CHAPTER 380 - THE MURDER
JAY-JAY'S POV
"I'm calm," I insisted to the pest, King of Vipers.
"No. You're not."
My patience with this man is about to snap. I'm calm, but he insists that I'm not in a good condition just so he won't have to tell me what he found out.
Later, I was not calm anymore.
"I'm calm," I said again, taking a deep breath.
"You flinched," he replied.
Son of a—
My nostrils almost flared as I inhaled deeply to calm myself. This man is draining my patience.
"Oh, probably. Who wouldn't flinch at what you said about my mom?"
I tried not to scream or make it obvious in my voice that I was already breaking.
"Why are your nostrils flaring?"
Putangina!
I raised both my hands to try to compose myself because I was already so annoyed. But because I knew he was watching me, I quickly thought of something else to do with them. I ended in clapping, and I immediately followed with singing:
🎶The birds that fly, beloved by God, never fade...🎶
He just stared at me. "You're definitely not okay."
I blinked. I give up. If he doesn't want to believe that I'm calm, then I'll have to make him talk. By force, if I have to.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "You know, I'll just go home if you don't tell me everything you found out."
"Jay—"
"Then I'll tell Big Brother that you hit him on the back of the neck and he lost consciousness." I quickly groped for the door handle to get out, but Keifer's hand was faster. He grabbed both of mine.
Afraid now?
"Oh? Why? Why?" I asked him.
"Don't leave yet. We're not done talking."
"Not done? You don't even want to tell me the truth," I said, clearly annoyed. "You're just scared of my cousin."
"No, I'm not. He's not the one I'm worried about right now," he replied confidently.
Really?
I hesitated before trying to pull my hands free. I looked at him.
He looks... bad.
"If it's a serious conversation, I'm okay. I'm ready—at least I think I am."
He held one of my hands. "I don't think you are—"
"Keifer!" I almost begged.
I tried to pull my hand away, but he only tightened his grip. I was frustrated that we were just going in circles. I want to know the truth. Sure, part of me thought I might not be able to handle it, or that it might cause another problem, but it's worse not knowing. Just overthinking and imagining possibilities.
It's exhausting to overthink. Especially when I only use a tiny portion of my brain for thinking.
"Okay. Okay. I'll say it," he finally gave in.
I saw the pain in his eyes. He let go of my hand and reached for something on the passenger seat, which I followed with my eyes. A brown folder, stuffed with papers. He looked at me again before opening it.
"These are copies of the documents related to the homicide—or murder—case," he said, and handed me a few of them. "According to the investigation, it was ruled a homicide. But there's interference with the case—possibly from Rodrigo's family. They're saying it was murder, and they have witnesses. The problem is... your mother doesn't want to talk."
I looked at the papers he gave me. Rodrigo also had a death certificate, a police report, and something else I didn't bother to read.
It was dizzying to go through.
"She doesn't want to talk?"
"There's no record of her statement about what happened."
I thought to myself—I know my mom. It's impossible for her not to speak up. That's how brave she is. If she knew she was being wronged, she wouldn't allow herself to be brought down so easily. The police would probably be afraid of her sharp tongue.
"But why?"
"Maybe she was in such a state of shock that she couldn't give any statement at all."
I handed the papers back to him and bowed my head before going to wash my face.
Something feels wrong.
"Keifer." I called him, and he kept quiet, waiting for what I was going to say next. "What was the reason? Why did Mama kill him?"
He let out a deep sigh.
"You and your mom were victims of domestic violence. According to the report, she fought back to save you and herself."
It felt heavy in my chest to hear that, but I couldn't cry. Keifer and I had an agreement: when he saw that I was getting affected or when my symptoms appeared, he would stop talking and we'd go to the doctor.
The stories of the people around me came flooding back—neighbors, relatives, anyone who knew us. They knew Mama was being hurt, yet in the end, they still blamed her.
"It's her fault. Why did she stay with him?"
I want to know—during those times when Mama and I were suffering, did anyone try to help us? The people who tirelessly insulted Mama in front of me—did they ever try to understand what we were going through? While they had time to gossip about us, did they also take time to check how we were doing?
It's hard to imagine how Mama endured all the judgment—and then I added more to it.
I… I was so ungrateful.
After she saved me, I still had the nerve to say bad things about her.
My mom…
I remembered the times I waited for her to come or to visit Grandma's house. Christmas, my birthday, her birthday, or any occasion—not once did she show up. Because she was in jail, and the case was ongoing.
It's true what I once overheard Grandma and Aunt Jenny talking about at home—Mama was in jail. I don't understand why they had to hide that from me. Everyone knew that my mom left me with Grandma.
"The case… it's closed, right?" I asked.
"It was, but recently they've reopened it. Like I mentioned, someone is claiming it should've been murder. They say they have a witness," he answered as he looked for a document and handed it to me. "There's also a statement here from people who were with your mother."
I looked at him before reading the paper carefully. I recognized two names—Kuya had mentioned them to me before:
JIM ALCANTARA and ALEX RAMOS.
I couldn't help but feel angry reading what was written. They made it seem like my mom really could've been a murderer. They even said that Mama had threatened them when they were together. I gripped the paper so tightly it crumpled in my hand.
"Jay?" Keifer called, snapping me back to reality.
Kuya's words echoed in my mind again—the conversation he had with Aunt Gema, and the first time she took me to Dr. Claudia. He wanted me to remember, because Mama had a case.
Is this the reason? Is this the case he was talking about?
I handed the paper back to Keifer. "So… this is the reason Kuya wants me to remember?"
"He wants you to what?"
"Kuya wants to send me to a psychiatrist so I can remember. I overheard them talking about it before, and then they took me to the psychiatrist without even telling me," I explained, and Keifer's face darkened.
"No, no, he can't force you to do that. That's risky," he said angrily.
I bowed my head. "But I think he's right."
He dropped the folder he was holding on the passenger seat and was about to open the car door to get out, but I stopped him.
"Where are you going?" I asked, gripping his arm tightly.
"I'm going to talk to your cousin. He can't force you to remember."
He tried to open the door again, but I stopped him once more.
Calm down first!
"Wait a minute! Do you want to get into trouble again?" I asked, annoyed. "Remember, they don't want me to know what really happened. What if they find out I asked you to look into it?" I pointed to the folder in the backseat.
He seemed confused by what I said. He took a deep breath to calm himself. I only let him go after I was sure he wouldn't try to get out again.
We were both silent for a few minutes. He was deep in thought, probably figuring out how to deal with my cousin again. Meanwhile, I had other things on my mind.
Nice, we have a brain now.
I'm confused because they don't want to tell me what happened, but Kuya wants me to remember. Didn't they think that if I do remember, I'll know everything that really happened? Maybe Aries just doesn't want to shock me, but my cousin is acting like it's life or death.
The fortune teller and the dead man will fight. Who will win? Maybe it's Kuya because he's powerful—just one look and you know you're about to be dragged to the grave.
But something is definitely wrong. Something seems to be missing.
I tried to piece everything together. "Mama killed Rodrigo. She was imprisoned and released. Now the case is reopened. There are witnesses against Mama. Mama needs someone who saw what happened, so Kuya wants me to remember. But why is it necessary? Wasn't there already a witness? It was proven before that Mama was only defending herself and me. Can't they prove that again now?"
Keifer shook his head. "Remember when I mentioned your mother didn't give a statement? They only used your physical evidence and hospital records. Thankfully, some of your neighbors spoke for you. But that's not enough now because they are also being used as witnesses against you. They need solid evidence—a witness who was actually inside the house."
I am that witness.
I softened. How can I be a witness if I don't remember anything? How can I give a statement every time I try to remember, I'm overwhelmed with fear? How can I help Mama?
I suddenly felt disgusted with myself. I feel like I can't do anything to help. I'm so useless.
"Keifer, do you think I should go to the doctor?" I asked.
"To find out what's hurting you? YES. But if it's just to force yourself to remember, then NO."
I bit my lower lip. But I need to remember. How else can I help Mama? What if the police come one day and take her away again? What if this time, she's imprisoned longer—or for life?
I have to do something.
"But… because…"
"Think, Jay. What happens to you when you remember? What do you feel?"
The fear, the feeling that I can't breathe, like someone's strangling me. The feeling of being trapped, like I'm bound even though no one's holding me. It's hard to move, to think. I feel helpless. And most of all, I feel like it's the end of me.
There's more, but those feelings always dominate.
"What if you feel all that—twice as much—when everything suddenly comes back to you? Can you handle it?" he asked, concern written all over his face.
Can I do it?
I shook my head. "Maybe not."
He held both of my hands. "We'll figure it out. Don't force yourself. I know you're afraid for your Mama, but we can find a way. If we need to look for a new witness, we will."
I really wanted to cry, but I held it back. I needed to be strong and think clearly. Keifer was right — I shouldn't force myself to remember. We'll find another way to help my Mama.
I nodded at him and tried to smile. "I'll trust what you say."
He smiled and kissed one of my hands. It's a heavy feeling, not knowing how to help my Mom. All I can do now is wait — either for the memory of the incident to return or for us to find another witness.
Whichever comes first, I just hope it helps. I hugged Keifer, surprising him. He hugged me back and kissed the side of my head. ❤️
"Honestly, I'm ashamed of you," I whispered to him.
"Why?" he asked with a laugh.
"Because you're the one who keeps getting involved in my problems."
"I'd rather be involved than be apart from you. I know you'll get the help you need."
It feels good.
I smiled. He really takes care of me. But I suddenly thought — who takes care of him? Who does he run to when he needs someone to lean on? It should be me, but he's never once said anything, except during the times he and Yuri got into trouble, and when I confessed my true feelings.
Even when snakes became a problem, he took care of it. He still managed, despite what he had to do to his brothers and everything he suffered.
I pulled away from the hug and looked at him. "If I go to a psychiatrist, will you come with me?"
He smiled sweetly. "Of course, I'll go with you."
"Come and have a check-up too."
He chuckled. "What?"
I looked at him seriously to show I meant it. He thought I was joking, so he was still smiling — until his smile gradually faded and was replaced with concern.
"Jay? What are you thinking?"
"Because we had the same childhood. We both went through painful experiences. If I, who am strong-willed, got sick… what about you?" I said, and he seemed to understand what I was getting at.
Don't worry, you're just getting hit hard, but you're not crazy.
"I appreciate that you're worried about my mental health." He bit his lower lip for a moment. "Sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I've already been seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist."
I blinked. That means he's already seeing a doctor.
I blinked again.
"It means… you're getting treatment?"
He nodded. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to feel pressured or think anything negative. You're still the rightful suspect."
He smiled as he said that last part. I felt like punching him. How did I become the 'rightful suspect'?
Such a jerk — he changed the topic again.
"You're right to suspect that!" I replied, annoyed, and he laughed.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop."
"What's your problem? You tricked me again!"
He pointed at me while still laughing. "There! See? You're the rightful suspect again!"
Damn it, he's messing with me again.
I slapped him lightly, and he immediately stopped. "Okay, I'm just kidding."
"I'm serious. Since when have you been visiting a psychiatrist?"
"When I left you… after the first time I…" He stopped, and his expression changed. It seemed like he regretted saying something. "A-After I hurt you."
I froze too. Those were the times I learned the truth about their plan… and about Aries.
"I truly regret what I did back then. I don't believe childhood trauma is an excuse for bad behavior." He smiled at me. "You've always been my choice. We always choose each other. So after that, I chose to change — and of course, I couldn't have done it without professional help."
I blinked. "What about me? You made it sound like my behavior is really bad and what I went through has nothing to do with it," I said with a hint of annoyance.
He laughed loudly. "You're right to be suspicious again. Of course, we're different. I can still control my actions — you can't. You don't even remember what you did, do you?"
Of course, he's right.
But I'm not the right suspect. I don't even know where he got the idea to suspect me. I smiled a little. It's funny because he actually took seriously what he said he'd change. He even approached the Doctor.
"I'll still go with you if you want to see the psychiatrist."
I nodded. "Maybe not right now, but I'd like to as soon as possible."
"Please, no pressure."
How can I say that I am pressured? I feel like I'm inside a pressure cooker. I'm like a 45-day-old chicken, but it's been more than 45 days, so I'm already overcooked.
And now I'm hungry.
"How does it feel to talk to the Doctor? Is it scary?"
He shook his head. "They're calm. More listening than talking."
I remember Doctor Claudia. I cursed at her the first time we met. The second time was a bit better — she felt more like a sister than a doctor trying to treat me. Is it the same with other doctors?
I plan to see another one. It's not that I don't trust Dr. Claudia, but she and Kuya are close. What if she ends up telling him something about me? My cousin thinks differently, though.
He's super advanced in thinking.
I looked at my phone when it rang. Aries was calling — looks like they're looking for me.
"Why?" Keifer asked, noticing that I was just staring at my phone.
"Looks like I'm being looked for. I need to go back."
"Okay, but before that… can I at least have one kiss?"
It felt like something tickled my gut. I don't know if I'm just hungry or excited. I looked at my phone for a moment before turning to him again.
I nodded, and his smile widened. He leaned in, and so did I.
And of course, we already know what happens next. Em.
The King of Serpents was such a cheater — one kiss turned into another, and another, and another. He couldn't help himself. He cupped both of my cheeks. ❤️🫣
[Did we really get four kisses in a row?! 😭] comment by PEACE
"Hey," I said, looking at him.
"What?" he asked innocently.
Before I could complain again, he kissed me once more. 🩷🫶🏻
[We got the fifth one also 🤧] comment by PEACE.
I couldn't stop laughing at him.
It's fine.
He let go of me and turned toward the steering wheel. He drove me back, but like always, he didn't park in front of the house.
I was about to say goodbye, but he acted so fast. He held both my cheeks again and kissed me. I couldn't stop laughing at what he was doing. He laughed too. ❤️
[And sixth one too 😭 I'm fine guys...] Comment by PEACE.
I stared at him as he paused and watched me. How many times have I tried to tell him that I want us to be together? There's always something that gets in the way. Maybe I can say something now? I haven't been called yet, so maybe there's still time.
"Keifer..." I called him.
He smiled. "My future Mrs. Watson." 🩷🫶🏻
I laughed a little. JASPER JEAN MARIANO WATSON. It's okay — no, it's hard to listen to.
[Emmm, now our girl is labelling herself as MRS. WATSON 😍] comment by PEACE.
"I just thought, maybe it's possible." I bit my lower lip before continuing. "Be-Ay Buffalo!"
I screamed because of the sudden banging on the car window. I immediately turned and saw Aries' face. His eyebrows were furrowed.
Sweetie! What a nuisance!
I turned to Keifer and signaled that I was about to get out of the car. He nodded and let me go.
"Are you really still meeting here? Go home!" Aries snapped as I got out of the car.
Is this love life really cursed? It's getting heated again. But I'd rather he saw me than Kuya Angelo.
"And you!" he turned to Keifer. "Get lost!" He slammed the car door shut.
He looked at me and signaled me to go home. I did, occasionally looking back at the King's car.
Turned to stone just like that.
I could just go through the text. It's a mess — maybe it means our relationship isn't really official yet.
I was excited to enter the house. I was stunned when I saw Mama. There were no signs of suffering or anything she'd been through in her appearance. She just looked like a normal person doing normal things.
I couldn't help but feel annoyed with myself while watching her.
Gogo, don't cry.