon kaya okay lang. Maari mo
na bang ikwento sa amin kung kailan nagsimula ang stalking case na ito?", wika ko
sa kanya. Jeremy was busy licking his ice cream on my side ngunit nakikinig pa rin
naman ito sa usapan namin.
"It started last month. Kakasimula lamang ng May iyon ng may isang ghost account
ang panay floodlikes sa akin sa facebook", panimula ni Heidee.
"Ghost Account?", Jeremy asked.
"Yes, isang ghost account. The username was HeideeImYourStalker. Yung profile
picture niya ay itim lang at wala siyang ibang friend kundi ako lang. Wala ring
ibang information na nakalagay sa timeline niya", wika niya. See? Nakakatakot
talaga ang mga ganoon!
"Tapos? Did you block him?", Jeremy asked. Seryoso ito sa pagtatanong, maybe he's
really serious when he said he wants to be a detective too.
"I did but gumawa ulit siya ng bagong ghost account. I didn't accept his friend
request pero panay pa rin ang pagmemessage niya. My profile profile pictures were
public kaya nakakapagcomment at like siya doon", she said. Habang nagkukwento ito
ay mababakas sa mukha niya ang takot.
"At panay pa rin ang stalk niya kung ganun?"
Tumango si Heidee sa amin. "Lahat ng pictures ko, nili-like niya, panay comment din
siya ng mga creepy comments like I saw you, sinundan kita tapos icocomment niya
isang stolen picture ko and then last night he told me na mas lalala daw ang
pagsusunod niya sa akin lalo na at nasa dorm na ako", wika ni Heidee.
"Then he must be from Bridle too", Jeremy said.
"Probably."
Pinulot ko ang mga picture at tinitigan ang mga iyon. Heidee is surely a beauty
kaya marahil ay may nagkakagusto sa kanya and that someone probably turned out to
be so obsessive.
"Panay rin ang text at tawag niya sa akin kahit hindi ko siya sinasagot. Minsan ay
iba-iba ang mga ginagamit niyang numero upang masagot ko ang tawag niya", kwento pa
nito at natatakot na rin ako sa stalker niya. God! Kapag nagkataong may ganyan din
ako, ewan ko na lang talaga!
"Have you tried changing your number?", tanong ko sa kanya. Marahil ay hindi na
siya mako-contact ng stalker niya kapag ganoon.
"Sinubukan ko na rin ngunit nagkakaroon pa rin siya ng number ko", wika ni Heidee.
Napakunot naman ang noo ko sa kanya. Kung ganoon ay malaki ang posibilidad na
kilala niya ang stalker niya.
"Sandali, paano naman nangyari iyon? Nag-g-GM ka ba gamit ang bago mong number?",
tanong ni Jeremy. Ang sunod niyang pinapapak ngayon ay ang chocolate bar. Gosh, ako
ang nauumay sa mga kinakain niya.
Dahan-dahang tumango si Heidee. "Yes, pero sa nga kaklase at nga kakilala ko lang
naman."
"Your stalker must be someone you know", wika ko sa kanya. She changed her number
and she only informed her close friends and classmates kaya marahil ay isa sa
kanila ang kanyang stalker.
"But I trust all of them, I'm sure wala sa kanila ang stalker ko", wika niya. Trust
is a big word.
"You just can't trust anyone. Minsan ay yung kinikilala pa nating kaibigan, siya pa
yung mismong nagtutulak sa atin sa bangin. I remember our so called 'red-haired
friend'", wika ni Jeremy. Si Marion? Yes, somehow ay tinuring ko rin namang
kaibigan si Marion. Kahit si Jeremy. I know he treated her like a real friend kahit
na na-aannoy si Marion sa kanya and vice versa.
"But I really do. Isa pa ay tatlo lamang sa contacts ko ang hindi ko pa masyadong
kilala and they're my textmates na mula din dito sa Bridle. I think isa sa kanilang
tatlo ang stalker ko", she said.
From Bridle? Posible ngang isa sa tatlong iyon ang kanyang stalker. "Paano mo naman
nasabi na isa nga sa kanilang tatlo ang stalker mo?"
"He told me na lage niya akong nakakausap bilang siya and not as the stalker",
Heidee said.
"Anong ibig sabihin nun?", Jeremy asked. Kahit ako ay naguguluhan sa sinabi niya.
"Sinasabi niyang kausap niya ako kanina and as far as I can remember, ang tatlong
textmate ko ang kausap ko bago ang stalker. Oh, hindi talaga kami nag-usap ng
stalker. Itinitext niya iyon, kapag tumatawag siya ay ang paghinga niya lang ang
naririnig ko", wika niya.
"Creepy!", komento ni Jeremy.
"Sobra! At isa pang basehan ko ay alam niya na takot ako sa palaka! There was a
time when I received a box at pagbukas ko, God! There was a preserved frog inside.
At sa naaalala ko, naikwento ko rin sa tatlong textmate ko ang tungkol sa takot ko
sa palaka", Heidee said.
"No doubt. Your stalker is one of those three textmate of yours. Kilala mo ba
sila?", tanong ni Jeremy. Panay pa rin ang kain niya sa kanyang chocolate bar.
"I know their names. And we're scheduled to meet today. Makikipagmeet ako sa kanila
ng isa-isa today", sagot nito. As of the informations that I've got, it's quiet
obvious na maaring isa nga iyon sa tatlo. I think we also have to see those three.
Maybe I can have some clues by merely looking at them.
Biglang tumayo si Heidee at may tinawag mula sa counter. "Cindy!"
Lumingon naman ang isang babae na at ngumiti kay Heidee. Lumapit siya sa mesa namin
at agad na bumeso kay Heidee. "Amber, Jeremy, bestfriend ko nga pala, si Cindy.
Bes, si Amber at Jeremy."
Ngumiti sa amin si Cindy at nakipagkamay. Gaya ni Heidee ay maganda rin ito.
They've got matching hairpins. Malamang it's a sign of their friendship. Matapos
iyon ay umupo kami ulit.
"Kilala kita Amber. Ikaw yung dating nerd na hindi naman nerd na lageng kasama ni
Gray at nung magandang babae na pula ang buhok", wika ni Marion.
"Yes, she's Marion", sagot ko.
"Ah, oo! Marion. Saan na ba yun? Hindi ko na siya nakita noong January ah?", tanong
ulit nito.
"It's because nagtransfer na siya. Nag-accelerate siya eh. Kumuha siya ng Bachelor
of Science Major in Psychotic Mi-", pinigilan ko na si Jeremy sa susunod pa niyang
sasabihin. Uh, Jeremy's crazy!
"Bumalik na siya abroad", nakangiting wika ko matapos sipain si Jeremy mula sa
ilalim ng mesa. Ayaw ko ng apakan ang paa nito dahil baka mamatay na ang kuko nito
sa paa. Isa pa ay sayang ang bagong sapatos nito kung panay ang pag-apak ko.
"Ah, ganoon ba? Eh Bes, bakit mo sila kausap?", tanong ni Cindy kay Heidee. "Is it
about your stalker problem?"
Heidee nodded her head. "Yes. May ipinadala kasi siyang mga pictures kanina Bes.
Natatakot na talaga ako!", wika niya.
"Maari ba naming malaman ang pangalan ng nga textmate mo? Maybe we can take a
better look at them", wika ko. Kinuha naman ni Heidee ang cellphone niya at
pinakita ang mga larawan ng textmate niya sa amin. The first photo was a cute guy
na medyo singkit ang mata.
"I got this photo from their facebook. This one is Jeron Eusebio. Grade 9A", Heidee
said. The next photo was a guy with thick dark brows. "Ito naman si Lawrence
Vequizo. Grade 8B and this is Cristopher Quintos, Grade 10C."
The last photo that she showed was a familiar guy dahil batch pala iyon namin at
madalas na nakakasama tuwing community service o kaya ay camping.
"Heidee's stalker is very creepy! Minsan nga ay kung anu-anong nga pictures ang
sinesend niya sa messenger! God! Kapag ako ang may ganoon, ewan ko na lang kung
hindi ako magfreak out", wika ni Cindy. Bigla na lamang tumunog ang bell tanda na
breaktime na. Hindi ko namalayan na nagtagal na pala kami doon sa cafeteria. Oh,
hindi naman siguro masyado. Matagal din kasing dumating ang mga guro kanina.
Dumating na ang mga estudyante sa cafeteria. Heidee asked for my number upang
makapag-update siya sa akin if ever may mga gagawin pang iba ang kanyang stalker.
"Sige Heidee, mauna na kami sa inyo. Itext mo na lang ako", paalam ko sa kanila.
"Cindy mauna na kami."
Tumayo na rin sila at nagpaalam sa amin ni Jeremy. Agad kaming lumabas ni Jeremy sa
cafeterua dahil dumadagsa na ang mga estudyante doon. Paglabas namin ay
nakasalubong namin sina Gray at Math.
"Amber! Jeremy! Saan kayo nanggaling? Wala kayo noong nag-getting to know each
other game kami sa room", Math said.
"Sa cafeteria lang. We're trying to help someone with her sta-"
Bigla na lamang tinakpan ni Jeremy ang bibig ko gamit ang kamay niya. "We're going
to help someone with her statistic assignment! Yes, that's it!"
Napataas ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya. Epic! First day of school kaya ngayon!
Napakunot naman ang noo ni Gray. "Assignment? May assignment agad sila?"
"Yep. Grabe nga eh! Ang hirap", Jeremy said at patuloy pa rin sa pagtakip ng bibig
ko. I bit his palm kaya nabitawan na niya ko.
"I can help! I'm our school's mathematician of the year and statistic is just a
piece of cake", Math said. Yeah, I want to roll my eyes. Magaling siya sa lahat. K!
"No need. Amber already helped her", wika ni Jeremy. Malamang ay nayayabangan na
naman ito kay Math. "Kaya naman iyon ni Amber eh. Kahit nga tulungan ka pa niya sa
pagbubuhat ng - Aww!", he stopped nang siniko ko siya sa kanyang sikmura.
"Nagsnack na ba kayo? Magmeryenda muna tayo", pagyaya ni Gray ngunit tumanggi ako.
"Tapos na kaming kumain."
"My treat", Math said. Aba! Anong akala sa amin, mukhang libre? Aba! May pera kami
ano! I know Jeremy would think like I did at tatanggi rin but to my surprise ay
hindi ito tumanggi.
"Malakas akong kumain at masyadong mapagbigay. Baka hindi mo kayang bayaran",
Jeremy said and Math chuckled.
"I can surely afford it. Don't worry about it, foods are on me so tara?", she asked
at agad akong hinila ni Jeremy.
"Okay", wika niya at lumapit siya sa may counter. He ordered pizza, lasagna,
shawarma, smooothies, burger, fries at kung anu-ano pa. Teka! Bakit ang dami?
"Ang dami yata Je", wika ko sa kanya. Math and Gray were on our side.
"I told you mapagbigay ako diba?", bumaling siya sa isang babae sa gilid. "Hi Miss!
Dahil first day of class ngayon, may free foods ka! Enjoy your day!" Ibinigay niya
dito ang ibang mga pagkain. Tumawag din siya ng iba pa at gaya ng nauna ay binigyan
niya rin ang mga ito ng pagkain. I gave Math an apologetic look.
"Pasensya ka na Math", wika ko sa kanya. Lagot na! Baka mamulubi ito!
She gave me a sweet smile. "I don't mind Amber. Umorder ka na din", wika niya.
"No thanks. Busog talaga ako", wika ko. I refused to glance at Gray na nasa tabi ni
Math. Namiss ko pa naman siya! For the rest of the vacation ay minsan lamang kami
nag-uusap sa telepono. He also told me na nasa probinsya siya kung minsan.
Jeremy whispered on my ears. "Wag kang mag-alala. I'm not as harsh as Marion gaya
ng ginawa niya sa akin dati. Di aabot ng seven thousand ang babayaran ni Maya. Mga
five thousand lang, ganun." I scowled at him but he just giggled.
"Ikaw Gray, what do you want?", Matg asked him. Hindi na ako nakinig sa sagot niya
dahil biglang tumunog ang cellphone ko. When I checked the caller ID, it was Khael.
I excused myself from them at agad na sinagot ang tawag.
"Yo, Special A!", bati niya. Gaya ni Gray ay minsan lang din kami nagkakausap ni
Khael. I've heard that he went to Singapore with his mom for vacation.
"Oh, napatawag ka?"
"I wanna ask how's the first day of school", he asked. Naiimagine ko ang pilyong
mukha ni Khael. Minsan kapag tumatawag siya ay umaabot kami ng dalawang oras.
Masyado kasi itong madaldal at hindi nawawalan ng topic.
How's the first day of school? Napasulyap ako kina Jeremy. He was still
distributing foods at kumakain naman sina Gray at Math.
"Hey", wika ni Khael.
"Ayy. Sabi ko mabagyo ang first day of school ko", wika ko sa kanya. My gaze were
still fixed on the table were Gray and Math are sitting. "First day of school Khael
and I already hate Math."
"Nagklase na agad kayo? Hala, masyado ba talagang knowledge-oriented at grade
concious ang mga taga Bridle dahil agad na nagkakaklase sa first day of class?", he
asked. Si Khael. Si Khael na walang malay. She's not a subject but a woman.
"Yeah. That's why I really hate Math. I really really hate Math." Uh, there's no
way I'll be admitting that Math's a girl, baka isipin nitong nagseselos ako dahil
may gusto ako kay Gray. Nagseselos lang ako dahil ako yung kaibigang babae ni Gray.
If his male best buddy is Khael, I'm the female counterpart.
I rolled ny eyes on such thought. Okay, masyado akong self-proclaim. Basta ganun na
iyon.
"I thought you're a geek in Math. Silvan told me that you're excellent in Math",
wika niya. "Hey, speaking of Silvan, where's that bastard?"
"He's busy with Math. He spends more time with Math", sagot ko. I'm referring to a
girl yet Khael thinks of a subject. Bahala siyang ganoon ang isipin niya
"Really? He's a freak in math too. I'm surprised to know that he's taking too much
time on math", natatawang wika ni Khael. Oh, Khael! You're so naive! "Baka
kinakalawang na ang utak niya."
"I don't think so. He's enjoying with Math", I said at napataas ang kilay ko nang
may pahampas-hampas pang nalalaman si Math habang natatawa.
"Oh. Ganoon ba? You want me to help you in math?", tanong niya.
"Can you kill Math for me?" Bigla itong natawa mula sa kabilang linya.
"You're funny", wika niya habang natatawa. "Send me the equations or whatever it
is. I'll kill that math for you."
"Wag na lang. I can handle Math", wika ko sa kanya. "I have to hang up now. Bye
Khael!" Agad kong pinatay ang tawag at lumapit sa mesa. Nakaupo doon si Jeremy
habang nakabusangot ang mukha.
"Where have you been?", Jeremy asked ng makabalik ako sa mesa.
"Diyan lang sa gilid. Khael just called", sagot ko.
"He called you?", Gray asked at tumango ako.
"Yes, he always do", wika ko. Okay, not really. Pagseselosin ko lang siya ng
maramdaman din niya ang pakiramdam ng maagawan ng best buddy.
"Who's Khael?", Math asked.
"He's a detective from Athena", sagot ni Gray at naexcite naman si Math.
"Really? I want to meet him too so that we can have a deduction showdown, what do
you think?", she asked.
I bit my lower lip to prevent myself from giving her a frown. Why does she wants to
have a showdown? If she wants to know whose deduction is superior, maybe I should
remind him of what my favorite anime character, Kudo Shinichi said that "There is
no deduction that is superior or inferior because there is only one truth."
Siniko ako ng mahina ni Jeremy kaya napalingon ako sa kanya. Ininguso niya ang
kanyang labi sa isang direksyon. When I looked at where he pointed, I saw a
familiar face. It was the guy that Heidee showed us. Jeron Eusebio. Lumingon ito sa
paligid na tila may hinahanap. Nang mapadako ang tingin nito sa mesa kung saan
nakaupo si Heidee at Cindy ay umupo ito ngunit panay ang yuko nito na tila ba ayaw
nitong makita nina Heidee.
"Isn't he suspicious?", bulong ni Jeremy. Yes, he's very suspicious. Bakit
kailangan pa niyang magtago kung nagkasundo sila ni Heidee na magkikita? Maybe he
will took some photos secretly upang may mapadala na naman siya bilang stalker.
Namataan ko naman ang isang lalaki sa tabi. It was Cristopher! He's very suspicous
too dahil panay ang surf nito sa hawak na tablet but he was hiding it under his the
table. Hindi kaya nagpapadala na naman siya ng mga messages at pictures kay Heidee
gamit ang kanyang ghost account? But Jeron is suspicious too! Now I'm confused who
could be the suspect among them.
"Bakit ka nakatitig sa lalaking iyun Amber, crush mo?", biglang tanong ni Math.
Nagulat naman ako sa tanong niya at hindi agad nakasagot. "Hala! Tan-awa ra! Crush
lage!" Uh, she's speaking alien again.
Gray looked at me but I can't read his facial expression. It's more like a
pokerface. Sumingit naman si Jeremy nang hindi agad ako makasagot.
"Of course not. Hindi yan crush ni Amber. Yung crush niya, nasa furniture shop,
nagpapart time", wika niya. Oh Je! That's very helpful and I wanna roll my eyes.
Tumunog na ang bell tanda na tapos na ang break. Bumalik na kami sa classroom namin
para classroom officers election.
Math was elected as the class president at si Jeremy naman ang vice president. See?
Masyado na talagang pinaparusahan si Jeremy. Una ay naging seatmate niya, ngayon
naman ay naging VP siya nito. Gray was elected as the Prince Charming! Yes prince
charming and guess what's my position?
Kung iniisip ninyong ako ang Muse,

Pwes, MALI KAYO! I'm the class beadle! My duties includes following orders like
distributing photocopies and keeping the class attendance! Ibig sabihin, ako ang
katulong ng klase. Damn Math for electing me! And Damn my classmates for voting!
The morning schedule ended at dinismiss na kami for lunch. The four of us went to
the cafeteria. I checked my phone nang tumunog ito and it was Heidee. Agad ko iyong
sinagot matapos mag excuse sa kanila at lumabas ng cafeteria.
"Amber! I've received another creepy object from my stalker! Three cockroaches! My
God Amber, I really can't take this!", wika niya mula sa kabilang linya.
"Saan mo nakuha ang mga ipis?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"It's in my locker! I don't know he he opened my locker but it's inside and then
nakalock pa rin. Walang ibang may duplicate ng susi ko, not even Cindy! My God,
please help me Amber", she sounded so worried.
"Okay, listen. Let the three of them gather in the poolside mamayang alas tres. I
think that's enough for me to identify who's behind this stalker case", wika ko sa
kanya at sumang-ayon ito. Bibisitahin ko mamaya ang locker niya upang makakuha ako
ng clue kung paano iyon nabuksan ng kanyang stalker.
"Stalker case? You're investigating a case?", Math asked. Nagulat ako dahil hindi
ko namalayang nasa likuran ko pala ito.
"Ah, yes."
"Can I come with you? I'm sure I could be a great help", she said with a smile.
Kahit ayoko ay pumayag pa rin ako. Tuwang-tuwa naman ito at inaya na akong kumain.
We we're about to enter the cafeteria nang mabangga ako ng isang lalaki.
Nagmamadali ito na tila ba ayaw nitong mahuli ng kung sino man. Inaayos niya ang
suot na cap, as if he was hiding his face at humingi ng paumanhin sa akin. I was
surprised to see who it was! The other suspect of the stalker case, Lawrence
Vequizo! Now it's more complicated! All three were suspicious!
Agad itong umalis at iniwan kami. Kinalabit ako ni Math. "Hoy, natulala ka dyan. Is
he one of your suspect?", she asked and I nodded.
She let out a mischievous smile na tila ba nagsasabing it's gonna be a victory for
her. "Oh well, Sherlock Holmes said that the world is full of obvious things
which nobody by any chance ever observes. That was an obvious one but it's a
capital mistake to theorize before we have enough data. This is interesting", she
said as her eyes glow in excitement.
****
I have showed some clues on this chapter. Who's your guy guyths and what's your
bases? What do you think about this chapter? Share your thoughts! Next chapter is
the resolution part and a sort of showdown (?) between Amber and Math!
Join DF on facebook! Just search DETECTIVE FILES BY SHINICHILAAAABS! Thank you!
-Shinichilaaaabs♥
CHAPTER 14: THE STALKER CASE (RESOLUTION)

Chapter 14: The Stalker Case (Part 2: Resolution)
dedicated to @MissInvisible01dahil nakahula siya kung sino ang culprit. Feel niya
lang daw! :)))
*****
"Oh well, Sherlock Holmes said that the world is full of obvious things which
nobody by any chance ever observes. That was an obvious one but it's a capital
mistake to theorize before we have enough data. This is interesting", Math said
with excitement. "But! We have to eat first. I don't believe with Holmes when he
said that brain best work on an empty stomach kaya halika na." Hinila na niya ako
papunta sa mesa kung nasaan si Gray at Jeremy. Agad siyang umupo katabi ni Gray so
I have no other choice but to sit beside Je.
Nagsimula na kaming kumain ng bigla na lamang magsalita si Math. "Guess what? Amber
got a case and I'm gonna lend her a hand."
Geez, lend me a hand? Hindi ko kailangan ang tulong niya. I can do this on my own.
Ibinagsak ni Jeremy ang kutsara at tinidor niya at biglang napaharap sa akin, I can
see in his eyes that such look say's 'hey, sinabi mo sa kanyang may case tayo?'
"Really? I'm sure Amber can handle that alone", wika ni Gray. If this wouldn't be
the circumstances, I would have been glad ng sinabi niya iyon dahil ibig sabihin ay
pinagkakatiwalaan niya ang kakayahan ko. But the way he said it now, bakit
pakiramdam ko ay ayaw lang niyang maging abala si Math sa kung anu-anong mga bagay
at sa kanya lang ang atensyon nito? Argh! Okay, ang gulo ko. Dapat chill lang ako.
Bahala silang dalawa!
"Well I want to help. This could be a deduction showdown between us, right Amber?",
Math said smiling. I faked a smile at her.
Jeremy whispered in my ear. "Amber, magkatapat kayo ng tuhod sa ilalim ng mesa ni

Maya diba? Tinidorin mo nga nang hindi na makatayo!"
I scowled at him kaya muli niyong kinuha ang kubyertos niya at nagsimulang kumain.
Tahimik na rin akong kumain hanggang sa matapos ako. Agad akong nagpunta sa locker
room kasama si Math upang tingnan ang locker ni Heidee.
Hindi sinira ang lock but there were marks on it na malamang ay galing sa bagay na
ginamit upang mabuksan iyon. Probably a wire or anything na kakasya doon.
Naikwento ko na rin kay Math ang kwento ni Heidee kanina at sinabi ko na rin sa
kanya ang mga pangalan ng mga textmate ni Heidee. I also showed her the photos that
were sent by Heidee's stalker.
"Thanks Amber! I'll investigate on my own. I've got to go and see those three. I'm
gonna hide a knife behind a smile", wika niya. Mahilig yata sa matalinghagang
salita si Math.
"Anong ibig sabihin nun?", I asked. I can see in her eyes that she's really into
this case.
Lumawak pa ang ngiti nito. "I'm gonna charm and ingratiate myself with those three,
by the time that I have gained their trust, I'm gonna move against them in secret",
wika niya at nagpaalam. She'll gonna gain their trust in just a short span of time?
She can do that?
Uh, maybe she had the magic of doing things in a blink of an eye.My classmates
trusted her kaya siya ang ginawang class president. Not that I'm jealous of such
position, wala sa hinagap ko ang magkaroon ng mga responsibilidad gaya ng pagiging
classroom officer. She can have all the position that she wants but not class
president yet, it's too early for that. Oh well, majority wins at kanina ay kami
lang yata ni Jeremy at ang nagnominate sa isa pang nominee ang hindi bumoto sa
kanya.
Uh! Kami lang ba ni Je ang ayaw sa kanya? I throw away such thought at ibinalik sa
isip ang case na kinakaharap ko ngayon. May mga pumasok na babae doon kaya
nagtanong-tanong ako. The lockers of the boys are in a different room from the
girls' locker.
"Uhm, excuse me. Pwede bang magtanong?", tanong ko sa mga babae.
"Ano po iyon?"
"May napansin ba kayong lalaki na pumasok dito sa locker room ng mga babae kanina
mga after break?", I asked him. Nagkatinginan silang tatlo at nagtanong-tanong sila
sa isa't-isa.
Sumagot ang isa sa kanila. "Nandito ako kanina but I never noticed any guy here".
Nagpasalamat ako sa kanila at umalis na. Maybe just like Math, I have to see those
three lalo na at kahina-hinala silang tatlo kanina.
Kinuha ko mula sa bag ko ang mga larawang pinadala ng stalker ni Heidee. I already
showed it to Math kanina at malamang ay may nakuha na rin siyang clues mula doon.
Saan ko ba sila makikita ngayon?
"Amber."
Napalingon ako sa tumawag sa akin and I was surprised to see Gray. Uh, he's gonna
make it up to me?
"Yes?"
Lumapit siya sa akin. I braced myself for his ways of making me smile, but to my
surprised, iba ang tanong niya.
"Have you seen Math?", he asked at para akong nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig. Okay,
ako na ang assumming! I shook my head at nagpaalam na sa kanya.
"Mauna na ako Gray", wika ko sa kanya and dashed out the door. Ang hinayupak! Hindi
man lamang ako pinigilan! Ipanagpalit na ba talaga niya ako kay Math? Ayaw na niya
sa Kulay at gusto na niya ang Math? Uh, Graaaaay! Iwinaksi ko na lang iyon sa isip
at nagconcentrate sa possible stalker ni Heidee.
I went to the convenient shades at hinanap ang mga textmate ni Heidee ngunit sa
halip ay sina Heidee at Cindy ang nakita. Lumapit ako sa kanila at nakipag-usap.
"Kumontak ba sayo ang stalker mo?", I asked her at tumango siya. She showed me a
textmessage which reads:
Did you enjoy my gift? See you later.

The stalker is reminding her of their meeting as her textmate. But I was wondering
why he had to be her textmate and stalker. He can just assume one, masyadong
maeffort ang ginagawa niya. He needs extra sim or extra phone para matext niya si
Heidee as textmate or as a stalker. I'm still wondering why.
"Sino ba ang nakakaalam na magmimeet kayo ng mga textmate mo?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Maliban sa atin, ay silang tatlo lang din. I don't know if they told others about
it", sagot niya. Nasa gilid nila ang box na may lamang patay na ipis. Kinuha iyon
ni Cindy at binuksan ang box. She watched closely the dead cockroaches inside.
"Ang sama ng stalker mo Bes! Ano kaya ang motibo niya?", she asked at sumang-ayon
naman ako. Why does her stalker exerted much effort on following her? Ang pagkuha
ng larawan, pagpapadala ng mga nakakatakot na bagay. Maybe may dahilan ang mga
iyon.
"I don't know Bes", naguguluhang sagot niya. Nilingon niya si Cindy. "Teka Bes,
ayusin natin ang hairpin mo."
Hinawakan naman ni Heidee ang bihok at inayos iyon. "Ako na Bes."
"Oh ayan! Ang ganda talaga ng friendship hairpin natin ano?", wika ni Heidee. I
glanced at my wristwatch, mag-aalauna na at wala pa akong masyadong alam dito
nakukuha na impormasyon mula sa kasong ito. I set a time limit of 3PM ngunit wala
pa rin akong hint kung sino man sa tatlo ang stalker niya.
Nagpaalam na ako sa kanila upang mahanap ko sina Jeron, Cristopher at Lawrence para
magkaroon ako ng ideya kung sino ang stalker. I went to the second floor of the
building kung saan matatagpuan ang classroom nina Cristopher. Gaya kanina sa
cafeteria ay abala ito sa ginagawa sa kanyang tablet. Nasa may dingding ito at
maingat sa ginagawa upang walang makalapit doon at matingnan ang ginagawa niya sa
kanyang tablet. I just watched him from a distance at ikinubli ang sarili ko sa may
pinto. Mabuti na lamang at hindi pa bumabalik ang mga estudyante dahil kung hindi
ay magmumukha akong tanga sa ginagawa ko dito. Just then ay biglang dumaan sa tabi
ko si Math. She walked towards Cristopher at lumapit dito.
"Hi!", bati niya. Nagulat naman ang huli sa paglapit ni Math at agad na itinago ang
tablet sa likuran niya. Remarkable! Very remarkable.
"Y-yes?", tila gulat nitong tanong. May mga dumating na grupo ng estudyanteng mga
lalaki at maingay ang mga ito kaya umalis na ako doon. I can't hear Math and
Cristopher anymore dahil nasa kalayuan ako at may mga maingay na estudyante pa
doon. Maybe I should check the other two.
Bumaba ako doon at nakasalubong ko si Jeremy. "Bakit mo ako iniwan? Nakikipagteam

up ka na kay Math?"
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Like that's gonna happen. I think she got much on this
case but I'm not giving up lalo na't nangako ako kay Heidee na tutulungan siya."
"Ganyan nga! Fighting! Don't let that Math take the full credits!", pagchicheer ni
Jeremy sa akin. "So, who's our next destination?"
"Lawrence or Jeron. Let's see Jeron first", wika ko sa kanya at akmang hihilahin
sana siya ngunit iniwas niya ang braso niya.
"Ah-ah-ah! Not yet. Let me spice up your life para ganahan ka namang mag-imbestiga.
How do you spell Ambulance?", he said with a big smile.
"Je-"
"Sagot na kasi!"
I rolled my eyes at him. "Fine. Ambulance. A-M-B-U-", he cut me off.
"Hep! Make it faster."
"A-M-B-", panimula ko and made it faster that I did kanina ngunit sumimangot bigla
si Jeremy.
"What? Why are you frowning?"
He gave me a smile. "I said faster! It should have been like this,
WEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEEEWEWEWEW! HAHAHAHHAHAHA!", he said and started laughing out loud.
Uh, seriously?! Mahinang hinampas ko ang braso niya at hinila siya somewhere. We
need to find those two at nang magkaroon na ako ng development dito. Hinanap namin
su Jeron and we found him the nearby benches. Tila may sinusundan ito at panay din
ang pagtatago nito sa mukha sa pamamagitan ng pagtatakip ng isang comic book.
"Sa tingin mo, bakit kahina-hinala ang ginagawa niya? Siya na kaya ang statlker?",
Jeremy asked. Tinitigan niya si Jeron mula sa kinatatayuan namin.
Sinundan ko ang direksyon ng tinitingnan ni Jeron at nakita ko sina Heidee sa di

kalayuan! Sina Heidee! Siya na kaya ang stalker?
"Isn't he suspicious?"
"Yes, he really is susp-", napalingon ako sa nagsalita! It was Math! Nandito na

agad siya sa tabi namin? Diba kausap lang siya ni Christopher kanina? Don't tell me
she already figured out who among them is the culprit?! "Math?!"
"Yup, that's my name. Oh, hi Jeremy!", bati niya kay Jeremy na nakasimangot sa tabi
ko.
"Hi Maya."
"Maya?"
"Maya as in yung dating national bird. Nacu-cute'tan kasi ako doon. Buti na lang
pinalitan ng Philippine eagle ano?", Jeremy said at mahinang kinurot ko ang braso
niya. God! He's talking nonsense!
"I see. Malapit ng mag 1:30, magsisimula na ang mga club meetings. Saan ka nga
palang club Amber?", tanong niya.
"Sa Theatre club", sagot ko sa kanya. Bumaling siya kay Jeremy at tinanong ang
parehong tanong.
"Sa Booklovers club ako."
"I'm confused kung saang club ako sasali", himutok ni Math. I glanced at my watch
at malapit na ngang mag1:30.
"Saan ka ba magaling? Yun na lang piliin mo", wika ko sa kanya. Hindi ako sasali sa
club meetings ngayon dahil siguradong elections at kung anu-anong mga rules lang
naman ang magiging agenda ngayon.
"I'm good in everything", Math said na ikinakunot ng noo ni Jeremy.
"Edi salihan mo lahat para ikaw na", bulong nito.
"Ha?"
"Wala. Sabi ko doon ka na lang kaya sa Night Club? Magsexy dance ka doon."
Tumawa ng malakas si Math na tila ba tuwang-tuwa ito sa sinabi ni Jeremy.

"Nakakatawa ka talaga. Magpapatulong na lang ako kay Gray sa pagdecide. Anyways,
alam mo na rin ba kung sino sa kanila ang stalker mo?", she asked.
Wait. Did she say "RIN?" Ibig bang sabihin ay alam na niya?! That fast?!
"You already identified who's the stalker?", tanong ko sa kanya and she nodded.
"Yes. Among the three, he's the most suspicious", wika niya. "Paano? I have to go.
See you at poolside later Amber para sa deduction show!", she winked at us bago
siya umalis.
"Now I really really hate Math. Ang yabang niya ano?", nanggagalaiting wika ni
Jeremy. Hinarap ko siya at tinitigan ng maigi. "What?!"
"Hali ka na nga, let's find the last guy Lawrence", wika ko sa kanya at hinila si
Jeremy. Nilibot namin ang buong Bridle and we found Lawrence on the gym kasama ang
ilan sa mga kaklase nito. They're talking about girls at naikwento ni Lawrence ang
textmate nitong kakatagpuin daw niya mamayang alas tres. Kahit hindi niya iyon
pinangalanan ay alam kong si Heidee ang tinutukoy nito. He said nothing suspicious
so we gave up listening to their conversation. Alas dos na ngunit wala pa rin akong
ideya kung sino man sa kanila ang stalker!
"Je, what's your favorite quote from Sherlock Holmes?"
"Marami eh. Bakit?", he asked.
"Mag-isip ka nga ng isa lang."
"Teka sandali", he said and he tapped his temple as he thinks. "Aha! Eto. " It is a
capital mistake to theorize in advance of the facts. Insensibly one begins to twist
facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."
Right. I should start with the facts to begin my theories.
FACT: The photos that were sent to Heidee were close enough.
THEORY: Her stalker must be near when he took that photo. He might had disguised
himself upang magawa iyon, but hindi nga ba talaga iyon napansin ni Heidee?
FACT: Kahit anong palit niya ng number ay nakocontact pa rin siya nito.
THEORY: Her stalker is one of those people that she had informed about her new
digits. Pwede ring namblackmail ang stalker niya sa isang kakilala kapalit ng
kanyang bagong contact details.
FACT: The stalker knew about Heidee's fears.

THEORY: Maybe she knew the stalker or isa iyon sa mga sinabihan niya sa mga
kinatatakutan niya.
FACT: Naglagay ng box na may ipis ang kanyang stalker sa locker niya.
THEORY: The stalker stole the key before hand and had it duplicated. Pwede ring
gumamit ito ng mga lock-picking kit o kung ano man.
The bell rang at tanda iyon na alas tres na! Argh! I haven't really got much on
this case! Maybe Math will own the stage of deduction. Uh, don't get me wrong. I'm
not competing with her, okay?
"Alas tres na", Jeremy said while looking at his watch. "Let's go?" Tumayo na kami
at nagpunta sa poolside. Naroon na sina Heidee at Cindy kasama sina Math at Gray.
See?! Mas nauna pa sila amin.
Gray looked at us at napakunot ang noo nito. Pagkatapos niyon ay umiwas na siya ng
tingin sa akin.
"Amber!", tawag ni Heidee at sinalubong ako. "Papunta na sila dito."
Math smiled at us at binati kami. Gray wasn't talking at nakasandal lamang sa gilid
habang nakatingin sa amin. Teka, galit ba siya?
May dumating na mga lalaki at halos magkasunod lang ang mga ito. Naguguluhan naman
ang nga ito nang makita kami at ang isa-isa.
"Hi boys!", bati ni Math. "You might be wondering kung bakit maraming tao when in
fact you're just expecting to see Heidee."
Napakunot ang noo ni Jeron. "So, what's all of this about?" Napatingin ito ng isa-
isa sa amin at napasimangot.
"It's about the stalker of Heidee. May creepy na stalker kasi siya at malamang isa
iyon sa inyong tatlo", wika ni Math.
"Not me!", depensa ni Lawrence.
"Mas lalong hindi ako!", Cristopher said at tumanggi rin si Jeron.
"Ops, not too defensive, okay? May tanong lang naman ako sa inyo", lumapit si Math
kay Jeron. "Why are you acting suspicious and you watched Heidee from a distance
mula pa kanina?"
Namutla si Jeron sa tanong ni Math. "Yes, I follewed her but I'm not her stalker!
Gusto ko lang siyang tingnan mula sa malayo, nahihiya kasi ako sa kanya!"
"Really? Ikaw Lawrence. Bakit nagmamadali ka kanina nang mabangga mo si Amber?

Tinago mo pa ang mukha mo sa suot mong cap? Hindi kaya dahil may ginawa ka tulad ng
paglagay ng ipis sa locker ni Heidee?", Math asked.
"What? I didn't do it! Nagmamadali lang talaga ako!", he said.
"Lastly, is you Cristopher. Ano ba ang kinabi-busyhan mo sa tablet mo? Hindi kaya
iyon ang ghost account na ginagamit mo?", she asked at bigla namang namutla si
Cristopher.
"Hindi ako stalker!", he hissed at her.
Math really got enough on this case. Lumapit siya kay Cristopher. "How's stalking
her Cristopher? Among the three, you're the most suspicious. I wonder how you took
those photos closely. Probably you disguised yourself and based on my research,
you're part of the cosplay and camouflage club kaya madali lang sayo ang
magdisguise. You put the box of cockroaches on her locker when you disguised
yourself as a girl. Gayundin ng kunin mo ang nga litrato. You know she's afraid of
frogs and cockroaches so you sent those", Math said at napaatras si Cristopher.
Bumulong si Jeremy sa akin. "You'll let her take all the credits?" Sinamaan ko siya
ng tingin at nanahimik na lang ito sa tabi ko.
"He's the stalker?", hindi makapaniwalang wika ni Heidee.
"I don't know that she's afraid of cockroaches!", tanggi ni Cristopher. "I told
you, I'm not stalking her!"
"You're the stalker! Marahil nga ay yang ghost account mo ang nasa tablet mo! Alam
mong lahat ay takot sa ipis! Kahit ako ay takot na takot sa ipis!", Cindy said at
napatingin ako sa kanya. That's it! Unti-unting nabuo sa isip ko lahat. Mula sa mga
pictures, kung paano nalaman ng stalker ang bagong contact details nito at kung
anu-ano pa.
"As a proof, why don't you show us your tablet kung saan nakalog in sa facebook ang
ghost account mo?", wika ni Math and to our surprise ay bigla na lamang napatakbo
si Cristopher!
"Let's chase him! I need to ask him kung bakit niya ginagawa iyon", wika ni Heidee
and they were about to run after Cristopher ngunit pinigilan ko sila.
"You don't have to", wika ko. "He's not the stalker."
"But I saw his ghost account ng lapitan ko siya kanina", wika ni Math. Jeremy was
smiling all the way. Natuwa ang loko ng magsalita na ako. As of Gray, he was
looking at me with his pokerface.
"Probably those account is for his omegle chatmates. Kadalasan kasi sa mga gumagawa
ng ghost account ay para sa Omegle nila", wika ko. Well that's what I heard from my
cousins last summer.
"Then who's the stalker?", tanong ni Lawrence na nakatayo pa rin doon kasama ni
Jeron.
"Wala ka bang napapansin sa mga pictures Heidee?", I asked her.
"Wala naman maliban sa malalapit ang pagkakakuha niyon", sagot niya.
"Exactly. It's because your stalker is just close. Diba Cindy?", I asked at
tiningnan ang gulat na gulat na si Cindy.
"What are you talking about?", patay-malisyang tanong niya.
"You took her photos and stalk her in fb using your ghost account. Nakakapagtaka
kasing ang lapit ng pagkakakuha ng larawan yet Heidee didn't noticed anyone
following her. Also, alam mo ang kanyang mga bagong contact details, of course,
you're the bestfriend right? I just don't know why you're doing it. Sabi mo rin
kanina ay takot ka sa ipis pero kanina ay parang wala lang sayo nung kunin mo ang
box. That's how I figured our that you're lying."
"Totoo ba Cindy?"
"Wag kang maniniwala sa kanya Bes!", Cindy said. "What's your proof?"
"Aside from the pictures, look at your hairpin", wika ko sa kanya. Lumapit ako at
kinuha iyon sa buhok niya. Madali lamang iyong kunin dahil mukhang lumuwang ito.
Bahagyang nakabuka ito, unlike the other hairpins. "Ito ang ginamit mo sa pagbukas
ng locker niya diba?"
Nagulat naman si Heidee at maging si Cindy. Halos hindi ito makapaniwala sa ginawa
ng bestfriend nito.
"Ikaw ba talaga Bes?
Napayuko si Cindy at nang mag-angat ito ng tingin ay nanlilisik ang mga mata nito.
"Yes! I did it!"
"But why?"
"Dahil nakakainis ka! Ikaw na lang palagi! Palagi na lang akong kinukumpara sa iyo!
Ikaw na ang maganda, ang matalino! Ikaw na lahat!", Cindy said. "You must be very
happy with your life, samantalang ako palagi na lang naikukumpara sayo! That's when
I decided to inject fear into you at nang hindi lamang kasiyahan ang natatamasa
mo!"
"What made you think na palagi akong masaya? Akala mo ba hindi ako nasasaktan kapag
kinukumpara tayo? Bes, nasasaktan din ako dahil kaibigan kita! You're unique in
your own way! You do things that I don't. Sa tingin mo ba kaya kong magpaint gaya
ng ginagawa mo? Do you think marunong akong magluto gaya ng mga masasarap na recipe
mo? You don't have to be that insecure! My God Bes! We've been bestfriends since
we're kids!" Bigla na lamang napaiyak si Heidee at tumakbo ito palayo. It took few
seconds bago tumakbo si Cindy upang sundan ito.
"Friendship that has lasted for years can be completely changed in an instant and
will never be the same again", wika ni Jeremy habang tinitingnan ang mga ito.
Umalis na din doon sina Jeron at Lawrence kaya naiwan kaming apat.
"Oh well, you've proven your detective skill Amber. I'm impressed. Well, I've
overlooked the small details and got a wrong deduction. I should have take this
case seriously", nakangiting wika ni Math. "Sayang ang friendship nila ano."
"Yabang talaga", bulong ni Jeremy.
Tumayo ng tuwid si Gray mula sa pagkakasandal sa dingding. Nakapamulsang lumapit

siya sa amin. " No matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you
every once in a while and you must forgive them for that", wika niya habang
nakatingin sa akin. Muli niyang iginala ang paningin sa paligid. "Maybe you should
go to the club meetings. Marahil ay tapos na ang orientation at election na."
"Hala! Oo nga pala! Mauna na ako!", Math said at agad na tumakbo paalis doon.
"Oo nga. Hali ka na Amber", Jeremy said at humakbang ako palapit sa kanya ngunit
bigla akong hinawakan ni Gray sa braso.
"Can we talk for a while?", he asked at napatingin ako saglit sa kanya ngunit wala
aking sinabi.
"Mauna na ako", paalam ni Jeremy at umalis kaya kami na lamang ni Gray ang naiwan
doon.
Namayani saglit ang katahimikan sa amin bago iyon binasag ni Gray. "Why are you
ignoring me?"
Nakatalikod ako sa kanya habang nakatayo. Aba! Ako pa ngayon ang tinanong niya ng
ganoon? "I should be the one asking you that question. Why are you ignoring me?
Hindi mo ako pinapansin, puro ka na lang si M-math." Uh, there. Nasabi ko na.
"Puro ka nga din Jeremy. Ni hindi mo ako matingnan. Si Jeremy ang lage mong
hinaharap. Tinatalikuran mo kaya ako kanina pa!", wika niya. What?! Tinatalikuran
ko lang naman siya kasi naiilang akong tumingin sa kanya!
Nagulat na lang ako sa sunod na ginawa niya. He hugged me from my back and he
burried his face on my neck. "Namiss pa naman kita tapos hindi mo man lang ako
matingnan mula ng dumating ako dahil naaaliw ka na kay Puns."
I slowly smiled. Nagseselos ba siya kay Jeremy? "Nagseselos ka kay Jeremy?"
"Yes. I'm fucking jealous", he said at mas hinigpitan ang pagyakap sa akin.
"You don't have to. Ikaw pa rin naman ang male best buddy ko. Akala ko nga
ipinagpalit mo na rin ako kay Math. Di mo ako pinansin kanina, si Math lang hinanap
mo", wika ko sa kanya. Bigla na lamang siyang bumitaw mula sa pagyakap sa akin.
"Argh. Best male buddy? You're slow", he said and he frowned.
"Bakit? Hindi mo ba ako kaibigan?", I aked at mas lalo siyang napasimangot.
"Tsk! Halika na nga FEMALE BEST BUDDY ko. Wag ka ng magtampo. Agad ka ngang umalis
kanina, hindi mo pinansin ang pagtawag ko", wika niya ang emphasized the words
kasabay ng pagsimangot. Hinawakan niya lang ako sa braso habang paalis kami sa
poolside.
What's with him giving emphasis to Female Best Buddy? Uh, he's weird. I just smiled
ng maalala ko ang pagyakap niya sa akin. Yeah, it felt so good. So damn good.
*********
The next case is one of the suggested case from the group! Who miss Ryu? He'll be
back on the next chapters! Paalam! Lol xD Join DF on face book!
Here's the link : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1574488042852082/ o search nyo

lang Detective Files By Shinichilaaaabs. Ciao!
CHAPTER 15: TEACHER ENEMY

Chapter 15: Teacher Enemy
A/N: Paasa ako. Sabi ko nandito si Ryu sa chapter na ito pero sa susunod pa pala
kaya sorry na mga beh! Magtatampo si @SteppyByunii nito haha :3 And special mention
to Hinaloc Hadloc Mjane for the suggested case!
***********
Maaga akong gumising at pumasok sa klase pero mas maaga pa pala kaysa sa akin si
Gray. He was sitting on his chair at nakasubsob ang mukha sa mesa. Oh, tinatamad ba
ito ngayong araw?
Pumasok ako at tumabi sa kanya. His arms covered his face kaya hindi ko matiyak
kung tulog nga ba ito o patulog-tulog lamang. Just then, bigla na lamang humangin
ng napakalakas -
Di. Joke lang.

Biglang dumating si Math at bumeso sa akin. "Good morning Amber!", bati niya.
Yumuko siya bahagya kay Gray at akmang bebeso din sana ng bigla na lamang dumating
si Jeremy. "Heeeeep!", he said. "Trespassing ka."
Naguguluhang nag-angat naman ng tingin si Math sa kanya. "What?"
"Bawal.humalik.sa.pisngi.ni.Gray. Ganun. Private property kasi", wika niya. Math

pouted at him.
"No one owns Gray", wika niya at lumapit kay Jeremy upang bumeso. "Well good
morning Jeremy", she said ngunit bago pa man dumampi ang labi niya sa pisngi ni Je
ay naiharang na ni Jeremy ang kanyang palad.
"Hep hep hep! Ayoko ng halik ni Judas kaya don't you dare. Mas lalong exclusive
property ito", wika niya at natawa na lamang si Math bago pumwesto sa upuan niya. I
don't know what's wrong with Gray pero nakasalampak pa rin ang mukha nito sa mesa.
"Ano ba ang madalas ginagawa sa Bridle kapag second day of classes?", tanong ni
Math kay Jeremy. Marami-rami na rin ang nga kaklasae naming nandoon.
"Maliban sa paglalaro ng mga getting to know you games at student council candidacy
filing ay nanununtok din kami ng mga mayayabang na estudyante kapag second daw of
classes", sagot ni Jeremy sa kanya. He hates Math, he's so obvious.
"What?! Bridle tolerates bullying and stuffs like that? Oh my God, anong klaseng
may-ari meron ang Bridle?", she asked in surprise. Luh, anong klaseng may-ari si
Sir Arman?
Well, mabait. Mahilig sa mystery. Pilyo. Riddle king and everything.
"Hala. Tanungin mo si Amber at Gray, close sila eh", Jeremy said. I don't know if
he knew about our London trip. Wala akong pinagsabihin but I don't know with Gray.
Ibinida niya kasi dati yung nasa private island kami na pag-aari ni Sir Arman.
"Amber?", Math asked at nag-atubili akong sagutin siya. I don't want to talk about
other people. Isa pa ay gusto kong imaintain ang mysterious image na ipinapagilas
ni Sir Arman.
"Hmmm. Okay naman siya", tipid kong sagot. Math rolled her eyes at tumayo.
"I'll ask Gray instead", wika niya and she pulled her chair towards Gray's left
side. Kiniliti niya ang tenga nito. Buti sana kung tulog ito at magulat sa ginawa
niya at nang masuntok ito! Paulit ulit niya itong ginawa pero hindi lamang gumalaw
si Gray.
"Hoy Gray!", tawag niya ngunit hindi pa rin ito gumagalaw.
"Puyat?", Jeremy asked and I shrugged my shoulders. Bakit naman napuyat si Gray?
Ano kaya ginawa niya noong nagdaang gabi?
"Gray", tawag ulit ni Math ngunit hindi pa rin ito tuminag. "Kapag di ka gumalaw
hahawakan ko yang ano mo!"
Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Jeremy at nanlaki ang mata. Hahawakan daw ang ano?
Ano ang ano????????
"Pagbilang ko ng tatlo. Isa", pagbibilang ni Math. "Dalawa." Halos hindi kami

makahinga ni Jeremy! My God! Yung ano baka mahawakan?!
"Tatlo!" Math reached for his crotch! No way! She really mean it when she said she
will touch his "ANO!" Bago pa man iyon maabot ni Math ay bigla na lamang hinawakan
ni Gray ang kamay ni Math at nag-angat ng tingin.
But to our surprise, it wasn't Gray!
"Khael?!!!", bulalas ko!

"Good morning Special A!", nakangiting bati niya. Naniningkit pa ang mga mata niya,
halatang nakaidlip ito saglit. And what's surprising is that he's wearing BRIDLE'S
UNIFORM!
"Hala kagwapo! Hoy kinsa ka?!", Math exclaimed. Whaaaaaat?
Nagtatakang tiningnan naman siya ni Khael. "Pardon? Who's this girl Special A?"
Just then, Gray came dashing from the door at agad na lumapit sa amin. He punched
Khael on his gut at napangiti naman ang huli. Napasinghap naman ang ibang nakakita.
Oh yeah, for everyone's information, that's how they tell each other their 'I miss
you!'
"Oh my God Gray! Why did you do that?", Math asked at agad na lumapit kay Khael.
Hinawakan niya ito sa bahaging sinuntok ni Gray. Ayos ka lang ba pogi? May masakit
ba sayo?" I wanna roll my eyes ngunit pinigilan ko na lang ang sarili ko. Chancing
ka Math! Wag kang humawak sa abs ni Khael!
"I'm fine", lumayo siya kay Math at lumapit sa akin and to my surprise ay niyakap
niya ako ng mahigpit. "I miss you Special A!"
"Oh. You're dead", bulong ni Jeremy.
I freed myself from his hug. "Uh, what are you doing here Khael? Nagtransfer ka?"
"Oh no! Uyab nimo nang gwapo Amber?", Math asked. I gave her a questioning look and
she smiled. "Sabi ko, boyfriend mo ba yang poging yan."
"Her future boyfriend", Khael said with a grin at napatiimbagang lamang si Gray.
"Oh, you're double dead. Say your prayers", bulong ni Jeremy. Uh? Ano ba ang mga
pinagbubulong nito?
"Teka. Wala ka kahapon, absent ka?", she asked Khael ngunit si Gray ang sumagot sa
kanya.
"He's not from Bridle. He's from Athena. How dare you stole my spare uniform on my
cabinet", wika ni Gray. Khael just stole his uniform? I thought nagtransfer siya!
Khael let out his boyish smile. "Ang tagal mo kasing lumabas ng banyo eh. Mabuti na
lang at pinapasok ako ng roommate mo and I got bored waiting so I ransacked your
cabinet and got this extra uniform. Bagay ba sa akin ang uniform ng Bridle?", he
said while grinning at mahinang hinampas siya ni Gray.
"You bastard!", he said at napatawa lang si Khael.
"Teka wait. Nalibog nako! You're from Athena but nandito ka. Gray came punching you
around ngunit parang wala lang iyon sa iyo. Sino ka ba talaga and what are you
doing here?", Math asked in confusion.
"Okay. I'm Silvan's best buddy and again, Amber's future boyfriend", sagot ni Khael
at inabot ako upang akbayan.
"Oh no. Doom's day. I'll pray for your soul dude", bulong ulit ni Jeremy. "Hey
dude, how do you know it's Gray's seat?"
He smiled at us. "Elementary deduction dude. As Silvan's best buddy, I know his
likes and dislikes. He always wants a left side seat at the end of the first row."
"But I personally picked that seat for him", wika ni Jeremy.
"I'm his bestfriend so I know it. He will never accept such seat unless it's of he
likes it too", sagot niya. "After all, I'm a detective. I can tell by the chair's
scent-"
"Stop talking nonsense Alonzo", putol sa kanya ni Gray. "What are you doing here?
I'm sure abala rin kayo sa Athena para sa SC elections ninyo."
"I called Special A yesterday and I decided to come here today when she said she
had some troubles with mat-"Agad kong itinakip ang kamay ko sa bibig niya. No way!
Don't he dare to mention my rants about Math!
"Troubles with myself!", tiningnan ko siya at nginitian bago binitawan ang kanyang
bibig. "Diba Khael?"
"Ah yes. Plano ko sanang magsit-in dito. Bored ako sa Athena at ayaw kong lumahok
sa SC activities so I decided to went here instead. Who's this girl who talks alien
by the way?", he asked at bahagyang sinulyapan si Math. Ngumiti naman ang huli at
lumapit sa bahagya kay Khael.
"Hi, my name is Math Corazon, 16 years old pero magseseventeen na this July 25. I'm
from -", we prepared ourselves for her looooooong introduction about herself ngunit
dumating na si Maam Saderna. Oh, yeah. Saved by the bell. Hindi na niya kailangan
pang magbuhat ng kung anu-anong furniture niya.
"Good morning class! Today's the last filing for SC candidacy at mamaya ay ang
meeting de avance. So baka magbago pa ang isip ninyo, I'll give you time to
decide", wika ni Maam Saderna at nagpaalam na. Nagsilabasan na din ang iba naming
mga kaklase.
"Great! Just like Athena, wala din kayong pasok kaya itatakas ko muna si Special
A", wika niya at hinila ako sa wrist palabas ng classroom ngunit nahawakan ni Gray
ang kabilang kamay ko.
"Sorry but hindi pwede Alonzo", wika niya and then he pulled me towards him. "Our
teacher said that we should allocate our time in deciding about the candidacy at
para na rin maging handa para sa meeting de avance mamaya. I just can't let you
take Amber anywhere", he said in a very serious tone.
"Oh no. Ito na ang hula ni Nostradamus na may dalawang magkaibigan na mawawasak",
bulong ulit ni Jeremy.
Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ni Gray sa kanya. "Shut up Puns.Kanina ka pa may

binubulong dyan."
"Speaking of puns, I have questions for the four of you", wika niya at sinamaan ko
siya ng tingin. Oh no, I know his quiz and puns. They're all the same. Puros walang
kwenta. Tanging si Khael at Math lamang ang nagpakita ng interes sa kanya.
"Shoot Dude", Khael said.
"Ano ang tawag sa kalabaw na marunong umakyat ng puno?", Jeremy asked.
"I thought you're going to ask sensible questions", Khael said with a frown.
"How would I know? I've never heard carabao like those", sagot naman ni Math. "Ikaw
Gray, alam mo ba ang sagot?"
"Yeah but I wouldn't dare spill it. Oh, I can't spill it, it's too downgrading",
wika niya na ikinasimangot ni Jeremy. Yeah, puns.
"Anong sagot?", I asked them.
"Edi magaling! HAHAHAHA!", wika ni Jeremy and he started laughing again. Now I
understand why Gray wouln't say it. It's really uh- downgrading.
"Yeah. Next question please", Khael said with a pokerface. Na-iimune na siguro kami
ni Gray sa mga puns ni Jeremy! Araw-araw namin siyang kasama at ginagawa na niyang
isa sa mga basic needs namin ang nga puns niya!
"Eh ano naman ang tawag sa kalabaw na nakakalipad?", he asked again.
"Magaling din", wika ni Math.
"Eeeenk! Edi mas magaling! HAHAHAHAHAHA", Jeremy said and Math frowned at her.
(A/N: Hindi nakakatawa pero natawa ako dito hahahahahahahahaha).
"Eto na talaga", he said. "Bakit kailangang lagyan ng gulong ang rocking chair ni
Lola?"
"Para maging wheel chair?", Khael asked.
"Eeeeenk! Mali na naman."
"Para hindi siya mahirapan?", Math asked.
"Ang slow ninyo! Para makapagrock n' roll siya! Wohoo rock and roll to the world!"
Jeremy laughed hard as he positioned his fingers into the famous rock and roll sign
ngunit natigil iyon ng may lumapit sa aming estudyante. She had a worried facial
expression.
"Uhmm, excuse me. Can I talk to you Gray and Amber?", wika niya at bahagyang
ngumiti sa amin. Base sa kulay ng bow niya ay nasa Grade 9 na ito. "Gusto ko sanang
idulog sa inyo ang problema ko and I need your detective skills to identify who's
blackmailing me."
"You don't have to worry because Bridle got another best snoop and that's me, Math
Corazon. We can surely help you in your situation", Math said at ngumiti sa babae.
"Ah, si Jollibee na pala ang may-ari ng furniture shop, pabida masyado eh", bulong
ni Jeremy but it's loud enough for everyone to hear.
"May sinasabi ka ba Jeremy?", Math asked at malapad na ngiti ang iginanti nito.
"Sabi ko nakakamiss ang chickenjoy ng Jollibee", he said.
"Okay, ilibre ko kayo mamaya pagkatapos nating matulungan ang pronlema ni -", Math
said at hinarap ang babae. "What's your name?"
"Abbey. Abbey Luciano", sagot ng babae.
"Hmm, Abbey. What can we do for you?", Gray asked at sumingit naman si Khael.
"Math's a detective? Oh well, that's great. Hi Abbey, I'm Khael and I'm a guest
detective from Athena High School", wika niya sa babae. Hindi naman nagpatalo si
Jeremy. Lunapit din siya sa babae at nagpakilala.
"Hi Abbey! My name is Jeremy Martinez, the newest and kind member of Detective
Triumvirate which is made up of Gray on the base, Amber on the middle and me on the
apex!", he said while smiling. I just rolled my eyes. Ipinakilala niya ang isang
non-existing detective group. Oh, it exists but only in his mind.
"Good to know that there are five detectives to help me. At ang problemang
kinakaharap ko ngayon ay tungkol sa isang blackmailer ko. Nakakahiya mang aminin
pero that blackmailer got a video and photos of me with my boyfriend", panimula ni
Abbey. "In that video, we're kissing at sabi niya na ikakalat niya iyon sa internet
kapag hindi ako sumunod sa mga gusto niya. He also asked for some considerable
amount in exchange of the photos."
"Teka kailan ba kayo nagkiss nung boyfriend mo?", Jeremy asked at namula si Abbey!
Kailangan pa bang itanong iyon?! Sabay namin siyang tiningnan ng masama but he just
smiled awkwardly.
"Why are you giving me such look? Tinanong ko lang naman iyon para malaman natin
ang iba pang mga detalye", wika niya.
"Uhmm, yung video na pinakita niya sa akin ay kahapon", she said. "He sent it on my
facebook account using a dummy account. I'm from a respectable clan of politicians
at kapag kinalat iyon ay madudungisan ang mga Luciano. Please help me retreive
those photos and videos. Please?"
"Kilala mo ba kung sino ang nambablackmail sayo?", I asked and she shook her head.
"That's my problem. Hindi ko kilala kung sino iyon but I have 4 people on my mind
and both of them are teachers", wika niya.
"What? You think that a teacher is trying to blackmail you? Bakit naman sila ang
naging suspect mo?", Khael asked.
"Sila lamang ang nakita ko sa area kung saan kami nag- uhmm. Nagkiss nung boyfriend
ko", nakayukong wika ni Abbey.
"What? Teka, paano ba kayo nagkiss?", Jeremy asked at muli kaming napatingin sa
kanya ng masama! My God! Di nga siya pwedeng maging isang interrogator! His
question is so private! I don't think it's necessary to ask that!
"Ah, uhmm. Ano lang naman-"
"Paano?!"
"Ahh, eh. Ano lang naman eh-".
Bigla na lamang nagsalita si Math. "Ganito ba?", she asked and to our surprise ay
bigla na lamang niyang hinila si Gray. Bahagya siyang tumingkayad and then she
grabbed Gray's neck at inilapat ang mga labi nila.
OH NO! SHE KISSED GRAY!

ON THE LIPS.
It only lasted for few seconds but still their lips touched! Kahit smack lang ay
kiss pa rin iyon!
"Why did you do that?", gulat na tanong ni Gray. Bahagya siyang sumulyap sa akin,
with a worried face. Naramdaman ko ang pagsikip ng dibdib ko but I just ignored it.
Should I feel jealous about it? And to answer my question, I don't think I have the
right. Gray and I are just friends. No more, no less.
"Demonstration", Math said at humarap kay Abbey. "So, ganoon ba?"
"A little bolder", sagot ni Abbey. "Basta ganun. Those four teachers are Sir Leo
Ruando, the computer laboratory incharge,Sir Ram Delgado, an english teacher and
his wife Maam Amethyst Delgado, the school paper adviser at si Sir Mint Roxas,
science teacher."
Napagkasunduan namin na tulungan si Abbey and we decided to investigate the four

teachers. Math will observe Maam Amethyst, Gray for Sir Leo, kami ni Jeremy para
kay Sir Ram at si Khael naman for Sir Mint.
"Wait, I'm not familiar with Bridle, maybe I should go with Amber while this dude
observe alone", protesta ni Khael. "Please dude", wika niya kay Jeremy.
"Fine, kayo na lang ni Amber but you have to answer this quiz first", nakangiting
wika ni Jeremy.
"Oh, is it the only way upang magpalit tayo?", he asked at tumango si Jeremy. "Fine
then."
"Bakit kailangang hindi ka mag-ingay kapag malapit ka sa medicine kit?"
"Kailangan ba yun?", Math asked.
"Oo nga, hindi naman ah", Khael seconded. Jeremy sighed bago sinabi ang sagot.
"Oo! Para hindi magising ang mga Sleeping Pills HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA", he laughed hard.
Oh God, kailan ba ito matutoto? "Hindi mo nasagutan pero dahil mabait ako, sige na
nga. Kayo ni Amber ang magsasama."
"Yes!", bulalas ni Khael at agad na kaming naghiwahiwalay para sa mga gagawin
namin. We headed towards the science department faculty office kung saan naroon ang
cubicle ni Sir Mint.
"Amber", tawag niya at bahagya ko siyang nilingon. "I guess I really have to kill
Math just like what you said yesterday."
I took a deep breath. Now he already knew that I'm referring to Math, the girl and
not the subject. Isang pilit na ngiti ang ihinawad ko sa kanya. "Wag mo yung
seryosohin, ano ka ba."
"Okay ka lang ba?"
"I'm fine Khael", wika ko sa kanya. Ayos lang naman talaga ako.
"I wish I can do something to ease your pain. If you want to find love then look
right infront of you. Just open your eyes", wika niya at napatitig ako ng seryoso
sa kanya. "Oh, natulala ka dyan, hali ka na nga", wika niya at pumasok na kami sa
faculty office. We looked for Sir Mint ngunit wala ito roon. Inilibot na namin ang
buong science department faculty office ngunit wala talaga ito doon.
Tumunog ang cellphone ni Khael at agad naman niya itong sinagot. "Silvan." Saglit
siyang tumahimik at nagpalaam matapos patayin ang tawag.
"Ano raw sabi?"
"We can't find that Sir Mint here dahil patay na ito", wika niya.
"What? Patay na si Sir Mint? Paano nangyari iyon?", I asked. Hindi rin ako
makapaniwala sa sinabi niya.
"Maybe we'll find out kapag pumunta tayo sa crime scene",he said at niyaya na ako
paalis doon. "Ayon kay Silvan ay may mga maaring clue na iniwan ang biktima bago
siya tuluyang bawian ng buhay."
Agad kaming nagtungo sa extension ng science laboratory. Bakit ba andaming

namamatay dito sa Science Lab? Dito rin pinatay ni Marion si Maan Sera ngunit sa
kabilang wing ng laboratory nga lamang iyon. On this side are the science
instruments, charts and other visual aids used by science teachers in science
discussion.
Wala masyadong nandoon. Maybe Bridle keep it from the public, para na rin sa
kaayosan ng skwelahan. Math, Gray and Jeremy were there kasama ang ilang mga guro
at pulis. Pagdating namin ay kasalukuyang kinakausap ng mga pulis Sir Ram, Sir Leo
and Maam Amethyst. Sila daw ang huling nakausap ng biktima bago ito natagpuang
patay.
"Don't you think it's odd? The last people that the victim talked are the same
persons na sinabi ni Abbey sa atin", wika ni Gray.
"Maybe this is about the blackmailing issue. I guess the formatted laptop said at
all", wika naman ni Math.
Ang mga pulis na nandoon ay hindi ko kakilala but Khael recognized them kaya
pinayagan nila kaming makapasok doon. Nakaupo ang bangkay ni Sir Mint at may
nakasaksak na kutsilyo sa puso nito. There was a formatted laptop in front of him
and a notepad.
Nang tingnan namin ang laman ng notepad ay nakakapagtaka ang mga nakasulat doon.
May 6, 20** Bacolod trip with her
May 24, 20** She and 0321-0419 - Boracay Island
May 30, 20** She and 0321-0419 anniversary
June 2, 20** Meet her at RORY'S CAFE
June 5, 20** 0722-0821, deposit 5000 at Eastwest Bank account #1036105016
June 13, 20** Meet 0321-0419 at Max's Resto, 7 PM
Napatigil ako sa pagbabasa. Last night? Sir Mint met 0321-0419 last night ngunit
sino si 0321-0419? Sino ang tinutukoy nito sa "She/her" ? Is it his wife? Ngunit
wala lang asawa si Sir Mint! And who's 0722-0821?
When I glanced at the laptop ay may mga bakas ng dugo ang ilang bahagi ng keyboard
doon na marahil ay mula sa duguang kamay ng biktima. He might have touched the
keyboard intentionally bago siya bawian ng buhay.
The keys that have blood marks were B, F and E. It must be the clue to whoever was
his killer.
**********
Hi! Patawarin nyo na ako, I mean, kami ni Math! Haha! By the way, what do you think
about the clues? What can you deduct from those? Who do you think is the killer?
For what possible reasons? Icomment na yan. Ang unang makasagot ng tama with the
right explanation (or just a close one) ay sa kanya ko idi-dedicate ang next
chapter.
Join us on our facebook group and be acquainted! Just search for DETECTIVE FILES by
SHINICHILAAAABS!
-Shinichilaaaabs, ZombieMode
CHAPTER 16: 42 HOURS WITH RYU VANDER MORISSON (Part 1)

Chapter 16: 42 Hours with Ryu Vander Morisson (Part 1)
A/N: (Magbasa kayo ng A/N palagi! Haha! eym beggeng yee megbese keye pleeeese!
Lol!) Shoutout sa isa sa pinakamalakas na ship sa fb group, #SteRyu HAHA! Sa mga
fans ni Ryu at sa nagshiship kay Amber at Ryu, this chapter is for you! ♥♥♥ #RyuBer
xD
And by the way, this chapter is dedicated to @AkosiRyy for having the perfect
deduction of the previous chapter's case but I wanna recognize the following for
their almost perfect deductions, @Elkwatroo (the first one to crack codes),
@MissInvisible01, @Ellyzah022, at kay @Angela Roperos Cortez na sa fb nagmessage!
And salute for @BlueMallow dun sa dates deduction na nakabuo ng FEB. Di ko yun
napansin until she noticed it and I was like Wow! They can infer more than the
answer that I'm expecting! You're amazing guys! Sorry, I can't tag you dahil
pangpalubi ang cp ko Hihi!
Here's another chapter for all of you! :*
******
"Haaaay! I'm so full!", bulalas ni Jeremy at inilapag ang hawak na coke float. Nasa
Jollibee kami ngayon dahil matapos maidentify ni Math ang killer ni Sir Mint ay
tinupad niya ang sinabi niya kanina na ililibre niya kami sa Jollibee. Yep. Math
identified the culprit but it was a collaborative effort though. Gray and Khael got
the other facts about the codes and other stuffs samantalang nakatunganga lamang
kami ni Je at nanuod lang sa kanilang tatlo.
"Thanks for the treat Math", wika ni Khael kay Math. Matamis naman ang ngiting
iginawad ng huli sa kanya. Nakaupo kami sa square na mesa. Nasa tabi ko si Khael at
magkatabi naman si Math at Gray sa harap namin. Jeremy was on one side.
"You're welcome Pogi. Balik ka ulit dito sa Bridle and let's have a battle of the
sleuths. That's what I'm looking forward to", sagot ni Math at hinawakan pa ang
kamay ni Khael. Uh, kailangan pa ba talaga niyang hawakan si Khael?
Khael chuckled. "Battle of the sleuths huh? Well, be prepared to lose. Lalo na at
magiging kalaban mo kami ni Silvan", wika niya.
"There's Amber too", simpleng wika ni Gray habang nilalaro sa kutsara niya ang mga
tira-tirang buto sa plato. He wasn't looking at us at mukhang may bumabagabag dito.
Ano kaya iyon?
"Oh, I think I'm better than Amber. I mean, no offense meant Ambs, but you don't
struck me as a great high school detective", wika ni Math.
"Nilakasan ba nila ang aircon? Bakit ang ginaw? Mahangin masyado. Mathilde, don't
underestimate my bestfriend Amber. She's capable of more than you think", Jeremy
said. At kailan pa kami naging bestfriend? Masyado naman yata siyang self-proclaim.
Oh well, parehas lang kami. I proclaimed myself as Gray's best female buddy and now
Jeremy's claiming me as his bestfriend.
"You just can't tell me that I'm wrong. You have to prove it to me", sagot ni Math
at bumaling sa akin. "I'm sorry Amber. No hard feelings please."
Nagpakawala ako ng matamis na ngiti. Who cares about people who underestimate
others? Marahil ay hindi nga ako kasing talino ni Sherlock Holmes o ni Nancy Drew o
ni Kudo Shinichi. All I can say is that I'm a detective in my own way. "No need to
say sorry Math. Detective works aren't contest anyway."
"I should say that Amber's the best. There are things that only she can decipher. I
don't talk any highschool female above her", Gray said. Is he lying? I knew it!
He's lying! Ni hindi man lamang niya makuhang tumingin sa akin.
"I agree on that Silvan. Special A's the best", pagsang-ayon naman ni Khael. Pft.
Pinagtatanggol niyo lang naman ako. You don't really mean those words.
We chatted for a while bago napagpasyahang bumalik sa Bridle. Palabas na kami ng

Jollibee when Khael grabbed my wrist.
"Sorry guys but I really have to steal Special A from you", wika niya at itinakbo
ako sa kanila. Hindi ko na narinig ang sinabi ng tatlo bago kami makalayo. Dinala
niya ako sa harap ng kotse niya.
Have I told you na wala na siyang dakilang driver? He let Jeremy and I rode on his
car kanina habang si Math at Gray naman ang magkasama sa BMW ni Gray.
"Ano namang kalokohan to Alonzo? Where are you taking me?", I asked and he made a
face when I called him Alonzo.
"Wag mo akong tawaging Alonzo. Khael. Dapat Khael ang itawag mo sa akin. Pwede rin
baby, babes, honey, mahal, sweety, darli- aww!" Napatigil siya nang mahinang
sinuntok ko ang sikmura niya.
"Shut up Mikmik."
"Mas lalong wag yan! Bae, bebe ko, yam, love- aww! Namumuro ka na Special A!", he
said at napahawak sa sikmura niya na sinuntok ko ulit.
"Kasi sabi ko sayo Timothy na tumahimik ka na lang", I told him and this time, his
frown had worsen.
"You're a hopeless case", natatawang wika niya at binuksan ang pinto ng kotse.
"Pasok na. I'll take you somewhere at nang maiutot mo yang mga dinaramdam mo", he
said and I rolled my eyes.
"Hindi ako nauutot!"
"Pasok na lang kasi, sige na!" Marahang tinulak niya ako papasok sa loob ng kotse.
Matapos iyon ay pumasok na rin siya at pinaandar ang sasakyan.
"Himala. Wala na si Kuya Rex, yung dakilang driver mo", komento ko.
"18 na ako Special A kaya may lisensya na", he said. "Where do you want to go?" I
gave him my deadly glare. Siya ang nagyaya sa akin tapos ako ang tatanungin? Engot
din talaga si Khael ano?
"Sabi ko nga na ako pipili eh", wika niya at ipinagpatuloy ang pagmamaneho. Inalala
ko naman ang nagyari kanina sa science laboratory habang nag-iimbestiga ang mga
pulis sa nangyari.
****
"This guy is so weird. He used codes in writing for his schedules and others",
komento ni Khael habang maiging tinitingnan ang mga nakasulat sa memopad.
"Numbers? Do you think it's a formula? No. He's not a math teacher so there's a
little probablilities that it's an equation", wika naman ni Gray.
"How about we'll take a look at the periodic table? He's a science teacher and he's
murdered in a lab. It could be an atomic mass, combination of atomic numbers or
even number of isotopes or what", Jeremy said.
"I don't think so. He's murdered in the Science Lab B extension and not in the
other wing kung saan naroon ang lahat concerning the periodic table. Isa pa ay
hindi chemistry teacher si Sir Mint. General science at biology ang kanyang
itinuturo", wika ko habang tinitingnan ang mga bakas ng dugo sa keyboard ng laptop.
According to the police, the laptop belongs to Sir Mint and there's a big
possibilities that his killer is the one who formatted the laptop.
"I wish Inspector Dean's here so that we can lay our fingers more on the crime
scene. Those police are not my friends. Kapag nakialam na naman ako ay isusumbong
na naman nila ako kay Dad", maktol ni Khael. We're inside the crime scene ngunit
kapag tinangka naming imbestigahan ang iba pang anggulo ng kaso ay napapagalitan
kami.
"Anak ka ba ng police Khael?", tanong ni Math at tumango naman si Khael.
"Yeah."
"At hindi ka nila papayagang mag-imbestiga kahit anak ka ng pulis?"
Tumango si Khael. "Ganoon nga."
"Let me handle this, then", Math said at inangat ang suot niyang palda, making it a
bit shorter. She flipped her hair as she walked towards the nearest police officer.
"Hi Mr. Police Officer!", bati niya sa pulis at sinabayan iyon ng matamis na ngiti.
"Yes? Haven't I told you to stay in one corner? Dahil kayo ang nakakita sa biktima
ay kailangan din namin kayong kausapin", sagot ng pulis but Math just gave him a
sweet smile.
"I don't think it's necessary lalo na at alam ko na ang lahat tungkol sa kaso mula
sa mga kahulugan ng mga nasa memopad hanggang sa pangalan ng killer", she said in
full confidence. I wasn't surprise when she said those. She's a good detective,
according to her.
"Alam mo na? Ngunit hindi pa dumarating ang police cryptographer. Paano mo naman
nalaman ang lahat?", the police asked.
"It's because I'm Math Corazon, the best detective the world can have. Why don't
you listen to my deduction? Paminawon lang ko ninyo, mahuman na dayon ta diri para
makaJollibee na dayon mi", she said at napakunot ang noo ng pulis, maging ang
tatlong guro na naroon. Uh, yeah. On her alien langguage, Jollibee lang yata ang
naintindihan ko.
"Ano?"
"Amg sabi ko po, pakinggan ninyo ako. By that, we can save time, energy and
everything. Sige kayo, anong oras na, malalaman to ng ibang mga estudyante,
masisira ang pangalan ng Bridle at aalis ang mga estudyante! Sige po kayo!
Nakasalalay sa kamay ninyo ang lahat", Math said at napabuntong-hininga ang pulis.
"Oh sige. So? Sino sa kanilang tatlo?", he asked at bahagyang sinulyapan sina Maam
Amethyst, Sir Ram at Sir Leo.
"Let's start with the clues in the memopad. 0321-0419 is Sir Ram. If we base it on
astrology. It's the zodiac symbol for Ares which is represented by a ram which is
from March 21 to April 19, the 0321-0419 . The late teacher was a biology and
general science teacher so he must be familiar with those in astrology. 0722-0821
is Sir Leo, the zodiac sign for the dates July 22 to August 21. Ibig sabihin ay
malaki nga ang tsansang nasa kanila ang killer and Sir Mint said it himself through
the clue he gave in the keyboard. B, F and E." Bahagyang tumigil si Math at
tiningnan ang laptop.
"If we arrange those letters, it will become FEB. Short for February and february's
birthstone is Amethyst. Ibig sabihin, the killer is Maam Amethyst", she said at
biglang napatayo si Maam Amethyst.
"I didn't! Ano ba ang basehan ninyo?", she asked and this time ay si Khael na ang
ngsalita.
"It's pretty obvious, Maam. Eventhough you're married to Sir Ram ay may secret
affair kayo ni Sir Mint. The memopad tells everything. Probably you wanted to break
up with him pero ayaw niya. He threatend you that he will tell your husband so you
decided to end his life without knowing na nagkita at nagkausap na sila kagabi",
Khael said. "Right Sir Ram?"
Napayuko ang may-ari ng pangalang binigkas ni Khael. "Yes Amethyst. The murder is
useless dahil nagkausap na kami kagabi. He told me everything. How could you do
this to me Ame?", Sir Ram said at napaluha si Maam Amethyst.
"R-ram. I wanted to stop everything between me and Mint ngunit ayaw niya. He
blackmailed me. Ram, please forgive me", she said at tinangkang hawakan si Sir Ram
but he flinched.
"You shouldn't have done it on the first place. Don't go around doing things like
those and asked for forgiveness as if it's not your choice! Sorry is a big word
Ame! You don't have to say it if you don't really mean it!", galit na wika ni Sir
Ram at napahagulhol naman ang kanyang asawa.
"So ikaw nga. Good job young lady", wika ng isa sa pulis. "Paano naman ang laptop?
Bakit nakaformat iyon?"
"Sir Leo did it. Marahil ay ginawa niya iyon upang mawala lahat ng pictures at
videos na ginagamit ng biktima sa pambablackmail. You've deposited 5000 on his
account right? Para hindi ka niya iblackmail", wika naman ni Gray at napatango si
Sir Leo.
"Yes, I did. Isa kasi ako sa mga binlackmail niya", wika nito. Hinuli na ng mga
police si Maam Amethyst ngunit pasimple lamang iyon. It was to prevent chaos in
Bridle. Lumabas na rin kami ng laboratory at nakasalubong namin si Abbey.
"Uhm, hi. May nakuha na ba kayong impormasyon sa kung sino man ang
nambablackmail?", tanong niya.
"Yes. It's all settled Abbey. You have nothing to worry dahil nandito kami", wika
ni Math at ikinatuwa iyon ni Abbey. She thank each one of us para sa naitulong
namin bago ito nagpaalam.
"Abbey, just a piece of advice", wika ni Gray at napahinto ito at nagtatakang

tiningnan si Gray.
"Don't display such passionate affection in public lalo na at prohibited ang

relasyon ninyo ng boyfriend mo. Who knows, someone might get another videos or
photos of you", matapos niyang sabihin iyon ay naglakad na ito paalis. Abbey was
white as paper nang magpaalam kami sa kanya.
"Silvan, ibig sabihin ay si Sir Leo ang boyfriend niya?", Khael asked at simpleng
tango ang isinagot ni Gray.
"Sinasabi ko na nga ba! I was thinking of the same thing!", bulalas ni Jeremy.
*********
I stopped reminiscing when Khael snapped his fingers in front of me. "Special A,
you're spacing out. Nandito na tayo!"
Napakislot ako at tumingin sa paligid. Uh, bakit mukhang nasa gubat kami?!
"Gubat?"
"Hindi naman ito gubat, farm to at nasa orchard tayo. Labas ka na, mahal na
prinsesa", wika niya and I frowned.
"Of all places, gubat talaga? Naho-homesick ka ba Khael kaya gubat ang pinili mo?
Iisipin ko na talagang unggoy ka!"
He giggled. "Kulang pa ba ang tawa ko? I told you, this isn't a forest. Pag-aari
ito ng kamag-anak namin." I frowned at him bago niya ako hinila. "It's a good place
to express and shout your heart out. Ilabas mo lahat ng dinaramdam mo dito Special
A!"
"Khael, wala sabi akong dinaramdam."
"I know you're hurt lalo na nung hinalikan ni Math si Silvan", he said and he
looked straight at me, studying every emotion that my face shows.
Nasaktan nga ba ako nang halikan ni Math si Gray kanina? Kinapa ko ang puso ko at
pinakiramdaman ito. It feels so tight inside my chest but I don't know if I'm hurt
or not.
"Hindi no. Matanong nga kita Khael. Have you ever kissed anyone?", I asked at nag-
iwas siya ng tingin. "Hoy!"
"Ano Special A-"
"Ano? Siguro andami ano? Yuck!", natatawang wika ko.
"This is too embarassing but I haven't kissed anyone. Gwapo lang ako Special A pero
virgin pa ang lips ko", he said while pouting.
What?! Khael's inexperienced?! I mean the bubbly and sweet talking Khael is
unexperienced in kissing?
"Ibig sabihin ay wala ka pang naging girlfriend?"
Tumango siya sa akin. "Yes, I haven't got any and neither Silvan. We both believe
that emotional qualities are distraction to logical faculties. Tama na Special A!
Nakakahiya na ito! Alam ko ang iniisip mo. Marahil ay sinasabi mo sa utak mo na 'Oh
my God, the handsome and super hot Khael Alonzo is inexperienced and virgin.'
Ganyan ano?", he said and he tried to imitate my voice but failing big time.
I laughed hard after he said those. Khael really makes me happy somehow. "Ewan ko
sayo!"
Napangiti na rin siya at iginiya ako paakyat sa isang tree house. It was small yet
malinis naman iyon.
"Sayo to?"
"Nope."
"Hala baka pagalitan tayo!", I exclaimed at tumingin sa paligid.
"Wag kang mag-alala. Kilala ko ang may-ari. Sa kamag-anak nga namin diba kaya ayos
lang", he said at naupo sa tabi ko. We were facing in a hill na may mga nakapastol
na hayop.
"Ang gandang tingnan ng mga cattle", komento ko habang nakatingin sa mga hayop.
"Cattle? Diba yan yung bahay ng Printeta at Printepe?", he said while grinning at
napatawa naman ako.
"Kailan ka pa nahawa kay Jeremy?"
He laughed too at ginulo ang buhok ko. "Kanina lang. Lakas niyang makahawa eh. My
turn to ask Special A. Have you been kissed?"
Umiling ako bilang sagot.
"Oh, I see. I guess we both have to wait, one day we'll kiss someone and know those
are the lips we want to kiss for the rest of our lives", wika niya habang seryosong
nakatingin sa akin.
********
A/N ulit xD : Case is based on @Aira Patricia Sardova's suggestion on the facebook
group. Hi! xD
7:00 AM -12:00 NN
Pagsapit ng weekend ay napagpasyahan kong bumili ng mga bagong gamit para sa dorm.
Andi wasn't around dahil may date ito and Therese went home. Nabobore ako sa loob
ng kwarto namin at tanging si Filter ang kaharap ko doon kaya nagpasya akong
umalis.
I waited for a cab ngunit sa halip ay isang magarang kotse ang huminto sa tabi ko.
It was a new Audi A3 premium compact car. Nang bumaba ang salamin ng kotse ay
napangiwi ako ng makita ang mukha ni Ryu.
"Hey witch", bati niya. "Going somewhere?" Wait. Tinawag ba niya akong witch?! At
kailan pa niya ako naging kampon?
"Hey devil. Yes I'm going somewhere at wala kang pake." Iniwas ko ang tingin ko sa
kanya. Nasisira niya ang araw ko! Argh.
"It hurts. And here I am thinking that you missed me", he said with a smirk. His
raven hair compliments his coal-dark eyes. Matangos ang ilong niya and he got a
luscious lips. I rolled my eyes on my own thought. When did I learned to worship
devils?
"You don't have to stare that much. I'll be willing to give you a punishing kiss if
you want to", wika niya na nagpabalik sa tamang huwisyo ko. Aba! Ang kapal ng
mukha!
"Pwede ba, tigilan mo ako. Alam mo bang tahimik ang buong two months ko dahil hindi
ko nakikita yang pagmumukha mo", I hissed at him at nag-iwas ng tingin.
"That's exactly the reason why I'm here. I know you've got a peaceful break so I'm
back to pester you", wika niya. Argh! Kailan ba talaga siya titigil sa pambibweset
sa akin? Kung gusto niya ng gulo ay pwede naman siyang pumunta doon sa mga kalaban
nila! He'll surely get there the trouble that he was looking for.
"Umayos ka nga devil! Ano ba talaga ang ipinunta mo dito?" I know he didn't drive
around just to display his new car.
"Like I said, I come to pissed you off."
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "I'm busy right now. Can I ignore you some other time?"
"You can't. Where are you going?", tanong niya.
"Wala ka sabing pake."
"Come on. I'll take you there.", wika niya. No way! The last time I rode on his car
was when we were chased by some goons! Ayoko ng maulit pa iyon!
"You must be crazy! Baka nakakalimutan mo noong huling pinasakay mo ako sa kotse
mo, you were shot back then!", wika ko sa kanya. Bumaba siya ng kotse at sumandal
doon habang nakaharap sa akin.
"I can't remember. The last thing I remember is when Gray came and punched me. That
fucking hurts you know", he said and his eyes darkened. Unbelievable! Mas naalala
pa niya ang suntok kaysa sa tama niya?! That was also the time when I met the seven
reapers.
"You're unbelievable!"
"So, where are we going?", he asked at napakunot ang noo ko. Sinabi ko bang isasama
ko siya?
"Sinong may sabi sayong isasama kita? There's no way- Aray! Bitawan mo nga ako!" He
dragged me towards the car at pinasok ako doon saka siya pumunta sa kabila at
pumasok na rin. "How dare you devil!"
He just chuckled at binuhay ang makina. "I'm bored so I need someone to pissed."
"And then there's me and you just decided to see me and pissed me, ganoon ba?", I
asked.
"Bingo."
"Argh! You're such a devil!"
"Thank you!"
"Ano ba talagang trip mo sa buhay ha? Wala ka bang ibang mapagtripan? Nag-aadik ka
ba at ako na naman ang naisipan mong guluhin?" His eyes were fixed on the road at
bahagya niya lamang akong sinulyapan.
"I don't take drugs witch. At pakialam mo rin ba kung ikaw ang trip ko?" I made a
face at him. Wala nga pala siyang kwentang kausap kaya useless lang ang lahat ng
sasabihin ko. Magsasayang lamang ako ng laway dito. "Saan ka ba kasi pupunta?"
"Take me to the mall. And please. Please lang. Kapag dumating na ako doon ay umalis
ka na rin at lubayan mo na ako", pakiusap ko sa kanya.
"That will never happen", he said at ilang beses na bumusina. "Damn!" Saka ko
lamang napansin na nakahinto pala ang sasakyan at maraming mga sasakyan sa gilid.
Traffic jam.
"Goddamnit!", he cussed. Geez. Naalala ko tuloy ang reaper nilang si Red. If he

would be here , malamang ay sinaway na nito sa Ryu. Uh, that if he can dare. Ryu's
a devil mafia son. We waited for the few minutes ngunit hindi pa rin iyon umuusad.
It took a while bago napagpasyahang umatras ni Ryu at lumiko sa isang makitid na

daan. Medyo madamo doon at lubak-lubak ang kalsada. "Hey! Saan naman to papunta?",
I asked and looked outside.
"This is a shortcut."
As I looked outside ay maraming mga kahoy doon. Mabato din at maraming mga damo.
Walang mga kabahayan at tahimik ang paligid. "Oh devil! This place is so creepy!
Baka nandito yung mga creatures na naapektuhan ng genetic mutation gaya nung nasa
Wrong Turn! Oh my God Ryu, baka na wrong turn tayo!"
"Tsk! Ano ba! Wag mo nga akong kurutin. You're overreacting! This is no wrong turn
okay so let go of my arm", he said at saka ko lang napansin na nakakapit na pala
ako sa braso niya. Okay, he's right. I'm overreacting.
"Ganito kasi yung settings dun sa palabas."
"Well this ain't a film. Maya-maya ay may mga bahay na sa paligid", he said at
bigla na lamang napapreno ng may biglang dumaan na hayop at muntik na naming
masagasaan.
"Holy shit!", he exclaimed at lalabas sana upang tingnan iyon but I stopped him
even before he can open the door.
"No Ryu! Wag kang bumaba! Na wrong turn na talaga tayo! Pagbaba mo ay may nakaabang
na may dalang palakol! Kahit masama ang ugali mo, ayaw ko rin namang maging brutal
ang kamatayan mo!"
Shit! Naiiyak na talaga ako! Bigla na lamang akong napasigaw ng biglang may kumatok
sa bintana na nasa gilid ko. It was an old man!
"Argh. You're so noisy Amber!", wika niya at binuksan ang bintana. Umisod ako sa
kanya. Bahala na kung madikit ako sa kanya! I'm afraid that the man will grab me
and then devours me! No way! Kung ganoon man lamang ang kahihinatnan ko ay mas
pipiliin ko pang mamatay sa mga kamay ni Ryu!!
"Nawawala ba kayo?", tanong ng matanda sa akin. I was waiting for him to show his
sharp fangs but he didn't. Mas lumapit pa ako sa tabi ni Ryu at isiniksik ang
sarili ko sa kanya.
"Hindi naman po lolo, nagshortcut lang po kami", sagot ni Ryu sa matanda. Hala,
marunong din pala itong mag-PO sa matatanda?
"Ah ganun ba. Akala ko kasi nawawala kayo, sige mauna na ako", paalam ng matanda at
saka lamang ako nakahinga ng maluwag.
"Tsk, why are you afraid of the old man?", tanong niya sa akin habang sinusubukang
paandarin ulit ang makina ng kotse.
"I was thinking that he'll eat me up", sagot ko sa kanya. He tried starting the car
ngunit hindi iyon umandar. "Ryu, what the hell's happening?"
He punched the dashboard a little. "I'll just have to check." Bumaba siya ng kotse
at binuksan ang hood. Ilang saglit niyang tiningnan iyon bago lumapit sa akin.
"Overheat. I guess we need some water. Just stay here habang maghahanap ako ng
bahay na pwede nating hingan ng tubig."
What the hell?! He's leaving me here? All alone?! What if the zombies will come and
get me? No!!!!! Agad akong bumaba ng kotse at kumapit sa braso niya.
"Ayoko ngang maiwan dyan! Isama mo ako!"
"No. I need someone to watch the car. Baka mapagtripan. That's not my car. Old man
Rionessi owns it!"
"I don't care about your old man! Basta ayaw kong magpaiwan dyan!"
"Fine. I'll stay here while you find water!"
"Mas lalong ayoko!"
He looked impatiently at me at nagsukatan kami ng tingin but he's the first one to
give up. "Bahala ka nga!" Sinara niya ang kotse at naglakad na. I followed on his
back but I keep myself closed to him. Mahirap na! Baka bigla na lamang may
sumunggab sa akin mula sa gilid!
We walked for few meters kahit na tirik na tirik ang araw. There were huts ngunit
walang tao doon at wala ring mga tubig kaya naglakad pa kami hanggang sa makarating
kami sa tapat ng isang malaking bahay. It was a big house yet it was made of
concrete and woods. Malinis din ang palid niyon. May maliit na terrace doon kung
saan may nakaupo na babae.
"Tao po!", I called at napalingon sa amin ang babae. "Magandang tanghali po."
"Ano ang maipaglilingkod ko sa inyo?", the girl asked at ngumiti ng matamis kay Ryu
but the later just smirked.
"Please try to be friendly a little devil! We need help!", mahinang bulong ko sa

kanya. Humarap ako sa babae at ngumiti. "I'm Amber and this is Ryu. Nagbabyahe kasi
kami but unfortunately ay nasiraan kami ng kotse and we need some water. Maari ba
kaming humingi?"
"Nasiraan kayo ng sasakyan? Nako, medyo malayo pa naman sa kabihasnan ang baryong
ito. Halikayo, pasok muna ako. Ako nga pala si Dara. Dara Blasco", she said and she
guided us inside the house. Nang makapasok kami ay saka ko lamang napansin na may
kaya ito sa buhay. Maybe it was just their vacation house.
"We're buying it. Any amount", wika ni Ryu at siniko ko siya. He's so rude! Baka
mainsulto pa ang babae at hindi kami bigyan ng tubig!
"No. Wag niyo ng bilhin. Sandali lang kukuha muna-" The girl stopped ng bigla na
lamang kaming makarinig ng sigaw mula sa itaas. Dara stared at us with wide eyes.
"Sandali lang, may titingnan lang ako", she said and she hurried upstairs. It's not
so long bago kami nakarinig ulit ng sigaw. Ryu just sat with his legs crossed at
tila bored na nakasandal doon. "What? You want to check kung ano ang nangyayari
doon? Go upstairs. Who knows it's a trap para makain ka nila and -"
"Shut up devil!" Shit! Tinatakot naman niya ako. Yes, I want to go upstairs and
check why everyone was shouting ngunit dahil sa sinabi ni Ryu ay nabahag ang buntot
ko!
"Go. I'll wait for you here."

"Pwede bang tumahimik ka na lang kung wala kang magandang sasabihin? Nakakainis ka
talagang demonyo ka! Argh!" Tinalikuran ko siya and I focused my gaze on the photo
frames inside the house. Matagal-tagal din kaming naghintay doon and then the front
door opened and a young man entered. He was covered with bruises at may cast pa ito
sa paa but he can manage to walk.
"Excuse me, sino kayo?", he asked at tiningnan kaming dalawa ni Ryu. At dahil
masama ang ugali ni Ryu, he stared back at him like he just did something
unforgivable.
"Erlon."
Napalingon kami sa kakababa lamang na si Dara. Her eyes were red and swollen na
tila ba galing iyon sa pag-iyak. "Erlon. Erlon.... D-dezza was dead. S-someone
killed her." Umiyak si Dara at bigla na lamang napaupo. "Please... please call a
police. Kailangang mahuli ang pumatay sa kanya."
"Yes, sinabi mo yan nang tawagan mo ako upang pabalikin. Just relax Dara, okay?
Baka magkanervous breakdown ka. I already called the police but matagal pa bago
makarating ang mga pulis dito. I'll call the barrio patrol first", sagot ng
lalaking tinawag ni Erlson at lumabas.
"Excuse me Dara. Sorry to meddle but can I ask what happened? Itong kasama ko ay
bahagi ng pulis, uh, well he used to kaya baka makatulong kami", pagsisinungaling
ko and Ryu gave me his deadly glare. Hindi niya marahil maatim na isiping bahagi
siya ng pulis when in fact he do the opppsite. Simpleng kinurot ko lamang siya sa
braso and then he smirked at me.
"Talaga? Do you mind to stay for a while for some investigations? We can't wait for
the police dahil liblib itong bahay namin. This place is our vacation house near
our ranch. Kaya lamang kami nandito ay dahil kailangan ng kapatid ko ng tahimik na
lugar. You see, she's grieving after her boyfriend's death but now - now she's dead
herself", wika ni Dara at muling napahagulhol. I just watched her as she cried. I'm
not good in comforting so I just let her cry her heart out.
Sinamahan niya kami papunta sa silid kung saan naroon ang kapatid niya. There were
only three of them in the house. Dara, her sister Dezza and the caretaker na
nangangalaga doon. I was shocked nang makita namin ang bangkay ng kapatid ni Dara.
Her body were burnt at nakahiga siya sa sahig. Mayroon ding baso sa tabi niya at
wala na iyong laman.
"She's killed brutally! Bakit kailangan pa siyang pahirapan? Naghihirap na ang

kalooban ni Dezza ng mamatay si Jerry and then ganito na ang mangyayari?", hinaing
ni Dara.
"Who's Jerry?"
"She's Erlon's brother and Dezza's boyfriend. It's been a week since Jerry died in
a car accident with Erlson at dahil doon ay ipinasya naming dalhin dito si Dezza.
She's depressed", Dara said.
Bahagyang lumapit si Ryu at tiningnan ang bangkay na nasa sahig. He looked around
as if looking for some clues.
"What are you doing?", I asked him nang lumabas ng kwarto si Dara upang salubungin
si Erlon at ang kasama nito.
"Checking the body."
"And what can you infer from it?", I asked. Mukha kasing seryosong-seryoso ito sa
pag-iimbestiga.
"She got a good figure. Vital statistics 34-"
"Idiot! Aside from that?"
"I think she'll make a good whore. She can surely warm my bed-"
"Jerk! I'm asking about this case and not about you, being an asshole!", I hissed.
He's disgusting! May pinatay na at lahat and then he just go and thinks of
manwhoring! What the hell!
His dark eyes darted into me. "I'm not a detective like your tongue-tied sick love
so don't expect me to solve this case!", he said at napaupo sa kama.
"Wag kang umupo diyan! It might have some clues that will point out the culprit!",
saway ko sa kanya but he just ignored me.
"Who cares?"
I realized it's useless to tell him what to do dahil hindi naman ito makikinig.
There was a bag on the table kaya tiningnan ko ang laman niyon. Make up kit, coin
purse, medicine bottles and a wallet. Binuksan ko ang wallet at tiningnan ang mga
ID na naroon.
Dezzalyn Chavez.
Trans Laboratories.
Production Manager. She's working in a chemical laboratory?
Bumukas ang pinto at pumasok sina Dara at Erlon kasama ang isang lalaki. He was
wearing a blackshirt printed with CVO.
"The police are on their way at dahil malayo tayo sa kabihasnan, it would probably
take them almost an hour. Pero may kasama naman tayong dating pulis. This is Ryu
and that's Amber", pakilala ni Dezza sa amin and Erlon a smiled at us. I smiled
back at him but the devil Ryu didn't.
Nilapitan ng CVO ang bangkay samantalang pinagpatuloy ko naman ang pag-iimbestiga.

The room seemed contrived. There wasn't any signs of struggles kaya maaarong
inatake ang biktima when her guard was down.
Lumapit ako kay Dara at nagtanong-tanong. "Sino po ba ang unang nakadiskubre sa

katawan ng biktima?"
An old woman stepped forward. "Ako hija. Ihahatid ko na sana ang pananghalian niya
pero panay ang katok ko ngunit hindi niya ako binuksan kaya nagpasya akong buksan
gamit ang susi na nasa akin at pagpasok ko ay ganito na ang nadatnan ko",
nanginginig na wika ng matanda. "Huling bigay ko kasi ng pagkain sa kanya ay
kaninang alas sais pa."
Sinulyapan ko ang pagkaing nasa mesa. "Iyon po ba ang pagkaing dala ninyo?" The old
woman nodded. Nagtataka din ako kung bakit nasa sahig ang baso katabi ng biktima.
"Sino naman ang huling nakausap ng biktima?"
"Ako. I want to talk to her to asked for forgiveness but hindi niya ako kinakausap.
Kaya umalis na ako at nag-usap kami ng matagal ni Dara", wika ni Erlon.
"Ah, yes. Nang dumating kayo ay kakaalis lamang niya noon", wika ni Dara.
"Ibig sabihin ay galit sa iyo ang biktima at maaring galit ka din sa kanya?",
tanong ni Ryu kay Erlon na ikinagulat ng huli.
"Galit siya sa akin but I cannot blame her if she's- teka. Pinagsusupetsahan mo ba
ako na ako ang pumatay sa kanya?"
Ryu smirked. "I didn't. You said it yourself." I gave him my deadly glare. He's
rude. Sana ay manahimik na lang ito kung wala itong sasabihing maganda!
"Don't mind him. Can you tell me more about what happened kanina?", I asked him.
"I talked to her around seven in the morning. Nakaupo lamang siya sa kama at
nakatitig sa kawalan, she's furious and cursed me to death nang makita niya ako.
Sabi niya ako daw ang pumatay kay Jerry. She said her life was useless without him
at paulit-ulit na pinaalis niya ako so I did ngunit bago ako umalis, she asked me
to hand her the glass of water", wika niya. The glass of water? Napatingin ako sa
baso. Bakit nasa tabi iyon ng biktima?
"Ibig sabihin ay naroon sa baso ang fingerprints mo?" I asked and Erlon nodded.
That was remarkable.
"Magkakilala kayo ng biktima dahil boyfriend niya ang kapatid mo?", I asked again.
"Magkakilala kami dahil parehas kaming nagtatrabaho sa Trans Laboratories. I'm
working in the HR at production manager naman si Dezza", he said. They're both
working at the laboratories? Something in my mind popped but I have to confirm it
first.
"Mainit pa ang bangkay. Marahil ay hindi pa matagal mula ng sinunog siya", wika ng
mamang CVO.
Lumapit din ako doon at pinulot ang baso. I used my handkerchief in picking it so
that my own fingerprints wouldn't mix on the glass. Inamoy ko iyon at napangiwi ako
sa amoy. I think "that" was what really happened.
"Saan siya nakaupo kanina nang iabot mo sa kanya ang baso?", I asked at tinuro ni
Erlon ang kama.
"Malapit sa headboard ng kama", wika niya. Lumapit ako doon at hinanap ang bagay na
maaring makasuporta sa teorya ko and then I found if. A wet spot on the side na
maaring pinagtapunan ng tubig. There was also an empty glass container na may takip
doon. Kinuha ko iyon at hindi na inamoy. I was feeling nauseous nang inamoy ko ang
baso kanina and I cannot risk my life in sniffing this one too.
"By any chance, is she working with some factory workers who produces farm-use
chemicals?", tanong ko sa kanila.
"Yes, ang huling department na naassign sa kanya ay sa fumigant ingredient

production. Bakit?"
"Then no doubt that this isn't a murder. It's a suicide disguised as murder to
frame up Erlon", wika ko na ikinagulat nilang lahat maliban kay Ryu na tila walang
pakialam.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", Dara asked in confusion.
"She committed suicide but she wants it to look like murder. Taking into account
her bereaved because of her loss, marahil ay ninais na lamang niyang sundan ang
boyfriend niya but making Erlon take the blame. Inutusan niya si Erlon na iabot sa
kanya ang baso to deliberately have Erlon's fingerprints. Tinapon niya ang laman ng
baso dito", I pointed out on the carpeted part of the floor kung saan medyo moist
ang sahig at kinuha ang garapon na naroon. "Pinalitan niya ang laman ng baso sa
colorless na chemical na narito. Probably it's phospine since it smells like a
rotting fish."
"Paano naman niya ginawa iyon?", the CVO asked.
"She just simply poured the chemicals on her body and inhaled some. That explains
the liquids coming out from her mouth, she puked. At kaya sunog ang katawan niya ay
dahil din sa phospine. It's a highly flammable toxic gas na agad nagliliyab when
exposed to air", paliwanag ko. "My other bases for saying this is a suicide was the
body's position. She's laying on the concrete floor to prevent the fire from
spreading. Her attempt involved using depressants to make her pass out due to the
chemical's effect and burning before the instinctive panic and the urge to
escape due to the hypercapnic alarm response."
Bigla na lang na lamang napahagulhol si Dara. "Kaya pala panay na ang pamamalaam
niya sa akin. She used to tell me to forgive her at kung anu-ano pa. No Dezza-",
her other words were incomprehensible dahil lumakas ang pag-iyak nito.
Hindi nagtagal ay dumating na ang mga pulis and confirmed the suicide based on the
evidences at nagpasya na rin kaming umalis. The caregiver gave us water for the car
at hinatid naman kami ni Erlon kung saan naroon ang kotse ni Ryu. It was almost 12
noon nang muling umandar ang sasakyan.
"I don't know you've got some knowledge over chemicals", komento ni Ryu habang
nagmamaneho.
"We've tried experimenting phospine at school and it caught my interest so I did a

further study on my own."
"Freak." He said and I rolled my eyes at bigla akong may naalala! Sinapak ko ang
braso niya ng malakas. "You little witch! What was that for?!"
"That's for driving into these so called shortcut! It's already 12 at wala pa akong
nabili!", I hissed at him nang matanaw ko na ang highway ngunit hindi iyon matao
kaya marahil ay malayo pa kami sa syudad! He really got us lost, damn him!
"Atleast you've solved a case! Isa pa, hindi ko kasalanang binago na pala ang daan
dito and it became a 'longcut' instead!", wika niya.
"Kahit pa! Naghintay ka na lang sana na umusad ang traff-", bigla na lamang tumunog
ang tiyan ko.
"I guess I'll treat you for lunch dahil nagugutom ka na", he said with a smirk and
he pulled the car towards the fastfood house na nadaanan namin.
I don't want to eat together with him dahil baka iyon na ang magiging Last Lunch
ko. He's a living bad luck. Sa loob ng halos limang oras na magkasama kami ngayon
ay puro kamalasan lamang ang nangyari. Ayaw kong makisabay sa kanya dahil baka may
mangyari na naman sa loob ng fastfood but my tummy growled again and I'm really
hungry. I guess I've got no other choice but to eat with this devil.
*******
Votes and comments are highly appreciated! Join DF group on facebook and be
acquainted with us! ♥
- Shinichilaaaabs, Poging Author.
A/N: Grabe kayo. Mula ng dumating si Math, bumaha ang hate comments sa kanya. Tama
nga yung kuya ko. Sabi niya wala pa man dawng krimen na mangyayari kay Math pero
andami ng suspect! Lol! xD Chapter's case is based on Mj B. Esquivel's suggestion
on facebook! Happy reading!
**********
12 NN- 7 PM
Hinihintay namin ang order namin at nakasandal lang siya habang mahinang tinatapik
ang kamay sa mesa.
"Kumakain ka pala sa mga ganitong fastfood. I thought sa mga high class restaurant
lang", wika ko bilang panimulang usapan.
He scowled at me. "Cowboy ako kaya kumakain ako kahit sa ala cart."
"Hindi halata", wika ko and I rolled my eyes at him. He's not letting out his
familiar annoying smirk kaya tantiya ko ay nagugutom na ito. When I glanced at my
watch, it's almost one. "Nagugutom ka na ba?"
"Yes."
Sinasabi ko na nga ba. Sana palagi na lamang itong gutom upang maging mabait ito-
err. No, I mean not mabait but tahimik rather. I guess having him starved would
mean peaceful to me. "Sana gutom ka palagi para tahimik ka."
Sumimangot siya sa akin bilang tugon. "I'm not quiet because I'm hungry."
"Nahiya pang aminin. Pfft!"
He sighed. "It's not really like that. I'm thinking of a big problem." Wika niya at
patuloy na tinapik-tapik ang mesa. Well it might really be a big problem.
"Ano?"
"I think I got us lost and we have no enough fuel left", he said in a serious
tone.
"Sus iyon lang naman pala. Akala ko pa - what the hell?!", I exclaimed. Did he just
said we're lost? I looked around the area and it's not really familiar. Wala rin
masyadong tao sa fastfood house. May dalawang pares na kumakain doon kaya lumapit
ako sa kanila at nagtanong.
"Excuse me. Alam niyo ba ang daan papunta sa main highway?", I asked them but their
answers were both no. Napadpad din daw sila doon at nawala rin. When I asked if
they had extra fuel, wala din daw dahil nakamotor lamang sila.
I went back to ny chair in front of Ryu na nakahimutok pa rin. Hindi nagtagal ay

dumating na ang order namin kaya tinanong ko ang nagserve sa amin ng parehas na
tanong na tinananong ko sa dalawang pares kanina.
"Naku Maam. Hindi po eh. Taga baryo po kami at gumawa lang kami ng fastfood dito
dahil marami po talagang naliligaw dito pero sabi ni Ate, malayo pa raw talaga yung
main highway. Kung naghahanap naman po kayo ng gasolina, may alam po akong
nagbebenta kaso nasa baryo po", wika ng lalaki.
"Di bale na basta makabili kami Saan ba?", I asked. We badly need fuel. God! Bakit
ba kasi napasok ako sa ganitong sitwasyon? Curse this devil to death!
"Doon po sa may eskinita. May makitid po na daan doon, kailangang lakarin, tapos
may makikita kayong mga bahay kubo dun."
"Yun na?"
"Hindi po. Lalagpasan niyo lang yung bahay kubo. May makikita kayong burol doon,
tapos may maliit na sapa. Kailangan ninyong tawirin pero maliit lang naman yun.
Tapos makikita ninyo yung bahay na medyo malaki, gawa sa kawayan yung ibaba."
"Yun na talaga yun?"
"Hindi rin po."
Bigla na lamang napatayo si Ryu at kinuha ang tinidor na nasa harap. He grabbed the
guy in his collar at itinutok ang tinidor dito. Nagulat ang iilan na naroon sa
ginawa niya, maging ang lalaki.
"Are playing a joke on us? If yes, well it's not funny. If you wanna live a longer
life, umayos ka!", he said at padabog na binitawan ang lalaki.
"P-pero totoo naman po yung sinasabi ko", wika ng lalaki. He was shaking with fear.
Who wouldn't be? An angry Ryu is not a pleasant sight. "Lagpadan niyo po yung bahay
na kawayan, magla ay may makikita kayong maliit na tindahan. Doon po, nagbebenta
sila ng gasolina. May mga kabahayan na kasi doon. Mauna na po ako." The guy
immediately ran towards the kitchen.
"Pikon ka pala devil", wika ko sa kanya. Oh yeah, he really is. Kinuha na niya ang
pagkain at nagsimulang sumubo.
I carefuly looked at the food. Mukha iyong pansit na may sabaw, uh- super sticky na
sabaw. "What's this?"
"Papel yan Amber. Sige sulatan mo", I can hear his sarcasm habang hinihigop niya
ang sabaw. The food isn't familiar. It wasn't an instant noodles either dahil
malapot ang sabaw niyon. May mga maliit din na gulay roon at mumunting piraso ng
karne.
"Seryoso ako Devil!"
"It's called LOMI. Wala ba kayong ganyan sa palasyo ninyo?" I wasn't familiar with
it. I ate something like this but its not as sticky as this.
"Kumakain ako ng fresh mami but it wasn't sticky like this. Hindi ba ito nakakasama
sa kalusugan?", I asked at bigla na lamang niyang binitawan ang kubyertos at
hinarap ako.
"Mukha ba akong sakitin?"
"Devils don't get sick", I said with sarcasm. Why does he seems so angry?
Nagtatanong lang naman ako. At isa pa, mas mayaman siya sa amin! I'm surprised to
know na cowboy pala siya.
Bigla na lamang niyang hinila ang bowl ng lomi ko. "Kung ayaw mo, edi wag!", he
said ngunit agad ko iyong hinila. "Kakainin ko nga diba?"
Nagsimula na akong kumain at hindi na kami nag-usap pa. The lomi was actually good
kahit kaunti lang ang sangkap niyon, masarap pa rin naman. Matagal-tagal din bago
ko iyon naubos. Matapos magbayad ay umalis na kami.
"What do we have to do now?", he asked.
"Kasalanan mo ito eh! Kung hindi mo sana ako pinasakay- arrrgh! There's no use in
blaming you dahil hindi ka rin naman magsisisi at hihingi ng tawad!"
He let out his amnoying smirk. "Mabuti naman at alam mo. I'll just leave the car
here at puntahan natin yung sinabi ng lalaki."
Hinanap namin ang eskina at naglakad papasok doon. It's creepy dahil madamo doon at
tahimik ang paligid. Tanging ang tunog ng mga yapak namin at ng mga insekto ang
naririnig ko. Malayo-layo rin ang nilakad namin bago namin natanaw ang mga bahay
kubo. We looked for water inside ngunit tama nga ang sinabi ng lalaki. There wasn't
any water there! Sa halip ay may mga buto ng mga hayop! Worst, mayroon ding
kalansay ng tao!
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! RYUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
I screamed my heart out! This is the first time I saw a human skeleton na buo at
totoo. Well there was a life-size human skeleton model at Bridle pero alam kong
hindi iyon totoong buto! But this one's real! At hindi lang iyon isa kundi dalawa!
Bigla namang napasugod si Ryu sa kubong kinaroroonan ko. "What happened?"
Nanginginig na tinuro ko ang mga kalansay. One was lying on the mat samantalang
nakasandal naman sa dingding ang isa. Lumapit siya doon at tiningnan iyon.
"They probably died due to old age. Ano ba ang isinisigaw mo dyan?", he asked.
"Kalansay lang natatakot ka na? Tsk!"
I gave him my most deadly glare. Well pasensya na kung matatakutin ako! Those
things really give me creeps. Ni hindi nga ako nanunuod ng mga horror films! I've
never watched even once!
"Pasensya na ha?", I said sarcastically at bumaba na doon. We continued walking at

mayroon ngang maliit na burol doon na kailagan naming lagpasan. Malalaki ang puno
doon kaya kahit mag-aalas dos na ay hindi namin ramdam ang sikat ng araw.
"Hell, this is worst than a mafia mission", he said and I frowned at him. Mas
pipiliin ko pa ang ganito kaysa sa mafia no! Atleast dito, walang mga ugly-looking
goons na manunutok sayo ng baril!
"Nothing's worst than the mafia", komento ko.
"Well that's my life. Do you think my life's worst?", he asked at napatigil sa

paglalakad. He looked straight at me and I can't read any emotions in his face.
Ano ba ang tamang isagot? Hindi ako sanay na ganito si Ryu. Sanay ako na kung anu-
anong kasamaan ang lumalabas sa bibig nito.
"I don't know. I never live your life so how would I know?", wika ko at nagpatuloy
sa paglalakad.
"Stop", he said and I looked back at him. His face was dark and it's saying
"danger". Nagalit ba ito sa sinabi ko kanina?
Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad ngunit isang hakbang pa

lamang ay muli itong nagsalita.
"I SAID STOP!"
This time ay mukhang galit na ito. Bakit ba kailangan niyang magalit? Nagpapahayag
lang naman ako ng opinyon!
"Whatever Ryu!", wika ko sa kanya. He was five steps away from me and I don't mind
making it six.
"Go ahead. Basta wag kang sisigaw-sigaw ng Ryu kapag naapakan mo yang ahas sa
likuran mo ha!", he said and my eyes widened. AHAS?
AHAS as in SNAKE?
Shit! Napayuko ako at tinangnan ang likuran ko and HOLY SHIT KABAYO NI SAILORMOON
DORAEMON POKEMON NOBITA! There really is a big snake! A black and yellow snake
coiled on my back!
"Shit Ryu!", nanginginig kong wika. I wanted to run but I can't move my legs. This
is what I hate whenever I see a snake. I can't move to save my life.
"Umalis ka dyan at bumalik ka dito", he said but I shook my head.
"I can't!"
"Just take few steps back!", wika ni Ryu ngunit umiling pa rin ako. I really can't!
I felt the hot liquids running down my cheeks! Damn! Iyakin talaga ako pagdating sa
mga ahas. Ryu stepped forward and grabbed me towards him. Agad akong napayakap sa
kanya at humagulhol.
"Akala ko na talaga katapusan ko na. Mafia works are really better than this!", I
said in between my sobs. "Dito ba naninirahan si Marion? Bakit nandito ang mga ahas
niya?"
Ryu chuckled. "What does snake have to do with Marion? You mean inaahas niya si
Gray sayo?", he asked. Nakasubsob pa rin ang mukha ko sa dibdib niya and he was
caressing my hair. Kung iisipin ay napakasweet ng posisyin namin ngayon.
Sweet? Well YUCK.
Bumitiw ako sa kanya at pinunasan ang mga luha ko. "Hindi no. She hanged me on a
tree with two snakes on my both sides."
"She did that to you?", he asked. Well yeah. Hindi naman pala nila alam ni Cooler
kung gaano kapraning si Marion
"Yeah. Halika na nga baka lumapit pa yung ahas sa atin", wika ko sa kanya. We found
another path at nilagpasan iyon. We walked a little further hanggang sa makita na
namin ang maliit sa sapa.
I sat on one log. "This is hell! We've been walking for hours!" Napaupo na rin si
Ryu at nagpahinga. We rested for 30 minutes bago napagpasyahang magpatuloy.
"We surely don't want to spend the night here so we need to keep moving", wika niya
at hinubad ang suot na sapatos. Inangay niya rin ang suot na pantalon at
nagsimulang lumusong sa tubig.
"Sandali! Wala bang ahas sa tubig?", I asked and he darted a deadly glare on me.
Ano namang masama sa tanong ko? Naninigurado lang ako!
"Meron kaya mag-ingat ka. Baka madisturbo mo ang pagsiswimming nila", sarkastikong
wika niya.
"Ryu!"
"Look at the water Amber. Lagpas paa lang naman at malinaw pa, edi kung mag ahas
makikita mo", wika niya at tumawid na.
Fine! Hindi naman talaga iyon malalim eh! Hinubad ko ang sandal na suot at lumusong
na rin sa tubig. Nakasuot na ng sapatos niya si Ryu ng makatawid ako. We continue
walking hanggang sa makita na namin ang kabahayan. When I glanced at my watch, mag-
aalas tres na! Ganoon kabilis?
"Tao po!", tawag niya sa tindahang maliit na may itinitindang gasolina. Lumabas ang
isang lalaking balbas sarado at napaatras si Ryu. Napakapit naman ako sa braso
niya!
"Anong kailangan ninyo at bakit napadpad kayo dito?", tanong ng lalaki at tiningnan
kami ni Ryu! God! Bakit balbas sarado siya? Nagmukha tuloy siyang mabaho!
"Naligaw po kasi kami at naubusan ng gasolina. May nakapagturo sa amin na dito daw
makakabili", sagot ni Ryu. He sounded afraid to. I'm sure he didn't have gun with
him kaya natatakot siya dito. Napatingin naman ako sa paligid at saka ko lang
napansin na maraming nakatingin sa amin! Kadalasan ay mga kalalakihan na uh- ang
babaho tingnan! Balbas sarado kasi at puno pa ng tattoo ang katawan! What if- what
if mga rapist sila?! Gosh! Gagahasain nila ako bago patayin?!
Wag naman sana! Lord, wag po! Kung ganoon naman lang ay sana na Wrong Turn na lang
kami! Atleast hindi ako gagahasain nung creature na apektado ng genetic mutation!
Nooooooooooo!
"Limang daan isang litro", wika ng lalaki.
"What?! Bakit ang mahal?! Diba may rollback naman?", I exclaimed and it was too
late to realize what I am saying! Sumiksik ako kay Ryu nang tiningnan ako ng masama
ng lalaki.
"Keep your mouth shut", bulong ni Ryu sa akin.
"Iyon ang presyo. Kukunin nyo ba o hindi?", tanong ng lalaki. Kapag kami nakaligtas
dito isusumbong ko talaga sila sa DTI! Masyadong over pricing! Hindi nga umaabot ng
singkwenta ang isang litro tapos 500 sa kanila?!
"Kukunin namin", Ryu said at naglabas ng limang daan.

"Mahal ang gasolina kapag dayo ang bumili pero kung taga dito lang, singkwenta lang
yan. Wala ba kayong ideya kung nasaan kayo?", tanong ng lalaki.
Ryu shook his head. Nang tiningnan ako ng lalaki ay napailing din ako. Damn! He's
so scary! Di bale nang madikit kay Ryu, wag lang dun sa lalaki!
"Ito ang baryo ng mga pugante. Lahat dito ay mga takas sa kulungan pero nagbagong
buhay na ang iilan. Mamamatay tao, nanggahasa, magnanakaw,at iba pa. Kumbaga klase-
klaseng kriminal ang nandito", wika ng lalaki. Iniyakap ko na talaga ang dalawang
braso ko kay Ryu! Shittttt! Sabi ko na nga na mas mabuting na Wrong Turn na lang
kami!
"Makakaalis ba kami dito ng ligtas?", Ryu asked. He doesn't sounded scared anymore.
Marahil ay nagtapang-tapangan siya dahil nakikita niyang natatakot na ako. He put
his arms around my waist!
Okay Ryu! Chancing-ngan natin ang isa't-isa! Basta ako natatakot talaga ako!
"Oo naman hangga't protektado kayo ni Ka Roman", sagot ng lalaki.
"Who's Ka Roman? Ang ibig kong sabihin, sino si Ka Roman?", tanong ni Ryu at
napalingon sa paligid. Mas dumami pa ang mga nandoon. May mga bata rin at babae.
Marahil ay mga anak iyon ng mga pugante.
"Siya ang nangangasiwa sa amin dito. Sa madaling salita, siya ang kapitan", wika ng
lalaki. Bigla na lamang dumilim ang paligid at bumuhos ang malakas na ulan.
Oh no! Kung minamalas ka nga naman! Bakit umulan pa?! Ayaw ko ng manatili dito!
Please ipatigil ang ulan!
"Doon na muna kayo sa kubo ni Ka Roman. Kapag may dayo ay doon mananatili", wika ng
lalaki at may tinawag. "Ruben, dalhin mo sila sa kubo ni Ka Roman!"
Isang lalaking walang suot na damit ang lumabas, he looks like he was around 18 or
19 years old. Gaya ng iba ay puno rin ito ng tattoo. May dala siyang dahon ng
saging at inabot iyon kay Ryu. Aanhin ba yun?
"Ipayong ninyo at sumunod kayo sa akin", wika ng lalaking si Ruben.
"Hey Ruben", tawag ni Ryu.
"Hey din tisoy."
"Madalas ba may maligaw dito?", Ryu asked. Hinahawakan niya ang dahon ng saging
para sa aming dalawa.
"Oo. Madalas chiks nga, eh kapag walang asawa ayun nagagahasa", Ruben said at
napalunok ako ng malaki. Sheeeeeeet! Ayoko na talaga.
"Bakit naman? Akala ko ba nagbagong buhay?"
"Yung iba pero meron pa ring hindi kaya ayon, pinaparusahan ni Ka Roman.
Kamatayan", kwento ni Ruben. Huminto ito at nilingon kami. "Kayo ba? Magkapatid
kayo?"
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa tanong niya. "No. Asawa niya ako!" Uh, bluff. A big
bluff! Ni hindi ko nga maimagine ang sarili kong maging girlfriend ni Ryy, ASAWA pa
kaya?
"Di nga! Ang bata mo pa babae", wika ni Ruben at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
"M-mag-asawa talaga kami. May lahi kasi kaming instik kaya maaga kaming pinag-
asawa", I lied again.
Muli namang lumingon si Ruben sa amin. "Di naman ah! Ang laki nga ng mga mata niyo.
Lalo ka na lalaki."
I saw Ryu's fist clenched pero pinigilan niya iyon. Don't joke with Ryu, Ruben.
He's bad at it!
"Pero mukha ngang mag-asawa kayo kasi hindi naman kayo mukhang magkapatid", Ruben
said at huminto sa harap ng malaking kubo. "Ka Roman! Ka Roman?"
Lumabas ang isang matandang babae. "O, Ruben?"
"Kayo pala Nana Letty. Nandyan po ba si Ka Roman?", Ruben asked at bahagya kaming
tiningnan. "May mga dayo ho kasi, hindi agad makabalik kasi dumidilim na at malakas
pa ang ulan."
"Pasok muna kayo, hija at hijo. Nasa labas pa si Roman, tiningnan niya yung bagong
pugante na namatay. Ililibing marahil nila kapag huminto na ang ulan ", wika ng
babae at niluwagan ang bukas ng pinto. Kumapit ako kay Ryu nang pumasok kami.
I look around inside the house. Walang kuryente doon kaya maraming lampara sa
sahig. Wala masyadong gamit doon at may mga kung anu-anong nakalambitin sa dingding
gaya na lang ng paa nga manok, sungay ng kalabaw at iba pa.
"Yun pong dalawang pugante na sugatan ng mapadpad dito nung isang araw?", Ruben
asked. "Namatay ho yung isa?"
"Oo. Malubha ang tama niya kaya hindi na nagamot ni Roman. Balita ko ay dalawampung
taon din nakulong yun bago nakatakas", sagot ni Nana Letty.
"Ibig niyo po bang sabihin ay yung may lahing Americano na nakulong dahil sa
pagnanakaw ng mga gold and other valuable collections ni Vyachelov Ivanovich noong
nanatili siya sa Pilipinas?", Ryu asked. I never knew that he's updated with
current events.
"Mukhang ganoon nga hijo", Nana Letty said at biglang bumukas ang pinto. Pumasok
ang may edad na lalaki ngunit base sa pangangatawan nito ay mukha pa rin itong
malakas.
"May bago na namang pugante?", he asked at tiningnan kaming dalawa. I prevented the
urge to raise my brow dahil baka hindi na kami sikatan ng araw kapag ginawa ko
iyon. How dare this old man? Mukha ba kaming pugante? Baka si Ryu, oo but me? No
way.
"Hindi po. Nawala lang po kami ng asawa ko at may nagturo na makakabili kami ng
gasolina dito. Yung lalaki sa fastfood", wika ni Ryu at inakbayan ako. He
emphasized the words ASAWA KO kanina.
"Si Julio marahil. Ako nga pala si Ka Roman. Marahil ay may nagsabi na sa inyo
kung anong lugar itong napasok ninyo. Ano ang maipaglilingkod namin sa inyo?", Ka
Roman asked.
"Kung inyo pong mamarapatin ay nais sana naming manatili dito ng ligtas kung
sakaling dumilim na at hindi pa tumitila ang ulan", magalang na wika ni Ryu.
Nakaakbay pa rin ang braso niya sa akin. "Maaari po akong magbigay ng halaga para
sa pananatili namin dito."
Marahang tumango si Ka Roman. "Hindi naman ako hipokrito para sabihing hindi namin
kailangan ng pera pero kung walang pera ang dayo, maari pa rin naman kayong
manatili dito ng ligtas", wika ni Ka Roman.
Naglabas ng limang libo si Ryu mula sa wallet niya. "Yan ho ang natitirang cold
cash ko. Sana po ay manatili kaming ligtas ng asawa ko."
Tinanggap iyon ni Ka Roman at inabot kay Nana Letty. "Timplahan mo sila ng kape."
7 PM-12 AM
Nanatili kami doon at kinausap si Ka Roman. We told him about how we arrived at the
place. Natagalan bago tumila ang ulan at iginiya na kami ni Ka Roman sa isang kubo.
Maliit lang iyon at may munting kusina na maaring paglutuan. Iisa lang din ang
banig na nasa papag at may dalawang unan at isang kumot. Mayroon ding lampara doon.
"Dito muna kayo manatili ngayong gabi. Nais niyo na ba talagang umalis bukas?",
tanong ni Ka Roman.
"Opo. Marahil ay hinahanap na kami ng anak namin, diba asawa ko?", Ryu asked and
then he kissed my head.
What the hell?! That kiss isn't necessary! Ano ba ang nakain niya at ginawa niya
iyon?! Hindi kaya may halong kamanyakan yung kapeng pinainom sa amin kanina?!
"Ganoon ba? Uutusan ko na lang si Ruben mamaya na maghatid ng bigas at itlog para
sa hapunan ninyo", wika ni Ka Roman at nagpaalam. Nang makaalis na ang ito ay agad
kong sinuntok ang sikmura ni Ryu.
"Argh! Witch! Bakit mo ginawa iyon?", he scowled at me.
"That's for kissing my head! You don't have to do it devil", I hissed at him.
He gave me his annoying smirk. "I just did it to make it look like we're a real
couple. It's no big deal para namang hindi ka pa nahalikan, sa ulo lang yun! Wait,
don't tell me you haven't been kissed?", tudyo niya at nag-iwas ako ng tingin.
"Wala kang pakialam!"
He chuckled. "So lil' couz didn't do any move? He got coward pair of balls",
natatawang wika ni Ryu.
"Ano bang pinagsasabi mo devil?! Bakit ba hahalikan ako ni Gray?! We're not
couples!"
"It doesn't take a couple to kiss. You can kiss anyone", he said at napaupo sa
papag.
"Wag mo nga kaming itulad sa iyo, jerk! Hindi na ako magtataka kung balang araw ay
magkakaSTD ka!", I said. Argh! I hate him! Anong akala niya sa kiss, parang ngiti
na pwedeng ipamigay kahit kanino?!
"I doubt. Hindi ako pumapatol sa mga cheap. My bitches are classy."
"They're still bitches."
Tumigil kami sa pag-uusap nang dumating si Ruben at may dalang bigas at itlog. Ryu
handed him a 500-peso bill bago ito umalis.
Nagsimula na akong magluto samantalang abala naman si Ryu sa kahahanap ng signal.

He's been cussing every now and then mula ng hawakan niya ang cellphone niya dahil
sa signal.
Nang maluto na ang kanin ay sinunod ko ang itlog. There were six eggs but I don't
know how Ryu wants his egg to be cooked. Ayoko kasi sa sunny side-up. I prefer
boiled eggs o kaya ay scramble.
He was still busy with his phone when I asked him. "Ryu, what do you want me to do
with your eggs?"
Nakahiga siya sa papag at itinataas ang cellphone upang makakalap ng signal. Bigla
na lamang niyang nabitawan ang cellphone niya at tumama iyon sa kanyang mukha.
Bigla siyang napaupo at tiningnan ako ng masama.
"What?!", he asked with a wide eye. "MY eggs?"
I rolled my eyes. "Yes. Sabihin mo na at ng magawa ko."
"What the hell Amber! Are you referring to my balls? Well I want it caressed in a
circu-", hindi na niya natapos ang sasabihin dahil lumipad ang isang panggatong sa
kanya.
"You jerk! Ano na naman bang kamanyakan ang pumasok sa utak mo?!"
"Awwww!", napahawak siya sa ulong natamaan. "Dapat inayos mo ang tanong mo!"
"Dapat inayos mo ang utak mo jerk! So ano nga ang gusto mong gawin sa ulam mo na
itlog?", I asked. Argh. Nakakainis! Napakamanyak!
"Have it scrambled", wika niya at tinalikuran ko na siya upang ipagpatuloy ang

pagluluto. It took a while bago ko naihanda ang mesa at tinawag siya.
Nagsimula na kaming kumain ng tahimik. Tanging ang tunog ng kubyertos at kulisap

ang maririnig kaya napagpasyahan kong kausapin ito.
"Devil."
"Hmmm?"
"Tell me more about the escaped prisoner", wika ko sa kanya. Magana ang pagkain
niya kahit itlog lang ang ulam.
"Hindi ka ba nanunuod ng news?", he asked and I shook my head. "Vyachelov Ivanovich

is a rich russian merchant na nanatili dito sa Pilipinas. He had gold and other
valuable collections ngunit isang araw ay nilooban ang matanda. It was that half-
American's gang. I guess his name was Scott Vega. Half american pero lumaki at
namuhay sa Pilipinas. He was 20 that time at naging habang buhay ang sentensya niya
dahil napatay niya ang matanda. It's been 20 years since that incident."
"Oh. Hindi pa ako naipanganak", komento ko.
"That issue lasted for many years hanggang sa naging convicted criminal siya and he
had a lifetime sentence. It was lately nang muli na namang naging sikat ang
pangalan niya dahil sa pagtakas niya. And you know what? There's a speculation that
he tattooed on his arm the location of the unretrieved gold collections? Madalas
niyang inaahit ang braso upang lumago ang buhok doon. Likas kasi na mabuhok siya
and he always shave his arm to hide the tattoo", paliwanag ni Ryu and it caught my
interest.
"Teka, you mean he used steganography? Itinatoo niya iyon sa braso niya and have it
covered with hair?"
He nodded. "Yeah."
Itinaas ko ang isang kilay sa kanta. "Saan mo naman narinig iyan?"
"From Mnemosyne. Aside from being a pathfinder, her speed also applies on
collecting information. Reliable information", wika niya. Oh, Mnemosyne? The
beautiful reaper who likes this devil?
"Saan naman niya nakuha iyan?"
"Her grandfather's one of the mastermind of that heist", he said at nagulat ako.
Uh, ayaw ko ng alamin pa ang ibang tungkol sa mga reapers dahil baka atakihin lang
ako sa puso.
"I'm full. Thanks for the food witch", he said. Oh, devils know how to say thank
you eh?
Natapos na kaming kumain at maghugas ng plato. Pagsapit ng alas nuebe ay natulog na

kami. I have no other choice but to sleep near him! Mahirap na baka pasukin kami at
uh-. I don't wanna think about it. If ever Ryu do anything stupid ay hindi ako
magdadalawang isip na i-apply ang bagong karate moves na natutunan ko noong summer.
Maayos ang tulog namin ngunit bigla na lamang kaming nagising dahil sa ingay na
nanggagaling sa labas. Bakit nagkakagulo ang mga tao?
Inabot ko ang cellphone ko mula sa ilalim ng unan at tiningnan ang oras. It was
past 12 in the midnight. Maging si Ryu ay nagising din.
"What happened?", he asked at bahagyang kinusot ang mata. I shrugged my shoulders

at nang bumangon siya at lumabas ay sumama na rin ako. Nasa katabing kubo ang
maraming tao at may dalang mga torch. Anong meron?
Nakita namin si Ruben at agad na lumapit sa kanya.
"Ruben anong nangyari? Bakit ang daming tao?", Ryu asked.
"Yun kasing bagong pugante na namatay. Nawawala ang isang braso niya! Buo pa daw
iyon kanina ng iwan ni Ka Roman upang kausapin kayo at balak sana nilang ilibing
ngayon ngunit nawawala na ang isang braso nito", sagot ni Ruben.
Scott's arm was chopped and missing? Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Ryu. It only
means one thing.
Someone must have overheard our conversation over dinner!
************
Part 3 will be posted by the year 2050! Lol! Jk lang! Ipopost ko kapag may load
ako.
Paulit-ulit na announcement! Join DF on facebook! Be acquainted with us and express

your thoughts! Just search DETECTIVE FILES BY SHINICHILAAAABS. Thank you!
-Shinichilaaaabs, Poging Pizza Monster.

A/N: Kaway-kaway sa mga detectives na sina Ate Wendy Preciosa Cuaresma, Hi kay
@EthiopaEmpress konti na lang, tama na ang deduction sa previous stalker case,
hindi ko pala nasali huhu T_T (ba't ganun, naidraft ko naman) kay @MickaKim na mas
kilala sa ship na RafMik at JereMik (lagot ka kay Juri!) Hi rin kay @Bloody_Loisa!
Post-birthday Shoutout! Happy Birthday Stefanie Lyn Tungcab Agrasada! Ryu loves
you! So as the Pornchop/IBro Squad, Gradwaiting Squad/SquidBalls and DF family!
Sorry sa mga hindi namention, marami pang darating na UD! :)
Happy Reading! :3
*************
12AM - 5AM
Someone must have overheard our conversation! Marahil ay narinig nito ang sinabi ni
Ryu na nakatattoo sa braso ni Scott ang pinagtaguan ng mga hindi pa natatagpuang
koleksyon ni Ivanovich!
Nagkagulo ang mga tao at panay sulyap sa kubo kung saan nandoon ang katawan.
Bahagya kaming lumapit doon at nakiusyoso na rin. On the floor was the corpse of a
man, he had white skin at puno ng tattoo ang leeg at paa nito. There wasn't any
tattoo on his hairy right hand while his left hand was chopped and missing.
I looked around at the people. One of them could possibly be the one responsible
for cutting his arms. Marahil ay isa iyon sa mga sinasabi ni Ruben na ayaw magbago.
Maybe one of them spied our hut at nagbabalak na looban kami!
"Ryu?", tawag ko sa kanya. I hope I was wrong with what I am thinking.
"Ano?", sagot niya. He wasn't looking at me, sa halip ay panay pa rin ang tingin
niya sa mga taong naroon na panay ang bulungan tungkol sa nawawalang braso ng
convicted criminal na si Scott.
"Did you locked the door before we went to sleep?", I asked.
"I did."
"But how was it when we went to see what's happening here?"
"It's open- what the fuck!", he darted a dark gaze at me at kinapa ang bulsa niya.
"My wallet and cellphone are lost. How about yours?"
"Still intact. I hid them under my pillow", sagot ko sa kanya. He took a deep sigh
pero mukhang wala lang sa kanya iyon. "Aren't you supposed to be freaking out by
this moment?"
"For what?", wika niya habang nakakunot ang noo.
"You just lost your phone and wallet", paalala ko sa kanya.
"So?"
"YOU JUST LOST YOUR PHONE AND WALLET!", pag-uulit ko. Ano ba ang mahirap intindihin
doon sa sinabi ko?
"SO?!"
"Hindi ka man lang ba nababahala sa credit cards mo? Your phone. Hindi ka ba
natatakot na baka may makakita sa mga mirror selfies mo doon?"
"Mirror selfie? I don't take photos of myself! As of the cards,I'll have it
reported. Wala naman doon ang credit card ko", sagot niya sa akin.
Uh! Unbelievable! Sabagay! Barya lang naman sa mafia ang pinambili ng mamahaling
cellphone niya!
"Makinig kayong lahat!", sigaw ni Ka Roman kaya napadako ang atensyon namin sa
kanya. "Isa itong nakakaalarmang pangyayari. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang motibo ng
gumawa nito at kapag nalaman ko kung sino man iyon ay kailangang umalis dito sa
ating tagong baryo o kung hindi ay hahatulan ko ng kamatayan! Sinabi ko na sa inyo!
Kailangan na nating magbagong buhay!"
Nagbulong-bulungan ang mga tao. Nagtataka sila kung sino ang pumutol sa kamay ng
pugante at ano ang dahilan niyon.
"Iisa-isahin namin ang bawat kubo!", wika ni Ka Roman at umalis na sila. Naiwan ang
mga tao sa labas at panay pa rin ang usapan nila.
Malamig ang dampi ng hangin kaya't niyakap ko ang sarili ko. I was thinking if we
could really leave this place safe. Lahat ng nandito ay mga pugante. Pamilya ng
pugante. Well some could have just been desperate enought to commit their crimes
but it's still their choice and they're sane enough to know what's wrong and right.
I saw a log at napaupo ako roon. Ryu sat beside me but he was in deep thoughts.
"Iniisip mo ba ang cellphone at wallet mo?", I asked.
"No."
"Eh ano iniisip mo? Yung kamay nung Scott?" Oo nga pala. Wala itong pakialam sa
cellphone at wallet niya.
"Sort of. I was thinking of Mnemosyne."
Tinusok ko ang tagiliran niya. "Uyy, nagkakagusto ka na kay Mnemosyne ha."
He gave me a smirk. Nasa lugar na kami ng pugante at kung ano ay hindi pa rin
mawala-wala ang dakilang smirk nito.
"It's not like that. I'm thinking of her gathered informations about Scott. Cooler
thinks that in his arm wasn't the location of Ivanovich but rather a message for
the police about his innocence or what", wika ni Ryu.
"Message for the police?"
"Yes, but he's not really sure about it. It could be a tattoo that can prove that
he's not part of the heist. Cooler believes that he's not part of it. In fact he
had it investigated with Poseidon."
"You mean Red?"
Mahina siyang tumango. "Cooler said na maaring nagkamali ang nga pulis. Scott
wasn't really part of it at nadamay lamang. But police report stated the contrary.
They pointed out that he was the mastermind. Parang naframe up lang siya."
"Kawawa naman pala si Scott kung ganoon. How about Mnemosyne's grandfather? Hindi
ba niya kinonfirm sa inyo ang involvement ni Scott?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Old Theodore doesn't know. Ayon sa kanya ay hindi niya alam kung sino ang mga
namumuno sa gang. He just knew their codenames. Scorpion. That's the codename of
the their front man. Scott got a scorpion tattoo on his chest kaya marahil ay siya
si Scorpion", paliwanag ni Ryu.
Napaisip ako, life with mafia isn't easy. Pakiramdam ko ay laging nasa linya ang
buhay mo.
"Ang gulo ng buhay ninyo", komento ko sa kanya at hindi na siya sumagot pa. Ilang
minuto din ang lumipas bago muling dumating si Ka Roman at nagsalita sa gitna.
"Tapos na naming libutin ang lahat ng kubo ngunit hindi namin matagpuan ang
nawawalang braso ng yumaong pugante. Umamin na kung sino man ang may gawa nito!",
puno ng awtoridad na wika nito. Umugong muli ang ingay sa paligid. Panay ang tanong
nila kung sino ang maaring gumawa niyon.
Imposible naman yatang agad iyon mawala. Someone must have hidden it somewhere.
Have they really checked all the huts?
"Sino ang gustong magpahayag ng kanyang opinyon?", tanong ni Ka Roman and I
immediately raised my hand. Nagtatakang tiningnan ako ni Ryu at ng mga taga baryo.
"Binibini?"
"What's this Amber? Do you want to get your head chopped?", bulong ni Ryu sa akin
at hindi ko siya pinansin.
"Itatanong ko lang po sana kung tiningnan niyo po ba talaga lahat ng kubo?"
"Oo naman binibini, maliban sa kubong ginagamit ninyo", sagot ni Ka Roman.
"Imposible namang kayo ang gumawa niyon. Isa pa ay binibigyan namin kayong mag-
asawa ng sariling espasyo. Ipinagbabawal namin dito ang pagpasok sa mga kubong
ginagamit ng mga dayo at alam iyon ng lahat."
"Kung ganoon po ay malaki ang posibilidad na nasa kubo namin ang nawawalang braso.
Sa katunayan ay pinasok po kami. Ninakaw po ang wallet at cellphone ni Ryu- ng
asawa ko", pagbibigay-alam ko sa kanila. Umugong ulit ang ingay mula sa mga bulong
ng bawat isa.
"Totoo ba ang sinasabi mo? Kung inyong mamarapatin ay nais naming halughugin ang
inyong kubo", wika ni Ka Roman at nagtungo sa kubong inuokupa namin.
Hinalughog nila iyon at ilang sandali nga ay natagpuan na ang nawawalang braso ni
Scott. The culprit really hid it in our hut since he knew that huts used by
visitors aren't subject for inspection.
Muling tinipon ni Ka Roman ang mga tao at tinanong kung sino ang nanloob sa kubo at
naglagay ng braso doon gayundin ang nagnakaw sa cellphone at wallet ni Ryu. Walang
sumagot kahit anong pilit ni Ka Roman hanggang sa napagpasyahang magkaroon ng roll
call. Isa-isang tinawag ang mga pangalan ng taga roon at isang taong
nagngangalang Allan ang nawawala. Ka Roman concluded that Allan might be the one
responsible for everything and then he fled away. Naayos na ang lahat at pinabalik
na ang bawat isa sa kanya-kanyang kubo. Sumama naman sa kubo namin si Ka Roman at
Nana Letty kasama si Ruben.
"Ipagpaumanhin ninyo ang nangyaring pagnanakaw ng sakop kong si Allan. Hindi ko
saklaw ang iniisip nila. Marahil ay nasilaw siya sa pera", wika ni Ka Roman.
"Kalimutan na lang ho natin iyon dahil wala na po tayong magagawa", sagot ni Ryu. I
know he's angry. He's a devil and surely he hates being robbed by another devil.
"Mag-uumaga na. Mas mabuting magpahinga na kayo. Ikaw din Ruben. Magpahinga ka na
muna at nang maihatid mo sila bukas sa labasan", suhestiyon ni Nana Letty. Nag-
alangan pa si Ruben bago ito napayuko.
"May aaminin po ako Ka Roman. Ako po ang pumutol sa braso ng pugante. Patawad Ka
Roman. Handa po akong tanggapin ang ano mang kaparusan na ipapataw ninyo sa akin",
napaluhod na wika ni Ruben. Nagulat si Nana Letty sa pag-amin nito. Hindi niya
marahil maisip kung bakit niya iyon nagawa.
"Bakit Ruben?", kalmadong tanong ni Ka Roman.
"Narinig ko po kasi ang usapan ng mag-asawa. Ayon sa kanila ay nakasulat sa braso
ang lokasyon ng mga ninakaw nung pugante. Patawad Ka Roman", wika ni Ruben.
"Alam mo na ang kahahantungan mo."
Bigla na lamang nagsalita si Ryu. "Please spare his life tutal ay inamin naman niya
ang kasalanan niya", wika nito na ikinagulat ko. Kailan pa naging soft-hearted si
Ryu? "Ipakita niyo po sa amin ang braso. Sa katunayan ay mali po ang impormasyong
narinig ni Ruben. Ang totoo niyon ay naniniwala kaming wala talagang kasalanan si
Scott."
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?"
"Kung inyong mamarapatin ay nais po naming makita ang braso", Ryu said at inakbayan
ako. "Ang totoo po niyan ay isa pong cryptographer ang asawa ko. Maari niyang
mabasa kong ano man ang nasa braso."
Lies! Lies! Lies! Una ay hindi niya ako asawa! Pangalawa ay hindi ako
cryptographer! Namumuro na rin si Ryu sa mga patsa-tsansing niya!
"Kung gayon ay tulungan mo ako Ruben. Ihanda natin sa mesa ang braso. Letty,
dagdagan ang ang lampara at nang lumiwanag ng maayos. Kumuha ka rin ng pang-ahit",
wika ni Ka Roman.
Nang makaalis sila sa harap namin at agad kong tinanggal ang braso ni Ryu. "Ano ba
ang ginagawa mo? I'm not a cryptographer for goodness sake! Isa pa ay hindi ko alam
kong maniniwala ba ako na wala nga siyang kinalaman doon."
"Cooler got a strong gutfeel so let's trust his theory on this", wika niya at wala
na akong nagawa ng maihanda na nila ang lahat. Naupo kami sa mesa nang sinimulan
nilang ahitin ang mabuhok na braso ni Scott. Tumambad doon ang malaking tattoo.
подмастерье.
Iyon ang nakasulat sa kanyang braso. The third character looks like a scorpion in
his arm. Sa ibabang bahagi naman ay mayroong VI. Roman numerals for six?
Russian characters? I'm not familiar to those. I've already encountered russian
characters in one of my adventures before but I wasn't the one who translated it.
"I'm not really sure what it means but I really believe that Scott has nothing to
do with the robbery before", wika ni Ryu. "Ayon sa nalaman ko, isang tattoo master
si Ivanovich kay marahil siya ang nagtattoo kay Scott. VI is the proof." Kinunan
niya iyon ng larawan gamit ang cellphone ko.
"Hindi ba yan Roman Numerals?", tanong ko.
"No. Ang ibig sabihin nito ay Vyachelov Ivanovich. It's his initials", Ryu said.
"Teka, akala ko ba ang asawa mo ang cryptographer?", tanong ni Nana Letty kay Ryu.
Nagkandautal-utal naman ito bago sunagot.
"Ah- I'm her, ang ibig ko pong sabihin ay apprentice niya ako", sagot ni Ryu.
"Ganoon ba? Ang totoo niyan ay narinig ko rin ang tungkol diyan.Bueno, magpahinga
na kayo. Ruben, mag-uusap pa tayo bukas", wika ni Ka Roman at tumayo. Dinala niya
ang braso at sumunod sa kanya si Nana Letty. Umalis na rin si Ruben matapos
magpaalam sa amin. Nang makaalis ang mga ito ay muli naman kaming bumalik sa
pagtulog namin.
*******
5AM-10AM
Maaga kaming nagising kinabukasan. Agad na naghanda si Nana Letty ng kape at agahan
namin na pinaunlakan namin ni Ryu. Matapos mag-agahan ay hinatid kami ni Ka Roman
sa labasan kung saan naiwan ang kotse ni Ryu. We took the other way at hindi iyon
ang daan na tinahak namin papunta doon. Nang makarating kami doon ay nagpasalamat
kami kay Ka Roman bago umalis.
"Can I borrow your phone
for a while?", tanong ni Ryu habang nagmamaneho. Agad ko naman iyong inabot sa
kanya. I don't know what he was doing but I just let him scroll on my phone. He
dialled a number at hinintay na may sumagot doon.
"This is Apollo. Is Mnemosyne around?", tanong ni Ryu at saglit na nanahimik.
"Mnemosyne, we've discovered the dead body of Scott Vega. I already send the photo
on your phone. Gusto ko ring bisitahin mo ang lugar niya at - fuck!", he tossed the
phone back to me. Nang tingnan ko iyon ay dead batt.
"You're welcome ha!", sarkastikong wika ko. Bumalik na naman siya sa pagiging devil
niya!
"I'm not still familiar with these road. Mabuti na lamang at may signal na dito",
wika niya and I made a face. Bakit pa kasi nagshortcut pa ito! Arrrrgh! Patuloy
lang siya sa pagda-drive hanggang sa nakarating kami sa isang tila lungsod.
"Mukhang mas napapalayo talaga tayo", wika niya and he pulled the car on one side.
Nang tingnan ko ang labas ay may dagat doon at iilang mga tao.
"Ano mukhang mas lumalayo? My God Ryu! Wala bang GPS tracker tong kotse mo at nang
matunton tayo ng mga kampon mo?"
Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. "I have it removed dahil ayoko ng masyadong
binubuntotan ng mafia." Napafacepalm na lamang ako sa sinabi niya. I really have to
wait hanggang sa makabalik kami sa main highway ng syudad. I'm not even sure if
this place is part of our city!
Bumaba si Ryu ng kotse upang magtanong-tanong. Agad akong sumunod sa kanya at
nagtanong na rin sa iilang tao na nandoon.
"Naku, malayo pa ho tayo sa kabihasnan. Kapag lumuluwas kami sa syudad ay
kadalasang umaabot kami ng limang oras", sagot ng isang lalaki. What the hell! 5
hours?!
When I glanced at my watched ay mag-aala syete pa lamang. Uh, bakit ba ang tagal ng
oras?! I've been with him for almost 24 hours and it doesn't turns out to be good!
Pumunta kami at naupo sa mga bench nakaharap sa baybayin.
"I hate this. Ayaw ko ng hindi naliligo ng isang araw", wika niya sa akin. "I want
change my clothes. Even just a shirt."
"Edi bumili tayo", wika ko at tumayo. "I saw a mini-boutique kanina. We can choose
some clothes there."
Tumayo na rin siya at sumunod sa akin. I want to take a bath too and change my
clothes. Hindi rin ako mapakali kapag hindi naliligo! Nang makarating kami doon ay
agad kaming sinalubong ng saleslady.
"Magandang umaga po Maam, Sir! Welcome to JM Couple's Boutique!"
"What? Couple's boutique?" magkapanabay naming tanong ni Ryu.
"Opo Maam, Sir. Nagtitinda po kami ng mga couple shirts at iba pang mga stylish na
couple items", nakangiting wika nito.
"Teka, miss. You got it wrong. We're not couple. Wala ba kayong mga damit na hindi
pang couple?", wika ko sa kanya. There's no way I'll be wearing an identical shirt
with Ryu!
"Wala po Maam. Pero meron po kaming mga damit na pang couple pero hindi identical.
Saka wala na rin pong mga nagtitinda ng damit dito, meron po pero ukay-ukay", wika
niya.
"Ayokong magsuot ng galing ukay so we'll take those. Magkano ba ang mga iyon?", Ryu
asked.
"300 each po."
"Pautang", Ryu said at hinarap ako. Sinamahan kami ng babae upang natingnan ang nga
damit. Matapos kaming pumili ay agad naming binayaran ang mga iyon.
I handed my credit card to the saleslady at nagtatakang napatingin lang siya sa
amin. "Hindi po kami tumatanggap niyan dito maam. Cash lang po."
Hinalughog ko ang bag at wallet ko ngunit 250 lamang ang cash ko na naroon. "Pero
Miss, 250 lang ang pera ko. Pwede bang utang?"
"Naku Maam. Tindera lang po ako dito. Kung gusto nyo po, may sale kami. 250 po,
couple shirt."
"Miss, hindi talaga kami couple", paliwanag ko sa kanya. Argh! Ano bang hindi niya
maintindihan doon?
"Kukunin namin", Ryu said and I've got no other choice but to agree kaysa naman
hindi ako makapagbihis. I almost cuss when I saw what was written on the white
couple shirt.
On Ryu's shirt ay may nakasulat na My Heart Belongs to Her at may arrow na nakaturo
sa kanan samantalang ang nakasulat naman sa shirt ko ay My Heart Belongs to Him at
may arrow din na nakaturo sa kaliwa.
"Don't you dare stand on my left", wika ko sa kanya ng makalabas ako ng fitting
room na nakabihis. Damn! Nakakasuka naman ang nakasulat sa damit na ito! But it was
better than those remaining shirts on sale! Mas nakakadiri kaya yung nakasulat doon
na He's/She's my Baby at kung anu-ano pa!
Tiningnan niya ako ng masama. "You think I like these shirt? I got no other choice
Amber kaya tigilan mo kung ano man yang iniisip mo."
"Kyaaaaaah! Ang cute niyo po! Bagay na bagay kayo!", kinikilig na wika ng tindera.
Ryu and I both gave her a deadly glare bago nagbayad at lumabas doon.
Naglakad kami palabas ng boutique at napadaan sa harap ng mga lalaking umiinom ng
kape mula sa vending machine.
"Tinawagan ako ni Bossing kagabi. Sabi niya meron na naman tayong raket. Isang
transaksyon daw, kasama yata yung sindikato ng droga", wika ng isang lalaki.
Napatingin sa dako namin ang isa sa kanila at napakunot ang noo. Kinalabit niya ang
isang kasama at tinuro kami. I saw Ryu's face tightened and then he grabbed my
wrist while mumbling a cuss.
"Apollo!", sigaw ng isa sa mga lalaki at bumunot ng baril.
"Run Amber!", sigaw ni Ryu at hinila ako palapit sa sasakyan! Shit! Kung minamalas
ka nga naman!
Nang lingunin ko ang mga lalaki ay patakbo rin sila papunta sa isang pick up. Panay
pa rin ang mura niya habang pinapaandar ang kotse.
"Shit! Shit! Shit! Damn it! Pati ba naman dito! Fuck!
"Pwede ba tumahimik ka! Hindi nakakatulong ang pagmumura mo!", I shrieked when a
bullet hit the side mirror. My God! Palagi na lamang ganito ang eksena kapag kasama
ko si Ryu! I'm sure that there wasn't an Artemis here that will help us!
"Amber, there's a gun under your seat. Pakikuha please!", natatarantang wika niya.
"Idiot! Kailan mo ba maiintindihan na takot ako sa baril! Aaaah!", napasigaw ulit
ako ng muling nagpaputok ang mga lalaki.
"Shit! Bakit ba kung kailan may kasama ako, saka ko nakakaenkwentro ang mga tao ng
sindikato!", wika niya. He's face was very serious while he was driving the car.
"Ano na naman ba kasi ang ginawa mo sa kanila?", tanong ko sa kanya. Nakayuko ako
dahil sa takot na matamaan ng mga bala.
"I beat the hell out of their transactor!", wika niya. "Amber kunin mo sabi ang
baril!"
"Ayaw!"
"Amber!"
Patuloy pa rin ang putukan kaya wala akong nagawa kundi kunin ang malamig na bagay
na nasa ilalim ng upuan ko! Damn, I'm afraid with guns ngunit ilang beses na akong
pinahawak ni Ryu ng baril! This devil never failed to pissed off the hell out of me
by making me do the things that I don't want to!
"Hawakan mo ang manibela!"
"What?"
"Hawakan mo ang manibela Amber!"
"What are you gonna do?!"
"Just do it!", sigaw niya at natatarantang hinawakan ko ang manibela. He opened the
car's door at nagpaputok ng ilang beses.
"Ryu don't do it!", tarantang wika ko habang nakahawak sa manibela. Ilang saglit
lamang ay muli niyang sinara ang pinto at siya na ang humawak sa manibela. When I
looked back ay nakita kong unti-unting humina ang takbo ng pick up hanggang sa
tumigil ang mga ito.
"What have you done ?!", tanong ko kay Ryu.
"I hit their tires. Don't worry, walang natamaan sa kanila. You don't have to cry
like those goons are your family member", wika niya. Napakapa ako sa pisngi ko.
Kapag sobrang takot ang nararamdaman ko ay hindi ko namamalayan na umiiyak na pala
ako. And for goodness sake, I wasn't worried about those goons!
"Hindi sila ang iniiyakan ko! Natatakot lang ako sa baril", wika ko sa kanya.
Tiningnan niya lang ako saglit at tinapon sa likuran ng kotse ang baril.
"I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess", seryosong wika niya at natigilan ako.
So this devil knows how to say sorry? Kagabi ay nagthank you din siya. Bumabait na
ba ang dating devil na si Ryu??
"What? Don't give me such look like I just said a miracle", he scowled at me. Oh
there. He's still a devil.
Hindi ko na lamang siya sinagot at saglit na naidlip. Nang ginising ako ni Ryu ay
mataas na ang sikat ng araw. Nang sulyapan ko ang relo ko ay mag-aala una na ng
tanghali. Ganoon ako katagal na naidlip?! Nilingon ko ang paligid ngunit hindi pa
rin iyon pamilyar. Wait.
What?! For almost 7 hours ay hindi pa rin kami nakakalabas sa lugar kung nasaan
kami?!
"Nasaan na tayo?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea." Napabuntong hininga ako. Medyo
sumingkit ang mata ni Ryu, marahil ay galing din ito sa pag-idlip. Can't blame him.
Parehas kaming napuyat dahil sa insidente kagabi.
"Let's keep going", wika ko sa kanya but he gave me a frown. "What was that for?"
"Nasiraan tayo", wika niya and I almost lost all hope. Una ay overheat, tapos
naubusan ng fuel, tapos ngayon na naman ay nasiraan?! Great. Just great.
I sighed heavily again. Pasakit na talaga ito sa buhay. Baka pinalitan na ni Ryu si
Loki sa pagiging Norse god of mischief. O di naman kaya ay isa ba ako sa
Baudelaire's children ni Lemony Snicket dahil sa lahat ng kamalasan na nangyayari
sa buhay ko at iyon ay dahil kay Ryu. "What are we gonna do now?"
"Ask for help. I saw a house nearby. It's a maskmaker's house", wika niya. We got
no other choice kaya bumaba kami ng kotse at tinungo ang bahay na sinasabi niya.
1PM-12AM
(A/N: Special mention to Ruben Callos Flores Jr. for the suggested case. Murder
inside a room full of mask. At sorry, ngayon ko lang napansin na kapangalan mo pala
yung isang pugante! Sareey! Hindi ko sinasadya! :3)
Pagdating namin doon ay nakakatakot na ang bumungad sa akin. The main gate contains
masks. May mga nakasabit doon na greek theatre mask, the mask which shows a happy
and sad emotions. Mayroon ding aztec mask at kung anu-ano pa. We were about to
knock on the rusty gate nang bigla na lamang iyong bumukas at sinalubong kami ng
nakakatakot na mukhang nay maskara. It was a face of the devil from a Balinese
topeng mask! Parehas kaming napaatras ni Ryu at hindi agad nakapagsalita. Tinanggal
ng lalaki ang suot niyang maskara at tumawa.
"Pasensya na kayo. Ugali ko kasing sukatin ang mga maskarang ginagawa namin. What
mask design do you wish to purchase?", wika niya. Base sa pananalita at pananamit
niya ay mahahalatang may pinag-aralan ito.
"No, we're not here to purchase a mask. I'm Ryu and this is Amber", pakilala ni
Ryu. "Nasiraan kasi kami ng kotse and we want to ask for help. Isa pa ay nawawala
kami. Hindi namin alam ang daan pabalik sa syudad. We want to ask for some help."
"Ganoon ba? Kung ganoon ay pumasok muna kayo at ng makapagpahinga. May mga bisita
din kasi ako na bibili ng mga maskara para sa teatro. Ilang oras pa ang babyahiin
niyo bago kayo makalabas dito sa probinsya. Mekaniko ang isa kong kapatid kaya
maari kayong humingi ng tulong sa kanya", wika ng lalaki at niluwagan ang pagbukas
ng gate. "I'm Cyrus Mavel. A maskmaker."
Inaasahan naming nag-iisa lamang si Kuya Cyrus doon ngunit hindi pala. May kasama
siyang dalawang lalaki at isang babae. Nang ipakilala niya ito sa amin ay nalaman
naming bisita lamang din sila. One guy was Owen Macas, a 43 year-old theatre
director. Ang isang lalaki ay si Arthur Salve, 28, ang kanyang assistant at ang
babae naman ay si Thelma Arangcon, 24 and a theatre actress na siyang gagamit sa
pinagawa nilang Noh mask. Naroon din ang dalawang kapatid ni Kuya Cyrus na siyang
katulong niya sa paggawa ng mga maskara. There was Celine Mavel, 42 at Carlito
Mavel, 40. Kuya Cyrus was 46 years old but still young at heart kaya mas pinili
niyang tawagin namin siyang Kuya.
Puno ng maskara ang buong bahay kaya nakakatakot iyong tingnan. There were shelves
which contains masks of different kinds and designs. Tiningnan ko ang mga
nakadisplay na maskara doon.
"Masks are scary", wika ko kay Ryu na nakatayo sa tabi ko at tinitingnan din ang
mga maskarang nakadisplay.
"Everyone needs masks to hide away the real them", seryosong wika niya. "Don't be
fooled by the masks of people around you Amber. What they are showing are not the
real them. Sometimes you have to rip off their masks."
I looked at him and I wonder if he was wearing any mask. Is he really the devil
that he's showing as him? O isa siya sa mga taong nagsusuot ng maskara? Hindi na
ako nagkaroon pa ng pagkakataong magkomento pa sa sinabi niya dahil lumapit sa amin
si Kuya Cyrus.
"This is one of my favorite mask", wika ni Kuya Cyrus at inilabas mula sa shelf ang
isang maskara. It was a face of a woman. "This is a female noh mask showing how the
expression changes with a tilting of the head", he said at gaya nga ng sinabi niya
ay nag-iba nga ang ekspresyon ng mukha ng babae sa maskara.
"Amazing! I saw something like this in Detective Conan! Hindi ko lamang maalala
kung anong episode iyon", natutuwang wika ko. I heard Ryu mumbled something like
'childish!' at hindi ko na lamang siya pinansin.
"Yes. Japanese culture includes masks as part of a very old and
highly sophisticated and theatrical tradition", wika ni Kuya Cyrus. "In fact ay
nagtatrabaho ako sa Japan dati and we used to make Tengu masks, but now I decided
to make my shop here in the Philippines at ipinapadala iyon kung saan."
"Ibig po bang sabihin ay iniexport ninyo ang mga gawa ninyong maskara?", tanong ko
sa kanya.
He smiled at me. "Yes, umaabot sa iba't-ibang dako ng mundo ang mga gawa namin."
"But why chose an isolated place para puntahan ng mga bisita? You can make a store
in the city", Ryu said. He's right. Bakit naman nasa liblib na pook ang kanyang
shop?
"Hindi naman kasi kami ang nilalapitan ng mga customer. My style is ako ang
lumalapit sa kanila kaya hindi ko na kailangan pag gumawa ng maskshop na nasa
syudad mismo", sagot niya.
Lumapit si Sir Owen sa isang shelf at tinuro ang isang maskara. "Anong klaseng
maskara naman ito?"
Si Auntie Celine ang sumagot. "It's a korean traditional mask. They're associated
with shamanism and ritual dances. Ginagamit din iyan for shamanistic ceremonies to
drive away evil spirits."
Kinuha ni Kuya Cyrus ang isang simpleng maskara. "This mask was once used in
performing the Indian drama, depicting the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana."
Nagtanong din ang iba pang bisita tungkol sa mga naroong maskara at maganang
sinagot naman sila nina Kuya Cyrus.
"How do you transport your masks?", tanong ni Ryu.
"We have it placed in the box at si Carlito ang tagapamahal ng pag-eexport niyon",
sagot ni Auntie Celine. "Bakit hindi natin dalhin sa gallery ang mga bisita mo kuya
at nang makita nila ang iba pang mga maskara?"
"Magandang ideya iyan. Sumunod kayo sa akin", wika ni Kuya Cyrus at naglakad
papunta sa isang malaking pinto na nasa second floor. We almost catch our breath
nang mabuksan iyon at tumambad sa amin ang napakaraming maskara. Nakagalay ang mga
iyon sa shelf at may iba rin na nakabitin. There are different varieties of masks
there at ipinaliwanag iyon sa amin ni Kuya Cyrus mula sa mga Papierkrattler masks,
Yup'ik masks, comedy masks, batac masks, Noh masks, cherokee ceremonial mask,
kabuki at maging mga fang masks at iba pang uri ng mga maskara ng which shows a
devil face. Matagal-tagal din kaming nanatili doon at nakinig sa mga paliwanag nina
Kuya Cyrus at Auntie Celine sa mga naroong maskara. Mayroon ding mga malalaking
kahon na nandoon at ayon sa kanila ay mga pre-ordered masks iyon na kailangang i-
ship sa mga susunod na mga araw. Kuya Carlito wasn't around dahil napakiusapan na
namin itong kumpunihin ang kotse ni Ryu.
"Bakit hindi mo sila handaan ng meryenda Celine? It's almost three and our visitors
must be hungry", wika ni Kuya Cyrus at tumalima naman si Auntie Celine. I was
surprised to know na alas tres na pala ng hapon. Nanatili kami sa sala habang
naghahanda ng meryenda si Auntie Celine at nagpaiwan naman sa gallery si Kuya
Cyrus.
"I'm so bored here. Hindi pa ba tayo aalis?", maarteng tanong ni Thelma kay Sir
Owen. Kanina pa ito nagpapacute kay Ryu ngunit hindi naman siya pinapansin ng huli.
"Hindi pa Thelma", sagot ng butihing direktor. Panay pa rin ang pag-iinarte ni
Thelma. Nakakainis itong pakinggan. Kesyo mainit daw, walang internet, boring at
kung anu-ano pa ang reklamo nito.
"Arthur, paypayan mo nga ako!", maarteng wika nito at tumalima naman si Arthur. If
it was me ay ihahampas ko talaga ang pamaypay sa mukha ni Thelma. She's very
irksome and acting like a queen!
Hindi nagtagal ay dumating na si Kuya Carlito upang makisalo na rin sa meryenda
nang maihanda na iyon. Auntie Celine already knocked on the gallery ngunit hindi
daw ito sumasagot.
"He's always like that lalo na at busy sa kanyang ginagawa. Lalabas din iyon
mamaya", paliwanag ni Auntie Celine at nakisalo na rin sa meryenda. Panay rin ang
kwentuhan nila tungkol sa mga maskara, mga suki nito sa iba't-ibang bansa at iba
pa. Nagkwento din si Sir Owen tungkol sa mga play na naiteatro nila. Thelma went
bragging about her plays and other opera. Halatang nagmamayabang.
"Bakit hindi na lamang kayo magpabukas ng alis Ryu? Maari kayong sumabay sa amin.
Arthur knows this place very well kaya paniguradong hindi na kayo maliligaw", wika
ni Thelma. Panay ang sulyap niya sa couple shirt na suot namin.
Ryu looked at me as if he's asking for my opinion. "What do you think Amber?"
"Mabuti nga iyon at nang hindi tayo mawala", wika ko at pinaunlakan niya ang
paanyaya ni Thelma na sasabay kami sa kanila.
"Really? Can I ride with you? Sira kasi ang aircon sa kotse ni Sir Owen. I hope you
don't mind Amber", wika nito. Of course I don't mind. Thelma asked the wrong
person. She should be asking Ryu and not me. Sa napapansin ko ay hindi papasa sa
pagiging whore niya si Thelma. Well, she's pretty but it seems like Ryu don't like
her. Naalala ko tuloy ang napakagandang si Mnemosyne! Kung hindi ito pumasa sa
standard ni Ryu, ano na lamang kaya ang mga babae niya? Are they close to
perfection or what?
"Yeah, sure", walang ganang wika ni Ryu at tuwang-tuwa naman si Thelma.
Nang sumapit ang alas sais ay nagpaalam si Auntie Celine na maghahanda ng hapunan.
Nagpaalam din si Sir Owen na maglalakad muna sa labas. Si Arthur naman ay nagpaalam
na may kukunin sa kotse kaya naiwan kami ni Ryu sa sala kasama sina Thelma at Kuya
Carlito.
Dumating si Auntie Celine at nagtanong kong hindi pa rin ba lumalabas si Kuya
Cyrus. Nang malaman nitong wala ay bumalik ito sa kusina at sinabing marahil ay
bababa ito kapag hapunan na. Panay naman ang kwentuhan ni Kuya Carlito at Ryu
tungkol sa negosyo. Geez, ngayon ko lamang nalaman na masyado pa lang interesado si
Ryu sa business. He should have took Business Administration courses rather than
Information technology.
Nang maihanda na ang hapunan ay bumalik na sina Arthur at Sir Owen. Nakahanda na
ang mesa ngunit hindi pa rin bumababa si Kuya Cyrus kaya napagpasyahan ni Auntie
Celine na muli itong puntahan sa gallery. Ilang saglit lang ay muling bumalik si
Auntie Celine sa kusina.
"Carlito nasaan ang masterkey? Nakapagtatakang hindi man lamang sinasagot ni Kuya
ang pagtawag ko", wika niya at naalarma ang lahat kaya sumama kami sa kanila
pabalik sa gallery.
Kuya Carlito opened the door at hindi agad ito nakagalaw pagbukas niya ng pinto.
Nagulat kaming lahat ng tumambad sa amin ang nakabitin na katawan ni Kuya Cyrus!
Nakakakalat din ang mga maskara sa sahig! Napasigaw si Thelma at si Auntie Celine
at hindi rin halos makagalaw sina Sir Owen! Someone killed him habang nag-iisa ito
sa gallery but the question is, WHO KILLED HIM?
"Ibaba natin siya!",wika ni Ryu at agad nilang pinagtulungan na ibaba ang katawan
ni Kuya Cyrus. Saka lamang nakahuma si Kuya Carlito. Humagolhol naman si Auntie
Celine at takot din ang nakabakas sa mukha ng bawat isa. I carefully studied their
facial expression dahil isa lamang ang ibig sabihin nito. The murderer is someone
who's with us right this very moment.
Napatingin ako sa mga nakakalat na maskara sa sahig. Bakit nasa sahig ang mga iyon?
How did the murderer managed to put those masks on the floor with making any
suspicious sounds or noise? Kung inisa-isa niya iyon sa pagbaba mula sa mga shelf,
it takes time dahil napakarami niyon. Kung basta niya lamang inihulog ang mga iyon,
it will surely creates some noise that will catch our attention habang nasa sala
kami. There are more than hundreds of masks!
Wala ni isa mang maskara ang naiwan sa mga shelf. Lahat ay nasa sahig at iyon ang
nakapagtataka. Could it be possible na hindi lamang isa ang gumawa niyon?
Come to think of it. Ang wala sa sala kanina ay sina Sir Owen, Arthur at Auntie
Celine na nasa kusina. Naiwan naman kaming apat nina Ryu, Thelma at Kuya Carlito
doon sa sala. How did the murderer managed to kill him without passing on the first
floor? Kitang-kita ko nang lumabas ng main door sina Sir Owen at Arthur. Kung may
iba mang may alam ng ibang daan papunta sa gallery ay sina Kuya Carlito at Auntie
Celine lamang ang nakakaalam niyon dahil sila ang may-ari ng bahay.
Nang maibaba nila ang katawan ay agad na tinanggal ni Ryu ang fishing line na
siyang ginamit sa paglambitin sa katawan. Lumapit siya sa akin at bumulong.
"I know you've been rooting to solve this case Miss Detective, I'll be your
assistant if that's so", wika niya at agad na hinawakan ang pulso ni Kuya Cyrus.
"He's still warm kaya hula ko ay hindi pa matagal mula ng mamatay siya."
"Kuya!", humagolhol na tawag ni Auntie Celine at kapatid. Nang akma itong lalapit
ay agad ko siyang pinigilan.
"Please don't touch the body!", wika ko sa kanya at napatingin silang lahat sa
akin. "Touching the body might destroy any possible evidence na naiwan ng
murderer!"
"Murder? Hindi ba ito isang suicide?", tanong ni Arthur.
"This is definitely a murder. Paano naman naging suicidal si Kuya Cyrus when he
shows how much he was looking forward to life? Another point is the scattered
masks. Bakit kailangang ikalat ang lahat ng maskara sa sahig? Lastly is the
position of the body. Nakabitin siya but there wasn't anything na maaring
pinatungan niya.", sagot ko sa kanila.
"Hindi kaya ginamit niya ang mga maskara and that explains why nakakalat ang mga
iyon sa sahig?", tanong ni Thelma.
"Wait, what are you kid? Some sort of a detective?", tanong ni Sir Owen and I
almost raised one of my brow when he called me kid.
"Yeah. She helps the police a lot", sagot ni Ryu. "So now if you'll excuse us.
Please stay on the living room o kaya ay kumain na kayo ng hapunan while we will
try to identify who's behind this."
Pumayag sila at agad na lumabas. Nagsimula ko ng siyasatin ang bawat sulok ng
gallery for murder. The scattered masks on the floor is a big mystery for me.
"I think I know how the culprit managed to scatter all the masks without making any
noise", wika ni Ryu kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.
"How?"
"Habang nandito tayo kanina ay napansin ko ang fishing line na siyang nakakonekta
sa lahat ng mga maskara. That's how the masks are able to stand inside the shelf",
seryosong wika niya.
"You mean -"
"Yes. Kaya nakakalat ang mga maskara sa sahig ay dahil ginamit ng killer ang fisher
line sa pagpatay kay Kuya Cyrus. He simply held both ends of the fishing line bago
iyon hinugot kaya hindi iyon masyadong lumikha ng tunog."
"But how was he able to pull the body up?", tanong ko. "Ryu, don't you observed any
suspicious reaction ng bawat isa ng pumasok tayo dito kanina?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing. Maliban na lamang sa lahat ay halos hindi
makagalaw dahil sa gulat ng makita ang katawan", sagot niya.
Hindi makagalaw?
"Ryu! Let's search the body for any burnt mark!", wika ko sa kanya. Nag-alangan
siya saglit ngunit agad naman siyang tumalima and there really was a mark on his
nape! Maliit lamang ang pasong iyon kaya alam ko kung saan iyon galing.
Tiningala ko ang fishing line kung saan nakabitin ang katawan kanina. Tinanggal na
iyon but I was surprised that there was a box on the doorway. Nakaharang iyon sa
pinto upang hindi iyon masara.
Just like a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces fit into each other and complete the whole
scenario. It's no doubt that that person was the killer.
(A/N: Sinadya ko tong bitinin. I want to hear your deductions detectives! The one
who will get the right deduction will be mentioned in the shoutouts. Go go go! xD )
******
It was almost midnight when the case was solved. The person responsible for the
murder already asked forgiveness after I exposed his crime. Matapos iyon ay humiram
ng cellphone si Ryu sa isa sa kanila at may tinawagan. Nagpaalam na rin siya sa mga
taong natitira doon.
"Wait. We're leaving at this hour? Sigurado ka ba sa sinasabi mo dyan Ryu?", I
asked him habang nasa labas kami. Malawak ang mga lupain doon at walang mga
kabahayan doon. Ilang saglit lang ay nakarinig ako ng munting tunog mula sa
kalangitan. Unti-unti iyong lumalapit sa amin at may ilaw mula doon na humagip sa
direksyon namin.
A chopper ?
"Did you just summoned the mafia chopper?", I asked him. He gave me a nod bilang
sagot and that's when everything in my head boils. "Bakit ngayon mo lang yan
naisip? We shouldn't have walked in a hill with snakes or slept in a hut with
escaped prisoners around us!"
"I told you I hate being followed by the mafia but now I've got no other choice. I
just called Mnemosyne and she tracked the GPS of the phone that I used", he said
with a smirk. Argh! Nakakainis! Kung dati pa niya itong naisip edi sana ay maayos
na kaming nakauwi kahapon pa lamang!
Lumapag malapit sa amin ang chopper at bumaba doon si Mnemosyne. "Hi babe!",
nakangiti nitong bati kay Ryu, but the latter just ignored her. Her voice was loud
enough for us to hear dahil maingay kasi ang tunog ng sasakyang pamhimpapawid.
Lumapit siya sa akin at bumeso sa pisngi ko. "Hi Amber!"
I gave her a smile and Ryu dragged me towards the chopper. "Let someone take care
of Old man Rionessi's car tomorrow", wika niya at iginiya ako papasok sa chopper. I
know he was referring to Mnemosyne kaya hindi na ako nagsalita. Pumasok rin siya at
tumabi sa akin while Mnemosyne sat beside the pilot.
"Hi Amber!", nakangiting bati ng piloto and I was surprised to see who it was!
"Red?!"
"Yeah, that's me! Prepare for take off!", he said at muling pinalipad ang chopper.
What the hell?!
He can fly a chopper?! I thought he's a psychology student and yeah. A reaper.
Nilingon kami ni Mnemosyne. "I know what you are thinking. It's like 'what the
hell, Red can fly a chopper?! And yeah, he can. He's been driving flying objects
since 15", nakangiting wika nito. Uh, mas lalo yatang ayoko ng malaman pa kung ano
ang kayang gawin ng mga reapers.
"And babe-"
"It's Apollo", putol ni Ryu sa kanya.
"Yeah. Apollo. Here's what you're asking for", inabot niya kay Ryu ang isang lumang
kahon. "I got that from Scott's old abandoned house."
Binuksan iyon ni Ryu at tumambad sa amin ang larawan ng isang lalaking maputi at
mabalbas. In one of the pictures, they were making pots, some were cleaning gold
pieces at ang iba naman ay litrato na nasa minahan.
"The young white man is obviously Scott and the other guy is the Russian Ivanovich
himself. As of the tattoo in his arm that you sent, those acrylic characters simply
means APPRENTICE, tatttoed by Ivanovich", paliwanag ni Mnemosyne.
"Which means that Scott isn't Scorpion?", Ryu asked.
"Yeah."
"What? He suffered in prison for 20 years ngunit hindi naman pala siya ang may
kasalanan?", I asked in disbelief.
"He's not the only one who suffered such fate Amber. You're too naive for the
cruelties of life. Believe me, there are others who've been to worst. If there's
worst than worst, many have been there", seryosong turan ni Ryu.
Mnemosyne snapped her fingers. "Okay, let's cut the drama. And you Ryu, prepare
your face for the fists that's gonna land there later. The Vander Boys have been
itching to throw punches. Even the reapers didn't messed up with them. They're
scary", nakangiting wika niya.
"I'm excited with the raging war with the gods later", nakangiting komento ni Red
at sinamaan lamang siya ng tingin ni Ryu.
Vander Boys? Plural? Ibig sabihin ay hindi lamang si Cooler ang naroon? Ilang
minuto lamang ay nagland na ang chopper sa heliport ng mansion. Agad kaming bumaba
doon and Mnemosyne held my arms in a friendly way.
"Ryu", tawag ko sa kanya. Nilingon niya ako ngunit hindi siya nagsalita. "It's 1 in
the morning and I'm so hungry. We haven't eaten lunch niether dinner."
Hindi kasi kami kumain ng tanghalian dahil wala na kaming pera at nang maghahapunan
na sana kami ay nagkaroon pa ng murder doon.
"I was thinking of it too. Mnemosyne, have the maids pre
CHAPTER 19: MARIA CACAO

Chapter 19: Maria Cacao
A/N: My salute to @AkosiRyy.* Perfect deduction AGAIN. ♥
At pakialam mo ba kung mahahaba ang A/N. It's your freewill kung babasahin mo o
hindi. It's not mandated, duh *roll eyes*. Nabasa ko lang, kbye.
*******
It's no doubt that that person is the murderer! Mula sa nakakalat na mga maskara,
sa nakasabit na katawan gamit ang fishing line, to the deliberate immobilization as
if due to shock but rather to execute his plan. Ang malaking box din na nakaharang
sa pinto ay isa sa matibay na ebidensya na magtururo sa taong iyon.
"I think it's that person", wika ko kay Ryu. He looked firmly at me at marahang
tumango.
"I think you're right. But I'm wondering why", he said at nagtangkang alisin ang
box na nakaharang sa pinto. Marahan niya iyong sinipa at hindi agad iyon gumalaw.
"Damn! These masks are heavy!"
Natigilan ako sa sinabi biya. The masks are heavy? Pumulot ako ng ilang maskara na
nasa sahig ngunit hindi iyon mabibigat. Lumapit ako sa gilid at tinangkang buhatin
ang isang kahon. Magaan lamang iyon ngunit ng nilapitan ko ang box na nasa pinto at
tinangkang buhatin iyon ay napakabigat niyon.
"Can you open these box for me Ryu?", I asked him at tumalima siya. There were
masks inside ngunit ng inalis ko ang ilang mga maskara ay tumambad ang mga armas.
Handguns of different caliber and designs! Napaatras ako at nanlamig ng makita ang
mga iyon. Agad namang isinara iyon ni Ryu.
"Are you ready for your deduction show Miss Detective?", he asked at iginiya niya
ako palabas ng gallery.
Pagbaba namin sa sala ay tahimik ang lahat. Panay pa rin ang hikbi ni Auntie Celine
at wala ni isa man sa kanila ang nagsasalita. Nang makita kaming pababa ng hagdan
ay agad niya kaming sinalubong.
"May nakuha na ba kayong impormasyon tungkol sa kung sino ang pumatay kay Kuya
Cyrus?", tanong niya sa amin and I nodded my head slowly.
"Sino?! Who did it? Kung sino man iyon ay sisiguraduhin kong mabubulok siya sa
kulungan!"
I took a deep breath bago nagsalita. "He wasn't dead nang paulit-ulit ninyo siyang
katokin kanina. Saka lamang siya binawian ng buhay ng pumasok tayo sa gallery",
panimula ko and all of them gasp in surprise.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", tanong ni Arthur. He was one of the suspicious ones
kanina dahil umalis sila sa sala when Kuya Cyrus was still in the gallery at
iniisip namin na abala lamang sa kanyang ginagawa.
"He was still alive but he just lost conciousness. He was immobilized using a stun
gun and that explains why he got a burnt mark on his nape."
"A stun gun? Who did it?", tanong ni Sir Owen.
"It's the person who opened the door and acted like he was surprised. Ang totoo
niyan ay sinadya niya ang ganoong reaksyon upang bawian na ng buhay si Kuya Cyrus",
wika ko sa kanila.
Napatutop si Auntie Celine sa bibig niya. "Ibig sabihin-", she slowly turned her
gaze into his brother, Kuya Carlito. "C-carlito?"
Nagulat ang huli ngunit hindi ito sumagot o kaya ay gumalaw man lamang.
"He used a stun gun upang mawalan ng malay si Kuya Cyrus and then he removed the
fishing line na nasa mga maskara. He hooked it around Kuya Cyrus' neck habang wala
itong malay. He did all those things nung iniisip natin na nagkukumpuni siya ng
sasakayan. He attached the fishing line on the door and by the moment that we will
open the door ay maangat ang katawan. He deliberately froze for a moment upang
bawian ito ng buhay. He even placed a box on the door nang hindi maibaba ang
katawan kapag maisara ulit ang pinto", wika ko. I'm sure of it. As of how he
managed to enter the gallery, marahil ay kumatok lang siya at pinagbuksan ni Kuya
Cyrus who was clueless of the danger that awaits him.
"Totoo ba iyon Carlito?", halos hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Auntie Celine. Kahit
ako ay ayaw maniwala but that's how things were done. They're siblings for goodness
sake!
Tumayo si Kuya Carlito at lumuhod sa harap ni Autie Celine. "Patawarin ninyo ako!
Hindi ko sinasadya! Nagdilim lamang ang paningin ko ng pagalitan niya ako dahil
nalaman niyang itinatago ko sa mga kahon ng maskara ang mga illegal na baril mula
sa sindikatong kinabibilangan ko, kaya ginamit ko ang stun gun. Natakot ako na baka
paggising niya ay maiungkat na naman niya iyon kaya ko nagawa iyon. Sabi niya ay
isusuplong niya ako sa pulis. Patawarin ninyo ako! Handa na akong sumuko", he said
while kneeling at naiyak na rin. "Masasakit kasi ang mga salitang binitawan niya sa
akin and that pushed me to do it."
Nagulat kaming lahat ng magsalita si Ryu. "His harsh words is not an acceptable
excuse for killing him. There is such thing like forgiveness. Hindi ka naman niya
masasabihan ng ganoon kung tama lang din ang ginawa mo. I wonder kung paano mo
naatim na patayin ang isang kapamilya mo. Some people out there are wishing for the
presence of their dead family members samantalang ikaw ay pinatay mo ang kapamilya
mo. You don't know how those people feels. You have no idea how we feel", he said
in a very serious tone which made me thing that he's slowly ripping off his mask.
Behind the badass and evil Ryu is a young man who's been lonely for his loss.
*****************************
Matapos kaming kumain ni Ryu ay nakaupo kaming lahat sa sala. The reapers were on
the long sofa at nakamasid sa amin. Ryu and I sat on the single sofa samantalang
nakatayo naman sa harapan sina Cooler at Gray. Wala ni isa man sa kanila ang
ngumiti! Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay nasa hukoman kami ni Ryu at kasalukuyang ginigisa
ng mga prosecutor na sina Gray at Cooler while the reapers are those people who
attended the trial. What's worse is that kami ni Ryu ang defendant, sariling
witness at sariling abogado.
At ano ba ang kailangan kong ipaliwanag sa kanila? Wala. Tumayo ako at nagreklamo.
"I'm very tired and sleepy. I'll take advantage of your generosity. Tutal ay
pinakain niyo naman ako, can you please lend me a room at nang makapagpahinga ako.
May pasok pa ako bukas", wika ko sa kanila. Bumaling ako kay Mnemosyne."And can you
lend me some of your spare clothes and undergarments? I badly need one."
"Sure! I have some. I'll send it to your room later, wait. Saang kwarto ka ba?",
tanong ni Mnemosyne. Nagulat na lang ako ng hinawakan ako ni Gray sa pulso at
hinila.
"She'll be staying on the room intended for me so send it there", wika niya at
hinila ako paakyat ng hagdan. Naiwan lamang sina Cooler na hindi nakapagsalita at
ang mg reapers na para bang nanunuod ng pelikula.
"Ikaw Gray? Saan ka matutulog?", tanong ni Cooler nang hindi pa kami masyadong
nakalalayo.
"Sa kwartong gagamitin ni Amber", sagot ni Gray na ikinakunot ng noo nina Cooler at
Ryu.
"What?!", halos magkanapanabay nilang tanong. Nakaupo naman ang mga reapers at tila
amused na amused.
"I don't trust anyone of you here, lalo ka na bastard", he said na pinatungkulan si
Ryu. "Kung hindi niyo man lamang kami papayagang matulog sa iisang kwarto, we'd
better leave and stay at a hotel instead."
"No way!", magkapanabay ulit nilang pagkontra sa sinabi ni Gray. What's wrong with
them?! Uso ba ang chorus?
"Great. Then we'll be going", wika ni Gray at muli akong hinila paakyat sa
grandstaircase ng Vander Mansion.
Pagdating namin sa kwarto na dati ng pinagdalhan ni Cooler sa akin ay agad akong

pumasok sa banyo. I cleaned my body at nagbihis sa damit na pinahiram ni Mnemosyne
sa akin nang ihatid iyon ng katulong. Paglabas ko doon ay nakaupo si Gray sa kama
at hinihintay ako.
"What happened Amber?", he asked. I took a deep sigh. I'm too tired and sleepy to
tell him everything.
"Fine. We'll talk tomorrow", wika niya. "Can I sleep beside you?"
Malawak naman ang kama at nasasanay na yata ako na may katabing matulog. Kawawa
naman si Gray kung sa sofa ko siya patutulugin.
"Yeah sure", tinatamad kong sagot at nahiga sa tabi niya. Tumalikod ako sa kanya at
ipinikit ang mata ko.
"Amber?"
I'm too tired to answer pero sinagot ko pa rin siya. "Hmmm?"
"Goodnight", wika niya. Nakapikit pa rin ako and his goodnight sounded like a sweet
lullaby on my ears. Well, it's really a goodnight.
***************************
(This is based on the rumors about the mysterious ship seen in Iligan City during
the Typhoon Sendong last December 2011. Ikinuwento lang ito sa akin ng operator ni
Ryu since I was at Butuan City when the typhoon hits the most of Iligan City and
Cagayan de Oro City. Kaway-kaway sa mga readers na mula sa nasabing mga syudad!
*wave* Sinali ko lang para rin malaman ng iba ang tungkol dito. This is worth
sharing for lalo na at may lesson)
Disclaimer: The author doesn't mean to evoke past scars and memories of the
tragedy. **
"Good morning bestfriend!", masiglang bati ni Jeremy sa akin nang dumating ito.
Maaga kaming umalis ni Gray sa Vander Mansion kanina at umuwi sa kanya-kanyang dorm
upang makapaghanda sa pagpasok. Pagdating ko sa classroom kanina ay mas nauna si
Gray sa akin at nakapangalumbaba ito sa mesa.
"Morning too Je and please, drop the bestfriend", sagot ko sa kanya. Bumaling siya
kay Gray at ito naman ang binati.
"Good Morning Gray!", bati niya ngunit hindi ito sumagot. Teka, tulog ba ito?
Dumating na rin ang iba naming kaklase at si Math. She's staying at the dormitory
too pero magkaiba kami ng floor.
"Good morning everyone!", bati niya at lumapit sa akin upang bumeso. Mukhang bahagi
na iyon ng daily routine niya. Bumeso sa amin kapag nagkita o kaya ay bago umalis.
Nang akmang bebeso siya kay Jeremy ay bigla na lamang nitong pinagkuros ang mga
daliri at itinapat iyon kay Math.
"Masamang demonyo! Layuan mo ako!", he said while still forming his fingers into a
cross. Grabe naman ito! Anong akala niya kay Math, demonyo?
"Ang arte mo talaga Jeremy Martinez. Baka bakla ka!", she said at lumapit kay Gray.
Dahil nakasubsob ang mukha nito ay hindi siya nakabeso dito. "Good morning Gray!"
"No way! Hindi ako bakla, conservative lang talaga ako. You just can't go around
Bridle and stealing kisses from people, even their firsts. Diba, Gray?"
"What? That kiss was your first Gray?", tanong ni Math ngunit hindi pa rin ito
sumasagot.
Paulit-ulit itong inalog ni Math kaya nagising ito at umayos ng upo. He rubbed his
eyes and fixed his messy hair.
"Bakit mukha kang puyat?", tanong ni Jeremy. "Hulaan ko nga. May katabi kang babae
kagabi ano?"
I coughed many times nang masabi iyon ni Jeremy! What the fudge! Yes Jeremy! May
katabi talaga siyang babae kagabi!
"Yow Gray, bakit namumula ka? Nagbublush ka ba?", tudyo ni Jeremy. "Hala may katabi
nga siya!" Natawa ito sa reaksyon ni Gray. Kapagkuway malakas na tinapik niya ang
balikat ko. "Hala Amber, may katabing matulog na babae si Gray."
"Awww! Aray Je, dahan-dahan. Masakit ang katawan ko dahil sa nangyari sa amin ni
Ryu", wika ko at inalis ang kamay niya ngunit nagulat ako ng nakapamulagat silang
tatlo sa akin. Uh, what now?
"Anong nangyari sa inyo ni Ryu?", gulat na tanong ni Gray.
"Bakit masakit ang katawan mo at bakit si Ryu? Bakit hindi ang manok kong si Gray,
bestfriend?", tanong naman ni Jeremy.
"Who's Ryu by the way?", tanong naman ni Math. They all have a priceless expression
na para bang may ginawa akong immoral.
I gave them a frown. "What are you thinking perverted minds? Nagkaroon lang naman
kami ng 42 hours adventure ni Ryu at kasali na doon ang matulog sa papag na kawayan
and there wasn't any foam, idiots!", wika ko sa kanila bago bumaling kay Math.
"He's Gray's cousin."
Gray and Jeremy sighed on relief. "Akala naman namin ano na. Kinabahan ka ba doon
Gray?"
Gray scowled at Jeremy. "Shut up Puns."
"Pinsan? Oh, I see. Maybe you should drink some medicine upang mawala ang mga sakit
sa katawan mo", suhestiyon ni Math.
"Oo nga bestfriend Amber. Dapat Alaxan FR", wika ni Jeremy. "Alam ko ang ibig
sabihin ng FR." He flashed his silly grin and I knew it. Kapag ganoon ang ngisi
nito ay puns ang kasunod niyon.
"What?"
"Nakakawala iyon ng sakit ng katawan diba? Alaxan FR. FR means Fain Reliever!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", he bursted out laughing
again. I knew it, duh.
Math frowned at him. "It's FAST RELEASE, you dummy." Oh yeah, hindi pa siya
nakakapag-adjust masyado sa mga puns ni Je.
"Ayy, binago na pala?", he asked at natawa ulit. Oh yeah. Gray and I are used to
him.
"You're crazy Jeremy", komento ni Math at pumwesto na sa upuan niya.
"How about I'll give you a quiz", wika ni Jeremy at hinarap si Math. "Genius can
answer this, let's see if you can. Gray and bestfriend Amber, just keep your mouth
shut."
"Shoot", Math said.

"North, East, West and South. Kung nakaharap sa East ang kalabaw, saan siya
nakatalikod?"
"West of course!", Math answered.
"Mali! Ang sagot ay North. May kalabaw bang nasa pwetan ang likod? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Akala ko ba genius ka?", kantyaw ni Jeremy sa kanya.
"I have an IQ count of -", hindi na natapos ni Math ang sasabihin dahil inilagay ni
Jeremy ang isang daliri niya sa labi ni Math kaya napatigil ito.
"Quiet ka na. Nandyan na si Ma'am", he said at tinuro ang guro na nasa harap. Oh! I
hate lipstick marks!" Kumuha siya ng tissue mula sa kanyang bag at pinunasan ang
daliri na nalagyan ng lipstick ni Math. Hindi na kami muling nag-usap pa dahil
nagsimula na ang klase.
Natapos ang umagang klase namin nang maayos at nang sumapit ang ala una ay
pinabihis na kami ng PE uniform. 1:00-3:00 lang sana ang PE class namin but Ma'am
Saderna traded schedules with our Filipino teacher just for today. Kumbaga magiging
1-5 ang PE namin ngayon samantalang bukas naman ay Filipino lamang buong maghapon.
Sinadya iyon ni Ma'am Saderna dahil swimming class namin ngayon. Kailangan pa namin
ng water safety orientation bago kami magpracticum.
Nakahanda na ang mga rash guard namin para sa practicum mamaya. Hinihintay na
lamang namin ang speaker para sa water safety orientation sa pool ng Bridle. It was
a rectangular shape 25m long and 4.4 ft deep pool.
Nakaupo kami sa mga nakalagay na upuan doon ng mapansin namin ang pananahimik ni
Math. Mahina siyang siniko ni Jeremy upang makuha ang atensyon nito.
"Hoooy, Math. Tahimik ka yata. Hindi ako sanay na wala kang binubuhat na bangko
mula sa furniture sho- aray", napatigil siya dahil mahinang sinipa siya ni Gray.
Hindi pa rin tumitinag si Math bagkus ay napakaseryoso pa rin ng mukha nito.
"Math! Yooohoooooo!", pukaw ulit ni Jeremy. When he waived his hands in front of
her ay saka lamang namin nakuha ang kanyang atensyon. Uh, sorry. What were you
saying?"
"Kako wala ka yatang binubuhat-"
"He's asking why you're mentally absent", wika ni Gray. "Got any problems? Do you
have aquaphobia?"
Umiling si Gray. "No, no. Wala. May naalala lang ako kapag nakakakita ako ng
tubig."
"Ikwento na yan", Jeremy said at hinarap ang upuan kay Math. "What was it about?"
"It's about the typhoon Sendong that once hit Iligan City last 2011", she said.
I've heard about it on the news too.
"Yes. I remember that. I think the death on that two cities, Iligan and Cagayan de
Oro were around 1,147 people while a further 1,993 sustained injury", komento ni
Gray. I'm not surprised if he remembered it, he got a photographic memory.
"Bakit? Ano pala ang nangyari doon?", Jeremy asked.

I was one of the volunteers of Red Cross that time pero hindi ako nakasama sa
mission nila sa Mindanao.
"Kilala niyo ba si Maria Cacao ?", Math asked and Jeremy shrugged his shoulders.
"Hindi eh. Baka taga ibang section yan", Jeremy said and Math scowled at her.
"Maria Cacao is not a Bridle student, you dummy!", Math said at mahinang binatukan
si Jeremy. "Seryoso nga!"
"Hindi ko alam talaga. Si Maria Ozawa lang ang kilala kong Maria", he said and this
time ay si Gray na naman ang bumatok siya kanya.
"You Puns! Bakit mo ba yan kilala?", Gray asked in surprise. Ngumiti si Jeremy nang
isang pilyong ngiti.
"Kung paano mo siya nakilala ay ganoon din sa akin", he said and Gray scowled at
him.
"It's not like that puns -"
"Kunwari ka pa Gray. Normal lang naman yan", natatawang wika ni Jeremy. Math and I
were both puzzled. Sino ba kasi si Maria Ozawa?! Masearch nga sa facebook mamaya.
Panay pa rin ang tudyo ni Jeremy kay Gray kaya ako na ang sumagot kay Math. "You
mean the fairy in Philippine mythology? Yung mula sa Mt. Lantoy ng Cebu?"
"Yeah. Ayon sa mga kwento, whenever rains flood the river, or a bridge is wrecked,
it's a sign that Maria Cacao and her husband Mangao have traveled down the river in
their golden ship to export their crops or traveled up the river on their way
back."
"Ano naman ang kinalaman ng kwentong iyan sa bagyong Sendong na tumama sa inyong
lugar dati?", tanong ni Gray.
"It's a legend that depicts how long the production of tableya from cacao but
there's a contemporary evolution of such myth", Math said.
"Ano naman iyon?"
"It is said that Maria Cacao's boat was a soul-harvesting boat."
"That's creepy but please go on", wika ko. I hate creepy stories but this one is a
bit interesting. I heard of such diwata in a folklore before gaya ng kwento ni
Maria Makiling at Maria Sinukuan. Fairies in the Philippine folklores are supposed
to be good to mankind but this soul-reaping version is somewhat interesting.
"Ano nga kasi ang kinalaman ni Maria Ozawa dun sa Bagyong Sendong sa Iligan?",
naiinip na tanong ni Jeremy.
"Maria Cacao nga!"
"Paki mo ba kung gusto ko si Maria Ozawa?", Jeremy said at napafacepalm na lamang

si Gray.
"Sino ba kasi yan? Isesearch ko yan mamaya sa facebook dahil nacucurious na ako sa
babaeng iyan", wika ko sa kanila at parehas silang napamulagat ni Gray sa akin.
"NO! DON'T DO IT!", magkapanabay nilang wika. Uh, weird.

"So ganito nga iyon. Sa kasagsagan daw ng bagyo, some residents in Bayug Island, an
island almost eradicated by the typhoon, saw this ghost ship." Kwento ni Math.
"Ghost ship?!"
Tumango si Math. "It was a big ship with a modern design. All the windows were
closed but the ship was so bright and if you'll take a closer look, there were
spotlights situated on both sides. The ship seemed floating on the ground and
river."
"Did you see that ghost ship on your own?", tanong ni Gray.
"No. We were in US that time to have a white christmas", she said and she sounded
like she's bragging.
"Baka naman rescue boat", wika ko. Ghost ship? Soul-reaping boat? Pfft. Sinong
niloloko nila?
"Akala ng iba rescue boat kasi nga narinig daw nila ang siren so tinawag nila iyon
by waving their flashlights but as the boat approaches, the ship vanished right
before their eyes! Grabe kasi ang nangyari noon! Ang bilis daw tumaas ng tubig,
they just woke up in the middle of the night na halos lagpas tao ang na baha."
The ghost ship story gives me creeps but the fateful tradegy is giving me more
creeps! Hindi madali para sa mga tao ang trahedyang iyon!
"May nakuha bang mga kaluluwa si Maria Ozawa? I'm sure mga lalaki iyon kadalas-
sumusobra ka na Gray ha!", Jeremy nang bigla ulit siyang binatukan ni Gray.
"Baka mga lumulutang lamang iyon na mga bahay", wika ko.
"Possible but there were some who said about the sightings of a boat with a woman
at the helm traveling along the river and
offering to pick up people. Nang nauso ang rumor na iyon, mayroon ding kumakalat na
warning for people not to accept invitations to board the boat, because the woman
was supposedly Maria Cacao collecting souls for the next world at hindi na daw ito
makakabalik pa."
Natahimik kaming tatlo dahil sa sinabi ni Math. Both of us were thinking about that
'ghost ship' and its soul reaping function.
"How about you? What can you say about that speculation?", tanong ni Gray kay Math.
Mukha kasing naalala ni Math ang trahedyang iyon ng makita ang pool.
"Well my opinion about it? Though may mga living witnesses to testify about the
appearance of the boat and they were adamant about it, I believe that those rumors
are spread by people who wanted to convey the message about planting more trees.
You see, nakakalbo na kasi kadalasan sa mga bundok doon", Math said with a very sad
expression. "Trees are everything. They give us food, shelter, shade, fresh air,
lahat. Ang mga wooden furniture ay galing sa kanila, the paper that we are using,
they're all from trees. They are sanctuaries for wildlife ngunit ang ilan sa atin
at hindi nakikita ang kahalagahan nila. If I'm a tree, I would have no reason to
love a human. I would have all the reason to hate them."
I was surprised about her ideals. Maarte lang itong tingnan pero isa pala itong
advocate ng pagtatanim ng punong-kahoy. She's concern about the Earth after all.
Tinawag ito ni Ma'am Saderna kaya naiwan kami doon nang umalis ito.
"Biruin niyo may ganoon palang side si Maya? If I'm a tree, I would have no reason
to love a human. I would have all the reason to hate them", Jeremy said as he tried
to immitate Math's voice. "Akala ko pagbubuhat lang ang kaya niyang gawin."
"Cut the prejudice Puns. Masyado ka namang judgmental", Gray said and Jeremy just
pouted.
"Oo na. Sorry na. Hindi ko na siya babarahin, isang beses na lang", natatawang
sagot nito.
The water safety orientation started at nang matapos iyon ay tinuruan din kami ng
mga basic strokes and floats. Kanina ko pa iniiwas ang tingin ko kay Gray. He's
wearing a boardshorts at topless ito habang lumalangoy. He was good in swimming at
alam na nito ang lahat ng stroke even the butterfly stroke na lahat kami ay
nahihirapan. Naunang lumusong ang mga lalaki sa tubig kaya nanuod na muna ang mga
babae sa kanila.
"Ang gwapo ni Gray ano?", mahinang wika ni Math at bahagyang humagikhik. Kanina pa
ito nakatingin kay Gray mula ng lumusong ito sa tubig.
"H-ha? O-okay lang."

"Kunwari ka pa dyan. In denial kay ka dzai uy! Naibog ka niya ba! Klaro man!",
turan nito na ikinakunot ng noo ko. Yeah, there she goes again with her alien
langguage.
"Wala akong naintindihan."
"Sabi ko masyado kang in denial eh may gusto ka naman sa kanya. Halata naman!",
Math said with a grin. Bigla na lamang akong napatayo mula sa kinauupuan ko.
"WALA NO! WALA AKONG GUSTO SA KANYA!", I shrieked at saka ko lamang napansin na
marami na pala ang nakatingin sa amin dahil napalakas ang boses ko. Maging sina
Gray at Jeremy na kakaahon lamang ay napatingin sa amin.
"Kanino ka walang gusto Bestfriend Amber?", he asked at bahagyang sinulyapan si

Gray. Uh, bestfriend Amber. It was one of the lame endearment that was ever created
lalo na at isinigaw niya ito.
"Wala."
I was thankful to Ma'am Saderna when she called the girls' attention upang kami na
naman ang lumusong sa pool. God! That was almost a hotseat!
Nagsimula na kaming lumusong sa tubig at tinuruan ng basic strokes at floats gaya

ng mga lalaki kanina. Nanatili kami sa tubig ng ilang minuto bago kami pinaahon
para group performance ng mga itinuro sa amin kanina. Nakaupo si Gray habang
nakatulukbong ng kanyang puting tuwalya. Nanginginig din ito sa ginaw dahil nga mas
naunang lumusong sa tubig ang mga lalaki.
"Kyaaaaah! Gray! You had super red lips kapag nilalamig ka!", Math exclaimed at
napalingon kami kay Gray. She's right. Napakapula ng nanginginig nitong labi.
Nagulat na lang kami sa sunod na nangyari.
Math kissed him.
AGAIN.
ON THE LIPS! Shit! Math kissed him on the lips! This is the second time that she
did it! Mabilis at panakaw lamang iyon ngunit for pizza and blueberry cheesecake's
sake ay halik pa rin iyon! She stole another kiss from him!
"Nakakadalawa ka na Math!", naiinis na wika ni Jeremy! Bakit ba siya naiinis? May

gusto ba siya kay Math? Baka naman kay Gray?! Oh no.
"Sorry, I'm not sorry. Napakairresistible kasi ng lips niya", she said with a very
sexy smile. Kalmutin ko kaya mukha nito? Iwinaksi ko ang isiping iyon at humarap na
kay Ma'am Saderna na nasa gitna.
"Alam mo bang hindi pa nakakafirst base ang bestfriend tapos ikaw dalawang home run
na?", Jeremy said. Uh, ano ba ang ipinaglalaban nito?!
Napakunot ang noo ni Math at agad na sinalat ang noo ni Gray. Napabahing rin ang
huli. "Oh my God Gray, you're hot."
"Syempre, hot kaya kaming mga member ng Detective Triumvirate", pagyayababang ni

Jeremy.
"No, it's not like that. He's literally hot", Math said at muli akong napalingon sa
kanila at sinalat ang noo ni Gray. Mainit nga ito.
Jeremy raised his hand. "Excuse me Ma'am! May lagnat po yata si Gray. Sobrang init
po niya. Maari po ba namin siyang ihatid ni Amber sa infirmary? KAMI ni Amber
lang", he said and emphasized the word LANG. Pretty obvious. Ayaw niyang sumama sa
amin si Math.
Pumayag si Ma'am Saderna kaya inalalayan ni Jeremy na tumayo si Gray at nakasunod

lamang ako sa kanila habang papalabas kami ng pool area. We went to the boy's
locker upang makakuha ng mga damit na pamalit ni Gray.
"I don't have clothes here. Nakalimutan ko, I'm sorry", Gray said nang nandoon na
kami.
"Fine. You two stay here. Pupunta na lang muna ako ng dorm", Je said at agad na
lumabas doon. Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Gray at wala ni isa man ang nagtangkang
magsalita sa amin. He was sitting on the chair samantalang nakasandal naman ako sa
pinto habang tinitingnan ang mga daliri ko sa paa. Great, this is just so awkward.
Ilang sandali ring namayani ang katahimikan bago iyon binasag ni Gray.
"Amber."
"Hmmmm?" Note to self, wag titingin sa kanya.

"Are you mad at me?"
Oo! Galit ako. Galit na galit ako pero hindi sayo kundi sa sarili ko.
"Galit saan?", patay-malisyang tanong ko.
"About the kiss. It's the second time." Aba! Ayos ka rin ano? Pinaalala mo pa na
pangalawa niyo na!
"Oh tapos?"
"Look at me", he said.
"Ayoko nga. Mas maganda tingnan ang paa ko." Oh, what am I saying? Masyado akong
halata!
"Look at me Amber", he said again.
"Ayoko nga sabi eh. At saka pake ko ba sa inyo? I don't care if you kissed Math.
Wala akong paki Gray. Walang-wala talaga. Nawawala nga yung paki ko, pakihanap nga
please." Arrgh. I'm blabbering here and I'm too obvious!
Bigla na lamang siyang tumayo at lumapit sa akin. Dahil nakasandal ako sa pinto ay
wala na akong maatrasan. Wala na akong nagawa ng iniharang niya ang dalawang braso
sa gilid ko, totally locking me inside. Inilapit niya ang mukha niya sa akin.
"She kissed me. I didn't kissed her. There's a distinction between the two", he
said as he looked into my eyes. I can feel his heat on me kahit na parehas kaming
basa. I don't know if it is due to his body temperature or what.
"P-parehas l-lang iyon", shit! Hindi nakikiayon ang dila ko sa akin.
"No it's not. The dinstinction lies between the doer of the action. Let me
demonstrate how does it differs. The one she did was the 'SHE KISSED ME', ibig
sabihin, she did the action and this one", he pulled me waist and gently slammed me
against his body. "This is what we call 'I WILL KISS YOU.", unti-unting niyang
inilapit ang mukha sa akin at naramdaman ko na rin ang tila nagbabagang init ng
katawan. I slowly closed my eyes when his lips were almost an inch away ngunit
ilang saglit ng lumipas ay hindi iyon lumapat.
Dahan-dahan kong iminulat ang nga mata at nakita siyang nakatingin sa akin. I felt
my cheeks became red dahil sa hiya. Shit, may papikit-pikit pa akong nalalaman
tapos bokya naman pala. Arrrrrgh! Nakakahiya! He was still holding my waist at
ganoon pa rin ang posisyon namin.
That was so embarrassing! Baka sabihin pa nito na gusto ko ngang magpahalik! Siya
naman kasi eh! May pademo-demo pang nalalaman! I tried to free myself from him
ngunit mas hinigpitan pa niya ang paghawak sa akin.
"G-gray...."
"I was waiting for you to sneeze first. Ayokong hindi ulit matuloy ito", wika niya
habang nakatingin pa rin sa akin.
"G-gray......." You dumbass. Of course that's his name. Walang ibang lumalabas sa
labi ko kundi ang pangalan niya.
"I don't really know what is this but I like being with you, Amber.
And I'd like to keep that up," he said. "I'm in rage whenever you're with Cooler,
or Khael and that bastard Ryu."
"G-gray....."
"You have no idea how jealous I am when you're out with that bastard for almost two
days and I have no idea where the two of you went. Mabuti na lang may nagsabi sa
akin na sumakay ka sa kotse ni Ryu. I was so worried that time up to the point that
I don't want another day to pass without me, telling you how I feel about you. And
I'm not telling you that I love you, because I don't, oh. I don't know, maybe not
yet. Love is a big word to define and I don't want to give a false definition of it
because I can't really define it for now. Pero kung ano man ito, it's so much more
than just like. And for the past few months I've been trying to figure this out",
bahagya siyang natawa.
"I'm a detective yet this case that I'm in is so hard to solve. Madali lamang
lutasin para sa akin ang ibang mga mystery but this one? I don't know why can't I
give a resolution to this mind-boggling feeling. I want to tell you exactly how I
feel but there isn't anything that I can use to describe this."
I can see sincerity on his eyes as he said those words. He smiled gently on me at
muling ibinaba ang mukha sa mukha ko.
"If you'll get angry on this, I will say sorry but I'm not gonna regret doing
this", he said as his lips touched mine. Tuluyan na akong napapikit as I felt the
warmth of his lips.
The kiss was slow and gentle as his lips moved on mine. I never know that this is
how a kiss felt like. I've never been kissed at hindi ko alam na ganito pala ang
sensasyong dulot ng isang halik.
It lasted for a while at agad ko siyang naitulak ng tumunog ang doorknob at iniluwa
niyon si Jeremy. Nakayuko lang ako ng tuluyan itong pumasok. Good thing we were
right behind the door!
"Did something just happened?", he asked as he handed the clothes to Gray.
"WALA!", magkapanabay naming wika and Jeremy flashed a naughty grin.
"Okay, WALA. Sabi niyo eh", he said at inalalayang lumabas si Gray. "You change
into your clothes Gray doon sa CR bago tayo pumunta sa infirmary at ikaw naman
Amber, burahin mo yang labi na bumakas sa labi mo."
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at agad na napahawak sa labi ko! Shit! It was too late to
realized what I did! Napatawa lamang si Jeremy samantalang halos sumabog na ako
dahil sa hiya.
"It's okay. I understand. Sana pala matagal pa akong bumalik", he said and we both
scowled at him.
"Shut up Puns!"
"Shut up Jeremy!"
Magkapanabay naming wika at muli ay pilyong ngumiti ito.
"I see. Kissing is a good training for synchronized speaking", he said and laughed
samantalang pulang pula na kami Gray.
What the hell?! Synchronized speaking?! Uh, please remind me to kill Jeremy
Martinez later.
****************************
Wala akong kilig bones kaya wag kayong umasa sa akin. Happy Wednesday guys! ♥
-Shinichilaaaabs, imperfect and only human.
CHAPTER 20: UNPLEASANT RETURN

Chapter 20: Unpleasant Return
A/N: Been sick for a week.Thank you for those get well soon messages guys. And for
patiently waiting ....
Here's an update :3 Happy Reading!
***************
I can't stop thinking about it. It's been the reason why I have troubles sleeping
last night. That was my first! Nakakahiya! Ni hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin.
Should I respond or not? I'm wondering if I justified the kiss too. Am I the only
one bothered like this? Big deal din kaya iyon kay Gray? Pagkatapos kasi naming
dalhin si Gray sa infirmary ay hindi ko na siya nakita pa dahil bumalik na kami sa
pool area. I refused to have my dinner last night dahil sa takot na makita ito sa
cafeteria. I'm not yet ready to meet him. Nakakahiya talaga ang nangyari! Isa pa si
Jeremy! Hindi na niya ako tinantanan ng kantyaw kahapon! Nagpahaging pa siya sa mga
kaklase namin na may naglaplapan daw kahapon! Ginawa pa kaming blind item! I'm
gonna kill him twice this time!
Ngayon ay wala na akong magagawa. Kahit anong iwas ko ay magkikita at magkikita pa

rin kami dahil maliban sa magkakaklase kami, I'd like to remind myself that they
are my seatmates. Gray on my right and Jeremy on my left, perfect. Isn't it?
Panay ang baba ko sa palda ko habang binibilang ang hakbang papunta sa classroom
namin. Gosh! Ngayon lamang ako nag-alangang pumasok! Dati kahit exam at hindi ako
nakapag-aral ay hindi ako nag-aalangang pumasok! Unlike today! Damn that thing
called kissing! Kung sino man ang nag-imbento niyon ay masasapak ko! He's the
reason for this!
Bigla akong napalingon nang may narinig akong tumawag sa pangalan ko. Nang iangat
ko ang paningin ko ay nakita ko si Cooler mula sa 'di kalayuan. Nakasandal siya sa
kanyang kotse at hindi na rin ako nagtaka kung paano siya nakapasok ng Bridle.
Lumapit siya sa akin at napakunot ang noo.
"Kanina pa kita tinatawag ngunit mukhang wala ka sa sarili mo. Panay din ang hila
mo pababa sa palda mo. Maghubad ka na lang kaya", wika niya. Sinamaan ko siya ng
tingin, I'm not in the mood for his jokes. He raised both his hands, as if he
surrendered.
"Don't give me that kind of look", wika niya at napatingin ako ng deretso sa mukha
niya. Ngayon ko lamang napansin na putok ang labi nito ngunit malapit ng gumaling.
"Anong nangyari dito?", I asked and I pressed his wound at napangiwi naman siya sa
sakit.
"Oooooow! You little sadist! Masakit to!", reklamo niya at napaatras. Natural!
Sugat iyon kaya masakit. Duh.
"Napano nga kasi."
"Ryu and I fought. That asshole got a cut on his brow. Hindi lang ako ang nasugatan
sa suntukan namin. And oh, I was almost killed", he said. Napansin ko na rin ang
ilang pasa niya sa katawan. May maliit na bukol din siya sa gilid ng noo.
"What?" Halos magpatayan na sila dahil lamang sa simpleng suntukan? Marahil ay

nagpayabangan ang mga ito at nauwi sa suntukan.
"It happened after you and Gray left the mansion. I went to his room and demanded
an explanation about what happened. He said he's too tired to answer", Cooler said.
What the hell? It was just because of that? Kasalanan iyon ng kotse eh. Kung hindi
ba naman nagkasira-sira, edi mas mabilis kaming nakalabas ni Ryu doon sa probinsya!
"Tapos sinuntok mo siya? Ganun? Nagbuno na kayo dahil lang tinamad siyang
sumagot?", I asked. Aba! Iba rin si Cooler! Demanding! If I would be Ryu, I would
do the same thing too. Ayaw na ayaw kong dinidisturbo ang pagtulog ko.
"Well, yeah. Something like that. But Amber, it was a matter of life and death
situation for me! Pero hindi naman talaga iyon ang nangyari. It was actually my
fault", wika niya habang nakatungo.
"Ano nga kasi?"
"When he refused to answer me, I pulled his sheets and said, 'tell me everything,
you son of a bitch' and then he just got up and gave me a punch on the face", wika
niya. Oh, keep in mind Amber, never pull a blanket on Ryu.
"Baka paborito niya yung kumot", wika ko. Weird as it is, pero may mga tao talagang
ganoon. Kunin mo na ang lahat, wag lang yung paborito nila. Gaya ni Andi, she loves
mosquito net so much to the point na hindi siya nakakatulog kapag walang ganoon sa
kanyang paanan.
Cooler smirked at me. "Slow. It's not like that. When he got up and punch me, he
said, 'Oh yeah, that bitch is dead few years ago.' And that's when I realized I had
evoked some scars of the past. Call Ryu all the worst thing someone can call a
person but never say something about her Mom."
I blinked few times at naalala ang eksena noong umamin si Kuya Carlito sa kanyang
pagpatay sa sariling kapatid. He was showing his soft side by opening some things
about his life. He admitted that he's hurting inside.
"Hala, lagot ka. Kawawa naman ang devil na iyon", wika ko as I pressed Cooler's
chest.
"Oh! Damn! Please don't. Both of us got a broken rib", wika niya at napangiwi.
"Bati na kayo?"
"Yeah. I apologized. Kahit ganun iyon, mahal ko iyon", he said and I almost puke.
Nakakadiri namang pakinggan kapag sinabi nitong mahal nito sa Ryu.
"Ganoon lang? Nagsorry ka lang tapos okay na agad kayo?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"No. That bastard took advantage of the situation. He asked for my Enzo Ferrari
upang mapatawad niya ako! That was one of my favorite baby! Ni hindi ko nga halos
ginagamit iyon sa karera!", himutok nito. "Pero wala na! Wala na ang baby Enzo ko!"
I made a face at him. Cooler's so childish, the opposite of Gray. Namana niya
marahil iyon sa tatay nila. Looks like Gray didn't got any of the naughty side of
his Mom and Dad.
"Ano bang ipinunta mo dito?", wika ko at napasulyap sa relo. "Malapit ng magsimula

ang klase namin kaya kung ako ang ipinunta mo dito, sabihin mo na ang kailangan
mo."
He pulled me towards his car at binuksan iyon. "I'm stealing you from school.
Birthday ko noong April 30 tapos wala ka and God knows kung saang lupalop ka ng
Pilipinas noon so let's celebrate now", he said bago pumunta sa kabilang bahagi ng
kotse at pumasok. I was at Palawan last summer kaya hindi talaga nila ako
mahahagip. "Himala, hindi ka yata nagprotesta na isasama kita", wika niya habang
pinapaandar ang kotse.
Of course hindi ako magpoprotesta dahil ito ang sagot sa problema ko! I really
can't face Gray and Jeremy today so it's better to go with Cooler instead kaysa sa
daig ko pa ang ibibitay sa tuwing naiisip na palapit na ako sa classroom at
makikita ko si Gray at Jeremy.
"I want to take a break from school. Nakakastress kasi", pagsisinungaling ko.
There's no way on Earth na sasabihin ko sa kanya na iniiwasan ko si Gray dahil sa
nangyari kahapon.
Bumusina lang si Cooler at binuksan ng guard ang gate. Habang nasa daan ay saka
lamang ako nagtanong. "Saan tayo?"
Bahagya niya akong sinulyapan. "Saan mo gusto?" I gave him my bored look. Meh! Siya
tong nagyaya tapos ako ang tatanungin! "Okay, sabi ko na sa Tony's Farm tayo."
Tony's farm? Saan naman iyon at anong gagawin namin doon? Magtatanim? Ah bahala
siya. Basta ba hindi muna ako makapasok ngayon.
Matapos ang ilang minutong pagbyahe ay nakarating na kami sa Toni's Farm. I was
expecting a literal farm with all the farm animals but it wasn't. It was a fish
farm instead. May mga fish pond na naroon at marami ang tao.
"Anong gagawin natin dito?", I asked nang bumaba kami ng sasakyan. Inilingon ko ang
paningin sa paligid.
"Mangingisda", he said. He paid for the entrance at agad kaming pumasok. Marami ang
nga nangingisda doon. Mayroon ding nag-iihaw ng isda at kumakain sa mga cottage na
naroon.
"Okay lang ba na nakauniform pa ako?", I asked. Pinagtitinginan kasi ako ng mga

tao. They might be thinking what a Bridle student doing here at class hours. Oh
yeah. I ditched school guys. Yes, I did.
"Okay na yan. Just don't mind them. Halika magpafish spa muna tayo", he said at
hinila ako sa bahaging may mga upuan. Naupo kami roon at hinubad ang mga sapatos
namin at inilagay ang mga paa sa tila maliit na pool na may mga maliliit na isda.
Agad iyong lumapit sa mga paa namin at mahinang kinagat iyon. It's so refreshing to
the feet. Marami rin ang nakaupo roon at nakababad ang papa. Panay ang tawa ni
Cooler dahil nakikiliti daw siya at panay rin ang saway ko sa kanya dahil
pinagtitinginan ito ng mga tao pero wala itong pakialam. Patuloy lang ito sa
pagtawa dahil sa kiliti. Weird.
Matapos magpafish spa ay namingwit kami sa fish pond. At first ay nahurapan pa kami
ngunit kalaunan ay may nahuli na rin kami. Dalawang malalaking tilapya at tatlong
bangus ang nakuha namin.
"Doon na lang kaya natin ito ihawin sa mansion?", he asked habang ipinapakilo namin
ang mga isda. Umabot iyon ng tatlong kilo dahil malalaki ang mga iyon.
"Okay lang basta wala doon ang papa mo", sagot ko sa kanya. Nakakahiya kasi na
panay gala namin dito at nakauniform pa ako.
"Cronus don't stay at the mansion. Minsan lang naman siya kung umuwi doon. He had
his own penthouse", sagot ni Cooler.
"So ikaw lang ang naroon?", tanong ko sa kanya.

"Madalas si Ryu doon. Minsan doon din natutulog ang mga reapers", Cooler said.
Binayaran na niya ang isda at niyaya akong lumabas ng Toni's farm.
Pagpasok namin ng kotse ay bigla na lamang napahinto si Cooler. "Wait. Saan natin
ilalagay ang isda?"
I rolled my eyes at him. "Alangan namang ikandong mo, syempre ilalagay mo talaga sa
dashboard", sarkastikong sagot ko sa kanya.
"No way! Bibili muna tayo ng plastic container", wika niya at pinahawakan amg isda
sa akin. He drove to the nearest sidewalk na nagbebenta ng mga plastic ware at
bumili. Matapos bumili ay bumalik na siya ng kotse and drove to the mansion. He
opened the car's roof upang hindi mangamoy ang kotse niya. Masyado siyang maarte sa
kanyang mga sasakyan dahil ayon sa kanya ay mga "baby" niya ang mga iyon.
Pagdating namin sa Vander mansion ay mukhang nagkakagulo. Nagmadali kaming lumabas

ng kotse at tiningnan kung ano ang nangyayari sa loob. Cooler pulled me when there
was a vase that flew towards us.
"Damn reapers! Balak yatang ubusin lahat ng gamit dito sa mansion!", Cooler said at
nagmamadaling inakyat ang hagdan. I remember the time when Ryu brought me here.
Naglalaban din sina Hermes at Eros noon habang tila nanunuod naman ng sabong si
Artemis.
Pagdating namin sa taas ay halos magpatayan ulit sina Eros at Hermes. They're
brawling like there's no tomorrow. Eros threw a punch on Hermes but the latter
dodged it and gave him a hard kick. Mabilis na nakatayo si Eros mula sa pagkatumba
at kinuha ang center table at akmang ihahampas iyon kay Hermes ngunit naunang
magsalita si Cooler.
"Manira pa kayo ng gamit o ako mismo ang babasag sa lahat ng gamit dito sa mansion
at sa katawan niyo mismo", Cooler said which caused to stop the chaos between the
two. Inilapag ni Eros ang mesa at tinulungang tumayo si Hermes.
"Zeus. Pasensya na. Sinusubukan lamang namin ang bagong martial arts technique na
natutunan ko. Oh, hello Amber!", wika ni Amber. I gave him a smile as a response.
"I don't care. This isn't an arena. May nakalaang kwarto para sa ganyan. It's
downstairs, beside the entertainment room in case you forgot." Cooler said and the
two apologized again. Binati rin ako ni Eros.
Cooler pulled me at muli kaming bumaba. He brought me on the mansion's backyard

kung saan naroon ang malaking swimming pool, which caused me to blush when I
remembered yesterday! Arrrgh!
"Hoy, ba't ka namumula dyan? Ayos ka lang ba?", Cooler asked and I just shook my
head. He ordered the maid to clean the fish and bring some coal dahil iihawin namin
ang isda.
Pagdating namin sa poolside ay naglalaro ng chess sina Red at Artemis samantalang

nagsi-swimming naman si Mnemosyne. Umahon ito ng makita kami and I almost stop
breathing when I saw her in two piece bikini. She got big chest for an 18 years
old. Papasa din itong model sa vital statistics nito. Kumikinang ang kutis nitong
nasisikatan ng araw. Nagmukha itong dyosa ng tubig habang umaahon ito. I wonder why
Ryu don't like her. She's a real beauty!
"Hello School girl. You ditched class huh?", masayang bati ni Artemis. She tapped
the chair beside her at niyaya akong umupo doon.
"Hi Amber. Napapadalas yata ang pagkikita natin", bati ni Red. Oh yeah, I'm stuck
with the mafia boss' sons kaya paniguradong madalas nila akong makita.
"Pansin ko din", sagot ko sa kanya. Lumapit sa amin si Mnemosyne and she kissed my
cheeks.
"Hi Amber!", nakangiting bati niya na tinugon ko rin ng ngiti. Bigla na lamang
itong hinagisan ni Cooler ng tuwalya.
"Don't flaunt your body. Wala si Ryu dito and even if nandito siya, you don't have
an effect on him", wika ni Cooler. Ang harsh naman nito. He doesn't even considered
if Mnemosyne will be offended or not.
"Nah, I know sooner or later Ryu will like me. Hindi rin naman ako nagmamadali",
Mnemosyne answered as she wrapped herself with the towel that Cooler tossed her.
She pulled a chair and sat beside me. I saw Red's expression darkened. Oh, is this
some sort of love triangle?
Dumating na ang maid na dala-dala ang malinis na isda. Red and Cooler prepared the
grill. They prefer the traditional grill than the electric one. Dumating din sina
Hermes at Eros na may dalang beer.
"We saw the maid brought some fish here. You're having an early pool party huh?
These are perfect for this", Eros said at nilapag sa mesa ang mga bote ng beer.
Well yeah, it's really too early to drink. Kumuha silang lahat and Artemis handed
me one which I politely refused.
"Hindi ako umiinom at may klase pa kasi ako", wika ko sa kanya.
"Okay School girl!"
Nagsimula na silang mag-inuman ng maluto ang inihaw na isda. The maid served
pineapple juice for me. Panay kwentuhan din sila at minsan ay hindi ako makarelate
sa topic nila dahil tungkol iyon sa mafia.
"Oh, by the way, I dropped by at a soothsaying house last night. Ano nga bang
pangalan nun, hmmm", saglit na nag-isip si Cooler. "Ah. Fortune Cookie. She's a
known soothsayer." I'm not surprised if he believe on soothsaying. Naniniwala nga
ito sa magic, sa hula pa kaya? Ako naman ay hindi naniniwala doon. From the term
'hula', ibig sabihin ay posibleng mangyari at posibleng hindi. 50% chances na
mangyari at 50% na hindi.
"Oh tapos? Anong hula sayo?", Artemis asked. Lahat sila ay nag-aabang sa sagot ni
Cooler.
"She said there will be traitor in the mafia." Napahinto ang lahat mula sa pag-inom
at napatingin kay Cooler.
"Wait. Is that Fortune Cookie a reliable soothsayer? Hindi ba yan fake?", Hermes
asked. Maybe having a traitor in the mafia bother them.
"I've heard of such soothsayer at wala pa siyang hinulaan na hindi nagkatotoo. They
said she got sixth sense which has something to do with hearing", Mnemosyne said.
Sixth sense? Tsk. Nagpapatawa ba sila?
"Really? I think she can be an asset to the mafia", komento ni Red. Panay ang
sulyap nito kay Mnemosyne kaya sigurado akong may gusto ito sa kanyang kapwa
reaper. Poor Red, Mnemosyne like the Devil boss.
"Meh! We don't need freaks in the mafia", nakangiwing wika ni Eros. Tulad ko ay
hindi rin ito naniniwala sa hula.
"But what if there's really a traitor, what are you gonna do?", tanong ni Artemis
kay Cooler. Bahagyang napaisip ang huli bago sumagot.
"Standard charges. We all knew that death is the punishment", sagot ni Cooler at
napaamang ako. My God! I really can't be part of them and never will.
"What if si Amber ang traydor?", Mnemosyne asked at napataas ang isang kilay ko.
"I'm not part of the mafia", sagot ko. Geez! Isali ba naman ako. Hinding-hindi nga
sabi ako magiging bahagi ng Vander Mafia. NEVER! Come hell or high water.
"Well if that would happen, I'll save her by offering my own life. Killing me is
enough to save all of you if you'll all become traitors", seryosong turan ni
Cooler. Natahimik ulit sila. Is it true that Cooler's life is enough to save
everyone? I don't know how they run the mafia but kaya nga bang patawan ni Cronus
ng kamatayan ang sariling anak?
Si Artemis ang unang bumasag sa nakakabinging katahimikan. "Way to go LoverBoy.

Andami nyo nang mag-aalay ng buhay para kay Amber." Napuno agad sila ng kantyaw to
ease the awkward ambiance kanina.
It was past twelve nang magpahatid ako kay Cooler pabalik ng Bridle. Whether I like
it or not ay magkikita talaga kami ni Gray. Nagpasalamat ako sa kanya bago tumakbo
papunta ng classroom. Hindi pa nagsisimula ang klase namin at tanging si Jeremy
lamang ang nasa mesa namin.
"Bestfriend!" I rolled my eyes at him. Ang lame talaga ng endearment nito lalo na't
kalalaki nitong tao. "Ba't di niyo sinabing iiwan nyo pala ako sa ere, edi sana
naka-Airplane mode ako", maktol nito.
Hindi ko pinansin ang joke niya. "Why? Where's Math? At si Gray? Di rin ba sila
pumasok kanina?"
"Ops! One at a time bestie. Sagot sa unang tanong, natanong ko rin sa sarili ko
yang Why na yan eh. Second question, hindi ko alam nasaan si Math. Third question,
di ko alam nasaan si Gray. Fourth question, yes. Hindi sila-, I mean kayo, hindi
kayo pumasok. Naging forever alone tuloy ako nung breaktime. Mag-isa akong kumakain
sa cafeteria tapos yung pinatugtog pa nila ay All By Myself! Nananadya yata yung
cafeteria staff na nagpamusic eh!", Jeremy said while pouting. "But, Math left some
clues kung nasaan siya."
Kinuha niya ang math textbook niya at hinanap doon ang iniwan ni Math. "Ito oh."
Inabot ko mula sa kanya ang kulay pink na maliit na papel.
"Do you think she's in danger?", I asked.
Jeremy rolled his eyes. "Bestie, kinakalawang na ba ang detective skills mo? Kita
mong ang ganda ng gamit na papel tapos may heart pa yung signature niya tapos nasa
panganib. Hay naku!"
Sinamaan ko lang siya ng tingin bago binuklat ang papel. Oo nga naman no? Ba't di
ko yun naisip? Napakunot ang noo ko ng mabasa ang laman niyon.
It reads:
24-32...11-44 ...44-23-15... 24-33-21-24-42-32-11-42-54... 33-45-42-43-24-33-22...

22-42-11-54.
-Math ♥
Meh. What's with the heart by the way? Napaisip ako kung anong cipher ang gagamitin
doon. I tried substituting the numbers with the alphabet ngunit lumampas pala ang
ibang numbers, 26 lang ang english alphabet. Pilit kong inalala ang mga codes at
cipher na tinuro ni Gray. I'm observant enough but I'm not good with codes and
cipher, thanks to Gray for teaching me some.
"What if i-minus natin lahat ng number, baka ganun yun", suhestiyon ni Jeremy.
"Tsk. Ano naman ang meron sa negative 799? It doesn't make sense Je", wika ko sa
kanya. Napakamot ito sa ulo at nahihiyang ngumiti.
"Sorry na bestie. Pero ang galing mo ha, tiningnan mo lang alam mo na agad na
negative 799 ang sagot. Yan ang bestfriend ko! Mabuhay si Amber", kinuha niya ang
isang braso ko and raised it like I had won a contest with a prize worth billions.
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin bago hinila pababa ang kamay ko. "Biruin mo, nag-ala
Margo Roth Spiegelman si Math."
Hindi ko na siya pinansin at pilit na inalala ang mga tinuro sa akin ni Gray. Morse
Code. Atbash. Alphanumeric. Caesar's shift. Vigenere. Rot13. VIC na hindi ko
maintindihan kahit anong paliwanag niya. Polybius-
Right! Polybius square! Agad akong kumuha ng papel at ballpen at pilit inalala kung
paano gawin ang Polybius square.
I arranged the numbers vertically and horizontally to create a 5x5 grid and
arranged the alphabets inside the grid but since 26 ang alphabet ay kailangan
icombine sa iisang square ang I at J.
1 2 34 5
1 A B CD E
2 F G HI/J K
3 L M N O P
4 Q R S T U
5 V W X Y Z
The coordinates in the grid represents each letters. The first numbers are the
numbers arrange vertically while the second are the one arrange horizontally. Isa-
isa kong nilocate ang mga letters base sa iniwan na code ni Math.
So Math's message was:
24-32...11-44 ...44-23-15...
I- M... A -T ... T- H- E...
24-33-21-24-42-32-11-42-54...
I- N - F - I - R - M- A- R - Y...
33-45-42-43-24-33-22...
N - U - R -S - I - N - G
22-42-11-54.
G - R - A- Y.
"Galing mo bestie!", wika ni Jeremy sabay hampas sa braso ko. "Ano tawag dyan?"
"Polybius square."
"Ah! Eh kaso may problema", Je said with a worried expression. What now? I thought
the only problem is this?
"What?"
"Kaninang umaga pa sila magkasama baka -", tinakpan niya ang bibig niya na para
bang ayaw sabihin ang karugtong. Hinila ko ang nakatakip niyang kamay.
"Ano nga?"
"Si Math at si Gray-", he did the same thing again and this time I wanted to cut
his arms. Naiinis na ako. Mambitin ba naman?
"Je, last na lang kapag ginawa mo pa yan, babaon tong ballpen sa kamay mo",
pagbabanta ko.
"Sweet mo naman bestie", sarkastikong sagot nito. "Ganito kasi yun. Kung naaatim
nga ni Math na halikan si Gray habang maraming saksi, how much more kung sila na
lang diba? Tapos nasa weak state pa si Gray, edi di siya makakapalag! Tara! Time is
gold!" Tumayo si Je at hinila ako palabas ng classroom. Lakad-takbo ang ginawa
namin papuntang infirmary.
I can free myself from Je's grip and make my way back to the classroom and listen
to the class no matter how boring it is. Pwede naman akong tumangging samahan siya
papunta siya sa infirmary. I'm still not ready to face Gray after what happened
yesterday but a part of me wants to see him. Habang papalapit kami sa infirmary ay
mas tumindi ang kaba ko. I took a deep breath bago kumatok si Je sa pinto at
binuksan iyon. May nakasabit na The Doctor is Out sa pinto ng office ni Dr. Trias
at hindi rin mahagip ng mata ko ang nurse.
"Hala! Perfect timing! Malaya tayong makakapasok nang hindi napapagalitan. Dali
bestie!", wika ni Je at hinila ako papunta sa mga bed na naroon. Natatabingan ng
kurtina ang mga kama kaya inisa-isa iyong binuksan ni Je. The third one reveals the
location of Gray with Math on his side. Nakaupo ito sa gilid ng kama samantalang
nakasandal naman si Gray sa headboard ng kama. Nagbabalat ito ng orange at
isinusubo kay Gray pero sa halip na isubo iyon ay kinuha iyon ng huli at siya ang
nagsubo sa sarili niya.
"Aheeeeem!"
Sabay silang napalingon sa amin dahil sa sinadyang pagtikhim ni Jeremy. Math smiled
at us.
"Hi Amber! Hi Jeremy!", Math greeted. She was wearing her school uniform as well as
Gray.
"Hi Math!", bati ni Jeremy and murmured something. "Akala ko furniture shop lang
pag-aari mo, factory din pala ng papel? Masyado kang mapapel eh. May pa nurse-nurse
ka pang nalalaman."
"Ano Jeremy?", naguguluhang tanong ni Math.
"Wala. Sabi ko ang galing ni Amber. Nasagutan niya yung iniwan mo gamit yung Po-
ano nga ba yun? Porsche square? Kapangalan yata nung aso ko?"
Ngumiti ulit si Math. As of Gray, I don't know what's his facial expression.
Iniiwasan kong sulyapan siya.
"It's Polybius Square Jeremy, not Porsche. Kadjot lang. Ginganlan nimo imong iro
after sa sakyanan?" , Math asked. Oh yeah, we need an interpreter please.
Jeremy rolled his eyes. "Amen Math." Hinila niya ako papunta sa paanan ng kama.
"Ibig kong sabihin, you named your dog after a car?", transalate ni Math sa simabi
niya. Eh ano ngayon? Si Filter nga named after Gray!
"Ayaw kasi akong bilhan ng magulang ko ng Porsche eh. O kahit secondhand na kotseng
sira-sira. Kahit kariton! Hahay! Ang hirap sa bunso, overprotective sayo lahat.
'Tsaka ano bang masama dun?". Mula sa paanan ng kama ay tinulak naman ako ni Jeremy
sa tabi ni Gray at sapilitang pinaupo sa kama. Bali napapagitnaan namin siya ni
Math. Tumalikod ako kay Gray at hinarap si Je na muling tumayo sa paanan ng kama.
"Wala namang masama. Yung aso ko ngang Labrador Retriever, si Medicol. Heto siya
oh, sandali",Math got her phone from the sidetable at pinakita ang kanyang
wallpaper.
"My God! Kung si Porsche mukhang basahan, etong Medicol mo mukhang yung dumi mismo!
Tingnan mo bestie oh", inabot ni Jeremy ang cellphone ni Math sa akin. The dog's
color was like a chocolate at ganoon din ang mata nito.
"Cute." Komento ko at ibinalik kay Math ang cellphone.
"Grabe ka naman Jeremy. Kakaiba kasi ang kulay niya, parang chocolate kaya siya
yung napili ko. Mabait kaya si Medicol. He saved us from theives before", wika ni
Math. This is so awkward. Si Math at Jeremy lang ang nagpapalitan ng salita at
tahimik lang kaming dalawa ni Gray.
"Teka nga. Lumalayo na tayo eh. Ba't ka nandito? Si Gray naiintindihan ko. Kahapon
pa yan may sakit. Eh ikaw? Malakas ka pa sa kalabaw ah. Ba't ka nakapasok dito?
Alam mo bang bawal dito magstay ang hindi pasyente?", Jeremy asked as if he's
interrogating Math for a crime.
"I'm a patient too. See?". Bahagyang pinakita ni Math ang nakacast na paa. "I was
about to go to the classroom when I saw a guy driving a black convertible called
Amber. At first, akala ko si Gray pero di pala. I was watching them like all the
time at di ko napansin na naglalakad na pala ako papunta doon sa hinukay para sa
gagawing construction kaya ayon. Nashoot ang isang paa ko sa may maliit na butas na
may hollowblocks."
"You're with Cooler Amber?", tanong bigla na Gray and I was hesitant to answer but
in the end, I chose to give him a nod as response. He mumbled a 'tsk' and then he
looked away.
"Baka sinadya mo. Ba't may loveletter ka pang iniwan? You planned it all along
right? Aminin mo na Math."
Napasimangot si Math. "Grabe ka naman Jeremy! Hindi no. Ginawa ko lang yun para di
kayo mag-alala. Sinabi kong aalagaan ko si Gray para hindi na kayo mag-alala sa
akin tapos pinabigay ko kay Shiela. Siya kasi ang tumulong sa akin kanina. Sapat na
si Gray ang inaalala ninyo, ayoko ng dumagdag pa."
"Hindi naman talaga kami mag-aalala sayo no", Jeremy said and this time ay sinaway
ko na siya.
"Je!"
"Hindi kami mag-aalala kasi SOBRANG MAG-AALALA kami", bawi ni Je which made Math
delighted.
"Talaga?"
"Oo. Kaya halika, subukan natin paa mo. Let's do the runningman challenge- aray!".
Binato ito ni Math ng balat ng orange.
"Loko ka ah. Kita mo na nga tong paa ko", natatawang wika ni Math. "Nakakalakad
naman ako, paika-ika nga lang."
"Tulungan mo naman akong magbuhat ng bangko oh, tutal dun ka naman magaling eh",
Jeremy said at sinamaan ko ulit siya ng tingin. Masyado na siyang halata.
"Ano?"
"Sabi ko patulong sa math Math. Please? Puppy eyes? Porsche eyes? Please?". Ginawa
talaga nito ang pagpa-puppy eyes and I wanna puke as I watched him!
"Sige na nga. Nasaan ba?" Math asked. Well, wala naman akong problema kay Math
maliban sa sobrang hangin na mukhang natural na sa kanya. She's not Math if she's
not boasting. Pati na rin ang basta-basta nitong paghalik sa lalaki lalo na't hindi
nito boyfriend. Hindi iyon bahagi ng norms at mores ng Pilipinas kaya marahil kay
Math lang iyon. Other than that, wala na. Mabait naman ito but I can't fully trust
her. Hindi ko pa nakakalimutan na mabait din si Marion. And if Math likes Gray,
marahil ay baka si Gray na naman ang dahilan ng pagpapahamak nito sa iba.
"Nandoon sa classroom eh. Samahan mo na lang ako habang hindi pa nagsisimula ang
first period. Please Math", pagsusumamo ni Jeremy. Base sa ikinikilos nito, I knew
he had a plan.
"How about Gray? Wala siyang kasama-"
"Don't mind him. Si Amber na muna bahala sa kanya. Diba Gray?", Je asked for Gray's
approval at tumango naman ang huli. Wala nang nagawa si Math kundi sumama kay
Jeremy samantalang naiwan kami ni Gray doon. I was thinking how to start a
conversation ngunit naunang tumayo at magsalita si Gray.
"Let's get out of here. I received a text message from Detective Tross. Have you
heard of the inauguration of the La Czar Underground Private Museum owned by the
half french art enthusiast?", he asked habang nagsusuot ng sapatos.
"Well yeah. I checked the latest news last night dahil hindi ako makatulog kagabi-"
Bahagya itong napahinto sa pagsusuot ng sapatos and I blushed when I remembered
that I said I can't sleep last night. I cleared my throath bago nagpatuloy. "I read
that they had the Gustave Courbet's notable works. Teka, okay ka na ba? Baka kasi
mabinat ka."
"Yes, no need to worry. Iyon nga. Those paintings that the museum exhibits are real
ones as examined by experts so the museum's security was upgraded. Marami kasing
nagbabantang nakawin ang mga painting." He stood up matapos masuot ang sapatos at
kinuha ang backpack na nakapatong sa monobloc chair.
"But Gray, hindi ba trabaho na yan ng police?" I asked. Ngayon lang yata ako
nagkaisip ng ganoon gayong dati pa naman kaming nakikialam sa trabahong pulis.
"Technically, yes but that's not our job. Detective Tross quit the police force and
decided to be a businessman instead but due to a special friend's request na hindi
niya matanggihan, he's asking for our help. Let's go bago pa makabalik si Math at
Jeremy. We don't want extra baggages", wika niya. He held my wrist at hinila ako
palabas ng infirmary.
Agad kaming sumakay sa asul na BMW niya at lumabas ng Bridle. I was expecting na
hihinto kami sa bagong museum ngunit sa halip ay sa harap iyon ng isang male and
female boutique.
"We can't be in school uniforms", he said as he pulled the car on one side. Nawala
ang awkwardness na naramdaman ko kanina pa lamang at mas inisip namin ang task na
ito. Agad kaming bumaba at namili ng pormal na damit na angkop sa dadaluhan namin.
Pagdating namin doon ay nag-aabang si Detective Tross sa amin. Nakasandal ito sa
kanyang kotse at abala sa tinitingnan sa cellphone. Nang bumusina si Gray ay nag-
angat ito ng tingin at ngumiti ng makita kami.
"Hello Lovers", nakangiting bati nito ng makababa kami. "Hindi naman siguro
masisira ang pag-aaral ninyo sa minsang pag-absent diba? And Ivan, alam kong may
sakit ka. Pasensya na. Pwede sanang si Mikmik ang pinakiusapan ko kaso he's still
two hours drive away. Kanina ko lang din kasi nagrequest si Jolo."
"We're not lovers Detective Tross", nakangiwing wika ko sa kanya na ikinatawa lang
niya.
"Well atleast not yet. So let's proceed to the basics of this task". Isa-isa niyang
inabot sa amin ang invitation para sa inauguration ng private museum. "My friend
Jolo is worried about his cousin Nicholas. May bago daw kasi itong trabaho ngunit
hindi niya alam kung ano. Basta na lang daw itong umaalis tapos pagbalik andaming
dala pero wala naman daw itong pera dahil kakakuha lang ng trabaho. He even gave
him passes for this exclusive museum inauguration. Mga kilala kasi ang kadalasan na
inimbitahan."
"How about you?", Gray asked at pinakita ang ticket. "You got one?"
He shook his head. "Kilala ako ni Nicholas. He'll know for sure that I'm snooping
him. Don't worry. This request is not dangerous unlike the ones we had when I'm
still part of the police. Kailangan niyo lang bantayan si Nicholas sa loob and
observe if he's doing something illegal or suspicious and if yes, all you have to
do alert me. Ganoon lang kasimple."
Gray gave him a frown. "This isn't a task at all. Para mo lang kaming pinakain ng
pizza na walang toppings."
"Pagbigyan mo na ako Ivan. Oh, by the way, here's a photo of Nicholas", wika niya
sa amin at pinakita ang larawan ng lalaki. It was a thin guy with thick glasses. He
sent the photos to our phones at pumasok na kami sa tila isang tunnel bago
nakarating sa underground museum na may metal detector security.
There were really valuable work of arts inside. Nakasabit sa dingding ang mga
painting na gawa ng hindi masyadong kilalang artist at mga counterfeit gaya ng Mona
Lisa at The Last Super ni Leonardo Da Vinci at iba pang sikat na pintor.
Nasa mga glass case naman ang mga antique collections gaya ng cutlery na 900 years
old, sword used in a film, bow and arrow na may mga sentimental value para sa may-
ari ng private museum at memorabilia ng kung sinu-sinong sikat na tao and even
sculptures.
The museum's pride was the painting of Gustave Courbet. Pumunta kami kung nasaan
ang mga painting. The first one was labelled Burial at Ornans and the second one
was The Artist's Studio. Ayon sa narinig ko kanina, the paintings were acquired in
a very large sum.
"Hindi kasi ako artist kaya hindi ko makita kung bakit pinaggagastahan nila ng
malaking halaga ang mga painting na ito. Look, it's just simple. May inilibing lang
naman. Tapos ito, nagpe-painting tapos may nakatingin", mahinang komento ko.
Mahirap na baka kamuhian pa ako ng mga art enthusiast na nakakalat lang sa paligid.
Gray's fist was on his chin as he looked at the paintings. He was carefully looking
at every detail of it.
"Yeah, it may not look great but the message in it is a great deal. Kita mo itong
Artist's studio? I think this represents Courbet's life as an artist. Have you
observed the difference on the group of people on his right and left side? Maybe on
his right are his admirers and friends while on the other side are the exploiters
and temptations, see? There's a naked woman here", paliwanag ni Gray at saka ko
lamang napansin ang mga iyon ng sinabi na niya. Wow. Gray can read artworks.
"That's right. Good observation young man."
Sabay kaming napalingon ni Gray sa likuran. It was a middle aged woman. She looked
good in her formal clothes na tinernuhan niya ng napakagandang brooch. Lumapit siya
sa amin at tiningnan ang mga painting.
"That's exactly what the painting says. Gustave Courbet's known for his disapproval
for Romanticism of the previous artist and led the realist movement for artists.
Shown in this paintings is his bold social statements. Look at this one, he hate
priests, prostitutes, merchants and those who oppose their arts", wika ng babae at
napaamang lang kami ni Gray sa kanya. Wait, don't tell us she's -
"Oh, sorry. Nakisali ako sa usapan ninyo. I'm Julianne Daumier. I'm the owner of
the museum", pakilala niya sa amin. Gumanti ng ngiti si Gray at bahagyang yumuko.
"Bonjour Madame. My name's Gray Silvan and this mademoiselle here is Amber Sison.
It's our pleasure to meet you", kinamayan niya si Maam Julianne at ganoon din ang
ginawa ko. Lumapit ang isang lalaking nakasuot ng eyeglasses at kinausap ito.
"Maam, dumating na po si Mayor", wika ng lalaki. Nagkatinginan kami ni Gray. It's

Nicholas.
"Okay Nic. I'm on my way", wika ni Maam Julianne at umalis na si Nicholas. "That's
my PA, Nicholas. Kakakilala ko pa lang sa kanya this past few days pero I trust him
already after he saved me from robbers. Oh I need to go." Nagpaalam na kami sa
kanya at nang medyo malayo na ito ay si Gray ang unang nagsalita.
"Do you think that Nicholas is doing illegal?", he asked habang sinusuyod ng mata
ang paligid.
"I don't think so. Maybe Maam Julianne's so kind to him. You see? She hired him
kahit kakakilala lang and oh, as of the job, he's a personal assistant", komento
ko.
"I'll inform Detective Tross about it right away." Nagpaalam siya na lalabas upang
makausap si Detective Tross samantalang iginala ko naman ang paligid. May mga
kilalang tao sa lipunan and some are politicians. Maam Julianne must be incredibly
rich to have this circle of friends.
Panay ang paglilibot ng tatlong waiters na may dalang mga inumin. Abala rin ang mga
tao sa pag-uusap. Iilan pa lamang ang naroon dahil mamayang alas tres pa ang simula
ng seremonya. May iilang mesa kasi sa paligid na may mahahabang table cloth na
umabot hanggang sahig. Napansin kong kahinahinala ang isang lalaking nakasuot ng
shades. Panay ang lingon nito sa cellphone at paligid na tila ba pinagmamasdan ang
bawat isa.
Oh what am I doing? Maybe I'm just overthinking. Baka naman hinihintay lang nito
ang kanyang kasama kaya panay ang tingin nito sa cellphone at sa paligid.
Muli kong iginala ang paningin at isa na namang kahina-hinanalang lalaki ang nakita
ko at gaya ng nauna ay panay din ang tingin nito sa cellphone. Hindi kaya
nagcocontact silang dalawa? When I looked at my phone ay wala palang service kaya
impossibleng nagko-contact ang dalawa.
"I already talked with Detective Tross and informed him about it but we have
another task. There were police outside. They received a tip from an informant na
may mangyayari daw na holdappan dito mamaya but unfortunately, the guards won't
allow them inside", wika ni Gray. "So we have to look for the situation here and
inform them. That will be their que."
"Well yeah but walang phone service dito. By the way, I found some suspicious men",
wika ko sa kanya at tinuro ang dalawang lalaki.
"They really look suspicious.Keep an eye on them", bahagya siyang lumapit sa akin
at bumulong. "I'm gonna do something. Do you have anything sharp with you?"
"I have a blade in my kit. Why? Anong gagawin mo dun?" tanong ko sa kanya habang
kinukuha iyon at agad na inabot Gray.
"Thanks. I'll tell you later", he said bago umalis. Naiwan akong mag-isa ulit doon.
Ilang saglit lang ay nagkagulo ang mga tao nang namatay ang ilaw at may mga tunog
ng nababasag na glass case. Tumunog ang mga bulglar alarm niyon. Nataranta ang mga
tao dahil sa dilim at napahawak naman ako sa kalapit na mesa. Nakakaya ko na ang
tumayo sa dilim ngunit may kaba pa rin sa dibdib ko. May narinig ring apat na putok
ng baril kaya mas lalong nagpanic ang mga tao.
"The generators!", someone shouted at ilang saglit bumukas na ulit ang mga ilaw
ngunit tatlong tao ang nakatumba sa sahig at walang malay. May tama ang mga ito sa
katawan. Nagulat ang mga tao ng makita ito at halos hindi makagalaw.
"Walang kikilos!", wika ng lalaking pinaghihinalaan ko kanina! Sinasabi ko na nga

ba! He raised his gun at inutusan ang kasama nito na ipunin ang mga tao sa gitna.
Napasunod kaming lahat sa sinabi niya at ng isa pang kasama nito.
What the hell? Where's Gray? I can't find him in the group with us at pinigilan ko
rin ang sarili kong lingunin ang paligid dahil baka mahalata ako. There were almost
20 of us inside. May politician ngunit wala itong kasamang body guard dahil inakala
nilang safe ang inauguration since dadaan sa metal detector ang lahat ng papasok.
Where did they got their guns?
I looked around at the area. Binasag ang mga glass case na pinaglagyan ng mga
memorabilia. Maybe the guns were hidden inside. Kung ganoon ay may kasabwat na
kasama ang armadong lalaki and one of it could be part of the museum's working
committee. Tiningnan ko si Nicholas at Maam Julianne. Could it be Nicholas?
"Walang magtatangkang kumilos ng masama kung ayaw ninyong matulad sa apat na ito!",
wika ng lalaki. Lumapit ito sa kinaroroonan ni Maam Julianne at hinablot ito mula
sa gilid ni Nicholas.
"Please don't hurt me", pagmamamakaawa ng babae.
"Wag kang mag-alala. Sasamahan mo lang naman kaming tumakas at kapag nakalayo-layo
na kami ay iiwan ka na namin! Nasaan ang sasakyan mo?", he asked. "Siguraduhin mong
hindi tayo dadaan sa harapan!"
"I-I have a car. K-kailangan lang dumaan sa opisina ko. Please, I'm begging you.
Wag niyo akong sasaktan", pagmamakaawa ulit nito. Hinawakan ng lalaki ang buhok ni
Maam Julianne.
"Samahan mo na kami! At kayong lahat. Wag kang gagawa ng kahit ano. This place is
equipped with bombs detonated using a phone. Kung sino man ang -
"You mean these bombs?", biglang labas ni Gray mula sa ilalim ng mesa na dala-dala
ang mga nadis-armang bomba. "You know it's no sweat disarming these-"
Biglang nagpaputok ang isa pang kasama ng lalaki at nabitawan ni Gray ang apat na
nadisarmang bomba. "No guns please, cowards!", mayabang pa rin na wika ni Gray. No
matter how hard the situation is, his arrogance increases everytime.
"Speak a single word at sasabog ang bungo mo!", pananakot ng lalaking may hawak kay
Maam Julianne. Mukhang pikon na pikon ito.
"I can say all I want because-" Bigla na lamang ikinasa ng lalaki ang kanyang baril
at bago pa man niya naiputok iyon kay Gray ay napulot ko na ang bow and arrow mula
sa basag na glass case at pinana ito sa kamay. Kahit hindi gaanong matulis ang pana
ay bumaon pa rin iyon sa kamay ng lalaki. Tumulo ang dugo nito ng hinigit ang pana.
"You little bitch!", he said a
CHAPTER 21: LIGHTS, CAMERA, MURDER!

Chapter 21: Lights, Camera, Murder!
A/N: Inaayos ko ang takbo ng kwento. Special thanks to my editor, Melody! Thank you
so much :* Dadaan na sa kanya ang kwento bago ko ipupublish! Yey!
**************************
It was Lowie Mondino. The one who stuffed the mouth of the guy from the Kendo Club
with
the food which was deliberately poisoned by Angelo. He was a known bully at Bridle
bago
ito gumraduate ng Junior high. Hindi ito nag-Senior high sa Bridle ngayong taon
kaya nawalan ng isa sa pinakasakit sa ulo na estudyante ang Bridle. And he just
dropped a folder with that blue pack inside. It might be the reason why those four
people inside were killed.
Iwinaksi ko muna sa isip ko si Lowie. Sumakay na kami sa kotse ni Gray at
pinakinggan ang
autorecorded voices na mula sa listening device na dinikit ni Gray sa damit ni Maam
Julianne. Those guys who got Maam Julianne are our primary concern as of now. There
were
some incomprehensible sounds hanggang saunti-unting nabuo ang mga boses.
"Maawa po kayo sa akin. Wag niyo akong sasaktan!"
"Cut out the drama Julianne. We've done our charade. Damn those kids for meddling!
Wala
sanang naiwan na maaring makapagturo sa organisasyon! That museum should have been
blown up by now kung hindi lang nakialam ang batang lalaki na iyon! How did that
f*cking
bastard know that there were bombs under those tables? And how does he f*cking know
how to disarm them?!"
"Tumahimik ka MN. Nandoon na iyon, wala na tayong magagawa so you better keep your
mouth shut."
"How can I shut my mouth. That girl shoot me with a f*cking arrow! Both of them are
on my
death-"
"I said shut up! We've been bugged."
"What?"
Hindi na namin narinig ang iba pang pinag-usapan ng mga ito dahil bigla iyong
naputol. Masakit sa tenga ang mga sumunod na tunog kaya agad kong tinanggal ang
headset sa isang tenga ko.
"Shit! Let's follow them! That bug has transmitter in it", wika ni Gray. He tossed
me the phone at nagmamadaling nagmaneho. He's fast but very careful in driving.
"Turn left", wika ko habang mino-monitor ang takbo ng red dot sa cellphone ni Gray.
Math's
device is very useful. Mabilis ang takbo nito kaya marahil ay nasa kotse pa rin
ito. "It's heading east Gray."
Patuloy lang sa pagmamaneho si Gray at ako naman ang tagabigay ng direksyon. We
have no idea how long we've been following the transmitter at hindi namin namalayan
na
nakalayo na pala kami sa syudad. Patuloy pa rin ang paglayo ng kotseng sinusundan
namin hanggang sa unti-unti itong humihina.
We're almost there. Malapit na naming maabutan ang kotseng sinasakyan nina Maam
Julianne at nang mga kasama nitong sina PB at MN. Who would have thought na kasama
pala nila si Maam Julianne and that inauguration was just a front for them to kill
some people
and blow up the underground museum? Pero bakit kailangan pa nilang magfake ng isang
private museum inauguration para lang doon?
Bigla na lamang huminto ang takbo ng sasakyan kung nasaan ang transmitter.
"Gray! It stopped! Drive straight ahead!", wika ko sa kanya and he nodded.
Binilisan niya ang
takbo at nang marating namin iyon ay isang sasakyan iyon na puno ng basura. Agad
siyang
lumabas at tiningnan ang driver ng sasakyan.
"Damn!", bulalas ni Gray nang mapagtantong naisahan kami nina Maam Julianne. "They
discovered it."
Frustrated na naupo siya muli sa driver's seat. I wonder how he was able to put the
bug on
Maam Julianne at bakit niya naisipang gawin iyon kaya tinanong ko siya tungkol
doon.
"It was when we're in front of the paintings. Habang matagal kong tinitingnan ang
paintings,
I've figured out that those are counterfeits", wika niya.
"Really? Paano mo nalaman?"
"By simply looking at the paintings. Hindi mo ba napansin na iba ang kulay ng mga
canvas? I mean they're not that old tingnan. The painting
is as good as the geniune one but the colors were bright", wika ni Gray. He's
really good at it at halos wala siyang pinalampas na detalye. "Now, let's go back."
Mukhang masyado nga kaming napalayo. Hindi na pamilyar ang tinatahak naming daan at
malapit na ring dumilim. Napahinto si Gray nang makitang may nakaset up na mga
camera sa gilid ng daan. May mga nakatayo ring tent at
abala sa sineset up.
"Oh, ba't ka huminto? Gusto mong manuod nung shooting?", tanong ko sa kanya.
Napatingin din ako sa labas. Base sa nakikita
ko ay may gagawin na taping at doon ang setting.
"No. I think I saw someone I know there. Bababa ako saglit to say hi, okay lang ba
sayo?", Gray asked at tumango ako sa kanya.
Bumaba siya ng kotse at doon ko na lang siya hinintay. Ilang saglit din ang lumipas
bago ito
bumalik at may kasamang lalaki. He knocked on the window kung saan ako nakaupo.
Agad
ko naman iyong binuksan at lumabas ng kotse.
"Amber, kaibigan ko nga pala, si Direk Harrod. Direk, classmate ko po, si Amber",
pakilala ni
Gray sa amin ng kasama niyang lalaki. He's a tall guy wearing glasses. Halata sa
mukha nito
ang pagiging istrikto. Bahagya itong ngumiti at inabot ang kamay sa akin.
"Hi Amber. I have a little request, if you don't mind. I'm making an indie film
about a story of a woman. All her hardships in life as a hostess and tonight, on
this set ay isho-shoot namin ang eksena ng proposal and I requested Ivan to stay
over for the night. Gusto ko kasi siyang gawing double para sa previous guy namin
na may sakit at hindi makakapunta dito. They're of the same built and haircut kaya
he's perfect for the role. Konting eksena lang naman at nakatalikod pa. Kung okay
lang sana sayo na manatili muna", mahabang wika ng direktor.
.
"Okay lang naman po kung okay lang din kay Gray", pag-aalangang wika ko. Napangiti
naman ito at niyaya na kami papunta sa set upang makilala ang casts at crew.
"This will be my second time being a double dahil sa request ni Direk Harrod",
kwento ni
Gray sa akin habang naglalakad kami.
"Talaga? Sana nag-artista ka na lang. Papasa ka naman dahil gwapo ka naman", wala
sa sariling sagot ko.
"Sabi ko na nga bang nagagwapohan ka sa akin", natatawang wika nito. Nasa malawak
na oval kami at medyo madilim na ang paligid.
.
"Yabang nito oh", wika ko at natawa naman ito. "Pero seryoso, pwede naman talaga."
"Nah. Showbiz is not my thing. I want to be an engineer.", wika niya. I was
expecting that he
would say I want to be part of the police. O kaya naman ay sabihin niyang I want to
have
my own detective agency someday.
"I thought you want to be a detective", wika ko. "I do but I want to have a real
profession and that's engineering", wika niya. Hindi ko na siya sinagot pa dahil
narating na namin ang tent
kung nasaan ang mga artista. They're not known young celebrities pero kilala daw
sila sa
mundo ng indie films.
The first girl was Katrina Olaza, the main lead. She's 19 years old ngunit
napakamature nitong tingnan. Panay ang ngiti niya kay Gray. Kasama rin nito si Nica
Ramara, ang gumanap na bestfriend ni Katrina sa film.
There were also three guys present at isa roon si Ryan Ignacio. He was the leading
man na tatanggap pa rin kay Katrina kahit pa gaano karaming lalaki na ang dumaan sa
buhay nito
dahil sa pagiging prostitute nito. He's a tall guy na may morenong balat. Isa pang
lalaki ay si
Bernie Rosero. He's cute and fluffy like a bear dahil medyo chubby ito. In the
indie film, he
is a rich man who Katrina always entertains at the beerhouse that she's working.
Ang huling lalaki ay ang 20 years old na si Kent Torres. He
is handsome, yung tipong kababaliwan ng mga babae.
Nakilala rin namin ang camera man na si Kuya Jun kasama ang mga assistant nitong
sina
Denden at Maymay. There is also the make up artist na si Erna. May pagkain sila sa
set kaya nakikain na rin kami doon. Matapos kumain ay hinintay na
lamang nilang dumating ang isa pang crew na kumuha ng mga damit at singsing na
naiwan
nila sa previous set.
Nagpaalam muna si Ryan na maidlip sandali para gumaan ang pakiramdam nito mamaya
kapag nagsimula na ang taping nila. Pumasok ito sa tent na hindi kalayuan sa tent
na
pinagkainan namin..
"Magpapahangin lang din muna ako", wika ni Bernie at ito naman ang umalis. Naglakad
ito
palayo sa tent.
"Gray, paabot naman please nung chicken oh!", maarteng wika ni Katrina. Napapansin
kong kanina pa ito Gray ng Gray. Lahat na lang ay inaasa nito kay Gray kahit na
abot na abot
nito ang ulam. Kulang na nga lang ay magpasubo ito.
Nakailang subo lang ako at inilapag ang kubyertos ko. I'm not in the mood to eat.
"Tapos ka na?", tanong ni Gray at simpleng tango lang ang itinugon ko sa kanya.
"Gray, marunong ka bang magbalat ng hipon? Turuan mo naman ako", maarteng tawag
ulit ni Katrina.
Aba! Tanggalin mo lang ang ulo girl tapos kainin mo, ganyan ang ginawa ng iba diba?
Ganyan yan! Ako nga na di kumakain niyan alam ko kung paano! Ang arte-arte nito!
Tumayo si Kent mula sa mesa.
"Magpapahangin muna ako at maglilibot sa paligid, Direk.", paalam nito sa direktor.
"Oh sige, tatawagin na lang namin kayo mamaya", wika ng direktor. Nagpaalam na rin
si Kent sa amin.
"Maymay, samahan mo naman ako", wika ni Nika sa isa sa mga assistant.
"Saan naman?"
"Doon sa public CR. Please?", pagsusumamo nito.

"Ew Nica! Pooping after eating, that's gross", wika ni Katrina.
"Hindi ko na mapigilan eh. Pake mo ba Kat?", tanong ni Nica. "Halika na Maymay, ang
sakit
na talaga ng tiyan ko, tsaka magdala ka na rin ng gamot please."
Pumayag naman ang assistant at sinamahan ito sa CR na hindi masyadong kalayuan.
Hindi kalaunan ay tumayo ako at nagpaalam na maglalakad-lakad muna sa paligid.
Dumaan ako
sa mga tent kung saan nagpapahinga ang iba.
Nagulat ako ng makasalubong ko si Bernie. Nakasuot ito ng kanyang hoody jacket.

Akala ko
ba magpapahangin muna ito? Eh bakit nakajacket? Hindi ko siya kinausap dahil hindi
rin niya ako kinausap kanina. Simpleng ngiti lang ang iginawad ko sa kanya na
tinugon niya ng pagyuko. Nilagpasan na niya ako at nang
lingunin ko siya ay patungo siya sa direksyon ng mga tent. Hindi ko na lang ito
pinansin at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
I sat on the grass at tumingala sa langit. Maybe that's the reason why Direk Harrod
chose this
oval para sa proposal. Napakagandang tingnan
ng mga bituin. I felt someone sat on my side at nang lingunin ko iyon ay nakita ko
si Kent.
"Hi!", nakangiting bati niya. "I hope you don't mind if I sit here."
"Of course I don't. Hindi ko naman pagmamay-ari ang oval", sagot ko sa kanya. He
gave me
his sweetest smile pero wala iyong epekto sa akin.
"Oh, by the way, kausap nina Direk at Katrina ang kasama mong lalaki. How rude of
him.
Iniwan niyang mag-isa ang magandang babaeng katulad mo", wika nito and I almost
raised my brow. Galawang manloloko.
"Okay lang", tipid kong sagot. Gray and Direk Harrod need some time para makapag-
usap.
Ayoko rin namang palaging dumikit kay Gray. Biglang may huminto na kotse sa tapat
namin
at bumaba roon ang isang babae. Marami itong bitbit at tila ba nagmamadali.
"Oh Kent? Nasaan sina Direk? Naku! Pasensya na talaga, traffic kasi", wika ng babae
at
nagmamadaling pumunta sa direksyon nang mga tent kung nasaan ang iba.
"Oh, that was Chenie", wika ni Kent nang makalayo na ang nagmamadaling babae.
Tumango ako sa kanya bilang tugon.
"Balik na tayo doon?", he asked me nang bigla na lamang itong tinawagan. Tumango
ako sa
kanya at sumunod papunta sa mga tent.
Pinapaligpit na ni Direk Harrod ang mesa pagdating namin doon. Nakabalik na rin
sina Maymay at Nika.
"Tawagin niyo na sina Bernie at Ryan", wika ng direktor. Abala ito sa pagtitingin
sa script at
nagseset-up naman ang mga assistant nito. Inaayos naman ni Kuya June ang hawak na
camera.
"Ito na pala si Bernie oh", wika ni Erna nang makita ang papalapit na si Bernie.
Lumapit si Gray sa akin at tinanong ako. "Okay ka lang ba? Mukha ka kasing
matamlay."
I gave him a nod. "Pagod lang siguro ako."
"Pasensya ka na. Sana pala hindi na lang ako pumayag sa request ni Direk", paghingi
niya ng dispensa. He doesn't have to. Okay lang naman sa akin.
Dapat nga siya ang magpahinga muna dahil siya naman ang may sakit.
"Dapat magpahinga ka rin. Baka nakakalimutan mong tumakas lang tayo sa infirmary
Gray",
paalala ko sa kanya and he chuckled.
"I'm feeling better lalo na at kasama kita", he said and I blushed. Mabuti na lang
at madilim ang paligid kaya hindi masyadong halata.
"Denden tawagin mo na si Ryan!", utos ng direktor. Nagmamadali namang tumakbo si
Denden at pumunta sa isang tent ngunit bigla na lang kaming nakarinig ng malakas na
pagsigaw.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHH!!"
It was Denden. Agad kaming napasugod doon at nagulat kaming lahat sa nakita namin.
Nakahiga sa sahig si Ryan at puno ng saksak hindi lamang ang katawan nito kundi
maging
ang mukha nito.
"Direk! Call the police right away!", wika ni Gray at pinaalis ang lahat doon.
Kalunos-lunos
ang kinahantungan ng katawan ni Ryan. Kung sino man ang gumawa niyon ay malamang
malaki ang galit nito dito.
Nagpaiwan si Gray sa loob at inimbestigahan ang pangyayari. I can't stand to see
the murder kaya pinili kong hindi makialam sa pag-iimbestiga ni Gray. Muli itong
lumabas at
tinananong ang lahat tungkol sa kanya-kanyang alibi.
"Nasa tent tayo ng mga sandaling iyon Gray", wika ni Katrina.
"Ako naman ay sinamahan ako ni Maymay doon sa CR", wika ni Nika at kinompirma iyon
ni Maymay.
"I'm at the roadside. Doon ako nagpahangin", wika ni Bernie. Nagtaka ako sa sinabi
niya. He's
lying, nakasalubong ko siya kanina.
"Who can confirm your alibi?", tanong ni Gray sa kanya.
"No one dahil ako lamang mag-isa doon", sagot nito.
"Then we'll not consider that alibi."

Bigla na lamang itong nagalit. "Sino ka ba sa tingin mo? Ang yabang mo ha! Bakit,
bahagi ka
ba ng police? Kung makapagsalita ka akala mo
kung sino kang batas!", naiinis na wika ni Bernie. Mukhang nagalit na talaga ito.
"I'm neither part of the police nor the law but I represent justice", mahinahong
sagot ni Gray dito. Bumaling siya sa iba at tinanong din ang mga ito.
"I had a little stroll with Amber, right Amber?", tanong ni Kent sa akin at
kinompirma ko naman ang sinabi nito.
Tatlo kasama si Bernie ang hindi makompirma
ang alibi. Si Kuya Jun na cameraman, si Erna at si Bernie.
Hindi nagtagal ay narinig na namin ang busina ng police car. Agad na
nakipagtulungan si Gray sa pag-iimbestiga.
"Gray? I have something to tell you", wika ko sa kanya. Niyaya ko siya sa gilid na
walang
makakarinig sa amin.
"Nakasalubong ko si Bernie kanina. He's walking towards this tent."
"Yeah, he's very suspicious too", pagsang-ayon ni Gray.
"But I'm not sure if it's him", nag-aalangang wika ko sa kanya. Nagtatakang
napatingin naman siya sa akin.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", he asked.
"Nakayuko kasi siya ng nginitian ko siya. Nakasuot din siya ng hoody jacket and I'm
not
really sure if it's really him Parang may kakaiba kasi", wika ko.
Napakunot-ang noo ni Gray. "What do you mean? Anong kakaiba sa Bernie na
nakasalubong mo kanina?"
"He- he's holding his chest. Bahagya kasi siyang yumuko sa akin kanina and he's
holding
his chest. Well, that's what girls usually do. Kapag yumuyuko kami, madalas naming
hinahawakan ang - ang dibdib namin", wika ko sa kanya.
"Thank you for that Amber. I just have to check something", wika niya at nagpaalam
sa akin.
Nagsimula nang mag-imbestiga ang mga pulis sa loob ng crime scene kaya medyo lumayo
muna ako doon.
"You want to stroll around? I can walk with you habang hindi pa nagsisimula ang
pagsho-shoot dahil sa pag-iimbetiga ng mga pulis and I doubt if ipagpapatuloy pa
ito lalo na't patay na si Ryan."
Napatingin ako sa nagsalita. It was Kent Torres. Tamang-tama. Gusto kong maglakad-
lakad pero
natatakot lang ako dahil baka may ahas o kaya ay ligaw na hayop sa paligid. But
with Kent's
invitation, bumalik ang kagustuhan kong maglakad-lakad sa paligid.
.
"You don't mind?", I asked and he nodded. Matamis ang ngiting iginawad nito. Sa
kanilang
tatlo na bahagi ng indie film ay ito ang pinakagwapo.
"Of course", nakangiting wika niya at inaya na akong maglakad. Agad kaming naglakad
palayo sa tent.
"Let's walk away on the crime scene. I hate police." Bahagya lang akong napangiti
sa sinabi niya.
Sa tatlo ay ito lamang ang nakakausap ko. Mukhang mahilig itong nakipaghalu-bilo sa
mga tao.
"So, how old are you Amber?", tanong ni Kent. He's walking beside me.
"I'm 18."
"Really? You look young."
"Thank you."
Bahagya itong natawa. "Seriously, you really look young. Mukha kang 16 pa lamang."
"But I'm really 18. I'm turning 19 this year, though.", wika ko sa kanya. Ano bang
problema
ng mga tao sa edad ko? Siguro magdadala na ako ng ano mang katibayan na
magpapatunay
na disiotso na ako.
"Okay, I believe you. College student, I presume", wika niya.

I shook ny head. "Grade 10, Junior high.
"What? Grade 10 ka pa lang?", halos hindi makapaniwalang tanong nito. "How come?"
"I used to be sick very often when I was young kaya matanda na ako nang maggrade
one ako. Two years ang age gap ko sa mga classmates ko dati", sagot ko at napatango
ito.
"Ah. Kaya pala. Do you have a boyfriend?", he asked and I shook my head. Napalingon
ako sa set. Medyo napalayo na pala kami at medyo may kasukalan na ang ibang mga
damo doon.
Umalis na rin ang isang police car.
"Weh? Sa ganda mong iyan wala kang boyfriend?", tanong niya ulit sa akin..
"Wala naman talaga", sagot ko sa kanya. He gave me a sexy smile at hinapit ako sa
beywang. Nanlaki ang mata ko nang ibaba niya ang mukha niya sa mukha ko.
"So, it's fine for this since wala ka namang boyfriend", he said in a husky voice
kaya bigla
ko siyang naitulak. Mas lalo naman itong napangiti ng tila nakakaloko.
"Fierce. I like that. It's turning me on." Lumapit siya sa akin at hinila ako. Agad
ko siyang sinipa sa tuhod dahilan upang
mapaluhod ito sa sahig.
"You bitch! I know you will enjoy this. Nagmamatigas ka pa, well, go ahead and
resist. Later you'll be screaming my name in
pleasure", he said and I'm so disgusted.
Tinangka kong tumakbo ulit ngunit nadapa lang ako at bigla niya akong dinaganan.
"Get off me devil!!!", I shrieked. Malakas ang kabog ng dibdib ko. I'm so scared.
I've never been this scared before.
"You will never forget this Amber. Alam ko namang gusto mo rin to. Don't worry,
atin-atin
lang to", wika niya at pinunit ang damit ko, exposing my black brassiere. I felt
his hot
breath on my neck at naramdaman ko din ang
mainit na likidong dumaloy sa pisngi ko. God! Why am I in a situation like this?!
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!", I shrieked his name and I felt so helpless. Gray is busy
investigating the case right this very moment at malayo rin kami sa set kaya
malabong may
makarinig sa sigaw ko. My mind was empty at paulit-ulit na sinigaw ko ang pangalan
ni Gray. Muli kong narinig ang
tunog ng napupunit kong damit.
This dress was the one Gray and I bought for the museum inauguration. Who would
have
thought that it would cause my bad luck? I can't hear anything maliban sa paghikbi
ko. I
screamed Gray's name again kahit na alam kong hindi naman niya iyon maririnig dahil
malayo kami sa set. Naramdaman ko na lang ang paggaan ng pagkakadagan ni Kent sa
akin and to my
surprise I saw Gray's furious figure.
"I WILL KILL YOU BASTARD!", galit na galit na wika nito. Napaupo ako at niyakap ang
sarili ko. I pity this dress that I'm wearing. Hindi na iyon magagamit pa.
"Wait, kagustuhan iyon ni Amber!", wika ni Kent matapos itong sinuntok ni Gray sa
mukha,
causing him to fall on the ground. Nagtangka itong tumayo ngunit agad itong
pinaulanan ni
Gray ng tadyak.
"I DON'T CARE! YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED AWAY FROM HER!", wika ni Gray at patuloy na
pinagsisipa si Kent. Patuloy lang din ako sa pag-iyak habang pinapanuod sila
"Kagustuhan namin iyon ni Amb-" Bigla na lamang itong dinaganan ni Gray at paulit-
ulit
na pinagsusuntok ang mukha
"DON'T YOU DARE MAKE ANY LIES IDIOT! SHE'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK SHE IS!", wala na sa
sarili si Gray. Hindi na halos maipinta ang mukha ni Kent dahil sa pagkakagulpi ni
Gray
dito.
"Diyos ko Ivan! Baka mapatay mo si Kent!", nag-aalalang wika ni Direk Harrod na

naroon na din pala.
"I DON'T CARE! THAT'S WHAT I'M DOING! I WILL KILL THIS BASTARD!", wika ni Gray and
this time ay natakot na ako. I'm scared, not for me but for Gray. Natakot ako na
baka anong magawa niya kay Kent. Bigla itong napahinto at napatingin sa akin.
Umalis siya mula sa pagkakadagan kay Kent at
nilapitan ako. He pulled me up at walang sabi-sabing hinila ako. Nilagpasan lang
niya ang pagtawag ni Direk Harrod sa kanya at pakaladkad na hinila ako. I can't
stop my sob kaya napahinto siya at tiningnan ako. His face was very angry. Pawis na
pawis din ito.
"Please stop crying Amber. I can't forgive myself dahil sa nangyari sa iyo and your
tears
make me regret every single second na iniwan kita kasama ang hayop na iyon!", wika
niya. I
never saw him this angry. Tiningnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa at huminga siya
ng malalim.
Hinubad niya ang suot na polo at pinausot iyon sa akin, making him topless.
Pagkatapos ay muli niya akong hinila papunta sa sasakyan niya. Sumakay naman ako
doon at niyakap ang sarili ko. I'm not crying anymore. Nawala na ang takot ko para
sa sarili kanina mula ng dumating si Gray.
Sumakay rin siya sa driver's seat at nakatingin lang sa harap ng manibela. Bahagya
niya akong
sinulyapan ngunit muli ring nagbawi ng tingin. Hinubad ko ang polo niya at binalik
iyon sa
kanya. Nakakailang kasing tingnan na sapatos at pantalon lang ang suot nito.
"I think you need this more. Thank you for saving me back there", wika ko at
hinintay na
abutin niya ang damit ngunit hindi niya iyon pinansin.
"Don't do it again Amber. Wag kang basta- basta sumasama sa lalaking hindi mo
kilala. I'm
not always there to help you", wika niya.
Napayuko ako. Aminado akong kasalanan ko. "Sorry."
"Promise me that you won't do it again", wika niya. He looked at me with his
pleading eyes. "Promise me Amber."
"I- I promise", wika ko. He then pulled me to a hug as he caressed my hair.
"I'm really sorry Amber Pinapangako ko ring hinding-hindi na ito mangyayari pa", he
said and his words are reassuring as ever. Bumitaw
ako mula sa pagkakayakap sa kanya at muling inabot ang polo niya.
"Magbihis ka na", wika ko ngunit sa halip na abutin iyon ay muli niyang ibinalik
iyon sa
akin.
"Mas kailangan mo yan", wika niya at pinasadahan ako ng tingin. Oh, well yeah. I
guess I really need it. Muli kong ibinalabal iyon sa katawan ko at tiningnan siya.
"Have you solved the case?", I asked, trying to light up the mood inside the car.
"Yeah. Nica killed him", simpleng sagot niya.
"Nica? But she's in the CR and Maymay confirmed that alibi right?", tanong ko.
Tumango siya. "She made Maymay wait outside the CR at iniwan niya ang cellphone na
nakabukas habang pinapatugtog para kunwari nasa loob siya but the truth is she
snuck outside from the back, dressed up in a big jacket of Bernie at paulit-ulit na
sinaksak ang biktima. She can't deny it dahil may naiwang
ebidensya laban sa kanya. It was a thread from Bernie's jacket. Hindi na rin niya
iyon dineny. Inamin niya ang lahat dahil galit siya kay Ryan. They're in a
relationship but Ryan cheated at siya pa ang na-badmouth sa mga tao", paliwanag ni
Gray.
Napaisip ako sa nangyari kina Ryan at Nica. Their relationship was destroyed by a
beast called cheating. Another beast possessed Nica which made her kill Ryan.
"So much for today. Let's go home", sumulyap siya saglit sa relo. "It's 11 already.
Tumuloy na
lang tayo sa mansion para makahiram ka ulit ng damit", wika ni Gray at agad na
pinaharurot ang kotse.
*****************
After what happened yesterday ay mas naging maingat ako lalo na sa pakikipag-usap
kahit kanino. Maybe I should be back to the old Amber. Ther one they called nerd.
Yung walang masyadong kasama kundi libro. Hindi nagsasalita kapag hindi kinakausap.
The old me.
Pagdating namin sa Vander mansion kagabi ay wala roon sina Cooler at Ryu o maging
ang mga reaper. Mga katulong lamang ang naabutan namin doon kaya naging payapa ang
pananatili namin doon buong gabi.
"Good morning!", masiglang bati ni Math. Kadarating lamang nito at ako pa lamang
ang nasa upuan namin. She kissed my cheek at agad naupo sa pwesto niya.
"Nawala kayo ni Gray kahapon doon sa infirmary, saan kayo nagpunta?", she asked.
Napakurap ako ng ilang beses. Sasabihin ko bang pumunta kami sa isang fake
inauguration?
"We went somewhere and tested your device Math", wika ni Gray. Kadarating lang
nito. Inilapag niya ang kanyang backpack sa mesa at agad na hinarap kami.
"Really? And?"
"We went to an inauguration which was actually a hoax. Naisihan nila kami but
atleast we were able to know that Maam Julianne was one of them. They're talking
about an organization", wika ni Gray.
It piqued Math's interest. "Organization?"
"Yes and they have something to do with a blue drugs. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit
may apat na taong pinatay kahapon", wika ni Gray.
"Hoy, anong binubulong-bulong ninyong tatlo dyan? Ako ba ang pinag-uusapan ninyo?",
wika ng kadarating na si Jeremy. Umayos kaming tatlo ng upo. As much as possible,
we don't want Jeremy to be involved in the cases that we were facing.
"Hindi no. Bakit ka naman namin pag-uusapan Jeremy?", wika ni Math nang pumwesto na
si Je sa tabi niya.
Je shrugged his shoulders. "Aba, ewan ko sa inyo. Baka pinag-uusapan ninyo ang
pagiging mabait ko. O baka nagpaplano kayo kung paano ako talunin sa paggawa ng mga
stimulating quizzes. And speaking of it, I have a quiz for everyone", nakangiting
wika nito.
Parehas kaming napangiwi ni Gray samantalang si Math lamang ang tila interesadong
nakinig dito. "Bakit kayo ganyan Gray? Bestie Amber? Stimulating naman talaga ang
mga naiisip kong quizzes and riddles ha."
"You means puns", wika ni Gray. Oh yeah. Si Jeremy lang yata ang natutuwa sa mga
puns niya.
"Just hear me out", he said with a pout.
"Fine. Shoot."
"Okay. Eto ah. Brace yourselves. Ano ang tawag sa saging na nasa stick?", he asked.
"Banana cue", sagot ni Math. Pumalakpak si Jeremy.
"Galing naman. Eh ang camote?"
"Camote cue."
"Galing pa rin. Yung karne na nasa stick?"
"Barbecue?"
"Very good! Eh yung kabayo na nasa stick?", Jeremy asked at napatingin si Math sa
amin, as if she's asking for help na parehas namang ipinagkibitbalikat lang namin
ni Gray.
"Ewan", wika ni Math. "Ano bang tawag? Meron bang ganoon?"
Jeremy smirked. "Syempre meron. Carousel! Diba nasa stick yung kabayo sa carousel?
Edi Carousel ang sagot! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", he started laughing hard na para bang
aliw na aliw sa sinabi niya. Nagkatinginan lang kaming tatlo ngunit walang ni isa
man ang tumawa sa amin.
"You don't find it funny, do you?", tanong ni Jeremy.
"Yeah dahil hindi naman talaga iyon nakakatawa", wika ni Math which made Jeremy
frowned.
"Bestie", he said as if he's asking for my help.
"Sorry Je but it's not really funny", wika ko sa kanya at napahawak siya sa puso
niya.
"Aray beh. Eto na lang. Ano ang gagawin mo sa saging upang mawala ito?", tanong
niya.
"Kainin?", Math asked and he shook his head.
"Itapon?", tanong ko ngunit umiling lang ulit ito.
"Itago", sagot ni Gray ngunit umiling pa rin ito. "Shoot Puns."
"Ang tamang sagot ay tanggalin ang B para ANANA!", he said and he motioned his
hands like he was saying Wala na. Pagkatapos ay muli na naman siyang tumawa ng
sobrang lakas. Oh, this guy will never learn.
Umayos na kami ng upo dahil pumasok na si Maam Saderna, ang adviser namin. She was
holding some testbooklets na ipinagtataka namin. English time namin ngayon and it
was supposed to be Miss Mendez who will be our subject teacher dahil PE ang
hinahandle ni Maam Saderna. Inilapag niya sa mesa ang mga testbooklet at kinausap
kami.
"Good Morning Class. You might be wondering why hindi pa dumarating si Maam Mendez.
Hindi siya darating ngayon kaya as the adviser, I will be giving you this
assessment test. Sagutan niyo ito with all your best and by the way, I will
rearrange your seats while answering this", wika niya at isa-isang pinatayo ang mga
kaklase ko at inilipat. Nailipat din ako sa harap.
I'n wondering why we have to exchange seats. Kahit naman periodical ay hindi naman
kami pinapalipat ng upuan. What's special with this assessment exam anyway?
Nagsimula na ang exam ay limang asignatura iyon. English, Math, Science, Philippine
History at Aptitude/Logic test.The whole morning was spent for the assessment exam
kaya lunch na kami pinalabas. Nagpaalam ako kina Math na uuwi muna sa dorm.
Pagdating ko doon ay pasalampak akong nahiga sa kama ko.
"Oh, pagod ka yata", komento ni Andi. Abala ito sa binabasang romance novel at
hindi man lamang ako sinulyapan ng magsalita.
"Yeah. Nakakapagod ang limang subject sa apat na oras lamang", sagot ko sa kanya.
"Limang subject?", naguguluhang tanong nito kaya napaupo ako at hinarap siya.
"Didn't we had an assessment exam?", tanong ko sa kanya. Parehas kaming Grade 10,
section C nga lang si Andi.
"Assessment exam? Wala namang assessment exam ah? Wala nga kaming pasok sa last
period namin", sagot ni Andi.
What? Section A lamang ang nagkaroon ng assessment exam? But as far as I know,
dapat lahat ng Grade 10 ang pinapaganoon. Biglang bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa
niyon si Therese.
Naupo ito sa kanyang kama and she tossed away her bag. "Saan ka natulog kagabi
Amber? Lagot ka, ilang beses ka ng hinahanap ng landlady."
I smiled at her. "Alam kong pinagtakpan niyo na naman ako."
"Yep. Sinabi naming kinuha ka ng mama mo", wika ni Therese. Napangiti na lang ako.
Mabuti na lamang at handa ang mga ito na pagtakpan ako. Tinanong ko rin si Therese
kung may assessment exam ba sila kanina. Nasa section B kasi ito.
"Res, nagkaroon ba kayo ng assessment exam kanina?", tanong ko sa kanya at

napakunot naman ang noo nito.
"Assessment exam? Diba tuwing February pa yan?", she asked at napaisip ako. Para
saan ang ginawa naming exam kanina?
Malapit nang mag-ala una nang nagpasya akong bumalik sa classroom. I didn't bother
to have lunch dahil wala akong ganang kumain. Pagdating ko doon ay si Maam Saderna
at si Jeremy lang ang naroon. Nakaupo si Je sa harap ni Maam Saderna.
"Miss Sison. Hinihintay talaga kita. Please have a seat", wika ni Maam Saderna ng
makita ako. Kahit nagtataka ay lumapit ako sa mesa niya at naupo sa upuang kaharap
ni Jeremy.
"May nalabag po ba ako na rules ng school?", tanong ko sa kanya. Nagtataka din ako
kung bakit nandoon si Jeremy.
"Oo nga po. At kung cheating issues naman po, hindi po ako nagcheat kanina. Si
Rowel po yung nakita kong nangongopya kay Wally", Jeremy said.
"No, it's not about that Mr. Martinez, Miss Sison", wika ni Maam Saderna. Mas lalo
tuloy akong kinabahan. Nasaan ba kasi ang ibang mga classmates namin?
"Kung gayon ay tungkol po saan? Dahil po ba doon sa vinandal ko sa notebook ni

Mariz? Hindi ko na po uulitin", wika ulit ni Jeremy.
"No. Tungkol ito sa exam kanina", wika ng guro.
"Maam, hindi po talaga ako nangopya Maam", Jeremy said pouting.
"Mr. Martinez -"
"Madali lang naman po yung exam kaya hindi po talaga ako nangopya. Doon lang naman
ako sa aptitude test nahirapan", he said. Nagtangkang sumingit ni Maam Saderna
ngunit patuloy pa rin sa pagsasalita si Jeremy kaya inapakan ko ang paa nito.
"Je, pakinggan nga muna natin si Maam", I said at saka lang ito natahimik.
"It's about the exam. It's actually a qualifying exam for exchange students", wika
ng guro na ikinagulat namin ni Jeremy.
"Exchange students? Pupunta po kami ng Harvard?", Je asked at sinamaan ko siya ng

tingin. Tayog din ng pangarap nito ano. Maypa Harvard-Harvard pa!
"Yes, exchange students but nit abroad. The two of you qualified as exchabge
students in Athena High School at ngayong hapon na ang alis ninyo upang may panahon
pa kayo sa tour ninyo sa buong school. On the way na rin ang dalawang estudyante na
mula roon. Please pack some things good for two weeks", wika ni Maam Saderna na
parehas naming ikinagulat ni Jeremy.
Athena High for two weeks?!
"Teka po. Bakit kami?", tanong ni Jeremy. "Kami lang po ba ang pumasa sa qualifying
exams?"
"Kayo ang napili. Actually Gray and Mathilde passed the exam too. Gray even aced
all the subjects. Kaya lang ay hindi siya pwedeng gawing exchange student dahil
nagmula na siya doon. Si Miss Corazon naman ay bagong transferee din and it's too
inconvenient to send her. Yuri Sabas passed all the subjects except the aptitude
test. So we only have the two of you since section A lang ang pinagtake namin sa
qualifying exam. So pack some things dahil ihahatid kayo ng shuttle van ng Bridle
sa Athena", wika Maam Saderna samantalang halos hindi naman kami makagalaw ni
Jeremy.
Ito ang unang nakabawi at hinila ako palabas ng classroom. "Magpack ka na dahil ako
din. See you later Bestie", wika niya at tinahak ang daan papunta sa boy's
dormitory. Tinanaw ko ang papalayong pigura nito bago napabuntong-hininga.
Athena High School. Here we come!
************************
CHAPTER 22: DARK DAY AND DEATH NOTE

Chapter 22: Dark Day and Death Note
A/N: There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of the
lights, the light of all lights. (Bram Stroker, Dracula.)
Special thanks to Editor Melody for the big help!
*************************
Parang kanina lang ay halos hindi pa ako makapaniwala na ang inaakala kong
assessment
test ay isa pa lang qualifying exam para maging exchange student ng Athena High. I
don't know what Bridle is up to. I never heard such event before. Ngayon lang
nangyaring may ipapadala silang mga exchange student. Athena and Bridle used to
have a silent rivalry on which
school is the best. Or maybe such rivalry was just created by the students at hindi
naman talaga iyon nag-eexist. Parang kanina lang din halos hindi kami makapaniwala
ni Jeremy sa mga pinagsasabi ni Maam Saderna. But now it's all in front of us.
Kakababa lang namin sa harap ng Athena High School. The shuttle van with a big
print of Bridle's logo caused some students to stop at hinintay na bumaba kami. I'm
thankful nabinigyan pa kami ng pagkakataong magbihis kanina dahil kapag nagkataong
naka-uniform pa rin kami ay mas lalong makakaagaw atensyon. Binuksan ng guard ang
malaking gate at sinalubong kami ng babaeng nakasuot ng
eyeglasses at pencil skirt.
"Good Afternoon Miss Sison and Mr. Martinez of Bridle High School. We're already
notified about your arrival. My name is Casie, the principal's secretary and I'll
be your guide this afternoon. Enjoy your stay at Athena High School!"
Nagulat ang mga estudyanteng nasa paligid at nagbulong-bulongan. Mukhang nasorpresa

ang mga ito tungkol sa pananatili namin sa Athena.
Well, know what freaks? Hindi lang naman kayo ang nasorpresa. Kami din ni Jeremy.
"Amber! Athena's students are scary. Mukhang mga asong ulol na anytime ay
mangangagat",
bulong ni Jeremy sa akin. "This is my first time here tapos ganyan pa ang tingin
nila."
"Himala, nawala ang bestie mo", komento ko and he made a face.

"The endearment is least of my concern. I want to go back to Bridle now", wika niya
at yumuko nang tiningnan siya ng isang babae mula ulo hanggang paa. Pinasunod kami
ni Miss Casie sa kanya kaya sumunod kami. She brought us to the principal's office
kung saan
naghihintay ang matandang babae. Despite her old age, hindi maikakailang
respetadong-respetado itong tingnan. She
smiled at us at niyaya kaming maupo sa harap niya. May nakaukit na 'Atty. Melinda
Quezon, Principal' sa kahoy na nasa harapan niya.
"You two must have been surprised by this new arrangement", wika ng babae. "Sorry,
this is all so sudden. The purpose of this is to eliminate
the imaginary rivalry between Bridle and Athena so we, kasama si Mrs. Roxas,
Bridle's
top regeant scheme this one which was also approved by Mr. Bridle himself. By the
way,
I'm Atty. Mel Quezon, Athena's principal."
"Of course Maam. We're not even given some time to bid goodbye to our classmates.
Ako nga rin po pala si Amber Sison and this is my classmate, Jeremy Martinez", wika
ko sa butihing ginang.
"Well, that's the rule. Para naman hindi kayo mag-alangan sa pag-alis niyo. The
Athena's
students who qualified the exam were also given no time to bid farewell", sagot ni
Maam
Quezon.
"I hope you don't mind if I ask, Maam, pero kasali po ba sa naqualified si Khael
Alonzo?",
tanong ko. Khael is famous in Athena kaya hindi malabong kilala ito ng principal.
Baka
kapag isa ito sa nalipat sa Bridle ay mahihirapan kami ni Jeremy dito dahil wala
kaming kakilala.
"Oo nga pala no, si Khael yung unggoy! Taga- Athena nga pala yun", wika ni Jeremy
at tiningnan ko siya nang masama. Agad naman itong tumahimik at tinakpan ang bibig.
"Ah. Mikhael Alonzo. Well Miss Altamira said he aced the exams but he got zero on
the aptitude test which is our main basis on
choosing our exchange students", sagot ng principal na ikinagulat ko. Khael got
zero on the aptitude test? Paano naman nangyari iyon?
"Okay, enough chatting. Miss Sison, you'll be staying at the girls' dormitory.
Meron ng
nakalaang kwarto para sa iyo, and also you, Mr. Martinez-"
"Sa girls' dormitory din po ako?", nanlalaki ang mata na tanong ni Jeremy. What
the?!
"No, syempre sa boys' dormitory ka at ang ibig kong sabihin ay meron naring
nakalaang
kwarto para sa iyo. As of your school uniforms", tiningnan nito si Miss Casie at
kinuha naman nang huli ang mga nakahanger
na uniform sa gilid.
"Two pairs for you Miss Sison and two pairs for Mr. Martinez. Kung may gusto kayong
adjustments sa uniform ninyo, feel free to ask me para madala natin yan sa resident
tailor ng
Athena", wika ni Miss Casie at inabot iyon sa amin.
"You can now go on a tour around Athena. Casie will be with you", wika ni Mrs.
Quezon at dinismiss kami. Matapos magpasalamat ay lumabas na nga kami ni Je sa
opisina nito at
inilibot ang buong Athena High kasama si Miss Casie.
Panay pa rin ang tingin ng mga estudyante at nagbubulong-bulungan pa ang mga ito.
"Fiona, hindi ba't yan yung babae dun sa
Bridle?", tanong ng isang estudyante sa kasama niya. "Yung sa Olympus camp, naalala
mo?"
Nakataas ang kilay na nagpukol ng tingin ang kasama nito sa akin. "Of course! How
can I forget that face! He hit our Khael!"
"At nagpakarga pa siya kay Gray! Ang kapal ng mukha, hindi naman kagandahan!"
Hindi ko na lang sila pinansin at sumunod lang kay Maam Casie na panay ang kwento
tungkol
sa mga pinupuntahan naming building.
"Hayaan mo na yung mga babaeng iyon bestie, inggit lang yun sayo", wika ni Je.
Nagtatakang tiningnan ko lang siya at nagkibit-balikat. I don't care about those

girls. Eh ano ngayon kung hindi ako maganda? Hindi naman ako
nagpunta dito sa Athena para magandahan sila sa akin.
Medyo madilim na ang paligid nang ihatid ako ni Miss Casie sa dorm na paglalagian
ko. I took
a deep breath bago kumatok sa pinto at binuksan iyon ng isang babaeng makapal ang
eyeliner. Bahagya akong napaatras dahil sa gulat nang makita ito.
"Hi! I'm expecting you! My name is Phobie Villarin, your roommate!", wika niya at
niluwagan ng bukas ang pinto. I swallowed hard as I saw the room at halos gusto
kong muling hilahin ang dala kong maleta at bumaba sa palapag na iyon.
The room was like a sorcerer's room. Itim ang mga kurtina maging ang mga table
cloth. Itim
din ang pintura ng dingding at mga pinto ng locker. May nakapile din doon na tila
voodoo
dolls at kung anu-ano pang mga creepy na bagay.
"I'm-Am-ber Si-son", wika ko at panay ang lunok nang laway habang iginagala ang
paningin sa loob. She pulled my luggage at agad na ipinasok iyon sa loob. My God!
Even
the floormat and the rugs are black, maliban sa rug ng CR! Yung totoo, may lahi
bang mangkukulam itong si Phobie?
"Wag kang matakot sa akin Amber. Mahilig lang talaga ako sa mga creepy na bagay.
Please
don't ever think na mangkukulam ako or what", wika ni Phobie. "By the way, that bed
is yours", wika niya at tinuro ang isang kama. Itim din ang mga unan at bedsheet na
naroon.
Napansin siguro nito na tinitigan ko lang ang kama kaya muli itong nagsalita. "Wag
kang
mag-alala. Bago yan, pinabili talaga yan ni Miss Casie para sa iyo. The bedsheet is
doublesided.
There's a white side kaya yun nalang ang gamitin mo kung hindi ka komportable
dyan",
wika niya. I smiled at her at lumapit sa kama. Inilibot ko ang paningin sa kabuoan
nang
kwarto. Hindi iyon kasinlaki ng kwarto namin nina Andi at Therese ngunit tamang-
tama lang iyon para sa dalawang kama na naroon.
"Tagdadalawa lang pala ang nag-oocuppy sa mga kwarto dito?", I asked and Phobie
shook her head.
"Ito lang ang kwarto na pandalawahan. The rest are good for three occupants", sagot
nito. Bahagya akong napatango sa kanya. "So wala kang roommate dito?"
"I used to pero umaalis sila palagi because they think I'm weird. Actually, the
whole
Athena thinks so", sagot ni Phobie. "Well yeah, I'm a freak but they don't have to
despise me
so much."
Napakunot ang noo ko sa sinabi nito. "What does that mean?"
"What I mean is I don't exist here. People in Athena act like I don't exist", wika
niya. "That's
because of me, being a weirdo. Gusto ko lang naman ng mga ganitong bagay, atleast I
don't
harm people."
Hindi na ito nagsalita pa at hinarap na lamang ang itim nitong notebook na may
nakasulat na Death note sa cover nito. Nag-ayos na rin ako
nang gamit at binaligtad ang bedsheet. Pagkatapos mag-ayos nang gamit ay naglinis
na
rin ako ng katawan at nahiga sa kama. I texted Jeremy na hindi ako magdidinner
dahil magpapahinga ako ng maaga. Nagreply ito na wala rin daw siyang ganang kumain
at maagang naggoodnight. Nang mareceive ko ang text nito ay agad akong nahiga sa
kama at nakatulog.
**************
Agad kong hinanap ang classroom ng Grade10-A base sa schedule na ibinigay ni Miss
Casie kahapon. I just grabbed some milk in the cafeteria for breakfast at hindi ko
rin naubos
iyon dahil halos hindi ako makalunok dahil panay ang tingin ng mga estudyante sa
akin.
Nakakapanibago rin na ibang uniform ang suot ko. Kung checkered ang blue skirt ng
Bridle ay plain dark blue naman ang sa Athena. Ganoon din ang tela ng blouse at may
pulang ribbon iyon na kasama. The black socks are just below
the knee. Pagdating ko sa klase ng section A ay mukhang nagkakatuwaan ang mga
estudyante. Maaga pa lamang ay may mga paper airplanes na na
lumilipad at gayundin ang mga nilakumos na papel. I checked the label at the door
dahil baka last section iyon at nagkamali lamang ako ng pasok but I'm not. It was
the Grade 10-A's classroom. I took a deep breath bago pumasok doon. The door made a
loud sound dahilan upang tumahimik ang paligid at napadako ang tingin nilang lahat
sa akin. It felt like the whole world stopped.
"Hindi ba't siya yung sa Bridle?", tanong ng isang babae.
"No doubt! That's her! Yung parang linta kung makadikit kay Gray!"
"Anong ginagawa niya dito at bakit nakasuot siya ng Athena uniform? Don't tell me-
Oh no!"
"Girls, what do you think?", wika ng isang babae at nag-evil smirk. Ngumiti na rin
ang mga minions nito at naglamukos ng papel.
"One, two, three! Fire!", sigaw ng babae at sabay-sabay nila akong binato ng mga
nilamukos na papel. What the hell?! Is this how they welcome their new exchange
students?!
Umakyat lahat ng dugo ko sa ulo and I wasvready to give them a few punches ngunit
naunang magsalita ang lalaking kanina lamang ay nakasalampak sa mesa niya.
"Is that how we welcome a new student guys?", sinamaan niya ng tingin ang mga
babaeng
nambato sa akin ng papel. Saka ko lamang napagtuonan ng pansin ang mukha ng lalaki.
He was tall and manly in every manner. Matangos ang ilong nito at bagay na bagay
dito
ang maitim na mata na napaparesan ng makapal na kilay. As an overall assessment ay
napakagwapo nitong tingnan lalo na at medyo snob ang aura nito.
"But Zy, she's a pain in the neck! Alam mo bang noong camping na hindi ka nakasama
ay
wala siyang ibang ginawa kundi ang landiin sina Gray at Khael?", wika ng isang
babae. Napataas
ang kilay ko sa sinabi. At kailan ko naman nilandi sina Gray at Khael?!
"I don't care Mara. And who are you to hit her even though those are just papers?
Inagrabyado ba niya kayo?", tanong ng lalaki at
napayuko lamang ang mga ito. The guy took deep breath at sinamaan lang ako ng
tingin
bago ito naupong muli at isinubsob ang ulo sa mesa.
Oh anong ginawa ko sa kanya? Labag ba sa kalooban niya ang ginawa niyang pagtulong
sa akin? Edi sana ay hindi na lamang niya ginawa!
Bigla na lamang bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa niyon si Je at Khael.
"Special A!", Khaelexclaimed and he hugged me right infront of his classmates.

Sighs of frustration and jealousy filled the room. Agad kong inilayo ang
katawan ko mula kay Khael bago pa ako mamatay sa sama ng tingin na ipinupukol ng
mga estudyante sa akin. Saka lamang napansin ni Khael ang mga nilamukos na papel sa
paanan ko. Pumulot siya ng isa at pumunta sa harap.
"Who did this?", tanong niya sa klase ngunit walang ni isa man na sumagot. Ang mga
babaeng nambato kanina ay nakayuko lamang.
"Who did this Special A?", tanong ni Khael ngunit pinili kong pagtakpan na lamang
ang
nangyari. Baka kasi mas lalo lamang akong kamuhian ng mga babae kapag nagsumbong pa
ako.
"Sino daw gumawa niyon Amber?", tanong ni Je but I just shook my head.
"Wala naman. Pagdating ko ay nasa sahig na ang mga iyan", wika ko at nang matahimik
na si Khael.
"Are you sure?", paninigurado niya at tumango lamang ako. Bumukas ulit ang pinto at
iniluwa niyon ang guro. Lumapit kami sa kanya at
inabot ang schedule na binigay ni Miss Casie kahapon.
"Oh. So you two are the exchange students from Bridle. Introduce yourself in front
please", wika ng guro. "Ladies' first."
Nagsimula ng magbulong-bulongan ang mga estudyante nang marinig ang sinabi ng guro
tungkol sa pagiging exchange students namin.
Tumayo ako sa gitna at huminga ng malalim bago nagsalita.

"Hi everyone, I'm Amber Sison from Bridle High", wika ko. They waited for me to
speak
more ngunit hindi ko iyon ginawa. I hate introduction.
"Iyon lang ba?", tanong ng guro and I nodded. "Okay, you sit beside Mr. Zywon
Deltran."
Hindi na ito namilit pa at kapagkuway tinuro ang upuan na katabi ng lalaking

nagtanggol sa akin kanina. Nakasubsob pa rin ang mukha nito at tila ba walang
pakialam kahit na naroon na ang guro. Agad akong lumapit sa upuan na
katabi ng lalaki na Zywon pala ang pangalan. Sunod na nagpakilala si Je at
pinapwesto na rin ito ng guro sa upuan na malayo sa akin. Nagsimula na ang english
class ngunit
nakasubsob pa rin ang lalaki kaya mahinang siniko ko ito dahil baka tuluyan itong
makatulog.
"Hoy."
Nag-angat ito ng tingin at tiningnan ako ng masama. Hindi yata nito gusto ang
iniistorbo.
"What?!"
"T-thank you for saving me back there", wika ko sa kanya. Kumunot lang ang noo nito
na tila ba may sinabi akong masama.
"You don't have to thank me. And please, don't talk to me", wika niya at napataas
ang isang
kilay ko sa kanya. Antipatiko! Nagthank you lang naman ako sa kanya! But I'm not
giving up.
"Ako nga pala si Amber. Amber Sison", wika ko sa kanya ngunit hindi man lamang ito
nag-abalang tanggapin ang pakikipagkilala ko. Kahit sobrang inis ko na ay hindi ko
na lang ito pinansin at nakinig sa klase. Nang magbreak ay agad na sumama kami ni
Jeremy kay Khael. Panay ang ngiti nito habang nakapamulsa.
"Mukha kang timang dyan Khael. Anong nginingiti-ngiti mo dyan?", tanong ko habang
naglalakad kami papuntang cafeteria.
"Masaya lang ako Special A", wika nito. "Nandito ka kasi kahit na may extra, okay
lang." Bahagya niyang sinulyapan si Jeremy.
"Grabe ka dude ha! Gusto mong masolo ang bestfriend ko? Makakarating to sa
nakatataas",
wika niya at nagkunwaring may kausap sa telepono. "Hello Gray? May umaaligid kay
Amber dito. Patayin ko na ba?"
"Sinasabi ko na nga ba espiya ka ni Silvan! Tsk!", wika ni Khael.
Nang makarating kami sa cafeteria ay agad kaming nakahanap ng pwesto na maaaring

upuan.
"Yow dude. Bili ka nga ng
makakain natin. My treat", wika niya kay Jeremy.
"Inuutusan mo ba ako?", Jeremy asked.
"Hindi. Nakikiusap ako. Please dude", Khael said sarcastically.
"In one condition."
"What?"
"Sagutan mo ang quiz ko", nakangiting wika ni Je.
"Game!"
"Use guava in a sentence", nakangising wika ni Je.
Napakunot ang noo ni Khael. "Uh, I hate guavas?"
"Pwede na rin pero dapat tagalog." Pinanuod ko lang sila. Si Je nakangisi, si Khael
naman ay seryosong-seryoso sa pagsasagot.
"Magiging bayabas kapag tinagalog ko", nakakunot ang noo na wika ni Khael.
"Hindi. Guava pa rin."

"Masarap ang guava?"
"Ganito dapat. Naiilang ako sa suot kong Athena uniform. MasaGUAVA?

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!", Jeremy started laughing out loud at napatingin na ang mga
nasa kalapit na mesa namin.
"You didn't inform me that it's just a pun Special A", nakapokerface na wika ni
Khael.
I shrugged my shoulders at him."Uh, masanay ka na. He's always like that", wika ko.
"Hep! Ito na ang huli", wika ni Je. "Ano ang tawag sa puti ang kanang sapatos mo
tapos itim naman sa kabila?"
"Another pun?"
"Just answer me dude", wika ni Jeremy
"Tanga? Ang laki-laki na mali pa rin ang sapatos", sagot ni Khael.
"Hmm. Malapit na doon. Konti na lang", Je said.
"Sirit na."
"Edi Malicious! Gets mo? Mali-Shoes! HAHAHAHAHAHA." Tumawa na naman ng malakas si

Je samantalang napafacepalm na lang si Khael.
"Tell me Special A, ito ba talaga ang pumasa sa qualifying exams ng Bridle?", he

asked at napatango lang ako. Nagbigay na siya ng pera kay Je dahil pumayag na itong
bumili. I
remember what the principal said yesterday kaya tinanong ko si Khael tungkol doon.
"Khael, nakazero ka daw sa Aptitude test kahapon. Anong nangyari?", tanong ko sa

kanya. Lumawak ang ngisi nito at bahagyang hininaan ang boses.
"Narinig ko kasi ang ilang teachers kahapon na nag-uusap tungkol dito. So naisip
kong malaki ang tyansa na kayo ni Silvan ang makukuha kaya nagpazero ako sa
Aptitude test. Baka kasi magkasalisihan tayo. Nandoon ako sa Bridle tapos nandito
kayo", sagot nito.
Sinasabi ko na nga ba. Impossible naman yatang maka-zero ito sa aptitude test.
"Ang daya mo", wika ko sa kanya. He flashed his usual playful smile ngunit agad din
namang sumeryoso ang mukha nito.
"Besides I can't leave Athena lalo na at may mga kakaibang tao at pangyayari akong
napapansin", wika niya in a low voice. Napatigil ako at napatingin sa kanya.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Athena's at risk, I guess. There was a tim when I woke up at 3 am kaya lumabas ako
ng
dormitoryo and there I saw some guys. May mga dala silang mga kahon and I don't
know
what those are", he said in a low voice.
"Baka mga bagong libro o equipments for the school."

He shook his head. "That's what I thought at first ngunit kahit anong inquire ko ay
walang
kahit anong bago ang dumating sa Athena that week. I never saw such boxes again.
Ang iba ay
umuusok pa. At ang ilan sa mga umalis na van ay may freezer so I'm thinking that
they're really hiding something. Marami ring mga bagong mukha dito sa Athena. They
were staffs at the laboratory and library pero hindi ko naman sila nakikita kapag
may activity kami",
kwento ni Khael at mas lalong naging interesado ako.
Athena High School has a secret? This is owned by the Vander Mafia right? Ano na
naman ba ang pinagkakaabalahan nila?
Nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita si Khael. "Gray told me that this institution is owned by

the mafia. Kahit hindi ko pa masyadong ma-grasp ang involvement ng mafia sa mga
nangyayari sa paligid ko, I trust Silvan on some matters. He said the mafia won't
do anything that can harm Athena's students but something happened lately na
ipinagtataka ko. I haven' t told Silvan about this dahil hindi pa ako sigurado",
bulong ni Khael. "Last week ay may estudyanteng
tatlong araw ng nawawala. His name is Jayrold Masao. He's a known student here
dahil kilala
siyang notorious na estudyante. He takes drugs, coccaine to be exact. The last time
I can
remember ay noong nasa gym ako at patagong natutulog. I heard the gym staff called
him at
sinabing pinapapunta siya sa laboratory. And since that day he's gone missing
hanggang sa
nakarinig na lamang kami ng balita na may nakitang katawan ng estudyante na nasa
tulay. He was shot dead at wakwak ang tiyan nito, it's like he undergone some
operations."
Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. "You think Athena has something to do with him?"
Khael shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know ngunit malaki ang posibilidad na
ganoon." Tumigil sa pagsasalita si Khael dahil nakabalik na si Jeremy. May dala
itong pizza at coke in can.
"Ito ang binili ko. Paborito to ni Bestfriend eh", wika ni Je at inilapag ang mga
dala-dala sa mesa.
"I don't know that you're bestfriends", komento ni Khael.
"Me neither", wika ko which made Jeremy pout.
"Aray beh. Dineny ako", he said at nagkunwaring nasaktan. Just then the cafeteria
door flung open at iniluwa niyon ang may menopause kong seatmate. Umupo ito sa
bakanteng mesa at napasubsob ang ulo. Uh, pumunta lang ba siya dito upang matulog
lang din? Napansin marahil ni Khael ang pagtitig ko sa lalaki kaya nagsalita ito.
"His name is Zywon Rocco Deltran. Silvan, him and I used to be bestfriends but then
we fell apart at kami na lamang ni Silvan ang natira", wika ni
Khael.
"Bestfriends? The three of you? Bakit? Anong nangyari?", tanong ko.
"I don't really remember the details. Sa pagkakatanda ko ay Grade 2 kami noon.
We're
neighbors so we used to play together. Kapag abala ang mama at papa ni Silvan ay
doon siya kina Zywon iniiwan."
"Tapos?", tanong ni Jeremy na nakiusyoso na rin pala.
"Iniwan sa kanila si Gray one time and they went to the mall but their car was
ambushed.
Some bad guys want to take Silvan away but Zywon's mom protected him till her last
breath", kwento ni Khael.
"And because of that Zywon became mad dahil namatay ang mama niya?", tanong ko and
Khael nodded.
"Exactly."
"Kawawa naman ito", bulong ni Jeremy.
"Don't pity him. Kapag narinig niya iyan mula sa iyo, I doubt kung makakapasok ka
ng isang
linggo sa pinsala mo sa katawan", wika ni Khael.
"Ganoon siya ka harsh?", Je asked.
"Yeah, so don't try to mess up with him or you will not like it."
Sinulyapan ko ito sa huling sandali bago hinarap ang pagkain na inorder ni Jeremy
para sa akin.
My first day of class in Athena was fine lalo na at kasama namin si Khael. Malamang
kung wala ito ay nabully na kami. The afternoon was PE class at gaya ng school
uniform ay nakahanda
na rin ang PE tshirt at shorts na binigay ni Miss Casie para sa amin. We all head
straight to the
gym.
Nakakalat roon ang mga arnis at bow and arrow. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ng makita
ang bow and arrow ngunit napasimangot bigla ng iniligpit iyon ng guro na si Mr.
Monte. Uh, we're not gonna do archery?
May nakahanda na mat sa harap at tumayo doon si Sir Monte. "Good afternoon class
at
welcome sa ating exchange students. I'm Mr. Albie Monte and I am your PE
instructor. By
the way, for our exchange students, your PE teacher in Bridle must be Cornelia
Saderna.
She's a colleague of mine. Kung gaano kaextensive ang PE training ni Cornelia,
expect more on me", wika nito at bahagyang ngumisi.
"I don't like him", bulong ni Je sa akin. Tiningnan ko lang siya ng masama at
muling humarap sa guro.
"Okay. For today, we have martial arts. Why don't we try our exchange students
which was trained by my colleague?", tiningnan niya ang admission card na binigay
namin sa kanya. "Let's have Amber Sison pair with Zywon Deltran."
Bigla na lamang napatayo si Khael at promotesta. "But Sir! We can't let Amber fight
with Deltran! You see? Babae po si -."
"I don't need your opinion Mr. Alonzo, please take your seat", wika ng guro. "The
names that
I called, please proceed here in front."
Napalingon ako ng tumayo si Zywon. He's wearing a red PE shirt at jogging pants na
siyang PE uniform ng mga lalaki. Tila hindi man lamang ito nagulat na ako ang
ipinanlaban sa kanya.
"Sir, I volunteer myself! We can't let Deltran fight Amber. Alam niyo si Deltran,
halos
pumapatay na ito -"
"Last warning Mr. Alonzo. You'd better shut your mouth or else I'll see you at the
detention", wika ng guro. Hinawakan ko ang braso ni Khael nang
poprotesta pa sana ito. He looked at me worriedly so I assured him that I'll be
fine.
"Don't worry Khael. I'll be fine", wika ko at tumayo upang lumapit sa harap. Parang
gusto
ko tuloy pagsisihan ang pagsuot ko sa shorts na PE uniform. My legs are shaking at
halata iyon. May mga tumawa ng muntikan pa akong madapa dahil sa panginginig ng
tuhod ko. Totoo nga kaya ang sinabi ni Khael na halos pumapatay si Zywon ng kalaban
niya?
"Look at her, baka maihi na yan sa takot", natatawang wika ng isang lalaki.
"Oo nga Pare. Parang walang lakas yung legs oh", sagot naman ng isa. I prevented
myself from shaking. God! Hindi umaayon ang mga paa ko.
Pinalayo ni Sir Monte ang mga estudyante upang lumawak ang magiging arena namin ni
Zywon. He stood in front at nagsalita.
"Don't hold back. Fight with all your might. Ang maaalis sa mat ang siyang talo",
wika nito at umalis sa harap.
"FIGHT!"
Nagsimula ng lumapit sa akin si Zywon kaya unti-unti akong napaatras hanggang sa

makalabas ako sa mat which was the boundary. Pumito si Sir Monte at pinagalitan
ako.
"Fight Miss Sison. Hindi ito atras challenge!", wika nito at napuno ng tawanan ang
buong gym. This is too much humiliation! I need to fight back and save my ego.
Lumapit ulit si Zywon at sumipa ngunit agad akong nakayuko. God! He's not really
holding back! Sa lakas ng sipa nito, malamang ay mababali ang buto ko kung hindi ko
iyon nailagan. Sumipa ulit siya but I was able to
block it.
He gave me a jab at tumama iyon sa tiyan ko. I winced in pain ngunit agad ding
nakabawi. I locked his arms at dalawang beses na siniko siya sa mukha. On my third
hit, he was able to
pull himself. Inulan ko siya ng sipa. Wala akong pakialam kahit nakikita na ang
suot kong cycling sa ilalim ng shorts ko. My aim is to make him step outside the
mat.
Patuloy ako sa pagsipa ngunit patuloy rin siya sa pag-ilag. Hindi ko namalayan na
nasipa niya ang isang paa ko, causing me to fall on my back. He was about to step
on me but I rolled
myself at agad na nakatayo! Gosh! He really has no mercy! Kung nagkataong naapakan
niya
talaga ako ay daig ko pa ang mga nasagasaang palaka sa daan.
He gave me a hard kick at tumama iyon sa likuran ko. I was almost thrown out of the
mat
ngunit agad kong napigilan ang sarili ko. There's no way I will be defeated! I gave
him a jab at tumama iyon sa sikmura niya. He was caught of guard at nagkaroon ako
ng pagkakataong sipain siya sa ulo. I hit his ear at agad na dumugo iyon dahil
nagkasugat.
His expression darkened at sinugod ako. He twisted my arms and I almost shout in
pain.
He twisted my arms habang sinasakal ako gamit ang braso niya. I was almost choking
when I stepped hard on his foot. Parehas kaming nakasuot ng sapatos kaya hindi iyon
masakit so I decided to hit his knee instead. Agad naman niya akong nabitawan and I
was then given a chance to punch him on the face. That's for
choking me to death! My God! Mukhang wala talaga itong balak na buhayin ako!
Paulit-ulit na napaubo ako as I gasp for air! Damn this guy! Wala nga yata itong
awa kahit
pa sa babae! He throw a punch at dumapo iyon sa mukha ko!
That's it! I've reached my limit! Pakiramdam ko ay ako si Kagami Taiga na nakapasok
sa zone niya! I felt the imaginary bolts on my eyes as I tried to attack Zywon.
Walang makakapigil sa akin. Nahihilo ako sa suntok na dumapo sa
mukha ko but I ignored it at nagfocus kay Zywon. Inipon ko ang lahat ng natitira
kong
lakas sinipa siya ng ubod ng lakas sa mukha and Bingo!
He fell down outside the mat. I felt the cheers of the other students for me ngunit
unti-unti
ng lumabo ang paningin ko. I won the fight but I felt more like I lose. Well yeah,
I won but I
have nothing to gain. Nakita ko ang pagbangon ni Zywon before everything turned
pitchblack.
Nagising ako sa infirmary. I know it's the infirmary dahil naitour na kami ni Miss
Casie
dito kahapon. Bahagya akong gumalaw ngunit agad ding napangiwi ng maramdaman ang
sakit ng katawan. Tinanggal ko ang kumot na nakatabing sa katawan ko and I frowned
when I saw my legs and arms. Puno iyon ng mga nagvi-violet na marka sanhi ng mga
pasa. Oh
yeah. I just had a rough fight with Zywon. Napahawak ako sa labi ko ng maramdaman
kong may masakit doon and I remembered the crunchy punch that Zywon gave me. Right
on
my face.
Bumukas ang nakatabing na kurtina at iniluwa niyon ang nakangiting mukha ng babae.
"Hi! I'm Winona. I'm the school nurse. How are you feeling?", she asked with a
smile.
"Never better. What happened?", I asked.
"You passed out at dinala ka dito ni Khael. They're not allowed here kaya ikaw lang
mag-isa ang nandito."
"Pwede na ba akong lumabas?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Well, that's if you're fine-"
"I'm better", wika ko at agad na tumayo mula sa kama.
"Okay. You wait for a while, magsusulat lang ako ng medical record mo", wika niya a
umalis
doon. Tumayo na rin ako at nagpunta malapit sa nakaawang na pinto ng office ng
doktor.
Bahagya akong sumilip at nakita ang lalaking nakasuot ng lab gown. Nakatalikod ito
at may
kausap sa telepono.
"Silence that girl. We still haven't perfected the nootropic at magiging sagabal
lamang ang
batang iyan. She doesn't exist here in Athena kaya hindi mapapansin ang pagkawala
niya", wika ng lalaki.
Napaatras ako at nagkubli sa gilid ng nakaawang na pinto. Nootropic? Aren't those

smart drugs or cognitive enhancers? Muli akong nakinig sa nakatalikod na doktor.
"Yes. Of course. Vander mafia will not know about this. We have them on our hands,
don't worry. As long as the organization can perfect that nootropic ay mabubura na
natin ang Vander Mafia. Of course. And that Gothic girl? Kill her right away", wika
ng doctor and I was alarmed.
A Gothic girl that seems like who doesn't exist in Athena? It must be Phobie! Hindi
ko na hinintay ang nurse at nagmadaling lumabas ng
infirmary. I headed towards the room at gaya ng inaasahan ay wala roon si Phobie.
The room wasn't like that when I left this
morning ngunit ngayon ay may kakaiba. The room seems so contrieved. Nakakalat sa
kama
ni Phobie ang kanyang mga voodoo dolls gayong bago ako umalis ay nakapile iyon sa
headrest ng kama niya. Her huge doll was facing left! Sinundan ko ang tingin niyon
and it was facing on the black lampshade. Napalapit ako doon at saka ko lamang
napansin ang tila ink na natuyo at dumaloy sa katawan ng lampshade. May mga inkblot
din sa mesa.
Dot.
Dot.
Dot.
Dash.
Dash.
Dash.
Dot.
Dot.
Dot.
Sa unang tingin ay mukhang mga inkblot lamang iyon at imposible namang coincidence
lang ang pagkakabuo. It's the distress signal in morse code!
Dot. Dot. Dot. Dash. Dash. Dash. Dot. Dot. Dot.
No doubt it's an SOS from Phobie. Marahil ay nasa panganib nga ito. I was right on
thinking that she's the gothic girl the doctor was talking about!
May nakalagay din na rubik's cube doon which is not complete. It was a mixture of
the red and green colors that looks like the-
Napatingin ako sa ibaba ng pinto! It's the same as the rug on the CR! Agad akong
lumapit doon
and I found the notebook Phobie was holding last night under the rug. The one
labelled Death note. Agad akong naupo sa kama ko at binuksan iyon.
If you're reading this right now, dalawang bagay lang iyan. You break through the
clues that I left behind or you just happened to step on the rug. This isn't like
the notebook of Ryuk who can kill whoever's name is written here.This is called a
death note because my life is at risk as I am writing this. Yes, the more I write
in this notebook, the more I risk my life.
Probably by now, I am a cold corpse thrown out somewhere by those bad guys. Well
I'm not writing this to tell you the story of my life. Let's go straight to the
point.
It was December 11 of last year-
Napahinto ako sa pagbabasa. December 11 was my birthday. It was very tragic due to
Marion's
illness which caused peril not only to me but also to my friends. It still bring
back bad memories kaya iwininaksi ko iyon sa isipan ko at ipinagpatuloy ko na
lamang ang pagbabasa.
It was December 11 of last year when I first saw them. Doctors. I thought they're
doctors because they're wearing lab gowns but then I realized that they're
scientists and they're part of a group they always call 'organization.'
They're making some drugs. At first I thought that they're smuggling diamonds but
when I had the chance to get a fistful of those blue diamonds, I figured out that
they're drugs. Those blue packs are drugs.
Blue packs? Hindi ba't iyon din ang dahilan kung bakit pinatay ang apat na
malalaking tao sa fake inauguration ng museum? Those packs are troublesome and my
curiousity made me read more.
They are drugs that enhances the cognitive aspect of individuals. I know how it
works because I can hear every conversation clearly
at the secret laboratory behind the hideout of a freak like me. The drug's aim is
easy. To control the cognitive aspect of individuals
making him so smart to the point that he can hear voices from a telephone
conversation; can see signals and waves travelling. In other words, the drug that
they are designing is to make people monsters. As of now, the drug
isn't perfect yet. The only thing that it can do is to allow people read ahead
others' possible actions. Ginagawang sobrang talino ng drugs na iyon ang isang tao.
I know it because I have
tried it myself. I sniffed the drugs that I got and it was so good. I should say
that it felt like I'm God myself. Pakiramdam ko ay ako si Lucy and I know all
things. Hell, those drugs are really incredible but the adverse effects are really
dangerous. They destroy human cells and prevent our body from creating anti-bodies.
The year ended and I forgot about Athena and those drugs until the next school year
entered. They're back again and this time, the drugs had levelled up. It's still
the same
blue smart drugs only that it became wicked. The organization's aim now is to use
the drugs against some mafia groups. They want to use the drugs to some people who
can apprehend the mafia's works with the help of the drugs even if the adverse
effect is death. What's
more is the drug melts all the cells in the body and nothing will be left, not even
a trace.
Mas lalo akong kinabahan sa binabasa ko kaya agad ko iyong naisara nang bigla na
lamang
may kumatok. Tinago ko sa ilalim ng unan ang notebook bago ko iyon binuksan.
"Khael Alonzo is waiting for you downstairs", nakataas ang kilay na wika ng babae.
Tumango
ako sa kanya at tinago ang notebook bago bumaba. I'll read the notebook later at
kakausapin ko din sina Cooler tungkol doon.
Right this very moment ay tila sasabog ang utak ko dahil sa mga nalaman ko tungkol
sa drugs na iyon. Agad akong lumabas ng kwarto upang harapin sina Khael at Jeremy.
**************************
CHAPTER 23: SEVEN WONDERS OF ATHENA HIGH SCHOOL

Chapter 23: Seven Wonders of Athena High School
A/N: Writing a long and substantial book is like having a friend and companion at
your side, to whom you can always turn for comfort and amusement, and whose society
becomes more attractive as a new and widening field of interest is lighted in the
mind. (Winston Churchill, Gathering Storm)
Editor Melody's busy and I have promised some people for an update today so please
bear with this. Happy Reading!
*********************
Pagbaba ko ay nasa living room nga si Jeremy at Khael. Agad na napatayo si Khael
nang makita ako.
"Shit! Wala talagang konsiderasyon si Deltran! He will pay for this", naiinis na
wika ni Khael as he looked at my bruises. I snapped my fingers in front of him.
"Ginawa lang naman niya ang inutos sa kanya. And maybe he believes in gender
equality", wika ko.
Napalabi si Khael. "Gender equality, my ass!"
"Khael." Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin kaya itinikom na niya ang bibig at hindi na
nagkomento pa tungkol kay Zywon.
"I hate Sir Monte. Wala ding konsiderasyon ang gurong iyon", wika nito.
"Yeah, me too. I hate him", sang-ayon ni Jeremy. Bumaling si Jeremy sa akin at

nagtanong. "Wala bang masakit sayo bestie?"
I rolled my eyes at him. Mukha bang walang masakit sa katawan ko? Of course my
whole body hurts like hell!
"Lahat Je."
"Halata nga", wika niya. Kinuha niya ang cellphone at kumuha ng picture ko.
"Hey, what are you doing?", I asked.
"Pinipicturan ka. Ebidensya. Ipapadala ko sa mister mo", Jeremy said at napakunot

ang noo ko. Mister? Sino naman ang mister ko?
"Wait, you mean Silvan? Hindi niya Mister si Silvan dahil ako ang magiging asawa
niya, hindi ba Special A?", tanong ni Khael at mas lalong napakunot ang noo ko sa
kanila.
"Ewan ko sa inyo", wika ko at sumulyap sa wall clock. It's still 3. May klase pa ba
tayo?", tanong ko kay Khael and he nodded.
"Yup. Filino class so you'd better change into your uniform", wika niya. Agad naman
akong tumalima at pagkatapos magbihis ay agad na kaming sumugod sa classroom.
Bigla na lamang napadako ang tingin ng lahat sa akin nang pumasok kaming tatlo. Let
me remind myself that I'm an eyecatcher. Maliban sa katotohanang bago lang ako
dito, my bruises are very obvious, thanks to Zywon for these.
Bigla na lamang akong hinila ni Khael at dinala sa upuan ko, sa tabi ni Zywon.
"Deltran, look what you have done!"
Napaangat ng tingin si Zywon kay Khael at kapagkuway sa akin. "What now Alonzo? She
won right? Ano pa ang ikinagagalit mo?"
"Yeah, she won but she lost more. Look at her-"
"Bumalik ka na sa upuan mo Khael", pagtataboy ko sa kanya. Nagtatakang napatingin

ito sa akin. "Go. Sige na."
"But Special A-"
"I'm fine Khael. I'm alive and kicking so I'll survive", wika ko. He gave up ngunit
sinamaan muna ng tingin si Zywon bago bumalik sa pwesto niya.
"I don't know you got yourself a bodyguard", wika ni Zywon ngunit hindi man lamang
niya ako sinulyapan. Teka, ako ba ang kausap nito? Pinili ko na lamang manahimik
dahil baka mapahiya lang ako ngunit nagulat na lang ako ng ilapag niya dalawang
boxes ng transdermal patches sa harap ko.
"Salonpas lang ang maibibigay ko. Don't expect any apology from me", wika ka niya
at agad akong napatingin sa kanya.
"Anong gagawin ko dito?", I asked. Of course I know how to use those transdermal
patches. Nakakagulat lang na nagbigay ito ng ganoon.
"You can throw that away if you want to", he said at muling isinubsob ang ulo sa
mesa. That's the end of our conversation. Hindi na kasi ito nagsalita pa hanggang
sa dumating ang guro namin sa Filipino.
Hinati ang klase sa dalawang pangkat at in-assign kaming iroleplay ang ilang bahagi
ng Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo. I'm on the same group with Khael and Zywon
samantalang nasa pangkat ng El Filibusterismo naman si Jeremy. Iniwan na kami ng
guro upang makapag-usap tungkol sa roleplaying namin which will be performed
tomorrow.
"Hi everyone. My name is Sophie! Ako ang mag-aasign ng mga roles, okay lang ba?",
the girl asked at sumang-ayon naman ang bawat isa.
"Since we're going to perform Noli Me Tangere, we will have Khael as Crisostomo
Ibarra", Sophie said at hiningi ang opinyon ni Khael.
"That's fine. And we'll have Special A as Maria Clara", wika ni Khael. Napataas ang
kilay ng ilan sa mga babae na naroon at gayundin si Sophie.
"I'm afraid that she can't be Maria Clara. Si Brenda kasi dapat since bahagi siya
ng repertory guild and she already played as Maria Clara before", Sophie said at
gayundin ang gusto ng ibang mga kaklase ni Khael.
"But she's also a part of the theatre club in Bridle-"
"This is different from Bridle Khael. We can't let a Bridle student take the lead",
naiinis na wika ng babaeng tinawag nilang Brenda. Bahagya pa niya akong sinulyapan
na nakataas ang isang kilay.
"So, the one who will play as Basilio will be Zywon. Elias is Dustin and Mart will
be Crispin. And I think Sisa would be the perfect role for this Bridle Girl", wika
ni Sophie. I wanna scream on their faces that my name is Amber and not Bridle Girl
but I prevented myself from doing so.
Matapos makapag-assign ng kanya-kanyang role ay nagkasundo ang bawat isa na

magpapractice mamayang gabi sa loob ng auditorium mula 7PM hanggang 9PM since 10:30
pa lang din magsasara ang mga facilities ng Athena at alas onse pa ang curfew.
The class was dismissed at agad akong nagyaya na umuwi na. I want to read Phobie's
death notebook kaya nagmamadali ako. Hinatid ako ni Jeremy at Khael papunta sa dorm
ng mga babae.
"Bestie, ano ang nakuha mong role? Ikaw ba si Maria Clara?", Jeremy asked habang
naglalakad kami.
"Oh dude. That's what I'm hoping too since I'm Crisostomo Ibarra but unfortunately,
she's Sisa", nakasimangot na wika ni Khael.
"Sisa's fine. Kayang-kaya yan ni Bestie", wika ni Jeremy. "So you're Ibarra huh?
Well, I'm Ibarra too. Only braver, smarter, fiercer, stronger Ibarra."
"Pinahaba mo pa. Sana sinabi mo na lang na ikaw si Simoun", nakalabing wika ko at

natawa lamang si Jeremy at Khael.
Nakarating na kami sa dorm kaya nagpaalam na ako sa kanila matapos magpasalamat.

Khael reminded me of our practice tonight. I bid them goodbye at nagmadaling
tinungo ang kwarto namin ni Phobie.
Speaking of Phobie, kapag hindi ito makakauwi mamayang gabi ay ako na mismo ang
gagawa ng paraan upang hanapin ito. I won't ask help from the staffs, who knows I
might ask the wrong person and ended up asking a pawn of that 'organization.' I
tossed my bag on the bed at agad na kinuha ang notebook mula sa kinalalagyan ko at
patuloy na binasa iyon.
For the few months that passed, masasabing malaki ang ipinagbago ng blue pack drugs
and it got a name. They called it STX2, also known as Synthesis Toxin 2. I'm not a
scientist neither a science freak kaya hindi ko masyadong maintindihan ang ibang
mga sinasabi nila tungkol sa drug na ito. And God! They won't stop until they
perfected such drug.
Despite its imperfection, they began smuggling the drugs. How they do it? Well the
easiest way is through human trafficking. Yes. The case of Masao was that thing. He
was asked to carry that drug to the police commissioner.
Yes, a police commissioner! I hardly believed it at first but then it just
happened. It all happened. After using Masao, they really planned to kill him and
throw him somewhere. The organization are not looking for human testers, what they
need are carriers. They need carriers to send the drugs to their respective
clients. They got the big fishes in the country as their clients and I had a list
if their possible clients.
Engr. Romeo Benitez of RBR Builders, Inc., Mayor Cornelio Jaime, Businessman Rusty
Rodriguez of TVC Bus Company. Zacharias Tan of ZZZ Malls. Hubert Dy of Sailmax
Shipping lines. Peter Moll of WO Co., and some that I can't recall because I'm
shaking as I listened to them.
Nabulag sila sa magandang epekto ng STX2, without considering its adverse effect. I
heard about Peter Moll's stroke at malabo nang maging Okay ito dahil sa epekto ng
drugs. The drugs prevent the body from creating anti-bodies na makalatulong sana sa
kanya. Yeah, I think he overdosed the drug which was still under study.
I don't have a clear picture on this but I had heard that Athena High is a front
institution of a mafia that they called Vander Mafia. They're talking about gods
and goddesses and how the doctors hated the mafia for being the frontliner when it
comes to mafia business. They hated someone that they call Cronus. They hated
Tartarus and all those greek gods and goddesses that they named. They even talked
about an incident many years ago. They killed a pregnant woman named Sweet Vander.
That's what I've heard.
Pregnant, goodness! How could those bad guys kill a pregnant woman! Kawawa ang
batang nasa sinapupunan ng pinaslang nila. He wasn't even given the chance to see
the Earth. But that was few years ago, and they're still planning STX2 that time.
They call someone in the organization as Brain. Yes, their leader was Brain. He
himself wanted to try the drug but he knew about its effect so he used his pawns
instead.
Enough with the mafia and those bad guys, let's talk about the drug itself. By the
way, I felt ecstatic when I used the drug. Believe it or not but I knew every thing
that people were gonna do that time. I don't know if it's part of hallucinations or
being under the drugs makes you delusional but I see ahead. They come through
flashforwards. I really saw the light and soundwaves that travels. I felt so smart
at all but it only lasted for 3 minutes. Yes, 3 minutes only and that's why the
organization is still rooting for the drugs' perfection to make its effect long-
lasting.
Napatigil ako sa pagbabasa ng makaramdam ako ng init. It's been a sweaty and tiring
day and I haven't cleaned myself after PE class so I decided to went to the CR.
Itinago ko ang notebook sa ilalim ng unan at kumuha ng tuwalya bago pumasok sa
banyo. It took a while bago ako lumabas at hinigpitan ko ang pagkakahawak sa
tuwalya na nasa ulo ko. I sensed something. Something doesn't felt right.
Iginala ko ang paningin sa loob ng kwarto. Nothing seemed contrieved. Wala ring
nabago sa mga bagay na naroon. Bigla kong nayakap ang sarili ko ng makaramdam ako
ng malamig na hangin na dumampi sa balat ko.
That's it! The windows! I don't remember opening the windows! Agad kong tinakbo ang
direksyon ng bintana. Could it be Phobie? I checked downwards ngunit walang sign na
may tao doon. Bigla na lamang akong kinabahan at napatingin sa kama ko. I
immediately ran towards the bed and checked if the notebook is still there ngunit
wala na iyon sa ilalim ng unan!
"Damn!" Someone really visited our room and stole the notebook but who could have
done it? How did that someone knew about that notebook?! Could it be someone part
of the organization who got Phobie and he came to retrieve the notebook? Mas lalo
akong sinalakay ng kaba dahil sa mga pinag-iisip ko. I almost jumped in surprise
when my phone rang. Agad ko iyong sinagot nang makita ang pangalan ni Khael sa
caller ID.
"Special A, where are you? Let's have dinner at nang sabay na tayong pumunta sa
auditorium. We'll wait for you here in the cafeteria", wika nito. I agreed at agad
na pinatay ang tawag bago nagmadaling umalis sa kwarto.
Pagdating ko sa cafeteria ay naghihintay roon si Khael at Jeremy. Agad silang

umorder nang makakain pagdating ko. While waiting for the food ay bigla na lamang
tumunog ang cellphone ni Khael at agad naman iyong sinagot ng huli.
"Yo, Silvan", bati ni Khael at napatigil ako. Gray called him? "Awwww!" Bigla na
lamang nailayo ni Khael ang cellphone mula sa tenga niya.
Uh, what happened?!
"Chill Silvan. You don't have to shout. Of course I deliberately failed the exams",
nakangising wika ni Khael. I cannot hear Gray from the other side dahil hindi iyon
ipina-loudspeaker ni Khael.
"What?", Khael asked at bigla na lamang sumeryoso ang mukha nito. "Actually I want
to talk to you Silvan about the peculiarities here in Athena and it has something
to do with that blue things that you are saying. "
Blue things? Bigla ko na lamang hinablot ang cellphone mula kay Khael. "Gray what's
with those blue pack?"
"Amber! I've been calling you but you're not answering your phone. I received the
photo of you that Jeremy sent me! And I will never forgive Zy-"
"Gray, let's not talk about me. I'm asking for those blue packs. The same one that
we saw in Lowie's things", wika ko. Marami pang panahon para pag-usapan namin ang
tungkol sa laban namin ni Zywon kanina but anything that concern those drugs cannot
wait any longer. It's now or never.
"Amber-" His voice was interrupted by a sweet voice which was very familiar.
"Gray, kumain na tayo", malambing na wika ni Math. I made a face when I remember
that they're together. Ayoko nang isipin ang mga posibleng gawin ni Math kay Gray.
Bigla na lamang namatay ang tawag kaya ibinalik ko na kay Khael ang kanyang
cellphone.
"Anong sabi?", Jeremy asked and I just shrugged my shoulders. I'm pissed and I
don't know why.
"Kumain na nga tayo", wika ni Khael at agad na nilantakan ang pagkain na inilapag
ng cafeteria staff sa harap namin. Matapos kumain ay nagpaalam na si Jeremy dahil
may practice din ang grupo nila sa gym.
Habang naglalakad kami ni Khael papunta sa Auditorium ay hindi mawala sa isip ko

ang intruder na nagnakaw sa notebook ni Phobie. If it is someone who's from the
organization, my life would surely be at risk. Malamang ay alam na nito na nabasa
ko na ang laman ng notebook na iyon.
"Hoy, Special A! Sabi ko, kumusta ang katawan mo", Khael asked. Nasa harapan ko na
pala ito at iwinagayway sa harap ko ang kanyang mga palad.
"A-ayos lang naman ako Khael. You don't have to worry", sagot ko sa kanya. Yeah I'm
fine. Kailangan ko lamang ng pahinga at ilang pain relievers.
"Tell me what's bothering you Special A", wika ni Khael. That's one of the best
thing with Khael. He knows when something's wrong. He's not dense when it comes to
some things.
Nag-alangan ako kung sasabihin ko ba ang tungkol sa nalalaman ko but knowing his
detective side ay malalaman at malalaman din nito ang tungkol doon lalo na at
nagdududa na rin ito sa ilang staffs ng Athena.
"Can I trust you with this Khael?", I asked.
"Well, I won't say yes but I'll say try me. I knew you had trust issues basing on
your past experiences since you don't know how to trust. No, maybe I should say you
trust the wrong people. And I'm saying I'm not one of those wrong people so you can
trust me", wika ni Khael.
Napatingin ako sa kanya ng masinsinan."Khael, something's not right here in

Athena."
"I'm aware of that Special A", sagot niya. "I know something is not right here."
Tiningnan ko siya na tila ba nababahala. "My roommate is nowhere to be found at
marami siyang nalalaman tungkol sa mga nangyayari dito."
"Who's your roommate?", nagtatakang tanong niya.
"Phobie Villarin."
"Phobie! She tried talking to me once ngunit hindi na iyon naulit pa. She's been
bullied by some girls and yeah, it's about those things and she's saying something
about some bad guys", wika ni Khael.
"Khael! Bridle Girl! Kanina pa kayo hinihintay sa auditorium", tawag ng isang

kaklase namin. Nagkatinginan lang kami ni Khael at nagpasyang mamaya na lamang pag-
usapan ang tungkol doon.
"Can you please tell them that my name's Amber and not Bridle Girl?", wika ko at
natawa lang ito bago ako hinila papunta sa direksyon ng auditorium.
Agad na nagsimula ang practice ng makarating kami roon. Hindi ang buong storya ang
iroroleplay dahil kailangan lamang naming pumili ng ilang eksena and they chose
Sisa's scene and Elias' death.
It was almost 9 nang matapos kami. Pasalampak na naupo si Zywon sa isa sa mga upuan
at ipinikit ang mata. It's so awkward dahil may eksena kaming dalawa tapos hindi pa
kami close.
"Okay na yun. Hoy Bridle Girl, ayusin mo ang script mo bukas ha! Lagot ka sa amin
kapag hindi mo inayos, dito pa naman sa auditorium natin gagawin kaya wala na
tayong problema sa blocking", wika ni Sophie.
"Her name is Amber. Stop calling her Bridle Girl", wika ni Khael.
"Parehas lang iyon", sagot ni Sophie at naupo na rin sa sahig kasama ang mga
kasamahan namin.
"Why don't we see for ourselves if the seven wonders of Athena are true?",
suhestiyon ng kaklase namin na si Eldrin.
Meh! Seven wonders of Athena huh? Don't tell me it's gonna be a story of a running
anatomy
figure, moving statues, dolls showing up in the hall with the students' names and
other creepy stuffs?
"Oh, nalukot yang mukha mo? You don't believe in the seven wonders of Athena?",
tanong ni Khael sa akin.
"Wala akong panahon para takutin ang sarili ko", wika ko sa kanya. God! Kung totoo
man iyon, this is not the right time to talk about it.
"Hindi ka takot?", he asked me and I shook my head. Kapag ipinakita kong takot ako
ay baka mas takutin pa nila ako.
"Eh ano yang nasa gilid mo?", one of my classmate asked at nang lingunin ko ang
direksyong sinabi nito ay nagulat ako ng makita ang isang mukha na puno ng buhok!
Agad kong nasuntok dahil sa gulat ang mukhang iyon at agad namang natumba ang
kaklase kong nagsuot pala ng wig na kinuha nito mula sa props room ng auditorium.
"Shit! Damn! Are you sure you're a lady?", naiinis na wika nito habang sinasapo ang
duguang ilong. Served him right! If they're looking for someone to scare, well I'm
not the right person. Tinawanan lamang ito ng iba naming kaklase at nagpasya silang
libutin ang buong Athena.
"Liligawin lang natin ang magroronda na guard", wika ni Mart. "Dalawang pangkat
tayo. Bumalik tayo sa labas ng auditorium pagsapit ng alas dose. Deal?"
"Deal!", sang-ayon ng iba. Tumayo naman ako at pinagpagan ang sarili. Hindi ako
sasali sa kahibangan nila.
"Hey, Bridle girl. Where are you going?" Napatingin ang lahat sa akin ng bigla na
lamang may nagtanong. Balak ko sanang umalis ng hindi nagpapaalam kaso mas nauna
akong tawagin ng kaklase ko.
"To the dormitory", sagot ko.
Natawa ito bigla. "Wag mong sabihing natatakot ka? Is that how Bridle trained their
students? Nakakafrustrate naman. Mataas pa naman ang expectation ko."
Napataas ang isang kilay ko sa sinabi nito. Ano ang kinalaman ng pagiging takot sa
training ng isang eskwelahan?
"Paranormal activity is not my thing. Kung balak ninyong mag-ghost hunting, then go
ahead. Wag niyo akong idadamay", wika ko.
Nagpa-boo ang iba pa naming mga kaklase. Kesyo daw matatakutin ako. Naiinis na ako
sa pangangantyaw nila at dinamay pa nila ang Bridle! That's it!
"Fine!", nakataas noo na wika ko. I'll do it. Hindi naman siguro ako pababayaan ni
Khael.
"Fine what? Sasama ka?", paninigurado ni Mart.
"Yes. Sasama ako", wika ko at naging maingay ulit. Hinati na kami sa dalawang
pangkat at kasama ko sina Khael at Zywon. Hindi nagsasalita si Zywon kanina pa lang
at hindi ko alam kung sasama nga ba talaga ito.
Nagsimula na kaming lumakad at inuna namin ang library. Pito kami sa grupo namin.
Tatlong babae at apat na lalaki. We slowly snuck inside the library. Madilim doon
at tanging ang poste sa labas ang nagsisilbing ilaw namin.
"Just stay close to me Special A", bulong ni Khael at nagtatakang napatingin ako sa
kanya. "What?", he asked.
"Bakit nanlalamig ka yata?", I asked. He was sweating all over at nanlalamig talaga
ito. Takot din ito?
"Huh? Hindi naman ah", patay malisyang wika nito. Hinawakan ko ulit ang kamay niya.
Nanlalamig talaga ito, no doubt.
"You can't fool me. Mas takot ka pa pala sa akin", natatawang wika ko sa kanya.
"Special A naman eh! I'm trying my very best here to be cool ngunit pinapaalala mo
naman sa akin na matatakutin ako", he said with a pout. "Damn Silvan for this! Siya
ang mahilig manakot sa akin dati kaya lumaki akong ganito."
Bigla na lamang napasigaw si Sophie. "T-the book! I-it's scanning on its own and
there's a shadow of the ghost!"
Napakapit si Khael sa braso ko. Uh, and here I am thinking hindi ako pababayaan ni
Khael kapag may nangyaring nakakatakot, well I guess it's the other way round.
"Athena High School Wonder Number 1, the mystery of the scanning shadow ghost",
wika ni Dustin.
Nilagpasan kami ni Zywon at lumapit siya sa malaking libro na tinuro ni Sophie.

"This isn't a mystery at all. Look, the book is scanning all by itself dahil
malapit ito sa nakabukas na bintana na kapag natatamaan ng hangin ay malilipat
talaga ang pahina. As of the shadow, it's from the bust statue of Rizal up there",
paliwanag ni Zywon. Umihip ang malamyos na hangin at gaya ng sinabi nito ay nalipat
nga ang pahina ng aklat. "See?"
Nakahinga ng maluwag ang mga kaklase namin at gayundin si Khael. "Sabi ko na nga ba
na dahil iyon sa bust statue", wika ni Khael. Inilibot namin ang kabuoan ng library
and so far ay wala namang nakakatakot doon. Lumabas kami ng library at nagtungo sa
music room. Pagpasok namin ay nagyakapan na ang mga kaklase kong babae samantalang
nagtapang-tapangan naman ang mga lalaki. I'm scared too but a more scared Khael
beside me made me feel so brave. Parang gusto kong takutin ito dahil nakakatuwa
itong tingnan.
Pagpasok namin ay bigla na lamang tumunog ang organ sanhi upang tumili ang nga
kaklase ko. Muli iyong tumunog na tila ba pinindot ang kung anu-anong key.
"Shit! Ito na nga ang Athena High School Wonder number 2. The haunted organ!",
nanginginig na wika ng isa kong kaklase na si Mart.
Damn! Where did they got those idea about the seven wonders of Athena?! Sila lang
naman ang tumatakot sa sarili nila. Tumunog muli ang organ and I screamed my heart
out when I saw two pairs of green eyes. Napasigaw din sina Sophie at Mary at sabay
na napatakbo paalis ng music room kaya lima na lamang kaming naiwan doon.
"Tsk. Girls are so noisy. It's just a cat", wika ni Zywon at inilawan ang itim na
pusa na nakapatong sa organ. Nagulat ito sa pag-ilaw at napatakbo paalis, stepping
on every key na sanhi ng pagtunog ng organ. "See? No mystery at all."
Damn! Bakit itim ang pusang gala na nakatira sa music room? Nakakatakot naman
talaga nang makita ko ang pares ng mata nito kanina. Besides, black cats are known
to draw bad lucks pero hindi ako naniniwala doon. Siniko ko ng mahina si Khael.
"Hoy buhay ka pa dyan?", tanong ko sa kanya at sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. Mukhang
nagulat din ito sa mata ng pusa kanina. Nagyaya na itong umalis ng music room kaya
agad kaming lumabas at naglakad sa pasilyo ng skwelahan.
"Khael, how are you?", pangungumusta ko sa kanya.
"Alive and hardly breathing", sagot nito. "We should have been staying at the
dormitory at this hour at tulog na. Bakit ba kasi pumayag pa ako sa kahibangan
nila? Wala naman talagang misteryo dito", wika ni Khael ngunit bigla na lamang
itong napatalon sa gulat. "Jesus! Something cold just dropped on my nape!"
"Athena High School Wonder Number 3. Dripping Corridor. Ayon sa sabi-sabi ay may
tumutulo sa corridor na ito, possibly blood-"
"Shut up Dustin! Kanina ka pa! Stop scaring us!", singhal ni Khael sa kasama namin.
"Shit, is this really blood?" Hinawakan niya ang kanyang batok at sinipat ang kamay
kung sakaling may dugo nga roon.
"For a detective, it's ironic to knew that you're scared of ghosts Alonzo", komento
ni Zywon. Tila bored na bored ito sa ginagawa namin. Kanina pa ito nakapamulsa na
tila ba hindi man lamang natatakot sa mga nangyayari.
"Wala kang pakialam doon Deltran", Khael said at tiningnan ito ng masama.
"Well, let me solve this mystery for you, Mr. Detective. Oh, it's not even right to
say that this is a mystery. Kaya may tumutulo sa corridor na ito ay dahil sa old
air conditioning system na nagmumula sa third floor. Look above", Zywon said at
napatingin ako doon. Mayroon ngang aircon doon and something dropped on ny
forehead. Nanggaling iyon sa airconditioner.
"Just as I thought", nakapoker face na wika ni Khael. "Tumahimik ka kasi Dustin.

Kung anu-ano lang kasi ang pinagsasabi mo."
We passed on the corridors and we headed straight towards the laboratory. Lima na
lamang kami at ako na lamang ang babaeng naroon. Mart pushed the glass door at agad
kaming pumasok sa laboratory. Malawak rin ang laboratory ng Athena. If someone
would scheme another crime here just like what Marion did at Bridle ay isang
perpektong lugar din ang laboratory na iyon. Napangiwi ako nang makita ang human
anatomy figure. Isa iyon sa mga ayaw kong makita lalo na at gabi. Ang mga cellphone
lamang namin ang nagsisilbing liwanag sa madilim na facility.
"Oh, napasok na natin to, wala namang -". Napahinto ako ng makarinig ako ng
paghihilik.
"Who's that?", wika ni Khael at nilingon ang paligid. Mga human anatomy statue ang
naroon at mayroon ding mannequin na nakahiga. Saglit kaming natahimik and I grabbed
Khael's shirt ng makasigurong mayroon ngang humihilik and it was from the lying
mannequin! Shit!
"Khael!", I called his name ngunit kung gaano ako kalamig dahil sa takot ay triple
yata ang panlalamig nito. Yeah, you can trust Khael to save you at desperate times
like jumping in front of a train for you but times like this? Ahhh! Hindi ko ito
maaasahan.
"Shit! Special A, naiihi ako!", he said. "This is so embarrassing! Argh! Si Silvan

talaga ang dahilan ng lahat ng ito."
"Athena High School Wonder number 4. The snoring mannequin", nanginginig na wika ni
Dustin.
"Dustin wag na wag kang magpapakita sa akin bukas", banta ni Khael. "Jesus! Does
that mannequin really snored?"
"Tsk. Wala na ba kayong gagawin kundi ang matakot?", Zywon asked. Lumapit siya sa
kama kung nasaan nakahiga ang life size mannequin. Tinanggal niya ang kumot na
nakatabing sa katawan ng mannequin at nalantad ang natutulog na security guard.
"He's the mystery behind the snoring mannequin. Hindi ba kayo nagtataka kung bakit
wala sa labas ang nakaassign na guard sa laboratory?", Zywon said at tiningnan ang
natutulog na guard. Humilik ito at napaubo ngunit hindi nagising.
"Humanda ka Manong Guard! Ikaw pala yung narinig ko noong nakaraan!", naiinis na
wika ni Khael. "Umalis na nga tayo dito." Hinila ako ni Khael palabas ng laboratory
at sumunod naman ang iba sa amin.
Dumaan kami sa poolside kung saan nakarinig kami ng lagapak sa tubig na tila ba may
tumalon. Napakapit ulit si Khael sa akin at nagyayang umalis na doon.
"Pasukin natin ang pool", wika ni Zywon at napamulagat kaming lahat sa kanya.
Nababaliw na ba ito? Iniiwasan nga naming matakot tapos siya gustong pasukin iyon?
"Athena High School Wonder number 5, the paddling phantom", wika ni Dustin na agad
ding tumahimik dahil tiningnan ng masama ni Khael.
"Paddling phantom eh? Sounds interesting", wika ni Zywon at inakyata ang gate. Nang
makababa ito ay agad niya kaming binuksan. "Why don't we discover who is that
phantom?"
"Umuwi na kaya tayo?", suhestiyon ni Mart. Zywon gave him dark glances.
"Kayo ang nagyaya nito tapos kayo ang unang matatakot?", tanong niya. Nagkatinginan
lang kami bago sumunod sa kanya papunta sa loob ng pool area. Sigurado kami sa
narinig naming pagaspas ng tubig kanina na tila ba may tumalon at lumangoy doon
ngunit wala namang tao doon.
"Heck! Who was the one who just swim? I'm sure someone was swimming on the water a
while ago!", natatarantang wika ni Dustin.
Lumapit si Zywon sa poolside at tiningnan ang paligid niyon. "Well, someone's

swimming. Kung sino ka man, lumabas ka na!", wika nito at hinintay na may lumabas
ngunit tahimik lang ang paligid. Nababaliw na ba si Zywon para isiping may tao
doon?
"Yan nga kasi ang paddling phantom -"
"Just wait for a while. He won't be able to hold his breath anymore", Zywon said at
hindi kalaunan ay dahan-dahang umahon ang isang lalaki! How come!? No one was in
the water! Nakatungo ito ng umahon ito.
"So you're the one who's been scaring people?", tanong ni Mart sa lalaki na agad
din namang umiling.
"Hindi ako nananakot! Nag-eensayo lang ako kapag gabi", tanggi nito.
"But you're not in the water!", wika ni Dustin.
"Nasa tubig siya. There's probably a big aquarium there na ginamit niya upang hindi
siya makita", Khael said at napatingin ako sa kanya. An aquarium?
"Yes. Gumamit ako ng malaking aquarium to hide from the guards. Pinapaalis kasi
nila ako kapag sumapit na ang alas nuebe ng gabi. Saktong nakita ko ang trick na
ito sa isang palabas so I used it upang hindi limitado ang pag-eensayo ko", sagot
ng lalaki. "Naghahanda kasi ako para sa Swimming contest na sasalihan ko. I was
picked to represent Athena and I cannot afford to lose."
"Goodluck then", wika ni Zywon at umalis na doon. Sumunod kami sa kanya as he

walked towards the gymnasium. We heard indistinct voices and steps. Napahawak ako
sa braso ni Khael na napahawak din sa braso ko. Great. Just great.
"Naririnig niyo ba ang naririnig ko?", biglang tanong ni Mart. Saglit kaming
tumahimik at nakinig sa paligid. Someone was crying!
What the hell!
Someone was really crying! A woman to be exact!
"Athena High School Wonder Number 6. Lost Souls. Palaging may nakakarinig ng boses
ng babae at lalaki dito sa gym and now it's a weeping sound of a lady. Ayon sa
sabi-sabi ay kaluluwa iyon ng magkasintahan na pinatay dito sa gym-"
"Dustin, magiging isa ka talaga sa lost soul dito sa Athena kung hindi ka tumahimik
dyan!", banta ni Khael. "Who the fuck created those seven wonders? Kahit na hindi
naman pala totoo, nakakatakot pa rin naman! May mga tao talagang walang magawa sa
buhay- Hoy wag kang pumasok dyan Deltran!", tawag ni Khael nang tinanggal ni Zywon
ang kadena ng gym. Hindi iyon nakalock kaya madali lang itong nakapasok.
"Kung susunod kayo, then good. If not, still good", wika nito at pumasok.
Nagkatinginan kaming lahat at nagtatalo ang kalooban kung susunod ba kami kay Zywon
and in the end, we decided to follow inside.
Patuloy lamang ang tunog ng babaeng umiiyak. Damn! Nanlalamig na naman ako! Is this
weeping lady's real? Umakyat si Zywon sa isa sa mga bleachers and checked
something.
"Found it", bulalas niya ag agad kaming napasugod doon. May babaeng umiiyak doon at
nagulat pa ito ng makita kami. Agad itong napatayo at inilayo ang kanyang sarili
mula sa amin.
"Anong ginagawa niyo dito?", tanong ng babae. Hindi ko masyadong maaninag ang mukha
nito dahil madilim doon at napakabastos naman kung itatapat ko ang flashlight ng
cellphone ko sa mukha nito.
"We should be asking you the same question Miss. Bakit ba dito mo napiling
magsenti? Alam mo bang muntik na akong maihi dahil sayo?", wika ni Khael.
"My - my boyfriend left me for some other girl", wika nito at muling umiyak. Meh!
Love problems!?
"Yan ang pinoproblema mo kaya napili mong umiyak dito without thinking na halos
atakihin na sa takot ang mga nakakarinig sa pag-iyak mo?", naiinis na wika ni
Dustin sa babae.
"Kasi- kasi dito kami madalas na magkita dati", sumisinghot pa ang babae habang
nagsasalita. "Pero ngayon wala na. Wala na si Austen ko!"
I wanna roll my eyes on the girl. Nawalan lang ito ng boyfriend, hindi buhay. Oh,
maybe I couldn't understand her. I never had a boyfriend.
"Nakakabadtrip! Wala man lamang bang totoo doon sa seven wonders ng Athena?", inis
na tanong ni Mart habang papalabas kami ng gym. We already pacified the girl at
sinabihan itong wag sa gym manatili kapag ganoong emosyonal ito dahil unknowingly,
she scare some people. Gayun na din para sa kaligtasan nito.
Nasa abandoned buildings kami dahil iyon ang pinakamalapit na daan mula sa gym
pabalik sa labas ng auditorium. May mga CR din kasi sa dakong iyon.
"Naiihi na talaga ako!", Khael exclaimed. "Daan muna tayo sa CR please?"
"Ako din", wika ni Dustin.
"Mas lalo na ako, kanina pa ako naiihi!", Mart said at nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Sabay-sabay kayong maiihi? Paano naman ako?", tanong ko. God! There's no way that
I will wait for them outside the CR alone!
"Mamaya na kayo Dustin, ako muna mauuna", wika ni Khael.
"Pare, sasabog na talaga!", reklamo ni Dustin.
"Ako din, can't hold it back anymore!", Mart said at tumakbo na rin papunta sa
male's CR. Oh, nag-ala Frozen pa ito.
"Ako na lang ang magbabantay sa kanya", wika ni Zywon. Tiningnan niya ako bago
naupo sa isang tabi.
"I'll be back right away Special A, hintayin mo lang ako dito", wika ni Khael.
Tumango ako sa kanya at agad itong pumasok sa CR.
Naiwan kami ni Zywon doon at masyadong awkward dahil hindi niya ako kinakausap.
Lumapit ako sa isang abandonadong building at sumandal sa isang haligi but to my
surprise, gumalaw iyon! A revolving door!
I screamed when I fell into the ground after mabuksan ang revolving door at agad na
napasunod si Zywon sa akin. Tinulungan niya akong tumayo at nilingon namin ang
paligid. It wasn't the inside of the abandoned building dahil tila iyon isang
matandang library. There's a secret library here?
Nakarinig kami ng mga kaluskos kaya bumulong sa akin si Zywon. "Hinaan mo ang boses
mo. I guess we're not the only ones here."
Naglakad siya papasok sa loob ng tila library at nakasunod ako sa likuran niya.
Madilim ang paligid ngunit sa isang sulok ay may maliit na tanglaw ng ilaw! May
ibang tao nga doon!
I felt my heart tightened like it will burst inside my chest. Sobra-sobra ang
nararamdaman kong kaba habang nakatingin sa tanglaw ng ilaw. What if those are
people who's part of the organization? Matutulad ba kami sa kahihinatnan ni Masao?
But it could be Phobie! Pwede rin namang ito pala ang hideout ni Phobie! Kahit
kinakabahan ay dahan-dahan kaming lumapit ni Zywon doon. He saw an old mop at agad
niyang kinuha iyon, for self-defense.
Habang papalapit ay mas lalo akong kinakabahan. It was a guy! A shirtless guy na
nakatalikod sa amin habang may tinitingnan sa mga folder na nakakalat doon. The guy
had a broad back at may malaking peklat ito sa likod na tila ba tinaga.
"Athena High School Wonder number 7, the scarred man", bulong ni Zywon sa akin.
"This is the third time that I have seen such man but I never had the chance to see
his face. I don't like his presence. I sensed danger."
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", nagtatakang tanong ko sa kanya. He sensed danger?

Danger for what?
"Listen Sison. I don't know why you're sticking your nose in this business. I don't
think you're directly involved in this thing especially about those blue drugs. I
knew about it and I'm the one who stole the notebook on your room-"
"How dare you! That notebook was for me-"
"Let's not talk about it now. Isa pa ay ninakaw din sa akin ang notebook even
before I had the chance to read it. As of now, we need to seize that scarred man",
wika niya at tiningnan ang lalaki na abala pa rin sa ginagawa nitong pagbabasa.
Malakas ang kabog ng dibdib ko. My God, we'll be doomed if that guy is armed at
mahuli kami. Habang papalapit kami ay unti-unti kong naaaninag ang malaking peklat
nito sa likod. It must have hurt a lot when it was still fresh.
Bago pa man naihampas ni Zywon ang dalang map sa lalaki ay nauna na itong lumingon
sa direksyon namin at itinutok ang baril. My eyes widened as I recognized who it
was.
"RYU?!"
"Amber? What the hell are you doing here?", tanong nito at pinaglipat ang tingin sa
amin ni Zywon. "And who's this guy?" Inibaba niya ang hawak na baril.
"Who are you?", tanong din ni Zywon dito. Ryu gave him a smirk ngunit hindi niyon
natinag si Zywon.
Napahawak ako sa ulo ko at naguguluhang napatingin kay Ryu. "I'm an exchange

student and I accidentally discovered this revolving door. Ikaw, what are you doing
here?"
"Mafia works", wika nito at bahagyang tinapunan ng tingin si Zywon.
"You're one of those mafia guys?", tanong nito ngunit hindi ito pinansin ni Ryu.
"Ryu, you're a terrible liar. If it's mafia works, then they should have sent a
reaper and not you", wika ko sa kanya. The devil must be up to something and I know
it's not a mafia order.
Bahagya itong napahinto ngunit saglit lang iyon. "Fine. This is more of a personal
duty than a mafia task. And I'm doing it on my own so please leave and bring along
your dog with you", he said with a smirk. Did he just said DOG?
"Excuse me? Are you saying that I'm a dog? Even if you're part of the mafia, I'm
not afraid of you. If you're from Vander Mafia then better prepare for my revenge",
mahinahong wika ni Zywon but I sensed danger in his words.
"I don't know how you were able to acquire knowledge about the Vander Mafia and I
also admire your courage for declaring such war but your wrath is least of my
concern. I've got personal issues here too", wika ni Ryu. Gusto kong sabihin sa
kanya ang tungkol sa death note na iniwan ni Phobie ngunit mukhang seryoso ito sa
ginagawa nito kung ano man ang pinagkakaabalahan nito.
"Ryu what happened to your back?", I asked. Teka, bakit ba nakatopless ito?
"Where's your shirt by the way?"
"I took it of. Masyadong mainit dito sa lumang library. And don't mind my scar. I'm
a fallen angel and that's the scar of my wings-"
"Hindi ka nakakatawa", putol ko sa kanya. I'm not really sure if he's joking when
he said those. He's face was very serious.
"Those are scars of the past Amber. Just don't asked what caused those", sagot
nito. He continued scanning the folders. He must be looking for some guy.
"It must have hurt a lot when it's still fresh", komento ko habang nakatitig sa
kanyang peklat. I prevented the urge to touch his scar. Who would have thought that
behind his evil smirking face is a scar which evokes
some bad memories of yesterday?
"Surely a real pain", komento ni Zywon. Isa pa ito. Malaki marahil ang galit nito
sa Vander Mafia but he's considering not to burst out even if he knew that Ryu's
part of the mafia. O kaya naman ay hindi lang ito gumagawa ng hakbang dahil armado
si Ryu. Whatever his reason for his hatred to the mafia, it must have been great
dahil umabot pa ito sa point na gusto nitong makaganti.
"It's nothing than the imaginary pain that's haunting me", wika ni Ryu. Bigla na
lamang nitong ikinasa ang baril at itinapat iyon kay Zywon. "I don't need your
opinion here."
Kahit nakatapat sa mukha nito ang baril ay wala man lamang takot ang mababakas sa
mukha nito. Mas ninerbiyos pa ako habang nakatingin sa kanila.
"Pwede ba devil! That's the second time that you pointed a gun at him!", saway ko
sa kanya. Tinapunan niya ako ng tingin ngunit hindi niya ibinaba ang baril.
"Shoot then", hamon ni Zywon. Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ni Ryu sa baril. Marahil ay
pinipigilan nito ang sarili na kumawala ang galit. A devil just met another devil.
"Aalis na kami. I want to talk to you one of these days Ryu. Ako na mismo ang
pupunta sa mansion", wika ko. "Goodnight." Hinila ko si Zywon palayo doon ngunit
nakatitig pa rin ito sa galit na pigura ni Ryu kahit pa hinila ko na ito palayo.
"My God Zywon, what were you thinking!", wika ko nang makalabas kami sa revolving
door. Nakatangis lang ang bagang nito at nagpipigil ng galit.
"I will crash Vander Mafia. Maghintay lamang sila", he said with a clenched fist.
"Hoy." Pukaw ko sa kanya. Mukhang matindi nga ang galit nito.
Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. "Who are you Amber Sison?"
Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. He's asking me who am I? "You already said it. I'm
Amber Sison."
"Not that. The real you. Bakit alam mo ang tungkol sa mafia? Are you part of them?
Bakit ka nakikialam sa nangyayari dito sa Athena? How much do you knew about the
blue drugs? Sino ka ba talaga?", deretsahang tanong nito. Pakiramdam ko ay ginigisa
ako sa korte dahil sa mga tanong nito.
"I'm not part of the mafia. I'm just-" Napatigil ako. Ano nga ba ako sa mafia?
What? Just once their prospect reaper. "Mahirap ipaliwanag. Ang masasabi ko lang ay
may nalalaman ako."
"I still don't get it", wika niya. He's still not convinced about my identity. Tila
naging maingat ito sa pakik
CHAPTER 24: LETTERS TO JEREMY

Chapter 24: Letters to Jeremy
A/N: Sobrang late na ang pagpost ko ng UD pero marami namang nocturnal dito kaya
okay lang. My greetings to Kim Ignacio Tayao! Hi!
Editor Melody is back and I wanna prepare some Melonshake for her. xD
***************************
Napahikab ako habang hinihintay ang guro para sa first subject namin. It was almost
1 in the morning nang makabalik ako sa dorm kagabi. I texted Khael na panay din
pala ang paglilibot kagabi kasama sina Mart at Dustin. Kasalukuyan
din itong nakasubsob sa mesa niya dahil inaantok din. Pinakiramdaman ko si Zywon sa
tabi ko. Wala itong sinabi mula nang dumating ako. Ni hindi nga man lamang ito nag-
angat ng tingin.
Dumating na ang guro at nagsimula na ang klase. I did my best upang makinig at
pilit na ininda ang antok na humihila sa akin. My body still hurts like hell.
Tinadtad ko na ng
salonpas ang katawan ko ngunit masakit pa rin iyon. The bruises are still visible
too lalo na ang pasa na nasa gilid ng labi ko. Nang tumunog ang bell tanda na break
time na ay agad na nilapitan ako ni Jeremy sa upuan
ko. Wala sana akong balak lumabas dahil gusto kong matulog ngunit heto si Jeremy at
nangungulit.
"Bestie, gising! Nahawa ka na ba dito sa seatmate mo at naging saksakan ka na ng

tamad- oops. Ibig kong sabihin, nahilig ka sa pagtulog", wika nito at paulit-ulit
na akong inalog.
"Je, I'm tired", wika ko. Kahit magsalita man lang ay kinatamaran ko.
"Anong ginawa ninyo ni Khael kagabi? Bakit parang puyat kayo? Aba! Makakarating
ulit ito
sa asawa mo!", he said na ikinakunot ng noo ko.
Napatuwid ng upo si Zywon. Marahil ay naingayan din ito kay Jeremy. "Wala akong
asawa Je kaya tumahimik ka dyan
at lumayas ka sa harapan ko", wika ko sa kanya. Yeah, I'm seeing beds, comforters
and pillows.
"Aba! Ide-deny mo pa si Gray Ivan Silvan? Makakarating", wika ni Je at napansin ko

ang pagstiff ng anyo ni Zywon. Does he despise
Gray so much? Tumayo ako sa upuan ko at naglakad palabas. "Fine. Kung gusto mong
kumain edi kakain tayo", wika ko. I saw him called Khael na kahit tinatamad ay
tumayo pa rin.
"Khael", tawag ko dito.
"Hmmm?"
"Naalala mo ba nung nagbasketball kayo nina Cooler sa Bridle?", I asked. Hindi pa

rin kasi ako matahimik sa peklat ni Ryu na nakita ko kagabi. It's been bugging me
since last night.
"Of course. We won that game at ako lamang ang nagpanalo nun. Wala akong aasahan
kay Silvan kapag basketball but I must admit that his big bro is good at it too but
not an inch better than me", pagyayabang nito. Well that's him. Birds with the same
feathers flock together and since mayabang si Gray, I already expected the same on
Khael.
"Walang nanalo kasi hinimatay ka. Ang weak mo kasi", nakangiwing wika ko sa kanya.
He was sick that time ngunit nagyabang pa rin ito na kailangan ni Gray ng tulong.
It was indeed a good game, though
Cooler and him are good in basketball samantalang parehas namang bokya sina Ryu at
Gray.
"Kahit na. Ako lang kaya ang nakakashoot nun. Bakit mo nga pala natanong?"
"Do you remember seeing a big scar on Ryu's back? Hindi ko kasi maalala na meron
pala siyang peklat eh", wika ko sa kanya.
Bigla na lamang niya akong kinurot. "Ikaw Special A ha! Di mo naman sinasabing type
mo
pala ang abs ko kaya wala ka ng nakitang iba kundi ang abs ko lang. It's okay
Special A I understand", natatawang wika nito.
I gave him a deadly glare. "Keep dreaming Mikmik."
"Pero seryoso Special A. He did have a big scar on his back. Kaya pala saka lang
niya hinubad ang damit niya ng malapit ng matapos ang laro tapos agad pa siyang
nagsuot ng sando", Khael said. So mayroon nga siyang malaking peklat? But
how did he acquired it?
"Hindi ko talaga napansin."
"Wag ka kasing mamesmerize ng sobra sa abs ko Special A", he said with a wide grin.
"Wala naman akong napansing abs sayo ah. Puro ribs", sagot ko sa kanya.
"Hinahamon mo yata ako Special A. Is that your way of saying that I should strip
and show you my abs?"
Sasagot na sana ako ngunit naunang magsalita si Jeremy. "Anong usapang abs niyo
dyan? Hali na kayo."
Nasa tapat na pala kami ng cafeteria. Pagpasok namin ay agad na umorder si Jeremy
ng halo-halo at chicken bread. I don't know why he's craving for those foods.
Pagdating ng inorder namin ay walang sabi-sabing sinimulan namin iyong lantakan ni
Khael.
"Hindi kompleto ang kain niyo kapag hindi niyo narinig ang quiz ko", wika ni Je.
"Correction, it's puns", pagtatama ni Khael. Hindi umaandar ang kakulitan nito kaya
malamang ay inaantok talaga ito.
"Quiz kaya yun", nakalabing wika ni Jeremy. "Eto ah, sagutan niyo. Ano ang sabi ng
utot sa tae?"
I wanna roll my eyes. Tinapat pa talaga nitong kumakain kami ng halo-halo para
itanong iyon.
"Nakakadiri ka dude", Khael said but Jeremy frowned.
"Pwede na rin pero hindi yan yung sabi ng utot eh."
Napafacepalm na lamang si Khael. "I'm not answering your pun. I'm referring to you.
Nakakadiri ka."
"Kunwari ka pa! Ang sabi nung utot, 'pare, una na ako!' HAHAHAHAHAHA!", he started
laughing out loud that caught some attention in the cafeteria. "Eto pa ha, ano ang
sabi ng tae sa
kapwa niya tae?" (A/N: I was eating my breakfast while typing this part guys and
who knows that Editor Melody's eating too while editing this part? Lol! Hayuf
talaga si Jeremy!)
Mas lalo namang lumukot ang mukha ni Khael dahil dito samantalang binilisan ko ang
pagkain. Ayos din si Jeremy eh, siya ang umorder ng pagkain namin at siya din ang
magiging dahilan kung bakit mawawalan kami ng gana.
"Nakakadiri ka talaga dude", wika ulit ni Khael.
"Mali pa rin. Hindi pa rin iyan ang sinabi ng tae", Jeremy said and for the second
time ay napafacepalm na lamang si Khael.
"I'm talking to you again", wika nito at binilisan ang pagsubo.

"Ikaw bestie? Alam mo ang sagot?", he asked me.
"Ang sabi niya tumahimik ka daw kung ayaw mong bumaon sa katawan mo ang kutsara",
wika ko sa kanya at napalabi na lamang ito.
"Ang sweet mo bestie pero mali ka rin. Ang sabi nung tae sa kapwa niya tae, 'pare,
wala namang tulakan!' HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!",
tumawa ulit ito nang malakas at nagkatinginan na lamang kami ni Khael. Jeremy is a
hopeless
case
Inilapag ko ang kutsara sa mesa at tumayo. "I'm full. Mauuna na ako sa classroom.
Inaantok talaga ako", wika ko at agad na
lumabas doon. Sumunod naman si Khael dahil gaya ko ay inaantok din ito.
"Khael! Amber!", tawag bigla ni Jeremy sa amin. Tumigil ako at napahinto. Tiningnan
ko ng masama si Jeremy na nakaupo pa rin sa pwesto niya. Napahinto rin si Khael at
nilingon si Jeremy.
"Bayad ninyo!", sigaw nito sa amin at nangangati na akong hampasin siya ng sapatos
ko. Bumalik kami sa mesa at magbibigay sana ng bayad ngunit pinigilan kami ni
Jeremy.
"Sandali! Ano muna ang sabi ng tae sa tao?", he asked with a wide grin.
"Jeremy, wala ako sa mood para dyan sa mga tae jokes mo. Oh, para pala sa lahat ng
joke mo", wika ko sa kanya sabay abot ng bayad ko ngunit hindi niya ako pinansin.
Sa halip ay bumaling lamang ito kay Khael.
"Ikaw Khael? Ano ang sagot?" The latter just shrugged his shoulders to Jeremy's
dismay
"Ang slow niyong dalawa. Ang
sabi ng tae 'Ako na nga ang naapakan mo, ikaw pa tong galit?' Takte!" Tumawa ulit
ito ng
malakas.
"Dahil sa joke mo, ikaw ang magbabayad sa lahat ng kinain natin. Bye dude!", Khael
said at hinila ako palabas ng cafeteria.
Pagdating namin sa classroom ay kanya-kanyang subsob ang ginawa namin sa mga mesa
namin. Bago pa man ako tuluyang makapikit ay bumulong na sa akin ang katabi
kong si Zywon.
"What have you read in that notebook? How much do you know about those things?",
tanong nito sa mababang boses.
Hindi na ako nag-abalang mag-angat pa ng tingin. "I should be the one asking that
question. What have you read in that notebook that you stole from me? How much do
you know about those things?"
"I already told you that it was stolen before I can even read it", naiinis na wika
nito
"Hindi mo ako maloloko. Ano, ganoon kadali? Kahapon mo lang iyon ninakaw sa akin
tapos
ninakaw din iyon ng iba mula sayo. Do you think I will believe such thing?", I
asked at napatangis ang bagang nito. Sasagot pa sana ito ngunit bigla na lamang
dumating ang hinihingal na si Jeremy. Mukhang galing ito sa pagtakbo.
"Bestie! Look! I found these letters inside my locker", wika ni Jeremy at inilapag
sa harap ko
ang dalawang sobre. I won't be surprised if mayroon mang magkagusto kay Jeremy dito
sa Athena. Jeremy minus his puns is goodlooking. No doubt about it.
"Ano naman ang gagawin ko dyan?", tanong ko kay Jeremy. Napatuwid ako ng upo at
hinarap ito, totally ignoring Zywon beside me.
"Basahin mo."
"What? Those aren't for me kaya bakit ko naman iyan babasahin?", tanong ko sa
kanya.
Okay, I have a bad habit of reading things not for me but a love letter for Jeremy
doesn't interest me at all.
"Hindi rin naman ako sigurado kung para sa akin ba iyan. Wala namang nakasulat na
Jeremy Martinez diyan sa sobre kaya maaring hindi rin iyan para sa akin", wika ni
Jeremy.
"Saan mo ba nakuha ang mga iyan?"
"Sa locker ko."
"Edi para sayo yan." God! I'm wasting my precious minutes here. Kapag tinulog ko
iyon ay makakapagrelax pa ako.
"But-" Napahinto sa pagsasalita si Jeremy dahil bigla na lamang kinuha ni Zywon ang
isang sulat at binuksan iyon sa harap mismo namin.
"What are you doing?", I asked with a brow raised.

"Opening the letter and will read it for you", sagot ni Zywon.
"That's not for you-"
"Hayaan mo na siya Bestie. Oh, ano raw sabi?", Jeremy asked.
Binuklat ni Zywon ang sulat at sinimulang basahin iyon.

"Nakakaawang malaman na
nabubuhay ka sa maalwang buhay na dahil lamang sa panloloko ninyo sa ibang tao.
Your mom's a mistress of the governor and your dad's the greatest crook that the
world could ever have. How does it feel to eat delicious foods bought using the
money of the townspeople? Nagkakapera ang nanay mo dahil bigay iyon ng governor na
nagnanakaw naman sa kaban ng bayan at -"
"Stop!", pigil ko. "Are you sure that's what is written in there?" Hinarap niya ang
maikli at encoded na sulat.
"Yeah. Positive. Ipagpapatuloy ko na ba?"
"Go ahead", Jeremy said.
"At ang tatay mo naman ay isang dakilang manloloko. He's a crook who deceives
people a lot. If you don't believe this letter, go and ask them yourself."
"Whoever sent that letter must be crazy!", naiinis na wika ko. Mabuti na lang
talaga at hindi ako ang nagbasa sa sulat dahil mas la lamang akong maiinis. I'm the
person who can endure any accusations when it's all about me ngunit kapag ang
pamilya ko na ang pinakialaman ay mangyayari talaga ang sinasabi ng Mayan Calendar
tungkol sa doom's day.
Tiningnan ko si Jeremy na prenteng nakatayo lamang sa harap namin.
"Aren't you furious?", tanong ko sa kanya. He shook his head bago sumagot.
"Why should I'll be angry? Hindi naman totoo ang nasa sulat. Baka nagkamali lang
ang nagpadala niyan o kaya naman ay wala lang siyang magawa."
That's the best thing about Jeremy, his optimism. Hindi ito basta-basta
nagpapaapekto tungkol sa mga bagay na ibinabato sa kanya.
"If that letter is addressed to me, I would have find that person and give him a
good beating", wika ko.
"Good thing it's not addressed to you", Zywon said. Sinamaan ko na lamang ito ng
tingin at binuksan naman nito ang isa pang sulat. Gaya ng una ng binasa nito,
maikli lamang iyon at puro paninira ang laman.
"Excuse me", wika ng kaklase namin na nasa katabing mesa lang. "Narinig ko ang
usapan
ninyo tungkol sa anonymous letter sender. Ang totoo niyan ay may kaibigan din akong
nakatanggap ng sulat and it's the reason why she attempted to commit suicide."
Nakuha ng babae ang atensyon ko kaya napaharap ako sa kanya. "What? Maari mo bang
ikwento sa akin ang tungkol sa nangyari sa kaibigan mo?"
"Ako nga pala si Clarisse. Ang kaibigan kong muntikan ng magpakamatay ay si Jewel.
Gaya
ng kaibigan mo ay nakatanggap din si Jewel ng isang sulat mula sa anonymous writer.
The letter was about her boyfriend Justin, telling her na nabuntis na dati ni
Justin ang ex niya and she could be Justin's next girl na
mabubuntis. She loved Justin so much kaya kahit nalaman niya iyon ay hindi pa rin
niya ito hiniwalayan and that's a good thing dahil hindi naman iyon totoo at
sinisiraan lamang ng
sender si Justin. Unfortunately, dalawang buwan na siyang hindi dinadalaw kaya
naisip niyang totoo ngang buntis siya. She received another letter saying na
isusumbong siya sa pamilya niya and that made her commit suicide. She took a lot of
medicine at mabuti na lamang ay naagapan bago pa man siya
bawian ng buhay", kwento ni Clarisse. Nahulog ako sa malalim na pag-iisip. There's
an
anonymous poison-pen writer lurking around Athena. Kung ano man ang intensyon nito,
ito lang ang nakakaalam niyon.
"Tsk. Yan kasi, gagawa-gawa ng mga bagay na hindi naman kayang panindigan", komento
ni Zywon.
"Nasaan na si Justin at Jewel ngayon?", tanong ko kay Clarisse.
"Nasa ospital ngayon si Jewel at dinadalaw ito ni Justin tuwing hapon. As of the
letter writer,
hindi ito tumitigil sa ginagawa. In fact ang classmate nating si Jonathan ay naging
biktima
din", Clarisse pointed on a guy who's busy playing with his tablet. I excused
myself from them at agad na lumapit kay Jonathan.
"Hi Jonathan."
Bahagya itong nag-angat ng tingin sa akin ngunit agad ding ibinalik ang atensyon sa
kanyang tablet. He's playing Temple Run.
"Oy Bridle Girl", bati nito. I prevented myself from shouting in his face that my
name is Amber Sison and not Bridle Girl. I took a deep breath at mahinahon na
hinarap ito.
"I'm Amber Sison."
"Oy, Amber Sison, the Bridle Girl", wika ni Jonathan na nasa tablet pa rin ang
atensyon.
"I want to ask you about the anonymous letter writer", wika ko at bigla na lamang
itong napatigil sa paglalaro at hinarap ako.
"Kilala mo ba ang nagpapadala niyon?", he asked and I shook my head.
"Nakatanggap din ang kaibigan ko ng sulat. I want to know who's behind this that's
why I'm
asking you. What was the letter all about?"
Tiningnan niya ako ng masinsinan bago binuksan ang kanyang bag at inabot sa akin
ang isang nakabukas na sobre. "Sayo na iyan kung gusto mo. Wala namang katotohanan
ang
nakasulat dyan. Paano naman ako hindi naging anak ng tatay ko eh magkamukhang-
magkamukha kami?", he said at muling kinuha ang tablet niya at naglaro. I guess
that means dismissal kaya nagpaalam na ako sa kanya at muling bumalik sa mesa ko
dala-dala ang sulat na mula kay Jonathan.
"Acting like Superman and saving the day huh?", komento ni Zywon nang makabalik ako
sa mesa ko. "Why do you always stick your butt into other people's problem Amber
Sison?"
Tiningnan ko siya ng masama. Hanggang ngayon ay pinagdududahan pa rin nito ang
pagkatao ko. He really thinks that I'm a member of the mafia. Naudlot ang tangka
kong pagsagot sa kanya dahil dumating na ang guro namin at
nagsimula na ang klase.
Nang maglunch break ay nagpaalam ako kay Khael at Jeremy na hindi muna ako
makakasama sa kanila for lunch dahil may aasikasuhin ako. Matapos magpaalam ay agad
akong nagpunta sa dorm. I felt the defeaning silence as I entered the room.
Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa talaga nakakauwi si Phobie at wala man lamang
naghahanap dito. Hindi man lamang ba napansin ng houseparent ng dorm na nawawala si
Phobie o pinanindigan talaga nila ang pagiging non-existing nito?
I felt a sudden guilt in me. Alam kong nawawala ito ngunit wala akong ginawa upang
mahanap ito. I need to find Phobie and save her against those people from the
organization that she's talking about. Nababahala rin ako sa paggala ni Ryu dito as
if he's looking for some information. Base sa notebook ni Phobie, galit ang
organisasyon sa Vander Mafia and Ryu could be in grave danger kapag nalaman nilang
nandito ito at mag-isang gumagala sa secret library.
Isa pa ay ang blue drugs na STX2. Vander Mafia owned Athena High ngunit naging kuta
ito ng isang organisasyon na may galit sa kanila. There must be a traitor within
Athena's staffs
na bahagi ng mafia. I need to tell Cooler about this! Agad kong kinuha ang
cellphone ko and dialled Cooler's number. Matapos ang ilang ring ay agad nitong
sinagot iyon.
"Amber! What a surprise! Namiss mo na ba talaga ako dahil ikaw ang unang tumawag?",
he asked playfully.
"Cooler, listen. I need to see you tonight. This is about the mafia-" Napahinto ako
ng makaramdam ako ng malamig na bagay mula sa sentido ko. Paglingon ko ay nakita ko
ang
seryosong mukha ni Zywon. May dala itong baril at nakatutok sa akin. Napaatras ako
dahil sa takot! Shit! Pati ba naman dito sa Athena ay makakaface to face ko ang
baril?
"Amber? Anong sinabi mo tungkol sa -"
"I will call you later Cooler", wika ko at agad na pinatay ang tawag. I kept my
phone in my
pocket at patuloy lang sa pag-atras ngunit lumalapit din si Zywon sa akin.
Napalingon ako
sa pinto. It's still locked kaya marahil ay hindi siya doon dumaan. Nahagip ng
paningin ko ang bintana. It's the only way na maaaring gamitin upang makarating
dito.
"W-what are you doing here?", I asked while shaking. Nahihirapan na akong umatras
dahil sa panginginig ng tuhod ko due to the sight of the gun.
"Who's that Cooler? Is he part of the mafia? Sino ka ba talaga Amber Sison?",
sunod-sunod
nitong tanong
"I told you I'm not part of the mafia!", singhal ko sa kanya.
"Ano ang posisyon mo? A mafia reaper? Kaya ba malakas ka kahit hindi halata sa iyo?
Do you
know Cronus? Dalhin mo ako sa kanya!", he said at patuloy pa rin sa paglapit sa
akin. I felt the cold wall behind me. Now, I have no other way to escape him.
"Mababaliw na ako. Phobie is missing as well as her notebook. There are mad
scientists inside Athena High School and God knows what they are doing. A scarred
man from the mafia appears at night na tila ba may hinahanap. The blue drugs and
other stuffs and here you are,
contacting that mafia I hate the most. Mababaliw na ako sa kakaisip kung alin ang
unang aasikasuhin ko", he said. Hindi man lamang nito ibinaba ang baril na hawak. I
wonder how he was able to acquire such gun.
"You're creating your own ghosts at ikaw ngayon ang natatakot. I am not part of the
mafia, ano bang mahirap intindihin doon? As of Phobie, I'm thinking of a way to
find her. And those mad scientists, I seriously don't know what we're supposed do
to stop them", napatigil ako dahil itinapat niya sa aking noo ang baril matapos
niya iyong ikinasa.
My legs are shaking and I felt my hands became cold. Napapikit ako at napayuko as I
say my silent prayer. Mas lalo akong kinabahahan ng muli akong makarinig ng baril
na ikinasa
Kailangan ba talagang dalawang beses ikasa ang

isang baril upang pasabugin lang ang bungo ko? I slowly lift my head and I saw
Khael pointing a gun towards Zywon's head. What the hell? Nang muli kong lingunin
ang pinto ay nakasara pa rin ito. Where the hell did they passed? Then, my mind
told me na ang bintana lang ang tanging daan na pwede nilang gamitin. And for
goodness' sake, our room's on the
fourth floor! How did they get here?!
Okay. Let's face it. May lahing unggoy si Khael kaya malamang ay inakyat niya ang
mataas na bintana. But don't tell me na member ng akyat-bahay gang si Zywon?
"Put away your gun Deltran. I give you my word, she's not a member of the mafia",
wika ni Khael. Saglit na nag-isip si Zywon bago ibinaba ang baril niya.
"I don't know what's with this girl and what's your connection to her includung
Silvan. Ang lalaking may peklat ay nakikinig din sa kanya which made me wonder kung
sino nga ba siya to make all of you follow her. And now she just called someone
named Cooler and wants to talk to him about the mafia. Now tell me Alonzo, why
shouldn't I doubt her identity?", tanong ni Zywon kay Khael. Marahil ay mabigat sa
dibdib ang dinadala nito. I can see fire
burning in his eyes.
"Ang masasabi ko lamang ay hindi siya mapanganib na tao. Whatever grudge you have
in your heart, spare her dahil hindi siya kasali sa galit mo", wika ni Khael.
Napayuko si Zywon but I can still feel the anger in him.
"Kayong dalawa, how the hell did you get here?", I asked. Kung ganito kadali lang
sa kanila na akyatin ang kwarto ko, then it must mean it's not safe here, lalo na
sa kanila! Paano na lamang kung nagkataong nagbibihis ako? Oh no!
"I took the emergency ladder", wika ni Zywon. Tiningnan niya si Khael, as if he's
demanding for an answer too.
"I took the emergency- Fine! I climbed on every floor's window", pag-amin nito and
I
almost sigh. God, if someone sees them, malamang katakot-takot na detention ang
matatanggap ng dalawa.
"Umalis na nga kayong dalawa", bumaling ako kay Zywon. "Don't ever dare point a gun
to me. Kung ano man ang galit mo sa akin, can you please postpone it for a while?
Gaya mo ay marami rin akong iniisip. Let's have a truce for now", wika ko. Lumambot
ang anyo ni Zywon as he look at me intently, assessing me in every angle.
"Let's go Alonzo", turan niya kay Khael and both of them headed towards the window.
What the hell?
Napasunod ako sa kanila. Zywon went towards the emergency ladder samantalang
nagpaswing naman si Khael sa mga baluster ng bintana. Seriously?
Nang sumapit ang ala una ay agad akong bumalik sa classroom. Natulog lang ako ng
ilang saglit matapos masigurong nalock ko na ang bintana. Pagdating ko doon ay agad
akong sinalubong ni Jeremy.
"Bestie, I received another letter. The contents are like the previous ones. At may
nakausap ako kanina. He also received a letter from that anonymous writer", wika ni
Jeremy.
Napahawak ako sa sentido ko. Marami na akong iniisip at dumadagdag pa ang poison
pen
writer na ito.
"What's about that guy?", I asked.
"His name's Jules. Few days ago ay nakatanggap siya ng sulat mula sa anonymous
writer telling him that he cheated on the SSC elections."
Napatigil ako saglit. Jewel. Justin. Jonathan. Jules. And Jeremy. Was it a
coincident na nagsisimula sa letter J ang pinapadalhan ng poison-pen writer ng mga
sulat?
"Je, wala bang ideya ang nakausap mo kung sino man ang nagpadala ng sulat sa
kanya?", I asked.
"Pinagdududahan niya ang kaklase nating si Clarisse."
"Clarisse? Yung nakausap natin kanina?", I asked in surprise
"Yup. Ayon kay Jules ay ex niya si Clarisse. She hated him so much after Jules got
a new girlfriend who's name is Jenny. Ayon kay Jules ay sinumpa umano ni Clarisse
ang lahat ng
pangalan na nagsisimula sa letter J", kwento ni Jeremy, which made me winced.
"Ang babaw naman yata."
"That's what I thought too but Jules seems so convinced that it's Clarisse. Isa pa
ay pawangbnasa Grade 10-A at SSC ang nagiging biktima. Clarisse is a 10-A student
and at the same time
an SC senator. The other victims, Jewel, Justin and Jenny were also from the SC
kaya malakas ang paniniwala niyang si Clarisse nga ang may gawa nito. What's more
is that galit si Clarisse kay Justin dahil ayaw niya ito para sa kaibigan kaya
possible din daw na ito ang nanira kay Justin by sending that letter to Jewel."
"Can we see them? I mean those people who received letters l from the anonymous
writer" wika ko kay Je and he smiled.
"I knew you would ask that so I invited them to our play later which they gladly
accepted maliban na lamang kay Jewel na nasa ospital pa ngayon", wika ni Jeremy.
"I'm doing my part as a member of the detective triumvirate."
I rolled my eyes at him. There he goes with his imaginary detective group again.
Hindi na kami nagkausap pa dahil nagsimula na ang lecture namin para ngayong hapon.
Nang sumapit ang alas tres ay pinaghanda na kami sa auditorium para sa roleplay. I
went to my locker para kunin ang punit-punit na damit na hinanda nina Sophie para
sa akin nang bigla na lamang akong makabangga ng isang babae na may kasamang
lalaki.
"Wait Moira", tawag ng lalaki. The girl gave me her deadly glare nang mabangga ko
siya. "Pwede bang tumingin ka sa dinadaanan mo?", she hissed at me. Pinigilan ko
ang sarili kong
pilosopohin ito at sa halip ay humingi ako ng paumanhin dito.
"Moira", tawag ulit ng lalaki.
"Listen Justin, kung hindi mo magawa ang simpleng bagay na hinihingi ko, then don't
bother me anymore", wika ng babae at nagmamadaling tumakbo.
Hinabol naman ito ng lalaking tinawag niyang Justin.
Wait, Justin? Could it be the same guy na boyfriend ni Jewel na biktima din ng
poison-pen writer? Iwinaksi ko na lang muna iyon sa aking isipan at binuksan ang
locker. Agad akong nagpunta sa auditorium kung saan abala ang lahat para sa last
minute dry run. Jeremy called me at ipinakilala sa dalawang lalaki at isang babae.
"Bestie! Here they are. This is Jules and his girlfriend Jenny. Ito naman si
Justin", pakilala
ni Jeremy and I was surprised to see the guy who was running after the girl that I
just bumped into. Siya nga si Justin but who is
Moira? Hindi ba't si Jewel ang girlfriend nito?
"Bridle Girl! Hali ka na!", tawag ni Sophie kaya inexcuse ko muna ang sarili ko at
nakisali na
rin sa last minute dry run nila. Nang matapos iyon ay nagdraw lots sila kung sino
ang mauuna at sina Jeremy ang nauna. I sat on the bleachers beside Khael habang
tinitingnan ang grupo nina Jeremy sa stage. They picked the scene on the forest
where Basilio saw Simoun on Elias's grave at ang eksena ng kasal nina Juanito at
Paulita where Jeremy, as Simoun gave a lamp as a wedding gift.
"Ang gwapo ni Simoun!", impit na sigaw ng isang babae na nasa tabi ko. "Kyaaaah!
Anakan mo ako please!"
"Simoun! Akin ka na lang!", sigaw naman ng isa pang babae.

I rolled my eyes at them. God, anakan? Anong klaseng utak ba ang meron sila? I
looked at Jeremy who's delivering every line in an impressive manner. Bagay na
bagay ang ayos nito dito. Malayong-malayo sa dating Jeremy.
Who'd have thought na ang tinitilian ng mga babae ngayon ay dati palang nerd? When
I say
nerd, it's in every manner. Mula sa uniform nitong dati ay nakabutones lahat na
halos
masakal na ito, braced-teeth, big and ugly glasses hanggang sa buhok nitong tila
dinilaan ng dinosaur dati.
Nakarinig ako ng mahinang pagtipa sa keyboardbng laptop at napatingin ako sa gawi

ni Clarisse na abala sa pagta-type. Ano kaya ang ginagawa niya?
Inilabas ko mula sa bag ko ang sulat na galing kay Jeremy at Jonathan na mula naman
sa
anonymous writer.
"Khael, what can you draw from these letters?", wika ko sa kanya. Nasa unahang
bahagi kami ng auditorium kaya hindi masyadong madilim doon.
"Where did you get these?", he asked habang sinisipat ang mga sulat.
"From Jeremy and Jonathan. I guess there is a poison-pen writer here in Athena who
sends
venomous letters of false accusations", sagot ko. Ikinuwento ko rin sa kanya ang
tungkol sa nakwento rin ni Jeremy and Jules's hunch about
Clarisse.
"Clarisse is part of the school paper kaya malamang abala siya sa ginagawang pag-
eencode ngayon but who knows she can be that poison-pen writer", Khael said. "But
what's with the letter J pattern? I don't get it."
"Me too. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit nagsisimula sa letter J ang pinapadalhan
ng sulat", wika ko at saglit na nahulog sa malalim na pag-iisip. Lumapit sa amin si
Sophie at pinahanda na kami sa backstage.
"Malapit nang matapos ang El Fili kaya maghanda na kayo doon sa likod. And you
Bridle Girl, take note of every instruction that-"
Khael cut her off. "You don't have to remind her. She knows what she's gonna do."
Pagkatapos niyon ay hinila na niya ako papunta sa likurang bahagi ng auditorium.
The El Filibusterismo play ended and Jeremy's group received positive reviews and
feedbacks ngunit hindi iyon nakapressure sa grupo namin. Our play started at hindi
rin naman nagpahuli si Khael sa performance niya bilang Crisostomo Ibarra. When it
was my part and Zywon's, inalis ko ang lahat ng hiya para sa play namin. I don't
want to give those girls the satisfaction
of seeing me as a failure. Isa pa ay naiinis ako sa pagkakaayos nila sa akin. They
had exaggerated my looks as Sisa! Halos nakahubad na ako sa ginawa nilang pagpunit-
punit sa
damit ko at ang sama pa ng amoy! Mukhang literal na basahan ang pinasuot nila
sabakin but I won't let them hear my complaints about it.
When the curtain opens ay nakatayo ako at nakahawak sa buhok ko. I hummed a song as
what they instructed me to do nang dumating bigla si Zywon, na gumanap bilang
Basilio, at
niyakap ako. It's really awkward dahil hindi niya ako niyayakap during rehearsals.
He said
that he will only do it on the actual performance at hindi naman ito napilit ng mga
kaklase namin.
"Ina....."
Gosh. It's really awkward. Parang kanina lamang ay tinutukan ako nito ng baril.
"Sino ka?"
"Ina... Ako ito, ang anak mo. Si Basilio..."
I ran on one side of the stage. "Hindi ikaw ang anak ko! Basilio! Crispin! Mga
anak....."
"Ina, ako ito. Ang anak mo. Ako si Basilio..."
Heck. How could this devil look so geniune in displaying his emotion towards me as
his mother? Mukhang matindi nga ang pinaghuhugutan nito.
"Crispin.... Basilio!...." I climbed on the wall that was set up and I lie on the
floor. Acting is not a problem to me. But the one I'm having a scene with- uh,
we're not in good terms!
Zywon also climbed the wall and sat beside me. He carried my head into his lap and
he really cried.
What the fudge! He really cried!

"Ina...."
I cupped his face. Damn. Bakit ba kasi hindi namin 'to ginawa nung rehearsal? Edi
sana nasanay ako dito!
"Basilio..... Anak...."
Zywon cried for a while hanggang sa dumating ang kaklase naming gumanap bilang
Elias. They exchanged dialogues hanggang sa matapos ang eksena and the curtains
fall down. Nang tuluyan ng maisara iyon ay nagulat kaming lahat sa nakita namin.
Our classmate Jessica was hanging on the curtains' rope at nasa paanan nito ang
isang sulat! Khael immediately ordered the operator to raise the curtains again but
it was too late.
Binawian na ito ng buhay. Gulat na gulat ang lahat sa nakita.
I immediately picked up the

letter on the corpse's foot at binasa iyon.
'This would surely surprise you but it's the truth. Your dad is cheating on your
family. He's having an affair with her secretary. In fact, they're expecting a
baby. Matagal na kayong niloloko ng papa mo.
Kaya nga hindi siya umuuwi tuwing gabi sa inyo at iyon ay dahil sa kabet niya siya
umuuwi. I pity how your family's falling apart. Ang iniisip mong perpektong pamilya
ay hindi nag-eexist.
If you don't believe me, see for yourself. Visit your dad randomly in his office
one of these days."
"Jeremy, please gather all those people who received the letter from the anonymous
writer", utos ni Khael. Gone was his playful image at napalitan iyon ng pagiging
seryoso. "We need to end this poison-pen letter sender bago pa maulit ang ganitong
pangyayari na may nagpakamatay."
"Pero Khael, sigurado ka bang nagpakamatay si Jessica? What if may nangyaring

foulplay and set up the murder like a suicide?", tanong ni Brenda.
"It's a suicide. No doubt about it. She's not a part of our group kaya sinadya
niyang magpunta dito at hinintay na ibaba natin ang kurtina. I saw her myself na
pumuwesto siya sa gawing ito with no one forcing her. Her body was warm when we
pulled down the curtains, tanda na bago lamang siya binawian ng buhay. If there's a
foulplay, she would have resisted in staying here. Isa pa ay tingnan ninyo
angvmukha ng biktima. Her face is wet with her tears kaya marahil ang sulat na iyan
ang nagtulak sa kanya na magpakamatay", wika ni Khael.
Even I would say that it's no doubt a suicide and the letter must have been the
reason for her suicide.
Nadala na ni Jeremy sina Justin at Jules kasama ang girlfriend nitong si Jenny.
Nandoon din si
Jonathan at Clarisse. Khael whispered something to Jeremy at nagmamadali itong
umalis matapos makausap si Khael.
"Saan papunta si Jeremy?", I asked
"He's out to run some errands. Let's say I'm Holmes and he's Watson just for today.
Oh, the
two of us could be Holmes. Why don't we have a little questioning with all the
letter receiver? We cannot eliminate the possibility that the culprit plays as the
victim", he said with his mischievous smile. The same smile Gray flashes whenever
he's into a case that he's about to
unravel. Sumang-ayon ako sa kanya at lumapit sa mga naroon. I asked Jonathan first.
"Ano ang koneksyon mo kay Jessica?"
"Bakit ako ang tinatanong mo? Wait, bakit nga ba pinatawag kami dito? Are you
considering
us as suspects?", he asked. Bigla na lamang itong nagalit dahil sa pagtatanong ko.
"A question won't hurt dude so why don't you answer it?", singit ni Zywon.
Nakatingin lang ito sa amin kanina mula ng makita namin ang katawan ni Jessica at
ngayon lamang ito nagsalita.
"Kaklase natin. That's all!", padabog na sagot nito. Khael was just observing every
reaction
from him.
"How about you Clarisse?", tanong ni Khael. Nagulat din ito sa tanong na iyon
ngunit agad
ding nakabawi.
"Maliban sa classmate natin si Jessica, we're neighbors", sagot nito.
"Remarkable."
Si Justin naman ang tinanong ko. "How about you?"
He shook his head. "Hindi kami personal na magkakilala", sagot ni Justin. When I
glanced at
Khael, he was busy looking at the victim's phone.
"But you know Moira?", tanong ni Khael. Nag-alangan itong sumagot at tiningnan ako.
"Yes, she's a friend."
"Remarkable."
I asked Jules and Jenny too ngunit ang sagot ng mga ito ay kilala lamang nito si
Jessica na
bahagi ng school paper in which Khael answered another 'remarkable.' Lahat yata ng
sagot nila ay sinagot din ni Khael ng remarkable.
Dumating si Jeremy na may dalang mga folders at agad na binigay iyon kay Khael.
"How about you? Hindi ba nakatanggap ka rin ng sulat mula sa poison-pen writer
Jeremy? Ano ang koneksyon mo kay Jessica o sa iba pang mga
nakatanggap ng sulat?"
"Teka Khael. Pinagdududahan mo rin ako?", Je asked ngunit umiling si Khael.
"No. I'm just doing the usual procedures. Walang kai-kaibigan sa batas."
"Uh, I don't know them. Dalawang araw pa lamang mula ng dumating kami ni Bestie
dito", he answered at inginuso ako.
"Remarkable", sagot ulit ni Khael at tiningnan ang mga folder na ibinigay ni Jeremy
sa kanya. Lumapit siya sa akin and he showed me the folders.
"What can you draw from these folders Special A?", he asked. Nang tingnan ko ang
mga iyon ay mga encoded projects iyon ng mga estudyanteng tinanong namin tungkol sa
suicide ni Jessica at ang mga nakatangap ng anonymous letter.
"Do you have a culprit in mind?", he asked me. I slowly nodded my head.
"Yep, but I'm not really sure about it. I don't have enough clues. Nagbabase lamang
ako sa
mga sinabi nila and to some things that I have observed", sagot ko sa kanya.
"The opposite of me. I can present an evidence but still no personal connection
between the
culprit and the possible reason why the culprit is writing those letters. Baka
parehas tayo ng taong nasa isip", Khael said.
"What's your basis?", tanong ko sa kanya. Inilahad niya sa harap ko ang sulat na
nakuha namin sa paanan ni Jessica.
"As of this letter and the others that you showed me a while ago, the one who
consciously or unconsciously typed a space before the first word. Tingnan mo ang
espasyo mula sa pagkakaindent, it's no doubt that someone typed a space first."
Kinuha ko ang sulat mula sa kanya at ikinumpara iyon sa mga sulat na nasa akin.
Tama nga ito. There is a space after the
indented first word in the paragraph. I was amazed by Khael's observant skills.
Hindi
masyadong kapansin-pansin ang espasyo dahil nga nakaindent ang unang salita.
"Wow", wika ko. "Napapansin mo talaga pati mga maliliit na detalye."
"Well, the little things are infinitely the most important according to Sherlock
Holmes",
sagot nito. "Now look at these projects and compare who among them have the same
typing method."
Tiningnan ko ang mga iyon at ikinumpara. Well, Khael and I got the same culprit.
What doesn't add up is the J pattern.
.
"How about the letter J pattern? What's his reason behind?", tanong ni Khael sa
akin nang
sabihin ko sa kanya na parehas kami ng iniisip na may sala.
"I guess it's just to confuse us", wika ko sa kanya. Saglit siyang nag-isip bago
muling tiningnan ang cellphone ni Jessica.
"Why don't we ask him ourselves?", Khael said at nilapitan ang taong iyon. "Why do
you keep on writing those letters -"
***********************
Who do you think is the anonymous writer?
Join DF group in facebook and be acquainted with us! Just search Detective Files by
Shinichilaaaabs. Thank you!
Good mornight guys!
-Shinichilaaaabs♥
CHAPTER 25: A SCAR THAT EVOKES A PAINFUL PAST

Chapter 25: A Scar that Evokes a Painful Past
A/N: Pasukan na namin sa Lunes kaya makakapag-update pa rin ako. Lol xD I love DF
at hindi ako nakakatulog kapag hindi ako nakakapagdraft. Hindi naman aabot sa 48
years ang mga UD ko especially that Editor Melody's doing me a big favor.
This is somewhat a Special Chapter pero parang hindi (gulo no? Pinagbibigyan ko
lang si @Fearlesslyauthentic! Her comment caught my attention as well as
@xxMickaKim! Laughtrip ako sa comment niya sa wall! Sa group mems, the xxx
mentioned you in a comment thingy made my day! That's all, shut up na ako.
****************************
"Why do you keep on writing those letters -". Khael paused for a while at maiging
tiningnan ang taong iyon. We had the same culprit in mind but we have different
ways of identifying him.
"- Justin?", he asked at nagulat naman ang may-ari ng pangalang kanyang tinawag.
"What are you saying Khael? Hindi naman porke't isa kang sikat na high school
detective
dito sa Athena ay pwede ka ng manturo ng kung sino mang gusto mong maging
salarin!",Justin said at tumawa ng mapakla.
"Bridle's famous detective said it too", Khael answered at bahagyang tiningnan ako.
The people began whispering about me. They can't believe that I'm a detective too.
"Aheeem. Detective Group. We're called the Detective Triumvirate", wika ni Jeremy.
Sumingit pa talaga ito. I glared at him at nginitian niya lang ako ng matamis.
"Right. Bridle's famous detective group would agree on me", pagtatama ni Khael sa
unang sinabi niya.
"Paanong naging si Justin? Isn't he a victim too? Siya ang siniraan sa sulat na
natanggap ni
Jewel", Clarisse said.
"We have something that we call playing as the victim. He disguised himself as a
victim to hide his real motive."
"Are you saying that he sent a letter to his girlfriend at siniraan ang sarili
niya?", nalilitong tanong ni Jules. "It doesn't make sense."
"Exactly. But if we assume that he wanted to be out of that relationship, it does.
But unfortunately, Jewel didn't agree at nagbanta ng suicide so he deviced a plan
like this. It's
clear to see that her girlfriend is suicidal kaya ito ang naisip mong paraan para
siya na mismo
ang makipaghiwalay sa iyo", wika ko na mas lalong nakapagtangis ng bagang ni
Justin.
"Ano ba ang pinagsasabi ninyo?", patay-malisyang tanong nito. He's denying every
word we say.
"Why don't we start with some evidence? Look at these letters from the letter
sender, pansinin ninyo ang espasyo before the
indented first word. It's sort of a habit you have, Justin. Ikumpara mo ang mga
sulat sa school projects mo. It's no doubt that only you got that typing habit",
paliwanag ni Khael.
Justin laughed. "Is that your only basis? What if the real culprit deliberately
copied my typing habit to put the blame on me?"
"It's no doubt that you're the culprit. You're having an affair with Moira right?
Kaya gusto
mo ng makipaghiwalay kay Jewel", wika ko. He looked at me angrily.
"I told you that I'm not! How could I be the poison-pen writer? Biktima lamang ako!
How about the letter J pattern? Ano naman ang koneksyon niyon?", he asked which
made Khael flashed a victorious smile.
"I'm not surprised that you said something about the pattern. That's where you want
to mislead us. There's no pattern at all. You just saw the oppurtunity of having a
J pattern since
your name and Jewel's start with J. Maaari ring alam mo ang hatred ni Clarisse kay
Jules that's
why you used the J pattern to make it looks like she did it", Khael said.
"Of course not!"
"Maybe Jewel found out that you could possibly be the one who sent the letter kaya
dinamay mo na ang iba, of course of the same
circle para makarating iyon kay Jewel and she would clear her suspicions on you",
wika ko. It's certainly Justin.
"Another point is Moira. Your accusations to others are not true, yet the one you
wrote for
Jessica is. Marahil ay nagkakaroon na sila ng
problema sa bahay and your letter triggered some emotions that made her commit
suicide.
Jessica and Moira are friends, or atleast they exchange text messages", wika ni
Khael. Naikwento ko na sa kanya nang mabangga ko si Moira kanina which strengthens
his suspicions about Justin.
"Yes, it might be the thing that she's asking a while back", komento ko. They're
like quarelling over a thing that Moira asked him to do.
Napalingon si Justin sa paligid. Maraming estudyante ang naroon at nanunuod sa
deduction show namin ni Khael.
Laglag ang balikat na napabuntong-hininga si
Justin. "Okay. I'm that poison-pen writer at tama ang lahat ng sinabi niyo kanina.
I followed the J pattern to confuse people about this but I guess it doesn't work
on Athena's resident detective and as well as our guest detectives. The truth is
Moira simply wanted me to tell Jessica about the affair of her dad
and Moira's mom. Iyon lang ang gusto niya so I wrote the letter but I didn't expect
that Jessica would go this far", wika ni Justin.
Nakayuko ito na tila ba hiyang-hiya.
"She's struggling with problems at home dahil sa posibleng pangangaliwa ng papa
niya and a confirmation from an anonymous writer just broke her heart and made her
end her life. I hope this would be a lesson to everyone", wika ni Khael sa lahat ng
nandoon.
The case was closed and the police arrived to pick up the corpse and as well as
Justin. He's
not yet 18 kaya hindi pa ito makukulong. Everyone congratulated us for a job well
done. Marami ang natuwa sa akin but there are some who thinks I'm just sticking to
Khael and relying on his deductions. Some said na pabida ako which I just ignored.
Everything was settled and everyone went out of the auditorium. Sabay kaming
naglakad ni Khael while Jeremy is nowhere to be found.
"You're amazing Special A. It's good working on a case with you", he said habang
naglalakad
kami papunta sa girls' dorm. Nakaugalian na nitong ihatid ako tuwing uwian.
"Likewise Khael. I'm amazed by how you noticed those little details", nakangiting
wika ko.
"I told you, I'm the best detective", wika niya. I was about to say something nang
marinig namin ang pagtawag ni Jeremy sa mga pangalan namin.
"Amber! Khael! Hintayin niyo ako!", he was running towards us at humihingal ito
nang makalapit na sa amin. He showed us a letter in a pink stationery.
"What's that? Another letter from the poison- pen writer? Je, the case was just
solved",nakangiwing wika ko sa kanya. Justin already confessed so there's no use in
showing us such letter.
Nagpout si Jeremy at tiningnan kami ng masama. "It isn't from Justin. Basahin mo
kasi."
Si Khael ang tumanggap sa sulat at agad na binasa iyon.
"Dearest Jeremy Martinez, I'm very happy that you become an exchange student here
in Athena even just for 2 weeks and it surely will be the best two weeks of my
life. I really admire you. How you crack jokes, alam mo bang binubuo ng pagtawa mo
ang araw ko? When you performed as Simoun in your play a while ago, I was more
amazed by you! I even cut my class just to watch you perform and I never regretted
doing so. I hope we can be friends soon. Sincerly, Mimosa", Khael paused at hinarap
si Jeremy. "Ayos dude! May lovelife ka na!", he said sabay hampas sa braso ni
Jeremy. Napalakas yata ang hampas nito dahil napangiwi si Je.
"Hanapin kaya natin si Mimosa? I'm gonna tell her to stop admiring me. Come on,
let's look
at the masterlist posted in the bulletin kung saang klase ba si Mimosa", wika ni
Jeremy.
I gave him a frown. "Sorry to burst your bubble Je but we can't find a certain
Mimosa in
the masterlist. Obviously that's a pen name that the writer chose to hide her
identity. Mimosa is Makahiya, right? Obviously she's
shy to show her identity."
"Ganoon pala iyon?"
"Bakla ka ba dude? Ayaw mong may nagkakagusto sayo?", tanong ni Khael. Oh yeah, I
was thinking of the same thing too.
Nagtagpo ang kilay ni Je. He folded his blazer's shoulders at hinarap si Khael.
"Bakla pala ha,
suntukan na lang."
I laughed at his reaction. Hindi bagay dito ang ganoon. He doesn't have the bad boy
appeal.
He had an overflowing kind and cute appeal.
Khael raised his both arms. "Okay, hindi na. I give up."
"Kayo, iniisip ninyong bakla ako ha. No way! Kapag ayaw sa girls bakla agad? Di ba
pwedeng caught in an unrequited love muna?", he said and pouted. Namumuro na ito sa
ginagawang
pagpout nito.
That somehow caught my interest. Si Jeremy, may unrequited love? "Anong pangalan
niya Je?"
Tiningnan niya kaming dalawa ni Khael with the most serious face that he ever had.
"Victoria."
"Victoria?"
He gave a wide grin.

"Secret!" And he burst into laughter again.
Takte, Victoria Secret? Nakahithit ba ng katol na Baoma si Jeremy?
"Alam mo, wala kang kwentang kausap", I told him. Akala ko pa naman seryosong may
unrequited love siya na si Victoria.
"Pero seryoso. I'm not gay and I'm really caught up in an unrequited love kaya
ayokong
maging attached sa isang babae kasi may hinihintay ako. Maybe she would like the
braceless Jeremy so I'll keep waiting for her. Kaya nga si Bestie lang ang babaeng
palagi kong kasama kasi alam kong safe ako kay
Bestie. Hindi ako maiinlove sa kanya kasi para kay Gray na siya-"
"What the hell?", protesta ni Khael. Uh, what are their problems?
"Ang ibig kong sabihin marami ng may gusto sa kanya. Ayoko kasi sa babaeng ako pa
ang ipagtatanggol so Bestie is out of my list."
"Hiyang-hiya naman ako sa list mo dude", natatawang turan ni Khael.
"I really got a list. Ang gusto ko kasi sa babae, yung girly, ayoko sa amasonang
tulad mo Bestie- oops. No offense meant ha. Tsaka
gusto ko yung pormal-"
"Pormal si Special A!"
"Yung lady-like talaga. Not the one who breaks bones",nakangising wika nito. The
hell! So I'm not lady-like? Uh, remind me to sleepwalk later and head towards the
boys' dormitory and kill him!
"Ang astig kaya ni Special A! The thing that I like about her-"
"Kaya nga hindi tayo parehas ng type. Gusto ko yung naka-miniskirt, naka-miniskirt
talaga. Si Bestie kasi naka-miniskirt na, naninipa pa", he said with a grin.
"So ano nga ang pangalan niya?"

"Victoria nga."
"Victoria????" God, hindi ba niya maintindihan na tinatanong ko ang apelyido ni

Victoria.
"Secret!"
"Victoria Secret?"
"Bingo!"
"Layas. Wala kang kwentang kausap." Jeremy laughed heartedly.

"Saka ko na sasabihin kapag okay na ang lahat. You'll meet her soon. That's a
promise", wika
nito. Saka ko lamang napansin na nasa harap na kami ng girls' dormitory.
"Mauna na ako sa inyo", paalam ko sa kanila. They bid me goodbye at agad akong
umakyat
sa palapag kung nasaan ang kwarto namin. I have to rest for now since I'll have a
thorough search for Phobie tonight.
*************************
[This is written in a third person's POV about the incident few years ago to
explain the events in a retrospective manner.]
17 years ago.....
"Good morning baby!", bati ni Sweet Vander Morisson sa tatlong taong gulang na anak
na lalaki.
"Mom, I'm not a baby anymore. I'll have my baby sister Ryle soon right?", sagot ng
batang si Ryu. Mahahalata na ang malaking umbok sa tiyan ng kanyang ina but she
used to cover it with loose clothings.
In few months time ay magsisilang na ang babae ng panibagong sanggol, na kapatid ng
batang si Ryu.
At a young age ay alam na nila na may kakaibang talino si Ryu. He's a genius, no
doubt. Bata pa lamang ay mahilig na ito sa computer. He knows a lot of games and
other stuffs kaysa sa kanyang ina.
Sweet laughed. "How can you be so sure that it's a baby girl Ryu? I never had an
ultrasound yet."
"It's because you're blooming. Tito Cool said that when a pregnant woman is
blooming, it
means that she's carrying a baby girl."
The woman chuckled. "Nagmana ka talaga sa pagiging bolero ng tito mo. I'm sure
there are a lot of ladies that will cry because of you Ryu."
"Mom, boys aren't supposed to make girls cry right?", nakangiting wika ng bata.
"Of course Ryu."
"That's why when I grow up, I won't make any girl cry. Lalo na at may baby Ryle na
ako. And I won't let any boy to make Ryle cry. I really love having a baby sister!"
"What if baby Ryle's a boy? Hindi mo siya love?", tanong ni Sweet sa anak.
"Of course, love pa rin. But I already have Cooler as baby brother right?"
"Of course baby, cousin Cooler is your baby brother after all. After we have
breakfast, let's go to your dentist okay?", malambing na wika niya sa anak.
"Yes Mom!", masiglang sagot ng bata at tumayo mula sa kama at nagmadaling nagpunta
sa kusina ng mansion. Pagdating sa kusina ay nakaupo ang isang
lalaking puno ng awtoridad sa mahabang mesa.
The little boy Ryu immediately climbed in one of the chairs at binati ang
nakasimangot na ama.
"Good morning dad!", bati ng bata at pumulot ng isang hotdog ngunit agad itong
pinagalitan ng ama.
"Ryu! Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sa iyo na maghugas ka muna ng kamay bago
pumulot ng pagkain! How can you grow to a well-discplined man if you can't follow
even a simple instruction!", galit na wika ng ama sa nakatungong bata.
"Rion, Ryu is still young kaya pabayaan mo muna. He will learn everything when he's
at
the right age", wika ni Sweet. Nakasunod pala ito sa pagbaba ng bata.
"You always spoil your son Sweet! We have to discipline him as early as now! One
day they will handle the mafia-"
"Mafia! Mafia! Palagi na lang ang mafia! Bullshit Rion! My son deserves a life too!
Hindi naman kailangang puro mafia na lamang kayo! Even Kuya Cool -"
"Cronus is training Cooler as early as now. Kahit magdadalawang taon pa lamang si

Cooler ay dinidisiplina na rin niya ito! Cooler will be Zeus and he will handle
Vander Mafia together with Ryu!"
"Kailan ba ang huling beses na lumabas tayong pamilya Rion?", tanong ni Sweet sa
asawa. She's hurting inside. They're not a normal couple. Yes she love Rion but
Rion seems too obsessed with the mafia owned by their family.
"Athena-"
"My name is Sweet!"
"Sweet you know that I'm busy with the explosives that I'm making and-"
Hinarap ni Sweet ang bata. "Let's have our breakfast at a restaurant Ryu. Tara na",
she said at iniwan si Rionessi sa hapag-kainan.
Lingid sa kaalaman ng lalaki na iyon na ang huling beses na makikita niyang buhay
ang kanyang asawa.
Isinara ng driver ang pinto ng kotseng sinakyan ni Sweet kasama ang anak. She
decided to eat outside sa halip na magtalo pa sila ng asawa niya.
Her family is into mafia business ever since she's a kid. Sa kanilang dalawang
magkapatid, Cool is the one who got their father's dedication into the mafia. She
grew up as a mafia transactor while her brother Cool is the next mafia boss. She
already knew that she's gonna marry someone who's into their business too. Rionessi
Morisson is the son of their head accountant and a trusted explosive maker. And
then they fell in love with each other. Things changed when Cool trusted him so
much at naging abala sa ginagawa na nawalan na ng panahon para sa pamilya.
"Stop crying Mom", pag-alo ng bata sa kanya. Hindi niya namalayan na tumutulo na
pala ang luha niya habang inaalala ang pagtatalo nila ng asawa.
"Listen Ryu. I don't want you to grow up like your dad okay?", wika niya sa batang
nakatangod sa kanya.
"Of course Mom. Dad made you cry and you told me that it's not a good thing", wika
ng musmos.
"Ryu, always remember what I told you okay? I love you baby",wika niya at niyakap
ang anak.
"I love you more Mom", sagot ng bata sa kanyang ina. Bigla na lamang huminto ang
kotse sa marahas na paraan that caused Ryu to fly inside the vehicle and another
vehicle bumped into their car which made Sweet smashed on the other side of the
car.
"Ryu!", she called for her son's name and she saw him on the other side of the car
and she was able to take hold of him. The kid was clueless about what's happening.
All he just know is that they bumped into something and received such impact.
The car rolled over at nakatihaya ito sa tahimik
na daan, but thanks to her holding his son, Ryu is safe ngunit nang lingunin niya
ang
driver ay wala na itong malay.
"Mom....."
Sweet saw two personget off the other car that bumped them. One was a girl designed
in a gothic manner while the other was a guy with a big scar on his left eye. Sweet
knew those people and she never wanted to meet them. The mafia traitors.Pan and
Ganymede.
They were mafia reapers who were exiled due to dishonesty. Nalaman nila na
nagpupuslit ng mga armas si Pan while Ganymede was giving
information about the Vander Mafia to another Mafia na hindi kilala sa industriya.
Sweet reached for the gun inside her bag. For the first time, she feared death.
Hindi dahil sa kanyang buhay kundi sa dalawang nilalang na
mahalaga sa kanya. Her very own Ryu and the baby inside her womb. Kinuha niya ang
anak at lumabas ng kotse bago pa man sila tuluyang lapitan ng dalawang assassin.
"Ryu, hide behind those trees."

"But Mom...." Nahihilo pa ito but being a smart child, he knew that something isn't
right.
"Listen to me! I need you to hide there now! Go!!", sigaw niya sa natatakot na
anak. It's the first time that she yelled at him.Kailangan niyang gawin iyon bago
pa man ito makita ng dalawa.
Tumakbo ang bata sa gilid ng daan at nagtago sa mga puno na nasa paligid. After
assuring her son's safety, Sweet went out at hinarap ang dalawa.
"Good to see you Athena", bati ng babae sa kanya. She was carrying a Koch MP5
submachine gun. Kung ikukumpara iyon sa dala
niyang revolver ay walang panama ang dala niya. Her sudden departure at the mansion
caused their bodyguards to miss them. Mula kasi ng maging ina siya ay ipinagpilitan
na ng kapatid niyang si Cool na may bumuntot sa kanila na bodyguard. She didn't
involved in any transactor too.
"It's never good to see the both of you, traitors", wika niya at mapaklang tumawa
si Pan. The laughter of a devil.
"Malaki yata ang umbok ng tiyan mo. You're expecting a baby, huh? Too bad, mukhang
hindi mo na siya maisisilang pa", Ganymede said. "My Koch wants to work."
"As well as my revolver", sagot niya. Hindi mababakas sa boses niya ang takot but
deep inside, she's shaking in fear. She wants to live for her children.
Ryu, who was watching from behind a tree, almost screamed when the gothic lady
tried to shoot his mom. Nakita niya kung paano napatalon ang mama niya sa gilid ng
kotse nila and he's so worried! His mom's doctor said that she should avoid doing
dangerous activities. Binawalan nga siya ng doktor sa
paglalaro sa tiyan ng mommy niya and now he just saw his mom jumped like she's not
pregnant at all! Sila lamang ng ina ang nakakaalam ng pagbubuntis nito, they're
planning to surprise Rionessi ngunit nagtalo pa ang mga magulang niya.
Tumulong na din ang kasama nito sa pagbaril. His mom fired back but two versus one
isn't
fair at all. He saw how her mom shoot her gun too but her small gun has no match
for the big weapons of the two. He saw a red blot on her mom's pale blue dress and
he's sure that it was blood. He wanted to run towards her and save her from those
bad guys but he has no weapon at all.
Nakarinig siya ng mga papalapit na busina and he saw familiar cars going their
direction. Sasakyan iyon ng mga taga Vander Mafia. He saw his Tito Rofus fired at
the enemies. He
shot the other one but it fired back kaya napatago ulit sa sasakyan ang tito niya.
Ryu saw his mom struggled as she tried to
crawl away from the car but it was too late. The gothic girl sniped at the car's
fuel tank and
he just saw himself ran towards his mom but it was too late! Bago pa man siya
makalapit nang tuluyan ay sumabog na ang kotse with her mom and baby sister. He
rushed towards the safe side ngunit nahagip siya ng lumilipad na pinto ng kotse and
it hit his back. The last thing he remembered is the sound of the gunshots then
everything
went black
The 3-year old Ryu woke up in a white room. Nakadapa siya sa kama and he felt
something on his back that hurts a lot.
"Ryu...."
Napalingon siya sa nagsalita. It was his Dad, Rionessi Morisson. Malago ang balbas
nito sa mukha like he hasn't shaved for a few days.
"Dad... Where's mom?" Tanong niya at nilingon ang paligid. He saw his cousin Cooler
on one side at kasama nito ang ama nito. Marami ang naroon and he was sure that he
isn't in a hospital but rather in the Vander mansion.
"Dad... Mom is..." He doesn't want to cry. His Tito Cool told him and Cooler that
Vanders do not cry.
"Ryu..."
"Dad, mom is... Ryle..." He can't even said the word. It's too tragic for a three-
year old to witness such cruelty.
Napakunot ang noo ng kanyang ama. "Ryle?"
"Ryle.. My baby sister..." He must not cry. Atleast not in front of everyone.
"Your mom is pregnant? I thought she's just getting fat..." Nabasag din ang tinig
ng kanyang ama but Rionessi is a strong man and he never cries.
"Ryu? Your mom is pregnant?", tanong ng Tito Cool niya. He was his idol. They're
close at mas naramdaman pa niya ang pagmamahal ng isang ama mula sa kapatid ng
kanyang ina kaysa sa sariling ama niya mismo.
The poor kid slowly nodded. He's on the brink of crying ngunit bigla na lamang
siyang hinila ng ama mula sa kama. He arched his back when he felt too much pain
from his wound.
"Dad... It hurts!"
"Why didn't you fucking tell me?" Maririnig sa boses nito ang galit at hinanakit.
"Dad..."
"Tartarus! Nasasaktan ang bata! He got stitches on his back!", saway ni Cool.
"I don't care! You wouldn't understand me Cronus! I just lost a wife and a child!"
Napangiwi sa sakit ang bata nang hinila siya ni Cool mula sa kamay ng ama.
"And I just lost a niece and the only sister that I had!" Nagsukatan sila ng tingin
and no one dared to give up. "She's the only sister I had! And you still have a
son, now tell me how
would I not fucking understand you?"
Rionessi took a deep breath bago umalis sa kwartong iyon. Everything was clear to
the young Ryu. He just lost a mother and a sister and it seemed that he lost a
father too.
***************************
After 8 years...
"Ryu! Play with me", yaya ng magsasampung taon na si Cooler. He was holding a
basketball at kasalukuyang naglalaro sa malawak na bakuran ng Vander Mansion.
"Sorry Cooler, I'm busy and I don't want to", tanggi ni Ryu. He's busy doing
something in his
laptop. He's eleven years old and a computer-obsessed kid.
"Yan naman ang palagi mong sinasabi eh-"
"Cooler look! I just hacked camera 68 in the conference room!", masigla niyang
wika.
Lumapit sa kanya si Cooler at tiningnan ang screen ng laptop ng pinsan. They saw
some guys in a long table kasama ang mga ama nila. Looks like they're discussing
something.
"Lagot ka, you've done it again! Papagalitan ka na talaga ng Daddy mo", Cooler
said. He threw away the ball at naupo sa tabi ng pinsan.
"You're watching the footage too kaya tayong dalawa ang malalagot, but that's if
you tell
them again about the hacking I just did", wika niya sa pinsan. He received a good
beating the
last time he messed up with the list of clients on the mafia's site.
"Fine hindi kita isusumbong", wika ni Cooler. They're bestfriends/cousins. Hindi pa

sila nag-aaway and everytime Cooler is bullied at school ay palaging nariyan si Ryu
upang ipagtanggol ito.
"But I'm gonna tell them..."
Sabay silang napalingon sa walong taong gulang na batang babae. She got a milk-
white skin and long brownish hair. May malaking laso pa ito sa kanyang ulo.
"Stefanie", tawag ni Cooler sa bata. "Nandito ka na naman? You're messing up here

again!
Noong huling beses ay sinira mo ang superman glass collection ko!"
"Isusumbong ko kayo!", masungit na wika nito. She's the daughter of a reaper na

bahagi ng mafia nila.
"What do you want?", mahinahong wika ni Ryu.

He's the second eldest among the mafia kids after his cousin Ryza Raine Morisson
kaya as much as possible ay kailangang matanda din siya mag-isip upang maayos na
mahawakan ang kanyang nasasakupan since he will be a mafia boss soon.
"I want you to marry me when we grow up", deretsahang wika ng batang si Stefanie.
"And
you Cooler, don't call me Stefanie. Call me Mnemosyne. Dad said that it will be my
codename when I grow up and serve Vander mafia."
"Ryu will not marry you. Besides he likes someone at school!", wika ni Cooler which
made little Stefanie pout. She grabbed Cooler by the arm at malakas na
pinisil ang braso nito which made Cooler winced in pain.
"He can't like anyone. Ryu is for Stef and Stef is for Ryu!" Bigla siyang hinila ni
Ryu palayo kay Cooler which made Stef fell in the ground.
"You can't hurt Cooler, he's your future boss and you're just a reaper! You're
meant to protect us, not hurt us!", wika ni Ryu sa bata.
"A reaper?"
"Yes, just like your parents and we're the boss here so you have to follow orders
from us!", Ryu yelled at young Stef which made the latter cry. He remembered what
his mom always told him. Never make a woman cry and he just did. In fact, he always
did. He used to make his girl
classmates cry. He'd put a wad of gum on their hairs, minsan ay kinukulayan niya
ang puting uniform ng mga classmates niya, and he'd tie their bags to the chairs.
Malinaw pa sa kanyang isip ang payo ng kanyang ina but he just ignored it. Wala
nang saysay ang mga iyon dahil wala na rin ang kanyang ina. Pero hindi lamang mga
babae ang pinapaiyak niya sa school kundi maging ang mga kaklase niyang lalaki pati
na ang kanyang mga guro. He'd punch his classmates without any reason and smirk at
them. He put his pet snake on his
teacher's desk which made his teacher almost suffer a heartattack. Minsan na din
siyang naging sanhi ng kaguluhan sa pribadong paaralan na pinapasukan nila when he
brought a pellet gun at school that looks as good as the
real one. Itinutok niya ito sa kanilang guidance counselor when he was brought to
the
guidance office after he kicked his classmate. Since then, his last name becomes
trouble and
as each day passed, the gap between him and his father is getting bigger.
Patuloy lamang sa pag-iyak si Stefanie habang nakasalampak sa malamig na sahig. Ryu

and
Cooler didn't bother to help her hanggang sa dumating ang dalawang batang lalaki.
The other kid that's of the same age or only a month younger than Cooler helped her
up. Kapagkuway tiningnan nito ng masama sina Ryu at Cooler.
"Didn't your parents told you to respect women?", tanong nito habang tinutulungan
nila ng kasama niyang tumayo si Stefanie. His name is Rafael Red Villan o mas
kilala nila bilang Red. The boy with him is Allen Dave Cordova. Both of them are
sons of mafia reapers and they're
meant to grow up and become like their parents.
"Wala kang pakialam Red. Magiging boss mo rin kami balang araw kaya dapat matuto
kang gumalang sa amin habang maaga pa", wika ni Ryu.
Red helped the girl clean her clothes. Pinagpag niya ang damit ng babae at sinagot
si Ryu.
"Hindi ako gumagalang sa mga batang wala rin namang galang sa kapwa."
He smirked at the kid who just stared at him like he was challenging him. Sabay
silang lahat na napalingon sa laptop ni Ryu ng makarinig sila ng tunog doon. A
screeching sound and
then recorded voices. Ryu just smiled. He hacked the computerized intercom that was
in the conference room. He struggled in doing so but after a few tries, he
succeeded.
Mukhang tapos na ang meeting at dalawang tao na lamang ang naiwan sa conference
room. Napalapit silang lahat sa laptop at nakinig doon.
"Cronus, you said it yourself. You loved an amateur sleuth. Kung hindi mo nga siya
napilit na kunin ang anak mo noong hindi pa siya tuluyang nagiging alagad ng batas,
ngayon pa kaya na magiging abogado na si Iverone?", wika ng isang boses and they're
sure that Ryu's father owned such voice.
"Mahirap ang sitwasyon noon Rion. You know that her parents are both part of the
police at kahit high school pa lamang ay tumatanggap na ng detective works si Ivy.
She used to help the
police a lot, but I want my son. Alam mo bang henyo din siya katulad ni Ryu?", wika
ng boses
ni Cronus.
"Sa tingin mo ba ay makukuha mo ang anak mo ngayong nag-asawa na si Iverone? I

heard
that he married a police turned businessman. Napamahal na sa kanila ang bata. Arvie
Silvan
raised the kid for eight years. And I've heard that he's legally adopting your kid.
Hindi na Roa
ang dadalhin niyang apelyido kundi Silvan na."
"You know me Rion. Masaya na ako ngayong masaya si Ivy. Besides hindi naman
pinagdadamot ni Arvie si Coolest", sagot ni Cronus. Lingid sa kaalaman nila ay
nakikinig
ang limang bata sa kanila.
"And they named him Gray Ivan. Wala man lamang sinunod si Ivy mula sa pangalan ko."
"Why don't you settle with Dharlyn? You can have the mafia's first lady with
Cooler's mom."
"Alam mong hindi kami compatible ni Dharlyn. Isa pa ay masaya na din si Dharlyn sa
buhay niya. She found love that she can't get from me. Yes we're compatible in bed
but not as lifetime partners."
Narinig nilang tumawa ng mapakla si Rionessi. "You shouldn't believe in love

Cronus. Don't love too much dahil kapag nawala sila sayo, you'll be gone crazy."
"I still believe in love Rion at kung mawala man sila, I'll still live", matatag na
wika ni Cronus.
Halos hindi makagalaw ang batang si Cooler habang nakikinig. He got a younger
brother? Ipinagpatuloy nila ang pakikinig.
"Oh Cronus. Dahil abala sa kanyang pag-aaral si Ivy, alam mo bang iniiwan niya ang
bata sa kapitbahay nila? No, not totally leaving him. The boy got two neighbors as
buddies. One's a son of a police chief and a businesswoman while the other's a son
of the owner of Deltran Resorts and Spa. Not bad for future mafia buddies",
natatawang wika ni Rionessi. "Their route for today is on the mall and I asked
Demeter to take the kid for a while."
"But-"
"Don't worry. They won't harm anyone. Kakaibiganin lamang nila ang nag-aalaga."
That was the last conversation that the kids heard dahil bigla na lamang pinulot ng
isang
babae ang laptop. It was Ella, the kid's governess.
"Nasa harap ka na naman ng laptop mo Sir Ryu, pagagalitan na naman ako-"
"Give me back my gadget!", singhal niya sa babae.
"Hindi pwede. And you Red, Stef and Dave, tapos na ang meeting ng mga Daddy niyo,
you can all go", wika niya at agad naman na umalis ang tatlong bata. Cooler was
still surprised that he got a little brother.
"I can't accept him!" He said nang makapasok na sila sa loob ng silid ni Ryu. It
wasn't Ryu's room but Cronus made it his dahil madalas na doon matulog ang bata
kaysa sa Morisson Mansion.
He looked angrily at Cooler. "Ayaw mo sa kapatid mo and here I am dying to see my

baby sister na hindi ko na kailanman
makikita."
The young Cooler felt the pain in Ryu's words. Humingi siya ng dispensa sa pinsan
and promised him that he will never despise his younger brother kapag nakilala niya
ito.
On the other hand...
"Yeheey! We're having ice cream!", masiglang wika ng pitong taong gulang na si
Zywon.
Kasama niya sa bahay nila ang mga kaibigang sina Khael at Gray na mas kilala sa
tawag na
Mikmik at Ae-ae. Zywon got a nickname too. Aywon, from his little sister Crystal na
hindi pa masyadong nakakapagsalita.
"Of course Aywon. Kasama natin si Mikmik at Ae-ae, right boys?", tanong ng
magandang babae sa dalawang walong taong gulang na mga bata.
Ae-ae nodded happily while Mikmik frowned. "I can't Tita Emerald. I have tutorial
lessons
today", he said.
Ngumiti ng matamis si Emerald sa bata. "No worries Mikmik, lalabas din tayo sa
susunod okay?" Nakangiting tumango ang bata bago nagpaalam sa kanila. Sinusundo na
kasi ito ng
isang katulong. They lived on the same subdivision at magkatapat lamang ang bahay
nila.
"Let's go Ae-ae? Ivy said she had a mock trial today kaya dito ka muna", Emerald
said and the smartboy nodded.
"Yes Tita!"
"Yehey! Kasama si Ae-ae!", Aywon shouted at agad na hinila si Ae-ae sa kotseng

gagamitin
nila. "Mauna na kami sa kotse Mama!"
The two boys headed towards the car at hindi naman naglaon ay sumunod na si Emerald
sa kanila and they're heading towards the mall. Hindi pa sila masyadong nakakalayo
ay napansin nila ang sumusunod na pulang kotse.
Emerald is a fearless woman, a trait acquired by Aywon. Inutusan niya ang driver na
ihinto ang kotse at pinara ang pulang kotse na sumusunod sa
kanila. Agad naman iyong huminto at nakipag-usap sa kanya.
"My name is Demeter. Kaibigan ako ng tunay na ama ni Gray, can I have him for a
while? Please?", the woman asked.
Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ni Emerald ang tungkol doon.
She's Ivy's bestfriend kaya alam niya ang tungkol sa ama ng anak nito. "Oh, kung
maipapangako mong maibabalik mo agad ang bata bago matapos ang araw."
Emerald knew that Gray needed some time with his real father. She trusted Demeter
dahil minsan na niyang nakita ito kasama ang dating kasintahan ni Ivy. She thought
she's his secretary or the likes.
"Ae-ae, hali ka dito", tawag niya sa bata na agad lumabas ng kotse kasama si Aywon.
"Bakit po Tita?"
"Sumama ka muna sa Tita Demeter mo, okay lang ba?", she asked the kid. Nagpalipat-
lipat ang tingin nito sa kanila ng babae.
"But Mama, diba po mag-a-ice cream tayo?", tanong ni Aywon.
Ae-ae stared at the lady for a while, as if his young eyes are carefully assessing
her. "But Mom said that I shouldn't go anywhere with strangers", wika ng bata.
Bumaba ang babae upang maging pantay na sila ng bata.
"Gray, my name is Tita Demeter. I'm not a stranger anymore so you can come with me.
Let's go?"
Napaatras ang bata nang tinangka siyang hawakan ng babae. "I just knew your name.
How about your last name? Telephone number? Your email? Basic facts about you? I
don't know them so basically you're still a stranger to me."
Napangiti si Demeter sa bata. He's really smart, a perfect trait for a future mafia
boss of Vander Mafia. Magsasalita pa sana siya ng may dumating na isang itim na
kotse at lumabas ang isang babaeng nakasuot ng itim. The same woman who ambushed
Sweet Vander Morisson's vehicle eight years ago.
"Demeter. Another Vander huh? It's good to kill another heir of Vander Mafia",
nakakalokong wika ng babaeng nakasuot ng itim at gothic ang ayos.
Emerald looked at the two young boys. "Aywon, Ae-ae, go back into the car now",
wika niya sa dalawang bata.
"What's Vander Mafia Mama?", tanong ni Aywon sa ina. He's young and curious and
innocent.
"No time to explain. Bumalik na kayo sa kotse. Manong, ialis niyo ho ang mga bata",
utos niya sa driver ngunit tumawa ng mapakla ang babae.
"Who among the two is the youngest Vander? Both of them looks so adorable and my
little buddy's bullet wanted to penetrate their little bodies."
"Hindi mo na iyan magagawa Ganymede! Nakaisa ka na kay Athena at sa anak niya.

There's no way you'll get another Vander, you traitor!", sigaw ni Demeter.
"Ah. I guess this kid with Cronus' dark eyes is the young Vander", wika niya at
tiningnan si Ae-ae. "Hello Kiddo. I'm your darkest nightmare. I have good news to
you, you will soon meet your cousin and Aunt and the bad news is that you'll meet
them on hell."
Bigla na lamang silang nakarinig ng putok ng baril and they saw the gothic woman
bleed on her arm.
Hindi man lamang ito natinag at masamang tiningnan si Demeter na siyang nagpaputok.
"You fired first Demeter and you'll regret it. We'll haunt down every member of the
Vander Mafia."
The next thing was brutal and blurry to both of the little boys. Naging maingay at
madugo iyon. The last thing that the boys remember was that their car was drove by
a wounded Demeter and Emerald was hit with a bullet while the young Zywon was
grazed with a bullet on his shoulders. It hurts a lot but seeing his mom suffered
hurts more hanggang sa bawian ito ng buhay. It was very tragic for the young Gray
and Zywon.
Isa lang ang hindi mawala sa isip ng batang si Zywon habang umiiyak na tinitingnan
ang kanyang ina, he will surely take revenge for the Vander Mafia.
****************************
[Amber Sison's POV]
I woke up by eleven in the evening. Matapos akong bumili ng iced coffee at cookies
kanina ay natulog na agad ako. I'm planning for a search and rescue operation for
my roommate Phobie. I want to kiss myself for putting myself into trouble again.
Kung sino man ang kumuha kay Phobie, I know they won't spare my life too.
Tumayo ako sa kama at nagbihis. I chose to wear an all black outfit upang hindi ako
mapansin ng kung sino man. Nakakaalarma na ang pagkawala ni Phobie yet the dorm
management aren't doing anything to find her. It's already curfew time kaya
malamang ay sarado na ang main door so I chose the other way. Pumili ako sa daan na
ginamit ni Zywon at Khael and Khael's way is easier for me. Kung unggoy si Khael ay
pusa naman ako. I can easily carry my light body kaya simple lang sa akin ang
paglambitin ko sa bawat baluster ng palapag.
I can clearly see the ground at nang matantiya ko na kaya ko na iyong talunin ay
agad akong bumitaw. I was expecting the cold hard ground ngunit muntikan na akong
mapasigaw ng may tao and I ended landing on that person's body as we both fell on
the ground. My eyes widened when I saw that person.
"G-gray?"
*********************
CHAPTER 26: A RISKY REUNION (SEARCH CHAPTER)

Chapter 26: A Risky Reunion (Search Chapter)
A/N: I wanna say Hi to Editor Melody, hindi ko muna siya pinressure ngayon kasi
nakiedit ako sa lappy. Thanks to @DeadlyWeapon's suggestions! Now my mind's gonna
burst for the upcoming chapter's ideas.
I said I will update tomorrow ngunit hindi ko kayo matiis so I'm giving it now.
Happy Reading (kahit walang kwenta ang Chapter na to. xD)
**************************
"Gray?, I asked in surprise when I landed atop of him! God! This is so awkward! I
stared at him for a while at agad ding napatayo ng lumabas sa isip ko kung ano ang
posisyon namin ngayon.
Tumayo rin siya at pinagpagan ang sarili. "Amber."
"Anong ginagawa mo dito? Particularly here on the back part of the girls'
dormitory?", I asked and he just stared at me for a while. Uh, yeah. I missed him.
It's been three days since the last time I saw him.
"I-" he paused for a while as if he's thinking of an answer.
"Hoy," tawag pansin ko sa kanya.
"I just came to see A-Athena. Right. I wanna see Athena", wika niya and he flashed
his boyish shy smile. "How about you? Why the hell are you jumping down from the
windows? Plano mo bang maging Spiderwoman? No. It should be Catwoman.", he asked
and I scowled at him. I'd rather hear Jeremy's puns than his.
"I have something to do. Sinong kasama mong pumunta dito?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"I'm with Math."
Napataas ang isang kilay ko. Ano kaya ang madalas nilang gawin sa Bridle lalo na at
wala kaming dalawa ni Je?
"Madalas kayong magkasama?"
He nodded. "Yeah. We're on the same circle and since pansamantalang wala kayong
dalawa ni Jeremy, kami na muna ang madalas magkasama", sagot niya.
"Gaano kadalas?"
"Madalas, minsan?", he answered in hesitation.
"Gaano kadalas ang minsan?", I asked again. Oh, I wanna punch myself. It sounded
like a title for a soap opera, isn't it? And I sounded like a jealous girlfriend
demanding for an answer kaya agad kong binawi ang sagot ko. "Oh, never mind. Mauna
na ako sayo Gray. I have some things to accomplish tonight. Enjoy your walk around
Athena", wika ko sa kanya.
I moved my way at nilagpasan siya but to my surprise, he pulled my arms and hugged
me from behind. He rested his chin on my shoulders as he wrapped his arms around
me. I felt my cheeks blushed and I'm thankful that he can't directly see my face.
"G-gray..."
"I missed you", he said and I almost melt. Ito ba ang madalas na sabihin ni Andi
tungkol sa kilig? Mas hinigpitan pa niya ang kanyang yakap and he nuzzled his face
on my neck.
Shit! Hindi ba ako amoy pawis? I just swing from the fourth floor and he can
directly smell me!
"Gray, baka amoy-pawis ako..." Uh, that was the most awkward thing to say when
someone, especially a guy hugged you.
"No. You smelt like strawberries and melon", he said at muli ay gusto kong matunaw.
How this guy could effortlessly makes me melt in his simple ways? I don't know why
ngunit tila nanlalambot ako sa mga pinagsasabi nito.
I remembered the time when we- uh. When we kissed. It bothered me so much that
night which caused my sleepless night. Ganoon ba iyon kapag unang halik?
I immediately free myself from him when I heard someone cleared his throat. Parehas
kaming napatingin ni Gray sa pinagmulan ng tunog.
"Khael", I said when I saw him standing nearby. His face was crumpled at agad na
lumapit sa amin. He stood between me and Gray.
"Madaya ka Silvan. I summoned you here and you see Special A first than me? I
should be the one that you're hugging, not her", wika nito habang nakatingin ng
masama kay Gray.
Uh, seriously? He's jealous with that hug? Duda na talaga ako dito, baka may gusto
nga it okay Gray.
"Hug yourself Alonzo", sagot ni Gray and he looked away. He mumbled something like
'wrong timing' or so I thought.
"Nah. I'm gonna get that hug of yours from special A", he said and to both my and
Gray's surprise, Khael pulled me and slammed me against his body. He didn't hug me
from behind, instead he gave me a real hug. Khael's always bold on what he felt but
he didn't take advantage of me, a thing I admire about him. I'm not saying that
Gray took advantage but they're the exact opposite.
Khael always tells me about how he admires me but he never do gestures like hugging
or kissing me due to how he felt. Well yeah, he hugged me but it was when he was
surprised to see me at Athena as the exchange student. As of Gray, he never told me
how he felt about me yet his gestures spoke it all.
"Uhh." Khael grunt and he sounded hurt at agad siyang napabitiw sa akin. "What was
that for?", he asked Gray while holding his side. I saw Gray's fist clenched. Did
he just punch Khael's side?
"My way of saying I missed you", sagot ni Gray and I almost screamed when Khael
punched him on his gut too.
"I missed you too Silvan", sagot nito. I both scowled at them. Uh, anong klaseng
utak ba ang meron sila? Bumaling si Khael sa akin at tinanong ako. "Where are you
going Special A?"
Tiningnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Oh, they've got problems with my all
black outfit? Ayokong sabihin sa kanila ang tungkol sa naisip kong search and
rescue operation for Phobie. I knew that they would object to it. Iisipin nilang
mapapahamak lamang ako.
"Don't tell me you're doing something dangerous again?", Khael asked. "Are you
planning to search for Phobie?"
I looked at him intently. Naikwento ko nga pala sa kanya ang tungkol doon except
for the notebook part. I slowly nodded my head.
"Special A, the reason why I summoned Silvan here is to help me in finding her,
you don't have to engaged yourself in such danger. We can handle-"
"Khael she's my roommate and whether you liked it or not, I will help in finding
her. Isa pa ay masyadong delikado ang paghahanap sa kanya. It involves so many
risks and I can't leave it all to you", sagot ko.
"If you're referring to those drugs, I knew all about it. Silvan told me about it.
Isa pa, I'm the one who stole the notebook from Zywon and -"
"Just as I thought."
Sabay kaming napalingon sa nagsalita and we saw Zywon. Prenteng nakasandal ito sa
isang puno at nakatingin sa amin.
"Hello, old buddies", he said sarcastically. "It's not nice to see you again,
especially you Silvan. It's a reunion. Shall we open some champagne then?"
Whatever his grudge for Gray is, hindi pa rin ito nakakamove on. I wonder what it
was all about. Umaandar na naman ang pagiging pakialamera ko but all I want is to
help them get back as friends again.
"Deltran", wuka ni Gray. Sumeryoso ang mukha nito as he looked at Zywon. "What are
you doing here?"
Bahagyang humakbang si Zywon palapit sa amin but he maintained a three steps away
distance. "I should be the one asking you such question. You don't belong here in
Athena anymore, oh. Sorry. My bad. You owned Athena right? So basically, you have
all the right here. How rude of me, disrespecting a mafia heir."
Napaamang ako habang nakatingin sa kanya. He knew that much about Gray's
involvement at mafia? Si Khael nga ay hindi halos makapaniwala dati but Zywon's so
sure about it. Did he have a thorough investigation about it?
Bumaling si Zywon kay Khael at tiningnan ito ng masinsinan. "As of you, give me
back the notebook.".
"No way! That was for me, you stole it from me on the first place!", singhal ko kay
Zywon at napabaling ang atensyon niya sa akin.
"I'm not yet done with you Amber Sison but you're least of my concern. Kailangan
kong makuha muli ang kwaderno and look for Phobie", wika niya. Ano ba ang problema
niya? If he really wants to see Phobie, then he should cooperate with us lalo na at
parehas lang kaming lahat na gustong mahanap si Phobie.
"I should possess that notebook. It's not for you. Isa pa ay ayokong gamitin mo ang
notebook ni Phobie for your personal purposes. Whatever resentment you had with the
mafia, don't use Phobie and her notebook!", I hissed at him. "What are you doing
here anyway? Plano mo na naman bang akyatin ako sa kwarto ko?"
"WHAT?!", gulat na tanong ni Gray. He held my shoulders at hinarap ako sa kanya.

"What is he doing in your room?"
"Oh I see. You're important girlfriend huh? What do you think a guy and a girl
would be doing in a room at this hour -"
Hindi na nito natuloy ang sasabihin dahil dumapo na ang kamao ni Gray sa mukha
nito. He held his jaw at bahagyang pinahid ang dugo mula sa kanyang labi.
"Learn to respect ladies", wika ni Gray at kinalma ang sarili. "She's not yet my
girlfriend but you don't have the right to invent things which are not true."
What's with the not yet thing by the way?
Mapaklang ngumiti si Zywon. "Alam mo ba kung ano ang tumatakbo sa isip ko ngayon
Silvan? I just had a reminiscence of a young Ae-ae telling a younger Aywon with his
words which were 'I won't let anyone punch you Aywon. You've got Ae-ae and
Mikmik's back for that." He chuckled. "But it never occurred to me that you will be
the first one to punch me, I shouldn't have believed you."
Ae-ae? Mikmik? Isn't that Gray's and Khael's nicknames? Aywon must be Zywon since
Khael said that the three of them used to be best of friends when they're younger.
What have caused them to fell apart?
I saw a hint of tenderness in Gray's eyes ngunit saglit lamang iyon. "When you
stopped believing in me, I did too. Why don't you just forgive and forget?"
"Some things can never be forgotten nor forgiven", sagot ni Zywon, in his serious
voice. I can hear all the pain in such voice.
Saglit na namayani ang katahimikan sa pagitan naming. It seems like there is a war
between them by merely staring at each other.
"We're wasting our time here. We should have started searching for Phobie now",
Khael said. He's neutral between the two. Malamang ay kay Gray lamang galit si
Zywon but he decided to shut himself that's why Khael remained friends with Gray
but not with him.
"There you are!"
Muli kaming sabay na napalingon sa nagsalita and we saw Math smiling all the way
habang hawak-hawak ang kanyang tablet at suot-suot sa tenga ang kanyang headset.
"Good thing I bugged you Gray, dahil malamang ay naligaw na ako ngayon. Athena's
pretty big too like Bridle."
"You bugged me?", tanong ni Gray.
She nodded. "Yup. It's a wireless tap and a transmitter so I can clearly hear your
conversation through my tablet." Lumawak ang ngiti nito at agad na lumapit sa akin.
She hugged me and kissed my cheek. "Hi Amber! I missed you! I wish I can see Jeremy
too."
"Over here Maya!"
For the nth time ay sabay kaming napalingon sa pinagmulan ng boses ni Jeremy and I
made a face. This reunion isn't good. Math and Jeremy are clueless about this and
I don't want to put them into danger.
"Je, what are you doing here?", I asked him. If anything happens to this naïve man,
I can't forgive myself. He used to call me his best friend but I never admitted to
it, but somehow I felt so protective on him so I guess I guess he's really my best
friend.
"I saw Zywon climbed down on the emergency ladder of the boys' dorm. He's on the
third floor while my room is directly below to his on the second floor. Nakita ko
siyang bumaba and it's almost curfew so I wonder what he was doing. I followed him
but unfortunately, I'm not good in climbing down ladders like him so it took me a
while to follow him. Hinanap ko siya saglit around Athena and fortunately I heard
voices here and I saw all of you", sagot ni Jeremy.
Agad akong lumapit sa kanya and grabbed him by the arm.

"Bumalik ka na sa dorm", wika ko sa kanya. He doesn't have to be in this mess.
"But Bestie -"
"Je, making ka sa akin!"
"I heard all of you. What's with the mafia and that Phobie?", singit ni Math at
napahawak ako sa ulo ko. Everything is getting complicated now.
"Where did you get the wireless tap and transmitter Miss?", tanong ni Zywon kay
Math. Hinarap naman siya ng huli at ngumiti ng malawak.
"My name is Math Corazon. As of the wireless tap and transmitter, I invented it
myself", lumapit siya kay Gray at kinuha ang tila butones sa suot nitong jacket.
"This transmitter is a miniature transceivers too so I can communicate with Gray
through this if I'd wish too. It has a minispeaker, and antenna. There's a small
wire here for the recorded voices that I have connected in my tablet. I invented it
all myself out of boredom and luckily, it worked."
Zywon shrugged his houlders. "Well, it's kinda handy."

"Why did you bugged me Math?", tanong ni Gray kay Math.
"I don't believe when you said you'll have to pee. I know you're doing something so
I've tried this one", sagot nito.
"Enough with all the chatting. Khael, where's the notebook that you stole from
Zywon that he stole from me?", tanong ko and both him and Zywon made a face. What
now? I'm just stating the fact.
Napakamot sa ulo niya si Khael. "It's lost. Someone stole it from me."
"Again? Do you actually think that I would believe you? Look Khael, I know you
don't want to put me into danger but I really need that notebook",wika ko sa kanya
but he just looked sincerely at me.
"I'm not lying Special A. It's really gone. Someone broke into our room and stole
it. I never had it read, neither opened it", he said and I can feel the honesty in
him.
"Room mo yung nagkagulo kahapon dahil pinasok?", tanong ni Jeremy and Khael nodded.
Another big problem. Kung ganoon ay ako lamang ang may nabasa sa notebook na iyon
though I haven't finished reading it. Blame Zywon for all of these! Kung hindi sana
niya ninakaw iyon sa akin, things wouldn't turn out like this! Who could be the
person who stole the notebook from Khael? Is it one of the bad guys?
"Argh! It's all your fault!", wika ko kay Zywon and he just smirked at me. Humarap
ako sa kanilang lahat. "We'll all search for Phobie. There are possible secret
passages here in Athena since she mentioned that she had a secret hideout. Now
let's group into two -"
"I'll go with Gray!", wika ni Math bago ko pa man matapos ang sasabihin ko.
"Je, you go back to your room -"

"I can help Bestie", wika ni Jeremy. As much as possible, he must not know all
about this ngunit nangyari na. He already knew little things and that little
knowledge might bring peril to him.
"If you're really worried about him Special A, then I'll go with him", boluntaryo
ni Khael and somewhat I'm relieved. I know Khael would look after Jeremy and
protect him.
Napalingon ako kay Zywon and he gave me a sly smile. "It can't be helped. You're
going to pair with me Amber Sison", wika nito and I just exhaled. He's right. I've
got no other choice but to pair with him.
"Hey guys, be careful not to bumped with the seven wonders of Athena", wika ni
Jeremy sa aming lahat. "I've heard about it from Sophie. If you want a less
stressful life, be careful not to messed with them. Naikwento din ba nila sayo ang
tungkol doon Bestie?", he asked and I made a face.
I experienced it myself and it isn't a wonder at all. Those are just things which
some people made stories about, making it a mysterious ghost story about Athena.
"Uh, yeah. I have heard about it Je and I unravel them all with Khael who almost
peed on his -"
"Special A", wika ni Khael at tinapunan ako ng masamang tingin.
"Hulaan ko Bestie, siguro halos maihi ka sa takot ano and Khael comforted you?",
wikang ni Jeremy and I rolled my eyes. Actually, it's the other way round.
Gray reminded us about the time kaya napagpasyahan naming simulan na ang
paghahanap.
"We need these to communicate", wika ni Math at naglabas ng apat ng tatlong
maliliit na tila butones mula sa kanyang bulsa. "These looks like buttons but these
are transceivers. We can communicate through this. Unlike the first one, this
doesn't have a transmitter and wireless tap. Speaker at mic lamang ito. We can use
this in case of troubles and we lost our phones. Unfortunately, these are only
three pieces which are intended for Gray, Amber and Jeremy so I'll have these
distributed by group." She handed one to Khael, one to me and the other one to
Gray.
We all settled and divided the area for our search. Zywon and I chose the area near
the secret library kung saan namin nakita si Ryu. He was silent as we walked on the
dark pavement of Athena.
Si Zywon ang unang bumasag ng katahimikan sa pagitan namin. "Amber Sison, why
didn't you choose your own partner? Are you comfortable with me? Alam mong
pinagdududahan ko ang pagkatao mo yet you chose to go with me. Why?"
"Drop the Sison, Amber. Just Amber."
"Okay Just Amber. Now will you tell me why?", wika niya. I know he was just trying
to piss me the hell out of me by calling me Just Amber but I won't give him the
satisfaction of seeing how pissed I am.
"I've got no other choice", sagot ko sa kanya.
"Other than that?"
"Wala na."
"I don't believe you", wika niya at hinarap ako. "You surely think I'm an enemy.
You trust Khael with your friend, does that mean you trust me too by coming here
with me?"
Napatigil ako sa tanong niya. Did I trust him? Some voice in my mind says that I
can't trust him but I also wanted to trust him. He's a good guy, I can feel it.
He's just overpowered by his anger and hatred and I don't have any idea how it all
started.
"I still don't trust you", wika ko sa kanya.
He bit his lips and slowly nodded his head. "That's good because you can't trust
anybody these days. You think you have a friend who's got your back but when you
turn around, you will realize that they have a knife six inches deep in your back",
wika niya bago nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
His words made gave me the guts to ask about what happened between him and Gray.
"What happened with you and Gray?"
He never bothered to look back at nagpatuloy lang sa paglalakad. "Once upon a time,
there were three little prince and a queen. One prince stayed at home while the two
went out with the queen. They walked in the forest and then a beast came to get one
of the princes which belonged to their kingdom. Two beasts came and tried to kill
that little prince and the queen died protecting him. The real prince who was the
son of that queen was left broken and shattered. The end."
Kahit sa ganoong paraan niya iyon ikinuwento sa akin, I understood what he meant.
The queen must be his mother and the princes must be him, Gray and Khael. Khael
must be the one who stayed at home and then the other princes are Zywon and Gray.
The beasts must be from Vander Mafia who tried to get Gray and that explains the
undeniable hatred of Zywon to Vander mafia and Gray. He lost his mother who died
protecting Gray. But is it right to despise Gray when in fact he's a victim too?
"You're stuck in your past. That's not good. You shouldn't let your past punish
your present and injure your future", wika ko sa kanya.
"I don't need your opinion."
I took a deep sigh when he answered. Tiningnan ko siya habang naglalakad at muling
tinanong. "How about the Vander mafia? Don't you think those beast aren't from that
mafia?"
"They probably belonged to other mafia but the Vander Mafia is the root of it. I
have Vander mafia on my revenge list and then I will ask them who is that nameless
group and then crashed them too", he said in a voice full of hatred.
"Destroying them won't bring back the queen to life nor makes her happy", wika ko
sa kanya. Walang magandang patutunguhan ang iniisip nitong paghihigante.
"But it makes me happy. You don't have to say things like you know how I feel Just
Amber. Naranasan mo na bang mamatayan ng mahal sa buhay?", wika niya.
"I haven't -"
"Then you keep your mouth shut. Believe me, if you're in a situation like mine, you
would think that revenge is rational", he said which made me think about it.
Paano nga kaya kung ano ang nasa sitwasyon niya? What if I lose Mom or Dad because
of some mafia groups, would I'll be like Zywon who thinks if nothing but revenge?
Iwinaksi ko iyon sa isipan ko. Good thing Mom and Dad are living a simple life.
Hindi kami kasing yaman ng iba, Dad's an average businessman and Mom too. They
weren't connected with the Vander mafia or anything so it's safe to assume that
they won't be in a situation like what happened to Zywon's mom.
Hindi na ako nagkaroon ng panahong sagutin siya dahil narating na namin ang
revolving door na napuntahan na namin. We entered slowly and searched for possible
doors that may be Phobie's secret passage.
Walang nakabukas na ilaw doon kaya marahil ay wala roon si Ryu. We slowly made our
way towards every corner and we used our phone as flashlights. We checked on the
walls and I observed na maraming nakakalat doon sa mesa kung saan nakita naming si
Ryu. He mustn't have it piled again.
Curiosity striked me and made me wanted to scan on the folders that Ryu was
scanned. Lumapit ako sa mesa at napansin ko ang mga bago at lumang folder na
naroon. I opened one folder and read its contents. It was some sort of application
form but a very confidential one. Pangalan, educational background at skills lamang
ang hinihingi ng naturang application form. It was like a stolen information,
printed and then compliled in such folder. Binasa ko ang isang lumang folder.
Name: Vanessa Ronda

Educational Background
Elementary: Millennium Learning Academy
Secondary: Athena High School (Formerly Millennium Academy for Secondary)
Tertiary: De La Salle University
The picture looks old kaya marahil matagal na iyon. Narinig ko rin ang tungkol sa
Millennium Acdemy for Secondary na naging Athena na ngayon. It was sold and renamed
by the new owner, renovated each room and expanded the school making it one of the
best private schools of today. It's been 46 years since it was renamed as Athena
High School. Pinagpatuloy ko ang pagbabasa.
Skills
Excellent in Judo and Karate. Blackbelter and 2-time champion for inter-schools
competitions held abroad.
Uh? What have the skills have something to do? Wait, is this an application for the
-
the mafia?
Those records were old one kaya marahil ay matagal na panahon na iyon. I looked for
the newer folders at binasa rin ang mga laman niyon and there were faces and
informations which were similar to the first one. Marami iyon and their last names
were known in the society kagaya na lamang ng isang pangalan na nabasa ko. His last
name was known for their huge chain of restaurants and five-star hotels. Mayroon
ding kaapilyedo ng isang political clan and some were known businessman. Kung gayon
ay hindi nga basta-bastang tao ang mga nasa mafia. Maybe that was the reason how
they acquired such great wealth other than their businesses. I continued scanning
on the newest folders and I was surprised to see familiar faces.
Name: Stefanie Grande

Codename: Mnemosyne
(Architecture Student at Athena University)
(Pathfinder. Excellent sense of direction, daughter of Reaper Helios)
Mnemosyne? I'm sure it's the Mnemosyne that I have known dahil malinaw ang
nakangiting larawan nito na nakaprint sa papel. Athena university is a known
university which must be owned also by the Vander mafia. Hindi iyon karugtong ng
Athena High School at nasa ibang lugar iyon. I never saw such school but I heard
much about it. I looked on the other folders and saw other familiar faces.
Name: Red Rafael Villan

Codename: Poseidon
(Psychology student at Athena University, special classes at Golden Era Aeronautics
School)
(Stealth assault. Sniper. Accurate in every shot. Silent assassin. Second son of
Ralph Villan, chief comptroller)
So these lists are the new batches of reapers dahil pamilyar ang mga mukhang iyon.
Does Vander mafia own all of these? I picked up another file and saw Artemis' photo
there.
Name: Ryza Raine Morisson

Codename: Artemis
(Psychology graduate at Minnesota, USA.)
(Sniper. Accurate up to 400 yards/moving vehicle. Only daughter of Riosterri
Morisson, explosive/ammo maker)
The other reapers have information there too.
Name: Allen Dave Cordova

Codename: Hermes
(IT student at Athena University)
(Martial arts master. Excellent in Judo and Karate. Third son of Amelito Cordova,
mafia organizer)
Name: Gersom Kevin Ortizano

Codename: Eros
(Political science graduate, Golden Era engineering School)
(Gun master. Short-range accurate shooter. Shoot vital points with accuracy Eldest
son of reaper Rhea)
Name: Ren Clark Alcantara

Codename: Ares
(Business Ad. Graduate., De La Salle University)
(Gun master. Long-ranged accurate shooter up to 450 yards, second son of Roswel
Alcantara)
Name: Alex Leorence Durano

Codename: Hades
(Chemical engineer.)
(Explosive maker. Short-ranged shooter.)
Marami pang mga reaper at kung anu-anong posisyon ang nasa mafia na naroon at
nabasa ko. But if the mafia owned these, bakit tila abandonado ang secret library
na ito?
"Done on your research? I thought we're looking for Phobie?", tanong ni Zywon
habang nakatingin sa akin. Nakatangis ang bagang nito. Maybe the sight of all the
informations about the mafia stirs his anger.
"Don't you want to read this? You hated the mafia right? These are just helpful for
you", wika ko sa kanya. He nodded at me.
"I've familiarized all of those", wika niya to my surprised.
"Nabasa mo na ito?"
He nodded his head. "I told you about the scarred man right? I got curious so I
read these stuffs that he used to read. And I don't think this information is
gathered by the Vander mafia. Ang ibig kong sabihin, yes, all of these are probably
mafia's records but they aren't the mafia's compilation. I saw the surprised and
anger in the scarred man's face habang binabasa niya ang mga nakasulat dito. He got
angry and he even punched a wall. That must hurt a lot."
Napangiwi ako sa sinabi ni Zywon. Yeah, Ryu kinda suck in anger management kaya
hindi na ako magtataka kung ano man ang gawin nito upang mapalabas ang kanyang
nararamdaman na galit.
"His name is Ryu", pagtatama k okay Zywon. He always calls him scarred man, I guess
Ryu sounds better.
"I don't want to remember the names of the people that I hate. I will finish him
soon kaya wala nang dahilan para tandaan ko pa ang pangalan niya", seryosong wika
niya.
"You want to turn yourself into a killer for revenge?", tanong ko sa kanya and he
stared at me, as if he's thinking whether he will answer my question or not.
"Possibly", sagot niya sa akin. Tiningnan ko siya kung kaya nga ba niyang pumatay.
Well, an angry man can do anything kaya marail ay kaya nga nito. He's been drowned
in his too much anger and hunger for revenge. His life must be very lonely.
"The possibilities are endless once we decide to act. I don't think you can do it.
I see something good in you."
His dark piercing eyes roamed around my face, carefully looking every angle na para
bang makikita niya ang nais niyang isagot mula sa mukha ko. "Paano mo naman
nasabi?"
"You have all the opportunities to kill Ryu here when he lowered down his guards
especially that you've got a gun but you didn't do it. What do you think is the
possible reason? It could be because you can't take to kill people", wika ko.
"That's not true", pagtanggi niya. "I didn't kill him because I see myself in him.
He's lost and lonely. Alam mo bang nakita ko siyang umiiyak as he call for her
Mom's name? That's when I realized that we're on the same boat. I'd rather take him
as an ally than an enemy. We're both scarred."
"May peklat ka rin?", tanong ko sa kanya.
Kumunot ang noo niya bago umiling. "No. I'm talking about the invisible scars. You
know, they are the hardest to heal." His words were really serious and it made me
think of a lot of things. Ano kaya ang nararamdaman niya? How a life without a
mother was like?
"He's still part of the mafia", paalala ko sa kanya.
"I don't see him as he is. I see him as I am," wika niya.
Bigla na lamang kaming nakarinig ng pagkasa ng isang baril and I was surprised to
see Ryu pointing a gun at Zywon's head. This is the second time that he did it in
front of me.
"I don't see you as an ally. You're just a rat who got his own issues and trying to
crash us with your little hands. I'm telling you pal, you can't", wika ni Ryu.
"Ryu! Put away your gun!", wika ko sa kanya ngunit hindi ito nakinig sa akin. "Ryu
I said put away your gun. Isa pa ay hindi ikaw ang ipinunta naming dito. We're
looking for my roommate", wika ko sa kanya at saka lamang nito ibinaba ang baril.
"Consider yourself lucky for now. At kung iniisip mo na magiging kakampi mo ako,
you're wrong", Ryu said.
Natahimik ito ng makarinig kami ng ingay.
When I looked around no one was there. It seems like someone was calling my name
and then I realized it must be from the miniature transceivers that Math gave us.
Agad kong kinuha iyon mula sa bulsa ko and I heard Gray's voice.
"Gray.."
"Nasaan kayo?", he asked.
Tumingin ako kay Ryu at Zywon and I don't know kung sasabihin ko ba kung nasaan
kami.
"I'm with Zywon and Ryu."

I saw Ryu's face crumpled nang sinabi ko ang pangalan niya.
"What is Ryu doing here?", tanong ni Gray.
"I don't know."
"Listen Amber. We just saw Phobie and a man in laboratory gown. We need you to get
here near the field. I think they're taking Phobie somewhere. Wala siyang malay and
we have to devise a plan to save her", wika ko. Agad ko silang niyayang lumabas and
to my surprise Ryu come with us.
"Where are you going?", tanong ni Zywon but Ryu refused to answer him. Naglakad
lang ito na nakapamulsa like he didn't heard someone asked him. Inulit ko ang
tanong ni Zywon sa kanya.
"Where are you going?"
"Sinabi mo din naman kay Gray na kasama mo ako, I'd take the liberty to see my
cousin. Wala naman sigurong masama doon diba?", he said and Zywon clenched his face
when he said Gray is his cousin.
Nadadagdagan yata ang galit nito sa tuwing naaalala na isa palang Vander si Gray.
"Bahala ka", wika ko sa kanya at agad kaming nagpunta sa lugar na sinabi ni Gray.
He wasn't surprise to see Ryu but he made a face.
"What's that expression for dear cousin? You don't think it's good to see me?",
lumingon si Ryu sa paligid and he noticed that there were many of us. "What's
these? Some sort of a get-together? Bakit andami yatang tao?"
"You're so talkative. Keep your mouth shut", wika ni Gray at agad kaming pinakubli
sa isang bench na nasa gilid ng oval nang umandar ang isang sasakyan. We saw a man
carrying a girl in black na walang malay at agad na sinakay iyon sa kotse at
pinaandar iyon palabas ng Athena.
"Damn! They really got her and they're taking her somewhere. We need someone who
can follow that care for us to retrieve Phobie", nababahala na wika ko.
"If that's the case, I guess you need me."
Agad kong nilingon ang pinagmulan ng boses and saw Cooler. Bahagya akong nagulat ng
makita ito. Uh, anong ginagawa nito dito?
Uh, this is really a reunion. And it's a risky one.

*****************************
A/N: Chapter 27: A Risky Reunion (Pursuit Chapter will be posted either Monday
night or tomorrow night. Yow guys, trip niyo talagang magcomment ng "Author UD na
please", after you have read the latest update that was posted five minutes ago
ano? Hindi ako nape-pressure guys. Hindi talaga. Hiiiiindiiiiii .... Hindiiiiiii.
Hindiiiiiiiiiii.
*time of death: Just now cause: Pressure* LOL.
-Shinichilaaaaabs.
Add me on fb: www.facebook.com/shinichilaabsWP
Join DF group, Just search DETECTIVE FILES by Shinichilaaaabs.
Arigato!
CHAPTER 27: A RISKY REUNION (PURSUIT CHAPTER)

Chapter 27: A Risky Reunion (Pursuit Chapter)
A/N: An early update :3 I have a 7:30 class so I posted this at this hour. May Lady
Luck be on my side on the first day of classes.
I want to say Hi to these people: Editor Melody (na hindi ko muna inaabala these
past few days) and to the operators nina Gray (R?), Khael (??), Amber (E), Jeremy
(J), Ryu (M) and Cooler (??) na pasukan na rin nila. May the odds be ever on your
favor, jk! God bless you guys! And oh before I forgot, Ryu wanna say Happy Birthday
to Kim Tayao! And a Happy Birthday to Casey Llena and Van Olaer! My active
detectives hihi! *DF fam singing happy birthday* Yey!
*******************************
"Cooler?" Uh! What are these guys doing here? Una ay sina Math and Gray. Then
Jeremy, and now Cooler? Uh.
"Zeus?", tawag ni Ryu dito at lumapit. "What on earth are you doing here?"
"I let Mnemosyne tracked you by your phone's GPS. Nagtataka kasi kami kung bakit
gabi-gabi ka na kung umalis and you went home dusty and sweating all along",
tiningnan ako ni Cooler na nakakunot ang noo. "Don't tell me you're tailing Amber?"
"Tsk. I have some business here. Does that mean that Mnemosyne is here too?", Ryu
asked.
"Yup! I'm here babe!", nakangiting wika ni Mnemosyne. She sounded so childish and
vulnerable. Walang mag-aakalang isa pala itong reaper. Ryu just scowled at her.
Malamang ay nainis ito sa presence ni Mnemosyne.
Nang sulyapan ko si Zywon sa gilid ay naging stiff ang anyo nito. Maybe seeing four
mafia people including Gray caused it ngunit hindi na lamang ito nagreact pa.
"Why did you said that we need you?", tanong ni Gray kay Cooler.
"You want to chase that car right? I'm the best person that you can rely on",
nakangiting sagot nito.
"How?"
"He's a drag racer. A particular one for that matter", wika ni Mnemosyne. "And we
brought his fastest car."
"Good", bumaling si Gray kay Khael and he tossed something na agad namang nasalo ng
huli. "Drive my car. Follow us. Jeremy, maiiwan kayo ni Math. Ryu and the other
girl, it's up to them if they will help or not. Deltran can handle himself. Let's
go then", wika ni Gray kay Cooler at sa gulat ko ay hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at
hinila ako paalis doon. He's taking me with them?
Agad kaming lumabas ng Athena at sumakay sa itim na sports car ni Cooler na hindi
ko na inalam kung ano ang modelo niyon.
Gray and I sat on the backseat samantalang nasa driver's seat naman si Cooler.
"I hate it. I need someone to sit on the shotgun ride. I don't want to look like a
driver", wika ni Cooler. He didn't bother to start the engine.
"Stop lamenting Cooler. Pwede bang sundan mo na sila? Baka hindi natin sila
maabutan", wika ko sa kanya.
"There's no intersection on this side so walang problema", wika niya bago binuhay
ang makina. "Well, let's go!"
I almost screamed nang halos pinalipad na ni Cooler ang kotse. Ilang minuto lamang
ay natanaw na namin ang kotse kung saan lulan si Phobie. Cooler didn't lied when he
said we can rely on him in chasing the car. He maintained a few yards distance
upang hindi masyadong mahalata na sinusundan namin ito.
Saan ba nila balak na dalhin si Phobie? What are they planning to do with her?
Biglang lumiko ang sasakyan sa kasukalan. The streets were dark at marami pang mga
kahoy sa paligid. I was expecting that they will throw Phobie on the woods ngunit I
figured out I was wrong when I saw a warehouse mula sa hindi kalayuan.
"Anong gagawin nila kay Phobie?", bulong ni Gray but it was enough for me to hear
him.
"Kilala mo siya?", tanong ko sa kanya. He slowly nodded his head.
"I hate her at first. Kaming dalawa ni Zywon. We hate seeing someone dressed in
gothic fashion dahil may naaalala kami. But Phobie helped me on a case and that's
when I dropped my prejudice on gothic people. As of Zy, I don't know what's his
story on how he became friends with her."
Inihinto ni Cooler ang sasakyan niya kaya nagtatakang tiningnan namin siya ni Gray.
"Why did you stopped?"
"Mapapansin nila tayo kaya hintayin na muna natin na makababa sila. But what are
you two planning to do?", tanong niya at tiningnan kami ng masama.
"We will get Phobie while you stay here as our getaway lookout", sagot ni Gray
which made Cooler made a face.
"Oh, I see. A driver huh", he said sarcastically. Natanaw namin na bumaba ang
lalaking nakasuot ng lab gown habang karga nito si Phobie. Nang makapasok ito ay
inilapit ni Cooler ang kotse but he made sure na hindi kami matatanaw. Agad kaming
bumaba ni Gray at dahan-dahang pumunta sa pinto ng warehouse.
"Amber", tawag niya sa akin. Nagtatakang tiningnan ko siya. "Please be careful.

Let's return safe and unscathed. Please?"
I can see the tenderness in his eyes at paulit-paulit na naririnig ko sa aking

tenga ang kanyang sinabi. I gave him an assuring smile at tumango sa kanya.
Dahan-dahan kaming pumasok and it was really a warehouse. A warehouse of cement to

be exact. Nagtago kami sa isang tabi and nothing seemed suspucious inside. Kung
titingnan ay isa lamang iyong simpleng warehouse but then we hear voices na mukhang
papalapit sa amin.
"MG! We can't risk bringing her back to Athena", wika ng boses ng isang babae. Nag-
echo iyon sa kabuoan ng warehouse.
MG? Aren't the names of the person's that we suspected as part of the organization
had the same codenames?
Mg for Magnesium.
Mn for Manganese.
Pb for Plumbum or lead.
So they're named after the periodic table of elements? Mas lalo kong ikinubli ang
sarili ko ng makarinig ako ng boses ng lalaki.
"That weirdo got a diary but Cyanide already got hold of that notebook. Mukhang
wala pang nakakabasa niyon", sagot ng lalaki.
Cyanide? So they also include some poisonous chemical huh? If they're talking about
the death notebook of Phobie, then that Cyanide really got the note from Khael!
"The organization will handle everything. We'll just make sure na walang nakabasa
ng notebook na iyon or else we'll have our assassins silence him."
Napalunok ako ng marinig ang sinabi nito. My life is in line and this is really a
suicide mission. Kung sakaling mailigtas ko man si Phobie, I'm killing myself in
the process.
"Nasaan ang bata?", tanong ng babae.
"Upstairs. On the operating area", sagot ng lalaki.
"What's the plan?"
"Brain hasn't ordered anything yet so we have to detain that girl habang
naghihintay ng utos. By the way, have you contacted Dr. Tricia Mendoza? We need
her."
"That's not your concern. Pumunta na tayo sa Assembly room. Naghihintay na ang iba
doon", wika ng isa at narinig namin ang mahinang yabag ng mga paa nito. We waited
for a while bago kami umalis sa pinagtataguan namin.
"Gray listen. You go and get Phobie while I will follow them", wika ko kay Gray
which made him so surprise.
"What? Are you out of your mind Amber? No one will follow them-"
"No. Makinig ka sa akin Gray, we have to take risks!", wika ko sa kanya. He took a
deep breath at may kinuha sa bulsa niya. He must be used to me, being a stubborn.
"That's the transmitter with a wireless tap that Math used on me. Itago mo yan", he
said and he put the small button-like thing on my palm.
"This is a dangerous game Gray but we have to do something Bilisan mo na at hanapin
mo sa taas si Phobie", wika ko and I immediately ran towards the direction where I
hear their footsteps.
Habang lumalayo ako ay nagiging kaunti na lamang ang nakaimbak na semento doon. I
heard a door shut ahead of me kaya agad akong nagmadali doon.
I found the door at malamang doon pumasok ang dalawang tao na sinusundan ko. In my
mind is a question what was this organization's name and their aim?
Inilapit ko ang tenga ko sa pinto ngunit wala akong marinig doon. Suddenly I heard
footsteps coming closer! Nagpanic ako and I look for a place to hide ngunit walang
ibang maaring pagtaguan doon maliban sa mga drum na nasa gilid ng pinto. I
immediately jumped inside a drum at pinigilan ang sarili kong mabahing!
God! It has dry cement at masakit iyon sa ilong! Mas lumapit pa ang mga yabag
hanggang sa bumukas ang pinto na nasa tabi ko. Then I heard voices of people
chatting from the inside ngunit I can't do anything to see them.
I almost stopped breathing when I heard a voice beside me. Basing on the voice,
nakatalikod ito sa akin so I slowly lift my head to take a peek from the inside.
Madilim naman sa bahaging iyon kaya walang makakakita sa akin.
Fear creeped into my mind when I saw the people. Most of them are in lab gowns. May
nakilala ako, an award-winning Phycisist and a known chemist. What the hell are
they doing here? Ibig sabihin ay bahagi sila ng organisasyon?
Bigla na lamang akong napatago ulit ng marinig ko ang sinabi ng babaeng nakatalikod
sa akin. "What noise? Paano naman nagkaroon ng bug dito? This place is safe."
Shit! The transmitter in me! Agad kong nilabas iyon mula sa bulsa at tinapon sa
loob. The conference table was a distance from the door kaya walang makakapansin
kapag may butones na itapon doon.
"Oh maybe the signal. Tago ang warehouse na ito kaya asahan mong mahina ang signal.
Anyway, I'll call you later", wika ng babae at pinatay ang tawag. My heart almost
stop beating. Kapag nahuli ako dito ay malamang hindi na ako sisikatan ng araw.
Mas dumoble pa ang kaba ko ng magsalita ang babae. "Hey! What are these drums doing
here?", tanong niya. She must be referring to the drums where I am hiding!
Naramadaman ko ang panlalamig ng mga palad ko.
"I don't know. Check them", sagot ng isang boses. It wasn't loud but I was able to
hear it.
My heart almost leaped out of its cage. God! Ito na ba ang katapusan ko? I still
have so many dreams in my life and I can't die yet but it seems that this will be
the end of me.
"Oh. I'll have the workers take care of them", wika ng babae and then I heard a
door shut. Saved!
I waited for a while bago ako lumabas sa loob ng drum. My black outfit became white
due to the contents of the drum but I don't mind. I need to get out of here alive.
The wireless tap is inside the assembly room so I need to see Math immediately at
ng marinig ko ang pag-uusapan nila.
"Amber."
I heard a voice calling my name and I figured out na nagmula iyon sa miniature
transceivers and it was Gray's voice.
"Gray? Where are you?", tanong ko sa kanya.

"At the car. Kasama ko na si Phobie. Get here immediately!"
Nagtago ako nang makarinig ako ng mga yabag. Damn! I have to get out of here as
fast as I could!
Nang makalampas ang mga yabag sa akin ay nagmadaling umalis ako sa pinagtaguan
ko.Nang makalabas ako sa warehouse ay agad kong tinakbo ang lugar kung saan
nakapark ang kotse ni Cooler. I was covered in sweat when I reached the car.
Humihingal pa ako nang makapasok ako sa loob ng kotse kung nasaan si Gray at si
Phobie. She's already conscious but she's too weak to speak.
"Phobie, okay ka lang ba?", tanong ko sa kanya.

Dahan-dahan siyang tumango sa akin. Cooler started the engine and we fled out of
that area bago pa man may makakita sa amin.
"What did they done to you?", tanong ko sa kanya. She's pale and she can hardly
breathe. Mukhang matindi ang pinagdaanan nito sa kamay ng mga taga organisasyon.
She raised her black shirt and she showed me an incision in her lower abdomen! No
doubt! She's used as a human carrier of that drug! The lacerations her in tummy
must really hurt a lot! I felt sorry for her.
"Listen Phobie. I have read your notebook but unfortunately, hindi ko nababasa
lahat ngunit nakuha na iyon ng taga organisasyon. Please tell me more about the
organization", wika ko sa kanya.
She gasped for some air and she tried to talk ngunit halos walang boses ang lumabas
sa bibig nito kaya hindi ko na lamang ito pinilit.
"No. Don't force yourself. That can wait", wika ni Gray.
"Saan tayo papunta?", tanong ni Cooler. He took a look at us from the rear view
mirror. "Are we heading back to Athena?"
"No!", tanggi ko. "It's not safe-"
Hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng bigla na lamang may tumunog na cellphone. I

reached for my jean's pocket at tiningnan ang cellphone ko. Weird, it wasn't my
ringtone and as I have remembered, I have it in silent mode. Nang tingnan ko iyon
ay hindi nga ang cellphone ko nag tumutunog.
I looked at Gray at parang naintindihan naman nito ang tinging iyon, he checked for
his phone but just like mine, it wasn't the one which was ringing at the moment.
Parehas namin tiningnan ng masama si Cooler. "What?, he asked.
"Answer your phone", wika ko sa kanya. He reached for his phone on the dashboard
but it still wasn't the phone which was ringing.
Tiningnan namin si Phobie. Kinapa ko ang bulsa niya and there I saw an expensive
phone. And an unregistered number was calling. Agad kong sinagot iyon ngunit hindi
ako nagsalita.
"It took you so long to picked up the phone huh? Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pakay
mo at kinuha mo ang batang iyan", wika ng boses ng lalaki. It was a loud and scary
voice and I suspect that the owner must be a big and muscled man. Pinindot ko ang
loudspeaker button upang marinig din ng iba iyon.
"Boy, I admire your courage of coming here", wika ng boses. Bahagya itong tumawa.
"There are installed CCTV's here and you're lucky that you have a hood. Hindi namin
masyadong naaninag ang pagmumukha mo but I'm telling you boy, you can't escape us."
The man on the phone must be referring to Gray when he said 'boy'. Damn! This is
really very dangerous! Kung ganoon ay nakita din ba ako sa CCTV na naroon? No, it's
impossible. I hid on the dark places kaya marahil ay walang mga nakainstalled na
CCTV cameras doon.
"You're tongue's cut boy? Oh by the way, I also had the blurry image of your female
companion. Hanga ako sa tapang ninyo but like I've said you can't escape us."
I saw Gray's expression darkened. Huminga siya ng malalim bago kinuha sa kamay ko
ang cellphone. Don't tell me he's going to talk with that guy?
"What does that mean?", tanong ni Gray. Just as I thought. This guy's fearless!
Paano na lamang kung maidentify nila ang boses niya? The risks are high!
Muling tumawa ang lalaki mula sa kabilang linya. "The girl has served her purpose.
We don't need her and what do you think we'll gonna do with her?"
"Hindi ko maintindihan ang ibig mong sabihin."
We can all hear the guy's evil laughter at naiinis ako sa paraan ng pagtawa nito.
"We're hitting three birds with one stone. Have a safe departure my friends", wika
ng lalaki and the line was cut off.
The car's air conditioning system was activated yet we're both sweating.
"Anong ibig niyang sabihin?", tanong ko kay Gray but he shrugged his shoulders at
napasabunot sa buhok habang nag-iisip.
He's hitting three birds with one stone? I checked if a car was tailing us but I
saw nothing. Ano nga ba ang maaring naiplano nito na makakaapekto sa aming tatlo?
Of course, he must be referring to me, Gray and Phobie. Cooler was excluded, hindi
marahil nito alam ang tungkol sa driver ng getaway car namin. Sinulyapan ko si
Phobie sa tabi namin. She can hardly talk. Does that mean that -
Agad kong kinapa ang katawan ni Phobie checking for something. Kinapa ko rin ang
braso niya na natatabingan ng malaki at itim nito na jacket and there I saw
something. A bump near her arm. Agad kong tinanggal ang suot niyang jacket and I
gasped when I saw a bomb! It was a small and difficult design of a bomb.
"Let's trade seats", wika ni Gray at agad akong nakipagpalit ng upuan sa kanya. He
examined the bomb for a while but it only had less than ten minutes in its timer.
Minsan nang nakadis-arma ng bomba si Gray so maybe he can do this one.
"Four wires but I have never seen a bomb of this design. Small but I'm sure this is
deadly. This bomb is specially made", wika niya habang tinitingnan ang maliit na
bomba na nakastrap sa braso ni Phobie. It wasn't just strapped but it was locked
using a small chain which was connected around her body.
"They're devils!", wika ko nang makita kung gaano sila katuso. They really locked
the bomb on her! Matapos nilang gamitin si Phobie arrrgh! I hate them.
Huminga ng malalim si Gray.
"Do you have something that can cut wires?", tanong ni Gray but I shook my head. I
only had my cellphone with me.
"There's a small knife here, maybe it can help", wika ni Cooler at agad kong kinuha
ang maliit na kutsilyo na nasa dashboard ng kotse niya and I handed it to Gray.
His breathe were heavy as he tried to decide which wire to cut first. Phobie had a
horrified look nang malamang may nakakabit na bomba sa kanya. Maybe her body was
too numb to feel anything kaya hindi niya naramdaman na may bomba pala na nakadikit
sa kanya.
"H-help m-me", nahihirapang wika nito. Tears started to form on her eyes so I tried
comforting her. I'm not good in these things ngunit sinubukan ko pa rin.
"Don't worry Phobie, we will help you", wika ko sa kanya ngunit hindi ko na alam
kung ano pa ang pwede kong idugtong sa sinabi ko sa kanya. Tears keep falling from
her eyes at gayundin ang pawis na tumutulo sa mukha ni Gray. He cut a yellow wire
and nothing happened.
It's not easy disarming the bomb. Nasa kamay ni Gray ang kaligtasan namin. If he
happened to cut the wrong wire, all four of us will be dead. Tumunog muli ang
cellphone na nakuha naming sa bulsa ni Phobie at agad iyong sinagot ni Gray.
"I see. So you're trying to disarm the bomb? Listen boy, I'm amazed that you have
the courage to disarm a bomb. You must be something. I'll be glad having you in our
organization-"
"I will never be in your organization! Are you watching us? Paano mo nalamang
sinusubukan kong idis-arma ang bomba?", tanong ni Gray.
Muling tumawa ang lalaki. "I wish I am at nang makita ko ang mga reaksyon sa mukha
ninyo but unfortunately, I only have some information here via sensor in that bomb
that a wire's being cut. I had bad news for all of you, you may be able to cut the
wire that can stop the timer but once you did it, an automatic compute- detonator
will be activated. Ibig sabihin, kapag napahinto ninyo ang oras ay magiging
computer-detonated ang bombing iyan and our physicist who made that thing only gave
a five seconds allowance and after that allowance, the bomb will explode itself.
Happy trip to hell my good little friends!", wika ng lalaki at agad na pinatay ang
tawag.
Paulit-ulit na napamura si Gray. Muli niyang hinarap ang bomba na nasa braso ni
Phobie who was now crying hard without a sound. Patuloy lamang sa pagtulo ang ng
mga luha nito.
Maybe she can't make a sound since her throat must be sore. Ilang araw marahil
itong umiyak dahil sa sinapit niya.
I felt the tension inside the car at maging si Cooler na nagmamaneho lamang ay
ramdam ko ang kaba sa kanya. With one wrong move, we'll all be crisp to burn in
just five seconds! When I stared at the time on the bomb, there's only less than
six minutes left. Maingat na tinitigan ni Gray ang bawat bahagi ng bomba, as if
he's trying to study every detail of it. If the guy on the phone's word is just to
trick us, we'll be lucky then. But I don't think that he's joking. I saw chemist
and known physicist inside the assembly room kaya marahil nagsasabi ito ng totoo.
Gray cut the blue wire and still nothing happened. The timer was still moving.
"Gray...."
Pinahid niya ang pawis sa noo niya. "Amber. Please call Khael", wika niya sa akin
at agad naman akong sumunod sa sinabi niya. After few rings ay agad iyong sinagot
ng huli. I turned the speakers on.
"Special A-"
"Alonzo, help us. Please", wika ni Gray in a desperate voice. It's the first time
that I have heard him sounds so helpless.
"Silvan what's going on there? How can I help you?", wika ni Khael. Mukhang
nabahala na rin ito.
"I'm facing a specially-made time-bomb that will explode if I had the timer
stopped. I don't know what to do. I'm with Amber and Phobie as well as Cooler.
Help us", wika ni Gray.
"Gray alam mong ikaw ang mas magaling pagdating sa mga ganyang bagay but I'll try
to do something. What does the bomb look like?"
"Small yet I sensed that it's really dangerous. May apat na wire, red, blue yellow
and black. The blue and yellow are cut at hindi ko na alam kung anon g isusunod. I
have never seen a bomb of this design", wika ni Gray. Patuloy pa rin ang walang
humpay na pagtulo ng luha ni Phobie which really pressured Gray.
"How about the time? How much was left?", tanong ni Khael.
"Less than three minutes", sagot ni Gray. "Mik..." He really sounded so desperate.
Mukha itong bata na humihingi ng tulong sa kakampi nito.
Ang tanging maririnig sa loob ng kotse ay ang madalas na pagbuntong-hininga ni Gray

at ang paghikbi ni Phobie. I felt so useless. Wala akong magawa upang makatulong. I
don't have knowledge on such things and maybe I'll mess up everything if I will
interfere. He remained still few moments upang makapag-isip and there was only a
minute left.
Panay pa rin ang pag-eencourage ni Khael sa kanya mula sa tawag but it seems like
he's losing his hope.
Sa gulat namin ay kinuha ni Phobie ang kutsilyo mula kay Gray and then she cut the
red wire. Hindi ko alam kung iyon nga ba ang gusto niyang putulin o iyon lamang ang
kaya niyang putulin gamit ang isang kamay.
I almost stopped breathing when she was able to cut the wire and the bomb's time is
still moving.
Parehas kaming nagulat sa ginawa niya and no one dared to move until we realize
that the time left is only ten seconds.
Patuloy ito sa pagtakbo.
Ten.
Nine.
I felt a sudden fear in me. Ito na ba ang katapusan namin? Gray was still too
shocked to move.
Eight.
Seven.
I tried getting the knife from Phobie upang pigilan ito kung ano man ang naisip
nito but she was able to move the knife out of my reach. She's consuming her last
stock of energy in her body.
Six.
Five.
Saka lamang nakagalaw si Gray at tinangkang agawin ang kutsilyo mula kay Phobie
ngunit mas nauna itong putulin ang huling wire na natititra sa braso nito.
Four.
Three.
I closed my eyes and tried to say my silent prayers. This will really be the end of
us at hindi ko inaasahang sa ganitong paraan ako mamamatay. I have survived Marion
and the other threats in my life but this one's tough. Nang dahan-dahan kong buksan
ang mga mata ko, the bomb stopped at two but then there was a blue blinking light
and the time changed into a countdown of five seconds!
Shit!
Bago pa man ako nakaisip ng posibleng solusyon sa problema namin ay naramdaman kong
bumukas ang pinto ng kotse na nasa tabi ko.Phobie opened that door!
"Genesis. The Genesis. That's the name of their organization. An organization which
smuggles specially made drugs", wika ni Phobie. She tried all her best to speak
kahit pa mukhang nahihirapan ito. I screamed my heart out when I saw what happened
next. She jumped of the car from the open door beside me!
Agad na pinahinto ni Cooler ang kotse at agad akong lumabas. Ilang saglit lamang ay
narinig na namin ang malakas na pagsabog and I saw Phobie's body burned as she flew
passed the guardrail at nahulog sa ibaba kung saan ito patuloy na nasunog.
"PHOBIEEEEEE!!!!!!"
I ran towards the near guardrail at tinanaw siya sa ibaba. It was a loud explosion
and that area was not residential. The sides were cliffs that weren't that high. I
felt the hot liquids ran down my face and then everything went black.
When I gained consciousness, I saw familiar faces na nakatunghay sa akin.
"Gray?" Nang lingunin ko ang paligid ay nakita ko ang seryosong mukha ni Khael at
ni Gray. Ryu was on one side too, smirking all his way at nakapamulsa naman sa
gilid si Khael. He also has a worried expression on his face. Nakaupo rin sa isang
upuan si Mnemosyne while crossing her legs. I'm at the Vander Mansion, I'm sure.
When I remembered everything ay naging hysterical na ako.
"G-gray... Phobie is..." I felt my tears starting to fall again and I leaped out of
bed ngunit pinigilan ako ni Khael.
"Please remain calm Special A -"

"No! Phobie..."
"Amber please be calm", pag-alo ni Gray sa akin but what happened kept on playing
on my mind. We didn't save Phobie!
"Phobie....."
"We did our best Amber. You did your best and so as Gray but we can't do anything
about it", wika ni Cooler. "Please remain yourself calm."
Naging hudyat iyon sa akin upang magwala. I'm a failure! Nasayang lamang ang lahat
ng pinaghirapan namin to retrieve her yet in the end ay talo pa rin kami. We didn't
save her!
I saw Mnemosyne got up from her seat at lumapit sa akin. She had a syringe in her
hand.
"I've got no other choice. Sorry", wika niya at tinusok iyon sa braso ko and then I
felt my body became weak bago ako nawalan ng malay.
******************************
It's been two days since we searched fo Phobie. Two days since we followed the guy
in a lab gown who got her. Two days since Gray and I went inside the warehouse that
was actually a hideout of those mad scientists. Two days since we retrieved Phobie
yet lost her. Two days since Gray tried to disarm a specially made bomb but wasn't
successful. Two days since we witnessed Phobie explode. Two days after all those
events and it keeps haunting me.
Napapanaginipan ko iyon tuwing gabi and I woke up sweaty in the middle of the
night.
The saddest part is that no one in Athena knew about it. They didn't even wonder of
her disappearance. Kasalukuyan akong nakikinig sa klase and Zywon was sitting on my
side. Dalawang araw na din ng sinabi niya sa akin na hindi ko kasalanan ang
nangyari kay Phobie. He tried talking to me but I was the one who avoided him. It's
like the tables are turned now. Kung dati ay ito ang tila ayaw na makausap ako,
ngayon ay ito naman ang gustong kausapin ako. Hindi lingid sa kaalaman niya ang
nangyari and how depressed I was after that incident.
But last night I had made a good decision in my life. It's risky yet I'm determined
to do it. Naisip kong walang patutunguhan ang ginagawa kong pagmumokmok and
shutting myself from others so I have decided. I need to be thankful for what I
have rather than frustrated about what I don't have. If I haven't saved Phobie, no
need to get too frustrated. I can't have a better tomorrow if I keep on thinking
about yesterday all the time. Iwawaksi ko na sa isip ang nangyari recently and
bring back the old me ngunit sisiguraduhin ko na wala nang iba pang mabibiktima ang
Genesis. Yes, that was the last words of Phobie before she died. She named the
organization as Genesis.
"Hey Zywon, may naisip ka na bang isuot para sa black and white acquaintance party
this Friday?", tanong ko kay Zywon nang tumunog ang bel, tanda na break time na.
Nagulat ito saglit sa tanong ko. I was silent for the past two days at maging si
Khael at Jeremy ay hindi ko kinausap and now I just asked him something about the
acquaintance party.
"Ako ba ang kausap mo?", he asked and he pointed himself.
I rolled my syes at him. "Ikaw lang ang Zywon dito diba? Edi ikaw."
Nagtatakang tiningnan niya ako bago sumagot. "I'm not sure. Hindi pa ako sigurado
ako kung dadalo ba ako."
I frowned at him. "Well I'm looking forward on seeing you", nakangiting wika ko sa
kanya at iniwan siya. I went towards Khael and Jeremy na palabas na rin sana ng
classroom. Hindi nila ako ginambala nitong mga nakaraang araw after I refused to
everything they offer to me, even their company. They gave me space and time at
hindi ako pinilt.
"Yow guys", wika ko sa kanila. Saglit na nagkatinginan silang dalawa bago ako
nilapitan ni Jeremy at sinalat sa noo.
"Normal", wika niya kay Khael. "Hindi kaya nasa loob yung lagnat niya- ugh."
He stopped when I slapped his tummy. The same Jeremy Martinez, crazy and weird. To
my surprise, he hugged me tightly.
"Welcome back Bestie! Oh my God! I'm starting to have teary eyes", wika niya at
napasimangot si Khael sa kanya.
"Ayos ka lang ba Special A?", he asked and I nodded.
"Yup, don't worry about me Khael. Naisip kong walang patutunguhan ang ginagawa ko.
It won't bring back Phobie so moving on is the best thing to do", nakangiting wika
ko sa kanya.
"I'm glad you're back", he said and he smiled at me. A genuine smile.
"At dahil bumalik na si Bestie, manlilibre ako ng ice cream at pizza!", Jeremy said
at hinila kaming dalawa ni Khael sa cafeteria.
Nang makarating kami doon ay nag-order nga ito at nang makabalik ito sa mesa ay
agad kong kinausap sila tungkol sa paparating na acquaintance party.
"May naisip na ba kayong outfit for the acquaintance party?", tanong ko sa kanila.
"Hmmm, ayokong magsuot ng black suit tapos puti ang inner. Magmumukha akong waiter.
Speaking of waiter, I have a question", wika ni Je.
"What?"
"If you're waiting for the waiter in a restaurant, aren't you a waiter yourself?",
tanong nito which made me and Khael frowned. "What? Totoo naman diba?"
"Ewan ko sayo Jeremy."
"At dahil bumalik na si Bestie, babalik na ulit ang quiz ko!", masiglang wika nito.
"Hindi nawala ang puns mo Jeremy. Naumay ako sa loob ng dalawang araw", wika ni
Khael.
"Hindi mo kasi gets ang quizzes ko kaya puns ang tawag mo. But today is different.
We'll have a Japanese language lesson. Ano ang Japanese sa sasakyan?", he asked
with a grin.
"Dunno. I'm not a Japanese", nakangiwing sagot ni Khael. When Je looked at me, I
also shrugged my shoulders.
"Hay ang slow niyo! Akala ko pa naman genius kayo. Yung quizzes ko kasi, only
genius can understand, ganoon. Edi Suzuki! AHAHAHAHA", he started laughing ngunit
agad ding naputol nang magtanong siya muli. "Ano ang sabi ng Japanese kapag
tinatanong ka niya ang tungkol sa mga gamit mo?"
"Hindi ko alam."
"Edi ARIMOTO? Pag may makita kang Japanese, tapos may dalang gamit tanungin mo. Uy,
ARIMOTO? HAHAHHAHAHA", he laughed which made us scowled at him.Tumigil ito sa
pagtawa at nagtanong ulit. "Diba mahilig sila sa mga suffixes na -san? Anong
Japanese term sa pangit?"
"Ewan."
"Edi IWASAN! Yung babaeng may dalaw?"
"Mas lalong ewan." Khael and I both shrugged our shoulders.
"Edi NATAGUSAN. Sa mabaho ang kili-kili?"
"Sagutin mo na Je", nakangiwing wika ko sa kanya.
"TAWASAN. HAHAHAHAHA."
"Jeremy you're a hopeless case. Ipapadampot na talaga kita sa City pound", Khael
said. Bumaling siya sa akin. "Since you asked about the acquaintance party, are you
planning to attend that?"
I nodded at him. Okay lang sa akin. I'm not really fond of socializing but it won't
kill me to attend one lalo na at ito lamang ang pagkakataon kong makasali sa party
ng Athena.
"Kung ganoon ay alam mo na ang tungkol sa Unfortunate Thirteen?", tanong niya.
"What's that?"
"It's a special acquaintance invitation for the unfortunate 13 people. May labing
tatlong tao na makakatanggap ng invitation sa gabi ng acquaintance and they will be
brought in a thirteenth room of an antique mansion in a 13th street. The night was
of the party will be this Friday which happened to be on 13 also", wika ni Khael
and it caught my attention.
"How do they choose the unfortunate 13?"
"I don't know maybe randomly", sagot ni Khael . Bigla na lamang tumunog ang
cellphone nito kaya agad naman niya iyong sinagot.
He listened for a while at sumagot. "Maybe an accident." Nakinig ulit ito and it
took a while before he answered again. "Call me if you think something is
suspicious." After a while he hung up at ngumiti sa amin.
"Sino iyon?", tanong ni Jeremy.
"A friend way back in elementary. He told me about a fire at their school", sagot
ni Khael.
Dumating na ang order namin kaya agad namin iyong nilantakan. My mind was now
focused on one thing. I want to be a part of the unfortunate 13 on the acquaintance
night.
******************
Chapter 28 will be about the acquaintance party and we'll be dealing with a lot of
number 13. Pasensya na sa may Triskaidekaphia. Forget about the Genesis and let's
focus on new cases. I'll post the update on or before Wednesday kaya wag niyo akong
pinpepressure. kekekeke :3 *insert Kaitou Kuroba's laughter*
-Shinichilaaaaabs, pogi forever. Lol. ♥
CHAPTER 28: FRIDAY THE 13th, FULL MOON, UNFORTUNATE THIRTEEN

Chapter 28: Friday the 13th, Full Moon, Unfortunate Thirteen.
It will be my last five days in Athena High School. Sa loob ng isang linggong
pananatili ay maraming nangyari sa akin dito but now those are just memories. I
still have few days to enjoy here.
Kahit wala na si Phobie, I'm still thankful dahil buhay pa kami. For me Phobie is a
hero. She sacrificed herself by jumping down on a fast moving car to save us at ito
lamang ang sumabog. Though we never really had a long conversation, she will never
be erased in my heart. She's a friend for me and she's one of the best.
"Special A, nakikinig ka ba?", pukaw ni Khael sa akin. I have this bad habit of
reminiscing things and totally ignoring people around me.
"Uy, Khael. Anong sabi mo?", tanong ko sa kanya. Looking at him, I'm also thankful
dahil nakilala ko ito. Also, his friendship with Gray inspired me a lot. In
desperate times, Gray would call to him as if he's asking for a friends
encouragement and it makes me want to find my own best buddy through thick or thin.
"Sabi ko, will you marry me", wika niya which made me frown.
"Yung totoong sinabi mo", wika ko sa kanya. If I would be a typical lady, I would
already have fallen head over heels in love with him. Ano nga ba ang hindi kaibig-
ibig sa isang Mikhael Timothy Alonzo? He's drop-dead gorgeous. Smart. Rich.
Gentleman in every manner and he has a cool and humurous attitude that will surely
attract girls.
But things aren't easy as they are. Hindi ko pa nakakalimutan ang Genesis. Though
they already left Athena, it doesn't mean that everthing will be fine. They left,
that's what we presume since wala na kaming nakikitang suspicious sa Athena and
things aren't eerie like the way they used to be.
Back with Khael, as I was saying, he could be a perfect prince for every girl. He's
been bold in his ways of telling me that he likes me yet he never made a move to
court me kaya iniisip kong baka pinagti-tripan lang nito ako.
"Sabi ko, anong susuotin mo mamayang gabi sa acquaintance party", wika niya. He was
eating a pizza roll na kinuha niya mula sa plato ko. Jeremy was on the long line
for the iced coffee.
"Pajamas", sagot ko.
"Ha-ha-ha. Okay na?", he said and made a face. "Sige na Special A, sabihin mo na
para terno tayo."
"Khael wala pa akong napiling suotin", wika ko sa kanya. Like I've said, I wasn't a
typical girl. I don't shop for clothes few days before the party or have my nails
fix or prepare a six inch stilleto. Nah, that's not me.
"Aren't you wearing a long gown?", he asked. Meh! Long gown eh?
"I'd rather wear a nightie", wika ko. It was actually a lie ngunit mukhang
sineryoso yata nito ang sinabi ko.
"Aheeem. I will be looking forward for that Special - uh!" Natahimik ito ng hinagis
ko sa kanya ang coke in can na hindi pa nabubuksan.
"Ang savage mo Bes!", wika ng kararating lang na si Je at nilapag sa harap namin

ang tatlong iced coffee. "So, ano na? Handa na ba kayo mamaya? Wait, dude do I need
a haircut?", tanong niya kay Khael at hinawakan ang buhok.
"Hmmm, let's see", Khael said at sinipat ang mukha ni Jeremy. "Yes you need one. I
suggest you should shave your head."
Hinampas ni Jeremy ang kamay nito. "Kalbuhin kita dyan eh." Pinanuod ko lamang sila
habang naghahampasan, too bad with Jeremy, hindi hampas ang binibigay ni Khael
kundi mahihinang suntok.
"Oh, nga pala, may sabi-sabing matindi daw ang pagdadaanan natin mamaya sa PE class
natin", wika ni Je. "Sugo talaga ng Diablo si Sir Monte. Kalahi ni Satanas-"
"Hoy, baka may makarinig sayo", paalala ko sa kanya. Mahirap na baka magkarecord pa
ang exchange student na si Jeremy Martinez at magbabackfire ang impression na iyon
sa Bridle.
He lowered his voice and whispered to us. "Kalahi ni Valak, Sinister, Kayako,
Sadako, Black Bride, Anabelle, Chuckie-"
"Sino yan Je?", tanong ko sa kanya. I have no idea who those people are.
"Seriously Special A?", nakapokerface na wika ni Khael.
"Sino nga? Teachers din ba yan dito?", tanong ko sa kanila at napafacepalm si

Jeremy.
"Ugh, Bestie. If they would be teachers here, I bet kung hindi ka mag-alsa balutan
pabalik ng Bridle", sagot ni Jeremy. Uh, they're weird. Sino ba kasi ang mga taong
iyon?
That afternoon ay tila kakaiba nga ang ambiance nang pumunta kami sa gym para sa PE
namin. Just like Bridle, Athena does promote sports at hindi lamang puro zumba at
pagkuha ng BMI ang ginagawa namin sa PE.
Pagpasok namin ay nakaupo sa isang monobloc chair si Sir Monte, and just like what
Jeremy said, he had a demonic expression. He was neither smiling nor frowning. He
maintained his pokerface hanggang sa makapasok na kaming lahat sa gym.
No one dared to speak. It seems like Sir Monte is not on his best mood today kaya
ramdam ko ang pananahimik ng mga kaklase ko. When I look around, there were targets
which looks like human figure at may red dot sa ulo at sa puso. May mga bow and
arrow din sa tabi ni Sir Monte so no doubt this will be target archery class.
"Squat on the floor", wika ni Sir Monte at naupo naman kaming lahat. "What do you
think will be our activity today Miss Lopez?"
Tumayo ang estudyanteng tinawag ni Sir Monte. "Archery Sir."
"Okay, sit down. What are the equipments used in archery, Mister Deltran?"
Bored na sumagot si Zywon ngunit hindi ito tumayo. "Bow and arrow, of course. And
the protective equipments like the Bracer, Finger tab and Thumb ring.
"Good one but next time learn your manners and stand up when I'm talking to you",
wika ni Sir Monte but Zywon just ignored him.
"We already had a discussion on this right? This is target archery and a unique one
because I'm carefully testing your accuracy. As of now, let's have a one by one
practical application", wika ng guro at tumawag ng pangalan para maunang gumamit sa
bow and arrow.
"Saan ba sila gumraduate ni Maam Saderna? Bakit ang hilig nila sa mga sariling
variations sa mga activity nila, yung parang may hidden agenda kumbaga?", bulong ni
Jeremy sa akin. Hindi ko na siya pinansin at nanuod lamang sa mga estudyante who
shoots at the human-figure targets at varying distance. We were called
alphabetically. Khael did good but he wasn't able to hit the heart but he was
close. When it was Zywon's turn, ganoon din ito. Jeremy's not good at all. His
arrow was too far.
When it was my turn, I slowly raised my arms and focused on the target. When I
released the arrow, everyone's mouth gaped open when I hit the center red dot.
Yeah guys. I've been doing this since I was a kid.
I shoot on the next distance and just like the first one, it was on the center of
the red spot. The last target which was the farthest was no sweat at all at
pumalakpak silang lahat. Uh, it's not necessary. I hate attention.
Akmang babalik na ako sa tabi nina Jeremy nang magsalita si Sir Monte.
"Wait Miss Sison", wika niya. "Please take five steps backward and then shoot."
Saglit akong natigilan but I did as what I am instructed. Bullseye.
Sir Monte took deep breathe. "Take another five steps backward", sumunod ako sa
sinabi niya. It's a bit far but maybe I can still do it. When I positioned myself
to hit the target ay pinigilan niya ako. "Wait up Miss Sison, I'm yet done. Mr.
Alonzo and Martinez, please stand beside the farthest target."
Napasinghap ang lahat sa sinabi ni Sir Monte at mas lalong nagulat ako. "But
Sir...."
"Just do as what I say", wika niya. Nakita kong napatangis bagang si Khael and
Jeremy had a scared expression on his face but he just followed Khael. "Stand close
to the target. Make sure you only leave a small opening for the arrow to pass. And
you Miss Sison, hit the head."
Biglang napatayo si Zywon. "Nababaliw ka na ba Sir? That's dangerous-"
"I'm not asking for your opinion Mr. Deltran so take your seat."
"Delikado ang pinapagawa mo. If Just Amber would miss her shoot-"
"Then we'll leave that to her if she let her shot miss", bumaling siya sa akin.
"Now shoot."
Zywon groaned at tiningnan ako ng masama. Ang mukha ni Khael ay seryosong-seryoso

samantalang mababakas naman ang matinding takot sa mukha ni Jeremy.
My hands were shaking. Paano kapag hindi ko to nagawa? Then I'll be harming either
Khael or Je!
"Shoot Miss Sison."
Muli kong inangat ang kamay ko but I can't focus this time! Napepressure ako! What
the hell is this teacher thinking?
"Shoot."
Hindi ako gumalaw matapos kong ibaba ulit ang kamay ko. My mind was black and empty
at hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko. Lumapit si Sir Monte sa harapan ko at
tinawag ulit ang atensyon ko.
"Miss Sison! I told you to -"
Inangat kong muli ang kamay ko and pointed it to him. No, I wasn't pointing at him.
I'm pointing my arrow at the target kung nasaan din si Khael at si Jeremy ngunit
dahil nasa harapan ko si Sir ay parang nakaturo sa kanya ang arrow na hawak ko.
"What? Are you-" I released the arrow and it passed him, grazing his cheek. The
arrow landed on the target which passed through the small distance between Khael
and Jeremy. Napasigaw sa tuwa ang mga kaklase ko at pumalakpak. Khael ran towards
me and he greeted me for being awesome.
"Nice one Special A", wika ni Khael. Bumaling siya kay Sir Monte na halos hindi
makagalaw sa harapan. His right cheek where the arrow graze was bleeding. It seems
like he was shock for what just happened. "Oh, Sir. I think you need to put a
bandaid on your cheek."
Saka lamang ito tila natauhan. "What on earth was that Amber Sison?", galit na
tanong nito. His voice boomed on the four corners of the big gymnasium and he
really sounded so pissed. Natahimik ang mga kaklase namin na panay ang cheer ng
marinig ang galit nitong boses.
"You told her to shoot so she did. Hindi na niya kasalanan kung nakaharang ka,
Sir", Zywon said. He stood up and emphasized the word 'Sir.'
Nagdilim ang anyo nito ngunit saglit lamang iyon. He stared at me at pagkatapos ay
kay Zywon. "Class dismiss", wika niya. "As of the two of you, Mr. Deltran and Miss
Sison, follow me at the detention."
Lumabas siya ng gym at naiwan kaming lahat na tahimik doon. Nang makalabas ang
lahat ay muling umingay and they all told me that I was amazing.
"Grabe ka Bridle Girl! Idol", wika ng isang lalaki kong kaklase.
"You're a legend Bridle Girl! This is the first time that Sir Monte's humiliated!",
wika naman ng isa.
Patuloy pa rin ang pagbati nila sa akin nang magsalita na si Zywon. "Sorry fans.
Your idol have to go to the detention. Let's go Just Amber", wika niya at
nagpatiunang naglakad. Agad akong nagpaalam sa kanila at sinundan ito, totally
ignoring how he called me Just Amber.
Uh, detention huh? Well it's really a Friday the 13th. This detention was a bad
start, I guess.
The counselor talked to us for a while at parang wala lamang iyon sa amin ni Zywon.
Ilang saglit lamang ay tinapon na kami sa madilim at masikip na detention room.
Good thing there were only the two of us.
Habang nasa loob ay walang nagsasalita sa amin. Nagtatalo ang kalooban ko kung
kakausapin ko ba ito at magsosorry sa kanya for dragging him into this mess.
"Sorry", mahinang wika ko. Bahagya siyang mag-angat ng tingin at tiningnan ako.
"For what?"
I sighed. "For this." I roamed my gaze around the area.

"It's not your fault Just Amber. It's my freewill to tell those words to him. You
don't have to apologize", sagot niya sa akin. His fault? But I think it has
something to do with me.
"Still, I'm sorry." Yes, maybe he was worried about Khael being accidentally hit by
the arrow in case I will miss it so I believe it has something to do with me.
"Let"s see it in a positive way Just Amber. Being in the detention means I won't be
able to attend Filipino class. I hate that subject", wika niya at naupo sa sahig.
Sumandal siya sa dingding and he bumped his head slowly on the hard wall. "Oh, that
was amazing. And you know what? Mas lalo lamang tumindi ang pagdududa ko sayo. What
I see in you is not what you are. I'm now thinking you are a dangerous woman.
You're fearless and you don't seem to have a weakness."
"That's not true. In fact, I'm weak. I can't stand dark places. I panic with guns.
I'm afraid of ghosts and ghost stories. I have so many fears Zywon. I have so many
weakness too so you have a wrong impression about me", wika ko sa kanya. Not
because I'm good in archery, I'm good in all things if that's what he is thinking.
"But it's written in your eyes that you are strong", wika niya. Naglabas siya ng
malalim na hininga. Mukhang andami nitong pasan na problema. I wish I could know
some but I don't want to ask him about it. "Mabuti ka pa. I think the reason why
you put your ass in other's business is because you don't have trouble yourself.
You've got a complete family...."
Nahimigan ko ang hinanakit sa boses niya. His issues about losing his mother must
be his biggest problem. Iyon marahil ang pinagmulan ng iba pa niyang problema.
"My life isn't perfect and Im just fortunate that I haven't lose a family like you
do but open yourself Zywon. You have a life ahead you. Wag mong hahayaang lamunin
ka ng galit at pighati mo", wika ko sa kanya. "You're still human after all."
Tumawa siya ng mapakla. "Of course, I'm human. I'm living because of my beating
heart. Alam ko iyan Just Amber."
"Just because you have a heart, it does not make you a human. You need to have
emotions in that", wika ko sa kanya. His life must be very boring. Wala akong
nakikitang barkada. Maybe he shuts himself to the world.
Hindi na ito nagkomento pa at naisip kong ayaw na niyang pag-usapan pa ang tungkol
doon. Hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog na pala ako sa habang nakasandal sa dingding.
I was woke up by the voice who keeps on calling my name. Nang buksan ko ang mata ko
ay nakita ko ang nakasimangot na mukha ni Zywon.
"Detention is over and acquaintance party will be tonight at eight. If I were you
magmamadali na ako, girls usually take too much time in fixing themselves", wika
niya. Uh, I'm not one of those girls. Agad akong napatayo at pinagpagan ang sarili
ko. When I glanced at my wrist watch, it was already past five in the afternoon,
ibig sabihin ay magdadalawang oras din kami sa loob ng detention since it was
almost three when PE ended.
Umalis na si Zywon at umuwi naman ako sa dorm. Pagdating ko roon ay wala pa ring
tao gaya ng inaasahan ko.
Black and white acquaintance party. Gusto kong dumalo pero hindi ako naghanda ng
masusuot. I opened my drawer at naghanap ng damit and that's when I spotted my
black fitted tube dress. I brought along my black knee length boots kaya iyon na
lamang ang susuotin ko mamaya.
Agad akong naligo at nagbihis. While preparing ay tumatakbo sa isip ko ang tungkol
sa kwento ni Khael about the Unfortunate Thirteen.
It was past seven when I considered myself ready. I wore the black tube dress na
hapit sa katawan and paired it with a black knee length flat boots. Nilugay ko lang
din ang mahabang buhok ko. Good thing it grew fast after it was being cut at
London.
The make up that I did myself is light and simple. I just applied a little pressed
powder but I emphasized my eyes with thick eyeliners and waterproof mascara. I also
wore a red lipstick for a change. Panay lipbalm lang kasi ako kapag umaalis. A
knock on the door caught my attention and it was a girl wearing a black long gown.
Nakasimangot ito sa akin ng pinagbuksan ko siya.
"Khael is waiting for you outside", wika niya at tila disgusted na tiningnan ako
mula ulo hanggang paa. Uh, what now? I wore black right? And I don't think my
attire isn't appropriate. As far as I can remember, the acquaintance party
announcement said it's a freestyle-attire as long as it's black and white. I
thanked the girl at kinuha ang itim ko na hand clutch kung saan nakalagay ang
wallet at cellphone ko. Agad akong bumaba kung saan naghihintay si Khael.
I almost gasp when I saw him. He looks so dashing in his black suit over a black
jeans. A combination of formal and rugged attire. He was smiling all the way ngunit
bahagyang napakunot ang noo.
"Yo, Special A. Are you having a action movie taping?", wika niya sa akin and I
smirked at him. Uh, I admit, I really look like an action star of an action movie
for such outfit but who cares?
"Ha-ha-ha. Okay na ba?", wika ko sa kanya, returning to him his words kaninang
umaga.
"Well, I bet you're gonna be an eyecatcher. Oh, you look like Niquita by the way",
he said while chuckling. "You got a gun on your leg?"
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at mas lalo lamang itong natawa. He offered his arm to
me. "Let's go My Lady", wika niya at agad naman akong umabresete sa kanya.
Pagdating namin sa Grand Hall ay marami na ang naroon and it made me regret my
outfit. Tila nagpapatalbugan ang lahat sa suot nilang black, white or black and
white na cocktails at long gowns! My outfit was out of place!
Uh, who cares anyway? This is a freestyle-attire party anyway. Bumulong ako kay
Khael. "Do I look disgusting? Why does everyone looked at me that way?", tanong ko
sa kanya.
"No Special A. You look so amazing", he said sincerely and it made me wanna blush.
Khael is really a sweet-talking guy. Hindi ko alam kung binobola ba niya ako o
hindi.
A handsome guy in a white longsleeved polo and black jeans walked towards us and it
was sooner when I realized that it was Jeremy. He really got a haircut which made
him look so fresh.
"Whoah. You're handsome Je", wika ko sa kanya and he gave me a shy smile.
"So as you Bestie. You look fierce. Not second, not third but fierce", Jeremy said
which made me and Khael frowned.
"Yo dude. Saan ang binyag?", tukso ni Khael dito. Agad naman nitong sinagot ang
huli.
"Ikaw? Saan ang lamay?"
I wanna laugh at them. For a week here ay naging close ang dalawa. Pareho silang
nagbabarahan ng kung anu-anong mga salita.
The hall was amazing. From the area decoration, to the lights and sound system.
There was even a DJ. The student council pulled some strings kaya may tila bar doon
which serves cocktails with less alcohol and lady's drinks. There were even guys
who did some flairtending which was really amazing.
Agad na pumwesto kaming tatlo doon and I was so out of place. Marami ang lumalapit
kay Jeremy at Khael upang kausapin ang mga ito! They really wanna be acquainted
with them samantalang ako ay halos mabusog na sa kakainom ng lady's drink na
isineserve ng bartender. Maingay ang paligid kaya wala akong marinig sa mga nag-
uusap sa tabi ko. Isang bartender ang lumapit sa akin at nagbigay ng isang inumin.
"Compliment from the school Maam", wika ng bartender at agad ko namang tinanggap
iyon matapos magpasalamat.
Bahagya ko iyong inamoy at dahil halos lumubo na ang tiyan ko sa kainom kanina ay
hindi ko na muna ginalaw iyon.
"Bestie, ibaba mo kasi ang isang kilay mo para naman may maglakas-loob na makipag-
usap sayo", wika ni Jeremy. Uh, seriously? Am I raising it like all the time?
Suddenly, the music was off and a spotlight was in front. Lumabas ang lalaking
nakasuot ng glasses and he greeted everyone.
"Hello guys! Are you enjoying the night even if it's Friday the 13th?", tanong nito
and the crowd cheered yes. Tumabi si Khael sa high stool na nasa bar counter.
"His name is Robert Vincent Yu. He's the SC president", wika ni Khael sa akin and I
nodded.
"You've heard about the Unfortunate Thirteen, right? Are you excited to know who
will be?", tanong ulit nito at muling umingay ang paligid.
"Hindi ka ba kailangan doon? You're an SC senator right? Hindi ba kayo ang nagplano
sa kung sino man ang magiging unfortunate thirteen?", tanong ko kay Khael but he
shook his head.
"Nope. SC has nothing to do with it. It's the regent's choice", sagot niya. Muli
akong nakinig sa nagsasalita sa gitna.
"Now take a look at the glasses that we're given to you as compliment of the
school. Tingnan niyo ang pwet ng baso and look if there's a gold seal with the
numbers on it and if there is, please proceed outside kung saan naghihintay ang
kotse na maghahatid sa inyo sa 13th room ng mansion sa 13th street. Happy Friday
the 13th!", wika nito and everyone look at their glasses. Dahil may laman ang baso
ko ay agad kong inilipat iyon sa isang baso and there was a gold seal with the
number 11 on it!
Gotcha! I'm one of the unfortunate thirteen. Uh, I don't know if I should be glad
or not but my curiousity about the Unfortunate 13 was strong.
"Oh, I number 4 Special A", wika ni Khael.
"And I'm number 11."
Je came to us showing his glass. "Look guys, I'm number 7! Should I'll be happy to
be unfortunate?", he asked. I saw Khael's expression became serious for a while
bago kami lumabas. We presented our glasses at agad kaming hinatid ng mga sasakyang
nakalaan.
Naghihintay sa amin ang isang itim na sasakyan kaya agad kaming sumakay doon. Agad
iyong umaandar at nang sulyapan ko si Khael sa tabi ko ay tila nasa malalim ito na
pag-iisip.
"Oh my God! We're all doomed! Kasali tayo sa Unfortunate Thirteen", excited na wika
ni Jeremy. Uh, we're doomed pero mukhang natutuwa pa ito "I had this feeling that
it's gonna be a good night."
Napatingin ako sa labas ng kotse. The streets were not dim at dahil iyon sa
malaking buwan. Tonight was a full moon and a Friday the thirteenth. Whatever will
happen today on the thirteenth room of the old mansion at the thirteenth street, we
never know.
It took a while before we arrived at the old mansion. Just like what I have
imagined, the mansion was creepy. Malaki iyon at old colonial style. Pagbaba namin
ay sinalubong kami ng isang babae.
"Welcome Maam, Sir. This way please", wika niya at giniya kami papasok sa mansion.
There were dim lights there but the light from the big bright moon passed through
the mansion's big windows. Napahawak si Khael sa aking braso.
"And I thought I won't be in this mess but then Robert said this isn't a SC
activity. Damn", wika niya. Umaandar na naman ang pagiging matatakutin nito.
"Hala? Bakit nanlalamig ka dude?", Jeremy asked him at agad na siniko niya si Je.
"I'm not. Wag ka ngang kumapit sa akin", wika niya.
"Takot ako Dude", Je answered and I made a face to both of them. Great! The three
of us are afraid huh?
"I thought they're trying to convey an unlucky ambiance. Hindi naman nila sinabing
horror pala", Khael said. I looked at the area. There weren't cobwebs like what
displayed in the horror houses at sa halip ay malinis ang paligid it just happens
that the area was dim.
"Pwede ba, bumitaw kayong dalawa sa akin", wika ko sa kanila at tinanggal ang
nakaabriseteng kamay nila sa braso ko. "Hindi ito Halloween kaya walang horror."
Agad naming bumitaw ang dalawa. "Yuck Dude, matatakutin ka pala", kantyaw ni Jeremy
kay Khael.
"I'm not."
"Kunwari ka pa."
Patuloy lang sila sa pagtatalo hanggang sa dumating kami sa harap ng pinto kung
saan may nakasulat na 13. The room was very large at may mga pinto pa sa loob ng
silid na iyon. In fact ay papasa iyong living room dahil sa lawk niyon. When the
girl open the room, there were already five people inside and to my surprise, Zywon
was sitting on the black sofa inside.
"Oy, nandito ka pala Zywon", bati ni Jeremy dito and the latter just smirk. Niyaya
akong umupo ni Khael doon and he stared one by one at the people inside. His facial
expression was serious as ever. I wonder what was going on his mind.
"Hoy."
Bahagyang sinulyapan niya ako. "Yes Special A?"
"Anong iniisip mo?"
"Something's not right here", bulong niya sa akin.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", tanong ko sa kanya. Ano naming hindi tama sa nangyari?
"Do you know some people who have friggatriskaidekaphobia?", tanong niya.
"What? I know Triskaidekaphobia, it's a fear of number thirteen but what's with the
frigga?", tanong ko sa kanya. Nakinig na rin si Jeremy sa usapan namin.
"Frigg is the Norse goddess where the word Friday is derived", sagot ni Khael.
"Ibig mong sabihin ay fear of Friday the 13th ang froggy thirdy phobia, ganoon ba
yun dude?", wika ni Jeremy. What the hell?
"It's Friggatriskaidekaphobia. Yup, that exactly it is", sagot ni Khael. "It's a

perfect time to creep out someone with such fear. Full moon. Thirteenth room.
Thirteenth street. Thirteen people. Look around, there are thirteen roses on the
vase, thirteen paintings on the wall. Thirteen single-sitter sofa. Everything here
is thirteen."
Nagtatakang tiningnan ko siya. "Why? What's wrong with it? Hindi ba kaugalian na
ito ng Athena tuwig acquaintance?
Umiling si Khael. "Of course not. Ngayon lamang nangyari na tumapat sa Friday the
13th ang acquaintance party. Yes, there are other activities before but this one's
different lalo na t hindi ang SC ang nag-arrange nito. I heard about this few days
ago, usap-usapan naming ito sa SC office. Ayon sa kanila, one of the regent used to
love a number thirteen too much so he devised this scheme."
"Anong nakita niya sa 13? Hindi ba unlucky number iyon?", tanong ni Jeremy.
"Yes. A theory which says that it is unlucky is the Judas theory. Remember Jesus'
twelve disciples? During the Last Supper, he's the thirteenth one to sat on the
table but that's debatable dahil walang written accounts na magpapatunay na siya
nga ang ikalabingtatlo na naupo sa mesa", paliwanag ni Khael. "Other theory which
explains why thirteen is an unlucky number is about the Norse God of mischief,
Loki, which is believed to be the thirteenth god in the Norse Pantheon. According
to the myth, he devised Balder's death and he was he thirteenth guest to arrive at
the funeral."
Meh, mythology? They're interesting but I believe that they really meant to be myth
only and not a reliable basis for facts.
"But still, those are myths kaya wag kayong maniniwala doon", wika ko. Natahimik
kami nang muling bumukas ang pinto at dumating ang babaeng naghatid sa amin dito
kanina. She was was with another two to make up the list. Pumasok ang dalawang
bagong dating at naupo sa bakanteng mga upuan. Nang muling sumara ang pinto ay
nagpatuloy sa pag-uusap ang mga naroon. Everyone was very excited for this scheme.
Isa-isang tiningnan ni Khael ang nasa loob ng silid. "Something's not really right
here", bulong niya ulit. Ginaya ko siya at tiningnan ang bawat isa. There were
already ten people inside at apat sa amin ay babae. All of us were wearing black
and white clothes dahil nanggaling kami sa acquaintance party ng Athena.
No matter how I look at each other, wala akong nakikitang mali. Two girls were busy
chatting at one side. Ang dalawang lalaki naman ang panay tawanan sa pinag-uusapan
nila. Zywon was busy with himself. He was not talking to anyone at tila malalim ang
iniisip nito. The two people who were the last to arrive are lovers at may sarili
ding mundo sa isang tabi. Tatlong tao na lamang ang hinihintay at makokompleto na
kami.
Biglang tumunog ang isang speaker na nasa loob ng silid.
"Good evening Unfortunate Thirteen. Please have a little patience and let's wait
for the remaining three guest that will complete the list, thank you", wika ng
boses mula sa speaker. The voice was manly and authoritative kaya marahil iyon ang
sinasabi ni Khael na bahagi ng board of regents ng Athena High.
"Excited na ako. The last event like this was the cotton-candy party na inarrange
ng SC last year. That was amazing ayon sa kaibigan ko na naging kasali sa Special
Twenty", wika ng isang babae. She was giggling in excitement for what privilege
will she get for tonight's event.
"Do you know about tis cotton-candy party?", tanong ko kay Khael and he nodded.
"Yeah, I'm still part of the SC last year and we're the ones who came up with such
ideas."
The door flung open at uniluwa niyon ang dalawang lalaki. Umupo sila sa bakanteng
upuan at nakipagkumustahan sa mga naroon na kilala nila.
Good. Only one guest left amd the Unfortunate 13 will be complete.
"I really had a bad feeling for this", wika ni Khael.
Nagtatakang tiningnan ko siya. "Why?"
"I'm not yet sure, but if my deduction is right, I will tell you the moment the
last guest arrives", sagot niya sa akin and that's when the door opened at pumasok
ang isang lalaking nakasuot din ng itim. He looked around the area and there was a
hint of surprise and recognition in his eyes nang dumako ang paningin niya sa gawi
namin.
"Silvan?", tila hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Khael. Napatayo siya at lumapit

dito. "What are you doing here?"
Maging si Zywon ay nagulat din sa pagdating ni Gray. Nagbulong-bulonga din ang

ibang naroon. of course they knew Gray. He was a famous one way back on his stay at
Athena.
Lumapit siya sa amin at nagtatakang tiningnan ako. "Just as I thought. Nakatanggap

ako ng isang special invitation from Athena inviting me on this event and telling
me to wear something black. Naisip kong isa itong trap mula sa organization and
looking at everyone here, yes it's a trap but there's a possibility na hindi ito
mula sa organisasyon."
Khael smiled. "Yan din ang iniisip ko. This is a trap. The people here are not
ordinary Athena students."
Sumingit si Je sa usapan ng dalawa. Everyone was baclon being busy chatting with
each other kaya walang nakakarinig sa usapan namin.
"Ibig sabihin, extraordinary tayong lahat dito?"

"No, we don't mean it that way. You see those two girls over there? That's Khaye
Alarcon, heiress of the Moonbeam voices, one of the largest recording companies
here in the Philippines. Ang kausap niya ay si Grezel Luisana, heiress of large
building rentals here. That guy in his black and white suit, he's Anthony David,
son of a known rich and popular politician. The other guy in white is Zach Araneta,
oh well, the Aranetas are known so I guess I don't have to introduce their enormous
business. The couple over there are Ralph Legazpi,known for his family's chain of
hotels, his girlfriend Shaina Becera, daughter of Arthuro Becera, the CEO of the
largest software company here. Zywon's family owns large chains of famous resorts
and spa. The other two guys over there are Marlon Ponce, his family is known for
their hospitals. Terrence Arevalo is an heir of the known manpower agency and other
large factories. Alonzo is a son of a police chief but his mom is a known
businesswoman from a known family. My dad's known in business world too or maybe
they knew about my mafia connection after all", paliwanag ni Gray.
"Oh, I'm surprise you knew all those people", komento ni Je. "But I'm not from a
famous family. My parents are starting only a small business."
"So am I", pagsang-ayon ko.
"You're just flowers to this event. The host of this party just wanted to invite
the exchange students in Athena", wika naman ni Khael.
But why does the host which was a part of the board of regents invited rich people
inside this huge mansion? Ano ang iniisip nito?
Natahimik ang paligid nang muling tumunog ang speaker na naroon.
"Magandang gabi sa inyo Unfortunate thirteen. I'm glad that you're all gathered
here. You might be wondering what this was all about. This is a dangerous game of
survival in which you will consider yourself as unlucky. You will meet unfortunate
events in this mansion. I will not limit you in that small room, you're free to
roam around the mansion to find the number which was written in your glass at the
party and for the guest, the number on the envelope. But every time you hear a
bell rings, you have to gather in this room. The ring will only happen once a
particular person finds his number at kailangan nating irecognize iyon. You will
not be leaving this house alive if you don't find all your numbers. Happy Friday
the thirteenth", wika ng boses at agad iyong nawala.
"Their scheme this year is a good one. I can feel the excitement in me my veins.
Alright, let's hunt for our numbers", wika ni Zach at niyaya na palabas ang ilan sa
amin.
Dumaan sa harap naming si Zywon kaya tinawag ko ito.

"Zywon."
He stopped at nilingon ako. Iniwasan nitong sulyapan si Gray na nakatayo sa gilid

ko.
"Why don't you go with us? Mas madali nating mahahanap ang mga numbers if we're in
a group."
"I'd love to go in a group with you Just Amber but Holmes and Moriarty can't go
together", wika niya bago kami nilagpasan. It took me few while to realize that he
meant about his relation with Gray when he said something about Holmes and
Moriarty. They're mortal nemesis.
Hinarap ako ni Gray na nakakunot ang noo. "Why are you wearing such piece of
cloth?"
Bigla na lamang napatikhim si Jeremy at mahinang siniko ako. "sagutin mo Bestie."
A piece of cloth? This is a tube dress in case he doesn't know. "It's a dress
Gray."
"It's too short."
"That's how it was designed." Nakangiwing wika ko.
"It's a little liberated dress", wika naman niya. "Hindi ba yan malalaglag?"
"Hindi. What the hell are you thinking Gray?", tanong ko sa kanya. "Oh, never mind.
Let's go". Nagpatiuna na ako ng lakad at sumunod naman sila. The hallway was dim
lighted at may mga painting sa mga dingding. Napakapit si Khael sa braso ko.
"If this painting will move, we're really unlucky",wika niya and to our surprise ay
bigla na lamang nahulog ang isang painting na counterfeit ni Monalisa.
"Shit!", Khael cussed. "Damn! Dapat sinabi nila na may pagkahorror pala ang theme
dito, I should have traded glass with the others. And oh, I always hated that
browless Monalisa. She got an annoying smile."
Natawa si Jeremy sa reaksyon ni Khael but he was afraid too. Nagulat na lamang ako
ng tinanggal ni Gray ang kamay ni Khael na nakakapit sa braso ko. He stood between
me and Khael.
"Masyado kang bakla Alonzo. Wag kang kumapit sa babae kung natatakot ka. This isn't
a horror house kaya umaayos ka", wika niya kay Khael at napangiwi naman ang huli sa
kanya.
"Damn you! This is your entire fault. Kung hindi mo ako tinakot dati, I shouldn't
have been afraid like this", wika niya at mas lalong nainis ng tinawanan lamang
siya ni Gray at Jeremy.
The house isn't horror at all but there's something eerie in the ambiance. The door
on the main entrance was lock at walang ibang tao roon maliban sa amin. Gone was
the woman who brought us inside. Tiningnan ko rin ang labas mula sa malalaking
bintana but the cars which brought us there was nowhere of sight. Tanging ang asul
na kotse ni Gray ang nakapark sa labas.
Pumasok kami sa isang pinto and it looks like an old study. Malamlam din ang ilaw
na naroon gaya ng mga ilaw sa kabuoan ng mansion. We looked around the study and
then Jeremy called us.
"Tingnan niyo guys, may malaking frame kung nasaan ang mga mukha at pangalan ng mga
board of regents ng Athena", wika niya at agad kaming pumunta sa tabi niya at
tiningnan ang bagay na sinasabi niya. It was really the board of regents.
"Updated ba ito?", tanong ko and Khael shook his head.
"No. There are new regents kaya malamang dati pa ito. Hindi na bahagi si Mr.
Isidro Cortez, he already retired and move to Chicago. Ito naman si Mr. Peter
Medrano, he focused on writing his novels. He's a sci-fi novel writer. Ms. Imelda
Lopez, focused on being a business woman", paliwanag ni Khael.
Imelda Lopez? She seemed so familiar! Inalala ko kung saan ko nga ba narinig ang
pangalan nito and I stared at the picture. Her face seems familiar too!
Saka ko lamang naalala na bahagi pala siya ng Euler Case, a case back then kung
saan ang biktima, which happened to be a Mathematics professor wrote the formula na
siyang nakapagpaturo sa salarin. In the end ay nalaman kong bahagi pala ng Mafia si
Miss Imelda when she called her mafia connections informing them about the death of
the man na siyang sadya niya. No wonder that she's part of the board of regents.
Bahagi kasi siya ng mafia.
Nagpatuloy kami sa paghahanap doon when the bell rang kaya napagpasyahan naming
pumunta sa thirteenth room. When everyone was gathred, muling nagsalita ang lalaki
via speakers.
"Let's give our applause to Zach Araneta. He already found the number 6", wika ng
boses and then Zach showed everyone the number two which was a little bigger than
the largest keys.
"Mister Araneta, you can't help them find their number. You may stay in this room
or roam around. Continue your quest, Unfortunate 13", the voice said at nawala ito.
Napagpasyahan ng lahat na ipagpatuloy na lamang ang paghahanap. Palabas na sana
kami ng thirteenth room nang bigla na lamang tumunog ang cellphone ni Khael.
Nakatunghay lamang kami sa kanya ng sinagot niya iyon.
"Yes, Cynil? I'm a bit busy right now. What was it all about?", he asked. Nakinig
siya mula sa sinasabi ng kung sino mang nasa kabilang linya at napakunot ang noo.
"Tortured?"
Napatingin din kami sa kanya. Whoever called must be in a serious situation.
"Okay, I'll call you as soon as I'm done here. Goodnight", Khael said at pinatay
ang tawag. Agad niyang tinago sa bulsa ang cellphone.
"Sino iyon?", tanong ni Gray.
"Cynil. She called me and told me about what happened in their school. Tinawagan
niya rin ako noong nakaraan para sabihin na may nangyaring sunog and now she called
me dahil may dalawang guro na tinurture bago pinatay", he answered. So it's the
same person who called him the last time?
Naging curious din si Gray tungkol doon ngunit ipinagsantabi na muna nila iyon at
nagsimula na kaming maghanap ulit sa mga numbers namin. We checked at the back of
the paintings, under the table cloth, inside the figurines or in the statues ngunit
wala pa kaming nakikita.
We continue searching hanggang sa makarating kami sa kusina kung nasaan si Zach at
nagtitimpla ng kape.
"Hello Gray", bati nito kay Gray. He's not smiling kaya marahil ay hindi ito close.
"Hello Araneta", bati naman ni Gray dito. Zach was putting hot water in the twelve
cups kaya marahil ay para iyon sa amin. Naglabas din siya ng isang cake mula sa
freezer. The voice in the speaker said that we can now head straight towards the
dining area for some coffee. Ilang saglit lamang ay naroon na ang lahat.
"Someone called in the telephone at the thirteenth room and he instructed me to

prepare here. I don't know how you prefer your coffee kaya kayo na ang bahalang
magtimpla", Zach said. Bumaling siya sa isang babae. "Khaye, please serve the
cake."
Sumunod naman ang tinawag nitong Khaye hinati-hati abg cake para sa lahat. Together
with Grezel, they serve the cake to everyone. Nagsimula na ring magtimpla ng kape
ang iilan.
"Bakit labing dalawa lamang ito? Hindi ka ba magkakape Zach?", tanong ni Marlon
dito.
"Hindi ako nagkakape. I'd rather have some water", sagot ni Zach at naupo sa isang
upuan doon.
Grezel handed the cakes to everyone. When she handed one to Shaina ay nagreklamo
ito.
"Hindi ako mahilig sa chocolate cake. Wala bang iba?", she asked and her boyfriend
headed towards the fridge.
"I'll check it for you", wika ni Ralph at binuksan ang fridge. He searched for
other foods there at tinulungan ito ni Marlon.
Nagtimpla ng kape niya si Terrence. "Wala pa ba kayong nakikita na number guys? Ang
hirap namang maghanap."
Sumang-ayon naman si Anthony. "Oo nga. Paano mo ba nahanap yung sayo Zach?"
Tumawa lamang si Zach at tumayo. "Why should I tell you. Hanapin niyo", he walked
towards the fridge kung saan nakakuha ng strawberry cake si Ralph. Kumuha ito ng
isang tumbler na may tubig at nagpaalam. "I'm gonna take a nap at the thirteenth
room. Have a safe Friday the 13th", he said chuckling at naglakad palabas ng dining
hall.
"Geez. That Araneta is really selfish", komento ni Terrence. "So, what are we gonna
do now? Nabobore na tuloy ako. Excited pa naman ako dati."
"Ano naman ang makukuha natin kapag nakita na natin lahat ng numbers?", Khaye
asked.
"Makakalabas tayo dito. Didn't the man said na hindi tayo makakalabas ng buhay
kapag hindi natin nakita lahat?", Anthony said.
"That gave me chill. Parang totoo yung sinasabi niya. Kung hindi lang talaga ito
Friday the 13th party ay iisipin ko ng mamamatay tayo", natatawang wika ni Ralph.
"Oh, I'm glad that we have o
CHAPTER 29: DISAPPEARANCE AND DESPERATION

Chapter 29: Disappearance And Desperation (Friday the 13th, Full Moon, Unfortunate
Thirteen Resolution and Desperation Chapter)
A/N: Shoutouts to Editor Melody na binigyan ko na naman ng ulo! Me-he-he! Happy
birthday to Shaina Marie Cebrero! #TeamShaRalph! Ang sweet ni Boy eh, pinapabati ka
in any way possible para sumaya ka daw! Ayeeeh :3 Happy Birthday din kina Nicole
Salas Pableo and Sasha Reyes! Yung nagbirthday noong nakaraan, happy birthday din!
Spread the love and bombs Detectives!
-AmpogiKo xD
*******************
"Gray..... Khael....."
Tumingin sila sa paligid to check if Je is around ngunit gaya ng sinabi ko, he's
nowhere to be
found.
"Special A, please be calm. We will find him after we pull the curtains down here",
he said at tiningnan ang bawat isa na naroon.
"But Khael....."
"He's still alive Amber. Don't worry", wika ni Gray. "I'm sure Jeremy's safe.
Everyone please stay here kung ayaw niyong maulit ang ganitong pangyayari. Khael
and I will go back to the dining hall for some investigations."
"But Gray.... Si Je...."
"Baka kumain lang iyon Special A, o kaya naman ay nagCR", Khael said. "Yo, Deltran.
Please take a look on Special A. She's stubborn. Wag mo siyang hahayaang lumabas sa
silid na ito."
Tiningnan lamang ito ni Zywon at tumango ng mahina na tila ba napipilitan.

Nagpaalam na si Gray at Khael at agad na lumabas doon. Nang makalabas na ang dalawa
ay saka lamang
lumapit si Zywon sa akin.
"Matutunaw na ang soles ng boots mo, kanina ka pa palakad-lakad dyan. Take a seat
Just Amber", wika niya at naupo sa bakanteng upuan na nasa harapan ko. Nakaupo ito
na nakade-kwatro habang tinitingnan ako.
"I can't. I'm worried."

"Teka, ikaw yung nababalita na exchange student, diba? I'm Terrence", pakilala ng
isang
lalaki. Inabot niya ang isang kamay ngunit si Zywon ang tumanggap niyon.
"Just Amber. She's Just Amber", wika niya. Mukhang wala na talaga itong plano na
alisin ang Just mula sa pangalan ko.
"It's Amber. Not Just Amber", wika ko at sinamaan ng tingin si Zywon. He maintained
his cool and gave me his like-I-care look.
"Sigurado ba kayong wala sa inyo ang nakakita kay Jeremy?"
"That cute guy? Hindi ko na talaga siya nakita nang nagpunta tayo dito. I was so
tensed about what's happening kaya hindi ko na pinagtuonan
ng pansin ang bawat isa", sagot ni Khaye.
"Maging ako. Nang nagpunta ang lahat dito ay nauna ako kaya hindi ko na pinansin
ang mga nahuli. I only noticed his disappearance nang sinabi mo na", wika naman ni
Grezel.
Mas lalo lamang akong kinabahan. Bakit? Bakit ganito? Am I a badluck? Napapahamak
na kasi ang mga taong nalalapit sa akin. Patuloy lang ako sa ginagawa kong
paglakad-balik at panay ang kuyom ng kamao. That's my usual reaction kapag
kinakabahan ako. Bigla na lamang akong hinila ni Zywon and I almost landed on his
lap!
The fudge!
"Sit down Just Amber. Mag-usap tayo", wika niya. Agad kong inayos ang sarili ko.
Uhm, bakit ba kasi hindi na lamang ako sinama nina Gray at Khael or better yet
hayaan na lamang akong hanapin si Jeremy!
"Ano namang pag-uusapan natin?", wika ko sa kanya. Alam kong gusto lamang niyang
iwaksi sa isip ko ang tungkol kay Jeremy. Abala din ang iba sa pag-uusap. The boys
are talking
about their girlfriends and flings.
Seriously? Nakuha pa nilang mag-usap ng ganoon at times like this?
"Lovelife?"
"Wala akong ganoon."
"Oh. I see."
Tumahimik na ito. He's not good in making conversations but I guess he tried.
Tumunog ang cellphone ko kaya agad ko iyong inilabas mula sa dala-dala kong clutch.
It was a text message from Jeremy.
"Jeremy texted me!", natutuwang wika ko at agad na binuksan iyon.
"I have something to do. I'll be back later."
"Sabi sayo diba? He's safe", wika ni Zywon and I somewhat felt relieved. Mabuti
naman at ligtas ito but where did he go?
"Si Jeremy nga ba ang nagtext nito?", I asked at pilit na inalala kung paano ito
magtext. Hindi
ito jejemon o kaya ay mahilig sa mga emoji kaya marahil ay si Jeremy nga ito. Agad
akong nagreply sa kanya.
"Nasaan ka? Puntahan kita?"
After a few while ay nagreply ulit ito.
"Wag. Babalik din ako dyan."
After I read his text message ay agad ko ng ibinalik sa clutch ang cellphone.
Atleast he's safe. Nawala na ang kaba na kanina pa sumasalakay sa akin.
"Ligtas ba ang kasama mo?", tanong ni Shaina sa akin. I nodded at her. She gave me
a smile bago muling ibinaling ang atensyon sa boyfriend niya.
"Okay ka na?", Zywon asked at tumango ako. God! Hindi ko lubos maisip kung si
Jeremy ay malagay sa panganib. I'm not saying that he's weak ngunit natatakot
lamang ako na baka hindi niya kayang protektahan ang sarili niya.
"Good then", wika niya. "Ganyan ka ba talaga Just Amber?"

Nagtatakang tiningnan ko siya.
"What was that supposed to mean?"
"You're so determined on finding Phobie before and now that weirdo Jeremy. Why do
you care so much with the people around you but putting yourself in danger on the
process. Bakit?"
Napatitig ako sa kanya. He doesn't know such feeling dahil hindi siya masyadong
naging attach sa isang tao or maybe he just doesn't care.
"Because they're my friends", wika ko sa kanya.
"But is it alright? You don't know if the strength or maybe life that you're
wasting for them is worth it. You don't know if they would
do the same for you."
Palagi na lamang kaming

ganito kung mag-usap. We're discussing a broad topic and not a specific one. Bakit
hindi
na lang kasi niya ikwento sa akin in full detail ang nangyari sa kanila ng mga
kaibigan niya?
"If you're a real friend, you won't ask them to do the same thing like you did. If
you
sacrificed a lot, you cannot ask them to sacrifice in return. That's not the real
value of
friendship", wika ko na saglit na ikinatahimik niya.
"Are you trying to lecture me?"
Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Am I?"
"Ewan."
"Can I ask you something Zywon?"
"Shoot."
"What happened to you and Gray? And please, don't give me a fairytale answer. Be
straight to the point.", wika ko sa kanya. Mahirap na at baka may maisip na naman
itong eksena ng mga prinsipe at reyna.
"Let's put it this way. I'm the north pole, he's the south. I'm hot and he's cold.
I'm black and
his white. In other words we're of the different personalities but established a
young friendship before but then we realized that the meeting of two personalities
is like the contact of two chemical substances, if there is any reaction, both are
transformed", wika niya.
"Got it Allusion Prince. Kailan ka ba magsasalita ng direkta?"
He smirked at me. "Oh, I can't open up to you Just Amber. We're not close and even
if we
are, I don't open up to anyone."
Uh, I guess I cannot force him to do so. Zywon have high walls surrounding him and
I cannot break or climb those.
"Can I ask you a little favor? Let's go out of this room and look for Jeremy", wika
ko sa kanya.
"Your bodyguards just said no one will leave this room", wika niya. Bodyguards? Uh,
he
must meant Gray and Khael.
"I was thinking you don't listen to anyone. I guess I was wrong."
He took a deep breathe.
"Fine." Tumayo siya at hinarap ang iba pang nasa loob ng silid. "Hey everyone. I
have to accompany this girl to the comfort room. She said kanina pa nag-aalburoto
ang tiyan niya and she can't hold it back anymore."
"Yeah, sure. Go ahead", Marlon said. "Hihintayin na lang namin kayo dito", wika
naman ni Khaye.
"Don't leave this room just like what those two said", paalala niya sa kanila at
sumang-ayon
naman ito. The moment we went out the door ay agad ko siyang siniko sa sikmura.
"Ugh. Para saan iyon?", he asked.
"That's for the alibi. CR, eh? Good idea", I said sarcastically and he just
chuckled.
"That's the best I could come up with", wika niya. We started checking every room
ngunit
wala si Jeremy sa mga naroong silid hanggang sa marating namin ang study na
napuntahan namin kanina. Jeremy wasn't there but I have this urge to enter.
"Oh, wala dito si Jeremy, bakit ka pumasok?", Zywon asked and I just shrugged my
shoulders. I don't know why I want to enter the study. I checked the things on the
dusty table. May mga newspaper clippings doon like the Manila Bulletin and even
local ones. Mayroon ding Times magazine, mga Reader's Digest and an old issue of a
Wall Street Journal and Forbes. I didn't bother to scan those at tiningnan na
lamang ang mga libro na nasa shelves. Novels, references, magazines and books of
foreign
authors are present. Kumuha ako ng isang libro ngunit agad ding inilapag iyon ng
magsalita si Zywon.
"What now Just Amber? Gusto mo bang magbasa? Seriously, at a time like this? The
killer must still be lurking around", wika niya. Ibinalik ko ang kinuha kong libro
and then my phone rang. Agad ko iyong sinagot.
"Where are you Special A?", tanong ni Khael mula sa kabilang linya.
"I-I'm at the CR. Sige, we're on our way back. See you!" Agad kong pinatay ang
tawag. "Let's
go back to the thirteenth room. Hinahanap na nila tayo."
"They already solved the case? Oh, pretty fast. As expected", wika niya at
nakapamulsang
sumunod sa akin. As expected? Kung ganon ay malaki ang paniniwala nito na kaya
ngang
isolve ng dalawa ang kaso. His idea of not calling a police is a sign too.
Eventhough hindi maganda ang relasyon nila, he still believes that Gray and Khael
can solve the case on their
own.
Agad kaming bumalik sa thirteenth room at parehas na sinamaan ng tingin nina Khael
at Gray si Zywon.
"Alam niyo ba kung sino ang pumatay kay Anthony at Zach? What happened to Zach? I
thought he's just sleeping", wika ni Ralph.
"Yes, he's sleeping. Eternally", sagot ni Khael. "And the culprit is here with us."
Bahagyang natakot ang bawat isa. Sino ba ang hindi matatakot? The killer could be
the one sitting beside you.
"Siguro ang killer ni Anthony, nandito, but Zach's killer? No one left the dining
hall after Zach. Imposible naman na pinatay siya ng killer before he left the room.
We saw him walked through the door right? Is it possible na may dalawang killer?",
tanong naman ni Terrence na mas ikinatakot ng lahat.
"No. Just one clever culprit who forgot about our existence at may lakas ng loob na
pumatay
ng dalawang tao", wika ni Gray. Isa-isa niyang tiningnan ang mga naroon na tila ba
sinasabing
alam niya ang lahat.
"So who killed them?", tanong ni Khaye. "At ano ang dahilan niya para gawin iyon?"
"We know the killer but not his motive but we can ask him about that later. Let's
start how
did the culprit manage to poison Anthony. During your search for the numbers, sino
ang kasama ninyo?", Khael asked.
"Magkasama kami nina Khaye, Grezel, Anthony at Terrence", sagot ni Marlon.
"Ibig sabihin ay ibang grupo din ang iba since magkasama din kaming apat?"
"Kasama ko ang girlfriend ko. We're on the second floor", wika ni Ralph.
"Mag-isang naghanap sina Zach at Zywon", Shaina said.

"Ah, ibig sabihin, Anthony's killer must be within his group", wika ni Khael na
ikinagalit nilang lahat.
"Pinagbibintangan mo ba kaming mamamatay-tao Khael?", galit na wika ni Terrence.
"Nope. I'm saying na isa sa inyo. It's the only way the culprit can apply the
poison."
"Ngunit bakit siya nalason nung kinain niya ang cake?", tanong ni Grezel. I don't
think the cake
has something to do with it. Gaya ng sabi ni Zywon kanina, he already finished his
cake and
there he is, alive and kicking. Muling nagsalita si Khael. "The culprit took
advantage of Anthony's mannerism. Ano ba ang napansin niyo sa kanya? Did he lick
his fingers while he was eating?"
"Oh! Now I remember! He did kanina!", wika ni Terrence. "Ibig sabihin ay nasa kamay
mismo ni Anthony ang lason and when he ate his cake, he licked his fingers? But
didn't he
used a fork?"
"Yes he did but look at his mouth. There are some chocolate that smudged on the
side of his lips. It's clear that he removed the chocolate on his mouth using his
finger", wika ni Khael which made everyone shocked.
This time ay nagsalita na rin si Gray. "As of Zach, the culprit put some chloral
hydrate on the water that he got."
"What's a chloral hydrate?", Khaye asked.

"It's a compound which is used as sedative with limitation and also as hypnotic
drug. Marahil ay naoverdose siya sa chloral hydrate that's why nawalan siya ng
malay. Then the culprit went
near him and pricked him the cyanide using a hypodermic needle", Gray said. Nasa
mukha
nilang dalawa ang pagiging sigurado. They both flashed their usual victorious and
mischievous
smile.
"Then who did it?"
Nagkatinginan silang dalawa ni Khael. "It's Marlon Ponce", sabay nilang wika na
ikinagulat ng lahat lalo na ni Marlon. Saglit lamang itong nagulat at agad na
napalitan ng tawa.
"Mukhang kinakalawang na ang ating mga detective. Paano ko naman ginawa iyon? If
you only based it on the fact that I'm the heir of some large hospitals kaya may
access ako sa mga chemical compound na pinangalanan
ninyo, then this is such a lousy deduction show. Hindi magkakamerit ang
circumstantial evidence, can't you present a concrete one?"
Mas lalo lamang napangiti si Gray. "Ah, about that, of course we can since the
evidence is
still with you. The needle that you used for Zach. Without thinking that we knew
about the
chloral hydrate, idinispose mo na ang bote ng chloral hydrate sa trash bin and I
bet we can
find your fingerprints on this", wika niya at ipinakita sa amin ang isang bote na
dala niya pero gumamit siya ng panyo upang hindi dumikit ang fingerprints niya.
"You pretended to help Ralph in finding the cake with different flavor and that's
how you managed to put the sedative agent in the tumbler, taking into account what
Zach said, he preferred water than coffee so it's so convenient to you. Why
don't you show us the needle or better tell us why you did it?"
Tumiim ang anyo ni Marlon at galit na galit ito. Pinunas niya ang pawisang mukha sa
kanyang
braso. "I could sue the two of you for slander!"
"Oh. We're scared", wika ni Khael. "I have one question though. Bakit hindi mo
magawang ipunas sa mukha mo ang palad mo? You used your arms instead."
Mas bumakas pa ang pagkagulat sa mukha ni Marlon. Everyone looked at him as if

they're saying to confess his crime.
"Is it because takot kang magaya sa mga biktima mo? You didn't used a glove because
that's suspicious so you're barehanded and had a direct contact with the poison.
You already washed your hands ngunit hindi ka sigurado kung natanggal nga ba ang
lahat ng lason sa kamay mo ng hinawakan mo ang bagay na
pinahawak mo rin kay Anthony", Gray said.
That's when Marlon sighed. Inilabas niya ang hypidermic needle mula sa kanyang
bulsa.
"Mukhang wala na akong kawala. Yes, I killed Zach and Anthony."
"But why?", halos hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Shaina. "Hindi ba magkaibigan

kayo?"
Tumawa ito ng pagak. "Magkaibigan? No we're not. Parehas lamang kaming angat sa
buhay kaya lagi kaming magkasama but we're not
really friends. Those two are bastards. Alam niyo bang sinisiraan nila ang ospital
namin? Especially Zach. Malakas ang impluwensiya ng pamilya nila. He even
embarrassed me in a social
gathering kaya hindi ako nagsisisi na ginawa ko iyon. I should have killed them in
a brutal way pero sapat na ang kamatayan para sa kanila. I will surrender myself
but I will never regret this", wika ni Marlon at muling bumuntong-
hininga.
"Are you happy now? Masaya ka na ba dahil napatay mo sila?", wika ni Zywon. Tumawa
siya
ng pagak. "If I were you ay hindi ko sila pinatay. That's easier for them. You
should have let them suffer the consequences of what they did."
Tiningnan ko siya and I saw a guy wrapped in hatred and anger. Kung gayon nang
sinabi
niyang he will crash the mafia, he meant destroying them and not killing.
Saglit na namayani ang katahimikan doon at binasag iyon ng pagtunog ng cellphone ko

kaya agad kong sinagot iyon ng makita na si Jeremy ang tumatawag.
"Je..."
"Amber...." He didn't call me Bestie and he sounded so serious. Malakas at mabigat

din ang paghinga nito.
"Jeremy nasaan ka?", unti-unting bumangon ang kaba sa dibdib ko nang marinig ko ang
seryosong boses nito.
"Amber.... Help me. Please", wika niya at tama nga ang hinala ko. He's in a
desperate situation!
"Je! Nasaan ka?"
"Amber... I'm - I'm at the comfort room."
I made a face. Is this one of his jokes? Humihingi ng tulong habang nasa CR?
"Je, you're not funny-"
"Amber I'm not joking. Puntahan ninyo ako dito sa CR please. I really need some
help. I
don't want to die yet", wika niya at nataranta na ako.
"Jeremy just stay calm. Papunta na kami", wika ko at bumaling kay Gray at Khael na
nakatunghay sa akin.
"Jeremy's in grave danger", wika ko at agad akong napatakbo palabas ng thirteenth

room at sumunod naman sina Gray at Khael. I checked every CR on that floor ngunit
wala ito.
"Special A, what's happening?", tanong ni Khael sa akin. It seems like my mind's

lost. Malakas ang pitik ng dibdib ko.
"Si Jeremy! We need to find him", nanginginig na wika ko.
"Relax Special A."
I opened the door and slammed it back nang hindi ko makita si Jeremy. "He's not
here! Maybe at the second floor", wika ko at tinakbo ang mahabang hagdan. Nagulat
na lamang ako ng hinila ni Gray ang braso ko and then he
pulled me towards him. Pinunasan niya ang mga luhang hindi ko namalayan na tumutulo
na pala sa mga mata ko.
"Why are you crying?", wika niya. "We can save Jeremy, mark my word. You don't have
to
stress yourself that much", wika niya habang panay ang pahid sa mga luha ko gamit
ang kanyang kamay.
We can save Jeremy. Mark my word.
Paulit-ulit na nagpi-play back sa utak ko ang sinabi niya and it was very
reassuring. Napatitig ako kay Gray. His words were
soothing at naramdaman ko na lang ang sarili ko na bahagyang nagrelax.
Bumitaw lang siya sa akin ng tumikhim si Khael. Agad kong tinakbo ang hagdan at
sumunod sila sa akin. I checked the comfort room their at nandoon nga si Jeremy,
sitting on top of the covered toilet bowl. Wala itong suot na upper na damit at may
tila maliit na box na nakastrapped sa katawan nito.
"Je!" I was about to hug him ngunit pinigilan niya ako.

"Stay right there Amber", wika niya. He pointed the small black box strapped on his
body, about the size of a small portable CD
player. "I'm doomed." Inabot niya sa akin ang isang nakatuping papel. Agad ko
namang binasa iyon at maging sina Gray at Khael na nasa likuran ko.
It reads:
The black box is booby-trapped. Inside it is a powerful plastic explosive. Don't

try opening it
or the timer will trigger. To open it safely, send me two famous names that you
have decoded from this Unfortunate Thirteen party.
The names must coincide with the clues scattered inside the thirteenth room. Once
you have given me the right answers, I will give you the right combination and
instruction to
take off the explosives. This letter comes with a phone that you can use to
communicate with
me. Happy Friday the 13th!
P.S. Don't try unstrapping the explosives before giving me the right answer or you
will regret it.
Inabot ni Jeremy sa amin ang isang cellphone. "I just woke up in this room with
these things. Ang huli kong naalala, someone knocked me down while I went to pee. I
didn't had the chance to see who it was. Mabigat ang box na ito and I believe that
these are really explosives."
"Jeremy just stay calm. Tumayo ka dyan at bumalik tayo sa thirteenth room", Khael
said ngunit napatungo lamang si Je.
"What if the sender still blow me even if we gave him the right names? Dito na
lamang ako. Save yourself-"
Bigla na lamang itong sinuntok ni Gray! His lip bleed so it must really be a strong
punch. Nagtatakang napatingin kaming lahat kay Gray.
"Gray? Why...."
"Now, nagising na ba ang diwa mo? Why would we leave you alone? Just like what
military
always say, never leave your partner. And here I am thinking that you still want
the Detective
Triumvirate to be complete", wika niya. He was very serious and this is the first
time that I
have heard him agreed in the imaginary detective group by Jeremy.
Pinunasan ni Je ang dugo mula sa kanyang labi. "That's good to hear but I'm just
thinking about you guys. Ayokong madamay pa-"
Hindi ulit natuloy ang sasabihin nito ng sinuntok naman ito ni Khael.
"Khael!", saway ko ng sinuntok din ito ni Khael sa kabilang pisngi. Uh, mag-asawang
suntok?
"It's okay Special A. Nainggit lang ako kay Silvan, I need to punch him too.
Anyway, I guess that will make him more awake", wika niya.
Sinamaan sila ng tingin ni Jeremy bago ito tumayo mula sa toilet bowl. "You will
pay for
this if ever I survive this. Let's give it a try. I know you three can do this",
wika niya.
Lumabas kami ng CR at bumalik sa thirteenth room na mas ikinagulat ng lahat ng

makita nila ang nakastrap sa katawan ni Jeremy.
"Mamamatay tayong lahat dito! The doors are closed when we decided to went home.
Hindi rin tayo pwedeng dumaan sa bintana dahil may mga grills doon! What are we
gonna do now?", Ralph said at napaupo sa sofa. Everyone's worried. We're stuck
inside with two corpses and a bomb strapped on Je.
"We have to call the police!", suhestiyon ni Khael at inilabas ang cellphone niya
ngunit bigla na lamang tumunog ulit ang speaker.
"Don't call anyone or it will trigger the bomb. I can see and hear everything so
don't make any move. Just follow what's written on the paper. The clues are within
this room, just look
around."
"Argh! We're really dead!"

Inilibot ko ang paningin sa paligid. I don't see any CCTV cameras but since the
host can hear and see us, he must have installed some hidden cameras around.
Nakaupo lamang si Jeremy. I can't see any emotions in his face but I'm sure hindi
madali
ang pinagdadaanan niya ngayon. He's life is in line at nagi-guilty pa ito dahil
nadadamay kaming lahat.
"Mamamatay na ba tayo dito?", takot na tanong ni Grezel. "Friday the thirteenth is

really unlucky! Oh God!"
Tumunog ang malaking relo na naroon and it indicates that it's already 12 in the
midnight. Friday the 13th is over so the bad luck must really be over too. But is
it really an unlucky number?
We started searching for the clues inside the room. Ano nga ba ang kakaiba sa silid
na iyon? Maliban sa sobrang lawak, the walls were painted black and there were 13
paintings of roads around. Uh, why roads?
"Oh! I found the number seven!", wika ni Marlon at inilapag iyon mesa. The numbers
are not our priority now. Kailangan naming
mahanap ang mga clues na iniwan ng host!
"And here's number one!", Zywon said. Tumulong ang bawat isa sa paghahanap ng
bawat clue.
Lumapit ako kay Gray na nakatayo sa harap ng kalendaryo. It wasn't on June but
instead ay nasa October iyon. "Do you think this one's a clue?", he asked
Tumitig ako sa kalendaryo. "Yes, possibly." It was on October sa halip na June kaya
marahil ay sinadya iyon.
"Oh, number eight. I found number eight", wika ni Khael. Mukhang wala pa kaming
clue na nakikita. Puros mga number lamang -
Wait.
Hindi kaya ay mga clues din ang number na iyon? Tiningnan ko ang mga numbers na
nakita nila. Seven. One. Eight. One hundred eighty seven. One hundred seventy
eight. Eight hundred seventeen. Uh, it doesn't make sense. There are lots of
combinations using this number.
Inilapag ni Shaina sa mesa ang isa pang number. "Here's number nine. I don't get
it.
Ano naman ang mga clues na pwede nating makuha sa kwartong ito? And what's its
connection to the thirteen of us?"
"Maybe we'll have to see what's common between us", wika ni Zywon. What's common
between us? Parehas na taga
Athena maliban sa aming tatlo ni Jeremy at Gray. They're both rich just like what
Khael and Gray observed.
"Hindi kaya isa itong act of extortion? You see, almost everyone's family is known
for their names kaya baka nais lamang magkapera ng sino mang mastermind nito",
suhestiyon ni Khael.
Act of extortion? Yes, it's possible but why didn't he ask for a sum? Kung iyon nga
ang motibo ng host, then sana ay kanina pa niya sinabi iyon.
Inilibot ko ulit ang paningin sa kabuoan ng silid and I saw the hidden camera. I
look for more camera's ngunit wala akong makita. Is it possible that the other
cameras are hidden in
the big mirror? May malaki kasing salamin sa isang dingding. Maybe the other
cameras are there. Niyuko ko ang mga ilalim ng sofa at may
hinanap doon. If I found those, then it will confirm my suspicion.
"What are you doing Just Amber?", tanong ni Zywon nang isa-isa kong tiningnan ang
ilalim
ng mesa at sofa. Hindi ko siya pinansin at nagpatuloy lamang. There wasn't any.
Then it
means -
Tiningnan ko ulit ang mga numbers na nasa mesa. Tumingin ako sa kabuoan ng kwarto
at sa kalendaryo. Bumalik rin sa gunita ko ang
mga nakita namin sa study kanina. I looked at everyone around especially Gray and
Khael.
Nakapagtatakang inimbitahan si Gray sa pagtitipon na ito and then it occured to me

that I got it right!
Lumapit ako kay Jeremy at inilahad ang palad ko.
"Give me the phone."
"Amber? You figured it out?"
"Special A?"
"Just Amber...."
"Just give me the phone Je", utos ko sa kanya ay agad naman iyong inabot ni Jeremy
sa akin.
I dialled the only number that was saved there at agad na tinawagan iyon. It only
took few
seconds at agad na sinagot iyon ng host.
"Too soon huh", wika ng boses.
"Yes because I can't wait to reveal who you are. As of the names that you are
asking, I know the answer", wika ko. Nakikinig silang lahat sa akin so I decided to
turn the phone's speaker on
"Really? How smart of you Young lady. Then what are those?", tanong niya.
"Not too fast. Hindi mo ba ako tatanungin kung paano ko nalaman?", wika ko sa
kanya.
"Yeah. I don't see any clues so I'm curious Just Amber", singit ni Zywon sa usapan.
"Okay, as you wish. Then how did you figure it out Young lady?", tanong ng lalaki
mula sa
kabilang linya.
"Simulan natin sa hitsura ng silid na ito. The walls are black and there are 13
different paintings but all are streets and roads. Then looking at the numbers 8,
7, 1 and 9. The
calendar of the month October. The invited unfortunate thirteen. It's no doubt
you're asking for the famous names-". I paused for a while and tossed the phone
away na ikinagulat nilang lahat.
"Hey! What did you just do?"
"Amber...." Maging si Je ay nagulat sa ginawa ko. I gave him an assuring look.
"Don't worry Je. It's not needed anyway", nilakasan ko ang boses ko. "The names you
are
asking are IVAN BOESKY and MICHAEL MILKEN."
"Sino ang mga iyan?", Terrence asked.
"Those are criminals of the Wall Street Scandal, right?", tanong ni Khael.
"Exactly. Boesky is known for his share-trading fraud role and a number of separate
insider dealing scams while Milken is notable for the development of the market for
junk bond and
for his conviction following a guilty plea on felony charges. Those names are what
the
clues point out", wika ko.
"But what are the clues?", tanong ni Jeremy.
"Look around. The wall have paintings of roads so we can assume that it points out
WALL
STREET. This calendar, which is on October and the numbers that we found says it
all. If we
arrange these numbers, we will get 1987, and connects it to the month of October.
October
19, 1987 was the Black Monday, or the time that the stock markets crashed. Marami
ang
mga kilala sa Wall Street Scandal but basing on the Unfortunate 13, it's clear that
you must mean those two. The rich people here are the clues to the Wall Street
Scandal. Inimbitahan mo kaming dalawa ni Jeremy upang maging hostage. You invited
the famous high school detectives, Khael and Gray to carry out this plan. Gray Ivan
Silvan, must be Ivan Boesky
and Mikhael Timothy Alonzo for Michael Milken. They have the same name. Maybe you
wanted to check if the plot that you have in mind would work so you planned to
elaborate this piece by piece by conducting this experiment right-
Mister ex-board of regent of Athena slash author of Science fiction but now
planning to write a mystery, Peter Medrano?"
Everyone was surprised that he was the one who plotted this. Narinig namin ang
pagak nitong pagtawa mula sa speakers na nasa silid.
"I'm surprised that you're the first one to figure it out. I'm expecting that my
two protagonist would figure it out first. Well, Young lady, what are you planning
to do now?"
"This", wika ko at hinila ang maliit na box na nakastrap sa katawan ni Je na

ikinagulat nilang lahat.
"Amber!"
Tinanggal ko ang box mula sa katawan ni Jeremy. "These aren't plastic explosives.
You just used it to inject fear and bluff us."
.
Itinapon ko sa sahig ang box at nabasag iyon. Its contents were small wires from an
electrical components and if my deduction is right, I'm pretty sure na walang
threat iyon.
"Paano mo naman nasabi iyan?", tanong ng boses mula sa speaker.
"You can't risk your life too. You're in this room with us, right behind the
mirror", wika ko. They hardly believe what I said but when I opened the the door
next to the mirror ay tumambad sa harap namin ang isang lalaking may dala ng baril.
He raised his gun towards us..
"I never thought that you got that much. I'm very impressed", wika ng lalaki.
Napaatras ako ng itinutok niya ang baril sa akin. I guess I'm a gun magnet. Scenes
like this are always familiar to me.
"I was planning to ask only the names but not as much exposing like this. Young
lady, I can't
let you live and destroy my plan of writing this scenario. Alam mo bang matagal ko
itong pinag-isipan? Writing a crime novel using historical references ngunit
napakadali lang sa iyo na isiwalat lahat ng iyon?", wika niya at unti-unti akong
napaatras until Gray pulled me
towards them. Tinago niya ako sa likuran niya at hinarap ang lalaki. It's the same
face that we
saw on the old frame at the study but a bit older.
"What do you want?", lakas-loob na tanong niya.
"Your silence."
"We give you our word that we'll keep silent. Just let us go", wika niya.
Tumawa ang lalaki. "You can't fool me. Tandaan mo mas nauna ako sa inyo sa duyan
kaya I cannot trust-"
Bigla na lamang hinampas ni Jeremy ang lalaki gamit ang itim na box na may
electrical components na dating nakastrap sa kanya.
Nabitawan ng lalaki ang baril at natumba ito. Agad na kinuha ni Khael ang baril
mula sa sahig bago pa man ito muling makuha ni Mr. Peter Medrano.
"Oops. Sorry. That's for taking me as a hostage", wika ni Jeremy at muling hinampas
ito sa ulo. "And that's for taking my shirt! God! I don't flaunt my abs", he said
with a hint of playfulness. I guess hindi na mawawala iyon kay Jeremy. "Kanina pa
sumasakit ang tiyan ko."
Nagtangkang tumayo ulit si Mr. Medrano ngunit nagsalita si Zywon. "Don't do

anything
Sir. The police are on their way. If I were you ay hindi na ako gagawa ng hakbang
na mas lalong makakasira sa pangalan ko."
The boys seize Mr. Medrano at itinali ito. We searched for the keys on him at
binuksan ang
bahay. We found out that he hired those people na nagdala sa amin dito but none of
them knows his true motive. Their services ended when the Unfortunate 13 was
completed.
Hindi nagtagal ay narinig na namin ang sirena ng mga pulis. They captured Mister
Medrano
and when his lawyer arrived, he insisted that his client was experiencing a
psychotic episode
this time. It often happens to him according to his lawyer. He insisted that Mister
Medrano
had become obsessed in writing his novel and that's why he wanted to live the role
in his
plot.
Maging si Marlon ay dinampot din ng mga police for his two murders. I don't know if
he will suffer his consequences in prison o kung underage pa ba ito. As of now,
everthing was fine.
Pinauwi na kaming lahat matapos kunin ang pahayag namin. Jeremy walked beside me at
nakangiti. He's still topless dahil hindi namin makita sa loob ang damit niya.
"Bestie...." He's back with calling me bestie again.

"Hmm?"
"Thank you!", nakayukong wika niya. "Thank you for saving me. Kayong lahat. Alam mo
bang nung hindi ko pa alam na hindi pala iyon explosives ay nawala na ang takot ko
dahil sa inyo. So thank you... For real.."
Bigla na lamang itong binatukan ni Khael. "Ang

drama mo dude", wika niya. "We can't let you die. Wala nang sisira sa araw namin
kasi wala na ang mga puns mo."
"I agree", wika ni Gray.
Nagpout si Jeremy. "Ang sabihin niyo, mamimiss niyo talaga ang quizzes ko. Sige na
nga, pagbibigyan ko kayo. Ito, sample. Ano ang tawag sa hayop na walang gilagid?"
I made a face at him. Err, Jeremy's really back.
"Shoot puns. I'm too tired to think", wika ni Gray.
"Edi Lang Gum. Duh!", Je said at pinaikot ang eyeballs niya bago tumawa. "Saan
ginagawa ang mga uling?"
Napalabi na din si Khael. "Sa pagawaan."
"Edi sa Coal Center. Duh again", he said again at natawa ulit. Still, no good for
me. "Ano ang tawag sa taong walang baga?"
"Hikain?", Khael asked at binatukan ito ni Gray.
"Weak yung baga nila. Patay ka na kapag wala kang baga", he said at sinamaan ito ng
tingin ni
Khael.
"Edi Wala Lung. HAHAHAHAHAHA", Jeremy said. Uh, just as I thought, wala pa ring
kwenta.. "Anong puno ang
hindi pwedeng akyatin?"
"Yung walang sanga!", sagot ni Khael. I think he's in the mood to answer Je's puns.
"Khael walang sanga ang puno ng niyog", paaalala ko sa kanya.
"Hala, oo nga Special A ano? Di ko naisip yun ha."
"Ang slow niyo, edi yung nakatumba! Nge!", Je said at tumawa ulit. "Isa pa ha? Ano
ang
similarity ng UTOT at TULA?"
"Jeremy andami mo ng tinanong. Reserve those para bukas", tinatamad na wika ni

Gray.
Papunta kami sa nakapark niyang kotse. Kanya- kanya ding tawag ng sundo ang iba
matapos
magpasalamat sa amin.
"Wag kang mag-alala Gray. Marami akong baon", sagot nito. "Ano na sagot niyo?"
"Jeremy awat na", wika ko sa kanya ngunit di niya ako pinansin.
"Ewan."
"Edi pareho silang nagmula sa POET! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA", he burst out laughing hanggang
sa maubo ito. "Last na to talaga. Ano ang pwede mong gawin sa gabi na hindi mo
pwedeng gawin sa umaga?"
Narating na namin ang kotse ni Gray ngunit hindi pa rin umaawat si Jeremy. Dumating
ang isang sasakyan at isang lalaking nagdadrive ng motor. Huminto ang mga ito sa
harap ni
Zywon. The guy in the big bike tossed a helmet to him at bumaba sa motor. Lumipat
ito sa
kotse at si Zywon naman ang sumakay sa motor. Bahagya niya akong sinulyapan bago
isinuot ang helmet at sumakay sa motor at pinaharurot iyon palayo.
"Shoot puns."
"Edi magpuyat! Hahahahaha!", wika ni Jeremy. His laughter echoed throughout the
area.
Uh, I guess this is either his post-trauma effect o kabag dahil kanina pa ito
topless. Whatever it is, I'm glad that he's safe.
**********************
CHAPTER 30: STRANGLED AND NAKED (Introduction)

Chapter 30: Strangled and Naked (Introduction Chapter)
A/N: Wall Street Scandal on the previous case is factual. October 19, 1987 was
really called the Black Monday because that's the time that the stock market
crashed. Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken are real Wall Street Scandal criminals.
Business people can really relate :3 Here's another case. Happy reading!
**************************
"Good Morning!", masiglang bati ni Math sa akin and she kissed my cheeks.
Nakasanayan na niyang gawin iyon but I never do the same. Kapag nakikita ko siya ay
parang wala lamang. Siya lamang ang gumagawa niyon sa akin and even to Gray and
Jeremy who always refuse. I sat on my spot, the one I had in Bridle.
Yup, balik Bridle na kaming dalawa ni Jeremy. Kahapon kami bumalik since our two-
week stay at Athena has ended. After the event at the old mansion where we had a
bad experience ay naging tahimik na ang lahat. We didn't revealed so much about the
case at nanatiling tahimik lamang. Ang mga nalalabing araw namin doon ay simple
lamang at balik sa klase na. No cases encountered at naging payapa. I have
befriended some students but others especially girls, hated me. Tinawag pa nila
akong malandi sa hate letter na natanggap ko. Ayon doon ay nilandi ko na raw si
Gray, pati ba naman si Khael at Zywon? Uh, girls! I don't understand them! Hindi ko
na lamang pinansin ang sulat na iyon, they're just some bunch of insecures who
hated themselves because they can't be me na malapit sa mga gusto nila kaya ako ang
napagdiskitahan.
Jeremy received many letters too. Unlike mine, his letters were of admiration and
praises! Nakatanggap din siya ng sulat mula sa dati ng sumulat na si Mimosa, who
said that he will know her soon kapag nagkalakas ng loob na itong magpakilala.
"Good morning too Math", wika ko sa kanya. Naupo ito sa kanyang ipuan at inilabas
ang kanyang tablet at nakinig ng music. Math is a techie, marami itong useful na
naimbento which was very handy. Her bugs with the transmitter and wireless tap na
nagamit namin noong pimuntahan namin ang warehouse-
The wireless tap! The last thing I remembered was tinapon ko iyon sa loob ng
conference room dahil nagkaroon ng problema sa tawag ng babaeng nakatayo sa may
pinto kung nasaan ang pinagtataguan kong drum! If I remembered it right, Math said
na automatically itong marerecord sa nakakonekta niyang tablet! I was so depressed
with Phobie's death kaya hindi ko naalala ang tungkol doon!
"Math!", wika ko sa kanya. I pulled the headset from her ears kaya nagtatakang
napatingin siya sa akin.
"What?"
"Diba sabi mo automatic na narerecord ang lahat ng nasa wireless tap na ginawa mo?
Do you remember when you went to Athena with Gray? I need to hear the recordings
from that night!", naeexcite na wika ko sa kanya. Maybe if I'll hear those ay mas
makakakalap pa ako ng iba pang impormasyon tungkol sa Genesis!
"Yes. I thought Gray lost it. Nang pakinggan ko kasi iyon ay ingay ng kulisap lang
ang naririnig ko", sagot niya. "Sandali ha, hahanapin ko." She scanned her files in
her tablet for a while at ibinigay sa akin ang headset. "Here."
Agad ko iyong sinuot at pinakinggan.
"Gray?"
"Amber."
"Anong ginagawa mo dito? Particularly here on the back part of the girls'
dormitory?"
"I-"
"Hoy."
"I just came to see A-Athena. Right. I wanna see Athena. How about you? Why the
hell are you jumping down from the windows? Plano mo bang maging Spiderwoman? No.
It should be Catwoman."
"I have something to do. Sinong kasama mong pumunta dito?"
"I'm with Math."
"Madalas kayong magkasama?"
"Yeah. We're on the same circle and since pansamantalang wala kayong dalawa ni
Jeremy, kami na muna ang madalas magkasama."
"Gaano kadalas?"
"Madalas, minsan?"
"Gaano kadalas ang minsan? Oh, never mind. Mauna na ako sayo Gray. I have some
things to accomplish tonight. Enjoy your walk around Athena."
Napalunok ako ng marinig iyon. Uh, marahil ay narinig iyon ni Math! Diyos ko, baka
ano na lang ang inisip nito! Baka naisip nitong pinagseselosan ko siya!
"I missed you."
"Gray, baka amoy-pawis ako..."
"No. You smelt like strawberries and melon."
Bahagya akong napakurap ng marami ng marinig ang bahaging iyon ng recording. Damn!
Math really heard everything! It's so awkward! Pinagpatuloy ko na lamang ang
pakikinig.
"Khael."
"Madaya ka Silvan. I summoned you here and you see Special A first than me? I
should be the one that you're hugging, not her."
"Hug yourself Alonzo."
"Nah. I'm gonna get that hug of yours from special A.Uhh. What was that for?"
"My way of saying I missed you",
"I missed you too Silvan. Where are you going Special A?"
"Don't tell me you're doing something dangerous again? Are you planning to search
for Phobie?"
"Special A, the reason why I summoned Silvan here is to help me in finding her,
you don't have to engaged yourself in such danger. We can handle-"
"Khael she's my roommate and whether you liked it or not, I will help in finding
her. Isa pa ay masyadong delikado ang paghahanap sa kanya. It involves so many
risks and I can't leave it all to you."
"If you're referring to those drugs, I knew all about it. Silvan told me about it.
Isa pa, I'm the one who stole the notebook from Zywon and -"
"Just as I thought."
"Hello, old buddies. It's not nice to see you again, especially you Silvan. It's a
reunion. Shall we open some champagne then?"
"Deltran", wika ni Gray. Sumeryoso ang mukha nito as he looked at Zywon. "What are
you doing here?"
"I should be the one asking you such question. You don't belong here in Athena
anymore, oh. Sorry. My bad. You owned Athena right? So basically, you have all the
right here. How rude of me, disrespecting a mafia heir."
"As of you, give me back the notebook."
"No way! That was for me, you stole it from me on the first place!"
"I'm not yet done with you Amber Sison but you're least of my concern. Kailangan
kong makuha muli ang kwaderno and look for Phobie."
"I should possess that notebook. It's not for you. Isa pa ay ayokong gamitin mo ang
notebook ni Phobie for your personal purposes. Whatever resentment you had with the
mafia, don't use Phobie and her notebook! What are you doing here anyway? Plano mo
na naman bang akyatin ako sa kwarto ko?"
"WHAT?! What is he doing in your room?"

"Oh I see. You're important girlfriend huh? What do you think a guy and a girl
would be doing in a room at this hour -"
"Learn to respect ladies. She's not yet my girlfriend but you don't have the right
to invent things which are not true."
"Alam mo ba kung ano ang tumatakbo sa isip ko ngayon Silvan? I just had a
reminiscence of a young Ae-ae telling a younger Aywon with his words which were 'I
won't let anyone punch you Aywon. You've got Ae-ae and Mikmik's back for that, but
it never occurred to me that you will be the first one to punch me, I shouldn't
have believed you."
"When you stopped believing in me, I did too. Why don't you just forgive and
forget?"
"Some things can never be forgotten nor forgiven."
"We're wasting our time here. We should have started searching for Phobie now."
"There you are!"
The next part were the recordings when we followed the car hanggang sa makarating
kami sa warehouse. Dumating na sina Jeremy at Gray at nagtataka sila kung bakit
seryosong-seryoso ako sa pakikinig sa tablet ni Math.
"Bestie-"
"Ssssshhh. She's listening to something", wika ni Math kaya nakatunghay na lamang

sila sa akin.
I forwarded the recording dahil panay walang kwentang usapan lamang iyon. It was
when I threw the bug inside. Ilang saglit lamang ay tumahimik saglit at may boses
na nagsalita.
"Good evening everyone. This is an urgent meeting na pinatawag mismo ni Brain."
"Nandito ba siya?"
"Do you really expect na magpapakita siya sa atin?"
"I wanna meet the brain behind this organization."
"You'd better not. Anyway, we're called for an agendum which is concerned with this
organization. Our existence. I think we're almost revealed. Cyanide said na may
estudyante ng Bridle na muntik ng makakuha ng impormasyon but luckily, he was able
to retrieve the evidence about us. Ayon din sa kanya ay hindi na ligtas ang Athena
bilang kota. We can't risk everything. If the Vander Mafia will know about our
Athena invasion at malalaman nilang may traydor sa mafia mula sa board of regents
na siyang nagpapasok sa atin ay masisira lahat ng plano natin."
Cyanide? He. Ibig sabihin ay lalaki ito and who knows if I had been friends with
him at hindi ko lamang alam na bahagi pala ito ng Genesis!
"Ibig sabihin ay aalis na tayo ng Athena? Mabuti pa. By the way, I hate that
student who's a son of a chief police. They roamed around one night with some
students at muntik na nila akong mahuli one time. He's with the Bridle student na
naging pasyente namin sa infirmary."
He's referring to Khael and me! He must be the doctor na gumamot sa akin noong
hinimatay ako sa PE Class!
"Kung ganoon ay saan na tayo?"
"I'll contact Brain".Tumahimik ito saglit bago muling nagsalita. "Brain... Hello
Brain... I can't hear you... Wait."
I heard a cracking sound at mukhang naapakan nito ang bug! Damn!
"A bug? Sino ang naglagay ng listening device na ito dito?"
Umiingay ang paligid at pinag-usapan nila ang tungkol doon. Damn! I hope he cannot
trace us!
"Au! Someone had taken the girl but no need to worry. There are bombs strapped in
her body!"
Narinig ko ang pagtawa ng babae. "Hey, you must be listening. I had bad news for
you. You can't live a longer life dahil sa ginawa mo. You can't escape the
organization. See you in hell."
Bigla na lamang naging maingay ang recordings bago iyon naputol! Mukhang sinira
nila ang bug na iyon hanggang sa wala na akong marinig mula sa recordings. Agad
kong tinanggal ang headset mula sa tenga ko. Good thing they destroyed the bug,
ibig sabihin,they can't trace us.
"What was that?", tanong ni Gray

sa akin at nakatunghay naman sina Math at Jeremy.
"It's a recording when we went to the warehouse. They found the bug that I threw at
sinira iyon", sagot ko.
"Good thing at nang hindi nila tayo matrack", Gray said. Yes, that's what I thought
too. Hindi na kami nag-usap pa dahil pumasok na ang guro namin para sa umagang
iyon. I missed Bridle and it's so good to be back.
I sat on a chair at nilantakan ang pizza na inorder ni Jeremy sa akin. Even the
Bridle's pizza ay namiss ko.
"Grabe si Bestie doon sa Athena! Pinana niya yung target tapos ang layo niya!
Nadaplisan pa niya yumg guro, napanganga lahat. Grabe ang galing!", pagbibida ni
Jeremy. After the class ay agad kaming nagpunta dito sa cafeteria at wala na itong
iba pang ginawa kundi ang ibida ang lahat ng adventures namin sa Athena.
"Talaga?", Math asked but she doesn't seem interested with Jeremy's stories.
"Maya, could you atleast pretend that you're interested?", Je asked. Uh, he always
say what's on his mind, eh?
"Who's Maya?"
"Ikaw syempre."
Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Math. "And why is that? My name's Math."
"Maya, short for -"
"Jeremy", saway ko sa kanya. He looked at me and pouted. Isa pang pout nito ay
mababasag sa mukha nito ang lata ng Sprite na nasa tabi. Yep, coke's out of stock
so I chose Sprite instead.
"Maya, the ex-national bird. Ikaw talaga Math! Para ka kasing ibon, free and can
fly anywhere. Ready for her journey in a vast world", wika ni Jeremy and he sounded
like a poet. Lumawak ang ngiti ni Math. Uh, nauto.
"Talaga?"
"Yup, Maya." Jeremy said at sinubo ang malaking cake na nasa plato nito.
"Jeremy! You're so sweet!", Math said at niyakap si Jeremy na bigla na lamang

nabulunan sa kanyang kinain. He reached for his bottled water at panay ang pag-ubo
niya.
"Oh my God! Jeremy are you choking?", Math asked. Mukhang nag-aalala talaga ito.
"I'm serious", Jeremy said and he gave Math a deadly glare. Binatukan ito ni Gray
and he turn out bursting into his laughter.
"Ano to Je? Joke mo, tawa mo?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Hindi ka talaga supportive Bestie, kabadtrip! At ikaw naman Maya, wag mo nga akong
mayakap-yakap. Magagalit ang ka-redstring ko", Jeremy said.
"Red-string?", Gray asked. "What's that?"
"God! Gray! Hindi mo yan alam?", Jeremy asked. "Two people connected by the red
string are destined lovers, regardless of place, time, or circumstances. It may
stretch or tangle, but never break. It's tied on their little finger. "
Gray raised his little finger. "But I don't see any strings. How can we identify
who's our partner? Well, I have watched an anime about this, Detective Conan's
first movie, I guess."
"Nanunood ka ng anime?", I asked. Hindi kasi ito nakakarelate sa amin dati kapag
usapang anime.
"I did. I just started DC. Nakakainis kasi si Alonzo, he's been bugging me to watch
it."
"Sandali", Math said. "Ibig sabihin ay taga dito sa Bridle ang ka-red string mo
Jeremy?"
Je shook his head. "No, but I can't let anyone hug me dahil baka malaman niya. I'm
still working on this unrequited love. I don't want this love to fade bago pa man
maging kami."
Jeremy sounded so serious. Kung gayon ay totoo nga talaga ang sinabi niya sa amin
ni Khael about her unrequited love.
"Anong pangalan niya Jeremy?", Math asked.
"Victoria."
Uh, there he goes again!
"Victoria?"
"Secret."
Gray and Math made a face. "We're serious."
"Hindi pwedeng sabihin. Isa pa, she's not here and she doesn't love me back yet",
wika nito sa malungkot na tono. "We're childhood friends and I love her since then
but the feeling's not reciprocated."
"Nakakaiyak naman Jeremy", wika ni Math.
"I thought you're gay", komento ni Gray. Jeremy clenched his fist.
"Tsk. Bestfriend nga talaga kayo ni Khael. Ano, suntukan na lang tayo? Kahit 2 vs 1
pa! Bakla ha? God, I hate drugs!", Jeremy said and Math laughed.
"Oh, by the way I received an e-mail from my relative. Tita Anabelle told me to
investigate some case. They're an owner of a couture and they're kind of wondering
why their mannequin lies on the floor, naked. It's been two weeks since she emailed
me ngunit hindi ako nakapunta", wika ni Math.
"What do you mean?"
"They thought they just forgot to fix the mannequin ngunit hindi talaga. They're
sure that they had displayed the mannequin with clothes ngunit tuwing umaga ay wala
na itong damit at nasa sahig na", kwento ni Math.
"Hindi kaya magnanakaw lang iyon at ninakaw ang damit ng mannequin?"
"That's what I thought too ngunit walang nawawala sa kanila. The clothes were
there. Just the mannequin lies on the floor", pagpapatuloy ni Math.
"Hindi kaya multo yun?", Jeremy said with wide eyes.
"Jeremy we're on the 21st century and ghost stories are not that believable
nowadays", bara ni Math kay Je. Ghost stories? Meh! I can't relate.
"Just the mannequin? But it doesn't make sense", wika ni Gray.
"Yan din ang iniisip ko. What do you think Amber?", Math asked.
"Uhmm. Baka nakalimutan lamang nilang ligpitin", wika ko. If it's a bulgar, then
bakit walang ninakaw?
"Yan ang akala nila but it's always like that for a week and they don't know kung
bakit ganoon since wala silang CCTV camera doon", Math said.
"May mga tanim ba na gulay sa likod ng shop nila?", Je asked na ikinapagtaka naming
tatlo.
"What's the connection Puns?", Gray asked.
Bahagyang lumapit siya sa amin at bumulong. "Baka kasi gumagalaw yung mannequin
tuwing gabi kasi THE ZOMBIES ARE COMING! Zombie yung mannequin! Kailangan pa nilang
magtanim ng maraming gulay lalo na ang sunflo- Aray Gray ha!"
Bigla na lamang kasi itong binatukan ni Gray. "You're not making any sense."
"I'm just preempting every possibilities! Posible naman kasi na zombie nga ang
manne-"
Sinubo ko sa bibig niya ang pizza. "Je, that's the dumbest possibility that anyone
could come up with."
Napalabi si Je at patuloy na nginuya ang pizza na isinubo ko sa kanya. "Tsk.

Unsupportive friends. Can I unfriend all of you?"
"Seryoso na kasi. Ano sa tingin ninyo?", tanong ulit ni Math sa amin.
"It's a serious matter, I guess", Gray said.
"I think it's just the maintenance cleaner's fault", wika ko but Gray and Math
thinks otherwise.
"I think I'm full", singit ni Jeremy at nagburp ng malakas. He raised both arms
nang sabay namin siyang tingnan ng masama.
"You know what I think? I think we'll have to ditch class and visit their shop,
let's go!", Math said at hinila si Gray, and Gray grabbed me too so I did grabbed
Jeremy.
*****************************
"Hijo, saan ka?", tanong ng humarang na guard kay Gray. We were on his car at
nagtatago. We removed the car seat's cover at tinalukbong iyon sa katawan namin ni
Math while Jeremy hid on the car's compartment.
"I'm- going home", nagkandautal-utal na wika ni Gray. Shit! Hindi nga pala namin
na-orient ito kung paano lagpasan ang guard.
"Dahil?"
"It's- it's because my cat died", he answered and his voice sounds so worried. He's
acting worried or he's really worried if the guard will find out that we're lying.
And uh, let's face it. Gray's not a good liar kaya mahihirapan kami nito ngayon.
"Pusa? Uuwi ka ng class hours dahil namatay ang iyong pusa?", the guard asked and
oh, have I told you that he's not the same guard na kaibigan ni Gray and the other
Vanders too? Bago ito at daig pa nito ang librarian dahil sa sobrang istrikto.
"He's- he's not just a cat! He's a family! Hindi niyo po kasi alam ang pakiramdam
na ganoon", Gray said and he sounded hurt. Oh, he joined the wrong club, he should
have joined me in the drama and theatre.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Math at halos matawa na kami. Uh, pusa huh? Pretty lame.
"Anong pangalan ng pusa mo?"
"Po?"
"Sabi ko anong pangalan ng pusa mo?", the guard asked at saglit na natahimik si
Gray. Damn! Think faster Gray!
"Limousine." There. Did he said Limousine?
"Limo- ano?"
"It's Limousine. Now tell me Manong guard, papadaanin nyo ba ako at ng makaabot ako
sa burial?"
We heard the guard sighed. "Sige. Condolence hijo para kay Limousine."
"Thanks Manong guard. You know I've been so down for such loss and that message
somewhat helped me feel relieved. Thanks", wika ni Gray at pinaharurot palabas ang
kotse.
Natawa kaming dalawa ni Math sa kanya at umupo ng maayos. Sinamaan niya kami ng
tingin mula sa rearview mirror. "What's the two of you are laughing at?"
"Ikaw. Gosh! Pusa talaga Gray? At Limousine pa!", sagot ni Math at natawa ulit. We
heard loud thud noise at malamang si Jeremy iyon mula sa compartment.
Nang medyo malayo na kami sa Bridle ay huminto si Gray at pinalabas si Jeremy.

"Oooooh! I thought I'll die of suffocation", wika ni Jeremy at bumaba. "And what
the two of you are laughing at?"
"Gray's cat is dead and her name is Limousine", natatawang wika ni Math.
"And? What's wrong with that? My dog is Porsche and your dog is Medicol. I don't
see any wrong in naming your pet after a car or anything", wika niya.
Meh, slow. Naningkit ang mata ko ng tiningnan siya. "Je, what's funny is that it's
the lamest idea that he ever got."
Napatikhim naman si Gray mula sa tabi. "It's not lame."
Bigla na ring napatawa si Jeremy at hinampas pa si Gray habang tumatawa. "It's

really lame!"
"You cannot just say that it's lame", wika ni Gray at nag-iwas ng tingin sa amin.
"Actually we can. Lame. Lame. Lame. Lame. Lame. Lame. Lame. Lame. Lame. Lame.
See?", Jeremy said.
"Shut up puns." Sinamaan siya ng tingin ni Gray bago muling pumasok sa kotse. Our
travel lasted for ten minutes at narating na agad namin ang sinasabi ni Math na
couture. The owner greeted Math with a kiss in the cheek at binati din kami.
"Oh, Thilde hija, you have brought friends with you", wika ng babae at ngumiti sa
amin.
"Yes Tita. This guy is a known high school detective so I'm sure that he will help
you a lot. This is Gray", pakilala ni Math.
Gray greeted the forty plus-year old woman. "Gray Ivan Silvan Maam", he said at
nakipagkamay sa babae.
"Kay gwapong bata. You look good with beautiful Thilde here", kinikilig na wika ng
babae. She looked at me and Jeremy. "And the other two?"
"That's Amber and Jeremy, my classmates, this is Tita Anabelle", pakilala ni Math.
Jeremy rolled his eyes. As what we expected, Math will not recognize us as
detectives. Not even the imaginary Detective Triumvirate.
"Hi po", bati namin ni Jeremy sa babae. She gave us a fake smile at muling bumaling
kay Math at Gray.
"So, hijo. Don't you know that Thilde is very famous in her previous school? She's
the perfect epitome of beauty and brain. Mula sa mga academic contest hanggang sa
beauty pageants, wala siyang sinalihan na hindi niya pinanalo. I remembered when
she won as a runner up in the Miss Teen-"
"I brought home the crown Tita. I was never a runner up", pagtatama ni Math. I saw
Jeremy pouted and he whispered to me.
"Oh, Bestie. If Math got a furniture shop, itong si Tita Anabelle eh, antique
furniture shop yung business. Akala ko pa naman couture! MyGod", he said at
sinamaan ko siya ng tingin dahil baka marinig pa nila kami.
The area was wide at naikwento na sa amin ni Math that Tita Anabelle owned the
building which was its first floor was intended for the shop and the other floors
were for residential rentals which was 3 rooms at pawang may nag-oocuppy. The
tenants have to passed the shop upang makapunta sa kanilang mga kwarto.
Bigla na lamang bumukas ang isang pinto at iniluwa niyon ang isang lalaki na
nakabusangot ang mukha. His dark eyes darted on us bago ito lumabas sa pintong
pinasukan namin and now he was walking on the streets.
"Pasensya na. That's our tenant Eric. He's an on-job trainee at a bank nearby at
kasalukuyan niyang ginagamit ang isang silid sa taas. He just moved here two weeks
ago", Tita Anabelle said.
"He's a trainee? He looks like a bum", wika ni Jeremy at siniko ko siya ng mahina.
The guy who just came out is really weird. Nakasuot ito ng itim mula sa sapatos
hanggang sa bonnet nito sa ulo. His shirt was printed with a big skul at medyo
mahaba ang buhok nito. Uh, emo or whatever they call it. But Jeremy saying he looks
like a bum is not necessary!
Bigla na lamang nahulog ang isang mannequin kaya napalingon kami doon. A young guy
who was aroud 22 years old smiled at us. "Pasensya na Maam Anabelle, nahulog kasi",
wika niya at pinulot ang mannequin at muling ipinatong iyon sa glass case.
Tita Anabelle scoffed at him. "Tatanga-tanga! Siya si Leo, ang maintenance crew
namin na bago pa lamang dito but I'm planning to replace him kasi masyadong
careless! It's not yet a month since he's employed pero balak ko ng palitan. Tsk."
"Wag naman po Tita. Anyways, maari niyo po bang ikwento sa amin ang nangyari dito
noong mga nakaraang araw?", Math said.
Leo gave us monobloc chairs at naupo kami doon habang nakikinig kay Tita Anabelle.
"It's been a week mula ng unang beses naming mamataan ang mannequin on that part of
the floor", kwento nito at tinuro ang liblib na bahagi ng sahig. "Nakahubad na ang
mannequin sa tuwing nakikita namin iyon and it has strangled marks on the neck.
Basta may mga marka roon na tila sinakal ang mannequin."
"Araw-araw bang ganoon?", Gray asked. He was taking notes on his small notebook.
Hindi agad nakapagsalita si Tita Anabelle dahil muling bumukas ang pinto at pumasok
ang isang lalaki na nasa mid-30s.
"Hello Tita Anabelle", bati nito sa babae and he smiled at us.
"Magandang umaga Doc Rosauro", bati ni Tita Anabelle. The guy smiled at lumabas sa
isang pinto which was probably the door towards the rented rooms upstairs.
"Who's that Tita?", tanong ni Math.

"Si Dr. Rosauro Abrea, a veterinarian. He's working in a nearby Animal Clinic",
sagot ni Tita Anabelle. "So, where are we?"
"Doon po sa mannequin", Gray answered. Sila lamang dalawa ni Math ang nagsasalita.
Je and I remained silent but I'm taking heed those things that Tita Anabelle said.
"Ah yes, the mannequin but we don't have to worry about it. That mannequin is
already delivered far away and since that day, no mannequin was found on the
floor", Tita Anabelle said which made the four of us surprised.
"Kung ganoon po ay iisang mannequin lamang ang nakikita niyo noong mga nakaraang
araw?", gulat kong tanong.
"Oo. Isa lamang and it's the same mannequin for the four days na nakikita namin sa
sahig", sagot niya.
"Sabi ko na nga ba! Multo yung mannequin na iyon! Just as I thought", palatak ni
Jeremy na sinagot namin ng masamang tingin. Err, he's really out of the topic.
"That's remarkable", komento ni Math. "And after that, no other incident like
those?"
Tumango si Tita Anabelle. "Wala na talaga. Sorry Thilde, I haven't inform you about
it pero mabuti na rin at nabisita mo ako."
Napalingon kami ng nakarinig kami ng itinapon na bagay sa sahig. It was a rubik's

cube and it was thrown by a guy who was hiding behind the door. Mukhang nasa 20
plus na ang edad nito but he looked like a little childish for his age. Masama ang
tinging ipinukol nito sa amin bago lumapit ang kanyang ina sa kanya. He was holding
another rubik's cube on his hand and he closed the door when his mom approached
him. Ilang saglit lamang ay bumalik sa pwesto niya si Tita Anabelle.
"Hey Tita, is that Kuya Arnel?", tanong ni Math at bahagyang ngumuso sa direksyon
ng lalaki kanina. "I knew him based on the letters and pictures that you've sent
us."
"Yes Thilde. Pasensya na at hindi siya nakikipag-usap sa iyo at medyo ilap siya.
He's suffering from Asperger Syndrome", the woman said.
"Aspirin what?", tanong ni Jeremy.
"Jeremy, it's Asperger not Aspirin. It's a developmental disorder characterized by

significant difficulties in social interaction and in communication with restricted
and repetitive patterns of interest", paliwanag ni Math. Uh yeah, psychiatric terms
eh?
"Parang autistic?"
"Similar but not a variant of autism", sagot nito. Bigla na lamang itong niyakap ni
Tita Anabelle.
"Thilde! You're really smart just like me when I was at your age", wika ni Tita
Anabelle at bigla na lamang napaubo si Jeremy and he whispered to me.
"See?! Like Tita, like niece! Damn!"
"Je. Sssh."
We heard the wail of a police siren outside the shop. Napalingon kami doon and
there were two police cars outside. Huminto iyon sa harap ng apartmemts na nasa
kabilang kalye. Sinulyapan ko ang suot kong relo. It's ten in the morning. A crime
this early?
"Excuse me, titingnan ko po muna ang nangyayari sa labas", paalam ni Gray at agad
na lumabas doon upang makiusyoso. Uh, I don't know. We call it 'pakikiusyoso' but
for him maybe it's a detective calling.
Nag-excuse din kami ni Jeremy at agad na sumunod kay Gray. The police found a dead
body on one of the apartments across the streets. It was a white and beautiful
woman. Nakahubad ito at nakahiga sa sahig. Her eyes were bulging at bahagya pang
nagulat ang reaksyon ng mukha nito.
"Please don't touch the body", wika ng isang pulis but it was too late, Gray was
checking every detail of the body. Tinanaw ko na lamang siya mula sa labas ng
pinto.
"Hey, Amber."
Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. It was Detective Tross! "Hey Detective Tross."
He gave me a wide smile. "Just Kuya Tross, out with the detective because I already
resigned as a police detective though I'm still accepting detective works from a
personal request of a friend. Hey, where's Ivan?", tanong niya sa akin kaya
ininguso ko ang labi ko sa direksyon ni Gray na abala sa kakatingin sa babae.
Natawa si Detective Tross ng makita niya si Gray. "Don't you wanna know if he's
checking the naked girl's private parts or just investigating the case?"
I gave him my deadly glare. "And?"
"Oh, nothing. Hey young man", bati niyo kay Jeremy na nakatayo sa gilid ko ngunit
nakatalikod. Anong problema nito?
"Hi Detective", sagot ni Jeremy ngunit hindi man lamang ito lumingon. Nagpaalam na
si Detective Tross sa amin at lumapit kay Gray.
Nang makaalis si Detective Tross ay kinalabit ko si Jeremy. "Bakit ka nakatalikod?

Anong problema mo? Humarap ka nga."
"Ayaw."
"Hoy Jeremy."
"Ayaw sabi Bestie!"

"Bakit?"
"My eyes."
"Anong nangyari sa mata mo?", nagtatakang tanong ko sa kanya. Did he got a sty?
"My virgin eyes", sagot niya and I rolled my eyes when I understand what he meant.
Virgin eyes? Pfft.
Binatukan ko siya ng mahina. "Aray ha! Relationship goals niyo ba yan ni Gray na
batukan ako?"
The fudge? Relationship goals? What the hell is that?
"Walang relationship at walang goals. Anong virgin eyes ang pinagsasabi mo? And
that's for the Maria Ozawa thingy! God, alam mo bang iniresearch ko talaga iyon and
it's uh- disgusting. Naisip tuloy ng mga roommates ko na I'm into pornography!"
Napabunghalit ito ng tawa. "Hindi ko na kasalanan Bestie kung niresearch mo. At

saka virgin naman talaga ang mga mata ko. Tumitingin ako ng mga porn paminsan-
minsan but I haven't seen an actual female's body kaya hindi ko magawang tumingin
sa bangkay."
"Whatever Jeremy."
"Uy Bestie, speaking of porn, grabe yung nakatabi ko sa sasakyan kahapon nung
pumunta ako sa mall", kwento niya. "Iba na talaga ang mga tao ngayon. Wala ng
pinipiling panahon ay lugar."
"Bakit? Ano bang nangyari?"

"May sumakay kasi kahapon, babae at lalaki. They sat beside me at panay ang halikan
nila. My God, sa tuwing hahalikan nung babae yung lalaki, tumatawa ang lalaki!
Gustong-gusto naman! At Bestie, hindi sila nakatiis! Tinaas ng babae niya yung
damit niya at inilabas ang kanyang boobs na agad namang nilantakan nung lalaki!"
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa ikinuwento niya. "What the hell? They should get a
room!" Iba na talaga ang mga tao ngayon, masyado ng PDA!
"Kaya nga eh! Tapos alam mo ba Bestie? Mga 28 na yung babae tapos yung lalaki
naman, batang bata!", Jeremy said with his most serious face.
Age doesn't matter kaya okay lang kahit gaano pa kalayo ang age gap but making out
in the public? A big no-no!
"Talaga? Sa tingin mo Je, ilang taon?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Batang-bata talaga Bestie. Mga 6 months, ganoon! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", he said and

burst out into laughter. What the hell!
Uh, I was joked, eh? Argh! Wala talagang kwenta si Jeremy Martinez, kahit kailan.
Iniwan ko siya at lumapit sa nag-uusap na sina Detective Tross at Gray. Panay ang
tawag ni Jeremy sa akin ngunit hindi ko siya pinansin.
"This is a personal request from my friend Chona. Her bestfriend Maddie, who works
as a part time model was killed too. She was found naked on her flat na hindi
kalayuan dito three days ago so I investigated the case and found out that there's
a similar case that happened to a girl na nakatira ilang kalye mula dito. Both
their autopsy said that they died because they were strangled to death and they're
both naked. A medical report said that their wasn't any sexual intercourse so they
concluded that the victims aren't raped before being killed kaya nagtataka ako",
the detective said and he handed Gray some photos. Nakitingin na rin ako sa mga
larawang iyon. It was the photos of the victims na sinabi ni Detective Tross.
"So this is the third case. Do you think they have the same killer?"
Gray smiled and he handed the photos back to Detective Tross. "Ah, no doubt. Based
on the pattern, it's no doubt that it's made by the same person. Strangled to death
and the victims are naked."
"Do you think that's connected to the strangled and naked mannequin at Tita
Anabelle's shop?", tanong ko kay Gray and he nodded.
"It's probable lalo na at hindi na iyon nangyari when he sent the mannequin to his
other branch", wika niya.
The corpse was removed and the apartment was sealed kaya wala kaming nagawa ng
pinaalis na kami ng mga pulis. Bumaba na kami mula sa apartment na iyon.
"Hey, detectives. Got another matters to attend so I'll go ahead. And please, stop
ditching your class. Ivan, I'll call you for more developments", wika ni Detective
Tross at sumakay sa kotse niya matapos magpaalam sa amin.
"So, how about we'll ask the neighborhood about this?", tanong ni Gray sa amin ni
Jeremy. Hindi kami nakasagot ng biglang huminto ang isang itim na motor sa harap
namin. The driver removed his helmet at nagulat ako ng makitang si Zywon iyon and
just like us, he was still wearing his Athena uniform.
"Hey Dude!", bati ni Jeremy at bahagyang tumango lamang ito. Uh yeah. They're not
really close- I mean they're NOT close.
"Just Amber", he said and he tossed me a pink helmet. Mabuti na lamang at nasalo ko
iyon dahil kung hindi ay tumama na iyon sa mukha ko.
"What's this?", I asked.
"Bestie, helmet yan", wika ni Jeremy. I scowled at him and he acted like he zipped
his mouth. Alam kong helmet ito! Duh! Ang ibig kong sabihin ay para saan?
"Ang ibig kong sabihin ay para saan?", wika ko sa kanya. Gray was stading on my
side at nakakunot ang noo.
"It's a head protection Just Amber", sagot niya at pinigilan ko ang sariling pag-
umpugin silang dalawa ni Jeremy. "Sakay na."
"What? Why?"
"Deltran, she doesn't go out with strangers. Just because she became your classmate
for two weeks doesn't mean you're not a stranger," Gray said at nagsukatan sila ng
tingin ni Zywon. Natigil lamang iyon ng tumikhim si Jeremy.
Humarap si Zywon sa akin. "You don't go out with strangers? Good thing I do. So
let's go
and I have a lot of important things to tell you so you'd better hurry", wika niya.
Mga importanteng bagay na sasabihin sa akin? It might be about the Genesis! Agad
kong sinuot ang helmet at nagulat si Gray at Jeremy.
"Amber...."
"Bestie...."
"I'll be right back", wika ko at umangkas sa likod ni Zywon. Agad naman iyong
pinaharurot ng huli at hindi man lamang ako nagkaroon ng pagkakataong magpaalam ng
maayos kay Jeremy at Gray.
Oh, wherever we're going, I hope one of the things that he will be telling me is
about a development of the case in Athena concerning the Genesis.
************************
Strangled and Naked, Development and Resolution Chapter will be posted on Wednesday
and hopefully I can post a double chapter update. Medyo busy lang sa school at
babawi ako sa inyo sa susunod, promise. Thank you!
-Shinichilaaaabs ♥
CHAPTER 31: STRANGLED AND NAKED (Development)

Chapter 31: Strangled and Naked (Development Chapter)
To the pretty Editor Melody, Thank you so much/daghang salamat/ shukran! *Hello
Muslim Bros and Sis*
*****************************
"Saan tayo papunta Zywon?", I asked him habang nakaangkas ako sa likod niya. Nais
ko tuloy pagsisihan ang pagsama ko. God! He's a devil when it comes to driving this
thing! I hope he doesn't violate street rules!
"Just keep your mouth shut until we arrive, Just Amber", wika niya at mas lalong
pinabilisan ang takbo ng motor making me
hold his body! Yuck, ayaw kong masabihan na tsansing but I don't wanna die this
early!
"How long does it take before we arrive to wherever we're going?", tanong ko ulit
sa kanya. Damn this guy! Hindi ba niya inisip na nakapalda ako?!
"About 10 minutes", tipid niyang sagot. Uh yeah, he doesn't want any questions. Ten
minutes sa bilis ng pagpapatakbo niya. Why not make it an hour as long as we get
there alive?
He pulled the vehicle in a fastfood's parking lot. What the hell? We're almost
flying at sa
isang fastfood niya lamang ako dadalhin? I thought he's bringing me to a life and
death
situation, but a fastfood? Argh!
"Are you gonna eat?", tanong ko sa kanya. I handed him the helmet at agad naman
niyang
tinanggap iyon.
"Yup. Why? What do you think people usually do in a fastfood house, sleep?"
Hindi ko pinansin ang pamimilosopo niya. "You brought me just to a fastfood?", I

asked, a little raising my voice.
"Oh, my apologies Your Majesty. Hindi ka ba kumakain sa fastfood? Sorry but my

money
says I can only afford here and not in those five-star restaurants", he said
sarcastically and he darted his dark eyes to me. Kahit mas bata
ito sa akin ay matangkad ito, making me lift my head a little para lamang sulyapan
ang mukha nito.
"That's not what I meant, Stupid! Kinuha mo lamang ako para makasabay mong kumain?"
"Don't make it sound like I'm into you because I'm not. Two detective fools are
enough. We'll
discuss things while eating because I haven't eaten anything yet. Kung kakain ka,
bahala ka. If not then good, makakatipid ako", wika niya at agad na pumasok sa loob
ng fastfood. I took a deep breath bago sumunod sa kanya. Ugh!
Nakakainis!
Umorder na ito at naupo kami na magkaharap sa pandalawahang mesa.

"Spill it."
He made a face to me at pinaglaruan ang mga tissue na naroon. "I can't. Hindi mo ba
mahihintay na dumating ang pagkain ko?"
"Look Zywon, I ditched school for some reason and this is not one of them so you'd
better not
waste my time", I said impatiently.
"I ditched class too so it's a fair play", wika niya. His food arrived at maganang
kinain niya
iyon. Inilapag din ng crew ang iced coffee sa harap ko.
"Now tell me."

"Let me eat even five spoonfuls Just Amber", wika niya na ikinasagad ng pasensya
ko. Is he
trying to piss the hell out of me because if he is, well he's successful! I'm so
pissed!
"Alam mo bang naiinis na ako?"
He nodded. "Yes. You used to bite your lip a lot when you're pissed and you're
doing that now so I guess you're pissed."
"Argh! Can I kill you?", lalo lamang akong nainis sa kanya. He chuckled at
pinagpatuloy
lamang ang pagsubo.
"Fine. Baka sabihin ng tao na pinapaiyak kita so I'll tell you our agenda for
today's meeting",
wika niya.
"I'm not crying."
"You're almost."
"Whatever. Just go on."
"It's all about that organization", wika niya. I knew it! It must only be that
thing! Ibig sabihin ay hindi ito tumitigil sa pag-iimbestiga tungkol sa
organisasyon.
"Genesis." Wika ko sa kanya.
"What?", naguguluhang tanong niya.
"Genesis is their name."
"How do you know?"
"Phobie told me."
Naibaba niya ang hawak na kubyertos. "So that's why they call themselves that they
are
the beginning of the biggest change and human revolution."
"And other news?"
"I guess they left Athena."

.
"I knew about it too." Mukhang walang saysay ang pinag-uusapan namin dito ngayon
dahil alam ko na ang mga tungkol doon. Thanks to Math's handy invention.
"How?", nagtatakang tanong niya.

"I bugged them", sagot ko which made him swear.
"The fuck?! How?"
"Some sort of a personalized transmitter and wireless tap made by Math", sagot ko
sa kanya. "I've thrown it inside their conference room."
He continued eating bago nagsalita."I admire your bravery", wika niya. "I wish I
have those."
Heto na naman ito. He's showing his sad side. "Bravery is not something that you
wish to acquire. You have it in yourself. It's just up to you if you want to use
it."
"Amber, who's that guy?"
Sabay kaming napalingon ni Zywon sa nagsalita. It was Cooler! He's with a smirking
Ryu,
Mnemosyne and Artemis.
"Hi Amber!", bati ng dalawang babae sa akin. They kissed my cheek at ngumiti lamang
ako sa
kanila.
Zywon stiffened. He didn't expect some mafia member here in this fastfood chain.
Knowing
his mafia hatred, malamang matinding galit na naman ang nadarama nito sa mga
sandaling ito.
"Amber? If I'm not mistaken, he's the guy from Athena other than Gray's
bestfriend", Cooler said. "Amber are you cheating on me?"
"What the hell Cooler?"
Cooler chuckled. "Just kidding. But seriously Amber, what are you two doing here
while wearing your uniforms?", tanong niya sa akin.
Sinulyapan ko si Ryu, he looks like he's not in his best mood today. If this is not
a public place, malamang ay kanina pa nito tinutukan ng baril si Zywon knowing that
he always do it
whenever they see each other..
"Zeus, I'll wait for you in the car", wika ni Ryu at umalis.
"Babe! Wait- Oh, Amber. I have to go too", paalam ni Mnemosyne at agad na sinundan
si Ryu. Nagpaalam na din si Artemis at ang naiwan na lamang ay si Cooler.
"Explain everything Amber", he said at nagpahalukipkip.
"What?", wika ko habang nakataas ang isang kilay.
"Just kidding again but Amber, don't see any other guy. Please?", he said at
nagpuppy eyes pa akin.
"Hindi bagay sayo kaya tigilan mo yan. This is a meeting for a special purpose so
if you don't
mind Cooler, leave us alone", wika ko sa kanya. Mahirap na dahil baka mabadtrip si
Zywon sa presensya nila at hindi na sabihin sa akin ang mga nalalaman niya.
"That hurts Amber", Cooler said.
"Cooler-"
"Fine. I got to go. We're busy anyway. I'll call you later Amber", he said at
nagpaalam.
Bahagya pa niyang tinapik ang balikat ni Zywon na hindi halos makapagsalita. "Bye
Dude."
Nang makaalis na si Cooler ay nasa angry state pa rin si Zywon. He really despises
the mafia
so much at sa tuwing nakikita niya ang mga iyon ay nilalamon ito ng galit.
"Zywon..."
"I will crash them", wika niya. Just as I thought. Nawawala ito sa sarili at ang
iniisip lamang ay kung paano masira ang Vander
Mafia.
"Can we please forget about them and continue with our subject a while ago?",
tanong ko sa kanya. He grabbed the glass of water and drank all of it at saka pa
lang ito kumalma.
"I agree. Those pests should be set aside for now and let's talk about them later",
wika niya
but he crumpled the table napkin on his side, tanda na hindi pa talaga siya
tuluyang
kumakalma. "Kailangan nilang pagbayaran ang pagiging miserable ng buhay ko."
"Ano nga pala ang ginagawa mo doon? I'm pretty sure na hindi coincidence kaya
napunta ka doon sa pinuntahan namin kanina", tanong ko sa kanya. He's still on his
uniform kaya malamang ay nagmula pa ito sa
Athena.
"The victim was a friend of mine", sagot niya.
"Ows, talaga? May friend ka?".

Masama ang tinging ipinukol niya sa akin kaya tumahimik na lang ako. Nakapagtataka
naman
kasing may kaibigan ito! He's like a child who always throws tantrum!
"I thought she's a victim of the organization. The student that they used as human
carrier was also found naked so naisip kong konektado lamang iyon but after seeing
the body, I don't think it's their doing. Sa ngayon ay mukhang wala pa silang
ginagawa. Maybe they're trying
to perfect the drug", wika ni Zywon. Yes, maybe he's right. The Genesis might be
doing their best to perfect syntoxin.
"Why are you telling me all of this?", tanong ko sa kanya. I think he's up to
something. I know this isn't an act of collaboration or alliance. Sigurado akong
may kapalit ang
impormasyong ibinigay niya sa akin kahit pa alam ko na ang tungkol sa mga
impormasyong
iyon.
"This isn't the one that I wanna tell you", he said. Oh? Just as I thought.
"What?"
"Help me become closer to the mafia", wika niya. Napalunok ako ng sunod-sunod. See?
He's just giving me the introduction about the organization but basically this
meeting is really
about the mafia.
"You're asking the wrong person. You should have asked those four people who was
here a
while ago", wika ko sa kanya. Hindi ba talaga siya nadala pagkatapos ng ilang beses
na
panunutok ng baril sa kanya ni Ryu?
"You know I tried to but that scarred man is not cooperating with me", wika niya.
"Look Just Amber, I'm not asking you to introduce me to them, what I'm asking is I
want you to infiltrate the mafia. Accept their offer as their reaper and -"
"Shut up Zywon. Gusto mo ba talagang patayin ako?" I'll become a part of the mafia?
Ano ba ang iniisip ng taong ito? Pfft!
"Let me finish first Just Amber. You will infiltrate them, yes I know it's a
suicide mission but I have a good proposal in return. I
will infiltrate the Genesis too and that way we'll mutually benefit from each
other", wika
niya. "Yes, your life is on the line but mine as well."
"Sorry but I decline. I love my life", wika ko sa kanya. That's what I have kept in
mind. If I
love my life, stay away from anything that will harm me but I'm not following it
anyway ngunit hindi ko rin pagbibigyan si Zywon.
"Naisip kong tatanggi ka talaga so I have a Plan B. How about I'll tell you about
Genesis Organizational chart? You'll be surprise to know who's their Head
Financer", wika niya.
The organizational chart? He got that much about the Genesis? I was tempted to know
about it but Zywon could be lying so hindi ko kinagat ang sinabi niya.
"You can't fool me."
"I'm telling you the truth. Now tell me, you wanna know about it or not?", he
asked. Pinagtitinginan na kami ng ibang mga tao sa loob ng fastfood. Yeah right,
you seldom see Bridle and Athena students together, wearing their uniforms and out
at school during class hours.
"I'm not interested in being a reaper", wika ko sa kanya. "Killing is not my

thing."
"Then let's forget the deal. Do you wanna know this information?"
"Hindi ako naniniwalang ibibigay mo ang impormasyong iyan ng walang kapalit", wika
ko
sa kanya. He's just trying to trick me.
"I swear, nothing in exchange but I'm sure if you will know about this, you'll make
your own
move and work with me", wika niya.
"Dream on."
"Do you want to know about it or not?"
I sighed. "Shoot."
He let out a dangerous smile. "Listen Just Amber. What you're about to hear is like
a bomb dropped right in front of you...."
*****************************
"Bestie?"
Napatingin ako kay Jeremy ng mahinang tinapik niya ang braso ko. "Kanina ka pa wala
sa sarili. Anong problema?", he asked. Napatingin din ako kay
Gray at Math na nakatunghay sa akin. Am I that spaced out?
"W-wala Je..."
"Mula ng dumating ka kanina ay ganyan ka na. Parang kang natrauma, tell me Bestie,
nirape
ka ba ni Zywo- Ugh. Aray Gray ha! Wag sa sikmura masakit dyan", he said. Mahinang
sinuntok pala ito ni Gray.
"Amber, what's the problem?", he asked. It's three in the afternoon at wala kaming
pasok sa subject kaya hinintay na lamang namin na pumasok ang sunod na guro.
Umiling ako sa kanya. His face really looked so worried. "Nothing. May iniisip lang
ako."
Zywon's word is still ringing in my head at gaya ng sinabi niya ay parang bomba nga
iyon sa pandinig ko. I'm not affected lalo na at hindi ko pa iyon nako-confirm but
the thought of it still bothers me. Paano kung totoo nga ang sinabi niya?
"Baka nobo-bore lamang si Bestie. Baka gusto ng quiz ko, sige pagbibigyan kita
Bestie", he
said and grin.
"Oh, Jeremy they're kind of -"

"Ano Maya?"
"They're kind of corny."

"Wala kang paki", he said and smirked at her. "Sige ha, sagutan niyo to. Dito
nakasalalay ang pagiging matalino ninyo."
"By puns?", Gray asked. Math and him both made a face at Jeremy but the latter just
ignored them.
"Ano tawag sa puting gulay?", tanog niya.
"Labanos", sagot ni Math ngunit umiling si Jeremy.
"Mali."
"Hala! Bakit? Ano pala?"
Edi POTATO. Gets nyo? Putito

HAHAHAHA! Eh sa mas maputi pa sa Potato?", Jeremy said after laughing.
"Ano naman yan?", tanong ni Gray.
"Ay ang slow! Edi MASH POTATO! HAHAHAHA!"
"Shut up Puns!"
I smiled at them. Natatawa ako kay Jeremy, hindi sa mga jokes niya.
"Ano ang tawag sa boss ng mga potato?"
"Meron bang ganoon?", Math asked.
"Tinanong ko diba, kaya meron", he said and he rolled his eyes at Math.
"Shoot."
"Edi POTATO CHIEFS HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", he

laughed so hard kaya napatingin na sa amin ang ilan sa mga kaklase namin. "Ito pa,
sinong
pusa ang may dark horse?"
"Hello Kitty?"
"Meron ba siya nun?"
"Baka si Doraemon", wika ni Gray at parehas naming tiningnan siya ng masama.

Seriously?
"What?"
"Gray, Doraemon is not a cat", wika ni Jeremy. "Hindi siya pusa! Kahit si Hello
Kitty ay hindi pusa! My God, ano na bang nangyari sa mga utak ninyo!"
"Uh, robot si Doraemon Gray", pagbibigay alam ko sa kanya.
"Ugh. I don't know. I don't watch cartoons. I used to watch National Geographic
Channel o
kaya ay Animal Planet", wika niya at sumandal. Uh? Saka lamang ako nagkainteres
doon noong nag ten years old ako!
"Sino kasi Jeremy?", tanong ni Math.

"Edi si Kitty Perry! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA",
Jeremy burst out into laughter again. Oh, no good at all. "Ito, huli na talaga,
what do you
call a motorcycle that laughs?"
"Tanga. Walang ganun."
"Meron kaya. Ano nga kasi?", Jeremy said.
"Ewan."
"Ang effort nyo masyado ha. Next time, mag-isip naman kayo. Edi YamaHAHAHAHAHA!",
he
said and laughed out loud. Yamahahahaha? The hell?
Tumayo si Math. "Ginutom ako sa kakornihan mo Jeremy. Let's buy some snacks", wika
niya at hinila si Jeremy. Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Gray doon.
"Amber."
"Hmm?"
"Are you sure you're fine?",tanong niya sa akin.
I looked at him. His eyes tell me that he's really worried. "I'm fine Gray. Don't
worry", wika ko sa kanya. I pressed my cheek on the table at tumingin sa kanya. My
head lies on the table as I faced him and he does the same.
"Is Deltran courting you?", wika niya. Zywon courting me? Imposible!
"Of course not!"
"Anong pinag-usapan niyo kanina?", tanong niya ulit. I don't think it's the right
time to tell him about it so I shook my head.
"Wala. Nothing important", sagot ko sa kanya. He roamed his gaze around my face,
carefully assessing me if I am lying or not.
Of course I lied. Meron kaming pinag-usapan ni Zywon and that's what bothers me. Sa
ngayon ay hindi ko pa iniisip ang tungkol doon but I hope that it's not true.
"Amber I know that this isn't the right time to ask this but can we go out some
other time?"
His voice was serious so I tried lighting up the mood. "We're always going out.
Madalas nga
tayong magcut-"
"I mean just the two of us. You. And me. Tayo lang? No Jeremy, no Math. Just Gray
and Amber. Can we?", he said as he looked at me sincerely. This is the problem with
Gray, he's never bold with his words kaya hindi ko mawari kung ano ang ibig niyang
sabihin. I don't know if he's asking me on a date as a
real date or just a friendly one.
Hindi ako nabigyan ng pagkakataong sumagot
dahil biglang tumunog ang cellphone ni Gray. Agad niyang kinuha iyon mula sa bulsa
at sinagot.
"Detective Tross", wika niya. My mind says he's not a detective anymore just like
what he said.
Pinanuod ko lamang si Gray habang kausap ito. Of course I cannot hear him from the
other
line but I sensed from Gray's reaction that the call was a serious one. Ilang
minuto din silang nag-usap bago ibinaba
ni Gray ang cellphone. "That was Detective Tross, informing me about the strangled
and naked case."
"May development?"
"Not yet but he wants me to investigate. How about joining me?", wika niya.
"Ang daya ni Gray, si Amber lang ang inaya!", biglang singit ni Jeremy. Inilapag
niya sa harap
namin ang smoothie at burger.
"Sama kami!"
"Oo nga! Sama kami!", segunda naman ni Math. Okay lang naman na sumama sila.
Besides, Tita Anabelle's mannequin case could be a clue to the series of murder.
"Fine!"
"Yes!"
"How about let's start the brainstorming now?", wika ni Math at kinuha ang isang
maliit
na whiteboard at marker. "Let's list the suspects for Tita's mannequin case and by
that,
we can identify the possible culprit for the strangled and naked case. And oh, by
the way
habang nasa kabilang kalye kayo ay inilibot ako ni Tita Anabelle sa mga kwarto sa
taas. And the spot where they always found the mannequin is a dark corner."
"The darkness and the strangling in a furtive manner, those are essential to
satisfy one's homicidal urges", wika ni Gray. "If my deduction is right, the
culprit must have mental illness basing on those facts. When Tita Anabelle sent the
mannequin away, humanap
siya ng panibagong mapagdidiskitahan but none of the mannequins there could satisfy
his needs so he opt for females who has mannequin-like bodies."
"Amazing Gray! It must have been that way!", wika ni Math.
"Uh, the son is a little bit suspicious. He had Asperger syndrome right? You said
part of
those who suffer such syndrome is having a repetitive behavior right? Who knows
strangling mannequins is part of those interest", suhestiyon ni Jeremy na agad
namang kinontra ni Math.
"My Kuya Arnel is not like that!", she hissed. "But yeah, we can't really tell."
Isinulat niya sa maliit na board ang pangalang Arnel.
"Eric, too. The trainee", wika ko. "He's so into black. Black is darkness", wika
ko. They
concede on my idea at agad iyong isinulat ni Math.
"How about the janitor Leo? May access siya sa shop kaya maaaring siya", Math said
and listed down the name Leo. "Also, when I went to his quarter, andami niyang
poster ng mga
nakahubad na babae!"
"He must be the culprit", Jeremy said. He was getting ecstatic over this simple
discussion about the case o sadyang hyper lang talaga ito.
"We cannot conclude just by basing on those circumstantial evidences, we have to

exhaust
all the possibilities. Tita Anabelle said that the incident started about 2 weeks
ago and if we account that, matatanggal sa possible culprit list natin si Arnel at
madadagdag naman si
Rosauro, the doctor", wika ni Gray. He picked the marker and wrote the doctor's
name.
"We cannot remove Arnel. What if ngayon lamang siya nagkaroon ng ganoong urges so
he's still one of the suspects", wika ni Jeremy.
"Yeah."
"So we got four suspects, Arnel, the one with Asperger Syndrome, Eric, the Emo, Leo
the
Perv Janitor and lastly, Rosauro, the doctor", wika ni Math at hinarap sa amin ang
whiteboard. "Do you know what I have in
mind?"
"What?", sabay naming tanong sa kanya.
"Skipping class again. Tara!", she said and she picked her bag and made her exit.
Agad naman
kaming sumunod sa kanya. We headed towards Gray's car at pumwesto doon.
"Okay, makinig kayo sa akin", Jeremy said. "We can't let Gray take care of the
guard baka ano
namang lame na-"
Biglang tumikhim si Gray. "Aheeem."
"Wag ka ng pumalag pa Gray. Limousine won't work this time so let me handle this.
Kapag
umalis na ang guard, drive fast and straight okay?"
"Roger!"
"Okay then. Pupunta na ako sa guardhouse", wika ni Jeremy at lumapit doon. We

waited for
the guard to went somewhere and to our surprise, he really did! Nagmamadali itong
tumakbo patungo sa gym at agad namang pinatakbo ni Gray ang kotse palabas ng
Bridle. We picked up Jeremy at nagmadaling nagdrive palayo doon.
"How did you handle the guard?", curious kong tanong kay Jeremy.
"I told you to leave it to me. See? No sweat all", he answered with a wide grin.
"Paano nga?"
"I told him na may halos magpatayan na mga estudyante sa gym because of Lie Ann,
the
prettiest student in Bridle", sagot ni Jeremy.
"Lie Ann?", Gray asked.
"I haven't heard such name here in Bridle", dagdag ko.
"Me too. If she's the prettiest, I should have heard about her dahil magiging
famous siya",
Math said. We tried recalling a student with such name ngunit wala talaga.
"Ang tanga niyo rin ano. Wala kayong pinagkaiba sa guard na yun. Walang Lie Ann sa
Bridle, duh", he said and he rolled his eyes trying to immitate me.
"Eh sino so Lie Ann?"
"Secret!"
"Je? Siya si Victoria?"
Agad itong umiling. "Hindi no! But Victoria, Lie Ann and me used to be childhood
friends. Stop asking about my personal life nga."
Math made a face. "Ang arte."

When we arrived at Tita Annabelle's shop ay kinausap siya ni Math para sa plano
naming paghuli sa salarin. Since the deaths happened in consecutive days, posibleng
may mangyari din mamaya so we have to act as early as now.
The strategy that we made is that all four suspects will be invited to dinner and
don't let
any of them leave the place. Sa pagkakatanda ko sa narinig ko kanina, the murder
took place
around 10 PM. Pumayag naman si Tita Anabelle and informed her boarders and the
janitor, Leo.
We spent the remaining hours by studying the files that Detective Tross sent
through email. It was the basic information about the three victims of the
strangled and naked case which started when the naked mannequin case in Tita
Anabelle's shop stopped.
For that reason, we concluded that the two cases are connected.
Kung pagbabasehan din ang vicinity ng mga nangyaring murder ay hindi iyon kalayuan
sa shop ni Tita Anabelle.
The first victim was Andrea Abarre, a tall and skinny girl at the next street. The
second victim was Suzy Roja, a blogger and a college student who always join beauty
pageants.
Maganda ito at mala-mannequin ang pangagatawan and the latest victim was Claire
Molina, a part-time model. Walang duda na kaya ganoon ang common sa mga biktima ay
marahil sanhi ng obsession ng salarin sa
mannequin.
When it was almost dinner time ay tumulong sina Math at Jeremy sa paghahanda ng
hapunan habang nilibot naman namin ni Gray ang mga kwarto without Tita Anabelle's
consent.
Okay, it's not allowed but we did visit the rooms at gaya ng sinabi ni Math, our
grounds for connecting those four were rational. Leo got naked posters and
magazines of skinny models. Eric's room was like a seance room at napakadilim doon.
Doc Rosauro got animal anatomy figure model while Arnel has strange physical
clumsiness and unusual behavior.
"You got much?", tanong ni Gray sa akin and I shook my head.

"Not even a little."
"Me too. Maybe we'll find out later", wika niya at niyaya na akong bumaba bago pa
man kami mahuli nina Tita Anabelle o ng kung sino man sa kanila.
It was eight at night when everyone gathered at Tita Anabelle's dining room.
Nagulat pa ang mga ito ng makita kami and they both gave us a different gaze na
para bang iniisip nila na mag-ingat sa bawat galaw nila. The dinner's rather silent
and awkward dahil
hindi nagsasalita ang apat. They only talk if Tita Anabelle would ask them
questions.
"Narinig niyo ba ang tungkol sa sunod-sunod na pagpatay sa mga babae? Naku! Kaya
wag
kayong basta-basta gagala. I heard that the victims are skinny girls. Thilde and
Amber,
mag-ingat kayo, nako! Yang mga katawan niyo, ganyan ang punterya ng kung sino man
ang
killer na iyon."
Parehas kaming napalunok ni Math. Yeah, we're not sexy like the latest model victim
ngunit papasa ng pang mannequin ang katawan namin ni Math!
Bigla na lamang tumayo si Kuya Arnel at walang sabi-sabi na umalis doon. Maybe he
hid himself in his room again.
"I have to rest too. Thank you for the dinner Tita Anabelle", wika ni Doc Rosauro
at nagpaalam sa amin bago umalis doon.
"Ako rin po", Eric said at tanging si Leo na lamang ang natira doon. Ipinagpatuloy
namin ang pagkain and we discussed the situation.
"It didn't work", wika ni Jeremy. "What shall we do now?"
"I think it's best to go back to Bridle first. It's almost ten", wika ni Gray
matapos sumulyap sa
suot niyang relo.
"I agree. We better go back tomorrow", wika ni Math.
"Uh, I have to use the CR first", paalam ko sa kanila..

"The CR is upstairs. It's a common CR but with two cubicles so do as you please",
Math said at nagmadali akong pumunta doon. I peed and washed my hands on the
lavatory.
Nakadisplay doon ang mga klase-klaseng gamit sa katawan para sa paliligo,

paglilinis ng banyo at paglalaba. I watched myself on the big mirror. My eyes are
dark, malamang kulang sa tulog.
As I was assessing myself ay bigla na lamang namatay ang ilaw and then someone
grabbed
me from behind and tried to strangle me! I fought back with all my might ngunit
malakas
ito. I was almost choking and I desperately grabbed anything and smashed it on my
attacker. Humugpit ang hawak nito sa leeg ko and I struggled to hard to gasp for
air! My God, I cannot stand being throttled! I grabbed something again at inihampas
iyon sa attacker. Nabitawan niya ako saglit and that's when I was given the chance
to scream.
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAY!"
My attacker grabbed me again and squeeze my neck. Itinapat niya ang mukha ko sa
nakabukas
na faucet and I almost lost conciousness. I bumped the bottles of cleaning products
there
and spilled some of it. I heard Jeremy calling my name kaya binitawan ako ng
lalaking may
hawak sa akin. My heart was beating fast and I am almost out of breath. The
attacker was not
there anymore and already fled out the CR.
Bumalik na ang ilaw and the door flung open at iniluwa niyon ang nag-aalalang sina
Gray at Jeremy ngunit bago pa man sila tuluyang makalapit sa akin ay nawalan na ako
ng malay.
*****************************
It's a double chapter update! Party party! Read the resolution on the next chapter.
♥
CHAPTER 32: STRANGLED AND NAKED (Resolution)

Chapter 32: Strangled and Naked (Resolution Chapter)
****************************
"Bestie..."
Jeremy was the first face that I saw the moment I opened my eyes. Napahawak ako sa
leeg ko and I felt some pain there. Oh, yeah. The last thing I remembered was that
the lights were off and someone grabbed me from behind and does the throttling.
"Je? How long have I been unconscious?", tanong ko sa kanya. I looked around and
noticed that I am in one of the rooms of Tita Anablle's house.
"Fifteen minutes or more, I guess", wika ni Jeremy. "Are you fine now? Do you
remember who attacked you?"
I shook my head at him. "I have no idea Jeremy. Where's Gray and Math?"
Naupo siya sa kama. "Investigating the case. By the way, the blackout was caused by
some intrusion in the beaker which was on the hallway. Ibig sabihin ay planado na
talaga ang pag-atake sayo."
"Then the culprit must be one of those four!", I exclaimed.
"Exactly. That's why Gray already called the police and they're downstairs,
investigating the case", sagot ni Jeremy. Nagulat itong ng tumayo ako sa kama at
nagtangkang lumabas.
"Hey, where are you going?"
"I will help in identifying the culprit. Maybe I will recognize him or anything
about him by seeing those four", I said. As much as possible, I don't want anyone
to become another victim of the killer.
"No. you stay here. You're almost killed a while ago and now-"
"Ganoon nga Jeremy. Just almost. Don't I deserve some justice and help in
identifying the culprit?", tanong ko sa kanya. Jeremy stared impatiently at me. He
must be thinking how hard-headed and stubborn Amber Sison is.
"Bestie you ALMOST GOT KILLED. Anong mahirap intindihin doon? If you didn't
survived then maybe by this time you're already a cold corpse lying on the bathroom
floor naked and uh, Gray will be the first one to discover your body-"
"Jeremy!"
"I'm just stating the possible scenario", he said at nagpout. "Awat na muna Bes.
Wag mo munang ipahamak ang sarili mo. Hindi ka ba natrauma?"
"Of course, that made me shocked and upset but I'm fine. I guess the fifteen
minutes rest that I had is enough to recover my strength. Come on Je, let's help
them", wika ko sa kanya. I held his arm at hinila siya patayo. Wala na itong nagawa
kundi ang sumunod na lamang sa akin.
Pagdating naming sa ibaba ay may tatlong pulis na naroon at kasalukuyang kinakausap

ng mga ito ang mga suspect. Of course, Kuya Arnel cannot be asked properly by the
police dahil sa developmental disorder nito.
"Amber! Bakit ka bumaba? Are you fine now", Gray asked nang lumapit ako sa dako
niya.
"I'm fine, don't worry about me. I just lost consciousness dahil sa kaba but so
far, I don't think I had some physical damages or bruise caused by that attack",
pagbibigay alam ko sa kanya. I'm glad that he's concern about my welfare and well-
being. Even Math, she's not around dahil nasa crime scene siya at tumingin sa nag-
iimbestigang pulis doon.
Gray was busy listening to the statements of those people who were interviewed by
the police. Tinanong ang mga ito kung nasaan sila ng mga panahong namatay ang ilaw
ang someone attacked me.
"So, balik na tayo sa tanong ko", wika ng isang pulis. "Nasaan kayo ng mangyari ang
pag-atake?"
"Nasa servant's quarter ako. Busy ako sa kakachat sa chatmate", sagot ni Leo. Nag-
alangan pa ito sa kanyang sagot at bahagyang yumuko.
"Paano mo mapapatunayan iyan?", tanong ng isang pulis sa kanya.
"Pwede ninyong tanungin ang chatmate ko", he said but the police isn't satisfied
with his alibi. Kapag tinanong ang kachat nito, maaring nasabihan na niya iyon ng
mga pwedeng itanongand asked her to fabricate some lies and he can commit the
crime during that time.
"Ako naman ay may chinecheck ang mga dala kong animal manure sa kwarto ko. I
usually bring home some works and research at madalas na ikinukulong ko ang sarili
ko sa silid upang makapagfocus. I'm wearing this disposable gloves and I can't
remove them because they're kind of hard to wear back. Medyo mabaho din ako so
please bear with me", wika naman ni Doc Rosauro. He really stinks. Kaya pala iba
ang amoy ng dumating kami ni Jeremy doon.
"Wala rin bang makakapagpatunay na totoo ang sinasabi mo?", the police asked.
"Like I said, I prefer to work alone and I don't want any disturbance so I'm afraid
no", sagot ng Doctor.
The last one to answer was Eric, the emo guy. "I'm lying on my bed at ni hindi ko
alam na nawala pala saglit ang kuryente. I prefer to have my room dark so I don't
usually turn on the lights kapag wala akong ginagawa."
"So katulad ng dalawa ay wala ring makakapagpatunay sa alibi mo? Ang anak niyo po
Maam?", the police asked Tita Anabelle at tinuro si Kuya Arnel na nasa tabi.
"Nasa sala lamang siya at naglalaro sa kanyang Rubik's cube", sagot nito and the
police noted every statement from the suspects.
"Amber? Ayos ka na ba?", Math asked. Kadarating lamang nito mula sa banyo.
"You got anything Math?"
She shook her head. "Wala. I'm confused with everything. What if we bring Amber
back there? Baka may maalala siya."
"No, we can't. Bestie might be under some trauma at baka maging hysterical siya
kapag nakita ang crime scene, right Bestie?", Jeremy asked and I frowned at him. I
wasn't trauma of such event kaya ayos lamang sa akin nabumalik kami doon.
"It's fine with me. Let's go and check the area." I walked my way at agad naman
silang sumunod sa akin. When we arrived at the bathroom, it was dissimilar with the
one I saw before I was attacked. Yep, the same CR but the things are messed.
Nagkalat sa sahig ang buti ng mga body wash at gamit sa paglalaba. There was even a
cap less bottle of Zonrox on the floor. Marami pang mga bote at lalagyan ng mga
panglinis ang nagkalat doon.
"The killer must have touched all of these but we can't look for fingerprints since
the bathroom commodities are for common use", Gray said as he tried to pick a
bottle of a bodywash but he protected his fingerprints with his handkerchief. He
stared at the things on the lavatory and on the floor at nahulog sa malalim na pag-
iisip.
"It seems like something's missing", bulong niya sa sarili but I was able to hear
it.
"And dami kayang bote at lalagyan diyan and I don't think something's missing.
Nagsobra pa nga", wika ko sa kanya ngunit mukhang may bumabagabag talaga dito.
"Bakit walang takip tong Zonrox? Nasaan kaya ang takip nito?" Jeremy started
searching on the floor. "There! I found it!"
Biglang natigilan si Gray as he stared at Jeremy picked the cap. Ilang saglit itong
tila nag-isip bago ako tinanong. "Do you think you spoiled some things on the
culprit?"
"I don't know, maybe. When I struggled to breathe ay nasangga ko ang mga gamit
causing it spill so he must probably spilled with some. I was able to scratch him
too but I'm not sure", sagot ko sa kanya.Gray grabbed my hands and he stared at my
nails.
Nagulat na lamang kami ng bigla itong tumakbo palayo sa amin. We ran back towards
the living room kung nasaan ang mga suspect at kinakausap ng pulis.
We followed him at napansin kong tila maingat na tinitingnan nito ang bawat isa.
They're still on the clothes that they wore during dinner kaya kung may conclusive
evidence mang naiwan mula sa mga damit nila, it must still there.
"Sandali Inspector. Sa tingin ko ay alam ko na ang salarin including the one

responsible for the murder of the three women on this street", Gray said with a
mischievous smile.
"Alam mo na? Teka, ikaw ba si Khael o si Gray?", tanong ng isang pulis sa kanya.
Uh, those two must really be famous especially to the police officers.
"I'm Gray Ivan Silvan and I know who was the culprit behind this frustrated
homicide and the previous homicide which is the strangled and naked case."
"Ano? Ibig sabihin ay ang nangyari ay pagtangkang pagpatay gaya ng mga nauna ng
biktim? Pero paano?", tanong ng pulis.
"Exactly. Basing on the hobbies and attitudes, they are both qualified for the
naked mannequin case but as well as also to the homicide cases. Mula sa pagpatay ng
ilaw, the attempt to strangle, walang duda na pattern nga iyon ng pagpatay ng
salarin", wika ni Gray. He looked at us at nakatunghay lamang kami nina Math at
Jeremy sa kanya. I guess he will own the stage of deduction tonight.
"Sino?"
"If Tita Anabelle didn't send the mannequin away, the murders would possibly not
occur. Probably the culprit has some illness, a psychiatric illness which gives him
the homicidal urges and the urge to see a naked body. They like dark and furtive
area that's why he always stripped the mannequin at night and in the dim area of
this shop so that he was able to satisfy this urges", panimula ni Gray.
"Kung ganoon ay gusto ng salarin ang mannequin at dahil wala na ito, he opt to
looking for a fresh female body particularly as skinny as a mannequin, tama ba?",
tanong ni Math and Gray still flashed his smile.
"Exactly."
"Kung ganoon ay sino?", tanong ni Jeremy. Kahit ang mga pulis ay nakinig kay Gray
as he's about to reveal who was the culprit.
"The veterinary doctor did it."
Nagulat kaming lahat sa idiniklara ni Gray and even the doctor. Bigla na lamang
itong napataayo mula sa upuan at bahagyang natawa. "Nice introduction kid, but why
do you say it's me? Kung tungkol iyan sa alibi ko na walang makakumpirma, wag mong
kalilimutan na lahat kami ay hindi nakumpirma ang dahilan."
"No, I didn't base it on that. I have a more concrete evidence of your crime", wika
niya at nagulat naman ito at hindi haos makapagsalita.
"Look at your shirt."
Napatingin ito sa suot niyang damit. It was a black shirt at saka ko lamang din
napansin na nakasuot din ng itim na damit sina Leo at Eric.
"Ano bang problema sa sa itim? If that's your basis then this is a waste of time.
You see? Both of us are wearing a black shirt", mahinahon nitong wika. It seems
like he's used in dealing with a stressful situation like this.
"That's not it too. Look at your shirt. There's a little part which turned brown at
dahil iyan sa natapon na Zonrox when the Amber knocked the bottles during your
attack", wika niya. He was staring fearlessly at him and at the same time, he was
in his usual boastful face.
Nagulat si Doctor Rosario at bahagyang tiningnan ang kanyang suot na damit. There
was really a brown stain which was probably a reaction of the black shirt to the
Zonrox!
"Just because of this mark? Matagal na ito. Nahalo ko kasi sa mga puti",
pagdadahilan nito. He was not showing any signs of uneasiness or anxiety.
"There's more."
"What?"
"It's all spilled on you. The one thing that was missing on the bathroom", Gray
said and stared straight at him. He's waiting for him to confess his act ngunit
hindi pa rin nito ginawa at sa halip ay mas tumanggi pa ito.
"Ano ba ang pinagsasabi mo bata? Look, this conversation is so useless. I have a

lot of things to do so why don't you catch the real culprit? He's probably still
lurking around here looking for his next victim. Kung ako sa inyo ay siya ang
pagtutuonan ko ng pansin", wika nito.
"You're not really going to confess, are you?", tanong ni Math sa kanya. "I guess I
know what the concrete evidence that Gray is talking about. Such evidence is
perishable and we can't risk losing it tonight."
Napatingin ako kay Math. He agreed also that Rosauro is the culprit? No matter how
I look at it, I cannot identify who among them attacked me. Pilit kong inalala kung
ano ang nangyari. The police haven't questioned me yet but they listened to Gray's
findings about this case."
"What are you two talking? Are you saying that I'm the one who grabbed that girl
from behind and -"
"Your word against you. How do you know she was grabbed from behind?", Gray said at
nagulat kaming lahat. He was right! Paano nito nalaman na ganoon nga ang nangyari
not unless he did it himself!
Tumawa si Doc Rosauro. "So you're using my word against me, alright? Simply because
she doesn't know who attacked her kaya madaling sabihin na she was attacked from
behind."
"No. The lights were off kaya malamang ay hindi rin niya malalaman kung sino man
ang umatake sa kanya", paliwanag ni Math. "Now why don't we go straight to the
concrete evidence? Police officers, smell him. He smells so sweet other than the
stinks from his gloves. And you know where doe that sweet smell came from?"
Sweet smell? I tried to let my olfactory nerve function well and there is really a
sweet smell from the room. The same smell that I smelt when I was attacked.
"Anong ibig niyong sabihin?", tanong ni Tita Anabelle. "What smell?"
"The smell of the shampoo that was spilled on him. It's the only missing bottle on
the bathroom. Kung titingnan mo ang mga gamit doon, napakarami niyon but a shampoo
was missing and that's very unusual. I suspect that the shampoo is not a local
brand kaya kakaiba ang matamis na amoy nito. Amber unconsciously poured him the
shampoo, leaving the scent probably on his arm. He cannot risk leaving the bottle
behind so he brought it along with him upang hindi iyon makita ng mga pulis, tama
ba Doc Rosauro?", wika ni Gray. Hindi pa rin napapanas ang ngiti nito and also his
bratty attitude whenever he got a case solved.
"Totoo ba ang sinasabi nila?", tanong ng puis at napatangis ang bagang ng

veterinary doctor but he still didn't turn himself in.
"Normal lamang na mag-amoy shampoo ako! I washed myself using the shampoo matapos
kumain!", pagtanggi nito. He was getting furious this time. Namula na ito at
nagalit.
"So where's the shampoo bottle then?"
"I don't know! Baka tinago ng totoong salarin to frame me up!", pagrarason nito.
"May iba pa akong ebidensya", wika ni Gray at napatutok ang lahat sa kanya.
"Ano?"
"Bakit ba hindi mo magawang hubarin ang suot mong disposable gloves?", tanong niya
sa doctor. He stared at his hands for a while. Yes, he was wearing it all the time.
"Gaya ng sinabi ko kanina, I don't have spare gloves at mahihirapan na akong suotin
ulit ito kapag hinubad ko! Aren't you listening to me all the time here? Pinag-
aaksayahan niyo lamang ang oras ko!! He gave Gray and the police his deadly gaze.
"Is that really the reason?"
"Of course! Ano naman ang magiging posibleng dahilan?" His face was read at mukhang
anytime ay sasabog na ito.
"Really? It's not because you were trying to hide something?", he said, challenging
the doctor.
"Oo naman! I wasn't!" He hissed.
"Or was it to hide the scratch marks that Amber left on your skin?"
Napaangat ako ng tingin at napatitig sa doctor. I remembered what happen a while

ago. When he strangled me from the back, I tried to free my neck from his grip but
I can't so I tried to scratch his hands! Nang makasigaw ako at sinakal niya ako
mula sa hrapan, I did the same too! Kaya pala bigla na lamang tiningnan ni Gray ang
kamay ko kanina. He must be looking at my nails!
Napakuyom ang kamao ng doctor. He lifted his head down and when he raised it up;
his eyes were dark and full of anger.
"Kasalanan mo to Tita Anabele! I used to satisfy my homicidal urges using that

mannequin but you sent her away", wika nito. Tinanggal niya ang suot na gloves at
may mga fresh scratch marks nga doon. "I only satisfy my urges with that mannequin.
A mannequin who had a flawless skin and would stare directly at me without blinking
and cringing. It's been a routine for me for days but one night that mannequin was
missing so I have to find someone to satisfy my needs. I now hungers for flesh more
than just a mannequin!" Napaupo ito sa sahig at umiyak na para bang bata. He's too
old to cry in such way but we all understand since he had some psychiatric
problems.
"We have to go with us then at saka ka na magpatawag ng sariling doctor mo", wika
ng pulis. They picked up Doc Rosauro and brought him to the station. The case was
solved and the fear for the strangled and naked case was abolished as well as the
fear that the mannequin case injected.
Nagpasalamat si Tita Anabelle sa amin as she walked us towards Gray's car. It's
five minutes past ten and for sure ay makakabot pa ako sa Bridle bago pa man ang
curfew. Agad kaming umuwi and luckily we made it before the curfew. Nagpaalam na
kami ni Math Kay Gray at Jeremy and we headed towards our respective rooms.
When I reached our room ay nakapatay na ang mga ilaw, tanda na maagang nagpahinga
sina Andi at Therese. I changed my clothes after cleaning my body at nahiga sa kama
ko. I was almost killed tonight but it wasn't the one bugging me. It's my
conversation with Zywon. I lie on my bed at nakatingin sa kisame habang pilit na
inalala ang usapan namin kanina.
"Listen Just Amber. What you are about to hear is like a bomb dropped right in
front of you..."
I made a face at him. "Stop the dramatic introduction Zywon and go straight to the
point. Who's their Head Financer?"
He exhaled and looked straight at me. "It's a man with the name Rovan Allejo III."
"Who cares?"
"You do, I think."
Tumaas ang isang kilay ko sa kanya. "Me? Why?"
"Because Rovan Alejo III's name now is Bernard Sison", wika ni Zywon and when I
heard the name, everything seemed to stop. Ilan bang Bernard Sison ang kilala ko?
One. Just one. Only one. And it's my Dad. Wait, did he say Head Financer?
I gave him a fake laugh. "That's a good practical joke Zywon. I'm waiting for the
cameras of Wow Mali or Yari ka to show up. So, where are they?" I roamed my gaze
around the fastfood, trying to calm myself.
"I'm not joking Just Amber", seryosong wika niya. "He's your dad, right? Your dad
is the organizations head financer and was actually Brain's right hand. "
"That's interesting Zywon. I want to meet that guy who had the same second name
with my dad", wika ko sa kanya. Tsk, it's impossible that my dad is part of the
Genesis. Impossible! Very impossible!
He got his bag at naglabas ng isang litrato na nakaipit sa kanyang ntebook.

Inilapag niya iyon sa mesa at agad ko namang kinuha iyon. I was surprised to see
the man in the photo. It has the same face with my father and it's a bit younger.
Natatawang ibinalik ko sa kanya aang larawan. "I really want to meet that who got
the same name and face with my father."
"He's really your father Just Amber and that photo is taken few years ago. He's the
Head Financer and someone one of the highest positioned member", wika niya. Hindi
ko alam kung paniniwalaan ko ba ang sinasabi nito. My father is the most kind and
lovable person in the world so it's impossible that he belonged to any organization
which will harm people.
"That's amazing Zywon but how could my father be the head financer? We're not
incredibly rich as you. Ni wala nga kaming mansion, just a small house from a
subdivision na kasalukuyan pa nilang hinuhulugan and I really don't think that it's
my father. He's a small time business man and he cannot afford to finance a big
organization as the Genesis. Surely those drugs and the hiring of the highest paid
chemist and physicists in the country and abroad cost a lot", paliwanag ko sa
kanya. What I'm feeling right now is a little gloomy. Hindi ako naniniwala kay
Zywon but I'm still affected with his words informing me about the father. Or was
it because I just missed him? Maybe I should go home some other time and spend some
time with them.
"I'm telling you the truth Amber", wika niya sa akin. Nabuhay ang galit sa dibdib
ko. He's miserable with his life dahil wala na siyang ina so maybe he wants me to
do the same kaya marahil dinamay niya ang ama ko.
"Stop telling lies, Zywon. Hindi ka na nakakatuwa!", I hissed at him. "Kung wala
kang magawa sa buhay mo, leave me alone."
"I'm just telling you the truth."
"Bullshit! Walang totoo sa mga pinagsasabi mo!", napalakas na ang boses ko kaya
napalingon sa amin ang ilang naroon. They may be thinking we're some sort of couple
who's quarrelling or probably breaking up.
Tiningnan niya lamang ako ng diretso and his dark piercing eyes stared straight at
me, like he was telling me to believe him because he was telling the truth. My mind
seemed blocked and I cannot think straight. Paulit-ulit kong naririnig ang sinabi
ni Zywon tungkol sa involvement ni Dad sa Genesis.
"Given that those are true, paano mo naman nalaman ang tungkol doon?", wika ko sa
kanya.
"I'm one of them."
Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. "What?!"
"I'm one of them. I belonged to the organization." His face was very serious ngunit
tinawanan ko lamang siya.
"Really huh? Then how come you don't know the organization's name?"
"I'm a new recruit for the purpose of spying Athena highschool", wika ni Zywon. "I
got the codename Cyanide."
"Ikaw si Cyanide?"
"You heard of that?"
Mahina akong tumango. Kung gayon ay alam niya ang tungkol kay Phobie but -
"Were you pretending to help us in finding Phobie when in fact you knew all along
that she's the organization's captive?"
Napasandal siya sa kanyang upuan. "Listen carefully Just Amber. Their name is
confidential so not all members of the organization knew about the Genesis, just
those on the high position. I was recruited when I saw a doctor in the lab, doing
something. I told him about my family background and I fabricated a story similar
to the one that I really hard, showing how I hate Vander Mafia and then I was
hired. My job is to lure away loyal regents of mafia from the laboratory. During
your stay at Athena, I'm not really aware of what they are doing and for what.
That's when Phobie disappeared. I'm not an important member and it seems like I
don't even exist so naghanap ako ng paraan upang mabawi si Phobie without them
losing their trust on me as Cyanide."
Naalala ko ang sinabi ng babae sa warehouse. Cyanide told them that no one read the
notebook yet but alam ni Zywon na may nabasa na ako doon but he remained silent,
ibig sabihin ay pinrotektahan niya ako.
"Ibig sabihin ay ikaw ang kumuha sa notebook mula kay Khael?"
He shook his head. "Of course not. Someone stole it and it's not me."
Everything is really confusing now. So again, there's another party who have stolen
the notebook from Khael. Ngunit sino? Who could it be?
"I think it's the scarred man."
Napaangat ako ng tingin sa kanya. "Si Ryu?"
"I guess."
"Paano mo naman nasabi?" Ano ba ang pakay ni Ryu sa Athena ng mga panahong iyon? He
is looking for something there yet what he had found was the files of the Vander
mafia reapers.
"Just a guess."
"Look Zywon, thank you for sharing that information but I think it's really
impossible that the right hand is my father. Maybe he's an impostor. That's what
crooks usually do. They assumed other people's identity to put the blame on them
and my father is one of those unlucky people."
Hindi talaga ako naniniwala sa pinagsasabi nito. Bernard Sison is the epitome of a
perfect father, the one that everyone wished to have. He never fails to show his
love on me and my mother. We're not super rich but he gave us a life that is
satisfying. He's a good disciplinarian too. Hindi ito nagkulang sa pagtuturo sa
akin ng mga magandang asal mula pa noon and he always share success stories to me
upang maging inspirasyon ko. He values family. Despite his busy schedule for his
business which just started to boom, he never failed to reach out to us. Kaya kung
ano man ang pinagsasabi ni Zywon ay hindi ako naniniwala doon.
Tumayo ako at nagpaalam sa kanya. "Thank you for the information. I have to go."
Bago pa aman ako makatatlong hakbang ay tinawag niya ang pangalan ko. "Just Amber."
I stopped but I didn't look back. "Think about it. I guess you can do something
about it, I mean we. We can do something about it."
"Zywon this is what I will tell you. Yes, we're on the same game but different
stages. We're on the same hell but we're dealing with the different devils. Kung
totoo man ang mga sinabi mo, I don't think infiltrating the mafia is the possible
solution for that even if that's what you did on your case. Remember that you
cannot apply the same treatment to different illness."
Agad akong lumabas ng fastfood at napara ng taxi upang magpahatid sa Bridle.
I blinked my eyes many times as I stared at the ceiling. Paano kung totoo nga ang
sinasabi ni Zywon? What if dad is really a member of Genesis? But no, I hardly
believe it. Naisip ko noong mga panahong nagtataka pa ako sa identity ni Zeus. I
didn't expect that it's Cooler and the same with this case. There's a big
possibility that it's true.
I closed my eyes and let go of the things that bothered me. I think I need a long
rest bago ko isipin ang tunkol sa bagay na iyon.
****************************
Look forward for the Special Chapter next update which will be posted soon.
Join DF group on facebook and get acquainted with us! Just search DETECTIVE FILES
by Shinichilaaaabs! Thank you! ♥
-AymsoPogi!
CHAPTER 33: CONFUSIONS

Chapter 33: Confusions (Special Chapter)
A/N: A 2-part special update. Special kasi walang case but more moments with the
guys? (Don't know if it's really moments mehehehe:3) But there are clues for future
revelations here so it's up to you to have your own conclusions as early as now.
I'm planning to have DF file 2 as a 50-chapter story like the first part with bonus
chapters not included on the count, and with another point of view again. Since
we're on the 33rd chapter, I can see its near end *Sad* but hopefully, we can have
File 3. No specific date for the second part but I'll post in soonest. Arigato!
To Editor Melody for another fine job, going above and beyond the call of duty,
Thank you!
***************************
I woke up lighthearted. Nasilaw ako sa liwanag at bahagyang napakislot ng binuksan

ni Andi
ang isang bintana.
"Rise and shine Princess!", wika niya at tinanggal ang kumot na nakatalukbong sa
katawan ko. I tried pulling it back up ngunit mas malakas ito at natanggal niya ang
kumot sa katawan ko.
"Andi... I'm still sleepy", I said and put a pillow on my face. The soft matress is
so comfortable at tila ngayon ko lamang naappreciate iyon sa gabi-gabing pagtulog
ko.
"Amber, do you know what time is it?", Andi asked. Malamang ay maglilinis ito.
She's always like this kapag feel niyang mag general cleaning kaya kailangan naming
lumayas ni Therese doon. She prefers to be alone when cleaning.
"Five minutes Andi...."
"Eh! Amber! Bangon nga kasi! I will tickle your foot kapag hindi ka bumangon
diyan!", pagbabanta niya. My foot is one of my weakest points. Ayaw na ayaw kong
kinikiliti sa paa, kili-kili, tenga at leeg. Knowing Andi, gagawin talaga niya ang
sinabi niya kaya agad akong bumangon at naupo. My hair was disheveled and who knows
if may muta pa ako?
"Good girl! My God! Why do you look so pretty in the morning?", she asked and I
made a face.
"Hindi mo ako mauuto."
"I'm serious here Amber! Kaya siguro hindi magawang patulan ni Gray yung paglalandi
nung bagong classmate niyo sa kanya kasi ikaw talaga yung gusto niya! Ayyyyyyyyy!
Ako'y kinikilig!", she giggled when she said those words
"Math?"
"Yes, that girl. I hate her. Pabida masyado. Alam mo bang noong nasa Athena ka ay
nayabangan talaga ako sa kanya during the meeting de avance! Pabida kasi masyado
but unfortunately, nanalo siya bilang SC Vice President", wika ni Andi.
"What? She's the VP?"

"Yeah, you heard it right", wika ni Andi and let out a disgusted expression. "I
should say na meron talaga siyang will for public service, she knows how to handle
people and she's the
highest-rated candidate. And by the way, she joined the Debate Varsity and she's
appointed as the Prime Minister. Okay naman siya, she's really smart, pretty but I
hate to say this, pero mayabang talaga siya."
Well that's Math but so far, mabait naman ito and a straightforward person which I
admire. Ayoko kasi sa mga nagpaplastikan and that talk
behind your back.
"What do you mean you said hindi siya pinapatulan ni Gray?", I asked and it was too
late to realize that I shouldn't have asked it. Ngayon ay hindi na ako makakatakas
sa pangangantyaw ni Andi na malamang ay ikikwento pa niya kay Therese.
"Luh! Curious si Madame! Pilitin mo muna ako", she said while grinning.
"Ewan ko sayo."
"Ang KJ mo talaga! Ganito kasi, nung nasa Athena kayo nung classmate mong nerd-
turns-to-pogi, sila ang laging magkasama. Kapit-tuko yung si Science-"
"It's Math."
"Uh, whatever, I both hate those subjects. Basta yun nga, kapit-tuko masyado at
alam mo, ninanakawan niya ng halik sa cheeks si Gray! Argh! Nakakainis! Hindi ka pa
nga nakakabase kay Gray tapos mauuna-"
Bigla na lamang akong napaubo ng paulit-ulit dahil sa sinabi ni Andi. Yes, Math
always stole
kisses from Gray at hindi lamang sa pisngi kundi maging sa labi! But about Gray and
me- ugh. It's normal that no one would know about it lalo na at wala akong
sinabihan ng tungkol doon! I will tell no one! No one!
"Anong di mo sasabihin?", tanong ni Therese. Kakapasok lamang nito sa kwarto namin
at
naupo ito sa harap ko katabi ni Andi. Wait, am I thinking out loud?
"Kaya nga. She said it twice kaya nagtataka ako kung ano ang ibig niyang sabihin",
wika ni Andi. Shit! I'm really thinking out loud!
"Wala."
"Weh?"
"Wala nga sabi. Sige na Andi, pagpatuloy mo na ang kwento mo", wika ko. God,
there's no way I will tell them about our kiss! No way as in no!
"Sige na nga edi wala. Tsaka wala na akong sasabihin, yun lang, yung ayaw ko sa
classmate mo na iyon. Lumayas na kayong dalawa dito dahil maglilinis na ako", pag-
abog ni Andi sa amin.
"Yes Yaya", sabay na wika namin ni Therese.
I took a bath and decided to go home. Zywon's words are still ringing in my head.
Kaya ko napagpasyahang umuwi ay upang mapatunayan kong mali siya. Daddy is a good
man, I swear. Tumawag kasi si Mommy sa akin na nakauwi sila ni Daddy mula sa
business trip nila sa India.
It took me an hour and a half bago ako naghintay ng taxi. Halos mag-iisang oras na
rin
akong naghintay doon ngunit mukhang wala yatang darating. I waited patiently ngunit
sa halip ay isang pamilyar na sasakyan ang huminto sa harapan ko.
"Hey."
"Oy", naiilang na sagot ko. It was Ryu. Madalas yatang dito sa labas ng Bridle kami
kung magkita, especially when I need a cab.
"Where to?"
Itinaas ko ang isang kilay sa tanong niya. The last thing I can remember when he
asked me
the same question, the next 42 hours were the unfortunate hours of my life.
"Wala."
"C'mon. I'll give you a ride", he said with a smirk. I can't trust this guy. When
he said he'll give you a ride, he meant a ride to hell. Kung walang putukang
magaganap ay malamang may
mga ahas at lugar ng pugante ang patutunguhan ninyo.
"Uh, thanks but no thanks. Mahal ko pa ang buhay ko", wika ko sa kanya.
"I won't take the shortcut", wika niya.
"We're not friends Ryu kaya wag mo akong pilitin." Meh! Why does he keep on
offering me a ride? We hate each other diba?
"Let's just say I'm a good samaritan. Even if we're mortal enemies, I cannot bear
seeing you wait for nothing here", wika niya.
"Maraming taxi sa mundo Ryu."

"Yes but unfortunately, their on the city and they're having a rally. May iilan na
bumyahe
but most of them are caught in the traffic", wika niya. I heard about the rally but
naniniwala pa rin akong may taxi na darating dito.
I refused to answer him at sa halip ay ibinaling ko ang paningin ko sa paligid,

totally ignoring his presence.
"Fine", binuhay niya ang makina ng kotse. "Edi wag!"
I chose to ignore him again and he smirked before he drove the car passed me.
Naghintay ako ng
mga sampung minuto ngunit wala pa ring taxi na dumaan and I began to lose hope.
Mukhang magtatanghali na lamang ay hindi pa rin ako
makakauwi sa amin. The same car from few minutes ago stopped in front of me.
Sumungaw ang mukha ni Ryu mula sa bintana.
"So, are you gonna accept my offer now?", he asked and I smirked. Did he wait from
a few
meters and see how hopeless I am to wait for a cab that will not arrive? "My offer
still stands."
Inikot ko ang mata ko sa kanya. "And my declination still stands. Still, thanks but
no thanks."
He sighed impatiently. I have known him for having a thin thread of patience and I
should
be ready because anytime baka tutukan na ako nito ng baril.
"Tsk, stubborn."
Nagulat na lamang ako ng bumaba ito mula sa kotse at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto.
"What are you doing?"

"I'm thinking you're waiting for me to do acts of gentleman and open the door for
you so I did. Now, get inside", wika niya. He sounded so pissed which I found so
unreasonable. Wala siyang karapatang mainis kung ayaw ko mang sumakay sa kotse niya
because the decision still belongs to me.
"Why are you such a devil? Ayoko nga kasing sumakay sa kotse mo. AYOKO. Anong
mahirap intindihin doon sa sinabi ko?"
Napakamot siya sa kanyang batok. Yes, he's a pissed devil but that never made him
less
handsome. His dark eyes where so evil that would lure out every innocent thing in
the world. Makapal ang kilay nito which
compliments his coal eyes. Matangos din ang ilong nito and his prominent cheekbone
says it
all. His lips were so evilly handsome, a lip that tells so many cuss and death
threats.
Wait, why am I assessing this devil and compliment him? This is so not me!
"And why are you so stubborn?"
"Because I am Amber!"
"I'm wanting to wring your neck right here, right now. You're making me so pissed",
wika niya at nagpipigil ng galit. Sabi ko na nga ba!
Well, congratulations Amber Sison. You just made the devil pissed and expect a
package tour to hell as a reward from him. Great!
"Do it and I'll kick your ass out of here", pagbabanta ko sa kanya. I don't know if
he
knows some martial arts since he's a mafia guy, he must have some skills but I'm
trying to
frighten him with my words kahit mukhang imposible namang mangyari iyon.
"I'm so scared Amber", he said sarcastically. Malamang kung wala kami sa gitna ng
daan ay
kanina pa talaga ito naglabas ng baril. I'm thinking if he's dependent on gun or he
just
loves guns so much kaya marahil kung saan man ito pumunta ay may dala itong baril.
"Ryu, lubayan mo nga ako. Hindi ka ba nagkaroon ng New Year's resolution noong
bagong taon? You should have included stop pestering Amber Sison on your list",
wika ko sa kanya. And I'm losing my patience too!
"Kaya nga tutulungan kita! How can I show you that I've changed when my simple act
of kindness ay hindi mo maappreciate?" Meh! Hindi niya ako maloloko. This isn't an
act of kindness!
"Ayokong mapunta ulit sa lugar ng mga pugante Ryu!"
"So do I!"
"Ganun naman pala eh! Edi lubayan mo ako!"
"I don't want to. I like seeing you pissed", he said with a smirk. Sinasabi ko na
nga ba! May hidden agenda talaga ito! You cannot just trust a devil!
"Ano ka sinuswerte? I'm not giving you the satisfaction of- hey! What the hell are
you
doing?" Bigla na lamang niya akong kinaladkad papasok sa kotse. He's strong and no
matter
how hard I resist ay hindi ako makawala mula sa kanya. He pushed me inside the car
at agad
akong napaupo doon. He leaned on me at bahagya akong napaatras ng inilapit niya ang
mukha niya sa akin. Call me assuming but at first, I really thought that he was
going to kiss
me but he grabbed the seatbelt instead at ikinabit iyon sa akin.
"I'm not gonna kiss you witch", wika niya. What the hell! Am I thinking out loud
again?!
"That's not what I'm thinking, idiot!"
"It surely is!"
"It's not!"
"Whatever", wika niya. He walked on the other side of the car at sumakay na doon
and he
immediately drives. For the whole duration of our trip ay walang nagsalita sa amin.
I know he's casually looking at me from the rearview mirror kaya iniwas kong
tumingin doon dahil baka magtama pa ang paningin namin. Like he said, he really
didn't take the shortcut at hinintay na lamang na umusad ang trapiko.
"It won't kill to talk", wika niya.
"There's none to talk to."
He smirked at me. "You can talk to me." Tsk, ano ba ang maaari naming pag-usapan ng
isang Ryu Vander Morisson? If he wants to talk about his life, I'll be bored
listening to his dangerous adventures and moments with guns, goons and creepy
people. Kung nais naman
nitong pag-usapan ang pagiging hacker niya, I cannot relate to such topic. Simpleng
java app
nga ay hindi ko mapasok sa kukote ko. If he wants to talk about his bitches,
mandidiri lamang ako sa kaimoralan nito sa buhay. He will just poison my mind with
things that I'm not into.
"I'm not interested in talking to you", sagot ko sa kanya. I cannot see his facial
expression dahil mas pinili kong ibaling ang paningin ko sa labas.
"Girls would die of elation when I talk to them", pagyayabang niya. Who cares? Baka
hindi alam ng mga babaeng iyon ang
masamang ugali nito that's why they're delighted to talk to him o kaya naman ay mga
Barbie girls ang mga iyon. Brainless.
"Then talk to them. Hindi ako natutuwa kapag kausap ka", wika ko. His car is tinted
at kung
maisip nitong patayin ako ay walang makakaalam. I'm taking chances here but I don't
care.
Wala ako sa mood na makipag-usap sa kanya. As much as possible ay walang konektado

sa mafia o sa organisasyon ang gusto kung makausap ngayon. I want to think
everything about my Dad. Maybe I lack trust, I admit. Dahil kung hindi nga ako
naniniwala sa sinasabi ni Zywon, I wouldn't have been bothered this much. I
wouldn't have to go home and spy my Dad.
Yes, I'm planning to spy him. My basis for doing so? I don't really know much about
his life way back his younger years. Ni hindi nga naikwento sa akin ni Mommy kung
paano sila nagkakilala ni Daddy, well not that I have asked her. Pero wala talaga
akong alam tungkol sa
nakaraan nila. There were photos of them during their wedding but as of their
story, wala akong alam.
"You really bring out the beast in me", he said with a smirk. Medyo lumuwag na ang
trapiko kaya naging tuloy-tuloy na ang takbo ng sasakyan.
"You're already a beast. By the way, where are you heading at bakit naisip mong
ihatid ako sa
amin?", tanong ko sa kanya. Edi mag-uusap na kami but this conversation will not
last long. I
know it.
"I'm from a meeting at naisip kong magliwaliw."
"Okay." Uh, see? I don't have much to say to him.
"Yeah."
Muling tumahimik ang paligid. Both of us don't want to open up a topic but to my
surprise ay nagsalita si Ryu. "About that annoying guy from Athena...."
"You mean Zywon?"
"Whoever. I don't like him. Pakiramdam ko ay isa siyang threat sa mafia, don't you
think?"
Uh, he really is. Ryu has no idea how much grudge Zywon bears against them.
"Uh, I don't care about the mafia and Zywon."
"Same old Amber. Keeps on claiming that she doesn't care but always sticks her butt
in.
Naisip kong iyon marahil ang nagustuhan nina Cooler at Gray sa iyo", wika niya. Uh,
Cooler
and Gray likes me? I'm not really sure about it. Cooler said he likes me, he said
it once. As of
Gray, uh- he confessed a little but I didn't have a clear definition.
Nag-iwas ako ng tingin sa kanya. "I don't know what you are saying."
"Tsk. Young people. Struck in a fool's love", wika niya. "It won't last long. In
the end ay iiwan din kayo ng mga taong mahal ninyo, whatever love it is. They will
all leave you in the end at ikaw na lamang ang magmamahal sa sarili mo, not even
those people whom you
thought would understand you, not even your father."
Lately ay puro kadramahan sa buhay ang naririnig ko kay Zywon at ngayon naman ay
kay Ryu. "Ang bitter mo", wika ko sa kanya. I can't have another comment about that
matter because I don't have problems with my family, or so I thought.
After 30 minutes ay dumating na kami sa harap ng bahay namin. It was in a

subdivision. I got out from the car at nagpasalamat kay Ryu. For few minutes inside
his car ay walang nangyaring tutukan ng baril, thank goodness.
"Salamat..."
He replied with his familiar annoying smirk. "Sabi ko salamat. You're welcome ang
tamang sagot doon, hindi smirk", wika ko sa kanya at mas lalong napasmirk lamang
ito. I reached for his cheek and spread it nang sa ganoon ay magmukhang nakangiti
ito.
"Oh, yan. Dapat ganyan, gwapo ka naman eh. Wag ka lang kasi puro smirk." Hinawakan
niya
ang kamay ko at tinangkang alisin iyon mula sa mukha niya but he didn't moved. He
just hold
my hand na nakaahawak sa pisngi niya and he looked straight into my eyes.
Bahagya itong natigilan. He stared at my face for a while at natulala. Saka ko

lamang narealize nakakahiya ang ginawa ko! We're not close and a devil like him
shouldn't be done with things like those.
Agad kong inilayo ang sarili ko sa kanya. Awkwardness filled the car at walang
nagsalita na ni isa man sa amin. Damn! Bakit ko pa kasi naisip na hawakan ang
pisngi niya!
Nabasag ang saglit na katahimikan ng may kumatok mula sa bintana ng sasakyan.

Parehas kaming napasandal ni Ryu at umayos ng upo bago niya
ibinaba ang bintana. Sumungaw ang mukha ni Mommy mula roon.
"Hello. Oh, Amber! Just as I thought, it's you", wika niya. I immediately went out
the car at
niyakap si Mommy. Ryu also went out his car as respect at nakapamulsang sumandal sa
kanyang kotse.
"I missed you so much sweetie", Mom said and she kissed my hair. Sinulyapan niya si
Ryu and
she smiled at him. "Oh, who's this guy? I thought you'll be with Gray."
"Mom!"
Mommy and Daddy knew about Gray noong debut ko. He was my escort at nagkataong
nahuli ito dahil sa pag-iimbestiga tungkol sa codes na iniwan ni Maam Sera tungkol
kay Marion.
"He's Ryu, Gray's cousin."
For the first time today, the devil Ryu took of his smirk and let out his genuine
smile. He reached for Mom's hands and shook it.
"I'm Ryu Morisson Maam. Nice to meet you." Bahagya itong nagulat ng yakapin ito ni
Mommy. She's always like that.Whenever she meets a friend of mine, feeling nito ay
close sila at niyayakap agad ang mga kaibigan ko.
"Mommy", tawag ko sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang magiging reaksyon ni Ryu
doon.
It could be that he will be angry with Mom or be happy. I don't know basta ang alam
ko ay bahagyang nagulat ito and there was a hint of tenderness and yearning in his
eyes.
"Sorry... I just felt a little nostalgic. Pakiramdam ko kasi ay nagkita na tayo",

wika ni Mommy.
She's Amethyst Sison, Amy for short. Corny as it seems but my name is a combination
of her name and Dad's. Amethyst and Bernard. Amber.
"Of course, you did Mom. Nagpunta din siya noong debut ko", wika ko sa kanila. Mom
and
Ryu stared at each other and I wanna roll my eyes. Don't tell me Ryu's into my mom?
I mean, yeah! Mom's pretty but she's too old for Ryu!
Mas lalong gusto kong batukan ang sarili ko. What am I thinking? There's a spark at
first
meet between Mom and Ryu? Geez! Mas kapani-paniwala pa siguro na naiinggit si Ryu
kasi may mama pa ako.
"Yes, Maam. I guess that's it", wika ni Ryu. He feels different. Gone was the evil
mask at ang
nakikita ko ay isang lost puppy, longing for his owner's gentle pat.
"Ganoon ba? Why don't we get inside Ryu? We'll have some cake and cookies, I baked
some", Mommy said but Ryu declined the invitation.
"I'd be glad too Maam but I can't. Kailangan ko na po kasing umalis", he said at
magalang na
yumuko kay Mommy. Mom frowned ngunit agad din naming ngumiti.
"How about you bring home some cookies? I baked so many of them and it will be my
way to say my gratitude for bringing my daughter here."
Ryu smiled. "Kung okay lang po sa inyo Maam. I love cookies."
"Oh, wait for a while, okay?". Lumawak ang ngiti ni mommy at nagmadaling pumasok sa
loob. Ryu watched her as she disappeared from the gate. Nang hindi na niya matanaw
ito ay saka lamang siya bumaling sa akin.
"You look exactly like your Mom. She's beautiful", wika ni Ryu. Of course, ako ang
batang version ni Mommy. Everyone who will see us would really say na mukha kaming
pinagbiyak na bunga dahil magkamukhang-
magkamuha kami. I got all my facial features from her. I got my wisdom from my Dad.
Masasabing napakatalino ni daddy.
"Just like your Mom, I felt a little bit nostalgic too. She's like my mom. She
doesn't shake hands with my friends, she hugs them. Kapag nagpupunta sa mansion ang
mga batang reapers, they liked being hugged by my mom. She loves to bake too,
cookies and cake ang madalas niyang
binabake dati kaya naaalala ko ang mommy ko sa mommy mo. I can't remember her
smiling face anymore dahil mula ng namatay siya, Dad removed anything that will
make us remember her."
Seriously speaking ay hindi ko alam kung ano ang isasagot ko sa kanya so I remained
silent.
Hindi na rin ito nagsalita pa hanggang sa makabalik si Mommy na may dalang box ng
cookies. Nagpasalamat si Ryu kay mommy at nagpaalam na.
It's been a few weeks since the last time I've been in this house. I wasn't here
all summer at nanatili lamang ng ilang araw dito bago bumalik sa dormitory ng
Bridle. I was expecting Daddy to be home dahil nga
kagagaling lamang nila sa business trip sa India but he wasn't there. Mom said he
went to see someone.
Nang makapasok kami ay agad kong nilantakan ang binake ni mommy. It's one of the
things I always missed at home, her pastries. Kami lamang dalawa sa kusina so I
have all the chance to ask her about her life
with Dad before. Matapos ang ilang kumustahan at updates tungkol sa school ay agad
ko siyang tinanong.
"Mom, paano po kayo nagkakilala ni Daddy?", I

asked her. Inilapag ko ang tasa ng gatas na tinimpla niya para sa akin at umayos ng
upo. I thought this will be a long conversation but it wasn't.
"I don't remember anything Sweetie. Naaksidente kasi kami dati sabi ng Daddy mo",
Mom said at bigla na lamang akong kinabahaan. Mom doesn't have memories of her and
Dad?
"Po?"
"Yes, sweetie", wika niya. She lifted her sleeves a little and she showed me a
scar. Dati ko pang
nakikita iyon sa braso niya but I never asked about it. It looks like a scar from a
gunshot.
"See this scar? He said some robbers attacked us and gave me this mark. I also had
a big scar
on my tummy down to my back. He said it was from a burned car debris na tumama sa
akin. I was carrying you in my womb that time."
Things become complicated now. Bakit pakiramdam ko ay may tinatago si Daddy sa
amin? If that's true, kung gayon ay grabe ang pinagdaanan ni Mommy noong
pinagbubuntis pa niya ako.
She called a maid to get some photo album on the living room at agad namang
tumalima ang
katulong. "I woke up one day without anything on my memory but your dad showed me
our photos mula noong college pa kami. We're college sweethearts", Mom said at
bahagya pa itong kinilig. She scanned the photo album at pinakita sa akin ang mga
larawan. It was during their college days. Mom was a contestant in a beauty
pageant. She won the crown at si Daddy
pa ang umakyat sa stage. May mga larawan din kasama ang mga kaibigan nila. I
recognized some people in the photographs dahil hanggang ngayon ay family friend
namin ang mga iyon. The next photo that Mom
showed was a photo of her,pregnant.
"See this sweetie? Pinapakingggan namin ng Daddy mo ang pagsipa mo sa tiyan ko",
she said at nagpakita pa ng mga larawan nila noon.
"These photos are after you lost your memory Mom?"
She nodded. "Yes, these photos are the ones that I recognize kaya malamang ay after
the accident ito. Nawalan na ako ng alaala ng mga panahong ito so I can still
remember this as new memories after the amnesia. The photos with the bigger tummy
are the one's taken when I already lose my memory.
Agad na nakuha ng daddy mo ang tiwala ko kahit pa estranghero siya sa akin ng mga
panahong iyong. Just by looking at these photographs ay masasabi kong napakasaya
pala
namin before the accident. But you know what honey? During those times ay depressed
ako dahil sa sinapit ko. Imagine waking up without a single memory? I was diagnosed
with
retrograde amnesia which means I loss access on the memories that I had before the
accident. Hindi ako makausap, I don't even talk to anyone. I shut myself from
everything. Natatawa nga ako kapag naaalala kong hindi ko man lamang inalam ang
petsa noon but thanks to your Dad for not leaving my side kahit pa aning pag-
iignore ang ginawa ko sa kanya."
Bahagya akong napangiti sa sinabi ni Mommy. Looking at her now, she's very happy
with her life even if there was a gap in her memory. She chose to leave those
memories unfilled and created a new one, with us. Her family.
I remeber her scar. A huge scar. Naalala ko din ang malaking peklat ni Ryu. Saan
kaya niya nakuha iyon?
"What's the sudden interest with our story sweetie?", pagtatakang tanong nito.
Ngayon lang kasi ako nagkainteres dito.
"Wala naman Mom. Naitanong ko lang po kasi pinapagawa kami ng biography", wika ko.
Uh,
sorry Mom but I lied.
"Ganoon ba? Why don't we go to the spa Amber? You have dark spots under your eyes.
Masyado ka bang nagpapastress sa klase? We can go shopping too", wika niya at
hinila ako patayo. "C'mon."
Kaya pala nakabihis na ito ay balak pala talaga nitong dalhin ako sa mall kung
nasaan ang suking parlor at spa nito. We took the cab at nagpunta doon. Nagbabad
kami ng ilang oras and got a complete spa treatment. Napagkatuwaan din ng make up
artist ang mukha ko at inayusan ako.
"Ang ganda po talaga ng anak niyo. Manang-mana sa iyo", wika ni Iza, the make-up
artist.
"Syemre naman", Mom said and I rolled my eyes at them. Geez, nagbolahan pa kami
doon. Okay, there was really a transformation kahit na light lamang ang make up.
"Sweetie, you can go around the mall and please yourself, baka ma-bore ka kasi sa
kahihintay sa akin", wika ni Mommy. Matagal pa kasi itong matatapos.
Nagpaalam ako sa kanya at agad na pumunta sa bookstore ng mall. I was busy looking
into the
promotion posters when I bumped into someone. May dala itong popcorn at nalaglag
ang ilang laman niyon sanhi ng impact ng pagbundol namin. I was surprised to see
that bored expression of that person. He was with a beautiful girl na may dala ding
popcorn at bottled water.
"Sorr-ry."
He frowned at me. "Just Amber, I'm surprised to see you here", wika ni Zywon.
"Bakit? Hindi ba ako pwedeng pumunta sa mall?", sarkastikong wika ko sa kanya. This
guy
s the reason why I'm so bothered these past days.
"Kuya Aywon? Who is she?", tanong ng babaeng kasama nito. She look younger than
Zywon and I doubt if they're siblings dahil hindi sila magkamukha. The girl has a
smiling pretty face while Zywon got a dominating
frowning face. They're total opposite o hindi kaya dahil lamang iyon sa kabitteran
sa buhay ni Zywon while the girl is sunny and positive.
"Oh, some acquaintance Crystal."

Ngumiti ng matamis ang babae.
"Hi! I'm Crystal Deltran, I'm the younger sister of Kuya Aywon! Nice to meet you!"
Gumanti ako ng ngiti sa kanya. "I'm Amber Sison and I'm delighted to meet you too."
"Why do you look like a clown?", tanong ni Zywon and I gave him a glare. My make up
is superb and I don't look like a clown unlike what this idiot is saying!
"Wag kang maniniwala sa kanya Ate, ang ganda mo kaya. We're watching a horror
movie, join us!", wika niya at hinawakan ang braso ko
What the hell? Horror? "Uh-"
"Crys, she's busy", wika ni Zywon.
"Wala ka namang ginagawa diba Ate Amber?"
"Wala naman pero-"
"Yehey, let's go!", Crsytal said at hinila kaming dalawa ni Zywon papunta sa
cinema. Napatingin ako kay Zywon, asking for help
dahil mukhang wala yatang balak na magpatanggi si Crystal but Zywon just looked
away. Prenteng nakapamulsa lamang ang isang kamay nito habang hawak-hawak ang
popcorn sa kabila.
They paid for the tickets at kahit isang segundo ay hindi ako binitawan ni Crystal
"Ate Amber, alam mo bang ikaw lang ang kakilalang babae ni Kuya Aywon na pinansin
niya dito sa mall? You must be special-"
"Naku, nagkakamali ka Crystal, hindi nga kami friends ng kuya mo", wika ko sa
kanya. Kung
alam lamang ni Crystal kung paano ang trato namin ni Zywon sa isa't-isa.
"Ilap kasi si Kuya Aywon kahit kanino eh. He's not friends with Kuya Mikmik and
Kuya Ae-ae
anymore so wala na siyang ibang kaibigan."
Masama kasi ang ugali ng kuya mo. That's what I want to tell her pero di ko ginawa.
I won't burst Crystal's bubble about her perception of her brother.
We looked for a perfect spot at agad na naupobdoon ng makakita kami. Pumwesto kami
sa taas na bahagi dahil iilan lamang ang tao roon.
"Kuya Aywon, you sat between me and Ate Amber para ikaw ang mayakap namin kapag
natatakot kami!", Crystal said to Zywon. He frowned at us.
"Crys, magyayaya kang manuod ng horror tapos matatakot ka?"
"Kuya naman eh!" Crystal started stomping like a brat. Ang cute nitong tingnan lalo
na at tila
imbes na magalit si Zywon ay lumambot pa ito.
"Fine!", he said and sat on the center. "Wag na wag kang magsasama ng lalaki sa
sinehan kapag manunuod ka ng horror or else magiging lumpo na habang buhay ang
kasama mo."
Crystal laughed at niyakap ang kapatid. "Yes Kuya! Kaya nga ikaw ang niyaya ko
diba? Upo
na tayo Ate Amber."
I smiled and sat beside Zywon. I admire how much he loves his sister. Nakikisakay
siya sa trip ng kapatid niyang bubbly which is very opposite to his personality.
But uh! Why am I in a situation like this! Ayoko sa madilim na lugar! Ayoko sa
horror movie!
Hindi na ako hahanapin ni Mommy dahil naitext ko na siya na kasama ko ang kaibigan
ko though Zywon and I are not really friends. Ilang minuto lamang ay nagsimula na
ang
palabas. I'm not interested in the movie kaya hindi na ako nag-abalang alamin ang
title. I started browsing my phone upang maiwas ang paningin ko sa big screen but
the music gave
me the creeps. People started screaming at maging si Crystal ay panay ang sigaw
din.
Everytime I hear a thrilling music ay kinakabahan din ako and I almost leaped out
of the seat. Damn! Bakit ba kasi ako pumayag na sumama-
"AAAHHHH!", napasigaw ako nang paglingon ko sa screen ay saktong lumabas ang

nakakatakot na mukha. I grabbed an arm at halos baliin na iyon dahil sa kaba. Shit!
This is really not my thing! Creepy and horror stuffs!
"Aray! Stop twisting my arm!", galit na wika ng isang lalaki sa gilid ko. Twisting
something makes me relax a little but unfortunately, hindi ko pala kilala ang may-
ari ng braso. Galit na binawi nito ang kanyang braso. "Kabadtrip ka!"
I apologized at him at umalis ito sa dako namin. Ibinaba ko na lamang ang paningin
ko and stared at my shoes. Madilim sa paanan kaya hindi ko maaninag ang sapatos ko
but I stayed looking at it.
"Face the screen. Sayang ang pambayad", wika ni Zywon. Hindi man lamang ito natakot
o
nagulat sa panunood.
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Could you at least act like you're scared there?
Sayang din ang pambayad."
"It's not scary at all. Look." Tinuro niya ang screen and they say curiousity kills
the cat, so
I looked at the screen and scream my lungs out when a very scary looking creature
filled
the screen. Hindi ko maintindihan ang takot na
nararamdaman ko and I found myself crying silently all the way hanggang sa matapos
ang
palabas.
Note to self, hinding-hindi na ako manunood ng horror movie, by force or not!
Agad kaming lumabas ng sinehan and Crystal started clinging on my arm. "Grabe,
hindi naman pala nakakatakot."
I made a face on her remarks. Meh! Hindi nakakatakot eh halos mapaos na ito sa
kakasigaw. Crystal faced me at niyaya akong kumain.
"Ate Amber let's -. Eh? What happened to your face?", she asked and laughed.
Napatingin
na rin si Zywon sa akin but he was expressionless.
Uh, why? What's wrong?
"Ate Amber, did you cry?" She asked and she got something from her bag at inabot
niya
iyon kay Zywon. It was a make-up remover! Damn! Kung ganoon ay nakakalat sa mukha
ko ang mascara! Hindi pa naman iyon waterproof!
Maybe the foundation wear off too. For sure ay nagmukha na akong si Joker nito. I
immediately hide my face in my palm. God! This is so embarrassing!
"Punasan mo na ang mukha niya Kuya Aywon. Wala kasi akong dalang salamin eh",
Crystal said at tinulak ang kapatid palapit sa akin.
"Why me? She can do it herself.
"Oo nga. Kaya ko naman Crystal so please hand me the wipes at pupunta na lamang ako
sa CR", wika ko sa kanila.
"For sure ay puno ang mga CR sa dakong ito. You can use the CR on the other floors
but you surely don't want to walk with such face right? Kaya si Kuya na ang bahala
sayo", Crystal said
with a grin.
"Why me?"
"Alangan namang ako? Mas matangkad si Ate Amber sa akin kaya baka hindi ko
masyadong
maayos ang pagpunas."
Lumapit ako kay Zywon at kinuha ang wipes mula sa kamay niya. "I can do it myself",
wika ko at pinahid ang make up sa mukha ko. "How about that?"
They both stared at me and to my surprise ay lumapit si Zywon sa akin. He got a
wipe and handed back the pack to Crystal.Hinawakan niya ang mukha ko and he started
wiping the make up from my face. He leaned closer at ilang pagitan na lamang ang
layo ng mukha namin as he continued wiping my face. I felt my cheek blushed! Not
that I like this guy! But the distance between our faces is uhhh, so awkward.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Kinikilig ako!", Crystal shrieked causing me and Zywon to flinch.

Binatawan niya ang mukha ko at lumayo sa akin matapos ilagay sa kamay ko ang wipes.
"Wala na", he said and looked away.
"Oh my God! Ang cute niyo-"
"Crystal!", sabay naming wika ni Zywon and she pouted.
"Fine, let's have some food. Can you still join us Ate Amber?"
"Sorry but I have to decline the invitation. Naghihintay kasi ang mommy ko sa akin
kaya
hindi na ako makakasama", wika ko sa kanila. Crystal frowned at nakapokerface pa
rin si Zywon.
"Okay Ate Amber. I hope we'll see each other again. Bye!" She kissed my cheeks as
she bids me goodbye. Agad ko namang tinungo ang spa kung nasaan si Mommy.
Uh, a time with the Deltrans is not bad at all. The horror movie was all that's
bad. Kahit naman pala ganoon si Zywon ay mapagmahal naman pala ito.
"Hello Sweetie! How's your - oh. Where's your make up?", tanong ni Mommy.
Kasalukuyan itong nakaupo habang may nagmamanicure sa kuko nito.
"I removed it Mom". That's a lie! Zywon removed it. Uh, I mean, it wore off and
Zywon removed the rest of it.
"Why?"
"Naiyak po kasi ako sa pinanuod namin kaya tinanggal ko na lang."
"I see. Do you want to go home now? Malapit na akong matapos", he said and I
nodded.
We've been here for hours at malamang ay nasa bahay na si Daddy ngayon. Nang
matapos ito ay nagpasya na kaming umuwi. We took the cab and went straight home.
On the way , I was I hoping that I can have all the courage to be able to ask Dad
about all the questions I have in mind. I hope I can.
*****************************
CHAPTER 34: CONFIRMATION

Chapter 34: Confirmation (Special)
A/N: This is still a special update (kasi hindi ako natulog Lol!) This is a very
long update but I didn't divided this into parts kasi 2-part lang sana ang special
chapters but hindi pa rin kasya. Nagloloko ulit ang facebook ko so I can't contact
Editor Melody.
Well, happy reading!
****************************
The car on the garage tells us that Dad is already home. Hindi ko alam kung bakit
bigla na lamang akong sinalakay ng kaba. Don't I trust my father? Do I really
believe in Zywon's words? Definitely not but there is something that tells me that
I should check.
Nauna nang pumasok sa bahay si Mommy and for the first time ay naramdaman kong
kinakabahan ako habang papasok. When I was younger, I broke a flower pot in the
garden but I was never afraid to enter the door to tell my parents. I stepped and
left my foot prints on the newly concretized lawn but I was never afraid to enter
the door and tell them. I destroyed Mom's orchid plants but I was never afraid to
enter this door.
But now I haven't done anything yet I am hesitant to open this door in front of me.
I was about to reach for the knob ngunit naunang bumukas iyon at iniluwa si Daddy.
"Pumpkin!", he said and he hugged me tightly. God, how can I doubt my own father?
"Dad..."
"I miss you so much Anak", he said and he kissed my hair. "All this time ay iniisip
kita. Would you believe it that I almost didn't close a deal when I went spacing
out because I was thinking of you?"
Work. That's it. Daddy have to work for us and he's not a certain Rovan Allejo III
who financed an evil organization.
"I missed you more Dad", wika ko sa kanya and I hugged him again. That's it! I
won't check anymore if Dad is connected with the Genesis. Sinisiraan lamang siya ni
Zywon. Maybe I shouldn't put too much information on social media like putting Mom
and Dad's name on the About information on facebook.
"Are you staying over here until tomorrow? I'm planning to have bonding with you
and your Mom. Matagal na kasi tayong hindi nagkakasamang tatlo. Do you like that
Sweetheart?", he asked at lumawak ang ngiti ko.
"I don't like the idea Dad, I love it!" I'm really looking forward for tomorrow!
Pumasok na kami ni Daddy and he asked me about how my studies doing. I told him
some details except yhe risky undertakings. They trusted me to live on my own so if
I would be telling them about my encounter with bombs and guns, malamang ay hindi
nila ako pagpapaaralin sa Bridle or to any boarding school.
We discussed about how we should spend our bonding tomorrow and Dad suggested a
popular resort na agad namang sinang-ayonan ni Mommy. Wala ding problema sa akin
iyon. In fact kahit dito lang kami sa bahay at magbake gaya ng ginagawa namin dati
ay ayos lang din as long as magkasama kaming tatlo. We spent the rest of the day
like the we used too when I was younger.
When it was bedtime ay nahiga ako sa kama ko and think about how happy I am with my
family. I'm not the kind who wants to have a full attention of my parents kaya
kahit abala sila ay okay lang sa akin. Hindi rin naman sila nagkulang sa pagcheck
sa kalagayan ko.
I was about to turn the lights off and open the lampshade when my phone rang kaya
agad kong sinagot iyon ng makitang si Jeremy ang tumatawag.
"Hel-"
"I hate you Bestie!"
Uh? Anong problema nito?
"What? Anong ginawa ko sayo?"
"Iniwan mo ako. You didn't even told me that you went home", wika niya. "But that
wasn't the reason why I hate you."
Napakunot ang noo ko. What's up with Jeremy?
"Ano nga?"
"I don't really hate you."
"Je, nakadrugs ka?", tanong ko. Ang gulo kasi nito. He said he hated me and then
now he's not. Ano ba talaga?
"I hate you because you're not here kanina when I hate Math so much! I hate Math
and I hate Medicol!", he said at naiimagine ko ang nanggagalaiting mukha nito
habang nagsasalita. Jeremy has a weird personality. The annoying type but once you
know him well enough ay hahanap-hanapin mo na ito. Believe me or not, tila kulang
ang araw ko kapag hindi ko naririnig ang mga corny na jokes and puns nito which he
gladly call quizzes.
"Why? What's wrong with Math and Medicol?", I asked. Medicol is Math's chocolate-
colored Labrador.
"Grrr! Nakakainis yung dumi na iyon! My God bestie, if you would see Medicol,
masasabi mo talagang maswerte na si Porsche dahil mukha itong basahan", wika niya.
"I don't get you."
"Ganito kasi. Nagstro-strolling kami ni Porsche and unfortunately, si Math at

Medicol din and then Medicol plunged into Porsche and-"
"And what Jeremy?"
"And the rest was SPG", he said with a sigh. Oh, seriously? He just called just to
inform me that Medicol and Porsche mated?
"What's wrong with it Je?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Bestie! Imagine a bulldog and a Labrador?! Mukhang basahan si Porsche but I really
love her, so don't get me wrong okay? Tapos si Medicol naman mukhang dumi, so ano
nalang ang magiging breed nila, Asong Grasa? Bestie! Paano na yan! I need an
abortionist-"
Bigla akong natawa sa kanya. Jeremy is very naive and so cute!
"Are you laughing at me Bestie?", he asked seriously. "I'm in a serious situation

here. Look, kapag nagkaanak si Porsche at Medicol, ibig sabihin ay magiging Balae
kami ni Math! Oh no!"
"Jeremy, hindi pa naman sigurado kung mabubuntis ba talaga si Porsche."
"I hope not!"
"Kung ayaw mo naman palang magkabreed ng Labrador, you should have stop them on the
first place", wika ko sa kanya.
"I did! At alam mo ba kung ano ang sabi ni Medicol sa akin?"
"What?"
"He said, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! And then he showed

me his sharp fangs! Now tell me, paano ko sila mapipigilan?", he really sounded so
upset but he was succesful in portraying the sound of an angry dog. For the second
time ay natawa ako kay Jeremy!
"Jeremy, That's seriously your problem?", hindi makapaniwalaang tanong ko sa kany.

God, sa dami ng problema sa mundo, a bulldog mating with Labrador shouldn't be one
of it!
"Bestie, wag mo akong pagtawanan! I'm serious here", he said in an irritated voice.
"Fine. Ano ba ang magagawa ko diyan?", tanong ko. I guess I have to cope with his
craziness over his dog Porsche.
"Find me an abortionist", wika niya.
"I told you, it's not sure if she'll get pregnant or what."
"Bestie naman eh!"
"Jeremy yan lang ba ang pakay mo kaya ka tumawag sa akin?"
"No. I want to give you a quiz", he said and I can imagine he's grinning face
everytime he said those magic words, I HAVE A QUIZ I which I believe that he should
say I HAVE A PUN.
"Correction, it's pun."
"No, it's a quiz."
"Whatever. Shoot."
He cleared his throat bago nagsalita. "Diba natanong ko na ang motor na tumatawa?
How about yung umiiyak?", he asked and I mentally rolled my eyes.
"I don't know."
"There's a thing they call thinking Bestie. I guess you have to do that", wika niya
at mas lalong gusto kong ipaikot ang eyeballs ko.
"I can't think." Actually I can, I just don't find it necessary over his pun.
"It's HUHUHUHUHUHOnda! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" His laughter lingered longer on the line at

pinigilan ko ang sariling patayin ang tawag.
"No good at all."
"Sana'y na ako na yan ang madalas ninyong sasabihin ni Gray. Duh. Ito pa isa Bestie
ha? Kapag ba pinaghalo mo ang powder ng Tide at Powder ng Ariel, bubula ba?"
"Of course." I tried it once nang naglalaba ako. Naubusan na ako ng Tide kaya Ariel
na ang ginamit ko.
"Eeeenk! Mali! Hindi iyon bubula unless may tubig HAHAHAHAHA!" I can make a picture
of him laughing in my mind.
"Pero ito na talaga Bestie. Huli na ito."
"What?"
"Ano ang pinagkaiba ng opinion sa conclusion?"
I raised one brow kahit hindi naman niya nakikita iyon. "Seriously Jeremy hindi mo
alam ang sagot doon? Opinion is one's own view or judgment while conclusion is
one's -"
"Eeeenk! Mali pa rin."
I frowned. "Hindi mo pa ako pinatapos."
"Ganito kasi iyon Bestie. Kapag opinion, pwede kang pumasok pero conclusion,
hindi."
"Huh?"
"Pwede ka sabi pumasok pag opinion. Kasi Open-yun pero hindi ka pwedeng pumasok
Con-close-yun! HAHAHAHAHAHA!", he's laughing out loud at malamang kung tulog na ang
kasama nito sa kwarto ay masasapak talaga ito sa ingay niya.
"I'm hanging up now. Bye."
"Best-"
Hindi ko na siya pinansin at pinatay na ang tawag. Meh, Jeremy made my night by
making me laughed about Medicol and Porsche but his puns are uh- nevermind. Nahiga
na ako sa kama ko and wished myself a good night.
Maaga kaming umalis para pumunta sa resort na napagpasyahan ni Daddy na puntahan

naming. It was a two-hour drive from our subdivision at maganda doon.
"Careful Honey", wika ni Daddy habang tinatakbo ko ang mabatong daan patungo sa
isang cottage. It was a white sand resort na may mga pools and spa. It's a perfect
place to bond and relax. We're not planning to stay overnight lalo na at balik dorm
na ako bukas.
"You wanna try the indoor spa sweetie?", tanong ni Mommy ng makapwesto na kami sa
cottage at panay ang lingon ko sa mga establishments na nasa gilid. The resort has
indoor spa and baths and I really want to try it.
"Pwede po ba?"
"Sure thung sweetie. You want us to come with you?", Dad asked. Nakaupo ito at
inaakbayan si Mommy. He's so sweet at all.
I shook my head. "No Dad. Titingnan kop o muna", wika ko at nagpaalam sa kanila. I
also want to give them quality time together dahil minsan lang nagkakasama ang mga
ito for pure bond at walang trabaho na iniisip.
I walked on the pavement at tinanaw ang mga taong nasa dalampasigan. It's still
early pero matao na sa resort na iyon. It's been only nine months since it was
opened but the business was booming. Patok sa mga tao ang resort na ito and I
always hear Andi and Therese wanting to have a relaxation here.
Pumasok ako sa naroong indoor spa at binati ng isang receptionist. "Good morning
Maam!" I greeted her back with a smile at humingi ng tariff at brochure para sa
services ng kanilang spa. There are varieties of baths there but I want to try the
Jacuzzi first.
I changed into proper clothes at agad na pumunta sa private Jacuzzi after I paid
the rate. The place was nice and I must admit that the place is worth the rate. By
relaxing my body here, I can feel all my worries being washed away from my mind
kahit pa panandalian lamang iyon. I want to take away the Genesis from my mind, the
mafia, school stuff and Zywon's words about Daddy. Bahagya pa lamang akong
nakakarelax when I heard a loud scream from the other door. Agad kong iniahon ang
sarili ko and wrapped myself in the bathrobe after I wore my clothes at tinungo ang
pinagmulan ng sigaw. It was a woman on the mist sauna who lay dead on the floor
with, swimming on her own blood!
Agad akong napalapit doon and I touched the woman's pulse but it was no use. She's
already dead. May tatlo pang babae ang naroon and both are older than me but I
asked them politely to call the police immediately at agad naman silang sumunod.
Ano baong meron sa kasng pagpatay na ito? I stared on the three women who were
there on the sauna and I asked them about the case. My detective instinct tells me
that one of those three killed the woman but I cannot just rely on my judgment. I
need to find an evidence to prove the truth behind this murder case.
Napapunta na rin doon ang manager at gulat na gulat ito sa nangyaari. They sealed
the mist sauna to prevent chaos at upang hindi ito makaapekto sa ibang guest ng
spa. Lumapit ako sa tatlong babae at isa-isa silang tinanong tungkol sa kaso. The
victim was Racquel Romero, 42 years old and working as a company's OIC. She died of
a head injury na sanhi ng paulit-ulit na paghampas ng matigas na bagay sa ulo nito.
"I went here about thirty minutes ago but agad ding umalis nang hindi ko makita si
Racquel. She's a friend of mine at nagkataong nagkita kami dito sa spa . We had
little misunderstanding so I want to apologize to her but I couldn't find her kaya
umalis na ako", wika ng isang babae. She was pretty and she looks young.
Bumaling ako sa isa but the other woman refused to tell me their answer dahil daw
hindi ako bahagi ng police and so is the other one kaya hinintay ko na lamang na
dumating ang mga pulis. Good thing ay dumating ang mga ito after a few minutes and
there was Inspector Dean na agad akong binati.
"Hey Amber. I'm not surprise see you in a murder scene", he said with a grin.
"Well Hi inspector. Is that a greeting or an insult?", natatawa kong wika sa kanya.

Yeah, naniniwala na talaga ako na isa akong crime magnet.
"That's a compliment. Anyway, I'm glad that you're here dahil mapapadali ang
trabaho namin", wika niya with a wide smile. The police helped us in investigating
too. Kahit na madalas ako o si Gray ang nakakasolve sa isang kaso, the police
information is a big help.
"So let's start now." He winked at me at sinimulan na nilang imbestigahan ang kaso
and question the three women inside the bath.
"I'm Althea Alonzo, 40 years old", wika ng babaeng nakausap ko kanina. I was
surprised to know her age. She looks younger though. "Gaya ng sinabi ko sa dalagang
iyan kanina, I looked for Racquel in this place about half an hour ago at gad ding
umalis ng hindi siya makita."
"Sigurado ka ba diyan?", tanong ng isang pulis and the woman nodded.
"I'm positive. You can check the footage if ever there are some."
"Unfortunately, walang CCTV camera dito so we cannot prove your alibi unless you
have a witness. How about you?", the inspector asked the second woman.
"I'm Meredith Dela Cruz, 42 and I'm working in the same company as Racquel. Hinanap
ko rin siya pro ng dumako ako dito ay hindiko rin siya makita so I decided to
leave."
"May hindi pagkakaaintindihan ba kayo ng biktima?"
Nag-alangan saglit ang babae bago sumagot. "Yes, she's planning to replace me in my
position which I highly object", wika niya.
Quiet a motive for a murder, sa isip ko ngunit patuoy lamang ako sa pagmamasid sa
kanila habang kinukwestiyon ng mga pulis ang mga ito.
"My name is Mylene Roando, 42 and I'm also working with her", wika naman ng isang
babae. She said she hadn't any conflict with the victim but I think the otherwise.
"Inspector Dean, hindi namin makita ang murder weapon kahit saan", wika ng isang
pulis and it caught my attention. No murder weapon? Did the culprit already get rid
of it? But there was a metal detector at the entrance and I'm sure of it!
"Ano ang sinabi ng coroner?"
"Hindi iyon metal na bagay pero I think it's hard and big dahil nagkainjury siya na
sanhi ng pagkamatay niya", the police answered and Inspector Dean fell in a deep
thinking. Maging ako ay napaaisip din ng malalim sa kasong ito. No murder weapon?
That's impossible.
"Inspector Dean, did you check the objects that those three had?", bulong ko sa
pulis and he nodded.
"Yes Amber. Actually they brought things that don't make sense. Katulad na lamang
ni Miss Althea. She brought flippers with her and flippers aren't used in indoor
spas like this."
Napatingin ako kay Miss Althea. She looked so innocent but I cannot rely on looks
as judgment.
"How about the others?", tanong ko ulit.
"Miss Meredith brought with her a big tanning lotion which also doesn't make sense.
Tanning lotion in an indoor spa eh?"
That's also remarkable. Ano naman ang gagamitan sa tanning lotion sa loob ng spa?
Kung sa labas ay kapanipaniwala pa iyon.
"The last one, Mylene brought with her an empty cooler. All those things already
undergone luminol testing but none was positive. Ibig sabihin ay wala sa tatlong
bagay na iyon ang ginamit bilang murder weapon", wika pa nito. Well those things
don't really make sense but I guess those are important clues in solving this case.
"Who's the first one to find the body?"
"It's Miss Mylene", sagot ng pulis. "Matapos makita aang katawan ay sumigaw siya
which made the other two who were waiting on the seats outside to enter.
Nakapagtatakang walang murder weapon dito. Naghanap na sa lahat ng bahagi ang mga
pulis and the receptionist said that no one left the area."
With such information, I was able to draw some conclusion. An injury caused by a
blow with hard object yet no weapon found. The test police said that it's already
two hours since the victim died.
"I think I know who did it. No, I'm sure she did", wika ko at napalingon silang
lahat sa akin.
"Hey wait. What is that kid saying?", tanong ni Meredith sa pulis. "Kanina pa siya
nakikialam dito ah, why don't you question her? Maaring siya ang pumaslang kay
Racquel."
"With all due respect Maam, but I didn't kill the victim. In fact it's one of the
three of you", wika ko sa kanya at nagkatinginan silang tatlo at halos hindi
makapaniwala.
"What's your proof then?"
"All I have is circumstantial proof but I'm positive about it", wika ko sa kanila
and stared at the three of them.
"Then who did it and what was used as murder weapon?", tanong ni Miss Althea.
Naghintay silang lahat sa sasabihin ko. Even the police who used to sue as
everytime we meddle with the cases ay nakinig din. Looks like most of them ay
nasasanay na sa presenya namin nina Gray o di naman kaya ay ni Khael.
"Miss Mylene did it."
"What? Ano ba ang pinagsasabi mo? Is it because I was the first one to discover the
body?", galit na wika nito. She glared at me but I just ignore it.
"Paano mo naman nasabi iyan Amber? And what's the weapon used? Like I said, walang
natagpuan na murder weapon sa paligid and the injury said that it's a deadly one",
tanong ni Inspector Dean.
"The weapon vanished", wika ko at napatawa si Miss Mylene.

"Acting like a detective kid huh? But sorry to say this pero hindi magic ang
krimeng ito upang mawala ng parang bula ang isang murder weapon", she said with a
smirk.
"You made it vanished."
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", Miss Meredith asked. "What's exactly the weapon used?"
"The three of you brought things that don't make sense inside the indoor spa and
one of it was the tool in perfecting the crime", paliwanag ko sa kanila.
"Pero walang nagpostive sa luminol test", one police said.
"It's not those things mister police officer. Like I said, it's just a tool in
carrying the murder weapon."
"Are you saying the cooler carry the weapon? Pero walang laman ang cooler", the
inspector said.
"Exactly dahil nawala na iyon. Inside the cooler was a big bulk of ice na ginamit
ng salarin sa pagpatay sa biktima. After commiting the crime, she threw the ice in
the water kaya by now ay natunaw na ito. Hindi rin nakapagtatakang basa aang ulo ng
biktima since she came from bathe kaya hindi siya paghihinalaan. Am I right, miss
Mylene?", I asked and looked straight to her.
Unti-unti itong napaupo at napahawak sa ulo niya. "I thought I came up with a
perfect plan of killing her but I failed. A high school student just solve the
method that I just used. Shame on me", wika niya. "Balak ko talagang patayin si
Racquel. She's being heartless kahit na officer in charge lang siya. Alam niyo bang
siya ang nagpalit sa mga old and loyal employees natin? I hate her guts! I hate
her. An she's planning for a company turnover upang at bawasan ang mga empleyado.
Pinipilit din niya akong ibenta sa kanya ang aking shares. Binablackmail pa niya
ako. That woman is a devils so she deserved to die that's why I gave death to her."
To our surprise ay hinarap siya ni Miss Althea. "You don't own her life so you
don't have the right to take it away from her. Hindi ka Diyos upang ilagay ang
hustisya sa kamay mo. And the shame isn't on you when a high school student exposed
your method. The shame is when you killed someone, that's what you should be
ashamed of."
Natigilan naman si Miss Mylene at napayuko na lamang as she surrendered herself to

the police.
The case was solved and everything was back to normal. Balak ko na sanang bumalik
sa cottage nina Mommy when someone call me.
"Hey.."
Napalingon ako sa nagsalita and it was Miss Althea. She was smiling as she walked
towards me.
"Ako po ba ang tinatawag ninyo?", I asked, pointing myself.
"Yes dear", she smiled at me at hinawakan an kamay ko. "What's your name?"
"Ako po si Amber."
"Oh, hi Amber! I'm amazed. Actually, I'm a wife of a police and I have a highschool
detective son so I want you to meet them, come", wika niya at hinawakan ako sa
braso. She pulled me towards the exit at hinila ako palabas at bago pa man ako
makapagprotesta ay binitawan na niya ako.
"Hey Mik! I just met a pretty detective!"

Napalingon ako sa nakasalubong namin and just as I thought, the Mik refers to
Khael. Habang hinihila kasi ako ni Miss Althea ay saka ko pa lamang naalala na
Alonzo ang apelyedo nito and when she said she's a policeman's wife and she had a
highschool detective son ay si Khael na ang pumasok sa isip ko and she really is.
"Special A?"
"Uh, hi Khael.."
"Wait. What? You two know each other?", gulat na tanong ni Miss Althea err- Mrs.
Atlthea Alonzo.
"Mom, she's from Bridle-"
"Siya ba aang madalas mong ikwento sa-" Bigla na lamang tinakpan ni Khael ang bibig
ng kanyang mama. Nagtatakang napatingin ako sa kanila. Uh, seriously? Ano naman
kaya ang ikinukwento ni Khael sa mama niya?
"Oh, Hi Special A!", wika ni Khael at hindi pa rin binibitawan ang bibig ng mama
niya. "You see, this woman here is so talkative kaya wag mo na lang siyang
pansinin."
I smiled at him. Ang cute nilang tingnan ng mama niya. Mrs. Althea freed herself
from Khael at sinamaan ito ng tingin. "Baka saan ka nanggaling Mikmik ha? Did you
already wash your hands?"
Khael frowned at her. "Mom, don't embarrass me in front of special A."
"Oh, hi Special A! I now met the one who's been the reason of my son's pimple and
sleepless nights", nakangiting wika nito and she kissed my cheeks. "I'm Althea
Alonzo but you can call me Tita Thea."
"Mom. I'm the only one allowed to call her Special A." Protesta ni Khael but his
Mom just frowned at him.
"Okay Tita", wika ko at bahagyang ngumiti. Meh! Nagkapimple pala si Khael? And
sleepless nights? Waaah, it's not my fault.
"She just solved a case Mik-"
"Khael Mom."
"Aba ngayon ka pa mahihiya Mikmik! I always call you with such name!",Tita Althea
said at bahagyang piningotan si Khael na agad namang nakaiwas.
"Mom, it sounded so gay and unmanly", wika ni Khael but Tita ignored him.
"Anyway, I really like her", nakangiting wika nito. "By the way, what are you doing
here?"
"Pinahanap ka kasi ni Dad since you didn't answer your phone kaya hinanap kita.
He's waiting for you in the cottage kaya aalis ka na", Khael said with a grin at
hinawakan ang balikat ng ina at bahagya itong tinulak palayo.
"Oh, there's a case and unfortunately I was one of the suspects so I undergone
police questioning. I have to go Amber. It's nice seeing you again! Bye!", wika
nito at nagmamadaling umalis. Tinanaw ko ang papalayong pigura nito bago humarap
kay Khael.
"Your Mom is lovely and lively. Nagmana ka sa kanya", wika ko.
"Just the lively part. Hindi ko namana ang pagiging lovely sa kanya, I got my
handsomeness from my Dad", he said at sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
"Hey, who's with you Special A?"
"I'm with Mom and Dad."
"Really? Then maybe I should meet my future in-laws by now", nakangiting wika nito
and I frowned at him. Like seriously?
Saka ko lamang napagtuonan ng pansin ang katawan nito. He was wearing a boardshort
at wala itong suot na pang-itaas. He got a body, neither thin nor too bulky but
just the right body and he look so - uh. I should say, hot. Napapalingon kasi dito
ang mga kababaihan.
"It's okay Special A, pwede mong hawakan if you want to", he said at napakunot ang
noo ko sa kanya
"What?"
"My abs. I know you're dying to -"
"Keep dreaming Khael", wika ko sa kanya at tinalikuran siya. Geez, I wasn't

thinking about touching his abs okay! Uh, abs or whatever it is. Abs pa rin yata
ang tawag doon. It's not like those displayed by male models but for me those
bodies are scary! Mukha kasing mga taong bato! Just like this one that Khael had is
perfect- uh! What am I saying? Kailan pa ako naging sucker for abs?
Well, I did glanced a little when they played basketball once pero hindi ko
pinagnasaan ang mga iyon! That's not my personality!
"Wait up Special A!", wika niya at sumabay ng lakad sa akin. "I'll treat you for
halo-halo and I won't take no for an answer", he said at prenteng naglakad. He
pulled me on a famous halo-halo stand on that resort and ordered for two.
"I'm glad that I found you here Special A", he said with a smile. "Actually, I'm
always glad to see you. Kung pwede pa nga lamang ay araw-araw kitang bistahin sa
Bridle."
Actually, he can do that but he must not. Kung araw-araw itong bibisita sa Bridle,
ibig sabihin ay araw-araw din itong aakyat sa high walls ng Bridle and I just can't
let that happen. Baka isang araw ay mahulog na lamang ito and I can't imagine if it
will happen.
"Khael..."
"But of course I knew that I can't", wika niya. "Special A, I have so many personal
things to say to you but I can't say it now lalo na at may mga kinakaharap kang
problema, I know that you still didn't give up with the organization", wika niya.
Napatitig ako sa kanya. I wonder what those things are and I'm really thankful for
him being considerate, one of the things I admire about him.
I slowly nodded my head. "Yes, actually I'm cooling down as of now but I'm actually
plotting plans on how to capture them.
"Don't you think you're going too far beyond?", seryoso niyang tanong at natigilan
ako. Yes, I think I'm really going too far but I have this feeling to pursue them.
Hindi kaya't nais ko lamang tulungan si Zywon?
My mind says that the answer is no. Maybe there's another reason but I can't tell
it by now.
Dumating na ang order namin kaya nagsimula na kaming kumain ni Khael. Matapos iyon
ay nagpaalam na ako sa kanya upang bumalik sa cottage kung saan naghihintay sina
Mommy at daddy.
Our bonding was fine. Nag-eenjoy kami sa ginawa naming pagraraft at paliligo sa
dagat. I just realized that I missed moments like these with them. Nakakamiss pala
ang ganito and I was a little younger when we had our last vacation. Nagkakatuwaan
kami sa cottage when Dad's phone suddenly rang. Agad niyang kinuha iyon, and his
happy face turned serious when he saw who was calling. He excused himself from us
at nagpunta sa malayo bago sinagot ang tawag.
I don't know why but I have a bad feeling about it. Hindi kaya- uh. I don't want to
think about it.
Hindi naman nagtagal ay bumalik na si Daddy but he's face was serious. "Something
came up and I have to leave. Sorry about it", wika niya sa amin. Mas lalong
bumangon ang kaba sa dibdib ko. What was it about? Bakit wala siyang sinasabi?
"It's okay Hon, take us home first total kanina pa naman tayo dito", wika ni Mommy
at sumang-ayon din ako. We brought our things on the car at agad na umalis doon
dahil mukhang may urgent na meeting yata si Daddy.
"What happened?", tanong ni mommy habang lulan na kami ng sasakyan. I was sitting
on the backseat at nakasulyap lamang sa rearview mirror where I can see Dad's
expression.
"Ah, Manolo got some troubles with our big time client so I have to help", wika
niya. His expression tells me that he is lying. But why?
"Ganoon ba?", I know you can handle that well Sweetheart", wika ni Mommy sa kanya
and Dad smiled at her. Just like how they call me, they got all the endearment in
the world for each other.
Mabuti na lamang at hindi traffic kaya mabilis kaming nakauwi sa bahay. Dad
immediately changed into his business suit and kissed me and Mom goodbye. When I
glanced at my watch ay mag-aalas singko nang hapon so mukhang nagtagal nga yata
kami doon sa resort. Dad said that she will have a dinner meeting kaya hindi na
namin siya makakasama over dinner at naitindihan naman namin iyon lalo na ni Mommy.
I think she's the most understanding wife in the whole world. Kahit pa sobrang busy
ni Daddy kung minsan, she never doubt him having an affair with any other woman.
Nagpaalam ako kay Mommy na magpapahinga muna ako sa silid ko after Dad left. I lay
on my bed and think of the things that bugs me when Mom knocked on my door.
"I'll enter sweetie", she said at pumasok sa kwarto ko. She was wearing a formal
dress nang maupo siya sa kama ko. "Your Tita Jocelyn just called and invited us for
their silver anniversary. You want to come with me?"
I shook my head. Alam ni Mommy na ayaw ko sa mga pagtitipon and she understand me.
"I'll stay here Mom. I have to rest kasi po balik-eskwela na ako bukas."
"Just as I thought. Okay Sweetie. Take care okay? I love you", she said and she
kissed my hair at nagpaalam na. Nang makaalis ito ay may narealized ako.
There's only me and two maids who were busy downstairs so that means that I have
all the access on Daddy's things!
Agad na napabangon ako sa kama ko and I ran straight to the master's bedroom.
Desktop computer. Cabinet. Golf clubs. study table. That was what's in the room. I
checked the cabinet first but all I found were clothes. Sunod kong binuksan ay ang
desktop computer. It doesn't have a password kaya hula ko ay wala importanteng
impormasyon akong makakalap doon. I opt for the laptop which was luckily owned by
Dad but unfortunately there was a password. I tried putting his name but it was
unsuccessful. I tried again with his birthday but still no avail. The hint says
that it's the name of the most important persons in your life. I tried putting
Amethyst but still it was error.
I read the hint again.
PERSONS.
I tried entering my name and Mom's and I was successful. I was touched with Dad's
simple efforts. We're the most important persons in his life.
Puro business and nasa mga documents and folders nito but I saw a folder with the
name G. I opened it but there was still another folder so I opened it again but
still a folder. It looks like I opened it ten times bago lumabas ang file na
naroon! it was a name list!
Luigi Mondino Sr.

Dr. Preciosa Vergara.
Romaratie Jardin.
Ferdinand Tuazon.
Aldous Carpio.
Hermicio Las Nieves.
Jedidiah Eliazar.
What's with these seven list of people? Agad kong pinicturan iyon gamit ang aking
cellphone and checked anything again in the laptop but there were none. Agad kong
pinatay iyon and continued searching in the room. Napansin kong tila may bulky sa
isang slacks ni daddy and there was his wallet! Agad kong binuksan iyon and I found
3 cash card mula doon from international and local banks. Gaya ng nabasa kong files
ay pinicturan ko ang tatlong iyon and I immediately left the room when I heard a
familiar horn from a car! Dad's car!
Nagmadali akong lumabas at nagkubli sa kwarto. He got his wallet and laptop at
umalis ulit doon. Now I'm really suspicious! I have to go to the one person I have
in mind.
I texted Mom and Dad na aalis na ako. I lied to them telling them that I have to go
back to Bridle dahil may assignment akong nakalimutan. Lately I've been lying so
much but I guess I have too. Eventhough their replies were late, I still received
them while I was almost near my destination. They told me to take care and their I
love you's.
I've been in this place for many times kaya alam ko na ang daan papunta doon. After
I paid the cab ay naglakas loob akong humakbang patungo sa mataas na gate ng Vander
mansion.
A guy with a big and bulky body meets me. I don't know if he's a guard or what
basta ng alam ko ay nakakatakot itong tingnan.
"Ano ang ginagawa mo dito?", he said. He's not just scary looking but as well as he
sounded scary too.
"I-I'm looking for -"
A car stopped in front of us at iniluwa niyon si Cooler. "Amber?"
"Cooler."
"Anong ginagawa mo dito? I didn't expect that you would miss me that much- just
kidding", he said. Siamaan ko kasi siya ng tingin. This is a serious situation so
adlibs like those are not necessary.
"Kilala niyo po siya Zeus?", tanong ng lalaki at tumango si Cooler bago ako
niyayang sumakay sa kotse at pumasok sa loob ng mataas na gate.
"Your guards are scary", komento ko.

"That's how they should be. Now, aside from you missed me, what else did you came
here for?"
"I need to see Ryu", wika ko sa kanya at bigla itong napapreno. Tanaw ko na ang
mansion but why the hell did he stopped?
"Ouch! Si Ryu?", he asked bago muling pinaandar ang kotse. "I didn't expect that."
I gave him a deadly glare. "Don't get me wrong Cooler. I have some important things
to ask Ryu", wika ko at napabuntong-hininga naman ito.
"Good then. I thought- nevermind", wika niya at ipinark ang kotse sa garahe. I went
out the car and stared at the mansion. Kahit ilang beses na akong nakapunta doon ay
hindi ko pa rin maiwasang kabahan. Inside this beautiful house were people with
bloody hands. Iginiya niya ako sa pagpasok and just like the usual, no one was on
the huge living room.
He got his phone and dialled a number. "Hey, someone named Amber is looking for you
downstairs", wika niya at agad na pinatay ang tawag. Hula ko ay si Ryu ang kausap
nito.
"Now, won't you tell me kung ano ang pag-uusapan ninyo ni ryu?", Cooler said at
nakapameywang na hinarap ako.
"It's confidential Cooler. I have to keep it private between Ryu and me.
"Private, my ass! I will kill that bastard! Palihim pala niya kaming inaahas ni
Gray! I will kill that traitor if ever-"
"Who's the traitor that you will kill?"
Sabay kaming napalingon ni Cooler sa hagdan. Bumaba doon si Ryu and he wasn't
surprised to see me.
"No one. Hey, did you put a spell on Amber? Why is she looking for-"
"Shut up Zeus", wika ni Ryu at humarap sa akin. "What's this visit all about?"
I sighed and stared at Cooler for a while. It's my way of saying that he should
leave dahil mag-uusap kami ni Ryu but instead, he sat down on the sofa comfortably
at nakade-kwatro pa.
"Dito lang ako. I won't leave the two of you alone", wika niya.
"Cooler."
"I don't hear anything."
"Zeus."
"Not even from an old monkey cousin of mine."
"Cooler please."
Bigla na lamang akong hinila ni Ryu papunta sa hagdan. "You pushed me to do it

Cooler so we'll talk on my room and it's up for you to think what we are going to
do", wika ni Ryu at galit naman na napatayo si Cooler mula sa kinauupuan.
"You bastard!"
"You made me do it", sagot ni Ryu.
"I'll call for backup", wika ni Cooler at nanggagalaiting kinuha ang cellphone and
dialled a number.
Ryu continued pulling me upstairs hanggang sa makarating kami sa harap ng isang

pinto. He opened it and it was the room that was full of computers and laptops. Ni
hindi ko alam kung nagagamit ba niya ang lahat ng iyon. He locked the door at
hinarap ako. "Now, speak."
"I need your help."
He smirked at me. "For what?"
"For hacking some bank transactions. You can do it right?", wika ko sa kanya at
nagtagpo ang kilay nito.
"Why me?"
"Because you're the best hacker." Well that's what he said but I haven't really
witnessed and proved how good he was.
"Your eyes tell me that you're lying.
I exhaled out of boredom. Walang patutunguhan ang usapang ito. "Fine. I asked for
your help because you're the only hacker that I know. How about that?"
"Sounds better? But why should I help you?"
Mas lalong gusto kong maubusan ng pasensya. "Because you're a good Samaritan. Let's
stop this nonsense conversation okay? Can we start now?"
He stared blanky at me bago naupo sa swivelchair na nasa gilid ng kama. He faced

the computer there so I sat on the bed and stared at the monitor too.
"You owe me big for this. What am I gonna do?", tanong niya sa akin. I showed him
the photos of the cards that I found on Dad's wallet.
"I want you to trace who owns this card and how much balance it has", wika ko sa
kanya.
He entered the numbers 0023862 08469 74268 at may kung anu-ano pang lumabas sa
screen na hindi ko maintindihan.
Loading.....
Waiting for approval.....
Please enter a password.....
Ryu entered a series on numbers and letters na walang kahirap-hirap and then he
pressed the enter button and then WELCOME TO SUNRISE BANKING AND FINANCE COMPANY.
(A/N: I used fictional bank names para hindi tayo mapagalitan ng mga banko, lol.)
He entered some numbers again and then something black popped on the screen.
THE REQUEST YOU ARE TRYING IS REJECTED. WE SECURE OUR CLIENTS IN SUNRISE.
Ryu pressed something at muling nag-enter ng kung anu-ano doon hanggang sa may
nagpopped up na THANK YOU. PLEASE ENTER YOUR CARD NUMBER.
Tiningnan niya ang nasa picture and entered the numbers found on the first card. It
loads for a while and I almost rise from the bed I was sitting when SUCCESS popped.
Bernard M. Sison, card number 1009 3982 7893 0001. Balance Php 178 000.
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag. See? Nothing is suspicious in Dad's account kaya

nagkakamali si Zywon.
"Tsk, you want to see your Dad's money huh?", komento niya.
"I have reasons, you devil. Here's another one."
I showed him the other picture at gaya kanina ay andami niyang inilagay na numbers
and letters until it popped up SUCCESS again.
Lewis and Lewis, Trust Co. Bernard M. Sison, card number 9000063 892436 aa0985.
Balance, Php 208 000.
It was bigger than the first one but it's still not suspicious.
I sighed in relief bago pinahack ulit ang natitirang card. The process went just
like the first two hanggang sa nagpopped up doon ang WELCOME TO INDUSTRIAL AND
COMMERCIAL BANK OF ITALY. PLEASE ENETER YOUR CARD REFERENCE.
Ryu entered the numbers in the card and it goes through but it was of maximum
security. He tried again but it always says FAILED. Not surprising at all, the bank
is a known international bank with a high market capitalization kaya hindi rin
basat-basta ang banking security iyon.
"This one's though but no one can escape Apollo, the Hacker", Ryu said and smirked
on his own. He pressed more numbers and letters from the keyboard and it took him a
while in doing so. The room was fully-aircondiotioned yet he was sweating all over,
tanda na hindi madali ang ginagawa nito.
After few tries ay nagpopped up na nga ang salitang SUCCESS and I barely can't
breathe when I read the name registerd in such international bank.
Rovan Allejo III.
With billions on its account. Halos tumigil na ako sa paghinga. My mind is blocked
and I can't breathe. Mabuti na lamang at nakaupo ako dahil kung nakatayo pa ako ay
malamang kanina pa ako natumba.
"Pretty rich man." Komento ni Ryu.
"C-can you please search who's that man?", I asked him with shaking voice.
"When you said search, did you mean on facebook?"
I shook my head. "I know I'm asking too much but can you hack some government
sites? I want to know more about that man and I want to know how much his latest
statement of assets, liabilities and networth was."
"Okay, got it", Ryu said and he did something na hindi ko na halos maintiindihan.
Rovan Allejo III. That's what is bothering me so much at mas lalo pa ngayon.
"Here. He declared a 150 million SALN but this is not just it."
Nagtatakang napatingin ako sa kanya. "He got different accounts in different names
from different banks, here and abroad. Who's this guy Amber?", tanong niya sa
akin. "I found it based on an underground banking transaction because mafia
accounts are just like this one."
Naramdaman ko ang pagtulo ng mga luha mula sa mga mata ko at tumingin ako ng
diretso kay Ryu. "Don't tell anyone about this please. Let's keep this a secret
between us. Please?"
Pinunasan ni Ryu ang mga naglandas na luha sa mata ko but they just keep on falling
and I don't know why. "Please Ryu, promise me...."
"Hindi ko alam kung bakit ka umiiyak, I thought witches don't shed tears because
they will lose their powers", wika niya at hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi niya.
"Fine, I promised." He stood up from the swivel chair and I felt his arms snake a
CHAPTER 35: DEDUCTION GONE WRONG

Chapter 35: Deduction Gone Wrong
SHOUTOUT! Happy Birthday Editor Melody! (She's kinda private but we can still wish
her a happy birthday!) Party! Party! *sabog confetti at tapon bomba*
****************************
It's not only my body that is numb and tired but as well as my brain. After Ryu
went out the room ay hinila din ako palabas ni Gray. He was still shaking with
anger habang pababa kami ng hagdan hanggang sa makarating kami sa
kanyang kotse. He opened the door for me and I silently went inside and sat.
Rovan Allejo III. Bernard Sison. Billion accounts. Those are the things that run in
my mind as of the moment. The annual income
that I thought Dad is earning is actually with few extra zeroes.
I flinched a little when Gray shut the door violently as he sat on the driver's
seat at hinawakan ang manibela. His right hand is swollen. It must hurt a lot. I
reached for his hand at dahan-dahang tiningnan iyon.
"Sorry...."
"Why do you sound so lifeless?", tanong ni Gray sa akin.
Nakahawak lamang ako sa kamay niya at nakayukong sinipat iyon.
"I just died...." Yes, that's how I felt when I confirmed Zywon's accusations about
Dad.
"How?", he asked. Malungkot ako at galit siya. We shouldn't be talking with each
other dahil mukhang walang patutunguhan ang usapang ganito lalo na at magkaiba ang
emosyong nararamdaman namin.
"I was pierced with a poisoned sword right in my heart."
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang iniisip niya. I'm still holding his swollen hand like I
have no intention of letting it go. I carefully touched the swollen part na para
bang maghihilom iyon sa paraan ng paghawak ko.
"Is that a figure of speech? If it is, please explain."
I shook my head at him. I don't want talk about it now.
"Amber..."
"I think I'm the unluckiest person in the world. All my life I thought I got a
perfect family that eventhough we're not living in a castle, I always thought we're
perfect." I felt my tears forming at the side of my eyes.
He tried lifting my chin ngunit iniwas ko ang mukha ko.

"Tell me about it."
"I don't want to." Nagsimula ng maglaglagan ang mga luha sa mata ko. So this is it.
This is what Ryu and Zywon felt kapag usapang pamilya. Yes, I still had my Dad
while they lost their Mom's but having an evil Dad is the worst. All my life, I'm
living a life full of lies. Ibig sabihin nito ay kumakain ako at nagkakaroon ng mga
bagay na gusto ko ng mula sa masamang paraan.
"Hindi kita pipilitin. Just tell me if you're ready", wika niya sa akin. "Sorry for
what I did. I - I just don't like the idea of Ryu hugging you. It angers me so I
apologized. Please be back to your lively old self."
"I just died.... from drowning. Drowning in confusions...."

Yan ang nadarama ko ngayon. I feel so lifeless. Napakawalang-gana mabuhay.
Binawi ni Gray ang kamay niya mula sa akin. He held my shoulders then lifted my
chin.
Tinangka ko ulit na umiwas but he put both his hands on my cheeks at hinarap ako sa
kanya.
"No you didn't. Maybe just close to it but I can still do something to keep you
alive from drowning ........... by resuscitating you."
He pulled me towards him and his lips touched mine. It was short and what he did
really made me somehow alive. His lips against mine makes my
blood flow right in my veins in a fast way. I felt a tear fell from my eye as I
decided to close my eyes to feel this moment but then he withdraw from
resuscitating me. He pulled me against his chest and gave me an
assuring hug. I felt his chin on my head as he carressed my back, as if he's trying
to comfort
me.
"I can't let you die... In any aspect... I will always do my best to revive you. If
I have to trade my life for you I would... So
whatever it is, I know you can make it through." Then he kissed my hair and that
made it more assuring.
***************************
"Good Morning Be- umiyak ka ba magdamag?", bati ni Jeremy at sinipat ang mata ko. I
put some concealer on my face but it's not enough to hide the dark circles under my
eyes. Or maybe there are things that we cannot really conceal.
Just like these dark spots under my eyes due to crying hard last night. Like Dad
being Rovan Allejo III. Same as Jeremy cannot
conceal the worried expression on his face. Like my classmates cannot conceal their
curious looks on us. Like how Math tried to hide a single pimple with a bangs.
Lalabas at lalabas din ang mga bagay na tinatago natin.
Like an old saying goes, when there's smoke, there's fire.
"Yes or no lang naman yun Bestie. Hindi naman kailangang maiyak ka ulit", Jeremy
said at inilapag ang panyo sa harap ko.
"Panyo lang ang maiooffer ko. You cannot cry on my shoulders, bagong laba tong
uniform ko, kakakuha ko lang sa laundry shop. Hindi rin pwedeng tissue ang ibigay
ko. Wala ako nun pero sa CR madami, pwede kitang kunan. Gusto mo?"
Napangiti ako sa kanya at kinuha ang panyo.

"Thanks."
Jeremy just made me smile kahit na malungkot ako. I'm happy that I have him. Less
drama and somehow comforting.
"Ano kasi problema mo Amber?", tanong ni Math sa akin and I shook my head. There's
no way I will tell them that I just found out my father being a bad organization's
big fish. Though I haven't confirmed about it from him ay malakas ang kutob ko
tungkol doon. Sa ngayon ay nag-iipon pa ako ng lakas ng loob
upang makompronta siya tungkol doon.
"Maybe we should not bother her now", wika ng bagong dating na si Gray. His face is
so
serious as he looks at me bago dumako ang paningin niya sa dalawa.
"Okay, sabi mo eh", wika ni Jeremy. "Anong nangyari sa kamay mo?"
"I tripped and hurt my arm", pagsisinungaling ni Gray. I looked at his casted fist.
Liar. It was because of last night. Hindi ko alam kung paano niya sinira ang pinto
but maybe that's how he acquired it at napuruhan pa ng suntukin nito sa mukha si
Ryu.
Math advised proper taking care of his arm at naupo na lamang kami hanggang sa
magsimula
na ang klase. It went smooth ngunit pakiramdam ko ay wala akong naintindihan sa mga
lessons ngayon. The morning classes ended and they decided to have lunch at the
cafeteria. Hindi ako sumama sa kanila kanina ng magbreak kaya medyo nagugutom na
ako ngayon.
Jeremy tapped my back at sumenyas sa akin na pumunta kami sa cafeteria. I nodded at

him bago nagligpit ng mga gamit at tumayo. Panay ang kwentuhan nila tungkol sa
weekend nila while I'm walking behind them. Tahimik lang din na naglakad si Gray
while his hands are in his pocket. It seems that they're not bothering me anymore
with questions about
me being gloomy.
We sat on our usual spot at the cafeteria. Habang naghihintay sa pagkain ay

ipinagpaalam
ko muna ang sarili ko. I have to get something from my locker. Pumayag naman sila
and I
silently walked towards the lockers. Dahil nakayuko ako habang naglalakad ay hindi
ko
napansin ang pagbundol ko sa isang lalaki.
"Pasensya na Miss", wika niya sa akin at bahagyang yumuko. His necktie tells me
that he's a Grade 9 student.
"Joseph!"
Napalingon ako sa babaeng tumawag sa pangalan nito. She was sweating like she just
had a long walk.
"Joseph, mag-usap muna tayo. Pakinggan mo ako", wika ng babae. Same as the guy,
she's also a Grade 9 student. Oh? Lovers?
"Tricia, I told you ayaw ko", sagot ng lalaki. Muli siyang tumingin sa akin. "Sorry
ulit Miss."
He walked away again and the girl followed him. Nagpatuloy naman ako sa paglalakad
papunta sa locker at bigla na lamang tumunog ang cellphone ko. It was Mommy,
calling.
"Mom?", I asked when I answered the call.
"Sweetie, can I see you this afternoon? Pupunta ako diyan", wika niya. Her voice is
calm but I guess it's a serious matter. This isn't the first time that she visited
me in Bridle. During my first two years here ay halos tatlong beses sa isang linggo
kung bisitahin niya ako but as I grew older ay naging madalang na. She said she
don't want me to
seem 'uncool' to my schoolmates dahil doon eventhough I said that it's fine.
"Sure Mom, but why the sudden visit?"
"Hindi mo ako namiss anak?", may himig ng pagtatampo ang boses nito.
"Mom, of course I do. I'm just asking lang po naman."
She chuckled a little. "Truth is my soothsaying house akong pupuntahan and it's not
that far from Bridle so I want to see you, my Angel."
"Soothsaying, you say? Kailan pa kayo naniniwala sa ganoon?", I asked. I did my

best to make my voice lively dahil kapag malungkot ako ay kukulitin nito ako sa
rason ng pagiging
malungkot ko and I just can't tell her that 'hey Mom, your husband is not Bernard
but Rovan who got a fat bank account and a member of an organization who's into
producing nootropics and whatever.'
"I just want to try. I heard about the Fortune Cookie, they said that the gypsie-
like woman there is reliable", wika ni Mommy. Fortune Cookie, eh? The soothsaying
house near the
cathedral. I also heard that one from Cooler who told him that there's a traitor.
Some reapers merit that she's reliable but some also don't believe in soothsaying
and so am I.
"Ano naman po ang ipapahula niyo? Business booming? Future stock market prices?
Future inflation rates? Mom, I think you should rely to our economist."
"Nice try sweetheart but that's not it. It's about my visions and dreams", wika
nito.
"What? You're a psychic now?" I rolled my eyes. A mafia financer and a psychic eh?
What else?
"Nice try again but no sweetheart. You know about my amnesia, right? Some things
are
coming into me but it's blurry. At minsan ay may napapanaginipan ako. Madalas ay
isang batang lalaki which I also saw in my visions."
"Mom, you want me to have a a baby brother?", I asked. Truth is Mom's labor is so
dangerous so she undergone an operation which involves a uterus removal.
"You know I'm not capable of it. Basta yun nga, I'm having visions so I will try
consulting it to that medium. I've heard she's good in it."
Napalabi ako sa sinabi ni Mommy. "Maybe you should see a doctor, not a soothsayer."
"Of course I did and I told your Dad about it so he recommended Dr. Kristle Mondino
and she said those are just visions which may not be connected with my past."
Mondino. I read that last name in Dad's list. It's also the last name of Lowie
Mondino, an
ex-student in Bridle which I found out that he got blue drugs too so there's a big
possibility
that they're part of the Genesis.
I wanted to tell her to consult another doctor but I can't dahil baka
nagsisinungaling lang ang
doktor sa kanya. Maybe Dad told the doctor to fabricate some lies for Mom's
condition. Magdududa ito sa gagawin ko kaya hindi ko muna sasabihin sa kanya.
Naisip ko kasi na baka ang totoong rason ng pagkawala ng alaala ni Mommy ay dahil
sa
aksidente na kinasasangkutan ni Dad and the organization. Mom must have objected in
this
so Dad, who was delighted with her amnesia and grabbed the opportunity. He doesn't
want
anyone to remind Mom abouy her past. Naalala ko rin dati, there were doctors in
Dad's
office. Dati kasi ay iniwan ako ni Mommy sa opisina ni Dad pag may lakad ito so I
stayed in his office and watched all the people that come and go inside. I was six
that time and my young mind can't understand everything. There were doctors in
their labgowns who keep on
visiting Dad. Ngayon lamang pumasok sa gunita ko ang mga bagay na ipinagtaka ko
noong bata pa ako.
"Okay Mom. Let's visit that fortuneteller later", wika ko.
"Thank you pumpkin! I'll see you later. I love you and oh, don't tell your Dad
about it, okay?"
"Okay Mom. Bye, I love you more."
I keep the phone in my pocket at nagtuloy sa locker. I got the thing that I needed
and went back to the cafeteria immediately. When I arrived there ay nakahanda na
ang
order namin kaya nagsimula na kaming kumain.
"Wala ba kayong napapansin na kulang?", Jeremy asked and I looked at the food. It's
exactly what we have ordered kaya sa tingin ko ay walang kulang.
"Gravy! Walang gravy! Kuya walang gravy!", Math shouted at napangiwi si Je.
"Gray, ano sa tingin mo ang kulang?", he asked.
"The drinks but don't worry, they're on the way", sagot ni Gray which made Jeremy
frown.
Bumaling siya sa akin.

"Bestie? Ano ang kulang?"
I shook my head. Wala namang kulang ah but Jeremy frowned even more. He got a
spoonful
of rice at isinubo iyon.
"Kainis naman kayo eh! Ang kulang ay ang quiz ko!"
"Ah...."
"Okay."
"Walang may paki."
"Tusukin ko kayo ng tinidor dyan eh! What's with those faces?", he asked nang
mapansin na napangiwi kaming tatlo. "Fine! Let's start. May
tatlong bata na naghahanap ng gagamba. Hinabol sila ng manananggal kaya pumasok
sila
sa loob ng kweba. Ang tanong, ilan silang pumasok sa kweba?"
"Apat!", Math answered. "Hinabol sila diba kaya sumunod din ang manananggal sa
kanila."
"Eeeeenk! Mali. Gray?"
"Tatlo. Hindi sila naabutan", Gray answered.
"Eeeeenk! Mali pa rin. Bestie?"
"Dalawa. Nadapa yung isa kaya naiwan", wika ko and they glared at me. Uh, whatever.
Malay ko ba sa mga batang iyon!
"Eeeeeenk! Mali! Ang tamang sagot ay tatlo at kalahati! Kasi kalahati lang yung
manananggal
diba? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
We all made a face. Ganoon pala iyon? Malala na talaga si Jeremy.
"Eto pa. Ano ang tawag sa bubuyog na nakatira sa America?"
"Bubuyog pa rin. Imposible namang maging butterfly diba?", Math said and Jeremy
faked a laughed bago nagpokerface.
"Ha-ha-ha. Funny Math. Gray?"
"I don't know Puns."
"Bestie?", he asked me but I shrugged my shoulders.

"Edi USB!"
"USB?", we asked in unison.
"Yup, as in US Bee! Edi USB!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", Jeremy laughed at ipinagpatuloy na lamang namin ang pagkain. Tsk.
Pamilyar yata ang pun niyang ito.
"Isa pa."
"Enough Puns", awat ni Gray ngunit hindi ito nagpapigil. Jeremy is always hyper
with his so-called Quizzes everyday.
"What did the judge say to the dentist?", he asked, ignoring Gray.
"Ah! Stubborn", Gray mumbled.
"Eeenk! Mali", wika niya.
"I'm referring to you puns", Gray said at nagpatuloy na lamang sa pagkain.
"Shoot."
Jeremy cleared his throat before talking. "Do you swear to pull the tooth, the
whole tooth and nothing but the tooth?", he said in a loud voice and cracked into
laughters again. Tila tuwang-tuwa ito sa sinabi niya samantalang napangiwi na
lamang kaming tatlo.
"Je kain na, lumalamig na ang pagkain mo", wika ko sa kanya. Mukha kasing wala
itong planong tumigil sa kakatawa.
"Sorry! I just found it so funny! HAHAHAHAHA! Pero ito, last na talaga. How can you
say that a
carrot is good for the eyesight?"
"Carrot contains lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids which are good for eye health",
Math answered.
"Eeeeenk! Andami mong satsat. Simple lang naman. May nakita ka bang rabbit na
nakaeyeglass?"
"Wala."
"Edi carrots are good for the eyes! HAHAHAHAHAHA!", Jeremy laughed like there's no
tomorrow.
"My God, he's really a hopeless case", wika ni Math at hinarap ang pagkain,
completely ignoring Jeremy who almost choked in laughter. Ipinagpatuloy na lamang
namin ang pagkain at bigla na lamang may estudyanteng dumating at humihingal na
lumapit sa amin.
"G-gray.... Amber...", he paused as he tried to catch for his breath.
"What happened? Is it a case? The Detective Triumvirate is here to help you",

Jeremy said.
He's serious this time na tila ba hindi ito galing sa pagtawa. Math cleared her
throat kaya
binago ni Jeremy ang sinabi niya. "Ang ibig kong sabihin ay Detective Triumvirate
and a freeloader. She's Math, our new trainee and I'm Jeremy, the one on the base
and-"
Pinutol ni Gray ang sasabihin nito. "What happened?", he asked the guy.
"May nahulog mula sa 5th floor!", he said at napatayo kaming lahat.
"A suicide?", I asked.
"Hindi namin alam pero mukhang itunulak. That's why we need your help", sagot ng
lalaki and we all set to see the
place where it happened.
Pagdating namin ay marami na ang mga estudyanteng nakapalibot doon at nakiusyoso.

It was on the rooftop of a 5-storey building. The victim lied on the ground with
blood all over his body. I was surprised to see that it was the guy that I bumped
into a while back. Si
Joseph.
He had blood all over his uniform ngunit may napansin akong kulay pula mula sa
collar ng inner polo nitong kulay puti. It's a red mark but I'm sure that it wasn't
blood.
Gray touched his pulse at buhay pa ito. We waited for the ambulance at hindi ito
ginalaw
dahil baka may mga injury ito but we started to investigate the area. We took
photos of him bago pa ito ilagay sa stretcher. He was unconcious at mukhang matindi
ang pinsala nito sa katawan sanhi ng pagbagsak. We headed to the building's rooftop
at nag-imbestiga doon.
"Why don't we make this a deduction battle between me and Amber?", wika ni Math at
napalingon kaming lahat sa kanya. Maging ang mga estudyanteng naroon ay narinig ang
sinabi ni Math and they became excited about it.
"A deduction battle! Yes! I go for Amber!", wika ng isang estudyante.
"Go Math!"
"Amber! Amber! Amber!"
"Math! Math! Math!"
Nagsimula ng mag-ingay ang mga estudyante as they cheer for me and Math. Hindi pa
man ako pumapayag ay nagsimula ng pumili ng kanya-kanyang manok ang mga naroon.
"Math, this isn't a game okay?"

"Oh, c'mon Gray. Trust this to us. Wag ka munang makialam sa kasong ito. Leave it
to us and the police", she said and winked. The people still kept on cheering.
"Go Bestie!", pagtsi-cheer na din ni Jeremy sa akin. Laglag ang balikat na

napatingin sa akin si
Gray.
"Is it fine with you?"
I nodded. "This isn't a contest but I think we can handle this."
I think I already have some lead

about this. Pumunta na kami sa rooftop kung nasaan ang mga pulis at nagsimulang
mag-imbestiga. Tinulak ito mula sa parteng sira ang railings at nilagyan na lamang
ng mga paso off-limits sign upang makaiwas sa disgrasya.
"Joseph!", I heard a girl cried habang inaalo ito ng mga tao. "No, no! Joseph."
She wasn't the girl na tinawag ni Joseph na Tricia kanina. The police asked her and
she said that she's the victim's girlfriend.
"Ito ang mga huling tao na nakasama ng biktima", the police said at tinuro ang
tatlong estudyante sa gilid.
The first one is a fat guy. His name is Ian Medina. According to the police's
questioning, he talked to Joseph dahil nagalit ito sa ginawa ng biktima sa kanya.
He said Joseph was responsible for the cheating na nangyari sa
section nila but Joseph said that he was the one who cheated. He confronted him
about it at mas lalong nagkainitan so basically, he has a motive to kill Joseph and
push him from the rooftop.
The next one's a girl who is a part of the cheering squad. Her name is April
Sullano. She was Joseph's ex who hated him for cheating on their relationship. She
was one of the subject for questioning kahit matagal na ang galit niyang iyon para
sa lalaki dahil nakita siya sa
building na iyon, lurking around suspiciously but she denied it at sinabing
nagtatago siya sa kanyang stalker.
The last one is a nerd-looking guy with his big glasses. His name is Dwight Lucero.
He was
also spotted with Joseph in that building. Ayon sa kanya ay may hiniram lamang
siyang magazines kay Joseph which were actually pornographic magazines.
"So, one of these three could be the culprit", wika ni Math at masinsinang
tiningnan ang tatlo.
"Please identify who did this to Joseph", wika ng kasintahan nito. Her face was
covered with her tears.
"And you are?", I asked.
"I'm Mitchell Estrada, his girlfriend. I was at the art room making my painting
when I heard the news so I ran towards here immediately", sagot nito. I nodded and
looked around.
"What were you painting?", Math asked.
"Why? Is it important? But anyway, it's a sunset", sagot nito.
Marami-rami din ang mga estudyanteng naroon and my eyes scanned the crowd looking
for a certain person. Nakita ko
ito at agad itong nagtago but I was able to seize her. She was shaking in
nervousness but she tried to hide it.
"Hindi ba ikaw ang kausap ni Joseph kanina? Aren't you the one who was following
him?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Hindi ko alam ang pinagsasabi mo", pagtanggi niya and she was asked by the police
to join the three.
"Tricia?", gulat na tanong ni Mitchell. "You're with Joseph? Ano ang ibig sabihin
nito?"
"Nag-usap lamang kami ni Joseph! I told him that you don't love him anymore upang
magising na siya sa pagkahibang sa iyo!"
"And what? Para maging kayo? You're so pathetic Tricia!"
"Wala kang pakialam! I will do everything upang magising sa kahibangan niya si

Joseph at
ng makita niyang wala kang kwentang babae!"
We found out that they're ex-bestfriends who fell apart due to liking one guy.
Sumingit na ang mga pulis. "Teka, nagiging away na ito. Mamaya na yan, unahin muna
natin ang kaso", wika ng isang pulis.
Napansin kong mas matangkad si Mitchell kaysa kay Tricia. I looked intently at the
two of
them at maging sa tatlo pang suspect nang maalala ko ang nakita ko sa biktima
kanina. I got my phone at tiningnan ang larawan ng kulay pulang marka na nasa
uniform ng biktima. Then I stared at that person. No doubt that she did it!
"I know who did it", wika ko at napatingin silang lahat sa akin.
"Yes! Amber solved it first!", wika ng isang estudyante na kanina pa nagtsi-cheer

para sa akin. Geez, I'm not into competing.
"Amber! Amber! Amber!"
"Ano sa tingin mo ang nangyari?", tanong ng pulis.

I immediately go straight to the point. "The one who pushed him was Tricia", wika
ko at nagulat naman ito.
"Ano ba ang pinagsasabi mo?! Ano ang ebidensya mo?"
I fished my phone from my pocket at pinakita ang close up na larawan ng pulang

marka na
nakita ko sa uniform ng biktima. "I found this red mark on his uniform at sigurado
akong isa
itong ebidensya sa kung sino ang nagtulak sa kanya. This red mark isn't blood but a
lipstick
mark. Basing on its shade and the place where it's found, only you Tricia, who's a
bit shorter
than anyone of the five of you could have left that mark. Kapantay ng labi mo ang
naiwang marka if you stand next to the victim. Mitchell couldn't leave that mark
dahil matangkad ito and April isn't wearing a lipstick, just a lipshiner. The guys
aren't wearing lipstick too so we have to eliminate them at kayo na lamang ni
Mitchell ang maiiwan. Basing on the shade of the lipstick which is dark red, you're
the one who could have left that mark before you pushed him. Isa pa ay wala ang
markang ito ng mabundol ko si Joseph kanina then it must have been when you pushed
him."
Gulat na napatingin ito sa akin at hindi agad nakapagsalita. The people keep on
cheering my name kahit pa sinaway na ito ng mga pulis. She sighed I thought that
she's going to confess her crime when Math butt in.
"I don't think she did it."
Umingay ang paligid and they scream for Math's rebuttal. Some cheered for me and
others are for Math.
"Mitchell did it", wika niya. "You pushed him, right?"
Nagulat naman si Mitchell sa sinabi ni Math. "What? I told you na nasa art room ako
at ginagawa ang painting ko! I only went here when I heard the news!"
"No. You've been here and you pushed him. Bumalik ka ulit sa art room and pretended
that
you just heard the news", Math said.
We have different culprit and different deduction.
"Ano naman ang ebidensya mo?"

Gaya ng ginawa ko kanina ay ipinakita ni Math ang isang close up na larawan na
kinuha niya sa biktima mula sa cellphone niya. It was his knuckles and it also have
red marks but it wasn't blood either.
"Diba sinabi mong nagpi-paint ka ng sunset? You must have used the red and yellow
paint as medium. Then unbeknownst to you, you stepped on the spilled red paint on
the floor at dumikit iyon sa sole ng sapatos mo. Tinulak mo ang biktima but then he
was able to cling on the floor at upang tuluyang mahulog siya, inapakan mo ang
kamay niyang nakakapit at dumikit doon ang fresh pang pintura mula sa sole ng
sapatos mo. That's what you did, am I right?"
Gulat na gulat si Mitchell sa sinabi ni Math. She sat on the floor at umiiyak na
inamin ang
kasalanan. Ayon sa kanya ay nakikipaghiwalay na siya kay Joseph but everytime she
tells him about it ay tinatakot siya nito na magpapakamatay ito so she made it
easier for him. Dinampot ito ng mga pulis at
nagpasalamat sa amin.
And this means that I just had a wrong deduction ......
"Akala ko magaling si Amber! Hindi pala!", I heard one student said.
"My God! Nangtuturo ng inosente! Pft! I'm sure si Gray lamang talaga ang nagsosolve
ng mga kaso dati!"
"Amber is a loser!"
"Math, Idol! Amber loser!"

"Booooo! Booooo!"
They started talking about me and my wrong deduction. I felt tears started to fall
from my eyes. Gray and Jeremy looked at me with worried looks.
"Booooooo! Amber loser!"
"Good-for-nothing-detective!"
"Booooooooo!"
Bago pa man makalapit sa akin sina Gray at Jeremy ay nauna na akong tumakbo pababa
ng building, ignoring the students' boo's. I went straight towards the gate upang
pumara ng taxi. Hindi ko pinansin ang pagtawag ng gwardya sa akin and the cab just
favored me, agad na may huminto sa harapan ko.
Binuhos ko lahat ng nadarama ko sa loob ng taxi. How idiot of me. I accepted the
deduction challenge yet I lost. Yes, I'm a loser. A total loser. Dinagdagan ko
lamang ang mga alalahanin ko sa buhay. My whole life is
wrecked.
I remembered the time when I'm just Amber, the nerd. The nobody. No deduction
shows, no
shameful moments, just books. I should have remained being that Amber. Not this
one. Not this one who sticks her nose into troubles and worries. Maybe trouble
hated me that much so he gave me this lesson. Now I'm
really in trouble. A double trouble. I should have learned my lesson by now. I
shouldn't
have showed off. I thought my grounds and basis for that case was right but it
wasn't.
"Maam, nasa mall na po tayo", pukaw ng driver sa akin. I was so preoccupied with
thoughts at hindi ko na napansin na nasa harap na nga kami ng mall. I wiped away my
tears and paid the driver.
When I'm depressed, I used to eat a lot so I immediately headed towards the
foodcourt. I
bought a gallon of ice cream at nilantakan iyon. Pakiramdam ko ay wala na akong
mukhang ihaharap sa Bridle. I'm such a loser.
Eventhough my intention is clearly to identify the culprit, it seemed to everyone

that I want
to compete with Math and lose the show.
No, it's not really like that. It's not a contest, I know. Pero kahit siguro mag-
public speech pa ako ay nakaukit na sa utak ng mga estudyante na Amber is a loser.
Maybe Math is right. I'm not really capable of being a detective. I scoped a
spoonful of the ice cream at nilamon iyon. I know after I eat, my worries are still
there but I don't care. I need this to somehow sooth my mind.
"Your ice cream will be salty if you continue pouring tears on it."
Napaangat ako ng tingin sa nagsalita. It was Ryu. He said I was crying.
Was I?
Agad akong napahawak sa pisngi ko and I'm really crying.

Naupo siya sa katapat kong upuan at tiningnan ako.
"Are you really bothered that much? Bernard must be your father but who's Rovan?"
"My father too."
"What? You got two fathers?", he said at napasandal. "That's good. If you lost one,
then you still have a spare one."
Napabuntong-hininga ako sa kanya. Yeah, it's good if it's like that but it wasn't.
"One person, two identity."
"Oh."
"What are you doing here? Devils shopped too?", I asked nang mapansin ang ilang
paperbags na dala niya.
He smirked at me. After last night ay mukhang back to our usual treatment kaming
dalawa.
"Tsk. I'm forced to bring these things. I'm with Mnemosyne."
"Ah, asan siya?"
"I don't know. Iniwan ko." He said with a pokerface. "I was told to go with her. I
thought it's a transaction. I never thought it's just shopping."
"Lagot, baka hinahanap ka na nun", wika ko. How rude of him! Mang-iiwan ng kasama!
Even if he's forced to come, hindi makatarungang mang-iwan.
"Don't mind her. She's a pathfinder and she got strong sense of direction. She will
always find a way to see her target. She's not a reaper for nothing but let's not
talk about her. What did you say about your father?", he asked.
Nagtatalo ang kalooban ko kung sasabihin ko ba sa Vander Mafia ang tungkol sa

Genesis where my father belongs. But should I trustbthe Vander Mafia? I'm not sure
if they're a friend. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pwedeng kumampi. Or maybe I'll do
it myself.
"Wala. Forget about it Ryu. I also don't want to dig deeper about it. I just want
things to remain as it is", wika ko. I hope it was just easy as that.
"Amber, don't hold the gun if you can't pull the trigger. You decided to start
those things
so you have to finish it. There's no point in holding that gun if your purpose is
just to hold. Learn to fire a shot and then you can decide after that shot", he
said in a serious tone and he just used a methapor.
"I don't have the courage to pull it."
"Then you're a loser", wika niya.
Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Don't you used that term jerk dahil kotang-kota na ako
diyan! You know what, I just showed the whole Bridle High how much of a loser I
am!", wika ko sa kanya. Nagsimula na namang maglandas ang mga luha sa mata ko at
pinagtitinginan na kami ng mga tao. I immediately wiped away my tears. I can't let
those people see that I'm really a loser so I have to fix myself.
"Amber, wala ka bang sasabihin sa akin? Something that could be helpful to the
mafia?",btanong niya at nagtatakang napatingin ako sa kanya.
"After you left last night, I continued hacking information about that Rovan Allejo
III, and you know what?"
Nanlaki ang mata ko. "What?"
"They're a mafia organization who's obsessed with creating smartdrugs. And their
name is
Genesis", wika niya in his low voice. Napatutop ako sa bibig ko. I've been in grave
danger just to obtain information about that organization but Ryu did it by simply
sitting and clicking buttons and icons? How good really is Apollo the hacker?!
"Why do you seem surprised Amber? I know you know this already", wika niya. Of
course I
do. I'm just surprised by how he was able to obtain those information in a short
span of time.
"How did you do it?", I asked, dodging his first question.
"I hacked their site."
"What the hell?!"
"But I didn't got much. I was almost caught. Mabuti na lamang at napigilan ko ang
pagtrace ng hacking location. I guess Genesis got the legendary hacker which is
Trojan. He's popular for being the best and legendary hacker of all time but I
didn't expect that he really exists."
"At hindi ka nahuli?", kinakabahang tanong ko.
"Fortunately, yes. As of now I cannot hack them anymore. I can't even trace them
kahit konti", wika ni Ryu.
"Ano pa ang nakalap mong impormasyon tungkol sa kanila?"
He darted a dangerous stare at me. "I thought you don't want to pull the trigger?"
"But I can take the shot. I just decided to take the shot Ryu. I can't take to live
like this anymore", wika ko sa kanya. Who cares if my ice cream is melting?
"Information like they got the two people I'm hunting down. They used to be Pan and
Ganymede of Vander Mafia before but now they're known as Bismuth and Xenon. They
coded higher position with the name of an element while their subordinates are
coded with symbols. Pretty lame, huh?"
Gusto kong sabihin sa kanya na ang greek gods and goddesses na codenames din nila
ay lame din ngunit napansin ko ang kakaibang galit sa mata nito.
"What's with those two?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"They killed my Mom right in front of me kaya hindi ko makakalimutan ang mukha
nilang dalawa. Oh, by the way, Rovan Allejo got the codename Cooper."
Cooper! That's how Tito Benjamin calls him! Dati ko pang naririnig iyon sa kanila.
Tito Benjamin is Dad's brother. Hindi ako malapit sa kanila. Kami ni Mommy, maybe
because
Mom got amnesia kaya ilap sila kay Mommy. Hindi kasi maganda ang relasyon ni Mommy
sa mga kapatid ni Daddy. I'm not really sure if
they don't like her for Dad or what, hindi kasi nila masyadong pinapansin si Mommy.
Pero hindi rin naman nila tahasang pinapakita iyon. And that's how I used to be not
so close with my relatives. Well some relatives are
closed to Mom but not Tito Benjamin's family at dahil doon ay hindi rin kami naging
close ng pinsan kong si Rocel. She's older by three years at madalas ko siyang ina-
ate dati but she
doesn't like me at madalas akong inaaway dati.
"Cooper...", I sighed. "You told the mafia about it?"
He shook his head. "I only keep it to myself by now."
"Why? They aim to destroy Vander mafia!", I hissed.
"I know. I'll tell the mafia but not now. Kapag sinabi ko sa kanila, they will
order the best reapers and assassins to kill those traitors and I can't let that
happen. I want to kill them. They must be my first blood...."
Napatitig ako sa kanya. He is full of anger and hatred. Bakit madalas yata akong
makatagpo
ng tao na malaki ang galit? Now they'vebinfluenced me. I want to hate my father
too. Ngayon ay alam ko na ang pakiramdam ni Gray when he found out that he's a son
of a mafia boss.
My phone rang kaya agad kong sinagot iyon ng makita na si Mommy ang tumawag.
"Mom."
"Sweetheart I'm at the mall, the one nearest to Bridle. If your class is over,
puntahan mo lang
ako dito ha?", she said through the line.
"I don't have class Mom", pagsisinungaling ko. "Nasa foodcourt po ako."
"Okay sweetie. I'll fetch you there", wika ni Mommy at pinatay ang tawag.
"Sorry about it", baling ko kay Ryu. "It's my mom who called. May usapan kasi na
magkikita kami."
"Your Mom", he asked and a hint of yearning glowed in his eyes. "I think I have to
go but I have to thank her first for the cookies. Silly me. Alam mo bang naiisip ko
ang mama ko sa mama mo? They also have the same taste of
baked cookie. Even if I'm only three years old when I last tasted it, hinding-hindi
ko malilimutan iyon. Maybe they just had the same recipe. If I don't remember my
Mom's face, I would have thought that she's my Mom but of course it's impossible. I
saw with my own eyes the explosion of the car at buntis pa siya nung mga panahong
iyon. My sister should
have been the same age as you."
"Sister?", I asked.
"Yeah. An unborn sibling. Though we haven't really had an ultrasound, I know Mom is
carrying a baby girl. Tsk. Why am I telling you this?", he asked with a smirk.
"Finally! Hi Amber!"
Napatingin kami ni Ryu sa nagsalita. It was Mnemosyne. She was holding paperbags
too at
agad niyang inabot iyon kay Ryu. I gave her a fake smile dahil wala akong ganang
ngumiti
ngayon. Not after all that happened to me.
"You ungrateful and handsome creature! Why did you just leave me?!", wika niya kay
Ryu who chose to ignore him. I thought she's going to say 'ungrateful jerk' but she
didn't. Uh, what do I expect? He's the boss and she's just a reaper. And she's
after him too.
"Because I can", walang ganang sagot ni Ryu.
"Oh, let's just ignore him Amber", Mnemosyne said and smiled at me. "You're alone?
I shook my head. "I'm seeing my Mom."
"Yeah and that's me. Hi!", bati ng bagong dating na si Mommy. She kissed my hair at
ngumiti kay Ryu. "Hi there Ryu!", bumaling naman siya kay Mnemosyne at ngumiti
dito.
"And this pretty lady is?"
"Oh, hi Maam! I'm Mnemosyne, Amber's friend", wika nito. Tsk, we're not really
friends but I didn't object.
Saglit na natigilan si Mommy at tinitigan si Mnemosyne.

"Stefanie...."
Nagulat si Mnemosyne at maging si Ryu ay gulat na napatayo at napatingin kay Mommy.
"Did you just said Stefanie Maam? That's my name, how do you know it? Hindi kita
kilala",
wika ni Mnemosyne. I knew her reaper instinct is active, trying to assess whether
Mom is a
threat or not.
Yes, I have read in the files I found in Athena that Mnemosyne's real name is
Stefanie. But why did Mom mumbled it?
"Sorry about that. I just had this little girl in my dreams na madalas kong
sinusuklayan. I
call her Stefanie and I thought that was you but I guess not. Maybe it's Amber's
cousin
Stephanie. Sorry. I'm Amethyst Sison, you can call me Tita Amy", she said and
hugged Mnemosyne just like what she did with Ryu at mas lalo namang nagulat si
Mnemosyne sa pagyakap nito. I really had a cousin named Stephanie and maybe that's
the Stefanie that Mom saw in her dreams.
"I'm really sorry dear, I just thought that you're that little girl with a big
ribbon", Mom said at bumaling sa akin. "Sweetie, you got pretty friends."
I smiled at her ngunit hindi nakatakas sa paningin ko ang kakaibang tingin nina Ryu
at Mnemosyne like they just found out something interesting.
"Ryu, Mnemosyne mauna na kami sa inyo", paalam ko sa kanila at hinila si Mommy

palayo doon. Mom bid them goodbye at lumayo na kami. Kakaiba kasi ang tingin nila
and I sensed something.
I hope they are not thinking of something that will harm my Mom in any way. But if
that happens, I will protect her by any means if ever.
******************************
Join DF on facebook! Just search DETECTIVE FILES by Shinichilaaaabs. Thank you!
CHAPTER 36: VAGUE TRUTH

Chapter 36: Vague Truth
For Maam B, Thank you!
***************************
I sat near on the floor near the comfort room. Filter immediately run towards me
and he wagged his tails. He sat on my lap but he faced me, still wagging his tail.
It's past 12 in the morning and I had a long and tiring day. I had a wrong
deduction and left school. Alas dyes ng gabi na ako nakabalik sa dorm after Mom and
we visited Fortune Cookie,
the famous soothsaying house. Maaga kaming umalis doon at sinadya ko lamang na
matagal makauwi to avoid judgmental stares of people.
I expected already that if Bridle would see me, they would be thinking about what
happened
kanina at sasabihan ulit ako ng loser. But being a school loser and the campus
laughing stock slash talk of the school for the
wrong deduction is least of my concerns now.
I made an imaginary heirarchy of matters need to be done and it was the last one.
As of now, I
have my father, the Genesis and Mom's memory. I recalled what happened when Mom
consulted Cookie, the soothsayer.
"Amethyst", wika ng babaeng nakasuot ng makulay na gamit. She was thoroughly

covered
with colorful fabrics at tanging mata lamang ang nakikita mula dito.
"Kilala mo ako?", hindi makapaniwalang wika ni Mommy.
"Narinig ko lamang."
"Oh. So it's really true that you've got the clairaudience ability as sixth sense",
komento ni Mommy. I sat on the sofa on the side while pumwesto naman si Mommy sa
harap ng medium. The place is weird and creepy at masakit sa mata ang kulay ng ilaw
but I endure it all at nakamata lang sa kanila.
Bahagyang tumango ang medium. She stared at Mom for a while bago nagsalita. "Ano
ang maipaglilingkod ko sa'yo?"
"I want to ask something about my dreams and vision. I'm not a psychic like you,
the visions that I'm talking about ay sanhi ng pagkawala ng alaala ko. So I have
this consulted to you. I always
see a little boy in my visions and
dreams. Who do you think he is?"
The medium tapped her gloved hands on the table. Paulit-ulit niya iyong ginawa na
para bang may pattern or was it part of her rituals?
"I'm sorry pero hindi saklaw ng kakayahan ko ang pasukin ang iyong panaginip. Maari
kong masagot iyan sa hindi direktang paraan. Tarot cards", she said. What was her
name again?
Cookie? I guess that's it.
"So be it", Mom said. Cookie laid cards infront of her and began murmuring words
that only
she can understand. She rolled her eyeballs in a weird manner and I thought she was
having some attacks but she wasn't. Mukhang bahagi iyon ng pagiging medium niya.
Bumunot siya ng isang baraha at inilapag iyon sa harap ni Mommy.
"Deception."
Napatayo ako at masinsinang tumingin kay Cookie. Deception?

"Nabubuhay ka sa kasinungalingan", wika nito at bahagyang napaisip si Mommy.
Yes Mom, we do.
"Mag-ingat ka sa taong malapit sa iyo. Siya ang kumokontrol sa buhay mo."
"What does that suppose to mean?", Mom asked. The medium picked another card and
laid it front of her.
"Malalaman mo sa nalalapit na panahon. At isang hindi inaasahang pangyayari ang

magaganap sa buhay mo", wika ulit nito.
"Can you exactly tell me what will happen?"
Umiling ang medium. "Hindi ko masasabi pero ang mga naririnig ako ay malakas na
tunog ng musika na tila ba mula sa kasiyahan."
"A party?"
"Malamang. Vincit omnia veritas", she said.
"Pardon?"
Lumapit ako doon at hinarap si Mommy. "It's the Latin phrase for truth conquers all
Mom."
Hinarap ko ang medium na aware sa presensya ko. "Are you saying we're up to some
truth revelation?"
Tumango ulit ito. This medium seems limited with her talking than I imagine
soothsayers. Iniisip kong madaldal ang mga ito to satisfy their customers but this
one is different. Hindi niya kailangang piliting maniwala sa kanya ang mga tao by
explaining deeper. And maybe that's what makes her the reliable one..
"Babalik ang lahat sa dati. Status quo ante bellum."
"What's what?", tanong ni Mommy but she didn't answer. Sa halip ay tila muling
inatake ito and when she stop her eyes seemed drowsy.
"Cookie? Ano ang ibig sabihin niyon?", tanong ulit ni Mommy but her eyes is
different from what it was kanina. Ngayon ay tila pagod na pagod ito.
"You may now leave", wika ni Cookie at niligpit ang mga tarot cards.
"What? But we aren't satisfied with your service yet!", wika ko. Napalakas yata ang
boses ko but she didn't even flinch a little.
"Customer satisfaction is not part of my service. I just give you an overview of

what lies ahead or even in a retrospective manner. Now if you want a detailed
prophecy, you came to the wrong house. You should consult a book
because detailed prophecy are can be found only in stories", wika niya and I was
surprise
of how fluent she was. Her attitude shifted from being the serious medium na sa
tingin ko
ay gumagamit ng mga malalalim na salita into a fierce well-spoken lady. I shouldn't
have been surprised. She's good in Latin so there's no sweat with the universal
langguage too. I had a feeling that she's still young.
"We're sorry. Thank you for your service", wika ni Mommy at bahagyang yumuko. She
pulled me out from that room at naghulog ng tatlong libo sa fishbowl na may mga
pera which I believe na lalagyan service fee.
"Filter what do you think will happen tomorrow? I'm wrecked tapos baka may bagong
club pa dito sa Bridle bukas with the
name Amber Sison Hate Club. Oh, that's not me. Maybe Amber Allejo", wika ko kay
Filter. He just stared at me with his tounge out. "Let's call it a date Filter,
goodnight."
I woke up earlier than I used to. Sinadya ko iyon at nang hindi ako maabutan nina
Andi at Therese. I know they would talk to me regarding what happened yesterday and
I don't want to.
Matapos maligo ay agad akong nagbihis at nagpunta sa rooftop ng isa sa building ng
Bridle. Aside from the library, it's one of my favorite place that I always visit
kapag ganitong sarado pa ang library noon. Papasikat pa lamang ang araw kaya medyo
madilim pa ang paligid. Sumandal ako sa railings na naroon at tiningnan ang unti-
unting pagsibol ng araw.
"Sabi na nga ba na nandito ka."
I looked back on who owned the voice. Jeremy.
"Je."
"Good morning Amber", bati niya. Where's the Bestie thingy? I guess if he doesn't
call me Bestie, his mood is serious.
"Good morning Je. How do you know I'm here?", tanong ko sa kanya. He was already in
his uniform too. Mukhang maaga din itong naghanda but for what purpose? "Ang aga mo
yata ngayon?"
He shrugged his shoulders at sumandal din doon. His gaze was fixed on the rising
sun too.
"I was hoping to see the girl that I used to see in this spot or the library
before."
I looked at him intently. He must be referring to me.

"Je...."
"We used to be on the same boat, right? Kaya alam ko. This place is one of those
loved by nerds", wika niya and he smiled. "I don't
exactly have the idea of how do you feel right now Amber but you can let it go."
I felt the urge to cry but I try my best not to. "Perhaps there's nothing worse
than reaching the top of the ladder and realized that you're actually on a wrong
wall."
"Well we do learn from our mistakes Amber. And from that errors, we correct our
own. I know you have so much worries at dumagdag pa iyon kahapon. But it's been
taken care of. I hope it will make you less worry Amber."
Kunot ang noo na napalingon ako kay Jeremy.

"You didn't have a wrong deduction. Tricia really did pushed Joseph accidentally
but he was able to took hold. There's a small platform there which helped him.
Tricia ran away dahil sa takot and Joseph was able to climbed up again. Saka pa
lamang dumating si Mitchell
where she had a little fight with him and for the second time ay naitulak siya but
intentionally this time. The rest goes Math's
deduction so basically, yours and Math's deduction is right", wika ni Jeremy. So my
deduction just lacks and so as Math's?
"How do you know all of that Jeremy?"
"Gray reinvestigated the case after you left. Tricia admitted it after Gray spilled
everything. He also made a public remark that you're not a loser and you doesn't
had a wrong deduction",
sagot ni Jeremy at napaamang ako. Gray did that?
"I.... I don't know what to say....", wika ko. Even if he did so, what if the
student still think that I'm a loser?
"Cheer up Amber. Bridle owes you an apology", wika ni Jeremy. He gave me an

assuring smile. "Now let's talk about your other worries. What was it about?"
I don't want Jeremy to involve into my worries and troubles so I decided to keep it
to myself. Hinila ko siya at inakbayan.
"Hali ka na nga Bestie", wika ko sa kanya. "Libre kita ng breakfast."
He giggled when I said the word Bestie. He punched the air with excitement at
gumanti ng akbay sa akin. "Madaya ka. But it's okay if you will not tell now. And
oh, the best things in the world are free foods!"
As Jeremy and I walked on the school grounds ay may mga ilang estudyante na ang
bumati
akin and some apologized. It relieved me somehow. Mas dumami pa ang nag-apologize
when it was breaktime and we're sitting on the cafeteria. I gave them genuine
smiles after their apology.
"Grabe Amber! Dapat pala hindi tayo nagcompete. We should have collaborated
instead!", nakangiting wika ni Math.
"Ikaw lang naman ang nakikipagcompete eh", bulong ni Jeremy. "Yabang mo kasi,
mabulunan ka sana."
"Jeremy?"
"Yes Math?", he asked.
"Are you saying something?"
"Am I?"
"Ay ewan. Thank you nga pala Gray, you saved Amber", wika ni Math at bahagyang
hinimas ang braso ni Gray. Je darted the fork on her position ngunit agad ding
ibinaba iyon ng lumingon si Math sa kanya.
"Ganyan kasi yan. OTP kasi sila", wika ni Jeremy. "Ayiiiii!"
I raised a brow on him. "OTP?"
"One true pair! Ganun!", he answered hyperly. Math frowned at him samantalang
nagpokerface lamang kaming dalawa ni Gray. Where does he got that acronym?
My phone rang and Mommy was calling me again. I excused myself at agad na sinagot
ang tawag niya.
"Mom..."
"Sweetie, I had a little request. Be bad even once and ditch school, please?", she
asked in a
low voice. My parents really think that I'm the epitome of a perfect student. I
always ditch school, unbeknownst to them.
"Sure Mom, for you but bakit naman po?"
"My friend Solenn is troubled. She's a a phycisian at Vergara Private Hospital and
her father Dr. Abraham Murillo is a patient there too and unfortunately, he just
died last night. Heart condition, so I decided to visit Solenn and at the same time
have a consultation with a doctor regarding my condition. Please come with me."
"Okay mom, I'm ditching class now. Can you pick me up at the mall or we'll meet at
the hospital?", tanong ko sa kanya. Vergara Private Hospital is not far from here.
It's just a 45 minutes' drive from Bridle kaya
okay lang kung doon na kami magkita.
"Let's meet at the hospital dear. Thanks. I love you."
"I love you too Mom."

Bumalik na ako sa mesa kung nasaan sina Jeremy. "I'm ditching school."
"Again?"
"Mom just called. Kailangan naming pumunta sa hospital for her check-up", paalam ko
sa kanila. "I have to go." Hindi na sila nagtanong pa at nagpaalam na lamang sa
akin.
Dahil nagmarka na sa guard ang mukha ko kahapon, I used the backdoor exit. Madali
lang naman iyon kaso madamo nga lamang. I cannot use Khael's means of enetering
Bridle dahil
masyadong mataas ang mga wall at isa pa ay nakasuot ako ng palda. After I passed
the exit ay naghintay ako ng taxi. Hindi naman nagtagal ay may dumating at agad
akong nagpahatid sa nasabing ospital.
Mom was already there when I arrived and she was with a woman in her late 40's. She
was
wearing a labgown like doctors always wear kaya naisip kong isa itong staff ng
ospital.
"Oh here's my daughter Amber", wika ni Mom nang makalapit ako sa kanila. She kissed
my hair at ipinakilala ako sa doktora. I smiled at here at inilahad ang palad ko.
"Hello Doktora, my name is Amber."
Gumanti ito ng ngiti at tinanggap ang palad ko. She kissed my cheek and greeted me
too. "Hi Amber. I'm doctor Solenn Murillo. Let's go to the doctor's lounge."
She lead the way at sumunod naman kami ni Mommy sa kanya. Truth is I hate
hospitals. I
mean I hate being a patient. Hospital is one of the places full of suffering.
People are suffering to survive. So basically a hospital is not a lovable at all.
She opened the door and offered seat for us. It was a small yet cozy office from
the lounge.
"This is actually the office of Papa bago pa man siya maging pasyente dito. He's a
surgeon but unfortunately, he's old and he had a heart condition, he just died last
night. Maybe hindi na niya nakayanan." Tears started
to fell from the doctor's eyes. "Ang totoo niyan ay ilang beses na siyang nasugod
sa ospital. He's old and he's not able to endure the pressure of medication. He's a
doctor so he
knows that it's not easy to be a patient."
"It's okay Solenn. God will always help us", pag-alo ni Mommy sa kaibigan niya. I
just sat there and stared at them. "Just think of him na para bang kasama mo pa rin
siya."
"He is old and strict but I still love him. Must be his way of showing love to me
and he never
get tired of showing me his love by being strict despite my age. Not that I'm
against to it, no.
Nasanay na ako sa kanya kahit na pinapalo pa rin niya ako kapag nagkakamali ako
kahit
malaki na ako. Suffer the pain till you get used to it and it won't hurt no more,
that's what he always tell me kaya magpapakatatag ako para sa amin."
I just stared at her while listening to her words.
"Kung nasaan man siya ngayon, I'm sure he don't want to see you hurting like this.
Surely, he doesn't want to see you crying", pag- alo ni Mommy. Marami pa itong
sinabi kay Dra. Solenn to make her feel better and I was wondering why I didn't
inherit her advising power. Matagal din silang nag-usap tungkol doon before their
subject shifted.
"By the way Amy, didn't you said that you want to have your memory checked? I have
a specialist to recommend. Hali ka, let's see him", wika ng doktora at sumunod ulit
kami ni Mommy sa kanya. "He's good in Psychotherapy and hypnosis so he's the best
person for this."
On the way ay nakasalubong namin ang isang medical representative. Napansin ko ang
kakaibang aura sa pagitan nina Dra. Solenn at ng medical representative. She smiled
at Mommy na para bang narecognize niya ito.
"Hi Amethyst. Kumusta ka na? I never seen you in years", wika ng medical
representative. Mom respectfully smiled at her.
"Sorry but I don't recognize you. I had an amnesia way back so I find it hard to
remember all of you, sorry", wika ni Mommy. "But you are?"
"She's Berna Ordineza. The social climber who fooled the old man", sagot ni Dra.
Solenn and it confirmed my suspicion.
They're not in good terms.
"Move on Solenn. After all I did love your father at hanggang ngayon ba naman? I
just went here upon hearing the news."
"Pera lang ang habol mo sa kanya! Sino ang maniniwalang minahal mo nga ang lalaking
halos tatay mo na dahil sa agwat ng edad ninyo! I wonder how do you sleep at night
after you had-"
"Tumahimik ka! Anong klaseng doctor ka! Atleast respect your workplace!', wka naman
ni Berna sa kanya. Bahagyang huminahon si Doktora at hinarap ulit ito.
"Dad died. Siguro naman ay masaya ka na? After all he's the reason why you didn't
become a doctor at naging medical representative na lamang! Dahil sa nangyaring
scandal tungkol sa pagkatao mo!"
Mapaklang tumawa si Berna. "Oh come one! Baka ikaw ang magiging masaya kapag nawala
na ang daddy mo. Isn't he so strict to you kahit na napakatanda mo na? You must
have hated him."
Mukhang umiinit na ang usapan sa pagitan nila kaya nakisingit na si Mommy. "Excuse
me Solenn, but can you accompany me to that doctor that you're saying? May lakad pa
kasi ako."
Saka lamang tila naauhan ang dalawa. Nagpaalam na si Berna kay Mommy. Looks like
they know each other bago pa man
magkaamnesia si Mommy kaya nakilala siya nito. Dra. Solenn apologized to us at
sinamahan
na kami sa sinasabi niyang doctor. Ipinakilala ni Doktora Solenn si Mommy sa isang
middle-aged doctor. He was Dr. Lorenzo Mayuman.
He examined Mom inside his private office kaya naiwan ako mag-isa sa labas dahil
bumalik
naman sa trabaho niya si Dra. Solenn. I wander around the hospital at tiningnan ang
mga pinto ng naroong private rooms.
Napatigil ako sa paglalakad ng makilala ang isang taong lumabas mula sa emergency
room.
It was the reaper Hermes.
Natigilan din ito nang Makita ako. He smiled at me at lumapit.

"Hey! The Vander's girl!"
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at natatawang inulit niya ang sinabi. "Ibig kong sabihin
ay hello Amber, what are you doing here in a hospital?"
Napansin kong marami itong pasa sa mukha at bali din ang isang kamay nito. He got a
big
dressed wound on his head too.
"Anong nangyari sa'yo?"
Hindi pa aman ito nakasagot ay muling bumukas ang pinto ng emergency room at
iniluwa niyon ang sugatan ding si Eros. He got a casted knee and a dressed wound on
his tummy. Hulaan ko nga, they fought with each other again and ended up beating
each other too much.
"Ikaw din Eros?"
He giggled at me and darted a dangerous look at Hermes.

"Ambs! Anong ginagawa mo dito?"
"Baka naglalaba", pamimilosopo ni Hermes. I rolled my eyes at him. He just asked

the same question at me at ngayon ay pinipilosopo nito si Eros.
"Shut up Hermes! You almost stabbed me to death. Humanda ka kapag nakarecover ako",
wika niya niya. Uh, just as I thought.
"Nagpatayan ulit kayo?"
"We always do kasi part yun ng training naming dalawa."
"Oh yeah pero mukhang nasobrahan yata kayo. You two ended in the hospital eh?
Great!", pangangatyaw ko sa kanila. These two reapers are weird but Artemis is
weirder. Sa tuwing naglalaban kasi ang dalawa ay palagi itong nanunuod at nagtsi-
cheer pa na tila ba amazed na amazed ito sa nangyayari.
Bahagyang bumulong sa akin si Hermes. "Well yeah but it's actually an assignment."
Napangiti rin si Eros.

"Yeah reaper's duty."
"Wait! You're going to kill someone here? What the hell?", tanong ko sa kanila.
Hininaan ko rin ang boses ko dahil baka marinig kami ng mga ilang tao na dumadaan
sa hallway ng ospital.
"It's not like that. Reapers like us cannot kill in a place na maraming tao gaya ng
ospital. If
that's the case, the mafia should have asked the stealth assaulter Red or the
sniper Ares. Our task is just to find some information.
Gotta go Amber", Eros said at bahagyang tinapik ang balikat ko. Nagpaalam na din si
Hermes and he went to a different direction.
I decided to go back to Dr. Mayuman's office ngunit napansin kong nagkakagulo sa

may ICU. I looked at the people in the area at mukhang may nangyayari yata sa isang
pasyente. The nurses are busy as they went out of the units.
"Grabe, namatay na si Mr. Fellon ano? Hindi katulad nung kay Mr. Murillo, hindi ba
ang
lakas pa niya? When I left him yesterday, he's fine and coping. Ako kasi ang
nakatokang magrounds kagabi and he was just lying fine there. Sinabi pa nga niya sa
akin na mukhang
makakalabas na ulit siya. I didn't expect na mamamatay na siya. My God!"
Nagulat ang kausap nitong nurse. "Ha? Do you think it was contrived?"
"Naisip ko rin talaga iyan. Hindi kaya naging biktima din siya ng maling
prescription katulad ni Mrs. Durano? Naalala mo ba yung pasyenteng namatay few
weeks ago dahil sa maling prescription ni Dr. Ramos?"
"Oo! Yung matandang babae sa 204. Oo nga pala ano , pero wala na si Dr. Ramos, he's
already suspended who could have given him wrong prescriptions?"
"Ewan ko ba. Sige na Jean, una na ako sayo." Naghiwalay na ang dalawang nurse and I
was
left upon hearing their conversation. Is it possible na may nagbigay nga ng maling
prescription gaya ng napag-usapan ng dalawang nurse? My God, I need to see Dra.
Solenn and tell her about it! I immediately rushed towards the doctors' lounge
ngunit bigla na lamang akong nabundol ng isang pigura.
"Opps, sorry..."
It was Miss Berna, the medical representative. Mukhang nakikinig din ito sa usapan
ng mga nurse. Nagmadali itong umalis matapos humingi ng depensa. Nang makarating
ako sa doctors' lounge ay sakto namang lumabas si Dra. She was with a middle-aged
guy in hippy clothing.
"Umalis ka na dito Osler!"
"Narinig kong namatay si Tito Abraham. Totoo ba?"
"Wala kang pakialam sa Daddy ko!", wika ng doktora.
"Look Doktora, kahit ayaw mo ay may pakialam ako kay Tito Abraham. He's the one who
nurtured me as I was growing up at-"
"At isa ka sa makikinabang sa mga naiwan niya? Tell me Osler, nagpunta kaba rito sa
ospital
para makiramay o icheck kung may mamanahin ka? I'm telling you, walang kahit isang
kusing ang makukuha mo mula sa kanya!", galit na wika ni Dra. Solenn. "Ginamit niyo
lang lahat si Daddy, mga mapanlinlang!" Nagsimula na itong umiyak at parang wala
lamang iyon sa kanyang kausap. "Excuse me...." She said at muling pumasok sa
loob. I followed her and watch her cried. I cleared my throat for her to know I'm
here.
"Amber, ikaw pala."
"May sasabihin po sana ako sa iyo doktora Solenn, I heard the nurses are talking
about how positive your Dad is about getting well, ayon sa kanila ay posibleng
naging biktima ito ng maling prescription."
Nagulat naman si Dra. Solenn sa sinabi ko. She paused for a while at naglalagan na
ulit ang
mga luha nito. "Maling prescription?"
"Opo."
"I suggest na kailangan nating magpagawa ng isang autopsy sa bangkay", suhestiyon

ng lalaking tinawag nitong Osler. Sumunod pala ito pagpasok
namin. He glanced at me for a while at sinamaan ako ng tingin.
"I wouldn't give permission to it! Katawan ng ama ko ang pinag-uusapan dito!", wika
ni Dra. Solenn.
"Pero iyon lamang ang paraan upang mapatunayan nating may nagkamali nga!"
"Umalis ka na Osler!", wika nito. The guy sighed bago lumabas. Mukhang ayaw talaga
itong makita ng doktora. Naiwan na lamang kaming dalawa doon.
"Doktora...."
"It's hard for me to allow it but if that's the only possible way, we can do it."
Tumawag siya ng mga doktor and told the them about her, granting a body autopsy for
his Dad. Her dad's body was on the morgue and it will be brought to the pathology
lab tomorrow.
Naging abala ito doon and I was left at the doctor's lounge waiting for her or mom.
When I felt boredom ay muli akong naglibot sa kabuoan ng ospital. I went to the
ground floor and walked on the white path hanggang sa marating ko ang sign na
HOSPITAL MORGUE.
The door opened and some guys in a surgical gown brought a cadaver na nasa isang
tila cabinet. There were lots of steel cabinets there at gaya ng mga nakikita ko sa
mga palabas, doon nilalagay ang unclaimed dead bodies. Nang makaalis ang mga
lalaking kumuha ng bangkay ay nagmadali na rin akong umalis doon.
Unfortunately, hospitals are one of my hated places due to creepiness. They are
said to be hunted with souls na mula sa mga namamatay doon. Tumawag si Mommy sa
akin kaya agad ko iyong sinagot. She asked me where I was kaya nagmadali na akong
bumalik sa doctors' lounge kung saan ito naghihintay. Pagdating ko doon
ay kausap nga nito si doktora Solenn. They were talking about her father.
"Dad suffered too much already. I think it's better this way upang hindi na siya
mahirapan pa. He may act too strong but he's suffering too much", umiiyak na wika
nito. "But ngayong naging usapin pala sa ospital ang pagkamatay nito, I guess I
have no other choice but to allow an autopsy upang mapatunayan kung may mali nga ba
sa prescriptions doon."
"Solenn, everything will be fine soon. Don't strain yourself about it", wika ni
Mommy. She smiled at me nang naupo ako sa tabi niya at nagmasid sa kanilang dalawa.
"I hope so Amy. But....." Bigla na lamang itong natigilan at napatingin sa amin.
"But what?"
"He didn't have prescriptions! His last medications are his usual ones and I don't
think... oh my God! Someone must have
sabotaged his medicines!", wika ni Doktora Solenn. "I need to know who's his nurse
last night."
"Can we go with you?", mom asked nang tumayo si doktora Solenn.
"Yes, but we'll do it later. I still have duty, can you wait for me a little longer
Amy? My shift will end at 1 PM, then let's have a late lunch."
Pumayag si Mommy and we stayed at the doctors' lounge a little while. It's almost
12 at hindi pa naman kami nagugutom. We can also have a little snack at the
hospital cafeteria but Mom doesn't want hospital food.
"Mom why don't we help doktora a little by asking the nurse on duty kanina?", I
asked
Mommy at nang pumayag ito, agad kaming nagpunta sa nurse station at nagtanong-
tanong
doon. The head nurse told us that a certain Marie Garsula was assigned kanina.
"She must have changed the medicines", wika ko sa kay mommy and she felt excited
about it too.
"Oh Dear, I guess we can really help Solenn", wika niya. "Naeexcite tuloy ako para
dito. It's not easy for her to grant the autopsy but she still did. But Sweetie,
who do you think could
have done it?"
Napangiti ako kay Mommy. It never crossed my mind that she will be investigating a
case
with me. "Four persons", I said, showing four fingers. "First one is Dra. Solenn
herself."
"What? She can't be the culprit sweetie", protesta nito which I beg to disagree.
One of the things that I learn much about is playing the victim's role. It could be
possible na ito ang gumawa niyon. "Remember Mom, Berna
said na istriktong ama si Dr. Murillo."
"Oh. And the second is that Berna. Sabi ni Solenn na hindi ito naging doktor dahil
sa scandal nila, tama ba anak?"
I winked at her. "Yes Mom. And the third one is the hippy guy that I saw, his name
is Osler. Ayon kay doktora ay may mamanahin ito sakaling mamatay man ang doktor.
Lastly is the nurse which the possible reason is still unknown."
"Sa tingin ko ay bukas pa masasagawa ang postmortem. Why don't we visit the morgue
Amber?", Mom suggested at agad ko naman iyong sinang-ayonan. Perks of having an
always-on-the go mother.
We headed to the morgue where I had been a while ago. We looked around the area at
pumasok sa morgue. I can still smell the stinging scent of the morgue due to the
formaldehyde at bahagya kong niyakap ang
sarili ko ng maramdaman ang malamig na temperatura.
"Excuse me", bati ni Mommy sa lalaking nakaupo sa gilid ng desk. Bahagya itong
tumayo at hinarap si Mommy.
"Ano po ang maipaglilingkod ko sayo Maam?"
"I just want to check Dr. Abraham Murillo's body. Can you show it to us?"
"Iyong subject for autopsy bukas? Sorry Maam but-"
"Please?", ngumiti ng napakatamis ni Mommy at napaganti na din ng ngiti ang lalaki.
"Sige po Maam. Sandali", he said and checked the logbook. Nang tila nakita na nito
ang hinahanap ay muli itong bumaling sa amin.
"Dito po Maam."
We walked through the large pile of steel cabinets and I knew that there are bodies
inside. Nang mahanap na namin ang pangalang Dr. Abraham Murillo ay napahigit ako ng
hininga ng hinila ng lalaki ang drawer.
I gasped even more when we all saw the the cabinet was empty! What the hell?!
Empty? How could it be?
"Walang laman?!", gulat na wika ng lalaki.
"What do you mean? Are you sure this is the cabinet?", tanong ko sa kanya and he
nodded.
"Ako mismo ang naglagay dito matapos naming kunin iyon mula sa ICU kaninang
madaling
araw."
Someone must have kept the body! "Let's check the other cabinets", suhestiyon ko
and we started opening the cabinets but Dr. Murillo's corpse is nowhere to be
found.
"Imposible talaga..."
"Umalis ka ba dito sa pwesto mo? Or who guard here last night", tanong ko sa
lalaki. He thinks for a while saka it nagsalita.
"Ako lang mula kagabi at matatapos ang shift ko ng alas dos. Nag-CR ako saglit,
masama kasi ang tiyan ko."
"And no one's left here?"
Tumango ang lalaki. "Wala pa kasi yung papalit sa shift ko eh."
Napaisip ako for a while. The body is not in the morgue but it must have been
hidden in a cool place. Maliban sa morgue, ano pang cool place ang nasa ospital?
Naalala ko ang mga bangkay na inilabas kanina kaya itinanong ko ang tungkol doon.
"Kuya, nakita kong inilabas ang mga bangkay kanina. Saan po dadalhin iyon?"
"Ah, iyon ba? Pwedeng nai-claim na iyon o kaya naman ay dadalhin sa anatomy lab."
"Anatomy lab?", halos magkasabay naming tanong ni Mommy.
"Hindi lang ito ospital, it's a medical school as well. So kaya ang mga unclaim
corpses ay dinadala sa anatomy lab. They use the authorized body for dissecting."
I have a different feeling about this case. Bakit naman itinago ng salarin ang
bangkay ni Dr. Murillo? Is the one responsible for it trying to hide something?
Then it occured to me everything. Bumalik sa gunita ang mga narinig ko kanina. It

must have been that person who have done this!
"Mom, let's go back to the doctors' lounge and wait for Dra. Solenn there", yaya ko
kay
Mommy.
"Aren't we going to the anatomy lab dear?", she asked and I shook my head. I don't
think
there's a need for that. Pagbalik namin sa lounge ay nagliligpit na ng mga gamit
niya si Dra. Solenn as she gets ready for lunch.
We went to a nearby restaurant and had our late lunch. Napag-usapan nila ang mga
bumabalik na gunita ni Mommy. She's trying to help her regain the memories. Nang
mag-excuse ito at nagpunta sa CR ay agad ko siyang sinundan. She washed her hands
and she faced the big mirror.
"Doktora...."
"Oh Amber."
"Can I ask you something?", tanong ko sa kanya. Bahagya itong nagtaka but she was
able to maintain her composure. "Sure, what is it?"
"Did you hide the body in the dissecting room's freezer or you just switched the
name cards in the morgue?"
Nagulat ito at bahagyang napamaang. "Hindi ko alam ang sinasabi mo."
"No need to deny it. I know you performed mercy killing. You hate seeing him
suffer, so you performed it. Maybe you're the one who put something on his
dextrose..."
Biglang naglaglagan ang mga luha sa mata nito. "How do you know?"
Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "The hidden message in your words. He is old and strict but I
still love
him. Must be his way of showing love to me and he never get tired of showing me his
love by being strict despite my age. Not that I'm against to it, no. Nasanay na ako
sa kanya kahit na madalas niya akong pinapalo kapag nagkamamali ako kahit na malaki
na ako. Suffer the pain till you get used to it and it won't hurt anymore, that's
what he always tell me kaya magpapakatatag ako para sa amin. He must not suffer is
the hidden message, right?"
She smiled bitterly. "You're one smart girl. Yes, I did end his suffering. Kahit pa
mukhang
malakas siya, isa na siyang lantang gulay. Ang totoo niyan ay siya ang may gustong
mamatay na lamang. I used to object to it but now I agreed dahil nasasaktan ako
kapag nakikita siyang nagdurusa. It hurts to see him kapag nagkakaroon siya ng
seizures at atake so I agree to his idea and ended his suffering. Am I a bad
daughter?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I cannot judge you or condemn you about it doktora. I'm
not
qualified to judge people, in fact all people are. It's your own discretion so be
it."
She smiled and thank me bago kami bumalik sa mesa where mom is waiting. Matapos ang
lunch ay bumalik na kami sa ospital upang ihatid si Dra. Solenn doon bago umuwi. We
bid each other goodbye and decided to go home ngunit hinarang kami ng guard sa
entrance ng ospital.
"Excuse me Maam. Kayo po ba si Amy Sison?", tanong ng guard kay Mommy. Nagtataka
man ay sumagot pa rin si Mommy dito.
"Yes, bakit?"
"Nais po kayong makausap ng director ng ospital. Sumunod po kayo sa akin", wika ng

guard. Hindi ko alam pero kinakabahan ako habang dinala kami ng guard sa opisina ng
director.
Pagbukas ng pinto ay nakatalikod ang malaking swivel chair sa amin kaya hindi ko
makita kung babae ba o lalaki ang nasa likod niyon. I heard a different and
familiar clasping of metal. I looked for anything near me and found a
syringe at may bote pa ng sedative sa gilid. Kinuha ko iyon and keep it in my
pocket secretly. I heard the locking of doors after the guard left kaya mas lalo
akong kinabahan.
"Excuse me but the guard said you were looking for me", wika ni Mommy. I almost
held my breath when the swivel chair faced us at makita ang isang magandang babae.
She was wearing a labgown at mapanganib ang paraan ng pagngiti nito. She looks as
old as Mommy or she's younger a little. I'm pretty sure that she's not the director
dahil Dr. Marcos Vergara ang pangalang nakita ko sa labas.
"Hello Amy Sison", she said and pointed a gun at Mom. "Oh, I mean Sweet Vander
Morisson."
Nagulat si Mommy sa sinabi nito ngunit mas lalong nagulat ako.
Sweet Vander Morisson?!
"Excuse me? I'm Amy but who's Sweet? And who are you Maam?"
Napatawa ang babae. "Stop this nonsense Athena. I know that Cooper saved you from
that burning car. Walang may alam na tinraydor niya ang organisasyon and he keep
you somewhere. He saved you and your daughter. You must be the youngest Vander",
wika ng babae na ako ang pinatungkulan.
Para akong nastatwa sa kinatatayuan ko. I don't know what to do, what she just said
is like a bomb exploded in my mind. What's the Vander Mafia connection here? Who's
Sweet Vander Morisson? How is he connected to Ryu? And Cooper? Cooper is really
Dad?!
"Look Miss, I don't know what you are saying. Could you please put that gun aside?
You're scaring my daughter", wika ni Mommy. She was trying to be calm too but her
voice is not
shaking.
"Stop the charade Athena. Don't you recognize me? After all we used to love the
same guy Rionessi and fought over him", wika nito na hindi man lamang ibinaba ang
hawak na baril.
Rionessi! That's Ryu's father! Now everything is complicated now! If Mom is Ryu's
mother then I must be -
"I talked to Dr. Lennon and he told me about the surgery that Cooper asked. Tinago
niya iyon sa organisasyon pero hindi ninyo
maitatago sa akin ang tungkol dito. I saw with my own eyes that the real Amethyst
Sison died
few months after your reported death. She's at labor that time but unfortunately,
they had an
accident on their way to the hospital when hijackers robbed them on the way. Wala
dalang kahit anong armas si Cooper noon to prevent the hijackers and they ended
blowing up the car with the real Amethyst and her child inside. Cooper got mad and
desperate for losing two important people at naalala ka niya. So he resorted in
giving you surgery to retain his memory for his wife. Kabuwanan mo rin noong
mga panahong iyon diba? Then you delivered the youngest Vander which I presume is
this
girl here and the crazy Cooper loved the two of you like his own! I don't know if
you're still
faking that memory loss but -"
"She's not faking anything!", singhal ko sa babae. This is too much to hear for
now.
"Sino ka ba talaga?", tanong ni Mommy. I cannot tell if she's afraid or not but I
guessbshe is pero pinipilit lang niya ang sariling magpakatatag.
"Doesn't the name Preciosa Vergara rang a bell?", wika ng babae.
Preciosa Vergara! I read that name in Dad's file! Then everything is real! I don't
need to
confirm it from him! My God! Daddy...
"Let's put it this way, Vander mafia ex-reaper Andromeda but now I'm called Tin. "I
guess totoo ngang nawala ang alaala mo. My bad, nasabi ko sa iyo ang lahat but
don't worry, you won't remember it anyway since you will die today. Say hello to
death Athena", she said at tinangkang barilin si Mommy but I was able to seize the
gun and pricked the needle to her.
The doctor stared at the tiny puncture mark on her arm.
"I can't let you harm my mother. Don't worry doctor, it's just a sedative." Unti-
unti itong napaupo sa kanyang upuan bago ito nawalan ng malay.
I grabbed Mom to the door but it was lockded from the outside. I tried kicking the
door but it's not opening.
"Amber.... What's really going on here?", wika ni Mommy. Ngayon ko lamang napansin
na
umiiyak pala ito. I looked at her helplessly. Maybe one of the worst feeling is
seeing someone important to you crying. Actually we have the same question. What's
really going on
here?
I shrugged my shoulders at pinilit ang sarili kong maging matatag. "I don't know
Mom but
I guess I know some people who can give us answers."
I reached for the gun that Dra. Preciosa was holding kanina and shot it to the
door. It didn't make a loud bang since there was a silencer in it. Everytime I pull
the trigger ay napapakislot ako but the feeling of confusions
that are drowning me made me numb and mad. I'm afraid of guns yet I fearlessly shot
it just now. The door flung open at agad kong hinila si Momm palabas ng office. I
never imagined of going back to that place lalo na at kasama ko si Mommy but as of
now that everything is complicated, I guess it's our only refuge.
We rode the taxi and gave the directions. Mom is still crying beside me. She keeps
on asking
who is Cooper and what the organization is about but I remained silent.
I dialled for Cooler's number and it's not long when he answered it.
"Amber."
"Cooler, I'm heading there. Is Cronus around?", I asked. I heard him cussed a
little pero hindi ko iyon pinansin.
"Shit! Are you into him now? Ayaw mo talaga sa aki-"
"Cooler please, I'm in a desperate situation now so cut the comedy."
"What's the matter Amber? Yes he's here. Why?", tanong nito. I can hear a a noisy
background na para bang maraming tao doon.
"Are Ryu and his dad there too?"
"Hindi kita maintindihan Amber. You sound so serious and why are you looking for
them? Ano
ba ang problema? Yes, we're having a mafia meeting later so they're all here."
Perfect timing eh? I took a deep breath at bahagyang sinulyapan si Mommy na tahimik
na umiiyak at nakamasid din sa akin.
"Tell them that I'm heading there with someone named Sweet Vander Morisson and
meet me at the gate", wika ko at agad na pinatay ang tawag. I don't know what will
their reaction might be but I'm taking shots. When we arrived at the Vander estates
ay nasa gate nga si Cooler. He had the most serious face ever, and he was not
alone. He was with Artemis and Ares who are both bringing big weapons.
Sinalubong ako ni Cooler.Tiningnan niya ng masama si Mommy at hinila ako sa tabi.

"What's the meaning of this Amber? Why did you bring your Mom?"
.
I dodged his question. "Did you tell everyone about it?"
"Answer me first!"
"No. Ako ang sagutin mo Cooler", my voice raised a little and I saw the two reapers
watched us like a hawk. Para bang handa ang mga ito na patayin ako the moment I do
something to Cooler.
"No. I secretly told Cronus about it. He's considering on bringing you in the
conference room and face everyone", wika niya.
"Then good, let's go." I stepped away but Cooler was able to pull me. "What are you
doing Amber? If you're doing this for something or you're making stories sa ano
mang walang kwentang dahilan, alam mo na
ang kahihinatnan mo", he said with a worriedbexpression on his face. "Go home
before it's
too late."
"Cooler it's a do or die situation. I'm left in a situation where you've got no
choices. Lies and
death awaits home and I need confirmation and protection here and only Vander Mafia
can
give that", paliwanag ko sa kanya.
"I still don't get it Amber."
Binawi ko ang braso mula sa kanya. "Then let's go and see Cronus and Rionessi",
wika ko sa
kanya at nilapitan si Mommy.
"Let's go Mom."
"What's this all about Amber? Nalilito na ako..."
"We'll have it clarified Mom", wika ko at sumunod kina Cooler papasok sa loob. We
rode a car since the mansion was a bit far
from the gate. Hindi talaga maikakaila ang yaman ng mga Vander. Hindi pa rin
nagsasalita sina Ares at Artemis. Gone was the weird and cool Artemis that I
knew who would greet me and kiss my cheek.
Tahimik kaming bumaba sa sasakyan as we entered the mansion at pumasok sa isa pang
malaking silid at tumambad sa amin ang isang mahabang mesa na may mga tao. They're
in business suits and they look respectable. They must me mafia partners and big
fishes.
Nakatayo naman sa isang tabi sina Mnemosyne, Red at Hades.
There were also young people

standing on one side but I don't recognize them.
Everyone's gaze darted on us as we enter the door. Bigla na lamang napatayo si Ryu
mula sa
kinauupuan niya.
"Amber...? Tita Amy?" Nagtatakang tiningnan

niya kami. "Why did you brought them here Zeus?"
CHAPTER 37: LINKAGE
Chapter 37: Linkage
(Reposted. Nadelete kasi huhu! Hi nga pala kay Kiro_Yhan!)
***************************
"You m-must be Ryle..... My sister."
Hindi ako makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko when Ryu grabbed and hugged me so tight. He
buried his face on my neck at doon napahagulhol.
"Ryle....." The devil cried hard in front of me at bumalik sa alaala ko ang lahat
ng mga nangyari sa pagitan namin ni Ryu mula sa unang beses na tutukan niya ako ng
baril sa masquerade party nina Marion hanggang sa
mga sandaling ito. I can't believe that he's my brother. Of all things, it's the
least that I expected.
"R-Ryu...."
"Kaya pala may kakaiba akong nararamdaman para sa iyo. I thought I was like those
other Vanders who've been falling for you but now it's all clear to me. You're my
sister", he said while crying. He kissed my hair and hugged me more.
Nang bitawan niya ako kay hinarap naman niya si Mommy. "Mom..."
"Ikaw ang batang lalaki sa panaginip ko?", Mom said at napaiyak. "God, I really
want my
memory back. I guess I'll have to schedule another hypnotic session with Dr.
Lorenzo."
Naiyak si Mommy at niyakap si Ryu. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang naging resulta ng
cosultation niya kanina sa doctor but these things are getting clearer to her. To
us.
Sa gulat ko ay lumuhod sa harapan ko si Rionessi. "My daughter...." Tinulungan ko

siyang tumayo. I can't believe that he kneeled in front of me.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry please patawarin niyo ako.... Sa ilang taon na hindi ko
kayo nakasama."
As I saw him cried ay lumambot din ang puso ko. My father. My real father.
"Patawarin mo ako Anak. Forgive me for pointing my gun to you..."
"O-okay l-lang po..."
"Sandali lang Tartarus! We can't be sure that she's Athena! Bakit hindi natin siya
isailalim sa DNA testing?", suhestiyon ng isang babaeng nasa mesa. They were
looking at us like we're taping a soap opera.
Pinulot ni Rionessi ang kanyang baril at itinutok iyon sa babae. "Don't you dare
question me on-"
"Tama siya Tartarus. I also feel that this woman is my sister but we have to be
sure", wika ni
Cronus at ibinaba naman ni Rionessi ang kanyang hawak na baril.
"I'm open for it if that's the only way to answer all my questions. I always wake
up next to my husband after seeing another face in my dreams", wika ni Mommy.
Bumaling siya sa akin. "I always suspect your father of
something, I mean Bernard. Para kasing andami niyang itinatago sa atin. Eventhough
he's a good husband and father, nagtataka pa rin ako sa ibang mga ikinikilos niya.
I don't know about his other transactions other than those in our business."
"Mom..." Mas lalo pang naglaglagagan ang mga luha ko. Naaawa na ako sa tearducts
ko. Noong isang araw pa ito, it must be so tired by now for his nonstop task.
But if I'm Ryu's sister and we're Vanders, it means... Napatingin ako kay Cooler.
Gone was his lively and positive mood. I neither see anger nor happiness in his
eyes. All I see is a blank stare. If he's a Vander and so is Gray, it means that
we're cousins! Sumagi sa isip ko ang halik na nangyari sa pagitan namin ni Gray.
Whatthe hell? I'm all fucked up! My body and mind are tired and I cannot think
right. Pero bakit?! Bakit si Gray pa? Did I just kiss
my cousin? Naramdaman ko na lamang ang pag-ikot ng mundo and everything becomes
blurry. I felt my body softened at bago pa man ako tuluyang mawalan ng ulirat ay
nasalo na ako ni Ryu before I fall on the floor.
Nagising ako na nasa malambot na kama at nakatunghay si Ryu sa akin. The reapers
Mnemosyne and Poseidon were there too at namataan ko rin si Cooler na nakasandal sa
gilid.
"Ryle.... Are you feeling better now?", wika ni Ryu sa akin. I'm not used to him
being sweet and gentle to me. He just called me Ryle.
"She's tired physically and emotionally, I guess she needs rest Apollo", wika ni
Poseidon."Maybe let's leave her at bumalik na sa conference room."
"Wag mo akong diktahan sa gagawin ko Poseidon!", Ryu said in an authoritative

voice. Like father like son eh?
"Why don't you leave me and my sister alone? Hindi naman kayo kailangan dito.
Leave!"
"But Ryu-"
"I said leave. Ano ang hindi ninyo maintindihan doon Mnemosyne?", lalo pang lumakas
ang boses nito kaya hinila na ni Mnemosyne si Red palabas ng silid.
"How about you Zeus? Malamang hinahanap ka na nila sa pagtitipon", wika ni Ryu.
Lumapit si Cooler sa amin and he never left his gaze on me.
"The hacker is much important in the gathering than the transactor. Bakit hindi na
lang ikaw ang pumunta doon Apollo and give me a little time with my cousin?", wika
nito.
The word cousin rang in my ears. Yes. He's my cousin. I'm a Vander too so he's
absolutely my cousin.
"I can't leave Ryle-"
"Okay lang Ryu", wika ko sa kanya at naupo sa kama.
"But-"
"I'm really fine. Maybe you should go to that gathering", wika ko sa kanya.
"Where's my Mom by the way?"
"It's OUR Mom. She's with Dr. Fresco for DNA testing", sagot ni Ryu.
"Agad-agad?"
"Yes. The mafia has the power to put everything in an instant. Come on Apollo. I'll
take care of Amber", wika ni Cooler.
Napatayo si Ryu at tumango dito.

"I'll leave you for a while, okay?", tanong niya sa akin at bahagya akong tumango.
I'm really not used to him being this kind to me. Mukhang mas komportable pa ako sa
paraan ng pagtrato niya sa akin dati.
Nang makalabas si Ryu sa pinto ay saglit na namayani sa pagitan namin ang

katahimikan. I heard Cooler sighed bago ito nagkaroon ng lakas ng loob na
magsalita.
"I'm so surprised."
"So am I Cooler. Who would have thought that I'm living a fake life for eighteen
years", wika ko sa kanya. I thought my life is just simple, but it's all
complicated now. I'm raised by an enemy and my real family is actually the Vanders.
"I should say that you must be used to this. Nakakalungkot lang isipin na ang
babaeng nagustuhan ko is actually my cousin", wika niya at napatingin akong deretso
sa kanya. Despite being playful, Cooler is serious at times too.
"I don't know how to react to everything. It's all so abrupt and sudden....
Magigising ka na
lang isang araw na iba na ang musika sa buhay mo."
"We can't choose the music life gives us but we can definitely choose how we can
dance to
that music Amber. Being blood related is not what I'm expecting between us",
seryosong wika ni Cooler sa akin. "If ever it's proven that your Mom is really Tita
Sweet, what are you planning to do now Amber?"
"I don't know."
"Better decide by now."
"Hindi ko talaga alam Cooler", wika ko at unti-unti na namang naglaglagan ang mga
luha ko.
"Take me to Bridle please."
"But Amber-"
"Please Cooler. After all, I ditched school, I need to go back there. Tatawagan ko
na lamang si Mommy. Please keep her safe", wika ko kay Cooler. I know that the
Genesis will be after us kapag sinabi na ni Preciosa Vergara sa organisasyon ang
tungkol sa ginawa ni Daddy- err. I mean Cooper. Or Rovan Allejo III.
"Fine. Halika na", wika niya at lumabas ng pinto. I jumped from the bed and
immediately
followed him. Nang makasakay kami sa kotse ay tinanong niya ako.
"What if it's really proven that she's Sweet. Babalik ka ba sa Daddy mo- I mean the
one na nakalakihan mo?"
"I don't have a plan but I know the mafia will protect Mom."
"And you."
"What if puntahan ka nila dito? What are you gonna do? Maybe we'll have some
reapers to look after you", suhestiyon ni Cooler.
I don't know if he's anticipating any danger or what but having a reaper to guard
me like 24/7 isn't necessary.
I know that those people from Genesis are evil. I could only imagine the salivating
that they
would do as they hunt me or Mom kapag nalaman nila ang tungkol sa amin. I hope Dad-
I mean Rovan Allejo wouldn't be in danger too.
Cooler drove the car in a swift yet careful manner at hindi ko na lamang namalayan
ay nakapasok na kami sa loob ng Bridle. Just like I thought, the guards became his
best buddy
kaya malaya itong nakakapasok sa loob. When I glanced at my watch, it's past four
at malamang ay dismissal na rin ngayon. I would expect students would be passing
the school grounds sooner.
"Are you planning to tell Gray about this now?", tanong niya. He stopped the car in
front of the administration building but no one dared to step out the car.
"Hindi ko alam."
"Those are your most overused words Amber. When can you be certain of those things
that you don't know?" He asked and I saw how his dark an expressionless eyes darted
on me.
I shrugged my shoulders. "Hindi ko alam."
A groan escaped from his throat bago ko binuksan ang pinto ng kotse at lumabas
doon. Cooler did the same and he sat on the car's hood habang nakaharap sa akin.
"I'm not really comfortable of leaving you alone here Amber", wika niya. I can
sense the protective feeling in him and I really appreciate him. He's one of those
whom I know always got my back whenever I needed.
He sighed, puffing out his cheeks. Like he has no idea what to do with me. Well, he
doesn't have to do anything. I could take care of myself.
"Bestie!"
Sabay kaming napalingon ni Cooler sa direksyon na pinanggalingan ng boses ni

Jeremy. Like I had expected, he wasn't alone and is with Math and Gray, who's
darting his gaze suspiciously across me and Cooler.
"Hey Freezer! Gray's big bro!", Jeremy said with a grin. His not-so-funny words
don't fit the moment but I guess I'll just let him. After all he's clueless with
everything that's happening.
"He's Gray's big bro? Well I see the similarity", Math said with a smile nang
tuluyan na silang makalapit sa amin. "It really runs in the blood eh? In the
Silvan's blood."
"It's actually Vander", pagtatama ni Cooler. They already saw each other at Athena
but they
haven't talked since we left immediately with Cooler to chase the car where Phobie
was.
Bumaling si Cooler kay Jeremy and he smirked at him. "It's Cooler, not Freezer."
"I thought you're with your Mom? Kailan mo pa naging nanay si Cooler?", walang
kangiti-ngiting wika ni Gray. He was bad at joking, I knew it.
"He-he-he", sarkastikong tawa ni Jeremy and he cleared his throat. "Ahemm..

Supportive friend here."
"Well, she did-"
"I'm not talking to you Cooler."
"Awww! I'm still older than you", wika ni Cooler. "Can you atleast give me some
respect? I missed you baby bro, hug Kuya please-"
"What should I smash first, your car or your face?", Gray asked which made Cooler
pout and Jeremy laugh.
"How sweet of you baby bro. May sasabihin pa naman sana kami ni Amber sa iyo. It's
probably bad news for you-"
I heard Math shrieked. "Oh my God, you two are in a relationship?"
What the hell?
I'm too tired for this and I think we shouldn't be discussing this by now. When I
looked at Gray, there was this new sensation inside my chest. It had sparked up
when I saw him.
"We do", sagot ni Cooler and I saw Gray and Jeremy lost color. It's like I'm
watching a milk bottle empty.
"Do I need an interpreter?", Jeremy nosensically asked.
"What?"
"But it's not just like what you think, it'sbactually deeper than that", Cooler
said at mas lalong nawalan ng kulay si Jeremy at Gray. And it seems like Cooler is
enjoying it. I can see in Gray's face that he wants to smack Cooler in the face and
beat him up and smash him on the ground but Cooler laughed and I never had the
chance to find out if Gray is capable of such a tantrum.
"Just kidding. Amber still 'doesn't know what to do' so I'll leave that up to her.
I need to go
back to the mansion and check for the results if it matched, I'll call you right
away Amber", wika ni Cooler. He bowed at Math at nagpaalam sa aming lahat. He made
a little salute before he jump inside the car and left Bridle.
"Hey Bestie, how's ditching?", Je asked and their eyes are boring into me like they
just needed a testimony of my absence.
"Worst."
"Really? Umiyak ka ba Amber? Why do you look so- uh, wasted?", Math asked. And I
really do. I'm all wasted afterb
every revelation.
I don't want to talk about it right now so I pulled myself.

"I'm tired. I want to rest", wika ko and I turned my back to them and walked
towards the girls' dormitory. I knew they are following me dahil ihahatid nila si
Math, well that's their daily routine. Nang makarating kami sa bukana ng dorm ay
bahagya akong ngumiti sa kanila at nagpaalam bago ko tinungo ang hagdan.
I woke up tired and unrefreshed. I laid all night on my bed yet I feel like I
didn't sleep at all. I checked my phone and there were 21 missed calls from Dad.
Hindi ko namalayan ang pagtawag nito kagabi dahil iniwan kong nakasilent sa locker
ang cellphone ko. I read the three messages that he sent me.
"Hello Bumpkin! Do you know where your mom went?"
"Nak, hindi pa umuuwi ang mommy mo."
"Pick up the phone sweetie."

Nagtatalo ang kalooban ko kung magrereply ba ako sa mensahe niya o hindi. After a
while of
hesitation, I sent him my brief reply.
"She's somewhere safe."
I tossed the phone in my bag and hurried down towards the stairs for school.
Paglabas ko pa lamang napansin na sumabay
ang langit sa mood ko. The sky is grey and gloomy, threatening to pour a heavy rain
any moment now. I don't feel bad about the weather, in fact I found it very
cooperative. I went straight to class and it wasn't long before the class started
as the heavy rain poured. We were answering a seatwork when the teacher called my
attention.
"Amber Sison, you got a visitor", wika ng guro namin. When I raised my head to see
who it was, I didn't feel happy even if I am expecting his visit. Dati ay natutuwa
ako kapag pinupuntahan ako ng taong iyon sa Bridle but now, it's different.
I sighed before I raised from my seat and walked towards the door where Bernard
Sison slash Rovan Allejo III slash Cooper was
standing. He kissed my cheek at pakiramdam ko ay ako si Kristo at siya si Hudas. It
felt like it was a kiss of betrayal. We went to the indoor study benches at
naupo doon.
"Sweetie-"
"I know everything Dad", putol ko sa kanya. Pumiyok ang boses ko habang kausap ito.
After all he's been a good father even if I wasn't his child. He's been a good
husband even if Mom wasn't his wife.
Napayuko ito at napabuntong-hininga. "I know, Andromeda told me. Good thing she
kept it
from the organization."
Tumulo ang luha ko kasabay ng pagsalita ni Daddy. See, it's a direct admission
about all my previous confusions. I don't know how exactly I felt that moment. It
seems that my heart was ripped off my chest and has been stabbed many times.
"Bakit po?"
"You will not understand it by now Bumpkin-"
"Please stop the sweet names. It's killing me", I said between my sobs. I feel
crappy inside.
"Anak-"
"All this time I thought you're exactly what I imagined you to be Dad... No,
Cooper."
Basag ang boses ko at panay pa ang hikbi.
"Makinig ka sa akin Anak. I want you and your Mom back. Let's start something
fresh-"
"We can't. We're back to our original family and-"
Nawala ang kulay sa mukha ni Daddy. "What do you mean?" I know he already has an
idea about what I am saying but he still chose to ask me about it.
"She's simply back to where she belongs." I don't know if Dad can perfectly
understand my
words in this state. My tears are still pouring like the rain.
"You know the Vanders?", he asked. "How are you able to find them?"
"I don't only know them but I have befriended them long ago. You should have been
observant during my debut, there's actually
three Vanders there. Maybe you failed to recognize them, after all they're the new
generations of Vanders."
To my surprise ay napalitan ng galit ang mukha ni Daddy. He grabbed me by the arm

and I flinched when his grip felt like it's breaking my bones.
"Pumunta ka sa lungga ng mga

Vanders?! Alam mo ba kung gaano ka delikado iyon-"
"Bitawan niyo po ako! Nasasaktan ako!", I said and he let go of my arms. A look of
tenderness passed his eyes as he looked at the red marks forming from his grip.
"I'm sorry... Anak, please bumalik na kayo ng mommy mo sa akin..."
"I'm sorry but we won't. Alam niyo po, iniisip ko kung paano niyo naatim na kunin
kami ni
Mommy to satisfy your bereavement that moment not considering that you deprived us
to another child and man!"
For my eighteen years of existence, I never talk back to Dad even once. Hindi ko
alam kung bakit nagagawa ko ito ngayon. I wasn't just talking back, I'm actually
screaming on his face as we have this argument.
"Makinig ka muna sa akin Amber-"
"Tama na po please. Kapag may narinig pa akong kasinungalingan ay hindi ko na po

makakayanan", I said and I feel so weak and languid by now.
Just then my phone rang inside my pocket. It was Cooler. Nagtatalo ang kalooban ko
kung tama bang sagutin ko iyon but I decided to. Dad stared at me helplessly.
"Hello..."
"Amber, the results of the DNA were already here. And it's positive", wika niya at
nabitawan ko ang cellphone ko dahil sa panghihina. It made a loud crashing sound on
the concrete floor and I feel like I'll be bursting any moment from now.
"Amber... Please, makinig ka muna sa akin..."
"Umalis na po kayo", wika ko. I can hardly hear my voice at puro na lamang hikbi
ang naririnig ko.
"Amber...."
"Miss Sison? May problema ba dito?", tanong ni Maam Saderna who passed that way at
napansin marahil nito ang nangyari.
"Yes Maam. This man is bothering me."
"I'm sorry Sir, but you'd better leave by now bago ko pa ito ireport sa
institution", wika ni Maam Saderna.
"Look teacher, my name is Bernard Sison, Amber's father and we're just having some
misunderstandings here kaya iwan mo muna kami", sagot ni Dad dito.
"No maam. He's not my father", wika ko and stared directly at him. Nagulat ito sa
sinabi ko as pain and sadness passed his eyes. "Please call the security.
Maam Saderna got her phone and dialled a number. Nang tangkain akong yakapin ni Dad
ay umatras ako. I really don't know what to do right now.
"Amber please mag-usap muna tayo", pagsusumamo nito. I want to runaway from that
place. Hearing his voice cracked and
seeing him in a weak state softens me and makes me want to hug him and escape from
reality. This is too much to bear. My knees quiver and my eyes are cloudy nang
makita ko ang dalawang guard na may dalang payong. They rushed towards us to check
the situation.
"Ano ang nangyayari dito?", tanong ng head ng security. He looked at us with a

questioning
look.
"I guess that guy is bothering this student", wika ni Maam Saderna at tinuro si
Daddy.
"Totoo ba Miss?"
Dad looked at me helplessly. His eyes plead me to talk to him but now that I got
confirmation, I will not talk to him or atleast not now.
"Opo. Pakidampot po siya at ilayo dito. He's a threat to the school and to the
students as well", buo ang boses na wika ko. I turned my heels on Maam Saderna and
utter my gratitude
for her help. Matapos magpasalamat ay tumakbo ako palayo sa lugar na iyon and ran
towards the school grounds not minding Dad's pleading call.
A gust of wind sprayed me with freezing rain as I made my way to the open field.
Wala akong pakialam kung nababasa na ako mula sabmalalaking butil ng ulan. My tears
warmed up my face but still the rain felt ten times colder. It felt like I was
blasted in the face with frozen
buckshot or whatever I imagine it to be. I walked on the ground not minding the
puddle in the ground, permeating my shoes and soaking my socks in the cold water.
The cold wind passed me and I don't have any regrets of running out there soaking
myself. Wala akong
pakialam kahit pa magkasakit ako. I just want to cry and let go of everything!
I slowly sat on a bench there kahit pa basang-basa na ako. Dirts were on my socks
and I imagine what a tough voyage my shoes has been. I cried hard, letting the rain
mixed with my tears. I let go of the whimper that's been staying in my throat and
cried like a child who was being robbed with her favorite toy by a playmate. I put
my hands on my face and let my palm catch my tears.
Masakit sa balat ang ulan but I never mind it. It cannot compensate the pain that
I'm feeling in my heart. Naramdaman ko na lamang na tila tumigil ang ulan sa
pagtama sa katawan ko but it's still raining hard. Did the rain avoided me or my
body just became numb? I looked up
and saw a green ceiling of which I figure out that it's an umbrella. I traced who's
carrying it and I saw a worried
face.
"Please leave me alone", wika ko sa kanya. I don't want him to see me in this
state.
Soaked.
Wrecked.
Devastated.
"I can't Special A", wika niya. He continue holding the umbrella for me. "Just cry
and pretend that I'm not here."
And just like that, I cried all along. Khael remained standing there, soaked and
cold and still holding the umbrella for me. Hindi ko alam kung ilang minuto akong
nanatiling ganoon. Naramdaman ko na lang na wala na akong maiyak. The rain had
stopped too but there's still some mist in the
atmosphere.
"I'm sorry...", wika ko kay Khael. We're both soaked as we sat on the bench.
"Anong problema Special A? Can I help?"
I wish he can but as of now, nothing can help me. Walang makakatulong sa akin upang
mawala ang sakit na nararamdaman ko.
"Khael... Anong ginagawa mo dito?", I asked him. Surely he didn't went from Athena
to Bridle just because he had a premonition of me soaking in the rain and he must
come to
hold the umbrella for me. That's crap. I want to be less-selfish for now. I will
set aside my worry and ask for whatever he came here for.
"I was about to ask you and Silvan to come with me to some school downtown. Do you
remember Cynil? The one who's been calling me when you're still at Athena? I guess
that was really a serious case. The school got an arsonist on the run", wika niya.
"I want us to track who's the arsonist."
I breathed heavily. I doubt if I can think right in this state but I don't want to
stay at Bridle
either. If there would be records of my acts, I would have had a multiple charges
of class ditching. Who cares about grades anyway?
"I can't help you but can I come?", tanong ko sa kanya. Okay, it's not that I want
to be with them or not, I just don't want to be alone. Pakiramdam ko kapag mag-isa
lang ako ay magiging tear machine na naman ang mga mata ko until they depreciate
and reach its limit.
"Are you sure?", he clarified and I nodded. "Let's change clothes first. Baka
magkasakit ka Special A."
He dialled Gray's number and told him about his case. Hindi nagtagal ay dumating
ito and he
had a worried look in his eyes as he looked at me.
What now dear cousin? Thinking I might get sick?
Cooler's confirmation about Mom being Athena relieved me. Atleast I can be assured
that Mom will be safe from the Genesis.
"What's the matter Amber?", Gray asked as he tried to pull me towards him but I was
able to move back. My heart started pounding in its unusual manner, the one that
only Gray can made me feel. It's wrong. It's all wrong. The kiss that we've shared
was unintentional, after
all we're blind about the blood relation between us until now.
Oh, ako lang pala ang may alam. Maybe I should tell him sooner. It might be that
Cooler gave me the liberty to tell Gray the news about me.
"I'm fine G-gray..."
Nagtatakang tiningnan niya ako. He might probably be thinking that I'm avoiding him
like he got a freaking contagious disease. We headed to the dormitory to let me
change and they also went to the boy's dorm for Khael to change. Few minutes passed
and we we're already at the backdoor exit and getting inside Khael's car. I was
wondering where Kuya Rex is now. After Khael reached the legal age ay ito na ang
nagmamaneho sa kotse nito. It's so silly to think of such at this situation..
When Gray hopped in the backseat ay pinili kong maupo sa shotgun seat. I can't sat
beside
him, maybe until I tell him the truth. He's not dumb so he must have felt that
there's something wrong between us but he just ignored it as of now.
"What's exactly the case Alonzo?", tanong niya
kay Khael. Kanina pa kami nagsasagutan ng bahing and hopefully Gray wouldn't catch
our virus.
"We're heading to St. Therese Academy. There was this fire case few weeks ago and
the school reported an accident, short circuit to be exact but Cynil witnessed how
a hooded man started the fire. She's not really sure if it's a man or a woman but
she saw that the fire was deliberately started", wika ni Khael. He was driving slow
along the slippery road.
"And? We're going to do a retrospective investigation about that case?"

"Nope, I mean yeah. Sort of Silvan. Few days later, Cynil called again and she told
me about the death of a teacher there. She was tortured to death. When I say
torture, her body is covered with burns."
"Now it's getting interesting."
"And she just called me that the principal and the secretary were found hanged
after being tortured too", wika ni Khael and I felt angry.
Whoever did it isn't human!
"Didn't they have it investigated?", tanong ni Gray.

"Private investigators. STA is a known catholic school and such news would ruin its
reputation. But good thing Cynil got connections and she'll help us get inside STA
to investigate. Ever heard of Detective Adler?"
I was thinking of Detective Sherlock Holmes' unforgettable woman, Irene Adler and I
found
it funny how a detective has that name.
"Yeah, that ass-head private detective who messed up our case with Detective Tross.
Why? He's on it?"
"Right."
I saw Gray frowned and so did Khael. Looks like they don't like this Detective
Adler.
It took a time before we arrive at STA where a pretty girl in her conservative
uniform and umbrella was waiting. The rain isn't strong, just mist. I pulled the
hood of my black sweatshirt
and pressed my hands on the pocket of my ripped jeans.
"Kuya Khael!", bati niya dito as she leaned to hug him. Ngumiti siya sa amin nang
ipakilala kami ni Khael sa kanya.
"Cynil, this is Gray and Amber", wika nito.
"I've heard so much about you Gray", wika ni Cynil. She smiled and guided us
towards the entrance of the school. I was expecting a huge gate but we headed
towards the bushes instead. Eh? Backdoor again?
Compared to Bridle's backdoor, STA's was more convenient because there was actually
a
door on the plant-covered wall. Nang makapasok kami doon ay tumambad sa akin ang
isang hindi kalakihang campus. STA isn't as big and prestigious as Bridle and
Athena but as of the catholic schools in town, it's in the first spot on the list.
I saw some students in their conservative uniform like Cynil's walked through the
ground. There was a burnt building at may mga nakatambak na hollowblocks at
buhangin sa gilid, tanda na aayusin ng STA ang nasunog na bahagi ng paaralan.
"Pumunta na tayo sa SSC office", wika ni Cynil at sumunod kami sa kanya. I saw her
smiling face on a big picture frame at the
office with the position president when we arrived at the office. It was clean and
cozy and we sat comfortably on the chairs there.
She got some envelopes and put it on the table infront of us. "Photographs and
records of the
previous cases. I'm almost caught that time but I was able to get every piece of
information that the private investigator had."
"Pretty nimble", komento ni Gray at inabot ang envelope. He looked at the pictures
alongside
with Khael.
Cynil walked towards the cupboard and reached for the cups at kumuha ng kape mula
sa coffeemaker. She handed those to us and I was thankful as I sipped the coffee.
"The wire's deliberately damaged. There's even a remnant of the lighter that was
used. Wala ba itong naiwang fingerprints?", Khael asked and Cynil shook her head.
"Unfortunately, it's all wiped up", wika. Lumapit na din ako sa kanila at tiningnan
ang mga larawan.
The next photo was the tortured teacher at puno nga ng paso ang katawan nito. I
looked away since I cannot stand how dreadful it was.
The next photo was the hanged principal and her secretary. Gaya ng tinorture na
guro ay
kalunos-lunos din ang sinapit ng dalawa. The next sheets that we got in the
envelope were the suspect files. There were two of
them, the assistant Principal Mr. JovaniebDamian. According to the files, he was
seen in the office before the body was discovered, on the night that the teacher
was tortured to death and as well as when the principal and secretary were hanged.
It's also said that he's
rooting for the position and not just being anbassistant.
The next was the son of the principal, Niel Pullido who is incharge for systems
information. He had an affair with one of the staffs na tinutulan ng principal.
Ayon din sa files, the teacher who was tortured was the one who discovered the
affair at possibleng nadamay lamang ang secretarya.
"Oh, Cynil do you have the list of the ones I asked you?", tanong ni Khael at
lumawak ang ngiti nito. She hurried towards the chair where she lays her bag at
naglabas ng isang memopad.
"All listed and sorted from the arson night to the latest crime and I came up with
three students", wika niya at iniabot kay Khael ang memopad. Inutusan pala ito ni
Khael na mag-obserba sa kung sinu-sino ang mga estudyanteng maaaring nadawit sa
kaso.
There were three names there.

Kurt Ford, Mary Smith and Emily Romualdez.
Napansin ko ang pananahimik ni Gray na para bang nahulog ito sa malalim na pag-
iisip. He
looks like trying to remember a song from his mind.
"Alonzo, do you remember a parody playground song that we used to sing when our
tutors are away?", tanong niya with a puzzled expression.
"What song?"
"The one that Zywon used to laugh at everytime we sang it."
"I knew it! It's the burning of the school. Why the sudden reminisc- ah. I see!
Good Lord!
That's it!"
Parehas silang napangiti ni Gray and I was wondering what they were
thinking.nNagkasulyapan kami ni Cynil, both wondering what's the two are up to.
"Kuya Khael, anong kanta ba yan?", Cynil asked.
"A playground song with the lyrics; mine eyesbhave seen the glory of the burning of
the school we have tortured every teacher, we have broken every rule- What's the
other lyrics Silvan?"
"We plan to hang the principal and secretarybtoo, our troops are marching on!
Glory, glory,
hallelujah. Teacher hit me with a ruler. Met her at the door with a loaded .44 and
she bothered me no more", Gray started reciting the song's lyrics at nanlaki ang
mga mata ni Cynil.
"By any chance, does it sounds like this?", Cynil asked and she started humming a
melody.
"That's it!", Gray and Khael exclaimed. Mukhang nakakakuha na sila ng tamang lead
regarding this case!
"Now it all makes sense! I heard someone sang that song on the night of the fire!",
Cynil said
at hindi na nagkaroon ng pagkakataong makapagsalita sina Gray at Khael when the
door opened and a guy with a dominating presence walked in. Mahaba ang buhok nito
at nakabraid which reminded me of the reaper Hermes. Dumeretso siya sa direksyon
namin and Cynil grabbed the envelope and hide it behind her.
"The detective brats and Tross' buddies. Hello", bati nito kay Gray at Khael. The
two stiffened
and it seems that they don't like the guy's presence.
"Detective Adler, you should have knocked at hindi basta-basta na lamang pumapasok
dito sa SSC office. You should have respected the council!", wika ni Cynil.
So this is that detective huh?
"You're the one to talk Miss President. You shouldn't have stolen copies of the
files about
the case. You should have respected me as the investigator", wika nito, returning
Cynil's words to her.
God, he's not a lovable person. I can feel it. I don't want to be acquainted to him
if ever.
"Hindi ko alam ang sinasabi mo!", deny ni Cynil at tumawa ng malutong ang
detective.
"Oh come on. I'm telling you, I'm not a detective for nothing. So you trusted these
brats than me huh? Okay. Pakikinggan ko ang
mga nakalap ninyong deduction tungkol dito", he sat comfortably on the chairs at
hinarap kami.
"Tell me."
"Bakit naman namin sasabihin sa iyo?", Khael asked. They were back to their usual
states. Gone were the startled young detectives.
"So that we can compare deductions."
"Why should we?", tanong naman ni Gray. I can really tell by their voices that they
don't
like him.
"Because I really adore the two of you. I'd rather have you as my apprentices. I
think we'll make a good agency rather than you,
brilliant minds are sticking with Tross who's ... Nevermind."
"We don't trust you", wika ni Khael. The detective nodded slowly at napadako ang
tingin
nito sa akin.
"Is this the one na naririnig kong bagong alagad ni Tross?", his gaze ran down on
my whole at pakiramdam ko tuloy ay kailangan kong magtago sa likuran ng kung sino
man sa kanila, just to avoid this man's stare.
"Wala kang pakialam", wika ni Gray dito. The detective laughed again and it sounds
more scary this time.
"I think I cannot force you. Then let's do it the other way. You will listen to my
deduction and compare yours to mine?"
"Go ahead."
"Hindi ako ang tipo ng taong marami pang pasakalye. I'm telling you that the
culprit is
the student Kurt Ford. He started the fire while singing a song which is a parody
of The Battle
Hymn of a Republic. Basing on his records, he was under some psychotic illness
pyromania.
He's from Canada so hindi nakapagtatakangbalam niya ang playground song na iyon and
aligned his murders according to its lyrics-"
"On that case ay mali ka na. Pyromaniadifferentiates from mental disorder, it's
morebof an impulsive act of stress relief. It's an impulse control disorder in
which individuals repeatedly fail to resist impulses regarding
fires. That's far different from torturers and murderers", wika ni Gray.
Mababakas ang pagkainis sa mukha ng detective but he let it passed.
"I have obtained records of his acts as a pyromaniac. He burnt his own dog house,
their garage and even his own room because of no apparent reason-"
"Another fallacy. Pyromaniacs start fire after their tension. It's their way to
relieve it and for gratification", wika naman ni Khael. The detective's face
tightened. Galit na hinablot
nito ang envelope mula kay Cynil at napunit iyon, causing the photos and files to
fall on
the floor. Napatingin ako sa mga larawan at nangininginig na pinulot iyon.
"I'm going to prove to you that that pyromaniac boy started the fire, tortured the
teacher and hanged the principal and secretary-"
"Yes, he started the fire", wika ko. It's the first time to speak about this case
dahil nakikinig
lamang ako sa kanila kanina but now I can't help myself from getting involed.
"Amber?"
"Kurt Ford, the pyromaniac started the fire but he didn't do the torturing ang
murders. Someone did. Someone dm dangerous..."
I gave them the photo that I picked up. Hindi iyon kasali sa mga nakita namin
kanina. It was
the photo of the principal and her secretary with a big open cut in their tummy. It
seems like something was stored there and being removed.
I know a certain organization who's capable of doing it. It could only be the
Genesis.
***************************
CHAPTER 38: NOVEL RULES

Chapter 38: Novel Rules
Must Read A/N:

Hello everyone. I would like to take this space for some announcements that were
posted in the group but I'm posting it here for the others.
First, DETECTIVE FILES (FILE 1) will be under a retrospective editing to be done by

Editor Melody (My other half! ♥) Don't worry, there will be no revision as of the
flow of the prose. Purely technical (typos, grammar etc.) lamang.
Second, is about the collaboration. Cris Ibarra, the noted author of the well-known
detective fictions PROJECT LOKI and The QED Club included this on his
announcements. We both expressed willingness for a collaboration which will be
later this year. It will be like Gray meets Loki, Amber meets Lorelei, Khael meets
Allistair, Math meets Jamie at ang mas kaabang-abang na JEREMY MEETS MORIARTY.
(Joke! Kawawa si Moriarty sa Puns ni Je, baka mapikon at alam nyo na kahahantungan
ni Je kung magkaganun :3)
Yun lang! I'm forever thankful to each of you guys! I will shut up now. Happy
Reading!
**************************
Detective Adler grabbed the photo from my hands at tiningnan iyon. The cut was
brutally made na tila ba walang awa. I cannot imagine how it was cut using a
scalpel. It's the reason why I don't usually watch horror films and psychological
thrillers. They usually involve brutality that I cannot stand.
I cannot understand how Andi and Therese's eyes glitter kapag nanunuod ng mga
palabas na may involvement ng brutality deeds like cutting through the skin and
other body parts. I hate how they scream in disgust kapag nanunuod ng chainsaw
massacre or final destination or even film about Zombies.Walang pinagkaiba ang
brutality na ginagawa ng Genesis sa mga palabas na iyon.
I cannot say that it contains more mercy than those. No! It's no mercy at all.
"May nakakalat na balita tungkol sa mga aswang sa isang baryo and I already laid my
eyes on it", wika ni Detective Adler. "It's sad that they attack people to feed on
their internal organs-"
"You seriously believed that? Those could be red herrings to this case. Why don't
you focus on something more realistic detective?", tanong ko sa kanya.
His face tightened and his gaze roamed accross my face.
"Spill everything young lady", wika niya at muling naupo ng nakadekwatro, demanding
for
my story.
"She's not obliged to tell you everything", wika ni Gray. I saw a lopsided smile
skipped the detective's lips.
"I see. Marami kayong nalalaman. Like I said, I'm not a detective for nothing",
wika niya. "Of course I don't believe in those shits and I dug deeper into this. So
will you now tell me everything?", he asked at nakafocus ang paningin niya sa akin.
"Luma na ang istilo mo Detective. You can't make us believe na may nalalaman ka
nga", wika ni Khael. If the detective really knows something, then only Cynil is
clueless in this room.
"Ahhh. As expected, detectives are really cautious. How about this. I will tell you
kung ano ang nalalaman ko", he said with a smirk. "Then you can decide if we'll
have an alliance over this case."
Bago pa man makapagsalita si Gray o si Khael ay mas nauna na akong magsalita.

"Shoot."
"But Amber-"
"I like you", the detective said. "It makes me want to recruit you too."
"I'm not interested so spill what you know", wika ko sa kanya. Both Gray and Khael
shot a warning glare at me but I ignored them.
"Oh. Extra points, being feirce. So, here it goes. There's this syndicate who's
into making drugs, smart drugs. They use
people as carriers for their smuggled drugs, mostly students are their targets",
wika ng detective. "They invaded Athena High School which is actually owned by rich
criminals, Vander Mafia."
"Mukhang marami ka talagang nalalaman Detective. Even the mafia huh?"
"Of course, I'm not a detective for nothing", wika niya. I was thinking that if
Detective Conan has 'There is only one truth' as tagline and Sherlock Holmes has
'When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable must be
the truth' then Detective Adler has this 'I'm not a detective for nothing.'
"I don't settle for less scoop. I have to be in the case where I'll make my name
known. A drug syndicate and a mafia. Sounds like the best way to make my name spark
with neon lights", pagpapatuloy nito. I raised my brow at him. How idiotic his
reason is. Purely selfish motive of digging this case. Gusto lamang pala niyang
mapublicize ang kanyang pangalan that's why he's exerting too much effort for this
case. I clenched my fist and prevented myself from punching his face pero nauna na
itong suntukin ni Gray sa mukha.
"You bastard! You're a vulture who's a whore for fame! Hindi mo man lamang na
naisip na gawin ito to keep people safe o sa kung ano mang kadahilanan other than
that selfish bullshit reason of yours?", Gray shouted as he was shaking in anger.
The detective wiped away the blood from his mouth. It made me wonder how strong a
Gray Ivan Silvan punches whenever he is angry. He smashed a door and he made every
people he punches bleed. And to think his hands were still swollen when he smashed
the door in the Vander mansion.
"I can see your thirst for blood. Oh, must be the Vander blood", wika nito na mas
lalong ikinagulat naming lahat. He knew that much?! He's really getting into my
nerves!
"Pati iyan ay nalaman mo? You must have done a thorough investigation", wika ni
Gray.
He's relaxed this time.
"I told you I'm not a detective for nothing", wika ulit nito. He and his words are
really annoying me. "So what now little miss? You want to be my ally and let's hunt
the mafia and the syndicate."
I can see him as a fox that cannot be trusted. I know he doesn't disclose much
information about what he knew. He must know something
more na hindi niya sinasabi sa ngayon. Inilahad niya ang isang palad sa harap ko.
"Let's make a pact." When he said those words ay kasabay niyon ang isang kakaibang
ngiti.
Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ko mula sa kamay niya at sa mukha niya.
Halos hindi naman makahinga ang tatlo ko pang kasama. They must be thinking if I
will accept the offer by this detective.
"Special A, don't."
"Amber..."
I slowly raised my hands to towards his at panay pa rin ang tawag nina Gray at
Khael sa pangalan ko. The detective flashed a victorious smile when my hand is only
few inches away
from his ngunit agad din iyong napawi ng sa halip na tanggapin ko ang palad niya ay
tinabig ko iyon.
"What the hell", galit na wika ng detective. Marahil ay napahiya ito sa munting
audience dahil sa ginawa ko.
"I knew much about those two but I won't cooperate with you. I'm hunting down the
organizations on my own", wika ko sa kanya.
"This is an instant fame. We'll both shut down the syndicate and mafia and lock
them up in
the cold bars while we enjoy the reward for our hardwork!", he said.
He sounded pissed but he's really interested in me, joining him. Maybe he sensed
that I knew a lot about these.
"You can have all the fame. I'm not interested in it. I just want to shut the
syndicate. That's all and I can do it without your help", wika ko sa kanya. God! I
hate people like him.
"Listen Miss. The mafia is a big scoop-"

"Of course I know."
"Then let's do this. Cooperate with me and like I said, we'll have every Vander and
its members of the mafia be behind those bars while we enjoy our victory!", he
said.
Napatawa ng mapakla si Khael. "You're watching too many films where the hero
succeeded in the end Detective."
"Shut up Alonzo. Miss, look I can see that you know much more than I knew so-"
"So I'm telling you that I won't. I can't let you touch the mafia for your personal
selfish motives. Not MY mafia", wika ko.
All of them seem surprised with my statement. I said MY, which pertains to
possession. I may sound so boastful but- oh cut it. I really boasted. I'm not yet
proclaimed legally but I can claim it my own. Natulos silang lahat sa kinatatayuan
while I made my exit and walked passed them.
Napatigil lamang ako nang magsalita si Detective Adler but I didn't bother looking
back.
"Who are you?"
"I used to be Amber Sison, but now I'm dropping that unrealistic name. You can call
me Ryle Vander Morisson. Congratulations! You just met the youngest Vander." And
then I strode out the room leaving the
detective and the others with his mouth wide open.
Hindi ko alam kung saan ako humugot ng lakas ng loob na aminin na isa akong Vander.
Did my hatred for Cooper and his organization push me to do it? Binagtas ko ang
daan na dinaanan namin nina Cynil kanina at tinungo ang kotse ni
Khael. My eyes are tired of crying kaya marahil ay wala ng luhang lumabas sa mata
ko. I didn't mind the mist and cool breeze that passed my face. I hear someone
calling my name pero wala akong pakialam. I was about to reach for the car's door
ngunit nauna na akong hilahin ni Gray. He grabbed me and made me face him.
What was it that I saw in his eyes? Was it anger? Or maybe

disbelief? Sinalubong ko ang mga mata niya. Naramdaman ko ang bikig sa lalamunan ko
and
I want to say something but I can't.
"Ano yung sinabi mo kanina?", he asked. It sounded like a demand rather than a
question.
God! I hate scenes like this! Confrontations with truths! This is what just
happened between me and Dad kanina.
"You heard me right Gray. We're cousins. I'm a Vander!"

I'm glad that I was able to say it well enough.
"Is that a practical joke?" He made a sarcastic laughing sound but I still can see
that he's angry.
"I'm not joking. Komplikado ang lahat Gray. Ang nakagisnan kong ama ay hindi ko
pala talaga ama and he's actually part of that bullshit organization! My mom is
actually Sweet Morisson who had lost her memory and
undergone a surgery and live as Amy Sison! You see? My life's all fucked up!"
His gaze never left my eyes at may nakita akong hinanakit. "You can't be serious."
"Gray do you think this is a joke? Halos mabaliw na nga ako eh! Can you imagine it?
Ang gulo-gulo! Kung pwede nga lang na joke lang ito!"
"We're not cousins! We -we can't be cousins!" His voice broke a little. "W-we c-
can't. We just can't."
"But we are", wika ko sa kanya. This time my sight became blurry. Natanaw ko ang
papalapit na pigura ni Khael. He slowed down when he saw the confrontation between
me and Gray. I fixed myself bago tuluyang pumasok sa kotse ni Khael.
Walang ni isa man ang nagtangkang magsalita sa amin. Khael never got a clear
picture of
everything but he knew that I'm a Vander. Hindi rin ito nangulit na magtanong pa
tungkol doon.
Gray was sitting on the backseat. Nakatanaw ito sa labas ng kotse na tila ba ang
lalim ng iniisip. Was he thinking about the kiss that we shared? Nandiri ba siya sa
sarili niya dahil doon? Did he regret doing it unknowingly to his cousin? I wish I
have the ability to read what he has in mind upang hindi na ako mabaliw sa kaiisip
kung ano nga ba ang tumatakbo sa utak niya. He sighed heavily and it's the seventh
sigh he let go after we stepped back into the car. I never had the chance to bid
farewell to Cynil and to that fame-obsessed detective. Uh, I don't have to bid him
goodbye. He doesn't matter anyway.
Walang sabi-sabing bumaba ako sa kotse nang makarating kami sa harap ng Bridle. I
thanked Khael at agad na pumasok sa loon. Gray stayed a little inside the car so I
left him behind. I guess it's better that way kaysa magsabay pa kaming pumasok. I
went directly to the dormitory.
It's still 12 noon and I can still

prepare for my afternoon classes. Pagbukas ko ng pinto ng kwarto namin ay naroon si
Andi. She was reading a magazine na
madalas niyang binabasa kapag breaktime nila.
"The guard gave me your phone. Naiwan mo raw", she said at ininguso ang labi sa
mesa kung saan nakalapag ang cellphone ko. Ah yes, I dropped it kanina after
Cooler's confirmation.
Nagdadalawang isip ako kung
tatawagan ko ba si Mommy but in the end, I decided to. Ilang ring lamamg ay agad
niya iyong sinagot.
"Sweetie..."
"Mom how are you?"
"I'm fine anak. I'm going on with my hypnotic sessions and I really brought back
some blurry memories", wika niya. "Why did you leave yesterday?"
"Mom I need to go to school remember?", wika ko sa kanya. I'm glad that she's
slowly gaining her memory back.
"Yeah, alam ko. But can you see me tonight? We'll have a family dinner with some
relatives. Susunduin ka ng Kuya Ryu mo mamaya, okay lang ba?"
Truth is gusto kong magpahinga mamayang gabi but I cannot turn Mom down. I'm also
thinking of getting to know more about my real family. Kailangang sanayin ko na ang
sarili ko kasama ang mga Vander as their family.
"Thank you sweetheart. By the way, did your dad- I mean Bernard, pinuntahan ka ba
niya?
He keeps on calling me kasi." I sighed. What's the point of hiding it from Mom
anyway? She's been a good wife despite
her memory loss. They started fresh and eventually lived a happy life. Mom's smart
kaya naging katuwang siya ni Dad sa munting negosyo nito. I never saw them argue,
may mga munting tampuhan but Mom always makes it up for him.
"Yes Mom."
This time ay si Mommy naman ang narinig kong bumuntong-hininga. "I want to talk to
him but Kuya Cool and Rion won't allow me. They said he's dangerous."
I know Dad won't hurt Mom but I cannot allow her to see him too. Baka kasi
mapahamak si Mommy o kaya ay ilayo ito ni Dad.
"Mom tama lang po na wag kayong magpakita sa kanya."
"Sweetie, he's a good man."
"I hope that he is Mom", wika ko sa kanya. That's what I thought about too but if
he's in an organization who uses innocent people and students as their human
carrier, he's not a good man at all.
"Okay Anak. I'll hang up now. I'll see you later. I love you."
After I replied my I love you too ay pinatay ko na ang tawag. I sat on my bed at
napansin kong matamang na nakatunghay si Andi sa akin.
"You're crying at night at mukhang problemado ka talaga. What's the problem

Amber?", wika nito sa akin. Kung hindi ko nga masabi ng buo kay Jeremy
ang tungkol sa problema ko kahit na may konting nalalaman ito tungkol sa
organisasyon, mas lalong hindi ko iyon pwedeng sabihin kanya. She doesn't have any
idea about it
"Just a little family problem Andi", sagot ko. It's a lie, of course it's not
little. It's totally big
"Well, it will be fixed soon. Just because things are not good now does not mean
they will be that way forever, remember that."
I let out smile. "I hope so too. Thank you Andi."
"Saan ka nga pala galing?", she asked. She tossed the magazine and sat straight. Sa
aming tatlo ay ito ang masyadong girly. She's the kind of girl who's into dresses
and heels samantalang by mood naman kami ni Therese. Ito rin ang tipong mahilig sa
lalaki. She likes having so many flings, crushes and textmates.
"May pinuntahan lamang kami", wika ko. I don't think it's necessary to tell her the
exact
details of it.
"Magkasama kayo ni Gray?", she asked and I nodded.
"Why?"
"Kaya pala hindi kita nakita kanina nang may mangyaring commotion."
She caught my attention when she said commotion. "Anong ibig mong sabihin? What
happened?"
"Some parents with police and media went here to complain."
"Complain? About what?"
"Disappearance of their children", she said. Uh, this is what I hate about her.
Hindi nito kinokompleto ang sinasabi unless you will ask her.
"Disappearance?!"
"Yup. Apparently, there are seven reported missing students na mula sa Bridle. Four
guys and
three girls. Their dormitory records show no pass slips kaya it's said that it is
Bridle's responsibility dahil nasa custody sila ng Bridle nawala", she answered.
It slowly processed into my mind. Missing students?!

Are they being taken by the organization? I thought they had laid low but now
they're back? Have they perfected the drug and
started trafficking it to their dealers through their human carriers?! Napalunok
ako ng malaki dahil sa naisip. I don't know if such nootropic is possible but maybe
it is. Science makes everything possible. Seven missing students at Bridle and
killings with obvious signs of death from that organization at STA. Looks like that
organization is really making their move.
"Well anyways, everyone will be gathered at the auditorium for some important
announcements to be made by the chancellor by 1 PM sharp", wika ni Andi. Tumayo na
ito at
nagpaalam. "I have to go. Naghihintay na kasi si Robert."
Uh, another fling eh? I smiled at her at tinanaw ito habang papalabas sa pinto ng
kwarto. After she left ay nahulog ako sa
malalim na pag-iisip. The Genesis had really started to move. I don't know what
they are capable of, all I know is that they're dangerous.
I stood up and changed into my spare uniform. The chancellor will make an
announcement. It
must be an important one since he usually sends his spokesperson for announcement.
He's said to be the biggest partner of Mr. Arman Bridle in establishing the school.
While
Sir Arman invested more in monetary aspect, the chancellor Judas Gaius invested not
only his money but as well as industry. He's been holding Bridle for quite some
time now making it one of the prestigious schools.
It's five minutes past one nang lumabas ako ng dorm. I didn't bother for food dahil
hindi ako
nagugutom or maybe because of this turmoil that's bothering me so I'm more into it
than to think of food. I went outside and headed towards the auditorium.
Napansin ko ang ilang grupo ng tao sa labas ng gate. Mukhang nagkakagulo ang mga
ito and
the guards are doing their best to keep them away and stop them from climbing the
high
iron bars gate of Bridle. I noticed some television news tripods stood, people
carrying
microphones and they tried scoring some exclusive interview from the guards. Nang
makita nila ako na bahagyang lumapit ay narinig kong sumigaw ang isang lalaki.
"Miss! Ano ang masasabi mo sa napapabalitang pagkawala ng pitong estudyante ng

Bridle?"
Ah, vultures.
Vultures who are desperate for some kind of "scoop," to tell everyone that they had
this news. They would probably write the same version of their collected facts the
that they had gathered though some would write or report cleverly.
"Miss! What do you think is Bridle's possible action for the publicized missing
reports of the
missing students and a challenge to this school's name?", tanong pa ng isa as he
stretch
his hand with the microphone from the bars towards my direction kahit malayo pa
talaga ako.
Vultures who don't really give a shit about those missing students. What they
really care about are stories and they would ask for
exclusives that will make their coverage the preferrable one than the others.
Vultures who are waiting for their big breaks to make their
names be in shining lights. Vultures like that damn Detective who got personal
selfish reasons.
I gave them a smirk before I continue walking towards my destination. Pagdating ko

doon ay halos puno na iyon ng mga estudyante. Every Bridle student wouldn't want to
miss this lalo na at ang chancellor mismo ang nagpatawag dito.
I looked at everyone. It seems that they had this 'I-know-this-will-happen' look in
their eyes. They must have known about what happened kanina. Some also had the
'what-the-hell-is-going-on' look in their eyes as they sit. I looked around trying
to find a seat. I'm taking off from my mind the things that I don't wanna think of.
Maingay ang paligid dahil sa pag-uusap ng mga estudyante.
"Bestie! Dito tayo!"
Lumingon ako at hinanap ang pinagmulan ng boses ni Jeremy and I saw him on the
front seats at agad akong lumapit doon. He's with Math and they reserved seats for
two which will be probably for me and Gray who's still not around.
"Hindi ka na bumalik kanina. Nawala din si Gray. Magkasama ba kayo?", Math asked
and I shook my head. I don't want to talk about him now.
"Do you have an idea about what's going on?", tanong ko sa kanila. "Come on, I know
you know."
Hindi na sila nagkaroon ng pagkakataong sumagot nang mamatay ilang mga ilaw. Just
then the doors were shut and I heard a mic testing. The auditorium fell into
silence.
The students are salivating for the news and announcement kaya madali lamang
patahimikin
ang lahat. We all faced forward at tila binibilang ang hakbang ng chancellor habang
papalapit ito sa harap. I felt my hands turn cold as I set theories in my mind
about what this announcement will be. I literally stopped breathing for a while
when the man with a wrinkled yet authoritative face walked towards the podium. He
fixed the
three microphones in there for proper deliverance.
"Students, can I have your attention please", he said in a deep and authoritative
voice which matched his appearance. He asked for our attention eventhough he
already has it. "Thank you for gathering here in an orderly fashion. You're trully
of a Bridle Blood and I'm impressed with the level of obedience of the student
body. I will make an announcement but I am asking you to maintain your calm. This
institution can be relied upon and it rely on its members as well. In here, we do
not let each other down. Bridle is an institution with high standard so I am
expecting that high standard in you. I repeat, we should not let one another down."
The students began murmuring about what this is about. Each had their own thought
at kumalat ang ingay sa loob ng auditorium.
"Students.. Students.. Can you lend me your ears again", wika ulit ng chancellor
and then silence filled the area again. He had this compelling voice that can make
every student follow.
"It's sad to inform you that there are seven cases of missing Bridle students and
now the institution is facing a great challenge. We have seven lawsuits about
irresponsibility for our members."
"What?"
"Sinasabi ko na nga ba!"
"Kaya pala ganoon yun kanina!"
"Gosh! There were reporters outside!"
"Isa doon ang roommate ko!"
"Oh no! Seven? Quite a number!"
Nagsimula ulit na umingay ang paligid and then by a single glare made by the
chancellor naging singtahimik ulit ng templo ang auditorium.
"I want to inform you about this straight from me and not from my spokesperson
since I realized that this news is difficult to hear and even harder to accept. I
informed you about
this bago pa man ito kumalat sa media. Newspapers, television, internet..
Everything. Bridle has a good name and I wouldn't be surprised to know that someone
wanted to ruin this institution's reputation. I already informed Mr. Arman Bridle
about this and it also broke his heart. He wanted to be here but some health
problems wouldn't permit him to do so."
I feel bad for Sir Arman and I wish him to be fine sooner.
"Now I'm telling you that the upcoming weeks will be tough", he continued. "We'll
be dealing
with the media, newspeople and gossip hounds who are all trying to make this
institution fall on its knees. They are hounds who are into staining Bridle's name
because such scandal is a big scoop and I'm also afraid of this 'media spotlight'
that might tempt everyone to pass false and no basis information regarding this
missing students case so I have already made precautionary efforts to prevent that
to happen. From this moment, the gates of this campus will be closed from outsiders
and no one other than your immediate family- parents and guardians can visit you."
Still, silence filled the place at tila walang nais gumalaw.
"No student will be allowed to leave the campus unless with a company of a parent
or guardian", wika ng chancellor.
Just then the noise filled the auditorium all complaining about this announcement.
"What the hell?"
"No way!"
"F*ck!"
"They're locking us in?"
"No!"
"This is cruelty! How about my weekend shoppings?"
"Arrgh! Damn rules!"
"Silence! Everyone!", the chancellor said but no one followed. "Students! Silent!"
He
punched his hands on the podium and that made everyone to be quiet.
"Prelims are fast approaching and I cannot let your academic performance be
affected with
this so spend your time reviewing rather than wasting money on your shoppings and
other stuffs."
Bridle High School have five major exams per school year. Prelims, Midterms, Semi-
Finals,
Finals and Qualifying comprehensive exams. It's been only almost two months since
classes started but exams are fast approaching.
"Don't test me with this students because this is impassable. If you would refuse
to follow, be ready for the dire consequences."
Tila natahimik ang lahat. The chancellor's voice is really dominating and
authoritative.
"Remember what Bridle is about. Moral Uprightness, Commitment to Excellence and

Love for Humanity. Keep that in mind and live with it everyday. Good Day." Then the
chancellor left the stage the studentsbare left with no other choice. Nagpatuloy
ang bulong-bulongan tungkol sa reklamo regarding the novel rule imposed by the
chancelloe himself.
It seems that the locking of the gates and new restrictions is what this assembly
is about. The students are much concern about their freedom and it seems that they
have forgotten about those missing students and their safety.
*************************
Hindi ko na nakita si Gray buong maghapon. Mukhang hindi na ito pumasok. Was he mad
at me?
I sighed as I sat on my bed. Nakaayos na ako para sa dinner mamaya sa Vander

mansion. Mom said that it'a gonna be a dinner for the family with some relatives.
It's quarter to seven when Ryu arrived. He smiled geniunely as he hugged me.
Binuksan niya ang pinto para sa akin. The devil that I used to know is actually a
sweet brother and it's not making me comfortable.
Hindi agad ako pumasok sa loob ng kotse. I put my hands on my waist at masamang
tiningnan siya.
"What?", pagtataka niya. He is freshly dressed na para bang isang pormal na

pagtitipon ang
pupuntahan namin. I thought it's a dinner with the family?
"Stop it." I shoot a glare at him. This is somewhat making me freak out.
Nakakapanibago kasi.
"Stop what?"
"Ang pagbabait-baitan." Okay, this is me not used to his gentleness. "We both know
that you're a devil."
He sighed. "Fine. This is new to me too. I would rather have you pissed kaysa
ganito but unfortunately, you're my sister and I owe you seventeen years of my
brotherly love."
I made a face. "Damn sabi ko na nga ba! I'm eighteen, you idiot." Sinimangutan ko
siya. Did he forgot that he was almost killed on my debut? Marion shot him and he
was hit and Gray.
"You're 17. Binago lang siguro nila ang edad mo but yeah, you'll be 18 this year so
that's
not a problem. We can afford another cotillion for you, grander than you've
experienced."
I know that they can but duh! It's not necessary! And what's with this evil brother
of mine? He's really arrogant!
"Nakakainis ka!"
"Argh. Ano na naman ba Ryle?"
"Ang yabang mo kasi! You're pissing me!"

He impatiently combed his hair with his fingers. Aba! Ito pa ang may ganang maging
impatient?
"You make me wanna wring your pretty little neck!", he said with a smirk.
"Argh! And you're still a devil! Kahit kapatid mo walang takas sayo!" I went inside
the car at padabog na sinara iyon. I don't care if this is his car.
I saw him exhaled more. Ilang segundo din itong nanatili sa labas bagi umikot sa
kabila at
pumasok sa kotse.
Geez, I guess it will take some time for us to get along with each other well.
Quite some time.
****************************
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CHAPTER 39: OVER DINNER

Chapter 39: Over Dinner
The ambiance inside the Vander Mansion is a million times scarier than in Ryu's
car. Habang lulan kami ng kotse ay hindi kami nag-usap. Parehas kaming galit for no
apparent reason. Maybe this is what we have in common as siblings. Little patience
and bratty attitude.
Nang makarating kami sa Vander Mansion ay hindi ko pa rin siya pinansin at

nagtuloy-tuloy lamang sa dining hall kung saan iginiya ako ng katulong.
Pagdating ko doon ay tila pinagsisihan kong hindi ko na hinintay si Ryu. It made me

want to regret fighting with him dahil kailangan ko siya ngayon upang makapitan.
When he walked inside the hall ay napaatras ako at hinawakan ang laylayan ng
kanyang damit.
Bahala na kung hindi man kami
nagkasundo kanina, basta kailangan kong kumapit sa kanya. Okay he's scary when he
drove with his brows meeting kanina. But these people in the long table are a lot
scarier.
Did I miss to hear when Mom said that we'll have the Vander Clan's Dinner? Oh, I
thought when she said Family dinner, she meant her, Rionessi, Ryu and me. When she
said there are some relatives and family friends, I thought that she meant Cool
with Cooler. But these people in front of me are not what I'm expecting. The long
table was set for a feast, I expected it but not this lot.
I saw Artemis rose from her seat at lumapit sa akin. She hugged me and kissed my
cheeks.
"Hello Amber- Oh I mean Ryle. My name is Ryza Raine Morisson! Your cousin", she
said
with a smile. Artemis has always been the carefree reaper that I know. Akala ko
talaga dati she can identify an IQ count by merely looking at the person and how
stupid I am for believing so. Sa pagkakaalala ko ay BS Psychology graduate ito,
with flying colors and now she's pursuing medicine.
"Welcome to the family!"
I gave her a smile bago tiningnan ang mga tao sa mesa. There was this man who looks
like Rionessi and I guess that's Artemis' father. Kasama rin nito ang babaeng
walang kangiti-ngiti. Of the reapers, si Artemis at Ares lang ang nakilala ko.
Have I told you na hindi pa rin ngumingiti sa akin si Ares? He just used to look at
me straight in the face. Cooler and Cronus were there too, of course they are the
host of the house.
Sa kanang bahagi ng mesa ay may kambal na pawang babae. Parehong nakataas ang kilay
nila habang nakatingin sa akin. It's hard to tell the difference between them by
merely looking
at their appearance. May tila mag-asawa din na naroon at may kasama itong lalaki.
He was
grinning like he's saying "I-know-what-you-did" at yung tipo ng tingin na
maguguilty ka kapag may ginawa ka.
"Is that your daughter Rionessi?", tanong ng lalaking kamukha ni Rion- I mean ni
Daddy.
Dad rose from his seat at sinalubong ako. He reached for my shoulders at inakbayan
ako. He faced the little crowd in front.
"Yes, everyone, I would like you to meet my daughter Ryle Vander Morisson", he said
at napansin kong tila walang ni isa man na ngumiti sa kanila, well except Cronus.
He was flashing his playful smile at nakikita ko ang pagkapilyo ni Cooler sa kanya.
Ayaw ba nila sa akin? Okay, I'm not expecting everyone to give me warm welcome with
matching hugs and kisses like Artemis did pero di ba pwedeng magpakita man lamang
sila ng
konting galak? Even Cooler! He's not smiling at all!
"Rionessi, naniniwala na kaming si Sweet nga iyan after you presented us the DNA
result, but how about that kid? She must undergo DNA testing too.", wika ng isang
babae. She looks
like she's around 50 but still pretty and classy.
Nagulat na lamang ako ng tumayo si Mommy at ibinagsak ang palad sa mesa. "Are you
doubting my daughter? I'm the one who carried her for nine months! I woke up one
day without memory but I'm pregnant. I may be depressed
that time but I'm really pregnant! I'm three months pregnant when the accident
happened that leads to my amnesia and I carried her in
my womb despite my memory loss!", galit na wika ni Mommy. "Bakit kailangan pang
ipa-DNA test si Amber? I don't think that's necessary!"
"Oh, the cat has claws. Athena is really back", komento ng lalaki na asawa yata ng
nagsalita.
"I can't believe this! You're seriously doubting my daughter!"
"She's obviously our daughter. Sweet already told us that she carried her. Ryu said
before that his mom is pregnant. Hindi na natin kailangan ng DNA test para sa
kanya", wika ni Daddy. "Ryle, welcome to the family."
Nagsalita ang kanina pang nakangiti na si Cronus. "Bakit hindi niyo muna ipakilala
ang
inyong mga sarili sa aking pamangkin habang hinihintay natin ang huling panauhin?"
Tumayo ang lalaking kanina pa nakangiti at lumapit sa akin. "Oh, thank you Sir.
Hello Ryle, my name is Xavier, from the Morisson Clan." Inilahad niya ang palad sa
akin. Tinanggap ko
naman iyon kahit hindi ko gusto ang paraan ng ngiti nito. "I'm reaper Adonis. From
the pelagic bloc."
Itinaas ko ang isang kilay. Pelagic bloc? What's that? Tila naintindihan naman niya
iyon at bahagya siyang tumawa.
"Oh, sorry. My bad. Hindi ka pala pamilyar sa mafia. Well reapers are categorized
into three blocs, Aerial, Terrestrial and Pelagic. Obviously, you know the
differences between
those words", he said. Bumaling siya sa kambal na masama pa rin ang tinging
ipinupukol sa akin. "Hey Twin Cities, mind introducing yourselves to our cousin,
Ryle?"
The name Ryle makes me uncomfortable. I'm more used to Amber.
"Amber. My name is Amber." Bahagya silang natahimik at tiningnan ako ng masama.

Hey, what's wrong with giving them my false name?
"Right. Introduce yourself to Amber", wika ni Xavier o Adonis.I think he's way
older than me. Even older than Ryu.
"Eh? Not interested", wika ng isa sa kambal. She had worn her hair so short with
red highlights. The other had the same hairlength and they only differ with their
highlights, hers is a little brownish.
"She's a Vander", paalala ni Ryu sa lahat. "And Vanders are to be respected lalo na
ng reapers."
"I don't care, I don't like h-", hindi na natapos ng isa sa kambal ang sasabihin
nang binunot ni Ryu ang baril. He pointed her the gun and she froze.
"Watch your tongue reaper." His dark glaring eyes shot towards the twin and I
thought they might cry. Boo!
"Don't make it hard twins. This is supposed to be a dinner, not a fight", Artemis
said. She was amused by Ryu's sudden mood. Knowing her, she loves fights and
brawling like what Hermes and Eros used to do but she refrained from witnessing it
now. Marahil ay gusto nitong
tahimik na kumain.
"Fine!", wika ng may pulang highlights. "Hello Amber or Ryle or whatever. The
name's Paris", wika nito in a sarcastic way. She isn't even looking at me when she
introduced herself.
"I'm Berlin", wika ng isa. I thought she's going to say more but she didn't. Oh,
not that I'm interested with stuffs about them. I now understand why they are
called Twin Cities. They are twins who are named after the famous cities of France
and Germany.
"Ryle, that couple over there is your Tito Ramoncito with his wife Clavel. Artemis
is their daughter", wika ni Daddy at tinuro ang mag-asawang hindi maganda ang trato
sa akin kanina. "That's Ares, an orphan but still of the Morisson clan. The other
couple is your Tita Allesandra and her husband Crisologo, Xavier is their son and
the twins, too", pakilala ni Daddy sa mga ito. Actually, none of them are smiling
at me, except Artemis of course, so to be fair, I'm not gonna smile at them, too.
Iginiya ako ni Daddy sa isang upuan, which is next to Ryu and beside Artemis. Mom
kissed me and whispered something like ignore those annoying people.
"Bakit hindi na natin simulan ang hapunan Cronus?", wika ni Crisologo. Napansin
kong tahimik ang lahat sa mesa. There is a vacant seat beside Cooler, straightly
accross me and if I remembered it right, Cronus said that there's still one guest
who's not around. I have a wild guess about who it might be.
"Just a little longer Crisologo. I think he's coming", wika ni Cronus and as if on
cue, we heard footsteps towards the large hall at ilang saglit lamang ay iniluwa
niyon ang taong inaasahan ko. He wasn't smiling when he entered the room, in fact
he had the same expressionless projection as Cooler.
Gray Ivan Silvan...
No.
Gray Ivan Vander.
He was looking straight but happened to look at me. I felt my body temperature
skyrocket.
He narrowed his eyes inquisitively, clearly curious about the interloper which
happens to be me.
Tumayo si Cronus at sinalubong si Gray. Tinapik niya ang balikat ng anak, who just
nodded at him.
"Everyone, you already knew

about him a long time ago but I would like you to formally meet my son Gray. Gray,
this is..... everyone", he said.
Well yeah, he's being childish again.
Mas natuwa pa sila ng makita si Gray. I heard positive feedbacks about him being so
smart. May nagbiro pa na Gray could be the Zeus who can overthrow his father like
those in the mythology. Iginiya ni Cronus si Gray sa bakanteng upuan and it is
directly across me. Dinner started at iba-iba ang paksa ng usapan doon when Cronus
started his speech.
"This dinner is to introduce the Vanders before we will have a formal introduction
for them in
a form of a social gathering."
Nagsalita si Clavel. "Really Cronus? I don't object with it if it is your son, he

can do a lot right? But Athena's daughter? Hindi ba siya ang dahilan nang minsan ng
mapahamak ang anak mo at ni Apollo? She's a jinx." The woman darted a disgusted
look at me. I prevented myself from
picking up the knife and throwing it on her direction. Sa lahat ng ayaw ko ay ang
harap-harapan akong iniinsulto. It was Marion who put Gray and Ryu in danger!
"Don't you dare say something bad about my daughter in front of me", wika ni Mommy.
She gave me a sorry look na sinagot ko ng pilit na ngiti.
"Totoo naman Athena ah!"
I know Mommy would reply to it kaya mas nauna ko na siyang hinarap. "Mom, I thought
you told me on the phone that it's a family dinner. You failed to tell me that
there are others who will be joining us. Well it would be fine if they're with
proper etiquette. Or atleast the others do." I glared at Clavel who is now
shocked.
"You see? Walang modo ang anak mo Rionessi! Is that how you were raised by your so-
called father? Asal aso! Palibhasa, that's what a third-rate man who's -"
That's it! I've reached my limit! Bago pa man nito matapos ang sasahin, kinuha ko
ang kutsilyo ko at ibinato iyon sa kanya. It wasn't as sharp as I expected but with
the force I made, it was able to perforate the wooden long table and left her
dumbfounded. Kung nagkamali ito ng galaw ay dumapo iyon sa kanyang kamay.
"Holy Crap!", the woman exclaimed. "Nakita mo na! She's-"
"Please respect my niece Clavel lalo na at nasa pamamahay ko kayo", Cronus said. He
was carefully biting into his steak. Nagsalita ito ng hindi man lamang tinitingnan
ang kausap. He just seems to enjoy the meal.
"God, the nerve!", narinig kong bulong ni Paris or was it Berlin? Uh, who cares
anyway.
"Whoah. She's strong", wika ni Xavier at tinanggal ang kutsilyo. "Tita, better keep
your mouth shut. And by the way, hello Gray."
The latter gave him a smirk which made Xavier's face ashen. I thought Ryu's the
only one who could give an annoying smirk pero pati din pala si Gray. The twin
cities giggled.
What the hell?
"Goodness! Now it's making me confused of who among him and Zeus should I choose!",
nakangiting wika ni Berlin - or was it Paris? Who's the one with red highlights
again?
"Nah! We'll decide on that. God, they're really gods!", wika naman ni Berlin- or
Paris? Uh,
suck it. They don't matter anyway.
"I think the Vander boys are the hottest male specimen ever! I think I'll do my
best to have them make me scream their names in pleasure."
I wanna roll my eyes to their exaggerations and lewdness. Meh! I'm sure those boys
won't
hook up with them- Fine! They're gorgeous so I'm not really sure about it. Maybe
not.
"Amber", tawag pansin ni Cronus sa akin. I'm more comfortable in such name kaya
marahil iyon ang itinawag niya sa akin. I raised my eyes from the food on my dish
at inilipat iyon sa kanya. The others did the same too.
"I'm planning of having a social gathering to formally welcome you in the family."
I can feel their glares at me as they wait for my response about it. Why are they
so mean? They're just so unwilling to accept this whole thing and just put it
behind them. It's making
me want to knock their heads together.
"Wag na lang po-"
"I insist. It's all settled then", Daddy said which made me sigh. So they weren't
asking for my approval but rather informing me about it, and come hell or high
water, such social gathering will happen.
"It's a good way to introduce Gray too, Cronus", wika ni Tito Ramoncito. His face
is serious kanina pa lamang but among all of us, Cooler is the most serious.
Gray raised his gaze to the man who met it with equal intensity. "Sorry to
disappoint you but I'm not a Vander, atleast not by name."
"Why Gray? I would trade my life to become a Vander!", wika ni Xavier who was very
amused.
The twins were mesmerized at this moment which I found very pathetic. Ares is
silent, as usual.
"Then do it", wika ni Gray.
"Hanggang ngayon ba ay hindi mo pa rin nakukumbinsi ang anak mong sumanib sa atin
Cronus?", Allesandra asked. Ibinagsak muli ni Gray ang kubyertos. Was he eating? I
think he's not. Mukhang nilalaro lamang nito ang pagkain sa plato niya. On the
other hand, Cooler was eating like he doesn't care about our exchange of
conversations here.
"There's no way I will be joining you", wika ni Gray. "Kung iyan lang pala ang pag-
uusapan sa hapunang ito, I shouldn't have attended here. It's all just a waste of
time", wika niya. Tumayo siya at lumayo sa mesa. "If you'll excuse me, I have some
things to do."
He walked away and I thought it he will leave the dining hall in an instant ngunit
lumapit siya sa direksyon ko. He held my wrist at nabitawan ko ang tinidor ko. Like
him, I wasn't eating.
"And I'm taking my COUSIN with me. We just have some things to discuss upstairs.
School
stuffs. And of course, my way of welcoming her."
Hinila niya ako patayo. No one dared to speak as he pulled me but I could feel
their stares at the back of my neck hanggang sa makalabas kami doon at paakyat na
ng hagdan. He opened a door which leads towards an overview of the mansion's wide
yard. Binitawan niya ako nang marating namin ang bahaging iyon ng mansion. The
walls were made of glass kaya malaya kong nakikita ang
labas at baba. We're on a high place which made me dizzy. I thought I'm gonna fall
that moment. Napahawak ako sa unang bagay na nakita ko doon.
The sky is black, blanketed with millions of stars. There were few lights from the
buildings and streets and it was like something out of a surrealist painting. Hindi
ko inaasahang ganoon iyon kaganda. It made me somehow forgot why I was here.
Gray was staring at me. He was staring at my profile and I was staring at the view
around me. He was staring at me as if I am even more beautiful than the view. No
one ever stared at me in such way before. Like he was trying to memorize every inch
of my face. I thought we will stay forever like this pero nagsalita ito.
"Nakausap ko na si Ryu. He told me everything", wika niya.
"Ah."
"I'm not happy about it."
Oh? So am I!
I tried changing the topic. "Hindi ka pumasok kanina. The chancellor had an
announcement."
"Who cares."
"Everyone does."
"I don't."
"They're locking the gates of Bridle", wika ko. Teka, nakikinig ba siya?
"There's the backdoor."
"Oh."
"That's not what I want us to discuss Amber kaya kita dinala dito."
Napatingin ako sa kanya. "I thought we're going to discuss some school stuffs."
"Yes we are."
"Then it's part of it. I don't like it."
"Not the locking of gates. It's actually a good precautionary action. I admire the
chancellor for doing it."
Napatingin ako sa kanya. I know we were about to discuss big things, not just about
us being cousins. Sa ngayon ay kailangang iwaglit iyon sa isip at magfocus sa kung
ano man ang problemang may kinalaman sa Bridle.
"There are seven missing students at Bridle", wika ko sa kanya. He wasn't around
kanina ng iannounce iyon ng chancellor so I presumed that he doesn't know about it.
"I know."
"You do?"
He let out a big sigh. "Yeah. Seven but one is found and that makes it six. Six
missing students."
"Thank God at kahit isa lamang ang natagpuan, ay meron pa din. Where's the student
now?", I asked.
"At the morgue. He's a cold corpse", wika niya. It felt like a bomb just exploded
in front of me. The student is dead? Does that mean that the Genesis penetrated
even Bridle High
School?
Hindi agad ako nakapagsalita. I was left dumbfounded. Bridle isn't safe anymore
but-
"I know you will be surprised to know it. But this one is even harder to
believe..."
He's killing me by giving such thrill. I'm not he kind who's into it.
"What?"
"He's found dead at the dormitory, in his room. And the evidences scattered at the
crime scene contain Jeremy's DNA and fingerprints."
Hindi agad promoseso sa utak ko ang sinabi ni Gray.
Dead.
Dormitory.
At the crime scene.
Jeremy's DNA and fingerprints.

Jeremy?!
Jeremy Martinez?
"WHAT?! MY JEREMY?" I asked surprisely. Tama ba ang narinig ko. At that moment, I'm
wishing that he would say no but he didn't.
"Jeremy. OUR Jeremy."
Nahimigan ko ang lungkot sa boses ni Gray. Hindi pa rin iyon tuluyang tinatanggap
ng sistema ko so he continued.
"There was a cap found at the crime scene at maraming may alam na kay Jeremy iyon.
DNA samples say it's really his cap. There are also his fingerprints all over the
aree which is unusual since the victim was found on the fifth floor and Jeremy's
room is on the second
floor", wika niya.
"No. There's no way that Jeremy could kill!"
"That's what I'm thinking too. There are multiple stab wounds on the victim's body
and a large wound on his head."
"Hindi iyan magagawa ni Jeremy!!!"
"I know. I believe that the multiple stab wounds are just to obscure the big cut on
the victim's tummy which is I'm sure, act of the organization. It's up to us to
clear his name."
Everything is still hard to accept. There's no way that Jeremy could have done it.
No way.
Gray is right. It's up to us to give light to this case. It's up to us to clear his
name.
************************
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CHAPTER 40: MURDERER, JEREMY MARTINEZ (Introduction)

Chapter 40: Murderer, Jeremy Martinez
(Introduction Chapter)
For Editor Melody who steered this on the right track as always.
Happy birthday Jessa Melencio! Strawberries and bombs from the family for you! ♥
****************************
He was once a braced geek. He used to wear his old-fashioned uniform, buttoning it
like he was choking. His hair looks like he was bathe inside the mouth of a big
dinosaur. He always wear his thick glasses. A total nerd.
He is Jeremy Martinez. Not a day passed that I never thought of how happy his life
is, along with the difficult moments. He always laughs like there is no tomorrow
that makes me wonder how he is able to do it.
After Gray presented the files of the case of Jomari Sanchez, one of the missing
students who was found dead, I can say that every evidence really points out to
him. The case wasn't known to the student body to avoid further issues na tiyak
pagkakaguluhan na naman ng media.
The cap obviously belongs to him. Several pieces of hair recovered from the inside
have
roots with tissue attached match to those of Jeremy's medical records. There were
his finger prints too that were scattered around the area. This has been bugging me
since last night. It bothers me more than how my so called relatives treated me.
The case is handled by that jerk detective, Detective Adler Norton, so I would be
seeing
him alot inside Bridle.
We were at the gym waiting for our PE teacher. Habang naghihintay ay napagkatuwaang
maglaro ng mga kaklase ko, headed by Jeremy. They call the game battle of the
brainless at
panay ang tawanan nila dahil sa kakwelahan ni Jeremy.
Poor Jeremy! He doesn't know that any moment by now, may mga pulis na maaaring
dumampot sa kanya, but Gray and I will prevent it to happen.
"Jeremy, ano ang pambasang hayop ng Pilipinas?", Marcus asked. They're forming a
little game show. "Nagsisimula sa letrang K at kulay itim!"
"Kuto!"
Nagtawanan ang mga kaklase namin dahil kay Jeremy. See? Is he really able to kill
someone?
"Hindi! K ang una at W ang last letter", wika ng kaklase namin.
Jeremy grinned. "KutoW?" Mas lalo pang lumakas ang tawanan nila.
"Loko ka Jeremy!", natatawang wika ni Lorie.
"Wala sa ulo Jeremy! Nasa lupa!"
"Aha! Kutong Lupa!", Jeremy hissed.
"Argh! Ewan ko sayo! Ang tamang sagot ay kalabaw!", Marcus announced. "Next
question. Saan binaril si Dr. Jose Rizal? Clue, nagsisimula sa letter B."
I was just staring at them and thinking that Je or the others would say Bagumbayan
but they
didn't.
"Sa Back?", Je asked which made Marcus frown. "What? Di ba pinatalikod siya nun?"
"Oh sige, pwede rin na ang simula ay L", the gamemaster said. Oh yeah, Luneta.
"Sabi na nga ba! Sa Likod?", he said cheerfully at natawa ang mga kaklase namin.
Meh!
"Argh! Hindi pa rin. Para mas madali, gamitin natin ang kaniyang modern name. RP ng
initials."
I heard someone whispered Rizal Park and I thought Jeremy heard it too but I made a
face when he spoke.
"Oh my God! Sa Rear Part!"
The class started giggling again. If this would be in another situation, marahil ay
natawa na rin ako but my mind seemed to be preoccupied with the thoughts of the
case. Gayundin si Gray. He is sitting on the other
side of the bleachers at abala sa sinusulat sa maliit na notebook nito.
"Jeremy, it's either Bagumbayan, Luneta o Rizal Park", natatawang wika ni Marcus.
"Whoah! Mukhang may m tatanghalin na tayong kampeon nito!"
"Next question. Ano ang pambansang kasuotan ng mga kababaihan? B.S. ang initials."
Jeremy thinks for a while. "Bathing Suit?"
Seriously?
"Hindi, tagalog ito."
"Blusa at Sando?"
"Mali. It's Baro at Saya! Eh, sa kalalakihan naman, ano ang tawag sa kasuotan. B
rin ang simula.", Marcus asked.
"Brief?"
Oh? What the hell?
"Hindi, manipis ito."
"Bikini brief?", he asked and laughter cracked inside the gym.
"Tanga! Barong tagalog! Next question. Ano ang pambansang bulaklak ng Pilipinas?
Nagsisimula sa letrang S."
"Sunflower!", Jeremy shouted. The others giggled.
"Mali Je! Tinutuhog ito."
"Squid Ball!"
Natawa ulit ang mga ito. "Mali! Nilalako ito sa daan!"
"I know it! Sitsaron!", Jeremy said. Aliw na aliw ito sa battle of the brainless
nila. Meh! I don't like the title of the game, so degrading.
"Jeremy, sabi namin bulaklak."
"Edi sitsarong bulaklak! HAHAHAHAHAHA!", Jeremy laughed.
"Hindi nga! Bulaklak sabi! A ang last letter."

"Sitsarong BulaklakA?"
Really Je?
"Argh! Last clue, kapangalan ng dating OPM singer!", my classmate said.
"Alam ko na! Sharon Cuneta!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Everyone laughed. Looks like they're enjoying this brainless battle.
"Ang daya niyo naman! Kanina pa kayo tanong ng tanong sa akin. Ako naman", Jeremy
ranted.
"Game!"
"Shoot!"
"Gusto ko yan Je!"
"Sige, eto ah? Ano ang apelyedo ni Fernando Poe?"
"Ano?", they asked in unison.
"Beshies, kayo tinatanong ko, wag niyo akong ina-ano. Hindi ako nagpipick-up line",
Je snorted. "But for starters, it's Junior. Ang apelyido ni Fernando Poe ay Junior!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
May mga natawa pero mas marami ang napapokerface. Oh Je, you're bad.
"Eto seryoso na. Ano ang first name ni Nemo?", Je asked.
"First name na niya yan", wika ni Yuri.
"No. No. No."

Nahulog sa malalim na pag-iisip ang iba.
"Sirit na Jeremy."
"Oo nga. Parang di naman sinabi na may first name other than Nemo si Nemo ah."
"Edi Sarahero", Je said with his annoying grin. I knew it. Ang kasunod ng ngising
iyon ay malutong na tawa.
"Sarahero?"
"Sarahero Nemo! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH

AHAHAHAHAHA!"
Napatawa na rin ang iba while others are still processing the joke. Oh yeah. I feel
them.
"Isa pa ha. Ano ang last name ni Punisher?", Je asked.
"Alam ko!", Kevin answered. Nasa Marvel comics yan diba? Si Frank Castle, lumabas
nga siya sa Amazing Spiderman!"
"Eeenk! Mali."
"Eh? Ano pala sagot?"
"Edi Rano. Punisher Rano!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Eto last nato. Ano ang first name ni Janno?"
"Ewan."
"Di ko rin alam."
"Sirit na."
.
"Edi Eduman. Eduman Janno!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Nagsimula ulit na magtawanan ang mga naroon and I just sighed as I watch them.
"That's your third sigh for today."
Napalingon ako sa nagsalita sa likuran ko. It was one of the person that I don't
want to see. I chose to ignore him like he doesn't exist but his next statement
made me wanna kick his ass.
"So young and full of life. You cannot trust people by their appearance, right?
Look at him. Ni hindi ako makapaniwalang isa pala siyang murderer."
Napatayo ako at hinarap siya. Damn this famewhore detective! He's really testing my
patience, isn't he?
"Who are you to judge him? He didn't do it! I warrant you on that", wika ko sa
kanya. God! I would love to shave his head and throw him to the pits of hell for
thinking bad about Jeremy.
"I just relied on the present evidence. Any moment by now ay maaaring dumating na
ang mga pulis", wika niya.
"What? Why?!"
"For the safety of the students."

"Jeremy didn't do it!", I shouted on his face. "Baka nakakalimutan mong we have
this thing called 'innocent until proven guilty'! Look at him! Do you think he's
capable of doing brutal way of killing?"
The detective's face seemed used with every word I say. "It actually looks like
you're more capable of doing it than him."
It's his way of agreeing on what I said so I let it pass. I wanna smile at him for
conceding to the idea that Jeremy wasn't the kind who looks like capable of a
brutal murder.
"But let me tell you Vander. Looks aren't the basis if someone is capable of murder
or not. Not because you look kind doesn't mean you're kind. Not because you look
innocent doesn't mean you're innocent."
That made me hate him more. Don't tell me that he believes that Jeremy did it?
Bigla na lamang akong nakaisip ng hindi maganda tungkol sa pagpunta niya dito.
"Anong ginagawa mo dito?"
He shrugged his shoulders at sumandal. "I'm observing the suspect. I'm also waiting
for my comrades."
Oh? He's not saying the police, is he?
"You can't do it!", wika ko. My voice was loud and made every student inside the
gym turn their gazes to us.
"Kinuha mo ang atensyon nila. Now they might be wondering why I'm here", he said.
He smirked when he saw Gray approaching us with his clenched fist.
Oh, Detective Adler! Don't mess with him again! I'm telling you, he got iron first.
On the second thought, mess with him at nang makita mo ang hinahap mo.
"Hello Silvan."
Inilapag ni Gray ang kanyang backpack at hinarap si Detective Adler. His eyes are
saying everything. By merely looking at his eyes, alam mo nang galit ito at
nagtataka sa presensya ng
detective.
"I don't own the gym but I don't think that you should be here", wika ni Gray.
Detective Adler raised his arms in surrender. "Whoah. Okay, okay. But it's not you
who I came for. I wanna see the suspect", he flashed a dangerous grin.
"Shut up Detective before I release my demons", Gray said. His figure of speech is
kinda funny but it's not a perfect time to laugh.
"Tsk tsk tsk. I guess it's in the Vander's blood, you're both good in intimidating
people but sad to say, you don't have an effect on me", wika niya.
Then two men entered the gym. Tila may hinahanap ang mga ito and when they glanced
at our direction ay lumapit sila sa amin. Gray recognized them as police officers
in civilian attire. His figure stiffened at lumipat ang tingin niya kay Jeremy na
aliw na aliw habang kausap ang mga kaklase namin.
"Ikaw pala Gray! Kumusta?", wika ng isa sa nakacivilian na police. It was a

friendly greeting but Gray ignored it.
Oh? I thought he's friends with the police?
"Hey."
"Ah, ang mahilig pumapel", wika naman ng isa pa. "Mukhang maiinis na naman ako sa
iyo Silvan."
Gray smirked. "Really? I'm glad that I have that impact on you."
"Mayabang ka pa ring bata ka. Kung sina Tross at Dean ay nahahawakan mo sa leeg,
ibahin mo kami. Hindi kami tulad ng mga walang kwentang pulis na iyon na humihingi
ng tulong sa mga bubwit", one police said which made me raise my brows at them.
Anong problema nila kay Detective Tross at Inspector Dean?
Tumikhim si Detective Adler. "Ganyan ba kayo magbatian?"
Gray smirked more. "Oh, my bad. Hello Inspector Boom and Fenris." He doesn't sound
friendly though.
The Inspectors shot a glare at him. "Hello." Bumaling ito kay Detective Adler.
"Hindi kami
pumunta dito upang makipagbatian. Where's the kid?"
Detective Adler pointed Jeremy using the cigarette that he had tucked on his ears.
"That one."
I felt myself panicked. Don't tell me they're picking him right here right now?
"You can't take him with you!", I hissed at them. I wanna kiss myself for being
brave. Truth is kinakabahan ako for Jeremy that's why my legs are quivering.
"Sino naman ito?"
"Ah, baka yan ang sinasabi nilang alagad din nibTross at Dean. Ah! Pathetic cops",
komento ng isa. I wanna kick his balls for saying it. I believe that Detective
Tross and Inspector Dean trusting us the case isn't pathetic. They seek for help
upang mapadali ang pag-iimbestiga, unlike this two. Iisipin pa ba nila ang sariling
kapakanan kaysa sa nangyaring krimen? I don't think it's bad to ask for help in the
quest for one truth!
"What are you doing here?", tanong ni Gray. In fact he already knows why they are
here but he still asked.
"We're taking the kid."
"What the hell?!", I hissed. "Do you have any warrant?"
"Meron. Don't worry we're detaining him inside Bridle as of now dahil marami pa rin
ang mga umaaligid na reporters."
Tila bombang sumabog iyon sa pandinig ko. Whaaaat? They're keeping Jeremy behind
the
bars kung mangyaring walang nga reporters and news people sa labas?
"Pinayagan iyan ng Bridle? I thought they don't want chaos in here", Gray said.
It was Inspector Fenris who answered. He is young but looks scary. May peklat ito
sa pisngi and I'm thinking that he looks like a sexual offender with such scar. Oh,
sorry for the prejudicial description.
"Hindi kami nakauniporme upang hindi halata."
"Matatalino ang mga estudyante ng Bridle. They would know if something is not
right. Magtataka sila kung bakit sinundo si Jeremy ng dalawang lalaki. Why don't
you allow us to do it?", wika ni Gray. He must have something in mind. We must do
everything to clear Jeremy's name!
"That's a good idea", wika ni Detective Adler. "And in return for your help?"
Oh, very good detective! You know that we need something in return.
"Bring us with you kung saan niyo siya idedetain."
"You wish!"
I was almost losing hope. They're not in good terms with Gray kaya imposibleng
pumayag ang mga ito na sumama kami.
"Too bad. Akala ko pa naman papayag kayo,blalo na at alam kong you just had a rough
sex with your mistress on the police car-"
"P*tang ina mo! Paano mo nalaman iyan?", galit na wika ni Inspector Fenris. Oh?
Hindi lang pala ito mukhang manyak, totoong manyak nga ito.
"I just know. And Inspector Boom just commited a fraud to-"
"Holy crap! Sagutin mo kami kung paano mo nalaman ang mga iyan?", galit na tanong
ni Inspector Fenris.
"Sinusundan mo ba kami?"
"Nope. I just heard from the two noisy inspectors. Yes, directly from the two of
you", wika ni Gray. I was amused by how he was able to turn the tables. Parang
kanina lang ay nagmukha kaming kawawa.
"Wala kang ebidensya."
Gray grinned. "Unfortunately, I do." Inilabas niya ang cellphone at pinarinig sa

amin ang naroong record.
"Syempre Boom, masigla ang araw ko. Cliopatra just gave me a blow. Nakatatlo kami
sa loob ng sasakyan!"
"Amazing stamina! Nako, pag nalaman yan ng asawa mo, lagot ka."
"Hindi niya malalaman dahil tayo lang naman. Matagal ko ng ginagawa to. Ikaw? Bakit
malaki ang ngiti mo?"
"Nagkapera ako. Yung matandang tinulungan ko

sa mga pinroseso niya nahuthutan ko. Nag-uumapaw naman kasi ang pera noon. Sinabi
ko rin na may mga police charges at kung anu-ano pa."
Pinatay ni Gray ang record. The cops face infront of us ashen.

bago tuluyang nawalan ng kulay. Their smirking faces are now as colorless as a
clear water.
"Paano mo nakuha iyan? Nasa sasakyan kami habang nag-uusap! Imposibleng nasa
sasakyan ka rin!", galit na wika ni Inspector Boom.
Nakatunghay lamang si Detective Adler, amused by how Gray outwitted them.
"I have my ways." Gray said at bahagyang sinulyapan ang mga kaklase ko mula sa di
kalayuan.
His way? Lumingon din ako doon and I saw Math grinning at us. She winked when she
look
at our direction. Ah! Math and her bug! It's always handy, eh?
"So? Isasama niyo kami o pupunta ako sa gate kung saan nag-aabang ang mga
reporters.
Surely you wouldn't want a headline with your names on it."
"Damn you!"
Nagsalita na si Detective Adler mula sa pananahimik. "Mukhang walang ibang paraan

kundi hayaan sila."
"Sige. Follow us to the conference room. Bring the kid."
Hindi na ako nag-aksaya ng panahon. I immediately run towards Jeremy's direction. I

excused myself from the group at hinila si Jeremy.
"Yow Bestie.... Luh! Where are you taking me?", he said. He's still joking. Isn't
he aware of the alleged murder na ginawa daw niya?
"Je, we need to talk."
Lumapit na din sa amin si Gray. "Kailangan ka talaga naming makausap."

"Ikaw Gray ha. Kanina ko napapansin na ang lagkit ng titig mo sa akin. Walang talo-
talo bro! Paano na si Victoria-"
I cut him off. "Je, this is a serious matter. We have to follow the tracks of those
three but make your steps small upang makapag-usap pa tayo."
Jeremy became serious. Naramdaman marahil nito ang pagiging seryoso namin. "What is
this about?
Si Gray ang nagsalita. "Jeremy, do you know that one of the seven missing students
was found dead?"
"Yeah, I knew about it. Why?"
"Your cap and fingerprints were found at the crime scene", wika ko. Jeremy just
walked like it was nothing.
"And so? Wait! My cap and fingerprints, youbsay?", nagulat ito. Oh, I'm expecting
that he would.
"The victim is Jomari Sanchez. Multiple stab wounds. In his room on the fifth
floor, they got withholding evidence, a cap that belongs to you."
Jeremy is now confused. "Wait, hindi ko nga kilala yan and I haven't gone to fifth
floor! My cap was lost, few days ago! Don't tell me they're detaining me."
I felt a cold sweat slipped over my body as I slowly nodded. Shit! Why Jeremy?!
Bakit ito pa?
"Isa iyan sa rason kung bakit ka nila idedetain, they said you didn't divulge
important evidence like the lost of your cap which I found so baseless. I lost my
handkerchief too, should I report that?", Gray asked.
Jeremy stopped from his track and I thought he's gonna cry
but he didn't.
"Someone's trying to get away from murder and framing me in the process!", he said.
His face is serious and gone was the Jeremy who laughs like there's no tomorrow.
Yes! Definitely! Someone is really trying to make him take the blame. Damn that
organization!
But why Jeremy? It's the question that is running in my mind as we walk towards the
conference room.
**************************
CHAPTER 41: MURDERER, JEREMY MARTINEZ (Development)

Chapter 41: Murderer, Jeremy Martinez
(Development Chapter)
Shoutout: Happy 56th Foundation Anniversary Mindanao State University System! Proud
#MSUan here! Mehehehe~
***************************
Jeremy wasn't talking as we walk towards the conference room. I have a wild guess
about
whoever is waiting for us inside the the room.
Pagbukas niyon ay nakaupo ang taong inaasahan ko. Inilapag niya ang hawak na folder
ng pumasok kami. On the other side of the table are the detective and the two cops
na sinundan namin.
"The three of you, please have a seat", wika ni Chancellor Judas. His wrinkled face
is staring straight to us. Nasabi na siguro ng mga pulis na kasama kami ni Jeremy.
Nang maupo kami ay muli itong nagsalita. "I heard so much about the two of you.
Even Arman himself said something good about the two of you. I'm glad that you have
been good students and have helped in keeping this institution safe by identifying
criminals within this campus."
Criminals huh? Definitely, Jeremy is not one of those.
"With all due respect Sir, we did not come here to hear the feedbacks about us",
wika ni Gray.
Chancellor Judas is scary looking- no, not literally. In fact he's good looking.
What I mean is, he's not the kind of person who gives smile to everyone. Siya yung
tipo ng taong alam mong marami ang tumatakbo sa isip kapag nakatingin sayo. And
right now, I know that there are many things that are running in his mind.
"Ano iyon?", tanong niya.
Saglit na natahimik doon while Gray is trying to formulate in mind what he's gonna
ask. Sinulyapan ko ang dalawang pulis, they are grinning like crazy. Detective
Adler is looking
straight at Gray, waiting for his answer. Nang sulyapan ko naman si Jeremy sa tabi
ko
ay nakatingin lang ito sa mesa ngunit nakakunot ang noo nito. His fists are
clenched and I can sense the imaginary dark smokes that are coming out of his body.
"Allow us to have our own investigation", wika ni Gray which made the chancellor
raise his brows.
"I believe, that is beyond the duty of a Bridle student. Let the police handle it."
Nawalan ako ng pag-asa. Hindi ako basta-basta sumusuko when it comes to someone's
disapproval about what I want to do but hearing it straight from the chancellor's
mouth made it feel so hopeless.
"Hindi namin ito gagawin bilang estudyante ng Bridle. We're doing this as the
accused's
FRIENDS", wika niya, giving emphasis on the word friends which made Jeremy raised
his head at tumingin kay Gray. His eyes were lethargic but I saw something
glittered in it bago niya muling ibinaba ang paningin.
"Tsk. Mangingialam ka na naman Silvan?", Inspector Fenris snorterd. I darted a

glare at him pero binalewala niya. Hindi siya ang tipong nakukuha sa tingin
"I'm afraid I cannot permit your request Mr. Silvan. Leave it to the authority,
you'd better focus on the prelims", the chancellor said.
Si Gray lang yata ang may lakas ng loob na makipag-usap sa Chancellor. I wanna ask
questions ngunit walang lumalabas sa bibig ko. The chancellor's presence really
intimidates me.
"We'll clear our friend's name by conducting the investigations and I assure you,
we will ace
the exams. Just allow us on this", Gray said. Acing the exam while conducting an
investigation? Okay, sa kanya ay madali lang
iyon but for me it will be challenging. Not that I'm an airhead, it's just that
there are lots of things and revelations in my life these past few days kaya hindi
ko maiga-guarantee ang pagfofocus ko sa pag-aaral.
"Tsk! Ang yabang talaga!", komento ni Inspector Boom. The detective is just staring
at Gray, amused with every word he says.
"Inuulit ko Ginoong Silvan, I will not permit it. Now you two are dismissed.
Maiiwan si Ginoong Martinez. Kailangan namin siyang makausap tungkol sa missing
students case at sa isang pinatay. We have to do this right to avoid the media's
intervention that might cause this institution's fall."
I felt my body shook. Malakas ang aircon doonbbut I'm sweating like a pig. Mukhang
tama ang hinala ko tungkol sa chancellor. He's not friendly at all. Not even an
inch.
Napasandal si Gray sa upuan. He flashed a dangerous grin. "I don't wanna do this
but you pushed me to do it", wika ni Gray. Inihagis niya ang isang itim na maliit
na bagay patungo sa chancellor. It looks like a small floppy disc. Kinuha naman
iyon ng chancellor at sinuri.
"What's this?"
"A nameless device na may voice recorder at camera. It's a transmitter too so
nakikita nila tayo ng live. Say hi to the ARC News Team", wika ni Gray which made
the chancellor throw the device. I'm pretty sure it's one of Math's invention
again.
"Did you sell us to the media?", hindi makapaniwalang tanong nito. His voice became
ten times scarier than it was before.
"No. I'm giving that for free. One of my friend, Ara Brenan, a known reporter of
ARC, is waiting for my signal to release that. I also gave her my statement about
this case. Isang
Go signal ko lamang ay mapupublicize na ang mga ito. So, what do you think?"
I was surprised how Gray had predicted this situation. Inaasahan na ba talaga niya
ang
ganitong tagpo so he devised a brilliant plan? Kinuha ni Inspector Boom ang bagay
na iyon at tinangkang sirain ngunit nagsalita si Gray.
"It's useless Inspector. Naka-automatic save ang mga narecord ng device na iyan
just like your records kaya wala ding silbi kung sirain mo yan."
Ibinagsak ng pulis ang bagay na iyon sa mesa. "P*tang ina mo!"
"Oh, my Mom's a lawyer, not a harlot", sagot ni Gray which made the inspector more
furious. Boo!
"Tuso ka Silvan", komento ni Detective Adler habang nilalaro sa kamay ang

sigarilyo. I hadn't seen him light one.
The chancellor cleared his throat. "48 hours. I'm giving you forty-eight hours.
After that, if you cannot present the real murderer, leave it to us", wika nito.
"Thank you. I always thought that you'd do the right decision."
"Sana ay walang lumabas na kung anu-ano na makakasira sa pangalan ng Bridle", wika

nito.
"I guarantee you", sagot ni Gray. He smirked at the cops and detective who are very
furious.
Wala na itong magagawa, we'll have our ass on this case whether they like it or
not.
***************************
The crime scene is just what I expected it to be. Nagtaka ang ilang mga lalaki kung
ano ang
ginagawa ng tulad kong babae sa boys' dorm and they had a silly thought about me
and Gray basing on their grins.
Pervert minds! We're cousins. And even if we're not, we're not gonna do that stupid
idea you have in mind!
Kinausap namin ang in-charge sa boys' dormitory to allow me upstairs. The fifth
floor is sealed dahil iilan din lang ang mga nag-ookupa sa mga kwarto doon. The
whole floor is closed at pinalipat na sa ibang palapag ang iba. The students are
clueless about the crime there dahil ang houseparent ang nakadiskubre sa patay na
katawan ng biktima.
The room was a mess, nakakalat ang mga dugo at gamit. The room was marked by the
police.
May palatandaan sa sahig kung saan nakita ang biktima at kung ano ang posisyon
nito. There were trails of bloods everywhere and the room showed signs of
struggling. Nag-obserba si Gray sa isang dako at sa ibang direksyon naman ako. I'm
hoping that the 48 alloted hours is just enough for us to clear Jeremy's name.
I still cannot believe that the Genesis was able to enter Bridle. Ah, hindi naman
pala nakapagtataka. Napasok nga nila ang Athena na pag-aari ng Vander Mafia, ang
Bridle pa kaya? But come to think of it, they had penetrated STA too! Ibig bang
sabihin nito ay pinapalawak na nila ang kanilang nasasakupan?
Mga estudyante ng boarding school ang biktima nila. Maybe it is because there are
no parents
who can monitor their children 24/7 and personally.
Tiningnan ko ang isang martilyo na naroon. According to the files, the hammer was
used to knock the victim's head and its handle
contains Jeremy's fingerprints.
Yes, his fingerprints.
Inalala ko ang pag-uusap namin kanina nang iwan kami ng chancellor at ng mga pulis
at detective sa conference room to read the case files.
"Je, it's positive that these are your fingerprints. Do you remember going up to
the fifth floor?", tanong ko sa kanya. His face is serious at tila nag-iisip ito ng
malalim.
"Wala talaga Amber and I don't sleepwalk kaya imposibleng nagpunta ako doon", sagot
niya.
"Oh, I hope that I would sleepwalk at nang mapatay ko rin kung sino talaga ang
totoong gumawa nito!"
"Je!", saway ko sa kanya. I don't want him to joke like that.
"Kidding Amber. Inaaliw ko na lamang ang sarili ko. I might breakdown any moment by
now", sagot nito. He called me Amber. It means that he's serious with this thing.
"Jeremy, do you have any idea who stole your cap?", tanong ni Gray sa kanya. Saglit
itong nag-isip ngunit umiling lamang ito.
"Wala talaga."
Gray exhaled heavily. "Malakas ang ebidensya nila laban sayo. How the hell did your
fingerprints scatter on the crime scene?"
"Hindi ko talaga alam Gray. Hindi kaya magkapareho lamang kami ng fingerprints ng
tunay na salarin?"
Naaawa na ako kay Jeremy. What's the motive of the Genesis to put Jeremy into this
mess? He's too kind to kill anyone!
"Je, that's impossible dahil one hundred percent na nagmatch iyon sa fingerprints
mo", sagot ko sa kanya. If Je was framed up, the one who did this must have planned
it carefully.
Seeing Jeremy so helpless ignited a sensation in me to do everything for him to

clear his name. This sensation dug deeper inside me and now radiating outward. It
was a desire to do something for Jeremy. A desire to figure out what the actual
hell is going on and who the hell framed him up.
We were reading the case nang bumalik si Detective Adler. He sat comfortably in
front of us and his gaze is like mocking us. I can see the words "Try harder within
48 hours losers" in his eyes.
"If I were you, I would be sitting by now on the lonely corner of the library and
review for upcoming exams. Balita ko mahirap daw ang exams dito", he said, playing
the cigarette in
his hands. Wala ba talaga itong planong sindihan iyon?
"Fortunately, you are not us, so leave us alone", wika ko sa kanya. He let out a
fake laugh.
"Come on, you have school and a lot of friends. You'd exchange a lot of friends na
maaaring nagtatampo na ngayon dahil wala kayo doon because you're here trying to
clear your friend's name? It's one versus many. Isa
pa, you have exams to study."
I rolled my eyes at him. "As if any of that matters. You know what Detective?
You're an itch to the sight. Mabuti pang umalis ka muna sa paningin ko."
"Really? I'm glad I'm an eyesore to a Vander", wika niya. Oh, I still haven't
forgotten that the
Vanders are his dream "break."
"Amber's right. Maybe you should leave", segunda ni Gray sa sinabi ko. I know he's
irritated with the detective's presence too.
"Why? Don't you want me to hear your preliminary reasonings about this? Baka naman
may tinatago kayo. You're making me think
that the kid got an accomplice. Two brainy accomplice", wika niya.
The hell?! Is he referring to us? And like what I am saying Jeremy is not the
killer! He isn't serious, right? He can't be!
That thought stopped my reminiscence. An accomplice, eh?
Accomplice. Like how Lupin III got Grognard or how Kaito Kid got Jii. There must be
an accomplice!
"Gray!", I called him at nag-angat ito ng tingin. Lumapit ako sa kanya. "There's no
doubt that
the Genesis did this but we just can't prove it. Their existence is not known yet.
Pero kung nakapasok sila dito sa Bridle, there must be an accomplice. If they were
able to kill someone
inside the dormitory, there must be an accomplice which is probably an student or
staff here!"
"Tama ka. But since the occupants are more or less 300 male students, how can we
narrow it down? Investigating 300 students is not possible within 48 hours", sagot
nito.
I let out a sigh. Yes, tama ito. Paano nga ba?
"Bakit si Jeremy pa kasi ang nadawit dito", wika ko sa sarili ko.
"He's obviously framed up. Sino bang kriminal ang mag-iiwan ng kanyang cap at
fingerprints? It seems like it's deliberately left for the police to trail."
He's right. Everything seems so contrived. The cap must have been stolen upang iwan
doon
ng tunay na salarin. The questionable thing is how did the culprit put Jeremy's
fingerprints? At paano naiwan doon ang mga iyon? It was carefully tested and it
really matched his medical records kept in the school's private computers.
I look around the area at gayundin ang ginawa ni Gray.
"Look at the area too", wika nito.

"Mukhang nagkaroon ng munting kaguluhan dito basing on the scattered blood, marahil
ay nanlaban ang biktima. And I don't see any signs of fighting from Jeremy."
"So do I."
Napangiti bigla si Gray. "I think we have a waynto narrow down the dorm occupants
that we should observe!", wika niya.
"Paano?"
"CCTV footage! There's one on the floor's entrance", wika niya at iginiya ako
palabas ng silid. It seems that we can't find anything that can help us here.
Pababa na kami sa footage area nang makasalubong namin ang ilan sa mga kaklase
naming sina Marcus at Kevin. Nagulat ang mga ito nang makita kaming magkasama sa
dorm ng mga lalaki.
Their grins were like the other occupants at mahinang tinapik ni Marcus ang balikat
ni Gray.
"Bossing! Ikaw ha! Di mo naman sinabi sa amin na dinadala mo pala si Bossing ni

Bossing dito."
I pouted when he said those. That's how they used to call Gray, Bossing. And they
used to call me Bossing ni Bossing, that I find so annoying. Dati ay naiinis si
Marion kapag naririnig iyon mula sa kanila that's why they refrain from calling me
that way. Bumalik lamang iyon ng mawala si Marion.
"Binata na si Bossing! Alright!", Kevin exclaimed at nag-high five pa ito at si

Marcus.
"Tumahimik nga kayong dalawa", wika ni Gray. "We're just finding out some things."
Kakaiba pa rin ang ngiti ng mga ito ng magpaalam kami sa kanila. Geez! They're
gross!
We headed towards the security management of the dorm but unfortunately, ayaw
nilang ipakita sa amin ang footage. Ayon sa kanila, the police already warned them
not to show it to us.
"May itinatago ba kayo sa amin kaya hindi ninyo iyan ipinapakita?", Gray asked the
security head.
"Wala naman pero ang mga footage ay para lamang sa mga pulis kaya kung nais ninyong
makita ang mga iyon, lumapit kayo sa kanila."
They won't divulge further information for us kaya umalis na kami doon. We can't
compel
them to show us the footage sa kung sinu-sino ang mga nagpunta sa ikalimang
palapag.
"Wala na tayong magagawa", wika ni Gray. "What are we gonna do now?"
He sounded desperate. Gaya ko ay nais din nitong linisin ang pangalan ni Jeremy who
is now detained at the conference room. Ang nakakainis pa roon ay pinosasan pa nila
ito! Curse them to the pits of hell for doing that to Jeremy!
"As of footage access, I know someone who can help us", wika ko. "Someone who can
hack the system footage."
"You mean Ryu?"
I gave him an assuring smile. "Exactly. Go and ask him to do it. May pupuntahan din
ako", wika ko sa kanya at nagmadaling umalis but he was fast enough to hold my arm
bago pa ako makalayo.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm seeing someone part of Genesis", sagot ko sa kanya na ikinakunot ng noo niya.
"Why is that? And who?"
"Basta."
"They're dangerous-"
"I know but trust me on this. This person won't harm me, don't worry", wika ko.
Saglit
na tumingin siya sa mga mata ko bago ako binitiwan. I smiled at him again and ran
towards the backdoor exit.
I have to talk to that person! I ran towards the back of the gym and walk across
the withering grass. I don't mind the bushes that started to prick my skin. Behind
the trees there is a fence. Cut out of that fence is a hole known to only some of
the Bridle students. I slowly snuck out through that hole na madalas na naming
dinadaanan. After a few moments, I am out of the high walls of Bridle, open for
anyone to see. Naalala ko ang wika ng chancellor.
No one is allowed to leave the school without the company of a parent or guardian
but who cares?
I have to see that person. I really have to prove that Je is innocent. Why does the
police think the other way? How could they judge him for doing it? Nandoon ba sila
noong mangyari iyon? Nang makalabas ako ay napansin ko ang ilang mga reporters na
nag-aabang pa rin sa labas ng Bridle, waiting for the gates to open. I hid myself
and waited for a taxi na agad namang dumating. I told the driver my destination and
relaxed a little inside the cab.
After almost two hours ay narating ko na ang destinasyon ko. I spent my two hours
inside the vehicle thinking of the possible words that I will tell that person. I
paid the cab quite a lot for this but I don't mind. Kailangan ko talaga siyang
makausap.
I stared at the gates of Athena High School for a while then I slowly let myself in
without the
guard noticing. Abala kasi ito sa kakatingin sa cellphone niya. I guess he's
playing something.
Good job Mr. Guard! You just let me in! Thank you!
Tinakbo ko mula sa gate hanggang sa classroom na pinapasukan ko dati. It's past

three at malamang ay uwian na mayamaya lang. I slowly snuck in and searched for
Zywon ngunit wala ito doon. Damn! Nasaan kaya iyon?
Napansin ko ang isang estudyante na lalaki na nagtatakang nakatingin sa akin. Yeah,

I'm still in my Blue PE shirt, black shorts and white
shoes with my backpack. Great,isn't it?
There was a big print in my shirt which was Bridle High School kaya hindi kataka-
taka kung ganoon ang tinging ipinukol nito sa akin.
"Oh, Hi!", bati ko dito. "Ako nga pala yung dating exchange student ng Bridle dito.
Mind if I ask you something?"
He smiled at me. "Ikaw nga! Kaya pala pamilyar ang mukha mo. Sure! What is it?"
I gave him my sweetest smile. "Saang palapag ng dorm si Zywon Deltran and what's
his room number?"
Bahagya itong nagulat sa tanong ko but in the end he decided to give me the right
information. Agad akong pumunta doon at naghanap nang daan. I remember what Jeremy
said once when he saw Zywon climbing down the emergency ladders. Oh well, that's no
sweat for me kaya hinanap ko iyon at
nagsimulang umakyat. After a while ay narating ko na ang bintana and just like what
I expected, Zywon was there. Marahil ay hindi ito pumasok. I slowly lift myself and
pushed the window open. The ball that was placed there fell on the floor which made
Zywon glance towards the windows. He was surprised to see me climbing on his
window.
Lumapit siya doon and that's when I was able to let myself inside their room.
Good job Amber!
"What the hell are you doing here?", gulat niyang tanong.
Kasalukuyan kong pinapagpagan

ang sarili ko. Meh, the ladders are so dusty. Hinubad ko rin ang suot na backpack
and threw it on the nearest bed. Their room has only two beds.
"Where's your roommate?", I asked habang iniikot sa paligid ang paningin. It isn't
as clean as Gray's but it isn't bad at all.
"I rented this whole room for myself kaya wala akong roommate. Now tell me, what
are you doing here?", he asked and crossed his arms.
Ngayon ko lamang napansin na nakatopless ito and he's only wearing his boxer
shorts...?!
What the hell?!
I felt myself blushed bago ako tumalikod sa kanya. "Pwede ba! Wear some decent
clothes!"
"I ain't expecting anyone to emerge from that window so I'm not in my best suit",
wika niya,
sarcastically. Narinig ko ang papalayong hakbang niya and I heard a cabinet opened.
Ilang saglit lang ay pinalingon na niya ako and he was now on his-
He's now wearing his shorts but still topless! Ano ba ang idinidisplay niya?! Muli
akong tumalikod sa kanya.
"Shirt please."
I heard him groan. "Ang arte!" Nonetheless, I heard his footsteps again at nang
pinalingon niya ako ay suot na niya ang kulay itim na damit.
Hindi ako maarte! Sanay akong makakita ng lalaking topless, but seeing him makes me
uncomfortable.
"Now, will you tell me what you are doing here?", he asked again.
"Tell me, who's the Genesis' member lurking around Bridle, murdering students after
using
them and framing Jeremy?" deretsang tanong ko.
His handsome face wrinkled when I said the name Jeremy.

"What the hell? Jeremy, the weirdo?"
Halos hindi ito makapaniwala sa tanong ko. I stared straight to his eyes and I saw
worry in his coal
eyes.
He's worried for Jeremy! That's what I saw in his eyes.
Yes. Jeremy. My Jeremy.
*****************************
CHAPTER 42: MURDERER, JEREMY MARTINEZ (Suspicion)

Chapter 42: Murderer, Jeremy Martinez (Suspicion Chapter)
Account reported. Thank you bashers and haters. Mehehehe~
***************************
"Jeremy? Yung kasama mo dati? Si Bestie mo?", tanong ni Zywon and I wanna giggle
when he said Bestie. Hindi bagay sa kanya.
"Zywon, ilang Jeremy ba ang kilala natin in common?", tanong ko sa kanya. I move
myself from the windows, baka kasi may makakita sa akin.
He watched me as I strode across the room. "Right, that Jeremy. Crony of Genesis? I
don't know!"
Pinulot niya ang ilang mga bagay na nakakalat sa sahig. Tablet, shirts, pillows,
and packs of chocolates. Good thing there isn't a used underwear. Ew.
"Zywon, kailangan kong malaman! Your organization is penetrating Bridle and

Jeremy's facing charges na hindi naman niya ginawa. I need to clear his name! Hindi
ba't bahagi ka naman ng organisasyon? It would be easy for you to identify who's
behind it!", wika ko sa kanya. Okay, I'm starting to act like a brat, demanding him
an immediate answer.
He snorted at me. "Yes, but I'm not of higher position. Kumbaga for errands lamang
ang katulad ko. You're asking the wrong person. Bakit hindi mo subukang magtanong
kay Cooper?", he asked.
Tiningnan ko siya ng masama. Why is it so easy for him to say in my face about
Dad's involvement?
"I can't. The Vanders won't allow me", sagot ko sa kanya. Hala, malaki pala ang
galit nito sa mga Vanders!
"Vanders? Anong kinalaman nila?", he asked with a wrinkled forehead.
"It's complicated. Let's just say I just discovered that I'm a Vander. So ngayon,
tutulungan mo ba ako o hindi?", tanong ko sa kanya.
He looked at me like he was weighing things whether he would help me or not. Just
then, we heard few footsteps at ilang saglit lamang ay may kumatok na sa pinto.
"Zy!!! Nariyan ka ba?", tanong ng isang boses ng lalaki. Maingay sila so I guess
there are atleast three of them.
"Shit! Hide!", Zywon said and pushed me on the bed. What the hell?! On the bed?!
"Bakit dito?", I whispered. He just pulled the thick sheets over me.
"Hide your face", wika niya.
"No-"
He pushed my face on the bed! Argh! What the holy crap?!
"Zy!", tawag ulit ng nasa labas.
After pushing my face into the bed ay tumabi si Zywon sa akin and he pulled the
sheets over his body too.
"Zy, papasok na kami!", tawag ng mga ito and I heard a door cracked open. "Sabi ko
na nga ba, nandito ka!"
"Alam ko na kapag hindi ka sumasagot ay may kasama kang babae dito", someone said
and giggled. "Who's it this time?"
"Si Milky ba iyan?"
What the fudge?! Zywon's bringing girls here? Ano naman ang ginagawa nila?
"Nope. Anong ginagawa ninyo dito?", tanong niya. "You see? Tulog ang kasama ko. I
won't hold you long here."
"Yayayain ka lang naming maglaro pero mukhang busy ka", wika ng isa. "Babalik na
lang kami sa susunod."
"Okay, I really can't." Sorry bros. I'm here for important matters.
"Goodluck bro", they said and giggled. "Don't forget to wear helmet bro."
"Thank you for the reminder. And as usual, don't tell anyone I'm with someone. Got
it?", Zywon asked. Narinig kong sumang-ayon ang mga ito bago sumara ang pinto.
Ew! These boys are gross! I prevented myself to stand up and hit them in the faces!
When I heard the door closed ay tumayo ako agad mula sa pagkakadapa sa kama and
throw a punch at Zywon's face.
"Awwww! The hell!"
"You let me lie with my face down on the bed full of- Uh, how should I call it?
Jerk juices?", I spat in his face.
He got up from the bed at hinawakan ang nasaktang mukha. Yeah, I don't mind
destroying that face!
"There's no juices there! Hindi ako ganyan!", sagot niya sa akin.
"Tsk! In denial!"
"I'm not!"
Neknek niya! Hindi ako naniniwala! Who's Milky then? Mukhang si Gray at Khael na
lang yata ang pure ngayon. Ryu? Naaah, a total jerk. Lagpas na yata sa lahat ng
daliri sa kamay at paa kung bibilangin mo. Cooler? Not as jerk as Ryu but still a
jerk.
"Now, what are we gonna do?", he asked, trying to dodge away the topic about his
jerkiness.
"Tell me every piece of information you know about Genesis. Lalo na ang may
kinalaman sa nangyayari sa Bridle."
"I cannot divulge much information as that. Members with anion codenames are errand
members, ibig sabihin, kailangan lamang sila para sa mga munting task. Knowing the
scope of Bridle incursion is beyond the knowledge of an errand member", sagot niya
sa akin. He darted a bored look at me like he was saying he can't help me at all.
"I'm not asking you as Cyanide, the member. I'm asking you as Zywon who seeks
revenge. I'm sure you did a little invasion through their stuffs", wika ko sa
kanya. I made sure that my voice is clear.
Lumapit siya sa bintana at binuksan iyon. "I cannot help you. You may now go."
What?! He's dismissing me? Wala siyang balak na tulungan ako kay Jeremy?!
"No."
He looked at me impatiently. I sat myself on the bed again, tanda na hindi ako
aalis doon hanggat hindi niya ako tinutulungan.
"Get your shoes off my bed!"
"Kanina ko pa ito suot, you pushed me here so basically, you allow my shoes on your
bed. It's safe to presume that", sagot ko sa kanya. It pissed him off and I'm
congratulating myself for my awesomeness.
Dahan-dahan siyang lumapit sa akin. Closer, hanggang sa nasa kama na rin siya.
Bahagya akong napaatras ng makita kong seryoso ang mukha niya, too bad, I can feel
the headboard at my back.
"Alam mo ba kung nasaan ka?"
Idiot! Nasa dorm ng Athena, obviously!
"What the hell are you doing?", I asked. My God, what is this cockroach thinking!
Oo ipis siya. Gwapong ipis!
"Nasa kwarto kita...."
"And so?" Ang totoo niyan ay nanginginig ako sa takot. I'm not assured of my safety
here! Hindi ko lubusang kilala si Zywon! What if- what if.... No way!
"I can do whatever I want to you", wika niya. Humihina ang boses niya and I can
feel his knees on mine! Shit!
"No, you can't", wika ko and I tried with all my might to kick in between his
knees, I wasn't successful though.
"Argh! Woman! You're really something! And please, not on my precious part", wika
niya. He throws himself onto the bed.
"Sabi ko naman sayo na wala akong alam." Oh, really? His eyes tell the opposite.
"Try harder Zywon."

"I'm not lying! Wala talaga akong alam", wika niya sa tonong napipikon. Great!
Mapikon ka nga hanggang sa magsalita ka na.
"Even harder."
He let out a sigh. "Fine!" Oh? See? Umayos siya ng upo at humarap sa akin. "I'm not
really sure that this can help. Narinig ko lamang na may estudyanteng kasabwat sa
loob ng Bridle. The name is Plumbite, another anion. As of the gender, I don't
know. Basta ang alam ko, that someone was asked to kill a carrier who tried to
escaped", wika niya.
Plumbite? Who the hell is this Plumbite?
"Why did Plumbite frame Jeremy up?", tanong ko kay Zywon.
He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know if they framed anyone or not. Ang alam ko
lamang ay hindi siya paghihinalaan ni Silvan, I think you both know that Plumbite.
Someone you will not suspect."
When he said those, isang tao lang ang pumasok sa isip ko. I just hope I'm wrong.
*************************
"Bakit hindi pumasok si Jeremy?", tanong ni Yuri. Nakaupo kaming tatlo nina Gray at
Math sa cafeteria habang nagmemeryenda.
"Hindi rin kayo pumasok sa basketball kahapon, ang ganda ng laro.

Nagkawrestlingan!"
Yesterday was a tiring day. Gabi na ng nakauwi ako sa Bridle and I slowly walked
myself from the exit. I tried all my best upang hindi ako makita ni Khael sa Athena
kahapon and luckily, I succeeded.
As of Gray, who went to see Ryu ay hindi rin nagtagumpay. Wala ito sa mansion ng
puntahan niya ito kahapon.
"Oo nga. Namiss kong makipaglaro sa kanya. Ang kulit niya! I can't imagine him
playing basketball to! Baka yakapin niya patakbo ang bola. Hahaha!", Andrei said.
"May naiisip na akong bagong tanong para sa battle of the brainless namin, and
yeah! It's fun to see those hindi marunong maglaro, diba bossing? ", Marcus said
and dodge his elbow to Gray. He got some scratches on his arm na nakuha marahil
nito mula sa paglalaro ng basketball nung PE time namin kahapon where Gray and I
skipped to accompany Jeremy.
"Masama lang ang pakiramdam niya guys so don't worry. Kailangan niya lang ng ilang
araw na pahinga. In few days time ay babalik din yun, diba Gray at Amber?", Math
said. Malaki ang ngiting iginawad nito sa amin.
Alam ni Math ang tungkol kay Jeremy since Gray is relying on her for her devices.
Nagtampo nga ito na hindi namin ito sinali sa pag-iimbestiga but Gray told her na
she still can help through her inventions.
"Yes, he will be back sooner", buo ang boses na wika ni Gray. Our classmates were
relieved to hear those and they sent Je their get well soon messages.
Uh, yeah guys, he's innocent so he is and will be well.
My phone rang kaya agad kong sinagot iyon nang makita ang pangalan ni Ryu sa
screen.
"Ryu."
"Oh hi, Ryle. I'd be glad to hear you call me Kuya", wika niya. Meh! Tumawag ba
siya para patawagin akong kuya?
"I'll work on that but not now. Why did you call?", I asked and I can only imagine
his smirking face.
"Artemis said Gray's looking for me yesterday. Anong problema?"
Oh! Yes, we need him to do something!
"Where are you? Kailangan ka naming makausap", sagot ko sa kanya.
"At the gate. Nakapasok na ako."
Nakapasok? I thought immediate relative lamang ang pwedeng dumalaw?
"Paano ka nakapasok?", I asked. Gray is patiently listening to me. Nagalak ito

kanina nang tumawag si Ryu.
"Through the gates?", he said and I mentally rolled my eyes. Yeah, alangan namang
lumipad ito diba?
"Pinapasok ka ng guards?" Nabalitaan ko kasi na nagdagdag ng mga security guards

mula ng isinara sa publiko ang Bridle.
"I'm inside so I guess they did."
Uh! Can I just kill this guy kahit pa kapatid ko ito? It's hard to accept it but I
guess I have no other choice but to accept it.
"Ryu.... Stop pissing me. Pumunta ka sa convenient shade, we'll meet you there",
wika ko and I immediately cut the line. Mahirap na baka ano na namang pamimilosopo
ang gawin nito. Bumaling ako kay Gray. "Ryu's here. Let's meet him."
Tumayo na kami ni Gray at kinuha ang mga gamit namin.
"Hey, biyaan ko ninyo? Hala! I'll tag along!", she said in her alien langguage.
"Let's go."
We headed towards the convenient shade at naroon nga si Ryu. He looks so bored.
Tsk! Hindi naman ito matagal na naghintay!
"What's it?", he asked nang makalapit kami sa kanya.
"Hello handsome!", bati ni Math. Bahagya itong sinulyapan ni Ryu and he smirked.
Oh, looks like he's not in his best mood, as always.
"Anong kailangan ninyo?", he asked nang hindi man lang sinasagot ang bati ni Math.
Oh, sorry Math, nagmemenopause ang 'kuya' ko.
"We want your help to access the video footage ng boys' dorm."
"And why is that?"
"Jeremy is framed up for murder kaya kailangan namin iyon. Please?", I asked. Kahit
na magmakaawa ako kay Ryu upang matulungan lang kami ay gagawin ko.
"I can't do it unless I have some access over the system. Where's the bank of video
monitors?", tanong niya. He must be referring to the security and surveilance room
kung nasaan ang mga monitor. "I can do it live on my laptop if I will have some
intervention on the system. Did you bring a laptop with you?"
Math smiled. "I did! Girl scout here!", wika niya at inilapag ang kanyang laptop na
kanina pa niya dala-dala.
Napagkasunduan naming ngayon na iyon gawin. We cannot waste time, we have less than
48 hours left! I went to the surveilance room kasama si Ryu habang naiwan naman
doon sina Gray at Math.
Sakto naman ang pagdating doon. The young guard was watching the live feeds from
the cameras that surveyed Bridle. We snuck inside and the guard was facing his
phone. He move it on the other direction like he was looking for something. Was it
a game he's playing?
Nang bahagya itong lumabas ay nagkaroon kami ng pagkakataong pumasok ni Ryu sa

loob.
"Be the lookout", he whispered and crossed to the desk and pulled a leather chair.
When he touched the mouse, and pressed some keys, the image of the different parts
of Bridle disappeared. He immediately typed something on somewhat a black portal.
He then typed something that involves a bunch of random characters and numbers. I
was pretty sure he typed a number sign there along with a percent sign. Ilang
saglit lamang ay may itinype na siyang email at password and when it logged in, it
was an administrative account. What the hell?! He did that? Oh, nahack nga niya ang
banking system na mas matibay ang security kaysa sa Bridle. Woah! That's my
Brother!
After a while, BINGO! I received a text na nagkaaccess sa sina Gray at Math mula sa
laptop ni Math! Ganun kadali?
Ryu and I went out the room. The guard was on the side where there was an old bust
statue of Rizal, still looking at his smartphone na tila ba may hinahanap. We ran
back towards the convenient shade. Kanina pa ako kinakabahan dahil baka mahuli kami
but fortunately, a famous hacker is with me kaya tila napakadali lamang ng ginawa
nito a text na nagkaaccess sa sina Gray at Math mula sa laptop ni Math! Ganun
kadali?
Ryu and I went out the room. The guard was on the side where there was an old bust
statue of Rizal, still looking at his smartphone na tila ba may hinahanap. We ran
back towards the convenient shade. Kanina pa ako kinakabahan dahil baka mahuli kami
but fortunately, a famous hacker is with me kaya tila napakadali lamang ng ginawa
nito.
"Ang galing mo Ryu!", wika ni Math nang makabalik kami. She pushed the laptop to
Ryu at hinanap naman ng huli ang footage nung mangyari ang krimen sa boys' dorm.
We're holding our breath as he tried to playback all the footage basing on the
crime's estimated time na ayon sa case files.
After examining the footage, we came to suspect three people na kahina-hinala. They
were walking with their faces down na tila ba ayaw nilang makita sa camera at
parehas pang nakasuot ng jacket with the hood pulled over them. None of them were
wearing Jeremy's cap pero parehas na may dalang bag ang mga ito kung saan maaring
nakatago doon ang murder weapon, Jeremy's cap at damit pamalit after the culprit
killed the victim.
The first one was a guy who suspiciously went up. May dala itong backpack and it
took a while bago ito nakababa. A while enough to commit something like murder.
Pamilyar ang bulto ng katawan nito or it's just that most guys got such physique.
The second one was another man, and to our surprise, it was Jeremy! He went up to
the fifth floor?! But why? Bakit parang itinatago niya ang sarili niya? He's
wearing a jacket too! Kinabahan ako nang makita siya sa footage. Bakit? Bakit
nandito si Jeremy? He didn't tell us that he went to the fifth floor! Hindi pa rin
naman sigurado kung doon nga ito dumeretso sa silid ng biktima but we're pretty
sure that it was Jeremy!
The third suspicious guy is an effiminate man. Medyo mahaba ang buhok nito na
parang sa isang babae. I wasn't really sure if it's a guy or a girl but I assume
that it's a guy dahil bawal ang mga babae sa dorm ng mga lalaki.
"There. Did you recognize those three?", Ryu asked. Napansin kong tila nahulog sa
malalim na pag-iisip si Gray. Did he know someone in the footage?
"I-I t-think the second guy is Jeremy....", wika ko. Bakit bigla na lamang akong
kinabahan? No, I'm not doubting Jeremy but why didn't he tell us that he went to
the fifth floor?
"And the third one is not a guy but a girl, it's you Math hindi ba?", wika ni Gray.
He shot a glare at her and for a moment she froze. Napaawang ang bibig nito like
she was about to say something but she chose not too.
Si Math nga ba iyon?
"Math?"
"I chose not to answer that question Gray", she said and looked away. Gawain ng
guilty! But why?! Tama ba ang iniisip ko ng sinabi ni Zywon na si Plumbite ay isa
sa mga taong hindi namin pagsususpetsahan? Is Math the real identity of Plumbite?!
I felt my anger stir from the inside. I grabbed Math's arm and twist it a little.
"Bakit Math? What are you doing in the boys' dorm?!"
What was it that I saw in her eyes? Is is guilt or ako lamang ang nag-iisip nun?
She pulled her arm from me but I didn't let go! Not until she will confess!
"Bitawan mo ako Amber! I told you, I chose not to incriminate myself! Basta ang
masasabi ko lamang ay wala akong ginawang masama!", galit na wika nito. She was
able to pull herself from me. Masama ang tingin sa kanya ni Ryu at Gray so she
decided to ran away from us.
"Oh my God! No, it can't be Math!", I exclaimed at napaupo ako. Why wouldn't she
say anything? Ano ang tinatago niya? And Jeremy! Bakit nandoon din siya?!
Something inside me tells me that Jeremy could have done it but I rejected that
thought. No, it can't be!
But the fingerprints?! Paano naman napunta ang fingerprints ni Jeremy sa crime
scene. He told us that he hadn't been in that room! Of course the cap could be
planted but the fingerprints?! That's impossible!
Hindi kami pumasok ni Gray for the rest of the day. Kailangan naming magpatuloy sa
pag-iimbestiga since we're almost out of time. Umuwi na si Ryu habang naiwan kami
ni Gray sa Bridle. My mind isn't working well dahil sa nakita namin sa footage.
As a conclusion, pwedeng sabihing si Math ang gumawa niyon and she would
incriminate the naive Jeremy. Of course Math can find a way how to do it. Pero
pwede rin namang si Jeremy nga mismo ang gumawa niyon. But why? Bahagi ba siya ng
Genesis. Siya ba si Plumbite?
I was sunk in deep thoughts when I hear the school's broadcasting system called my
name. May bisita daw ako na naghihintay sa student's lounge.
A visitor? Sino naman kaya iyon? If it would be Dad, I mean Bernard, he must have
called me first. Kung si Khael naman- oh no. Khael doesn't need a campus
broadcasting upang hanapin ako. It must be someone. I got up from my chair at
nagtuloy-tuloy papunta sa lounge.
I almost stopped on my track nang makita ko ang taong naghihintay sa akin. She's
least of the person na inaasahan kong puntahan ako sa Bridle. Gusto ko sanang hindi
na lamang magpakita sa kanya but it was too late, she already saw me.
I raised my chin and walked towards her direction. It was my cousin Rocel. Oh, I
mean my make believe cousin but I found out that we're not.
"Madali lang ito. We're not really close dahil simula pa lamang ay ayaw ko na
sayo", she began.
"No need to state the obvious Rocel", wika ko. I wanna roll my eyes that moment but
I prevented myself.
"Mabuti ng magkalinawan tayo. I don't exactly know what happen at napag-utusan lang
ako ni Daddy. Hindi ko alam kung bakit umalis si Tita Amy and for what reason. I
just wanna tell you that Tito Bernard's wrecked. If you really care for him, you
should see him some other time", wika niya.
Sasagutin ko sana siya but it will only make things complicated. Isa pa ay pinulot
na niya ang kanyang bag tanda na tapos na ang aming pag-uusap. She wasn't lying
when she said that our conversation will be brief. She made her exit at tinanaw ko
na lamang ang kanyang papalayong pigura.
But should I see Bernard? Kailangan ko pa ba siyang pasalamatan sa pag-aaruga sa

akin kahit hindi niya ako anak? I took a deep sigh.
Maybe later. Later after we prove that Jeremy is innocent.
*****************************
CHAPTER 43: MURDERER, JEREMY MARTINEZ (Resolution)

Chapter 43: Murderer, Jeremy Martinez (Resolution Chapter)
A/N: Dedicated to Wacky_Notes for her amazing deduction. ♥
For Editor Melody, Thanks for making this "understandable". Xoxo.
******************************
"Amber, help me please. Ayoko sa ganito. I'm handcuffed. Pakiramdam ko ay

napakasama kong tao", wika ni Jeremy. Nasa Conference room ako ngayon kasama ito
kung saan ito kasalukuyang nakadetain. Pinapauwi lamang ito sa dorm upang
makapagbihis but of course, he's accompanied with a police officer. He was a little
bit haggard, marahil ay dahil sa kanyang kalagayan ngayon. He is held as a suspect
for a brutal murder, for goodness sake!
Naalala ko ang footage na nakita ko. I'm sure one of them is him, hindi ko alam
kung bakit ngunit pinagdududahan ko na ang pagiging inosente ni Jeremy. Sino nga ba
siya? Is this planned all along? Mula sa physical transformation nito hanggang sa
mga nangyayari ngayon, planado nga ba ang lahat ng ito mula sa simula pa lamang?
Hindi ko lubos maisip kung ganoon man ang nangyayari ngayon.
Another one in the footage is Math. I'm positive that it's Math too. Kasabwat ba
siya ni Jeremy? Bahagi ba sila ng Genesis? Did they plan this all along?
"Hoy!", pukaw ni Je. "Bakit nakakunot yang kilay mo?" He was looking straight at
me. Hindi ko namalayang nahulog na pala ako sa malalim na pag-iiisip.
I grabbed his arm and he winced a little nang masaktan ang nakaposas niyang kamay.
"Aray Amber-"
"Sigurado ka bang inosente ka?", I asked directly on his face.
His facial expression becomes puzzled. Saglit na rumehistro ang pagkagulat sa mukha
nito but it immediately disappeared.
"You're doubting me?"
"I just want to find out the truth", wika ko sa kanya. As much as possible, I will
not immediately believe to any charade, if that's what he's doing. He's my
BESTFRIEND, kaya kailangan ko siyang tulungan. If he did it, labas na ang
pagkakaibigan namin doon. He must face the consequence of his conduct.
But I hope he didn't. He is My Jeremy and I cannot imagine him doing unlawful
deeds. Ni hindi ko nga maisip na kaya nitong manapak, pumatay pa ba kaya?
"By doubting me?" May hinanakit sa boses nito.
"I just wanna make sure." Uh, nagi-guilty ako somehow.
Tumawa si Jeremy ng mapakla. "Aray ko beh. Of all people, you're the last person
whom I thought will doubt me."
I felt a pain in my chest. Bakit ba masakit ang epekto ng salitang iyon sa akin? Am
I really doubting him?
"Je-"
"It's okay Amber. Alam kong wala naman talagang magtitiwala sa nerd na tulad ko."
He pushed himself in the chair that he was sitting. Right that very moment ay nais
kong bawiin ang sinabi ko ngunit hindi ako makapagsalita.
"No, Je-"
"Am I not a trustworthy friend?"
"Jere-"
"Oh, I see. I'm not." His eyes start to water na parang isang salita ko na lamang
ay malalaglag na ang mga luha. Puno rin ng hinanakit ang boses nito. God! Anong
klaseng kaibigan ako?
"Je .. It's not like that. Hindi ko alam anong nararamdaman mo ngayon-"
"I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing", wika niya. Oh, he's making me feel
guilty for our friendship.
"Jeremy we're doing our best to clear your name. Gray and I are doing our best
since wala kang magawa dito."
"Just prayed to a God that I don't believe in", wika niya.
"Yes, let's just pray." Ako na siguro ang pinakamasamang kaibigan.
"'Cause I got time while she got freedom", he said at napakunot ang noo ko.
"Huh?"
"But when a heart breaks no it don't break even... even..... even nooo", Jeremy
said at bigla itong napasimangot nang bigla na lamang itong binatukan ng bagong
dating na si Gray.
"Aray ha! Kahapon ka pa Silvan, kung di lang ako nakaposas baka inupakan na kita."
Gray frowned at him at naupo sa tabi ko. "That's a song of my favorite band."
Song? Eh? Kaya pala tila pamilyar ang pinagsasabi ni Jeremy. Loko talaga ito,
kailan ba ito titino?
"Anyway, I have a lead."

"Lead?"
Tumango si Gray. "But I still have to find concrete evidences. Now tell us what are
your fingerprints doing there. No, what are you doing up there."
"Gray, sabi ko naman na hindi ako nagawi sa crime scene. Fine, I've been up there
but not at the crime scene."
"Jeremy, your fingerprints are there."
"Hindi ko nga alam!"
Napakamot na lamang si Gray sa ulo niya. "Ano ang ginagawa mo sa fifth floor?"
"I cannot tell you."
"Jeremy-"
"It has nothing to do with this case."
"How about Math?"
"She's still boastful as ever." Yeah, he hates her.
"She's on the footage too."
"Really?" , Je asked but he doesn't seem surprise. Tila inaasahan na nito ang
sinabi kong iyon.
"Jeremy, you're hiding something", wika ni Gray. His gaze is boring through him.
Nagpakawala si Je nang pilit na ngiti. "Tinatago? Wala ah."

"Alam kong may tinatago ka", pagpipilit ni Gray. He's in his usual way, the
intimidating one. The kind of which will make you confess your secrets.
"Fine! Aamin na ako", Jeremy said and I felt my chest ached. Bahagi ba ito ng
Genesis? He let out a big sigh. "Aamin na ako. May tinatago ako...."
"Continue."
"Aamin na ako na...."
"Na?", Gray asked but Jeremy let out a big sigh again.
"Na?", tanong ko na rin.
"Na....."
Shit! Masasapak ko na talaga ito, isang pambibitin na lang!
"Na?", Gray asked with irritation.
"Na may balat ako sa binti, malapit sa pwet!!!!", Jeremy said and he covered his
face with his palm. "Yan ang tinatago ko, matagal ko na yang tinatago!"
Anak ng siopao at pizza naman oh!
Halatang nagpipigil lamang si Gray. He asked him again. "Not that. Yung iba mo pang
tinatago."
He sighed again. Tumayo siya at bahagyang lumapit kay Gray. He raised both his
arms. "Meron talaga akong tinatago. Tingnan mo ang boxer shorts ko."
Bahagyang napaatras si Gray. "What the hell?!"

What the hell talaga?! Nababaliw na ba si Jeremy? Is he gay at type niya si Gray?!
"Gusto niyong malaman ang tinatago ko diba? Nandyan ang tinatago ko", he said at
lumapit ulit kay Gray. "Kapkapan mo ang boxer shorts ko Gray."
"Stay away from me Jeremy, baka hindi ako makapagpigil", wika ni Gray. Oh Je,
please kung mahal mo ang mukha mo, stay away from Gray and his punch.
"Do it Gray! Alangan namang si Amber ang ipapakapkap ko! I want you to do it!", he
said. "Do it now! Hurry!"
Wait, ito ba ang tinatago ni Je? His gender crisis? How about Victoria? Front lang
ba iyon upang pagtakpan ang totoong siya? Oh no!
Please no!
"Jeremy!"
"Bilis sabi!"
"You're crazy!", Gray exclaimed. "I'm going out now!"
Yes, mas mabuti pang umalis na kami at magpatuloy na lamang sa pag-iimbestiga! My

God, I can't believe it!
"Argh! Gray, isa!" Jeremy was starting to become irritated.
"Wag mo akong bilangan! Marunong akong magbilang."
"Gray!"
"Jeremy, I have no problems with the third sex as long as they're not taking sexual
advantage on me-"
Napakunot ang noo ni Je. "Sexual advan- what the hell?! Ano bang pinagsasabi mo?"
Maging ako ay naguguluhan din. "Err, hindi ba uhmm- ano, bakla ka Je?"
"What? Sinong bakla? Ako? My God! Yan din ba iniisip mo Gray?", Je asked at dahan-
dahang napatango si Gray. "Oh no! Mapapa-Pak Ganern ako sa inyo!", he said while
chuckling.
"Jeremy umayos ka. We have less than a day to help you out of this mess", wika ko
sa kanya. "What's with your boxer shorts?"
"The key! Susi ng posas mga beh! Help me out! Nakuha ko yan sa tatanga-tangang
pulis kanina nang pakainin nila ako! Get me out of here! Dali!", he said. Lumapit
siya kay Gray at agad naman siyang kinapkapan ng huli at agad na nakuha ang susi.
We freed him from the handcuffs and we snuck out of the conference room with
Jeremy.
God! I almost thought-! Oh never mind. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay nailabas na namin si
Jeremy sa conference room. Makakatulong siya sa amin sa pag-iimbestiga. If he's not
the murderer, he must knew something about this case dahil nandoon siya sa fifth
floor.
We sneak inside the crime scene kasama si Jeremy. Halos masuka pa ito nang makita
ang nagkalat na dugo doon.
"This is a brutal murder tapos ibibintang nila ito sa akin? I'm too kind for
these", komento ni Jeremy. We're glad na class hours ngayon kaya walang tao sa
dorm. We had free access in every room there, kailangan nga lamang magmadali.
Lumapit siya sa mga minarkahan ng pulis para sa pag-iimbestiga. "Those are your
fingerprints", wika ko sa kanya.
Bahagyang bumakas ang kaseryosohan sa mukha nito. "I swear from my ancestor's grave
that I haven't gone into this room. I don't know kung paano napunta dito ang mga
fingerprints ko. Impossible! Very impossible unless may magic na naganap."
Yes, very impossible but magic? Magic? Naniniwala si Je sa magic gaya ni Cooler?
Eh? May magic nga ba?
Magic like putting Jeremy's fingerprints in the crime scene here even though he
hasn't been in this place. He roamed his gaze around the room at naghanap pa ng
maaaring maging ebidensya na makapagpapalinis sa kanyang pangalan bilang primary
suspect.
"The cap must have been planted in order to incriminate you Jeremy but the mystery
there is the fingerprints. It can't be planted unless you're drugged or what at
dinala ka nila dito to spread it but there's no scenario like that in the footage.
We cannot make some alterations on the video-"
Bahagyang napatigil si Gray sa pagsasalita. It's like he said something magical.

Parang may nasabi ito na makakatulong sa amin upang malutas ito! He said it like he
just started to scratch it and disclose the truth behind this case.
"There's no doubt that these fingerprints are not planted. It's really the prints
that the murderer left", wika ni Gray. He smiled at us like he was saying he got
some of this case.
"Ibig sabihin ay si Jeremy nga ang may gawa?, I asked shockingly. No! Jeremy can't
do it.
"I didn't! Hindi ko alam kung bakit nandito ang mga fingerprints ko!", Jeremy
stressed again.
"What do you think of hackers? Hindi ba't posibleng malaki ang papel na ginampanan
nila sa krimeng ito? it's obvious that the Genesis is the one behind all of these
cases based on the structure of the case mula sa mga nawawalang estudyante hanggang
sa stab wounds and cuts at the victim's tummy", panimula ni Gray. Hackers? Hackers
are amazing. I really find Ryu's skills in cracking government or any other
accounts that he wished to crack but how do they play big role in this case?
"And? Ano naman ang ginawa ng mga hackers?"
"Alterations", wika ni Gray. Inilibot niya ang paningin sa crime scene and we did
the same.
"This crime scene is what it really seems to be. The place looks like there was
some struggle between the victim and his attacker. The fingerprints on the place.
It's all as it is. What the hackers did was to have some alterations in the school
files, specifically on Jeremy's medical and other important records kung nasaan ang
fingerprints niya na pinagbasehan ng mga pulis sa pagma-match ng mga fingerprints
na naiwan dito", wika niya. He is in his usual airy mood kapag nakakalutas ito ng
kaso. He must have been sure about this deduction.
"You mean the trick in this crime is the alteration of records of the school?",
tanong ko sa kanya. The school's system is not hard to crack but I never thought of
something like this. Marahil ay ang ibig sabihin ni Gray ay pinalitan ang mga
nakasave na record about Jeremy and exchanged it with the culprit's.
But why did the culprit choose Jeremy? It's possible that it was someone who has
grudge for him but I don't think anyone has. Naalala ko ang sinabi ni Zywon sa
akin. He said that Plumbite was someone whom Gray and I would not suspect of doing
it.
Kung pagbabasehan lamang iyon, maaring kwalipikado si Jeremy sa mga iyon. We won't
suspect him of doing it dahil akala namin ay napakabait niya upang gawin iyon.
Second is Math. We won't suspect her for doing it since we thought that her loyalty
is with us lalo na at malaki ang pakinabang namin sa kanya at sa mga imbensyon
niya.
And come to think of it! Both Jeremy and Math are spotted on the footage! Posssible
bang silang dalawa ang may gawa niyon? Hindi kaya magkasabwat silang dalawa ni Math
at bahagi sila ng Genesis?
"Hindi ba't hindi naman personally na kinunan ng fingerprints si Jeremy? We can

request for that. The culprit is someone lurking out there. The culprit that is
part of the Genesis who tried to obliterate Jeremy's name, that someone used Jeremy
who's helpless ngunit malas na lamang niya, he used the wrong person."
Jeremy cut in. "That's possible but who could have done it? Hindi ba sinabi mo
kanina na may lead ka na sa kasong ito?"
Napatango si Gray. "Yes but I haven't got much on that lead. Kailangan ko muna ng
tamang proof para dito. And oh, if they were able to alter the record of Bridle,
ibig sabihin ay may kasabwat din sila na mula sa staff ng Bridle."
Parehas kaming nagulat ni Jeremy sa sinabi niyang iyon. it only means one thing:
The Genesis had already inhabited Bridle High School for their evil deeds!
But I thought they occupied St. Therese Academy? Ibig bang sabihin ay mas marami na
silang ginagawang kuta?! If there will be more missing students cases, ibig bang
sabihin ay naperpekto na nila ang nootropic na pinagkakaabalan ng organisasyon?! Oh
no! We can't let that happen!
"Wala ba kayong napapansin sa kwartong ito?", he asked. "Hindi ba't mukhang may
nangyaring konting panlalaban? The bloods that were scattered everywhere told us
so. Maging ang magulong paligid ay makapagsasabi na ganoon ang nangyari. Then it's
safe to assume na maaaring may mga marka mula sa panlalaban na iyon ang kung sino
mang tunay na gumawa nito."
"Then we can narrow down our guy to those people na maaaring may mga scratches o
kaya ay pasa sa katawan nila, tama ba?", tanong ni Jeremy.
Scratches and bruises?
Scratches and bruises?
Sino ba ang mga nakita kong may scratches at mga pasa sa katawan?
Ah. My classmates. Hindi ba't sinabi nila na nagmukhang wrestling ang nangyari sa
PE basketball naming? But one with outstanding scratches was Marcus.
"Marcus...", wika ko. Nakapagtatakang mas visible ang mga scratches nito sa
katawan, kaysa sa ibang meron ang mga kaklase namin. It's safe to assume that he
did more on the basketball but something is telling me it wasn't like that.
Nagtatakang napatingin sa akin si Jeremy. "Marcus? Why? What's with Marcus?"
Nagpakawala ng isang ngiti si Gray. I didn't tell him about Plumbite and the other
stuffs that Zywon told me but he got this much on this case. Marahil ay matindi ang
kagustuhan nitong malinis ang pangalan ni Jeremy. Or maybe he's really a good high
school detective.
"He really is suspicious", komento ni Gray.

"Really? You found him suspicious?", tanong ko sa kanya and he nodded.
"Access within the crime scene is not hard for him lalo na at occupant siya dito.
His scratches are suspicious too. His body built was similar with the third
suspicious guy on the footage. As of now, yan pa lang ang pinagbabasehan ko. No
concrete evidence if he really did it but once we were able to check the records,
we will know sooner", Gray said in his usual lopsided smile.
That's it! Kaya pala tila pamilyar ang pigura ng isang mystery guy na nasa footage
other than Math and Jeremy! It was Marcus! But why Marcus?! He's fond of Jeremy,
why would he incriminate him? Posible bang nagkunwari lamang itong tila aliw na
aliw kay Jeremy but in reality, he really framed him in this brutal murder?
Sabay kaming napalingon sa may pinto nang makarinig kami ng mahinang palakpak mula
doon. Nang ibaling ko ang paningin ko sa gawing iyon ay nakatayo doon si Detective
Adler who was clapping his hands slowly as he smirked at us.
"Bravo. Amazing realization everyone", wika niya at pumasok, he locked the door
from behind at lumapit sa amin. I sensed danger in him at mabuti na lamang ay
hinila ako ni Gray palapit sa kanya and he hid me behind him.
"What are you doing here?", tanong ni Gray dito. He maintained his cool like he
always do in some situations that weren't that desperate to him.
"How rude. Hindi mo ba naaalala na parehas tayong binigyan ng tungkulin na

imbestigahan ang kasong ito? With that, you shouldn't be surprised to see me here",
sagot nito. He's making me irritated in every way. I guess my first impression of
him as a fame whore detective will last.
"God, I hate to see him", bulong ni Jeremy sa tabi ko. Well, we all do.
"Oh, really? Aren't you spying on us?", tanong ulit ni Gray and the detective's
laughter filled the room. It's annoying.
"Spying and investigating are two different things, you know it well. If you say
spy, it's done secretly so I guess this is called investigating since I'm trying to
find out facts to learn how did the murder happen", sagot ni Detective Adler.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Ang totoo niyan ay parehas na tayo ng anggulong tinitingnan. Ayaw ko mang
aminin but you got on that realization first than I did. Balak ko sanang isumbong
kayo kanina ng makita ko kayong tumakas palabas ng conference room but then I was
curious when you all headed here so I followed you", wika niya.
"And you listened to our conversation?", tanong ni Jeremy.
"Yes."
"And what are you planning to do now?", I asked. Inilabas ko ang sarili mula sa
likuran ni Gray. I think I have to learn to defend myself, hindi ganitong palagi na
lamang nila akong pinoprotektahan.
"Truth is my comrades discovered that our prisoner had escaped so they're searching
for him now and I told them that I have the prisoner kaya kailangan mo nang sumama
sa akin ngayon Ginoong Martinez", wika ni Detective Adler kay Je.
The latter stepped backward at idinistansya ang sarili kay Detective Adler.
Humakbang naman ako sa harap ni Jeremy and spread my arms like I was protecting
him. Yeah, I will protect MY Jeremy no matter what so I'll start protecting him
from people who wants to detain him even if he didn't do anything unlawful.
"Sorry but I can't let you. You see, the big bad killer is still free kaya
kailangan naming siyang hanapin. He should be the one you're detaining, not
Jeremy", matapang na wika ko. I will kiss myself later for acting so tough.
"Yan din ang nasa isip ko Amber kaya bakit hindi na lamang natin sabay na puntahan
ang taong pinangalanan ninyo. Marcus, isn't it?", he said and I don't trust him
with this but we have to take shots. Nagpalitan sila ng masasamang tingin ni Gray
bago binuksan ni Detective Adler ang pinto at lumabas doon.
"The students are out by this hour. Let's go", wika niya. Nagkatinginan kaming
tatlo at sabay na napabuntong-hininga. I guess we have no other choice kaysa naman
magpumilit ito na kunin si Jeremy upang ibalik sa loob ng confession room.
Nagpunta kaming lahat sa cafeteria at hinanap ang taong pakay namin. Gaya ng
inaasahan ay naroon nga siya at kasalukuyang umiinom ng hot chocolate. He rose from
his seat nang makita kami at agad na kumaway sa amin.
"Jeremyyy! Welcome back dude! Namiss ka namin. How are you feeling?", tanong niya.
Ang sabi kasi ng guro ay may sakit daw si Jeremy kaya nag-absent ito. Good thing
that was what she said dahil iyon din ang naging alibi namin sa mga naghahanap kay
Jeremy.
"Never better", tipid na sagot ni Jeremy. Binati rin siya ng iba pang mga kaklase
naming naroon na kasama ni Marcus. Detective Adler cleared his throat for a while
at tila naintindihan naman iyon ni Gray. He didn't waste any time.
"Marcus, can we talk for a while?", Gray said at sumang-ayon naman ito. He acted
like he's not guilty of anything. Well, good acting skills Marcus! Pang-Grammy's!
"Sure", he said and he excused himself from the others for a while at sumama sa
amin palabas ng cafeteria. Hindi naman nagtaka ang mga kaklase namin sa pagsama ni
Marcus samin. We headed to the nearest bench a doon kami pumwesto.
"Jeremy!"
Napalingon kami sa pinagmulan ng boses. It was Math. She ran towards our direction
at lumapit sa amin.
"Oh", she mouthed. Bahagya siyang lumapit sa amin at nagpalipat-lipat ng tingin kay
Marcus at Detective Adler. Alam kong alam na niya kung bakit kami nagtitipon doon
base na rin sa kaseryosohan ng mga mukha namin. Mukhang wala na itong balak na
umalis pa doon kaya nagsalita na si Gray.
"What were you doing on the fifth floor of the boys' dorm?", deretsahang tanong ni
Gray. He also stated the date and time ngunit wala man lamang rumehistro na
pagkagulat sa mukha ni Marcus, bagkus ay cool na cool lamang iton habang iniinom
ang kanyang hot chocolate na dinala niya.
"Of the dorm? I haven't been there, fourth floor lang ang kwarto ko", wika niya. He
avoided our gazes ngunit tila wala man lamang sign na kinakabahan ito sa ginagawa
ni Gray na informal interrogation.
"Aha! Nandito ka lamang pala!"

Sabay kaming napalingon sa pinagmulan ng boses at nakita namin sina Inspector Boom
at Inspector Fenris. Hanggang ngayon ay inis pa rin ako sa presensya nila so I
darted a deadly glare unto them ngunit wala lamang iyong epekto.
"We have to take this kid, Detective", wika ni Inspector Boom kay Detective Adler
at bahagyang lumapit kay Jeremy. Agad naman itong napaatras at bago pa man ako
makapagsalita ay humarang na si Gray sa harap ng mga pulis.
"Nope. You'll catch the bad guy after this", wika niya.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", naguguluhang tanong Inspector Fenris. Nagpalipat-lipat

ang tingin nito sa lahat na naroon at maging kay Detective Adler. He was giving him
a 'what-is-this-all-about' look. The detective just shrugged his shoulders at
nagpatuloy naman sa pagsasalita si Gray.
"So back to you Marcus. What are you doing there again?", tanong niya. Marcus put
the styro cup of his hot chocolate on the bench at hinarap si Gray.
"Ano ba yang tanong mo bossing? What is this all about? Sabi ko naman diba, I
haven't been to the-"
"We saw the footage and you cannot deny it", wika ni Gray. Bahagyang rumehistro ang
galit sa mukha ni Marcus ngunit agad din iyong nawala.
"What's going on here?", Math whispered at sinagot siya ni Je nang tingin kasabay
ng paglagay nito sa daliri sa kanyang bibig, asking her to keep quiet which she
gladly obeyed.
"Gray-"
"Let's do it the hard way. Why did you kill the victim and incriminate Jeremy on
the process? How were you able to alter the school records that contain Jeremy's
fingerprints? Ano ang kinalaman mo sa Genesis?", deretsahang tanong ulit ni Gray
and this time nawalan na ng kulay ang mukha ni Marcus. I was like watching a glass
of milk being emptied.
Bahagya itong napaatras but he was able to redeem himself. Lahat kami na naroon ay
halos hindi makapaniwala ng ito ang gumawa niyon. He chuckled a little at hinarap
si Gray.
"So, that's the reason why Jeremy is missing in action these past days an not
because he's sick. I don't know what you are saying, Gray", wika nito. His body
still had some scratches and bruises! No doubt! It was from a fight and not from a
basketball match.
"Paano mo nakuha ang mga sugat at pasa mo sa katawan?"
"This? Baka nakakalimutan ninyo, nagkagulo kami sa PE kaya doon it-"
"It wasn't from a game. It's surely from a fight", kumbinsidong wika ni Gray.
Napamaang saglit si Marcus and I am sure that anger is what I saw in his eyes. He
picked up the hot chocolate at tila amused na tiningnan si Gray. He's good in
shifting his emotions as I've observed.
"Really detective?", he asked at uminom mula sa kanyang styrocup. "I never tought
that I would be a subject of your investi- AAAAAAACCCCCKKKKK!"
Bigla na lamang nitong nabitawan ang hawak na styrocup at napahawak sa kanyang

leeg. His eyes started to bulge at bigla na lamang bumula ang bibig nito. His body
is shaking as he fell on the ground.
Napatingin na ang mga estudyante sa gawi namin at nataranta naman kami nang makita
ito. Gray kneeled on his side and touched his pulse.
"It's erratic. Mukhang nilason siya", wika ni Gray. The police immediately helped
Marcus at agad nilang tinulungan ito. Pinulot naman ni Gray ang styrocup na naroon
at inamoy ang laman niyon.
Humarap siya sa amin at ipinakita ang styrocup. "He was still drinking this at the
cafeteria. If he was poisoned, it must be here to prevent himself from turning in
to us. Isa lamang ang ibig sabihin nito, one of the seven of us here put the poison
on his drink to silence him."
I clenched my fist as I think of the Genesis. They're heartless! I think I'll

concede with Zywon's statement. I will CRASH them. Kung nilason nga si Marcus, it
only means one thing just like what Gray said.
Aside from Marcus who was probably Plumbite, one of the seven of us here is a
minion of the Genesis!
But the question is... who?
********************************
CHAPTER 44: NIGHT OUT

Chapter 44: Night Out
Forever grateful to Editor Melody. ♥
****************************
We sat on the cafeteria's chairs at pinakinggan ang usap-usapan ng mga naroon.

Kalat na sa campus ang nangyari kay Marcus, except the fact that he's part of a
huge drug syndicate. And the fact that he was killed by another member.
The police set Jeremy free after we requested another fingerprint test at gaya nga
ng naisip ni Gray, the records were altered. Ang mga records na iyon ay kay Marcus
and the school's files were really hacked by Trojan. Narinig ko na ang pangalang
iyon mula kay Ryu and I never thought that I would encounter such name again.
Ryu said that Trojan is a modern time legendary hacker that the Genesis has. If
Vander Mafia got the famous Apollo, the Genesis got the more famous Trojan.
I hate how the Genesis work. Pinapatay nila si Marcus sa takot na maaaring
magsalita ito. Marcus is Plumbite but there is another member within Bridle na
malapit sa amin. It could either be Jeremy, of course he could be part of all these
kahit na ayaw kong paniwalaan na posible iyon.
Next is Math. Maliban sa pagiging mayabang at inventor nito, I don't know anything
about Mathilde Corazon. Kung ano man ang buhay nito dati, tanging ito lamang ang
nakakaalam niyon.
Another one is Detective Adler. He may be a famewhore and his greatest dream is to
capture Vander Mafia and the Genesis ngunit pwede rin namang bahagi lamang iyon ng
drama niya. He might be pretending that he is after Genesis to hide the truth that
he's part of it.
Kahina-hinala din ang dalawang inspectors. They're good for nothing and I don't
know what they're up to. I don't trust any of them. Period.
"Grabe no, sino kaya ang lumason kay Marcus? Naalala ko tuloy ang nangyari kay Joey
dati. Diba si Lowie ang nais lasunin ni Angelo noon? My God, is there another
Angelo here in Bridle who goes around poisoning student?", wika ng isang
estudyante.
"First is the seven missing students case, then the murder, tapos ngayon ay
poisoning? Mukhang hindi epektibo ang ginawa ni Chancellor Judas."
They all expressed their fear about what is happening in Bridle High School lately.
It's a known school for its quality education, facilities and excellence ngunit
ngayon ay kasama na yata sa description nito ang pagiging mapanganib na eskwelahan.
"Bakit ba ganito ang nangyayari dito sa Bridle? Pakiramdam ko may salot dito,
magtransfer out ka na nga Math", Jeremy said which made Math to snort. Oh, Je is
really back.
"What? Are you saying na salot ako?", she asked.
"Hindi ah, sabi ko I SALUTE you", Jeremy said. Tsk, mukhang nasasanay na si Math sa
pambabara ni Je sa kanya. So far ay hindi pa naman ito nagagalit ng todo dahil
doon.
"Anyway, tomorrow is saturday, what are you planning to do tonight?", Math asked.
She flashed a smile na para bang may binabalak ito.
"Itatapon kita sa Bermuda Triangle, that's what I'm planning to do", Je said at
mahinang sinipa ko ang paa nito mula sa ilalim ng mesa. "Joke lang. Anong plano-
plano? Baka nakakalimutan mong para tayong nasa Munti, we're locked here."
I took a deep breath. Oo nga pala, the gates of Bridle are still locked and
students are forbidden to leave the school without company of parents or guardians.
Tumayo na si Jeremy at nagpaalam na bibili muna ng makakain naming lahat.
Sinulyapan ko si Gray na nasa malalim na pag-iisip. I think he's bothered by the

thought about Genesis' invasion inside Bridle High School.
"There's the backdoor", Math said with a grin. Hininaan nito ang boses upang hindi
ito marinig ng ibang mga estudyante na naroon.
As much as possible, ayaw kong gamitin ang "backdoor" para sa mga hindi
importanteng lakad. Baka kasi matuklasan iyon at pabantayan na ng guard, we cannot
risk it.
"Don't use the backdoor for not so important matters", wika ni Gray. Ngayon pa
lamang ito nagsalita mula nang nagpunta kami dito.
"Minsan lang naman ito. Don't you think we need a little chilling after a stressful
week?", Math asked. She nudged Jeremy na kasalukuyang naglalapag ng cake slices sa
harap namin. "Diba Jeremy?"
"Hmm, not a bad idea, why not?", sagot nito at muling naupo sa tabi ko. Inilagay
niya ang isang platito ng cake sa harap ko which I respectfully shove away from me.
"No thanks. I'm on a diet", wika ko. Nagstress-eating kasi ako these past few days
at pakiramdam ko ay bahagya akong lumobo kaya iniiwasan ko ang pagkain ng carbs.
"So, what do you think?", untag ulit ni Math sa amin. "Let's hang out, please?"
I stared at Math. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa nila inaamin ni Je sa amin kung bakit
nagawi sila sa fifth floor ng dorm. They're acting like it wasn't a big deal at
hinayaan na lamang namin iyon but we're being cautious, lalo na ako. Ayokong maulit
na naman ang Psycho-Marion Incident.
"Fine with me", Jeremy said habang nilalantakan ang cake niya.
Gray is still silent at tila ba may iniisip. Just then Math clung into his arm and
she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Sige na Gray. Let's watch movie together", she said in her flirty voice which made
me widen my eyes as I stared at the cake.
"Kayo lang?!", Je asked.

"No, of course the four of us. Katabi ko nga lang si Gray."
Napalunok ako ng ilang beses. Uh, hello Amber? Don't you think it's good to let
your cousin have some time for himself?
"Je, please pass me the cake", hindi ko mapigilang wika kay Jeremy. He's my COUSIN
kaya nag-alala lang ako na baka pagsamantalahan ito ni Math.
Oh, really Amber?
"Akala ko ba diet ka Bestie?", tanong ni Jeremy. Inabot niya ang cake na inilayo ko
kanina and I sunk low down when I heard Gray's reply.
"Yeah, I guess we need some chilling. Watching movie is a good choice", Gray
answered. He didn't say anything about sitting beside Math ngunit iyon ang nasa
isip ko! Gusto lang ba niyang tumabi kay Math sa sinehan?!
Bago pa man mapasa ni Jeremy sa akin ang platito at ilapag iyon sa harap ko, nauna
ko ng kunin ang laman niyon. I grabbed the big chocolate slice and shoved three-
fourth of it into my mouth. Argh! I think I'll be needing more.
"Okay then! Let's do it tonight!", Math exclaimed happily while I shove the rest of
the cake into my mouth. Oh, I silently wish na hindi na sana gumabi. Tsk.
"Hep! Bago muna ang usapang gala, sagutan niyo muna ang quiz ko", Jeremy said with
a grin.
Gray sunk on his chair while Math checked her phone. Uh, walang interesadong
makinig sa "quiz" niya.
"Hello! Pwede namang magkunwaring interesado", wika ni Je ngunit hindi pa rin

kumibo sina Math at Gray. Ibinaling ni Je ang paningin sa akin, assessing me if I
am interested in his "quiz" or not.
"Uh. I'm listening", wika ko.
"Good. Math, Gray? Kung ayaw niyong makinig, ayos lang. Malapit lamang ang office
of the chancellor. I can report that you're planning to escape tonight through -"
"Go ahead with your quiz", wika ni Gray.
"Yeah! Stimulating quiz! Go!", Math said na halatang napipilitan lamang.
"Madali naman pala kayong kausap eh! Marami akong baong quiz dahil hindi ako
nakapagquiz nung nasa conference room ako", panimula ni Jeremy. Uh, seriously?
"Shoot", wika ni Gray.
"How do you get a watermelon pregnant?"
Napakunot ang noo ni Math. "Eh? Pwede ba yun?"
"Ewan", tamad na sagot ni Gray. Je diverted his gaze into me and I shrugged my
shoulders.
"Edi, you PAKWAN! Gets nyo? You F*ck One! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, medyo green nga lang!",
Je said and started laughing. "Eto naman, ano sa english ang bulak?"
"Cotton", Math answered.
"Tama. Eh ang Bulakak?"
"Flower."
"Eeeenk! Edi Cottonton! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!", Je chuckled at sinamaan namin

ito ng tingin.
"Jeremy, hindi nakakatawa", Math said. Umayos naman ng upo si Jeremy and he smirked
at her.
"Sinabi ko bang tumawa ka? Whatever. Ito pa isa, anong sabi ng medyas na hinubad
matapos gamitin?"
"Shoot."
"Wow ha. Ang bilis mong mag-isip Gray", wika ni Jeremy. "But anyway, ang sabi ng
medyas, Hahay! Life SOCKS! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Uh, seriously?
"Isa pa. Ano ang tawag sa kotse na pasosyal?", he asked.
"Ano?"
"Edi Hon-duhhhh!", wika niya sa maarteng paraan. He giggled to his own joke. "Eh
ang mas sosyal na kotse?"
"Ewan pa rin. Ano ba?"
"Edi Maz-duhhhhhh!", wika niya sa mas maarteng boses that made me giggle.
"The joke isn't funny. You are", nakatawang wika ko sa kanya. Minsan talaga ay
naiisip kong may sayad si Jeremy.
"Ano ang kanta ng lechon sa naglelechon sa kanya?", he asked again. Mukhang wala
itong planong magpaawat mula sa "quizzes" niya.
"What?"
He cleared his throat and started singing. "Just gonna stand there and watch me
burn but that's alright because I love the way it hurts! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" He laughed
and swallowed a big slice of cake.
"Ah", Gray said showing no interest.
"Okay", wika naman ni Math.
I remained silent at pinili na lamang wag magkomento sa walang kwentang puns niya.
"Eto last na. Knock knock."
"Pasok", sagot ni Gray. Je darted a deadly glare at him. "What?"
"Dapat kasi who's there. Ulit. Knock knock."

I heard Gray groaned pero sinagot pa rin niya ito. "Who's there?"
"NANAY NI WALEY."
"Nanay ni waley who?", tanong ni Math. Oh, I had a feeling na wala pa ring kwenta
ang knock knock niyang ito.
"NANAY NI WALEY na ako sa forever, simula nung makilala kita! HAHAHAHAHAHA!", he

sang and then laugh. Eh? Ano bang kanta iyon?
"Okay Jeremy, enough", Math said. "Let's talk about our route tonight. Movie then
clubbing, okay?"
"Roger! Teka... Pwede ba tayo sa mga clubs and bars? Diba 18 above lang ang allowed
doon? Paano na yan, apat lang tayo!", he said at napasimangot kaming tatlo sa
kanya.
"Nice try for a joke. As of the 18 above, you and I can lie about our ages. We'll
just make sure that we'll wear slutty clothes like what they usually wear inside a
bar and then we can instantly lie about our ages. See yah tonight!", Math said
excitedly
*******************************
Math wasn't joking when she said we're going to chill tonight. Pinuntahan niya ako
sa kwarto namin and she reminded me of our night out. Good thing Andi and Therese
were out nang sunduin ito ng mga magulang nila kaya ako na lamang mag-isa sa kwarto
namin.
We agreed to meet at the backdoor na mismo. We cannot risk going together dahil
baka mahuli pa kami ng guard. Madilim na ang paligid nang nagpasya akong umalis na
ng dorm. Pagdating ko sa tagpuan namin ay naroon na si Jeremy.
"Yow, Bestie!", bati niya sa akin. "Ganda mo ngayon ah."
I rolled my eyes. Nothing's new with my outfit. Simpleng black dress lang naman
iyon na may maliit na manggas.
"Hindi ka naniniwala Bestie?"
I shook my head. "Not even a little."
He frowned at hinarap ako. "Ang ganda mo kaya. Simple ka lang kasi at walang arte.
Naku, tiyak na mapapanganga si Gray nito! I can see my ship sailing later."
Malawak ang ngiting ipinamalas nito. As far as I can remember, he's the number one
shipper of me and Gray. Too bad, his ship had shrunk even before he knew it. Hindi
nga pala nito alam ang tungkol sa katauhan ko.
"Sorry to burst your bubble but Gray and I are cousins."
"Naku, pag-eepal mamaya si Math, ingungudngod ko- wait, what? COUSINS?!", he asked
with his eyes wide open. Oh, not a surprising reaction at all. Ganoon na ganoon ang
iniisip kong reaksyon niya.
"Yup. Cousins. Magpinsan kami."
"Holy shit. Paano?"

"We happened to have our parents as siblings", sagot ko sa kanya. I'm too lazy to
detail everything to him. Sapat na sigurong alam nito na magpinsan kami ni Gray at
nang hindi na niya kami itudyo sa isa't-isa. "Ryu is my brother."
"Nakakaiyak naman. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na The Last Man Standing pala ang tema ng
lovelife mo Bestie. Ibig sabihin, cross out na sina Gray, Cooler at Ryu sa
listahan. That leaves Khael alone... Oh, there is Zywon. Dalawa na lang pala", he
said.
Eh? Bakit kung anu-ano ang naiisip ni Jeremy. Zywon eh?
"Ano namang kinalaman ni Zywon dito?", I asked.
"Type ka nun. Naalala mo nung Noli Me Tangere ninyo? Feel ko talaga na type ka
niya", wika niya.
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Ewan ko sayo Je. Kung anu-anong iniisip mo."
"Sorry natagalan kami."
Napalingon kami kay Math and she was with Gray. Wait, did Math pick up Gray or it's
the other way round? Did Gray pick up Math? The hell! Don't I deserve to be picked
up too? I'm his - uh. His cousin.
Sinulyapan ko si Math. She's dazzling in her skimpy royal blue dress. It fitted her
body very well emphasizing every curve she has. Well, she really looks like she
isn't seventeen in such slutty dress. My black conservative dress suddenly felt
like a garbage bag kapag ikinumpara iyon sa suot niya.
Ibinaling ko ang tingin kay Gray. He is in his usual self. I slowly inspected every
inch of Gray Ivan Silvan. His prominent cheekbone, his broad shoulders beneath his
blue shirt. Wait, bakit nakablue silang dalawa?! Naramdaman ko ang bikig sa aking
lalamunan hanggang sa nagpasya kaming lumabas na ng Bridle. Gray's car is already
parked outside dahil nauna na niyang ilabas iyon kanina.
Sa shotgun ride pa sumakay si Math habang nasa likod kaming dalawa ni Je. On our
trip's duration ay tahimik lamang ako habang pinapakinggan ang mga pag-uusap nila.
Sometimes, Je will crack a joke at tumatawa naman si Math sabay hampas ng mahina sa
braso ni Gray.
Nang makarating kami sa sinehan ay wala pa rin akong imik. Gray asked me if I'm
fine at tumango lamang ako. Parang kailan lang hindi niya halos mapasok sa isip ang
sinabi ko sa kanya na magpinsan kami. He was dying to talk to me then but now ay
parang wala lamang iyon sa kanya. Tanggap na ba niya na hanggang magpinsan lamang
kami?
Aray.
They chose a film na hindi ko na inabalang tanungin kung ano. Nang pumasok kami sa
loob ay hindi pa rin ako umiimik sa kanila. Kung pwede lang sanang mauna ng umuwi!
Our sitting position is Math and Je on both sides. Napapagitnaan namin ni Math si
Gray samantalang nasa left side ko naman si Je.
"Are you okay Amber?", tanong ni Gray sa akin. Nagsisimula na ang pelikula ngunit
nakayuko lamang ako sa cellphone ko, doing nothing.
Bahagya akong nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya at tumango. Hindi na ito sumagot pa ng

marinig ko ang maarteng pagtawag ni Math sa kanya, requesting him to hold her
popcorn.
Ibinaling ko ang paningin sa babaeng nasa harapan ko. She is silently crying na
siyang ipinagtataka ko. Kakasimula pa lamang ng palabas at wala rin namang eksenang
nakakaiyak but why is she crying?
And then I noticed, she was intently staring at the couple in front of her who
were- uh. KISSING.
My mind protested nang maisip kong ganoon din ang gagawin nina Gray at Math. No! No
way! If they're gonna do it, I'm gonna pull Math's hair and beat the hell out of
her but I can't. I just can't. Argh! Whatever! Ayoko si Math para sa pinsan ko. I
repeat. AYAW KO SI MATH PARA SA PINSAN KO.
Muli kong ibinalik ang tingin ko sa babae. I don't want to stress myself in
thinking what Gray and Math are capable of doing in this cold, dark place.
"What's your deduction Bestie? Sa tingin mo, bakit umiiyak ang babaeng nasa harapan
natin?", tanong ni Jeremy sa akin.
"Hmmm, sa tingin ko broken hearted siya so she decided to watch a movie para
umiyak", walang ganang wika ko. "The couple in front of here triggered her
emotions."
"Ennk. Mali. Well technically she's heart broken kaya umiiyak siya pero hindi dahil
doon kaya nanood siya ng pelikula. She wasn't broken hearted when she went here,
not until few moments later nang pumasok siya dito. Bago pa lamang dito yang sweet
na couple and that's when she started to cry. It's either boyfriend niya ang lalaki
at nagtataksil sa kanya without knowing na nandito siya or ex niya ang lalaki at
mahal pa rin niya kaya siya umiiyak. Look at her fist, it's clenched na para bang
galit siya."
Hindi na kami nagkaroon pa ng pagkakataong malaman kung sino sa amin ang tama.
Alangan namang itanong namin iyon sa couple o di kaya ay sa babae. The movie ended
at nanatili lamang doon ang babaeng tahimik na umiiyak. Ako naman ay walang
naintindihan sa palabas. Hindi ako nakapagfocus dahil naiinis ako kapag naririnig
ko ang mahinang pagtawa ni Math sa tabi ni Gray.
Lumabas kami ng sinehan and I'm feeling grumpy all along. I have regretted going
out with them. I should have stayed at the dorm where I'd safely tuck in bed kaysa
sumama sa kanila.
"How was the movie Amber?", Math asked. We're heading towards the nearest cafe to
grabbed some drinks and snacks. We didn't bother for dinner anymore.
"Okay lang."
"And?"
"It's fine." Uh, wala nga akong maalala tungkol sa pelikula! And please Math, stop
asking. I'm not in the mood.
"Yun lang?", she asked again and i felt irritated. Good thing Jeremy butt in.
"Don't piss her. Iba siya magfreak out lalo na kapag pinakialam ang kanyang
personal property", he said at bahagyang sumulyap kay Gray.
Ha? Hindi ko maintindihan kung ano ang ibig sabihin ni Jeremy.
"Why?", tanong ni Math. I refused to glance at Gray na cool na cool na naglalakad

habang nakapamulsa ang mga kamay.
"She kinda freaks out when she's pissed and it usually leads to face destruction of
whoever pissed her off", wika ni Jeremy at sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. Eh? He's
making things, isn't he?
"Naku! Sino ba yan Amber?", she asked with concern at hindi na ako nagkaroon ng
pagkakataong sumagot dahil binuksan ni Gray ang pinto ng Cafe at pumasok doon.
There I caught a glance of the woman who was crying at the cinema. Nakaupo ito doon
na para bang may hinihintay. Her eyes are swollen at nasa harap niya ang isang tasa
ng tyaa. I'm sure that it's a cup of tea dahil may nakababad na teabag doon.
Pumwesto na kami sa pang-apat na upuan with Jeremy on my side. My attention is on

the woman at mabuti na lamang ay pinaalala ni Jeremy sa aking it's rude to stare
kaya ibinaling ko sa iba ang paningin ko.
"I'm so excited para sa clubbing natin mamaya! Hey boys, no hard drinks allowed
okay? Amber and I cannot carry you", wika ni Math.
"Hindi ako umiinom. May chuckie or yakult ba sa bar?", tanong ni Je and Math
giggled.
"Mas lalong hindi yan pwede. Have some drinks na may konting alcohol", sagot nito.
Nang dumating na ang order namin ay napansin kong bumukas ang pinto ng cafe at
iniluwa niyon ang isang babae. If I am not mistaken, she is one of the couple
kissing in the cinema. Bahagya itong napatigil at huminga ng malalim bago lumapit
sa babae at naupo sa harap nito.
"Let's make a bet. Kapag nagsabunutan yang dalawang babae, sa akin na yang cake mo,
pag hindi naman, sayo pa rin yan", bulong ni Jeremy sa akin. Gaya ko ay napansin
din pala niya ang pagpasok ng babae.
Eh? Anong klaseng kondisyon ba iyon? It isn't a win-win condition, right?

I shove my dessert towards him. Ang takaw talaga nito! "Sayo na lang."
"So you concede na mag-aaway sila?"
I shook my head. "Nope. I just don't feel like eating."
"Ayaw mo niyan Amber? What do you want?", tanong ni Gray sa akin.
I want you to separate yourself from Math!
"Nothing. Busog pa kasi ako", wika ko sa kanya at hindi na ito nagpumilit pa. They
started eating their dessert while I face my coffee.
I've been suspicious with Math. After Marcus/Plumbite was killed, I became vigilant
about Math. It's possible that she's part of the Genesis taking into account her
exposure in the footage na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin niya inaamin. Marcus's
hot chocolate was safe until we went outside at dumating siya. Or it could be the
two inspectors or detective Adler who put the poison in his drink.
Everyone was capable of doing it that moment dahil hindi na namin napagtuonan ng
pansin ang styrocup niya na nakalapag sa bench.
Manaka-nakang sinulyapan ko ang dalawang babae na nag-uusap. So far ay wala pa

namang signs of violence o kung ano man na maaaring pagsimulan ng physical contact
ng dalawa, just like what Je predicted. They were talking about the possible bars
na pupuntahan namin nang bigla na lamang kaming makarinig ng lagapak. The woman who
was crying at the cinema fell on the floor at gulat na gulat naman ang babaeng
kausap nito.
We immediately emerged from our seat at tumakbo palapit doon. She lies on the
floor, shaking like she's having an epileptic seizure. Nagkagulo rin ang ibang mga
tao na naroon at nakiusyoso. Tila nahihirapan rin ito sa paghinga.
"Call the ambulance!", sigaw ni Gray at sumunod naman ang staff na naroon. He
didn't touched the body at tiningnan ang nasa mesa ng biktima. Bumaling siya sa
babaeng kausap nito na hindi halos makapagsalita.
"Kaanu-ano mo ang biktima?", he asked and it took a while before she was able to
speak up.
"S-she's my ex bestfriend."
"What's your name?", tanong ulit ni Gray sa kanya.
"Meryll Cruz."
"Ang biktima?"
"Aria Sy..", she answered while shaking.
"This is no doubt a case of poisoning but I cannot tell yet what kind of poison was
used unless we'll have the experts check it. The poison could either be from her
cup or anything nearby. Siguradong hindi iyon mula sa cake niya since it was
untouched. Do you have any motive in doing this to her?"
I was surprised by Gray's directness in questioning her. The staff informed us na

parating na ang mga pulis at ambulansya.
"Pinagbibintangan mo ba ako? I didn't do it!", the girl exclaimed.
"Aren't you the one in the cinema with your boyfriend? The victim was watching you
while crying", singit ni Jeremy. Nawalan naman ng kulay ang mukha ng babae sa
sinabi nito.
"But I didn't kill her!"
Sumingit na ang staff sa usapan. "Kilala ko ang biktima. Girlfriend siya ng anak ng
may-ari ng cafe. Nagtatrabaho siya bilang nurse sa New Zealand. Nang makauwi siya
dito ay nagulat na lamang siya ng malamang may relasyon na ang best friend at
boyfriend niya."
Napalawak ang ngiti ni Jeremy. He got a correct deduction kanina sa cinema.

Dumating na ang ambulansya at kinuha ang babae who is still having seizures.
Dumating rin doon sina Inspector Dean and he's walking towards us.
"Ipapacheck namin ang content ng tea na iniinom ng biktima", wika ni Inspector

Dean. "So, may napatunguhan na ba ang primary investigation mo Gray?"
Gray shrugged his shoulders at lumapit sa mesa. "It's still in progress."
The police questioning goes on at patuloy nilang tinanong ang bestfriend, staff at
boyfriend ng babae na kadarating lamang. The staff told us that the victim ordered
dessert and teas of different variety. Hindi narecognize ng cafe ang teabag na nasa
tasa nito. She also told the police that the victim asked for a sticky note at
nagsulat doon. She posted it on the cafe's dedication wall.
Lumapit si Gray doon and he inspected the wall, probably looking for the victim's
post. There were so many colorful notes there kaya natagalan siya sa paghahanap
doon. We helped him in finding it until Math saw it.
"Check this out", wika niya at pinakita niya sa amin ang sticky note. The
handwritten content of the paper reads:
I found the courage in this unlikely place. With scabby hands, I am cutting the
lace. What else is there to stay?
- A.
Nahulog sa malalim na pag-iisip si Gray. He sat on one side at matamang tinitigan

ang sulat ng biktima. It looks like a simple poem. It took him minutes bago siya
lumapit kina Inspector Dean.
"This is a suicide case", wika niya. He stood there in full confidence. He only use
such tone kapag sigurado siya sa deduction niya. I wonder if Gray Ivan Silvan would
ever commit a wrong deduction and how will he able to handle it.
"Suicide case? Paano mo naman nasabi?"
"Based on her note. Look at this", inabot niya ang sticky note sa mga pulis. "It's
a suicide note. The courage that she's talking about is the courage to kill
herself. I don't think it's a courage though. Her choice of words tell us the
poison that she used. Scabby hands and lace. Scabby hands and lady's lace is a name
for the poisonous flowering herb called hemlock. She's a nurse at New Zealand
right? It's not impossible to obtain such herb since it grows there. Marahil ay
iyon ang laman ng teabag niya. We'll have the headquarters confirm the teabags
content. Marahil ay lubusan siyang nasaktan tungkol sa nalaman niya pag-uwi niya
dito and she thought there's nothing left to stay."
I beg to disagree with the victim. There are so many reasons to live. I also don't
think that suicide is a courageous act. It is rather an act of cowardice but she
fails to see it.
The police received a call confirming Gray's deduction about the tea bag's
contents. They thank him for solving this case at umalis na kami doon.
It's already past eleven in the evening and Math is dying to go to clubs. We drove
towards a club named WASTED. Pangalan pa lamang ng club ay hindi ko na nagustuhan.
Nang huminto ang kotse ay natanaw ko na ang bouncer na tila lumaklak ng maraming
steroid dahil sa laki ng katawan nito. We decided to split into two at pinauna
naming pinapasok sina Gray at Jeremy. Nang matagumpay na nalagpasan nito ang
bouncer ay lumabas na rin kami ni Math sa kotse.
"Wait Amber!", tawag ni Math at ngtatakang napatingin ako sa kanya. "Didn't I tell
you to wear a slutty dress? Bakit naman itong may manggas ang sinuot mo, mukha kang
dalagita na magsisimba."
I frowned at her. "I don't have slutty clothes." Tsk! Hindi naman talaga ako sang-
ayon sa clubbing na ito so don't expect me to be in my best cooperative suit that
will surely fits the bar!
Nagulat na lamang ako ng lumapit siya sa akin. She pulled the sleeve of my dress at
narinig ko ang tunog ng pagkapunit ng tela. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang tinanggal
ni Math ang manggas ng damit ko! She did the same on the side, making it a tube
dress! Manipis lamang ang tela niyon kaya madali lamang ang pagpunit niyon.
"What the hell are you doing?!", I exclaimed nang itapon niya sa lupa ang punit na
bahagi ng damit.
"Making you look like your age", sagot niya and I almost scream when she pushed me
inside the car. She grabbed her purse at naglabas ng make up kit at sinimulang
ilagay iyon sa mukha ko.
"Hey-"
"Be still kung ayaw mong magmukhang clown. Ang ilaw lang sa labas ang inaasahan ko
so be still", sagot niya. She put a thick blush on my cheeks. She also put a bloody
red lipstick on my lips. Ginulo niya ang buhok ko at hinila ako palabas ng kotse.
"Perfect!", she exclaimed and I frown. Hindi ko alam ang hitsura ko and she could
be lying! Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko as we strode toward the bar's entrance.
Saglit na humarang ang bouncer sa amin ngunit agad ding umalis at pinapasok kami ng
kindatan ito ni Math. Pagpasok namin ay sinalubong kami ng malakas na musika at
iba-ibang kulay ng ilaw. There are many people dancing, getting wasted. Drinks are
everywhere and some people were carrying a lighted stick. What do they call it?
Agad naming nakita sina Je at Gray sa mesa sa gilid. Jeremy was surprised to see
me.
"Bestie? What happened to your sleeves? At- oh. Mahangin ba sa labas?", tanong niya
habang nakatingin sa buhok ko. He diverted his look at Math who was smiling all the
way. "Oh, no wonder. May kasama ka palang malakas na hangin. But yeah, you look
good."
Tiningnan ko siya ng masama while Math ignores his statement. Nang tingnan ko si
Gray ay bahagyang nakakunot ang noo nito habang tiningnan ang kabuoan ko. Eh? Got
any problem?
"So, let's drink the night out!", Math exclaimed at umorder ng cocktail para sa
amin. The place is hot and noisy. I sat uncomfortably there habang nakikinig sa mga
kwento ni Math. Nagyaya itong sumayaw but Gray and I refused. Nanatili lamang kami
doon as she grabs Jeremy to the dancefloor.
Nagsimula silang sumayaw kasabay ng maraming tao to the beat of a famous music.
Math gracefully dances like she's really good at it making boys divert their
attention into her. On the other hand, I wanna laugh at Jeremy who was dancing the
steps of YMCA.
"I wish we can talk about us", wika ni Gray. Napatingin ako sa kanya.
He's holding his glass habang nilalaro ang laman niyon. "Cronus told me everything
but I don't want to believe it."
Napabuntong-hininga ako. Kahit maingay ang paligid ay dinig na dinig ko ang sinabi
niya. I felt a lump in my throat at hindi ko alam kung ano ang isasagot sa kanya.
Was he sorry for the kiss that we shared?
"It was all too sudden", wika ko. Namayani ang katahimikan sa pagitan namin
hanggang sa magsalita ito.
"I really like you", wika niya at inilapag niya ang baso at direktang tumingin sa
akin. "I like you in a way that is forbidden between us but I just can't stop
liking you."
I felt my heart leaped out of its cage. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang kailangan kong
maramdaman ng mga sandaling ito. Should I be happy because he likes me or should I
be sad dahil hindi na iyon maaaring umusbong dahil nga magpinsan kami?
"Gray...."
Ngumiti siya ng mapakla. "Siguro ay pilitin ko na ang sarili ko na itigil ang

pagkakagusto sayo."
His words felt like a huge sword stabbed directly to my chest. Kahit di ko man
aminin, I know that the feeling is mutual. I like him too. But hearing those words
just pained me.
Suddenly, slow music started playing. Math arrived and pulled Gray towards the
dancefloor. Hindi na ito nakatanggi pa ng ilagay ni Math sa beywang nito ang mga
kamay niya while she encircled hers on his neck.
Mas lalo kong naramdaman ang pagsikip ng dibdib ko. It hurts to see them pero hindi
ko tinanggal ang paningin sa kanila. When I felt my eyes starting to water ay bigla
akong napatayo at nagpasyang pumunta sa CR but I bumped into someone. I tried to
help him pick up his belongings na nalaglag but I was surprised to see what those
are!
The blue packs! Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay saka ko lamang napagtanto kung sino
iyon.
LOWIE MONDINO!
He immediately grabbed the drugs at tumakbo palayo. Agad ko siyang hinabol hanggang
sa lumabas kami ng bar. I can't run properly with my wedge so I decided to take it
off at patuloy siyang hinabol.
"Lowie! Stop!", I shouted but he didn't even look back. Lumiko siya sa isang
makitid na iskinita at agad ko siyang sinundan. My feet start hurting because of
the concrete road ngunit ininda ko iyon. Madilim sa bahaging iyon but I set aside
my fear at patuloy lamang na hinabol si Lowie.
I continued chasing him but he was out of my sight. I was sweating and my heartbeat
was fast but I ignored all of those. I looked around and decided to go further
ngunit bigla na lamang akong nabangga sa isang pigura.
"Aray!", I exclaimed as I flew towards the ground. The guy helped me up but I was
surprised to see who it was.
"Just Amber?"
"Zywon?! Anong ginagawa mo dito?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"I should be the one asking. And why do you look like a clown again?", tanong niya.
I shot him a glare. Kapag nakikita niya akong nakamake up ay sinasabi niyang mukha
akong payaso.
"And where are your shoes?!"
I was about to answer him nang bigla na lamang may umilaw na sasakyan sa tabi ko.
There was a red and blue light above the car and I realized it was police car. One
police grabbed me and the other grabbed Zywon.
"Kahit talaga anong linis sa eskinitang ito, hindi pa rin nauubos ang mga prosti
dito", wika ng pulis at hinila kami sa sasakyan.
"Hey, you got it wrong!", protesta ni Zywon.
"Customer ka ba o bugaw?", wika ng pulis. "Kung ano ka man, sa presinto na kayo

magpaliwanag."
They pulled us to the back of the car at ipinosas kami doon. May dalawang babae
doon na nakaupo and they were wearing sexy clothes at makapal din ang make up ng
mga ito.
Oh great. Napagkamalan lang naman akong prostitute and I can't totally blame them.
My dress became slutty at makapal pa ang make up ko. Not to mention that I was
barefooted in a dim street.
Great! Isn't it?
*************
Next UD will be this weekend. Please wag nyo akong tadtadin ng "UD please/Kelan
next UD pogi?!" xD
Patience is a virtue! Mwah ♥
-Shinichilaaaabs##
CHAPTER 45: PERFIDY

Chapter 45: Perfidy
My hands are shaking as I pull my cellphone out from my clutch. I can't believe
what I'm about to do but I have no other choice but do it.
Nakaabang sa harapan ko ang pulis na pumulot sa amin sa madilim na eskinita. Zywon

keeps on explaining about the misunderstanding ngunit nais pa rin nila ng parent o
guardian para sumundo sa amin. I already texted Je about my situation now ngunit
hindi pa ito nagrereply. Marahil ay abala pa ito sa kakasayaw ng YMCA sa mga bago
at sikat na tugtog.
I gave the police Ryu's number. Sa ngayon ay siya na lamang ang maaasahan ko. I
cannot tell Mom about this dahil mag-aalala iyon, even Bernard, my make-believe Dad
and Rionessi, my real Dad.
Nakakunot ang noo ng pulis nang matapos nitong ibaba ang tawag. Hindi ko alam kung
ano ang sinabi ni Ryu sa kanya ngunit base sa ekspresyon ng pulis ay hindi iyon
maganda.
"Sigurado ka bang kapatid mo iyon? Puro ingles ang sinabi", wika ng pulis.
Nagpalipat-lipat ng tingin sa amin ni Zywon ang pulis. I don't know where they
brought the two other ladies na nauna nilang nahuli kanina. Tatlong pulis ang
naiwan doon para sa gabi.
It was past midnight and I wasn't feeling sleepy at all. Panay ang hampas ko sa
binti ko dahil sa dami ng lamok dito sa pulis station. I also erased the thick
lipstick that I was wearing using my handkerchief at ibinalik sa dating ayos ang
magulo kong buhok.
Ngayon ko lamang naramdaman ang pananakit ng mga paa ko dahil sa kakatakbo ng

nakayapak. As of my wedge, God knows where I threw it. Manaka-nakang sumusulyap si
Zywon sa akin habang nakakunot ang noo nito.
Wait.
Don't tell me he's angry and he thinks that I dragged him into this mess because I
didn't! Hindi sinasadya ang pagbundol namin! Isa pa ay siya naman ang basta-basta
na lamang sumusulpot out of nowhere!
Ngayon ko lamang napansin na may pasa ito sa gilid ng labi. Did he fight with
someone?
Ilang saglit lamang ay hinubad niya ang suot na jacket at itinapon iyon sa mukha
ko.
"Aray! What the hell?!", I said at tinanggal ang jacket sa mukha ko. Mabuti na
lamang at mabango iyon. It smells so manly at naaalala ko si Gray sa amoy na iyon.
Uh, bakit ko ba inaalala si Gray?! He must be enjoying the night with Math
samantalang nilalamok ako dito sa police station and mistaken as a callgirl!
"Wear that. Bakit ganyan yang damit mo? It looks like it's ripped", wika niya at
ibinaling sa iba ang kanyang tingin.
Yes Zywon! Math ripped my dress!
Hindi na ako nagpakipot pa. I immediately wear his jacket. Kanina pa kasi ako
naiilang sa paraan ng tingin ng isang pulis na mataba. Panay ang pagdila nito sa
labi. Ew.
I happened to glance at his body. Natatabingan lamang iyon ng kulay abo na Tshirt,
making his large bruises visible to me. Malalaki ang pasa nito na tila binugbog.
I couldn't stop myself from grabbing his arm which made him flinched. It must still
hurt.
"Anong nangyari sa iyo?", tanong ko sa kanya. Iniiwas niya ang kamay mula sa akin
at nagtangkang tumalikod so I grabbed him by his shoulders at napangiwi ito sa
sakit.
"F*ck!"
"What happened?", mahina ngunit buo ang boses ko na tanong. An officer is busy
writing in his notebook samantalang nagkakape naman ang iba. Hindi nila kami
maririnig but I need to be cautious.
"None of your business Just Amber", sagot niya. Mahina niyang hinawakan ang
nasaktang balikat. I'm positive that he has a wound there.
"Zywon! Tell me!"
"Wala sabi-awww!" Napangiwi ulit siya nang pinisil ko ang braso niya. Oh, if I have
to use violence just to make him spill everything, I would!
"Now tell me!"
Nag-alangan ito at nagsukatan kami ng tingin. He was the one to give up first. "I'm
beaten."
"Obviously", wika ko sa kanya kasabay ng pagpaikot ko sa mga eyeballs ko. "I mean
how did you acquire those."
"I was caught spying the high positioned people of Genesis during their shipment."
"Shipment?"
He nodded. "They started shipping the drugs." Oh, that explains the missing
students! They must have been used for the shipment! That heartless organization!
"And?"
"They caught me. I was beaten to death dahil pinaghihinalaan nila ako. Good thing I
was able to escape", wika niya.
"Alam na nila ang tungkol sa pagsali mo sa organisasyon? They might harm your
family!", nag-aalalang wika ko. I remembered the bubbly Crystal! What if kunin ito
ng organisasyon? What if - arggh! Ayoko na lang isipin!
"Like I said, members with ion codenames are not that significant. They won't exert
much effort on us so I don't have to worry pero nag-iingat pa rin ako."
"So hindi ka na si Cyanide? You're not part of Genesis anymore?", tanong ko sa

kanya and he slowly nods his head. Then if that's the case, I cannot have updates
about the Genesis from him anymore.
No! It can't be! Hindi siya pwedeng mawala sa Genesis! I know that I am USING him
and it's one of the words I hate. To be USED. But having Zywon as an immediate
source of information about Genesis is very helpful. It occurred to me how will I
be able to seize the organization? Ano ba ang kayang gawin ng isang Amber Sison
laban sa isang malaking drug syndicate?
"That doesn't mean that I already gave up. I will chase them but I am using the
Vander Mafia", wika niya. I give him a questioning look. Right there, I thought
guiltily about using him but we're walking on the same path. He's using the mafia
too, MY mafia and I cannot imagine how he would do it. Does he have a plan? First
he infiltrated the Genesis to obtain information, now the mafia?
"You infiltrated the mafia?", I asked. I wonder how his reaction would be if I tell
him that I'm part of the mafia that he resents. Ang alam lamang niya ay malaking
tao sa Genesis ang ama ko, he doesn't know that my real father is a big fish, too
but of the mafia. Ano kaya ang magiging reaksyon niya? Would he give me the cold
shoulder like the way he treats Gray?
"I tried but I failed. They're in extra security lalo na at ilang transaction na
ang nabulilyaso sa kanila which cost them millions. It seems like there are snakes
within that mafia", wika niya.
Snakes? Traitors? May mga nabubulilyasong mafia transaction? I didn't know about
all of those but I have no interest in being active in the mafia. Alam ko na
illegal iyon and I'm keeping my hands off that thing. Mafia things are wrong. Wrong
things are wrong even if everyone is doing it.
"But you were able to obtain information like those. How?", nagtatakang tanong ko.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Let's just say that's where I'm good at. Getting
private informations in the most dangerous way like eavesdropping. Now, what are
you gonna do Miss Mafia Heiress?", he said in a very sarcastic way.
So he knows all along?! Ngunit bakit tila hindi siya galit sa akin?
"Don't be surprised. I told you, that's where I am good at." Sumandal siya sa
inuupuan niya at nagde-kwatro. If I would be active in the mafia, I would consider
recruiting him. He works by himself and I have no idea if he got any cronies.
Ngunit hindi ba niya naisip na ikakapahamak niya ang ginagawa niya or he's just
blinded by his anger?
The door swung open at padabog na isinara iyon ng taong pumasok, making everyone
notice him. Well, a devil just walked in and he got a very dangerous facial
expression. The kind that you wouldn't want to mess with.
Lumapit siya sa akin at hinila ako patayo sa upuan. "Who the hell among these three
stupid ugly creatures brought you here and mistook you as a harlot?", galit na
tanong ni Ryu. Tiningnan niya ang pulis na mataba na kanina pa panay ang tingin sa
akin.
"Is it this pig or whatever creature he is who will die in a way that his thick
tongue will be pulled out from his mouth and roped it around his ugly, smelling
body, stretching it out until he dies?", Ryu asked. Tiningnan niya ang isang pulis,
the one who seized Zywon kanina. "Or is it this skeleton over there who will die
even if he doesn't look alive at all, in a tortured way? I will personally tear his
bones apart into bits," he paused for a while at tiningnan ang pulis na siya namang
dumampot sa akin. Ito rin ang nakausap niya sa telepono. "Or is it this ass-faced
being that I'm not even sure if he is human or not? You know what? You look like a
swollen boil in a beggar's calloused foot. I'd be glad to scrape your eyeballs out
from its socket and toss to somewhere everyone would step on-"
"Ryu!", saway ko sa kanya. I can imagine his tormenting words to the police na
halos hindi na makagalaw. Nalaglag ang mga laman ng folder na hawak ng matabang
pulis samantalang nabitawan naman ng isa ang kanyang kutsara, producing a loud
clinking of metal on the concrete floor.
Zywon is just sitting there comfortably at wala man lamang akong nakikitang emosyon
dito, not even amusement with Ryu's grand entrance.
"Stop it. It's just a mistake!", wika ko sa kanya. God knows if he's carrying a gun
beneath his leather jacket and I don't know what he's capable of doing with a gun
in this circumstance.
Then the door flung open at niluwa niyon ang tatlong pigura ng mga taong kasama ko
kanina. Galit na galit ang mukha ni Gray nang hilahin niya ako mula kay Ryu.
"Jeremy told me that you're here. I'm sorry kung ngayon lang namin nabasa ang text
mo", wika niya. "Who brought you here?" His mood is as scary as Ryu's nang
tiningnan niya ang tatlong pulis na halos hindi pa rin makagalaw like they were
frozen there.
Oh please Gray. They already lost their color after Ryu's words and anything from
you would be another torment for them kaya mas mabuting itago mo na lamang sa
sarili mo ang mga nais mong sabihin para sa kanila.
"Sorry Bestie", nakayukong wika ni Jeremy. Lumapit naman si Math sa akin at

hinawakan ang mga kamay ko.
"Amber, I'm so sorry. I think it was partly my fault, sorry talaga", she said
sincerely.
"No, no. It wasn't anyone's fault, okay? There's just some mistakes", wika ko sa
kanila. Walang magagawa ang pagsisisihan sa mga sandaling ito. All we need to do is
leave this place.
"Why are you with Amber?", tanong ni Gray kay Zywon. Nagkunwari naman ang huli na
tila ba hindi nito narinig ang sinabi ni Gray.
"We bumped into each other. Wala siyang kinalaman dito", wika ko. Zywon shot me a
glare ngunit wala pa rin itong sinabi.
"We're leaving", Ryu said. Kinuha niya ang wallet at naglapag ng pera sa mesa and I
didn't waste time thinking how much it was. He hold my wrist and pulled me but I
stopped him.
"How about Zywon?", tanong ko. Mukhang walang susundo sa kanya.
"M-maaari na rin siyang umalis", wika ng isang pulis na tila nahimasmasan na.
"Thank you", wika ni Zywon at tumayo. "You can have my jacket Just Amber", wika
niya at nauna ng lumabas ng pinto.
Ryu continued pulling me hanggang sa nakalabas kami ng police station. Hinarap niya
ako at tinanong.
"What were you doing in that dim street Ryle? Hindi mo ba alam na pwede kang
mapahamak? And why are you out in the streets this hour?", galit na wika nito.
Gray, Je and Math were on the side watching my big brother scolding me.
"We're in the club-"
"What the hell!"
"It was all a mistake-"
"Where are your shoes?"
"Pwede bang patapusin mo ako!", I hissed. What's bad with Vanders like us? Well,
we're short tempered. Never mess with us.
"Go on. Oh, on the second thought, let's go home first." Sinulyapan niya si Gray at
ang iba ko pang mga kasama. Zywon is already out of sight, marahil ay nakasakay na
ito ng taxi.
Tiningnan ni Gray ang mga kasama. "Math, Jeremy, you can stay in the hotel for the
rest of the night-"
"Haaaaaa? No way!", protesta ni Je at niyakap ang sarili. He distanced himself from

Math who is now frowning because of his reaction. "Paano na lamang ang aking puri,
dangal at dignida-"
"As if I would take that away from you!", singhal ni Math sa kanya. "And we're not
staying in one room!"
"I'll drop you to a hotel, okay? Ryu, you can take Amber. Susunod ako", wika ni
Gray. Ipinasakay niya sina Math at Je sa kanyang kotse at naiwan kami ni Ryu doon.
Nasa di kalayuan lamang ang kotse ni Ryu ngunit nanatili lamang ito doon. His phone
rang at agad niya iyong sinagot.
"Zeus", wika niya. Oh, Cooler? He paused for a while at nakinig mula sa kabilang
linya. I saw his expression became dimmer. There might be a big problem.
"Gather everyone. I'm on my way", wika niya at pinatay ang tawag. Tila naging
iritado ito matapos ang tawag. He kept his phone in his pocket at hinarap ako.
"Let's go Ryle."
To my surprise, lumapit siya sa akin at binuhat ako!
IN A BRIDAL STYLE!!
"What are you doing?!", I asked in surprise. I ain't used to these kind of things!
The first and last person who carried me in such way is Gray!
"Kinakarga ka."
I know it! "Put me down!"
"Why, what's wrong with carrying my baby sister?", he asked at patuloy lang sa
paglalakad. "Paika-ika ka kung maglakad kanina so it's just right to do this, isa
pa ay nakapaa ka lang." Hindi na ako nakapalag pa dahil nakarating na kami sa harap
ng kotse niya. Binuksan niya ang pinto at pinapasok ako. Umikot siya sa kabilang
pinto at nagsimula ng magdrive. His mood is not good, I can sense it kaya nanahimik
na lamang ako hanggang sa makarating kami sa Vander Mansion.
Nang makapasok kami sa loob ng mansion ay nagulat ako nang makita ko ang mga
reapers. Ares, Artemis, Eros, Hermes, Mnemosyne, Hades and Poseidon. Nandoon din
ang 'Twin Cities' na sina Paris at Berlin and I didn't bother to identify who
Berlin and Paris are. Nandoon din si Adonis and two others which I fail to
recognize. What? They're having a party at this hour? It's past 1 AM now. They are
not smiling at all so I figured out that it isn't a party. They looked at me like
they don't care at all. Wala ring nagtangkang bumati sa akin, everyone is silent.
Cooler is on one side with his brows meeting. Nakapamulsa ito at matamang
tinitingnan ang bawat isa. There is a glint of happiness in his eyes when our eyes
met ngunit agad din iyong nawala. Lumapit sa kanya si Ryu.
"What happened Zeus?!"
"The transaction was off. Someone sabotaged it", sagot nito. He didn't even bother
to greet me. Well I can't blame him, they're facing a huge problem.
So, that is why the reapers are here.
The main door opened at iniluwa niyon si Gray. He was surprised to see the crowd
too but he didn't mind them. Lumapit siya sa gawi namin.
"Sabotaged? Again?! This is the third time! And in just a span of few weeks, we
lost three huge transactions na sa atin iniasa?! What the hell is happening here? I
believe there is a traitor!", wika ni Ryu. He is really pissed by the idea that he
came up with.
Nanatili ang walang ekspresyon na mukha ni Cooler and I guess that's how he is when
he is pissed. Unlike Ryu, Gray and Cooler shared a common attitude when pissed.
They are cold and silent, evident that they're not in a good mood.
"That's what I thought too", wika ni Cooler. I remembered the time when he said
about what Cookie of the Fortune Cookie told him. There will be a traitor. Mukhang
ito na nga iyon.
"Listen everyone!", malakas ang boses na wika ni Ryu. The reapers raised their
heads at bumaling kay Ryu. "I know there is a traitor within this group. I hate
snakes! Sa oras na malaman ko kung sino sa inyo ang ahas, you will face the
Vander's wrath and I'm warning you, you wouldn't like it."
Namayani ang katahimikan sa loob ng mansion. Each reaper bows their heads, malamang
ay natakot ito sa sinabi ni Ryu. Is this really how the mafia works?
"Makakaalis na kayong lahat", wika ni Ryu. Agad namang nagsitayuan ang mga naroon
hanggang sa kami na lamang ang naiwan doon. He is still pissed at hinarap ako. "Now
tell me what happened."
"Don't use that tone to me. I am not your reaper", wika ko sa kanya. Kung natatakot
ang mga reaper sa kanya sa tono niyang iyon, not me.
"Ryle-"
"I said do not use such tone on me. Kung galit ka sa kanila maybe you should cool
down before you talk to me!"
Gray and Cooler stared at us. Tila ayaw nilang makialam sa away naming magkapatid.
Well they really shouldn't. It will only make the situation worse.
Ryu let out a big sigh. Saglit itong pumikit, as if he's controlling his temper at
hinarap ulit ako. "Tell me what happened." Sa pagkakataong iyon ay malumanay na ang
boses na kanyang ginamit.
"It was all a mistake. Napagkamalan lamang ako ng mga pulis. I'm with Gray at nasa
club kami."
"What the hell. Clubbing? At bakit ka nakapaa?", he asked again, still controlling
his temper.
"I was chasing someone", wika ko. I don't want to add anything about it dahil baka
mas lalo lamang magkagulo. I know the mafia knew about the existence of Genesis
ngunit makakadagdag lamang sa problema nila kapag sinabi ko ang tungkol kay Lowie.
"Don't go doing anything silly. Kailangan mo ring mag-ingat. Cronus wouldn't like
it if you got scratches on your welcome party this sunday."
Parehas kaming nagulat ni Gray sa sinabi ni Ryu.
"Welcome Party?", Gray asked.
"Yeah."
"This sunday?" tanong ko. It's already past midnight kaya sabado na ngayon, so it
means tomorrow is sunday. "That fast?"
"Well that's how Vanders work. We do everything in an instant", Cooler said at

naglakad palayo. "Good morning everyone."
"You will be officially introduced to everyone as Ryle Vander Morisson tomorrow",

Ryu said. "You should take a rest for now. I will call a maid to prepare your
room."
Nang umalis si Ryu ay naiwan kaming dalawa ni Gray doon. Like me, he is surprised
to hear about it.
I was dumbfounded that moment. Oh tomorrow, huh? I should be used of having

everything in an instant. I guess that's how a Vander life is supposed to be.
******************************
Down to the last fifteen chapters (plus Special Chapters). More revelations to come
Mehehehe xD
Btw, Chapter 46 will be posted this weekend. Goodnight!

-ShinichiLaaaabs/Tammii##
CHAPTER 46: STX 2

Chapter 46: STX 2
A/N: Early update for! My apologies to Editor Melody for sending her my unedited
piece at "unearthly hour" (e.g. 2 AM, 4 AM Lol xD) Haha! Pag eedit na ang almusal
niya.
Hey, you might want to join the DF Olympics (One-shot story making, Fan Art
contest, DF got talent, Deciphering, Rebus etc.), join as on facebook to see the
further details.
Happy Weekend guys!
*************************
Naiwan kami ni Gray sa sala ng mansion nang umalis si Ryu upang magpahanda ng
matutulugan ko. I'm glad that he brought me here at the Vander's rather than the
Morisson's dahil tiyak na mag-aalala lamang sina Mommy.
"Amber...", tawag ni Gray sa pangalan ko. Napatingin ako sa kanya, like the other
Vander's, his mood is not at its best.
"Hmm?"
"I'm sorry", he said. He is very sincere with his words at damang-dama ko iyon. I
know it's not just because of the placidity of the dawn that makes his words
sincere but it is his words itself. I refused to look at him in his eyes, it would
only make me go insane and I don't want that to happen.
"I-it's f-fine", wika ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit malakas ang pintig ng puso ko.
Gusto ko siyang yakapin at sabihin sa kanya lahat ng hinanakit ko sa buhay na
hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin halos mapaniwalaan na nangyayari. I want him to
give me an assuring hug and whisper into my ears that everything will be alright.
Na lahat ng ito ay malalagpasan namin. Na hindi bahagi ng Genesis si Dad. Na hindi
ako si Ryle. I want him to tell me that I am not a Vander and we are not cousins.
Na panaginip lamang ang lahat ng ito but I know he can't.
No matter how we see it, everything that I wish him to tell me cannot be spoken. He
cannot give me an assurance that everything will be alright. That my Dad isn't a
part of the Genesis. That I am not a Vander. Hindi pwede. I felt the familiar
painful sensation that occurs to me kapag naaalala ko ang kalagayang kinasasadlakan
ko ngayon.
"It's not fine", wika niya. I cannot argue with him tonight. I'm dead tired and my
foot hurts so bad so I turned my back on him.
"It is. Good night Gray", I said and walked away but before I can even take a step,
he pulled me and hugged me from behind. He rested his face on my neck and encircled
his arms around me. It was one of his ways that makes me melt and by doing that,
mas lalo lamang niyang pinapahirapan ang kalooban ko.
I felt a tear dropped from my eye when I felt his hug became tighter. He started
whispering against my hair the words that I've been dying to hear.
"Everything will be fine, hindi man sa ngayon but I know it will. It's sad to be in
this situation but I know it will be alright", he said and I can feel his warm
breath on my neck.
I smiled bitterly. I hope it would be like that. Hearing him say those words brings
pain. It's not much of pain to kill me, yet not so little to let me live.
Tinanggal ko ang kamay niya na nakayakap sa akin. I didn't even bother to look at
him. Makikita lamang niya ang pag-iyak ko but he didn't let go. Bagkus ay mas lalo
lamang niyang hinigpitan ang pagkakayakap at mas isinubsob pa niya ang mukha sa
leeg ko. It pains me. It really pains me so much every time I remember that there
are certain people who are not meant to fit in our life, no matter how much we want
them to be.
Like how I want Gray to fit in my life. I don't want him as cousin! I want him to
be more...
"Gray... please don't make it hard for me....", nagsusumamo ang boses ko. Muli kong
tinanggal ang nakayakap niyang kamay mula sa akin. "I'm going now."
"Do you think it's easier to walk away than to fight for what you really want?",
wika niya. I stopped on my tracks ngunit nanatili pa ring nakatalikod sa kanya.
"Listen Amber, I will prove to you and everyone that you are not a Vander."
"I wouldn't know that you will go that far. Iisa pa rin ang sagot na makukuha mo
Gray. I'm Ryu's sister and we're cousins."
"I will risk going too far to possibly find out how far I can go. I know I can go
as far as discovering that you are not a Vander", buo ang boses niyang wika. I
wonder how he will do it. Ayaw kong umasa. "Don't you see? You look like Amethyst
and not Sweet."
Napakunot ang noo ko sa kanya. Marami nga ang nagsasabi sa amin na manang-mana ako
kay Mommy but I don't think so. Maybe it's just because we have the same long hair
and pale white skin.
"You're imagining things Gray. Mauna na ako", I stepped away at sumabay sa

papaakyat na katulong. Kumukontra man ako sa sinabi ni Gray, there is a part of me
hoping that he's right and he can be able to prove it to us. That I am not a
Vander. That we're not cousins. I sighed. I guess this will bother me even in my
slumber.
The next morning, I woke up and felt the soft mattress on my back, the sweet smell
of the sheets with an aroma of coffee in the air. At first, I have no idea that I
was being watched but I feel like someone does. I opened my eyes and saw the person
who's staring at me. My head aches and my feet are sore but I forgot all of those
when I saw the smirking face of this person.
I pulled the sheets at tinago ang katawan ko. Nothing is wrong with the pair of
pajamas na nakuha ko sa closet kagabi but I am embarrassed to think that he's been
watching me while I'm sleeping.
"Kanina ka pa ba dyan Ryu?", I asked him. Kay aga-aga ay nakasmirk na ito! He was
carrying a tray with breakfast on it, coffee, toast, bacon and others na hindi ko
na inalam kung ano. Inilapag niya iyon sa bedside table. There was even a white
rose on the tray!
"Halos kakarating ko lang din and I decided to watch you sleep for a while, ayoko
sanang gisingin ka dahil madaling araw ka na nakatulog kagabi but we have plans for
today."
"We have plans? You must mean you. You have plans for today", sagot ko sa kanya.
"What time is it?"
"Nine."
"Nine?!" Kahit gaano ako kapuyat, hindi ako gumigising ng alas nuebe!
"Yeah, so you better eat your breakfast and prepare. Your clothes are there",
tinuro niya ang ilang paperbag na nakalapag sa paaan ng kama. "I'll wait for you
downstairs. And by the way, I want to apologize about last night. I'm just pissed,
you know, with all the mafia things."
He doesn't sound sincere when he said those words at nakasmirk pa siya! Seryoso ba
siya sa ginagawa niyang paghingi ng tawad?!
"Labas sa ilong?"
"What?!", he asked.
"Wag ka na lang magsorry kung labas din naman sa ilong mo", wika ko sa kanya. "It's
useless if you don't mean it."
He bit his lower lip na para bang nagpipigil ito. "Look Ryle, I am not used in
asking for apology so don't expect me to do it in your standard operating manner
like how you want it to be. Now eat and hurry."
He turned his back at padabog na lumabas ng kwarto. The door made a loud thud nang
sinara niya ito.
See? There will never be peaceful days with my brother. Tiningnan ko ang pagkain na
dinala niya para sa akin. The flower is not really necessary but I appreciate it.
Napangiti na lamang ako at sinimulang higupin ang kape.
Matapos mag-agahan ay naghanda na nga ako gaya ng sinabi ni Ryu. I don't know what
are his plans for today pero sumunod pa rin ako. Pagbaba ko sa living room ay
nakaupo doon si Mnemosyne. Nang makita niya ako ay agad siyang tumayo upang
salubungin ako.
"Hello future sister in law", she said after giving me a quick peck on the cheek.
"Sorry about last night, alam mo na, when the bosses are not in the mood, reapers
shouldn't move unless they say so", wika nito. "I just heard the story from your
cousin, Artemis, and I'm so shocked. But I was glad though, I thought isa ka sa mga
nasa deathlist ko sa mga magiging kaagaw ko kay Ryu- Oh, just kidding!"
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag. Eh? She's really into him. I plastered a smile on my face
at hinila na niya ako.
"Let's go. Big bro is waiting outside."
"Teka sandali", I said. "Saan ba kasi tayo?"
Mnemosyne flipped her hair. "Hindi sinabi ni Ryu sayo? Well anyway, we will have
the whole day for tomorrow night's welcome party. Spa, couture and everything.
Tara!"
We headed outside kung saan naghihintay si Ryu. They brought me in a couturier at

pinasukatan ng damit. Kanina pa ako tumatanggi sa gusto nila but they are not
listening. The welcome party for tomorrow will happen whether I like it or not.
"Anong gusto mong kulay hija?", tanong ng couturier. I shyly smile at her.
"Kahit ano ho basta hindi masagwa tingnan sa akin", sagot ko sa kanya.
"I think peach suits you well", Ryu said and I frowned at him.
"I don't take suggestions about a dress's color from a color blind person", wika ko
sa kanya which made Mnemosyne burst into laughter and Ryu in his usual annoying
smirk.
"Fine. Choose whatever you want", wika nito. Pumwesto siya sa upuan sa isang dulo
at naupo ng nakadekwatro doon.
"Sa tingin ko ay bagay sayo ang blue", Mnemosyne said.
"You think so?"

She nodded and I decided to take the royal blue cloth for the halter top long gown
na pinarush para bukas. I pity the couturier though. Maging ito ay apektado sa
pagiging "instant" ng mafia.
After going to the couture ay nagpunta kami sa isang Spa center. Ryu said I should
relax and remove all the stress that I had for the week. Meh! It's not even
possible dahil ang mismong welcome party ang nagpapastress sa akin!
Sa isang spa sa loob ng mall lamang kami nagpunta. Only Mnemosyne and I availed the
services of the spa samantalang si Ryu naman ay naghihintay lamang sa amin. Dala
din niya ang napakaraming paper bags na mula sa mga pinamili naming sapatos at
jewelries. I can say that Mnemosyne is my fashion consultant and I'm glad Ryu
brought her along.
He's patient enough to wait for hours hanggang sa matapos kami ni Mnemosyne. We
decided to have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
It was a restaurant that serves French cuisine. Pumwesto kami sa isang sulok at
tiningnan ang menu when the front door opened at iniluwa niyon ang isang lalaki.
He's wearing a formal business suit. He roamed his gaze around the area at nang
mahagip nito ang hinahanap ng mata ay lumapit ito doon.
He went to a table where a young man who's also in his business suit sitting.
Bahagya itong tumango sa lalaki nang tumayo ito sa kanyang harapan. Hindi sila
kalayuan sa mesa na inookupa namin kaya malaya ko silang natatanaw.
"So, ano ang gusto mo Amber- I mean Ryle?", tanong ni Mnemosyne. That's when I
decided to divert my gaze from the businessmen to Mnemosyne.
I gave her a sly smile. "Amber would be fine." Hindi talaga ako sanay sa Ryle, I
hope if I will be officially a Vander, hindi nila papalitan ang pangalan ko. Just
the last name. Pwede nilang idagdag ang Ryle but I do hope Amber will remain.
"Okay Amber. Ano sayo?", tanong niya ulit.
"Anything will do", sagot ko sa kanya. Ibinaling ko na lamang ang atensyon sa mesa
namin. Ryu is not smiling at all. Marahil ay napagod ito sa kakasunod sa amin.
Ilang saglit lamang ay nakahanda na sa harapan namin ang mga pagkain. That's when I
also happened to glance at the businessmen that I was staring a while ago.
Nakita kong tumayo ang isang lalaki at nakipagkamay sa kausap bago ito lumabas ng
restaurant. The remaining man is grinning all the way na tila ba may binabalak
itong masama. He opened his suitcase at naglabas ng pipe doon. He looks around
cautiously na tila nagmamasid sa paligid then he pour something into his pipe. I
wasn't sure what was it dahil hindi ko iyon masyadong naaninag.
"Eat Amber", pukaw ni Ryu sa akin. "Why do you keep on looking on that table over
there? You want their food? We can order them if you want."
Napasimangot ako sa kanya. Ganyan ba kapatay gutom ang tingin niya sa akin? I
rolled my eyes at him at nagsimula nang kumain, the last time I glanced at the
businessman was when he puffed his pipe at ibinuga ang usok niyon.
"By the way Amber, Artemis texted. She's distributing the invitations to your
friends and classmates. She's asking if it would be the whole Bridle High-"
"What? No way!", I hissed. Nababaliw na ba sila?
"We can do that if you want to", Ryu said. Oh, alam ko Ryu. Believe me, alam ko.
"Uh... Just my roommates would be fine. And Jeremy and Math", sagot ko sa kanya.
Wala naman akong masyadong kaibigan sa Bridle at isa pa ayaw kong ipagsigawan sa
buong Bridle na Vander ako. That the father I used to know isn't the one I must be
with.
"And oh, please include Khael Alonzo of Athena High", wika ko. "And please give me
an invitation. I want to invite someone personally."
"Got it!"
I was thinking of Zywon. Alam kong masakit sa kanya na dumalo sa isang pagtitipon
ng mga Vander. The mafia who took his mother's life and causes all his bitterness
and misery. But I am taking chances. I want him to come for me, para sa mga ilang
pagkakataon na tinulungan niya ako. Kahit na mag-espiya lamang siya, it would be
fine as long as he's present.
What he may want to do may be bad for the mafia but maybe I should look it at the
way why he did it pero hindi ibig sabihin niyon ay sinusuportahan ko siya sa gusto
niyang paghihiganti.
Muli kong hinarap ang pagkain. Ryu's not in the mood to talk while Mnemosyne keeps
on telling me our next destination and what else to buy. Maya-maya lamang ay tumayo
ang businessman na kanina ko pa tinatanaw. He broke the glass on the table sanhi
upang mapabaling ang atensyon ng lahat sa kanya. Tumayo siya mula sa kinauupuan at
sinipa ang mesa, causing a commotion inside the restaurant. Napatayo na rin kami sa
kinauupuan namin and Mnemosyne protected us by standing in front of us, vigilant to
any danger that might befall inside the restaurant.
Lumapit ang ilang crew ng restaurant sa lalaki at kinausap ito.
"Sir, what is the problem? Didn't you enjoy the fo-", bigla na lamang itong binaril
ng businessman at nagsimula nang magsigawan ang mga tao.
"Everyone! Fall on your knees", sigaw nito at sumunod naman ang mga tao doon. May
ilang nagmatigas at muli itong nagpaputok. I sat on the chair at iyon din ang
ginawa ni Ryu while Mnemosyne reached for her gun.
What the hell? She's carrying a gun with her all this time?
Napansin kong tila diluted ang mga mata ng lalaki, like he has been drugged.
Lumapit siya sa mga naroon and he started shouting.
"Listen everyone! I want you to treat me superior than you because I am God!"
Naglakad-lakad ito sa paligid na tila tinitingnan ang bawat isa. Bumaba na rin kami
sa sahig bago pa niya kami makita.
"Do not shoot Mnemosyne. We can't risk Ryle", wika ni Ryu. Tumango sa kanya si
Mnemosyne ngunit nakamatyag pa rin ito sa ano mang kapahamakan na maaaring
mangyari.
"I want all of you to know that I am God, superior to any of you and I know
everything!"
The guards gathered around trying to stop him but everytime they do, the man shoots
someone. Tila wala itong gatol sa kanyang ginagawa, he didn't even hesitate for a
second! Tila sinapian ito nang kung anumang demonyo, he seems different than what
he was a while ago.
Was it because of what he puffed in his pipe?
I saw Mnemosyne reached for her phone at tumawag. I don't know whom she is calling,
I just heard her say the name of the restaurant and she said she need back up.
"Gusto kong malaman ninyong lahat that the God that you believe doesn't exist. Man
is God himself, especially when you are able to mental process of thinking on your
own and not just believe in those shits like the origin of Adam and Eve." He picked
up one guy at kinuwelyuhan ito. "Do you believe in God?"
Nanginig naman sa takot ang lalaking pinulot nito. The man who held him has a very
scary presence, like he is the devil himself. "T-there is God." He groaned when the
man punched his gut.
"I told you, man is God himself. Do you really believe that there is God who is
capable of creating this earth with his words?", he said and laughed evilly. "I'd
rather believe in all those theory of the earth's origin than those bullshits."
"He's a crazy atheist", bulong ni Ryu. Bumaling siya sa akin. "That's the guy that
you've been staring at kanina, why is that?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "He just caught my interest."
"Some reapers are coming. Nacontact na rin ang police and they're on their way",
wika ni Mnemosyne and I almost screamed when the man pulled her hair up, causing
her to stand up. Oh! kawawang bagong parlor na buhok!
"Ano ang ibinubulong-bulong ninyo dyan? You wanna try a piece of me?", the man said
at mas lalong hinigpitan ang paghawak sa buhok ni Mnemosyne. Ryu grabbed me and hid
me behind him.
"I should be the one asking that question to you, you atheist! You wanna try a
piece of me?", Mnemosyne said and jolted her elbow on the man's gut. I bet it hurts
that much dahil napangiwi ito. She twists his arm at nabitawan nito ang hawak na
baril. The man groaned in pain, and that's when the police arrived. I guess she
shouldn't have asked for a backup.
Nang natumba ito sa sahig ay natatarantang lumabas ng restaurant ang mga tao
kasabay ng pagpasok ng mga pulis. They caught the guy, who is really under drugs.
"Amber!", bati ni Inspector Dean sa akin. I gave him a smile and I had a wild guess
about what he had in his mind. That I am a crime magnet. Whatever.
"Good to see you Inspector", wika ko. "Can I meddle in your work? I have some
things to find out."
"Kung susunod ako sa tama, hindi kita papayagan but since malaki na ang naitulong
mo sa amin, I will let you. What is this all about?", tanong niya. He stared at Ryu
who is smirking at him on my side.
"Don't mind this guy", wika ko sa kanya na si Ryu ang ibig sabihin. "I think his
action was an effect of some sort of drug na sinindihan niya sa tobacco pipe niya.
I saw him put some on it but I wasn't sure what it is."
Nagulat ang Inspector sa sinabi ko. I wasn't really sure if it is really the same
drug that I've been thinking but basing on the man's reaction like claiming he was
God himself, it's evident that he puffed the nootropic that I was thinking.
"Drugs? What drug?"
"That's what I wanna find out", bumaling ako kay Ryu. "Accompany Mnemosyne in the
car, susunod ako. I'll just have to find out something." Tinulak ko siya palayo and
he didn't resist. Maybe he is used to me, acting like a real detective whenever I
want to.
Sinama ako ni Inspector Dean patungo sa isang pulis na nag-iimbestiga sa gamit ng

suspect. He was Arnulfo Tan, a known business venture, a stockholder of one of the
Philippine's biggest corporations. The officer is inspecting the things that Tan
left behind after the police seized him.
Bonds.
A laptop.
Contracts.
Business papers.
Pipe.
And a small blue pack that looks like a pack of monosodium glutamate with blue
powders inside. It is really the drug that I'm thinking. Syntoxin 2, as what Phobie
said. So they really started distributing the smartdrugs and of course, their first
clients must be known people of the society. I'm not really sure if they already
perfected it.
"Look! Is that Angelina Jolie?", I asked in surprised at tinuro ang pinto ng

restaurant. Lumingon naman doon sina Inspector Dean at ang isa pang pulis, giving
me a chance to pick some powdered drugs. Kailangan kong makakuha ng kahit kaunting
sample niyon! I close my palm with the small amount of the blue drug inside.
"Wala naman ah!", wika ng isang pulis.
"Oo nga!"
I gave them a wide grin. "Ay, sorry. Akala ko kasi si Angelina. I have to go
Inspector, may kailangan pa pala akong gawin. Ingat po!" Hindi ko na hinintay ang
sagot ng mga pulis, I immediately ran outside at hinanap ang nakaparadang kotse ni
Ryu. He was standing there, watching the police as they tried to push Tan inside
the patrol car.
"What the fuck are you doing? I am a million ways smarter than you, I can solve all
Math formulas, explain every scientific process, name it, and I can do it! Stop
pushing me!", singhal nito sa apat na pulis na pinagtulungan siyang ipasok sa
kotse. He's acting hysterically and I was wondering if that was an adverse effect
of the drug. Nagmumukha itong baliw dahil doon. Did the Genesis really perfect the
drug or they started dealing it kahit na hindi pa iyon perpekto?
"Shit! A sniper!", Mnemosyne screamed as she looked at the top of a nearby
building. "Duck!" bago pa man kami makayuko ay tinamaan ng isang bala sa kanyang
noo si Tan and he lay dead on the cold, hard ground. Mnemosyne pushed us inside the
car. "Get inside!"
Bago pa man siya makapasok ay huminto na ang isang pulang kotse sa harap naming and
it was Artemis. "Drive Amber home Ryu, we'll chase the sniper." Nang makapasok si
Mnemosyne sa kotse niya ay agad nilang pinaharurot iyon papunta sa harap na gusali
where Mnemosyne spotted the sniper. The Genesis doesn't want to be exposed kaya
nila pinatay si Tan or maybe they really intend to kill him after testing the drug
on him.
Ryu pulled the car at nilisan na namin ang dakong iyon.
Nakauwi na kami sa mansion at hindi ko pa rin nakikita si Gray mula kaninang

paggising ko. Maybe he left after our short conversation kagabi or maybe he left in
the morning. Nahihiya din akong magtanong sa mga tao doon kaya hinayaan ko na lang
ang sarili ko na mag-isip kung nasaan man ito.
Pagpasok pa lamang namin doon ay sinalubong na kami ng nag-aalalang mukha ni
Cooler. "What happened?"
"I'm not really sure, ang alam ko lamang is that there is this crazy atheist there
and he was sniped. The reapers are chasing the assassin. Have you contacted the
previous client? Payag ba sila sa redelivery of goods?", he asked. I know they are
talking about the mafia.
Cooler shook his head. "They're not making any transaction with us again."
Ryu's fist clenched. "Damn! Cronus will no longer trust us on this kapag hindi
natin ito naayos. I would love to wring the neck of whoever was the traitor within
the mafia. Alam kong nasa grupo lamang iyon natin since those transactions are
assigned to us and only our group has knowledge about it."
"That's what I am thinking too", sagot ni Cooler. Bumaling siya sa akin and greeted
me. "Hello Amber."
I smiled shyly at him. Pakiramdam ko iba ang Cooler na kaharap ko. He seemed so
lifeless, so different from the Cooler that I used to know. Ang kilala kong Cooler
ay masayahin, cool and bubbly. He loves magic yet he's a mafia boss. But this
Cooler that I am seeing these past few weeks ay kakaiba. It seems that I do not
know this Cooler. He doesn't even smile at me. Walang emosyon ang kanyang mga mata
kapag tinitingnan niya ako. When did this start? I think it was when I came to the
Vander mansion claiming that my Mom is Sweet Vander whom they thought dead few
years ago.
"Let's talk inside", Ryu said to him. "You go to your room Amber and stay there."
I frowned when I hear him commanding me to stay in my room. Geez, what now? I'm
grounded? No way. I rolled my eyes at him at umakyat sa mahabang hagdan. Yes, I am
going to my room but it doesn't mean that I am staying there for hours like what he
wants me to do.
Pagdating ko sa silid ay agad kong nilagay sa isang pirasong papel ang STX Sample
na nakuha ko. Konting-konti lamang iyon but I guess it would be enough to be
studied upon. All I need to do is find a reliable scientist to study those. Like
what was the smart drug's effect to the human. How much enhancement can it provide
to the cognitive processes of human brain.
I sat on the bed at napansin na may mga invitation na nakalapag sa kama doon. I got
one and examined it. Simple lamang iyon ngunit elegante ang desenyo. It says that
you're cordially invited to the Welcome Party of Sweet Vander Morisson and her
daughter, Ryle Vander Morisson.
Am I really ready to be welcomed as Ryle Vander Morisson? There is this feeling

inside me that I don't want to. I want to remain the Amber Sison that I used to
know, not overly rich but living a peaceful life. But it all happened, in a blink
of an eye, I have become someone that I never imagined me to be, not even in my
wildest dream. Pakiramdam ko ay isang kwento ang buhay ko, where the previous
chapters, I am just Amber who lives a simple life but as the pages are turned, it
starts to be complicated. I'm not even sure if I have reached the climax. O kaya ay
nasaang bahagi na ako ng kwento ng buhay ko. Each time the pages are turned, the
chapters are getting worse and it makes me want to close the book.
I sighed with my own thought. I tossed the invitation on the bed and reached for
the telephone directory. I searched the name Deltran and there were many of it
there so I tried my luck and dialled the number. Fortunately, I got the right
residence.
"Hello, good afternoon. Is this Zywon Deltran's residence?"
"Magandang hapon po. Maaari po bang malaman kung sino sila?", sagot ng nasa
kabilang linya. I guess it was a maid.
"My name is Amber. Can I speak with Zywon?"

"Sandali po Maam, tatawagin ko po muna si sir", the maid replied and I waited for
few minutes bago sumagot doon ang isang baritonong boses,
"What a surprise Just Amber. What do I owe this call?", he asked. I can imagine his
face everytime he calls me Just Amber. Nasanay na talaga ito sa kanyang ginagawang
pagtawag na Just Amber sa akin kahit pa ilang beses na sabihin ko sa kanya na Amber
ang pangalan ko and not Just Amber.
"I need to see you", wika ko. He was silent for a while but then I heard his
chuckle.
"That's a news! Why do you want to see me? I have a feeling that you are into me-"
"Wow. I admire your confidence but it's not what you think", I said with sarcasm.
Tsk! What's with this guy? Minsan talaga ay parang ang laki ng galit nito sa mundo,
minsan naman ay nagpapakakwela, which doesn't suit him well. Nakakailang.
"Aww. You just broke my heart", he said in equal sarcasm. He's back to the usual
Zywon, I'm glad.
"Meet me at a coffee shop near the mall", wika ko sa kanya.
"Sorry but I don't go out with strangers", he said and I remember a conversation
that we had before. "I don't know certain someone named Ryle Vander."
I mentally rolled my eyes. Mukhang wala talaga itong planong magmove on. Siya ang
halimbawa ng mga taong magpapatunay na may forever. Forever galit na siya sa Vander
Mafia.
"You don't? Good thing I do", sagot ko sa kanya. "See you in an hour." Agad ko nang
binaba ang tawag bago pa man siya nakasagot. I picked an invitation and pushed it
inside my bag.
I know he will come. He surely will. Isinukbit ko ang bag sa balikat ko at lumabas
ng kwarto.
******************************
CHAPTER 47: UNINVITED GUESTS
Chapter 47: Uninvited Guests
A/N: Big Help!! Thank you Maam Beatriz Melody aka Editor Melody! I wanna dedicate
each chapter to readers kaso ayaw ng phone ko. Babawi na lang ako sa susunod.
Mehehehe~
Happy Reading!
*******************************
My certainty about Zywon coming was accurate. In fact, he was earlier than I
thought. Nakaubos na siya ng isang hot chocolate nang makarating ako doon. There
were also empty packs of kitkat on his saucer. What? Does this guy have a sweet
tooth?
He didn't bother to smile when I reached his spot. He just licked his fingers after
eating the last bite of his chocolate.
"Yo Just Amber, my time is precious so spill everything."
Iniwasan kong bigyan siya ng masamang tingin. Agad kong kinuha sa bag ko ang
inilagay ko doong invitation at inilapag iyon sa harapan niya matapos maupo.
"I'll be expecting you", wika ko sa kanya. He froze from licking his finger for a
moment before he reached for the table napkin and wiped his hands. Pinulot niya ang
invitation at binasa iyon.
"Ah. You will be reigned as queen", he said with a smirk. "This is a nice mean of
executing my plan. I can have my revenge by bombing this event. With that I can
eliminate the Vander Mafia, what do you think Just Amber?"
I rolled my eyes at him. I don't know if he is serious or not. I don't really know
but I believe he won't do something stupid like that. Hindi lahat ng dadalo ay
bahagi ng mafia. Kahit gaano pa kalaki ang galit niya sa mafia, hindi siya aabot sa
point na mandadamay ng mga inosente. He knows the feeling of losing someone kaya
marahil ay hindi niya iyon gagawin sa iba.
"I will be expecting you", wika ko ulit sa kanya. He paused for a while and he
tossed back the invitation towards me.
"I'm not interested", sagot niya sa akin. "Bakit naman ako dadalo sa isang
pagtitipon ng pangalang kinamumuhian ko? Ayos ka din ano?"
I was expecting such reaction from him. Bakit ko nga ba siya iimbitahan? To
mentally torture him for seeing the clan that can stir up his anger? Kung nagiging
stiff na nga ang anyo nito kapag nakikita si Gray, ano pa kaya kung ang buong
angkan na? Bakit nga ba? Maybe because he was the one who opened this light in me.
Siya ang dahilan kung bakit nakilala ko ang tunay kong katauhan. If it wasn't for
him, I would still be living a false life.
Muli kong inilagay ang imbitasyon sa harapan niya. "Please take that kung sakaling
magbago man ang isip mo."
My phone rang at nang tingnan ko iyon ay rumehistro ang pangalan ni Ryu doon. I
made a frown bago ko sinagot ang tawag.
"He-"
"Didn't I tell you to stay in your room? Where are you?!", Ryu asked from the other
line. I can imagine his furious image when he discovered that I was not in the
room.
Pero ayan na naman siya sa tono niya! He's talking to me like a boss and I hate it!
I hate to be ordered around!
"I'm in a place where there is no devil like you", sagot ko sa kanya. Nakamasid
lamang si Zywon sa akin and his face is blank.
"Ryle-"
"Bye Ryu!" Agad ko ng pinatay ang tawag and tossed back the phone inside my bag.
"Protective brother eh?", Komento niya. I just shrugged my shoulders at him.

Ayokong pag-usapan ang "new-found family" ko na kinamumuhian niya. It's better this
way, na alam na niyang isa akong Vander.
"So what are you planning to do now? Join your family in your business?", he said
giving emphasis on the word business. Kahit kailan ay hindi pumasok sa isip ko na
isa pala akong anak ng taga-mafia and I have never imagined myself involving into
mafia matters. Maybe I will abstain in providing my service as a Vander just like
Gray. Siguro naman ay maiintindihan iyon ni Mommy. And speaking of her, nakausap ko
siya sa telepono kanina. She said that her hypnotic sessions and other medications
were doing well. Unti-unti ng bumabalik ang kanyang mga alaala just like a jigsaw
puzzle. Ayon daw sa doctor, hindi panghabang buhay ang kanyang amnesia. It's just
that she refused to remember those things dahil naging maligaya na siya sa bagong
buhay niya dati. Good thing that she's now bringing back most of her memories.
"Not in my wildest dreams", sagot ko sa kanya. Tumayo ako mula a upuan. "I'll be
going then. See you this Sunday."
Bago pa man ako makaalis ay nagsalita ito. "I'm not really into socializing lalo na
at hindi ko gusto ang mga taong makakasalamuha ko but I'll give it a try. It's like
you're asking a dog who hasn't eaten for three days to sit beside a fresh meat.
Mahirap ang magpigil but I will if you'll come with me."
"Saan?"
"Somewhere dangerous but all you have to do is trust me. Meet me tonight", wika
niya.
Tonight? Somewhere dangerous? Trust him? Ako lang ba ang may kakaibang iniisip? He
doesn't mean- uh.
"You don't mean screwing me in a hotel room, do you?", I asked. I felt my cheeks
reddened and I was imagining it like what I saw on movies. If someone wants
something, that's what they usually ask. Saglit na napanganga si Zywon and then he
bursts into laughter.
What?!
"Are you suggesting?"
"What the hell?!"

Mas lalo pa itong humalakhak and it pissed me off. Mabuti na lamang at hindi
masyadong marami ang mga tao na naroon. Wala naman sigurong nakarinig sa pinag-
usapan namin diba?
"For the record Just Amber, I don't screw girls like you, I bet you're dull in
bed-"
"Shut up please."
Nagpipigil lamang akong pakawalan ang kamao ko sa kanyang mukha. God knows how I
want to give him a good beating.
"To give you a hint, it's a drag race. Kailangan mo lang namang umangkas sa motor
ko", wika niya.
Drag race at sa motor pa? No way! Halos sakalin ko na nga si Ryu nung minsang
mabilis ang pagpapatakbo nito! As of Cooler, he used to race too ngunit maingat
naman ito. If it would be a car, marahil ay pumayag pa ako but a motorcycle? Mahal
ko pa ang buhay ko.
"No thanks", pagtanggi ko sakanya. There is no way that I would go on a motorcycle

drag race with him! Never!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
******************************
I should say that I have this trait called inconsistency. One time I would say I
want blue and then later I'll say that I want black. I'd say I like apples but then
later I'd say I like strawberries. I'd say no but then later says yes.
Like how I said that I would never go to a race with Zywon but here I am in this
noisy street. There are sounds of engine hauling and smokes everywhere. Nagkalat
ang mga lalaking nakasuot ng leather jackets with their big bikes. May mga lalaki
ding dala-dala ang ilang botelya ng beer at binabasa ang mga naroon. There are
girls wearing leather jeans topped with a bikini! Ugh, hindi ba sila kakabagin sa
mga suot nila?
"What now Just Amber? Chickened out?", Zywon asked nang inilibot ko ang paningin sa
paligid. May lalaki ding may dala na megaphone doon, busy shouting different names
and whatever. Some are making out; others are parading their big toys. Zywon's also
busy checking his big bike, checking every details of it.
I shook my head at pinagpatuloy na lamang ang pagmamasid sa paligid. I don't know

that something like this exists. Ilang saglit lamang ay nagsalita na sa gitna ang
lalaking may dalang megaphone.
"On your mark now!"
Sumakay naman sa motor nila ang ilan sa mga lalaking naroon. The place becomes loud
with the motorcycle's noise and some are blowing their horns samantalang nagsigawan
naman ang mga tao sa paligid.
"Get in Just Amber."
Parang ng mga sandaling iyon ay gusto kong magback out! Bakit nga ba ako pumayag sa
gusto niya? I should have stayed at home, safely tucked in bed by now.
Nagsinungaling pa ako kay Ryu kanina nang sinabi kong magse-sleepover ako sa bahay
nina Andi! Kapag nalaman niya kung nasaan ako ngayon, for sure he would be
hysterical at hindi lamang kami ni Zywon ang mananagot kundi lahat ng mga narito.
They said to never mess with a mad Vander.
"N-natatakot ako."
Tiningnan niya lamang ako na tila walang emosyon. "I told you to trust me."
I looked at him in the eyes but I never assessed if I should trust him or not.
Basta ko na lamang naramdaman ang sarili ko na dahan-dahang sumakay sa likuran
niya. He smiled at me bago iyon pinaandar palapit sa lugar kung nasaan ang lima
pang motor na sasali sa karera. He stopped the bike on an empty spot, katabi ng
isang lalaking pula ang buhok, with a girl in a sexy leather jumpsuit behind him.
"Z", wika nito kay Zywon at ngumiti ng nakakaloko. He looked at me at tila nais
nitong matawa. Oh, why? Was it because of the six racers, tanging si Zywon lamang
ang may hindi seksing angkas? Most of the girls with them are wearing slutty
clothes. Tube top over a tattered jeans, low cut shirts na sa sobrang low cut ay
halos tumalon na ang mga dibdib ng may suot niyon. Slutty jumpsuits and others
samantalang isang itim na skinny jeans at sweatshirt naman ang suot ko. The
sweatshirt is not even fitted to me and who cares anyway? Mas komportable pa ako sa
suot kong iyon, at least I wouldn't be worried if I had a wardrobe malfunction.
Pakiramdam ko kasi ay ililipad ng hangin ang mga kapirasong tela na suot ng iba!
"Bruno", pansin naman ni Zywon dito. I can feel the silent war between them sa
paraan ng batian nila sa isa't-isat.
"Where's Milky? Bakit naman batang kalye ang pinulot mo?", Bruno asked with a
smirk. Ako ba ang ibig niyang sabihin? Batang kalye? Ako?!
"Be careful of whom you call street child. You'd be surprised to know who she is",
sagot ni Zywon sa kanya.
"What? Anak ba siya ng president ng Pilipinas?"
Gumanti ng smirk si Zywon sa kanya. "Nope. But she's a daughter of someone more
powerful than the President of the Philippines. Walang makakapigil sa kanila, not
even the president."
I don't know if he's overstating it or what. Marahil ay iyon talaga ang tingin niya
sa mga underground business like mafia.
"Ladies, your partner's belts now!", sigaw ulit ng lalaking nakamegaphone. I saw
the other girls got off from the bikes and removed the belts of the drivers. What
the hell?! Should I remove Zywon's belt too?
"Remove your belt", wika ko sa kanya.

"Sorry but that's your task."
"No way!"
"Hurry now! We're running out of time", wika niya. I took a deep breath at pagalit
na kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi ko. I grabbed his waist at nanginginig ang mga
kamay na tinanggal ang suot niyang sinturon.
"You owe me one for this!", I spat at him and he just chuckled.
"Now, on your seat!"
Muling sumampa ang mga babae sa motor ng mga kasama nila, but this time ay pataikod
nilang ginawa iyon. They sit back to back with the drivers at ikinabit ang mga
sinturon sa kanila at sa drivers. So that explains why the belt is a bit long.
"Sumakay ka na Just Amber."
Kahit nanginginig ay sumampa na rin ako sa likuran ni Zywon. He helped me put the
belt around us. Ilang saglit lamang ay pinaandar na niya ang makina at muli na
namang umingay ang paligid.
"Zywon marami pa akong pangarap sa buhay", I said to him. This is the first time
that I'm riding a motorcycle in such way! My God, kahit walang magsabi sa akin,
alam kong delikado ang posisyon kong iyon!
"I know."
"Ready!", sigaw ng lalaking may dala ng megaphone.
I felt my chest tightened. I hope that after this I am still able to live.
"Set!"
Marami pa akong gustong gawin sa buhay. I still want to get to know my real family.
Marami pa akong pangarap. I still want to be a scientist someday.
"Go!"
Halos humiwalay ang kaluluwa ko mula sa aking katawan nang tumakbo na ang
motorsiklo. No, it's right to say na lumipad kami. And I screamed my lungs out
dahil sa takot at kaba na nararamdaman ko sa mga sandaling ito.
"Our father, who art in heaven..."

"What are you doing?", narinig kong sigaw ni Zywon sa likuran ko. Mabilis na
mabilis ang pagpapatakbo namin and any time ay pwede kaming sumemplang, gumulong sa
semento at mauntog ang ulo sa isang malaking bato. Then that would be the end of
me.
"I'm praying idiot!", I shouted back at ipinagpatuloy ang pagdadasal hanggang sa

matapos iyon. Sunod kong sinigaw ay ang Filipino translation, ang Ama Namin at
narinig ko ang mahinang pagtawa ni Zywon. If ever we survive this tonight, hinding-
hindi ako aalis dito hangga't hindi ko napapadugo ang mukha ni Zywon.
Muli akong napasigaw nang akala ko ay tatama na ang mukha ko sa lupa! Pinatayo niya
ang pagpapatakbo sa motorsiklo and I continued screaming my prayers.
"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you..."
Umayos na ang takbo ng motor but it is still as fast as kanina. Nakita kong natumba
ang isang pares and this time ay naiyak na ako. Zywon didn't stop at nagpatuloy
lamang kami sa pagpapatakbo. In fact ay nangunguna kami at halos kasabay lamang
naming si Bruno. And that Bruno is smirking evilly at us. I hate him at ayaw ko rin
sa pangalan niya. Pang-aso. The subdivision's resident dog is called Bruno and he
reminds me of that dog. He was an ugly dog na kumagat sa akin noong bata pa ako
that's why I hate him so much.
"You will definitely lose just like last time Z", sigaw nito and he attempted to
bump us, mabuti na lamang at nakaiwas si Zywon. Mas lalo pang lumakas ang sigaw ko
nang si Zywon naman ang nagtangkang banggain sila.
"No Bruno, I will surely win this time. Lady Luck is on my back", wika niya at mas
pinaharurot ang pagpapatakbo sa motor. I don't know if it's my imagination o
sadyang mas bumilis pa talaga ang pagpapatako nito and it made me recite the Glory
be to the Father at Angel of God. Kahit ang Grace before and after meal ay nasali
ko na!
Zywon won the race but I felt like a loser. Maliban sa halos katulad na ng mga
taong grasa ang buhok ko, hindi pa rin nawawala ang nerbiyos ko! Damn it! I should
have tied my hair and did not drink coffee! Zywon received praises and
congratulations from everyone samantalang kinakalma ko naman ang sarili ko sa isang
tabi. Yes he won at siya lamang ang natutuwa doon. I swear into my grandparent's
grave, hinding-hindi na ako sasakay sa motor ni Zywon kapag may karera ito. Ilang
saglit lamang ay nakangisinging lumapit siya sa akin, sabay abot ng isang bote ng
beer but my fist meet his face first.
"Awww..." Hinawakan niya ang kanyang mukha at nagtatakang tiningnan ako. "What was
that for? We won Just Amber."
I felt my blood boiled at umakyat ang lahat ng iyon sa ulo ko. I kicked his
precious part and a sigh of frustration and worries were heard from the crowd.
"Aray ha! Ano ba!"
"That's how I say congratulations!", wika ko sa kanya. I punched him in the gut
with all my might at napangiwi siya dahil sa sakit niyon. I kicked him on his knees
and he winced in pain. Kulang pa iyon ngunit nauna na siyang lumayo.
"That's enough", he said at tiningnan ako nang seryoso. "I said you should trust
me, see? We're safe kaya ano pa ba ang pinuputok ng butsi mo diyan?"
"Argggggghhhhh!", I screamed at nang narinig ko ang pagtawa ng mga tao sa paligid,

I realized that I am making a scene. Fact is I wanna break every bone in his body
ngunit mukhang hindi ko magagawa iyon sa harap ng mga taong naroon.
I breathe out few times upang pakalmahain ang sarili bago ko siya inutusang ihatid
ako.
"Take me home bago pa kita mapatay dito", wika ko sa kanya. He chuckled heartily
bago iniabot ang hawak niyang bote sa isang lalaki na naroon at sumampa na sa
kanyang motor na nasa tabi ko lamang.
"Got it, Your Majesty", he said at binuhay ang makina.
****************************
Paulit-ulit kong ikinuyom ang mga kamay ko habang nakatayo ako sa itaas ng Grand
staircase ng Vander mansion. Wanna know another instant? Parang kaninang umaga
lamang ay tambayan lamang iyon ng mga reapers where Hermes and Eros were brawling
at one side and Artemis were cheering for both of them ngunit ngayon ay dinaig pa
nito ang isang malawak na bulwagan ng isang hotel. The big chandelier that hangs
above was lit up and it makes me admire it more. There were waiters everywhere
distributing drinks and others para sa mga bisita. Everyone looks so dashing and
dazzling in their formal suits and long gowns. Isang malamyos na musika naman ang
pinapatugtog ng isang violinist na galing pang abroad.
There were bodyguards everywhere at kahit ako na nakatayo doon sa taas ay may
kasamang dalawang bodyguard and the reaper Poseidon.
"You look gorgeous Amber", he said and smiled at me. Gumanti ako ng yakap sa kanya,
at least my eyes is not biased. That's how I described myself kanina and now he
confirmed it. The couturier made a magic despite the limited time. The halter long
gown fitted me well, displaying some parts of my back. It was the royal blue cloth
that Mnemosyne chose and it was really amazing. It kissed the floor, covering my
stilettos na terno niyon.
"Thank you Red", wika ko sa kanya. Maging ito ay napakagwapong tingnan sa suot
niyang white suit, which compliments his dark skin.
"Parang kailan lamang nang napagkamalan mo akong taxi driver." Oh he still

remembers our first meeting. It was during our Rizal day date with Gray who will
now be officially my cousin. I was not informed but I know that my legal papers
were already changed. Bahagya akong natawa nang maalala ang araw na iyon.
Hindi na ako nakasagot sa kanya dahil dumating na si Ryu. He is wearing a black

suit and a genuine smile is plastered on his face like he is really happy. Simula
kaninang umaga ay hindi ko nakitang nagsmirk ito sa amin. He even greeted the maids
kanina and he was humming a song while drinking his coffee which I found so
unusual.
"I'll be your escort Ryle", he said at inoffer ang kanyang braso. I reluctantly
smiled at him bago ako umabrisete doon. We were walking slowly towards the
staircase. Nauna nang ipakilala si Mommy sa kanilang lahat, they were so surprised
to know that she's back after few years of thinking na patay na ito.
"I'm nervous", wika ko kay Ryu. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya upang maramdaman niya
ang panlalamig ng mga kamay ko. It was really cold as ice. Iniisip ko kasi kung
kaya kong harapin ang mga tao na naghihintay sa isang Ryle Vander Morisson.
If I would be able to meet their expectations about me. Kung matatanggap ba nila
ako bilang Vander.
"Why?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm afraid that they won't like me as a Vander", sagot ko
sa kanya. "What if I don't meet their expectations? I cannot afford to give shame
to your name."
"Then don't make their expectations. Be you, Amber. Live to be yourself and not to
be others. Anyway, how others see you is not important, how you see yourself means
everything", wika niya sa akin. His words touched my heart and I never imagined
hearing it from him. Sino ba si Ryu sa buhay ko dati?
Ah, he was the guy that I met in Marion's Welcome Party who pointed his gun at me
after he discovered my presence during their mafia transaction. He was the guy who
brought me in this mansion with an intention of killing me but showing me first to
Zeus. He was the guy who loves to threaten me with his words about hell and death
yet never had the chance to execute all his words. He was the guy who got me lost
on a snaky mountain and escaped prisoner's village. He was the guy who has a huge
scar on his back, who's lonely for losing his mother and younger sister.
And now? He is still the same guy and the only difference is that he is now my
brother.
"So, shall we?", tanong niya sa akin at iginiya ako papunta sa malaking hagdan. I
heard someone called my name at nang unti-unti na kaming bumaba ay nakamasid ang
lahat ng mga tao sa akin. I'm afraid that anytime I might trip and fall but having
Ryu on my side, I know I never will.
"Smile Ryle", bulong niya sa akin.
Kahit nangingibabaw ang kaba ay nakuha ko pa ring ngumiti sa kanila. I can hear the
violin playing, the crowd's applause and my own heartbeat. Everything is so fast
and abrupt. Isang araw ay nagising na lamang ako na ganito ang buhay.
When we reached the bottom of the stairs ay sinalubong ako nina Mommy at Daddy,
they kissed me on my cheeks at hinarap ako sa mga tao. Rionessi proudly spoke in
front at inulit ang sinabi nang host kanina.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is my daughter Ryle", wika niya at inakbayan ako.
Muling pumalakpak ang mga tao, they were smiling at me maliban sa mga kamag-anak ko
na nakilala ko noong dinner. The mother of the Twin Cities! The twin reapers were
not even smiling at me! Tanging si Xavier lamang ang malaki ang ngisi which is
really annoying. I heard some welcoming words from the crowd at panay ngiti lamang
ang sinagot ko sa kanila. Inilibot ko ang paningin sa paligid at hinanap si Zywon
but he was nowhere to found. Hindi ba ito dumating?! Kung gayon ay niloloko lamang
niya ako kahapon na darating siya kapag sumama ako sa karera sa kanya? Damn!
"I'll tour you around", wika ni Daddy at inilibot nga nila ako ni Mommy and
introduced me to everyone. Kanina pa nakaplaster ang pilit na ngiti sa mukha ko and
I wonder if they noticed it. Namataan ko ang mga kilala kong reapers sa isang tabi,
they were busy toasting their glasses. Namataan ko si Cooler sa isang tabi and he
was talking to Gray. Both of them are not smiling at seryosong-seryoso kung
tingnan. Aren't they happy for me and Ryu? For their Aunt Sweet? Math, Khael and
Jeremy were also on one corner kasama sina Andi at Therese, enjoying the party.
Pagod na ako sa pagpapakilala nila sa bawat isa so I excused myself from them.
"Mom, I'll just have some drinks", paalam ko. She gave me a smile at tumango.
"Sure Honey", sagot naman ni daddy kaya dumeretso ako sa mga mesa kung saan naroon
ang mga pagkain at inumin. Isa-isa kong tiningnan ang mga inumin dito and I was
arguing to myself which cocktail to drink first.
"I never thought that something like this would happen. Hindi ko aakalaing sa isang
welcome party kita makikita ulit Amber."
Napalingon ako sa nagsalita and I am so surprised. Gaya niya ay hindi ko inaasahang

sa isang pagtitipon na kagaya nito ang sunod naming pagkikita. Or I wasn't really
expecting this person in this event, no one told me about them inviting this person
for such event of my life. Just like the last time that I saw her, she still has
that reddish hair only that she wore it a bit longer this time. Her angelic face is
bright as ever, making every girl jealous of such beauty. Kahit pa siguro pasuotin
ito ng basahan, mangingibabaw pa rin ang kanyang mala-anghel na kagandahan.
"Marion....."
The last time I saw her was after she plotted my death during my 18th birthday. He
still got that friendly smile na hinahangaan ko but which Gray and Khael find
annoying. Her body was properly emphasized on the cream-colored long gownna suot-
suot niya. On her right hand was a cocktail na manaka-naka niyang iniinom.
"Hello Amber", wika niya. Sa matamis na ngiting ginawad niya ay naalala ko ang
malagim na kamatayang sinapit ni Maam Sera sa kanya. How her hair was shaved and
how pitiful she was. Sa likod ng ngiting iyon, hindi ko inaasahang isa palang
psychopath. Naramdaman ko na lamang na umatras ang mga paa ko but I bumped into
someone.
"Yow, excess baggage", bati ni Khael. Nasa tabi ko na ito at kasama nito si Je at
Math.
"Khael, it's nice to see you again. Hi Jeremy...", she said at bahagyang may bahid
ng lungkot ang kanyang mga mata.
Je smirked at her. "Hi yourself, hinampas mo ako ng tubo sa ulo, you still remember
that? Alam mo bang nagkabukol ako at-"
"Hindi ako nagpunta dito para makipag-away. I like to apologize to everyone

especially to Amber", wika niya. Humakbang siya palapit sa akin at hinawakan ang
mga kamay ko. "I'm really sorry for everything. I lost valuable friends like the
three of you."
"Jeremy tell me who's that pretty redhead girl", bulong ni Math kay Jeremy. She is
not familiar with Marion dahil hindi naman iyon madalas na napag-uusapan sa Bridle.
The students knew that she transferred, ang hindi lamang nito alam ay ang pagiging
psycho nito.
"Her name is Satan."
Math frowned at him.
"Joke. Her name is No."

"No? Eh?"
"Her sign is No.", Jeremy said again.
"Ha?"
"Her number is No."
"Anong pinagsasabi mo Jeremy?", naguguluhang tanong ni Math sa kanya.
"You need to let it go."
"Je!"
"Joke ulit, by the way that's Meghan Trainor", nakangising sagot ni Jeremy. "And
that? She's Marion. Never mess with her, pumapatay siya lalo na ng mga mayayabang
at malalandi na Mathilde ang- "
"Jeremy!"
Ngumiti si Marion sa amin. "I'm really sorry everyone. Lahat kayo ay nadamay dahil
sa sakit ko. I hope you will all forgive me, lalo ka na Amber. Also Ryu and Gray-
chan."
Gray-chan.
That's how she called Gray before. I wonder what she is thinking now ngayong alam
niya na magpinsan kami ni Gray. No wonder that she is able to attend this party,
after all her father, Anton Velmon, the Textile King is a partner of the mafia.
Just then ay bigla na lamang may baril na pumutok and it caused a commotion inside.
Nagsigawan ang mga tao at napayuko while I felt myself being grabbed by Khael at ng
dalawang reaper na sina Ares at Hades na hindi ko namalayang nakalapit na pala sa
akin. They protected me from any harm at maging ang ibang mga reapers ay kanya-
kanya na ring pinuntahan ang mga importanteng tao ng mafia.
Tumahimik ang paligid nang isang babaeng nakasuot ng itim na long gown ang pumasok
doon. She was with a lady in her gothic attire at isang lalaking may peklat sa
mukha. Both of them were carrying a machine gun. I saw Ryu stiffened at nakuyom ang
kamao. Maging si Gray ay ganoon din ang reaksyon. That was also the time that I saw
Zywon, who was shaking with anger. I don't know the gothic lady and the scarred
man, tanging ang babeng nakasuot ng long gown ang kilala ko.
It was someone I met recently.
Dra. Preciosa Vergara, previously known as Andromeda of Vander Mafia but now Tin of
Genesis.
**********************************
Walang UD sa weekend kasi busy ako. Sorry :((((
Join us on facebook! Just search Detective Files by Shinichilaaaabs. Thanks!

-Tammii/Shinichlaaaabs#
CHAPTER 48: BARE TRUTH

Chapter 48: Bare Truth
A/N: Napaiyak si Editor Melody dito Haha! Jk! Btw, I'm dedicating this chapter to
Joy_joy12. ♥
Happy reading!
******************************
"Hello Athena", Dra. Preciosa said and smirked at Mom. I saw Mom's fist tightened
at bumakas ang galit sa mukha nito. Unlike the first time that they met, Mom's
reaction is clueless then but now anger filled her. She must have remembered
already her wickedness. Only Mom knows how evil those three are.
"Andromeda", Mom said. "It's nice to see you again. Maging kayo Pan, Ganymede", she
said. Kahit halos manginig ito sa galit ay tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang pagsasalita ni
Mommy. She delivered her words with enough emphasis.
No one dared to move, kahit ang mga reapers. Dad is just holding Mom by the arm,
ready for any possible harm na maaaring gawin ng mga intruder.
The reapers are also watching silently habang pinoprotektahan kami, si Ryu, si
Cooler, si Gray and Cronus. Nasa gilid naman ang ibang mga bisita and no one dared
to speak. Marahil ay natakot sila sa dala-dalang armas ng babaeng nakaitim at
lalaking may peklat. The Gothic girl reminded me of Phobie.
Hindi naman makikitaan ng pagkabahala si Cronus. Nakamasid lamang ito na tila

amused sa pagdating ng mga hindi inaasahang bisita.
"It's been a long time old reapers", bati nito. "It's been nineteen years since the
betrayal."
"Ah, Cronus", the scarred man said. "Yes and I am still grateful to you for giving
me this Koch", wika nito at bahagyang ginalaw ang braso na may dalang malaking
baril.
"That's my gift for you so you can have that despite the betrayal."
I'm sure hindi sila nagpunta dito upang pasalamatan si Cronus para sa malaking
baril o kaya naman ay batiin ni Dra. Preciosa si Mommy. They must have come for
another reason. Kung sila lang tatlo ang nagpunta dito, they must not meant to
start a war between the Genesis and Vander Mafia. It's a suicide mission for the
three of them para pumunta doon na mga machine gun lamang ang dala ng dalawa and
Dra. Preciosa wearing a long gown. They maybe just want to crash our welcome party.
"I know about your new organization", Cronus said. He looked at me bago tumingin sa
iba pang mga naroon. "The kids have encountered you not just once."
Nagulat ako sa sinabi nito. All this time ay akala ko na iilan lamang kaming
nakakaalam sa Genesis. I didn't tell them everything about the organization.
Mukhang tama ngang sabihin na huwag maliitin ang mafia. They act even before I knew
it. Hindi lamang ako ang nagulat, maging ang sina Ryu, ngunit saglit lamang iyon.
"I'm not surprised. You wouldn't be the mafia boss for nothing. So how do you know
about us? Do you know too that we are operating?"
Sumingit naman sa usapan si Rionessi. "Don't you think this is not the perfect time
to talk with us about it? You see, may kasiyahan kami para sa pagbabalik ng asawa
at anak ko", he said. If I remember it right, he was the reason why Dra. Vergara
hated Mom so much. Mukhang minahal nila ang iisang lalaki, which is Rionessi. "Isa
pa ay nasa kuta namin kayo, don't you think it's dangerous?"
"About it, we have a bomb inside our car at ang isa niyon ay nasa main door ng
mansion. If you would do anything against us ay hindi ako magdadalawang isip na
pasabugin iyon at matutusta tayong lahat dito. But if not, I will keep my word.
Nandito lamang kami upang dumalo sa pagtitipon."
Saka ko lamang napansin na tila nanginginig si Ryu sa kanyang pwesto. His fist is
clenched, he's sweating at halos nangungugat na ang leeg nito dahil sa pagpipigil.
His eyes are filled with anger at parang kahit anong oras ay sasabog ito. That's
when I decided to strode across the hall upang pumunta sa pwesto niya, sanhi upang
mapatingin ang lahat sa akin. I was the only one who dared to move that much.
Nang makalapit ako sa kanya ay hinawakan ko ang mga nakakuyom niyang palad. I don't
know what forced me to do it, maybe I just did it voluntarily. I am afraid. Afraid
of whatever possible thing that Ryu may do. Hindi ko alam ang dahilan niyon but all
I see is a mad man. The presence of these three people here must have evoked a
painful past for him.
"Oh the youngest Vander", the Gothic lady said. She is chewing a gum at bahagyang
lumapit sa amin ni Ryu but then Mnemosyne and Red stepped in front of us bago pa
ito makalapit.
The gothic lady chuckled, "Geez, you young reapers, masyado kayong protective. I'm
not going to do anything stupid. Babatiin ko lamang ang batang ito. She's so strong
to have stayed in her Mom's womb despite all her shots", nakangising wika nito at
mas lalo kong nararamdaman ang paninigas ng katawan ni Ryu, like he's going on a
killing spree any moment by now. Mas lalo ko na lamang hinigpitan ang paghawak ko
sa kanya. I looked at him in his eyes as if I'm begging him.
"Here's my salute, Young Vander" she said and she raised her middle finger to me at
ngumisi ng nakakaloko. Inilibot nito ang paningin sa loob at nang makita nito si
Gray ay doon naman ito bahagyang lumapit. "You too. Akala ko pa naman ikaw na ang
pinakabatang Vander. You're lucky to have that stupid woman offer her life for -"
Hindi na nito natuloy ang sasabihin nang lumipad sa direksyon nito ang isang
stainless tray na dala ng mga waiter kanina habang nagbibigay ng mga inumin.
Nagulat ang lahat kung saan iyon nanggaling. The tray grazed the woman's forehead
at tumulo ang dugo mula roon.
"What the fuck!", she hissed at hinanap ng mga mata ang pinanggalingan ng tray.
There I saw Zywon stepped forward at gaya ni Ryu, nag-uumapaw din ang aura ng galit
sa katawan nito. His eyes are so dark, his fist is clenched at walang ibang
mababakas sa mukha nito kundi galit.
"Don't you dare call my Mom stupid", wika niya. "She is not stupid, you're just
heartless!"
"And who are you?"
"Zywon Deltran."
"Ah, Deltran? You must be the other kid with this Vander few years ago. The one who
was with Emerald Deltran", wika nito. Tumalikod ito kay Zywon na tila ba walang
paki. "She's stupid. The kid is not even worth dying for."
I closed my eyes nang tinangkang habulin ni Zywon si Ganymede ngunit bago pa man
niya ito maabutan ay hinawakan na siya ni Gray sa braso. He gave him a very sad
look na tila ba sinasabing wag nang ituloy ang balak niyang pag-atake. Zywon
hesitated for a while ngunit nang saglit na nakita nito ang ekspresyon ng mukha ni
Gray ay pinigilan niya ang sarili. He removed his hands from his arm bago bumalik
sa pwesto niya kanina.
"Umalis na kayo!", Mom said. This time ay naging kalmado na siya kumpara kanina.
"We would appreciate it if you would leave this place immediately."
"Nagmamadali ka yata Athena. Don't worry, we'll leave shortly after giving you my
message. I don't know who's the traitor within this mafia, ngunit sa tingin ko ay
meron."
"You must mean the three of you. You're traitors, aren't you?" Mom is really
recovering from her amnesia. Mukhang nakakasabay na ito sa mga pangyayari noon na
kinasasangkutan ng tatlong hindi inaasahang bisita.
"That was a long time ago Athena, what I mean is that there is this new traitor. A
new traitor who's also affecting us. I'm telling you, whoever you are, kapag
nalaman ko kung sino ka, you will regret messing with us."
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", Ryu asked. "And how dare you to threat the mafia."
"We'll leave it that way. Goodbye people! Continue your party", wika ni Dra.
Preciosa. She smirked at Mom and Dad bago tumalikod sa amin. Ganoon din ang ginawa
ng lalaking may peklat at ni Ganymede. Inalis niya sa bibig ang kanyang
nginunguyang bubble gum bago iyon idinikit sa nameplate ng nadaanan niyang waiter.
"Check the area for bombs and other threats!", sigaw ni Cooler at may mga sumunod
naman sa sinabi niya. Lumapit siya kay Cronus. "Do you think we'll leave it that
way? Hahayaan na lamang silang umalis ng ganoon nalang?"
No one still dared to move, halatang nagulat pang lahat sa munting eksenana ginawa
ng mga taga-Genesis. They messed the party up, ngayon ay tila wala ng gana ang
bawat isa upang ipagpatuloy pa ang kasiyahan.
"Wag mo akong pangunahan Zeus. I know what I am doing. As of the traitor, malalaman
at malalaman ko rin kung sino iyon and all of you knows that death is the
corresponding consequence for it", Cronus said. His smile is still the one that he
flashed kanina. He must have everything under control.
Tama nga si Dra. Preciosa, he would not be the mafia boss for nothing. Maybe he
doesn't want to get the other guests involved in this mess. Marahil hindi lahat ng
bisita ay taga-Mafia. I looked at Andi and Therese, they were also shocked by what
happened but they were able to breathe kumpara kanina nang naroon pa ang tatlo. I
gave them a nod at sinagot nila iyon ng awkward na smile. Well that's a sign that
they're fine, I guess.
Just then some people screamed nang sinuntok bigla ni Zywon si Gray. Napatingin
kaming lahat sa dako nila. He was about to give Gray another punch ngunit nagsalita
si Gray.
"Stop it Zywon."
"How dare you to stop me! It's already my chance to kill my Mom's killer! Palibhasa
ay wala kang pakialam! Mom should have been alive by now if it wasn't because of
you!", he screamed. Lahat nang galit niya kanina ay lumabas ngayon. Unti-unti nang
nabuo ang pasa sa mukha ni Gray sanhi ng pagsuntok niya kanina.
"You have no idea how much I suffered dahil sa pagkamatay ni Tita Emerald. That's
the reason why Mom brought me to England. Upang malimutan ang lahat ng mga
nangyari. You have no idea how I regretted coming with you. Tama ka, kung hindi
dahil sa akin ay buhay pa si Tita Emerald. You have no idea how that incident haunt
me every day! Wala kang ideya kung paano ako hindi makatulog gabi-gabi sa tuwing
napapanaginipan ko ang mga nangyari noon. We're both young that time Zywon at
parehas nating hindi ginusto ang mga nangyari noon."
Gray's voice is full of sadness. Hindi ko alam ang totoong kwento kung ano ba
talaga ang nangyari. Maybe that's what Zywon's story of the two princes and the
queen was all about. Hindi pa rin nagpapagil si Zywon at muling dumapo ang kamao
nito sa mukha ni Gray but the latter didn't fight back. Hinayaan niya lamang si
Zywon. Kahit ang mga naroon ay walang nagtangkang pumigil sa kanila.
"It won't bring back your Mom, Zywon, kaya itigil mo na iyan", Khael said nang
mapansing dumudugo na ang gilid ng labi ni Gray.
"Isa ka pa Khael. Hindi niyo kasi alam ang nararamdaman ko!", Zywon screamed and
this time, si Khael naman ang sinugod niya. He became a war freak. Maybe that was
his overflowing anger that pushed him to hit them. Hindi naman nanglabanang dalawa
at hinayaan na lamang nilang ilabas ni Zywon ang galit niya.
"I HATE ALL OF YOU! I HATE THE GENESIS! I HATE THE MAFIA!", he started screaming at
sinuntok ang mesang may mga pagkain. Nabasag ang mga basong naroon, and he
continued punching the table hanggang sa dumugo na ang kamao nito.
Why did everything turn out like this? If it was because of me, having the name
Vander, then I would willingly surrender my name upang magkaayos na ang bawat isa.
Maybe I was really a bad luck at all. A jinx!
"Stop it Zywon!!!", I screamed at bahagyang nagpatigil iyon sa kanya. Saka ko

lamang napansin na umiiyak pala ito. It must have hurt a lot. Seeing the people who
caused your misery. Tila nais kong pagsisihan ang pag-iimbita sa kanya sa
pagtitipong ito. If I didn't invite him, he should have stayed at home o kaya ay
sumali ulit ito sa karera o kung saan hindi niya nakikita ang Genesis o ang Vander
mafia.
"It's my entire fault! I'm a jinx! Kung hindi sana ako pakialamera, I shouldn't
have discovered that my Dad's part identity! I shoudn't have tried to help my
Athena roommate and discovered about Genesis. Hindi sana ako nagpunta dito upang
ipakilala si Mommy bilang si Sweet Vander. Kung hindi lang sana ako naging Vander,
everything must have been fine!", I screamed. I felt my cheeks wet with my tears.
Hindi ko mapigilang maiyak dahil sa lahat ng mga nangyayari. Is it because of me?
"You are not a Vander."
Napatingin kaming lahat kay Gray. Inulit niya ang sinabi niya at mas lalong nalito
ang mga naroon. Whispers filled the place, lahat ay nagtataka sa sinabi ni Gray
tungkol sa akin at sa pagiging hindi bahagi ko ng Vander.
Nakakunot ang noon i Ryu nang tianong niya si Gray. "What do you mean?"
"Just what the context itself means. Amber is not a Vander by blood, atleast", wika
ni Gray. He wiped away the blood from his mouth at tiningnan si Rionessi. "Have you
ever considered trying the DNA test on her? Hindi diba?"
"She's my daughter Gray!", Mom said. Maging ito ay halos hindi makapaniwala sa
sinabi ni Gray. "I am the one who gave birth to her. I carried her in my womb,
she's my daughter."
"No, she's not. Ikaw lang ang nagpalaki sa kanya pero hindi ikaw ang nagluwal sa
kanya. Yes, it's true that you were carrying a child in your womb but it wasn't
Amber", Gray said at halos wala akong masabi.
See? Everything about me is so complicated. I thought I have gotten enough on

waking up one day and discovering that I am not Amber Sison, the daughter of
Bernard Sison. Ngayon ay may magsasabi na naman sa akin na hindi ako anak ng Mommy
ko. Then who the hell's daughter am i?!
"Gray, what are you talking about?", naguguluhang tanong ni Ryu. Lahat kami doon ay
naguguluhan sa mga sinasabi ni Gray. I am not a Vander? I am not my Mom's daughter?
"Amber is not a Vander because she is the real daughter of Amethyst and Bernard
Sison." His words keep on repeating in my mind. Paulit-ulit iyon hanggang sa
tuluyan kong maintindihan. I am Daddy's real daughter with the real Athena.
I was too shocked to move o kahit man lamang magtanong kung ano ang ibig sabihin
niyon. I was just standing there, digesting every word that just came out from
Gray's mouth.
"Maaari mo bang ipaliwanag kung ano ang iyong ibig sabihin? How was it even
possible?"
"I've been through a lot to know all of this. It's been seventeen years ago, when
Ryu and Tita Sweet was ambushed. Hindi ba't buntis ka nung mga panahong iyon? And
then they thought you were dead but you're not. Ang totoo niyon ay kinuha ka ni
Bernard Sison, who is suffering because his wife, Amethyst Sison, left him for some
other guy. To save himself from the social disgrace, he undergone Tita Sweet for a
plastic surgery to assume his wife's face. Isa pa, he's gone crazy for losing his
wife and he loved her so much kaya nagawa niya iyon. It's easy for him since Tita
Sweet's memory was lost. So he let her assume his wife's identity and she found out
that she's pregnant. Plano niyang buhayin na lamang ang bata at angkinin bilang sa
kanya since napamahal na sa kanya ang mag-ina but, Tita Sweet's labor was a
dangerous one at dahil doon ay wala siyang malay sa loob ng halos tatlong araw.
Then the real Amethyst returned at gaya ng bagong Amethyst, she's pregnant at
kabuwanan na niya. She told Bernard that it was his, but he didn't believe her pero
dahil sa awa ay tinulungan niya si Amethyst at dinala ito sa ospital but
unfortunately, robbers were on the way, critical na ang kalagayan nila ng
makarating sa ospital. The real Amethyst did not survive but the child did and he
found out that it was really his kid. Bernard cannot raised the two child na ilang
araw lamang ang pagitan so what he did, he exchanged the babies. He let Tita Sweet
believe that she's her daughter when she woke up. Meanwhile the other child, which
is the real Vander was given to someone......."
His words were boring through me at mas lalo pa lamang iyong nagpasikip sa dibdib
ko. My tears just keep on falling at mukhang always on the go ang tearduct ko
ngayon. No one dared to interrupt as Gray spills everything.
"Someone with the name Emerald Deltran. Amethyst's stepsister."
Napatingin ako kay Zywon and like me, halos natutos na ito sa kanyang kinatatayuan,
while digesting Gray's words. I don't know what's running in his mind at that
moment and I have no means of knowing. How ironic, if it is true. He was trying to
crash the mafia whom he thought who killed her Mom when in fact the mafia was his
family. It's like leaving a situation only to realize that he shouldn't have been
in that situation to begin with.
"You're lying!", Zywon hissed. "Bawiin mo ang sinabi mo."
"That's the truth Zywon. Remember the time when we were ambushed? The lady said
she's taking the youngest Vander and that's not me. That's you. Brain ordered to
kill you pero hindi iyon naintindihan ng kanyang inutusan. She thought it was me.
Bakit hindi mo kausapin ang daddy mo? He knows that you are not his real son kaya
siguro malayo ang loob mo sa kanya. I've made a thorough investigation on this to
the point that I've risked my mafia transaction to know all about it and so is
Cooler, he knew it all along. He's the one you've been calling traitor when in fact
he just want to protect Amber."
Halos gumuho na ang mundo ko. I really caused a lot of trouble. So all these time,
the mafia traitor was Cooler and he only did that just to protect me? Iyon ba ang
dahilan ng pagiging malamig niya sa akin? Because he was protecting me and by that
he will meet his death.
But why Cooler?
And why me?
Am I really worth it?
"It's all true. I am collaborating with Cooper himself, I mean Bernard. He wanted
to keep Amber safe kaya hinayaan na lamang niyang isipin nating Vander siya. He
thinks the mafia is the safest place to keep her daughter lalo na at alam na din ng
organisasyon ang pagtago niya kay Tita Athena", Cooler said. His gaze is directly
into me. Bakit tila hindi ko nakikita ang pagsisisi sa mga mata niya? Doesn't he
regret betraying the mafia for me?!
"But how? Paano nangyari iyon Cooler?", Ryu asked at ikinuwento naman ni Cooler
kung paano sila nagtagpo ni daddy.
***********
Inihinto ni Cooler ang sasakyan sa harap ng Bridle. Kalalabas lamang ng isang

lalaki sa malaking gate ng paaralan. It was raining very hard that day ngunit tila
walang pakialam ang lalaki. He just walked and not minding the raindrops on his
blue polo shirt. Bahagya siyang napahinto at tinitigan ang mukha nito. He looks so
familiar, saan nga ba niya ito nakita?
Ah, tama. It was during Amber's 18th birthday. It was her Dad.
And it was the guy that he's been eyeing on. A big fish in an organization that he
thought still unkown to the mafia. Nalaman niya iyon ng minsang sinundan niya si
Ryu sa Athena, who keeps on finding things about his mom's assassin. Sa halip na
madiskubre kung ano ang pinaggagawa ng pinsan doon, natuklasan niya ang mga
kakaibang pangyayari. The lab was busy at night at wala siyang alam na pahintulot
mula kay Cronus na ginagamit ang Athena sa kanilang mafia business. Cronus is
separating the institution from his underground business kaya nagtataka siya kung
bakit may mga weird scientist doon who were busy making something.
That's when he found out about Amber being an exchange student and her roommate who
was used as a human carrier left her a notebook. But then Zywon stole the notebook
from her at siya naman ang kumuha niyon mula kay Zywon. Doon niya nalaman ang
tungkol sa organisasyon and the involvement of Amber's Dad. Ayaw niyang sabihin ang
tungkol doon sa mafia, dahil alam niyang hindi iyon kakayanin ni Amber kapag
nalaman niya ang tungkol sa daddy niya so he keep it to himself.
Why is he so protective over Amber? Well, he likes her. A lot. Or maybe he should
say he loves her. But he's not pursuing her. Alam niyang gusto ito ng kapatid niya
and the feeling is mutual. It's enough for him to let her be happy with someone
whom she really likes. It maybe idiotic to be happy seeing the person you love
happy with someone else but that's how love is. Kahit na hindi siya gusto ni Amber
in a different way, he respected it. Love isn't something that you expected to be
return to you. Hndi ito salamin na kung ano ang ipinakita mo ay siya din ang
maipapakita sa iyo. No, it's not like that.
He knows within himself that he loves her immeasurably and that's what love is all
about. Its real measure is when you love without measure.
Nagulat na lamang siya nang dumating si Amber kasama ang Mommy nito sa mansyon,
claiming that she's Athena and they're Vanders. Bumaba siya sa kotse at dinala ang
kanyang payong. Lumapit siya kay Bernard at pinayungan ito.
"Sir", bati niya. The man's eyes were sore, like he's been crying.
"Yes?"
"My name is Cooler Vander. I am your daughter's friend and I know all along about
your secret."
Saglit na natigilan si Bernard sa sinabi ni Cooler sa kanya but he was too week to
deny about it. His daughter hates him so much and a Vander infront of him just
introduced himself, claiming that he knows about his secret.
"Not now Vander, I'm wrecked. I cannot take much for now. If you want to capture me
and be brought to the mafia, please have it rescheduled."
"That's not it."
"Ano ang kailangan mo?"
"The truth that Amethyst is really Athena and Amber is her daughter." Cooler said.
Nagsukatan sila ng tingin, assessing each other if they are trustworthy. Then
Bernard got his wallet at naglabas ng calling card.
"Call me some other time", wika niya bago umalis upang tunguhin ang kanyang kotse,
not minding the dripping raindrops while Cooler kept the calling card in his pocket
at muling sumakay sa kanyang kotse.
************
"And you kid, is the real Vander."
Zywon's expression became angry again at tila dumoble pa iyon kumpara kanina. I
don't know what he's been through kaya hindi ko siya maintindihan. They say you
wouldn't understand someone unless you're in the same situation.
"Nagsisinungaling kayo!!!"
"Calm down Zywon", wika ni Gray sa kanya but telling someone to calm down just
makes them angrier.
"You're lying!", he said at tumakbo palabas doon, walang pakialam kahit na nabundol
ito sa mga tao roon. He ran away and escaped from this situation. Just for a while
dahil kung totoo man ang sinabi ni Cooler at Gray, he cannot escape this situation
anymore. Saka ko lamang narealize ang ginawa ko kay Daddy. All this time, I have
loathed him yet it was for my sake. I am really his daughter.
I cannot say that he made the right decision of letting me assume that I am a
Vander just to protect me. Why am I causing all this trouble? Bakit may mga taong
handang ipahamak ang buhay nila para sa akin? If the Genesis would know about it,
tiyak ay mananagot ito. And he was brave enough to let the mafia have me!
Nagsimula nang magbulong-bulongan ang mga tao, tungkol sa akin. The welcome party
for the youngest Vander is not for me after all. Nang mga sandaling ito ay isa
lamang ang gusto kung gawin, umalis sa lugar na iyon. Out from the mocking sight of
some people. Kung pwede pa lamang ay lamunin na lamang ako ng lupa ng mga sandaling
iyon and I was too embarrassed to move.
Just then I felt a hand clasped in mine tightly. Napatitig ako doon bago ko inangat
ang paningin sa may-ari ng kamay. It was Gray. He smiled at me and his face is
bright despite the bruise Zywon left on his face.
"I know you wanna run away, but can you take me with you?", he asked.
Tama siya, gusto kong takasan ang mga pangyayaring ito ngayon. I felt his hand
squeezed mine. Why does it feel so relieving by just a mere squeeze of his hand on
mine? Tila iyon ang nagbigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob bago ako tumango sa kanya
before we both dashed towards the main door, away from the people inside.
We ran towards the patio, patungo sa garden ng mga Vander. If I wouldn't have
knowledge about me being not a Vander at all, I would have said OUR garden. Saka
lamang niya ako binitawan nang makarating kami doon at kasabay ng pagbitaw niya ay
ang pagpatak ng mga luha sa mga mata ko. It's just too much to handle for now.
"Let it go Amber. They said when something bad happens, something good in return
will happen too."
I refused to said anything at hinayaan ko na lamang ang sarili kong umiyak. I did
not even bother to wipe away my tears. Nagpang-abot na ito sa sipon at laway ko. If
they're telling the truth, then I have no one left but my Dad.
"Bakit ganoon? I thought dalawa ang ama na nag-aagawan sa akin and then I found out
that I have no one but Dad whom I said that I despised", I asked him. Hinayaan
lamang niya ako, he's not even tapping my back. That's what they usually do to
comfort someone.
"There are still plenty of us left Amber. You have me and Je. Even Math. Don't
forget Khael. You have us", wika nya sa akin. I took a deep breath bago pinahid ang
mga luha at sipon ko. Yes, I know that they're still there pero iba pa rin ang may
pamilya. I never had the chance to meet my real mom.
"Your Mom is still Tita Sweet. Being family is not always by blood, most of the
time, it is by bond."
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Aren't you going to tap my back?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Why should I? It will not make things better."
"But atleast it will make me feel better", wika ko sa kanya. I know we're getting
out of the topic that I am not a Vander and eveything.
"No it's not. Isa pa, it's not my way to pacify you."
Nagtatakang napatingin ako sa kanya. "Huh?"
"It is by this", wika niya and then he pulled me towards him and he crashed his
lips against mine. And I lost myself in his arms.
**********
CHAPTER 49: DEMON IN DISGUISE (PART 1)

Chapter 49: Demon in Disguise
(Part 1)
A/N: Hello guys! Ngayon na lang ako babati, Viva Senior San Miguel, Viva! Shoutouts
to Glecelle Mae Biliran, the first ever DF Olympics Victor!~
Hey, this chapter is based on the first DF Olympics's winning entry for the one-
shot story making. Congratulations Abegail Aquino! It's an honor to include your
piece in Detective Files! I hope I can justify some minor revisions! :))
To Editor Melody, for another fine job! To everyone who participated in the
Olympics, and to every member of DF family, Mama Pogi loves you. Mehehehe~
******************************
It's rude to yawn at class hours but I can't help it. Kanina pa lumuluha ang mga
mata ko dahil sa ginagawa ko every time the teacher isn't looking. It's literature
class at kanina pa ipinapaliwanag ng guro ang Sonnet 116 ni William Shakespeare.
Nothing's retaining in my head except the poet's name because I'm thinking about
bed, pillows and sheets. Ah! I want a peaceful slumber.
I yawned again but this time I wasn't able to stop the sound of yawning from coming
out of my mouth. Naramdaman ko na lamang ang mahinang pagsiko ni Jeremy sa akin. He
flashed a worried expression as he nudged me.
"What?!", I asked irritatedly when he nudged me for the second time.
"Bestie, tingin sa harap", he whispered. Kahit nagtataka ay tumingin pa rin ako sa

harap at saka ko lamang napansin na nakatayo na pala si Maam Mendez sa harapan ko.
I was surprised for a while and even more surprised when I noticed all eyes were on
me. Saka lamang nagising ang diwa ko.
"Care to share why my class seems so boring to you Miss Sison?", she asked with her
arms on her waist. One thing about her, she's kind and friendly but not in class.
Kumbaga what you get is what you deserve.
"No Ma'am, I don't find it bo-"
"If I counted it right, that's your 14th yawn for the last one and aa half hour",
wika niya. I couldn't say that she's overstating it. In fact it's more than that to
the point I lost count.
"I-I'm sorry Maam", wika ko. God! Ang sama kong estudyante! And then I yawned
again- uh.
I heard my classmates chuckled samantalang mas lalo namang nainis si Maam. I heard
her sigh at mas napayuko naman ako!
Lupaaaa, kainin mo akoooooo!
"Miss Sison, explain the first 4 lines of the lyric poem and give your own
reflection!" Maam Mendez went back in front at naupo sa kanyang pwesto. She sat
there and waited for me to answer. Kinakabahang tumayo naman ako mula sa
pagkakaupo. Now I regretted yawning and not listening in class!
I began reading the lyric poem.

"Let me not to the marriage of true minds, Admit impediments. Love is not love
which alters when it alteration finds Or bends with the remover to remove. I guess
it means that marriage of true minds shouldn't be prevented by the obstacles by any
cause or just impediment why these persons should not be together. It isn't love if
it changes with regards to other changes occur or withdraw when the object of its
love leaves."
The class was silent as they listen to me. I have always loved Shakespeare and his
works. I smiled bitterly as I remember some people who never withdraw their love.
"How can you say that it is love? When despite everything, they are always there
for you. When there are alterations in life but their love don't alter. Instead it
grows stronger each time. How can you say that they love you? Well words are not
the measure. It is the deed. You don't need to hear them say it, it's in their
actions. Was it about yourself? No, it wasn't because love is selfless."
Habang nagsasalita ay may dalawang tao na tumatakbo sa isip. They are the first
ones who come into my mind whenever I hear the word love. First is Bernard Sison.
His first actions maybe so selfish, stealing someone's wife just to fill the hole
that his previous wife left but that love grows into something extraordinary. It
became selfless when he let Mom and I go. It's selfless because he let his daughter
be someone's daughter for her safety.
Second is Cooler Vander. I can't understand why he was able to betray the mafia
just for me. He really has an eye for me, he admitted it yet he said that he's not
pursuing me. But his love didn't change even if he knows that I like someone. I
wonder if I was even worth it.
I felt Jeremy tugged my blouse kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.

"Upo ka na daw sabi ni Maam. Tsaka excellent daw", he said with a grin. My
classmates were smiling at me kaya bigla na lamang akong napaupo. Gray put a
handkerchief in front of me kaya nagtatakang napatingin ako sa kanya.
"You were asked to reflect. Hindi naman sinabing kailangan mong umiyak", he said
and he was still facing in front.
Umiyak? Eh? I reached for my cheeks at basa nga ito ng luha. I reached for Gray's
hankie at pinahid iyon sa mukha ko and for the second time, sana lamunin na lamang
ako ng lupa.
****************************
"Grabe Amber, ang iyakin mo pala", Math said. Nasa cafeteria kami at kumakain. It's
break time at mahaba-haba ang break namin dahil wala ang guro namin para sa susunod
na asignatura.
"Ehh? Minsan."
I took a big bite on my pizza. Can we just forget what happened on our literature
class?
"Kaya tayo nasasaktan kasi ayaw nating magmove on eh kaya move on ka na Math",
Jeremy said. "Pabayaan niyo na yan si Bestie. Let's talk about something
interesting."
Nag-angat ng tingin si Gray sa kanya mula sa kinakain nitong pasta. He frowned bago
muling sumubo. When Jeremy said about something interesting, I hope he doesn't mean
his puns.
"Ever heard of Q.E.D.?", he asked.
"Is it a manga?", I asked and he frowned.
"It's not a fruit Bestie."
I rolled my eyes at him. "I mean a Japanese comic book Je."
"Err, not that."
"Qoud erat demonstradum", wika ni Gray. "The Latin phrase for "which is what had to
be shown"".
"Ah! I read that in a philosophical argument! Why Jeremy?", Math asked.
Je bite into his cheesecake. "Yes that's what it means but what I mean is an
organization. A high school club. The Q.E.D. Club. Does it ring a bell?"
Sabay kaming tatlo na napailing. May iba't-ibang club dito sa Bridle but none was
named Q.E.D. Club.
"Arrrgh!", bumaling siya sa amin ni Gray. "Magbasa nga kayong dalawa ng useful
blogs hindi yung puro love letter ninyo sa isa't-isa ang binabasa niyo."
"Wala kaming lovelett-" He cuts me off.
"At ikaw din Math! Magbasa ka ng useful blog! Hindi puro erotic adult novel and
sites ang binabasa mo."
Napataas ang isang kilay ni Math. "What the hell! I'm not reading -"
"I don't hear anything!", putol niya kay Math. "So this Q.E.D. is a famous 4-man
detective club plus a cat."
"So?"
"They're famous especially the club president for solving crimes on and off
campus."
"Whoah. Pretty like Gray", wika ni Math. "Oh, tapos Jeremy?"
"The VP is also the blogger who posts in her blog about the success of their club."
"That's good to hear", komento ko naman at patuloy na pinapak ang pizza ko.
"Arrgghhhh! Bakit ang slow niyo! Don't you get it? I want us to open our own club
too. The Detective Triumvirate plus 2 Dogs! Oh diba! I'm so brilliant!", Jeremy
said. He motioned his arm in the air like he was presenting it.
"Eh? 2 only? How about Medicol?", singit ni Math.
"Math don't you get it? It's Triumvirate plus 2 dogs, ibig sabihin, kaming tatlo
lang tapos si Filter at Porsche."
"No way! How about me and Medicol? Why not make it a Detective Quadrumvirate plus 3
dogs?", apela ni Math.
"No way! It's only Triumvirate!"
"Quadrumvirate!"
"Triumvirate!"
"Quadrumvirate!"
"Nooo! Hindi kayo sardinas ni Medicol kaya wag niyo ng ipagsiksikan ang sarili
ninyo!", Jeremy said.
"No! Among all of us, my wits is next to Gray!", Math hissed. Good thing hindi nila
ako napapagitnaan, my eardrums would have suffered.
"Wow ha! May bagong buhat na bangko ka na namang ipapasok sa furniture shop mo!"
"Totoo naman King of Puns!"
"It's King of Quizzes! Teka, bahagi ka yata ng Encatadia, ikaw si Amihan! Grabe ha,
ang lakas ng hangin mo!"
"Shut up! Inggit ka lang sa akin! Whether you like it or not it is Quadrumvirate!"
"No way! Why don't we ask our club president?", Jeremy said at bumaling kay Gray.
"Gray?"
"Yes?", the latter asked matapos ibaba ang iniinom na bottled water.
"Triumvirate or Quadrumvirate?"
"None of the two. No detective club", wika niya at parehas na napasimangot silang
dalawa.
"Why? You see, like the Q.E.D. Club, Bridle students can have a formal agency to
ask for help", Jeremy said.
"No. We don't need a club."
"I can make all the Constitution by-laws, file an organization registration, plan
for the general activities, propose a budget, everything. PLEASE?", Je said but
Gray shook his head.
"No."
"Argh! Bestie?", baling niya sa akin. The kind of look he's giving me seems to be
asking me to help him convince Gray but I also shook my head.
"Arrrgh! Ang KJ niyo!"
"How about we'll make our own Jeremy?", suhestiyon ni Math but Je smirked at her.
"You wish!"
Eh? I guess they'll never have peaceful days with each other. I sighed at
pinagpatuloy na lamang ang pagkain. A lot has happened but there's this saying that
keeps on lingering in my head. "Do not live on the past. It all happened." A DNA
Test proved that I am not a Vander. And that Zywon is.
I haven't talked to him after the party and that was three days ago. Hindi ko na
rin siya pinilit na kausapin, instead I have given him time to clear his mind. Life
is so ironic for him. With his most hated people is where he really belongs. Ang
gulo.
"Pssst."
Uh, what's with people and their "Psst?" I hate it. Pakiramdam ko ay para akong aso
kapag ganoon. I continued eating but there's this whistle again.
"Pssst."
"Jeremy, ikaw ba yung sumisipol?", Math asked. Nagulat naman ang huli.
"Ako? Pinagbibintangan mo ba ako?"
"Nagtatanong lang naman."
"Psssssst!"
"Halaaaaa!", Jeremy squealed. "Hunted na ba tong cafeteria? May sumisipol ng ganito

kaaga?" He moved his chair towards us.
"Tsk! What do you want Alonzo?", Gray said while munching his food.
Alonzo? Nandito si Khael?! Lumingon ako sa likuran ni Gray at hinanap si Khael.

Nandon nga ito at kinubli ang katawan sa indoor plant ng cafeteria.
"Khael?", I asked. "What are you doing here?" I wasn't surprised if Gray know that
it was him kahit pa nakatalikod ito. Magkadugtong yata ang mga bituka nila.
"Yo Special A!", he smiled and walked towards us. He's wearing his Athena uniform,
maybe that's the reason why he was hiding himself. Agaw-pansin ang unipormeng suot
niya. "Silvan, how do you know it was me?"
Khael pulled a chair and sat beside me. He was grinning all the way. There were
tiny bits of bushes on his uniform, tanda na dumaan siya sa likod. Malamang nag-
akyat bakod ulit ito.
"It wasn't hard to guess your scent", Gray answered.
"Wow! Super functional ba ang olfactory nerve mo Gray?", Jeremy asked.
"Hello Khael!", bati naman ni Math. Khael gave them a wide smile at muling bumaling
kay Gray.
"Ah, I get it. I don't think he got a super functional olfactory nerve. See that
glass panel over there?", tinuro niya ang salamin sa harap. "He saw me through
there."
"Madaya ka Gray", Je said at hindi na lamang siya pinansin ng huli.
"What are you doing here?", he asked Khael.
"Wanna invite you out over a personal request from Detective Tross", he said.
"Was it a case?", Math asked. "Can I come with you?"
"Uh", Khael looked around. Naiilang marahil ito sa tinging ipinupukol sa kanya ng
mga taga-Bridle. He can't blame them. Why wear a uniform of the rival school here?
"Sorry but the invitation is only for three."
Math frowned at him. Maybe she really wants to go. Hmm, bakit di na lang si Math
ang isama nila? Anyways, Math can be a big help.
"Oh, don't worry about it, Bridle needs you anyway. On my way here, I bumped into
someone who needs a detective. I guess it's about a missing phone."
"Really?", her eyes were sparkling.
"Yup", Khael grinned. Then Math pulled Jeremy na akma na sanang susubo. "Come with
me, dali!"
Wala namang nagawa ang huli nang malaglag ang pagkain niya at hinila siya palabas
ng cafeteria ni Math. Tinanaw ko na lamang ang papalayong pigura nila.
"She'll be furious if she finds out you were lying."

"I wasn't. Totoo naman talaga. So paano? Let's go?", he asked. "Detective Tross is
waiting outside."
"I will pass", wika ko.
I'm not in the mood to go anywhere. Hindi naman ako exhausted sa klase, my personal
problems are not bothering me that much right now. Wala akong ginagawa but I don't
want go with them. Whatever request that Detective Tross might ask, I know they can
do it. O kahit isa lamang sa kanila ay kaya na iyon. Bridle's gates are still
closed to the public since the missing students are not yet found. I'm sure we
aren't allowed to leave the campus.
But those two were persistent enough to bring me along. I just found myself walking
through the "backdoor" of Bridle and now seated on the backseat of Detective
Tross's expensive car at napapagitnaan nina Gray at Khael.
"Balak niyo talaga akong gawing driver ano? Ayaw niyo ba talagang pumwesto dito sa
harap? Ang sikip niyo dyan sa likod", nakangiting wika nito habang nagmamaneho.
Paano ba naman kasi, none among Gray and Khael wanted to sit in front. Mas gusto pa
nilang magsiksikan kami doon.
"Silvan doon ka sa harap. Kami na ni Special A dito", untag ni Khael.
"Ano ka sinuswerte? Doon ka sa harap. Kami na ni Amber dito", sagot naman ni Gray.
Eh? Anong problema nila?
"You boys, di naman kayo masyadong halata ano?", nakatawang wika ni Detective
Tross.
"Abou that, I think ako na lang ang uupo diyan Detective Tross", wika ko sakanya. I
pulled myself at pumwesto sa harap, ignoring the sighs that I heard from the two in
the backseat. "Saan nga pala tayo?"
The detective handed me a brown folder bago pinaandar ang sasakyan. Binuksan ko
naman iyon at tiningnan ang laman, while Gray and Khael were also looking from the
back. It was a file na may kasamang picture ng isang magandang babae.
"That's Lyn, a third year college student and also working as a freelance model.
She's been missing for weeks and God knows where she is", paliwanag ni Detective.
Tiningnan ko ang larawan at napansin na isa iyong screenshot mula sa isang facebook
status with a caption Rare shot. "Anyway, we'll get to know more about the case
once we arrive to our destination."
Rare? What's rare with it?
Is it because she finds herself rare?

Or the clothes that she's wearing?
Or is it the café?
Uh, it doesn't make sense. Maybe I'll just wait until we arrive to our destination
upang malaman na rin ang iba pang mga detalye ng missing case na ito. I decided to
take a nap at hindi ko alam kung ilang oras na ang lumipas bago ko naramdaman ang
mahinang pag-alog sa akin.
"Wake up sleepyhead! We're here", nakangiting wika ni Khael. Agad naman akong
napatuwid ng upo. I was thinking how I look while sleeping. I just hope it is still
presentable.
Nang bumaba kami ng kotse ay tumambad sa amin ang isang malaking bahay. Detective
Tross rang the bell few times bago iyon bnuksan ng nakaunipormeng babae.
"Kayo po pala Sir Tross, kanina pa po kayo hinihintay ni Sir, pasok po", she said
and she opened the gates for us. It was a huge house, malawak ang bakuran sa loob
which reminded me of the Vander mansion though it wasn't as grand as the Vander's.
Isang lalaking naka-wheelchair ang sumalubong sa amin habang tulak-tulak ito ng
babaeng nakaunipormeng puti. It must be his personal nurse.
"Tross", nakangiting wika nito as he looked at us. He let out a smile that is
mirrored with... sorrow? I also observed that despite of his strong
characteristics, he's in a big trouble. It was shown by the big circles under his
powerful eyes.
"These three are my good friends, they are known high school detectives and they
will be a great help", he said. "This lady here is Amber and these two guys are
Gray and Khael."
"Hello everyone, I'm Ravino Fernandez", bati niya sa amin at gumanti kami ng bati
sa kanya. I looked at his legs and I wonder why he's in a wheelchair. Is he
paralytic since birth or was it due to some stroke or other possible reasons?
"About my condition, I suffered a mild stroke before, a month ago to be exact", he

said habang nakatingin saakin. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Wait,
did he just read my mind?
"No, I'm not reading your mind, Amber. It's just that, your facial expression is
readable", he said at mas lalo akong nagulat. Err, I guess I'm that obvious. Maybe
I should teach myself something that can conceal whatever I have in mind.
"Mr. Ravino's daughter, Lyn, 21 years old and a 3rd year Business Administration
student in Athena University and a freelance model, was reported missing 2 weeks
ago. She's last seen that night by their maids at 8pm entering her door. She
sneaked out of their house around 12 midnight and the CCTV footage of the mansion
will prove that she seems uncomfortable with her surroundings. She rode her motor
bike without being noticed by the guards, and use the secret passage to escape. And
that was the last information Sir Ravino in hand. The police can't even identify
what kind of case is this", paliwanag ni Detective Tross.
"Well she disappeared like a bubble", pagpapatuloy ng matanda. "The police said
that maybe she eloped with her boyfriend that's why they cannot help me any longer
but Lyn doesn't have any boyfriend"
"Sir you mean she disappeared without any trace?", paninigurado ni Khael and the
old man nodded.
"Hindi po ba kayo nag-away? O di kaya ay indi niyo ba siya pinagalitan? Maybe she
had some fight with you that's why she decided to ran away", Gray suggested ngunit
malungkot na umiling ang matanda.
"None at all, okay kami ng anak ko. She's the most lovable daughter on earth and
she really cared for me. Kaya nga nagtaka ako na basta na lamang siyang nawala ng
walang paalam."
Napaisip kami sa sinabi ng matanda. She wasn't abducted inside the house since the
footage shows that she rode away voluntarily. If she was kidnapped along the way,
I'm sure the police already had some reports about kidnapping o kaya ay kumontak na
ang mga kidnappers kay Sir Ravino for the ransom.
"Did anyone contact you for ransom or the likes?", tanong ko sakanya.
"No one contacted me that's why the police dropped this case. Iniisip nila na
nakipagtanan na ang anak ko, that is why I asked for Tross's help kahit pa
nagresign na siya bilang police detective."
Parehas kaming napaisip sa kasong ito. I only had a single organization in mind
that is capable of doing such thing. The Genesis. But I thought they only abduct
high school students na walang kalaban-laban? But a college student? It doesn't
make sense to me but who knows what that wicked organization is capable of doing.
"Amber let me see the file again" wika ni Gray at inabot ko naman sa kanya ang
folder. He looked closely at the photo, examining every details on it at nakatingin
na rin kami ni Khael. It was a printed screenshot photo. If I'm not wrong, this
girl in the photo must be Marilyn Fernandez or Lyn. Ayon sa written report, the
photo was the last uploaded photo of Lyn dated September 5, 12:27nn.
Initially, the photo must have something to do with the case huh? Hmm, I stared
firmly on the face. She's wickedly beautiful. She got a pair of brown eyes, a
pointed nose and has perfectly shaped luscious lips. She also got a milky white
skin na nagpapatingkad lalo sa mamula-mulang pisngi at mahabang pulang buhok, which
reminds me of Marion. And just like Marion, the word beautiful doesn't fit the girl
alone. Goddess. She's a goddess for Pete's sake! In the photo, she's leaning on a
table, eyes on the camera with no smile plastered on her angelic face.
"Seems like she was stolen a shot ng kausap niya", komento ni Khael.
Napakunot naman bigla ang noo ko nang inilipat ko ang tingin ko sa background. This
photo must be taken in a café or a restaurant. And before I forgot, she captioned
it "Rare Shot" which I found so confusing.
"Rare? A stolen shot is rare to her? Diba she's a freelance model so dapat sanay
siya sa stolen shot", komento naman ni Gray. He ran his eyes to the very details of
the picture.
"That is something I found so confusing too", Khael said.
It puzzled me too pero bago ako makapag isip ulit, I sensed may taong nakatingin sa
akin. Lumingon naman ako sa kanan ko and there my suspicion is true. Detective
Tross and Sir Ravino are still there, staring at us. We got carried away by this
case and forgot na nasa tabi pa rin naming sila.
"I see the eagerness in these young detectives. Well, I hope you can help me locate
my daughter", malungkot nitong wika bago nagpaalam sa amin. He said he got some
medications to do kaya kailangan na niyang umalis. He ordered a maid to accompany
us inside and he already gave us permission to enter his daughter's room for
investigation.
"Amber? Seems you saw something unusual on the photo. Spill it," Detective Tross
said nang nasa loob na kami ng kwarto ni Lyn.
"Uhh yes. The three of us just find her caption 'rare shots' confusing. She's a
freelance model, so she must be used to candid shots", wika ko.
"Maybe she's just with someone that she rarely goes with", wika ni Khael and put
the folder on the table. "Or else it's rare for her to take photo on a public place
unless it's a shooting, right?"
"Yes, it might be. But look closely on her right." Gray said and pointed out on the
photo na nakalapag sa kama. "It must be a person outside since the joint
intersection of the glass panel is visible. That person seems capturing Lyn. Look
at the camera, parang kaka flash lang", paliwanag ni Gray sa amin. "At kung
mapapansin nyo ang buong picture, parang tinago nang kasama ni Lyn ang phone o
camera nya habang kinukunan ito."
"Hindi kaya napansin na nila ito but they act like nothing's wrong to conceal their
panic?" konklusyon ni Detective Tross.
"Tama. At sinadya ni Lyn na ipost ito upang makapag bigay impormasyon", sang-ayon
naman ni Khael. "If ever she intended to post that photo with that caption, she
must notice 'rare' things already."
"That's what I'm thinking all this time. We must check every detail in this room,
maybe she left something important there that can help us to figure things out."
They started looking around for any clues of the disappearance while I faced my
phone at tiningnan ang facebook account ni Lyn. Di naman ako nabigo dahil nakita ko
naman ito agad, but naka-private ang iilang information pati na ang picture na
pinost nya. But her 'bio' left me puzzled.
"EAP's TTh 1:30-3PM with my name after"
What does she mean by this? If I'm not mistaken, TTh 1:30-3PM is a class schedule.
EAP, is that a subject?
And after it, her name- what?
EAP? Ano naman ang ibig sabihin niyon? Was it a name? An organization? I happened
glance at the wall and saw an arrow.
EAP? Hindi kaya direksyon iyon?
E... A... P...
Oh, it still doesn't make sense.
She really is mysterious. Ibinalik ko ang phone ko sa bulsa at tumingin sa paligid.
"Just keep on searching", Detective Tross said. "I believe she left a very
important information about what she really gone through, kung meron man. But we
are positive na meron talaga."
I decided to help in searching for clues in the room. The room was huge and clean.
I find the room a bit odd dahil sa kumbinasyong pula at itim ang ginamit which is
too warm to the sight. Halos lahat rin ng mga gamit nya dito ay tila dugo dahil
mamula-mula ito. Bubungad sa'yo dito ay ang salang kulay pula na may isang long
sofa at dalawang maliliit na upuan na nasa gawing kanan. Mayron din itong
malalaking kagamitan tulad nang nasa isang bahay. Carpeted din ang sahig na may mga
ibong disenyo. She's into red huh?
On our left, there were two big book shelves facing each other, a table in between
and a mini bulletin board na may kung ano-anong mga naka dikit. Nakaramdam ako
bigla nang kakaiba kaya diretso ang lakad ko papunta doon. Hindi ko na nabigyan
nang pansin ang ibang detalye nang kwarto sapagkat parang may kung ano akong
naramdaman.
I checked the bedside drawers. Wala ni kahit ano ang naroon, except sa isang pad ng
post it at ball pen. Malinis iyon at nakakapagtataka. Does't she had some things
here? Usually the most occupied drawer is near the bed, well that's for my case.
Binaling ko ang tingin ko sa bulletin board na may kung ano-anong mga nakasulat.
Mga reminders siguro. Pero nagitla naman ako nang may ganoon din na naka post doon.
The one in Lyn's bio.
What does she really mean about this? This must be so important to her.
Pinagpatuloy ko pa ang pagbabasa nang may nakita na naman akong post it na may
'EAP' ulit. Pero may red highlight ang isang salita.
"From by books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore" -- EAP
Ilang ulit ko itong binasa nang paulit-ulit hanggang may na realize ako. EAP must
be an author. Pero ang tanong, what's with this author? Paborito?
"And who's Lenore?", I asked myself. Naramdaman ko na lamang ang presensya ni Gray
sa tabi ko. He was holding a small notebook na gamit niya kapag may isinusulat
siyang mga detalye tungkol sa isang kaso.
"Amber, you got something?" tanong nya sa akin.
"Not yet clear. Is EAP an author? Who's Lenore? Her bestfriend?"
"Hey, I think this is her class schedule", wika ni Khael na nasa mga shelves ng
libro. Lumapit naman kami sakanya at tiningnan ang hawak-hawak niyang papel.
English Ballads and other Poems" - TTh 1:30-3PM

It's really a class schedule. And this must be her class subject. TTh 1:30-3PM was
just like what was posted in her bio and in her bulletin. Inipon ko lahat nang post
it na may kung anong magkakapareho. Nagpatuloy ako sa pag oobserba sa paligid.
Binuksan ko ang mga drawer at tumingin-tingin sa mga libro. A part of the drawer
caught my attention. Kinapa ko ito at bahagyang kinatok. Kakaiba nga ang tinig nang
katok ko dito kesa sa kabila. Napansin ko ito dahil medyo kupas ang kulay na pula
sa parteng andito. Hinaplos ko ang boundary nang matingkad at mapusyaw na kulay
pula. Napagdesisyonan kong itulak ito nang bahagya tulad sa secret box ko sa closet
ko. And there! Bumukas ito at bumulaga sa akin ang laptop at tablet ni Lyn.
"Hey!" tawag ko sa kanila. "Tingnan ninyo."
"You're pretty good Special A!", Khael said at kinuha ang mga iyon. Inilapag niya
iyon sa kama and he opened it but there was a password.
I sighed when I realized that it's still useless. Oh, if only we have Ryu with us,
I'm sure he can help us with the gadget's code without any sweat at all.
Then Detective Tross sat on the bed and he lean on the pillows. Don't tell me
matutulog na sya? I hope he will not. Then he pulled out his arms from under the
pillow at naglabas ng isang notebook.
"I guess this will be helpful", wika nito. Inabot niya ang notebook kay Gray at
tinanggap naman iyon ng huli.
Gray read the notebooks firstpage. "English Ballads and other Poems", sa mas itaas
pa nito ay nakalagay ang pangalan ni Lyn- "Marilyn Fernandez BSE - English 3 - TTh
1:30-3PM" . Ipinag tabi-tabi ko lahat nang post it na maaaring konektado.
Napatutuok naman silang lahat sa akin nang gawin ko ito.
"English Ballads and other Poems" - TTh 1:30-3PM

"So it's really connected", wika ni Gray. "Look, I think EAP stands for Edgar Allan
Poe. Look at this notebook", he showed us the handwritten content na may ilang mga
bahagi na nakahighlight.
"Basing on the contents, I guess EAP really stands for Edgar Allan Poe. These lines
here are from his poem The Raven", Khael said after he checked the notebook.
The Raven? Yes, that was it! I felt excited to dig deeper but then there was a
knock on the door. Bumukas iyon at iniluwa ang isang katulong. It was the maid who
opened the door for us kanina.
"Excuse me. Sabi ni Sir Ravino kumain daw muna kayo. Naghihintay siya sa baba",
wika nito at nagpaalam. Nagkatinginan kaming apat bago nagpasyang bumaba. We will
surely continue this later...
********************************
Part 2 will be posted by the weekend. Please wag niyo akong tadtarin ng message sa
fb about the next UD. Mehehe~
-Shinichilaaaabs/Tammii#
CHAPTER 50: DEMON IN DISGUISE (PART 2)

Chapter 50: Demon in Disguise
(Part 2)
A/N: Forgive me for not keeping my promise of posting an update during the weekend.
A fortuitous event prevented me in doing so. Jk. Thanks for patiently waiting! And
yeah, I wanna extend my thanks to Editor Melody. :D
Anyway, here's the part 2 of the winning one-shot story by Abegail Aquino. Happy
reading guys!
****************************
The food was good and Mr. Ravino was with us during the whole meal. Truth is wala
akong ganang kumain but I don't want to turn down the kindness of the host.
"I hope that you will do all your best to find my daughter", wika ni Sir Ravino. We
smiled at him. With these two guys with me, I know we will. Mababakas sa mukha ng
paralisadong matanda ang pag-aalala sa kanyang anak.
"Tito?"
Sabay kaming napalingon sa may pintuan ng komedor. There stood a young man, mukhang
nasa bentetres anyos ito. He's wearing a school uniform, from a certain college of
Athena University.
"Edward", wika ni Sir Ravino. "Join us, join us."
Edward looked at us as if he is wondering who we might be. I gave him a sly smile
when he sat beside me.
"So may I know who these guests are?', taning niya at isa-isang tiningnan kami.
"Ah, this young man is my good friend Robertross Delano. These youngsters here are
his friends, the girl beside you is Amber, this is Khael and the other one is
Gray", pakilala ni Sir Ravino sa amin. "This is my nephew, Edward Ruelan."
"Hello", he smiled at us at gumanti kami ni Detective Tross ng ngiti sa kanya but

Gray and Khael just nod. Oh, they aren't that friendly, are they?
"So Tito, is this a joke? You're asking these kids to find Marilyn? Seriously?", he
asked and smirked. Tila nais ko na lamang bawiin ang ngiting iginawad ko sa kanya
kanina. Yeah Edward, we're jokes. Now I know why Gray and Khael don't seem so
friendly with you.
"Just as I thought", narinig kong wika ni Khael. Ibinaba niya ang kubyertos at
ipinatong ang siko sa mesa. He looked at Edward intently at naniningkit ang mga
mata nito.
"What?", singhal ni Edward. Mukhang nailang ito sa klase ng tinging iginagawad ni

Khael sa kanya. I never see Khael as the intimidating guy by the way he stares
unless it's a case related event. And the stare that he's darting Edward is really
intimidating.
"You looked familiar", sagot nito. I have always known Khael as the friendly guy at
hindi ko naisip na umaandar din pala ang kayabangan nito. I thought it's only
applicable to Gray's case.
"Really Alonzo?", Gray smirked. I know it wasn't a good sign at alam ko rin ang
kahahantungan ng usapang ito. These two brats are crazy boastful at ganun din si
Edward. I cannot imagine how this guy would react to these two.
"Saan nga ba?", Khael puts his finger on his temple as if he's thinking. "Ah! Sa
presinto! Aren't you the one who stayed there over the night?"
I saw Edward's face tightened. Maybe he doesn't want someone to bring up such
topic.
"Talaga Khael? Bakit kaya?", Gray said. I saw Detective Tross smiled, he seems to
be amused with their attitudes.
Bahagyang tumikhim si Sir Ravino. "Yes, it was when he drove under the influence of
alcohol. Anak siya ng namayapa kong kapatid. Ako na ang nagpalaki sa kanya since he
was fifteen."
Napasimangot na lamang ang mukha ni Edward. Hindi na niya kami kinausap pa. Tahimik
na lamang niya kaming sinamahan sa pagkain.
"Excuse me Sir."
Sabay ulit kaming napalingon nang may nagsalita na naman sa may pintuan. Isang
lalaking nakasuot ng pormal na asul na polo ang naroon. Bahagya siyang yumuko sa
amin bago lumapit kay Sir Ravino.
"Sir, handa na po ang sasakyan", wika nito. Nahihiyang ngumiti ito sa amin and I
had this conclusion in mind that he's the driver.
"Kumain na muna tayo Isaias", sagot ni Sir Ravino ngunit tumanggi ito.
"Naku Sir, nakakahiya naman po. Isa pa, kumain na po ako."
"Wag ka nang mahiya. Sige na kumain ka na, saluhan mo kami", pgpupumilit ni Sir
Ravino sa kanyang empleyado.
Bigla na lamang ibinagsak ni Edward ang kanyang kubyertos dahilan upang mapatingin
kaming lahat sa kanya
"I told you Tito that we cannot eat together with employees. Sinabi ko na rin na
wag kayong masyadong mabait. Kahit pa halos dito na tumanda si Ang Isaias, there
should be a barrier between the employee and employers", kapagkuway tiningnan niya
kaming apat. "Don't invite so many people here. Maybe that is the reason why Lyn
disappeared. You're too kind and you know she hates it."
"Ganyan ba ang natututunan mo sa kurso mong business administration Edward?",

bahagyang tumaas ang boses ni Sir Ravino. 'Because I don't know that looking down
on your employees is taught at school!"
Naramdaman ko ang tensyon sa hapag-kainan and I wish I'm not there to hear it.
Hindi na lamang sumagot pa si Sir Ravino. Good thing Detective Tross was able to
pull through.
"Tapos na ba kayo? Let's continue our investigation", wika niya at nagpaalam naman
kami sa kanila bago bumalik sa silid ni Lyn.
"I hate that Edward, hindi ko tuloy maiwasan na isiping siya ang may pakana ng
pagkawala ni Lyn", Khael said ng makabalik kami sa taas.
"Don't point fingers Mik lalo na at ang dahilan lamang ay ayaw mo sa kanya",
paalala ni Detective Tross. I sat on the bed habang pinanuod sila.
"I know. Of course I know that. It's just that-". Bigla na lamang siyang napatingin
sa akin. He dashed towards me and to my surprise, he leaned closer to me.
"Hey!"
"What the hell are you doing Alonzo?", may bahid ng pagkairita sa boses ni Gray.
He leaned closer causing me to tucked on the side of the bed near the headboard.
Then he pulled something from the headboard at ipinakita sa amin ang libro na
nakuha niya. Meh! He should have excused! Pwede naman akong umalis doon!
"A book?"
Khael scanned through the pages and he shook his head. "A diary. It's a journal
with a list of dates and other schedules. Not really personal thoughts and
experiences. Mukhang hindi siya ang tipo ng nagda-diary. I mean this is specially
made. Look, the entries were dated just a while before the disappearance."
"Uh, diaries are old fashioned. We can write it down on blogs you know", Gray said
at kinuha ang journal mula kay Khael. "Nevertheless, this may be of help. Let's
find the latest entries. Surely she wrote something related to these phrases here."
Inabot niya sa akin ang journal and I read the few entries. It tells us about the
time when she received a suspicious gift without a name of the sender. Nang buksan
daw niya ito ay isang bote ng kulay asul na gatorade ang naroon. She refused to
drink it, instead ay tinago niya ito.
Another entry is about someone who keeps on following her. Then she received
another gift which was another bottle but this time it was a Blue water. Sa
pagkakataong ito ay natakot na siya, she threw away the bottle and became vigilant.
She said that a stalker keeps on following her.
I tried to find another but wala ng iba pang nakasulat doon. Tama nga si Khael, it
was specially made. Did Lyn leave it on purpose? Para sa kung sino man ang humanap
sa kanya?
There was a sticky note there with a series of number and the same phrase na kanina
pa namin nakikita.
16119192315184: EAP's TTh 1:30-3PM with my name after.
Gray stared at the. He tried figuring out the numbers by using complicated ciphers
but he seemed frustrated. Saglit na tinitigan ni Gray ang sticky note then a
mischievous smile escaped from his lips.
"I know what does it mean now. Let us not make things complicated. Try to use
alphanumeric cipher and the numbers will stand for Password. 16-1-19-19-23-15-18-4.
Ibig sabihin, ang password niya ay 'theravenmarilyn'. Try opening her laptop with
it", Gray said. Tumalima naman si Detective Tross. He reached for the laptop na
nakita namin kanina and bingo! It is the right password!
"It really is! Amazing, Ae-"

Gray glared at Detective Tross.
"-Err, I mean Gray", he said at ngumisi. We searched the documents and there's a
folder with the name THE RAVEN kaya agad naming binuksan iyon. It was a video made
by Marilyn herself.
In the video that she left, she's asking for help to locate her. She leaves her
tablet's GPS connected to her phone.
"Some people are not who they are in your eyes", Marilyn said in the video. "They
are devil in disguise. Do not trust people by how they look. Please, whoever is
watching this, I really need your help."
Natahimik kami pagkatapos naming panuorin ang video. Ano kaya ang ibig sabihin ni
Lyn sa sinabi niya. Some people are not who they are in our eyes. They are devil in
disguise.
Ibig ba niyang sabihin ay maaaring isa sa nagkukunwaring nag-aalala sa kanya ang

siyang may pakana ng lahat ng iyon?
"She's a wit for leaving us some hints and she's amazingly calm even they
threatened her already", Gray remarked. "But I don't think she's telling the
truth."
His statement made us puzzled. "Anong ibig mong sabihin Gray?", I asked.
"You mean she's playing with us as if she's manipulating all these stuffs?" sabat
ni Khael na tumayo.
"No, he didn't mean that way Mikmik. Try to observe her during the entire video.
She seems uncomfortable of what she's doing. She keeps on grasping her hands, and
it's the usual mannerism panic. Lastly, if you're in the situation, you think you
can still be so tricky by leaving the hints?", wika ni Detective Tross.
"If I am the victim in this situation, I would rather leave a clear statement about
my whereabouts especially when I'm in a great danger. Unless -"
"Unless may mga taong nasa paligid niyan na nagmamasid sa kanya", Khael cut me.
"Somehow, that's right! But Amber, if you're in the situation again and there are
people who's keeping an eye on you, where do you choose to keep your secret in
revealing their identity?", tanong ni Gray.
Kung ako nasa sitwasyon na yun, saan nga ba? Should I put it somewhere na hindi
basta-basta malalaman ng kung sinu-sino?
"Sa diary since nobody will read it kasi it's a personal property and reading those
is invading privacy", sagot ko sa kanila. Truth is wala akong diary. During grade
school ay napagpasyahan kong huwag ng magdiary ng minsang binasa iyon ng isang
kaklase ko sa harap ng klase. It was an entry about how much I like my first crush
Reo. I was Grade 5 that time and I felt so humiliated nang malaman ni Reo ang
tungkol sa pagkakagusto ko sa kanya and that's when I decided not to keep diaries
anymore. Some people just don't respect privacy in those little pages.
"How sure are you na hindi nila babasahin iyon? People are curious, you know",
paalala ni Gray. Uh, yeah. I super agree.
"Pwede rin namang sa gadget ko. May pass code naman eh", Khael said.
"Gadgets are easy to hack too", wika ni Detective Tross. "With just few clicks, you
can say goodbye to your secrets na iniisip mong mapoprotektahan ng gadget
password."
Yeah, he's right. Bank transactions are highly secured yet madali lamang itong
napasok ni Ryu nang minsang humingi ako ng pabor sa kanya.
"Uh, maybe somewhere na least suspectable", I answered.
"Exactly!" Gray exclaimed. "And to you where will it be?"
My phone rang so I excused myself from them. Lumabas ako ng kwarto at agad na
sinagot ang tawag na mula kay Jeremy.
"Hello-"
"Bestie! Ang daya niyo talaga!", he said from the other line. I can only imagine
his pouting lips as he talks. I wonder how did the missing phone case at Bridle go
with them.
"Sorry Je, four is a crowd. Anyways, why did you call?", I asked. I heard a TSK and
maybe that was in response for what I said that four is a crowd. Hindi ko naman
minamaliit si Jeremy pero ayaw kong ipasok siya sa mga delikadong bagay na ganto.
Minsan na siyang napagkamalang killer because all the evidences are pointing at him
and that made me worry so much. Ayaw ko nang maulit pa ito. I cannot bear to see my
'bestfriend' in danger.
"Aren't you going to ask me how's the case?", tanong niya and I mentally rolled my
eyes. Can't it wait? Pwede naman niyang ikwento iyon kapag nakabalik na kami.
I sighed. "How's the case?"
"We solved it!"
"Congratulations."
"Could you atleast pretend that you're really congratulating us? Kulang kasi sa
sigla Bestie."
"Je-"
"On the second thought, wag na lang pala. That furniture shop owner monopolized the
work and she got most of the credits though I was really the one who hinted her!",
naiinis niyang wika. That's how he bonds with Math eh?
"That's all?"
"Nope. That's not the reason why I called."
"Spill it Je", wika ko. Uh, I hope it's something important dahil tumawag pa talaga
siya.
"I have a knock knock", wika niya. I can sense that he's grinning ear to ear.
Arrrgh! He called for a knock knock?! Ano bang hugis ng utak meron si Jeremy
Martinez.
"Je, can't it wait?"
"No it can't. Come on Bestie, knock knock!"

Napansin ko ang driver na nakatingin sa akin mula sa baba. What's his name again?
Ah, Isaias.
I rolled my eyes nang maalala si Jeremy. "Fine. Who's there?"
"Failure."
"Failure who?"
He cleared his throat. "And if you FAILURE sinking I would jump right over into
cold cold water for you! HAHAHAHAHA! Failure!"
His laughter lingered on the phone at tila nais kong ipasok ang kamao ko sa
celphone upang umabot iyon sa kanya! If that is only possible!
"Jeremy you just called to give me such pun?"
"Pun? Mali. It's PunS." So he finally admits that those are puns. Whatever.
"Yeah, your Puns."
"Bestie, ano ang apelyido ni The Rock?", he asked from the other line.
"Johnson. His real name is Dwayne Johnson", wika ko sa kanya. I only got little
knowledge about the hardcore wrestler/movie star.
"Eeenk! Mali Bestie! It's Obama. The Rock Obama! HAHAHAHAHAHA!", he started
laughing hard and I prevented myself to hang up on him. I hope he doesn't die
choking due to laughing on his own joke.
"Jeremy you are wasting my time. I'm hang-"
"Wait! Last na lang Bestie. Please?"

Naiimagine ko ang mukha niyang nakapout at nagpa-puppy eyes. And I really hate him
in such state! "Fine! Huli na to ha? Shoot."
"Bakit hindi pwedeng magpulbo ang mga maiitim?"
"Bakit?"
"Kasi mapagkakamalan silang Crinkles! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Sorry Bestie, yan kasi snack
namin kanina ni Maya eh." He continued laughing at agad kong pinatay ang tawag. Uh,
Jeremy and his puns.
Pabalik na sana ako ng bigla akong makarinig ng kalabog. It was coming from above
kaya tiningala ko ang ceiling. There is another noise and it seems like there is
really someone in the attic. Agad akong bumalik sa silid kung nasaan sina Gray
ngunit nakasalubong ko silang palabas ng kwarto.
"I had this feeling that we're being watched from that room", Khael said. "Hey
Special A, let's go and see Sir Ravino."
"I have the same feeling Alonzo. Kanina pa rin ako naba-bother sa mga munting
kalabog na naririnig ko", sang-ayon ni Gray.
"You heard the thuds too?", I asked with wide eyes and he nodded.
"Sorry for dragging you to this very dangerous case kids", seryosong saad ni
Detective Tross. "Kaninang andun tayo sa kwarto ni Lyn, may namamataan akong mga
hidden bugs and cameras. But I kept quiet to conceal my suspicion. Kaya rin tahimik
ako kasi ayokong isipin ng kung sino mang nagmamatyag na napansin ko na iyon."
Kinabahan ako dahil sa sinabi ni Detective Tross. Does that mean we're being
manipulated in this case? Kung gayon ay sino ang may pakana ng lahat ng ito?
"And you were right about that video."
Sabay kaming napatingin sa kanya.

"You mean, Lyn is being manipulated by doing those clues and leaving all those
stuffs?" Khael asked in perplexed face.
"Yes, but no."
"What do you mean?", Gray asked.
"Yes, because she's manipulated. But no, she still left us the real clues."
"Really? What is it then?"
"The thing that Gray is holding, those are the clues", turo nya sa handouts na
hawak- hawak ni Gray. The ballad and poem handout. "If you notice, she highlighted
some lines there. She's trying to picture out what is the real score between this
game."
Detective Tross is really observant to figure those out. Kaya nga ayaw kong
maniwala sa sinabi ni Detective Adler tungkol sa pagiging walang kwentang detective
niya. He may not be as skilled as Gray and Khael but still his training as a police
detective before has done him well.
I reached for the handouts na hawak-hawak ni Gray. Tiningnan ko ang papel at binasa
ang bahaging may highlights ng malakas para marinig nila.
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me- filled
me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of
my heart, I stood repeating, 'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber
door- Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;-
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, Doubting,
dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted- Leave no black plume as
a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken! And his eyes have all the seeming of a
demon's that is dreaming, And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on
the floor.
Those were the highlighted lines from the paper.
"Do you have any idea who did this to her?", I exclaimed after reading those.
Detective Tross smiled. "Gray, I know you already figured it out. Spill it so that
we can plan how to hunt that person and save Lyn."
Gray sighed and said lazily. "Base sa mga nakahighlight na bahagi ng tula, nag
mention ito nang kasarian. He, which means a guy. Adding the fact that she also
mentioned '"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
' also clears the idea na kakilala o malapit ito sa kanila pero tina- traydor lang
sila."
"Now I get it. That is why the word Prophet was underlined aside from being
highlighted. It now makes sense", Khael said with a smirk. Looks like the two of
them already know who's behind it. Nakarinig ulit kami ng kalabog. Mahina lamang
iyon, maybe it's coming from someone who is spying us.
We heard a vehicle engine at agad na tumkbo sina Khael at Gray. "Let's catch the
culprit before it's too late!"
Kung gayon ay ......
Sumunod kami ni Detective Tross sa kanila papunta sa garahe. The van's engine is on
at sasakay na sana si Sir Ravino.
"Sir!", tawag ni Gray which made Edward stopped from carrying him towards the car.
Napalingon sila sa direksyon namin at napansin ko ang masamang tingin ni Edward sa
amin.
"Sandali lang Sir Ravino", wika ni Detective Tross. Bahagya pa siyang humihingal
mula sa pagtakbo. "I guess these kids already know who's behind the disappearance
of your daughter."
Napatigil silang lahat at humarap sa amin. Maging ang driver ay bumaba upang
makinig sa munting deduction nina Gray.
"Really? Who's behind this? And where's my daughter?", tanong ni Sir Ravino.
"We can only answer the first question but don't worry, we'll have the person
responsible for this charade answer the second one", Khael said. Basing on their
expressions, they really are sure of it.
"Then who did it?"
"Lyn revealed it all. She's being manipulated but nevertheless, she left a clue for
us to identify who's behind this", wika ni Gray.
Edward made a face on us. "Can you just go straight to the point?"
"As you please", Gray said. I'm amazed that he was able to resist Edward's attitude
this time, unlike kanina. "The poem says it all. And it says something about the
prophet."
The prophet? That's the keyword? Kung gayon ay ang may pakana ng lahat ng ito and
the one who's been watching us from the room is the prophet?
"Do you mind telling us where did you bring Lyn Mr. Isaias?", wika ni Gray at
nagulat naman ang driver. Even Sir Ravino and Edward. They can't believe that the
one who kidnapped Lyn is their most trusted driver for years.
"Hindi ko alam ang pinagsasabi ninyo!", giit ng driver. Bahagya siyang umatras but
the car is behind him.
"I-Isaias? Totoo ba?", halos hindi makapaniwalang wika ni Sir Ravino.
"Hindi ko alam ang pinagsasabi nila!"
"You can't deny it! Lyn clearly left the clues about your identity. Hindi namin
alam kung totoo ba ang tungkol sa stalker niya or it's just her ploy to ambiguously
pass the clues about you. Blue Gatorade and Blue Water, it clearly refers to you.
You got a blue polo as your uniform as driver right?", Khael said.
Nagulat na lamang kaming lahat ng bigla niya akong hinila, he put his arms on my
neck. "Mukhang wala na akong lusot. Paalisin ninyo ako dito bago ko patayin ang
babaeng ito!", he shouted. He let out a knife from his pocket and I felt relieved
knowing that it isn't a gun.
"Oh, you really intend to kill her?", kampanteng sagot ni Gray. "I doubt if you
could."
He's holding the knife against me and then it occurred to me! I heard a thud from
the attic but I saw Mr. Isaias from the other side of the house. Did he got another
accomplice?
"Gray! I think Marilyn is in the attic! She's the one who's making the thuds!",
wika ko and I winced nang hinigpitan nito ang pagkakahawak sa leeg ko. Nagtangkang
tumulong si Detective Tross but Mr. Isaias warned him.
"Wag niyo nang subukan kung gusto niyo pang mabuhay itong kaibigan ninyo. At tama
siya, nasa attic lamang si Marilyn. Munting tunog lamang ang nililikha niya dahil
binalaan ko siya na kapag lumikha siya ng anumang tunog ay mamamatay ang Daddy
niya-"
"Bakit mo ito ginagawa Kuya Isaias! We trusted you!", Edward said. Ang masamang
titig na iginagawad nito sa akin kanina ay iginagawad na niya kay Mr. Isaias
ngayon. "How dare you!"
"Isaias..."
Bahagyang lumuwang ang pagkakahawak niya sa akin and it's my chance to free myself
from his grip. I twisted his arm causing him to put away the knife. Nalaglag iyon
sa lupa and I immediately pinned his arm on his back.
"I told you", Gray said with a smirked.
Bahagyang ngumisi si Mr. Isaias. "Hindi niyo ako pinatapos sa sasabihin ko. Sinabi
kong inutusan ko si Lyn na huwag lumikha ng ingay pero gumawa pa rin siya. Sa
tingin niyo, bakit kaya? Hindi kaya hinang-hina na siya dahil sa ilang linggong
pananatili sa attic? Hindi kaya naghihingalo na siya-"
"Detective Tross, help Amber pin that man down!", Khael said and he dashed inside
kasama si Gray at Edward. Maybe they're planning to save Marilyn before it's too
late.
Akmang lalapit na sa amin si Detective Tross but Mr. Isaias pulled himself. He
throw some can on the ground at may mga lumabas na usok doon! I saw Sir Ravino fell
from his wheelchair at nawalan ng malay.
Sleeping gas! It was sleeping gas! Naramdaman ko ang unti-unting pagpikit ng
systema ko. I fell into the ground and before I lost my sense ay nakita ko ang
mukha ni Mr. Isaias, smirking at me.
Naramdaman ko ang unti-unting pagkawala ng ulirat ko and I felt something hard hit
my head.
"Para iyan sa pakikialam", I heard a distinct voice from the blurry face I can see
bago ako tuluyang lamunin ng kadiliman.
****************************
"Amber, how do you feel? May masakit ba?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Gray sa akin. I
felt something in my head and I realized na nakabenda na ito. Nasa isang ospital
din ako.
"What happened?", I asked.
"That Isaias let out a sleeping gas which caused you, Detective Tross and Sir
Ravino to lost consciousness. The culprit took that opportunity to escape. Kanina
pa nagising sina Detective Tross at Sir Ravino while we rushed you in the hospital
dahil sa head injury mo."
"Where are they?", I asked.
"The detective and Khael are still in the mansion with the police. They retrieved
the Gatorade sent by Isaias to Lyn at magagamit iyon na mga ebidensya."
"What is Mr. Isaias' motive?", tanong ko.
"From how I see it, I guess it's money."
"Uh, Money. They have trusted him for years and it turned out like that because of
money? Geez, it really changes people."
"It doesn't change people. It unmasks them. Anyway, how do you feel?", he asked
worriedly.
"I'll live."
"I'm sorry", nakayukong wika niya. "I wasn't able to help you. I'm really sorry."
"Gray, wala ka namang kasalanan-"
"No. I thought hindi ka mapapahamak but I was wrong! It was entirely my fault!"
"Gray", I reached for his hand. "This is just a minor injury. See? Hindi naman ako
nagka-amnesia diba so I guess I'm fine. Blaming yourself does no good. Kamusta ang
mag-ama?"
"They're safe now. But Lyn is here too. She's sick at kasalukuyang nasa room 73",
sagot niya and I smiled at him.
"73 is a lucky number", I told him.
"Really?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Cooper Sheldon considers it as the best number. It's the 21st
prime number and its mirror, 37 is the 12th. Then the mirror of 12 which is 21 is a
product of 7 and 3. In binary, 73 is written as 1001001 which is a palindrome and
when you read it backwards, it's still 1001001."
Pinitik niya ang ilong ko. "Nakuha mo pa talagang magtrivia ah. But I'm glad you're
fine now", he said. He put his forehead on mine at hindi ko maiwasang mamula so I
pulled myself from him.
"Puntahan natin si Lyn. I wanna talk to her about the poem. Maybe she's sad for
choosing such poem as reference."
"Maybe later after you take a rest. Isa pa ay kailangan pa din niyang magpahinga.
They haven't feed her properly. Once a day, or never", sagot ni Gray.
"Nevermore", I said as I remember the phone.
"You're not that raven, are you?"
"Of course! You're a prophet or a devil?", nakangiting tanong ko sa kanya.
"I can be both."
"Sounds like 'The Raven'."
"Well, you are my raven", he said. Napakunot naman ang noo ko dahil sa sinabi niya.
"Eh? The raven's black feathers have traditionally been considered a sign of bad
omen, ibig sabihin ay bad omen ako sa iyo?", tanong ko sa kanya.
Gray let out a hearty chuckle. "No, don't take it that way. I mean in Norse
Mythology. Odin had two ravens named Hugin and Munin, which means 'thought' and
'memory'. It simply means I always have you in my thoughts and forever in my
memory."
I blushed with his last words. Tsk, that poem. It simply tells a story. Every word
has its meaning. And Gray has his own.
***************************
Down to the last 10 chapters. How do you picture out File 2's near end? Share na
yan, mehehehe :D
-Shinichilaaaabs#
CHAPTER 51: A GOOD FRIEND

Chapter 51: A Good Friend
A/N: Thanks to Editor Melody! I gave her a tough job on this! Haha! Special thanks
to Glecelle Biliran for the book covers! Happy Reading people! And oh, it's a
triple chapter update so it'll be like:
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
-Shinichilaaaabs/Tammii##
*********************
It was a fine day and so far, the day seems to be doing great. Despite the bandage
that I have in my head ay naging masigla pa rin ang araw ko. The houseparent of the
dorm asked me what happened and I refused to tell her the truth behind the wound
dahil baka malaman pa nila ang panaka-nakang pag-alis namin ng Bridle sa
pamamagitan ng 'backdoor'. The gates are still closed to the public after the seven
missing students case- that makes it six since natagpuan ng patay ang isa.
Chancellor Judas hasn't done further actions aside from closing the gates. Or maybe
he did, hindi lamang namin alam. And I hope that they have take actions in
redeeming the school's good name.
I don't know how that organization can take innocent students at gawing human
carrier and then killing them after. I don't know what exactly they are planning to
do, I'm sure there are more missing students in other schools too at ang
organisasyon ang responsable doon! That's why I want to curse them to the pits of
the hell.
Nagising ako na malakas ang ulan but it doesn't stop me from rising early, taking a
bath and grabbing my oatmeal for breakfast. Nang makapaghanda na ako ay kinuha ko
ang payong at tinungo ang classroom namin after I waved Andi and Res my goodbye.
Nakahilera ang mga payong sa labas and I did the same to my black umbrella.
Pagdating ko doon ay ako na lamang ang wala pa sa upuan namin.
"Good morning!", masiglang bati ko sa kanila. Gray nodded slightly while Math has
her face pressed on the table. Si Jeremy naman ay maluwang ang ngiti.
"Good morning Bestie! It's a beautiful day, isn't it?", he asked at kasabay niyon
ay ang pagtunog ng kulog. Napasigaw ang mga kaklase namin dahil sa takot. "Don't
mind that."
I smiled at Jeremy. Yeah, what a beautiful day it is. Tiningnan ko si Gray na
mukhang malalim ang iniisip at gayundin ang nakasubsob na si Math.
"What's with them?", bulong ko kay Je at ngumuso sa dalawa. Je shrugged his
shoulders. He touched Math's forehead using his palm.
"May lagnat yata si Maya", he said and he also touched Gray but the latter resisted
and darted a glare at him. "At may toyo si Gray."
"Anong problema mo?", I asked Gray. He sighed and shook his head. I woke up on the
right side of the bed so I will be annoying people as I want. And I want to annoy
Gray para sabihin niya sa akin kung ano nga ba ang meron.
"Hoy", I said at mahinang sinipa ang sapatos niya. His brows met but he chose to
ignore me.
"Hoy!" This time ay pinitik ko ang tenga niya and it was effective. He sighed bago
kinuha ang kanyang cellphone. Pinakita niya sa akin ang isang balita.
"Bridle student found dead on a river creek."
Iyon ang nakasulat doon at may kasama pang litrato ng isang lalaki na wakwak ang
tiyan. I refused to read more at inilayo sa paningin ko ang cellphone. So that
explains his mode.
"The organization is still on the loose and no one can stop them", wika niya. "This
information is kept from the student body but Inspector Dean passed this to me."
"My God! They're really cruel!", I hissed. "What are we gonna do now?"
Kumunot ang noo niya at tiningnan niya ako ng masama. "Don't do anything stupid",
he snapped at me.
"Hoy anong ibinubulong-bulong niyo dyan?", Je asked. "Classmates oh, si Gray at
Amber nagbubulungan. Nanliligaw yata si Gray eh."
Napuno ng kantyaw ang mga kaklase namin and I'm sure I'm as red as a tomato. Je
raised his arm in surrender nang parehas namin siyang tiningnan ng masama ni Gray.
"Ano na nga kasing pinagbubulungan niyo dyan?", he asked persistently. I saw Math
straightened from her seat at humarap sa amin. Her eyes are drowsy yet she still
managed to smile at us.
She glanced at her wristwatch. "It's been ten minutes since classes started pero
wala pa ang subject teacher natin", she said.
"Oo nga, tama si Math. Baka absent si Maam", sang-ayon ng isa kong kaklase.
"Oo nga."
"Jeremy, laro ulit tayo!", yaya ng ilan sa mga kaklase namin kay Jeremy.
"Oo nga Je!"
"Laro lang pala! Walang problema yan. How about battle of the brainless ulit?",
Jeremy said with a wide grin.
"Game!"
Pumunta sa harapan si Je upang makipaglaro sa mga kaklase namin. Bumaling naman ako
kay Math. She doesn't look fine.
"Gusto mo bang samahan ka namin sa infirmary Math?", I asked her. I gently touched
her skin with the back of my palm at mainit nga ito. Maybe it's because of the
weather.
She shook her head. "I hate being confined in bed. Isa pa ay hindi dapat minamahal
ang sakit. 'Dili daw palanggaon para mawala."
Alien language again eh?
"Are you sure?", Gray asked. Maging ito ay nag-aalala din para kay Math.
"I'm positive. Don't worry about it. Nakainom na ako ng gamot bago ako pumasok",
paninigurado ni Math sa amin.
Napalingon kami sa harapan nang magsimulang magtawanan ang mga kaklase ko. Uh,
looks like Je's at it again.
"Kevin, bigyan mo ako ng tatlong paraan upang ipasok ang elepante sa loob ng ref."
Napakamot sa ulo si Kevin. "Tanga ka ba Jeremy? Di naman kasya ang elepante sa ref
ah!"
"Tanga ka rin ba? Simpleng pagbukas ng ref lang, ipasok ang elepante at isara.
Ganun lang!", Jeremy exclaimed. Nanatili lamang kami sa upuan namin at tinanaw
sila.
"Oh ikaw naman Robert. Apat na paraan na ipasok ang leon sa loob ng ref."
"Hala, bakit apat? Buksan ang ref, ipasok ang liyon at isara. Ano ang pang-apat?",
Robert asked.
"Ang tanga niyo naman. Syempre bubuksan ang ref, ilalabas ang elepante, ipasok ang
leon at isara! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", Jeremy started laughing and my classmates are
puzzled.
"Nakakatawa na yun?"
Je scowled at him. "Ang KJ niyo. Ito, nasa eroplano ka at kasama lahat ng uri ng
appliances sa mundo, tapos nag-over loading kayo at kailangan mong maglaglag ng
isa. Ano iyon?"
"Alam ko yan! Syempre yung ref kasi mabigat yun eh. Nandoon ang leon HAHAHAHA", my
classmate Raffy answered at natawa na sila.
"Galing naman. Kapag may meeting ang lahat ng hayop sa gubat, sino ang hindi
makakarating?", Je asked.
"Ang pagong kasi ang bagal niya?", Yuri answered.
"Eenk!!"
"Ang kwago kasi tulog pa siya?", one of my classmates answered.
"Eeeeenk!"
"Ang kuneho. Naiwan kasi siya kasi nagpahinga pa siya."
"Eeeeenk!"
"Eh? Ano pala?"
Jeremy let out a silly grin. "Syempre yung leon, nasa loob siya ng ref na nalaglag
HAHAHAHAHA."
I prevented myself from rolling my eyes dahil hindi naman ako kasali sa laro nila.
Maging si Math at Gray ay nakamasid na rin kina Jeremy na naglalaro.
"Eto, may matandang 100 years old na namatay sa daan. The question is, ano ang
ikinamatay niya?"
"Natural death? Ang tanda na kasi", Robert answered.

"Eeeenk."
"Heat stroke?", Lori said. "Mainit ang panahon eh."
"Eeeenk!"
"Baka nasagasaan ng truck. Matanda na kaya malabo ang paningin", Andrei answered.
"Eeeenk! Ang tamang sagot ay nalaglagan ng ref na may leon! HAHAHAHAHA", Je said
and burst out laughing.
Meh, just as I thought. Mafa-final destination nga ang matandang iyon dahil sa ref.
"Siya nga pala Math, how was the case yesterday? ", tanong ni Gray kay Math. The
latter straightened from her seat at humarap kay Gray. She really doesn't look fine
ngunit kahit pilitin namin ito ay ayaw niyang magpadala sa infirmary.
"The motive is clearly to steal the compromising photos and videos on the phone.
They switched the phone with the same model for a while but luckily I was able to
see through it. That case is a piece of cake", she answered. Oh, she reminded me of
the detective I hate. Detective Adler. Kulang na lamang ay gamitin din nito ang
linyang "I am not a detective for nothing."
"Really? That's good to hear."
"How about yours? And what happened to your head Amber?", she asked at inginuso ang
kanyang labi sa ulo ko na nakabenda.
"Konting sugat lang naman Math", sagot ko sa kanya. I just hope na mawala agad ang
peklat sa noo ko.
"We found the girl", sagot ni Gray. "But something is bothering me."
"The same case?"
Gray slowly nodded his head. Kaya pala medyo malalim ang iniisip ni Gray. It isn't
just about the news that he received recently. Mayroon ding tungkol sa The Raven
Case na sinolusyonan namin kahapon. But what is it about?
Kung tama ang pagkakaalala ko, I saw a blurry image before I passed out. The blurry
image was standing in front of me before he smashed a hard object on my head. It
was shortly after Gray, Khael and Edward left. The image was standing in front of
me.
Standing in front of me?
I'm not really sure if it is Mr. Isaias, the driver but what I was certain is that
he was standing in front of me after we were knocked by the sleeping gas.
Posible kayang...
Posible kayang pinepeke lamang ni Sir Ravino ang pagiging paralisado niya?
"But I'm not really sure about it. Let's forget about it now", Gray said at
tiningnan ako. I wonder what he has in mind. Kahapon ay panay ang paghingi niya ng
tawad dahil sa sinapit ko. It wasn't that severe though ngunit pakiramdam pa rin
niya ay kasalanan niya ang mga nangyari.
"Oh, siya nga pala, are you busy this weekend? How about going with me to a
friend's wedding?", Math asked.
"Okay lang ba sa kaibigan mo? Iimbitahan mo kami kahit hindi naman niya kami
kilala? That sounds like gate crashing to me", wika ko sa kanya. Hindi talaga ako
mahilig sa mga pagtitipon na maraming tao. Kahit family reunions at gatherings ay
ilap ako. I wonder how reunion will be for me now lalo na at alam ko na kung ano
ang pamilyang kinabibilangan ko. I'm sure as hell that Dad's brother, Tito
Benedict, is somewhat connected to the organization too. The Sison's and Allejo's.
Whatever name they have.
"Yup, I already told her I'll be tagging three people along. You can bring Filter
too at pwede ring dalhin ni Jeremy si Porsche", Math said with a smile.
"Pwede? Bakit saan ba ang reception ng kasal?", Gray asked.
"Iligan City."
"Ah, doon-"
Sabay na nanlaki ang mga mata namin ni Gray. "What? Iligan City?"
"Yup, my hometown. Ayaw niyo ba?"
Iligan City, that is somewhere in Region 13, Northern Mindanao and that's pretty
far from where Bridle is. Para sa isang katulad kong homebody, such long trip is a
big no no.
"That's pretty far..."
"Bakit, pinapagalitan ka pa ba ng mama mo kapag pumupunta ka ng malayo?", Math

smirked at me. It sounded like she's saying I'm too old to be restricted. Hindi
naman ako binabawalan nina Mommy sa mga lakad na malayo, they trust me in handling
myself. It's just that ayaw ko lang. I hate travelling, nahihilo kasi ako sa byahe.
"Hindi naman but..."
"No buts. This weekend, prepare for our trip okay?"
I looked at Gray kung poprotesta din ba siya sa paanyaya ni Math sa amin but I
don't see any protest from him. He just let out a smile and slowly nodded his head.
Ibig sabihin ay pumapayag siya?
"You're coming along?", I asked in surprised. Gray is never the kill joy guy yet
Math's hometown is really far.
"Why not? It's not that far anyway, we're not gonna need visa and others. Time to
explore the city of waterfalls, what can you say?", he asked. See? Okay lang sa
kanya. If Jeremy will be tagging along too, ibig sabihin ako na ang KJ.
"Uh, I'll think about it", sagot ko sa kanila. It's not a bad idea anyway. I've
been to London and that's considerably far. Travelling within the Philippines,
maybe I will consider it.
Muli akong napalingon sa gawi nina Jeremy nang magtawanan sila. Looking at Je now,
he's a far cry from the Jeremy that we used to know. Kailan nga ba iyon nagsimula?
Ah, it was last year when Marion was still with us, hiding in a sheep's clothes
when in fact she's really a wolf. If anyone would ask me if I have forgiven Marion
after all she did, the answer is yes. Kahit gaano pa kadami ang nadamay niya just
because of her jealousy and obsession, I have forgiven her. I wasn't the kind who
holds forgiveness and bear grudges. I have prayed for her every night.
"May tanong ako sayo Raffy", narinig kong wika ni Jeremy. "Pag may nakita kang
1,000 at 500 sa daan, ano ang pupulutin mo?"
"Syempre yung 1,000! Mas malaki iyon diba?", Raffy answered.
"Ay tanga!", Je snorted. "Bakit yung 1,000 lang, eh pwede namang yung dalawa diba
para may 1,500 ka! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
I heard my classmates laughed and even Math who's sitting beside me. Naramdaman ko
ang pagvibrate ng cellphone ko mula sa bag kaya agad ko iyong kinuha. It was Dad
calling.
It's been a while since I talked to him and I already missed him. Kahit galit ako
sa kanya dahil sa involvement niya sa Genesis, he's still my Dad after all and I
still love him despite everything. After I found out that Rionessi isn't my Dad but
Zywon's, I was confused and sad to know how complicated everything was ngunit
natuwa pa rin ako dahil siya ang Daddy ko.
Bernard Sison...
No.
Rovan Allejo III.

I excused myself from Math and Gray at agad na sinagot ang tawag. "Dad...." I'm
still mad but I have to talk to him.
"Amber, can we talk? I missed you." His voice is sweet, the usual voice that he
always use at home kapag naglalambing siya sa amin ni Mommy. The usual tone that I
have been hearing from him.
I slightly smiled. God, he has no idea how much I missed him too. I have this urge
to see him right now and hug him tightly. "I missed you too Dad. Ngayon na po ba?"
"If you don't mind", he said.

Of course I don't mind. Wala akong klase sa first period and even if I have, I
would still skip classes just to see my Dad. "Of course, I don't. Are you coming
over?"
"No, I want to see you somewhere. And I have someone to pick you up there. We'll
see each other in a cafe", wika niya. I don't have to tell him about Bridle's
locking of gates. I'm sure he already knows about it, after all they're responsible
for the reason why Chancellor Judas came up with that decision.
"Sure Dad", wika ko sa kanya.
"Bye sweetie. I love you."
Napangiti ako nang marinig iyon. It's been a while since the last time I heard it
from him. "I love you too Dad..."
"Oh, just wait at the gates okay? The guard was already notified", pahabol nito
bago pinatay ang tawag.
I keep my phone in my pocket at bumalik sa upuan ko. I reached for my bag at
nagpaalam kay Gray at Math.
"I have to see my Dad", wika ko sa kanila. Gray stared at me for a while. I'm
wondering what he's thinking. Well, thanks to him for discovering that I am not a
Vander.
"Take care!", Math said. I smiled at her at hinarap si Gray.
"Take care of Math!", I said and dashed towards the door. Kinuha ko ang payong ko
at bumaba ng building. I have so many thoughts in my mind about meeting with Dad.
Malakas pa rin ang patak ng ulan and it doesn't stop me from happily walking
through the wet corridors of Bridle. When I reached the gate ay bahagyang ngumiti
ang guard sa akin at binuksan ang gate. Unlike the first week that the gates are
closed, the vultures are nowhere to be found now. I hope they have found another
scoop and decided to leave Bridle alone. Having them lingering around Bridle choke
the students.
We don't want the gates of Bridle to be closed. Isa pa ay gusto naming panatilihin
ang magandang imahe ng skwelahan. That damn organization stained Bridle's shining
name. Kung dati ay isang prestihiyoso, academically excellent at values-oriented
ang madalas na iugnay sa pangalan ng Bridle, ngayon ay nagiging negatibo na ang mga
iyon. There was these missing students cases, brutal murders and others.
Nakatanggap ng ng critic ang skwelahan tungkol sa pagiging pabaya umano nito sa
kanilang mga estudyante. I wonder how Chancellor Judas would respond to it as well
as Sir Arman.
Isang puting kotse ang nag-aabang sa labas and I'm sure it is someone whom Dad
sent. I slowly walked towards the car when the door in the driver's side opened at
lumabas doon ang isang lalaki na may dalang itim na payong. The way he stood would
make girls stop on their track to pay attention to him.
I was surprised for a while to see who it was. The guy smiled at me, the smile that
I have seen the first time that we meet in an island. Matagal-tagal ko ding hindi
nakita ang ngiting iyon dahil palaging seryoso ang mukha nito nung mga nakaraang
araw.
"Hi", bati niya sa akin. He maintained a distance between us but it was enough fore
to clearly hear him despite the rain.
I stop from my track which is few meters away from him. Nagflashback sa utak ko ang
mga nangyari these past few weeks which involves me, him, the Genesis and the
mafia. He used to be the faceless name who brings shivers down my spine. He used to
protect me from Ryu's threats before and I have enjoyed the privilege of being
under his protection for quiet some time. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin
lubusang maisip kung bakit nagawa niyang traydorin ang mafia just to protect me.
"Cooler..."
"Yup, that's my name", he said. Oh well, the bubbly Cooler's back. I wouldn't be
surprised if he's the one sent by Dad to pick me here. He's been collaborating with
him to protect me, isn't he? And that explains why the guard immediately agreed on
letting me out despite the order that no student shall be allowed to leave Bridle's
premises without the company of parents or guardians. He's been befriending the
guards for a while now unlike Khael who's been befriending the wall.
"Cooler...."
"Paulit-ulit ka Amber, I know that Cooler's my name", he said. Tinawid niya ang
muting espasyo sa pagitan namin but still maintained few steps distance in between.
"I would love to hug you now but the rain's not permitting me to do so. I cannot
just abandon our umbrellas, I don't want you to get sick."
I smiled at him bago binitawan ang payong ko. I crossed the distance between us and
hugged him tightly. I haven't got the chance on thanking him for everything dahil
hindi ko alam kung paano ko iyon gagawin.
"Err, Amber I told you, the rain would not permit me to do so, I haven't told you
to do it instead", he said at napangiti na lamang ko but I never pulled myself from
him at sa halip ay mas isiniksik ko pa ang sarili ko sa kanya. Since he's a bit
taller than me, my head rested on his chest. I am really thankful to Cooler, I feel
so indebted to him for everything. I was wondering if he doesn't regret doing it
just for me.
"Amber, I would love to be hugged by you but we just can't do it here. Let's get a
room", he said with a chuckle. Mahinang hinampas ko ang likod niya but I didn't let
go.
"Oh, just kidding. You cannot just hug me here, someone might see us and I might
receive a good beating."
I don't know what he's talking about but nonetheless, I pulled myself from him.
Pinayungan niya ako as he stared at me.
"Sorry. I know you've been through a lot these past weeks", wika niya sa akin. Uh,
why does he have to apologize for it? It wasn't his fault, at sa katunayan ay isa
pa nga siyang malaking tulong.
"Bakit ka nagsosorry?"
"Because I haven't done anything to lessen your pain", he said. I picked up my

umbrella at itinapon ang natipon na tubig doon.
"I'm not your responsibility Cooler so no need to apologize. Besides, you have done
everything for me. I was wondering if I was even worth it", wika ko. Am I really
worth it?
He snapped my nose and pulled me towards the car. "Silly, of course you are. You
are worthy of everything. If we will go back in time, I would still choose to
protect you no matter what."
I stopped and stared at him. "Even if it would mean betraying the mafia?"
He let out a wide smile. "Even if it would mean betraying the mafia."
His smile is telling me how lucky I am to have known him. I don't know how he was
able to do it for me. If it is because he likes me just like what he said, his
affection for me is just so immeasurable that it turned out to be like this, na
kulang na lamang ay maging bayani siya at magpakamatay para sa akin. I'm really
clueless why he is this kind to me. What I know is that I'm really lucky to have
Cooler Vander on my side.
##
CHAPTER 52: REUNITED
Chapter 52: Reunited
We get inside his car and he brought me to Dad. Cooler has always been the friendly
dude. He even befriended the guards of Bridle, as of Ryu I don't know how he was
able to pass through the gates. Maybe through coercion or whatever means aside from
being friendly. That word doesn't fit Ryu.
Cooler being friends with my Dad isn't surprising. Naikwento na sa akin ni Artemis
dati na kahit may pagkabatang-isip si Cooler, he has maturity within himself. Sa
katunayan ay mas nakakasundo daw nito ang mga nakatatanda sa mafia. Well yeah,
despite his childish acts like wondering over a magic trick, I see a mature side of
him. Nailulugar nito ang pagiging isip bata nito. I have recalled some maturity in
him whenever he is in his 'Zeus Mode' unlike being Cooler
Pagdating namin sa cafe ay naghihintay doon si Daddy. I immediately hugged him

tight while Cooler excused himself from us. Kahit pinigilan siya ni Daddy ay
iginiit niya pa rin na kailangan naming magkasarinlan. He will stay over in a
nearby shop and wait for me upang maibalik niya ako sa Bridle.
"I don't know how you trusted Cooler that much Dad", wika ko habang tinatanaw ang
papalayong pigura ni Cooler. He walked gracefully towards the doorway of the cafe
and wander into the other part of the commercial building kung nasaan ang cafe.
"That kid is really trustworthy. You're lucky to have him on your friend list", Dad
said. Oh yes, of course I know that.
"He betrayed his own name", wika ko. I have no clear picture how the mafia was
affected by Cooler's betrayal. As far as I can remember, there were affected
transactions that cost the mafia to lose millions. It pissed Ryu that much at
maging ang mga reapers ay apektado dahil doon.
"Well, it isn't a betrayal to the mafia, I mean not directly. If he didn't do it,
the mafia has much to lose compared to the one they lost after what Cooler did",
sagot ni Daddy and it puzzled me.
"What does it mean?"
"The Genesis is trying to penetrate the Vander Mafia in an indirect way. They tend
to make false transactions that would make the mafia fall into their trap but
Cooler was able to prevent that by sacrificing large transactions and it's also a
way to protect you."
"Hindi ko pa rin po maintindihan." I tried understanding it but I only got a blurry

picture of what Cooler did. Ang alam ko lamang ay malaki ang epekto niyon sa mafia.
Dad smile gently at me. "You don't have to understand by now Sweetie. It's very
complicated. You're too young to understand all those things."
I made a face at him. "I'm of legal age."
"No you're not."
I raised a brow at Dad. "What?!"
"You're not eighteen yet. You're seventeen," Dad said in a serious tone.
"But I just had a debut remember?", I asked. Oh I can't forget it, after all Marion
made it so memorable.
"That was a fake debut. You're still seventeen. It's just my way to hide your Mom's
identity, I mean Sweet's. If they would be suspicious about her, they might think
that you're a Vander so I made adjustment in your papers. Luckily Sweet wasn't able
to notice it since she's still depressed that time due to her amnesia . Hindi ko
naman naisip dati na magiging advantageous pala kapag napagkamalan ka nilang
Vander. As of the real Vander, he's properly raised by Emerald kahit pa nawala na
siya. You were born 3 days ahead of him."
Dad is pertaining to Zywon and speaking of him, kumusta na kaya siya? Tanggap na ba
niya ang kapalaran niya? What is he doing now? Did he go to race again? Uh, that
Zywon. I hope he's fine by now, maybe I'll send him some chocolates some other
time.
"That is very confusing", wika ko. "H-how about my real Mom? Totoo ba ang sinabi ni
Cooler that she left you for some other guy?"
Dad let out a sad smile. "That was what she said but it isn't what really happened.
Ayaw niya sa pamilya ko, who's been into underground business for years, the
Allejo's. That is why she decided to leave but she came back pregnant and that was
you. I'm sure the rest was revealed by your friends. After all, I also talked to
your boyfriend so I presumed he conveyed the whole story to you."
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa sinabi ni Daddy. "Boyfriend??!"
"Gray Ivan. Isn't that kid your boyfriend?", he asked and I felt myself blushed.
Agad kong pinulot ang kape na kanina pa nakalapag sa harapan ko. Why would Dad
think that Gray is my boyfriend?!
"He's not my boyfriend!"
Dad chuckled and it pissed me. Does anyone know how awkward it is to talk to your
Dad about crushes and relationships?!
"Anyway, I'm planning of a bigger debut for you this year. How do you like it?"
"Hindi naman po iyon kailangan", sagot ko. Yup, I still hate gatherings lalo na at
ako ang sentro niyon. I hate attention.
"But my princess will be a lady", he said with the usual sweet tone. "I want us to
start fresh, ikaw, ako, just the two of us. You'll be Amber Sison Allejo. I have so
many plans for us Sweetie. Malayo sa gulo, far from the Genesis-"
"You talk like you're not one of them", putol ko sa kanya. He flashed a sad smile
at me and I regretted saying it.
"Well I'm into it due to family traditions. The Allejo's are known as one of the
richest in the underground economy but unfortunately, the Vander's steal the spot.
They got all the Allejo's clients and-"
"That's their business strategy. You cannot blame them for offering the new
products na papatok sa mga kliyente", I answered. I have a little knowledge about
Economics and Marketing so I guess I can say something about it.
"Yes but then the Vander's pirated Allejo's biggest human asset that's why the
Allejo's mafia was shut down. Namayagpag ang Vander mafia sa underground economy
for few years but as the golden rule said, do not do unto others what you don't
want others to be done unto you. There are traitors and that's the birth of Genesis
and behind that are the Allejo's. "
"Ang gulo po talaga."
"Don't dig deeper about it Sweetie, it's really complicated. How about let's visit
your Mom's grave some other time?"
"I'd be glad too!" Kahit hindi ko nakasama ang tunay kong Mommy, I want to meet her
even if It would be her gravestone. I would thank her for giving me life and going
through the nine months of pregnancy. I wonder how our life would be if she's the
one who raised me.
Naalala ko ang paanyaya ni Math sa akin kaya ipinagpaalam ko iyon kay Daddy. "Dad
do you mind if I go somewhere far..."
"Somewhere far like?"
"Iligan City?"
Napangiti ng malapad si Daddy. "Of course I don't. Please yourself Sweetie, just
make sure that you take care of yourself. I don't want any harm to happen to you."
"Thanks Dad."
I always appreciate the fatherly love that Dads give their children. I know nothing
about parenting, what I know is that it isn't easy to become a parent. This forty
two year old guy sitting in front of me is a proof that parenting is not a piece of
cake. You have to feed your family, clothe them, make sure that they have a proper
shelter and you have to protect them.
Bernard Sison is a strong man from how I see it. He's intelligent and wise and
despite everything that have happened, I wonder how he was able to go through with
it. Maybe I acquired my strong personality from him and I'm glad that is one of the
traits I have inherited.
Napasulyap si Daddy sa kanyang relo bago tumayo. "I want to stay longer with you
Sweetie but I have a meeting to attend. Can we go out on an outing next week? Just
the two of us?"
Going out with the family is the best at kahit kaming dalawa na lamang ni Daddy, I
know that it would be fun. He's my family after all. I would be looking forward to
it.
"Sure Dad, that's a promise alright?"
"Right", he said and he hugged me tightly at damang-dama ko ang pagiging ama niya
sa yakap na iyon. He kissed my head bago ako binitawan. Kinuha niya ang kanyang
cellphone at may tinawagan.
"Dude, I'm leaving, please take care of my daughter", he said and he hung up. He
must be talking to Cooler.
"Dude? Sounds like teenagers Dad", natatawang komento ko. I cannot imagine Cooler
calling Dad as Dude.
"What's wrong with it? I feel young every time I call him Dude. Don't worry, he
calls me Tito."
I let out a smile. Mabutin naman kung ganoon, I cannot imagine Cooler calling Dad
'dude.' Hindi nagtagal ay dumating na si Cooler at nagpaalam naman si Daddy sa
amin. Cooler stood there smiling matapos na umalis ang kotse ni Daddy.
"What are you smiling at?", I asked him. He bit his lower lip na nakangiti at
umiling.
"Nothing", sagot niya.
Sinundot ko ang tagiliran niya. "Meron yan eh."
"Stop it, that's annoying! Wala nga."
"Meron kasi."
"Fine, meron nga", he sighed.
"What is it?"
"Namiss ko lang tong ganito. Yung ninanakaw kita sa Bridle at namamasyal. I'm
looking for a magic show downstairs but I couldn't find one", he said. Napalabi ako
dahil sa sinabi niya. Neh, same old Cooler, a tough mafia guy yet naloloko ng
magic.
"I miss the old Cooler too. You've been ignoring me for the past weeks", wika ko sa
kanya. Tuwing nagagawi kasi ako dati sa mansion, he's giving me a cold stare.
Naisip ko tuloy na ayaw niyang maging bahagi akong ng pamilya niya. "Naisp ko tuloy
na ayaw mong maging Vander ako."
He laughed heartily. "Of course, I don't want you to be a Vander in such way. I
would prefer to have you as Vander when you marry me", he said and I frowned at
him.
"Don't frown, totoo naman kasi. If you marry Gray, you will be Silvan since he's
legally adopted. If it's Ryu, then you will be Morison. I'm your only resort to
become a Vander."
"Geez, stop talking about marriage. I'm too young for such matters", paalala ko sa
kanya. Uh well, welcome back to the illegal age Amber! Seventeen huh?
"Seryoso na Amber, I really miss being with you. Naalala ko tuloy noong unang beses
na magkita tayo sa Summer island", he said and I smiled upon the reminiscence. It
was during the time when Sir Arman invited us into his private island. Summer
Island is the commercial island between Tickle and Bridle Island. Naalala ko ang
mga nangyari sa panahong iyon wherein we had a little deduction with Cooler. I
spanked him when I remembered something.
"Aww! Para saan ba iyon?", he said habang hinawakan ang tinampal kong braso. Guys
are overrated, ang hina lamang niyon but he seemed so affected to it.
"That's for lying to me way back in Summer Island. When we have a little deduction
about each oher, I deduced that you were staying in that island for vacation but in
fact you were really following Gray!"
He admitted the turth when he introduced himself as Zeus, Gray's half-brother.
"I'm not yet forgiven because of that? Uh, you beast, you hold grudges", he said
while pouting. Uh, what's with guys and their pouts?
"How about another little deduction gaya ng dati?", yaya niya sa akin.
"Game!", I agreed. It's been a while since the last time I deduced someone.
Tumingin ako sa paligid at tiningnan ang mga taong nasa loob ng café. I saw a lady
sitting alone. Nasa harap niya ang isang pulang paperbag. She's sipping her coffee
at tila nababahala ang reaksyon ng mukha nito. "See that woman over there? What can
you deduce from her?"
Cooler looked intently at the woman at sa mga bagay na nasa mesa nito. "It's been a
while that she's here basing on her coffee. Hindi na ito umuusok so it would mean
that she's been here for quite some time. There's that red paperbag on the table so
she's expecting someone, probably her boyfriend. Base sa ekpresyon ng mukha niya,
there's a big possibility that her boyfriend will not arrive. And she's a student,
Management student in the nearby college kung ang mga libro na nasa tabi niya ang
pagbabasehan."
"That's all?", I asked. He gave me a big nod.
"I suck at guessing, you know that. Your turn."
This time ay ako naman ang tumingin sa babae ng maigi. "You are right in saying
she's a management student base sa mga librong nasa tabi niya which are Operations
Management at Qualitative Techniques. She's a DJ in a nearby radio station."
Napakunot ang noo ni Cooler. "DJ? Paano mo nasabi?"
"Her ID chord told me so. And yes, she's been here for quite some time but I don't
think she's expecting someone. In fact, her company just left her and maybe that
paper bag is for her. Nasabi kong umalis na ang kasama niya dahil sa posisyon ng
upuan sa harap niya, it's slightly misplaced tanda na may naupo roon at agad ding
umalis since there is only one cup of coffee there. Ibig sabihin, hindi na nag-
abalang umorder ang kasama niya, and that someone left shortly after giving the red
paper bag which bothers the lady."
"Woah, amazing", Cooler said when he saw the woman reached for the bag. She sighed
before opening it and was surprised to see what's inside. She closed the paper bag
at tumayo, grabbing her things and left immediately as if she's trying to run after
someone who just short left.
"Ang galing-galing mo talaga!", he said at pumalakpak na parang bata.

I made a face at him. "That's just basic, no need to praise me like I just said a
miracle."
"But I'm not a weakling. After all I graduated college abroad", he said proudly.
"You can ask me about the world history."
"Really? History huh? Let's test your memory, tell me the chronicles about the
world events", wika ko sa kanya.
"Hmm, let me try. Approximately during the 2560 B.C, the Egyptian King Khufu
finished building the Great Pyramid of Giza. Then the Great Sphinx was completed
soon after by his son Khaefre."
"Uh, I have no idea about that", wika ko sa kanya. He just shrugged his shoulders
at nagpatuloy.
"In 1792 B.C, Hammurabi became the ruler of Babylonia and he created the first set
of laws called the code of Hammurabi", Cooler said.
"I skipped Aral-Pan when that was taught."
"In 551 B.C. the Chinese philosopher Confucius was born where his teachings on
honesty and humanity become the foundations of Confucianism."
"Oh yeah, the golden rule. Dad just mentioned that a while ago", I murmured.
"In Circa A.D. 1, Jesus Christ is born. He is crucified by the Romans around 30
AD."
"Yeah, I know that one."
"In 800 A.D. Charlemagne is crowned as the first Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo
III."
"No idea about that one too", I snort as I sip my coffee.
"In 1206, Temujin, a warrior, expands his empire so that it includes most of the
Asia."
"Yeah, he's the Genghis Khan, isn't he?", wika ko.

"Right. In 1271 to 1295, Marco Polo travels throughout Asia and his book II Milione
or The Million has become the source of information about Asia", wika ni Cooler.
"Really? Hindi ko rin alam yan."
"In 1347, the Black Death breaks out through Europe, killing more than one-third of
Europe's population."
"Yup, it's the bubonic plague."
"In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan's expedition around the globe started."
I rolled my eyes. ""And he reached Philippines."
"It was 1643 when Copernicus releases his theory about the sun and not the Earth is
the center of the universe and 1859 when Charles Darwin writes On the Origin of
Species."
"Enough with Science please", reklamo ko sa kanya and he just smiled.
"1928 when Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin-"
"I know about it. He leaves a dish of staphylococcus uncovered and finding molds. I
told you, enough with science", paalala ko sa kanya.
"1929, the US stock market collapses, beginning the Great Depression."
"Yup, the Wall Street scandal", komento ko. It made me remember the acquaintance
night I had in Athena where we're brought at 13th street and Jeremy became a
hostage of the mad author.
"1933 Adolf Hitler becomes the chancellor of Germany, 1939 when the World War II
begins when Germany invades Poland. 1945 when US drops two atomic bombs in Japan
specifically in Nagasaki and Hiroshima."
"You're good at remembering dates, aren't you? That's where I am weak at", maktol
ko. That's why I hate history dahil hindi ako magaling mag-alala sa mga petsa.
"2001 when two passenger planes were hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center
in New York."
"Uh, I have some info about that", wika ko sa kanya. "I'm amazed that you can
recall such dates. Akala ko puro papogi ka lang", biro ko sa kanya but then he bite
it.
"So sinasabi mong pogi ako?"
I rolled my eyes at him. "I didn't say that."
"You really said it."
"Hindi sabi", pagpupumilit ko. Cooler is really back.
Napansin ko ang pagtigil niya at pagtitig sa akin. "I'm happy that we're back to
our old days Amber."
Same with me. Namiss ko ang mga panahong katulad nito, when there wasn't the
Genesis who's been bothering us. Kahit may mga pagkakataong delikado, still I can
happily spend time with him.
"Ako din Cooler", sagot ko. "By the way, have you seen Mom? How is she?", I asked.
"Tita's fine. She's slowly regaining her memory. She told me to kiss you for her",
he said at inginuso ang labi sa akin. "Kiss na."
I showed him my fist. "Gusto mo?"
"Sabi ni Tita eh!"
"Whatever Cooler."
Tumawa siya bago tumayo. "Hatid na nga kita sa Bridle. Tiyak may naghahanap na
sayo."
I raised one brow bago sumunod sa kanya na nakapamulsang tinungo ang pintuan
palabas ng café.
CHAPTER 53: THE CULPRIT IS A GHOUL (Part 1)

Chapter 53: The Culprit is a Ghoul
(Part 1 Introduction Chapter)
Travelling has always been a hassle to me, especially land trips. Fortunately,
we'll ride an airplane para sa pupuntahan naming kasal ng kaibigan ni Math. I'm not
really into attending weddings lalo na at hindi ko personal na kakilala ang
ikakasal. I hope that Math's friend won't mind us accompanying Math kahit pa
sinigurado naman ni Math sa amin na aprubado na iyon ng kaibigan niya.
"Ahhh! My back aches", reklamo ni Jeremy nang makababa kami ng eroplano. There's a
huge sign that says Laguindingan Airport. Pagbaba pa lamang ay naramdaman ko na ang
preskong hangin sa dakong iyon ng Pilipinas, it is very different from the
surroundings I'm used to.
"Ang arte nito, ang dali lang naman ng byahe", Math said as she guide us to the
airport's base. May mga shuttle van doon at sinalubong kami ng mga lalaki, speaking
in a language that the three of us failed to comprehend, maliban kay Math na
nakikipag-usap sa mga ito.
"Wait, you don't have your own vehicle to pick us?", Je asked nang niyaya na kami
ni Math patungo sa isang shuttle van.
"We're not VIP's here kaya learn to commute. Later, you will be riding public
utility vehicles and deal with people of Mindanao. You'll be surprised to see how
friendly we are."
"Maliban sayo", Je murmured.
"May sinasabi ka ba Jeremy?"
"Wala, sabi ko parang nahihilo si Bestie. Okay ka lang ba Bestie?", he asked me. I
slowly nod my head kahit medyo masama ang pakiramdam ko. I woke up at the wrong
side of the bed and the few minutes flight didn't help in making me feel better.
Naramdaman kong may humawak sa siko ko at iginiya ako papasok sa shuttle van. Nang
lingunin ko kung sino iyon ay nakita ko si Gray. He's carrying his backpack at may
suot itong baseball cap, making him so manly in my eyes.
Uh, what did I say?
"May land trip pa? Malayo pa ba yung sa inyo Math?", I asked nang maayos na ang
pwesto namin sa van. There are also other passengers with us at panay pa rin ang
pagtatawag ng pasahero ng dispatcher ng van.
"Just an hour and a half", Math answered. "We're already in Region 10, Laguindingan
to be exact. We have to pass through few municipalities of Misamis Oriental bago
tayo makarating sa Iligan."
"Malayo pa nga. My God, I miss Porsche", wika ni Jeremy. None of us brought our
pets with us dahil mas lalo lamang magiging hassle ang aming byahe kapag nagkataon.
May isa pang sumakay sa van kaya mas lalo akong napasiksik sa tabi ni Gray. I'm
sitting beside him samantalang nasa likurang bahagi ng van naman si Jeremy at
katabi si Math.
"Don't worry, I will be your tour guide later", Math said, natahimik lamang ito ng
nagsimulang kolektahin ng dispatcher ang mga pamasahe namin at isinara ang pinto ng
van bago iyon umalis ng airport. I chose to spend the few hours of travelling with
my earphones tucked in my ears at ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata.
******
I felt someone tapped my cheeks kaya agad kong binuksan ang mga mata ko and I
realized I was leaning on... Gray's shoulder! God, that was embarrassing! I hope he
didn't mind.
"I don't want to wake you up but I guess we're already here", Gray said. Inayos ko
ang magulong buhok ko at umupo ng tuwid. Kakababa lamang din nina Math at Jeremy. I
hope hindi mangantyaw si Jeremy sa pagtulog ko sa balikat ni Gray. Knowing him,
malamang kung anu-ano na naman ang isipin nito. He's our number one shipper after
all.
"Welcome to the City of Majestic Waterfalls!", masiglang bati ni Math sa amin. "I'm
Math Corazon and I will be your tour guide for the next 42 hours here in this City.
First, let's ride a public jeepney going to the heart of the city."
"Math, hindi bagay sayo maging tour guide, mag-extend ka na lang ng furniture shop
mo", bara ni Je sa kanya. I saw Gray smiled bago kami sumunod kay Math na pumara ng
isang pulang jeepney.
We immediately settled inside at marami-rami rin ang sakay niyon. Jeremy gets his
wallet at naglabas ng isang 500 peso bill. "I'll take care of your fare guys", he
said at akmang ibibigay na sa driver ang kanyang pera.
"Hep hep", pigil ni Math. "Barya lang sa umaga."

"Bakit, magkano ba ang pamasahe?"
"Seven pesos at dahil studyante tayo, we'll have a 5.50 fare."
"Bakit ang mura?", nanlalaki ang mga matang tanong ni Je. "Malapit lang ba yung
sinasabi mong heart of the city?"
Math giggled. "Ganyan po dito kaya magbigay ka ng mas maliit pa na pera kesa dyan
sa 500 mo."
Je frowned at her but he followed Math's instruction. He got a 50 peso bill at

ibinigay iyon sa driver. "Mama, bayad po."
"Asa ni gikan?", the driver asked and Je looked at us with a puzzled expression.
"Anong sabi?", bulong niya sa amin.
"Sabi niya, saan daw yan galing."
"Ahh, okay", Je replied at muling bumaling sa driver. "Sa pitaka ko po."
"Ha?", the driver asked. Uh, mukhang hindi yata kami nagkakaintindihan dito. Math
just laughed at us, mukhang siya lamang ang may ideya kung ano ang nangyayari.
Muling nagsalita ang driver. "Pagtarung ba, asa ni gikan?"
"Ano ulit ang sabi niya Math?", he whispered again to us.
"Seryoso na daw, saan daw yun galing", Math said and giggled.
"Fine. Galing po yan sa piggy bank ko. Binasag ko po kasi yun kagabi para sa extra
allowance", sagot niya sa driver and this time Math laughed so hard.
"Wala raba ko gabinuang dong, asa ni gikan ba?", the driver asked and we still have
no idea what he's talking about.
"Mayaaaaa! Interpreter ulit!"
"Hindi daw siya nagjojoke kaya umayos ka. Saan daw yun galing", Math translated.
"Sa piggy bank ko po talaga yan galing, Kuya, hindi ko po yan kinupit", Je said and
it made Math laugh harder. Uh, what's really going on here? Kahit ang ilang mga
pasahero na nandon ay natawa na rin. What's with them?
Si Math na ang sumagot sa driver. "Sa syudad na Kuya, gikan terminal."
"You will pay for this Maya! Ginagawa mo akong laughing stock", bulong ni Jeremy
kay Math. I laughed when I realized what just happened. Je gave the wrong answer to
the driver. Hindi nagtagal ay pinara na ni Math ang sasakyan at bumaba na kami.
"Welcome to the Lone District of Iligan City with the total area of 813.37
kilometer squared and a total population of 342,618", panimula ni Math.
"You memorized that figures?", Gray asked.
Umiling si Math sa kanya. "I have a review during the trip. And as your tour guide,
let me give you some informations about this City. The city got its name from the
Higaunon word ILIG which means to go downstream."
"What's Higaunon?", tanong ko kay Math.
"They are the natives of the city. The city is known as the Industrial center of
the south because its economy is largely based on heavy industries. It produces
hydroelectric power throughout the Mindanao region through the NaPoCor-"
Jeremy waved his hand in front of Math. "Alam na namin yan. Hindi pa ba tayo
pupunta sa bahay ninyo?"
"Who said we're staying at my place?", Math smirked. "My friend's wedding will be
at Plaza Alemania's grand Berlin Hall and it will be tomorrow kaya sa ngayon
kailangan muna nating manatili sa mga inn."
Naalala ko na wala pala kaming dalang mga pormal na damit. Math didn't tell us the
wedding's motif at ayaw naman naming mag-iba kaya nagtanong na ako sa kanya tungkol
doon.
"Math how about our clothes for tomorrow? Baka kasi mag-iba yung damit natin", I
asked her.
"Don't worry about it, my friend will provide", she assured us. "Now let's go. How
about going to Tinago falls?"
We didn't get the chance to protest dahil pagkatapos naming magcheck-in sa isang
hotel ay hinila na kami ni Math para puntahan ang sinasabi niyang falls. We took
public vehicles and bus which is really tiring.
"Math pagod na ako", reklamo ni Jeremy. We were walking up on a hill at sabi ni

Math ay malapit na kami. Katunayan ay kanina pa siya nagsasabing malapit na kami
pero mukhang malayo pa talaga.
"Just a little longer", wika ni Math. She ran a little and waved her arms.
"Congratulations! You just survived 500 trekking steps towards this magnificent
landmark. Welcome to Tinago Falls!"
I stopped on my tracks at tiningnan ang anyong tubig sa harap namin. It wasn't a

huge falls but it was enough to remove all my weariness in climbing up the small
hill. The falls is high, its water's cascading beautifully into a deep and calm
basin-like pool
that looks like a blue-colored lagoon. Sa ilalim ng talon ay may isang kweba at may
iilang tao na naroon. Luntian ang paligid ng talon dahil sa mga puno at halaman na
nakapalibot dito, giving it the soothing and relaxing aura.
"Not bad. I bet the water is very cold", Gray said at tinahak ang hagdan pababa.
"Yup, very cold. Alam niyo bang may legend to?"
"Really? What is it about?"
"May nakatira daw na Sultan dito, Si Sultan Agok at asawa niya, they were appointed
as the king and queen by their people but later on they became too proud and they
turned into selfish rulers. When the sultan's wife was pregnant, a diwata-"
Jeremy cuts her off. "Diwata ulit? Baka si Maria Ozawa ulit iyon."
"It's Maria Cacao moron", Math hissed. Gray giggled with Je and I wanna roll my
eyes. I really regretted searching that Maria Ozawa nang napag-usapan namin iyon
dati.
"So this diwata disguised as a beggar begged for their help but they rejected her.
At dahil doon, sinumpa ng diwata ang mag-asawa. She said that the child that the
queen carries in her womb will be so ugly."
"Aha! Ikaw yung bata ano?", Je said.
"Shut up Jeremy", Math told him. I also darted Je a glare, kanina pa nito binabara
si Math.
"They did not take it seriously at nawala na ang diwata. When the queen gave birth,
the child did become ugly. The couple was sad and disappointed dahil umaasa silang
magiging maganda ang bata gaya ng reyna. What they did is that they hide the child
in a cave para hindi sila mapahiya, they called the baby Tin-ag, na ang ibig
sabihin ay "Tinatagong Mukha". Doon nila inalagaan ang bata sa loob ng kweba. When
the child grew up, lumabas siya ng kweba at namangha sa paligid since she used to
stay inside the dim cave. Nakita siya ng diwata, the same enchantress who cursed
her parents, and made an offer if she wants to be something of great beauty and
splendor. She accepted the offer and became the falls."
"You know what, I wanna test the waters already, let's swim!", excited na wika ni
Je.
We settled our things in the cottage. Je removed his shirt, leaving only his board
shorts and Gray did the same. This isn't the first time I saw him topless pero
naiilang pa rin ako. The guys there are really topless but I don't feel fazed with
them baring too much skin except Gray's.
"You can breath Amber", Math whispered to my ears. Inaayos namin ang mga dala
naming pagkain na binili namin kanina along the way while Gray and Je are already
in the water.
"Uh, I'm breathing", sagot ko at nag-iwas ng tingin. It's so awkward to talk to

Math about Gray. I'm not really sure if she likes Gray for real but taking into
account her attitude when Gray's around, I bet she does. Not to mention that she
kissed him- TWICE.
TWICE ON THE LIPS.
"Gray's really adorable", she said. I stopped and looked at her for a while bago
ipinagpatuloy ang ginagawa. Of course, that's Gray.
"Yes, he is."
"I like him."
I felt my hand squeezed the big pack of junk food when Math said those words. I
cannot do anything to make her unlike Gray or whatever. Kahit sino naman ay hindi
malabong magkagusto kay Gray. Smart, handsome, rich- especially the Vander's. Kahit
may pagkamayabang minsan si Gray, it's not a reason to not like him. In fact that
adds to the package.
"You do?", patay-malisya kong tanong sa kanya. I suddenly felt the urge to open the
pack of Piattos and get a fistful of it. I stuffed my mouth with enough food, I
just hope hindi mahalata ni Math na natetense ako sa topic namin. I got another
fistful and pushed it to my mouth, causing me to cough few times.
Hindi naman ako halata diba?
Math giggled at hinubad ang kanyang t-shirt, displaying her red bikini top. Her
shorts is so tiny that it looks like a denim underwear. Binuksan niya ang butones
ng kanyang shorts so that anyone can have a glance at her red bikini down there.
"Let's go and don't wear your shirt, flaunt your bikini Amber."
She winked at me. Napalunok ako sa kinakain ko. I was weighing in my head if I
would remove my shirt or not. Basing on the people who are there, okay lang na
magsuot ng t-shirt. Math didn't inform us about our falls exploration kaya hindi
ako nakadala ng kahit crop top man lamang. We bought the bikini along the way and I
chose the black stringed bikini that I tied in a bow behind my neck. I'm still
thinking if I will remove my shirt or not. May mga naka T-shirt na naliligo sa
paligid kaya marahil ayos lamang na magsuot niyon unlike sa ibang mga resorts at
public na paliguan.
I decided to take my shirt off and find the others ngunit ang tumatakbong si Math
ang nakita ko. She has this furious facial reaction. That's the thing about Math,
mahirap para dito na itago mula sa reaksyon ng mukha ang kung ano mang nararamdaman
nito. Whenever she's disappointed or something, her face would tell you so.
"Amberrrr!"
She was able to reach me and she still maintained her poise while running. "Oh
anong problema mo?"
"May linta!"
"Eh? Edi ayaw ko ng maligo!", wika ko and tried to walk back to the cottage but
Math pulled me. I hate leeches, they're slimy and creepy.
"Ugh! No, no. A big leech!"
"Kaya nga ayoko!" Those bloodsucking annelid worms are creepy that I'll be
hysterical if one will cling to me. I experienced it once way back in grade school
and I cried my heart out nang hindi ito matanggal sa legs ko.
But then Math cupped my faced and motioned it towards a direction, specifically on
the water. I saw a couple sitting on the rocks near the cave. The girl is tall, a
height that anyone would envy. Her skin is tanned, the flawless tan and her long
blonde hair is tied in a bun. Sa ilalim ng suot niyang life vest ay ang itim na
swimsuit na pinatungan nito ng shorts. When I glanced at the guy who's with her ay
tila nais kong pulutin ang mga nagkalat na bato sa paligid upang itapon sa kanila.
It's someone that I really know.
Gray Ivan Silvan.
"You see that leech over there? She's clinging to our Gray like there's no
tomorrow!", Math hissed. Uh, did she say OUR?
OUR pertains to possession and I don't think we own Gray. Ah, we can still use OUR
like Gray is OUR classmate. He's one of OUR companions today. I feel irritated
about the sight pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko.
"Baka si Jeremy lang yan." Wow, Amber! Si Je huh?
Natampal ni Math ang kanyang noo. "Speaking of that guy, he's a manwhore!" Tinuro
ni Math ang kinaroroonan ni Je and to my surprise, he's with three girls around
him. Tumatawa ang mga ito habang nagsasalita si Je. I'm sure he's been telling them
his puns! Poor girls!
"Alam mo bang gusto ko silang lunurin?", Math said furiously. "But of course I
cannot do that, those girls are not worth my sentence if I will be convicted."
Nagulat na lamang ako nang hinila niya ako at nilusong namin ang tubig palapit sa
direksyon nina Gray. I tried resisting but Math did not let go of me. Saka lamang
niya ako binitawan ng nakarating kami sa harap nila. The water is freezing but my
body was able to adapt to it.
"Bestie!", nakangising wika ni Jeremy nang mapansin kami. "May tanong ako sayo, ano
ang first name ni Herman?"
I shrugged my shoulders so he asked Math insteadc ngunit sinungitan lang siya ng
huli. "Wala akong pakialam kay Herman."
"Ang KJ niyo! Edi Soup! Soup yung first name niya! HAHAHAHA!", Je said and the
girls who are with him also laughed. See? He had gathered his fans with his puns.
Who cares about Soup Herman by the way?
"Hoy Gray!", tawag ni Math. Saka lamang napalingon si Gray sa dako namin. He has a
wide smile with the leech- err I mean the girl. Math pulled me towards him at
tinulak ako. "Hindi marunong lumangoy si Amber kaya turuan mo siya."
She gave the girl a quick head to foot stare at mas lalo lamang napakunot ang noo
ni Math. She is very flawless in any manner, nahiya tuloy ang binti ko na may mga
pulang marka dahil sa lamok. Uh, I forgot to close the windows at the dorm last
night kaya napagpyestahan ako ng mga lamok.
Her skin is tanned at bagay na bagay iyon sa kanya. Suddenly I felt like a pale
radish with this girl here. Tila nais ko tuloy magbilad sa init though I am not
sure if tan would be good on me. Her chest is yelling at kahit may suot itong life
vest ay mapapansin pa rin ang dibdib nito. If it would be compared to mine, her's
is a nutri-bun na siksik sa laman samantalang pandesal naman sa akin na napisa.
Wait, kelan pa ako naging insecure sa figure ko?
"Amber's good at swimming", wika ni Gray at nang mapansin niya ang tingin ni Math
sa babaeng kasama niya ay agad niya itong ipinakilala.
"By the way, this is Isabel", pakilala ni Gray sa babae. The girl smiled at us,
displaying a perfect set of teeth. Maganda rin ang ngiti nito na tila ba isa itong
modelo ng toothpaste.
"Hi Isabel, I'm Math and this is Amber". Pakilala ni Math. Her brows are raised and
I want to nudge her to stop her from raising her brows.
"Hello there", she said and smiled. "Gray said you're here to attend a wedding.
Well my cousin Farhan will be married tomorrow too What a coincidence. By the way
those girls are my company, that girl is my friend Mary and the rest are her
cousins." Itinuro niya ang tatlong babae na kasama ni Jeremy.
"Group of leeches", bulong ni Math sa akin.
"See? It's a coincidence", wika ni Gray. Natutuwa ba siya dahil posibleng iisang
kasal lamang ang pupuntahan namin at nina Isabel?
"Farhan?", tanong ni Math. "Who's his bride?"
Isabel shrugged her shoulders. "No idea since it's an arranged marriage and we're
not informed about the bride's bio but I know she's rich. An owner of a big
advertisement company, what I know is that the reception will be at Plaza Alemania
tomorrow morning."
"Uh, I guess we're heading to the same wedding. I'm the Bride's bestfriend by the
way", Math said.
Lumawak ang ngiti ni Isabel sa amin.

"Really? That's good to hear. Maybe you can come with us so that we can fit our
clothes for tomorrow."
"We prefer to stay at the hotel", Math said and then she whispered. "Baka kung ano
pa ang gawin mo kay Gray, we won't allow that to happen."
"Ha?"
"Nothing. I just wonder if you do modelling."
"Yes I do, I'm sort of a freelance model kahit 18 pa lamang ako." Weeh? 18? I don't
believe her, she looks too mature compared to her age or it's just me being
biased..
"How about you? What do you do?"
"We're some sort of high school detectives. We're lending some hand to the police."
Math's tune is boasting but I guess that's normal to her. Mas hindi ako sanay kapag
hindi nagyayabang si Math. Truth is I look stupid standing here without saying
anything. Si Math lamang ang nakikipagpalitan ng salita kay Isabel. Uh, wala rin
naman akong masabi sa kanya. What should I ask her then? Hey Isabel, what's your
shampoo brand?
"High school detectives? The three of you?", she asked and this time ay si Gray na
ang sumagot sa kanya.
"Yeah."
Nagningning ang mga mata nito na tila ba naging interesado ito. "Then maybe you can
help us!"
"Saan?"
"Do you believe in ghouls or cannibals and the likes?"
I want to roll my eyes. Cannibalism exists but I don't think ghouls do. Uh, maybe.
Ghouls are evil spirits who feed on human flesh. Cannibalism is a tradition of some
groups of people who do some rituals that involves eating of human flesh. There are
some places with a history of cannibalism and there is also evidence of the
cannibalism in the 12th century of Native American sites.
"Why? What's with them?", Gray asked with a very interested face. His face is
bright like the way it does whenever he faces an interesting case. Well, all cases
are interesting to him, yet this cannibalism is another thing.
"The family's in this crisis where we lost two members. One is found on the yard
with a heart missing."
Uh, if she said that its stomach was opened, I would have thought of the Genesis
who has extended their business to this part of the Philippines. Well, who knows
how big their network is? But this one with a missing heart just within their yard,
I don't think the Genesis have something to do with it.
"Hindi niyo ba inireport iyon sa police?", I asked. This case got me like how it
got Gray. Cannibalism is questionable nowadays dahil nga modern na ang panahon but
I don't think it really vanished. Such ritual is still present and people who do it
are just so good in hiding the bodies, except this one.
Isabel shook her head. "The family refused to enter the family's name into scandal.
Isa pa, kapag malaman ng pamilya ng mapapangasawa ni Farhan ang tungkol doon, they
might call off the marriage. Their dowry is considerable enough and marrying the
girl would also mean merging their business. They could not lose that."
Oh, what do I expect with such marriages. Betrothals are common on their culture
and such arrangement is something that I do not wish on my situation. Kung ako ang
papipiliin, I would still choose someone that I love kaysa sa ipakasal ako sa taong
magiging daan upang lumago ang negosyo namin or into someone who can help the
family. Arranged marriages are common and I'm lucky I am not one of those whose
fate is like that. I hate it if someone will be controlling my life like choosing
whom I will spend the rest of my life with.
"Mas mabuti sana kung inireport niyo yan sa police, by the way does the family got
any traditions involving endocannibalism?", tanong ni Gray kay Isabel and the
latter shook her head.
"None. I heard nothing about it. Sa katunayan ay nababahala na kaming lahat, we

want to know who's responsible for it even if it is a family member, but we cannot
just tell the police about it. Can you help us with it?"
"Such case is in fact a big one and only experts can handle it with the exact
knowledge about crime scenes and dead bodies but maybe we'll give it a try", wika
ni Gray. "How about going now?"
We found ourselves stucked in the van owned by Isabel and her friends. Hindi ko
naenjoy ang paliligo dahil maliban sa panay dikit pa rin si Isabel kay Gray, it
only took us ten minutes to swim at nagbihis na upang pumunta sa bahay ng kamag-
anak ni Isabel. After dropping her friends to their homes ay sumama kami kina
Isabel. It's a huge house and I'm pretty sure that Farhan's cousin must be
incredibly rich. Malawak ang bakuran ng bahay and there are trees around the area.
Malamig din ang panahon doon, in fact, the atmosphere is foggy.
Sinalubong kami ng isang babae na hula ko nasa 30 plus ang edad. She greeted Isabel
at agad naman kaming ipinakilala ni Isabel sa kanila.
"Tita Jean, these are Gray, Amber and Math. They're heading to Farhan's wedding
tomorrow. Katunayan ay mga detectives sila. I guess they can help us-"
"Sinabi mo sa kanila ang tungkol sa- Oh God, Isabel, what have you done!", Tita
Jean said at nalupaypay na naupo ito sa upuan na naroon. "I told you, you cannot
tell anyone about it. Isang malaking kahihiyan iyon sa pamilya. Isa pa, look at
them. Do you think they can help us?"
I want to tell her that physical appearance doesn't measure one's capability pero
pinigilan ko na lang ang sarili ko. We're just guests here and I don't want us to
end up like the corpse that was found at the yard.
"With all due respect Maam, we can keep this things private and confidential. We
can assure you that news about this will never come out from us unless another part
of your member would spread it so", wika ni Gray. His tone is in a definitive type
like he's so sure of it. So he trusts us that much that we may not go and tell the
world about what we have discovered here.
"Given that is true, ano naman ang mga maitutulong ninyo? You look like you're just
high school students."
"Yes we are but we have connections", Math said with a smirk. "I have someone who
can help us, he's working in a known Medico Legal laboratory abroad and he's now
here in the Philippines, I guess he could be of great help."
Tita Jean sighed in surrender. Since naikwento na ni Isabel sa amin ay wala na

siyang magagawa doon. "I don't know if I could trust you that much. Pumasok muna
kayo, meet the family."
I was amazed to see the interior of the house. Kahit medyo madilim doon dahil
sarado ang mga bintana, the house displays a splendid design. May malaking
chandelier na tila antique ang disenyo ang nakalambitan sa gitna ng bulwagan. There
were big photo frames of the family members on the wall and some of them are black
and white kaya marahil ay mga larawan iyon ng mga naunang henerasyon ng pamilya.
Nakasalubong namin ang dalawang lalaki na pababa ng hagdan. The first guy is around
40 years old at maputi na ang ilang hibla ng buhok. The other guy is a little
younger than him at pareho sila na masama ang tinging ipinupukol sa amin.
"Sino sila Jean?", the first guy asked. Nakakunot ang noo nito na tila ba ayaw niya
ang presensya namin sa bahay na iyon
"They are my friends Tito Noel", Isabel answered.
"They'll be attending Farhan's wedding tomorrow dahil kaibigan sila ng

mapapangasawa ni Farhan."
"Do you think it's wise to invite them here lalo na at-"
Gray cut off the second guy. "We are completely aware of it Sir, that is exactly
why we're here. We want to help-"
"Bullshit! Why did you tell them about it?", the guy that Isabel called Tito Noel
said. Galit na galit ang reaksyon ng mukha nito. "You better leave this place now!"
"Pero Noel-!"
I took the opportunity to butt in. "I'm sorry Sir but we cannot just do that." The
guy's mood is scary and I think he's the type of guy that you wouldn't want to mess
up with. I want to kiss myself for being brave and messing with him.
"Of course you can. You're trespassing to our property. I can call the police and-"
"Yes, the police. That's right, you can call the police and maybe we can tell him
about the corpse that was found on your yard. How do you like that?", I asked. See?
I am Amber, the brave.
"You don't know what you are talking."
"Of course we do. We're not just a bunch of high school students that might mess up
in your life, we want to find the truth and help in achieving justice for your
family member who died brutally and the other that is missing", wika ni Gray and
the two guys stiffened on their tracks.
"Tito please, let's just let them", Isabel pleaded.
"Fine then. I'll give you all this day but make sure, you're not in this house by
tomorrow night, on the contract signing for the merger", Tito Noel said. "Tayo na
Eric."
They passed us by at bahagyang binangga pa nila kami habang papaalis. "What time is
the merger signing tomorrow?"
"8 PM", Tita Jean answered. Uh-oh. Looks like we have no much time for it.
****
A/N: Part 2 will be posted soon. Down to the last 7 chapters before DF file 2 will
end.
-Shinichilaaaabs#
CHAPTER 54: THE CULPRIT IS A GHOUL (Part 2)

Chapter 54: The Culprit is a Ghoul
(Part 2 Resolution Chapter)
We did not waste any time. Agad kaming iginiya ni Isabel sa silid kung nasaan ang
katawan na natagpuan nila sa bakuran ng bahay ng mga Milano. It was a girl with
her heart ripped and was missing. The body was preserved and Isabel supplied us the
essential information about the corpse. Ayon dito ay pagkatapos na ng kasal nila
balak na i-cremate ang bangkay ng kapamilya.
"That's my cousin Emelyn, 19 years old. She went missing three days ago and then we
found her body yesterday, buried on the yard", paliwanag nito. That explains why
the body was muddy. May bahagi ng katawan nito na may mga lupa. I don't want to
think how the cold ground was when the body was buried.
"Oh, I can't take it", Je said at nag-iwas ng tingin. Emelyn's corpse wasn't
pleasant to the sight kaya naiintindihan ko ang reaksyon ni Je. Her chest was
opened and as Gray tried to touched its inside with his gloved hand, her organ was
really missing.
He looked at Math who was also focusing on the dead body. "Hey, are you sure about
this friend of you that you said earlier?"
Lumiwanag ang mukha ni Math at kinuha niya ang kanyang cellphone. "Yup. My cousin
Walter can help us, excuse me." She dialled a number and waited for someone to pick
it up. We waited for few seconds for someone to pick up the call at hindi naman
kami nabigo.
"Kuya Walter! I need your help!", Math said to that someone on the other line.
Pause.
"Please just on this thing?"

Pause.
"Yes, thanks. Aren't you working with a known anthropologist? You know, the one
that you told me who went -Yes that guy. You're good friends aren't you? Could you
ask him more about cannibalism or existence of ghouls?", bahagya siyang tumahimik
at nakinig. "Yes, yes. We found a body with a ripped chest and she's missing her
heart. I'll call you back, thank you."
Math faced us and shrugged her shoulders. "He said he'll try his best. He's not
sure about a missing heart as some sort of cannibalism. He said ghouls of the
legends do feed on human flesh and internal organs but it doesn't mean that this is
some sort of cannibalism. It could be some case of human organ trafficking."
"Well I think it is cannibalism", Gray said. He pointed on the body at napatingin
kaming lahat doon. A part of her flesh was missing na para bang nilapa iyon ng
malaking aso. It was on her shoulders near her neck. There were teeth marks on the
side but we're not really sure if those are teeth marks of a human. It could be of
dog or any other animals.
"What now? We're not some sort of forensics experts and we cannot identify such
teeth marks", wika ko sa kanila. Whatever was the culprit's reason of pulling out
Emelyn's heart, only she or she knows it. What I know is that what the culprit did
is so inhuman.
"Oh, the man I just called is an expert on that!", wika ni Math at muling kinuha
ang kanyang cellphone. She dialled the number again and waited for that someone to
answer again.
"Yeah, it's me again. I know you're on your break from your job but could you do me
some favor? Favor like identifying whose teeth marks are these that we found?"
Pause.
"Thanks. I'll send the photos to you Kuya Walter and oh, we're out of time by the
way. If you can do it in an hour, it will be a big help. Thanks!"
Muli siyang humarap sa amin na may malaking ngiti sa mukha.
"What is this cousin of yours working for Math?", tanong ni Jeremy. I also wonder
what does that guy do.
"He's a forensic analyst and he got so many connections. I always consult him
whenever I have some doubts about the case that I'm investigating. So what are we
gonna do now?", she asked. Sinimulan na niya kunan ng larawan ang sugat ng katawan.
She took more close-up pictures to emphasize the bite marks on the skin.
I remembered what Isabel said kanina habang nasa talon kami. "Hey, didn't you say
that you had two family members who are missing yet isa lamang ang nakita ninyo?"
Tumango sa akin si Isabel. "Yes, Kuya Rene is still missing." She became sadder
when she said her cousin's name.
"How about let's find him?"
"Sounds a great idea to me", Math said. She kept her phone on her pocket pagkatapos
niyang ipadala ng mga nakuhang litrato sa kanyang pinsan.
Napasimangot si Jeremy sa amin nang akmang palabas na kami ng silid. "I would have
said that I don't want to go with you but I can't. The zombie might come and feed
on my flesh-"
"Zombies eat brains, they would skip you since you don't have a brain", biro ni
Math sa kanya. These two are getting along nicely, aren't they?
"Really Math? I doubt that."
Hindi na siya pinansin ni Math. Tumawa lamang ito at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. She
didn't bother to comment back to his statement. "I already sent Kuya Walter the
photos, he said he will call me if he figures out what made those marks."
Palabas na kami ng pinto ng makasalubong namin ang isang matandang lalaki. He
doesn't look really old but he was carrying a cane as he walks. May kasama itong
babae na inaalalayan siya sa paglalakad. The woman must be of the same age as he is
but looks a lot stronger than him.
"Isabel", wika ng babae nang makita si Isabel. "May kasama ka palang mga kaibigan.
Alam na ba ito ni Noel?"
Isabel gave her a nod. "Yes Tita Rosena. We meet him on the living room with Tito
Eric. By the way these are my friends Gray, Amber, Math and Jeremy. Guys, this is
Tita Rosena and her husband Tito Charles."
We greeted them and Tita Rosena did the same, maliban sa kanyang asawa na walang
reaksyon. His eyes tell us that he doesn't want to see us in this house though. Oh,
that's how oldies are so I must get used to it. I noticed that he was shivering as
he was holding his cane.
"Mauna na kami sa taas Isabel, Charles got his headache again. Kailangan na muna
naming magpahinga", paalam ni Tita Rosena at iginiya na niya ang kanyang asawa sa
paglalakad. Ah, he's really sickly.
"Sorry about Tito Charles. He's old and sickly kaya medyo hindi maganda ang
pagtanggap niya sa inyo but the truth is mabait yun, he's actually my favourite
uncle here", paghingi ng paumanhin ni Isabel.
"That's fine. By the way, what's his ailment?", tanong ni Gray habang tinatanaw ang
papalayong mag-asawa.
"We don't know. He doesn't want to be hospitalized. He hates it. Let's go now."
Nagsimula na kaming maghanap ng mga kahina-hinalang bahagi ng bakuran. We visited
the spot where Emelyn's body was found but we cannot found another body there. The
culprit must have hidden it somewhere. The question is where?
Biglang tumunog ang cellphone ni Math at agad naman niyang sinagot iyon. Lumapit
kami sa kanya and she turned on the speaker on.
"Kuya Walter."
"Thilde, you owe me one for this", wika ng boses sa cellphone. "As of the teeth
marks that you've sent, it's no doubt human teeth."
"Human teeth?"
"Yeah. Basing on the mark, the teeth who have bitten- oh, not just bitten but
gnawed and chewed are made up of four incisors with a continuous arch and that
makes it a human teeth marks. And I also consulted Mr. Sanders about that
cannibalism and he did give me data about it. I'll send it on your account", wika
ng pinsan ni Math.
"Thanks. You're the best." Agad niyang pinatay ang tawag at nababahalang tiningnan
kami. "I knew it. It's really some sort of cannibalism. But why her heart? Why does
the culprit didn't feed on most of her body, just a few bites?"
"Maybe he doesn't like the taste of it", biro ni Je. He acted like he zipped his
mouth nang parehas namin siyang sinamaan ng tingin. It's not a good time to joke
something like that.
"That's still a question that we need to find out", Gray said. "Let's go back
inside."
"Hey Isabel!", bati isang lalaaki, he looks like he's on his late 20's. Nakaharang
siya sa daraanan namin.
"Hey Roger", sagot ni Isabel dito.
"You brought friends with you? I thought Tito Noel prohibits that one", wika ni
Roger. He smirked at us and I have this instant feeling of hate to him. I felt
Jeremy nudged my elbows and he whispered to me.
"I hate the guy by just looking at him."
I gave him a So-do-I look and he keeps quiet on my side. Sinagot naman ni Isabel
ang lalaki.
"Basically yes, but he's already informed about this Roger."
Muli kaming sinuri ng mga mata nito.
"Basing on their inquisitive look, I guess you told them about what's happening in
the family. Tsk, tsk tsk. Same old Isabel who couldn't keep her mouth shut", wika
nito and he even let out an annoying laugh. "So what are these kids gonna do?"
Math stepped forward towards him. "We're not kids."
"Oh, a cat. A feisty cat. I would have said that these girls are cute but I cannot.
They know about this scandal that the family will be facing if ever and if they're
gonna be the source, they're not cute at all", Roger said at isa-isa kaming
sinamaan ng tingin. "You never changed Isabel, you always put the family's name
into shame."
Pagkasabi niyon ay nilagpasan na kami ni Roger at naiwan namang napayuko si Isabel.
"Sorry about that. My relatives aren't friendly, si Mama lang naman talaga ang
mabait sa kanilang magkakapatid, unfortunately, death comes to those who are good
but favouring the opposite by giving them longer life. That's how unfair the world
is."
A tear fell from her eye at mahinang tinapik ni Gray ang kanyang balikat. The next
thing we know ay niyakap na niya si Gray.
"What the-"
I felt Math pinched my arm while Jeremy squeezed my elbows. I don't know what those
are for dahil ang alam ko ay niyayakap ni Isabel si Gray. And all I wanna do right
now is pull the girl away from Gray but of course I cannot just do that.
But what's wrong with comforting people by the way? At ano naman ngayon kung
magkayakap sila? Not that I have the right on Gray, I do not own him. What are we
by the way? Classmates? Friends? Seatmates? Oh, I don't know. Not because he kissed
me on the lips a few time doesn't mean I have ownership and control over him. Hindi
rin ito gaya ng partnership business that those with more controlling interest
shall prevail. Yes, we kissed a few times already but he doesn't put any label on
it. And I don't want to assume.
Nauna ng bumitaw si Gray mula sa pagkakayakap ni Isabel. "You're staying with your
relatives in this house, well not a bad place for an extended family." He was
trying to dodge the topic. Maybe he felt awkward about it too and just like me,
hindi siya magaling magpayo. Cooler and Khael does.
Pinahid ni Isabel ang kanyang mga luha. Oh, did she really cry?
"Yeah, this house belongs to my great grandfather and he wants his children to stay
in this house hanggang sa magkaapo sila. Family traditions."
"Tell me about each member", Gray said.
Isabel led us towards the dining hall, offered us coffee and homemade pizzas at
doon na siya nagkwento ng mga kung anu-anong tungkol sa pamilya Milano.
"Tito Charles the eldest among the four siblings, followed by Tito Noel, then my
mom who passed away and Tito Eric, asawa niya si Tita Jean. Anak ni Tito Charles si
Farhan, anak naman ni Tito Eric si Roger at Kuya Rene . Tito Noel didn't get a wife
dahil abala siya sa pamamahala ng family business. He's more responsible than Tito
Charles na walang ibang ginawa kundi ang magliwaliw sa ibang bansa. It was recently
when he went to India, usually he travels on South America."
"How about Emelyn?", tanong ko sa kanya.
"Emelyn is an illegitimate child of Tito Noel. He got her from his girlfriend and
raised her here."
"Bestie", wika ni Jeremy at kinalabit ako.
"Hmm?"
"Diba paborito mo ang pizza? Why aren't you eating?", Jeremy asked at isinubo ang
huling bahagi ng pizza na nasa kamay niya.
I stared at the homemade pizza that was served before us. Katunayan, sa aming apat,
si Jeremy lamang ang ngumunguya. The three of us just sipped our coffee. The food
was enticing to the sight, no doubt about it but I just can't let myself eat it.
Napansin marahil ni Isabel ang pananahimik ko kaya mahinang tumawa siya.
"You don't want to eat Amber because you might be thinking Amber that this might be
a human meat on the toppings, right?", she asked.
Bigla na lamang napaubo si Jeremy at iniluwa ang kanyang nginunguya. Ew, gross.
"It's not like that Isa-"
"No it's alright. If I would be on your situation. I wouldn't want to eat also
something that was offered by a stranger wwith some doubts of cannibalism in her
family-"
Sumingit na si Gray sa usapan. "No, it's not like that Isabel. Busog lamang kami."
"It's okay Gray, I understand", she answered as he watched Je putting his chewed
food back on the plate. The pizza was really chewed but Je has the guts to return
it on the saucer.
"Math please show us the files that were sent to you", pag-iiba ni Gray sa usapan.
The latter did as what she was told. Ipinasa niya iyon sa amin ni Gray while Jeremy
was busy cleaning his mouth. Uh, he's seriously upset about it. Yan kasi, ang
takaw-takaw, well anyways, we're not yet sure if it is really human flesh that made
up the pizza's toppings.
I read the files and it was a study about history of cannibalism that was based on
the study on the Gimi of the Papua Nuew guinea, the Wari people and the Aghori. It
was stated there that some ruituals includes roasting of the brain, the heart and
lever and then it will be placed on a clean ceremonial maths and feed to everyone.
The Wari believe that consuming their family members will contribute to their inner
strength. I wanna puke on the thought of eating the heart of a family member.
"As of now, I don't find anything useful on these files maybe later after we can
find the other body", Gray said. He kept his phone on his pocket at humarap sa
amin. "Isabel why don't you show us around the house?"
Pumayag si Isabel sa sinabi ni Gray at sinamahan niya kami sa mga bakanteng kwarto
sa taas. The house was considerably huge, maybe as huge as the Vander mansion only
that this house was only made of two floors. Pinasok naming ang mga silid sa itaas
and searched for any possible place where the culprit could kept a dead body but we
couldn't find it. Sa halip ay isang wakwak na damit na maya mga bahid ng dugo ang
natagpuan naming.
"Oh, I think there are really ghouls and they feed on your cousins", wika ni Je
nang makita ang damit. It was ripped by strong force at may mga dugo doon.
"Do you recognize this shirt?", tanong ko and Isabel nodded.

"That- that belongs to Kuya Rene!"
"Look further!", utos ni Gray and we began searching the place again. Malaki ang
silid at medyo creepy ang paligid. I would have considered it since mukhang iba ang
relihiyon ng kapamilya ni Isabel. I think their religion varied since we passed a
room where I saw a crucifix and other statues. May silid din na tanging isang kaban
lang ang naroon and there was a mat at nakasarang libro which Isabel referred to as
Qour'an. She said Farhan was converted into Islam and that makes the family divided
into different religions. I wonder how they are able to live at the same house but
with different custom and religion.
"Isabel maari mo bang sabihin sa amin kung anu-ano ang relihiyon ng bawat isa sa
inyo dito?", wika ni Math.
"Why? Does it matter?"
Math rolled her eyes at Isabel. "Duh, of course. Who knows the one with odd
traditions and religious rituals is the cannibal."
Naalala ko ang nangyari kanina. Back then, Isabel was certain that there is this
ghoul or cannibal within her family. She also trusted us immediately which is bit
peculiar to me. If I would be the stranger, I wouldn't trust six high school
students that I just met for a few minutes and tell them about the suspicions that
we had at home regarding a scandalous subject. I stared at her from the back,
there's nothing wrong with her physically. In fact, she's so flawless that you'd
think that she had been blessed with such tanned skin. Bakit nga ba?
She let out a sigh bago nagsalita. "Tito Charles is an atheist. He believes that he
is god himself. He used to travel to different places to find the best religion but
I guess he hasn't found any. Madalas silang mag-away ni Tita Rosena dahil doon,
she's a Roman Catholic by the way. Si Tito Noel naman, well he's a freemason."
"Yeah, I noticed his ring, similar with someone I knew who's also a freemason",
komento ni Gray.
Nagpatuloy naman sa pagsasalita si Isabel. "Mom's a catholic and so as we. Tito
Eric was converted into a Muslim at maging si Farhan while the other members are
born again Christians of different ministries."
"Everything except the freemason is clear to me, can you please enlighten me
first?", Jeremy said and gave us a questioning look.
"It's consist of fraternal organizations that consist their origins to the local
fraternities of stonemasons. Binubuo ng dalawang recognition groups ang modern
freemasonry. The regular freemasonry and continental freemasonry. The regular one
insist to open a scripture in a working lodge, walang babae na bahagi, each member
must profess a belief in diety at ipinagbabawal ang pag-uusap tungkol sa relihiyon
at pulitika", sagot ni Gray.
"I guess that's where Tito belongs", Isabel said.
If I were to choose who had the weird religious beliefs among them, I think I would
choose Noel who is a freemason. I'm not really familiar with that fraternal
organization so it would be suspicious to me. But of course we cannot just base it
on such hunch. I don't want to hate Isabel too by pointing it out like how she got
her suspicion.
"But Isabel..." napabaling ang atensyon nilang lahat sa akin. Uh, how should I say
this?
"Yes Amber?"
"I was just wondering..." I'm really hesitant to this this.
"About?"
"How can you immediately tell us that you are suspecting this as a case of
cannibalism? Why do you trusted on us by telling us all about these kahit
kakakilala pa lamang natin? I'm just wondering." There I said it.
Bahagyang naningkit ang mga mata ni Isabel. She took a deep sigh at tiningnan kami
ng isa-isa. I know that she also hates me this moment gaya nung nangyari sa kusina
where I have this suspicion of human meat as the pizza's toppings.
"You are always suspicious, aren't you?", she asked. See? The kitten has claws.
"Just curious."
"Tama ka nga Bestie, if it is me, I wouldn't trust a moody boy next door, a
handsome quizmaster, a thin radish and a furniture shop owner", sabat ni Jeremy. Is
he referring to me as the thin radish? What the hell?
"What's with the description?", Math appealed. Je stick out his tongue to the
latter at gumaya naman ito. I want to give each of them a punch in the face. This
isn't the best time to talk about something like that.
"Bakit nga ba Isabel?"
She flashed this pity face and it makes me want to pull her hair for doing so.
She's not cute in such gesture, duh.
"I just had this feeling that you can be trusted...or atleast Gray is", she said
and darted a glare at me. Okay, there is that imaginary war between the two of us.
"I know you wouldn't believe it but that is true. Isa pa ay hindi lamang ngayon na
nangyari ito."
We all gave her a questioning look. Ibig ba niyang sabihin na nangyari na ito dati?
"What do you mean?"
"This isn't the first time that this happened. Noong kabataan pa nina Mama, her
cousin experienced the same fate. She was found with a missing arm and some of her
body where gnawed. We thought na baka may gumagalang aswang dati but we never heard
of such rumour in the neighbourhood. Namatay din ang tatlong taong gulang na
pmangkin ko, and his heart was missing as well as some part of his flesh. That's
when we started to believe that those are made by ghouls."
It already happened before? But why wouldn't the family take actions for such
thing? It is very alarming!
"Uh-oh. I think I found the body", narinig namig wika ni Jeremy. He was looking at
a small room for cleaning materials. May nakahilatang katawan doon, one which we
were looking for. His organs were missing at gaya ni Emelyn, some part of her flesh
looked like it was torn. I cannot bring to imagine how was the culprit gnawed it
like he's some sort of ghoul who fed on such body.
Bigla na lamang napaiyak si Isabel dahil nang makita ang katawan ng pinsan. It was
really so merciless seeing his body ripped. Sino nga ba ang may gawa nito? Come to
think of it, there are so many of them here who must be responsible for this.
Tito Charles, the eldest, despite his being sickly condition, we cannot just
disregard him as a possible suspect for this inhuman crime as well as his wife.
Tito Noel, who shows how he dislikes us, could be the suspect too. Maybe he decided
to keep this as secret to the police dahil ayaw niyang malaman nila na siya ang may
gawa niyon. Tito Eric can do it too. Pwede rin naman na ang mga pinsan ni Isabel,
in fact each one of them must have done it, even Isabel.
We've been busy investigating it at iminungkahi ni Isabel na magpahinga muna kami.

Hindi naming namalayan ang oras at malapit na palang dumilim. She let us stay on a
room na may mga kama kung saan kami pwedeng magpahinga. She served cookies and tea
for us at iniwan kami doon para sa iba pa niyang paghahanda sa kasal ng pinsan niya
bukas.
"Janissa keeps on asking me where I am. I told her I have some important case to do
but I promised her na darating talaga ako sa kasal niya bukas. This case is a
little bit creepy by the way. Ngayon lamang ako nakaexperience ng ganitong uri ng
kaso. The cases that I usually solved are murders and robbery, I solved all of them
by the way", Math said. Here she goes with her bragging again.
"Walag nagtatanong", wika ni Je at sinamaan to ng tingin ni Math.

Napansin kong tila abala si Gray sa kanyang cellphone so I asked him what he was
doing.
"I did a thorough research about the files that were sent by Math's cousin", he
said and he continued scrolling on his phone.
"And? Do you find something useful?"
"Not really. I'm just equipped with the knowledge about these groups with history
of cannibalism. That's all I've got for now", wika niya.
"This is really weird and scary. Eating human flesh huh? Uh, I feel sick by just
imagining it", Je said and he acted like he puke.
Sick?
I noticed how Gray's reaction lightened up when he heard the word sick. Unti-
untinhg sumilay sa labi nito ang kakaibang ngiti at ningning ng mata na lumalabas
lamang tuwing may nalulutas itong kaso.
"Sick? That's it!", he said alertly.

"Yeah, what's with being sick?", Math asked.
"Don't you get it? Someone who eats raw human flesh will get sick! That's it!",
excited na wika ni Gray.
Just then we heard a knock on the door at iniluwa niyon ang isang kasambahay at
nag-yaya ito na kumain na. She said that everyone where on the dining table already
at kami na lamang ang hinihintay. Pinauna na kami ni Gray dahil may tatawagan daw
siyang importante. It was late so we decided to continue the investigation early
tomorrow. Ayaw rin naman naming ipagpatuloy iyon sa gabi dahil baka makadisturbo
kami sa pamilya.
At the dinner table, where informed everyone about Rene's body, the ambiance was
gloomier than it was when we arrived. During the dinner, I can barely swallow my
food dahil kasama namin ang bawat miyembro ng pamilya Milano and they're not that
friendly to us.
"So when does your guests plan to leave Isabel?", tanong ni Tito Noel habang
kumakain kami. Dahil sa sinabi niyang iyon ay mas nawalan ako ng ganang kumain. It
was so hard to swallow the food in front of me with them watching. Gayundin si Gray
na kakaupo lamang, he didn't even bothered to reach for anything to eat.
"We'll leave shortly tonight sir, after we will tell you who's responsible for the
deaths of your member", matatag ang boses na wika ni Gray. Everyone draw their
attention to him. Marahan pang inilapag ni Tita Rosena ang kanyang kubyertos at
tumingin sa direksyon ni Gray. Lahat ng reakston nila ay tila nais malaman kung
ano ang ibig sabihin ni Gray.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin? You know who did all of those things kid?", bahagyang
tumawa si Tito Eric. "Kid, don't make a fool out of us."
"We're not. I actually know who did it."
"What are you huh? Let's give it a try, if you say so. Then who is this ghoul
within the family huh?", wika ni Tito Noel, I can sense the mockery in his voice.
Then Gray already figured it out then?
Gray looked intently at Sir Charles. "You used to travel to Brazil right? And
recently you just came from India and both places have history of cannibalism on
them. The Wari people are from Brazil while the Aghori is from India. Hindi kaya
dahil sa pagliliwaliw mo ay nakuha mo na ang tradisyong iyon mula sa mga tribu
doon?", Gray asked with conviction. Natahimik ang lahat sa mesa habang hinihintay
ang sagot ni Sir Charles. His wife could hardly breath, samantalang naibagsak
naman ni Isabel ang kutsara at tinidor sa mesa.
Napahagalpak ng tawa si Sir Charles. "You have a point on there little boy but such
deduction is a bit lousy. So what if I travel to those places? It doesn't mean that
I did it."
"Eating raw human flesh will make you sick and we call such as prion disease or the
kuru. Sir Charles, you're the one who showed such signs and symptoms of the
disease. Ayaw mong magpaospital dahil doon, you're afraid to let them know that you
have a prion disease. Your shivering, headaches and incapable of walking without
support are the basic symptoms of such disease and I confirmed such symptoms from a
doctor."
"Kuya Charles...." Halos hindi makapaniwala si Tito Noes a kanyang narinig. "Totoo
ba? Is that really the reason why you've been sickly but you avoided medical
attentions at all?"
From that moment, I thought Sir Chares was going to deny it again but he didn't.
"You don't understand me Noel. What I did is the right thing. It is a spiritual
right to share the life force-"
Hindi na nito natapos ang sasabihin dahil bigla na lamang dumapo ang palad ni Tita
Rosena sa mukha nito.
"Bakit Charles? Bakit? They're your family! Kung gayon lahat ng mga kakaibang bagay
na inuuwi mo sa mga lakad mo, those aren't souvenirs but object of your false
beliefs!"
"Hindi niyo ako naiintindihan. It's a way to preserve strength... a direct path
to...."
"Hindi naming kailangan ang paliwanag mo Kuya Charles. You killed family members
and there is no sane explanation that could change our mind to keep you from
getting what you deserved after all you've done", buo ang boses na wika ni Tito
Noel. He got his phone and dialled a number. He was calling the police that time
habang. Hindi pa rin halos makapaniwala ang bawat isa but it was all admitted by
Sir Charles.
*****************
We left after the police arrived at matapos makapagpasalamat sa amin si Isabel. We

decided not to interfere further into their family affairs. They still have to talk
within the family para sa kaayosan ng kanilang pamilya. While on our way to the
hotel ay hindi ko maiwasang maisip ang tungkol doon.
It must have been hard to Sir Noel to let his sickly brother be arrested but he
just did what is right. Tama siya nung sinabi niya na walang matinong rason na
makakapagpaliwanag kung paano iyon ginawa ni Sir Charles sa kanyamg kapamilya.
Eating human flesh is a basic taboo in the modern days but I cannot believe that it
still existed to some people. I just cannot imagine how Sir Charles did it. Tahimik
na nakasakay kami sa sasakyan and Gray decided to break the silence.
"Sir Charles has a prion disease and it means he's been eating flesh for some
time", panimula nito.
"Uh, please Gray not now. I just took my first bite on my burger with a double
patty on it. Hindi tayo nakakain kanina kaya gutom ako. Please be considerate",
Jeremy said with a big frown and it made us laugh.
Yeah, we haven't eaten and we are all hungry. Maybe we can just forget about it for
now. Maybe I will order a meal later kapag nakarating na kami sa tinutuluyan naming
hotel. We still had a long day for tomorrow.
A/N: Next UD, Jeremy's unrequited love Victoria will be revealed. Stay tuned.
Mehehehehe.
Promotion: Hey, you might want to read my book The Resurgence. It's a fantasy-
mystery story na kakasimula pa lamang (Actually it was published last month (?)
pero tinigil ko and now I'm planning to do a weekly update! Yun lang, Arigatou!!!
-Shinichilaaaabs#
CHAPTER 55: UNREQUITED LOVE (SPECIAL)
Chapter 55: Unrequited Love(Special Chapter)
A/N: Congratulations to our new CPA's especially Jurileen Morales, CPA! Yeheet,
Party party! Sa mga CPA in Transit na tulad ko, Fighting! Thank you nga pala kay
Editor Melody! Come back is real, Lol!
Happy Reading!
#JEREMY
MARTINEZ#
We sat in the wide living room of the Maongco's. Janissa Maongco, Math's friend,
is so hospitable as well as her family. They provided us clothes for the wedding. I
found myself funny in such outfit. Suot namin ni Gray ang makukulay na slacks at
damit na hanggang tuhod at mataas ang manggas, topped with a funny cap. Kahit si
Math at Bestie ay balot na balot din sa kanilang kasuotan. They even wore a shawl
over their faces and I had this feeling that we were Hindu actors and actressess of
a Bollywood film.
Speaking of them, they're sitting on the long sofa in the living room with us. May
isang baso ng tubig sa harap namin. On the side is a three tier plate with rice and
sliced boiled eggs on top of the rice per layer. I frowned when it occured to me na
iyon ang pagkain para sa reception. Rice and boiled eggs? Please no.Katunayan ay
kanina pa kami nakaupo dito. The videographer was filming Janissa for the whole
time and the other guests were outside. May naririnig din akong ingay na para bang
may lalaking nagsasalita na hindi ko naman maintindihan. I sat uncomfortably at
nilingon ang mga nasa sofa. On one side is Gray busy chatting with Isabel, not
minding the deadly glares that Amber is throwing them. Isabel did the talking while
Gray listened to her.
I nudged Amber with my elbow. "Bestie, sinong Isabel ang pinirito?"
She turned her glare at me kaya itinaas ko ang dalawang kamay for surrender.
"Sabi ko nga si Isabel Oily eh. Hehehehehe."Her glare doubled kaya ibinaling ko na
lang sa kabilang dako ang atensyon ko. Sa kabilang side naman ay sina Janissa at
Math, talking about the old times.
Tumayo ako at lumapit sa bride "Janissa, hindi pa ba magsisimula ang kasal?",

tanong ko sa kanya. We've been sitting here for hours.She smiled at me. "Kanina pa
nagsisimula Jeremy.""Ha? Kanina pa? Eh bakit nandito ka pa?" Niloloko ba niya
ako?"Farhan and Ama are inside para sa kasal", she said and pointed the door kung
saan naririnig ko ang ingay.
"What? Si Farhan at yung papa mo ang kinakasal? My God!"Math and Janissa burst
into laughter. "It's not like that Jeremy. Lalabas din sila maya-maya and we'll
head immediately to Plaza Alemania for the reception."Hindi naman nagtagal ay
lumabas na nga ang pinsan ni Isabel na si Farhan kasama ang Ama ni Janissa. Farhan
got the glass of water, drink half of it and passed the other half to Janissa. She
drank the water too and then everyone is congratulating them. Ganoon lang ba iyon?
Oh, I guess I won't share any glass with anyone from now on.
We rode in the car at nagpunta sa reception. It was a huge hall at puno iyon ng
tao. I guess the Maongco and the Milano have lots of friends. The talk in the
reception took three hours and we have to congratulate ourselves for staying alive
the whole time kahit wala kaming maintindihan sa sinabi nila. They were talking in
a language na hindi namin maintindihan, except for Math who keeps on laughing with
the other visitors.
Kasalukuyang siniserve ang pagkain nang may napulot si Math."Hey, kaninong pitaka
to?", she asked and opened the wallet and I was too late to realize that it was
mine. Nabuksan na niya iyon at kinuha ang mga lumang larawan at ID na nakatago
doon.
"Calvin Jeremy Martinez", Math read loudly the name on my nursery identification
card. Amber pulled it at tiningnan din iyon. It's kinda embarrassing dahil nakahati
pa sa gitna ang buhok ko sa picture na iyon. Photoshop is not yet popular during
that time and the photographer didn't give any signal na kukuha na siya ng litrato.
My eyes were swollen that time dahil naghilahan pa kami ng yaya ko dahil ayaw kong
magpakuha ng litrato.
"Calvin? We've been classmate for four years Je pero ngayon ko lang nalaman na may
Calvin pala ang pangalan mo", Amber said as she handed me the ID.
"I decided not to use my first name", sagot ko. Ayaw ko sanang pag-usapan iyon but
these three are so persistent in asking me about it."Hindi ka ba magkakaproblema
niyan sa pertinent papers mo?", Gray asked and I shook my shoulders."I put Calvin
on them except on my school records", sagot ko.
"Magkakaproblema ka niyan. I had a friend way back in elementary. His name is

Jermel at nang graduation na namin nalaman na Fernando Jr. pala ang pangalan niya",
Math said.
"Ako din. A friend of mine's name is Troy and then we just found out that his name
is really Abbygail. Hindi niya ginagamit ang pangalang iyon dahil pambabae daw",
wika naman ni Gray."Bahala na yang mga kaibigan ninyo, I didn't change my name. I
just eliminated the first one", wika ko.
My mood has changed when we started talking about my name. There's a reason why I
eliminated the Calvin in my name. A reason that I don't want to remember.The waiter
served the dishes and I sat and stare blankly on the steak on my plate. Nananadya
ba ang tadhana? I was so hungry but seeing the steak made me lost my appetite. The
name, the steak - Ah! I took a big sigh as the memories of the past started to flow
in my mind.
*************************************************************
"I.don't.want.to.eat!"
Iyon ang paulit-ulit na sigaw ng pitong taong gulang na batang si Calvin Jeremy
Martinez. He pushed away the steak that was placed in front of him. His mother
Jenny started to lose her patience over the kid. Nasa simbahan pa lamang sila ay
nagta-tantrums na ito. It was the wedding of her friend, Liza. Her daughter Easter
was a flower girl at ring bearer naman si Jeremy o Calvin. But because his friend
Juri wasn't able to attend the wedding as a flower girl, Jeremy started to throw
tantrums at the church and refused to be the ring bearer on the last minute.
"Jeremy, wag matigas ang ulo", wika ni Jenny sa anak. They were on the table at
walang ibang bata doon dahil pinapaalis nito ang ibang nakaupo.
"AYAW KO PO SABI EH!", the kid screamed and pushed the plate away.
Lumapit ang kaibigan niyang si Liza sa kanila."Jen pabayaan mo na lang muna siguro
yang anak mo", she said to her friend.
"I'm sorry Liz, nagkaproblema tuloy sa entourage kanina. Nagkasakit kasi ang anak
ni Carmen na si Juri eh. You know they're playmates and it made him upset when she
didn't make it."Ngumiti si Liza sa kaibigan.
"Kids and their puppy love. C'mon let's see our friends over there. I'm sure Jeremy
will just sit and sulk here.Jenny sighed bago iniwan ang anak na nakaupo doon.
The young Jeremy looked around. Masaya ang lahat ng naroon. The other kids were
playing and enjoying every moment while he just sat there, totally upset."Jeremy,
paupo ha."He looked at the two kids who approached him. They were carrying plates
with steak on it. He knows the kid who asked but he doesn't know the other kid.
"No. Bawal maupo dito", he said to the two. The other kid was Julie Ann na mas
kilala bilang si Lie. They were classmates and neighbors too.
"Bakit naman hindi?"
"Because I said so."The least thing that Jeremy want was a companion but the other
kid who was with Lie put her plate on the table. "Hindi mo ba ako narinig? Sabi ng
hindi kayo pwede dito eh!", he said and he pushed away the plate. Mukhang napalakas
iyon dahil natapon sa sahig ang plato at nabasag.
"Jeremy! What have you done! Alam mo bang gutom na gutom na si Tori!", Lie said as
she tried to console the kid beside her. Nakatayo lang ito na halos hindi
makapaniwala na nahulog ang plato. Her precious steak is on the hard floor.
"I DON'T CARE. Sinabi kong hindi kayo pwede dito diba?", he said and ignored the
two.They left the table after Lie pulled the kid who started to tear up as she
stares at the wasted food on the floor.
Ilang araw na ang lumipas matapos ang kasal. Jeremy was biking alone in their
subdivision. He didn't notice the rock and he ended tripping and got his knee
wounded. Umiyak siya habang nakatingin sa dumudugong sugat.
"Bata, bakit ka umiiyak?"Napatingin siya sa batang nagsalita sa harap niya. It was

the kid who almost cried because of the spilled steak. What was her name? Ah, it's
Tori.The girl frowned nang makita siya ngunit saglit lang iyon. Her face was
worried when she saw Jeremy's wounded knee.
She grabbed the hem of her shirt and tore it. Inilagay niya iyon sa sugat ni
Jeremy upang pigilan ang pagdugo ng sugat.She got her small pooh backpack at
naglabas ng alcohol at Betadine doon. Girl scout? He also noticed na may iba pang
mga bote ng lotion at perfume sa bag nito but he ignore it.
"Anong gagawin mo?", he asked the kid who opened the alcohol.
"Lilinisin ko ang sugat mo. Sabi ng mama ko, dapat daw lagyan ng alcohol upang
mamatay ang mga germs", she said at bigla na lamang napasigaw si Jeremy nang walang
sabi-sabing ibinuhos ni Tori ang alcohol sa sugat niya. His cry became louder dahil
sa hapdi na dulot niyon. The next thing that Tori poured on his wound is the
betadine. Pagkatapos niyon ay itinali nito ang pinunit nitong damit sa sugat ni
Jeremy.
"I was bad to you and Lie but why did you help me?", Jeremy asked the girl."Hindi
ako katulad ninyo ni Lie na nag-aaral sa private school kaya wag kang mag-ingles.
Hindi ako nag-aaral kaya hindi kita maintindihan", sagot ni Tori.
"Ano ang pangalan mo?"
"Victoria.""Akala ko Tori."
"Yan ang tawag ni Lie sa akin."
"Ah. Ilang taon kaon ka na?"
"Nine."
Jeremy was still seven at sa susunod na buwan pa siya mag-e-eight. He thought the
girl was younger or of the same age like him dahil payat pa ito ngunit mas matanda
pa pala ito sa kanya.
"Bakit mo ako tinulungan? Tinapon ko ang pagkain mo diba?", he asked.
"Tapos?""Dapat galit ka.""Bakit naman?""Kasi nga tinapon ko ang pagkain mo."
"Tapos nga?""Wala ka ng pagkain nun."The girl laughed as she put the alcohol and
betadine back on her bag.
"Sinong may sabi? Magpapasalamat pa nga sana ako sayo eh, mas dumami ang pagkain ko
dahil sa ginawa mo. Marami ang naawa sa akin dahil sa pagiging salbahe mo kaya
ibinigay nila ang mga pagkain sa akin."
Jeremy frowned at the kid. "Taga dito ka rin ba sa subdivision?"
Umiling si Tori. "Taga doon ako sa labasan."Mas lalong napakunot ang noo ni Jeremy
dahil sa sinabi nito. Sa labasan ng subdivision ay slum area. Maraming mga squatter
doon at lahat ng bahay ay mga barong-barong na baka ilipad kapag may malakas na
hangin.
"Oh, anong ginagawa mo dito?"
"Naglaro kami ni Lie."Jeremy stared at his wristwatch. Malamang hinahanap na siya

sa kanila. Dahan-dahan siyang tumayo at pinulot ang bike.
"Salamat nga pala sa pagtulong sa akin."
"Anong salamat? Hindi yan pwede, kapalit ng pagtulong ko ay maglalaro tayo sa

bahay ninyo bukas."
"Bukas?"
"Oo. Bukas."
"Hindi pwede. Wala ako bukas." Pagkatapos kasi ng klase niya bukas ay pupunta siya
sa bahay nina Juri at makikipaglaro dito. He had to visit her dahil lately ay may
iba na itong kalaro. It was Christian who lives on the other block.
"Sa susunod na araw."

"Fine. Tapos even na tayo ha, bye." He was about to ride his bike nang pinigilan
ito ni Tori. She held his wrist.
"Teka, ikaw anong pangalan mo?", she asked.
"Jeremy."
"Jeremy. Sa susunod na araw ha?"
"Oo na", wika niya at nagdrive na pabalik sa kanila. He opened the gate at pumasok
doon. Eksakto namang nakasalubong niya ang mama niya.
"Jeremy saan ka galing? Bakit ang dumi-dumi mo?", Jenny asked the kid. Napansin
niya ang tela sa tuhod nito ma may bahid ng dugo. "What happened to your knee?"
"Nahulog ako Mommy. Sorry", nakayukong saad ni Jeremy. Without his tantrums, he's a
very good son.
"Halika na nga sa loob at nang malinisan natin yang katawan at sugat mo", his mom
said and pulled him on the wrist ngunit bigla itong napatigil. "Where's your new
wristwatch?", tanong niya sa anak.
Itinaas naman ni Jeremy ang kamay but there was no watch there. Hindi ba't
napatingin pa siya sa oras kanina? Bakit wala na ang relo niya? Did he drop it
along the way?"I- I lost it Mommy. Sorry", nakayukong wika niya. Jenny just sighed
at hindi na pinagalitan ang bata. Scolding him will do no good. Hindi na maibabalik
ang nawalang relo. It was quite expensive but she just let it go and took her son
to the bathroom.
The next day ay gumala nga sa bahay nila si Tori where they played all day long.
He enjoyed her company and since then they became inseparable for years.
"May Calvin pala sa pangalan mo?", Victoria asked habang nakatingin sa ID ni
Jeremy. Nasa kwarto sila at inihahanda ni Jeremy ang mga kakailanganin para sa
lessons nila ngayon. He used to teach her school stuffs since she cannot afford to
go to school. Thanks to him, Victoria was now able to read and write kahit hindi pa
ito nakakaapak ng eskwelahan.
"Yes, my name's Calvin Jeremy. I just don't include Calvin on my name at school
but my birth certificate says I'm Calvin Jeremy."
"Yaaaaaah! Dapat Calvin ang itawag ko sayo. Tapos wag mo na akong tawaging Tori.
Victoria. Victoria ang itawag mo sa akin para tayo ang Underwear Couple! Ikaw yung
Calvin Kleine, ako naman si Victoria Secret", natatawang wika nito.
"At gusto ko ako lang ang tatawag sayo ng Calvin."Kahit hindi nag-aaral si Tori ay
marami itong alam lalo na sa mga brand ng mga designer bags and clothes. He liked
the idea of having an endearment with each other kaya pumayag siya sa tawagan
nilang iyon. He was now more decided not to put Calvin on his name para si Victoria
lamang ang tumawag ng ganoon sa kanya.
When Jeremy studied at Bridle, iyon lamang ang pagkakataong nagkahiwalay sila ni
Victoria. They only got to see each other during weekends dahil iyon lamang ang
pagkakataon na nakakauwi siya since Bridle is a boarding school. He grew with
defected eyes so he got to wear glasses during high school. Hindi rin pantay ang
ngipin niya kaya nagpabrace siya. When he asked Victoria about his looks, she said
that the nerdy look suits him well. Sinabi pa nito na mas mabuti daw iyon upang
hindi siya maging lapitin ng mga bagong kaibigan sa school.
Victoria was afraid that he might found new friends at Bridle and forget about
her.He likes Victoria so much, Jeremy was certain about it. There were some rumors
about her but he just ignored it and still continued to like her no matter what. He
would always look forward on weekend dahil magkikita na naman sila nito.They were
on their usual study room para sa lessons nila ni Victoria.
"Kumusta naman ang pag-aaral mo Calvin?", Victoria asked as she looked at Jeremy
who put all the materials on the table.
"Okay lang naman."
"May mga bagong kaibigan ka?", she asked.
"None. Wala namang nakikipag-usap sa akin. Ah, there's one. My seatmate Amber.
Pero nakikipag-usap lang siya sa akin kasi parehas kami. We're both nerds."
"Ipagpapalit mo na ako sa kanya?"
"Victoria-""Nagjokoke ka rin ba sa kanya gaya ng mga jokes mo sa

akin?""Hindi.""Edi ako pa rin nakakarinig ng jokes mo?", lumiwanag ang ekspresyon
ng mukha ni Victoria.
Jeremy smiled and nodded. He really liked her despite all the comments of people
around them mula nang magkakilala sila. When they were younger, Lie told him to
stay away from Victoria dahil magnanakaw daw ito. She used to steal small items
like perfumes and lotions mula sa silid ng Mommy ni Lie. Naalala niya nung
tinulungan siya noon ni Victoria. He glanced at his wristwatch at naroon pa ang
relo niya but when he went home, wala na iyon and it was only Victoria who grabbed
him by the wrist.Kalat na sa subdivision ang tungkol kay Victoria but Jeremy
ignored all those issues. Mula ng dinala niya si Victoria sa bahay nila, walang
nawawala sa kanila kaya hindi siya naniniwala sa sinasabi ng iba.
"Yehey! Fighting pa rin ang underwear couple!", Victoria cheered.
He stared at her, memorizing every detail of her face. Mula sa makapal na kulot
niyang buhok, it seems to him that Goldilock's hair got nothing on Victoria's.
Kahit mahirap ito, malinis ang balat nito at maging ang pananamit. Her small face
is bright and always smiling, he wondered how people can say that she's a thief.
He knows that it's not right to say that Victoria is not capable of doing such
things because of her innocent look but it is also not right to suspect her
innocent look. It could be that people only want to find her a flaw. But the
latest gossips about her was impossible to ignore. Ayon sa mga sabi-sabi, Victoria
stole an expensive diamond necklace. Paano naman iyon kinuha ni Victoria, look at
her. Wala nga siyang kahit anong alahas sa katawan.
"Calvin bakit ang seryoso mo ngayon? May fish joke pa naman ako sa iyo. Eto ah,
anong isda ang nangangarate?"
Jeremy smiled at her. "Tilap-Yaaaaaah!", he said and positioned himself like he

just did a hammer fist. Natawa naman si Victoria sa kanya.
"Grabe ka talaga Calvin. Sa actions mo ako natatawa eh", she said at nagpatuloy sa
pagtawa. She only stopped when she noticed that Jeremy was not in the mood to
laugh.
"Calvin, may problema ba tayo?" The latter just stared at her, carefully
assessing her as a whole. As he stood there, there were millions of things running
in his mind. Inalala niya mula pa noong pitong taong gulang pa lamang siya. Is
Victoria really a thief?
"There were rumors-"
"Na magnanakaw ako?" He slowly nodded. Deep inside him, he was hoping that she
would deny all the accusations and tell him that those were just tattles made by
the people. He was secretly hoping that she will tell him that she's not a thief or
any of that kind.
"Totoo iyon", she said and then Jeremy felt like he was crashed. There are things
that you think won't hurt but hearing it straight from the person's mouth, you'll
realize that it was the most painful thing in the world. Lumapit sa kanya si
Victoria ay yumakap mula sa kanyang likuran.
"Sorry Calvin. Tama sila magnanakaw ako." Victoria was crying as she hugged him
and he just felt hot liquids running down his eyes.
"No, Victoria-"
"Naalala mo dati? Ninakaw ko ang relo mo", she said. Her hug became tighter like
she had no intention of letting go. He didn't know what to say and he just waited
for her to continue. To explain why she steals but she just kept sniffing.
"Bakit?"
"Dahil ganoon talaga ako. Pinalaki upang maging magnanakaw si Victoria-"
"Hindi ako naniniwala. There must be some reason", he said.
"Iyon lang ang rason Calvin."
"No! May nag-uutos ba sa iyo? Are they gonna punish you if you don't-"
"Wala Calvin. WALA! Ano ba ang mahirap intindihin sa sinabi ko? Mula ako sa
pamilya ng magnanakaw. At ipinanganak akong magnanakaw pero ipinangako ko sa sarili
ko na ang relo mo na ninakaw ko dati ang una at huling bagay na nanakawin ko sa
iyo", she said and that was a reassuring word that he had heard.
Their friendship grew stronger each year. He knew that she's from a family of
famous burglars but it didn't stop him from liking Victoria more and more each day.
To Jeremy, she is always the woman. You will seldom hear him say any name other
than Victoria. He was known as someone not interested in women but it is obvious
that she is the exception. Despite being uneducated at school, she had this notable
intelligence. She learns very fast and could even equate wits with him. She is also
very beautiful. For him, she shines brighter than the stars. Every corner of her
face is a masterpiece that he loves so much.
Victoria Vera is not an ordinary woman. She's clever, and she can easily outwit
people with her ways. Ah, how can she steal yet no one can present a solid
evidence of it? No one knows how she works. She only got her tutorials during
weekend yet her intelligence was very notable. For this, he holds her in high
esteem. This is why she is "always the woman." No other woman can make a nerdy
Jeremy sway like she does.
He doesn't believe that promises are meant to be broken and Victoria just proved
to her that it is not really meant to be broken. What she proved is that promises
are meant to be FORGOTTEN. Yes, she never break her promise that the watch will be
the last thing that she will steal from him. She just forgot that promise and
brought someone to steal something precious from Jeremy. Nalaman na lamang niya na
may dinalang kasabwat si Victoria nang minsang tinuturuan niya ito.
No one was in the house that time maliban sa kanila and Victoria let her cousin
steal a ring that was very precious to his Mom. It was a ring that was given by her
deceased husband. At parang isang bulang nawala lang iyon. What hurts the most is
that the robbery happened the moment he was confessing to her at the study room.
That was the time that Jeremy was into Amber's books about Sherlock Holmes and it
made him interested into codes and ciphers. He borrowed a lot of books from Amber
and Gray.
He even bought a basic cryptography book. He gave Victoria her first basic code to
break. Victoria sat on the table as she stared on the 16-letter message.
H KHJD XNT
UDQX LTBG.
Jeremy encoded the letter by simply replacing the letter of his message by the
letter preceding it in the alphabet. Victoria can decrypt it by shifting each
letter one space forward in the alphabet. He gave her time to think about it. When
her phone rang, she wrote her reply on a piece of paper, folded it and handed it to
him.
"Saka mo na buksan kapag nakaalis na ako", she said. She was smiling sadly and she
hugged him tighly before she disappeared through the doorway. Before he can open
the letter, the burglar alarm in his Mom's room rang. Nanginginig ang kamay niya
habang binubuklat iyon. It took him a while before he decided to read her message
and it was also encrypted the way he encrypted his message.
HL
RNQQX.
After reading it, he realized two things. First, something valuable was stolen in
her mother's room. Second, his affection was not reciprocated.
*******************************************************
#AMBER SISON#
"Je?", I called his name many times but he's really spacing out. Kanina pa siya
ganito. He keeps on complaining that he's very hungry but when the steak was
served, he just stared at it without even touching. Kahit hanggang sa papunta na
kami ng airport. He never talked and it really puzzled us. Kasalukuyan na kaming
lulan ng taxi pabalik ng Bridle. The few hours flight was fine and we landed
safely. Kanina ko pa iniiwasang tingnan si Gray, he was chatting with Isabel all
the time while Math was busy talking with Janissa at naiwan ako sa tabi ni Jeremy
na nakatulala lamang.
"Je..."
I snapped my fingers in front of him at saka ko pa lamang nakuha ang atensyon

niya.
"Oh, Bestie?"
"Anong problema mo?", I asked. When he let out a big sigh, I know that it is
something big. Sinulyapan niya si Gray na nakaupo sa harapan at nakapikit. Maging
si Math na nasa tabi ko ay tulog din.
"Bestie, why do they call it a heartbreak when all other parts of your body hurts
too?", he asked. Napatingin ako nang diretso sa kanya. I was waiting for him to
spill his pun but he didn't. Sa halip ay nagpatuloy ito sa seryosong tono nito.
"Nothing hurts more than realizing she meant everything to you and you meant
nothing to her", wika niya. I don't understand why he's so serious like this. Now I
am very curious about what happened to him before. Maybe he had some recollections
and that's what made him sad and gloomy.
"Bestie, alam mo ba kung bakit may black eye ang juice?", he asked out of the
blue.
"HA?" Uh, why the sudden shift of the topic? "May blackeye?"
"Oo. Alam mo kung bakit?", he asked and I shook my head.
"Hindi mo alam? Luh, kaya may black eye kasi NASA PACK. Get's mo Bestie? Ikaw ba
masapak, di ka ba magkakablack eye? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" He
started laughing so hard the usual way he does with his puns. It made Math and Gray
wake up at patuloy pa rin ito sa pagtawa.
Uh, mukhang flip na nga si Jeremy.
Just then my phone rang at agad kong tiningnan iyon. There were 7 missed calls
there. Dalawa ang mula kay Zywon, dalawa kay Ryu at tatlo naman ang mula kay
Cooler. Eh?
What's with these Vanders?
Hindi ko namalayan ang tawag nila kanina. Muli iyong tumunog at nang tingnan ko
ang caller ID, it was from Cooler.
"Cooler-"
"Where are you?", bungad niya sa akin mula sa kabilang linya. His voice was so
worried and I wonder what's wrong.
"I'm in a taxi heading to Bridle. I just returned from our Mindanao trip-"
"Just stay in your dorm okay?" Bigla na lamang akong sinalakay ng kaba. Why is
he talking weird?
"Cooler, what's wrong?", I asked. Maging si Gray na nasa harapan ay napalingon sa

akin. He looked at me with a worried expression.
"I had this feeling that something bad will happen. Basta, just stay with Gray, he
will keep you safe." Hindi na niya hinintay ang sagot ko at agad na pinatay ang
tawag. I was left dumbfounded at the moment.
Sabi nga ni Ryu, Cooler has a strong gut feel. Tama nga kaya ang hinala nito?
Nagvibrate ang cellphone ko, which means I received a textmessage. Agad ko iyong
binuksan nang makitang mula iyon kay Zywon. His message brought chill down to my
spine.
"Brain found out about your Dad's treachery. Be safe."
**************************************************
CHAPTER 56: MIND MAZE (Part 1)

Chapter 56: Mind Maze (Part 1)
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat kong maramdaman. Should I feel alarmed because of
what they said? I took a deep breath and kept my phone in my pocket. Hindi naman sa
iniignora ko ang sinabi ni Cooler at Zywon but I don't think it will really happen.
There's a 50% probability na pwede ngang may mangyaring masama but they can't be
sure about it. Maybe I should think of Newton's Law of Attraction. Dapat wag kong
isipin ang mga bagay na iyon, I might attract danger if I keep on thinking about
it.
Nang makababa na kami ng taxi ay hinatid nila kami sa dorm ng mga babae. Gray
walked behind on purpose upang makausap ako na malayo kay Math and Jeremy.
"Amber, anong sabi ni Cooler?", he asked. He's carrying his backpack comfortably.
I'm sure he's as tired as me but he still has more energy than me. Maybe I lost my
remaining energy after reading Zy's text message.
"He got a feeling that something bad will happen."
"And?"
"That's all."
"Just stay at-"
"What now? You also want me to stay at the dorm? Tell me Gray, what do you think
will happen?", I asked. Nagtataka ako bakit ganito sila sa akin. Why do they care
for me that much?
"I have no idea but to be sure, just stay there. Don't do anything stupid", wika
niya. His pokerface is boring through me. Why do I have this feeling na kapag ibang
babae ang kausap ni Gray ay tila alerto ito while he seems bored when he's talking
to me?
"Hindi ko kayo guardian so stop telling me what to do", wika ko sa kanya. I know
that it's rude but my bratty side is on and I'm not in my best mood.
"And stop your bratty attitude", wika niya. Why does he sound like he doesn't care
or it's just me?
"Wala kang pakialam."
"Amber."
"Yeah, I know that's my name", wika ko. I walked ahead of him and refused to look
at him. Naiinis pa rin ako and I have no idea why I am feeling this way.
I can hear his sigh at ilang saglit lamang ay naramdaman ko ang kamay niya na
nakaakbay sa balikat ko. He rests his chin on my head as we walk.
"Bakit galit ang mahal na prinsesa?", he asked.
Mahal na Prinsesa, huh? It's been a long time since I heard those words from him.
Yup, I used to be his "Mahal na Prinsesa."
I tried removing his arm around me but he's too strong to let go. "Wag ka ngang
umakbay sa akin, baka isipin pa ng mga estudyante na boyfriend kita."
May mga iilan kasing estudyante sa paligid. Some are on the ground playing ball
games, others are dating on the side benches at may mga nagbabasa din.
"Mabuti. Then they will distance theirselves from you. Or atleast the guys will",
he said. Kahit hindi ko nakikita ang mukha niya ay alam kong nakangiti ito.
Uh, this guy is really unpredictable. At one point, he'll be throwing glares at
you, then he'll talk with other girls totally ignoring you, then he'll be sweet
again.
Just what kind of guy really is Gray Ivan Silvan?
Hinayaan ko na lamang siya sa ginagawa niya. We look silly in such position while
walking with his arms on my shoulders, the other on my waist and his chin on my
head. To put it simply, he's clinging on me by hugging me from the back as we walk.
Saka lamang siya bumitaw sa akin nang makarating kami sa gate ng Girls' dormitory.
Both Math and Je are giving us their "I-Know-What-You-Did" look but we just ignored
them at nagtuloy sa mga kwarto namin matapos magpasalamat sa kanila.
Pagdating ko sa kwarto namin ay wala sina Andi at Therese. I wonder where did those
two go. I felt sorry for not joining them during meals anymore dahil madalas na
sina Jeremy ang kasabay kong kumain. Maybe I should make up with the two of them. I
bought them souvenir shirts and other items from Iligan.
Napansin ko ang isang itim na tila invitation card na nakalapag sa kama ko. There's
even a bloody red lace around. Oh, what is it?
Agad ko iyong binuksan at binasa. I was expecting an invitation for a gothic-themed

party but it wasn't. Sa halip ay tila kakaibang mensahe iyon na nakasulat sa isang
nakakatakot na font.
Because we are evil

Odds are with us
Afraid of nothing
Risen and Hailed
Darkness within
Welcome to the GAME.
This is a game of death. Decode what is scribbled below. Waste Time means waste
Life. The game commences now.
1x16-1x13(2)-2x8-1x13(1)
2x8-1x24-1x16-2x8
1x15(1)-1x13(2)
1x15(2)-4x5-1x24
1x7(1)-1x16-3x4(1)-1x15(1)-
1x13(3)-1x16-1x15(2)-
1x15(1)-1x13(3)-4x4(3)
I would have considered it as a prank but taking into account the warning of
Cooler, maaaring seryoso ang nagpadala ng papel na iyon. But what is his motive? At
bakit ako?
What do these codes mean? This is the first time that I have met this kind of
codes. Bigla na lamang bumukas ang pinto at hinihingal na pumasok si Therese.
"Amber!", she said and ran towards me. She's sweating all over at madumi ang suot
nitong damit. May pasa ito sa mukha at tila galing ito sa pag-iyak.
"Res, what happened?", natatarantang tanong ko sa kanya. She's hardly breathing so

I reached for the pitcher on her bedside table at nagsalin sa baso. Iniabot ko iyon
sa kanya para kahit papaano ay maging kalmado ito.
"A-amber..." She started crying kaya mas lalo tuloy akong kinabahan.
"Res, just calm down and tell me everything."
She sobbed and hugged me na tila ba humuhugot siya ng lakas mula sa akin. My God,
what's wrong with her?
"Amber, s-si A-Andi...." Muling kumawala ang impit na iyak mula sa labi ni Therese.
"Why? Nasaan si Andi?"
"K-kinuha siya ng mga nakaitim na lalaki." Umagos ang luha sa kanyang mga mata and
I want to do the same after what she said. Andi is in danger!
"Saan siya dinala? Do you have any idea who those guys are?"
She shook her head and continued to weep.
"N-no. Hindi ko sila kilala. After they took Andi, a guy hit me at sinabing
mamamatay daw si Andi kapag nagsumbong ako sa awtoridad. Not even to Bridle's
management."
I felt my anger doubled. Mga tuso ang kumuha kay Andi. What do they want from her?
"A-at sinabi din niyang sabihin ko sa iyo na magsisimula na ang tatlong oras mo.
Amber, please. Please help A-Andi", Therese said at muling napahagulhol.
Napabaling ang paningin ko sa papel. Then this code must be for Andi. But who is
behind all this? If it's the Genesis, bakit kailangan pa nilang gawin ito? Why not
directly attack me if they're not fond of me dahil nalaman na nila ang ginawang
pagkupkop ni Daddy kay Mommy, which happened to be Sweet Vander, the name they
loathe?
"Therese, please rest here at wag na wag kang lalabas, I'll just go somewhere to
ask for help, okay?", wika ko sa kanya. I cannot waste any time. The card says
wasted time is a wasted life.
Nang tumango siya sa akin ay agad kong kinuha ang card at cellphone ko and ran
towards the exit of the dorm. I need to find Gray. For now, he's the nearest person
to ask for help.
Tinakbo ko ang likurang bahagi ng dorm. To save time, I need to ran on the grassy
part of Bridle's backyard upang mas madaling makarating sa Boys' dormitory. Ininda
ko na lang ang mabahong amoy na nagmumula sa compose pit ng Bridle, the important
thing now is I should find Andi.
"Tabiiiii!"
I almost cursed to death when I saw someone jumped from the highwall and it was too
late to move aside. That someone instantly fell right on me at natumba ako sa lupa
with him atop of me. I just let out a sharp scream when my butt hit the hard grassy
ground.
"Uh, please get up", I said as I slowly opened my eyes and was surprised to see the
face of the person on top of me.
"Khael?!!!"
"Special A!!!", he said in glee. He smiled and winked at me ngunit agad ding nawala
ang ngiti nito nang mapagtanto ang awkward na posisyon namin.
"Uh, get up Khael."
"I'm sorry Special A", wika niya at inalalayan akong tumayo. "Anong ginagawa mo
dito?"
I glared at him for such stupid question. I should be the one asking. He's from
Athena High School and right now, he's in Bridle's territory.
"Sigurado ka sa tanong mo na yan?", I asked and rolled my eyes. Oo nga pala, medyo
engot din itong genius na ito.
"Oh, oo nga pala. Let me rephrase it, Khael anong ginagawa ko dito?", he said
jokingly.
"Try harder."
He pouted at hinarap ako. "Seryoso na, anong ginagawa mo dito sa likod Special A?"
"I need to see Gray urgently."
"Aray", he said at tila nasaktang napahawak sa kanyang puso. "I climbed the high
wall to see you look for Silvan, aray ulit."
Mahinang hinampas ko siya sa braso. "Khael this is a serious matter. Kailangan ko

ng tulong, my roommate is in danger." Iniabot ko sa kanya ang itim na card at
napakunot ang noo niya nang mabasa iyon. Gone was the playful Khael at napalitan
iyon ng pagkaseryoso.
"This isn't a hoax right?", he asked and I nodded. Ikinuwento ko sa kanya ang
tungkol sa nangyari kay Therese. I don't know why I'm shaking with fear habang
nagkukuwento. He pulled me towards the nearest convenient shade at tinawagan si
Gray na pumunta doon. Hindi naman nagtagal ay dumating nga ito.
"Silvan", he said at sinalubong ito nang sapak. The latter smirked when he felt the
pain ngunit agad din naman itong gumanti ng suntok sa sikmura ni Khael.
"Uhhhggh", Khael mumbled as he tried to cup his gut. Geez! I should remind myself
not to be best of friends with these guys.
"Special A got a card with codes in it. Any idea in how to decipher this?", iniabot
ni Khael ang card na kinuha niya mula sa akin.
Gray carefully examined the black card. "This is pretty annoying. We cannot
determine the sender by the writing style dahil encoded ang sulat and I'm sure
walang naiwan na fingerprints dito", wika niya. Naikwento na rin ni Khael ang
tungkol sa nangyari kau Andi at Therese. I'm glad he relayed the message because
I'm too frightened to retell it.
Kasalanan ko kung bakit napapahamak ang mga tao sa paligid ko. And why do they need
to harm the people around me kung pwede namang ako ang atakihin nila?
"This cipher isn't familiar", komento nito habang muling isinusulat sa papel ang
codes. Right now I cannot focus on what they are saying dahil puno ng pag-aalala
ang utak ko.
Bakit kailangan nilang ipahamak ang mga taong nasa paligid ko? And why am I a
danger magnet? My life is also at stake when I am just Amber, the normal Amber.
Marion was after my life because of her jealousy.
At ngayong ako naman si Amber Sison/Allejo, mas lalong nanganganib ang buhay ko and
this time, an evil organization is after me and not just a psycopath.
Tumunog ang cellphone ko at rumehistro ang numero ni Zywon. While the two are
drowned with the thoughts of how to break the code, I excused myself at sinagot ang
tawag ni Zywon.
"Hello-"
"Where are you Just Amber?", he asked and seemed to be gasping for air. Did he run?
"Nasa Bridle. Why-"
"I mean where are you exactly?", he said. His breathing is heavy, may humahabol ba
sa kanya? Nasa panganib ba si Zywon?
"Nasa Bridle nga-" I stopped when I heard a thud and a sharp cry escaped from his
mouth.
Anong problema nito?
"Zy? Zywon? Okay ka lang ba?", I asked when all I heard is gasping for air and
heavy breath. Kinakabahan ako, pati din ba si Zywon?
"Ugh, J-just Amber, nasa loob ako ng Bridle, near the compost pit. Come here
quickly", wika niya at natagpuan ko na lamang ang sarili ko na tumatakbo papunta sa
direksyong sinabi niya. He's sitting on the ground, leaning on the high wall with a
crumpled face.
"Oh, anong ginagawa mo dito?", tanong ko sa kanya.
Sumimangot siya sa akin habang hawak-hawak ang kanyang balakang.
"Just wanna check on you. Hindi ka nagreply sa text ko sayo", wika niya. He's
punching his hips at nagtataka ako kung bakit nakaupo siya doon. Hello Zywon, di mo
ba pansin na ilang metro ka lamang mula sa compost pit?
"Uh, you should have put 'please reply' there", wika ko and rolled my eyes. Geez,
hindi ko naman alam na kailangan na palang magreply sa bawat mensahe na matatanggap
mo.
"You should have atleast considered my concern, tsk!", nagtangka siyang tumayo but
then napangiwi lamang siya at muling naupo.
"Bakit ka ba nakaupo diyan?", tanong ko sa kanya. The ground isn't that clean at
nakaputing damit pa siya. "At paano ka nakapasok?"
Mas lalong napasimangot ang mukha niya. "Argh. Are you really that dense o sadyang
tanga ka lang?"
"Watch your words Deltran", I warned him.

"Seriously, you cannot tell by just looking?"
I shook my head. "Tanga ka rin ba? Magtatanong ba ako kung alam ko?"
He let out an annoying smirk and it reminds me of his evil brother Ryu.
"Maybe. People are dumb enough to ask what's obvious. Halimbawa, Nandito ka na
pala? Geez, why ask if it's pretty obvious, right?"
"Ewan ko sayo."
"I'm serious here, Just Amber."
I rolled my eyes. "Tumayo ka nga diyan." Lumapit ako sa kanya and pulled him by the
arm at hinila siya patayo.
"Arrrgh! Why are you so thin but so strong?", he asked at napangiwi ulit nang
tuluyan itong makatayo. He massaged his hips for a while. "Where's Khael? Damn
him."
"Teka, bakit ang dumi ng pwetan mo?", I asked at akmang papagpagan sana ang kanyang
pwetan but I realized that would be too awkward. I saw him smirked at me.
"Do it yourself, you Perv!"
Zywon let out a hearty laugh at pinagpagan ang kanyang pantalon. "Really? Ako pa
talaga ang pervert? You're the one who wanna touch my butt-"
"That's just to remove the dust! Argh! Why am I explaining myself to you?", I put
my palm on my face. "Wait, did you just fall from the wall? Bakit mo hinahanap si
Khael?"
Napalitan ng simangot ang mukha nito. "Please, don't state the obvious. I'm gonna
punch him for using the wall. I swear I won't climb that wall again."
"Eh? Si Khael ba ang nagturo sa iyo na umakyat?"
He shook his head. "Nope. I just saw him climbed the wall. I thought that it would
be easier since he moved swiftly so I tried climbing too but then- What now Just
Amber? You look silly", iritadong wika niya.
Err, I'm trying to picture out his position when he fell kaya natatawa ako. "Meh,
he's a descendant of Kingkong kaya hindi mo talaga siya magagaya. Ano ba ang ibig
mong sabihin sa text mo?"
Ang iritadong mukha nito ay napuno ng kaseryosohan. "The treachery has been
revealed. Alam na ng taga-organisasyon ang tungkol sa Daddy mo at ang pagkupkop
niya kay-", napayuko siya bago binigkas ang salita. "S-sweet Vander."
I want to correct him at sabihing he should call Mom as Mommy too. I hope he
doesn't mind that I'm calling his mother Mom, too.
"And? What are they planning to do?", I asked. Maybe Dad's treachery was helping an
enemy but other than that, I don't think there were any. Kung paparusahan man si
Daddy dahil doon, I don't think that's justifiable.
Oh, I forgot. Justice isn't in the Genesis' vocabulary. They are merciless evil.
Thinking about it makes me want to crash the one behind it.
"Saan mo naman nalaman iyon?", tanong ko sa kanya. The last thing I can remember is
that he's no longer Cyanide and he's not part of the organization anymore.
"I have my ways."
His ways? I bet it's dangerous. Those informations are classified at hinding hindi
iyon malalaman ng kung sinu-sino man. I'm sure as hell that he got someone with a
high position in the organization.
"Magsabi ka nga ng totoo. Do you have someone on your side na may hinahawakang
mataas na posisyon sa organisasyon?"
Nag-iwas siya ng tingin sa akin and he denied my accusation.
"Wala."
I am not convinced with such answer. Alam kong hindi basta-bastang male-leak ang
impormasyong iyon unless may nagsabi sa kanya. Someone who holds a high position in
the organization.
"I'm not convinced."
He stared straight to me. "Fine, let's just say I have a friend. Trojan."
"Trojan? The hacker?", I asked surprisedly. I heard that name from Ryu. Kilala si
Ryu bilang Apollo, the genius hacker. He wrote software of his own and became an
underground cult figure among hackers and programmers. He had degree in his field
and he was even offered job by the National Security Agency but he declined and
chose to work for the mafia instead.
But Apollo is not the only name that shines in such field. There's this legendary
computer genius named Trojan. Just like Apollo, there were softwares that he wrote.
He's into public-key encryption. Although famous in such field, no one knows who he
is. He got himself protected that much.
May sabi-sabing hindi totoo si Trojan but programmers think otherwise. They know
that he exists.
"Yeah, Trojan, the programmer", sagot ni Zywon. "And let's not talk about my
friend."
"Can you ask your friend about Brain's identity?", I asked. If only that Trojan
knows who Brain is, it would be easy for me.
"Brain's identity is confidential. Hindi alam ng kaibigan ko kung sino si Brain."

I sighed in frustration. Maybe it's not time for me to know who he is. I need to
plan for their capture. Should I report them to the police? Hindi ko alam kung
matutulungan ba ako ng mga pulis. Who knows that they have the protection from the
law. It could be that Brain got a pawn who's directly working for the state.
"By the way, I talked to my- err your- I mean Sweet Vander", he said habang
nakayuko.
"Our mother. I hope you don't mind", wika ko sa kanya. I still haven't gotten over
the fact that the woman I've known for years is not really my mother. It still
bothers me but they say we should not linger on the past and move forward to life.
It was proven that she's a Vander and I am not but that doesn't mean that she's not
my mother. Blood isn't just the measure of kinship.
"Yeah. I talked to her", wika niya. There's a glint of happiness in his eyes, an
unusual spark in his eyes na hindi ko nakita dati.
"I hope she's fine."
"Yeah, she is. And she wants to see you soon. She said she wants the three of us to
dine together."
"Sure."
Ngumiti si Zywon sa akin. "I must leave for now. I just came here to check on you",
wika niya. May kinuha siya sa likurang bulsa ng pantalon niya. It was a pack of
chocolate. The pack looked weird dahil napisa iyon, marahil ay dahil iyon sa
pagkahulog niya.
"Para sayo. Uh, don't mind the shape, it tastes good", wika niya. Iniabot ko iyon
at nagpasalamat. Yeah, Zywon and his sweet tooth.
Nagpaalam na siya at humakbang papunta sa mataas na pader but then he looked back
with his pokerface.
"My hips still hurt. Do you have any other way out?", he asked at napasimangot nang
makita niyang tumatawa ako.
"Stop it Just Amber, it's annoying", wika niya.
"You're funny. Halika na nga, sumunod ka sa akin."
Nagpatuloy lang ako sa pagtawa at iginiya siya papunta sa "backdoor."
*************************
A/N: Can you decrypt the code before Gray and Khael does? Stick to the message and
forget about Vigenere, Morse code, Atbash, Caesar, Rot13 or any other ciphers.
Again, just stick to what is there. Madali lang yan. The clue? It is SUPER.
The next chapter will ne dedicated to whoever can crack the code. Happy Reading! ♥
With Love. ♥♥♥

-Shinichilaaaabs.
CHAPTER 57: MIND MAZE (Part 2)

Chapter 57: Mind Maze (Part 2)
A/N: I wanna dedicate this chapter to @JungYeonRin for being the first one to crack
the previous code. Shoutouts to @FakeShooter for patiently explaining in the
comment section how it should be done. Hi to @NexyLabaniego! You made me burst into
laughter in middle of the night! She said MARION was the culprit since the clue is
SUPER (Super Marion Lmao!)
So here's Chapter 57! Happy Reading!
*******************
They say gain new friends but always cherish the old ones. As I watched Zywon
squeezes himself in the small hole of the backdoor, I told myself that this guy is
indeed a new friend of mine. He wouldn't bother checking me here personally if he
doesn't see me as a friend. He wouldn't sacrifice himself falling from the high
wall just to get here if he doesn't see me as a friend, right? I stared at the
deformed and melted chocolate in my hand. This isn't a measure of friendship but
the thought still counts.
"Zywon", tawag ko sa kanya bago pa man siya tuluyang makalabas sa munting lagusan
palabas ng mataas na pader ng Bridle.
Saglit siyang tumigil at nilingon ako. He must be bothered by my sweet tone.
"Hmmm?"
"Thanks a lot. For real. I-", I felt shy about this because looking back, we
started bad. Him, the lazy lad who loves to sleep at Athena and the one who never
sees me as a girl at our PE match. I'm glad that we have this bond now, he may not
declare himself that I'm his friend but I know that I am. "I know you are a
friend."
Sumeryoso ang mukha nito. Ilang segundo itong ganoon at ilang sandali lamang ay
sumibol ang munti ngunit totoong ngiti mula sa labi nito.
"Ah, no problem about that. If you want to have real friends, the first step you
have to do is to be one", wika niya.
So he really wants me to be one of his friends huh? And he wanna be friends with me
too.
"Thanks again. It feels good to be one of your friends", sagot ko sa kanya. I wish
he would also make up with his old buddies, Khael and Gray.
"I don't really have a lot of friends. I don't need lots of them anyway. Just a few
loyal ones", he said at tuluyan nang lumabas. "Got to go Just Amber."
I guess he still doesn't want to talk to me regarding the status of his friendship
with Gray and Khael. And speaking of them, I left them with a difficult code to
cipher. I felt the chills in my spine when I remembered that Andi's life is at
stake! I found myself jolted towards the convenient shade where I left the two.
Gaya nang kaninang naiwan ko sila, they're both drown with the thoughts of how to
decipher the code. Ang kaibahan lamang ay malinis ang mesa kanina but now there are
crumpled pieces of paper everywhere.
I flinched a little when I heard a paper being torn. "Arrrgh! It's not working!
Kahit anong gawin ko, I don't know how to decode it!", frustrated na wika ni Khael.
He tossed the crumpled paper on the table where it joined the other papers who
experienced the same fate. "I desperately tried all the ciphers that I know pero
wala pa rin."
"Me too", sagot ni Gray. "I was even silly when I really multiplied the letters but
still got nothing", wika ni Gray at napamasahe sa sintido. Poor Gray, although I am
not sure if he got some jetlags, it's still not right to burden him with such code.
"Sorry but you can't stop", wika ko sa kanila. I know I sounded so bossy but I
don't care. I'm so worried about Andi and when we are worried that much, we don't
really care about others. Mas manaig ang gusto kong makita si Andi and I don't care
if it will take too much of Khael and Gray's time. As of this moment of my
desperation, sila lamang ang pwede kong asahan.
Pareho silang napatingin sa akin. Yes, I sounded so desperate. "Please...", I
begged. If I could kneel just to ask for their help, I would. "Please... I already
lost Phobie. I cannot afford to lose another roommate."
Inilapag ni Gray ang isang panyo sa harapan ko. "Tsk, you don't have to cry.
Tutulong naman kami."
I'm crying?
Dahan-dahan akong napahawak sa pisngi ko and I am really crying. Yeah, I'm Amber,
the crybaby.
"Sorry. I-I'm just dead worried....."
"Come here Special A. I'll give you a hug", Khael said and he opened his arms at
agad napasimangot nang binato ito ni Gray ng nilamukos na papel.
"Magpatuloy na tayo Alonzo", nakasimangot na wika nito. Gray picked up his pen at
muling nagsulat. Ganoon na din ang ginawa ni Khael. As of now, there's no time for
drama. The clock is ticking and I really have to see Andi.
Khael picked up the black card. "What if this isn't an ordinary cipher?"
"You mean this is a special cipher?"
"Yup."
Napakunot ang noo ni Gray. "What's special about this?"
"What if it's a code na hindi pa alam ng iba? You know like a cipher na bagong
discover?", Khael said.
"Stupid. Why should the sender send a newly invented cipher? It's pointless."
Nagsimula na silang magtalo and then there was something that caught my attention
in the card. Pinagtuonan ko iyon ng pansin at paulit-ulit na binasa.
Because we are evil
Odds are with us
Afraid of nothing
Risen and hailed
Darkness within.
Because we are evil
Odds are with us
Afraid of nothing
Risen and hailed
Darkness within.
Because we are evil
Odds are with us
Afraid of nothing
Risen and hailed
Darkness within.
"Hey, look at this", tawag ko sa kanila. Agad naman silang tumayo at naupo sa
magkabilang gilid ko. I pointed out the word that I observed.
"Look at this, - Because we are evil, Odds are with us, Afraid of nothing, Risen
and hailed, Darkness within. Welcome to the GAME. Take out the first letters of
each line, it can be read as BOARD. At tingnan niyo ito, why is the word GAME in
upper case?", wika ko.
"Board Game", bulong ni Khael. "Board game?"
"Board game. Maybe the clue is in a board game!", Gray said and he started stating
board games that he know.
"Try monopoly, I can beat Silvan with that", pagyagabang ni Khael.
"Pinagbigyan lang kita", Gray said. "I don't think this involves monopoly." Sinipat
nitong mabuti ang bawat letra na nasa card and again, he was lost in his thoughts.
"Look at this line, This is a game of death. Decode what is scribbled below",
tinuro ni Khael ang bahaging iyon. "Don't you think it's scrabble? Oh, no. I think
it's not."
Agad na sumilay ang ngiti ni Gray. "Tama ka Alonzo! It's scrabble!" Lumiwanag ang
mukha nito as if he's discovered a cure for the humanity.
"Scrabble? How?", naguguluhan kong tanong. I'm not really good with codes and
ciphers, thanks to Gray for teaching me some.
"I guess this is a Super Scrabbles's letter distribution", Gray said. Inabot niya
ang isang malinis na papel at nagsimulang gumawa ng square at naglagay ng mga
numero sa gilid at mga letra naman sa loob.
"This is the letter distribution of a super scrabble. Sa ipinadalang code, I think
we should decode it like this, 1x16, the 1 represents the point or score, x16 is
the number of tiles with such distribution. Look at this square, the letter with 1
point and 16 distribution is A. Sa 1x13(2), still, 1 represents the point, x13 is
the number of tiles and the (2) is the second letter since tatlong letter ang may
ganyang distribution", paliwanag ni Gray at saka pa namin lubusang naintindihan ang
ibig sabihin niyon.
We started decrypting the codes using Gray's amlysis on how to decode it and I
almost fainted after readimg the message behind.
1x16-1x13(2)-2x8-1x13(1)
A N D I
2x8-1x24-1x16-2x8
D E A D
1x15(1)-1x13(2)
O N
1x15(2)-4x5-1x24
T H E
1x7(1)-1x16-3x4(1)-1x15(1)-
L A B O
1x13(3)-1x16-1x15(2)-
R A T
1x15(1)-1x13(3)-4x4(3)
O R Y.
Andi Dead on the Laboratory!
I didn't waste anytime and I just found myself rushing towards the laboratory. Kung
ang Genesis man ang may gawa nito, they may be as crazy as Marion or even worse.
Why do they find the laboratory as their perfect place to commit murder? Science
laboratories become less lovable to me after the trauma of Mrs. Sera's death.
"Andi!!", I shouted again. Kahit na sinabi sa mensahe na patay na si Andi, I still
have a little hope na makita pa siyang buhay. Gray and Khael started searching the
whole place at ganon din ang ginawa ko. It still bothers me why the Genesis would
attack the people around me instead of attacking me directly.
I looked under the tables at sa pwesto ng mga laboratory equipment and I almost
shouted in glee when I saw her lying on the floor. I called for Khael and Gray and
they immediately rushed towards my direction.
They pulled her and touched her pulse.
"She's still alive. I think she just passed out", wika ni Khael. Lumapit naman ako
at tinangkang gisingin ito. Ilang saglit lamang ay dahan-dahan itong nagmulat ng
mata.
"Amber...."
"Andi, you're safe now! Thank God! What happened?" Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang
kaligayahang nadarama ko. I'm so happy that she's safe. Hindi ko na alam kung ano
ang gagawin ko kapag napahamak ito.
"What happened? Did they hurt you? Anong ginawa nila sayo? Nakita mo ba ang mga
mukha nila?", I asked hystrically. Yes, I'm being hysterical.
"Woah. I think kailangan muna natin siyang ilabas dito Special A, I can hear some
footsteps", wika ni Khael at ilang saglit lamang ay lumitaw na sa harapan namin ang
guard.
"Anong ginagawa ninyo dito? Off-limits dito kasi walang pasok", wika ng guard sa
amin.
"May kinuha lang po kami dito. Naiwan kasi namin nung naglaboratory kami nung
biyernes. Pasensya na po", wika ni Gray. Oh yeah, he's a good fat liar when it
comes to moments like this. Naalala ko ang unang beses na nagkita kami ni Gray.
Geez, he said we're lovers celebrating our anniversary.
"Ganoon ba? Nakita niyo na ba?", the guard asked.
"Wala nga po eh kaya paalis na kami. Baka po hindi namin dito naiwan", Khael said
at hinila na kami palabas.
I was wondering how come the guard didn't see Andi and her captors nang dinala siya
dito? Could it be that he's an accomplice? Tinanaw ko siya habang palayo kami. Ah,
siya yung tipong tatanga-tanga kung minsan. Mahilig itong matulog kahit umaga ang
shift nito. I just hope that he's not an accomplice.
"Andi, ano ba kasi ang nangyari?", tanong ko habang akay-akay ito. We're heading
towards the girls' dormitory.
"Hindi ko alam kung ano ba talaga ang pakay nung lalaki sa akin", she said, still
shaking. Thanks to these two guys with us who came in support. "Basta na lamang
niya kaming sinalakay ni Res. A-and he said something f-for you."
It made me stop walking and focus on her. Now I'm really positive na ako nga talaga
ang pakay ng may gawa niyon kay Andi. Damn, bakit dinadamay pa nila ang mga taong
nakapaligid sa akin? "For me?"
Andi nodded. "Yes. He said 9 of 29. Sabihin ko raw sayo yan. 9 of 29."
I saw Gray and Khael looked at each other. Sigurado akong pati sila ay nais din
malaman kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng 9 of 29. Should I subtract it? Add? Multiply?
Divide? Whatever.
Hindi na ako nagkaroon ng pagkakataong sumagot nang lumitaw sa harapan namin ang
isang taong ayaw kong makita. Why? Because his presence is just so annoying.
Maginhawa ang nakaraang linggo ko since this guy was not around last week and God
knows where he had been. Ganon din ang dalawang muchachang pulis nito ay hindi ko
masyadong nakita noong nakaraang linggo.
"Hello Kids."
Gray and Khael stiffened as they saw the guy. They loathe him as much as I do.
Sobrang hangin kasi nito.
"Hey Kids, it doesn't kill to say hello too", wika ulit nito nang walang sumagot sa
bati niya kanina. Meh, Can't he see it? We greeted him with our glares.
"Too lazy to say hello", Gray said.
"Ah, too bad. Ganyan ba ang itinuro sa inyo ni Tross? You should show some respect
to the citizens of the law you know."
Oh, there he goes again with his grudge for Detective Tross. Whatever hapened to
them, it must have been a cannonball that hit him directly in the gut. Wala akong
ideya kung ano ang nangyari sa kanila dati para magtanim siya ng ganoong galit.
Could they be fighting for the highest spot before? Did they love the same girl?
"Not worth it if the one who demands respect is not showing respect too. With all
due respect Detective Adler, ganito po kasi yan. Respect isn't something required
to be shown to someone who holds a position. It's freely given to everyone who
shows some respect too. Kahit pulubi pa, kailangan mo pa ring irespeto", naiinis na
wika ni Khael.
The annoying detective waved his hands like he doesn't wanna hear more. "Yeah yeah.
No time for your lecture Alonzo." Sinipat niya kami ng tingin. When her glance
focused on Andi, a mischievous smile escaped from his lips na tila ba sinasabing
'almost killed huh?'
Andi doesn't look like she's on her well state and I'm pretty sure that detective
Adler is thinking the same thing. Like duh, he wouldn't be a detective for nothing.
(Yeah. I wanna puke as I copy his line)
"Another life at risk huh, Vander? Tsk, you really are a trouble", he said. Huli
pala ito sa balita, he's not informed that I am not a Vander and I have no
intention of telling him. Let him think what he wants to think.
"Let's go Amber, wag mo na lang siyang pansinin", Gray said and tried to pull me
away ngunit muling nagsalita si Detective Adler.
"You are a living badluck. Pinapahamak mo ang mga taong nasa paligid mo", wika
niya.
You are a living badluck. Pinapahamak mo ang mga taong nasa paligid mo.
Am I?
"It's not her fault!", sabat ni Andi kahit nanghihina pa rin but the detective just
let out an annoying smirk.
"Yeah, make her believe that it wasn't her fault", sagot nito.
Even if I keep on telling myself that it wasn't my fault, hindi ko pa rin mapigilan
ang sarili ko na isiping kasalanan ko lahat. Mukhang tama nga si Detective Adler. I
am really a badluck.
Bago pa man ako makasagot ay hinila na ako ni Gray palayo kay Detective Adler.
Hindi na namin pinansin ang iba pang sinabi nito and we both walked our way towards
the girls' dormitory.
Nang makarating kami sa harap ng gate ay pinauna ko na si Andi. Res came to meet us
at inalalayan niya ito paakyat habang naiwan naman ako upang magpasalamat kina Gray
at Khael.
"Thanks to the two of you. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo malamang hindi ko pa makikita
si Andi", wika ko sa kanila.
"It's our pleasure to help Special A."
"Sorry Khael. I cannot entertain you right now", I told him. Naalala kong bumyahe
pa pala siya ng halos dalawang oras papunta dito but I really have to attend Andi
right now.
"Ayos lang din Special A. It's Silvan that I came here for, anyway", sagot nito at
agad na inakbayan si Gray. The latter hit him with his elbow in his gut but Khael
didn't let go. I gave them my shy smile bago nagpaalam na papasok na.
"Amber...."
Napalingon ako ng tinawag ni Gray ang pangalan ko. "The message in the code still
bothers me. Why does it say that Andi's dead?"
"I have the same thought", Khael said.
Bahagya akong natigilan. Why? May iba pa bang ibig sabihin iyon? I calmed myself at
inisip na pananakot lamang iyon ng kung sino mang dumukot kay Andi.
"Maybe it's just to scare us. Ayoko munang isipin iyon. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay
ligtas na si Andi", wika ko sa kanila bago muling nagpaalam at tuluyang pumasok sa
loob.
Pagdating ko sa silid namin ay nakahiga na si Andi sa kama while Res stood beside
her. She looks so weak and fragile. Siguro nga ay tama si Detective Adler.
Naramdaman ko na lamang ang panunubig ng mga mata ko. Damn! I'm becoming a crybaby
lately.
"Andi, I'm really sorry. You see, kung hindi dahil sa akin hindi ka sana napahamak
ngayon-"
"Amber it was never your fault. Please don't blame yourself", she said. Kahit ano
pa ang sabihin niya ay paulit-ulit ko lamang naririnig sa isip ko ang sinabi ni
Detective Adler.
"No. It was because of me. If we shouldn't have been friends-"
Hindi ko na natuloy ang sasabihin nang dumapo ang palad ni Therese sa mukha ko. I
was astonished for a while. Didn't I say a few times that I hate to be slapped? It
was a loud, crunchy slap but it somehow made me feel good.
"Res...."
"What now? You're regretting being friends with us? Baka nakakalimutan mo Amber,
friendship is a two-way relationship. You can't call it friendship when the other
party doesn't treat you as one. And who are you to put the blame on yourself? Do
you think it will do any good? Mababago ba ang nangyari dahil sa pagsisi mo sa
sarili mo?", Res said and the words from her mouth are slowly killing me.
Hindi ko pinagsisisihan ang pagiging magkaibigan namin. I just regretted how I
turned out to be someone who's risking their lives. We may not be the kind of
friends who stick together but we're the ones who show it with what we do. We spent
most of our times after school dahil nga nasa iisang kwarto kami and we're more
than friends. Halos magkapatid na nga ang turingan namin sa isa't-isa.
"I'm sorry. I just-"
"Amber please don't feel bad for what happened. Nangyari na iyon and I'm glad that
I'm safe. The man just knocked me down with some chemicals ngunit bago iyon ay
narinig kong may kausap siya sa telepono", she said at nakuha nito ang buong
atensyon ko.
"The man talked about marketing some blue packs to the underground black market."
I almost cursed to death when I confirmed that it was really the Genesis. Ito na ba
ang sinasabi ni Cooler at ni Zywon? And what's more is that they're starting to
market those drugs!
"Shit!", I whispered.
"I don't really know what's going on but I know you know something about this. At
hindi ko alam kung makakatulong ba ito but I heard the guy said he already sent the
records to Brain."
Bumugso ang kakaibang galit sa dibdib ko. Damn that Brain! Damn his people and damn
their organization! Masyado ng malaki ang pinsalang dulot nila.
"And I overheard him saying a site where they do transactions", she said. I felt
excitement in me. Site huh? I just hope that a famous hacker Apollo can help me
with this. If not, I will make Zywon introduce me to Trojan.
"A site?"
She nodded. "Yes. GenesisAnonymous.org"
If they already began marketing the drugs, it's possible that they need more human
carriers and I won't let that happen. Tama na ang maraming buhay na kinuha nila
para lamang sa kasakiman nila.
I grabbed my wallet and phone at agad na tinakbo ang pinto. "Res, take care of
Andi. I have to go somewhere important. I'll be right back."
Hindi ko na hinintay ang sagot nila at agad na lumabas. I silently walked on the
dormitory's lobby at iniisip ang maaaring mga mangyari. If the Genesis continued to
market the drugs, posibleng marami na naman ang mawawala. Iniisip ko rin na
isuplong sila sa mga pulis but what good can the police do? I'm not underestimating
them but they are really not so reliable at times lalo na kung may kasabwat sila na
taga-Genesis mismo at sa duda ko ay ganoon nga.
**************
CHAPTER 58: APOLLO

Chapter 58: Apollo
Tinahak ko ang pamilyar na daan sa likurang bahagi ng Bridle. I've been here kanina
nang hinatid ko si Zywon palabas. This small hole here comes in handy at times.
Nang makalabas ako doon ay agad akong pumara at nagpahatid sa direksyon na nasa
isip ko.
I cannot believe that I am standing in front of this huge gate again. Hindi ko na
kailangan pang magpakilala sa gwardiya dahil kusa niya iyong binuksan. He must have
known me as the youngest Vander dahil nakayukong binati pa niya ako.
Habang tinatahak ang malawak na bakuran ay hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin
ang pabor ko sa taong iyon. He's not really that friendly kahit noong inakala namin
na magkapatid kami. Bahala na, kung kailangan ko siyang takutin, I will.
Bahagya akong napakislot nang maramdaman ko ang mahinang pagbusina ng sasakyan sa
likuran ko. I saw Red with his sunglasses on and he looks like a living model of a
glossy magazine habang sakay siya ng convertible na kotse. He stopped the car at
tinawag ako.
"Hey Amber, what a surprise", he said at ngumiti nang matamis. His skin was
properly sun-kissed and it made me wonder if he made some efforts to achieve such
skin.
"Red, is Ryu around?", tanong ko sa kanya. Call me rude for not returning his
greetings to me. Sa ngayon ay wala akong panahon para makipagbatian. Gusto ko ngang
sapakin ang sarili ko dahil nagkaroon pa ako ng panahong purihin ang morenong balat
nito.
He opened the door for me. "Yup. Hop in."
One of the traits of a reaper. Good sense of feeling. He may have felt that I have
to see Ryu urgently kaya hindi na ito nagkaroon pa ng maraming tanong. I am
thankful that he arrived too since malayo-layo pa ang mansyon sa malawak na
bakuran. Nang makasakay ako ay agad niyang pinatakbo ang kotse papunta sa mansion.
Maging sa pagbaba ay hindi na siya nagkaroon pa ng maraming tanong.
"I guess you already know where to find him", wika niya pagbaba ko. Bahagya siyang
nakasandal sa kotse at nakatingin sa akin.
"Yeah. Thanks Red", sagot ko sa kanya at nagmamadaling pumasok ngunit muli itong
nagsalita.
"Oh, by the way, he's not being friendly lately- I mean he's not really friendly
but it has gotten worse."
He let out a sexy. "Let's put it this way. How do you see him?"
"Uh.. A devil?" Yeah, that's Ryu.
"Hmm. Good choice. Yeah, he's like that but he became worse. He's not approachable
these past weeks you know", banta ni Red sa akin. Ryu's evilness has gotten worse?
May mas ikakasama pa pala ito?
Nagpasalamat na ako kay Red at tinahak ang mahabang hagdan. I've been in his room
dahil minsan na akong humingi ng tulong kay Ryu. It was during the time that I
asked him to hack Dad's cards. Nang makarating ako sa pamilyar na pinto ay hindi na
ako nag-abala pang kumatok at nagtuloy-tuloy sa pagpasok which I regretted so much.
He was only wearing his BOXER SHORTS!
"Shit!", parehas naming wika. Tumalikod ako sa kanya while he grabbed the pillow on
the bed. Not that it's my first time to see someone wearing boxer shorts. It's
just- ahhh basta!
"Magbihis ka nga Ryu! Ba't ka ba nakahubad, kita mo ngang may tao!", I hissed
habang nakatalikod. I can hear a door being opened and I'm positive that it's his
cabinet.
"What the fuck Amber?! And who told you to barge into my room without even
knocking?!", inis na wika din nito. His voice roared like a thunder inside his
room. Oh, so this is what Red is talking about.
Nang maramdaman kong tila hindi na ito gumagalaw ay hinarap ko ito. He's now in his
shirt and shorts.
"I need your help."
"What made you think that I will help you?", he asked. And yeah, there goes again
his annoying smirk.
"You will." It's a statement. I am positive that he will help me.
"Dream on. You may now leave. Can't you see I'm busy?"
Not because he's back to the old Ryu, the evil, bipolar at may topak na lalaki,
doesn't mean I'm back to the old Amber too who often freeze by the mere sight of
him.
"I don't see a guy in his boxer shorts busy here a while ago."
"I have a lot of things to do.".
"Pwede ba Ryu! Tulungan mo ako! Ikaw lang ang nakakatulong dito. You will benefit
in this too, it's about the organization-"
"Hindi ako ang makikinabang dyan. It's the mafia", putol niya sa akin. The bored
look on his face is still there na tila ba sinasabing wala siya sa mood na makipag-
usap sa akin.
"Ryu this is really important! Alam na nila ang tungkol kay Daddy. And they also
started to market the drugs-"
"And what are you gonna do? Save the world? Geez, you're not a hero Amber and don't
act like one", wika niya which heats up my anger.
I am doing this not because I am trying to be a sick hero, I am doing this for the
people around me. Napapahamak sila at posibleng marami pa ang pwede pang mapahamak.
Kung hahayaan ko lang naman palang marami na namang buhay ang mawala, what
difference does it make me from them?
"Ryu kailangan ko talaga ng tulong mo. I am willing to do everything for you, just
help me with this", wika ko sa kanya. Di bale ng masyado na akong naging desperado.
And I wanna take back everything I said when Ryu's smirked was replaced with a
naughty grin.
"Lahat?", he asked and took a step towards me. Umatras naman ako and I don't know
if what I'm thinking is right but is he thinking about uhhh....
"Say something Amber. I'm asking if you really mean what you said", wika niya at
nagpatuloy sa paghakbang palapit sa akin while I took few steps backward until I
felt the door behind me.
Damn!
"Ahhh.. A-ano kasi...." Think Amber! Think!
He put his arms on my side, completely trapping me in. Oh no! What if he wanna
offer his help in exchange of me becoming one of his bitches?! What the hell? Saan
nga ba nila madalas na ginagawa iyon gaya ng sabi ni Ryu dati? Sa banyo? Sa kotse?
Basta I'm positive that it's not in his room.
"A-ano kasi..."
Just then, someone opened the door in full force making me flew into Ryu's arms.
Napasubsob ako sa dibdib niya and he supported me by putting his arms around me.
Sabay kaming napalingon sa nagbukas ng pinto and there I saw the raging Mnemosyne.
Nanlaki ang mga mata nito nang makita ang pwesto namin ni Ryu. We looked like a
couple sweetly cuddling with each other.
Yuck.
I wanna puke on the word Couple.
And Eww.
Ewww for the phrase cuddling with each other.
"What are you two doing?!", she asked with wide eyes. Tumaas ang isang kilay niya
at tila naging hudyat iyon upang lumayo kami ni Ryu sa isa't-isa.
"What the hell are you doing here Mnemosyne? Hindi na ba uso sa inyo ang
pagkatok?!", galit na tanong ni Ryu but his anger cannot compensate Mnemosyne's
anger. Iniisip ba niyang...
"It's not what you think Mnemosyne!", I shrieked. God, kasalanan niya kung bakit
ganoon ang eksenang naabutan niya. Siya ang nagbukas ng pinto diba?
"What are you now, a psychic? Bakit alam mo ba ang iniisip ko?", she asked rudely.
Uh, the reaper's mad.
"Leave us alone Mnemosyne", wika ni Ryu. Tila naman nahimasmasan ito nang marinig
ang galit na boses ng boss nito. After all, she's just a reaper.
"Fine." She said and glared at me.
"Look Mnemosyne. Hindi sabi gaya ng iniisip mo-"
"I hate you from now", she said. She used to be the bubbly reaper that I know but
now she's really mad.
"That much, huh?"
"Yeah. From this day on, I hate you so much. If I will be inside a room with a gun
loaded with two bullets and I'm with you, the boss of a rival mafia and a world
terrorist, I will shoot you twice", she said at napasimangot ako.
"That's scary."
"Yeah. But nevermind", she said at ngumiti. Bahagya siyang lumapit sa akin at
bumulong. "I know you're into another Vander."
Lumabas siya ng silid at isinara ang pinto. Humarap naman ako kay Ryu. Thank God,
he's gonna help me-
"And you, maaari ka na ring umalis", he said.
What the hell?! "What? I thought you're going to help me?!"
"Says who?"
Umakyat lahat ng dugo ko sa ulo. He's just wasting my time. If he would just say
yes, edi kanina pa kami natapos. I looked around the room looking for possible
thing that would compel him to help me. Napansin ko ang isang maliit at itim na
bagay sa mesa. I run towards it, picked it up at itinutok iyon sa kanya.
"You will help me or else I will shoot you."
Hindi man lamang ito nagpakita ng ano mang reaksyon na natakot ito sa ginawa ko.
Geez! Why smirk when you're facing a gun?
"Ah, so gone was your fear", komento niya. Yup, I used to fear guns ngunit sa ilang
beses ba naman akong makipagbatian sa baril, hindi pa ba ako masasanay? It's just
like watching a horror movie, you may be scared the first time you watch it ngunit
kapag ilang beses na, you'll be used to it.
"YOU WILL HELP ME."
"Like I'm scared of it."
Arrhgh! Devil! Could he atlest act like he is scared?
"Fine! Ayaw mo ah!" I reached for the glass of water, binasag iyon and picked up a
broken piece and cut my arm. I winced in pain as the blood stared to flow into my
arm. He waited for me to shoot but I didn't. Sa halip ay itinutok ko ang baril sa
sarili ko. My blood was flowing on my arm. He just look at me, puzzled.
"What now? Pagkatapos mong sugatan ang sarili mo, You're gonna shoot yourself? Go
ahead."
Hindi ko siya pinansin at inilabas ang cellphone ko. I dialled a number and turned
the loud speaker nang may sumagot.
"Mommy..."
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Ryu nang mahimigang tila umiiyak ang boses ko even if I
wasn't crying. Yeah, I just remembered that I'm a member of the drama and theatre
club. Why not use my talent?
"Amber? Are you crying? Nasan ka? Anong nangyari?", Mom sounded so worried. I'm
sure na nag-aalala na siya ngayon. She's at the Morisson Mansion right now kaya
hindi niya malalaman kung ano talaga ang nangyari.
"Mom... Ryu cut my arm..."
"What the hell Amber!", Ryu said at nagtangkang agawin ang cellphone sa akin ngunit
agad akong nakaiwas.
"Ryu? Why?"
"Hindi ko alam Mom. Right now he's pointing a gun at me-"
"Amber! Stop badmouthing me to my Mom-"
"Aaaaah! Ahh, It hurts! Mommy", I put on my best performance.
"Fine! I'll help you, you little witch!", Ryu declared and I let out a smile of
victory.
"Amber? Nasaan kayo?", puno ng pag-aalalang wika ni Mommy.
"Nasa dorm lang ako Mom. I'm practicing my script right now, sorry for using Ryu's
name as the bad guy!", sinadya kong siglahan ang boses ko.
She let out a sigh. "Akala ko naman kung ano na ang nangyari. I know my son
wouldn't do it ."
"Yes Mom, he's a good guy because he will help me", wika ko at sinadyang
nakasimangot na nakatingin kay Ryu. "I have to hang up now, Mom. Bye, I love you."
"I love you too Sweetie."
Pinatay ko ang tawag at hinarap si Ryu. "So, shall we start?"
He frowned at me bago pumasok sa banyo. When he got out, he tossed a small box to
me. Mabuti na lang at mabilis ang reflexes ko at agad na nasalo iyon.
"Treat your wound as I set up my computer", he said.
Ah, so this is a first aid kit huh. When he started turning his computer on,
sinimulan ko na ring linisin ang sugat ko. Tsk, it was a big cut and it won't stop
bleeding. Ano nga ba ang nakain ko bakit ko sinugatan ang sarili ko?
I dressed my wound at naupo sa tabi ni Ryu na nakaharap na sa computer.
"Now what do you want me to do?", he asked.
"Andi said that the organization started to market the drugs. They've got the
GenesisAnonymous.Org as site. Can you trace any email accounts that could lead us
towards Brain?"
Nagsimula na siyang tumipa sa keyboard and I just watched him. He searched for it
at napakaraming lumabas sa search string. He swiftly moved his fingers on the
keyboard with expertise and I wonder how his life as computer genius is like.
I'm not really good with computers kaya humahanga ako kay Ryu.
"Bakit ang tagal? Mahina ba ang internet connection?", I asked impatiently.
"You can help if you would shut your mouth. I'm keeping my search anonymous by
making all the traffic I send on the Internet jump through so many servers. It'll
take longer to load a website than it would with a normal search."
Nagsimula ulit siyang magtipa while I waited patiently. Ilang saglit lamang ay may
pinindot na ito at napasandal sa swivel chair.
"This is what I've got. Not so helpful though."
I looked at the screen at lumabas doon ang isang email address which is used to
send multiple emails to different email address.
"Not helpful? You just traced their transactions!", I said. Whoah, impresive.
"It's not like that. This is an anonymous server. It's popular to internet users
who wanted to keep their identities confidential. Hindi rin natin magagamit ang iba
pang address na nandito since most of them used disposable emails, HMAs and
maillanator", he said.
Napasimangot ako sa sinabi niya at tila nawalan ng pag-asa. "So we cannot do
anything?"
"I'll keep on trying", he said at nagsimula ulit na tumipa sa keyboard. "Susubukan
kong hanapin ang tamang email and snoop on the files."
He did run a thorough search but end up frustrated. "I tried but none is helpful.
This email is encrypted with PGP, IDEA and the others with hushmail. They used
algorithms."
"Wala na bang iba pang pwedeng magamit natin upang makakalap ng impormasyon?"
"There are a lot but still, it's an anonymous server.. What if it's a decoy?", he
asked.
A decoy? Andi heard it from the man who got her kaya imposibleng hindi iyon totoo.
If they used anonymous servers, I'm sure Ryu can find a way. "I'm sure it's not.
Wala ka na bang ibang magagawa?"
He smirked at me. Alam kong labag pa rin sa loob niya ang pagtulong sa akin. He
really became a beast these past days gaya ng sabi ni Red.
"I'll try snooping the secured database of the anonymous server that they are
using", sagot niya. "Trojan must have handled this. Look how secure it is."
"Is it hard to decrypt?"
He nodded. "Yup. They used ASIC."
Napasimangot ako sa kanya. "I have no idea what ASIC means."
"Application Specific Integrated Circuits, it's a specialized hardware designed for
encryption and decryption. It can test 200 million keys per second."
"Pretty useful. How long does it takes people to hack it?", I asked.
"Hmmm let's see. A regular person can hack it for 38 years."
"What the hell?!"
"What? Since privacy crashed, people developed something to maintain anonymity or
atleast something that takes time to decrypt. You shouldn't be surprised", wika
niya sa akin. Uh, I guess the site and the emails that we got is not really that
helpful.
Mawawalan na sana ako ng pag-asa but then I remembered something. "But you're not a
regular person!"
"And?"
"You're Apollo. I'm sure it won't take you 38 years", sabi ko sa kanya. Kumunot ang
noo nito dahil doon.
"You're saying I'm not just a regular person?", he asked with a smirk.
"Exactly!"
Lumawak ang ngiti nito. A sexy lopsided smile. "So you see Apollo not as a regular
person, huh? But a computer prodigy-"
I cut him off. "I was going to say devil. You're not a regular person because
you're a devil."
Nawala ang ngiti sa labi nito at napalitan ng smirk. He rose from his sit at akmang
aalis. "Hack it yourself. I am not helping you anymore." Naupo siya sa kama at
sumandal doon. He lazily put his arms on his head and dismissed me.
"Hey! Hindi ka pa sanay na tawagin kang devil? Ipagpatuloy mo na ang ginawa mo!
We're almost there. Just a few clicks and we'll find out who's behind these."
"I'm not helping you anymore."
"You leave me with no choice again!", I hissed at may kinuha sa bulsa ko. If I have
to blackmail him again, then I would. Muli kong kinapa lahat ng bulsa ko but I
cannot find my phone.
"Looking for this?", he asked and raised his hand holding my phone. "You can't call
Mom again."
"Akin na yan!"
"No way."
"That's my phone kaya akin na yan!"
"Uh-oh. That's if you'll be good to me and follow everything I say, then you can
have your phone back", wika niya. Shit, why did the tables turn? I'm in control of
everything kanina, right?
I picked up the gun and aimed it to him. Gaya kanina ay hindi pa rin ito nakitaan
ng anumang takot dahil sa ginawa kong panunutok ng baril. Tumayo siya sa kama at
dahan-dahang lumapit sa akin.
"Don't come near me or else I'll shoot you!", banta ko sa kanya ngunit nagpatuloy
lamang ito. "Sabi ng wag kang lalapit!"
"You can't shoot me."
"I can! Hindi porket takot ako sa baril dati ay hindi na kita kayang barilin.
Thanks for telling me not to hold a gun if I can't pull the trigger", wika ko sa
kanya.
"I told you, you cannot shoot me."
"Kaya ko sabi!"
"You can't! Tanga ka ba? How can you shoot me when there's no bullet in it?", wika
niya. Nang tuluyan siyang makalapit sa akin at may pinindot siya sa baril.
Something was removed and there's really no bullets.
"See?", he said with a smirk. Napalunok ako ng ilang beses at muling nag-isip ng
paraan upang matulungan niya ako ngunit naupo na siya ulit sa harap ng computer.
"You're loud and annoying. Let's get this through", he said and faced the computer
again. Thank goodness. I don't have to wound myself again. And oh, please remind me
to punch him later for calling me "Tanga."
Pinabayaan ko na lamang siya sa ginagawa niya and after a few minutes ay nagsalita
ito.
"The mail to this address is suspicious", he said. "It's encrypted."
The email that he pointed was a file with the name Stx2. "That's what they are
marketing. Their product", komento ko.
"Yup. Encryption is not just a useful tool for spies and hackers and others who
wants to remain private. It's also an asset to the business."
"Can you open it?"
"This is a symmetric encryption. It's easy to make a mathematical function to the
plain-text and convert it to an encrypted cipher but they've got Trojan who ensures
that no one can decipher it. And that's a harder part, to ensure that no one can
decipher it unless authorized", Ryu said.
Geez, mathematical encryptions and algorithms. I wanna curse Julius Caesar for the
early introduction of encryption, this is giving me a hard time with codes and
ciphers.
"Even if I use brute-force. I think it will take time", wika niya sa akin. "This
isn't just an encrypted algorithm, there's shifting decrypted cleartext."
"Uh, I think I'm about to have a headache. Make it simple for me please", wika ko.
PGP. IDEA. ASIC. Encrypted algorithms. Decrypted cleartext. Meh, I don't get a
thing.
"Let's put it this way. Let's wait for a miracle and give me time to do this", wika
niya. I looked at him intently and I am positive that he can do it.
"Okay. I will entrust you everything", wika ko. He tossed my phone to me at
natarantang sinalo ko naman iyon. God! It almost hit my face and if it did, baka
masapak ko pa ito.
"You may now leave. I'll call you as soon as I figure this out. I prefer to work
alone", he said and opened the door for me.
"Tsk. Aalis naman talaga ako! You don't have to sue me away."
He gave me his last smirk before he closed the door. Agad naman akong lumabas doon,
not minding the maids that keep on greeting me. Pagdating ko sa baba ay nandoon
sina Red at Mnemosyne. Mmemosyne is still frowning at me and she's giving me killer
glares.
"What?", I asked her.
"Nothing", she said. "I just wanna know if you need a ride."
Right now, I really need it but if Mnemosyne will drive, errr- I won't be seeing
the world for sure.
"Yeah, I badly need one but I'd like to decline your offer and ask Red to drive for
me instead", wika ko sa kanya.
"Sure thing", Red said at tumayo. Sumunod naman ako sa kanya at ganon din si
Mnemosyne. She sat in front at sumakay naman ako sa likuran. Kasalukuyan ng
binabagtas ng kotse ang daan nang nagvibrate ang cellphone ko. Agad ko iyong
tiningnan and checked the message. I almost froze when I read the message with a
familiar format.
It reads:
I'm amazed that you've able to crack the first one. How about this numbers placed
here given the clue 3x9.
2x2(1)-1x2(3)-1x1(1)-1x2(3)-2x3(1)
1x3(3)-3x1(1)
2x2(2)-1x2(2)-3x3(2)-3x2(1)
-Brain
Then it was really Brain who's behind all of these. I have to stop him from doing
harm! Marahil ay isa na namang mahalagang tao sa akin ang mapapahamak and I cannot
let that happen. I took a deep sigh and told Red to drive faster.
****************
A/N: Can you crack this code again? This is pretty easier than the previous one.

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TABLE OF CHARACTERS

CHAPTER 1: DARE ME, DATE ME

Inilagay ko iyon sa bag ko at umalis na ng bahay. I have no destination kaya mas

Arrgh! What am I doing?!

Whaaaaaaat?! Eh ano siya?!

"This is not a taxi. This is my car."

"What? Eh bakit huminto ka nung pinara kita?", I scowled at him.

"Where are we?", I asked him.

"Take me back immediately!", I hissed. Oh, that was rude. Like I

"You look younger", komento niya.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"This is an exclusive subdivision, not a highway. Walang dadaan na taxi dito", he

"No cussing in my car please", wika niya na ikinaikot ng eyeballs ko.

Yes po, Santong Pula.

"Hey wait -"

"Cut out the prejudice", I told him. "I've been to worst."

Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. It was Inspector Dean at nagtatakang nakatingin ito sa

"Did Ivan summoned you?", he asked.

"Don't tell me he's been to the worst too?", he asked in amusement.

What the fudge?! Closer please!

I mean, why is he pulling me away from Red?!

Uh, I mean, tuloy ba ang date namin?!

"What?!", he sounded mad.

"Yes, but I don't know what time is it", sagot ko sa kanya.

"Wala dahil nagpatuloy pa sila sa paglalaro."

"I went home", wika ni Red. He was as cool as ever.

"Mabuti naman", komento ko and Red smiled.

Pinagmasdan ni Gray ang nakalahad nitong palad bago iyon tinanggap.

Red seemed proud of himself. "I'm a psychology student."

Uh, anong klaseng dare ba iyon? It's gross!

"And how about for Andrei?"

Lumapit si Gray sa lima at nagpatuloy sa pagtatanong. I don't how he was able to

"Yes, I just lack proof."

"Uh. You're amazingly smart", komento ko.

"So as you. You're amazing."

Oh Gray! Please stop! I chose to ignore him at nagpatuloy sa pagtingin doon. He

"They usually talk. Why?"

"Right. I guess we have to do it since we're dating", he said. Seryoso ba talaga

"Why are you telling me all of that?", tanong ko sa kanya.

"You already knew who's the culprit?", tanong ni Arvee.

"What are you?", Red asked. "Some sort of a detective?"

"Unbelievable", lumapit si Red sa akin at kinausap ako. "Tell me he's lying."

"I see. So, who's the killer?", wika naman ni Matt.

"It's Rovie Besana."

"Kung gayon ay wala kang ebidensya laban sa akin?"

"But why did you killed Andrei!", tanong ni Aila.

"I left my car", he said with a sigh.

"You're driving a black porsche", komento ko.

"You listen to your Dad than Cronus?"

"Akala ko ba ay magpapaturo ka?"

"Yeah, that's why you have to do it first."

"Is there other form of aiming that can be used too?"

"Whatever. Shoot your arrow", wika ko sa kanya but he pouted.

"Bakit ko naman gagawin iyon?"

"Dahil tinuturuan mo ako", wika niya at inirapan ko siya. He gave me a hearty

"Happy Rizal Day Amber", bati niya at napangiti naman ako.

"I like it."

"Walang halong biro?"