Chapter 44: More than Mere Words 

"Prince alis na 'ko." Aya reached up and kissed me. I pulled her closer and tried to deepen the kiss. She responded with equal enthusiasm and I groaned when her tongue followed mine inside my mouth. Marunong na talaga siyang humalik and too many times these past days na ako ang nag-ho-hold-back kasi baka mangyari ang hindi pa dapat.

"Tama na," she whispered against my lips. "Umakyat na sila sa bus."

"Sandali lang baby," I hugged her tight. "One minute na lang."

"Hala, baka maiwan na 'ko," she murmured as she returned my hug. "Bye na. Text kita pag may signal."

"Miss na kita agad," I sighed as I let her go. She opened the car's door.

"I love you," she kissed me one last time.

"I love you more. Sunduin kita sa Saturday," I took her bags and brought it for her. "One pm, di ba?" She nodded her head.

"Bye baby girl," Adam caught her in a hug pagdaan namin sa kotse niya. Sa totoo lang di ko alam kung bakit andito siya pero katabi niya si Rin na naka-lean din sa kotse.

"Bye Kuya, ingat kayo ni Rin," Aya kissed his cheek. "Inggit ako."

"Syempre, iingatan ako ni Z. Sayang sana kasama kayo ni Prince," I saw Rin raise an eyebrow at that.

"Okay lang po may next time naman eh. I love you kuya."

We reached the bus and I went up para dalhin yung gamit niya. Nagbubulungan yung mga blockmates niya at ilan sa kanila ay tumatahimik kapag natatapat kami sa upuan nila."Bye na talaga," she kissed my cheek as I put her bag on the overhead compartment. Nakita kong nakaupo si Nathan sa may likuran at halatang umiiwas. Buti marunong siyang lumugar.

"See you baby. I 'll count the minutes until you're back," Okay, may ilang tumili at nagsisikuhang girls. May mga pumito at biniro si Aya. Namula siya ng todo.

"Ay grabe ka talaga. Cheesecorn Prince," she pushed me. "Sige na, bye na talaga. Papagalitan na tayo ng prof."

"Kaya naman pala... Sige na iho, ipinagbilin na si Aya ng mommy niya sa akin," Our professor clapped his shoulder.

"Thank you po sir," Nahiya naman ako sa pag-antala sa kanila. Bumaba na ako sa bus at bumalik kay Shiro. Ako ang magbabalik sa sasakyan niya sa bahay nila.

"Breakfast tayo," anyaya ni Adam nang umalis na ang bus. "Anong gusto mo, Z?" Rin shrugged her shoulders.

"Kahit ano."

"S'an ba nakaka-order ng kahit ano? Eh kung palaka ang orderin ko, okay lang sa'yo?" He flicked her ear and she swatted his head.

"Leche ka," she slapped his shoulder hard. "Bakit ba may fascination ka sa palaka?"

"Sweet mo talaga, Z." He grinned at her and she scowled at him. "Wag ka ma-in-love sa akin, ha? Hindi ako palaka, at lalong hindi ako prinsipe."

"Anong koneksyon?"

"Lagi mo akong tinatawag na leche. Gatas yun," he pinched her cheek. "Love ko kaya ang leche flan."

"Eww... nevermind. Hindi ka na leche, peste ka na lang." Pinalis niya ang kamay ni Adam. "Grabe ang lakas, kailangan ko nang sobrang kapal na jacket sa climb," she pulled the edges of her zebra-striped jacket closed.

"Bakit pa? Handa naman akong yakapin ka?"

"Hindi na ma-suffocate pa ako sa kapal mo," she pushed off his car. "May class na ako in thirty minutes. Ano na?"

"Rob Place na lang tayo. Baka may bukas na na coffeeshop." Inakbayan niya si Rin at sumunod ako sa kanila. Nahihiwagaan pa rin ako sa dalawang ito kasi parang aso't-pusa kung magbalahuraan pero lagi namang magkasama at magka-akbay pa.

We went to Cafe Breton to have breakfast at si Adam ang nag-order.

"Gallete Marrakech," the waitress called out as she brought our orders on the table. Mabilis naman ang service kasi maaga pa.

"Here," I gestured and she put the plateful of spicy beef sausage, onions, eggs and tomato resting on top of a savoury crepe in front of me.

"Gallete Provencal?"  

"Here," Adam smiled at her and kinilig yung waitress.

"Adam and Eve?"

"For the lady," Adam gestured to Rin who gaped at him.

"Wha--?!"Naibuga ni Rin yung tubig niya. "Anak ng... ang aga-aga..."

"Well, I do remember you asking for me on the menu before," he wiped her cheek with his napkin. "Your wish is my command, Z."

I watched as she turned crimson and buried her face in her hands. Adam took a spoonful of her vanilla ice cream and offered it to her. She peered at him with a pout but accepted it anyway.

Bigla akong nainggit. Miss ko na agad ang Goddess ko.    

This is gonna be the longest three days.

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I tried to keep myself busy for the past three days para mawala ang kabaliwan ko kay Alfredo. Jaguar will be back on Saturday at kailangang maayos ang lahat pagbalik niya. Lahat tuloy ng agents ay nagkukumahog na makumpleto yung assignments nila pati na rin yung lahat ng repairs at re-installation ng mga gamit at system. Reaper's been working on his off hours with Icen at lagi ko silang nakikitang seryoso sa harap ng main frame sa Control Room. Rika flew in yesterday pero mukhang wala siya sa mood at nalaman ko na lang na umalis din siya kaagad kaninang madaling araw on a direct flight to Singapore for another mission. Si Rin, well parati siyang wala these past few days at nagiging tampulan na nga ng tuksuhan ang newbie agent namin dahil parati siyang sinusundo ni A6 dito sa HQ. Who would have thought na magiging kasundo niya, at mukhang 'best bud' pa, ang isang lalaki?

At si Red. Well, she's out on a mission sa probinsya para sa isang kidnapping and drug syndicate. She's usually poker-faced pero nahuhuli namin siya lately na ngumingiti mag-isa at parang mas magaan ang aura niya.

The Zabala Effect nga naman. Yun ang ibinansag ng lahat sa kababalaghang nangyayari dito sa HQ. I'm not sure if it was Icen or Jem who coined the term pero napaka-appropriate considering the kind of devastating results these siblings have done to us agents. Nung una akala ko nakawala na ako dito sa syndrome na ito when my infatuation for Jaguar ceased pero eto na naman kami sa square one.

Damn you Alfredo Zabala.

Of course hindi ko aaminin. Ano ako baliw? Pero everytime bibigyan ako ng makahulugang ngiti ni Jem ay nawawasak yung walls na itinayo ko.

Bigti ka na Trixie. Kahit anong pilit ko na gawing busy ang sarili ko, bigla na lang siyang sasagi sa isip ko. Tuwing makakakita ako ng wrench, naaalala ko na gusto ko siyang pukpukin sa kalandian niya. Kapag naman naka-amoy ako ng hot choco parang gusto kong maghuramentado dahil nakikita ko yung pilyong ngiti niya, at tuwing makakakita ako ng pink parang gusto ko maglaslas dahil naririnig ko yung boses niya na nagsasabing, 'Perfect.'

Nung Lunes nga naabutan ko na kumakain ng Chicken Alfredo pasta sila Shanvie at Yhona at nung nag-offer sila sa akin ay bigla ko na lang sinabing, "Ayoko. Sa inyo na. Ayoko sa always available." Nagkatinginan sila at biglang nagtawanan.

"Trixie, grabe ang lakas," Shanvie winked at me.

"Ate, wag na kasi pa-demure. Ayan tuloy umaapaw ang HD," Yhona added and she winked at me.

Feeling ko gusto ko nang matunaw sa kahihiyan at magpalipat ng assignment. 'Langya, dapat yata mag-request na lang ako na ma-re-assign sa US. I think I need a break.

I froze when I heard footsteps coming over. Kilala ko ang mga yabag na 'yon and I groaned softly. Akala ko hindi ko na siya makikita. I slipped out of my station and quietly climbed to the ceiling beams.

I saw him pause by the door and open it a crack to peer inside. Nang makita niyang walang tao ay pumasok siya and leaned on the closed door.

Anong balak nito?

I watched him sigh as he took a single pink rose from his coat and place it on my table with a note. He paused to touch a framed photograph of mine on my table. I could feel the tell-tale signs of tears. Trixie, wag kang ma-touch sa da-moves niya. Manloloko 'yang si Alfredo. He said so himself, gusto niya lang mag-enjoy at hindi ikaw ang tipo ng babae na nakikipaglaro.

Umalis ka na, please? Nararamdaman kong namimitig na yung paa ko from my position here on the ceiling. Wag kang titingin dito sa taas.

Grabe Trixie, mukha kang tanga. Ano, mag-a-ala-Spiderwoman ka? Harapin mo kaya?  

Pero wala akong lakas ng loob para harapin siya. I should forget about him.

"3X you have a visitor waiting at the lobby," I heard Icen's voice over the intercom at muntik na akong mahulog sa pagkagulat. Perfect timing. I thought sarcastically.

Sino naman kaya itong bwisita na 'to? Sumasabay pa dito kay Alfredo. 

"3X you have a visitor in the lobby. Please get down from the ceiling, over." 'Langya 'tong si Icen binuko ako. I saw Alfredo frown and look up. He looked perplexed before his face broke into a smile.

"There you are, mi bella," he had his hand on his chin. "Icen said you were here."

"I was just checking our surveillance equipment on the ceiling," I lied smoothly. Alangan namang aminin ko na pinagtataguan ko siya!

"Pumunta lang ako to pick up Overlord," He said. I slowly slid down the support beam and he reached forward to assist but I waved him off. He shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. I went over to the small locker where we keep the keys of the vehicles in our garage and took out Overlord's keys.

"Here. He's freshly tuned up," I handed him the key and he grasped my hand. Libo-libong boltahe ang sumabog sa aking balat sa mahigpit niyang hawak.

"Trixie..."

"Sorry, I have someone waiting for me at the lobby." I quickly cut him off and pried my hand. Tumalikod na ako at tumungo sa pinto. Pakiramdam ko ay tatalon yung puso ko mula sa aking dibdib sa lakas ng kalabog nito.

"Trixie, can I invite for lunch?" I heard him speak and I paused by the door.

"I can't. I'm sorry," I tried to act cool. I could hear his footsteps coming closer. "I have important things to do."

"I'm sorry then... Sorry for wasting your time." Bakit pakiramdam ko ang lungkot ng boses niya? Or baka guni-guni ko lang 'yon.

Ano ba Trixie, wag ka masyado feeling ha. 

Nauna siya sa akin and I turned to the lobby to find my visitor.

"Trixie!" He jumped from his seat when he saw me.

"Prince anong ginagawa mo dito?" Teka parang may naamoy na naman akong something sa ngiti nitong si Constantino.

"Pwede mo ba 'kong tulungan?" Bingo. Sabi ko na nga ba.

"Si Ms. Aya?" He eagerly nodded his head. Natawa ako. He's a guy na mababaw lang ang kaligayahan. "What can I do for you?"

"May software ka ba na pwedeng i-link dun sa tracker niya?" I blinked at him. The heck? Gusto niya ng military surveillance para i-track ang girlfriend niya?

"Sige na Trixie," he put his hands on my shoulders and gave me a pleading look. "Andun na naman yung tracker eh, gusto ko lang malaman kung safe siya."

"Prince, I don't want to break any protocols. May cellphone naman kayo, di ba?"

"Walang signal dun eh. Saka ang bagal ng sistema ng telcos dito sa Pilipinas," well, he has a point. Still, hindi basta-basta ginagamit for personal use ang military technology.

"Sorry, I can't help you. It's against protocol." He looked like someone kicked his puppy at parang nakaka-konsensya pero hindi talaga pwede.

"Just pray and I'm sure she will be fine," I patted his shoulder. "Saka you also need to focus on your own studies. I don't think magugustuhan ni Ms. Aya kapag nalaman niya na hindi ka pumasok sa class mo."

"Wala pa akong class," he said. "Mamaya pa. Anyway, sorry to bother you Trixie." He waved good bye at me. I watched him leave then I went back to my table.

"Psst...Trix... Trix!" I knew without looking na si Icen ang tumatawag. Sinundan niya ako at feeling ko sasagap na naman siya ng balita or mang-aasar. Or both.

"What?" Iritado kong sagot. I sat down heavily on my chair.

"Andito si A3 kanina," she had that mischievous cat-smile on her face that is typical Icen.

"So?" Iniwas ko ang tingin ko and my gaze fell on the pink rose on my table. I picked up the note and read it.

7pm. Tonight. Pisces

He's inviting me to dinner? 

My heart did a little skip.

Teka nga, di ba di mo na tinanggap yung imbitasyon niya na mag-lunch tapos kinikilig ka sa idea ng dinner?

Baliw.

"I'll guess. Date?" Icen broke through my musings.

"Wala." I took the note and crushed it sabay tapon nung pink rose sa basurahan.

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

All throughout the bus ride ay natulog ako. Lahat din naman kasi ng blockmates namin ay ganoon ang ginawa kahit na may mga ilang nagkwe-kwentuhan o kaya ay kumakain ng chips pero majority talaga ay tulog. Inabot din ng apat na oras bago kami nakarating dun sa lugar at nagtipon-tipon muna sa barangay at nakipagkilala kami sa mga officials at sa mga magiging foster family namin sa site. Mga katutubo ang aming tutuluyan kaya mayroon silang mga customs na kailangan naming sundin. Nagbigay din sila ng babala tungkol sa curfew at dun sa mga bagay na hindi namin pwedeng gawin o sabihin. Inabot ng mahigit isang oras yung getting-to-know-you namin sa kanila bago kami nagsimulang maglakbay patungo sa aming designated na tutuluyan.

Sampung pamilya sa iba't-ibang parte ng katutubong barangay kami na-assign. Hindi pa patag yung daan papunta sa community at lahat kami ay pinagpawisan ng todo sa pag-hike papunta doon. Pula ang lupa na tuyo pero nagpuputik naman kapag nadadaanan ng pawis kaya tuloy mukha kaming mga maglulupa ng makarating sa bahay na aming tutuluyan. I took photos for our documentation at para souvenir na rin.

"Aya, groupie tayo!" Issa called out to Mitch na hinila naman si Nathan. He tried to smile at the camera pero sobrang awkward pa din ng atmosphere sa aming dalawa. Hinila ako ni Mitch sa isang gilid habang binababa yung mga bag sa loob ng kwarto na binigay sa amin. Tatlong girls kami na mag-sha-share at si Nathan ay dun na lang daw sa labas ng veranda matutulog.

"Anong meron at bakit hindi yata kayo nagpapansinan ni Nathan?" Mitch whispered to me.

"Long story." Ayokong pag-usapan kasi ayoko ng issue. Alam kong Issa has her eye on Nathan and he seems oblivious. 

"We have three days, girl. Spill." Pinandilatan niya ako and I sighed as I relented.

"Basta ayoko lang siya i-entertain." Her eyes widened.

"So duma-moves siya sa'yo? Kaloka, haba ng hair mo talaga," she giggled. "Ikaw na talaga Aya."

"Mitch I'm not interested. May Prince na 'ko and I'm more than content." I told her seriously.

"Sabagay. Pero grabe, great catch din yang si Nathan," she stretched. "At mukhang nag-fa-fall na si Issa sa kanya."

"Kahit gaano pa ka-great, hindi ko ipagpapalit ang Prince ko. Mahal ko yun, sobra," I hugged myself.

"Inlababo-much. Pero girl, parang ang serious niyo na ni Prince. Hindi ba parang ang bilis naman?"

"Mitch hindi naman kasi laro ang love. Ayoko na paglalaruan ako, kaya wala rin akong balak makipaglaro," I told her.

"O, eto na yung bags niyo." Inilapag ni Jeff na blockhead namin yung backpack ni Issa at suitcase ni Mitch sa may pinto. Isang day pack lang ang dala ko dahil alam kong mahirap magbuhat ng marami at sa liit ko, baka maiwan ako sa hike. "Grabe ka Mitch, ano ba yung nasa bag mo,bato?"

"Thank you ha, andiyan na kasi yung buong bahay ko." Nakatawang biro niya. "Ayaw mo nun natulungan pa kitang matunaw yung fats mo."

"Grabe, ako pa ngayon may utang," he shook his head with a laugh. "Sige, mamayang eight yung block meeting. May bonfire tayo."

"Okay po Manong Jeff," we chorused and he waved goodbye.

Nagkanya-kanyang lugar na kami sa loob ng kuwarto kasi maliit lamang ito at iisa ang kama. Nag-volunteer na ako na doon na lamang sa lapag kasi pinabaunan naman ako ni Prince ng sleeping bag niya. Grabe si Issa at Mitch, halatang hindi sanay sa backpacking kasi andami nilang dalang gamit at nakakalat sa kama, sahig at dun sa tokador. Mabuti na lang bata pa lang ako ay sinanay na ako nila kuya na mag-pack at mag-imis ng gamit. Bonding kasi naming magkakapatid ang mag-travel outdoors lalo na sila Kuya Alejandro, Adam at Aidan. Si kuya Alejandro wildlife photographer sa international magazine na based sa Singapore.

Maya-maya ay narinig kong nagkakainisan na ang dalawa.

"Issa ang sikip na dito sa side ko. Dun ka na sa kabila maglagay ng damit mo." Nakasimangot si Mitch at padabog na inilipat sa side ni Issa yung mga damit.

"Ano ba, nalulukot na kaya?!"

"Kasi lahat ba yan isusuot mo?"

"Wala kang pake."

I rolled my eyes heavenward. Hay naku, lumalabas ang mga kakaibang ugali ng tao kapag nag-tra-travel. Feeling ko nanonood ako ng drama sa Amazing Race. Nauna na ako sa banyo at naglinis. Mabuti na lang malapit lang yung balon dito sa bahay namin. Tiyak yung ibang grupo mahihirapan magdala ng balde para lang makaligo pero kami swerte kasi malapit lang yung banyo. Pagbalik ko sa bahay ay nakita kong nag-aaway pa rin si Issa at Mitch.  

"Guys, tama na yan. Wag niyo na muna ilabas yung gamit niyo, di naman tayo matagal dito. Toiletries lang naman yung dapat always ready." They turned to me with twin lifted brows. Ooopsss...

"Sige, labas muna ako," I got up and took my camera with me. I went out to the porch and saw some kids who agreed for me to take their photos. Naglakad-lakad ako to familiarize myself with the area. Hindi ko ugali ang magpabukas ng mga bagay na pwede namang simulan. I took out the compass that I borrowed from kuya Adam and took note of my coordinates. Isa sa mga tasks ko and gumawa ng map ng community kaya mabuti nang simulan ko hangga't maaga pa.

I went up to the only sari-sari store in the area at nagtanong kung saan merong signal. No network kasi yung phone ko at na-mi-miss ko na si Prince.

"Ay dun sa may school." Itinuro ni ate yung eskuwelahan na nasa itaas ng burol. Sabagay, mataas ang lugar na 'yon kaya tiyak na doon nga may signal.I made my way to the top of the hill and sat on a bench overlooking the whole community. I took some photos para sa photo exhibit namin na kasama sa requirements. Nakita kong nagkaroon ako ng one bar na signal. Sa wakas!

I quickly dialled Prince's number. Sana maka-connect kasi gusto ko na siyang kumustahin. I heard footsteps behind me and glanced to my side. Nathan sat on the bench beside me and I quickly inched away.

"Can't we try to be friends at least?" I could hear a note of pain in his voice. "Give me a chance, Aya."

"Nathan I agree to work with you in this project pero hanggang dun lang." Gusto kong maging honest sa kanya. Ayoko na bumubuntot siya sa akin kasi wala naman siyang mapapala saka ayoko rin na aasa siya at mag-aabang sa sidelines. He needs to move on. Being kind would only hurt him in the long run.

"Kahit friends lang? Sobra ka naman."

"Look, alam ko na may gusto ka sa akin kaya hindi pwede yang sinasabi mo na friends lang. Please, Nathan?"

"So you're telling me there's zero chance?"

"I'm sorry Nathan. Ayokong magkaroon ng reason ang boyfriend ko para magselos."

I saw that the line finally connected and I turned away from Nathan, "Prince ko!" I exclaimed when he picked up after the second ring.

"Goddess ko, buti may nahanap kang signal," the line is a bit choppy pero okay lang kasi narinig ko na yung boses niya. "Okay ka lang diyan baby?"

"Okay lang," I wiped my nose with the back of my hand. "Pero miss na kita."

"Miss din kita," I could hear the static on the line and I held my phone tighter. "Grabe ayaw makisama nitong signal napuputol."

"Oo nga eh, kanina pa rin kita tinatawagan pero laging out of coverage area. Fail," he sighed and I could almost picture him in my mind. "Kumain ka na? Okay ba yung community? Matulog ka nang maaga ha saka wag ka papakagat sa lamok." I giggled at his reminders. Grabe talaga 'tong boyfriend ko mag-alala.

"Opo daddy Prince," he sighed once more then laughed.

"Daddy Prince?"

"Kasi para kang tatay ko eh. Opo hindi ako lalamukin, ang dami mo kayang biniling insect repellent." I glanced to my side and saw that Nathan has began his descent. Medyo malamig na kasi hapon na rin and I shivered. I zipped my jacket closed para hindi masyadong lamigin. "Mabilis dumilim dito, diyan ba?"

"Papadilim na rin. Wait, asan ka ba? May kasama ka diyan?" Narinig ko na naman yung pag-aalala niya.

"Andito ako sa mini hill. Dito lang may signal eh, ako lang mag-isa kasi nag-aaway sila Issa at Mitch."

"Baby hindi ka dapat umalis na walang buddy. Baka mapaano ka, hindi ka pa naman pamilyar diyan." He scolded me at bigla akong natakot. Hala, oo nga pala kabilin-bilinan pa naman na dapat lagi kaming may buddy kapag naglalakad. Naku, mukha akong ewan at tiyak papagalitan ako ng prof namin.

"Sorry. Sige babalik na ako sa bahay. I love you. Tatawag ulit ako pag nakasagap ako ng signal." Ayoko pa talagang ibaba pero kailangan na. Na-realize ko na yung katangahan na ginawa ko.

"Bye Aya. I love you. Ingat ka baby," I heard him say before I closed the line. Natakot ako kaya dali-dali akong tumakbo pababa ng burol. Tiyak hinahanap na rin ako nila Issa kasi maghahanda kami ng hapunan at parehong hopeless sa kusina ang dalawang iyon.  

Nanlalamig yung mga kamay ko kasi mabilis na lumatag ang kadiliman sa paligid kahit wala pa namang ala-sais ng gabi. Wala na rin halos tao sa daan kasi maagang matulog ang mga tao sa kanayunan at tiyak pawang nag-sisipag-hapunan na sila. In fairness naman, may nadaanan akong bahay na may TV at nakakumpol yung mga bata at matanda na nanonood ng early news. Hindi naman ganoon kalayo ang lugar na ito sa kabihasnan at nababago na rin sila ng teknolohiya. Wala naman akong nakasalubong na naka-traditional na suot bagamat hindi uso ang revealing sa kababaihan nila.

Pagdating ko sa bahay ay nadatnan kong nakapalibot kay Nathan sa may lutuan sila Issa at Mitch. Walang kalan at kahoy ang ginagamit na lutuan kaya mausok. Nakangiti si Mang Andoy na siyang 'foster father' namin dito sa community habang pinagmamasdan yung dalawa na tila manghang-mangha sa naglulutong si Nathan. Naamoy ko ang adobo.

"Sigurado kang masarap yan?" Tanong ni Mitch. Medyo dubious ang mukha niya.

"Yes. This is how I cook adobo," he smiled at her. "Trust me, it's gonna taste good."

"Pero hinulog mo lang lahat ng sabay-sabay yung ingredients saka bakit parang durog na yung chicken?" Mitch insisted. Siniko siya ni Issa.

"Wag ka na nga kumontra. Basta ako Nate, I'm sure masarap yan." Issa grinned at him and I saw Mitch roll her eyes.

"Okay, bahala ka na nga. Kakaiba lang yung itsura niya sa adobong nakasanayan ko."

"Mitch, why don't you check the rice?" Nathan asked her. Kumuha ng basahan si Mitch tapos binuksan yung sinaing.

"Hala, nasunog na!"

"Patingin nga," I nudged her aside and touched the middle. "Medyo bigas pa yung gitna, pahingi ako ng sandok saka ng tubig sa baso."

The two were silent as they watched me and Nathan cook dinner.

"Mitch maghiwa ka ng kamatis tapos akin na yung itlog, isapaw natin dito sa kanin para may hard-boiled eggs tayo."   

"Feeling ko nagba-bahay-bahayan tayo," Mitch giggled.

"Mitch!" I frowned at her. Alam ko nang-aasar siya at nakita kong sumimangot si Issa. Agad namang nakuha ni Mitch yung gusto kong sabihin kaya tumahimik na siya. Nang makaluto ay naghain na kami at niyaya namin yung foster family namin na kumain. Mahiyain yung dalawang batang anak ni Kuya Andoy pero madaldal yung asawa niyang si Ate Neneng. Marami agad kaming nalaman tungkol sa kalakaran sa community at sa mga customs at traditions nila.

"O, di ba sabi ko masarap yung adobo," Nathan nudged Mitch na nakaka-dalawang pinggan na ng kanin.

"Medyo weird lang ang itsura pero masarap nga," she admitted.

"See, it's not bad to try new things. Di ba, Aya?" He asked from out of the blue and I glanced at him.

"Okay lang naman," I replied with a smile, "pero hindi mo maaalis ang loyalty sa nakasanayan."

"Mas exciting kung may pagpipilian."

"You cannot take one's love from what they already love."

Pabalik-balik yung tingin sa amin ni Issa at Mitch.

"Excuse me," I rose from the table and went to our room. I busied myself with reviewing the photos I've taken from the day and discarding those that are blurry or irrelevant. Naiinis ako sa ugali ni Nathan pero ayokong maapektuhan yung trabaho namin. Bahala siya kung anong gusto niyang isipin pero huwag niya akong idamay sa kalokohan niya. Lalo ko tuloy na-miss si Prince.

"Aya okay ka lang ba?" I saw Mitch at the doorway.

"Oo naman. Nasimulan ko na yung pang photo docu natin saka naikot ko na yung eastern edge ng community. I-dro-drowing ko na lang yung estimates bago matulog para di ko makalimutan."

"Ikaw na. Ako nga wala pang nagagawa. Kahit isang reflection di pa sumagi sa utak ko. Gusto ko lang matulog, grabe." She sat on the edge of my sleeping bag. "I mean okay lang ba kayo ni Nathan? Alam ko sumunod siya sa'yo kanina kasi nag-aalala siya na wala kang kasama."

"Okay lang. Sinabi ko naman sa kanya na wag na niya akong kulitin pero ewan ko ba dun. Ang tigas ng ulo eh." I sighed. "Saka ayoko din na nagpaparinig siya sa harap ni Issa. Ang awkward kaya."

"Kasi naman yang diyosa charms mo sobra," she poked me on the side.

"Hay naku, hindi nakakatuwa." I frowned. "Tara mag-ready na tayo para sa bonfire."

We got ourselves ready at naghintay kami para kila Nathan at Issa na matapos. I started writing my daily reflection on my I-pad at naengganyo na rin si Mitch na gumaya. Naglabas siya ng notebook at nagsimulang magsulat ng insights. Umupo din si Nathan sa tabi namin at nakita kong sa i-phone naman siya nag-ty-type. Ang tagal pa bago lumabas si Issa at halata kong irita na si Mitch agad. Paano naman si Issa sobrang bango at nakaporma samantalang kami ay naka-jogging pants at jacket lang.

"Grabe ka ang tagal mo!" Inirapan siya ni Mitch.

"Whatevs, tara na!" Nagpatiuna si Issa at hinila ang kamay ni Nathan. Kumapit ako kay Mitch.

"Tama na yan," I smiled up at her. "Let's make the most out of this trip, okay?"  

She nodded reluctantly.

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I grinned inwardly as I watched everyone's horrified expressions. Lahat ng agents ay parang natuklaw ng ahas ng dumaan ako sa lobby at nagkukumahog na pumunta sa positions nila. I could hear the steady pounding of feet as they all rushed to make things presentable. Alam nila ang mangyayari kapag nadatnan kong wala sa ayos ang HQ.

"Hello Icen," I gave my wide-eyed assistant a smile and she gulped and gave me a nervous smile.

"J-Jaguar..." She looked comical with her glasses askew and she's breathing hard like she just ran a marathon.

"Round-up all agents for a meeting in..." I looked at my watch, "ten minutes." I could visibly see the relief on her face. I feel like being generous today. May hang-over pa ako from my vacation with my darling pero kailangan nang harapin ang reality at ilang araw na rin akong di tinitigilan ng higher-ups dahil sa naka-pending na cases. Ang alam ng mga agents sa Sabado pa ako babalik pero I had to cut my vacation short and catch the Thursday morning flight back to Manila. Dalawang flight lang the whole week ang available from the island at kung hindi ko kukunin yung ngayong umaga ay next week na ako makakabalik unless I request for a chartered flight via the HQ's Bird.

"Yellow you can go freshen up," I told the agent beside me. Alam kong medyo may high pa siya from our adventures sa island at nakatutuwang isipin na siya pa of all people ang pag-iinteresan ni Kuya Alejandro. I don't know if it was a special kind of luck or if I could call it a curse, pero mukhang ako pa yata ang nagiging bridge sa lovelife ng mga kapatid ko.

I wouldn't call myself tsismoso, curious yes, because I deliberately made it a habit to check on all of my siblings. Nakakatawa ang agents na mukhang isa-isang tumitiklop sa mga kapatid ko.

What the h*ll... I sat on my desk and checked the reports. Tsk. Hindi pa kumpleto. Nagiging sloppy ang agents ko kapag hindi minamanduhan. Lalo na si Rin. Wala nang ginawa kundi makipag-hang-out kay Adam. I know she's a newbie pero hindi ito excuse para mag-slack-off. Pati itong si Adam ay kailangan ding pagsabihan. Buti na lang at si Aidan ay nasa ospital pa pero tiyak kapag lumabas 'to ay si Red naman ang kukulitin niya. I need them to set their priorities straight.

"Jaguar, all agents are assembled at Meeting Room 4," I heard Icen's clear voice on the intercom.

"Yes, I'll be there in a minute," I gave one last cursory glance around my office before I took off my jacket and boots. I changed into my comfortable trainers. Nasanay na ang paa ko sa halos two weeks na nakapaa or tsinelas sa beach. Suddenly, being back to reality left a sour taste on my tongue. I had the sudden urge to call Maria pero I held myself back. Baka tulog pa siya. No doubt napagod siya sa dalawang connecting flights namin.

I made my way to the conference room where my agents are sitting in attendance. A hush feel on the room and they all stood up and saluted when I entered. I acknowledged them.

"At ease," I said and they sat down.

"I see that everyone seems fine," They looked relieved, "Icen, report." Bigla na naman silang napaupo nang diretso habang binabasa ni Icen ang accomplishment report. I listened quietly and observed my agents reactions. Alam kong pinagpapawisan na sila nang malapot dahil alam nilang maraming kulang sa report at assignments na iniwan ko. Pati training nila mukhang nag-slack-off.

Mukhang nagtabaan ang agents ko. This is not acceptable.

"I expect your reports by tomorrow morning." I'm not unreasonable. Mahigpit ako sa deadline dahil hindi naman laro ang ginagawa namin. People's lives are at stake pero I'm realistic with my expectations pagdating sa tauhan ko. Alam ko kung hanggang saan ang kaya nila at kung ano ang best na trabahong naangkop sa skills nila. Contrary to popular belief, hindi lahat ng agent ay superhuman. The agency selects them because they have special skills that are one of a kind. Of course they need to fulfill a physical and mental exam as well. They also have to qualify a minimum of skills to prepare them for field work. The best leaders are ones who know how to use his agents to their full potential. Like chess pieces, one needs to make use of each piece according to their special moves.

"I brought new people with me," The door to the far end opened and in came two of my newest agents.  

"Girls, meet your new team mates Jace and Lily."

I saw Trixie and Jem's eyes widen. They have no idea Lily's been working undercover for the South American division. Matindi ang drug syndicates na kinaharap niya sa Brazil at Mexico where the cartel is very much thriving. I had to swap my best agents to fulfill the new mission.

"Yelle and Rika will be re-assigned. Rika is already on her way to South America while Yelle will be re-assigned to the Singapore Division."

"What?!"

"May maghuhuramentado," Icen remarked. I stared at Yelle's ashen face. She looked like she wanted to murder someone. However, I gave her a deathglare of my own and she reluctantly backed down. I know she wanted to stay here because of her sister Red pero agent kami at hindi pwedeng unahin ang pang-sariling kapakanan. She could follow my orders or she could leave the force. It's up to her.

I dismissed the lot of them with a few more instructions at ang lahat ay nagmamadaling lumabas. No doubt para tapusin yung pending na trabaho at umabot sa deadline at para na rin maihanda ang welcome party ni Jace at Lily. I passed by Yelle on the corridor and she looked up at me.

"Jaguar..."

"Because I love you," I answered the unspoken question in her eyes. "Trust me, Yelle."  I squeezed her shoulder and left her with a confused look on her face. Balang-araw maiintindihan mo rin ako. 

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A/N: Medyo slow chapter. I decided to split it into two kasi masyadong mahaba. We are at the final arc so bear with me people. Thank you to all the readers! XD 

Cafe Breton - Masarap ang Adam and Eve na crepe nila. May stewed apples, cinnamon na nasa loob ng crepe topped with Vanilla ice cream. XD