CHAPTER 6

“That would be the end of our discussion. Thank you.”Nathan rose up from his seat and smiled to the board of directors. He immediately walked away in the conference room and loosen up his necktie from frustration. He walked faster toward his office and close the door loudly. He put down the files and his laptop in the table abruptly.

“Fuck those annoying old brat!” He clenched his fist and tightened his squared jaw. They wanted to walk against him since they’re not satisfied to his work because he was still young to be involve in the business world. He was just 21-year-old, yet his father already gave him this huge responsibility. He was an ace student and he accelerated to college when he was in high school. He didn’t take senior high and already step forward into college. His classmates were jealous to him and tried to ruin him, yet they didn’t succeed.  Even after graduation and started working in their company, his co-workers wanted to ruin him and threatened his position as a CEO of the Vil Real Company.

He punched the wall in annoyance. His blood boiled from anger and wanted to kill those fuckers. They’re threatening his position and thought that he lack in competence in managing the company.Vil Real is the largest main supplier of small arms ammunition of the armies in Philippines and other countries in the whole world. They manufactured different firearms and ammunition available worldwide. They have a new project along with foreign investors and international armies and they can accumulate over billion dollars in this project. The selfish and greedy directors wanted to pursue their project on their own but he didn’t allow it. There’s something going on. They’re probably planning something worst.

Napatigil sya sa kanyang iniisip nang biglang pumasok ang kanyang sekretarya. Pormal itong lumapit sakanya at bahagyang yumuko bilang paggalang. Tila nag-aalangan ang babae sa pagpasok at magsalita. Halata sa lakad at galaw na natatakot at kinakabahan ito sa presensya niya. Nathan looked at the girl amusingly and chuckled softly.

“Ugh, How many times do I have to tell this?”Nathan sighed mischievously. He ran his palm through his hair to fix it along with his necktie and suit. He licked his lower lips to wet it. Tiningnan nya ito mula baba pataas.

“..di ako santo para yukuan.” Nathan smirked playfully then looked at the woman teasingly. Hindi makatingin nang maayos ang kanyang sekretarya at napaatras na lamang sa hiya.

“Just treat me as a normal person, Ms.---” tinignyan nya ang i.d nito at binasa ang pangalan.

“Trixie Mendoza” pabulong nyang sambit. Nathan smiled. He looked at her with amusement in his eyes. He arched his eyebrow when the girl blushed and looked away. Nathan smirked from her reaction and thought she looked cute. He can’t deny the fact that he was the type of every women. He has the look that everyone would drool on.

“You’re lucky,Xba,” Nathan whispered into air.

“I uh, p-pinapatawag po kayo ni chairman. May mahalaga po siyang sasabihin sa inyo,” mabilis at nauutal na sinabi ni Trixie. Inayos ni Nathan ang collar at tumingin sakanyang relo.

“Okay. I’ll be there at 10,” Nathan said. Tumango lamang si Trixie bilang pagsang ayon at agad na nagpaalam upang umalis.

“Aalis na po ako.”inipit nito ang kanyang buhok sa likod ng tenga nito at agad na nagmadaling naglakad paalis habang namumula sa presensya ni Nathan. Napailing na lamang si Nathan at inayos ang kanyang mga papeles.

Before 10, he get his things and walked through the office of chairman. Habang nalalakad papuntang elevator ay biglang sumagi sa isip ni Nathan ang mukang hindi nya malilimutan, mga matang nangangamba at takot sa kanyang presensya na tila bang ma’y gagawin syang hindi maganda dito. Napahinga nang malalim si Nathan at pinindot ang up button ng elevator. Tumayo ito sa harap nito at hinintay na mabuksan ang elevator. Tahimik lamang syang naghihintay ngunit ang kanyang isipan ay hindi magawang ikalma.Agad namang bumukas ang pintuan sa harap nya at pumasok rito. Pinindot niya  ang pinakamataas na palapag, ang opisina ng kanyang ama.

Nang makarating na sya rito ay agad sya naglakad sa papunta sa opisina ng kanyang ama. The chandelier gave bright to the dim brown and grey of the hallway along with beautiful art made by famous artists. Sinalubong sya ng sekretarya ng kanyang ama at yumuko rito. Nathan just smiled at her then looked at the elegant wooden two door with a symbol of Vil Real logo. Dahan dahan niya itong binuksan at bumungad sa kanya ang napakalaking logo ng Vil real.

His office has a branched chandelier at the ceiling and a brown Lawson sofa with a glass table along with a flower in vase at top of it. The white, grey, brown colour were used in its wall and decoration. The beautiful view of high rise buildings can be seen in its fixed window. His father was sitting in the swivel chair and looking at the view. The name ‘Chairman Vernon Vil Real’can be seen at the top of his table. Nathan cleared his throat before speaking.

 “Dad? Pinatawag nyo daw ako?” Tanong ni Nathan sa ama.

“Come in, son may paguusapan lang tayo.” his dad has a deep-toned voice. Kalmado ito pagdating sakanya pero pag iba ang kaharap nitong tao ay iba ang nagiging boses nito. Kinakatakutan lahat ng empliyado ang kanyang ama. Well, he was the real owner of this company and because of him it became well-known as the main manufactured of firearms. He slowly stood up while his hand was in its pocket.

He was wearing a black dress shirt with grey wool blazers and black fitted slacks and a chukka shoe. He’s already 45 yet he still has a strong charisma and presence like a filthy rich man.He has a height of 6 ft. with a muscular body type and almond skin. He has a square shape perfectly paired with an almond chestnut eyes, Greek nose and thick red lips as well as the soft brown hair in a buzz cut.

“Have a seat, son” ani nito. He invited him to seat at the sofa in front of his father.

“Ano bang pag uusapan dad?” Tanong ni Nathan. Biglang tumayo ang kanyang ama at dahan dahang lumapit ito sakanya. He just stood yet he looked so superior among them. Biglang kinabahan si Nathan dahil nag iba ang aura ng kanyang ama. He instantly think if he did something wrong or against to him.

“Uh dad? Did I do something wrong?” Tanong ni Nathan. He can feel his father presence near to him. Agad syang nakaramdam ng takot. He can feel his cold breathe in his neck. Tumayo ang kanyang balahibo dito at napaatras ng konti.

Tumigil ang kanyang ama at biglang tumawa ng malakas. He laughed hysterically and almost fell to the floor. Sumimangot lamang si Nathan sa inakto ng ama. He was still childish even though he was already 45.

“Not funny dad,”Nathan said while glaring at his father.Tumatawa pa rin ang kanyang ama.

“Kung nakita mo lang mukha mo.” impit na tawa nito. Nathan can’t believed that his father was still like this.He was owner of this successful company yet he acted like a child.

“Do I look scary? Well, ganun talaga pag ikaw ang boss dapat ganun ang dating.” pag mamalaki neto. Inayos pa nito ang kanyang suot at nagmamayabang. Napailing lamang si Nathan at bumulong.

“Hangin mo dad,” he shaked his head from disagreement. Nanlaki ang kanyang mata nang biglang lumingon ang kanyang ama.

“What did you say?” Umupo ang kanyang ama sa inuupuan ni Nathan at inakbayan sya nito.

“Sa ating dalawa, ikaw ang mahangin.” at tinapik tapik ang balikat ni Nathan ng kanyang ama. Vernon just smirked at him playfully.

Hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Nathan sa inaasta ng ama. Parang mag tropa lang ang turingan nila sa isa’t isa. Pero malaking katanungan sakanya kung bakit hindi ganun ang pakikitungo ng kanyang ama sa kakambal nyang si Logan. Musmos pa lamang ay agad nya na itong ibinigay sa mga kapwa nito werewolves. He still can’t believe that his father fell in love with a werewolf and create a twin, a human and werewolf. Gladly, his father chose him instead of Logan. He hates favoritism, ayaw nya ng ganun pero wala syang magagawa besides, he hates his brother too.

“So dad, tapos kana ba sa pangtritrip mo?” Nathan looked at him in out of boredom. Umayos nang upo ang kanyang ama at humarap ito sa kanya habang sapo ang dibdib nito na tila ba nasaktan sa sinabi ng ama.

“I’m hurt son! Hindi mo ba ako namiss?” Umasim ang muka ni Nathan nang biglang magdrama ang ama nito.Napailing na lamang sya at di makapaniwalang ama nya ito.

Vernon was always worked out of the country since he was still a kid. Minsan nya lamang ito makasama ngunit hindi naman ito nagkulang sa binibigay nitong pagmamahal. He won’t deny the fact that sometimes he can feel sulky toward his father yet he understands that he was working for his sake. Vernon always set a time for them and travelled the world. Bumabawi naman ito sa mga oras na wala ito sa tabi niya.

“Gross, you’re so cringe dad,” Nathan said in annoyance. Tumawa lamang ang kanyang ama.

“I just want to know kung kamusta ang pagiging CEO sa kompanya. Ikaw lang ang pinagkakatiwalaan kong mamahala nito.I know its too early for you but I know you are capable and excellent to manage this huge company.” and just like dad ang makulit na ama at palabiro ay biglang nagbago ng expression at naging strikto. Ipinilig na lamang nya ang ulo nito at ayaw nya sanang pagusapan ang tungkol sa kompanya dahil that the board of directos were getting to his nerves.

‘Pfft, i wanna kill those board of directors’ sambit nya sa kanyang isipan ngunit alam nyang di matutuwa ang kanyang ama.

“It’s fine, Dad. You don’t have to worry. Besides, you already knew what kind of product you produce,” Nathan smirked to his father. Vernon was amused to his son. The way it talked and acted suited to become the king of his jungle. He created the perfect version of him.

Naputol naman ang kanilang usapan nang biglang tumunog ang telepono. Vernon immediately took the phone and answered it. The amusement in his face turned serious then nodded. Nakaramdam si Nathan nang mukhang may gagawin na ang ama. Sandali lamang nya ito nakausapngunit sapat na ito para sa kanya. Tumayo na sya sa kanyang inuupuan upang magpaalam.

 “Dad, I need to go. May pupuntahan pa ako,”Nathan said.

“Sure. I have to do something too. Babae ba yang pupuntahan mo?” Vernon looked at him teasingly.

“Dad!”Napaface palm na lamang si Nathan sa pang aasar ng ama.

“Okay okay,’chill son. You’re my son that’s why I know.”his father winked at him then laughed. Napailing na lamang si Nathan sa hiya at akmang lalabas na ng pinto nang marinig nyang magsalita ang ama.

“Just be sure that it won’t affect you,Nathan. Love is dangerous. It can lead you to death,” Vernon said seriously. Nathan just shake his head and opened the door to walked away.

“Death, my ass.”he walked through the elevator and press the down button. He waited patiently until it opened. The door of the elevator slowly opened then he met the pair of deep set royal blue eyes. A perfect and proud tan skin along with muscular body type and brown fringe up hair combined with its squared jawline. He gulped to the presence of this man. He seems familiar to him but he can’t remembered where or when he saw him.

Napatulala na lamang sya dito at di namalayang wala na ito sa harapan nya. Papunta ito sa office ng kanyang ama. Sinundan nya ito ng tingin at hindi maalis sa kanyang isipan ang kakaibang aura nito. Umiling na lamang sya sa kanyang iniisiip at pumasok sa elevator.

Nang makababa si Nathan galing sa opisina ng kanyang ama ay agad syang lumabas at pumunta sa parking lot. Kinuha ang susi ng kanyang 2021 Porsche 911 at sumakay dito. Pinaharurot nya ito paalis sa kompanya. He needs to go visit Xabrina. He misses his baby.

He opened the radio on his car and a familiar song played. A wonderful memories lingered on his mind and made his lips formed into a perfect smile.

"Hawakan mo ang aking kamay

At tayong dalawa'y maghahasik ng kaligayahan

Bitawan mo'ng unang salita

Ako ay handa nang tumapak sa lupa"

Nathan remembered someone in this song. Her perfect smile that made his day bright and happy. Her soft hair that swayed along with the air. Her eyes that smile into him that made him felt peace. He was waiting for her. He was waiting for the perfect time to hold her and never let go of her. And Nathan hope that this would be the time.

“Tapos na ang paghihintay,

nandito ka na

At oras ay naiinip, magdahan-dahan

Sinasamsam bawat gunita

Na para bang tayo'y 'di na tatanda

Ligayang noo'y nasa huli

Sambit na nang iyong mga labi|”

Hindi mapagilang mapahigpit ng hawak sa manibela si Nathan at walang takot na binilisan ang pagtakbo ng kotse. Umaasa sya na sa mga oras ng kanyang paghihintay ay sasang ayon na ang tadhana sa kanila.

“Parang isang panaginip

Ang muling mapagbigyan

Tayo'y muling magkasama

 Ang dati ay baliwala”

“You'll be mine,Xabrina. Ngayong malapit na ako sayo hinding hindi kana mapapalayo sa akin. Hindi nakita pakakawalan pa.”

Before visiting Xabrina, he decided to buy a flower first. Agad na nakarating si Nathan sa kanyang destinasyon at ipinarada ang kanyang kotse. Bumaba na sya at isinara ang pinto. The sun was touching his face causing him to be more precise. Some woman glanced at him and they’re chitchatting then scream silently. Nathan didn’t mind them and continued to his destination.

Maraming tao ang dumaraan at nagdadagsaan. Dumiretso na lamang sya sa bilihan ng bulaklak at pumasok dito.

"Hi sir, Magandang tanghali! Ano pong maitutulong ko sainyo?" Giliw na bati sakanya ng tindera at agad syang nilapitan nito. Namumula ang mga pisnge ng tindera at tila kinikilig sa presensya ni Nathan. Nginitian lamang nito ni Nathan at nagbigay distansya sakanilang dalawa.

“I would like to buy some flower for my girl," Nathan said. Agad namang sumimangot ang tindera ng marinig ang sinabi ni Nathan habang blanko lamang ang ekspresyon ni Nathan.

“Marami po rito,Sir. Ano po bang gusto nyong klaseng bulaklak?”masungit ng tanong ng babae. Napailing na lamang si Nathan sa inasta nito.

“I don’t know..maybe you can recommend me something,” Nathan smiled at her. Napaiwas naman nang tingin ang babae.

“Magtingin tingin na lang po kayo.” at iniwan sya ng babae at pumunta sa dating pwesto. Nathan laughed amusingly to her. Naglakad lakad si Nathan sa loob ng flower shop at inilibot ng paningin. Pumukaw sa kanyang atensyon ang isang bulaklak na nakasiksik sa gilid at kinuha ito. It has a a central, buttonlike disk of microscopic flowers encompassed by a ring of raylike petals. It looked so peaceful and relaxing.Its name was daisy. They look fresh, cheerful, and can uplift the spirit of someone. Nathan smelled it and it has a gentle sweetness and slight citrus smell.

“This suit her.”Nathan grabbed the flower and walked through the counter. Binyaran nya ang kanyang dala dalang bulaklak at agad na lumabas sa lugar na iyon. Pagkalabas ni Nathan ay may sumagi sa kanyang balikat. The flower almost fell in his hand. He looked at the woman who bumped him.

"What the, tumingin ka--" hindi na naituloy ang kanyang sinabi ng makita ang taong bumangga sakanya. Halatang nagmamadali ito at balisa ang muka, at may malalim na iniisip. Her dress was old and dirty. Gulo gulo ang buhok nito at mukhang wala sa sarili. Its Xabrina’s Auntie.

Someone bumped him again. Nawala ang paningin nya sa babae. Pagkatingin nya rito ay nasa malayo na ito at natatabunan ng maraming tao. Napagdesisyonan nyang sundan ito dahil sa kuryosidad, ngunit pagliko pa lamang ay madaming taong sumalubong kay Nathan.

“Uh excuse me." isiniksik na lamang ni Nathan ang kanyang sarili at pilit tinatanaw ang babaeng kanyang sinusundan ngunit bigla itong lumiko sa isang madilim na parte na lugar. Nathan ran fast without minding the people around him. Nakarating na sya sa lugar na iyon ngunit wala na sya. Sinubukan nyang sundan pa ito ngunit wala ng tatagusan ang lugar na iyon. Laking gulat na lamang ni Nathan nang bigla itong nawala na parang bula.

'Fuck, this is a dead end where could she possibly go?' Tanong ni Nathan sa kanyang isipan habang habol ang kanyang hininga.He ran his palm into his hand in frustration. Inilibot pa nya ang paningin ngunit hindi nya na mahanap ito ni anino.Napahinga na lamang sya ng malalim at bumalik sa kanyang kotse.

He kept on running his eyes around hoping that he can see her.Napasandal na lamang sya sa upuan habang palaisipan parin sakanya kung bakit nandon ang auntie ni Xabrina at parang takot ito at balisa. He remembered that her uncle was also gone when he returned to that place.

‘I need to investigate. Something is wrong.’pinabuhay nya ang kanyang kotse at pinaharurot ito papunta sa kinakaroonan ni Xabrina.

*****

F.Ace