Dancing With Fire (Published Under Flutter Fic)
Kabanata 28
Kabanata 28
WHEN I WAS a kid, my father taught me always to be kind.
Naalala ko noong bata pa ako. Inaasar nila akong mahirap at walang nanay. During family day, I couldn't join the activities because I had no parents to accompany me.
Tatay would always drive to work, para may makain kami, para may pang-aral ako habang si Nanay ay 'di pumunta kailanman.
They kept pushing me, teasing me, mocking me. It hurt, but I told myself I had to endure it.
Tatay taught me to be kind, always. Even if the people you show kindness to don't deserve it. He said cruelty should stop with them, na huwag akong magtatanim. He reminded me never to let the pain they gave me taint the love I carried.
Maybe that's why I grew up holding on, why I never easily gave up, no matter how fate played with me.
"Thank you, 'tay..." I whispered, caressing his tomb.
Habang nakatitig doon ay 'di ko na napigilan ang pagkawala ng luha, miss na miss na siya.
I promised to be a better person, 'tay. Para kay Miggy, para kay Nanay, para sa mga mahal ko sa buhay. Para sa 'yo at para kay Mama d'yan sa heaven. Magsisikap ako.
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"BINABAWI ko na, one year ka manligaw!" I glared at the annoying engineer.
"Praktikal lang dapat!" He laughed, catching my hand and pulling me down onto his lap. "My wallet's still with you, anyway," he whispered.
Nilingon ko siyang kunot ang noo.
"Akala ko ba akin 'yon? Bakit doon ako kukuha?" I raised a brow.
He laughed again, cupping my chin to steal a quick peck. I pulled away and flicked his lips.
He pouted. I eyed him sharply while his dark brown eyes danced with amusement.
"Mahirap lang ako, Serafine." He grinned.
"Wow, daddy!" I groaned. "Coming from you?"
"Totoo!" he exclaimed, laughing, tightening his hold on me.
"Oh, eh, bakit noon? Noong umalis ka, I tried giving back the wallet to you pero hindi ka naman sumasagot sa messages ko. Even the money! I deposited it on your account, and the next day, the same amount was deposited back into mine!" I confronted him.
His lip twitched as he leaned back on the sofa, still holding me close.
"I gave that to you, so..." He shrugged. "Bayad ko sa isang taon, remember?"
I rolled my eyes. "Ewan, Miranda. 'Di ako maka-recover! Imagine my face when I heard that! Yabang ko pa, niyayabang ko pa! Inaamoy ko pa 'yong bulaklak mo tapos COD!" I exclaimed.
He burst out laughing again. Annoyed, I smacked him repeatedly, but he caught my hands.
"Kailangan ko na ring magtipid, wala na akong pera—"
"Package mo para sa akin tapos ako magbabayad?!" I hissed. "Scammer!"
He laughed harder. I gritted my teeth.
"Hindi na, good boy na ako." He surrendered and caught my chin again. "Kiss na lang ako."
Lumapit siya pero bago pa maka-score ay lumayo na ako.
"No kisses! You're such a bad, old daddy!" I spat.
"Sige na, isa lang." He pouted his lips.
"No. Baka saan na naman mapunta ang kiss." I shook my head. "Tapos ano? Ano na namang sisirain natin, huh?"
"Uh, this sofa?" He smirked.
"Too small," I said.
"Hmm, how about this table?" He pointed at the mahogany table. "But it won't break. I bought it from a good manufacturer, kaya p'wedeng dito na lang."
I fell silent, and his eyes gleamed mischievously. He tried kissing me again, but I dodged and shook my head.
"No, ayaw ko." Umalis na ako sa hita niya.
"Baby..." he whined.
"Hindi p'wede. Manliligaw ka pa, 'di ba? Isang taon?"
"Serafine!" reklamo niya, ayaw pumayag.
I smirked.
"Bilisan mo, tayo na d'yan! Mamasyal tayo," I said.
Bumuntonghininga siya pero tumayo din. Wala pang ilang sandali'y hawak na niya ako.
"Wala na akong pera, Sera," he whispered.
I almost laughed, rolling my eyes.
"Paano naman ako? Ang mahal no'ng bouquet!" Reklamo ko. "Pero anyway, okay. Since kawawa ka, I'll treat you."
His eyes twinkled. "Really?"
"Hmm..." I winked, holding his arm as we walked out of his office together.
Napansin ko ang kuryosong tingin nila sa amin pero masyado akong masaya para pagtuunan iyon.
I looked at Rai, who's already watching me closely. I smirked.
"I'll be your sugar mommy today," I teased.
He chuckled, pulling me closer and murmured, "Mama dè Asukal."
I froze, glaring at him sharply. He burst out laughing, catching my chin and pressing a long kiss on my cheek.
When we got to the mall, I immediately pulled him toward the men's section of the boutiques.
"Do you still have that same closet, Rai?" I asked, glancing at him while he stood beside me, watching as I browsed through some clothes.
"What closet?"
"'Yong closet mo na halos puro neutral lang ang kulay ng mga damit," I said.
He nodded.
"Yeah, I don't really roam around stores anyway." Pasimple siyang tumabi, kunwari nakikisilip pero naramdaman ko ang braso na umaakbay.
"Weh?" I narrowed my eyes on him. "Let me remind you how you used to choose dresses for me, way back?"
I saw him trying to suppress a smirk.
"Well... that, sinasadya ko talagang daanan para kapag may makita akong bagay sa 'yo may pasalubong ako..."
"And you said nadaanan mo lang noon at bagay sa akin!" I hissed. "Career na career ang pagiging sugar daddy? Arte pa noon feel na feel naman!"
He laughed.
I picked out dress shirts for him. He obediently stood in front of me while I held up the shirts against him to see if it suits him.
"I have enough clothes, baby," he said.
"No, let me," I insisted. "Punuin natin ang closet mo ng damit. Ako ang mamimili, gusto ko suotin mo, okay?"
"Alright, mommy." He grinned.
I froze. The saleslady laughed softly. Nilingon ko siya na namula lang at nag-iwas ng tingin.
I silently glared at Rai, who looked like he was enjoying everything.
"Kukunin ko 'to," I said to the sales lady, handing her the clothes
"O-Okay, Ma'am."
When she left, I continued browsing and spotted a pink polo with floral prints. P'wede sa beach! It was cute! Inangat ko 'yon sa dibdib ni Rai.
"Try mo nga." I smiled.
"This?" He pointed at the shirt.
"Yup!" I said.
He pouted, nodded, and headed to the fitting room. While waiting, another saleslady approached me.
"Hi, Ma'am, ano pong sa atin?"
"Hello, okay na. May pinapasukat lang ako sa kasama ko." I smiled.
The fitting room opened. I was ready to tease him, but the words vanished when I saw him step out.
The polo looked better on him than in my head. He had tucked it neatly into his pants, highlighting his physique.
He glanced down at the shirt, then lifted his gaze. Our eyes met, and slowly, his lips curved into a smile.
Naramdaman ko ang pamilyar na kalabog ng dibdib.
"Ay, Sir! Bagay na bagay sa 'yo!" The saleslady exclaimed, walking toward him.
Medyo magulo iyong kwelyo ng damit kaya inayos ng babae.
"Bagay sa 'yo, Sir!" She giggled.
My forehead creased. A sudden wave of irritation rushed over me. I frowned and walked closer.
"Hindi bagay," I spat.
Rai looked at me, confused.
"No?" he asked.
"Ma'am, bagay naman—"
"Ayoko," I said timidly. "Pangit. Ayaw ko ng kulay."
Rai remained staring, and slowly, a smirk appeared.
I rolled my eyes and motioned with my hand.
"No, hubarin mo," I ordered.
"Doon na—"
"Now na. Hubarin mo ngayon." I raised my brow.
"O-Okay?" He hesitated, then unbuttoned one shirt button. My lips parted. I saw the saleslady's eyes widen.
Suminghap na ako at mali ang diskarte!
"B-Bakit... bakit ka naghuhubad d'yan? Hala, pumasok ka doon!" Turo ko sa fitting room.
He was still stopping his smiles. "But you said—"
"Bilis, Miranda," I snapped.
He raised his hand, amusement still in his eyes as he walked back to the fitting room.
"Ay, Ma'am, ang gwapo po ng asawa n'yo!" ani ng sales lady sa tabi ko kaya napunta sa kanya ang atensyon ko.
I froze. "A-Asawa?"
"Opo, Ma'am, si Sir kanina! Bagay kayo, saka halatang in love na in love kasi ang tingin niya sa 'yo kanina. Nakakakilig!"
My cheeks burned, startled by her conclusion.
"M-Mukha ba kaming mag-asawa?"
"Ay, hindi ba, Ma'am?" she asked, surprised. "Siguro po boyfriend?"
I licked my lips and slowly nodded.
"A-Actually, yes." I said proudly. "He's my husband. Pero huwag ka munang maingay, Miss. Secret pa kasi." Ngumiti pa ako para makatotohanan.
"Wow, Ma'am! Congrats!" she said with a big smile.
Nang lumabas si Rai ay hawak na niya ang damit na sinukat. Inabot agad 'yon ng saleslady.
Rai immediately went to my side, took my hand, and kissed the top of my head.
Lumapit iyong saleslady na isa kanina.
"Ma'am, ito na po ang binili n'yo," aniya dala ang paperbag at ang card ko. Rai took it.
"Ito na po ba lahat?" the saleslady asked.
I immediately looked at the other saleslady holding the cute pink polo. She was smiling widely at us.
"Uh, pasama na rin 'yong kay Miss," I said, pointing at the polo.
"Ay, Ma'am, kunin n'yo na rin?" she asked in surprise.
I nodded, smiling widely.
"Bagay naman pala dito sa asawa ko, kaya sige." Tumango ako.
Alam ko na ang reaksyon ni Rai kahit 'di ko siya lingunin. Nakaalis na ang saleslady nang hinarap ko siyang 'di mapuknat ang ngiti.
"Baka mag-lock ang bibig mo kakangiti mo..."
He laughed, wrapping his arm around my waist.
"Selosa naman ng asawa ko," he teased playfully. "Nakailang kasal na ba tayo at parang never ako na-invite?"
Siniko ko lang siya at tuwang-tuwa.
Kumain muna kami bago nag-vanilla ice cream for dessert habang naglalakad nang madaanan kaming arcade.
My lips protruded when I saw a claw machine filled with teddy bears. I noticed a couple playing.
The tall, blonde man handed a teddy bear to the beautiful lady beside him. She giggled happily, and I noticed people staring at them, some even recording with their phones.
Sikat? Or magaling kasi maglaro?
Tinuro ko kay Rai.
"Daddy, look." I gestured toward the claw machine.
Rai glanced at me, wiped the ice cream off the corner of my lips with his finger and tasted it.
"B-Bakit... hoy!" My cheeks burned.
He chuckled.
"Ang kalat mo kasi kumain. What is it?" he asked.
I pointed again at the commotion. The couple was drawing attention because the man had just won another teddy bear.
"Nievarez," ani Rai sabay huli sa kamay ko at yakag papasok sa arcade.
"Huh?" I quickly finished my cone.
We approached the couple, noticing people taking pictures of them.
Why?
Nanalo ulit ng teddy bear. The lady clapped her hands happily when he gave it to her.
I pouted.
Sana all!
"Hoy, Alon," Rai called.
The man turned, and my lips parted when I saw his striking two-colored eyes.
"Wave!" I exclaimed.
The man grinned, and the lady beside him looked at us, her blue eyes shimmering.
"Vioxx!" she cheered.
She hugged Rai. Natigilan ako. Miski si Wave ay bumusangot.
"Asawa ko 'yan, gago," Wave muttered.
Rai laughed while the lady pulled away and shook her head at her husband.
"You're such a baby. Mamaya na kita lambingin, okay? Behave, huwag uma-attitude sa pinsan mo!" She turned to me, her wide smile never fading.
"Hi!" She greeted me cheerfully.
"Hi..." Ngumiti ako pabalik, amazed by her striking beauty.
"Girlfriend ka ni Vioxx? I'm Zirena, Wave's wife. You are?" She offered her hand.
"Sera," I said, accepting it.
"Hi, Sera! You're so pretty!" she cheered, hugging me.
Her cheerfulness made me smile. Nang maghiwalay kami'y inikot niya kaagad ang braso niya sa braso ko. Napansin kong pinagmamasdan kami ng dalawang lalaki.
"Forgive my wife, Sera. She's overly excited about potential new friends," Wave said lovingly, gazing at her.
"You're so mean, Wavy," she murmured, handing him the teddy bears before turning back to me. "I just found a new friend! And I like Sera's beauty—sophisticated. And she's taller than me!"
I chuckled.
"Kaunti lang naman."
"Humble," she teased, then looked at Rai. "Ano, Vioxx? Siya na ba ang the one?"
Rai smiled, glancing at me. Nag-init ang mukha ko.
"Yeah, just wishing she'll allow me to be her boyfriend now," he said.
"Oh, hindi mo pa sinasagot?" Zirena looked at me.
"Uh, no." I tilted my head, glancing at Rai. "May usapan kasi kami na one year siyang manliligaw—"
"Baby!" Rai sulked.
"Oh." Zirena grinned, then nodded repeatedly, giving me a thumbs-up. "Good! Tama lang. Wise decision."
"Zire!" Rai exclaimed, while Wave laughed, patting his cousin's back.
"Good luck, bro!" Wave smirked.
"Oh, ikaw ang dahilan siguro sa ugali nito. He's been bitter for years, Sera," Zirena revealed. Natawa si Wave at tumango.
Nilingon ko si Rai na 'di na tumitingin sa hiya niya, tinuturo ang claw machine.
"What color do you want, baby?" aniya.
Wave stood beside him, watching the teddy bears inside, while Zirena stayed beside me, hugging her prizes.
'Di ko na inasar at sumulyap ako sa machine para mamili.
"The white one." I pointed at the bear near the exit slot.
"Easy." Rai smirked, straightening his posture and stretching.
Wave chuckled. Zirena gave me a thumbs-up.
Rai glanced at me, then leaned his cheek toward me.
"What?"
"Good luck kiss," he requested.
Wave whistled. Zirena nudged me playfully, making my cheeks burn.
"Kiss," ulit niya.
"Go! Go, Sera!" Zirena giggled.
Blushing, I leaned closer. I was about to kiss his cheek when he suddenly turned his head kaya tumama ang labi ko sa labi niya.
"Miranda!" I complained, but he just laughed and winked.
"This is for you, baby," aniya sabay stretching.
Excited ako. First time kasing may kukuha ng teddy bear para sa akin! I clapped when the claw machine lifted the bear I wanted.
"Ayan na!" I chirped.
"Ayan! Oh my God!" I shouted when the bear suddenly fell before reaching the exit.
"Shit, sayang!" Zirena muttered.
"Fuck." Rai straightened, inserted another token, and tried again.
I anticipated he'd get it this time. Ang lakas ng kalabog ng puso ko at akala ko'y makukuha niya pero nahulog ulit!
"Ah!" I groaned in disappointment. "Ang lapit na, sayang!"
"One more," he said, cocking his head.
"You go, Miranda!" Minasahe pa ni Wave ang likod niya bago tinapik.
Nahulog ulit! Napahawak ako sa noo at ngumiwi.
Rai cursed, and I noticed people around us were already watching. Wave looked tense too, while Zirena kept squeezing the teddy bear she held in frustration.
A couple more tries, but still no success.
It was pissing Rai off. Bakas iyon sa mukha niya.
"Buy me ten tokens again, Wave," Rai ordered when he finished what he got. Umalis kaagad ang isa.
"Uhm, ano, tara na, Rai." I tugged his shirt when I saw how annoyed he was.
His brows furrowed, his jaw clenching.
"Rai..."
"I will get it for you, Sera," aniya, matalim ang tingin sa puting teddy bear na sa halip na lumapit ay lumayo sa exit.
This machine is rigged! Palagi naman kapag ganito!
"Ah, malayo na 'yong white, sige na kahit 'yong brown na lang—"
"No. You like the white one. I'll get you that fucking white teddy bear," he insisted.
Wave returned with the tokens, and Rai wasted no time trying again.
He grew more frustrated when he failed once more. Nasapo ko na ang noo. Zire sighed, napipisat na iyong isang teddy bear niyang blue. Wave looked serious now, too.
"Rai, tama na, tara na..." I tried pulling his shirt, but he refused.
"No. I swear, I'll get this one," he said, inserting the last token.
My mouth parted when he started off perfectly. Everyone fell silent, watching as he carefully maneuvered the claw toward the exit.
My hand pressed against my chest in anticipation. I was about to squeal when the claw got the bear and was approaching the exit pero biglang gumilid at tumalsik ang bear!
"Shit..." I muttered, and the crowd gasped, too.
"May daya na 'to!" Rai groaned bago inalog ang machine, iritado!
"Shit, Rai!" I grabbed him in embarrassment.
"No, bakit sa iba 'di tumatalsik?" he snapped. "Nasaan ang manager?!" he demanded.
"Oh my God..." Nasapo ko ang mukha.
"Shit, Vioxx!" Wave laughed.
Rai's jaw clenched as he shook the machine again. Tempted na akong kaladkarin siya palabas!
"Rai!"
He hissed, pressed his forehead against the glass, and glared at the teddy bear.
"Makukuha kita!" He pointed at the toy.
"Rai, we should go!" I exclaimed, embarrassed, pulling him, pero bumalik siya at idinikit ang noo muli sa salamin para makipagtitigan sa bear.
"No." Bigla siyang umiling at nagulat ako nang biglang hugutin niya ang wallet sa bulsa sa likod. "How much is this fucking machine?"
"Oh my gosh, Miranda..." I massaged my temple.
Binili niya claw machine.
We were mortified, pero 'di raw siya uuwi na 'si nabibili iyon! Kahit daw magsara na ang mall! He even spoke to the manager.
Si Wave ay 'di matigil kakatawa! He's even taking photos of Rai and informed me he'll send them to their cousins.
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WE RODE RAI'S car to Sta. Monica. Luckily, Nanay came with us.
Though we didn't interact much, I felt lighter knowing she joined us. 'Di ko sinabi kay Migs na kasama si Nanay kaya sobrang saya niya nang makita ang kasama namin pauwi.
My brother dropped his book in shock, and my heart felt at peace when I saw Nanay crying as she hugged him.
Tita Asunta didn't comment. Nasabi ko namang isasama ko si Nanay. 'Di siya kumontra at sa halip ay sinabi niyang naiintindihan niya. Lalo na para kay Migs.
Even though I knew she and Nanay weren't on good terms, they remained civil.
Hindi naman ako martyr para sabihing wala akong tampo kay Nanay pero ang gaan ng pakiramdam ko nang makita ang saya sa kapatid ko. Bawing-bawi na ako.
I was happy. Nothing could ruin my mood these days. I had Nanay and Migs with me, plus Marco and Tita Asunta. Our azucarera and company were doing well.
Ayos na sana ang lahat pwera na lang sa pangit na engineer na iyon!
"Sera, aking irog." Intoy placed a bottle of soft drinks in front of me.
"Oh?" iritado kong tanong habang ang atensyon ay nasa phone.
"Bakit ka nakasimangot? Ayos ka lang? Sayang ang ganda mo kung nakakunot ang noo mo."
I glared at him. He grinned and sat on the bamboo bench across from me.
"Bakit hindi ka na lang mag-duty sa barangay?" tanong ko.
"Eh, na-miss kita, eh." He grinned. "Tagal mong wala! Na-miss kita dito, walang magandang palakad-lakad sa may outpost!"
"Tss, ewan ko sa 'yo, Intoy." Iling ko at ibinaba ang phone bago kinuha iyong soft drink.
"Bakit? Ano bang mayro'n?" he asked.
Wala ako sa mood at wala namang masasabing maganda kaya 'di ako umimik.
"Ganyan talaga ang magmahal, Sera," he said dramatically. "Kaysa itago mo 'yan, mas magandang ipagtapat mo na lang ang nararamdaman mo sa 'kin."
Muntik ko nang mabuga ang iniinom.
"What?!"
"Wala si Sandra, Sera. Prend ko lang 'yon," he explained.
Napahagalpak ako.
"Ano? Bakit hindi mo na lang sagutin si Sandra? Tayong dalawa, Intoy, hanggang friends lang," I explained. Pero ayaw niyang maniwala.
"Sus, kunwari ka pa. May pagtingin ka sa akin! Kaya ilang taong wala kang boyfriend kasi hindi ka makaamin sa akin."
"Wala akong boyfriend kasi may nilalaman na ang puso ko," I said.
Nanliit ang mata niya.
"Talaga? Mas gwapo ba 'yan sa akin? Mas malaki ang muscle?" He flexed his skinny arm.
I chuckled.
"Plus na 'yong mukha, pero iba kasi kapag mahal mo, Intoy," I said.
"Luh? Eh, basted na naman ako?" Napakamot siya sa kilay.
"Hoy, excuse me, hindi ko sinabi sa 'yong manligaw ka!"
"Ano? Eh, bakit nababalitaan ko sa mga kaibigan mo, kina Jade? Kapag dumaraan sa may outpost dati, sabi nila marami ka raw manliligaw na engineer?"
"Oh? Wala, ah." I shook my head.
"Weh? Sa gandang 'yan, Sera? Wala kang maloloko rito!"
I was flattered. I laughed, shook my head, and sipped my drink again.
"May mahal kasi ako, Intoy," I shared. "Kaya kahit sinong manligaw, parang wala na rin... kasi may laman na 'tong puso ko."
Intoy is my friend. Simula noong dumating ako rito. I remember the first time I met him, galing ako sa eskwela at naligaw pauwi ng mansyon, pero siya ang nagturo sa akin ng daan.
Barangay captain siya rito. Simula noon, palagi niya akong binibiro na crush daw niya ako at manliligaw siya, pero sinabi kong wala pa ako sa punto na tatanggap ng ganoon.
He's a good person. Masayang kausap at puro katarantaduhan, akala mo walang posisyon sa barangay kung makapag-ikot dito, eh.
I remained seated on the bamboo bench, facing the vast sugarcane plantation my family owned. My real mother had owned this together with the firm, while Tita Asunta inherited restobars and several high-end hotels.
Kaunti lang silang magkakapatid, and the Flores family is old and wealthy, rich since the early generations, and their fortune grew even more through the succeeding ones.
My mother died of a brain tumor. She didn't even know until she was already pregnant with me.
She never wanted to sacrifice me, so she chose me instead of chemotherapy. She cared for me for a short while after I was born, but her sickness eventually took her away. That illness stole Mama from me.
Before she passed, she entrusted me to Tatay. Pinakiusapan niya si Tatay na huwag ipaalam sa akin ang totoong sitwasyon. That I was born out of wedlock. But I found out when I was young, overhearing it during one of his fights with Nanay.
Also, Nanay Divina's family had been rich back then. It was an arranged marriage, kaya si Tatay ang pinili ni Nanay. Hindi man mayaman si Tatay, gusto siya ni Nanay. Her family blackmailed Tatay and his family, leaving him no choice but to comply.
That was when my Mama met him. At the time, Nanay and Tatay weren't married yet. The Flores family was wealthy, and Mama and Tatay truly loved each other.
But when Mama's parents discovered her relationship with Tatay, they disowned her. That was what Tatay feared most. He broke up with Mama and chose to be with Nanay because he couldn't give Mama the life she deserved.
He didn't know Mama was pregnant. He didn't know about her illness either. Nalaman na lang niyang wala na si Mama at anak nila ang iniwan sa labas ng bahay, ako.
He dedicated his life to caring for me and giving me the good life he couldn't give Mama.
Nanay's family eventually went bankrupt when their illegal business was exposed. That's when it all went downhill.
Tumitig ako sa madilim na langit at sa maliwanag na bituin, sa hindi kalayuan ay abala ang mga tauhan habang nagniningas ng apoy sa mga kahoy para sa balak nilang ihawin.
I watched how the flames danced beautifully in the night—tempting to touch, even though you knew it would burn you in the end.
Developing story...
Famous Engineer Vioxx Miranda caught dining with the Mielldo Jewelry sole heiress.
Are they dating?
I stared at my phone again, irritated, then closed it. Kanina pa tumatawag at nagti-text si Rai perp 'di ko pinapansin.
Dating, huh? Really, Miranda?
He didn't even call me last night! He said he was going to Caspian's for Riu's birthday party. And now, mababalitaan ko na he was dining with the heiress of a jewelry company?
Eh, ano? Sure naman akong mas maganda ako! Huh, may jewelry company ka? Ako may firm na, may plantation pa!
"Gigil na gigil, Sera?" Marco laughed beside me. Sumali kami sa nag-iihaw para ma-distract.
"Nothing, just..." I shook my head.
"Kay Engineer Miranda? I saw the article," he said.
I stayed silent, staring at the fire.
"Baka hindi naman totoo, Sera," he added.
May tiwala ako kay Rai. Alam ko namang hindi niya gagawin pero ewan ba, these days masyadong emosyonal ako! Mabilis mairita at mawalan ng pasensya! I feel like I was possessive of Rai!
"He never texted me. He didn't say anything about that dinner. He told me it was just a party for his nephew's birthday. He only texted me this morning!"
"Have you read his texts, then? Kanina pa umiilaw 'yang phone mo sa tawag at text," Marco pointed out.
I pouted.
"I am annoyed," I muttered.
"Kailan mo kakausapin?"
"Bukas na. Kapag hindi na ako bad trip." I sighed.
He chuckled, ruffled my hair, and pinched my nose. "You see, I really can't understand girls."
"I can't understand boys either," I spat. "Sabi, party sa pamangkin, tapos dinner with an heiress! Ano, ganyan ba talaga kayo, huh?"
His eyes widened, and he raised his hands, laughing.
"Woah, I'm not the enemy here. Bakit ako na?" he asked, amused.
I sighed, shaking my head.
"Oh, siya, para kumalma ka. Kumain ka muna," he said, handing me grilled fish.
I looked at it, but the smell suddenly turned my stomach upside down. I gagged.
"Sera?"
"N-No..." Tumayo ako agad. "Uh, excuse me," I said, covering my mouth as nausea hit.
Mabilis na ang hakbang ko makapasok lang sa mansyon.
I lost my appetite after vomiting. Siguro sa kinain ko lang ito kanina?
I was tired and annoyed. I was irritated at everything! Especially that engineer!
His texts kept coming, saying he'd explain. That it was just business, or whatever excuse he had.
I wanted to talk to him, but not now. Not while I was still angry. Better to wait until I calmed down, so I could actually understand his point.
I refused to answer his calls. If I did, I might just yell at him out of frustration. And I didn't want to be unreasonable. Masyado na nga akong unreasonable, dadagdagan ko pa ba? Parang sinabuyan ko lang ng gasolina ang apoy!
I fell asleep while stalking the woman he was with. She had no other photos with Rai from past occasions, but she was tagged in pictures from that dinner.
Ang sama-sama tuloy ng loob ko.
I only woke up when my brother knocked on my door. I thought it was already morning until I saw the dark sky outside my balcony.
Antok pa ako nang pagbuksan siya pero malaki ang ngiti niya.
"May bisita ka, Ateng! Tara!" he exclaimed.
Confused and sleepy, he dragged me out to the balcony.
Naguguluhan at naalimpungatan pa ako kanina pero nagising ang katawang-lupa ko't nahulog ang panga nang makita ang nasa ibaba ng balcony.
Napakurap-kurap pa ako nang makita si Rai doon sa ibaba, nakasuot ng barong. Sa kanyang likod ay nakaupo si Wave, may hawak na gitara at ang magkapatid na Caspian at Warrion ay nakatayo sa gilid, lahat sila ay nakabarong din.
"What..." I pointed at him, then looked at my brother.
"Sorry daw, sabi ni Kuya Vioxx," Miggy said, smiling.
Dumungaw ako ulit sa ibaba at nakitang tumitikhim si Rai, nagbo-vocalization pa ata, pina practice siya ni Caspian ng pasimple.
"Kuya! Dito na Ate ko!" Migs exclaimed.
Rai lifted his head, nag-panic naman silang lahat doon at tumikhim si Vioxx, unti-unting inangat ang isang bulaklak na pinitas lang ata galing garden namin.
"Para sa iyo ito, aking minamahal na Serafine," he declared in a straight Tagalog tone, as Wave began strumming an unfamiliar chord.
O, ilaw
Sa gabing malamig
Wangis mo'y
Bituin sa langit
He suddenly sang. My mouth parted in shock. Lumang pang harana 'yon! What the heck?
"O, Ilaw by Ruben Tagalog, 'te. Ako nag-suggest," Miggy bragged, while I remained speechless.
O, tanglaw
Sa gabing tahimik
Larawan mo, Neneng
Nagbigay pasakit
Kumupas-kupas pa ang kamay ni Rai habang kumakanta at nakatingala sa akin, akala mo ay makata. Wave looked anxious, strumming the guitar, mukhang hindi rin sigurado sa tinutugtog.
Buksan ang bintana
At ako'y dungawin
Nang mapagtanto mo
Ang tunay kong pagdaing
Caspian started dancing, nanlaki ang mata ko nang kumendeng-kendeng siya sa likod. Warrion remained stoic, hindi gumagalaw pero siniko at binulungan ng kapatid. Napipilitan, nakisabay siya.
Ang marahang kendeng nila ay naiba, itinaas nila ang kamay at halos masapo ko ang noo nang ang steps nila ay naging Pearly Shell na.
O, ilaw
Sa gabing malamig
Wangis mo'y
Bituin sa langit
I scratched my nose and stopped myself from laughing hard no'ng pumiyok si Rai. Tumaas na ang kanya kaya naiba ang boses niya. Tumikhim siya't nagpatuloy.
Miggy was laughing hard, secretly recording everything.
Sa hindi kalayuan ay nakita ko ang tanod na nagroronda na dahil gabi na. My smile widened as an evil idea formed.
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa ibaba, katatapos lang kumanta ni Rai pero kumekendeng pa rin ang dalawang Alcantara sa likod habang si Wave ay mapupudpod na ata ang daliri sa gitara para may background music ang pinsan.
"Aking mahal na Serafine, nawa'y ako ay iyong patawarin," ani Rai sa buong boses.
"Hindi ko maiisip na ikaw ay mawawalay sa akin." Biglang tula na pala ang sinasabi niya. "Ikaw lang ang mahal, wala nang iba."
I smiled sweetly at him. He grinned back, thinking I had forgiven him.
Slowly, I took my phone, mabilis na tinipa ang pangalan ni Intoy sa contacts dahil paniguradomg kasama siya sa nagrorondang mga tanod.
Dinala ko ang phone sa tainga, nakangisi pa rin kay Rai. Tuloy-tuloy siya sa pagtula sa ibaba.
"Intoy," I said.
"Bakit, darling?" ani Intoy na sinamahan ng hagikhik.
"Kasama ka ba sa mga nagtatanod ngayon?"
"Oo, bakit? Medyo maingay sa mansyon n'yo, ah? Malapit na kami d'yan," he answered.
"Kasi... may ipapasuyo sana ako," lambing ko pa.
"Anything for you, my darling," Intoy replied.
My smile widened more. Nagtutula pa si Rai doon sa ibaba pero natatawa na ako.
"Kasi, may mga tambay ata dito sa may gate namin, nanggugulo, ipapatanod ko sana," I said sweetly.
"Huh?! Oh, siya, sige! Intoy to the rescue!" aniya. Tumatakbo na ata kaya ibinaba ko ang phone.
Sa 'di kalayuan ay nakita ko ang papalapit na tanod. Ngumisi ako at nakitang seryoso ang magpipinsan.
"Ika'y hindi ipagpapalit—hoy, Warren, hindi ko makita!" Rai hissed.
Nagulat ako kaya mas dumungaw at halos mapatakip sa bibig para mapigilan ang tawa nang makitang nasa may harapan ni Rai si Warren, may hawak na manila paper, kodigo sa tula ng engineer.
"Ika'y hindi ipagpapalit, kanino man din," basa niya sa kodigo at ngumisi. Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin.
"Serafine, baby–" Natigil bigla ang magpipinsan nang biglang may sumipa sa gate kaya sumabog iyon pabukas. Biglang pumasok sina Intoy kasama ang ibang mga team tanod forces at may hawak na batuta na akala mo ay may raid.
"What the fuck–" Rai cursed, siya kasi ang pinunterya ni Intoy at ang ibang tanod ang mga pinsan niya na pinapalabas ng gate.
"Baby!" Rai exclaimed helplessly.
I just grinned, blew him a flying kiss, and winked.
"Puntahan na lang kita sa barangay hall, Daddy!" I screamed and waved cutely.
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