Kabanata 8
Hi, Archers! This will be my last update for awhile since magiging busy ako. I will continue the updates kapag may time na ako. Thank you and Enjoy! This is unedited.
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Kabanata 8
The sunrays reached my face, waking me up. Umunat ako, nakapikit pa rin ang mata at humikab. Slowly, I opened my eyes and froze on the spot the moment I saw an unfamiliar room where I was in.
Immediately, nervousness filled me, kaagad akong napaupo, tila nawala ang antok na ipinalibot ang tingin sa buong kwarto at kaagad na nangilid ang luha.
"W-where am I..." I muttered and I felt how my body began shaking, my hand fisted on the comforter covering my body and I became terrified when I heard the door opening.
I began panicking, I immediately covered my face with both of my palm, my breathing is already labored, nanginginig na ang katawan ko roon.
"You're—" I immediately screamed when I felt a presence, hindi ko na pinatapos ang nagsasalita at walang pagdadalawang isip kong dinampot ang unan sa tabi ko at hinampas dito.
"A-asshole! Fuck you!" I screamed loudly at the top of my lungs while smacking the man with the pillow and punching his body with my fist.
"Crest—"
"G-gago ka! Gago ka! H-how dare you!" I exclaimed loudly, almost hysterical. Hindi ko makita ng maayos ang mukha ng lalaki dahil nakatungo na ito para lang salagin ang hampas ko.
"Ouch—fuck! Crest, I'm—"
"Rot in hell! F-fuck you! F-fuck you!" I exclaimed as tears pooled down my cheek. "G-gago ka!"
"Crest!" mabilis na nasalag ng lalaki ang kamay ko at nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang mga abo niyang mga mata.
"L-Locket..."
"It's me..." he said calmly while touching both of my wrist, "it's me...it's me, it's okay." He said and I pulled my hand away from him, dala ang kumot ay umusog ako ng upo sa kama at nanatiling nakatitig sa kanya na itinaas pa ang kamay at ipinakita sa akin.
"Sorry, did I make you uncomfortable?" he asked and slowly moved a step back from me, his hands still in the air.
Sumisinghot pa ako at nanginginig ang katawan pero mabilis kong sinilip ang kumot na nakatabot sa katawan ko at nanlaki ang mata ko nang matantong iba na ang damit na suot ko.
I glanced at him and he looks attentive that he immediately answered me.
"You're wet from the rain last night and I can't let you sleep like that, magkakasakit ka." He explained. "I was not the one who changed your clothes, it's the housekeeper. Gusto mong makausap? It's Jackie, I can call her to tell you."
"You...you didn't touch me?" I asked softly and I saw how he shook his head.
"I didn't, I swear." He said and I felt like a heavy load got lifted from my chest. His gray eyes stared at me and it was full of concern and I can feel how genuine it is. "I should call her—"
"N-no..." I shook my head, slowly relaxing. "I-I believe you." I said in a low voice.
He nodded, still staring at me, nakataas pa rin ang kamay niya sa ere para ipakita sa aking hindi siya gagawa ng kung ano kay mas napanatag ang loob ko.
"Should I go out?" he asked, attempting to walked a step away again pero mabilis akong umiling sa kanya.
"No...no, it's okay." I muttered. "Sorry for hurting you, I was just—shocked, ano, hindi lang ako sanay na magising sa ibang kwarto tapos may lalaki."
"I understand." He said, looking so cute while his hands are up in the air. He's wearing a gray shirt and maong pants, barefoot with his slightly disheveled hair.
Ngumuso ako, suminghot muna bago unti-unting pinunasan ang luha sa ilalim ng mata ko gamit ang daliri. I glanced at him and saw him raising his hand, unmoving.
"Mukha ka ng cute na penguin..." I said in a small voice.
"A-am I?" he asked, confused, still raising both of his hands.
"Oo..." I said and slowly showed him my fingers like a gun. "Bang!" I exclaimed and he jumped in shock.
"Fuck!" he exclaimed, tumalon lang pero nakataas pa rin ang kamay kaya bigla na akong natawa.
I don't know why but I definitely looked stupid right now, kakaiyak lang, sumisinghot pa pero tumatawa na sa kanya.
"You're adorable..." I said and laughed more, napapalakpak pa ako sa hangin nang makitang namula na ang mukha niya. "C-come on, lower your hands, Pingu."
"P-pingu?" he blinked, lowering his hand.
"Pingu as in cute, adorable penguin!" I giggled and laughed more. "S-sorry...sorry for laughing! It's not that you're funny pero parang gano'n na nga!"
That definitely lifted my mood, nawala ang takot sa puso ko habang tumatawa habang nakatingin sa kanya na walang-imik na pinagmamasdan lang ako.
He crossed his arms on his chest, watching me and then slowly, a small gentle smile left his lips. My heart thumped seeing that wonderful smile of his, kaagad akong natigilan doon at napalunok.
"S-sorry..." I cleared my throat. "Masyado lang ata akong nag-enjoy."
The side of his lips lifted, I thought he'll frown or something but instead, he chuckled a bit.
"Pingu, huh?" his brow lifted. "What are you, then? Pinga?"
My mouth parted, kaagad kong dinakma ang isang unan at hinagis sa kanya.
"Ang baho naman ng sa'kin! Sa'yo Pingu, ang cute tapos sa'kin, Pinga? Ano 'yon, tinga?!" I hissed.
He suddenly laughed, I already heard his laugh once but not this good, I mean this is more heavenly! I saw how his eyes closed while laughing, I noticed a small, not really noticeable dimple near his lips and my heart felt warm.
Nanatili akong nakatitig sa kanya at unti-unti lang ay nawala ang tawa niya na parang natanto iyon. Natahimik siya at medyo napaawang ang labi nang makita akong malisyosong nakatitig sa kanya.
"You really looked adorable and brighter when laughing, Pingu." I teased.
"I didn't..." he cleared his throat. "I didn't laugh!"
"Oh? Edi shing!" I chuckled. "Huling-huli ka na sa akto, Lieutenant Pingu."
"Really, hmm? I didn't laugh, Pinga." He smirked when he knew my eyes would turn slits upon hearing that.
"Crest na lang! Why Pinga?!" I hissed.
"Well, it's cute tho. Suits you well. Crest Veronica Pinga?" He chuckled again and I noticed that very small dimple again and he looked happy kaya p'wede na.
"Hmp! S'werte mo, gwapo ka." I shrugged. "Sige, kung ang gwapong si Pingu naman ang katambal ko, why not maging tinga?" I smiled at him.
"You're crazy," he said, chuckling, naglakad siya palapit sa akin pero biglang natigilan at kaagad na hinanap ang mata ko. "Sorry, I should go out first."
"No!" I shook my head at him, "it's okay...tara dito." I slowly tapped the side of the bed, marahang lumapit ako sa may gilid ng kama at lumapit siya sa akin.
"It's okay," he said. "If ever I make you uncomfortable, I could just sit on the sofa or something."
My heart melted at that words, I never felt same like this with other men...ngayon lang ulit.
"Ayos lang, I'm comfortable with you now." I said and smiled at him brightly. "Really, Locket. Come on, don't hesitate. Okay lang, upo ka." I tapped the bed again.
Slowly, he sat on the bed. I immediately got a closer smell of his cologne and it smelled really manly and good. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa at nag-umpisa na namang magwala ang puso ko sa titig niyang iyon.
"Are you okay now?" he asked and slowly, I nodded at him.
"Sorry for overreacting," I sighed. "I just had a nightmare kaya nag-panic ako, I-I'm not usually like this." I lied to not get him to worry but he might have sensed it.
"Stop pretending to be fine, Pinga." He said and stared at my eyes.
"Should I be confused paano mo nalamang nagsisinungaling ako or magagalit kasi you called me Pinga again?" I pouted.
He chuckled, inangat niya ang kamay para ilapit sa mukha ko but he stopped mid-air, I realized he was hesitating na baka mag-panic ako bigla kaya hinuli ko ang kamay niya at marahang inilapit sa pisngi ko.
"How did you know?" I asked and I felt how his rough palm touched my soft cheek, ang daliri niya ay marahang ipinunas niya sa tuyong luha ko at ang isa ay hinawi ang buhok na dumikit sa pisngi ko.
"I am no policeman if I can't say who's lying or who's not, Crest." He said. "I know it when criminals lie."
"So, criminal ako?" I hissed at bigla siyang natawa at bumaba ang daliri sa baba ko.
"No, hon. I knew when people lie in general. I can see it in their eyes." He stared at me and tapped my chin, "when you lie...your eyes losses its glow."
I blinked.
"Hon..." I said and I saw how he froze, "did you just called me hon?!"
"Oh, I did?" he asked, nagmamamang-maangan pa pero namumula na ang pisngi.
I smirked, tumikhim siya at biglang tinanggal ang kamay sa baba ko.
"I should leave." He said, mabilis na tumayo but before he could, I pulled him back. Mukhang nagulat siya at napaupo sa kama at bago pa siya makapagreklamo ay walang salitang ipinalibot ko ang braso sa baywang niya.
I felt how he stiffened at that.
"Crest..." he called and I took a deep breath before hugging his waist more, I buried my face on the side of his neck and sighed.
"Can I...can I at least hug you for now, Pingu?" I whispered softly and I felt his rough hand touched my hand hugging him, my heart hammered inside my chest when I felt him opening my crossed finger, slowly slipping his hand on my right to intertwined our fingers.
I noticed small, unnoticeable kapag sa malayo na almost fading red spots sa hand niya pero hindi ko napuna nang magsalita siya.
"Alright," he said after a while. "As long as I don't make you uncomfortable."
I nodded, burying my face more. Mas humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko at gano'n din ang yakap ko sa kanya.
"Thank you..." I said, remembering what happened last night. "If it wasn't for you baka napahamak na ako, I was lost. I didn't know how to go home, buti na lang nakita mo ako."
"I was damn worried. I was about to follow you immediately when you left but an urgent case came but still, after that, I tried tracking you down. You went all the way to Bulacan just to bar hop, wala bang bar dito sa Manila, Crest Veronica?" mariing tanong niya at mas sinubsob ko lang ang mukha.
"Sorry, Pingu." I sighed. "Jelly and Sam said we'll come to a new bar and after that, we went to shop a bit. My friends were actually supposed to take me at least back to Manila where I could take a cab home after."
"But they left you." He said kaya natahimik na ako.
"Si Sam kasi...nasusuka." I said.
"Here, look at me." He said, slowly moving away from me. Marahang kinalas niya ang kamay kong nakayakap sa kanyang baywang pero hawak pa rin niya ang palad ko. His gray eyes stared at mine and spoke. "Friends aren't supposed to leave you."
"But Sam's about to vomit—"
"It's annoying and not ideal, woman. You're too good, Crest." He said. "Why are you justifying what they did to you?"
"I don't..." I sighed. "They're my friends and I know they didn't want to leave me pero kasi si Sam, nasusuka—"
"Ernesto or any of the three could vomit all he wants on my car and yes, I'd be disgusted but I'd never leave one behind." He explained and it made me think.
Samantha could actually vomit somewhere...
"But those two accepted me in their circle, maybe they think I'm worthy to be with them, they're my friends—"
"We are your friends too," he said kaya natahimik na ako. "If you'd ask those three, loko-loko lang ang mga 'yon but I can swear to you they'd never leave you behind like what those friends did to you."
My heart ache, thinking of Jellie and Sam leaving me last night. I was soaked in the rain, alone, no car to go home and lost in a place I am not familiar with. Hindi ba sila nag-alala sa'kin?
I lowered my head and he sighed, cupping both of my cheek. Our eyes met and he shook his head at me.
"Adam, Brent and Earn took all the paper works last night so I could go and look for you." He said. "I am not telling you this para maging utang na loob mo 'to sa amin, I am telling you this because I want you to know na hindi lang sila ang taong nand'yan para sa'yo. Your family is there for you and they love you, we're here for you too, hindi man kagaya nilang dati pa pero...ito, nandito."
"Locket..." I bit my lower lip.
"It's weird of me saying this but stop basing your worth in other people's opinion, Crest." He said seriously. "And it's them who's not worthy to be with you."
Natahimik ako at nanatiling nakatitig lang sa mga abong mata niya. I can see the mixture of frustration and worry on his eyes as he gazed at me, muli niyang inangat ang isang kamay at halos mapapikit ako nang paunti-unti niyang inilagay ang nahulog na buhok sa likod ng tainga ko.
"You don't have to work hard to please other people, Crest." He said while staring at me.
"You don't get it, Locket." I explained. "They were there when my friends before turned their backs at me kaya...kaya pinapakisamahan ko sila para 'di nila ako iwan."
"Are you sure they didn't just turn their backs from you, Crest?" he asked seriously. "They just did. When they abandoned you alone there, they already did! Isipin mo, paano kung napahamak ka roon, huh? Paano kong may gagong lumapit sa'yo ro'n at sinaktan ka? Paano kapag naligaw ka?!" tumaas ang boses niya kaya ngumuso ako.
"Eh, bakit ka gagalet..." I said in a small voice and I saw how he snapped back and sighed, calming down.
"I'm sorry, I'm just..." he sighed. "I fucking don't know what to feel when I saw you alone in that damn parking lot, woman. You were sitting there, alone, unmoving! What am I supposed to do?"
"Sorry..."
"And you fainted the moment I brought you on my car and I'm fucking scared. Remembered when I told you to stop trying to fit in their circle and create your own, kung palagi mong pipilitin na maging kagaya nila, you'll end up hurting in the end. You're unique, Crest, why do you keep on cutting yourself just to shape in to fit?"
I squeezed his hand and sighed, lowering my head.
"And if you're telling me I don't understand what you feel then I did. I understand you because I was once like you...I did my best to be good and better but still, I'm imperfect and I can never be perfect." He sighed.
My heart tugged at that, I stared at those beautiful gray eyes and realized mine resembled his right now.
"I-I just..." I sighed, hindi alam kung bakit emosyonal na naman ako. "I-I just want to be loved."
"You have your family, Crest and I've talk to them before, right? I personally know your father and brother. I've known them for years and they tell me stories about you and I'd never lie to you but I know they love you."
"But I think I wasn't enough for them," I said lowly. "P-parang kulang ako, Locket. I think I don't deserve them. I wasn't good enough to be part of the family kasi alam mo, naiisip ko wala naman akong ambag sa pamilya namin bukod sa pag-gastos ko." I sniffed and pouted and to my shock, he chuckled.
"Kaya nga sinasara ko 'yang palad mo na kulang na lang ipaagaw ang pera kakagastos, 'di ba?" he smirked at me. "And I can see that you're improving, you have coins in your wallet now?"
"Oo..." I nodded, hinahawi ang luha ko. "Good girl na nga ako. Medyo tumitigil na nga ako kaka-shopping, eh, kaya medyo nakakahinga na ng maluwang si Dad."
"Then do it and just be better. If you feel like you're not enough for them then improve for yourself, strive to be your best version so you'd never feel like that. Fill that empty spaces your heart has with the love for yourself and in that way, you'll feel complete, you'll finally feel enough."
It was like a slap across my face, gumaan ang pakiramdam ko sa sinabi niya at nakagat ang labi.
"Ang galing mo naman mag-advice, Lt. Pingu." I slowly smiled at him. "Sana all."
He chuckled at me, "you have ways to change the topic, huh?" he asked kaya natawa na rin ako.
Hinigpitan ko ang hawak sa kamay niyang hawak pa rin ang akin at unti-unti iyong inangat, slowly, I put it near my face to give it a small kiss and stared at his eyes.
"Thank you, Lorcan, for saving me last night, for not taking advantage of me when I'm fragile." I smiled genuinely. "And for your words...you just lifted a heavy thing off my chest."
"Alright, damn, I can't believe I can be like this." He chuckled and licked his lower lip. "But don't tell the assholes about my mouth being like this, they'll just fucking tease me 'till I die."
"Hmm...I'll thing about it, Lt. Padlock?" I raised my brow and he shook his head at me.
"Take a bath, Sandejas. You stink." He smirked kaya ngumuso na ako at pinalo siya.
Of course, Madame Crest Veronica is back. I am even hopping while walking out of the bathroom with my towel still on, balot na balot ang buhok ko ng twalya pati na rin ang katawan ko.
I smiled when I saw folded clothes on the bed, wala ring tao sa loob at ako lang kaya mas napangiti ako.
"Gentleman," I smiled and took the clothes. "Naku naman, Lt. Padlock, h'wag masyado galingan sa pagiging ideal man at baka ma-fall ang Ate mo girl!" I hissed then chuckled.
I changed my clothes into his clothes and I feel so kinikilig. I am really not a fan of baggy and big clothes yet with his clothes on me, I feel comfortable and confident.
I am wearing his shirt and sweat pants, wala akong bra pero medyo thick naman ang shirt kaya p'wede na...isa pa, this ain't bothering me that much since I go out without any bra at times.
Itinaas ko hanggang tiyan ang sweat pants niya at hinigpitan, pagkatapos ay itinali ko ang shirt niya sa may bandang tiyan ko para medyo kita ang balat, fit sa akin at sexy ang itsura. I want sana na boxers na lang ang ipahiram niya sa akin but I guess he's really conservative kaya okay.
"Crest!" I heard him called no'ng palabas na ako ng pintuan. "The food's getting cold!" he exclaimed kaya natatawang hinawi ko ang buhok na tinuyo ko pa sa blower at naglakad.
I am wearing his large slippers, pagkalabas ay kaagad ko siyang nakitang abala sa paglalagay ng utensils sa hapag.
I was admiring him so much when I realized he's naked on the top! I can see how ripped his body is! Ang muscles sa back niya is stretching when he moves! His shirt was placed on his shoulder, suot pa rin ang pants at nakapaa roon.
"Kanin na lang ang kulang," I muttered and he almost jumped, mabilis niya akong nilingon at nangunot ang noo nang makita ako.
"What took you so long?" he asked, medyo kumunot ang noo sa akin pero ngumisi lang ako at hinawi ang buhok.
"Kanin, do we have rice?" I asked and he pointed the rice on the table na dali-dali kong inabot. I took it, walang hiyang tumayo sa harapan niya at sumubo ng kanin, nakatitig sa kanya.
"Why are you eating like that?" he asked, confused. "Walang lasa ang kanin, Crest Veronica. I cooked you bacons. Sit there and eat, why are you standing there?"
"Solve na, Lt. Dmitrov, may ulam na rin ako." I said and he looks confused, ngumuso ako at sumulyap sa nakabalandrang abs niya sa harapan ko at inosenteng ngumiti.
He froze, I saw how he lowered his face and realized he's naked.
"The fuck..." he whispered and immediately took his shirt from his shoulder and wore it. "You little..." he hissed when he saw me smirking at nang umakma siyang hahakbang ay napatili na ako at dala ang lagayan ng kanin ay napaupo sa upuan at suminghap nang pisilin niya ang pisngi ko.
"Locket!" I hissed but he just smirked at me and let me go, sitting beside me and took the plate of rice.
"You perv." He said teasingly and my mouth parted and smacked his arm.
My smile didn't disappear while we're both eating, tahimik lang kami pero t'wing naaalala ang nangyari kaninang umaga at paglalagay niya ng pagkain sa pinggan ko ay 'di ko maiwasang mangiti.
This feels surreal to me and amazing, my heart flutters so much while I am with him.
"Papasok pa tayo today, right?" I asked him, "what time tayo papasok? Later at noon? I have to go home pala since I have nothing to wear for work, Dad also texted me, kagabi pa, sila ni Chiel. I didn't know what to tell them, ayoko namang sabihing nasa Bulacan ako at nawawala roon kagabi, they might get worried."
"It's my off today and yours too. Anyway, I talked to them last night," he said and I froze, dali-dali ko siyang nilingon at nanlaki ang mata ko.
"R-really? Anong sabi nila?" I gasped. "Oh, God! Is Dad hysterical? I'm freaking dead!"
"It's okay with them tho," he said and that definitely stopped me. Mas namilog lang ang mata ko sa kanya.
"How...that's Iñigo freaking Sandejas, Locket! And when I say he's hysterical, he really is! He can be ballistic at times! Sila ni Alchiel! Patay tayo nito!" I gasped but he doesn't look bother at all, he even took his phone and dialed something.
"Hoy! Sinong tinatawagan mo?" I asked and he glanced at me, the side of his lips lifted. Kinuha niya ang tissue sa lamesa at pinunasan ang gilid ng labi ko.
"You eat dirty, honey." He said.
"Honey!" I gasped again. "Damn, you called me honey again!" I exclaimed happily and he cleared his throat.
"I didn't." Sumulyap siya sa plato, "I was actually referring to that honey." Turo niya sa plato ko kaya napasulyap ako roon.
My bacon has honey on it kaya ngumuso ako at sumulyap sa kanya, nahuli kong namumula ang tainga niya kaya ngumisi na ako.
"Hindi ako naniniwala!" I said happily and he glanced at me, was about to say something when he became serious.
"Y-yes...yes, Attorney." Umayos siya ng upo, "yes, Sir. I'm with her." Pormal niyang sabi kaya napangisi na ako.
Seryosong-seryoso si Lieutenant, ah?
"Here, Crest." He showed me the phone. "He's asking for you."
I took the phone from him, idinikit ko ang phone sa tainga at kaagad na nagsalita.
"Dad..." I called, almost closing my eyes, expecting a loud hiss or scream from him but didn't.
"How are you, princess? Are you okay now? Did you sleep well?" he asked calmly, shocking me.
"Huh?" I blinked, napasulyap ako kay Locket na nakatingin lang sa akin, mukhang hindi kinakabahan. He even took a sip from his juice.
"Lt. Dmitrov called last night, telling me you're drunk, you partied last night with your friends?" he asked.
"Well..." I licked my lip and stared at Locket again. "Well, yes, Dad." I answered.
"He called, you're unconscious last night and he took you on his unit." He said, "are you okay? I trust him kaya pinayagan ko, he swore he'll sleep outside the room. Nakausap ko kagabi ang househelp at sinabi niyang siya ang nagbihis sa'yo. He can't hear us, right?"
"Opo." I said and bit my lower lip.
"Then, did he do something? Are you alright? Tell me, I got you. Isang mali lang ng lalaking 'yan at humanda siya sa akin." He said and I didn't know why but it made me smile.
He's worried...my Dad's worried of me.
"Crest Veronica," he called seriously. "Is he threatening you right now? I don't care if I trust him so much, one wrong move and—"
"I'm okay, Attorney." I said and chuckled. "He's a gentleman, don't worry."
I felt him sighed, "are you sure? Tell me, anak. Don't be scared, kapag may ginawa 'yang—"
"Chill, Dad." I smiled. "I'm more than good. Locket took care of me."
He sighed afterwards, "alright, I'm so sorry, princess. Tumawag ka ba para magpasundo kagabi? I'm so sorry, I had an urgent meeting last night about a case. Don't worry, kapag nakauwi na kami ni Mommy mo, we'll bond, okay?"
"Okay, Dad." I said softly. "Don't worry about me, I'm a big girl na. I can take care of myself."
"Uh-huh, says the girl who called because she's drunk. Says the girl who spent ten thousand last night..." he sighed. "What did you buy this time, Crest Veronica? Ngayon ka lang ulit gumastos ng ganyan, ah?"
I suddenly remembered my friends, I sighed and spoke.
"Drunk spending, I guess?" I lied. "Sorry, Dad. I'll control my money again and thank you for putting a limit? Well, it's disappointing but I understand."
"Hello? Is this Crest Veronica?" he asked kaya natigilan na ako.
"Dad?"
"Saan niyo dinala ang totoong Crest? Ilabas niyo ang anak ko! Hindi 'to si Crest! Ilabas niyo si Thallia-liit ko!" he hissed on the other line at napaawang ang labi ko.
"Attorney Iñigo!" I hissed and he burst out laughing.
"Kidding," he's still laughing like a kid. "I'm just shock, anak, ikaw ba 'yan?"
"Seriously, Dad?" I asked, smiling.
"Parang namamaligno ata ako, Crest Veronica." He said and took a deep breath. "Shocking to hear you thanking me for putting a limit on your cards instead of whining but you're welcome? I guess?"
"Pero p'wedeng kahit fifteen thousand?" I joked.
"Oh, sure. Gonna call the bank later." He said and my eyes widen.
I was just joking but...yes!
"But don't spend too much, okay? You're working now and I can sense that you're slightly changing your spending habits so...alright."
"Thank you, Dad!" I giggled.
"Welcome, ganda." I can hear the smile on his voice, "anyway, I have to go, your Mom just got out of the bathroom after an hour and half," he chuckled. "I'm gonna take a bath."
"I love you, Dad. Take care!"
"Is that Crest? Bakit daw tumawag?" I heard Mommy on the other line but instead of answering her, I heard my father sniffed.
"Baby, hindi nagalit sa limit sa card si Crest. Tinago nila ang anak natin! Hindi na siya si Thallia-liit!" he whined and I rolled my eyes when I heard Mom's loud laughter.
When the call ended, napasulyap ako kay Locket na tahimik lang akong pinagmamasdan habang sumisimsim ng kape.
"So...?" he asked, lowered the cup and my smile widened.
"He's not ballistic, boto ata sa'yo." I smirked at him. "Okay ka na kay Atty., ano tara? Mag-jowaan na tayo?"
He shook his head at me, almost chuckling kaya ngumiti ako ng malambing.
Mabilis akong lumapit sa kanya, nakita ko pang nagulat siya pero mabilis kong pinatakan ng halik ang pisngi niya.
"Salamat, Locket." I said gently at him.
Lorcan Keith is a good man, I can feel it. He may be snob and cold at times, his genuine heart is there with him. Tahimik siyang tao, he rarely laugh, smile or even talk but when he did, he says every good thing you'll ever wanted to hear.
"I should take you home." He said and I shook my head, crossing my arms on his chest.
"No! I'm gonna stay here." I smiled.
"Crest, you have to go home, baka nag-aalala na sila—"
"I texted them, I told them I want to stay on my condo instead for now so they won't look for me." I said and he just stared at me. "Seriously—"
"Yep!" I said, popping the p. "Come on, Locket, pagbigyan mo na ako. You said it's our off and I'll be bored if I go home so let me just stay with you here, please?"
"I have something to do." He said, his eyes softening a bit.
"I'll be a good girl!" I raised my hand. "I won't bother you, you have bondpaper ba?" I asked and he nodded.
"Yes."
"Then I'll just sketch," I smiled. "I saw your terrace and it's really wonderful! I love the fresh air, can I stay there? Kapag may gagawin ka, behave lang ako."
I saw how he watched me at first kaya I gave him my pleading cute face and crossed my fingers.
"Pretty, please? Please? Please, Pingu? For your cutey Crest Pinga?" I smiled.
He suddenly chuckled, biglang nailing at sinuklay ang buhok gamit ang daliri niya.
"Alright, alright. S'werte mo at hindi kita matiis." He said and I chirped in happiness, I almost run to him, jumped to hug his nape and when our face met inches apart, we both stopped.
I smiled at him, still hugging his nape.
"You're the best, Pingu!" I said happily and slowly, I felt how he lifted his hand. Halos matigil ang paghinga ko nang marahang pumaikot din ang braso niya sa baywang ko at niyakap ako pabalik.
"Just for you," his brow raised, "Pinga." He chuckled again at sa halip na mainis ay kinilig lang ako at pinalo ang braso niya.
Of course, I am a good girl. When he went to his home office and I was left alone, I did my best to distract myself by relaxing and taking my time to sketch again.
This is refreshing to me, this feels new. His place here is comfortable, I was never comfortable with other people's houses and rooms except my family kaya ngayon ay masaya talaga ako.
I felt the fresh air touched my face and my hair blew, unti-unti akong sumulyap sa pangalawang sketch na natapos ko ngayong hapon at ang kontentong ngiti ay lumitaw sa labi ko.
"Finally, after years, huh, self?" I giggled when I saw my creation. "After years, you began loving sketches again."
"That's beautiful, I wonder what stopped you." Mabilis akong napalingon at halos mapasinghap sa gulat nang nakitang nakadungaw na si Locket sa may balikat ko.
"Lorcan! You scared me!" I exclaimed and he glanced at me and stood straight. I saw how a lazy smile left his lips as he walked to the barricade, nagpamulsa bago sumandal doon at pinagmasdan ako.
"Say that again," he said kaya nangunot ang noo ko.
"Hmm? Say what?" I asked.
"That..." napatikhim siya. "My name."
"Locket?" I smiled.
"No." He said seriously and I saw how he blushed. "Fuck, nevermind." Tumingin siya sa relo niya pero nakita ko ang pamumula ng tainga niya kaya nagsalita ako.
"Lorcan?" I called and I saw how he froze kaya napatawa na ako at tumayo sa upuan. "So...Lorcan, huh?"
He cleared his throat, akmang tatalikod pero mabilis ko siyang hinarangan. I placed both of my hands on each side of the barricades, caging him. I saw how his forehead creased at me, trying hard to be serious but miserably failing.
"Crest Veronica." He warned pero ngumisi lang ako.
"Lorcan?" I called him again. "Lorcan, honey." I said.
"Y-you..." he stuttered and I gasped.
"Oh my God! You really are blushing!" I exclaimed.
"No, move away, woman. Nauuhaw ako—" but I cupped his cheek. His gray eyes widened at my sudden move.
"I have a lot of names for you now." I smiled. "Locket, Pingu tapos Lorcan honey ko?"
I saw how flustered he is, his eyes went down from my eyes down to my lips. I even saw how he gulped miserably and I thought he'll get tempted to kiss me but he closed his eyes tightly and held both of my wrist and gently took it down.
"Stop teasing, it's not effective. Let go, nauuhaw ako." Seryoso niyang at akmang aalis pero mabilis kong inilagay ang kamay ko sa gilid niya, caging him.
"Seriously?" he can actually push me but he didn't, he gave me that weird look and shook his head. "Lalaki ka ba, Sandejas?" he asked kaya napatawa na ako roon.
"Gwapo ba, pare?" I teasingly placed my pogi sign on my chin and smirked at him. "Sabi ko nga mas gwapo ako sa kambal ko kapag naging lalaki ako, eh. Habulin ako ng girls niyan." I even winked at him and he smirked at me.
"Nah," he placed his palm on the top of my head. "I preferred it more when you're a little brat." Aniya, walang hirap na inurong ako na parang unan lang habang nakahawak sa ulo ko kaya halos sakmalin ko na siya.
"Sana itinulak mo na lang ako, ano? Ano ako? Chess na ililipat mo ng gano'n?" I hissed and he chuckled at me.
"Sorry, I can't push my honey. Baka masaktan ka pa at hindi na sa akin boto si Attorney." He said playfully, leaving me there, stunned and dumbfounded.
Pinagmasdan ko siyang lumabas ng terrace, saglit pa akong parang tangang wala sa sarili hanggang sa ako natauhan at sumigaw.
"Lorcan! Crush mo nga ako!" Malakas na tili ko at humabol sa kanya na nabulunan pa sa iniinom nang dinamba ko na siya sa braso.
I may not know how to cook, kaya ko namang magpanggap na marunong ako just by preparing the plates.
"Lorcan, can we have dinner sa terrace mo?" I asked him while taking the utensils. Nakita ko ang pagsulyap niya sa akin mula sa paglalagay ng ulam sa bowl.
"Now?" he asked and I nodded. "It's a bit cold outside, is it okay?"
"Yep!" I smiled, "'tsaka your clothes are comfortable naman, it's thick."
"But your stomach's showing." He pointed my stomach at napasulyap ako roon at nakitang doon nakabuhol ang mahabang damit niya para maganda tignan at fit sa akin. "Baka mapasukan ng lamig ang sikmura mo."
"Ah, no!" I tapped my stomach. "I always wear crop tops without having impatso or lamig. Ang big kasi ng clothes mo, eh, and it's almost reaching my legs and it feels weird so I twirled it a bit for fashion."
"Fashion, huh? You have ways to turn things to that kikay things you like."
"Duh, Crest kaya ito!" I put my hands on my cheek and gave him my adorable eyes. "And it's okay sana to wear something mahaba if boxers ang binigay mo sa'kin but you gave me sweatpants instead. Para sana kunwari dress na lang na shirt. Conservative ka masyado, ah?"
"Room boys might come to take some things so I won't risk," he raised his brow at me.
"Risk what?" I smiled and he just shrugged at me and took the bowl towards my place kaya nagsalita ako ulit.
"Pingu, do you wear these?" I asked, referring to the clothes I' wearing and he nodded at me.
"Yeah, sorry, don't you like it? I don't have any clothes that can fit you here so..."
"Oh, it's okay. I love nga na ito ang pinasuot mo sa'kin, eh. I wonder what you looked like when you wear this." I smiled at him, "lalo na ang sweatpants, 'di ba kapag suot niyo 'to may ano..."
"Ano?" he asked and I pointed my crotch and pouted.
"Bakat." I said brightly, "kasi whenever I exercise or jog sa labas. I can see a lot of men running wearing sweatpants and I can notice their bakats."
"What the fuck?" tumiim ang tingin niya sa akin. "You're staring at it?!"
"No!" natawa na ako. "I'm good girl kaya! I can't help but notice lang kasi nakakasabay ko sila tumakbo tapos nakikita ko lang!"
"Where the hell are you looking, Crest Veronica? Sa daan ka tumitig kapag nagdya-jogging! Why the fuck are you looking at their fucking crotches?!"
"Hindi ko naman sadya!" I exclaimed, almost laughing at his mad face. "Napapansin ko lang na bakat tapos sometimes, I like looking at men's butts kasi they're adorable and cute. I like it when it's fluffy."
Kumunot ang noo niya sa akin doon at kinuha ang kamay ko at halos matawa ako nang tumalikod siya sa akin at pinahawak sa akin ang pwet niya.
"Here. I have a nice butt too." He said at halos mag-init na ang pisngi ko roon.
"What..." I tried stopping myself from bursting into laughter when he said that seriously.
"Squeeze it, it's fluffy." He even encouraged me kaya ginawa ko rin.
"Oh..." namilog ang bibig ko. "It really is huh?"
"Yeah." He glanced at me sideways. "I got a fluffier ass than them, you can only look at mine, okay?" aniyang seryoso at mukhang determinado kaya tumango ako.
Slowly, I placed my hand on his waist and moved my face closer to him.
"Okay, kaso mayro'n ka ba no'ng isa pa?" I asked and he stared at my eyes seriously.
"What?"
"'Yong...bakat." I said and smiled mischievously.
"I have one too. Here." He said competitively and took my one hand, he placed it abruptly on his crotch and my eyes widen at that.
"My gosh...bakit pumipintig?! Humihinga ba 'yan?!" I screamed and he burst out laughing when I pulled my hand from him and smacked his arm.
I was really happy that night at our dinner, he served me foods and ate while watching the stars. We talked about a lot of things and I felt like I'm talking to a person I knew for a long time kahit hindi naman. We first met more than a month ago, almost turning two and yet, sobrang komportable ko sa kanya.
He drove me home when night came, I asked him to take me to my almost abandoned condo so I could stay there for the night and we talked while we're travelling, ang hilig ko sa pag-i-sketch at ang kursong pinili ko.
"If you like sketching they what didn't you take a course related to that one when you're still studying?" he asked me kaya napaisip din ako.
"Honestly, I don't know. Ako ata 'yong tipo ng taong walang direksyon sa buhay, hindi ko alam ang gusto ko, lalo pa noong mga ganoong edad ako. My brother and sister were so persistent to take law unlike me kasi I really don't know how to survive it or even try and study it." I shrugged.
"No'ng enrollan sa college, gabi pa lang napapaisip na ako. Sa sobrang bored ko nga nag-spin the wheel ako sa phone ko with subjects tapos ang mapipili 'yon ang course ko." I smiled and I heard his laugh.
"Seriously?" he chuckled.
"Yeah." I answered. "Ang napili sa spin the wheel, Accountancy."
"Oh?" he chuckled. "Then? What happened?"
"Ayon, no'ng mismong araw na ng enrollment ang haba ng pila sa Accountacy tapos bored na talaga ako kaya naghanap ako ng maikling pila. Nakipila lang ako tapos nagulantang at shookt na lang ako no'ng tinanong ako no'ng professor do'n bakit daw napili ko ang Business." I laughed when I heard his laughter.
"What the hell are you doing, Pinga?" aniya kaya napahagikhik ako at napailing.
"Kaya ayon, sabi ko with conviction, Ma'am dahil ito ang sinisigaw ng puso ko!" I said at para kaming tangang nagtawanan habang nasa biyahe, napapaisip sa mga desisyon ko sa buhay.
Locket offered to take me to my unit, dala-dala niya ang mga paper bag ng damit na pinang-shopping ko last night na medyo nabasa pero napa-blow dry ni Locket, good thing the paper bags cannot be easily penetrated with water. I am wearing my clothes last night too.
"Good evening, Ma'am Crest! Ngayon ko lang ulit kayo nakita rito, ah?" the guard greeted.
"Magandang gabi po, Kuya." I smiled and waved before entering the building. Habang papalakad papasok ay napasinghap ako nang halos madulas sa heels pagkasara ng elevator pero mabilis na naabot ni Locket ang kamay ko.
"Careful," he said and I gasped, marahang umayos ng tayo at nakita kong pinindot niya ang floor.
"Sorry, thank you." I smiled at him.
From my waist, I felt how his hand went down and touched my palm and my heart thumped. Slowly, I moved my hand and felt his fingers.
I saw his reflection on the mirror, seryoso na nakatingin sa repleksyon naming dalawa but his finger touched mine again. Our palms moved closely and I bit my lower lip when I felt him slowly took my fingers, intertwining it with his.
Napalunok ako, I glanced at him on our reflection and I saw him staring at me from the reflection too.
I took a small side step closer to him and he didn't seem to mind it, mas humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko and I bit my lower lip when I felt his thumb brushing on the side of my hand.
I can feel my stomach churning, I was feeling the moment by the heart but then, the elevator opened to where my unit is and I almost gasp.
Bakit kapag masaya ka ang bilis ng oras?! Where's the justice?!
"Let's go," he said and I smiled and nodded, magkahawak ang kamay na lumabas kami. Slowly, we walked towards my unit and when I saw it, I almost curse.
Parang nagsising gano'n, sana pala sa malayong room ako!
"Here," he handed me the paper bags and I took it with my free hand, magkahawak pa rin ang isang kamay namin kaya ayaw ko munang bitawan.
"Thank you." I smiled and he remained staring at me. I cursed inside my head when I got to stare at him not wearing his usual uniform.
He's wearing a simple white shirt, pants and sneakers. His shirt fitted his body well, medyo magulo rin ang buhok at nakatitig sa akin. I saw how his gray eyes glinted with unknown emotion while staring at me and it made my heart skipped a beat.
"Uhm...thank you for saving me last night, for taking care of me and for being good to me. I appreciate it." I bit my lower lip and moved a bit closer, marahang tiningala ko siya at pinanuod niya lang ako na gawin 'yon.
"And...nakakahiya man but I like you." I said, collecting all my courage as I moved closer to him, pressing my lips against his.
I moved away quickly, blushing now. "S-sorry, uhm...goodnight." I said and embarrassed, mabilis akong tumalikod mula sa kanya at akmang pupunta na sa unit pero humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko.
He pulled me back and the moment our face met, he lowered his body, catching my lips to give me a soft kiss.
I was stunned, nanlalaki lang ang mata ko habang magkadikit ang labi namin, tila tuod na nakatayo lang sa harap niya, lalo nan ang marahang kagatin niya ang ibabang labi ko at lumayo na.
"My brat Pingu chickening out, I guess?" He raised his brow at me and smiled, slowly moving to kiss my forehead. "Good night, dream of me."
"Y-yeah..." I cleared my throat, nag-iinit ang pisnging tumalikod at mabilis na pinindot ang passcode at walang pasabing pumasok at hinarap siya. "G-goodnight."
He licked his lower lip and nodded, a ghost smile on his lips.
"Goodnight, Crest." He said and slowly, like a dalagang mahinhin, I closed the door and when I did, marahan akong naglakad papasok at napahawak na sa dibdib.
"Oh my God? Oh my God!" Tili ko, tinapon na ang bag at paper bags at sumigaw.
"Shit na malagket! We kissed!" I jumped up and down, "sheyt! Sana nilaplap ko na!" singhap ko at sinabunutan ang sarili, 'di na mapakali.
I couldn't sleep that night and told myself I'd be a better woman now, I will do my best to be happy and to feel worthy for my family, for him and myself.
The next morning, hindi ko nakita si Locket sa presinto. The boys said he went to an important meeting and he couldn't come to work kaya medyo sad man ay ayos lang sa akin. Ang mga babies ko ay hindi ako iniwan, I told them about what really happened when I got lost in Bulacan and I can see how angry they are.
"Mama Crest, we're telling this to you because we care for you, okay?" Adam started kaya napatango ako. "We don't want any harm but I think those friends are bad to you."
"Oo nga, Madame." Ani Earn sa likod ko na abala sa pagkukulot ng buhok ko. "Friends don't leave you, lalo na sa gano'ng panahon."
"I think you should stop seeing them, they're toxic for you, Mama Crest." Ani Brent doon na inabutan pa ako ng pagkain. "It's still your decision but I think you should know your worth and not based it to them kasi kung kami tatanungin mo, kami pa nga ang s'werte kasi nakilala ka namin, kung may masamang nangyari sa'yo roon at mag-isa ka lang, paniguradong magagalit si Papa Locket."
"Really?" it made me smile and they nodded at me. "Thank you, babies ko."
"Basta, Madame, we're always here for you, okay?" Earn said. "Willing kami maging babies kung ikaw din ang Mama." He said kaya nagkatawanan kaming lahat.
"Thank you!" I cheered happily while offering my arms to them for a group hug, my heart felt warm while I'm with them.
Dad called about Adira's graduation tomorrow and asked me to come and of course, sasama talaga ako. After work, I also received a message from Sam and Jellie, asking me to have dinner with them because they're sorry last time and I obliged.
They could've apologized yesterday but they never did but it's okay...baka busy lang sila. Kahit naman naliwanagan na ako sa mga sinabi nina Earn at ni Locket sa akin, I think I have to at least lie low but still have good terms with them.
Ayaw kong maglaho at hindi na sila kitain nang gano'n ang huli naming pagkikita kaya pinaunlakan ko sila. They still became my friends, they still accepted me when no one did in their circle kaya malaki pa rin ang pasalamat ko roon.
"Crest! I'm so sorry last time! Hindi ko na napigilan ang suka ko!" Sam hugged me the moment she saw me and I just smiled a bit.
"I understand," I said.
"Oh my...Crest! Sorry! Babalikan sana kita kaso amoy suka na ang kotse ko! Oh God, Samantha fucking puked on my car!" Jellie exclaimed before hugging me. "Mabuti na lang sinundo ka?"
"Well, yeah." I can feel the bitter taste on my mouth but I smiled, "nagpasundo."
"Oh, we're really sorry, hayaan mo babawi kami." Sam smiled and I nodded, really thought that was genuine but my insights faded when her eyes widen.
"Oh my...is these the clothes you bought for us?!" she exclaimed happily, walang sabing kinuha niya ang paper bags sa kamay ko at binuklat, nakita kong nakidungaw si Jellie roon, nauna silang naglakad papasok ng resto habang sumisilip sa paper bag kaya napasinghap na ako at napailing.
You really are trying hard, Crest. What happened to you?
I followed them inside towards the private room, nagitla pa ako nang makita si Matthew at Lucas na nandoon, some friends are there too na hindi ko masyadong close.
I saw their shock faces but I chose to smile.
"Good evening," I greeted.
They nodded at me, I saw some girls from my batch when I was in college drink from their glasses, some rolled their eyes at me and I didn't mind it.
"Ay, walang upuan. Hingi ka muna ro'n, Crest." Sam said kaya nagtawag ako ng waiter para sa extra seat.
I sat beside Jellie and Matthew, I saw him glancing at me pero tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay at hindi inimik. When food came, they began talking about things, I was seated there, eating but no one dared to talk to me.
I felt out of place but I remained composed and quiet, ni hindi ko alam na may ibang kasama sina Jellie! Sabi nila'y babawi sila but...God, I'm so sorry, I don't want to sound so ungrateful but I don't like being in this dinner anymore!
"Oh, ito ngang si Crest nagtatrabaho na!" Jellie said. Finally.
"Really?" I saw, Micah, isa sa batchmates ko. She glanced at me and I nodded, smiling and proud of it. "Saan naman?"
"Well, I was just starting. I'm an assistant sa police station nearby. Naka-leave kasi ang secretary kaya ako muna for now, it's fun." I said, smiling but it faded when I saw their weird, disappointed looks.
"Really?" she frowned. I saw Sam hid a smile and drink her water.
"The Crest Sandejas, working as an assistant?" Jerome laughed. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, I was just starting—"
"That's what I'm telling her, working sucks right?!" Jellie pointed out. "Lalo na if sa mga cheap stations sa tabi-tabi at secretarial jobs pa!"
"There's nothing wrong with it," my brow raised. "Why are you belittling secretarial jobs? As long as it's an honorable job and it's okay."
"No, not that we're belittling, Crest." Sam said. "It's just that...hindi bagay! I mean, you're wealthy and all! Sandejas ka tapos sa gano'ng trabaho? And why are you working there if you can work sa company ng Mom mo?"
"I wanna try working on my own and challenge myself—"
"Sabihin mo kamo, hinihigpitan ka na ni Atty." Jellie raised her brow at me. "YOLO pero grounded ka no'ng nakaraan at nagtatrabaho pa? We understand you're already working, huh? Pero sorry to say pero bakit gano'n?"
"How about your firm?" Lucas asked kaya umiling ako.
"She has no future in law, ano ka ba!" Jellie laughed. "Stop insulting, Crest!" she said playfully and they all laughed at that and I was fucking pissed but I am not the type to make a scene.
"I saw a post from your sister's account, oath taking na ba?" Micah asked. "No'ng nakaraan your brother and now, your sister!"
"It's her graduation," I said calmly and smiled.
"Oh, wow, lahat sila may events! Ikaw, kailan?" ani Jellie kaya nagkibit-balikat lang ako, walang gana para makipag-usap pa.
"Maybe soon?" I smirked and laughed nonchalantly kaya nagtawanan din sila.
"Ah, wala...ganyan talaga kapag stupid at bobo!" Samantha said kaya nawala na ang ngiti ko. "Joke!" she exclaimed and I heard their laughters.
I caught Matthew smirking, kumalabog ang puso ko sa narinig at hindi na nagsalita roon.
"Walang future 'to si Crest sa law firm nila kaya puro sa tabi ang sideline." Jellie chuckled. "And her father's strict! I bet he won't let her join the firm or run her Mom's business kasi baka malugi sila! Joke!"
They laughed again.
"Oh...oh! And she's grounded kasi ayaw na siyang palabasin ng Dad kasi nga walang ambag sa pamilya." Samantha muttered and I took my water, mabilis akong uminom doon at padarag na ibinaba iyon sa lamesa na nagpatahimik sa kanilang lahat.
"I was never this thankful my Dad is strict," I said coldly and I saw how they all got quiet. "You know what? Dati, I was thinking Dad is really strict and I hate it but now, alam niyo, I understand him clearly now."
"What do you mean? Your father's caging you—"
"No, he's not caging me, Jellie. He's disciplining me, he's a great father kahit na istrikto siya minsan. He grounded me, yes, he even cut my cards and it's annoying at first but it's his way to take care of me before I became abusive of the privileges I have." I smiled at them. "He's disciplining me to not turn into an ungrateful brat, he disciplined me to not become like you, guys."
I saw how their mouths parted at that.
"What the hell are you saying, Crest?!" Sam hissed at me and I shrugged.
"Misogynistic men, spoiled ungrateful and judgmental brats, a mean bitch and users." I raised my brow at them.
"How dare you?!" Jellie gasped at me.
"Stop disguising your hate in the form of concern and a joke, guys." I said. "Kasi kahit itago at ibaon niyo ang mga basura, nangangamoy pa rin."
"You bitch! Anong user? How dare you say that to us?! After we accepted you in our circle? Sampid ka lang naman dito tapos kung makaasta ka?" Jellie hissed at me.
"Oh, hindi ba kayo user?" my brow raised. "You all never invited me while everyone is having fun and I understand it but I know and felt for a fact that you only know me when you want to buy something and you can't."
"Crest..." Matthew called me pero hindi ko siya pinansin.
"We didn't!" Sam gasped. "We are rich! We don't need your help to buy things! Mayaman kami! Kapal ng mukha mo para sabihin 'yan! Kaya naming bilhin lahat!"
"Oh, not all. Money can never buy manners and class, I guess?" I smiled sweetly at them.
"You stupid bitch..." Micah gasped, "ang yabang mo porket may pera kayo but guess what? You're still the same bitch before, malandi, stupida at bobo!"
"Well, I prefer being stupid than being mannerless, right?" I said and shrugged. "At least I don't judge people because of their imperfections and the things they lack."
"How dare you..." Sam gasped. "I will tell Angelo about this! Ang sama ng ugali mo!"
"Oh, Angelo." I chuckled at that. "Our family has good choices when it comes to relationships pero mukhang nagkamali siya sa'yo."
I saw how she turned red, I saw her gripped the tissue paper tight, glaring at me.
"H-how dare you—"
"And kayo pa pala? Imma tell my cousin a lot of things about you, baka magising na mali ang pinili niya." I said and took the tissue to clean the side of my lips.
I looked at them all, lahat sila ay galit at tahimik, masama ang tingin sa akin kaya ngumisi ako at hinawi ang kulot na buhok.
"Oh? Why are you all staring at me?" I chuckled coldly. "Cat got your tongue? Truth hurts, guys. It slaps." I said before elegantly standing from our seat and placed my hand bag on my elbow.
"Anyway, goodbye. Thank you for the friendship." I said.
"Sa'yo na 'yan!" Samantha's now crying, hinagis niya sa akin ang mga paper bag at bumagsak iyon sa paa ko pero tinitigan ko lang iyon. "You bitch! We have money to buy things! We don't fucking need you!"
"Edi don't." I raised my brow.
"Oh gosh..." Micah sighed in frustration.
"Sa inyo na 'yan, pamasko ko." I said and turned my back on him, palabas na sana ako sa private room nang marinig si Matthew.
"Crest!" he called and took my elbow.
"Walang-hiya ka!" I heard a loud scream at sa pagharap ko ay pasugod na si Jellie. She's about to slap me but I was fast, mabilis akong umiwas kaya ang sampal niya ay tumama sa pisngi ni Matthew.
"What the hell, Jellie?!" Matthew hissed while touching his cheek and I smirked.
"Opps? Wrong face." I said and smiled, mabilis kong binuksan ang pintuan sa private room at walang imik na naglakad palabas.
I even walked with confidence, my face deprived of any emotions. I walked out of the resto with my chin up and with poise. Kalmado akong pumasok sa sasakyan ko pero ramdam ko ang panginginig ng kamay ko habang inaayos ang susi.
"Calm down..." I said to myself. "You're strong, Crest." I whispered.
I started the engine, ready to drive away when I saw a man walking just infront of my car. I gasped in shock at mabilis na itinigil ang sasakyan, mukhang nagulat din ang matanda at hinarap na ako.
"O-oh my...sorry po!" I exclaimed and I saw how rage formed on his eyes.
"Tumingin ka sa dinadaanan mo!" he exclaimed in rage. "Bulag ka ba?!"
"S-sorry po!" I exclaimed back, "hindi ko kayo nakita—"
"Tanga! Inutil!" he exclaimed, hinampas ang nguso ng sasakyan ko at galit nag alit.
"Bumalik ka na lang sa tiyan ng Nanay mo! Bobo mo!" He exclaimed loudly before walking out and I just froze in there, unmoving.
I cannot feel anything at first but when I did, it was really painful.
"Bobo..." I whispered to myself, my hand gripping the steering wheel, my shoulders moved and I began laughing. "B-bobo raw ako." I said, chuckling exaggeratedly but then, I felt the tears fell on my cheek and like a stupid fool, I began crying loudly too.
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