Chapter 4: Call

CALI’S POV

Revenge was not probably a solution, not even a means to seek justice. But it was my choice. I chose this. I'm hunting every person who were involved in my mom's death. 

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa itim na folder na nakabukas. It contains pictures of those fuckers, with their informations and family background, who were cold bodies now. I took them down, one by one. Hinanap ko pa sila sa iba't ibang bansa. They are hiding. At nagpapakasayanagpapakasaya na para bang wala silang ginawang kasamaan.

Pinagbigyan ko sila. I gave them the chance to live in a cold cell, but they chose to die and live underground. 

“Confess or die?” I asked Mr. Rockwell, and pointed my gun at his head. Nanginig siya sa takot. I thought he will surrender. Pero nanlaban siya. Pilit niyang inagaw sa'kin ang baril na hawak ko. So I shot him right at his forehead. Katulad ng nauna. 

Iniwan ko siyang naliligo sa sarili niyang dugo.

I pity their families. Sa halip na ituwid ang mga kasalanang nagawa nila, mas pinili nilang pumatay at mamatay para mapagtakpan ang kahayupang ginawa nila sa nanay ko. Isinama nila sa kanilang hukay ang katotohanan. 

Kinabukasan ay lumipad ako papuntang Spain para makipagkita kay Mr. Fahima. The next target. 

“De este modo, complacer. Nuestro jefe es esperando a ti.” A bulky voice invaded my ears. Iginaya nila ako papunta sa isang yate kung nasaan ang kanilang Boss.

[Translation: This way, please. Our boss is waiting for you.]

Sumunod lang ako sa kanila hanggang sa makatawid kami sa tulay na nakakonekta sa yate. 

Kahit saan ako lumingon ay may mga nakabantay na armado. His men in black are everywhere. But I planned everything kaya hindi ako natatakot sa kung anoman ang kalabasan ng pag-uusap namin. 

Nakarating kami sa ikalawang deck kung saan nandoon siya. Umiinom ng champagne.

“Boss, she is here.” Anunsyo ng kanang kamay niya. 

Humarap sa akin si Mr. Fahima na may malawak na ngiti. “What a beautiful lady you are, but a cunning and dangerous one. Leave us first, Rossi.” Utos niya sa kanang kamay at mga tauhang nandoon. Lumapit siya at naglahad ng kamay. “Niza para conocerte.” 

“Niza para conocerte demasiado.” Balik ko gamit ang kanilang lengguwahe. 

[Translation: Nice to meet you too.]

“Tiene un asiento.”

[Translation: Have a seat.]

Naupo ako sa may single couch. Habang siya ay tumalikod at humithit ng tobacco. Nagsalin ako ng wine sa isang kopita na nasa harapan kong mesa. I tasted it. Not bad. 

“Do you have a family, Mr. Fahima? Perhaps, a mother?” I asked as I crossed my legs while I stare at his back. 

He faced and looked back at me abruptly, like my question is absurd and obvious. “Of course. Why ask?” 

Tumayo ako at naglakad palapit sa kanya habang bitbit ang kopita. He then just watched me. My fingers seductively trace the side of the table, where foods and other cocktails are served. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kamay ko kung saan iyon saktong napahinto. Lihim akong napangisi nang mapagtantong isang kutsilyo iyon. 

“What will you do if your mother was abused and murdered, Mr. Fahima?” I played the knife between my fingers as I faced him. 

He is somewhat confused, puzzled, yet managed to answer. “I don't like where your questions will go, woman, but I will definitely avenge and let them pay. Doubled.” He puffed the smoke at my face.

I smiled at him and tilted my head. “Right. That should be. You are a mafia leader after all. If you will ask me, I will probably do the same.” Nawala ang mga ngiti na naka-plaster sa mukha ko. I stared at him. “So who do you want me to kill? Spill. I hate wasting time.” 

Humalakhak siya at namamanghang tumitig sa'kin kapagkuwan ay may kinuha sa mesa nang mapagtantong seryoso ang mukha. 

Inabot niya sa'kin ang isang brown envelope at agad ko iyong binuksan tsaka tiningnan ang mga larawang nakalagay roon. “Pyre David. A retired General Director of CIA. He has been interrupting my plans for a long time now, so I want you to kill him. Él es un dolor en el culo.” He frustatingly puffed the smoke.

[Translation: He is a pain in the ass.]

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko, bagama't nagulat sa mga sinabi niya. Hindi ako makapaniwalang kahit wala na sa ahensya si Pyre David ay nagagawa pa rin nitong kumilos ng tahimik. Ni hindi ko manlang iyon nalalaman o napapansin. After all, kilala na siya sa business world at balita ko ay napakabait niya at matulungin. May alam kaya siya? I guess so. 

“This will be easy. I have to go so I can finish him already. I have many things in my list.” Tumalikod ako at napangisi.

“Wait.” Pigil niya sa akmang pag-alis ko.

Agad nawalan ng emosyon ang mukha ko nang humarap muli sa kanya. “Qué?”

May inihagis siyang sobre na agad akong nasalo. Bundle of money. “No me traiciones o de lo contrario seré yo quien ponga fin a tu vida.” Seryoso niyang saad. 

[Translation: Don't betray me or else I will be the one to end your life.]

“Don't worry. I won't.” Napatitig ako sa kanya tsaka napangisi. “Dahil bago mo pa malaman 'yon, sisiguraduhin kong naghihingalo ka na dahil sa ginawa mo sa ina ko.” Motherfucker. Pagsasalita ko sa lengguwaheng Filipino dahilan para hindi niya maintindihan. 

“What does that mean?” 

“That means, 'I take my job seriously. What asked me, I do without questions'.” 

Nagpanggap akong isang high-profiled sniper na kunwaring magtatrabaho para sa kanya. He is a big fool for trusting me. Dapat una pa lang ay pinagdudahan na niya ako. Knowing I'm a woman. But I must commend I'm really good at pretending and acting. Kasi napaniwala ko siya. Sa tulong na rin ng suot kong itim at maikling wig, makapal na eyeliner at fake eyelashes, hindi niya ako namumukhaan. 

At sa oras na makaalis ako rito sa yate ay sasabog ito, kasama siya at mga tauhan niya. 

This is how I worked. This is how I execute my plan beforehand. I do undercover first. Before I infiltrate. 

Tumayo ako at dinala ang folder sa fireplace. I squatted. Pinanood ko ang huling larawan na unti-unting kinakain ng apoy. 

He is my next target, rather, my last. Yes, I'm not yet done with my revenge. After six years of seeking justice, nag-iisa na lang siyang natitira sa labindalawang bilang nila. Napakuyom ang kamao ko at nagpakawala ng malamig na ngiti. 

“Cali, ija. What are you doing there?” 

Mabilis akong napalingon nang marinig ang tinig na iyon. I sighed and stood up.

“Tito Pyre.” Lumapit ako sa kanya at tsaka nagmano. 

“How many times do I have to tell you that you should call me Dad or Papa?” 

Hilaw akong ngumiti. “I'm not used to it.” Naiilang kong pahayag.

“Then start calling me now. You've been here for almost eight years now, living with us, yet you are still so distant with me.” Halata sa boses nito ang pagkadismaya. Kita ko sa mga mata niya ang lungkot. 

Pyre David, a retired General Director of CIA and now is a successful businessman. Siya iyong pinapapatay sa'kin ni Mr. Fahima. He is David's father. He is my mother's husband. At palaisipan pa rin sa'kin hanggang ngayon kung paanong nangyari na anak ako sa labas ni Mommy, kay Dad. Because my mother haven't finish telling me the whole story. 

Aaminin ko, hindi ko pa rin alam hanggang ngayon kung paano makitungo sa kanya. He is a good man, though. He didn't hold grudges to me kahit na anak ako sa ibang lalaki ni Mommy. Wala siyang sinabi sa'kin na masasakit na salita. Never niyang pinakita o pinaramdam na hindi ako belong sa bahay na ito. He accepted me wholeheartedly. Lalo na ang mga apo niya. 

But when my Mom died, almost two years after I started living here, alam kong mas lalo siyang nahirapang kausapin ako. I became too aloof. Na-trauma ako that time at takot akong makipagsalamuha sa kanila, but David didn't give up on me. Kahit ilang beses ko yata siyang hinagisan ng kung anong mga bagay na madampot ko, dala na rin ng takot, hindi pa rin siya nagpapigil na lapitan at samahan ako. To comfort me. To make me feel that I'm not alone, and everything will be alright.

I bit my lower lip. “It wasn't like that, Ti—P-Papa.” 

Bigla siyang napangisi nang marinig ang huling sinabi ko. “Aha! Finally, I got you, young lady.” Humalakhak siya, halatang natutuwa. 

“He tricked you, brat.” David descended from nowhere, eyeing his father weirdly. 

What the heck?

Umawang ang mga labi ko, napakurap-kurap, at napatitig kay Tito Pyre-- err Papa na malawak ang pagkakangiti. Sobrang aliwalas ng mukha, na parang walang inililihim sa akin.

“Walang bawian, ija. You called me Papa.” He grinned and excuse his self para puntahan ang mga bata sa taas. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin hanggang mawala siya sa mga mata ko. I ignored how he talked using Filipino language.

“Am I too selfish that I deprived him from calling him Papa just now?” Wala sa sariling tanong ko, kay David and most of all, sa sarili ko. 

“I can't blame you on that, baby. The first time you stepped your feet inside this house, you were broken and lost. You were betrayed. Kay Mommy ka lang sumasama, and maybe, Dad thinks that you are not yet ready to accept men in your life again. And maybe that is the reason, why after all these years we've been together, you still don't call me Kuya.” He then scoffed on that. 

I raised my brows and glared at him. “It has nothing to do with that. You are just three years older than me, so.” I shrugged my shoulders. 

“Then call me on my name, baby. Not on my surname.” Reklamo niya. 

Napahalukipkip ako sa pagtawag niyang baby. Tss. Gross. “I preferred David. That's cool anyways.” Ani ko at iniwan siyang nakasimangot.

Pumunta ako sa shop ko. Ilang linggo ko rin yatang hindi nabisita ito dahil sa naging abala ako nitong mga nagdaang araw. Ngayon naman, I have to relax and breath. To escape from all of these shits even just for a while. I'm already twenty-six yet I haven't enjoy my adulthood.

Sinalubong ako ng aking pinagkakatiwalaang assistant. Hindi maipinta ang mukha nito kaya lihim akong napangisi. Binati naman ako ng tatlong staffs na tumutulong sa kanya rito. Tinanguan ko lang ang mga ito.

“How's Sahara Fashion without me?” Tanong ko sa kanya, pinapalibot ang tingin sa mga designs ng gowns and other clothings na naka-display, suot ng mga mannequins, habang naglalakad papasok sa opisina ko. I sat on my swivel chair.

“In demand, as always. And still earning without the boss.” Pagpaparinig niya at napairap sa hangin. Kung hindi ko lang siya kaibigan, baka nasapak ko na siya. Tss. 

She is Paython McLaren. Kalahating mestisa, kalahating kayumanggi. In short, hilaw na Americana. At nakalimutan ko na kung saang lansangan ko ba siya napulot. Kidding aside.

Napailing ako. “Tell me about it.” 

“Yeah, right.” Ingos niya at naupo ng bahagya sa mesa. “Anyways, kailan mo ba balak ilantad ang pagkatao mo? Dinudumog ako ng mga personalidad. Gusto nilang makilala kung sino ang nasa likod ng pangalang 'Casa Raine' na may-ari ng sikat na Sahara Fashion.” 

Tumaas ang isang kilay ko. “Hindi pa ba sila sumusuko? Wala akong balak magpakilala. But let's see, kapag nagbago isip ko.” 

“Kaloka ka kasi. Ang dami mong pangalan. At bawat pangalan ay may sariling personality.” Komento niya at ngumiwi. Mahina ko lang siyang tinawanan tsaka itinaboy palabas dahil ginaganahan akong mag-sketch ng mga gowns.

Mag-a-alas siete na ng gabi nang maisipan kong lumabas ng opisina ko. Naghahanda na sila para umuwi. Nauna akong umalis kaysa kay Paython dahil siya palagi ang nagsasara ng shop. Malapit lang naman ang inuuwian niya kaya hindi ganoon kaabala para sa kanya ang bagay na iyon. 

Naging tahimik at kalmado ako nitong mga sumunod na buwan. Wala akong ibang ginawa at pinagkaabalahan kundi ang mag-bonding kasama ang kambal at tumambay sa shop para mag-sketch ng mga bagong designs. 

“Mommyyyy!” 

Agad akong napalingon sa pinto ng kwarto ko nang bumukas iyon at pumasok sa loob si Lexi na umagang-umaga ay nakasigaw agad. Kasunod nito ang kakambal na kalmadong sumandal lang sa hamba ng pintuan. 

I was sitting on the edge of the mattress while wearing my footwear. I promised to them that we will stroll around. A family bonding. Since summer vacation na rin nila

“Naka-drugs ka ba, Lexi?” Tanong ko at pinigil ang mapatawa. I was just teasing her.

“Of course not, Mommyyyyyy!” She stomped her feet and pouted her lips. 

“You are so loud, brat.” Puna ng kakambal niya habang naglalakad palapit dito. He then tapped her head lightly and walks towards me.

“Good morning, Mommy.” Bati niya at sinapo ang pisngi ko para mahalikan. 

Napangiti ako roon. “Good morning too, old man.” He is just so sweet. Kahit napakatahimik. At sobrang suplado. Just like David.

“Morning too, Mommy.” Singit ni Lexi at umakyat pa sa kama para lang mayakap ako. I kissed her head. This twins always really soften my heart. Silang dalawa lang ang pampakalma ko. 

“Are you excited, young lady?” Inayos ko ang suot niyang scarf sa leeg tsaka siya binuhat pababa sa kama. 

“Yes, Mommy. Because it is mothers', Daddy Py's and twins' day. Hoorayyy!” Masaya niyang tili.

Napatawa na lang ako lalo pa at hindi na maipinta ang mukha ng kakambal niya. And I'm proud of him na kahit naiinis siya sa kapatid, hindi niya ito inaaway at iniiwan. 

Bumaba na kami dahil baka naghihintay si David sa sala. Bugnutin rin pa naman ang isang 'yon. Hindi namin kasama si Papa dahil sinabi nitong may mahalaga itong gagawin sa araw na ito kaya hindi namin siya napilit. Nag-commute lang kami para mas ma-enjoy namin ang pamamasyal. Una naming pinuntahan ay ang Buckingham Palace, one of Britain's most iconic buildings, and is also the scene of London's most popular display of pomp and circumstance, the Changing of the Guard. Drawing crowds at 11:30 am regardless of the season, this colorful and free display of precision marching and music also takes place at St. James's Palace, after which you can follow the band along The Mall as they march between sites.

Buckingham Palace was built in 1837 and has been the London residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's accession. If you are wondering whether the Queen is in, look at the flagpole atop the building: if the royal standard is flying day and night, she's at home. On special state occasions, she and members of the Royal Family may even emerge on the central balcony.

When the Queen's away at her summer palace in Scotland, visitors can purchase tickets for tours of the State Rooms, the Queen's Gallery, and the Royal Mews.

We took pictures and selfies. Nang magsawa kami ay sunod naming pinuntahan ang London's spectacular Natural History Museum that was established in 1754. Isa ito sa most-visited attractions on the planet. It's easy to spot for its huge Romanesque façade, and a visit is something you will not want to rush. Many of the museum's original exhibits are still on display centuries later, and together comprise a massive collection of more than 80 million items showcasing everything from botany to zoology, plus pretty much everything in between. A highlight of a visit is seeing the preserved specimens that Charles Darwin collected on his epic journeys. 

Then, we went to Kew Gardens, officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is situated in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames and is a wonderful place to visit as you enjoy the numerous plants grown amid its 300 acres. Laid out in 1759, the gardens became government property in 1841. In 1897, Queen Victoria added Queen's Cottage and the adjoining woodland. A variety of tours are available free with admission, and many musical and cultural events are held here throughout the year. 

Nang magtanghali ay pumunta kami sa market halls of Covent Garden para maghanap ng makakainang restaurant as we enjoy touring around the area. The Garden encompasses the shops and restaurants of Long Acre and other adjacent streets, those of Neal's Yard and Seven Dials, as well as the Central Square with its street performers. The halls and arcades of Covent Garden Market are lined with specialty shops and kiosks selling everything from fine handcrafts to tacky souvenirs.

Housed in the former flower market, you'll find the London Transport Museum, filled with historic buses, trolleys, and trams. This area is also where you'll find the Royal Opera House.

We have all the day to tour around and enjoy every tourist spots in the town. Kaya nang matapos kami sa paglibot sa market ay dumiretso kami sa Hyde Park, ang pinakamalaking open space, na may sakop na 350 acres, at destinasyon ng mga sightseers sa London simula pa noong 1635. One of the park's highlights is the Serpentine, an 18th-century man-made lake popular for boating and swimming. Since hindi naman namin binalak na mamangka or maligo, namasyal lang kami sa buong lugar habang kumukuha ng pictures. Hyde Park is also where you'll find Speakers' Corner, a traditional forum for free speech - and heckling.

Another Hyde Park landmark is Apsley House, former home of the first Duke of Wellington and purchased after his famous victory at Waterloo. Now a museum, it houses Wellington's magnificent collections of paintings, including Velázquez's The Waterseller of Seville, along with gifts presented by grateful European kings and emperors. England's greatest hero is also commemorated at the Wellington Arch.

Another lovely London green space to explore is Regent's Park. Just a short walk away from Westminster, this 410-acre attraction is a delight to stroll around.

Bumisita rin kami sa London Zoo, located within the grounds of the park, para mas lalong ma-enjoy ng kambal ang summer vacation nila.

And our last destination was the London Eye, officially the Coca-Cola London Eye. It is the Europe's largest observation wheel. Its individual glass capsules offer the most spectacular views of the city as you embark on a circular tour rising 443 feet above the Thames. The journey lasts close to 30 minutes, often quicker than the time spent lining up for your turn. 

Another fun way to view London for above is aboard the Emirates Air Line, a cable car system that crosses the Thames between Greenwich and the Royal Victoria Dock. The journey travels 1km and lasts 10-minutes, long enough to enjoy spectacular views and grab a few memoranbe selfies.

Hindi kami sumakay dahil hindi pa kakayanin ng dalawang bata kaya pinagmasdan na lang namin ito habang papalubog na ang araw.

Gabi na nang makauwi kami at dahil na rin siguro sa pagod ay bagsak kaming apat. Kinabukasan ay masayang nagkwento ang dalawa at iniinggit pa ang kanilang Daddy Lolo habang nag-aalmusal kami na ginagatungan pa ni David. Naiiling lang ako at napapatawa ng mahina sa kanila. 

Naging maayos naman ang lahat sa mga sumunod na linggo at walang naging problema. Balik na ulit ako sa shop ko at naging abala sa pagdi-disenyo ng mga bagong damit. Kadalasan ay mga request at demand ng mga kilalang personalidad lalo na ng mga modelo na gusto akong makilala ng personal. Binanggit din sa'kin ni Paython na may isang modelo na gusto akong maging personal designer at handa raw magbayad ng malaking halaga para sa talent fee ko na tinawanan ko lang. That's absurd. I want a free work so I can think of designs if ever I'm bored or in the mood without their commands.

“Kamusta ka naman?” Tanong ko kay Paython nang mapag-solo kami sa coffee shop na katapat lang ng shop namin. 

Sumimsim siya sa kape niya. “Walang bago, ganoon pa rin.” She shrugged her shoulders. 

I tsked and sipped my coffee too. “Tinatawagan ka ba niya?”

“Yeah. And I know he is trying his best para ma-track ang location ko. Too bad, he can't. Bahala siyang mabaliw roon.” Hilaw siyang ngumisi.

“Just wait a little longer. It's not yet the right time for you to go back.” I stated at magkokomento sana siya nang matigil iyon dahil sa pagtunog ng cellphone ko. Nang tingnan ko kung sino ang tumatawag ay napakunot ang noo ko pero agad ko ring sinagot sa pag-aakalang emergency iyon dahil bihira lang naman tumawag si Papa.

“Papa? Napatawag po kayo?” I inquired.

He sighed on the other line at natigilan ako sa binalita niya. 

“Your Dad is here.”