Montecillo Series - Cristoffer Montecillo (Complete)

Challenges awaits

Alex POV

Dad wanted us to start working after a week of being hospitalized. Dad was also the one handling the case with his lawyers. Alam kong galing nanaman ito sa mga kaaway ni Dad, because Cristoph would never do such a thing. Ang takot lang nito kay Tita Jessie, mas sobra pa sa Daddy namin.

Hindi muna pinapasok ni Dad si Cristoph cause he was still hot sa media. He would be recognized and lalapitan nanaman ito ng mga reporters.

Papunta palang ako sa office nang Makita ko ang mg employees na nasa lobby, busy chattering. Siguro nagchichismisan nanaman ito patungkol kay Cristoph. Nang makalapit ako ay di nila alintana.

Tumikhim ako at saka palang sila nagulat saka nagtayuan. Seryoso ko silang pinagtitignan.

“From what department do you belong?” tanong ko.

“F-finance po, sir.” Sagot nung bakla.

“And what time does your work start?” tanong ko ulit.

“Uhm, 8 po sir, may 5 minutes pa ho kami.” Sagot nung isang babae.

“Well, perhaps you would want to start walking papunta sa department niyo kaysa magchismisan kayo dito. Make that 5 minutes count and I want everyone at exactly 8 am at their desk. Is that understood?”

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata nito saka tumango at dali daling naglakad papunta sa opisina nila. I sighed and walked past them papunta sa office ko.

I sat on my swivel chair and opened my laptop. I checked the website ng business news and indeed, nandoon nga ang news about Cristoph abusing a minor.

And I was shocked kasi yung pics na iyon ay galing nga sa club pero it was shot in a wrong angle. That was the time he patted her head and the time na napayakap ito. I was beginning to wonder why they would use Cristoph all of a sudden.

Ganito ba sila kadesperado to put us down na pati yung maling picture ginagawan ng issue. I was still thinking about the news nang biglang may kumatok sa office ko.

“Come in.”

“Sir, si mr. Garcia po nasa labas.” I furrowed my brow. What the hell does he wants?

“What does he wants?” I asked.

“May kailangan daw po siyang sabihin sa inyo.” She said and I nodded.

“Sige, papasukin mo.”

Then she went out and in comes Mr. Garcia with his wide smile.

“Good morning, Mr. Montecillo. I hope you are well now.” He said.

“What brings you here?” dinerekta ko na siya, I don’t want to waste any more time with him.

He walked here and there in front of my desk.

“Just checking, kung buhay pa ba mga boss namin. I mean, you have been gone for a week.”

“Buhay pa naman kami, malakas pa. Anyway, it doesn’t even matter. Kahit wala kami, I’m sure dad will have some of his children run the mall for him or he can do that personally. I doubt he will entrust the mall or his business kahit kanino.” I said and it made his face serious. Akala mo ha. He smiled again and nodded.

“That’s good. But I hope you like my gift.” He said before leaving me cluess sa sinabi niya.

I was about to catch him up pero pumasok sa loob si Daddy. I was surprised but I greeted him.

“Good morning, dad.” I greeted.

“Where you going?”

“I was just about to.. It’s okay, never mind. What brings you here?”

“Oh yes, nandito si Atty, he would like to ask some questions from you nung gabing yon.”

The lawyer then came in and bowed at me after he greeted me. I did the same. I told dad na okay lang naman ako to do interviews since wala pa akong sched that morning.

--

We finished around noon na so we decided to eat out nalang but naudlot ito nang paglabas namin there were many reporters na naka block sa driveway.

We decided to have the lunch sent here nalang and ate sa conference room. We were in the middle of the lunch when Greg or Mr. Garcia came in with all smiles.

Masyado tong papapel kay Daddy. Although I have to admit mas matagal na ito dito sa mall kesa samin ni Cristoph. I heard he has been here kahit he was still going to his college.

Kaya ganun nalang siguro kahayok ng taong to maka posisyon na sa management. He has been here for long.

Dad acknowledged his presence and asked him to join us for lunch. Bigla kong na alala yung sinabi niyang gift sakin. I was contemplating on that.

Cristoph POV

Nasa bahay lang ako maghapon for 2 days after naming ma discharge sa hospital. Either si Ate Therese or Tiffany ang pumapalit kay Mommy in changing the bandages sa part ng tiyan ko. I was not able to see it until I had to get up and ininda ko yung sakit ng abdomen ko.

Natamaan daw yung abdomen ko sa lakas ng impact nung bangga. Halos di ako makababa galing sa itaas ng room ko. I wanted to get out and breathe some fresh air. I tried going out but then I saw Mom coming na may dalang food. I looked at the clock, damn it, alas dose na pala.

I went back sa bed and sat at the edge. Nung pumasok si Mom, nilapag niya yung food sa mesa sa gilid ng room ko. She saw me na parang nasasaktan.

“Is your wound hurting? Nag gagalaw ka na naman noh?”

“Mom, I just wanted to go down and stay there for a while, sobra na akong na eenclose sa room ko.”

“You know, you’re very lucky na graduate ka na.”

“Mom please.”

“Hay, stay put. Ipapa alalay ko lang yung driver natin sayo para makababa ka. Bata ka, alam mong kelangan ka magpahinga.”

“Yes, thanks Mom. Sa baba na ako kakain with you.”

“O siya, maupo ka jan.”

Lumabas muna si Mom and then bumalik din after a few minutes. Our driver was the one who helped me go down at saka ako pinaupo sa wheelchair. I told Mom that was not necessary, pero she insisted.

Sumalo na ako sa kanila ni Tiff sa lunch. It was good eating with someone lalo na sa kagaya ni Tiff na makulit.

Mom kept placing food sa plate ko kahit mukhang mabubusog na ako. She told me to eat well lalo kailangan ko ng pampalakas sakin.

She gave me s**o’t gulaman for dessert and it was still the best kahit simple lang. Mom keeps feeding us ng pang masa na food, Minsan lang ito magluto ng talagang sosyal. She did say na may mga kaibigan siyang mayayaman pero di kilala ang pagkaing pinoy.

She didn’t want us to end that way. Kahit na daw may pera kami, we still have to live like a Filipino. Kahit Bopis naluto na ni Mommy, kahit na yung pares. Naku masarap talaga, lalo pag nakakabili kami from outside.

Our friends get shock pag nakikita nilang kumakain kami nun. We just smile and laugh it out. Kahit pang masa siya na food, it was the best and something na di macocompare sa mga sosyal na food.

After nung lunch, naka idlip ako sa may garden as I was sitting on the wheelchair na may nakapansak pang earphone sa tenga ko. I slept sa earth song ni Michael Jackson, I miss the man. His songs were legend.

Nagising ako sa mahinang tapik ni Mommy sa pisngi ko. It was getting dark na pala, she smiled and told me na ipapasok niya na ako.

“Mom, can I stay lang po muna sa living room?”

“Sure baby, you wanna watch movie?’

“Yes po. Is someone there?”

“Si Tiff lang ata may ginagawa sa laptop niya.” I smiled evilly. Ganun po ba?

“Hey, I know that smile. Wag mong guluhin kapatid mo.” Napabusangot ako.

“Opo.”

Nakarating kami sa sala na nakitang busy na busy si Tiff sa laptop niya. She was so serious while she was typing.

“Is that your new laptop?” I asked. She looked at me then smiled.

“Yes po. Daddy and Mommy are the best!” nag flying kiss pa to kay Mommy. Mom just chuckled saka inilibot ako paharap ng tv.

“Here is the remote. I will just open the TV. Tiff, baby, can you do that in your room para di ka mastorbo ni Kuya?” she nodded saka dali dali nitong dinala ang gamit niya pataas.

“Dito ka lang muna, I’m gonna prepare dinner. Call me if you need something.”

“I’m fine ma, what’s for dinner?”

“I am cooking sardinas with misua and pritong GG. Diba paborito niyo yun? For dessert naman, I made your favorite leche flan.”

“Yes! Thanks Mom.”

When its mom cooking either lutong pambahay talaga or mag eexperiment siya. Ate Therese and Tiff usually cooks kung ano nasa cooking book.

As I was watching the Tv, dumating na sina Kuya Alex then kasama niya si daddy. I furrowed my brows. Kalian pa nagkasama yung dalawa?

“Good evening to you both, bakit magkasama kayo?” napatingin naman silang dalawa sakin then both sat on the couch. Dad loosened his tie same as Kuya Alex.

“What’s wrong?” tanong ko sa kanilang dalawa.

“Where’s your mom?” dad asked.

“Sa kusina po, naghahanda ng dinner. What’s wrong dad?”

He looked at Kuya and then back at me before siya napahilamos ng kamay sa mukha.

“I think someone is after your kuya pero sayo napunta yung balak nila sa kanya.”

“What? How?” bumaling ako kay Kuya.

“I think… it Garcia. He asked if I like his gift.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. But why?

--

Cristoph POV

Matapos nung usapan naming, we have agreed na di na muna sabihin kay Mommy. She might freak out pag nalaman niyang yung pinaghihinalaan naming ay nasa loob lang ng office.

She will definitely ask us to fire someone or maybe even ask us not to go to the office which is impossible, Mom tends to overreact when its about family.

We were silent during dinner, ang tanging maingay lang was Mom and Tiffany. I was in deep thought na di ko namalayang tinatawag na ako ni Mommy.

“Anything wrong? You seem quiet there.” Napatingin ako kina dad and Kuya but I just nodded.

“I’m fine Mom, mejo ninananam ko yung pagkain, lam mo namang isa to sa masasarap na niluluto mo.”

She smiled, I could not erase that smile with worry. So I ate nalang and just got involve sa usap[an n ila ni Tiff.

“Teka, may napapansin ako, bat ang tahimik ng boys ngayon? What’s up? By the way, love, kumusta yung kaso?”

Mom just have to ask. Both kuya and I looked at Dad as he faced Mom and slightly smiled.

“We are still trying to figure out kung sino may pakana nito. The lawyers are on it. We have just interviewed Alex kanina and attorney told me it may take a while kasi parang ala pang nakikitang lead.”

Napabusangot si Mom. She sighed and nodded.

“I just hope, whoever the culprit is, madakip na. Naninilakado buhay ng mga anak natin, Love. Lalo na ikaw kasi ikaw sigurado ang pinupunturya nila.” Hinawakan ni Dad anmg kamay ni Mom.

“Don’t worry, hon. I will get to the bottom of this.” Sumingit naman si Tiff.

“Wait, alam na ba ni Kuya Matt what happened? I’m sure galit nag alit yun.”

“No doubt, nasa business world na kasi ang news about it.” Sabi ni kuya Alex.

“He actually called this morning. Sabi niya he will be home in a few days, he will help.” Dad said.

“Patay. Pano yung kotse?”

“By the time na nakauwi siya, it’s already here.” Dad said.

“Bakit ganito, bakit palaging may nangyayari sa mga anak natin?”

“It is expected, hon. They are my children and they run my business. I have been close to death before we met, frequent yun since I have to handle things alone. Kaya what I am asking for you kids is to be really careful. I can’t promise na palagi kayong safe but I wuill try to keep you safe.”

“Lalo ka na Tiff, you are fond of going out and even party with friends, babae ka pa naman.” Singit ni Kuya Alex. Bumusangot lang ito saka nagpatuloy sa pagkain.

“Ako nanaman ang nakita niyo. Tahimik na nga lang ako dito.”

“Your Kuya is right baby, I don’t want you to be in any trouble din. If possible, bawasan ang labas labas.” Mom said.

“Daddy…”

“I can’t help you with this one, anak. Kasi in all honesty, what they say is true. Please, be careful.”

Mas lalo itong bumusangot saka kumain na lang. We all continued eating and talked about different stuff. Ate Therese was with Andrew sa restaurant nila. Until napunta na samin ni Kuiya yung usapan.

“I haven’t heard you guys date for a while.” Mom said. “Are we being behave?”

“Heartbroken si Kuya, Mom. While I just don’t find someone fit para makasama ko.”

“I was like that before, but look at us, me and your mom.” Dad said na kinangiti ni Mommy.

“Your mom is the best thing that happened to me. I’m sure you guyts will find the ones for you. It also took me a while.”

Napa ubo naman si Kuya Alex. Sigu8ro dahil sa nagyari sa kanila nang mama niya.

“Babe, I have already forgiven and forgotten everything that happened. I consider you now as my kid too. Hindi ko naman inaalis na kilalanin mo pa din ang Mommy mo, but I hope you also give me a chance.”

“My Mojm was never a mom to me. Para lang akong gamit na kailangan sumunod sa klanya para matuwa asawa at pamilya nito.” Mom caresses kuya’s arm.

“It’s okay, nasa past na ito. You can always start to have a life with us.” Napalingon si Kuya kay mommy.

“I am, and I am just grateful na tinaggap niyo ako ni Dad kahit na bunga ako ng pagkakamali.”

“Hindi ka bunga ng pagkakamali, nasa tadhana yan, but you can always change it if you want to. Don’t worry, nasa tabi mo kami every step of the way.”

“Salamat po.” He said saka napayuko.

“You finish your food na. May dessert pa akong ginawa.”

“Oh my God Mommy, meron pa?? tataba na ako Mom!” angal ni Tiff.

“Edi wag kang kumain!” sambit ko.

“At ikaw lang mag enjoy? Ayoko nga, masarap ginagawa ni Mommy na desserts!”

“Baby you’re not mataba. You are still fit. Maganda ka pa rin, don’t worry.” Sabi ni Mom.

“May pinapagandahan ata.” Saaad ni Dad. Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ni Tiff.

“Of course not. Conscious lang ako sa figure ko.” Napanguso naman ito saka mejo nagdabog.

Tinawanan nalang namin siya ni Kuya. Hanggang sa tumayo na si Mommy and got the dessert. We all had a slice but it was my favorite so she gave ma one whole tub.

“Hala, bakit si Kuiya isang tub?!”

“Its okay baby, meron pa sa fridge. Its your Kuya’s favorite.”

“Ikaw ba Alex, what your favorite dessert?”

“Ah, m-macaroons po.” Mom smiled.

“Really? That’s one of my favorites. I will make some tomorrow para tayo naman mag eenjoy.”

“T-thank you po.”

Dad just smiled and continued eating. I saw his hands grab mom’s and kissed on its back. Mom smiled. Yan ang ngiti na ayaw kong mawala, now I understand kuya Matt whenever he says na ayaw niyang nasasaktan si Mommy.

--

The next day, Kuya and Dad told me na pwede naman akong pumasok but Mom so vehement na di ako pumasok since di pa magaling sugat ko.

“Hon, galos nalang yan, even the nurse told us na cleaning nalang kailangan.”

“No! Unless I don’t see any wounds on my son’s abdomen, di siya papasok sa office. Kaya niyo na yan.”

Nagbuntong hininga nalang si Dad and natawa si kuya. I know he was laughing at Dad. Mom still won, well no one in the family can win over her. Sabi pa, matapang lang kami tignan pero si mom talaga kinatakutan naming lahat.

Umalis na sina dad and Kuya sa bahay while Mom was with me sa may living room. Someone came to visit me and that was Tita Grace and Uncle Damian. I was happy to see them lalo si Tita, I miss her noise.

Tita has been examining me from head to foot, the napangiwi nung makitang may benda pa ako sa bahagi ng tiyan ko.

“Does it hurt, pamangkin?” she asked.

“Di na po masyado, pero nung nandun ako sa hospital, it was.”

“Natagpuan na ba yung gumawa niyan?” Uncle asked.

“Wala pa nga po, pero –“ napahinto ako, hindi nga pala nila dapat malaman yun.

“Pero ano, tope?” pagtatanong ulit ni Tita.

“A-ah, pero ang sabi ni Daddy baka dae isa sa mga kaaway niya.” I said. Napahinga naman ako ng maluwag nang maniwala sila sa akin.

“ganun ba? Oo, baka nga, he had many troubles nung ipapamana palang sa kanya yung company ni Daddy, I wouldn’t be surprised na gawin yun sainyo.” Tita said.

Napatango naman sina Mommy and Uncle Damian. I was also deep in thought when Mom broke the silence.

“It’s about lunch, come Grace, tulungan mo ako maghanda ng lunch.”

Tumango naman si Tita with a big smile on her face. Isa din to sa mahilig sa kusina.

“Yan gusto ko, tara.”

Nang nasa kusina na sila Mommy, me and Uncle Damian were left sa sala. He faced me and was looking at me.

“What?” he snickered.

“You’re hiding something from us, aren’t you?” tanong niya.

“H-ha? W-wala ah.” Pagtatanggi ko.

“Halos madulas ka kanina, I know something is up.”

“Kasi, sabi ni dad…”

‘May alam na sila kung sino?”

“Hindi pa, pero hinala nila siya nga..”

“Sino daw?”

“Hindi kaaway ni Dadddy pero..”

“Anong pero?”

“Isa sa mga nagttrabaho sa Mall.” I said and it made his eyes wide.