Kabanata 10
Kabanata 10
Tuwang-tuwa sila sa celebration ng graduation ni Adira pero ako'y tulala rito sa upuan ko. I was craving for really sweet desserts earlier but now, kagat-kagat ko na ang labi.
"Okay ka lang?" Clyte asked when she realized I am not laughing with them while listening to Zion's corny jokes.
"Huh?" I glanced at her.
"I said, are you okay, Crest-Crest? Tulala ka, 'yong dessert mo hindi mo nagagalaw." She said.
Sumulyap ako sa pagkain sa harapan ko at napailing.
"Ayaw ko na." I pouted, tinulak ko ng bahagya ang platito kay Chiel at kinalabit siya. "Kambal, sa'yo na." I said.
He glanced at me, I saw how he frowned, his blue eyes giving me that weird look.
"Ang hilig mo kumuha ng pagkain tapos sa'kin mo ipapaubos." Reklamo niya.
"Kaysa sayangin?" I said. "Sa'yo na, gusto mo naman 'yan."
"I don't eat sweet that much." He even explained kaya mas sumimangot na ako.
"Akin na nga." Ani Clyte, mabilis na inabot ang platito pero hinila lang pabalik ng kambal ko.
"Gusto mo, Clytey?" tila maamong tipa niyang sabi.
"Yes, akin na. Ayaw mo naman ng matamis, eh. Akin na lang." She said.
"Ah, gusto ko na rin ngayon, eh. Hati na lang tayo?" Alchiel smiled like a fool and I frowned at him.
"Alam mo, Alchiel, pangit ka na nga, mas pumangit pa ngayon." I said and he glared at me. Narinig ko ang tawa nina Zion sa sinabi ko.
"Alchiel-taba niyo pangit daw." He said and chuckled.
"Mas pangit ka, gago." Laban din ng kambal ko at nang magsimula na silang magbatuhan ng tissue paper ay umentrada na si Clyte.
"Akin na, kakainin ko." She said and took the plate pero binalingan siya ng kambal ko.
"Gusto ko rin nito, hati na sabi tayo." He said and I saw Clyte glared at him. Chiel grinned like a dog kaya ngumiwi na ako at binatukan siya.
"Pag-umpugin ko kaya kayong dalawa." I said and stood from my seat, "oh, magtabi nga kayo at kumain at lalabas lang ako."
"Saan ka punta?" ani Clyte sa akin at muli kong naalala si Locket kaya tumikhim ako at umiling.
"Diyan lang...ano, papahangin." I smiled at her.
They let me go, I even noticed Chiel's weird look at me pero tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay at ngumisi at tumalikod.
I went outside the resto, kaagad akong sumilip sa phone ko at nagulat nang makita ang text ni Earn.
From: Earn
Madame!!! Si Lt. Padlock galet na galet, gusto manaket!!!
My forehead creased, nag-swipe pa ng messages at nakita ang message ng dalawa.
From: Brent
Mama Crest!!! Seryoso kami bigla niyang hinampas yung lamesa tapos nag-walk out! Tinanong namin saan punta, sabi niya kay Pinga! Ikaw ba si Pinga?
From: Adam
Madame!!! Be ready parang pupuntahan ka ni Padlock!
"Is he serious?" I muttered, mabilis na nagtipa ulit ng message para i-send kay Locket.
To: Lt. Pingu
That's just a typo, Pingu!!! It's TITO and not Titi!!!!!
I received no reply like earlier kaya suminghap na ako at muling nag-type pero nag-vibrate ang phone ko.
From: Lt. Pingu
Sge ulit mopa!
My forehead creased, mabilis na nag-type.
To: Lt. Pingu
Pumunta ka talaga? Are you driving??? Stop texting!
I bit my lower lip, sumusulyap sa phone para antayin ang replies niya but wala, I keep on pacing back and forth, mahigpit pa ang hawak sa phone.
"Damn, typo!" I hissed under my breath. "Bakit kasi magkatabi ang I at O?!" reklamo ko at napasuklay ng buhok.
Sumulyap ako sa loob ng restaurant at nakitang abala sila sa inuman at kwentuhan, nagpapa-picture kay Adira na malaki ang ngiti. Sina Mom and Dad ay naroon din, hinila pa ni Dad si Chiel patayo sa upuan para makigulo.
It made me smile, they're so great. I am so proud of what my siblings had become.
My phone beeped, nawala ang atensyon ko sa kanila at sumulyap sa phone.
From: Lt. Pingu
What resto? I'm fucking here.
My eyes widen.
"Seryoso ba?!" I exclaimed in shock, napahawak pa sa dibdib at naglibot ng tingin para makita kung nasaan siya.
I glanced at the name of the resto, was about to send a reply when I saw him from the distance, walking out of his black car, immediately locking his eyes at me.
Napalunok ako, I saw how he walked like a model on his uniform. His blue top is hugging his built really good. His blue pants sculpted his long legs and I felt like choking in amazement.
And oh...the bakat.
Napakurap ako, mabilis na nag-angat ng tingin at nahuli ang malamig na tingin niya sa akin. that gray eyes looked so dark while staring at me, wala siyang ngiti, nakabusangot lang sa akin at kitang-kita ko ang pag-igting ng panga niya.
His black hair danced with the cold wind around the place, mas naging marahas ang paglunok ko ro'n at napahawak pa sa dress na suot. Natatakot at baka mahulog na ang salawal ko dahil sa sobrang gwapo niya.
He's utterly handsome...he's gorgeous. I can't remember myself praising someone this intense before...ngayon lang.
His scent immediately reached my nose when he's already near me. Umayos ako ng tayo, sa maliliit na hakbang ay naglakad patungo sa kanya, kagat-kagat ang labi at nasa likod ang dalawang kamay.
"Uh...Pingu." I called. "You really came?"
"Where is it?" he asked me seriously kaya nag-init na ang pisngi ko.
"It's just a freaking typo, I swear!" I gasped. "It's Tito and not Titi!" I whispered the last word and he only glared at me.
"Say it again and I will fucking..." mas bumusangot siya at 'di tinuloy ang sinasabi.
"Fucking ano?" tumaas na ang kilay ko, "ikaw, Pingu, mukha kang lalaking marangal pero wild ka pala."
"What are you saying, Sandejas?" aniyang seryoso roon kaya ngumisi ako at inangat ang isang kamay, I slowly brushed his messy hair while he's looking at me seriously.
"Sabi mo fucking..." I pouted. "Anong klase 'yan?"
"That's..." he sighed. "Say it again or I'll fucking kiss you."
"Edi titi." I said softly and his mouth parted.
"What the hell, Crest Veronica?!" he exclaimed, lalabas na ata ang ngala-ngala kaya napahagalpak na ako.
"Joke! Joke! It's not bastos naman kasi it's a natural male part!" I chuckled and showed him my phone. "And come on! Kumalma ka kasi! I'm with my Tito!" I emphasized before letting him see my keypad.
"It's just an innocent typo! Magkatabi ang I at O sa keypad, what am I supposed to do?" I explained but he didn't take it, I saw him licked his lower lip, brushed his hair a bit and took my hand kaya nagulat ako.
"Pingu?" I asked.
"Do I look good?" he asked kaya nagtatakang tumango ako.
"Yes." I answered, inangat pa ang kamay at inayos ang kwelyo niya.
"Is your father inside?" he asked kaya napatango ako.
"Oo, my whole family is there. Why?" I asked but he didn't answer me. "And Pingu, I swear, it's a typo—"
"Sa presinto ka na magpaliwanag, Pinga." He said and gripped my hand, intertwining our hands, his fingers in the spaces between mine kaya nagitla ako.
He pulled me by the hand and it was too late to even realize what he's doing at nahila na niya ako pabalik sa restaurant.
Everyone is loud but the moment we entered, they all got silent.
My heart pounded. I saw how my Dad's smile faded when he saw Locket, si Alchiel ay nabulunan pa ng kinakain nila ni Clyte.
The silence made me feel nervous, humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Locket pero malakas ata ang loob ng Pingu ko at tumikhim pa siya at umayos ng tayo.
"Good evening, Sirs, Ma'ams. I apologize for gatecrashing. I'm Lorcan Keith Dmitrov." He said and even bowed his head for respect.
Napalunok na ako, I saw how my Dad cleared his throat, umayos ng tayo at inayos ang suit. My Dad is a loving and softy father when it comes to us but right now, I felt like we are in the court room, ready for a judgment.
My Dad stood strict and proud, his cold blue eyes almost glared at Locket's gray ones but Locket didn't even move, he even pulled me softly towards him, leaving my hand to placed his arms on my waist.
Dad saw it and his eyes are immediately piercing, marahas akong napalunok nang magsalita si Locket.
"Good evening, Attorney." He greeted respectfully but what shocked me is Dad's response.
"Sapakan na lang, Lt. Dmitrov?" Dad asked and my eyes widen, didn't expect it at all. Narinig ko ang tawanan nina Tito at Tita roon sa narinig. I even heard Papa Jer whistled somewhere.
"Where could we watch that?" I heard Papa Jer asked kaya mas nagtawanan sila.
"Ano? Tatanggapin mo ba ang hamon ko?" Dad asked in a serious, scary tone, offering his hand and kung ako siguro 'yon ay mangangatog na ako but to my shock again, Locket smirked and accepted his palm.
"Sure, Atty. Just tell me when and where." He said competitively and my jaw dropped when they shook hands, earning laughters from my relative.
"Woah, lakas naman ng loob!" I heard Tito Zeij exclaimed and laughed.
Dad smirked, I saw how he gripped Locket's hand tightly and I saw how Locket almost lost his color. Nakita kong nangiwi siya ng bahagya at nakita kong halos pilipitin na ni Dad ang kamay ni Locket kaya napasinghap na ako.
"Dad!" I hissed and Dad glanced at me innocently.
"What? I am not doing anything—"
"Stop gripping Locket's hand!" I said.
"Ay, sorry, mahigpit ba?" Dad even pretended to be shocked before letting go of Locket's hand who did his best to stay composed kahit nangingiwi sa higpit ng ginawa ni Dad.
"Mahigpit ba, Lt. Dmitrov?" he asked scarily and I saw how Locket shook his head before gulping.
"No, Sir." He said.
"Tama 'yan! Very nice!" Dad said, tinapik pa ang balikat ni Locket na napangiwi roon. Narinig ko pa ang lakas ng pagtama ng kamay niya kaya napailing ako.
"Dad!"
"What? I didn't do anything." He smiled innocently and glanced at Locket, "kumain ka na ba? Kumain ka muna, mamaya gigisahin kita." Ani Dad na tumaas pa ang kilay bago tumalikod at nakihalo na naman sa mga Tito ko nan ang-aasar sa kanya.
I noticed Clyte's stares, when she caught my eye, she flashed a naughty grin. I grinned back at her pero nawala nang sinalubong naman ni Chiel si Locket.
"Lt. Dmitrov." He greeted.
"Atty. Sandejas." Locket greeted back, I even saw them shook hands.
Just...woah, they really knew each other, huh?
Marahang humaplos ang palad ni Locket sa baywang ko habang naglalakad kami. I saw Mom and Adira's naughty and teasing smiles kaya nag-init ang pisngi ko habang papalapit.
"Good evening, Ma'ams." Ani Locket sa dalawa na ngumiti kaagad, may nang-aasar pang itinatago.
"Mom, Adira..." I called. "This is Locket. Locket, si Mommy at sister ko, Adira."
"Hello, Mrs. Sandejas, Miss Adira, congratulations." He greeted formally, even showing his hand for a handshake.
"Hello, Kuya Locket, thank you." Adira greeted.
"Good evening too," I saw Mom smiled sweetly and nodded. "Just call me Tita Thallia, Lt. Dmitrov."
"Tita," I saw Locket smiled, gone was the coldness. I can sense how soft he is while talking to my family and it warmed my heart. "Locket na lang po." He said.
"Alright, Locket." Mom smiled and nodded. "Kain ka muna, hijo. I know you just came from work, ayaw ko namang nagugutuman ang crush nitong prinsesa ko."
My eyes widen.
"Mom!" I exclaimed, my cheeks heated up.
"What? Hindi ba?" Mom asked, teasing me kaya ngumuso ako. Adira is grinning at me at nang sumulyap ako kay Locket ay nakita kong nakatitig na rin ito sa akin. I saw the hidden teasing look from his gray eyes, his lips almost tugging for a smirk.
"W-what?" I asked.
"Answer your Mom's question, Pinga. Hindi mo ba ako crush?" he asked and my heart almost went out of my freaking chest!
Gusto kong sumigaw ng malakas na yes kaso medyo-medyo dalagang marangal naman ako kaya napatakip ako sa bibig ko.
"Locket, enebe..." I almost whispered, bumping his waist.
"That's too sad then, crush pa naman din kita." He said and imagine how my freaking eyes widen.
"OMG!" I heard Adira muttered.
"May edad na ako pero...oh my God?!" Mom said at narinig ko ang tilian nila kaya naipikit ko ang mata at pasimpleng kinurot si Locket at sumulyap kina Mom at Adira na parang magkaedad kung kiligin sa tabi ko.
"Mom, Adira...excuse us first." I said, slowly pulling the teasing Pingu.
"Go, anak!" Mom said, raising her hand and winking kaya suminghap ako at napailing.
"My!" my cheeks flushed, mag lulupasay na rin ata pero kinakalma ko ang sarili.
I felt how Locket placed his arms on my shoulders, nag-init ang pisngi ko nang marahan niya akong dinala sa may buffet at nang tumapat kami roon ay sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"Ikaw...kung ano-anong ginagawa mo!" I hissed, smacking his stomach a bit.
"What?" he chuckled. "I'm just talking to your father, I should start working out more tho, Pinga."
"Huh? Why?"
"May sapakan, 'di ba?" he said, "I should be strong enough and fight him—"
"Ikaw! Hindi ka ba natatakot?" I playfully smacked him and he smirked, marahang tinanggal ang kamay sa balikat ko at inabot ang plato.
"Nah. What foods are your favorite?" he asked, looking around the buffet table.
"Hmm..." I glanced around before pointing the foods I want him to try. "Try this, Pingu. My favorite Tito cooked this, he's a chef at times so..."
"Favorite Tito..." aniya at lumingon. "Sino rito?" he asked kaya sumulyap ako sa likod at nakita si Tito Zeij na nakikipagbardagulan na naman kay Tito Dash at Tito Thorn.
"That one, Tito Zeijan." I said and he nodded.
"Oh, it's Sir Zeij." Aniya kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"You knew him?" I asked and he nodded at me.
"Yeah, I think you know his line of work and occasionally, we worked together. Same as with your cousin, Zion." He said and I nodded in amazement.
"Really?" I muttered and looked back, only to see my Dad's piercing blue eyes watching us like a hawk. My eyes widen, ayaw kong mahalata niyang kabado ako kaya ngumisi pa ako ng hilaw at kumaway ng maliit sa kanya at dali-daling bumaling kay Locket na nakatingin din kaya sumulyal akong muli.
I saw how my auncles are now glancing at Locket with their lagot sign, si Tito Zeij ay sumaludo pa and acted as if he's tying something on his neck, kunwari ay nagbigti, tinagilid pa ang ulo at pumikit, nilabas ang dila.
I almost laughed. That's why he's my favorite Tito!
Dad raised his brow at him at nakagat ko ang labi.
Sabay kaming nag-iwas ni Locket.
"Shit." He said kaya nagulat ako, napansin kong medyo namutla siya at napalunok kaya ngumuso ako, natatawa na.
"Akala ko ba, hindi ka takot?" I asked.
"I-I am not." He cleared his throat, "I'm just...ano bang masarap?" he asked kaya natawa na ako at napailing.
"Alright, kunwari hindi." I said in a small, teasing voice.
His eyes widen at me, "I'm not!" he defended kaya natawa na ako at pinisil ang pisngi niya.
"They're just joking." I said, chuckling. "They're like that when it comes to boys, overprotective."
"R-really?" he asked and I nodded, chuckling.
"Yes, calm down." I giggled, placing my hand on his waist. "It's okay. Come on, tikman mo 'to, masarap."
Kumuha rin ako ng pagkain habang kumukuha siya. He took every foods I asked him to taste, walang reklamo at s'yempre kumuha rin ako.
I saw three chocolate cupcakes were left on the plate at isa 'yon sa favorite ko kaya kinuha ko na lahat.
"Are you sure you can finish all that?" he asked and I nodded, smiling.
"Kaya 'yan. Ako pa?" I smirked. "And I like this one."
He nodded, sabay kaming naglakad patungo sa lamesa kung nasaan sina ang family ko, si Clyte at ang mga Tito at lalaking mga pinsan kong mukhang pumunta lang sa table para maki-chismis.
I immediately saw Mom's teasing look, nakabusangot si Dad at nang makita iyon ni Mommy ay natawa siya at hinuli ang kamay ng Daddy sa lamesa para haplusin.
"Good evening again," I can sense Locket's nervous voice kahit na pormal naman siya kaya halos matawa na ako. Clyte kept on eyeing Locket, as if observing him bago may binulong kay Chiel na bumusangot sa kanya at tahimik na naman silang nag-away.
"Here," Locket lifted the chair for me and it wasn't the first time but still...it made my heart pound. Marahang naupo ako ro'n at ngumiti sa kanya.
"Opo ka rito, El-tea." Ani Tito Zeij na nangingising tinapik ang upuan sa may tabi ko at naupo si Locket doon.
"Thanks, Sir." He said formally, ngumiti pa pero napaayos ng upo nang makita ang mariing tingin ni Dad.
"What's El-tea?" I asked, confused.
"El-tea. As in the letters L and T. 'Di ba, Lt. Dmitrov?" ngisi ni Tito Zeij. "Laughtrip Dmitrov." He explained.
Nagtawanan sila, napatawa na rin ako at nakita ko ang pag-angat ng sulok ni Locket doon sa kanya at natawa rin.
"Well, that's new, I didn't know that." Tito Thorn said.
"Tangek, mga matatanda na kasi kayong mga ulupong kayo." Tito smirked. "'Di kayo gumaya sa aking millennial! Bagets na bagets! Kita naman sa face!"
"Kung mukha mo naman na 'yan, mas bata naman ako, Kuya. Feelingero! Senior ka na nga ata!" Tita Zidney said and rolled her eyes kaya napailing na ako sa kanila, kinuha ang cupcake ko at sinimulang kainin.
"Anong senior? Hindi, ah! Baka 'yang asawa mo, si Tinik! Senior citizen!" he exclaimed.
"At bakit ako nadadamay dito?" ani Tito Thorn na nakabusangot na kaya napatawa ako.
It warmed my heart when I saw how Locket smiled and laughed with my family's remarks, right now, I can sense whenever his smile is genuine and it is right now. Si Dad ay tahimik at nagmamasid sa kanya, seryoso pa roon pero napapansin kong may plano ang mga uncle ko.
"Masyadong serious naman, Kuya Raf. Inom tayo riyan!" Tito Dash filled his shot glass with liquor again kaya napakurap na ako.
I saw Mom froze, she eyed Tito Dash but Tito just smirked and nodded at her, as if consoling her everything will be alright before exchanging glances with Tito Zeij na nang-aalaska na naman.
"Nakakatuwa naman at may boylet na itong aking favorite pamangks! Akala ko balak niya mag-forever shopping while roaming around the world!" Tito eyed me teasingly kaya ngumisi ako at napailing.
"Naunahan ka pa pala ni Crest, Chiel!" Tito Dash said kaya natawa si Chiel.
"Nah, I'm doing just fine." He answered.
"Don't you have girls or any love interest, Chiel?" Tita Zid asked and Chiel shook his head, nagkatinginan kaming dalawa kaya tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at bumuntonghininga siya.
"I'm fine, Tita." He chuckled. "I'll be single forever, then."
"Nirereto ko nga sa kasamahan ko sa ospital at gustong-gusto siya." Ani Clyte na natatawa. "Kaso pihikan, ayaw kahit anong reto ko."
"Mapili pala ha." Tito Thorn commented and they chuckled.
"Iba naman kasi gusto ko," ani Chiel na bumusangot pa kaya napailing na ako at natatawa, sumusulyap kay Locket nakangiting nakamasid sa pamilya ko.
I felt full when I finished one cupcake, may dalawa pang natirang 'di ko maubos kaya sumulyap ako kay Chiel na tinaasan lang ako ng kilay kaya ngumuso ako.
Arte naman, akala mo hindi palaging umuubos ng sobra kong foods! But he'll be mad for sure dahil pinaubos ko na sa kanila ni Clyte ang foods ko kanina.
I thought of Locket, kaagad kong kinuha ang pangalawang cupcake at inilahad sa may bibig niya at walang pagdadalawang-isip na kinain niya iyon, hinawakan pa ang kamay ko para maayos ang pagkagat niya.
"Sa'yo na 'tong isa, huh?" I whispered, "I'm full na, Pingu. It still looks yummy but I feel like my stomach's gonna burst."
"Put it here," he said and pointed his plate kaya nakangiti kong nilapag ang cupcake roon.
"Well, I can say Locket is a good man. Matagal ko na 'tong kilala si laughtrip." Ani Tito Zeij kaya sinamaan na ng tingin si Tito Zeij na natawa sa akin.
"Favorite kita, Tito, pero h'wag mo awayin ang Locket ko!" I said and Tito laughed, narinig ko ang tawanan nilang lahat at si Dad ay napainom pa ng diretso sa alak niya.
I noticed Locket glancing my way, marahang sumulyap ako sa may pwesto niya at kaagad na kumalabog ang puso ko. My heart pounded when his gray eyes met mine, I saw him trying to be serious but I know he wanted to smile.
I smiled sweetly at him and slowly, I saw him flashed a small smile too for me.
"Grabe ang chemistry! Parang nag-i-slow motion sa paningin ko." Clyte commented kaya mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin kay Locket at bumalik kay Clyte na nakangisi.
"Mesyede ke nemeng ene..." I joked and they laughed at me.
"Lt. Dmitrov, isang tanong, isang sagot." Nagitla kaming lahat nang maingay na ilapag ni Dad ang shot glass sa lamesa, kaagad kaming sumulyap sa kanya at nakitang namumula na ang mukha niya at namumungay ang mata.
Oh...this ain't freaking good!
"Dad—"
"N-no! No, no!" umiling siya, parang bata. "Pa...papagsalitain mo ako."
Nakita ko na ang ngisi ng mga Tito ko kaya suminghap na ako. I knew this is their purpose!
"Naku, mukhang seryosong usapan 'yan, ah?" Tito Zeij said softly. "Naku, Dash-beybe, lagyan mo pa ng alak ang baso ni Kuya Raf!" and Tito Dash even refilled his shot glass.
"Kuya, inom pa." Ani Tito Dash na tumulong pa sa pag-angat ng shot glass papunta sa bibig ng Tatay kong bangag na ata.
"Shit..." Mom said, "Zeij—"
"Hindi naman mabilis malasing si Kuya, Thallia!" tawa ni Tito Zeij, "'di ba, Kuya Raf?"
Dad with his flushing face blinked his eyes, namumungay na ang mata.
"No!" he said competitively. "Hindi ako...hindi ako lalasing!" he exclaimed and I almost burst out laughing when he raised his hand.
"Oh, fuck..." Chiel covered his face.
"Oo nga, 'di lalasing ang Kuya Raf namin!" Tito Zeij even stood from his seat and went behind my father to massaged his back. I saw Tito Thorn laughing a bit while taking a video.
"Iñigo..." Mom called. "You're drunk, baby—"
"No...no!" he shook his head. "M-maya na tayo kiss, okie?" he even smirked while flushing kaya naghagalpakan sila, pati ang mga nasa kabilang table ay nandito na para tignan si Dad na wala na naman sa sarili niya.
"My God..." Mom gasped, "Sober up, Iñigo."
"M-maya!" he said, blinking, taking another shot and drink it up straight. "Mamaya na tayo kiss-kiss, huh?" tawa niya. "I'm gonna tie you up and—"
"Iñigo Rafael!" Mom exclaimed and I almost covered my face in embarrassment when everyone laughed like they're losing their breath.
"Ay, wild naman pala!" Tita Zid exclaimed and someone whistled from the crowd of my relatives.
"Mamaya..." Dad raised his hand, "hoy, ikaw, laughtrip Dmitrov! Answer me! Gusto mo ba ang prinsesa ko?! K-kung hindi ano...sapakan na lang! Tara!" he even tried lifting his suit and I gasped.
"Dad—"
"No, gusto...gusto mo ba ang prinsesa ko?!"
"Yes, Sir." When I heard Locket's voice, I immediately froze. I felt how his hand slowly touched my hand under the table. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang kalabog ng dibdib ko sa biglaang ginawa niya.
I glanced at him but he's staring directly at my drunk father. I felt him slowly intertwined our hands, his fingers slowly filling the gaps in between mine.
"I like her, Attorney." He said directly to my father with our relatives around. "I like Crest Veronica, Sir."
I froze, it was as if my heart's about to explode or what! Nakaawang lang ang bibig ko roon at seryosong sumulyap sa akin si Locket at bumaling sa Dad ko.
"Attorney Iñigo, Atty. Chiel, Tita and Miss Adira. To the whole Sandejas clan here." He said and my heart raced while waiting for his words. "I genuinely asked for your approval."
"Approval?" Mom asked, shock yet amused.
"I want to ask for your approval, liligawan ko po ang anak niyo." Aniyang seryoso at nalaglag lang ata ang panga ko.
Mom's mouth parted before a small and amazed smile left her lips.
"Y-you..." nawala ang atensyon ko kay Mom nang marinig ang boses ng Dad. I caught him dried something on his cheek kaya umawang ang labi ko.
"D-dad..."
"K-kukunin mo ang prinsesa ko?" he asked and my eyes widen when he began sniffing, namumungay pang lalo ang mata at may kaunting luha.
"Iñigo..."
"N-no! No, k-kukunin niya ang Thallia-liit ko!" he began crying and we were all stunned.
"Sir...I don't." I saw Locket gulped. "Hindi ko po kukunin si Crest, I was just asking for approval if I could court her—"
"P-pero kukunin mo!" he exclaimed and sniffed more. "N-no...Thallia-liit ko 'yan!" he said and I don't know if I would laugh or feel emotional listening to him say that.
My father loves me so much...
Nangilid ang luha ko pero natatawa ako.
"Sir—"
"Iñigo, come on..." Mom laughed. "He's just asking if he could court your Thallia-liit."
"No...no." Iling niya at hinawi ang luha. "Dito lang Crest sa akin!"
Mom chuckled and glanced at us before staring at Dad, "come on, Attorney." Mom said pero mas umiling lang ang Dad.
"I-I'm not Attorney! I'm your baby!" he whined before crying harder at hindi ko na napigilan ang tawa ko at ang resto ay napuno ng asaran at hagalpakan dahil kay Daddy.
My Dad was dead drunk, kulang na lang ay sama-samang buhatin ng mga lalaki dahil sa kalasingan at pag-iyak niya roon. Mom was laughing hard but stressed too because Dad won't let her go, nasa sasakyan na lahat-lahat ay nakalingkis pa rin sa kanya.
Locket was kind enough to take me back to my condo unit where I decided to stay since it's closer to the precinct and I feel like being a bit independent. Well, I try my best! At least!
"Are you sure you can stay here alone? Ayaw mo sa mansyon niyo?" Locket asked when we got inside my unit.
"Yep! I'm an independent woman na!" I winked at him and he raised his brow and looked around my kitchen.
"Who cooks?" he asked kaya napaisip ako pero ngumisi.
"Ah, ako lang." I said and he eyed me suspiciously. "Really, huh? What do eat, then?"
"Uh...kahit ano? Mga healthy foods, gano'n." I said and chuckled nervously but he only walked closer to me, napasinghap ako nang pitikin niya ang noo ko at may dinungaw sa likod ko.
"Then, what is this? Instant foods, huh?" napalingon ako at nagitla nang makita ang basurahan kong nakabukas at kita ang lagayan ng instant foods.
I immediately closed it open and smiled faintly, "minsan lang naman."
"And pigs can fly, Crest Veronica." Aniya at inabot ang kamay ko. "You shouldn't do that, that's unhealthy. I'll teach you how to cook when it's my free time, don't worry."
It made me smile, kaagad akong humawak pabalik sa kamay niya at lumapit.
"Talaga?"
"Hmm..." he nodded, staring at my face and fixed my hair a bit. "Can you stay alone here now? I gotta go home."
"Hmm, kaya ko naman." I smiled a bit at him, "before you go, can I offer you something to drink? Uh, juice? Water? I can make coffees too! I swear it's my specialty! Mom taught me how!"
But he didn't answer, I realized he's been staring at me kaya nag-init ang pisngi ko.
"Pingu?" I called and he licked his lower lip, smiled and touched his nape before staring at me again.
"I think I'm going crazy," he chuckled.
"Hmm? Why naman?" I asked softly, inangat ko ang kamay ko para hawakan ang pisngi niya para sana haplusin but he caught it and kissed my palm instead.
"I wanted some coffee, baby." He said and smiled, leaving me standing there like an idiot, grinning widely, almost reaching my ears.
Of course, ginalingan ko talaga sa pagtimpla ng coffee ni Pingu ko. Once I'm done with our coffees, naabutan ko siyang nakaupo sa sofa sa may living room at tinitignan ang sketch pad kong nakapatong kanina sa table.
"Hi, Pingu!" I said cheerfully, slowly lowering the cups on the table.
"Thank you," he said, marahang kinuha ang kape at sumimsim. I watched his reaction and smiled after he lowered his cup.
"So...?"
"You should make this one for me in the precinct," he said kaya nagliwanag ang mata ko.
"Masarap ba?"
"Yeah," he said and took a sip again. "I liked it more than those black instant coffees in the station, did you brew this?"
I nodded proudly and he smiled, "I love this."
Mas lumaki ang ngiti ko, lalo na nang muli siyang uminom at napatango.
"This is my new favorite now." He said kaya napatawa na ako, nakita kong may kaunting drop ng coffee sa may gilid ng lips niya kaya inabot ko ang handkerchief ko at marahang pinunasan iyon.
"Akala ko ba, you like Pâncit dè Cantón?" I asked and he chuckled and nodded.
"Yeah, same as this one. That's my favorite food and this my new favorite drink." He said, making me feel happy and grateful. I took my cup of coffee and took a sip too before smiling at him.
"I'm glad you liked it." I said happily and he nodded, inabot niya ang sketch pad at inilahad sa akin kaya napangiti ako.
"These are beautiful, why did you not pursue this?" he asked me kaya sumulyap ako sa sketches ko at ngumuso, may naisip pero hindi sinabi.
"I just got bored way back, I guess?" I said, hindi tumitingin sa kanya. "Nawalan lang ako ng interes tapos ngayon bumabalik-balik na, what can you say? Pretty ba talaga?"
"Yes," he said and moved closer to me. Our shoulders touched kaya kinilig ako at pasimpleng nilagay ang kamay ko sa hita niya bago umusog pa at inilahad sa kanya ang sketch.
"You think I can be a fashion designer someday?"
"Why wish for someday? You'll be a fashion designer sooner than you expect it to be." He said, naramdaman ko ang pagsandal niya sa may sofa, marahang inabot ako kaya napasandal din ako sa braso niya. "If you wish for things, start it sooner than later, Pinga."
"Alam mo ba, Pingu, my family surprised me today. They saw the sketches I made after them, I envisioned that they will wear it and...they made it happen, Pingu. Pinagawa nila kay Tita Nat ang sketches ko for them and they wore it in the graduation." I told him comfortably and his smile widened.
"Really? You mean, that gorgeous dress your Mom and Adira's wearing is your creation?"
I slowly nodded and smiled happily, nagsimula nang magkwento sa kanya.
"And I was shock kasi that woman is lowkey belittling me. I am so ready to be kind and just stay quiet but my family saved me, Pingu. Sabi nila na I'm currently practicing my skills and I'm an aspiring designer!" I said happily. "Mom and Adira even flexed their dresses! Telling everyone that it was me who designed it!"
I can see his soft gray eyes staring at me, nakasandal ang ulo namin sa sofa at magkaharap, halos magkalapit ang mukha at nag-uusap.
"Are you happy, then, my Pinga?" he asked and I nodded, smiling.
"O-oo..." I said and he sighed, nagulat ako nang may pinunasan siya sa pisngi ko.
"Then, why are you crying?" he asked, slowly touching my cheek with his thumb kaya mas suminghap ako.
"W-wala lang, Pingu, kasi ang saya-saya ko." I said. "My heart feels so happy that they're proud of what I did, I'm overwhelmed my family appreciated it. Na they even wore it on a special day and my relatives are so amazed at me too, they keep on asking me about the designs and you know what? My grandparents were so happy too! My grandma was a beauty queen before and she was so thrilled when she found out about what I designed! Sabi niya sa akin, Lorcan, na sana raw dati pa buhay na ako para ako raw ang nag-design ng dresses at gowns niya before sa pageant kasi sobrang ganda raw!"
I was smiling widely, emotional but cheering and telling my story like a child to him who's been listening intently. Malaki ang ngiti ko at nagdadaldal pa nang matanto kong hindi mawala ang titig niya sa akin.
I can see how he's quietly adoring me and my cheeks flushed at that.
"G-grabe naman makatitig, Locket! Baka naman matunaw ako niyan!" I exclaimed and he chuckled, pinching my cheek.
"You're beautiful but you're more beautiful when you smile brightly like that, baby." He said kaya halos tumili na ako sa kilig.
"R-really?" I asked and he nodded, hinaplos niya ang pisngi ko bago hawakan ang chin ko.
"Yes, you shine more whenever you smile."
"That's maybe because I'm just so happy? I am sorry if I'm a bit madaldal to you, hmm? I'm just...I don't know, I am so comfortable with you and I wanna get this out of my chest because I am so happy, I wanna share my happiness with you. Am I being too dramatic na?"
"No, you're not. You deserved every praises and adoration because you're great. Ang galing-galing mo, Crest Veronica. I am so proud of you." He said seriously and I can imagine my eyes turning so bright and wide, overwhelmed and happy right now.
"I-I am magaling?" I asked and he nodded.
"Hmm, and I am rooting for you, always. Are you proud of yourself?" he asked me and I sighed and smiled.
"I don't want to sound bragging but I am proud of myself, I feel so great and happy." I smiled. "I feel like I am me...not Atty. Sandejas' daughter, I am Crest Veronica, an aspiring fashion designer and I'm so...so proud of being me right now."
He chuckled, his gray eyes twinkled with admiration as he touched my chin more.
"That's my girl." He muttered. "That's my baby Pinga."
I didn't know what but it made me even happier, ngumuso ako at inabot ang kamay niya sa chin ko at hinaplos.
"Baby na? Not Honey?" I asked, smiling and he stared at me and slowly shook his head.
"I like baby for you now," he said. "Because you're like an adorable, bratty, little baby penguin who I always want to take care. Do you prefer honey?"
"No..." I smiled. "I actually liked baby more. It feels more me, it feels more Baby Pingu and Baby Pinga." I chuckled. "We're like little penguins."
We both laughed, mas umusog ako sa kanya at halos magdikit na ang mukha namin.
"Lorcan," I called.
"Hmm?" he hummed, still not leaving my eyes.
"Do you mean what you told my family earlier...na gusto mo ako? Na liligawan mo ako?" I asked.
"I was never this truthful my whole life, Crest." He said, staring at me. "I like you, Pinga, and I am sorry for not asking you directly but let me ask you now."
"Okay..." humaba ang nguso ko, nagpipigil ng ngiti.
"P'wede bang manligaw?" he asked kaya nag-init ang pisngi ko at tumango sa kanya.
"Tinatanong pa ba 'yan? We already kissed, I even touch your fluffy butt and fluffy bird—" he glared at me kaya natawa ako. "I mean, ang bakat mo."
"It really is a thing for us na magbastusan sa seryosong usapan, ano?" aniya kaya napatawa na ako at sinapo ang pisngi niya para titigan siya.
"It's Pingu and Pinga things, Locket baby." I smiled. "And yes, of course, you can court me. With ligaw benefits like hawakan ng bakat at laplapan?"
His mouth parted, napatili na ako nang hulihin niya ang baywang ko at nangiliti dahil sa tabas ng dila ko.
I am really comfortable with him, he makes me happy, he makes me feel safe. Kahit naman bastos minsan ang lumalabas na salita sa bibig naming dalawa, I can feel how much respect Locket has for me.
He never touched me inappropriately, he didn't take advantage of me when I was fragile and weak. He respected me not just as a woman but as a person, as a human being.
It made me fell for him more, he became my safe haven, my comfort zone and my protector. I found new friends with him and the boys, they made me feel like I'm a friend and a family, things I never felt with my ex-friends.
I am happy, I am thankful and grateful. I worked for the station as an assistant-slash-secretary while it's Ate Minda's maternity leave, I am sketching designs for clothes, minsa'y uuwi sa mansyon dahil nag-iinarte ang Dad at nami-miss na ako.
I am trying to be a better version of myself like what Locket suggested me to do. I did my best to control my expenses, tho, there are times na ang hirap-hirap kasi nasanay na ako at may mga sale pa minsan but I am working to spend moderately. Masaya rin ako na nakikitang hindi na nagugulantang si Dad sa expenses ko kasi mas mababa na siya from usual.
And I am earning! Hindi man kalakihan kumpara sa allowance ko dati ay ramdam ko siya dahil ayon na ang gamit ko for foods and water expenses ko. I'm so proud of me!
Instead of shopping and spending a lot of money, I spent it on my work with the boys in the station, minsan nga doon na ako natutulog sa office ni Locket kapag nakikisabay ako sa kanila sa night duty kasi love na love ko sila.
Aside from my home with my family, I found home in the station...with them.
But not all happiness will remain as happiness, because I'm staying in my condo unit more often, my nightmares resumed and it's getting scarier now. I began dreaming of people degrading me, how I ran to the forest with trees turning to monsters, chasing me. I can hear laughter and mocking voices telling me how worthless and dirty I am in my sleep and I always wake up sa alanganing oras, habol ang hininga at nanginginig sa takot.
Just like now and after I washed my face para mahimasmasan sa panginginig at pag-iyak ay sinubukan ko ulit na matulog pero hindi ko magawa. I even opened the lights because darkness is scarier now!
I drink a glass of water before opening my drawer, checking my sleeping pills but to my disappointment, the bottle is already empty!
"Fuck it..." I cursed and pulled my hair. "How can I sleep now?" I whispered.
I was so desperate right now that I found myself typing a message for my cousins.
To: Deion
Hi, Eion! Sorry for the late text but are you in the clinic this week? Ubos na kasi ang sleeping pills ko at papareseta sana ako ulit after check-up sa'yo, my insomnia is attacking again.
When I'm done texting, iginilid ko ang phone at muling nahiga sa kama, yakap-yakap ang sarili at binalot ng kumot ang katawan.
"Sleep, Crest. Sleep. No one will hurt you. You're inside your unit, calm down." I whispered, consoling myself.
I closed my eyes tightly, trying my best to sleep but I really couldn't.
Everytime I will close my eyes, I can see that terrifying black eyes staring at me with his lips, smirking and I am shaking again.
I took my phone again, checked my contacts and saw Clyte's name pero naalala kong night duty siya ngayon sa hospital kaya may work. Si Chiel nama'y nasa Davao para sa kaso.
I didn't want to disturb him but I found myself calling Locket on the phone and when he didn't answered, I sighed.
To: Lt. Pingu
Hi, Pingu! Are you still up? 😊
To: Lt. Pingu
Call ako, okay lang? I can't sleep kasi.
I sighed, tried calling again but he's not answering kaya mariing ipinikit ko ang mata at sumulyap sa orasan at natantong alas-tres na ng madaling araw.
"He's sleeping," I whispered and sighed, tears began falling my cheek. "A-ang hilig ko namang mang-istorbo, tang ina lang."
Sniffing, I typed another message for him to read when he woke up.
To: Lt. Pingu
Sorry for the call, mangungulit lang sana haha! Good morning? Sleep well, Pingu! See you tomorrow! Sleep na rin pala ako. 😘
I was sniffing when I sent the text, inilapag ko 'yon sa side table.
I opened the television instead to make a sound inside the room, ibinalot ko ng kumot ang katawan ko bago sumiksik sa gilid sa ibaba ng kama para kumalma. While I was inside the blanket, I hugged my knees and buried my face on it.
I took a deep breath, sighing hard to relax but I couldn't. I felt like running out of breath, my shoulders moved, hinampas ko pa ng kamay ang dibdib ko para kumalma.
"No...no, don't cry." I said under my breath. "W-wala...walang mananakit sa'yo." I whispered.
It took me a while to calm down but luckily, I did, somehow. I crawled out of my blanket to get my glass of water near the bedside when I saw the notification light from my phone.
Hinawi ko ang luha ko, sumisinghot pa at nagulat nang makita ang message ni Locket.
From: Lt. Pingu
No, I'm busy.
From: Lt. Pingu
Lambing muna, Pinga.
From: Lt. Pingu
What? You're asleep now? I woke up just for you ☹
From: Lt. Pingu
Well, you're still online. Are you ghosting me? 🐧 😠 <--that's a mad Pingu.
It made me chuckle, hinawi ko ang luha ko at nag-scroll pa.
From: Lt. Pingu
I'm sleeping, yari ka sa'kin bukas, Crest Veronica.
I bit my lower lip and smiled.
To: Lt. Pingu
Sorry, Pingu. Nakatulog pala ako hehe, you up? Miss na kita, punta ka naman dito sa unit ko. Dito ka na mag-sleep. Pleaseeeee! And I'm hungry😭
From: Lt. Pingu
🐧 😴<--Pingu is sleeping.
It made my heart jumped, sa kabila ng luha ko ay natawa ako at nag-type.
To: Lt. Pingu
Sayang naman huhu may free kiss sana. Miss ko na ang bakat ni Padlock☹
I received no reply from him kaya ngumiti na lang ako at nahiga sa kama, I covered my body with blanket while staring at my phone, he only had seen it pero walang reply.
He might be annoyed for waking him up, I should apologize tomorrow. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung matutuwa akong nagising siya para mag-reply pa or maiinis kasi nagising at naistorbo ko siya.
I stayed staring at my phone for almost half an hour, watching cute, funny animals caught on camera and some made me smile but I couldn't laugh sa bigat ng pakiramdam ko.
I almost jumped when my phone vibrated, mabilis ko 'yong sinulyapan at nagitla sa nabasa.
From: Lt. Pingu
I'm in front of the door, open up. It's cold out here.
My eyes widen, halos mapatalon na sa kama sa gulat doon at dali-daling bumaba para buksan ang pintuan para tignan kung nandoon nga siya and my heart thumped when I saw him.
"See? You're awake? Let me in. I'm gonna feed the bratty baby Pinga." He said and I saw him wearing his brown shirt, pajamas and slippers, magulo pa ang buhok ng bahagya, sa kamay niya ay may plastic ng foods sa drive through at doon, muling bumuhos ang luha ko.
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