Chapter 39: Ready, Steady... Go!

"WAIT!" Isang malakas na tili ang nagpatigil sa aming lahat. "Sandali lang Kuya Alfred!"

We all stood frozen as Sab ran out of the Mustang and placed herself between Kuya Alfred and Nathan.

"What the hell? Sabrina?" Kunot-noong tanong ni Kuya Alfred, "kasama mo 'tong kumag na 'to?"

"Sorry, Kuya," Hinawakan ni Sab yung kamay ni kuya para bitawan si Nathan. "You shithead!" Binatukan niya si Nathan at natawa lang ito ng bahagya, "Mag-sorry ka!"

"Sab, kilala mo siya?" I asked and she smiled sheepishly.

"Pinsan ko. Sorry Aya, as in super duper sorry. I'll kick his sorry ass," kinuwelyuhan ni Sab si Nathan who just winced and threw me an apologetic look.  "Sabi ko mag-sorry ka!"

"Sorry po!" He bowed with hands clasped in front of him to Kuya Alfred who just raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, babe. Akala ko kasi naintindihan mo yung message ko." He turned to me.

"Anong message?" I asked. Anong saltik meron 'tong isang 'to?

"Anong babe?!" Si Prince naman ang dumampot ng harap ng T-shirt niya, "pinopormahan mo ba ang girlfriend KO?!"

"Whoa, chill man..." he smirked and grabbed Prince's hands. "I thought she would give chase. Kanina ko pa siya sinesenyasan."

"Aya kilala mo ba 'to?" He turned to me and I nodded.

"Classmate ko," I turned to Nathan. "Bakit kita hahabulin?" Hindi ba nito alam na malapit na siyang magpaalam sa mundo with the way Kuya Alfred and Kuya Alphonse is looking at him right now? Nakita ko ring naka-ready si Trixie at Jem in case na magkagulo.

"If you don't want to become roadkill, wag na wag mong tatawaging babe ang girlfriend ko. May paglalagyan ka." Prince spoke in a deadly soft voice.

I tugged at his shirt. "Prince tama na," he threw me a glance before releasing the front of Nathan's shirt. 

He pulled me close and glared at Nathan, "Stay away from my girl," dinuro niya ito. Isang nakakalokong ngiti lang ang sagot ni Nathan.

"Let's see." He said at hinawakan ko si Prince kasi susugurin na niya ito. "I bet I can run circles around you."

"Nathan tumahimik ka na nga!" Hinila ni Sab yung balikat niya. 

"Hey, hindi ko gusto ang tabas ng dila mo," Kuya Alfred butted in. Alam ko na yung tono ni Kuya Alfred na naghahamon. "You don't get away from doing something dangerous to my sister."

"Sino bang nagbigay sa'yo ng lisensya at nang mapatanggal sa puwesto niya?" yamot ang boses ni Kuya Alphonse. Hindi palaging nagsasalita si Kuya pero grabe rin kapag nagalit kaya lahat kami ang laki ng takot sa kanya. Si Kuya Alphonse hindi na mag-wa-warning, bigla ka na lang tatamaan pag may ginawa kang kalokohan.

" 'Tangna ka, anong gusto mo ha?" I hugged Prince tightly.

"Let's settle this properly," Alam kong he's pushing Prince's buttons. "Sa racetrack." Nathan gave a triumphant smile.

"Call," Si Kuya Alfred. Maygadh, this is turning ugly.

"Kuya Alfred, Kuya Alphonse, Prince pasensya na po," si Sab yung humila sa T-shirt ni Nathan. "Nate, tama na nga. Para kang sira, nakakahiya sa bestfriend ko!"

Lumabas na rin si Kiko sa kotse with his hands up. "Uh guys,may padating na pulis."

True enough, naka-attract na kami ng police officers.  Dalawang police car ang tumigil at bumaba ang tatlong officers.

"May problema ba?" Tanong nung may katandaan ng officer na lumapit. "Nakaharang po tayo sa daan."

"Wala po!" Halata sa mukha ni Kiko na nagpapanic siya.

"Aya..." Nagmamakaawa yung mukha ni Sab.

"Okay na po officer, naayos na." Kuya Alphonse said smoothly, "kami na po ang mag-aayos. Right, Nathan?"

Napalunok ang tinanong sa makahulugang tingin ni Kuya Alphonse. "Ah, opo. Nagkasagutan lang po. We'll settle this."

"Ganun ba? Bawal po tayong magtagal dito dahil expressway." The officer explained at inakbayan ni Kuya Alfredo.

"Sir, sige po naiintindihan naman namin. Salamat po," He put his other arm around Nathan's shoulders, "tuturuan po naming sumunod itong mga bata."

"Di ba?" Nathan had no choice but to nod dahil nakapulupot sa leeg niya ang braso ni Kuya Alfred.

Holy crap Nathan Arroyo, you have no idea what you just agreed to.

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"I can't believe related siya sa'yo," I pouted at Sab. "Ang kapal niya, buti hindi siya sinapak ni Prince."

"Sorry na. Hindi naman siya usually ganyan, ako rin na-weirduhan. It's the first time I saw him this reckless. Mabait naman yang pinsan ko." Naglabas si Sab ng shades at sunscreen galing sa bag niya. Andito kami sa room nila ni Kiko sa hotel. Nasa baba na yung mga boys at nag-bre-breakfast. Busog pa ako kasi andaming pinakain ni Prince na kimbap sa akin kanina.

"Hay naku Sab kilala mo si kuya, hindi matatahimik yun until he's satisfied that they're even," I laid down on the bed and stretched.

"Pero grabe nakakatakot si Prince ha," she began applying sunscreen on her skin. Kanina pa ako naglagay bago kami umalis ng bahay. I turned on my side.

"May dahilan naman si Prince kaya siya bantay-sarado sa akin," I felt like I needed to tell Sab about our engagement. Ang tagal ko nang walang kausap tungkol dito and I wanted to confide to her.

"Sab I have to tell you something pero keep it a secret muna ha," I saw her lift a brow. Her curiosity is certainly piqued.

"Okay, spill." She smiled widely. "Tungkol ba sa inyo ni Prince?" I nodded. I pulled out my necklace from beneath the collar of my shirt and showed her the ring.

"What the hell Aya?!" Her jaw dropped, "Shocks, hindi ako makapaniwala! I mean this... this is not what I think it is, right? Kailan? Saan? PAANO?!"

"Shhhh... sabi na ngang wag maingay eh," Shocks si Sab talaga ang grabe ng reactions.

"Ayiiiiiiiiiiiiie!!! Girl ano ka ba?! Ang bilis niyo naman! Syete, bruha ka!" Niyugyog niya yung mga balikat ko. "Kailan siya nag-propose?"

"One week after nung pagbalik natin from Sagada."

"Ganon na katagal? Grabe, tampo na'ko, hindi ka man lang nagsasabi," she pouted pero hindi niya napigilang hawakan yung singsing. "Ang ganda, Aya. Grabe ibang klase talaga yung love spell mo kay Prince."

"Gosh, mauunahan  mo pa kami niyan ni Kiko. Kaloka," she murmured with a smile. "So girl, kayo ni Prince..."

"Ha?"

"So anong base na kayo?" I felt the blood rush to my cheeks. Eto na naman si Sab. Jusmio, nakakahiya! "Wag mo sabihing hanggang kiss pa rin siya sa'yo? Hay nako, di na 'ko maniniwala diyan."

"Siya first base, ako second," I shyly replied and Sab frowned.

"How the hell does that work? Ano yun, pumayag siya na ikaw lang tapos di man lang siya nakahawak?" I nodded and her jaw dropped.  "Whaat?! Ibig mong sabihin nauna pa kami ni—oh crap!"

"Kayo?! Si Kiko? Humaigali!" Syete, I did not peg Kiko to be that fast. Hala, hala... pero come to think of it, malay ko ba kung anong umaandar sa utak ng mga lalaki pagdating sa intimacy? I've just started exploring with Prince at so far he's letting me take the lead kahit alam kong parati siyang bitin.

"So okay lang sa kanya? I mean hindi ko akalain na ganun siya ka-patient. GRABE, bigyan ng award." Sab punched me lightly on the arm. "In fairness, ako ang nagturo kay Kiko." My gulay, naloloka talaga ako dito kay Sab. I can't see myself being that forward.   

"Okay naman siya?" I asked and she burst out laughing.

"Leche Aya, syempre no? Can you say willing victim?" She arched her brow, "I made sure he enjoyed himself very well. Hay nako, hindi siya makakahanap ng ibang kagaya ko." If it was possible to blush deeper, I'm sure sumulak na lahat ng dugo sa mukha ko. Baka nga mamaya ako na mag-nosebleed sa kwento ni Sab.

"Sab ganoon ba talaga yun? Kailangan talaga ginagawa yung ganoon?"

"Ang cute mo Aya, feeling ko tuloy corrupting an innocent ako. The hell..."

"Kasi minsan parang feeling ko gusto ko pa pero natatakot ako eh." Bigla niya akong niyakap ng mahigpit tapos pinisil-pisil yung pisngi ko.

"Nakuuu, Aya grabe ka. Ang cute-cute mo! Di ko alam kung paano ka kinakaya nung boyfie mo. Siya na ang santo."

"Unfair ba ako sa kanya? Feeling ko kasi gusto niya pero ayaw niyang magalit ako kasi dati inaway ko siya tungkol dito." Napangiti si Sab. She pinched my nose. "Pero grabe, pag kaming dalawa lang tapos ang sweet niya parang sasabog yung kidneys ko sa kilig. Para ba akong sira?"

"Hindi ka sira, normal naman ang mag-want ng intimacy Aya. Pag hindi ka kinikilig sa kanya and he doesn't make your breath hitch, then naku hindi ka in-love."

"Wala na hulog na hulog na 'ko." I laughed with her. "Pero nahihiya pa rin ako kasi...." I bit my lip. Si Sab lang naman nakakausap ko about this. Hindi ko ma-imagine na kausapin si Mommy kasi feeling ko mamamatay muna ako sa hiya kahit na open naman siya sa akin.

"Kasi?" Sab prompted me. "Ano?"

"Nahihiya pa kasi ako eh, parang... kasi... baka mamaya hindi siya mag-enjoy." Sab burst out laughing.

"Saaab!" I pushed her, "nakakainis ka naman eh..." I whined.

"Nagsabi ba siyang hindi siya satisfied? Kino-compare ka ba niya sa iba?" She tucked my hair behind my ear.

"Hindi naman."

"So okay lang yan. Pero girl, it's normal for him to crave for more. Hindi lang yan nagsasabi pero he must want more. Ang mga lalaki mas pisikal mag-express, tayong girls lang naman ang vocal." Mygahd buti na lang may Sab ako. I'm glad I decided to talk to her. Kasi hindi ko ma-imagine na tanungin si Prince kahit alam kong nag-offer naman siyang sagutin ako kapag may di ako alam. Pero kahit na, iba pa rin pag girls ang nag-uusap. "Pero make sure na ready ka ha, wag ka mag-panic kasi mas masakit yun. Relax ka lang."

"Saaab!" Ohmaigali...

May kumatok sa pinto before Kiko poked his head in.

"Girls mag-start na daw yung practice rounds," he told us. Sab stood up and kissed him. Grabe, hindi ako sanay na makita silang sweet. Namula si Kiko at kinurot siya ni Sab sa pisngi.

"Kiko, kambal 'ata kayo ni Aya," she laughed. "Ang inosente niyo. Grabe."

"Uh... Aya , Sab, si Prince at Nathan..."

"Anong nangyari?" Napabalikwas ako sa kama.

"Eh, nagkakainitan kasi sila kanina sa lamesa. Ang gist, mamaya magtutuos sila sa Open Division."

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"Trix," I turned my attention away from the track and glanced to my right. "What do you think about that?"

"He's really good." Sagot ko. Tumabi sa akin si Jem habang pinapanood namin ang time trials. As expected, Alfredo topped the charts for Bracket A. Kakasimula pa lang ay may award na agad siya for 'Fastest Time of the Day'.

Well, that's to be expected Trixie. After all, you worked your butt off to improve Lady. Ayoko mang aminin pero proud ako sa ginawa kong modifications.   

"I wonder who's in the black Porsche," she meant yung second placer na nakabuntot kay Lady since the first lap. Halos half a second lang ang pagitan nilang dalawa at kinabahan rin ako for a second there. "Mukhang siya lang ang worthy na kalaban ni Alfredo-my-loves."

Alfredo-my-loves? Hindi ko napigilang magtaas ng kilay. I saw Jem with a mischievous smile.

"Trixie, umamin ka nga. May gusto ka ba kay Alfredo Zabala?"

I felt my cheeks heat up. Ano ba namang klaseng tanong yan? I quickly turned my gaze back to the race track where Alfredo is already slowing down.

"Hay naku Trix, silence means yes," I felt Jem drape an arm around my shoulders. "May the best agent win."

"W-wala akong--" She squeezed my shoulders bago ko pa matapos yung sasabihin ko.

"I've no plans on backing out. Ano Trix?" Jusmio marimar naman! Kung anu-anong sinasabi nitong si Jem!

"Jem, look I'm just his mechanic for today--" I started to say but she cut me off again.

"I see the way you look at him, Trix. Naku bumenta na yan. Hindi si Alfredo ang tipo na manunuyo ng babae. He can have whoever he wants."

"Wala naman--"

"Alfred!" Pareho kaming natigilan nang lumabas mula sa itim na Porsche 911 GTR ang isang napakagandang nilalang na sinalubong ni Alfredo.

"I know that girl. She's an heiress from South America," Jem muttered beside me.

"Lily!" He caught her in a hug and the girl cupped his cheeks between her hands and gave him a deep kiss...

Syete.

"Laslas na." Jem and I muttered in chorus.

--------------------

"Prince sigurado ka ba talaga?" I pulled at his arm, "hindi mo naman kailangang gawin 'to eh."

He smiled and gave me a kiss, "I'll be fine." Alam kong he's just trying to reassure me. Sab already told me na champion sa drag racing si Nathan when he was in the US. Hindi ko talaga maintindihan ang mga boys!

"Prince wag na, please?" I tiptoed and wrapped my arms around his neck, "sa'yo naman ako eh. Wag mo na patulan yun."

"Aya, I can't just sit there and let that asshole say what he want. Pakakainin ko siya ng usok."

"Hindi ka naman nag-ra-race eh. Nag-aalala ko," Kinapitan ko siya ng mahigpit. "Baka madisgrasya ka."

"Hindi yan. Wala ka bang tiwala sa akin, baby?" He pouted.

"Sa'yo meron, pero dun kay Nathan wala. Please, Prince ko? Ang daming pwedeng mangyari habang nasa race track kayo. Pwedeng magloko yung engine, dumulas ka sa track, gitgitin ka nung ibang racers, mawalan ka ng control..." I buried my face on his neck, "magtatampo na si baby Aya."

"Goddess, pagbigyan mo naman ako? Promise, isa lang." He had that determined look in his eyes. "Wag kang magtampo, please? Just let me do this, okay?"

"Naman eh!" Alam kong hindi siya papayag. Hindi kaya ng pride niya na palampasin yung mga parinig ni Nathan. Gusto ko nang sakalin yung bwisit na yun!

"Sige na Aya," I stroked his cheek and he leaned into my hand.

"Manalo, matalo wala akong pakialam okay?" I told him and he nodded. "Basta stay safe, ha?"

"Promise," he kissed my forehead. I pulled him down and gave him a deeper kiss. His hands went under my thighs and he wrapped them around his middle to kiss me better.

"Keep that promise," I whispered softly to his ear when we parted. "Para mamaya..."

"Mamaya?" He rubbed his nose on mine.

"Pwede na." He stopped and stared at me. I took his hand at ipinatong ito sa aking dibdib.

He licked his lips. His eyes held warmth and tenderness, "Are you sure?"

I nodded, "Basta no injuries."

"Syempre, lalahian pa kaya kita," he grinned mischievously at me. His eyes looked hungry. Hala ka, teka iba yata ang nasa isip niya! I felt my cheeks heat up when his hand squeezed softly.

"Prince second base lang..." I mumbled softly and he laughed.

"Kahit kiss nga lang eh," He murmured as he caught my lower lip. He coaxed my mouth to part for him and his tongue slid inside to play with mine. "You're mine Goddess," he told me when we parted. "All mine."

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Paakyat na ako ng stands nang makasalubong ko si Prince. Hindi ko siya agad napansin kasi medyo na-shock pa yung utak ko sa nakita ko kanina sa race track at ramdam kong wasak yung puso ko. 'Langyang Alfredo Zabala 'to... ang landi talaga!

Trixie wala siyang kasalanan. Playboy talaga siya kahit nung di mo pa siya kilala kaya wag kang feelingera diyan. Pero hindi ko maiwasang masaktan kasi gusto ko siya. Mabait naman siya sa akin. Gentleman. Nakakamangha yung driving skills...

Ay leche, tama na nga ang kakaisip sa taong di naman ikaw ang laman ng isip!

"Trixie! Oi Trix!" I brushed past him and he caught my arm. "Trix, tulungan mo naman ako."

I stared up dazedly at him, "Ha?"

"Tulungan mo naman ako, o," he smiled hopefully at me. Eto pang isang 'to. 'Langya naman oh, wag kang ngumiti-ngiti diyan at baka upakan kita. Pahamak  ang kagwapuhan nitong mga 'to. "Trixie?"

I shook my head to shake off my cobwebs, "What can I do for you?" I felt myself automatically put on my professional mask.

He beamed up at me, "I need to win today's Open Bracket."

"Okaaaay..." I drawled slowly, "have you ever competed before?"

"No." Okay lang, open division naman eh.

"Have you ever driven a race car before?"

"Not really. Si Shiro lang." Seryoso ba 'to? Ang Celica ay low-end sports car... against a Mustang?

"May driver's license ka ba at least?" I asked sarcastically. Hindi ko na ma-contain. Ay leche kayong mga lalaki, parang baliw lang 'tong araw na 'to.

"Oo naman. Marunong akong mag-drive," he pouted at me. Hay, Constantino... hindi ako si Aya Zabala kaya hindi gagana yang powers ng pout mo. "Wala ka bang tiwala sa akin?"

"May tiwala ako sa'yo as a person, pero sa drag racing... pag-iisipan ko pa," I started to turn away again pero kinapitan niya ako.

"Trixie naman eh, sige na please?" I massaged my temples. Mukhang in-love na in-love talaga 'tong isang 'to. Hindi naman niya kailangang magpasikat kay Aya pero nagpapadala dun kay Arroyo. Mga lalake talaga!

"Tulungan mo na 'ko," he dropped his gaze to the floor, "pero sige kung ayaw mo, itutuloy ko pa rin. Ipagdasal mo na lang ako, ha?" Lakas makapang-guilty nitong isang to, sarap sakalin!

I sighed deeply." Sige mag-pre-prepare na ako ng  extraction plan." Lalong nalukot ang mukha niya.

"Trixieeee..."

That kind of face should not be made legal.

"Prince, pasalamat ka fan ako ng loveteam niyo," I pried his hand off my shoulder. "Tara."

"Tutulungan mo na ko?" Parang batang namilog ang mga mata niya.

"Hindi, papasagasa na kita dun kay Arroyo," I muttered in annoyance. "Oo na nga, bilisan mo at baka magbago ang isip ko."

"Yess!" He threw a fist to the air. Parang bata 'tong isang to. Ganyan ba kapag in-love? Hindi ko talaga maintindihan yang emotion na yan.

We went down to our designated tent kung saan nakaupo ang pamilya ni Kuya Alphonse at si Jem sa mga monobloc chairs, samantalang isang lounge chair na nagmula kung saan ang biglang sumulpot at...

Grabe, hindi na nahiya sa mga bata.

Naku Trixie inggit ka lang kaya tama na yan.

I averted my gaze and went to my crate of equipment. I pulled out wireless transceivers and handed one to him.

"Uy, na-miss ko 'to," he grinned at me as he put his on. I pulled out my laptop and booted it up. He sat beside me and waited for my instructions.

"Trix, I think you need to check Lady's suspension." Naramdaman kong umupo sa kabilang tabi ko si Alfredo. Syete ka, lumayo ka sa 'kin!

"Yeah. Check ko bago mag-test run si Prince." I answered smoothly. Sige lang Trix, don't show your real emotions. Masyado ka naman kasing affected, ang daming gwapong lalaki sa mundo.

Pero hindi sila si Alfredo Zabala. Peste kang mental voice ka! Kung pwede lang ilabas yung konsensya ko at ibitin patiwarik, ginawa ko na.

" 'Tol, maraming curves 'tong track na 'to. Dun mo yariin si Arroyo. This track is made for Lady. Basta wag ka bibitaw sa straight, bantayan mo lang," he instructed Prince na seryosong nakikinig sa kanya. "Basta pakakainin natin ng alikabok yan. Tignan ko lang kung di niya kainin yung yabang niya."

"What's up Alfred?" Ugh, bakit pati boses niya malambing? Bigti na Trixie!

"My baby sister's boyfriend is gonna race in the open," Nakita kong niyakap siya nung Lily mula sa likod. "is it too hot, love?" Pinunasan ni Alfredo yung leeg ni Lily.

"You're waay hotter," she laughed and I inwardly cringed.

"Ako din naiinitan," I saw Jem from the corner of my eye fanning herself and pulling the zipper of her leather suit open. Ohmaigali. Tumayo si Alfredo para kumuha ng drinks sa dala naming ice-chest. Inabutan niya ang lahat ng drinks.

I concentrated on the program that Reaper and I created to monitor the car's system. There's a system of mini cameras and an AI installed on Lady para ma-monitor yung stress ng system, output, saka ma-i-adjust remotely as needed. Naka-program na rin yung automatic na emergency measures in-case magkaroon ng collision o ng sunog.      

I checked the wheel alignment and suspension. May slight na adjustment ngang kailangan sa left rear wheel. Kung normal na driver, hindi mapapansin dahil sobrang liit lang pero this is Alfredo at kilala niya ang kotse niya.

"Ready ka na Prince?" He nodded at inabot ni Alfredo yung helmet niya na sinuot naman ni Prince. "Basta makinig ka lang sa instructions ko. Don't panic kahit maiwan ka sa first few laps, basta wag ka lang totally magpapahuli at mahirap i-gain yun once ma-overlap ka."

"May extra akong suit, ibigay ko sa'yo mamaya," Alfredo clapped his shoulder. "Wag mo kaming ipapahiya ni Lady ha?" He threatened playfully. "Stay safe. Wag mong paiiyakin si Aya. Girls don't understand what it means for us kaya basta wag ka na lang magpaka-reckless."

"Kuya naman, pakakasalan ko pa si Aya, no... hindi ako papayag na may basta na lang may umaaligid na naglalaway dun sa alam kong akin."

"That's the spirit!" Nag-fist bump sila. Pati si Kuya Alphonse gi-noodluck si Prince at humalik naman sila Allison at Aaron sa kanya. Gurabe ang cuute ng mga pamangkin ni Boss Ali na naka-race suit costume pa.

"Prince dun tayo sa shorter na track," I took my laptop with me and rode shotgun papunta sa test track. Bumaba ako at pumwesto dun sa gilid. Tinesting muna namin yung comm system bago ko siya pinaikot ng isang lap para ma-familiarize sa controls.

"Prince, wag ka masyadong gumiya sa right side. Mapipina ka niyan," I observed his driving. Syete, milagro ang kailangan namin. I called up the only person I know who can help us.

His familiar death glare welcomed me as he adjusted the camera and I gulped. I saw a glimpse of a very naked woman's back half-covered by white sheets. Uh-oh, tiyak lulutuin ako ng buhay nito.

"You guys have no concept of vacation, huh?" Ayokong aminin na na-miss ko ang boses niya. "Una si Aidan, ngayon ikaw naman. What the hell is it this time?"

"Jaguar, PC needs a crash course on drag racing." Nakita ko yung familiar na tick sa gilid ng mata niya.

"You need Kuya Alfredo, not me."

"The race is in five hours. I need a miracle worker." He looked amused. "Actually, his time trial is in thirty minutes."

"Hook me up with the system. He's on the car now, right? I want to watch." Good. Boss Ali loves these kinds of stuff. Buti na lang mukhang relaxed siya ngayon kahit inistorbo ko ang bakasyon niya with 43.

"Trixie, next time call sooner. This needs a lot of work."

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"May deathwish ka ba? Sabihan mo na ako agad para matawagan ko na sila Tito Jason at makapagpadala sila ng pampalibing." Nangangati na naman akong batukan si Nate na tatawa-tawa lang habang umiinom ng soda. "Nakikinig ka ba sa'kin?"

"Sab, cool ka lang," he grinned up at me. "Kayang-kaya kong lampasuhin yung si Prince."

"Wala akong pakialam, in the first place bakit mo ba siya hinahamon?"

"He's in my way."

"What the hell, Nate? Seryoso ka ba talaga sa sinasabi mo?" I sat down beside him and caught his face para tignan ko ng diretso yung mga mata niya. "Are you absolutely nuts?"

"Yep. I'm crazy about Aya. You should know, ikaw lang naman ang walang-tigil sa kakakwento tungkol sa kanya. I'm into her, hook, line, and sinker."

"So kasalanan ko pala 'to? Maygadh insan may boyfie na yun, tama na please?" I pinched his cheeks hard. "Madami pang ibang girls."

"They're not Aya." Ay, nakakaasar ha. Pilosopo-much ang lolo mo. "She's perfect."

"You're acting like an ass," hindi ko na napigilang batukan siya. Parang batang maliit na nag-ta-tantrums kung hindi makuha ang gusto. "Aya and Prince are in-love. Wag mo silang guluhin."

He laughed aloud, "Sab naniniwala ka ba sa kalokohang yun? Nothing lasts forever."

"Bakit ba ang bitter mo? Saka bakit si Aya ang pinag-di-diskitahan mo? Stop it, Nate. Ako makakalaban mo," I warned him seriously.

"Seryoso naman ako kay Aya. Kaya nga ako nag-shift para ligawan siya. Epal lang yung Prince na yun, inunahan ako nung summer."

I can't help but raise an eyebrow, "Nate, their feelings are mutual. Pwede bang wag mo nang saktan ang sarili mo?"

"Sab kung mag-asawa nga naghihiwalay eh, mag-boyfriend pa kaya?"

"Is this about Joanna? Please stop it. Mahal ko si Aya at Prince, wag mo silang guluhin." He's been heartbroken for the longest time  when his childhood sweetheart left him as soon as they graduated from highschool. Kaya siya umuwi sa Pilipinas at dito nag-aral. I remember nung isang beses na magkasama kami ay nakita niya yung photo namin ni Aya and he kept on asking questions at syempre excited din naman akong magkwento. Pero I have no idea na ang lakas pala ng HD niya sa bestfriend ko.

"But cousin, hindi mo man lang ba ako susuportahan? I'll show you I'm better than Prince Constantino."

"Hell, no." I muttered. "Hindi ko hahayaang yang kaligayahan mo ay manggaling sa heartbreak ng iba. Grow up, Nate."

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"Two more laps," Trixie's voice flooded over the comm lines, "You are ahead by four seconds."

I smiled triumphantly as I overlapped two more vehicles. The scenery on my windshield blurred and tunnelled as I changed gears and the car's V8 engine cried as the machine surged forward with a roar.

"Last lap," This one's in the bag. "Congrats Agent Jem." I watched the Blue Subaru Impreza tailing behind me fall back some more as I gained speed.

"Thanks Trix. Jem, over and out."

I saw the white and black checkered flag go down. I went for the victory lap before I slowed down and went to the pit.   

Naghihintay na silang lahat para sa akin, but there's only one person important in my eyes. I immediately sought him pagkababa ko kay Overlord at hindi naman niya ako binigo.

"You're awesome!" Alfredo caught me in his arms and spinned me around. Oh yeah! This is more like it. Nahagip ng mata ko si Lily na mukhang gusto akong sabunutan, si Bleu na dumating kanina na may dalang lunch at ngayon ay parang lalasunin yata ako, at si Trixie...

Na mukhang nag-bu-busy-busyhan ang peg. Hay naku... maglaway na lang kayo.

"Congrats!" Kinamayan ako ni Kuya Alphonse. Yes, kuya. Inaangkin ko na. Gosh, iniisip ko pa lang na magiging kamag-anak ko na si Boss ay kinikilig na ako.  

"Wish me luck, love..." Alfredo kissed my cheek. Haay, pwede na akong mamatay... ay wait, wag muna kasi magpapakasal pa kami, magkaka-anak ng isang dosenang racer-spykids, at titira sa isang villa sa Greece. Planado na? Of course, a girl should always plan ahead.

After the customary check up with the officials and organizers, I went back to the tent. Naupo ako sa tabi ni Trixie na kasalukuyang nagbibigay ng instruction kay Prince na hanggang ngayon ay nag-tra-training pa rin sa practice track under Boss Ali's supervision and to Alfredo na magsisimula na any minute ang laro. Bilib din ako sa concentration ni Trixie dahil sabay niyang chine-check sa split-screen yung progress ni Lady na hawak ni Prince at nagbibigay ng instruction sa team na naghahandle ng pagpapalit ng gulong ni Overlord na siyang gagamitin ni Alfredo. Bawal kasi ang below 220 na treadwear sa ganitong race at sa sobrang kaka-drift ay mabilis numipis ang gulong.

The green flag came up and all race cars went to Grid A para sa warm-up lap nila.

"Prince, wait for the last moment. Wag kang basta mag-accelerate sa curve. Lady will own that curve pero you have to make sure that the angle is correct or she will fly off the track. She is carrying less weight dahil mas bulky sa'yo si Alfredo," I raised a brow when I spied the speedometer. 260kph? Not bad for a crash course. Mabilis palang matuto itong si PC.

"Prince, give it a quarter of a second before you change gears. The loss of momentum will throw Lady off the lane." I heard Boss Ali's calm voice. Wow naman, ibang klase talaga ang mga Zabala. Team effort ang buong pamilya.

"Prince ko, sustain mo lang yung speed sa straight. Kahit maiwan ka by half a car length okay lang. Mababawi ni Lady yun pagdating sa second corner. Sharp yun kaya mag-ingat ka," Grabe ang cute ni Ms. Aya na may suot ding transceiver. Sobrang nag-aalala yung mukha niya.

"I'll be fine baby," We heard a snort from Boss Ali.

"O, mamaya na yang lambingan niyo. Concentrate muna Constantino. You do want to have all your parts working and intact for your wedding night."

"Kuya Aliii!" Sobrang namula si Ms. Aya sa pang-aasar ni Boss. Wow, I didn't expect that kind of sweetness from him. Iba talaga ang treatment ng lahat kay Ms. Aya.  

"Walang mangyayaring masama sa akin Goddess. Di ba nga I have you to watch over me?" Hay Prince Constantino ikaw na ang keso-much. Grabe.

"Watch out for the opening surge. Usually dun nagkakaroon ng pile up. Watch out for possible collisions."

"Yes Kuya Ali," the engine's roar almost flooded out his voice.

"Prince that car has a maximum 313km/h top speed, but with the modifications, expect more. Be careful."

The starting horn sounded and everyone rushed to the front of the stands. Simula na ng race for Bracket A – the elite division. Sa unang surge pa lang ay tatlong kotse na agad ang nag-pile up at nawalan ng control sa unang curve. Nawasak ang barricade sa gilid at takbuhan ang emergency unit at paramedics para patayin yung apoy at tulungan ang mga naaksidenteng drivers. Delikado ang track lalo na at buong araw na pabugso-bugso ang ulan. Overloard and Lily's Black Tiger immediately dominated the first lap.

"Piece of cake," I turned and saw Kuya Alphonse stand beside me. Inabutan niya ako ng light beer on can. "Sure na ang opening ng bar ni Alfredo next month."

"Okay lang bang hindi si Lady ang ginamit niya?" Kuya Alphonse shrugged.

"He's fine. It's the driver, not the car and Prince needs Lady more than he does right now."

"How much is the pot?"

"Officially, half a million. The online bet is a whole different matter," He smiled. Syete, buti na lang taken ka na kuya pero hindi pa rin nabawasan ang kagwapuhan mo. Based sa info ko sharp-shooter si Kuya Alphonse kaya alam kong magkakasundo kami.

"How's the online polls?" I opened the can and took a sip.

"Right now, four mil," Hawak ni Kuya Alphonse yung tab niya. Okaaay... ikaw na ang accountant. Grabe. "Pero mas masaya yung binuksan naming bet between Prince and Nathan." Devilish smile, check. Devilish mind, check. Zabala nga siya.

"What the freak kuya?!" Aya punched his side, "Bakit niyo pinagpupustahan si Prince?!"

Alphonse laughed and ruffled her hair, "just making the game sweeter baby girl. Ayaw mo nun, pag nanalo si Prince may ipon na kayo?" She pouted at him.

"Pero..." He pulled her into a hug.

"Pag nanalo si Prince, sabi ni Alfred siya daw magbabayad ng wedding niyo." Her jaw dropped.

"Weh? Sinabi niya yun?" Wow, ang swerte naman nila... yung wedding kaya namin ni Alfred-my-loves, gaano kabongga? Shems, kinikilig ako.

"Kuyaa..." Anubey, nakakainggit naman 'tong si Ms. Aya. "Matagal pa naman yun eh..."

"Mas okay na yung handa. Ayaw mo nun baby girl, hindi na kayo mamroroblema ni Prince? Alam mo naman si Alfred, spoiled ka dun."

"Thank you po," she reached up and kissed his cheek.

"Basta magtapos ka ng studies ha. Alam mo naman, yun lang ang pakiusap ko sa'yo." She nodded and hugged him tighter.

"Sixth lap, we're halfway through, don't let the Yellow Carrera pass," I heard Trixie instruct Alfredo. Nag-gi-gitgitan yung dilaw na Carrera at yung itim na 911 ni Lily for second place at mukhang nananalo yung Carrera.

The Carrera gained at naiwan ang Black Tiger sa sumunod na turn but Lily wont back down.

"Two more laps," Trixie warned. "The Carrera is on your tail."

"Copy," I heard Alfred respond at halos magkadikit na sila nung Carrera. Both cars drifted in perfect sync sa sumunod na apat na corner. Tahimik ang stands that you could probably hear the drop of a pin.

"Trixie, see you at the finishline," I heard him say before the orange Camaro pulled away on the next turn. Sumabog ang ingay ng sigawan at palakpakan as Alfredo Zabala pulled away on the final lap. Nag-blush si Trixie. Maygash, halata rin talaga 'tong babaeng 'to. Ayaw pa kasing aminin. Me, I'm willing to go the distance for this one.  

Lalong lumakas ang sigawan ng abutan ni Lily ang Carrera sa last 200 meters. Kapansin-pansin ang usok na lumalabas sa engine ng Carrera makalagpas ito sa finishline. Pagpasok ng pit ay agad na binugahan ito ng fire extinguisher at agad na inilabas ang driver.

We all went down to the pit para i-congratulate si Alfredo. Naunang tumakbo si Trixie sa sobrang excitement. Tsk, kasi naman...

I smacked against her back nang bigla siyang tumigil.

"Uy ano ba!" I pushed at her pero parang na-estatwa siya. I stepped around her and saw what made her stop.

"Excuse me," she murmured and backed away pabalik sa stands. Pati si Bleu ay natigil at nag-about face nang makita si Alfredo at Lily.  

Syete, this is gonna be one hell of a fight.

A/N:

I've decided to split the chapter yet again. Next chapter Prince vs. Nathan on the Open Division. :D Thank you to everyone who read, voted, and commented. I hope everyone is having a great time. Thank you to those who added the story to their Reading Lists.