Enigmatic (reworking = Slow Update)

-Third-

[Rhein's POV]

"Infinity doubled is a symbol of two everlasting commitments combined. It's the essence of two individuals who have dedicated their lives to separate paths but have come together as one, joining their fates forever and ever. But despite of it's beautiful meaning about love, double infinity symbolizes revenge." Sabi ni Jarod habang nakaharap sa kanyang laptop. I looked at him puzzled.

"The first definition is pointless. It may be the latter. But why? And who's the one who took revenge on my mother? She's a really good person. Alam kong wala itong naging kaaway o nakaalitan man lang." Sabi ko.

Nakita kong tumayo si Jarod at lumapit sa akin. He tapped my back and said, "That's what we're going to find out."

I just nodded at him. "And I forgot to tell you, the victim is a Filipino. I've already researched the background of the victim. I was thinking if it's connected to your mother's death because of the tattoo. " Dagdag pa nito.

"So, anong nalaman mo tungkol sa kanya?" Tanong ko.

"Nothing much. Her name is Melissa Alcantara and," He paused and took his phone from me. I saw him tapping the 'Gallery' then the 'Screenshots' folder, afterwards. "Something caught my attention." Sabi nito sabay bigay ulit ng phone nito sa akin.

"Studied at Winston University? How old is she?" Tanong ko kay Jarod.

"Mid 40's. Batch '91-'92." Sabi niya. Batch yun nina Mama at Tita Mel, Jarod's mother.

"Can we ask Tita Mel for further informations? Maybe she could give us more details about her." I asked him, giving his phone back and stood up.

"Yea. She'll be coming here to visit me tomorrow." Sagot naman nito. I turned and walked towards the guest room's door.

"Let's call it a night. Dito nalang ako matutulog. Night." Sabi ko. Sakto naman at nakarating na ako sa harap ng pinto kaya pumasok na agad ako.

Kinuha ko muna ang laptop ko bago pumunta sa kama. I opened my facebook and wattpad account.

Wala namang bago sa facebook ko. Puro tagged status and photos lang ang nandun sa notifications. Sa wattpad naman, new votes and comments.

I clicked the 'Start a new story' and started writing. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagtype ko sa keyboard ng laptop ko. Nakaisip na ako ng plot kanina lang kaya sinimulan ko na para hindi mawala sa isipan ko.

Malapit ko nang matapos ang pangalawang kabanata ng may kumatok.

"Rhein, Mom said she'll arrive here 8:00 AM. You should get up early." Sigaw ni Jarod mula sa labas.

"Okay. GoodNight." Sigaw ko pabalik at pinagpatuloy ang pagtatype. Di naman na ito sumagot pa.

--

"Rhein, Mom's here. Get up!" Rinig kong sabi ni Jarod habang niyuyugyug ako.

"Aga pa ee. Maya na. 15 minutes." Sabi ko nang nakapikit pa. Tinalikuran ko siya at itutuloy na sana ang pagtulog nang may nagbato sa akin ng sandals. Dumikit pa yung takong sa noo ko.

"Rhein, get up!" Tita Mel said with authority.

Napabangon agad ako at nagmano kay tita.

"Good morning po, Tita. Kanina pa po ba kayo?" Tanong ko kay Tita Mel habang kinakamot ang ulo ko.

"Yes. Jarod said you ha e something to ask me. I'll wait for you outside. Make it fast. I'll leave after 20 minutes." Sabi ni Tita at lumabas na ng kwarto kasama si Jarod. Pumunta na agad ako sa mini bathroom dito sa guest room ng unit ni Jarod. Naghilamos lang ako at nag toothbrush bago lumabas ng kwarto.

Nadatnan kong may kausap si Tita sa phone. Si Jarod naman ay naghahanda ng makakain. Umupo ako sa sofa malapit sa inuupuan ni Tita at hinintay na matapos itong makipag-usap.

Dumating si Jarod na may dalang tray ng juice at sandwich. Sakto naman at natapos nang makipag-telebabad si Tita.

"So," panimula ni Tita. Napatingin agad ako sa kanya at hinintay ang susunod na sasabihin nito. "What is it that you want to talk about?"

"Gusto ko lang po sanang malaman kung may nangyari ba noong High School days niyo ni mama." Tanong ko kay Tita.

Confusion was painted on her face. "What do you mean?"

"My mother's murder case wasn't close back then. Malakas ang kutob ko, namin ni Jarod, na paghihigante ang motibo ng suspect because of the symbol written on her arms. And Jarod told me that his neighbor in states was also murdered and had the same symbol on the exact same spot like my mothers'. Nalaman namin na pareho kayo ng pinasukang High School at school year ng pagtatapos noon. We thought that you might know her. Does Melissa Alcantara ring a bell?" Mahabang paliwanag ko kay Tita.

Nakita kung unti-unting lumaki ang mata ni Tita na para bang may naalala.

"Bakit Tita? Kilala niyo po ba siya?" Tanong ko kay Tita. She looked at me and nodded.

"She's one of your mother's best friend."