Starts at Ends

2 - Helium

Chapter II

Of all the places I wanted to visit, it's the precincts whose not included on the list. Like helium! Kung ang karamihan sa mga tao ay ayaw sa hospital, pwes ako, ayoko dito!

"I told you I didn't stole your wallet." May diin niyang sabi sa akin.

At siya pa talaga ang galit ha!?

"Oh c'mon, Mr! I saw you holding my wallet back then!"

"I told you someone gave it to me-"

"Really!?" I scoffed.

"The fudge! What's the effin' wrong with you!? Are you nuts? Hindi porke ako yung nakita mong nakahawak, ako agad ang nagnakaw?"

"There's nothing wrong with me and don't call me nuts, magnanakaw!"

"I am not a thi-"

"TAHIMIK!"

Sabay kaming napatingin kay police officer after he shouted at us.

Sa kamalas-malasan kasi, imbis nasa bahay na kami ni Axi, na masaya na sanang nagkukuwentuhan at kumakain, naimbitahan pa kami dito sa presinto!

Kanina pa ako nagpipigil sa lalaking to ah. Siya ang dahilan kung bakit ako napunta dito at napapabayaan ko ang alagang nasa sinapupunan ko!

"Ms. Fernan, kumalma ka nga!" Galit na sabi niya sa akin.

I rolled my eyes. Kalma daw tapos nakasigaw.

Sumandal na lang ako sa inuupuan ko as I crossed my arms. I looked at the dumbass guy at my front and give him a stare na sinuklian niya ng isang mapang-inis na ngiti nang mapagalitan ako.

Ugh! I hate him!

"Nakita na ngang hindi sya yung nagnakaw ng pitaka mo diba? Ba't mo pa pinipilit ha?"

Napairap na lang ako sa sinabi niya. E sa ayaw kung aminin na nagkamali nga ako! E siya yung nakita ng mga mata ko! Kainis.

"Ikaw naman, Mr. Salazar! Wag mo nang patulan 'tong malditang babaeng to."

"Excuse me!?"

"Malamang susuntukin ka kasi nga 'inakala' niyang ikaw 'yung nagnakaw!"

At talagang pinapamukha pa sa akin ha?

"Kita mo yung lalaking yun!?"

I dismissively looked at the guy behind the bars sulking with the other convicted people.

"Yun suntukin mo, kasi yun yung totoong magnanakaw!"

Napapikit ako sa inis. Nauubos na nga pasensya ko sa lalaking nasa harapan ko dumadagdag pa tong si mamang pulis.

"Umalis na nga kayo! Kayo talagang mga kabataan e no, ang daming trip sa buhay." Pagtataboy niya sa amin sabay bigay ng mga ID namin.

Mabilisan ko namang kinuha ang sa akin at nilagay sa bag ko. Dali-dali kong tinalikuran ang walang hiyang magnanakaw! Hindi ko na inalam kung umalis ba sya kaagad o hindi. Why would I care? Magnanakaw pa rin sya para sa akin kahit sabihin nilang hindi.

"Really, Shad!? Si Neecho pa talaga ang pinag-isipan mong magnanakaw ha?"

"Yes, she did." Zeah laughed.

Isa pa tong nakakainis e. Hindi pa nga ako nakakamove-on sa sinabi ng police officer, dumagdag pa tong si Jo.

"Believe it or not, Jo! She really did! Ayaw pa magpaawat!"

Tawang-tawa naman tong baklang to? Kung sipain ko kayang perlas nito? Pasalamat siya nandito kami sa bahay nila. He's lucky kasi Tita Faye baked cookies for us. Pasalamat siya may natitira pa akong konsensya! Kung hindi, kanina ko pa siya pinatay.

"He even dare to touch his precious face!" Gatong naman ni Zeah tapos tumawa na parang baliw.

"Pinagtutulungan niyo ba ako ha?"

Matapos kung bigyan sila ng matatalim na tingin tinawanan lang ulit ako ng mga hayop.

"Tungstena niyo."

"Ayaw mo kasing maniwala sa'kin e. Napakatigas ng ulo mo!" Bulyaw ni Ze.

"Bakit ba!?"

"Oh? In-denial pa."

I crossed my arms as I glared at the three.

"You're really awesome, Shad. You always made me think of the past."

"Ay, oo nga no?" Tawang sagot na naman ni Zeah.

Bakit hindi na lang mag focus ang isang to sa pagkain niya?

"The sss!" Tawang sigaw ni Axi sabay gaya ng isang tindig na para bang isang super hero.

"Ewan ko sa inyo!"

I walked out and drove myself at my place. Itutulog ko na lang 'to. Hindi dapat ako mahiya kasi magnanakaw naman talaga siya.

Aish, kaninis!

"I heard you've mistakenly accused Mr. Salazar's son last night, nak?"

Mistakenly na nga, may accused pa. Pinamumukha talaga sa akin yung kamalian ko.

"What did ate do, my?" Takang tanong ng little sister kung si Shine.

Kasalukuyan kaming kumakain ng breakfast. I got home past midnight last night that's why hindi na kami nagkausap pa nila mommy. Naisipan ko pa kasing gumala sa Mars.

"She incriminated a poor guy, baby." Dad answer Shine instead of mom, na tinanguan naman ni Mommy.

"Incriminated? That's a big word, dad!" Sabay subo ko sa bacon.

Ginugutom talaga ako, ewan ko ba kung bakit, e kumain naman ako kagabi bago natulog.

"Eat slowly, Shad. Hindi ka nanakawan ng pagkain, don't worry."

Inirapan ko na lang si dad.

Hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin matigil tong tuksuan sa akin patungkol sa lalaking yon. Isang buwan na kaya ang lumipas!

"You knew the guy, dad?"

"His parents are one of the investors of our company, baby." Dad answered Shine as he gave her another hotdog.

"What a small world!" She giggled "Thanks, dad." Referring to the hotdog dad gave.

"You should visit our company more often, sweetie. Para naman alam mo kung sinu-sino ang mga nakakabangga mo at baka may mapagkamalan ka na namang magnanakaw." Dad uttered.

"Mabuti at tinawanan lang ng parents ni Neecho ang nangyari."

I sneered as mom smiled at me. Edi wow!

"May sinasabi ka, ate?"

"Stop being nosy Shine." Lingon ko sa katabi ko.

"What?" Inosente niyang tanong sa akin. "Ate is being a kontrabida na naman." Bulong niya na narinig naman namin.

"You're saying something, Shine Kaythel?" She pouted as I asked.

"Nothing, miss Shaddowe Kayeth."

Tumawa na lang kami sa kakulitan niya.

Ay ewan ko na lang.

"Thanks be to God." People mumbled.

Nagdaan ang mga araw at naging maayos naman ang takbo ng buhay ko. It's Sunday kaya nasa simbahan kami ng buong pamilya ko.

And as usual, I am wearing my best outfit: white v-neck shirt, black jeans and a white sneaker shoes. Meanwhile, mommy and Shine were wearing a peach knee-length dress. Pinatungan nga lang ni mommy ng white blazer yung sa kanya kaya may pagkakaiba pa rin sa get-up niya kumpara sa kapatid ko. While dad is in his black polo shirt and black jeans, looking too lovely and plainly handsome.

"We're going to a restaurant, mom? I'm hungry." Shine asked.

"Yes, baby. Pero may pupuntahan muna tayo bago don okay? It's nine pa naman." Shine agreed excitedly.

For sure it's a work related case. Even though my parents are both busy managing our company, it will never be a hindrance para hindi kami makasimba every Sunday. It's a family tradition.

My grandparents are both wealthy. They owned a lots of businesses. Kaya palaging hectic ang schedule ng parents ko. Sa Oil factories naka-destino sa Davao. Banana plantation at Mindanao. Bakeshops here in Visayas. And a company of machineries and so on?

I don't really give some much attention to their businesses. That's their business. Not mine.

Daddy suggested to have mom in his company as the company's attorney. My mom is a lawyer actually, while dad is a business man. That's why even in work they are still together.

"Ate, what's taking them so long?"

We are sitting on the sofa here in the office of Mr. Ocampo that is located on our company's building. He is one of the stockholders of our company, I guess?

"Five minutes more, Shine." Kumbinsi ko sa kanya kahit na kanina ko pa sinasabing limang minuto na lang at matatapos na sila mommy't daddy.

It's eleven am at ginugutom na ako. Paano pa kaya tong si Shine na kanina pa nagrereklamo?

"Wanna get some crunch?" Sumang-ayon naman siya kaya humanap na muna kami ng food shop sa malapit.

"I want this!" Turo niya sa mango mochi flavoured na ice cream.

"Two cups-"

"Make it four, please." Putol niya sa akin na ikinatawa ng cashier at ibang staff na nakarinig sa kanya.

"Okay." Tawa kong sabi sa kanya at pinisil ang kanyang pisngi.

"Don't touch my cheeks."

"Arte mo." I chuckled as I gave our payment at the lady in front of us.

"This is delicious! I love it."

"Huwag ka na lang maingay Shine, just eat."

Pabalik na kami sa office kung saan nagaganap yung meeting. And it's already quarter to twelve yet hindi pa rin sila tapos.

"Yummmyy!"

I looked at Shine as she eats adorably. Sobrang kulit. I want to hold her hand para di sya mawala, pero she's busy holding two cups of her ice cream. Kumain naman kami ng lunch before eating a dessert e, kaya okay lang. I can't stop her.

Matakaw siya e, mana sa akin.

I heard my phone ringing kaya kinuha ko muna sa black purse ko.

"Yes?"

"Where are you?" I smiled as I heard his husky voice. It tingered on my ears which made me shiver.

Kung di ko lang talaga bestfriend to, magugustuhan ko talaga tong baklang to.

"Fer. Corp. Why?" I answered calmly. "Wag kang makulit Shine, natatapon yung ice cream."

"Sorry ate, hihi. I have my extra dress naman in the car." She smiled to me securing it's okay.

"That's baby Shine? Pakausap naman oh!"

What?

"Pakausap, please."

"Seryoso ka?"

Tumawag siya sa akin kasi he wants to talk to my sister?

"Yes, babe."

Umismid ako bago ibinigay ang telepono sa kapatid ko.

"Hi, kuya Axi! Uh huh- no!" She giggled.

Kunwari pa ang isa to.

"Ate is done with her food. Yeah! She's so mean."

Kinuha ko sa kanya ang cellphone ko nang mairita ako at sinabihan siyang tapusin na lang ang pagkain na sinunod naman niya.

"Ano ba naman, Ax? Nilalason mo na naman utak ng kapatid ko. Let me remind you na she's just a seven year old kid. Umayos ka!"

Tiningnan naman ako ni Shine when she heard me shouting. I just gave her a fake smile and pointed her ice cream.

"Chill, Shad! I'm not a bad influence for her, for sure."

"Whatever."

Kasabay ng pag-irap ko ang pagbukas ng pinto sa harapan namin.

Thank God they're done.

Tumayo si Shine at lumapit kaagad kay mommy. Nagsilabasan na rin ang iba pa nilang katrabaho habang kausap si dad.

"Hey, Shad? Nakikinig ka ba?"

What the hell? Anong ginagawa ng lalaking yan dito!? I got shocked as what I saw.

"Hoy!"

"Ay ha? A-ano nga ulit yon?"

"Come over here. Andito kami sa bahay nila Jo, birthday ni Ate Joshel. She forgot to tell us about that yesterday."

Lumapit si daddy sa akin kasabay ang isang matipunong lalaki. He's maybe a 40 year old man based on his features. And the way he dressed up and talk is very eye-catching. Although his age is a bit oldie, he looks like a teenager closer.

"This must be your daughter?" Turo niya sa akin na binigyan ko na lang na pilit na ngiti.

I feel intimidated the way he looks at me, that's why I dismissed myself. I signalled dad that I have a phonecall, kaya lumayo muna ako sa kanila.

"Mabuti at naisama mo na rin dito ang panganay mo."

Ngumiti ulit ako sa gwapong matanda na may kasama na ngayong magandang babae. Based on how the mistress sticks her arms to this man, maybe she's the wife.

Ba't ang ganda ng mga genes nila?

"Hoy, Kayeth!"

"Ngayon na ba dapat?" Tanong ko nang nakalayo-layo na ako.

I sat in the bench near in the parking area para mas madali akong mahanap nila mommy.

"Kung gusto mo bukas na lang."

Ay shonga.

"Malamang, ngayon na! Tatawag ba ako ngayon kung bukas pa?"

"Aba, malay ko!"

Napairap na lang ako sa kapilosopohan ng baklang to. Nagtatanong lang naman.

"Bilisan mo ha. Ingat!"

"Ayoko."

"Edi wag!"

I laughed. "May period ka ba?"

"Middle finger!"

Napailing ako nang ibinaba niya agad ang tawag.

"May period nga ata."

I was about to stood up after I put my phone back on my purse when someone grab it.

"What the-"

Malakas na pagtawa ang narinig ko kaya napatigil ako.

"Demonyong atom!"

Binalik niya kaagad ang phone ko nang marinig ang sigaw ko. Marahas ko namang tinaggap kaagad at baka magbago pa ang isip ng magnanakaw nato.

"Sorry." He suppressed his smile as I stare at him deadly.

"Gago ka ba-"

I was trying to grab his collar but someone interrupted.

"Neecho!"

Sabay kaming napatingin sa tumawag sa kanya at laking gulat ko nang malaman kung sino ang tumawag.  It's the gorgeous mistress!

Umayos ako ng tayo at binaba ang aking kamay. I look at him as he smiled evilly trying to tease me. Tinaasan ko na lang siya ng kilay para di niya mahalata na kinabahan ako sa biglaang pagtawag nung babae.

What if kanina pa sila nakatingin sa amin tapos tinawag niya lang 'tong kumag nato nang akmang may gagawin akong masama?

Gosh, ang OA ko mag -isip. Pero what if nga?

"Mom."

He kissed her 'mom' on the cheeks and smiled at me again.

Nakakainis. Akala mo gwapo. E mas bet ko naman yung daddy niya! Joke.

"Hey, lady." Her mom greeted me with a genuine smile.

Kahit saang angulo talaga ang ganda. They have the same fairness of skin at pareho din silang may kulot na buhok. Matangos pa ang ilong. Sila na talaga pinagpala ng genes!

Edi wow.

"Hello po." Ngumiti ako at ipinakita ang ganda ko na minana ko kay mommy.

Hindi ako pahuhuli no! Kahit di ako kaputian gaya ni Axi hindi rin naman ako maitim gaya ni Zeah. But I am not saying na maitim talaga si Zeah. I am taller than Josceah kasi I'm 5'4 while she's 5'2. And yeah, I also have a black-curly hair, pero yung kulot nasa huling parte lamang.

"Shaddowe Kayeth Fernan, right?"

I was astounded that she knows my full name.

"Don't be, darling. I know you very well."

Tumawa ako ng hilaw sa kanya nang tumawa siya. Buang, anong nakakatawa dun?

"You knew each other?"

Muntik na akong mabulunan sa tinanong niya. I looked at her with hesitant as I nod continously.

"I guess?" I said.

"I guess?"

Sinamaan ko ng tingin ang kumag nang makisali siya sa usapan. Ngunit nawala rin bigla nang tumingin sa akin ang mommy niya.

"Uh yeah." I fake a smile and hinanap na lang sila mommy.

"I'm sorry nak, nagpabili pa 'tong kapatid mo ng another ice cream. Tumawag rin si Tita Jessel mo sinasabing dun na lang tayo kumain."

Ngumiti na lang ako kay mommy. "Sige po, tara."

"See you!" Sabi ng loko sa akin sabay hawak sa baywang ng mom niya para makaalis.

Ngumiti naman si mommy sa akin at hinawakan ako sa beywang papuntang sasakyan.

See you mo mukha mo!

Walang tigil sa pagsubo ang ginawa ko nang binigay ni Jo sa akin ang mga pagkain.

Lechong baboy, adobong manok, kaldereta, fish fillet, fruit salad, macaroons, and many more! I really love Filipino foods.

"Ala una na anak oh! Ba't ngayon ka lang kumain? May pagkain naman sa ref ah?"

Tinignan ko ng masama si Zeah habang inaalo niya ang likod ko. Kung wala lang laman tong bibig ko kanina ko pa siya minura.

"You look like a beggar." Tawang panlalait ni Axi sa akin na agad ko namang ginawaran ng sipa na tumama sa tuhod niya.

"More than a beggar." He added.

"An ugly beggar." Ze stated.

"Tama na yan. Hayaan niyo na muna siyang kumain." Awat ni Jo.

Mabuti pa 'tong isang to.

"Eat well, Shad. Huwag kang mahiya, marami pa naman sa loob."

I smiled. "Yeah, thanks."

Nagsibalikan naman sa ginagawa ang dalawa kong kaibigan pagkatapos silang awatin ni jo pero pinagtatawanan pa rin ako. They are enjoying the water in the pool while glancing at me.

I shrieked secretly. I wanna wrap my body with water, too!

"Wag puro karne, Shad." Paalala ni Jo sabay bigay sa akin ng pineapple juice at tubig.

"Yes po, ate." Tawang sagot ko sa kanya at bumalik sa pagkain.

Josceah D. Pajaron. 17 years old. Maputi at may mapupungay na mata. She has the angelic looks which makes her more attractive. Kahit siya yung pinakamaliit sa amin, siya ang may pinakamaraming fans! She's a player. She doesn't take serious relationships.

Even though she has the dirty image when it comes to romance in the group, Josceah is my favourite accompany. Pranka kasi na tao at hindi plastic. Pero di ko naman sinasabing plastic si Axi at Zeah. It's just that I found Josceah very different.

"You're currently writing a song, right?"

"Ha? Hindi ah. I don't even know how to write one." I lied.

"Sayang."

Andito kami sa backyard ng bahay nila Jo. Nakaupo ako sa wooden bench malapit sa pool.

And this feels great. Eating like there's no tomorrow while tasting the savour of the fresh air and the amusing light reflecting in the water.

"Hoy."

"Oh?" Sagot ko kay Jo nang umupo siya tapat ko.

She sighed. "You can share things on me, Shad. On us, we are your friends."

I raised my brow. "Wala akong pera."

"Mayaman din ako, di ko kailangan ng pera mo!" Tawa niya.

"Kung anu-ano kasi pinagsasabi mo diyan."

"Anyway, Salazars' here."

"And so?"

"How come you didn't know him, e business partners ang both parents niyo?" She asked.

"Oh- I forgot. You don't care about business nga pala. " Sagot niya sa sariling tanong nang taasan ko siya ng kilay.

I rested my back at my chair as I roamed my eyes at their place.

"Shine!" Sigaw ni Axi nang makita ang kapatid ko papunta sa akin.

She's wearing her swimsuit. Girl scout and datingan ah.

"Wanna swim!"

Kinuha naman siya agad nina Axi at sinabayang maligo. I don't bother. Shine is a good swimmer like me. Hindi rin naman siya pababayaan ng mga impakta kong friend kasi lagot lang talaga sila kay mommy.

"I think he plays an important role in your life."

Taka akong tumingin sa babaeng katabi ko nang magsalita ito.

"Pinagsasabi mo?"

"Seryoso." Usal niya nang nakatawa. "Hindi naman kayo pagtatagpuin nang walang dahilan e."

"Stop that thing, Josceah!" Awat ko sa kanya.

"Bahala ka kung ayaw mong maniwala."

"Shut up!" Naiirita kong sambit.

"What!? Hindi ka naniwala kay Zeah at Axi last time, tapos ngayon, pati sa akin? Face your consequences, bahala ka!" She chuckled.

"Ang weird mo! Potassium, nakakakilabot."

"At ang defensive mo!"

Ano?

"Pustaan tayo." She stared at me.

I don't get her worried yet playful facade that she displayed but I felt something on it. Something that made my heart skipped erratically and nervously.

"Ginawa mo naman akong sugalero." I winced.

"Pustaan tayong talo ka sa larong 'to."

Here we go again with her undefeated wisdom! Nagiging fortune teller talaga pagdating sa mga ganito e.

"This is not good." She added as she sips her juice. "Trust me."

I just shrug her thoughts and stood up as I decided to take a dip on the freezing water.

"He will never be good to me, Jo." I smiled to her before I walked straight to the pool. "Never."

"Let's see." She teased before we dived in the water.

Lecheng, let's see!