Kabanata 15
Kalahati na tayo!!!!! Yeyyyy! Enjoy hehe.
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Kabanata 15 (First Version with Major Chapter Revisions)
"Hala, señoritang-señorita ang get up natin diyan, ah! Saan lakad?" I stopped twisting my slightly curly hair and glanced at Solomon walking beside me.
Tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay. Anong Señoritang get up? I wore my prettiest dress today because I'm meeting his Nanay!
"Oh, nakairap na naman ang anghel," he even noticed, chuckling as he placed his hand on my waist.
Ngumuso ako at tinatamad na magsalita kaya 'di ko na pinatulan. Gutom ako, tamad akong magsalita.
"Alam mo ang ganda mo sana pero suplada ka," he suddenly uttered and I looked at him, annoyed now.
"Alam mo pangit ka na, madaldal ka pa," sabat ko at unti-unti, nakita ko ang pagtigil niya at pag-awang ng labi sa akin.
"Pagkatapos mo 'kong ayaing magpakasal sasabihan mo 'kong pangit?" he looked at me dramatically. I tried maintaining my cold and poker face but the dramatic look on his face made me laugh.
"You idiot," tinapik ko na ang pisngi niya, nagbigay ng saglit na halik at humawak din sa baywang niya. "Napakakulit mo, Solomon. H'wag ka na maingay, nagugutom na 'ko."
He touched the small of my waist more before pulling me closer to his body. Kumapit ako sa shirt niya sa may bandang baywang bago siya nilingon.
"You think your Nanay would like me?" I asked after a while.
"Oo, bakit naman hindi?" he glanced my way and gently pulled my hand and grasped my fingers until it was intertwined with his.
"Nothing, I was just worried," bulong ko at sumulyap sa suot.
It was a silver spaghetti strap top and a white shirt underneath. Naka-maong na palda at sandals, ang buhok ay medyo kinulot para presentable. I even put on some light make up to look pretty.
"Bakit ka mag-aalala?" he chuckled, "ayos lang 'yan, hindi naman mapili si Nanay. Kahit naman 'di ka na mag-ayos, maganda ka pa rin. H'wag ka nga lang magsungit."
"Of course, I'm gonna doll up!" I snapped, "alangang magpakita ako sa Nanay mo na mukha akong palaboy?"
"Palaboy, ikaw?" humalakhak siya, "tss, kahit pagsuotin ka pa nga ng sako ang ganda-ganda pa rin," he announced then stared at me intently.
Napatitig din ako sa kanya. I wanted to be serious but his words are something else I felt my cheeks heated up entirely with his comment.
"Yieee, namumula," he noticed, he even poked my cheek and I looked away. I bit my lower lip and cleared my throat.
"Parang gago," bulong ko pa, napapatawa na kinikilig.
Hell, why am I even acting like a kid anyway? What now?
May bad spirit ata talagang kampon 'tong si Alejo.
Lumayo ako sabay halukay sa bag ko, "saan na ba 'yong alcohol ko," bulong-bulong ko pa at nakisilip din siya.
"Para saan?"
I found my alcohol and lifted it in the air, "pang-alis ng engkanto," sabat ko sabay spray sa kanya nito at ngisi.
Talking to Sol is fun and refreshing. He's one of a kind. I don't like attachment, kaya nga kahit boyfriend ko noon si James ay may distansya ako. I don't bare my soul to someone and give them the chance to get through me and hurt me like what happened before. I don't trust someone that deep anymore, but with Sol... ewan, naeengkanto na nga ata ako.
'Di ba, uso sa probinsya ang mga beliefs sa superstition? Hindi kaya nuno sa punso si Sol?
I eyed him to check if he had some hidden long ears but what I saw was only a sun kissed and drop dead gorgeous knight.
"Alam kong patay na patay ka sa akin, angel, pero h'wag mong papahalata. Lalaki ang ulo ko n'yan." I smacked him, he chuckled huskily and glanced my way, pulling me closer.
"Ang kapal talaga ng apog mo. Hindi naman kagwapuhan? Yabang?"
He gave me a boastful smirk at nang may maisip ay mas kumapit ako sa baywang niya sabay lapit ng labi sa tainga para bumulong.
"But I was curious, baby," I asked. Nilingon niya ako at nang magtama ang ilong ay hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang pagpigil niya ng marahas na paghinga.
"Hmm?" seryoso niyang sabi bago bahagyang lumayo pero hinuli ko siya sabay paraan ng labi pisngi, muling bumubulong.
"Lalaki ang ulo mo kapag pinupuri kita," I mumbled. "Which head, baby? Up with that gorgeous pretty face of yours or that head in between your thighs?"
"Putang ina..." he stiffened. I cackled.
Nahulog na ang panga niya nang lumayo ako at kumindat sa kanya, nagpipigil ng ngisi.
"Sibyl Timothea..." he called impatiently when I walked backwards, training my eyes on him. "Mag-usap nga tayo."
But that bulge in between his pants made me smile wickedly, way to work my charm.
"What kind of talk ba, Sol?" I didn't know what got to me that I was this naughty around him, chuckling while seeing his pissed expression. It was making my heart pound and I was so happy.
"Usap." Mariing sinabi niya.
"Oh, usap?" I whistled, enjoying that there are no other people around but the two of us. "What kind of talk, Sol? That one with words or that one with you in between my legs?"
Namula siya. Napatawa na ako, hindi nahihiya sa sinabi.
"Hindi pa ako nagpapaalam kay Sir Zeijan, Sandejas. H'wag mo akong susubukan." He warned, trying his best to let out that inner beast but I know boys well.
"Kailan ka magpapaalam?" I asked. Naglakad ako pabalik sa kanya at humawak sa baywang niya pero napatalon siya at binigyan ako ng matalim na tingin.
"What?!" I whined.
"Alam ko 'yan. Bawal, Sibyl." Umiling siya.
"Wala naman akong ginagawa?" kunwari'y malungkot kong sabi at hinayaan niya akong yumakap sa baywang niya habang naglalakad kaming dalawa. "Pero kailan ka nga magpapaalam?"
"Kapag uuwi ka na," aniya kaya inangat ko ang tingin sa kanya.
"Uuwi? Ako?" gulat kong tanong, hindi alam pero humapdi ang pakiramdam doon.
"Uuwi ka, 'di ba?" he asked and glanced my way curiously, "alam kong nandito ka saglit para bakasyon at 'yong parusa daw sa 'yo ni Sir."
Pumait ang panlasa ko at suminghap, "ayoko umuwi, dito lang ako."
"Bakit?" takang tanong niya pero muli kong inulit ang tanong ko tungkol sa paalam niya kay Daddy. Inakbayan niya ako at humalik sa buhok ko.
"Sasama ako sa pag-uwi mo sa Maynila, papaalam ako ng personal kina Sir at Ma'am Alyx na liligawan kita."
"Huh?" ngumuso ako, "bakit ka pa magpapaalam na manliligaw, eh, jinowa na kita?"
He chuckled, "alam ko namang patay na patay ka sa akin, angel, pero ano na lang sasabihin ni Sir kapag nalaman niyang ang anak niya ang nanligaw sa akin?"
"Excuse me?!"
He winked handsomely, moistening his lower lip.
"Ako bahala, h'wag kang mag-alala. Nasabi ko na kay Sir at Ma'am Lena na gusto kita. Nangako akong rerespetuhin kita at aalagaan habang nandito. Ipinagkatiwala ka nila sa akin kaya 'di ko sisirain 'yon. Kapag uwi mo, sasama ako para kausapin ang magulang mo. Matatapos na rin naman akong mag-aral, may magandang mga offer pagkatapos. Fortunately, maganda ang grado ko at kapag nakaipon na ako ng malaki at stable na, pwede mo na 'kong ipagmalaki, 'di ba?"
His eyes twinkled in determination. My heart felt warmer that before.
"I'm always proud of you, Sol. You don't need to please me or my family. I would like to introduce you as my boyfriend to my family tho, you have to stay strong. You know my Dad's overreacting with Kuya. He's been hiding and threatening whoever came our way with his fake gun. Don't worry, wala namang bala 'yon pero nga lang, baka magilitan ka ng buhay."
I was amused when the color of his face faded.
"Talaga ba?" napalunok siya, "hindi pa malala 'yong hinabol niya 'ko no'ng hinalikan kita sa mall?"
"Ay, wala lang 'yon. Preview lang." I answered and laughed more with his face.
I saw the visible nervousness in his black eyes but he tilted his head and clenched his jaw.
"Hindi, kaya ko 'yan. Kakayanin." He tapped his chest with determination but glanced my way again and caressed my cheek while he got his arm around me. "Pero mag-aaral pa rin ako ng mabuti. Alam kong hindi naman mapanghusga sina Sir pero s'yempre, gusto kong kahit papaano'y may ibubuga rin ako."
"Sol..."
"Just let me, I want you to be proud of me. I want to be proud of myself, too. Noon pa man gusto ko nang may makamit para kina Nanay at Fritz pero mas lalo lang akong naging determinado dahil sa 'yo." He smiled and held my jaw gently, tilting it before giving me a small kiss.
"I wanted to be something, for you."
Is it possible to fall for someone deeper with just a few words?
I never thought I'd open up myself again with someone other than my friends. I gave them a part of me but I never truly opened it like what I'm doing with Solomon right now.
I am friends with Mila and Leah but not that much. They're my friends in work—during my career and my best and real one will be Adi but now, I have an addition to my small circle. A newer one, Liza. Kahit naman maingay 'yon at madaming tanong sa buhay at malakas ang sigaw kagaya no'ng nakita niya kaming naghahalikan ni Solomon ay hindi ako naiinis.
Kaya ngayon na ganito ako kay Sol ay nakakapanibago pero ni hindi man lang ako binabagabag nito. We were hand in hand while walking. It might be the longest walk to their house ever because we're too slow and talking like teenagers new to a relationship but I liked it.
Very, very much. I never thought my inner child would find peace again like this with him just merely holding hands with me.
Nadaanan namin ang rancho at ang mga trabahador ay abala sa pagpapakain ng kabayo, ang iba ay nasa may taniman namin.
From the nearby view, I could see the mountains. It was sunny but the sunrays did not hurt my skin and in addition, the air is fresh and soothing to the skin.
"Is it possible to roam around here, Sol?" I asked.
"Oo," tango-tango niya at muling sumulyap sa akin. "Kapag wala akong pasok o kaya maaga ang uwi, punta tayo ulit sa perya? 'Di mo ata naikot iyon, ano? Tapos may tiangge sa may malapit sa university tapos p'wedeng umakyat ng bundok, lumangoy doon sa may dagat o sa Kawasan falls?"
"I'd like to try it," I murmured and grasps his hand more, "can I go to your school too? I wanna see what it's like."
Tumitig siya sa akin, his manly features are always enhanced whenever he'd do that. Seryoso pero bakas ang lambing sa mga mata at dahil naka-side view ay kitang-kita ang kanyang jawline.
The side of his lips lifted and suddenly, I was shy.
"U-Uhm, kahit hindi. Okay lang." I smiled a little, "baka bawal ang outsider—"
"P'wede," he held my hand gently before moving his fingers on my palm. "May open house kami sa Agri week. Sama ka."
My heart jumped in excitement, "does it have booths or something? Or a program, perhaps?" halos magliwanag ang mata ko roon.
"Yep," he nodded, popping the p. "Matutuwa ka ro'n."
Medyo malayo pala ang bahay nila rito, I was wondering how could Fritz run around the area without getting lost and realized it afterwards.
Oo nga naman, Sib. Lumaki si Fritz sa probinsya kaya talagang kabisado niya.
"Angel, may gusto sana akong sabihin sa 'yo," Sol said, his tone's a bit unsure and so, I made my lifted my tone to cheer him up for whatever's been bothering it.
"Hmm?" I shot my brow up, "what is it? Na crush na crush mo 'ko? Baka mamaya niyan naghahanap ka na ng simbahan sa kasal, ah?"
"Paano kung oo?" he asked me back, I froze.
Nag-iinit ang pisngi ko at sinuntok siya. Narinig ko ang baritonong tawa niya habang hinihila ako pabalik sa katawan niya.
"Solomon!" I hissed, pouting. "A-Anong napili mo? Tingin nga ng list?"
He burst out laughing, I did too. our laughter filled the echoes and the whistling of the winds, the birds even sang with it.
Oh, God. Do I even deserve this happiness? I'm afraid feeling it if it'll get taken away. Please, don't. Don't take this happiness away.
"Hindi ko akalain talagang may ganyang ugali ang maldita kong señorita. Akala ko dragon, may unicorn pala sa loob..."
"Limited edition 'to, swerte mo!" I smacked him again, he chuckled and caught my palm with his fingers, bringing it on his lips for a kiss.
"Sa sunod ko na ipapakita sa 'yo kapag may sapat na pera na 'ko," he said, "sisiguraduhin kong magandang-maganda para sa 'yo."
"Siguraduhin mo 'yan, ah?" I can't help but smile. "Naku, kapag yumaman ka na baka magkalimutan tayo! Sisingilin talaga kita sa listahan mo ng simbahan."
"I will," tumango siya.
"Tss, ipapa-record ko 'yan sa 'yo mamaya para may ebidensya ako. Naku, kapag hindi talaga yari ka sa akin. Ayaw ko pa naman sa sinungaling." I smirked, lifting my head to see his reaction but my face fell when I saw a glint on his eyes.
Nawala ng bahagya ang kislap doon at napuno ng hindi mabasang ekspresyon—nalilito? Nasasaktan? Natatakot? Hindi ko alam.
"Sol?" I called, "are you okay?"
"Huh? Ah, oo..." maliit siyang ngumiti sabay halik sa buhok ko.
"What is it you're saying earlier? You wanna talk about?"
"Sa susunod na lang," aniya at muling humalik sa buhok ko, humugot ng malalim na hininga.
We walked in comfortable silence.
Bigla naming nasalubong ang baboy kaya nagulat ako. Pagkatapos niya akong amuyin ay nagtungo siya kay Sol na binuhat din si Pookie na parang tuta sa braso niya, tahimik. It was such an adorable piglet and I can't wait for Ate Crest to say yes to my request. She likes sewing and designing but she rarely does it.
Puro customized kasi ang panyo ng Ate at no'ng nalaman kong siya ang gumagawa no'n at 'di lang sinasabi sa iba ay naging interesado at kinakausap siya tungkol doon dati pa man. I can notice her aloof at times when I was asking about her designs and I was confused why pero 'di ako nagtanong.
I just hope she'll definitely say yes to Pookie's clothes since she asked for the pig's size!
Napasinghap ako nang muntik nang mapatid. Mabilis naman akong nahatak ni Sol papalapit kaya 'di natuluyan at napatingin sa kanya.
"Ayos ka lang?" he asked and I nodded, inalalayan niya akong patayo bago kami muling naglakad papunta sa kanila.
Halo ang kaba at excitement habang naglalakad kami papalapit sa kanila. Sa tapat ng malaking plantation ng pamilya ay naroon ang mga kabahayan. Magkakalapit ang mga bahay at plywood ang gamit. This looks like a typical bahay kubo but a newer version in this case.
Mukha ngang kabisado ni Pookie dahil pagkakita pa lang niya at umalis na siya sa braso ni Sol at nagtatatakbo papunta sa bahay.
"Pookie!" Fritz went out of the house to welcome the pig and carried it before looking at us, "Kuya! Ate!"
I smiled, habang papalapit ay mas humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Sol.
"Kinakaban ka?" he asked. I frowned. Mabilis ko siyang nilingon at dali-daling napailing.
"Hindi, ah," I answered back coldly, "why would I be nervous?"
"Bakit kanina?" tumawa siya, "sabi mo kinakabahan ka—"
"I was just worried," I snapped, "I'm not nervous, Sol. That's two different things."
Hindi na niya ako nasagot dahil wala pa kami sa mismong pintuan nila ay may lumabas na mga tao mula roon, nagtatawanan.
I looked at them and realized they're familiar.
"Peter?" Sol called and the group stopped from laughing and glanced our way. Natahimik din sila, ang pamilyar na babaeng nakikitawa roon ay nanahimik at tinitigan ako pagkakita.
"Oh, Sol, pare!" Peter called.
Gulat din ako at natigilan pero nang mahuli ang tingin niya'y dali-daling umayos ng tayo. I tilted my chest up with my chest out to boost my confidence more and because I am charismatic, napansin ko kaagad ang nakangangang mga kasama niya. Ang iba sa kanila'y ngayon ko lang nakita.
"Oh, kasama mo pala ang magandang girlfriend!" Peter said in amazement after a while.
Oh, your mouth, boys. I know I'm pretty and charismatic pero h'wag naman masyadong pahalatang naglalaway—
"Halikan mo nga 'ko," mabilis akong napalingon kay Sol at namilog ang mata.
"Huh?" I asked.
"Kiss," he whispered again, only the two of us could hear kaya nagtataka man ay dali-dali akong nagpatak ng halik sa labi niya.
"Bakit?" I asked on his lips after giving him a small kiss but he didn't answer me and possessively wrapped his arms on the small part of my waist.
"Girlfriend?" ani no'ng isang lalaki na naglakad palapit sa amin, "may girlfriend na si Sol?"
"Oo," tawa ni Peter sabay turo sa akin. "Si Sibyl, tama ba? Sibyl Sandejas?"
I nodded briefly and looked at the crowd with a very small smile. I don't think it was even a smile. Parang nakataas lang ata ang gilid ng labi ko.
"Oh? Sibyl? Sandejas?" the man asked, "'yong ballerina?"
I was shocked, alright. I was here in Sta. Monica for a while and no one knew who I was other than being a Sandejas! They didn't know I'm a famous ballerina and I am a star! I really thought they have no T.V. around!
Well, except Nash but he grew up in States so... of course it wasn't shocking anymore.
"You knew me?" namamanghang tanong ko sabay hawak sa dibdib.
"Oo," he laughed. "Ikaw 'yong anak ni Alyx Sandejas, hindi ba? 'Yong artista?" he asked and I nodded with a smile.
"Ay, weh?" Peter blurted out and stared at me. "Ay, hala! Kaya pala magkamukha!" he gasped, "noong nakaraan ko pa sinasabi sa kanila na may kahawig kang artista pero 'di naman makuha ng mga gungong na 'to! Tinanong ko nga rin si Sol kasi nga ang ganda mo tapos—"
"Bakit ba kayo nandito?" Sol's impatient voice stopped everyone.
"Uh, naiwan mo 'yong shirt mo sa 'kin," Emma answered—who I didn't notice was here until she spoke—the smile on my lips vanished.
Shirt? What shirt?
Bumigat ang pakiramdam ko. I was so annoyed I suddenly want to go but Sol held my waist firmly, stopping me from going.
"Thanks, Emma," he answered seriously, "nakuha na rin ba nila Peter 'yong Agri shirt nila?"
Napakurap ako bigla at napasinghap ng mahina.
"Huh?" Emma asked.
"'Yong Agri shirt nila Peter o no'ng iba, nakuha na? Pasensya na at naiwan ko sa faculty 'yong akin." He said.
Oh... Agri shirt.
The fuck, Sib. You're overreacting!
"Pero seryoso nga, si Sibyl?" the man earlier asked again, looking at me with amazement before glancing back at Sol. "Girlfriend mo—"
"Fiancée," he corrected.
Sabay-sabay kaming napasinghap, eksaherada kong nilingon si Sol na parang wala lang na sumagot at siniko.
"What?" natatawang nilingon pa niya ako pagkatapos dumaing at humawak sa tiyan niya.
"Anong sinasabi mo?" I asked the moment I moved closer to him and whispered.
"Bakit? Ulyanin ka na ba? 'Di ba kanina, nag-propose ka sa 'kin—" kinurot ko na sa tagiliran.
Oh, geez! I did ask him to marry me earlier. The hell, Sib! Hindi ka na talaga dalagang Filipina! Zeijan Ruais would be so disappointed!
"Aray!" he growled and touched his waist, looking at me with his wide eyes, a ghost of smile's still written on his lips. "Totoo naman—"
"Yes, I'm his girlfriend," I told the man instead to shut Solomon up before glancing at the lady who's been looking at me sharply for a while now.
Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, kumunot ang noo niya at mas tumalim ang tingin sa akin bago pasimpleng umirap.
Oh, wow? Really, huh?
I really don't like Emma's guts. I find it so weird getting mad at someone for a boy. But then, I realized Sol is that man. I am competitive, simulan mo, Emma at tatapusin kita.
The devil Sibyl laughed inside my head with her all-black gown and gloves with her background on fire.
"Baby, I'm hungry," I suddenly said in a sweet voice, nagkumapit ako sa braso ni Sol na kaagad akong binalingan.
"Tara na," he said and touched my waist gently, as if comforting me. "Pasok na tayo at gutom na ang anghel ko."
"Ohh! Hulog na hulog!" sigawan ng dalawang lalaki roon sa gilid, nagulat sa sinabi pero ngumisi lang si Sol at nagkibit-balikat sabay angkin ulit sa tiyan ko.
"Sorry, may nanalo na," yabang niya pa sabay ngisi at alalay sa akin papasok pero ang mata ko'y nakatuon sa babaeng natulala at halos saksakin ako ng tingin niya.
I glanced at Sol and tilted my face a bit to kiss his cheek, "thanks, baby," mahinang sabi ko sabay baling sa babae at pakita ng nagyayabang na ngiti.
She frowned and almost turned to a dinosaur, making me laugh internally.
Huh! Ako pa babanggain mo? If bitch ka, ako super bitch!
Pero nawala ang confidence na iyon nang pumasok kami sa bahay nila Sol. Humiwalay siya saglit nang takbuhin ako ni Fritz.
"Takbo ka nang takbo, Fritzy," paalala ko, "I told you not to run, right? Paano kung nadulas ka riyan?"
"Sorry po, Ate!" she said, still smiling sabay hawak sa kamay ko. "Tara po, Ate! Papakilala po kita kay Nanay po!"
My heart pounded erratically and nervously this time.
I was hesitant and conscious about everything, hinuli ko pa ang tingin ni Sol habang hinihila ako ni Fritz pero tinanguan niya lang ako sabay lapit at akbay.
"H'wag kang masyadong kabahan," he said, "magugustuhan ka naman no'n kasi medyo may itsura ka naman." Ngumisi siya.
Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata, "you thick-faced idiot—" but my voice faded when I saw an old woman in front of me.
Bigla akong napaayos ng tayo, mabilis kong tinanggal ang braso ni Sol sa balikat at tumikhim.
"G-Good noon, Ma'am," I greeted formally. "I'm Sibyl."
Hindi niya ako sinagot, she just stared at me intently and my heart pounded.
I remembered that time in the market when he shot me with that look. It was scary and it made me nervous but seeing it now again this close, I'm terrified.
Oh, God. I knew it. I'm right! She didn't like me!
Paano na kami nito ni Sol? Ayaw sa akin ng Nanay niya tapos nasa wanted list siya ni Daddy kapag nalaman niyang naglalandian kami ng bantay ko!
Is there really no happiness for me?
Bigla kong natantong baka naka-resting bitch face ako kaya dali-dali akong ngumiti para ipakitang mabait talaga ako.
Sumulyap siya bigla kay Sol, pabalik sa akin at parang lalabas na ang puso ko sa kaba kaya mas lumaki pa ang ngiti ko, pinapakita pa ang mapuputing ngipin para makombinse siya pero 'di ko inaasahan ang susunod na nangyari.
She bit her lower lip, muli siyang tumingin kay Sol at parang nag-freeze ang ngiti ko nang napahagalpak sila ng tawa ng sabay.
"N-nakakatuwa naman itong k-kasintahan mo, Sol!" she exclaimed and Sol's been laughing his ass out while I was just freezing like a statue.
"Angel, smile lang, 'di sinabing maging Joker," he suddenly commented and my mouth parted at that.
"Ano? Anong Joker—"
"Ang awkward po ng smile mo po, Ate. Like Joker po? Ganito po kalaki," Fritz suddenly said and then showed me an awkward smile and extended her finger up her cheek. "Creepy po."
She giggled. Hindi naman magkamayaw ng tawa si Solomon, akala mo'y malalagutan na ng hininga habang tumatawa. His Nanay's been laughing too pero nang makita akong tulala sa kanila ay biglang umayos at tikhim.
"Hoy, Solomon!" she hissed, biglang binatukan niya ito bago sumulyap sa akin.
"S-Sorry po," I cleared my throat. My cheeks heating up while looking at her. "Is it creepy—"
"Naku, hindi, hija!" she gasped, "wala 'yon, ito lang kasing si Sol—siniko niya ang huli—may pagkakalog lang 'yong utak pero wala naman. Natuwa lang ako kasi ang ganda mo pa rin kahit gano'n 'yong ngiti."
Pero mas nahiya lang ako. My cheeks burned more and when I looked at Sol, namumula ang mukha niya kakatawa.
I bit my lower lip. I gulped harshly and embarrassment for what I did that I covered my face with my palms.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to..." Sol pulled me for a hug. Humahalakhak pa siya habang inaalo at pilit na tinatanggal ang kamay ko sa mukha.
"Wala 'yon, angel," he chuckled, "nakakatuwa ka lang—"
"I looked like an idiot," I said in a whispered, "I'm shy—"
"Shh, hindi nga," tumawa siya nang mahila nang tuluyan ang kamay kong nakatakip na sa mukha ay sinapo na ang pisngi ko.
"I'm embarrassing," I told him anyway and he only laughed. When I tried lowering my face again, embarrassed because he could see me this way, he didn't let me.
Inangat niyang muli ang mukha ko hanggang sa nagkatitigan na kami.
"Ayos lang," aniya sabay pisil sa pisngi ko, "ang cute mo nga, eh, 'di ba, Nay?" he glanced at his Nanay. She nodded and smiled, gone was her scary aura.
"Oo, hija, ayos lang," she said, "nakakatuwa ka nga, eh."
"Sorry po," I said, "do I looked weird?"
"Hindi, ah!" iling-iling niya bago inilahad ang kamay sa akin. "Ang ganda-ganda mo nga, ewan ko ba at bakit mo pinatulan iyang si Solomon—"
"Nanay, sinasabotahe mo na naman ako..." he warned and that's when I smirked. Tinulak ko si Sol palayo bago sumulyap sa huli at ngumiti.
"Hindi ko nga rin po alam bakit," I answered, "baka may kilala po kayong nanggagayuma?"
She laughed, I can hear Sol's whimpers of dismay but I didn't look at him. Para namang may kumurot sa puso ko nang hilahin ako ng Nanay niya para sa isang yakap.
I froze. I was not used of other people hugging me but her presence screams warmth and motherly affection. Unti-unti'y niyakap ko siyang pabalik.
She likes me? Oh, she's not mad about what happened before?
"Naku, hija at ang bango-bango mo! Pasensya na at amoy akong pawis, nagluto kasi ako." She grinned, "ay, hindi ko pa pala naipapakilala ang sarili ko. Ako si Evelyn, Lola ako nitong dalawang makulit na 'to." Turo niya sa dalawa.
"It's okay lang po. I'm Sibyl," I introduced again and moved away when she did, "thank you for inviting me po, Ma'am."
"Naku, wala iyon! Atsaka h'wag na Ma'am! Masyado ka namang pormal. Nanay na lang ang itawag mo sa akin, hija!" she shook her head, her eyes resembling Sol and Fritz and she looked so genuine and kind.
I smiled a little.
Nanay...
"Talagang sinabi ko riyan kay Sol na dalhin ka rito at ipakilala, hindi kasi 'ko naniniwalang girlpren ka niyan." She uttered.
"Oh?" sumulyap ako kay Sol na nakabusangot na roon, nakasandal siya sa may pader ng kusina nila habang buhat-buhat si Fritz sa isang braso. Medyo nakahalukipkip si Sol at napailing ako nang makitang ginaya iyon ni Fritz.
I smiled secretly, seeing how they are the carbon copy of each other. Blazing black eyes and beautiful faces. Adorable.
"Ayaw kasi maniwala ni Nanay, sabi ko nga ikaw ang nanligaw—" pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata kaya napaubo ang loko at hinalikan si Fritz sa pisngi. "Nanay nga kasi, girlfriend ko nga si Sibyl. Grabe ka sa akin, wala ka bang tiwala sa alindog ko?"
"Alindog-alindog ka diyan," umirap si Nanay, "pahabol na lang kita kaya sa dog diyan sa labas. Oh, siya, asikasuhin mo si Sibyl at bigyan ng pagkain! Nakapagpaalam ka na ba sa mga Sandejas na niligawan mo ito?"
Nagkatinginan kami ni Sol at umiling siya, "hindi pa nga, Nay, eh. Pero papaalam ako, sabihin ko kay Sir Zeij sinagot ko na ang anak niya."
My jaw dropped. Si Nanay naman ay napasinghap din at magpapaliwanag sana ako sa kanya pero 'di ko pa man nabubuka ang bibig ay lumipad na ang tsinelas sa ere at tumama sa paa ni Sol na humahalakhak doon. Tuwang-tuwa sa kalokohan niya.
Fritz went to her Nanay and helped her. Sinabihan naman kami roon na lang sa sala kaya halos tirisin ko na si Sol noong palabas kami.
"Ikaw!" I hissed and pinched his waist but he caught my shoulders and pulled me closer to his body.
"Joke lang, angel. Ikaw naman masyadong mainitin ang ulo." Tawa pa niya sabay halik sa ulo ko. I pouted, was about to breathe fire and hiss at him but noticed a sharp glare again from that lady.
Saan na ba si Liza nang may kasama akong pulbusin ang mata ng babaeng 'to? Ayokong nakikipag-away at nagsasayang ng laway sa mga taong hindi importante pero nakaasar talaga ang mata niyang umiikot.
Kailangan ko na ba tumawag ng pari para ipabasbas ito?
I raised my brow and placed my hand comfortably on his waist and stopped pinching him. Naglalambing na idinanday ko rin ang ulo sa may bandang dibdib niya habang naglalakad papunta sa upuan at nakangiti pa habang nakikita ang nanggagalaiting tingin ni Emma.
Inalalayan niya akong paupo. I wanted to protest dahil sa tabi talaga no'ng babae pero 'di na lang nagsalita. I don't want to be rude. Well, at least I'm trying not to.
Ang kulang kasi sa akin ay pasensya noon pa man and slowly, even if the people in this world irritates and annoys me, I have to learn and be patient.
"Bakit ba kayo napadpad dito?" Sol asked his friends who was busy chatting.
"Ah, kasi nga naiwan mo ang Agri shirt mo." Matt said, "ihahatid lang sana namin kaso nagtawag si Nanay at may pagkain. Sino ba naman kami para tumanggi sa biyaya?"
Sol laughed with them. One thing I noticed about him is that, he's always friendly. He has the shiny glint on his eyes everytime. He was always loud and jolly. He can be serious but he's a chatty type of man.
Naalala ko nga sa bibig niya ang Dad at Kuya. Those two talks nonstop while I was the quiet one in the family. Overload na nga ang kaingayan nila at ayaw ko na magdagdag ng panibago pero...
I glanced at Sol smirking handsomely while talking to his friends but his palm is on my leg, placing it there territorially.
If it's Sol who's gonna talk nonstop too, I don't mind.
I slowly reached for Sol's hand on my leg. My fingers crawled into it at unti-unti, isiniksik ko ang mga daliri sa pagitan ng kanya.
I thought he won't notice but he even moved his hand until his palms are meeting mine. Mabilis niyang pinagsaklop ang daliri namin at parang wala lang na dinala sa labi niya para sa mabilis na halik.
"Hoy, kita ko 'yon!" the other man exclaimed and we both stopped.
"Gago, h'wag n'yong pansinin. Nahihiya ang anghel ko," he even said and closed my eyes tightly and hid my face on Sol's shoulder when they began teasing.
What is even happening to me? Why am I suddenly comfortable with this place when in the first place, I didn't like it that much before? Is it really the place or...the person?
Am I in love?
Oh, oh, Sibyl. Don't get there this fast. You still have a lot to work on. You have to talk to Mila and Leah to stop whatever is it they're trying to make me feel guilty of. Mila's bugging me everyday about my progress that I was so annoyed I log my messenger off.
"Kuhanan kitang pagkain, anong gusto mo?" isang bulong at mabilis na halik sa pisngi ko ay napabaling ako kay Sol. "Tapos na raw 'yong pagkain, kuhanan kita."
"Anything," I answered. "Basta masarap, ah? May lumpia ba? May specialty kayo?"
"Gumawa ata si Nanay ng suman," he said and stood. "Dito ka lang, kuhaan kita ng pagkain,"
He left after saying it, sumunod ang mga kaibigan niya and it gave me some time to take a look at their humble home. Small unlike our large mansion but it has a homey vibe.
Mula sa living room ay kita kaagad ang kusina nilang natatakpan lang ng kurtina, sa gilid ay may hagdan papaakyat sa saktong laking second floor kung nasaan panigurado ang kanilang kwarto. Miski ang hagdanan ay gawa sa parang kawayan na pininturahan, hinaharangan lang iyon ng cabinet at sa tabi ay may lumang T.V. and I don't think this is working since maalikabok na ang itsura.
And people looked happy living like this. Aren't they bored? No parties? No mall? Vacation? Netflix?
Pero muling bumalik sa utak ko ang sinabi ni Sol sa akin noon. Na hindi lang naman umiikot sa ang kasiyahan ng buhay sa mga bagay na iyon. Isa pa, marami raw view dito sa Sta. Monica na hindi ko pa nakikita.
I watched how Sol smirked with his friend's remarks. May hawak siyang plato at naglalagay ng pagkain doon, si Fritz ay nakatayo sa gilid niya, hila-hila pa rin si Pookie.
He gave the plate to his little sister before smiling. He brushed her hair a little before saying something at nakita kong tumango-tango si Fritz at lapit sa akin habang hawak ang plato.
"Hi, Ate! P'wede po akong magtabi sa 'yo po?" she asked.
"Why not?" I tapped the space beside me, "come here, sit."
I assisted her in sitting, nang masigurado kong ayos na siya ay muli akong sumulyap sa may pwesto ni Sol na kumukuha na muli ng pagkain. Emma is talking to him and it's fine with because she's a friend but I don't like it whenever I see her being so touchy.
She kept on pushing her body towards Sol, medyo lumalayo naman ang boyfriend ko at maliit na ngingiti pero hindi talaga siya papatalo.
"Fritz, you know where your Ate Liza is?" tanong ko habang inaalalayan si Fritzy sa plato niyang mas malaki pa sa kamay niyang maliit.
"Punta po kasi sa Bayan si Ate Liza, Ate." She smiled, "tatawag namin kanina kaso alis daw po siya, kapag maaga daw po makauwi punta siya dito."
I nodded, smiling. Inilagay ko ang buhok ni Fritzy sa likod ng kanyang tainga bago siya pinagmasdan.
Sol's mini me version. But a girl one.
"Nakalimutan ko pa lang magpakilala. Harry." Nawala ang tingin ko sa dalawa nang may kamay na lumitaw sa tapat ng mukha ko.
My forehead creased and looked at him and realized it was the only man who knew me here.
"Oh," I smiled faintly, "nice meeting you, Harry. Sibyl," I said and accepted his hand.
"Wow, ang lambot ng kamay mo, ah?" he even squeezed it, "gano'n talaga siguro kapag taga-Maynila? Saan ako nagkakilala ni Sol? Sa Maynila?"
I gently pulled my hand from his grip and nodded, "yeah, he visited our house," sagot ko at muling tumingin sa dalawa doon. "Excuse me," paalam ko pero patuloy pa rin siya sa pagsasalita.
"Sa bagay, kakilala ng pamilya n'yo si Sol, ano? Ang alam ko kasi siya ang nag-aasikaso sa may plantation at rancho—" I didn't get to hear his next words because I left.
"Plano namin maligo sa Kawasan," I heard her said, "tara, Sol, sama ka. Paturo akong lumangoy—" I marched towards the table, inangat ko ang kamay ko sabay hawi at lusot sa gitna nila sabay tingin ko kay Sol.
"Baby, I want lumpia," I told him with a smile, ang nakaangat kong kamay na pinanghawi ay basta ko na lang isinuklay sa buhok na parang wala lang sabay lingon sa babae.
"Ay, OMG. I'm so sorry, you're here pala?" malambing kong sabi sabay ngiti ng malamig pero sumimangot lang siyang lalo at iritadong umalis.
"Naughty angel," a grip on my waist stopped me. I felt Sol's warm breath fanning my ear kaya iritado ko na siyang nilingon.
"Oh?"
"Bakit?" tumawa siya, "bakit mainit na naman ang ulo mo? Selos ka?" sabay ngisi niya ng nang-aasar.
"Jerk," nag-iwas ako ng tingin at tumikhim sabay turo ng nakita kong ulam. "What's this? Is this yummy?"
"Ah, tortang talong." He said, "tapos ito 'yong tuyo. Masarap 'to, kain ka."
I watched him filled my plate with variety of kinda familiar foods but I haven't tasted any of it. Ang alam ko'y may ganito kaming ulam sa bahay pero hindi ako tumitikim.
"Could I even eat something from it?" I inquired and pointed the tuyo. "It looks...dunno, weird? May laman ba 'yan? Bakit ang payat?"
"Dried fish 'yan kasi," tumawa siya sabay kuha ng fried rice. "Masarap 'to, promise. Lalo na kapag isasawsaw mo sa suka na may sili? Mapapa-sheyt ka pa."
"Uh-hmm," I licked my lip and took the tongs to get some lumpia there. "You know my brother loves this so much."
"Ah, lumpia?" he asked and I nodded, "may sariwa din nito. Masarap lalo na kapag may sauce, hayaan mo at gagawan kita tapos may mga tuhog-tuhog doon sa may perya tapos stall ng street foods. Kakain tayo."
"Is it clean?"
"Hmm," he shrugged kaya umawang na ang labi ko at hinampas na siya. "Why would you feed me a dirty—"
"Hindi 'yon dirty, hindi rin sobrang linis pero h'wag kang mag-alala, 'di ka naman mamamatay." Aniyang parang wala lang eh, halos lumuwa na nga ang mata ko.
"Ikaw talaga, Solomon!" Nanay suddenly appeared, smiling. "Naku, hija. Hayaan mo na itong apo ko at h'wag intindihan. Nakakain kasi ito ng tae sa diaper no'ng maliit."
"Nanay!"
"Really?" I covered my mouth and laughed loudly, "oh, maybe that is why you're like that?!" sabay turo ko sa kanya.
"Bakit? Ano bang mayro'n?"
"Before, my Mommy told us," kwento ko sa kanya at kay Nanay, "na when we were kids, Kuya Zy once did almost ate a poo and he turned out like—tinuro ko si Sol—exactly like this when he grew up."
Sol's mouth dropped. Napatawa naman ng malakas si Nanay sabay tapik sa pisngi ng apo.
"Ayan! May katapat ka na!" she said adoringly then looked at me, "naku, hija. Gusto ko iyang ugali mo. Sige lang at alaskahin mo lang itong si Solomon at napakasutil!"
Sol was just looking at her, looking so hurt and betrayed.
"Nanay, akala ko ba pamilya tayo dito? Apo mo 'ko, ah—"
"Hays naku, lumabas ka na roon at kumain na kayo ng girlpren mo! Maghahatid pa ako ng ulam sa mga nagsasaka ngayon at tanghali na." She snapped sabay ngiti sa akin. "Kumain ka ng mabuti, anak, ah? Talagang dinamihan ko ang luto ngayon at nagpapabida itong apo kong girlpren na niya ng first lov—"
"Tara na, Sib," I didn't get to hear her next words because Sol dragged me out of there, blushing hard and clearing his throat.
Hindi ko na siya kinulit pa, nakasalubong pa namin si Fritz na patakbong papasok sa kusina at may gagawin ata kaya sinamahan muna ni Sol. I took the plate instead and walked but my focus are now on Emma.
She was frowning at 'yon na lang ang pagsalubong ng kilay ko nang makitang sinipa niya ang nananahimik na si Pookie sa lapag kaya medyo umiyak.
"Hey!" I called. "Why are you kicking Pookie?"
Everyone looked at me but I didn't care, dire-diretso kong inilapag ang plato ko sa lamesa bago iritadong inabot ang biik sa lapag.
"Bakit hindi?" she asked, "bakit ba kasi may biik dito? Inaamoy ang paa ko—"
"Hugas-hugas din kasi minsan," I blurted out coldly.
I heard clearing of throats at nahuling nagsisikuhan si Peter at Harry, natatawa pa.
"Ano?!" she exclaimed pero tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay at hinanap si Fritz para ibigay ang biik at natagpuan siya sa labas at nakikipag-usap na sa mga kalaro.
Kaya ang ending, ako ang nagbantay kay Pookie habang naroon sa labas. I've been throwing Emma a warning gaze to remind her to think straight and stop being a whining bitch. Ayaw kong pakialaman siya dahil kaibigan niya si Sol pero ang sipain niya si Pookie ay ibang usapan na.
I was quiet the whole time while Pookie's resting just beside my feet, her ribbon's color blue now with a few feathers in it. Nang binalikan ni Fritz si Pookie ay binigyan ko siya ng maliit na garterized headband para kay Pookie na pinasuot niya bago iuwi ang baboy.
I don't like animal cruelty, I despised it. Sipain niya ang baboy na 'to at matatanggalan siya ng paa.
Hinihimayan ako ni Sol ng tuyo at kagaya nga ng sabi niya'y masarap! Lalo na kapag may suka at fried rice!
Naubos ko ang pagkain pero kulang pa. I could easily go to the kitchen to refill my foods pero may hiya naman ako. Kanina pa ako lamon nang lamon!
"Pst!" siniko ko si Sol na natigilan at nilingon ako.
"Hmm?"
"Kuhanan mo 'kong refill. Damihan mo ng lumpia. Sabihin mo para sa 'yo, ah? Hindi sa akin." I whispered back.
He chuckled, eyeing me amusingly.
"H-Hoy, 'di ako matakaw..." sita ko pa sa pang-aasar niya.
"Wala naman akong sinasabi?" ngumisi siya.
He left and came back. I happily ate my heart out, munching on such delicious home-made foods and for the first time in my life, I didn't wonder about my weight.
Ayoko mang aminin pero pakiramdam ko'y sasabog na ang tiyan ko pagkatapos. A few friends came by in the house kaya hinarap muna nila Sol at nakipag-usap. I was left inside the house so I got into the kitchen to take my plate to the dishwasher—if there is and drink some water.
"Kumusta ang lasa, hija?" I almost choked in shock. "Ayos ka lang?"
"N-Nay..." tawag ko at tinakpan ang bibig, "ah, opo, masarap. Lalo na 'yong lumpia at tuyo."
"Mabuti naman at nagustuhan mo, akala ko nga'y 'di ka kumakain ng gano'n." Lumuwag ang ngiti niya, inilabas niya ang Tupperware sa plastic. Lumapit ako para tumulong.
"Salamat po, kumakain naman po ng gano'n sa bahay namin pero ngayon lang po talaga ako kumain. Masarap po ang luto n'yo."
"Salamat, Sibyl," I saw the freckles showing when she smiled at me. "Naalala mo 'yong ibang isdang ibinilad sa araw nitong nakaraan sa palengke?"
I nodded.
"Ito 'yon," sabay turo niya.
"Really?!" I blurted, gasping. So, what we did before was this! It's that dried fish!
"Oo," ngumiti siya, "kumusta nga pala ang buhay sa palengke, hija? Pasensya na at malangsa lang talaga doon talaga at bagsakan ng mga isda at karne. Saglit lang pero sana ay natuwa ka sa bago mong kaalaman."
"Yes po," I nodded, helping her take out the Tupperware. "It's hard at first but it's great, my Dad's proud na marunong na akong magkaliskis ng fish."
She nodded, still with a smile. May naalala naman ako kaya tumikhim ako at nahihiyang nagsalita.
"Nay, I wanted to apologize," I started. She glanced at me, confused.
"Para saan?"
"Sorry po kasi nadamay si Sol sa gulo ko at no'ng lalaking adik," I bit my lower lip, sighing with my rapid heart racing. "Nadamay po ang apo n'yo at nasaktan. Pasensya na po—"
"Maprinsipyong tao si Solomon, hija," she cut me off. "Oo, nag-alala ako ng sobra dahil nasaktan ang apo ko at alam kong hindi nakikipag-away ng pisikal 'yan pero naintindihan ko rin kalaunan."
I watched her as she took the Tupperware on the sink and I helped her take everything.
"Binastos ka no'ng adik na 'yon, hinawakan ka. Kilala ko ang apo ko at hindi niya pinapalagpas ang gano'ng trato kahit kanino. Nag-alala ako nang makita ang sugat niya pero hindi ba'y mas masahol pa ang taong walang ginawa matapos makita ang karahasan?"
I nodded, agreeing.
"Ginawa niya 'yon para protektahan ka at proud ako sa apo ko na kahit tinalikuran na siya ng mundo, lumaban para hindi talikuran din ito." My heart melted upon hearing her proud tone because I do, too. "Si Solomon, bata pa lang ay nahubog nang kumayod. Sa murang edad ay naiwan ng mga magulang sa aksidente. Nasa ibang panig ako ng probinsya dati nang malaman ko ang nangyari sa mga magulang niya. Sampung taon pa lang si Sol at pumunta ako rito para alagaan siya sa halip na dalhin sa ampunan."
Kumunot ang noo ko at napatitig sa kanyang nalulunod sa mga ala-ala habang binubuksan ang container na walang laman.
"Napariwara noon, nagbulakbol no'ng nagbinata. Muntik na ngang mawalan ng scholarship 'yan dahil sa mga barkada niya noon pero mabuti na lang ay nakausap ni Sir Jer."
"I heard po na your family's close to them?"
"Hindi ako pero ang mga magulang ni Sol, wala mang natapos ay magaling sa negosyo ang anak ko—Papa ni Solomon. No'ng nanganib na ang grades niyang sutil kong apo ay nakarating sa Lolo at Lola mo iyon at sobrang saya ko nang kausapin nila ang batang 'yan. Sinabi ni Sir na nakikitaan niya ng potensyal si Solomon at doon, unti-unti siyang bumalik sa pag-aaral ng maayos. Nagsisikap siya pero mas lalo na no'ng nand'yan si Fritzy, ang batang iyon, diyos ko."
Hindi ako nakapagsalita kaagad.
"Ayaw magpatulong sa responsibilidad kaya tumigil mag-aral mapaospital at bantayan lang si Fritz."
Wait... Is Fritzy... No, wait... What?
"Isa sa mga bagay na maipagmamalaki ko ay ang pagiging responsable niya. Maagang nawalan ng magulang pero maaga ring nagkaroon ng responsibilidad."
"Po?" my lips parted lightly in confusion, "sorry, Nay, I don't get it."
She stilled. I caught how her eyes widened in fraction, gasping as she looked at me.
"Hindi mo..." I waited for her to continue but she sighed loudly and took my palms. "Sa tingin ko'y dapat mag-usap kayo ni Sol, hija."
"What's..." I gulped, "what should we talk about po?" marahang sinabi ko, kinakabahan.
"Limang na taon na ang nakalipas simula no'ng tanungin niya ako tungkol sa pangalan mo at simula no'n, mas nagsumikap lang ang apo ko." Lumambing ang mata niya at pinisil ang palad ko. "Alam kong natatakot siya sa magiging reaksyon mo pero sana h'wag mong saktan ang apo ko, ah?"
I was so confused. My heart is in haywire. I noticed she wanted to say something but an elderly called her and she excused herself, leaving me there grasping for answers with questions I didn't know.
I shifted my body when I heard footsteps accompanied by a small voice.
"Ate! Tsaran! Surprise! Flowers for you! Pinitas namin po ni Kuya Sol at Pookie para sa 'yo po!" Fritz blurted and when I glanced their way, I saw Sol carrying Fritz on his arm with her extending flowers to me.
"T-Thank you..." I mumbled, taking it from her.
"'Di lang po 'yan, Ate!" Fritz grinned, "gawa po kami ni Kuya ng necklace po galing sa Santan para sa 'yo po!"
"Hmm? Uh..." Sol moved closer for Fritz to reach me. Mabilis ang kalabog ng puso ko nang isinuot ni Fritz sa leeg ko ang kwintas na Santan.
"Salamat..." maliit kong sabi nang mahawakan ang kwintas, inaangat ang tingin para ngumiti kay Fritz pero nang napatitig ako ng mas malapit sa kanyang mukha pabalik kay Sol ay mas nagwala lang ang damdamin.
It dawned to me.
Fritz's not his sibling. She is his daughter.
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