Uno Amore

Kapitulo 4

Zazdrick

I halt my steps in front of the cafe shop.

Huminga ako nang malalim bago ako pumasok sa loob. Napunta naman ang atensiyon ng lahat sa akin. I did not bother to even look at them. I'm too wasted to compromise their knowing gazes. Agad na may pumanhik na babaeng crew sa gawi ko.

"Sir, what would you like to order?" she asks.

"Just water," I reply.

"Wala na po kayong—"

"I said just water."

Nakita ko ang paglaki ng mga mata ng babae. Bumuga ako ng hangin at bahagya naman siyang tumango sa akin at umalis na. Napahilamos ako sa aking mukha.

"Fuck!"

I don't care if they heard that. A wasted man like me deserve to release this fucking torments in me. I grab my phone from my jeans pocket and dial my uncle's cell.

My index finger is tapping on the table while waiting for his response. Inhaling, I lean in against the backrest. What the heck? Is he not going to answer now?

"Zazdrick."

I sigh. "Do you really have to think before picking?"

He breathes. "I'm sorry. I'm just... busy here. How can I help you?"

This is my last resort. I gnash my teeth.

"I need you to help me find that bastard who hit Amasia," I say, and he makes a deep sigh. "I want to put him on jail."

"Zazdrick, that's impossible," he replies, and my jaw tense. "Isa pa, hindi tayo sure kung baka membro ng sindikato ang nakabangga sa kaniya, o 'di kaya ay... adik."

My blood convulse around my veins.

"Can you just fucking do it!"

"O-okay, I'll try..."

I don't care if he's the mayor of this city. I need to give justice to Amasia's condition right now.

I finish drinking twelve glasses of water before I left the shop. People were even peeking at me as I walk in the aisle, gossiping about my act earlier. My rage can't still be the solution to wipe this ache. I make my way to pass through the crosswalk and sit on the edge of the cement.

What if hindi niya ako maalala?

Napapikit ako sa naisip. Hindi puwede. I can't. Kagyat akong tumayo at kapagkuwan ay naglakad ulit. I don't know where my feet can lead me. Hanggang sa makarating ako ng Resto Feeno. Marahan akong tumulak papasok sa loob.

Unlike Road House, mas humid ang ambiance rito. Sinaluubong ako ng waiter at tinanong kung ano ang gusto kong i-order. Pero hindi ko siya pinansin at sa halip ay naupo ako sa empty table.

"Sir, may new course po kami," she says.

"Just water," I reply.