31-Drake

My mouth was dry and my head was throbbing the next day. I felt light when Angel's note on our doubled door refrigerator plastered in my eyes.

Good morning, baby. I made you a breakfast. Eat well and take this ibuprofen. I love you ♡

Ps: binalik ko na ang desk ko sa loob ng opisina mo. I love you again♡

Your angel

I quickened up.

I had never eaten that fast in my entire life even though the egg was a little burned. She cooked it for me.

Hindi ako nagtira kahit isang butil ng kanin.

She approached me when I entered our office. Her eyes glowed like a morning sun.

"Are you okay now, Drake?" she asked in her angelic tone.

She tiptoed due to our height difference and she placed her palm in my forehead. I stood there like a baby with a fever.

"Masakit pa ba ang ulo mo?"

Her voice was softer this time like a silk draping to my skin.

"Just a little..." I winced as if I'm in great pain.

She gently wrapped her arms around me and helped me relax in my chair.

"Did you take the ibuprofen I gave you?"

She reeled around my swivel chair, putting her hands on my head.

Minasahe niya ang sentido ko papunta sa likod ng ulo ko.

"Yes." I moaned in delight. "But ibuprofen can't beat the spooning and snuggling... It's a therapy, baby. I need that..."

I captured her hand and beckoned her to sit on my lap like we normally do.

"Akala ko kung ano ng problema mo." she exhaled a lungful of air.

She was terribly worried about me. I didn't want her stress out about that behavior of me.

"Sit here." I gestured my lap again and she come nearer. "I shouldn't act that way, Anghel."

She perched on my lap sideways. "Sa tabi mo na ako. Huwag mo ng ulitin iyon." She pouted.

"Yes, my Queen. Forgive me." I whispered in the shell of her ear.

"Kung gusto mo namang uminom, dapat kasama ako."

I bit my lower lip when a cute drunk image of her years ago, flashed in my mind.

"I love that. That's our new mantra."

She pinched the bridge of my nose. "But drink in moderation..."

"Forgive me, Angel. I don't want you to see me in that state."

"If you don't want me to see you in that state, then tell me what's bothering you?"

She stroked the back of my head and I felt calm as a hound dog laying in the shade.

I looked at her eyes to remind me of the purpose of this talk.

"Our pictures, Angel." She froze. "Why all our old pictures gone in your phone?"

She swallowed hard. "Si Kuya Soren..." she began and her eyes lowered on her hands, rubbing her cuticles. "Kinuha niya ang phone ko. He stripped me out from social media." She rubbed my chest right now in an attempt to pacify the commotion in my heart. "He also deleted all our pictures, Drake. I could not blame him either..."

I held her hand and kissed the back of it. "I should be the one to blame, Angel."

"You're drunk because of the pictures. I thought it's because of something else..."

"Why I acted like that last night it's because it feels like a heartbreak. I just feel so down when I see nothing in your phone that reminds our past."

She looked up at me, propping her chin on my sturdy chest. "We can still make more memories, Drake..."

"But I'm glad at the same time that I still have those pictures."

I thought she would laugh at me for reacting like that knowing I still have those pictures.

Natural lang na masaktan ako. I treasured our memories so fucking dear.

"Can I have a copy?" She pursed her lips in a pretty way.

"Can I post it all to my Instagram once we settled everything?"

"Okey dokey."

She didn't care what the employees would say for that moment. We snuggled there as though we're taken back to those old derelict summer afternoons we shared.

We handled our work, time for family, and our time for each other pretty good. Weekend seemed to be moving quickly.

"Any plans for the weekend?" Friday night I asked her.

We were watching a latest movie. We couldn't go to a cinema for everyday I'm bombarded with work. I was so glad as a spring morning every time

Angel nodded her head in understanding when I had to go to the manufacturing plant. After a very draining day, she would spend a night in our penthouse, let me relax and take care of the rest.

"Family bonding, Drake. I have a date by Sunday night." she answered with a giggle of glee at the end.

My world crumbled. "With whom?"

"With a lovely friend." Her smile was wide as a mile.

"Name of your friend, please."

"Kirsteen... I miss her so much..."

"What?" Shock was apparent in my voice.

Russel came into my mind when I heard the name. He thought I had no idea about his relationship with her. But I knew. Hindi niya lang masabi sa akin.

I had to pry more to give him enough information.

"It's a friendly date with Kirsteen..." she repeated.

"Oh, Kirsteen is already in Mindanao."

I pretended that I was thoroughly surprised.

"Shh..." She hushed me down as if it was a top secret from NBI. "Huwag mong sabihin sa kapatid mo."

I smirked. I had to help my brother, baby.

"May aasikasuhin daw siya." paliwanag niya.

"Saan ang friendly date niyo? At anong oras?" I probed to carry two faces under one hood.

"Sussana, 7pm."

"Kayo lang dalawa? Wala si Jethro? Sino maghahatid sa inyo?"

I tried to be unfazed.

"Jethro will be there too."

"I'll drive you to your friendly date. I'm free..." I offered.

"I know you're busy, Drake. You need to spend time with your family tomorrow and the next day. Jethro will fetch me up by Sunday evening. Don't worry. Safe kami sa kanya."

"I know. Jethro can take care of you two. Basta ay kukunin kita pagkatapos."

"Okay, okay. I know you'll oppose with that. Naroon si ...Mama sa bahay. Ihahatid mo parin ba ako? Are you ready ...to face her?"

There was an obvious hesitation in her when she mentioned Mama Anne.

"I'm beyond ready, Anghel."

By that time, I would be in good terms with her guardians.

We shared an intense gaze of love, relief, and understanding until I broke off.

I didn't know if I could hold myself any longer.

"Update me."

"Yes, of course." She had that appreciative look that penetrates my soul effortlessly.

"Did you have a power bank for your phone in case of emergency?" I asked her randomly.

That simple eye contact popped up a random question in my mind. What the hell I was thinking?

Her forehead made folds. "Oo naman. I have my power bank all the time."

"Good. Good." tumango-tango ako.

She knows I wouldn't behave in those two days.

"I'll do the same. I will update you every hour."

Her eyes bulged in awe.

"Grabe naman, Drakey baby. Kulang nalang pati paghinga mo iuupdate mo rin sa akin."

She pinched both of my cheeks like I'm her greatest gift she had been daydreaming all her life. I felt my knees went from steel to gelatin.

"I'll do that too, baby Angel." I peppered her face with butterfly kisses.

"Drake..." angal niya dahil hindi parin ako tumitigil.

***

"Text me or call me if something went wrong." bilin ko sa kanya kinabukasan dahil baka naghihintay na ang van na mag-uuwi sa kanya.

She nodded. Before she opened the door, she waved her hand and blew me a kiss.

I closed my eyes to control myself. "You better go now, Anghel. I might steal your time with your family."

I composed a message for Russel once Angel departed.

Me:

Russ, bumalik na si Kirsteen. Sussana, Sunday at 7pm. Angel told me it's a secret. I'll be stubborn again. Don't waste this chance, bro.

Sunday came so fast I didn't even realize it. We updated each other like we were countries apart. We were just kilometers away from each other. I could drive to her home within ten minutes or less.

I instructed Robert to not inform Angel about our meeting. I rented Desert Avenue the whole afternoon. It was the one of the best dating places in the locality.

My palms were sweaty. I was racing back and forth inside.

My heart pounded out of my chest when Mama Anne came to my peripheral view and Kuya Soren padding behind her.

The glass door opened. Mama Anne walked to me slowly with a maternal pride on her face.

"Drake...kumusta ka na, anak? Na miss kita..."

The longing in her eyes pierced my heart.

"I'm fi-ne, Mama An-ne. How are you?" I trembled.

"Ayos lang kami."

She hugged me, showing me her sweet motherly tenderness. When we detached from our hug, tears were streaming down her eyes.

"Mama..."

I got my handkerchief from my pocket faster that I turned on the engine of my car. I wiped her tears gently.

"Masaya lang ako, anak. You did well with your life..."

She fanned her eyes to stop her tears, but it escalated the more she does it.

The eldest Soledad was sporting a neutral face while rubbing her back.

"Good evening, Sir. Nice to meet you again." I greeted him politely.

He nodded stiffly. I gestured my hand for a handshake. He took it and we both shake our hands like civil people.

"Please, have a seat and be comfortable,"

We settled down in our seats. If they didn't want me to see her. I would continue to love Angel. I had no right to contradict what may their decision.

"I received the message, sir. I should be to blame for what I did to your sister." I began with a blatant truth.

"Forgive me for my recklessness. For everything I put Angel into..." I breathed to pacify the whirlwind of emotions brewing in me. "I know that was a rebellious move of me... I wrecked everything." My voice was driven by remorse.

"We couldn't risk her future, Drake. That's why we framed you up..." Kuya Soren's voice and facial expression weren't truly harshly confrontational. He reasoned out like a caring old brother.

"Wala ka sa magandang pag-iisip noong panahon na iyon, anak..." si Mama Anne na pinupunusan ang gilid ng kanyang mata gamit ang tissue.

"Ma, pinagsisihan ko lahat... Araw-araw kong sinisisi ang sarili ko... I went back to my old habits. I became a nuisance, a black sheep that I had been." I paused for a second realizing how everything I did just dig my own heels.

"Kung hindi lang ako nagpadala sa damdamin ko baka ay sabay kaming nagtapos ng kolehiyo... I had probably witnessed her journey and stay with her through her ups and downs. I love her so deep. Kahit anong paraan ay gagawin ko makuha ko ulit ang tiwala ninyo..."

Regret consumed my heart yet my love for Angel emboldened me to do what it roars for.

"Angel suffered just not the way you do. Hindi siya kumakain ng maayos. Masyado siyang tahimik. And that she lose so much weight. We had to take an action. She was slowly killing herself in the process."

My hands fell on my sides like I've lost all the remaining vigor I had for myself.

"I know my sister is genetically pretty. But her insecurities to her body rose up that time and with that she seemed to forget her creativity."

I was rooted in my seat with shame, agony, and guilt. I stared at my own feet with my downturned face. Just looking at the frail images of Angel in my mind took all out the strength in me.

"I own all the blame. She suffered because of me..."

My eyes were moist. Tears knocked down in a millisecond. I didn't give a tinker's damn of what other people may think of this vulnerability.

Angel showed me that letting out your vulnerability didn't make you less of a man.

"Drake...anak..." Mama Anne reached for my weak hands. "Saying that isn't good. You're forgiven, and I believe in your love for Angel..."

"I'm sorry, Drake for meddling before. I had to do what an older brother should do. But now, I let her decide - whatever her heart wants."

"Yes, sir." My voice returned to normalcy.

Tumayo si Mama Anne at tinabihan ako. She grabbed my head carefully and rested it on her shoulder like a mother soothing her crying child.

"Angel still finding route to her dreams. She's still figuring out..." bulong ni Mama Anne.

"I will help her reach her dreams, Mama. I can fund it. Angel is creative. She's great at doing she loves. I know she can achieve her dreams..."

"That's a relief..." A good mother only thinks of her daughter's sake.

There was one thing I need to open up too. "I hope your anger toward the Mathildos, especially to my old brothers have gone to the wind, Sir."

"I never hate your family, Drake."

The whole afternoon filled of laughter after that. I took all their advices by heart.

Mas lalo kong nakilala si Kuya Soren. I understood why he should be informed of the things that involved his sisters. He carried out the duty of a father and also a brother. I knew how difficult it is.

I seized the opportunity to discuss to them my plan for the upcoming launch of our brandy business.

They agreed to me. They would find ways to encourage Sonya to come home for that big day.

Jethro:

Bro, please take over here. Sumasakit ang ulo ko. Kunin mo na si Anghel dito. She's a little tipsy. Huwag mo ng isama si Kirsteen because she's with Russ.

I replied:

Got it. I'm on my way.

My phone beeped.

Jethro:

Can you make it in one hour?

I texted him back.

Me:

I can make it less than that.

Sunday in Sussana wasn't like any other days. There was a lot of loud disco music, glasses of drinks, and dancing party goers in their swimwear. I spotted Ayden in the sea crowd of dancing females. I walked to him.

"Ayden, what the fuck are you still here in Mindanao?" ani ko sa kanya.

He stopped for a moment. "Hush down, Mathildo. I'm chilling here in Sussana. Hindi ko alam na nandito rin pala si Anghel."

My patience snapped. "Don't call her Anghel. You have no space in her heart."

"Don't be tense, Drake. Bukas ay uuwi na ako."

He slugged a beer and twirled with his girls who seemed to be staring at me like I'm a piece of meat.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag dahil uuwi na talaga siya. Nanggaling na mismo sa bibig niya.

"Magpapasalamat ako kay satanas dahil uuwi ka na." Lumayo ako sa kanila.

"Drake, you are a lucky man!" Ayden shouted.

"I know! Go home, Ayden!"

Hinanap ko sina Anghel at Jethro. Naroon sila sa pinakasulok. Jethro was watching Angel completely lost in the haze of tipsiness.

I was thankful that he protected her from guys who wanted to talk to her or wanted to have her number. It was a good invitation for them when there's a drunk girl.

Lumapit ako sa kanila. Tumayo agad si Jethro. "Bro, ihatid mo si Anghel sa bahay nila."

"Ako na bahala sa girlfriend ko."

"Okay."

We bumped our fists and he buggered off. I took the seat were Jethro seated seconds ago. Angel seemed to be not aware of her surroundings. She didn't even notice that I'm here or Jethro leaving.

"Angel?" I called her attention.

"Hmm? Hehehe..."

Angel looked slightly pink. Her eyes were sleepy.

"It's your boyfriend. Iuuwi na kita."

"Yes!" Tumayo siya bigla. "My boyfriend! My boyfriend is a racer, and I'm so proud of him!" she announced loudly, letting the world know.

Some glanced at her and to me with wide eyes. Pasuray-suray siyang naglakad kaya inalalayan ko. People took pictures and videos of us the whole scene, realizing who actually I am. They kept watching my chaotic scene with my girlfriend.

"You're my boyfriend, and everyone should know that..." she whispered to me, giggling like I tickled her under her chin.

"Yes, I am. You sure you can walk?" I bit my lower lip for the happiness flowing in me was priceless.

"I can..hojy werr..." she babbled words I couldn't decipher.

I caught her delicate arm when she almost stumbled. I swept off her feet and carried her to the parking lot.

Kailangan ko siyang ilagay muna sa isang malapit na bench para pagbuksan siya ng pinto at isakay na.

Sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon bigla nalang dumaan ang bruhang kinaiinisan ko noon.

Blanchette Loreana Valencia, a supermodel.

"Oh, look what I just witness. Drake Wayne Mathildo with a very pretty girl..." She said with a toying body language that would make anyone flared up in annoyance.

Lumapit si Anghel sa amin. Pasuray-suray parin ang kanyang mga hakbang. "Sino po... kayo...?"

Loren's face lifted in surprise. "I know you! I saved you! Remember me?"

Angel narrowed her eyes, trying to recall someone. Her eyes widened upon realizing who she's talking to. "Ate Loren?"

"Yes, pretty! It's me!"

They leapt, hugged each other as if they were long time best friends. They exchanged compliments to each other.

"Is he your boyfriend, pretty?" She asked once the hugging session ended.

"Yes! Drake is my boyfriend!" Angel chortled.

"Oh..." She gave us a saucy grin with a vein of judgment to me.

"Did he ever treat you so ...poorly?" She inquired with a tissue of uncertainty to me as her boyfriend.

Treated so poorly...?

"No! I love him to the moon and back, ate Loren!" Angel answered in her tipsy-state merriment.

"I'm happy for you, pretty..." she hugged Angel one more time while raising her middle finger at me that says 'you better treat her well.'

Angel's head rested on my shoulder when nearly lost her balance. Her movements were unsteady.

I stayed by her side with my one arm around her waist to secure. So, she wouldn't be face down on the ground.

"She must be so important to you, Mr. Drake Wayne Mathildo." wika niya habang nakatitig sa amin.

"Angel is more than my life."

"What a lovey-dovey you are, Drake Wayne Mathildo." she teased.

I didn't get the idea why she needed to mention my whole name.

It was probably for sarcasm.

She was right. I'm a lovey-dovey for her. Only for Angel.

"By just looking at you right now." she scanned me from head to toe with a smirk on her lips. "Your actions -speaks louder than those drunkards. Perhaps, you still remember what you said to me?"

"Say it now. Whatever you're trying to convey doesn't make me anxious." I stated.

Her strategy was useless.

"Oh, I remembered you said hindi mo gustong makulong sa isang babae. Bakit sa tingin ko, ikaw pa mismo ang gustong magpakulong sa kanya?"

She never ceased to aggravate me. Doon ko lang napagtanto ang umbok ng tiyan niya.

"Are you pregnant, Mrs. Del Rosario?" Kumunot ang noo ko. "Aha, that's why..." I snickered.

"Sí! But it doesn't to do with the baby or my memory!"

That was the way to get into her nerves. Kailangan naming umuwi dahil ayokong makipagpalitan ng mga mapanuyang salita sa kanya. Hindi rin maganda sa anak nila Kuya Adam.

Angel jumped in surprise. "Calm down po."

"Angel, pretty." she gave prominence to her.

"Hmm..? Ate?" she hiccupped.

May binunot siya sa kanyang golden purse. "If he will break your heart, don't hesitate to call me. Here's my calling card." Inabot niya ang calling card kay Anghel. She glared at me. "Mr. Drake Wayne Mathildo, your words many years ago is eating you alive now..."

Hindi nakuha ni Anghel ang calling card niya dahil nakayuko na siya.

"I don't care. For sure, you'll do the same. Let's go, Angel. It's getting late and....nice to meet you again..."

Sinakay ko si Angel sa aking Grey Toyota Gr Supra. I buckled her seatbelt and drove in an average pace.

Nag-aabang sina Mama Anne at Kuya Soren pagdating namin. Mahigpit na kumapit si Angel sa aking leeg nang inangat ko siya at dinala patungo sa entrada ng bahay nila.

"I'm sober and drive my car safely." I reassured them.

"Salamat, Anak."

Umigting ang panga ni Kuya Soren sa kalagayan ni Anghel. "Saan si Jethro?"

"He texted me, sir."

He nodded and gestured the house to let me in. Nilapag ko siya sa couch ng kanilang living room. Angel stirred and stood up. Kuya Soren and Mama Anne took over on guiding her to her room. Sumunod ako sa kanila.

"Can I stay here?" untag ko sa kanila nang nakahiga na si Anghel at inaayos ni Mama Anne ang kanyang kumot.

"Oo naman, anak. Kung ayos lang sayo. Paki bantayan si Angel dito baka magsuka nalang bigla."

Kuya Soren's forehead furrowed.

"Hindi pa naman siya sanay uminom. She has a low tolerance in alcohol..."

"I know, sir."

Relief slipped into them that I knew every single detail about her.

"Ikaw na bahala sa kanya."

"Matutulog na ako, anak."

Iniwan nila kami sa loob ng kwarto ni Angel. I wandered my eyes inside.

Tila walang nagbago. Nakadisplay ang isang hardbound copy ng practical research namin sa kanyang bedside table.

I removed Angel's makeup with a toner. Tumabi ako sa kanya. I kissed her forehead and closed my eyes for the memories in this room seemed to be a breather for me.

Lumipas ang ilang oras ay naramdaman kong gumalaw si Angel sa aking gilid.

Ilang segundo ay rinig ko ang langitngit ng pintuan sa kanyang bathroom. I trailed her. I found her kneeling on the tiled ground and vomiting onto the toilet bowl.

I hunkered down beside her. I rubbed her back with my hand and the other holding her hair.

"You're challenging me to a drinking session when you have low tolerance of alcohol..."

I reached for a tissue paper when she stopped throwing up. "Let me wipe your mouth, Angel."

Binalik ko siya sa kama. I cleaned the toilet bowl and got back to her.

Kumuha ako ng pitcher ng tubig at baso sa kusina nila. I knew how to navigate here. I returned promptly to her room.

She was sitting on the edge of her bed. I dragged her swivel chair and sat opposite to her. I poured her a glass of water. She chugged it like she was in great drought.

"Are you okay now?"

She gave me the empty glass. Beads of sweat forming in her forehead.

"Yes, Drake... But I'm hungry..."

We both chuckled when her stomach rumbled.

"It's late in the evening. We can't find any open restaurant nearby. I can cook for you. Can you wait?"

"Anong lulutoin mo?" eksayted niyang tanong.

"What about Sotanghon?" mungkahi ko.

"Yes! Yes!"

She stood up eagerly. She was back to her animated self again.

"Teka lang," Natutop niya ang kanyang bibig. "Paano ka nakapasok dito?" she questioned me when she finally refreshed her mind.

"Drakey charms..." I reasoned out shortly.

"Nandito si Kuya Soren. Hindi ba kayo nagsagutan?" her eyes flooded with the intensity of fret.

Nilagay ko ang baso at ang pitcher sa bedside table niya.

I fondled the back of her hand to calm her raging thoughts. "We handled it professionally."

"Drake, I'm serious..." she crossed her arms over her chest.

"We talked in a calm grown up manner, Angel. No shouting or raising of voice. No hate and just pure peace won that talk." I simmered her down.

"Kailan kayo nag-usap?"

"Just this afternoon..."

"Anong sinabi nila?" Her forehead creased.

"They forgave me, baby..." I put an end to her worry.

I should have done it earlier. Para hindi na siya nag-aalala. Isa ito sa mga inaalala niya. I should have been wary.

"Thanks, God...finally..."

Nagpalabas siya ng mabigat at malalim na hininga. Tila nabunutan siya ng tinik. Her mouth curved into a smile of softness and joy of a real angel.

We sailed downstairs hand in hand. I cooked the first food I made for her. I was moving back and forth their kitchen while she was cupping her chin, watching me.

Every time I caught her smiling, I winked at her and a bomb of pink scattered on her cheeks.

Angel clapped her hands excitedly as I served two bowls of Sotanghon on the table.

I stroked her hair while she slurped the noodles. I would do everything to show her feel the love and care I have for her.

Tahimik kaming kumain. She was enjoying the food. I felt a glow of happiness every time I see her full of happiness in the simplest thing.

"Paano kayo nagkakilala?" I began with a topic.

She couldn't just forget about what happen few hours ago. Her angelic state might not agree with her drunken state.

"Sino ang tinutukoy mo, Drake?" pagtataka niya.

"Blanchette Loreana Valencia...Do you still remember what happen two hours ago?"

Shock tumbled on her face. "Oh, God...si ate Loren..." She put her fork down.

"Paano kayo nagkakilala?" I repeated the question.

Naninimbang ang tingin niya sa akin.

Nagdadalawang-isip na naman siya. I could sense her strong urge to alter the topic.

I screwed up my eyes, imposing my determination to know how they meet.

"Ate Loren saved me from those jerks before, because they almost touch me..." she said without blinking.

Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Jerks? Touched you?" I was confused.

It couldn't be... What the fucking hell!

"I swore to be a good human but how could I? If I'm thinking of murdering someone right now."

"Not the way you're thinking, Drake."

She shook her head.

"You didn't tell me about this before..."

For sure my knuckles were white in anger inside the gloves I'm wearing.

"That was a long time ago, Drake. Hindi pa tayo magkakila noon."

"Hindi ako kampante. Give me their names..." I demanded.

"No, Drake." tanggi niya.

"I would not beat them hard, Angel..." I buoyed up the topic.

"Hindi na kailangan..."

"I will not kill them..."

"Drake..." Angelic warning rang in her tone.

"I just want..."

She waited in great tension.

"To torture them..." Suminghot ako sa galit.

I heard her breath hitched with my words. "They were long dead, Drake..."

"Oh, bless their hearts..." I prolong the words in exhilaration.

"In hell..." I added with a sarcastic edge.

I changed the subject about Kirsteen after that. She narrated everything. I didn't want her to remember those nasty creatures. From now on, I'll make sure she would be only surrounded with good people.

We went back to her room and cuddled on her bed. But before my eyes was fully taken by drowsiness. My eyes glued on the small booklet beside her makeup kit.

PERIEDOT