Brave Hearts (Published Under LIB)
Kabanata 25
Kabanata 25
SPIDER-MAN...Oh my God! Nakita ko si Spider-man!
"Santisima!" I exclaimed horribly, binaba ang baso. I lowered my head and covered my face with my palms.
"Ay, nahulog!" I heard Atlas' laughter and I gasped loudly, marahang lumakad ng patalikod, takip ang mukha ko.
"Log! Log! Log!" he sang kaya napatalon ako, mabilis na pinaghiwalay ang daliri para makasilip sa pagitan nito at halos mahimatay na ako nang tinataas niya nang marahan ang pants niya habang gumagalaw pa ang balakang.
I caught a glimpse of his Spider-man boxers and the protruding bulge in the middle of it. Mas nilakihan ko ang mata at ang gaps ng daliri ko para mas maging malinaw.
Oh my God! I wasn't a saint! Of course, alam ko kung anong nando'n! It was his...oh my gosh! I've seen it in educational movies!
Sinara niya ang zipper at nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. Bigla siyang ngumisi.
"Ay, halimaw!" I gasped and covered my whole face with my palms again.
"Uy, nakita ng bibi ko!" Bigla siyang humagalpak. Nag-init ang pisngi ko at napalunok, muling umatras mula sa harapan niya.
I heard his footsteps and I took another step back, flushing so much, malakas din ang kalabog sa aking dibdib.
"'D-di lang 'yan halimaw, bibi. Nangangain din 'yan! Rawr!" he said. I squeaked when I felt his hand on my arms. The back of my knees bumped into something at doon na ako nawalan ng balanse.
Suminghap ako nang maramdamang bumagsak ako sa malambot na kama at may mabigat na napadagan sa akin.
My eyes widened. Mabilis kong tinanggal ang palad sa mukha ko at halos mawala na sa ulirat nang makitang nasa ibabaw ko si Atlas at nakatitig.
His black eyes looked peaceful, wala akong marinig habang nakatitig sa kanyang itim na mga mata kung hindi ang malakas na kalabog ng puso ko.
"A-Atlas..." I muttered, bagsak ang kanyang itim na buhok sa noo at namumungay pa ang mga mata habang nakatitig.
He still looked a lot like his young self, only that his features sharpened and matured more...and me? I think I was still the young Amalia who yearned for him so much...
Nakasuporta ang kanyang siko sa gilid para hindi ako madaganan masyado ng kanyang katawan at nakita ko ang pagtagilid ng ulo niya habang nakatitig sa akin.
His eyes were playful earlier but upon closer look, right now, it was sleepy and full of unnamed emotions.
"D-don't wake me up," he suddenly muttered. My forehead creased.
"H-huh?" I asked.
"I'm dreaming," he whispered. "'Wag mo akong gisingin, ah? N-nandito ang bibi ko sa panaginip ko..."
My heart throbbed.
"What do you mean?" I asked softly.
His eyes softened more, mas namungay ang mata niya at inilapit ang mukha sa akin. I shivered when his nose touched mine, pumikit siya at medyo bumilis ang paghinga.
"I...can only hold her like this in my dreams," he whispered, the whiff of rum and mint from his breath assaulted my senses.
"W-what?" I whispered back, nararamdaman na ang pangingilid ng luha habang pinapakinggan siya.
"K-kasi sa totoong buhay naman...ayaw na niya sa 'kin," he muttered and opened his eyes to stare at me. "O-oh, bakit ka umiiyak?"
"Um..." I cleared my throat, gusto mang hawiin ang luha ay 'di magawa dahil nakatabon sa akin ang katawan niya at hindi ko maiangat ang mga kamay.
"Shh," he whispered like a lullaby, umangat ang isang kamay niya at hinuli ang luha sa gilid ng mata ko. "Don't cry...kahit dito na lang, ayaw ko na makitang umiiyak ka."
Doon na mas nahulog ang mababaw kong mga luha. I bit my lower lip, but the pain in his eyes mirrored mine, as if seeing my own heart in his face.
"Shh, no, baby..." he whispered again, his finger brushing off my tears. "Stop crying, don't get hurt because of me again..."
I sobbed and watched him with my blurry eyes.
"B-bakit g-ganyan ka, Montezides?" I mumbled.
"Palpak?" He chuckled huskily. "Kapag nand'yan ka lang naman 'tsaka 'ko ganito."
"W-what?" Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o maiiyak sa lambing ng boses niya.
"May sumpa na yata 'ko, bibi. Kahit sa panaginip basta nand'yan ka, palpak."
It made me laugh, mukha akong tangang umiiyak pero humahalakhak at nakita ko ang pagsayaw ng aliw sa kanyang mata, tumagilid siya at bahagyang umalis sa ibabaw ko. He placed his hand on his head for support while staring at me.
Bahagya akong tumagilid at hinawi ang luha ko, sumisinghot pa, kinakagat ang labi para pigilin ang pag-ngiti. He lifted his other hand and wiped my tears.
"Pero kahit palpak 'to, mahal na mahal ka nito," biglang bida niya, his drunk eyes looked so lazy and sleepy.
Tumagilid ako at pinagmasdan siya.
"T-talaga?"
"Oo, kay bibi Lia lang magpapayanig..." he muttered.
"Paanong...paanong yanig?"
His lips pursed. "Swerte mo, bibi, at nasa panaginip tayo. 'Di ko 'to gagawin sa totoong buhay."
Nagpigil ako ng tawa at tumango.
"Sige nga, patingin ng yanig sa panaginip?" pagsasakay ko at mabilis siyang tumihaya, inangat ang dalawang kamay at biglang nangisay.
Hindi ko na napigilan at napahagalpak na talaga ako na sumakit na ang tiyan ko. Hindi pa siya tumitigil. Bangag kaya hinampas ko na.
"T-tama na, tama na..." I said repeatedly. He stopped, natatawang binagsak niya ang kamay at nilingon ako.
"Gano'ng yanig, bibi," he said.
I was positive I was as red as a beet right now. I covered my face to calm myself down. He chuckled. Ibinaba ko ang kamay at nakatitig lang siya, may ngiti.
"You...think this is a dream?" I asked when I noticed him unashamed right now, hindi kagaya kapag nakikita ko siyang tuma-tumbling sa tabi at namumula siya sa hiya.
"Hmm," he hummed. "As...as if ipapakita ko sa 'yo 'yong yanig sa totoong buhay, mamamatay muna ako, Lia, bago mo makita 'yon."
Ayokong tumawa pero napahalakhak na naman ako, medyo nag-iba na ang tunog kaya tinakpan ko ang bibig at mahinang napahagikhik.
He just stared at me with amusement pero maya-maya'y natigilan bigla at bahagyang nanlaki ang mata at napaangat. Namula siya at nag-panic.
"D-don't tell me this isn't—"
"P-panaginip 'to!" inunahan ko na siya. Napabuntonghininga siya at bumagsak muli sa kama. He put his palm on his chest and heaved a relax sigh.
"Thank you, Lord. Amen," he whispered and I bit my lip, stopping so hard not to laugh at him.
"Pero...paano kung hindi pala 'to panaginip?" I asked, mabilis pa sa alas kwatro ang kanyang paglingon at napanganga. Mapatawa ako ng mahina at kinumpas ang kamay. "No, no! Panaginip 'to, what I mean is...what if?"
"Whoa, akala ko ano na..." Napahugot siya ng hininga. "No way this is real, baka mamatay ako on the spot kapag totoo."
Nakagat ko ang labi at nagpigil. "Really?" I hummed and he nodded.
"Hmm." He stared at me again and I saw the sudden lone expression in his eyes. "'Tsaka...busy 'yon...ikaw. M-may party kang pinuntahan."
My smile faded. He smiled.
"But...it's okay. I truly understand, may buhay ka rin namang iba, masaya na akong kahit sa panaginip lang kasama kita."
Tumihaya siya bigla at pumikit. Nasaktan ako sa nakitang lungkot sa kanyang mukha.
"This dream...is too much for a birthday wish," he whispered.
I cleared my throat, dumapa ako sa kama at marahang gumapang palapit sa kanya. My heart was beating frantically but I remained brave. Hesitant at first, I placed my hand on his chest and moved my face closer to his.
Napamulat siya, surprised I was that close.
"L-Lia..." he muttered.
Gathering my courage, I let myself free and pressed my lips on his forehead.
Tumaas-baba ang dibdib niya.
"I'm sorry," I whispered and glanced at the clock. "And belated happy birthday."
I saw his eyes soften. "Did you just—"
"Kiss you?" I asked softly and he nodded, wide-eyed. "Yes, I did."
He blinked rapidly at me, marahang inabot ko ang buhok niya habang nakadapa pa rin ako sa kanyang tabi at sinuklay ang buhok niya ng daliri ko.
He just watched me with his soft eyes. I ran my fingers in his skin.
"I wish you nothing but the very best, Atlas." I hummed. "Happy birthday."
Nakita ko ang pagkagat niya ng labi, mukhang nagpipigil ng ngiti pero kumawala rin nang 'di matiis.
"I love you," he muttered seriously. My heart felt lighter.
"Y-you do?"
"Noon hanggang ngayon...kahit palpak ako." He pouted. "Lia, wala naman na tayong magagawa at naka-program na talaga ata."
I grinned.
"Pero mag-iingat ka, ayokong malasog ka," I muttered.
Napatili ako nang bigla niya akong dambahin. He was too quick and strong, that I just blinked and my head's already in his arms.
"Montezides!" I hissed.
Tumama ako sa kanyang dibdib na medyo namumula dahil sa nainom. I caught sight of his abs and my eyes turned HD while looking at it.
I lied, okay? Mas maganda ang katawan niya kaysa sa mga nakita ko na!
"Eyes up, my baby. Baka matunaw ang mouth-watering abs ko," he muttered boastfully.
"Y-you..." I slapped his chest and he laughed harder, hinuli niya ang kamay ko at dinala sa kanyang leeg kaya sinamaan ko na lang siya ng tingin.
"Payakap lang, bibi." He pulled me closer. "Birthday gift mo na sa akin, para maganda gising ko sa panaginip," he said hoarsely.
And who was I to say no to this man? Ako pa rin naman si Amalia...ang batang Amalia na marupok kay Atlas Montezides.
"Okay," maliit kong sagot, iniaangat ang braso para yakapin siya pabalik. Nagsumiksik ako sa katawan niya.
"Love you," he whispered and it made me smile.
Wala pang ilang sandali ay narinig ko na ang mahinang hilik niya sa tainga ko. I chuckled, inangat ang ulo ko at nakitang malalim na ang kanyang tulog. I slowly touched his bare back, medyo malamig na iyon dahil sa aircon kaya napailing ako.
"Hindi man lang nag-shirt," I muttered and took a peek at his abdomen. "Anyway, okay lang," humagikhik ako pero biglang natigilan.
What? Amalia? Ikaw yata ang lasing?
I shook my head, medyo kumawala kay Atlas para kunin ang comforter at i-angat sa katawan naming dalawa. I made sure his back was covered and sighed happily.
"I'll listen to you," I muttered while staring at his peaceful face, mukha siyang anghel sa langit...medyo nagkamali nga lang ng pagkahulog ngayon habang nasa tabi ko.
Nahulog.
Bigla akong natawa, naalala ang boxers niyang Spider-man ang design at napailing. I stared at his face again for a minute before I moved my face closer to kiss the tip of his nose.
"Sleep well, Doc." I chuckled and pinched his nose. "I am positive you'll realize tomorrow what you did tonight."
Kumunot nang bahagya ang noo niya at nagsumiksik sa akin at doon na rin nahulog ang talukap ng mga mata ko.
I didn't know how long I slept until I felt something moving beside me. I slowly opened my eyes and in the dim lights, may nahuli akong tumayo sa tabi ko at kumaripas ng takbo papunta sa banyo.
My forehead creased, nagtataka ako no'ng una kung may kasama ba ako sa kwarto pero biglang naalala si Atlas. Narinig ko ang kalabog ng pagbagsak sa banyo kaya dali-dali akong napatayo at tinakbo ang bathroom.
I gasped when I saw Atlas sitting on the tiles.
"F-fuck," he cursed and touched his waist.
"Oh my God." I stepped closer but he was already moving and kneeling on the bowl to puke.
I knelt beside him, hinaplos ko ang likuran niya at napatalon siya nang bahagya sa gulat, akmang lilingunin ako pero nasuka na naman.
"Ayan, inom pa," I muttered softly nang halos yakapin na niya ang bowl. "Wait here."
Mabilis akong tumayo at pumunta sa kusina. I poured hot water, a cup of coffee and meds for his hangover. Pagbalik ko sa banyo ay maayos na siya, halos nakasubsob pa sa may sink pagkatapos niya maghilamos. Tumutulo pa ang basa sa kanyang baba at medyo basa rin ang kanyang buhok.
"Okay ka na?" I asked, bigla siyang nag-angat at nang magkatinginan kami sa salamin ay muntik na siyang mabangga sa sink.
"L-Lia?!" he exclaimed, wide-eyed.
He closed his eyes. Kinusot niya iyon at muling tumitig para siguraduhing 'di ako aparisyon.
"Oh, bakit?" I asked and walked towards him. He followed me with his wide gaze.
"What's the matter?" I asked and gave him the glass of warm water.
"Y-you..." His forehead creased and with his stiff hand took the glass of water to drink. "How..."
"Sinundo ka namin sa bar," I explained. "Inumin mo muna 'yan, sandali."
Binuksan ko ang drawer sa may gilid para kumuha ng malinis na twalya at lumapit sa kanya. He was just blinking, mukhang pinoproseso pa ang nakikita kaya muli akong ngumiti.
"Come on, uminom ka muna," I encouraged and handed him the meds kaya mabilis niya iyong kinuha pero 'di mabuksan at nanginginig ang kamay niya at mukhang nataranta. Kinuha ko na at ako na ang nagbukas.
"Open your mouth," I ordered.
Hesitantly, he opened his mouth. He looked so adorable. Habang umiinom siya ay nakatitig siya sa akin na para akong aparisyon kaya ngumiti akong muli.
"Why...are you staring?" I asked.
"You..." Binaba niya ang baso at kumurap-kurap. "Paano ka—"
"Sinundo ka nga namin sa bar," I repeated, marahang humawak ako sa kanyang braso kaya medyo napaupo siya sa counter.
I lifted the clean towel and dried his face, nanatili naman siyang nakatulala sa akin kaya hinuli ko ko ang tingin niya at nahuli ang pagkalat ng pula sa kanyang mukha.
"Come on, breathe," I urged when I noticed him pausing. He let out an exhale.
"W-what the fuck?" he muttered.
"Bakit?" I asked amusingly and dried his neck too, magulo ang medyo basang buhok niya. Topless at pants lang ang suot habang nakasandal sa sink.
"D-did I..." He stopped. "D-did I do something stupid? L-like..." Tumikhim siya. "Napatuwad ba a-ako o kaya tumambling sa gilid?" he whispered like a secret.
Naalala ko ang yanig niya bigla sa bar at ang pagdulas niya sa banyo ngayon lang kakamadali niya at kahit natatawa ako ay nagkibit-balikat ako.
"Mayro'n ba?" I asked.
Mukha siyang napaisip nang malalim at parang hinahalukay sa utak niya ang kung ano bago umiling.
"W-wala naman." He looks doubtful of his answer. "Wala naman akong ginawa, wala. 'D-di ba, Lia, wala?"
"Wala." I smiled and it made me happy when he touched his chest, as if relieved.
"Thank, God." He muttered. "Akala ko may ginawa ako, wala naman pala."
Wala naman, nahulog lang 'yong pants mo sa kalokohan mo.
Gusto kong sabihin iyon pero natawa na lang ako at mas natigilan siya. "P-pero weh? Wala talaga?" he asked again, nervous.
"Wala akong nakita," I said.
He stared at me as if I did something horrible. "W-weh? Lia, 'yong totoo? Wala na rin kasi 'kong tiwala sa sarili ko."
"Wala nga." I laughed.
"B-bakit parang may naalala akong sumayaw kami ni Puso—"
"Ah, 'yong Yanig Dance?" I asked casually at halos lumuwa ang mata niya.
"Putang ina, sabi na, e!" he screamed. I burst out laughing.
"Lia naman, e!" he sulked. Sumimangot siya. Pinigil ko ang sarili.
"H-hindi ako n-natatawa," I denied but my laughter betrayed me.
"Lia..." he whined and stomped his foot.
He watched me laugh like a fool, waiting until I calmed down.
"Tuwang-tuwa, Amalia Lorraine?" busangot niya. Inabot ko sa kanya ang kape.
"S-sorry na." I grinned and remembered it again kaya napailing. "Uminom ka munang kape para mahismasan ka, medyo nakakalog pa."
"You're bullying me." He frowned more. Marahang sinuklay ang kanyang buhok.
"Hindi, ah?" I chuckled. "Do you want to take a shower?"
"Hmm," he hummed and nodded. "Ang baho ko na yata."
Hindi naman...
"Medyo nga," I answered and he glared at me again kaya natawa ako at napapailing na inilagay sa balikat niya ang twalyang hawak ko. "Hatid na kita sa kwarto mo?"
"Huh? Why?" he asked.
"Para...maligo?" I asked. His eyes widened a bit at umayos ng upo sa may sink.
"Uh, dito na lang ako maligo, bi," aniya kaya mas nangunot ang noo ko. "Ano, wala kasing tubig sa kwarto ko."
"Oh?" I asked and nodded. "Sige, dito na lang. Kukunan kitang damit na lang?"
"Okay po, bibi." He smiled adorably.
Sinabi niya sa akin ang passcode niya kaya nagtungo ako sa kabilang unit para kunan siya ng damit. His room looked exactly like mine, iba lang ang furniture niya at mostly dark colors at lalaking-lalaki.
I smiled, the room smelled like him too.
Pumunta ako sa kanyang kwarto para kumuha ng puting shirt at sweatpants na kulay gray, medyo nanlaki pa ang mata ko nang makita ang underwear niya kaya napailing ako.
Bad, Lia!
Napasilip ako sa CR, I remembered him saying na walang tubig dito kaya lumapit ako sa faucet at sa gulat ko ay may tubig naman.
Oh, baka...bumalik na ang tubig? Baka kanina ay wala?
Confused, bumalik ako sa kwarto. I knocked on the bathroom door but he wasn't answering kaya marahan kong pinihit ang pintuan at bumungad sa akin ang nakasaradong glass door at ang tunog ng bukas na shower.
"A-ah, Atlas, n-nandito ang damit mo!" I told him.
"Alright, bibi. Thank you!" sabat niya sa loob. Habang marahang nilalapag ang damit niya sa may sink ay naiiwan ang mata ko sa anino niya sa glass door.
Naalala ko ang sekretong tinatago ni Spider-man kanina...
What the...Amalia, malandi ka na!
I screamed inside my head, bago pa man magkasala ay halos madulas-dulas ako para lang makalabas ng banyo, nag-iinit ang pisngi.
"Lord, sorry, Lord. Magiging mabait na po ako," I whispered and did the sign of the cross. "Sorry po at makasalanan ako ngayon."
I tried removing the dirty thoughts inside my head. Muli akong nahiga sa kama at binalot ang katawan ng comforter hanggang leeg at nanatiling nakatitig sa pintuan.
Kagaya ng sirang plaka ay nagpabalik-balik sa utak ko ang paghulog ng pants niya at pag-ha-hi sa 'kin ng Spider-man boxers niya.
"You're a very good and innocent girl, Lia," I told myself. "Calm down, girl..."
Nakita ko ang ang pagbukas ng pinto, nanlaki ang mata ko at akmang itatakip na ang comforter sa katawan pero huli na ang lahat at nakita na niya ako.
"Tago ka pa, ah." He smirked.
"H-hindi, ah!" I exclaimed, mabilis na naupo sa kama at sinamaan siya ng tingin.
He chuckled and walked towards me, napanguso naman ako at umayos ng upo para kunwari ay 'di ko naiisip si Spider-man at tinaasan pa siya ng kilay.
"Hmm, okay." Malisyoso pa ang tingin niya at marahang naupo sa may tabi ko sa kama kaya napanguso ako.
"Magpunas ka ng buhok, tumutulo, o. Kung 'di ka malasog-lasog sa pinanggagawa mo sa araw-araw, magkakasakit ka naman," sermon ko.
"Sorry, bibi," ungot niya. I smelled my soap and shampoo on him kaya lowkey akong kinilig pero hindi dapat mukhang masaya kaya seryoso akong lumuhod sa kama at kinuha ang twalya sa balikat niya.
I placed the towel on his head to dry his wet hair. He was quiet until I felt his arms wrapping around my waist. Hindi ko siya tinulak at alam kong naramdaman niya ang pagdoble ng talon ng puso ko nang ibaon niya ang mukha sa dibdib lp/
"I...love you," he whispered. "Sorry if Ted dragged you to the bar kasi nagkakalat kami ni Puso, I...I'm sorry to interrupt your party."
I finished drying his hair and sighed, marahan akong lumayo sa kanya at pinantayan siya ng upo kaya nawala ang yakap niya sa aking tiyan. His eyes has that soft and apologizing expression. Nagbaba siya ng tingin. Hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya.
"Look at me, Atlas," I said. He followed.
"Hmm?"
"I'm sorry..." His eyes flickered. Umiling siya kaagad.
"L-Lia, you don't need—"
"No, I said yes when you asked me out pero hindi ako nakadalo kaya humihingi ako ng tawad. I am wrong, Atlas. I'm sorry kasi I forgot about it. I-I had a party to attend, kasi, birthday ng senior pharmacist namin," I explained quietly. "I definitely forgot about it, toxic din ang shift sa hospital kahapon kaya wala ako sa sarili masyado. They only called me and I panicked, nawala rin sa utak ko ang usapan natin."
He remained staring at me while I explained, kinuha niya ang kamay ko at hinaplos ang palad ko.
"I'm sorry, Atlas. I didn't mean to not answer your calls and messages kasi na-lowbat din ako," I said sadly and sighed. "I'm so sorry."
I didn't know why but my tears fell. His lips parted.
"L-Lia—"
"S-sorry, A-Atlas," I whispered, tears falling down my cheek. "I-it's your birthday and I-I appreciate how much you wanted to celebrate it with me p-pero nakalimutan ko lang..."
I was shy because of my sudden outburst kaya kinuha ko ang kamay ko mula sa kanya at natakip ko ang palad sa mukha. Marahan niya akong hinila, I felt him lift me a bit and kiss my jaw.
"Shh, baby, calm down," he whispered and tightened his embrace.
"S-sorry," I sniffed. "Sorry, Atlas..."
"It's okay, I'm not mad," he whispered and caught my hands covering my face. "Come on, baby, look at me."
Doon ko na siya tinignan. Malambot ang mga mata niya. Umayos ako ng upo at naalala biglang nasa hita niya ko. I tensed. I rose a bit to leave but he firmed me back in his lap.
"No, stay on my lap," aniya. I swallowed and agreed.
Gusto ko ron...
He lifted his hand, nakatagilid ako sa kanya at para 'di siya masyadong mahirapan ay humarap ako nang kaunti para mapunasan niya ang luha ko. Inabot niya ang baso ng tubig para painumin ako.
"Stop crying, baby. Ang puso mo," he whispered. I nodded, closing my eyes to feel the warmth of his hands on my skin.
"S-sorry, I just feel so bad forgetting your invitation. B-birthday mo pa naman," I whispered and opened my eyes.
Hinuli ko ang palad niya at pinatakan iyon ng halik gaya ng madalas niyang ginagawa.
"H-happy birthday, bibi..." I muttered. His eyes widened.
"W-what?"
"Sabi ko, happy birthday," I said and smiled.
"N-no..." Tumikhim siya. "'Yong pagkatapos ng happy birthday?"
"A-ah, bibi?" I answered shyly. He was flustered.
"S-shit, isa pa," he requested. Natawa ako.
"B-bibi," I repeated. "Happy birthday, bibi ko."
"Fuck..." he breathed and laughed. "Damn..."
"Sorry for forgetting it, bibi," I said and dried my tears with my other hand. "Happy birthday."
Lumaki ang ngiti niya, as if 'di ko nalimutan ang birthday niya. Napatili ako nang mabuhat niya ako at pinahiga sa kama.
"Best birthday gift, I love you! I love you!" he beamed, napatawa ako sa kiliti nang paulanan niya ako ng maliliit na halik sa mukha at leeg.
"A-Atlas!" I hissed, laughing.
"Best birthday gift!" he shouted. I chuckled when he kissed my cheek again and again. "I love you, I love you!"
"Isang yanig dance nga r'yan?" I teased and he grinned, walang pakundangang lumuhod sa kama at tinaas ang kamay na parang nangingisay.
Nahampas ko siya.
"Oh, 'di ka na nahiya, ah?"
He smirked again at paulit-ulit na humalik sa tungki ng ilong ko.
"Kasi I'm happy." He chuckled.
"Akala ko ba mamamatay ka muna bago ka mag-yanig dance sa harapan ko?" I asked and he smirked.
"Patay na nga 'ko," aniya kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
"H-huh—"
"Patay na patay sa 'yo." He even winked.
"P-para kang baliw!" I hissed, smacking him.
It was very expected but the way he delivered it made me blush.
"Baliw na baliw sa 'yo." He smirked again. Halos masipa ko na siya. Tawang-tawa naman ang huli, he even caught my legs and smirked.
"Stalker ka, 'no? Paano mo nalamang mamamatay muna ako bago mag-yanig dance sa harapan—" He paused and visibly panicked.
"Uh, sabi mo sa panaginip mo kanina—"
"W-what the hell..." he cursed and gasped. "I-imagination mo lang 'yon, Amalia!"
Napahagalpak ako, napaupo naman siya sa kama.
"F-fuck, did you see m-my pants fell—"
"Ah, si Spider-man?" I smiled and he covered his mouth exaggeratedly.
"Manyak ka na, Lia?!" he exclaimed at ako naman ang nanlaki ang mata.
"H-hoy, k-kasalanan ko bang nahulog!" I snapped at him, flushing. "Nag-nahulog dance ka rin kanina, ah—"
"Blah! Blah! Wala akong naririnig!" He covered his ears.
"Tapos kumekendeng ka—"
"La la la...bingi si Atlas, bingi," he muttered while looking around kaya napatawa na ako at mabilis na hinuli ang mata niya.
"Sige na, 'di na," alo ko at kota na siya sa kahihiyan.
Sumeryoso siya at pinakita sa akin ang isang daliri.
"Tingin ka rito," he said and I did. Tumitig ako sa kamay niya. "Sundan mo, ah?"
"Panaginip mo lang 'yon, Lia," he said and moved his hand in every side na sinundan ko rin kuno. "Abra kadabra, panaginip mo lang!" Pumalakpak siya kaya napakurap ako at humarap sa kanya na nag-aabang ng tingin ko.
I did my best not to laugh.
"May naalala ka?" he tested.
"Huh? May dapat ba akong maalala?" I asked, pretending.
"Like your dream or..." He hesitated kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
"Ay, may panaginip ba ako?" I asked and he suddenly sighed, touching his chest.
"Salamat, wala kang maalala," he said, seryoso pa kaya natawa na ako.
He glared at me. I cackled.
"Scam 'tong si Puso, sabi niya effective pang-hypnotize. Amalia—"
"Wala nga!" tawa ko nang marahang tinulak niya 'ko pahiga. He carefully placed his body on top of mine, hinanap niya ang mata ko at nagkatitigan kaming dalawa.
"Basta, panaginip mo lang, ah?" request niya. Tumango na lang ako at kawawa naman. "I love you,"
"Thank you," I said and flashed a shy smile.
"Ow, it hurts." Pabiro niyang hinawakan ang dibdib.
I smiled and pushed him off me. Napahiga siya sa kama at ako naman ang dumapa sa dibdib niya. Nagkatitigan kami.
"Ma...mabigat ba ako?" I asked. He licked his lower lip and shook his head.
"Nah, kayang-kaya ni Atlas buhatin ang mundo niya. Ma-muscles 'to, e." He showed me his arms. Bahagyang pumahalumbaba ako habang nakadapa ako sa kanya.
He touched my waist, assisting me para 'di ako mahulog. Kumikislap sa tuwa ang kanyang mga mata. Gano'n din ang puso ko. I smiled.
"Sorry again, Atlas, and belated happy birthday," I said softly. "Hayaan mo at babawi ako sa 'yo."
"Gusto mo makabawi kaagad?" he asked. I nodded. "Kiss." He suddenly pouted.
I didn't expect it, my heartbeat raced.
Tatanggi ba naman ako?
"T-talaga?" I muttered. "M-makakabawi na ako sa kiss?"
He chuckled, marahang inalalayan niya ako pahiga sa kanyang braso kaya nagtatakang sumulyap ako sa kanya. Humalik siya sa noo ko bago inabot ang comforter para takpan kaming dalawa.
"Joke lang." He chuckled. "I won't force you to kiss me para lang makabawi. It'll be your own decision, kung sa tingin mo, kaakit-akit na ako, gora, kiss na this!"
I bit my lip. Pinisil ko ang ilong niya.
"So...paano ako makakabawi kaagad?" I asked. Napaisip siya bago napatitig at nag-isip. He sighed.
"Are you...willing to listen to me now?" he asked instead.
I was hesitant and scared but this explanation was long overdue. It had been years. Hindi na kami bumabata para magbingi-bingihan at matakot masaktan. It was now or never. I didn't want to get hurt hearing his side but I had to overcome this fear in my heart and listen.
Ang sakit ay kaakibat na ng buhay dahil hindi naman ito puro saya lang. What was the point of life if you won't learn from the pain? Nasa sarili lang naman natin kung tatalikuran natin ang sakit na iyon o haharapin ng buong tapang.
I stared at his eyes and slowly nodded. "Okay."
A smile curved on his lips. Inayos niya ako sa kanyang braso at hinaplos ng marahan ang buhok ko.
"If ever you can't take it or you're in pain, tell me, hmm? I'll stop and wait for you to relax and breathe," he said. I nodded.
"Paano ko ba sisimulan?" he muttered and touched my hair again. "Whatever I told you in the past was the truth, mula sa pagkakakita ko sa 'yong mahulog sa kanal."
I immediately frowned. "Atlas..." I warned.
"'Di na, sorry, bibi," halakhak niya. "But it's true, whatever I told you in the past, it's the truth and only the truth. It's true that I liked you ever since, nilapitan kita dahil crush na crush kita at nagagalit na si Heart kasi ang torpe ko raw at bobo."
He smirked.
"E, magpinsan kami, 'di niya alam bobo rin siya," dagdag niya.
"Tapos ayon, she couldn't take it anymore. Her friends betrayed her, talking ill about her when she's not there, nagagalit din siya kasi madalas niyang marinig na pinagkakatuwaan ka ng mga 'yon kaya umalis siya," he explained.
The realization hit me. "So...nakipagkaibigan siya kasi..."
"Yes, she befriended you because she's tired of me being, you know, torpe. Gusto niya akong ilakad sa 'yo and well, Heart wanted to be your friend too. Kapag nasa library ka nga at ini-stalk ka naming dalawa palagi niyang sinasabing gusto ka niya kaibiganin at baka mahawaan mo raw siya ng kasipagan."
I blinked, napapikit ako nang maalala si Heart.
"Y-you mean to say n-na hindi n'yo ako nilapitan k-kasi si nanay at ang dad mo—"
"I didn't even know he was seeing your mother, Lia," he said and my heart tugged painfully.
"P-pero sabi ni Yui," I stuttered. "T-tapos tinanong niya si Heart sa harapan ko t-tapos sabi niya oo raw...na lumapit ka para doon, na gusto mong maghiganti."
"It's a misunderstanding," ani Atlas kaya lumalim ang gatla sa noo ko at umayos ng higa sa braso niya.
"What do you mean?"
"I talked to Heart, ano ang naaalala mong pagkakatanong ni Yui kay Heart?"
Napaisip ako.
"I don't remember exactly but I think she asked Heart kung nakipaglapit ba raw siya sa akin para tulungan ka and Heart said yes," I explained. Hinaplos niya ang pisngi ko.
"Hmm, do you find something weird sa tanong?" he asked. Muli kong binalikan ang tanong at natigilan, nahulog ang puso.
"O-oh my..."
"See?" he muttered. I blinked rapidly. "She twisted her words. Heart said yes because she really did help me to get close to you. That is—so she could be friends with you and help me at the same time make my move on you kasi nga gusto kita. It wasn't because of that revenge she's saying."
"Oh my God," I whispered painfully. "I-I'm sorry, I thought...I even told Heart I hated her! I..." My voice shook, nangilid ang luha ko. "I-I'm sorry, Atlas. S-si Heart, I-I have to apologize..."
"You can talk to her tomorrow." Atlas smiled and softly touched my cheek. "Calm down, baby. Breathe in, breathe out..."
Ginaya ko ang turo niya, hindi muna ako nagsalita habang kinakalma ang sarili.
"You don't have to worry about Heart, she wasn't mad at you," he reassured but I still felt bad and sorry.
I pushed my best friend away!
"I-I'm sorry, hindi ako nakinig," I whispered. "Sarado ang utak ko, Atlas. I'm also sorry for leaving you without explanation."
"I forgive you," he whispered. "Hindi ka pa humihingi ng tawad, pinatawad na kita, Lia."
My lips quivered. I immediately embraced his nape. He was surprised but embraced me back.
"S-sorry kasi 'di ako nagsabi kung b-bakit ako umalis, k-kung bakit bigla na lang kaming naglaho. S-sorry sa mga maling nagawa ng nanay, h-hindi namin hinangad na makapanira ng pamilya, s-sana mapatawad mo kami..." I swallowed thickly. "I-in behalf of my mother, I'm sorry, Atlas. I'm sorry for causing your family pain. I-I'm so sorry for hurting Ma'am Beatrice. I'm so sorry for leaving, I'm so sorry for keeping you wait for too long..."
My voice broke as I cried, ashamed. I was trembling and Atlas was there to entangle me in his arms. He kissed my hair and caressed my back affectionately and it was helping to keep me on loop or I'd hyperventilate.
"Wala kang ginawang mali, Lia. We were just victims and it was never our intention to get tangled in a mess like that but I forgive you for leaving without telling me, Amalia," he whispered. "I forgive Tita Olivia too."
He is unbelievable. To forgive after all that? He had the gentlest and sincerest heart.
He's a brave man.
"S-salamat..." I cried. "M-maraming salamat..."
"Tita Liv gave us a letter," aniya kaya natigilan ako. Lumayo ako para harapin siya. Ngumiti siya, namumula rin ang mata sa luha. He brushed my tears off.
"L-letter?" I asked.
"Hmm, nagpadala siya ng sulat sa amin. She wrote an apology letter to me and my brothers, kay mommy din." He shared. My eyes widened more. "She admitted she did something wrong, she apologized for communicating with dad. Humingi siya ng tawad sa mga maling nagawa nila ni dad."
Hindi ako nakapagsalita at nagpatuloy ang kumawalang luha. "I-I didn't know..."
"She even told us not to get mad at you because you didn't know anything. She apologized to us, sincerely. We've felt it. We've accepted it. Wala na ako–kaming hihilingin pa. She admitted her wrongs, Lia," he said sincerely.
"A-Atlas, s-sorry," I murmured.
"No, baby, you did nothing wrong." He smiled at me. "Tita Liv was right and I admire her for being brave and admitting what she did wrong instead of justifying it."
My heart tugged, hearing his words. I admired him so much for his words that I think I'm about to cry harder now.
"I know about what happened to tita," aniya at biglang lumambing ang mata at hinila ko at muli akong hinagkan sa noo. "It's too late, but I wanted to say sorry for what happened to her."
"I-it's been a long time," I whispered and sighed. "T-tanggap ko nang wala na si nanay, alam kong pinapanuod niya ako kung nasaan man siya, m-masaya rin kasi humingi siya ng tawad sa inyo."
"My mother was glad too, naiyak nga siya sa sulat ni Tita. She knew nothing happened aside from them communicating, but she was so hurt kaya sobrang pumanatag ang kanyang loob noong nagsulat sa kanya ang nanay mo."
I closed my eyes and nodded. "I'm so sorry, Atlas. Kahit napatawad mo na kami, I wanted to tell you my heartfelt apology. I am sorry for leaving you and our friends without telling anything and I am sorry for what my mother did."
"It's okay, baby. No hard feelings. I've forgiven you a long time ago," he reassured, his fingers on my cheek.
"I'm wondering. What...what happened to Ma'am Beatrice that day? Is she okay now?" I asked.
"Yes, she's good. Turns out, dinala siya ni Yui sa inyo no'ng araw na inihatid kita at naroon din si dad. She...told my mother she saw your nanay and dad in a hotel and..."
"W-what?!" Nanginig ang boses ko.
"It wasn't true, Lia," he said. "Gawa-gawa lang niya para siraan ang pamilya mo, she...confessed that she liked me but I declined her, telling her na ikaw ang gusto ko. She was my friend kaya no'ng sinabi niyang naiintindihan niya ay napanatag ako. I just didn't expect she'd go that far lying to my mother. She was stressed, Yui even told her na I was dating the daughter of her husband's mistress which is...you."
"I..." I was lost for words, parang sasabog na ang utak sa naririnig.
"She then did her best to ruin us both and your friendship with our friends. No'ng nalaman ko at ni mommy ang nangyari, we were so mad that we cut ties with their family," he continued. "Matagal ko na rin huling nakausap at nakita kaya nagulat ako no'ng narito siya sa building."
"S-si Sir Louis?" I couldn't help but ask. "N-naayos ba nila ni ma'am ang r-relasyon?"
"Dad tried reaching out to my mother but my mother was never the same, they were civil with each other, anyway, maybe kahit para sa amin na lang. Nagkausap naman sila at nagkalinawan but you see, mahirap ayusin ang isang pagsasamang nagkaroon na ng lamat."
"Hanggang ngayon?" I asked softly.
"My father is dead," he informed. My back straightened, startled.
"What?!" I gasped. "H-how...I mean, I'm sorry. I-I didn't know."
"It's okay, it's been four years since he died. He didn't recover from his stroke that time."
"I'm sorry," I muttered, hindi pa rin makapaniwala. "W-wala akong naging balita."
"It's okay, we both had hard times when were apart," alo pa niya, may magaang ngiti but I could see right through him.
I could see the lonely boy behind those easy smiles. Niyakap ko siya.
"I'm sorry, Atlas," I whispered. "I-I'm so sorry for all the hard things we had to experience alone."
"It's hard to think how twisted our fates are," aniyang niyayakap ako. "It's hard thinking why we had to experience this without each other, without leaning on each other's shoulder but I wanted so bad to commend how strong we both are."
I nodded, closing my eyes.
He's right. We are brave.
"Maybe...maybe it's God's way to make us strong?" I said. "Maybe this is His way so when we meet again, like this, right now, we're the strongest version of ourselves?"
"Maybe..." he whispered huskily and slowly moved away. Hinanap niya ang mata ko at kaagad akong nanlambot sa mga tingin niya.
"Or maybe, this is God's way to keep us together. Na kapag may isang magiging mahina, ang isa'y magiging malakas para sa isa't isa," he muttered and touched my chin.
I saw him glance at my lips, bumalik ang kanyang mata sa mata ko pero nahulog muli sa labi.
"Or...maybe both," I answered and stared at his red lips enticing me to have a taste. I swallowed. Bago pa man siya muling makapagsalita ay wala nang nakapigil sa akin.
I pulled his nape down on me, tilted my head and kissed his lips.
He was stunned at first. Nanlaki ang mata niya kaya bigla akong nahiya sa pagiging agresibo. I retreated, pero mabilis niyang nahapit ang baywang ko palapit at tumungo na para angkinin ang labi ko.
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