The Heiress' Revenge (SPG)

Kabanata 8

Ang maliit na bahay ay malapit lang sa dagat. Mapayapa kaming kumakain dalawa. He told he usually skip breakfast, but now it’s almost lunch so he’s joining me. I say, hinintay niya talaga ako. Well, if I didn’t come, he’ll eventually eat it for lunch.

Huwag kang assuming Gab.

Kinakausap ko na ang sarili ko ngayon. What he cooked was pretty much basic for a breakfast. Fried eggs, bacon, bagels, avocado, and sausages. He asked me if I drink coffee, and I do, so he made me one. It was fine, it was rather a 3-in-1 instant coffee, but he mentioned he’s getting a coffee machine later and brew one for me.

It was unnecessary but it’s his choice.

“Are you taking a dip?” He asked.

Medyo mainit pa ang kape na ginawa niya kaya hinihipan ko pa, “Not sure, it’s too hot. My sunscreen and sunblock can’t protect me.”

Tumango naman niya para bang naiintindihan niya ang punto ko.

“Ikaw? How long are you staying here?” I asked.

Kanina pa kami tahimik, nandito ako para sa clues na sinasabi niya kaya nag-aabang lang ako ng pagkakataong matanong siya. I don’t want to sound desperate and besides I don’t think it’s too important.

Whether kuya trust him or not, it’s doesn’t matter to me. Pwede ko namang sabihin na hindi ako komportable na nasa paligid siya, I’m sure kuya will not force me.

“Hindi naman ako maglalagi dito. I have businesses to run, I’ll be here once or twice a week, maybe? Hanggang sa maresolba ang lahat. Hanggang sa masigurado naming ligtas ka nang bumalik sa dati mong buhay.” Paliwanag niya.

“So, you’re leaving today?” Pag-uusisi ko.

“No. I’m staying here for a week. Just this week…” Aniya.

Aga sliced his bagels into two and tried to stuff it with bacon, avocado, tomato, and egg, just like a sandwich. He took a big bite as I was just following all he is doing. Para bang kuntento lang akong pinapanood siya.

“Hmm… did Calvin…” napalunok ako, I’m not quite ready to talk about this but I’m curious. “Go peacefully? I… I mean.”

I can’t even finish it.

“I didn’t attend but I heard they held it quietly. I am hoping he went peacefully.” Aga trying to fill in the blanks for me.

Silence stretched for a moment. Bigla akong naiiyak kapag naalala ko si Calvin. Lagi ko siyang pinagdadasal. Sana payapa siya. Sana malaman na naming at madakip ang may gawa nito sa amin. Siya ang mas may karapatang makamit ito. Nadamay siya sa akin. Hindi ko naman alam kung sino ang kinalaban ko. I was pretty much okay with everyone. Wala naman akong naririnig na reklamo tungkol sa akin.

Kaya kailangan malaman namin kung sino sa lalong madaling panahon.

Napatingin nalang ako sa malawak na karagatan. May nakikita akong speed boat sa malayo. Minsan napapatalon ang puso ko kapag may nakikita akong napapadaan. Kahit na sabihin nating pribado ito, hindi niya pagmamay-ari ang karagatan.

It went far away so I was a bit relieved.

Tumikhim siya para maputol ang katahimikan. Napabalik ang tingin ko sa kaniya at nagkatitignan kami.

“Hindi mo kasalanan ang nangyari.”

Aga was trying to lighten me up by saying that when he came to me yesterday to let me know, I was the target. Basically, it was because of me. May nadamay dahil sa akin.

I gave him a faint smile. Nothing can lighten me up right now.

“You know I don’t trust you right?” Ironic, I’m showed up when he said to come.

“I understand. Well, I wasn’t expecting much when I came here. Daevan was also desperate to protect you and I’m the best person to do it, why not?” Aga explained.

“Paano mo nakuha ang trust ng kuya ko? Alam ba ng magulang ko ito? Alam ba nilang nandito ka? Si Clarence? Why not him?” Sunud-sunod kong tanong.

Aga just smiled. He sips his coffee first and took another bite. Para bang na-offend ko siya sa sinabi ko. How can I trust him if I won’t dig?

“Daevan came forward first.” Aga said in defence.

My freaking brother did what? Halos mailuwa ko ang nginunguya na pagkain.

“He knew I was there, and I was your boss. He confronted me about why I was there? I was a victim then there’s suspicion about me? He later knows I also submitted a report about what happened to me. He read my medical examination result. I was dr*gged with a higher dosage. It was like I was intended to be killed by overdosage. I almost died if I wasn’t found by a housekeeper. They had to open my room since I overstayed and had to be kicked out. I woke up in a community hospital a day before you were found. I hired a private investigator because it’s just insane and knowing you were not yet found.” He stopped as if it was too much information.

I bit my lower lip, trying myself not to cry. His eyes were not lying. I can see the pain in his eyes and him remembering everything just to prove something was really horrible of me.

That was so cruel of you, Gabrielle. I was about to stop him but—

“Humiwalay ako sa join forces ng magulang mo at magulang ni Calvin. As a person who was in that party, was a victim, and your former boss, I don’t want to be a primary suspect. It won’t be unfair on me.” He continued.

Namumula ang kaniyang mga mata. Ang kaliwang kamay niyang nasa mesa ay nagkukuyom. I was cruel!

“I… I’m sorry to…” I gasped and lost with words.

He could almost die if he wasn’t found. I can see his rage as well. I understand him, that’s all I felt this whole time.

“I survived. I would never know if I was r*ped or not but…” he stopped.

“But what?” Bigla akong nabitin.

“There was an ejaculation.” Aniya.

What?

Parang sasabog ang ulo ko sa sobra ng nalaman ko. He stopped talking for a while. Hindi ko na dinagdagan ang tanong ko para hindi siya mapressure sa isasagot. What he went through was a horror. Gruesome! Habang nakikikinig ako sa kaniya, I noticed, wala rin siyang maalala sa nangyari sa kaniya. Even a peek on what they do to him, nothing.

That’s something we are in common. We don’t know anything. We are basing everything now with the medical examination result.

We both sighed unisons.

Napatingin ulit ako sa dagat. The waves are too loud as well as my head. Buti pa ang kalangitan, malinaw. Buti pa ang araw, lumiliwanag.

“I’ll do everything to protect you.” Sabi ni Aga.

I returned my attention to him. I realised, he is finished with his food and my plate is still full. Bigla nalang akong nawalan ng gana. Sino pa ba ang makakakain ng maayos sa gano’n?

Hindi ko namamalayang pinaglalaruan ko lang pala ang pagkain.

“You should protect yourself first.”

“Your family is protecting me. Hindi rin ako nag-aalala para sa sarili ko masyado. I’ll be alright. Now that we are suspecting that your life is still at risk, I’ll do everything I can to prevent that from happening.” Ngumiti siya.

I awed. Aga sounded so sincere, and my heart fluttered. He would rather protect me that saving himself. Who would do that? He’s just my boss. My former boss. I’m no longer tied with his company.

I admit his words comforted me. Aga touched my heart and vibrant for a moment.

“I want you to help me find them. I want to get back at them. For you, for our own justices. For Calvin, Clarissa and all people who got involved.” I encouraged him.

“We’ll find them. We will…” Aga assured.

“By the way, how is this still silenced to the media. Not that I want this to explode, I’m just anxious.” I asked, out of nowhere.

He smirked. It was like a bad question to ask, “Have you heard any news about big corporations being in a scandal? Well, corruption, fraud, scams and probably bankruptcies but don’t underestimate the power of your family, Gabrielle. You know how big Villa Rama and Montenegro in combined. Until now, you don’t know how powerful you are? Your family is protecting me.” Aga exclaimed as if educating me.

Well, I know how powerful my family is. But…

“There are rumors circulating already about the incident but of course families like yours and Calvin, whose family own a TV Network, what else you can’t do? They silent media from leaking anything. There are small bunch of medias coming to me but why would I say anything if it’s going to harm my businesses?” Patuloy pa ni Aga.

Nakuha ko na. Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses na akong napabuntong-hininga. I thought he’s just spill small clues, but he gave me everything even the biggest one. Akala ko pahihirapan pa niya ako o bibigyan ng mga task para ma-solve ang clues.

I just needed to eat breakfast with him.

“Uhm… salamat…” I said.

It was really hard to say. What I know now is I can trust him with my life. I will be fully cooperative with everything. Hindi ko siya pahihirapan at hindi magiging sakit sa ulo. He’s sacrificing his life again for me.

By protecting me.

I don’t want to ask why. Hindi ako handa sa magiging sagot niya kung ano man ito. I’m holding on to what he said. My family is helping him out as Aga helping me in return. It’s a win-win situation.

“I’m not really sure if I’m doing this right but I’m putting my trust in you. Whoever went worst doesn’t matter but who did this to us. If I’m the real target, I’m still truly in danger now. I just want to get into the bottom of this. Who killed Calvin, who almost killed you, who molested me, and who ruin Clarissa? I’m truly grateful that you’re here. I would’ve loosened my mind. I’ve lost hopes already, but you’re giving me another chance to hope again.” I gave him a brief speech.

It could’ve been a bit longer but that’s going to be dramatic.

Aga smiled. Nawawala ang mga mata niya kapag nakangiti siya. He’s kinda cute at that. I can’t help but smile too. He just finished his last sip of coffee when his phone rings.

“I’ll just take this.” Paalam niya.

He was ready to leave the table, but I stood with him. “Don’t worry, I’ll clear the table and wash.”

Gusto pa sana niyang umangal pero mukhang urgent ang tawag. Napatango na lamang siya at lumayo para tanggapin ito.

I don’t have a phone nor a watch to know the time. Ang alam ko lang ngayon ay tanghali na. Tirik na ang sikat ng araw at doon na tumatama sa mesa kung saan niya hinanda kanina.

I scraped the food first before piling it up. This was part of our skills training for restaurant service months ago. I acted like I’m in formal dining. I placed how knives and fork should be placed. It’s on top of the scraped food. Nilagay ko ito sa likod ng daliri ko, ang pinky at thumb ko ang nagsisilbing supporta. Habang ang naka-pile na mga pinggan, nasa palad ko na sinusuportahan ng aking pulso.

I managed to clear the table after doing all those troubles. Pagkapasok ulit sa bahay ay makikita agad ang kusina. It’s not even big.

I started washing all the dishes. Some leftovers were kept in the fridge. The house is pretty much standard. May kusina, salas, banyo, kwarto sa taas na may mga gamit. Marahil iniwan ng may-ari noon. Sa pagkakaalala ko, lahat ng bintana ay puno ng kurtina, mukhang tinanggal niya ito.

Malinis ang buong bahay.

Ayokong maniwalang siya naglinis ng lahat ng ito. Kahapon lang siya dumating pero ang sabi ni kuya, matagal nang walang tao sa rest house na ito. Imagine a man like him cleaned all of this. All by himself…

“That’s impressive.” I blurted.

“Who?”

Jusko! Napatalon ako sa gulat. Napalingon ako sa likod at nakangiti siya. If he thinks close na kami, we’re not yet.

“Wala…”

He shrugged.

“I’m leaving for a moment. Nag-order ng blinds at kurtina, I can’t have them delivered. I must pick it up.” Paalam niya.

I felt so excited that I almost jump towards him.

“Can I come?” I asked.

Nagulat siya sa biglaan kong paglapit. Para akong batang nanghihingi ng lollipop or binigyan ng pagkakataong pumili kung Fried Chicken or Spaghetti. He firmly pressed his lips as if he was hesitant to tell me his verdict.

“Hmmm? I will stay in your car. I won’t go out… or anything. I’ll be a good girl. Besides, bakit ako tatakas? I’m jailed here in agreement. So?” Paliwanag ko.

He’s totally speechless with my explanation. He immediately hid his phone in his pocket and contemplating if he’s allowing me or not. Nakikita ko sa mga mata niyang pinag-iisipan niya ito. I tried to be as mabait-look para makumbinsi ko siya. I’m not going to give him a headache, I swear.

Umiling siya na ikina-dismaya ko, “I can’t take you. I can’t risk it. I’m sorry…”

Nakasimangot na ako at umatras papalayo sa kaniya. I’m really stuck here, am I? Alam ko rin naman na tama ang desisyon niya pero akala ko lang, lulusot ako at makalanghap man lang ng polusyon.

His car is not totally tinted. It is but people can still see inside. By law, it’s not allowed to completely tint the car. I know that.

I shrugged. “I understand, don’t worry.”

Tumalikod na ako at pinagpatuloy ang paghuhugas ng pinggan. Halos patapos na rin ako. Babalik nalang siguro ako sa bahay or magpapalipas ng ilan pang oras dito.

“Hey…” I heard him from the back.

I felt him approaching me.

“Hmm?” Lumingon ako sandal pero binalik din sa sink ang atensyon.

“I’m sorry. I’ll be back after.”

“No. Don’t apologise, it’s alright.” Patuloy pa rin sa ginagawa.

“Babalik ako agad. I’m hoping you can help me with installing curtains.”

I smiled. Aga sounded guilty and trying to lessen the disappointment. May konting expectation lang pero hindi naman ako gano’n kababaw. I know that he’s doing it for my safety.

Nilagay ko ang huling baso sa drying rack. Pinatay ang gripo at kinuha ang tuyong towel sa tabi. I dried my hands with it and faced him back. I genuinely smiled at him, letting him know that I’m not mad or anything. “I’ll be here. Babalik kang nandito ako.”

Aga was a bit hesitant. He must be thinking that I’m upset or something, which a bit am but I can’t break any deal at all. He’s in-charge of my safety and so I am with his. If I go with him and being found by people, he could be in danger. I gave him a hand gesture, letting him go and kept my smile.

My assurance made him go.

The rest house is not big at all. Although a two-story house, it’s not that spacious. I bet the previous owner just wanted a small place to stay. Nasa baba ang common spaces like toilet, kusina, sala at sa maliit na espasyo ng balcony may dining para sa dalawang tao. Umakyat ako sa ikalawang palapag para silipin ito, gawa ang hagdan sa kahoy at pakadating sa gitna ng hagdan halos maabot mo na ang malaking ceiling fan. Nagpatuloy lang ako hanggang sa narating ko ang taas, agad naman akong nalula sa luwag nito. No rooms at all, nasa bedroom ka na agad. May sang king-sized bed at work desk sa tabi. I saw two luggage on the floor, but the rest of the room is empty. Sa taas ng head rest ng kama may isang malaking saradong bintana na may Jalousie pero wala pang kurtina, at ang kaisa-isang pinto naman ay sa tingin ko ang bathroom. Pumunta ako sa kama at pagtayo mo galing sa pagkakatulog, makikita mo agad ang karagatan. Between the veranda and the room, there’s a glass door.

The simplicity of the room and the massive space pleases me. I’m stunned.

Isa ngang bahay bakasyunan. It didn’t need to be that fancy at all. It’s refreshing and well-situation. The whole house is well-built. Semento ang buong bahay at mukhang matibay ang pundasyon. Walang tinipid sa materyales. Dahil sa bukas ang mga bintana sa baba, naririnig ko ang hampas ng hangin pero wala akong nararamdamang pagyanig sa bahay.

Sa labas, medyo nag-fi-fade na ang pintura at nagmumukha itong old na bahay pero sa loob naman mukhang bago ang lahat. Halos ang lahat ay gawa sa kahoy except of course sa mga appliances pero well-maintained ang loob.

It feels safe. Great choice! I mean, does he even have one?

Hindi naman ako nagtagal sa taas dahil pribadong espasyo ito ni Aga kaya bumaba ako para maghanap ng gagawin. Gusto ko sanang maghintay sa veranda niya pero ayaw ko namang isipin niyang, nag-iinvade ako.

There was nothing to do at all. Hindi pa lumilipas ang tanghali at ayaw ko munang ibilad sa araw ang kutis ko. I trust my sunscreen but not the radiation.

Umupo lang ako sa balcony at nagpalipas ng oras.

Since I arrived here, I had no sense of time. When the sun rise, it’s too early, when the sun gets too high, it’s noon and when I feel sleepy, it’s siesta time, when I’m starting to feel anxious at night, it’s late. That’s how I’ve been living.

Quite scary, huh?

Not a moment later, I was feeling sleepy. Inaantok ako sa ihip ng hangin. Para bang hinihele ako at umuihip sa mga mata ko. That’s when I’ve decided to get inside the house and make my comfortable with the lounge made of wood. It wasn’t but who am I to complain?

Humiga ako na walang unan. Inaagaw na ng antok ang buong sistema ko kaya hinayaan ko na.

“Don’t f*cking touch me! Who are you?” Singaw ko sa lalaking nakatakip ang buong mukha.

“Magiging madali lang ito kung makikipag-cooperate ka!” Marahas niyang sabi.

Ramdam ko ang lamig sa buong katawan. Natatakpan man ang mga mata dahil sa basa kong buhok, nakikita ko pa rin ang buong paligid. Pinaliligiran ako ng mga lalaking nakahubad. Lahat sila ay naka-itim na mask stock silang lahat. Nakagapos ang mga kamay ko sa kama maging ang aking mga paa. Hindi ako halos makagalaw at hapong-hapo na sa init. Pinagpapawisan na ako ngunit lamig ang nanunuot sa akin.

“No! Sino kayo? Stop this! I will pay you!” I said with full of desperation.

“Ha! Kung sana dati mo pa ginawa ‘yan!” Sabi ng isa.

Gusto kong alisin ang buhok kong sagabal at malagkit sa balat pero kahit anong pagpipiglas ko, walang silbi ito.

“Rence! Rence! Can someone help me!?” I cried loudly.

Pleading…

Nauubos na ang natitirang enerhiya ko dahil sa kakasigaw at paggalaw. Kung may nakakarinig man sana may tumulong sa akin.

“Sige, tirahin mo ‘yan…” utos ng lalaki.

“H’wag! H’wag! Parang awa niyo na! Please…” Umiiling ako.

Kahit na alam kong walang silbi ang paggamit ko ng enerhiya ko, pinipilit kong ilayo ang katawan sa lumalapit sa akin. No one can touch me! Hindi ko hahayaang ang lahat ng paghihintay ko. Hindi ko sila kilala. Hindi ko alam kong ano ang atraso ko sa kanila. Kung sino ang nag-utos na gawin ito.

If anyone…

“Help!” I shouted.

Can hear me…

Please save me. Nasaan na si Rence? Alam ba niyang nawala ako? Iniwan niya lang ako saglit. Hindi niya ako iniiwan ng matagal. I’m sure hinahanap na niya ako. Where are you now? Malapit na ba ang tulong? They will do something bad to me.

“Patulugin nalang natin.” Suhestiyon ng isa.

“H’wag nang maraming sinasabi diyan. Tirahin niyo na ‘yan para matapos na!” Utos ng lalaking nasa kaliwa ko.

Kita kong nag-aalangan ang iba. Umiiyak lang ako at mas lalo akong nanghihina. Mawawalan na ako ng malay kapag pinilit ko pang gamitin ang natitira kong enerhiya. Ngunit may choice pa ba ako? If my shouts can save me, I will use everything I have right now.

“How much? Millions? I will give you millions. My family can give you everything you want!” Sabi ko.

I’m not comfortable being naked like this. They need to let me go! Sana naman madala ko sila sa ganito. I’m sure ibibigay ng pamilya ko ang lahat ng gusto nila. Unless mautakan sila at madakip ng pulis. Hindi ko sila patatawarin kapag nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon.

Nakangisi ang lalaking nasa kaliwa ko. He’s like the leader of this bullshit. Kanina pa ako naiinis sa kaniya. Milyones na ang ino-offer ko. Kagatin mo na gago ka!

“Hindi ko kailangan niyan…” aniya.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

"Tama na ang satsat. Tapusin mo na 'yan, sayang na ang oras!" Utos nitong muli sa mga kasama niya.

Napapikit na ako sa kaba. Ito na nga ba ang katapusan ko?