One Last Lie (SALS 1)

Chapter 8

Abot langit ang kaba ni Esaac habang nakatitig dito. Nakatitig din ito sa kanya at akmang pareho silang nagtatantyahan ng isa't isa. Her curves were perfectly defined and they were irresistibly good. 

He was not wrong. Dahan-dahan niyang inalis ang kanyang helmet at unti-unting nakita niya ang mukha nito. Her hair falls perfectly on her shoulders. Her slightly brown curls were slowly revealed under those streetlights. She effortlessly fixed her hair and smiled at Esaac.

"Tara, coffee." She talks seductively. "Convoy. Ayaw kong iwan yung motor ko same as yours." She winked as she uttered. 

Hindi makapaniwala si Esaac sa nakikita niya. She is definitely back. He never expected himself to see her like that. She had changed, definitely changed. Matagal na rin simula nang makita niya ang dalaga and she had improved, really improved.

Sumakay ang dalawa sa sariling mga motor at sabay na nagpatakbo. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin pumapasok sa isip niya na nandito siya. Siya nga ito, wala nang iba.

Tumigil sila sa isang over-looking place na malapit din naman sa Club Lavine. Tinatawag nila itong BBC o Brewed Beans Café. The place was good so as its ambiance. Ito na siguro ang pinakatahimik na lugar kung saan pwedeng magmuni-muni ng walang gumugulo sa iyo. It depicts a panoramic view of the city and other nearby places. Nakakatuwang isipin na may ganito pa palang lugar sa mga panahong ito. This place gives peace of mind to all people.

Agad silang naghanap ng bakanteng upuan sa may view deck ng lugar. He was facing her but he is still in shock. Ilang minuto na niyang kasama ang dlaga pero hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin niya pinaniniwalaan ang presensya nito.

"Nic," tawag niya sa isang waiter na kanina pang nakatingin sa kanila. "The best seller please," aniya rito.

"Yes, Madame." Nginitian niya ang dalaga at sabay na tinaas-baba ang mga kilay. Agad niya itong nakuha at tinaliman ng mata ang waiter.

"Nicholai, dun ka na nga!" pagtataboy niya. "Dalian mo na."

Agad na umalis ang waiter na bahagya pang natatawa sa ginawa nito. Nagtataka naman si Esaac sa inakto ng dalaga na parang ka-close niya ang waiter. Nagkaroon tuloy siya ng hinuhang palagi ito sa BBC. Hindi niya alam kung paanong sisimulan ang kwentuhan pero biglang may mga salitang lumabas sa kanyang bibig.

"So, ahm, ahh," nauutal nitong sabi. "Kamusta ka na?" His heart is pounding in no beat as he talks to her. Nanginginig ang mga kamay niya kaya nakatago ang mga ito sa ilalim ng mesa. He massages his knees for they are shaking in nervousness.

"I'm still okay, Jacob Esaac," panimula nito. "Still working ang studying at the same time. I am focusing on BNG Events Planning because I really love what I am doing there." Umayos ito ng pagkakaupo at mas pinakatitigan pa si Esaac. "How about you? Tell me everything. Sinusumbong ka nila sa akin."

Ito na nga ba ang kanina pang kinakakaba ni Esaac. He was afraid to be cornered by her. Masyado siyang maraming nalalaman tungkol sa mga nangyayari rito kahit nasa ibang bansa siya. She is always into interrogating them when she have enough time.

"Nakarating na pala sayo," nangingiting sabi ni Esaac. She raised her eyebrow at him. Hinihintay niyang magkwento ito tungkol sa mga nangyari. "Enie, at what part do you want me to start?"

Bahagyang napangiti ang dalaga sa sinabi niya. "So where is my endearment now, Jacobe? Nakalimutan mo nang may Essiam ka?"

"Essiam." Her nickname sounded so great. Namiss niyang tinatawag siyang Essiam ni Esaac kahit na hindi ito ang tunay niyang pangalan. Eniessia Moriah Oliveria is his current girl best friend. Ito lang ang kaisa-isang babaeng pinapasok ni Esaac sa buhay niya nang walang pag-aalinlangan.

"See, Jacobe, you already forgot about me," anito. "Was it the effect of having her?" May pagtatampo sa boses nito habang nagsasalita sa kanya. They were not like this few years ago. They often talk to one another about random things in this world. Now, it seems like he is really awkward with it.

"No, Essiam. This is not about her." Base sa tono ng boses niya, ayaw niyang isipin ni Enie na nawala na ang pagkakaibigan nila dahil kay Charity. In the first place, they have not met and their friendship was never an issue between him and his love.

Mabilis na binago ni Enie ang kanyang timpla at naupo muli ng ayos. She looked at his eyes, begging for his attention. "Mr. Jacob Esaac De Sevilla," aniya. "Is that you?"

Napasinghap si Esaac at kaunting nagpadausdos sa upuan niya. "What are you talking about?" He smirked at her so as she. Kahit madilim ang paligid, nakikita pa rin nila ang isa't isa. Gulong-gulong pa rin si Esaac. Ganoon na ba talaga siya kaapektado kay Charity? Did he really forget the real him?

Ilang minuto silang nagkatitigan at mistulang sinusuri ang isa't isa. Still, the issue between them is about Esaac's change maybe because of his dear love. 

Ilang segundo pa ang nakalipas at dumating na ang order nila. "Two Brewed Beans Café Special, for the gorgeous owner and her boyfriend." Matapos ilapag ang mga order nila, may lumipad na panyo sa mukha ni Nicholai na nanggaling kay Enie.

"Shut up Nicholai," she exclaimed. Patalikod na naglakad ito at tuluyan nang umalis sa view deck ng café. He already got where to get the payment. Moreover, she is the owner of that café.

"Still, Enie, you cannot stop your mouth, huh." Natatawang nagsalita si Esaac. Iniiba na niya ang usapan para hindi na maungkat ang kung anumang pinag-uusapan nila kanina. "Anyway, you own the place?"

"Yup," anito at saka sumimsim ng kape. "I own the place. That is why I am here again." She was once living here in the Philippines.

"Really? Para roon lang?" He leaned his back on the chair and started sitting pretty. Naka-dequatro siyang nakaupo habang nakatingin pa rin kay Eniessia. "If I know, may binabalikan ka rito."

She was choked by the coffee. Nope, maybe because of his argument. Argument that has been talked about and been testified but she will always disregard and refuse to agree with. Maybe she has something to keep about it. She actually has but the thing is, she and him will only know about it.

"Stupid you, Jacobe. I really came back here for my businesses-"

"Some Montellano business?" Sarcastic smile filled her lips when she heard those words. Montellano Business, maybe she came here for some of that but not that much. She really came for something else, more important like she used to say.

"Some Montellano business is not on my list, Mister De Sevilla. I really came here because something in me tells that I have to come back here." She took a deep breath and look even at his eyes. "Maybe because some Mr. Jacob Esaac De Sevilla needs me."

The issue was now returned to him. See, that is how everything turns around in no second. He was becoming "judge-mental" against others but he does not even look at himself.

"Fine, maybe I do need you, Eniessia." Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Esaac sa mga sariling salita. Yes, he needs her. Gaya na lang noong mga panahong tuluyan na silang iniwan ng kanyang ina. 

He cried by those nights when his mother left. He was six year old then. He met the sweet little four-year old girl who lives in their neighborhood. He was annoyed by her but this sparked their friendship. They treated each other as the best of friends. She was depressed when her father left them but then he was there. He tried filling the empty space in her heart and become more close to her. 

Pero hanggang doon na lang iyon. They never tried having a different level of relationship between each other. They want the real friendship that has been created between them. They need each other more than they need somebody to get in a relationship.

"See, Jacobe. You need me. I could sense that." Hinilig niya ang kanyang ulo sa kanan at malambot na tinignan si Esaac. "What is it, Ez?"

She went inside the café where her Psychiatrist had recommended her. Maganda raw doon at makakapag-isip siya ng mabuti. Halos anim na buwan din niyang kasama si Dra. Clemente dahil sa therapies niya. 

She had undergone several sessions to help her with her condition. She can now contain a bit of her anger and her uncontrollable cursing. She had decide to take sessions with a psychiatrist to ease her depression. 

Yes, she was depressed but nobody had knew about it. Kahit ang magulang niya, hindi alam ang naging kalagayan ng dalaga. She went to Clemente Clinica every day without her parents knowing it. She tried many treatments at first but nothing had made her cure. It was a month of trial until she found a perfect method for her. 

Let us say, she was 'tamed' by Dra. Maddison and she does not regret it. She is really into changing herself for the better and for someone.

She stepped on the rooftop of the café. Namili siya ng magandang pwesto na may liwanag kung saan siya naupo. It was nearly midnight and thank God that the café is open 24 hours. Bahagya siyang hindi komportable sa lugar lalo na at tanaw mula rito ang Club Lavine. She stared straight at the night sky while tapping her fingers on the table.

In no minute, the waiter went on to ask for her order. "Ma'am, may I take your order?" Magiliw siya nitong kinausap na may ngiti pa sa labi. He was ecstatic even though it is already near twelve midnight.

"Uh, the best seller please."

"Name, po?" tanong nito. She was a bit scared to give her name but she thought of it as a big step to her renewal.

"MC na lang," she smiled. 

Agad na tumango ang waiter matapos makuha ang order niya. He immediately went downstairs to get her order. Nakahinga naman siya ng maluwag nang umalis ito. 

She cannot choose anything because she had just went here. Hindi naman niya alam ang lasa ng ibang binebenta rito kaya iyong bestseller na lang. She knows how to read and she understands but she prefer the common order that others do want to have. Mas gusto na niyang maging normal na tao ngayon. Ayaw na niya ng nakaraang Charity. She was renewed and brought back. She was the real Ms. Locquias that others would like... soon.

Nagpatuloy siya sa pagtingin sa kawalan upang mag-isip. Her doctor said that she needs time to think or maybe meditate. Kailangan niya ito para mapag-isipan ang mga nagawa niya. She needs it to assess herself. Ito raw ang isang paraan para tuluyan niyang mabago ang sarili.

Pabaling-baling siya sa iba't ibang parte ng view deck. She was into observing people now. Natutunan na niyang sumuri ng mga tao without instantly judging them. Napabuntong-hininga na lang siya para makontrol ang kaniyang pagkainip. Ilang pagbaling pa ang kanyang ginawa hanggang sa mapatingin sa magkasintahang nag-uusap.

"See Jacobe, you are getting irrational." She heard the gorgeous girl as she talks to her 'boyfriend.'

"Essiam, I am just saying that I cannot forget her, okay." Narinig niya ang pangangatuwiran ng lalaki. She thought that maybe it was just some third party thing. Nag-iinit ang usapan nang dalawang tao na nasa kabilang dulo ng view deck, limang mesng kalinya niya ang layo.

"You told me, few years ago that she was just nothing, and now, you are telling me that she is your downfall. You are crazy, stupid, insane, foolish and what so ever." 

Some kind of brawl is enraging on this peaceful view deck, she thought. This makes her smile. Dati, nagagalit siya sa ingay na nagagawa ng mga ganitong uri ng usapan, but now, she clearly sees that this will always be a part of people's lives.

Biglang dumating ang waiter at inilapag ang order niya. "Brewed Beans Café Special, for Miss MC. Enjoy your drink," anang waiter. "By the way, Miss Gorgeous, I am Nicholai Herrera, always at your assistance, anytime, anywhere," his brows wiggled fun. "And never mind those crazy couple fighting."

Napanganga si Charity sa mga sinabi ng waiter. He is probably crazy. Nakakabaliw siya. His butterscotch eyes smiled at her. Parang imposibleng waiter lang ito base sa itsura at pangangatawan. He is more like the owner of this place. Hindi na siya magugulat kung ito nga ang totoo.

Nanumbalik naman ang atensiyon niya sa dalawa. She is estimating them both while taking sips on her drink. Patuloy siyang nakinig sa usapan ng dalawa at higit pa niyang nagugustuhan ang ginagawa.

"Jacobe, you are also forgetting about your faith. Hindi ka na nga raw nagsisimba, eh." Minuwestra ng babae ang kamay sa lalaki. She cannot see the face of the guy but she is sure that his forehead is now creased.

"My faith will remain, Essiam. I am just busy lately-"

"Busy thinking of her?" Napangalumbaba na lang si Charity para higit na marinig ang usapan ng dalawa. She does not mean to eavesdrop but they are making something that gets her attention. "Jacobe, look at you. You looks so miserable, pero siya? Where is she? Maybe somewhere else, or with somebody else."

"Do not include her here. Wala siyang kinalaman dito." He was chilled, talking to her. Hindi niya alintana ang pagtataas ng boses ng dalaga. 'Maybe he's not that into talking,' she thought.

"Jacobe!" she shouted. Nag-walk out ang lalaki at naiwan lang ang babaing napatulala na lang rito. She was left with herself and freshly brewed coffee, na ilang saglit na lang ay lalamig na.

She looks so pissed at what happened. Charity was bothered when their eyes met. Tinignan siya ng babae at napatikom ang kaniyang mga bibig. Hindi niya alam ang kaniyang gagawin kaya nginitian niya na lang ito. She smiled back at her and Charity took her things and went on the table of the gorgeous girl.

"Hi," maikling bati ni Charity sa kanya. "Can I join you?"

"Yeah sure." Magiliw pa rin siyang binati ng babae. "Have a seat," alok niya rito.

Nanatiling nakatikom ang bibig niya at nag-iisip ng paraan kung paanong makakausap ang babae. She was smiling at her and so as she. "I am sorry for eavesdropping," aniya rito.

"Nope, it is nothing. I do not want to make a scene but I want everybody to know that foolish love has no place in this earth." 

Diretsang nagsalita ang babae. Walang preno niyang pinahayag ang nararamdaman niya sa harap ng isang estranghero. She have not known Charity but she had fully given her trust on her.

"Whoa, you are nonstop."

"Thank you." Nagpasalamat ito as if it was a praise. On her case, papuri nga talaga ang mga ganitong salita. Kahit anong ibato sa kanya, she thinks of it as a positive thing or for her improvement as well.

"You know what, I am also like you." Napasinghap si Charity. "But nobody understands me because I am sending it wrong. I mean, they misinterpret my words."

"So you freaking curse?" Nagulat siya sa sinabi ng babae. She found somebody like her. May makakaintindi na rin sa kanya. She has this girl who is a bit exactly like her.

"Yup and my doctor said that it will always be a part of me but I have to control-"

"Is it Maddison?" Her mouth dropped open when she heard her doctor's name. How does she knew about her? 

"Ah, ahm, y-yes," nauutal na salita si Charity. She cannot believe it though.

"Aha. Maddy is my friend. Minsan na rin akong nag-consult sa kanya then I found her crazier than me." Natawa siya sa sarili. "Maddison Clemente is a crazy doctor."

"You know what, she had helped me a lot." She took a sip from her drink. "So as finding this notable café," Charity said.

"Thank you," she smiled at her.

"For what?" She had no idea about what she is saying.

"Uh," tinapos niya muna ang paghigop sa inumin at saka muling nagsalita. "I own this place, honey." 

Ayan. Her mouth dropped opened. Ang daming surpresa sa babaing ito. She might have more secrets to reveal and facts to tell her. Nakakabaliw ang hindi niya pagiging misteryoso which in fact, she is really mysterious. She appears to be an ordinary person but she has these unique and unbelievable characteristics in her.

"Don't shock me more, please," natatawa niyang sabi. "How about your name? Are you a child of the president or a woman from another planet?"

"I am Eniessia Moriah Oliveria, more likely to be a person from outer space," she laughed. Napatawa na rin si Charity sa sinabi ni Enie. She is definitely her twin sister though. They are both crazy as, whatever.

"I am Mia Charity Locquias, a former hardcore curser."

They both enjoyed each other's company. Marami pa silang napag-usapan tungkol sa mga intelektuwal na bagay at higit pa sa kalokohan. Bagay na bagay silang magkapatid dahil sa mga pagkakatulad nila. 

Ilang tao na rin ang naglabas masok sa café pero hindi pa rin sila natatapos. Muntikan pa nga silang inumaga kaka daldal sa isa't isa.

It was indeed a very long day for the both of them. A day may not be enough for them to talk to each other. Pero dahil hectic ang schedule nilang dalawa, their conversation lasted at four o'clock in the morning. Naghiwalay din silang dalawa ng daan. Si Enie, papuntang condominium niya at si Charity naman, papuntang village nila.