DUMB FOUND 9

          Gabby couldn't sleep that night. The thought of Pepe's pretension filled his mind. He was not bitter to Pepe because it was not yet confirmed. He partly believed in it but he has to know the truth.

          Eventually, he was scrolling down the photos in his camera. He was fascinated by these. Looking at the solo picture of Pepe made his beef tripled in size. He took advantage of its hardness to jack off. He wanted to cherish the moment because he has proved that he has no penile dysfunction. His fuck-stick was still the same. It does not shrink.

           He got the orgasm after the short stimulation of his boner.

           Though exhausted, he stood up and opened his cabinet. He removed the photographs from being posted on the cabinet door. He then went to his bed and aroused his love muscle. It did not show any effort to move. It was fluffy.

           He was disappointed. He claimed now the he has identity crisis. He could not accept it. It's Pepe's fault, he thought. But, he's the reason why he could enjoy his big bad john. It's not his fault. I must be thankful to him.

           However, he loves Regina. She's still on his heart and mind. He missed her. So, that night he decided to go back to Manila soon. He has three reasons why he ended up to this idea. First, he wanted to personally investigate the identity of Pepe. Second, he wanted to see Regina. And third, he wanted to consult to a psychiatrist.

           Before, he has closed his eyes he has sent a message to Mang Jack, notifying him that he must be fetched tomorrow, early morning.

          The island was so serene. Nocturnal animals were heard. Tiny waves were splashing calmly on the shore.

          Eight o'clock, the sound of an approaching helicopter was detected. Gabby, Pepe and Fatima were awakened from a deep sleep. They all know that it was Mang Jack.

          Minutes later, the three were in the living room, waiting for the chopper to land on.

          Gabby announced, "I'm leaving today." The two just looked at him. Fatima nodded. "Fatima, you take care of Pepe."

          "Yes, Sir!"

          "Pepe, you pursue studying.."

          Pepe nodded and flashed a handsome smile. He made Gabby's heart beat faster. He thought of postponing the trip. He would surely miss the mute. But, he couldn't afford it.

          Mang Jack has successfully made the landing of the helicopter. He jumped down afterwards.

          "How are you all?" Mang Jack enthusiastically greeted the three. He also patted Pepe's shoulder.

          "We're fine, Uncle." Fatima answered.

          "Mang Jack.. please, check our stocks as I take a bath. Thank you!"

          Fatima followed Pepe when he went to the kitchen. They silently prepared their breakfast. Later, they waited for Gabby to come out his room. They did not eat yet.

          "No, we have to go. You take your breakfast now." Gabby said. "Mang Jack, let's go. You take care, both!"

          Pepe waved his hand. Fatima said, "Take care, Uncle and Sir Gab!' She also waved her hand. Then, they watched the chopper take off. Pepe was still fascinated how a huge machine could fly. Fatima was smiling at him when she saw him still gazing at the dragonfly-like air vehicle.

          They took breakfast happily. They never felt the absence of their boss.

          The sun was set highly above. The heat was already irritating to the skin. However, Fatima still tutored Pepe. They did it religiously. The tutor was inspired to do so because she believed that her tutee really needs to learn. She saw him as her elder brother.

          Day passed by. Gabby was still in the metro. The two has no idea when he's coming back.

          One morning, Fatima asked Pepe to go to the beach and go swimming. Pepe agreed.

          The two were splashing sea water to each other's face as a fight. They enjoy it so much.

          "Let's race!" Fatima exclaimed. Then, she uttered the mechanics.

          Later, they were racing. However, Fatima drowned in the middle of their race. She gasped for help.

          "Fatima!" Pepe shouted and swam back to save her friend from drowning. He quickly pulled up Fatima and successfully brought offshore.

          He did not panic. He knew exactly what to do. He applied the first aid for drowned one.

          Fatima blew up the sea water after he gave her resuscitation. She got up and thanked Pepe, without looking at him. She sat on the sand and looked at the ocean.

          Silence went between them.

          “I heard your voice..” Fatima said blankly and still without looking at him.

          Pepe did not say anything.

          “You are not mute, right?!’’ she repeated. It was more intense and has authority.

          She could see how Pepe’s facial reaction changed. His jaws shivered. He wanted to speak.

          “I really don’t know why you’re here. I couldn’t understand why Sir Gab is financing your learning. All I know is you are not related to each other. Why? Help me understand. It’s hard for me to teach you. I don’t have a background of special education..Pepe, I’m your friend. You can trust me as your little sister.”

          Her plea gave him a little relief. However, he was a bit confused.

          Pepe picked out a rounded flat stone and stood up. Then, he threw it on the water. It made three ripples.

          Fatima followed his tutee. “Pepe, let’s talk. Trust me. Why are you here? Why are you pretending?”

          She hadn’t forced Pepe to response. He just walked through the direction of his boat.

          “You know what, I’m starting to trust men now..” She started again her litany as Pepe began pursuing the repair of his boat. “…because of you, Pepe, because of you. You gave me reason to believe that all men are the same. I feel like I’m special because you treated me one. Thank you for that. But, I think, I ought to respect your silence. Don’t worry, no one would know about it.” She turned away and walked sadly.

          All day, Pepe isolated himself. Nevertheless, Fatima incessantly showed him kindness and sweetness. She smiled as often as she can. She talked to him even though he did not reply. 

          Only the sound from the television was heard in the mansion. Pepe was sitting in front of it, while Fatima was settled beside him. She was not focusing on the TV show but on thinking of how she could let him answer her queries.

          The comedy show did not alter Pepe’s lips. He was still expressionless. In his mind, he’s conceiving the possibilities of his pretensions. It might be unveiled. Or it might be kept forever. He wanted to talk. He is dreaming of one day, he will live a normal life. He thought of Gabby’s benevolence. He’s helping him to have that life.

          “Tomorrow, when Sir Gab comes back, I will tell him that I quit tutoring you. I could not make my duty. Sorry, Pepe. I love teaching you, but I hate seeing you… pretending. I could not help you, if you will not help yourself. Sorry.” She left him.

          He sobbed.