Winning The Magnate's Heart (#LTNI Book 2)

#WTMH Roll 15: Islanda Mutya

Kinaumagahan, binalingan ni Elaine ang babaeng nakahiga sa kama nang gumalaw ito. Nilapag niya ang bimpo at maliit na planggana sa katabing mesa para daluhan ito. She sits on the edge of the bed and feels Marga's forehead. It's still warm than the normal temperature. The princess moans and winces then move a lot in her sleep as if having a nightmare.

"No... n-no..." Mangiyak-ngiyak na ungol nito kahit tulog. "P-Please..."

"Shhhh... Isla." Elaine whispers on her ear, trying to calm the princess. "You're safe..."

Tumaas-baba ang dibdib ni Marga na para bang hinahabol ito sa panaginip ito. Ginagap ni Elaine ang dalawa nitong mga kamay para ipadama ritong ligtas ito. The message seems to reach the princess' consciousness when she starts to calm down – breathing starts to stabilize. Puno ng pag-aalalang dinama niya ang pisngi nito.

What happened to her?

She looks at Marga's red hair chopped unevenly like it was done it haste. "What happened to you, Is ----"

"Mama?" Silip ni Miguel mula sa pintuan.

Nilingon niya ang anak na may hawak na mangkok na may mainit na lugaw. "Pakilagay nalang sa lamesa anak." direkta niya rito.

Sinunod naman nito.

"Miguel, si Lola Titang muna ang sasama sayo sa bayan para sukatan ka ng mananahi. Importante kasi yun kasi sa susunod na buwan, pasukan na. Kailangan mo ng bagong uniporme." Paumanhin niyang ngiti rito.

Miguel is eight years old and for his age, he's getting taller than the usual. Agad nalalakihan nito ang mga uniporme kaya halos dalawa sa isang taon siya nagpapalit. Not to mention, he's starting to get those cute and puppy-love looks from young girls.

"Okay po." Sagot ni Miguel na tumabi sa kaniya nang upo sa kama. "Is she okay, Ma?" Dungaw nito kay Marga.

"Oo. Konti nga lang binaba ng lagnat niya pero okay na yun kesa sa wala. By the way, don't forget to buy medicines along the way. Na kay Lola mo ang listahan."

"Why did she call you Hailey, Ma?"

Natigilan siya at di agad nakahuma. She avoids his eyes. "I-I'll tell you once Tita Isla is fine, hmm?"

Mabuti nalang di na ito naghlaungkat pa at tumango nalang. He turns to the sleeping figure again. "She looks like Snow White."

Napangiti si Elaine. "Why? Bec. she is beautiful and asleep while waiting for a prince to kiss her?"

"Isn't that Sleeping Beauty?" Nagtatanong ang mga mata nitong tumingin sa kaniya.

"Almost all princesses in fairytales always fall asleep and waiting for a kiss."

"Then is Tita Isla waiting for a prince's kiss?"

Umiling si Elaine at yumakap sa anak. "Not this princess, Miguel." She taps his nose. "She can live without one."

"Like you?"

Lumapad pa lalo ang ngiti niya. "Nope. I need a prince." She winks at him. "One that hugs me at night. One that spoils me with seafoods – the prince that the sea loves." Hinalikan niya ang pisngi nito. "Lakad na kayo. Baka magabihan kayo sa pag-uwi."

Isaiah can't bear to eat properly with numerous thoughts in his mind. Di niya alam ilang buntong-hininga na ang nagawa niya pagkagising palang. He didn't even have a decent sleep. He keeps waking up everytime Marga's within his reach on his dreams.

Naglapag ng plato ng mga toasted bread si Lizbeth sa mesa. "Isaiah... kain ka muna."

He looks like a devil with no sleep.

Laking tuwa nalang ni Lizbeth kanina ng madaling araw nang mabuksan niya ng pinto ang anak. Bukod sa pag-alala niya sa nangyari'y nangungulila rin siya rito ng husto. Never did once in those past two years she saw him in flesh. Kaya di niya mapigilang umiyak nang mahigpit na niya itong nayakap.

He changed a lot -- his presence became more authoritative and domineering. Just what did those Miller's matriarch done to his son?

Isaiah sighs again for the nth as he leans on his chair while poking the sunny-side-up egg on his plate with his fork.

"Anak----"

"Mom..." He looks at her. "Do you have any idea where Marga could be?"

Hinilot ni Lizbeth ang sentido. "Pwede ba, Isaiah? Tigil-tigilan natin ang pagtawag kay Isla na Marga? Hindi niya ginusto ang maging prinsesa at mas lalong di niya ikinatuwa ang paging prinsesa! Ayaw kong marinig yang 'Marga'-'Marga' na yan." Sa pagpipilit ni Lizbeth kanina kay Isaiah para ikwento sa kaniya ang tungkol sa anong kalagayan at pangyayari doon sa Scotland, naproseso niya lahat ang uri ng pamumuhay na anak-anakan niya doon.

She was not treated as princess but a puppet with strings, literally! Hindi ganun ang pagkakilala ni Lizbeth sa babae. Isla was free-spirited, wild child, talkative and cheerful. Far from the restricted, disciplined and scared Margaret.

Umuusok pa rin ang ilong niyang dugtong. "Wag na wag uling magpapakita sa akin yang reyna na yan kundi sasabuyan ko siya ng kumukulong tubig." Sinapo niya ang noo. Na-i-stress siya sa kakaisip. "Ang ganda ng awra niya nung pumunta rito, yun pala gusto niyang gawing uto-uto ang anak ko! Subukan niyang tumapak rito sa Pilipinas, ako sasabunot sa kaniya."

A small smile form on Isaiah's lips. "I didn't know you are that morbid, Mom."

"Ibang usapan na, Isaiah, pag mga anak ko ang na-a-agrabyado. Kahit sinong ina kayang ibigay ang buhay sa mga anak nila. Di man galing sa sinapupunan ko ang batang yun ay tinuring ko na yung parang anak. Kung alam lang nila gaano ka-swerte nila kay Isla..." Tumulo ang luha niya na mabilis niyang pinawi gamit ang kamay. "Kung nasa malipatan lang talaga ako nung inaalipusta nila sa Isla... nakoooo... nakoo...." Namumula sa gigil sa inis ang may-edad na babae.

Isaiah's mind wanders off again, trying to list the places where Marga could possibly be on his mind. "After those men searched the house, did they say anything?" Napayuko si Isaiah kay Peashooter sa ilalim ng mesa.

"Wala. They just said their apologies for taking my time and bid their thanks then left."

Yumuko ng tuluyan si Isaiah at dahan-dahang dinampot si Peashooter na sa mangha niya'y di umangal. "They didn't ask you if you possibly knew other places?" He lays Pea on his lap and softly rubs the cat's swelling tummy.

'Pasalamat ka.. na gwapo ka... at... na-miss kita...' Pikit-pikit na saad ng pusa sa isip nito. Nakaramdam ng antok si Pea sa ginagawa ng amo.

Umiling si Lizbeth. "Not one syllable."

His jaw tightens as his blue stare fixated on the ceiling. "If Marga ---- "

"Isla." Pagtatama ni Lizbeth.

He chuckles despite feeling restless. "Okay... If 'Isla' wasn't here... I only got two remaining places in mind. Brgy. Tagpi and Sta. Clara." He playfully pinches the furless cat's ear. "I was so sure she was here, mom."

Nanlumo si Lizbeth. "Yun rin ang akala ko na dito siya unang pupunta kung lalayas man siya. Isaiah..." Namumuo na naman ang luha nito ng inabot ang kamay ng anak. "Di ko kakayanin pag may nangyaring masama sa kaniya..."

And that's the last thing Isaiah wants to consider in all this fiasco -- Marga/Isla being harmed.

MALAGA, SPAIN

Hinalikan ni Santino ang pisngi ng ina na noo'y may binabasang medical article sa tablet nito habang nakaupo sa rocking chair sa marangyang sala ng mansion ng pamilya nila. "Good afternoon, Ma."

The midde-aged woman, with an exotic mestiza features enhanced with her ivory skin, glances towards her son's direction. "Oh... nakauwi ka na pala." Binaba ni Lucia ang eyeglass nito sa may ilong. "Where's your sister?"

Di ito sumagot bagkos niluwagan ni Santi ang necktie at basta-basta nalang sinipa pahubad ang sapatos. "Whoever invented the necktie and this damn leather shoes should be thankful they were already because I'll kill them myself."

Ngumiti si Lucia sa narinig. It was certainly a rare sight seeing his son in a – corporate attire. They either see him in white shirt, black shirt or ... to their servientas (housemaids) delight --- half-naked. "You look good."

"Pfft!" He annoyingly sighs as he leans on the sofa. "Sofia's workaholic, Ma. You should tell her to stop working after working hours. Di naman malulugi ang Wineria kung hanggang cinco (five) lang pasok niya."

"Why don't you tell it to her yourself."

"As if she'd listen."

"Really, niño, tell me honestly... what's the hidden agenda on you trying to run the Wineria?" She places her tablet on a nearby then takes off her glasses. "You're dead-set back then not to touch, even the doorknob, of our ranch. Kaya wag mo akong masabihan na gusto mo nang pamahalaan ang negosyo. Kilala kita, Santi. May binabalak ka."

He grins, slitting his deep-set eyes along with the upward curve of his lips. "You're good at that, Ma. You know?"

"I made you, son. We think alike." She taps a finger at the side of her head.

"I am currently talking to a partner and some potential investors since I'm planning to open my own bar in Pontevedra."

"Uh-oh." Iling ni Lucia. Pontevedra, Spain is known for it's bustling night life – the kind of setting Santi likes. Booze (drinks), Fists, Bruises, Women. "I knew it! Di ka talaga pumapalya sa pagbibigay ng sakit ng ulo sa ama mo, Santino."

"Our Wineria has the best wines in Spain – maybe in the world, Ma!" Santino eyes shine like a kid. "Just imagine how drinks on my bar will taste like if I incorporate our wines with it!"

Napangiti nalang si Lucia. He might got half of his looks from her, Santino got all the impulsiveness and business acumen from his dad. He wants his own brand from his own effort. Not those old, inherited businesses from their family. He wants SANTINO UJI to be known. Not just because he is a MILLER. Mahillig itong ma-experiment ng mga negosyo na pawang lumalago naman. He owns a little farm with cattles, chicken and goats breed then sent to a local market. He also has a resthouse in Madrid that due to its scenic view, big names in different industries love to rent it – in fact, full-booked na ito sa buong taon. Those are just few of his own businesses.

The downfall? Sa ibang lang nito pina-pa-manage.

Santino Uji was not an office man at all. Pagiging basagulero siguro.

"Kaya ka naging secretary ni Sofia para makuha ang loob nito na gawing libre ang pagkuha mo ng wine samples na i-mi-mix mo sa soon-to-be own brand of hard liquors mo?"

"Exacto! (Exactly!) Oh, I was not treated as a secretary, Ma. More like a slave. Sa akin talaga pinapagawa ang pag-ta-type ng mga reports. Sinasadya talaga akong inisin."

"Good job on lasting for almost 6? 7 months now."

"Yey." Walang enerhiya at sarkastikong taas ni Santino sa kamay. Sumandal uli siya sa sofa at pipikit na sana nang nahagip niya ang malaking family picture nila sa dingding ng mansion – Their parents, Lucia and Jordan sitting while Sofia and him standing behind them.

This was taken when he was around 10 years old.

He looks at his father's face – proud and happy of what their family has become.

But...

Santi looks at his mother who resumes from reading the article on her gadget.

.. is everything about their family, perfect?

> "Be sensible, Jordan! He is still your father!"

Tiningnan niya uli ang malaking litrato.

All people have their own secrets.

The time he shared to Noah via Skype about his brief interaction with their grandpa, Santi realizes that there are some loose-ends on their family. Pag ang sugat kasi na iniwan mong nilalangaw, lalabas at lalabas talaga ang amoy.

Grandpa Arthur is the Miller's wound that was never been healed. As long as the story remains unsolved, secrets will surely pour out.

Kung di lang siya napigilan ni Sofia sa araw na yun ay susugod talaga siya sa opisina ng ama para tanungin ito kung nasaan ang abuelo nila.

May karapatan naman siguro sila, mga apo nito, na malaman nasaan ito?

Sabi ni Sofia, baka raw di alam ng ama nila. Talaga nga ba?

"Ma?"

"Hmm?" She turns to him.

"Where's Pa?"

"Oh, he was called to speak as guest speaker in Marabella Business Expo."

Tumayo siya. "I see."

"Bakit?"

Umiling siya. "Wala naman... nagtatanong lang. Wala kasing nagbabantay sa bawat kilos ko." His relationship with his dad is platonic – he knew his dad cares for him. He just doesn't want to tell it straight to his face. "Magbibihis lang po ako."

.

.

Nang marating ang ikalawang palapag, agad binagtas ng dahan-dahan ni Santino ang opisina ng ama. Maybe he'll find clues about his grandfather which he also thinks is unlikely. Ayaw nga nun makita ang ama, ang magtira pa ng mga gamit na pwedeng mag-paalala nito sa abuelo.

With soft creaking sound, Santi pushes the door open and peeks inside. Empty.

Maingat siyang pumasok ang nilibot ang tingin sa opisina ng amang si Jordan Rex Miller. On the walls of a very rustic office are different certificates and pictures of their family. Naka-display rin sa isang glass shelves ang mga plaques and awards nito. Cleverness in business runs in their family for sure.

Agad sinimulan ni Santino ang paghahanap ng bagay na may kinalaman sa abuelo. He carefully opens drawers and shuffles folders. Lumapit rin siya sa mini-library nito at tiningnan ang mga nakahilerang mga libro roon. Nothing unusual. Ang lamesa naman ang hinalukay niya. Pens, papers, a laptop, a bottle of wine.

Yumuko siya para basahin ang mga label ng mga envelopes roon --- those are from Lexcam (A Spain Accounting Firm), invitation from schools and universities. No clue.

Bubuksan niya sana ang isang notebook roon na may mga nakaipit na mga papel nang napalingon siya sa pintuan. He can hear footsteps!

Inisang hakbang lang niya ang dingding sa may pintuan at doon sumksok para pag bukas sa pinto ay di siya makita sa likod niyon.

Seconds apart, his dad entered his office.

'Tonto! (Fool!)' Inis niyang pinagalitan ang sarili. Ba't nakalimutan niyang i-lock ang pinto! Kahit sino pwede siyang makita!

Even though his heart is beating rapidly, he tries to conceal the sound of his breath. Maingat siyang sumilip sa siwang ng pinto at ng dingding.

He saw his father talking someone on the phone as he was trying to search something.

"Mom, I got it, okay?" Inis na tumingin sa labas ng bintana ang cincuenta y seis (56) niyang ama. Sa kabila ng edad nito at sa mumunting putting buhok sa ulo'y napatili pa rin nito ang tikas. "I'll deposit the check later. I came back bec. I left a module I'll be using for my speech."

'Mom? Is he talking to Grandma Cora? What check?' Dumikit pa siya lalo sa dingding nang naglakad ang ama niya palabas sa opisina nito.

After waiting for few minutes to ensure his dad is nowhere near the place, he bolted the door to lock it and immediately approaches the notebook he saw earlier. Paghila niya sa papel na nakaipit roon ay laking gulat nalang niya'y isa itong cheke. [A/N: Check/Cheques - is a document that orders a bank to pay a specific amount of money to the person/company in whose name the cheque has been addressed.]

Binasa niya ang mga detalye.

It has a huge amount of money. 700,00$ (25,957,500.00Php)!

Pero para saan?

He read the receiver's name on the check.

Cardoza-Fonseca Asylum

An Asylum?

Agad niya kinuha sa bulsa ang cellphone at mabilis na hinanap sa internet ang pangalan ng lugar.

It was a place for those who are mentally-ill people and also a place where old people are deposited by their family to let the asylum care them.

Nanlamig si Santino.

Does this mean...

Nilingon niya ang nakasarang pintuan ng opisina.

There's a huge possibility that their grandfather was detained here and cared by an asylum?

NOAH'S CLINIC | PHILIPPINES

After taking off his white doctor's coat, Noah opens a pack of sandwich he bought from the canteen. May operasyon kasi siyang sinagawa kagabi kaya di na siya nakaluto man lang ng pagkain. He spent the whole night operating. Isang oras lang 'ata ang idlip niyang nang tinawag siya sa PR na gising na raw ang inoperahan niyang pasyente.

And here he is, trying to consume energy from a bland sandwich. Hinata niya ang dalawang loaves ng slice bread at nilagay sa gitna roon ang ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato at konting mayonnaise.

Kinagat niya iyon at sa pagod na mata'y tumingin siya sa nakapatong-patong niyang mga patient's record. He'll be doing rounds after this --- breakfast? Mag-aalas onse na kasi.

Bibisitahin pa pala niya si Kira sa shelter mamaya. Baka magtampo yun na di niya nasundo ito kagabi.

Napalingon siya sa pintuan ng clinic niya nang bigla iyong bumukas. Naudlot ang pag-nguya niya. Their estranged cousin enters his clinic, wearing a white shirt and pants – not giving an effort to conceal his golden curls and blue-eyes.

Nalunok niya nang halos buo ang kinain. "I-Isaiah?"

Isaiah nods. "Yo."

ROMBLON

Mag-isa lang si Elaine sa bahay ng oras na iyon kasi umalis papuntang bayan ang mag-lola habang nagbabasakali naman si Lolo Kiko na maibenta ang mga nahuling isda sa palengke.

Naghuhugas siya noon ng mga plato nang nakarinig siya na parang may nabasag na plato mula sa ikalawang palapag. "Isla?" Mabilis siyang nagpunas ng kamay sa katabing basahan at hinubad ang apron para akyatin ang hagdan. "Isla?! ISLA!" Tawag niya sa kaibigan.

.

.

Hinihingal na narating niya ang kwarto at naabutan itong nakaupo pa rin sa kama pero nanlaki ang mga matang nakatingin sa basag na mangkok at nagkalat na pagkain sa sahig. With scared eyes, Marga looks at her. "I-I'm sorry, Ms. Hailey... I-I'm sorry... I'm s-sorry... I didn't mean to..." Nanginginig ang kamay nitong tinuro ang lamesa. "S-Sinubukan ko lang naman abutin ang bowl nang dumulas sa kamay ko. S-Sorry talaga."

Tinakbo ni Elaine ang direksyon nito agad na niyakap nang mahigpit. "Shhhh... Shhh... It's okay. It's okay."

"S-Sorry talaga..." Humagulhol na ito. "D-Di ko talga sinasadya... S-Sorry.. S-Sorry..."

Hinawakan ni Elaine ang mukha nito. "Marga... I said it's okay."

Umiiling ang babae. Takot na takot ito dahil nagkasala. "No, no..."

"Marga... calm down..." Higpit niyang sabi.

"No... N-No... I broke the b-bowl... I-I'm sorry..."

"ISLA!!" Sigaw ni Elaine para kunin ang buong atensiyon nito.

She stops sobbing yet tears keep travelling her cheeks. Marga looks into her --- into her blue eyes.

"I said it's okay..." With soothing voice, Elaine rubs the sides of the princess' arms to let her feel safe. "No one's going to hurt you here... Calm down."

Marga nods slowly.

Niyakap niya uli ito at hinahagod ang likod. "I'm glad you're awake now."

"M-Ms. Hailey..." Hikbi ni Margaret.

Tiningnan niya uli ito. "You're safe. Don't be scared. Di kita papagalitan kasi nakabasag ka ng mangkok. Are you hungry? Do you want to eat?"

Tumango ang babae na parang batang pinahid ang mga luha gamit ang likod ng mga palad nito.

Elaine smiles as she steps off the bed. "Come." Lahad niya sa kamay. "I'll cook something for you to eat."

.

.

Dahan-dahang sumubo si Margaret nang sabaw ng tinolang isda. Napapikit siya nang maramdaman ang init nito sa kalamnan niya. Tiningala niya ang nakatalikod na pigura ng kaibigan na noo'y nag-aayos ng mga plato sa lalagyan nito sa tabi ng lababo.

Nilibot niya ang tingin sa buong kabahayan.

Napaka-simple lang niyon. Two-storey house with the first floor made of cement while the second floor is made of wood. Ang sahig ay tinakpan ng kupas na asul floormat. Kita ni Marga ang sala mula sa kusina kung saan halos gawa sa kahoy na mga kagamitan. She guesses that the only thing modern on this house is the television, refrigerator and water heater. Idagdag mo na rin ang bentilador sa kwartong tinulugan niya.

The sound of the wind chimes made of shells hanged on the door and window frames give off a soothing effect on her.

"Pasensiya ka na.. malayo ang bahay namin sa marangya niyong palasyo." Umupo si Elaine sa harapang upuan.

Mabilis siyang umiling. "Oh no! No! In fact..." Nilibot niya uli ang tingin. "I prefer this place than that cold castle."

"What happened, Isla?"

Her sad eyes stare at her. "I felt like I trapped bird, Ms. Hailey. I can't even eat the way I want to."

Dama ni Elaine ang paghihirap sa boses palang nito.

Yumuko si Marga habang kinuyom ng dalawang palad niya sa kadungan ang suot na palda. Her tears fell involuntarily like in huge drops. "Para bang kasalanan pati ang paghinga ng hangin doon."

"If you don't mind me asking, Isla. How'd you find me here?"

"Uhhh.." Kinuha nito ang cellphone nito sa bulsa. "I remember you told me that you can't come with us to Caribbean kasi uuwi ka sa Romblon."

Elaine smiles. "But Romblon is a big place."

Yumuko si Marga at tumango. "That's why it was a leap of f-faith, Ms. H-Hailey."

Tinakpan ni Elaine ang bibig sa gulat. "Y-You mean..."

"S-Sumugal ako." Di magkamayaw si Marga sa pagpahid nga mga luha. "I t-took the risk even though I-I don't know if what I-I'm doing i-is right o-or wrong. K-Kahit di ko alam kung tama bang pinupuntahan k-kong lugar. Nagtatanong a-ako gamit ang litratong natin n-na kuha ko nung b-birthday ko. P-Pumunta ako sa mga bus terminal... s-sa palengke... sa mga nakakasalubong ko n-na mga tao. I desperately... desperately just wa-want..." Sinubsob ni Marga ang mukha sa palad at doon na humagulhol ng malakas.

Tumabi si Elaine rito at niyakap nang mahigpit.

"I just want to be f-far from t-them... Ms. Hailey." Yumakap ito sa kaniya. "I-I'll go c-crazy if I stay there any longer..."

She rubs her back.

"Alam kasi ng l-lola ko ang posible k-kong pupuntahan pagnaglayas ako." Hikbi nito sa balikat niya. "P-Pag kasi k-kina Mama Lizbeth ako p-pumunta..." She buries her face on Elaine's shoulder. "O-O sa-sa Brgy. Tagpi...b-baka s-sundan ako. M-Mapahamak pa s-sila..." Ayaw na ni Marga na may masali pa sa gulo. "I n-need a place somewhere the Queen doesn't know."

"You choose the perfect place." Elaine holds her face. "You can stay here as long as you like."

Margaret nods on the middle of her crying. The woman changed drastically. Gone was the strong-willed Isla.

All Elaine can see is a princess who always need constant saving --- fragile... hopeless.

"S-Should I call Isaiah?"

"No! No!" Mariin nitong angal. "D-Don't. S-Sobrang nasaktan ko na siya, Ms. Hailey. Sobra-sobra na... a-at alam kong unang-una siyang lalapitan ng palasyo oras na nalaman nilang wala na ako roon. Ayokong dagdagan pa niya ang iisipin niya lalo na't puro pasakit l-lang ang naibigay ko."

"Okay. I'll respect your decision." Pinahid ni Elaine ang luha nito sa pisngi. "Like I said, you can stay here. Gather your strength back again."

Tumango ito at kahit papaano'y ngumiti. "D-Di mo s-sinabi sa akin na anak mo pala ang Miguel. Akala ko talaga asawa o boyfriend m-mo."

Tumawa si Elaine. "I intend to keep my life private as possible, Isla."

Marga then stares at her blue-eyes. "Y-Your eyes..."

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Elaine, daling nawala ang ngiti sa mga laba. "I-I know... i-it's blue."

> The blue-eyed girl turns to her. "Do you want to borrow Ms. Pepin?"

"Miss Hailey --- "

"Let's talk when you are fully recovered, hmm?" Pag-iiwas ni Elaine sa patutunguhang paksa ng pag-uusap nila. "Wag ka munang mag-isip na kung-ano-ano... magpahinga ka... magpalakas ka... a-at doon na tayo mag-uusap."

'She's right.' Isip ni Marga. Everything in her life right now is a mess. Mas mabuti wag niya munang dagdagan ang iisipin. She believes everything has its own time but now she needs to rest – physically, emotionally mentally.

Natigilan sa pagpasok si Fire sa clinic ni Noah nang makita ang dalawang pinsan...

"You're here." Tanging sabi niya na ang tingin ay nakapako sa pinsang matagal-tagal na rin di nila nakakausap. Siting on Noah's table is Isaiah throwing and catching an apple paper weight in the air with one hand. Pumasok na siya nang tuluyan sabay sara sa pinto. He took an early-out from his boring job as a Security Head in a hotel when Noah texted him that they need to do. "What's this? Mini reunion?"

"Nice to meet you again too." Sarkastikong sabi ni Isaiah.

Nilingon ni Fire ang doctor. "Is this about Grandpa Arthur?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Isaiah. "Grandpa? Why is he alive?"

"Okay... Okay..." Pagitna ni Noah sa dalawa. Lumingon ito kay Fire. "Nope, this is not about Grandpa." Lumingon ito kay Isaiah. "We don't know if he is..." Huminga ito nang malalim. "But... we're not here for that." Lumingon uli ito kay Fire. "Isla's missing."

"Oh damn..." Tingala ni Fire sa puting kisame. "Not again with her."

"Come on, Fire." Hinarap ni Noah ang pinsan. "What's with the attitude?"

"Attitude? Noah, nagkakagulo nga tayo dahil sa pakikipaghalubilo natin sa kanila tapos heto na naman tayo."

Isaiah scoffs. "As if you cared about our family."

"Hey!" Angil ni Fire sa kaniya.

"Guys..." Literal na sinalag ni Noah ang katawan sa gitna ng dalawa. "Come on... kakakita niyo palang, nag-aaway na kayo." The life of the middle-man indeed.

Nagpatuloy si Fire. "I may be distant with our family, Isaiah. Pero nasasali pa rin ako sa gulong kinasasangkutan ninyo. I only wanted peace for once in a while --- "

"That's why you're stuck on a 9-5 job as a Security Head, doing nothing but eat donuts and drink coffee every hour... checking CCTVs?" Bara ni Isaiah rito.

Napaawang ang bibig ni Fire at nilingon si Noah. "You told him about my job?"

Alanganing ngumiti si Noah. "Kinamusta niya kayo. Of course, I am obliged to tell him about our life after the.... the ---- Just... listen to me, okay, Fire?"

Inis na naghalukipkip si Fire. "This better worth my early out at work."

Doon na nakahinga ng maluwag ang doctor nang bahagyang humupa na ang atensiyon. "Okay. Isla's missing. Isaiah came here to ask me if she happens to drop by w-which she didn't."

Umupo si Fire sa sofa. "Go on."

"Could you help us out?"

Tumaas ang isang kilay nito. "Ikaw talaga ang humingi ng pabor ano?" Tsaka tinapunan ng tingin si Isaiah na tinatapon pa rin sa ere ang paper weight at sinasalo.

"Fire... Isla is Winter's niece." Dagdag ni Noah. "You could atleast... honor her memory by helping us find her?"

Hinilot ni Fire ang noo nang maalala ang hinabilin ng yumao niyang nobya.

> "If you happen to see a red-hair... take her back to us..."

"You know how it felt losing someone, Fire." Isaiah clutches the paper weight on his palm.

Napalingon sina Noah at Fire rito.

"I'm feeling it right now." His blue eyes reflected his intense longing and sadness. "Do it for the sake of Winter, not for me... not for our family." Tumayo ito mula sa kakaupo sa lamesa. "This is not a blackmail or something... Isla made you smile one time in your life. She made us smile..."

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Fire.

"Please."

Fire sighs stands up. "Where did you last saw her. Tell me the details."