Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)
Kabanata 27
Kabanata 27
MY BREATH HITCHED under his fervent kisses, his hand resting on my nape, caressing it to soften me further.
Sinalakay ng kulisap ang sikmura ko sa halik na iyon, ang napunding apoy noon ay muling nagbalik, unti-unti kaming tinutupok.
His hand slid down to my leg, gripping it tightly against his waist as he slowly lifted me further to the bed.
Naghiwalay ang aming mga labi at nagkatitigan. His eyes were heavy-lidded, his lips parted erotically, still swollen from our kisses.
Namungay ang mata ko. Saglit kaming nagtitigan bago muling nagtagpo ang aming labi.
My back arched when his finger grazed the fabric of my shirt. Ramdam ko ang malamyos niyang haplos sa kabila ng telang nakaharang.
I touched his nape, trailing down his back, gently tugging his shirt upward toward his neck. He never pulled away, his lips tracing my cheek down to my neck.
His hand slipped beneath my shirt, freely caressing my stomach. Chills coursed through me, the tingling sensation spreading across my skin.
He pressed his body against mine, ang gaspang ng kanyang pants ay dumaan sa balat ko, igniting a deeper fire within.
Still catching my breath, I tilted my head to give him access. He touched the valley of my breast, pulling the cup of my brassiere before touching my bare skin.
My back arched, my voice unrecognizable as I tugged his shirt further.
"B-Baby," I whispered.
He pulled away, eyes filled with amusement, hearing what I called him before he kissed me again.
"What does my baby want?"malambing niyang tanong.
I pulled his shirt again and his lip twitched, umayos mula sa pagkakaluhod sa harap ko at hinila ang shirt mula sa batok at tinapon kung saan.
His well-built body stretched, his muscles all in the right places. I licked my lip and stared at him shamelessly before he lowered his face again, pulled my shirt up, and feasted on my now exposed breasts.
While he feasted, I pulled my shirt up and he helped me. When I'm through, he lowered his head back again and licked my twin peaks.
He pleasured them alternatively, his tongue hot against my skin. I could feel his teeth grazing, the way he sucked made my toes curl, and my fingers crawled to the strands of his hair, pushing him further to my tits.
"D-Daddy! Shit!" I grunted when I felt him unbutton my shorts, pulled them down before pressing his knees in between my parted thighs.
I cried his name as I rubbed myself in the rough material of his jeans.
"R-Rai!" I called. He paused and I almost grunted when he pulled away, shock written in his eyes.
"You called me..."
"Rai?" I smiled. "Yes, I did. I missed you, Daddy Rai," I purred.
He attacked me with hot kisses. I was still chuckling with the intensity. Gigil na gigil siya. Malamig pero ang init ng katawan niya sa 'kin ay sapat na para magliyab kaming dalawa.
He pushed my legs further apart, watched as I rubbed myself on his knee but pulled away. I glared at him but he yanked my underwear impatiently! My eyes widened when I felt it rip!
"Rai!" I exclaimed.
He just gave me a foolish, sexy grin, pulled my shorts off and spread my legs further as his large digits crawled on my drenched core.
"I could buy you tons of it, baby." He smirked and slipped his finger on my core.
I jolted. Napapikit ako nang maramdaman ang paglabas-pasok ng daliri niya. He watched me writhe under him with satisfaction, his eyes fiery. He slipped another digit! I buckled my hips and thrust against him.
"You like this, baby?" aniya.
I nodded desperately, bucking my hips. I even reached for his hand and placed it back to my breast, leaving a satisfied gleam in his eyes.
He understood. He continued making out with my breasts and with my mouth. He fucked me with his fingers while I cried with pleasure. To satisfy him, too, I reached and cupped his bulge, realizing his dick was thick and raging.
I tried pulling his belt, unbuckling it, but I was unsuccessful.
Mas suminghap pa ako nang pakiramdam ay may lalabas na, ang pamilyar na pakiramdam na siya lang ang kayang magbigay ay bumabalik.
"You like this, hmm..." he asked bluntly.
I hummed, nodding, still chasing my high.
"You like it when my fingers fuck you, Serafine?" He smirked. I closed my eyes.
"Yes, shit! F-Faster, dad–Shit, Vioxx!" I groaned when he suddenly stopped. Eksaherada akong nagmulat ng mata nang makitang nang-aasar na siya.
"Where's Rai now, hmm?" He tilted his head.
"You!" I glared at him. "Why did you stop? I was...I was about to..."
"About to?" He licked his lip sensually again, and despite the dim room, I could see the fire and hunger in his eyes.
"I was about to cum!" I exclaimed.
He chuckled, ngumuso ako at naupo ng bahagya, iritado.
"What's funny?!" Inarte ko.
"Your cum should be on my mouth, baby," aniya.
I froze, napakurap ako nang tumayo siya sa kama, walang hirap na hinila paalis ang belt at hinubad ang pants.
My lips parted, heat spreading all over my face when I came face-to-face with his dick, after years of drought. Massive and erect.
Natulala lang ako, lalo na nang maupo siya sa kama bago nahiga, ang mata'y nasa akin.
"Sit on my face, Serafine," he commanded.
"H-Huh..." napapaos kong tanong, 'di makapaniwala.
He chuckled and reached for me.
"Come on, baby, let me eat you," he said.
"B-But–" I stuttered hard! My cheeks are flushing!
"I was craving for you for years," he said and held me again.
"S-Seryoso..." Hinampas ko ang dibdib niya pero nangingiti lang siya at bahagya pang naupo at hinalikan ako.
"Don't you want to pleasure your daddy, baby girl?" He whispered sensually in my ear.
"G-Gusto pero... paanong ikaw ang sasaya kung ako ang uupo?"
"Don't you think your pussy on my mouth doesn't sound enjoyable?" He teased me. Mas nag-init ang mukha ko.
"Ephraim!"
He relaxed, a glint of happiness in his eyes.
"Damn, I missed you calling me that. That made me happy, baby, but you know what could make me happier?"
I shook my head.
"Sit on my face, you'll know," he said.
"O-Okay..." I muttered. He licked his lower lip again, like he couldn't wait to taste his dessert.
He lay comfortably on the bed again, waiting for me as I straddled my legs on the side of his face. Nanginginig pa ako, 'di alam kung paanong ayos ang gagawin but he dragged my legs further until I was gripping the headboard, then he centered me on his waiting mouth.
Nawala ako sa sarili nang maramdaman ang init niya. Ni hindi ko na nga ata kilala ang sarili ko! My eyes rolled at the back of my head as I rocked myself on his mouth.
I could hear the creaking of the bed and it only added to the thrill and pleasure.
He hardened his tongue, fucking me along with his fingers. He already ate me before but being in control and sitting on his face, using his mouth to pleasure myself, is nothing I have ever prepared myself for.
I cupped my breast, pinching my nipples as I bounced up and down his mouth. Dumating pa sa puntong hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa hita ko no'ng para na akong natutunaw sa itaas niya para 'di ako mahulog.
I looked at him, having the time of his life pleasuring me. I gripped his hair and pushed myself further.
"Ang sarap, Rai," bulong ko.
"Uh-hmm..." His voice vibrated. "Mas masarap ka."
It didn't take long before I felt myself approaching climax. Naramdaman din niya iyon.
"Cum for me, baby," he rasped just as I exploded all over his face.
He didn't let go of me until he was finished cleaning up kaya hinang-hina akong umalis sa ibabaw niya, nangangatog pa!
"You tasted–"
"Miranda!" I exclaimed.
His laughter roared, amused niyang hinawakan ang pisngi ko at hinuli ang mata ko.
"What is it?" He asked playfully.
I shook my head. "Nothing. I was just shy. I rode your face–"
"Nothing to be embarrassed about, baby. I love it when you ride me."
Napatili ako sa kahihiyan, hinampas-hampas pa siya hanggang sa nauwi iyon sa palitan ng maiinit na halik. Kumandong ako sa kanya at tinulak siya sa headboard pasandal.
Namumungay ang matang tumitig siya.
"Let me drive you," I whispered.
Nag-init lang lalo ang tingin niya. He licked his lower lip again, like he was starving, and gazed at my naked body before cursing.
"Can't wait, hmm?" I chuckled.
"You're a tease, baby." I knelt between his legs. "Baby–"
"Sshh." I placed my finger on his lips. "Quiet."
He laughed, tilting his head.
"Says someone who moans loudly," he teased.
I paused. "W-Weh? Malakas ba ang ungol ko?"
He chuckled and shrugged, teasing.
"Rai!" I growled. "Hindi nga? Baka mamaya narinig doon sa ibang cabin–"
"Hindi 'yan." He chuckled. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Lay down, baby," lambing pa niya pero pinalo ko ang kamay niya.
"No!" I exclaimed. "I'll ride you!"
His lip twitched, nagtatalo ang tuwa at pagnanasa sa ekspresyon. Nang makitang determinado talaga ako ay isinandal niya ang ulo sa headboard at ngumisi.
"Impress your daddy, then," he challenged me.
"Alright, are you ready?" I smirked and kissed him.
He kissed me back, the exchange heated. I wrapped my palm around his dick, masturbating him as I centered myself in his massive length.
I kissed his jaw and his neck, peppering kisses and biting his skin as I eased myself on him. We both grunted as he entered me. Mas nakagat ko ang leeg niya at patuloy na hinaplos niya ang likod ko.
"Take it slow," he whispered and kissed my neck. "Gently, baby, you'll get hurt."
I grunted in a mixture of pain and pleasure as I impaled myself on him. Sunod-sunod ang mura niya, hinahanap ang mukha ko.
"I'm fine..." I soothed, adjusting myself, feeling his length on me. "I'm fine, Rai."
We kissed again. He assisted me as I moved on top of him. I watched his face, his lips parted and face flushing, his hair a beautiful mess.
He's damn beautiful.
He guided me as I moved, his palms gripping my waist, his whispers felt like a caress on my ear. Naiiyak ako sa saya na kasama ko siyang muli ngayon at I think it added more to the pleasure we are both feeling.
The bed is creaking wildly and loudly, so I'm afraid it'll break.
He's checking on me from time to time, asking how I was feeling but really, masaya lang ako.
Masayang-masaya.
I gripped his shoulder, and our gazes clashed.
"Rai..."
"Go on..." Hinalikan niya ako. "Come on my dick, baby."
Our paces doubled, both of us chasing the high. I cried his name when I exploded, my legs wobbling. He firmed me and kissed me.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah..." I breathed. "You?"
"I have to pull away, baby," aniya kaya nagtaka ako. "I don't have a condom."
"Oh..." I gasped and realized it. He tried to pull away but I stopped him.
"Do you want to come inside me?" I asked.
His eyes widened briefly. "Can I?"
I bit my lip. "Kung... gusto mo?"
"Of fucking course," he rasped. "Are you sure? If I get you pregnant, then... will you marry me?"
My eyes widened. I remembered the proposal I rejected before.
"Only if you want to," aniya, malamlam ang tingin. "At your own pace, baby."
"Okay," napapaos kong sagot at ngumiti. "At my own pace."
"I will wait for you... always."
He cupped the back of my head to kiss me before he maneuvered our position, my back now against the bed.
He pulled my legs up to his shoulder as he fucked me. Lumalangitngit ang kama. I felt so full, my eyes rolling at the back of my head, and I found myself cumming again with him, following me, shooting his warmth on my womb.
Bumagsak ang katawan niya sa 'kin. Napapikit ako at niyakap siya.
"Rai, a-about the proposal before. I'm sorry–"
"You don't have to apologize, Sera, I understand," he consoled. "I pressured you. You were just reaching your dreams and I already wanted to ask you for marriage."
"Galit ka?" I asked.
"Bakit ako magagalit sa 'yo?" He caught my gaze. Nagngitian kami.
Humiwalay siya sa akin, akmang tatayo na pero sabay kaming natigilan nang may kung anong tunog ang umalingawngaw sa kama.
My eyes immediately scanned the bed. I gasped loudly when it creaked and the lower side collapsed.
Shit!
Mabilis akong nahawakan ni Rai kaya napatayo ako at binalot ang sarili habang nakanganga at nakatitig sa bumigay na kama.
"R-Rai..." I gulped hard. "N-Nawasak 'yong kama."
I don't even know how we managed to fall asleep after laughing so much. It was awkward, but epic.
We had no choice but to sleep on the floor. We lay out comforters, and I didn't feel too cold because he wrapped me in a blanket, complete with his tight embrace.
It was such a wonderful night that I thought I was only dreaming. But when I woke up and he wasn't beside me, doon ako nag-panic.
Was it just a dream?
I stood up, heart racing, and rushed outside. Nakahinga lang ako nang maluwag nang makita ko siyang nakatingin sa dagat, may hawak na tasa ng kape.
The creak of the door made him turn. Halos takbuhin ko siya ng yakap.
"Woah, baby..." He chuckled. "Miss me that much, huh?" he teased, but when he noticed I wasn't laughing, nagseryoso siya at ibinaba ang kape para yakapin ako.
"What is it?" he whispered.
I stayed silent, hugging him tightly as he caressed my back and kissed the top of my head.
"Sera," he murmured.
"I-I thought it was just a dream," I whispered.
"Hmm, what is it then? Wet dreams?" he teased.
My almost-teary eyes turned into a glare. Sinapok ko siya.
"Seryoso ako, ah!"
"Kidding." He chuckled. "Good morning, sleepyhead. It wasn't a dream."
"Nakakatawa 'yon, Miranda?" I scowled.
He cupped my face and kissed the tip of my nose.
"Hmm, basta hindi 'yon panaginip. I'm really here. Totoo 'yon. Gusto mo bang ulitin para sigurado? You want proof? Sige, tignan mo. Nasira pa nga natin 'yong kama—"
"Sshh!" I quickly covered his mouth.
He laughed again, his cheeks flushing red as I kept hitting his arm in embarrassment.
"You're so annoying!" I growled.
Still grinning, he sat down while I stood with my hands on my hips.
"Paano 'yong kama—" I pointed at the bed, but he wasn't listening, so I frowned. "Are you listening?"
"You look sexy in my shirt." He grinned. Hinaplos niya ang baywang ko sabay dakma sa puwet ko.
I froze, glancing down at the oversized shirt I was wearing, then glared at him.
"Miranda..." I warned.
"Alright, baby..." He chuckled, pulling me onto his lap and nuzzling my neck.
"Paano natin sasabihin?" I asked, worried about the bed.
I am here for renovation and to fix things pero ano itong kami pa ang nanira! Anong klaseng mga Engineer 'yan?
"Ako bahala..." He laughed.
"Nakakahiya! Baka sabihin nilang nag-gymnastics tayo!"
"Bakit? Hindi ba?" he teased with a grin.
I pouted. "Oo, pero nakakahiya nga. Saka, ikaw kasi ang wild mo!"
"Ako pa?" He looked shocked.
"Oo! Saka ang sakit ng susi mo!"
"Susi?"
"'Yan!" I pointed at his crotch. He blinked innocently. "Lumaki ba lalo? Last time I measured, seven inches and hal—"
"Serafine!" His eyes darkened. I laughed. "Are we really talking about my size?"
"Oo! Kasi scam 'yong dati. Akala ko six, pero no'ng measure natin seven and a half naman! Partida, tulog pa 'yon! Paano kapag buhay eh 'di–"
His lips thinned. I chuckled, cupped his face, and kissed him sweetly.
"Alright, daddy, hindi na. Ligo na tayo, may trabaho pa tayo," I said.
He pouted, looking thrilled. "Talaga? Sabay ba tayo?"
I grinned and stood slowly, luring him.
"Habulin mo muna 'ko..." I teased. Tumayo siya at mabilis akong nahablot sabay sampa sa balikat niya. I laughed.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
WALA NANG MAS a-awkward habang ang mga lalaking kasama sa team ni Engineer Miranda ay nagtutulong-tulong para mailabas ang kama sa loob ng cabin.
I tried to stay formal, but embarrassment burned through me.
Fuck. Ano ba 'tong ginagawa ko?
"Bakit ba nasira, Engineer?" Engineer Cabral asked.
"Marupok kasi," Rai answered slyly, sneaking a glance at me. My eyes widened. I quickly looked away, flustered.
Narinig ko ang tawa ni Rai bago umalis.
Tarantadong Miranda!
"Eh, saan kayo natulog, Engineer?" Jade asked.
"H-Huh?"
"Sira 'yong kama, eh. Paano 'yon?" Joanna added.
"K-Kanina lang 'yan. Uh, ako sa kama, eh. Tapos kanina parang medyo nasisira na, kaso natuluyan," I lied.
"Kanina lang? Bakit sabi ni Engineer kagabi pa raw? Narinig ko," Clarisse chimed in.
"Huh?!" I squealed. "Hindi ko alam."
"Akala ko ba ikaw ang sa kama, Engineer?" Jade pressed.
Aba, pinagtutulungan na ako!
"Uhm..." I cleared my throat.
"Hala, ano 'yang sa leeg mo?" May tinuro si Clarisse.
My forehead creased. I touched my neck, blinking.
"A-Ano?"
"May mapula..."
"Huh?!" I exclaimed loudly, drawing everyone's attention.
I saw Rai glance at me, his forehead creased.
"Parang may tsikinini—"
"Talaga?!" I exclaimed. "Huh?! Ano—"
Their eyes narrowed, Jade leaned closer, and suddenly her eyes widened.
"Hala, mayro'n nga—"
"Ipis!" sigaw ko. Natahimik sila.
They looked confused. I forced a smile, chuckled awkwardly, and pulled my friends away.
Natigilan ako nang makita ang kumpulan ng tao.
Teka, bakit na maraming nandito sa tapat ng cabin ni Rai?
Rai was still eyeing me, but I glared at him, leaving him puzzled.
Noong nasa medyo wala na kaming tao ay nagpaliwanag na ako sa mga kaibigan. "This isn't a hickey!"
"Weh? Ano 'yan?" Joanna smirked. "Parang alam ko na, Engineer, huh? Kung bakit nasira ang kama..."
"No!" I defended.
Shit, I didn't know I had a hickey!
"Hmm..." they teased.
"Oo nga!" I said with enthusiasm. "This is just a cockroach! Gulat nga ako may gano'n pala rito!"
They eyed me, teasing.
"Hello, ladies." Napatalon ako sa boses. We all turned as Rai appeared where we were, smiling but looking confused.
"Hi, cockroach!" Kaway bigla ni Clarisse at ngumisi. "Ikaw rin, Engineer Miranda, nakagat ng ipis sa leeg."
Rai touched his neck at parang papakain na lang ako sa lupa nang makitang may hickey din siya!
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
WEEKS PASSED, AND the renovation was going well. Hindi rin kami nakapamasyal ni Rai dahil sa deadline at sa kagustuhan naming matapos agad ang project.
It was satisfying to see our hard work paying off. I wanted to stay longer, to witness the finishing touches on the island and finally explore it, but when I received a call from one of Nanay's acquaintances, I rushed back immediately.
Rai tried to calm me down, but I couldn't. Pagkadaong pa lamang ng yate, dali-dali na kaming nagtungo sa ospital.
They said Nanay had been stabbed because of a debt. Sa sugal daw.
She may not have been the best mother to me, but I was still worried.
"What happened..." Bungad ko sa doktor.
"Kaano-ano n'yo po ang pasyente?" he asked.
"She's my mother," I said and introduced myself. "Doc, kumusta si Nanay?"
"She's stable, Miss Mendez," he replied. "She was stabbed in the stomach, but thankfully, it missed her vital organs."
I sighed in relief.
"Thank God," I whispered. "Nasaan po siya? I want to see her."
"She's in a private room on the second floor. Mabuti at dumating ka, hija. The man with her earlier insisted on leaving because they had no money to pay," he explained.
Pumunta kami roon at 'di ko maiwasang balikan lahat-lahat nang pinagdaanan namin sa ospital na 'to.
Ang tatay... si Migs... at ngayon, si Nanay.
When we reached her room, I peeked inside. She was asleep. I couldn't see her face clearly from a distance, but that sight alone made my heart drop.
"Sera," marahang tawag lang ni Rai ay 'di ko na naiwasan ang pagkawala ng mga luha.
He held me close. I shut my eyes tightly.
"S-Si Nanay..." I whispered.
"She's going to be alright," he reassured, kissing my head and hugging me tighter. "She's stable, baby. She'll be alright."
His soft voice steadied me. Nang makalma na ay inakay niya ako papasok sa kwarto.
Nang malapitan ang Nanay ay mas lalo akong nanghina. She had changed so much—thin, frail, weaker than I remembered.
She was asleep, but her cold, fierce expression remained. I sighed, pulled away from Rai, and approached her.
Slowly, I took her hand, touching it gently.
"'Nay..." I whispered.
It had been a while since she last called to ask for money. 'Di ko maiwasang isipin na sana, sinabi na lang niya sa akin kaysa nauwi sa ganito.
I had kept asking her to come with us, kahit para kay Miggy na lang, but she always refused. Sometimes she even hung up on me.
I stayed with her for hours, but she never woke. When I turned, Rai was quietly seated on the sofa, typing on his phone.
"You should rest," I called softly.
He looked up, his soulful eyes warm and understanding.
"I'm alright." He smiled.
I left Nanay's side briefly and sat beside him. He immediately opened his arms. I leaned into his embrace.
I felt his warmth against me. He kissed my head and held me tighter.
"It's you who should rest," he whispered. "Your Nanay will be fine, I assure you."
"Yong... 'yong nanakit sa kanya," I muttered. "Kailangan kong makausap ang kaibigan niya. Siya raw ang nagdala kay Nanay. I need to know who did this."
"Lando is taking care of it," he said.
I froze. "Lando?"
He nodded. "Yes. That Lando you knew." His lips twitched.
My mouth parted in shock. "I haven't seen him in years!"
"Hmm. But he sees you always," he said.
My forehead creased.
"Ano? How? He left too when you left!"
"Ipapaliwanag ko sa 'yo sa susunod," he said. Nagtataka ako pero 'di na muna nagtanong muli.
"Lando texted," Rai informed after a few minutes. "Nadala na sa presinto ang may gawa, kasama raw ata sa sugal."
I sighed, said nothing, and looked back at Nanay.
I began planning what steps I could take to file a case against the woman who stabbed her.
"Baby..." tawag ni Rai kaya nilingon ko siya. "Can you stay here for a while? I have to go to prison."
"W-Why?"
"The suspect escaped. Pinaghahanap ng pulisya at nina Lando, but I have to go."
"Bakit? Paano kung... mapahamak ka?" My forehead creased as I touched his arm. "You should stay."
"I'll be fine," he assured me, brushing my cheek. "I won't get hurt."
"Hindi natin masasabi. I-I don't want to risk it," I whispered.
He smiled reassuringly, kissed my forehead, and looked into my eyes.
"I won't get hurt. I promise."
When Rai left for the precinct, I stayed behind to watch over Nanay. Hours passed at no'ng dinadalaw na ako ng antok at saka nag desisyong magkape muna.
On my way back to her room, I saw Lito—iyong kainuman ni Nanay palagi. He looked the same, though thinner, with more tattoos inked across his skin.
"Sabi na kasi! Tara dito! Kuhanin natin si Divina dito! Tangina, wala akong pambayad!" I overheard him shouting into his phone.
"Hindi ko alam! Wala pa ata 'yong anak! Tangina, pahamak ang puta!"
"Gago ka, ano'ng ipapambayad ko? Kung hindi lang nakita ng ibang kasama, hindi ko dadalhin 'to sa ospital! Hayaan ko 'tong mamatay! Wala naman itong kwenta!"
My forehead creased.
I cleared my throat. Napalingon siya at nagulat, nagliwanag ang mukha.
"Sera!" he called, his smile wide.
His eyes were bloodshot. As I walked toward him, I noticed his gaze sliding from my face down my body. He licked his lips and smirked.
"Sumexy ka lalo, ah!" he whistled.
I felt harassed but kept my composure.
"Salamat sa paghatid kay Nanay. P'wede ka nang umuwi. Ako na ang bahala sa kanya," I said firmly.
Napawi ang ngiti niya.
"Gano'n na lang?" he sneered, his eyes flicking to my chest again. "Hindi naman ako papayag na ganyan. S'yempre, ako ang nagdala sa Nanay mo!"
"Thank you," I repeated, my tone sharp.
"Masyado akong concern sa Nanay mo. Ako pa ang nagpumilit dalhin 'yan dito!"
As if I hadn't heard his words earlier.
"Kahit pang-alak lang," he said, eyes lingering. "O kaya isang gabi."
Umigting ang panga ko at pinigilan ang sarili ay ayaw kong magkagulo.
"Hindi ka anak ni Divina, 'di ba? Sinong Nanay mo? Maganda rin 'no? Kamukha mo siguro. Maganda naman si Divina, pero alam mong matagal na kitang tipo, 'di ba?" His eyes dropped to my chest again, smirking.
Inangat niya ang kamay at inabot ako. "Pahawak nga—"
I threw the coffee at him. Nakaiwas siyang nagmumura pero 'di pa ako tapos, sinampal ko siya.
"Putangina! Puta ka, ah!" he shouted, raising his hand to hit me but he never got the chance. May sumalo sa kamay niya.
It was Rai. He twisted Lito's arm with precision, then landed a punch straight to his face.
Tumilapon si Lito sa lapag, nagmumura. He was dragged to the precinct after he was mended for his slight burn.
When I returned to Nanay's room, I could still hear Rai's sharp orders to his men about what to do with Lito.
Dati pa 'yan interesado at nagpaparamdam sa 'kin, sa bahay pa lang. Whenever he and Nanay's friends gambled there, pinapasok niya ako sa kusina at pasimpleng manghahawak.
I had been too shocked to react, too afraid to speak up kasi alam kong wala nang mapupuntahan.
My thoughts vanished when I saw Nanay's fingers twitch. Napatayo ako't agad na lumapit.
"'N-Nay..." I whispered.
Her eyes fluttered open, and shock filled her face when she saw me.
"S-Sera..." she murmured.
Nangilid ang luha ko. I reached for her hand, but she quickly pulled it away.
"B-Bakit ka nandito? W-Wala ka dapat dito!"
Kumirot ang puso ko.
"'Nay," I murmured. "I got a call and heard what happened—"
"Wala ka dapat dito, Serafine!" she shouted, shaking her head. "Dapat ay naroon ka sa kapatid mo! Dapat wala ka dito!"
"'Nay..." tawag ko. "Calm down, ang sugat mo—"
"Wala ka na dapat pakialam sa akin, Serafine! Umuwi ka na! Hayaan mo akong mamatay na lang dito!"
"'N-Nay..."
"Ang kapatid mo! Siya ang alagaan mo! Huwag mo nang—"
"B-Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa 'kin, 'Nay?" I asked. "Eh 'di sana natulungan kita... para hindi na ganito... para hindi ka na nasaktan!"
"Magiging pabigat na lang ako sa 'yo, Sera! Kagaya noon! Tama na! Maayos na ang buhay n'yong magkapatid!" she sounded so desperate. Kumawala na ang luha ko. "A-Ayokong madamay pa kayo—"
"'N-Nay, tutulungan naman kita..." I whispered.
"Para saan pa?!" Her swollen eyes locked on mine. "Hindi ako naging mabuting ina sa inyo ni Miggy! Para saan pang hihingi ako ng tulong? Palagi na lang akong humihingi! Pagod na ako!"
I sniffled. The door opened, and I saw Rai's worried face. But when I glanced at him and shook my head slightly, he stepped back, hesitant at first, then nodded in understanding.
"Nahihiya ako! Nahihiya ako dahil hindi ako naging mabuting ina! Nagagalit ako kasi may anak si Benjamin sa iba!" she cried. I stayed silent, listening.
"G-Gusto kong tanggapin pero hindi ko kaya, Serafine! Kaya nagalit ako! Kaya sinaktan kita! Pero bakit... bakit hindi ka nagagalit?! Dapat galit ka sa akin! Dapat hinahayaan mo na lang ako!"
Mas nadurog ako sa sinabi niyang iyon.
"Bakit, Serafine?!" she exclaimed. I looked at her softly.
"K-Kasi Nanay kita, eh," I whispered and I knew it might not be enough reason but I couldn't find it in my heart to be angry.
Not anymore...
She sobbed and I cried harder.
"B-Bakit... s-sinasaktan kita," she whispered.
Lumapit ako at hinawakan na siya. That's when she trembled and sobbed. She didn't move at first but eventually, her hand tightened around mine.
"N-Nagagalit ako... kasi... kasi w-wala akong nagawa para humingi man lang ng tawad sa inyo ni Miggy," she whispered.
"'N-Nay..." I closed my eyes.
"S-Salamat sa pag-aalaga sa kapatid mo," she said.
Her voice was hoarse, her tears unending. Naupo ako sa tabi niya at pinantayan siya ng tingin.
Bukod kina Tita Asunta at Marco, si Nanay na lang ang naiwang pamilya ko. Maikli ang buhay, ayaw kong sayangin iyon sa galit at sama ng loob.
I don't want this anger to consume me. To burn me. To let it turn into ashes.
"H-Huli ko na natanto... p-patawarin mo sana ang nanay, 'nak," she cried violently.
I thought I had no more tears left, but they fell harder at her words.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
NANAY STAYED IN the hospital for several days. At first, there was awkwardness between us after that night, but slowly, we managed to be civil. She began talking to me, asking about Miggy.
I told her what happened to Lito, that I filed a case, and that he was now in jail along with the one who hurt her.
"Ready?" I asked Rai, holding his hand.
Unfortunately, he had to leave for a few days to return to the island. There were issues with the project plans. As a head engineer, he was needed. I stayed behind to watch over Nanay.
"I guess..." He shrugged, licking his lower lip.
He looked impossibly handsome in his white polo shirt. His muscles were just in the right places, his shirt tucked neatly into black his trousers, paired with loafers.
"Papakilala lang ulit kita kay Nanay..." I grinned. "Ayos na ayos tayo, daddy, ah?"
"Huh?" His jaw clenched. "No, I just..."
"It's alright. Nanay already knows you, 'di ba?"
"Yes... but still, this is a different scenario."
"Sus." I chuckled, pinching his nose. "Gwapo mo, don't worry."
I fixed his collar, brushed off his shirt, and smoothed his hair. Like a child, he was obedient, even bowing slightly so I could reach him, his hand resting on my waist.
I studied him, then pursed my lips.
"Hmm, may kulang pa," I commented.
"What?" he asked, confused.
I smiled, tiptoed, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
He froze. When I pulled away, he was staring at me, his face now flushed red.
"There, natural blush." I tapped his cheek. "Good boy."
He looked shy pero sumama rin pero bago pa kami makapasok ay natigilan ako sa pamilyar na taong nahagip ng mga mata ko.
Gino?
We entered the room, my confusion fading when Rai greeted my mother.
"Ano mo na ba ito, Serafine?" Nanay asked, pointing at Rai.
Ano nga ba...
I turned to him.
"Ma'am, I'm her boy—"
"Suitor!" I exclaimed quickly. Rai shifted his gaze at me. "Suitor, 'Nay." I grinned.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
HE SULKED LIKE a child, stabbing at his food with a frown.
"Hindi pa ba tayo sa lagay na 'to?" he complained.
I giggled, grabbed a tissue, and wiped the corner of his lips.
"Hindi p'wede 'yon. Ligaw muna." I winked.
Gusto man niyang magreklamo, alam kong wala na siyang magagawa.
"Mga kailan mo ako sasagutin?" he asked.
"Aba, malay ko. Bakit, may schedule?" I teased. "Siguro mga two months?"
"Tagal," he muttered, scratching his nape. "Wala na bang tawad 'yan, Serafine?"
"Hmm... sige, one month," I said after thinking.
"It's too long!" he sulked.
"Kaysa wala? Ano, ayaw mo? Huwag na kaya kita sagutin? Akala ko ba mag-aantay ka?"
He pouted and rolled his eyes dramatically. I chuckled.
"Iniirapan mo ba ako, Miranda?" I pointed out.
He quickly turned to me and shook his head.
"Irap? Hindi, ah!" He puffed a breath and forced a smile, trying to look serious but failing. He sighed. "Sinong nagrereklamo? One month... mabilis lang 'yon."
"Good." I grinned and lowered my head to eat again until he spoke.
"Three weeks, huling tawad. Nasira na rin naman natin 'yong kama—"
I shot him a glare, and he gulped, slowly averting his gaze. "Sabi ko nga, one month."
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
KAILANGAN MUNANG MAGHILOM kahit papaano ang sugat ni Nanay bago kami makapag biyahe papuntang Sta. Monica.
I cleaned the house, so we stayed there. During my free time, I visited Dad's tomb and went shopping with Kikay, just as I promised.
Rai became busy with work, lumuwas pa ngang Maynila para sa meetings. Nakakalungkot at miss ko na siya pero s'yempre, trabaho iyon.
We hadn't seen each other for three days now, just texts and video calls.
From: Papa dè Asukal
I got a package for you. Love you, baby.
To: Papa dè Asukal
Huh? What is it? Miss you :(
"Miss Serafine? Serafine Mendez po?" Biglang may tumawag kaya napalabas ako ng bahay at may delivery boy.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Ma'am Serafine po?"
"Yes? Why?"
He smiled and pulled out a large box from behind him. Namilog ang mata ko sa mangha nang makitang malaking bouquet ng bulaklak iyon!
"Ma'am, para po sa 'yo," he said.
I excitedly took it! A rainbow of roses filled the bouquet, with a letter tucked inside.
To: Baby girl
Miss you, I'll be home soon.
From: Daddy Rai
I giggled, smelling the flowers as curious neighbors looked at me. Nagbubulungan pa sila para makiusyoso.
Ha! Bigay 'to ng suitor ko!
My smile widened. I glanced at the delivery boy, who just stood there smiling.
"Sige, salamat!" I beamed happily.
I turned away, still smelling the flowers, when he called me.
"Ma'am!"
I looked back, confused. "Why?"
"Uh, eh..." He scratched his head, embarrassed. "Ano po kasi, COD 'yan."
Natulos ako.
"H-Huh... COD?"
"Cash on delivery po," aniya at ang ngiti ko ay unti-unting nawala at nagmura na sa isipan.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen3h.Co