Vixen 2: The Superstar (TAGALOG)

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

(Eren's POV)

Kagat labi akong lumabas sa kusina bitbit ang isang pink na tray na may lamang platito ng cookies at strawberry juice.

My hands are trembling as I look at the five of them sitting on the pink sofa while lookin around them. Pakiramdam ko kakapusin ako ng hininga dahil sa kanila.

I woke up as early as seven thirty eight to fix myself and ready our breakfast, wala pa akong nauumpisahang iluto ay natigilan na ko when I heard the loud ringing sound of the bell coming from the door. Nagtaka ako dahil may gate pa sa labas, imposibleng may makapasok ng hindi binubuksan ang gate kaya nagtungo ako doon para i-check and that's when I saw the five of them.

They look so intimidating even they're younger than me, to the point na halos nanigas na ko sa kinatatayuan ko kanina nang unang beses ko silang makita. I'm scared as hell, tokwa talaga. Duwag na kung duwag pero totoong natakot ako.

Just by seeing their uniforms I already thought that they are from my father's. Akala ko nga ay sila yung mga kuya ko kaya talagang di ko maiwasang hindi mapasigaw sa gulat lalo na ng mapunta saken yung tingin nila kanina na para bang hindi talaga nila ako ine-expect na makita dito.

Nang makarating ako sa sala ay dahan-dahan kong nilapag sa sala table yung mga laman ng tray, ramdam ko nanaman yung tingin nila saken kaya isang nahihiyang ngiti ang iginawad ko sa kanila.

"H-hi." I greeted as I cleared the lump on my throat, "Uhm... I'm sorry if Jhayrein is taking too long in changing her clothes."

Kanina kasi namula kaming lahat nang makita si JR na oversized shirt at boyleg panty lang ang suot, okay lang sana kung ako lang makakakita kaso nakabalandra sya kanina at wala man lang pakielam kaya pinilit ko na syang magbihis.

"First name basis, huh?" Saad nung tanned skin at naka-semi kalbo na gupit.

Napaatras ako dahil sa uri ng tingin nya saken. He's like eyeing every corner of my body, actually lahat sila ay ganon ang tingin sa akin.

They are all well built, ang lalaki ng katawan at ang tatangkad even though same height lang din ako sa kanila halos, doon ako lugi sa laki ng mga braso at katawan nila---except doon sa may salamin, medyo payat ng konti eh.

But this is still terrifying. Nakakatakot talaga. Isang suntok lang saken ng mga toh paniguradong tulog ako. JR said that I shouldn't be afraid of them because they are five years younger than me, meaning they are in their 25

"Hi! It's okay. We are willing to wait." Sagot naman nung medyo payat na may salamin habang nakangiti saken, "By the way, I'm Private Oliver Wright." Then he pointed his fellow acquaintances, "This is Private Peter Johnson, Private Jack Wilson, Private Leo Drayton and Private George Hughes."

He offered his hand for a shake which I gladly accepted with a smile, "Glad to meet you, I'm Zerenel Gonzales."

"Gonzales?" He asked confusedly.

I started laughing awkwardly while scratching my head. Mukhang wala din silang ideya na kasal na si JR.

"Why are you calling her 'Jhayrein'?" The blonde one whose also the tallest of them all asked with suspicion, He's Private Johnson, "You shouldn't call our Liutenant like that!"

Napaigtad ako sa anyang yon. Tokwa. B-bakit nagagalit? H-hindi naman kailangang sumigaw eh.

"B-but I'm really used to c-call her by her first name---"

"NO ONE!" Biglang tayo nung pinakamaputi sa kanila na itim ang buhok dahilan para mapa-atras talaga ako, This is Private Hughes, "No mere mortal being is allowed to call our precious Liutenant Colonel on her first name!"

I covered half of my face by the use of the steel tray. Oh my God, they are so hot headed! Can't they talk without shouting?

"P-pero---" I frozed again when the other one pulled out a gun from his gun pocket and pointed it to me.

T-tokwa.

My hands are now trembling even more, my legs are shaking and my palms started sweating while still holding the tray in front of my body, using it as a cover as if it can save me from the bullet.

"I shall punish you for ruining our Liutenant Colonel! Forcing her to stay in a pastel pink dollhouse themed mansion and making her to wear such revealing clothes that taints her bad ass image!"

Ramdam kong namutla na ko nang makita yung pagkasa nya doon sa baril, kasabay non ang pagsikip ng hininga at paglabo ng paningin ko.

A scene suddenly flashed on my mind. A gun also pointed on me held by a familiar man in a camouflage suit.

'Magpakalalaki ka, Zerenel. Be a man or else I'll disown you!'

I grasp my shirt on my chest, "D-daddy..."

I can't breathe.

Alam kong may sinasabi na sya pero nabibingi na ko at literal na dumidilim yung paningin ko.

I was about to close my eyes when someone took the tray from my hands and cupped both of my cheeks. Bumalik agad ako sa wisyo nang makaramdam ng malambot na kung anong nakalapat sa labi ko.

Then our eyes met.

Agad syang humiwalay sa pagkakahalik sa labi ko at ineksamina yung mukha ko. Paano sya nakarating agad dito? Hindi ko man lang sya narinig na tumakbo.

"s**t, baby, are you okay?" She held my hand and pulled me towards to the remaining vacant single sofa on the side, "Maupo ka muna, you scared the s**t out of me, honey. Sit down."

Sinapo kong muli yung dibdib ko, "M-medyo kinapos lang a-ako ng hininga."

Nag-aalala syang lumuhod sa harap ko habang nakatingin pa rin saken kaya ngumiti ako habang hawak yung kamay nya. I calmed myself down, buti nalang at mabilis lang akong nakabalik sa paghinga ng maayos. Nawala na yung nerbyos.

"A-ayos lang ako."

She caress my cheek before her face turned into a furious one. Padabog syang tumayo at galit na humarap doon sa mga lalake.

Kung natakot sila, mas natakot ako! Nakakatakot talaga galitin si JR eh! Proven and tested.

"Motherfucking assholes!" Sigaw nya na nagpaigtad saming lahat, oo, kasama ako, "ATTENTION!"

Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro silang nagsitayo ng tuwid, their hands are on their side habang diretso ang tingin.

Nahigit ko yung hininga ko nang mabibigat ang mga hakbang nya nang lumapit sya sa lalaking nagtutok ng baril saken. Now they are all pale and sweating in fear. Who wouldn't? Jhayrein's aura is filled of power and authority.

"Who the f**k ordered you to point your gun on him, private!?"

"N-none, ma'am!"

"Then why did you fuckin do it!? Explain!"

I got goosebumps. Tokwa talaga, k-katakot.

"He just got carried away by his emotions, ma'am!" Sansala ni Oliver, yung nakasalamin kanina.

"EH GAGO PALA TOH EH!" Hala! Lalong nagalit!

"A-ah! JR!" Niyakap ko yung bewang nya para pigilan sya sa pagsugod doon sa limang lalakeng parang matutumba na sa kinatatayuan dala ng takot.

Imbes na tumigil ay mas nagpumiglas pa sya habang nagmumura, iwinawasiwas yung tray na kinuha na saken. Napaatras na tuloy yung lima, natumba pa sa sahig yung dalawa at kahit wala silang naiintindihan sa mga pinagsasabi ni JR ay halatang takot na takot sila. Napapikit nalang ako habang pilit syang hinihila palayo.

Oh God, this will be a long day.

***

Humigpit yung pagkakayakap ko sa limang pink na bimpo na syang hawak ko habang pinagmamasdan sila.

"I think we should tell them to stop and get in?"

"No."

I swallowed hard as I look at her emotionless face, "P-pero mainit na yung sikat ng araw, mag-a-alas dyes na."

"No."

"Baka kung ano na yung mangyare sa kanila." Pangungumbinse ko pa, "What if ma-heatstroke sila while running? Or ma-dehydrate? Or mag collapse due to fatigue? Baka mamaya maging serious na yung condition nila, they might die."

"That would be better."

My eyes widen, "Jhayrein!"

Naitikom ko yung bibig ko nang kumunot yung noo nya kaya muling bumalik yung tingin ko sa kanilang lima at napakagat sa labi. That's pretty cruel.

They are running around outside our house---I mean, our mansion for about an hour or two already. Lumamig na yung almusal na niluto ko na nasa mesa't lahat-lahat eh tumatakbo pa ren sila.

Basang-basa na sila ng pawis at namumula na rin. I pity them so much because they just got arrived, malamang may jetlag pa sila tapos ngayon eh pinagjogging agad ni JR? That's just so cruel. Kanina ko pa nga kinukulit si JR para pahintuin na sila at pagpahingain pero mas lalo lang syang nagagalit.

Kay JR ako ulit tumingin. Katabi ko sya habang pareho kaming nakaupo sa hagdan sa mismong labas ng main door. Nakadekwatro syang panlalake at naka-ekis nanaman ang mga braso sa dibdib. Buti nalang at naka-sweatpants na sya ngayon.

I pouted as I look at the five of them. Now they're really exhausted. Konting takbo pa at babagsak na sila. Kailangan na nilang magpahinga.

Lumingon ako kay JR.

"Jhayrein---"

"Still no---"

I pouted even more, "Baby?"

Nagulat ako nang bigla syang tumayo tsaka namulsa.

"Asikasuhin mo yang mga gagong yan. Mauuna na ko sa dining room." Sabay pasok sa loob kasabay ng pagngiti ko.

Atlast! Pumayag din!

"Guys! She said you can stop running now!" I announced.

And as if on cue, sabay-sabay silang napaupo sa sahig habang hingal na hingal. Tokwa, they really suffered a lot.

Tumakbo ako palapit sa kanila bitbit yung malalapad na bimpo.

"Here, use this to dry yourselves." I said as I handed the pink towel on them one by one, "I'll just get you some water."

Tinakbo ko yung patungo sa ref sa kusina para kumuha ng limang medium sized sealed watterbottles tsaka mabilis ding nakabalik sa kanila para ibigay yon. I also handed them some of my new spare plain shirts that I prepared earlier before watching them running around. Basa na kasi ng pawis yung top ng camouflage suit nila.

"S-she really had no m-mercy."

"Ah hehehe~" Kinamot ko yung pisngi ko nang makitang nanginginig si Leo, "It's not like that. She's maybe strict but she's still merciful."

They looked at me with widen eyes, shock and disbelief is written all over their faces.

"A-are you kidding me?" Jack

"You h-haven't even seen her c-commanding us for the drill." Peter

"Liutenant Colonel Gonzales is t-the worst. S-she's the s-scariest officer that I've e-ever met." George

Napalunok ako sa mga sinabi nila. Napaka-genuine kasi nung takot sa mukha nila habang nagsasalita, parang may inaalalang trauma from the past.

"I-is she that s-strict when it comes to her work?" Tanong ko.

I was shocked when they immediately nodded. Tokwa, ibig sabihin talagang nakakatakot nga sya. Ang laki ng katawan ng mga toh tapos natatakot sila kay JR? Omg.

"Everyone is afraid of her." Oliver cleared his throat while drying the sweat on his face, "She's cruel when it comes to drills. She's literally scary, those fellow privates who don't believe us got beaten when they tried to piss her off. She's a monster, even scarier than our General."

Lumunok ako, "R-really?"

He nodded, "Liutenant Colonel Gonzales is a fearless woman, nothing scares her..." Then he looked at me full of confusion, "...except you." Nanlaki yung mata ko. Ako?

"B-bakit ako---I mean, why me?"

Ngumiti sya ng pagkalaki-laki, "We saw it earlier. She's mad as hell because Private Hughes threaten to hurt you."

"She even called you 'honey'." Jack

"She looks so damn worried." Leo

"She's ready to salvage us if it weren't for you." Peter

"Yeah. Now we're curious."Sabat ni George, "What's your relationship with the Liutenant Colonel?"

Pinaglaruan ko yung mga daliri ko dala ng pag-iisip kung sasabihin ko ba o hindi yung tungkol samin.

"Uhm... Would you promise to keep this as a secret?"

"Yeah."

I bit my lip and showed my pinky finger, "Pinky swear?

They exchange some stares before looking back at me and held my pink with theirs, "Pinky swear."

Mukhang hindi naman talaga nila ipagsasabi kaya ngumiti ako.

"She's my wife."

I thought they will violent react or something but I was shocked when they faint in unison out of exhaustion and shocked instead. Napakamot tuloy ako sa ulo ko.

Tokwa talaga.

(JR's POV)

Pinagmasdan ko tong mga kupal na kung makalamon eh parang dalawang linggong pinagkaitan ng pagkain, then kay Eren na nakangiti at inaalok pa ng mga ulam na niluto nya.

Puta. Mukha silang mag-iina sa suot nilang t-shirt.

They look ridiculous because of the plain pink shirts that they're wearing, the one that Eren prepared for them to use. Pare-pareho tuloy silang nakapink gaya ni Eren. Nyeta.

Bumuntong hininga nalang ako bago nilapag yung kubyertos sa plato at sumandal sa kinauupuan ko.

"What are you really doing here?"

Sabay-sabay silang natigilan sa pagnguya at dahan-dahang nilunok yung nasa bibig nila.

"Uhm... The Queen ordered us to take you home with us." Private Hughes

"Why?"

"Because there's a threat on the borders of the Great Britain, more likely from the terrorists who wants to terrorize the country and the Queen wants to know more about it." Private Drayton

"Why me?"

"Her majesty wants you to lead the battalion of infantries, artilleries and cavalries." Private Johnson

I grimaced, "What if I say no?"

Lahat sila ay nagulat, tila di inaasahang sasabihin ko iyon habang si Eren ay tahimik lang na nakikinig.

"But why?" Private Wilson asked, "It's the Queen's order. It's inevitable."

"I'm still suspended."

"Her majesty already dismissed your suspension."

Lumingon ako dito sa nakasalamin, "What if I don't want to even though my suspension is already dismissed?"

He sighed, "We are not allowed to go back on the United Kingdom without you, Liutenant Colonel."

"Then don't go back."

"L-liutenant---"

"I'm not coming back..." Dumako yung tingin ko kay Eren, "...not yet."

Natahimik silang lahat matapos non at nagpatuloy sa pagkain habang tumayo naman ako at umalis para magtungo sa kwarto namin. f**k.

Nang makapasok ako ay padabog kong sinara yung pinto tsaka nilabas yung phone na nasa sweatpants ko.

I called his number which he immediately answered.

"Hello---"

"Don't you fuckin hello-hello me!" I yelled, "Who the f**k are those guys!? How did they fuckin get here!?"

He chuckled, "Calm down, Gonzales. It's her majesty's order."

"I don't fuckin care who ordered who! I'm not yet coming back!"

"But they can't go home without you."

"That's not my problem anymore! Take them back, Colonel Smith. Believe me, I'm not in the fuckin mood, I might kill them in an instant."

Nadagdagan yung irita ko nang humalakhak sya sa kabilang linya. Punyeta, kakalbuhin ko tong lalakeng toh kapag nagkataong magkita kame!

"If you want them gone then just come back here already. Kick their asses back here Gonzales and have a talk with the Queen."

Akmang may sasabihin pa ko nang mamatay na ang tawag. Ang walang hiyang lalakeng yon! Pinatayan lang ako!?

Inis kong binato sa kama yung phone tsaka namewang at huminga ng malalim. Bwiset talaga. Panira. Kung kelan namang... argh.

Ilang beses akong huminga ng malalim para pakalmahin yung sarili ko. Natigil lang yon nang makaramdam ako ng brasong pumulupot sa bewang ko at labing dumikit sa leeg ko. I felt his warm breath on my neck and cheeks.

"Uuwi ka na sa inyo?"

"Hindi." I held his arms on my waist, "Hindi pa."

"Bakit naman hindi?" He whispered.

Hindi ako nakasagot kaya iginiya nya ako paharap sa kanya.

Nagkasalubong yung tingin naming dalawa, worry is visible in his eyes as he caress both of my cheeks.

"Umuwi ka muna sa bansa nyo, kailangan ka nila don."

"No."

"But you need to go back to your home."

"You are my home, Eren."

He heaved a sigh, "Liutenant Colonel Gonzales, your people needs you." He tucked in some strands of my hair behind my ear, "Go back there and show them how bad-ass you are."

My irritation is suddenly gone and replaced with confidence, yet the doubt is still there.

Huminga nalang ako ulit ng malalim bago sumubsob sa dibdib nya, mahigpit naman nya akong niyakap habang sinusuklay-suklay pa yung buhok ko.

"Will you be okay without me?" I uttered.

"I'll be fine." He kissed the top of my head and slightly swayed our bodies, "I'll miss you but I'll be fine."

Mas nagsumiksik ako sa dibdib nya dahil doon. I can hear the loud beat of his heart from outside of his chest, but mine's louder. It's beating fast and loud.

Just a little bit more, Eren. Konting-konti nalang.

(Third Person's POV)

Kinatanghalian din ng araw na iyon ay umalis si JR kasama ang limang private na syang sundo nya, diretso na sila sa airport para makabalik agad sa UK sa lalong madaling panahon.

Eren didn't tag along to the airport, alam nilang pareho na magbabago at magbabago lang ang isip ni JR kapag nagkagtaon na ihatid nya ito sa airport.

So he just stayed in their house and act as if it's just a normal day for him.

IT'S BEEN four days since Jhayrein left, balik sa dati yung buhay ni Eren. Taping dito, photoshoot doon, fanmeeting dito, interview doo . Himalang balik sa pagiging hectic yung schedule nya.

Everything seems so normal for everyone, pero sa kanya? Hinde.

He misses her already. Hindi sila nagkakausap through phone, wala silang communication tulad ng nakasanayan nila noon sa tuwing bumabalik sa serbisyo si JR. Nasanay sila na dadating nalang bigla si JR, tapos mawawala din bigla.

Pero iba na ngayon. He misses her a lot. Medyo nawawala syasa focus netong mga nakaraang araw kaya madalas syang magkamali sa actions and lines na sa mga eksena, napapagalitan tuloy sya ni tatang at ng direktor, inakala pa na pagod sya at stressed kaya ngayong day-off nya ay hindi talaga sya ginambala ni Tatang.

Now he's currently resting in JR's mansion. He's laying on the pink sofa where they used to cuddle, nakapikit sya pero hindi sya natutulog at nakikinig sya ng classical music ni Vivaldi. He's just resting his mind from everything. Nag-aalala sya tungkol sa dahilan kung bakit pinabalik sa United Kingdom si JR pero may tiwala sya sa asawa nya, she's strong enough to lead those battalion. She's a Liutenant Colonel after all.

Nasa kalagitnaan sya ng pakikinig noong classical music nang tumumog yung phone nya na nasa sala table. He took it and accepted the call without looking on the caller's ID.

"Hello, Zerenel speaking."

"Kuya Eren!?"

He opened his eyes and frowned right after hearing his younger sister's voice on the other line, "Ezra?"

"Kuya! Hello!"

"Uhm, kamusta?" Gulat nyang saad tsaka naupo, ginulo-gulo nya yung buhok nya dala ng pagtataka.

Ito kasi ang unang pagkakataon na kinontak sya ng isa sa mga kapatid nya. Simula kasi ng mapalayas sya sa kanila ay hindi na nya nakausap ang mga ito, though wala naman talaga syang balak na kausapin yung mga nakatatanda nyang kapatid pero kahit si Ezra man lang na close nya kahit papaano ay hindi rin nya nakakausap. Malamang ay pinagbawalan siguro ng ama nila.

"Ayos lang ako kuya, sorry, naistorbo ba kita?"

"Uh, no. Hindi naman." He bit his lip, "Bakit ka nga pala napatawag?"

"Pasensya na kuya kung ngayon lang ako nakatawag sayo, ahm, I got your number nga pala from Julio." (Hulyo)

"Julio?" Ngumiwi sya. Wala syang kilalang hulyo.

"Si July! Duh! Your talanding beki friend!"

Pantay na umangat yung mga kilay ni Eren nang mapagtantong si July pala ang tinutukoy neto. Julio Y Peñafrancia kasi yung full name ng bakla pero mas type non na tawagin syang July dahil nandidiri sya ng sobra sa Julio na pangalan. Magka-edad lang ang kapatid nya at si July.

"Anyway, kaya ako tumawag dahil may emergency."

Agad syang dinamba ng kaba at pag-aalala nang marinig ang salitang yon.

"Anong emergency?"

"You need to go home kuya."

Pagak syang natawa at humalukipkip, "Anong klaseng emergency yan at kailangan kong umuwi dyan?"

"It's about mommy."

That made him stilled. He felt that he's rooted on his seat, ngayon ay mas lumala yung pag-aalala nya.

"W-what happened to m-mommy?"

"She's not feeling well this past few days and she asked me to call you. Gusto ka nyang makita at makausap kaya tinawagan kita."

Umawang yung labi ni Eren sa narinig nyang yon. He's shocked. Himalang gusto syang makita ng mommy nila, that's really new to him since his mom never as in, never really cares for him.

Nasanay sya noon na iniiwasan sya ng ina, na para bang ayaw syang nakikita o nakakausap man lang kaya nagtataka talaga sya kung bakit hinahanap sya neto ngayon.

He's worried as hell on how his mom's going but he's also doubting if he's really going home or not.

"Dad will not allow me to see mom." Mahinang bulong nya habang iniisip na sa utak nya yung magiging senaryo kapag nagpunta sya sa dati nilang mansyon.

"But mom needs you, kuya. She wants to see you."

He sighed, "Okay. I'll be there at ten."

(Eren's POV)

Abot-abot na agad yung kaba ko habang papahimpil palang yung taxi na sinasakyan ko sa mismong tapat ng malaking gate ng mansyon namin. Tokwa, kinakabahan talaga ako ng sobra.

Nagbayad ako sa driver bago tuluyang bumaba ng taxi nya. Doon ko tuluyang napagmasdan yung kabuuang labas ng dati kong tinitirhan.

I sighed, "Home sweet home."

Usual na tahimik sa village na kinatitirikan ng malaking bahay namin dahil magkakalayo ang mga malalaking bahay dito, malalaki kasi yung mga skaop nilang lupa pero higit na mas malaki yung mansion ni JR.

Napalunok ako nang makita ang pamilyar na dalawang guard na nasa gate.

Pakiramdam ko sumisikip yung paghinga ko. I want to back out and just leave but I remember Ezra's words, mom needs me, so I'll try to come in.

Ilang buntong hininga pa ang ginawa ko bago ako nagpasyang lumapit sa guards na nasa gate.

"Hi, goodmorning po." I smiled.

Mukhang nakilala naman nila ako dahil nanlaki yung mga mata nila at walang pagdadalawang isip na binuksan yung gate.

"Senyorito Eren!" Anya ng isa na medyo may katandaan na, "Pasok ho kayo!"

Napangiti ako sa turan nyang yon. Atleast their attitude towards me didn't change.

"Kamusta na ho kayo, Mang kiko?" Tanong ko sa mas nakatatanda.

"Hay nako iho, ayos na ayos! Matikas pa din tulad ng dati!" Natawa kami pareho dahil doon bago ko nilingon yung ma-edad lang ng sampung taon saken.

"Tandang Shaun."

Pabiro nya kong sinuntok sa balikat, "Senyorito pogi."

Muli kaming natawa kaya nabawasan ng konti yung nerbyos na nararamdaman ko.

"Buti naman ho at bumalik kayo rito, Senyorito."

"Nabalitaan ko yung about kay mommy, kaya ako nandito."

Bumakas agad yung lungkot sa mukha nila kaya medyo nadala ako, mukhang hindi nga talaga maganda yung kondisyon ni mommy.

"Nako mabuti at pumunta ka, talagang hinahanap ka ng mommy mo."

"Talaga po?" Hindi makapaniwalang anya ko kay mang kiko.

"Oo, totoo." Gatong ni Tandang Shaun, "Ilang araw ka ng pinapatawagan ng mommy mo para pauwiin dito pero nauudlot lang dahil sa senyor."

I clenched my fist because of that. Hindi na ko nagtataka. Kilala ko ang ugali ni daddy at alam kong nagsasabi sila ng totoo.

He really hates me from head to toe, ni hindi ko alam kung bakit. He just... hates me. That's all.

"Kuya!"

Lumingon ako mula sa kalalabas lang na si Ezra. I was shocked to see her well grown up, huling beses na nakita ko sya ay talagang patpatin pa sya at medyo wala pang kurba pero ngayon ay ang ganda-ganda na nya lalo.

Napaubo ako nang yakapin nya ko ng mahigpit.

"I miss you!" She blissfully squeal while hugging me tightly.

Wala akong magawa kundi ang matigilan. She... missed me.

A smile appeared on my face and hugged her back.

"I miss you too." I kissed the top of her head.

Kumalas sya saken at tiningala ako, I can see adoration glistened in her eyes, "Lagi kitang inaabangan sa TV! Ang galing-galing mo!"

I chuckled and pat her head. Maski si Mang edwin at tandang Shaun eh natawa sa kanya.

"We'll talk later, I need to see mom first."

"What are you doing here!?"

Bumalik yung kabang dala-dala ko mula pa kanina at alam kong nadoble pa iyon. Inaasahan ko na toh pero hindi pa rin pala ako handa.

Someone pulled my shirt and made me faced him, kitang-kita ko yung galit sa mga mata nya habang nakatingin ng diretso saken.

He got much older than before. Noong huling beses ko syang nakita ay itim na itim pa yung buhok nya, but now the roots are growing gray instead of black. Same old authoritative vibes from him. There's also a lot of wrinkles on his face but his eyes we're still the same.

Still full of hatred.

"Daddy..." I uttered but mas lalo syang nagalit.

Napansin kong nasa likuran nya sina kuya Edwin at kuya Ervin, both of them are frowning and glaring at me.

"How dare you!" Singhal nya habang nakahawak sa kwelyo ko, "Ang lakas naman talaga ng loob mong tumapak pa sa loob ng teritoryo ko! What are you doing here!?"

"I'm here for mom po." Gusto kong palakpakan yung sarili ko dahil hindi man lang ako nautal. Maybe I'm really good at acting.

Pagak syang tumawa na para bang nakakatawa talaga yung sinabi kong yon.

"You are not belong on this family anymore, nakalimutan mo na ba!? You're not belong here anymore!"

"I..." I cleared my throat, "I just want to see my mom."

"She doesn't want to see a disgrace like you." Sabat ni Kuya Ervin habang nakahalukipkip, "Leave, Eren."

I frowned, "She said she wants to see me. J-just let me through." I faced dad, "Hindi ako magtatagal, dad---"

Isang malakas na sapak ang pumutol sa pagsasalita ko, nangibabaw naman yung tili ni Ezra and I know that Mang kiko and tandang Shaun wants to help but they can't, I understand why.

"Don't call me dad because you're not my son!" He gritted his teeth out of anger, "Wala akong anak na gaya mo! Get lost! Leave us alone!"

I fell on the ground because of the impact, medyo umikot pa yung paningin ko but I managed to look at them. His punch never gets old, it was still the same just like before whenever he beats me out of disappointment.

"OMG kuya!" Dinaluhan ako ni Ezra at chineck, "Are you okay!?"

The physical pain is nothing, emotional pain is much more worst but I'm used to it.

I smiled, "A-ayos lang ako."

"Ezra! Get away from that bastard!" Kuya Edwin yelled.

"No! What is wrong with you!?" Kumapit sa braso ko si Ezra para alalayan akong makatayo, "Why did you hit him!?" She asked dad.

Oh no she's talking back. Mas lalo nya lang ginagalit si daddy.

"I said get away from him!" Kuya yelled again.

"No!"

Nagulat ako nang sapilitan syang hilahin ni kuya Ervin palayo saken. I saw how she flinched while trying to get away from his grip. s**t, she's hurt!

"Kuya please nasasaktan si Ezra!"

Akmang lalapit ako sa kanila nang bigla nalang akong sugurin ni Kuya Edwin at muling sinuntok. I can't help but to groan in pain as we both fell again on the ground and he's beating me into death while I'm covering my head with my arms.

I don't want to fight back. They're still my older brother and they have my respect, I don't want to hurt him.

"P-please I just w-want to see mommy, even just for a m-minute... Please, please, k-kuya. D-daddy... Please."

Bigla nyang hinila yung kwelyo ko kaya nagkasalubong yung tingin namin.

He's mocking me. I know. He always does.

"Hindi ka pa rin nagbabago, Eren." He grinned, "You're still weak. That's why you don't belong in this family."

He threw a punch straight to my right jaw, dahilan para mahilo talaga ako.

I can't feel the pain. I can't feel anything. I just want to see mom.

There's a sudden flash of those traumatic memories with them on my head. Doon ko naramdaman yung kakapusan ng hininga.

Maybe... Maybe I really don't belong in this family but still... I want to see mom. I want to see her.

This is the first time that she wants to see me. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na gusto akong makita ni mommy so why can't they just let me? Wala ba talaga akong karapatan? Hindi ba talaga pwede?

"Edwin, that's enough!" I heard kuya Ervin said, "Nag-aaksaya ka ng oras sa isang yan."

"I just want to teach him a lesson kuya, para magtanda na." Then he punhed me again.

I can feel the blood rushing out of my nose as my head hanged down. Oh no, tatang will not gonna like this.

"Let him be!" Utos ni daddy na nagpalumo saken lalo,"Let him teach that bastard his lesson so that he'll never set a foot in our territory again!"

"No! Bitawan mo ko! Bitawan mo ko sabi! Kuya Eren!"

"Shut up! Isa ka pa!" Kuya Ervin said and then a loud slap came next.

I knew that he slapped Ezra based on her sobs so I tried to open my eyes but my vision are spinning and completely blurry. I can't see a thing clearly.

"P-please..." I pleaded, "Please... d-don't h-hurt her..."

I gasped for air while trying to make myself sit properly but Kuya Edwin pushed me to the ground and preparing himself to punch me for the last time.

They're right. I'm weak. I'm really weak. I'm pathetic. Wala akong kwenta, I already know that years ago pero parang bago pa rin.

It still hurts.

A tear fell from my eyes as I waited for his fist to land on my face but it was interrupted when someone pulled him up and punched him on his nose na tila nagpagising sa diwa ko.

"OMG! Faaaaafs!"

Did I heard it right? I think I just heard July's voice.

Hindi nga ako nagkamali dahil ilang segundo lang ay may umakay saken paupo at sinapo yung mukha ko.

"My gaaaahd! Fafs what happened to your feeeeeeez!? Huhuhu!" He hugged me, "Your hansam feeez fafs! Your hansam fez! Magang-maga parang kinakagat ni jabee! Huhuhuhu!"

"J-july." I winced because of the pain on my face and arms, ahhh tokwa.

"Eren!" Tatang is here too?

Minulat ko yung mata ko. He's here too. They are really here.

They both looked worried about me that made my eyes watered. Ramdam kong nag-init ng husto yung mga sulok ng mga mata ko at tuloy-tuloy yung agos ng luha pababa sa pisngi ko.

"T-tatang..." Napakapit ako sa mga braso nya, "I-I'm sorry..."

"Shhh. It's okay. It's okay." He said as he wiped my tears away, "Gagamutin natin yang mga sugat mo, anak."

Anak.

My tears flowed even more because of that.

He called me 'anak'. I don't know what to feel anymore. My emotions are kinda mixed up, I just want to cry.

"W-what the f**k!?"

Napalingon ako sa direksyon ni Kuya Edwin na ngayo'y hawak-hawak yung ilong nyang dumudugo habang nakaupo sa sahig. He looks shocked just by seeing his own blood overflowing from his nose. Actually, everyone looks so shocked too.

He got punched by who? Who punched him? I didn't saw it.

"Kinginang ilong yan ang tigas!"

I froze because of that voice.

Dahan-dahang dumako yung tingin ko sa taong nasa harapan ko mismo at napatulala.

There. She's standing right there, wearing her military uniform. Winawasiwas nya yung kamao nyang may dugo na sa tingin kong pinag-suntok nya kay kuya Edwin kanina.

Napalunok ako, I can feel the excitement rushing through my system even though I'm still hurting from the pain because of my wounds.

"Who are you!?"

Nag-inat inat sya na para bang nagsi-stretching.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Father-in-law." She said that made their jaw dropped.

She's here. She's already here.

Ramdam ko yung paghuhurumentado ng puso ko nang lingunin nya ko. Ang dilim-dilim ng mukha nya. Nag-aagaw yung galit at pag-aalala sa mga mata nya habang nakatingin saken.

"You said you'll be fine." She gritted her teeth and frowned, "You said you'll just miss me but you'll be fine."

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero napangiti ako.

She's really here.

"How dare you!" Napukaw ng sigaw na iyon ni Daddy yung atensyon naming lahat.

Dinuduro nya si JR na ngayo'y nakaharap na din sa kanya. His face turned red while looking at her furiously.

"How dare you to set your foot in our territory!?"

"Terri-territory ka dyan!? Hanep ka ah!" Sigaw nya pabalik tsaka nilingon yung paanan nya, "Hoy tanda! Wag mong angkinin yung kalsada! Public property toh! Nyeta."

Tignan mo tong babaeng toh! Sira ulo talaga!

Kitang-kita ko kung paanong umawang yung labi ni daddy sa sinabi nyang yon, halatang hindi makapaniwala na sinasagot sya pabalik ni JR. Ganon din sina kuya at Ezra.

"W-what...what did you just...say?"

"Walang ulitan sa binge." Then she stick her tongue out, dahilan para mapa-facepalm kaming tatlo nina tatang at July.

"You b***h!"

Kinakabahan ako sa kung anong gagawin ni daddy kay JR pero tiwala naman ako sa asawa ko. Yun nga lang at medyo natatakot talaga ako para sa kanya, mas ginagalit nya kasi si daddy lalo.

Kuya Edwin stood up while still holding his bleeding nose, mukhang nasaktan talaga sya ng husto dahil nakaawang yung labi nya.

Sinamaan ni kuya Edwin ng tingin si JR pero hindi sya man lang nilingon neto, na kay daddy pa rin yung tingin nya, "Ang lakas naman ng loob mo para gawin saken toh."

"Manahimik ka dyan kung ayaw mong dagdagan ko yang basag sa ilong mo."

He let out an insulting laugh, "This b***h just came out of nowhere and suddenly punched me, who the f**k do you think you ar---"

I was shocked when she pulled his shirt and punched him, just like what kuya did to me earlier.

"Aaaah!"

She punched him on the face, sa ilong ulit kaya napasigaw si kuya sa sakit at napa-atras. Nagulat pa ko nang mapaluhod sya habang hawak-hawak yung mukha nya.

"Y-you... arghhh... fuck."

Akala ko tapos na si JR, kaso napa-igik kaming lahat nang hatakin nya yung buhok ni kuya para patingalain sya tsaka inupper cut bago tuluyang bumagsak sa sahig.

"J-jhayrein!" I shout when I saw kuya Ervin running towards her.

I'm amazed when she evaded his attack and punched him on his abdomen that made him cough and wince in pain.

The she also held kuya's hair tsaka sapilitang iyuko naman kung saan sinalubong ng mukha nya yung tuhod ni JR na nagpanganga saken, lalo na ng itulak nya si kuya na parang wala lang sa sahig.

She's really scary.

"This is such a disgrace to your family, General Gonzales." She chuckled, "The captain and the colonel of the Philippine Army got beaten into a pulp by a woman. Ew."

Dad clenched his fist while looking at her with fiery anger, "Who are you?"

"Ah s**t, so rude of me. I forgot to introduce myself to you, father in law."

Ugh! Tokwa, kunwari pa! Alam kong sinadya nyang wag munang magpakilala!

"Pa-cool pa tong babaeng toh." Bulong ni tatang, "Sira ulo! Bilisan mo dyan!"

"Wag mong sirain yung eksena ko gurang!"

"Aba't loko talaga toh ah! Eh kung pag-untugin ko kaya kayo ng matandang yan!?"

"Nakakaloka naman kayo! Ngayon nyo pa naisip na mag-away! Imbyerna yung byuti ko ah!?" Anya ni July na ikinatango-tango ko. Sang ayon ako kay July.

Daddy laughed sarcastically while looking at us.

"You all looked pathetic, yan ba yung ipinagmamalaki mo, Zerenel?" Turo nya samin, "Sumama ka sa mga yan? Pinalaki kita na parang anak ko. Ako ang nagpakain sayo, nagpa-aral at kumupkop sayo para may matitirhan ka pero ito pa ang igaganti mo!?"

Naguguluhan ko syang pinagmasdan. Why is he talking like that? He's talking as if... as if I'm not really his son?

"You've become weaker than before Eren, why? Wala ka ba talagang natutunan sa mga itinuro ko sayo noon!? Pathetic! I pity you, how come a man like you became a coward just like him!?"

Taka kong nilingon si tatang na syang tinuturo nya, he's frowning while glaring at dad. Magkakilala sila? How? Bakit hindi ko alam?

I don't get it. I'm confused.

"W-why..." Sinubukan kong maupo ng tuwid, inalalayan naman ako ni July, "D-daddy, b-bakit parang... bakit parang utang na loob ko pa s-sayo ang lahat?" Those words tasted so bitter, "I-it's your responsibility as my f-father so...w-why?"

He smirked, "Just be grateful to me, nagawa kong saluhin yung responsibilidad na hindi naman talaga para saken."

Nahihinuha ko na, alam ko na yun ibig nyang sabihin pero sadyang hindi lang tinatanggap ng sistema ko.

"Why don't you tell him, Zion?"

My gaze slowly turned on tatang whose clenching his jaw while sending his sharpest glare to dad. Pakiramdam ko, bumagal yung paghinga ko dahil doon, lalo na nang ako naman ang nilingon ni tatang. His face softened as he look at me.

Just by looking at his eyes I already knew what he meant.

"Tell your son, Zion."