Kabanata 11
Kabanata 11 (Revised Version)
I once heard from Kuya Deion how people's mind works.
"Sabi nga sa kanta, misery loves company," he said one night when we're all having our usual bonding in our ancestral house.
"Ayan na naman! Makinig tayo sa ating life guru!" Kuya Zy exclaimed when Kuya Dei started speaking while lifting his glass of beer.
"Makinig kayo sa 'kin," Kuya raised his hand, tapping his chest, quite drunk now.
We all watched him smiling handsomely and nodding when he got the attention.
"How can you say misery loves company, Kuya?" Scira asked curiously.
"When one person is miserable, they are unknowingly looking for someone to be miserable with them."
"Can't someone be miserable alone?" I asked, "or won't they look instead for someone to take them out of misery?"
"Easy to say but hard to do," aniya, "misery comes in different ways and in different reasons why. It's not too easy to make it out of it, harder than it is when you choose to be just miserable and sometimes, it loves company. Instead of overcoming, it's easier to embrace it and it's lonely kaya maghahanap sila ng kasama. In that way, it'll be less lonely."
We're near our pool area. Kanina ay nag-i-swimming pero ngayo'y nakapalibot sa mga upuan at lamesa para kumain na ng pagkain na niluto ng mga lalaki.
It's always our ritual. Kaming girls ang bahala sa drinks or games, ang boys ang bahala sa food at si Ate Crest? Siya ang bahala sa movie, as usual at sa illegal sites na naman kumuha.
"Alam mo, Crest Veronica, makukulong ka na sa pamimirata mo." Kuya Chiel called, chuckling.
"Duh? Sige nga, magbigay ka ng movie na super worth it na makikita mo sa paid streaming site? Wala 'di ba?" nilingon niya kami habang suot-suot ang kulay pink na pantulog na binili niya para sa sleepover na 'to. "Maraming underrated movies na magaganda 'di n'yo lang alam!"
She flipped her hair, I smiled a little and lowered my gaze to my sleepwear tonight and it's the same as hers. Iba lang ang color. She made sure to buy not just for herself but for everyone kahit kina Kuya para daw kapag maglalagay kami ng new picture sa album na binigay ko para mag-document ng memories ay pare-parehas kami.
Ate Crest's high-maintenanced but she never once became selfish. Gusto niyang ang mga bagay na mayro'n siya, mayro'n din ang mga mahalaga sa kanya.
I think we're the same for some instances but unlike her, I'm selfish as fuck. I just can't open myself to someone new again and the only way to protect those important to me is to close myself and be selfish.
Kapag selfish ka, walang may gusto sa 'yo. Kapag walang may gusto sa 'yo ay walang lalapit at magtatangkang kausapin ka, walang makakapasok sa buhay mo. Walang mapapahamak sa mga mahal mo.
Maging miserable mag-isa.
Kuya Dei's words lingered on my mind and I disagree at first. Mas magandang maging miserable mag-isa, hindi na rin naman akong umaasang magkakaroon ng kasama sa ganito pero paanong hindi no'ng dumating siya?
It was not my first-time kissing. It wasn't even our first kiss but it opened up my heart and became an invitation that deep inside, the old Sibyl wanted some company...
Her miseries... she wanted someone to be with her so it'll be less lonely.
I met with his black eyes. I can notice how it glinted into golden brown by the sunlight reflecting on it. My lips' still slightly parted while staring at him, catching for air, trying my best to calm my racing heartbeats.
I could easily panic but I was not born a loser. Despite my frantic heart, I managed to fight his gaze back sharply.
Tumitig pa siyang mas malalim, itinatagilid ang ulo para mahuli ang reaksyon ko sa halik niya. His eyes fell on my lips, I moistened it naturally. He smirked.
Ang maliit na ngiti niya'y unti-unting nauwi sa pilyong ngisi.
Oh, God! Why is he like this?!
I annoyingly pushed Sol away, hiding my flustered face. I was planning to walk the hell out of here when he pulled me back and slammed me on the table. My eyes widened.
"A-Ano ba!"
"Tatakas ka, hmm?" mahina ang pagkakasabi niya pero paos at parang mainit ata?
"Get off me! M-Marami pa akong gagawin!" I pushed his chest weakly but he only caught it by his palm. Gently, he squeezed it before lowering it back on my leg and caged me in between his arms.
Now, I was seated in the table like a lost kid in front of him while he's domineering me.
"Solomon!" I hissed.
"Hindi mo 'ko matatakasan, señorita,"
"I'm not escaping! I-I just had a lot of things to do! I will assist Manang Letty—"
"Bakit gusto mong umalis, Sibyl?" aniya habang nakatitig, hindi pinapakinggan ang sinasabi ko.
"I said, Manang Letty needs me—"
"Bakit, hmm?" he moved his face closer. I gasped loudly when our chests touched briefly. "Hindi ako naniniwala sa 'yo. Kung hahanapin ka ni Manang Letty, bakit ka nagtatago rito?"
"I'm not hiding!" I frowned, "I-I'm... ah! Can't you smell me?! I smelled like isda!"
Kumunot ang noo niya.
"Oh, paamoy nga?" Parang nilubayan na naman ng kaluluwa ko ang katawang-lupa ko nang inilapit niya ang ilong sa leeg ko para umamoy. "'Di naman, mabango pa rin. Amoy angel."
"Gago ka ba?" sumimangot ako, "I smelled like isda! I reeked of hasang, lamang loob and kaliskis!"
"Hmm?" tumaas ang kilay niya, nakatitig pa rin sa akin habang nakadukwang siya doon at ikinukulong ako. "Sige nga, ano 'yong isdang kinaliskisan mo?"
"It's Tilapia!" I said proudly.
He chuckled, "ano? Hindi, ah. Lapu-lapu 'yon."
"Lapu-Lapu?!" I gasped loudly, "really?! That one who killed Magellan?! He became a fish?!"
Humalakhak siya, napakurap-kurap ako nang mamula ang mukha niya at umiling sa akin.
"Why are you laughing?" I pouted. "I was just asking, kasi 'di ba sometimes there are alamat wherein people can become animals or fruits? Malay ko bang dahil sa courage ni Lapu-Lapu naging fish siya? And kwento rin ni Dad it's real daw, may gano'n. The pinya tale, you know that? Kasi 'di siya makakita ng pinapahanak naging pinya siya para maraming mata?"
"Ang cute mo talaga, señorita," ngumisi siya. "Pero hindi naging Lapu-Lapu ang pangalan no'ng isda in honor sa totoong tao."
"Ah..." I rolled my eyes, embarrassed. "Kdot, but it's still Tilapia to me. You can't tell me otherwise."
"Oo nga, sino ba nagsabing Lapu-Lapu 'yon?" he suddenly asked, I shot my brow up when I met his gaze. "Tilapia 'yon, Miss Sweet Lips."
"What?" I asked, "I thought—"
"Sabi ng anghel ko Tilapia kaya simula ngayon, lahat ng isda Tilapia na." He smirked.
My lips pursed. We stared at each other briefly until my cheeks heated and smacked his arm.
"P-Para kang tanga," I hissed lowly. "Crazy ka ba?!" I smacked his chest.
"Paanong baliw? Sa 'yo ba? Kung sa 'yo, oo." He answered smoothly. My chest exploded.
What the hell, Solomon?!
I rolled my eyes again, he chuckled lowly upon mimicking it.
"Hindi ba sumasakit mata mo kakairap, angel?" he asked but I just shrugged and glanced at his face again, sighing upon seeing his bruised cheek and the cut on his lips.
He stopped when I reached for his cheek. I can feel him stiffening on my touch, confused, too.
"Masakit? Bakit ka kasi nakikipag-away doon, Solomon?" bumuntonghininga ako at sumakit ang ulo habang bumababa ang daliri sa labi niya para haplusin iyon. He flinched in pain when I accidentally touched his cut.
"Ano? Ano, masakit?" kumunot ang noo ko.
"Oo," he gave me a soft gaze, "parang matatanggal ang labi ko—"
"Aba, tatanggalin ko talaga 'yang labi mo kapag nakipag-away ka pa ulit, Alejo!" I grimaced and smacked his cheek softly. His mouth parted. "Tignan mo 'yang mukha mo, ah! Paano na 'yan, ah? May pasa na pisngi mo! May sugat pa 'yang labi mo! Sino ba namang tanga makikipagbasag-ulo sa adik?!"
I felt so bad, seeing how his handsome face got smashed like this! Nakabusangot pa ako at namomroblema sa mukha niya pero nginisihan lang ako ng loko't itinatagilid ang ulo niya para hulihin ang mata ko.
"Bakit, angel? Nabawasan na ba ang kagwapuhan ko?" he asked.
I stilled. I found myself staring at him, as if bewitched. He winked.
"Shut up..." mahinang sabi ko sabay iwas pero hinuli niya lang ang baba ko't muling hinanap ang titig ko.
"Nabawasan na ba, señorita? Hindi na ba gwapo? Sabihin mo nga sa akin saan banda ang bawas? Baka 'di na kasi ako habulin ng chicks."
My shoulder fell, "gusto mong pahabol kita sa manok, Solomon Aecen?"
His eyes widened. I even caught him gulping upon seeing my threatening face and I used it as chance for me to move my face away and reached for my coffee on the table, sipping it in front of him.
When my tongue got the first taste of caffeine, my mood turned brighter in instant.
"I was just saying you should refrain from fighting again, Sol," I sipped on my coffee, "I believe I should have the best. I'm pretty, kung mababawasan ang kagwapuhan mo, paano na tayo babagay niyan, baby?"
His jaw dropped. I moved my face closer, kissed the side of his lips briefly before pushing him gently.
Naestatwa siya kaya 'di na ako nahirapang makawala sa pagkakakulong ko sa braso niya.
"Sibyl..." he called, "anong sabi mo?"
"Walang ulitan sa bingi," I smirked and winked, waving my fingers a little before turning my back and running away from him.
I can't believe I said that! Hiyang-hiya akong pumasok pabalik sa palengke at nakita si Liza na mabilis na tumayo nang makita ako.
"Liza..." I called, my heart swelling. The guilt that's been bugging me came back.
"Ayos ka lang?" she asked me gently, gasping when I attacked her with a hug. "Sibyl?"
"Sorry," I breathed and buried my face on her neck. "I'm sorry, Liza... I-I wanna be your friend. Sana, sana gusto mo pa rin akong f-friend..."
"A-Ano ka ba!" her voice broke, hugging me back. "Bakit naman hindi? S'yempre gusto kitang friend..."
I bit my lower lip, gasping. I closed my eyes. Mas humigpit ang yakap ko kay Liza at sa mga oras na 'yon, hindi ko alam kung paano o bakit pero ang gaan-gaan ng pakiramdam ko.
My lips trembled. I opened my eyes and locked gazes with the man just inches away from us, resting his back on the wall, staring at us with a smile on his lips, the small pig's on his arms.
"Thank you..." I mouthed.
He winked and raised the piglet's one leg, showing me it's waving.
I chuckled heartily, hugging my friend more and locking eyes with the man I like.
I always thought Escape is a place, never realizing it can be a person until I met Solomon.
My grandparents came back the same night from Manila, they brought some foods from the city and cookies from my cousins. My Dad even cooked me foods for dinner and Papa Jer heated it for me to it.
I am slowly learning to love this place but sometimes, I can't help but wish my family's here.
I avoided any messages from my friends in Manila when they began teasing me. I decided to let myself live in peace for now and think of them once I get home. Ilang araw ang lumipas na pinagpipyestahan pa rin ako ng fans ni Tessa at James.
They said I was toxic, a reason why James cheated and I hated it. I hated that I was the one taking the blame when everything was the asshole's fault.
I remembered saying yes to James when he pursued me after that time I found out he's a rising star and he can helped me boosting my career since aside from ballet I'm quite curious about acting.
I admit I was toxic at times. I admit I'm really not that good with James and I'm just using him for my fame and my name but it never justified him cheating and making a fool out of me.
I never did like him but my ego was bruised. People tends to become blind followers of someone they idolized the most. Kahit mali na, kinakampihan. They thought they are perfect, treating them like some kind of saint. Kulang na lang ay halikan ang mga paa.
I was stuck with that mentality, too. Being flawless, perfect and pretty in the eyes of the public. Dapat wala silang maipipintas sa akin. Dapat ako ang pinakamaganda. Ako ang pinakamagaling. Ako ang pinaka sa lahat pero mahirap din pa lang magpanggap na mayro'n kang lahat kahit sa loob-loob mo'y kulang na kulang ka.
The crowd has loved me until the issue with James and Tessa came. The crowd praised me, they clapped for me but when things went downhill, I went down with it.
I haven't done a thing to them and yet, one word from someone they idolized then, they have a book full of judgments for me.
Paano na ako ngayon?
I snapped. Iritadong sumandal ako sa reclining chair sa may terrace dahil katatapos ko lang mag-yoga ngayong umaga.
I received countless messages and calls from my friends and even Adi who promised to do something about the headline for today's news pero 'di ko sila sinagot. Iritadong tumayo mula sa chair bago lumapit sa may barricade para tignan ang paligid.
I don't like how these things affects my mood. One time, I'm okay and another time, I'm pissed. Like now.
As usual, only the moistened trees are in my line of sight. Sa ibaba ay kitang-kita pa ang mga dahong nahuhulog mula sa naglalakihang mga puno. Ang amoy ng hamog ay nalalanghap ko.
This is so new to me, of course but slowly, I've been getting used to it. Waking up in the city, the first thing I'll smell is the air conditioner, kapag bubuksan ko ang kwarto ay amoy ng niluluto ni Daddy pero dito? Halo ang amoy ng pagkain sa maginhawang amoy ng namamasang mga puno dahil sa hamog.
I stretched my body, lifting my arms a little to relax my shoulder. I am wearing gray sports bra and fitted pants with the same color. Ang buhok ko'y dali-dali kong pinusod bago humawak sa may barricade at unti-unting iniangat ang paa sa ere.
"Señorita Sibyl..." I froze and lowered my head to see Mary calling my attention. "Kakain na raw po, Ma'am. Baba ka na raw sabi nina Sir."
I nodded briefly, nag-iwas ako ng tingin at mas inangat pang lalo ang paa ko pero muli kong narinig siya.
"Señorita Sibyl..." ulit pa niya at kaagad akong nairita roon.
Lord, please, gave me patience. I don't want to act like a brat right now. No!
I opened my mouth, was about to speak when I was stopped with a familiar, annoying voice.
"Ay, may Señorita? Sino 'yan, isama ko magpaligo ng kabayo." I immediately saw the annoying Solomon walking towards the maid's direction, making me roll my eyes.
"Ay, Sol!" ngumiti ang babae sa kanya, "aga mo rito, ah?"
"Pinapatawag kasi ni Sir," ngiti niya pabalik kaya mas tumaas ang kilay ko.
Nginingiti mo d'yan, ah? Akala ko ba gusto mo 'ko?!
He's sporting a simple cowboy look. May shirt sa loob at checkered the pampatong, maong pants at boots. May mga putik pa iyon at ang balat niyang tila hinagkan ng araw ay bagay na bagay sa kanya.
What?
"Mary..." I lowered my leg and called Mary's attention kaya sinulyapan niya ako. "I'll go down in a while. Tell them."
"Ah, sige, Ma'am." Ngiti niya bago bumaling kay Solomon, hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang pasimpleng paghawak niya sa dibdib nito para magpaalam. Ang ngiti niya'y nahihiya. "Una na 'ko, Sol, ah? Mamaya?"
Anong mamaya?!
Itong Mary na 'to! Ano, h'wag mong sabihing may kaagaw pa 'ko kay Sol bukod kay Emma? Ano, sapakan na lang!
Mas sumama lang ang mood ko.
"Sure," he smirked playfully and when the girl left, I was fuming.
My glaring eyes met Solomon who touched his chest when he saw me.
"Ay, peste!" suminghap siya, "grabe namang tingin 'yan, Señorita! Akala ko dragon!"
I frowned at him. Mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin at tahimik na humawak sa barricade para muling iangat ang paa at i-stretch ang paa pero kaagad akong nawala sa focus nang maramdamang may nakatitig sa akin.
Annoyingly, I lowered my leg and glanced back at the ground and caught Solomon watching me amusingly. Nakahalukipkip siya, dahilan kaya mas yakapin ng shirt niyang panloob ang hubog ng dibdib. Ang itim na mga matang nahahaluan ng tsokolate ay nakatitig sa akin.
"The hell you're staring about?" I asked coldly.
"Mabuti hindi ka nababalian ng paa?" nagtatakang tanong niya, "grabe 'yong angat mo sa hita mo. Kaya mo ba 'yon? Abot na sa ulo mo? Okay pa ba ang buto mo?"
"Wala akong buto." Malamig kong sambit at napanganga siya.
"Ay, weh? Talaga?!" he asked as if shocked and looking at how serious and thrilled he looks, I stifled a laugh.
"Idiot," napatawa ako, "of course I have bones! I am just practicing so I could extend my leg that way."
I was expecting him to look shocked at least but he remained staring, his lips pursing to suppress his sexy smile but it showed nonetheless.
"You looked prettier laughing," he commented. The smile on my lips got swiped off hearing those words and stared back at him moistening his bottom lip.
"You..." my throat dried up.
"Oh, English Spokening Dollars!" humalakhak siya, "does it sound sexy, angel?" kumindat pa siya kaya napatili na ako.
That sexy accent and playful smirk reminded me of the scene days ago. Mas nagwala ang puso ko, ayaw ikubli ang nararamdaman.
"You are a fucking asshole, Solomon! Ang aga-aga pa!" I hissed, my cheeks heating up, "pangit mo!"
Mas lumakas ang tawa niya roon, aliw na aliw pa ata kaya iritadong kinuha ko ang mat sa lapag at walang pasubaling hinagis iyon sa kanya pababa na parang wala lang na sinalo iyon bago ngumisi sa akin.
"You're blushing," he teased, "aren't you used to hearing foreign words—"
"Oh, shut up!" I sneered, "go away! Maliligo na ako!" iritado kong sabi at nang mas humalakhak siya ay tinakbo ko na ang kwarto ko at pabalagbag na isinara ang glass door, napapatili pa ng mahina at hinagis ang mga unan.
Damn you, Sol! I should be used to that but why the hell does he sound so sexy?! Gusto kong kurutin ang sarili dahil naaapektuhan ako!
And why am I even affected? I shouldn't be!
Kalma lang tayo, Sibyl Timothea. Walang pinalaki si Daddy Zeij na marupok sa boys. Paalala sa amin ni Daddy, h'wag agresibo masyado. Chill lang, dalagang Filipina dapat.
Hindi minamadali ang love life. And what? Love life? No way!
I went here for a vacation. Sol likes me, I like him, too.
So... i-boyfriend ko kaya?
"Anong bilin ni Daddy Pogi?" my father's voice whispered on my mind.
"Maging dalagang Filipina..." the high school Sibyl and elementary Zirena would say in chorus.
Tama, dalagang Filipina. Hindi aggressive. It's not my style. Ako dapat ang hinahabol kasi maganda ako! 'Di ba? 'Di ba?!
Oo, Sibyl... tama... my inner self agreed.
I sounded like an idiot saying that to myself when I know deep inside I just wanted to feel good after admitting I like that man.
Naligo ako para maging fresh. I wore a comfy dress so I could dance and I wasn't really eating breakfast kaya humingi na lang ako ng kape at dumiretso sa studio na pinagawa nila para sa akin dito.
I was busy checking the speakers when the door opened up and Papa Jer got inside with a tray on his hand.
"Hello, Princess, dancing?"
My eyes lit up upon seeing him. Nang maibaba ni Papa ang tray at inilahad ang braso niya ay ngumuso na ako.
"It's okay, hug mo naman si Papa." Lambing niya, nangingiti pa. I suddenly saw my Dad's face on his kaya napatawa na ako ng mahina at marahang lumapit para yumakap sa kanya.
I was shy. I am not used to physical affection at all. Kung yayakap man ako'y madalang, sa pamilya ko lang. Sa friends ay simpleng beso at hindi ako magaling magpakita ng appreciation ko sa tao dahil sa tahimik akong madalas.
"Hello, Papa! Yes po, I'm dancing." I said with a smile, tiptoeing to give him a kiss on the cheek at natatawang niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit bago ako akbayan.
"Ballet, right?" he asked kaya tumango-tango ako, sinamahan niya akong tumingin ng music kaya naupo siya sa tabi ko at nakidungaw sa playlist ng phone ko.
"Nutcraker," he read out loud. "Ang dangal naman masyado basahin, no'ng panahon ko budots lang sinasayaw ko."
Napalingon ako sa kanya at natatawang umiling siya at tinuro ang phone ko, "alam mo ba, anak? Favorite ng Daddy mo 'yon! Doon 'yan pinaglihi kaya kayo magaling sumayaw."
"Uh-hmm, really? But Daddy Zeij said I got my skills from him," I chuckled softly when I noticed the glint of amusement on his blue eyes.
"Oo! Copycat lang 'yang Tatay mo," he snapped, "hindi sa pagmamayabang, Sibyl, pero itong gwapong Lolo mo ang hari ng dance floor sa Sta. Monica."
He stood in front of me, my Papa Jer's wearing his usual dress shirt and pants. Gwapong-gwapo pa rin kahit may edad na. I can actually picture my Dad's face when he reached this age dahil hawig na hawig talaga sila sa anggulo ni Papa.
"Ganito 'yan, Sib. First step ng budots—" he raised his hand and was about to show off his moves when the door opened up at pumasok doon si Mama na nakangiwi na kaagad.
"Hay naku, Ejercito."
"Hon!" he called and laughed, "kinikwentuhan ko lang itong magandang apo natin na sa akin nila nakuha ang dance moves. Naalala mo dati? Galing ko sumayaw? Ako nga ang hari ng dance floor—"
"He only dance when he's drunk." Mama spat and lowered the bowl of cookies on the table.
"Hon—"
"Na mabilis mangyari." Mama stopped him at nang mukhang nasasaktan na si Papa at naiiyak ay napangiti na ako, nagpapalambing ata sa Mama. "Which in fact always happens. Did you know your Tito Iñigo got his liquor intolerance from his father?"
"Honey..." Papa closed his eyes painfully, "how can you sabotage me in front of our princess..."
"Asus, ang drama!" tumawa na si Mama at marahang lumapit kay Papa na kaagad siyang niyakap sa baywang. "Mahal kita, Jer, pero h'wag na tayong maglokohan dito."
I giggled a little and it made the two of them look at me.
"Oh, you laughed." Mama said gently kaya nahihiyang nakagat ko ang labi.
"Nothing, you two are just so adorable." I smiled, "I suddenly remembered my Dad. Pabebe kay Mommy at si Mom naman iritado pero lalambingin din."
"Hindi naman ako pabebe, princess—"
"Oh, you bet!" Mama kissed his cheek, dahilan kaya napatitig sa kanya si Papa. "He got it from you. Childish."
While looking at them, I can't help but smile—realizing true love exists. I saw it too from Dad and Mom. I witnessed their love for each other at kahit madalas ay 'di sila nagkakaintindihan ay nag-uusap sila hanggang sa nagkakaayos na. What they have is the same as with my other aunties and uncles and to my grandparents.
I can still see the love in their eyes. Papa Jer's still head over heels in love with Mama who obviously felt the same. I heard they are sweethearts even when they're young and it dawned to me that kind of love really existed.
Maybe for them but not for everyone. Definitely not for me. I don't think I'll get love like theirs. As if I deserved it, anyway.
"You know what? Magbubukas na ulit 'yong perya." Natigil ako sa pag-eensayo nang marinig ang boses ni Papa sa may sofa kaya nilingon ko siya at nakitang kausap niya si Mama na nakahiga sa hita niya at nanunuod sa akin.
"Oh?" Mama's eyes glistened, mabilis siyang sumulyap kay Papa. "Ngayon na? 'Di ba kakabili pa lang ng bago may-ari?"
"Yeah, hon, but they've been fixing it even before the announcement of the new owner."
"That's great then! Punta tayo!" she chirped happily and glanced my way, "Sib, anak, gusto mo? Perya tayo?"
Marahan akong lumapit sa kanila. Kinuha ko ang iced coffee na hiningi ko kanina at naupo sa lapag para makaharap si Mama.
"What's perya, Ma?" I asked and looked at Papa, "is it a circus or something?"
"Hmm, it's like an amusement park, princess." Papa explained.
"But more like a local one," Mama said, "like those low budget ones. May mga rides din doon, 'nak na kagaya sa mga naglalakihang mga park pero dito local kaya madaming taga-probinsya ang nag-e-enjoy."
I nodded, digesting the information.
"Then, what happened po? Did it close or something?"
"Dati," Papa muttered, "matagal na kasi iyon, college pa lang kami ni Mama mo bukas na 'yong perya tapos hanggang sa kinasal kami at medyo malalaki na ang Tita Zid mo't mga Tito. Oh, I remembered when that one time we went there."
Napatawa si Mama kaya nagtaka ako.
"Yeah, me too. Pinasyal kasi namin 'yong apat sa perya, anak." Ani Mama na umupo pa para mas mag-kwento ng animated. "Itong Tita Zidney mo'y nag-ayang sumakay sa Snow White train."
"Oh, damn." Papa cursed and cleared his throat, "don't remember it, hon." Iling-iling niya kay Mama. "Wala iyon, Sib—"
"Shh! Ikikwento ko, h'wag kang maingay!" Mama insisted at nang magsasalita sana si Papa ay pinanlakihan siya ng mata kaya napakamot na lang sa batok ang huli.
"Ganito 'yon kasi. Halfway is train tapos bababa sa gitna para maglakad na tapos itong Papa at Daddy Zeij mo sinamahan si Zid," napatawa si Mama at nang makitang namumula na si Papa ay nakagat ko ang labi at mukhang naiisip na ang gusto nilang i-kwento.
"Tapos...tapos 'yong train pala hunted train..." humalakhak si Mama ng malakas, lalo na nang mapamura ang Papa at ako rin ay napailing-iling.
"Kaya a-ayon..." Mama blushed hard to suppress her laughter, "nakaabang kami nina Dash at Iñigo sa labas tapos nagulat kami lumabas silang dalawang nagsisigawan tapos naiwan si Zidney sa l-loob na sinasabunutan 'yong dwarf na tiyanak."
Napabughalit ako ng tawa. While my Papa is blushing so hard in embarrassment, ang lakas naman ng tawa namin ni Mama at nag-a-apir pa roon.
I imagined my Dad's horrible face when he probably realized it was a hunted Snow White train. Na-imagine ko ang mukha niyang unti-unting namumutla kasabay ng pagsigaw niya at malutong na mura kaya mas napatawa na akong lalo at napailing-iling pero unti-unti ring natahimik nang may naisip.
Oh, I really missed my Dad.
When my grandparents left, I found myself looking at the social media to checked on them. Kausap ko kanina lang si Zire at ikwinento niyang nag-mall sila kaya bumagsak ang balikat ko.
I tired myself out in dancing, natigil lang ako sa pag-ikot nang makitang may isang pamilyar na batang babae ang nakasilip sa akin sa pintuan.
Unti-unti'y umayos ako ng tayo.
"Who's there?" I asked and took a step forward pero nagitla ako nang tumakbo paalis ang bata na tila nahihiya. Kumunot na ang noo ko.
It's Sol's sister.
Oh, I haven't got the chance to talk to the little kid.
Naglakad ako papalapit sa pintuan para sana tawagin siya pero sa halip ay nakita ko ang plastic container na nakapatong sa may cabinet sa tabi ng pintuan. I slowly took it and gasped, chuckling when I saw a piece of turon in there.
Oh, it's the plastic container I gave her before with the cookies. I chuckled.
Good, Mama Lena's been lecturing the house helps about her missing Tupperware without knowing it was my fault.
Ayaw ko ring sabihin. Takot ko lang sa mahiwagang Tupperware ni Mama, baka pagalitan pa ako.
I proceeded into freshening myself up before leaving the mansion to get some fresh air, taking note not to get passed that part of rancho where those creeps are.
Kulay brown na manipis na dress ang suot ko na itinambal ko sa itim na boots. I tied my hair in a messy bun, a part of it's been falling on the side of my face. My skin's bare with nothing but a lip gloss on my thin lips.
Now, I looked like a country girl, huh?
Pinagtitingan ako ng mga trabahador, ang iba'y bumabati kaya tahimik lang akong tatango at iiwas ng tingin. Hindi alam paano ba makihalubilo.
Binusog ko ang mata sa tanawin at napangiti sa malamig na hampas ng hangin. From the distance, I can see the tall mountain in the far part of the mansion. May mga kalapati rin sa himpapawid at ang mga kabayo ay nakatali sa hindi kalayuan.
May nagsasaka, may plantation ng mga gulay at poultry. I heard we have a mining too but it was closed down by the family because of environmental issues, sa halip ay pinalaki lang nila ang plantasyon namin at si Sol ang namamahala.
My eyes found him and my breath hitched.
He's naked on top with nothing but his jeans on. Naka-boots siya at magulo ang buhok, ang pawis ay kumikintab dahil natatamaan ng araw at halos masilaw ako roon. His body's toned, that's what I noticed even at the first time I met him.
Paniguradong hindi dahil sa pagbababad sa gym kundi sa trabahong pisikal, sa pagbubuhat o pag-gapas ng pananim.
He's tall, dark and oh so damn handsome. Sa side view ay kitang-kita ang tapang ng kanyang panga at tangos ng ilong. His guns are toned and muscled, miski ang likod niya'y kitang-kita ang batak doon.
I gulped harshly, only that my eyes sharpened when I saw girls talking to him.
Habulin daw siya ng chicks! Tss, ipahabol ko kaya 'to sa mga tandang sa poultry?
May sumagi sa paa ko. Napatingin ako sa paa ko at napatili nang makita ang kulay pink na hayop.
It's a freaking biik!
Oh, is this the biik from... but it's dirty and magkakamukha lang ang piglets kaya baka iba?
The weird small thing stared at me, mabilis akong napaatras pero umabante ulit ang biik kaya kinilabutan na ako. Its feet are filled with putik!
Umabante ulit ito kaya muli akong napaatras. Inamoy niya ako kaya suminghap ako at napaatras, hindi alam kung tatakbo palayo o hahawakan siya.
Nangangagat ba ang pigs?
"D-Don't come near me!" I snapped and pointed it which is now sniffing weirdly.
"No!" I exclaimed, "don't—" tumili akong lalo nang medyo umabante pa siya at bumagsak ako ng upo sa may damuhan, takot na isinara ang mata ng mariin at nag-antay na kagatin ako no'ng creature but it didn't happen.
"H'wag! H'wag mong tatakutin si Ate." When I heard a soft, small voice, I opened my eyes.
Namilog ang mata ko nang makita ang pamilyar na batang babaeng buhat-buhat na ang biik at nakatingin sa akin ang malambot na mga mata.
"A-Ate, ayos lang po i-ikaw?" she stuttered while saying that and I was just looking at her, wide-eyed.
It's Fritz! Oh, God! How will I address the kid?
Naghanap ako ng salita pero tila dinaga ang dibdib ko, naghalo ang kahihiyan at 'di maintindihang kaba ngayong kaharap na siya ng tuluyan.
Her eyes are black like his, it was glistening. Brave and sweet at the same time, kaagad kong nakita ang resemblance niya sa kapatid kaya tumikhim ako at mabilis na tumayo, pinagpagan pa ang dress kong nadumihan.
"Bad iyon," habang nag-aayos ako'y naririnig ko ang mahinang sinasabi niya sa biik. "Dapat hindi mo ihahabol si Ate, takot siya sa 'yo. Lagot tayo kay Kuya!"
I watched her talking to the freaking biik who looked so attentive and listening to her. Walang ribbon ngayon kaya akala ko iba. Kinagat ko ang labi at nagtanong na.
"Uy..." I started, namimilipit pa ang dila sa sasabihin.
Napatalon siya, mabilis siyang nag-angat ng tingin sa akin at bahagyang umatras, hindi ko alam kung bakit pero kumirot ang dibdib ko nang makita ang takot sa mata niya.
Gaga ka, Sibyl Timothea. Anong uy?!
"S-Sorry po, Ate." She murmured using her small and scared voice, "'di na po ako lalapit po, sorry po..."
She abruptly turned her back on me kaya napaawang na ang labi ko.
"Uy, bata..." tawag ko at natigil siya sa pag-alis, hawak-hawak pa rin ang biik. "I-I mean..."
Napatikhim ako.
Bata? Anong bata? What the hell, Sibyl? Why are you so rude? Wala ka bang ni isang tilamsik ng lambing?
I cleared my throat. You can do it! Think about how you're approaching your little cousins! Pero nang maalala kong sabay ko pa lang pinapaiyak si Queen at Dette ay nawala rin ang yabang.
I'm not good with kids!
"Kid," I called instead and frowned upon realizing I said the same word in a different language. "It's okay, I'm not mad. Tara nga rito, harap ka sa 'kin."
Unti-unti'y humarap siya. She was so small and yet, she acts matured. I remembered Zirena when she's this small. Madaldal iyon at puro crush ang bukambibig.
Our eyes met. Mabilis siyang nagbaba ng ulo kasabay ng pagbaba niya sa biik na dali-daling tumakbo sa may likod niya.
Pakiramdam ko'y may nakadagan sa dibdib ko kaya marahang nag-squat ako sa kanyang harapan at hinuli ang tingin niya.
"Hi..." I greeted with a smile. Her eyes widened and bit her lip, her cheeks blushing.
"H-Hi po," halos bulong na iyon, "Thank you po sa cookies po, Ate. 'Tsaka po kita mo po 'yong turon? Luto po ni Nanay kaya bigay po ako... sana po masarap."
"Y-Yes, it's delicious." I nodded my head, "I ate it. Thank you, sana nagustuhan mo rin ang cookies?"
"Opo! Sarap po." She nodded enthusiastically pero nang makita ang titig ko ay biglang nahiya. "S-Sorry po if makulit po 'yong alaga po, sabi ko po kasi h'wag tatakbo. Tingin lang dapat kami po sa 'yo kaso nagtakbo po siya, Ate."
"You're watching me?" I asked, baffled and she nodded shyly.
"Opo..." she whispered, "sorry po, hindi na po uulit po..."
"N-No, no. It's okay. 'Di ako galit." I murmured, trying my best to be soft and not scare her. "Bakit n'yo nga pala ako tinitignan?"
"Wala lang po," iling niya, "nunuod lang po ako sa 'yo mag-dance kasi po galing ka."
Oh, hell, Sib. Ano bang pumasok sa kokote mo nitong nakaraan at sinigawan mo ang mga bata?
My parent's scolding and my brother's words came to light as it hunted me again. It lit something inside my chest.
"Well, t-thanks, I guess?" I laughed a little, nakita kong may dumi sa kanyang pisngi kaya kinuha ko ang panyo at pinunasan ang pisngi niya. Kitang-kita ang gulat sa mga mata sa ginawa ko.
"May kalat ka lang sa pisngi," marahang sinabi ko na. "What's your name again? I'm Sibyl."
"F-Fritz po," she answered, "I'm...I'm six po." She showed me her fingers.
"Wow, you're taller than your age, Fritz." Ngumiti ako sa kanya at bahagyang hinawi ang magulo niyang buhok. "Do you dance?"
"U-Uhm, hindi po..." iling niya, "'di po kasi ako magaling po."
Tila binuhusan ako ng malamig na tubig sa narinig. Napatayo ako. Hindi ko bigla alam ang sasabihin kaya sumulyap ako sa likod niya at tinuro ang baboy.
"What is it? Bakit mo kinakarga?" I asked to divert the attention and she gasped and lowered her body to carry the pig and showed me.
Napaatras ako sa gulat. Humagikhik naman siya at umiling.
"H'wag po ikaw tatakot, bait po ito." She said, extending me the pig who looks—cute?
"Hindi ba 'yan nangangagat?" tanong ko at mabilis siyang umiling.
"No po! Bait po ito, try mo po hawakan, Ate." I looked at her hesitantly and yet, she looked so excited and I don't wanna see her face sad again like it was earlier kaya natatakot man ay inabot ko ang ulo ng baboy.
It sniffed me. Napatili ako sa gulat nang tumama ang ilong niya at napahalakhak si Fritz.
"OMG! Basa 'yong ilong, Fritz!" I exclaimed horribly and she was just laughing, even walking closer to show me the pig.
"Gano'n lang po talaga siya, Ate! Hawak mo po, bait 'to!" it was horrible of course. Tinitigan ko ang baboy na umaamoy-amoy lang and I admit it's cute and cuddly but it has mud so...
"Hindi hahawakan ni Ate Sibyl mo 'yan na may putik, Fritz." Sabay kaming napalingon at ngumuso ako nang makita si Solomon na sinusuot ang shirt niya at naglalakad palapit sa amin.
"Kuya!" she chirped.
Solomon looked at me, ngumuso ako at nag-iwas ng tingin at nang balikan ko siya ng sulyap ay nakataas ang sulok ng labi niya bago abutin si Fritz at guluhin ang buhok nito.
"Kumain ka na, Fritz?" he asked her gently and she nodded, still carrying the freaking baboy.
"Opo, Kuya! Doon po kina Mama Lena po kanina! Nagluto po sila ng food na marami at masarap!" she announced enthusiastically and I noticed the happiness, filling the hollows of Solomon's eyes. Punong-puno iyon ng pagmamahal sa bata.
"Good," he smiled handsomely, "pero hindi 'yan hahawakan ni Ate Sibyl mo kapag may putik. Ayaw niya kasi madumihan." Sumulyap siya sa 'king may pilyong ngiti.
"Anong madumihan?" I frowned, "o-of course it's okay with me!"
His brow shot up.
"Weh?"
"Oo nga!" I hissed, "akin na 'yang biik na 'yan! Give it to me!" I said and offered my hand.
Solomon grinned, sumulyap sa kanya si Fritz na tila nanghihingi ng permiso.
"Ako na," aniya na kinuha ang magulong biik sa kamay ng kapatid sabay lapit sa akin. "Sigurado ka na ba? Siguradong-sigurado?" he inquired, his tone's filled with teasing.
"Oo!" I snapped, "mukha ba akong takot?"
"Hmm..." napaisip pa siya, "kung titignan para akong pa ang dapat mas matakot sa 'yo."
"You ass—" napasulyap ako kay Fritz na inosenteng kumukurap-kurap at kinagat ang labi ko, pasimpleng sinipa si Solomon na napatawa pa.
"Kidding, you can't take a joke, angel? Hmm?" kumalabog ang puso ko sa baritonong boses niya kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at napatawa lang ang huli.
"Oh, ayan. Sibyl, meet Pookie the pig." Aniya sabay lagay ng baboy sa kamay ko.
"What? Pookie—" gumalaw ang biik sa kamay ko at saktong tumilamsik ang putik mula sa paa nito sa mukha ko na sinabayan pa ng halakhak niya.
"You freaking hayop, Solomon!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, not minding if the glass somewhere would break.
Iritadong-iritado ako. Halos sungalngalin ko na ang mukha ni Solomon sa sobrang iritado, kung wala lang siguro si Fritz ay pinaulanan ko na siya ng mura dahil sa aliw niyang may putik ako sa mukha.
Fritz proceeded into playing with the pig around while I was seated on the rattan bench with her annoying brother.
"H'wag ka na magalit, joke lang, eh." Natatawang sinabi niya habang nakaluhod ang isang paa sa upuan at pinupunasan ng basang panyo ang mukha kong maputik.
"Anong joke do'n? Mukha bang nakikipagbiruan ako?" irap ko sa hangin.
"Buti 'di sumasakit eyeballs mo sa kakairap?" sa halip ay komento niya kaya inambahan ko na ng sipa. Napatawa pa siyang lalo at binasa ang pang-ibabang labi at inangat ang chin ko para mas mapunasan ang pisngi.
"Grabe ka kasi makairap. Ilang degrees ba 'yan? Puti na lang nakikita ko nga, eh."
"Ano?" I hissed.
"Ganito, oh." Umupo siya sa tabi ko, biglang umirap hanggang sa puti na lang ang nakita ko sa mata niya kaya nahulog ang panga ko sa gulat at natakot, bigla pa siyang nasampal.
"Anak ng..." napamulat siya at napahawak sa pisngi. "Aping-api na 'ko rito, Sib! Bakit ka—"
"I don't look like a creep, jerk!" I exclaimed and he pouted.
"Oo nga! Ayaw maniwala, ganito na 'yong mata mo kapag umiirap." He teased again kaya hinampas ko na ang balikat niya pero nahuli niya ang kamay ko. "Hala, Ma'am Lena, oh! Si Sib mapanakit—" before he could even make a scene, I stood.
Mabilis akong tumayo, dinakma ang bibig niya para takpan sabay tulak sa kanya at upo. Nangisi pa nang mamilog ang mga mata niya.
"Don't make a scene, Solomon!" I hissed, "hindi nga kasi ganyan ang mata ko. You're overreacting."
He didn't answer me, nanlalaki lang ang mata niya sa akin at napansin kong namumula ang mukha niya kaya unti-unting natigilan ako at nabitawan ang bibig niya.
Sumulyap ako sa inuupuan at ang lakas ng singhap ko ay parang makikitilan na ako ng buhay no'ng matantong nakaupo ako sa kandungan niya paharap.
Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. He was blushing hard and so am I at nag-panic ako, akmang aalis pero nang makarinig kami ng palapit na mga boses at tawanan kaya nagkatinginan kami ni Sol.
He pulled me closer, muli akong napasalampak sa hita niya paharap at walang hirap niyang hinawakan ang baywang ko, ikinukubli ako sa kanyang leeg para 'di makita.
I got a whiff of his natural scent and it made me easily intoxicated.
"Uy, ayusin n'yo kapag may groupings, ah? Ako na bahala sa pancit canton n'yo!" narinig ko ang boses na iyon.
"Ano ba 'yan, pabuhat!" humalakhak ang huli, "basta ba si Sol sa grupo, ah? I-leader natin 'yon—uy, pare!"
I froze when the voices stopped. Solomon stiffened too pero humawak ang palad niya sa likuran ko.
"Peter," prenteng tawag niya at mahinang tumawa.
"Uy..." I froze more when they whistled, "may pagano'n? Girlfriend mo, pare?"
I closed my eyes more in embarrassment. Sol then tried hiding my small frame but he's failing, of course. Paano ba namang nasa harap ako nakaupo, my gosh!
"Gago..." tumawa si Sol, "sige na, lumayas na kayo. Napadaan kayo?"
"Mag-uumpisa na ulit ang klase sa sunod na linggo, okay ka na?"
"Ah, oo." He answered, "tapusin ko lang ang requirements kapag wala ng trabaho."
"Ayon!" tawa nila, "sa grupo ka namin, ah? Ikaw daw ang dakilang leader ng taon!"
"Oo na," baritonong sabi niya.
"Sino 'yan, Sol?" narinig ko ang isang babaeng boses.
Oh, I know that freaking voice! It's Emma the witch!
"Girlfriend nga kasi," humalakhak ang lalaki.
"Girlfriend? No, walang girlfriend si Sol." She gasped but then they teased her, mas ikinubli ako ni Sol at mas nairita ako sa boses ni Emma. "Girlfriend mo? Wala—"
"Ah..." tumikhim si Sol at mas pumirmi ang hawak sa akin. "Oo, bakit?"
Nag-ani iyon ng hiyawan lalo sa kanila at mas nag-init ang pisngi ko.
"Pakilala mo naman kami, pare! Grabe at talagang dito pa kayo nag-moment!" halakhak nila, "naku, nag-Maynila ka lang may girlfriend ka na pabalik, ah? 'Di ka nagsasabi?"
"Gano'n talaga, malakas kasi charisma ko—" I pinched his waist, napaigtad siya bago tumawa at mas yumakap sa akin, itinatago ako.
Napakahangin talaga.
"Joke lang," he chuckled, "pero sa sunod ko na kayo ipapakilala. Mahiyaan kasi itong girlfriend ko."
I slowly relaxed on his lap, feeling weirdly comfortably. Inayos ko ang upo sabay siksik sa kanyang leeg. Pinaraan ko ang ilong sa kanyang balat, nangingiti. Natigilan siya at tumikhim, pilit na inaayos ang tono ng boses.
I smiled wickedly.
"You're so tense, baby," I whispered softly. Mas lumalim ang paghinga niya.
The boy spoke, "ang daya! Ngayon na kasi—"
"Tss, next time!" he snapped. "Tulog, eh. Baka maistorbo."
"Tulog? Sa kandungan mo?" Emma's voice filled my ear again and basing on her tone, I know she's not pleased. "Bakit 'di mo kami ipakilala, ah? Kung girlfriend mo talaga."
She sounded annoyed.
Bakit? Ayaw mong may girlfriend si Sol? Ayaw mong may nakakandong?
Sorry, Emma. May nanalo na? The visual image of me waving is in my head. Si Sol ay nakaupo sa upuan ng mga judge at kasama ko sa candidate si Emma habang si Liza ay nagsusuot sa akin ng korona.
"Wait..." natigilan si Emma, "h'wag mong sabihing si..." napasinghap siya.
"Sino?" a man's voice asked.
Umalis ako sa pagkakatago sa may leeg ni Sol. Hinarap ko siya at nakita ko ang gulat niya roon.
"Sib, tago ka lang—"
"Why don't you introduce me to your friends, baby?" I asked seriously, noticing how his eyes grew wider with my question.
"Huh?" he asked, confused too and so, I touched his nape to pull him closer to me. I pressed my lips on his, claiming his mouth before sensually licking his bottom lip and looked back at the startled crowd.
"Oh, that's so rude of me." I covered my mouth to pretend I'm shock and stood from Sol's lap. I fixed my hitching dress, left him with his mouth parting there and walked towards his friends who obviously was mesmerized by my looks.
Oh, so glad to be my parent's daughter. I am blessed with this face.
"Wow..." ani ng isa sa kaibigan niya kaya ngumiti ako at isa-isa silang nagpakilala na tinatanguan ko. Si Emma ay mariin ang tingin sa akin at hindi makangiti.
I felt a palm on the small of my waist and when I lifted my face, I saw Sol's black, serious and dark orbs looking at me. May ngising ikinukubli pa na tila natutuwa at hinahamon ako kaya tinaasan ko ng kilay.
"Nagbibiro ka lang. Wala kang girlfriend, 'di ba?" Emma asked and my smile faded. No humor is etched on her face. Seryoso ang mata niya at iritado kaya sumama na rin ang pakiramdam ko.
"I'm Sibyl Sandejas," I introduced in annoyance of her expression, humawak ako sa baywang ni Sol at possessive na pinirmi ang kamay doon. "I'm Sol's girlfriend."
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