Be Mine

81

"Si Mel? What do you mean Mel did this?"

"Yes. Mel did this. Nandodoon kami sa same bar kung nasaan kayo. If you think that we followed you, we didn't. It was a coincidence. Nakita namin kayo sa taas. We stayed downstairs with our other friends."

"Kasabwat ka ba dito, Clara?"

"No! No, Caloy! I stepped out for a while because Gary called. When I was walking back, I saw her talking to a waiter and handed him something. I thought it was a tip, but I was observing her the whole night and she was watching the waiter's every move. Hindi lang ako nagpahalata kay Mel because I was giving her the benefit of the doubt. Then I saw the waiter go up to where you are seated, Ella. Doon ko napansin na mag-isa lang si Lia."

"Oh my god."

"The next thing I know, Mel wanted to leave the place. I didn't... I didn't want to leave. Kinabahan na ako dahil sa mga kinikilos niya."

"Clara, bakit hindi mo siya pinigilan?"

"I'm... I'm sorry, Caloy. That's why I'm here. I was hoping na walang masamang nangyari. I followed Mel outside the bar, but I can't find her. I tried calling her, but her phone was off. Pagbalik ko sa loob, wala na kayo, Ella."

"Paano mo nalaman na nandito kami?"

"I went through the nearest hospitals around the bar. This is the third hospital that I'm in and thank God that I found you already. I'm really sorry, Caloy."

"Umuwi ka na, Clara. Baka hinahanap ka na rin ni Gary. Sige na."

Lia heard voices. Very familiar voices. Whose voices are those? Why does it feel like they are fighting? Why can't she open her eyes? Why do they feel heavy? She tries to open them, but she can't. Is she blind?

She heard her name, but who owns that voice that mentioned her name? And what are they talking about? What happened? Where is she? Lia has more questions, but blackness took over once again.

---

Carlos has been pressing the doorbell non-stop. His emotions are all over and his mind can't think straight. With what he heard from Clara last night, he couldn't help but just be furious at Mel. He can't believe that she is that desperate to hurt someone, most especially, Lia.

He hasn't slept, not even when they were able to move Lia in a private room. He wants to be there when she wakes up, but at the same time, he feels like he needs to do something for his fiancé.

Ella is taking care of the waiter, the one that Clara mentioned, with the bar owner. Bianca is staying with Lia, while he told them that he will just get some things for Lia at home and take care of something. He didn't tell them anything else, but he thinks they know already what he is about to do.

He needs to do this alone. He already warned Mel not to touch Lia or hurt her ever again.

He kept pressing the buzzer until the gate opens, bringing out Mel's brother. Caloy tries to keep his face straight, but with his anger, he knows that he couldn't be a good-natured person during this time.

"Caloy? Anong ginagawa mo dito? It's seven in the morning." It's obvious how Santi is shocked to see him. He is still in his pajamas while Caloy have not changed his clothes since he came to the hospital.

"Nasaan si Mel?" He asked straight.

Santi looks confused. "Bakit mo hinahanap si Melissa?"

"Nasaan si Mel?" He repeats firmly.

"Sandali nga. Sabihin mo muna sa akin kung bakit?" Santi might've sensed his anger.

"I warned her, Santi. Sinabihan ko na siya na wag niyang sasaktan si Lia!"