Kabanata 12
Kabanata 12
WEEKS and months turned into a year and the love I have for him ever since I was a teen never faded but only intensified. It deepened until it was unstoppable and fell harder.
I wasn't expecting anything. I even offered him a no-strings-attached relationship to save myself from the heartbreak and seeing him now, looking at how he treats and treasures me... maybe, maybe I think Chance deserved more than that.
My hopes for our love are only flying mid-air, nasa gitna lang at pantay. Nasa pagitan ng pagtaas at pagbagsak. I was flying in the safe side of the sky but now that I am falling for him deeper, I think, I'm beginning to want to soar high.
My hopes for us heightened, it's aiming more. Nag-aasam ng sobra, nag-aasam ng mas mataas pa.
"This is for your lunch and this is for the quick breaks," ani Chance na inaabot sa akin ang paper bags.
I chuckled, dinungaw ko iyon bago balingan siya.
"Salamat, Tatay," I teased. His smile faded, he glared at me kaya natawa na ako at halos talunin na siya.
I encircled my arms on his nape and he held my waist to support my weight. He lowered his face at me and I was brimming with a smile while exchanging hungry stares with him.
"I'll miss you, baby boy," I said and pouted.
"It's just three days but yeah, me too..." He sighed and moved his face closer to me.
Napangiti na ako nang ilapat niya ang noo sa akin, he pulled me closer to his body and kissed my nose.
"How about a video call?" he offered.
"Okay, I have half a day off tomorrow. Mag-iikot akong Japan." I smiled at him and he sighed.
"I wish I could come," he muttered, looking so problematic. I chuckled and reached for his hair to brush it with my fingers.
"I'll be back, you won't even notice I'm gone. Sure, we'll video call kapag wala akong flight. Around Asia lang naman ang flights ko, don't worry."
"Alright..." He pulled me closer and hugged my waist. Mas lumaki ang ngiti ko nang ipinatong niya ang baba sa aking balikat at huminga roon.
"I'll take care of Cho-choo. Promise," aniya. Ngumisi ako at hinaplos ang kanyang likod.
"Okay, pogi." I chuckled and glanced at the floor, napatawa ako nang makita ang anak kong nangungulit doon.
His tongue is out, ginagalaw niya ang buntot kaya ibinaba ang katawan pagkahiwalay kay Chance.
"Hello, baby. Mommy is going muna, hmm?" I hummed, petting his head and he wiggled his tail at me. Halos dambahin na niya ako kaya naupo ako sa lapag at niyakap ang baby ko.
I felt Chance sitting beside me on the floor. Binalingan ko siyang pinapanuod kaming dalawa. I took his hand and pulled him closer and let him pet Cho-choo who's now playing with him.
"Pocholo," I called and my son stopped, bumaling siya sa akin at inilabas ang dila. "Be a good boy, okay? You know where to popo, right? Your food's in that place..." Turo ko sa isang gilid na sinundan niya kaagad ng tingin.
"...and be good to Daddy Chance, okay?" I reminded. He barked happily.
I grinned. I glanced at Chance and noticed him licking his lips, his dimples showing.
"Ngiti-ngiti mo r'yan?" I asked, nangingiti na rin.
"Nothing, I just... I have a family now, I guess?" he raised his brows at me.
"Bakit? Ayaw mo ba?" I asked. "Ano, hahanap ba kami ni Cho-choo ng ibang Daddy—"
"Akin kayo," aniya kaya natigilan na ako. "Walang maghahanap ng ibang Daddy." Kumunot ang noo niya.
"Paano—"
"I'm the father." He pointed out, making me laugh. "Ako. Ako."
"Oo na, ikaw." Napailing na ako at pinaglaruan saglit si Cho-choo bago nagdesisyong tumayo na sa lapag.
Chance helped me get up, he even fixed my red skirt and my hair.
"Where's your hat, doll?" aniya kaya kinuha ko ang hat ko sa counter at ibinigay sa kanya.
I lowered my head a bit para maayos niya ang pag-ayos ng hat sa ulo ko. When I am good to go ay humawak siya sa kamay ko at binuhat ang maleta ko.
"Let's go," he said and pulled me closer.
Malaki ata ang ngiti ko habang nasa biyahe kami ni Chance patungo sa airport. I was glad that he offered to take me there and sad at the same time na kailangan kong umalis but I couldn't do anything since this is work. It's not that it's the first time, minsan nga ay isang linggo pa.
Unfortunately, Chance can't take me inside kaya sa labas pa lang ng sasakyan ay mukhang ayaw na humiwalay.
"Baby boy, let go..." Napabungingis ako nang hindi maalis ang yakap niya sa akin.
"I'll miss you. Damn, I missed you already. Ngayon pa lang." He sighed dramatically. My heart was so loud when I embraced him back while feeling his kisses on the top of my head.
"I'll miss you too, baby boy. Come on, kiss nga," I mumbled and he pulled away, he gave me a quick kiss pero kinagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi niya kaya natigilan siya.
His eyes glistened naughtily. It was full of hunger. I bit my lip and encircled my arms on his nape.
"No baby doll means no mukbang," he lamented. I giggled and kissed him again.
"Pahinging deep kiss, baby boy. Gusto ko 'yong with tongue."
Nanliit ang mata niya sa tawa pero ibinaba ang ulo para pagbigyan ako.
It was delicious. Satisfying. I couldn't get enough of him I craved for more.
We kissed. He bit my lower lip and held my jaw to let him in and when I gave him access, he sucked my tongue.
I moaned loudly. I felt his smile in my mouth.
"Ungol na ungol, doll?" natatawang bulong niya.
"Shh, shut up!" I hissed and pulled him closer. "Gusto ko 'yong French kiss."
He was laughing his face was turning red pero kilala ko si Chance. Alam kong 'di niya kayang tiisin ang request ko.
He cupped my butt to try and hitched me up all while damn shoving his tongue on mine to play and tease.
It was fucking hot.
I can't wait to come home again after this flight!
He squeezed my butt, halos mahatak ko na ang suot niyang polo roon at bibigay na kung hindi lang naalala ang pasok ko.
"Hmm... enough na, enough." I gasped loudly and pushed him.
Namumungay pa ang mga mata niyang pakawalan ako kaya natawa na ako at mabilis na hinawakan ang pisngi niya.
"Sana pala nag-quick mukbang tayo kanina," I whined. His lips twitched for a smirk, lowering his face to kiss me briefly.
"Don't worry, we'll definitely do it when you come back," aniya. "Pangmalakasan. 'Yong tipong mangangatog ka na."
I let out a scandalous gasp. He laughed heartily.
Oh, boy. That was the sweetest sound I've ever heard.
Nakita ko ang stain ng lipstick ko sa labi niya kaya inangat ko ang panyo ko para punasan iyon.
"You have stains, baby boy." I giggled. He smirked.
"Yeah, you have a smudge too, doll."
My eyes widened, mabilis na tumingin sa side mirror ng sasakyan niya at napatili na nang makitang kalat-kalat na ang lipstick ko.
My God! 'Di ko nagamit ang kiss proof ko! Ni-recommend pa naman sa 'kin ni Scira 'yon!
"My baby doll's lipstick is ruined because of kissing me..." Narinig ko ang halakhak niya kasabay ng pagyakap niya sa likuran ko.
"Chance Ford!" I hissed. He laughed more and kissed my neck.
"Take care, baby doll, alright?" he reminded while I was busy fixing my messy lipstick. "Don't forget your food. I set the reminders in your phone para 'di mo makalimutang kumain."
Pinigil ko ang ngiti.
"Sinong kasama n'yo roon?"
"The same crew members, baby boy," sagot ko at nag-retouch ng lipstick matapos matanggal ang kalata.
"Lilah... kasama ba siya?" aniya kaya tumango ako sa kanya.
"Hmm, she's part of the crew so..." I shrugged and I didn't hear him speak after that. Nang tingnan ko siya sa side mirror ay nakatingin lang siya sa repleksyon ko kaya nagtaka na ako.
"Chance?" I called and moved away from him.
He was now serious. Mas nagtaka ako.
"What's the matter, baby boy?" I asked. He sighed. Kumuha siya ng wipes sa bag ko at mukhang may pinunasan pa sa gilid ng labi ko bago umiling.
"Nothing, just call me if anything comes up and don't trust too much, okay?" aniya kaya ngumuso na ako.
"Talaga? Kahit ikaw?" I smiled, joking but then he nodded.
"Kahit ako," he said. "Kahit sino, Darshana."
He was so weird but I think he's just being dramatic kaya natawa na lang ako. Ibinilin ko sa kanyang muli si Cho-choo na dadalhin niya sa bahay niya bago kami naghiwalay.
"Alright," aniyang natatawa. "Yes, baby. I went through your lists of do's and don't for the fifth time today. Don't worry about Pocholo, his Dad's gonna take care of him."
Pulling my baggage and the paper bag for the food he prepared, I entered the airport. I was halfway in our office when I realized naiwan ko ang hand bag ko.
"Shit..." I sighed and went inside the room.
Nagpaalam muna ako kay Ma'am na naiwan ko sa may sasakyan ang bag ko kaya hinayaan niya akong palabas. I was almost running outside at baka umalis na ang baby boy ko.
I smiled in relief when I saw his car, naglakad ako palapit pero kaagad na natigilan nang may makitang kausap siya.
My forehead creased when I realized it was Lilah. I saw her touch his arms and smiled kaya mas lumalim ang gatla sa noo ko.
What is she doing here? And why is she talking to my baby boy?
"Chance!" I called after a while and he glanced at me, nakita ko ang pagbaba ni Lilah ng kamay niya sa braso ni Chance at nilingon ako.
"Daru!" Lilah smiled widely and waved at me.
I was confused but her friendly smile looked so genuine kaya I shrugged the thoughts off. Ngumiti na rin ako at lumapit sa kanila.
Seryoso ang mukha ni Chance nang magkatinginan kami. Kaagad niyang inabot ang braso ko pagkalapit at pinagsaklop ang daliri namin. Ngumuso ako.
"So clingy, baby boy." I noticed but then I noticed he was a bit in a foul mood.
Maayos ko namang iniwan 'to, ah?
"I'm not," he muttered pero mas humawak sa kamay ko at mukhang tensyonado.
I glanced at Lilah and saw her staring intently at Chance with a smirk on her lips.
"Lilah? What are you doing here?" I asked kaya napabaling siya sa akin at ngumiti. The glint on her eyes didn't disappear at nagkibit-balikat siya.
"Well, your baby boy here called me for this," aniya at tinaas ang bag.
Napansin kong iyon ang bag na binalikan ko, bumaling ako kay Chance at tumango siya sa akin at binasa ang labi.
"I was about to enter when I saw her, ipapadala ko sana," he explained stiffly.
Oh, maybe he was just so sad I was gone?
My face softened. Mas gumaan na ang pakiramdam ko at ngumiti.
"Gano'n ba?" I glanced at Lilah and saw her staring at me as if she was amused. "Why?" I asked curiously.
"Wala lang, Chance and you... are so adorable together," she praised while eyeing Chance. "Right, Chance?"
"You should go inside, baby." Sa halip ay sinabi ni Chance at binalingan ako. I blinked and nodded at him.
"Sorry, naiwan ko lang kasi ang bag."
He kissed me briefly on the cheek and squeezed my hand.
"Go, take care. I will call you, hmm?"
"Aww..." Napalingon kami kay Lilah. "You two looked cute."
"Thanks, Lilah." I chuckled at her remark.
Bumaling ako kay Chance na seryoso lang kaya pinisil ko rin ang kamay niya at ngumiti.
"Bye, baby boy. Uwi ka na tapos kunin mo na si Cho-choo. 'Di ba, may project ka?"
He nodded.
"Alright, bye. Text me if you're settled, okay?"
Tumango na ako at kumaway sa kanya.
Nang umalis na kami ni Lilah ay kumapit siya sa braso ko, nakangiti sa 'kin.
"Who's Cho-choo?"
"My dog." I smiled. "Siberian Husky."
"Oh..." She nodded. "Mahilig pala talaga kayo sa Huskies, ano? Your father has dogs, right?"
"Huh?" I asked with confusion. "How..."
"Oh! I saw on your Facebook account." Ngisi niya. "Last year? 'Di ba, you posted the pictures of the baby huskies?"
"Ah..." Napatango ako. "Last year pa 'yon, ah? Sipag mo naman mag-scroll."
"Well, idol kita, eh," she teased and winked.
Nakausap ko pa ang parents ko at ang Kuya bago kami bumiyahe and like always, parang isang back to back bond paper na naman ang mga habilin nila pero I'm glad instead of getting annoyed because I know how much they love me.
"Anong sabi nila?" ani Lilah habang naglalakad kami para i-check ang mga compartment kung sarado na.
"Wala naman, habilin lang na sobrang haba." I grinned.
"Wow, they're really concerned. Mahal na mahal ka talaga nila, ano?" aniya kaya napangiti ako at tumango.
"Fortunately, yes. Kaya nga sabi ko sa 'yo dati na despite the family name we have, ang pagmamahal nila ang gusto ko at hindi ang apleyido lang," sabi ko habang sabay kaming naglalakad papunta sa unahan matapos ma-check ang compartment.
"I really hope I'll be you," she said kaya binalingan ko siya.
"Why naman? You have your own identity, Lilah. Why do you wish to be another person?" nagtataka at kuryoso kong tanong at nagkibit-balikat siya sa akin.
"Maybe because I want what you have?" aniya. "Oh, I'm not being envious. I was just, you know, I adored you and your family so much." She smiled mysteriously.
Napaisip tuloy ako.
"I'm sorry for being nosy but nasaan ba parents mo?" I asked. Ngumuso siya.
"You really wanna know?" Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya kaya mas kumunot ang noo ko pero tumango.
"Yes pero if you don't want to tell me I understand, I respect your privacy,"
Mas nalukot ang mukha niya. Siguro'y may naalala.
"My mother's far away and my father's..." She stared at me directly. "He has his own happy family now, how romantic isn't it?"
My smile faded and felt sad for her.
"I'm sorry, Lilah, I didn't know—"
"Nah, you don't need to, Daru." She smiled at me. "No need. I'm positive I'll get what's mine soon, anyway."
–
Nakakapagod ang flight pero relaxing naman during my time off. Isa pa, there's a change. I earned a friend. For the first time ever ay may kasama akong mag-gala sa mga layover.
Masaya naman kasama si Lilah.
She said it's her first time going to Japan kaya magkasama kaming dalawa. It's not like I can leave a friend behind.
We were seated outside the café in Japan, sa harapan ko ay ang mga cherry blossoms na nahuhulog. It looks so pretty, I watched it fall gracefully to the ground.
More inspiration blossomed and my fingers moved together with my pencil.
I have my sketch pad with me, the scenery in front of me made me think of Chance kahit katatapos lang naming mag-usap dalawa. From my view, kitang-kita ko ang stop light sa isang gilid at ang kalsadang malinis at halos walang sasakyan. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom but a few petals fell and some even danced with the wind.
I colored my sketch and smiled, inspired to draw more.
Ireregalo ko 'to kay Chance.
Inilapag ko ang sketch pad ko sa lamesa nang makuntento sa kulay at kinuha ang camera, I took snaps of the place and smiled.
"Daru, here's the coffee." I heard Lilah kaya ngumiti ako at bumaling sa kanya.
"Thank you, Lilah. Inumin ko 'yan, wait lang," I said and snapped more photos when I heard her shriek.
"Ay!" She gasped, "OMG! I'm so sorry, Daru!"
Napalingon ako sa kanya at umawang ang labi ko nang makitang nabuhusan ng kape ang sketch pad ko/ I gasped, mabilis na ibinaba ang camera ko at kinuha ang sketch pero huli na dahil basang-basa na hindi lang ang sketch ko ng cherry blossoms kung hindi ang buong sketch pad na bigay ni Chance sa akin.
"I'm sorry!" Lilah exclaimed. "Daru, hindi ko sinasadya."
Fuck...
I felt disappointed and sad, nanghihinayang sa regalo ni Chance at sa mga sketch na nagawa pero wala na akong magagawa.
"Darsh..." she called kaya ngumiti ako at tumango.
"It's okay..." I said and bit my lower lip. "Aksidente lang naman, I understand."
"Yeah, it's an accident." She sighed. "Sorry, Darsh. Sayang 'yong sketch mo..."
"It's okay, ulitin ko na lang," maliit kong sagot.
We had a tiring flight the next days, tulog lang ng halos tatlong oras ang naging pahinga kaya I was so glad when finally, we finally reached the Philippines and we're home.
Hinihilot ko ang batok ko roon at nagtungo sa banyo. As much as I want Chance to fetch me, nandito sina Mama at may dinner kaming lahat kaya doon muna ako matutulog.
Nagpalit ako ng damit sa banyo matapos mag-text kay Chance na nasa Pilipinas na ako. I changed to a formal dress for the dinner. Nilugay ko ang aking buhok at nag-lipstick bago lumabas ng banyo.
"Good afternoon, Miss Sandejas," bati nila kaya napangiti ako.
"Good afternoon po, I hope you had a good day."
"Maganda talaga, Ma'am at nakita ka," ani nila.
"Kayo naman po nambola pa!" Nagkatawanan kami. "That's nice to hear, ingat po. Mauna na ako."
I waved at them before going, patungo pa lang ako sa opisina ni Papa ay nahuli kaagad ng mata ko si Mama.
She's wearing blouse and pants, tatawagin ko na sana nang may mapansing kausap siya. I walked closer and was shocked when I saw her talking to Lilah.
Mas kumunot ang noo ko nang makitang buhat ni Lilah si Audette, ang bunsong kapatid ko.
"Ma?" I called, naglakad palapit at nang bumaling sa akin ni Mama ay lumaki ang ngiti niya.
"Anak!" she called and opened her arms, I missed her so I almost ran and hugged her.
She chuckled, tapping my shoulderm and kissed my hair.
"How's my princess? I missed you, anak. How's the flight?"
"I missed you too, Mama." I smiled. "The flight's great. Tiring pero masaya."
Humiwalay ako sa kanya, kaagad akong napabaling kay Lilah at nahuli siyang tinititigan ang kapatid ko.
"Oh, I met your friend, Lilah, right? Hija?" Mama asked. Lilah took her gaze away from Audette and smiled at my mother.
"Yes po, Mama," she answered my mother kaya lumalim ang gatla sa noo ko. "Oh, I mean, Tita..." Bigla siyang tumawa roon.
What?
"She's adorable, Daru," ani Mama na may ngiti pa. "Lumapit siya kanina, papunta na sana ako sa opisina ng Papa mo when I saw her. She said she's your friend, nasa banyo ka raw."
"Ah, yes po." I tried smiling pero tumabang ang pakiramdam ko roon.
"Sorry, Tita. Natawag pala kitang Mama." Lilah laughed. Mama only nodded with a smile.
"It's okay, hija. As long as you're being a good friend to my daughter, anak na rin kita," Mama said. Lilah nodded and even danced Audette in her arms.
"Oh, okay lang po ba na Mama kita?" she asked her.
"Why not?" Ngiti ni Mama.
"Wow! It's nice, salamat, Mama!" She exclaimed and glanced at me. "Paano ba 'yan, Daru at may anak na silang bago?" She tried joking.
It wasn't funny. Ha-ha.
Maybe dahil gutom ako ay wala ako sa mood para makisakay sa kanya. I chuckled and felt off seeing her carrying my sister kaya inilahad ko ang kamay ko sa kapatid ko.
"Dette, come to Ate," I said and offered my arms to her.
"Ate! Karga!" She exclaimed happily and that made me smile, she wiggled from Lilah's hand but Lilah tried hugging her.
"Aww, baby, ayaw mo sa Ate Lilah?"
"No! Ate Daru, Ate!" she said and raised her hand at me.
"I'll be your new sister, baby—"
"Sabing akin na nga ang kapatid ko, 'di ba?" I spat, stunning her.
Miski ako ay natigilan din sa lumabas sa bibig ko pero hindi ko na mababawi iyon. Her eyes widened, pinakawalan niya si Audette kaya mabilis kong kinuha ang kapatid kong mabilis na yumakap sa akin.
"Princess..." Mama called.
"S-sorry," Lilah said and bit her lip.
"I-I didn't mean to...are you mad?"
I sighed and shook my head.
"I'm sorry, Lilah. I'm just hungry, sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice."
"O-okay..." Her lips quivered.
I felt bad at that, tumikhim ako at inayos ang buhat kay Audette.
"Pasensya na ulit. Mama," bumaling ako kay Mama. "S-si Papa? Puntahan ko lang."
Halata ang pagtataka sa mukha ni Mama pero tumango siya.
"Nasa opisina, anak. Susunod ako."
I nodded and apologized again at Lilah, nakita kong kumikislap ang mata niya sa luha. "Sorry again, Lilah."
"I-it's okay, sanay naman na ako," aniya na ngumiti pa sa akin.
I decided not to comment anymore, buhat-buhat ang kapatid ay tinalikuran ko sila para dumiretso kina Papa.
"Ate, wavyu...." I heard Dette whispering kaya gumaan ang loob ko, hinarap ko ang kapatid at hinalikan ang kanyang pisngi.
"I love you too, Dette. Ako lang ate, mo, ah?" I asked thought it was really petty and childish but she nodded, her eyes glistening.
"Opo... Ate ni Dette, ikaw." She smiled adorably at me.
Lumingon akong muli sa likod para tignan si Mama pero nakita ko ang pagyakap ni Lilah sa kanya, my forehead creased, I didn't want to admit this but I am jealous.
I sighed, napailing at ipinikit ang mata.
No, Daru. That's rude, don't be jealous. Hindi ka pinalaking madamot nina Mama at Papa.
Pagkarating ko sa opisina nina Papa ay nahuli ko silang magkausap ni Kuya, when they saw me, I immediately smiled and hugged them both because I missed them so much!
Walang sinabi ang Mama habang nasa kotse kami but she's extra attentive of me, nakayakap ako sa kanyang baywang sa biyahe. Dette is playing beside her with her teddy bears.
"Mama, I love you," I whispered weakly. I know she has a lot of questions in mind but she kissed my hair.
"I love you too, Darshana. Don't forget na narito lang si Mama, okay?" she said kaya tumango na ako at mas yumakap.
"What's with the princess, babe?" Nilingon kami ni Papa. Ngumiti si Mama at inakbayan lang ako.
"Maybe she just missed us," she said kaya si Kuya Macky ay dumungaw na rin sa amin.
"Sa bahay ka muna matulog, Darsh," he told me kaya tumango ako at inabot ang kamay kay Dette na kaagad kinagat niya kaya natawa ako kahit nangiwi sa sakit.
"Don't bite your sister, Dette," Mama said softly and my sister just giggled, making us all laugh.
I closed my eyes. This is my family and I'll protect them with everything I can.
I don't want to be a judge of character dahil hindi ko talaga ito ugali. Ayaw ko ng ganito but the past few days, I felt off with Lilah.
Nagsimula ito ng nabuhusan ng kape ang sketch pad ko, I understand it at first that muli akong gumawa ng sketch sa extra pad kong dala pero dahil katabi ko siya at kada matatapos ako ay biglang mababangga niya ang kamay ko.
She apologized and I understand but the next day, my sketch pad vanished. Nagulat ako nang makita kong nasa basurahan ng eroplano iyon at nang tanungin ko siya ay 'di niya raw alam.
The supposed one day stay with my family turned to a week kaya nang makabalik ako sa condo ko ay miss na miss ko na si Chance at Pocholo.
Pagkababa ko pa lang ng taxi papunta sa bahay ni Chance ay excited na ako. I didn't tell him I'm going to surprise him, sabi ko nga'y sa sunod pa ako makakaalis sa parents ko.
Pag-doorbell ko pa lang ay kaagad na siyang bumungad sa akin.
Freshly showered and wearing a simple white shirt and pants, my baby boy looks so dashing. His brown eyes widened when he saw me kaya ngumisi ako.
"Mukbang time?" I offered, squealing when he pulled me close immediately.
Napatawa na ako nang mabilis na sapuin niya ang pisngi ko at paulanan ako ng halik sa mukha. I giggled and embraced him.
"Miss na miss ako, baby boy?" I teased. Mas yumakap ang braso niya at tumagal ang mga halik sa mukha ko.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked kaya ngumisi ako sa kanya at kumindat.
"Para surprise?" I teased. His eyes darkened.
"Surprise, huh? You bad doll, yari ka sa akin," he threatened but it only lit a fire in me. In excitement. I bit my lower lip.
"Bakit?" I put my finger on his lips and smirked. "Anong yari? Do I have some kind of punishment, Sir?"
He parted his mouth and bit my finger on his lips, his eyes glinting with this amused and dark expression as he hugged me more.
"I'll eat you today," he said and I screamed when he carried me like I'm a sack of rice on his shoulder. Sinipa niya lang gate habang tumatakbo papasok habang buhat ako kaya tumili ako.
I saw Pocholo ran behind us kaya tumili ako.
"Cho-choo! Help me! Help, Mommy!" I screamed.
Like usual, the mukbang with jejemaster didn't disappoint. Ilang oras ata akong bagsak sa kama dahil sa stamina ni loko at hindi napapagod ata. Ako na lang ang bumibigay!
Huh, akala niya? Kulang lang ako sa exercise. Kapag ako nakapag-regular exercise ulit, kakalabanin ko siya!
I woke up fully dressed with his clothes. Natawa ako nang makitang may sticky note sa gilid ng kama. I took it and saw his note.
Baby, I'm just in the studio. Painting. You should build your stamina next time. Tumba ka kaagad sa mukbang. Wala ka pala, eh.
I frowned and even heard his voice in my head. Napailing ako.
Ang gago talaga.
Naligo muna ako at nag-robe bago lumabas ng kwarto. Dumiretso ako sa studio at kagaya nga ng sinabi niya ay naabutan ko siya roon.
I saw Pocholo, our son resting near his feet. Chance is seriously painting his new art piece in the middle in front of an easel. He was holding a palette with an almost finished canvas in front of him.
It's an abstract painting, mas lumapit ako roon at hinalikan siya mula sa likod.
He jumped, too engaged with his work he didn't notice me entering his studio. He gave me a look.
"You startled me, doll," he said and lowered his palette to give me a quick kiss. "I wanted to kiss you more but I'm a bit messy."
"Busy ka r'yan, jejemaster, ah?"
"Yeah, I might have a new exhibit soon so I'm making new ones. My paintings are sold out, you know?" he raised his brow at me, looking so proud.
It made me prouder. He's really great at his job.
"Ang galing-galing naman kasi ng baby boy na 'yan. Kiss nga." He gave me another kiss kaya natawa na ako. "You're so great, I'm so proud of you."
"It's thanks to you," aniya kaya natigilan na ako.
"Huh?"
A smile appeared on his lips.
"You're my inspiration," aniya kaya natigilan na ako.
While watching his face, I realized our time earlier wasn't enough to ease my longing for him. I missed him so much.
"I...am?" I asked.
"Always..." he breathed.
Lumunok ako.
"Baka binobola mo na naman ako, ah?"
"I am not, I was never this productive before but look now. Can you believe I finished five new paintings?" he said kaya mas nakagat ko ang labi ko at tumalon ang puso.
"You're my inspiration too, baby boy," I confessed, startling him. Nakatayo ako sa kanyang harapan kaya malaya niya akong napagmamasdan. "How about you paint me?"
His face brightened, mas namungay ang tingin at lumubog ang dimples.
"Sure, baby," he said, tumayo na para alalayan ako sa may sofa. I walked with him, hinawakan ko ang buhol sa roba ko. "Sit here, let me just prepare a new canvas. What painting do you like? Until your bust or—"
I saw him freeze when I lowered my robe.
"Daru..." he muttered with strain in his voice. His eyes were wide so I bit my lower lip and spoke shyly.
"I-I want you to keep this painting to yourself, I... I was supposed to give you a sketch of sceneries way back in Japan kaso nasira so I'm... gifting myself to you," I offered while staring into his eyes.
His throat bobbed. His dark eyes roamed all over me until our gazes clashed. He moistened his lips.
"Are you sure?" he asked, slowly reaching and touching my exposed shoulder.
I nodded without hesitation.
"Paint me, Chance," I muttered, despite my flushing cheeks. "Naked."
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