Kabanata 16
Hello, Archers! Good evening, reminder lang again na pakibasa ulit ang DISCLAIMER na nilagay ko po sa first part nito story. This story will tackle sensitive issues/conflicts/scenes some of you might find triggering. I won't force anyone to read because it's your choice, you can try reading other stories from this installment or other novels here in Wattpad. I understand if hindi niyo na mababasa. Prioritize your mental health first, may warning na rin po ako sa unahan.
And please do remember not to do victim blaming and slut-shaming, we don't have the right to do that and we don't know their full story. I just also want you to know that a woman's worth is NOT BASED on her hymen. We are human beings, we deserve respect so we must practice giving one to each other.
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Kabanata 16
"Pingu, pa-kiss?" I muttered.
Mula sa hawak na plastic ay gulat siyang nabaling sa akin.
"Hmm?" he even looks startled kaya mas ngumuso na ako at gumilid sa stool, mas lumapit.
"Kiss." I pouted my lips.
I saw how amusement played on his gray eyes, his lips lifted for a smirk. Saglit niyang inilagay ang plastic sa counter top bago mabilis na lumapit. I wasn't expecting that so I was shock, lalo na nang marahang inikot niya ang inuupuan ko kaya napasandal ako bago inilagay ang magkabilang braso sa gilid ko, kinukulong ako.
He moved his head, naatras ko ang mukha sa gulat sa kanya, nanlalaki pa ang mata.
"What?" he asked, his baritone voice filled my ear.
"Are you really..."
"What? Akala ko ba matapang ka?" he raised his brow and my heart pounded harshly when I realized how hot he looked while staring playfully at me like that.
"O-oo nga..." I said and his lips protruded a bit when he heard me.
"Then...what's with the stuttering, huh? Pinga?" he raised his hand, mas pumilantik ang puso ko nang haplusin ng daliri niya ang chin ko at marahang inangat. "What are you now, huh? A scared baby penguin?"
I glared at him, nakita ko ang pagtago niya ng ngiti sa mukha at mas inasar lang ako.
"How sad, ang tapang makahingi ng halik tapos kapag bibigyan naman naduduwag." Aniya at ngumisi pa kaya mas tumalim na ang tingin ko.
"Oh? What? Is that a pissed, bratty penguin I am seeing?" tumawa pa siya kaya mabilis kong inangat ang isang kamay at hinila ang batok niya palapit sa akin.
He was stunned when I caught his lips, nanlaki pa ang mata niya nang matantong magkadikit na ang labi naming dalawa pero kaagad ding nakabawi.
His gray eyes darkened and I felt my stomach churning the moment he moved his lips and bit my lower lip sensually while leaning closer.
"Sweet..." he muttered and moved away, planting a quick kiss. "Open your mouth, baby." He said and I did.
He tilted his head closer, mas nagdikit ang katawan namin at napasandal akong lalo sa counter nang hawakan niya ang batok ko. We kissed fervently, I can feel how his lips moved against mine, his tongue memorizing every corners of my mouth.
The heat I've been feeling for him for quite some time intensifies, I lifted my other hand, put it on his nape, slowly massaging it before I fisted a handful of his hair to fight back.
I heard his faint moan, his other hand dropped on my exposed leg and it made me hotter, lalo na nang maramdaman ko ang marahang paghaplos doon ng palad niya. His rough hands sent me shivers, halos maghabol na ako ng hininga nang humiwalay siya sa akin para pagtuunan ng pansin ang panga ko.
I tilted my head, letting him kiss my bare skin, my eyes were tightly closed, feeling how much heat just his simple kiss and touch could give me.
I felt how his tongue licked the side of my jaw, mas napadaing pa ako nang i-angat niya ang kamay at hinaplos ang dibdib ko kahit suot ko pa ang damit ko.
"L-Lorcan..." I moaned and lifted my legs, ikinapit ko iyon sa kanyang baywang kaya mas nausog lang siya sa akin.
I opened my eyes and saw him squeezed my boob, I bit my lower lip when I realized how hot it looked. He gave my skin butterfly kisses, ramdam na ramdam ko ang hininga niya sa leeg ko.
He kissed and sucked my it, kaagad akong natigilan doon at nanlaki ang mata, gulat na lumayo sa kanya.
"Why..." he asked, bakas ang pagkabitin sa mata kaya napahawak ako sa leeg ko.
"Did you just suck my skin?" I asked and he slowly nodded.
"Yes? Why?" he asked, akmang lalapit na naman pero lumayo ako.
"Did it leave a hickey?" I asked, my eyes are wide and his forehead creased, hinuli niya ang kamay ko bago tignan ang leeg ko at napanguso.
"Well..." he cleared his throat. "Maliit lang naman—"
"Lorcan Keith! Sexy sleeveless ang outfit ko bukas!" I exclaimed and to my shock, he suddenly laughed. I glared at him, natatawang hinalikan niya ang likod ng palad ng kamay kong hawak niya at ngumisi.
"Don't worry, maliit lang naman—"
"Lorcan nga!" I whine and he chuckled more, hinawi niya ang buhok ko sa leeg, mas tinitigan ang balat ko at umiling.
"This is just a small hickey, baby." He said, smirking. "You can cover this up with a concealer or something."
Mas sinamaan ko lang siya ng tingin, nakita kong natatawa na naman siya sa mukha ko bago hinuli ang baba ko para bigyan ako ng halik.
"Sorry na..." he muttered and gave me a quick kiss again. "Sorry na, Pinga ko."
"Huh!" I frowned, "akala mo bati na tayo? Hindi ako marupok." I pointed out and his naughty gray eyes stared at him.
"Really?" he asked and I nodded, pouting.
"Oo! 'Di na ako papadala sa pahalik mo riyan—" he stopped me from talking by kissing my lips again, I felt how he licked my lower lip, softly biting it and searched form my eyes again.
"Hindi pa rin?" he asked and my heart jumped, nag-iinit na ang pisngi pero strong at independent woman ako kaya umiling ako.
"No." Ginantihan ko siya ng ngisi pero hinuli niya lang ang labi kong muli at hinalikan.
"Lorcan—" I gasped when he squeezed my lip, smooching my lips like a candy kaya hinampas ko ang balikat niya.
"Lorcan Keith! Ang landi mo!" I exclaimed and he only laughed, halos mapapikit nan ang pisilin niya ang magkabilang gilid ng labi ko at pinaulan ako ng halik.
I can hear the sound of his kisses kaya napatili na ako at dinakma siya ng yakap.
"Oo na, sige!" I exclaimed and he chuckled more, saglit pa siyang pumatak-patak ng halik sa labi ko bago lumayo at hinawi ang buhok ko.
"Akala ko ba, friends lang tayo, Pinga?" aniya habang inaayos ang buhok ko kaya humaba ang nguso ko at nag-init ang pisngi.
"Oo nga, friends." I said and his brow raised, amused.
"Really? Then why are we clingy—"
"Landian as friends 'to, okay?" I exclaimed and his laughter roared.
"What? Is that even a thing?" he asked and I frowned and nodded.
"Oo, sa 'tin, angal ka?" I raised my brow and he shook his head, muli niyang hinalikan ang labi ko kaya hinampas ko na ang balikat niya.
"Friends nga, Lorcan Keith tapos halik ka nang halik!" I exclaimed and his brow shot up and answered.
"Halikan as friends," he pointed out at doon na napaawang ang labi ko, sinipa na siya kaya natatawa na siyang nag-iwas at muling pinagtuunan ng pansin ang plastic ng pagkain na in-order niya para sa aming dalawa.
I saw how engross he is while taking the take outs out of the plastic. I felt peaceful, just by staring at his perfect side profile.
He has that cold, strict, European aura around him. Sa unang tingin ay akala mo'y malamig pero kapag nakilala mo ng sobra ay makulit at palangiti rin. They said he rarely smiles but he always is when we're together and it made me feel special.
His sculpted jaw made him look manlier, ang buhok niyang malinis ay mas lalong nagpa-gwapo sa kanyang itsura.
Pumahalumbaba ako sa pinagmasdan siya, his red lips are in a firm line, nang gumalaw ang labi niya ay nakita ko ang maliit at hindi pansining dimple sa gilid ng labi niya. I saw the locket I bought for him hanging on his neck, making me smile.
"Lieutenant?" I called and he glanced back my way.
"Hmm?" he hummed and I smiled and spoke. "Thank you."
His forehead creased, confused. "For?"
"Wala lang...para sa lahat?" I chuckled, staring deeply at him. "Basta, salamat. Thank you so much."
I gasped when he flicked my forehead, nanlaki ang mata ko roon at napahawak sa noo ko.
"Huh? Why?"
"Don't cry." Aniya kaya suminghap na ako at napahawak sa pisngi ko, bago ko pa man mapunasan ang luha ko'y mabilis niyang napunasan na iyon at ngumiti sa akin.
"Sorry, I didn't know..." I pouted and the side of his lips rose for a smile before nodding.
"It's okay, you're welcome...I guess?" aniya kaya napangiti na ako. "Saan tayo kakain, Crest ko?"
Tinapos ko muna ang pagpunas ng luha ko bago nag-ikot ng tingin at naisip ang terrace sa may kwarto ko kaya sinabi ko iyon.
"Alright, come on." Aniya pero inangat ko lang ang kamay ko at ipinakita sa kanya.
"Karga." I smiled and he chuckled.
"Really? You're a baby now?" he asked in amusement and I nodded, biting my lower lip.
"Yep! You should carry because I'm a baby. Baby Pinga." I said and he chuckled, napatili ako nang walang hirap niya akong buhatin, mabilis naman akong kumapit sa kanyang batok at ginalaw pa ang paa habang naglalakad siya at buhat ako.
"I feel like a princess, ah?" I said and he laughed.
"You've always been a princess, Pinga." Aniya kaya mas lumaki ang ngiti ko.
"Hmm? How so?"
"You're your family's princess and mine too." Aniya habang seryoso at naglalakad kaya natigilan ako, halos mapatili na rin pero kinakalma ang sarili.
"I'm your princess too?" I asked and he looked down on me on his arms and nodded.
"Yes, my baby bratty princess." He chuckled. "And my Mama Pinga."
My cheeks heated up, I saw how his gray eyes twinkled when he saw my face, nang makita kong may paamba na siyang ngisi ay tumili ako at gumalaw na sa bisig niya.
"Lorcan Keith! Ang harot, ah!" I exclaimed and he chuckled. "Pitikin ko 'yang bakat mo, eh!"
Nawala ang ngisi niya. He eyed me boredly kaya natawa na ako at binuksan ang pintuan patungo sa terrace para makaupo na ako.
"Wait here," he said after he sat me comfortably on the soft couch before leaving.
Habang wala siya ay nakangiting nakatitig lang ako sa payapang gabi. The place is quiet yet serene, I heard nothing but the sound of small insects, ang tanging ilaw lang ay ang dim light bulb sa terrace at ang maliwanag na mga bituin at buwan na nasa kalangitan.
The scent of fresh air reached my nose, ang lamig na mula sa paligid ay humaplos sa balat ko pero sa halip na malamigan ay nakahinga lang ako ng maluwang.
Locket...he accepts me. When I thought no one would accept me wholly after knowing that kind of stuff but then, he came and he accepted me without hesitations.
He did what most man wouldn't do. He didn't judge me right away, he didn't base my worth in it like what most people would do. Like how typical people would do. Judging without basis, judging without knowing a person's side of the story.
Just simply judging...because you lost and got nothing like their ideals.
Hinuhusgahan ka dahil wala ka...dahil may kulang ka.
I stared at the peaceful and bright night sky and smiled, muttering a quick prayer.
Thank you for giving me a man who'd accept me, Lord. Thank you.
"Hey, Pinga. What do you prefer? Spaghetti or lasagna? Sorry, I just ordered this from the nearest food chain, baka kasi nagugutom ka na." Entrada ni Locket na inayos pa ang pagkain sa lamesa naming maliit kaya napangiti na ako.
"Anything, basta ba, subuan mo ako?" I teased and he didn't have any violent reaction at all, he simply nodded and fixed my plate.
"Alright." He answered.
My smile widened, inangat ko ang hita ko sa couch bago niyakap at sumulyap kay Locket na binubuksan ang softdrinks at nilalagyan ang baso ko.
"With ice?" aniya sa akin kaya tumango ako at hinayaan siya.
I smelled his perfume when he sat beside me, nakita ko pa ang pag-unat niya ng bahagya kaya natawa na ako.
"Why? Masakit na ba ang kasu-kasuan mo, Lieutenant Pigsa?" I asked and he glanced at me sideways and smirk.
"Nah, I could still make out with you 'till sunrise." Aniyang parang wala lang, mabilis niyang kinuha ang hita ko, marahang hinila iyon kaya napasinghap na ako.
"Locket nga!" I hissed and he glanced at me innocently.
"Why?" he asked and I pouted, inayos niya ang hita ko kaya mas lumapit ako sa kanya para ayusin ang pagkakapatong nito sa hita niya.
Now, he's facing the table and I am sitting sideways, ang hita ko ay nakapatok sa hita niya sa couch at nakasandal sa tagiliran niya.
"Open your mouth..." aniya kaya ngumanga ako at kinain ang sinusubo niyang spaghetti. "There's chicken here and rice, himayan ba kita?"
I smiled while chewing the foods, nodding, walang hirap naman niyang inabot ang pagkain ko at nakita ko ang paghimay niya roon bago i-angat ang kutsara at muli akong subuan.
"Ikaw, dapat kakain ka rin." I said and he smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, later. I have to feed the hungry penguin first. Nakakatakot at baka ako pa ang makain." Aniya na nang-aasar pa kaya natawa ako at kinuha sa kanya ang plato.
"Asshole na gago," I chuckled. "Choosy ka pa, kapag ikaw talaga kinain ko..." I took a spoonful of rice and chicken and fed him.
"Ano? Kapag kinain mo ako?" aniya habang ngumunguya kaya pinitik ko ang labi niya.
"Hoy, h'wag kang magsasalita ng may laman ang bibig." Pagalit ko at tinikom niya ang bibig at ngumuya ng marahan, tinititigan ako ng seryoso.
"Alam mo, Locket, hindi ko talaga akalaing ganyan ka kadaldal." I commented after at nang malunok niya ang kinakain ay nakita kong binasa niya ang labi at kinuha sa akin ang plato.
"Talkative? I am not." Maang pa niya kaya pinanliitan ko siya ng mata. "How so?"
"Hmm, kasi dati masungit ka, eh. Alam mo 'yong tipong parang one word lang sinasabi mo." I said and I saw him frowned.
"What am I? A toddler? One word?" he hissed kaya natawa na ako at pinisil ang pisngi niya.
"Oh, sige, sabihin na nating three words. Ten words max." I smiled at bago pa siya makapagreklamo ay kinuha ko ang hawak niyang kutsara at pinakain na siya. "Pero you're a quiet person, 'di ba? Kaya natutuwa lang ako na mahaba ka na palagi magsalita. I loved it when you're talking a bit longer, tapos mahilig ka mag-advice sa 'kin, you may not know it pero natutuwa ako tapos may natutunan ako sa sinasabi mo."
"I'm learning from you either," he said. "It's great that we're learning for each other, right?"
I slowly nodded and smiled, mas inayos ni Locket ang hita kong nakapatong sa kanya at pinakain ako. I even took a slice of pizza and fed him and myself after eating rice at natawa ako nang pareho na kaming tulala pagkatapos naming lumamon, bundat at busog na.
"Fuck. I felt like I already lost my abs." Aniyang humawak sa tiyan na kaya natawa ako at humawak din doon.
"Baliw, hindi nga!" I exclaimed and pulled his hand, pinaramdam ko sa kanya ang tiyan ko. "Oh, ayan, ayan ang bilbil!" I hissed and he laughed when he felt my baby fats from eating a lot of foods tonight.
"Butete..." he teased and my eyes dramatically widened.
"Lorcan!" I screamed and smacked him kaya napahagalpak siya.
"What? I can imagine baby penguins with stomachs like this, nakita ko sa animal—" I screamed and smacked him repeatedly pero mas lumakas lang ang tawa niya at hinuli ang kamay ko. "No offense, Pinga but your tummy's cute—"
"Kapag pinitik ko 'yang bakat mo, iyak ka!" I hissed pero ngumisi lang siya, inangat ang kamay ko ng bahagya at ninakawan ako ng halik.
"Nah, yari ka sa 'kin kapag pinitik mo. Mabubuhay 'yan."
"'Yong ano?" I smirked. "'Yang fluffy bird mong tit—"
"Crest Veronica!" he warned. "You kept on saying that word, isa, you'll stop saying it or I'll kiss you." he threatened pero hindi man lang ako natakot kaya mas ngumisi ako, lumapit sa may tainga niya at bumulong.
"Titi." I whispered.
"Fuck?" he exclaimed and eyed me like I'm some twisted woman kaya mas natawa na ako.
"What? What's wrong with it?" I smiled. "It's a natural part of a man's body, right? Nothing's wrong saying it."
"I know..." he sighed, "but still...hindi ako sanay, Crest Veronica."
"Edi masanay ka," I shrugged and pinched his cheek. "A lot of people are mum when it comes to that thing, you know? It's a natural part of men's body so I don't think it's wrong and it's not bastos. It's just like saying penis kaso 'di masyadong bastos pakinggan kasi English, kung iisipin. Yeah, weird pakinggan because it's Tagalog and we don't usually say things like that, right? Pero hindi mali."
"You're actually right," aniya na napaisip. "Pero hindi pa rin ako sanay."
Natawa na ako at tumango sa kanya, "I know, I'm not sanay either pero it's fun saying around you."
Nanliit ang mata niya sa akin, "and why is that?"
"Because you're blushing, natutulala ka tapos napapanganga. Mukha kang bangag na penguin." I said cutely and screamed when he caught my waist and tickled me.
It felt so comfortable for us to play around, ang lakas ata ng tawa ko habang nagwre-wrestling na kami sa may couch para mag-unahan ng pagkiliti.
"Locket!" I screamed.
"What? Huh? Akala mo ba?" he hissed and tickled me more kaya mas humagalpak na ako at sinipa siya.
"Locket—"
"Hoy! Kayong dalawa riyan! Ang iingay niyo kitang may natutulog sa kabilang unit!" we both froze when we heard a voice, sabay kaming napalingon at sa may kabilang terrace na katabi ng unit ko ay may bumukas ang ilaw.
"Sorry po!" We exclaimed.
"Mga batang ito..." the old woman hissed. "Kung maglalampungan kayo sa kwarto! Hindi sa terrace!" she exclaimed loudly, narinig ko ang padarag na sara ng pintuan niya.
My eyes widen, nagkatinginan kami ni Locket at nagkatitigan, parehas na nagulat.
"Paano 'yan, sa kwarto raw maglampungan?" ani Locket at ngumisi kaya suminghap ako at pinalo siya.
"Pero shege..." harot ko pabalik at kinagat ang labi.
We were inseparable, walang tigil sa harutan at kung hindi lang siya nahulog sa couch at nauntog sa lamesa bago bumagsak sa lapag ay 'di pa kami siguro titigil.
Locket even carried me back to my room and cleaned our mess outside, pagkatapos niya at sinilip niya ako sa kwarto, nagpapaalam na uuwi na pero hindi ako pumayag at hinila pa siya sa kama ko.
"You want me to sleep here?" he asked and I nodded, smiling.
"Hmm..." I said and he rested his back on my headboard, inabot pa ang buhok ko para marahang suklayin.
"Is it okay with you? Aren't you uncomfortable? If you want me to stay, I could sleep on the sofa or in the living room." He said and I shook my head, hinuli ko ang kamay niya at dinala sa labi ko bago siya pagmasdan.
"I am always comfortable with you, Locket." I said, "kahit noon pa. I don't know? Maybe you're a gentleman? Because you never took advantage of me?"
Napatitig siya sa akin, napangiti na ako nang mabilis siyang humiga sa kama, inangat ang ulo ko para paunanin ako sa kanyang braso at hinapit ako papalapit.
"Why would I take advantage of you?" he asked and I pouted.
"Wala lang, natutuwa lang ako siguro. It's just that...I knew a lot of men who'll take advantage to a fragile or even a drunken woman if they had the chance. My ex-friends, they have high standards of women, na kapag hindi na virgin, mababa na ang tingin. I heard men make fun of women because they didn't meet their standards. It's just saddening to think pero nand'yan ka tapos...wala, masaya lang ako." I smiled.
"I have no right to judge someone's character without knowing everything, Pinga." He touched my hair while I was just staring at his gray eyes. "And that's hypocrisy, Crest. If they can't even hide their hard ons on their pants and stop fucking around, what gave them the right to shame?"
"'Di ba?!" I exclaimed and conviction and Locket chuckled when he saw my face.
"What? Why?" tawa niya.
"Ayan 'yong sinupalpal ko sa mukha nina Matthew dati!" I said. "Siya tapos si Lucas are talking about being proud getting laid and everything, they're praising each other tapos sasabihin nilang ayaw na nila roon sa ka-date nila upon knowing na hindi na pure!"
"Actually, hymen can be ripped just by riding bicycles, Pinga." Aniya. "Maybe in sports, dancing, kahit saang paraan and not everyone has an intact hymen, ang iba wala, ang iba ay mayroon. Iba-iba kasi 'yan, depende sa tao." He said and I nodded my head.
"Hmm...knowledgeable ka, huh?" I commented and he chuckled, nodding at me.
"Well, we studied it in forensics before. I am handling cases like sexual abuse, assault and such things before." Aniya kaya napatango ako.
"Before? Ngayon ba?" I asked and I saw him stopped a bit and licked his lip, saglit pang natahimik bago sumagot.
"I am handling criminal cases now," he said. "Murder, homicide, drugs...like that."
"Hmm..." I nodded, "what stopped you?" I asked curiously and he shook his head and glanced at me, smiling.
"Nothing, gusto ko lang sumubok ng bago. I am doing it for years and it's cool. Masaya naman." Aniya kaya tumango ako at humawak sa dibdib niya.
"Pero Locket?" I called and buried my face on his neck, mayamaya pa'y naramdaman ko ang kamay niya sa likod ko, niyayakap na ako.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you, huh?" I whispered. "Kasi nandito ka para sa akin. Kahit minsan 'di na tayo nagkakaintindihan."
"It's nothing, it's okay." He muttered and kissed my hair. "I'm always here for you, Crest. I promise to do my best to protect you. Just please remember that I am here to listen, I know you have a heavy load inside your chest and I hope one of these days, you could take it all out para hindi na mabigat."
"Thank you always for the respect, it is a big thing for me. Thank you for honoring my words and understanding me. Just...salamat, salamat sa respeto."
"Welcome but you don't really have to thank me for that, baby." Aniya kaya natigilan ako at sumulyap sa kanya. "That's a basic human decency, not just as a man to women like you but to everyone in general. You don't owe me gratitude for being like this to you because respect should always be given, that's what humans are supposed to do."
It made me smile, mas yumakap ako. I closed my eyes and felt his warmth against my body.
"And I will help you. I am not stopping until I find out what happened in between you and Eugene." Aniya kaya mas ipinikit ko ang mata, muli ko na namang naisip ang mga mata ni Eugene kaya mas sumiksik ako kay Locket.
"You...you knew him ba ng matagal na?" I asked and I heard him sighed heavily, mas yumakap siya sa katawan ko.
"Yes." He said coldly. "I knew someone close to him, he's my senior too. Higher ranks than me."
"Then...are you mad at him? I can see your stares at him." I whispered.
"He has a lot of cases against him before, Crest. He had hurt the innocent, he belittled young policemen or even those lower than him." He said. "But he easily got away because he's the general's son. There is a lot of injustice going around and he dismissed a case for...someone." He trailed off.
I remembered the demon's smile, I remembered how he pulled me and...
Kumuyom ang kamay ko pero pilit kong kinalma ang sarili para 'di iyon makita ni Locket.
"I actually stopped taking cases from my old ones because of that asshole," he said kaya natigilan ako.
"Why?" I asked and he sighed and hugged me more.
"Nothing, matagal na 'yon. H'wag na natin pag-usapan." He whispered and I sighed, ramdam na ramdam ko ang lamig at galit sa boses niya habang sinasabi iyon.
"But..." he trailed off. "Even if I loathe seeing that man again, I will, for you. Did he hurt you?" he asked pero hindi na ako nakasagot, iniisip kung tama bang dinamay ko siya rito.
He sighed, "I understand if you won't tell me, Crest but I swear to you, I will look into it."
"Don't..." I muttered.
Ayokong madamay ka...ayokong masaktan kayo.
"I will, Crest. I will." Aniya kaya natahimik na ako.
Silence filled the room, tahimik akong nakasubsob sa balikat niya at narinig ko ang buntonghininga niya habang inaangat ang comforter sa katawan naming dalawa.
"It's my off tomorrow, it's yours too, right? What do you wanna do?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood kaya napangiti na ako, bahagya akong lumayo at sinulyapan siya.
"Uhm...food?" I asked and he chuckled and nodded, brushing my hair with his fingers.
"Okay, what foods do you wanna eat? We can buy one, I can even cook for you. Tapos manuod tayo ng movie? I saw you downloaded a lot of thriller movies, Crest Veronica, pirata ka pala, bawal 'yon, ah?"
My eyes widen at nanliit ang mata niya sa akin.
"H-hoy!" I exclaimed. "Sa free site ko lang nakita!" I defended.
"Nah." Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay.
"Oo nga!" I exclaimed, "you can even search it on internet! Hindi naman nate-take down! 'Tsaka magaganda kasi 'yong movie..." I pouted.
"Ipapakulong kita." Aniyang seryoso kaya nahulog na ang panga ko.
"Hoy—"
"Sa puso ko." He smirked.
Napanganga lang ako sa gulat.
"Fuck you." I hissed but pouted. "Pero ano...posasan mo ne pe eke, officer..." pinaliit ko ang boses bago ipinakita sa kanya ang pulsuhan at napahagalpak siya bago ako hagkan sa ilong.
"So, what do you wanna eat?" he asked kaya nakagat ko ang labi at inisip 'yong nakita ko sa internet.
"Hmm...I want bulalo." I said and he nodded.
"Okay, I can cook you one tomorrow or we can eat at a Filipino resto—"
"No, I have something in mind. I know a resto." I smiled and he nodded, "alright, breakfast? Masarap 'yon sa umaga." Aniya kaya tumango na ako at nag-kiss sa cheeks niya.
I was really amazed not having any nightmares that night, gusto ko nga rin sana pa matulog ng matagal but I have a lot of routine and we're going out for breakfast kaya five A.M. pa lang ay buhay na buhay na ako at umalis na sa braso ni Locket.
"B-baby..." he called, nakita kong bumukas ang isang mata niya para silipin ako. "It's early, are we going?" he asked and I smiled and shook my head.
"No, we'll leave at eight siguro? It's early, I have to take a bath early kasi I will do my ritual." I chuckled when he looked so confuse. "Sige na, sleep na, Lt. Pingu. I'm okay." I said, kissing his forehead before fixing the comforter on his body and left.
Of course, Locket is still sleeping like a baby when I got out of my one hour shower. Nakadapa pa sa kama, wala nang pang-itaas at naka-pants lang, pumaling din ang comforter kaya kita ko ang jeans at ang kanyang muscular ang yummy back.
"Sarap naman ni sher..." I murmured and giggled like a teenager, inayos ko na lang ang comforter sa likod ni Pingu para 'di siya lamigin at nagtungo na sa vanity para mag-ayos ng sarili. I blow dried my hair first.
I went to my walk-in closet after to fix the things I am taking today and curled my hair after, medyo maliwanag na noong nagkukulot ako kaya mula sa vanity ay kitang-kita ko ang antok na pag-upo ni Locket sa higaan, sinusulyapan ako.
His comforter fell, exposing his abdomen. Bumilog ang bibig ko nang mahuling sinuklay niya ang magulong buhok ng daliri bago mabilis na tumayo. His upper body is exposed, suot pa rin ang pants kaya halos mapasinghap na ako. He licked his lower lip, staring intently at me in the mirror.
Natulala lang din ako sa kanya at kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi.
"Baka masunog ang buhok mo, Pinga." He smirked kaya bigla akong natauhan at napaayos ng upo, mabilis na tinanggal ang plantsa sa buhok at napanguso nang sumobra ang timpla ng kulot sa gusto ko.
"Argh!" I groaned and Locket laughed, napausog ako nang tumabi siya sa akin sa upuan ko, walang pasubaling yumakap sa baywang ko at nagpatak ng halik sa pisngi ko.
"Morning, baby." He whispered.
"Morning," I greeted back and smiled, hindi na inalintana ang buhok at nilingon siya. "How's sleep?"
"Great," he answered, muli akong bumaling sa salamin, inaayos ang buhok na nasobrahan sa kulot. "You? Aga mong nagising."
"Great din, kasi I fixed myself kaya ako maaga. Ikaw naman boy ka kaya mabilis ka lang mag-ayos, ako may kulot-kulot pa." I chuckled.
"It's okay," he chuckled, glancing at my face in the mirror. "You're beautiful whatever your style is, you don't have to tire yourself for that."
"But I want to be more beautiful 'no," I said. "S'yempre, kasi we're eating breakfast together para magandahan ka sa 'kin tapos para magandahan din ako sa sarili ko."
"Oh, alright." He smiled, hugging my waist more. "As far as you're enjoying yourself, I'm happy with it."
"Thank you, Pingu." I smiled sweetly.
"Welcome," he chuckled. "I'm gonna take a bath first, I have extra clothes with me in my car. I'm gonna get it first so we could eat."
He kissed my cheek before leaving at ilang beses na pabalik-balik na siya sa kwarto ko at sa labas pero hindi pa rin ako natatapos.
I put on a light make up, wore my dark brown silk tank top and white high-waisted pants and my limited edition, chocolate-colored Stuart Weitzman Hayworth Heels. Kinuha ko rin ang sunglasses ko at inilagay sa ulo bago kinuha ang mga gamit na dadalhin ko.
I walked out of my room with a wide smile on my face, almost hopping in excitement. Nakita ko pa si Locket na nakaupo sa sofa, umiinom ng kape at abala sa pagtingin ng sketch pad ko.
"Hi, Pingu! I'm ready!" I exclaimed and he glanced at me, nakita ko ang panlalaki ng mata niya ng makita ako.
"What are you..."
"I'm ready!" I cheered, inilagay pa ang kamay sa baywang at marahang inangat ang color gold na sparkling mini maleta na dala ko.
"Am I hallucinating?" he asked and closed his eyes before opening it again. Napatayo pa siya at napatitig sa hawak ako. "Maleta ba 'yan, Crest Veronica?" he asked and I nodded.
"Hmm!" I said proudly. "I bought this one in England few years ago, ngayon ko lang nagamit kasi matchy-matchy sa outfit ko." I twirled and let him see my clothes.
"O...kay?" mukha pa rin siyang naguguluhan. "But I thought we're only eating bulalo?"
"Yes nga," I said pero mas mukha lang siyang nalito.
"Yeah, but why do you have a baggage?" he asked. "Kakain lang naman tayo? Ng bulalo?"
"Uh, yes nga. Kakain tayo ng bulalo...sa Batangas." I smiled awkwardly.
He was stunned, napasinghap ako at nang bigla siyang napahawak sa batok at napapikit.
"Fuck...ang batok ko." He muttered and my eyes widen, panicking, I walked closer to him, massaged his nape at nakapikit lang siya roon.
"Locket..." I bit my lower lip, mabilis na kumuha ng water and gave it to him. Inubos naman niya ng inom iyon bago napatitig sa akin.
"Batangas? For bulalo?" he asked and I slowly nodded.
"Yeah, they said bulalo is extra yummy sa Batangas." I pouted. "Why are you shock, haven't I told you?" Nang umiling siya ay mas suminghap ako.
"Weh?!"
"Do you think I'll be this shock if I knew?" aniya kaya napanguso na ako, naglalambing na yumakap sa baywang niya at humalik sa pisngi niya.
"Oh, sorry na, Pingu. I thought you knew." I sighed. "But...can we go to Batangas, please? I heard their bulalo is super delicious so I wanted to try."
He stared at me kaya mas ngumuso ako, nagpalambing at napabuntonghininga siya at tumango sa akin.
"Alright, matitiis ba kita?" he asked kaya napatawa na ako at ngumisi.
"Yehey! Tara?" I asked pero ang atensyon niya ay nasa maleta ko na.
"Why are you bringing this with you? We'll go home later tonight, Crest. May pasok ako sa presinto at sabi mo, sa presinto ka rin bukas."
"Uh, mga important things kasi, Pingu." I explained. "And it's not a really big maleta naman, mini lang siya."
"No," aniya kaya umawang ang labi ko. "Bring only your necessary things, a small handbag is good, mahihirapan ka lang diyan."
"But..." I pouted when he walked towards my bag and lifted it, nakangusong sinundan ko siya sa sofa nang buksan na niya ang maleta.
"What?" he asked, dumbfounded when I saw what's inside. "Why the hell is there a swimsuit here, Crest Veronica?"
"Kasi may mga magaganda beaches doon!" I defended. "Hindi naman sa magi-swim tayo pero malay mo." Nanliit ang mata niya kaya ngumuso na ako.
"Alright, alright, sige, hindi na." I said, nang i-angat niya ang ilang damit pa sa loob ay mas ngumuso ako. "Spare clothes, Locket, paano kapag nabuhusan ako ng sabaw ng bulalo?"
"You little..." napatawa na ako nang makitang stress na siya.
"Malay mo," I said. "Hindi naman natin masasabi, ah?"
"Okay, just one clothes." Aniya at pinili ang medyo mukhang pang-dalagang Filipina kaya mas umatungal na ako pero wala ng nagawa.
I saw him took something out, a smile escaped my lips when I saw Ping-ping.
"You're bringing Ping-ping?" he asked and I nodded, smiling.
"Oo, family bonding kasi 'to." I said at natawa siya at napailing, sinulyapan ang itsura ni Ping-ping at ang damit ko.
"Did you customize this again?" he asked and I nodded, smiling.
Ping-ping, our baby penguin is wearing a crochet brown outfit resembling mine, p'wera sa pants, may headband pa iyong brown din kaya natawa si Locket at inabot sa akin si Ping-ping.
"Okay, one clothes and Ping-ping. Take your small handbag, we're going." Aniya kaya napangiti na ako at kinuha ang ibang mga gamit ko na ilalagay sa handbag.
Noong bumaba na kami para sumakay sa sasakyan niya, muntik pang lumusot ang heels ko sa maliliit na butas sa may kanal kaya napapamura pa ako sa stress, mabuti na lang ay nand'yan si Locket para alalayan ako, nga lang, tinatawanan pa ako.
I was extra happy on our way to Batangas, bukas ang bintana at malamig ang hangin kaya enjoy na enjoy ko ang biyahe naming dalawa.
"I always love biglaang travel." I said and I saw Locket's lips lifted, he glanced at me, he looked good on his sunglasses and white plain shirt and pants. Sa leeg ay kitang-kita ko ang dog tag na locket necklace na bigay ko na may picture ko sa loob.
I almost laughed remembering it, nagpa-quick vintage photoshoot pa ako sa mall sa studio sa Cebu para magka-picture ako sa locket na 'yan and I am happy he's wearing it!
"You really enjoyed traveling, hmm..." aniya. "Do you often go alone? Or with friends?"
"With friends mostly," I said. "Ligawin kasi ako, nahihirapan ako magkabisado ng daan lalo na kapag first time kaya palagi akong may kasama. Kaso I have no friends na, eh. You see, Sam and Jellie, I treated them like one yet this is what they'll give me in return." I sighed, mas niyakap ko si Ping-ping at bumaling sa daan.
"You have us, Crest." Aniya kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya. "The boys and me are here, if we weren't busy, we promise to always be with you. I can't go to some salon for manicure or what but we both know Earn can accompany you with that. Ako na lang magbibitbit ng shopping bags."
I laughed, "sure thing, Pingu. I am lucky ng ana nakilala ko kaya." I smiled genuinely and he glanced at me sideways and smiled.
"No, Crest. We are lucky to know you." Aniya kaya kumalabog ang puso ko.
Lieutenant Lorcan Keith Dmitrov...I think, I think I'm deeply in love with you.
I am certain now, I know I am in love.
Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko at ramdam ang komportable pero mabilis na kalabog ng puso.
I hugged Ping-ping more, biglang naalala ang heels kong nasira ata dahil sa paglusot ng takong sa butas. I lifted my feet, nakita kong medyo may scratch ang sandals ko kaya napabuntonghininga ako.
"What's the matter?" he asked and pouting, I pointed my sandals.
"May scratches lang ang heels ko." I said sadly.
"Then we can fix it or ask someone to fix that, don't buy a new one. P'wede pa 'yan." Aniya kaya tumango ako.
"Yeah, and I'm saving kaya hindi talaga ako bibili ng bago kaso sayang kasi may scratch and look..." I pointed the tiny spot. "Nawala ang isang diamond."
"What?" he glanced at me, stunned, "your heels have diamonds? Like a real one?" he asked and I nodded at him.
"Limited edition kasi 'to, Locket. Sinuot ko ngayon kasi aalis tayo." I said, "I bought this one from a charity auction in France like three years ago. P'wedeng maayos ang scratch kaso baka 'di agad mapalitan 'yong tiny diamond na nawala."
He still looks stunned, he even lifted his sunglasses, sinusulyapan ang heels ko kaya pinakita ko sa kanya.
"The hell, Crest Veronica...is that sapphires and rubies I am seeing?" he asked and I nodded, smiling.
"Hmm!" I nodded happily, "kaya I rarely use this kasi ito ang isa sa favorite heels ko."
I saw Locket blinked, licking his lower lip, he focused his eyes on the road and asked.
"Ako natatakot sa 'yo, kahit heels lang ang nakawin, magkakapera na sila." Aniya kaya ngumisi ako. "Now, I'm curious. Magkano ba 'yan?" he asked kaya saglit akong napaisip bago sumagot.
"I think it's...mga three million dollars lang." I said pero napasigaw nang biglang napa-preno si Locket, kung wala siguro akong seatbelts ay tumilapon na palabas sa impact.
We went to a well-known Filipino restaurant in Batangas after hours of driving, I was so excited and happy. Takot na takot pa si Locket no'ng niloko kong pinapaapakan sa kanya ang sandals ko, aniya'y baka kapalit ng gasgas doon ay ang buhay niya kaya tawang-tawa ako.
I took photos and videos on our trip, napilit ko pa si Locket na sumali sa video at picture kahit nakatitig lang naman siya sa camera at mukhang bato sa sobrang stiff at sinend sa mga baby penguins ko na nagreklamo kasi hindi sila nakasama.
I was full, nag-ikot kami ni Locket sa Batangas, we tried different delicacies, we even ate Lomi and I bought a few pasalubong for everyone but not too much like before kasi baka masira lang kapag super dami.
Nang mapunta kami sa may parke nang dumating ang hapon ay nakangiti lang ako, hawak-hawak ni Locket ang kamay ko at naghahanap kami ng tubig na maiinom dahil sa dami ng matamis na kinain naming dalawa.
"Locket oh, there." I pointed a vendor on the side of the road at mabilis na inilipat ni Locket ang kanyang braso sa baywang ko para alalayan akong maglakad.
We walked towards the vendor, habang si Locket ay bumibili ng tubig ay napabaling ako sa isang matandang nagbebenta ng mga ibon at maliliit na puppies, ang iba ay may lahi at ang iba ay wala.
"Pingu, doon lang ako." I pointed it and Locket nodded and let me go.
"Alright, h'wag kang lalayo." Aniya bago nakipag-usap sa tindero. I walked closer to the vendor, sa may maliit na kulungan ay may mga puppies na tulog, sa kabila ay may mga ibon but what caught my attention is a dog chained on the side, medyo tago sa mga tumitingin na bumibili ng mga aso at ibon.
"Hija, baka gusto mo ng aso? Mura lang." ani ng tindera kaya ngumuso ako at umiling.
"Ah, nakikisilip lang po." I answered. "P'wede po bang makita iyong isa?" I asked, tinuturo 'yong nakatagong aso na sa tingin ko ay chihuahua.
"Ah, 'yong chihuahua?" she asked and I nodded. "Ay, naku, kung bibili ka, Miss, dito ka sa mga cute. Wala kasing may gusto diyan sa asong 'yan kaya nand'yan sa gilid."
"Bakit naman po?" I asked, dumukwang palapit sa aso na natakot pa noong una pero nginitian ko.
"Ah, kasi bulag." Aniya. "'Yong isang mata lang nakakakita." I stopped at that, nagkatinginan kami ng aso at doon ko nga napansing medyo iba ang kulay ng isang mata niya.
"Hey, it's okay." I smiled and offered my hand, pinapaamo siya at kaagad na gumaan ang pakiramdam ko nang lumapit siya sa akin.
The dog moved around my hand and my heart jumped, he's a mix of the colors white and brown, a tiny one. Iba man ang kulay ng isang mata dahil bulag ay maganda at cute pa rin.
"Bakit po nabulag?" I asked, smiling at the sweet dog.
"Ah, pagkapanganak ganyan na talaga." Aniya sa akin. "Mura na nga 'yan binebenta ng may-ari kaso wala pa ring may gusto kasi nga bulag."
"What's your name, baby?" I asked the puppy softly and the vendor answered me.
"Chichay ang pangalan niyan, Madame." Aniya kaya mas lumaki ang ngiti ko at pinat ang ulo ng puppy.
"Hi, Chichay, ang cute mo naman..." I muttered and I felt happy when the dog barked, mas naglambing lang sa akin.
"Aww...aren't you the cutest?" I muttered and giggled when I saw the dog's eyes sparkled.
"Crest?" nawala lang ang tingin ko sa aso nang marinig si Locket, nang lingunin ko siya ay nandoon na siya, nakatayo at may hawak na bote ng tubig. "Come on, baby, let's watch the sunset."
"Aww..." I said and sighed, bumaling sa aso na nagmukhang malungkot at ngumiti sa kanya. "Bye, Chichay. You are beautiful, hmm?" I hummed and touched its head.
"Crest?" Locket called again kaya ngumuso na ako at kumaway sa aso.
"Bye, baby Chichay." I muttered and waved and I felt so sad when the dog barked, akmang hahabol pero hindi umabot dahil sa chain niya.
Nakita ko ang pagsita rito ng vendor kaya napasinghap na lang ako at malungkot na kumapit kay Locket na mukhang nagtataka sa katahimikan ko nang maglakad na kami pabalik sa may bench para manuod ng sunset.
"What's the matter?" Locket asked when he saw my sad face while assisting me to sit on the bench.
"Just..." I sighed, "I like Chichay, Pingu." I said and his forehead creased, binuksan ang tubig bago inabot sa akin.
"Chichay? Who's that?" aniyang nagtataka, inangat pa ang kamay para ayusin ang buhok kong sumabog sa hangin.
"The dog," I said. "It's a chihuahua and it's blind kaya walang may gusto sa kanyang bumili but she's cute and very, very sweet."
"Oh? Doon sa nagbebenta kanina?" aniya at tumango ako, pinunasan niya ang gilid ng labi ko at nagsalitang muli. "Gusto mo?" he asked.
"Oo sana..." I said, "she likes me too, you know?"
He slowly nodded, his gray eyes staring at me, "tara nga rito," aniya at marahang hinapit ako kaya sumandal ako sa kanyang balikat at pinagmasdan ang araw na malapit ng lumubog.
Poor Chichay, I feel her...it was rare having someone to accept an imperfect and damaged thing.
"Wait here," ani bigla ni Locket kaya natigilan ako at nilingon siya.
"Hmm? Saan ka?" I asked but he only smiled and pinched my cheek, jogging away from me kaya kumunot ang noo ko at pinagmasdan na lang ang langit.
I waited there for almost five minutes, inikot ko pa ang tingin sa paligid pero wala siya.
"Where is he?" I muttered and checked my wrist watch.
Suddenly, I heard a bark. Bigla akong natigilan, mabilis na nilingon ang likod ko at napatakip ng bibig sa gulat nang makitang nandoon si Locket at sa braso niya ay si Chichay na tumatahol nang makita ako.
"O-oh my God..." my eyes began watering and Locket smiled, his gray eyes almost turned gold when the rays from the setting sun touched it.
"Surprise?" Locket said and I gasped audibly when he walked closer to me, handling me Chichay who barked loudly and wiggled when she reached my arms.
"Oh my God!" I exclaimed and hugged the dog, staring at Locket who smiled handsomely at me. "D-did you..." I sniffed when I felt my tears fell.
"I just don't like seeing you sad," he said and my heart hammered inside my chest when I saw the shy look from his eyes. "Sorry, I really don't know how to sound sweet or—"
"I love you, Pingu!" I exclaimed loudly, pulling him closer to me for a hug.
I heard his chuckles on my ear, naramdaman ko ang marahang yakap niya sa akin, enough para hindi maipit si Chichay na tumatahol ng mahina, nakakapit sa akin.
"Thank you..." I whispered and buried my face on the side of his neck, feeling the utmost happiness I can ever feel at this time.
We stayed like that for a while and I whispered, "paano mo nakuha? Did you buy it?" I asked but I heard no answer from Locket. Nawala pa ang brasong nakayakap sa akin kaya mas nagtaka ako.
"Locket?" I asked but I felt him stiffened kaya lumayo na ako. I stared at his eyes and saw him staring intently from behind, as if he'd seen a ghost kaya hinawi ko ang luha ko, unti-unting nilingon at may nakitang babaeng takatayo roon, mukhang nagulat din.
"Ver..." I heard Locket muttered while staring at the beautiful lady. "Veronica."
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