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Maccio Legacy

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RAINDROPS TRAILED down the glass panes of the boys' dormitory as Rein stood by the window — gazing down at the dark, foggy grounds of the campus.

From afar he can just barely see the outline of the buildings. In the center was the main Castillo building, looking shadowy underneath the rain. On both sides of it were the junior high and senior high buildings that seemed to shelter the main building. At the left part, Rein could faintly see the damp soccer field, whilst the gymnasium could be seen by the right.

As he continued gazing upon the fields, a strike of lightning pierced through the night sky, followed by a roar of thunder from a distance. Pursing his lips, the young man raised his arm and lowered the sleeve of his uniform to see the time on his wristwatch. It was already past curfew. Despite the stormy weather, it was time for him to visit their hideout.

Isinara na ng binata ang kurtina at naglakad patungo sa hat stand malapit sa pintuan at kinuha ang kaniyang itim na raincoat na nakasabit roon.

"Sa'n ka nanaman pupunta?" Tanong ni Jarrell na biglang sumilip mula sa kanilang kusina habang isinusuot ni Rein ang raincoat. The smell of popcorn wafted through their dorm as rain continued slashing on their windows. Balak kasi ng mga binata na manood ng horror movie ngayong gabi.

"Oo nga? Kala ko ba manonood tayo?" Dagdag ni Quinn na nakaupo sa may sahig at inaayos ang kanilang mga CDs at DVDs na nakalatag. Quinn then picked up a CD cover of a very frightening doll and waved it in the air. "Ito na papanoorin natin ha?" He grinned before opening the CD player.

"Ha? Ba't 'yan?!" Pagmamaktol ni Jarrell na muling sumilip mula sa kusina. "'Di naman nakakatakot 'yan!"

"Talaga lang ha?" Quinn said sarcastically before throwing the CD cover towards Jarrell who yelped in horror.

"Putangina ka, Quinston!" Sigaw ni Jarrell habang humahagikgik ng malakas si Quinn. Rein on the other hand, chuckled while putting the coat's hood over his head.

"Magkikita lang kami saglit ni Ann." Bilin ni Rein sa dalawa na napatingin muli sa kaniya. "Don't worry." He grinned, seeing their faces. "I'm not doing anything stupid. Besides, babalik rin naman ako agad."

"Ba't kasi 'di nalang kayo magkita dito?" Yamot ni Jarrell. "May libreng popcorn pa siya oh."

"It's too risky." Rein answered, glancing at them before looking away. Hindi pa niya nasasabi sa dalawa niyang kaibigan na iniimbestigahan nila ang kaso ng mga missing entries, and that Sera had joined along their little plan.

He would have to tell them some other time, when things aren't as hectic.

"Don't start the movie without me." Rein grinned before closing the door behind him. He then made sure that the other dormitory rooms were closed and the hallways were empty before jogging down the stairs.

In no time, he then ran out into the cold, wet night with his little limp; bracing the dark with only the small beam of his flashlight.

Nang nakarating na ang binata sa tahimik na junior high school building ay bigla itong nakarinig ng yabag ng paa. The young man immediately pressed his back flatly on the wall, rain streaming down from his raincoat down to his damp shoes.

It's already midnight. Sinong gising pa? He asked himself, struggling to quiet his ragged breathing. With a brave face, he then slowly turned to peek into the hallway where the footsteps where coming from.

Agad itong napabalik sa kaniyang pwesto nang makita si vice principal Leila Castillo na naglalakad papunta sa kaniyang direksiyon.

Mas lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ng binata at agad na bumalik sa kaniyang posisyon upang hindi masilayan.

He had to get out of there fast before the vice principal could see him, or quickly make up an excuse. Breathing deeply, Rein decided to do the latter.

Nang nakaipon na ng lakas ng loob ang binata ay itinuwid niya ang kaniyang postura at naglakad papalayo sa dingding na kaniyang tinataguan.

But by the time he had entered the hallway where he had last seen vice principal Leila walking, the corridor was now empty, and no other figure could be seen.

Agad na napalingon sa kaniyang paligid ang binata, visibly confused as he tried to fathom where the vice principal of Castillo High could have possibly went. There was no other possible direction that the woman could have went except towards Rein, and away from Rein.

But why would the vice principal suddenly retreat when she was confidently walking towards him just a few moments ago?

Napakibit-balikat na lamang ang binata at agad na umakyat sa hagdanan patungong fourth floor. The vice principal's sudden disappearance was another mystery that he had to solve some other time.

For now, he had other matters to tend to.

As soon as he had entered Room 414, bumungad sa kaniya ang dalawang dalaga na mukhang kanina pa siya hinihintay.

"Time is of the essence, Maccio." Ann said dryly, not even greeting him. "Bakit ang tagal mo?"

"I almost ran into vice principal Leila," he said grimly, shaking his raincoat from his body, and not bothering to tell the two ladies of the vice principal's sudden disappearance.

"Nakita ka ba?" Tanong muli ni Ann, a hint of worry glinted across her face as they huddled up in the dark, with only their flashlights to light up the room.

"No," Rein answered, but as he did, he suddenly wasn't so sure. Pa'no kung nakita pala siya ng vice principal at saka sinundan? Gritting his teeth, he slightly shook his head. He would have to worry about those thoughts later.

"Anyway," He muttered. "Sera, get straight to the point."

"I was hoping both of you would notice my presence." Sera said mockingly as she sat on the window sill with her legs crossed.

Bumaba ang dalaga sa kaniyang puwesto at saka humalukipkip. "Long story short, the board has hired the O.C.P. to investigate." Diretsong sabi ng dalaga. Saktong kumulog ng malakas sa labas. "In fact, I've learned that the board will be holding an individual interview per participant to assess everyone's progress while also obtaining clues at the same time."

"Kailan mangyayari 'yan?" Kunot-noong tanong ni Ann, and Sera shrugged in reply. "My source didn't specifically know what date, but he assumed it would happen next week or in the incoming days."

"And who exactly is your source?" Ann inquired, raising an eyebrow. "Maaasahan ba natin yan?"

"Oh he's a reliable one." Sera grinned, checking out her manicured nails. "He's the nephew of Professor Wyanna Perlita herself."

"Who?" Rein and Ann asked curiously, both in chorus.

"Jayson Lopez." Sera chuckled in reply.

"And how did he entrust you with that kind of information?" Ann asked suspiciously, but Rein already knew the answer to that question. He was after all, the one who suggested recruiting Sera in their team to use her charming skills.

"I seduced him." Sera shrugged, turning to look out the window.

Ann looked horrified. "Did you do it with him??" She asked, her face crumpled in disgust with even the mere thought.

"Lobris, I may use my seductive skills to my advantage, but I also still know my own worth." Sambit ni Sera na mukhang na-offend sa tono ng boses ni Ann. "

"Then that's good to know." Ann exhaled in relief. "Is there anything else, Sera?"

"The board's being hush and discreet about the whole investigation." Sera whispered, her voice barely heard above the strong wind that was whistling through the cracks of the windows. "First time daw kasi na mangyari 'to sa Writers' Schism, and the board doesn't want the competition's reputation ruined. So they chose to work quietly instead."

"If they're going to be all hush about it, then I'm guessing that members of the board will be interviewing the participants instead of the O.C.P." Rein deduced, running his finger through his slightly damp hair. "In that case, it's plausible that they'll record the interviews so that the O.C.P. can study them, or maybe let one of the members secretly listen in."

"If that happens, we need access to all interviews in order to develop more clues." Ann frowned.

"So ano? Lalandiin ko nanaman ba si Jayson?" Sera asked, frowning as well. As much as she enjoyed their secret "mission", making out with Jayson wasn't really an enjoyable task.

"No," Rein said, shaking his head. "We don't want to risk further suspicion for you. We can however, plant a recorder in the place where the interviews will be held."

Just as he had finished his statement, agad na natahimik ang tatlo nang nakarinig sila ng mga yabag sa labas lamang ng kwarto.

"Sino 'yan?" Ann hissed as Sera pulled out a pepper spray from her skirt pocket.

Rein placed a finger against his mouth before pressing his ear against the door. Malakas ang tibok ng kaniyang puso habang pinapakinggan ang kahit na anong kaluskos sa labas.

He had no other suspect than vice principal Leila, and wondered if the adult in mind had followed him. But as he listened, the footsteps seemed to be fading away.

Much to the fright of the two ladies, Rein quietly turned the doorknob to open the door.

He then peeked out into the hallway and sighed in relief when he saw a lumpy figure wearing the usual murky green uniform of a janitor, walking away with a bucket and a mop in his hands.

"Just a janitor." He announced, closing the door just then. Inwardly, Rein was very much relieved that it wasn't the vice principal at all. "Palayo na rin siya so I'm sure he didn't suspect a thing."

Ann looked at him like he was crazy, and Sera blinked rapidly.

"Rein," Ann said hoarsely. "Janitors don't clean the campus in the middle of the night."

Sa mga salitang iyon ay agad na nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig ang binata.

"Let's get out of here now." Sera hissed and the three of them hurriedly left the room in silence, remembering to stay on the paths where there were no surveillance cameras, and hoping for the best.

---

"Rein. Rein? REAGAN!"

The sudden voice immediately snapped the young man out of his reverie, looking up at Queenie and Jarrell who seemed worried for him.

"Anong meron, para kang kabado diyan?" Jarrell asked as he handed a bottle of sprite to Rein who took it gratefully. It was a peaceful Friday afternoon, with the leaves rustling against the wind as the sun set behind the school in soft rays. Most of the students were out and about to have fun for the weekend, and the three friends were by the garden near the main gates of the campus.

"Nothing." He replied hastily, even though he clearly had a lot on his mind.

The Writers' Schism, the fear that they were slowly going to get caught if they put another toe out of line, and the anxiety that was eating him up as he waited for his family butler to fetch him, all caved his mind like darkness.

But what really ticked him off was that he was going home to the mansion today.

Nang naubos na ng binata ang kaniyang softdrink ay saktong dumating na ang pamilyar na sasakyan ng kaniyang ama. Rein could feel his heart in his throat.

"Uuwi ka sa inyo?" Jarrell blinked when they caught sight of the sleek, posh, white car that was slowly approaching them.

"Just for the weekend." He said quietly befora facing his two friends who were glancing hesitantly at the vehicle now.

"Rein, tawagin mo lang kami if... ano..." Quinn said, his voice trailing off as he made a punching motion.

Napangiti naman ang binata dahil dito bago niyakap ang kaniyang dalawang kaibigan. "I'll be fine." He told them before waving goodbye and hurrying towards the car where his family butler was seated on the drivers' seat.

Indeed he hoped that this particular weekend visitation would be fine than last time.

"Ben." Rein greeted the bearded man seated by the driver's wheel who in turn, replied with the warmest smile.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Reagan." The Maccio family butler said as Rein buckled himself in the passenger seat. Sucking in a deep breath, he turned to glance at his two friends who were waving both arms goofily. He smiled, desperately trying to shake the fear in his bones.

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WARNING: This part of the chapter is an inappropriate read for younger readers. It contains mentions of a sex scene; as well as verbal, physical, and emotional abuse/trauma that may be triggering for others. If you are under the age of 13 or is uncomfortable with such scenes, you are warned to skip this part. Reader discretion and parental guidance is advised.

Noah Maccio was the first name that Rein called out to as soon as he had stepped foot inside the Maccio residence, its interior decorated with rich, intricate details, but had a cold demeanor to it all.

"Noah?" Sambit muli ng binata, looking up and wondering if his younger brother was at the upper floors.

"Ku...ya!" A small, cheery voice suddenly cried.

And there he was — swooping down the stairs was a little version of Rein, equally charming and cute. The young boy ran towards Rein wearing matching blue pajamas that had a rubber duck print. His eyes were bright, and he had a small, button nose that the young man liked to poke.

Rein let out a hearty laugh as Noah jumped into his arms, giving him a bear hug. The force made them tumble a little, but Rein caught him and his balance in time.

"Ku...ya wag mo... na 'ko...i-wan p-pleath?" Noah whimpered in broken speech, burying his face in Rein's uniform jacket. Aside from being young, Noah had a minor speech deficiency that prevented him from speaking smoothly.

Marahang tumawa ang binata at ginulo ang buhok ng kaniyang batang kapatid.

"After graduation, ilalayo na kita sa bahay na 'to." Bulong ni Rein, hugging his little brother tightly before looking around the house.

"Where's dad?" He then asked grimly.

"Offith." Noah murmured. Napabuntong-hininga ang binata at saka ibinaba si Noah.

"Noah, punta ka muna sa kwarto." He said gently to the little boy who seemed to be worried of being separated to his older brother again. "I'll just talk to dad and then we'll play in your room... Okay?"

Hesitantly, Noah nodded. He then hugged Rein one more time before running off to his room.

Rein sighed, taking a deep breath before going up the stairs and heading towards the right wing of the house, where their father's office was.

"Here goes nothing." He muttered and knocked on the door.

"Dad?" He called dryly. There was no response, but Rein could faintly hear a few sounds from inside the room.

With a frown, he then turned the doorknob and pushed the door wide open.

"Oh my God!" A woman's voice screeched and Rein's frown crumpled into both horror, surprise and disgust at the sight that behold him.

Laying there on his father's mahogany desk was a familiar woman — whose blouse was already on the cold, hard floor. The straps of her bra were almost falling off, and her pencil skirt was hiked up her legs. Right on top of her was his father with no shirt, and seemed to have been unbuckling his belt.

Ryder Elias Maccio was fucking his secretary.

"Putangina naman!" His father yelled angrily. Pula ang mga pisngi nito, and with one glance at the corner of the room, Rein had seen evidence that he had been drinking again.

"For fuck's sake dad!" Rein responded hotly, blood rising to his face. "Pati ba naman 'yang kababuyan mo dinadala mo dito sa bahay? Pa'no pag nakita kayo ni Noah?!"

"Anong sabi mo?" Mr. Maccio said in a low, threatening tone as he walked towards Rein like a predator eyeing his prey. His eyes glinted like sharp daggers, and immediately, Rein didn't feel as brave as he was seconds ago.

"Tinawag mo ba 'kong baboy?!" Giit ng kaniyang ama na hinawakan ang binata sa kaniyang kwelyo. At that moment, the secretary had grabbed her discarded blouse and heels on the floor and immediately ran past the father and son in shame, not wanting to get caught up with what was about to happen next.

Rein glared back at his father, clenching his jaw and fists.

"What else would I call you?" He spat. "Nakakadiri ka. If mom was alive, we would have been out of this house years ago."

And that was his death sentence.

The rage in his father's eyes evolved from daggers to a blaze of fire as he threw his son to the wall and punched him squarely by the jaw. Pain immediately shot through Rein's whole body as his lips bled.

But even so, his father did not stop.

"Pagkatapos kitang ipalaki at ipakain, babastusin mo 'ko?!" He growled, knuckles hitting Rein's stomach this time. Nararamdaman na ni Rein ang acid sa kaniyang tiyan mula sa ininom na softdrinks kanina. Feeling nauseous, he wanted to throw up.

"I told you to prepare for your next visit in this house." His father muttered with a breath that smelled of both cigarettes and wine. "But you're still the same wimpy kid I bore seventeen years ago."

He then threw Rein harshly on the ground, stumbling towards the table to get another glass of wine.

"Umalis ka na sa opisina ko." Ryder spat out once more nang nakita niyang nasa sahig pa si Rein, iniinda ang sakit mula sa kaniyang mga suntok.

"I SAID GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!" He roared, drunkly throwing a wine glass towards Rein direction. Agad na nabasag ito sa maliliit na piraso. Some of the shards swiftly cut through Rein's skin as he tried to crawl away in pain.

Habang iniinda ang sakit ay parehas na tumutulo ang dugo at luha ng binata. He wanted desperately to howl in pain, but he also didn't want Noah to hear. He didn't want Noah to come out of his room and see the state he was in.

He had to look brave even if he wasn't — just for the sake of his little brother.

Rein didn't get to crawl that far with his wounds and managed to open the room next to his father's office. Ang dating kwarto ng kanilang ina.

With his back leaning on the doorframe of his mother's room, he miserably cried like he was seven instead of seventeen. Even through the dark, he could see the portrait of his mother, looking lovingly at him.

"I-I..." He muttered, closing his eyes. He could still taste the blood in his mouth. "I wish you were here... m-mom."

In the silence, Rein let himself break down. For the first time in his life, he stripped down his confident facade and let his vulnerability take over; nothing but the sound of sobs echoing through the dark room.

After a few more longing minutes, Rein could feel the soft vibration of his phone in his pants pocket.

Ipinunas ng binata ang mga natitirang luha gamit ang likod ng kaniyang kamay. Nanginginig na kinuha at sinagot nito ang tawag.

Trying to calm down, he spoke in a voice that resembled a scuffle of a mouse. "Yes?"

"Rein?" Jarrell spoke in a tone that was a mixture of worry and confusion. "Okay ka lang ba??"

"I'm... fine." Rein responded quietly. "What is it?"

"Rein, kailangan mong bumalik sa Castillo High." Jarrell said in a distressing tone. "Ngayon na."

---

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