This book is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore maybe unsuitable for children under 17. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author's imagination.
...
Jax's Blaine's POV
When I got out from Alfonso's Room, I saw a man who hurriedly go to Natasha's room together with an old nurse. I don't know him because it's my first time seeing him.
"Who is he?" I ask Violy when she's about to follow them. "Lavandeir's brother. He'll take Natasha with him," she replied.
'That's her brother?'
I know she has a brother but I didn't saw his face before. By the looks of him, he's expensive and serious looking one... far from the image of Lavandeir the loser before.
I don't want to mind them but I found myself following them. Wondering what's his business with Natasha. I was confused when seeing him how he caressed Natasha's cheek. The way he looks at her, I can see he loves her yet I saw sadness in it.
'He must be her lover? No way!'
There's some strange feelings I felt when seeing him do that to her. I felt guilty that I again suddenly reminded of Reid. It should be him doing that if I didn't ruin them. Though Reid chose to stay with me and broke up with her, it's still my fault. He sacrificed his love for her because of me and I didn't even value his presence when he's with me!
I walked out of the room and sighed. I didn't mind the strange gaze of Violy and just decided to visit Kitkat. I don't know. I just wanted to stay here... only feeling more guilty because of what I did with Noreen yesterday.
I sat beside her on her bed and fix some of her hair that's on her face. After a while, I stand up to get the remote to turn the AC up since it's too cold.
I sighed when I sit back again on her bed. I was looking at her face but my mind were wandering.
'What's the reason why Exseven wanted us to investigate Noreen? Is there a possibility that Cath was connected to that unknown org? Or perhaps, there's something more about that bitch? 'Cause why her if we can just directly investigate Cath?'
I can sense that Noreen wasn't really a skilled one. From what I had noticed before, she knows how to fight but isn't as skilled as Cath. She just know how to seduce to get what she wants. But when in other aspect, I cannot say she is good.
'What about the sponsors?'
'She wasn't also part of the unknown organization with that eye tattoo. Those assholes were after me that's why we think that they're Exseven's enemies. What's her big deal?'
I sighed.
When I look back at Kitkat, I was a bit shock of myself when my hands were already playing with her hands.
'I will do everything to save you from any danger, no matter what sacrifices I would make. Let me at least save one and that's you!'
I remembered the moment when we first met, when she suddenly grab my arm and ask me what's my schedule, I was really taken a back that time. No one would dare do that to me. She acts close to me until now. Even if I didn't talk to her. Says hurtful words and push her away from me. It's ridiculous she's still by my side.
"Jax! Pa'no na ako makakaakyat nito kung tuluyan na akong nahulog sa 'yo?"
I suddenly remembered her stupid remarks. That time when we're kissing outside Alfonso's room.
"Kahit hindi ko nakikita ang iyong mukha, alam kong napakatamis ng iyong ngiti kamahalan!" I frown when I heard Kernel's voice.
"What again?" I didn't look at him when I felt him coming closer. I saw him munching a corn from my peripheral vision.
"I am really curious about something..." he said that with his mouth still munching the corn. "Why'd you decide to do all of these? It's like you accepted the mission that Exseven instruct. You can just ignore all of it and just study peacefully..."
I stopped caressing her hand because of his unexpected question. I didn't avert my gaze from her because I couldn't find words to answer Kernel.
"I hope you're doing this because you now really change, despite the fact that we're your enemies before. Exseven's your enemy before," he added when he didn't get an answer from me.
I sighed. "I too don't know the answer. I just know that my first priority as of now is to save her from any danger. It's my responsibility to let her be safe..." I look at him seriously. "...also those unknown org that's following me, it seems that they are really after me not because I was traced when Exseven contacted me."
"We also have that thought. When the four of us was contacted by him and you're the only one who's being targeted. Well, aside the fact that those two that we killed, we found them lurking around me and Veign."
I frown when I don't know what to think anymore. When they're also lurking around them, so that means that we're really traced by them because Exseven contacted us. But why they only want to kill me? What about the letter from Alfonso's pocket?
"I know your worries bro! But don't worry, we're here to support you. We're families here..." he smiled and that made me cringe. Then suddenly, he grin as he raise his right eyebrow. "So ano? May nangyari sa inyo n'ong Noreen?"
"Shut up! Nothing happened to us! I just want to find out something from her!"
"Okay you don't need to be that defensive!Hahaha I can see she's very hot and seems seducing you so I cannot believe nothing happen. You're that loyal bro? Nice! Welcome to the family! We're all loyal here! Hahaha! You see, I really like Kitty-Katty for you!"
"Tsk!" I don't really get his sense of humor!
...
It's already afternoon when I walked in to the living room. I still don't have sleep since last night in the hotel.
"Kernel told me you're in charge of taking care of CCTV footage in that hotel? Can I have it?" I ask Veign as he's busy tying his shoe lace.
He looked at me uninterested while Kernel's just drinking some juice and he look at me from head to toe with a questioning look.
"Saan ka pupunta?" he asked base on my outfit.
"None of your business." I didn't glance at him, still fixing my gaze to Veign. "Can I have it?" I ask him again.
"Oh C'mon! Your business is our business and vice versa. What's your plan? I can accompany you. I'm bored!"
I didn't mind him. Veign stands up and ask me to follow him. We go to one of the rooms here which he used for the time being. I glared at Kernel when he also followed us.
"Nagugutom ako! Libre naman diyan bro!"
"Which one?" Veign asked the moment he let us see the CCTV footages from different angle and different areas that we were seen. I told him that it's where we got out from the hotel when I was carrying Kitkat. I also told him to cut the footage.
"Sana'y mali ang naiisip ko sa plano mo Jaxie!" Kernel commented with his low tone voice. "Sasama ako sa 'yo whether you like it or you like it! I am best in partners ya know?"
'I'm really tired of this bastard's presence!'
Even though Veign didn't talk to me or what, I just smirk when he still did what I want.
I entered Kitkat's room to get my stuff in the small sofa. I didn't occupy another room, I just made hers my room.
When I saw her, I found myself walking towards her, unable to avert my gaze. As if my body just automatically reacts this way whenever I enter her room.
I crossed my arms. I remembered her nonsenses at the hotel again, which she expressed her idiotic thoughts and telling me her feelings thinking I was asleep. It seems that moment in a short while won't leave my mind. It just repeat automatically whenever I see her.
'If you were just as peaceful as this, you're cute and attractive. You were just too noisy and sometimes childish! Tsk!'
I was about to hold her hand again...
"If you're that in love then kiss her. Trust me, no one will know. I won't say a word."
I was taken a back when I didn't sense Kernel's presence. I frown when I turn around to see him. His brows were moving up and down and he's smiling teasingly.
"Pang ilan na 'yan Jaxie Blaines. Hindi ka masa-satisfied kung titigan mo lang at hawak-hawakan. So the moment she opens her eyes, grab her and surprise her with a french kiss at ikaw na ang bahala sa iba! Trust me, that's effective! Hahahahaha!"
I looked at him frustratingly. I saw him bringing a bag with him and he's already dressed up. That fast!
"I didn't say you can come with me!"
"Oh! Come on! That's not what I said! Nasaan na 'yong matamis mong halik? Naghihintay ako Jaxie! Kiss her!"
"Stop your bullshits! I will kiss her when I'm ready!"
"What? Ano ka? Babae? Ikaw pa talaga 'yong may nalalamang ready?"
'I will give her... a real kiss someday! When everything is alright! She ask me not kiss her if... tsk!'
I irritatedly pick up my things and pass by him.
"Or just a goodbye kiss..." I stop when he said it with a serious yet sarcastic tone. I look at him and I cannot read the looks from his eyes. I raise my eyebrow, wondering what he's saying.
"Alam kong plano mo siyang saktan. There's no other reason why you wantd that footage and cut the whole video. At alam kong pupuntahan mo ngayon 'yong Noreen!"
From a serious expression, he slowly grin. They're the same as Violy. I don't like the feeling whenever they do this. It's like they know what's on my mind.
"Trying to push your beloved Kitkat away thinking you can save her that way?"
I flinch. He was asking but it feels like he's stating it confidently. I frown. "I'm not in love with her!"
"Talaga Jaxie?" he's back to normal again. "Maniniwala na ba ako sa 'yo? C'mon! I fell in love too bro! Iyang mga klase mong pagtingin na may kunting pagnanasa sa kanya. Alam ko ang mga moves na 'yan!"
'Pagnanasa? What the hell is he talking about! Damn him!'
I rolled my eyes heavenward and just turn my back on him. It's hard to argue with this bastard!
"What were you gonna do about that guy? Alfonso ba 'yon?"
"Just wanna take him home. He's not important!"
"What? Base sa pagkakasabi mo, may kunting kaalaman siya!"
"I don't want to drag him in our fights! The lesser he knows, the safer he will be!"
Why the hell he's still following me?
"He's already involved!" he said it with sarcasm. "Just wanna remind you that Jax Blane Connor!"
"Shut up, will you?"
...
Third Person's POV
Naka-dine in ngayon si Jax sa isang mamahaling restaurant na nasa loob ng hotel. Naka-suot siya ng formal attire habang naka-eye glasses. Naka-black tuxedo, grey necktie and black pants. Kunwaring nagbabasa ng magazine habang kumakain.
"Noreen is really hot. Has big boobs, perfect butts, seductive face, flawless skin. She's looks so expensive!"
Jax frown when he heard Kernel talking through the earpiece. He secretly wander his gaze to find him. When he found him sitting at the second floor's lobby, he glared at him. He saw him sitting at one of the sofas while drinking iced coffee. Lumingon sa kanya si Kernel at kumaway pa dahilan nang napatampal siya sa kanyang noo.
Nakalimutan niyang kasama pala niya ito. Ngayon lang kasi ito ulit nagsalita. Hindi niya alam kung saan ito pumunta kanina.
'Why the heck I agreed to his plan?' Jax thought as he already wanted to kick Kernel out of the picture.
They're stalking Noreen with Clark dining in the restaurant with them. They found her address through Ethird. There were still information about her but it's only the info she has from the school. They followed her from her house to here.
Nakatalikod si Jax sa kanilang gawi habang si Kernel ay nakaharap sa kanila na nagpapanggap na naglalaro ng kanyang cellphone sa lobby ng 2nd floor.
Nakikita pa rin ni Jax ang mga ginagawa ng dalawa dahil nanunuod siya mula sa reflection ng glass wall ng restaurant.
Ilang sandali, nagtaka si Jax nang dumating ang iba pang leader ng tatlong gangs at ang mga myembro pa nito. They were all wearing formal attire and their hair were all fixed.
"You know them?" Kernel asked.
"They're the rank 3 gangs in our school. The one I was talking about," simpleng sagot niya habang hindi inalis ang tingin sa reflection ng glass, pinapanuod ang mga ito.
"It seems they're waiting for someone," Kernel stated and Jax just didn't reply. That's what he think too. He already suspected that whoever they're meeting, it must be one of the higher ups.
'But why are they meeting here?'
But that's what he thought. After a minute, they all both walk out from the restaurant and enter the elevator that's still inside the hotel. Sabay-sabay pa ang mga ito na pumasok sa dalawang elevator. Nang hindi na makita ni Jax ang mga ito, mabilis niyang itinupi ang magazine at mabilis tiningnan ang number sa elevator kung saan makikita kung anong floor bumaba ang mga ito.
After knowing that they got off in the 10th floor of the building, Jax immediately followed. When he got out, he was shocked to see Kernel waiting for him. Nakangisi itong tumingin sa kanya.
"Tsk! You're too slow!" pang-i-insulto pa ni Kernel tsaka may binigay ditong isang card. "It seems they're going to the casino. You cannot come in when you don't have this card. If you're wondering why I know this, I already searched the area when we got here. Casino located at this 10th floor," mabilis na sabi nito tsaka muling umalis sa harap niya at 'di niya alam kung saan ulit ito pupunta.
He was impressed because of Kernel's speed. He didn't know he's this quick.
"Don't be impressed! It's normal for a Kernel Santos! Hahaha!" sabi pa ulit nito mula sa earpiece.
"Tsk!"
'That bastard was right!' Jax thought when he entered the casino and the guard ask a card. 'How did he get this card?'
Nang makapasok siya sa loob, agad siyang tumalikod at nagkunwaring inayos ang kanyang buhok nang makita sina Noreen na nakaupo sa isang table doon para hindi siya makita.
Mabilis siyang naghanap ng ibang table tsaka tumabi sa ibang manlalaro at umupo. Jax knows how to play poker, it's one of the skills that Cath taught him.
Jax doesn't like this kind of places where all of the people here are wealthy, bragging and wasting money for their own satisfaction. This casino has a lot of customers that's why he's not easy to be seen by the gangs.
Ilang sandali, may tumabi sa kanyang isang lalaking server na nakasuot ng parehong uniform ng servers o staffs.
"Hi! Partner!"
Agad kumunot ang kanyang noo nang malamang si Kernel pala ito na nagpapanggap bilang server. Pa-simple niya itong tinaasan ng kilay habang inabot nito sa kanya ang tokens.
'How did he get here so fast pretending to be one of the staffs? Am I really underestimating this bastard's skills?'
This is the first time they're really working together that's why Jax didn't know about Kerne's ability. He heard things about Aeon's skills but he didn't believe it and just really didn't care. Now, he's amazed!
Muling umalis si Kernel sa kanyang tabi kaya nagsimulang maglaro si Jax habang palihim na pinagmamasdan ang mga gangs. Malayo siya sa gawi nila pero nakikita pa rin niya ang mga ginagawa ng mga ito.
Hindi pa rin niya alam kung anong ginagawa nila rito. Kung anong purpose ang pagpunta nila rito. Nakikita namang sina Noreen, Franz, at Clark lang ang naglalaro habang 'yong iba ay mga nanunuod lang.
Marami din namang bystanders na mga nakatayo habang nanunuod sa ibang naglalaro. May iba pa ay umiinom lang sa may maliit na bar counter.
Muling mahagilap ng mata ni Jax si Kern na kahit saan-saan pumupunta na parang matagal nang nagtatrabaho rito. Alam na alam kasi nito ang kanyang pinaggagawa. Hindi malalamang nagpapanggap lang ito. Jax was once again impressed!
Muli niyang itinuon ang atensyon sa paglalaro ng turn na niya mag-bet ng tokens. Ilang minuto ang lumipas at naglalaro lang siya habang pinagmamasdan pa rin sina Clark. Pareho lang din ang mga pinaggagawa ng mga ito na ikinatataka na rin ni Jax.
"What the fuck is she doing here?"
Natigilan si Jax nang marinig niya ang seryosong pagkasabi ni Kernel mula sa earpiece. Hindi kasi nakikita ang earpiece niya kasi natatakpan nang medyo mahaba niyang buhok at sobrang liit din ng device.
Palihim niyang hinanap kung nasaan si Kernel at nakita niya itong may tinitigan nang seryoso. Sinundan niya ang tinitingnan nito at nakita ni Jax ang isang babaeng maganda, classy at sexy na babae na tumatawa habang nakaupo sa lap ng isa pang lalaki.
Jax didn't mind it and just focused on what he's been doing. He doesn't care about Kernel's business.
He took a glance at Noreen. He still cannot believe that she's connected to Cath. He wants to find out first more about her to know more about Cath. He still admits it that there were times he found Cath mysterious, but he respected it 'cause her identity was very confidential.
He didn't even know about Noreen and her other family. He just know that their surname, Forbes were one of the high rankers alongside with Sui, like Madrid Sui. Madrid Sui was killed by Lavandeir's father already years ago in her ceremonies' venue.
And aside, there's a reason why Exseven wanted him to investigate her. Mystery really runs in their blood.
"Let go of me!" rinig niya ang tinig ng babae mula sa earpiece dahilan para hanapin niya ang gawi ni Kernel.
Nakita niya itong pumasok kasama ang babaeng hawak nito sa parang isang restroom. Iyong babaeng tinitigan nito kanina na nakaupo sa lap ng isang lalaki.
"Ano ba Kernel! B-ba't ka nandito? A-anong ginagawa mo dito? At a-ano yang suot mo?" naguguluhang tinig ng dalaga.
"Ako ang dapat na magtanong niyan sa 'yo babae! What the hell are you doing here? And..." For the first time, Jax heard this very serious side of him. Far from annoying bastard he knew.
"It's none of your business Kernel! Wala kang paki sa pinaggagawa ko dahil matagal na tayong hiwalay! Pwede ba! Umalis ka dito dahil may kailangan akong gawin at mas importante pa iyon sa 'yo!"
"Oh! Come on honey! You didn't miss me? Really? Bakit mo ako pinapalayo? Manghihina ka kaagad 'pag malapit ako ha?"
"Shut up! B-bakit kita mami-miss! P-wede ba 'wag m-mo kong hawakan!"
"Oh honey! I know you're so obsess with me," Kernel said it using a playful tone, the reason Jax almost roll his eyes.
Palihim na tinanggal ni Jax ang kanyang earpiece tsaka ito pinatay para hindi na niya marinig ang mga ito at para makapag-focus sa pagmamasid.
...
Sa kabilang banda naman ni Kernel, nang marinig niyang na-disconnected ang earpiece ay sinilip niya ang pinto para tingnan si Jax. Baka kung may ginawa ito o baka may nangyari rito. Pero nakasalubong lang niya ang masamang tingin nito kaya ngumisi lang siya.
Isinara niya ang pinto ng restroom at ni-lock. Timing pa itong wala tao dahil nakabukas ang lahat ng cubicle.
Muli niyang hinarap ang dalaga at nakita itong agad na nag-iwas ng tingin. Parang naiilang sa kanyang mga titig. Dahan-dahan niyang nilapitan ito at dahan-dahan namang napapa-atras ang babae.
Napatigil si Kernel at napanganga ang bibig na halatang nagulat sa inakto ng dalaga. Kumunot naman ang noo ng dalaga. "Hindi ko inakalang matatakot ka na sa 'kin? Nasaan na 'yong matapang mong ugali honey?" nakangisi nitong pang-aasar.
Sinamaan siya ng tingin ng dalaga at tatadyakan na sana ang binata dahil sa panghahamon nito, pero napailag lang si Kernel at nahawakan ang binti nito.
"Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! You're not as fast as before honey baby!" Bumaba naman ang tingin ni Kernel sa hawak niyang binti ng dalaga.
Agad namang nagpupumiglas ang babae dahil nahihiya siya sa klase ng tingin ng kanyang ex-boyfriend. Lalo na't dahan-dahang tiningnan ang isang legs nito na nakataas pa dahil hawak ito ng binata.
Mabilis niyang tinakpan ang kanyang gitna dahil naka-sexy dress lang siya. Kahit namumula ang kanyang mukha, sinamaan niya ng tingin ang binata.
"Let go of me, you pervert!"
Natatawa namang binitawan ni Kernel ang legs nito nang makita ang namumulang mukha ng ex-girlfriend. "Wow! Did you just call me pervert? Really? When you're the one who seduced me before?"
"At nagpalandi ka naman!" Mabilis na sumuntok ang babae na agad namang nailagan ni Kernel. Pero hindi inaasahan ni Kernel na matatamaan siya sa mabilis na pagsipa ng dalaga.
Napaatras siya habang hindi makapaniwalang napatingin sa dalaga. "See? Inamin mo rin? Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Nilalandi-landi mo ako pero iiwan mo lang nang walang dahilan?"
Nagulat ang dalaga nang mabilis na makalapit si Kernel sa kanya. Sisipain pa niya sana ito pero naitulak siya ni Kernel sa dingding. Mahigpit na hinawakan ng binata ang mga kamay nito tsaka hinarang ang kanyang tuhod sa gitna ng dalawang legs ng dalaga para hindi makaalis at maka sipa sa kanya.
"Now tell me, what are you doing here, Angel?" sobrang seryoso ng pagkakasabi nito dahilan na ikinalakas ng tibok ng dalaga sa kaba. Napatitig siya sa sobrang seryoso na mga titig ng binata sa kanya na parang pinapasok ang kanyang kaluluwa.
"I-I'm doing a mission!"
"And your mission is to flirt with that man? Sits on his lap and take care of him?" Bawat salita nito ay may diin.
Hindi pa rin siya makapaniwalang may ganitong side si Kernel. Hindi niya inaasahang makikita itong ganito ka seryoso. Dahil sa loob ng limang buwan nilang relasyon, makulit ito at maloko.
"Angelica, are you there?"
Narinig nilang may kumatok sa pinto habang tinatawag ang babae. Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ng binata dahil sa kanyang narinig.
"So your name is now Angelica?" seryoso pa rin nitong tanong dahilan na agad napailing ang dalaga.
Huminga nang malalim ang binata tsaka umiwas ng tingin. Naramdaman naman ng dalaga na lumuwag ang pagkakahawak ni Kernel sa kanyang mga kamay. Nagulat pa siya nang muling tumingin sa kanya ang binata at nakita ang lungkot sa mga mata nito.
She felt something inside while looking at him.
"I wanted to move on from you but I don't know how. I don't know why you suddenly left me. I want you to tell me your reason, please honey!"
"K-Kernel..."
"Tell me and I'll let you go..."
"Ker..."
"Angelica! Are you there?"
Biglang nagbago ang expression ng dalaga at napalitan ito nang pagkainis. Natural na expression nito.
"Papasukin mo nga ang gagong 'yan!" naiinis na utos ng dalaga dahilan na naging sarcastic ang mukha ng binata.
"Really? Killing the moment honey?" 'di makapaniwalang tanong ni Kernel pero agad ding sinunod ang utos ng babae.
Nang makapasok sa loob ang lalaking kanina pa tumawag sa kanya, agad na hinila ito ng dalaga. Walang binigay na oras na mag-react ito nang makita sila. Muli namang ini-lock ang pinto ni Kernel na parang naiintindihan niya ang pagtingin ni Angel sa kanya.
Napanganga na lang si Kernel ng bibig at 'di makapaniwalang tumingin sa ex-girlfriend nang naglabas ito ng dagger at mabilis na sinaksak sa leeg ang lalaki.
Nang mawalan ito ng buhay. Huminga nang malalim ang dalaga tsaka sinamaan ng tingin si Kernel. "Happy? Nagseselos ka pa diyan eh pinatay ko na?"
"Oh my god! You haven't change honey!"
Lalapitan niya sana ang dalaga nang mapansin niya ang isang bagay sa lalaki. Kumunot ang kanyang noo tsaka hinawakan ang collar ng damit nito at buong lakas na pinunit.
"You've got to be kidding me!" bulalas niya nang makita ang eye tattoo sa dibdib nito.
Agad niyang tiningnan nang pagtataka ang kanyang ex-girlfriend.
"What? Kanina pa 'yan nagmamasid sa 'kin. Biningwit ko lang! Sagabal kasi sa misyon ko!"
"Ano?" hysterical na react ni Kern.
"Anong ano?"
"You need to sit on his lap just to bait him? What the hell?"
"Nagse-selos ka pa rin diyan?"
Napatitig lang ang binata sa kanya nang ilang sandali. Nang hindi umiwas ng tingin ang babae, unti-unting napangisi si Kernel na ikinataka ng dalaga.
Hanggang sa natawa ito bigla at naiinis ang dalaga kung ba't ito natatawa.
"You don't have to tell me your reason why you left me, honey..." nakangisi nitong sabi at dahan-dahang lumapit sa kanya. Nandiyan na naman ang klase ng pagtitig ni Kernel sa kanya na ikapanghina ng loob ng dalaga.
"A-at bakit?"
"Because you were being followed by someone we are searching for..." Tinuro ni Kernel ang walang buhay na lalaki sa sahig.
"W-what?"
Mas lalong lumapit si Kernel sa kanya. "For now, we will mind our own business here."
Alam ng dalaga kung anong meaning ng mga salitang sinabi ni Kernel kaya lumakas na namang muli ang tibok ng kanyang puso. Pero nagpapanggap siyang hindi niya naintindihan ang double meaning nito.
"Okay! May kailangan pa akong gawin!" she excused herself to get away from him but he quickly grabs her waist.
"Don't deny it honey! I know you miss me!" Hinarap ni Kernel ang dalaga sa kanya. Napasinghap ito nang inamoy ni Kernel ang leeg nito. "You're smell is still what I'm addicted to. Your sweet perfume really seduced me!"
Muli niyang tiningnan ang dalaga sa mata habang may mga kakaibang ngisi sa kanyang mga labi. Nararamdaman pa rin Kernel ang kanyang epekto sa dalaga. He knows he can still affect her and he's happy knowing that.
"Why did you left me after tasting me hmm?" tanong nito na ikinalaki ng mga mata ng dalaga. Muli niyang naalala ang mainit na gabing iyon. Ang huling gabi bago niya ito iniwan.
He didn't give her a second to react and he just kissed her.
...
Itutuloy...
A/N: Don't hesitate to correct my typos and grammar. Not sure if I can update tom, but I'll try. Thank you for reading! .