Harmony Of Bullets

Bullet 2

ERNALINE'S POV:

"How can you compose an amazing masterpiece like that?" Aniya.

Namula ang mukha dahil nakaramdam ako ng hiya. Isang stranger ang naka-appreciate ng kanta ko at ng gawa ko.

"Out of boredom. Since high school, I always ended up alone in a corner with my notebook. I didn't notice that my hand started writing on a piece of paper with a song that I am the one who knows what will be the end."

"I don't have any friends that's why I keep writing my feelings and emotions inside that notebook."

Tumigil sa pagtipa ang daliri niya pansamantala at tumingin sa akin pero muli yong gumalaw pero iba na ang tono.

'Life is full of uncertainties and challenges that we must face. It often presents us with situations that seem unreasonable and difficult to overcome.

However, it's important to remember that we have the power to shape our lives positively. We can choose to strive for excellence and be the best version of ourselves, or we can settle for mediocrity.

The choice is ours to make, and it's up to us to take responsibility for our actions and decisions. By adopting a growth mindset and focusing on self-improvement, we can navigate the unpredictability of life and achieve our goals.'

He started singing.

His cold voice.

Beautiful and harmonious melody lingering through my ears.

Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya.

'Life can be filled with challenges and obstacles that can make it seem unfair at times.

But sometimes being alone can be a blessing in disguise, as it allows you to focus on yourself and the things that truly matter to you.

You can take a moment to pause and reflect while enjoying a warm cup of coffee.

As you take that sip, you can feel a sense of calm and comfort, knowing that you are in control of your own story.

You have the power to shape your future and create the life that you desire. So take a deep breath, let go of the past, and embrace the present moment.

This is your time to shine and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.'

Napangiti ako.

"You look beautiful when you are smiling."

Lalong uminit ang magkabilang pisngi ko at inirapan siya ng pabiro.

'During a heart-to-heart conversation, a close friend of mine shared his perspective on life.

He expressed his regret for not realizing the blessings he had in his life and how life can be unfair at times.

His words made me reflect on my own life and the importance of gratitude and appreciation for everything we have.

'Life can often feel unjust and cruel, leaving us with a sense of unease and despair.

However, if we take a closer look, we may find that there is a silver lining in every situation.

Like a ferocious beast lurking within us, we have the power to create our reality and live the life we desire.

It's up to us to recognize the beauty that surrounds us and embrace it with open arms.'

Natapos ang kanta niya at ibinalik niya sa akin ang gitara.

"You need to get home." Wika niya.

Ibinalik ko sa kaha ang gitara ko at nataranta ako nang tumayo siya kaya naman isinukbit ko sa balikat ko ang gitara at pigilan siya.

"Did you take a late night walk like this every day?" Usisa ko.

Tumigil ang lalaki sa paglalakad ilang dipa ang layo sa akin.

Lumingon ito sa akin. "Although I don't usually go for late-night walks, I must say that this is the best thing I have come across. I will take the lead this time, but I hope that you will join me again in the future. See you around." He said as he continued to walk away.

"Pwede ba kitang makita ulit?" Sigaw ko.

"Not a chance."

Hanggang sa makauwi ako ng bahay. Ang lalaki na 'yon ang laman ng isip ko hanggang sa hindi ko namalayan na bumangga ako sa isang nilalang.

"Aray!" Daing ko nang tumama ang noo ko sa matigas na bagay.

Napatingala ako at tumambad sa akin ang seryosong mukha ni Kuya Reiden. He's wearing his white sando, shorts and slippers. Magulo ang buhok niya na parang frustrate na naman dahil wala ako sa bahay.

Napangiwi ako. "Hi Kuya!?" Bati ko rito.

"What time is it?" Aniya at pinag-cross pa ang braso sa ibabaw ng dibdib niya.

He's like our Dad, masyadong istricto sa maliit na bagay pero mas malala si Kuya lalo na kung tungkol sa akin.

"Uhm. 9:45 pm, Philippine time?"

"Exactly. Where were you when your curfew was up?"

Napanguso ako. "Sa park."

"The next time you get back home by nine, you'll be sleeping outside." Sabi niya bago ako talikuran.

"Hoy Kuya sobra ka na! Hindi na ako bata para magkaroon ng curfew!" Sigaw ko rito habang nakasunod sa kanya papasok ng bahay. Nadaanan pa namin si Yaya Marie na may hawak na dust pan.

"Don't yell on me Ernaline Ashleigh Montenegro!" Pabalik na sigaw niya sa akin kaya nabigla ako.

Kunot-noong at galit na Reiden Grei ang sumalubong sa akin. "It's difficult to express the depth of my concern when I see you wandering around without a care in the world. I work tirelessly to provide for us, yet my mind is constantly preoccupied with the possibility of something happening to you. It's crucial to me that you stay safe, and I can't help but worry about what could happen if you don't take necessary precautions."

"H-hindi naman ako napahamak eh." Nangingilid na ang luha ko dahil galit na naman si Kuya.

"How many times do I have to plead with you to not venture out of the safety of our house without obtaining my permission first? Dad specifically charged me with the responsibility of looking after you in his absence, yet you persist in your obstinate behavior, making my job all the more challenging."

"Hindi naman ako preso para magkulong lang dito sa bahay. I have my own life to attend to." Sagot ko rito.

"You're talking back now?"

Napayuko ako. "I-I'm sorry."

I heard him sigh but I didn't lift my head to face him. "You're grounded for one week. You'll be coming with me tomorrow to Montenegro Empire and studying our business. Got that?"

"N-no. Ayoko Kuya-" tutol ko.

"That's final!"

Wala akong nagawa nang umalis si Kuya sa harapan ko at umakyat sa hagdan papunta sa kaniyang kwarto.

Tuluyang tumulo ang luha ko at napayuko na lang ako. Naramdaman ko ang kamay ni Yaya Marie sa likuran ko.

"Tahan na Ernaline. Intindihin mo na lang ang Kuya mo, pagod lang siya."

"Hanggang kailan ko po iintindihin ang nararamdaman ng ibang tao? Paano naman po ako?"

Niyakap na lang ako ni Yaya at doon ako umiyak sa bisig niya. 'Yong pansamantalang naramdaman ko kanina ay napalitan ng lungkot at galit na natanggap ko mula kay Kuya Reiden.

Naiintindihan ko naman siya dahil ipinasa sa kanya lahat ng responsibilidad mula sa kompanya at sa akin na nakababatang kapatid niya.

Kuya Reiden is cold hearted as fvck.

Gusto ko siyang kamuhian but he is still my brother.

Kahit labag sa loob kong pumunta ng Montenegro Empire, napilitan akong sumama kay Kuya papasok sa opisina.

Suot ang isang pencil cut business suit na ginamit ko pa noong mag-OJT ako sa isa sa mga business partner ni Daddy since bias daw kung sa company namin mismo ako magtatrabaho at baka hakutin ko lahat ng awards tungkol OJT which is hindi naman totoo.

"Fix your face Ashleigh," istriktong utos sa akin ni Kuya mang huminto ang sasakyan sa tapat ng Montenegro Empire.

I didn't do what he told me, bagkus, lalong nalukot ang mukha habang pababa ng kotse while he was waiting for me.

Call me a spoiled brat or something, pero hindi ki gusto ang mapunta sa opisina ni Kuya Reiden. Mas naiimagine ko ang sarili ko na may hawak ma gitara at mikropono habang kumakanta sa harapan ng libo-libong tao.