Under the Starlight

17

I woke up really early this day. 

Nagluto ako ng breakfast for Sancho, I prepared his attire for his work. It's his first day in work! My field news reporter has his first assignment already.

I tied my hair in a messy bun, wearing a sleeveless pink blouse and pink short shorts, I knocked at Sancho's room. 

Kailangan kasi nasa station na siya by 9 in the morning para ready na siya sa kung anumang news ang kailanganin siya. I can't wait to see him at the television. 

Ang akala kong tulog na si Sancho ay gising na pala. He turned to me with his laptop at the table. 

"Hey! Good morning. Did you sleep well?" nakangiting tanong ko sa kanya. 

Sancho's eyes scan my whole being, his eyes lingers from my hair up to my feet before looking back in my eyes. "Not a blink, babe." sabi niya bago tumayo. 

He took the towel from his bed and a small bag before walking towards the door. He gave me a peck on my lips. "You look hot, babe. Don't wear something like that please. It was so hard to resist you." He said before leaving me and goes straight to the bathroom. 

Napatigil naman ako sa sinabi niya. Masyado bang sexy ang suot ko? 

Sinarado ko na lang ang pintuan ng kwarto niya. I'll ask him if I can clean his room . Ilang weeks na lang kasi at first day ko na sa College. I can't wait and discover what's more for me in college. I've heard scary stories about balancing the personal life and school works pagdating ng college. Hopefully I can manage to balance everything. 

"I made a breakfast. You should eat before leaving!" I told him. 

"Yes!" He answered back. 

Bumalik na lang ako sa kitchen para i-re-heat yung water na kailangan for his coffee. Sancho was a fan of coffee. Hindi pwedeng hindi siya iinom ng coffee everyday.  

I waited for him until I heard the bathroom's door opened and his scent filled the house. He walked straight towards the living room. He's wearing a white shirt and a boxer shorts. I was used to see him like that kaya okay na sa akin. 

But maybe if others' saw him wearing something like that, they would be shock. 

I glanced up at the wall clock,  7 in the morning na. He still have an hour bago siya umalis. 

Naging mabilis din kasi ang decision ni Sancho sa network na papasukan niya. It was his dream network since he was young. According to him, mas mabibigyan siya ng chance na magkaroon o makasali sa documentary series ng network dahil doon siya magaling. He actually submitted his documentary to that network, and they're on process of reviewing it. 

I'm praying na maging maganda ang result nun. 

For the mean time, isa muna siya sa field reporters ng network. Kung nasaan ang balita ay naroon siya. He won't be going home since today dahil kailangang naka-duty siya for 48 hours. And then one day off tapos 48 hours of duty again. Mas mahirap kaya nga pangarap niya na magkaroon ng documentary o maging news anchor man lang. 

But the path wasn't the easy to reach. Maraming nauna na sa kanya sa pagiging reporter and surely the network would give the ball of chance to those who came first before him.

"Your luggage is ready?" tanong ko sa kanya. 

He nodded to me before sitting in front of me. 

"I will wait for your first news tonight. I can't wait to see you." sabi ko sa kanya. 

Sancho reached for his coffee, took a sip on it before putting it back at on his side. 

"Will you be alright here, babe?" tanong niya sa akin. 

Tumango ako sa kanya. That was his worry about me. Natatakot siya na baka hindi ko kayanin kapag mag-isa ako. But I know better than that. I still have a lot of chores to do. I can even re-decorate this house according to him. 

"No need to worry, babe. I can handle this. Make sure to clean and  eat the food na baon mo ah?" I told him. 

He reached for my hand and squeezed it tightly, "Yes, ma'am." 

"Anyway, can I also clean your room?" tanong ko sa kanya. 

"Sure." sagot niya sa akin. 

I smiled with a satisfaction. Mabilis din namin naubos ang pagkain na ginawa ko. He likes my cooking as well pero mas masarap naman talaga ang ginagawa niya kapag siya ang nagluluto. My ability was nothing compared to him. 

By the time strikes 8 in the morning ay kailangan na niya magpaalam sa akin. A part of me will surely miss him for forty eight hours but I know his doing it to fulfill his dreams. 

I will be doing the same in the future. Medyo late lang ako pero alam kong magiging priority ko rin ang pagtupad sa dream ko. For now, I would stay behind him, watching him reaching his dreams. 

A tight hugged and a kissed on lips was my pabaon for him for the next forty eight hours. 

"Be friendly to your crew ah? Treat them nice. I added food in your luggage make sure to give them. You don't need to call me and just focus on your work. Make sure to--"

Sancho intervened me by giving me a kissed on my lips. "You listed everything, babe. Hindi ko kakalimutan iyan."

I smiled and wiped the side of his lips. I hugged him again. Mamimiss ko siya tiyak pero for now kailangan muna niya gawin ang sinumpaan niyang trabaho. 

"Go ahead. You don't want to be late on your first day, right?" sabi ko sa kanya. 

He nodded again before entangling himself to me. Alam kong ayaw pa niya akong pakawalan ng yakap pero hindi naman pwedeng nandito lang siya buong araw. He has a work to do. 

I waved him goodbye hanggang makarating siya sa elevator. He went inside after it opened, kumakaway pa siya sa akin hanggang sa magsara na iyon. 

I waited a few seconds bago pumasok ulit sa loob ng bahay. Now, it feels quite empty now. I released a deep sigh before cleaning the dishes. 

Binuksan ko na lang ang radio at sinabayan na lang ang kanta doon habang naglilinis ng bahay. Sanay naman na ako sa ginagawa ko. 

I cleaned the kitchen thoroughly, wiped every dirt on the sink and cooking burner. 

After cleaning the kitchen ay naglinis naman ako ng living room. Papalitan ko lahat ng sapin ng sofa, curtain, and pillows. I brought a new sets kasi last week. Ngayon ko lang magagamit kahit yung cover ng bed namin ni Sancho pati ang blanket. 

Time really slipped too fast while you're doing chores. Nakalimutan ko na rin magluto ng food ko for lunch kaya I ordered na lang from a nearby Chinese restaurant. 

I was wondering kung may ginagawa na si Sancho. I wanted to call him pero I know na he needs his focus and full attention sa work niya. 

I piled up every sheets that I changed near the washing area. I'm going to wash them today since I hate piling up work. Kahit gabihin naman ako sa paglalaba ay walang kaso. 

I was done cleaning the living room, changed the sofa cover, curtain and pillows when the knock came. 

"Wait po!" I yelled before grabbing my purse na nasa top ng cabinet. I pulled out a money from it. 

"Olivia Vilaformosa po?" tanong sa akin ng staff pag-open ko ng door. 

"Yes," I said while panting. 

The guy looked at me. I know...I'm showering with sweats and dust but who cares. He handed the food to me kaya inabot ko na rin yung bayad. 

"Keep the change." I  told him. "Thanks." I added before closing the door. 

Hindi na ako naupo sa dining table, instead ay sa floor na lang at doon kumain. I didn't turn on the aircon kaya ang init but the electric fan will do to fade the blazing heat from the summer heat. 

I was eating peacefully when I decided to text Sancho. A one text won't hurt naman siguro. I'm sure na busy na siya and he won't see my text agad. 

Eat your lunch, babe! Break a leg on your work. I will always cheer for you! Love you.

- Liv.

I pressed the sent button bago ko tinoss sa gilid ang phone ko. I don't need a distraction while doing my work. This could be my last week of doing this, starting next week, I have to focus on scanning my school subjects. I will also try to read and study in advance. 

After eating ay sinalang ko na sa labahan yung naunang batch ng mga sheets, curtain, and pillow na natapos ko. Second batch will be mine and Sancho's dirty clothes. 

I did my bedroom naman this time. Changed everything, from the bedsheets, pillow covers, blankets and curtains. I used my new pastel pink set of bed covers. I used the plain white curtain, tied it on either side para makapasok ang natural light. 

Tinapon ko na rin yung mga hindi ko ginagamit na cosmetics. I'll bought a new set na lang maybe tomorrow since I still have two days of being alone. 

After cleaning my bedroom ay sinunod ko naman ang room ni Sancho. It was my first time of cleaning his room. Ayoko kasing pumasok basta sa room niya without his permission. 

Same size lang ang room naming dalawa. And his minimalist concept match his manly bedroom. Ang cover ng bed niya ay plain gray. I smiled while looking his room. May study table sa gilid at nakapatong doon ang extra laptop niya. He has one for his work na binili niya last week. 

At the bedside table ay may dalawang photo frame ang nandoon. One was his graduation picture and the second picture made a deep fang in my heart. It was him and Chari, I didn't know if  when was it taken. But both of them look so happy while smiling at the picture. 

Nakaakabay si Sancho kay Chari habang nakahawak naman sa bewang ni Sancho si Chari. Kung may makakakita sa picture na iyon everyone would think na they're a good couple. 

"They're friends, Liv." I whispered to myself while looking at the picture with sadness. 

Magkaibigan sila. Hindi ko naman pinipigilan iyon pero we are a couple already. And besides, hindi pa sila ulit nagkikita ni Chari. Ganun ba kahalaga si Chari sa kanya?

Where am I then?

I swallowed the pain in my throat and put it back on its original place. 

Tears pooling in my eyes when I saw a familiar picture frame on top of his study desk beside his laptop. 

I walked toward it, wiping the tears that betrayed me. 

It was us. A picture taken after his graduation. Sancho let me wear his medals while he's all smiles while hugging me. We looked good together. 

I bite my lower lip, I have the same picture at nasa bedside table ko iyon. 

Marahan ko iyon nilapag bago pinunasan ang table, suddenly his laptop lit up. Hindi pa pala niya iyon napapatay. My hands work on it. Pag-close ng mga naka-open na tab ay bumungad sa akin ang wallpaper niya which was me. 

It was a close up picture of me, smiling so much that made me eyes disappear. 

Hindi ko alam kung paano siya nagkaroon ng kopya ng larawan na ito. It was taken last January for my birthday, behind me ws the famous ball drop in New York. 

Pinagmasdan ko muna iyon mabuti still wondering kung bakit mayroon siya ng ganung larawan ko. After looking carefully on it, I turned off his laptop. Tinuloy ko na lang ang trabaho ko sa kwarto niya. 

Ang reason lang naman kung bakit ako nandito ay dahil sa kailangan ko maglinis. And that's what I did. I changed the bed sheets, pillow cover, blanket, and his curtain. I chose color blue this time para naman may ibang kulay sa room niya. 

After spraying some air freshener and disinfectant, I left his room again. 

I washed the clothes this time. Hindi naman kailangan masyado ang attention ko doon kaya while washing the clothes ay binanlawan ko naman yung naunang batch. I still have another batch to go. 

After magbanlaw ay drinyer ko na iyon para naman mapaghandaan ko yung second batch na kailangan banlawan. 

It was four in the afternoon yet naglalaba pa rin ako. While waiting for another batch of laundry ay naglinis naman na ako ng bathroom. I cleaned even the corners and some blind spots. I left the bathroom shinning and smell good. 

Blisters were starting to form on my hand. Namumula na rin yung hand ko pero part naman iyon sa dapat ginagawa ko. 

This is what I want. 

I wanted to clean everything. 

I'm such a neat freak and OC. Kaya nga kapag nagugulo ni Sancho yung pillows na nakaayos, napapagalitan ko siya. It just masunurin naman si Sancho and he knows when to act like a child, most of time, he was the most mature among us. 

Napahinto ako sa ginagawa ko at napatingin sa kung saan. I suddenly missed him. How is he na kaya? 

I shook my head and continued my laundry. Hindi ako pwedeng tumunganga na lang at hintayin na matapos mag-isa yung ginagawa ko. 

I decided to take a quick bath na rin para masama ko sa laundry yung suot kong damit.  Nasa washing machine pa naman ang third batch ng laundry ko. Masyado na akong matagal sa ginagawa but at least I won't be doing anything tomorrow. 

I can go out and went to the nearest mall in the area. 

The thought excites me kaya pagkatapos kong maglaba ay nahiga muna ako sa sofa. I was so tired. Pakiramdam ko na yung mga muscles ko sa katawan ay nanigas lahat. I know how to do chores but what I did today was one of the hardest. Blame my kaartehan and OC-ness. 

My eyes turned to the wall clock, 6: 30 in the evening.  Nanlaki ang mata ko kaagad at nagmamadaling binuksan ang television. 

Mamaya pa naman siguro yung sa segment niya. I still have time to cook at least an instant noodle. My eyes never left the television while pouring water in a pot.

I turned on the burner and put the pot on it. Hihintayin ko na lang na mag-boil iyon.

I was not a fan of watching news nor listening to what was happening in the Philippine government. Hindi ko naman kasi maiintindihan pero mula noong nakasama ko si Sancho, he made sure that we were always watching news para updated kami.

Sometimes we make remarks at the same time. Hindi ko rin naman natitignan ang cellphone ko kaya hindi ko alam kung makikita ko siya sa television ngayon. I wanted to be surprise.

When the water boiled ay nilagay ko na yung noodles sa pot.

Kumakain na ako ng bigla kong maibagsak ang hawak kong fork. I blinked my eyes and immediately grabbed my video camera at the side.

Sancho was reporting!

Nanginginig ang kamay kong pinindot ang recording button. Oh Gods! I wanted to scream so loud but I don't want to disturb my neighbors dahil sa pagsigaw ko.

He's wearing a blue button-down polo shirt while holding the networks microphone, the blue logo was showing at the screen.

Hindi ko maintindihan ang binabalita niya pero sigurado ako na kung anuman iyon ay napakagaling niya! He interviewed someone and asked him questions followed by his ending report.

"Sancho Ramirez, nakatutok bente-kwatro oras." He said using his calm but authoritative voice.

Tears were falling from my eyes as I watched him with amazement.

"He did it! Oh my God!" I jumped happily while pressing the end button of the video camera.

I looked out for my phone para sana i-text siya pero bago ko pa iyon mahanap ay may kumatok na sa pintuan. Maybe naguluhan sa akin ang neighbor. But I was quiet!

"I'm sorry--- Mommy?"

Mom was standing at my door. Her eyes were red and puffy. She cried?

"What happened?" Nagtatakang tanong ko sa kanya.

"Pack some of your things, Olivia. Uuwi tayong Trinidad ngayon. Your father and I are going to wait for you at the parking lot. Don't bring too much and be quick." Mom said before turning her back away from me.

"Mom!" I called her pero hindi siya lumingon sa akin at dire-diretsong naglakad papunta sa elevator.

Nagtataka man ay sinunod ko si Mommy. Pinatay ko yung television at inubos ko kaagad ang noodles ko. I washed them as quick as possible tapos ay kumuha lang ako ng cardigan sa room ko at iyong ready-to-go purse ko. I don't need to bring anything since nasa Trinidad naman ang ibang gamit ko.

But still, why are we going back to Trinidad? And at the middle of the night?

Something is surely wrong.

After checking the plugs and everything, I left the house. Hindi na ako nakapag-iwan ng note kay Sancho. Ngayon ko lang din napansin na dead bat na yung phone ko kaya pala hindi ko malalaman kung may tumawag man sa akin.

I clutched my purse tightly hanggang makarating sa parking lot. There I saw Dad standing outside our car, he waved his hand towards me. I kissed his cheek.

"Did something happen?" I asked them. Napupuno na rin ng kaba ang dibdib ko.

This was the first time na parehas gloomy ang parents ko.

"Hop in the car. We'll explain everything to you on the way." Dad said.

And that's what I did.

Kung masaya ako kanina lahat iyon ay nawala ng parang bula sa sinabi nila sa akin. Tears were rolling down my cheeks as I listened to their news for me.

Auntie Tamara, Kuya Seb mother, died because of an accident.

Hindi pa doon nagtatapos ang lahat. Chari's father died as well.

And everyone, including my parents blame Chari's father. According to them, Auntie Tamara and Chari's dad have had an affair and someone was following them noong pauwi sila ng Trinidad kaya sila naaksidente.

They died on site.

My heart broke for the two important people in my life.

Kuya Seb was my relative but Chari was a friend! I want to console both of them.

I want to hug Chari and gave her my sympathy and benefit of the doubt. I know that her father won't do that. I was a witnessed of his father's everlasting love to her mother.

And Auntie Tamara loves Uncle Santi too.

They won't betray those people who they love so much.

"Are you sure about that? Alam niyo pong masama na magbintang at maniwala sa maling news," I told them.

Mom turned to me, crying and wiping her tears. Auntie Tamara was closest to her.

"I can't believe it either, Liv. I tried not to believe pero hindi ko maiwasan na maniwala. There were photos spreading like a virus in Trinidad and every photo showed that Tamara and that guy have a relationship." She explained to me.

Ayoko pa sanang maniwala. Gusto kong patunayan sa kanila na wala talagang ganun na naganap kasi gusto kong puntahan si Chari.

She is an orphan now!

Nobody's there for her now.

But I can't just turn my back to my family. They need my presence as well.

I hugged Kuya Seb who was staring at a blank space. His eyes were bloodshot from crying. I never saw him cry at all kaya ang heart breaking ngayong nakikita ko siyang umiiyak. It breaks me as well.

"Puntahan mo si Chari. Kailangan ka rin niya ngayon." That was what Kuya Seb told me.

"Will you be alright, Kuya Seb?" tanong ko sa kanya. 

Kuya Seb turned to me, nodding, "She needs you more than I need anyone else. Siya na lang mag-isa ngayon. Alam kong natatakot siya ngayon kaya gusto kong samahan mo siya." Mahina malinaw na paliwanag ni Kuya Seb sa akin. 

Pero hindi ko magawang umalis. Hinahanap ako ni Mommy lagi. I want to escape at least for a little while and show my support to Chari.

"Sandali lang po talaga. I want to check on Chari, allow me to at least do that." I told my mom. 

But she's so firm and doesn't want me to go anywhere far from her eyes. Naiintindihan ko naman na she's grieving pero hindi lang si Kuya Seb ang nawalan.

Chari lost her father as well. 

She's an orphan now! 

Mica visited as well pero sandali lang kasi siya ang kasama ni Chari. I cried and ask her to send my sympathy to Chari.

"How was she?" I asked Mica before she leave.

Sumilip lang kasi talaga siya para makiramay din kay Kuya Seb. Galit ang lahat ng mga taga-Trinidad kay Chari. They were all blaming her about the death of Auntie Tamara. 

As if she did that accident!

Mica shook her head to me, "Ilang araw na siyang tulala at hindi kumakain. Naaawa na rin ako..." Mica's voice broke but then she tried not to cry in front of me. 

""Nagpupunta naman ang ibang kasambahay ng mga Velasquez para alalayan siya. Kaya lang hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan. Ang kailangan niya ngayon ay karamay," Mica looked at me. 

Alam ko ang gusto niyang i-point out. 

"I want to go too but I can't leave easily. You see, I did everything so I can go out at least for a little while pero hindi ko magawa." I told her.

Mica nodded to me. "Ipapaalam ko na lang sa kanya. Pakisabi na lang din kay Basti na umalis na ako." Umalis na rin siya after that conversation. 

Mas lalo kong naintindihan na ang kumakalat na balita tungkol kay Auntie Tamara at sa father ni Chari ay fake news. They're not in a relationship at panghahawakan ko iyon.

I want to believe on it.

They will never betray thos people who they love the most.  For the next days, I saw how wrecked Kuya Seb was. SIya lang naman ang isang lalaking anak at referree ng mga ate niya na biniblame si Chari at ang father nito. 

Days passed hanggang sa mailibing si Auntie Tamara. Nakalimutan ko si Sancho at alam kong hindi magandang bagay iyon. I never charged my phone and I never left a message for him! Wala!

Kaya after ng libing ni Auntie Tamara ay nagpahatid na ako sa Maynila. I need him right now. I want to feel his comfort to me.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I really wanted to stay pero I need to prep for my class next week," sabi ko sa kanya. 

She inconsolable.

Mom hugged me and didn't say a word. "Babalik po ako after kong maka-settle sa studies ko. I'll call you pagdating kong Manila."

She nodded before leaving me. I hugged my Dad before leaving the Trinidad. Hindi ko man lang napuntahan si Chari. I'm a worthless, friend.  

Gusto kong umiyak dahil si Kuya Seb lang ang nagawa kong suportahan. Wala ako sa tabi ni Chari and I was a bad friend on that note. I wanted to be there for her but I was never given a chance.

My minds were so clouded pagdating ko sa Manila. Driver lang ang naghatid sa akin dahil masyadong down ang mga parents ko. As much as I want to stay with them, I can't. Next week ay start na ng class namin.

I took my key card and tap it onto the door pero bago ko pa man mabuksan iyon ay bumukas na ang pintuan.

Sancho opened the door for me.

Tears rolled down in my eyes upon seeing him. I throw my hands to hugged him. He was all I need right now.

"I'm useless." Bulong ko habang umiiyak.

Sancho caressed my back and give a hush sound to me.

"Hindi ko man lang nagawang puntahan si Chari.:" Dagdag ko pa. 

"Everything has a reason, babe. I'm just glad that you're home now." Bulong niya sa akin.