Dancing With Fire (Published Under Flutter Fic)
Kabanata 8
Kabanata 8
"WALA KA NA bang ibang puwedeng gawin sa pamilyang 'to maliban sa magpabigat?!"
Isang malakas na tulak lang ni Nanay ay nawalan agad ako ng balanse.
"'Nay! Huwag mong sasaktan si Ate!" Miggy's voice echoed.
"Manahimik ka, Miguelito! Hindi kita kinakausap!"
My brother was ready to step in and defend me, but I quickly stood and gently held his arm. "Sa kuwarto ka muna, Migs," I whispered.
"P-Pero, Ate..." His voice trembled, hesitant to leave.
"Mag-uusap lang kami ni Nanay," I said softly, forcing myself to smile.
"Ate..."
"Ayos lang ako," I reassured him. "Sige na, susunod si Ate."
He nodded and ran toward our bedroom. The moment he disappeared, a sharp slap landed on my cheek, making me gasp.
"Tangina mo, Serafine! Wala ka nang ginawang tama! Ano 'yong nalaman kong nag-aaral ka uli, tangina ka?!" sigaw niya at hinablot ang buhok ko.
Sinubukan kong lumayo, umiiling hanggang sa makawala sa hawak niya.
"'N-Nay, nakakuha naman po ako ng scholarship—"
"Wala akong pakialam, punyeta ka!"
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "'Nay—'"
"Umalis ka ba sa trabaho para do'n?! Ano na ngayon ang maitutulong mo dito?!" she shouted, gripping my arm tightly. "Kailangan ko ng pera, Serafine—sinasabi ko sa 'yo!"
"Hindi po ako umalis. Natatrabaho pa rin po ako kapag walang pasok." I spoke calmly, trying to step back, but pulled my arm hard. I winced when it hurt. "Kapag naman po nakapagtapos ako, mas lalaki po ang suweldo ko."
Pero panibagong sampal na naman ang natanggap ko. Napapiksi ako pero pilit na ikinalma ang sarili.
Nand'yan si Miggy, Sera. Nand'yan ang kapatid mo.
"Hindi ka makapagtatapos dahil wala kang alam!"
Tinulak niya ako sa couch. Tumama ang likod ko sa armrest kaya napaigtad ako at suminghap, saglit na namanhid sa sakit.
"Wala ka nang ibang ginawa kundi ang magpakasarap! Wala ka nang naitulong!"
She raised her hand again, ready to strike.
"Divina!" My father's voice thundered, stopping her.
Relief flooded me as Tatay rushed forward, pulling me from the couch and shielding me behind him.
"Ano'ng ginagawa mo sa anak mo?!" singhal niya.
"Hindi ko anak ang babaeng 'yan!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. "Wala na ngang naitulong, bumalik pa sa pag-aaral!"
"Divina!" Tatay called again.
'Di ko na napigilan ang pagkawala ng mga luha habang hinihila ang damit ng Tatay na hinaharangan ako.
"'T-Tay, tama na po," I stammered, my voice trembling, but he didn't listen to me.
"Huwag mong pagsalitaan ng ganyan ang anak ko! Alam kong galit ka, pero sa akin ka lang magalit! Huwag mong idamay si Serafine! Alam mong ginagawa niya ang lahat para makatulong!"
Umalingawngaw ang tunok ng palad niyang dumapo sa pisngi ni Tatay. Isa lang 'yon hanggang sa may mga sumunod pa.
I gasped, squeezing my eyes shut.
"T-Tama na po! Tama na!" pigil ko at mas humigpit ang hawak sa kanya.
"Serafine, pumasok ka sa kuwarto at puntahan mo ang kapatid mo!" Tatay ordered, and I obeyed.
Inside our room, I found my brother sobbing in a corner.
"M-Migs," I whispered.
"A-Ate!"
My brother ran to me, crying. I held back my own tears and wrapped my arms around him, caging him in my embrace.
The shouting outside continued, furniture clattering amid the fight. Miggy cried even harder. Wala akong magawa kung hindi ay takpan ang tainga ng kapatid at yakapin siya, umaasang kahit papaano'y maibsan no'n ang lahat.
"Miggy, calm down, okay?" I whispered. "Magiging ayos din—"
"A-Ate, may pasa ka." He touched my arm and sobbed harder.
I hugged him tighter, kissing his head. "Ayos lang ako. Miggy, calm down. Ang puso mo..."
"Ate..." But he suddenly clutched my shirt, as his breathing became uneven.
Natigilan ako at napatitig sa kanya.
My eyes widened when I realized something is wrong. "Migs!" I grabbed his arm. "Ano'ng nangyayari?"
"A-Ate... hindi po ako makahinga..." His voice sounded like choking.
Panic surged through me. Without hesitation, I scooped him up and ran outside.
"'T-Tay! 'Tay, si Miggy!" I screamed.
Tatay turned, horror flashing in his eyes when he saw us. He grabbed Miggy from my arms and bolted outside. I ran after them, but Nanay yanked me back and slapped me again.
"Hayop ka! Dahil sa 'yo nadamay pa ang anak ko!" she shrieked.
I ignored her. Nangangatog ang mga hita ko pero kinuha ko ang lahat ng natitirang lakas ko para tumakbo pasunod sa kanyang nakatawag na ng traysikel.
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HINDI KO NA alam ang gagawin. Wala ako sa sarili habang pabalik-balik na naglalakad sa pasilyo ng ospital.
Nanay looked stressed, too, scolding Tatay. My father just shook my head, his exhaustion clear as he leaned against the chair. I saw him clutch his chest, looking so out of breath. Kaya mabilis akong lumapit sa kanya at hinawakan ko siya.
"'T-Tay, tubig po?" I asked softly.
He glanced at me, his soft black eyes resembling mine. His gaze was tender, but I could still see the fatigue and fear in it.
"Ayos lang ako, anak."
"Maayos po ba ang paghinga n'yo? Hindi po ba sumasakit ang dibdib n'yo?"
He looked like he was in pain, but he shook his head to assure me he was fine.
"Ayos lang ako," he repeated.
I nodded, even though I didn't believe him. I bought water and handed it to him.
Hindi ako mapakali, pero kahit papaano'y nabawasan ang iniisip dahil wala rito si Lando para sundan ako dahil sa emergency niya at umuwi sa kanila.
Ayokong umabot pa ito kay Rai. I'm sure he knows but I don't want him to see how miserable my life is.
When the doctor stepped out of the emergency room, I immediately ran toward the doctor and my father followed right behind me.
"Doc, kumusta ang anak ko? Magiging maayos ba ang lagay niya?" Tatay asked.
"He's not in a good condition," the doctor said. Parang lalabas na ang puso ko sa bilis ng kalabog no'n. "Nasabi na sa inyo dati na hindi siya puwedeng ma-stress, 'di ba? Sa tingin ko, dahil sa sobrang pagod at stress kaya siya nahirapang huminga at sumakip ang dibdib niya."
"Doc, kailangan bang taasan ang dosage ng gamot niya?" I asked. "M-Magiging maayos naman po ang kapatid ko, 'di ba?"
"I'm afraid it's not that simple, Miss Mendez," he answered. "Hindi basta-basta maaayos ng gamot ang kalagayan ng kapatid mo—he needs open-heart surgery."
I gasped, trembling as my eyes shut tight.
My brother is suffering from congenital heart failure—a septal defect where there is a hole between the two chambers of his heart. The operation will surely be very expensive.
I heard my parents gasp. I clenched my fists. I don't know what to do anymore, but I have to save my brother no matter what.
"Kailan po kailangan?" I asked the doctor.
"The sooner, the better," he answered. "For now, he'll stay here for a few days for observation. Afterwards, you may take him home."
I nodded slowly, still feeling lost.
Nanay was furious as we sat on the bench while Miggy was being transferred to a semi-private room. It would've been cheaper in a public ward, but I couldn't risk my brother's safety. He was fragile, and I refused to let him catch another illness.
"Kasalanan 'to ng tontang 'yan!" Nanay pointed at me, pushing my forehead with her finger.
Namamanhid na lang ako. Wala nang lakas para lumaban.
"Divina," Tatay called. "Please, huwag ka munang magsalita."
"Anong huwag?! Eh, Hayop itong anak mo sa ibang babae! Dahil sa kanya, na-stress ang anak ko at nandito sa lintek na ospital na 'to! Saan tayo kukuha ng pambayad?! Ang gaga mong anak ay nag-aral pa sa halip na magtrabaho! Walang-hiya!"
"Hayaan mong mag-aral si Serafine, Divina! Tayo ang mga magulang ni Miggy—tayo ang dapat ang nagtutulungan para mapagamot siya!" Tatay said firmly. "Hindi ko na isasakripisyo ang edukasyon ni Serafine!"
"At sinong isasakripisyo mo?! Si Miggy?!"
"Hindi! Magtatrabaho ako at kakayod!" Tatay said. "Tutulong ka! May opening sa grocery store sa bayan. Kakausapin ko ang may-ari at ipapasok kita—"
"Punyeta! Hindi ako magtatrabaho!" she exclaimed horribly.
I couldn't bear to listen anymore. My ears are ringing. Tahimik akong umalis, nanghihinang dumeretso sa banyo. Pagod akong tumitig sa salamin.
I felt my phone vibrate. I glanced down and saw someone calling. The call ended after a few seconds, and I noticed how many missed calls I had from him.
Ten missed calls.
I chuckled softly, staring at my phone. He had also sent messages. I began to read them.
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Just got home from work. Are you home?
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Nasabi sa akin ni Lando na uuwi muna siya. Stay in your house, okay? Babalik siya bukas.
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Are you home, baby? Please text me when you read this.
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Sera? Sorry. I'm not clingy, I'm just uncomfortable when no one's watching you.
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Are you tired from school? It's okay if you fell asleep, but please text me if you're awake. I'm worried.
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Baby, I'll call, please answer. I'm worried.
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Serafine, answer my calls.
Before I could even reply, my phone rang again. I cleared my throat and quickly answered.
"Hello—"
"Are you alright?" Ang nag-aalalang boses ni Rai ang bumungad sa akin.
"Hi, daddy," bati ko sa kunwaring magaan na boses.
He sighed deeply, and I chuckled, forcing my voice to sound cheerful.
"What's with the deep sigh?" I teased.
"You got me worried, Sera!" he groaned.
"Pasensiya na, Rai, medyo napagod kasi ako sa klase. Pinapaasikaso na kasi sa amin ang internship kahit kasisimula pa lang ng sem."
"Alright. But are you okay? Have you eaten dinner?"
"Uh-huh." I smiled, feeling a little lighter.
"Good. Babalik si Lando bukas para bantayan ka uli."
"Okay." I nodded.
Silence followed. I could hear his deep breathing, matching my own. It felt kind of funny, realizing we were just listening to each other breathe.
"Rai?" I whispered, remembering something.
"Yes, baby?"
"Uh, ayos na ba ang kontrata?" I asked hesitantly but had no other choice. Kailangan ko nang kapalan ang pagmumukha ko.
He didn't answer.
"Uhm, I want to tell you what I saw already, so I can help with the investigation."
"Hindi naman kita minamadali," he said softly.
"I just..." I cleared my throat, struggling to swallow the lump in my throat. "G-Gusto ko na kasing kunin 'yong pera."
Silence.
I bit my lip and shut my eyes tightly. "R-Rai?"
"Alright. Can you see me at my office tomorrow?"
"No!" I exclaimed suddenly, remembering my bruises.
"Why?"
"Busy ako," I said quickly. "P'wedeng sa susunod na araw na lang?"
He sighed. "Alright. Will you be at school tomorrow?"
"Oo," I said, pretending to yawn.
"Okay. Are you going to sleep now?"
"Sana," I whispered. "Sorry, Daddy, napagod lang sa school."
"Sleep tight." His voice sounded like a lullaby.
"Good night, Rai," I whispered.
"Good night."
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IN THE MORNING, I found Lando in front of our house. He looked surprised to see me outside so early.
"Ma'am," bati niya.
"Good morning." Ngumiti ako.
"Saan po kayo galing? Kanina pa ako nandito, pero wala akong nakitang tao sa bahay n'yo."
"Uhm, kasi dinala sa ospital si Miggy," I said. Namilog ang mata niya. "Pero wala lang 'yon. Medyo nahirapan lang siyang huminga, kaya doon muna siya."
"Sino pong kasama n'yo do'n? Sasabihin ko na lang kay Engineer—"
"No!" I exclaimed.
"Po?"
"Ayaw ko na siyang mag-alala pa," I said quickly. "Kasama ko naman do'n kahapon sila Tatay at Nanay."
He looked puzzled, glancing at my face as if he had noticed something. Good thing I was wearing long sleeves—my bruises on my arm weren't visible.
"Ayos lang ako saka si Migs." I smiled, reassuring him.
"Pero may pasa po kayo sa pisngi..."
I tilted my head and gave a faint smile.
"Medyo masakit nga, eh. Nauntog kasi ako kahapon habang naglilinis ng bodega, tumama 'yong pisngi ko."
He nodded, still unconvinced, but said nothing. He accompanied me back to the hospital—I couldn't see him clearly, but I knew he was nearby, watching.
I skipped class to assist my brother—the doctor said he could go home tomorrow. I also came to the restaurant to speak with Ma'am Asunta. She said she was fine with me coming in only when I didn't have school. She's truly heaven-sent. Someday, I will repay her kindness.
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NAKA-RECEIVE AKO NG texts habang nag-aayos ako papasok sa university.
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Sera, you didn't attend your class yesterday. Umalis daw kayo, sabi ni Lando.
To: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Hi, Rai! Morning! Pumunta lang kami sa ospital para sa check-up ni Miggy.
Lumabas ako ng bahay, at kaagad na tumunog ang phone ko. I sighed, kinagat ko ang labi ko at sinagot ko ang tawag.
"Hi—"
"Is he alright?" I heard the worry in Rai's voice.
"Oo naman, wala namang problema." I said lightly.
He sighed, at saglit kaming natahimik dalawa. Habang naglalakad, lumingon ako sa paligid at nakita kong pasimpleng sumusunod si Lando.
"Can I see you tonight?" he asked.
Napatigil ako. Kinagat ko ang labi ko, naalala sa mga pasa ko. Hindi halata ang mga 'yon kapag nilalagyan ko ng make up, pero natatakot akong napansin iyon ni Rai, katulad no'ng nakaraan.
"Busy ako."
"Hmm... Sa assignments?"
"Yeah."
"Do you need help? We can meet, so I can help you. Magdadala rin ako ng mga libro na hindi ko naman na ginagamit—"
"Huwag na, Rai. Kaya ko naman siguro ang assignments ko."
"Alright." I noticed the disappointment in his voice. "But can we meet tomorrow?"
"No!"
Habang hindi pa magaling ang mga pasa ko, hindi muna ako magpapakita sa kanya.
"I see," he said softly, disappointed but understanding. It made me feel bad. "Sorry... am I bothering you?"
"Hindi!" I said. "Hindi, Rai. I'm just... busy. Pupuntahan kita kapag free na ako 'Yong kontrata nga pala?"
"I'm processing the payment transfer to your account."
"H-Huh?" gulat kong sabi. "Pero hindi pa tayo nakapag-uusap tungkol sa nakita ko."
"It's alright. We can talk about it when we see each other. I just transferred the amount to your account in case you need it."
May kung anong dumagan sa puso ko. Hindi ko alam dahil ba iyon sa ginawa niya o dahil sa pagkakataon na unti-unti nang maaasikaso ang kapatid ko.
"Salamat, Rai."
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HINDI KO PA rin binibisita si Rai kahit nakauwi na si Miggy galing sa ospital at magaling na ang mga pasa ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit—siguro ay nabo-bother lang ako tuwing naiisip ko ang dating fiancée ni Rai ang namatay.
Sabi niya, family friend lang daw 'yon. S'yempre, naniniwala ako sa kanya, pero may mga articles kasi na sinend ang mga kaibigan ko tungkol sa rumored girlfriend ni Vioxx Ephraim Miranda—si Alice Tan.
Nakita raw ang dalawa na kumakain sa isang restaurant. Mukhang 'yong babaeng 'yon daw ang totoong mahal ni Rai at baka raw ma-engaged sila kapag sarado na ang kaso ni Akisha.
Ayoko, pero hindi ko mapigilang mairita. I might take a few days off again before seeing him, just to keep my cool!
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Are you avoiding me, Serafine?
To: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Hindi. Bakit? May dahilan ba para iwasan kita?
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Let's eat out. Ilang araw na kitang hindi nakikita.
To: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Busy ako.
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
You are avoiding me.
To: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
Hindi nga! May assignment ako.
Suminghap ako. Sa sobrang inis, muntik ko nang itapon ang notebook na hawak ko.
"Ate, ayos ka lang?"
Nawala ang inis ko at napaayos ako ng upo nang magsalita ang kapatid ko. Mabilis akong ngumiti sa kanya at tumango.
"Oo, Miggy. Ikaw? Ayos ka lang?"
"Opo, Ate. May pinapagawa lang sa amin si Teacher. Natapos ko na, pero hindi ako sigurado kung tama. P'wede pong pa-check?"
I nodded and smiled sweetly. Inabot ko siya at pinag-aralan ko ang ginawa niya.
From: Papa dè Asukal / Daddy
I will fetch you after your class tomorrow, Sera. I will help you with your assignment.
Huh? Kuwento mo sa lelang mo! Tatakasan kita, Rai!
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UM-OO AKO KAAGAD nang yayain ni Jenny sa birthday party niya sa isang bar. Tinakasan ko si Lando sa school, bago pumunta sa venue. Nadaanan ko pa sa parking lot ang sasakyan ng hunghang na engineer na naghihintay sa akin, pero hindi ko iyon pinansin.
And now, I am about to party!
Screams and the clinking of glasses echoed loudly through the place. Jenny had rented a private room so we could celebrate her twentieth birthday.
"Happy birthday, Jenny!" masayang sigaw naming magkakaibigan.
Music filled the room, colorful lights bursting all around. I suddenly felt a hand on my waist and laughed when I saw Gino.
"Cheers, Gino!" I exclaimed.
He smirked, raised his glass, and clinked it against mine.
"I miss you, Sera," he said.
I didn't answer. I just downed my drink and swayed gently to the beat.
"Where have you been? Hindi ka na sumasama sa amin," he asked.
"I was busy, Gino." I chuckled. "Alam mo na—studies, travel." I lied so frequently that I wasn't even wincing.
"Really? I didn't see your posts about iton IG," he said, tightening his grip on my waist.
"You know, I don't post much." I chuckled. I really don't post much on social media. 'Yong mga gala lang talaga naming sosyal ang laman ng IG ko. Ano nga bang ipo-post ko, eh, sa halip na sa beaches of California ako lumalangoy, sa totoong buhay, utang ako nagba-backstroke!
Suddenly, Jesusa came running and laughing. "Nand'yan na! Nand'yan na!" she exclaimed.
I frowned, watching as Jenny's cousins led her to a fancy chair in the center.
"Shit! I'm excited!" Jesusa squealed. Then, to my surprise, she grabbed me, pulled me away from Gino, bago ako pinaupo sa sofa.
"What—"
"Tig-iisa tayong tatlo, Sera! Bahala na 'yong iba, basta sinigurado kong mayro'n tayo!"
"What? Ano'ng mayro'n?" Gino asked.
"Macho dancers!" she exclaimed. My jaw dropped.
"Seryoso?!" I cackled, stunned.
She chuckled and nodded.
"Tinotoo n'yo?! Akala ko joke lang?" I laughed.
"Oo naman! Surprise kay Jenny!" she said, making me laugh harder and shake my head.
Suddenly, the lights went out. Silence filled the room, broken only by Jenny's squeal as slow, sultry music began to play. The lights in the room changed, as if it's swaying, casting a dreamy glow.
The door opened slowly, and I burst out laughing when playful beats and flashing lights filled the air, making Jenny nearly jump out of her seat in excitement.
"Damn it! Kung ano-ano'ng kalokohan ni Jesusa," Gino muttered in my ear.
I ignored him, feeling his arm drape behind the sofa. My eyes widened when the door swung open, and a group of men entered.
Bumughalit ako ng tawa sa itsura nila. They were all wearing tight black shirts, loose denim pants, and masks. Bakat na bakat ang ganda ng katawan! Naalala ko tuloy si Rai! He'd look delicious in the same clothes!
Some of the men went straight to the birthday girl. I laughed harder as Jenny squealed, while Gino cursed beside me.
Each of the girls got their own macho dancers. I was thrilled, enjoying the sight of handsome bodies gyrating to the music.
"Let's just leave, Sera," Gino whispered.
"Huwag kang KJ!" I laughed, naaaliw.
One of the men started dancing with Jesusa. She whispered something to him and pointed at me.
The man turned and walked toward me. I squealed and laughed uncontrollably.
"Damn it!" Gino cursed.
The man in black smiled as he strode closer. Kaso nga lang, bago pa siya makalapit sa 'kin ay may lumitaw na isa pang lalaki sa likod niya at tinulak siya palayo para palitan ang puwesto niya!
My brows furrowed. This one wore a white shirt and denim pants. The man in black complained but had no choice but to dance with someone else.
Unlike the others, this man didn't smile. Masked and confident, his athletic build was impossible to ignore.
I couldn't see his face clearly under the dim, playful lights, but there was something familiar about the way he carried himself.
My heart pounded, lips trembling as I shamelessly glanced at his body, an image of a man I was trying to forget for a moment in my head.
As he neared, Gino suddenly stood from the sofa, blocking him. "Sorry, she's off-limits—"
But with a single push, tumalsik si Gino sa lapag!
"Gino!" I exclaimed.
He stood, ready to fight, but familiar figures pulled him back. My eyes widened when I recognized Rai's cousin—Lucian! Katabi niya iyong kasama rin nila sa bar no'n!
What? Bakit nandito 'to?
I couldn't believe it. Magrereklamo na sana ako nang biglang inihagis no'ng nakaputi ang shit niya sa mukha ko! I pulled it off but ended up freezing.
My jaw dropped, eyes widening as I saw him shirtless, his ripped body revealed. My breath hitched as he began to grind in front of me.
He danced sensually, rolling his body and raising his arms in the air.
He moved closer, caught my hand, pulled me up, and effortlessly sat me on a single chair nearby.
I was lost in the moment. The crowd had their own worlds, but my attention was locked on the man dancing for me.
"Way to go, Sera!" Jesusa cheered.
The man spread his legs, grinding his hips against my lap. My mouth parted as his crotch brushed my thigh.
What the hell?
He pulled back, gently tugging me to stand, gripping my waist as he danced against me. I swallowed hard when he took my hand and placed it on his abs, then pulled me tighter against his body.
Our eyes met and I nearly lost my sanity when I recognized his familiar brown eyes staring into mine. It dawned on me. How that body looked familiar. Why are his cousins here!
I swallowed hard as heat spread all over me.
"H-How..."
He smirked, pressing me closer, lowering his head to whisper. "Would you like daddy to dance, huh, baby girl?" he murmured sensually, biting my ear.
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