Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Dear diary,
I wanna go home.
Love, Gorgeous but super lonely Gab.
I sat quietly on the rattan chair while overlooking the large ship and the vast ocean. Lahat sila ay happy, I can see whenever I go up and looked around happy families and lovers around while I was seated her quietly, alone.
I was busying myself by making a few bracelets but can't still help but feel lonely.
My cousin came. She never forgot checking up on me from time to time but I know she's pregnant and kinda sensitive. She often sleeps, easily gets tired so I wouldn't like to trouble her.
One pa, she did her best to take me here for a vacation even if everyone prohibited me to. Si G lang ang may care for me, even if we're kids before, she's my bestest friend. Medyo nag-ouch ang heart ko before when she escaped the palace to find where she truly belongs because it was made in such haste, I wasn't informed but I didn't take it to the heart.
I'm happy—no, I'm beyond ecstatic because she found her love of her life, another family and friends to lean on in this very ship.
G is strong. She's brave, courageous, witty and fun. I always admire her fighting spirit and her beliefs. If like niya, she'd fight for it. She'll go against the rules and leave to venture alone kaya for her to find life, I am happy.
We're different kasi. She's amazing while I was just...me. I'm afraid of the world, I grew up in a strict household where everything is controlled. I'm happy na lang because I'm super pretty and smart kasi I'm top one in our class of three but other than that? There's nothing I could be proud of.
I wonder nga why they chose me as the new queen of Italy. I'm no Queen.
I could not make decisions, what if pa if it's for the entire country. I am studying of course, but I'm no match for people with experience.
"Hey, why are you not going out?" I jumped in shock when I heard that voice, I immediately stood and saw my cousin walking while touching her stomach.
"Cathalina..." I called, I walked closer to her immediately to help when I saw Lucian behind her.
"Hello, Lucian." I greeted as I held my cousin's hand.
"Good day, your highness," he even bowed. It made me smile.
"Oh, why are you so formal today?" I chuckled, "I told you to call me Gab na lang, eh."
"Luci is just being sentimental today, Gab-Gab," the giggling G said.
"Why?" I asked.
"I don't know, I woke up and he's talking to our baby then we talked about royalties and crown or whatever. Then, you know, we've talked about the responsibilities I passed to you in my behalf."
My mouth parted.
"I-It's nothing, don't burden yourselves—"
"We couldn't thank you enough, your highness." Hearing the formality on Lucian's voice, I felt shock and delighted at the same time. "We promise to serve and protect you."
"Yup! We'll do our best to help you and make you happy during this vacation and even after. I promise to always visit you so we could bond and bond. We'll do kikay things or anything you like. I'll color your nails with bright colors even if it's bawal sa palace because us ang batas!"
"Aww..." I mumbled and pouted. My eyes watered, "w-what's with the sudden—" I sobbed and covered my face.
"Hala, oh em gee, Luci!" a hug on my side made me cry louder. "You kasi, why ka bigla naging sentimental! Nag-cry tuloy ang cousin ko!"
"N-No, no..." I sniffed and lifted my hand in the air to dismiss the thought. "H-He did nothing wrong, I j-just felt like crying hard but I couldn't find a reason to and now, I have one."
"A-Aww..." a moment later, G is crying too and we are like kids sobbing that even Lucian panicked.
"Shit..." he cursed, mostly when after a few moments, G was more hysterical than me. "Fuck, I'm s-so sorry, anong p'wede kong gawin para hindi na kayo umiyak?"
"N-No, nothing. Don't mind me." I shook my head and hugged my cousin more while she's crying more hysterically than me.
"W-Want ko ng mikmik, Luci," G cried and lifted her hand. "Three pieces—no, I want a pack."
I saw Lucian scratching his nape but immediately nodded and obliged, leaving both of us inside the room until we heard the door closed.
G moved away from me. My eyes are still filled with tears as I looked at her glancing at the door and then smirked, drying her tears after.
"G?" I called.
She giggled and looked at me, her eyes softening.
"Don't cry na, Gab-Gab." She smiled, touched my cheek to dry my tears. "What's the matter? Your pamangkin and I are sad seeing you cry, our heart hurts, you know?"
"But...are you okay now? Your cries are loud." I was confused, mostly when I saw her reaction but her mouth parted lang in shock and shook her head.
"No, no, I was just..." she pouted and dried my cheek again. "I cried because you did and my heart ached but sorry for being super drama kasi I want mikmik talaga, eh."
"Huh?" I asked, "mikmik?"
"Yeah, it's a powdered milk. It's super sarap, delicioso!" she showed me her finger. "And you see, I don't know why Luci is so madamot! I said I want another one but he refused, he said he wanted one too kaya I'm super inis. Want nga ni baby ng mikmik then want din ni Luci, I don't know na why he's like that. He's not madamot naman but right now? I felt like he's naglilihi!"
"What's naglilihi?" I asked.
"Oh," she giggled and brushed my hair. "It's when you're pregnant and you want something so bad. Then, I heard there are cases when there's a possibility it would transfer to your husband and right now, he'd do anything for the mikmik to keep kahit want ko. That's why I'm being so madrama—"
The door suddenly opened and G sniffed exaggeratedly and hugged me in the blink of an eye.
"Gab..." she cried loudly and of course, to give what my pregnant cousin wants, I cried din loudly with her while glancing a little and Lucian holding a pack of something.
Oh, is that mikmik? Is it masarap? I wanted to try!
The visit from my cousin gave me the courage to go out. I was inside my room for two days now not just because of my online conferences but also because I don't want to go out. I just don't have the excitement.
I'm not super duper busy na nga, eh. I could roam around freely since I only have one to two meetings now but if I go out, what for?
Of course, G is worried. Even Lucian, Romeo, Owen and Ian are checking on me from time to time. They're even urging me to go watch shows with them but I just couldn't.
My memory is still lingering about what happened that day. It's my first kiss, with the person piquing my interest but it was a disaster.
I don't even have a face to show him after what happened, he said kasi na it's a mistake and it really didn't happen. I'm not magaling naman mag-pretend so...
And he didn't even check on me. It was really just a mistake, I guess?
"Saan na naman ba si Sebastian?" I froze upon hearing that name.
I'm with G and Lucian right now after they urged me to go out for fresh air.
"Ewan ko ro'n, Cap. Parang gago, nag-iinarte na naman. Galit ata sa mundo." Romeo answered, frowning but when he saw me, his eyes brightened.
"Gab!" he screamed.
I smiled, waving my hand and he abruptly went my way to offer a hug. I gave him one of course, it made my heart warm when I saw Owen and Ian talking silently until they saw me.
They smiled immediately, I was waving while waiting for them to come but Lucian who's just beside the eating G stopped them.
"Saan si Baste?" he asked. "Kanina ko pa hinahanap 'yon."
"Ah." Owen had this sour look on his face as he walked closer. "Nababaliw na ata, Cap. Parang tanga kausap, wala sa sarili. Bumubulong na sa sarili, sabi ko sa 'yo dapat patingin na natin 'yon sa doktor."
"Crazy naman talaga si basher always," G sipped on her straw but coughed loudly after.
"Guinevere!" Lucian called, "I said careful!"
Everyone panicked. Romeo let me go so he could check on G but after a few coughs, G just smiled like nothing happened and gave us a peace sign.
"Like n'yo?" she asked and lifted the whole pack.
"Yes—"
"Luh, asa ka..." G giggled.
"Pahingi, G! Para naman 'tong others." Romeo mumbled, "isa lang, h'wag kang gagaya sa asawa mong madamot—"
"No." Lucian glared at everyone, it made me chuckle a little.
"Hala, napakadamot naman ni Cap! Isang mikmik lang—"
"This is mine!" He then gripped G who stopped from sipping on her mikmik and blinked.
"Yes, yes...we are his?" she mumbled, confused but looking so proud.
Aww...how I wish I'd have a love like theirs.
But hanggang asa lang you, Gab. No one's even gonna take you seriously.
"Hello, Gab," my eyes shifted and a smile rose on my lips when I saw Ian.
"Hello, Ian. Tang ina ka." I said with a smile.
Everyone tensed up. Ian's eyes widened too but after a few seconds, he sighed and nodded.
"You're beautiful, too." He smiled at me.
"Thank you!" I chirped and offered him my arm which, he hesitantly at first accepted.
"Hoy, sama ako! Na-miss ko si Gab! Madalang lumabas, 'di tuloy ako nakakakita ng little mermaid!" Owen exclaimed kaya I offered my arm to him for a hug and like a kid, he hopped towards me.
"Hello, Owen! Beautiful umaga! Tang ina ka!" I exclaimed and to my confusion, everyone laughed pero I didn't mind. Like G said, super weird daw ng people here.
They're weird, indeed. Is it wrong ba to greet tang ina people here? I don't think so.
I didn't regret going out. It made me realize a lot of beautiful things are still out there, I'm just too focused in that single pain that I forgot about it all.
I was still hugging the boys when I saw someone walking toward us. His face was void of emotion at first but his eyes widened when our eyes met.
I immediately looked away and moved a bit when the boys covered me from him unknowingly because of their heights.
"Uy, basher! Here ka na!" G giggled, "what's with the long face? Mukha kang monster." She immediately giggled.
"Mukha ka ring isdang sinabugan ng dinamita, terrorista." The tone he's been using to tease G was gone. It sounded bland and without life.
"Oh? Why is your tone like that? Are you sick?" even G noticed it. The boys even looked at him to see.
"Ano?" he was immediately grumpy. Our eyes met but he looked away and cleared his throat.
"Ayos ka lang? May lagnat ka ba?" Lucian asked, "may manggagamot dito sa barko baka nabarang ka lang—"
"Anak ka ng..." he almost kicked his laughing boss, "wala! Papangit n'yo kasi! Tara na, lumamon na raw doon ng lunch at ayos na ang pagkain. Tagal-tagal n'yo kanina ko pa kayo inaantay mamamatay na ako sa gutom!"
He then looked at my way again and touched his nape, hesitating for a while as he turned his back and walked out.
"Anyareh?" G mumble while watching his back.
"Baka may regla," Lucian sighed and held her waist, "or maybe..." I caught him glancing my way but when he saw me watching him, he nodded and smiled a little before putting his arm on her wife's shoulder to whisper.
I'm with the three boys while walking. Seb left. G and Lucian was leading the way to the restaurant while Owen, Romeo and Ian are with me in the back.
"Gab?" my eyes landed on Ian when he called me.
"Yep?" I offered a sweet smile.
"If you don't mind me asking," he cleared his throat and looked at Owen and Romeo suspiciously.
"What is it?"
"Uh..." he cleared his throat, "nothing. No, no, don't mind me." He immediately retreated.
I caught Owen and Romeo exchanging glances, they're even bumping each other and whispering.
"Boys?" I asked. They all looked at me like kids the teacher caught talking.
"Yes?" they said in chorus.
"What is it?" I asked, "it's okay, don't worry. You can ask me. I can refuse naman to answer, right? If I don't like the question?"
"Y-Yeah," Ian nodded, "can we ask, then?"
"Hmm...sure." I smiled.
"Well..." they looked at each other and it's Romeo who glanced my way and spoke. "LQ ba kayo ni basher?"
"LQ?" my brows furrowed, "what's LQ?"
Owen smacked Romeo's head and made a sound, "tanga naman nito magtanong. Ayusin mo kasi."
"What they meant was...are you and Baste fine? Is there any problem?" Ian asked, making me stop.
I felt the aching feeling inside my chest hearing them asking. That sudden bitter sweet memory flashed on my mind but remembering it was a mistake, I shook my head like it was nothing.
"Yes, of course," I showed them a smile. "Why naman kami not okay? We aren't even talking that much."
I didn't know if they buy it. However, it was least of my concerns. It was such a blessing in disguise too when G called me before the boys asked a follow up question.
"Eat kami ni Gab! Eat kami ni Gab!" my adorable and very pregnant cousin chanted.
Our arms are linked together while walking toward our seat. Lucian was watching us silently, a small smile lingering on his lips and it resonated the smiles my cousin had. I'm glad she's happy now with his prince charming.
"Eat kami ni G! Eat kami ni G!" I chanted back with a smile but it faded upon realizing someone was looking at us—no, at me—from the distance.
I caught his liquid black eyes watching and when our eyes met, instead of looking away, I nodded formally at him and casually glanced at my cousin before assisting her to sit.
The chef even talked to us about the meals they prepared for us. Lucian was in the center end of the table, beside her was G and I was beside my cousin.
"Owen, here!" I called when I realized the boys just got inside the restaurant, tapping the empty seat beside me.
He walked closer to me, messed with my hair and pinched my cheek.
"Thank you, Gab-Gab!" he mumbled with glee and I was smiling back gently until I felt that familiar dark gaze from the distance again.
I pretended not to notice him but my eyes landed on his hand and saw him gripping the utensils so tight I think it might get broken.
Don't mind it, Gab. Don't mind it.
I got lost talking to Owen or my cousin while waiting for the foods to arrive. In front of me is where Seb was seated, beside him was Ian and Romeo. I was eating a few familiar meals happily when Owen spoke.
"This is called Kare-Kare." Owen offered me some, "isa 'to sa mga sikat na pagkain sa handaan sa Pilipinas kaya kapag may fiesta o handaan doon dapat ready na ang plato mo at s'yempre, dapat wala kang kain isang buong araw bago ang handaan."
"Oh?" my eyes widened, "why? Won't you be hungry?"
"Of course, you'll be hungry, Gab-Gab." He chuckled, "pero basic na paghahanda sa digmaan lang 'yon ng mga Pinoy para kapag may ganap na. Lafang na lafang agad, 'di mabubusog kaagad!"
"Oh..." I pursed my lips, "it sounds exciting! What about lafang na lafang? What does it mean?"
"Oh, Gab! Gab!" I moved my gaze away from Owen when G spoke and called my attention.
"Yes?"
"Lafang is not really a word in Philippines, I mean not formal but it means super masarap na yummy na magpo-fall ang laway mo. Like, kapag yummy? Lafangin mo!"
"Ah...it's for food, right?"
"No!" G giggled, thinking of something I didn't get much. "It's for everything. For example, my husband is yummy delicious and super tang ina kaya lafangin ko siya." She said casually.
Lucian coughed a little but pursed his lips not to comment anything. Even the boys chuckled at that but they didn't seem disagreeing either so I assumed she's correct.
"Oh! Then for example, I say, Ian is tang ina." Ian froze from tasting the soup when he heard me. "So, p'wede ko siya lafangin—"
"Ang ingay. Why don't we just eat?" the annoyed Seb decided to cut us off.
"Sebastian," Lucian called. "Let them—"
"Lumalamig na 'yong pagkain, Cap. Marami ring trabaho, uunahin pa ba natin magkwentuhan dito? Hindi porket may bakasyonista feeling nagbabakasyon na rin tayo." He said grumpily.
"Hey!" G called, "stop being rude."
"I'm not rude, Guinevere." Even I was shocked when I heard the seriousness on his voice. "Sinasabi ko lang na hindi laro-laro ang trabaho natin dito. We have thousands of guests—"
"Get a grip, Sebastian." I almost shivered when I heard Lucian spoke, "I don't know what's with you being grumpy these days but your attitude's getting out of hand. I really don't care how you all act around me because you're my friends but please respect our guest."
The silence filled the restaurant. We're the only group in here but the authority on Lucian's voice made me shiver.
"Huh..." Sebastian scoffed a bit and removed the black bracelet I made and put it in front of me.
My heart ached.
"She was just like the other guests. Childish. Just because she's your wife's cousin doesn't mean she's special."
"Baste!" for the very first time, I heard the furious tone on my cousin's lips. "Shut your mouth! You didn't know who she is—"
"Bakit? Sino ka ba?" Seb blurted out, looking at me intensely. My heart squeezed. My eyes stung.
No, Gab. You shouldn't cry! Not in front of them!
"She's—" I squeezed my cousin's hand, stopping her from speaking.
"I'm just Gab," I mumbled and smiled at him. "And yes, I'm no special. I just came here for vacation so, please, treat me just the same. Equally. I'm not a VIP here so I understand Sebastian."
"Gab!" G called, her forehead creasing. "I won't let..."
"It's okay," I smiled at her softly, "I'm just a normal guest here, G. I'm no special. I just want to enjoy the view here in Brooklyn. I'll go home anytime soon, anyway."
Everyone was silent. Lucian was sighing hard.
"Baste, apologize," Romeo said timidly and when I glanced at Seb, his face was void with emotion but I noticed a strange emotion reached his eyes.
It was confusion and regret, or I might just be imagining. Who knows?
He sighed, moistening his lips. I know he'd apologize. I can tell by his guilty eyes but I gave him a gentle smile and shook my head.
"You don't have to," I mumbled, "I understand."
"Gab..." G called.
"I'm so sorry for the trouble." I smiled a little, "but I'm kinda full and I have a meeting to attend. If you'll excuse me."
"Gab..." G's lonely tone called.
"Let her," Lucian nodded at me and smiled, "if it's not too much to ask, Gab. Is it okay if I let Ian accompany you to your room?"
I glanced at Ian who immediately drank a glass of water and stood.
"Sure, if it's ayos lang to Ian?" I tilted my head to look at him.
"Of course," Ian nodded and pursed his lip, smiling a bit. "This way." He motioned the way and I followed him.
We're just silent lang while walking. I am glad because Ian respected my silence but I kept on noticing him smiling and glancing at me.
"Why are you smiling?" I asked. He shook his head shyly.
"I'm sorry, Gab. I just can't help but commend you for being kind after all that. Sebastian has always been so grumpy, even before but this is too much now. I admire your patience and good heart but I wasn't that shock at all."
It made me smile, "why so?"
"I just realized the Queens of Italy are kind." The smile I am sporting faded almost immediately.
"H-Huh?" I asked, looking at Ian but he was now blushing and slapping his mouth.
"F-Fuck..." he mumbled, "sorry...sorry, your highness. I wasn't supposed to say that—"
"H-How..." I gasped and held his arm so we could be much closer, looking around for suspicious people if there is one. "How did you k-know?"
"I just felt it," he cleared his throat and looked at me shyly. "S-Sorry, your highness, I didn't mean to—"
"No, no, it's okay! Don't call me that. It's just Gab, please." I gasped, "but I was just shocked. Did my cousin told you?"
"No...No." He shook his head, "G didn't know I knew. I just had this suspicion before when you came here but it's merely just my suspicion. I accidentally overheard it the last time from Cap and her while they're talking. My apologies."
"It's okay, Ian," I answered and smiled gently. "In fact, I'm happy nga because someone aside from them knew about me. Thank you. Just, if it's okay with you, can you keep this a secret first?"
"Of course, I am not supposed to know in the first place." He gave me a gentle smile, "and I wouldn't endanger you, knowing how this royalty works."
I sighed loudly. I was still in pain but I knew I had to endure it. I have to enjoy my remaining time in this ship and after that...I'll go back to my palace.
We're quiet again while walking. Ian was assisting me until he called my attention.
"I'm not usually this talkative but can I say something?"
"Of course,"
He cleared his throat before speaking, "I wanted to apologize about Sebastian's behavior earlier. He's been so rude to you."
"It's nothing, really..." I smiled sadly. "He didn't know who I am."
"It's not just nothing, Gab. Isa pa, dahil ba hindi niya alam kung sino ka ay gano'n na dapat tratuhin ang bisita? It's not just the title, titled or not, he must not act that way. Not to you, or anyone."
It lessened the pain on my heart, hearing it from him.
"I understand, it's really okay, Ian." I flashed a small smile, "I'm okay, it's better nga here because I was treated just the same. I'm normal, like everyone else. No special treatment. No anything. I went here and kept my identity secret not just for my safety but also, to experience life. I grew up sheltered so being scolded is definitely fine with me. I felt like a normal person."
"Gab..." Ian was a soft person but he was softer now.
"You're a very adorable man, Ian. You're super tang ina talaga."
He stopped but ended up chuckling a little.
"I am not forcing you to understand Baste but just wanted you to know it was his first time feeling something like this. It might be foreign for him."
It made my forehead crease.
"What?"
"This," he sighed. "He hated the idea of this one, kaya nga sinasabi niya kay Cap noon na h'wag na palalimin ang kay G, mapapahamak lang daw si Cap pero wala, eh. Kapag tinamaan, tinamaan talaga. Hinayaan na rin niya, he's just being bitter at everyone and the idea of it that he hated he's feeling this now...from someone he barely knew."
My mouth parted and tried smiling at him.
"You're usually quiet so I'm amazed you're talking a lot today but I can't understand you fully, Ian. I'm so sorry, can you elaborate, please?" I pouted.
"Nah..." he chuckled and offered his hand, that's when I realized I'm in front of my room. "You're clueless just like him. You're adorable and soft like G, the majesties are. I hope you protect your heart from pain, let us knock some sense to that petty mouth Sebastian has."
I was really confused. I wanted to ask for more but Ian even opened the door for me.
"Rest well, Gab. Just call us if you need something. Mag-o-order kami mamaya ng banana cue, gusto mo?"
"Banana cue?" I mumbled, didn't have an idea but nodded. "I'd love to, Ian."
"Great!" he flashed a handsome smile. "Don't hesitate to call. In this ship, we protect our highnesses." He then took my hand, placed something in it and closed the door after he curtsied.
"What was that?" I asked, confused. I opened my palm to see what he gave me and all the pain came back, seeing the bracelet I made for Seb, back to me.
I don't have a meeting today. I lied. I tried to rest but reminiscing the words again and again made my heart ache that I ended up on the side of my bed, crying as I making a crochet stuffed toy for anyone.
How did little mermaid surpass the heartbreak when it's this painful?
G didn't bother me at all but she called, asking if she could come and when I said I'm resting, she didn't force herself.
All day, I stayed in my room. I have nothing to do naman. Making bracelets making me cry now, reading books about my duty as a queen bored me and the only thing I can do was to try my crochets.
My room has a large extended room for my large dining area and a pool separated by a glass door.
I tried the swimsuit I made using it, smiling as I placed pearly necklace on my neck and let my curly ginger and braided hair on my shoulders. My freckles got emphasized more as I didn't wear any make-up now. I like my face bare anyway. It's making me feel great and beautiful.
Let's have fun, Gab! Stop sulking!
I decided to try my swimming skills under the moonlight. I paddled my feet, standing in the corner at first to practice and remembered what my swimming instructor taught me before but I almost drowned.
"Don't give up, Gab," I tapped my shoulder. "How can you be little mermaid if you can't swim?!"
I stared up the sky. It was dark but full of stars. There is a glass barrier separating the pool from the view where I could see the dark sea from below, beautiful but massive, deep and dark.
I stretched my body first. Nag-jump-jump pa nga ako sa side ng pool to relax myself and raised my hand to dip my face first before my arms in an upright position as I kicked the pool's wall and paddled.
I felt like an amazing mermaid. I wasn't so sure if I'm moving but I kept on paddling and paddling until I rose my head, hoping to reach the other end of the pool but realized I'm barely in the middle.
What?
"Akala ko ba little mermaid? Bakit langoy dikya?"
I screamed loudly after hearing that voice. My shifted my body while cupping my chest where my heart is to look at the owner of that voice, stunning me when I saw who it was.
The shock faded. I got my poise back as I stare at him and pretended my heart wasn't thumping hard.
"What are you doing here?" I asked in a monotone and brushed my hair casually.
I erased the emotion on my face as I watched him leaning on the glass door wearing a simple black shirt and khaki pants, watching me with his hawk-like, liquid black eyes.
"I brought you dinner," he said and that's when I noticed the tray on my table. "I came in when no one answered. I was advised to place the food in the kitchen if you're resting."
My heart squeezed painfully again.
"V-Very well..." I licked my lip and brushed my hair, "thank you for the dinner, officer. Have a good night."
His jaw clenched. I noticed how he stopped leaning on the wall to walk but I turned my back to try and swam again, hopping he'd be gone once I do a few lapses but he didn't!
Just as when I reached the end of the pool facing the glass door towards my room and lifted my head, I met his eyes while he's crouching on the side, waiting for me to go up.
"W-What are you still doing here?" I scoffed, pushed myself away from him but he caught my wrist, stopping me from moving away.
"What ba?" I asked, couldn't hide the irritation anymore. I pulled my hand from his grip. "You're done bringing the dinner na, 'di ba? Why ka pa hindi nag-go away?!"
The side of his lips lifted for a sly and playful smirk. I got more annoyed.
"Yes, I'm conyo and you don't like to hear it, right? Shoo na! Go away! I knew you loathe it so much and you better stay away from me because I'll make your ulo so sakit you'll wish sana mag-explode!"
"Uh-hmm?" he tilted his head.
"Yup!" I snapped, "shoo! Go away! Labas na you before I sipa your pwet out of my kwarto!" I annoyed him more with my tone. "Go na! Shoo!"
But his eyes only glinted more, amusingly.
"I'm at fault, I'm sorry." What he said made me stop.
"Go—"
"Alam kong galit ka sa akin pero kanina ka pa lumalangoy d'yan." He then showed me a white towel.
"A-And so? Why do you care ba? Who ba naman me? I'm just like the other guests! I'm no special—"
"You're damn special for me, Gabriela!" he exclaimed, making my jaw dropped.
He might've realized it as he shook his head, his jaw clenched more as if he said something he shouldn't.
"Now, come up here and dry yourself. I don't want my princess sick because I'm such a jerk."
"H-Huh?" I couldn't even find my voice. "What are you saying? You think ba na after ng everything, it's okay? And why are you calling me princess?!"
"Isn't little mermaid a princess?" he asked. Slowly, I gasped for air. "She is, right? You wanted to be like her, you said. Paano ka magiging sirena kung magkakasakit ka? Kailangan mong matutulong lumangoy, pang-endangered specie ng dikya 'yong langoy mo."
"How dare you!" I exclaimed and pointed him. He chuckled.
"It's not an insult. Come up here, lady. Kanina ka pa lumalangoy diyan. Malamig."
I hissed. I rose from the pool and rejected him offering his palm for me. I didn't even look at him as I pulled my towel from his hand to cover my body before glaring at him with my blue eyes.
"I'm here now, happy? I'll eat, too. Why don't you go away and leave?" I hissed and he just shrugged again and moistened his lower lip, staring at me deeply.
"I have to take what's mine back," he said.
"What?" my brows furrowed.
"My bracelet. I want it back kasi nga, maitim ang budhi ko, 'di ba?" he looked at me sideways.
I rolled my eyes. I angrily walked towards the table to check on the stuffed toy I made where I put the bracelet as its necklace when I realized it wasn't there.
Where is it?!
"I got it," my eyes landed on Sebastian back and seeing the bracelet he gave back to me on his palm made me so annoyed.
"It isn't yours, it's mine!" I hissed as I tried snatching the bracelet from him but he gripped it too. Now, we're holding each bracelet's sides. Ready to own it.
"Take your hand off my bracelet!"
"This is mine." He snapped and pulled the gently slowly.
"No, it wasn't! You gave it back to me!" I exclaimed and pulled it back harshly.
"Yes," he sighed and pulled it too, "but this is still mine and I'm taking it back—"
"Not anymore! You said it's childish! Why would you take what isn't yours anymore?!" I pulled it more harshly.
"It wasn't childish!" he sighed and pulled more, "I was just fucking annoyed at Owen and Ian! It's—"
"Kahit na! I don't have pakialam! Give me my bracelet back! I made this! This is mine again now!"
"Sabing akin nga!" he pulled it more possessively, "akin 'to. Ginawa mo sa akin kaya akin 'to!"
"I don't have a pakialam! This is mine now—" I pulled it the same time he pulled it harshly and my screaming voice faded when we heard a loud snap, the same time the bracelet broke, the beads flying in the air, rolling on the floor and some drowned on the pool...
"M-My bracelet..." I mumbled, my hand shaking.
"Shit!" he cursed and looked at me, alarmed. "I'm sorry—"
"I-I know you didn't like it but do you really have to break it?!" I exclaimed loudly, my tears started pooling on my eyes. "I-If only you just gave it to me! I-If..." I sniffed loudly and when he came closer to touch me, I slapped his hand away and screamed.
"I hate you to the core, Sebastian! You're not little mermaid's sidekick! You are a male, ugly root monster! Ursula!" I screamed, kicking his feet and ran away, crying loudly.
I heard him calling my name but I didn't look back. I marched to my room, crying and sobbing loudly.
"I hate you! I hate you! Bad basher!" I exclaimed loudly and ran to the bathroom to cry.
I was pained, seeing the gift I have for him snapped. It wasn't just a gift! I personally made it for him because it suited his personality! Na itim ang budhi niya and then, he didn't appreciate it! Said it's childish, gave it back to me and now he wanted it back but destroyed it!
I was crying and sniffing as I took a bath, my eyes still puffy and red when I jumped on my bed and covered my face with the comforter. I didn't know how long I cried and sulked, I fell asleep and only woke up hours later when I heard a knock to my door.
I glanced at the clock, realizing it almost midnight. I marched to the door and was ready to scold whoever it is who disturb my sleep but what I saw stopped me from my tracks.
"What did happen..." my voice didn't finish what it wanted to say when he opened his palm.
"I-I didn't know how many beads was it but i-is this complete? I'd look more in the pool if it isn't." Sebastian said, fully drenched from water from head to toe, shivering. On his hand is the beads from the bracelet.
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