Rise In A Revolt

Chapter 2

“Calm down. She just needs to rest, okay? Don’t invade her life if she doesn’t want to open up.”

Zecharech is trying to help Aaron to calm down. He’s overreacting. Masama ba na umuwi kaagad? Hindi naman niya alam kung ano ang problema ni Ana and if ayaw sabihin ni Ana kung ano ang problema niya then dapat huwag siyang mamilit.

It’s maturity. Let other people tell their rants and problems to you if they really want but if they don’t, then don’t force them either. All of the people keep secrets that they want to keep in their hearts and mind only, not to share to others.

“Be matured enough, Cleigh Aaron.” I said and tapped his shoulders. Tumayo na ako at iniwan sila doon. I don’t want to hear Aaron’s rants about our best friend kasi siya rin naman ang mali. Mukhang tan*a eh.

“It’s so tiring.” I whispered as I walk upstairs. I walk lazily until I reach my room but before I could open the door, I heard the television on Ana’s room. Hindi naman siya mahilig manood ng television, depende na lang kung may gusto siyang alamin. “Bahala ka na muna d’yan, pagod ako.” I whispered and chuckled a bit before entering my room.

I jumped on my bed and hugged a pillow. My eyes are slowly closing and I felt the tiredness in my body. I’m already half asleep when someone knocked on my door.

“Tenleigh.” He called.

“Ano?!” inis kong sigaw.

“Can I come inside?” he asked in a soft voice. Mas lalo akong inantok. Aish, why the hell am I like this?!

“Ge lang,” I lay down properly when I heard that he’s unlocking my door. I still kept my eyes close until he come inside. What does he need ba? He’s always in my room, wala ba siyang room? Alam ko may tig-iisa kaming kwarto. Gosh.

“Sorry to wake you up.” I felt he sat on the edge of my bed, kaya umusog ako ng kaunti. He held my arms and tapped it carefully. “I thought you’re already awake. Wake up, I need some help.” I slowly opened my eyes and look at him like I’m asking why. “Basta bumangon ka.”

“Bakit ba?” I forced myself to sit down and faced him. Wala pang thirty minutes simula nang makaidlip ako! Ano bang trip niya? Kanina inaasar niya ako tapos ngayon sa’kin siya hihingi ng tulong? Aba’y kung hindi nga naman makapal. “Wala pa ‘kong tulog, for god sake!”

“Let’s help your friend.” Aniya. Hindi ko naman naintindihan ang sinabi niya. Sino naman sa kanila ang kailangan ng tulong naming and except sa kanila, wala na akong friend.Sabog ata ‘to eh.

“Sinong friend?” I asked and harshly ruffled my hair. I combed it using my fingers and remove my ‘muta’ in my eyes bago siya tignan ng ayos. Doon ko lang napansin na nakabihis siya. He’s wearing his night uniform when we need to solve something. “Hey, why are you wearing that? Did Ana know? As far as I know, we can’t do anything without her consent?”

“Okay, I mean your ex-friend or ex-best friend, whatever.” He said and hissed before crossing his arms over his chest.

“Who? Uh, si Maesya?”

“Of course! The sun will rise but we’re still here, too inquisitive.” Ramdam ko na ang pagkainis niya kaya bumangon na ako at kinuha ang mga isusuot ko sa cabinet bago pumasok sa comfort room para magbihis.

My night uniform is black leather bralette and a black leather leggings type pants. I wore my black leather shoes and my gloves. All in black and leather. That’s what we want also that’s where we are comfortable.

“I’m done.” I said as I walk out the comfort room. I saw Zecharech laying down on my bed while hugging my pillow. I was about to come near him and hit him but I changed my mind because of the thought that what happened a while ago will repeat. “Bumangon ka d’yan. Let’s go.” Aya ko at nagpaunang lumabas.

Ramdam ko na kaagad siya na nakasunod sa’kin. Tahimik lang akong naglakad palabas, I’m scared that one of Ana or Aaron will know that we’re going out at this late.

“Phew!” sabay naming sigaw nang makalabas kami ng tahimik. Nahirapan pa kaming magbukas ng pinto ng hindi gumagawa ng ingay,

“Ikaw na ang magbukas ng gate, I’ll start your motor engine.” I offered. I hate opening that goddamn gate. Napakataas at napakalaki. It’s hard for me to open it.

“Alright.” He agreed and left me for a while.

Sinuksok ko na ang susi sa motor ko. I was about to start it pero I’m having a second thought. It’s going to make a loud noise if I started the engine.

“Aish!” I have no choice to push our motor out the house. We have a large garden here kaya malayo pa ang lalakarin ko mula dito sa garage hanggang sa labas ng gate.

Agad nag-init ang ulo ko nang makitang nagpipigil ng tawa si Zecharech, nakahawak lang siya doon sa gate at hinihintay lang niya akong mahila ang motor niya palapit sa

kanya. Napapadyak na lang ako sa inis. Hindi man lang ako tulungan! Kaya pala pumayag siya na ang magbukas ng gate huh? Napakautak!

“Here’s your motor, Boss!” I madly park his motor in front of him before turning my back immediately. Nag-iinit na talaga ang dugo ko sa kanya, buti na lang at kaya ko pang magtiis pero kaunti na lang ay sasabog na ako sa galit!

“Bakit ba kasi napakalayo ng labasan dito!” inis kong bulong bago itulak ang motor ko. Hingal na hingal ako nang makalabas. “Ano na?”

“Let’s go.” He hopped on his motor and started the engine. Hindi na naman iyon rinig hanggang sa loob ng house because it’s too far.

I hopped in my motor too but before I could run, bumababa si Zecharech sa motor niya at hinarap ako. Taka ko naman siyang nilingon.

“What?” I casually asked.

“Baba ka muna.” Sinunod ko na lang ang gusto niya. Bumaba ako at lumapit sa kanya.

“And?”

“Safety first.” Doon ko lang napansin na nasa kanya pala ang helmet ko. Hinayaan ko na siya na isuot iyon sa’kin. I looked up to him to see his face. He definitely looks nice tonight. Pinkish lips, pointed noise, healthy growth eye lashes and thick haired eyebrows.

My eyes widened when our eyes met. I can’t move even just a little. It’s so awkward! What I did is too gulped repeatedly!

He held my chin and whispered.

“Let’s go. Don’t look at me like that.” He chuckled and tapped my head like a little girl. I felt how my cheeks are turning red now, I looked away para hindi na niya ‘ko asarin.

“T-tara na.” I walked near my motor again and hopped on it before starting the engine. I waited for Zecharech to do the same para sabay kami. Nang makita ko na okay na siya ay nauna na akong umalis, I know he’ll follow me naman.

“Too slow.” Nagulat ako ng maunahan na niya ako. Makikipag-unahan pa sana ako kaso hinayaan ko na siya. Baka kung ano pa ang mangyari sa’kin. Kung gusto niyang madisgrasya, siya na lang, ‘wag na niya ‘kong idamay.

“Bakit ang bagal mo?” natawa ako ng kaunti nang makita kong tumigil siya para hintayin ako.

“Paki mo?” pang-aasar ko at nagpauna na ulit. Hindi na siya nakipag-unahan sa’kin, he’s just in by back hanggang sa makarating kami sa bahay nila Maesya.

“They are still up.” I said when I saw that their light is still open. Maesya can’t sleep with a light on kaya madalas kaming magtalo noon tuwing matutulog siya sa’min.

 Good old days.

“Because she’s waiting for us. I bet that her boyfriend is not there.” Zecharech answered. Nakasilip kami pareho sa bintana nila. Nasa likod ko siya because he’s taller than me.

But what is he saying? She’s waiting for us? For what? And why did her boyfriend leave her here alone with their baby? Paano kung may hindi magandang mangyari sa kanila? I thought he’ll care for my old friend so well because that is what he promised!

“Where not in good terms.” I sat on the Bermuda grass, beside him. We’re here in our campus garden to talk and he asked me kung bakit hindi na niya kami nakikita ni Maesya na magkasama. “And I know that she’s pregnant, she said that hindi mo siya pananagutan, is it true?”

“Wala akong trabaho, hindi ko alam kung paano ako kikita ng pera. Paano ko sila maalagaan?”

“Sana inisip mo yan bago niyo gawin. Early pregnancy is not easy and not right. Alam mo ba yun? Tapos iiwan mo yung best friend ko ng ganun ganun lang?” I sarcastically laughed. Hangga’t maaari ay ayaw kong sumigaw at ipakita sa kanila ang galit ko. “Isa kang malaking tanga kapag ginawa mo yun.”

“You know that I love her pero wala akong magawa para buhayin sila.” He sighed heavily.

“Gumawa ka ng paraan. Be a man, Michael. Be a man.” Mariin kong sabi bago tumayo. “Can you promise to me that you’ll take care of her and your child?” he looked up on me and answered

“I’ll try.” I looked at him intently like I’m going to kill him. Pero kung may gawin siyang hindi maganda sa best friend ko, hinding hindi ako magdadalawng isip na gawan siya ng hindi maganda.

“Don’t just try!” I shouted. “Promise me.”

“If that’s what you want, Leigh. Maybe I didn’t fulfill a lot of promises but this promise will be fulfilled, swear.”

That’s the last time we talked to each. I didn’t see him every time I went here in their house. Even though I didn’t see a good living life of my best friend, I’m still happy because I know that she didn’t left her. I’m happy with that. But I hope that she’s really okay.

“What did make you so quiet?” Zecharech asked that makes me wake up.

“N-nothing.” I whispered and forced a smile. “By the way, what are we going to do here? Pagmamasdan sila hanggang umaga?” I looked at him and raise a brow.

“Will wait for her to show up. Just trust me, okay? Will do anything for your friend because I know how important is her to you.” He gave me a small smile that makes me smile too.

I looked back inside their house. I put my hands on my mouth to stop from making any noise when I saw a shadow walking near to us.

“I’m going to knock for her to know that we are here.” Zecharech told me so I nod. I also gave him space para lalo siyang mapalapit sa window. Pumunta ako sa likod siya.

I don’t know what to feel, if I’m going to be nervous or be happy or what. Halo-halo na ang nararamdaman ko. Ngayon na lang ulit niya ako makikita at ngayon ko na lang ulit siya makakausap.

“Zecharech?” Measya called.

“Yes, we’re already here.” Zecharech answered, by that Maesya slowly opened the window. That time I saw her eyes, she looks so sad but the happiness is still there.

“Sinong kasama mo?” she asked. Hindi niya ako makita dahil ayaw ko pang magpakita. Zecharech is taller than me and I’m hiding on his back.

“Tenleigh.” Pinatong ko ang kamay ko sa likod niya at unti-unting binaon ang kuko ko doon. “Ouch!” he groaned and looked at me. I smiled at him and show a peace sign.

“Tenleigh?” I also jumped from shock when I heard she called my name. As far as I know, we’re not in good terms kaya ako na nga nag-adjust na ‘wag magpakita sa kanya but now, she’s the one who’s approaching me.

I felt a little nervous and..anger. Hindi ko alam, pero bumabalik na naman sa’kin ang galit, ang inis and everything what I feel back then.

“It’s okay. She needs you.” Zecharech whispered to me and smiled.

“I-im nervous.” I mouthed. I’m scared that she can hear me.

“It’s okay.”

I nod and slowly walked sidewards para maalis na ako sa likod niya. Nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Maesya. I saw how her face brighten up when she saw me. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko siya kakausapin. It’s hard for me to approach her after all. How would I act? Like nothing happened or I should be cold to her? I don’t know.

I sighed heavily and try to think.

I’m not immature para hindi siya tratuhin ng tama. She was my best friend and now that she needs my help then bakit naman hindi ko ibibigay yun? Even though ganoon ang nangyari sa’min, hindi ibig sabihin nun ay wala na siyang place sa puso ko. She always has a special place in my heart.

“How are you?” I asked as I walked near her.

“I’m going there, wait for me.” Her voice slightly changed. She turned her back to us and starting to run out their house, I know she’s going here.

“Hey.” She called. I saw how her eyes became watery. “Can I hug..you?” I also felt a hot liquid in my eyes. I don’t want to cry as long as I can but those words made me cry.

“Why are you asking that? Of course, you can.” I opened my arms widely so she can hug me. I can’t stop from crying when I felt her warm embrace also when I heard her sobs.

“I-im sorry.”

“Hey, it’s okay. Let’s talk about it later.” Kumalas ako sa pagkakayap sa kanya at hinarap siya. Pinunasan ko ang luha niya gamit ang palad ko. 

“Did you pack your things? He’ll come home after an hour.” Zecharech interrupted.

“Y-yes. I’m going to get it.” She left us to get her things. I looked at Zecharech and sighed. I’m forcing myself not to cry but when he hugged me, the tears I’m hiding is starting to fall.

“I think I failed as a best friend.” I whispered and buried my face on his chest.

I let her suffer like that. Hindi ko man lang siya natulungan na mag-alaga sa daughter niya. I wish I was there; I wish I just kept my opinion in myself than to get mad at her. How I wish I was a good best friend to her when she needs me the most. I failed, big time.

“Shush. You never failed. I was there every time she’s receiving the goods; you’re giving to her.” Natigil ako sap ag-iyak dahil doon.

I suddenly remember that time when I still earn. I earn by the artworks I sell. I’m going to pay and sell it at the low amount. I just tried to do that to earn and to give some help to her. That was the time that she’s not yet giving birth and we’re not yet still living in the same roof. Natigil lang ‘yun nung tumira na ako kasama nila Ana. I don’t interact with a lot of people because Ana wants to hide nga.

I always go here and left the groceries and baby stuffs at the front of their door and I’m going to knock three times and run away. I always do that tuwing kumikita ako.

“She’s thankful when she’s seeing that groceries. You made her happy. Don’t think that you failed.”

“Let’- Oh sorry.” I heard Maesya’s laughed! Oh god, she didn’t change! BIgla tuloy akong nakaramdam ng hiya, agad akong lumayo kay Zecharech at hinarap siya.

She’s holding her daughter. Silently sleeping. I walked near and get the baby for me to carry her. I like kids, yes but of course I don’t want early pregnancy kaya hindi ako sang-ayon sa pagbubuntis niya.

“Hi.” I softly said and play wit her fingers. “How old is she?” I asked to Maesya.

“8 months old.”

“Let’s go na, Tenleigh.” I heard how bored he is in his voice. Natawa ako ng kaunti bago siya harapin.

“Saan sila? Nakamotor tayo pareho.” I sway slowly because the baby is slowly waking up. I don’t even know her name, gosh. Bakit hindi iyon ang una kong tinanong d’ba? How i*iot.

“We got you both.” Gulat akong napalingon sa likod ni Zecharech nang makita ko si Aaron doon. He used his black jeep wrangler. I thought he’s alone but I saw Ana went out the jeep and went near us.

“Hey, let me help you with that.” She’s wearing our uniform, also Aaron. Aaron and Zecharech have the same outfit style. Me and Ana also have the same.

Trip namin black eh.

Ana bring some of Maesya’s things, I also did the same. Iniwan ko muna si baby sa mother nya. Pinasakay na sila ni Aaron sa jeep habang kami ay kanya-kanyang bitbit ng gamit nila.

I didn’t even know the reason why do they need to pack things and left their home. Hindi rin ako makapagtanong because they are in a rush. Maybe later.

“How did you guys know that we are here?” I asked Ana nang nagkasabay kami maglagay ng gamit sa likod.

“Really? You’re asking me that? You’re not my best friend kung ganoon.” She said sarcastically.

“Okay, okay. Bakit nga naman kita tinanong d’ba?” I rolled my eyes and laughed. Both of us were laughing before Zecharech commanded Ana to ride Aaron’s jeepney.

Me and Zecharech will not ride there because we brought our motor. Alangan naming iwan naman yun dito.

“Ingat!” I shouted and while waving my hands to them. I turned my gaze to Zecharech. “Let’s go?” he nods and hopped on his motor. I did that too and started the engine and run.

“Ikaw na magbukas.” I commanded. Both of us stopped in front of this large gate, nagaantayan lang kami kung sino ang magbubukas. But of course, hindi ako papayag na ako na naman ako mag-oopen.

“Ikaw na.”

“Ikaw na.”

“I’m too lazy to do that, ikaw na lang.”

“Ikaw na nga!”

“Huwag na kayong pumasok, mga tamad!” I heard Ana shouted, sabay kaming lumingon kung saan ko siyang narinig na sumigaw. She’s in front of the door while her arms are crossed on her chest. Dali dali akong bumaba para magkusang buksan ang gate. Ganun din ang ginawa ni Zecharech. Nag-unahan pa kaming magbukas ng gate.

“Hehe, ako na.” pagpupumilit ko nang away niyang bitawan yung lock, pasimple ko pa siyang kinurot at masamang tinignan.

“You can open the gate naman pala eh, it’s needed ba na si Ana pa ang lumabas? Ts.” I heard he whispered before letting go his hand on the lock, Natawa pa ako sa paraan kung paano niya sabihin. He’s still learning Filipino language. He is used to say every word in English before.

He walked back on his motor and rode on it. Hindi na lang ako umimik at binuksan na lang yun gate. Bakit ba kasi napakalaki at napakataas nito? Ang layo layo pa ng lalakarin bago makapasok sa bahay! Ana is so dan* rich to buy this kind of house on her own. I wonder how she earned her own money, sana all.

As I opened the gate, Zecharech enter without a warning. Buti na lang ay hindi niya ako nadisgrasya! Kung hindi ay yari talaga siya sa’kin! Kung makapagpaharurot eh, akala naman niya ikinangasan niya.

“Bwis*t! ‘Wag ka sana pumasa sa exam this Friday! Bwis*t talaga!!!” I shouted. Gusto kong ilabas ang inis ko sa kanya. Napakaraming inis na ang naipon ko dahil sa kanya ngayong araw!

“Stop shouting! The baby is sleeping, also baka may makarinig sa’yo d’yan.” Of course, si Ana na naman yun. What’s with her ba? Ayaw talaga niya na may ibang makakilala ng identity naming, lalo na siya! But I respect her privacy.

“Sorry.” I mouthed. Naglakad na ako pabalik sa labas para kunin yung motor ko para ipasok. I parked it on our garage before going inside.

Nakaupo silang lahat sa sala at nag-uusap. The baby is on Maesya’s arms, sleeping. Zecharech is on his usual spot, malapit lang naman yun sa sala kaya naririnig din niya ang usapan nila. Habang si Ana ay nasa tabi ni Maesya at si Aaron ang nasa harap nila.

Lumapit ako at tumabi kay Maesya. They are now talking how Michael treats Maesya.

I’m nervous for her answer. I don’t know how I can carry all the guilt after I left her alone and trusted that boy to take care of them.

“At first, he treats me okay. Like how he treats me when we’re just a new couple. Lagi siyang nagtatabi ng pera na para sa amin, and lagi niyang tinatanong kung kamusta ako at yung baby. Sinasamahan niya rin ako tuwing kailangan kong pumunta sa OB ko,” she’s smiling while remembering those days.

Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong makampante o kabahan. She’s not finished with her story yet and the word ‘at first’ kills me.

“Then?” I asked. She looked at me with so much pain and she also smiled at me, an apologetic and it’s fake, I know it’s fake.

“Not until, she met this girl. Nag-aaral pa kasi siya noong buntis pa lang ako. He always explained to me na that girl is just his partner in a grouping activity so nagpakampante ako kasi group works nga. Hanggang sa araw araw na siyang pumupunta sa bahay, hindi naman ako makaimik kasi sabi nga school works daw and isang araw nalaman ko na lang na she’s pregnant and Michael is the father.” Her eyes are being watery while telling that.

All of my anger that I’m keeping in my heart activated again after hearing that. He promised that he’ll take care of my best friend! But what happened? Ano pa bang gagawin niya para magkagulo gulo pa nag buhay ng kaibigan ko? Ano pa ba?! Hirap na hirap na rin naman ako, kaibigan ko ‘to eh, syempre hindi ko siya matiis kaya pati ako nahihirapan sa bawat problema niya!

I know that he has the right to do anything for him to be happy pero hindi naman pwedeng ganito! Nagiging masaya siya pero binibigyan niya ng problema yung iba! He promised to be a man!

“Babaero amp, pogi ba yun?” Aaron tried to joke to break the silence but I can’t even laugh.

I want to cry just to lessen the pain I’m feeling for my best friend. Maybe I really failed as her best friend or even a friend. Sa lahat ng pinagdaanan niya, wala man lang ako sa tabi niya kahit isang beses.

“You’re not r***d, right?” Ana asked and Maesya nods. That thing makes me a little happy, at least she’s not r***d. Kasi kung nangyari yun ay baka hindi ko na talaga kinaya. “But it’s not also made of love.”

Lalo akong nanghina nang marinig ko ang paghagulgol ni Maesya. What does she mean for ‘not made of love’?

“Yes, h-he forced m-me.”

“What? Then it is r***d! He forced you! When it is not made of love, or he forced you do that with him, then it is called r**e, Maesya!” I shouted, I can’t stop myself of standing and facing her with so much anger and pain.

Why doesn’t she tell me about this? Why does she keep it in herself? Hindi ba ako katiwa-tiwala? Does she think that I can’t do anything?

“Don’t lie, Maesya. Don’t lie. Walang magagawa yang pagsisinungaling mo para kaawaan ka. I’m here, don’t forget that I’m here beside you.” Bumaling ang tingin ko kay Ana.

She can easily know if someone is lying or not because she already knew what is true. She already knew the truth.

“What?!” Maesya looked at her angrily.

“Hm,” Ana acts like she’s thinking, she even held her chin. “Hindi lang naman babae ang pwedeng ma-rape.”

“W-what a-are you saying?!”

Now I know, she’s really lying huh? Hindi ako mapapasok sa ganitong uri ng org if I don’t have any potential. But I have. I can just take a look to someone and scanned him or her if they are lying.

You’re once my friend and siguro dito na tayo magtatapos. She has that attitude na mahilig magsinungalinga nd I hate it because ilang beses na niya akong nalinlang pero I still love her. But now? Hell no.

Whatever happens, I’ll be on Ana’s side, she’s my one and only true and trusted friend.

“Maybe you r***d him because you know that he’s an heir of a well-known company but he in his own doesn’t know about it. You want to marry him so you can control him and the money that he’ll have soon,” she stood up and start walking.

“G*gi naglakad na si Madam.” Aaron whispered to me. Napalingon din ako nang makita ko ang pagtawa ni Zecharech, he’s covering his face with a book. Mga si*aul* talaga.

“Rico Kin is his real name. Akala ng mga magulang niya ay namatay siya dahil nasunog ang ospital kung saan nanganak ang mother niya but little did they know that he’s saved.” She stopped for a while and glanced to Maesya. I also looked at her, that time I saw how pale she is. “How did I know? Because matagal ko nang hawak yang kaso na yan, I’m just 13 years old when I started searching for it, panglibangan ko lang, Nakita ko kasi sa internet na hinahanap nila yung anak nila matagal na and I’m not even serious about searching for him, duh.” She rolled her eyes before continuing what she’s saying. Kailangan muna ng commercial, ganon? “And nagkekwento na sa’kin si Tenleigh noon about that Michael, and she mentioned that she knows na ampon lang si Michael at kinutuban ako doon hanggang sa dumadalaw ako sa inyo para silipin ang nangyayari sa inyo, especially kay Michael. And boom, I connected the dots, every detail that I know. Then gotcha, After hundred years, nasulusyunan ko na rin.”

“I-it’s not even t-true!” Maesya protested.

By her action she’s slowly proving that Ana’s accusation is true.

“Ana is true.” I interrupted. “Don’t lie, Measya. I know you.”

“You r***d him, what a disgust!” sabay na sabi ni Zecharech at Aaron.

“A man can also be r***d. They can also hide their feelings. Boys feelings are valid, they are humans too.”