Chapter 8: Saturn
We are now in a park. Abandoned park. We can't talk about this matter in public.
I looked around.
The blinding darkness and the deafening silence gives bizzare comfort. I love it.
I kicked the can in front of me. Hands in pockets, listening to Yvole.
"...when I heard about the news, hindi na ako makapaghintay na maging reporter at malaman ang hindi na pinalabas sa balita. I was one with the people you had stolen from. I'm impressed I didn't notice even a slight touch... since that, I've been a fan." mahabang kwento niya. Humithit ito sa sigarilyo at bumuga.
"But how'd you know I owned that earrings?"
Again, she smiled. "I owned the jewelry store where you purchased this." she shook her head in disappointment, teasingly.
My eyes slightly expanded.
She laughed after seeing my reaction. "This comes in a set... a pair of earings, a bracelet and a necklace. Right?"
I nodded. "But it still doesn't make sense why you knew it was me. Hindi mo ako mapapa DNA test kung wala kang suspetsang ako talaga 'yon." parang inosenteng ani ko. Hindi naman kasi nire-record ang mga bumibili sa jewellery store.
She laughed again. The smoke scattered when it abruptly came out from her mouth and nose.
"You're wearing the necklace from this set."
Napatingin ako sa dibdib ko. Totoo nga.
There, I can't conceal my surprise anymore. I really did underestimated this woman.
How can you be this dumb, Caravan?
She laughed. I bet she can hear my thoughts.
"Don't worry Ms. Locsin, you are safe. Just be thankful I'm the one who caught you." she chuckled and puffed the smoke she inhaled a minute ago. "But the offer-"
I kissed her.
When I opened our gap, she was left dumbfounded.
"What... the fuck?" she hysterically whispered.
"Deal." I smiled.
"That's how you approve to a deal?!" parang hindi makapaniwala na ani Yvole.
I shrugged.
"You're unbelievable." she shook her head. She threw her cig to the ground and stepped at it to put the fire out.
Kumuha siya ng bago at inilapit niya ang pouch niya saakin. Kumuha naman ako ng isang stick then she gave me a lighter.
We stayed like that for an hour before we decided to go separate ways.
When I got to my condo, the lights are still on.
I then immediately saw Luigi in the balcony, smoking.
"Gising kapa..."
Bumaling siya sa'kin.
He smiled. "Yeah..."
Umupo ako sa couch. Giving myself a head massage.
Pumunta siya sa kusina.
I just followed him by stare, frowning.
Minutes passed, he got back holding two cups of coffee. He then handed me one.
Tinanggap ko ito at bahagya siyang nginitian.
After taking my first sip, pumunta ako sa balcony ng unit ko. Naramdaman ko rin na sumunod si Luigi.
