𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝟎𝟏: 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐭 (𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐃)

𝟏𝟔: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭

     "So, ano ba dapat itawag ko sayo?" tanong ni Mira sa batang si Mathara. Pareho na silang nakatingin sa view ng dagat at dinadamdam ang simoy ng hangin. The calmness settled between them because of that view. It felt as though the fierce clash between Mathara and Mira had never occurred, leaving an atmosphere of quietness with no more tension.

     "Sabi ni ama hindi ko daw pwede sabihin ang pangalan ko, bakit ikaw pwede?" Si Mathara naman ang nagtanong. 

     That was unusual for Mira. Now, she's wondering what it is for. Kahit ba silang mga kasapi ay dapat wala ding alam?

     "Why don't we give each other nicknames?" Mira suggested, turning her head back to Mathara.

     "Hmm. You're name is Mira tapos you kill for a living. I should call you Mira Kills. It sounded like miracles too, cause it felt weird you kill when I feel a soft aura from you," Mathara said with few hints of excitement. Gusto nito 'yong idea na magbigayan sila ng nicknames. She somehow talk like an adult.

     "That's too ordinary," Mira commented at ginulo ang buhok ng kasama. Mathara went back cold again.

     Naiisip niyo baka ayaw gamitin ni Mira 'yong suggestion niya.

     "Don't worry, I'll use that nickname until I die," nakangising saad ni Mira na siyang dahilan bumalik ang maliit na sigla sa mukha ni Mathara.
     

     "What about me?" Mathara excitedly asked. 

     "You shall be, Dea—"

     Nagising si Mathara sa panaginip. Did she just gave Mira that weird nickname? Like there's no hidden meaning in it, just a plain nickname.

     "Who am I?" she asked herself, beads of sweat rolling down her face even though it's no longer hot in there. Doon niya napansin ma may electric fan na sa kwarto. It is placed near the door. Ronin bought it for her. A simple gesture of care that warms her heart a little.

    They almost always fight for small things, but that guy still is very observant and works silently. Mathara somehow noticed it and appreciated it. She felt like this is the first time someone has ever done things for her.

     A genuine smile curved on her face. Parang nalilimutan niya 'yong iniisip niya kanina lang.

     As usual, naghanda na siya para sa breakfast nila. Kung hindi lang natin alam ang condition nila, we would somehow see them as a couple.

     Napatulala ulit si Mathara sa kawalan nang mapansin ang board. That dream came back to her again. Bumigat ulit ang pakiramdam niya.

     "Luci! Hoy!" tawag ni Ronin dito. Tinakbo na niya ito at kinuha ang frying pan sa stove. Nasusunog na pala ang niluluto nitong itlog.

     "Ano bang iniisip mo? Bakit ba tulala ka?" tanong ni Ronin dito habang nililinis 'yong pan. Mathara is still silent. She wanted to tell him what's bothering her but she simply can't. Iniisip niya ang magiging reaction nito.

      Umiling lang ang dalaga at inagaw ang pan kay Ronin. Inayos ni Ronin 'yong tuwalya sa balikat niya habang kunot noong nakatingin kay Mathara.