Chapter 71

Some said, the first thing to letting go is deleting all the installed data of the past. On the other hand, some also said acceptance is the best way to move forward, without the life that once bears a happy memories.
I choose both. These two words are important ways to live with freedom in the system. Seven months. I locked myself in loneliness for seven months. Seven months and more.
I miss him, I miss every detail of him. Especially his smile, his kisses and warm embrace. Even though I knew what had happened to him, I still hoped for a miracle. Hopefully the time will return before the tragedy. I will keep him out of trouble. I will be selfish for the happiness of the two of us.
"Stunned, I don't know what to do," teased the man who had beaten the stray cat if he could get in and out of it. He is walking around my apartment, half naked.
"Shut up," I scolded him.
A sarcastic smile drew on his lips. He put his hands inside his pants pocket and leaned on the wall. He looks like a model, having his own photo shoot.
"I'm going back to the Philippines," I exclaimed after a while.
"Right away? We haven't even made it to the second round yet."
I angrily threw the pillow I was holding at him.
"Siraulo."
He just chuckled.
How we became friends? I don't know. One day I just found myself talking to it almost every day. Maybe because other than Kiesha, she also knows the story of my life. And I can freely talk about it with him.
"What are you doing here again by the way? Just to remind you, your residence is on the last floor of this building.
"I know. But I like it here," he winked, "And besides, you should be glad someone is checking on you from time to time."
"I can't stand your precence in here," I raised an brow.
"You'll just get used to my presence."
He cooked lunch for us. He also washed the dishes himself. Even though I wasn't ordered to.
Everyone thought he is already dead. Even Kiesha didn"t know she was still alive. He faked his death, with the help of Fergus. They fabricated it to redeem the real culprit from getting bailed. Spencer is the remaining witness to its accomplishments. If he does not disappear, the reputation of the real culprit will be jeopardized. And Kiesha will be damned. Because she was used as a blackmail. There were locusts focused on its head. One wrong word, he will die. Her life is on the line. Even if everyone wants to imprison the real culprit, my friend's life cannot be sacrificed.
Even those who fought with the evil are spared. They are living peacefully somewhere. Away from trouble and the law.
Right now, Spencer is hiding under the name of Apollo Ruiz Benedicto. It also changed the lifestyle. From being grandiose, he chose to be simple now. If living in a penthouse can be considered simlle.
And from his usual badboy look, he became soft and tender city boy. Like those guys that some girls are simping over nowadays. He sometimes wear glasses or contact lenses to cover his brown eyes. After all, his eyes are often used as a basis for immediate recognition. Her hair is very long now. It looks Korean raw. It can be mistaken for a different nationality because it is naturally white and tall. If wearing a mask, I see a famous korean actor in his ex.
"When are you coming back?" he handed my baggage over to me.
"No longer..."
"Are you really going to leave me? Won't you miss me? How about my-" he snorted, his gaze hovering over his own body. Though transformed, his mischief still appears.
"Can I? Stop me. Maybe that's what those who hear you will think. And one more thing, don't pretend to be sad. We both know what you're doing here in Portugal."
"It's like you're pretending I'm cheating on you," he jokingly ruffled my hair, "We both also know who I consider my home," he moved his face close to me.
For a split of seconds, I see the old Spencer on his eyes. The one mysterious, yet warm.
"Tsk!" I pushed his face away from me.
Just like it often does, whenever it expresses a feeling. I am not up for a romantic connection with anyone right now. Even to say I once fell in love with her, the love I have for Zion is so different and no one can match it.
I don"t know what destiny wants to imply. Why he brought the two of us together again here in Portugal after an unexpected meeting in the Philippines last month. I don"t want to think he"s following. Maybe he's not that desperate yet.
"Take care," he finally said before stepping back.
"Bye! I hope we don't meet again," I straightforwardly answered.
He is also used to my passing like this. He knew I don't mean it. Instead, I want him to interpret it the other way around. Ever since the big storm devastated me, it"s been so hard to smile. It"s so hard to pretend in front of other people that I"m okay. Even though I am in pain.
"Get out of there Geline Nielani, we're already surrounding you!" I heard shouts of friends from outside the house.
Drowsily I got up and walked to the window to peek at them. They were both riding on the motor of Ronnie, our new found friend.
I don't know how on earth we became so close. Just since the two of us met, we have gotten along well with each other when it comes to subsequent meetings.
I can still remember what he said to me after our first meeting at the club. Kiesha got wasted. She thought everyone is Fergus, and the whole mood lit up when she suddenly danced. We were forced to deliver it to his house with Fergus. And there another level of stupidity happened.
Thinking about it made me laugh.
"Zion? Zion Leander Pilvera ?!" Ronnie asked almost aloud.
"Yes, why?"
I can still remember our conversation. Every words he said and emotions he showed.
"Seriously?" "He is my third cousin. I personally know his mother, sister and brother. Even his dad and his new family."
I can't believe it.
"You can't be serious!"
I only know the story of Zi and her family. But I have never seen them in person. The plan would have been after all the tires we face. If only the course of destiny had changed.
Our conversation stopped at that moment because Kiesha called.
"Where are you?"
"Somewhere down the road," I answered quickly.
"Seriously, where have your demon feet taken you now?"
"Guess what ..." I shifted on my position.
"What?"
"I'm at Ronnie's condo."
"You had sex with him ?!" he sighed suddenly.
How could he have thought of such a thing? I only went with Ron because his condo is closer than our house. I can no longer travel home. He offered a one night shelter, so I grabbed it immediately. I already gave him my trust, the first time we met.
"Sex right away ?! Can't someone just hear good news from him?"
"See you later at the club."
"No, not again. I'm sure your husband will close that place. You did a lot more last night."
She really went from broken, to crazy.
"Anyway, the club's owner wanted to extend his gratitude to you for cleaning the floor," I added.
"What ?!" she paused for a moment, "Maybe we'll meet at the Cafe near here later."
"Game! I like that better. We'll talk a lot, especially this walk I'm going for now."
"Just make sure that's good news huh? Oh, I'm the one who bald you for Zi."
"It isn't what you think."
Ron and I resumed the interrupted conversation. We talked about Zi's life before. He even showed me some pictures of them together. It was allegedly taken during their reunion. No one ever thought something would happen to him. Just like me, his mother is grieving until now too. She can't believe that the first born in their family would leave this world sooner than expected.
"Sister, your friends are already there!"
My traveling spirit returned to reality after hearing Grant"s voice. It no longer bothered to knock. Simply opened the door, revealing his bored image in messy hair.
"You look awful," I winced.
"Well, you too ..." he slammed the door.
Pikon!
I smirked at the thought.
It's been a week since I came back here to the Philippines. I have no news yet about Spencer. We agreed not to contact each other when I get back here. He has also become a good friend of mine. That's why I want to protect him.
Kiesha haven't moved on yet. Maybe when he finds out it's alive he'll just imprison him again. Also, there is a chance that the two of us will get confused. 'Cause I befriend her rival. Right now, I don't think revealing the truth to her is a good idea. I'll just keep it a secret until he can't.
"What?" I yawned and scratched my head.
"Let's go to Kiesha's new house," Lorie replied with a smile.
"Just get dressed first- ahhh!" I let out a sharp scream when Lorie suddenly pulled and pushed behind Ron.
He forced me to ride the motor. Then ride well.
Before I can protest, Ronnie already managed to drive away. I automatically lost sleep over what they did. My blood is very much alive now. The same is true of the heart.
"Kiesha!"
"Kiesha get out of there. Your debt!"
"Kiesha how did you do this to me? I gave everything ah?"
Just a few of our cries while waiting for Kiesha to come out.
"Kiesha, have mercy on us."
The door of the house opened. The stunned image of Fergus was cast. He is wearing a simple pajama and white shirt. It approached and quietly opened the gate for us.
"Si Kiesha?" I broke into silence.
"Still asleep," he coldly answered.
"There's food already?" Lorie asked rudely.
"Ummm," Fergus nodded.
"I'm telling you ... You really are the best!" we shamelessly entered the house. Even if not invited.
Go straight to the kitchen and there, see the delicious dishes prepared by Fergus.
Shrimp tempura, vegetable salad, sandwich, egg omelet, and bacon. I think they are for Kiesha.
"Get you a plate," Lor ordered Ronnie.
"That's for-" Fergus hadn't finished what he was going to say. It just scratched its neck and let out a violent sigh.
"This is Mr. Da Silva"s food raid," Ron said.
I wouldn't really be surprised if one day Fergus ordered us to be banned from entering their subdivision. If it's like this because the husband's friends are nasty, I don't know if he'll be patient. It's like Kiesha's version just doubled in our person. And that's a whole level of headache.
It was forced to cook another putahi. He had no complaints as we consumed the preparations one by one. He doesn't a choice anyway.
"I will be transferred to the Workshop," Kiesha said sadly. It just woke up. Lutang pa.
"That's far ah?" I was depressed.
"That's it," he simply turned to his wife, "That's just like that man, I want to be sent there."
"That's a good idea. It's like you're really getting older," Ron said.
"If only I could send you there?" Kiesha sighed suddenly.
"It's okay. Just have a fafa."
We laughed. Her passion for men has not really faded.
"By the way, I have something to tell you Gee," Lorie suddenly said.
"Hmmm?" my gaze averted to her.
"It's about Zi ..."
I quickly turned my body towards it. The same is true of others.
"One of the agent in our post told me that he saw someone who looks like Zion in an Island near east."
"To the east? It's just near Zi's family home," Ronnie commented.
"Maybe it's your brother. Zavien is as handsome as his brother."
"You know Zav?" I asked in shock.
"They came out here when you were still abroad."
Really? Why haven't I even heard of it? I was a little sad mentally. I haven't even talked to them personally.
"Wait, Zi's mom also said something about what she saw that looked like her son. I just remembered ... Which island is that? Maybe we can check it out," Ron whispered again.
"It's just me. I know you're all busy. Let me do it alone," I smiled faintly.
"Sus, if we can lend some time. We will come with you," Lorie jokingly ruffled my hair.
"We are in this together," Kiesha said.
They all got up on their sit and get close to me. They gave me a tight hug. Even they want to think that Zi is alive.
A part of us want to believe the impossible ...
"Ate Gee!" the children ran to me.
"How are you?" I waved hello at them.
"It's okay," replied the older member of the group.
I am here again at the orphanage. I just finished selling cookies at Fergus "company. I am broke now. I need source of income. Because I know how to bake, I did this and I made a small business. The remaining cookies were brought here to give to the children.
The kids' laugh and cute smile got my attention the first time I held eyes with them. The supposed one -time visit here with mama when they had a feeding program has increased by two, and more. My heart became very close to the children. And I felt so proud, seeing them still smiling despite the pain they've been carrying at a young age. They are cancer patients. It is tearful to think that at any time, one of them could give up. It will not be easy for me to say goodbye to them. Ayoko ... They are too young to bid goodbye.
"Ate," Joy wrapped her little arms around my legs.
She's one the sweetest kid in this orphanage. It has been three years since he was brought here. She's five years old now, and still fighting.
"Hello baby," I bowed and charged him, "How's our Joy?"
"It's okay ..." she cheerfully answered.
"We watched a cartoon earlier," Ton-ton exclaimed. It pulls at the hem of my dress. Also want to load.
I lowered Joy, and this in turn was carried in my arms. Until they all want to load up. Even though some were serious, I still did what they wanted.
"That's enough kids. Poor sister Gee oh," laughed their guardian.
"Good morning Ate Ritz."
"Good morning too Gee."
I handed him the cookies.
"You're busy again."
"No case."
We talked about the kids' progress. It is said that someone else is getting stronger. But others experience more frequent dizziness. So it is necessary to rest for a few days in their own bed.
A small child caught my attention in the middle of our conversation. She is walking slowly on the ground. With her baby-sitter, looking after her intently.
"Do you have a newcomer?" I can't get my eyes off the baby. She's so cute!
Round face, curly black hair, thin slightly pale lips, and dark brown eyes.
"Yes ... He only came yesterday."
None of myself stood up and approached it.
"Hi!" I crouched a bit.
The child was slightly startled. He lost his balance and fell. She immediately cried. The guard quickly came to comfort him.
"Oh, I am so sorry," I tried to reach for her hand, "Sorry ..." I gently squeezed her little fingers. I then caressed her hair.
I waited for him to finish crying. Not leaving the post until he gets his heart out.
"It's Ate Gee too. Say hi to Ate Gee," Marie said.
I remember having a candy bar I bought earlier. I quickly grabbed it from my pocket and peeled it. Then it was handed to him.
"Stay at last too," Marie and I said almost at the same time.
"He's cute!" I added.
"Yeah. But he's been fighting the disease since he was a child."
"How old is he?"
"One and a half."
I sighed heavily. I can't imagine how painful it was for her. The disease is not really age -selective.
I spread my arms here. Maybe this time I can load him. And I was not disappointed. I pouted and looked at her intently. She's too tiny and vulnerable. I feel like I can hurt him with just a simple squeeze.
"What is your name?" I asked in a gentlest sound possible. To avoid intimidating it.
"Greece," said Marie.
"Greece? What a cool name."
"We call him blessing. His name can mean grace or grace."
"Really? This little girl is indeed so special," I pressed my face to her cheek and felt her warmth.
The emotion this child brought to me was strange. Only now did I feel the excitement of the system again. The lightness of my blood on him. It's like I just want to carry him and hug him all night.
The supposed half -day stay in the orphanage lasted into the night. I don"t want to almost let go of Greece. I watched over, fed, and put it to sleep. She is the youngest among the kids. Still so naive and in need of attention. So maybe I'm like this if I can take care of it. I want her to feel safe amidst the odds. I want to be her mother. Even just one day ...
"Are you really breastfeeding in the middle of the rain?" worried question of the head of the orphanage.
"Yes. I'm leaving early tomorrow."
Tomorrow I will go east with Ronnie.
"This oh," Sister Ritz handed over her umbrella.
"Thank you sister," I smiled sparingly. And for the last time, he looked back to where Greece was. She is now sleeping peacefully, with Marie.
"Don't worry. We'll take good care of the child."
"Thank you po," I bowed a little.
I didn't stay much longer in front of them. It may rain again and I may not be able to get to the tricycle.
"Take care?"
"Yes!" I waved goodbye at them.
I just walk straight to the gate. A few more steps to take before reaching the corner. It's nine o'clock. At this time there are no more passing vehicles. Only two lights remained working on the six poles. As far as I know, this has already been complained to the village. But so far it is still not met.
I am afraid of the dark. Just looking at the length of the walk I was dizzy. But I can't stop right now. And the more I don't want to go back to where I came from.
"I know how to fight, that's okay," I soothed myself.
I gathered all the courage left. Then high when walking in the middle of the dark road. The rain is only getting heavier. If you look at it and now it has fallen.
"Keep walking ... Keep walking," I chanted over and over.
My nervousness can't be bothered. Eventually they will be turned to each side and back just to make sure no one can get out of sight.
I saw a car coming. I moved to the side so it wouldn't collide. For a while, I feel at ease. Because somehow someone illuminates the dark night. It's going well and slowly. So up to the corner I had a light.
Whoever is driving the car, may God have mercy on him.
I was about to turn left, when a warm hand suddenly pulled me to the other direction. With the violence of its movement, my head unexpectedly hit his chest. I still clung so tightly to his arm.
I winced and secretly sighed. What the-
"What the-" he suddenly pushed me away. I was caught off-guard. There is no more to say.
"You're about to be hit by a motor," it exclaimed in a hoarse voice.
In a split of seconds, I saw Zion on his built. In his posture and stature, they are very similar. Before I could even see his face, he was able to turn away. Go straight to the back of the car that just followed me a while ago.
Even late I still tried to peek at his face. Case it wears a hoodie, so hard to identify.
Did he get out of the car on purpose just to save me? And with too much thought I didn"t even notice the approaching motorcycle.
"Will you ride madam?" kind question of the tricycle driver who passed in front of me.
"Yes!" I answer quickly.
Up at home I thought of the persona of the man earlier. He is hard and masculine. My hand felt it without myself clinging to his arm. If only Zi's voice was the same, I might have convinced him that he was his own.
To be continued...