Chapter 18: The Phantom Plot

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Pinaubaya na muna ni Janice ang company sa kanyang secretary na si Kristelle bago ito umalis ng kanyang office. Saka ito tumungo sa elevator kasama ang kanang kamay niyang si Cassandra. Julia on the other hand is on their daughter Jaira's school. She was playing with her friends. While Julia was sitting on the bench. She was wearing a person's mask so that no one would recognize her since she was presumed dead together with her husband Joshua. Julia's identity was named Rina. 

When Janice went to her secret hideout under her hotel, it was almost like a nightclub, but it was full of females. And all these women once had their own lovelife. But were also taken away by the homophobic communities when they were found out. Janice had been watching them ever since she inherited Don Ishmael's wealth and power. She had been searching through the tragedy news of the women who killed by accident, which were not. Then she took these women in. Taught them about phantom network. When they were all highly trained, Janice named this organization The Phantom. The practices they had were to either expose the crimes or to kill the bad people who keep escaping crimes, but untraceable kills. By posting the evidence against them. And Janice's accomplices always succeed. Since then, the crimes were always defeated. Even the rich and powerful were unable to escape their crimes. They were either in jail or killed that looked like an accident. 

Now that Janice found out that her sister and sister-in-law and nieces were together again, she set up a plan to organize the event. She sent one of her accomplices to Engfa to recommend the place where the event can take place without being traced, exposed until they go live on social media. That location is in Philippine Arena.

Agad na naggather ang mga Anarchy Agents ni Janice sa pagdating niya. Saka na tumungo si Janice sa kanyang desk, doon siya umupo.

Janice: It's on now, Phantom Agents.

Dito na ipinaliwanag in detail ni Janice ang plano ng kanyang kapatid na si Jane about sa kanilang plan of special and secret event that no homophobic community would ever find out about. According to Engfa.

Janice: Now, all we have to do is encrypt all of the social media posts regarding this event. My sister won't announce this event until it takes place. But only the lesbians or Vadengs are invited to attend. Meaning, they only have access to see the announcements of that special event. If they ever post the announcements, make sure that they are encrypted, censored, that only lesbians and other GL project supporters have access. No homophobic are allowed to see. Remember what I taught you. We always clean and cover our tracks. We escalate unchecked. Now, go working.

The agents nodded and started working on the encrypted, untraceable, undetectable technology. They prepared the black website where no one but them have access on it. That black website encrypts and censors everything. Like posts on social media. The social media accounts. Bank accounts. Even the registration for the event like Jane planned.

When it was almost settled, Janice called her top client Engfa again.

Janice: It's almost settled, Engfa.

Engfa: Good work. Thank you. But I think your sister is the one who should thank you.

Janice: Of course. One of my agents is on her way to you, she is recommending the place for the special event.

Engfa: Okay. I'll keep in touch.

Then they hung up and Engfa approached Jane. Told her about Mrs. Violet helping them.

Jane: Thank you, Engfa. We will make them pay for the death of the lesbians.

Engfa: They will, Jane. Just remember. You may be starving for justice, but don't let vengeance consume you.

Jane nodded and they hugged each other.

----

On the other hand, back in Dona Cielo's mansion. Inside the meeting room, she and Rex were enjoying their coffee and hot choco. Also, the cookies, bread and other cafe products.

Doña Cielo: Isn't this a very good day?

Tugon ng Dona sa sarili.

Rex: Yes. How kind of our potential client to accept our invitation.

Maja: Even a masked client is very potential.

Nagkaroon pa sila ng mga kwentuhan until dumating na ang nasabing client, accompanied by one of the female secretaries.

Secretary: Doña Cielo. Sir Rex. Ito na po ang visitor niyo. 

Dumating ang napakagwapong lalaki. Mahaba ang buhok. Caucasian. Matalas ang ilong. Maputi. Tapos matipuno. Tapos ito ay nakablackmask. Sa mukha pa lang, mukha nang maangas. Pinaupo siya nila Doña Cielo. Ang pangalan niya ay John Brian Smith. Tulad nila Mrs. Red, siya din ay mysterious. Ang itsura ng mask niya ay Black Jobbawackeez. Pero open naman din sa mga businessmen sa pagiging client. But the unexpected is unexpected.

Dona Cielo: Mr. John Smith. Kind of you to accept our invitation.

John: It is my pleasure, Dona Cielo. So, shall we begin?

Saka nun, si Maja na ang nagpresent ng kanilang business. Especially yung ineendorse ng mga celebs nila na mga nagBL. Which impressed John. Pero hindi bakas sa mukha niya ang 100% impression.

John: That was a very elaborate presentation, Ms. Maja, Sir Rex and Dona Cielo.

The three nodded.

Dona Cielo: So, you will take the deal?

John didn't immediately answer na ipinagtataka nila Dona Cielo, Rex and Maja. 

John: I just would like to talk about something first before I answer that question. I am not in rush, so we have time.

Dona Cielo: Ok. What is it?

John: By the time I flew here in Philippines from Japan, I had been hearing rumors about the... other people being punished for having relationships with the ones they love. Murders, disappearances, discrimination. Also, the shipping of GL series of the two former Miss Universe. The cancellation of their projects. The reason why they hate your Homo and Phoby's. Yan yung mga usap-usapan ng mga Filipinos. You don't happen to know that do you, Dona Cielo?

Nagawang hindi ipahalata ng Dona ang kanyang galit nang mabanggit ni John ang tungkol sa mga crimes na nagawa niya. Tila tinamaan ng mga salita ni John. Nagbuntong hininga si Dona Cielo at saka na tumugon.

Dona Cielo: I am aware of the rumors, yes. But I had nothing to do with that, if that's what you're implying.

John: I never implied anything. I just shared the rumor facts na nasagap ko.

Narealize ng Dona na hindi pala sinabi yun ni Connor. Kaya ito ay tumango na lang.

John: Also, I would like you to know that I only deal with the people who can be trusted. Someone who is honest. Someone who values their family over wealth, money and power. Accept them for who they are. 

John then looked at Eros and Kano who were playing with their son. Outside the windows. 

John: Someone who accepts their children's love of their life as their children-in-law. Anyway, I will think about the deal you offered me. And thanks for the hot choco. It was lovely. 

Noong pagimpake niya ng laptop, and ibang gadgets niya. Saka siya nakipagshake hands kela Rex, Dona Cielo and Maja.

John: I hope we cross paths again.

Rex: Shall we accompany you? 

John: No need, Mr. Vice President. Thank you.

They nodded and then Connor went out by himself. 

Noong tuluyan nang nakaalis si Connor mula sa mansion ni Doña Cielo, saka nun napaduda ang Dona sa pagkatao ni Connor. 

Rex: I think there is something fishy about John Smith. 

Dona Cielo: He told us that our paths will cross again. Well, if that happens, our companies, especially the endorsements of Catriona Gray will prevail more and more.

Then they continued their coffee and other cafe brunch. 

----

Kinagabihan ulit, Janice was also working on checking all the encrypted posts that her Phantom Agents were working on. She opened the dummy account and pretended to be homophobic. She tried to view the sample of something connected to GL Projects, and it was very encrypted. Saka nun pumasok ang right hand ni Janice na si Cassandra sa office.

Cassandra: Mam Janice. Everything's set.

Ngumisi si Janice and nodded.

Janice: Good. Now let's just wait for Jane's poster of the special event.

Cassandra nodded and left the office. After she left, saka dumating ang wife ni Janice na si Julia. Saka nun inakap from behind.

Julia: It appears we will show ourselves as ghosts to Dona Cielo. But are you really sure you are gonna fight your own grandma?

Janice: Yes. I am determined. I may hate to make my family suffer, but lola left me no choice. She left us no choice and took our beloved. Kaya ito na ang simula ng kanilang pagbagsak.

Julia nodded habang kasalukuyang nakaakap pa din sa kanyang wife. While on the other hand, mahimbing na ang tulog ni Jaira.

----

Back in Engfa and Charlotte's mansion, Belle was still working on the poster, while Francine and Mikha fell asleep. Jane went out of the guest room to drink some water but saw her eldest daughter still awake and working and two young girls fell asleep on their couches. Jane covered them both with blankets. And then approached Belle.

Jane: Belle.

Belle: Mommy. Uhm, I am still working on the poster. I am sorry for still being awake.

Jane patted Belle's head and sat beside her and was amazed to see the poster on Belle's laptop. Where Lady Si, Jaojay, Catriona Gray and Michelle Dee's cropped pictures are standing on the purple background. 

Jane: Wow. That's amazing poster.

Belle: Oo nga po ehh. Medyo nagtalo pa nga kami ni Mikha at Francine kung alin po sa mga pictures nila ang mas bagay sa poster. Pero ito, nakapagagree din kami.

Matapos ang tugon na yan, binitawan muna ni Belle ang kanyang ginagawa at marahang  yumakap sa ina.

Belle: I still can't believe na muli tayong naging magkasama after 5 five years of separation, Mommy Jane.

Jane smiled and hugged back Belle. 

Jane: Kahit kailan hindi talaga kami nawalan ng pag-asa ng dalawa mong kapatid, anak.

Belle: Kwento niyo nga po ulit kung paano kayo ikinasal ni Mama Jea.

Francine and Mikha: Game!

Biglaang gising nila Mikha and Francine. Syempre alam ni Jane ang dalawang makulit niyang daughters.

Jane: Kayo talaga, ang hilig-hilig niyong makinig sa usapan ng may usapan. 

Napacute face na lang si Mikha and Francine.

Jane: Ok, fine.

Napapalakpak naman silang tatlo. Kahit mga kabataan na sila, walang sawa pa din nilang gustong marinig ang kwentong kasal ng kanilang mga mothers. So, dito na nga ikinuwento ni Jane kung paanong naging malaking tulong ang mag-asawang Freen and Becky sa kanilang kasal. Kung paano sila palihim na nagpakasal. Tapos noong syempre ang kanilang panganganak. Sa four daughters na ngayon ay mga makukulit at may pagkapilyo na.

Belle: Naalala ko pa nga noong narinig kong lampungan ni Mommy and Mama bago si Chantal bumunga.

Mikha: Oo nga naman. Saka noong bago pa nabuo si Francine.

Francine: Hala! Pati pala ang pamumunga sa akin pinakinggan niyo pala ahh!

Bahagyang natawa naman silang lahat. Napailing si Jane dahil nga sa walang sawang biro ng kanyang mga daughters. 

Janella: At bakit kailangang pakinggan ang backstories namin ni Mommy Jane without me?

Napalingon ang tatlo sa kinaroroonan ni Janella na halos kakabangon lang at nakatayo na pala sa bandang hallway. 

Jane: Naku po, Hon. Mga pilyo kasi nating mga anak ay walang sawa pa din sa mga love stories natin.

Janella laughed. And shook her head. Nakiupo si Janella saka sila nagkaroon pa ng masayang kwentuhan. Ilang oras ang lumipas, saka na sila nagpasyang matulog. Pero this time, lahat ng mga daughters ay katabi sila Jane and Janella. Muli si Belle and Francine ay nakayakap kay Jane. Habang si Mikha ay nakayakap kay Janella. Jane and Janella stared at each other as they were making sure that their daughters were really sound asleep. Belle, Mikha, Chantal and Francine always like to tease their mothers. Like pretending to be asleep as they listen to their mothers' sweet talks. Also sometimes, listening through their door to their room while Jane and Janella were making out. Belle learned to do that, which created Chantal. And Mikha learned to do so, long before Francine was born. When they were really sound asleep, Jane looked back at Jea who was staring at her for like several minutes.

Jane: What? What is it, hon?

Janella: When you sang Mama Freen's song to me, I thought it was just a dream. I may have been very mentally sick for five years in mental hospital, but I always had dreams of you coming back. There were times that I hallucinated you, Mikha and Chantal. I always thought it was real and that was the main reason why I been like that. Until you sang and like I said, I thought it was a dream. But it was real. You and Mikha really are here. You came back for us. While our Chantal is taking care of Mommy Becky. I hope she is well now.

Jane caressed her wife's cheeks.

Jane: Don't worry about Mommy Becky. Chantal will take good care of her. Just as she always did when one of us was sick. Remember? 

Janella nodded. 

Jane: Anyway, my main plan was to really take you away from this homophobic country. But I can't bear to leave Ate Janice without justice. She, Ate Rhian, Ate Glaiza, Joshua and Julia and Lira. And I threatened Tita Maja that if something bad happens to you, Belle and Francine, I will make sure their homophobic companies fail. When Belle and Mommy Engfa told me about you, I decided to do my threat.

Janella: Now that we are reunited, we will do this together. We will stop the homophobic from murdering more women who are together with women. That special event is the start of the new phase.

Jane nodded and smiled. 

Janella: Do you remember when we first met? Long before my Lola Victoria died.

Jane nodded again.

Janella: After I visited her grave, we catch each other's eyes as I happened to pass by your car.

Jane: We couldn't take off each other's eyes.

Janella: I couldn't even get off my mind ever since then.

Jane: We didn't even expect that we would meet when our both grandmas became partners.

Janella: And that was when we secretly fell in love with each other.

They laughed quietly. Nagkwentuhan pa sila tungkol sa kanilang naging love stories, long before dumating sila Belle, Mikha, Chantal and Francine.

Jane: And finally, we have them.

Janella: If our grandmas didn't take business deal...

Jane: None of them would have been born.

They smiled at each other. Saka nun dinalaw na sila ng antok.

Janella: Good night, my Darna.

Jane: Good night, my Valentina.

They kissed their daughters' foreheads first while they were sleeping in their arms. Then they fell asleep.

----

The next day, back in Thailand Chantal just finished her tutor with Teacher Pohn. Becky's mom and the retired teacher. Since Becky got very sick, Chantal wanted to do home study so that she could also take care of her Mommy Becky. Because these couple had been taking care of her, her mother and Mikha for five years and Chantal took this as an opportunity to repay the Sarocha couple. Freen talked to the school director about it and that director agreed. Freen texted Becky's mom and asked her to tutor Chantal. And here they are doing the assignments and lectures at home. 

But Becky was almost well, yet still needs enough rest. When Chantal and Teacher Pohn were finished the latter gladly hugged Chantal as if she was her granddaughter. Great granddaughter.

Pohn: Well, Chantal, it seems my daughter, daughter-in-law and your mom really taught you well.

Chantal: Thanks, Teacher Pohn. Mommy Becky, Mama Freen and auntie Looknam also helped me on my studies.

After the tutor the teacher and her student went back to check on Becky and she was being taken care of by Freen who just got home. Freen was spoon-feeding her wife with the mushroom soup. 

Freen: Oh. How is your study, Chantal?

Chantal: It was good, Mama Freen. Teacher Pohn really taught me well. As you, Mommy Becky and Mommy Jane always teach me.

Freen smiled and Teacher Pohn took over and took care of Becky. Freen and Chantal left the room and they had a talk. NAkita ni Freen na halos hindi mapakali si Chantal, kaya hindi niya naiwasang tanungin ito.

Freen: Is everything all right? You look tense.

Chantal: I can't stop thinking and worrying about my family, Mama Freen.

Freen then hugged Chantal as she always does every time the three were very sad.

Freen: There, there, my little Chanty.

She kissed her on her forehead.

Freen: It's okay to be worried, baby. I know you miss them very much. They are also very important to me as you always are. But listen to me. I believe Jane and Mikha will find your Mama Jea and your two sisters. I believe your Aunties Engfa and Charlotte will be of great help to them. 

Chantal: Really?

Freen: Really. All we have to do is pray for their safety.

Chantal: I see. Lesbians united against the homophobic community.

Freen and Chantal smiled and hugged each other again.

----

Back in Philippines, John dialed his phone and made a call.

John: Done.

Dialed Number: How did the Dona react?

John: Well, let's just say that I almost gave her the heart attack when I mentioned about the rumors of the murdered lesbians. Not specifically. More importantly, I made sure they are very excited about the business deal. Made her too overconfident. 

Ang tinawagan nun ni John ay walang iba kundi si Janice.

Janice: Good. We will be having combo surprises for them.

John: You seem to plot an overthrow.

Janice: No. It's my sister's decision what happens to the De Leon empire, once we bring all the Homophobic Communities down. I just want them all to suffer for separating us, when they found out about our past relationship. Before I ever met Lira, then Julia. Be careful... Connor.

----TO BE CONTINUED----


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