Changed

Five

Talia's on the side. xx

-FIVE-

I swallowed hard before speaking yet I stuttered. "He-hello?"

Worst. My voice sounded worst. Parang Brazilian na nag English.. I just don't wanna risk being recognized.

"Who's this? It's 2 am. I'll just call you back." I clutched the phone to my hand. I was sure this is him kahit na kagigising lang yung boses niya at sobrang hina.

"Wait! This is an emergency," I blurted out. I think I used a British accent here.

"What kind of emergency? If this is a prank..." He left the sentence hanging, kinabahan ako. Akala niya prank call to.

"No. This is not. I just want to ask something. This is...uhmm..." Think Ami! Fast! "...from His Royal Highness Leo!" I quickly blurted out. I was aware na yung ndalawa nakatingin sakin. I didn't dare look at them.

"Leo?"

"Yes. Leo. Leo of Albany. He's your friend?" Hindi ko alam kung bakit naging patanong yun.

"Yeah. I know him. What can I do for you? Is he in my beloved country right now?"

"Y-yes. Can I ask you something important?"

"Go on."

Go on. He's ushering me to go on yet I can't. I'm tongue-tied. Ano sasabihin ko? Nasayo ba yung gem na binigay ni Leo kay Amilyte? No. That would be like an accusation. Maybe, 'had you seen Amilyte's necklace' would do. But that would be too general. Crap.

"Hey, do you remember Lenie's 19th birthday party?"

I can hear his drumming his fingers, thinking.

"Yeah," he finally said after a good minute.

"What can you remember? Did you play hide and seek?" My voice sounded determined. This is my one shot.

He sighed. "Yep. We did." I swallowed the lump in my throat.

Of course he's not pertaining to you, idiot. I closed my eyes shut for a second, urging my tears not to fall down.

"What were the things you hide?"

"Shoes, forks, spoons, I think a wallet or two, then---I can't quite remember. Why?"

My pulse raced again. He's getting suspicious now. I needed to end this as fast as possible.

"How about jewels?"

"Jewels? Ahh... Let me think."

"Anything?" Ang tagal niyang sumagot.

"Ah yes! A necklace and a friend's bracelet."

"Did any of you guys find the necklace?"

"I'm sorry but I can't remember," he uttered, feeling sorry. I nodded kahit alam kong di niya ko nakikita.

"That's okay. Thanks for your help. I'm sorry to bother your sleep." I was ready to put the phone down when he spoke again.

"I'm sorry that I can't give Leo the information he needed but I'll ask some of my friends, then I'll call you. Is that okay with you? You sounded like he needed it badly." He chuckled and my heart lifted. I know Leo needs that but I never felt this happy to talk to him. Even for some minutes, makausap siya, I'll stay in the shadows.

"Thanks. That's so nice of you."

"Well, I'm happy to help." If he knows it's me, ganito din kaya sasabihin niya o ibababa nalang niya yung phone? Thinking about it now drains the energy from my body. Ang sakit palang isipin ng ganun. Here I am, talking to him without him knowing I am me.