Vanna wasn't able to rest when she went home. For another first time in her life, she dreaded the coming of day. She's anticipating her dismissal papers.
Kinabukasan, buong araw siyang nakatunganga sa CCTV monitor ng gate nila para makita kung sino ang magdadala no'n pero natapos ang araw na walang pumasok sa bahay nila bukod sa mga kapatid niya at magulang.
It was a minute before midnight when she heard her bedroom door alarm. Her heart thumped faster when she saw Von Liam waiting outside her door.
It took her few deep breaths before opening the door. Baka kasi ito ang inutusan ni Cloud na magdala ng dismissal order niya.
"Hey," she said recognizing his presence. Tumingin ito sa kanya. His sad eyes met her gaze. She inhaled deeply. There are times when she want to hug his twin brother tight, but when she remembers how coward he is, her anger surfaces.
Huminga ulit siya ng malalim bago tumalikod. Iniwan niyang nakabukas ang pintuan.
"C-can I come in?" Liam asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" She lazily looked back. Liam wasn't able to react right away. Naiiling niyang tinungo ang mini-bar ng kwarto at kumuha ng dalawang kopita. She threw one glass to Liam. Maagap naman nitong nasalo.
None of them spoke as she poured whiskey on their glasses.
"I was tasked to tracked down all the syndicated groups in the country," saad ni Liam matapos lumagok mula sa kopita. They sat beside each other on the bar counter.
Hindi siya nagsalita at uminom lang.
"I promise I will find all the culprits, Vanna," dagdag nito.
Napangisi siya sa pahayag ng kambal.
"It doesn't change a thing. For me, you are still a coward," she muttered as she poured another shot on her glass. Ayaw na niyang isipin ang dahilan kung bakit siya nagagalit sa kapatid. She doesn't want to bring out pent up emotion and pains.
"I know." Liam nodded slowly. "But this is my way of fighting my own demons. And I just wish my twin sister will support me on this," he stated.
Napatitig siya sa kapatid. She wasn't able to say a thing. Ngumiti ito ng mapait.
"We all have demons inside to battle with. Lahat ng tao dumarating sa punto na naduduwag rin."
Vanna fell silent at Liam's remark. She was hit real hard. Tiningnan niya lamang ito. There is anguish in his green eyes.
"No matter how strong you are, at some point, your demons will eat you up until being coward is the only option left." Ngumiti si Liam ng mapait. He emptied his glass and put down on the counter.
Tumayo ito mula sa kinauupuan.
"Show me all those demons and I will shoot them with my guns," papilosopo niyang tugon. Napatawa naman ng pagak ang kapatid.
"Mag-report ka raw sa agency bukas, may meeting tayo," sambit nito bago naglakad patungo sa pintuan.
The remark left her hanging for few minutes before she was able to grasp what he meant.
A tear escaped her eye as she realized she wasn't being dismissed from the service yet.
Ilang ulit siyang tumungga ng whiskey para pakalmahin ang sarili.
No matter how strong you are, at some point, your demons will eat you up until being coward is the only option left doing.
She smiled bitterly as she recalled Liam's statement. They may not be identical but now they have something in common – cowardice.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Empire Series 5: Vanna Lei Shrewd
ActionVanna Lei is shrewd and strong. Nobody can tear her down. Not even love? ***** Vanna Lei is one of the best agents in the International Forces. She was trained to combat even the toughest of underground syndicates. Kaya noong binigyan siya ng misyo...
