The Sunset Of Freedom

NEED TO BE ALONE

"Laya?" Gulat na tanong ni kuya Hunt nang makita ako. "Why are you here?" At mabilis na lumapit sa'kin at pinaka-titigan ako.

Yung ibang kasamahan niya naman ay kinuha si Sonya na hindi na din nag-pumiglas.

"Y-you are the one who called?" Hindi maka-paniwalang sabi niya. "Who did these?" Biglang seryosong sabi niya nang makita ang mga pasa, sugat ko sa muka at katawan.

"Ikulong niyo siya," tinuro ko si Sonya at hinarap si kuya Hunt. "Kinid-nap niya kapatid ko at sapilitang pinanuod nang maseselang bagay, live kuya as in live" walang emosyon na sabi ko.

Hindi niyo alam ang pakiramdam sa posisyon ni Taba, hindi niyo alam ang pakiramdam ng impyernong dinanas ko sa mga kamay niya. Walang nakaka-alam.

Pinalampas ko siya sa kagaguhan niya sa'kin pero ibahin niya si Taba.

Kinuha na si Sonya ng ibang pulis at naiwan kami ni kuya Hunt sa bahay.

"Malaya——"

"Gusto ko maging impyerno ang buhay niya sa selda" malamig na sabi ko habang nakatingin ang mga mata sa kuya ko. "Gusto ko lagi siyang may kaaway, gusto ko lagi siyang bugbugin, gusto ko lagi siyang pagtulungan"

"Laya what happened——"

"Siya ang nanay ko, kuya" at yumuko ako. Pagod na'ko sa hindi ko malamang dahilan. Pagod na pagod ako. Bumabalik sa'kin ang lahat.

Lahat-lahat.

Napa-upo ako sa sahig at tumingin sa kawalan. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko para akong mababaliw. Sinimulan kong yakapin ang sarili ko kasi legit lang.

Bumabalik yung ala-ala ng kabataan ko.

"Laya," napa-tingin ako sa kapatid ko nang makitang naaawa siya sa'kin. "What happened? Tell me! I am your brother" worried na sabi niya.

Umiling ako at tinakpan ko ang mata ko, ayoko na uli makita yun, ayoko na uli maranasan yun. Nakaka-takot pakiramdam ko napaka-dumi kong tao. Pakiramdam ko wala na'kong dignidad pakiramdam ko.

Pinakiramdaman ko ang sarili ko kung may luha ako pero wala, gusto kong umiyak pero hindi ko na kaya. Natatakot ako, hindi ko na rin maalala si Taba basta ang alam ko maayos siya kay Raiden.

Unti-unti nanlalabo ang paningin ko kahit wala namang luha sa mga mata ko. Bumibigat ang talukap sa mata ko at parang anytime babagsak ako.

"Hey, I found Malaya——what the f*ck! Laya wake up!"

**

Raiden's POV

I look at Taba who's still crying. I drove him here in the bay-area so he could see how the beautiful the cloud when it reflects from the water.

"Hey want some food?" I asked but he didn't answer me.

I just wanted to eat and here I am babysitting him. For f*ck! Malaya should give me a torrid kiss for this.

But on the other side, her family is a mess, she is a mess too but a lovely-beautiful mess. A b*tch also.

I'm actually shocked on what happened earlier, I know Malaya already even we've been together in short time and one thing is I know——is she couldn't hurt her family but when I saw Taba kneeling on the salt. I know that is a serious matter between her and her mother.

"Hey, Taba I'm asking you. Stop crying. Real boys don't cry" but instead to stop, he burst out loud.

I let a sighed and watched the cloud from the water because it reflects and when it reflect it isn't that hurt from eyes because of the raise of sun.

Hours had passed finally, he stopped. I look at Taba and smiled.

"Want some food?" Umiling siya.

"G-gusto ko mag-sorry kay ate L-laya. D-dalhin mo'ko sa kaniya" I nodded even though, I wouldn't do that.

It's because I know Malaya. She can deal with it alone, she's brave and tough. I am proud of her.

"But first, let's eat. You know? I wanted to eat that's why I went to your house but to my surprised a drama-scene pop-up in the picture" I said sarcastically but yeah it's Taba so he couldn't understand what I'm trying to tell.

We went to the nearest restaurant and ordered all food we can eat. Especially, Taba. I ordered lots of food for him because according to Malaya she didn't call Taba for nothing.

"The food is here, you can eat——"

"Kuya?" I look at him when he cut me off. Actually surprised because for the first time someone call me kuya not an addict, maniac, jerk etc.

"Hhm?" I managed to answer despite of the cloud-nine I feel.

"Si ate Laya kailangan ka niya. Sayo lang siya lumalapit kuya. Huwag mo siya iiwan" and he began to cry again.

Actually, Malaya and I are the same, we're not into drama type of person especially when it comes to our weakness.

One time I saw Malaya when she and her mom fought the day we first met. She checked her cheeks if there's have a tears.

I am sure that Malaya have been through because the reason why she's checking her cheeks if there's a tears is because she didn't know how to cry at all.

I don't know the important things about her but one thing is I know that she's the bravest woman I know and a b*tch.

"Sure" I answered to Taba. "But don't estimate your ate Laya because she's a b*tch"

"b***h? Sabi ni ate Laya ang b***h babaeng aso pero hindi naman aso si ate" I laughed a little.

"You didn't know? She's a b*tch, she's a dog and you're a pig. Soon you guys can build your own zoo" I joked but I am the only one who laughed. He didn't get the joke of the handsome.

"Kuya!" Taba said mad.

**

NAGISING ako na nasa ospital ako, complete cast mga kapatid ko ta*. Wala naman akong IV sa katawan kaya for sure kaya ako nahimatay ay dahil sa pagod lang.

"Malaya" napa-tingin ako sa mga kapatid ko at pumikit na lang uli. Wala ako sa mood.

"Ahm Laya tell us——"

"Nasaan si Aya?" Tanong ko pa din habang naka-pikit.

"Nandito ako, Malaya" at duon dumilat ako at hinanap siya.

"Iwan niyo kami" malamig na sabi ko.

"Malaya please——"

"IWAN NIYO KAMI ANO BA?" malakas na sigaw ko na ikina-tigil nila. "Wala ako sa mood puwede ba? Tumigil kayo!" Galit na dugtong ko at umupo.

Wala silang nagawa kung hindi ang sumunod sa akin dahil galit ako. Hinawakan ni Aya ang kamay ko at sumandal ako sa balikat niya.

"Pagod na'ko" mahinang sabi ko.

"Alam ko, natutuwa ako na sa'kin ka lumapit, Laya"

"Ikaw lang ang naging mabait sa'kin sa mansyon simula nang dalhin ako duon," panimula ko. "Ikaw lang yung laging ngumingiti sa'kin, ikaw lang din yung nag-tanong sa'kin kung anong magandang pangalan sa kapatid ko, ikaw lang ang tumuring sa'king parang tao, Aya" kinapa ko ang pisngi ko kung may luha pero wala.

"Kasi anak ka ng asawa ko, Laya"

"Isa akong anak sa labas kung titignan, Aya" sabi ko at tiningnan siya. "Hindi katulad ng nanay ko ang mga kapatid ko, kasi lahat ng nanay nila kinasal kay Daddy pero si Sonya? One night stand lang"

"Malaya madami ka pang bagay na hindi naiintindihan"

"At madami din kayong bagay na hindi alam tungkol sa'kin" malamig na sabi ko. "Pinaiwan lang kita dito kasi gusto ko ikaw ang maging nanay ng kapatid ko" hinawakan ko ang kamay niya. "Mabait na bata si Taba, Aya hindi siya mahirap pakisamahan. Kinakain niya lahat ng ipakain mo sa kaniya kahit nga ta* e, nakikiusap ako, Aya"

Tinitigan niya ako at binabasa ang ekspresyon ko.

"Aalis ka tama ba?" Walang pag-alinlangan akong tumango.

"Mababal*w ako dito, gusto ko mag-isa. Gusto kong pagalingin sarili ko kasi ito," turo ko sa puso ko. "Nasasaktan na, at ito," tinuro ko naman ang utak ko. "Nababal*w na. Wala kayong alam sa lahat ng pinag-daanan ko. Ang alam niyo lang anak ako ng isang pokp*k pero hindi niyo alam ang istorya sa likod ng isang anak sa p****k"

"Malaya puwede ka naman namin tulungan" ngumiti ako at umiling.

"Nung kailangan ko ng tulong, lahat kayo wala. Ngayong lalabanan ko to mag-isa gusto niyong tumulong? Masyadong malaki ang galit ko sa inyo para isama kayo sa laban ko" paliwanag ko. Nagsimula nang tumulo ang mga luha ni Aya samantalang ako wala man lang luha.

"Malaya gusto ko mag-sorry kung ano man ang pinag-daanan mo, gusto naming malaman ang lahat" umiling ako sa sinabi niya.

"Huli na, sarado na ang utak ko. Pansin mo? Hindi ko na alam paano umiyak. Bakit? Kasi dahil sa inyo."

"Malaya——"

"Ang hiling ko bantayan mo si Taba alagaan mo na parang iyo at huwag mong hayaan na saktan siya ng mga kapatid ko. Nakikiusap ako" tumango-tango siya habang umiiyak.

"T-titigil ka sa pag-aaral?" Umiiyak na tango niya na ikinatawa ko.

"Kahit naman ipag-patuloy ko wala na ding pag-asa"

"K-kailan ka babalik? Malapit nakong manganak, Malaya ikaw ang gusto kong magpangalan sa kapatid mo" ngumiti ako sa sinabi niya.

"Babalik ako sa araw ng kapanganakan mo pangako yan" at mahigpit na niyakap niya ako.

"Ikaw ang pinaka-gusto ko sa lahat ng magkakapatid, Malaya kasi ikaw lang ang may tapang at tatag na gusto kong mamana ng anak ko" natawa ako sa sinabi niya.

"Kailan ka ba manganganak?"

"F-four months pa" tumango-tango ako.

"After four months babalik ako"

"Mag-iingat ka ha, kailangan mo ba ng pera?" Umiling ako sa kaniya.

"Isa pa pala"

"Ano yun?"

"Itakas moko dito" at dahan-dahan siyang tumango. Nahirapan kaming itakas ako dahil madami ang mga kapatid ko pero nagawan naman ng paraan ni Aya kaya heto ako hawak ang cellphone ko habang tinatawagan si Raiden.

"Rai," sabi ko nung sagutin niya.

"Babe," malambing na sabi niya. "How are you feel? Where are you?" Sundo-sunod na tanong niya.

"Nasa mansyon ako ngayon, dalhin mo si Taba dito at patawag na lang kay Aya kasi masama pakiramdam ko" pag-sisinungaling ko at tumingin sa paa ko.

Ang sakit talaga kahit anong pilit na laban ko, para na'kong mapapraning.

"So this is the new address of your house?" Naestatwa ako sa kinakatayuan ko nang marinig ko ang boses na yun.

Dahan-dahan kong ini-angat ang ulo ko at nabitawan ang cellphone ko nang makita si Raiden sa harap ko mismo.

"I'm not worried to you," seryosong panimula niya. "But I care for you" nakatitig sa mga matang sabi niya sakin.

Parang tinambol yung puso ko dahil lang sa mga salita na yun, lakas maka-high ng epekto sa'kin.

"I know you're tough and you can handle your problems on your own but you can't do that always" seryosong sabi niya at pinitik ang noo ko ng malakas.

Napahawak ako sa noo ko kasi nga ang lakas, hay*p yan. Nagulat ako nung bigla niya akong hatakin at yakapin ng mahigpit. Hinaplos niya ang buhok ko ng marahan.

Napaka-gaan sa pakiramdam ng yakap niya, nakaka-gaan ng loob ang yakap na'to. Sa buong buhay kong nabuhay sa mundong 'to ngayon lang ako naging komportable ng ganito.

Napapikit ako sa init ng katawan niya at niyakap siya pabalik.

"We can run away together if you want. I will always be on your side, babe" malambing pero bakas ang seryoso na sabi niya.

Si Raiden isa siyang matangkad na lalaki, may tatoo sa braso at sa v-line, madaming piercing sa tainga pero wala siyang piercing na yung lumalaki yung butas sa tainga yung basta yun yon. Messy ang buhok niya at napaka-lambot, napaka-tangos ng ilong at hugis heart ang pink na labi niya at napaka-bango niya. May abs din siya at walo pa yun at higit sa lahat kakampi ko siya.

"Si Taba?" Tanong ko. Nag-hiwalay na kami sa yakap.

"I already drove her to your's and I threatened the maid to take a good care of him" tumango ako. "So?" Tanong niya na ikinabuntong hininga ako.

"Lalayo ako siguro mga four months babalik din ako"

"I will come with you" tinitigan ko siya at umiling.

"Raiden——" napa-tigil ako sa pagsasalita sa sobrang sama nang titig niya sa'kin. "Bakit ganiyan titig mo?"

"Try to call me Raiden again and I will rip your face" inis na sabi niya at nag-pout na ikinatawa ko.

"Rai?"

"Yes?" Biglang pagapa-cute na sabi niya na ikinailing ko.

"Rai hindi mo naman kailangan sumama sa'kin" umiling siya.

"No babe, I need to come with you because I'm your handsome soul" natawa ako.

"Paano pag-aaral mo? Ano na lang sasabihin ng pamilya mo sa'yo?"

"Let me ask you the same question then," biglang seryosong sabi niya. "Babe we are the same."

"Parehas nga tayo, Rai pero ikaw," turo ko sa kaniya. "Inaalala kita, gag* ka na nga malakas pa amats tapos sasama ka pa sa'kin"

"So? You're a b*tch" biro niya na ikinatawa ko. Hay*p to.

"Yung kabi-bi*ch mo sa'kin ginagawa ko ng compliment, sira*lo" natawa siya sa sinabi ko at hinawakan ang kamay ko.

"You can live in my condo if you want" napa-tingin ako sa kaniya habang naglalakad kami papuntang kotse niya.

Nang makasakay kami sa kotse niya at umandar ay duon lang ako nag-salita.

"Rai kasi hindi mo'ko naiintindihan e——"

"I understand you," pag-putol niya sa'kin pero nasa kalsada pa din ang tingin. "If you want to be alone then so be it, you can lock yourself on my room and I will just wait when will you go outside. Don't worry my room has it's own bathroom so no worries." Bumuntong hininga ako at sumandal sa windshield. "Want to smoke?" Tinitigan ko siya.

"Bakit parang iba ka ngayon?" Seryosong sabi ko. Hindi siya sumagot sa'kin pero bumuntong hininga. "Ayaw mo'kong naninigarilyo sa loob ng baby mo" deretsang sabi ko.

"It doesn't matter to me right now" walang pakeng sabi niya.

"Rai naaawa kaba sa'kin?" Inis na sabi ko na ikinatingin niya. "Kasi kung oo ibaba mo'ko ngayon——"

"The word pity doesn't suit you. You are a fiesty and a b*tch so no! I am not"

"Eh ano tong ginagawa mo? Naninibago ako"

"I just don't want the idea of you being away from me" seryosong sabi niya na ikinatigil ko.

Hindi ako nakapag-salita agad at napatitig lang ako sa kaniya. Hindi ko alam bakit natigilan ako pero malakas na kumakalabog ang puso ko.

Tumingin ako sa kalsada para maitago ang kabang nararamdaman.

"Malaya please——"

"Hindi ako lalabas sa kuwarto, ibibigay ko sa'yo ang cellphone ko, magdala ka na lang ng pagkain sa labas ng kuwarto, hindi mo'ko maririnig na magsasalita" walang buhay na sabi ko na ikinalingon niya pero bumalik din sa kalsada ang tingin.

"Y-you can do that?" Parang hindi maka-paniwalang sabi niya na ikinatango ko.

"Pipilitin kong hanggang four months, lagyan mo'ko ng madaming alak at madaming yosi" tumango siya at bumuntong hininga. Halata sa muka niya na ayaw niya sa mangyayari pero alam niyang wala siyang choice.

Nang makarating kami sa condo niya umaapaw sa kasosyalan amp*cha. Hindi ko na nga din alam anong tawag sa mga bagay na nandito.

"Want to eat some food?" Umiling ako at tinitigan siya. "You are excited aren't you?" Seryosong sabi niya. "Malaya I don't know what's going on in your mind but do you need to do this for yourself?" Bumuntong hininga ako.

"Alam ko nakaka-baliw ang gagawin ko, ikukulong ko ang sarili ko sa kuwarto mo na walang cellphone at walang kakausapin pero para sa'kin ang katahimikan ang magpapabalik sa tunay na ulirat ko, Raiden——"

"Aish don't call me Raiden!"

"Edi Rai arte mo" at nagtawanan kami. Malambing niya akong niyakap at pinatong niya ang baba niya sa balikat ko.

"I'm going to miss you" malambing na sabi niya na ikinangiti ko. Hinaplos ko ang buhok niya. "Keep doing that babe, I like it" at pinag-patuloy ko ang paghaplos sa buhok niya.

"Part pa ba'to ng game mo?" Natatawang tanong ko.

"F*ck that game" naiinis na sabi niya at tumingin sa'kin. "Let's end that game together?" Tanong niya.

"Gusto mo ba?" Tanong ko na ikinatango niya.

"If we will continue the game, I'm sure in five months we will end up nothing but if we will end the game right now, maybe some things will change" maka-hulugang sabi niya na ikinatawa ko.

Hindi ako nag-salita at binigay ko na agad sa kaniya ang cellphone ko.

"Gagamitin ko mga damit mo dahil wala talaga akong damit,"

"It's okay. I don't mind" tumango ako.

"Ngayon pa lang gusto na kitang pasalamatan" sabi ko nang makarating kami sa tapat ng kuwarto niya. "Gusto ko ng maraming alak at yosi ha" tumango naman siya. Pinihit ko pabukas ang pinto. "See you soon?" Takang tanong ko. Hinalikan niya ang noo ko na ikinapikit ko.

"Hope you get better" tumango ako.

***

Raiden's

When she closed the door of my room I felt alone again. Seeing her like that makes me feel suffocated.

There's nothing emotions in her eyes, those words came from her was like a cold ice. Her smile wasn't like before.

She maybe like that earlier but deep down I know, she needs to be alone.

"I am all here, Babe just shout inside if you need me okay?" I said outside the room. I didn't get some answers and I sighed. "I will just buy a grocery okay?" Still, she didn't answer.

I drove my car to the nearest super market to buy lots of groceries, beer and cigarette for her. I don't know why I'm like this to her. This feeling is so new to me.

I get lots of beers and cigarettes. I went to meat and fish section to buy lots of those for Malaya. I also get lots of sanitary pad because I know not now but she will need a pads. She's a woman after all. I get lots of toiletries also.

After buying all of those, I placed all of those in my trunk and drove my car in some boutique.

I bought lots of undergarments for Malaya and shorts and shirts.

I like the idea that Malaya use my shirt and boxers but part of me saying that Malaya will feel uncomfortable of those that's why yeah.

"Wow look who's here" I look where the voice came from then I saw Keiso.

"Yow man" I said smiling and we're doing our signature hand shake.

"What brought you here?" He asked.

"I'll ask you the same question then?" Then we both laughed. He look at all the woman's stuff I hold.

"So you're crazy on someone again?" He asked. I shook my head then he laughed. "Don't be shy, Raiden I am too that's why I'm here"

"F*cker" then he laughed again. After buying Malaya's stuff. Keiso and I decided to go in Peace where I brought Malaya but I said I'll follow I just need to be in my condo right after this because I know Malaya will be need what I bought.

When I'm done fixing all the things I bought I went ifront of my room and let a sighed.

"Babe I will just go to Peace, If you need a beer just go get in the ref okay?" Still, no answer. "I will be quick promise."

I drove my car to Peace exactly I saw Keiso waiting for me. We walked towards the Peace.

"Wow! The bestfriends are here" Kyle greeted us. He handed us a bottled of beer.

"How's Lorel?" I asked him.

Lorel is the one who threw the can to Malaya and then sh*t happened to Lorel because she messed up with my girl.

"Lorel?" Keiso asked. "What happened to that b*tch? I am so damn busy these past few weeks"

"This f*cker brought a woman here" Kyle pointed at me but I just drink my beer. Keiso look at me indisbelief.

"Then?" Keiso asked.

"I think Lorel felt jealous then she threw unopened can to the woman she brought here then sh*t happened" Kyle explained while using weeds.

"What happened to woman?" Keiso said worriedly and then he faced me. "You shouldn't bring a woman here in Peace. What if she's like Serenity? A demonic angel!" Keiso said mad. "Then sh*t will happened again and lots of police will caught us again" he added.

"Chill man, she's far from Serenity" Kyle said.

Yeah, she's far from Serenity because Serenity is a demon who just covered her true identity in an angel costume.

While my babe, my Malaya is an lovely angel who just covered her true identity in a demonic one.

"What happened to woman?" Keiso asked calmly. I'm just listening to these stup*d f*ckers.

"Nope! The question is what happened to Lorel" Kyle said smirking then confusion coated to Keiso's face.

"Wait I don't get it. Lorel is brave and tough——"

"But the woman who's Raiden brought here is more than that" Kyle said and Keiso filled irritation.

"Just go straight to the point, Kyle or I will slam this bottled of beer into your face" Keiso said mad.

"Chill man," Kyle said calmly. "The woman she brought was none other than the great Malaya Forster" Keiso stilled at what he heared but I remain silent.

After a couple of minutes he's finally back from his senses.

"What the f*ck? As in Malaya Forster?" He asked indisbelief and faced me. "How did you tamed the wildest tigress in the world?" I laughed at what he asked.

"Keiso, Malaya is far from what you think she is" I said simple and then both of them look at me in disbelief.

"Far from what I think she is!?" Keiso repeatedly. "F*cker I just saw her beat the three old man on a club then you said that she's far away from what I think she is?" He asked unbelievable.

"Yeah, she burnt Lorel's asset" Keiso look at Kyle in shocked.

"D-did she b-burnt Lorel's hair?" We both nodded. "Good God, I don't want to messed with her——" then Keiso stop himself as if on cue in the slowly faced me. "D-don't tell me" I grin.

"Then I won't" then I laughed.

"Are you for real?" Kieso exclaimed and he faced Kyle. "This f*cker bought lots of woman's stuff and I will assumed those are for Malaya" but Kyle just smile and said.

"I like Malaya for Raiden so no worries beside Malaya is cool. She's far from Serenity I swear" Kyle explained.

"I need to go," I said then they both look at me and before they could speak I immediately walk away from them.

I found myself standing infront of my room where Malaya is. I let a sighed and sat in the floor and close my eyes.

I'm home.

**

Seconds turn into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days, days into weeks and weeks into one month.

I am the one who went crazy because Malaya truth to her words. She doesn't talk, she stayed in my room for two months, no communication, no talk as in just her——alone.

"Babe, here's your lunch" I said and put the tray of her lunch in the floor. I waited for her to get her lunch but she didn't show herself. I walked back in the living and watched some movies.

Sometimes I tricked her, I hid in someplace if she will get the food but she didn't that's why I walked away but when I came back the food is gone.

She can feel if I'm near from her that's why if she doesn't want to show up herself I let her be.

She needs time.

When I need to clean the room she stayed at the bathroom while I was cleaning then when I'm done she locked the door. Lots of beer and cigarette are placed all over my room, the stinky smell also.

For me? That was a very crazy moment of my life. I can't do that to myself. No talking to someone for one month? And no walking outside for a fresh air.

But everyday I didn't forget to tell what happened on the whole day outside on this condo so she won't be late on what happened.

Days passed still did the same routine.

"Babe, I visited Taba earlier he said he missed you so much. He has lots of story to tell you and he said that Aya is taking care of him so no worries. By the way Kyle said when will you visit again in Peace? And my friend Keiso wants to meet you, babe that's all" still no answer.

I always visited Taba because I know Malaya is very worried to Taba so I'm taking a good care for Taba also because Taba is very special to Malaya.

I'm washing the dishes when I heard my phone rings then I answered it.

"Hey brother mine" I greeted.

"Raiden" he said coldly.

"Yes, brother?"

"Open your f*cking door, I'm in here for about two hours idi*t. I pressed your doorbell for nth time." He said annoyed and I immediately opened the door then I saw my ugly brother standing.

He look at me from head to toe and let a sighed and face me.

"You look obsessed with someone again"