Kabanata 17
Kabanata 17
Judging someone without fully knowing who they are and what they've been through doesn't define them, it defines you.
Judgments without basis is one of the roots of misery. Curiosity is in human's nature already but the judgment with prejudice is living only in one's head. It's waiting either to get out or be tamed. So, who am I to judge another person if I don't want anyone doing that to me?
It's hypocrisy.
All my life, I got affected by the judgment people threw at me and my family and tried to act upon it. I tried to be better. Kapag hindi raw masyadong magaling, magpupuyat ako, walang pahinga para mag-ensayo at mapapalakpakan ako. If they say I'm getting out of shape, I'd starve myself that sometimes I'll faint just to please them.
Just so they won't stop looking up to me. So, the applauses won't stop. So, I'd shine more—even if broken—in their eyes until they're blinded.
Wyatt was right. I am seeking for the public's validation. I hate to admit but I loved the praises that now when they started turning their backs at me, I am fazed.
We really can't please everyone, can't we?
I've already admired Solomon but I admired him even more for respecting my request. I told him I'll think about it first and he accepted. It's been a week and we're inside one house but he didn't once evade my personal space or even asked for a follow up or something.
We'd seen each other everyday but all he did was smile at me, prepare some foods for me and make me my comfort iced coffee or shake. Anything with caffeine with it. Alam na alam niya kung paano kukunin ang gana ko pagdating sa pagkain.
Madalas siyang late nakakauwi dahil sa Agri week nila sa Sta. Monica University at siya ata ang nag-aasikaso. I didn't ask any further and like previous days, may pagkain na ako sa lamesa patapos niya akong katukin sa kwarto para sabihan.
He did his best to not see me in the table, he might be thinking I don't want to see him which is honestly, annoying. Madalas ko siyang nahuhuling nakatitig o magnanakaw ng tingin kapag nagsasalubong kami pero babati lang sabay alis kapag nahuhuli. Sa sobrang gusto niyang pagbigyan ako ng space at para hindi ma-pressure ay dumidistansya.
'Di ko tuloy alam kung maganda itong space na gusto ko para mag-isip o nakakairita kasi pinapaisip niya ako.
Sumimangot ako.
Si Liza ang madalas na kasama ko. Kulang na lang ata turuan ko na 'yong mag-ballet at madalas nanunuod kapag sumasayaw kami ni Fritz pero pagkatapos ng isang routine makikita naming tulog sa sofa habang katabi si Pookie na may damit na ngayon.
My very beautiful and amazing Ate Crest honored my request even if she isn't designing much anymore. She made me promise it'll be our mini secret and I agreed at ngayon may limang wardrobe na outfit na si Pookie.
Pero Liza told me she'll be busy at bukas na ang Agri week nila kaya wala siya ngayon. Wala rin sina Mama at Papa na tumawag kahapon, nasa New Zealand na raw sila ngayon para mag-dinner. Nag-world tour na nga ang mag-asawang late na gumala paikot sa bansa.
Pero sa bagay, they deserved it. One thing, anong silbi ng Sandejas Air kung hindi nakakalibre ng flight paikot ng buong mundo ang grandparents ko?
And now, the lonely Sibyl is alone again. I had practiced and already made routines for my audition and it was flawless. I loved how my body glided with music.
It's early morning and I'm out to help with daily chores. Wala naman akong ginagawa at nauubos ko na ang mga libro ni Mama Lena kaya may nahanap akong bagong hobby.
Naglalakad ako paikot sa poultry para tumulong kay Mary magpakain ng chickens and little sisiws. Katabi ko si Pookie at hawak ko ang leash niya habang nag-iikot kami.
I'm Pookie's guardian now, too. Binigyan ako ni Fritz ng free pass at kapag nasa school siya, nasa akin ang antuking biik na makulay ang suot ngayon, may headband at boots.
I used to be disgusted or frown at the smell or fresh farm animals, chicken and kambing poo pero kapag araw-araw mong nalalanghap natural na lang.
"Señorita, buti nasanay ka na?" ani Mary habang nilalagyan ko ng inuming tubig ang mga kabayo sa rancho.
"Hmm," I shrugged. "What else can I do? The air is fresh and all pero kapag nasa part na dito amoy fresh poo, hindi ka pa ba masasanay?"
Tumawa siya sa sagot ko kahit nakapoker face naman ako. Well, at least I don't need to bother stretching a muscle or two to make someone laugh. Kasama na siguro sa genes ko maging funny kahit 'di naman ako nagjo-joke.
My phone beeped when I got out.
From: Dad kong super pogi
Hi, pretty ghourl ko. Miss na kita :(
I chuckled.
To: Dad kong super pogi
Hi, Daddy! I miss you, too. I love you.
From: Dad kong super pogi
Uwi ka na? :(
To: Dad kong super pogi
Not yet :)
From: Dad kong super pogi
We're planning to have a vacation in New Zealand with Mom and Dad, sama ka? Sunduin pa kita d'yan, 'nak. Kahit ngayong gabi pa liliparin kita d'yan uwi ka lang :(
Oh, my loving yet clingy father.
To: Dad kong super pogi
Come on, Dad. Calm down. I'm alright here.
From: Dad kong super pogi
May ibang love ka na d'yan??? 'Di mo na 'ko love, pretty ghourl ko? Naiiyak na ako palagi kasi 'di kita nakikita. May kulang sa perfect family kapag wala ang pretty ghourl ko :(
To: Dad kong super pogi
You're overreacting again hahaha! I'm really okay. The province helped me a bit for peace of mind, Dad. I'd like to stay for awhile para pag-uwi ko mas maayos na ako. Don't worry about me. Enjoy New Zealand, Dad!
From: Dad kong super pogi
Inaalagaan ka ba ni Sol d'yan? Naku, sabihin mo kung may kalokohan 'yan at ako pa mismo ang maglilibing d'yan, Sibyl. Tinatanong ko kung baka may boyfriend ka na d'yan o love life pero tinawanan lang ako? Tanungin daw kita? Bastos na batang 'yon!
Oh, Dad. I'm so sorry to tell you pero ang bantay ko ang ni-love life ko.
To: Dad kong super pogi
Stop thinking too much. I'm okay, Daddy.
From: Dad kong super pogi
Alright pero kukulitin pa rin kita, ah? I love you, anak. Miss ka na namin. We'll wait for you to come home pero uwi ka na, pls? Pls? Pls? Sinabihan ko na rin si Sol na kumbinsihin ka umuwi... don't be mad. Hehe.
My smile faded.
To: Dad kong super pogi
What did he tell you, then? He'll convince me?
From: Dad kong super pogi
Oo raw kaya kapag kinulit ka niya sorry in advance, ganda ko :) love ka naman ni Daddy hehe.
Really, Sol? You'll convince me to go home now? Kaya ba siya umiiwas at hindi para sa space na hinihingi ko?!
I was pissed to the core. Pinakain ko na si Pookie lahat-lahat pero 'di ako mapakali at nag-ikot para ma-distract?
I found myself walking towards Sol's house, expecting he'd come home for lunch since ayaw niyang gumagastos ng pagkain kaya umuuwi siya. I'll confront him!
I heard a sudden yelp. I froze.
"Nye! Nye! Nye! Walang Mama!" small yet mocking voices filled the place. Inikot ko ang tingin.
"A-Ano naman?! May Lola at Kuya naman ako! Si Kuya ko na ang Papa ko! Bakit? Tapos may Ate pa ako na magaling mag-dance!" the familiar small voice made my stomach churn.
"Kahit na! 'Di ka pa rin makakasali kasi wala sasama sa 'yo sa school! Walang Mama!" the small and mocking voice made my blood boil. When I found where the voices are coming, I marched angrily.
Parang puputok ata ang ugat sa ulo ko nang makita si Fritz na umiiyak at nakaupo sa lupa. Ang dalawang batang nakauniporme ay tinatawanan siya.
"Hoy, anong ginagawa n'yo mga bata?!" malakas na sita ko. Natulos sila.
"A-Ate..." Nagliwanag ang mata ni Fritz sa kabila ng luha.
"Bakit n'yo tinutulak si Fritzy?" malamig kong sabi, rumahan na ang lakad at malamig na nakikipagtitigan sa dalawang bata na unti-unting naglaho ang yabang sa mga mata nang makita ako.
I liked pissing children off but I liked it better when I terrorized them to the core.
"S-Sinasabi lang namin po na wala siyang Mama!" laban no'ng isang nakapigtails. Unang tingin alam mong spoiled brat at galing sa may kayang pamilya.
"And so? Proud kayo na may Mama kayo?"
"Opo! Wala siyang Mama! Wala nga umaattend na Mama niya sa meeting! Lola lang at Kuya niya! Kawawa naman walang Mama?"
Aba! Mas napigtas ang pisi ko at nang maabot si Fritzy ay unti-unting dumukwang para makapantay ang mukha ng dalawang bata.
"Oh, having a mother doesn't matter these days, my dear children. Fritzy might not have one but at least she has manners and a good heart. At least my Fritzy has GMRC. You know that, kids?" tinitigan ko sila.
"Good manners and right conduct!" laban ng isa.
"Oh, very good!" I clapped my hands slowly until it faded. "But it's sad you know only the meaning and not how to act upon it, hmm? Your Mommas won't be proud, darlings." Ngumisi ako ng malamig nang makita ang pagbalot ng takot sa mga mata nila hanggang sa umiyak na sila ng sabay.
My inner evil gave me a standing ovation.
"Bad ikaw!" sigaw ng dalawa.
"Oh, wrong. I'm evil, children. I'm your nightmare..." I said in a scary tone, smiling evilly that their cries intensified and both ran away. Halos madapa na sila kakatakbo palayo sa akin.
"Mga tiyanak," bulong ko sabay kagat ng dila at sulyap kay Fritzy na nakatulala sa akin, naluluha ang mata.
My smile faded. Oh, I scared her!
"It's... it's nothing. Did I scare you—" but it turned to a loud gasp when Fritz attacked me with a tight embrace. Napaupo ako sa lupa sa lakas no'n pero unti-unting napangiti.
"T-Thank you, Ate..." she cried while hugging my nape, halos nakakandong na sa akin.
"Shh... they don't deserve your tears, Fritz." I whispered and tapped her back, confused if I'm doing the right thing of comforting a kid. "Mga tiyanak naman 'yon."
She chuckled, making me smile. Nang lumayo siya ay marahan ko siyang itinayo bago punasan ang luha niya.
"Tiyanak sila, Ate?" she asked. I nodded, smirking.
"Yes, ganyan 'yong mga batang walang manners. Tiyanak." I emphasized, fixing her pigtails. "H'wag mo sayangin ang luha mo sa mga kagaya nila, ah? Kasi, tayong mga pretty girls hindi iiyakan ang kagaya nila."
"Tulak nila ako, Ate," she pouted, her teary eyes glistening. "Sakit po ng pwet ko po..."
I sighed, shaking my head. Pinatalikod ko siya para pagpagan ang uniform niya.
"Mean girls," I whispered. "Marunong ako ng basic self-defense, darling. I could teach a thing or two."
She glanced at me, her eyes now twinkling. "Talaga po?! Pero paano po kapag pagalit ako ni Teacher?"
"Don't worry, Ate Sib will be there to talk to your teacher. Hindi p'wedeng hahayaan lang natin na may umaaway sa atin tapos iiyak lang tayo kasi bawal pumatol? Tss, ako nga dati tinusok ng lapis ng classmate ko, tinusok ko rin siya."
"Wow! Ang brave mo po, Ate! Turuan moa ko po?!" I nodded, smiling. I cupped her small cheek and stared at her eyes.
Little Sol...
"Hmm, I'll teach you how ballerinas like us teach bullies like them a lesson. Just lift your foot and bang! Kick their faces!" I exclaimed and punched in the air. She gasped happily and nodded.
"Ano na namang tinuturo mo kay Fritz, Miss Sweet Lips?" I froze and rolled my eyes.
The idiot is here. Naalala ko na naman ang drama ko kanina.
"Kuya!" Little Fritz jumped up and down and ran towards him before I could even remind her not to run.
I tilted my head and saw Solomon watching us from the distance, wearing his usual shirt underneath his checkered long sleeves.
"Hi, Fritz," binuhat niya ang bata sa bisig niya at humalik sa pisngi nito. "Bakit ka umiiyak?"
"Sina Mildred po kasi..." she mumbled. I saw Sol's jaw clenched and I saw the look before from my Dad or Mom whenever we are hurt.
I remembered before when we're little. Nahulog si Zirena sa kanal kakasilip sa crush niya tapos alalang-alala si Daddy. Kagaya ni Sol.
"Kakausapin ko ang teacher mo," sabat ni Sol.
"H'wag na po, Kuya," iling ni Fritz. "Baka aaway lang nila ako lalo po—"
"I'll come with your brother, Fritz," sabat ko bago tumayo at inayos ang dress ko. "Hindi p'wedeng palagpasin ang ganyan kasi kapag hindi mo pinagsabihan habang bata pa lang? Aakalain nilang ayos lang ang ginawa nila. Every bad deed has consequences and I promise you, once they'll hurt or mock you again? Makakatikim sila ng ballerina kick ko."
Fritz's eyes glistened. I saw hope and love in there. Nginitian at kinindatan ko si Fritz pero nang mahuli ang tingin ni Sol ay napawi ang ngisi ko.
I rolled my eyes at him. He chuckled.
"Kakauwi ko lang, irap ang salubong mo sa akin, angel?" he commented.
"Whatever..." I shrugged and marched towards their house. Wala roon si Nanay kaya si Sol ang nagbukas ng pintuan habang buhat-buhat si Fritz na nagkikwento sa kanya.
"Ano bang sinabi nila sa 'yo?" marahang tanong nito.
When Fritz narrated what happened, she began sniffing again. Dumiretso ako sa kusina nila Sol para kunan ng tubig si Fritz.
"S-Sabi nila po na hindi ako raw p'wede magsali sa talent po sa family day kasi w-wala daw po akong Mama po..."
My heart tugged upon hearing the sadness on her voice,
"Nandito naman si Kuya, Fritz." Marahang kausap niya rito, "at 'di ba, sabi ko sa 'yo na ako ang Mama at Papa mo. Tapos nand'yan pa si Nanay..."
"H-Hindi naman po marunong mag-dance si Nanay kasi may arthritis na siya po..." she answered. I almost laughed but I bit my lower lip.
Kung napigilan ko ay hindi si Sol, napabughalit siya ng tawa sabay pisil sa ilong ng bata.
"Loko, yari ka kapag narinig ni Nanay 'yong arthiritis, kukurutin no'n singit mo." He playfully teased that Fritz giggled and showed him a quiet sign.
"Secret lang natin po, Kuya Sol," she giggled. "Pero Kuya, 'di na lang ako sali po sa talent po sa family day..."
"Bakit?" I caught the pain on Sol's eyes, "sasamahan naman kita, Fritz. 'Di ba, last year, sumayaw tayo? Family pa rin naman kahit hindi kumpleto, ang pamilya pakiramdam 'yon, Fritz."
"Happy ako po kasi may Nanay po tayo. Tapos ikaw po ang Kuya na Papa at Mama ko pa kaso po tatawanan nila ako po na wala akong Mama?"
These children... I can't believe there are people mocking others because they didn't have what they had. Ano ngayon kung hindi kompleto ang pamilya?
Mas maganda ngang hindi kompleto pero masaya kaysa sa kompleto nga, wala namang pagmamahal. Wala namang pamilyang maituturing. It's the feeling of having a family that matters and not actually having one.
"Fritz—"
"Ayaw ko po, Kuya," umiling siya. "Happy ako po kasi may Kuya akong love na love ako po pero ayaw ko na po na iyak kapag asar ako nina Mildred po... sorry, Kuya. I love you po." Her tiny arms then wrapped around Sol's nape.
Sol looked helpless. He might've hide it but I know the glint on his eyes. He was hurt.
"You're joining the talent show, Fritz," I announced when I've decided. Inilapag ko ang baso sa harapan ng dalawang nakatulala sa akin.
"Po?" Fritz asked, "hindi na po, Ate. Wala ako kasing Mama raw—"
"Sino nagsabing wala?" I asked, lifting my brow up and crossed my arms on my chest.
"Sibyl—"
"Shh..." I lifted my finger to shut the nosy Solomon up. Tumitig ako sa kay Fritz at ngumiti. "You wanna join the talent show, darling?"
Her eyes lit up, "opo, Ate," but the light faded. "Kaso po walang p'wedeng Mama akong kasama..." ngumuso siya.
"How about Ate-Mama?" I asked. Her eyes widened.
"Ate! Hala! P'wede... p'wede ikaw po ang Mama ko?" she asked, her pretty black eyes dancing with hope and who am I to kill that happiness?
"Why not?" I winked at her, "how 'bout we start planning about your dance number, hmm?"
She bounced from Sol's lap. Tumalon siya at napatawa ako nang niyakap niya ang baywang ko ng mahigpit.
"T-Thank you, Ate-Mama ko..." she sniffed, "I love you, Ate. T-Thank you po..."
I lowered my body, cradling little Fritz on my arms. I felt him staring so I lifted my eyes and caught his gaze.
"Salamat..." Sol mouthed, his eyes gentle and glistening.
I made a face, stuck my tongue out to him and smirked.
Akala mo naka-move-on na 'ko sa pag-iwas-iwas mo, ah?!
Unfortunately, Sol had to go back to his class after lunch. Nilutuan niya kami ni Fritz habang abala kaming dalawa kakausap at plano sa kanyang dance number sa school.
I still don't approve to schools forcing kids to bring their parents in events only to get mocked if they didn't have one but I wanted to see Fritzy happy.
Kasama namin si Pookie na hinatid pa ni Mary dito dahil umiiyak daw at nag-iingay sa mansyon at inubos namin ang buong araw kakanuod ng videos at plano ng routine naming dalawa. Well, kasama na si Sol doon na absent man ay may plano kami para sa kanya.
Nanay went home, too, with foods. Supposedly, Fritz would go to her after classes but those mean kids got on her way. Mabuti at sinabihan daw siya ni Sol na nandito kami kaya hindi siya nag-alala.
We ate before I left when it's nearly dark. Hindi ata uso dito ang diet at lahat ng ikutan ay may pagkain!
I slept early after preparing my outfit and texting Liza. Hindi ko na inabutan si Sol pero nandoon si Liza at nakikinuod ng T.V. pagkababa ko sa umaga.
She froze when she saw me. Umawang ang labi at madramang suminghap.
"Grabe! Ang ganda!" I rolled my eyes at her, chuckling.
"OA again, Liza," I commented, smiling. "You're amazing, too."
"Hindi, ah!" umiling siya, tumalon sa sofa para tumili sa harapan ko. "Ikaw ang ilaw sa buong Sta. Monica, Sib! Nakakaloka ka, sure ka bang hindi natin sasabihin kay Sol na pupunta ka?"
"Nah," I shrugged. "He said he'll take me this week but definitely not on the first day so I'll come."
She whistled, staring at my outfit again, giggling.
"Manginginig ang kasu-kasuan ni Solomon kapag nakita kang ganyan kaganda! O kung hindi, baka itago ka sa damit niya kasi maraming titinging mga college boys!"
"Wala tayong magagawa? Head-turner?" I flipped my hair teasingly that we ended up giggling to each other.
Liza is wearing a pretty purple dress I gifted her from Manila. Nagpasuyo kasi ako kay Ate Crest kung p'wede niya akong bilhan ng iilang dress and as usual, Ate Crest wouldn't say no. She loves shopping just as she loves breathing.
I bought some dresses for Liza. Ballerina outfits and Tutus for Fritz and shirts for Sol. Hindi ko nga lang nabibigay pa ang kanya.
I am wearing a ruffled spaghetti-strap crop top underneath a checkered pink blouse and mini skirt coordinates. I partnered it with boots, mini bag and a dark pink beret hat to complete my look.
Mukha akong bagets na bagets. Swak na swak at makikipasok ako sa university nila.
I walked clinging my arms with Liza inside the university and what isn't shocking anymore is having eyes everywhere. We are obviously the center of attention. Tawang-tawa si Liza sa tabi ko habang kumukurot at bumubulong na dahil sa tinginan ay feeling famous na raw siya.
"Masanay ka na, ganyan talaga kapag kasama mo 'ko," I teased that we ended up laughing like idiots as we went inside their gate.
May malaking soccer field at puno ng Narra sa may itaas na parte nito. If I remembered it right, that's the place where Mama and Papa Jer got married before. Tambayan daw kasi nila 'yan madalas at maraming memories.
Maybe I'll go there with Sol if we have time.
"Tara, Sib! Magsisimula na!" Liza dragged me inside.
They glanced our way. Nakita ko kaagad sina Peter at 'yong kaklase nilang kasama no'ng nakaraan sa bahay na nag-aayos ng booth. They stopped when they saw us, waving with wide smiles.
I nodded, flashing a small smile to not look snob.
"Teka, Sib, upo ka muna d'yan." Turo ni Liza pero abala na ang mata ko kakahanap kay Sol.
My lips lifted when I saw him carrying chairs to place in front. His biceps are stretching, wearing only a plain black shirt and from my distance, I could see how the piece of cloth hugged those cracks on his stomach.
I pursed my lips, biting my lower lip. How could he be so hotter every damn day?
Sinuklay niya ang buhok ng daliri pagkatapos, humahawak sa batok niya. I'm enjoying the view. I rested my back near the flag pole and moistened my lower lip couldn't wait for his reaction anymore when it faded.
Emma touched his arm. Umayos ng tayo si Sol para pakinggan ang sinasabi ng babae bago tumango. Sol moved a bit away from her but she grasped his arm again, tugging him closer to a table nearby while giggling.
"Tss, ayan na nga ang sinasabi ko. Naku, may umaaligid na naman sa jowa mo, friend!" hinampas ako ni Liza, muntik na akong matumba. I glared at her but she only showed me a peace sign and helped me stand again.
My God, if hindi ko lang kaibigan 'to baka nabalibag ko na rin.
"Busy pa kasi 'yong boyfriend mong president," aniya.
Kumunot ang noo ko, "President?"
"Si Sol," aniya kaya napanganga ako sa gulat. I didn't know he's the president in their course! "Tawagin ko, ah?" ani Liza. "Sol—" I covered her mouth before she could call him. She gave me a look.
"Let me," I said and walked towards them with my chin up.
They're on the registration now. Kita ko ang iba't-ibang uniporme ng mga estudyanteng nagpapa-register. May mga halatang mga freshmen pa roon at hindi naman ako selosang tao. Hell, I didn't even make a fuss whenever girls flocked on my famous and celebrity flings or exes before but now, seeing Sol being surrounded by girls made me sick.
I don't fight for petty things. Including about boys but I do know how to stake claim on my property.
"Excuse me," hinawi ko ang mga babae ro'ng tapos na magparegister para manuod ng event pero nakikidungaw pa rin.
Sol was busy writing on the empty bond paper and it was Emma who first noticed me. Her precious smile faded until it turned to a frown.
I winked at her to annoy her, I lowered my body in front of Sol, bending before placing my palms on the table.
"Hi, president. Paparegister pa rin ba kapag outsider?" I asked sweetly.
I laughed inside my head when Sol panicked. Lumihis ang ballpen niya kaya nagulo ang sinusulat niya't nag-angat ng tingin sa akin.
"Sibyl!" he called.
"Hi, baby," I kissed his cheek and smoothened my skirt. "So... should I..."
"H-Hindi na," he panicked and stood. "Peter, pasuyo naman..."
Sumaludo pa sa akin si Peter na maliit kong kinawayan pero hinuli lang ni Sol ang daliri ko bago dalhin sa labi niya at hagkan.
"Anong ginagawa mo rito, angel?" he asked, claiming my waist almost immediately he didn't care about the people around us anymore.
"I'm just visiting," I shrugged, glancing at Emma's piercing eyes. "Is it okay for you to leave?" baling ko kay Sol.
"Ayos lang, kanina pa naman ako nag-aayos. Papahinga muna ako bago mag-start 'yong event mamaya," he said before kissing my forehead. "Ganda naman ng anghel ko, ah?"
"Of course," I placed my arm on his waist while we're walking away. "Oo nga pala, sabi mo sasama mo 'ko sa Agri Week? Why not now, it's the first day."
Nahuli ko ang pagpula ng pisngi niya, naiiling sa akin.
"U-Uh, wala lang... wala kasi masyadong event sa unang araw kaya..." mabilis siyang umabot ng upuan at inalalayan akong paupo ro'n. "Anong gusto mong pagkain?" biglang segway niya.
I didn't press him that much regarding the topic. He might be busy so I let him, nga lang napapansin kong paiwas-iwas siya sa akin. I even caught him talking to Peter and some boys.
Kumunot ang noo nito bago umiling sa kanya.
"Hmm... do you know what's happening with Sol, Liza?" tanong ko sa katabi ko habang nakadekwatro kaming dalawa at sumisipsip ng palamig sa straw.
"Huh? Ano?" she asked absentmindedly, staring at somewhere. I followed her gaze suspiciously and smirked when I saw who is it she's looking at.
"Bakit 'di mo na lang amining bet mo rin si Nash?" I asked.
She jumped. "H-Hoy!" before she could even push me, I glared at her. Natahimik siya at pinirmi ang kamay.
"Tss, stop being denial. I know you two are texting," umawang ang labi niya sa sinabi ko. "I saw you texting him, delivery pizza pa ipapangalan mo, ah? Eh, wala namang pizza delivery dito."
Mas nahulog ang panga niya sa akin, "a-ano, ikaw kaya ang bet niya..."
"Ako?" natawa ako at umiling sa kanya, "come on, stop being slow. Do you think he'll text you if he likes me? Edi dapat dumiretso sa akin."
"Hindi ba nag-text sa 'yo?" lumiit ang boses niya.
I shook my head, "nope. What? Don't tell me he's using my name so he could text you?"
Namula siya at suminghap, "wala rin namang patutunguhan 'to, uuwi naman siya sa Amerika pagkatapos... atsaka baka magsabunutan lang kami ni Emma kapag nalaman no'ng ka-text ko ang Kuya niya."
Sumimangot ako. I glanced at Nash's way who I caught was looking at Liza when she isn't looking. I caught his gaze. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay pero nginisihan niya lang ako sabay saludo pa.
Another idiot here.
Bakit ba ang totorpe ng mga 'to, ah? Una, si Abo nando'n sa Maynila! Si Solomon umiiwas ata sa akin tapos itong Nash na gagamitin pa ako maka-text lang si Liza!
I was pissed. I went to Sol when he didn't come closer to me after bringing me foods and electric fan para raw 'di ako pawisin.
As if I care about the sweat? I want Sol!
I think I'm whining like a kid. Lumapit ako at kumapit kay Sol habang kausap niya ang mga lalaki roon pero kaagad niyang tinaboy pagkadating.
What? What is it? Ayaw niya 'ko pakilala?!
"Sol, hindi p'wedeng umayaw. Ikaw nga 'yong sa unahan, madaya..." reklamo ni Peter.
"Tss..."
"Sibyl, sabihan mo nga 'yang boyfriend mong napakaarte—"
"Lumayas na ro'n," taboy ni Sol sa kanya na kakamot-kamot ang batok umalis.
Sol faced me. My lips protruded.
"Ano 'yon? Bakit?" I asked.
"Mainit ba?" he asked instead, "wala namang masyadong ganap ngayon, ano... baka gusto mong umuwi muna? Dadalhin kita bukas dito ulit, promise. Buong linggo—"
"You don't want me here?" I asked.
"Huh? Hindi... hindi..." umiling siya at namula, "ano lang... may program kasi ngayon tapos..." mas namula ang mukha niya.
Tapos? Tapos?
My inner bitch came back to light that I let go of his arm and nodded, "alright. It's obvious you don't want me here, hell, you even want me to go home."
"Ano?" kumunot ang noo niya.
"Wala," kumuyom ang kamay ko. "Bye! H'wag mo na 'ko ihatid."
His mouth parted. I turned my back on him, marching away when he caught my wrist and pulled me back.
"No, angel," suminghap siya. "May gagawin kasi tapos uh, nahihiya ako." Lumiit ang boses niya.
"Nahihiya?" ngumuso ako, "si Solomon na proud na proud ipagkalandakang pinakagwapo siya sa Sta. Monica? Nahihiya?"
Suminghap siya, napapahawak sa batok.
"Basta... nahihiya akong makita mo—"
"Sol-pare! Tara na!" the boys called.
"Fuck..." Sol cursed under his breath and cupped my cheek. "H'wag mo akong ikakahiya, angel, ah?"
"Saan?" mas naguluhan lang ako pero sa halip na sumagot ay pinisil niya ang pisngi ko.
"Pampalakas ng loob," sabay nakaw ng halik sa akin at atras. "I love you, angel." Then, he turned his back and tilted his head.
I was so confused. The program's already starting pero pulos thank you lang iyon sa mga department head at introduction ng kanilang Agri Week. Liza came closer to me, chuckling. I noticed Nash stalking behind her with his palms on his pockets.
"Alam ko na bakit gano'n si Solomon, parang tanga," humalakhak si Liza at kumapit sa braso ko.
"Bakit?" takang tanong ko.
"Gets ko na bakit 'di ka niya sinama ngayong opening kasi..." tumawa siya at kinindatan ako, "nawawala ata ang umaapaw na self-confidence kapag nand'yan ka."
I was confused. My eyes roamed around and noticed the students are here and the field's filled with them. Iba't-ibang kurso pa ang naroon.
"Ayon na, gagi, ang gwapo ng jowa mo!" hinampas ako ni Liza kasabay ng tugtog ng kanta at sa pagtingin ko sa gitna ay nalaglag ang panga ko nang makita si Sol sa gitna, suot pa rin ang damit kanina pero mas magulo ang buhok at sa kanyang likod ay ang mga lalaki kanina.
Ah, yes!
Check it out!
The intro of Bruno Mars' Runaway Baby filled my ears and when Sol titled his head seriously and moved his arm to the beat, nalaglag ang matris ko.
Well, looky here, looky here, ah, what do we have?
Another pretty thing ready for me to grab
But little does she know that I'm a wolf in sheep's clothing
'Cause at the end of the night, it is her I'll be holding
The way his body moved sexily with every song beat, my heart raced inside my chest. mas lumakas ang sigawan sa paligid ko.
"Solomon ang gwapo mo!" the freshmen screamed and jumped.
Oh. My. Fucking. Hell.
He's fucking hot!
His feet glided, the way his hips moved sexily in sync with his arm and foot made me tremble.
Now, I envied the whole Sta. Monica for seeing such work of art dancing for them for the past years samantalang unang beses ko pa lang 'to!
Our gazes met, his sexy eyes met mine as he glided his foot and mouthed the next lyrics.
"I love you so," he mouthed while locking gazes with me.
"Hey!" the audience sang with the song. Liza was jumping beside me, malakas ang tili habang inaalog ako samantalang ako'y nakatulala lang kay Sol.
It's true. Fritz's right. Girls scream for him.
Run, run, run away, run away, baby
Before I put my spell on you
You better get, get, get away, get away, darling
Sol pointed me briefly, winking. I hyperventilated and screamed.
"Boyfriend ko 'yan!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and jumped.
I saw the sudden shift of attention to me by the girls around. Sol smirked boastfully at me and gave me a quick flying kiss and danced again.
'Cause everything you heard is true
Your poor little heart will end up alone
"Go, baby!" tinaas ko ang kamay ko at malakas na tumili. Mahihimatay kapag hindi pinakawalan ang sigaw sa naghaharumentadong puso.
I can notice the stares around but I don't care! That's my boyfriend! Go, baby Sol! Gwapo mo po! Kiss kita mamaya!
'Cause Lord knows I'm a rolling stone
So you better run, run, run away, run away, baby!
No'ng natapos ang dance number ay parang nabuntis ata ako. Napahawak ako sa sikmura ko at napakurap-kurap. Kabuwanan ko na ba?!
"Shit ka, Sibyl! RIP sa 'yo! Buhay ka pa ba?!" inalog ako ni Liza pero nakatulala lang ako sabay angat ng tingin kay Liza.
"Friend, nahulog ata 'yong panty ko," I whispered to her, stunned.
I was expecting to ran to my boyfriend after that mouth-watering, panty-wrecking dance number but his group was now surrounded by students.
Liza left me to help for the next number kaya naupo ako sa upuan ko habang sumisimsim ng iced coffee na bigay ni Sol kanina.
I pouted. Humalukipkip ako habang pinagmamasdan siya, hindi nakikigulo at baka busy kaso ay hindi na ako napuntahan kaya napabuntonghininga na. I clinked the ice inside to distract me.
"Penny for your thoughts?" my eyes went to Nash, I smirked.
"How is it, pretty boy? I heard you're using my name to message my friend, hmm?" I confronted. He blushed profusely.
I got distracted from Solomon while talking to Nash. He told me a secret, he said he likes my friend and was just shy asking her out. I'm no love guru but I think I'm capable of giving advices. I talked to him, chuckling at his shy confession when I felt a gaze almost burning me for a while now.
I know who was it. None other that my annoying boyfriend but I didn't throw him a look for a few moments ago since I saw Emma beside him and talking. Pasimple akong sumusulyap at nahuli pa ang pagpunas nito ng pawis niya sa noo kahit wala naman ata!
Bago na nga ang damit pawisan pa ba 'yan?!
Nilingon ko si Nash, "no offense, Nash. I'm just curious but is Emma in love with my boyfriend?"
Nash froze and blinked, "ah... oo? Ewan, siguro?" he smiled awkwardly, "hindi kasi kami masyadong malapit ni Emma at nasa Amerika ako naglalagi pero sasabihan ko..."
I let it go after. I fought gazes with Solomon from the distance. He's pissed as fuck.
Oh, my baby didn't know how fun and hot it is for me seeing his jaw clenching and eyes blazing.
"Sib, may dumi ka..." tinuro ni Nash ang pisngi ko. I lifted my hand to remove it but he shook his head. "Ako na," he touched my other cheek and removed that dirt he's referring to.
"Thanks, Nash," I nodded my head, glancing at Sol but he's now walking away. I was left with Emma's sharp stare.
Napatayo ako, nagpaalam kay Nash na aalis pero pagdaan ay hinila ako ni Emma.
"Ano? Pagkatapos mong landiin ang kapatid ko kay Sol ka naman? Wala ka bang mas ikakalandi?" Emma insulted in a low voice.
"Hindi ako malandi, Emma, lapitin lang talaga ako sa boys." I moistened my lower lip. "but well, if my beauty bothers you then, my apologies?" ngumisi ako at tinalikuran siya.
I heard her whining but I didn't care anymore. Sumunod ako sa kung saan si Sol. Because of the on-going event, the hallways are empty. My heels are making a sound on the floor while looking around when a loud squeal left my lips when someone pulled me.
"Holy!" sigaw ko nang tumama ang likod sa locker. A tall figure cornered me and when I looked up, the adrenaline vanished and was replaced with annoyance.
"O? Ikaw ang galit?" sita ko kay Solomon na madilim ang tingin.
"Ano 'yong kay Nash?" he started.
"Ano 'yong kay Emma?" laban ko sabay halukipkip sa harapan niya, walang pakialam kong ikinukulong niya ang katawan ko para 'di makaalis at nasa uluhan ko ang isang kamay.
"Ilang beses ko bang sasabihing kaibigan ko lang 'yon?" he explained, his tone's hard.
"Nash's a friend, too," I answered. He closed his eyes and heaved a loud sigh.
"Sinabi ko nang may girlfriend ako, Sibyl. Kahit anong gawin niya, alam niyang sa 'yo ako, Sandejas."
My heart made a fuss with that but to hell I'll show it to him. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at tinagilid ang ulo ko, nakikipaglaban ng tingin.
"Then, fine! Stop being jealous. Nash is just a friend, he likes Liza. Obviously."
"Hindi ako nagseselos, Sandejas. Baka ikaw?" he lowered his face to level my eyes.
"Excuse me, Alejo. Ako? Selosa?" I laughed humorlessly, "I'm so sorry to tell you, Mr. Alejo, but you might be drop-dead-gorgeous and hot as fuck but I won't think of killing other women for you..."
"Defensive. May sinabi ba ako, Sandejas?" he tapped my chin, lifting it more to angle my line of sight.
My stomach churned, smelling the caffeine on his breath.
"I won't kill men for you, too. That's a crime but I'm more that willing to make some paralyzed." I shot him a sharp look, tamad siyang ngumisi sabay paraan ng ilong sa pisngi ko. "Mag-aaway na naman ba tayo, angel?"
"Hindi ako nakikipag-away!" tinulak ko siya pero hindi man lang gumalaw sa pwesto niya. "Ikaw nga ang nakikipag-away d'yan!"
He gave me a what the fuck look.
"I said give me space to think but that space is too much you don't wanna see me anymore!" suminghap ako, iritado na.
Napakurap-kurap siya at lumambot ang tingin, ginagap niya ang braso ko.
"Ayaw kong maistorbo ka habang nag-iisip, alam kong komplikado ang tinatanong ko sa 'yo." He caressed my arm gently. "Ayaw kong isipin mo na pinipilit kita. Sabi ko nga kahit anong desisyon mo, masakit man ay tatanggapin ko."
"Oh, Sol. I don't need that, hayaan mag-isip pero hindi ang iwasan! Too much space for what? So, I could miss you?!" I hissed.
My lips parted after I realized what I just said. An amused grin escaped that red lips.
"Na-miss mo 'ko, angel?" he asked teasingly.
"T-That's not the point!" I hissed, "kapal naman ng mukha mo! Ang sinasabi ko—" he shut me with a kiss. I moaned and kissed him back but he moved away.
"Anong sinasabi mo, angel?" kinagat niya ang labi ko at mas ngumisi.
"A-Ang sinasabi ko..." I shifted, feeling the heat on my stomach. Shit, not now.
You just can't be turned out with the damn fight, Sibyl! You're annoyed!
"Hmm? Anong sinasabi mo, angel?" bulong niya sabay hawi ng buhok ko at halik sa leeg ko.
My knees buckled, I bit my inner cheek to suppress my moan but his kisses are like iced coffee. Fucking addicting. His kisses on my neck was gentle and sweet, he slowly licked it. I fisted his shirt.
"S-Sol!" sita ko. Natahimik siya at biglang nagmura.
"Tang ina, sorry, angel." He dropped his head on my shoulder and kissed it. "Ang ganda mo kasi."
"A-Alam ko! Pero!" My cheeks burned. "M-Mag-uusap tayo, okay? Akala mo ba nakalimutan ko na? Isa pa, may Dad texted me. Sinabi niya raw sa 'yong kombinsihin akong umuwi!"
Doon na siya umayos ng tayo at hinarap ako, "sinabi niya sa 'yo?"
"Why are you really avoiding me, hmm? To think of your proposal or so, I'd leave?" I asked straightforwardly. Natahimik siya at nang mabasa ko ang mata niya ay napailing na. "So, you wanted to convince me to go home..."
"May career ka ro'n," sagot niya. "Ilang buwan ka na rito at natatalikuran mo na ang pangarap mo, Sib. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na gusto kitang pauwiin ayaw ko na—"
"You asked me about Fritz and yes! I accept!" suminghap ako nang makita ang panlalaki ng mata niya. "I don't care who the fuck that irresponsible mother is! Fritz has nothing to do with it!"
"Pero tatay na ako, Sib," nabakas ko ang sakit sa mata niya. "Maiintindihan ko kung ayaw mo ng responsibilidad na dala ko. May... ibang lalaki pa naman na mas mabibigay sa 'yo ang lahat—"
"Shh!" I put my finger on his lips to shut him up. "I don't care if you're already a father or what, ano ngayon? Is there any prejudice against single parents, too?"
"Sib..." pero muling inilingan ko siya at hinaplos ang labi niya.
"I'll be disappointed and mad at you if I find out you have a child but chose to abandon her but now, Sol. You took care of her, you are man enough to take the responsibility of your actions. That's the man I fell in love with Solomon. It doesn't matter. Mahal kita, mahal ko rin si Fritz."
Nakatulala lang siya sa akin sa lahat ng nangyayari, parang mahihimatay pa.
"—and you're a hot Daddy..." bumaba ang daliri ko sa panga niya at dibdib. "Are you interested on making me Fritz's stepmom?"
"Putang ina..." he cursed. "Mahal—he swallowed—mahal mo 'ko?"
"Paulit-ulit, Mr. Alejo?" nag-init ang pisngi at tuluyan na siyang tinulak, "tar ana! Baka hinahanap—" but he pulled me again back to the lockers and caged me.
"Sabihin mo ulit,"
"Na ano?"
"Na mahal mo 'ko," he repeated excitedly.
"W-Wala nang ulitan!" ngumuso ako, "expired na! See you next episode—" he kissed me.
"Ulitin mo."
"No." He kissed me again.
"Isa..."
"Dalawa!" laban ko at muli niya akong siniil ng halik.
"Sibyl Timothea, ulitin mo," he commanded impatiently but when I shook my head, he kissed me hardly on the lips.
I was gasping for air after that kiss I literally felt the metal taste of blood when he bit my lower lip. The part in between my legs pooled and when I felt him hard when he pushed himself closer to me.
"Come on, angel, say it again." Madilim niyang sabi at natakot akong malaman niyang naaapektuhan ako sa kanya kaya tinapangan ko ang tingin.
"No! Ayokong paulit-ulit. One time big time, 'yon na 'yo. Sorry, wala kang recorder, kawawa ka naman."
"Sib..."
"Sol..." I gave him a sad face, just to tease him. "Kawawa naman ang baby Sol ko, but, I won't repeat it now again, baby..."
He cupped my jaw and kissed me hardly on the lips. I purred and fisted his shirt.
"What a naughty angel," he kissed me languidly down my neck. "That sharp tongue should be tamed, don't you think? I should fuck that attitude out of you."
"Then," humugot ako ng hininga. "What are you waiting for, baby? Fuck this attitude out of me..."
He stopped. Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin, nanlalaki ang mata. He blushed profusely and I know he was now embarrassed of his words.
"S-Sorry..." tumikhim siya at napahawak sa batok niya, "napasobra ata ako."
Like a coward, he turned his back from me but I won't just surrender. I pulled him by the back of his shirt, slammed him on the locker this time and dominantly towered him, walang pakialam kung mas malaki siya sa akin.
His eyes widened.
"Sibyl..."
"My baby Sol's embarrassed now after turning me on, hmm?" I moved my lips closer to his. He gasped. Nang halos magdikit ang labi namin ay hinabol niya ang labi ko pero umiwas ako.
"Sibyl!" he hissed. I smiled lazily.
"How dare you make me damn wet and leave me hanging?" I whispered, my lips from his jaw fell on his neck. "Knowing you're hard yourself, too." I touched his jeans and squeezed his erection.
"Sandejas!" he warned.
"Yes?" ngumisi ako sabay dikit ng sarili sa kanya, "how dare you leave me, hmm? You also need someone to fuck that attitude out of you." I licked and sucked his neck like a vampire.
His sexy moan filled my ear and just as that, I moved away from him, waving.
"Sibyl—"
"Aww, you know what? I remembered I'm calling my cousin today. Can you tell Liza I'm going first?" umatras ako nang paunti-unti at pinagmasdan siyang namumula at nakaigting ang panga.
"Bye-bye, little Sol..." I pointed his hardened crotch and waved my fingers, biting my lower lip.
I ran away, leaving him having a hard-on. He was calling me but I don't care, I was laughing my ass out while imagining his beet red face.
I went home and practiced. Noong gabi at nakarinig ng katok ay napatayo ako sa kama, malaki ang ngisi.
The angry Sol is here!
I was even twirling when I opened the door, smirking at Sol's dark gaze.
"Maghahapunan na ba—hmmp!" he attacked me with kisses. Napatawa ako nang bumitaw siya at matalim akong tinitigan.
"May atraso ka sa 'kin," he scolded.
"Ano?" I asked innocently, hugging his nape. "I'm innocent, baby. Maghahapunan na ba—"
He kissed me again until I'm gasping for air and pressed on the wall, his palm on my ass.
"Sol?" hinahapo kong sabi, nag-iinit ang sikmura habang nakatitig sa kanya.
"Ikaw ang hapunan ko, señorita," bulong niya at ako na mismo ang humalik sa kanya, nagpapabuhat para dalhin sa kama.
That night was so sweet. I could live in it forever and never go home. I wanted to stay and enjoy my escape but life has other plans for me. It wasn't just the start of my solace, it's also the start of my misery. Fuck you, life.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen3h.Co