Kabanata 13
Kabanata 13 (Revised First Version)
Kisses was never this magnificent before. I may not be used to physical attachments but I've been kissed and it was alright and simple before. I didn't think I've given it enough thoughts like how I gave this one right now.
His kisses are soft, each move against mine made me feel like I'm floating in air. Ang kamay niya'y naramdaman ko nang sumasapo sa aking pisngi at isang marahang pisil sa may panga ko ay nakaawang na ng tuluyan ang labi ko.
I let out a soft groan when I felt his tongue slid inside my mouth, discovering every corner of it, every side—every secrets. Malakas ang tunog ng fireworks pero tila nabingi ako roon at ang naiwan na lang ay ang tunog ng kalabog ng dibdib.
Tila may musikang pumukaw sa isipan. Ang halik na iyon ay walang pagdadalawang-isip na sumabay sa ritmo, natural sa paggalaw at paglaban ng halik sa kanya. It was as if I am dancing—it felt so free, so powerful, so...peaceful.
He moved his body closer to me, touching my waist and pulled me closer to his body until we're so close we're getting oxygen from each other. He bit my lower lip, unti-unting ibinukas ko ang mata at nasalubong kaagad ang kanya. Malamlam at malalim, nakakalasing at nakakabaliw.
Humiwalay siya, magkadikit pa rin ang aming noo habang nandoon sa pwestong iyon at sabay na humuhugot ng hininga.
"You tasted sweet, angel," he whispered and my cheeks flushed.
Suminghap ako at kinagat ang labi, nahihiyang nag-iwas ako ng tingin pero mas mabilis niya akong nahila pabalik pasubsob sa kanyang leeg.
He laughed sensually on my ear, I gasped.
"Solomon..." I groaned, pinching him in embarrassment but he held me closer. Isang halik sa buhok ko at hawak pang muli sa likod ay mas lumakas ang ingay sa dibdib ko.
"Nahihiya ka?" bulong niya.
"H-Hindi, ah." I mumbled, "bakit naman ako m-mahihiya?"
"Ako nga dapat ang nahihiya sa 'yo, eh," natigilan naman ako roon.
"Bakit ka mahihiya?" maliit kong tanong.
"Kasi prinsesa ka tapos nakakahiyang hinalikan ka ng alipin kagaya ko—"
"Masarap ka kaya!" tinulak ko siya sabay tingin ng masama pero natutop ang bibig nang magkatitigan kami, parehong nanlalaki ang mata at gulantang.
Nahulog ang panga niya, parang namang sinilihan ako sa bilis ng pag-iisip ng palusot.
"Ng h-halik mo! Masarap 'yong labi—" nakagat ko na naman ang labi at nang umangat ang labi niya, nagpipigil pa ng ngisi no'ng una pero nauwi sa halakhak ay napairit na ako at hinampas-hampas siya.
"O-Oh my God, Solomon!" I gritted my teeth and smacked him but he chuckled more. Pumailanlang sa ere ang kanyang baritonong tawa na tila musika sa aking pandinig habang hinihila ako palapit sa kanya hanggang sa sumubsob ako sa dibdib niya.
His laughter echoed but despite it, I can hear the harsh pounding of his chest, too.
"Rinig mo 'yan?" he asked after a while pero 'di ako umimik, dinadama lang ang nakakaadik niyang amoy. "'Yan 'yong gulo diyan kapag ikaw."
"Huh?" I asked in confusion and he held my head gently, placing my ear where his heart is located and spoke.
"Parang sasabog 'yong puso ko kapag nand'yan ka," he whispered.
"Ang c-corny mo, Solomon." Bulong ko. Tumawa siya.
My heart burst into million indescribable emotions. I clutched his shirt tightly, burying my head on his chest comfortably and as the lights from the fireworks faded, my eyes shut.
I was never this comfortable whenever I am with someone aside from my family. Ngumuso ako, naramdaman kong umandar muli ang ferris wheel kaya marahan akong lumayo sa kanya at humawak sa bakal sa gitna para umayos.
"Sib—"
"Shut up," I raised my finger to shut him up and he looked confused but I didn't say anything. Tumitig ako ng mariin sa kamay, nanliliit ang matang inilapit ang mukha at biglang napatili nang matanto ang nahawakan ko.
"Chewing gum!" I exclaimed loudly and gasped, "yuck!" irit ko.
"Ano?" sumilip sa akin si Solomon bago bumaling sa kamay kong naka-stuck at 'di ko maigalaw. "Ay, chewing gum. Yuck." Ngiwi niya sabay baling sa akin.
"Ayan lang?" I gritted my teeth, "ayan lang reaksyon mo? Help me here!" I exclaimed in horror.
He laughed a little, "why are you laughing? My hand's... eww! Sol, help me the fuck here!" halos isigaw ko na iyon sa kanya at mas lumakas ang tawa niya, marahang inabot ang kamay kong nakadikit sa chewing gum.
He held it, nang sumulyap naman ako sa kamay ay halos masuka-suka sa nahawakang laway ng ibang tao sa gum na iyon.
"Disgusting! Where are the manners? Pagkatapos kainin ay ididikit lang kung saan-saan? Yuck?" mariin at nandidiri kong litanya habang napapatawa si Sol at naiiling.
These people...I swear if these individuals are posting about taking care of the environment shit on social media, I'm gonna slap them hard on the face! Advocate-advocate, post-post pa tapos maliit na basura hindi matapon sa tama?!
"Tss..." Sol tsk-ed and took his hanky, "ito talagang mga 'to, hindi inaayos."
"Take the freaking alcohol on my bag!" utos ko kay Sol habang diring-diring inaangat ang kamay ko sa ere.
"Oo na, señorita," he uttered, nagtatago pa ng ngisi, "kumalma ka, chewing gum lang 'yan—"
"It's not a lang, Sol!" I whined, "imagine the germs? The saliva? The—"
"Oo na, anghel," nakangiting sabi niya at muling kinuha ang kamay ko. "Kumpleto ang hygiene kit, ah?" Komento niya pagkakita sa laman ng bag ko.
"It's a must. Nothing is safe these days! You know the advertisements? For the disinfectants? They're saying it could kill 99.9% of germs but what happens to 0.1%?"
"Huh?" He eyed me like I'm some kind of freak but I don't care. I just thought of him having question marks on his head.
"See?!" I shook my head, "nakaligtas 'yong 0.1! Think of it, sometimes those small things you thought was nothing will become bigger and destructive! I don't wanna risk the damn point one!"
"Anak ka nga ni Sir Zeijan," he commented, chuckling. I shot my brow up.
"Yeah, but mas matino ako, ah?" I answered. Ngumisi lang siya at tumango-tango, hindi na nagkomento.
He sprayed alcohol in it and wiped it with the wet wipes but I'm still not satisfied.
Kinuha ko sa kanya ang alcohol at eksaherada pinaliguan ang kamay ko, nangingilabot pang may nahawakan akong laway ng iba.
Pero kakatikim mo lang ng laway ni Sol, girl...
The evil witch inside me whispered. I froze.
Diring-diri makahawak sa laway? Pero kung makalapa sa labi ni Solomon, feel na feel?
"Can you shut up?" I snapped out of nowhere.
"Huh?" Sol uttered and blinked at me, "wala naman akong sinasabi?"
"W-Wala ba?" I cleared my throat and rolled my eyes, "nevermind, this is just so freaking disgusting."
"Naku kasi talaga, ang bago-bago ng perya dinudungisan kaagad." Komento pa niya, "panira sila. Kitang naglalambingan kami ni Miss Sweet Lips ko—"
"E-Excuse me?!" I exclaimed.
"Wala," muling kumislap ang mata niya, ang tugtog sa ibaba ay mas lumalakas dahil pababa na kami. "Sabi ko, ang irresponsable nila..." unti-unti'y inabot niya ang kamay kong kanina ko pang pinapaliguan ng alcohol.
"Sana itinapon nila sa tama ang basura, nahawakan pa tuloy ng anghel ko 'yong chewing gum." Bulong pa niya sabay ipit ng daliri sa pagitan ng akin para pagsaklupin iyon.
He glanced at my eyes, I looked at him back and my heart thumped loudly against my chest. I unconsciously lowered my gaze to his lips and unknowingly licked mine.
"Sarap?" he asked and I nodded, feeling lost.
"Sherep..." I answered back.
His laughter thundered, napatalon ako sa upuan at parang may umalis na espirito ng kalandian sa utak kaya napasinghap ako at napairit, hinila ko ang kamay ko sa hawak ni Sol bago itinaas ang kamay ko para paliguan siya ng alcohol.
"Yuck... yuck!" I shivered, "ang fucking corny! B-Baka may bad spirit dito?!" I exclaimed and showered the alcohol around to shoo away all the bad entities while he's laughing his ass out, kulang na lang ay malagutan ng hininga.
Nakababa kami nang masama ang tingin ko sa kanya at natatawa siya, natahimik lang ako sa pagkurot kay Sol nang mahuli ang tingin ni Mama sa akin.
Her eyes are gentle but her smile is teasing kaya mabilis akong napalayo kay Sol at hinawi-hawi ang buhok ko bago umayos ng tayo.
Mama Lena looks radiant, they were aging life fine wine and she don't look like her age at all if you just look at her face. Batang-bata pa rin at alaga ang katawan—well, I shouldn't be shock, she's a beauty queen.
Pormal akong naglakad patungo sa kanyang mag-isang nakatayo roon at nag-aantay sa amin.
"Seemed like you both enjoyed the ride, ah?" Mama commented, folding her arms on her chest.
"Ma..." I called and ran closer to her, inilahad niya ang kamay kaya mabilis akong yumakap at sumiksik sa kanyang leeg.
"Hello, Ma'am," Sol greeted.
"Hello, Sol. Nga pala, tawag ka ni Jer. Nando'n sa stall, punta ka raw kapag baba n'yo ni Sibyl." Mama said and he proceeded where Papa is.
"Where's Papa?"
"He bought cotton candies," she chuckled, "that old man, bibili raw siya ng hugis baboy."
I nodded and smiled but she whispered again, "I saw you two..."
"M-Ma..." mabilis akong lumayo sa kanya, nanlalaki ang mata pero malambing na ngiti lang ang ibinigay niya sa akin at humaplos sa pisngi ko.
"It's definitely okay," she smiled, "kami nga noon ng Papa mo—"
"I-It's not what you think it is!" I exclaimed defensively, panicking and shy but she only grinned and pinched my cheek.
"Solomon is a good man, being always here in Sta. Monica with your Papa? We definitely saw him growing up and his dedication to work, for his family and education is outstanding. He's okay with me."
My heart raced.
"R-Really?" maliit kong sabi, "you... you like him for me?"
"Hmm," she smiled and nodded, glancing at somewhere kaya sinundan ko ang tingin niya at nakitang naroon sa may isang stall nga si Papa na may bitbit na mga cotton candy, ang mga softdrinks ay pinapakarga kay Solomon habang nagtatawanan sila.
"He's a good man, Sib." She called my attention kaya muli ko siyang sinulyapan, "it's okay to have a crush or to fall in love. You may have not told me but I have a hint what's stopping you from doing what you want."
"Ma..."
"Accidents happen, anak. The glow in your eyes vanished after that incident but your family's fine. Hindi mo iyon kasalanan. Hindi mo kasalanan ang nangyari sa Kuya mo." She touched my cheek softly, nangilid ang luha ko.
"But it is," nanghihina kong sabi. "If only I didn't trust too much—"
"It wasn't your fault, princess. It happened and we couldn't do anything about it but instead of getting stuck in the past, why don't we just work on our future and enjoy the present? Ang Kuya Zy mo, alam mo kung bakit makulit iyon sa 'yo? Kasi ayaw niyang malungkot ka. Ayaw niyang sinisisi mo ang sarili."
Tumungo ako at 'di alam ang sasabihin na.
"Hey, look at me," she cupped my cheek until our eyes are meeting. "Live your life, Sibyl. Don't imprison yourself in the darkness of yesterday. Hindi na mababago ang noon pero mayro'n pa tayong ngayon at hinaharap. Live for it, do what you want. Be happy, fall in love...forgive yourself."
Mas kumalabog ang puso ko sa naririnig kay Mama pero unti-unti iyong kumalma.
"C-Can I do it?" I asked hesitantly.
"You could...you should." She pinched my cheek, "you just don't show it but despite you hiding in that cold, matured and snob façade, I know deep inside, you are still a kid at heart." She pointed my chest, "what I saw above while watching you and Sol laughing and bickering? I think I'm seeing your Daddy Zeijan's mini me—in you."
"Oh, mukhang may heart-to-heart talk ang mga magagandang binibini ng buhay ko, ah?" napahiwalay lang kami ni Mama nang marinig ang boses ni Papa. Nilingon namin siya at napunta ang titig kay Solomon na may hawak-hawak na drinks, nakatingin din sa akin.
He winked playfully when he caught me and I shot my brow up to give him a snob look and when Papa isn't looking, I stuck my tongue out to tease him and smiled.
After eating and checking some few rides, we decided to go home. Medyo maaga pa ang gabi pero inaantok na si Mama kaya nagdesisyon na kaming umuwi.
"Maiwan ko na kayo," Papa said when he got out of the car with my sleeping Mama Lena on his arms. "Sol, pasuyo na lang akong pakiayos ang sasakyan—he glanced at me—Princess, I'll come inside first, hmm? My honey's asleep, pasok ka kaagad, ah?"
"Opo, Pa," I nodded and moved a little so I could kiss his cheek. "Good night, Pa."
"Good night, princess." He smiled. "Sol, una na ako."
"Sige po, Sir. Good night! Salamat po! Bigay ko kay Fritz at Nanay 'yong pagkain na binili n'yo." Ani Sol at ngumisi si Papa bago tumango at marahang naglakad papasok para hindi magising ang asawa.
Naiwan kami sa may malapit sa parking sa parte ng mansyon. When the two are gone, naiwan kaming dalawa. Wala kaming imikan pa no'ng una. Tanging ang kuliglig lang sa lalim ng gabi ang nagbigay ingay sa lugar hanggang sa napasulyap ako sa kanya na kanina pa pala nakatitig.
"Sib—"
"Sol—" natigilan kami sa sabay na pagsasalita.
"Ikaw muna," I said kaya tumikhim siya at tumango.
"Good night, salamat sa ngayon. Nag-enjoy ako," aniya kaya tumango ako.
"A-Ako rin," tumikhim ako, kinakabahan na naman sa lalim ng tingin niya kaya dali-daling nag-iwas. "Uhm, I gotta go. Good night."
Hindi ko na inantay ang sagot niya. Nagmamadali akong tumalikod para sana umalis pero may humila sa pulsuhan ko pabalik sa may gilid ng sasakyan kaya namilog ang mata ko't binalingan ang malambing at antok na titig ni Sol.
"Y-Yeah?" I mumbled.
The side of his lips lifted for a small smirk, he took a step forward and my breath hitched when he moved his head closer to mine until we're inches apart.
"B-Bakit?" I asked, feeling like I'm tickling when his fingers on my wrist crawled down my fingers.
"'Yon na 'yon? Good night lang, girlfriend?" he asked hoarsely.
"A-Ano?" tumikhim ako at nilabanan siya ng tingin, "may iba pa ba dapat—"
"It's our first night as a couple, wala bang ano?" he wiggled his brow.
"Ano?"
"Good night kiss?" ngumuso siya.
Nasampal ko siya.
Narinig ko ang lagabog ng salamin nang tumama ang mukha niya kaya napasigaw ako at nasapo ang bibig, huli na nang matanto ang gawa.
"Oh my God!" I exclaimed horribly, "OMG, Sol! I-I'm sorry—"
Humarap siya sa akin, hawak-hawak niya ang pisngi, mahaba ang nguso at mangiyak-ngiyak na kaya 'di ko na alam ang gagawin at mas kinabahan.
"S-Sol, shit!" 'di ko na alam ang gagawin at basta na lang sinapo ang pisngi niya. "I didn't mean to—you shocked me! I wasn't expecting you'll say that! Alam mo naman itong kamay ko, 'di ko napigilan ang kademonyohan!"
"Sa totoo lang awang-awa na ako sa sarili ko," aniya kaya mas na-guilty ako.
"Oh, I'm sorry," bumigat ang pakiramdam ko. "I-I'm not a nurse or something but I can help you with it. Oh! W-when something hurting, Mom would kiss that part kay Daddy and it would vanish! It's effective, I guess? Saan masakit? Kiss ko?" nag-aalala ko siyang pinagmasdan pero napapatulala lang siya sa akin sabay turo sa sentido niya.
"Tumama rito, angel," he pointed the side of his head kaya mabilis akong tumingkayad para hagkan iyon.
"Okay na ba?"
"Dito pa," turo niya sa may pisngi at tinungo ako kaya binigyan ko iyon ng halik. "Pati sa panga, Sib. Ouch, ang sakit!" I kissed it too.
"There?" I looked at him with concern, "ayos na ba?"
"Dito pa," sabay turo sa labi kaya lumapit ako para sana humalik pero nahuli bigla ang pag-galaw ng labi niya sa pigil na ngisi.
I stopped. Mabilis kong hinuli ang mata niyang kumikislap sa kalokohan at tinaliman siya ng tingin.
"Bakit ka tumigil?" he asked innocently, biglang lambing ng mata pa, "masakit ang labi ko—aray!" he gasped when I bumped my forehead against his.
Napahawak siya sa noo.
"Angel! Ang rahas mo naman!" he whined, "totoo naman kasing masakit ang labi ko."
I pulled his nape, hindi ko na siya pinagsalita miski antayin ang reaksyon at basta na lang siyang inatake ng halik sa labi.
Wala sa sariling natulala siya't hindi nakasabay kaya tumigil ako sa paghalik at nang-aasar na tumingin.
"What now, baby? Does your lip still hurt?" paos kong tanong, kinagat-kagat pa ang pang-ibabang labi pero lahat ng pang-aasar ko ay nawala dahil isang higit sa baywang ko at ganti niya ng halik sa akin ay lumulutang na naman ako.
I got lost with his kisses, naramdaman ko na lang ang basta kong pagsandal sa kotse nang ipihit niya ako at ang buong braso ko'y kapit na kapit na sa kanyang batok at hindi nagpapatalo sa halikan.
I am competitive. Hindi lang sa kagandahan at sa halikan na ngayon kaya habol-habol namin ang hininga habang naglalaban doon.
His hand on my waist fell until I felt it on my bottom. One tight squeeze on my ass and I'm purring like a starving cat, moving my waist closer to his bulging one. Binuhat niya ako sa isang kamay niya, iniikot ko naman ang hita sa baywang niya pagkatalon ko at mas dumiin ang sandal sa kotse habang magkadikit ang labi.
He was discovering every corner of my mouth, not even leaving a part untouched kaya ramdam na ramdam ko ang taasan ng balahibo sa pakiramdam na ibinibigay niya.
I humped my hips against him and he growled harshly, humiwalay siya ng halik sa akin para bigyan ng halik ang panga at leeg ko. I tilted my head to give him access but not a moment later, he stopped and showered himself with curses.
"Fuck me," he whispered and stopped.
Umayos siya ng tayo bago umalis sa leeg ko para titigan akong mukhang nawawala at nalilito habang namumungay ang matang nakatitig sa kanya.
"W-Why?"
"Tang ina," he cursed a bit and gazed at me with his drunk orbs, "we can't now, angel."
"Huh? Why..." I mumbled sadly.
Marahang bumitaw siya sa pagkakahawak. Tinulungan niya akong pababa sa hita niya at nangingiting hinawi ang buhok kong nagulo paalis sa pisngi at isinara ang maong jacket niyang nakalaylay na ngayon sa braso ko at inayos.
"Pumasok ka na," he said.
"Bakit?" I asked, "hindi ba ako m-marunong sa halikan..."
"Hell, baby, you are." He chuckled lowly, nag-init ang pisngi ko nang idikit niya ang noo sa akin bago ako patakan ng halik sa labi. "But it's still so early. Kakasagot ko pa nga lang sa 'yo."
"Ano?!" I growled like an angry lion, startled. He stifled a laugh and held my waist to calm me down.
"Joke lang, angel," tumawa pa siya, "pero sige na, pasok ka na."
"Hindi mo ba nagustuhan 'yong... ano." Nag-init ang pisngi ko at inginuso ang labi.
"S'yempre, gusto," sagot niya. "Gustong-gusto pero s'yempre, nirerespeto kita. Hindi naman p'wedeng dito sa labas..." tumikhim siya, "tang ina mo, Solomon." Pumikit siya ng mariin.
"Bakit?"
"Wala," nagmulat siya sabay hawak sa balikat ko.
"Pasok na, prinsesa, aayusin ko pa ang parking ng sasakyan." Tinitigan ko lang siya. "H'wag kang mag-alala. Gusto ko 'yong halik, gustong-gusto pero may ibang oras pa naman diyan. Baka hinahanap ka na ni Sir at labasin pa."
"Okay..." I nodded and sighed. I tilted my head and did my best to stay formal as I tiptoed to give him a quick kiss on the lips. "G-good night."
Mabilis akong sumalisi pero muntik nang mapatid kaya suminghap.
"Oh!" he exclaimed. "Okay ka lang?!"
Umayos ako ng tayo sabay lingon sa kanya.
"Yes?" I asked formally, pretending nothing happened. Hinawi ko pa ang buhok ng mahinhin.
Tumitig siya. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi at hindi na nagkomento.
I raised my brow when I saw him put his hands on his pockets and watched me.
"Problema mo?" I asked and when he didn't answer me, I rolled my eyes and turned my back to walk away but he called again.
"Sib!" I stopped and sighing, I glanced his way and pouted.
"Ano na naman ba, Solomon Aecen?"
"Ang tamis ng labi mo," he commented, smirking at tila pinisat na kamatis ang kulay ng mukha ko ng mga oras na iyon at nagwala na ang puso.
Mabilis akong tumalikod, hindi na sumagot at kumaripas ng takbo papasok, sumusigaw sa loob-looban.
This freaking Solomon!
I couldn't get enough sleep that night. Thinking, wondering how did I turn like this. Remembering how sweet those lips and his lips... fuck, I am doomed.
My phone beeped in the middle of the night at sa iniisip na mga kaibigan ko lang iyon ay tamad kong kinuha pero sumilip pero mali ako.
From: Unknown Number
Have a good night, angel. Dream of me. Your lips are so sweet, I'll definitely dream of yours.
"Gago..." I whispered, humigpit ang hawak ko sa phone at biglang naibaba ang phone sabay kuha ng unan at takip sa mukha ko't impit na tumili sabay upo ng kama at kuha ng phone.
To: Unknown Number
Who's this?
Kinagat ko ang labi habang nakalaylay ang paa sa kama at iginagalaw iyon, nag-aantay sa sagot niya hanggang sa mag-beep ulit.
From: Unknown Number
Boyfriend mo.
"Fuck..." I gasped and dropped my phone. Napatayo ako sa kama sabay tayo at talon-talon sa lapag, pinapaypayan ang mukhang nag-iinit.
Kumalma ka, Sibyl Timothea? Anong kalandian 'yan?!
Bumalik ako sa kama at mabilis na kinuha ang phone sabay reply sa kanya.
Hindi p'wedeng ako lang ang ganito.
To: Unknown Number
Oh, I see. Hope you'd dream of me, baby.
XOXO,
Your girlfriend❤️
When I sent it, wala pang ilang segundo ay sunod-sunod na ang beep ng phone ko.
From: Unknown Number
Putang ina.
From: Unknown Number
Gago!
From: Unknown Number
TALAGA BA, BOYFRIEND MO AKO?! FINAL DECISION WALANG BAWIAN.
Napatawa ako.
To: Unknown Number
Okay, you idiot. 😘 😘 😘
From: Unknown Number
SHIT! AKO NA. TUMABE KAYO! MAY KISS AKO!!!!
Parang crazy ka, Solomon.
I cackled, remembering how Zire kept on saying it before. Parang crazy... who would have thought I'll be using it this much these days.
I tapped my phone and refused to answer him again, baka 'di pa kami matapos mag-usap at magkulitan dito.
Dapat hard-to-get ka, Sibyl, okay? Hindi dapat sobrang rupok sa kalandian ni Alejo. Okay? Okay? Okay?!
I changed his name instead to: My Baby Sol
I woke up in a good mood, pakanta-kanta pa ako habang pababa sa kitchen noong umaga pero wala raw sina Mama at Papa at dumayo sa bayan kaya mag-isa ako sa bahay.
I don't usually eat breakfast so I made that D.I.Y. coffee Solomon taught me in a tumbler habang naroon ako sa labas ng mansyon, sa may duyan at nagbabasa ng libro hanggang mag-tanghali.
I got bored after a while.
Nasaan kaya si Sol?
Umayos ako ng upo at napailing, bakit puro ako Sol?
"Aish!" I growled and took my phone. Inayos ko muna ang sarili at ang kalat na buhok na nililipat ng hangin bago nag-video call sa pinsan.
"Oh... Sibyl! I miss you! OMG, mwuah! Mwuah!" tili kaagad ni Adira ang nasalubong ko kapag sagot niya.
"Hey," I smiled a little but frowned upon seeing her nose, "ano 'yang sa ilong mo? Pimples? Ano bang sinabi ko sa 'yo?!"
Napatakip siya ng ilong bago ako binigyan ng maamong titig sabay nguso, "sorry na, exam week na naman kasi, Sib."
"Tss..." I rolled my eyes, "how 'bout that skin care? Kinalimutan mo, ano?"
She stopped, trying to avoid my gaze.
"Ah, kasi..."
"Don't lie, I know it," sikmat ko na kaya suminghap na siya at mabilis na ibinaba ang kamay.
"Hala, sorry na! 'Yong isang routine kasi naka-three page na ako ng case ko—she cleared her throat—promise, promise, gagamitin ko na 'yong skin care! Gumamit ako no'ng nakaraan!"
"Kailan?" I raised my brow.
"Uhm last..." napaisip siya, "last w-week..." she laughed awkwardly and I let out a desperate sigh and moved my face so I could scan her face.
"Tss, iniwan lang kita mas naging palaboy ka na. Look at that horrible black heads, I taught you how to avoid that, right? Kahit nagpupuyat ka? Oh, and don't mention that hair of yours—ano 'yan? Pugad ng ibon? Saan na 'yong mga sisiw?"
"Sibyl!" her eyes widened horribly and looked at somewhere, nakarinig ako ng tawa kaya mas naging interesado. Lalo na nang mapansing nasa sasakyan siya.
"Saan ka?" usyoso ko.
"Uhm, in the car," she bit her lip and moved her camera. "Kasama ko si Ash."
One flip of her camera and I saw Ash on the driver's seat, suot pa rin ang uniporme nila sa law school. His arms are stretched and I got a glimpse of his muscle as he tilted his head to look at me.
"Magandang tanghali, Sib," he greeted and I checked him out before snorting.
"Anong maganda sa tanghali, Abo?" I asked coldly at napasinghap si Adi at dali-daling inilipat sa mukha niya ang camera.
"Sibyl!" she hissed with her wide eyes, bumaling kay Ash. "Wala 'yon, Ash. Ganito lang talaga ang ugali nitong si Sib! H-Hayaan mo na!" nag-aalangan niyang sabi.
"It's okay," Ash laughed, "sagutin ko lang siya."
"Huh?" Adi asked.
"Sibyl's asking anong maganda sa tanghali?" he uttered, "ang sagot ko may maganda sa tanghali."
"Huh?" she asked again like a kid, inosenteng-inosente ang mukha sa camera. "A-Ano ba?"
"Sino dapat," Ash answered and nakagat ni Adi ang labi.
"S-Sino bang m-maganda?" she stuttered.
"Ikaw." Ash answered at nang kumalat ang pula sa mukha ni Adira at natulala sa ere ay tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.
Tss, ang lalandi!
"I-ikaw talaga..." she cleared her throat, gumalaw ang camera dahil may kinukuha siya ata sabay salita. "Ash, oh. Foods." She offered shyly while blushing.
"Thanks, boo." Ash answered, "ikaw 'yong nagpapaganda ng tanghali ko."
Halos lumaki ang butas ng ilong ni Adi sa gulat sabay lunok kaya ngumiwi na ako.
"Ko-corny n'yo!" I said boredly and gave her a poker-face kaya pinanlakihan niya ako ng mata sa camera. Namumula at halatadong nahihiya't kinikilig.
Diyos ko, Lord, masama ba kong sasampalin ko 'tong dalawang 'to at ganito? Ang mamanhid, my God!
Adi's lips protruded, trying to mask her beet red face but is obviously failing.
Well, no matter how much I remind her of skin care because of her pimples, messy hair and black heads I can't deny how beautiful Adira is.
Ang ganda niya 'yong tipong hindi mo pansinin kaagad dahil nakatago sa buhok niya. She's shy and always looking down kaya hindi mo makikita kaagad pero nakuha niya ang halong itsura ng Dad niya at Tita Thallia. Matapang pero malambing.
Oh, and don't mention how sexy she looked when she practiced her debate with me the last time. Nakanganga na nga lang ako kasi nakakatakot siyang kalabanin. Para akong nakakakita ng Tito Iñigo pero babaeng version.
Parang kapag naging kriminal ako tapos si Adira ang abogado ng kalaban, 'di na kami lalaban. Guilty kaagad.
Kausap ko si Adi buong biyahe niya't nalaman kong didiretso siya sa lunch sa may ancestral dahil magluluto raw si Daddy. Nainggit ako pero wala naman ako roon kaya nae-excite ako sa kanya.
Ash dropped her there and she's on the video call with me when she greeted everyone. She said hi and kissed our cousins na kumaway sa akin at sinabi nilang nami-miss na ako. Nagtatanong pa kailan uuwi kaso ay 'di ko alam ang isasagot kaya ngumiti na lang ako.
She sat on the couch outside our backyard with my male cousins grilling some meat again.
"Nakakainggit naman," reklamo ko habang nakikita sa background niya ang naghaharutan na sina Kuya Zy, Macky, Dei at Chiel.
"Hindi ka pa ba pinapauwi?" she asked me kaya suminghap ako at mas isinandal ang likod sa duyan bago nagkibit-balikat.
"Oh, is that Ate?" my eyes softened when Zire appeared from somewhere and gasped. "Ate!" malakas niyang tili sabay kaway.
"Hi, Zire," malambing kong sabi, "how are you, baby? You're studying well?"
"Opo!" she said happily, "I got high grades in journalism, Ate! I think I'm gonna ace it!"
"That's great—" nawala ang boses ko nang may mahagip sa camera na sumisilip sa may likuran nila pero biglang nagtago ng makita ako.
Tumaas ang kilay ko. Hindi ko na muna pinansin at patuloy lang na nakikipag-usap pero muli na namang sumilip at may hawak pang sandok.
My father's wearing a black shirt and peeking like a ghost in the camera, sinisilip ata ako. Akala niya'y 'di ko siguro nakikita kaya pasimple ang tingin-tingin niya hanggang sa may nagsalita.
"Oh, come on, Zeijan Ruais!" Mom's voice suddenly filled the call when I saw her on the background, nakapaywang sabay hila kung saan at si Daddy ay lumitaw na parang batang nahuli at hawak pa ang sandok. "Anong sinisilip mo diyan?"
"Misis!" he whined, "wala na, nakita na ako ni pretty ghourl!" sabay turo niya sa camera kaya napalingon si Mommy kay Adi at napaawang ang labi.
"Oh, God. Sibyl?" she called, binitawan si Dad sabay lapit kay Adi. "H-Hey, sweetie..."
My heart swelled, "My..." I called.
I heard Adi telling Mommy she could take the call first bago siya nagpaalam sa aking aalis muna para makausap ko sina Mommy. Zire is still on the phone beside Mom. Sa background ay nakatago si Dad at kunwari ay busy pang tinititigan ang sandok niya pero biglang lumitaw si Kuya Zy na nakahubad pa at nakasabit ang shirt sa balikat at inakbayan siya sabay hatak.
"Oh, si ganda!" Kuya Zy chirped, "Dad, si Sib, oh!"
"K." Dad uttered, kunwari'y busy pa sa sandok niya kaya umirap na si Mommy at tayo. Inagaw niya ang sandok at inabot kay Kuya bago hawakan ang tainga ni Dad.
"Ikaw..."
"A-Aray, Misis ko!" he exclaimed, "a-aww... oo na, oo na!" singhap niya habang nauupong muli sa upuan.
"Anong K? Umayos ka nga. Ngayon lang tumawag ang anak mo tapos..." Mama glanced at my way kaya ngumuso ako sabay sulyap kay Daddy na pairap-irap pa pero halatadong kuryoso at gustong maglambing kaya nagsalita na ako.
"Dad, I missed you..." I said and like a candle, Dad melted.
"I missed you too, pretty ghourl," he said like a puppy at napahalakhak si Mommy, Zy at Zire nang biglang lumambot ang boses niya samantalang ako'y napuno ng pagka-miss ang puso.
"How are you there, princess? Are you okay? Are you eating well? Kausap ko araw-araw si Mommy Lena para tanungin kung kumusta ka, ayos ka lang daw but I wanna hear it from you. Are you okay?"
"Yes," I nodded and smiled a little, "I'm doing pretty great, actually."
"We missed you too, princess, so much." Mom said when Dad rested his head on her shoulder, "I know our parting isn't that good but do you know now why we sent you there?"
It was hard admitting but after nights and weeks of reflecting and because of that adorable kid, Fritz, I gave it some thoughts. Lessons are learned the hard way, it shouldn't need to be shove in your mouth.
It's learned in the process.
"Yes po," I answered and sighed, "I shouldn't have scolded the kids. I'm sorry, My. Sorry po at naging mapangmata ako. I have apologized already to Sol and Fritz, if I get home, I promise, I'll reach out to the kids and apologize." I said genuinely.
Bumigat ang dibdib ko, iniisip kung bakit ako gano'n nitong nakaraan. Kung anong mayro'n sa utak ko.
Hell, I even gave Solomon the damn money. Fuck, he's just kind enough to let me through his anger and Fritz...
"I-I'm just tired, I guess?" I looked at the camera again to glance at my family, "but I know it's not enough reason to act that way. Pasensya na po."
"Mistakes are part of life, Sib," Kuya said behind them. "What's important is you'll learn from it and avoid making it again in the future." Natahimik siya at biglang nagkatinginan sila ni Dad sabay sabi ng ohhh at tawa.
"Kita mo 'yon, Dad? Mr. Universe!" he exclaimed proudly.
"Shit, anak talaga kita!" Dad exclaimed loudly sabat apir kay Kuya, "sa akin talaga kayo nagmanang mga perfect!"
"Yes, perfect and gorgeous family!" Zire exclaimed.
"Saan na ang korona?!" Kuya exclaimed at nag-ingay na sila ni Dad.
"Anong korona?" I heard Kuya Macky's voice somewhere, "hoy, Zion, inabandona mo rito 'yong hotdog mong sunog!"
"Ay!" Kuya's smile vanished at nagkukumahog na sinuot ang shirt niya sabay salisi at nagkatinginan kami ni Mom at sabay na napabuntonghininga.
They're hopeless. But I love this hopeless family so much...
I would trade everything just so I could keep my family intact and happy.
Dad is being his loud self again and I admit I missed it, I missed him. Dad may be loud and annoying at times because of his big mouth but that makes him Zeijan. Everyone says he's the family's sunshine and he's a great father for us.
Iniyabang niya ako sa kina Tito na tumutulong kina Tita na mag-ayos sa kusina para sa pagkain mamayang gabi sa pool party.
"Naku, Sibyl, bukambibig kang palagi niyang Tatay mo. Araw-araw." Tito Thorn said, sumilip sa camera kaya ngumiti ako.
"S'yempre, miss na miss," Tito Iñigo looked at me too. "Hey, anak, you doing great there? How's Mom and Dad?"
"Doing great po," I said, "we went to perya last night, Tito."
"Wow, bukas na ulit?" he asked and I nodded. "We gotta go there soon and check it out. Miss na miss ka niyang Tatay mo, puro Sibyl pretty ghourl ang sinasabi."
"Tss, Kuya Raf, binubuko ako!" Dad pouted when he looked at the camera. "Tutal naman okay na 'yong pretty ghourl ko ro'n, sunduin ko na ba?"
"I'm doing fine here, Dy." I said and sipped on my coffee.
"Parang nanghihina kasi ako kapag kulang 'yong mga magaganda sa bahay," Dad sighed painfully, "parang may kulang sa perfection."
"Gago," humalakhak si Tito Dash na nakayakap kay Tita Reah na kumaway sa akin, nahahagip sa camera ni Dad. "Sila lang maganda, ikaw pangit."
"Hindi ko hinihingi ang opinyon mo, Dash-beybe," Dad rolled his eyes. "Nagbago na isip ko kaagad, uwi ka na rito, ganda ko." Bumaling siya sa akin kaya natigilan na ako.
No, ayoko.
"I'm pretty fine here, Dad," I answered and looked around, realizing new environment isn't bad at all. Less stress sa media tapos nandito si... Sol.
"Huh? Sabi ni Dad sinabi mo raw na gusto mo ng umuwi?" he looked so nervous, "papadala na akong chopper diyan—"
"No'ng nakaraan 'yon, 'di na ngayon. No, Dad," umiling ako. "I wanna stay for a while, 'di ko pa naiikot ang buong rancho, eh."
"Ah..." mukha siyang nakahinga na, "bale kapag naikot mo na, uuwi ka na?"
Napaisip ako sabay kibit-balikat, "we'll see pa."
"What?! Pretty ghourl, don't you miss me?!" he exclaimed loudly.
I stared at him intently, enjoying his nervousness with my silence.
"Pretty ghourl! 'Di mo ba nami-miss si Daddy Pogi?!" he blurted.
I shrugged playfully and smirk. His jaw dropped at narinig ko ang halakhakan nina Tito roon.
"Oohhh! Aray! Pighati, Zeijan Ruais!"
"Iiwan na 'yan! Iiwan na 'yan!" my uncles chanted teasingly.
"Gago, yari! Ayaw na umuwi! Ikaw kasi!" humalakhak si Tito Dash sa likod niya, "wawa, Zeijan-beybe, ayaw na uwian ni pretty ghourl—"
"Reah-tot, inaaway ako, oh!" sumbong ni Dad kay Tita Reah na natatawang tinakpan lang ang bibig ni Tito.
"Dash..." Tita Reah called out my uncle.
"H'wag n'yo ngang bibigyan ng ideya 'tong maganda kong anak! Uuwi 'to, 'di ba, Sib? Iikutin mo lang rancho, 'di ba? Sabihan mo 'ko nang mapadalhan ka ng chopper d'yan. Kumusta ang experience mo sa palengke? Inaalagaan ka ba ni Solomon?"
Actually, Dad, jinowa ko na 'yong bantay ko...
I cleared my throat.
Hindi na 'to ang Sibyl na kilala mo. 'Di ko na rin kilala sino 'to, Dad.
"Yeah, uhm, I enjoyed the palengke experience even if it's smelly. Marunong na akong magkaliskis ng fish!" I exclaimed proudly.
"Edi mas lalong perfect ka na niyan?" tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya, "paano na 'yan? Wala na, talo na kayo! Marunong na magkaliskis ng isda ang Sibyl ko!" he exclaimed proudly.
It was fun talking to my family again after quite some time. It's been a while when I last saw them and I admit, I missed them. Si Adi o Zire lang kasi ang madalas kong ka-chat o katawagan.
I smelled something delicious. My stomach growled, napahawak ako sa tiyan at natantong gutom na.
"Gutom na ang anghel," my eyes wandered around and caught Solomon's black ones.
"Hey," I called, my heart's been beating with familiarity again now that I saw him. "Kanina ka pa?"
He chuckled a little, holding a tray.
"Katatapos ko lang tumulong do'n tapos naalala kong wala sina Ma'am kaya dinalhan kitang pagkain. Masarap 'to." Aniya at naglakad palapit.
I watched him walking towards me with his usual shirt, kulay green iyon ngayon at itim ang pantalon niyang yakap na yakap sa muscles.
He smelled great and fresh, napansin kong may patubong bigote siya kaya napalabi ako at ngumuso. He placed the tray in the table in front of me and my eyes glistened with my growling starving tummy.
"What's that?"
"Kaldereta ni Nanay pero ako nagluto. Special para sa Sibyl ko," ngisi niya at tumindig ang balahibo ko nang tumabi siya sa akin sa duyan sabay hawak sa baywang ko. "Magandang tanghali pala," sabay halik niya sa pisngi ko kaya natulala ako't nakuyom ang kamay.
Sibyl, kumalma ka. Hindi tayo kaladkarin!
"G-Good noon," tikhim ko at inilapit ang mukha sa tray. "Mukhang masarap. Kumain ka na? Si Fritz, nasaan?"
"Nasa bahay, may ginagawang assignment." Sagot niya, "kumain ka na, ayos lang ako. Makita lang kita busog na ako."
I looked at him and glared. He grinned.
Shit. Ang gwapo mo, Solomon.
"C-Corny mo," bulong ko sabay tampal sa kanya.
Humahalakhak, tinulungan niya akong tanggalin ang plato sa tray, ang mga braso namin ay dikit na dikit pa rin habang nakaupo.
"Ito, oh, gulaman. Masarap 'to. H'wag kang puro kape at baka bigla mo na lang akong gawing instant asawa."
"Ikaw talaga!" I hissed but he only chuckled.
"Joke lang, pero kain na mahal na prinsesa."
I smiled excitedly, never in my life someone who got involved with me romantically ever offered me a home-made food.
I caught birds flying and felt sad because they were gone. Biglang sumipol si Sol, napasulyap ako sa direksyon niya at kumurap.
"Why are you whistling?"
"Para may ibon," aniya.
"Anong connect?"
"Para makatawag ng ibon, sumisipol," bigla siyang sumipol na muli. "Ganito sa probinsya. Marunong ka ba?"
"Hmm, nope," I shook my head. "Madali lang ba?"
"Oo, try mo." He said, "madali lang. Tip ko sa 'yo, try mo magsabi ng salitang may you sound. Kunwari, two. Tapos 'yong dila mo sa may likod no'ng pang-ibabang ngipin sabay ihip ng hangin."
"Oh!" I got more interested, "will that whistle call the birds, then?"
"Oo," ngisi niya. "Tignan mo."
Muli siyang sumipol at maya-maya'y may lumitaw na iilang ibon kaya napanganga ako at napapalakpak.
"OMG!"
"Try ka," he encouraged with a smile, "medyo mahirap sa umpisa pero masasanay ka kapag nasimulan mo na."
"Okay!" I said competitively, "bale I'm gonna tuck my tongue behind my bottom teeth and say two? Then blow some air gently?"
"Oo," he sounded excited for me too, may naglalarong kung ano sa mata pero 'di ko na pinansin dahil may bago akong pangarap ngayon...ang matutong sumipol.
I did the first step he told me to and puckered my lips like I was pouting.
"Two—" he suddenly caught my face and kissed my puckering lips, leaving my eyes wide open.
My cheeks turned crimson red.
"What the fuck..." bulong ko nang lumayo siya pagkatapos kagatin ang pang-ibabang labi ko bago ngumisi sa akin. "WWwhy did you kiss m-me?! I-I'll call the birds! Why the hell—"
"Tinawag mo nga ako," aniya sabay basa ng labi niya.
"What?!"
"I-I'm a bird?" he suddenly uttered and stood abruptly when he saw my face evolving into a dragon.
"Angel, bakit nagiging demonyita na—"
"Solomon Aecen!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
"I'm a bird! Tweet-tweet!" he exclaimed and raised his hand a little to pretend that he's flying before he ran like a cheetah away from my wrath at humugot ako ng hininga. Natatawa pa na hindi maintindihan, napapapagod na lang na nasapo ang mukha.
I stood and ran after him, chuckling when I caught him because he tripped.
"Joke lang, angel!" humalakhak siya nang mahila ko ang braso niya, "h'wag mo 'kong bugahan ng apoy—" I tiptoed and pressed my lips on his.
He stilled. Lumayo ako at nag-init ang pisngi.
"Ano 'yon..."
"G-Good noon kiss?" I answered shyly. "Well... when you called the birds by whistling, may iba ka pang natawag."
"Hmm... ano?" mukhang wala pa rin siya sa sarili nang napahawak sa siko ko.
"You called that vicious devil up from hell," I can't believe I'm saying such things right now. "You called and made her a sneaky angel, baby."
Umawang ang labi niya. Nahihiyang kinagat ko ang labi, umatras na ang paa para takbuhan ang kahihiyan pero ang bilis niyang nasapo ang pisngi ko at hinuling muli ang labi ko.
I smiled in between our kisses, parting my lips to let him in and tasted the inside of his mouth. Feeling high and energetic upon tasting the caffeine on his tongue, sucking it.
"Ay susmiyo, Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!"
Naramdaman ko ang mahina pero gulat na tampal ni Sol sa pisngi ko matapos ang tunog ng pagkakahulog. Medyo pumaling ang mukha ko at nahulog ang panga.
What the hell, did he just slap my cheek?!
"Hindi kami naghahalikan, Liza!" Sol scolded angrily and my eyes went to the poor Liza with her jaw dropping.
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