Beauty and the Beast Boss : Bitter Sweet and Strange

Chapter 18

Beleza

I usually laugh at leading ladies of several movies who always choose the bad or new guy over an old good friend who are devoting their time and efforts to them for a long time. Ganyan naman kadalasan ang nangyayari sa mga Kdrama na napanuod ko. That's why we have that so called 'second lead syndrome '.

"I guess, I'll just see you soon. Pupunta rin naman ako rito a week before my reinstatement."

"Sure. Mag-ingat ka."

Pupunta na siya sa bayan ng kanyang pamilya at doon muna mamamalagi. Marvin just smiled at me and already started to line up for his flight. I immediately went out of the airport after giving him a last wave of goodbye. I immediately grabbed the nearest taxi.

I sighed.

It's true that you can only truly understand someone when you put on his or her shoes. Now, I can totally understand the leading ladies of several movies about their choices when it comes to their relationships. Before, I always thought that they're just plain dumb or something. But look who's talking?

Marvin has always been good to me since the time we met. He helps me in any way he can. He's an honest person. He even confesses what he feels for me several times. But I always turned him down.

And then, here comes a new guy whom I never picture out to be with. Hindi pa kami gaano katagal na nagkakilala at sa loob ng panahong iyon, hindi naman kami nagkaroon ng gaanong closure.

Sir Buendavid Villasuarez IV.

We're just traped in multiple coincidences and unexpected circumstances. And with those moments, he's able to infect my whole system with a deadly virus called love. Yes, I admit.

This is love. Because if it's not, then what is? Though, I think this is just the introductory point, and no matter how I love to go to the end point, I already decided to end this right away, ASAP. No. Dapat pala noon ko pa ito tinapos para hindi na kami umabot sa puntong ito ngayon. But fate is crazy, really crazy, and I was caught off guard.

Sinong mag-aakala na hahantong kami sa ganito? Never ever in my wildest dream that I expect these happenings. Akala ko noon sa TV o sa libro lang nangyayari ng ganitong set-up. But I was wrong. Here I am, currently living it. I'm the plain dumb character.

"Nandito na po tayo, ma'am."

Nanumbalik ang isipan ko sa reyalidad nang magsalita ang driver. Nagbayad lang ako at lumabas na. Kailangan kong puntahan si Allerick sa South Science Dome. Sumama kasi siya kay Ma'am Liza sa kanilang science exhibit kahit hindi pa naman siya nag-aaral.

Ma'am Liza is a teacher who lives near our apartment. She's fond of Allerick for being an intelligent child he is. And this is already the third time Allerick joined their exhibit.

I tried to call Ma'am Liza but she's not answering the call. Maybe she's currently busy. Bago ako makarating sa entrance ng dome ay nagulat at nagtaka ako nang sabay-sabay na nagsilabasan ang mga tao.

What's happening?

Nang may napadaan na babae sa aking harapan ay kinausap ko siya.

"Anong nangyayari?" Sabay kaming napasigaw nang makarinig kami ng malakas na putok ng baril. "W-as... was that a gunshot?!!!" gulantang kong singhal.

"Yes. May kriminal na hinahabol ang pulisya sa loob ng dome."

"WHAT?!!"

My mind became blank. Naglandas ang kaba sa aking sestima. Biglang pumasok sa isip ko si Allerick. I just found myself running towards the entrance of the dome. But I was halted by several policemen.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we don't allow any civilian to come inside."

"No! I mean, nasa loob ang aking anak! He's just five years old!"

"Huminahon po kayo, ma'am. Nasa loob na ang iba naming kasamahan. They will ensure everyone's safety. We would like you to keep distance from this place to avoid unnecessary incident. Thank you for your cooperation."

I was left helpless. Anong gagawin ko? Naramdaman ko na lang ang walang humpay na pagrasa ng aking luha dahil sa takot. I can't lose Allerick! He's my everything.

Habang naglalakad palayo sa lugar tulad ng utos ng police ay tumunog ang aking cellphone. Sinagot ko ito nang hindi man lang tinitignan ang caller.

I'm too occupied and stressed.

"Ms. Quirino, we really have to talk right now." Napatigil ako nang boses ni Sir Buendavid ang aking narinig. I can't say a word. I'm just sobbing endlessly. "Wait, are you crying? Where are you? Bakit medyo maingay diyan?"

"S-sir, nasa South Science Dome po ako."

"And so?"

"Sir, may nagbabarilan po sa loob. At si... si Allerick... he's inside the dome! I don't know what to do. Ayaw akong papasukin ng police."

"WHAT?!!"

Nakarinig ako ng kaluskus sa kabilang linya.

"Listen to me. May mga police na sa lugar kaya huwag kang mangamba. They know what they are doing. Follow their instructions. I will save Allerick at all costs. Don't worry, Ms. Quirino. And stop crying, okay?"

I bit my lip. Dahil sa sinabi ni sir ay naibsan ang aking pangamba. He'll save Allerick, right?

"Thank you, sir. I don't know how you'll do it, but please, save my son. I'm begging you."

"You don't have to beg. This is my responsibility. This is something I must do."

He then ended the call.

Napatulala na lang ako sa kawalan.

Allerick, be safe.

I can't lose you.