DBS#3: Mending the Scars

IKA-APATNAPU'T TATLO

Mabilis ang naging patakbo ng motor ni Top habang binabagtas namin ang daan papunta sa address na binigay sa akin ni Jaiden. She said it’s her penthouse, and it is safer since she hired someone to investigate his father and gather information. She’s worried Uncle Julio will find out.

“I guess where here,” I said, tapping his shoulder to get his attention.

Huminto siya sa tapat isang condominium. It is not just the ordinary one, but a luxurious 30-story building with very high security and complete amenities. She really gets what she wants.

Top parked his motorcycle in the parking lot, and we’re about to enter the building, but a middle-aged woman showed up in front of us. She’s wearing corporate attire and seems to be waiting for someone… or, should I say, us?

“Good afternoon, sir. You must be Ms. Jaiden Sullivan’s cousin," she asked.

“Yes, I have an appointment for her. Where is she?”

“She’s expecting you, and she’s already inside the building, on the 30th floor,” she answered and walked us to a private elevator.

Hinatid niya lang kami at nagpaiwan ito sa baba. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi siya sumama pero sa tingin ko ay may iba pang inutos sa kaniya si Jaiden.

“Bakit hindi ganito ka-high-end ang condo mo?” tanong ni Top habang ginagala ang tingin sa elevator na gold plated.

“Hindi kasi ako totoong anak. Si Jaiden hindi ampon, kaya worth it gastusan,” I answered half-jokingly.

Mom and Dad don’t spoil me like how Jaiden was raised. I can definitely buy anything I want, but only if I do something I can be proud of.

“Kung makapagsalita ka, parang wala na lang sa iyo na ampon ka, ah.” natatawang pang-aasar niya.

Ano naman ang gusto niyang gawin ko? Magmukmok? Umiyak? I’d rather think about the things I need to do. It’s just a matter of priorities. Mas mabuti nang maubos ang oras ko sa paghahanap sa totoo kong magulang, kaysa magkulong sa kwarto at umiyak.

“Ayaw mo rin naman akong magkulong sa kwarto kaya anong nirereklamo mo riyan?”

He laughed. “Pwede kang magkulong sa kwarto. Basta kasama mo ako.”

He’s crazy!

Nasa pinakataas ang penthouse ni Jaiden kaya halos mahilo na ako bago pa makarating sa 30th floor. Nang sa wakas ay tumunog na ang elevator hudyat na nasa tamang palapag na kami, kaagad akong lumabas. Binati kami ng mga bodyguards na pamilyar sa akin. Nakita ko na sila noon nang minsang napasyal ako sa bahay nila uncle.

“What’s up, Henry? Tuloy kayo,”  nakangiting bungad sa amin ni Jaiden nang pagbuksan niya kami ng pinto.

“I’m with Top. He’s… a friend,” naiilang na sabi ko.

“No worries. Please feel at home.”

Naunang naglakad si Jaiden sa amin. Sinundan namin siya hanggang sa makarating kami sa malawak niyang living room na may malaking sliding door patungong balcony kung saan tanaw ang buong city.

“Hindi ko nagustuhan ang pakilala mo sa akin…”

Kaagad kong nilingon si Top na nasa likuran ko at bumubulong-bulong na parang bubuyog. Nakakunot ang noo niya habang nakatitig sa akin.