Chapter 31

 The hallway is full of students, considering that midterms are coming; everyone seems to be so busy to care about their surroundings. The memory of Kev's smirk is still irritating me. Is there a way for me to avoid the National University Conference?

Yes, I know it'll be an excellent chance to observe Kev, but he gets on my nerves like no one else, and I'm still scared of him. I want to hurt someone. Today's such a bad day. I probably look so scary because some students are avoiding me as I walk to my locker.

I'm going to have dinner with Alexavia, and she's probably waiting for me outside. I want to calm myself before I face her. She has been my best friend for a long time, and we treat each other like sisters. I'm sure she'll know if something's bothering me.

I sighed; I opened my locker to fetch some books when something fell. A paper folded carefully. I didn't hesitate to pick it up, and what I read shocked me.

"Do you want to know what happened to Mommy and Daddy? I'll tell you, little girl. You'll find your first clue tonight."

I immediately crumpled the paper and threw it in the trash bin. I stared at the bin as if I could burn it. My heart is beating so fast. It feels like I ran a marathon, and I don't know how to calm myself.

Someone placed the paper inside my locker. The question is, who? Was it my captor? He's the only person who told me about my parents, and it seems like he knows a lot. Could it be Kev? Or someone else? I'm not sure about what's happening anymore.

Before I could stop myself, I opened the trash bin to search for the paper. I can analyze the writing, or I could ask Detective Michaels to check for fingerprints. Maybe we can find some clues from this paper.

I know the students are probably staring at me like I have gone crazy, and maybe I am insane. I didn't care about the smell either the way I look right now as I search the trash. When I saw the familiar crumpled paper, I picked it up right away and placed it inside my jeans pocket.

"What the hell, Skyla?" Alexavia half-shouted.

Binalik ko ang takip ng basurahan, and I forced my self to smile genuinely at her. I don't want her to worry. I'm going to have fun tonight as nothing happened. I'll forget everything for now.

I took a deep breath, "Hey, Alex. Can I shower in your place? I kinda stink." She pinched her nose in disgust and only nodded at me. The other students gave way as I passed na tila diring-dire sa akin. I can't blame them. Halos mag-dive na ako sa basurahan kanina.

I followed her to her car, "What the fuck was that, Skyla? Are you that poor at namamasura ka na ngayon?"

Rolling my eyes, I said, "I accidentally threw something kaya bago pa dumating si kuya helper. I thought of getting it again before I regret it."

"Gross. Kakalinis lang ng kotse ko at ngayon ipapalinis ko na naman."

"I'm sorry, okay? I'll pay for the fee."

"You better." I walked faster hanggang sa magkatabi na kami. I pinched her left cheek with my dirty right hand. "Ewwwww, Skyla. I hate you."

I giggled as I ran towards her car, opening the passenger seat. I turned to her and said, "I know you love me."

I didn't bother looking at her expression because I know she'll be rolling her eyes, but she'll smile anyway. 

           Alexavia's room smells like lavender. Sobrang relaxing ng amoy na gusto ko nalang matulog at kalimutan ang lahat pero knowing Alex, she won't allow it. According to her hindi na kami nakakapag-bonding and she misses me terribly.

And I agree with her, bago pa mangyari sa akin lahat ng kamalasan na ito. Alexavia and I are always together. Halos hindi kami mapaghiwalay pero ngayon pati pagkikita namin sa campus ay pahirapan na. Partly, it's my fault.

I know that secrets either break or make your friendship, but I do not want to involve Alexavia any further. My life is in danger, and I'm not going to put hers in danger too.

"Alex, I'll just shower. I'll make it quick; then we can have dinner." I shouted before closing the bathroom door. Even the walls of her bathroom are in lavender color. Hindi na ako magtataka kung sa susunod na pagbisita ko ay pati sahig ay kulay lavender na rin.

Halos magkapareho lang kami ng sukat ng katawan ni Alexavia kaya hindi mahirap sa akin na manghiram ng ilan sa mga damit nya. I decided to borrow her open-shoulder maxi dress. I wonder if this is new. Hindi ko pa kasi nakikitang suot nya ito.

It didn't take long for me to shower and change. I'm currently sitting in front of Alexavia's vanity desk when my phone vibrated.

From: Ivo

Are you with your friends?

I grinned at my phone and immediately replied to his message.

To: Ivo

From: Skyla

Alexavia and I are going out. We will have dinner. Wanna join us?

From: Ivo

No, just checking on you. Have fun.

I pouted. "Hoy, anong nginunguso-nguso mo dyan?" ani ni Alexavia. Umupo sya sa kama nya at napansin nyang hawak ko ang aking cellphone. "Ivo?" I nodded at her.

"I invited him to join us but he declined." ngumuso ulit ako ng parang batang nagtatampo. Ewan ko ba. Nakakapagtampo naman kasi.

"Tigilan mo ako, Skyla. Girls' night out natin tapos magi-invite ka ng lalake. The audacity."

I felt guilty. She's right. I should be spending time with her and asking how she has been. Alam kong nagkikita kami pero parang kay tagal na rin noong kinamusta ko sya.

"I'm sorry. Wag ka na magtampo." ani ko. I stood up and sat next to her. I hugged her tightly, kissed her cheeks and placed my head on her shoulder. "I miss you, best friend," I whispered.

Sinandal ni Alexavia ng bahagya and ulo nya sa ulo ko. "Charotera ka. Porket napag iwanan na ako ng panahon."

Namula ang pisnge ko dahil alam ko ang ibig sabihin ni Alexavia, but Ivo and I aren't together. I don't even know what kind of relationship we have, however, I feel safe around him.

I also don't want to analyze kasi baka mabaliw lang ako. Hahayaan ko nalang ang panahon. Ang tanging alam ko lang ay isa si Ivo sa mga pinagkakatiwalaan ko ngayon.

"Oi, hindi ah." tumayo ako hinila patayo si Alexavia. "Let's go. Baka wala na tayong maupuan. Dami pa naman tayo don."

"I thought you made a reservation?" Alexavia asked.

I looked at her, "No. I thought you made a reservation?"

We stared at each other for a few seconds before we burst into laughter. This happens all the time. "Whatever. We'll just wait if maraming tao. Ayoko sa ibang restaurant. I'm craving for Plum Mulberry Bistro's carbonara." ani niya.

Plum Mulberry Bistro is probably one of the most underrated restaurant around our city. It's a hidden gem. After tasting their carbonara ay hindi na kami tumingin sa iba ni Alexavia. The bistro is our hiding and relaxing haven. I brought Uncle Bern and Anthony once there too. At the thought of them, the sadness came. I know Anthony is still angry at me when he saw me with Ivo.

I don't think I can face my Uncle after what happened. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na sinaktan nya ako. Napahawak ako sa pisnge, it feels like his hands are still gripping my face.

The restaurant isn't far from Alexavia's house. It took us 5 minutes to get here and we're lucky, wala masyadong customer ang restaurant.

We walked towards a lady in a red dress, she smiled at us, "Good evening, table for?" ani ng receptionist.

"Table for tw--,"

"Make that four, hija." I turned my head to see Anthony and Uncle Bern walking towards us. What are they doing here?

"Uncle Bern!" Alexavia squealed excitedly to see him. He hugged her like the good old man he is.

"Alexavia, hija. I haven't seen you in a while." kunyaring may pagtatampo sa boses nya. Tinignan ko si Anthony at nakatingin rin sya akin pero hindi ko alam kung anong ibig sabihin ng titig nya.

"I'll visit next time. Medyo busy lang sa University, alam nyo na po I need to study hard and plan for my future." Alexavia said, she turned to me, "I'm with Skyla. Your timing couldn't have been better."

I walked towards them kahit mabigat ang bawat hakbang ko. I'm scared of my Uncle. My body is tense; I forced a smile and kissed his cheek. I have to remind myself na walang alam si Alexavia sa mga nangyayari. I have to fake it until I make it. "Good evening, Uncle." I faked a smile.

Amusement is evident in his eyes. Is he enjoying the way I tremble near him?

"You're right, Alexavia. My time couldn't have been better. My two favorite girls are here." he smiled at us. "And I also have an important announcement."

"Ooh, I wonder what that is. Come on, Uncle Bern. I can keep a secret." Alexavia said playfully. She then clung her hands to his arms, dragging him away as Uncle Bern laughed at her enthusiasm.

I can't believe this is happening. Akala ko pa naman ay may maganda ng mangyayari sa araw ko pero I am wrong once again. Uncle Bern said something about an important announcement. What could it be?

"Skyla," a hand touched mine. I turned my head to the source only to find Anthony looking at me intently.

"Anth-on-y, hi," halos bulol kong bigkas.

"Where have you been? Uncle Bern is worried about you," I frowned at his statement. He didn't look worried at me when he saw me just a few minutes ago.

"I don-t think so. Listen, Anthony." I paused and looked at our surroundings. Dinala ko sya sa isang sulok para magtago sa mga pamanuring mata. Tinignan ko muli ang paligid para makasiguro na hindi kami makikita ni Uncle Bern.

"Hey, what's wrong? You look scared." He held my hand at hinimas ito gamit hinlalaki nya.

It's okay to tell him, right? At mukhang nakalimutan nya na rin na galit sya sa akin noong makita nyang magkasama kami ni Ivo. Anthony got my back.

"Anthony," I breathed. I look at him straight in the eyes and all I can see is his worry for me. "Uncle Bern... he, hu--"

"It's okay, Skyla, I'm here." mahigpit ang hawak ni Anthony sa kamay ko and it's almost comforting.

I closed my eyes, "Sinaktan ako ni Uncle Bern."

He's like my second father and I respect him a lot, but I can't just forget what he did. If he'll only explain why he hates Ivo so much then maybe I could understand. Maybe then I can explain that Ivo is not what he thinks.

Anthony looked at me like he didn't understand anything I said, "Wait, what?" he asked.

"He hurt me. He did. He had this murderous look when he found out that I was with Ivo. He got so angry. Everything happened so fast. The next thing I know, I was on the floor and his gripping my face telling me to be a good girl and stay away from Ivo, but I just don't understand. Why??? Why is he so angry??" I ranted, but I kept my voice low. "Uncle Bern scares me, Anthony. I don't think I can go back to his house."

Anthony's expression changed from worry to something so familiar. His eyes are full of rage. I can feel his hand shake as he held mine. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na nakita kong ganito kagalit si Anthony. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin nya pero hindi mawala ang kaba ko. Ayokong mag-away sila ni Uncle Bern dito.

"Ivo. Him again."

"Huh?" ani ko dahil hindi ko sya narinig ng maayos.

"It's fucking Ivo Moretti again." may galit sa boses ni Anthony na ikinagulat ko. Binitawan nya ang kamay ko na kanina lang ay hawak nya. "It's your fault. It's your own damn fault."

I stepped back, he looks furious. "What d-o you mean?"

He grabbed my hand before I could pull back. Masakit ang pagkakahawak nya sa kamay ko. Kung gugustuhin nyang baliin ito ay paniguradong magagawa nya. Hinawakan nya ang ulo ko. Pinilit kong pumalag pero he made sure that I am in place. "I told you to listen, Skyla, but you didn't. What's so difficult to understand with 'STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM IVO MORETTI!'", he whispered harshly against my ear.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I didn't expect this reaction from Anthony. Akala ko he will take my side and talk to Uncle Bern about what he did to me. I didn't expect him to be this angry. Almost as angry like Uncle Bern.

I tried to pull away again pero hindi nya pa rin ako binibitawan. "This is your last warning, Skyla. Don't make me do something you'll regret." I couldn't breathe. I think I forgot how to.

He then let go of me and walked away. I held my chest as if it would help to steady my heartbeat. What the hell just happened? Why is Anthony acting this way? Does this mean that he's taking Uncle Bern's side?

I thought he will take my side. He always does. Bata pa lang kami. He and I are partners. Why is he siding with Uncle Bern? He said it's my fault?

Did I deserve do get hurt because it's my fault? I tried to stop the tears forming my eyes. I don't want to ruin this night any further. Ayokong umiyak.

Tumingala ako at humingi ng malalim. "Hey, Skyla. The food's here. Let's go." Alexavia suddenly appeared at my side.

Forcing myself to smile, "Okay. I'm starving."

We walked towards the table where Anthony and Uncle Bern is seated. I'm still uncomfortable after what happened with Anthony, but I have to act as if nothing happened again. I don't want to ruin this night for Alexavia.

"I'm so happy! I think the last time I ate with you guys was last year." ani ni Alexavia.

When time allows, Alexavia joins Anthony, Uncle Bern, and I for dinner. It's our family's way of catching up lalo na noong pumasok ako sa University at noong nagsimulang magtrabaho si Anthony para sa kompanya ni Uncle Bern.

Ani ni Uncle, he feels lonely inside his big house. Kaya kung may oras sya ay iniimbitahan nya kami to catch up. Madalas kong isama si Alexavia noon dahil gustong-gusto nyang makinig sa mga kwento ni Uncle. However, that's all in the past. I'm the odd one out here. Hindi ako komportable ngayong nakaupo ako sa harap ni Uncle Bern and Anthony.

"You should visit us more, Alexavia. I'm sure Skyla is missing the old days." Tinignan ako ni Uncle Bern and he raised his wine glass to his lips. What did he just say? I'm missing the old days? Uhm, nope. I'm not missing it anymore after finding out I live with two possible psychos.

"Of course, Uncle Bern! Right, Skyla?" I looked at Alexavia and smiled genuinely with all my might.

"Yes, but we have a lot of things to do. We have midterms coming and I still have the conference. Remember? I'm sure we can find a schedule to work on." I hope I sounded convincing.

Ramdam ko pa rin ang mga tingin ni Uncle Bern. Wala rin akong lakas para tignan si Anthony. I don't know these two people in front of me. They're not the same person I've loved and cared for as I grew up.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll manage, Skyla. May oras ka nga para kay Ivo Moretti kami pa kayang pamilya mo?" ani ni Anthony. I forgot how sarcastic he can be at times. In normal situations I would have answered sarcastically.

Alexavia choked on her wine. She turned to look at me at ang mga mata niya ang tila nangungusap 'Girl, tell me what's going on' but I ignored it and acted like I didn't get what she's trying to ask me.

I smiled at Anthony, "Ivo is a friend. He's actually really nice. Maybe if you will get to know him then you will understand me."

He scoffed and say, "You're so gullible, Skyla."

Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko, "I don't understand why you hate him so much. Is it because of the Mafia?" I'm furious now. I don't care anymore if this evening will be ruined. "You don't even know if those rumors are true? Akala ko ba the Vielles' are smarter than believing in rumors. At saka pa---"

"You can spend time with him." Anthony looked Uncle Bern with anger in his eyes. He was about to say something when Uncle Bern raises his right hand to stop Anthony from talking.

"What?" I asked in disbelief. Am I hearing things?

"I said you can spend time with Ivo Moretti as much as you would like."

Tahimik lang sa tabi ko si Alexavia pero alam kong ramdam nya na ang tensyon sa ere. I swallowed before speaking, "I can stay friends with Ivo?"

Uncle Bern smiled at me. The comforting smile I know since I was a kid and for a moment I thought he was just mad at me because I disobeyed him and that he's still the Uncle Bern I know. I thought he finally understood. I really thought. His next words shook me to the very core of my being.

"Yes, hija. You can be friends with him, but when you and Anthony get married, I don't think that's a good idea. After all, no husband in their right mind would allow their wife to be friends with such a dangerous man."

I couldn't breathe. Para akong binagsakan ng langit at lupa sa narinig ko ngayon lang. Is this a fucking joke? He must be joking. Uncle Bern loves to joke a lot. Bata pa lang kami ni Anthony ay ganoon na talaga ang personality nya. Masyadong carefree. I must be hearing things.

"What are you talking about, Uncle Bern?" There's anger in Alexavia's voice.

"You heard me right, hija. Anthony and Skyla will soon be married." Uncle Bern didn't even glance at her. He was only looking at his wine na tila ito ang pinaka magandang bagay na nakita nya.

I looked at Anthony. Humikbi na ako ng makita ko ang ekspresyon ng mukha nya. So he knows na sa simula pa lang ay ito an ang plano ni Uncle Bern? They're all crazy. I just can't believe this. I didn't know it'll be possible to be betrayed by someone you admire twice. It hurts like hell.

Alexavia slammed her fist on the table. Napatingin ako sa kanya dahil sa gulat. She stood up and grabbed Anthony's necktie by force. "What the fuck is this, Anthony?"

Napaawang ang bibig ko. Anthony removed Alexavia's hand by force and he glared at her, "I didn't know your comprehension is shit, Alex. Do I need to repeat what my Uncle just said for you to understand?"

"Asshole! She's like your sister!" Alexavia yelled at ramdam ko na nakatingin sa amin ang mga staff at ilang guest ng restaurant.

Anthony smirked at Alex and said, "Not by blood."

Alexavia turned to my Uncle, "Is this the announcement you meant?" 

"Yes, Alexavia, and you're invited to their wedding." 

"What the fuuu-----! Wait, Skyla?! Where are you going??" Alexavia yelled, but I didn't care. 

I can't do this anymore. So, I stood up and left. Hindi ko na pinansin ang tawag ni Alexavia. I don't think I can face her right now. I'm ashamed, angry, sad, and disappointed all at once. I don't know what to do. I didn't even care where I was going. Tumakbo lang ako ng tumakbo.

I can run forever in exchange for this nightmare to end. Can someone tell me what's going on? I'm so lost. Why is this happening to me? Did I do miserable things in my past life, and this is my punishment? Not that I believe in the past life, but that could be the only explanation, right? I remember this one classmate of mine who is a massive believer in past life. She said that sometimes the bad things that happen in our life are our punishment, and we are only living in order to suffer. 

Is that what's happening here? I almost laughed at myself for sounding so crazy. Maybe there's no such thing as a past life or whatever they call it. Perhaps there are people born with a tail of bad luck with them. Maybe I'm one of those people, or maybe someone great out there is toying with me and testing how long will I last. Didn't I lose enough? Ano pa ba ang kukunin sa akin?

Hindi ko alam kung ilang minuto na akong tumatakbo. Ni hindi ko nga napansin ang dinadaanan ko at sumudsod ako sa lupa. I screamed when my knee hit a stone. I fell with my face. Ramdam ko ang mga maliliit na bato kung saan tumama ang kanang pisnge ko.

I tried to stand up pero masyadong masakit ang tuhod ko dahil sa pagkakatama nito sa bato. It's probably bleeding too. I tried to hold my tears but I couldn't stop my eyes from leaking. Hindi ko alam kung anong masakit. Yung mga sugat ko ba o yung malaman mong ang mga mahal mo sa buhay ang tra-traydor sayo.

Pinilit kong maupo mula sa pagkakadapa ko kahit na masakit ang mga sugat ko. A car is approaching, I covered my eyes with my bruised arm to shield myself from the blinding light. I hope the driver of this car won't notice me. Please, please, please.

The car stopped in front of me and I flinched when I heard the door open, damn. I heard footsteps pero ayokong tignan kung sino man ang estrangherong ito. 'Just leave me be.'

"Shania?" I looked at the source of the voice. Confused at his question.

The darkness of the night didn't hide his handsome features and its gentleness. I think the last time I saw him was when he, Polina, and Nikolai saved Ivo and me when we were attacked at a restaurant.

"Se-verin?" nanginginig ang boses ko. But I am relieved that it's him who found me. He's someone I can trust at least. 

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