Chapter 7

-(EMERALD CORLYN VERDANIO-FRANCISCO POV)-

Why is he not answering?

Kanina pa ako naghihintay ng sagot mula rito, at mukhang wala siyang balak na sumagot sa akin.

“Hello, Theo?” Tanong ko nang wala akong matanggap na sagot.

“I’m so sorry for leaving you hanging, Cory. I was just thinking of something.” Sagot niya.

“It’s okay, magpapaalam na rin sana ako kasi maglilinis pa ako ng bahay.” Sagot ko pabalik as I went to the utility closet upang makuha ang vacuum.

“Sure, usap na lang tayo pag tapos ka na.” Giit nito.

“Okay, bye bye.” Wika ko rito.

“Bye bye.” Sagot niya at saka binaba ang tawag.

Nang maibaba niya ang tawag, hindi ko maiwasang mag-overthink dahil sa boses nito.

He sounded so much like Bubby, but Bubby has been dead for about a year now…

Even so, hindi rin ako nagdalawang isip na pindutin ang number ni Dad upang humingi ng tulong rito.

“Hey, Dad. It’s me, Emy.” Panimula ko nang masagot niya ang tawag.

“My Emy, how are you? Okay ka na ba?” Tanong niya sa akin.

“Oo, okay lang ako.” Sagot ko rito before putting it on loud speaker.

“We heard what happened, okay ka na ba? Wag mo nang gagawin yun, ha? We were so worried about you.” Sagot nito pabalik.

“I’m sorry, Dad.” Giit ko. “Anyway, kaya po kita tinawagan eh may gusto ho sana akong sabihin.” 

“Sige, ano yun?” Tanong naman niya.

“I need your help in exhuming the body of my deceased husband, Dad.” I answered.

“No.” He quickly answered back. “Isang taon na ang lumipas, Emerald.”

“Please, Dad. Para mapanatag ang loob ko.” Giit ko rito. “Ilang buwan na akong hindi makatulog ng maayos at parati-” Naputol ang aking sasabihin nang sumagot ito.

“Fine, fine. Tutulungan kita. Papupuntahin ko ang kapatid mo jan.” Sagot nito sa akin.

“Thank you so much, Daddy.” Giit ko sa kanya with a small smile on my face.

“If that is going to ease your guts, I’ll help you. Osya, may business meeting pa ako. Ingat ka dyan, mahal na mahal kita anak.” Wika nito.

“Mahal din kita, pa-kamusta na lang si Mommy.” Sagot ko at saka na binaba ang tawag.

Dali-dali kong inilagay ang cellphone sa may coffee table at sinimulang mag linis.

-Shinunoga E-Wa playing in the background-

"Ushinatte hajimete kigatsuku nante, sonna dasai mou shita nai no yo goodbye… oh don't you ever say bye bye… yeah…" I sang as I wiped the book shelves.

I continued to clean the living room as the song went on, remembering the time when me and Gelal danced in his condominium before we got married.

That was five years ago…

Oh how time flies so fast..

I turned up the volume before cleaning the rest of the house, paper and dust all over the place, and the pile of laundry still needs to be washed and cleaned. Not to mention the dishes that were supposed to be in the dishwasher by now.

As I vibed to the beat, I cleaned the kitchen and the bathroom, the music making me remember everything we shared.

(Ang laki mo pero ang lambot ng katawan mo.)

(Syempre.)

“Oh, Lal.” I whispered before wiping a stray tear from my cheek.

Setting my thoughts aside, nagpatuloy akong maghugas ng plato at mag-organize ng mga pots and pans sa bottom cabinet, also organizing my stock inside the pantry as the song went on, but quickly turning the volume down nang may marinig akong kumatok sa pinto.

“Sino yan?” Tanong ko mula sa kusina.

Nang wala akong marinig na sumagot, pinunasan ko ang aking mga kamay at saka nagtungo sa may pinto, opening it to reveal someone unexpected.

What is he doing here?

-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)-

~⊙⁠.⁠☉~

Kanina pa ako nakatunganga sa harap ng laptop ko, at hindi ako maka-get over sa usapan namin kanina, dahil siguro ka-pangalan niya ang namatay ko ang asawa kaya ganun na lang ako napaisip.

All this time, si Emy ang kausap ko…

But is it even possible? She’s dead…

Ngunit, imposible rin siyang tumayo mula sa hukay para lang kausapin ako…

Maybe she just has the same name as my wife…

“Don’t be stupid, Lal. Maraming babae ang may pangalang ‘Emerald Corlyn’.” Bulong ko sa aking sarili at saka hinilot ang aking mga templo.

Hindi ko na rin natiis at hinanap ko ito sa social media, seeing a ton of names as hers but only one picture caught my eye.

At nasa friends’ lists ko pa…

“Emy Verdanio..” I whispered and quickly pressed her profile.

Because of my curiosity, I found myself stalking her profile, at siya rin ang nasa video na napanood ko nung nakaraan.

“Please tell me this is the woman I was talking to a moment ago…” I whispered to myself.

Closing my laptop, I let out a sigh before rubbing my forehead, thoughts were rushing through my mind once again and I can’t help but think about everything we talked about.

Without any hesitation and a second thought, I dialled Kaji’s number in order to seek help.

“Pre.” Panimula nito nang masagot niya ang tawag.

“Pre, kailangan ko ng tulong mo.” Giit ko rito at saka sinara ang laptop.

“Bakit? May problema ba?” Tanong niya.

“Wala.” Sagot ko. “I just need your help.”

“What do you want me to do?” Tanong niya muli.

“Teach me how to hack into someone’s system.” Sagot ko dito na ikinatahimik niya.

This is gonna be fun…

-(JACE RAJIV PHILEMON POV)-

-❀-

“Jace, hi.” Giit nito at saka ngumiti ng bahagya sa akin.

"Hey sis-in law. I miss you…" Sagot ko at saka ito niyakap.

Oh my Emy…

"I missed you too… but can you let me go for a sec? Basa ang damit ko." Sambit nito as she pats my back, removing herself from the hug ngunit hinigpitan ko iyon.

“Namiss mo talaga ako, no?” Giit niya na siyang tinanguan ko.

I buried my face in her neck, the neck that had me craving for to mark, the body that had me obsessed and fantasised to touch and her lips that I've been wanting to kiss.

Ever since I saw her… she had me mesmerised… all the time…

-Fusion Paradise Bar-

"Give me a shot of scotch, Michael." Sambit ko sa bartender, immediately looking around to keep myself entertained.

The bar was filled with people as usual, drunken men, strippers dancing on the stage, VIP rooms filled with people and more.

But only my eyes were locked on the woman who was on the other end of the counter, her eyes focused on the dancefloor.

Akmang lalapitan ko ito, ngunit may lumapit sa kanya at sabay silang nagtungo sa dancefloor.

Sinundan ko sila ng tingin at pinanood ko silang sumayaw, my eyes were glued on to her body as she swayed, her smile ever so bright as she laughed at her friend.

"Here's your scotch, Jace." Sambit ni Michael na naging dahilan upang humarap ako rito.

Kinuha ko iyon at linagok. “Kilala mo yung babae na nasa dulo ng counter?” Tanong ko rito at saka binigay ang shot glass sa kanya.

“Sino? Yung redhead?” Tanong niya muli habang ito’y nagsasalin ng alak sa baso.

“Oo.” Sagot ko naman bago niya ibigay ang baso muli.

“Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, anak yan ng famous businessman. Emily ata pangalan niya.” Sagot ni Michael at saka pinagpatuloy ang pagpunas ng mga baso.

 “Isa pa nga." Utos ko nang maubos ko na ang nasa baso.

“Madalas ba siya dito?” Tanong ko muli.

“Hindi naman, minsan ko lang siya nakikita pag may shift ako sa bar.” Sagot nito at saka binigay sa akin ang basong may lamang alak.

Tumango na lamang ako sa kanyang sinagot bago tumingin muli sa dancefloor.

The music was still on, ngunit nakita kong papalapit ito sa direksyon ko habang ito’y may kausap na isang lalaki.

When they got closer, I got the chance to see her face more clearly. Green emerald eyes, dark red hair, hourglass body, and flawless skin.

Nakita ko kung paano bumulong ang kanyang kasama bago ito umalis, leaving her alone in the counter to order.

"Michael, one negroni please." Sambit nito nang makaupo siya sa tabi ko.

"Hey sweetheart, can I ask you?." I started, causing her to look at me.

“What is it?” She asked curiously with a raised brow.

“Are you a key holder?” I asked back bago sumimsim sa hawak kong baso.

“Why?” She asked back as she received the drink.

“Because you hold the keys… to my heart.” Sagot ko. “My name’s Rajiv.” 

Tumawa ito ng bahagya. “Emerald.” Wika niya at saka sumimsim sa kanyang negroni.

“What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” I answered loud enough for her to hear.

She smiled. "Thanks. So, what brings you here?" She asked, placing her chin on the palm of her hand.

"Just grabbed a drink before heading home." I retorted. “Are you with someone?”

"I’m with my siblings, it’s my birthday." She retorted, smiling back at me.

"Wow, happy birthday.” I greeted with a smile.

“Thanks.” She retorted and took a sip from her drink once more.

“So Emerald, what do you do for a living?" I asked, giving the empty glass to Michael.

"Well, I'm studying fine arts right now." Sagot nito bago tumingin sa dance floor.

"Wow, that's great." I complimented, analysing her features.

She nodded before looking back at me."Ikaw ba? Are you studying or working?" Tanong nito, taking a sip of her drink.

"I'm studying medicine, so yeah." Sagot ko, giggling a little.

"Really?" She raised her brows. "Medicine din dapat ang course ko eh, kaso ayaw ni Dad." Sambit nito.

"Bakit naman?" I asked, curious to know.

"I don't know… he said it's not worth my time." Sagot niya. "Ikaw ba? Anong medical field mo?" Tanong niya with a small smile.

Damn it…

"Um, obstetrics and gynaecology." I retorted which made her laugh softly.

"Really? That's great." She retorted back, smiling at me.

"Yeah, but I quickly regretted that decision." I responded before laughing softly.

"Okay lang yan, makakayanan mo rin yan ano ka ba?" Sambit nito before finishing her negroni.

"Hey, Cory!" Napalingon kami sa sumigaw na iyon, a man striding towards us.

"Hey Kuya, I'm with a friend right now." Sambit nito sa kuya niya as she places the glass down.

He looked at me, eyeing me from head to toe bago nito hilahin si Emerald paalis.

"I-I'll see you later!" Sigaw nito sa akin nang palayo na sila mula sa counter.

Tumango nalang ako and just watched them disappear in the overflowing crowd in the dancefloor, hoping that I will see her again.

"Hey, Michael." I called, causing him to face me.

"Yeah? What is it?" He asked, leaning on the counter.

"If that woman comes back here on the counter, give her a cocktail.” I ordered.

“Would that be your treat? Or you’ll let her pay for it?” Michael asked.

“My treat, just do it, okay?" I ordered, glancing at the dance floor.

"Sure, am I gonna say your name to her?" He asked again, preparing the glass.

"No, don't tell her. Just give it to her and if she asked, ikaw na ang bahalang magpaliwanag." Sagot ko rito before placing five one thousand peso bills on the counter.

"Raj, this is too much." Sambit nito but I shook my head.

"Keep the change." I retorted as I stood up.

Umalis rin ako pagkatapos, glancing at the dance floor one last time bago lumabas ng bar.

"Jace…" Sambit nito that brought me back to reality.

Hindi ko namalayan na kanina ko pa ito niyayakap, quickly removing myself from the hug.

"I'm sorry, I just missed you." Sagot ko, my arms still wrapped around her waist.

"I missed you too… pasok ka muna." She offered, removing my arms from her waist before opening the door wide enough.

Pumasok ako ruon as I looked around the place, noticing that a lot has changed ever since she got depressed.

"Kumain ka na ba?” Tanong nito mula sa isang space ng bahay.

“Hindi pa, pero ayos lang ako.” Sagot ko habang ako’y nakatingin sa floating shelves na puno ng libro.

“Magpahinga ka muna, I'm sure you're tired." Sambit nito which caused me to face her.

I smiled a little. "I'm fine, I slept well on the plane." I retorted, noticing her outfit.

She's wearing… Gelal's hoodie…

The awkward silence was filling the room and I was having a hard time breathing, just by seeing her in this state made me want to confess but I'm too anxious to say it.

"So, how are you? Are you taking your meds?” I asked as I strode towards her.

“I just got out of the hospital.” She answered na ikinagulat ko.

“Why? Na-overdose ka na naman?” Tanong ko rito.

“Oo, pero okay na ako.” Sagot naman niya. “Do you want anything?"

I want you…

"A glass of water would be nice." Sagot ko at saka hinubad ang suot kong jacket.

Umupo ako sa dining chair as she grabbed a glass of water for me, quickly giving it bago ito umupo sa tabi ko.

"Bakit ka pala napa-punta dito, Raj?" Tanong niya sakin, placing her chin on the palm of her hand.

"Wala, gusto lang kitang bisitahin." Sagot ko nang matapos kung inumin ang tubig.

She nodded. "Kamusta kayo?" She asked. “Kamusta ka?”

"Okay lang ako, si Kaji umalis na rin sa bahay." Sagot ko at saka hinaplos ang kanyang pisngi. 

Good thing she didn’t mention that bastard-

"Binisita mo na ba ang puntod ni Lal?” Tanong nito sa akin.

So she still cared about that fvcking idiot….

“Hindi pa, gusto mo ba siyang puntahan? Samahan kita.” Sagot ko as I wiped the edge of her lips.

“Ayoko, bumibigat ang dibdib ko pag pumupunta ako dun.” Sagot niya sa akin.

Tumango na lamang ako bilang tugon at wala ng sinabi pa, baka dahil dun ay magpakamatay na naman ito.

“Emy.” Panimula ko muli habang kinukutkot nito ang balat na nasa gilid ng kanyang daliri.

“Ano?” Tanong naman niya at saka nag-angat ng tingin sa akin.

“May gusto sana akong sabihin sayo.” Giit ko, my heart pounding rapidly.

“Ano yun?” Tanong niya muli.

I took a deep breath to calm myself down, my stomach having butterflies as my heart continued to beat rapidly.

“I-” Naputol ang aking sasabihin nang may kumatok sa pinto.

“Teka lang, titingnan ko lang kung sino yung nasa pinto.” Sagot nito at saka tumayo, heading towards the door.

Wiping the sweat on my forehead, you can clearly tell I was anxious. And I’m not used to it.

“Pasensya ka na, may package lang na dumating.” Giit nito nang may nilapag siya sa mesa.

“Saan galing?” Tanong ko naman.

“It’s from Dad.” Sagot nito habang binabasa niya ang nakadikit ruon.

“You should open that.” I suggested but she shook her head.

“Mamaya na, now what is it that you want to tell me?” She asked curiously as she sat.

“I… I’m too shy to say it.” Sagot ko at saka tumawa ng mahina.

Tumawa rin ito. “Ano ba kasi yun? Pwede-”

“Mahal kita, Emy.” Lakas loob kong sabi, ramdam ko rin ang pag-init ng aking pisngi.

“W-What?” Tanong niya, at halatang nagulat ito sa aking sinabi.

“Mahal kita, mahal na mahal kita.” Giit ko. “I know it sounds crazy but it’s true.”

“I don’t understand, do you love me as a friend? A sister? What?” She asked again.

“I love you. I’m in love with you, not as a sister, not as a friend, I love you. And I hope you feel the-” Naputol ang aking sasabihin nang sumagot ito.

“May boyfriend ako, Jace.” Sagot niya. “Hindi ko maibabalik ang pagmamahal na deserve mo.” 

“But, my brother is dead. It’s already been a year.” Sagot ko pabalik ngunit umiling lang ito.

“No, Jace. Dean is my boyfriend. And I’m sorry, I can’t reciprocate the love that you are giving me.” She intoned, which shattered my heart into a million pieces.

“No, you can’t just ignore my feelings, Ems. What about the nights I consoled you? What about the memories we shared together? What about-”Naputol muli ang aking sasabihin nang sumagot ito.

“I didn’t ask for that, Raj. You did that willingly.” She retorted once more as she stood up.“I’m sorry pero hindi ko maibabalik ang pagmamahal na binibigay mo sa akin.”

“Emy, just give me a chance, please.” I pleaded as I stood up as well, following her when she started to walk towards her bedroom.

Grabbing her wrist, I forced her to look at me. I wasn’t going to accept her rejection just yet, especially because I came all the way from the Philippines just to tell her the truth.

“Jace, bitawan mo ko.” Giit niya habang binabawi nito ang kanyang pulsuhan.

“No, not until you accept me in your life. Please, Emy.” Sagot ko rito at saka hinaplos ang kanyang pisngi ngunit hinawi niya ito.

“Hindi nga pwede, hindi ka ba-” Naputol ang kanyang sasabihin nang hinila ko siya papalapit at saka inangkin ang kanyang labi.

There we go…