Planned Coincidence

Chapter 18

It’s Zenon, kapatid niya pala.

“How are you? It's been a week since we last met,” I asked.

“Okay naman. Oo nga eh, pasensya ka na. Nawala nga kasi ang cellphone ko at medyo naging busy rin.”

I don’t know if its really a coincidence or just her plan. Her lost cellphone makes sense kaya hindi ko siya ma-contact.

“Well, that's okay. Can you give me your new number?”

“Hindi ko pa nabubuksan eh.”

“You can unbox it.”

She’s just about to give her number but something came up with Zenon.

“Naku, teka ano ba...Lourd, mukhang kailangan na naming mauna. Pasensya talaga ah. Magkita nalang tayo ulit. Halika na, Zenon,” sabi niya at agad na tumayo.

Kumunot ang noo ko at napatayo na rin. “Wait, where are you going? To the hospital? Pwede namin kayong ihatid,” I offered.

“Hindi, wag na, okay na. Sa bahay lang, inom ng kaunting gamot lang 'to, tsaka alam mo na baka maje-jebs lang.”

“Jebs?” Anong jebs?

Minadali na siya ni Zenon kaya nagpaalam na siya.

“Pasensya na talaga Lourd ha?”

Wala akong nagawa kundi tumango lang. Lumipat ng mesa si Drac sa akin. Nakita ko ang paper bag sa mesa.

She left her phone.

Agad na naman akong tumayo. I can still see them, hindi pa sila nalalayo. “Wait!” Pero hindi na siya nakalingon pa.

Binigay ko kay Drac ang paper bag. “Habulin mo, baka maabutan pa.”

Agad niya itong kinuha at lumabas na. Inubos ko na lang ang ice cream ko.

Maya-maya lang, pagkabalik ni Drac ay bitbit niya pa rin ito.

“Hindi mo sila naabutan?”

Umiling lang siya. Tumayo na ako. “It’s fine. Dalhin mo nalang muna.”

Namulsa na akong naglakad palabas at nakasunod siya.

I slowed my pace para makasabay si Drac. Nang pantay na kami’y bumulong ako sa kanya.

“What’s jebs?”

He looked at me suppressing his laugh. “Pft.”

“What?” I sneered at him.

“Magsi-CR, sir.”

Is that how they call it these days?

Her cellphone didn’t stay long with me. Great timing as it is, I found her in that coffee shop where I stopped by every morning.

I tried to ask about the dress shop with her Tiyang but she’s good in diverting the topic.

But never mind. What matter is, I finally got her number.

I’m lying on my bed, it’s already 11 in the evening and I’m still thinking what to do tomorrow. Kakaahon ko lang sa tinambak sa akin ni Dad na mga dokumento. I should not miss these free days.

I turned the TV on at ang unang bumungad ay isang film in the middle of firing.

Hmm…should I go firing tomorrow? Na-miss ko na rin iyong gawin.

With Drac again? This is so boring. This is why rumors are spreading about us. Isn’t it natural that he’s always with me because he’s my bodyguard and assistant?

If I don’t have a girlfriend, they’ll talk about me being gay and if I have a girlfriend, they’ll call her cheap.

People and their judgment.

Kinuha ko ang cellphone. Is she still awake?

I tried texting her and I didn’t know how excited I am when my phone beeps for her reply.

I invited her for tomorrow and gladly she said yes.

Morning came and no one is excited as I am. God, Lourd, calm down. I felt like a teenage boy meeting her crush.

How am I remaining calm when I’m with her and be excited when I am just about to see her?

I drove my own car and Drac is just behind me. It’ll be very awkward if we’ll be in one car.

Hinintay ko siya sa labasan lang nila. She doesn’t want me to go inside…and I don’t want things to happen again noong ninakawan ako.

I saw her coming out with a guy. Another guy? Who is it this time? Another brother?

I’m looking at them through the mirror and I saw them hugged and that guy patting her head.

My eyebrows met. Is that necessary?

Naglalakad na siya patungo sa sasakyan and I’m trying to paint a happy face to greet her, but I just can’t.

“Hi, good morning, pasensya ka na natagalan. Medyo na-late na kasi ako ng gising.”

I did not respond. Gusto kong ilugar ang sarili ko. I’m not in a place to ask who’s with her from time to time but my morning is already ruined.

“Who’s that?” I voiced out.

“Ah si Red, kaibigan ko.” Guy friend?

“You seem so sweet with your friend, are you usually like that?”

“Huh? Hindi naman. Mas madalas kaming mag-asaran at magbangayan.”

“Is he living around your neighborhood?”

“Alam mo...” she trailed. I took a glance at her.

“Mas magkakaintindihan tayo kapag hindi ka nag-e-english.”

Akala ko ano na ang sasabihin niya. Hindi ko napigilang mapangiti. She really knows how to deal with sour moments.

“Pasensya ka na, nasanay kasi sa bahay noon at sa opisina.”

“Noon?”

Kahit noon pa man sa bahay bago pa ako nag-aral sa labas ng bansa, Dad usually talks to us in English. At mas lalo pa akong nasanay mag-English dahil sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin mabuti nalang sa almost 8 years ko roon hindi pa naman tuluyang pumasok sa akin ang British accent.

I’m trying to speak in Tagalog, but I can’t utter some words. I know the word in my mind, but the problem is my tongue.

I nodded. “Yes, noon. Sa condo ko na ako ngayon.”

“So, kapitbahay mo ba siya?”

“Hmm...oo.”

I nodded. Walang sabit pero may kaibigang lalaki.

Hindi ko nalang muna inisip iyon. I want to enjoy this day.

When we arrived, noon ko lang napansin ang suot niya. She’s freaking hot in her outfit. I never thought both hotness and coolness can be combined. But she exists.

After the firing session, I invited her in the mini bar to take a rest. It’s great that she’s enjoying, too.

We’re just having a conversation when I received a call from Drac.

Sir, Ma’am Alex is having a blast in the company. She’s throwing a party to celebrate the announcement next week.

I looked at Zamora and she’s just roaming her eyes around. I stand up and excused myself.

“Inside the building? Where are you?” tanong ko kay Drac.

Nandito lang ako sa labas, Sir. Sinabi lang din sa akin ng informant ko. They’re having a feast there.

Tss. It’s too early to celebrate.

“Let her celebrate for now. I'll do that next week,” I said in a low voice.

Hindi ka pupunta roon, Sir?

“No, I’m fine here. Hayaan mo na muna siya.”

Napansin kong lumabas din pala si Zamora.

“Okay…yeah right, I gotta go.” Nilakasan ko ang boses this time with a hint of happiness.

I ended the call and turned to her.

“Sam…” I called her smiling. “Gusto mo picture-an kita?” I asked trying to lessen my English.

Napansin ko kasing she’s taking pictures. Agad niya namang binigay ang cellphone niya.

She did some poses as I take pictures of her. I can’t help to look at her from head-to-toe.

“You look cool and extra sexy today,” I voiced out.

I smiled deep inside as her skin flushed and avoided my gaze.

“Tama na nga rin 'yan, masyado mo na akong binubusog sa puri.”

As I’m tracing her from head-to-toe, I noticed her sneakers.

“I see…you're still not ready to wear the shoes I bought you?”

I wonder what reason she will say this time.

” Hmm oo, parang pang-display lang talaga 'yon eh.”

She lied, again. “Use it. Sayang naman,” sabi ko at inaya na siyang pumasok ulit sa loob.

I am arranging the food on the table when she called me.

“Lourd.”

“Hmm?” Then I smiled at her. It feels so good to be called by my name maliban kina Dad at Alex. Ang iba kasing nakapalibot sa akin ay puro Sir na ang tawag.

“Okay lang sa'yong mamanahin lahat ng ate mo ang negosyo niyo?”

Nawala ang ngiti ko. I didn’t expect her question.

“Hindi niya naman talaga mamanahin lahat, siya lang ang magpapatakbo ng negosyo. Dad's property and others…we have both the right for it.”

“Kung okay lang itanong, ano ba ang natapos mo?”

I stared at her intently. The way she asks, she’s not just asking because she’s curious. She’s like digging for an information.

“Wala. I took civil engineering but stopped after my 2 years in college, hindi ko kaya ang kurso,” I made up.

“Sayang naman. Wala kang balak bumalik ulit?”

Kumunot ang noo ko at bahagyang natawa. “In this age?”

“Bakit? Wala namang problema roon.”

Nice thought. “I like that thinking pero bakit pa ako mag-aaral kung may mamanahin naman ako kay Dad?”

“Oo nga naman no?” suporta niya sa akin at sabay kaming natawa pero maya-maya lang ay bumawi na siya. “Hindi, pero seryoso…iba pa rin kasi kung ikaw talaga ang may alam? Katulad niyan, hindi sa'yo ipapahawak ng Daddy mo kasi may kulang ka. Tapos ano lang ha…hindi mo ba nararamdaman o napapansin na minamaliit ka ng ate mo?”

Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya habang nag-iisip ng isasagot. Ano kayang gusto niyang malaman?

“It's alright,” I replied then flashed a smile. “Totoo naman kasing mas kaya niya kaysa sa akin. And why would I trouble myself? I can't do like this because I'll have tons of headache due to company concerns. And…didn't you hear what she said? She approved of me enjoying the money of her hard work but…with limits. Pero okay na rin iyon.”

She chuckled. “Alam mo, okay ka rin eh.”

The topic went deeper, and I had to share some truths about my family.

It’s good that she’s not just living the present. She’s thinking about the future, too.

Sa madaling panahon na nagkakilala kami. She has something. She has this presence that you will always crave in. She has secrets, yes, she lies. I know it. I know she should not be trusted but that makes her more interesting. I want to know why she needs to lie. Gusto kong malaman kung bakit lumapit siya sa akin. Those times when she’s obviously following me, she has a goal, and now that we’re getting close. What’s next?

She always makes my day exciting. Will I see her today? And I get disappointed kapag hindi.

It’s been years since I felt this way. I had girlfriends in my college days but due to cultural differences, none of them work out.

And I don’t know if it’s the right time to say this because I know I’ll get busy after taking over the company.

But... “I like you, Sam,” I said while my eyes are locked on her.

Napahinto siya sa aktong pag-inom. Shock is her over all expression.

“H-huh?” She looks at me with worry.

I smiled to ease the awkwardness that is slowly crawling on us. “Don't worry. Gusto ko lang malaman mo. Pero you're not responsible of anything. You're not obliged to reciprocate it but…” I paused when I saw her eyebrows forming one line.

Ah, stop the English, Lourd.

“Oh, I mean, hindi ka obligadong ibalik 'yon. No pressure. Pero…umaasa ako na…someday, you will.” Then I smiled. As wide as I can.

“Alam mo…may KTV rooms dito. Gusto mong kumanta?”

I think I created good memories just within that day. I taught her how to fire and even did a song duet together. She got a voice. I want to bring her there again someday so she can improve her firing skills.

I hope so.

Everything’s going smooth. Akala ko hindi na siya magpapakita sa akin after I confessed but good thing. She’s still in my reach. She even went trekking with me but...something happened.

I don’t get why Zenon was arrested.

“Sa police station mo siya hinatid? What’s the situation there?” tanong ko kay Drac pagkarating niya sa condo ko.

I invited him for a drink in the terrace.

“Hanggang sa labas lang po ako, Sir. Hindi na ako bumaba ng sasakyan.”

I looked at the night’s city view. “What do you think the reason why her brother is arrested?”

“Sir...do you really trust her?”

Napatingin ako sa kanya dahil sa tanong niya. “Why?”

“We both know, you didn’t meet coincidentally because she’s been following you. Binili mo ‘yong sapatos para sa kanya but she sold it. You invested money for her so-called business at hindi mo pa nakita mismo ang shop na ‘yon. They’re living in that home of snatchers in Sta. Luisita, and her brother was arrested. More importantly, palagi siyang nagsisinungaling sa’yo. Hindi pa ba sapat ang lahat ng ‘yon para hindi siya pagkatiwalaan?”

I remained silent and gently shake my wine glass.

I remember the time when that pick pocketer passed her my wallet.

“I’m aware of it. I want…to give her a chance. I want to know the truths behind her lies.” Or is someone making her do those things?

Hindi na sumagot si Drac. Ang tanging narinig ko lang ay ang malalim niyang paghinga. Alam niyang wala na siyang magagawa kapag ako na ang nagsalita.

“Her brother was arrested pero ang kalmado niya kanina na nagawa niya pa akong i-interview,” muling pagsalita niya.

“What did she ask?”

“Why am I always next to you and how long I’ve been your bodyguard.”

“What did you say?”

“For your protection, that’s all I know. And I…” I looked at him because he trailed. “slipped a little bit. Sabi kong almost 6 months pa lang akong nagseserbisyo sa’yo after you came back here.”

I inhaled deeply and sneered at him. It’s okay kahit hindi mag-match ang sinabi kong 6 years at kanya naman 6 months, but he mentioned that I was just recently came back here.

I pointed him to warn him. Hindi na siya umimik at ininom nalang ang wine.

Pagkauwi ni Drac ay pumasok na ako ng kwarto. I texted Zamora to ask about the situation and if there’s any help that I could offer. Pero hindi siya naka-reply hanggang sa nakatulog ako. Pagkaumaga’y saka ko lang nabasa ang reply niya.

Okay lang. Mukhang hindi muna ako makakasabay sa trip mo sa buhay sa susunod na araw. Kailangan kong maghanap ng pera, pangpiyansa kay Zenon.

Okay. But what exactly happened?

I was just about to type a reply when Alex called me.

“Good morning,” bati ko pagsagot ng tawag.

Where are you? Shouldn’t you be at the office right now? Come here quick! Dad’s looking for you. His foreign investors are here, and he wants us to be both present. I don’t get why you’re needed here but…hurry up!

That’s it. My greeting was responded by that.

She ended the call so, I jump off my bed and prepared quickly.

I arrived at the office just in time. Dumiretso na ako sa opisina ni Dad.

“Oh, here’s my son. Gentlemen, my son, Lourd Patriarda,” Dad introduced me.

I greeted them and seated beside Alex. She mouthed You’re late at pinanlisikan niya pa ako ng mata.

I ignored her and joined the talk.

After the talk and lunch, Dad toured them in the new development site of Patriarch Homes at pareho niya pa rin kaming isinama ni Alex.

I’m just behind them while they’re sharing a plan. Alex stepped up because she’s responsible for the architectural design.

I felt my phone vibrated. It’s Zamora calling. I excused myself from them and answered the call. She’s asking for financial help, and I willingly give it.

But Zenon’s case is theft.

The puzzle is slowly being completed.

I wanted to give it to her personally, but Dad wants us to be in her sight even just for a day, so I couldn’t. Pinabigay ko nalang kay Drac.

The week’s been so busy because today is the day. This is the day to pull Alex into reality and for everyone to know who I really am.

I looked myself at the mirror for the last time. I fixed my necktie and straightened my tux.

Pagkarating sa Verde Grande Hotel, which is the venue of the ceremony, Alex was already there, and she welcomed me with her front mask, too.

“Oh, my dear brother, good that you’re here.” We even did cheeks bump.

I maintained my blank expression.

After a while, the ceremony started, and Dad is now speaking in front.

“Patriarch Homes is continuing to provide comfortable shelter for everyone. Our gratitude for our partners, stakeholders, and investors. Thank you for being here today. Patriarch Homes is my father’s legacy and I think my turn has passed, too.”

Dad looked at me and I looked at Alex who’s smiling widely.

“As we continue to enter more developments and changes, Patri Homes needs a new father, too. Everyone...I proudly introduce to you who will take my position...graduated Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management...”

My smile formed as Alex smile’s slowly fading. She didn’t graduate with that degree. The employees are quiet and confused, while our trusted partners are looking at me brightly. They knew, it’s me. Except for the ignorant.

“And recently earned his master’s degree at Oxford University, the new CEO of Patriarch Homes Co., my son, Lourd Patriarda.”

I fixed my coat, stand proudly and the spotlight is on me. The applause resounds inside the hall. As I make my way to the stage, Alex’s face cannot be painted. And just when I stepped on the stage and faced them, she became hysterical.

“Dad! What the hell is this?! What stupidity is this? Dad! Is this a joke?! Is this a show?!” The crowd gasped when she threw the glass utensils on the floor. All cellphones and camera are now recording her. She's literally making a scene.

“What do you mean he has that degree?! Lourd, what the f*ck! You know nothing, you know that! Can you handle this? Dad, are you seriously f*cking passing to him the legacy? Are you ready to be ruined?”

I’m right now on stage, she heard it and she still belittled me in the last minute.

Oh, sister that’s a cheap way to appeal. You’re just showing everyone your true nature.

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