Chapter 2
Chapter 2
"Pretty ang morning but mas super pretty me!" I praised myself while looking at the mirror in front of me.
This has been my ritual for so long. I rarely see people around, the people in our palace were too shy to interact with me and no one else is willing to praise me so I'd praise myself instead.
That's what Nana told me. I just learned this recently and yet the feeling is great. I kept on waking up happy because I get to greet myself.
Hays, I'm super pretty talaga.
I twirled my curly ginger red hair. I braided the small two sides of it near my forehead while it's parted in the middle and let the curly strands fell on my shoulder.
I took the necklace I made myself and wore it before checking my final look in the mirror.
I'm wearing a long-sleeved corset top and skirt with it. My mother would not want me to wear something like this mostly because my chest is showing a little but G said she won't tell them so I happily tried it on.
It was actually conservative pa nga, eh. Medyo a little bit lang na showing ang part ng skin ko but it's okay.
I checked if the bracelets I wore suited it and when satisfied, I took my white ankle boots and wore it too.
I even twirled at the mirror after and when I heard a knock on the door, I took my glittered silver pouch and ran towards it to welcome my cousin.
"Hello! Beautiful umaga to you, Cathalina—" my voice faded when what I saw was someone else.
Sebastian on his white uniform welcomed me. His hand is still in the air in attempt to knock but I opened it before he could do it again.
"O-Oh..." I gasped, "beautiful umaga to you, Seb!"
He didn't react. I saw how his liquid black eyes landed to my outfit to check on it so I made a moved my body for a quick aura. His forehead creased, he moistened his lower lip unconsciously and as he raised his head to look at me, I offered him a smile.
"What? Pretty ba?" I blinked my eyes prettily.
"Saan binyag, 'te?" he asked in his usual poker face look.
"Huh?" I blinked rapidly, "what's binyag?"
He frowned again, I saw him scratched his think brow as he shook his head in disappointment.
"Hay, araw-araw talaga akong sinusubok!" He tapped his chest and sighed loudly, "Kaya mo 'yan, Sebastian. Nakaya mo nga 'yong sindikato, 'yong shokoy pa kaya?"
He looked at me. I smiled sweetly.
"What is it? Sorry, I don't quite understand, you're super fast talaga mag-talk, eh. Sorry!" I gave him a peace sign which he answered with a ridiculous look.
"Wala, tara na raw, shokoy at may breakfast na." He snapped and sighed.
I nodded. I gently closed the door and looked at him intently.
He's handsome. As usual. Seb might act like a brute at times, I can see how fun he is to be with—well, at least with Cathalina. They liked teasing around each other and it was funny to look at. I wonder if Seb would treat me like that, too.
He walked away first. I immediately followed him and hopped to entangle my hand on his arm. I felt him stiffened and looked at my way.
"Luh, jowa ba kita?" he asked me, frowning and yet, he is still looking good. His forehead's creasing and while he's frowning at me, I lifted my hand to reach his forehead and straighten the lines.
He was stunned. I definitely thought he's a mannequin for a while.
"H-Hoy! Anong ginagawa mo, ah?" he hissed and tried to move away but I pulled him closer with my arm on his arm to make him stay close.
"H'wag you mag-frown," I mumbled and touched the side of his forehead, "your handsomeness would lessen if you do that."
His eyes widened. I noticed how his cheek blushed and that's when he took a step back away from me.
"G-Gaga 'to, ah? Sinuhulan ka ni G, ano?!" he accused, his face is still red. I noticed him gulping as he brushed his hair with his fingers and watched me closely. "H'wag ka ngang ano riyan, tara na at kumain na tayo! Akala mo pupurihin kita kapag sinabi mong gwapo 'ko? Huh!" he cleared his throat and licked his lower lip.
"P-Pwes, tama ka!" his lip pursed, "you're m-maganda rin! Mga two percent!"
"Tang ina ka." I answered and smiled. His jaw dropped.
"Anak ng pating...pinuri na kita, minumura mo pa 'ko?!" he exclaimed then suddenly stopped when I pouted, as if he realized something.
"Why are you mad? I'm just saying you're handsome, too. I'm maganda, you said and that's why you're tang ina too!" I cheered, "and don't raise your voice so much, Seb. Dapat you're a good boy because you're little mermaid's sidekick!"
He looked at me intently. I noticed how his eyes moved around my face while I was smiling at him and eventually, his shoulders fell.
"Kailangan ko na talaga ng salary raise kung ganito mga nakakausap ko rito sa barko," he mumbled to himself. "Kapag ako kinumbulsyon na at namatay, bibisitahin ko sa panaginip si terrorista tapos papalapa ko sa pating kasama nitong pinsan niyang chaka doll."
"Hmm?" I hummed. He looked at me and shook his head.
"Tss, wala!" he snapped, "tara na at ginugutom ako kakausap sa mga conyo. Buong gabi, buong umaga puro Taglish na tabingi naririnig ko. Sirang-sira na ang vocabulary ko! Anak ng tupa!"
I held my pouch tighter and watched him muttering to himself. I really think it's his therapy talking to himself. He's been doing it nonstop ever since I went here.
He walked away after talking to himself. I followed him immediately.
He was busy mumbling to himself and raising his hand to do hand gestures but I couldn't understand much. Who is he talking to? Himself again?
Crazy ba si Seb? OMG?
A loud gasp left my lips when a group of running teenagers bumped me. It was too fast I didn't even get to manage my balance and fell on the ground.
"Aww!" I groaned.
"Sorry, Miss!" they exclaimed and ran past me, didn't even helped me up.
"Hoy! Playground ba 'to? Playground?!" just before I could stand up, Seb's loud voice filled my ear. "Mga batang 'to! Hindi n'yo man lang tinulungan! Bawal magtakbuhan dito, ah! Titignan ko mga pagmumukha n'yo sa CCTV!"
I looked at him, bewildered by how angry he is. I couldn't understand much but what he's saying is definitely about those teenagers running around, that it isn't right. Is he scolding them?
His face got touched by the sunrays, making him looked brighter despite the dark aura he's been showing people. His thick brows met, his lip pursed with his jaw tightening.
"Seb..." I called.
He lowered his gaze at me and knelt with his one knee in front of ,e.
"Are you okay? Does it hurt?" he asked, still with his frowning face and held my forearm. I slowly nodded.
"I'm fine, Seb," I answered him. "I was just shocked and..."
"Ang kukulit talaga kasi, sinabing h'wag kasing magtatakbuhan sa barko ang titigas ng ulo." He groaned, not minding what I said and gently pulled me up.
He held my waist. My heart immediately felt weird the moment he pulled my forearm and assisting my waist. My eyes levelled his reddish lips and my heart thumped louder than it was earlier.
What is this?
He smelled nice and manly. I wonder what his perfume is?
I saw how his adam's apple moved and when I lifted my gaze into his eyes, I found him watching me, too.
We were both frozen, with our bodies closed to each other. His eyes wandered on my face and before I could part my mouth to say anything, he lets go of my waist and shook his head.
"Namamaligno na ata 'ko, gago." He mumbled to himself again.
"Seb? What are you—"
"Wala, tara na." He shook his head, averted my gaze and put his palms inside his pocket to walk away.
My heart pounded, seeing the black bracelet I made for him on his wrist. It suited him well because maitim ang budhi niya.
I watched his back and noticed small things about him. He's tall, even just his back is handsome enough for me to notice.
Broad shoulders and a clean haircut. His uniform suited him well. All white, with epaulets on his shoulders and a black necktie. His black slacks hugged his legs perfectly with his black leather shoes completing his look.
Oh, he looked like a handsome prince in white. A prince charming—no, Gab. He's more like a knight. He's a bit grumpy, tho. His mouth is ruthless. Not a prince charming.
I followed him quietly to the restaurant and watched him closely.
"Gab! Hi! OMG! You're here na! Magandang morning!" my cousin on her round belly jumped up and down when she saw me.
"Guinevere..." Lucian called his wife and held her forearm to calm her down but she was so thrilled to see me.
"H'wag you mag-jump, G!" I giggled and ran towards her to hug her from the side. "Baka mag-fall si baby."
"Oh, he won't!" she giggled, "he's strong, you know?" she kissed my cheek and hugged me back. "Did you have a great sleep?"
"Yup!" I touched her tummy, "the bed is so soft and oh! I love the view! I could see the ocean! It was beautiful!"
"I'm glad you liked it! It was one of our best rooms here! The best for you, of course!"
"Thank you, Cathalina! Captain Lucian!" I glanced at Lucian who smiled at me and nodded.
My cousin assisted me to sit on the large table. From the distance, I saw Owen, Ian and Romeo walking closer and I immediately waved my hand to greet them.
"Hello, everyone! Beautiful umaga to all!"
"Hello, Gab!" Romeo smiled and waved. Owen winked and Ian smiled a little when she saw me tapping the space beside me so he could sit there.
"Ganda mo naman, umaga pa lang!" Owen greeted me. It made me smile.
"You too! Tang ina you." I pointed him, "and you and you." I pointed Owen and Romeo.
Their mouths parted. I stopped when I heard Lucian coughing and when I looked at him, he was choking on his water while my cousin, G, was laughing so hard and clapping her hand.
"Guinevere—"
"What? Gab's been praising them!" she exclaimed happily, "right, guys?" she looked at the three who was still stunned at first but grinned afterwards.
"Oo nga, Cap, binabati lang kami nitong si pretty Gab. Right, Gab?" Owen asked and I nodded, giving them a sweet smile. He offered me a high-five which I immediately accepted.
The foods were served but before I could start, I noticed something. We're missing one!
"Where's basher?" my cousin asked what's on my mind.
"He went to the control room," Romeo answered.
"Huh? Why?" my cousin asked.
"I don't know, may titignan ata sa CCTV?" Romeo shrugged and I blinked rapidly, confused.
What is it he's gonna check?
"Won't he eat breakfast, Romeo?" I asked.
"I'm not sure," he shook his head, "he said we should eat first. He'd check on something sa CCTV daw."
"Hmm..." I nodded and stared at my plate.
"Why kaya?" Cathalina asked, "he's super nagrereklamo earlier. He said he's hungry he's gonna die soon if he won't eat but he's nowhere now..."
"Baka nategi na," Owen laughed a little, "mukhang seryoso, eh. Biniro ko nga kanina no'ng nakasalubong, nakabusangot lang siya. Bad trip ata."
"Let me check," Lucian said and stood. We watched him go to check on him and my cousin asked us to started eating.
They remained chatting while waiting for Lucian and Seb.
"You want me to refill your juice?" the handsome Ian asked beside me and I glanced his way and nodded, smiling.
"Yup, Ian! Thank you so much!" I smiled at him while he's refilling my drinks. "You're super pogi na, mabait pa!"
"Here, Gab, this tasted good." Owen offered me a new dish.
"Wow, what do you call this, Owen?" I asked curiously while staring at the food.
"Adobo," he answered. "This is one of G's favorites, right?" he looked at my cousin who stopped from munching her food and smiled.
"Yep!" she showed me an okay sign, "go and try it, Gab! It would taste great!"
I nodded, I took my spoon to have a taste and caught them watching me as I taste it. They are all frozen in place, waiting for my reaction and when the taste spread my mouth I gasped loudly.
"Oh my God! It's so sarap! It's so tamis! I like this adobo!" I exclaimed happily. They all laughed.
"Anak ng...napakaarte! Sana 'di na lang ako sumama sa 'yong kumain, Cap!" my eyes widened and I covered my mouth when I saw Seb with Lucian.
"Hi, Seb! You're here na! Tara, mag-eat na tayo! Super sarap nga adobo!" I exclaimed.
He only gave me a frowning look, he walked beside Romeo and shook his head at me.
"Nakakawalang-gana naman 'to, Cap!" he whined.
"Edi don't," my cousin blurted out, "sige, everyone! You make tanggal to his chair since he didn't like to eat—"
"J-Joke lang, hoy!" he exclaimed, pulling his chair back. "Itong prinsesang bulol na 'to 'di mabiro. Tagal-tagal mo na kaming kasama baliko pa rin 'yang dila mo."
"And so? At least my tongue lang ang baliko. Eh, ikaw nga, face mo ang baliko!" she exclaimed back and when they all laughed, I was confused.
"G, what's baliko?" I asked my cousin, whispering to her since I want to laugh with them but I couldn't understand.
"Hmm...it's like twisted," she whispered back. "Like you can't say a thing in a straight way, that's where your tongue will be baliko, you know?"
"You mean to say, Seb's face is baliko?" I whispered back.
"Yup," she giggled, "look at him sipping on his juice." She mumbled and I glanced at Seb drinking on the glass.
His jaw's defined and his adam's apple been moving slowly and sexily he is indeed looking good.
"Hmm? And?"
"Mukha siyang octopus na hungry," she whispered back to me and my eyes widened in fraction.
"What?! Seb looked like octopus?!" I exclaimed horribly, "n-no way! He looked great!"
Seb coughed on his juice. I saw how he covered his mouth in shock when everyone roared in laughter when they heard it.
"Sino? Sinong octopus?" Romeo laughed.
"Who pa ba? Edi si basher!" G giggled, "his lips in a pout like this, oh, while drinking kaya mukha siyang octopus na violet—"
"Hoy, prinsesang conyong bulol na sindikato..." Baste blurted out, "una sa lahat, ikaw mukhang isdang ginamitan ng dinamita—"
"Luci, oh!" my cousin whined, "Baste's bullying me again!"
I took a glance at the couple and saw Lucian, hiding his amused grin looked at Seb.
"Hoy, Cap! Kahit isang beses naman kampihan mo 'ko! Aping-api na ako sa barkong 'to! Bago pa nakalusot sa barko natin ang terrorista na 'yan na nagpa-cute lang sa 'yo kaya mo inampon nandito na ako. Ako ang nauna sa buhay mo—"
"Shh, h'wag mong awayin 'yong buntis ko." Lucian answered seriously, cutting him off and when his jaw dropped, everyone laughed.
Even Ian who was silently observing chuckled a little and when he saw me looking, he leaned in and whispered.
"They're always like that," he whispered and I nodded.
"H'wag n'yo namang kawawain si Baste, slight lang dapat. Tignan n'yo si Gab, sabi niya 'di naman daw mukhang octopus si Baste." Owen looked at me so I nodded briefly.
"Why? Ano ba ang face, Gab?" G asked me kaya I put my finger on my chin to looked at Seb's serious and dangerous eyes looking at me. It looked like he's been willing to flip the table any moment from now so I offered him a sweet smile.
Slowly, his walls faded. His face relaxed a bit so I looked around and spoke.
"Hmm, Seb's not an octopus naman. He's great, actually. He's Sebastian, the crab. The little mermaid's sidekick." I said happily and I was confused when his shoulders slacked.
The people around me laughed more, hysterical this time that everyone at the tables next to us are looking.
"Why are you all laughing?" I asked, "may wrong ba akong na-say—"
"Diyos ko...Diyos ko..." Seb closed his eyes then titled his head up while raising his hand. "Lord, panginoon ko...bakit mo ako pinabayaan?"
It was quite a disaster but everyone is having fun so I assumed it's okay. However, Seb's death glares shook me to the core that even if I'm eating lang the adobong yummy na masarap, he looked like he'd stab me with the fork.
"You don't like the taba, Gab?" G asked me so I looked at my plate and shook my head.
"Sorry, G. I don't like to make tira sa foods kaso I don't like this one, like mo ba?" I asked.
"Yes sana, but I'm full na, eh." She touched her stomach, "my baby Magnus is full na rin."
"Hmm...okay." I said and smiled at her, "I'll finish it na lang siguro. I don't like to waste some food because you see, there are a lot of people out there who couldn't eat properly and here am I wasting foods."
"Oh, don't make pilit if you can't eat it." She shook her head, "baka mag-vomit ka, give mo na lang kay Baste, like niya iyong taba ng pork."
I nodded. I took a glance at Seb and he's busy munching on his food and like G said, I saw some pork and its fat on his plate. It seemed like he liked eating it so hesitantly, I called his attention.
"Seb?" I called.
He looked at my way, his mouth still full but he swallowed it and drank a glass of water.
"Oh?" he asked and shot his brow up.
"Uhm, I can't finish the taba from the pork, eh." I mumbled and pointed my plate, "you want ba? I don't like the fat part, eh."
"Oh?" he glanced at my plate, "luh, ayaw ko nga, baka mamaya nilaway-lawayan mo na 'yan. Kadiri."
"I didn't!" I shook my head, "I cut it with a knife and separate it here." I pointed my plate, "and I eat cleanly, I shouldn't be messy in the palace—"
"Super arte mo naman, basher! 'Di naman messy mag-eat si Gab, look, oh? Super clean ng plate, kahit 'di na nga i-wash kasi walang tira."
"Aba, malay ko bang may laway-laway 'yan? Bakit ko kakainin—"
"Give it to me," Owen said and looked at my plate, I smiled at him. "Gusto ko 'yang taba."
"Really?!" I raised my plate, "thank you, Owen—"
"Akin na nga," we both froze when instead of him, Seb took the plate from my hand. I was stunned when he transferred the foods from my plate to his and lowered it.
"Hoy, akin dapat 'yan, ah?" Owen asked, "bakit ka nang-aagaw—"
"Sa akin daw 'to," he sneered, "sa akin nauna mag-offer, bakit ka nang-aagaw?" he glanced my way, "sa 'kin 'to shokoy, 'di ba?"
"Well...yeah." My cheeks heated up when the side of his lips lifted for a sly smirk.
"See?" he growled boastfully at the pouting Owen, "this is mine. Mine. Hanap ka ng ibang taba diyan, 'di 'yong pinagdidiskitahan mo 'yong akin!"
"Ayaw-ayaw ka pa, eh," Lucian suddenly said, I looked at him and caught his evil smile.
"A-Ayaw ko lang may nasasayang na pagkain, judgmental talaga nito!" he hissed at him. "Naku, Cap, sinasabi ko sa 'yo, sana binenta ko na lang talaga 'yang asawa mong conyo para may sarili na akong barko—"
"Should I fire you—"
"Ito naman, hindi mabiro!" he hissed and ate his food, glancing at me. "Hoy, shokoy, sigurado kang walang laway-laway 'to, ah?"
I nodded at him and smiled, "no, there's no laway there."
"Tss...siguraduhin mo, kapag ako biglang ni-rabies dito..."
"Thank you, Seb!" I giggled and took his empty glass to refill it with water, "here, drink this! You really are Ariel's sidekick!"
"Tss...gawin kitang pakain sa pating, eh." He mumbled, "Ariel's sidekick ka pang nalalaman diyan, alimango rin naman 'yon..."
"Sebastian's the best," I mumbled and when he looked at me and caught me smiling, his lips protruded and looked away, his cheeks reddening.
"Ay, mukhang healthy ang huli, ah? 'Yong crabs nag-color red!" G exclaimed and when Seb gave everyone a poker face, they are all teasing him.
Seb is really adorable and handsome!
G asked me if I'd like to go for a swim in their largest slide inside the ship so I was thrilled and excited about it. I wore my blue swim suit and white cover up. I let my curly hair dancing on my back and walked with them towards the pool they reserved for us for a private swimming.
My eyes wandered around and noticed how lavish the ship looked like. It was large and totally costs a fortune. No wonder people wanted to go and have a tour with this! This is totally world class!
"Symphony of the Seas..." I read the large name of the ship and smiled.
"Seb, is there marami bang ganitong ship?" I suddenly asked.
He looked at my way, still sporting his boyish and serious look.
"Huh? Paanong marami?"
"Hmm, I mean, does Lucian have another one like this or is this the only one?" I asked curiously.
"Ah, he owned a lot but this one is the largest," he explained and I nodded, still looking around the massive ship.
"How about that slide?" I asked, "is it not scary?"
"Ayan?" he pointed it and laughed when I nodded, "kita mo 'yang slide na 'yan? Gusto mong pumunta?"
"Yup!" I chirped, smiling at him. "I looked great! Is it the tallest?"
"Tara, akyat tayo tapos tulak kita. Doon natin malalaman kung pinakamataas." He mumbled and when my eyes widened, he smirked.
"You're super mean! Making tulak to people is bad you know?" I hissed, folding my arms on my chest and he ended up smirking at me.
"Naintindihan mo pa 'yon, ah? Akala ko talaga super slow ka, medyo lang pala." He shook his head and when the sunrays touched his face briefly, I silently praised him.
"How would you know ba if it's pinakamataas? Is making tulak to people enough?" I asked and he shrugged.
"Malamang. Kapag nahulog ka tapos buhay ka pa, 'di siya masyadong mataas. Kung nahulog ka tapos tegi ka, edi rest in peace." He grinned.
My mouth parted. I smacked his arm. He ended up laughing and moved away to look at me sideways.
"Makahampas naman 'to, close ba tayo, 'te?" he spat but I was just smiling, amused of him.
Way back, no one even dared teasing and making fun of me in the palace. Everyone respected me to the point no one would look and talk to me kaya to have someone treating me like a normal person...it was great and I am happy.
"We're close now, aren't we?" I smiled. He looked at me intently and pursed his lips.
"Hindi, ah. Feeling 'tong shokoy na 'to. Sorry, Miss, ah? Pero 'di 'ko nakikipag-close sa mga sea creatures." He answered me back.
"Oh? Why not? You're a sea creature too, ah? A crab, remember? Sebastian?" when he glared at me, I giggled. I held his arm and entangled my arms on his and I thought he'd chase me away but he didn't.
"The was the bow part of the ship," he pointed the center with a narrow part in it. "Diyan naglalandian noon si Jack at Rose, gusto mo gawin natin, oh? Tapos pag-angat mo ng kamay tulak kita." He laughed loudly and touched his stomach but I just looked at him.
"Seb, you know I want to make tawa with you but who's Jack and Rose?" he looked at me ridiculously.
"Huh? You haven't watched Titanic?" he asked and I shook my head.
"What's Titanic?" I asked, "is it maganda?"
"Luh, saan ka bang planeta galing? Alien ata talaga kapag kalahi ni terrorista," he sighed loudly, "wala 'yon, wala. Kaya ayaw ko talagang nakikipag-usap sa mga conyo."
I just pouted, mentally noting I'd watch Titanic soon so I could bond with him. Seb is adorable and I am glad he's treating me this way. It not like being rude is good but I felt like I'm free, now that he's here and treating me this way.
I felt normal. I felt human.
But of course, I want pa rin na maging little mermaid tapos I have Sebastian as a sidekick! Yehey!
"OMG, Seb! Seb! You want BJ?!" I exclaimed loudly when I saw a shop nearby selling those.
"Anong BJ?" he hissed, "buko juice, shokoy. Buko. Juice. Hilig-hilig mo talaga sa ganyan. Did you know the meaning?"
"Buko juice! BJ!" I snapped, "I know a lot naman, 'no? You're making reklamo when in fact you loved the BJ I gave you yesterday—"
"Tang ina!" he covered my mouth immediately. My eyes widened.
"Tss...kids these days are so liberated!" I heard it loudly just behind me so I quickly turned my back and saw a group of old grannies walking with their canes while shooting us a ridiculous look.
I blinked in confusion until they faded on my sight and when I looked at Seb, he looked so exhausted and done with everything.
"Seb?"
"Pati ba naman sa Brooklyn may mga Marites?" he mumbled and groaned, "jusko Lord, sana manalo na talaga ko sa lotto para magpapatayo na akong barko ko tapos banned mga conyo!"
"Sorry, Seb, ah? I'm still practicing Tagalog so minsan, I can understand, minsan hindi. Bulbol pa me sometimes—"
"Bulol, hija. Bu-lol." He emphasized, "say it with me, bu-lol."
"Bu-lol." I mouthed, "sorry but I'm a bit bulol pa."
"Maaga talagang puputi buhok ko sa barkong 'to? Paano pa ako magkakaasawa? Baka isipin nila senior citizen na ako." He sighed and looked at me, "tara na nga, gusto mo ba mag-buko? Tara na at hahanapin ka na naman no'ng pinsan mong terrorista at excited na lumublob sa tubig akala mo hindi buntis!"
He held my wrist. I was shocked and stunned with his sudden move, feeling his calloused and large palm on my skin. My heart thumped and my stomach churned. My feelings made me wonder what is this all about but walked with him when he pulled me towards the store.
What is this feeling? Is this normal? Should I ask G about this? What if I'm having a cardiac arrest now? Oh gosh! I need a doctor! Right?!
"Oh, magandang umaga, Baste!" the old lady from the store greeted him, "mukhang may kasama kang magandang dilag, ah?"
"Good morning, Madame!" I greeted with a smile and her eyes brightened.
"Good morning, hija." She nodded at me and glanced at Seb, "kamag-anak ba ito ni Guinevere, Baste? Aba't hawig sila, oh. Tignan mo iyong buhok, kakulay pa."
"Kapag weird, Ate Cora, asahan mo nang kamag-anak ni terrorista," he said while I was busy checking the foods I'd like to eat right now. "Tignan mo, curious siya sa lahat. H'wag ka na magulat kapag ginawa niyang juice 'yang suka."
"Ikaw talaga," she laughed. "Nakakatuwa nga iyong bata iyon at ang lambing-lambing, mukhang mayaman at senyorita pero sobrang kulit. Ano ang pangalan nitong kasama mo? Aba't ang ganda-ganda, oh. Asul 'yong mata, buti nakakasama mo? Guard ka ba?"
"Grabe ka sa 'kin, Ate Cora, ah!" he blurted out, "maka-guard 'to, bakit ako mag-ga-guard diyan eh, palaboy lang naman 'yan dito. Sea creature 'yan, nakalusot lang sa barko."
The lady laughed, I noticed her looking at me so I smiled at her and offered my hand.
"Hi, I'm Gab po!" I introduced.
"Cora," she accepted my hand and smiled. "Medyo marunong ka rin mag-tagalog, ah? Do you understand me?"
"A little bit po!" I showed her my finger, "but it was nice meeting you po, Ate Cora! P'wede me po mag-buy ng foods sa 'yo?"
Wow, it was nice conversing with other people! And I'm saying something in their language! It must've been great to hear, right? I should make her amused of me because I knew a lot!
"Ganda mo, hija," she chuckled.
"Thanks, Ate Cora! Pakyu ka rin po—" a large palm covered my mouth. The next words were muffled because of Seb covering my mouth and I pulled it.
"Hmm—"
"A-Ate, wala 'yon..." Seb laughed awkwardly, "pahingi naman akong isang cup ng buko juice."
Ate Cora laughed and shook her head, "kayo talagang mga lalaki, ang dami n'yong kalokohan. No'ng bago pa lang si G dito kung ano-anong tinuturo n'yo, baka mamaya pati itong si Gab—"
"Grabe si Ate, 'di, ah! Mabait kaya 'ko, sina Cap ang loko-loko diyan kaya bulol pa rin." He mumbled and when Ate Cora looked my way and smiled before turning her back to prepare some buko juice, Seb let go of me.
I looked at him.
"Seb—"
"Shh..." he placed his finger on top of my lips. I froze. "I'll do the talking, shut up ka lang diyan at tataas na ang altapresyon ko sa inyong magpinsan."
"O-Okay," I answered back. My cheeks heated up and when our eyes met again, I caught him looked away and cleared his throat.
When Ate Cora came back and gave me the BJ, I was beyond excited. I sipped on it and pointed the foods I saw.
"Ate Cora, is this the fish bolbol?" I asked and pointed it. Her eyes widened and laughed.
"Sebastian, kayo talaga!" she exclaimed and when I looked at Seb, he just nodded like he's definitely finished.
"I know, Ate. I know. 'Di ko nga alam pero baka nabawasan na ang life span ko sa mga alien na kasama ko. Kamang-anak kasi 'tong mga 'to ni Kokey. Tignan mo, nakatingin siya sa akin na nakangiti pero 'di na niya maintindihan sinasabi ko."
"Kayo talaga..." she laughed, "alright, would you like this, Gab? I'll cook this one for you."
"Hmm, yes po!" I chirped, "and I like this one!" I pointed the orange round thing, "I know what is this called..."
"Sige nga, ano?" Seb asked and I touched my chin to think about it until I remembered what G used to tell me.
"Quick-Quick!" I exclaimed happily, "this is Quick-Quick!"
But they only laughed at me, I was confused for a while but Seb just shook his head amusingly and looked at the lady to nod.
"Sige na, Ate, at baka may masabi na naman 'tong 'di maganda sa mga pagkain." He said and smirked, "sama mo na rin 'to." They he pointed another food so I glanced at it and pouted.
"I knew this one too," I mumbled, he looked at me in alert mode.
"H'wag na—"
"Kiki yum!" I exclaimed and clapped my hands when he almost fell flat on the ground.
Seb ordered another cup of BJ for him and while he's sipping on it, he was glaring at me. I just smiled, I am even dancing a bit with the music from a band nearby while sitting in front of the store and waiting for my foods.
"Ang yummy talaga ng BJ, 'no?" I asked and looked at him, "you ba, Seb, favorite mo ba BJ?"
He sighed and shrugged, "ewan."
"Yummy kaya, don't worry, because 'di pa you sure I'll always give you BJ." I said and he almost choke on his drink but tapped his chest.
"Anak ng tupa, muntik ko nang mahigop 'yong straw!" he hissed.
"Oh, mga anak, ito na." My eyes brightened when Ate Cora came back with a newly heated foods in a small bowl.
I was excited. I was about to take the stick and eat one but Seb held my hand to stopped me.
"Why?"
"'Di 'yan masyadong masarap kapag walang sauce," he said and took the bowl from me. "Mix this one and this one, this would taste good." He then mixed a sauce for me, putting it on my food and my eyes are twinkling.
"It looked super masarap! Yummy!" I almost jumped excitedly and was about to take it from him when he shook his head.
"Mainit 'to, babae. Kumalma ka. Hihipan ko, sandali." He said and lifted the stick with the orange round thing on it, then he moved it gently near his lips to blow and moved it closer to mine.
I opened my mouth, was about to eat what's he's feeding me but his hand moved and he ate it instead.
"Patola!" he exclaimed and laughed loudly when he saw my face, "feeling mo naman susubuan kita!"
I stomped my feet. He smirked at me and handed me another stick.
"Blow it first before eating. Aba, self-service tayo dito, 'te. Nilibre na nga kita, susubuan pa ba kita?"
"Super crazy," I mumbled and took a piece of Quick-Quick and blew it first. He watched my face and when I tasted it, my eyes slowly widened.
"Ano? Ano? Masarap 'no?" he asked and I nodded, my eyes still wide.
"Oh my gosh, is there an egg inside?!" I asked and when he nodded, I was amazed.
"Hindi lang 'yan, alam mo bang kapag kumain ka ng Quick-Quick ay magkaka-powers ka?" he said.
"Really?!"
"Oo!" his eyes brightened, "because you've eaten Quick-Quick, you'll be faster."
"You mean..." I finished my food and sipped on my BJ. "You mean, because I ate Quick-Quick, if nag-run ako, fast na ako?"
"Oo!" he said with such enthusiasm, "try mo, dali! Takbo ka tapos takbo ka pabalik dito, tignan mo three seconds lang andito ka na!"
"Sebastian..." Ate Cora called, suppressing her laughter.
"'Di ba, Ate Cora? Dahil kumain siya nito, bibilis na siya. Sa Pilipinas nga kapag nagtrabaho ka tapos gusto mo mabilis, kumain ka lang ng Quick-Quick para quick din tapos ng trabaho mo!"
Ate Cora covered her mouth and cleared her throat, "t-teka, sunog na ata 'yong niluluto ko..."
"Sige na, game!" Seb grinned, "doon ka, oh, tapos balik ka. Promise, astig 'yan."
I always dreamt to have powers. It would be great if I'd become a mermaid and then super fast pa mag-swim! Edi super mermaid na me!
"Okay!" I said competitively and sipped on my juice. "Where do I start?"
"Doon, kita mo 'yong naglalandiang mga isda doon sa dulo? Doon ka, kapag pabalik ka na atsaka ka tumakbo para ma-reserved mo ang power mo." He said.
I nodded, I fixed my hair and sighed loudly before walking towards the space he's been saying from the distance. It's quite malayo. When I reached it, I looked at Seb on the distance and he showed me a go sign, smirking.
I sighed loudly. I closed my eyes, lifting my hand a bit to channel my inner powers and when I opened my eyes, I was more competitive.
I clenched my fists, cocked my head on the side and when I saw Seb giving me a go signal, I immediately ran towards him.
I was expecting I'd reach him in a snap but...I was only running normally. Like a freak who lacked exercise.
My jaw dropped. I saw Sebastian now laughing hysterically from where he is, slapping the wall to contain his laughter.
He fooled me! This brute!
I glared at him from the distance. I was puffing a breath now while running and because of the wind, my beautiful hair is now sabog and I'm sweating! Oh my gosh, Sebastian!
It was so malayo, I think I almost died that when I reached him, his laughter's roaring so loud like he's having real fun.
Even Ate Cora was chuckling, she covered her mouth to hide it but her shoulders are moving.
"Sebastian!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and sprinted towards him, catching my breath.
"Uto-uto si shokoy!" he laughed loudly and clapped his hand, almost crying with laughter. "Quick-Quick pa more!"
"You brute! You fooled me!" I exclaimed loudly and when I reached him, I smacked his chest. "I'm super hiningal na! It was so mainit and look at my hair! It's sabog!"
He tried avoiding my hand smacking him but he's still laughing.
"Gaga, okay lang 'yan, sabog ka rin naman!" he grinned. I glared at him when he caught my hand.
"I don't want na! I hate you na! You are super mean to me!" I hissed angrily while piercing him with my death glares, pouting and whining.
"Ayaw mo no'n, exercise?" he smirked, lowering my hand on the side and gently pulled me closer.
"That's not exercise, that's a marathon! I'm super hingal na!"
He just smirked, lifted his hand to remove a few strands of my hair out of my cheek, putting it behind my ear.
"Cute mo," he commented after, tilting his head to catch my gaze before giving me a lopsided smile.
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