Chapter 41: Life for Life

Jeffrey's POV

After namin na makabalik sa Manila, I was about to go to Ace's dorm to treat him for a dinner and naisipan ko na rin isama sana sina Chester, Harry and Tara.

Knock on door!

"Hi, Chester and Harry. Is Ace here? Ililibre ko sana siya ng dinner and isasama ko na din sana kayo." I asked both Harry and Chester.

"Kuya Jeffrey, nako, hindi mo na naabutan si Ace. Nakaalis na." Chester said.

"Do you know kung saan siya pumunta?" I asked.

"Sabi niya, may pupuntahan daw siyang hotel. Pero hindi ko alam kung saan." Harry answered.

"Okay, I'll text Ace first then you can tag along once na pumayag si Ace sa dinner." I said and smiled at them.

I left the dorm and went back to my car to text Ace.

"Ace? Where are you? I went to your dorm and sabi nila Chester and Harry you went out?—Jeffrey"

"You texted me earlier and you said na pumunta ako sa hotel. —Ace"

"What hotel? I haven't texted you yet. Ngayon lang.—Jeffrey"

Then, Ace sent me the hotel address and a number of a person na nagpapanggap na ako.

"No. I didn't sent that address. Also, that's not my number. Wait, I'll go to that address. If possible, don't come in. —Jeffrey"

I tried to check my contacts and to my surprise... it was Rence's substitute number. Why did he used it to message Ace and bakit siya nagpanggap na ako?

This is weird and something's not right.

After a while, Ace tried to call my number and nang sinagot ko to, it seems that something was going on... and it's bad.

"Please... Don't, Rence." I can hear Ace begging Rence for something that he doesn't like.

"That's it... Umiyak ka lang... that's what I love. Gusto ko 'yung nakikita kang nagmamakaawa at nahihirapan... Mas nag-iinit ako."

"Stop... wag mo gawin 'to. I respected you..."

This f*cker! I rarely get mad but this is it! This is the last straw! This is already out of boundary! Rence has already made his biggest mistake in his life! Leaving his son due to unplanned pregnancy of Lucille and also raping his own son!

Once I see Rence, I'll beat the sh*t out of him!

Sobrang galit na galit talaga ako dahil sa ginawa niya kay Ace! Sobrang inhumane and not only that, Ace is still a minor to experience such thing. Mas lalo akong naaawa sa sinasapit niya.

I'm really sorry, Ace. If sinabi ko lang ng mas maaga ang lahat, this wouldn't have happened.

Flashback

I've known Ace for a long time... Hindi pa siya pinapanganak and he's still in Lucille's tummy, I was already there with him.

When Lucille got pregnant at the age of 16, we were so young back then and Rence, the father of Ace, wasn't ready to support him yet. That's why I was the one who took responsibility for the son that Rence neglected.

I took care of Ace when he was still a young child and as far as I can remember, until he was 3, but then, he has this tendency to forget things, that's why he barely recognize me.

As time goes by, Lucille and I kept in touch with each other even though na magkalayo kami. I'm currently staying in Manila while she's with Ace in Antique. I always ask her about Ace since he doesn't have a father that he grew up with, and I wanted to volunteer.

Noong nalaman ko na Lucille has decided to send Ace to Manila to study, kinausap niya ako to take care of Ace and to keep an eye on him and that's what I did.

Ace doesn't know me anymore since hindi naman siya lumaki na kilala ako, but then, I was on the background while Ace is living alone in Manila and making sure that he's safe since that was my promise for Lucille.

However, keeping an eye on Ace, I never thought that it will change my life. As if I wanted to take care of this child... forever. I don't know if it is unconditional love or a romantic love but I've decided that once Ace is matured enough, magpapakilala ako sa kanya. Even though na sobrang layo ng agwat ng ages namin dalawa, it was not a hindrance for me and once na nasa legal age na siya, I'll purse my happiness and that's to be with him.

But then, I remembered that Ace's father is still out there. Rence is still out there living the best of his life. I wanted Rence to see how Ace have become but hindi ko alam kung paano ko sila ipapakilala sa isa't isa..

So, I tried to keep an eye on Ace, and what surprised me is that nahilig si Ace sa mga BL manga and novels and he turned into a Fudanshi which made my job easier. I knew I had the chance to be with him.

That's when I've decided to invite Ace to our club, the S.G.F.C., para maipakilala ko siya kay Rence, his father, So that they can catch up even though they didn't start off very well and for Ace to know me better.

But I became hesitant if kaya ko nga ba ipakilala si Rence kay Ace knowing that Rence's life was very promiscuous and Ace might not like that. 

As time goes by, nawala 'yung urge ko to let Ace know the truth since alam ko that he doesn't like his father and they might not get along well and could lead to some serious trouble. Hindi ko na rin nasabi kay Rence that Ace was his son since I don't want him to ruin Ace's life anymore as he's already living in peace together with Lucille without any worries. Kaya naman noong tinanong ako ni Ace if kilala ko ang father niya, I lied to him, dahil akala ko it was for the best as I don't want him to worry.

But... I was wrong. I should've told them both the truth. If I did that earlier, this might not have happened. Hindi sana nagkagulo-gulo ang lahat...

End of flashback

I contacted Lucille to let her know what happened to Ace as she's the person that Ace will need the most right now, that's what I'm sure of.

Phone ringing!

"Lucille?"

"Why, Jeffrey? Napatawag ka?"

"Ace needs you. Can you come here as soon as possible? Here sa Manila mismo?"

"What happened?" Lucille exclaimed as she got worried so much.

"I'll let you know once na makarating ka rito. It would take an hour or two which is the fastest. I'll take care of your ticket." I answered.

Lucille hang up the phone immediately and I know that pupunta agad siya and sana lang hindi pa huli ang lahat.

I texted Ace to let him know that Rence is his father and sana mabasa niya 'yun before Rence does something to him.

But I was too late...

My phone rang and it was Ace who called me so I immediately answered it.

"Jeffrey?" Ace said while he's crying and making sure that nobody hears him.

"Ace! Anong ginawa niya sayo?" I asked and I was so damn worried.

"I hate you." he said and started to go into a breakdown, "I hate myself."

"Ace! Be strong! Papunta na ako dyan and we'll make sure that he'll get what he deserve!" I exclaimed.

"Baka... wala ka ng maabutan dito. Ayoko na, Jeffrey. Pandidirihan nila akong lahat. No one will ever love me anymore kapag nalaman nila ang tungkol sa nangyari sa akin. I'm too disgusting... he just raped me and wanted to kill me. Bye, Jeffrey." Ace said and hang up.

"Ace!" I shouted.

I tried to call him back but Ace didn't answer and turned of his phone.

"T*ng In*!" I exclaimed and I was so furious.

I rarely get mad... or should I say that I never get mad. But yung nangyari kay Ace... where his own father tried raped him and wanted to kill him... sobra na! He may not know that Ace was his son... but still, Ace is a minor!

This is it! I hope hindi pa huli ang lahat... and sana maabutan ko si Ace before he kills himself.

I'm sorry, Rence. We're bestfriends but you've already turned into a monster. This is what you deserve...

Phone Ringing!

"Hello, Jeffrey?"

"Hi, Chief Valdez?"

I called Rence's Father and he's the chief and the highest ranking officer of the Manila Police Department, and I don't want to do this but I need this to protect Ace and for Rence to learn his lesson.

"Kamusta ka na? Napatawag ka? May ginawa na namam bang kabalastugan 'yung anak ko?" he said.

"Tito, we need to arrest Rence before he gets away." I said.

"Why? Ano nangyari?" he asked and he was shocked.

"You know that Rence has a son, right?" I asked Chief Rence.

"Oo, pero hindi pa namin siya nakikita." Chief said.

"He's with Rence right now, but they both don't know na mag-ama sila." I said and I sighed first since I know that once na sinumbong ko na si Rence, it will be the end of him, "Tito..."

"Yes, Jeffrey?"

"Rence raped his own son and will try to kill him."

"Ha? Anong Kap*tan*nahang 'yan? Nasaan yang hinayupak na 'yan? T*rant*dong Many*k! Pati sariling anak binaboy niya! Nasaan sila!" Chief Valdez shouted and he was so furious.

"I'll give you the address of the hotel. Please be there as fast as you can before Ace, his son, kills himself. Lucille will be here and sooner or later she'll join us." I said and texted the address to Chief Valdez.

"Walang h*ya yang halimaw na 'yan! Sinisigurado ko, makukulong 'yan... habambuhay! Kahit pa anak ko 'yan, wala akong pakialam! Wala akong anak na halimaw!" Chief Valdez shouted and hang up phone.

I started the engine and drove as fast as I can para makapunta sa hotel kung nasaan si Ace and I'm praying na sana hindi muna siya sumuko.

Ace... I'll be there and don't worry, everything's going to be all right. I'm sorry that you have to go through this.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nang makapunta na ako sa hotel, Chief Valdez and the other staff were already there. We talked to the receptionist and Chief Valdez showed his warrant of arrest and that's why we were allowed to go up to Room 15 A-3.

I knocked on the door but hindi binubuksan ni Rence. I tried to open it and to our surprise, hindi nakalock ang pinto.

And pagkapasok namin... Rence wasn't there anymore.

Tinakasan na niya agad kami.

"Tito, mukhang natunugan ata ni Rence. Wala na siya dito sa unit!" I exclaimed.

Then, Chief Valdez ordered his staff to search at the fire exit, back door or any places where Rence is hiding and I'm hoping na hindi pa siya nakakaalis sa hotel.

We saw a locked bedroom and may naamoy kami ni Chief Valdez na hindi kaaya-aya.

Since we had the key, binuksan namin ang pinto and to our surprise...

It was the most devastating sight... something that I was thinking and hoping that it was all just a dream.

We saw Ace... lying on the floor unconscious and naked, full of blood and holding a knife in his hand.

I immediately went to Ace and ginigising ko siya and I'm hoping that he's still alive and we're not yet late.

"Ace!" I shouted.

At first... Ace didn't answer but then his right hand started to move slowly and he placed it on my right cheek gently.

"I hate you, Jeffrey..." he said while his voice was so weak, "But thank you for saving me... Please don't leave me." and he fell unconscious again.

I carried Ace and dinala namin siya sa Emergency Elevator and hurriedly brought him to the nearest hospital.

As soon as Ace was admitted, kararating lang ni Lucille and I told her everything. She was so furious and she went hysterical. She wanted to go where Ace is right now and he's currently in ICU since he's critical already due to extreme loss of blood.

The doctor told us that Ace is in a very critical condition and will need a blood donor fast since if we are unable to transfer it to him, he'll die at an early age.

Lucille started to breakdown and nagwawala na rin siya since hindi niya na alam ang gagawin niya. I wanted to cry as well but I don't want to and I can't. I have to be strong for the both of them. This is too painful to watch and I really can't imagine the pain that Ace has to go through. If he ever survives this tragedy... kaya niya pa kaya lumaban after this?

I was thinking of Rence donating his blood to Ace but then he can't since he had a recent contact with a guy. So we're out of options but to buy it from a donor. We asked for options but Ace's blood type which is AB— is too rare and there's no stock for that blood type in the hospital anymore and has to be delivered. In this case, Ace's body might not be able to make it!

I called Rence to let him know about Ace's situation since he needs to be aware of what he has done.

"Lucille, can you stay here for a moment?"

Lucille didn't answer since she's currently in shocked and nakatulala na lamang siya.

I went to the fire exit and called Rence and I was hoping that he'd answer.

Phone ringing!

"Hi Jeff, o napatawag ka? May kailangan ka?" Rence said over the phone like nothing happened, na parang wala siyang karumaldumal na kasalanan na ginawa.

"Hay*p ka, Rence! Kadiri ka!" I exclaimed.

"Anong sinasabi mo, Jeff? I know matagal na akong hayop at kadiri, bakit mo ngayon lang sinabi?" he jokingly said and laughed like it was nothing.

"Why did you rape Ace?" I asked him.

"Huh? Hindi pa nga kami nagkikita ni Ace. Bakit ko naman siya pagsasamantalahan?" Rence denied.

"F*ck you, Rence! Pinaghahanap ka na ng mga pulis! Even your father is already looking for you!" I shouted furiously.

"Jeff? Anong prank to? This isn't funny!" he said.

"Yes! This isn't funny and this is some serious sh*t that you've created! Ni-rape mo ang sarili mong anak and what's worse? You also want to murder him? Ginawa mo siyang hayop pero mas masahol ka pa sa hayop!" I shouted.

"Huh? Anong sabi mo? Si Ace? Anak ko?" Rence asked and got shocked.

"Wala kang puso, Rence! Ace is now on the verge of dying and it's because of you and your urges! Binaboy mo sarili mong anak! You deserve to go to jail! You deserve to die!" I furiously said.

Rence wasn't able to answer... he stuttered... and I heard that he puked.

"Nandidiri ka ba sa ginawa mo? Dapat lang! Mandiri ka sa sarili mo! Now, how will Ace be able to cope with it once na makasurvive siya? Tingin mo magiging madali para sa kanya ang lahat?" I asked him.

"Hindi ko alam na siya ang anak ko... Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin ng mas maaga?" Rence asked.

"Because, ayaw ko na makilala ka ni Ace as his father. Kahit ako nahihiya ako sayo! Do you think he'll be happy once na makilala niya ang tatay niya na napakalibog at mahilig sa mga batang lalake kahit na may mapapangasawa na siya? He hates you kahit hindi ka pa niya noon kilala and he didn't want to see you... That why hindi ko na sinabi... I know you have the right to know that he's your son... but I think you don't deserve to be his father... you don't deserve to be called a father! Tinakbuhan mo na siya noon... tatakbuhan mo pa rin ba siya ngayon? Suffer the consequences, Rence."

Rence started crying on the other line as if he was really sorry for the mistake that he'd made.

"Nasaan si Ace?"

I sent the address of the hospital where Ace has been admitted.

I returned to Lucille and nakatulala pa rin siya and hindi gumagalaw.

After a while, someone called our names...

"Lucille? Jeffrey?"

That's when Lucille moved and bigla siyang nanginig... nanginig sa galit.

She stood up and as soon as she saw Rence standing, she ran towards him and sinampal niya agad. Not only that, she continued to hit Rence non stop as she was so furious to what Rence did to their son.

"Walang hiya ka! May gana ka pa magpakita? Bakit ngayon lang? Sana hindi ka na nagpakita!" Lucille shouted and she started to cry so loudly, "Anak mo 'yun... bakit mo ginawa sa kanya 'yun... Hayop ka! Hindi mo na nga siya sinustentuhan... binastos mo pa katawan niya pati dignidad niya! Sinisigurado ko sayo na kapag nawala si Ace... ako ang unang papatay sayo at kahit makulong ako, wala akong pakialam!" Lucille shouted so furiously.

Rence didn't move an inch and sinalo niya lahat ng sapak at sampal na binibigay sa kanya ni Lucille.

"I'm sorry, Lucille... Hindi ko sinasadya. I wasn't ready back then... Hindi pa ako handang maging tatay noon. Hindi ko rin alam na si Ace ang anak ko... But... for Ace's sake... I'll surrender." Rence said as he was so sorry for what he has done.

"Gano'n lang? Mamatay ka na! Hayop ka! Hindi ka na dapat nabubuhay sa mundo!" Lucille continued to shout and hit Rence's body.

Rence called his father to let him know where he is...

And that's when the police and Chief Valdez came in. Chief Valdez hugged Lucille as he was the one saying sorry for what Rence did to their son. Lucille was still crying and she can't stop herself...

The doctor went out of the ICU room and had an announcement to make and it caught everybody's attention.

Lucille ran towards the doctor and she kneeled as she was begging the doctor to save Ace.

"I'm so sorry... Ace has only 10% chance to live. He has loss so much blood and if wala tayong makukuhang donor as soon as possible... we won't be able to save him."

Lucille started to cry so much and even I who barely cry... wasn't able to control it as well. I started to cry so hard since I don't want to lose Ace. Though he's a stubborn kid, yet, he was strong, cheerful, positive, happy and full of love. I don't want to lose him from this kind of misery.

I coudn't take it anymore and I wasn't able to control my feelings... I punched Rence in his gut since he truly deserves it!

"But..." the doctor added and napatingin kami sa kanya, "If you know someone who has this type of blood AB—, please let us know as soon as possible as this will save Ace. Ang kailangan niya lang is tatagan ang kanyang loob and your prayers."

Hindi na namin talaga alam ang gagawin, that's why we reverted to social media and any platform that will help us find a blood donor who has this rare blood type.

It was our only way for now to check if there's someone that might help us...

That's when my phone rang...

I got a phone call from an unknown number.

"Hello, is this Jeffrey?"

An unknwon guy started to talk on the other line.

"Yes, I'm Jeffrey."

"This is about needing a blood donor for the person named Ace? I can help you. I have the same blood type as his."

I've never felt so alive hearing that someone will be the donor for Ace's body.

"May I know what's your name? And will you be able to go here as soon as possible for checking?" I asked him.

"I'm already here... but don't tell him anymore kung sino ang nagdonate ng blood. He doesn't need to know who I am and probably, nakalimutan niya na din siguro ako. Let's just say that this is my way of thanking him and returning back the favor that he did to me before." he said and I looked around.

"Where are you?" I asked.

"I'm inside the fire exit." he said.

I went to the fire exit where the guy was...

To my suprise... he looks like in his 18 to 20s and he looks like a troublesome kid. But if he's the one that can save Ace... we don't have much choice left.

"I'll make sure na mabubuhay si Ace, don't worry... That's what he did for me. Since noong nangangailangan ako ng blood donor and I was about to die... he's the only one that was able to help me." he said while he smiled at me so confidently, "Let's go."

Ace... you really do know how to save someone's life... without you knowing it...

That's why you deserve to live... and to be loved.

Now that we have a chance... it's up to Ace kung lalaban ba siya or hindi na.

End of Chapter 41