“LET’S WAIT FOR PICCOLLO.”

Nasamid saglit si Stacey bago napabulalas.

“Si Piccollo?”

Is that why he called her last Saturday?

Stacey tried her best to contain her emotion, her shock. She appeared calm but already growing anxious deep inside. Iyon ay dahil nag-aalala siya sa magiging reaksyon ni Renante kapag nalamang nakipagkita niya ngayon si Piccollo.

“Yup!” inabala na ulit ni Kylie ang sarili sa pagdo-drawing nito. “He offered me a business partnership! Hindi naman ako masyado maalam sa negosyo na ‘yan kaya naisip kong isali ka na rin!”

“Well, he called me last Saturday night.” Medyo kumalma na rin si Stacey sa loob-loob niya. “Hindi ko nga lang nasagot.”

“Yup. He told me. Kasi nung una tumanggi ako. I suggested na ikaw ang yayain. But!” angat nito ng tingin sa kanya. “Don’t worry. Hindi ko sinabi sa kanya ang tungkol sa Hibla.”

Nangingiting nagpatuloy sa pagdo-drawing si Kylie.

“But you do know that this might put me in trouble, right? Piccollo used to like me.”

“Used to,” Kylie quickly corrected. Her smile slightly faded.

Stacey shrugged. “Well, yes, pero kasi si Renante…” Napailing na lang siya. Napatanaw sa ilang gusali sa labas ng balkonahe.

“Ano pa ba ang ipagseselos ni Renante kay Piccollo?” labi ni Kylie, nasa tablet ang mga mata at abala sa graphic pen ang kamay. “Halos magkasama na nga kayo sa iisang bahay.”

Stacey cocked her head to the side. May mga bagay na hindi pa rin nagbabago kay Kylie. She’s just this type of person who always chose peace. Even if that peace meant getting into an awkward situation. Kylie wasn’t the type who believes that burning bridges solved anything. Nakaisip nga ito ng paraan para magkita-kita noon sa Christmas party ng barkada sila nila Sonny, Maximillian at Renante. Nagkagulo pa dahil masyadong optimistic si Kylie na magkakaayos silang lahat nang ganoon kadali.

“I know,” she took in a deep breath. “But look, Kylie, hindi sa lahat ng oras, payapang paraan ang pipiliin mo. I know, you want us to set aside everything and just be friends. But if Renante is not comfortable with it, I can’t do this business.”

Lumagpas ang tingin niya kay Kylie. At saka lang niya napansin ang presensya ni Piccollo.

He stopped midstep. Babati sana ito nang maunahan niya sa pagsasalita. She told Kylie those things and Piccollo did not even interrupt. He listened up to the very last bit and stayed where he stood.

Now, Stacey could not help feeling guilty about what she just said.

Mabilis siyang tumayo mula sa kinauupuan. Bago pa niya maipaliwanag ang sarili, tinuloy nito ang paglapit sa kanilang mesa.

He gave her a sport smile. “It’s okay.”

He didn’t even have to say he heard everything. Obvious naman.

Tumigil na rin si Kylie sa pagdrawing. Napuno ng pag-aalala ang mukha nito.

Piccollo turned to Kylie. “You don’t have to know a lot about business. I’ll give you instructions about the kind of arts I need for the business.”

Kylie blushed. Embarrassed. “Nakakahiya naman na kailangan mo pa ako, i-guide… It’s just that…” She trailed off and immediately looked away. “I don’t want to be a burden.”

Piccollo pulled a chair beside Kylie and sat. Bumalik na rin si Stacey sa kanyang upuan.

“If you need some advice though, I can help,” alok niya.

Stacey was hoping this would make it up for all the things she just said.

“It’s cool,” ngiti sa kanya ni Piccollo pero hindi iyon umabot sa mga mata ng binata. “You know, if it will be inconvenient for you, it’s okay na huwag ka makisosyo sa business idea ko. I mean, it is not worth the trouble, especially not worth losing a loved one for.”

She forced a closed-lipped smile. Even if she’s hesitant, Stacey felt obliged to give Piccollo a little assurance that there is nothing to worry about.

“Wala namang kaso sa akin kung hihingi kayo ng advice. Marami na akong na-establish at napalagong mga business. I earned millions by selling them after they flourished, after I got tired of managing them.”

That seemed to interest him. “If your businesses did very well, why get tired of them and sell them?”

“I sell them while they are at their peak.”

Magaang tumawa ang lalaki. “You cannot really mix business with pleasure, no? Because if you did just that, you won’t have the heart to just sell your business. Especially when they are doing great.”

Stacey shrugged and smiled, more carefree this time. “Ah, yes. Because a business is not supposed to be all about you. It is supposed to be all about your market, your consumers.”

“Not applicable for artists like me though,” magaang ngiti ng nakisaling si Kylie. Nagsalita lang ito nang matapos itabi ang tablet at graphic pen sa kandong na bag.

Magaang natawa si Stacey. “Not applicable because what? Because art is an expression?”

She cutely nodded and smiled.

“Then why make commissions?” Stacey remarked with a playful brag.

Pinanlakihan na lang siya ng mga mata nang natatawang si Kylie.

“You’re right!”

Medyo gumaan na ang atmosphere. Nakukuha na kasing matawa ni Piccollo. He looked at Kylie and her bigger than life reactions. He seemed pretty amused and curious why Kylie acted that way.

Then, Piccollo caught her looking at him.

“Consult me anytime,” paninigurado niya rito na available pa rin ang alok niyang tulong.

“For how much?”

“Just pay me with an assurance that you’ll take care of my girl, Kylie.”

“Take care ka diyan?” pandidilat ni Kylie sa kanya.

“Hindi siya na-convince ng parents niya na pasukin ang mundo ng entrepreneurship. Baka ikaw ang maka-convince sa kanya.”

Tiningnan ni Piccollo si Kylie kaya nahihiyang napatingin din dito ang kanyang kaibigan. Piccollo spread out a wide toothy grin.

“Well, I don’t know,” he spoke, “art has nothing to do with this business really. But Kylie and her art is important for the marketing material and designs.”

Stacey grew curious. “Ano bang business itong pinag-uusapan natin?”

Piccollo turned to her. “3PL.”

She cocked her heard to the side. “Third-Party Logistics Services?”

He beamed, ecstatic to see her having a clue about his envisioned venture.

“Exactly!”

Like my dad’s business, Vauership. May kinalaman sa deliveries.

“You’re bandwagoning, aren’t you? Malakas ngayon ang delivery industry kaya iyon ang target mo.”

“You can say that,” his eyes strayed away a bit, as if he was hesitant to admit it but he had to. “But you see, people are still not satisfied with the existing delivery companies in the Philippines.”

“Well, yes, but have you foreseen the traffic issues here? Lalong sisikip ang daan kapag dumagdag ang drivers mo. I don’t think it will be easy for you to deliver what you want to promise.”

Napasandal si Piccollo sa kinauupuan. He stared at her. Sobrang impressed.

“Damn,” he pinched the side of his chin. “ You really know business.”

“Told you,” Kylie grinned proudly. Palipat-lipat ang tingin nito sa kanya at kay Piccollo.

.

.

“HOW ABOUT DINNER?” ani Luz sa kanyang kausap sa cellphone, si Renante.

Kasalukuyang nakaupo ang ginang sa table set sa veranda. She was having a relaxing late morning, sipping warm rose tea and unsalted crackers. Nakatali ang dulo ng maikli nitong buhok, maluwag ang puting night gown na suot pa rin ng ginang.

It must be her older age. Luz would wake up very early in the morning then sleep very early at night. But when she wake up as early as three in the morning, she would have breakfast then sleep.

Then wake up later in the morning to relax in the veranda, at the presence of the green lush hanging and potted plants. Payapa ang oras na ito para sa ginang. Abala sa sarili nitong mga hobby ang asawang si Ronaldo. At dahil hindi na nakapisan sa kanila ang dalawang anak, solong-solo ni Luz ang bahay. Dalawa ang katulong sa mansyon na alam nang hindi siya dapat inaabala sa ganitong mga oras.

Mom, can we talk about this later in the night? I’m at work.

“You should take at least fifteen minutes break every now and then, Renante,” masuyo niyang saad. Luz was so at peace and tranquil, she sounded so peaceful and soothing when talking. “You’ll burn out if you don’t.”

If I were to take a fifteen-minute break, I would prefer to spend it napping or having coffee, Mom.

Kahit kailan talaga may pagkamailap sa kanya ang bunsong anak. Nagsimula lang namang malayo ang loob nito sa kanya noong nag-college na ito. Ewan kung dahil mas nag-focus it sa pag-please masyado sa amang si Ronaldo para makakuha ng magandang posisyon sa kanilang kompanya; o ganoon lang talaga kapag nagbibinata na.

Luz never, not once, gave up on her sons though— especially Renante.

“I understand, work can be tiring. Kaya nga gusto ko magkaroon tayo ng get-together dito sa bahay. You and Stacey, me and your dad, Ronnie and Paige.”

Mom… he groaned.

She smoothly interrupted. Binahiran niya ng kaunting pagtatampo ang tinig.

“Bakit ang Dad at Kuya Ronnie mo, pinagbigyan mo makipag-lunch kasama ang girlfriend mo? Can’t I meet your girlfriend too?”

Renante fell silent on the other line.

“Kasama naman natin sa dinner sila Kuya mo at si Paige. Stacey won’t feel awkward, I’ll make sure of that.”

I got to do something now, Mom. Look, Renante sounded rushed all of a sudden. I’ll talk to Stacey about this pagkauwi ko. I’ll let you know kung payag siya.

Napangiti sa narinig si Luz. Like her aura, her smile appeared calm, composed.

Sigurado na agad si Luz na kung si Stacey ang pagdedesisyunin ni Renante, papayag itong makipag-dinner kasama niya.

The very moment that Stacey came to the mansion, Luz instantly knew that that woman would do anything to get her side. That she would do anything to get her favor, if that would make her keep Renante and their relationship.

“Great,” aniya sa anak. “This weekend ang dinner. Preferably 5PM.” Dahil alas-sais pa lang, inaantok na siya. “But I can compromise for 6 to 7PM.”

Okay. I’ll tell her that. Bye, Mom.

Pagkababa ni Luz ng cellphone, nilingon niya ang katulong na ilang hakbang ang layo ng kinatatayuan mula sa kanyang kinauupuan.

Sa totoo lang, kanina pa nakita ni Luz sa gilid ng mata ang katulong. Nag-aabang ito ng pagkakataon makausap siya. The maid in her pastel pink uniform seemed tensed, twiddling her fingers while waiting to be noticed.

Luz granted the young maid a sweet smile paired with unfeeling gaze.

“Yes?”

“Ma’am, may bisita ho kayo sa labas.”

She wasn’t expecting for anyone at all. But Luz wasn’t also bothered having an unexpected guest. Her life lacked activities, she enjoyed surprises now than her peace.

“Sino daw?” dahan-dahan niyang tayo mula sa kinauupuan. Bitbit niya ang platito at tasa ng tsaa.

“Artemia daw po.”

Tumaas ang sulok ng kanyang mga labi.

“I’ll meet her in the living room. Papasukin mo siya rito,” kilos niya paalis ng veranda.

Magalang na tumango ang kanyang kausap. Mabilis na tumalima ang katulong bago pa niya ito maabutan.

Malalaki ang mga hakbang ni Artemia nang marating ang salas. Sakto namang nailapag na ni Luz sa mesita ang tasa ng tsaa nito. Kaya nadatnan ito ni Artemia na nakatayo na lang at sinusundan ng tingin ang bisita.

Artemia wore her signature leather pants, black and shiny. Her ankle boots smacked dominantly on the floor, matching her rushed steps and left a muted thud when she walked upon the carpet. Her hair was cropped short, the layered ends looked like spikes. There was gravity and intensity with her gaze, the root of the resting-bitch-face that Stacey inherited.  Ganoon pa rin ang body composition nito, balingkinitan, wala masyadong kurba. Artemia’s intense vibe contrasted Luz’ peaceful one. Luz looked soft and peaceful with the way she smiled, with how her soft hair kissed her shoulders, with the way her white flowy night gown dropped up to her legs.

“Kailan ka pa nakabalik sa Pilipinas, Artemia?” magaang bati ni Luz dito, may kalakip na ngiti na hindi abot sa mga mata.

“None of your business,” she gritted. “I just came here for one thing.”

“What is it?”

“Alam mo na ba ang tungkol sa mga anak natin?”

She acted shocked. “Ngayon mo lang nalaman?”

Talagang pinagpapasensyahan na lang siya ng babae. Kahit tumanda na si Artemia, may pagka-astigin pa rin ito kung kumilos. Napailing ito saglit, nagpalipas ng inis bago binalik ang tingin sa kanya.

“So you know. At hinayaan mo lang sila? Hinayaan mo lang sila?”

“Look, Artemia.” Luz maintained a sense of calm, as if she has prepared for this ordeal her whole life. “Wala sa ugali ko ang makialam sa buhay ng iba. Renante is my son, but he’s already a grown-up now. Hindi na ako pwede manghimasok sa mga desisyon niya.”

“What about my daughter?”

Aw. Artemia suddenly softened. It wad in the woman’s eyes, in the way her shoulders dropped and her tone changed.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re just letting her get your son?”

Makahulugan ang ngiti ni Luz.

“Why? You don’t have the time to deal with this because you’re busy globetrotting, so you’re expecting that I will do the dirty job? Na ako ang gagawa ng paraan para maghiwalay sila?”

Artemia narrowed her eyes at Luz.

“I don’t want to hurt my daughter.”

Honestly, Luz was surprised by that.

“Ikaw lang naman ang may issue sa akin, Artemia.” She spoke softly, as if she was sad. “You keep on blaming me for Manuel’s death. You treat me like a murderer, and make sure we’ll never cross paths ever again. Now, your daughter falls in love with my son. How can you take your daughter away from the presence of a murderer like me?”

Pinanlakihan niya si Artemia ng mga mata, nananakot bago iyon binuntutan ng mala-demonyitang tawa.

All of that, of course, was just her theatrics. She enjoyed playing around with Artemia’s emotions. Tamang ganti lang ito sa maling mga paratang ni Artemia na muntik nang ikasira ng buhay ni Luz noon.

Artemia just stared at her intently. Luz knew that she was starting to plot something. Hindi pwedeng hindi.

Pero kung anuman iyon, excited na siya.

At hindi rin nag-aalala si Luz.

Because she was already one step ahead.

She’ll make sure that Artemia’s own daughter will take her side.