Broken Serenade

CHAPTER 2: Tears and a Smile

It's been 2 days after the killing issue of Mang Oscario. It became the daily topic of the people in the Barangay. They are all curious what really happened to Mang Oscario. Everyone is waiting to the Policemen's results of their investigations.

Bunch of people are saying that it might be a mythical creature called aswang doings. It is flying monster that has big pair of wings that looks like a bat's wings. And it has a long sharp nails and very awful face but they can change their looks in whatever they wanted to be.

It just took a couple of minutes before a police mobile showed up. There are 3 police officer inside of it. The moment they came out of the car, the went to Erquiza's twins. Who are apparently sitting with Mang Leo next to the casket. The police officers excused Mang Leo and Selene. Serene volunteered to stay in their father's side.

"Our deepest condolences, Miss Selene." The policewoman said and answered by Selene's nod.

"Sir, as we go through our investigations, we can see that the chances of identifying who the culprit is, is getting lower and lower. We don't see any finger prints or proofs that can lead us to the killer. Base on our findings, this one is a very cleaned crime. The suspect might be a professional killer." The Policeman said.

"Then how can we supposedly seek justice for their Father?" Mang Leo asked.

"H-how... How our father was killed? How brutal is it?" It is Selene's question.

"Selene..." Mang Leo uttered due to his concern, but Selene just gave him a half smile.

"Base on the autopsy report, your father died instantly when the killer stabbed him in the chest with a sharp stick that the hunter used to hunt animals." The police man said. "And... We found out that, his internal organs are missing. His tongue was cut and the killer even got his right eyeball." The Policeman added.

"What?! Is that even a man's doing? Who the hell in Earth can do that except to this creature of darkness?" Mang Leo said with visible anger.

"Actually Sir, this already happen in many places in our country. And a lot of people are saying that, it might be the illegal doings of a Big Syndicate here in the Philippines. They said they do it to sell it in the black markets or in the hospitals for a big amount of money." The policewoman said.

"For now Sir, we can do nothing. We're still trying to figure it out who might be the culprits." The policeman said. "Anyway, Miss Selene, we found this small plastic envelop to your father's pocket. It says 'To Selene and Serene', so I think this belongs to you." The policeman added and gave the envelop to Selene.

After few more minutes the police officers bid their goodbyes. Mang Leo went back to the house but Selene went few meters away from the house. She is planning to to open the envelop. She took deep breaths and begin to open the envelop. She found out that it is a letter that look so old. She close her eyes a bit and ready herself to read.

December 26, 1980

12:59 am

To my dearest Selene and Serene,

How are you two doing? I miss you both already. If you are reading this, I know I am not with you anymore. But always remember that I'll be watching you from afar. Today is so special. Your mother gave birth to a beautiful twin but sadly, your mother didn't make it. But you two have me. By the time you are reading this, I hope you are old enough to be able live alone, at least that is what I want. I don't want to leave you two knowing nothing. I am so happy that I have you two, even though I don't own you exactly, yes, I am not your biological father. It just happen that my first love, Selena, is pregnant with the both of you. At first, she didn't want you because she said she doesn't want any memories of your dad. But I convinced her that I will accept you and give you my name. Yes, I courted her again and marry her as soon as we can. I was happy that day because after couple of years, I was able to have my woman again and with beautiful gifts of heaven too, the both of you. Again if you are already reading this, I'm sorry, I went to your mom already. Please, if you are living in a province where me and your mom live, please, move to a city. Your mom told me not to leave you in a province. She said that you'll be safe there more than you do if you're here. Take my little savings that I hid to a red box inside my cabinet, always be healthy and happy. Always remember that me and your mom, Love you so much!

Sincerely yours,

Your dada.

Right after Selene finished the letter that it was written 18 years ago, tears constantly fell from her cheeks. And since their father died, it is her first time to cry with sobs and sounds. The letter made her miss their father even more.

Suddenly, a handkerchief appeared in front of her, the one who was holding it was a beautiful girl with a fair skin and brunette hair wearing a classy clothes. A very typical look of a city girl. The girl who might be the same age of them smiled so sweet. And that gave Selene sort of comfort.

"Here take this, it is unused hanky, you can keep this." The girl said.

Selene took the hanky and wiped her tears. She just smiled and said, "Thank you."

Selene started to walk going back to the direction of Mang Leo's house when the girl spoke...

"See you again next time, miss. From now own, I'll be your forever friend. Smile even more, because it suits you. Bye bye." That is what the girl said and run to the different direction.

Selene just smiled and walk again. It is the first time she smiled so sweetly after everything that happened. A smile that showed up when someone is serenading you.