Matulin ang mga lakad ni SL papuntang office of the CEO. The seat was not occupied dahil kaka-resign lang ng may ari sa executive position.

And Tad was ready to take over, bwan nalang ang hinihintay nila. Kahit pa pilit itong pinapag resign ng ama niya. Taddeus had a huge empire kung tutuusin, but for some reasons mas pinili nitong mag trabaho sa ibang firm kesa mag trabaho sa sariling business ng pamilya niya.

He takes a deep breath before he enters the room.

He saw James Carlo Montealegre sitting at the couch. Kakagaling lang nito from Singapore. Business as usual.

"Tad was really great." umpisa nito. Binaba nito ang hawak na folder at tumayo. "Of course he told me it was your effort, but not enough to make me proud."

Silence...

"I can leave this company Dad, you know that." sagot niya.

"No you're not. I want you to see how Taddeus takes this seat." hinawakan pa nito ang executive couch.

Tumango lang siya.

"You may leave now."

It took SL couple of seconds bago tumalikod.

He removed his eye glasses bago nag salita. "Sorry for not being your own son Pa." he clear his throat. "i love you."

Iyon ang huling narinig ni Carlo bago ang kalmadong pag sara ng pinto.

____

Mabilis ang mga hakbang niya papuntang parking lot.

Naninikip ang dib-dib niya sa sakit..

Kung gaano kabilis na tumulo ang mga luha niya ganoon din niya kabilis pinahid ang mga iyon.

His Phone got his attention.

Mabilis na sinagot nya iyon .

"James.." narinig niyang tawag ng kabilang linya. "I'll expect you for dinner tonight, son."

Hindi siya kumibo. "Your sister is here." dugtong pa nito.

It was her sister Margaux, adopted daughter ng mga MonteAlegre.

He Cleared his Throat. "Tell her i missed her ma."

"Ok Son, i miss you."

"i miss you too ma." sagot niya before he end up the call.

Kelan nga ba niya huling naka salo ang mama niya. He can't even remember.

He ignite the car and drive.

A long drive.

Nag exit siya sa NLEX at dumirecho sa isang exclusive cementery.

It took SL a short walk bago narating ang isang puntod.

"Hey..." he said. "Happy birthday sweetheart."

Masuyong hinawakan niya ang puntod.

Its been two years since that day...

He smiled bitterly.

Kinuha sakanya si Leanne sa pinaka masakit na paraan.

His tears fall.

Leanne was raped and murdered.

Parang paulit-ulit syang pinapatay pag na-aalala nya ang mukha nito.

He kept on crying.

Since that day, wala na ring kwenta sakanya ang buhay nya... kahit mamatay siya ok lang.

But he has to stay alive, he swear to Leanne's grave that he'll make them pay.