Special Chapter

This is the special chapter of Love from afar but please be advised that it is no way related to the sequence of the first installment of the Montecarlo Heir Series nor will it affect the plot of its second installment. At some point in life as readers, we would want to read something that would erase our what ifs, reason why I decided to write this special chapter. In an alternate universe, where Rein actually lived and grew old with Rico, let’s feed our fantasy on what happened to their supposed life after marriage.

“Andito nako.” Sagot ko sa tawag ng matalik na kaibigan.

“Yay! Thank you! I’m so sorry Ria, hayaan mo at yung promise ko sayo, ako ang magbabayad ng balance mo sa midterms.” Ani Cassie.

Napabuntong hininga ako. Kung hindi lang talaga ako short ngayon. Ako lang kasi ang nagsusuporta ng pag-aaral ko at pang araw-araw na pangangailangan. Hindi sumasapat ang allowance ng scholarship ko dahil kinukuha ni tiyang pang sugal. Kaya ang pambayad ko ng tuition sana, eh napupunta lang sa pang araw araw kong kailangan.

Ano pa bang magagawa ko? Andito nako. Hindi na din ako makakalabas kahit ayaw ko dahil nakapasok nako sa Casa Montecarlo.

She was asked by her parents to attend this party because they are abroad for a business trip. She’s always being encouraged to win the favor of the firstborn of the Montecarlos just so they will benefit to their generational wealth. Makakatulong daw kung makakapartner nila ito or makikipagtransact sakanila.

“Ayoko nga! Malay ko ba kung sino yun! Hindi ko makita ang kahit anong picture sa internet! Malay mo nerd at pangit pala?” Maktol niya sakin kagabi ng nagmamakaawa na ako ang pumalit sa pwesto niya.

“Hindi mo pa iyan napapatunayan Cassie, at masamang manghusga ng dahil-”

“And he’s way older than us! Gosh! I don’t like that nerd. Kaya siguro tinatago ng mga Montecarlo dahil pangit nga. Buti pa si Arnold, he is good looking and from a rich family din naman. I don’t understand mom and dad!” She groaned and started comparing her boyfriend to the anonymous Montecarlo heir.

“Saan ka nanaman pupunta ha Mariano?” Asik ng tiyahin ko habang may kagat na sigarilyo ng umalis ako kaninang hapon.

“K-Kayna Cassie lang po tiyang, may project pong tatapusin..”

“Hmp.” Ismid nito at nagpatuloy sa pagtotong its. Napabuntong hininga ako at umalis na.

I’m a transwoman, who lives with her transphobic aunt. Surely, my life can get more exciting than this?

Si Cassie ang nagayos sakin sa condo niya bago siya makipagdate sa boyfriend niyang senior high school student na. Habang kami, nasa high school palang.

I am wearing a silver silk halter neck long dress and silver pumps. My hair is tide up in a nice bun. Cassie did my makeup and I looked.. flawless.

Iba talaga ang nagagawa ng makeup, sinong magaakalang ang ulilang nagtatrabaho lang sa coffee shop e magmumukang heredera ng isa sa pinakamalaking shipping company sa Pilipinas?

Mabuti nalang at nakumbinsi ang security sa ayos ko ng ipakita ang invitation dahil kung hindi, diko alam ang gagawin ko kung dadamputin ako at ipapakulong ng pinakamayamang pamilya sa San Vicente.

Sobrang lawak ng kanilang lupain. Malulula ka sa estate nilang kahit anong lingon mo ay tila di natatapos sa abot ng iyong paningin. Hindi ko alam kung mansyon paba itong matuturing. That’s an understatement. Casa Montecarlo is huge that it’s still bigger and wider than our school premises and Cassie’s mansion combined.

Hindi rin biro ang mga kagamitan at mga mwebles. Para akong tuod na tipid na tipid ang galaw sa takot na makasagi o makabasag. The manor is Italian-inspired from the overall structure, to it’s furniture and overall interior. Hindi biro at alam mong mamahalin. Some of the vases with gold accent are obviously of an international quality.

Ang mga importanteng panauhin ay ginigiya ng mga security sa bulwagan. Dahil mag-isa lang ako, tinuruan nalang ako na tahakin ang sinabing daan.

Masyadong malaki ang casa at hindi ko kabisado ang tinuro. Sabi deretso lang? Bakit parang ang pasilyo na tinatahak ko.. tahimik at pribado? Wala manlang naguusap sa party?

Hindi ko alam kung tama ang pinuntahan ko pero patuloy ako sa paglalakad. May narinig akong naguusap at napalingon ako sa isang silid na may nakaawang na pinto.

Finally! Akala ko tuluyan na akong maliligaw.

Akmang bubuksan ko ang pinto ng marinig ang nagsisigawan. Napasilip ako sa siwang at nakita kong may tatlong mukhang mahahalagang tao sa silid.

“I told you! Ang tigas na ng ulo mo Rocco Andrew! Hindi kana nakikinig sakin!” Galit na sabi ng isang babae.

That name.. why does it sound so familiar?

“You just turned nineteen! Pinalampas ko ang pagkakaroon mo ng sports car at the age of eighteen pero ito, hindi na!” Patuloy na pangangaral ng ginang sa tila anak nitong nakayuko at tahimik lang.

Pormal na pormal silang tatlo. Alam kong mali ang makiusyoso sa problema ng pamilya pero hindi ako makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko… dahil napako ang tingin ko sa mas batang lalaki.

“Just because you are of legal age doesn’t mean that you can get to make your own decisions, especially concerning this! Alam mong ayaw ko nito!” Patuloy na litanya ng ginang habang ang tila asawa nito, nakahalukipkip lang sa likod niya at bumubuntong hininga. Igting ang panga dahil siguro gustong magsalita pero piniling manahimik para sa asawa.

“I told you your friends in basketball are bad influences anak. Look at you with piercings and tattoos. Hindi maganda-”

“There’s nothing wrong with having ear piercings and tattoos, mom.” The boy crossed his arms and tilted his head when he cut his mother off. His deep voice sent shivers to my spine. I suddenly got scared for him. He should keep his mouth shut while his mother is lashing out at him.

“Randy.” With arms still crossed, the older man called him in his menacing voice, as if giving him a warning not to interrupt his mother. The latter just sighed and shook his head.

I suddenly froze with my realization. That’s why they look so familiar! I turned around and saw a huge portrait hanging on the wall, with the woman of the house sitting in the middle, and her husband, standing behind her on her left beside their.. son, who is standing on the other side behind her back.

They looked aristocratic and almost screaming royalty. Fuck. They are the Montecarlos! The owner of the manor! The host of the party!

That… Rocco Andrew.. is Randy. Randy Montecarlo. The one that Cassie is supposed to impress.

Muling nabalik ang tingin ko sa lalaking matanda ng apat na taon sa akin. Kumikinang ang kanang tenga niya dahil sa tumatamang repleksyon mula sa kung saan. He is really tall, and toned. For his age, tama lang ang laki ng braso niya at ang hubog ng katawan sa hapit niyang coat and tie.

He is far from nerd looking. And.. pangit? Pangit paba to? Napakataas talaga ng standard ni Cassie sa lalaki.

I can tell that the boy is… handsome… with the fair complexion that he got from his mother, and the stoic face and intimidating aura that he certainly got from his father.

Come to think of it, now that it’s slowly sinking in me.. I remember the rumors about their family.

People always wondered how a transgender woman, made the then Montecarlo scion fell in love with her. She’s young, without riches, without a family, and without an established career, yet she was able to have the firstborn of the Montecarlos on his knees for her.

I was always curious about them, especially her. I heard stories from Cassie, but as Montecarlos are very private and trying to keep a low profile, I wasn’t able to really follow their whereabouts online unless their public appearances were published in tabloids and magazines.

“I know! I’m not stereotyping! It’s just that I want you to focus more on your academics. Hindi ba pwedeng magpatattoo kapag nagtatrabaho na? You are still in your freshman year in college!” Hindi natitinag na galit ng mommy niya at patuloy lang sa pangaral sa anak. Kita mo ang pag igting ng panga ng huli pero hindi na muling sumagot pa sa ina.

There are some articles circulating online, all speaking about how good and generous the said family is, especially the Montecarlo matriarch, who is active with various charity events.

I now stare at her in awe. Mrs. Montecarlo is wearing a black bustier pencil Dolce & Gabbana dress paired with her red Louboutin heels. Hair done in an elegant french twist and for her accessories, she is wearing a rose gold cross-pendant necklace, a Cartier bracelet on her right forearm and a Versace watch on her left.

She is a transwoman. I can’t believe it! She is really beautiful. Just like what those articles are saying. With her fair skin that highlighted her freckles, and little to no makeup, her beauty is timeless and classic! Right now, she look like a deity reprimanding her subject.

Behind her is her husband who is wearing a three-piece suit, so tall and well-built, hair is brushed upwards, standing still with a straight face and grim lips.

“You are lucky that even if you are spending most of your time playing basketball, you are still an honor student. If not, matagal na kaming napatawag ng daddy mo sa school! Do you understand me, Rocco Andrew?!” His mother’s voice thundered.

The boy let out another sigh, now staring at his shiny black shoes as if hurt and tired of being scolded by his mother.

The Montecarlo patriarch then approached his wife and gently rubbed her shoulders, kissing the back of her hair in attempt of taming her. “That’s enough, darling. Please calm down.”

Mrs. Montecarlo just shrugged her husband off and eyed him with daggers. “Isa kapa! Manang mana sayo ang anak mo! Kinukunsinti mo kasi kaya lumalaking sutil Rico!”

Bumuntong hininga si Mr. Montecarlo at muling sinuyo ang asawa. How he look so pained and defeated as he submits to his wife’s wrath, I was amazed by how they keep their relationship still this warm. Gusto ko pang panoorin at mamangha pero halos mabuhusan ako ng malamig na tubig… ng saglit na bumalik ang tingin ko sa anak nila.. na ngayon ay nakatingin sa kinatatayuan ko.

Kita ko ang pagkunot ng noo nito mula sa maliit na siwang ng pintuan. Sa taranta ay mabilis akong umatras at kumaripas ng takbo.

Takbo lang ako ng takbo palabas ng pasilyo. Nang nakitang mas may maluwag na bulwagan ay lumiko ako doon at halos mabunggo ng isang nakaunipormeng kasambahay.

“Pasensya na po… hindi ko sinasadya. Hinahanap ko lang.. ang venue ng party.”

Magalang na yumuko ang huli at ngumiti. “Dito po ma’am. Kanan po kayo diyan at dun po sa security, yung malaking pintuan.”

Nanginginig ang labi ko sa takot ng pasukin ko ang sinabing bulwagan. Halos maubos ang dugo sa aking mukha. Nahuli ako ng tagapagmana ng mga Montecarlo, kung magsusumbong iyon eh hindi ako alam kung ano ang kahihinatnan ko dito sa loob.

Bakit kasi chismosa ka Ria! Ayan ang napapala ng pakikinig sa usapan ng may usapan!

Sa malaking bulwagan ay sinalubong ako ng napakaraming tao. Kalat ang mga bisita, mula sa mga mayayamang pamilya, at sa mga kilalang opisyal ng gobyerno maging ng media.

Kalat ang security ng pamilya sa buong silid. Ang mga nakauniporme namang waiter at waitress ay paikot ikot sa pagaalok ng mga alak at finger foods. Sa gitna ay may malaking entablado. Hindi paba magsisimula? Akala ko ba magdodonate lang tapos aalis na?

I am still a minor but my height can make them think otherwise. I stand five feet and six inches. I look like those of eighteen year-old college students.

Para makabawi at subukang makihalubilo, kumuha ako ng champagne sa dumaang waiter sakin na may dalang tray ng alak.

Hindi ako nainom pero wala na akong choice, tumungga ako at hindi naman ganun katapang ang lasa.. pero napangiwi padin ako.

Nahati ang mga tao sa bandang gitna at natigil ang sari-sariling usapan ng bumukas ang malaking double doors at iniluwa noon ang aristokratong mag-asawa.

Agad silang tinutukan ng samu’t saring camera para mapicturan. It doesn’t make sense though, if there are media, why is it so hard to find their pictures online? For the old Montecarlo couple, you can only find some pictures published in big articles. Their son though, was completely anonymous. Not a single picture of him circulated online.

Mrs. Montecarlo is leading the entrance, followed by her husband who is clinging onto her so tightly. Agad silang dinumog ng mga gustong kumamusta o makipagkilala.

Ngiting ngiti ang ginang na kinakausap ng isang babaeng punong puno ng alahas sa katawan, habang ang asawa naman ay kapit na kapit sa bewang niya at seryosong nakatitig dito. Kung kakausapin ang lalaking Montecarlo ng mga may edad ding lalaki ay mabilis lang itong babati at makikipagkamay pero hindi maaalis ang isang kapit sa asawa. Kung mauna mang maglakad ang ginang ay hahawak ang kamay nito sakanya, para madali niyang mahila pabalik sa tabi niya.

Awang ang bibig ko ng pinapanood ang mag asawang dumugin ng maraming tao hanggang sa makarating malapit sa entablado.

How she get to marry the Montecarlo scion, despite all the women from elite and wealthy families in the country who tried to make a move, many envied her and even tried to stain her name.

I wonder where their son is? Hindi sila magkasamang pumasok. Is it true then? That the old Montecarlo couple is isolating their son, away from the public eye?

O baka naman ayaw lang talagang sumama sa mga ganito? Pero nakabihis din siya kanina. Hindi bat sayang naman kung hindi siya pupunta?

Hindi ko na namalayan ang pinagkakaabalahan ng kumpol ng tao doon ng nadinig kong sumara ang pintuan. Wala naman akong panahong makipagusap sa kung sino.. nandito lang ako para irepresenta si Cassie, at ibigay ang tsekeng binigay niya. Kung sakaling may magtanong, eh mababanggit ko ang apilido niya. Pero hinding hindi ako magpapakuha ng litrato sa media.

The program immediately commence upon the arrival of the Montecarlos. I heard the brother of that old Montecarlo is in front along with his wife too.

The master of the ceremony introduced the Montecarlos, who made the event possible, the wealthiest families in the land before acknowledging the high government officials, followed by the socialites.

Rein Montecarlo was then called to come up to the center platform for her to speak about her outreach programs and introduced the various charities where the proceeds of tonight’s auction will be donated.

My lips are parted in astonishment as I listened to her. How she can get the attention of everyone in this room to only focus on her and listen to whatever she is saying… My eyes wandered and I saw her husband standing below the stairs of the staged platform, waiting for her, both hands in each side pockets and staring proudly at his wife. I saw one uniformed official talking beside him yet he is nodding and giving him little attention as he keeps on staring intently at his wife.

My eyes surveyed the room once more, trying to find their son.. but I cannot see him. Masyadong madaming tao pero siguro naman madali ko siyang makikita. Matangkad siya at pagkakaguluhan. Iyon ang palatandaan ko.

Curious, hindi naman sinabi sakin ni Cassie na dapat makausap ko ang anak nila. Pero natatakot ako na makita siya.. lalo at nahuli niya ako kaya ko siya hinahanap. Kapag nakita ko, saka ako iiwas.

Nang matapos magsalita ang babaeng Montecarlo ay nagsimula na ang auction. May mga nagpakitang gilas sa pagbibid para sa mga pinapakitang gamit sa harap. May kwintas, vase, antique at paintings. Halos malaglag ang panga ko ng ang isang pinakitang painting eh napanalunan ng limang milyon. Grabe!

Ang sabi ni Cassie.. hindi ko naman daw kailangan magbid. At ayoko din dahil aagaw ako ng atensyon. Isa pa, fixed na ang amount na nasa tseke ni Cassie, kung sakaling matalo ako sa bid.. aba’y saang kamay ng Diyos ako kukuha ng idadagdag?

Hindi ko namalayan pero nakaigi ang sunod sunod na paginom ko ng champagne, dahil nagiinit ang katawan ko. Hindi ako ganoong mahihiya at pangingilabutang pumunta sa harap para ibigay ang donation ni Cassie.

Tumugtog ang isang love song sa pagtatapos ng auction para magbigay daan sa mga imbitado na magenjoy at magsayawan. May susunod pa daw na program mamaya pero inunang ipaserve ng pamilya ang pagkain para sa mga bisita pagkatapos ng auction.

Ang iba ay nagsisiupuan na para sa sineserve na tila five-course meal habang ang ilan naman ay nanatili sa makababang parte ng bulwagan para makapagsayaw sa tugtog. Dahil unti unting humuhupa ang tao sa pag upo ng iba, eh sa gilid ako dumaan para hindi agaw pansin.

I stopped myself from taking another step when I saw the old Montecarlo couple, who went to the center of the hall for a dance. People cheered and teased them when the Montecarlo patriarch gently pulled his wife to the center, turned her around before bringing her to his chest.

I saw his wife giggled and swayed with him. He is taking the lead. He is whispering words while they are slowly dancing to the rhythm of the music playing, and the people inside the room watched them danced with a smile. Some even danced with them.

I was always curious with the first transwoman of the said family and from that moment… I realized… I was wrong. They were wrong. With what I am seeing… seems like… it’s… the other way around.

Muli niyang inikot ang asawa bago muling dahan dahang inuga ng lalaking Montecarlo ang babaeng yakap niya ng mahigpit.

My eyes started to sting, but still glued to the old couple dancing. I now understand why. The rumors weren’t true. The speculations about their relationship… were all wrong.

He is looking at her with longing and so much passion in his eyes, as if he’s drowning in so much affection. I read the prominent Montecarlo patriarch’s lips, as he whispered something to his sweet and loving wife.

“I love you, darling.”

Mrs. Montecarlo then smiled from ear to ear, caressing his jaw with clean shaved beard, before pulling him close to kiss his cheek.

It’s.. the other way around. The Montecarlo scion himself… made the transgender woman fell for him. He made her… fell in love.

I pursed my lips as my vision gets slightly blurry due to the pooling tears. I understand now why they are so jealous.

He chose her.. above all the women from their elite circles. No… scratch that. He made her chose him… He pursued and married her… above everyone else.

My heart sank in deep envy, on how I wish I could also find a kind of true love like that. But then, I thought about what my aunt said.

“Hindi paba sapat na bakla ka? Ngayon magpipills ka para maging babae?”

“Bata bata mo pa nagiilusyon kana! Malandi! Sige pag namatay ka kakainom niyan bahala ka!”

“Putok ka sa buho! Kaya ka iniwan sakin ng ina mo eh, kasi bakla ka!”

“Kasalanan ka sa Diyos! Hindi ka magiging tunay na babae Mariano! Walang lalaking tatanggap at magmamahal sayo kuha mo?!”

How lucky Mrs. Montecarlo is, for marrying a man who loves her dearly. To have a son, that she cares for truly. For her to have a perfect family one can ever dreamed of.

“Surely you can’t fantasize about my dad, as he is happily married with my mom.” I repeatedly blinked and twitched when I heard a deep baritone voice behind me.

Akmang lilingon ako ng hawakan ako ng madiin nito sa magkabilang braso. He leaned forward and whispered in my right ear.

“Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“I’m.. I’m Cass..andra-a.. Encarnacion..”

“Hmm. Which Encarnacion are you?”

Nalingon ko ang mukha ng tagapagmana ng Montecarlo.. malapit at titig na titig sa mukha ko! The fuck!

“You’re lying. Are you a thief?” He asked while gritting his teeth, not letting me go.

“N-No… I was invited-”

“No daughters of elite families were taught to eavesdrop, especially to conversations like that. Do you know the weight of the consequence of your action? Hmm?” He cut me off and his smirk made me shiver.

Ayan! Ipapakulong ka! O siguro hindi.. menor de edad lang ako. Baka naman iDSWD?

“I’m sorry… hindi k-ko sadya… n-nandito lang ako para magdonate-”

“Hmm. Alright, then. Let’s get you..to donate.” He said while brushing his lips against my ear, before pulling me to the center of the huge banquet hall where his parents are dancing. Putangina! Hindi pwede!

Kakatapos lang nila magsayaw at narinig ko pa ang papuri sakanila ng mga nanonood.

“Ang ganda ganda mo madame.”

“Hindi ko alam na marunong ka pala magsayaw President!”

Mrs. Montecarlo smiled but it was short-lived when she noticed who is walking towards her. I saw Mr. Montecarlo behind her with eyes widened a fraction too.

“Randy. You’re here.” His father noted with a deeper voice than him. A bit amused to see him at the function.

“Good evening mom, dad. I have Ms. Encarnacion with me. She’d like to donate to tonight’s charity cause.” Nanunuyang sabi ng anak ng Montecarlo habang nakapiin ang mata sakin.

Agad nanlambot ang mga tuhod ko. Kung hindi ako hawak nito sa braso e baka napaluhod na ako. Nagkatinginan ang mag asawa at litong bumaling samin.

“That’s.. thank you. Good evening, son… Ms. Encarnacion. Forgive me for asking, but are you alone? Where are your parents, hija?” Madame Montecarlo, though look confused, smiled and asked in a precise and gentle manner. Malayong malayo sa kaninang ginang na kunsuming kunsumi sa mag ama niya.

“Uhh… opo.. nasa abroad po kasi sina.. m-mommy at daddy.” Patuloy kong pagpapanggap.

Mr. Montecarlo is already talking to another businessman behind Mrs. Montecarlo pero siya, nanatili ang titig sakin.

“I see. I think I remember you, but you look.. different. In a good way. Maliit kapa kasi noon ng pinakilala ka sakin ni Matilda hija, now you are becoming more of a lady.” Ngiting ngiting sabi niya.

Agad akong nakaramdam ng kilabot. It’s good that she thought my appearance changed due to age, kung iisipin niyang hindi ko kamukha si Cassie…. patay ako.

“You should join us. Come son, let’s go to our table.” Kung anong lambing niya sa ibang tao ay ganun kabilis nabura ang ngiti nito ng titigan ang anak. Agad kong naalala ang panenermon niya kanina dito.

The guy beside me sighed before grabbing the small of my back to guide us to their supposed table. What the hell? Wala to sa usapan. Bakit ako makikikain sa mga mayayaman? At.. sa mga Montecarlo pa?

Kung di ka lang kasi mahadera Ria, eh wala ka sana sa sitwasyong to.

We are seated in a huge round table along with his parents, his aunt and uncle, the city mayor, the police chief, and some board of directors and stockholders I heard earlier.

Sobrang awkward! Kita ko ang pagiging kuryoso ng asawa ng kapatid ni Rico Montecarlo at ang panaka naka nilang tinginan ng ina nitong si Randy. Nakakahiya! Maeeskandalo pa ata ako at ang malala! Pangalan ni Cassie ang dala ko. Paano nalang kung kumalat ito tapos makarating sa magjowang iyon? Anong iisipin niyang ginawa ko dito?

Sinerve ang soup sa mesa namin pero dahil hindi nga ako sanay kumain sa ganitong klase ng setting, yamot akong kumuha nalang ng kutsara sa gilid ko. Siguro mamaya ko pa dapat gagamitin ang iba kapag nagserve pa ng ibang pagkain?

Akmang sasandok ako sa soup ng marinig ko ng pagbuntong hininga ng lalaking katabi ko.

“Thats.. a dessert spoon.” He said in a very low voice enough only for me to hear. Agad akong napatingin sakanya na taas ang isang kilay.

Nagtagal ang titig niya sakin at awang ang bibig bago siya kumuha ng isang kutsara na medyo pabilog ang ulo sa tabi ko at simpleng inabot sakin.

“This.. is a soup spoon. The one you are holding though, is used for dessert.” muli niyang bulong kahit deretso sa harap ang tingin.

Agad akong lumingon sa mga kasama namin sa mesa at mabuti nalang ay abala sila sa sariling kwentuhan at pagkain. Nakakahiya! Nalilito man sa nangyayari ay kinuha ko ang kutsarang inabot niya at binaba ang hawak na kutsara kanina.

I don’t know if I should be thanking him pero binalot ako ng kahihiyan ng tulungan niya ako. Ang tanga mo Ria!

“Mom seems to know you.. which Encarnacion are you again?” Dinig kong nanunuyang tanong niya sa mahina ngunit malalim na boses.

Nakakainis! Bakit kasi ako pumayag na pumunta dito! Nanginginig ang labi ko sa kaba ng muli siyang tinapunan ng tingin. Sinalubong ako ng madilim niyang titig at igting na panga.

Sinubukan kong magsalita pero walang lumalabas sa bibig ko at sa halip ay nanatili lang na awang ang mga labi ko. Shit!

Eyes still darted at me, he crouched to whisper in my right ear, “I wonder why the owners of one of the biggest shipping companies in the country can’t afford to school their heiress on basic table etiquette?” He said mercilessly. Fuck!

You are blowing your cover, Ria! This… this is dangerous. Mabubuking ako sa kabobohan ko!

I cleared my throat. Praying hard na tantanan niya ang panonood sa ginagawa ko.

“A-Alam ko iyon… n-namali lang ako ng kuha…” mahinang sabi ko at tinuon ang tingin sa tasa ng sabaw sa harap ko.

“Hmmm. Alright.” He noted bago humigop sa sarili niyang soup. Ganoon nalang din ang ginawa ko.. kahit na hindi ko alam kung makakakain pako sa sobrang kaba.

Sunod sunod ng sinerve ang mga pagkain. One after the other. Ni hindi ko halos maubos ang pagkain pero kinukuha na din dahil magseserve na ng bagong putahe. My eyes went up to his parents, as his mom is engaged in a fashion conversation, while her husband beside her is cutting the steak. Once done, he swiftly switched their plates and put the one he sliced to his wife. Habang nasa kanya ang sa asawang hindi magalaw dahil sa pakikipagusap.

The Montecarlo patriarch then tapped his wife under the table and whispered on her ear, saka lang natuon ang pansin ni Rein Montecarlo sa plato at nagsimulang kumain habang kausap padin ang isang businesswoman na katapat niya.

I bit my lip to hide my smile. Hindi ko maiwasang kiligin at mainggit sa nakikita. Ngayon lang ata ako nakakita ng ganitong trans couple. Ibang iba sa mga kapitbahay naming trans din na may booking daw na lalaki. How Mr. Montecarlo is very observant of his wife, whenever her glasses needs to be refilled, if she wanted more serving of the dish, o kung hindi siya kumakain dahil masyadong okupado sa pakikipagusap. Maya’t maya ang bulong niya dito at ang huli naman ay ngumingiti lang at humahawak sakanyang braso.

Nagpapasalamat ako at hindi ako kinakausap ng mga tao sa mesa pero kita ko ang minsang panonood samin ng ina at tiyahin ng katabi ko. Lagi ba naman akong pumapalpak kaya maya’t maya din ang bulong at pagbuntong hininga ng katabi ko tungkol sa kung anong kubyertos ba ang gagamitin, at kung paano kainin ang putaheng hinahain.

Sinerve ang dessert ng mabakante ang ina ni Randy at ako naman ngayon ang kinausap.

“Thank you, again hija, for your interest to donate. Please send my regards to your parents. I hope you are enjoying the party?” Madame Rein asked while smiling at me. Napabaling din saglit sakin ang tingin ng asawa niya bago tumoon sa kanyang anak sa aking tabi.

I had to drink and clear my throat to compose myself. “T-Thank you din po… m-madame for inviting us. S-Sasabihin ko p-po.. kay m-mommy..” my shaky voice is not helping. Lalo lang akong magmumukhang huwad dito sa katabi ko. Hindi na maganda na nahuli niya ako kanina na nakikinig sa usapan nila, ngayon naman tila ako mangmang na di marunong kumain ng five-course meal. Sinong shipping line heiress ang ganoon? Wala Ria!

Nagpatuloy ang programa at nanatili akong nakaupo sa mesa nila. Hindi ako makatayo. Umiikot ang MC sa mga table at may iniinterview sila. Dumaan ang isa pang oras at gustong gusto ko ng umuwi!

“E-Excuse me po… magc-cr lang…” hilaw ang ngisi ko at nahihiyang nagpaalam sa magulang nitong lalaki. The Montecarlo patriarch kept a straight face before staring at his son beside me while his wife smiled and nodded at me.

I don’t want to be rude. They are so kind even though they are intimidating kaya pinili kong pormal na magpaalam parin. Iyon nga lang, hindi ako magccr. Tatakas na ako palabas dahil gusto ko ng umuwi.

Nakuha na ng secretary nila ang tseke na dinonate ko kaya tapos na ang trabaho ko ngayong gabi.

Hindi ko alam ang tinahak ko pero ang natatandaan ko nung nabunggo ako ng kasambahay kanina, deretso tapos kakanan na ako ngayon.

“And where do you think you are going?” Halos manigas ako sa kinatatayuan ng marinig ang pamilyar na boses.

Napasinghap ako at lumingon. Taas noo para ipakita parin na confident ako at hindi ako natatakot sa panunuya niya. “R-Restroom.”

He walked towards me, closing our distance with hands now both in his side pockets. “Uhuh. Only that the restroom is that way.” Nguso niya sa kabilang pasilyo. Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko ng makita ang pagkislot ng namumula niyang labi. Ano ba Ria?!

“Stop lying. You are leaving, aren’t you?” Muli niyang baling sakin gamit ang madilim na mga mata. Halos manlambot ang tuhod ko sa takot.

He said it. I swallowed hard and kept my chin up high. “Y-Yes. I’m bored. I’m d-done here anyway. I’m l-leaving.” Matapang kong sabi. Only that he smirked at me and shook his head slightly.

“Come then. I’ll take you home.” Madilim niyang sabi at hinila ako patungo sa daang tatahakin ko sana.

Abot abot ang pagpoprotesta ko at pagbawi ng kamay pero hindi niya ako binibitawan. Agad naman akong napayuko ng may makasalubong kaming mga kasambahay. Nakakahiya at baka masumbong ako sa amo nila.

Dumiretso kami sa parking lot nilang punong puno ng mamahaling sasakyan. Nakita kong umilaw ang headlights ng puting Toyota 86 pero bago pa kami makapasok, narinig ko ang security sa likod na inawat kami.

Sabay kaming napalingon sa security na pormal na pormal na nakatayo. Sa makalabas ng parking lot ay ang kasama niya na may kausap sa radyo.

“Sir Randy. May utos po si madame na bawal kayong palabasin-”

“Tsk. Back off. I’ll call mom and dad.” He scoffed before guiding me to sit on his passenger seat.

Kita ko ang paghabol samin ng security at tinatawag ang pangalan niya pero mabilis niyang pinaharurot ang sasakyan. Walang nagawa ang kawawang security kung hindi ang mapakamot sa ulo.

Inapakan niya pa ang gas at pinaharurot ng makitang isasara ang malaki nilang gate. What the fuck! Anong ginagawa mo?

“You better wear your seatbelt, princess.” He smirked before swiftly maneuvering the steering wheel with one hand. Oh my God. Ayoko pang mamatay.

“Tangina.” Hindi ko napigilang mura kasabay ng paghalakhak ng hayop na to sa tabi ko.

Halos mabunutan ako ng tinik sa dibdib ng nakalabas kami ng Casa Montecarlo. Ang akala ko ay babangga kami at katapusan ko na. Agad kong tinapunan ng madilim na titig ang katabi ko but the latter just raised a brow and shrugged his shoulders.

Tahimik naming tinatahak ang daan ng sinimulan niyang kalikutin ang iPhone niya sa phone holder. Nakita ko ang rumehistrong Dad sa dinial niyang number.

“Excuse me for a quick call.” He said while his phone is still ringing.

“Son.” I heard the Montecarlo patriarch on the other line. They almost have the same baritone voice, only that his dad sounded more menacing.

“Dad, i’ll be out in a bit. I’ll be back. Tell mom.”

“You.. went out? I thought I understand that your mom forbids you from sneaking out.” His dad’s low voice still thundered.

“Hindi ako magtatagal. May… ihahatid lang.” kita ko ang mabilis niyang sulyap sakin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit umiinit ang pisngi ko sa hiya.

Sinubukan kong tumingin ng tuwid sa daan pero hindi ko mapigilang mapatitig sa cellphone at makinig sa usapan.

I heard his dad sighed “Uhuh. I’ll.. tell her. But you better be home in thirty, boy or I’ll be the one to whoop your fucking ass. If your mom gets mad at me-”

This brute just laughed at his father and shook his head “She won’t. I promise. Hindi ako magtatagal. She wouldn’t even know I’m gone. Bye dad.”

“Hah! Let’s see.” The Montecarlo patriarch scoffed before the call was cut off.

I can’t help but smile internally. How these Montecarlo men screams dominance and intimidation to other people, but both of them are actually soft and gentle towards the Montecarlo matriarch. They are even scared to anger the woman of their house. Muli kong naalala kung paanong wala silang magawa ng manggalaiti sa galit si Rein Montecarlo kanina sa mag-amang to.

I secretly stared at him. Nakatukod ang isang braso niya sa may windshield at pinaglalaruan ang ibabang labi. He removed his coat earlier and his sleeves are now folded up to his elbows. Exposing a bit of his full-sleeve tattoo on his arm that’s holding the steering wheel. Pacool kid. Mommy’s boy naman. Nangingisi kong isip.

Bumaling siya sakin at kusang tumaas ang kilay ng mahuli akong nakatitig sakanya “Like what you see?” He asked languidly. I almost rolled my eyes. Shit!

Deretso lang ang takbo namin ng muli siyang magsalita. “Saan kita ihahatid?”

At mabilis akong ginapangan ng kaba. Saan? Plano kong umuwi samin, ngayong ihahatid niya ako… sa condo ba nina Cassie? Duh? Syempre! Ano’t di na gumagana ang utak mo Ria?!

Pero naisip kong mapapalayo ako.. at mapapagastos sa tricycle. Kaya halos mabuhayan ako ng loob ng makaisip ng palusot.

“You don’t have t-to, but thanks. Diyan nalang sa SVU. Susunduin ako ng driver ko.” I made it sound convincing kahit na medyo nauutal padin ang boses ko.

Kunot ang noo niyang binalingan ako pero sumunod naman siya at binaba nga ako sa tapat ng gate ng San Vicente University. He stared outside his window before he turned to face me.

“Where’s your driver?” He asked in a menacing tone. Luh.

“I’ll wait for him here. O-On the way na siya. You can go. Thanks for the r-ride.” Sabi ko at mabilis na kinalas ang seatbelt at walang sabing binukas ang pintuan. Buti at hindi ako napahiya dahil mabilis niyang naclick iyon kaya bumukas. Gosh.

Nakatayo ako sa tapat ng SVU at palinga linga. Sa eskinitang katapat ng school ang daan sa bahay ni tiyang pero hindi ako makaalis… dahil nakaparada padin ang toyota 86 nitong Randy sa gilid ko. Bat ayaw mo pa umalis?

Nagsimula akong lumakad at tumigil kunwari sa kabilang gilid. Panaka naka ang tingin ko dahil nakatigil padin don ang sasakyan. Nagkunwari akong may tinatawagan at tinapat sa tenga ang cellphone.

Fuck. Kung huhulihin niya ako kung talaga bang susunduin ako ng driver, eh mabibisto ako. Wala nga kaming sasakyan, driver pa?

Halos pagpawisan ng matindi ang mga kamay ko at kung saan saan ako lumilingon na animo may hinihintay talaga ng marinig ko ulit siyang magsalita sa likod ko. Halos mapatalon ako sa gulat.

“What are you doing?” His husky voice suddenly sent shivers to my spine. What the hell is happening?

“Uhh-” hindi na alam kung ano ang idudugtong “H-Hinihintay ang driver. Medyo n-natagalan… daw..” sabi ko at muling luminga linga kunwari.

“Really? Or there’s really no one coming to pick you up?” He said, nakataas ang kilay, madilim ang titig at nakangisi sakin. He’s so…

He sighed before closing our distance. Napaatras ako sa takot pero mabilis niyang nahuli ang likod ko. Halos mabitawan ko ang cellphone sa panlalambot ng tuhod ko. Bakit? Takot? Hindi… ano tong nararamdaman ko.

“I don’t know what you are up to, but you can stop pretending now. Saan talaga kita ihahatid?” Nilalasing ako ng mariin niyang titig at hindi ko alam kung ano ang isasagot sakanya. What the…