The group of friends cheered and clinked their glasses together, celebrating Aubrey's latest conquest. "You really got him good, Aubrey! Iyak malala si gago ngayon dahil sa'yo." One of them said, chuckling.
Aubrey smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Cheers to Aubrey's success!" Another friend chimed in, raising her glass.
The group echoed the toast, their voices filled with laughter and admiration. "You really smashed him, girl! Nainlove nga yata talaga sa'yo ang loko-loko. Ayon, sadboi era na n'ya." Someone joked, making the others giggle.
Aubrey's smile grew wider, her confidence boosted by her friends' praise. "Kaya idol kita eh! Everybody falls under your trap. Mapalalaki, mapababae, bi, lesbo, name it. Wala talagang nakakawala sa sapot ng isang Aubrey Sevilleja." One of her friends said, shaking her head in awe.
The group erupted into laughter and applause, with Aubrey taking a mock bow. "Well! What can I say? Aubrey is Aubrey! Cheers!" She said, grinning.
As the celebration continued, Aubrey couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Another mission complete for her. Another man cried because of her. Men played with women's hearts, and Aubrey made it her mission to make them pay, using herself as bait. Making them fall for her, and in the end, throwing them away after she played with them.
It was a game she played with precision and skill, always coming out on top. And her friends admired her for it, seeing her as a master manipulator, a queen of hearts.
But deep down, Aubrey knew that her actions were motivated by more than just a desire for revenge. She had been hurt before, and she didn't want to experience that kind of pain again. So she played the game, using her charm and beauty to control the outcome.
"Hay! Kawawa naman si Tom." Jhoanna said, her voice tinged with sympathy.
Napatigil si Aubrey sa pag-inom, her eyes narrowing slightly as she turned to face Jhoanna. "Bakit kawawa? He deserves it! That jerk deserves to be played on! He broke some girl's heart, so I taught him his lesson. Hindi lahat ng babae kaya n'yang paglaruan!" Aubrey said, her voice dripping with conviction.
Umiling si Jhoanna, her expression a mixture of disappointment and concern. "Why? Of all people you should be the one who could have understood. You're his female version, Aubrey. Maybe you could have tried a different approach to knock some sense into him. Hindi 'yong nananakit ka din ng tao. Paano kung ikaw naman ang paglaruan ng tadhana at lahat ng pinaggagawa mo bumalik sa'yo? Isa ka rin sa dapat turuan ng lesson, eh!" Jhoanna said, her words striking a chord within Aubrey.
Aubrey's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she quickly masked it with a careless smile. "Whatever, Jho! Whatever!" She stood up, her movements fluid and deliberate, she walked away from Jhoanna.
Ayaw n'yang mainis ngayong gabi, kaya mas pinili n'yang lumipat ng upuan. She felt so in control because of her latest triumph, and she didn't want to lose her mood just because of her righteous friend.
She made her way to the bar, her eyes scanning the crowd as she signaled the bartender for another round of drinks. "Come on, guys! Let's all get drunk tonight! It's on me!" She exclaimed, her voice carrying across the room.
The group cheered, their faces lighting up with excitement. "Alright! Cheers for Aubrey!" Someone shouted, raising their glass in a toast.
Aubrey grinned, feeling a rush of exhilaration as she clinked her glass against the others. For tonight, at least, she was the queen of the night, and nothing could bring her down.
____________
Aubrey felt like she was spinning, her head reeling from the effects of the hard liquor. Mas pinili nalang n'yang magpaiwan at maupo nalang sa couch kaysa sa sumama sa mga kaibigan sa dance floor. She's too drunk, she can't even sit still. Isinandal n'ya ang ulo sa couch at ipinikit ang mga mata, hoping to calm the storm brewing inside her.
But then, she heard it. A voice like an angel, singing with a passion that seemed to reverberate deep within Aubrey's soul.
The lyrics of "Hurricane" by Fleurie filled the air, and Aubrey felt like she was being transported to a different world. Her voice is like a gentle breeze on a summer day.
I can feel your heart hanging in the air
I'm counting every step as you climb the stairs
It's buried in your bones, I see it in your closed eyes
Turning in, this is harder than we know
The way the singer delivered her words sent shivers down Aubrey's spine. Napadilat si Aubrey ng marinig ang tinig ng babae, at kinurap-kurap n'ya ang mga mata para masigurado ang nakikita.
Tall, pretty, sexy and sassy... a girl full of confidence and glamour, standing on stage, holding the microphone while singing her heart out. Aubrey's eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight of the singer.
"Wow!" She exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. Never in her life had she met someone like her. "One hell of an example of the true definition of perfect."
The singer looked at Aubrey's way, her stare lingers as she sang, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.
Aubrey felt like she was transfixed, her gaze locked onto the singer as if she couldn't look away. There was something about the way the singer moved, the way she sang, that seemed to captivate Aubrey in a way she couldn't quite explain. She felt like she was under a spell, one that she didn't want to break.
Coming like a hurricane, I take it in real slow
The world is spinning like a weathervane
Fragile and composed
Though I am breaking down again
I am aching now to let you in
Her eyes never left hers as she moved to the other side of the stage. It's as if she's singing for her... for her alone. The lyrics seemed to take on a new meaning as Aubrey felt like she was being called out by the singer in a subtle way.
Seven times again, when you are not awake
Seven times the flame, too much to take
The sky burns red against your skin
The world we know turns in the wind
Aubrey felt so conscious that she remained immobile as she stared back at her. The song may be a bit harsh for her, but the singer's gestures were opposite to what she sang. Aubrey felt her heart race fast as she winked and bit her lips as if seducing her. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as they locked eyes, the connection between them palpable.
And I don't know, I don't know how it can change
Watch it go, watch it go, we stay the same
And I don't know, I don't know how it can change
And I don't know, I don't know how it can change
It's all we know, all we know, the hurricane
The singer's voice seemed to whisper in Aubrey's ear, making her feel like she was the only person in the room. The music faded away, and all that was left was the sound of the singer's voice, echoing in Aubrey's mind. She felt like she was drowning in the singer's eyes, and she didn't want to be saved.
They stared at each other as the woman singing exited the stage with an applause from the audience. The sound of clapping and cheering seemed to fade into the background as Aubrey felt like she was suspended in time, her eyes still locked on the singer.
"Ang ganda n'ya." Aubrey breathed, she was totally mesmerized.
"Sayang hindi ko manlang s'ya nakilala." She felt a pang of regret, wondering what it would be like to meet the singer, to talk to her, to get to know her.
The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but feel like she had just experienced something special, something that would stay with her for a long time.
Napakibit-balikat nalang s'ya sabay inom ng tubig na inorder n'ya para mawala kahit papaano ang hilo n'ya. She was trying to shake off the dizziness, but her eyes kept drifting back to the stage, where the singer had just performed.
"Hi! Can I join you?" A voice said, breaking the spell.
Napataas ang ulo ni Aubrey para titigan ang nagsalita. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of the singer, standing in front of her with a bright smile.
"Mas maganda ka pala sa malapitan." Aubrey blurted out, she is mesmerized. She couldn't believe her eyes. The singer was even more beautiful up close.
The singer just laughed and sat down next to Aubrey, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're prettier." She said, her voice dripping with sincerity. "Ano'ng iniinom mo? Can I have some?"
Dumukwang ito para tingnan ang laman ng baso n'ya. Amoy na amoy n'ya ang mabangong perfume nito.
Aubrey felt a flutter in her chest as the singer leaned in close, her face inches from hers. "Just water. Nagpapababa lang ako ng tama." Aubrey replied, trying to sound casual despite the racing of her heart. "I can buy you a drink. What do you want? Tatawagin ko ang waiter para makapag-order k-..."
But before Aubrey could finish, the singer reached out and took the glass of water from the table. She sipped on the same glass that Aubrey was using, their lips touching the same rim. Napangiti s'ya ng maisip na parang may indirect kiss na nangyari between them.
"Here! Have some more. Para mawala hilo mo." The singer offered, handing the glass back to Aubrey. "No, thanks. You can have all of it." Aubrey replied.
"Sige, ikaw ang bahala." The singer said, smiling as she took another sip from the glass. Aubrey looked at her as she finished her drink, her eyes searching for any sign of familiarity. Where had she seen her before? The singer's face seemed to ring a bell, but Aubrey couldn't quite place her.
As the singer handed the glass back to Aubrey, their fingers touched, sending a spark of electricity through Aubrey's body. She felt a shiver run down her spine as the singer smiled at her, their eyes locking in a gaze that seemed to hold a thousand secrets.
"You look familiar. Have we met before?" Tanong ni Aubrey dito, her eyes scanning the singer's face as if trying to remember where she has seen her.
She smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hmmm... I don't know. Kung ako siguro never kita makakalimutan sakaling nameet na kita before." She said, her voice a little flirtatious.
Aubrey raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the singer's response. "Sabagay. I didn't know na may live band pala na tumutugtog dito." She said, trying to change the subject.
She chuckled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Actually, this is the only night that i'm singing here. For a particular person only." She said, her voice low and husky.
Aubrey's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat as the singer's eyes locked onto hers. Kinindatan s'ya nito and she couldn't help but giggle and blush.
"Oh! Really? That person might be so special and lucky." Aubrey said, flirting back.
The singer smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You have an angelic voice. Never heard someone sing as good as you before." Aubrey said, her eyes shining with sincerity.
Her face lit up with a bright smile. "Why, thank you for the compliment, Aubrey!" She said, her voice dripping with pleasure.
Aubrey's eyes widened in surprise. "You know me?" She asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
She chuckled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "No! Not really. Narinig ko lang kayo kanina ng mga barkada mo. I was sitting behind you. I was eavesdropping on that table earlier. I know it's rude and i'm sorry."
Aubrey's eyes followed the singer's gaze to the table behind them. "Oh! I don't mind. Nasa public space naman kasi. Understandable naman. May makakarinig talaga sa pinag-uusapan namin."
The singer's eyes locked onto hers, her smile bright and radiant. "I couldn't help myself but be curious about who you are. I'm Queen Arceta, preferred to be called Q by special people like you." Queen said, her voice dripping with confidence.
Queen extended her hand for a handshake, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Aubrey Sevilleja. Nice to meet you, Q."
As their hands touched, Aubrey felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. Parang nakukuryente s'ya sa pagdampi ng kamay n'ya sa palad nito. She quickly withdrew her hand, her heart racing with excitement.
"So where are your friends?" Tanong ni Queen habang palinga-linga sa paligid.
Gusto n'yang tanungin dito kung nafeel din nito ang spark na dala ng pagtama ng mga kamay nila pero nakahiyaan na rin n'yang gawin. Mas pinili n'yang manahimik nalang muna.
"Hmmm... I don't know. Dancing with the crowd maybe." Aubrey replied, her eyes scanning the crowd as if searching for her friends.
Queen smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Want to go somewhere else?" Q boldly asked.
Napangiti s'ya. Looks like someone is really interested with her. She had dated girls in the past. Played with them too. Maybe this Queen is not an exception. Besides, she really caught her attention with the way she sings earlier. So, bakit hindi?
"I've never been in bed with a singer, so why not?" Aubrey said, grinning.
Q rose to her feet and offered her a hand. "Let's go?" She asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Aubrey hesitated for a moment, but then she took Queen's hand. Queen intertwined her hand with hers as they passed through the crowd. "Wow! Iba s'ya. She seems so proud having me with her. Hindi s'ya nahihiyang mag-PDA." Naisa-isip ni Aubrey.
Hindi naman n'ya binawi ang kamay at hinayaan lang n'ya si Queen na hawakan s'ya ng mahigpit. They walked hand in hand, the crowd parting to let them through.
"So where are we going? Your place or my place?" Tanong n'ya ng nasa gilid na sila ng kalsada.
Queen smiled. "My place." She said.
Aubrey's heart skipped a beat as she looked at Queen, her eyes locked on hers. She felt a shiver run down her spine as Queen's hand tightened around hers.
"Okay, let's go." Aubrey said, her voice full of excitement and anticipation.
"Have you ever thought about your last day on earth? I mean the last 24 hours before you die." Queen asked, after minutes of calming silence.
Natawa s'ya sa tanong nito. "You're weird. Why did you ask? Mamamatay ka na ba bukas?" Aubrey teased, raising an eyebrow.
Queen just offered her a timid smile. "No naman. Curious lang ako kung ano ang gagawin mo sa huling araw mo sa mundo."
Queen is still holding her hand as they walk down the street. Pinili n'yang isandal sa braso nito ang ulo n'ya sabay pilig sa nahihilo pa n'yang diwa. Aubrey felt a sense of comfort and security with Queen's hand holding hers.
"Honestly, I never thought about it. Maybe nothing? Hindi ko rin naman yata malalaman kung kailan ako mamamatay kaya its better that I enjoy life as long as i'm alive." Aubrey replied, shrugging her shoulders.
Nagpatango-tango si Queen. "Fair point. Since hindi ko rin alam kung paano ako mamamatay at kung kailan ako mawawala.. why don't you spend the next 24 hours with me? Who knows wala na nga ako bukas, 'di ba? We'll never know."
"Now that's even weirder! You're thinking weird. Tao ka ba talaga?" Aubrey teased, laughing. "Hmmm... since wala naman akong gagawin the whole day bukas, sige. Pagbibigyan kita." Aubrey agreed, smiling.
"Cool! Then our 24 hours starts now!" Queen exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.
Pumara ito ng tricycle at pinauna s'yang sumakay dito. Nagbigay ito ng instruction sa driver kung saan sila pupunta bago pumasok sa tricycle at umupo sa tabi n'ya. As they rode the tricycle, Queen leaned in close to Aubrey, her face inches from hers.
"Where are we going?" Aubrey asked.
"It's a surprise." Queen replied, winking at her as a small smile formed on her lips. "Just enjoy the ride and let's make the most of our 24 hours together."
"This is cute! I never experienced riding a public transpo even then. Ang saya pala sumakay dito?" Aubrey asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Queen smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Simple joy? Swerte mo at nabuhay ka sa karangyaan. Normal lang ito sa mga normal na tao. Kailangan para hindi mahirapan sa paglalakad sa araw-araw. You should be thankful for what you have. You're blessed."
Napatitig s'ya dito, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Ano ba ito? Counting my blessings 101?" She asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.
Queen didn't respond, her expression unreadable. Dinala sila ng tricycle na sinasakyan sa isang lumang apartment complex.
"Do you live here?" Aubrey asked, her eyes scanning the old building.
Queen nodded. "I do. I lived here with my sister. But live alone now."
Umakyat sila sa hagdan patungo sa 2nd floor ng building kung nasaan ang kwarto nito. She live in a small, not so cozy but clean apartment. Nakahinga ng maluwag si Aubrey ng makita na maayos nitong kwarto. She didn't expect her room to be nice coz of this old apartment building.
"You have been able to judge before you know the whole truth. Give it the benefit of the doubt. Everything and everyone deserves it." Queen said.
Tumaas ang kilay n'ya. "I did not judge anyone. I won't. Saka totoo namang luma ang apartment building. Kaya iniexpect ko na hindi maganda pati sa loob nito. Wait! Inoobserbahan mo ba ako?" Aubrey asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Hindi s'ya nito sinagot at inayos ang higaan. Queen busied herself with arranging the pillows, her expression unreadable. Aubrey watched her, her eyes searching for any sign of what Queen was thinking. But Queen's face was a mask, her emotions hidden behind a veil of calmness.
"I think I need to shower. Pwede ba?" Aubrey asked, feeling a bit irritated after their conversation. A cold shower might help her cool down.
"Sure. The door on your right is my bathroom. Feel free to use everything in it. Here's my extra towel, use it." Queen replied, handing her a towel.
Aubrey took the towel and quickly headed to the bathroom. "She's really weird! There's something about her I can't even explain. But she got me really curious about her." She thought to herself as she showered.
After she finished taking her shower, Aubrey returned to the room, feeling refreshed and revitalized. The room was filled with the aroma of brewed coffee and Queen is sitting on a wooden chair, sipping from a mug.
"Take a sip. I'll use the bathroom too." Queen said, offering Aubrey a mug.
Aubrey sat down on the chair and took a sip of the coffee, feeling the warmth spread through her body. She looked around the room, taking in the simplicity of Queen's space. "Paano s'ya nakakatagal magstay sa lugar na 'to?" she thought to herself.
Just then, Queen emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her head, she's on her pajamas now. "I live a simple life, Aubrey. I sleep and eat here, I work, I chitchatted with my neighbors once in a while. I play with the children on the park sometimes." She said, as if reading Aubrey's thoughts.
Aubrey was taken aback, feeling a bit surprised that Queen seemed to know what she was thinking. "Paano mo naririnig ang mga sinasabi ko sa utak ko? I never said a word." She asked, feeling a bit curious.
Queen smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hmmm... I don't know. Hinulaan ko lang. I don't have to live an extravagant life to be happy. When you're at peace, you feel the contentment. Lalo na kapag wala kang sinasaktan at hinahamak na tao."
Aubrey felt a bit uncomfortable, feeling like Queen was seeing right through her. She stood up, feeling the need to leave. "You're impossible! I thought we're going to have a good time tonight. Sinisira mo lang ang mood ko sa mga sinasabi mo." She said, trying to sound annoyed.
Queen just smiled. "Truth hurts right?" She said, walking towards Aubrey.
Aubrey felt a bit taken aback as Queen approached her, her heart racing with anticipation. She closed her eyes, waiting for Queen's lips to touch hers. But instead of feeling Queen's lips, she felt a towel being dabbed around her face.
Napadilat s'ya at inis na tinignan ang ginagawa ni Queen. Tinuyo nito ang buo n'yang mukha at katawan kasama na ang buhok n'ya gamit ang towel na suot n'ya kanina. Hindi manlang n'ya namalayang tinanggal na pala ni Queen ang pagkakabuhol nito sa katawan n'ya. Kumuha ito ng oversized shirt sa drawer at isinuot sa kanya.
"They look nice on you. Hop in bed, lady." Queen said.
Aubrey felt a bit surprised, but she didn't know why she felt the need to obey Queen's commands. She got into bed, feeling a bit strange but also somehow at peace. Queen got in beside her, wrapping her arms around Aubrey's body.
As they lay there, Aubrey felt a sense of calm wash over her, feeling like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
"So? Magtititigan nalang tayo buong magdamag?" Aubrey asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.
Queen chuckled and offered her shoulder for Aubrey to rest her head. Aubrey didn't fight it and submitted herself to Queen's wish for a cuddle. "Hmmm..." She felt so warm and comfortable just hugging her like this. She feels like home.
Aubrey had never done anything like this with her past relationships and flings. She and her lover usually parted ways after a good time or slept on her side of the bed with her back on her lover after her desires had been fed. But with Queen, it felt different. It felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
"How was your day today if I may ask?" Queen asked, her voice low and soothing.
Aubrey hesitated for a moment before answering. "Nothing much. Just slept the whole day after breaking up with Tom over the phone early this morning. Then thought about having some drinks with my friends after I woke up, so I called them up and waited until party hours. How about you?"
Queen smiled, her eyes sparkling with contentment. "Maaga akong nagising kanina. I cooked a big pot of arroz caldo for breakfast, then tinawag lahat ng batang nasa kalye and feed them. I went to work after, you know... to make ends meet. Tapos umekstra na singer sa bar kung saan kita nameet."
Aubrey felt a pang of guilt and shame. She had the time and the money to help the needy, but she never did. Meanwhile, Queen, who lived a simple life and barely made ends meet, was still able to help others.
"You think I really fucked up in life, Q?" Aubrey asked.
Queen shook her head, her expression soft and gentle. "No! You didn't. Maybe you're a little lost right now at 'yan lang din ang nakasanayan mong buhay. But hey! You need to wake up now! I'm setting an example here. Malaki ka na. You know what to do na. I believe in you."
Queen kissed Aubrey on the forehead, and Aubrey felt a sense of calm wash over her. "Marami kang nainom, 'di ba? I think you need to rest." Queen said, her voice low and soothing.
Aubrey pouted. "You mean i'll sleep empty-handed tonight? Like you'll leave me hanging like this?" She asked, her voice laced with frustration.
Queen just smiled and hugged Aubrey tight. "Go to sleep, Aubrey. We got so much to do tomorrow." She whispered, her voice barely audible.
As Queen hummed a sweet melody and combed Aubrey's hair with her fingers, Aubrey felt her eyelids growing heavy. She drifted off to sleep, feeling safe and protected in Queen's arms.
______________
Nagising s'ya sa mabangong amoy ng adobo. Nakaramdam s'ya bigla ng gutom. She saw Queen on the kitchen, looking so cute with her dog-printed pajamas. She feels like hugging her as she watches her do her thing in the kitchen.
Tumayo s'ya mula sa bed and tiptoed to hug Queen from behind. Q stiffened for a second but resumed what she was doing after she realized it was just her.
"Good morning." Aubrey greeted, resting her cheek on Queen's back as she hugged her.
"Good morning, pretty. Gutom ka na?" Queen asked, her voice warm and inviting.
"I'm hungry for food, yeah. But I want to eat you instead." Aubrey replied, her voice laced with seduction.
Queen just laughed and turned to face her. "You and your naughty thoughts. Come on! Help me fix the table so we can eat."
Aubrey never did that. May maids na gumagawa n'on for her. But there was something about Queen that made her want to help. "Come on. Just a little help, Aubrey." Queen said, her voice persuasive.
Aubrey shrugged her shoulders and did what Queen asked her to do.
"Why, thank you. I appreciate the effort."
Queen planted one swift kiss on Aubrey's lips without warning. Aubrey could smell her freshly brushed breath along with her sweet-smelling shampoo. Queen pulled away before Aubrey could even respond to her kiss.
"Darn it! You're really playing some tricks on me, huh?" Aubrey said, her voice laced with frustration.
Queen just smiled. "Tingnan natin kung sino ang mananalo, Q. I usually get what I want! I won't fall for your crappy teasing games!" Aubrey said, her voice confident.
Queen chuckled. "Just be thankful for your reward, Aubrey. Everything that's good is rewarded with goodness too."
Aubrey rolled her eyes, but Queen just smiled. Q served her some fried rice and adobo, which tasted lovely. Aubrey realized that she was really starving after she emptied her almost full plate.
"Masarap, Q. Good thing 24 hours lang tayong magkasama, kundi tataba ako kapag laging ganito." Aubrey said, her voice filled with appreciation.
Queen smiled, her eyes shining with pleasure. "I'm glad you liked it."
Aubrey's heart skipped a beat at the thought of spending another day with Queen. She couldn't help but feel drawn to Queen's warmth and kindness. Maybe, just maybe, this 24-hour thing could lead to something more.
Ngumiti lang si Queen at itinuro ang damit sa itaas ng drawer n'ya. "Maligo ka na at may pupuntahan tayo after. We are not wasting our remaining hours inside this room."
Napalatak s'ya. "No! We can. We can make love the whole day today and leave each other tonight." Aubrey said, her voice laced with seduction.
Queen looked at her, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Make love? Do you really know what the word love means, Aubrey?"
"O-of course!" Aubrey replied, her confidence wavering slightly.
Queen raised an eyebrow. "I bet you don't. Sige, let's make a deal. I'll give you what you want. I'll make love with you tonight, but you have to go with me today. Kinikilala ko muna ang tao bago ako mag-engage sa lovemaking. I don't just fuck, I do it with feelings, with love at that. Tama lang naman, 'di ba?"
Aubrey felt a pang of frustration. "Why don't you just give me what I want? We'll have a good time like what two mature persons will do. No commitments involved. Hay! I think I should leave. Hindi ako sanay mamilit ng tao lalo na kung ayaw talaga sa akin. Thank you for the adobo and the cuddle last night."
Queen shrugged her shoulders and went to wash the dishes. "Okay. Ikaw ang bahala." She said, her voice nonchalant.
Aubrey felt a surge of anger. "Nakakainis! Ang bilis kausap!" She muttered to herself as she showers.
She grabbed her things and prepared to leave. But as she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt a pang of discomfort. She was used to wearing elegant designer clothes, not the simple t-shirt and jeans that Queen had lent her.
She looked at herself again and smiled wryly. "I look... normal." She said to herself, chuckling.
Just as she stepped on the side of the road, Queen appeared beside her, riding on her big bike. Aubrey's eyes widened in surprise. "Wanna go with me?" Queen asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Aubrey hesitated for a moment but she still shook her head. "Hmmm. No! I'd rather be home." She said, trying to sound firm.
"Ikaw ang bahala. But i'm warning you, maraming asong nangangagat ng hindi nila kilala sa dadaanan mo. Saka may mga tambay na ring nag-iinom d'yan sa may kanto ng ganitong oras."
Natawa si Queen ng bigla s'yang umangkas sa likod nito. "Mas okay na sigurong sumama sa'yo kaysa malapa ng mga aso at ipulutan ng mga tambay sa kanto."
Queen just laughed and started the engine as she handed her a helmet which she wear immediately.
As they rode through the streets, Aubrey couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. She had never done anything like this before.
As they passed by the tambays and the stray dogs, Aubrey felt a pang of gratitude towards Queen. "Wew! Close call!"
"Hindi mo ba minsan pinangarap na tumira sa lugar na kaiba rito, Q? I mean, as I can see it, hindi s'ya safe place para sa mga babaeng kagaya natin." Aubrey said, her voice laced with concern.
Queen looked at her through the side mirror. "This is my home, and the people around it are family to me."
She had never met anyone like Queen before. Someone who was so content with her simple life, despite the dangers and the difficulties that came with it.
As they continued to ride, Aubrey found herself thinking about Queen's words. She realized that she had been living her life in a bubble, surrounded by luxury and comfort. But Queen's words made her see that there was more to life than just material possessions.
She looked at Queen, who was smiling at her through the mirror, and felt a pang of admiration. She was starting to see Queen in a different light, as someone who was strong, resilient, and true to herself.
And as they rode off into the distance, Aubrey couldn't help but wonder what the day would bring.
Napakapit s'ya bigla kay Queen ng binilisan nito ang pagpapatakbo. Para s'yang liliparin sa bilis nito. "Slow down, Q! You're scaring me!" Sigaw n'ya mula sa likod.
"Don't you trust me, Aubrey?" Queen asked, her voice carried away by the wind.
"How should I? Kagabi lang kita nakilala!" Nahigit n'ya ang hininga ng mas binilisan pa nito ang takbo. Halos maluha-luha na ang mata n'ya sa lakas ng hangin na sumasalubong sa kanila.
"I'm starting to trust you, Q! Please don't break that trust! Damn it!" Sigaw ulit n'ya.
Medyo bumagal kaysa kasalukuyan ang takbo nila at ilang minuto pa ay bumalik na sa normal na bilis ang pagpapatakbo ni Queen.
"Papatayin mo ba ako, Q?!"
"No! Sinusubukan ko lang kung kaya mo pang magtiwala... kung kaya mo pang ipagkatiwala ang buhay mo sa iba."
Hindi na nga ba s'ya marunong magtiwala? Wala na nga ba s'yang tiwala sa iba? Aubrey thought to herself, feeling a pang of self-doubt.
"Isn't it fun? 'Yong wala kang pakialam sa speed, wala kang pakialam sa nangyayari sa paligid, wala kang pakialam sa sasabihin ng iba for as long as masaya ka?" Queen asked, her voice filled with excitement.
"Wait! Pagmomotor pa ba ang pinag-uusapan natin dito?" Aubrey asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Life is a risk and so is love. Hanga ako sa mga taong binibigay lahat para sa pagmamahal." Queen said, her eyes shining with admiration.
"They shouldn't do that. Paano kung sa maling tao nila mabigay ang pagmamahal na 'yon? Pagsisisihan nilang nagmahal pa sila kapag nagkataon." Aubrey said, her voice laced with skepticism.
"Exactly! Kaya sana sa susunod na taong dumating sa buhay mo, isipin mo muna 'yan bago ka maglaro. Who knows, s'ya pala dapat 'yong taong para sa'yo pero dahil pinaglaruan mo lang s'ya, siguradong masasayang lang ang pagmamahal na 'yon. Tama?"
"Bakit ba nababalik lagi sa akin ang usapan ha?" Aubrey asked, her voice laced with frustration.
"Coz I want you to realize one thing, Aubrey. Hindi laruan ang feelings ng tao. Pwede ka namang maging tamang tao para sa maling pagmamahal. Ayos lang naman masaktan, kasi may natututunan. Ang hindi okay is 'yong intentional kang mananakit ng feelings ng iba." Queen said, her voice firm but gentle.
"Whatever! Sa iba mo sabihin 'yan, Q. I know my prospects. Kinikilala ko muna sila bago paglaruan."
Queen just smiled and shook her head. "You're missing the point, Aubrey. But I hope you'll realize it soon." She said, her eyes sparkling with a hint of sadness.
Hindi na sumagot pa si Aubrey kaya itinuon nalang din ni Queen ang focus sa pagdadrive. Tumigil sila sa gilid ng may kataasan ring bundok.
"Oh! Bakit tayo tumigil?" Aubrey asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Kasi aakyatin natin 'yang bundok na 'yan." Queen replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Huh?! Ayoko, Q! Paano kung may ahas? Paano kung malula ako tapos mahulog? Saka baka masayang lang effort ko at bumalik lang ako sa umpisa kahit pa narating ko na ang kalagitnaan."
Queen chuckled. "Paano mo malalaman kung makakaya mong umabot sa tuktok kung 'di mo susubukan? Para ring sa pagmamahal, Aubrey. Hindi mo malalaman kung magwowork at kung worth it ba ang efforts mo kung hindi mo susubukan."
Aubrey rolled her eyes. "You won't buy me with that crap! Hindi ko trip ang mga trip mo. Lalo na itong trekking na iniisip mo. Ni wala tayong tamang gears para dito."
Queen smiled. "But you have me with you. I brought us some food and water. Isn't it enough?"
Aubrey shook her head. "You know what? No! Uuwi na ako, Q."
Tinalikuran lang s'ya nito at magsimula ng baybayin ang gilid ng bundok.
Napalingon si Aubrey sa kanan at sa kaliwa n'ya pero ni walang dumadaan na mga sasakyan. "Q! Wait!" Humabol s'ya rito at sumunod sa dinaanan nito.
Queen smiled down at her and continued walking up the sloppy mountain.
"Watch out!" Kamuntik na s'yang madulas pero nahawakan s'ya ni Queen sa kamay.
"Si wonder woman ka ba? Laging nakaabang sa disgrasya at handang tumulong sa kapwa?" Aubrey teased.
Queen chuckled. "Wonder woman? Hindi! But surely tutulungan kita bago ka pa tuluyang mahulog at madisgrasya. Ililigtas kita bago mo masaktan ang sarili mo at 'di ka na makabangon pa."
Kumunot ang noo ni Aubrey. Bakit parang may mas malalim pang kahulugan ang sinasabi nito? Hinayaan nalang n'ya at sumunod paakyat dito.
Mahirap ang daan paakyat pero nakaya nilang umabot sa tuktok ng bundok ng magkahawak-kamay.
"We made it, Q!" Tuwang-tuwa si Aubrey na napayakap at napahalik pa sa pisngi ni Queen. Pawis na pawis s'ya pero hind n'ya ikinabahala 'yon. Tuwang-tuwa s'ya sa bagong achievement nila ni Queen ng magkasama.
"Tama ka nga, Q. The risk is all worth it. Ang ganda ng tanawin." Aubrey said, her eyes shining.
"Sabi ko sa'yo, 'di ba? Everything is worth the try. Give it your best shot. Give your all, and everything will be rewarded."
Umupo ito sa damuhan at tinanaw ang napakagandang tanawin sa harapan nito.
Napatitig s'ya kay Queen. She's started growing fondness for her. Pinapahanga s'ya nito. Q is the only person na kaya s'yang pasunurin ng walang reklamo. Kaya nitong ituwid ang mga baluktot n'yang paniniwala at ang mababaw n'yang pag-iisip.
Aubrey smiled as she looked at Queen. "Atlast, I think, I found the right person to love. A person to give everything I have. To be a better version of myself. Handa na akong magbago para sa kanya."
"How was your adventure with me, Aubrey?" Queen stared at her, smiling.
"Hmmm... I'm starting to realize my mistakes now. Buti nalang dumating ka before it's too late." Aubrey replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
Queen's smile widened. "I planned it that way. Buti pinayagan ako ni G to do this. The next person you'll meet might be the right person for you, kaya huwag mo s'yang paglaruan, Aubrey. Love with all your heart. Sabi ko naman, 'di ba? Everything that you do with a good heart will be rewarded with goodness. Tandaan mo lagi 'yan."
Humangin ng malakas at bigla na lang nawala si Queen sa harap n'ya.
"Q? Q! Queen! Arceta!" Tawag n'ya pero wala s'yang makita.
____________
"Queen!" Sigaw n'ya kasabay ng pagbukas ng mga mata. Bigla s'yang nalito. Nasa puting kwarto na s'ya. Beeping medical aparatuses are everywhere. Naka IV na rin s'ya.
"Aubrey! Thank God, gising ka na!" Jhoanna exclaimed, standing up from the chair beside her bed. Dumukwang ito para tingnan s'ya.
"Why am I here? Nasaan si Queen?" Aubrey asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Nangunot ang noo ni Jho at nagkatinginan sila ng ibang barkada n'ya. "Who's Queen?" Jhoanna asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Oo nga, Aubrey. Sino si Queen? You meet an accident exactly 24 hours now. Nabangga ka ng humahagibis na motor sa labas ng bar na pinuntahan natin kagabi. You were dragged 4 meters away from the scene of the accident. Mabuti nalang at mabilis ang response ng rescue team kaya nadala ka rito sa ospital kaagad." One of her friends explained.
Aubrey's eyes widened in shock. "What are you guys talking about? I'm with Queen the whole time! I've never met any accident! Yeah, I rode on her big bike but we arrived at our destination safe and sound. We even climbed a mountain."
Nagkatinginan lang ang mga barkada n'ya. "I think we need a doctor. Naghahalucinate pa yata si Aubrey." One of them said.
Naiwan si Jho na nakatitig lang sa kanya habang ang iba ay tumawag ng doktor ng magkakasama.
"Naniniwala ka sa sinasabi ko, 'di ba, Jho?"
Napakamot ito ng batok at wari'y nag-aalangan sa isasagot nito sa kanya.
"Sino si Queen, Aubs?" Jhoanna asked, her voice soft and gentle.
"Queen Arceta... the band vocalist with an angelic voice from last night." Aubrey replied, her eyes shining with conviction.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Jho sa gulat. "T-that can't be possible! Imposible talaga, Aubs!"
"What? Why?" Aubrey asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Umiling-iling lang si Jhoanna. "Magpagaling ka muna. May ipapakita ako sa'yo after."
Aubrey's eyes narrowed. "What is it, Jho? Tell me."
Jhoanna hesitated before speaking. Her expression softened. "I'm sorry, Aubs. I can't tell you right now. You're not in your proper headspace for it. You need to rest and forget about it for now. I promise to tell you after mong makalabas dito sa ospital."
______________
Days had passed at walang ginawa si Aubrey kundi ang mahiga sa hospital bed n'ya at isipin si Queen.
She tried convincing her friends na ipahanap ang taong nagngangalang Queen Arceta pero wala s'yang nakombinsi ni isa man sa kanila. Tikom din ang bibig ni Jhoanna, ang tanging nakakaalam kung sino si Queen.
"Where are we going, Jho?" Tanong n'ya ng sunduin s'ya nito sa ospital matapos n'yang madischarge kanina.
"My tita's house." Jhoanna replied, her voice serious.
Nagtaka s'ya kung bakit sila pupunta sa bahay ng tita nito pero tumahimik nalang s'ya. The house looks beautiful from the outside. But it looks abandoned with all the tall bushes and vines all over its walls and its fence.
"Sayang naman 'yong bahay. Mukhang wala ng nakatira dito." Aubrey said, her eyes scanning the old house.
"Yup. 2 years na." Jhoanna replied, her voice laced with sadness. "Hali ka, pumasok tayo sa loob."
Natulala si Aubrey sa bumungad na portrait sa wall ng buksan ni Jhoanna ang main door ng bahay. "Q! Q-Queen..." She stammered.
"Queen is my tita. Kapatid s'ya ng mommy ko." Jhoanna explained, her eyes shining with memories.
"T-talaga? Nasaan s'ya ngayon? Hindi pala s'ya nakatira sa isang lumang apartment? Naloko n'ya ako ah. I was thinking about offering her my condo since I don't use it often. Parang hindi naman kasi s'ya safe doon sa pinuntahan naming lugar."
Color drained from Jhoanna's face. "Like seriously? Mommy and tita Q grow up in an old apartment building. They are both singers when they were younger. Naipundar ni tita 'tong bahay ng maging singer s'ya sa cruise ship."
Aubrey's eyes widened in shock. "Hmmm... so dinala n'ya pala ako sa lumang bahay nila. Kaya pala walang kagamit-gamit."
Napalatak si Jhoanna habang nira-rub ang nananayong balahibo sa braso. "Kinikilabutan ako sa'yo, Aubrey! Magtigil ka nga!"
"What? Why?" Aubrey asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Jhoanna took a deep breath before speaking. "2 years ng patay si tita Q. She died when she was 53 years old. She met an accident while she's on her way home after visiting a club where she sings back then. Coincidentally, that club she went to is the same club na pinuntahan natin noong naaksidente ka."
Aubrey's eyes widened in shock. "No...that can't be! I was with her. I talked to her. I...I fell in love with her. I'm super confused right now!"
Jhoanna's expression softened, apologetic. "I'm sorry, Aubs. Hindi rin ako makakatulong sa pagbibigay ng sagot sa'yo. Ang imposible kasi. Pero 'yong kwento mo, kwento rin talaga ng tita ko. Ihhh! Nakakatakot naman 'to!" Jhoanna squeeled. Kinikilabutan talaga s'ya.
Pinakita ni Jhoanna ang mga litrato ni Queen sa kanya. Natulala na lamang s'ya sa mga nalaman. At katulala pa rin s'ya hanggang sa nakarating sila sa sementeryo kung saan ito nakalibing.
"Paanong nangyari ito, Queen? You're dead and i'm still alive. Paano kita nameet?" Tanong n'ya habang inaalis ang mga tuyong dahon sa ibabaw ng lapida nito.
She felt a mix of emotions - sadness, confusion, and regret. She couldn't understand how she met Queen, how she fell in love with her, when in fact, Queen had been dead for 2 years and what she meet in her unconscious state is the younger version of Queen Arceta.
"I'm speechless and really confused right now, Q. Iniisip ko ngayon kung nababaliw na ba ako. Impossible kasi talaga. Pero iniisip ko nalang 'yong mga lessons na nalearn ko from you. You've opened my eyes on how bad I had become. Maybe you came back to life just for a day to teach me some lesson."
Sinindihan n'ya ang dalang kandila at pumikit. Her tears started to fall from her closed lids.
"Akala ko ikaw na. Umasa pa naman ako. Handa na nga sana akong magbago para sa'yo. Pero pinaglalaruan din yata ako ng tadhana. Nakakarma na yata ako sa mga maling nagawa ko in the past. I guess you're my sweetest karma, Q." She said, her voice cracking with emotion.
Napabuntong-hininga s'ya. "Ang sama ko yata masyado noon. I should ask for forgiveness to those ones i've hurt. Maybe it's time to change for the better. Tama ka, Q. Paano kung dumating na pala 'yong tamang tao para sa akin pero pinaglaruan ko lang? I'll lost my chance at forever. Hmmm... still i'm hoping that you did it on purpose. Maybe i'll met the one when i'm ready."
She prayed in silence, hoping that Queen's spirit would hear her. Hinawakan n'ya ang lapida ni Queen at ngumiti.
"Thank you. You might have been a part of my hallucination but I felt how it is to be loved by you. Hinding-hindi kita makakalimutan, Queen." She said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Umihip ang malakas ng hangin at para bang bumalot ito sa buo n'yang pagkatao. Ngumiti si Aubrey at niyakap ang sarili. She knew that Queen is around. She's listening.
"I'll make you proud of me, Q. You'll see. Just watch me from up there. Thank you for the harshiest lesson ever." She said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nakangiting nilingon n'ya muna ang kinaroroonan ng puntod nito bago bumalik sa naghihintay na si Jhoanna. She knew that she had a long way to go, but she was ready to change, to become a better person, and to make Queen proud.
"Ouch!" Kapwa nila sambit ng nakabanggaan n'ya. Kamuntik ng matumba si Aubrey ng saluhin s'ya ng kung sinumang nakabangga n'ya.
"Tumingin ka sa dinadaanan mo next time, miss."
"Sorry. Sorry talaga." Pero bigla s'yang natulala ng mapagsino ang nakabangga n'ya.
She couldn't help but stare at the woman's piercing eyes and her long, brown hair. She felt a spark of electricity run through her body, and she knew she was in trouble.
"Okay ka lang, miss?" Inayos n'ya ang sarili at ngumiti dito. She extended her hand to her. "Sorry for bumping into you. Can you forgive me?"
Nawala ang pagkaaburido sa mukha nito at tinanggap ang kamay na inilahad n'ya. She felt that spark again and this time, she knew this is true.
"Can I invite you for coffee? I wanna make it up to you. I'm Aubrey, by the way." She grinned at her, looking so interested by the way she stares at her.
The woman smiled back, and Aubrey's heart skipped a beat. "Why not? I do want to know you too. I'm Aiah. It's nice to meet you."
Aubrey's eyes widened as she felt the spark grow stronger. She knew she had to spend more time with Aiah, to get to know her better.
"Great! I know this coffee shop nearby. They serve the best coffee in town. Shall we?" Aubrey asked, her heart racing with excitement.
Aiah nodded, and they walked together, side by side, as if they had known each other for years. Aubrey couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging, of being exactly where she was meant to be.
As they walked, Aubrey couldn't help but think of Queen, and the lessons she had taught her. She knew that Queen would want her to be happy, to follow her heart. And right now, her heart was telling her to get to know Aiah better.
Aubrey smiled to herself, feeling a sense of hope and excitement for the future. She knew that this chance encounter with Aiah might just be the start of something special.