That Girl! -SATZU

12

"Are you serious, Doc?" Tanong ni Dex habang nagpupunas ng luha.

"Yes. She's under observation. She was shot on her lower and unfortunately, tinamaan ang kidney nya. She needs to stay here for 1 week." Paliwanag ng doctor.

Kahit papaano ay nakahinga ng maluwag si Dex.

"Pero malayo naman na sya sa bingit ng kamatayan di ba, Doc?"

"We need to observe her condition within the next 24 hours. If nothing bad happens between that time, okay na sya. She needs to rest after this. Physically and mentally."

Agad itong ngumiti.

"Thank you, Doc. I am looking forward for a positive result."

"You can check the patient."

Tumango lamang ito at pumasok na sa loob. Lumabas na rin ang ibang medical staffs at naiwan syang mag-isa.

Agad nyang hinawakan ang kamay ng babae.

"Maxine, I know you can make it. You are a strong girl, right? Binabatukan mo nga ako! Nirewrestling pa. Hayaan mo, paggising mo dyan, I will treat you sa eat-all-you-can for 1 week!"

Kasabay nito ang pilit na ngiti ni Dex.

"Name it and you will have it! Pagaling ka ha! I thought, mawawala ka na sakin."

Napaiyak na lang ito.

"Hindi ko alam kung paano babangon sa umaga kung mawawala ka sakin. Once you are okay, you'll come with me on L.A. Hindi ako mapalagay ng wala sa tabi mo. I can't trust anyone. Even your friend harmed you. I will make sure that Joey will pay for this. Magbabayad sya."

[LUKE MEDICAL HOSPITAL]
"I'm sorry, Maam but the patient is still on the critical condition. Masyadong severe ang condition nya. Kailangan nyang magpakita ng signs of improvement for the next 12 hours. If none, she needs to undergo another operation."

Sapphire is really scared.

"After the operation ligtas na sya di ba?"

Pangungumbinsi nya sa sarili.

"It's a 50/50, Maam. I'll be honest with you. There are only 30% survivors in this kind of operation. But we are wishing for a miracle."

Agad nanghina si Sapphire matapos marinig ito.

"Ma'am, you should be strong for her. And be prepared for whatever happens. You can now enter the patient's room."

The doctor pats her shoulder and left her. She entered the room. Agad bumungad sa kanya ang mga aparato na nakakabit sa babae. Wala itong malay. She has bandaged on her head.

"Jo-Joey, wag mo akong iiwan ha? I know you will heal soon. Hindi mo akong pwedeng iwan!"

Hinawakan nito ang kamay ng babae kasabay ang hindi matapos-tapos na pagtulo ng kanyang mga luha.

"Andami ko ng utang sayong love letters. Hindi mo pa nababasa! Hindi ka pwedeng mawala! Magpagaling ka!"

She pats the patient's head while crying.

"Joey, gulong-gulo na ako. Nahihirapan na ako. Ang dalawa kong mahal sa buhay ay nasa panganib. Ikaw at si Dad. Alam mo ba na isa ka sa pinaghuhugutan ko ng lakas ha? Kaya please, magpagaling ka. Your Safari is waiting for you. I will shower you lots of kisses the moment you open your eyes! I know you are a keeper. Sabi mo di mo ako iiwan ha? I'm holding to that promise of yours!"

Pero nagulat na lang ito ng mayroong pumasok na isang lalaki. May mga kasama itong bodyguards.

"Finally! I met you, young Mortel." A man in black suit said.

"Who are you?" Agad na tanong ni Sapphire dito.

"I am Mr. dela Vega." He replied.

The man discussed everything to Sapphire.

AFTER A WEEK.

"She's fine now, Mr. dela Vega. You don't have to worry." One of his doctors said.

Unti-unting nagmulat ng mga mata si Joey. Bumungad dito ang kanyang ama.

"Finally, you are awake! Welcome to the Dela Vega Private Hospital and Experimental Center!"

Masayang bungad sa kanya ng lalaki.

Dela Vega Private Hospital and Experimental Center is one of the best hospital on the city. Nandito din ang magagaling na doctor in different fields. They also do research.

Hindi masaya si Joey. Malungkot ito. Sobrang bigat ng nararamdaman nya ng maalala nya ang nangyari kay Maxine. Konting-konti na lang ay mababaliw na ito. She looked at Mr. dela Vega.

"Damn it, Mr. dela Vega! Tama na please! I can't take it anymore! Masisiraan na ako ng ulo!"

Pagmamakaawa ng babae

She's crying not because of pain. Umiiyak ito dahil may mga nadamay na inosenteng mga tao sa paligid nya.

"You will be discharge later, Joey. I have a surprise for you, by the way. Your reward!" Nakangiting sambit ng ama nito.

Hirap na hirap na ito sa kanyang kalagayan at konting-konti na lang ay baka bumigay na sya. Natatakot ito sa mga posible pang mangyari. Mr. dela Vega is too evil.

Ilang oras itong nakatingin sa ceiling ng hospital. Nakiusap pa ito sa mga nurses na tulungan sya pero hindi pinakinggan ng mga ito. They were under Mr. dela Vega at takot din ang mga ito na madamay. Guards are everywhere kaya't impossible na makatakas ang babae.

Mayamaya pa ay nakabalik na sila sa mansion. Mr. dela Vega smiles at her.

"Want to see that Mortel?"

Agad napatingin si Joey dito. Her heart beats so fast. She cursed after hearing those words.

"What the fuck, Mr. dela Vega! Hayop ka! What have you done to her?!"

Mr. dela Vega stepped forward and looked at Joey.

"Akala mo ba hindi ko alam na you really didn't kill Maxine? Joey, I am not a fool! I told you before right? I need someone to die. Since that Maxine is alive, Sapphire will be the one to die.  How do you want me to kill her? Oh! I think I'll give her to my men as a reward. Torture or rape her, bahala na sila! Katulad din ng sinapit ng nanay nya! What do you think Joey? Maganda di ba? Don't worry, while my men is doing something on her, I will let you see her suffer."

Halos lumabas ang ugat ni Joey sa kanyang sintido sa pagsigaw. Gustong-gusto nyang tumalon at suntukin ito pero hindi nya magawa. Someone is holding her arms.

"Fuck you dela Vega! Sobra-sobra ka na! Dinamay mo na ang lahat-lahat! Ano pa ba ang gusto mo?! Andito na ako! Bakit kailangan mo pang gawin yan!"

Her tears starts to flow.

"Oops! I don't want to hear your dramas! Do some bargain with me Joey. Let's see if that's worth it. So I can think if I will let this Mortel live."

Mr. dela Vega lights a cigarette. Halos masamid naman si Joey dahil sa pagbuga ng lalaki ng usok ng sigarilyo sa kanya.

"Don't lay a finger on her. You can take my life! Do whatever you want! Wala na akong pakialam basta wala lang masamang mangyari sa kanya!"

Agad namang tumawa ang lalaki at pumalakpak pa.

"Spare her life. Wala syang kasalanan dito kahit si Maxine! Bring their company back! Lahat ng nawala sa kanila, ibalik mo!"

Pagmamakaawa ni Joey.

"Yun lang ba? Well, deal! Come with me. I want to hear you something.

[FLASHBACK]
"No! You can't get Joey from me!" Sambit ni Sapphire.

"Do you think you can save Joey? Operation cost much money and with your current situation? Alam kong hindi mo kakayanin. Your father is in the hospital right now. And you know what's the reason."

Ngumisi lamang si Mr. dela Vega dito.

"Fuck you!" Galit na sambit ni Sapphire dito.

"I love your attitude, Mortel. Katulad na katulad ka ng nanay mo. So, listen to me first. I have an offer to you. I know that both parties will be benefitted. When I call you, make sure to come at my place or else you will lose everything."

Napakagat ng labi si Sapphire. The man in front of her is so cruel. Malayong-malayo sa anak nitong si Joey.

"I am going to transfer Joey to our hospital. Excuse me."

[END OF FLASHBACK]

They were now on the 4th floor of the mansion.

"Ms. Mortel, I am going to give you an option. You need to choose. Piliin mo ang mas matimbang sayo. You will gain something then lose a thing. Choose wisely."

He grins.

He sips his coffee then look at Sapphire.

"Your father and your company ? or Joey?"

Agad nanghina si Sapphire matapos marinig ang mga salitang iyon. Her tears starts to come out. She looked at Joey.

"Napakasama mo dela Vega!!!" Sigaw nito.

"Well, I take it as a compliment, Mortel. Now choose!"

"Ang tatay mo at ang pinaghirapan nyo o si Joey?" Dagdag pa nito.

Napakagat na lamang ng labi si Joey na halos dumugo na ito. Sobrang hirap na hirap na ito. Bakit ba sila humantong sa ganito?

Okay naman ang lahat? Pero sa isang iglap, nagbago ang lahat.

"Sir, I can't choose! Hindi ko kaya! If I choose my father and company, I will lose Joey! Hindi ko kaya! Hindi!" Sigaw nito.

Sapphire can't choose. Sobrang hirap nito para sa kanya. HIndi nito lubos maisip na dadating sya sa puntong kailangan nyang mamili. At kahit mamili sya doon ay kaakibat nito ang sakit.

Pero napatingin ito kay Joey na nakangiti sa kanya.

"Shit, Joey... stop smiling.." Sapphire said mentally.

Tumahimik ang paligid ng magsalita ito.

"Sapphire, choose your father and company. Maiintindihan kita!"

The young Mortel burst into tears. At sa huli ay mas pinili pa rin nito ang kapakanan nya. Joey tried so hard to look strong in front of them. She's suffering inside. She smile but it doesnt reach her heart.

"Don't mind me, Sapphire. What's important is maibalik ang mga nawala sa inyo. Mabalik ang lahat sa dati."

The CEO wipes her tears.

"I can't Joey! I can't!"

Joey shouted.

"Sapphire, listen to me! Choose them. You can leave me anytime, but I won't leave you! Remember that, Sapphire. I am always here for you. That's a promise!"

She gives Sapphire a smile kahit durog na durog na ang loob nito.

"Joey, it really hurts! Paano ka?! Hindi kita iiwan! Hindi kita kayang iwan!" Halos kapusin ng paghinga si Sapphire dahil sa pag-iyak.

"Kaya mo! Alam kong kaya mo! Kakayanin mo, Sapphire!"

"Bravo!" Agad silang napatingin kay Mr. Mortel na pumapalakpak pa.

"I don't want to wait. I want to hear it from you Mortel. Utter those words! Say it NOW!" Sigaw nito.

Napapikit na lang ito. But Joey bravely looks at Sapphire kahit sobra-sobra ng sakit ang dinadala nito.

Sapphire looked at Joey. Look at the love of her life.

"I am choosing my father and our company..." Sobrang sakit ng mga salita na yon para kay Sapphire.

"That's the best decision you ever made, Sapphire. I am so proud of you."

Gusto nyang yakapin ang babae. Seeing Sapphire like this breaks her heart more.

"I pity you, Joey. Pera lang talaga ang pangtapat ko sayo. Idiots." Kasabay noon ay ang pagtawa ni Mr. dela Vega.

He enjoy what he is seeing right now.

"Joey, I'm sorry! Patawarin mo ako! Napakabobo ko!"

Tumayo na si Mr. dela Vega at tumingin sa kanilang dalawa.

"I will let you have her for now, Mortel. Go to her hangga't may oras ka pa. Say your farewell kase this is the last time that you will see each other. "

They left the two. Iniwan muna sila pansamantala ng mga ito.

Joey immediately walks toward Sapphire and hugged her so tight. She really missed her.

"I'm too disappointed to myself, Joey! Fuck! Napakaselfish ko! Tangina! I hate myself! Damn it! I'm sorry Joey!"

Sapphire buried her face on Joey's neck. She really don't want to hurt Joey.

"Ssshhh... Sapphire, hindi ako galit sayo. I'm not disappointed too. I'm just happy na mababalik na ang lahat sa normal. Babalik na ang lahat ng nawala sayo."

Her Safari looks at her. She smiles at her at wipe her tears.

"Nawala sa akin? Isa ka doon Joey! Isa ka doon! Fuck! I hate myself! Tangina!"

"Don't blame yourself. I told you, maiintindihan kita. Naiintindihan kita, Sapphire. Kahit magkalayo man tayo, ikaw pa rin Sapphire. Kung sakali man mag-iba ang takbo ng puso mo, ipapaalala ko lang sayo na yung puso ko ay titibok lang sayo. You are the only one. Wala akong pinagsisisihan, Sapphire. I'm thankful you came into my life."

Sapphire cupped her face. Hindi matapos-tapos ang pagluha nito.

"Joey, I promised, babalik ako. Babalikan kita! Please, wait for me. I will look for you... I love you!"

Joey's tears flows nonstop. Tila nakikisabay ang ulan sa kanilang nararamdaman.

"No. I am the one who will find you. Please for me ha? Pero kung makahanap ka na ng iba, okay lang Sapphire. I will understand. As long that person makes you happy, masaya na rin ako. I love you. I always will."

They shared a kiss. Punong-puno ng pagmamahal... ng kalungkutan... ng sakit.

Mayamaya pa ay nagulat ang dalawa ng makita ang pagbabalik ni Mr. dela Vega at ng mga tauhan nito. Mr. dela Vega is holding a gun now.

Agad nanginig si Sapphire ng makita ang bagay na yon. Joey embrace her so tight.

"Men, separate them." His men immediately obey him.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Joey ng itutok ni Mr. dela Vega ang hawak na baril sa kanyang ulo. Halos magwala si Sapphire sa sitwasyon nila. Pero mas natakot si Joey ng ilipat ni Mr. dela Vega ang direction ng baril sa pwesto ni Sapphire. He's aiming for Sapphire's head.

"Shit! Mr. dela Vega, stop! Stop! No! The deal! The deal, tuparin mo!" Kasabay noon ay ang pagpupumiglas ni Joey. Halos manghina ang tuhod nya sa mga posibleng mangyari.

Mr. dela Vega's laugh spread. Nasisiyahan ito sa reaction ni Joey.

"I will pero hindi naman yon ganoon kadali na papaalisin ko na lang sya agad. Kailangan kakaiba. May souvenir si Sapphire. May alaala na di makakalimutan habang buhay."

Without any warning he pulled the trigger. Isang ingay ang umalingawngaw mula sa baril na hawak ni Mr. dela vega.

"Sapphire!!!" Agad itong napaupo habang nagpupumiglas na nakatingin sa babae. Nagwawala na ito.

The men pinned her down.

"Oopps! Nagmintis. I guess I need to have a practice again."

Kumalat ang pulang likido sa paligid. Sapphire was shot on her leg.

"Fuck! Hayop ka dela Vega! Hayop ka!" Halos magwala si Joey sa kalagayan nila. The men pinned her down.

Ibinalik nito ang tingin kay Sapphire na iniinda ang sakit ng tama nya.

"Sapphire, look at me. Please."

She looks at Joey. Sapphire is crying hindi dahil sa sugat nya kundi sa sitwasyon nilang dalawa ng taong mahal nya. Wala syang magawa kundi ang tumingin kay Joey habang lumuluha.