Binibini Kong Aswang Hunter

Ika-labing Lima

**Gael’s POV**

“What. are. you doing here?”

“K-Kinukumusta ko lang po si Ma’am. Nasabi po kasi ni Shane na may sakit po siya. Sorry po, a-aalis na po ako.”

I desperately wanna know how the hell he managed to unlock Deya’s door and why the f*ck he cares for her, but I’ll contain this rage inside me and settle it maybe later after Deya finished eating her soup or maybe once she recovered already.

I closed my eyes and breathed deeply as he passed by me and went out of the room. As I opened my eyes again, they were welcomed by her smile which immediately made my fuming soul hushed.

I momentarily placed the tray on the bed side table and sat on her bed. She automatically tried to sit up by herself.

“Aw..” napahawak siya sa ulo niya sa hilo.

“I can stack pillows at your back—“

“No, I’m fine. I can handle.” inalis niya ang kamay niya sa ulo niya at ngumiti. Even if she’s sick, I can see that her smile is genuine as if she can’t feel any pain.

I picked the wooden bed tray table from the bedside drawer, placed it in front of her, and put the bowl of soup on it. I gradually mixed it with spoon before scooping a bit.

“Wait.” she suppressed my hand with hers and smelled the scoop as if she’s detecting something, “crab and corn with chicken...” she whispered. I’m not amazed anymore because even before, she can recognize and classify ingredients just by smelling the food.

“Safe...” bulong niya ulit sabay subo na ng nasa kutsara habang hinihila rin ang kamay ko.

She’s tasting it as if she’s a jury in a cooking contest. Her eyes suddenly grew wider.

“Ang.. sarap!” she exclaimed, still with her weak voice, “p-parang natikman ko na ‘to dati.”

I don’t know how to react. Why is she always like this? Why is she acting like she doesn’t remember anything at all? I’m trying to understand because I am not aware of what happened during those years that I’m not with her. Akala ko umiiwas lang siya, pero sa palagay ko ngayon, parang may iba pang dahilan kung bakit wala siyang maalala.

Sumandal ulit siya sa headboard ng kama at nagbuka ng bibig, “Aaaahhh...”

Napangiti ako. I’ve known her as a strong girl and it’s cute that she’s asking me to feed her like this. I carefully did it until the soup’s last ounce. She belched out and seemed like she’s about to vomit.

Her right hand covers her mouth while her left hand nuzzles her chest. I’m holding my breath as I wait if she will really spew out all she just ingested. She froze and looked at me.

“Blhwwwk!”

What the f*ck!

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa pagduwal niya at hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. I don’t know if I’ll get a basin or if I’ll drag her out of the bed first!

I stopped panicking when she abruptly let out a loud laugh. What the--

Tinignan ko siya ulit para makasiguradong tawa nga ang naririnig ko mula sa kanya. My eyes stay glued to her, with her right hand hitting her own lap, her eyes squeezing as her mouth stretches, exposing her crooked teeth and gums. It was all over the place, but I don’t understand why it feels like music in my ears.

Napakatagal na mula nang huli ko siyang marinig na humalakhak. Samantalang noon ay isa lang itong normal na bagay, araw araw kong naririnig, lagi lagi kong nakikita. Pero walang nakakaalam na ito rin ang nagpapakalma sa’kin. Nakakalimutan ko ang patong patong kong problema sa tuwing maririnig ko siyang tumawa. Ang makita siyang ganito kasaya ang nagpapagaan sa loob ko.

She continued to laugh hysterically while I stayed standing beside her bed, frozen as I let my heart melt. Her laugh eventually subsided, catching her breath.

“Don’t worry, I won’t mess with your sheets.”

She paused and gazed at me while slightly squinting her eyes.

“We can mess with it in a different way, maybe some other time.” she said in her sexy voice.

Muling nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Yeah, not now, baby.

Napalunok ako. Sh*t. I tried to calm myself. May sakit ‘yan, Gael. Alam mo namang kapag ganyan, ‘di niya alam ang ginagawa niya. I need to divert her attention to something else.

I grabbed the medicine and glass of water on the bedside drawer, “Take this, you need to have a lower temperature. After this, you must rest.”

Ininom niya ang gamot nang hindi iniaalis ang paningin niya sa’kin. Napayuko ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nahihiya ako at para akong natutunaw na ice cream sa titig niya. I wonder how I look in her eyes.

She handed me the glass and slowly laid down on the bed. I supported her left shoulder as if it will help her get a comfortable position. I heard her breathe deeply. I glanced at her face, her eyes are closed and obviously trying to relax herself to sleep. I patted her forehead and felt her fever’s heat. Papakiusapan ko na lang siguro si Shane na punasan ang katawan niya nang malamig para mas humupa pa.

I turned around and was about to leave the room when a sweltering hand grabbed my right arm. I’ve no choice but to rotate my body again to face the bed. Her eyes are still closed, almost like in a deep sleep already, but her right hand is holding my wrist tightly.

“I feel so.. cold.”

“I’ll get you another blanket.”

She pulled me closer, “Stay...” she whispered, while peeping through her dozy eyes.

Muli akong napalunok, “Please rest now.”

“Only if you’ll join me...”

She pulled me again like a steel being attached to a magnet. The side of my face landed on the bed beside her while I’m bracing my other hand, avoiding my body to lie flat. I tried pulling my wrist from her hand, but her grip’s too tight. Dang! She’s too strong for a sick girl!

Without uttering any word, I laid down beside her. She let go of my wrist and smiled while her eyes were still shut. I inserted my right arm beneath and let her head rest on my shoulder. She pinned her face on my chest. Good thing, her whole body’s covered with comforter, so our bodies won’t have direct contact as I hug her.

Sobrang miss na miss ko na siya...

I won’t miss the second chance given by destiny.

I’d do anything to make her mine again.

**Doiry’s POV**

“Aish! Ba’t ba hindi ka sumasagot?”

Sa sobrang inis ko, nasasabi ko na nang malakas ang nasa isip ko. I’m calling her kanina pa, but she’s not answering my tawag. Since yesterday, I haven’t heard from her and it’s bothering me na because that’s so unusual talaga. Kahit busy ang kakambal ko, she won’t forget to chat me and ask me if I got to my apartment safely, and now, she’s not even responding!

“The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of covera—“

“Arrgghh! I’m done with this!”

What if puntahan ko siya sa dorm niya? Ay sh*t! Oo nga pala! She’s living in the monsters’ mansion. Lalo tuloy akong nag-aalala. She’s all alone there, oh my poor twin...

“Doi!”

I got a bit startled when my officemates called my name. Ughh! For heaven’s sake, our shift just ended! What do they need from me now?

The boys walked to my direction in the locker area. Kanya kanya ng posing ang limang mokong sa pagsandal sa mga lockers

“Breakfast sa Sucat?” Ethan asked while smiling and raising his eyebrows.

“Not now, please.” I answered in a serious tone while getting my stuff from my designated locker.

After locking it again, I hurriedly walked towards the locker area exit, passing by them all.

“What’s the matter, babe? I mean-- bro?” I heard Tim’s husky voice.

“Nakakapagod ang araw na ‘to para sa’kin. Sorry, gusto ko nang magpahinga.”

Sean pouted, “Okay, bukas na lang.”

“Thanks. Bye!”

“Ingat!” they said almost in unison.

I almost ran towards the building exit. I don’t know why I’m running though I’m not being chased and hindi naman ako nagmamadali. Huminto ako and decided to chill first in a convenience store nearby the building.

I hurriedly bought a canned root beer and sat on an empty seat. Buti at vacant ngayon ang seats here. It’s 5:37 in the morning. Uwian na kasi ng karamihan sa mga call center employees.

I’m trying to relax myself. Okay lang naman siguro ang twin sister ko doon. I mean, she’s strong and smart, but a little too vicious and indecisive. Alright.. mag-o-overthink na naman yata ako! But no, since we were kids, the ultimate luck is with her, so I shouldn’t be bothered that much.

I breathe deeply before sipping again some root beer. All of a sudden, I felt an abnormal beating from my chest. Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko. I tried drinking root beer again and did some breathing exercises, but it’s not helping. My hands are now trembling because of a nervous reflex na hindi ko alam kung anong reason. Wala naman akong anxiety or whatsoever mental kinemerut and this is not usually happening to me.

I gasped.. my twin sister!

Oo nga pala, whenever she’s feeling a strong emotion, I’m also having that same exact feeling and vice versa because we’re connected to each other. Just like other twins, we always share the same sentiment whether we like it or not. Kapag nasasaktan ako, malamang ay nasasaktan din siya, even if we’re miles apart.

So, if I’m feeling this way right now, ano kayang ginagawa niya o nangyayari sa kanya ngayon? Oh my frea*ing matcha donut! I’m overthinking na naman huhuhu.

“Doi...”

Sa gulat ko ay naibuga ko ang iniinom ko. Hay*p naman! Sino ba kasi ‘tong tawag na lang nang tawag bigla ng pangalan ko—

“K-Kian?”

“Not you seeing a ghost again.” I got instantly dazzled by his flashing smile. This guy.. again...

His hair’s neatly fixed and he’s wearing his usual corporate attire, white long sleeve polo with a black tie, black slacks, and black leather shoes.

I uncontrollably refitted my shirt and my hair though they’re fine. I’m aware that I’m doing this every time I see him, but I also wonder why I feel too conscious with how I look whenever he’s around. Like, oo na! Gusto ko siya, pero bakit ‘di ako makakilos nang normal kahit anong pilit ko?

“You’re here a-again?” sh*t! Ano ba, Doi! ‘Wag ka ngang manginig!

He pouted, “Why? You don’t wanna see me?”

“N-Not that.. just.. not used to it.”

Tumawa siya like it’s kinda insulting, or it’s just what I feel? I guess? “You’ll get used to it sooner.”

He pulled the empty chair beside me and sat there like he’s about to watch a television in the living room. He’s still smirking, and now he’s focusing his gaze on me while resting his chin with his left hand on the table.

I look away. I think I’ll faint if I try to fight him in a staring contest. I can’t take it na. I guess, whatever he’s up to, it’s not important naman.

“Hey, where are you going?” he frenetically asked when I abruptly stood up from my seat.

He followed me until I reached the glass door exit.

“Going home.” walang gana kong reply.

“I came here to take you home.”

I paused and gave him a ‘what-did-you-say?’ look.

“I-I mean, to give you a ride home..”

I’m still holding the glare as if I’m still not contented with his answer.

“Uhmm.. you know.. just wanna keep you safe? Like.. what I always do.”

Tinalikuran ko siya ulit at tuluyan nang lumabas ng convenience store. Ramdam kong he followed me agad.

“Akala ko iuuwi mo na ‘ko eh.” I almost whispered.

“Ha?”

“Hakdog! Sa’n ‘yung kotse mo?”

“There.” tinuro niya ang Maserati na naka-park sa unahan ng mga shuttle service.

I pulled him by his right arm papunta sa car niya. I know nagulat siya, but I’m on a rush now more than any other day.

He opened the door of the car’s front seat for me to enter, then heedlessly ran and jump into the driver’s seat.

“What’s bothering you? May naiwan ka bang nakabukas na device sa apartment mo?”

“Wala.”

“Then what’s with the hurry?”

“Emma...”

His reaction noticeably changed after hearing her name. Yeah, right.. When it comes to my twin sis, he’ll instantly get curious. I’m contemplating if I only see it like that ‘cause I know he liked her before or he’s really still into her ‘til now, I don’t know...

“She’s not answering my calls since yesterday. I know she’s busy, but I can feel that something’s not right.”

“Is she.. in Gael’s residence right now?”

I slowly nodded. He slightly leaned his head on the steering wheel, but quickly rested his back on the seat and looked at the drive way, then let out a distressed sigh.

“You know that Gael and I were not on good terms.”

“Di ko naman sinabing puntahan natin.”

“Do you have Gael’s number? or personal socials? or contact with the persons they’re with?”

I bited my nails as I don’t have any of those info he’s asking.

“Then that’s the only way we would know if she’s alright.” he frustratedly said.

“Let’s go there, then.”

He slowly turned his head to face me and gave a menacing look.

“Kian, ang tagal na no’n! Why don’t you just move on and be friends with Gael just like before?”

“Be friends with that idiot?” he let out a sarcastic laugh and looked at the drive way again.

“We’re all okay naman na. Our wounds were already healed by time, unless...” I paused, averting myself to say it.

Nilingon niya ulit ako, “Unless what?”

“You’re still mad at Gael because you’re still in love with my sister.” walang preno kong sabi na ikinagulat ko rin.

Shock engulfed his face. He stared at me for a few seconds, absorbing the words he just heard.

“I-Is that what you think?” he asked in a low voice.

I did not respond. I just crossed my arms and looked away. Arrghh... I hate confrontations like this.

I again heard a deep sigh, “We’ll go there.”

He started the engine and the car began to move. Dahil sa nasabi ko, nanatili lang kaming tahimik. Nakapako lang sa side window ang tingin ko buong biyahe. I’m tired from work, but my mind keeps me restive.

Mas lalong tumindi ang suspicions ko with her feelings for Deya. He may not be in the mood to argue kaya he did not make an effort to confirm na hindi niya na mahal ang kakambal ko, his silence still gives me the feeling na it’s still her, still my twin sister all this time.

“Will visit Ms. Deya Fontanilla.”

Tsaka lang ako napalingon kay Kian, he’s talking to the guards na pala. In fairness din talaga kay Kian, he could still remember Gael’s house’s location after more than a decade.

“Wala po siyang expected visitor ngayon, Sir.”

“Hi manong! I’m Doiry, Deya’s twin sister. Pwede mo bang sabihin sa kanya na nandito ako?” I interrupted.

The guard’s face became pale when he saw me. Well, who wouldn’t if you’ll see someone with the exact same face as your boss? It’s like literally speaking to a doppleganger.

“A-Ah.. S-Saglit lang po.” he stepped back and spoke through his walkie talkie.

After a short while, the big gate in front of us sluggishly opened as if it’s a kingdom’s gate. The guard then gave us a sign to move forward.

I’m not impressed with what’s inside this ‘palace-like’ residence anymore. No remarkable changes were made, just a few improvements from what I saw many years ago, or maybe they just modernized the color and style.

After parking the car, ako na ang nanguna sa paglalakad towards the mansion. It’s weird, the place is eerily quiet. Siguro kasi, wala masyadong people inside because it’s working hours? or baka pinapatunayan talaga nilang this is a house where monsters live?

I knocked on the wooden double-door, too late to realize that there’s a doorbell pala. Agad agad ay may nag-open. I guess, they’re already expecting us from our interaction with their guards, and oh.. my—

Si Papa Gael! AAAAACCKK!!

Banat na siguro masyado ang lips ko dahil sa ear to ear smile ko ngayon. He also welcomed me with a sweet smile. If the residence has a little improvement, the owner had his major glow up. His messy hair, raw face with his pink lips, the biceps na pinalitaw ng white shirt niya, and-- ayoko nang tumingin sa baba ‘cause he’s just wearing a boxer shorts. My goodness, Deya! Ang sarap naman ng buhay mo dito! Kung ‘di lang talaga sa’yo ‘to, ginawa ko na ‘tong reserba kay Kian. Charot!

Sobrang aliwalas ng face niya, parang he’s in a good mood, o baka he’s just happy to see me today. All is fine until he saw who’s with me at the back. This time, hindi ko na maintindihan ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya, blangko lang siyang nakatingin kay Kian but it’s like a combination of surprise and remorse. I, then glanced at Kian and I can only see lividness by the way he looks at him.

“I’ll be waiting in the car.” Kian said in a flat tone and immediately walked towards the parking area.

Gael sighed. I still gave him a smile when he looked back at me. Para naman akong kinuryente when he again reciprocated my smile. Talagang you’ll not suspect na aswang siya.

“Long time...” he said.

“Yeah, ang saya noon ‘no? Unlike now, adulting life sucks.” I should not forget na I came here for Deya.

He laughed awkwardly, “Do you want some coffee? juice?”

“Ah, no. Sobrang saglit lang ako rito.”

He nodded, “Deya’s still asleep.”

My forehead creased. My owl twin sis? Sleeping? If waking up early is a contest, she’ll be the grand winner. Sa tuwing gigising nga ako noon, never ko siyang naaabutang tulog. Wherever we go, she’ll always be the first one to wake up among everybody. There must be something.

“For how long?”

“I don’t know exactly, but she needs to rest longer.”

“Why? Is she okay?” I think, I sound like panicking na.

Napatingin siya sa’kin na may halong pagtataka. Did something happen to her that I should’ve known?

He gave me a sign to follow him, and so I did. We went upstairs. Madali akong hingalin so I’m taking my steps slowly. Wala siyang choice but to wait for me, he knows very well how different I am to my tough sister. When we reached the third floor, I gave him a stop sign using my right hand because I’m still catching my breath. I just showed a thumbs up no’ng okay na ‘ko.

He stopped in front of the third room, then put his right forefinger on his mouth, “Shhhh..”

I just nodded. He started unlocking the door using a pin, then veered the lever down to open the door when the indicator turned green.

And there goes my mirror, lying on the bed in supine position. Parang sleeping beauty ang peg. A bit ray of sunshine touches her face. Same smooth skin but her lips are pale. ‘Di ba siya nag-lip tint kahapon?

I tiptoed as I walk to come close to her. Kumunot ulit ang noo ko at tuminging muli kay Gael. He’s just blankly looking at me. Ano ‘to? Bakit tulog pa rin ang kapatid ko? Buhay pa ba siya?

I panted when I touched her hand. Her.. temperature. She’s sick!

Mabilis ko ring kinapa ang noo niya at medyo mainit din. And.. she’s getting thinner. No! This can’t be happening!

“WAAAAAAHHH! DEYA!” niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit. I started crying before I knew it.

“BAKIT? BAKIT KA NAGKASAKIT?”

I can see through my peripheral vision that Gael is getting agitated. Napapahilamos siya sa mukha niya at napapasapo sa noo.

“I TOLD YOU TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! BUT YOU DIDN’T! WHY? WAAAAAAHH!”

Gael is trying to pull me away gently from her, “Doi, please. You’re waking her up.”

“DEYA! PA’NO NA LANG AKO KAPAG NAWALA KA? HINDI PWEDE! MAGIGING LAWYER KA PA ‘DIBA? MAGKAKAANAK PA KAYO NG DOSE NI GAEL! HINDI KA PA PWEDENG MAMATAY!”

Her eyes slowly opened and blinked a few times. I wiped my tears when I saw her finally waking up from slumber. Nanatili akong nakadapa sa harap niya.

She held both my shoulders and shook them as she spoke, “Ang ingay. ingay. mo. Doi.”

Her eyes grew bigger and scanned the girl in front of her, “D-Doi? Bakit ka nandito?”

“You can still recognize me?”

I felt the sharp pain on my left cheek even before realizing that my twin slapped me. May sakit nga siya, mahina na kasi ‘yung sampal. Her normal slap is stronger than this, but awww.. it still hurts.

“Kapag ‘di ka pa tumigil sa pagiging O.A. mo, dadagdagan ko pa ‘yan.”

I sat on the bed and touched my left cheek, “Nag-alala lang naman ako sa’yo eh.”

“I’m okay now.” siya naman ang umupo sa kama.

“Hindi pa. Hindi ka pa okay.” Gael protested.

“Pinapangunahan mo na naman ako sa nararamdaman ko.” she doggedly replied while removing the comforter from her feet.

“1 week pa ang advised ng doktor sa’yo magpahinga.”

Deya stood up and looked at herself in the mirror, “Heather might be right, but I may lose everything after 1 week, my career, my dreams, my life.” She slightly fixed her hair and quickly went out of the room.

Well, that’s a good sign if she’s back to being grumpy and stubborn, that means she’s going to be alright soon. Though she’s still sick, she has already passed through her weakest point. Ganyan naman si Deya, courage and determination turn what is supposed to be a month-long sickness into one day.

“Tsk! Bumalik na ‘yung tigas ng ulo..” he whispered then immediately left the room, “Deya! Where are you going?” syempre pa, hinabol ni Papa Gael ang masungit kong kapatid. Hays.. sana all hinahabol.

Mukhang makakakita ako ng lovers in quarrel ngayon ah.. Magiging masaya ‘to!

**Third Person’s POV**

“Bakit ba kasi ‘di mo sinapak?”

“Bakit ko naman ‘yun gagawin? Para magkaro’n ako ng record sa guidance office at masira ang academic ranking ko? No way! Hindi ako katulad mo!”

Uwian na. Napakalapit lang ng bahay ng kambal sa eskwelahan kung kaya’t nilalakad lang nila ito araw araw.

Habang naglalakad pauwi ay pinag-uusapan nila ang mga nangyari sa kanila sa buong araw ng pagpasok. Mga kabiguan, mga panalo, at mga nakakatawang bagay sa classroom.

“Eh bakit ako? Lumalaban ako sa mga nam-bu-bully sa’kin pero ‘di naman ako bumababa sa ranking. Tss.. duwag ka lang eh!”

Iniharang ni Doi ang kamay niya sa naglalakad na kakambal. Tila may pinapakiramdaman ito kaya’t napahinto.

“Bakit?” ani Emma.

“Di mo ba naririnig ‘yun?”

“Ang alin?”

Tinalasan din Emma ang pandinig niya. Tila may sumisigaw nga mula sa kanto kung saan sila nakatapat ngayon. Kapwa napalingon ang kambal sa kaliwa nila. Tahimik lang ang kantong ito sa normal na pandinig ng tao, ngunit dahil may namanang abilidad ang dalawa ay naririnig nila ang nasa dulo nito.

Dali-daling lumakad si Emma papunta sa kanto na agad na pinigilan ni Doi.

“Teka lang! Anong gagawin mo?”

“E’di titignan.”

“Wag na natin ‘yun pakialaman. Umuwi na lang tayo.”

“Tss.. Ang duwag mo talaga eh.”

Mabilis na lumakad si Emma papasok sa kanto. Hinihila pa ni Doi ang backpack ng kakambal ngunit ayaw talaga nitong magpaawat. Wala naman din siyang nagawa kun’di ang sumunod na lang dito.

Nagtago sa isang malaking poste ang dalawa nang makita ang nagaganap sa dead-end ng kanto.

“Tama na. Papasok pa ‘ko bukas.” pagmamakaawa ng lalaki habang pinagtutulungan itong bugbugin ng apat pang lalaki. Lahat sila ay nakauniporme ng katulad sa paaralan kung saan nag-aaral ang kambal.

“Sinong nagsabi sa’yong papapasukin ka pa namin?” tumawa ang lalaki’t muling sumuntok sa sikmura nito.

Lumitaw si Emma mula sa poste. Hinila pa ulit ni Doi ang bag nito ngunit hindi niya pa rin napigilan ang kakambal. Nanatili lang si Doi na nakatago sa poste dahil sa takot.

Hindi niya nauunawaan no’ng una si Emma kung bakit gano’n na lang ito katapang na harapin ang mga lalaki, ngunit nang makita kung sino ang binubugbog ay napasapo na lang siya sa noo. Kaya pala, gusto pala niyang ipagtanggol ang crush niya.

“Hoy! Tama na ‘yan!” sigaw ni Emma sa maliit nitong boses na sa kanyang sariling pandinig ay parang pag-angil ng isang malaking tigre.

Sabay sabay na nagsilingon ang mga lalaki sa dereksyon niya. Ilang saglit pa ay humagalpak sa pagtawa ang mga ito.

“Bakit bata? Anong gagawin mo kung hindi kami titigil?”

“Sino ka para tawagin akong bata? Makikita mo ang hinahanap mo!” muling sigaw niya sa maliit pa ring boses na pilit niyang pinabuo.

Muling nagtawanan ang mga lalaki.

“Sinasayang mo ang oras namin. May mga assignments pa kaming gagawin. Umuwi ka na lang ineng.”

Ibinaba ni Emma ang backpack niya at walang pag-aatubiling lumapit sa mga lalaki. Kusa namang yumukod ang isang lalaki at nang-aasar na iniharap ang mukha nito sa kanya upang ipasuntok.

Ngumiti si Emma, “Pilay kang gagawa ng assignments.”

Imbis na suntukin ang lalaki ay hinila niya ang necktie nito at iniumpog sa sarili niyang ulo. Napahiyaw naman sa sakit ang lalaki at halos napatumba ito sa hilo.

Nahintakutan nang bahagya ang iba. Sinubukan siyang itulak ng isa pang lalaki ngunit bago pa man dumapo sa dibdib niya ang kamay nito ay nasalo niya na at mabilisang pinihit. Nasipa niya naman sa maselang bahagi ang isa pang pasugod sa kanya kaya’t napasigaw rin ito sa sakit.

Nakabawi ang naumpog na lalaki at nakadapo sa pisngi niya ang sampal nito. Malakas ang sampal kung kaya’t napaupo si Emma sa lupa. Sinamantala naman ‘yun ng isa upang hilahin ang buhok niya at akmang kakaladkarin sana siya ngunit nakurot niya ito sa braso, dahilan upang mapabitaw rin ito sa kanya.

“Emma! Tama na ‘yan! Umuwi na tayo!” sigaw ni Doi nang makitang mukhang napupuruhan ang kakambal.

Nasuntok niya sa sikmura ang pasugod ngunit nayakap siya mula sa likod ng lalaking nasipa niya kanina. Hindi siya makawala sa lakas nito.

Pumwesto ang isang lalaki sa harap at inilapit nito ang mukha sa kanya, “May gusto ka bang ibang laro? Pwede namang idaan na lang natin sa gano’n. Mas masarap ‘yun kaysa rito.”

Walang ano-ano’y dinuraan niya sa mukha ang lalaki. Ipinunas agad ng lalaki ang sariling uniporme sa mukha niyang naduraan.

Sa inis ng lalaki ay sinuntok niya sa mukha si Emma.

“Ano ba! Pakawalan n’yo na siya!” sigaw ni Gael na duguan na ang uniporme dahil sa kanina pang pambubugbog sa kanya ng mga lalaki.

Muli pa sanang susuntok ang lalaki ngunit agad na may sumalong kamay sa braso niya. Isang kamay na mas malaki at tila pagmamay-ari ng isa ring lalaking higit na mas matanda kaysa kanilang lahat.