Chapter 34 THE THIRD HEIR

“Leyra let’s go.” Krio hold my hand. Sobrang higpit. Nararamdaman ko ang lamig ng kamay nito.

“Wait!” saad ko. I poked the woman in front of me. Lumingon ito. “Excuse me, what is happening? Who did this?” tanong ko sa kanya.

“I don’t know. We’re just passing by and this is what we saw. Well, they kind of deserve it,” wika nito at umalis na. Everyone is chattering. Tapos ay nagsialisan yung iba na parang wala lang nangyari. As if killings is just normal to them.

“Why are you guys just leaving, as if you saw nothing happened? They were just tortured!” I said with a loud voice, their attentions were shifted on me.

“Leyra, what are you doing?” nagtatakang bulong ni Krio.

“Do you think that’s inhuman?” I asked Krio and I was so confused.

“No, that’s not inhuman. But what they did is inhuman too,” Krio said to me. Someone interrupted us.

“Hey, miss!? You’re living in Las Haciendas. A place where no rules are existing. Killings is normal in here. It’s a punishment. People living in here are not new to that. Don’t worry because they deserved it actually. Those killings you, witnessed or knew, like in here, they would not earned that for no reason. Gosh, where on Las Haciendas did you came from!?” saad nito. I was so speechless with what she said.

“Leyra, come on. Let’s go home.” Krio whispered. Hinila na niya ako papalayo hanggang sa makabalik kami ng kotse.

“Don’t mind what they said,” sabi nito at pinaandar ang kotse.

I was so exhausted. May nakita akong tubig sa tabi ni Krio I drink it to quench my thirst, hanggang sa may napansin akong isang litrato kinuha ko ito. It was a photo of an old man and a man with tattoos on his body whose face was scratched. Tinignan ko yung likod nito, may nakalagay.

“Who is this?” I asked Krio while his eyes are gazing back and forth on the road and me.

“Señor Vicenzo, the tattoo artist who etched on you…gave that to us. He was the old man in there and the other guy is his anak-anakan,” sabi nito.

“Can we go to him? I think it has an address?” I begged.

“Leyra, it’s already late. You’re tired already. We can find him tomorr—” I interrupted him.

“Please!? I need to see him now. I have a strange feeling towards this guy,” sabi ko.

“Leyra!?” nagdadalawang isip na sambit nito.

“Please, I’m begging you,” pagmamakaawa ko sa kanya. I heard a deep sigh from him.

“Fine.” He had no choice but to said that. I gave him the address. I write it down on my notes.

After a few minutes nakarating na kami. Wait…I forgot why am I here?

“I think we’re here. Let’s go,” sabi nitong lalaking kasama ko at bumaba na. He then opened the door of the car for me.

“Wait, nasaan tayo? Sino ka?” tanong ko sa lalaking nag bukas ng pinto. He get some photos on my bag and show me a photo of us and there was written word “LOVE”. I didn’t complained, bumaba na ako. He explained to me why are we here.

This place is secluded. The house is a modern mountain home I guess it was colored with black and mostly walled with glass. Lumapit na kami sa pintuan. Krio push the button of the doorbell. Ilang segundo rin kaming nag-antay. Hanggang sa bumukas ang pinto. Pagbukas na pagbukas pa lang ng pinto ay tila huminto ang mga oras nang makita ko ang lalaking nasa harap ko. I saw his eyes widened as he was also in shocked seeing me. It was him.

“Leyra?” sambit nito sa pangalan ko na punong-puno ng pagkagulat.

“Riushan?” I said and hugged him.

|| KRIOGRI’S POV ||

I don’t know exactly what she feel but looking on her reaction. I know she was happy seeing him again. Riushan hugged back but still in shocked, looks like he cannot believe what he saw. He looked at me curiously.

“Finally, I saw you.” Leyra’s voice cracked when she said that, I think she was in tears now. Kumawala ito sa yakap.

“I’m glad I saw you again. I really thought I would never see you,” aniya.

“Wait, sa loob na tayo mag-usap,” sabi nito at pinapasok kami. Nang makarating kami sa sala ay pinaupo niya kami sa couch.

“Kailan ka pa umalis sa mansion?” Leyra asked while looking at the surroundings. He just smiled as a response.

“Do you want some coffee?” pag-iiba nito sa usapan.

“No, Thanks! We’re fine. Oh by the way this is Krio.” Pagpapakilala nito sa akin. He looked at me and smiled.

“Actually, Riush kailangan kitang makausap.” Leyra gazed at me.

“Are you together?” he asked.

“H-how did yo—” naputol ang sasabihin ni Leyra when Riushan interrupted.

“I can sense it.” He smiled again.

“I know it’s kinda awkward but I know Klio would understand. But yeah, I found a new love. You know that I have a condition right? That, I cannot form new—” Napakunot ang noo ni Riushan.

“What condition?” nagtatakang tanong nito. He sit on the couch.

“You didn’t know?” Leyra’s reaction was so confused.

“All we know is that you’re dead,” Riushan said kaya kitang-kita sa mukha ni Leyra ang halos mangiyak-ngiyak na pagkagulat.

“What!? “

“Yes. Until you came. That’s why I was shocked,” aniya.

“Because of that incident that nearly kill her, she suffered from anterograde amnesia. She can’t form new memories,” I interrupted.

“That’s why I have tattoos etched on my body because this is the only way I can rely to remember at least some fragments of memories,” Leyra explained. Riushan suddenly kneels in front of Leyra.

“What are you doing?” she asked in confusion. I saw Riushan tears started to fall.

“I’m really sorry, Leyra. If only I knew. I’m sorry for not protecting you,” sabi nito.

“Ano bang pinagsasabi mo? Wala kang kasalanan sa nangyari kaya wag mong sisihin ang sarili mo dahil lang hindi mo ako naprotektahan,” sabi nito kay Riushan. I can see that they really have a strong bond together.

LEYRA’S POV

When he started to say those words to me. My eyes can’t contain my tears anymore. I burst. The reason Riushan and I became best friends is because of how he treats me and how he treats woman. Ang unang pagkakaalam ko sa kanya ay isang womanizer na uhaw na uhaw sa babae dahil ‘yon ang mga naririnig ko at sabi sa’kin ni Klio that he didn’t respect girls. Tama nga na, you didn’t know and judge a person based on what others perceived them not until you were able to know who they really are. Klio is right he didn’t respect girls but with a valid reason. That is girls who try to harm and trying to bring down their fellow girls. But when it comes to protecting girls or woman he is immeasurable. Hindi man nakakapaniwala pero si Riushan ang laging nariyan sa tuwing napapatrouble ako. I know it was Kliosate’s responsibility but I understand him because he was always busy managing everything their family owns. Sobrang bigat rin ng nakaatas na responsibilidad sa kanya kaya naiintindihan ko siya because he still made up to me after his long busy days. Hindi niya ako nakakalimutan. But for Riushan I am thankful because he was that one call away friend. And, Kliosate is fine with that, minsan siya pa mismo ang nagpapapunta kay Riushan sa’kin, medyo naging okay sila no'ng sinabi ko ang totoong ginagawa ni Riushan sa mga babae. Kasi ang pagkakaalam ko kaya lang sila nagkalayo ng loob because of that narrative na hindi niya nirerespeto ang mga babae.

“You don’t know how much I blamed myself for not protecting you, Leyra,” saad ulit nito.

“Riushan ilang beses mo na akong prinotektahan and you don’t know how much I’m grateful for having you in my life. Please, don’t blame yourself,” I insisted and wiped his tears.

“May isang tanong lang akong nais malaman. Nahanap niyo na ba ang pumatay at gumawa nito sa’min?” I questioned.

“Mahirap hanapin ang taong nagtatago sa maskara,” sabi nito. I don’t know but that was deep.

“Then, I badly need your help. I want justice for him. For us.” Pagmamakaawa ko sa’kanya

“Leyra, we buried his death. I think it’s time for you to move forward,” sabi nito. I can’t believe he would said that? Bakit ang dali lang para sa kanila na kalimutan ang nangyari?

“Buried? Ruishan naririnig mo ba ang sinasabi mo?” tanong ko sa kanya na punong- puno ng pagtataka. I heard my watch beeps.

“Leyra, just trust me. There are things you need to accept without any explanation or reasons,” he replied. Tumayo ako.

“NO!” I hysterically shouted.

“Leyra, calm down.” Pagpapakalma sa’kin ni Krio and he held me.

“Why would you say that? Kliosate is not just anybody. He’s your brother. Paano ako? Hindi ba ako naging importante sayo para sabihin mo sa akin na ibaon na lang sa nakaraan ang nangyari?” My voice cracked while saying those words to him.

“Alam mo kung gaano ka kaimportante sa akin, Leyra. But, you don’t understand,” giit nito.

“THEN LET ME UNDERSTAND!” I yelled. “Kasi nahihirapan at napapagod na rin ako. I was so tired in believing that he’s still here. It was so tiring haunted by the pain of my past. So, how can I move on if I’m still stuck in the past?” I said to him. Riushan was speechless for a moment. Krio is still behind my back calming me.

“She needs to know the truth, let’s help her,” Krio interrupted.

“Please, Riushan,” pagmamakaawa ko.

“Okay, you will know the truth. I’m really sorry,” he said and hugged me.

I heard my watch beeps.

“Where am I?” I was so confused. I saw the man in front of me, his awra, those piercings in his ears, plus the rings on his fingers, he never changed. Riushan is still that person I know. I hugged him.

“I’m glad I see you,” sabi ko na nanabik na makita siyang muli. Pagkatapos kong kumawala sa pagkakayakap ay nabaling ang tingin ko sa lalaking kasama sa gilid ko.

“Sino ka?” nagtatakang tanong ko. Nagtitigan sila ni Riushan at para bang nangungusap ang mga mata nito.

“Leyra, she’s your new love,” Riushan said. Medyo nakaramdam naman ako ng kabog sa dibdib ko. He get something from my bag. He showed me a photo of us. I hugged him.

“I’m sorry.” He tapped my back

“It’s okay,” sabi niya.

“I like your tattoos, Leyra.” We diverted our attention on Riushan.

“Salamat, Riush.”

“Do you want me to etch his name? So, that you’ll at least remember him?” He suggested. I observe a lot of tattoos in his hands, he’s wearing a jacket kaya di ko masyadong makita kung buong braso niya ba may tattoo, ngayon ko lang ‘yon napansin.

“Marunong ka?” tanong ko. He just nodded.

“Leyra, anak-anakan siya ni Señor Vicenzo, yung matandang nagtatattoo sa’yo, kaya siguro natuto siya,” Krio explained.

“You already met him?” tanong nito.

“Oo, kaya nga kami narito ngayon. He gave us this photo of you and him which has an address,” sabi ni Krio at binigay ang litrato.

“You already know him, don’t you?” Riushan questioned.

“Grandpa. He’s your grandfather.” I was shocked when I heard that.

“Wait, what?” naguguluhan na tanong ko.

“Yes, Leyra. You already forget this but he told that to us. Kinwento niya lahat sa’tin noong nagpapatattoo ka. He said he was an Atticus before,” sabi nito. I looked at Riushan and he was smiling.

“I’m glad you already know him,” sabi nito pero ang mga mata nito’y nakafocus lamang kay Krio.

“I’ll just get my tools,” ani nito at pumunta na sa taas at iniwan kami sa couch.

“Leyra, can I ask?” Krio suddenly questioned me. I nodded as a response and then umupo kami sa couch my head leaned on his shoulder.

“Is Riushan and you really has a strong bond before?” tanong nito, I looked at the chandelier.

“Among them I consider Riushan as my very best friend. Alam mo lahat ng sinasabi nila tungkol sa kanya na babaero raw ito, f*ckboy, at kung ano-ano pa ay walang katotohan. Kung alam mo lang kung gaano nila ako protektahan noon, parang hindi na ako iba sa kanila, tinuring nila akong kapatid. Hindi lang ‘yon sobra sila magprotekta sa mga babae, kahit hindi nila ito kilala. Hindi man kapanipaniwala sa mga mukha nila pero totoo yung sinasabi ko. Hindi ko man maalala ang lahat ng alala namin dati pero sigurado ako na may mabuting kalooban sila,” I explain habang nakangiti. Habang nagkekwento ako bigla na lang nagflashback sa utak ko yung araw na nalaman ko kung anong klaseng pagkatao meron si Riushan.

FLASHBACK

An upbeat sound echoed. I am at the clubhouse, not owned by the Atticus. I was looking for Klio here, we got a little misunderstanding. He didn’t contact me for almost a day now. That’s why I’m here to fetch him, and I was worried. Someone contacted me that Klio is here and is already drunk. Hanap lang ako nang hanap, hindi ko siya makita ang gulo, andaming tao, halos lahat lasing na at nagdidisco, meron pang naghahalikan. May mga lumapit sa akin na lalaki.

“Hi, wanna dance?” pag-aaya nito at halos ang lagkit ng tingin niya at para bang hinuhubaran ako nito.

“Tabi!” pagtataray ko and pushed him away.

“Bitch!” narinig kong sabi nito. I don’t know why some f*ck boys really won’t understand that not all girls want them. Duh! If they can’t have you they will throw shits on you, like, for real? They themselves are shits and assholes.

Patuloy pa rin ako sa paghahanap kay Klio. Nasaan na ba kasi ‘yon? I saw Ruishan on top, on the second floor of this club, he was with girls. I think 4 of them. Well, Riushan is kind of flirty, kaya nga hindi ako pinapalapit ni Kliosate sa kanya. Papunta na ako sa taas ng biglang may mga lumapit sa akin na grupo ng mga lalaki, these guys are my schoolmates, they are circling up. Here we go again.

“Hey! Whore!” sabi ng lider nito. This is the same guy I dumped years ago because he wanted to have a night with me. Well, you all know they addressed me as a slut in school, even though I’m not, just because I dumped this shitty person. Pinagkalat niya na may nangyari sa’min and I f*cked all of his friends. As if papatol ako sa mga walang kwentang tao. Duh! Ano ako cheap? I have a high respect on my self.

“Gabi na nakakakita pa ako ng basura,” pagtataray na sabi ko, at akmang aalis pero hinaharangan nila ako.

“Our girl here is brave now,” sabi nito at tumawa ang mga kasamahan niya. Lumapit ito sa’kin. I stepped back.

“Is that what you learned from f*cking the Atticus?” he whispered, “How many of them did you f*ck already?” he added. I released a deep sigh and smiled at him. I raised my brow, I put my hands on the back of his head and slowly pulled his hair. Inilabas ko ang dila ko and using my other hand I licked my middle finger and show it to him.

“Fuck yourself!” I said and slapped him. Of all the girls he would messed up, he won’t stand by me. I won’t let him disrespect me.

“WOAH!” gulat na pagkakasabi ng mga kasamahan niya.

“TABI!” sigaw ko at paalis na sana ng hawakan niya ako at akmang sasampalin but someone grabbed his hands. I looked at the guy. He was looking at me. It was Riushan.

“Is it appropriate for a man to slapped a woman? Only boys who don’t have balls do that! You don’t have don’t you?” sabi nito kaya halatang inis na inis. Pumalag naman ito at akmang susuntukin si Riushan ngunit naka-ilag ito at pumunta sa likod ng lalaki and he strangled his hand on its back, kaya na paaray ito and he pushed him sa mga kasamahan nito. Kinuha niya ako at pinatayo sa likod niya. Some attentions are on us now.

“Kung pumunta kayo rito para lang manakit ng babae. The doors are open, you are welcome to leave,” sabi nito sabay turo sa direksyon ng pinto.

“She slapped me first,” he insisted. Ang kapal, kung hindi ka ba naman bastos.

“You deserve it! Bastos!” I yelled at him.

“F*cking WHORE!” he yelled! I saw Riushan being aggressive. He held him in the neck at nagulat ako ng maglabas siya ng baril galing sa likod niya na nakatago sa jacket. Tinutok nito ang baril sa ari habang ang isang kamay niya ay nasa leeg. Hindi makalapit ang mga kasama nito dahil sa takot.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY!?” he yelled. I saw anguish in him. The guy was frightened.

“RIUSHAN! STOP IT!” Pagpigil ko sa kanya. Binaba niya ang lalaki at hinampas ng baril. Kaya duguan ang bibig nito, tumawa lang ito, abnormal talaga.

“THE NEXT TIME YOU CALLED HER LIKE THAT! OR ANY WOMAN IN THIS PLACE! I’MMA F*CKING KILL YOU! ALL OF YOU! STUPID ASSHOLES!” He warned. Hinila ko na siya sa taas. Everyone go back to their thing, as if nothing happened.

“RIUSHAN! ANO BANG GINAGAWA MO!?” tanong ko sa kanya. Hindi ko inaasahan na gagawin niya ‘yon.

“Why do you have a gun?” nagtatakang tanong ko. Binalik niya ito sa likod and then umupo sa couch kasama ng mga babae niya kanina, he drink a beer and he’s just chilling as if walang nangyari?

“Riushan, answer me!”

“Ano ba kasi ang ginagawa mo rito? Alam mo namang maraming bastos sa lugar na ‘to!” naiinis na sabi nito.

“I’m looking for Kliosate!” He laughed.

“What? Kliosate?” tumawa ulit ito. Nang-aasar na naman itong lalaking ‘to.

“Bakit iniwan ka na naman ba?” tanong niya. I sighed.

“Ruishan, umayos ka nga!” mariing sabi ko sa kanya.

“Umuwi ka na. You’re just wasting your time finding him,” giit nito.

“Give me your gun!” Nagulat ito.

“What?”

“I won’t go home, if you don’t give it to me!” giit ko. I was just worried about him carrying such dangerous weapon.

“It’s for—” naputol ang sasabihin nito, nang may napansin na mga lalaki at babaeng paakyat sa third floor. Agad-agad itong tumayo. Lumapit sa akin.

“Go home, Leyra,” sabi nito sa akin at ang mga mata niya’y nangungusap. Umalis na ito.

“Where are you going?” tanong ko habang sinusundan siya ng tingin paalis. Dahil hindi ako mapakali sinundan ko ito. Patuloy ko lang na tinatawag ang pangalan nito pero di niya ako pinapansin. Hangga’t makarating na kami sa taas. Medyo wala ng tao rito. And, mostly closed rooms na. Dito siguro sila gumagawa ng kababalaghan. Alam niyo na.

“Riushan!” Sa huling tawag ko humarap ito sa akin at hinila ako sa pader. I closed my eyes sa lakas ng pagkakahila niya sa’kin buti nalang he protected my head with his hand. Our position now looks like we’re kissing on the wall.

“What—” He pursed my lips. Someone opened the door. At may lumabas na lalaki na may kausap sa call.

“Shh. Don’t talk,” he whispered. I saw him observing the guy on his phone. Then I realized we were just pretending we are having our moment, para hindi mahalata nung lalaking lumabas that Ruishan is observing him.

“Yeah, they are here, all safe.” Naririnig namin na sinasabi ng lalaki sa kausap niya sa phone. Maya’t- maya pa bumalik na ito, papasok na ito ng mapansin kami. Ruishan hugged me, sobrang higpit. Iniangat nito ang isang leg ko, kaya nagulat ako.

“Moan, Leyra!” he whispered kaya mas lalong nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

“What the fuck!?”

“Just do it,” he insisted. Nataranta naman ako kaya I just moaned.

“Uh! Ah! Shit!” I softly moaned. This is awkward. I don’t know why I did this but this is the most embarrassing moment of my life!

I saw the guy na lumayo sa amin when he heard I moaned. Tumawa ito at pumasok na sa loob. I pushed Ruishan. I saw him laughing.

“Tangina mo!” I kicked him on the butt. Hinila niya ako papunta sa Comfort Room.

“Alam mo ang gago mo! Ano ‘yon!?” sabi at tanong ko sa kanya at patuloy itong tinatadyakan.

“Sorry na. Pero nakakatawa ‘yon,” sabi nito then laughed again. I covered my ears sa pang-aasar niya.

“STOP IT! Isusumbong kita kay Klio!” He get my hands on my ears.

“Okay, I’m sorry,” seryosong pagkakasabi nito. Maya’t maya may mga pumasok na mga lalaki. Kaya I feel awkward. May binigay ito na bag kay Riushan.

“How much is this?” Binuksan niya ito. It was a money.

“$5M boss. Here’s your credit card boss,” sabi ng lalaki. Pagkatapos ay may binigay itong credit card kay Riushan. Kinuha niya ito at nilagay sa bulsa niya.

“Okay, get ready, you know what to do, wait for my signal.” Nagulat ako ng magkasa sila ng baril.

“SANDALI? ANONG NANGYAYARI?” nagtatakang tanong ko na may halong kaba.

“Leyra, come with me,” sabi nito at hinila ako sa labas. Napatigil kami ng may makita kaming grupo ng mga kalalakihan, mukha silang mga negosyante, pumasok ito sa kwarto kanina. Pagkatapos ay sinundan namin sila, nasa harap na kami ng kwarto kanina kung saan lumabas ang lalaki.

“Leyra, I will explain to you everything later, right now I want you to act normal. Don’t talk. Okay?” He warned me. Grabe naman kung makapagsabi ng don’t talk kala mo ang daldal ko. Well, minsan lang naman.

“I don’t feel good about this, Riushan. Patay ka talaga sa’kin mamaya,” I whispered irritably. He just smiled at me. Binuksan na niya ang pinto at nakapasok kami. Nagulat ako sa mga nakikita ko, may mga babaeng naka-upo sa gitna ng table. Malaki ang room kaya kasya mga 50 persons dito. Sa pagkakabilang ko 20 girls ang narito at halos lahat kita na ang kaluluwa sa mga damit, tapos yung iba ang babata pa at halata mo sa mga mukha nila ang takot. Napapalibutan sila ng mga lalaki at halos lahat mukhang mga negosyante. I don’t know what the f*ck is this?

“Riushan what the f*ck is this?” pabulong na tanong ko.

“I said don’t talk!” mariing sagot nito na pabulong din.

“Welcome, everyone! All of us are gathered here. Let’s start the deals!” Announce ng isang lalaki. Don’t tell me they’re bidding this ladies? What the hell?

“10M pesos!” sigaw ng isang negosyante.

“Okay! We have a good start 10M pesos!” the trader said in excitement.

“15M pesos!” sunod-sunod nang nagsilapagan ng pera ang mga negosyante sa loob ng kwartong ito. Pataas nang pataas ang mga perang inooffer nila . Hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala sa mga nasasaksihan ko.

“75M pesos closing the bidding?” he asked. The negotiators are now silent. Siguro hindi na nila maabot ang offer.

“Okay! No more. Mr. Tadaki is our official buyer of our ladies here!” sabi nito na para bang ang mga babaeng ito ay mga bagay na binebenta. Kumukulo ang dugo ko sa ginagawa nila. I was about to speak when Riushan suddenly speak.

“I’ll get them!” Their attentions diverted on us.

“You can go higher than 75M pesos?” The trader asked.

“I’ll get them at 5M,” kalmadong sabi nito. Everyone laughed inside the room.

“5M? Iuwi mo na lang yang barya mo!” The trader said in a mocking tone.

“Did I say pesos?” Riushan responded sarcastically. Naging seryoso ang mukha ng mga tao sa loob.

“You mean?”

“I’ll get them at 5 Million Dollars!” He throw the bag full of money on the trader. I was also shocked when he said that. Sobrang laking pera ‘yon.

“Okay! The deal is over!” sigaw nito na tuwang-tuwa. Nakita ko naman ang mga negosyante na napailing na lamang.

“Can I get them now?” Riushan asked.

“Yes! You can! Enjoy!” sabi nito at pinatayo ang mga babae.

“Boys, come over.” Riushan whispers and suddenly may tatlong pumasok na mga lalaki, ‘yon yung kakilala ni Riushan sa CR kanina.

“Take them to our hide out! Hintayin niyo ako roon,” bulong nito sa lalaki. Tumango lang ito.

“Thank you so much for a good negotiation, Mr?” the trader offered a hand. Riushan looked at it for a seconds, hindi niya ito pinansin, hinawakan niya ako sa kamay at lumabas na kami. May nakasalubong kaming mga armadong lalaki sa pinto, ang dami nila. Riushan and the leader I guess exchange looks on each other at tumango sila sa isa’t isa. It looks like a signal. Di ko alam ang gagawin nila pero natatakot ako. After that may bonnet silang sinuot to hide their identity I guess. Pumasok sila sa loob, hinila na ulit ako ni Riushan paaalis sa kwartong iyon, ngunit naririnig kong nagkakagulo sila sa loob.

“Riushan, anong nangyayari? Ano ‘yon?” Sobrang natatarantang tanong ko.

“I’ll explain everything to you. We need to leave this place first,” sabi nito. Ilang sandali ay nakalabas na kami ng club. Sumakay kami sa kotse niya at di niya ako kinakausap pinaandar niya ito hanggang sa makarating kami sa isang lugar, walang tao rito. Kaninong hacienda kaya ito? Halos lahat ng hacienda dito ay halos mga puno lang ang nakapalibot. May dalawang itim na van na nakaparada at nakahintay ang tatlong lalaki kanina na nagdala sa mga babae. Pagkababa namin lumapit kami sa kanila.

“Nasaan sila?” tanong ni Riushan sa lalaki.

“Narito boss.” Sabay bukas ng mga pintuan ng van. Naroon ang mga babae kanina ngunit bawat isa sa kanila ay nakasuot na ng jacket.

“May nasaktan ba sa inyo?” mahinahong tanong ni Riushan.

“W-wala naman po.” Mangiyak-ngiyak na sabi ng isang babae.

“Anong lugar po ba ito?” isa pang tanong ng isang babae.

“Saan ba kayo galing? Anong ginagawa niyo rito?” nag-aalalang tanong ko sa kanila.

“Galing po kami sa iba’t ibang probinsya lahat. May nag alok po sa’min na bibigyan daw po kami ng trabaho. Pumayag naman po kami sa alok nila kasi kailangan po namin at ng pamilya namin ng pera pero hindi po namin alam na ganito ang gagawin nila. Yung iba pa po sa amin ay menor de edad,” pagpapaliwanag nito.

“Alam niyo ba kung anong gagawin nila sa inyo kung sakaling naibenta nila kayo sa mga negosyanteng dayuhan na ‘yon?” tanong ni Krio.

“Hindi po wala po talaga kaming alam, sabi nila katulong daw po ang ibibigay nilang trabaho sa’min.” Dagdag pa ng isa.

“Dadalhin nila kayo sa ibang bansa at ibebenta sa mga banyaga para maging parausan. They will all make you a sex slaves,” sabi ni Riushan kaya nagulat ako sa nalaman ko. Halos maiyak na ako sa mga naririnig ko. Kawawa ang mga inosenteng babae na ito na ang tanging hangad lang ay tulungan ang kanilang mga pamilya na makaraos. How can someone be cruel, most of them are minors?! Naiyak na rin sa takot ang mga babae.

“Huwag na kayong umiyak. You are all safe now.” May iniabot na bag ang ang isang kasamahan ni Riushan sa kanya.

“I will gave all of you money basta ipangako niyo sa’min na hinding-hindi na kayo papayag na apihin at bastusin ng mga lalaki at kahit sino man. Magsimula kayong lahat.” He gave each one of them a money in an envelope. I was so touched when Riushan did that. I never expected him to be like this. Kaya tuluyan na akong naluha.

“Maraming salamat po! Sobrang laking halaga po nito!” saad nila, lahat sila naiiyak sa pasasalamat.

“Wala ‘yon. Wag niyo na lang sabihin kung kanino galing ‘yan at yung nangyari rito. Kami na ang bahala sa mga taong gumawa nito sa inyo. Wag kayong mag-alala, iuuwi namin kayo ng ligtas sa mga pamilya niyo,” sabi nito. “Boys, sige na iuwi niyo na sila. Mag-iingat kayo!” Sinarhan na nila ang mga van. At ilang sandali ay umalis na rin ito.

Riushan stretches his arms and body and releases a loud yawn. Habang ako di pa rin makapaniwala sa mga nangyari at sa ginawa niya.

“Hoy! Bakit ka umiiyak?” Hinawakan nito ang pisngi ko. Hinampas ko ang balikat nito, napa-aray ito.

“Bwiset ka! Pinaiyak mo ‘ko!” I exclaimed.

“Kasalanan ko pa? Pwede ba tumigil ka na, ang panget mong umiyak,” pang-aasar nito. Mas lalo pang bumuhos ang luha ko.

“Nilakasan pa! Bakit ka ba umiiyak? Ako na naman sisisihin ni Klio sa ginagawa mo e’,” sabi nito.

“Nahihiya ako sa’yo,” sabi ko.

“What?” nagtatakang tanong nito.

“Nahihiya ako kasi pinaniwalaan ko yung mga sinasabi nila tungkol sa’yo,” naiiyak na sabi ko sa kanya. Tumawa ito.

“’Yon lang pala! Wala naman akong pake do’n. Lahat naman sila gano’n ang tingin sa akin, that I’m a fucking womanizer.” He chuckled “Pati nga boyfriend mo ‘yon ang tingin sa’kin.” Biglang humina ang boses nito ng sabihin niya ito.

“I’m really sorry, Riushan,” I said with sincerity.

“Wala ‘yon,” sabi nito and smiled.

“Pero seryoso sobrang hanga ako sa ginawa mo. Sobrang rare lang ng mga taong may malakas ang loob na gawin ang ginawa mo, to stand up and speak up for those oppresses. What you did was so dangerous at saka ang laking pera ang inilabas mo,” sabi ko sa kanya.

“Leyra, our place is prone to this kind of oppression especially against woman. If I won’t stand up for them then who would? It only takes one person to rise to make a change. I want to be that person,” he said kaya sobrang natutuwa ako sa kanya.

“Hindi ka ba natatakot sakaling balikan ka nila?” tanong ko ulit.

“Of course, I’m afraid but I’d rather live in fear than doing nothing and see those women get abuse. Hindi ko kakayanin,” pagpapaliwanag nito

“Bakit?” I was so eager to know his reasons behind all of this.

“Because that’s the way I am and I was raised that way, Leyra,” sagot nito kaya naramdaman ko na naman ang mga luhang pumapatak. All respects to their Mom on raising such wonderful children.

“Yung perang ginamit mo?” tanong ko ulit.

“It’s my money. Half of the money I get from being an heir goes on those women’s freedom. Kaya yung akala nila na nag-uuwi ako ng mga babae just for sex? Hindi ‘yon totoo. I’ve never kissed nor touched anyone in my whole existence. Kaya natatawa na lang ako sa mga paratang nila. Remember when Abuelo slapped me kasi may muntik na akong pinatay na lalaki na apo pala ng isa sa mga kaibigan ni Abuelo, hindi ‘yon para sa wala lang. Tama si Abuelo na it’s because of girls. I found that guy na muntik nang gahasain yung babae kaya muntik ko na siyang mapatay,” kwento nito, and now everything made sense.

“Now, I understand everything. Akalain mo kahit sobrang gago lang ng mukha mo pero may mabuting kalooban ka naman pala,” sabi ko kaya nagulat ito.

“Hindi ko alam kong matutuwa ako sa sinabi mo o hindi e’,” sabi nito. We both chuckled

“Stop crying and wipe your tears at iuuwi na kita. Mamaya hinahanap ka na ng jowa mong seloso,” he said in a mocking tone.

After that umuwi na kami. Sa mansion nila ako dinala kasi Ladegeuh texted that Kliosate is there. Nang makarating kami sa mansion nasa labas silang tatlo, nag-uusap at nakaabang. Kliosate, Ladegeuh and Rivahngare. Paghinto palang ng sasakyan sinalubong agad ako ni Klio at pinagbuksan, hinawakan nito ang kamay ko at hinila ako palabas.

“Aray, sandali!” Medyo nasaktan ako sa pagkakahawak niya.

“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?” he asked in a high pitch tone. He looks mad.

“I was looking for you in the club,” sabi ko.

“Club? You know I don’t go in there!” kunot noong usal nito.

“Someone told me that you were in there.

Sandali, nasasaktan ako!” pilit kong kinukuha ang kamay ko sa pagkakahawak niya.

“Klio, bro! Kumalma ka nasasaktan mo si Leyra,” sabi ni Ladegeuh.

“HEY! Hindi mo ba narinig? Nasasaktan mo siya!” Riushan yelled habang papalapit sa’min. Kliosate’s attention diverted on him and the next thing that happened makes me shocked. He punched Riushan in the face.

“Klio ano ba!?” Rivahngare interrupted at pinagitnaan sila. Humarang naman si Ladegeuh sa tapat si Riushan at pinipigilan ito.

“CAN YOU ALL LEAVE US ALONE RIGHT NOW!?” sigaw nito and pushed Rivahngare kaya napaatras ito. Hinila ulit ako ni Klio ngunit bago pa man ay sinigawan ito ni Riushan.

“WHY CAN’T YOU PROTECT HER?!” and then he punched Kliosate. Tuluyan ng nag-away ang dalawa. Mabuti na lamang at nariyan si Lade at Rivahn.

“STOP IT!” I scream. Kaya tuluyan silang nahinto sa away. I observed Hyntall na kakababa lang sa kotse niya.

“Klio, please stop it. Riushan please ‘wag ngayon,” pagmamakaawa ko habang naiiyak. Papaalis na sana si Klio, leaving me again pero sinigawan ulit ito ni Riushan.

“GANYAN KA NA LANG BA LAGI? SA TUWING NAG-AAWAY, YOU JUST HAVE TO AVOID THE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF FIXING IT?” bulyaw nito kaya napahinto si Klio.

“RIUSHAN STOP IT, TUMIGIL KA NA!” Ladegeuh interrupted.

“NO! HINDI BA TOTOO NAMAN. HE ALWAYS DID THAT TO US!” sigaw nito. Kliosate face him.

“I’m still older than you!” mahina ngunit mariing wika nito. Riushan chuckled.

“FOR US IT WAS OKAY. KASI SANAY NA KAMI. PERO SI LEYRA? KLIO GIRLFRIEND MO SIYA. TAMA BA NA SA TUWING NAG-AAWAY KAYO YOU JUST HAVE TO LEAVE HER WITHOUT ANY COMMUNICATION INSTEAD OF FIXING IT? SHE WAS WORRIED FOR YOU KLIOSATE! NANG DAHIL SA KAKAHANAP SAYO NABASTOS PA SIYA!” he added.

“What? Is that true?” Ladegeuh and Rivahngare both asked in unison.

“Leyra, is it true?” Klio asked. I just nodded.

“Gago ‘yon ah! Sino ‘yon?” tanong ni Ladegeuh na galit na galit ang kilay.

“Leyra, tell us!” wika ni Rivahngare.

“Guys, please not now,” saad ko. Lumapit sa’kin si Klio. He put his hands on my face and wiped my tears.

“I’m sorry.” He then kissed me on the forehead and hugged me. Nakapamewang naman ang apat. I looked at them and muttered a sorry to them kasi nadamay pa sila sa away namin. Tumango lang sila. I looked at Riushan and muttered my sorry to him also and thank you na rin for what he did.

Hyntall yawn loudly.

“Umayos na kayo at pumasok na,” sabi nito habang papalakad papunta sa pinto ng mansion.

END OF FLASHBACK

“Now I understand what bond you have with them. Pero hindi ba nagselos si Klio? Kahit sa isa sa kanila?” tanong nito.

“On our 1st year being together, doon meron pang selosan na nagaganap especially on Riushan, kasi di nagtagal nalaman ko na nagkagusto siya sa’kin, pero no’ng tumagal nawala na rin ‘yon, pinaintindi ko ang lahat kay Klio and I told Riushan to stop liking me, kasi I only see him as a brother and best friend. I fixed everything that makes us all feel awkward on each other hanggang sa naging malapit kaming lahat sa isa-isa, they became my barkada,” paliwanag ko. Krio smiled.

“I’m glad you are happy with them,” he said. I looked at him.

“Selos ka?” tanong ko sa kanya. He chuckled.

“Kaonti,” sambit nito. I pinched his cheeks.

“You shouldn’t because I have you now,” sabi ko kaya abot tenga naman ang ngiti nito. Maya-maya pa ay bumaba na si Riushan dala-dala ang gamit.