24-Angel

Drake said this to me that he didn't want to be one of random occurrences in my life and that means to be just a passerby. I didn't really like to conclude that he would be one of those people.

It was his fear and mine too.

I told Daryl about the guy who gave me a calling card. Her face scrunched up when she heard the surname.

"Delegencia? He's a red flag. Don't call that number. If you're not into that kind of guy. I heard he invited every damn pretty girl in this City, fuck them in every fucking hotel, and just fucking forget them the next day..."

Her revelation was unexpected.

"My God. That's a lot to take. He kind of creep me out too."

"The truth is nakaka-anghel ang kagandahan mo, Angel. You really look like a fairy princess..."

Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib sa kilig kahit hindi pa nakabawi sa pagkabigla.

"Nakakataba naman ng puso..."

"Akala siguro niya madali kang makuha dahil napaka-inosente ng kagandahan mo. Mabuti nalang talaga may demonyo kang kaibigan. Don't call him. Secure your peace of mind..."

I didn't call the number. Itinapon ko sa basurahan. I had no second thoughts of calling him either. I just wanted to tell her what happened that night.

I've had stopped seeing my dietician. To prevent relapse, I continued eating foods that contains rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein.

I also regularly take vitamins and doing activities that were wholesome for me. After my journey in a School of Cosmetology, I landed my first job as a makeup artist of a celebrity.

"Where's my coffee?" Krzyl demanded.

She would always look for coffee when she has a commercial, magazine photoshoot, shows, and other events to attend. I still served her with that demand even though it wasn't my responsibility to attend to her needs or wants.

I forget to buy her a coffee today. Nagmamadali na kami. Isang oras nalang magsisimula na ang event na dadaluhan niya.

"Hindi pa ako nakabili, ma'am. Kailangan ko na kasing simulan ang pag–aayos sayo. May–"

"You're so unprofessional! Where's my coffee first?" she cut me off.

I swallowed hard at her unprofessional behavior. I couldn't take this! I had enough!

"I'm not your personal assistant, Ma'am. If you're confused, I'm your makeup artist. And I hope you get the difference between the two."

Her eyes went circle in disbelief. "How dare you talk back at me!? That's really disrespectful! I'm the one who pays you every month!"

She was fussing about my behavior when in fact she should be more concern to her own attitude.

"Well, not anymore, Ma'am. I'm done with this complicated job." I gathered all my things. "Find someone else you can hire that can be a make-up artist, and as well as a personal assistant."

"Ang kapal ng mukha mo! Hindi ka naman maganda!"

"Nagpapatawa ka ba? Maganda si Angel." Biglang sabat ni Marie na siyang P.A niya sa gilid habang inaayos ang damit niya.

She stood up, fuming like a dragon and pointed at us. "You two! You're fired!"

I was fired with my first ever official job due to toxic treatment and unprofessionalism. Hindi maganda sa kalusugan ko ang ma-stress. Mabuti na ring nasisante ako.

I felt at peace especially when my mother welcomed me with a smile and a hug.

"Kumusta ang trabaho mo, anak?" tanong niya.

"Nasisante ako, Ma."

Worry replaced her happy face.

"Bakit naman?"

She held my face gently.

"Ayoko na sa panget na ugali ng boss ko. She's treating me unfairly. I couldn't stay with that job for too long," I reasoned.

"It's okay, anak. I don't want you to feel suffocated with that kind of boss. Hindi iyan nakakabuti sa'yo. Pero may ibabalita ako sayo. Napagdesisyonan na namin ito." She stared at me as if I already have an idea what she's about to tell me.

"Angel, huwag kang magugulat."

I nodded my head obediently.

"Babalik na tayo. Mag papaiwan si ate Sonya mo dito. So, pack up your things."

My heart pounded out of the sudden. I would be seeing him one hundred percent for sure. There were possible outcomes jumbled in my head. Am I going to be ready if I face him again after I left him?

I didn't really know.

I had to inform Jethro.

Me:

I just quit my job. Hindi ko na kaya ang toxic treatment ng boss ko.

Jetty:

Alam kong marami pang opportunities ang naghihintay sayo, Anghel. Don't be sad, pretty.

Pretty.

I remembered he used to call me that. Would he still call me with that nickname?

Alam kong hindi na babalik ang dating kami. Marami na sigurong nagbago sa kanya.

Me:

Sana nga. By the way, babalik na kami! I can't wait to see you, Jetty.

That put a smile of relief on my face. Pinag-usapan na nila Mama at Kuya na uuwi na kami. Si ate Sonya lang ang maiiwan dito sa Cebu.

I didn't get an instant reply from Jethro.

He just texted me after two hours.

Jetty:

Maayong Buntag, Gel.

Me:

Maayong buntag usab, Jetty.

Jetty:

Good news! There's a job you can apply!

Kumunot ang noo ko. Saan kaya siya nakakita?

Me:

What kind of job is that?

Jetty:

I know someone who's looking for you.

My brows met in one line. I asked him again with the same question.

Me:

What kind of job is that?

Jetty:

Secret...I can't give you details yet while you're still not back in town. Kailan pala kayo babalik?

Me:

Next week uuwi na kami.

Jetty:

That's good to hear! Pero dapat samahan mo ako sa Japan, ngayong February.

Jethro's mind was random. First, he had the good news for me and the next he was offering me a trip with him to Japan. Who I am to decline that offer?

I'd have never been to any foreign countries. It was one of the countries in my bucket list that I want to travel. My brother would like that for me too. But I needed to make things clear. Something was off with his offer.

Me:

Huh? Bakit naman? Anong gagawin natin doon?

Jetty:

Manonood tayo ng karera. Sports car race.

Pumayag ako. It would be my first travel outside the country.

Libre naman daw ang lahat-ng fees ayon sa kanya. Presensiya ko lang ang kailangan. Ang swerte ko naman ata.

Umuwi kami dalawang araw matapos ang pagdiriwang ng Sinulog. Hindi kami natuloy sa mismong araw ng pagdaraos.

Kaya dumalaw ang mga malalapit na kaibigan ni Kuya Soren kinabukasan at nag-inuman sa bahay.

Hindi na nakakapagtaka na lasing na lasing si Kuya kinagabihan. Ilang taon din kaming nawalay sa lugar na kinalakihan namin.

"Kuya, may sasabihin ako.." Umupo ako sa paanan ng couch kung saan siya nakahandusay.

My passport and tourist visa were ready in my possession. His permission was necessary to make this trip guilt-free.

Ayoko namang pasabugin niya ang buong Japan dahil sa hindi ako nanghingi ng permiso. Kahit nasa tamang edad na kami ay dapat nagpapaalam parin kami kung may pupuntahan kami.

"Hmm?"

His eyes were droopy. He was keeping it open even though the need to sleep was so strong.

Kuya Soren was like a strict father when sober and when he's drunk, he looked like a wasted bachelor.

"Magpapaalam sana ako..." I bit my lower lip.

"Inimbitahan ako ni Jethro, Kuya na manood ng car race sa Japan. Can I go? Will you let me?" I carefully request for his approval.

Dahan-dahan niyang binuksan ang talukap ng kanyang mga mata at malapad na ngumiti. "You're in a right age now, Angel." Bumangon siya. "You can go of course." He tapped my shoulder. "I don't-t wan-nt you to feel suffo-ocated. You have the free-w-ill to make your owyn cho-oices and life decisions now." He almost slurred his words. "You graduated successfully that gives me a..o" Huminto muna siya ng ilang saglit at suminok. "relief. .enjoy your life.."

Then, he fell sleep.

"Salamat, Kuya.." bulong ko at iniwan siya sa sala.

Simula nang tinalikuran kami ng Ama namin. Kay Kuya Soren napunta lahat ng responsibilidad ng isang Ama. Malaki ang pasalamat namin sa kanya. He stood there for us. He never left.

***

"Pinayagan ako ni Kuya Soren, Mama..." I embraced her from behind.

She was cooking our dinner. Nakabalik na si Kuya Soren sa lugar kung saan siya nakaassign.

"Saan ka pala pupunta?" pagtataka niya.

"Japan!" I chortled.

Nagulat siya at nasiyahan. Gaya ni Kuya Soren ay pumayag din siya.

She supported me and my happiness. Marami siyang pinadalang makakapal na jacket, medyas, at scarf.

Kahit isang araw lang kami doon. Uuwi rin kinabukasan. Dapat ay marami daw akong mga kuhang litrato pagkauwi. Nakuha ko na ang passport ko at visa bago pa kami nakauwi dito.

May napansin akong kakaiba simula noong inayos namin ni Mama ang mga bulaklak sa hardin. May magarang sports na palaging nakapark malapit sa bahay namin.

I shrugged off the suspicion instead. I didn't tell my older brother.

***

Dumating si Jethro sakay ng isang itim na Van na may nakatatak na Safe Ride Van transportation Service sa araw na sinaad niya. May driver pa siya.

He approached my mother with a big tight hug.

"I miss you so much, Mama Anne!"

"Ako din! Iyang kadaldalan mo!" My mother snickered.

"I miss you, Anghel!" Jethro pinched my cheeks before hugging me tight.

Gaya ng response ko noon ay daglian akong gumanti ng mahinang kurot sa pisngi niya.

"Ingatan mo si Angel, Jethro..." paalala ni Mama at ibinigay ang maleta.

"Of course! Kahit noon naman ay iniingatan ko itong napakaganda kong kaibigan!"

He pinched my cheeks again.

"Kumusta na sila Bonita at Kirsteen, Jethro?" I asked Jethro when we hopped in the Van.

That was the right time to ask.

"Wala na akong balita sa kanila."

"They're fine. Kirsteen is in Manila, taking over her Aunt Everly's company, and Bonita is currently in US."

That gave me a relief.

They were doing well with their lives. That was all I wanted for them. To have the life they deserve. I'm beyond grateful and contented they were in the good places.

"How about you, Jetty? How are you? How's your heart?"

"Half okay, half not okay." He answered with a gloomy reflection in his eyes.

I respected his silence throughout the flight. Whenever he's silent, respecting his moment of contemplation would be appropriate.

***

I didn't any personal trouble with the flight. The feeling of flying in the sky gave me adrenaline rush.

I took videos and pictures of the spectacular sight of clouds and green landscapes under me. However, the weather of Japan seemed to freeze me.

"Kono hoteru de no taizai o o tanoshimi kudasai. (Please enjoy your stay at this hotel)"

The two receptionists bowed to us politely.

Nang nakapasok na ako sa aking hotel room, I opened the TV. I arranged my things and sleep for one hour.

Dalawang room ang kinuha ni Jethro para mabigyan kami ng privacy. When I woke up, I stretched my arms and legs to keep me active. I put some makeup on and shortly I heard a soft knock.

I opened the door and Jethro barged in as if something emergency was happening.

Pinatay niya ang TV. Binasura niya pa ang newspaper na nakatiklop sa mesa. Nakakapagtaka na ang mga kinikilos niya.

"We should stroll around, Gel. Huwag ka munang manood ng TV o magbasa ng balita sa newspaper. Wala ka rin namang maiintindihan. It's all written in Japanese. Huwag ka ring magbabad sa social media. Dagdag anxiety lang ang bigay niyan sayo..."

"Okay." I slowly nodded my head.

I thought something bad happened.

We roamed around Suzuka Forest Garden and Tsubari Ogamiyashiro Shrine. We took pictures, mostly mine in different angles.

I applied lip balm from time to time since it was freezing cold and my lips gets dry and chapped fast.

We didn't —stay long outside and returned to our separated hotel room after our lunch in a famous restaurant.

Sa gabi pa magaganap ang race na sinasabi ni Jethro. Subalit parang may mali na akong nakikita sa kanya.

Napatunayan ko ito nang narinig ko siya sa bathroom ng aking hotel room. May kausap siya sa kanyang phone habang umiinom ako ng tsaa.

"Kasama ko siya ngayon. She's drinking tea. Huwag kang kabahan, gago. Sige, sige na. Ibababa ko na 'to."

It must have had to do with his brother. Maybe he was talking to him all along? Or it might be they planned this whole thing?

Sports car race. Drake loved racing. His character embedded with it. He couldn't live without racing his motorcycle. It could be the reason why we're here it's because of him?

Hindi ako mapakali.

I felt like the temperature decreases every minute. And it was down to zero the moment we settled down in our seats in Suzuka circuit.

The size of viewers augmented and applauses were unbounded when racers stood on the platform.

"Are you ready to face him?" Jethro fulfilled a clear answer to my speculations.

The beat of my heart pumped rapidly as if I started the game too soon.

"Jethro... I don't think so..."

"Look at the screen, Angel."

The last racer being introduced hitched my breath.

The applause was even powerful when he waved to his Japanese fans and his pit crew.

They were cheering for him in Japanese.

"There he is! Sono Ikida! Drake Wayne Mathildo! He's on fire!"

"You set this up."

Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib. Nagwawala na ito na parang gustong sumabog.

"I'm just helping my brother..."

His whole family arrived in their reserved seats beside us, shouting the name I've had sincerely loved for his true nature.

After a gunshot as an indication of the race, sports cars began accelerating. The ebb and flow of events hanged me in the midst of icy air of Japan. I wasn't cheering for him vocally. But in my mind, he was the only person I'm rowdily cheering for.

Drake had proven that his passion for racing. His firm mettle and his natural sportsmanship on the circuit weren't just for show.

Rapid, sly, and keen. Those were the precise words I could describe to his speedy performance on the circuit. I stood up clapping my hands when he reached the finished line first.

He got out of the sports car sponsored by Toyota. His hair was in a buzz cut.

Doon ko lang malinaw na namataan ang suot-suot niyang gloves.

My heart hammered sly but rapid too. My knees wobbled. It was the gloves I made for him. Upon thanking his fans with a bow, and wave, I met his gaze.

His eyes became soft as feathers just like when he's pouring his emotions to me. He gave me a look of relief and exhilaration as if seeing me was victory for him.

Dinumog siya ng mga reporters at ilang mga fans. He moved through the crowd, refusing to answer their left-and-right questions.

Bumaling ang tingin ko sa mga Mathildo. Si Khalid lang ang wala.

"Angel..." The oldest Mathildo was still good-looking, aging like fine wine. "How are you?"

"I'm alright po. Kumusta po kayong lahat?"

I inserted my hands in my pockets to get some more warm. I wasn't able to bid a formal goodbye to them before and facing them right now feels inconceivable.

I didn't see any hint of awkwardness in their faces. In fact, they were looking at me in gladness.

"Mabuti naman, hija."

They had still the natural hospitable upbringing. Hinawakan niya ang aking mga kamay.

"Kausapin mo si Drake, Angel. Palagi ka niyang iniisip noong mga panahong umalis kayo. He was in the haze of self-loathe under the influence of his old rebelliousness. It was hell for him without you but he managed to get through it but his mind on you, day and night..."

I wasn't able to recover with that when Drexter excused himself to talk to me. I could only blink in response.

"Nagbabalik na ang nag-iisang Anghel na nananalataytay sa ugat ni Drake!" Drexter proclaimed. "Kumusta na, Angel?"

"Ayos lang, Drexter."

Humupa ang kabang nararamdaman ko.

"I could imagine my brother beaming from ear to ear now that you're here. Kaninang umaga pa iyon nagpipigil.." Russel was smiling knowingly.

"Mauna na kami, Angel..." Kuya Ranger jerked his head to Jethro behind me. "Bring Angel to Drake, Jethro..."

I wondered if Kuya Soren and Kuya Ranger had once talk and reconciled their friendship?

They moved down the stairs.

Nagpaiwan si Kuya Gunner.

"Room 270 beside yours, Angel." pahabilin niya sa akin.

He smirked.

He was giving me the access to Drake's hotel room. I had no idea that were staying on the same hotel! I was right all along!

Nang nakababa na sila ay bigla nalang nagsitayuan ang mga balihibo ko.

"I'm not yet ready to face him, Jethro."

"He's been waiting for you, Gel. Don't back away. This is the right time. Both of you should talk."

I felt at the extreme tension like a drawn bow. I wanted to go home and waited for the right time to face him! Right now, I wanted to hide from him.

"Natatakot ako sa kanya." Kumapit ako sa kanyang braso.

"Gel, he's not mad at you and he's willing to pay a devil prize just to talk to you." he soothed me at least.

Sinamahan ako ni Jethro. Nagtungo kami sa kanyang tent. Maraming tao sa labas na naghihintay. Mga reporters, fans, at mga pit crew.

Binigyan kami ng puwang ng mga guards sa labas ng kanyang tent para makadaan.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga nang hinawi ni Jethro ang pintuan ng tent. He pushed me inside and left me with Drake.

Nakaupo siya. His elbows were resting on the arms of the folded chair. Nakapikit ang kanyang mga mata tila hindi gustong may umabala sa kanya.

Drake had been known for his natural ability in racing since we were in High School. Also, for his good looks, personality, and for all the troubles he did.

He looked pretty intense a while ago. That didn't change now.

The intensity radiating from him intimidated me. I was afraid if I call his name, I'll be waking up a mad wolf.

I breathed in and out and braced myself.

"Drake..."

Sumibol ang tugatog ng kaba sa aking dibdib nang bumukas ang talukap ng kanyang mga mata.

He stood up. I was still as a stone when he padded to me in his dangerous stance.

PERIEDOT