Zaldivar Series #1: Weaving Lies and Chaos

Kabanata 17

Maria Eselle Serrano. That's her name. While mine is Marcia Estelle... Quijano. 

It was hard to believe. It was too much of a coincidence for us to look identical and almost have the same name. Well, the only difference that I can see is our hair color. I dyed my hair but if not, we also have the same.

I have no long lost sister. As cliché as it may sound but that's the truth. I grew up alone. I have no twin, that is what I'm sure of. 

That stayed in my mind, it kept me puzzled for the past few days. But there's one thing I'm certain.

I've thought of this for a few days before I decided to inform Flavio and proceed to the plan. 

Since I learned about Rieselle, I started following the two. Chaos rather. I studied their every move, every place, every person they're interacting with. I memorize how Chaos is treating Rieselle and vice versa.

Flavio even accused me of being a stalker. Then stalker it is. I don't give a damn.

Like what I'm doing right now. In the parking lot of a building where Flavio's condo is in. This is where I got after following Chaos Zaldivar. 

I'm sure his car drove here. Ngunit nang nakapasok na ako ay wala na akong makitang bakas ng kotse niya. Or at least, I just don't know where he parked.

I parked my car and went out of it to look for Chaos. I need to find him. Iginala ko ang tingin sa kabuuan ng lugar ngunit ilang sandali lang ay natanto kong mali ang aking ginawa.

"Hon." A hand suddenly landed on my back that I almost shrieked. 

Kung hindi ko agad nakita ang humawak sa akin ay baka nasampal ko na ito, isama pa ang mga matatalas na salitang masasabi ko.

My lips formed an oval of surprise. Alanganin akong ngumiti. I parted my lips to speak but nothing came out of my mouth. This is the first time I met Chaos this close and I never expected that this would be the situation. 

But I forced myself to smile genuinely. "Chaos," I called using the tone of his girlfriend. Soft. Calm. Elegant. 

"I told you I'll fetch you from your condo."

What the hell. He'll fetch Rieselle!

"I'm... sorry. Kararating ko lang," I stated, thinking that maybe he saw me getting out of my car. "I'll go up and change my clothes first," I reason out. Of course Rieselle won't miraculously dress like what I'm wearing right now. 

But my hair. My fucking hair color. Damn. Wala na akong magagawa roon.

He simply nodded. "I'll come with you, then."

"No need!" I cleared my throat when those words suddenly slipped off my mouth. 

"What... I mean is, I'll go first." I nibbled my bottom lip and flashed a small smile. "I'm not sure if my unit is clean. Just... follow me after a few minutes if it's alright with you?"

I drew in air between my teeth. What a lousy alibi.

"I have no problem with whatever your unit's state is though if you insist, alright." His deep voice vibrated.

I timidly nodded, still with a smile in my lips as I turned my back on him. 

I almost got caught that day. Paano kung biglang bumaba si Rieselle habang magkasama kami ni Chaos? Thank, God it didn't happen.

Usually, I'm following them alone. But not this time that I got a chance to proceed on what I'm planning with Flavio.

I am aware of the recent misunderstanding of the couple as I'm with them in their every move. The reason? A fucking photo. Of Chaos. In bed. With another woman.