Unsolved Mystery (Nilacabb Series #1)

13

SHANE

I don't have a courage to tell this to my mom. I've been suffering almost half of my existence because of that dumbass stepfather of mine. Sabay-sabay na ang mga problema ko.

Sunod-sunod ang namamatay. Gusto ko ring mag-rant sa mga kaibigan ko about sa problema ko but I don't have a courage to. Tapos malalaman ko na ganito, na pinagbibintangan nila si Jarenn. Lalo lang lumala ang problema ko.

I cannot believe this. 'Yung mga kaibigan ko nagdududa kay Jarenn. I would never imagine him killing his friend or friends. Naalala ko no'ng nalaman niyang wala na si Chris, sobra ang iyak niya no'n.

"Jarenn, wait," I stopped him. Susubukan ko siyang kausapin. Gusto kong malaman niyang naniniwala ako sa kaniya.

"Ano ba 'yon, Shanelle? Maniniwala ka rin na pinatay ko si Chris?" He asked.

"No. Listen to me, okay. I believe you. Alam kong hindi mo kayang gawin 'yon." I said and caressed his face.

"Bakit ako 'yung pinagbibintangan nila? I am telling the truth. 'Yung bracelet at letter na 'yon, 'yon 'yung binigay mo sa 'kin. Nahulog siguro no'ng binalik ko 'yung libro sa library dahil naka-ipit 'yon do'n and I have nothing to do with that knife." He said as the tears started to fell from his eyes.

"It has fingerprints daw." I said.

"Shanelle, akala ko ba naniniwala ka sa 'kin?" He asked me.

"Oo, Jarenn. I believe but I cannot think of any possible reason to have your fingerprints on that fucking knife." I said.

Ayoko siyang pagdudahan, but I want to hear the truth. Gusto kong malaman kung bakit may fingerprint siya sa kutsilyo. I want to know who's trying to frame him up.

"Kampihan mo sila." He said and walked away. I sounded so wrong, fuck!

"Jarenn naman," I said tryin' to stop him pero ayaw niya. Sinubukan ko siyang hawakan pero nilalayo niya ang braso niya kaya tumigil na lang ako.

Pumunta ako sa likod ng isang building para magmuni-muni when I receive a message from Chloe.

From: Chloe
Where are you? Usap tayo.

I typed a message and sent it to her.

To: Chloe
Don't talk to me ever again, Chloe.

I slammed my phone and break it into pieces. My friend circle are starting to break apart so my relationship with Jarenn does.

My parents never made me felt that they love me. Sa mga kaibigan ko unang naramdaman ang pagmamahal. Sobrang saya ko sa piling nila. Doble pa no'ng dumating si Jarenn sa buhay ko. I couldn't asked for anything better.

I remembered all of the things we went through. All of the things we've shared together.

— flashback —

"Happy birthday sa 'yo, minamahal naming Shanelle." Saad ni Chloe. "Tugon,"

"Happy birthday, Shanelle. Happy birthday, Shanelle." Sabay-sabay sila na parang nagdadasal sila sa patay.

"Nawa'y magkaroon ka ng malakas na pangangatawan. Tugon,"

"Happy birthday, Shanelle. Happy birthday, Shanelle." I laughed out loud after hearing those.

"Tang ina niyo, ginawa niyo 'kong patay." Sabi ko sa kanila. "Yari kayo sa birthday niyo."

"Happy birthday, bff!" Bati sa 'kin ni Lueese. "Dito lang kami for you. Hindi ako mawawala, promise."