Once We're There
yourbitterman · 15 chapters · 14,371 words
Moon River
Moon River, wider than a mile…
I’m crossing you in style some day…
You dream maker, You heart-breaker…
Wherever you’re going, I’m going your way…
Two drifters off to see the world…
There’s such a lot of world to see…
We’re after the same rainbow’s end, Waitin’ round the bend…
My Huckleberry friend, Moon River and me…
DISCLAIMER
Once We’re There is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
P. S. Photos that are already used and are about to be used in this story belongs rightfully to their owners. The author does not take any credit for them. All credits belong to the owners of the photos.
AUTHOR
Dear readers,
As what I have promised, this is the continuation of Liam and Matt’s story. This is a new story and I decided to use new portrayers in here.
I will try to satisfy all you, so bear with me.
…
Here they are, the new portrayer/character of Liam and Matt.
Introducing, the
LIAM
SYMOND
PETERS…
and of course, our very own MATT
CARLSON
EVANS
…
You need and you have to imagine them as Liam and Matt. I think that they suit the characters way better than the previous ones.
P. S. I’ll be updating soon!
I don’t know how I should say it…
Matt Carlson’s
KRING! KRING! KRING!
“Ughhh…” I groaned as I lazily tapped the back part of my alarm clock which is placed on the table beside my bed.
After that, I spent five more minutes before finally waking up and opening my still sleepy eyes.
Damn work.
I said as I started going out on my bed and walking towards the huge window of my room to open it.
From there, I saw the front yard of my house. The trees, grass and even the table set which are still not even reached by the sun shine.
Why did I even say that?
Of course they wouldn’t be reached by the ray of sun because it’s still dark outside.
It’s fucking 5:00 in the morning, for Pete’s sake!
“Ahhhhmm…” I yawned before letting the window open. Then, I went to the comfort to wash my face and brush my teeth.
…
Going downstairs, I was greeted by the silence which seems to be so familiar with me.
The house is huge for just me to live in and it’s quite saddening but I got used to it.
“Mornin’, Mauris.” I greeted my pet that is still sleeping.
Mauris
is a dog.
After that, I proceeded to the kitchen and made my own cup of coffee. Turning around, I opened one of the cabinets and brought out a one whole pack of bread.
“This is enough.” I told myself and went to the living area as I am holding the cup of coffee with my right hand, and the bread with the another one.
“Let’s watch some news.” I said as I am putting the cup of coffee and the bread on the table. Sitting, I took the remote control and turned the television on.
Ahhh
, the same old thing.
Bored, I started dipping the bread on the coffee and took a bite.
…
“Time to take a bath.” I said after putting the bread back in the cabinet and the cup on the sink.
I made a mental note to turn off the television after I am finished fixing myself as I was walking upstairs.
My room has its own comfort room and I always take my bath there.
One hour after, I finished my bath and I started drying myself.
Contented, I covered the bottom half of my body and opened my closet to pick up some clothes.
I took a dark blue polo long sleeves and a black pants. Next was my underwear and a black neck tie.
I immediately worn them one at a time and after finally putting the socks on, I took one of my many pairs of black shoes and put them on.
After combing my hair, I took my phone, wallet and keys and left my room and closed its door, and went downstairs again.
Still, the television is on and so I turned it off. Putting everything into place, I sighed and went outside the house and went to where my car is.
It’s sun shine already.
I still can feel the cold air but it’s getting a little hot because of the sun light.
Using the key, I opened the car and hopped in. Then, I started its engine and started driving.
…
Yes, I am living by myself now. With no one else beside me.
Family? Friends? No one— I have no one. I only have my own.
How all of those happened? It’s a long story and let me share that story with you.
Once We’re There
DATE STARTED: November 15, 2018 DATE ENDED:
1
Matt Carlson’s
Arriving at the familiar spot, I turned off the engine and pulled the key. Getting out, the humid air of the area where I am right now greeted me but it didn’t feel new.
I guess…
After quite some time, I finally got to enter the building and I immediately went straight to the elevator.
Pressing the button 10, I stood there and wait for it to be on the floor.
That is where my office is at.
“Hello.” I said as I answered the call from my cellphone.
It was the secretary.
“Yes, I’m already on my way to my office. Don’t be in a hurry.” I told her for she sounded as if she’s in a hurry.
When the call ended, I turned my phone off and put it back inside my pocket.
Ano
kayang
ipapa
-deliver ko?
“Pasta and chicken will do.” I said and finally heard the sound from the elevator indicating that I am now at the 10th floor.
Walking out from the elevator, a gray-colored area greeted my eyes.
Refreshing.
Hindi ko alam but I really like how this color looks. It might have been because of him.
Natawa ako at napa iling. Why do I have to think of that? Geez.
“Time to work.” I said as I started putting my stuff on my desk and finally taking my seat.
My work finally started when I opened my computer.
…
“Excuse me, Sir.” I heard someone talking.
“Yes?” I said.
“Good morning, Sir. I am from the marketing department and I would like to give you some of our outputs for you to review.” The man, based from the voice, said.
Doon na ako tumungin sa taong kausap ko, to see that he is actually holding many folders.
“Mister… Santos.” I said, looking at his ID, haven’t anyone from your department know what I do and I don’t like?“ I asked.
“Sir?” He said, seemingly dumbfounded.
I sighed.
I hate this.
“Come back here again if you finally have decided which one of those is going to be your final output.” I said.
“I don’t have all the time just so I could check all those, it’ll be a waste of time.” I added and continued to do what I was doing.
“Do you understand?” I asked him.
“O-Of course, Sir.” He answered.
“Good. You may leave.” I said before I heard foot steps.
Geez.
…
1:00 PM
“Good afternoon.” I said as I entered the conference hall.
Today is the general meeting and as the CEO of the company, I am the one who’s going to lead the meeting.
In the hall are the different leaders from the departments with their secretaries and second in command.
I have been doing this since day one to regularly check on them and to their works as well.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Evans.” They all said in chorus.
Kaagad akong umupo sa aking pwesto at binuksan ang mga dokumentong nasa tapat ko.
Ipang minuto matapos kong mabasa ang mga yun, tinignan ko ang mga leaders isa-isa.
And as expected, they averted my gaze.
“Leader of the marketing department.” Pagtawag ko ng pansin dito. Kaagad naman itong tumayo.
“Yes, Sir.” Sabi nito matapos tumikhim. Looking at him, he seems to be in his mid 30’s.
“I was disappointed by the representative you sent in my office.” Panimula ko, “how many times do I need to repeat it to you? I want your documents to be finalized.” I said as I started leaning on my chair.
“W-Well…” He said.
Nagtaas ako ng kilay, “well, what?” I asked.
“I’m sorry about that, Sir.” Sabat ng isang lalake na nasa likuran niya. Kaagad na tinignan nang masama ng leader ang kasama niya.
“Did I ask for your permission?” I asked the worker directly. “Is that how you were raised? Butting into other people’s conversation?” I added.
“Never mind, Mister.” I turned my head to the leader of the marketing department. “You may take your seat.”
Kaagad akong tumayo, “I want to make it clear, to all of you, again, that I want every detail of your work to be fine.” Saad ko.
“You were hired to do a job well done and not just some load of crap. The next meeting will be at the end of this month and I want every work from every department to be just as I am expecting them to be.” Sabi ko.
“Am I making my point clear?” I asked them.
“Of course, Sir.” They answered.
I was about to leave when I remembered something, “and oh, by the way, the department who will fail to do its job will receive due compensation.” I told them, smirking.
“Don’t forget that.” I finally said and went out of the conference hall.
Damn.
…
“Aren’t you stressing yourself, Matt?” Tanong sa akin ni Heidy.
“Why would you ask that?” I asked her as I was drinking my cup of coffee.
I am at the near Starbucks right now because of her.
You are probably asking some questions in your mind right now, am I correct?
“Duh, Matt. Look at you, you’re looking old because of your work. Masyado mong kina-career ang lahat.” Sagot niya sa akin.
“That’s my work, I’m the CEO of my company, in case you forgot.” I said, not looking at her as I am typing something on my laptop.
“Matt Carlson Evans, look at me when I’m talking to you. Ang bastos mo talaga.” Sabi niya, “hindi ka naman ganyan nung college tayo.” Dagdag niya na ikinatigil ko.
Yeah, I was not before but…
“Things change. People change, Heidy.” I said to her.
Ramdam ko ang pagkatigil din niya.
That is why I don’t want to talk to her because I know that things from the past will be brought up.
But I guess it is inevitable. Things like this are bound to happen.
“W-Well… Sorry for bringing that up.” Mahinang sabi niya sa akin, “I just kind of miss the old you, your old self.” Sabi niya bago siya uminom ng kanyang cappuccino.
“It’s okay, Heidy.” Sabi ko bago ko isara ang laptop ko. “Let’s talk, maybe I just need someone to talk to.” Dagdag ko.
Doon naman siya tumingin sa akin bago niya ibaba ang hawak niyang cup. “You surely do.” Seryosong saad niya.
I mentally sighed.
“And why is that?” Tanong ko.
“Because you are missing lots of things, Matt.” Sagot niya.
“Things like what, Heidy?” Tanong ko.
“Things like this.” Sabi niya bago niya ilapag ang tablet niya.
Tinignan ko naman iyon at doon ko naintindihan ang gusto niyang sabihin.
The Elite Four are back, together again.
“So… Where should we start, my dear friend?” Asked, Heidy with a smirk in her mouth and a sparkle in her eyes.
I’ll be damned.
Wider than a Mile
Matt Carlson’s
It’s been a week since Heidy and I had that conversation but I still remember it.
I don’t know why.
Am I just curious or concerned?
“Mr. Evans, are you okay?” Kaagad na naibalik ang huwisyo ko sa kasalukuyan.
“What?” I asked the person I have a meeting with right now.
She’s Miss
Silvestre
.
Isa sa mga business partners ng company. One of the stock holders.
“It looks like you’re in deep thoughts about something. I should probably go and meet with you some other time.” She said.
“No.” I answered, shaking my head. “Let’s finish it right now, I cannot afford to waste my time and of course, yours.” I added.
“Very well.” Sabi niya, “as I was saying, we should look more about how can we expand the company.” Dagdag niya.
“But expanding is not that easy.” I said, “I know that we are capable of doing it but how sure are we that it will boom and give us the benefits?” I asked her.
Tumango naman siya, “you have a point.” Sabi niya, “so… what do you suggest?” She asked.
“I think that we should discuss that matter next time with the board.” Ang sagot ko sa kanya, “I have this feeling that the other holders will not approve of it that is why we need to plan a very good and concrete presentation.”
“Sounds good.” She agreed, “I’ll leave the documents for you to review.” Sabi niya bago niya isara ang isang folder at ilapit iyon sa akin.
“Very well. I’ll just inform you about the details of our next meeting.” Ang sabi ko naman sa kanya.
Tumango siya at matapos ay tumayo, ganun din ang ginawa ko. “It is always nice talking to you, Mr. Evans.” Sabi niya.
Inilahad ko naman ang aking kanang kamay para sa isang shake hand, “the pleasure is mine.” Sabi ko bago kami nagka-galamanuhan.
“Let my secretary assist you.” Sabi ko bago ko tignan at tanguan ang aking secretary na kaagad namang tumalima.
When they left the room, I took my seat again and contemplated on two things: the concrete plan and the conversation I had with Heidy.
Business is exhausting and so is the conversation I am thinking about.
…
The day has been busy as the other day. I spent it dealing with the people I need to deal, meeting all the employees and looking through their presentation and work and checking some documents.
Then, when it was time to go home, I told my secretary to close my computer and tidy things up on my desk and left her alone.
“Have a safe trip, Sir.” Sabi sa akin ng guard nang madaanan ko ito.
“Thank you.” I answered and was about to pass him but he quickly added something.
“Sir, may nag-iwan po pala nito kanina. Nakalimutan ko lang dalhin kasi po nailagay ko sa drawer.” Sabi nito bago may i-abot na sobre.
“Kanino daw ho galing?” I asked. Hindi siya sumagot, bagkus ay iling lang ang ibinigay niya sa akin.
“Osige ho, salamat.” Sabi ko at pinaandar na ang sasakyan ko.
…
ARRIVING at my home, I gave the key of my car to one of my drivers and went straight inside while holding the envelope Manong had given me, still not knowing what it is and who gave it.
“Mauris?” I called my dog after putting my bag, phone and wallet to the sofa.
Where is that dog?
“Mauris?” I called again but no dog came to welcome me.
“Yaya?” I called.
“Yes, Sir?” The maid answered, walking towards me.
“Have you seen Mauris?” Tanong ko.
“Ay, Sir kinuha po siya ni Lola niyo.” Sagot sa akin ni Yaya.
“What?” Gulat na tanong ko, “kailan?” Dagdag ko.
“Kanina pong mga lunch time, sabi po niya pupuntahan niya kayo sa company.” Sagot nito sa akin.
“Sige, salamat.” Sabi ko bago ko siya talikuran para kunin ang phone ko.
After minutes of calling her, Lola finally answered.
“Yes, apo?” Lola asked.
“Nasaan ang alaga ko, La?” I asked, irritated.
Why does she do this?
“Oh,
Mauris
is with me.“ Sagot ni Lola, “I forgot to tell you that I took him, but don’t worry,
pabalik
na kami.“ Dagdag niya.
“Okay, I’ll be waiting here.” Sagot ko bago ko patayin ang tawag.
Lola Consuelo.
Lola has always been like this. She will take my dog without me knowing it.
I guess she grew close to Mauris because of the fact that the dog was the first animal she bought and gave me.
Lola Consuelo is my father’s mother. It’s a long story how she learned about me and how she changed everything.
Consuelo Evangeline Evans is the cause of everything about me. She’s the reason of what I have right now and also of what I have lost.
…
After an hour, I was awaken by the soft barks I heard.
Nakatulog
pala ako.
“Yaya? Nasaan ang Sir niyo?” The familiar voice asked.
Moments after, a beautiful, elegant yet old lady appeared before me while holding the lace of Mauris’ collar.
“Oh, did you sleep there?” She asked.
I stood up and composed myself before I answered her, “I did, obviously.”
Her eyebrows moved up then down, and suddenly she rushed towards me and gave me a hug.
“I missed you, Apo.” She said after the hug.
I smiled at her, “I missed you, too.” I said.
She handed me the lace and that’s when I removed it to free Mauris. The dog started running after.
“Have you eaten?” Lola asked me.
“No, I haven’t yet.” Sagot ko bago kami naupo, “kailan pa ho kayo sa Pinas?” Tanong ko sa kanya.
“A week or two, I guess.” Malumanay na sagot niya.
“Why didn’t you call or even text me?” Gulat na tanong ko sa kanya.
That is the reason why I became shocked a while ago. Alam ko kasi na
nasa
States
si
Lola.
“Lola naman eh.” I said.
Umiling ang Ginang, “don’t worry about it, it’s done.” She said, “by the way, hindi ka pa kumain, I’ll cook something.” Sabi niya.
“Go and change, I’ll be done in an hour.” Sabi niya bago tumayo at iwan ako.
Wala na akong nagawa kung hindi ang magpunta sa kwarto ko para maligo at magpalit.
…
True to what Lola said, natapos siyang magluto after an hour.
“Ang dami naman nito, Lola.” I said while looking at the delicious foods she cooked.
Ever since I came and lived here, Lola Consuelo has been the one who took care of me.
Siya ang nagturo, nag-asikaso at gumawa ng lahat para sa akin. Kahit na ayaw ko because I can do things on my own.
But then, I guess it’s only natural that grandparents help their grandchildren. From then, kaming dalawa na ang nagkasama dito sa mansion until I became ready.
“Ano ka ba, konti lang yan. I know you’re starving, suit yourself.” Sabi ni Lola sa akin.
“Samahan niyo na ako, I don’t want to eat alone.” Naka ngiting sabi ko.
“Okay, apo.” Sagot niya sa akin.
Pinaupo ko muna siya bago ako umupo katabi niya. “By the way, I found this sobre, I think you left this sa sofa.” Sabi niya bago niya iabot ang sobre.
“Oh, I’ll look it later. Kain na po muna tayo.” Sabi ko bago ko lagyan ng kanin ang plato niya.
“Yaya, call others. Sumabay na kayo.” Sabi niya sa maid.
That’s what I like the most about her.
—
To my lovely readers,
I AM SO SORRY because I cannot continue this story anymore.
It’s not you, it’s all on me.
Me, because it’s seems that I can no longer think of all the suitable words to write and scenes to include.
Sorry for this bad news.
A lot have been going inside my mind lately and I can’t seem to focus on my writing.
Sorry again.
Love you all!
Thank you and this story is going be ON HOLD from now on.
Hurt and pained,
yourbitterman
3
Matt
Carlson
Pagkatapos kumain ay niyaya ako ni Lola na pumunta sa pinaka paborito niyang lugar dito sa mansion, ang veranda.
I still remember the very first day she brought me here, it was a rainy day. That was the day I met and learned about her being my grandmother.
“Hijo, mukhang may iniisip ka.” Sabi nito nang maka upo ako sa harapan niya. May isang mesa at dalawang upuan kasi na gawa sa mga kahoy sa veranda.
Humarap naman ako sa kanya at ngumiti nang kaunti, “it’s work, La.” I said. Doon naman siya humarap sa akin bago niya inilapag ang tsaa niya sa mesa.
“Don’t give me that answer, hijo. I know it’s more than just your work.” Sabi niya, “now, tell me. What’s bothering my apo’s mind?” Tanong niya.
Doon naman ako napabuga ng hangin, “it’s Hiedy, Lola.” Sagot ko.
Kilala
ni Lola ang
nag-
iisang
matalik
na
kaibigan
ko
dahil
madalas
akong
nagku
kwento
sa
kanya
ng
mga
bagay
tungkol
sa
kanya
.
“What about her?” Tanong niya.
“She… Well, she told me about this certain group from my past.” Nagdadalawang isip na sagot ko.
Ngumiti naman siya at muling sumandal sa kanyang upuan, “apo, why don’t you face your past?” Makahulugang sabi niya.
“What do you mean?” Tanong ko.
Hindi
sumagot
si
Lola.
…
“Matt, apo, aalis na ako.” Paalam ni Lola sa akin habang nasa tapat kami ng entrance ng bahay. Ngumiti naman ako sa kanya at binigyan siya ng halik sa pisngi.
“Mag-iingat po kayo, La.” Sabi ko naman sa kanya bago siya tuluyang sumakay sa kotse niya.
Hindi ko kasi
kasama
sa
mansion
si
Lola
dahil
nakatira
siya
sa
isa pang mansion kung
saan
,
ayon
sa
kanya
,
lumaki
ang papa ko.
Nang makita kong mawala ang sasakyan na lulan si Lola ay tyaka ako muling bumalik sa sala upang tignan ang sobreng kanina ay iniabot sa akin ni Lola.
Kaagad ko iyong pinunit sa gilid at kinuha ang papel ng kung sulat man ay hindi ko tiyak.
“Sir, napakain ko na po si Mauris.” Sabi sa akin ng isa sa mga kasambahay na pinili ni Lola para sa mansion.
Tumango naman ako dito at muling ibinalik ang tingin ko sa papel at binasa ang naka sulat doon.
Ganoon
na
lamang
ang
gulat
ko
sa
aking
nabasa
.
…
“So what are you gonna do now?” Tanong sa akin ni Heidy habang kausap ko ito sa phone. Nasa may veranda ako ngayon, mag-isa habang naninigarilyo.
Yes, I smoke now.
“I don’t know, frankly. I was just shocked to have read such a letter.” Sagot ko naman sa kanya bago ko inilagay ang sigarilyo ko sa ash tray at sumimsim sa tasa ng kape.
I like drinking coffee while smoking.
“Are you saying that you’re not gonna do anything about it, Matt!?” Tila gulat na tanong nitong muli sa akin.
Kaagad naman akong ngumisi kahit alam kong hindi niya nakikita, “let him be, Heidy. I’m ready and longing to see him. It’s been a while, after all.” Sagot ko.
“You’re impossible!” Bulyaw nito sa kabilang linya.
“I know, I know.” Sagot ko habang tumatawa.
…
The morning came fast and I just saw myself walking inside my office while browsing through some documents.
“Hand me the financial reports up to this date.” Utos ko sa secretary ko na kaagad namang tumalima.
“And don’t forget to buy me coffee and also the mocha latte for my visitor.” Dagdag ko at kaagad naman itong tumango.
“Good. You may return to your post, I’ll just call if I need anything.” Sabi ko bago ako umupo sa upuan ko at tinignan ang financial reports.
Nasaan
na ba ang
babaeng
yun?
Just when I was about to call Heidy, my phone rung. “Yes?” I said upon answering.
“Good morning, Mr. Evans.” Sagot ng tao sa kabilang linya. Hindi ko alam ngunit bigla na lamang tumibok ang puso ko at bigla akong kinabahan.
“Yes, it is I. Who am I speaking with?” Tanong ko bago ko isara ang mga folders at tumayo.
“This is Mr. White.” Sagot nito kaya kaagad na nawala ang kaba ko.
“Fuck you, Chad.” Naka ngising sabi ko bago ako naglakad papunta sa malaking bintana na nasa opisina ko, sa likod ko mismo.
“Fuck you, too, Matt.” Sagot naman nito bago ko narinig ang kanyang halakhak.
“Bakit napatawag ang may ari ng pinaka malaking kumpanya ng pagawaan ng mga bakal?” Pag-iiba ko.
Chad White, one of the Elite Four way back then is my friend aside from
Heidy
.
It maybe a surprise, but yes, we’re friends and in fact, he’s one of the stock holders in my company as I am to his. It’s a long story and I don’t plan on telling or recalling it anymore.
In short, we became friends.
“Someone sent me this fucking letter for I don’t fucking know the reason why. Have you received one, too?” Tanong nito sa akin.
Kaagad namang napatikom ang bibig ko dahil sa tanong niya.
“Yes, I did.” Sagot ko bago ako muling humarap sa mesa upang kunin ang sulat na tinutukoy ni Chad.
“I haven’t read it yet but I do have a guess that I know where this fucking letter came from.” Saad nito.
“Yeah, me too.” Sabi ko naman habang binabasa ang laman ng sulat.
“And I guess that we’re thinking about the same person, too.” Dagdag nito.
I was about to answer him when my secretary came in a hurry.
“Sir, sorry to interrupt you but I need you to come to the ground floor.” Nag-aalalang sabi nito.
“Chad, I’ll call you back. Something happened here.” Paalam ko at hindi ko na hinintay pa ang isasagot niya.
Matapos kong ilagay sa mesa ko ang phone ko ay mabilis akong lumabas sa opisina at tinahak ang elevator kasama ang secretary ko.
Ilang sandali pa ay nakasakay na kami ng elevator at dinala kami nito sa ground floor.
…
“What is the meaning of this!?” I asked in a loud voice as I am walking towards the commotion.
And for some reasons, I can’t stop my heart from beating.
“Why aren’t you at your posts!?” Muling sigaw ko kung kaya’t napatingin sa akin ang lahat ng mga empleyado na nagkukumpulan.
“What’s happening here? You, answer my question!” Tanong at utos ko sa isang empleyado na naka tali ang buhok at may suot na salamin.
“G-Good morning, Sir.” Bati nito kaya tinignan ko lang ito na tila ba nababagot, “may isa po kasing lalake na pumasok at prenteng umupo sa mga sofa for the visitors.” Dagdag nito.
“And?” Tanong ko.
“At hinahanap po kayo.” Dagdag nito kaya nalilitong tinignan ko ito.
“Me?” Tanong ko, “and who the hell is this man?” Muli kong tanong.
“H-Hindi ko po alam, Sir.” Sagot nito bago yumuko at umalis sa harapan ko.
Tsk.
“Excuse me, Sir Evans is here!” Sigaw ng secretary ko kaya bigla na lamang nagkaroon ng daan sa gitna ng mga nagkukumpulang mga empleyado.
I made a mental note to reprimand all of them later.
“Excuse me, who are you?” Tanong ko sa lalaking prenteng naka upo sa mga sofa na reserved lamang para sa mga bisita ko at ng kompanya.
“I don’t recall ever letting anyone sit there without my permission.” Dagdag ko sa nakatalikod na lalake.
“Hey!” Sigaw nang hindi pa ito tumitingin sa akin.
I was about to go near him when I heard Heidy shouting my name. Kaagad akong tumalikod upang hanapin kung nasaan siya at kaagad ko siyang nakita sa likod ng mga empleyado.
“Heidy, wait for me there. I just have to deal with-” kaagad akong natigilan nang bigla ko na lamang naramdaman ang pagpihit ng katawan ko.
Ganoon na lamang ang panlalaki ng mga mata ko nang makita kung sino ang lalaking prenteng naka upo kanina na ngayo’y nakatayo na sa aking harapan.
“L-Liam!?” Gulat na sabi ko.
Doon ko muling nakita ang ngisi nito bago niya tanggalin ang suot niyang salamin.
“It’s been a while, Matt.” Sabi nito bago tanggalin ang hawak niya sa akin.
“WHAT. THE. FUCK. ARE. YOU. DOING. HERE?” May diing tanong ko sa kanya.
“I’m here to claim you once more.”
Sagot niya na siyang nagpatigil muli sa mundo ko.
No fucking way this is happening.
He’s really here. Gaya ng sabi niya sa sulat. He’s here, for real.
A/N: Hello, I’m back. I MISSED Y’ALL!
4
Matt Carlson
“W-What!?” I shouted at him bago ko siya tinignan nang masama.
Yes, Liam is here.
Liam
Symond
Peters is here.
After all those years, nagkita muli kami and this scenario makes me remember everything from my past.
Siya ang puno’t dulo ng lahat.
Lahat ng mga bagay na kinalimutan ko na ay muli kong naaalala ng dahil sa kanya.
“Why are you so mad at me?” Tanong niya sa akin.
Doon ako tumingin sa kanya na halos hindi makapaniwala itinanong niya. Is he seriously asking that question to me?
“Guard!” I called, “Guard!” I shouted when they didn’t even move a bit at doon lamang sila pumunta sa akin.
“Yes, Sir.” Sabi nito sa akin.
“Get this man out of my company, now.” Utos ko bago ko tignan muli si Liam, “and when I said now, I meant for you to move your asses and get this man out of my company and out of my sight.” Dagdag ko.
The guard was about to go to him when he talked, “uh-uh, you can’t do that to me, Matt.” Sabi niya and he just said my fucking name and it sounded the way it sounded back then.
Argh! Why am I even thinking that!?
“What do you mean?” Tanong ko sa sinabi niya, “this is my company and I can do what I want.” Dagdag ko.
“I don’t think that applies to me. You see…” Sabi niya bago muling umupo sa sofa, “I’m someone who’s very important in this company.” Dagdag niya.
“Just cut the crap, Liam. What are you talking about?” Tanong ko sa kanya.
Doon na siya ngumisi and just how much I don’t want it, memories from the past are flashing back.
They are flashing back, fast and harshly.
“I just bought 49 percent of the shares of your company.” Sabi niya at doon ako natigilan.
“Isn’t that lovely, Matt?” Sunod na tanong niya sa akin.
Napalunok ako at malamlam ang matang tumingin sa kanya. “You’re going to ruin everything, again. “ Sabi ko.
Kaagad na rumehistro ang gulat at pagkalito sa mukha at mga mata niya.
“What!?” He asked.
Flashback…
It was 23rd of December when I woke up early, waiting for Liam’s message. You might be shocked but Liam and I are in some kind of a relationship.
Ayos naman ang lahat, this day is actually the start of our vacation. I am now in the last year of my college and everything seems to be so fine.
I quickly took my phone when I heard this particular message tone I set for Liam. My life is still the same plus my father already knows our relationship. I still remember how we were so ashamed when my father caught us kissing in my room.
“Matt, anak.” I heard my father saying kaya hindi ko na nakita pa ang message ni Liam. I made a mental note to read it later.
“Good morning, Tay. Bakit po?” Tanong ko kay Tatay nang pagbuksan ko siya ng pinto. Ganun na lang ang gulat ko nang makita kong napaka pula ng mga mata niya at mukhang galing lang siya sa pag-iyak.
“Tay, bakit po?” Nag-aalalang tanong ko kay Tatay.
“N-Nak…” Panimula ni Tatay.
“Nalaman na namin kung sino ang pumatay sa Nanay mo.” Sagot niya sa akin bago ako napahagulgol gaya niya nang sabihin niya kung sino.
“S-Si Mai. Si Mai ang pumatay sa Nanay mo.” Dugtong ni Tatay.
Papaano nangyari ’to?
…
Suot ang maong na shorts at polo shirt, sumama ako kay Tatay na pumunta sa barangayh hall. Ayon sa kanya, umiiyak daw na nagpunta sa barangay hall si Ate Mai na tila hindi mapakali.
Ganun na lamang ang gulat ni Tatay nang halos patakbo siyang nilapitan ni Ate Mai at mabilis na lumuhod sa harapan niya para humingi ng tawag.
Nagsimula na din daw maiyak si Tatay nang sagutin ni Ate Mai ang tanong niya — na siya daw ang dahilan kung bakit namatay ang Nanay ko.
Mabilis kong pinunasan ang mga luha ko habang inaalala ko ang mga kwento ni Tatay sa daan namin papunta sa barangay hall.
Sa pagmamadali kong sumama, kahit ayaw ni Tatay, ay nakalimutan ko ngang dalhin ang phone ko.
Halos hindi ako makahinga nang maka apak ako sa loob ng barangay hall dahil sa kaba at magkahalong emosyon ko. Tinahak namin ni Tatay ang daan patungo sa office niya at doon ay nakita ang nakayukong si Ate Mai.
Mabilis niya kaming napansin at kasing bilis din nun ang mga luhang pumatak galing sa mga mata niya.
“A-Ate Mai, t-totoo—” hindi pa man tapos ang tanong ko ay mabilis na ang mga naging pagtango niya.
Hindi ko na namalayan ang sarili ko na umalpas papunta sa kanta at nayugyog ko siya.
Naluluha at nagagalit ko siyang tinanong, “PAPAANO MO NAGAWA YUN!?” Sigaw at bulyaw ko sa kanya.
“BAKIT MO NAGAWA YUN KAY NANAY!? BAKIT!?” Sigaw ko na halos mapapatid na ang mga litid ko sa leeg. Wala na akong pakialam kung may makarinig man sa akin.
“ATE MAI, BAKIT!? ANG BAIT NG NANAY SAYO AT SA MGA ANAK MO!!” Muling sigaw ko at wala itong ibang ginawa kung hindi ang magyuko habang umiiyak.
“BAKIT MO PINATAY ANG NANAY KO!?” Huling sigaw ko bago ako bumagsak sa sahig at humagulgol.
Gusto ko siyang murahin, gusto ko siyang saktan pero hindi ko magawa.
“P-Pasensya na, pasensya na talaga. Hindi ko sinasadya.“Gumagaralgal ang boses na sagot niya.
“Wala nang magagawa ang pasensya mo.” Halos hindi na bumuka ang bibig ko nang sagutin ko ang mga sinabi niya.
“Nadala lang ako ng emosyon ko, hindi ko sinasadya.” Sabi nitong muli.
Tinignan ko siya na may nanlilisik na mga mata, “WALA KA PARING KARAPATAN PARA PATAYIN SIYA!” Bulyaw kong muli.
“Pinagkatiwalaan ka namin, hindi ka niya tinuring na iba.” Dagdag ko bago ko pinunasan ang mga luha ko sa mukha at dahan-dahang tumayo. “Kung sino pa ang malapit sa amin…” Sabi ko bago muling bumagsak ang mga luha sa mata ko, “siya pa pala ang pumatay sa Nanay ko.” Dagdag ko.
“Matt…” Tawag sa akin ni Tatay na basa din ng luha ang mukha.
“Ito ang tandaan mo, kahit ikagalit pa ng Nanay ko, HINDING-HINDI KITA MAPAPATAWAD.” May diing sabi ko bago ako lumabas sa office ni Tatay.
…
Hindi ko namalayan kung saan ako nagpunta matapos ang tagpong iyon at alas otso na ng gabi nang makauwi ako sa bahay. Nadatnan ko ang Tatay na nakaupo sa hapag na may pagkain, kubyertos at platong nakalapag.
Umiiyak at nagmamadali akong lumapit sa kanya, “Tay…” Sabi ko kung kaya’t napatingin siya sa akin. Ngumiti man siya ay kita ko ang muling paglamlam ng mga mata niya.
“K-Kain na po tayo, pasensya na at ginabi ako.” Sabi ko na tinanguan niya naman.
…
Alas dose na ng gabi at hindi parin ako makatulog dahil sa mga nalaman ko. Si Tatay naman ay alam kong nagpapahinga na sa kwarto nila ni Nanay dahil hindi ko ito iniwang mag-isa hanggat hindi ito nakakatulog.
Lagi kong iniisip si Nanay at ang dahilan ni Ate Mai kung bakit niya nagawang kitilin ang buhay ng isa sa mga importanteng tao sa buhay ko.
Matapos nun ay naalala ko na naiwan ko pala ang phone ko kung kaya kinuha ko ito at binuksan upang makita ko ang mga tadtad na mensahe galing kay Liam.
Ganoon na lamang ang panlulumo ko nang makita at mabasa ko ang pinaka huling message na galing sa kanya.
Liam: I’m sorry, Matt. I need to leave you.
Nang gabi ding iyon ay sinubukan kong tawagan siya nang ilang beses. Nagtext din ako sa kanya nang maraming beses ngunit ni isa sa mga texts at tawag ko ay wala siyang sinagot.
“Why is this happening?” Parang tangang tanong ko sa sarili ko habang tahimik na umiiyak.
End of flashback
“What!?” Muling tanong niya sa akin.
“Wag mo akong ma-what-what dyan!” I said full of spite. “You ruined everything. Our relationship, my life!” Dagdag ko at doon napakunot ang mga kilay niya.
“What do you mean?” Tila naguguluhang tanong niya sa akin.
“I don’t need to answer your question.” Hindi nakatinging sabi ko sa kanya, “I will return every peso to you, consider the deal you had with my investors null and void.” Dagdag ko inayos ang suit ko at talikuran siya.
I was about to start walking when he was able to pass by my security guards and hold my arms, making me look at him.
“I didn’t ruin anything.” Walang buhay ang mga matang sabi niya sa akin.
What a jerk.
“It was you who ruined mine.” Dagdag niya kung kaya’t nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa pagka bigla.
“How. dare. you.” I said.
5
Matt Carlson
“How. dare. you.” Madidiing sabi ko sa kanya.
“It was you who ruined mine.”
It was you.
It was you.
It was you who ruined mine.
How dare he say those words to me!?
“The deal is null and void, I won’t accept it.” Madiing sabi kong muli sa kanya.
“But the deal has already happened.” Tila may diin ding sagot niya sa akin bago niya kunin ang magkabila niyang kamay mula sa mga guard.
“I own almost half of this company now, Mr. Evans and I acquired the shares in a legal way.” Dagdag niya bago niya ayusin ang suit niya, “it looks like you can’t do anything about that.”
It was my turn to look at him, “so be it, Mr. Peters.” Naka ngising sabi ko, “i would like to just remind you that I still have the superiority in this company as I own more shares than you and did I forget to tell you that I am the owner if this company?” Dagdag ko.
I was about to leave and turn my back at him when he said something, “how long?”
“Back off, Liam. You don’t know me anymore.” I said.
“Really? Let’s see.” He said with a smirk I used to love before leaving by himself.
“Call the board.” Utos ko sa secretary ko na mukhang hindi makapaniwala sa naganap. Kaagad naman itong tumango at nagtipa sa iPad na hawak niya.
“Go back to your fucking posts before I fire you!” Sigaw ko sa mga empleyadong tila hindi narinig ang utos ko kanina, nagmamadali din silang nagsipunta sa mga pwesto nila.
I let out a heavy sigh before I went to the elevator with my secretary following me.
This is ridiculous.
…
It was 2 o’clock in the afternoon when Heidy went in my office to pay me a visit.
“You look like a mess.” She said after putting a cold drink which I assumed she bought on her way here.
“I do.” I said and leaned on my chair.
“So, you two have finally met after such a long time.” She said, not bothered by the fact that it was Liam and I she’s talking about.
“We did.” Tipid na sagot ko sa kanya.
“And I also assumed that it was chaos back then?” Sabi niya bago siya umupo sa sofa na nasa tapat ng malaking bintana sa office ko.
Kinuha ko naman ang inumin na dala niya bago ako tumayo para samahan siya sa sofa.
“I was furious, Heidy.” Sabi ko sa kanya bago ako uminom mula sa cup at ilapag yun sa mesa.
“So, what do you plan to do now?” She asked me.
I was taken a back but answered her anyway, “I just have to face him, I guess. Face my own demon.” Sagot ko bago ko naalala muli ang mga pangyayari noon.
Flashback
Weeks after knowing that it was Ate Mai who killed my mother, Liam still didn’t return my calls and answered any of my messages. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla na lamang naging ganito kagulo ang lahat.
I looked for him. Halos puntahan ko na nga lahat ng mga lugar na naisip kong pwede niyang puntahan but there were no signs of him.
Today is the 10th of January, and I am now walking inside the campus. Everything looks fine aside from me.
Hindi ko parin kasi lubos maisip na si Ate Mai ang pumaslang sa Nanay ko at hinding hindi ko siya mapapatawad.
At dahil bagong taon na, napag isipan kong sabihin na ang lahat kay Heidy. She deserves to know the truth, I don’t want to pretend anymore.
I want a fresh start, new beginning and I guess I’ll start it by telling her the truth.
IT was after lunch nang ayain ko si Heidy na lumiban ng klase upang magpunta kami sa pinaka dulong part ng campus kung saan walang makakakita at makakaistorbo sa aming dalawa.
At first, Heidy didn’t want to pero wala siyang nagawa kung hindi ang pumayag sa gusto ko.
“So, Matt. Tungkol saan ba ito?” Tanong sa akin ni Heidy nang maka upo kami sa isa sa mga benches.
Napalunok ako dahil sa tanong niya at hindi makatingin sa kanya.
“I want to tell you something.” Sabi ko sa kanya, “I don’t know how will you react about it but I’ll understand if you don’t want to be friends with me anymore.” Dagdag ko.
Napakunot naman ang mga kilay niya dahil doon, “ano nga?” Tanong niya.
Mas lalo akong napalunok dahil doon. I don’t know what might happen but I don’t want to live in a lie anymore.
Hindi ako tinuruan nila Nanay at Tatay na magsinungaling. “Heidy, I am not actually rich.” Sagot ko at nakita ko ang pagkawala ng ngiti sa mga labi niya.
“I lied to you from the start, I just have a scholarship dito kaya nakakapag aral ako.” Dagdag ko habang nakayuko.
“I will understand kung ayaw mo sa akin but please believe me that our friendship is real. I didn’t use you or anything.” Paliwanag ko habang naka tingin sa mga kamay ko, “hindi talaga ako mayaman.” Habol ko.
“Tapos ka na?” Heidy said which made me look at her. She seems to be not bothered by the things I’ve said.
“H-Huh?” Naluluhang sabi ko sa kanya.
“I asked you if you’re done.” She answered.
Hindi ko nagawang kumibo dahil dun at tanging tango lamang ang nagawa ko.
Flashback end
“Are you thinking about that goddamn conversation again?” Tila naiirita at hindi makapaniwalang sabi sa akin ni Heidy na siyang pumutol sa pag-aalala ko sa nakaraan.
“Uh-uhm.” Sabi ko bago ako napatingin sa kanya. Doon naman niya ako hinampas sa braso bago siya tumawa.
“That hurts, woman!” Sabi ko, “what was that for!?” I asked.
“That’s for being dramatic, Matt!” Sabi niya bago siya napa iling, “don’t think of the past. Tapos na yun!” Sabi niya pa na tila alam kung ano ang iniisip ko kanina.
I sighed, “you’re right.” Sabi ko bago ako tumingin sa labas ng bintana.
Seeing Liam is bad. Bad that it brought up everything in the past.
Heidy is right, I shouldn’t think about it as it is already in the past - done.
“You know that I consider you my friend, regardless of everything that you’ve told me way back then.” Sabi sa akin ni Heidy kaya ibinaling ko sa kanya ang tingin ko.
Napatango naman ako sa sinabi niya. It is true that she didn’t change her treatment towards me after all of the things I’ve told her.
Taliwas nga nang inakala ko ang nangyari noong ipagtapat ko ang totoo sa kanya. She was ecstatic. She even said that she knew something is off about me.
“Yeah, I still couldn’t believe that you still stayed as my friend.” Natatawang sabi ko sa kanya.
Napa iling naman sa akin ang dalaga, “by the way, why are you here?” Natanong ko sa kanya.
Sumandal naman sa sofa si Heidy at dume-kwatro. “Well, I paid you a visit because your Tatay told me that he wants to meet you so badly.” Sagot niya.
Kaagad naman akong natigilan sa sinabi niya at napamura sa isipan ko.
How could I forget about
Tatay
!?
“Shit. How was he?” Nag-aalalang tanong ko sa kanya.
“Geez!” Heidy said, “don’t worry, Tatay Domeng is fine.” Natatawang sabi niya. “I just wanted to tease you kaya ko in-exaggerate.” Habol niya bago siya tuluyang tumawa.
This bitch.
“How can you be so heartless!?” Inis na sabi ko sa kanya, “alam mong napaka importante ng taong yun sa akin!” Inis na sabi ko ulit.
Tumigil naman sa pagtawa si Heidy at pinunasan ang mga luha sa mata niya dahil sa kakatawa.
Minsan
baliw
din ang
babaeng
’to.
“Anyway, totoo naman na sinabi sa akin ng Tatay mo na nami-miss ka niya nung bumisita ako sa bahay niyo.” Kwento niya.
Heidy
and
Tatay
met each other after my telling her all my secrets.
I was actually hesitant at first dahil alam kong hindi sanay sa buhay na mayroon ako noon si Heidy but she insisted to come and meet my father.
She already became sad upon knowing the passing of my mother. Mula noon, lagi nang bumibisita si Heidy sa amin tuwing weekend at naging close sila ni Tatay.
I also learned that Heidy’s father has passed away at a young age kaya ganoon na lamang siguro na madaling naging close si Heidy sa Tatay ko.
“Kailan ka ba free?” Tanong ni Heidy sa akin dahilan para maputol ang pag-iisip ko.
“Why do you ask?” Tanong ko sa kanya.
Inirapan naman niya ako, “duh! Of course, kailangan mong bisitahin ang Tatay mo. Ano pa ba sa tingin mo?” Dagdag niya.
“I’ll clear my schedule for the rest of the week.” Sagot ko sa kanya, “matagal ko na ding hindi nadadalaw si Tatay at miss ko na din siya. Besides, his birthday is near.” Dagdag ko.
Napatango naman siya sa sinabi ko.
A/N: Still not officially back. Just wanted to continue this story bit by bit.
6
Matt Carlson
The next morning came fast and I am now on my way to my Tatay. The meeting with the board was also postponed cause I don’t think what I might have done kung nakita ko sila yesterday.
What were they even thinking, selling their shares to that asshole?
I’ve already told my secretary to clear my schedule for the rest of the week cause I am taking it as a leave.
Cause why not? I’m the CEO of my fucking company for fucking sake.
I can do what I want.
“Hello.” Sagot ko sa tawag ni Heidy matapos kong pindutin ang phone ko na naka attach sa sasakyan. “Nasaan ka na? I’m on my way there.” Sabi ko sa kanya.
“I’m also on my way.” Sagot naman niya sa akin.
“Okay, I’ll meet you there.” Sabi ko bago ko putulin ang tawag upang makapag focus sa pagda-drive.
Bumili na ako ng regalo ko sa kanya at cake. Hindi ko din nakalimutan ang stock ni Tatay para sa bahay at ilang mga supplements na iniinom niya.
Kamusta
na kaya
si
Tatay
?
…
It’s past 10 in the morning ng makadating ako sa Paralaya. Everything is just the same as I remember, ang tanging nag-iba lang ay ang mga bahay at ang daan na ngayon ay konkreto na at sementado.
Hindi naman ako naligaw dahil kung papaano ko iniwan ang mga ito ay ganun parin ang pagkakapwesto, maging ng daan at pasikot-sikot.
Gladly,
nagawa
kong
ipasok
ang
sasakyan
ko na
akala
ko’y
hindi
kakasya
.
“Matt!” Sigaw sa akin ni Heidy na halos kabababa lamang din ng kanyang sasakyan. Magkasunod lamang kasi kaming dumating.
Dala ang mga pinamili ko’t regalo para kay Tatay ay sinalubong ko si Heidy na kagaya ko ay madami ding bitbit na paper bags.
“Are you alright?” Tanong niya sa akin.
Napa-iling naman ako sa kanya, “why?” Tanong niya sa reaksyon ko.
Napabuntong hininga ako, “I don’t know how will he react, ang tagal na nung last time ko siyang mabisita.” Sagot ko, “I-I don’t even know kung may kasama siya o mag-isa lamang siya sa bahay.” Dagdag ko.
I still remember the time when my grandma took me. Gusto ko
siyang
sumama
pero hindi
siya
pumayag
.
“Matt, it’s gonna be alright.” Heidy assured me. Binigyan ko lamang ito ng tipid na ngiti.
“Shall we?” Tanong niya sa akin, kinakabahan man ay tumango ako at nagsimula nang maglakad papasok sa bakuran.
Puno
parin
iyon
ng
mga
dahon
.
Marahil ay wala ng oras si Tatay na maglinis pa. Napakayayabong din ng mga halaman at puno.
Nakaka ilang hakbang palang kami ay may mga batang lumabas habang nagtatakbuhan. Napakunot ako ng noo dahil dun.
“Who…” I was not able to finish what I was about to say when a man in his 50’s went out with this lovely smile on his face looking out for the kids.
Kaagad na nangilid ang mga luha ko nang makita ko ang labis na ikinatanda ng taong noo’y napaka matipuno at makisig na kapitan.
Ang dami na din ng mga puti niyang buhok at may mga guhit siya sa kanyang noo.
“Wag kayong masyadong malikot at baka madapa kayo.” Sabi ng may katandaan niyang boses sa mga bata.
Ilang saglit pa ay napunta ang atensyon niya sa gawi naming dalawa ni Heidy at bigla siyang natigilan.
“A-Anak?” Tila gulat nitong sabi.
“T-Tay…” Sambit ko bago tuluyang tumulo ang mga luha na kanina lamang ay nangingilid.
I’m home.
…
“H-Happy birthday po, Tatay.” Mahinang bati ko sa kanya nang makapasok kami sa bahay.
Iba
na ang
ayos
nito
at
halatang
napagawa
ito ni
Tatay
.
Marahil
ay
dito
na
lamang
niya
inilaan
ang
kanyang
sweldo
bilang
kapitan
.
“Pasensya na po at ang tagal ko bago nakabalik.” Dagdag ko. Binigyan lamang ako ni Tatay ng isang tango at tyaka isang ngiti.
“Kamusta na, anak?” Tanong niya sa akin kaya napatingin ako sa kanya. “Ang laki mo na.” Dagdag niya kaya muling bumuhos ang mga luha ko.
I didn’t feel any hatred towards his words.
Siya parin ang Tatay na matagal kong hindi nabisita, walang ipinagbago.
“Hindi po ba kayo galit sa akin?” Hindi ko alam ngunit yun ang mga salitang kaagad na lumabas sa aking bibig.
Nakita ko ang gulat sa kanyang mga mata at pagkatigil. Matapos nun ay tyaka siya umiling sa akin.
“Bakit naman ako magagalit, anak? May dapat ba akong ikagalit?” Tanong niya. Napapikit ako at napayuko habang umiiyak sa mga salitang sinabi niya.
Hindi
nga
siya
nagbago
. Hindi niya
magawang
magtanim
ng
galit
.
Flashback
“Anak, kumain ka na.” Bati sa akin ni Tatay noon nang makababa ako sa aming sala. Nakita ko na may bitbit siyang isang kulay brown na lalagyan malamang ng pandesal at isang plastic na may lamang lugaw.
That day was the last day of our rehearsal for our graduation.
Napangiti naman ako sa kanya, “Tay, pasensya na ho at hindi ko kayo masasabayan ngayon. Nagmamadali po kasi ako.” Paumanhin ko sa kanya.
Kita man ang pagkadismaya pinilit ni Tatay na ngumiti, “ganun ba? Osige, itatabi ko nalang muna ang mga ito.” Sabi niya sa akin.
“Paano, Tay. Aalis na po ako.” Paalam ko at aalis na sana ngunit bigla niya akong tinapik sa balikat.
“Anak, may sasabihin sana ako sayo.” Sabi niya sa akin.
“Ano po, Tatay?” Tanong ko sa kanya.
Huminga nang malalim si Tatay bago ako tinignan sa mata nang napaka seryoso, “ngayon ang pagkuha kay Mai para ilipat sa kulungan.” Panimula niya.
Bigla na lamang sumikip ang aking dibdib nang marinig ko ang pangalang yun. “Nais ka daw sana niyang maka–” hindi na natuloy pa ni Tatay ang kanyang sasabihin nang mabilis akong tumalikod sa kanya.
“Wala na po kaming dapat pag-usapan.” Sabi ko at nagsimulang maglakad.
Hindi ko nakita na sumunod sa akin si Tatay palabas, “nak, pakinggan mo muna siya.” Sabi niya.
Doon ako huminto at humarap sa kanya, “wala na po kaming dapat pag-usapan, Tay!” Sigaw ko.
“At ayaw kong kausapin ang mamamatay taong iyon. Hindi ko nga po alam kung bakit nakakaya niyo pang kausapin ang taong kumitil sa buhay ng asawa niyo!” Tuloy-tuloy na sigaw ko.
“Matt!” Natigil ako nang marinig ko ang boses ni Tatay. Noon niya lang ako sinigawan. “Hindi ka namin pinalaki ng Nanay mong ganyan!” Sigaw niya sa akin.
Napa iwas lang ako nang tingin, “hindi ako pupunta sa kanya at hindi kami mag-uusap.” Tanging sagot ko kay Tatay bago ako muling tumalikod at umalis, ni hindi alintana ang mga paulit-ulit na tawag niya sa akin.
Ni alintana na nakalimutan ko na batiin man lang siya ng isang ‘happy birthday’ sa kanyang arawan.
End of flashback
“Matt, anak.” Tawag sa akin ni Tatay bago niya hawakan ang ulo ko at guluhin ang buhok ko.
Hinawakan ko ang kanyang kamay bago ako nagtaas ng ulo upang tignan siya. “Sorry po, Tay.” Hingi ko nang tawad sa kanya.
“Sorry po kasi ang tagal bago ko kayo muling nadalaw.” Dagdag ko.
Umiling sa akin si Tatay at tyaka niya hinigpitan ang kanyang hawak sa aking kamay. “Wala kang dapat ihingi ng tawad, anak. Wala.” Sagot niya bago niya ako niyakap.
“Happy birthday po, Tatay. Happy birthday.” Bati ko sa kanyang kaarawan.
Pero natigilan ako sa mga sunod niyang sinabi, “nasaan pala si pogi? Bakit kayong dalawa lang nitong si Heidy ang nandito?” Tanong niya matapos humiwalay sa akin.
“Nasaan yung boyfriend mo, si Liam ba yun?” Tanong niya.
Patay
. Hindi ko pa pala
nasasabi
sa
kanya
ang
nangyari
sa
amin ni Liam.
7
Matt Carlson
“Ang dami naman nito, anak.” Sabi sa akin ni Tatay nang ilabas ko sa mga lalagyan ang mga pinamili ko para sa kanya.
“Konti lang yan, Tay kung alam niyo lang.” Sagot ni Heidy kay Tatay. “Gusto pa nga niyang bilhan kayo ng mga damit at sapatos.” Dagdag pa niya.
Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata pero binelatan naman niya ako, “anyway, heto naman po ang gifts ko sa inyo.” Sabi ni Heidy bago ilagay sa mesa ang mga dala niya, batiin at yakapin si Tatay.
“Nag-abala ka pa talaga, hija.” Nakangiting sabi ni Tatay kay Heidy.
Aabalahin ko na sana ang sarili ko pero biglang naalala ni Tatay ang tanong niya kanina sa akin.
“Matt, anak, nasaan nga ba si pogi?” Napapikit naman ako sa tanong niya pero hindi niya iyon nakita dahil nakatalikod ako sa kanya.
He’s still bugging me.
“Tay, ano po…” Sabi ko pero wala akong maisip na idahilan para maidugtong.
“Ano, nak?” Tanong sa akin ni Tatay. Napabuntong hininga naman ako.
“Wala na po sila, Tay.” Sagot ni Heidy na siyang ikinagulat ko. “Break na po sila.” Dagdag niya.
“Heidy!” Saway ko sa kanya. Napataas lamang ng balikat si Heidy at tyaka ako binigyan ng kindat.
This woman!
“Ganoon ba?” Sabi ni Tatay kaya tumigil kami sa pag-aasaran ni Heidy, umupo naman ako sa isa sa mga upuan tyaka tumingin kay Tatay.
“Pasensya na po, Tay at hindi ko nasabi sa inyo. Kinalimutan ko na po kasi siya simula nung araw na yun.” Sabi ko.
Tumango naman si Tatay, “kaya pala malimit nalang din siyang dumalaw sa akin.” Biglang sabi ni Tatay kaya nagkaroon ng pagkalito ang mga mata namin ni Heidy.
“P-Po?” Tanong ko sa kanya.
“Yang kasing si Liam ba yun?” Tanong niya sa pangalan ni Liam, “minsan sa isang linggo ay pumupunta dito.” Kwento ni Tatay, “lagi ka nga niyang tinatanong sa akin tyaka kinakamusta. Hindi ko naman masabi ang address mo kasi nakalimutan ko.” Dagdag niya bago matawa. “Ang tanda ko na kasi.”
“Sigurado ho ba kayo dyan, Tay? Baka ibang tao lang po yun.” Pagkukumpirma ko.
“Oo naman, Matt. Wala namang iba pa na pwedeng bumisita sa akin dito lalo’t nasa malayong probinsya pa ang kamag-anakan ko.” Sagot sa akin ni Tatay.
“Hindi ba’t may mga tattoo pa yung si Liam?” Tanong niya sa akin. Napatango ako kay Tatay bago ako tumingin kay Heidy na naguguluhan din.
“Maiba po ako, Tay.” Putol ni Heidy sa usapan, “sino naman po ang mga bata kanina na galing dito?” Tanong niya.
Doon ko lamang din naalala na may mga bata na patakbong lumabas mula sa bahay. Tinignan ko si Tatay at hinintay ang kanyang sagot.
“Ah, ang mga yun ba?” Sabi ni Tatay, “mga anak ng Ate Mai mo, Matt.” Sagot niya na nakapagpa-tiim ng bagang ko.
“Lalabas lang po ako.” Paalam ko at hindi ko na hinintay pang sumagot si Tatay.
Hanggang
ngayon
pala.
…
I was smoking outside nang lumabas si Heidy at tawagin ko. Hindi na ako nag-abala pa na tignan siya dahil ilang segundo lang ay nasa tabi ko na siya.
“Alam mong hindi ka naman nagmumukhang cool kapag naninigarilyo ka, right?” Tanong sa akin ni Heidy.
She hates it when I smoke.
“Let me be, woman.” Sagot ko matapos kong ibuga ang usok. “Just don’t get near me when I smoke.” Dagdag ko bago ako muling humithit mula sa sigarilyo.
“Are you upset?” Tanong sa akin ni Heidy. Alam kong napansin niya ang naging reaksyon ko dahil sa pangalan na binanggit ni Tatay.
Heidy knows about it, too. During the darkest times of my life, I was able to share it to her as she is my friend.
“You are.” Sagot niya sa sarili niyang tanong nang hindi ako umimik.
“I just don’t get it, Heidy.” Seryosong sabi ko sa kanya, “The mother of those children was the one who took my mother’s life—his wife’s life.”
“So, how could he let those children enter his house and treat them kindly?” Tanong ko.
“Matt…” Sabi ni Heidy at tyaka ako binigyan nang magkasunod na tapik sa balikat.
“Why don’t you ask Tatay yourself?” Tanong niya sa akin.
Itinapon ko sa daan ang upos at tinapakan ko iyon, “I think this is the right time for you to hear his side.” Dagdag niya.
“I don’t want to hurt Tatay again, Heidy. I don’t.” Sagot ko sa kanya.
Flashback
“Matt?” Isang tanod ang tumawag sa akin nang makapasok ako sa kanto papunta sa direksyon ng daan namin.
“Bakit po?” Tanong ko dito dahil bigla akong kinabahan.
“Bakit ngayon ka lang? Hindi mo ba nabasa ang mga texts sayo?” Tanong nito habang may pag-aalala sa mukha.
“H-Hindi po. Bakit po ba? Ano po bang nangyari?” Tanong ko bago ako nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
Wala pang alas kwatro ay napatakbo ako dahil sa sagot niya, “bumagsak ang Tatay mo kaninang umaga pa, pagka-alis mo.”
Shit. Shit. Shit!
…
“Tay!” Sigaw ko nang makapasok ako sa bahay ngunit wala ito doon.
“Shit. Tatay!?” Tawag ko ngunit wala paring sumasagot kaya patakbo akong lumabas upang tignan kung nandodoon parin ang tanod na nakausap ko.
Nang makita ko ito ay kaagad akong tumakbo papunta sa kanya. “Nasaan po si Tatay?!” Biglang tanong ko sa kanya.
“Nasa center, Matt. Hindi muna siya pina-uwi.” Sagot nito sa akin. Hindi ko na nakuha pang magpasalamat sa kanya dahil kaagad ko siyang tinalikuran at tumakbo papunta sa may center.
Katabi
lamang
ng
barangay
hall ang center kaya alam ko ang
papunta
doon.
Matapos ang ilang minutong pagtakbo na halos ang pinakamatagal na takbo ko na yata noon ay nakadating ako sa center.
“Oh, Matt. Bakit pawis na pawis ka’t hinihingal?” Nagtatakang tanong sa akin ni Aling Beth, ang head ng center.
“S-Si Tatay po, Aling Beth. Nasaan p-po si Tatay?” Mabilis na tanong ko.
“Ah, si Kapitan ba? Nandyaan sa ikatlong kwarto.” Sagot nito sa akin kaya mabilis akong nagpunta sa kwarto kung nasaan ang Tatay ko.
“T-Tay…” Mahinang sabi ko nang makita kong nakahiga at natutulog sa isang kama ang Tatay ko.
Nanghihinang napa-upo ako sa bench na nasa loob ng kwarto at napahilamos ng mukha.
End of flashback
“Wag ka nang mag-isip ng kung ano-ano. Just talk to him calmly.” Sabi sa akin ni Heidy. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang sangayunan ang sinabi ni Heidy at tumango.
Nakatingin sa baba akong bumalik sa loob ng bahay namin habang kasunod ko naman si Heidy.
Huminga ako nang napakalalim bago pumasok sa pinto at muling tignan ang Tatay ko. Nadatnan ko itong inaayos ang mga pinamili ko sa kusina kung saan niya inilalagay ang mga iyon sa cabinet na nakadikit sa pader.
“Tay…” Tawag ko sa kanya.
Tinignan naman niya ako at bahagyang nginitian. Sunod ay sinenyasan niya akong umupo sa isa sa mga silya doon na siya namang ginawa ko.
“Wala silang kasama sa bahay.” Kaagad na sabi ni Tatay nang maka upo siya. “Kaya ako na lamang ang kumupkop sa kanila, Matt.” Dagdag niya.
Natigilan naman ako sa mga sinabi niya. “Hindi ba’t habang buhay nang bilanggo ang Ate Mai mo dahil sa nagawa niya?” Pagpapaalala ni Tatay sa akin. Tumango ako sa sinabi niya.
“Gaano na ho sila katagal sa puder niyo?” Tanong ko sa kanya.
“Halos magta-tatlong taon na.” Sagot niya sa akin.
“Bakit naman po wala silang makakasama? Nasaan po ang Tatay nila?” Usisa ko.
“Namatay na, anak.” Sagot sa akin ni Tatay. “Kaya nga pinili ko na hindi na sumama sa iyo dahil sa kanila. Maintindihan mo sana iyon, anak.” Dagdag niya.
I want to cry.
Hindi sumama sa akin si Tatay dahil sa kanila. I know it is too selfish of me to think like this but now I understand that Tatay Domeng chose the children over me because they have no one else.
“Kaya mo, anak. Kaya mo na, Matt.” Sabi sa akin ni Tatay habang may munting ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.
And I cried.
8
Matt Carlson
“Hey, Matty. Just wanted to remind you of our date that’s why I called.”
Sabi ni Heidy sa kabilang linya.
“Darn it, woman! You could’ve just texted me.” Inis na sabi ko dahil nagising lang ako dahil sa tawag niya.
Today is Sunday and I’m in my house. Ilang araw din akong natulog sa bahay namin sa probinsya upang makasama si Tatay.
Nang sabihin ko iyon ay natuwa siya at mabilis na inayos ang kwarto ko doon. Nakilala ko din ang mga anak ni Ate Mai at nalaman kong matatalino ang mga iyon, na si Tatay ang nagpapa-aral at ang mga pangalan nila.
Matapos ang ilang araw kong paglagi dun, nagpaalam din ako kay Tatay at nagsabi na tatawagan ko siya paminsan-minsan at bibisitahin din.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
“Coming!” Sigaw ko nang makarinig ako ng katok sa pinto.
Pagbukas ko ay ganun na lamang ang pagkagulat ko nang makita ko si Lola na nasa tapat ng pinto.
“La?” Takang sabi ko bago ko ito niyakap at hinalikan sa pisngi. “Why are you here?” Tanong ko.
Tinignan naman niya ako nang masama bago sumagot, “bakit ka nag-leave and what is this na nabalitaan kong nagpatawag ka ng board meeting?” Tanong niya.
I mentally groaned.
How could I forget? Part
si
Lola ng board.
“Can we talk about it after I finished my bath? It won’t take long.” Sagot ko sa kanya.
“It better not.” Sabi niya bago walang pasabing umalis.
“Fuck.” Sabi ko.
“Watch that mouth, young man!” Sigaw niya.
Damn it!
…
“So, tell me. What happened to the company that needed this urgent meeting?” Tanong sa akin ni Lola nang makalapit ako sa kanya.
Nasa garden siya na nasa front yard ng bahay, habang naka upo at sumisimsim sa tasa ng tsaa na hilig niya.
“Good morning, Lola.” I greeted her before taking my seat across hers. “I don’t know if you’re aware but a certain man named Liam Symond Peters just bought 49% of the shares of the company.” I said.
“And?” Lola said after putting her cup of tea on the table to better look at me.
I hate talking to her. Don’t get me wrong but I have this feeling that Lola sees through me every time we talk.
“And that is alarming, knowing the fact that we do not even know who he is.” I answered.
Lola gave me this usual look which I hate the most. Sa tagal-tagal kong nakasama si Lola, alam na alam kong may gusto siyang malaman kapag binibigyan niya ako nang ganitong titig.
“Is that what really it is?” Lola asked.
“W-What do you mean?” I asked, looking at her forehead to avoid the intensity she is giving me through her eyes.
“Is there something I need to know?” She asked again. “Or do you want me to know it without you telling it?” Dagdag niya. Napalunok ako dahil sa sinabi niya.
I was about to speak but I didn’t because her phone started ringing which is a good thing.
At least I am safe for now.
“Yes, I’ll be there in an hour.” Lola said and turned her phone off.
“Don’t think that we’re done, I’m not yet finished with you and I need your answer today.” Lola said just before she stood up.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“To the company.” Lola said. “I’ll meet you there later, apo.” She added after giving me a hug as usual.
I nodded at her and accompanied her until we reached her car. “I need your answer, Matt. Don’t make me wait, I hate that the most.” She reminded me just before she went inside the car.
I sighed as the car vanished in my sight. “That asshole!” I said in remorse.
…
“Good morning, Sir.” Bati sa akin ng gwardya na naka-post sa parking lot as usual nang makababa ako mula sa sasakyan ko. Tinanguan ko lang siya at tyaka ako nagpatuloy papunta sa loob.
“Hello.” Sabi ko nang sagutin ng secretary ko ang tawag ko, “nandyan na ba ang Lola?” Tanong ko sa kanya.
“Good morning, sir. W-Well, she’s here and it looks like she’s having a meeting with the board.” Sagot nito kaya mas lalo kong binilisan ang paglalakad ko.
“How long has it been?” Tanong ko.
“They’ve just started, I think.” Sagot nito, I was about to cut the call when she added something, “and Sir, just so you know, the man from the other day is also with them but he went outside before your Lola has arrived.” Tiim bagang kong pinatay ang tawag at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
What the hell is he doing in the company?
…
“G-Good morning, Sir.” My secretary greeted me as soon as I showed up from the elevator.
I did not even give back her greetings and told her to prepare as we are to enter the conference room.
“Are they here?” I asked again when we reached the conference room.
“Yes, Sir.” Elaine said.
Have I even introduced her yet? If not, her name’s Elaine.
“Let’s go.” I said and that’s when she opened the door. As I entered, I immediately saw Lola sitting on her spot.
“Oh, it’s good that you’re here.” My Lola said which made me think.
And why would she want me to be here?
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I apologize for coming late.” I said as I walk towards my seat which is next to Lola’s.
“We can start now that we’re complete.” Lola said and was about to continue when someone from the board spoke.
“Oh, I’m afraid we’re not.” A man, whose name is Alfredo said.
“Really?” Lola said, not amused by Alfredo’s interruption. “Are we expecting someone else?” Lola asked, eyebrows raised.
Yeah, my Lola can also be a bitch sometimes. Just don’t tell her.
“Yes, Madam. I assumed that you’ve forgotten but today is actually the meeting set together with Mr. Liam Symond Peters.” Alfredo answered, making me pissed off because of the name he had mentioned.
“I am disappointed then.” Lola said. “I have expected a lot from him since you’ve told me that he wanted to have a deal. Yet, he’s late or not even here.” Lola added.
“But Madam…” Alfredo said, looking at me, “your grandson is also late.” He added.
“And he’s not the one who’s having a meeting with me and the rest of the board.” Lola replied, making me laugh from the inside.
You’re the best, Lola.
“Madam, you have to learn that something happened here.” Alfredo argued.
“I don’t really give a damn about anything that has happened, so long as it doesn’t harm the company.” Lola said, making a sigh. “Alfredo, just shut it. I don’t want to waste my time arguing with you about this certain man named Liam whatsoever.” She added.
After that, I was finally able to sit on my chair. “Anyway, I have called you all for this meeting because I want to make an announcement which concerns the company the most.” Lola started.
But as she was about to continue, the door of the conference room flew opened. Making us look at the person who just barged in without a knock and interrupting the speech of the person you should never do that to.
It’s
the
Liam “fucking”
Symond
Peters.
“You’re one-goddamn impolite young man.” Lola said, with anger in her eyes.
9
Matt Carlson
It was Liam and I don’t know how he managed to get inside the company given the fact that I ordered the guards not to let him.
It should have been Alfredo.
Ano kaya ang meron at tila kilala nila ang isa’t isa. Alfredo can be a nuisance sometimes — scratch that, most of the time pala.
“How dare you barge in a meeting unwelcome?” Lola asked kaya’t nawala ang atensyon ko kay Alfredo na tila masaya dahil sa pagdating ni Liam.
Argh! I really hate saying his name.
“And who let this man inside my company?” Sunod na tanong ng Lola ko.
“I suppose it’s someone who knows him too well.” Nakataas ang kilay na sabi ko bago ako sumandal sa upuan ko habang nakatingin kay Alfredo na mukhang tinakasan ng kulay ang mukha dahil sa reaksyon ng Lola ko.
“W-Well, madam.” Said Alfredo just to be cut immediately by my Lola.
“I am disappointed, Alfredo.” Lola said before heaving a sigh, “I guess he is the one you were talking about.” She added.
“Please hear me, madam.” Alfredo tried but was not given the opportunity to defend Liam.
“I’ve had enough. Leave, young man before I call the guards.” Sabi ni Lola kay Liam.
“B-But…” Alfredo argued.
“Shut that mouth of yours before I fire you!” Lola shouted, “I don’t care if you’re part of the board or if you own some portions of the shares in my company, I could just buy them from you.” Dagdag niya na nagpalunok sa lahat ng mga board members.
“Now, leave.” Muling sabi niya nang tumingin sa direksyon ni Liam.
Liam couldn’t do anything but to abide. After all, wala naman siyang magagawa becuase Lola’s here.
Serves him right.
Once again, I raised my brow at Alfredo whose gaze tells it all. Defeated.
How pathetic.
“Now, let’s cut the bullshit and continue.” Muling sabi ni Lola nang makaalis na ang unwelcome na guess.
“It has come to my knowledge that the members of the board has sold their shares to someone.” Lola continued. “I don’t really care about your reasons for doing that, the shares are yours. But I’d like to know why?” She asked.
Kaagad na napatikhim ang members ng board sa sinabi niya, “are you planning something to the company?” Lola asked again.
“Madam, let me answer your question.” Said Alfredo, once again.
I and Lola both sighed, “yes, what is it again?”
“It is true that we sold our shares to Mr. Liam Symond Peters for some reasons.” Alfredo continued.
“And what are those reasons? Enlighten me.” Lola said.
“Well, the man has knowledge when it comes to business and he has the vision of turning the company into a more competitive and…” Hindi na natapos pa ni Alfredo ang sinasabi niya nang ibagsak ni Lola ang kamay niya sa conference table.
She’s pissed.
“And you actually believed him?” Tila hindi makapaniwalang tanong sa lahat ni Lola. “How childish and foolish of you!” She added.
“But you need to hear us out for this, madam!” Alfredo said, voice raised.
“I know you all too well, trust me when I say that and what you’re doing is putting the company, my company in jeopardy!” Lola growled, “and I won’t let you do that!” She added before standing.
“I want you to get your shares back before you regret selling them.” She said with authority.
“And what if we don’t?” One of the board members asked.
“I don’t really need to answer you because I know that you already know what will happen but just in case you’ve forgotten… You’ll know how hell works.” Lola answered, smirking.
“Are we clear?” She asked,eyebrows raised.
“Y-Yes, madam.” The board said.
“Good.” Lola said in delight.
She really is the devil.
“Now, let’s move on with my announcement.” Lola said, getting my attention as well.
“As I’ve said a while back, I called for your attention for this announcement.” Sabi ni Lola, “this meeting is for me to formally announce the succession.”
“What?!” I asked, shocked of her announcement.
“You don’t really need to be that shocked. Sooner or later, this will happen that’s why I am letting everyone in this room know about it.” Sabi sa akin ni Lola.
“Anyway, it is just right. He owns more than half of the shares, and almost running the company on his own plus, Matt is my only apo, so wala ng iba pa ang magmamana ng kompanya ko kung hindi siya.” Sabi ni Lola habang nakaharap sa members ng board.
“He’s been doing a great job as the CEO of the company and as the Chairwoman, I am finally passing him the job and burden of my position.” She added.
“B-But don’t you think it’s too soon?” I asked, still shocked.
Lola shook her head, “you’re ready, Matt Carlson.” She said.
“Matt Carlson Evans it the new Chairman of the board and the head of the company, if you still don’t get it.” Lola clarified.
At gaya ko, tila hindi makapaniwala ang lahat ng nasa loob ng mga oras na iyon.
Why so sudden!?
“I hope you give him the respect you’re giving me because if I hear any of you going against him or disrespecting him, I’ll give you hell.” Dagdag niya.
“This meeting is adjourned.” Biglang sabi niya bago kunin ang bag at maglakad palabas ng conference room.
Did I just become the new Chairman of the board?
…
“Lola! Why?” I asked her nang nasa loob na kami ng office niya.
“Why what?” Tanong niya sa akin.
“Why did you tell those things to the board? I don’t get it!” Singhal ko sa kanya.
Bigla siyang napatingin sa secretary ko. We’re inside my office. “Woman, can you please get me wine.” Sabi niya dito.
Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na sumagot ang secretary ko, “of course, ma’am. Excuse me, then.” Sabi nito bago lumabas.
Nang kaming dalawa na lang ay bigla siyang sumandal sa swivel chair ko, “Matt Carlson Evans, hijo. I am not getting any younger.” Sabi niya.
“You see, I want to retire the soonest that I can and when I do, you’re the only one I can leave this company to.” Dagdag niya.
Napakagat ako ng labi, “I get that thing, Lola. But why did you tell them that you’ll give me the company right away?” Tanong ko.
“You’re being an idiot, Matt. Obviously, I did that to make them aware and for you to prepare yourself now.” Sagot niya sa akin, “I want you to start doing what a leader does, Matt. Simple as that.” Dagdag niya bago bumakas ang pinto matapos kaming makarinig ng tatlong katok.
“Ah, there it is. Just leave it on the table and go back to your post, woman. Thank you.” Mataray na sabi nito sa secretary ko na yun naman ang ginawa.
“Lola, I am not ready yet!” Sabi ko sa kanya.
“Yes, you are.” Sabi niya, “I will not say those things to them have known you’re not.” Habol niya bago tumayo para pumunta sa kinaroroonan ng wine niya.
“Matt, don’t stress yourself out.” Sabi niya matapos mabuksan ang wine bottle.
How can I?
“You’re ready, you just think you are not but you really are.” Sabi pa niya.
“But Lola…” Sabi ko.
Tinaasan lang niya ako ng kilay habang iniinom ang wine niya.
Goodness!
10
Meryl Streep as
Consuelo Evangeline Evans
Yourbitterman
Matt Carlson
Evans
“You bitch!
Daig
mo pa ang
malanding
babae
!“ Sigaw sa akin ng isang galit na galit na babae. The place and scene is so familiar.
“W-What did I do?” Takang tanong ko sa babae habang panaka nakang tumitingin sa paligid naming dalawa dahil nagsisimula nang dumami ang mga umuusisa.
“You don’t even know?” Hindi makapaniwalang tanong nito bago ako sampalin na ikinagulat ko at ng mga tao sa paligid.
Kaagad na napahawak ako sa pisngi ko habang dinadama ang hapdi ng sampal niya.
“I-I don’t. I don’t even know you!” Sigaw ko sa kanya habang nakahawak parin sa pisngi ko.
“You fucking gay! I am Liam’s girlfriend!” Sigaw nito sa akin bago ako muling lapitan at sabunutan.
“Apo, Matt, gising!” Mabilis na napabalikwas ako at napa upo nang marinig ko ang boses ni Lola. Halos dama ko na ang kabog ng dibdib ko habang naghahabol ng hininga.
That fucking dream again.
“What happened to you, apo?” Nag-aalalang tanong sa akin ni Lola bago siya umupo sa tabi ko at magsimulang hagurin ang likod ko.
Napahawak naman ako sa isa niyang kamay at sinubukang bigyan siya ng isang ngiti. “Nothing, Lola. It was just a bad dream.” Sagot ko sa kanya.
Umiiling na tumawag siya ng atensyon ng isa sa mga katulong sa bahay. “Get your Sir a glass of cold water. Dalian mo.” Utos niya dito at mabilis na umalis naman ang katulong.
“Lola, I’m fine. You don’t need to worry.” Sabi ko sa kanya at pinisil ang kamay niya.
Tumigil naman si Lola sa paghagod ng likod ko at tumayo. “Just drink the water and I’ll let you.” Sabi niya nang makabalik ang katulong na may dalang isang platito kung saan nakalagay ang isang basong may takip at may lamang malamig na tubig.
Kinuha ko iyon nang iabot iyon ni Lola at mabilis na ininom. Mas gumaan ang pakiramdam ko matapos.
…
“Matt, hijo.” Tawag sa akin ni Lola nang madatnan ko siya sa sala habang hawak ang alaga kong aso.
“Yes, La.” Sagot ko.
“I’ve been thinking about this man named Liam. The one Alfredo’s been talking about.” Saad niya na nagpatigil sa akin.
Mabilis naman na binitawan ni Lola ang alaga kong aso na tumakbo papunta sa akin bago ako tignan.
“And?” Patay malisyang sabi ko bago ko kargahin ang anak ko.
“And I’ve had someone search for his information.” Sagot niya bago ko mapansin ang ngisi sa mga labi niya na kaagad na nawala.
This is bad. Damn it!
“What for?” Patuloy ko sa patay malisyang tanong ko.
“I’ve been thinking, the company needs new partnership.” Mabilis na sagot niya.
Mabilis na nanlaki ang mga mata ko, “y-you don’t mean…” Sabi ko bago ko marinig ang alinghing ni Mauris kaya kaagad ko itong tinignan.
Shet
.
Nasasakal
ko na pala
siya
.
“Sorry, baby. Sorry.” Sabi ko dito habang hinihimas ang ulo. Tinignan lang ako ni Mauris kaya pinabayaan ko itong maglakad sa floor muli.
“I am just thinking of the POSSIBILITY, Matt.” Sagot sa akin ni Lola. “Any way, tell me about your dream…” Dagdag niya.
Napatingin naman ako sa kanya bago ako umupo sa upuan, kaharap siya. “It was more like of a nightmare, actually.” I said and called for one of my maids.
“Yaya, padalhan kami ng almusal dito ni Lola.” Magalang na sabi ko dito na siya namang tinanguan niya. “Thank you.”
“How long has Carina been working here?” Biglang tanong ni Lola sa akin.
“I don’t know, Lola.” Nakangiting sagot ko sa kanya, “Nandito na sila before I even came.” Dagdag ko.
Napatawa naman si Lola at napahawak sa ulo, “Hay, I am really getting old.” Sabi niya, “going back, what have you dreamed of about?” Tanong niya.
“It was something from the past, Lola and I’d rather not talk about it now that the food is coming.” Nakangiting sagot ko bago ilagay ni Yaya Carina ang mga pagkain sa mesa.
I can see ham, bacon, bread and butter. Ladies’ choice is also there because I always tell them not to forget my favorite.
“La, your oatmeal.” Sabi ko kay Lola nang personal kong iniabot ang oatmeal niya.
Yaya Carina has never forgotten such stuff, lalo na
kapag
tungkol
kay Lola.
“Thank you, Carina.” Pasalamat ni Lola sa matanda, “call your fellows and take your breakfast too.” Dagdag pa nito.
“Madam, sasabihan ko nalang po sila.” Sagot ni Yaya Carina.
“Make it fast and join us here.” Sagot naman ni Lola.
“Naku, Madam. Sa kusina nalang po kami kakain.” Nahihiyang sagot ni Yaya Carina.
“As usual, Carina. Kailan ba mawawala yang hiya mo? Halos magkasing edaran lamang tayo.” Natatawang sabi ni Lola.
And that’s what I love about Lola, too. Hindi niya
tinatratong
iba
ang
mga
kasama
niya
sa
bahay
.
I learned that, too.
“Oo nga naman, Ya. Samahan niyo na kami dito.” Saad ko naman.
Muling umiling ang matanda, “Sir, Madam, doon na lamang po kami. Sige na at kumain na ho kayo.” Dagdag nito.
“Hindi ka na ba talaga namin mapipilit nitong apo ko?” Tanong ni Lola.
“Madam naman.” Natatawang sabi ni Yaya Carina sa Lola.
Doon na tumango si Lola, “osiya at doon lang kayo kumain kung nahihiya kayo. Damihan niyo ang pagkain niyo, madami pa namang stock dito.” Banayad na utos ni Lola.
“Sige po, Sir. Madam, puntahan ko na po sila.” Paalam ni Yaya Carina. Tumango kami ni Lola sa kanya bago siya tuluyang umalis.
…
“I totally forgot to ask you this, Matt, apo. Kamusta na pala ang Tatay Domeng mo?” Tanong ni Lola nang matapos naming mag-agahan. Nasa labas kami ng bahay ngayon at papunta sa garden.
Hawak-hawak ni Lola ang tali ni Mauris at masayang naglalakad naman ang alaga ko.
Ngumiti ako sa Lola ko, “I just went there last week, Lola. We actually celebrated his birthday, kasama ko din doon si Heidy.” Sagot ko.
Bigla naman akong hinampas ni Lola sa braso, “w-what was that for?” Gulat na tanong ko sa kanya.
“Bakit hindi mo naman sinabi sa akin? Sana nasamahan ko kayo ni Heidy papunta doon.” Parang batang nagtatampong sinabi iyon ni Lola.
“I totally forgot, Lola. Actually, Heidy just reminded me about it kasi I was busy with the company.” Depensa ko.
“Hay, naku. Ang sarap pa namang kausap niyang Tatay Domeng mo. He would tell me lovely stories about your late Nanay.” Dagdag niya which caused me to be taken aback.
Lola seems to notice that, that’s why he apologized immediately. “That was insensitive of me.” Dagdag niya.
Hinawakan ko naman ang kamay niya at pinisil yun, “I’m fine, Lola. It’s okay.” Nakangiting sabi ko.
“You actually made me realize something, actually.” Dagdag ko.
“Reminded you about what?” Tanong niya nang magpatuloy kami sa paglalakad.
“To pay her a visit.” Sagot ko.
“You should bring her some of those then.” Sabi ni Lola bago tumingin sa kung saan.
At doon ko nakita ang mga bulaklak na gustong-gusto ni Nanay Adelaida.
“Dahlias…” I said.
Flash back…
It was a one bright and usual day. Sunday, to be precise.
Galing
akong
school
nang
madaanan
ko
si
Tatay
sa
harapan
ng
isang
flower shop.
Madali
ko
siyang
nilapitan
at
ginulat
.
“Oh, Matt,
anak
.“
Bati
sa
akin ni
Tatay
bago ako
nagmano
.
“
Anong
meron
, Tay?“
Tanong
ko
habang
nakatingin
sa
mga
nagkukumpulang
bulaklak
sa
shop.
“Ah, anniversary kasi
namin
ng
Nanay
mo
ngayon
,
balak
ko
siyang
bilhan
ng
bulaklak
.
Sakto
,
sweldo
din
ngayon
.“
Nakangiting
sagot
sa
akin ni
Tatay
.
Hindi ko
napigilan
ang
pagguhit
ng
ngiti
sa
mga
labi
.
“
Sige
, tay.
Tulungan
na
kitang
pumili
.“ Sabi ko
sa
kanya
.
“
Anak
, di na
kailangan
. Isa lang
paborito
nun.“
Nakangiti
at
tila
puno
ng
kompyansa
sa
sariling
sabi ni
Tatay
.
Nakataas
ang
mga
kilay
ko naman
siyang
tinanong
, “
ano
, tay?“
“
Ayun
, yung
kulay
orange na yun.“
Nguso
niya
sa
mga
bulaklak
na
nasa
isang
timba
.
“
Ano
ho ang
sa
atin
?“
Biglang
tanong
ng
tindera
. “Ay,
Kapitan
.
Ikaw
pala.“
Masayang
bati
nito
sa
Tatay
.
“Ay, hello.
Bibili
sana ako
niyan
,
anong
pangalan
ng
kulay
orange na yan?“
Tanong
ni
Tatay
.
“Ah, Dahlia ho Kap.”
Sagot
naman ng
tindera
.
“
Oo
, dahlia.
Bigyan
mo ako
niyan
tapos
ilagay
mo
sa
magandang
lalagyan
, ha?“ Sabi ng
Tatay
.
End of flashback…
“Dahlia, katunog ng pangalan niya.” Nakangiting sabi ko nang bigla akong yakapin ni Lola.
Gulat naman akong yumakap sa kanya nang bigla siyang magsalita, “stop crying now, my boy. Sush.” Sabi niya bago niya ako hagurin sa likod.
That’s when I felt hot liquids from both my eyes coming out. I was crying.
“I-I miss her, La.” I said while crying on her shoulder.
“It’s okay, it’s okay.” Sabi lang sa akin ni Lola and I let myself cry more.
Nasa ganoong estado kami nang may marinig akong tatlong busina mula sa labas.
“Lola, I’ll go there. Stay here for a while with Mauris.” Sabi ko habang pinupunasan ang mga luha sa aking mukha.
“Okay. Go on then.” Sabi ni Lola bago kunin at kargahin si Mauris.
Matapos nun ay nagpunta ako sa gate at nakita ang sasakyan ni Heidy. Sa pagbukas ko nang gate ay ang pagbaba niya habang umiiyak.
Nagmamadaling lumabas ako, “Heidy why are you crying?” Tanong ko sa kanya.
“M-Matt… M-Matt, si Tatay Domeng mo.” Umiiyak na sabi niya sa akin.
“W-What about him!?” Gulat na tanong ko.
“M-Matt…” Umiiyak na sabi niya ulit.
“What about him, Heidy!? Damn it!” Inis na tanong ko bago ko siya hawakan sa magkabilang braso.
“H-He’s rushed into the hospital!” Sagot niya na nagpabilis sa tibok ng aking puso.
“Shit!” Mura ko, “where? To what hospital!?” Tanon ko.
Heidy started crying once again, “Paralaya Emergency, we need to hurry. W-Walang kasama si Tatay Domeng dun!” Sabi niya sa akin bago siya ulit pumasok sa sasakyan niya.
“Shit! Fuck!” Sigaw ko.
A/N: Photo used above is not mine. Credit goes to its rightful owner.
P.S. Stay safe! Stay home!
