Turn Back Time

Her: I'm rich.
Him: I'm rich.
Her: I love my family so much, and they love me so much.
Him: I love my family so much, but they don't like me.
Her: I love my life.
Him: Tsss. I hate my life.
Her: He's nothing.
Him: She's my everything.
Her: I hate him...so much.
Him: I love her...so much.

TV Patrol: Nailabas na ng gobyerno ang listahan ng 3 sa mga pinakamamamayan -ehem- pinakamayayaman na tao sa Pilipinas. Pangatlo sa listahan si Mr. Henry Sy at pumapangalawa si Mr. Ben Ten -este- Chan. Nangunguna pa rin si Mr. Zayn Johnford Malik na mayroong ari -I mean- nagmamay-ari ng Apple Company, Coca-cola Company, Inc., at ng Starbucks, at marami pang iba. Si Mr. Malik din ang pinakamayamang tae -ay este- tao sa buong mundo at 5 taon niya nang hawak ang titi-I mean- titulo. Ito po si Jay-jey Laztimoza, dito sa 'It's your TV, it's your patrol, it's.....TVeeeeeeeeeee Patrol!'

*turns the tv off*

Von: Edi, ikaw na mayaman.

Gab: Libre naman dyan.

Zayn: Di bale sana kung natutuwa sina Mama't Papa diba? Kaso hindi naman eh.

Kyle: *pats him on the back* It's okay, bro. Just think of your birthday party later.

Gab: Diba mame-meet mo na yung fiancé mo later?

Zayn: *sighs* Yeah. C'mon, let's go. Pagabi na. I need to check the venue.

<---Flashback<---
*sa park, 9 years ago*

Zayn: Kuya, I'm fine here. Go home, enjoy your birthday party, and I'm ok here.

Peter: Bunso, I won't go home without you. How will I enjoy the party if I know that you're here, sad and alone? C'mon. Let's go home.

Peter dragged Zayn to the car, and Zayn had no choice but to let himself be dragged. He knows that if he won't go with his brother, Peter wouldn't go home and just stay beside him. They sat in the car quietly. They were near the house when Peter's phone rang. Since it was traffic, Peter tried to stop the car as he answered the call.

Peter: Hello, ate?..... *steps on the brakes*.. Sinundo ko s-si Zayn from the *step sa brakes* Oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit. (What happened?....Pete, are you still there?)

Zayn: Kuya, anong problema?

Peter: (steps on the brakes) The brakes don't work.......Ahhhhhhhhh! (Peeeete!)

END OF FLASHBACK

Kaye: Seriously, Dad?! Why do I have to marry someone I have never met yet?

Mr. Corpuz: Lower down your voice, Kayla Nicole Corpuz. I told you already that our company's going down. He'll be a big help. And trust me, he's a good man. He's kind, handsome, respectful, talented, smart--

Kaye: Okay, okay, Dad. I'll do this just because I love you and Mom. Plus, it's just one year. After a year of a bullshit marriage, we'll divorce.

Nikki: Nicole, Nicole, Nicole. Bakit parang stressed ka? Nababawasan ang beauty. Hello po, Tito, Tita.

Kaye: Mom, Dad, dun na po kami. Eh kasi po, isasakal, I mean, ikakasal ako sa brother mo.

Nikki: Tss. Can you please don't say he's my brother? 'Cause he really isn't my brother. We don't share the same blood.

Joan: That's harsh, girl.

Nikki: Harsh but true.

Lei: I'd actually be happy if he's my brother. I'd be shouting, "Hey, bitches!" Wait, no, that's rude. "Hey, people! Do you know me? I'm a Malik. I'm the sister of Zayn Johnford, the richest person in this world. So, back off bit-," no, cut it after the word 'world'.

Nikki: Even if he's the reason of your brother's death?

Kaye: We were just talking about our marriage, then we went to Peter's death. Wow. Just wow.

Joan: Affected ka rin naman sa pagkawala ni Peter diba?

Lei: And you were so mad when he died.

Nikki: Because Pete is your first love. And he died because of Zayn.

Kaye: Yeah, I know. That's why I'll make his life a hell. *evil smirk*

Nikki: Uhuh. Continue having flings even after your marriage. Who is he to stop you? Sa paper lang naman yung marriage nyo.

Joan: Ssshhh. Magsisimula na 'yung party.

Von: Good evening everybody. As we all know, and it's written in the invitation card, you are here to celebrate with us the birthday of the richest person in the Philippines....

Gab: And in the world,

Kyle: Zayn Johnford Malik! *everybody, except the four girls, claps their hands as Zayn stands and waves his hand then goes to the stage*

Kaye: *whispers* If Peter's still alive, sa kanya ako ia-arranged marriage. Edi wala sana akong reklamo.

Zayn: Thank you everybody for coming tonight. Ahmm-Just- Just enjoy the night. Yeah. That's it.

Kyle: Sineryoso mo naman masyado yung sinabi naming magbigay ka ng short speech. Dahil saksakan nga ng short yung binigay mong speech.

Zayn isn't focused in what's happening. He keeps on looking around, as if waiting for someone to come. He's been waiting for his parents. Never in his entire life was he greeted by his parents a 'Happy Birthday'. He has told himself not to wait and expect for his parents' presence in the party, but there's still a part of him that tells him to look around and see if his parents are there. He decided to go to the garden. He looked at the whole venue. It's his house that was built 2 years ago. There's an infinity pool at the front of the house. There's a wooden bridge to get to the door. There's a garden with so many flowers that his friends are fond of. He can see his Audi R8 and his limo. Inside the house are a big kitchen, living room, music room, and 3 bedrooms, excluding his massive bedroom. His bedroom is so big that one and one-half condo-unit (big ones) can fit. Inside his bedroom is a 72-inches tv, a cr, and a king-sized bed. He looked at the people. They're all happy. He thought of himself. It's his birthday yet he's the one who's unhappy. Everybody tells him he has everything. But he just says, "Everyone can't have everyting. There would be at least one thing that will lack." And what's lacking for him is his family's love and attention.

Gab: Hinahanap ka ni Mr. Corpuz. Baka ipapakilala ka na sa fiancé mo.

He went inside and looked for Mr. Corpuz.

Mr. Corpuz: There you are, Mr. Malik. Happy birthday.

Zayn: Thank you, Sir. You were looking for me?

Mr. Corpuz: Ah, yeah. Here she is.

Mr. Corpuz went by his side for him to see the lady who has been standing behind Mr. Corpuz. She's the lady in the portrait.

<---Flashback<---
*Mr. Corpuz's office, 6 months ago*
He's sitting at the sofa in front of Mr. Corpuz's table, waiting for Mr. Corpuz to come. He looked around him. Mr. Corpuz is an organized person, all things are properly placed. But what caught his attention is the family portrait, the young lady, specifically. He stood and went nearer the family portrait. Then he saw a picture of this lady on Mr. Corpuz's table. He held the picture and examined the lady's face.

Zayn: I knew it. You're the daughter of Mr. Corpuz. I've been looking for you. And now, we're gonna see each other again.

Some minutes passed and he's still holding the picture. He heard the door open so he carefully put the picture back on the table, not minding if the person who entered saw him staring at it.

Mr. Corpuz: She's my daughter, 24 years old. She's currently in UK, having a vacation.

Zayn: *still not facing Mr. Corpuz* I'll go straight to the point, Mr. Corpuz. Your company's going down, and it's not impossible that a few months from now, this company will close. I would like to help, but I don't know how. *looks at Mr. Corpuz*

Mr. Corpuz: I know someone who owns a company that's failing, then in-arranged marriage nya yung anak nya with a rich businessman. Maybe, I can fix the company through that.

Zayn didn't give any reaction, so Mr. Corpuz decided to continue.

Mr. Corpuz: And the way you look at the picture of my daughter, I can say I've found the way you can help me and my company.

END OF FLASHBACK

Zayn: *holding out his hand* Zayn Johnford Malik.

Kaye: I know. And I'm sure you know my name too, so what's the use of this introduction?

Mrs. Corpuz: Anak...

Kaye: I'll go straight to the point, Mr. Malik. I agreed in this shit because I want to help my family. And I know that after 1 year, we'll divorce. Strictly after one year. Is that clear?

Zayn: Y-yes?

Kaye: Good. We're done. Mom, Dad, dun na po ako sa friends ko. *alis*

Zayn: I'm sure I wouldn't know how I'll survive when we live under the same roof.

Mr. Corpuz: Pasensya ka na sa inasal nya.

Zayn: I understand. I'll just go to my sister. See you around. *smiles*

Zayn: Ate, darating ba sina Mama?

Nikki: Of course not. What do you expect? And please, don't talk to me. You're ruining my night.

--->FAST FORWARD--->

Priest: I now pronouce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.

Kaye: *bulong* Subukan mo lang, papatayin kita mamaya.

Zayn: *bulong* Papatayin saan? Sa sarap?

Kaye: *bulong* Perv--

Zayn cut her off with a kiss, and when he pulled away, he was smirking.

Zayn: *bulong* Humanda ka sa'kin mamaya, Mrs. Malik.

Everybody clapped their hands as the newly-weds walked down the aisle to the limo that's waiting outside that will bring them to the reception area. Kaye just looked down and rolled her eyes.

Kaye: *bulong* If only these people knew the real story.

Sa reception area, which is Zayn's house...

Joan: Wow, girl, you're married. Who would've thought? Ikaw 'tong pinakabata sa'ting apat, ikaw pa ang naunang magpakasal.

Kaye: Oh, shut up. Do I look happy about it? *rolls her eyes*

Lei: It's obvious that you're not happy. Why? Shouldn't you be proud that your husband's so handsome and rich?

Kaye: Tss. Kung si Peter yan, I'm very happy right now. Teka, may gusto ka ba kay Zayn? Ikaw ha. Boyfriend mo na nga si Von eh.

Lei: Wala akong gusto sa HUSBAND MO. Crush lang, si Von pa rin love ko.

Joan: Nikki, may boses ka pa ba? Why so quiet?

Nikki: Kaye, girl, alam mo namang all I want for you is your happiness, and sa tingin ko naman, mapapasaya ka ni Zayn, kahit konti.

Kaye: Are you telling me to give him a chance?

Nikki: Maybe yes, maybe no. I don't know.

Joan: Seriously talking, I would advice you to give him a chance. He's a good man. Magiging kaibigan ba sya nina Von, Gab at Kyle kung masama sya?

Kaye: But he's the reason why Peter died.

Lei: Kayla Nicole, Cathryn Nikki, and to your family, open your eyes and your hearts. Hindi porke hindi niyo kaano-ano si Zayn, may karapatan na kayong saktan sya. Plus, hindi nya ginusto yung nangyari kay Peter.

Joan: If only you guys knew everything that happened to Zayn, especially after Peter's death. Tsk. *iling*

Nikki: Do you know something I don't?

Lei: We know a lot of things that you don't know about him.

<---FLASHBACK<---
Sa school, 7 yrs. ago

Gab: Bunso, ba't di ka kumakain? Nasan lunch mo?

Zayn: Hin-di ako binigyan nina Mama't Papa.

Kyle: Edi bumili ka nalang.

Von: Oo nga, marami naman dyan.

Zayn: That's another problem. They confiscated all my money. Not even a peso was left.

Tumayo naman si Gab at pagbalik ay may dalang lunch for Zayn.

Hapon, sa bahay ng mga Malik, ng araw ding iyon...

Zayn: H-happy birthday po, Mama. Para sa inyo po. Ako po nag-bake nyan. *lapag ng tray ng cupcakes sa table*

Mrs. Malik: Can't you see I'm busy? And please, pakilayo ang basurang yan.

Zayn: Pero, para sa inyo po yan.

Mrs. Malik: I don't need that.

Tinulak ni Mrs. Malik ang tray ng cupcakes kaya tumapon ito sa floor.

Mrs. Malik: Kung ikaw sana ang naglayo, edi hindi nasayang. Now, clean that mess.

Zayn: O-opo.

2 years ago...
Zayn: Ma, Pa, punta po kayo sa party bukas. Birthday ko po kasi.

Papa: So what kung birthday mo? Dapat ba magdiwang kami?

Zayn: Ininvite ko lang po kayo.

Luckily, they were convinced to go to his birthday party. Ang hindi lang na-convince ni Zayn ay si Nikki who's in US.

Von: Syempre, hingian natin ng message ang parents. Let's call here on stage, Mr. & Mrs. Malik.

Everyone claps their hands while the couple were very serious, not even smiling.

Mr. Malik: If everyone thinks we're happy, no we're not. If everyone thinks we're proud, no we're not.

Napayuko naman si Zayn, trying to hold back his tears.

Mrs. Malik: 'Cause we'll never be proud of this killer. For those who do not know, this person you admire, is an asshole. He's the reason why our son died.

Bumaba sa stage si Mrs. Malik at binuhusan ng alak si Zayn, at ibinuhos rin nya kay Zayn yung food nito. When she finished, they eventually walked out, smiling triumphantly. Zayn's tears fell down and he's still looking down. Nahihiya sya sa mga taong naroon. He knows that they're still mad because of losing their real son, at yung ampon pa ang nabuhay. He walked out, looking down. Von, Gab, and Kyle decided to finish the party.

END OF FLASHBACK

Nikki: Baka naman gawa-gawa nyo lang yan?

Lei: No. There are still a lot.

Nikki: Can you give another one?

Joan: Sure, I'll give you one, the worst one.

<---FLASHBACK<---
*2 months after mailibing ni Peter*
*convo sa phone*

Von: Zayn, no. Hindi nyan maso-solve ang problems mo. Kuya, pakibilisan po yung pagda-drive.

Zayn: *cries* I-i know. But at least, I won't f-feel the pain an-anymore.

Gab: Zayn, wait for us. Eto na. Malapit na kami. Magpa-park na.

Zayn: I don't know. Hin-hindi ko na alam gagawin ko.

Kyle: Zayn, hold on. If you're holding something sharp, throw it. Pasakay na kami ng elevator.

Pagdating sa condo-unit ni Zayn...

Gab: We're here! Where the hell are you?!

Zayn: K-kitchen...

They saw Zayn, his wrist was already cut for a few times. They went near, Gab carried Zayn, Von threw the knife away, Kyle opened then closed the door for them. Zayn was unconscious for 13 hours.

Kyle: Didn't I tell you to throw away whatever sharp thing you're holding? Didn't we tell you not to do that? Good thing naabu--

Gab: Kyle, wag ngayon. Naiintindihan naman natin si Zayn eh. Let's just be thankful he's awake now.

Zayn: Please, don't tell anyone.

Von: Sure, kumain ka na. Then let's talk about the problem.

Zayn: The problem is that everyone's blaming me. Lalo nang ayaw sa'kin ng mga Malik. Worst is, wala na si Kuya. Wala na yung taong nag-aalaga sa'kin pag may sakit ako, wala nang nagtatanong kung kumain na ba 'ko, ok lang ba 'ko. Wala na yung shoulder to cry on ko. Wala na yung bumabati at kasama ko pag birthday ko, new year, pasko, pag may award ako. Wala na yung taong tinuring akong tunay na kapatid, wala na yung nagmamahal sa'kin ng totoo. Wala na. Wala na si Kuya.

Von: Wag kang mag-alala. Mula ngayon, kami na ang kuya mo.

Kyle: *sighs* Wag na wag mo nang uulitin yung pagsu-suicide ah. Naku, sinasabi ko talaga sayo, asdfghjkl!

Gab: Hahaha! Itsura mo. Grouphug!

END OF FLASHBACK

Lei: And until now, yung marks nung paglalaslas nya, makikita mo pa rin sa wrist nya.

Zayn: Joan, nanggigigil ako. Pigilan mo si Gab, baka mapatay ko 'tong boyfriend mo.

Gab: Binibigyan ko lang sya ng 'proteksyon' kasi baka hindi pa sya handang maging ama. Oh dib-- *piningot ni Joan ang tenga* aray. Aray, sweetie, hin-hindi na mauulit. Promise.

Joan: San mo nakuha yan?

Gab: Binili ko, kanina lang. Dagdag wedding gift sana. Hehe. Peace.

Lei: Zayn, kanina ka pa ba jan?

Zayn: *starts walking away* Not really. But long enough for me to hear your storytelling.

And to be continued.......I'm baaaaack!

Rodalyn A. Gasid