NELINA
My second day in Manila was nothing like in Angeles City where I had to start on my project or go to Salon to make up VIP clients. I thought I should do something productive in Manila so I started furthering the investigation regarding the death of my brother.
For the first time, I took a look at the USB that Apple gave. It was all records from our former company that went bankrupt. As I am inexperienced in things as such I knew I needed someone who would guide me about the records.
Dad is the best man I could ask but I was hesitant to discuss it with him. He didn’t even know if I was still interested in the incident. Mom and dad thought I already left the case unsolved.
The investigator told us there was no foul play but I doubt it from the start. I have discussed this with mom but our hands are tired due to a lack of funds to open the investigation.
Probably talking to my mom at the right time would help me decide whether I should approach dad or not.
I was about to go out of my room for breakfast when my phone rang. It was Royce’s mom. I answered it immediately.
“Hello, Ms. Lucy. You’re so early.”
“I'm sorry, am I disturbing you?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. It’s fine. I’m about to leave my room for breakfast. Is there anything I can do for you, Ms. Lucy?”
“Well, I heard about what happened between you and my son. Nelly, I’m so sorry about it. I don’t know what made you break up with Royce but honestly, I’m hoping you guys can still fix it.”
I heaved a sigh, hearing Lucy already knew about it. “Ms. Lucy it’s not that simple and I intend to keep it between me, Royce, and a few of our friends for now. I want you to know that I appreciate you taking the time to call, thank you for everything. From the start, you accepted me for who I am and it was overwhelming. I’m sorry if I can’t help you and Mr. Park reconcile with Royce now that we ended our relationship.”
I hate to say it but I said it anyway. I never wanted to disappoint Ms. Lucy but things have turned out differently lately. I can no longer help them.
“Nelly, you don't have to say that, I’m sure we’ll find a way to get to Royce. I called to ask how you have been after the break-up. I like you as my son’s girlfriend, you made him a better person. Nelly, I hope you’ll consider weighing things further.”
“Thanks for that Ms. Lucy, for now, I should be focusing on my family.”
“Of course, I only call to check on you. You take care of yourself, sweetheart. Have a great day.”
“You too, Ms. Lucy.”
Royce’s mom was quick to know about our breakup. I wondered who was responsible for the news. Only Royce, Marica, and probably Leo know about it. I remember the scene in Royce’s office, it could be one of them spills the tea or his secretary.
“Sweetheart, breakfast, you’re right on time. We are about to start,” Mom said as I walked out of my room.
Ara sat beside mom and Harold on the other side.
“N-elly, s-sit b-beside me,” Dad said as I got close to the dining table.
“Thanks, Dad,” I said, sitting beside him. “Ara, Harold, did you get some of the food I bought yesterday?”
“Yes, it was good. I miss the delicacies in Pampanga,” Harold said, happily.
“True, I’ve been dying to try it as I can hardly find some of those here in Manila,” Ara, agreed.
“I’m glad to know that. My best friend, Marica, made an effort to pack those things for me.”
“Nelly, what do you think of cooking pasta with me tonight? Are you up?” Mom asked, happily.
“Sure. It’s been a while didn’t cook pasta together. Let’s have my favorite pasta. I miss your version of it mom.”
“Let’s do it tonight.”
I thought of taking the time to talk to my mom regarding the incident that happened two years ago. Make sure only mom would know it first before we consult dad about the USB Apple gave me.
The day went by quickly, having a father-daughter bonding just like the old times. Although dad couldn’t talk straight yet, his words are understandable. We watched a movie together and then we played chess which used to be our bonding even when my brother Mark was still with us.
At night, mom and I started preparing the pasta, my favorite.
“Mom, do you still talk to dad about the incident that happened two years ago?”
“Why are you asking, Nelly?”
I froze in between admitting the truth or diverting the topic. It’s been troubling me for quite a while so I decided to confess.
“Mom, I have something to say but please don’t tell dad, yet.”
“What? Why? That doesn’t sound like you, sweetheart."
“Mommy, don’t get me wrong. Dad is not fully recovered yet. Besides, I am still gathering more evidence and someone from our company is helping me. Remember Apple, Mark’s secretary?”
“I guess I remember. What about Apple?”
“First thing, you should know that since the beginning I doubted that the investigator was right for saying there was no foul play in the accident. Ever since I have been having a nightmare after the incident. I saw a man in a black leather jacket leaving the car before it exploded. And I want you to know that I started my investigation a few months ago...”
“Nelly, what are you doing?” Mom asked with a terror in her eyes. She seems intimidated hearing my confessions.
“Sweetheart, you shouldn’t have done that. It’s too dangerous for you.”
“Mommy, is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Nelly, I am your mother, listen to me,” Mom said, wearily. She put down the knife to fully face me. “We are not in the position like we were two years ago Nelly. There are things we can’t do even if we are on the right side. I am happy that your dad is nearing his full recovery.”
“Mommy, I can’t just shut up knowing there is something wrong.”
"Sweetheart, I already lost your brother, I can't bear losing another child. So, please, listen to me. Stop whatever you are doing to open the case," Mom pleaded.
"Mommy...answer me. Was there foul play in Mark's death?"
"Nelly, let us end this conversation. I need you and your dad with me, that's all I need."
I was left with no choice but to agree. I wrapped my arms around mom to comfort her.
I went to Royce's room around midnight and stared at it for a while. Nothing has changed. It was clean, mom told me she cleaned the room in case Royce would visit, his room would be ready for occupancy. I put the bedsheet and pillowcases on, sitting on the bed for me to sleep on. I lay on the bed with Royce on my mind.
I hugged one of Royce's pillows, thinking it was him I was hugging. It made me realize how much I missed Royce. I hugged the pillow tightly until I noticed tears cascading down my cheeks.
“Did I make a mistake again? Was I too quick to judge Royce?"
What I heard from mom almost confirmed that there was indeed a foul play on Mark’s death. I suspect it was someone from the company who envied dad’s success. He planned it well.
My heart secretly prayed it’s not Royce, that he has nothing to do with the planned accident.
"Of all the people, why him? I love him so much. I miss you, baby,” I mumbled.
It was the last thing in my head before I fell asleep.