Pay Back (bongleni)

Chapter 6

Leni rushed into their house and immediately looked at her 15 year old sister, Aya, who was still rubbing her eyes from just waking up.

"Ate, nandito ka na pala," Aya said, still sleepy.

"Mag-impake ka, Aya. Aalis na tayo," Leni said quickly as she started looking for their suitcase.

"Bakit po, ate?" Aya asked, confused.

"Sumunod ka na lang!" Leni replied, her voice tense while she packed their things.

"Ate, aalis na naman tayo? Malilipat na naman ako ng school?" Aya's voice trembled, worried.

"Aya, mamaya na natin pag-usapan 'yan! Kailangan na nating umalis!" Leni said, sounding desperate.

"A-ate—"

"Huwag ka ng maraming tanong!" Leni shouted, her voice trembling with both anger and fear. "Gusto mo bang mapahamak nanaman tayo gaya ng nangyare pag kamatay ni Papa?!"

Aya froze, the painful memories flooding back. She remembered that day clearly—the knock on their door, the cold, harsh faces of the debt collectors. Taken everything they owned, even the little things that were precious to them. The fear, the helplessness, and the way Leni had to step in to protect her.

"Naalala mo ba, Aya?" Leni’s voice softened, but the urgency was still there.

Aya’s eyes filled with tears, understanding now why Leni was so desperate. She nodded, grabbing her bag tighter. They couldn't let the past repeat itself. Not again.

Ayaw sanang ipaalala ni Leni kay Aya ang nakaraan, pero wala na siyang choice. Kailangan niyang sabihin para tumigil na ito sa maraming tanong.

Kailangan na nilang takasan si Bong.

Leni's chest tightened at the thought of him. She had endured enough—his threats, his control. She had no plans of letting him ruin their lives the way those debt collectors had destroyed their family after Papa died. Now, Bong was like a dark shadow following them, and Leni knew they had to escape before it was too late.

Leni and Aya hurried out of the house, desperate to escape. After walking just a few blocks, a figure in a dark coat approached them. Before they could react, the figure pulled out a handkerchief soaked in a strong chemical and pressed it over their faces.

The smell was overpowering, and Leni felt herself growing weak and dizzy. She saw Aya's eyes widen in fear before everything went black.

===

Leni slowly woke up, her head throbbing and her vision still blurry. As her senses began to clear, she realized she was in a small, dimly lit room.

She sat up quickly, scanning the room for any sign of Aya. "Aya! Nasaan ka!” she called out, her voice echoing in the empty space.

The door creaked open, and Bong stepped inside, a smug look on his face. Leni’s heart dropped at the sight of him.

"B-Bong,” she said, her voice shaking with fear and anger. “Nasaan si Aya? Anong ginawa mo sa kanya?"

Bong closed the door behind him and walked over, his eyes cold. "Don’t worry about your sister, Leni"

“What do you want from us?” Leni demanded, trying to keep her voice steady as she stood up.

Bong’s smirk widened. "It’s not what I want from you. It’s what you’re going to do for me. We have some unfinished business, Leni, and it’s time to settle it."

Leni’s mind raced as she tried to figure out her next move and where Aya might be.

Leni took a step back, her heart pounding. "Babayaran naman kita, Bong. Just let my sister go"

Bong leaned against a table, crossing his arms. "You thought you could just walk away from the mess you got yourself into. Alam mo na yung mang yayare pero pinili mo pa rin suwayin ako"

Leni’s mind raced. She remembered the threats Bong had made before, when their first meet again,  "I won’t let you hurt Aya. Just tell me what you want."

Bong moved closer, his gaze intense. "I need you to do something for me. Be with me—like a partner. Act like you’re mine, like you’re my wife. If you do that, I’ll let you and your sister go. I won’t bother you again and I’ll make sure for that"

Leni’s heart pounded. "Kung hindi ako pumayag?"

Bong’s expression hardened. "Then I can’t guarantee what will happen to your sister. This is your choice."

Leni’s heart raced as she tried to understand Bong’s demand. “"Nahihibang ka na talaga! I can’t—"

Bong interrupted, his tone firm. "You don’t have a choice. If you want to keep your sister safe, you need to agree. Be with me, act like my wife, and I’ll let both of you go."

Leni struggled with the idea, her mind racing. "How do I know you’ll keep your promise?"

Bong’s eyes were cold. " Parang hindi mo naman ako kilala, Leni! I have my words. Do what I ask, and I’ll make sure your sister is safe and free. Refuse, and you’ll both suffer."

Leni felt her stomach churn, but she knew she had no other option. She clenched her fists, trying to steady her voice. "I don’t have much choice, do I?"

Bong’s expression remained stern. "No, you don’t. Think of it this way: you’re doing this to protect your sister. Madali lang naman ang pinapagawa ko—make me feel like you’re my wife."

Leni’s heart sank as she tried to process what he was asking. "You’re asking me to pretend... to be with you like that? Just to keep Aya safe?"

Bong nodded. "Yes. Act like my wife, show me that you’re committed, and I’ll ensure both of you are free and safe. It’s simple, but it’s the only way."

Leni took a deep breath, her mind racing. "Bong. I’ll do it. Just make sure Aya is okay and that you keep your promise."

Bong’s stern demeanor softened slightly, though his eyes remained firm. "Good. I’ll make the arrangements. You’ll tomorrow, so be prepared."

As Bong left the room, Leni felt a wave of despair mixed with determination. She knew she had to stay strong for Aya and navigate this situation carefully, hoping to find a way out while fulfilling Bong’s demands.