GAME 8: Choices To Be Made

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The words rang in my ears. Specifically the last bit.

"Now if you don't mind, puwede ba na sa pribadong silid tayo mag-usap? And if possible, mamaya mo na ipatawag si Mr.Archangel." I met his eyes and they looked soulful.

Are you pitying my, Inspector? Is the situation that dire?

I looked over at King, silently asking for help.

My logical brain is telling me that the inspector hadn't given a name or any specification yet, so I shouldn't worry or anything - yet.

But my heart is faltering.

A part of me was asking the dangerous questions.

Why? Why did they need to do this?

What? What did I do that was so screwed up that it's backfiring now?

How? How do I know now who to trust and who to be wary of?

And the deadliest..

Who... Who did this?

King tapped my shoulder and gestured his head to the bottom of the stairs. "Bawas astig points 'pag ganyan itsura mo."

No. These people won't ever betray me. Not King, not Queen, not Jack.

And that alone was enough assurance.

"Whoa.." Inspector Zobel whistled as I guided them to the receiving area of our home. The room was adjacent to our garden, the natural light coming from the tall glass windows and doors reflected on the white marble floor, and the wooden fixtures and furtnitures looked as if they glowed.

"Kahit ako hindi pa rin nasasanay." King admitted.

"I don't know about you two, pero wala akong balak makipag-usap ng naka-tayo." I marched towards the sofa sets at the corner of the room. Two pairs of footsteps came following after me almost immediately.

The door we came in from swung open. Yaya Fe and her niece- who also helps around the house as a part time job- came bearing snacks and a pitcher of grape juice. Yeah, I legit need that for this migraine inciting conversation.

"Maraming salamat po." Inspector helped arrange the plates on the table.

"Tawag na lang kayo 'pag may kailangan." Yaya Fe.

I nodded and they took it as a sign to go. I immediately grabbed one of the tall glasses and filled it with juice. I really need this right now, I swear I think I get a migraine attack whenever Inspector Zobel is around.

"Sigurado ka ba na ayos lang na nandito s'ya?" The inspector motioned his lips to King, who in turn gave him a confused look. "I told you, Azenith.. Isa sa mga tao na malapit sa'yo ang nag-plano at nagsagawa no'ng nangyari."

I almost choked while I drank. but I quietly tried to suppress the small coughs.

"Mag-aantay na lang ako sa laba-"

"No." I harshly set down the glass and the two men with me were startled. "Inspector, your job here is to tell me who the hell tried to end my life, not meddle with who I should trust and not trust. I'd trust King with my existence and I won't even trust you with my coffee."

Inspector Zobel whistled and chuckled "Feisty." he commented "Akala ko masisindak kita dahil sa sinabi ko. You sure are one tough girl."

Akala mo lang 'yon..

I looked at King who was still conflicted about leaving the room.

If it weren't one of my best pals right here with me, I might grow cautious and be on full alert. But us four.. we've been through a lot together now. The decisions we've made in our lives were all for the benefit of our bond.

"Well." he cleared his throat after my being non responsive to him. "Sana maintindihan mo ang dahilan kung bakit hindi ko muna iparirinig kay Mr.Archangel ang mga pag-uusapan natin. I'm concerned about his health. I'd usually suggest that an adult be present-"

I crossed my legs and gracefully rested my elbow on the armrest of the sofa after reaching for my glass of juice. "I am 19 years old inspector. I am legally an adult. Physically and mentally." I said with conviction.

"Oh, well that you are." Okay what the hell, what's with that look Inspector? Ew! Is he like - flirting?

"Yeah, she's too young for you, bud." Nice save pal, nice save. I darted a look to King, and wow, he was really eyeing Inspector Zobel like he wants to burn him in his seat.

"Ahem!" Oops, I might have cleared my throat in an exaggerated way. Their staring contest ended in a draw. "Anyway, proceed Inspector. I believe you have better things to do with your time."

"Grabe, Azenith. You break my heart." He touched his left chest, his face feigning hurt. Ugh, don't blame me if I keep rolling my eyes at this one. "Sinasadya ko na i-clear ang schedule ko para lang makausap ka at masiguro na ligtas ka."

"Ew-!" Uh-oh that slipped off. "You're old!"

"Aba, 24 pa lang ako 'no."

Say what?

Okay like honestly, he did look rather attractive. Oh shut your judgemental minds, girl pa rin ako! I'm allowed to appreciate pogi male specimens!

For a second, I raked my eyes over his form. He was lean, it was obvious that he works out to maintain that figure. He had this clean cut midnight black hair that was sort of wavy. And his eyes were hawk like, always watchful and ever alert. All his features were sharp and manly, especially his chisled jaw and his sharp nose.

Grabe si inspector, artistahin naman pala.

Oh but that doesn't mean I don't hate him anymore!

"Like what you see? Nako Azenith, I am purely professional. Please save the fan-girling for after your case is solved." He haugtily brushed his hair using his fingers.

Hala? Ang kapal!!

"Aba! You are so not my type. Dirty old man." I retorted. "Just get on to business! Ang dami mong time ha?"

"Damn she really likes me this much huh?" Inspector leaned towards King, who in turn narrowed his eyes at him. "Oo na, tapusin na natin para pwede ka na humanga sa'kin."

"May lilipad na plato maya maya." I said without meeting his gaze.

"You heard that sir?" King emphasized the sir part. "You should know she doesn't make idle threats."

"Azenith, all your records lest your college grades and your achievements recorded on school papers and such... Are the only remaining records you have. Someone deliberately erased you from society as far as legal records are concerned."

He didn't even breathe to pause as he spoke. It left me with no chance to wrap my head around the information.

"What do you mean? Hah! Gano'n na ba kadali magnakaw ng data ngayon?" King scoffed in each of his pauses. "What some ninja decided to steal her identity?"

"Yo'n na nga ang problema, King." Inspector's eyes never left the table. As if he was seeing a scene unfold on top of the smooth wooden surface. "Mahirap dapat masilip, at lalong higit ang makuha ang mga files ng kahit na sino."

That much was true. Ever experience the struggles of getting an NSO Birth Certificate? A baptismal certificate? Passport details? And all of those certificates and what nots?

Yeah. It's damn difficult. Hacking the database isn't an option too, you have a better chance hacking your favorite hairless monkey's yahoo or gmail account to destroy his or her social media life. (Well, unless you're Russian - no racism intended but damn are they good at hacking or what?)

"You're saying I'm practically an alien right now?" the logical part of my brain was in panic. I mean, having no records means I have no rights to anything! I'm basically an illegal stranger living in the Philippines! I'm a freaking enigma!

"That's a weird way of putting it, pero oo. Parang gano'n na nga." The inspector's brows knitted in amusement. (Or well at least I think it was that)

"So.. These hooligans went through all that effort to erase me- literally and figuratively- instead of like the corrupt politicians or something?" I flailed my arms in frustration. Ano ba naman kasi 'di ba? Ang dami nilang time ha! Ba't 'di sila ano yung targetin nila. Ugh!

The two men shook their heads, King face-palmed at my suggestion. What? I mean come on, gotta' think practical right?

"Hindi pa rin namin alam kung bakit. But what we do know is two more people were erased too." His jaw clenched. Oh wow, what a sight - I mean, oh, wow he looks serious right now. "May mga estudyante ng Vergil State University na gagawa sana ng documentary for the yearly film festival.. A documentary about the lives of Tressor Regiis and Yvette Regiis. But as they approached the public desk to submit their letter from their dean, nagka-gulatan na lang na mapa-solid copies o sa database wala na ang information nila."

My chest constricted a bit. My blood rang in my ears.

"Anong meron? Why would their files be stolen?" I asked, still a bit taken aback. Seriously though, this is creepy. Imagine what could happen if stealing a person's information would be that easy.

"Ano'ng kinalaman ni Ace do'n?" King butted in. I guess I forgot to ask the right question.

"That I have no answer to yet. I'm hoping that there's no connection between the two cases though." And then the inspector's expression turned grim. So grim that neither King or I dared to ask why. "Because the Regiis' are a personal vendetta for me, and I'm honestly hoping that such a sweet and perfect girl won't be involved with such a chaotic bunch."

Inspector Zobel divulged more details. Who to contact in case threats or anything emerge (which I still can't wrap my head around) or if any leads come up on our side.

I couldn't help but feel weary. What he said about the Regiis' were a shock. The whole school knew they were a good family. I believe they were good.. great even. It just didn't sit well that this hotshot inspector was eyeing the cases like he's freaking Sherlock trying to win against Moriarty.

"King.." I didn't unlock the doors of the SUV yet. I merely stared at the busy bus stop buzzling with people. "'Wag mo muna sasabihin sa kanila yung mga napag-usapan kanina."

He stopped midway from trying to unlock the door. "Bakit?" He asked. He was never one to question my decisions. We always though alike. It was weird really, we still have different views on things, but it always meets at one same end point.

I sighed and faced him "I'm starting to worry." I tried to look otherwise though "If it's my family or kung may weirdo na nagdi-dikit ng pangalan ko with those people then it's better that they know less. It's better if you knew less too."

His lips parted in confusion. "Ace, hindi pwede na sa-sarilihin mo lang 'to-"

"I know, King." my voice was almost pleading "I know."

He unlocked his door after sighing, defeated. He knew there was no changing my mind. It saddens me knowing that this would cause a gap between us four, but I was willing to risk it if it meant I could keep them away from harm.

I still have no idea or even slight inklings about the answers to my questions. And that's what worries me most. I never forget my rules, but it seems like at some point Rule Number 2 bit me back, badly.

Three knocks to the window of the passenger seat startled me. I rolled down the windows and King rested his arms there.

"'Wag mo masyado isipin. You still need to recover, Ace." He offered me a smile before waving and running off to the bus.

I wish I could..

But my nature wouldn't allow me to be so careless. And I'd be damned if I say I'm not the least bit scared for what will happen.

The drive back was painful - well, aside from the physical pain I felt on my left shoulder, it was really sad to drive alone after that conversation.

Quinzel Ravena sent you a photo

Hmm? It's probably a picture of our Kpop idols or a schedule of their comebacks. Or more than likely a screenshot of someone being dumb again. Yeah, Queen likes dissing people a lot, can't blame her though, some people don't act like freaking homo sapiens.

Quinzel Ravena: Look ate oh~!

The message preview caught my attention. She looks excited about something, and so I swiped the screen and tapped in my 6 digit pin.

"Oh no.." I wouldn't have known that it affected me that much if I didn't see it.

Tears

I've been crying a lot lately.

But this was the moment that jerked my tears out of my eyes most. (And man, that's saying a lot, considering I've had a freaking rough week)

Queen took a selfie, with a cork board behind her. I remember her mentioning she wanted one so she could stick her notes and reminders there.

But this little nugget, really..

Instead of sticky notes or papers, a few printed pictures were tacked to the cork board.

"Now I really feel like shit for the decisions I make."

Quinzel Ravena: Hangal ka! Bakit seen mo lang ako! :<

I unconsciously chuckled. Hay nako, demanding talaga ang bunso.

Me: Sorry, nag-loading
pa kasi 'yong picture.

Then a small angry face decorated the bottom right of my chat bubble. Oh sweet kittens, why is Quinzel being clingy now of all times, I think my conscience will kill me before anything else can.

Me: Sorry na. Dali na,
I'll send you copies
of the latest movie
downloads,
bati na tayo~
Hindi naman sa
sinusuhulan kita, pero
medyo parang gano'n na nga.

And immediately dots appeared beside her icon.

Quinzel Ravena: DONE DEAL!!! *grinning emoji*

I fell asleep that night after King assured me that he arrived home safely.

"..Bakit nga ba nagagamit na lang natin ang adjective na 'wonderful' para sa mga pagkakataon na rare?.." it was now Sunday, and tomorrow I can attend school again, finally. "'Pag nanalo si Pacquiao, wonderful! 'Pag nanalo si Catriona, wonderful! But brothers and sisters, why is it that we take for granted the wondrous beauties that our wonderful God has created?.."

The sermon continued and I listened intently.

Father's words were piercing.

Bakit nga ba?

Why do we take for granted the small but beautiful moments?

A sunrise, a baby's first smile, the beautiful trees and flowers that grow around us..

..The moments we share with the people who love us.

"Saan mo gusto kumain, apo?" I held Papa's hand to support him, not that he needed any support though, for a 70year old, he's still strong. If his eyesight weren't bad he'd probably still be playing tennis during weekends.

I shook my head and smiled "Sa bahay na lang, Pa. Parang masyado na yata akong nasanay sa luto ni Yaya Ruth, ma-mi-miss ko nanaman 'yon 'pag nasa dorm na po ako."

Before I knew it, my alarm was blaring. It's freaking Monday and my precious weekend flew by just like that.

I turned off the alarm on my phone and opened the contacts. Immediately, the recent calls appeared on screen and I tapped the first name on display.

Calling Kingpanget

Along with a candid photo of us as the contact photo was on display. My annoyance was replaced by a wave of nostalgia. This photo was taken by Queen. We were bickering as usual and I had a scowl on my face and King was pouting at me.

"Hello?" Geez this lazy stick-thin panda, 'wag n'ya akong masusungitan ha!

"Hoy! 6:30 na!" I set the phone on speaker, but I still held it close to my mouth to make sure King would be woken up. "Gayak na dali!"

He groaned an incomprehensible reply, but I heard the shuffling sounds and music started. That was the sign for me that he was up and going to prepare for a bath.

I smiled and carried on with my own rituals. After taking a bath, I wraped a towel around myself and combed my hair. Like, am I the only one who has bird's-nest hair when they forget to comb it before it dries?

"Ugh! Bakit ba ang struggle mag kilay!" I cursed whoever angel or whatever being whispered into the Creator's ears to not give me perfect brows.

Seriously though? Bakit ang mga lalaki ang ganda ng kilay? Not like they'd be the ones doing the eyebrow raising when someone's being dumb.

Finally giving up on fixing my brows like how the other girls do, I dabbed lip tint on my lips and proceeding to getting dressed. It was uniform day, and so the tedious task of tying my necktie begins again.

"Mukang ewan necktie mo." And of course despite my efforts, Jack has to tell me I screwed up again.

King suppressed his laughter - tried, but failed. "Aga aga mo nanggising tapos 'di mo naayos necktie mo?"

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Let's just go already." I was stomping my feet and my wedge heels made loud clicking sounds. "May klase kayo 'di ba? Ano nagsasayang ng tuition?"

We parted ways along the quad, King to the Hernandez building where the College of Arts and Letters students usually have their classed, Jack to the building for College of Law - he was a BS Criminology student, but since their college had few students, they shared their building with the fabulous Romanesque CoL building.

"Ate Ace!" A few freshmen students from my department - the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and Education- greeted me. "Ate kamusta na po?"

I smiled and brandished a thumbs up. "Okay na okay na, pasok na kayo dali 7:55 na."

I raced up the stairs. My room for Theology was at the freaking 3rd floor, but no way am I taking the elevator.

I already have this irrational fear of running out of air inside the moving box, and now after the incident I think I can picture ninjas dropping down from the ceiling and karate chopping me to oblivion.

"Just in time." I sighed in relief, checking my slim Mii band.

I was about to swing the door open but I noticed that it was utterly quiet inside. Did Sir Pelaez cancel our class? Or did they move to a different room?

I checked the bulletin board hanging just beside the door of the room. No announcements posted.

This was odd, and my paranoid self is having an internal debate whether to check the room or to walk away. I mean, usually they just tape a piece of paper here in the bulletin board to inform students about sudden changes , but sometimes they're too lazy or they don't have tape or tacks so they write it on the chalk board.

"Come on Azenith. Hindi ka manok. Tapangan mo." I breathed in and pushed the door wide open but the room was still dark.

Oh geez why is the light switch far from the door!

I tiptoed like some super spy in an action movie. Keeping my back to the wall so no one could jump scare me from behind. I was nearing the switches that were beside the chalk board when-

"AY ASWANG!"

"SURPRI-ay..."

......

Uh-oh.

"Omg bakit mo sinapak si Azriel!"

Double uh-oh.

"Hala Azriel sorry!" I withdrew my hand from my bloc mate's stomach area. "Hala sorry talaga, ano ba kasi bakit may pa-gulat na gano'n!"

"Okay lang ako, hehe." His voice says otherwise though.

When I looked around, only then was I able to process the whole fiasco.

There were banners and strings made from foil and colorful paper. A huge "Welcome back Ace!" cut out from blue paper was on the back side of the room.

"Iiyak na yan!" To my surprise, Queen was here in the room, she was standing beside Jillian and Francelle, my good friends.

The back door swung open revealing King and Jack, both carried several pizza boxes and plastics with bucket meals inside.

"Kainis naman kayo eh." I tried to make my voice stern. I sound so freaking tsundere right now. "Hindi naman ako napuruhan, kung makapag-welcome back kayo kala n'yo naman isang taon ako nawala o na-comatose."

"'Wag mo na masyado intindihin, pagbigyan mo na kami." Our class representative, Ivory hugged me.

"Kasi naman

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