Draft

Chapter 26

After more than two weeks staying at this stupid nipa hut, I’m beginning to lose my sanity. I told them to make a decent bathroom where I can fit. I bought them a motorcycle so every time they need to go to the market they won’t walk. And I’ve paid their whole year’s electricity bill which happens to be 150 pesos each month. What the hell was that? Aish.

“So, siguro naman sa susunod na pupunta kayo sa mall hindi na kayo pagkakamalang magnanakaw. You don’t only smell nice, you look nice now. At tsaka eto,” I handed them cash. “20 thousand, para na rin sa pagpapatira niyo sa’kin.” I said.

“Grabe Diamond. Ngayon lang kami nakahawak ng gantong pera,” J1 said, “Pero-,” I cut him off.

“Pero kapag umangal ka pa, sasapakin na kita. Lahat na lang inangalan mo. Sige na aalis na ko.” I said then walked towards my car.

I heard them both say, “Salamat! Balik ka lang kung kelan mo gusto.”

Like never. The Diamond who stayed here isn’t the Diamond back there. I wouldn’t even want to be in this place.

I drove back to Manila.

I reached Manila after 4 hours. My condo.

I have to see Life. I want to see Life.

I opened the door and saw Life writing something on the living room’s table while Mina watches over her.

And then just as I enter, Timmy went out his room.

“Diamond.” He just managed to say.

And then Life immediately stopped what she’s doing to check if I’m really there.

“Mummmmm!” she screamed.

I missed you baby.

“Hey baby. Come here.” I hugged her, carry her to the couch and then we just talked for about an hour until Mina said, “Diamond, I need to tell you something.”

“Yeah?” I asked.

“Where have you been? You were gone for too long. The firm, we’re losing investors. There were rumors that it’s because you never communicate with them. You’re the owner and they want you to be there.”

“Fetch me a conference with them by tomorrow. I can’t tonight, I have stuffs to do. I’ll be going.” I stood up and was about to leave.

“But Diamond, you’ve been gone too long. Can’t you at least talk to them tonight?”

“I can’t. Tomorrow. If you have a problem with that, let Timothy talk to them. It’s his company right?” I said.

“It’s not.” I saw Timothy entered the kitchen where Mina and I are talking. “It’s named after you so it’s yours.”

“Fuck it. Can I at least rest for tonight? I’ll talk to them tomorrow, damn it.”

“We all know you’re not to resting. Tell me, where really are you going?” Timothy asked.

“None of your business.” I said then walked away, but he grabbed my hand and say, “You’re going to meet Gino right?”

Fuck it.

“Who’s Gino?” Mina asked.

“Nobody. And no Timothy, I’m not. I’m going to meet the Paredes’ because as far as I remember, you know that Clark is still unconscious and as a so-called part of their family, I’m supposed to be there. You don’t have the right to accuse me of anything, mister. And don’t worry, I got my priorities straight. And that doesn’t involve Gino and me back together. Now if you’ll excuse me, before I fucking lose all my patience.” I shook his hand off my arms and walked towards Life whose in the living room.