Chapter 56: Discount

Chapter 56: Discount.

(RAGE’S)

“Dude, Lexia is awake.” I feel like a possessed man after hearing what Kevin said, I immediately fix all my things cause I’m still here in the university's library, I’m reading a book about Lexia’s lecture when Kevin called. 

I run as fast as I can, to reach the university parking lot where my car is parked. To the point I forgot to breathe while running, I inhaled a large amount of air when I was actually in front of my car. I stopped for a while and cleaned myself for a moment, I fixed my hair, I ate chewing gum to make my breath smell good, I sprayed perfume as well. 

I’m really nervous, I don’t know what to say if I face her. Wala naman akong ginagawang masama bakit ba ako nag-aalala. 

I started the engine of my car to leave the university, especially when I bumped into some reporters kanina habang tumatakbo ako. 

My phone keeps ringing. I know it’s my Father but I’m not in the mood to talk to him. 

I still managed to drive safely and arrived in Hospital safe. Tinakbo ko na papunta sa room ni Lexia, I really need to see her I misses her. 

Nung nasa harap pa ako ng room niya hindi muna ako pumasok agad, I try to stay calm first. When I’m ready I pull the door open, that’s where I saw Kevin, Ali and Gray, Jen, Tita and her boyfriend and me. Lexia is being checked by the Doctor. I just look at her, appreciating everything, gosh she’s so brave and strong. 

She’s looking at everybody, Jen is crying at some point maybe she felt guilty about what happened to Lexia. 

“Lexia, do you recognize her?” The Doctor asks, pointing to Tita. 

She stared at her mom for a long time, we’re waiting for her answers. 

But instead of saying it’s her mom, she just shook her head. 

“Oh my gosh.” I heard Gray react. 

“Okay, how about this one, you know this?” The Doctor asks while holding an apple. 

Then, Lexia just shook her head again. 

I started to feel anxious, what if she developed amnesia? Jen kept crying.

The Doctor asks Tita if they can talk outside, maybe it’s important. I want to come with them but here I am choosing to see Lexia. She’s still wearing a neck brace, and still has some bruises on her face. 

Bigla na lang dumating ang ilang Doctor and nurses at kinuha siya, maybe they need to run some few test from her. Besides, she’s with Tita naman ei it’s fine na. 

I sit for a while because my legs are shaking. My hands are even sweating too! 

“Dude, this dude is asking you.” Gray said. I look at who he’s talking to in the door. 

It’s my Father’s freaking bodyguard. I look at them, I don’t have a choice but to come with them. Ayokong manggulo rito sa hospital kung nasaan si Lexia. 

“Pinapatawag po kayo ni Congressman, sir.” The guard just politely said that. As if I want to see him, he just wants me to be in his campaign program. He is pathetically corrupt. 

I voluntarily go with them, just like I said. I don’t want any chaos in this Hospital where Lexia is in. 

“Call me.” I whisper to Gray. He just nods, cause he has now idea what’s going on. I didn’t bother to say goodbye to others, dahil tatakas naman ako mamaya para puntahan si Lexia rito. 

Sa likod kami ng hospital dumaan, dahil alam nilang may mga reporter na nakasunod sa akin. Someone is already driving my car. 

“F*ck life.” I uttered. Napapagitnaan nila ako, as if naman kaya kong tumalon rito sa sasakyan. 

I just close my eyes knowing that I’m gonna see my evil Father again. Shit, Achi. Napamulat ako ng maalala ang kapatid ko na nag-iisa sa condo. 

“I need to see Achi.” I told them.

“Nasa mansion na po sir, kinuha po ni Congressman kanina.” Sagot sa akin nung isa sa tauhan ng tatay kong magaling. 

I guess, literal na hindi pala ako makakatakas sa demonyong yun. I just stay quiet like a child while we’re on our way to the mansion. 

—-

“You're finally here.” My Father greeted me, the moment I entered the house. I looked everywhere and saw bunches of evil politicians here.

“Rage, it’s been a long time. Hijo, is Jen with you?” It’s Tito Alfred, Jen’s Dad. I smile at him, and we shake hands as part of greeting each other. 

“Well, she’s not with me po.” I said politely. 

“I hope she talks to me, she hasn't talked to me for a long time. I’m just glad that you're with her, besides she’s entering now in showbiz so I’m sure that you're gonna protect her there in that industry, am I right?” Tito said, I just gave him a small smile, about to leave this house. When two guards block my way.

“Lock him up.” I heard my Father whisper to the guards, they literally carried me till we reached my room. Dang, he’s doing it again!

“Open this freaking door, Dad.” I scream inside.

“You are not allowed to go out until I say so, you got that.” My Father answered, I heard his footsteps leaving me here. 

I’m going to call Gray and ask help to escape me here. 

But when I’m about to make the call, I can’t even find my cell phone. What the freaking hell, they stole my phone. 

“Urgh… Dang” I scream in frustration, looks like I have to do everything just to get out of here. 

I lay down to calm myself, how the hell he’s doing this again. Locking me up, every election just to be with him. 

I’m just staring on the ceiling of my room, when I heard a knock, hindi naman ganun kalakas mahina lang. 

I stood up to see who that person was, when I opened the door it’s Achi. This cute angel unlocked my door. 

“Kuya.” Achi small voice greeted me, I smiled seeing him. 

“Sup?” I saw Gray. Bigla siyang lumabas sa likurang part ng kapatid ko, the hell he's doing here.

“Why are you here?” I asked.

“Tell me what you want, you wanna leave this house or do something else. To answer your question, my Father asked me to come here. He is part of you know doing their plan, type of thing.” He casually answered boringly. 

“Can you get me out, I need to see Lexia.” I told him, I lift Achi isasama ko siya para hindi niya nakikita ang ginagawa ng Tatay namin sa murang edad baka mamaya ay maimpluwensiyahan pa siya ng magaling kong ama.

“Well, you know.” He showed me the money hand sign, why is he like this? 

“Get me out of here, first.” I said.

“Daddy will find us.” Achi whispers to me, I cover his lips so no one can hear us. 

Gray is talking to someone while me and Achi are waiting for him, I never trusted this guy but here I am. The last time I asked for help was when I was in this kind of situation as well, but it’s horrible experience. Really! I paid him twenty thousand in cash, though nakatakas naman ako sa tatay ko pero nahuli din ako kaagad. But again I’m asking help from him, this psycho. 

“Settled then.” He said when he comeback sa pinagtataguan namin. 

“If this one fails, I’m gonna sue you.” I threatened him, he just shrugged. 

“That will never happen again.” He said and smirk, urgh F*ck that smirk. 

We’re now waiting to something, dahil tatlo na rin kaming may nakatambay dito sa second floor. 

“Seriously Gray?” I said in frustration. 

“Patience is a virtue, dear.” He reply, I knew it, siya ang patalim na ayokong hawakan. 

“Sir, ready na po.” An unfamiliar guard showed up, he handed a bag to Grayson. 

“We will be at the back door after five minutes, you guys should be ready.” Gray said to that guard and he left. 

“Disguise time.” He showed me a body guard uniform but this is different from the uniform of Dad’s men, it is similar to Gray’s Dad bodyguard uniform. Kaya pala hindi ko kilala yung body guard kanina, it means that Dad will never find out that we left. Ow, come on Gray, this is brilliant. Pero hindi ko muna sasabihin. 

After we change into a bodyguard disguise, tsaka ko lang naala na Achi is with us. 

“How about him?” I asked Gray while pointing to my cute little brother. He looked at Achi while thinking and pouting, then he took the bag na may laman ng damit namin kanina. He smiled strangely after he showed it.

“Don’t you dare, baka hindi siya makahinga.” I said.

“As if you have any better idea, mister?” He asked back. 

“Achi wanna play ahm, ahm, where is the bag?” I heard Gray laugh.

“What’s that po?” Achi asked.

“I’m not gonna answer it for now, but pumasok ka muna sa loob ng bag ha mamaya natin itutuloy ang game.” I said, masyado na kaming matagal rito. Kanina pa ako nag aalala kay Lexia.

Since his just a little boy hindi naman kami nahirapan ni Gray na ilagay siya sa isang travel hand bag. 

“So, what now?” I asked. 

“Puntahan natin Tatay mo.” He said smiling.

“Putang Ina ka.” I was about to punch him, when he walked away from me.  He is carrying the bag where Achi is in. 

Sumunod lang ako sa kanya. 

“We’re not yet done.” I whispered to him, habang sinasabayan siya.

“Oh, come on, I will not allow you to punch me.” He said. 

“How are you there, Achi?” I asked Achi inside the bag. 

“I’m fine po.” He answered, cutely. 

—-

“Excuse me.” Someone called us, Gray and I stopped for a while. What the hell! I looked at Gray and he just stood still.

“Ito ba yung mga gold?” I saw Gray just nod. My heart keeps racing, but I stay still too. 

“Sige, dalhin mo na yan.” The guy said, allowing us to pass. 

Gray and I didn’t say anything at all and just continued walking, when we finally got out of the house nakahinga ako ng maayos but still I’m not sure if we can actually get out alive. 

“Better make this quick.” I said to Gray, he just looked at me and handed me the bag where Achi is in. 

A guy who gave us the disguise suit came back and this time pinagbuksan niya kami ng sasakyan, and he is our driver. 

When he started the engine of the car and drove I loosen my tie and breathe heavily.

“What do you think? Boss.” Gray looks at me being proud as F!

“I’m impressed.” I told him. 

He smile and look at my bag, 

“Shit..” I almost forgot that Achi is here, what a freak.

“Sorry, tiger.” I said while pulling Achi out of the bag. 

He is just smiling at us, Gray gave him candy.

“So, where are we going?” Gray said.

I look at him with a serious look.

“You’re not coming with me!” I simply said.

“Excuse me? I get you out of your freaking house, while I should have been with Ali tonight.” He complained.

“Really? What’s with you and Ali?”  I asked, I never knew that he could be with someone like Ali. I know his type, I never knew that Ali can be one of them. 

“You don’t care, the last time you cared my girl broke up with me. I didn't bang her at that time.” He explained.

“Look, Ali is my girlfriend's friend, okay, don’t you dare hurt her.” I said, we are not that close but seeing she’s with Gray could make her cry a lot. 

“Look as well, she’s good enough and liberated on her own. Lastly, have you seen me taking care of girls while they are sick or in hospital? No right, but then again I did that to Ali.” He said, so he’s serious with her?

“Looks like someone is serious.” I teased him, but he didn’t say anything at all.

“So, I’m coming with you?” He asked again.

“How about bring Achi with you and go to Ali’s house since ngayon naman siya lumabas ng hospital right?” I give him a suggestion, but he is just staring at me blankly. 

“How about I call your Father and bring you to him?” He replied, urgh F*ck him!!!

“Okay, you can come with me.” I said without hesitation. 

“But your idea is not bad huh.” He said, finally something we can agree on.

“Because of that, Manong stopped the car po.” He said to his driver.

The Driver indeed stopped the car. Gray looked at me and that’s it.

“Get out.” He finally says something after a minute of staring at one another. 

“Why?” I asked.

“I’m following your suggestion, get out of my car and leave Achi with me, I’m going to Ali’s house.” He commanded me. 

“Seriously? What the hell.” I exclaimed.

“Out!” He shouted. 

“Or else..” He took his phone out of his pocket, threatening me that he’s gonna call my Father. I rolled my eyes to him and showed him my hands, asking for something. 

“What do you want me to do? Spit on your hands?” He said.

“Give me money, I don’t have my wallet.” I told him and smiled.

He smiled back but suddenly the door opened and his driver pulled me out. Before I complained, the door of his car closed and shut me down. 

“F*ck you Grayson” I shouted, he literally left me in the middle of expressway, F*ck that Chinese-Canadian assh*le. I don’t even have a phone. 

I just stand at the side of the street, malayo pa ako sa hospital. Sabi ko na nga ba dapat pala talaga hindi ako humihingi ng tulong sa gagong yun. 

I sighed, mas lalong ang hirap magtanong sa Police station dahil may mga tao din doon ang tatay ko. 

“Hey.” I looked to see who it was.

“Jen?” I said. She just gave me a small smile.

“Wanna ride?” She said, offering a ride to her car. 

“Looks like I don’t have a choice.” I answered. 

“You're the one who’s gonna drive, para alam mong safe ka.” She said, and handed me the key to her car. I look at her and accept the key, I want to ask something but I choose not to. Well, I just wanna ask how she is holding up to this situation. 

“Where are you off to, actually?” I asked, after I started the engine.

“Actually I followed my father to your father’s mansion, I know they are having a party there, then I saw Grayson. He is there too, you see him?” She replied, that jerk. 

“He helped me escape.” I simply said.

“Oh, I didn’t know that. I left when I saw his car left too. Dahil wala naman akong gana makipag plastikan sa mga Politiko. So, don’t tell me he left you in the street?” Jen said, I just raised my brows as a yes. 

She didn’t say anything after that. 

I stay quiet too. I choose that so I cannot hurt her to my words, we’re friends and I’m still thinking about what she did to Lexia, I know it’s not her fault at all. But I can’t help but to blame her.

“So, how are you?” I finally ask. 

“Stop being pitiful, I’m fine.” She answered, looking outside the window of her car. 

“So. Are we heading to the hospital?” She changed the subject.

“Yes.” I said. 

“The doctor said she might have developed amnesia.” She said in a low tone, I tightened my grip to the steering wheel. How can she love me if she can’t even remember me? 

Dahil sa narinig ko ay napakalas ang meter nang takbo ng sasakyan, Jen feel that at kita ko ang takot sa mukha niya in my peripheral vision. 

I never talked to her until we reached the hospital. 

Basta ko na lang nipark ang sasakyan at iniwan yun, I wanna see her badly. 

Pagdating ko sa room niya, I saw Gray and Ali with Achi. 

“The hell?” Gray reacted seeing me. 

“You’re here?” I asked.

“Nope, I am the ghost of Grayson Alexander Montez Wu, gets.” He replies, so Ali is taking care of Lexia tonight. 

“Since you're here, can we leave na ba?” Gray asks Ali.

“Siguro mas mabuti na rin, para may privacy sila ni Lexia, tsaka hindi mo naman gigisingin si Lexia diba. Kaya uuna na muna kami ni Grayson lalo na at kasama niya ang kapatid niya.” Ali said in detail. I look at Achi whom sleeping to Gray’s lap, kelan pa niya naging kapatid si Achi? Hindi na ako nagsalita pa dahil pagod na rin ako, Gray lift Achi while he is asleep tinapik lang ako ni Gray nang dumaan siya sa tabi ko ganun din naman si Ali. 

Naiwan ako kay Lexia, tulog na tulog siya parang wala siyang sakit kahit na soot pa niya ang brace neck niya. She’s still sleeping like an angel. 

I sighed, seeing her like this. Bakit ba laging importante sa akin ang mga kinukuha o di kaya naman ay nasa peligro? My Mom who took her own life when I was young and my girlfriend are suffering right now. 

I can’t help but cry…

I covered my mouth so Lexia didn’t hear my sobs, I never had a normal childhood, my teenage years never have any wonderful memories with my friends. Then there’s my Dad who always wants me to expose in his Politics journey. I saw him gamble and be corrupt and I can’t even do anything. I’m such a coward..

I find peace on Lexia’s arm, her presence makes me feel safe. She is the only person I found comfort and love. 

I close my eyes, after calming myself. 

—-

“Hijo, gising, gising.” I heard Tita’s voice. I open my eyes and everyone is already here. 

“Good Morning po.” I greeted her. Tumayo ako at inayos ang sarili ko. Gray is even here, Jen also and Ali. 

The doctor came in together with Lexia on a wheelchair. Tinanggal na pala nila ang neck brace niya. Maybe they will run some tests on her. 

Nakayuko lang siya sa amin nang mailipat na siya sa kama niya, maybe she’s still clueless and thinking who we are. 

I want to touch her hand and tell her everything is fine. But I can’t move. 

“So, after we ran some tests. We figured out that she developed amnesia. It's called retrograde, ahm. Due to the huge accident she experiences, it leads to a brain injury that causes her memory loss, and forgot everything that happened before the onset of the accident. Usually it is temporary, but other patients have it forever. It depends on their ability to heal.” The Doctor explained. 

“She can’t remember us?” I asked.

“Yes sir.” I gasp, hearing what he said. Nanlalamig ang buong katawan ko, everything me and Lexia have shared will be gone. 

“How does it heal?” Grays asks, kung matino sana ang pag-iisip ko babarahin ko sana siya na kilala mo ba yan. But I shut up instead. 

“Well, usually it can be treated by exposing the memory from the loss, like ahm doing the things she likes to do, it’s like you have to introduce yourselves to her so she can still remember from her past. But again don’t be too hasty to do that, allow her brain to heal maybe after six months or a year. So, you all can start little by little to make herself found again.” The Doctor advised us. 

We had no choice but to wait for her to heal. 

When the Doctor left, Lexia now started to eat. Pinapakain siya ni Tita, napansin ko nawala na si Jen. Pero hindi ko na lang yun inintindi. 

“Ako na po, Tita.” Kinuha ko yung food ni Lexia para ako na ang magpakain sa kanya. Lexia is just looking at me, I smile to her kahit alam kong wala siyang masagap na impormasyon tungkol sa akin. Ang tingin ko tuloy sa kanya ay parang bata na babagong silang. 

She’s still not yet talking. They said it’s kind of normal to some patients who developed amnesia. 

I continued to feed her, until she was about to finish the food. She stopped opening her mouth, then it means she’s full na. So I just give her some water.

“What the–” Gray screamed while he’s talking someone to his phone, I glare at him badly, dito pa siya gagawa ng katangahan. Lumabas naman siya agad ng matitigan ko siya. 

Tsaka ako bumalik kay Lexia na ngayon ay inaasikaso naman ng nurse. 

Naupo muna ako habang pinapanood ko si Lexia, I took a photo of her. Eksakto naman at napatingin siya kung nasaang banda ako at nakuhanan ko rin yun. 

I smile at her, tinitigan niya lang ako ng matagal. 

Nagulat na lang ako kasi hinhila na ako ni Gray palabas sa sobrang gulat ko hindi ako nagpumiglas. 

“What the f*ck!” I told him.

“Your Dad is coming, I didn’t know how he knew that you're here. But I swear to God I didn’t tell him.” Hinihingal siya habang sinasabi yun, kinapa ko ang soot ko dun ko lang napagtanto that I am wearing a tracer device. 

“What the freak..” I show Gray the tracer device. 

“Dude, I don’t have any idea.” He explained. Sa sobrang galit ko, I finally punched him. 

“You fool me.” I yell at him, I knew it he is f*cking scammer.. I was ready to punch him again, but two hands stopped me and grabbed my both arms and forced me to come with them. My Father’s freaking bodyguard.

Hindi na ako nagpupumiglas pa dahil may mga tao at konting galaw ko lang ay makilala nila ako. 

Why do I need to have this kind of Father? 

Sobra sobra na ang panlulumo ko sa mga nangyayari, only Lexia make me a live. Dahil konting konti na lang gusto ko na sundan si Mama. 

Nakarating kami sa mansion ng hindi ko namamalayan dahil nag zone-out ako sa loob ng sasakyan. 

“My son, my son, my son.” He showed in front of me while clapping and kept saying that repeatedly.  I don’t have any energy to face him, I just surrendered to him. 

“I told you again and again, I will definitely find you. You know, I always thought that Gray is gonna be like his father, but then again kulang pa siya sa practice. Let say, masyado pa siyang malambot at mabilis magtiwala. Sino nga naman ang makakahindi sa pera, tulad na lang ng driver niya. Anyway, lock him up. Make sure he can’t escape the house til I say so.” Nasaktan ko pa si Gray dahil sa ginawa niya, instead na magpahatak ako sa mga tao niya ay ako na mismo ang pumasok sa bahay. 

Dumiretso ako sa kwarto ko at nagbihis, I’m just glad that Achi is with Gray. 

I look at our family picture on the wall, when we become like this? I remember we still created a good bond before. Why the hell did we turn out like this? Is it really because Mom died? Or namatay na din talaga ang Tatay ko the moment my Mom dies. 

I just lay down, maybe just maybe this is the life I need to face. 

Hindi ko alam kung ilang oras na ba ako natutulog matapos kong magbihis, nagising na lang ako dahil may kaluskos akong naririnig sa loob ng kwarto. Pag mulat ko si Manang. I knew it, Dad usually calls if the Campaign program starts.

“Kumusta po?” I greeted him, lumapit siya sa akin at tinapik ang mukha ko. 

“Baba ka na hijo, kailangan ka na ng Daddy mo sa baba.” She said she's old and gray. She’s the only person who literally reminded me of my Mom. She was there when I was little until—

I calm myself the way I overthink. 

“Bababa na ho.” I replied. Umalis na rin naman siya, hinatid niya pala ang tuxedo suits na susuotin ko. May cp din dun pero alam kong hindi iyon ang cp ko, it’s new. Maybe the Congressman bought it. 

I have to fix myself, do whatever he wants so I can be free again. I went to the bathroom so I could have shower, para makababa na rin. I already heard the loud music downstairs. 

I didn’t even bothered to look so good for tonight, hindi rin naman ako magtatagal ei. Aakyat din ako kaagad. 

Paglabas ko ng kwarto ay diretso ako sa pagbaba, my eyes hurt hitting that laser light music. 

“Come here Son,” before I open my eyes my Dad calls me. Pinuntahan ko naman ang kinalalagyan nila. 

I wore my best mask ever, a fake smile, Dad shouldered me with his arm on my shoulder. I allow him to do that rather than causing a scene.

“My dear Wu clan’s family met my son Rage, we already knew that he and Grayson are already friends. Aside from Tony and I being the best partner the rest of you haven’t met him so here he comes.” So, he invited Gray’s whole clan for tonight. I never see Gray here. I only see his family. 

“Nice to meet you all.” I greeted them, and they asked some things after I welcomed them. I just answered everything as I could. 

“Gray is not here?” I asked his Mom.

“No, he’s with that Ali girl.” Mrs. Wu said. 

“My friend, I knew you’d come.” Dad welcomes the Constantine’s. Jen is with them, very unusual. 

“Here’s my gift, Tito.” Jen handed him the box. 

“Oh, you didn’t tell me the great Clan in Asia is here.” Tito is referring to the Wu clans. 

They greeted him, walang sawang batian dito, doon! 

“You’re here, very unusual.” I told Jen, and sipped my wine. 

“I have no choice, they’re going to announce their tandem for the upcoming elections.” Jen said. 

“Same here.” I simply said. 

“Shall we escape?” Jen whispered, instead of agreeing with her. I just walk away, like what I said I don’t want to cause a scene. 

Hindi na rin naman niya ako sinundan. 

—---

Months later I’m always beside my Dad doing a campaign season, there was one time na napanaginipan ko na kumakaway na rin ako habang natutulog. Nakikibalita lang ako kay Tita, I can’t even say goodbye to Lexia, Tita decides na doon muna sila sa province nila tumira so Lexia could have a fully treatment and makikilala pa ule niya ang ibang relative niya. 

I just agree with her, alangan namang tumutol ako. Isa pa I am not always with her, my Dad imprisoned me with him, just for a freaking show. 

“Can you light me up?” It’s Gray. I turned on him and gave him my lighter. 

“Now, get lost.” I said, after I gave him my lighter. He lightens up his cigarette, he blows the smoke after he sips. 

“You know it’s not me right?” I know what he’s referring to.

“Yeah, My Dad did it. He paid your driver to put a tracker on my suit. He even insulted you and said you’re weak.” I proudly said, come on he deserves to hear that. 

“Yup, and you’ll be forever his dog. You know, *arf* *arf* *arf*” He said and left, did he just bark on my face? 

This day hasn't finished yet, but it’s already exhausting. 

“Hey?” Jen approached me. I gave her a lil hug. 

“So, what are you feeling these days?”  She asked, she’s also wearing a campaign t-shirt from her Dad. 

“Annoyed, pissed, mostly angry.” I answered. I looked at her, she’s not lively the way she used to be. 

“You? Are you alright?” I ask, this time. 

“I’m fine, so far.” She said, but I know she’s not. I stopped asking any more questions, for sure hindi rin naman niya ako sasagutin. 

“Don’t think too much, remember the last time you did that. Besides, everything happens for a reason. Lexia is fine, that's important.” I assure her that.

“Thanks, cause you know. You are lowkey blaming me. I am fine, Rage, you don’t have to make me remember my past.” She said, and left. I didn’t even mean to insult her, well that’s true I’m kind of blaming her for what happened but then again we’re close. 

My Dad is talking on stage, announcing his platform and other plans if he is going to be a Senator. That’s where he's running for. 

I yawn, this thing makes me bored. 

“Hindi ko na po kailangang mangako dahil alam ng aking mga taga suporta ang aking mga nagawa na at gagawin pa para sa ating bayan.” He said, at tuwang tuwa naman ang mga uto-uto. I mean, his supporters don't have any idea what type of person he is. 

“I feel like politicians are cool too.” Gray said, come out of nowhere. 

“Then be a politician.” I told him. Gray is one of the campaign planners for my Dad, but then it’s just a show. Because he’s here to report to his father what is happening.

“Nah, not my thing. I like my Dad’s job. You know, creating plans for other people and boom they will pay for it. I’m gonna inherit that!” He proudly said. I was shocked when I heard this. 

“I heard Lexia and her Mom left Manila already. What you’re plan?” Gray asked, I actually haven’t thought of it. 

“I actually don't have any idea about it, but then you ask.” I said, I am not in the mood to talk.

He left after he received some calls. I just stay here and do nothing. 

My week is just repeating nothing new, since it is campaign months. Sometimes, I went on stage to talk about my Father’s legacy, telling lies how he is as a father, as a Politician and blah, blah, blah! 

Until election day, me and Father arrived together in our precinct station so we could have a vote. 

After the election day, he didn’t win. I was so happy until I realized that it’s part of a plan, whoever wins between Dad and Tito Alfred for this year's election. My Dad is running for the senate and Tito is a Vice President aspirant. Whoever loses in this election would be running for presidency in the next election lined up, then my Father loses this time. So he can be a presidential aspirant next! I am starting to get scared, this country is doomed!

He releases me anyway, he just needs me for this election thingy. 

I went back to my penthouse, pumayag na ang tatay ko na sa akin na si Achi. Binalik kasi siya ni Gray sa tatay ko, isa pa maigi na din daw yun sabi ni Dad. Ayaw niya lang mag-alaga kay Achi, wala na rin naman akong pake sa kanya. Isa pa last term niya na rin as congressman.

“Kuya, look I got a perfect score in my math quiz.” Achi happily shows me his paper that got a higher score on it, I hired a maid as well para bantayan siya pag wala ako. Nag presenta din si Gray na siya na ang mag alaga kay Achi pero alam ko naman na gusto niya lang magpabayad ng malaki, dahil scammer siya. 

“That’s my boy! So, what prices do you want?” I ask, he deserves a price for his excellence. 

“I wanna have a train set, Kuya.” He cutely said, I pat his head. 

“Sure, get dressed. Ate pabihisan po si Achi aalis kami.” I told her, agad naman siyang kinuha ni Ate at binihisan. I got dressed too, hindi naman ako masyado nag disguise dahil hindi naman kami magtatagal. 

Like what I said, hindi na rin kami nagtagal. We just went to nearest mall along side in my condominium, tutal hindi pwede puyatin ang bata. 

Since the election is over and we already have a winner na, people expect me to go back to entertainment na. But I want to live, I need to refresh my mind and everything. The last few months have been so exhausting and lost! Besides, Lexia is not with me anymore. 

Siya lang ata ang naging girlfriend ko na hindi ko na hiwalayan. Okay na rin yun, para naman alam kong may babalikan ako. 

It’s already midnight and I couldn’t even fall asleep, so I looked at my ceiling to zone out. 

Ilang minuto ata ganun ang posisyon ko, not until a warm water falls down on my eyes. Why the hell am I crying for what? I looked back to all the things I’ve done but instead of feeling nostalgia and happy memories, all I felt is nothing and emptiness.

After a moment of that loneliness my eyes slowly closed on their own and that’s where I slept. 

I woke up because Achi kept jumping on my bed. Bakit ba kasi maaga nagigising ang mga bata? Then I realized that he has pasok pa pala. 

“Shoot, you’re late.” I shout cause of realization. Agad ko rin naman siya binuhat para papasukin, nagmamadali pa akong kumuha ng uniform niya. 

“Sir, sabado po.” Ate says, maybe she saw how panicked I am. I closed my eyes masyado naman akong nakakahiya. 

“Thanks.” Sagot ko na lang kay ate. 

Ngayon naman Achi is watching cartoon tv. Hinayaan ko na din siya, dahil may plans din naman ako ngayong araw. 

I plan to book a ticket with me and Achi, I’m leaving. I accepted a huge project abroad, baka dun ko na lang din pag-aralin si Achi. 

I called Gray para samahan ako dahil hindi naman kami magkasundo! 

Eksakto naman nang matapos ako maligo ay nasa condo na siya, nilalaro na niya si Achi. Hinahabol niya ng unan, all I heard is Achi’s laugh dahil sa katangahan ni Grayson.

Lumabas na rin ako after ko magbihis. 

“Hey.” Gray greet me, habang buhat buhat si Achi sa ere. 

“Ibaba mo nga ang bata.” Utos ko sa kanya, binaba nga naman niya si Achi. He just rolled his eyes on me sinunod din naman ako. 

Kinuha ni Achi ang bola na hinagis ni Gray, gagong to ginawa ba naman aso si Achi. 

“So, where are we going?” He asked, bored siyang naupo sa sofa ko. 

“Airport.” I said.

“Nice, oh tapos?” He sarcastically said. 

“I’m leaving, I’m going to take Achi with me. At least for two to five years we lived abroad.” I explained, he just listened to me, maybe he gets it already.  

“Okay, what do you want? I can get it in at least five minutes.”  He suggested.

“Just accompany me in Airport.” I said. 

Hindi na rin naman siya nagsalita pa at umalis na kami, iniwan ko muna si Achi for awhile sa condo with Ate. 

As Gray expected siya lang naman ang inutusan ko sa pagbobook ng flight, dahil hindi ako pwede makita ng fans at press lagi kasi may press sa airport. Naghihintay lang ako sa kotse ko, habang abala si Gray sa loob. Alam ko naman na pwede mag pa-book online pero gusto ko si Gray ang gumawa non dahil gusto ko siyang naiinis. 

Mag-isang oras na nang dumating si Gray at pagod na pagod ang gago! 

“You know what, F*ck you Suarez.” Reklamo niya nang makapasok sa sasakyan. 

“I already know that!” Sabi ko sa kanya at tsaka pinaandar ang sasakyan, basta naman niya hinagis ang mga papeles sa backseat ng sasakyan. 

“If nakaalis na ako do me a favor, you’re in a relationship with Ali right?” I started a serious conversation.

“Well, I like Ali but we have a deal on our own. Whatever it is, it just revolves around us two. What is it?” Gray said. 

“I want to know what is happening to Lexia sa province nila. If Ali or Jen knew something, kindly message me. Please, at least  send one of your men to their province just to make sure that she is alright. That’s all and keep an eye on my father.” I give him an order, I can pay him. Matagal na niya kaya akong niloloko pagdating sa pera.

“You want a discount?” Gray said.

“No need, I can pay you in full.” I clearly said.

“I’ll give you a discount.” He insisted. I heard him tssk, after he said those. 

—--

I planned not to announce my departure, only me, Gray and the management knew all of this. They’ll be the one responsible for reporting it to the media, para na rin hindi ako abalahin ng Tatay ko. 

Si Gray lang ang maghahatid sa amin ni Achi sa airport we’re leaving tomorrow. 

“Kuya, am I gonna make new friends there?” Achi asked. He’s holding his iron man robot.

“Yes, people there are kind. Besides, we’re not going to separate anymore.” Tinapatan ko siya at sinabi ang mga katagang iyon. 

“I’m nervous po.” He said, with his low voice. 

“Come here.” Binuhat ko siya and hugged him.

“Hindi ka pababayaan ni Kuya.” I assure him that, I feel his little arm hug me too. 

“Let’s pack your things.” I said. 

Agad naman niyang kinuha ang isang bag niya at basta don nilagay si ironman niyang robot.

Sunod naman niyang kinuha ang mga damit niyang hindi pa nakatupi at basta basta tinapon sa loob ng bag na parang basura, napasapo ako sa sintido ko dahil sa nakita.

“Go, play.” Utos ko sa kanya, pero hinalungkat niya uli ang mga damit at kinuha sa ilalim si ironman. Nakangiti niya akong nilayuan.

Kinuha ko na lang ang mga damit niya at tinupi ko ng maayos. 

After a long day of packing this and that, natapos na rin ako. I saw Achi fall asleep in the kitchen floor, mukhang roon inabot ng antok at basta-basta na natulog. I lift him up and lay him down to his bed. Kinuha ko ang ironman robot niya na yakap yakap niya at tinabi na lang iyon sa kanya. 

I need to shower and sleep na rin since aalis na kami bukas. Hindi naman maaga ang flight, ayoko kasi ma rush ang tulog ni Achi kaya after lunch kami aalis. 

I heard a doorbell ring before I went to my room. 

I peek at the peephole to see who’s coming at this hour. 

“Gray?” I murmured. 

I opened the door and let him in. Lakas ng loob na ayain ako uminom dahil may dala siyang alak.

“How’s everything?” He asked, nilapag naman niya ang dalang alak sa mesa. 

“Everything’s packed na, why are you here?” I asked.

 “Since you don’t want to have a farewell party, I’m giving it to you.” He opened the wine and poured it into our glasses. 

“Thanks.” I thanked him.

“You know, my life is gonna get boring, since you are leaving even though we are not that close, at least I have Ali now. When do you plan to come back?” He asked, we both sat down after we drank. 

“Probably, two to five years for now I don’t know.” I answered. 

Gray just accompanied me the whole night, we shared some stories, we never did this before. I never see him as a friend, maybe because I hold a grudge on him, about his father helping my father and him scamming me all the time. But tonight is quite good and peaceful! 

The next day we are ready to take off, Gray is driving us to the airport. 

“There are some men waiting for you in the airport, they will be the one accompanying you and your brother to your new place, may sasakyan na din kayo roon.” Gray reminds us. 

“Thanks a lot.” I told him.

“No, worries. Will your father be fine?” He asked, I didn’t even bother to say something about it. I don’t want him to do such a thing anymore, he abandoned me already. 

Gray didn’t even say something as well, maybe he noticed I just want a peaceful trip leaving this side of Manila. 

When we arrived at the airport, hindi kami sa main gate dumaan. For sure, ay mga tao ron, but Gray managed us to get away from the people. I can’t see any media, which is odd. 

Gray is talking to one of the flight attendants, I rolled my eyes. Kawawang Ali! I said in my mind.

“Ali, gonna hate you.” I said. He just shrugged. 

I hold Achi’s hand while we’re on our way to the airplane, like I said Gray took care of everything. 

“Here.” I handed him the cash money, the three of us are now inside the plane. 

He took the envelope, when he opened it he just grasp half of the money at inabot na niya uli sa akin pabalik ang envelope. 

“I told you, I’m giving you a discount.” He said.

“Come on, discount is not your style.” I said back.

“Well, it is but for some people. You're lucky, you're one of them.” He replied.

“I don’t know how I feel, should I feel blessed?” I sarcastically said.

He stood up and patted Achi’s head, who’s now sleeping. 

“Take care dude, just call if you need something. As long as you have, m-o-n-e-y.” The way he spelled money before he left. 

I didn’t respond, he will always be a good scammer for me. But it’s hard to admit that he is the person that literally helps me a lot. 

The flight took so many hours, thirteen hours in a row, I’m just glad that Gray chose first class for me and Achi. Then suddenly I remembered the money I paid him. It was actually two hundred thousands, because of his bare minimum wage.I count the cash kung magkano ba ang binalik niya sa akin. I smiled a little bit when I counted it, it was just five thousand. Gag*ng yun, nagbalik pa. Achi did have a tantrums dahil hindi siya sanay sa airplane, natatakot siguro at sa haba na rin ng biyahe. Buti na lang at kami lang talaga rito sa first class, kahit papaano ay wala kaming naabala

The captain is announcing that we are about to take off and Achi is wide awake now. After the landing of the plane, Gray is right, there are some men that immediately welcome us with a sign that says, “Ta-da, you are finally free from your father. Fly high! Angel, meet us in Heaven.”-Gray

Did he just say that I die? Siraulo talaga! I rolled my eyes and took that sign and crumpled it, inapak apakan ko pa. I saw the stare of those three men waiting for me to give them our luggage. 

Achi is already amaze to what he is seeing, madaling araw na kasi bale mag-uumaga na rin.  

“You want to eat something, Achi?” I asked. 

“I’m full po.” Achi replied. 

I still have three weeks before the start of my schedule, for sure ay non stop na naman. I still have time to enroll Achi to his new school here in L.A para naman masanay agad siya mamuhay dito, pansamantala. 

When we arrived at my new house, I bought it way back when I was twenty one. Achi is already playing with his new robot that Gray gave as his farewell. 

I unpack our clothes and other things, and suddenly I saw an envelope on my desk here in my room. 

When I opened it, I saw a bunch of new Lexia pictures from her province. Her picture setting is when she is with Tita doing grocery together, going to church and her check ups. I saw a note at the back of the envelope.

‘Your discount, stay safe.’-Gray.

I smile, that guy knows how to surprise me. 

[A/N: 

How are you all doing? How’s your halloween? Anyway, if someone is still reading this. I wanted to tell you guys, that thank you so much for witnessing my first novel ever. I am a student also, my schedule is a mess because the university gave us an unsettled timetable regarding my subjects. We still haven’t started our midterm for some courses that I have, that is why updating everyday is not my thing talaga. But again, this story is about to end. I think before the end of this year, we can now have Ali’s story as a part of a trilogy. I hope that everyone is alright and doing good to all of your journey in life, always stay safe in everything you do. This may sound clichè but please follow me and be with Rage and Lexia til the end. Have a wonderful day ahead! 

–M.NINS]