Kabanata 7
Kabanata 7
"BANGO naman, Darupok, matagal pa ba 'yan?" Dungaw ni Zire sa ino-oven kong lasagna.
"Ten more mins," I said and glanced at her. "And anong Darupok? It's just Daru, Zire." Umirap ako bago naupo sa stool habang ngumunguso siya sa akin.
"Sus, arte naman, Darsh. Iyon naman ata dapat second name mo, eh. Darshana "marupokpok" Sandejas, see?"
Nang akmang ihahagis ko sa kanya ang basahan ay tumili siya at nagtago sa likod ni Scira na tumatawa roon sa gilid.
"Come on, you two. Stop fighting." She chuckled, pulling Zirena behind her.
"Hindi nga kasi ako marupok, okay?" I muttered and rested my face on my palm, staring at the two of them waiting for the continuation of my story.
"Sus, eh, nakipag-mukbang ka nga ulit—"
"I didn't, okay? I just teased him, I said...that meme? Pasensya ka na, huh? God bless." Sabay kaming napahagalpak ng tawa pero nang-aasar na naman ang tingin ni Zire kaya napairap ako. "I pranked him, noong tinali ko na ang scarf ko sa kamay niya at napiringan ay kinuhaan ko siya ng picture..."
Their eyes widened.
"Talaga?! Talaga?! Patingin!" Akmang kukunin nila ang phone ko kaya mabilis ko 'yong kinuha at itinago sa bulsa ko.
"Na-uh, for my eyes only." I smirked.
"Ang daya!" Scira exclaimed, si Zire ay bumusangot kaya ngumisi ako sa kanila at kumindat.
"Bawal, makita n'yo pa abs ng ex-crush ko, eh. Ayaw ko nga. Yummy pa naman," pagdadamot ko pa.
"Damot! Titingin lang!" Zire hissed at me. "Huh, kapag ako nagka-jowa, Daru, who you ka sa akin!"
"Kung..." I teased her. "Tagal-tagal na 'yan, ah, wala ka pa ring pinapakilala sa akin."
She rolled her eyes at me.
"Sa sunod, huh! Akala mo? May raket ako, bakla. May kailangang article na isulat about sa isang model! It's a big break, kapag maganda ang outcome, I'll get promoted!"
"Oh? Really?" Scira gasped. "Wow, congrats, Zire!" She chirped and we both clapped our hands.
"Congrats, Zire! Galingan mo! Malay mo at ma-promote ka?" I winked at her, chuckling.
"Sana!" She giggled. "Matagal pa naman 'to, mga bakla kayo, I have no details pa pero natunugan ko nang sa akin ibibigay. Pero I'm preparing for it, I need to get a scoop at malay n'yo, right? Isa pa baka makahanap na ako ng forever after nito?"
"Very good!" I laughed at nag-apir kaming dalawa.
"Sana all..." We glanced at Scira pouting at us.
"Marami pang boys d'yan, Scira," I comforted her and smiled. "Your recent-ex...kailan kayo nag-break?"
"Just a week ago?" She shot her brow up. "Dunno, mga gano'n. He said I'm a control freak, that I am a selfish bitch."
"What?" Sabay na nangunot ang noo namin ni Zire sa kanya.
"Sino 'yan, huh? Tambangan natin 'yan!" ani Zire at inaangat pa ang sleeves ng damit niya, seryoso akong sumulyap kay Scira pero ngumisi lang siya sa amin.
"No worries, girls. It's okay," she said. "I don't like him that much anyway. He got mad when I said no to his date invitation since birthday ng Dad ko. I explained it yet he's nagging chuchu...whatever. He attempted to break up with me pero inunahan ko siya, ano siya, tungaw?"
It made me smile.
"Tama, family first!" Zire exclaimed.
"Just trust the process, Scira. Malay mo naman sa future may right man for you at ayos na rin after, right?"
"Yeah, at saka if wala namang lalaki, alright with me. It's not like it's a necessity," she said kaya sabay kaming natawa at nag-apir.
"Oo nga, pero we're straying from the topic...kanina pinag-uusapan lang natin ang karupokpokan ni Daru, the good girl, ah?" Nawala na ang ngiti ko nang balingan ako ni Zirena.
Shit! Ako na naman ang target!
Her blue eyes are sparkling with a grin on her lips.
"Alam mo, minsan, bakla feeling ko may nawawala akong kapatid," she said kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
"Huh?" I asked but she just lifted her phone and dialed something, mayamaya'y may kausap na.
"Hi, Mommy, are you sure 'di ko kapatid si Darsh?" she started.
My mouth parted, nang humagalpak na siya ng tawa ay sumigaw na ako at inangat ang hawak kong basahan.
"I'm a good girl!" I exclaimed loudly and chased her around my unit.
I'm a good girl, like what my parents expected I am. I did great in school, hindi man achiever ay matataas ang mga grado at lamang lang ang mga achiever ng point sa akin. Isa pa, I may have boyfriends in the past pero kapag may paalala ang parents ko ay sumusunod ako.
I don't know if they knew about my past relationships but I'm a lowkey kind of girl, dinner at sine lang madalas ang gawain namin ng mga exes ko, there's no noise about our relationships, no meeting the parents at mukhang wala namang nakakarating kina Papa at Kuya Macky na overreacting madalas.
They're probably suspecting I'm NBSB when in fact, I wasn't.
Noong nasa bahay pa ako ng parents ko, kapag lumalabas ako at ang Kuya ay nagpapaalam pa rin kami, kahit legal na at kaya nang tumayo ng mag-isa. If they said no then we'll respect their decision.
Pero ngayong may sarili na akong unit, malaya na akong nakakalabas kahit 'di nagpapaalam but out of courtesy and respect, kapag matagalang flight ay tumatawag ako sa parents ko para hindi sila mag-alala.
I fixed my hair while waiting for the service on my way to the airport, kakablow-dry ko pa lang sa mahabang buhok ko para maipusod mamaya.
P'wede naman sa airlines na magbagsak ng buhok basta short hair ka but I have a long one kaya I have to tie it in a ponytail or pusod. Ayaw ko namang maggupit para lang dito because I love my hair so much.
Pagsakay ko sa service ay doon na ako nag-ayos, I took the extra scarf on my bag and smiled, natatawa pa habang naaalala si Chance at ang itsura niya roon sa kama.
I may look heartless and maybe I am but not really, when I went down, I asked the room boy to enter his unlocked room after five minutes, inabangan ko pa kung aakyatin nga siya ng room boy at no'ng oo ay umalis na ako.
I assumed he was freed after that, I am just not sure what his reaction could be after.
Kinuha ko ang phone ko, I scrolled through my gallery and chuckled when I saw his pictures. Nakataas ang kamay niya roon at bahagyang nakaawang ang labi. I saw his smooth underarms and that mouth watering abs. I giggled.
How could he look so damn good? He's tall, handsome, and has a great body. He's the number one example of the word hot. Addition pa na he's an artist too which is a major turn-on!
Nakita ko ang pagtingin ng katabi ko sa akin dahil sa biglaan kong paghagikhik kaya ngumisi lang ako at mabilis na itinago ang phone.
Nakakahiya ka, Darshana.
Fixing my red uniform for this day, I entered the airport.
Pumunta muna ako sa office ni Papa para i-check ang schedule na ibinigay sa akin ng airline at naabutan ko siyang nakasandal ng swivel, nakapikit at hinihilot ang kanyang sentido.
"Hi, Papa? Good morning." He opened his eyes and I saw how tired his eyes were yet he managed to flash a sweet smile for me.
"Good morning, 'nak. May flight ka?" he asked, tumayo pa para salubungin ako. Ngumiti ako at tumango.
We embraced, he even kissed my forehead and pinched my cheek.
"How's your week, princess?" he asked.
"Great po, Papa. Medyo nakakapagod pero sanay naman na po," I said.
His eyes softened, he let me go at sinilip ko ang folders sa lamesa niya at nakita ang pangalan ko.
"Do you want me to adjust your flights?" he suddenly asked. "I know you don't want me meddling with your schedule but if you're tired, we can do something about it—"
"Okay lang po, Pa." I chuckled. "I don't want people treating me like I'm a VIP."
"Why not?" his forehead creased. "We own the airlines and the airport, princess. One day, kayo na ng Kuya mo rito."
"Yes po, Papa but you know I wanted to work and earn my spot toward the top, right?" I flashed a small smile.
His eyes softened, a proud look on his face, mas napangiti ako.
"You're really like your mother, not just the face, princess. Even the attitude." He smiled at medyo natigilan ako roon.
'Di mo sure, Papa.
"Kahit attitude, Pa?" Lambing ko at natawa siya at tumango.
"Yeah, your mother's a good girl in the past. She would do anything to finish her studies. She's hard-working and I admired her a lot." The look in his eyes made me crave love like theirs too.
I want a love that pure. I want an everlasting one. A love like theirs.
"You love Mama so much, Papa?" Tanong ko pa kahit halata naman para lang marinig muli galing sa kanya.
"I'm whipped, you wouldn't know how deep, Daru." He even winked kaya natawa na ako at tumayo ng maayos para ayusin ang uniform niya.
"Wala ka pang tulog, Pa? You have eyebags." Pansin ko. He sighed and nodded.
"I have a less than twenty-four hours flight, 'nak. Overseas. I'm on my way to babe now," he said, referring to my Mother. "Ihahatid ko sa klase, I took two days off so I can ask her for a date, you know?"
Kinilig naman ako.
"Aww...so cute naman ni Dash-beybe," I teased him, chuckling, remembering what my Tito Zeijan calls him.
"Alam mo, Darshana, iisipin ko nang kapatid mo si Zirena. Magkaugali na kayo ng kaunti." He smirked kaya natawa ako at ngumuso.
"Mas good girl kaya ako, Pa," hirit ko pero medyo nag-aalangan kasi nagdadalawang-isip na rin.
Parang nagdududa na ako sa sarili kung tunay pa ba akong good girl o hindi na.
"Alright, take care, princess. Marcus just got here and left when you came. He has a flight too."
Pagkatapos namin mag-usap ni Papa at paghahabilin ng kanyang isang daang paalala ay pinakawalan na niya ako. I checked my week schedule for this week and it's a bit tiring kahit nakikita ko pa lang pero kakayanin naman siguro.
"Magandang umaga, Ma'am." I smiled at the Senior Cabin Crew when I got inside our office.
"Perks of being the owner's daughter, huh? Ayos lang na ma-late?" Nawala ang ngiti ko nang marinig si Julia.
I glanced at my wristwatch and saw that I was only two minutes late but I'm still late kaya ngumiti ako at bahagyang ibinaba ang folder.
"Pasensya na, Ma'am, guys." I glanced at them. "Nakapag-time in po ako on time pero pasensya na po, kinumusta ko lang po kasi ang Papa kaya dumaan ako saglit sa office."
"Akala mo naman hindi nagkikita—"
"Julia, stop it." The senior said kaya natahimik siya at umirap sa akin. "It's okay, Daru. You were just in time. I saw you got in early. May ipapagawa na lang ako sa 'yo."
I nodded. Inilahad niya sa akin ang babae sa kanyang tabi at lumingon ako roon. I saw a tall and beautiful girl beside her, mukhang bago kaya ngumiti ako.
"This is Lilah," she introduced. "I want you to check on her, she's our newest cabin crew member."
Lilah smiled at me, she looked sophisticated and lovely.
"Hi, Miss Sandejas," she greeted sweetly.
"Hello, Lilah. Daru na lang," I introduced, offering my palm.
"Hi, Daru. Nice meeting you, I'm Lilah. Hope we can be friends!" She cheered. It made me smile wider.
Oh, I want a new friend!
Lilah and I immediately clicked, hindi man masyadong malapit dahil kakakilala pa lang ay medyo parehas kami ng ugali. I was the one who toured her around the aircraft. She trained naman na kaya may alam na pero I reviewed her again since it'll be her first time on board. Matagal na raw siyang nagtatrabaho sa mga travel agency at ngayon lang sa isang airlines kaya medyo naninibago pa siya.
We had two flights today, Manila to Davao, Davao to Cebu and back to Manila. Walang oras nga lang para makapag-ikot dahil one hour lang ang pagitan at magkasunod ang mga flight.
I sighed and felt terribly tired after that, alas-sais na ng gabi nang makarating kaming Maynila.
"So...Darshana Sandejas?" Ulit niya. Tumango ako.
"Ah, oo. Full name ko but I prefer Daru for a nickname," I said the proceeded to check the seats for anything left.
"I heard you're a beauty queen? And daughter ng owner?" Nagulat ako roon, nilingon ko siya at nagtaka.
"Uh, yes...how did you know?" I asked dahil una sa lahat ay hindi ko pinagkakalandakan ang mga ganyang bagay kahit kanino. The airport staff, lalo na kung matagal ng nagtatrabaho ay alam na anak ako ng may-ari pero kapag bago, I don't think malalaman kaagad nila?
Well, unless I say pero 'di ko naman pinagkakalandakan iyon.
"Oh, I overheard Julia talking earlier." Lilah smiled softly, "I heard her saying you're late because you're the daughter..."
"Oh!" I nodded, chuckling.
I guess Julia talks a lot behind my back, huh? I really don't mind, palagi naman iyon ganyan.
Mas matanda sa akin kaya hindi ko na pinapatulan.
Chance...
Bigla akong natawa.
Hindi ba talaga papatulan ang matanda, Darshana?
Lilah stared at me, confused by my sudden laughter.
"Wala...wala, sorry." I smiled. "I just remembered something. Anyway, sanay naman na ako kay Julia. Kasalanan ko rin naman at na-late ako. Gano'n naman talaga 'yon and yes, I'm the daughter pero honestly, I don't want people addressing me like that. I'm just Darshana, an employee here, a simple cabin crew. I work for a living too, like all of you."
"Wow! Gusto ko ang mindset mo!" She praised. "Sana lahat, kaya maging independent."
Sabay kaming palabas ng office para makauwi na.
We were busy chatting with each other when suddenly, I felt someone took the baggage of my grip. Stunned, I shifted my gaze and was about to yell at whoever did that when I saw who was it.
"Going home, baby doll?" His cold smile almost sent shivers down my spine.
My heart jumped.
The great Chance Salcedo is here, I see. With his white long-sleeved polo and black pants and those damned killer dimples. His brown eyes were dark, his gaze challenging. It was so hot I had to swallow the lump in my throat. Mabilis na napahawak sa may balakang ko para i-check ang undergarments ko.
RIP sa salawal mo, Darshana.
Bigla akong natuod nang bumaba ang tingin niya sa balakang ko.
"What are you..." I looked around. "What are you doing here?" I hissed at his face pero wala man lang kung anong ekspreksyon sa kanyang mukha kung hindi ang malamig na mga mata.
He moved a step closer to me, kumalabog ang puso ko at halos mapaatras pero hindi ako nagpatinag at tinitigan din siya.
"A-anong ginagawa mo rito?!" Halos pumiyok ako.
Shit! Shit! Shit!
I saw the taunting grin on his lips, his dimples deepened as he moved his face closer to me and whispered.
"Maniningil ng utang, Darshana..." His voice sounded so hoarse that I am totally turned on right now!
I squeezed my shaking legs shut.
"U-utang?" I tried controlling the tremble in my voice, lumayo ako sa kanya at tiningala ang mga mata niyang nakatitig sa akin. "Utang saan—"
"Pasensya ka na, huh? God bless," he said and my eyes widened when he tilted my chin and gave me a soft kiss.
Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan, nagkatitigan pa kaming dalawa roon hanggang sa lumayo siya sa akin, ngumisi at hinagip ang baywang ko palapit para hapitin.
I jumped and panicked, looking around to see if there was anyone else around, letting out a sigh of relief when I saw no one!
"Ikaw!" I smacked his arm and he laughed. He licked his lower lip and lowered his head for a kiss again when someone cleared her throat.
Bigla kong naalala si Lilah, nagpa-panic na itinulak ko palayo si Chance at bumaling sa kanya, nanlalaki ang mata.
She looks shocked too while staring at the both of us.
"Lilah?" Nagulat ako nang biglang magsalita si Chance sa tabi ko. I glanced at him looking at my friend with his creased forehead.
"Oh! Magkakilala pala kayo—"
"Yes—"
"No!" Lilah suddenly exclaimed kaya nagtaka ako.
I glanced at Chance, kunot ang noo niya at mukhang nagtataka sa babae but Lilah chuckled and glanced at me, as if she was shocked yet amused.
"Yes, nagkakilala but not personally but I saw him once or twice," ani Lilah at tumitig din kay Chance na nakatingin lang sa kanya. "Art exhibit? I guess? You must remember me, nagtanong ako sa 'yo about sa painting."
Hindi umimik si Chance. Binalingan ko si Lilah.
"So, you liked art too?" I asked and smiled at her. "Ako rin, I went to art exhibits."
"Oh! That's great!" She giggled. "We really can be friends, Daru!"
"I'm glad." Ngiti ko pa. "Ngayon lang ako nakakilala ng mahilig sa art na malapit sa akin kaya—"
"Seriously, Darshana?" Isang lingon ng matalim ni Chance ay ngumisi na ako at tinulak ang mukha niya.
This grumpy ass.
"Sorry but we weren't that close. Si Lilah lang." I smirked when his mouth parted, nag-apir kaming dalawa ni Lilah at nakita ko ang pagtiim ng panga ni Chance at nailing.
"Anyway, I have to go. Thank you for today, Daru, hmm? I had a great time on my first day because of you." She smiled sweetly and glanced at Chance who was just looking at her seriously.
"And I'm glad seeing you again. Close pala kayo nitong bagong friend ko." She glanced at me kaya nangiti ako. "Thank you for helping me way back sa exhibit sa Cebu noong nakaraan? And nice seeing you again...Chance."
She waved at us goodbye, nakita kong sinundan siya ng tingin ni Chance, kunot ang noo kaya tumikwas ang kilay ko at kinuha sa kanya ang maleta ko.
"Magkakilala kayo?" I asked. He glanced at me, his forehead still creasing.
"No..." he said, mukhang naguguluhan. "Not personally." He shook his head.
I nodded and turned my back on him. Kinakabahan pa habang naaalala ang mga nangyari nitong nakaraan, ang pagtatali ko sa kanya sa head board at pag-iwan ng gano'n lang.
"Bakit nandito ka? Uwi ka na, bye," I dismissed, hinila ko ang maleta ko habang tumutunog ang heels paalis pero mabilis naagaw muli ang maleta sa akin.
"Anong—"
"You have a debt to pay, baby doll." He watched me with those naughty eyes. Nakatitig lang ako ng matalim sa kanya pero 'di siya natitinag doon.
"Anong debt? Wala, ah." Medyo kinabahan na ako sa titig niya kaya ngumuso ako at tumalikod.
"Darshana..." he called but I didn't look at him, tuloy-tuloy lang ang lakad ko paalis pero nahawakan na naman niya ang baywang ko.
"What?" I hissed and glared at him, taas ang kilay.
"Sungit." Reklamo niya kaya ngumuso ako. I almost rolled my eyes when he placed his palm comfortably on my waist and pulled me closer to his body.
Napasinghap ako nang tumama na ako sa tagiliran niya at nahuli siyang nangingiti nang makita akong iritado.
"Seriously, Salcedo?" I snorted. Pinalo ko ang kamay niya pero walang hirap niya lang itong mas inayos sa baywang ko at mas hinigit, halos mayakap na ang tiyan ko.
"Where should we eat, baby doll?" he asked lightly, his dimples showing. He looked so good I thought I lost my ability to talk kaya tumikhim ako.
"Anong we? Ako lang kakaing mag-isa, bitawan mo nga ako nang makauwi na! Bakit ka nga pala nandito? Are you a stalker or something?"
"Nah." He chuckled huskily. "I just want to collect payments for your debts, doll."
"Debts ka r'yan," I rolled my eyes. "A-as if I left you there alone! I asked the room boy to come to your room and—"
"Yeah? And see me tied helplessly in the fucking headboard by a woman with a fucking boner?" he asked me sharply at sabi ko'y 'di ako tatawa pero nakita ko ang sarili kong humahagalpak doon.
"Seriously?" I cackled.
"Do I look like I'm joking, Darshana?" He shot his brow. I laughed louder.
"Aba, malay ko? Kaya nga ako nagtatanong?" I snapped and he just rolled his eyes at me, natatawang kinuha ko ang kamay niya sa baywang ko at sumubok na abutin ang maleta ko pero nilayo niya lang iyon sa akin.
"Chance!" I called, kinukuha ang gamit ko pero nilayo niya iyon sa akin gamit ang isang kamay.
"No, maniningil akong utang, Darshana," he repeated, I noticed the playfulness in his voice.
"P-paanong singil?" I asked. He stared at me with a foolish grin.
"Kakain ako," he informed. Muntik nang lumuwa ang mata ko sa narinig kaya unti-unti akong lumayo sa kanya, marahang niyayakap ang katawan ko at nakita ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya.
"H-h'wag po, Koya," I mumbled in a scared voice.
"What the..." He suddenly laughed, ngumuso naman ako at umirap.
Mukhang 'di niya talaga ako sineseryoso! Kainis!
"I mean food, Sandejas. But if you insist..." He stared at me naughtily, glancing at my face down my chest, tumagal ang tingin niya roon kaya sinipa ko na ang paa niya.
"Pervert ka!" I accused and his lips rose for a playful smile before licking his lower lip.
"I'm just appreciating the view, baby. You looked edible in hot red, though," pansin niya sa damit ko kaya umirap na ako pero nag-iinit ang pisngi.
"W-whatever..." Tumikhim ako at nagmartsa paalis pero parang ewan na sumunod lang siya sa akin.
"I'm hungry, Darsh. Come on, let's eat. I just got out from an art class nearby kaya dumaan na ako rito," he said.
"You're a professor?" I asked, gulat na nilingon siya. Tumango siya, hinuli ang daliri ko at nabasa ko ang labi nang pagsaklupin niya ang kamay namin.
"Yes, doll. Wanna be my student?" Hinuli niya tingin ko at ngumisi. I tilted my head and smiled softly back at him, stunning him.
"Hmm, I'm interested," I said sweetly, nakita ko kung paano siya natulos sa kinatatayuan nang ipaling ko ang katawan sa kanya. I pressed my chest against his and his forehead creased, his eyes darkening.
"Darsh..." he called, warning me pero I'm in a playful mode today so I lifted my other hand and placed it on his nape.
His manly scent lingered it made me easily crave for him. Inayos ko ang pagkakasaklop ng kamay ko sa kanya at inangat. I lifted our intertwined fingers and placed it on my lips. I kissed his hand softly while staring at his eyes and watched the way his eyes darkened.
I caressed his nape softly then began touching the tips of his hair, pleased when I noticed the way his breath hitched.
"What lessons are you willing to teach your baby doll, Sir?" malamyos kong tanong at kinagat ang ibabang labi.
His jaw clenched, I caught a glimpse of his damn seductive dimples.
"You really are a temptress, huh?" he said hoarsely, lowering his face so he could kiss me. I will willingly obliged, inangat kong bahagya ang ulo para maabot niya pero bago pa man kami maghalikan ay may nakita ako sa kanyang likuran banda.
Sa may exit ay nakita ko ang Kuya Macky na palabas ng airport. Inaayos pa ang uniform niya at hinihilot ang batok.
"Fuck..." I cursed. "Fuck! Shit!" I exclaimed, startling Chance.
"Why—"
"S-saan ang sasakyan mo, Chance?!" I asked, panicking.
"Huh? There—"
"Tara, dali!" I exclaimed, ako na halos ang humila sa kanya paalis at naguguluhan man ay sumunod siya sa akin.
"Here," he said, mabilis na pinatunog ang kulay itim na sasakyan at nagkukumahog akong sumakay doon at isinara ang pinto. Chance was left looking so confused outside kaya kinatok ko ang bintana.
"Bilisan mo! Bilis!" I exclaimed. He nodded, binuksan niya ang back seat para ilagay ang maleta ko at nang marating ang driver's seat ay halos hilahin ko na siya papasok, tumama pa ang ulo niya sa bubong kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"O-oh my God! Sorry!" I exclaimed. He groaned, hawak-hawak ang bunbunan ay isinara niya ang pintuan at bumaling sa akin.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"S-si Kuya!" I exclaimed and he looked so confused.
"Why are you hiding? Where is he? Let's say hi—" Pero ang mata ko'y sa papalapit na si Kuya sa may puwesto namin, napatili ako nang papalapit na siya sa sasakyan namin. I screamed and covered my face.
"Itago mo ako! Itago mo ako!" I chanted, kinakabahan na.
I was panicking but then I heard Chance chuckling beside me, I glanced at him, glaring pero ngumisi lang siya at pinagmasdan ako.
"The car's heavily tinted, baby doll," he said.
"S-so?" Tumaas ang kilay ko. "N-nand'yan ang Kuya sa tabi ng sasakyan! What if he saw me and—"
"It's actually his car beside mine, baby." I whipped my head quickly, gawking when I saw my brother's car beside us.
"What..." I muttered, tulala pa hanggang sa umalis na ang Kuya sa parking. Nakanganga lang ako hanggang sa mawala na sa paningin ko bago bumaling kay Chance na nakasandal ang braso sa manibela, ang mukha ay nakapatong din doon.
He was watching me with amusement. I glared at him.
"Bakit dito ka nag-park?!" I exclaimed and his forehead creased as he chuckled.
"Bakit parang kasalanan ko pa?" He even winked kaya umirap na ako at kinalma ang sarili, sumandal sa upuan at humalukipkip.
"Tss, h'wag ka na maingay, let's just...eat. Whatever," I hissed and closed my eyes tightly.
"Masusunod, kamahalan." He chuckled and started the engine.
A soft song is playing in the background while we're on our way to the restaurant he's saying, I could notice him glancing at me from time to time kaya tinaasan ko na ng kilay.
"Tingin-tingin mo?" angas ko at tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya roon.
"Feisty, huh? Sumungit ka ata lalo, Daru?" he noticed kaya mas tumikwas ang kilay ko.
"S'yempre, ikaw ba naman makasama ang nang-reject sa gandang 'to?" Inilahad ko ang mukha ko sa kanya at tumikhim siya.
"You're too young back then, Darsh," he explained.
"Young my ass," I muttered, mabilis na tinanggal ang seatbelt ko, nakita kong nagtaka siya roon pero 'di na nakapagsalita nang makita akong inabot ang maleta kong maliit sa likod.
"Do you want us to stop?" he asked and I shook my head.
"Nah, just drive slowly. I'm fine, kukuha lang akong bagong damit para sa dinner." I told him.
"You don't have to change, baby, it's okay wearing that," he said, glancing at me pero tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko roon.
"Nah, I don't want to wear my uniform in dinners. It's making me a bit uncomfortable, gusto kong kumain ng madami ngayon at baka pumutok 'tong uniform ko,"
He chuckled and agreed.
"Alright then, abot mo ba? Do you want me to take the baggage here?" He asked and I shook my head, lumuhod pa sa upuan.
He wasn't stopping but I'm sure he was slowing down to accommodate me. Still a gentleman it's annoying sometimes.
"I can handle this," I told him at nabuksan kaagad ang bag. I immediately saw the blue dress I've been keeping here, simple lang iyon pero p'wede na at mas pormal na sa isang dinner kaysa sa uniform. I took my flats too and sat back on the seat.
"Done?" he glanced at me.
"Nope," I answered, mabilis na kinalas ang butones ng uniform ko at hinubad.
"What the hell, Darshana?!" Halos mapatalon ako sa sigaw ni Chance sa tabi ko, nilingon ko siya at nakita kong nakaigting na ang panga niya.
"What?" I asked innocently, marahang binababa rin ang zipper ng skirt ko.
"Why the hell are you stripping?" he growled kaya natawa na ako sa kanya at tuluyang naibaba na ang zipper.
"What's with the shock, baby boy? It wasn't as if you haven't seen me naked yet—"
"I know, it's just..." Tumiim ang tingin niya. "I'm driving and you're—damn it, stop teasing me, mababangga tayo, okay?" Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin.
"I am not teasing you, baby boy." I chuckled evilly, marahang binaba pa ang skirt ko. I was only left with my black pair of brassiere and undies. I saw his forehead crease. "Pero kung naaapektuhan ka sa alindog ko, wala tayong magagawa." I smiled.
"Damn it," he cursed loudly. I smirked, hinagis ko sa dash board ang hinubad kong uniform at kumunot ang noo niya.
"Tupiin mo 'yan, Darshana." He glanced at me, annoyed pero ngumisi lang ako at mabilis na sinuot ang dress ko na hanggang itaas ng tuhod.
"Ayaw ko nga, ikaw na magtupi," I snapped and he just shook his head at me, hiding a smile.
"Brat," he drawled. I grinned wickedly.
Tinanggal ko ang pusod ng buhok ko. I let my long hair fell on my shoulders and I heaved a relaxed sigh when my scalp got freed from the tight pony. Sinuklay-suklay ko ang buhok kong medyo wavy na dahil sa pagkakatali at nakita ko ang pagsulyap-sulyap sa akin ni Chance.
"What? Baka crush mo na ako niyan?" I asked. The side of his lips twitched, stopping the car in a parking.
"Sino bang nagsabing hindi? I'm staring because you're pretty," he said casually, like it didn't sent volts of electricity all over my veins. My heart jumped and I was so happy he got out of the car and didn't see the way my cheeks heated.
I watched him run from his side towards my place. While staring at him, I can't help but think of the past and everything that has happened to us.
He opened the car door for me and offered his hand.
"Come on, baby," anyaya niya kaya unti-unti kong kinuha ang kamay niya.
Sumagi sa utak ko ang nangyari no'ng una kaming nagkita ulit. No'ng ihahatid na niya ako sa building tapos...
Nag-iwas ako ng tingin, pababa na sana ako para sumama sa kanya nang maalala ko ang heels ko.
"Wait," I said and showed him my flats, kinuha niya kaagad iyon mula sa akin at nagtaka pa ako noong una pero tumalon na naman ang puso nang dumukwang siya at marahang kinuha ang paa ko.
"Chance..." I called.
"Are these heels even comfortable?" he muttered, slowly removing the shoes I was wearing.
I bit my lower lip and I slowly nodded.
"They are comfortable, sanay naman ako sa heels kasi noon pa, at saka required sa trabaho but this one is new kaya..."
"It's reddish," pansin niya sa paa ko, ngumuso ako nang isuot niya sa isang paa ko ang flats na inabot ko bago marahang kinuha ang isang paa ko.
I flinched when I felt it hurt. Nag-angat ng tingin sa akin at nakita akong nakangiwi.
"It hurts?" he asked. I nodded.
"May paltos ata," I said and his forehead creased, nodding. He checked my foot, I felt relaxed when he slowly massaged it and placed it on his car.
I watched him take his wallet at nakita ko ang pagkuha niya ng band aid doon. "This will help ease the pain for now."
I was baffled and surprised yet it felt so good. My eyes softened while watching him do that. He carefully placed the band-aid near my heel and let me wear my flats again.
"You should wear comfortable ones, you might sprain your foot," he reminded.
Tumayo siya pagkaraan kaya nagpantay ang tingin naming dalawa. He glanced at my hair before slowly combing it on my shoulder and chuckled.
"You still are a baby, hmm?" he hummed. I pouted.
"I'm not a baby, Chance. I'm a woman now," I mumbled. He shot his brow up, a stupid handsome grin showing.
"Alright, a woman who can't fold her clothes," he muttered and took my uniform, I watched him fold my clothes and placed it on the dashboard. Nang magkatinginan kaming dalawa ay ngumiti lang ako sa kanya.
"Can I pay the debt with a kiss, baby boy?" I asked softly and his lip twitched, marahang dumukwang siya palapit at napapakit ako nang marahang ilapat niya ang labi sa akin at umiling.
"Nah, may interest pa." He flicked my forehead and I gasped when he pinched my nose. "Come on, young miss, I'm starving."
"Kain lang, ah?" I hissed. He smirked and helped me out of his car again.
"Let's see," he said mysteriously. I swallowed the lump in my throat.
"Tss, kapag ako minukbang ka na naman, yari ka." Bulong-bulong ko at nilingon niya ako.
"What's mukbang?" He asked, confused.
"What? You don't know?" I gasped, dumbfounded. He shook his head, weirded out too.
"Is that some modern technicalities?" He asked. Umawang ang labi ko, 'di makapaniwalang 'di niya alam 'yon. Inabot niya ang baywang ko habang naglalakad kami.
"Seriously? Are you that old fashioned to not know anything?" I asked and his forehead creased more, sumulyap sa akin ang mga nagtatakang mata niya.
"I really...don't know," he informed. "Is that some sort of word related to art—"
I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, natigilan siya at bigla akong nilingon.
"You're cute, mukbangin kita r'yan, eh," I said teasingly, leaving him so confused.
"What—"
"It's better if you don't know, baby boy," I said and flashed a wicked smile, niyakag na siya patungo sa loob ng restaurant.
That night, we talked about some things. Hindi na kami nag-usap tungkol sa past dahil the last time we had a dinner and talked about it, napunta kami sa aming mukbang session.
This dinner, we talked about how's our day. Sinabi ko sa kanya ang ginawa ko sa airport ngayon and he showed me some of his latest artworks, he even bought me new painting materials and I was shocked but amazed when realized that he somehow thought of me.
He informed na bukas daw, 'yong mga paintings na nadekwat ko sa kanya no'ng sa dinner noon ay ipapadala na sa bahay.
We exchanged numbers before I walked out of his car when he drove me home. He insisted of taking me to my room dahil sa may maleta ako but I said no, natatakot dahil baka maging marupokpok na naman ako o maisangla ang aking puri ulit sa kanya.
And now, I am on my bed, waiting for his text before I sleep. Kausap ko ang mga pinsan ko sa video call na nagke-kwento ng mga bagay-bagay.
"So, I am texting someone..." ani Scira kaya sa kanya nabaling ang atensyon namin ni Zire sa video call.
"And?" I asked.
"His name's James," aniya. "I met him just yesterday at the party. Mabait na bata raw sabi ni Mommy so when he hit on me, I told myself, why not?"
"Hmm? And?" Zire asked.
"We texted and it's a turn-on, girls." She smiled. "I know I haven't tried dining with him or talking for a long time since I just met him but you know what's the catch? He texts using complete letters with correct punctuations!"
Sabay kaming natawa ni Zire sa kanya. Scira really is a perfectionist, even if sa maliliit na bagay lang but she's right, nakaka-turn on nga talaga ang gano'n.
"Correct ka r'yan, bakla!" Zire laughed. "Baka 'yan na talaga ang the one na hinahanap mo?"
"Well, I don't know." Scira then brushed her hair. "Baka he'll end up like my other exes when I get to know him but we'll see. I'm not closing any possibilities, turned-on lang talaga ako sa way ng texts niya kaya I shared it with both of you. But for now, I still prefer a man who can join me with my spa sessions."
"You're still looking for a gay boyfriend, huh? May gano'n ba?" I teased and Scira chuckled and shrugged.
"Who knows? Maybe? I still believe there are lowkey boys around na kayang makipagsabayan sa ugali ko, not necessary gays. I believe there is a man for me. I'll just wait if kailan darating." She smiled sweetly.
"Makakahanap ka naman, Scira. Bawasan mo lang daw pagkamaldita mo." Loko ni Zire at umirap lang ang huli.
"H'wag mo problemahin ang love life ko, kumusta ang iyo? Ano?" She asked Zire.
"Nah, my preference still won't change. Kahit ano basta kaya kong pagawan ng factory ng blue gummy bears." It made us laugh, nawala lang ang ngisi ko na ako na ang balingan ng dalawa.
"At...bakit tahimik ka daldalita?" I stopped when Zire asked.
"Huh? I'm not," I said, smiling.
"Wala ka bang kwento r'yan? Baka may gusto kang i-share ang tungkol sa main crush mo na hanggang ngayon wala pa kaming pangalan?" ani Zire kaya napatikhim ako.
I saw Scira watching me silently too, as if observing me at nakagat ko ang labi at nag-init ang pisngi.
"Something happened," Scira announced kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"H-huh? Wala nga! I haven't seen him ever since I pranked him—"
"Biting the lower lip and blushing, something must've really happened," she concluded and my mouth parted.
"Anak ka nga ni Tito Thorn, bakla!" Hagalpak ni Zire at tumitig na sa akin din.
"So..." She grinned at me maliciously. "Ano na namang karupukan ang—"
"G-guys! Na..." Ginulo ko ang camera. "Nanawala kayo!"
"Daru?" Scira called.
"Ma—" Tinakpan ko ang camera. "Mahina ang signal!"
"Darupokpok—"
"Choppy! Guys, bu—bukas na lang!" I said, mabilis na pinatay ang phone at napatili nang mawala na sila sa camera.
Am I really that obvious?!
Nag-turn off ako ng active status sa messenger. I scrolled on my phone again and stared at Chance's phone number yet I still haven't received any texts from him!
Ano 'yon? Bigayan lang ng number pero na-ghost agad ako?
I sighed, nakailang ikot pa ako sa kama ko pero wala talaga akong natatanggap na message. He asked for my number yet didn't have the audacity to text first?
I sighed and decided I'd message him now.
To: Baby boy
Are you home now? I'll sleep na, text me back. ASAP.
I sighed and stared at my phone, suddenly giddy and excited for his text. It will be our first time texting ever since! I am excited! Naalala ko bigla ang sinabi ni Scira na turned on sa mga lalaking kompleto sa pagte-text. I am too!
Iyayabang ko talaga itong message namin ni Chance sa dalawa!
My phone beeped, napatili ako ng mahina nang makita iyon, nakita ko ang pagtayo ng baby ko sa higaan niya sa may gilid ng kama ko para silipin ako pero ngumisi lang ako at tumango.
"Sorry, sorry, baby. Sleep ka ulit," I said and my baby rested on his bed again while still watching me.
I checked my phone and saw his name. Napahugot pa ako at umikot-ikot sa kama.
It's our first text together!
I sighed, calming myself and opened his message pero nawala ang ngiti ko at nahulog ang panga nang mabasa ang mensahe niya.
From: Baby boy
Nkauwi na q... 2log kna. Gudnyt.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen3h.Co