FORBIDDEN SERIES 2: THE PRESIDENT'S SECRET

Kabanata 5

"MR. PRESIDENT," bati ng doktor na kinuha ni Danrick. They shook hands before he asked Dr. Decena to take a seat.

"I hope you are aware how important it is for us to keep this confidential. I don't want people to worry that their President is unstable," he said.

The old man cleared his throat as he shifted to his seat. "I am fully aware, but I wouldn't label you as unstable." May dinukot itong folder. "Your assistant gave this to me. Retrieved from your late psychiatrist. I wanna say I am quite impressed."

Kumunot ang noo ni Danrick. "By what exactly?"

"I've been studying cases of Dissociative Identity Disorder for decades. I've seen a lot of people who have the same case, suffer controlling all the personalities they have within. But you." Inilapag nito ang folder sa coffee table. "You are special in my opinion."

Danrick sighed. "Rick and I, we met when I was six if my memory serves me right. He's the complete opposite of me. He used to show up whenever I cannot stand up for myself or whenever anxiety is crippling me. But ever since I started developing my communication skills and ability to face people with confidence, he went dormant. That's why I don't understand why he's showing up again."

Dr. Decena crossed his legs in a manly way. "I don't know if this was explained to you before, Mr. President, but in most cases, alters exist to portray the parts of the host that couldn't be fully expressed. Halimbawa, mayroon akong pasyente noon na ang host ay bayolente. Palaaway. Some said that he's a good for nothing lad. His alter on the other hand, is a very responsible man who will do everything to be accepted and loved. The host struggled to fit in because of they way people had viewed him, so the alter made sure he will be seen as a reputable man. Do you get where I'm heading?"

Napahilamos ng palad si Danrick sa kanyang mukha. "Yeah, maybe. God, I feel so lost right now. I'm sorry."

Umismid ang doktor. "Do you always apologize for the little things? Do you . . . often feel guilty for . . . wanting something?"

Natigilan siya't kumunot ang noo. "What?"

Imbes na sagutin siya ay payak na ngumiti si Dr. Decena. "Can I call you Danrick?"

He pursed his lips then nodded. Alam niya namang madalas tawagin ng psychiatrists at psychologists ang mga pasyente sa pangalan ng mga ito. It subconsciously creates a closer bond they said. It doesn't matter if he's the president of the country. Pasyente pa rin siya ngayon.

"Yes," simple niyang tugon.

"Okay, Danrick. Why don't you tell me the first time Rick had resurfaced?"

Sandaling pinakawalan ni Danrick ang hangin sa kanyang dibdib. "During my cousin's engagement party."

"And what did you feel before Rick took the chair and have full control?"

Napaiwas siya ng tingin. His shame and guilt started to kick in, and when Danrick couldn't take it anymore, he found himself getting pushed back so Rick can take the seat while he stays in their waiting room.

Rick shut his eyes and tried to slightly crack his neck before he smiled at Dr. Decena. "What's up?"

Dr. Decena must've noticed the dissociation. Nginitian siya nito saka ito umayos ng upo. "Who am I speaking with right now?"

"I'm Rick. Nice to meet another . . . big brain."

"I appreciate the compliment, Rick." Dr. Decena took out his pen and journal for his patients. "May I ask you a few questions?"

He smiled with lips pursed. "Go ahead, Doctor."

"What took you so long before you took the seat again?"

Rick slouched on the seat. "Let's just say Danrick didn't really need me until he started feeling so much guilt."

"Guilty about what, hmm?"

He smirked. "For finding Geisler's wife hot."

"So you came out to help him get the girl? Is that what you are saying, Rick?"

He licked his lower lip while thinking of Rafaela. "Yeah . . . but also to indulge myself with . . . not so holy things. You know what I mean?"

Marahang tumangu-tango si Dr. Decena. "I understand, and based on the records I've read about your relationship with Danrick, I know that you only come out when you think he needs you to do something for him, but don't you think coming out to seduce his cousin's wife will put his reputation on the line? You don't want him to get into any trouble, don't you?"

Rick stretched his arms on the backseat of the couch. "Of course, but just in case you're not aware of the truth, Geisler doesn't care about his wife. She's just a trophy he wants to brag until he gets tired of her."

"So not only that you wanted to do something Danrick cannot do himself, but you also wanna save his cousin's wife? Am I catching your drift?"

He clicked his tongue and gestured his hand. "You know what? I like you. You're better than the last one who did nothing but guilt-trip me as if I am not a whole different person myself."

Nginitian siya ng doktor. "Good to hear that, Rick, and yes you are right. You are a whole different person. The problem is . . . you are still a part of Danrick whether we like it or not, and Danrick isn't just some guy, Rick. He is the president of this country. Your actions will certainly affect his reputation."

"I know." He flashed a smile. "That's why I'm careful."

"Are you?"

Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. "What exactly are you trying to imply with your question?"

Bumuntonghininga ang doktor bago may kinuha sa briefcase nito. It was a newspaper that has an encircled part of the news, and when Rick saw the photograph of the man wearing a mask, he finally understood why the doctor asked him such question.

"ANO BA naman 'yang pinanonood mo, Belen. Ang aga-aga!" asik ni Rafaela sa katulong na naabutan niyang tutok ang mga mata sa maliit na screen ng cellphone nito.

She's still wearing her silk robe when she went down for her morning coffee. Ini-adjust niya ang tali saka niya hinintay na igawa siya ni Belen ng kape.

"Kawawa naman, Ma'am na-chop-chop na nga, na-rep pa," kwento nito. "Ay hendi talaga ako maki-met up, Ma'am kahit pugi, Ma'am baka patayen din ako."

She rolled her eyes. "You know what? You should start watching beauty tips instead of gore news like that."

"Nagnonood naman ako, Ma'am. Nagdaan lang sa nyosfed ko 'yang baleta ba. Seryal keller daw na may asawa ang penapatay, Ma'am. Parang sa pelikola ni Aga, Ma'am 'no?"

"Oh, 'yon naman pala. Bakit ka matatakot kung may asawa ang pinapatay? May asawa ka na ba?"

Napakamot ng ulo si Belen. "Ekaw talaga, Ma'am. Hendi man ako matakot para sa sareli ko. Hendi man ako maki-met up met-up, Ma'am at luyal ako sa boypren ko."

"Oh, eh 'di tapos ang usapan, Belen. Hindi ka naman pala takot." Nahilot niya ang sintido niya. Ang aga naman nito siyang in-stress sa walang kwentang bagay!

Belen sighed while stirring her coffee. "Hendi para sa sareli ko ako matakot, Ma'am. Sa eyo, Ma'am." Tiningnan siya nito nang may simpatya. "Nako, Ma'am. Kahet palage mo ako niokray, mag-atungal ako, Ma'am kapag na-chop chop ka, Ma'am."

Rafaela ended up bursting into laughter. "Hay, Belen. Your imagination is sometimes scaring me." She ran her fingers onto her hair. "Don't worry." She smirked. "I won't be a serial killer's victim . . ."