The Haunting Past

XV

Day 11 November 15, 2013

Regina took the trolley from her car's trunk.

I remained standing nervously outside her car, staring blankly at the house.

"Bhest, tara na!"

But I didn't move

"Bhest? Pinalinis na namin sa loob, everything will be fine, okay?"

She smiled at me extending her left hand.

I took it and headed inside the cursed apartment.

"Bhest, gusto pa sana kitang samahan dito saglit pero may kailangan muna akong gawin eh...sa trabaho?"

We were inside my room and done unpacking my things.

"Promise babalik ako agad as soon ss I'm free ulit! Ha?"

She held my left hand and covered with hers. We were both seating on my bed.

"Don't worry about the laundry! Ako nang bahala don pagbalik ko ha! Please bhest, magpakatatag ka!"

She smiled to me faintly, trying to cheer me up.

"Nga pala, I'll tell the police na sakin na lang muna sila mag rereport para hindi ka maistorbo. Tsaka sasabihin ko sa kanila na tatawag ka na lang pag handa ka ng magsalita! Okay ba yun?"

I didn't respond, I just look her in the eyes and hoping she understand.

She gently squeezed my hands and stood up, she kissed me on my cheek and headed downstairs to leave.

I heard her car's engine, leaving my place.

Ito na ang tamang pagkakataon!

I really don't have any idea yet what to tell the police about what really happened. But I already have initial plans in mind since before we left the hospital. And I have to do it now.

I stood up and took my keys from my bag. I went downstairs and headed straight to my car.

I drove to the next block and parked outside Ate Loleng's house. I hop out of the car and started knocking her front door.

"Sandali!"

Shouted someone from inside, I heard footsteps nearing the front door and then the door opened.

"Hija? Nakauwi ka na pala? Halika pasok!"

She was glad to see me Okay,  and yet she looked tensed.

I step inside and followed her to the living room. Her house was simple and a little messed up, I wonder if she has little children around causing this mess. She's in her 50's  I guess.

"Maupo ka hija!"

We seated facing each other, I thought she was shaking.

"Gusto mo ng maiinom---"

"Wag na po! Hindi rin po ako magtatagal. May gusto lang kasi akong malaman tungkol sa apartment?"

I told her with the stiffness of my voice, trying to calm down and finish this thing off fast and easy.

"Ah.. Alam mo hija, caretaker lang kasi ako at.... A-anong gusto mong malaman?"

I took a deep breath and exhaled

"May multo sa apartment!"

It wasn't a question, it's more on declaration and confirmation.

"No! I mean... May demonyo doon!"