CHAPTER 3 Paired
2269 Words
Tiningala ni Zach ang oblation sa matayog nitong kinalalagyan. The giant sculpture was built in front of the Quezon Hall of the University of the Philippines in Diliman. It was installed facing west, as an accolade to the Americans who were the forerunners in establishing the premier university.
He pulled a sigh. Paano kasi ay ilang araw na lang at hindi na niya masisilayan pa ang bantayog na ito ng kanilang pamantasan. He would be graduating with a degree of Bachelor of Law five days from now with the highest honors. His investment in UP Diliman was quite enormous but worth it. Imagine the seven, long years of his life that was spent in the prestigious university. He spent four years to finish his undergrad course - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Accountancy and Economics, and another three years studying Law. Now, he was reaping the fruits of his hard work.
Thank God for he was blessed with unbelievable academic aptitudes. It was the very reason why he was able to enter this premier university. He was the topnotcher when he took UPCAT in his batch. Which he was really grateful for. Dahil doon ay nakakuha siya ng scholarship. Hindi sila mayaman kaya napakalaking tulong niyon sa kanyang pag-aaral.
His intelligence also paved the way for him to become a member of the newly-organized fraternity, the Alpha Sigma Rho, which was founded by Voltaire dela Cuesta. He was topping in his class and a consistent university scholar when he received an invitation to join the frat and become its pioneering member.
He got curious. Ang sabi niya noon ay wala ring mawawala sa kanya kung susubukan niya. Which he did. When he took the IQ Test as screening for Alpha Phi Sigma , he got the highest score. He was currently, holding the title as the smartest fratman of APS. Lahat naman ng mga miyembro ng Alpha Phi Sigma ay matatalino. Pero siya ang may pinakamataas na IQ.
But he struggled in the other facets of the initiation. Kung hindi lang siya likas na achiever at may malakas na pangangatawan, siguro bumagsak siya sa initiation. But thank God for he passed! Now it proved to be as one of the best decisions that he had ever done in his life.
Grabe ang samahan nila sa Alpha Phi Sigma. Napaka-solid. Bigla siyang nagkaroon ng sense of brotherhood, ng mga kapatid, at strong support system. Lalo na pagdating kay Voltaire. Sa tuwing nasasadlak siya sa financial crisis ay palaging naroroon ito at bukas ang mga palad na tumulong sa kanya. Gayun din ang iba pa nilang mga ka-frat na mayayaman.
At present, his other frat brods were already kicking their asses in their chosen fields of endeavor. There was a bank magnate, a heart surgeon, a businessman, an international film maker, a football player, a ship captain, police officer, big time entrepreneur, to name a few. He was happy for them. And soon, he would sail in the real world, too, to find his own success. Ang maging isang batikang abogado.
Zach slightly tweaked when his phone inside the pocket of his denim pants started ringing. He fished for his phone. When he looked at the screen, it was Jake, their grand master. His thumb automatically pressed the answer button.
He owed Voltaire a lot especially during the time of his financial difficulties. Isang daing lang niya ay agad itong nagbibigay at hindi nag-eexpect kung kailan niya mababayaran o kung babayaran pa ba niya ito. Bagay na tinatanaw niyang malaking utang na loob sa binata.
“Hello, yes, Voltaire…” He slowly strolled away from the oblation.
“Zach,” the voice seemed worried. “Where are you, man? We have been waiting for you for fifteen minutes.”
Natapik niya ang sariling noo. Oo nga pala, may usapan sila ng kanyang mga ka-brods. They had organized a graduation party for him. How bastard was he to forget about it?
“Oh, I’m sorry, Voltaire. It slipped from my mind. I was so busy this morning. Nandiyan na ba ang lahat?”
“Yup. We are all here. You’re the only one missing. To think that this event was arranged solely for you,” tila yamot na wika nito.
He chuckled. Kabisado na niya ang ugali ni Voltaire. He was a hot-tempered, straightforward guy and an asshole to some people who didn’t know him. But he was a very good friend to him, and to all of the members of their frat. He could attest to that. “Inayos ko pa kasi ang ibang requirements for graduation, but don’t worry, I’m on my way,” he answered in a haste.
Pagkalabas ng compound ng UP ay mabilis siyang tumawag ng taxi at nagpahatid sa lugar na ibinigay ni Voltaire. After less than thirty minutes, he reached their meeting place. It was in Shang-rila Hotel along Edsa.
He rushed to the lobby lounge. His eyes caught a group of gorgeous, young men clad in expensive and branded men’s apparel in one corner. These brute-mannered yet elegant pack of powerful, dominant and hot-blooded creatures were constantly hounded by women of different shapes, sizes and ages. And they were also successful and powerful even at a young age. And few years from now, they would already amass billions of pesos under their turfs.
But he knew that he was not the dark horse in their group. He may not be as rich as his fratmen as of the moment, but he was pretty sure that he was on his way to success, too. And he had many qualities that would make a woman forget all else. He was a typical TDH. Tall, dark and handsome to simplify. But some described him as TDHR which was tall, dark, handsome and rare. Yes, he was rare, with his brain and animalistic s*x appeal, he was indeed, a rare breed of stallion.
“So, here you are, attorney,” Voltaire’s voice echoed in the lounge, his two arms opened wide to embrace him. When he got nearer, the leader of the pack gave him a manly hug. The rest of the men also did the same. His heart was filled with joy. Their group had the best companionship. Yes, they rarely see one another, but when they got a chance like this, he could feel the warmth of their friendship. Imagine, kahit busy sa kani-kanilang career at personal lives, naglaan ng panahon ang mga ito upang batiin siya para sa nalalapit niyang pagtatapos. Their brotherhood was, indeed, one of a kind. And this was something that he really treasured.
“We are proud of you, brother. I know that you will go a long way, Atty. Santana,” Voltaire was still smiling.
“I am not yet a lawyer, Voltaire. I still need to pass the bar exam,” he said while occupying the seat that was intended for him.
“Chicken na lang yun para sa iyo, tol,” singit ni Leif.
Nginitian lang niya si Leif. His Nordic features were evident on his handsome face. Hawak nito ang bote ng alak. He carefully poured Maker’s Mark to his wine glass.
“Oooops…” He gestured his hand to stop Leif. “You know that I don’t drink.”
Nagkibit lamang ng balikat si Leif. “Don’t be too goody-goody anymore, Zach,” he grinned at him. “Your life as a nerd in UP is over. Time to hit the real world. In your status right now, you have to learn a lot about people and places, how to mingle, and of course, socialize.”
“You know, Zach,” si Sandro na hindi nakatiis ang nagsalita. “You have to learn how people in all walks of life socialize and form networks. Networks that you can use to advance your career and your personal goals. Hindi na uubra iyang pagiging good boy mo. Hindi ka naman namin gagawing lasenggero. Occasional drinker lang.”
Natawa siya sa narinig. Pero may point si Sandro. Maging si Leif.
“You will be dealing with clients especially when you’re already a licensed lawyer, Zach,” it was Bret who butted in while toying with his own glass. “Look at Sandro,” nilingon nito ang katabi. “Good boy iyan pero marunong makisama. Right, Sandro?”
Ngumisi lang si Sandro at tumango.
Iniabot ni Leif ang tinagayan nitong baso sa kanya. Napilitan siyang tanggapin iyon.
“Cheers to Zach and his success!” si Voltaire ang nagsalita habang itinataas ang hawak na baso. The other frat members also raised their glasses for a toast.
Zach joined them.
“Cheers!” halos ay sabay-sabay nilang wika.
Then, they started sipping their glasses.
Napilitan tuloy siyang lagukin ang laman ng kanyang baso. At dahil hindi siya sanay uminom ng hard drinks ay napaubo siya. The liquor burned his throat. “You spoiled me a lot,” he said in between coughs, as he gasped for air. Ipinatong niya sa mesa ang baso na may lamang alak. The effect of the liquor had instantly manifested on his face. Nag-iinit ang mga pisngi niya. “Puwede namang sa isang resto o bar na lang sa labas tayo tumambay, bakit dito pa?”
Makahulugang nagtinginan ang mga frat brods niya, bawat isa ay may pilyong ngiti sa mga labi. He sensed something fishy from their sly smiles.
“We will not stay long, Zach,” si Sandro. He was also sporting something naughty on his lips.
He lifted his eyebrows. “I thought we will celebrate?”
“Yes, that’s what we are doing right now,“ si Leif ang sumagot. “Congrats again, bro. You made us proud. We have a lawyer in the pack now. A tough and brilliant lawyer in particular. The brotherhood is very proud of your achievements. It is something worth celebrating. And part of our celebration is our gift for you.”
“Gift?” He laughed. “I think I’m too old to receive a gift from you, guys,” natatawa niyang sabi.
Bret imitated his laugh. Tila ba tuwang-tuwa ito. “You’re right. You’re too old for our gift.”
Suddenly, all eyes glared at him as if he tactlessly disclosed a top secret. It was too late to retract his statement.
Hindi niya tuloy maiwasang magtaka. “Are you guys up to something or what?” tanong niya sa mga ito.
May dinampot sa ibabaw ng table si Voltaire. “Here, take this.”
“What is this?” He slightly lifted the key, scrutinizing it, after he received it from Voltaire. “Are you saying that this is your gift to me? An overnight stay in this luxurious hotel?” Natawa na naman siya. “Sana lang, susi ng kotse ang ibinigay ninyo sa akin, mga ‘tol.”
“You know what, Zach,” si Leif. “That’s even more expensive than an average brand new car. It’s also rare. You’ll enjoy it more than a car, buddy.”
“Biyaheng langit ang punta mo niyan, Zach,” singit naman ni Bret.
“You need it, bro. Time to walk on the wild side. Car be damned!” si Bret na nagpipigil nang tawa.
Magkasalubong na ang mga kilay niya. What were his friends up to? Were they cooking something sinister for him?
“Enjoy the ride, brother,” si Voltaire ulit. “It will bring you to heaven and beyond. Baka ayaw mo nang bumalik sa lupa pagkatapos.”
This time, the group did not glare at him, they laughed noisily instead.
“Kanina pa ako nakakahalata sa inyo, ha,” he said while scratching his head. “Mukhang may niluluto kayo. I smell something fishy.”
His frat brods did not say anything. They just threw meaningful glances to one another. Furtive smiles were still on their lips.
“Here, let’s drink more,” sabi ni Sandro. Itinaas nito ang hawak na baso.
“For Zach and his success!” segunda naman ni Leif.
“Okay, men. Let’s have a toast,” Volatire said while lifting his wine glass. The others followed suit. “For the baptismal of our beloved friend.”
“Yeah,” shouted Bret. “For his baptismal…”
“For Zach’s baptismal…” the group said in chorus while simultaneously lifting their wine glasses for a toast.
“A virgin mare for a virgin stallion!” said Voltaire laughing in amusement. The rest of the group laughed also ‘
“What?” Zach asked in puzzlement. He knew his brods very well. They loved to tease him. They loved to tease each other. But sometimes, they would come up with a bunch of surprises for one another. This time, it was directed to him. And he was becoming more intrigued.
Ilang lagok pa ng Maker’s Mark ay nagpaalam na ang grupo, bagay na nagpagulat sa kanya.
“Hey, I thought we will have a party here. Then, why are you leaving so soon?”
“Correction, you are having a party,” si Leif. “We won’t meddle in your party anymore. Good luck, attorney, and enjoy!”
“Yeah, man. You deserve it!” Sandro laughed shortly.
“You’re f*****g lucky, bro,” Bret butted in. “How I wish I were in your shoes tonight.”
“I will call you early in the morning, Zach,” Voltaire said while slightly tapping his shoulder. “Enjoy the night.” Nag-thumbs up pa sa kanya ito sabay pakawala ng isang pilyong ngiti.
Before he could utter a word, his frat brods individually disappeared, leaving him totally puzzled. Ilang segundo rin niyang tinitigan ang hawak na room key. Until now, he couldn’t fully understand why those bastards of a friend gave him a free accommodation in this very expensive hotel.
But maybe he needed it. He was now tipsy. Hindi kasi siya talaga sanay uminom. Siguro ay kailangan na nga niyang sanayin ang sarili na maging occasional drinker. Para hindi ganitong madali siyang nalalasing.
He couldn’t come home with this kind of situation. Nang unti-unting makaramdam nang pagkahilo dahil sa nainom na alak ay ipinasya niyang puntahan na ang room na nakasaad sa hawak na susi na ibinigay ng mga kaibigan. He needed a place to stay where he could wait for himself to be sober. Kapag nawala na ang kalasingan niya ay saka na siya uuwi.
- Writer
