BEHIND the SCENES (DarLentina version)

Chapter 49: The threat

“I wish we're like this forever. I love you, Narda!"

Regina contentedly stare at Narda who's sleeping beside her. It's 8 o'clock in the morning yet Narda hasn't woken up yet. Masyado yata itong lasing at pagod para magising ng maaga just like she usually does.

Regina hugged her pillow as she stare at Narda. Keeping her hands to herself so she wouldn't wake her up from her deep sleep.

[Phone ringing]

Napalingon si Regina ng tumunog ang cellphone n'ya. Tumayo s'ya bigla para sagutin ang tawag. Ayaw n'yang magising si Narda sa ingay ng ringing tone n'ya. Dumiritso s'ya sa banyo para sagutin ang tawag.

"Hello? Regina's talking. Who's this?" She curiously answered an unknown number's call.

"Regina! Regina! Regina! How are you?"

Kunot-noong tiningnan ulit ni Regina ang screen ng cellphone n'ya. Talagang hindi nakaregister ang number nito sa cellphone n'ya pero bakit parang kilalang-kilala s'ya ng tumatawag? Bigla s'yang kinabahan lalo na at mukhang nang-uuyam ang tono ng boses nito.

"Who are you? How did you know me? Are we kind of acquainted or something? How did you get my number?"

Tumawa lang ito sa sunod-sunod n'yang tanong. "My name is not really of importance. Basta tao ako. Concerned lang ako sa'yo. Hahaha! I just want to let you know that you'll soon hear your name all over the news. But, dear, it isn't some kind of a good news for you. Tsk! Tsk! Bad thing right?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata n'ya sa narinig. It looks like the caller is threatening her about something. "Whatever it is, hindi ka magtatagumpay sa masama mong balak. I'll clear my name as soon as that news you're talking about transpires."

"Hmmm... let's see. I got a lot of pictures of you with Noah and your son Jeno. Your marriage contract..."

Tumawa si Regina. "But that's all fake. You can't use that against me! You're just wasting my time, dear. Nice try though."

Napangiti s'ya ng tumahimik sa kabilang linya. Nakahinga s'ya ng maluwag dahil wala naman pala s'yang dapat ipag-alala. Pero lalong kumunot ang noo n'ya ng tumawa ito.

"Why don't you call Noah? I've overheard that he's releasing a statement regarding your being 'unfaithful'. Go on and call him. Then call me back after you talk to him. I'll be waiting. But i'm warning you. Don't take too long. I might get bored and send this pictures to the media."

Pinatay nito ang tawag kaya lalong naguluhan si Regina. Nagpalakad-lakad s'ya sa banyo bago maisipang idial ang number ni Noah.

"Hey? Are you busy?" Bungad n'ya. Huling nagkita sila sa party ni Gabby at hindi na n'ya ulit ito natawagan o nakausap manlang.

"Hmmm... i'm going to the network in an hour." Sagot nito sa malungkot na boses.

"W-why?" Bigla s'yang kinabahan ng maisip na hindi yata nagbibiro ang kausap kanina sa sinasabi nito tungkol sa gagawin ni Noah.

"I'm releasing a statement about your unfaithfulness, Regi."

"You will what?! Ano ba 'tong pinagsasabi mo, Noah?"

"Your dad is dying, what should I do? Someone sent him your photos kissing Narda and believe me, he didn't like it. He wishes for you to get married and have kids before he died. He want you to have a stable life before he leave you pero ngayon palang sinisira mo na ang pangalan at reputasyon mo dahil sa pinaggagawa n'yo ni Narda."

Napahawak si Regina sa ulo. "He isn't dying, damn it! Ginagawa lang n'ya 'to for him to get what he wants. I'm not leaving Narda because of this."

"Dying or not, I need to do this. Ako na ang makakalaban mo, Regina. I'll use 'our family' pictures and the marriage contract para ayusin itong gulo mo rito. Kailangang hindi ka na maiugnay pa kay Narda o kung kanino pa man. Babantayan kita, Regi. Trust me, this is for you."