Chapter 9
Happy 4th Anniversary, Archers! And a Happy Birthday to our Paper Plane, Ejercito Sandejas! We loveee youuuu! Happy four years!
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Chapter 9
I always admired Little Mermaid's courage for stepping out of her comfort zone to venture in a whole new world. She's a princess, the daughter of King Triton. She was the king's favorite, she was loved. There are a lot of mermaids and merman expecting her to inherit the crown and she could easily have a lavish and amazing life but even after that, she never wanted the crown. All she wanted was life, happiness, songs and...love.
When she had a first glance at Prince Eric and saved him from drowning, she started watching him from afar until she fell in love. After that, none of it matter, all she wanted was to be with him. She did anything for it, even if she lose her wonderful voice and having the risk to turn into a sea foam.
I wasn't so sure how many times I read this story ever since I was a little girl. I used to have a Nana who loved telling me bedtime stories but then, when my mother found out she was reading me romantic princess' stories, she fired her and burned everything she gave me.
Ariel's story book was the only thing I saved from the fire and until now, I'm keeping it secretly inside my room in palace and if I wanted to escape the cage I'm in, I'll read it all over again.
I didn't know when my fascination with mermaids would stop or if it will ever be.
Staring at the calm sea, I can't help but smile. This vacation was the first time but it was and will ever be the best visit I had in this country, Brooklyn. We roamed around the city yesterday when we docked, I'm with G and we bought dresses together. The boys are with us too and Seb's presence made it extra special.
He was so patient with me. That kiss that very night was so special to me, it was very different from the first time. It was sweet, magical, unforgettable.
Did Ariel feel the same way too with Prince Eric? I wonder.
He took me to my room after, bid me a good night and made sure my room was lock before he left and the whole night, I was wide awake, smiling with such beautiful memory.
It was not a long time ago since I first met him. It's what? Barely two months? that's why it made me wonder how powerful this feeling is. Siguro I was naïve lang and it's my first time kaya I'm this swoon and attached to Seb but then, why does it feel like I've known him for an eternity?
"Yieee! Gab, crush ka nito, oh!" the voice stopped me from thinking too much. I shifted my face and a smile immediately engraved my lips when I saw Seb from the distance with the boys pushing him a bit.
He was frowning at the boys slightly pushing him.
"Ano ba, mga gagong 'to!" he hissed annoyingly, "h'wag nga kayong maingay—"
"Gab! Crush ka raw ni Baste!" Owen screamed and the annoyed Seb tried to hush him but it was too late because I heard it earlier pa.
He's still sporting the crumpled face when our eyes locked. His eyes widened. Like a soldier, he stood straight and formally almost immediately that I giggled when he brushed his hair with his fingers to fix his disheveled hair. I noticed his other hand's been hiding behind his back.
I smiled sweetly and waved a little. Blushing, he opened his mouth to speak but Ian who was silent behind him smirked and pushed him towards me.
His eyes turned into daggers.
"Parang mga ano, sinabi ko bang itulak n'yo 'ko?!" he hissed reluctantly, then lowered his voice a bit but I have good ears to even hear it. "Gago, hina n'yo tumulak, pakilakasan ng kaunti..."
I tried suppressing my smile, I rested my back on metal barricade and crossed my arms while watching the adorable boys.
Romeo then whispered something to him then smacked his arm and suddenly pushed him towards me.
He sprinted, his eyes are shock with the sudden push but he got control before he could even collide with me, taking support by gripping the metal with his one hand.
He shifted his head to eye the smirking boys.
"Mga gago, muntik ko nang matamaan! Sinabi kasing...bakit kayo nanunulak? Akala mo naman nakikipagbiruan..." he tried hissing but a chortle left his lips, as if amused.
I sniffed his scent, watching as he turned his face back to me and when he did, the escaping sunrays reached his face. It made his liquid black eyes turned darker and tantalizing.
"Morning, Gabriela," he immediately greeted, his lips in a small pout.
"Morning!" I cheered, tiptoed and puckered my lips for a kiss but he panicked and lifted something in between us.
I was shocked. From his lips, my eyes lowered until I saw the thing he's been hiding from the back.
"Oh my God! It's bulaklak!" I exclaimed happily and took it, hugging it against my chest. "Thank you, Seb!"
"You liked it?" he asked. I smelled the flowers and nodded, my heart pounding so harshly.
"Yes, it's maganda and mabango." I mumbled, "you...bought this for me?"
"Yeah," he chuckled, "sorry, 'yong unique na bulaklak sana kaso naubusan. Ewan ko, dami atang naglalandian today."
"Oh," I nodded, "it doesn't matter. Hindi naman super important, it's the thought that counts."
The side of his lips lifted, when he placed his other hand in the other side of my body to tower me, our eyes locked. We stared into each other until his eyes landed on my lips.
It made my heart quickened that my mouth parted to gasp for air. He swallowed painfully, his brows are furrowed, try to stop himself from succumbing into temptation so I tiptoed again for a kiss but he moved his head and my lips landed on his jaw.
My forehead creased in disappointment. I was about to whine when I noticed him eyeing the boys seriously. His hands are even moving briefly and when I glanced at it, he was silently shooing the boys.
But the three are unbothered, they are watching us from the distance like hawks. Parang nag-watch sila ng movie while staring, kulang ng foods only.
The three grinned at him maliciously. I pouted. When Romeo's and my eyes met, I shot my brow up for a warning gaze.
His silly smile faded, I moved my head a little to motion him to leave us and horrified with my maldita face, he secretly elbowed the other two then uttered a silent warning.
Ian's eyes widened. He glanced my way and when he saw my glaring eyes and pouting lips, he quickly took a step back and bowed a little.
I nodded a little, my lips moving to point the other side of the room and they whispered to each other and slowly moved aside.
"Ayan!" Seb hissed, "makanuod 'tong mga 'to...sine ba 'to? Sine? Saan ticket n'yo pambayad?!" Seb countered brutally that Owen and Romeo made a face.
"Hindi na ikaw ang Baste na nakilala namin!" Owen hissed.
"Malandi ka na! Malandi! Madumi ka nang lalaki, Sebastian!" Romeo exclaimed dramatically, touching his chest dramatically as he turned his back.
When the three left, a smile left my lips but immediately masked the smile away with a whining pout.
"So...where are we?" he asked, placed his hand back on the metal for a grip and towered me.
"I don't know sa 'yo," I sulked.
He rejected my kiss! I'm just greeting lang naman! He didn't know ba na I made extra effort for my lips today! I put some moisturizing lip balm para soft and plump ang lips ko then sa jaw lang niya me naka-kiss?!
"What did I do wrong?" he asked, noticing my face.
I didn't answer, hugged the flowers tighter inside and rolled my eyes.
"Hala ka, anong pabebeng irap 'yan, Gabriela?" he asked, stifling a laugh.
"It's not pabebe irap! It's maldita girl irap, okay?" I rolled my eyes again sharply and pursed my lips for an exaggerate pout.
He laughed. It sounded so amused, as if he's having great fun while I'm sulking!
"Why ka nag-laugh-laugh, ah? Is there something nakakatawa?" I hissed gently, "am I a joke to you—" he pressed a kiss on my lips. I was stoned.
"May sinasabi ka, prinsesa?" he asked, a grin on his lips.
"I..." I cleared my throat, "I said why ka nag-laugh-laugh—" he pressed another kiss.
"Laugh-laugh ka d'yan. Mamaya, ikaw laugh-laughin ko, eh." He touched my lips with his finger briefly.
"W-What..." I tried hissing again but I know he'll shut me up with a peck again kaya I covered my mouth. His kiss landed on the back of my palm instead.
He pouted. I glared at him.
"Why are you stealing kisses?" I exclaimed, my cheeks heating up. "You rejected nga my kiss tapos now mag-steal ka from me?!"
"Is that a whining little mermaid I see?" he smirked.
"Yes! Don't little mermaid me now, Sebastian the Ursula crab!" I hissed, "after you reject my kiss—"
"I just want to kiss my gorgeous princess privately, is it wrong?" he asked, still suppressing his smiles by his amused look.
I glared at him, "really?" I asked in a sulking voice.
"Uh-hmm..." I saw how he licked his lower lip slowly and unconsciously, making his luscious lips turn redder. He then reached for my hair, placed a few strands of it behind my ear and slowly removed my palm away from my lips.
"Asus, ang prinsesa ko nakanguso..." he commented with a silly smile.
"Hmp!" I pouted more, hugging my flowers tightly but stopped when I felt his fingers touched my lips barely and briefly.
"Kung alam mo lang gaano kadalas kitang gustong halikan baka matakot ka lang," he mumbled hoarsely while still staring at me.
"Sige nga? How many times?" I challenged.
"Kanina pa," he's still staring at my lips. "No'ng papasok pa lang ako rito tapos nakikita kitang nag-e-emo d'yan sa railings."
"What's emo?" I asked.
"Emo, 'yong parang babaeng nasa music video sa gilid ng bintana sa bus tapos may ulan." He answered. "Tapos may earphone na may tugtog na pang-sawing kanta."
"Huuuh?" I asked. "Hindi kita ma-understand, you're super fast mag-talk."
"Huuuh?" he mimicked and laughed, "wala, mahal na prinsesang sirenang conyo. Sa tagal kong nakakausap 'yong pinsan mong terrorista nasasanay na 'yong ilong kong 'di dumugo kapag naririnig kayo."
"What?" I giggled, "don't you like my accent? G said it's cute. Am I trying hard if I speak Tagalog?"
"P'wede na, tunog alien minsan pero sanay na 'ko sa pinsan mo—"
"Hey!" I smacked and glared at him. He pinched my nose. "You're super basher talaga."
"You're super conyo talaga," he mimicked in a girly tone but before I could whine again and smack him, he crouched and caught my lips.
I'm super gulat talaga. I swear my heart was in haywire and hyperventilating to the highest level as he touched my chin to tilt up and kiss me properly.
He moved away briefly after, his eyes are gentle and yet, his face's bright red like mine.
"Why?" I asked when I noticed the look he's giving me.
"You're supposed to open your mouth, Gabriela," he said in a low voice.
"O-Oh, really?" my cheeks heated up. "Sorry, I didn't know, eh. K-Kasi last time 'di ba nag-peck-peck lang tayo—"
"Peck, hija. Peck." He looked so stressed, "don't say that word twice in a row, princess."
"Why?" I shot my brow up, "it's like laugh-laugh lang, ah? I heard this from G kaya I make gaya-gaya. It's popular in Filipino language to repeat words, right? Kasi laugh-laugh, cry-cry, gaya-gaya, quick-quick. What's wrong with peck-peck?"
He sighed loudly. He closed his eyes and tilted his head up in the sky.
"Lord, Jesus Christ, bigyan mo 'ko ng mahabang pasensya. Gustong-gusto ko 'tong babaeng 'to, Lord, ayokong may masabing hindi kaaya-aya sa prinsesang conyo na 'to..." he whispered.
I watched him ridiculously.
"You're whispering to yourself again, crazy ka ba, Seb?" I asked.
His opened his eyes, he looked tired and done. He even massaged the bridge of his nose as he looked at me.
"Hindi pa 'ko baliw, Gabriela, pero malapit na 'ko ro'n. 'Di kaya tama si Cap? Kailangan ko na magpatingin?" he froze, "tapos nabarang pala talaga ko, nagayuma o naengkanto—"
"I'm a mermaid, okay? Not a witch!" I pouted, "you're super drama, I'm just asking lang naman how should we kiss talaga kasi last last time peck-peck only."
He sighed and touched my cheek to pinch it, he looked so gigil.
"Mabuti na lang maganda ka talagang sirena ka," he shook his head. "Kung 'di lang ako good citizen ngayong araw baka sumabog na 'tong barko kakaaway ko sa 'yo."
It made me smile cutely.
"Oh, I'm lucky pala kasi I'm pretty?" I placed my one hand on my cheek before tilting it and battling my eyelashes repeatedly. "Edi super dead-dead ka na n'yan at me?"
"Dead-dead?" his forehead creased.
"Patay na patay?" I answered and when his shoulder slacked disappointedly, I laughed loudly.
"Mga santo, Lord, Mama Mary, parang awa n'yo na bigyan n'yo 'ko ng lakas, busalan n'yo 'tong pasmadong bibig ko. Nasa point na 'ko ng buhay na papakain ko na 'to sa pating."
"So crazy..." I giggled and kissed his cheek, he ended up smiling too and messing with my hair.
"Kulit mo, Gabriela," he tsk-ed, "kumain ka na ba?" his tone turned gentle.
Seb is crazy and basher but he's the only crazy basher I'd like in this life. I sometimes remember him with little mermaid's side kick, Sebastian the crab.
He's rude too at has an attitude but despite it, he cares so much for Ariel. Right now, I see Seb as a combination of Sebastian the rude crab sidekick and Prince Eric—evil version.
He has his arms on my shoulder while walking. Everyone was so happy and teasing us that they won't stop saying ayieee. I'll blush lang and will smile shyly and Seb would hiss at them but they caught his ears turning red.
"Gago, Sebastian, ibang-iba ka na, ah! Para ka nang others! Hindi na kita ma-reach!" Lucian exclaimed.
"Ikaw, basher, ah?" G giggled, "you're maharot din pala tapos always bitter ka before if naglampungan kami ni Luci?"
"Love is in the hangin talaga..." Romeo whistled.
"Paliparin ko kayo sa hangin kita n'yo," Seb hissed, frowning and when he saw me looking, his eyes softened. "Gusto mo bang alimango, Gab? Buksan pa kitang isa?"
"Okay! I want one pa," I smiled at him. "But Seb? Hindi ba ikaw sad if you're eating your kauri?"
"Huh?" he glanced at me.
"The crab?" I asked. That's when everyone laughed. When his eyes turned sharp, as if accusing me, I gave him a cute smile.
"Traydor ka, Gabriela!" he sulked, "inabandona mo 'ko ipapagkanulo sa mga 'yan, pagkatapos kitang alagaan at hindi awayin? Sige, sa kanila ka na, inaaway n'yo ko. Ganyan kayo, eh. Break na tayo—"
"Eh, wala namang kayo?" G retorted, laughing louder when Seb's face fell. "Wawa naman, basher! Buti nga, loser!" she lifted a letter L on her forehead.
When afternoon came, I was excited as I choose something to wear for tonight. Seb asked me to come with him, maybe another date?
I checked something from my wardrobe and pouted seeing dresses. It's always my outfit outside kasi I'm weird looking naman if I wore a gown inside the ship, right? I'm not in the palace naman.
And so, I checked the newly washed and new clothes I bought when we roamed around the boroughs of Brooklyn. I choose the high-waisted white jeans and partnered it in a crop-top white top and dark blue blazers.
I parted my ginger hair in the middle and styled it with mini braids, letting my natural curls highlight my facial features. I also wore a pearl necklace and other long necklaces to match the style and posed in the mirror.
I took my polaroid camera, lifted it in the air and made a peace sign in my fingers as I snapped it.
I sat and waited for it and gasped in amazement when I saw the result.
What a pretty little mermaid. No wonder Seb likes me so much, I'm so maganda talaga ng super.
The doorbell made me jump and ran towards the door. I was all smiles when I opened it and gasped more when I saw his face.
He smirked.
"Good afternoon, Gabriela," he offered his hand.
"Tang ina ka." I mumbled back.
He stopped. The smirk on his lips faded but he nodded after a while and sighed.
"Thank you, you're beautiful, too." He offered me his hand again, "may I?"
I accepted his hand. He filled the gaps in between my fingers with his and as he filled it with his warmth, it reached my heart too.
We walked side by side. I had never done this with a man before. There are princes and dukes asking to date me but the palace isn't really a fan of affection. Those dates sounded and felt like business conference, a meeting perhaps.
Those men would only boast around me about their wealth, their royal bloodline and what their family name could offer to ours. No one has ever considered if I liked them or if I have feeling for them.
Kaya now that I'm feeling loved by someone, I wanted to store this inside my heart and mind for eternity.
"Where are we going, Seb?" I asked when I realized we are walking towards a different direction this time.
"Basta," he smiled mysteriously at me, "magugustuhan mo 'to."
I nodded and didn't question him at all. I leaned on him while walking but my eyes brightened when I saw familiar princesses on our way.
"Oh my God! Is that..."
"Sleeping beauty," he uttered. My mouth literally formed an O.
"Oh my God! That's the princess who fell asleep, right?! And woke up because of the kiss?!" I exclaimed loudly, waving my hand to the woman. "S-Seb, oh my gosh, they're real?!"
"No, silly," he chuckled. "But they're willing to the princesses for you."
"Oh my..." I covered my mouth, when I reached the princess, I jumped away from Seb to hug her.
"Hello, Gab!" the woman looking a lot like Aurora smiled at me, "are you a princess, too?"
"Yes!" I giggled and glanced at Seb who only gave me a slow nod and reassuring smile.
It was a lot of fun, I was giggling around while Seb followed me everywhere I go. G and the boys are also here, turns out, they prepared it specially for me and been planning this for days.
I met different princesses. May it be sleeping beauty, Belle from beauty and the beast, Cinderella, Jasmine...almost everyone! I was not familiar of everyone since I was a little kid when I last heard their story but they patiently gave me a background from what story they came from.
Kids around came too and I was glad sitting beside them on the floor while the storyteller was telling us the greatest and my most favorite story of all time: The Little Mermaid.
"Here," a sweet smile left my lips when Seb came closer to me after watching and following me around.
"Wow, it's BJ," I smiled and sipped on it. "Thank you, Seb! You're the best!"
"Ah-huh?" he chuckled, lifting his hand to remove strands of my hair to tuck it behind my ear. "You liked the event?"
"Yes," I sighed dreamily. "I have never imagined this could ever happen. I mean, those princesses...the little girls...I felt like a kid again, Seb. I'm sooo happy! My puso felt so warm." I touched my chest, smiling at him.
"I can see that," his thumb grazed my cheek, "but we still have a few more surprises for you.
"Hmm?" I asked but he just smiled, stood to offer his hand and I took it and come with him.
We left the princesses with the kids in there, we entered a store and I can hear a few splashes of water. I glanced at Seb and he's just serious while walking, his hand's now settling on my waist.
"Seb, where are we going?" I asked.
"Basta, kumalma ka lang, prinsesa." There was still a ghost smile on his lips upon muttering those words, "but can you promise me not to hyperventilate when we got there?"
"Oh, now, that made me kinakabahan!" I exclaimed that he cackled and pinched my nose, his other palm's slowly moving on my waist to calm me down.
"Careful, too, okay? I don't want you to jump in the water, too, langoy dikya ka pa naman." He reminded but the words he said became incoherent when we saw a large pool and in the middle is a platform designed with shells and pearls.
"Oh my..." I screamed and pointed the middle, "oh my...is the little mermaid's throne?!"
"Yes, your highness," Seb then bowed a little to me.
"Seb..." my eyes stung, "t-this is too much! I mean, you don't have to..."
"But I want, too." The side of his lips lifted handsomely, "what's the purpose of this night if I couldn't make my lovely princess happy?"
"Sebastian ko..." my lips quivered while looking at him.
"H-Huh?" he froze, blushed but closed his eyes tightly and nodded. "Kumalma ka, Baste, tang ina ka kapag nahimatay ka't nalunod sa pool paano na 'yong sirenang langoy dikya?"
"Hey!" I pouted na, "I'm honestly happy and I'm near crying but you're still being mean to me. You don't want me to be happy ba? Want mo ba na mad lang si Gab sa 'yo?!" I hissed and crossed my arms in front of my chest, glaring.
"Hindi, s'yempre! Joke lang, prinsesa," his tone turned sweeter as he touched my chin. "Sige nga, anong pangarap mo?"
"Hmm, I want to be little mermaid," I answered seriously. He nodded, glanced in front again where the pretty stage was and back to me.
"What's the purpose if in the end, I couldn't make your dreams come true, huh, Gabriela?" he tilted my chin up, melting my insides as he caged my gaze with his.
Mas nag-pout and lips ko. I didn't want to cry but Seb easily could make my eyes water.
"I have never thought I'd do this to someone. Akala ko nga mamatay na lang akong forever alone, o hindi makakaranas ng ganito. Corny man pero...masaya ka ba?"
"Hmm...super." I sighed heavenly, "this is too much, S-Seb."
"This is not much, I wanted to give you more, Gabriela." He licked his lower lip and gripped my waist, pulling me closer to him and my eyes dropped closed when he rested his forehead against mine. "You're the first woman who made me experience this. Hindi man tayo parehas na sigurado pero...would you be willing to try this out with me?"
"T-Try what?" I opened my eyes to see his.
"This relationship," a shy and small smile left my lips. "Pasensya na kung corny ako, ah? Sa totoo lang pakiramdam ko mamaya kikilabutan ako sa mga ka-corny-han na sinasabi ko kapag nahimasmasan na ko pero kusa na lang lumalabas sa bunganga ko, Gab, eh. Gagi, nagiging mais pala kapag ganito, gets ko na ka-corny-han ni Cap at Romeo Save Me."
"I didn't understand much 'yong say mo kasi you're mabilis mag-talk, eh. But w-why not?" I gave him a sweet smile, "I'd like to t-try this out with you, Seb."
His eyes brightened. I am used of seeing black eyes but his gaze has this strong magnetic energy pulling me closer towards it. I tiptoed. His grip on my waist tightened as he crouched closer to me.
I heaved a relaxed sigh, trying to calm my raging heart down but the moment I felt his breath against my lips I lost it all. I parted my mouth open, waiting for his kiss but a loud voice from a speaker stopped us.
"Attention, everyone! Mamaya na po ang harutan! Mag-aayos muna tayo!" Lucian's voice filled the room and when I followed where that it coming from, a wide smile left my lips when I saw them from the other side of the pool.
"G!" I screamed.
"Gab!" she screamed back.
"Boom bitin!" Owen, Romeo and Luci exclaimed and I wasn't imagining when Seb snorted and screamed quietly, jumping a little and pulling his hair.
"Tang ina n'yo, tang ina n'yo! Maghihiganti ako, makikita n'yo!" he hissed under his breath.
"May sinasabi ka, Baste?!" Lucian exclaimed.
"Wala, Cap! Sabi ko, mahal kita! Sa sobrang tuwa ko yayakapin ko kayo sa leeg ng mahigpit!" Seb exclaimed impatiently. "Tang ina n'yo!"
"May sinasabi ka?!" Lucian asked again kaya I raised my hand na.
"Gwapo raw ang everyone, guys!" I screamed to let him know.
I thought that was it but I was wrong. G then dragged me somewhere, made me change into an outfit I had never thought I'd wear.
A mermaid's outfit, and a marvelous green tail. I was almost crying. G took photos of me screaming my lungs out in such glee. She wore the same as me, just that her tail's different with mine.
"Aww...we are mermaids, G." I stared at myself in the mirror with my shell-like bra top and green sparkling tail. I can still walk pa naman since there is a hidden whole underneath. My hair is naturally red so I don't need to wear a wig and sported a pearly hair dress.
"Yes!" she giggled, "you're little mermaid, I'm your Mommy Mermaid." She grinned, "and Luci's the king! Come on, let's check them out?"
We walked side-by-side. I was assisting my cousin because she's very pregnant right now but this very energetic. When we got out, my mouth formed an O upon seeing the boys.
Romeo and Owen's naked on top with tails, they're holding a pitchfork shaped metal and seated on the middle was Lucian in his medium length hair, reaching below his ear. He's wearing a crown like G and my smile widened.
"Wow...you looked like King Triton na super tang ina version!" I pointed him.
Lucian was shocked with my scream but stifled a laugh and gazed at his wife, lifting his brow.
"I know, right?" G mumbled under her breath, "L-Luci, how about Master Eagle would visit Ming-ming's garden?"
Lucian laughed loudly, stood to take his hyperventilating wife while the boys and I shrugged. It will always be their inside joke I'd never understand all my life.
We went to the center platform. I noticed a food stalls and buffet around so I asked and they informed me after the preparations, the kids from earlier would join us for a mini party with me.
"They've seen all the princesses except one," G smiled. "Little Mermaid's Ariel."
"M-Me?" I touched my chest and she winked, nodding.
"Yes, Gab-Gab. You." She pinched my cheek.
Everything was amazing. Lucian was the king, G as the Queen. Owen and Romeo are the guards but two are missing.
"Where's Seb? Ian?" I asked but I didn't need to hear their answer because I saw the glaring and whining Ian in a yellow and blue stripes fish costume.
"Flounder?!" I screamed and pointed him.
"Yes, he is! Super cutie na, tang ina pa, right?" G said proudly that Ian covered his face in embarrassment and refused to move forward.
The boys had to drag him closer because he was in the verge of sniffing. He's literally all red, from the face up to his ears and neck.
"Ian, you're super cute! Little fishy!" I giggled when he got closer, even gave him a hug to utter my thanks for his costume.
"Cute mo, Ian, sabi ko sa 'yo, eh!" Lucian laughed.
"Fuck you, Cap." He hissed, it was the first time I heard him with that tone so angry and embarrassed.
"Hoy, minumura mo na 'ko?!" Lucian laughed, "sabi mo ayaw mong maghubad, edi ikaw na lang 'yong isda!"
The two fought. Ian wanted so bad to hide out of embarrassment but he was trying to stay calm because of me and G. We assured him he's the most tang ina fish we've ever seen in our lives kaya happy na si Ian.
"Seb?" I asked after a while when I realized he wasn't here. Romeo and Owen also went to fetch him but it's been a while and he still won't come out.
"S'yempre we have mermans, Flounder, the pretty queen mermaid and handsome king merman. We also have our beautiful and super gorgeous Ariel here..." it made me smile widely, "so, we're missing one and Little Mermaid won't be completed without..."
"Ayoko! Ayoko! Uuwi na 'ko! Tatalon na lang ako sa dagat! Papalamon na lang ako sa mga pating!" I don't have to guess who that is.
"Without Sebastian...the crab! Tsaran!" G exclaimed and that's when I saw Seb being dragged by the boys to go out of their tent.
"Arte, tara na!" Owen burst out laughing while pulling him.
Seb hissed annoyingly, almost crying to escape but the two won't let him.
"Ayoko! Nahihiya ako! Tang ina kayo! Sabi ko prinsipe! Bakit ganito, huh? Walang-hiya kayo! Parang mga walang pinagsamahan! Nanggigigil ako pagtatapon ko kayo paalis sa barkong 'to! Prinsipe sabi!"
"Prinsipe ka nga! Prinsipe ng alimango!" Owen laughed.
"Okay lang 'yan! Nakita ka nga ni Gab, oh!" Romeo called, "tara na kasi—"
"Paano na kami magpa-partner, ah? Siya si Ariel tapos ako alimango? Dapat 'yong prinsipe! Ayoko—"
"I-I liked Sebastian the crab better," I decided to speak out loud, seeing how Seb stopped from refusing them.
He shifted his gaze, his liquid black eyes caught mine.
"H-Huh?" he asked.
"I said, I don't care na about Prince Eric," I muttered, "I wanted my sidekick more..."
The hesitation on his face vanished upon hearing it that he pushed the boys' grip on his arm to walked towards me.
"Kayo kasi..." he hissed at the boys, "sabi 'ko sa inyo mas favorite ni Little Mermaid 'yong sidekick na alimango! Prince Eric pa kayo d'yan, 'di naman niya bet 'yon!" he marched towards me, making me smile.
Amazement filled the hollows of his black orbs upon having a glance at me. He looked amazing, handsome, adorable and funny too with his crab like costume and we are locking our gazes while he made his way closer to me but stopped when G giggled.
"Ayyieee...love is in the hangin!"
"Oy, terrorista? Ano 'yang cosplay mo? Pakwan?" he asked and I covered my mouth to stop from the sudden laugh when G groaned.
"It's a buntis mermaid costume! Idiot!" she grunted.
The kids came, it was such a wonderful and special moment for me. They treated me like I'm Ariel, they asked to take pictures with us and in the duration of that mini party, Seb stayed by my side.
"Princess Ariel, where is your Prince Eric?" the little girl asked.
I stopped.
I caught Seb glanced my way but pouted a little and looked away.
"Everyone is here, Princess Ariel. Where is the prince?"
"Well, kids, Princess Ariel doesn't need a prince." I said gently. I felt Seb's gaze but I remained watching the kids.
"Really? Every princess has a prince, the fairytale isn't complete without the handsome prince." The girl mumbled but I shook my head and touched her cheek.
"No, little princess." I smiled, "princess Ariel doesn't need one. In fact, I have a better one, I have the most trusted, super tang ina—" I couldn't finish my words because Seb covered my mouth.
"Gab..." he warned.
"Hmm?" I glanced at him and pulled his hand away from my mouth, gripping it instead. "So, as I was saying, this princess doesn't need a prince because she had a better one. The most trusted, very handsome and amazing sidekick. Sebastian."
I stared at Seb. I caught how his eyes turned softer and gentle. His mouth opened to utter a word but the kids barged his way and asked him questions this time.
His eyes are still on me even after that so I gave him the sweetest smile, a flying kiss and a wink. To my shock, he lifted his hand, caught the kiss I gave and placed his palm on his lips to take it, winking back at me.
I touched my chest and gasped.
And that, ladies and gentleman is how Gabriela died in so much kilig.
We ate, took photos and watched fairytale movies. Seb and I after changing our clothes back kasi it's quite malamig na were seated in the upper part of the bench while watching the Little Mermaid's movie.
The boys had to check the crew in the main office, G had to sleep because she's sleepy and very pregnant and we remained there with the kids at first. However, we watched the movie again and again. Repeat Ariel's story from the start to the end until they got sleepy and left.
Now, only me and Seb was left inside the bench. A few stalls are still inside the hall, cleaning up while we're watching, still.
In our third time, just when Prince Eric and Ariel sealed their ending with a kiss, I was in the verge of tears that when the word The End appeared on the screen, I was sniffing.
"Gab," Seb called when he caught me. "Why are you crying? Ayos ka lang, hmm?"
"Hmm..." I hummed while he's cupping my cheek and drying my tears affectionately. "I-I was just h-happy, Seb. Kaya m-medyo nag-cry-cry ako kasi happy ang heart ko..."
"Really?" he asked hoarsely, his thumb drying the drip on my cheek.
"I-I never thought this is p-possible," I sniffed. "I-I secretly dreamed lang this kasi, Seb. I know this is impossible but the little Gab wished for everything like this k-kaya when it happened, happy ako. My heart's been jumping up and down and I didn't want this to e-end."
"This won't end, Gabriela," he flashed a sweet smile. "As long as you're here, I promise to make you happy, the best I could. Kung may ibang pangarap ka pa gagawin natin 'yan. Kung gusto mong matutong lumangoy na parang sirena tuturuan pa kita, kung gusto mong maging ibon din sakay tayong helicopter tapos tulak kita."
"Seb!" I groaned and smacked his arm. He smirked.
"S'yempre susunod ako sa 'yong talon, pero may parachute ako." He grinned evilly and when I glared at him, he caught my chin to tilt it up and give me a smooch.
"What if I'm patay na if nag-fall?!"
"Edi kita tayo sa heaven," he grinned.
"But what if you're not in heaven kasi basher and mean kang Ursula?" I asked, now smirking when his face crumpled.
"Grabe ka na, Gabriela, ah? Lumalaban ka na sa 'kin ngayon? Joke-joke lang tayo dito, ah? Bakit ka namemersonal?" he gritted his teeth to show me he's being serious but he just looked like the usual, adorable Seb so I cupper his cheek to kiss his lips.
Like usual, we remained feeling our kisses first. My eyes dropped close. His warmth felt so great against mine. I opened my lips when he touched my chin and felt how his tongue got inside my tongue, he was hesitant at first but when I tried to kiss him back, he responded.
I lifted my hand. I touched his nape to caresses his skin, my eyes still stinging from the tears I shed in happiness. His hand remained on my cheek, with the other one moving down my neck and shoulder.
"Grabe, ah? Bumalik lang naman ako rito para mag-dessert pero may ibang kainan na pa lang nangyayari?!" I pushed Seb away.
He groaned and covered his face to scream silently and in desperation.
"O-Owen!" I called and waved my hand, my cheeks heating up. "Y-You're here pala?"
"Hi, Gab," he smiled awkwardly, "bumalik ako para kumain kaso no'ng nakita ko kayo nawalan na ako ng gana. Kaya siguro 'di ako nabubusog kasi ako lang mag-isa—"
"Tara dito, Owen. Patitikmin kita nang matamis-tamis na sapak sa bibig. Nanggigigil na ko sa 'yo, 'di pa 'ko tapos sa 'yong hinayupak ka may bago ka na namang episode?" Seb hissed and stood. Owen's eyes widened, he held his plate tighter then sprinted away in horror when Seb called his name so loud and ran after him in a hurry.
Seb informed me he'd teach Owen a lesson first so I stayed there alone. I sat on the lower part of the bench while still waiting for Seb when an old lady sat beside me. I shouldn't mind her but she's been staring for quite some time I found myself looking at her to offer a small smile.
I didn't even say anything. She gave me the creeps kaya I looked away and swayed my feet a little, hoping for Seb to come fetch me right now.
"I didn't mean to scare you, hija, but watching you from the distance, I can't help but come closer. The light's been urging me to come and talk to you."
"Ah..." I smiled at her, "really po?"
"So, you speak Tagalog!" she smiled, offering me her hand. "I'm a Filipino, I have a sister here in the ship, you're with the Captain, right? And the princess? Guinevere?"
"Po?" my eyes widened, "a-ah, well...how did you know po?"
"I've seen you a few times, you're with Sebastian and this event, you're with them." She smiled, "my sister owned a Filipino street food stall here, Cora, you know her? She's here too, I'm just waiting for her so we could rest."
"Ah, yes!" my smile widened, "we bought some BJ from her and some foods. It's super yummy! Delicious!"
"You understand my language, right? Seeing you hanging out with the boys?" she asked, I nodded.
"A bit po, why?" I asked. She snapped and chuckled as if she realized something.
"Ay, naku...pasensya na, 'di pa pala 'ko nakakapagkilala sa 'yo. How rude of me. I'm Yuka," she introduced, "you are?" she offered her hand.
I accepted her hand.
"Gab," I introduced, "nice meeting you, Miss Yuka."
"You can call me Madam Yuka," she tilted her head, her colorful accessories made her look noticeable. "I'm a fortune teller."
"Fortune teller?" I asked, now curious. "How does it work, Madam? I'm sorry but I'm not quite familiar with it."
"Oh, I can see a person's future—not entirely but a glimpse of it. If a person wanted to see her future, they asked me for it. The boys knew me, if I'm not mistaken, I had a glimpse of your cousin's future before, Guinevere."
"Oh..." now, it's interesting. "What do you need to see someone's future?"
"Just the palm, hija." She glanced at my hand, "kanina pa kita nakikitang nakaupo rito, ang liwanag mo sa paningin ko kaya lumapit na ako. Gusto mo bang tignan ko ang iyo?"
"Ah..." I stared at my palm and back to her. She looked harmless naman and if she had seen a glimpse of my cousin's future, it wouldn't be wrong if I want to ask for mine, right?
I wanted to know, too, where destiny would take me after this. If ever I could be this happy for a long time.
"Well..." I extended my hand.
She smiled, her curious eyes glanced at my hand and she held it gently. I waited to her reaction, waited to ask questions but then, while I was watching her, her expression changed.
The smile she had vanished and the gentle grip she had on my hand tightened.
"Nagsisimula na naman..." she mumbled, looking so scared. My heart thumped nervously, startled of her statement.
"M-Madam?"
"Bakit ka pumunta rito?" she suddenly asked.
"I-I'm just having a vacation—"
"Akala ko tapos na pero pumunta ka." She retorted mysteriously, looking at my palm. "Hindi lang sa kanila umiikot ang istorya. Hindi lang sila ang karakter na mayro'n sa sumpa ng prinsesa."
"P-Po?" my voice quivered, I pulled my hand from her. "Sorry but I don't understand—"
"Kagaya ka rin niya, sa una'y puno ng galak pero matatapos ng pulos kasawian. Kagaya ng nauna, bakit pa muling nagsimula kung parehas lang ang magiging wakas? Sana hindi ka na nagpumilit na magpakita, mauulit ang sumpa." Her eyes turned darker as she looked at me with a horrible expression, "hindi lang sa sila ang tauhan sa kwento, prinsesa. Kasama ka rin at siya..."
Just when she looked at the other direction, a manly voice thundered.
"Gabriela!" I jumped in shock, looked at where the voice was coming from and saw Sebastian's serious face as he ran back to me.
"Binabalaan kita, hija," Madam Yuka lowered my palm and stood abruptly. "Babalik ang dapat tapos na dahil narito ka..."
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