People in black attires filled the whole area as the dark clouds continued to shed. It’s expected that there will be rain. And of all the people here holding their own umbrellas, I’m the only one standing without one. My swollen eyes were fixed at the coffin going down into its grave.
This is the last funeral I’ll be attending. The last day that I will see them in a coffin.
It hurts so much to the point that it even breaks my heart. This month for me was a grieving one. The fact that the three special people in my life met the embrace of death. And without me, having the chance to do anything to save them is something I couldn't fathom. It’s an accident but it’s hard for me to accept it.
It’s not just an accident. It’s an incident, someone killed them.
I heaved a deep sigh and shivered due to the coldness of the rain. The rain got heavier as I cried harder, clutching the clothes in my chest, trying to ease the pain inside me.
“Queenie, let’s go home,” Kyle gently muttered, holding my shoulder.
“No, I don’t want to...” I refused and shooked my head. It’s something I couldn’t bear, something that is just so hard for me to do.
He pulled me closer and gave me a tight hug. “I know it’s hard. But please, don’t make yourself affected too much. We are all hurt but we need to move on.”
I started crying on his chest. “Move on? That’s not an easy thing to do. I lost three of my friends. Kyle, three. I thought I’ll be meeting them for almost three years of parting away. Then here’s what happened, we’re so happy that day and the day after brought me this.” I almost failed to utter a single word properly.
“I understand, just cry. Everything will be fine,” he gently said to at least lighten the heaviness in me. I didn’t utter a single word again and let myself burst into tears—being in a vulnerable state.
It’s been three months after that, everything is still fresh in my mind. If only I came with them, I know that won’t happen.
I took a sip of brown coffee on my white mug as I fixed my attention reading the reports about the accident. I also got the CCTV footages.
According to the police statement, what happened was just all an accident which is something that isn’t enough for me. I know that there’s something wrong and that wasn’t just an accident.
I also got a file from Kaira. She investigated the case of the Averro massacre during that time. She’s a friend of mine—one of the friends that I’ve lost—a famous and a great detective.
She was supposed to give me this file on the same day as the incident. Good thing she told me about this thing. There’s a possibility that what happened to them is something that is connected to the said massacre.
I know it’s a dangerous thing to dig about this thing. I’ll be graduating next month but I never did anything but focus on this one. Teaching was not my choice. Of course, that’s what my family wants for me. I want to be an accountant. But that’ll only remain as my dream.
I took a deep breath. I’m currently in the room of my apartment. I’ll surely come back to Manila after our graduation.
I took a glance at the picture where a man’s face can be seen. Gotcha! It was a guy smiling widely with his teeth. He’s one of the trusted bodyguards of the well-known billionaire, Arthur James El Devar.
I’ll make sure to avenge the death of my friends.
I tapped the image of the man. Jackson Louzinna. Half American and half Filipino. I don’t even know about his reason for doing that to my friends but I’ll make sure to know everything about it soon.
I took my mug and finished my coffee that is almost cold and tasteless. I leaned my back on my chair and faced the television. It is currently airing the show entitled Hansel and Gretel. It was way more different from an ordinary grim fairytale; it has only one witch hunter.
As I fixed my attention on what I am watching, I didn’t notice the ringing of my phone due to someone's call. I grabbed it while my eyes were still focused on the television. It’s already 11:25 in the morning.
I checked my phone to know whom that miscall came from and it was from Kyle. Kyle was Matthew’s brother and Matthew’s one of the friends I lost. I wonder what’s his reason for calling me?
“Hello,” I called while keeping my eyes on the show.
“How are you?” he asked from the other line.
“I’m fine. You?” I put both of my feet on my chair.
“Good,” he replied.
“Why did you call?” I asked straightly.
“I’m back in the Philippines, I’m here in Manila. Next month is your graduation, isn’t it? Congratulations in advance.”
Kyle grew up in the United Kingdom. No wonder why the way he talks is way different from his brother Matthew. He had this British accent that I kinda like.
“Thank you,” I gloatingly answered.
“Always welcome. What are you up now?” I can picture out he’s smiling while he’s on his study table.
Kyle was an IT specialist in Cisco while Matthew was a graduate in Engineering at that time when it happened. A pang of pain shot my heart when I remembered the tragedy that had befallen before.
“I’m in my room watching TV. Why are you here in the Philippines?” I couldn’t help but feel the heaviness in me right now.
We talked about things until what had happened before disappeared from my mind. I’m feeling better now.
After talking over the phone, I immediately went towards the bathroom to take a shower. I didn’t notice the time and almost forgot that I’ll be going home today.
I quickly brushed my black hair that is already beyond my shoulder. I took my sling bag and got out of my room heading towards the door of my flat. I locked the door and almost ran downstairs.
The apartment building I was staying in was a three-story one and there’s no elevator that’s why I have to endure going up and down the stairs.
I quickly rode the tricycle approaching near my direction. Fortunately, I was the only passenger inside that’s why I rhythmically stamp my foot without hesitation.
I suddenly screamed when a vehicle slightly hit the tricycle I’m in. Thank God the impact wasn’t that strong. I heard the driver cursed as he furiously approached the vehicle behind us.
My eyes widened when I saw the car that had hit us. It was a navy blue Ferrari Pininfarina Sergio.
The owner of the car came out with his elegious physique, broad shoulders, a narrowed hip, and a short half-dry shuffled curly brown hair. He was wearing a blue tee and black jeans. The shoes he’s wearing looked expensive, too.
I stared at his deep dark brown orbs. He had that well-defined jawline, nose in a sloping curve, and an exaggerated bridge with a slight bend. His thin rosy-colored lips were not smiling. And his eyebrows were thick.
“Sorry, it’s not my intention,” the man apologized but it was visible on his face that it was fake.
“Stop joking around, man! Are you dumb? Do you intend to kill us? Look what you have done to my tricycle. It’s broken!” the driver madly mumbled while pointing his tricycle. I averted my gaze as I sat properly when they looked near my direction.
“If that’s the problem, I am willing to pay you. Is 10,000 not enough?” the man stated with his baritone voice.
The driver went silent. 10,000 is already a big amount and this man is undoubtedly rich. I glanced over and saw the scratch on his car.
I bit my lower lip when I remembered that I should be riding a van to head home right now. I immediately took my phone in my bag and called Rhisha.
I closed my eyes in frustration when she didn’t pick up the call. It looks like their argument will take a while so I’d better just walk. Besides, I have already paid.
I quickly got off the tricycle and almost ran since the terminal I’m heading to is a few meters away.
I caught my breath when I reached the terminal only to find out that Rhisha wasn’t there anymore. I faced palm for I promised her that we’ll go together. I’m sure that she’s upset with me now.
I immediately got in the SUV parked near me as I fanned myself with my hand for I am already sweaty. While sitting at the back of the van, I texted Rhisha to say sorry for what happened. I took a glance outside the window and caught the car that had slightly bumped into us earlier.
I fell asleep and saw that I was already in the city when I woke up. And it took me an hour and a few minutes to reach the next terminal.
I missed my hometown. It’s been 3 years and 9 months since I last came here.
I immediately got off the van. It was already night when we arrived. I texted my brother to fetch me and it took him 10 minutes to reply. I boringly stood in the terminal as I wait for his reply. After a few more seconds, he texted that our dad will be the one to fetch me since he has something to do.
We are four siblings. I am the eldest and my younger brother is in grade 10, while my two younger sisters are in elementary; one in grade 5 and one in grade 3.
All I did is to scroll on my Facebook feed while waiting for my dad to come. We are not close so there’s no doubt that I won’t talk to him.
I quickly rode the motorbike when he arrived and silence bombarded us during the whole trip.
Arriving home, the first thing I did is eat. All of them greeted me while I kept my attention eating rice and lechon manok.
“Thank God and my Ate will finally graduate,” Fairon greeted me with a wide smile plastered upon his face. He took a slice of lechon and ate it.
“Where did you go?” I asked and grabbed a glass of water.
“Just outside, Mama told me to buy something,” he exclaimed and head towards the ref.
“Okay,” I answered back and stood up.
Our house is way more different from how it was before. It used to be made up of woods but is now concreted with two floors in it. Our bedrooms were found upstairs while the living, kitchen, and stock room are downstairs.
I put the dishes in the sink and started washing them. Minutes later, my mom arrived holding a two litres of ice cream.
“My dear, what’s your plan after your graduation?” she gently asked.
I turned around, roamed my eyes, and faced her. Our kitchen is undoubtedly neat. The sink is tiled and there’s a cabinet and a drawer where the dishes, foods, and kitchen utensils are kept.
I noticed the wrinkles found on my mom’s forehead. She’s already 50 and she’s a bit taller than me. I got my light brown skin and jet black hair from her. I must say that she became healthier and fat this time.
My father is a baker on his own bakeshop found in town. He’s also 3 years older than my mom and his hair that has the color of coffee whitened. Perhaps, it was because of too much stress.
“I am planning to go to Manila, Ma. I’ll find a job to save money for my board exam.”
Shock was evident on her face because of what I’ve said. She must be surprised and wasn’t expecting for it. “And where do you plan to live there?”
We have no relatives in Manila. And I am aware of that. That’s why I’ll temporarily live in Kaira's Mom. She's just alone at home and when I told her about my plan, she volunteered and told me to live with her.
“I’ll be living at Aunt Beatrice's house for the meantime, she was the one who offered me to live with her,” I muttered with a wide smile while facing my mom.
“That’s great,” she replied with a beam. But behind those smiles, I know she’s worried about me, especially for my safety.
“Don’t worry, Ma. I’ll be fine.” I gave her an assuring smile to not make her worry even more.
“I bought you your favorite, chocolate ice cream.”
“Just what I see!” I exclaimed excitedly. I put the dishes that I’ve washed in the drawer before heading towards the table.
I don’t have any plan to tell them my real intention for staying in Manila. I’ll keep it a secret.
