8 - Hollow Eyes, Unexplained Intent

The news about the attempted murder on Caress Aragon at Gala's peak moment spread like wildfire across the metropolis and neighboring places. It was the number one talk of the town. The local media right away released special exposés of the assailant identified and arrested the same night all thanks to the hailed hero, Eliseo Manaloto. The culprit, Ramses Cooper, was actually found out as an alleged childhood friend of the esteemed lady. 

Upon unwarranted digging, reporters soon discovered that Ram’s father was a former gardener in the Aragon household. Details why he resigned from the job remained a mystery as well as what happened to their friendship since then. From that point, many made speculations on their own. One source speculates they might be childhood sweethearts driven apart by their families while another claims Ramses fell for the lady and was rejected which explains his obsession to kill her if he cannot have her. 

A lot of journalists tried to get an exclusive interview from him but they just returned with slumped shoulders. Some police gave their unofficial statements such as "he admitted his fault but was not a bit remorseful", "his eyes are so hollow that looking straight at them will make you shiver" and etcetera. 

Arnaldo Aragon had enough of the intrigues so days later, no news about his daughter was broadcasted or published. People still talked but they mostly tattled about how heroic Eliseo is whereas Ramses became a taboo topic.

Another week passed unnoticed. Care opted to be jailed at home. No visitors were permitted, not even Aster Nguyen who often calls in the evening. 

It was another lazy morning for the young lady. Since the past few days she talked to Gallus, she instinctively glanced at the calendar every morning. His threat bothered her so much she began counting the days she was left of. 

"6 days down, 24 days to go." She mumbled before getting off the bed. 

She went to the bathroom to see her face first thing. She was that paranoid. Her face slashed across remained etched in her memory all thanks to Gallus. She even feared one day she would wake up looking hideous. 

"You won't be able to see the red string that connects your wrist to your Fated unless you hold his hand. It takes thirty seconds for it to appear so before that, don't let go no matter what." His instructions bugged her. 

Time ticked ceaselessly and it is ticking fast! She made no efforts during the six days that passed. In short, she wasted too much on moping around her room. Her pride just won't let her accept the conditions! 

"Hold hands, my ass! And for thirty freaking seconds?!" she revolted at the memory. 

Despite external pressures, Caress Aragon stayed inflexible in rejecting suitors. Every boy who attempted courting her never made it to their family residence nor had a chance to date her. 

Why?

She refused to live under a man's shadow, tagged as his woman and labelled trophy girlfriend. Absolutely, she shall die first before it happens. In her perspective, she is too good to simply be at some bastard's disposal! 

The moment she arrived at the dining room accompanied by a housemaid, she saw her parents already settled. They sat at the opposite sides of the long dining table. Arnaldo was reading today's newspaper while languidly sipping his brewed coffee. On the other aisle, Helena ate her pancake and bacon uncaring of anything else.

What an ideal couple they are! 

Before announcing her presence, Care took deep breaths. It is a sure struggle for her to greet her Momma. With her head high and courage wrapped around her soul, she sashayed her way towards the woman always possessing intimidating air. 

"Good morning, Momma!" she greeted and gave her a peck on the cheek then she hurried to his father's side, "Mornin’, Daddy!" 

He welcomed her in his arms, embracing her with his fatherly warmth. It was a great feeling she cherishes everyday: parental love. 

"How’s your sleep, my little queen?" he asked tenderly after kissing her forehead. 

"Aww, it’s a -"

"Enough! Your father and I have an early appointment today. I'll appreciate it if you eat pronto. In fact, why didn't you get up much earlier? You know how stubborn he is for never leaving without finishing breakfast together with you." Helena berated, unbothered by her rude interference. 

Arnaldo's creases on the forehead appeared as he stared at his stoic wife.

“For Pete’s sake, Ena! Can’t you cease your nagging at least in the morning? You are making our angel here lose appetite." Arnaldo chided using his authoritative tone. 

"Daddy, Momma's right. I won't keep you for too long so let's not ruin the day, please!" Care begged earnestly. 

"Of course, of course! Anything for my little queen!" 

She let out an inaudible sigh but was not embraced with relief. In the middle of eating, she felt in bind. It becomes harder and harder to chew the food every passing second. 

"Daddy, Momma, I have something important to tell you." She finally said, dropping her pair of utensils in the process and leaving a clunking sound. 

She put her clenched fists atop her lap. The tension heightened because of Ena’s domineering gaze. 

"What is it, sweet pea?" Arnaldo probed. 

"I... I have been thinking an...and.. decided..." she stammered, successively at each word. 

Arnaldo could not help but smile. His sweet child was adorable in his eyes in spite of being panicky. He wondered what she would ask knowing that whatever it is, he would give it to her without a second of hesitation. 

"Yes? Go on, don't be shy!" 

She shut her eyes before allowing the words to slip her mouth. 

"I'd like to finally accept suitors!" 

"What?!" Arnaldo blurted, spilling his coffee in the process.

S.. ... Su.. ... 

Sui... . Suit ... ... 

Suito... . ... 

Suitor... 

Suitor?! 

When her words finally sank into his head, he fainted. 

Different from modern houses common downtown, Manaloto’s household built in nipa hut resides on the far side highlands of Aurum . It was enough for a big family to live wherein it contains three separate rooms, dining area & kitchen in one space, average living area and single bathroom. The family did not own much material possessions. Instead of TV, they have a radio and an outdated cassette player. The only decoration hanging on their wall is a family picture along with the several certificates and medals bagged by Eli and his siblings over the years. Regardless, their tidy home's simplicity pleases the eyes of spectators. 

The outside was a refreshing sight. Ornamental plants in flower pots beautify their front lawn and the old-fashioned hand water pump still in use was always the number one subject of visitors. Passersby also see it first thing considering the knee height slatted bamboo fence around the lot served more as boundaries rather than barriers. 

Although people perceive them poor, the Manaloto couple owned a considerably large portion of land where their home lies and were able to send their five children to school.

"What's bothering you, young man? I always catch you staring at the distance these days." Mrs. Manaloto said. 

The rustic wooden chair creaked as she sat beside her son. 

"Nothing important. I'm just..." he paused mid sentence, unable to form the right words to reply. 

"Still at loss, aren't you? I am proud of what you have become but Eliseo… Unlike your Papa, I prefer if you won't treat everyone as your responsibility. You always walked an extra mile for other people and those ingrates often never return the favor." She pointed out with a wry smile. 

Tears blurred her vision while feeling her chest tightened up. As a mother, knowing you gave life to a remarkably compassionate person brings unmeasurable joy to your life. Even so, she also learned this could cause her sorrow. Eliseo's kindness nearly cost his life! 

What value do praises such as 'you raised him too well' or 'you are blessed with the nicest son' do good to her if her precious eldest is gone? 

"Ma, forgive me for worrying you all the time. It's just.. I --- I cannot look past whenever somebody needs help. When I see them I think about what if the same thing happens to my siblings. I won’t act oblivious because it's the easy way. I could not stomach it! Sorry, Ma. I trust you know me best to guess I can't promise it never happens again." 

"Oh my golden boy! I didn't raise you to become a saint so don't be one. I am only saying proceed with caution, k? I'm afraid you'd eventually get hurt beyond repair." 

She stood up then patted his shoulder.

"And stop doting Lady Caress already. She’s fine! You don’t need to add to the number of people who worry for her. There are more girls out there, more suitable… reachable. Thrust that on your thick skull so you'll have a goodnight sleep." She advised before jogging back to their house in a hurry. 

"Ma, I am not! It's not like that!" he shouted too late.

His mother was already out of sight. 

Yes, he is in deep thought but not because he worries about the entitled queen. What actually concerns him is Arnaldo Aragon's official statement broadcasted in the evening news yesterday. He denied any affiliations of the offender to their family whereas Care considered him a dearest friend. Eli heard her say it. In fact, she cried for Ramses!

"Then, why the bad blood?" he thought out loud. 

Ramses was also his childhood friend thus he wants to know what pushed him to do such atrocity. He saw no hesitation nor guilt when Ramses plunged his dagger to his stomach. Ramses decided to kill him and Eli believes he just got super lucky none of his internal organs were harmed. Simply recalling the incident, his stab wound itches. 

The night it happened, he shouted her name from the crowd without thinking of the consequences first. All he had was a gut feeling that something was wrong by the way Ramses acted backstage. His right hand remained inside his pocket as if he held something beneath which he could not afford to lose that turned out to be the dagger. 

No --- Now that Eli thinks about it, he suspected it was much earlier, a few days before Gala. The head of the orphanage injured his leg because of tripping himself on the stairs. Then, one of the organizers strangely suggested Ramses as a substitute. Everyone agreed it was more appealing because he represents the youth that the orphanage sheltered. Besides, it causes no harm because the awarding of money is merely a public display not the actual transfer of funds. 

The next day, he visited Ramses in jail. He needed clarity or rather peace of mind. It is not an everyday occurrence that your friend tries to kill you. However, upon seeing him, the weight his heart bear grew heavier. Part of him regretted going to the station. It might be his karma for not telling his parents about it. 

Ramses Cooper looked forsaken. His eyes that lost delight in the world conveys so. The dark circles under them are pretty evident, too. Even his body grew thinner when barely two weeks had passed. 

"Why?" Eli said. 

The accusations he planned to throw at him are tossed straight to the window. He realized he was facing a stranger more than an old friend. 

"You wouldn't understand even if I told you." Ramses replied in bored undertone. 

"Ram---" 

Ramses suddenly slammed his cuffed hands on the table, cutting him off. 

"Don't call my name so casually! We're no longer friends. The moment you saved that bitch, you already turned your back on me! You should've let me do the deed! I was simply giving the punishment befitting to a monster that she is." 

"Justice isn't served by shedding blood on your hands!" 

His hysterical laughter boomed in the visitation room. Eli's spine felt the chill and thought by that second how close Ram’s mind was. Never did he experience this helplessness before... just today. He wanted to help Ramses drowning in his self created pit of misery but how do you help a person who chose to drown himself there in the first place? 

Even the righteous Eliseo Manaloto cannot save someone who refuses to be saved.

"Quit imposing your principles on me!" Ramses lashed out.

He shoved the table then nearly grabbed his collars. Thankfully, police barged in first subduing him. 

"Go, Eliseo! Move forward to the path you choose and so will I. But heed my advice, stay away from Caress Aragon. She shall only use you for her gains then discard you next like a ragged toy." Ramses warned as police dragged him out forcefully. 

He just stood there, replaying in his head what just happened while searching for the traces of his old friend somewhere in those harsh words he spouted. 

"What drove you to this madness?" He sighed.