The Heiress' Revenge (SPG)

Kabanata 6

I stayed at my brother’s place for a few days. I have nowhere to go obviously.

Sa mga araw na nandito ako, hindi ako kailanman pinatulog ng maayos. This house is so empty for me. I’m all alone and it’s depressing more. I kept straining myself to remember what really happened to me that f*cking night. Still now avail.

Nadala naman ako ni kuya sa isang specialist sa malapit, I was given medication especially sleeping pills to sleep but no effect on me. I felt like I’m just wasting my time taking those. Hirap na hirap ako sa mga gabing gusto ko na talagang magpahinga. May mga araw din na wala akong kasama sa bahay dahil umuuwi si kuya sa amin. In short, I’m all alone. Minsan nga nagmumukha akong baliw dito, nagsasalita nalang sa sarili. Wala akong kilala. Wala akong kaibigan. Wala akong makausap.

I felt like I’m abandoned.

Of course, I know why Kuya Daevan is doing this. He didn’t want to draw attention from people we know. Maraming may alam sa nangyari sa gabing ‘yon. We invited hundreds of guests, and my family couldn’t silent them all. May maghahanap at magtatanong kung nasaan ako. My friends are probably looking for me. They also want to know. They want answers, too.

My work. For sure, may AWOL na ako sa record nila. Hindi na ako nakabalik matapos no’n. Pati ‘yan naisip ko na rin at inaalala ko. I know my parents can give a job after all this, but I can’t help it. Nakakapanghinayang! It’s my first job. Para na yata akong baldado o walang pakinabang sa mundo. That was the first time I’ve had decided for my life, and this happened.

I’m just here alive and useless. I sometimes think, sana ako nalang ang pinainom ng cy*nide at hindi si Calvin.

Si Aga! He saw me that night. I wonder, was he looking for me? As his employee of course. Nandoon siya sa party na ‘yon. I’m sure alam niya ang nangyari sa gabing ‘yon. Was he there? Baka may alam siya sa nangyari. I want his contact, if kuya allows of course.

“I’m just probably bored,” sabi ko. Why bother someone? He probably didn’t care. Sino nga ba ako para pagtuunan niya ng pansin? I’m just nobody.

Kung anu-ano nalang ang iniisip ko. My doctor told me not to strain myself, it might affect my memory. Mas lalo kong hindi maalala ang lahat. I also undergone medical examination which I think one of the worst experiences. I loved my body but not these past few days. Nandidiri ako pati sa sarili ko. The thought of men had touched my body. It sent me disgusting goosebumps. It was a terrible experience. I was virgin. Clarence even had to wait for this. Tapos isang gabi lang… nawala ang lahat sa akin.

My virginity.

My dignity.

Myself.

May pinapunta rin si kuya sa hotel kung saan ako natagpuan para kumuha ng mga sample or evidence para mahanap kung sino ang may gawa nito sa akin. At least a clue who did it. I haven’t heard anything from him.

Katatapos ko lang maghugas ng pinagkainan ko nang tumunog ang telephone na pinakabit ni kuya para hindi ma-track ang mga phone calls. We’re not so sure this is effective but at least we could do this.

“Yes, hello…” sagot ko.

“Hey, it’s mum.” A soft voice from the other line.

I’m sure she’s using an unregistered number.

“Mum! I miss you.”

There was short silence before she spoke again, “I miss you too, darling.”

May kung anong bumara sa lalamunan ko. I miss my parents every day. I miss my life. Alam kong nahihirapan din ang magulang ko sa nangyayari ngayon. I felt bad for causing them pain. Every time my mother calls, I could only say how sorry I am. Mag-iiyakan kami at mas lalong sasama ang kalooban ko. Kung nahihirapan ako, mas nahihirapan sila.

Every time I complain about my situation, my family is affected. They’re doing the best that they can to get me out of this. It’s not like they’re at fault or I’m locked out.

“Let’s not cry today, hmm? Every time we talk, wala tayong nagpag-uusapan.” Sabi ko.

I chuckled.

“I really want to see you now. I badly want you home.” Basag na boses ni mum.

My parents went hell before. Hindi maganda ang simula nilang dalawa. Now, I’m giving them another catastrophe. Malas yata ako sa kanila. Kuya Daevan was always perfect. Ni hindi binigyan ang magulang ko ng sakit sa ulo. He never caused them anything like this. It sounds like I’m comparing but no, it’s all factual.

“Me too, mum. Me too.”

“Hang in there, okay? We are doing everything to bring you back home. Don’t lose hopes. Always pray.” Aniya.

That broke my heart even more. My parents at this age shouldn’t worry about us anymore. I heard they wanted to retire soon and leave Manila for good. Gusto nilang manirahan nalang sa Bukidnon kung saan lumaki si mommy and with their newly acquired lands and mansion. Mum liked it there. Hindi ko ‘yon binigay sa kanila. Instead, pag-aalala at trahedya ang binigay ko.

“Don’t worry about me mum. I’m so sorry…” sabi ko.

And there, we started crying again. Hindi ko na mapigilan ang pag-iyak. She’s the only one I can cry to. Despite my lacking as her child, my mum never blamed me on anything. Every time I blame myself, she would say ‘it wasn’t my fault’, that I am not to blame. Walang may gusto sa mga nangyari kung hindi ang taong gumawa nito sa akin.

“Come on, ladies…” I heard my dad from the other line.

Magkatabi sila ni mum habang nag-uusap kami. Lagi lang siyang nakikinig sa amin. Nakakatuwa lang na hindi ako pinababayaan ng pamilya ko. I can always count on dad, I know he’s hugging mum right now. Please make her feel better dad. Wala akong diyan para gawin ito para sa kaniya.

It sucks being here, far away from them. From my home…

“Dad…” heard kuya’s voice.

Ilang araw na siyang hindi nakakadalaw sa akin dito. I bet he’s busy and he didn’t want attention from everyone. I know he’s just doing this for me.

“I already have the result.” Patuloy ni kuya.

A short silence came from the other line. I’m not sure what they’re talking about but when I heard ‘result’, fear creeps in. Narinig kong ginagalaw ni mum ang phone hanggang sa nagsalita ito ulit.

“Darling, can I call you later?” Sabi ni mum.

“Sure, mum.”

“Love you, bye…” nagmamadali ito at narinig kong binaba niya ang phone sa isang surface. It could be a table or something.

But the call went on…

Papatayin ko na rin sana ito dahil baka hindi naman related sa akin ang pag-uusapan nila. I don’t want to eavesdrop with their business. Kuya sounded serious so I respect if I’m not included.

But…

“No semen found in her private area.” I went cold as ice when I heard that from kuya. This is about me then. “I don’t know how many of them but there’s a possibility na gumamit sila ng condom. We can’t determine. Walang nakitang kahit ano sa kwartong ‘yon. No footprints, fingerprints, fluids, or any. NO F*CKING CCTV footage. It is giving me the impression that she wasn’t assaulted there but another location. Gab was just dump there.”

“What? How is that possible?” Si mum.

“The booking was only one night stay. Not even a booking. Just a walk-in. It was pre-meditated. Used fake IDs and the receptionist quit the morning I found her. We’re still tracking. The receptionist was new. Like I said, pre-meditated. Kasabwat ang nagpapasok sa kanila sa hotel. I can’t say one person did this. Gab was dr*gged, one person can’t transfer her that way.” Patuloy ni kuya.

“What could be the motive? Bakit? Kung pera lang… why take this kind of measure? To this extent? My poor child.” Umiiyak na sabi ni mum.

Hirap akong tanggapin ang mga narinig. Binaba ko ang tawag para maputol na ang pag-e-eavesdrop ko. I’m sure kuya will tell me all of this when he gets a chance. Binaba ko ang phone at hinilamos ang mukha. To someone like me who’s got no clue or memory of what happened, it’s quite frustrating! Nakakapanlumo na wala akong magawa para sa sarili ko o matulungan man lang ang magulang at kuya ko.

I’m just an idiot here, hiding.

He or ‘they’ as kuya mentioned left no evidence. Pre-planned ang lahat. It’s like all their days, they just studied everything about me. Also, I’m not the only victim. They k*lled Calvin, and dr*gged my best friend, Clarissa.

Anong kasalanan namin sa kanila? What the hell!? Nakakagalit ito.

May galit sa amin ang may gawa nito. Paano? Anong nagawa namin para nakawan ng buhay? Calvin lost his life. Although Clarissa has recovered as I heard, she’s in rehab. I know she was traumatised. If I’m not hiding here, I could be with her now. We could be doing this together. Ngayon, mag-isa lamang siyang lumalaban. I badly want to see my best friend.

Also, Clarence, I want to see him so bad.

I remained blank for a while. Time passes by but I couldn’t do anything…

During the time I was alone and locked in this house, I learned that there’s a private beach resort nearby. Also, I noticed other houses are far from here. Tuwing hapon, pumupunta ako sa private resort. Binili ni kuya ang private resort nang makitang binibenta ito isang araw.

I felt safer if I go there in the afternoon. I felt being locked in here and it’s suffocating. Kuya told me this is the safest place for now. I trust that it is…

I went to my bedroom and changed. After that I pick up my shades, hat, and towel. It’s a 5-minute walk from here. Sobrang lapit lang talaga.

Pagkalabas ko palang sa bahay, hinihipan na ng hangin ang buhok ko. I can smell the saltiness of the breeze. Sa kaunting oras man lang sa araw na ito, makaramdam man lang ako ng katahimikan.

Kapayapaan.

Do I even the right to do that? My family is saving my scandal right now. Pero ano pa ba ang dapat kong gawin sa ngayon? Ano pa ba ang maitutulong ko? Ni ang pagtulog sa gabi ay bangungot.

Sinigurado ko muna na sarado at lock ang pinto.

Hindi ko namalayang may paparating na sasakyan. Isang itim na BMW at humihina ang kaniyang pagpapatakbo, around 20 kmph. Papunta siguro sa resort? Probably the previous owner. Bigla akong kinabahan pero hindi ako nagpatinag, hahayaan ko lang siyang lumagpas bago ako tumungo.

Should I go back? If the previous owner is checking the place for the last time, I should let it be. Di na ako nabigyan ng pagkakataong makapagdesisyon dahil mas humihina ang takbo ng sasakyan.

Then it stopped. Napatalon ako sa biglaan nitong paghinto. Mabilis akong yumuko para maiwasang makita niya ang aking mukha. I know it was too late, but I still did. The next thing I can think of is turn around and get into the house. I immediately insert my hand to my pocket and grab my key.

I never panicked like this in my entire life.

“Gab?”

I froze.

The person called me Gab.

A man.

Now I can’t hide my panic. I ran my distance from the door and was about to open the door. Nabitawan ko na ang lahat ng mga dala ko at nanginginig na sinusubukang buksan ang pinto. I must call kuya Daevan. I’m not safe here anymore. Someone knows my location.

“Gab, wait…” I heard the man opens his car door.

I was never this desperate opening the door.

“Sorry, I don’t know you.” Nagawa ko pa ring sabihin kahit na hirap akong buksan ang pinto.

I can’t even shout. Ang layo ko sa mga kabahayan, which is a disadvantage. No one can save me right now. Naipasok ko ang susi pero mahirap itong buksan, I still need some force to open it. My panic turns into worst horror of my life.

Suddenly, there was a blur flashback in my head. I was in deep confusion that I stopped from what I’m doing. What was that? Sumakit ang ulo ko, may ingay akong naririnig.

“Don’t be scared. Gab, it’s me, Aga!” He grabbed me which made me automatically pushed him away.

My hat was flown away from the wind. As I was watching my hat being dragged by the wind away with the rocks, I clearly saw the face of the man. Hindi man lang siya natangay ng pagkakatulak ko. He looked at me so worriedly.

It really is, Aga.

“Aga? I mean, S-Sir?” I don’t know what to call him.

And how did he find me? Also, that flashback, was it a memory?

“I’ve been looking for you. For days…” aniya.

“W-why?”

The flashback keeps on replaying in my head. I’m starting to get distracted. What was that all about? That night, I was wearing my usual work-hairstyle, ponytail. It was at the peak hour at the club. Everyone was having fun, some are already sh*t-faced. I was the only one who’s not drunk because Clarence wouldn’t let me drink. I only had Virgin Pina Colada, well heaps of it.

Yes, it was me. Someone grabbed me from behind with a handkerchief. Then…

“Gabrielle!” Aga snapped.

Napabalik ako sa wisyo.

“Uhm… you’re not supposed to be here. I’m not your employee anymore. I think some arrangement made with your management. Bakit ka pa nandito?” Nasabi ko nalang.

I sounded rude but he shouldn’t be here. Paano niya ako natagpuan? Para saan? Dahil sa trabaho ko? Is this an employer-employee thing? Seryoso ba ‘to? Sinong may-ari ang maghahanap sa isang employee? Never heard of that before.

If he’s concern, thank you but this is ridiculous! Hindi ako maniniwalang gan’on lang.

“You weren’t listening. I want to help you. I was at the party that night and was a victim too.” He said.

Kumunot ang noo ko. I know he was at the party but a victim too? How? Definitely never heard of his name. Kung ako ay niloloko ng taong ‘to, pwes hindi nakakatawa.

Napatingin ako sa kalangitan, dumidilim na. Pagkabalik ko sa kaniya ng tingin, pinupulot na niya ang mga natapon ko gamit. Hindi ko alam kong maniniwala ba ako sa kaniya. Paano ba niya ako nahanap dito? He’s being suspicious. Mas lalong hindi ko hahayaang makapasok siya ng bahay.

I’m literally just cornered right now. I definitely need to call kuya.

“I was dr*gged too that night. I found myself in a motel or lodge with nothing. No CCTV, no witnesses. My memory is as dark as yours. Knowing that it happened to you too, I just couldn’t fathom. I want to find out who did this to all of us.” Mahaba niyang kwento.

I knew nothing about this. He is not making this up, right? Hindi ko alam pero hirap ang paniwalaan. How did he know that I don’t have any memory? How did he find me?

I don’t know, I’m kind of disappointed. I suddenly wished Clarence found me. Like how Aga found me here right now giving me confusing and anxious of his presence. No, Gabrielle, don’t compare him to your boyfriend. Clarence is doing the best thing for me. Kuya Daevan had already told him that I am found. I just know he wants me safe so he’s not doing any bizarre action.

“Ang dinig ko kay Tania, pinaalis ka ng bansa para magpagaling. May kakilala akong nasa immigration, no sign of you leaving the country. I knew I had to find you. Your family was lying,” sabi pa niya.

Ano ba ang kailangan niya sa akin para gawin pa niya ang measure na gano’n? It’s unbelievable.

“When you knew I didn’t leave the country, you followed my brother?” I said, accusing him.

My family announced to everyone that I went abroad for treatment. I have an ailment that cancelled my grand debut celebration. To the people who knew what happened that night, they would think I ran away from the scandal. Imagine the hate from Calvin’s parents. They must be hating me for running away. I understand, but I also want to save myself. My brother is coordinating with them. I just hope we find the mastermind.

Hindi namin kilala kung sino ang kalaban naming lahat. Bakit ginawa ito sa amin? Kay Calvin. Bakit kailangan siyang mamatay? To my best friend, Clarissa. Now to this person in front of me, my former boss, Aga. Claiming he was also dr*gged and doesn’t have a clue of who did this.

“I had to.” Sagot niya.

Napapaisip tuloy ako.

Calvin and Clarissa are not close friends. Well, they’ve known each other. But it doesn’t make sense. If Calvin was the target, because what they did to him was brutal then what is the need to dr*g me and Clarissa? I was kidnapped and assaulted. Why? Ilang araw ko iniisip kong bakit. Anong koneksyon namin sa kaniya? Again, it doesn’t make sense.

“You’re ridiculous. Kung biktima ka nga, bakit hindi ka sa pulis pumunta? Magpaimbestiga ka! Why are you here now? Alam mo palang wala akong maalala, bakit nandito ka?” I voice raised as this is ridiculous.

His excuse is b*llsh*t. I won’t buy his explanation.

“Because I think you’re still in danger.”

His words lingered for a moment. Natameme ako sa sinabi niyang ‘yon. I’m still in danger? Our distance wasn’t really close. He’s holding my stuff and seriously looking at me. If a look can burn, then I’m burnt.

Napagtanto ko bigla.

Between Calvin and Clarissa, they have me in between. I lured out that first possibility because if it was me, then why he was k*lled? Hindi maaring nagkamali sila. They poured a cy*nide in his drink. The effect was really short. In fact, I was drinking Virgin Pina Colada that night, the whole night. It’s impossible to miss that. Ngayon, mas lumakas pa ang kutob ko na hindi si Calvin ang target. My former boss was also dragged into this mess. He’s not any connected to Calvin and Clarissa for sure.

I couldn’t say this is random. We’re all in the same room, circle of friends, plus my former boss was there.

And they’re all connecting… somehow to me.

I was the target.

Napasinghap ako at napatakip sa aking bibig. It was me.

I ruled out that thought. Baka hindi ako, wala akong kaaway.

“Your abductors are still out there. I think you’ve just realised everything now.” He sounded convinced.