Chapter 2: Rage

Maaga akong nagising at nag timpla ng kape. Habang hinihintay na kumulo ang tubig, tumingin ako sa labas ng bintana. Ang mga ibon ay nag-iingay na, tila ba nag-uunahan bumati sa bagong umaga. Ang araw ay unti-unti nang sumisikat, nagbibigay ng kaunting liwanag sa madilim na langit.

Nang magsimula na ang tubig kong kumulo, inalis ko ito sa apoy. Hinugasan ko ang aking tasa at sinimulan kong magtimpla. Ang bango ng kape ay agad na kumalat sa buong bahay, nagbibigay ng kaunting kaginhawaan sa aking damdamin.

"Hesttiaaaaaaaaaa!!!" Isang malakas na boses ang umalingawngaw sa buong bahay. Tila nabibingi ang dalawa kong tainga. Gising na si Zari at nasa kanyang katinuan na siguro.

Sino ba kasing hindi napasigaw kung sa paggising nya, wala syang saplot at tanging bra at panty lang.

That's what you get, b'tch.

"There's no need to shout, Zariyah Azrael!" I scream while not looking at her in the kitchen with her pambahay dress. She looked at me furiously. Wow! Siya pa talaga ang galit.

"Don't you ever look at me like that, as if I'm the one who did wrong last night!" Diretso kong sabi. Pero ang bruha hindi nagpapatinag. Tiningnan lang nya ako na parang ako pa ang may kababalaghan na ginawa.

Humigop siya ng kape, "Wait, sino yung lalaking tumulong sayo para dalhin ako patungo sa kotse?" Sabi niya sabay ngisi na may halong pagdududa. And good for her, kahit lasing ito may naiwan pang alaala.

Hinilot ko ang aking sentido at pilit na kinalma ang sarili. Napansin ni Zari ang aking pagkabalisa dahilan kung bakit hindi ko man lang napansin ang kanyang pagpunta sa'king likod.

"Huli ka!" Bulong niya na ikinagulat ko ng husto.

"Bwesit kang babae ka at binaliktad mo pa ang sitwasyon!" Bulalas ko sa kanya at mahinang hinablot ang kanyang mataas na buhok.

Sa mga sandaling yun, naramdaman ko na may kakaiba sa lalaking yun.

Hindi ko maipagkakaila na gwapo siya, makisig ang kanyang pangangatawan. Ang kanyang malalim na mga mata, ang kanyang matipunong braso, at ang kanyang matangkad na katawan, lahat iyon ay nagbibigay ng kakaibang epekto sa taong kanyang makakasalamuha.

Napabalik ako sa aking ulirat.

"The next time na magpakalasing ka nanaman uli, I'll leave you alone. I don't care who you kiss with or sit with. Total, you're too good in such a place like those, diba?" Sabi ko diretsa sa mukha niya na bagong gising. Tila natauhan naman siya.

"Wait, what? I'm sitting in someone's lap?" Sabi niya habang palakad lakad sa harap ko, tila pinoproseso pa ang nangyari kagabi.

"Yes, bitch. Why? Do you want me to rewind all of your kabalastugan na ginawa kagabi?" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

Tuluyan ko na sana siyang iwan ng may gusto akong ikompronta sa kanya.

"Diba you've told me, na may boyfriend ka na? Where is he now?" Tanong ko sa kanya dahilan kung bakit muntik na s'yang mabulunan. 

Tumingin siya saglit sa akin, at tumingin sa kawalan sabay higop ng kanyang kape.

"Just one of my past times, Hest." Sabi niya na parang wala sa sarili.

I can really feel the gap between the truth and lies. Perhaps there's something in between the two of them. And maybe she's not ready to share it with others.

And above all, I respect her decision.

We were classmates since high school, and now we're fresh graduates. I took architecture, while she took business management. We were both passionate about our chosen fields, and it was always interesting to share and compare our experiences.

Despite our different courses and paths, we found common ground in our love for adventure and trying new things. We would often go out together, exploring different parts of the world and trying out new experiences. That is why kilalang-kilala ko na siya at ganu'n din siya sa akin.

She's one of my friend I can always count on everytime, hindi papanig ang mundo sa akin. And somehow, we live in the same apartment. Most especially, wala na akong mga magulang. Well, my parents died three days after my debut. They met an accident during their business trip in Taguig.

And here I am trying to survive my everyday meal, pay my bills, and find a job.

Nandito ako ngayon sa isang malaking kumpanya para mag-apply ng trabaho. Dala ng aking resume, mabilis kong tinahak ang daan papunta sa reception area. I felt nervous, but kailangan ko ng trabaho.

"Good afternoon, nandito po ako para sa job interview," sabi ko sa receptionist na ngumiti sa akin bilang tugon. Binigay ko ang aking resume at inantay na tawagin ang aking pangalan.

As I sat in the waiting area, my heart pounded in my chest like a drum. Habang naghihintay, hindi ko maiwasang mag-isip kung ano kaya ang mga posibleng tatanong sa akin, kung magugustuhan kaya nila ang aking mga sagot.

"Ms. Hestia Lhianna Forbes, ready na po for your interview," sabi ng receptionist matapos ang ilang minuto. Lumalim ang aking hininga, itinaas ang aking ulo, at dahan-dahang lumakad papunta sa interview room.

I was wearing a sexy top, a matching blazer, and a skirt. Bumagay naman sa kurba ng aking katawan. Alam ko na importante ang unang impression, kaya naman pinili ko ang outfit na ito. I had prepared for this interview meticulously, going over potential questions and rehearsing my answers. I knew I had the skills and experience for the job. But despite all my preparation, a wave of anxiety washed over me.

I took a few deep breaths, trying to steady my racing heart.  As my name was called, I stood up, straightened my outfit, and put on the most confident smile I could muster. 

Shocks! This is not my first time attending an interview, but why do I feel this kind of pressure? 

Pagbukas ng pinto, bumungad sa akin ang isang mahigpit na silid na may malaking mesa sa gitna. Puno ng mga modernong kasangkapan at malalaking bintana na nagpapakita ng magandang tanawin ng lungsod. Sa gitna ng silid, may malaking mesa na yari sa kahoy at salamin, at sa likod nito ay isang babae na nakaupo, tila ba naghihintay sa aking pagdating.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Forbes. Please have a seat," sabi niya na may ngiti sa kanyang mukha. Umupo ako at sinimulang ilatag ang aking mga credentials at karanasan.

Hindi ko kaagad napansin ang lalaking nakatalikod ngunit nang mapansin ko siya, bigla akong kinabahan.

Why's something on him? Who is he?

"Good afternoon, Sir," bati ko sa lalaking nasa harap ko. Ngumiti siya at tumango bilang tugon.

For goodness sake, I really need this job. I made sure to articulate my thoughts clearly, providing detailed yet concise responses. 

Sa bawat tanong na ibinato sa’kin, I tried to showcase my skills, my experiences, and my passion for the job.

As the questions continued, I could feel myself settling into a rhythm. The initial nervousness faded away, replaced by a sense of determination. I was no longer just answering questions; I was telling my story, sharing my journey.

Laking pasasalamat ko na natanggap ako sa trabaho. Nagpaalam ako at pinihit ang pintuan palabas.

A feeling of longingness is inside that room.

Habang naglalakad ako sa loob ng kompanya, hindi ko mapigilan ang aking sarili na mamangha sa disenyo ng lugar. Ang modernong arkitektura, ang maaliwalas na espasyo, at ang detalyadong interior - all of it defines elegance. 

From the layout of the workspaces to the selection of the artwork on the walls, every detail seemed to have been thoughtfully considered. The open floor plan fostered collaboration and communication, while the quiet corners and breakout rooms provided space for focused work and private meetings. The color scheme was a mix of cool blues and warm earth tones, creating a balance between professionalism and comfort. The furniture was modern and ergonomic, designed to support productivity and well-being.

The lighting was perfect - natural light flooded through the large windows during the day, and the ambient lighting was soft and inviting. Greenery was strategically placed around the office, adding a touch of nature and a sense of calm to the environment. As I walked through the space, I couldn't help but be impressed. The design of the company was not just well-planned; it was a testament to the thought and care that went into creating an environment that fostered creativity, productivity, and wellness.”

Sumilip ako sa aking relo at napagtanto ng hapon na pala. Nagdesisyon kong kumain muna sa isang malapit na cafe.

And maybe dadaan muna ako saglit sa isang park at doon ay magpahinga. 

The laughter of the children filled the air, their joy infectious. I watched as the father helped his youngest on the swing, his gentle encouragement echoing across the park. The mother was busy capturing the moment, her camera clicking away, preserving the memory.

The sight of the family enjoying their day in the park warmed my heart. It was a simple moment, yet it held so much meaning.

Bigla ko tuloy na miss si Mommy and Daddy. 

I found myself reflecting on my own family. I thought of the support they've given me, the love they've shown, and the sacrifices they've made. I realized how much strength I draw from them, how much they inspire me to keep going, to keep fighting.

Kung sana lang ay nabuhay sila ng mas matagal pa.

With a renewed sense of determination, I stood up from the bench. May mas ikinalulungkot pa pala.

Pag uwi ko, nagpasyahan kong mag-relax muna at mag-unwind sa tabi ng dagat. Since, for sure hindi pa makakauwi si Zari. I drove towards the beach, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a familiar and comforting melody. 

As I sat there, feeling the cool sea breeze against my skin, I let out a sigh of relief. The stress and tension from the day seemed to melt away with each wave that rolled in. I closed my eyes and allowed the tranquil sounds of the sea to wash over me.

The waves, constant yet ever-changing, reminded me of life's ups and downs. But just like the sea, I too would keep moving forward, no matter what.

The day had been long and challenging, but also rewarding.