-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)--00:30-“Damn it.” I whispered and got up from bed.Hinilot ko ang aking noo, sleep wasn't overtaking my body and I'm starting to get pissed.Napag-desisyunan ko na lumabas ng kwarto at bumaba muna upang makapag timpla kahit tsaa man lang.As I head downstairs, faint splashes coming from the pool can be heard, and curiosity is roaming around my mind as I head to the kitchen.“Who’s swimming at this hour?” I whispered to myself as I filled the kettle with water.Placing the kettle on the stove, nagtungo ako sa may pool upang tingnan kung sino ang naroon habang hinihintay ko iyon na kumulo. “Hey.” Giit ko na sapat lang upang marinig ng taong ito.Pinanood ko itong iahon ang kanyang ulo, just seeing the dirty blonde hair, I already knew who it was.“It’s late, why are you still up and swimming? In the middle of the night?” I asked nang lingunin ako nito.“I should ask you the same thing.” Sagot nito at saka umahon sa pool, grabbing his towel on the sun ba
-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)-~^3^~“Where are you going?” I asked nang makita ko itong palabas ng bahay na may bagaheng bitbit.“Aalis na ako, may kailangan akong asikasuhin.” Sagot nito.“Anong aasikasuhin mo? Trabaho o babae mo?” Tanong ko na nakapag-patigil rito.“Ano?” Tanong niya nang makaharap siya sakin.“Oh, silly me.” I answered and laughed softly. “Let me rephrase that, what will you take care of? Your work–or my wife?” Tumawa ito ng mahina. “Of course my work, ano pa ba?” Tanong nito.“I don’t know, since you have a relationship with her, you can’t stop me-” Naputol ang aking sasabihin nang sumagot ito.“Shut up, Gelal.” Sagot niya. “Just shut up, wala kaming relasyon ng asawa mo. Patay na rin siya, so why are you acting like that?” “Then why do you have a tattoo with her full name? Surely if I inked my skin with your girlfriend's name, you’d be suspicious about me right?” Tanong ko. “Also, how can you be so sure she’s dead?”Kumunot ang kanyang noo. “What do you mean
-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)--12:15-“Silas, can you go make me a cup of coffee, please?” I ordered as I pressed the intercom.“Sure, is there something else you would like me to do?” Tanong niya.“Just a cup of coffee, thank you.” Sagot ko at saka bumalik sa pagtatrabaho.Kasalukuyan akong nasa opisina nang biglang sumakit ang ulo ko, I've been getting headaches lately but this one seemed worse.Turning off my laptop, I closed my eyes just so I could rest for 15 minutes, maybe this was because I didn’t get any proper sleep for the past few days.Parang mabibiyak sa gitna ang ulo ko dahil sa sobrang sakit na naging dahilan upang saluhin ko ito gamit ang aking mga kamay.Putragis…“Here’s your coffee, Sir.” Giit ni Silas nang makapasok na ito sa office.“Thank you.” Sagot ko na hindi tumitingin rito.“Is there something else you would like me to do?” Tanong niya na naging dahilan upang mag-angat ako ng tingin rito.“Bilhan mo ako ng gamot para sa sakit ng ulo.” Sagot ko at saka suma
-(AMEER HYASID FRANCISCO POV)--Francisco Residences-Kasalukuyan akong nagbabasa ng dyaryo habang binabantayan na maglaro si Azariah sa living room nang biglang may magbukas ng pinto na para bang nagdadabog.Hindi na bago sa akin kung padabog nilang binubuksan iyon dahil ganun naman sila kahit hindi nagbibwisit.May tantrums man o wala, they fucking slam the door na parang walang pinag-aralan ang mga gago."Fuck!" Napailing nalang ako kung kaninong boses iyon habang papalapit ang mga yabag nito sa living room."Tito Theo!" Sigaw ni Azariah, bakas sa tono nito na masaya niyang makita ito."Hey bud, nag school ka?" Tanong nito, which caused me to look up.Nakita kong tumango ang aking anak. "Yes po, and I got a star from my teacher because I told the correct answer many times!" Pagmamayabang nito bago ipakita ang kanyang eroplano na dala. "Papa also brought me an aeroplane because I have been a good boy!" Dagdag nito bago laruin ang eroplano at umikot ikot around his uncle."Alright, k
-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)-~∅~“What do you wanna talk about?” Tanong nito nang makaupo na ako sa upuan.“I’ve been wanting to tell you this, but– I didn’t have the balls to say it to you before.” Sagot ko. “Hindi na rin kaya ng konsensya ko ang itago ito sayo.”“Just say what you wanna say, Yves.” Sabat ni Kaji.Heaving a sigh, my mind was screaming to tell him about what I know, and I can't help but feel anxious.But maybe this is the right thing to do…“Jace– he’s gonna kill you, Lal.” Panimula ko. “Siya-”“I know.” Sagot ni Gelal. “I’m just waiting for the right moment.”Nagulat ako sa sagot nito, and obviously we weren't expecting his answer.“What? You knew?” Tanong ni Kaji rito.“Of course, sa tingin mo bakit ako magpapaturong mag hack ng systems kung hindi ko alam?” Tanong niya. “It was so obvious.”By his words, it was evident he didn't give a damn about it. But, I know deep down he's nervous of what might happen.“If you knew he’s gonna kill you, does that mean you also
-(EMERALD CORLYN VERDANIO-FRANCISCO POV)-It happened again…He abused me again…I feel so disgusted, and used…I cried silently as he smoked outside, my hands and feet still tied up and I couldn't do anything to get up."I hear you crying, Cory." Wika nito na naging dahilan upang magulat at manahimik ako.Das Arschloch…Hearing his footsteps in the distance, wala akong naramdaman kundi kaba, and by his presence, I was already disgusted."Napano ka?" Tanong nito sa akin nang makaupo na ito sa harapan ko."Nothing." I muttered, ngunit ang binalik na responde sa akin ay isang sipa sa tiyan."Fvcking liar." Sagot nito at saka sinipa muli ang aking tiyan."Stop it! Maawa ka!" Wika ko ngunit sinuntok lamang ako nito sa mukha."Alam mo?" Panimula niya. "Putangina mo, hindi ako maaawa sayo dahil kahit kailan, hindi kayo naawa sa akin."Bago pa ako makasagot ay tinapalan nito ang aking bibig na naging dahilan upang hindi ako makapagsalita."Naririndi na ako sayo, kanina pa. Kaya manahimik ka
-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)-~•~As the driver stopped the car, and a ripped paper in my hand, I didn't hesitate to get out even though my gut was telling me that someone is following me.(Pull out your gun, Lal…)"I'll do it once I'm done." I whispered and took my luggage out of the trunk, paying the driver afterwards.Nang makaalis na ito, luminga linga ako sa paligid habang nagbabaka-sakaling may sumusunod nga, and even though I still wanted to investigate, mas inuna ko ang hanapin siya.Tiningnan ko lang ang front door, rereading the address on the written paper Kaji gave to me just to make sure it's exactly the same.Heaving a sigh, I walked up the steps with a suitcase in hand, hoping she would be here. And if not, I guess I should find her.(Someone is definitely following you… why don't you look behind?)"I know." I whispered as soon as I reached the front door.But before I could get a chance to knock, someone spoke from behind, causing me to stop from what I was about to
-(DEAN ALVAREZ POV)-~·~Dali-dali kong tinigil ang kotse sa harap ng pulis station nang makatanggap ako ng tawag mula sakanila, anxiety was still within me yet I set those thoughts aside.“Where is she?” Tanong ko nang makapasok na ruon.Tinuro nila kung nasaan ito at walang alinlangan akong nagtungo ruon, seeing her being interrogated by police officers had me relieved, and I can’t help but bite the tip of my thumb as I tremble.Naghintay ako ng ilang minuto sa labas habang kinakausap nila ito, at nang makalabas na ang police officers ay agad na akong nagtanong sa kanila.“Sir, how did you find her?” Tanong ko sa mga ito.“Well, she was the one who came here, and we’re currently interrogating her, but it seems to me she’s still traumatized.” Sagot niya sa akin.“Can I at least talk to her?” Tanong ko muli. “Maybe I can help.”Nagtinginan ang dalawang pulis bago tumango ang isa sa kanila, allowing me to enter the room.“Just ask her some simple questions, don’t pressure her.” Paalala
-(EMERALD CORLYN VERDANIO POV)- ~2 years later~ “Deanna! Halika na at malelate ka na!” Tawag ko habang nilalagay ang mga kailangan niya sa trunk. “Momma, I can't find my other shoe!” Sigaw nito na nagmumula sa loob. Nagtungo ako muli sa loob at kinuha ang lunchbox niya sa coffee table at tinulungan siyang maghanap, at mabuti na lang ay nakita ko ito. “Oh, ito. Suotin mo na.” Utos ko habang ina-alalay siya. Nang masuot na niya iyon ay kinuha ko na rin ang bag ko at sabay kaming lumabas, locking the door before heading to the car and made her sit at the back seat. “Momma, are we going to school?” Tanong niya habang ina-adjust ko ang seat belt nito. “Yes, darling. You’re going to school and Momma– Momma is going to work.” Sagot ko at saka siya hinalikan sa pisngi. “Isn't daddy ninong going to take me to school?” Tanong niya ulit. “No honey, because daddy ninong has work to do.” Sagot ko at saka nagtungo sa driver's side. Dali-dali ko nang pinaandar iyon at umalis, 30 minutes d
-(EMERALD CORLYN VERDANIO POV)- ~•~ As I pulled up to the side of the road, nagtataka ako kung bakit may mga elf truck sa harap ng bahay nina Gelal, at ang daming lalaking naglalabas at nagpapasok ng mga gamit. “What the heck?” I whispered to myself and got out of the car. May namataan akong isang lalaking may hawak na clip board, ngunit bago ko ito tawagin ay may tumawag sa pangalan ko. “Yes?” Tanong ko nang namataan ko ang isang babaeng patungo sa akin. “You’re Emerald, yes?” Tanong nito pabalik na may bahagyang ngiti sa labi. “Ako nga, ba’t mo ako kilala?” Pagtataka ko habang hawak ang isang envelope. “Kuya told me everything about you, darling.” Sagot niya habang hindi umaalis ang ngiti sa labi. “Oh, okay. Kuya mo si Gelal?” I asked. “Never mind, nandito ba siya? Kailangan ko lang siyang-” “He’s not here, Emerald. He left.” Sagot nito sa akin. “Saan siya pumunta?” “He left for France, went to see his– I don't know. Wife?” Giit nito na parang hindi sigurado. “Oh– but, w
-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)-~•~Nang makapasok ako sa bahay ay inexcuse muna ni Mr. Luxembourg ang sarili dahil may aasikasuhin daw ito, at bago kami makasagot ay nagtungo na ito sa taas.“Eve-” Tawag ko ngunit nagtungo ito sa hallway.Sumunod naman ako rito bitbit ang aking mga bagahe, kahit pagod at puyat ako ay kinaya ko iyon.“This will be your room for now.” She stated.“How are you?” Panimula ko nang maituro niya sa akin ang guest bedroom.Kaming dalawa lang ang naroon, kung kaya’t inipon ko ang makakaya upang makausap siya.But even so, she didn't answer and just opened the door for me with the words “Dinner will be ready in 20.”And before I could say anything, she left. With no choice and due to exhaustion, I entered the guest room to settle my things.Patuloy kong minumura ang aking sarili habang inaayos ko ang mga gamit ko sa closet, at alam kong sinira ko ang kanyang tiwala– Big time.-(JEAN EVOLET LUXEMBOURG POV)-~•~As I was making some food for Gelal to eat, numer
-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)-~Tuesday~“Sir, I have postponed every meeting you have including with your meeting with Mr. Ameer.” Panimula nito nang makapasok siya sa opisina.Tumango na lamang ako bilang tugon at saka ipinagpatuloy ang ginagawa, ngunit hindi ko pa rin makalimutan ang sinabi ni Emy sa akin nung nakaraan.(Tatanggapin ko kahit may kahati ako.)“Damn it, Ems.” I mumbled to myself and rubbed my forehead.“Sir, is everything alright?” Sambit ni Silas na naging dahilan upang mag angat ako ng tingin rito.“You're still here.” Sagot ko.“Akala ko po kasi may sasabihin pa kayo.” Sagot niya pabalik.“Wala, you may leave.” Utos ko rito na naging dahilan upang tumango ito at lumabas.Heaving a sigh, sumandal ako sa backrest ng swivel chair ko at tiningnan ang oras, seeing it was 4:40 in the afternoon.Sakto rin na tumunog ang aking cellphone, kaya kinuha ko ito at upang tingnan iyon.Eve: When are you arriving?She texted, yet I wasn't ready to reply. At least not yet.-(EMER
-(EMERALD CORLYN VERDANIO-FRANCISCO POV)-~2:00~Patuloy akong naghihintay kay Gelal habang nasa harap kami ng bahay nito, at kahit ayokong umalis sa puder ni Callum ay mapipilitan ako.“Momma, why are we here?” Deanna asked as she yawned.“We're just waiting for Daddy Lal, okay? Kaunting tiis na lang.” Sagot ko at saka ito niyakap.“But I want to sleep na, Ma.” She yawned once again.Ngumiti na lamang ako nang bahagya at saka ito binuhat, letting her sleep in my arms as we waited.“Pasensya ka na kung nadamay ka sa gulo namin, nak.” Bulong ko rito at saka hinalikan ang kanyang noo.The cool breeze kept blowing as I waited, and I couldn't help but feel sleepy.A few minutes passed by, but there were still no headlights heading towards this direction, which caused me to sigh and close my eyes for a bit.-♪-“Emy.” Someone murmured my name, and all of which seems to be a blur.“Emy.” It called once again. “Emy, wake up.”As I came to my senses, with my vision getting clear once again, I
-(EMERALD CORLYN VERDANIO-FRANCISCO POV)-~That night~“Babe, ayos ka lang ba?” Tanong ni Callum habang ako'y nakatingin sa may bintana.Nasa kwarto ako ngayon at pakiramdam ko wala akong ganang kumain, and to be honest, I want to be alone with my thoughts for a while.“Hey, what's wrong?” Tanong ulit nito, at ramdam kong lumubog ang isang parte ng kama.“Nothing.” Sagot ko na lang. “I want to be alone for a while.”“But Deanna is looking for you.” Sambit nito, forcing me to look at him as I felt his thumb and finger on my chin.Even though he said something, I didn't feel the need to answer him, and just looked away once again.“Can you please tell me what's wrong, Emy?” Tanong nito sa huling pagkakataon, ngunit hindi pa rin ako sumagot.Silence enveloped us and there was nothing I could think of an answer for him, all I could do was stare and remember the scene where-“Are you thinking about him?” He asked again.“Who?” I asked and looked at him.“Gelal.” Sagot niya, and there was s
-(EMERALD CORLYN VERDANIO-FRANCISCO POV)-~Friday~“Nasaan si Gelal?” Panimula ni Lez nang makarating ito sa hospital.“Parating na yun.” Sagot ko at saka nilagay sa bag ang aking cellphone.“Sana sa kanya nga si Deanna, hindi ako papayag kung ang gagong yun ang ama.” Wika nito at saka tiningnan ang bata sa tabi ko.“I thought you hated each other? Bakit parang nag-iiba na ang ihip ng hangin ngayon?” Biro ko sa kanya.Tumawa na lamang ito bilang tugon at nag-usap muna kami ng ilang minuto habang hinihintay si Gelal, hanggang sa dumating na sina Dad ay wala pa rin ito.“Nasaan na ba ang asawa mo, Emerald?” Tanong ni Dad sa akin habang nakakunot ang noo. “May aasikasuhin pa ako sa opisina.”“Baka po na-stuck lang sa traffic.” Sagot ko. “Tawagan ko na lang po ulit.”Kinuha ko muli sa bag ang aking cellphone at akmang pipindutin ang kanyang numero, nang biglang sumigaw si Deanna at saka umalis.“Deanna!” Tawag ko ngunit nakita ko na sinalubong pala nito si Gelal.Pinanood ko itong buhatin
-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)-~•~“Silas.” Tawag ko mula sa intercomm.“Sir?” Tanong naman niya.“Nakapag-book ka na ba?” Tanong ko rito. “Pumunta ka nga dito sa office.”Nang inalis ko ang aking daliri sa intercomm ay sakto rin itong pumasok sa loob, all while holding a cup of coffee and a croissant.“What is it, Sir?” He asked again and took a bite.“Gusto ko lang malaman kung bukas ako aalis, or next week.” Panimula ko at saka inikot ikot ang ballpen.“Next week Wednesday ang flight niyo, Sir.” Sagot niya. “Bakit po?” “Nothing, I just realized I still have a shitload of work to do.” I intoned. “You may go.” Tumango na lamang ito bilang tugon at saka umalis, leaving me alone with my thoughts.(If you don't arrive within a week, I will blow you to bits.)Heaving a sigh, I rubbed my forehead due to frustration. And there was nothing I could do except finish these before leaving.-(EMERALD CORLYN VERDANIO-FRANCISCO POV)-~Verdanio Residences~Kasalukuyan kaming nasa main residence
-(EMERALD CORLYN VERDANIO-FRANCISCO POV)-~•~Habang ako'y nasa trabaho ay laking gulat ko nang makareceive ako ng mensahe mula kay Gelal, at nagtataka rin ako kung bakit.Theo: I’m dropping Deanna at your place, I need to be somewhere urgent.Tiningnan ko ang oras, seeing it was 10 in the morning. Kaya walang alinlangan akong nagreply rito.Ems: Last week mo lang siya kinuha, why so sudden?Theo: Evolet’s bleeding.Just by seeing his reply, I couldn't help but worry for his wife. And worry for his safety…-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)--♪-“Silas, is everything booked?” Tanong ko habang kami ay papunta sa office.“Yes, Sir.” Sagot nito. “Your flight will be on Wednesday night.”“Sige, cancel my meetings from Thursday to Saturday.” Utos ko rito bago ibaba ang tawag.Hindi ko maiwasan ang hindi kabahan para kay Eve, at pilit kong sinisisi ang aking sarili dahil sa sinapit nito.Kailangan ko na rin ipa-DNA test si Deanna, para bago ako umalis ay panatag ako na akin siya.“Daddy, where