Chapter 6
Chapter 6
I haven't had a good sleep.
As I stand in front of the mirror, I realized I looked like mumu. But a pretty mumu, anyway.
I lifted my hand to show a peace sign on the mirror, protruding my lips to make a cute face but it only looked like a mumu trying hard to be a pretty white lady.
I heaved a deep sigh. My smile dropped. I walked towards my bed back and fell on it, screaming without a voice while covering my face with the pillow.
What happened last night kept on visiting me on my sleep, even in my dreams kahit I slept only a little and now, even if I'm wide awake, I can still remember it!
He showed me the beads from the broken bracelet while he's fully drenched with water. I was shocked, it made my heart thumped loudly but I panicked and slammed the door on his face instead.
That was rude, Gab! How dare you slam the door on a man fully drenched just to find your beads?!
But it wasn't on my mind last night. I hyperventilated, panicked. My mind literally went black that after I slammed the door on his face, I ran to my bed, covered my face with my blanket and pretended I am not existing!
Then, I heard him knocked once again. I didn't answer it, anyway, expecting him to call again but I heard nothing after that. When I took a peek outside, he's already gone. There's no bakas na rin sa floor ng drops of water from his wet body. Like I was just imagining everything but I know I didn't.
But I did the right thing, right? Or did I?
A doorbell from outside made me pop up from rolling on my bed. I walked to the door to see who was it but I was welcomed by the empty hallway instead.
My forehead creased. I stepped out to check but my foot got bump on something and when I lowered my face to check, I saw a small box and a piece of a plant in a flower pot.
I took it, brought it inside my room to check.
I opened the box first and it made me smile when I realized chocolates was there! With different colors, shapes and sizes! I took one and tried it, gasping in amazement when the chocolate filling melted inside my mouth.
This is my first time to receive something like this! Sa palace namin, there are chocolate, foods and flower gifts but I never once got it. After I pretend to accept it, the house helps would take it because my mother said so.
I'm not allowed to kain kasi, eh. They said my figure would be ugly and if I get fat, no prince would ask for my hand in marriage.
Really? Is that gano'n ba talaga? I don't think love is merely just because of shape and body size. It's feelings! What's the connection between a prince asking your hand for marriage and your body?
Is it really physical lang?
"Who gave this?" I mumbled, smiling. I tried looking around for a letter or something but I find none so I proceeded observing the flowers.
The color's a mix of green, pink and purple. The leaves are like and shaped like flowers too. It was small and yet, it looked beautiful and aesthetic in the eye.
What is this?
I heard the doorbell again that I abruptly jumped out, hoping to see if it's the person who gave me this but I saw G with her husband instead.
"Gab-Gab! Magandang morning!" my cousin's energetic as she greeted me with a sweet smile and offered me a hug.
"Beautiful umaga to you, too, G!" I giggled and hugged her back, glancing at Lucian and waved my hand a little. "Beautiful umaga, Lucian!"
"Good morning, your highness," he even made a teasing curtsy, making me smile.
"Stop being formal with me," I snapped and shook my head. "I'm a bakasyonista here, treat me normally."
"Alright," Lucian chuckled and got inside, closing the door behind me. "I'm still just amazed we have two royalties in our humble ship."
G moved away from me and rolled her eyes.
"See? He's being ma-drama again?" G noticed, pointing his chuckling husband. "And I'm really not a crowned princess anymore—"
"But you still are a princess, Cathalina." I pointed out, "you're the only heiress from the first born of Romanovs. The first crowned princess from the royal dynasty of Casa Savoia."
She blinked at me rapidly with her amber eyes and slowly nodded.
"Oo nga, 'no?" it made her think, making me chuckle. I hugged her sideways and glanced at Lucian.
"And you, you're a part of the royalty itself. We aren't just two here, we're actually three." I referred to him.
"Nope," he chuckled shyly, "I'm just the ship's Captain, your highness—"
"Oh, don't get me started Captain—oh, Prince Lucian Alessandro Castanier, Duke of Savoy. Awarded with Ordine Civile di Savoia by the House of Savoy." I curtsied a little. "Thank you for saving our majesty way back, Duke."
His eyes widened. My cousin has been giggling upon hearing it that she clapped her hands excitedly.
"Titles sounded so pogi, right?!" she gasped, "I told you, Luci. Being a great Duke suited you, Luci-patootie! He's just so shy to use it, Gab. You know ba?!"
"Why? It sounded great kaya," I looked at the blushing Lucian. "And you should embrace the title, Lucian. You saved the whole Italy by saving our crowned heiress—"
"Former, Gab. Former." G beamed. "You are our new and great queen, how 'bout you formally introduce yourself to us?"
"Hmm?" I chuckled, "oh, you knew me already."
"But my husband still didn't know what your full name is." She giggled and when I looked at Lucian, he bowed a little and gave me the stage.
"We'd like to know Italy's Queen. If you'd bless us with your presence, your majesty?" he offered.
I suddenly became so shy. I eyed my cousin but she just winked at me and playfully pinched my cheek. She even went to her husband to watch me like she's watching a royal show and I couldn't say know.
After all, she's our former future Queen. She's my cousin and my best friend but still, I shouldn't say know no matter how shy I am.
"Well..." I cleared my throat and looked at the both of them, fixing my curly hair first before standing with my chin up for composure.
"Princess Gabriela Isabelle Mignonette d'Alessi Bianchi Romanov," I introduced formally.
My cousin's smile widened. It gave me the courage.
"From the House of Savoy, the heiress and future crowned Queen from Palace of Veneraria Reale, Sicily, Italy. Pleasure to have you here, Duke and Duchess of Savoy." I uttered in a monotone, touching a bit of my white dress and curtsied.
"Yehey! That's our Queen!" I bit my lower lip when G screamed, when I looked at her, she was wiggling her body happily and clapping kaya my cheeks heated up.
"I-I don't like na!" I whined and pouted, "I'm shy na!" then I ran towards her for a hug, hiding my face from embarrassment.
They ate breakfast with me that morning. I even thanked them for giving me chocolates and the plant but to my confusion, it wasn't from them.
"No, Gab." G shook her head while Lucian's assisting her as she sat on the chair. "It wasn't me. You ba, Luci?"
"Nope," he shook his head before glancing at the gifts I received. "Ano bang pinadala sa 'yo, Gab? Anong oras?"
"Maybe five minutes before your arrival?" I asked, "the chocolates are yummy and this plant is beautiful but I wasn't sure what this is called."
"Let me see," Lucian moved to my side and when he saw the plant, I heard him chuckle. "Damn, I knew it. Kaya pala ang agang umalis ni gago."
"Hmm?" G and I asked in chorus and I saw the amusement on his black eyes as he sat back to where his wife was and looked my way.
"That's succulents," he referred to the plant.
"Oh, succulents." I mumbled, touching the leaves briefly. "Who kaya ang nag-give? It was left outside, eh. No letter or anything. I didn't even see who left this. You know ba?"
Lucian stared at me briefly, the amused look was still etched on his eye as he shrugged and pointed the foods.
"Let's eat, the breakfast's getting cold." He motioned the foods.
My eyes landed on the plant and bit my lower lip.
Just who...gave me this?
I was thankful because G kept me company. Lucian left for work but we're inside my room and talking about things. I asked her about the responsibilities and how I could be a great queen and she'd give me tips.
"Honestly, Gab-Gab, there's no manual for being a great queen." She said, "we can read hundreds and thousands of handbooks how to but it wasn't based on that. Being a queen isn't just about being perfect, agreeing to the rules and being flawless. What Italy needed isn't a perfect queen, what they need is a queen with a kind heart. A queen who prioritizes her people first. A queen like you."
My heart softened. "Please, don't flutter me much. I am far for being that queen."
"I am not making bola-bola to you because first, you're not siopao naman." She said and I was confused but didn't ask for more.
"I'm scared, Cathalina." I heaved a deep breath, "after this vacation, my life would finally start and I'm afraid I'm no use for Italy."
"Hey, hey..." she cupped my cheek, looking at me in the eyes. "You will be a great queen, you hear me?"
"G..."
"We chose you not just because you'll be the next in crown. We chose you because we can see how you shine so bright to be the queen. You can do it, Gab-Gab. You are our Queen. You can do it."
Her words are always a lesson to me. Even if we're kids before. I hugged her tightly as she touched my back.
"My baby is kicking," she whispered, "he agreed too when Mommy G said his auntie's gonna be a great Queen."
When lunch came, I wanted to refuse. What happened yesterday is still etched on my mind but why am I being affected? I shouldn't, right?
"Don't make pansin to basher na lang, okay?" G reminded me while we're walking with our arms linked to each other. "He's just being moody and weird. He's brute before but he's too much yesterday. I think Luci and the boys talked to him already."
"He brought me dinner yesterday," I told her.
She nodded, "yeah, we asked him to. After his talk with the boys, he's being extra silent and weird. He won't bash me like always so I'm kinda worried and asked him to bring you dinner. Akala ko nga he won't and would bash me or something but he said nothing. As in waley and he left."
"Ahh..." I nodded.
"Why? Did he do anything bad ba? Did he scold you or something?"
"No, no naman." I shook my head.
"Then, did he apologize?" she asked, tilting her head to look at my reaction and I nodded briefly.
"Yeah," I answered.
"Then...you two are okay na? Bati na kayo? Friends na again? You two would start bickering again?" she shot her brow up to me curiously but I shook my head and smiled a bit.
"We're okay naman na but I guess it's better if we stayed casual, G. I'd love to make friends before I leave but I'll be sad if I got too attached her. I wanted to treat this vacation as my relaxation. I shouldn't be attached to something—to someone when the palace of Italy is waiting for me."
"Why is this so complicated for both of you," she whispered. "'yong basher in denial tapos..."
"Hmm?" I inquired. I noticed the sadness lingering her always bright eyes but she shook her head and squeezed my hand.
"Nothing. I just want you to enjoy the vacation. I'll accompany you." She smiled brightly.
Nervous yet I'm trying to be formal. We had our dinner to the open space on the top of the ship. When we reached it, I was immediately excited and giggling. I ran towards the barricade to look down on the view.
"Gab!" I waved my hands happily when the boys came, they got beside me to look below, too.
"Good noon, Gab! Ganda mo, ah!" Owen greeted.
"Thank you! Always naman. Hello, boys! Tang ina kayo all!" I cheerfully greeted back while looking below the deck, gasping as I point the slide.
"That's the highest, right?"
"Yup," Romeo nodded, "'di ka pa nakakaikot ng buo rito, 'di ba? Wala naman kaming gagawin mamaya, sama ka? Iikot kami. May fire dance din mamaya."
"Fire dance?" I asked, thinking about what would it look like.
"Masaya do'n, Gab. Favorite nga ni G 'yon, for sure, matutuwa ka." Owen urged me more that I agreed happily, nodding.
While waiting for our lunch, I enjoyed the view with them. G came back with a camera on her hand kaya super posing pa me para ma-sight ng universe ang pretty face ko.
"Ayan! Very nice, super gorgeous, Gab! One more!" G said and I rested both my elbows on the barricade and tilted my head a little, staring seriously in the camera with my lips slightly parting.
"Hoy, galaw-galaw! Baka pumanaw!" Romeo hissed at someone playfully.
My poise vanished. I immediately shifted my eyes and got conscious when I saw Sebastian from the distance, staring intently. Romeo was beside him, shaking his shoulder.
Our eyes met. I immediately looked away to scold my thumping heart.
"C-Can I see, G?" I asked my cousin gently, walking closer to look.
My shots looked great. We walked towards the table while talking about the poses and she commended me for being great daw.
"No naman," I chuckled. "It's my first time posing like that, you know in the palace we have to stay formal so, I rarely have a photograph. Maybe a side view only from reporters."
"Just like Guin," we both looked at Lucian. He has this silly smile on his lips. "When I met her, I saw a photo, just one. Her face's almost hidden. Is it really not allowed?"
"Hmm, maybe I can have a great one before but I wasn't really that important in our family." I smiled.
"Why?" his forehead creased, the obvious curiosity is painted on his voice but before I could say anything, I felt a gentle hold on my elbow.
I looked at it. Stunned when I saw Seb but he cleared his throat and let it go gently.
"Sorry, let me lift a chair for you." He mumbled in a low voice.
My heart thumped loudly again that I could almost hear it against my chest. I nodded, let him offer a chair for me and when I sat on my chair and he settled on the seat next to mine, I heard the faint coughs and clearing of voices around.
"Is everyone okay?" I inquired worriedly, "do you have cough or something?"
"We're fine," Owen smirked and looked beside me. "'Yong katabi mo lang 'di namin sure kung okay, baka magkombulsyon bigla."
I narrowed my eyes to where Seb is and caught his mouthing something to Owen. When he saw me looking, he immediately shut his mouth and bit his lip, looking away.
"Are you ayos lang?" I asked formally. It shocked him that he cursed under his breath and nodded.
"Yeah, thank you." He answered, his cheek slightly flushing as cleared his throat again.
I didn't say anything na after. I'm feeling tensed because of Seb beside me but I hid it by not looking at him, I listened to them while talking na lang and would answer if ever they'd ask me.
When our foods came, I am silent. Not because I couldn't say anything but I'm feeling tensed with him beside me. I can notice him looking at me through my peripheral vision from time to time but no words would leave his lips.
I silently took foods to eat and smiled at Owen when he offered me some. He even took my plate to place foods near him to let me taste.
"Thank you, Owen!" I cheered, grinning.
I started eating, listening to their talks. Seb was unusually quiet for today but I didn't mind and took a piece of crab from the plate nearby. I dipped my fingers on the water first to clean it again before I tried opening it but failed.
My lips protruded. I sat straight to try again. I don't wanna be a bother naman to ask people around me to open this one for me kasi they're busy.
I bit my lower lip, afraid I might open the crab wrong then mag-explode ang shell or something kaya I'm kinakabahan.
OMG. OMG. Be good to me, you crab! Be good—
"Akin na nga," my hand stayed in mid-air as the crab vanished from my hand. I was shocked and immediately shifted my gaze, only to see Seb effortlessly opening the crab for me.
My eyes caught the bracelet on his wrist. My heart hammered more.
Why is he wearing it? He found every beads ba? But I think it's kulang and it looked quite fit on his wrist so I am assuming it's masikip. Why would he wear it?
"Gustong-gusto kumain ng alimango 'di marunong magbukas," he mumbled a little and placed the crab on my plate, his eyes looking for mine. "Gusto mo pang isa?" he asked seriously.
I blinked, gulping harshly. Just when he's about to take another one, I shook my head.
"T-This is enough for me." I answered and smiled formally, "thank you, officer."
His mouth slightly parted, I heard a clearing of throat and heard a voice.
"Desurb..." G whistled. I heard faint laughters.
"Sana all, officer," Romeo glanced at me then winked as he teased Sebastian who's acting like a mad man now.
"Gago ka." I felt Sebastian moved, accompanied by Romeo's groan and chuckle.
"Gago ka rin, bakit ka naninipa?!" he hissed back, still, a silly smile is etched on his lips.
We finished eating lunch in peace. Wala ako masyadong na-say na anything because I felt tense with the man beside me. He kept on glancing from time to time, clearing his throat and silently offered me drinks which I accepted silently, not giving it much attention.
We went to their main office after and from the distance, I can see officers casually and professionally maneuvering the machine for the ship to move.
Wow...
I saw a crew holding a cup of buko juice kaya feeling ko my throat dried up.
I want some BJ!
"Gab! Gab! Tara, dali! May papatikim kami to you!" G pulled me gently toward the balcony's sofa. The boys are there already while playing some board games.
My eyes got stuck to a man seated on the hand rest watching me closely. He's wearing his usual uniform, a white top with epaulets on his shoulders and a black necktie. He's resting his back on the wall with his arms crossed on his chest, a few strands of his hair on his forehead.
He looked serious yet his eyes are looking lazy and tired. I noticed his pale lips and just when I realized I'm watching him too much, I avoided his gaze to give my full attention to my cousin showing me a pack of red something.
"W-What is it, G?" I asked again.
"This is the mik-mik I'm telling you," she announced and grinned. "Tsaran! Play muna us before tayo mag-hithit."
"Hithit?" I asked, my forehead creasing. "Is it when you palo something? Hithit...palo-palo?"
She chuckled, "no! Crazy ka, Gab. It's uhm...you can't sipsip this much kasi you might choke. Luci called this their mik-mik session. Well, I honestly don't know how to explain this to you clearly but hithit is when..." she then showed me a small straw and pretended to sipped on it exaggeratedly.
"Like that." She grinned.
"Ano na namang nahihithit mo, terrorista?" we both stopped when we heard it from Seb silently watching us from where he was seated.
"What's your paki?" G rolled her eyes, "don't talk to me, 'di kita bati. Basher! Tse! Tara na, Gab-Gab!"
I followed her when she held my arm but the crew holding a cup of buko juice caught my attention again.
"G, after this, can we buy some BJ?" I asked and sat.
"You like?" I nodded immediately and she smiled, touching my hair. "Alright, we'll have some BJ after."
The boys called my attention. I sat on the empty space and it was beside Sebastian. He's on the hand rest while I'm on the couch and his eyes are pinned at me but I pretended not to see him.
You shouldn't get affected, Gab. That is nothing!
Owen introduced me to the board game they called as snakes and ladders and I was so confused for a while. But then, they showed how it is done kaya napa-O ang mouth ko.
"OMG! It's super galing! I wanna try! I wanna try!" I cheered.
"Here, shake mo sa kamay mo tapos ihulog mo." Ian taught me and I mimicked what they did earlier. After shaking, I rolled the dice on the board and gasped as I move my pamato as they call it to the corresponding number.
"Uy, may hagdan!" Owen's eyes widened, "dahil diyan ka natapat, iangat mo kaagad. Sundan mo 'yong hagdan, Gab."
I followed the stair on the board and when I realized I'm ahead of them, I screamed.
"Yehey! I'm nauna sa inyo!"
"Not yet," G grinned at me as she rolled the dice, "me pa!"
We played and played. Seb left and I didn't know where he went but I didn't think of it further and enjoyed myself instead. In the middle of the play, G secretly distributed a piece of mik-mik after telling Lucian to go fetch us some BJ.
"Naks! Thanks, G!" Romeo grinned.
"No worries! Basta, one lang, ah? And don't tell Luci! He'll be a dragon for sure if he found out I gave you his precious favorite. This is actually the last pack so he's been hiding it but nothing could hide from G's eyes." She grinned mischievously.
She even gave us some straw. The three immediately opened their packs and sipped on it casually like an expert. I looked at G and she nodded at me.
"Put your straw and then sipped on it slowly and gently," she instructed and I followed. After I put the straw, I moved it closer to my lips to sip gently but my eyes got locked to someone walking closer to us with a cup of BJ on his hand.
The powder suddenly entered my mouth and I suddenly choked and cough loudly.
"Oh my God! Gab!" G screamed and I'm afraid she'd have a labor after pero mas naging focus me sa cough ko.
I tapped my chest. Everyone panicked. I saw Sebastian running closer to us, his face's in panic.
"Water! Water!" G screamed on the top of her lungs.
"Here—"
"Here!" Seb's voice faded when we heard Lucian. G immediately opened the lid of the BJ he gave and I took it, drank almost a half of it in one gulp to breath properly.
"You alright?" Owen asked, still with a ghost of smile when I finished drinking.
"Y-Yeah..." I nodded and sighed, "sorry, I didn't know it can choke pala. Oppps?" I gave them a small smile, lifting my fingers for a peace sign. That's when they gasped in relief.
Their concern made my heart felt warm. Before, in the palace, a lot of people are concerned about what's happening to me. About my health, anything but not because they're concern. They worry about me because I have a reputation to maintain.
A future queen should be flawless instead.
"Ayos ka lang?" the serious Sebastian made me stop from smiling at them to show I'm fine. I looked up and nodded, a little.
"Y-Yeah—"
"Mag-iingat kasi." His forehead is still creasing when he blurted it out, "kitang unang beses mo pa lang tikman grabe na 'yong sipsip. Suso ka ba?" The serious Seb then looked at G's way to scold her.
"Sana tinuruan mo, terrorista. Kitang 'yang mikmik na 'yan, isang higop mo lang pagmulat mo nag-aantay na sa 'yo si San Pedro!" he was serious but everyone laughed at his remark.
I just blinked lang because I didn't get it.
"Tang ina nito," Lucian laughed, jokingly kicking Seb who didn't even flinch at him. "I'm seriously mad here, you know? Iningat-ingatan ko 'yang huling pack ng mik-mik ko—"
"Shh, manahimik ka, Cap. 'Di natin topic 'yang kadamutan mo sa mik-mik." He raised his finger, suddenly lowered the BJ he bought on the table and stood straight, placing his hands on his waist to look at G.
"At ikaw naman, terrorista..."
"Don't scold my baby, Sebastian!" Lucian suddenly sneered but Seb made a face and looked at G who now raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms on her chest.
"What? Ano? You want ba ng sapakan?" she exclaimed competitively. I just shifted my gaze to the both of them throwing daggers at each other.
No one's gonna stop them?!
G stood, she didn't care if her stomach's round and bouncing now.
"Ano?" Seb scolded. "Kitang first time ng pinsan mo 'di mo tinuruan. Paano kung nabilaukan 'yan tapos nakakita ng puting liwanag?"
"Ano? Ano? I taught her kaya! It wasn't my fault na bad ang powder at nag-enter sa throat niya, ah? And for sure, mag-thank you cousin ko if nakakita siya ng light!"
"Ano? Sinong matutuwa sa liwanag—"
"Her because madilim and maitim ang budhi ng basher here! You!" she hissed back.
Seb's glared intensified. The boys laughed loudly.
"Madilim ka pala, basher, eh!" Owen exclaimed.
Wait...what's funny with maitim ang budhi? It's a compliment naman, right? Maitim ang budhi ni Seb kaya I gave him a black bracelet?
"Huh?" I whispered to myself. I glanced at the boys to see if they'd separate the two from fighting but they are all so casual. Romeo even grinned and fed the smirking Ian some peanut as if they're watching a show.
Lucian...
But to my horror, he was just resting his shoulder to the wall and watched the two fighting like it's nothing. I even saw him silently cheering his wife.
Woah...they're always like this talaga?!
"Abang...terroristang conyo na 'to—"
"Fight tayo, oh? Isang sapak ko lang sa face mo, tulog ka!" G hissed at him.
"Huh! Puro 'yan panlaban mo. 'Di pa kita nasasapak, tulog ka na!" Seb countered that my cousin held her stomach.
"Baka want mo na i-karate ka namin ng baby ko kapag lumabas siya! You're worried kay Gab-Gab lang kasi kaya ka basher again today!"
"Hindi, favorite ninong ako niyan kaya 'di ako kakalabanin. For sure kamukha 'yan ni Cap, hindi mukhang sabog—"
"Don't change the topic, Sebastian. Why don't you come here, stop chikening out and ask her directly how she is instead of being childish and fighting with my wife?" Lucian walked towards them with a teasing smile.
My heart pounded.
"Yeah, correct ka d'yan, Luci!" G grinned happily, "stop being a manok and apologize. Ask her how she is. I know you're worried—"
"H-Hindi, ah!" I saw his cheeks reddened. My stomach churned, my cheeks heating up, too. "Asa, bakit ako mag-aalala—"
"No ba? Okay!" G glanced my way to give me a sweet smile. "Sakto may i-introduce ako sa 'yo, Gab-Gab na super tang inang guest! He asked me kasi earlier who you are and I said I'll introduce you to him. Sakto, you're super bagay!"
"Cap, busalan mo na 'yang asawa mo. Nanggigil ako." Seb's emotion changed. I noticed how his face turned dark and gloomy.
"Sus, coward ka pala, eh? Edi don't! That guy even asked if she could accompany my cousin to the fire dance—"
"Sabihin mo, ako mismo sasayaw sa harapan niya habang nasusunog siya." He answered back, his eyebrows furrowed.
My chest thumped louder.
"Tss, stop being a child and apologize." Lucian hissed, I shifted my gaze to the table and bit my lower lip.
"I'm not a child, Cap!"
"Then, be a man." Lucian clicked his tongue, "aalis muna kami. Let's go, Guin. You should rest first, ming-ming."
I noticed the boys in front of me staring.
"Is it okay for you to be alone here?" Ian asked, tilting his head. "If ayaw mong kausapin pa si Baste, sama ka namin palabas." Romeo and Owen nodded after hearing that.
"N-No..." I cleared my throat, "It's okay, you can leave me here."
Ian nodded. A hand touched my back too and it was G. She lowered her head on my ear to whisper.
"Gab-Gab, okay lang ba na here ka? Basher is being a coward again. Would you like to talk to him? If you don't, tara, let's go sa room namin and watch tayo ng movies. You still haven't explored internet, right? Aside from the video meeting?"
"Thank you, G, but I'm okay." I smiled a little to assure her. "It's fine, I can talk naman para finish na."
"Alright," she kissed my cheek. "Call mo lang me, ah? I'm only one call away, I'll be there to save the day..." she suddenly sang and giggled. "Luci sang that to me last night. He's super corny, 'no? Kakagigil, I wanna play with Master Eagle tuloy."
"Huh?" my forehead creased.
"No...it's nothing, my innocent Gab." She giggled and pinched my cheek. "Basta, call me!"
I watched her went out hopping with Lucian. Her stomach's been bouncing that her husband shook his head and carried her on his arms instead. I even caught the boys saying something to Seb before tapping his shoulder and as they left and closed the glass door, I silently panicked.
I immediately focused my attention to the pack of mik-mik left on the table. It is for me na lang daw as per Lucian and G kaya I took it and pretended to read its content even if I wasn't comprehending it much.
I tensed up when I felt someone stood beside me.
"P'wedeng umupo?" just his baritone and slightly nervous are enough to make me flush.
I nodded, not saying anything.
"I'm..." he cleared his throat, "I'm sorry again, Gab."
"Hmm..." I nodded.
"G-Gusto mong tikman ulit?" he barely touched my hand when he reached for the pack of mik-mik. I swallowed hard. "Mas masarap 'yan kapag maayos mong natikman. H'wag 'yong biglaan kasi powder 'yan. Mabibilaukan ka."
I glanced at him shyly, "really? How can I taste this, then?" I asked in a low voice.
His eyes brightened upon hearing my answer, it somehow made him hopeful as he took one from the pack for himself and for me. I mimicked him when he opened the pack and insert the straw.
"Higupin mo gamit 'yong straw ng dahan-dahan—" I suddenly sipped on it but the powder exploded in my mouth I choked again.
"Ayan! Ayan na nga ang sinasabi ko, Gabriela!" he scolded, took the BJ and handed it to me. I drank it immediately.
"Dahan-dahan! Mamaya mategi ka d'yan, juskong babae ka. Hindi ka ba natatakot baka pagmulat mo may hagdan nang maliwanag sa harapan mo? Grabe ka makahigop, akala mo naman mauubusan. Suso ka ba?" he asked.
I glared at him and lowered the BJ.
"Inaaway mo ba me?" I asked sharply.
His mouth parted.
"N-No," he shook his head and licked his lower lip. "Bakit kita aawayin? Sinong suso, ah? Wala akong sinasabi, ah."
I just eyed him that he blushed and shifted his eyes away, silently slapping his mouth.
"Tang inang bibig 'to. Isa pang salita, Sebastian. Tatahiin ko 'yan." He whispered to himself again and slapped his mouth.
I smiled secretly and put my attention back to my mik-mik. I was about to sipped on it but he stopped my hand from doing so.
"Careful," he hushed, "just slowly...ganito." He then moved his lips towards the straw and showed me how it was done.
I mimicked him and to my amazement, the taste spread on my mouth. I did not choke!
"OMG. It's so sarap!" I exclaimed, "it's so tamis. I like this mik-mik!"
He chuckled but I didn't even look at his reaction and continued sipping on it until I'm seeking for another one.
He just let me. I can feel his stares but he didn't comment and watched me silently.
"Nagustuhan mo ba? Kapag nakahanap ako ng tindahan, bilhan kita ng ibang flavor." It caught my attention.
"There's another flavor?" I asked in amazement.
"Yup," he smiled a little. I'm still sipping on it as I listened to him enumerate the flavors I could try the next time when I stopped.
I caught him staring at my lips. It made my chest boomed. His hand rose mid-air. The moment he touched my chin, I was mesmerized.
Would he...kiss me?
Come on, Gab. Get a grip!
I was in the verge of closing my eyes, accepting the kiss if he would offer me one but I felt him removed something on the side of my lips.
"May dumi, tatanggalin ko lang," he whispered.
Feeling embarrassed, I lowered my gaze but his low chuckle and the next words he said made me tremble.
"I can't kiss you now, Gab." He whispered, his eyes are twinkling and sleepy.
"What?" my forehead creased, trying my best to hide the disappointment on my voice. "W-Why naman me mag-wait sa k-kiss mo. Asa you!"
I pushed him a bit, shifted my body to the side but he caught my elbow and moved it so I could face him again. Our nose touched. I moved my face away in panic but he held me firm and locked his gaze with mine.
"I'm sorry, princess," he sighed. I realized he's quite hot.
I mean...literally!
"Seb, you're hot!" I exclaimed, trying to get away from him but he sighed and placed his forehead against mine.
"I know," he murmured boastfully.
"N-No...not like that!" I smacked his shoulder and tried pushing again but he won't bulge, even calming me down with his gentle caress on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry again, I'm wrong for saying those words." He whispered, "this is my fucking first time feeling this way. I don't know what to do..."
"Seb..." I hissed seriously, "you're mainit nga! Are you sick—"
"I tried looking for the beads pero hindi ata kompleto kasi masikip," he whispered, "I know I'm asking too much from you but can I have a favor? Can you please fix the bracelet for me—"
"Later na, Seb!" my lips quivered. "You are sick! Maybe because you swam too much last night! Why don't you drink some medicine? Come on, let me go." I pushed him but he was so strong, his head even fell from my forehead down to my shoulders and rested it there lazily.
"Sebastian!" I called, "I don't wanna joke with you na. You are having a fever, we should go inside and check."
"Sana nga joke lang 'yong nararamdaman ko," he chuckled nonchalantly. I bit my inner cheek. "ginayuma mo ba 'ko, little mermaid?"
"H-Huh?" I blinked rapidly. "What's gayuma?"
"Hmm, let me rephrase it for you, Miss Conyong Shokoy. I said, did you enchant me, little princess?"
"W-Why would I..." I hyperventilated. "Why would I enchant you? I have no p-powers! I'm not a witch, you are. You're Ursula, remember? I'm little mermaid!"
"Alright, little mermaid." He sighed on my shoulder after a faint chuckle. "Too bad I can't taint your sweet lips with my dirty mouth. Sayang, ang sarap mo sanang halikan."
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