Kabanata 2
Kabanata 2
What the hell?
Did I just laugh?
"Sir!" the idiot screamed again and when he saw me watching him with my poker faced, he was frozen.
"Sibyl—p-puta!" he gasped again. Ang salagubang ay muli lumipad papuntang batok niya at nawala na ang composure.
My face turned sour, habang tumatalon-talo siya doon ay tumayo na ako at humalukipkip.
"Are you cursing me?" I asked coldly and his eyes widened more.
"H-hindi! Hindi, ah!" he shook his head, "'yong ano kasi, Sib—tang ina!" hinampas niya ang batok at medyo nanginig pa.
Muli niya akong nilingon, when he realized I am almost glaring at him, his jaw dropped.
"S-sorry! Promise!" he raised his hand, "hindi talaga ikaw ang minumura ko! 'Yong salagubang lang! Promise, nandito siya!" he explained, panicking but then suddenly froze as if he realized something.
"Nandito..." he touched his arm where the now gone Salagubang is nowhere. "N-nasaan...nandito lang 'yon!"
Hindi ako sumagot. Nanatili akong tahimik habang nakatingin sa kanya at nahuli kung paano siya napalunok.
"Promise, may salagubang..." nag-aalangan niyang sabi at hinanap na ang mata ko. "Hindi mo ba nakita? Mayro'n dito! Lumipad sa leeg ko tapos sa batok. Hindi naman ako takot, nagulat lang."
"You weren't scared, hmm?" I asked nonchalantly, staring at him with no emotion at all and he nodded, nangingiti na ata.
"Oo!" napapangiti na siya, "nakita mo, 'di ba? Nagulat lang ako—"
"Mister, the salagubang's in your hair." Parang wala lang na turo ko sa buhok niya.
"Huh?" he reached for it and I saw how it walked from his hair to his hand at nang tignan niya ito at nahuli sa kamay niya, unti-unting nahulog na ang panga.
He looked okay for me but it was hilarious seeing his face turning pale.
"Sa..." he gasped, "Sir Zeijan! Tulong!"
He sprinted and ran away from me, huling-huli ko ang paglipad ng salagubang patungo sa mukha niya kaya halos matapilok siya roon kakatakbo.
I shook my head, tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko at tinatamad man ay kuryosong sumunod kung saan ang takbo ng lalaking iyon. That idiot has ways to annoy me with his loud mouth, huh? Ayoko pa naman sa lahat ay ang kinakausap ako ng hindi ko close.
When I got inside the mansion, my Dad was there. Nanunuod siya ng palabas ni Mommy sa T.V. at sumakto ring pasok no'ng duwag at nakaangat pa ang kamay kung nasaan na ang salagubang.
"Sir!" the man called and my Dad jumped on the couch and stood to look at him.
"O-oh, Sol? Bakit?" he asked, quite shocked. "Bakit ka sumisigaw?"
"P-pasensya na po, Sir pero..." it was like slow motion.
Nakita ko ang mabagal na paglipad ng salagubang paalis sa braso ni Sol at sa isang kurap lang ay nakita ko ang panlalaki ng mata niya nang dumapo na iyon sa mukha ni Daddy.
"Sir—"
"Tang ina mo, Solomon!" Dad screamed back and I shockingly covered my mouth when the two of them screamed and ran around the house.
It was chaotic. Naipikit ko ang mata nang paglaruan sila ng Salagubang. Dahil sa ingay ng dalawa ay palipat-lipat iyon sa mga mukha nila at sa sobrang gulo ay nausog na ang sofa.
"Oh my..." napa-face palm na lang ako nang sa galawgaw nila ay tumama silang dalawa sa may lamesa roon at nahulog ang vase.
"What...the hell?" Mom's voice filled our ears kaya sabay kaming napalingon at nakita ang gulat na mukha ni Mommy na kakapasok lang sa bahay.
That stopped them both. Mula kay Mommy ay nagkatinginan sila at namilog ang mga mata.
"H-hala ka, Sir." That man then said and my father's eyes widened.
"Kasalanan mo 'to—" Dad's voice vanished.
"Anong nangyayari, Zeijan Ruais?" Mom's strict voice asked, stunning the two of them.
"Misis—"
"Ma'am Alyx..." the nervous Solomon called and when my Mom's heels made a sound as she walked towards the two of them, it was terrifying.
It wasn't for me. It's my doing too. Naalala ko pa no'ng pang eleventh stylist ko na nag-back stab sa akin noon. She was talking ill about me with the Teresa's stylist and I heard it, hindi lang ako nagpahalata para marinig lahat and when I got enough of it—I made sure she would her the terrifying sound of my heels walking towards their direction.
The look on her face is pleasing. Ang pamumutla niya at takot sa isiping narinig ko ang pinagsasabi niya sa akin ay fulfillment para sa 'kin.
"M-ma'am Sibyl, k-kanina pa ba kayo diyan?" she even had the audacity to ask me and I just shrugged, naupo ako sa upuan at kinuha ang suklay bago marahang hinawakan ang buhok ko at nagsalita.
"E-excuse me!" the scared Teresa's stylist left abruptly, leaving the pale talkative and backstabbing stylist in the room with me.
"Kulang ang kwento mo. You should've involved your downgrade performance. Remember when you served me that cold, bland coffee? Pinapalitan ko sa 'yo iyon and what did you brought back to me? The hottest, kulang na lang mapaso ako."
From her face on my mirror, her eyes slowly widened.
"M-ma'am..."
"What did you say? I am a wench?" I asked and smiled coldly, "oh no, darling. Anghel pa ako niyan sa lagay na 'yan. I could've fired you that quick but I still have mercy, you know? You said you are sorry and who am I not to accept that?"
"Sorry p-po..." her voice broke, "hindi po k-kayo 'yong pinag-uusapan namin—"
"Oh, sorry is such redundant word, Miss—sino ka nga?" tinaasan ko siya ng kilay sa salamin.
"M-mel po..."
"Miss Mel," I said her name slowly, "it was a useless word. Madalas nang nagagamit kaya wala nang dating."
"Ma'am, pasensya na po—"
"You are fired." I said nicely, even with a sweet smile while looking at her with my cold black eyes.
"Ma'am—"
"Leave," malambing kong sabi, "habang kalmado pa ako, leave."
"P-pero may pamilya po akong pinapakain—"
"Oh, I hope you thought about it before talking behind my back. Before you fed your tsismosa friend with your teas, you should've thought first the food you'll feed your family instead." Marahan kong sabi at napaatras na siya at nanlisik ang mata sa akin.
"Tama nga ang sabi nila!" she suddenly exclaimed and I wasn't that shock at all, binasa ko lang ang labi at ipinaikot ang buhok sa daliri para maayos ang kulot ko. "Ang sama-sama ng ugali mo! Kaya walang nagtatagal sa 'yo! 'Di ka naman magaling sumayaw! Parehas kayo ng Mommy mo na trying hard! Mga ilusyonada!"
"Oh, this ilusyonada can do her illusion, Miss Mel." I smiled at her, "hindi ako gumaling sumayaw? Oh, come on. Tell that to my fans. Trying hard kami ni Mom? Oh, you tell it to the media and you won't find any other work the next days."
"Wala akong pakialam! Ang sama ng ugali mo! Sana malaos ka na!" sigaw niya.
Oh, this beauty would never fade. Ang ganda ko, hindi nalalaos.
I wanted to say that but I shrugged, I figured I won't waste my saliva in her petty whines.
"I'm resigning!" she hissed at me with her angry eyes.
"Oh, I fired you first." Sagot ko naman at ngumiti sa kanya at tumaas lang ang sulok ng labi ko nang sumigaw-sigaw siya roon at kulang na lang ay sipain ang sofa pero hindi niya magawa.
"You're a wench!" she exclaimed, "kakarmahin ka rin! Sama ng ugali mo! Mas sikat naman sa 'yo si Miss Teresa! Maganda ka nga, pangit naman ng ugali mo!"
"At least, may maganda. Ikaw? Saan?" I shifted my gaze and looked at her from head to toe and I felt satisfied when she looked so irritated.
Oh, darling. What a pity. Pinagbigyan na kita ng tatlong beses kahit ilang beses ko nang narinig ang paninira mo but now? Such a waste of time.
"You're a wench!" she hissed and I just chuckled, looked back on the mirror and took my iced coffee.
"You are wrong," I said and when the curiosity filled her eyes, I spoke.
"I'm not just a wench, Miss Mel. I'm a pretty demon." I answered back and shook my iced coffee. Nang tumunog ang mga yelo no'n ay mas nagalit siya kaya unti-unti, sumimsim ako sa straw habang nakatitig sa kanya mula sa salamin.
She screamed, took her back and stomping, left the room the exact time Rey got inside.
"What was that, Sibyl?" he asked in shock and got inside, "buti wala nang tao, baka may nakarinig—"
"Look for another stylist, Rey." I said and lowered my coffee before standing.
"Na naman?" he asked, "pang-ilan na—"
"Look for another one while I'm asking you nicely," I answered back, "don't wait for the time na sa susunod, ikaw na ang palitan ko."
He was stunned, napaawang ang labi niya kaya tumaas lang ang kilay ko at inabot ang bag para sana umalis pero may naalala kaya nilingon siya.
"Oh, and I wanna sue that Mel," I said, "lumabag siya sa kontrata, she signed an NDA and spread personal infos of me and my family. Hindi niya rin natapos ang duration sa pagiging stylist kaya babayaran niya 'yon. I'll let my lawyer do the work, ikaw na makipag-usap."
"Misis ko, kasi—" the loud scream from my Dad stopped me from thinking. I snapped back from my reverie and saw my Mom walking towards the two.
Si Dad ay muling napasigaw nang lumipad ang salagubang at si Solomon ay napatago na sa may amba ng kusina.
Dumapo ang salagubang sa may pader at napaatras si Mommy.
"Misis ko! Tanggalin mo—"
"Hell no!" Mom exclaimed back and pushed my father towards the insect.
Oh, my Mom doesn't like that too?
They are hopeless. My Mom and Dad are busy pushing each other kung sino ang magpapaalis sa salagubang samantalang iyong dayo na Solomon ay pasilip-silip lang sa may kusina. May hawak na siyang walis at aabante pero biglang aatras kaya napailing na ako.
Duwag.
"Misis—"
"Ayoko nga, Zeijan Ruais!" Mom hissed at him but stopped when they saw me approaching.
"Pretty ghourl!" Dad called happily when he saw me kaya hindi na ako umimik. They all looked scared and the cute and innocent Salagubang were just there kaya napailing akong muli.
"Why are you all hurting my Salagubang?" I asked and frowned, "she's scared." I said and slowly, let the insect walked from the wall towards my palm.
Nang nilingon ko sila ay nakanganga na sa akin.
My Dad and Mom are startled and I saw Solomon peeking.
"Y-you weren't scared, pretty ghourl?!" Dad asked and I raised my brow and shook my head.
"Huh? Why would I? She's cute. Look." I moved my palm towards my parents and they gasped and took a step back.
I blinked, nilingon ko si Solomon na nakatulala lang sa akin at inilahad ko ang palad.
"Look—"
"Shit!" he cursed and took a step back kaya napairap na ako sa hangin at hinaplos sa palad ko ang salagubang.
"This is just a cute, tiny thing. Why are you all so weird?" I asked, pagod na at napailing-iling na lang nang makitang tulala pa rin silang lahat. Hindi na naisip ang vase na nabasag.
I went back to my room and found peace in silence again. I stayed in the terrace instead and sat there, watching the garden. Nakita ko ang pagdaan ng mga sasakyan doon at isinandal ko ang likod sa upuan at hinayaan ang salagubang na maglakad-lakad sa harapan ko.
Why are they so scared of this thing? She's cute, anyway. I haven't actually thought my Mom would be scared of this kasi naniniwala ako noon pa na sa pamilyang 'to, kami lang ang matino.
My siblings—Kuya Zy and Zire got their weirdness from our Dad kaya 'di ako makasabay sa ingay nilang tatlo at kay Mommy palagi nakatabi dahil sa hindi rin siya masyadong palasalita.
Kaya nakakagulat na takot din siya.
Well, hindi kaya ampon lang ako?
I chuckled with my silly thoughts. Kinuha ko na lang ang phone ko para mag-scroll sa social media at nakitang trending ang telenovela ni Mommy.
Wow, I really admire my Mom. I wanted to try showbusiness someday. Bukod sa dancing, I think I can do good in acting too, like my Mommy.
From: James
Hi, Sibyl! Have you eaten yet? I love you.
Sighing, I typed back.
To: James
Yeah, where are you?
From: James
Home, thinking of you.
I frowned. Fucking corny.
I felt like I had goosebumps kaya binitawan ko ang phone ko at tumayo na lang para tignan ang ibaba.
Tumaas ang kilay ko nang makitang kararating lang din ni Kuya Zion. Si Zirena na naka-uniporme pa pang-school ay nagtatatakbo papasok habang may hawak na zip lock na may lamang iba't-ibang kulay ng gummies kaya napatawa ako.
This kid. Ewan ko lang kung hindi 'to magka-diabetes sa kinakain.
"Zion," I overheard while I was in the terrace at nakita kong lumabas si Solomon kasama si Daddy at ngumuso na ako nang makitang nag-apir sila ni Kuya Zy at tinapik pa nito ang likod nito.
"Oh, Sol! Musta, pare? Gwapo pa rin natin, ano?" Kuya laughed.
"Oo naman, Zy. Agawin pa rin ng chicks sa Sta. Monica." He even teased.
"Ako rin dati no'ng nasa Sta. Monica, habulin ng chicks. S'werte nga ni Misis at siya ang pinili ko." My weird of a father answered at nang magtawanan silang tatlo roon ay dumukwang ako at pumahalumbaba.
They knew each other so well, huh? How come I didn't know this man?
May kinuha sila sa sasakyan. Mukhang close na close sila habang nagkikwentuhan pa roon tungkol sa plantation sa Sta. Monica.
"Ate! Ate ko! Kain na raw!" when I shifted my gaze, I saw my bubbly little sister running towards me.
Sinalubong ko siya ng yakap at natatawang inakbayan ko na.
"How's school, Zire? I saw you bought another bunch of gummies. Ubos na ba 'yong stock mo sa pantry? Kakabili lang natin last week, ah?"
"Yes po, Ate!" she answered me and looked at my bed, "wala ka ng chocolates? From admirers?"
"Oh, I'll give it to you. Just, watch your sugar, okay?" I warned and she nodded at me.
"Okay, Ate! Kain na tayo, masarap ang niluto ni Dad!" she chirped, her blue eyes glistened, reminding me of our father. "Atsaka, Ate, kilala mo ba 'yong gwapo nating bisita?"
I stopped at that and shook my head.
"No."
"They said it's Kuya Sol," she explained, "sila raw po ng family niya ang nag-aasikaso ng farm natin sa Sta. Monica! They're close with Mama Lena and Papa Jer!"
"Ah..." I nodded.
"Tipid naman magsalita ni Ate ko," reklamo pa niya kaya tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko, "look at me, I talked a lot kaya I have a lot of friends in school! They said I am friendly and yes, I have friends pero si Scira at Daru pa rin ang super bestest friends ko!"
"Good for you," I messed with her hair, "h'wag kang gagaya kay Ate na hindi friendly. I just don't like talking much because I'm not a good speaker, Zire."
"But why, Ate?" curiosity filled her innocent ocean blue eyes, "you're madaldal naman before, ah? Tapos hindi na masyado ngayon?"
"I just grew older, I guess?" I shrugged, "hayaan mo na, I am happy with this. I also have friends, si Adi tapos sa work. Si Mila at Leah."
"Hmm, great!" she smiled, "basta happy ka, happy ako. How about boyfriend, Ate? Is it true na James is dating that Teresa girl?"
I stopped and looked at her, "how did you know about James—"
"I'm at social media, duh?" she rolled her eyes playfully, "and you are famous, of course there are news about you."
I nodded, nairita na umabot sa pamilya ko ang katangahan na nababasa ko sa social media kaya napailing na lang.
"Just don't mind them. I'll deal with him, don't worry. I don't think he'll play around with Teresa while still having me as a girlfriend, right?"
"Tama!" she beamed, "kapal naman ng mukha niya kung lolokohin niya ang nag-iisang Sibyl Timothea! Right, Ate?"
"Tama!" I answered back and natatawang pinagtama ang balakang naming dalawa bago sabay na bumaba para kumain na.
Naghahanda na si Mommy ng pagkain sa hapag nang makarating na kami. Kaagad akong tumulong sa pag-aayos, pati na rin si Zire na kumuha ng baso.
Unlike the usual, may extra plate kami para sa bisita.
The boys entered the kitchen. My eyes immediately met his orbs and saw it glistened. Umirap ako. He walked closer, nang kunin ko ang mga baso ay tumabi siya kaya nagtaka na ako.
His manly scent made its way to my nostrils and when I looked at him, the side of his lips rose for an amused and playful smile, making me frown.
"Ang bait talaga ng mga Sandejas sa bisita," he commented with an annoying smile, "tulungan na kita, Sibyl."
"Bwisita pala..." bulong-bulong ko.
"Huh?" he asked kaya hinarap ko na siya.
"Hotdog." I answered blankly at namilog ang mata niya. Nang mukhang magkakaroon ng question mark ang ulo niya, tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko at iniwan siya roon para ilapag ang baso sa hapag.
My Mom called us up, naupo ako sa usual place ko katabi si Mom habang nasa kabisera si Daddy.
"Sol, hijo, diyan ka na sa tabi ni Sibyl." Ani Dad at napanguso ako roon pero 'di na nagreklamo.
"Salamat po, Sir." He answered kindly.
"Feel at home, Sol." Mommy said, "alam mo namang welcome na welcome kayo ng pamilya mo sa aming tahanan."
"Salamat po, Ma'am Alyx." He said, "salamat po kasi pinatuloy ninyo ako rito, ayos lang naman po kung sa apartment lang muna.
"Dagdag gastos," Kuya Zy commented, "atsaka malaki naman dito sa bahay. May guestroom kaya dito ka na lang."
"Salamat, pre." He answered at ngumisi lang si Kuya at sumaludo sa kanya. "Salamat, Miss Zire." Baling niya sa kapatid ko na ngumiti at tumango.
"Welcome, Kuya Sol! Welcome ang mga gwapo rito." She even teased. Nagtawanan tuloy sila habang ako'y walang reaksyon lang.
I felt how his gaze shifted to my direction. I know he'll greet me.
"Hello, Sibyl. Tabi tayo, ah?" he asked.
Hindi ko na siya nilingon at narinig ko ang mahinang tawa niya.
"Sungit naman, Miss." He commented pero 'di ko talaga siya nilingon.
Bwisita nga, oo.
Sa tapat namin ay si Kuya Zy at Zirena na akmang sasandok na ng pagkain.
"Zy, pray." Mom called and it stopped my brother.
Napatikhim siya. Namula ang mukha at nang makita akong seryoso at walang emosyong nakatingin sa kanya ay ngumuso.
"Mommy, oh. Si Sibyl, judger." He said out loud, stopping me.
"What?" gulat kong tanong.
"Patay-gutom kaagad? 'Di ba pwedeng gutom lang talaga?" he asked, as if saying a monologue at napailing na lang ako.
Wala naman akong sinasabi, ah? Nakatingin lang? Judger kaagad?
My Dad is chuckling, si Zire ay ngising-ngisi at tumango-tango lang si Mommy sa kanya.
"Oo na, 'di ka na patay-gutom." Mom smiled, "dasal na, 'nak."
Umayos ako ng upo.
"Are you ready to pray, awesome family?" Kuya started off and I closed my eyes tightly, trying so hard not to be embarrassed he's being like this when we have a bwisita right now.
"Yes, Zion-gwapo." Dad answered out loud and I bit my lip.
Lord, I'm so sorry but...maybe nakuha na ng aliens ang totoong pamilya ko?
Luckily, mukhang sanay naman na itong si Solomon na duwag sa kanila. I see no violent reaction, natatawa pa siya sa pasaring na kalokohan ng Kuya at Dad at nakikisakay pa kaya mas nawe-weirduhan ako.
"Naalala ko 'yong huli nating uwi sa Sta. Monica, nakipaghabulan pa 'yang si Sol sa baboy." Kwento pa ni Daddy doon at napatawa si Kuya.
"OMG, is that Kuya Sol?" Zire asked, "'yong boy na napadapa sa putikan?!" when they laughed and agreed, I was left confused.
How come I didn't know that?
"Oo, two years ago 'yon." Dad laughed and I heard Sol chuckling beside me.
"Pang-katay daw kasi sa anniversary nina Ma'am Lena at Sir Jer. Gusto ni Ma'am 'yong baboy na 'yon, eh, mailap kaya hinabol ko." Tawa pa niya at lahat sila'y napapatawa sa ala-ala samantalang ako'y naguguluhan lang.
"Oh, pretty ghourl? Bakit may question mark sa mukha mo?" Dad asked kaya sa akin nabaling ang atensyon nila.
"Huh?" I asked and shook my head, "nothing, I'm just confused. I don't remember."
"Wala ka kasi no'n," Kuya said, "nandoon ka sa may Kawasan falls, kasama sina Adira."
"Ah, okay." I nodded and resumed eating.
Natahimik naman sila kaagad at si Dad na ang nagsalita.
"Pagpasensyahan mo na, Sol. Tahimik lang kasi ito talagang pretty ghourl ko at 'di palasalita." Dad even explained.
"Ayos lang, Sir." He answered, "halata nga po, eh. Pero ayos lang 'yan, maganda naman." Naramdaman ko ang titig niya.
My cheeks heated up when I heard it. I felt the weird swirling feeling on my stomach. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa tinidor at sinubukang magseryoso.
"Mana kasi 'yan sa Misis kong maganda kaya maganda rin." Ani Dad, "actually ang family namin ang pinakamagaganda at gwapong lahi sa buong angkan, eh."
Nagtawanan sila. Si Mommy ay napapailing pa.
Oh, come on. Zeijan "hangin" Sandejas is here again.
"H'wag kang maingay, pre, ah? Secret lang 'to, 'di namin sinasabi sa family pero kami ang pinaka." Gatong pa ng Kuya, "h'wag mo pagkalat, ah? Baka magtampo si Macky-beybe ko at iniisip niyang sila."
"Pinaka kasi ang family ko," Dad even boasted around, "pinakagwapo, pinakasweet, pinaka-funny. Pinaka—" biglang sinubuan ni Mommy ng pagkain ang nakangangang bibig ni Dad.
"Pinaka may katok kamo, Zeijan Ruais." Mom hissed, "oh, kainin mo na at gutom lang 'yan. 'Di ka na nahiya kay Sol!" lingon niya sa bwisita na naaaliw lang na nagmamasid.
"Hindi po, Ma'am. Ayos lang. Nakakatuwa nga po kayo, eh." He said and I might don't like him but I knew sincerity when I saw one and that's what I saw on his brownish-black orbs.
I listened to them while we're eating. Lahat sila ay nag-uusap-usap samantalang akong tahimik lang at nakikinig dahil negosyo ang pinag-uusapan nila. I glanced at Zire and she's busy separating her gummies in a jar habang nasa may counter kaya tumayo na ako para tulungan siya.
"Thanks, Ate!" she said happily. I flashed a sweet smile and nodded, pinisil ko ang pisngi niya at wala sa sariling napabaling sa may dining table at nahuli ang tingin ni Sol na nakatingin pala sa akin.
Slowly, a small smile left his lips. Kumunot naman ang noo ko at umirap sa kanya sabay baling sa ginagawa.
Maaga akong umalis kinabukasan para sa rehearsal sa papalapit na recital namin. I memorized my steps well kaya 'di iyon naging mahirap sa akin but Teresa's been testing me these days and I started getting so annoyed at her.
"Oh, is it true, Sibyl? James is hanging out with Teresa?" Leah started off when the rehearsal ended and we're sitting on the bench and resting for a while.
Hindi ako umimik. I stretched my leg to relax and sat straight so I could fix my posture.
"Kakagaling lang namin sa bakasyon tapos ito kaagad ang bungad na tsismis sa Twitter, Sibyl!" Mila said, Leah's cousin.
They're my casual ballet friends. Nakakausap kapag may rehearsal. Minsan kapag wala si Adi, sila ang kasama ko sa bar para mag-party.
"Sibyl?"
"Don't believe those silly gossips, girls." I told them and closed my eyes to relax and stretched my arms too. "They're useless. As if James would find any other girl than me? He won't dare."
"Sa bagay," Mila answered, "who won't dare cheat in a Sandejas, right?"
I didn't answer and just listened.
"Malay mo, si James na pala?" I stopped. Sa pagmulat ko ay nahuli ko ang pagsiko ni Leah kay Mila na natigilan nang makita akong nakamulat na.
"Pardon?" I asked coldly and their eyes widened, "wala naman..." tawa niya.
"I just saw you elbowed your cousin," I pointed out. "Is it something I'm concerned?"
Nabakas ko ang kaba sa mukha nilang dalawa. I was not trying to scare them both but what I saw quite alarmed me kaya nagtatanong ako. If they're scared, not my problem.
I just have this resting bitch face kahit 'di naman ako galit.
"Yes?" my brow shot up and that's when Mila spoke.
"Kasi, please don't be mad, okay?" she asked kaya tumango ako at nag-antay sa susunod na sasabihan. "Yesterday kasi, you see, Leah and I went to the mall after we got here from the airport and..."
Natahimik siya. Kumunot na ang noo ko at umayos ng upo.
"And?" tumaas ang kilay ko.
"We saw James with Teresa," Leah answered me and pouted, "they're having dinner. He saw us, you know? Sabi nga niya kaibigan lang daw si Teresa but I doubt."
Natahimik ako. I remembered his cringe texts last night and now?
"And?" I asked.
"Ayon lang, we are thinking if we'll tell you but the reports and chismis around are disturbing. Baka maapektuhan ang career mo." Mila explained kaya napatango na ako at tumikhim.
"Maybe, they're friends." I snapped, "as if he'd cheat on me, right?"
Napatulala sila sa akin pero tumango-tango rin kaya ngumiti ako ng maliit at tumayo na at tinanggal ang pin sa buhok.
"Thanks, girls. I'll treat you two tomorrow, I just have to go to the mall. May pinapabili si Zirena." I said and they waved at me. Tumayo pa sila para makipagbeso at nang makaalis na ako sa harapan ay sumimangot.
That asshole! What does he think of me? Bobo?!
Oh, I am not a freaking bobo!
Iritado, halos sipain ko na ang pintuan ng dressing room. Nasalubong ko pa ang gulat ni Rey sa biglaang pasok ko at kulang na lang ay dumikit sa pader sa takot.
"Sibyl? Bakit?"
"I'm taking the family car today." I answered coldly and sat on my stool. "I'm going to the mall. Call the driver and get me an iced coffee."
"A-ah sige," he answered and when he vanished, I glanced at my phone and saw the countless articles about him and that bitch seen together for a dinner.
These dipshits!
When he came back, I lowered my phone. Kaagad kong kinuha sa kanya ang kape at iritadong uminom.
"Sibyl, regarding sa Twitter," ani Rey. "May mga rumors na may iba na si James—" I raised my finger and he stopped.
Unti-unti, inihiwalay ko ang labi sa straw bago siya nilingon.
"Am I asking for your opinion?" I asked sharply.
"H-huh?" his eyes widened, "hindi—"
"Then, don't speak." My lips formed a thin line and looked back on my phone.
"Okay," tikhim niya at umayos ng tayo. "Malapit na raw pala ang driver ninyo para ihatid ka. Atsaka 'yong sa stylist mo pala, ikaw ba ang pipili?"
"Bahala ka na," I answered.
Good thing, nanahimik siya sa kakadaldal. When I was informed the car is here ay ibinalik ko na ang sandals sa paa at inalog-alog ang iced coffee ko para tumunog ang yelo sa loob.
Therapy.
I walked on the hallway like a V.S. model. People are greeting me and I would always give them a small and charming smile.
Inihatid ako ni Rey at ng P.A. papunta sa parking at naglakad ako papalapit sa sasakyan pero natigilan nang makita ang pamilyar na lalaking nakatayo sa gilid at kumakaway pa sa akin na may malaki ang ngiti.
"What is this idiot doing here?" I whispered.
"Sibyl?" Rey asked.
"Wala." I dismissed.
"Oh, gwapo, ah? Sino 'yan? Bagong driver mo?" Rey asked me pero 'di ko inimik. Taas ang noong lumapit ako sa lalaki na mas matangkad pa sa akin kahit naka-heels pa ako.
He's wearing dark-colored jeans, a simple white shirt underneath his open checkered top.
"Very country boy," I commented and raised my brow. "The hell are you doing here?"
"May sinundo ang driver ninyo kaya ako muna." He smiled, his eyes twinkled when his lips rose, slowly bowing at me. "Your handsome driver, Sol. At your service, Sibyl."
Someone whistled behind me, "mas gwapo kay James ito ng mga one hundred percent, Sibyl! Siya na ba ang bago?!"
Hinarap ko na si Rey na nagniningning pa ata ang mata kakatitig kay Solomon pero nawala iyon nang mapansin akong nakatingin.
He eyed me, confused. I raised my brow more at napatakip siya ng bibig.
"A-aalis na nga." Tumawa siya at umayos ng tayo sabay kaway kay Sol. "Hi, pogi! Anong pangalan mo? Gusto mo mag-showbiz?"
"Sol na lang po, Sir." He answered and I saw how Rey's face crumpled.
"Rey na lang, Sol." Tumawa pa ito, "h'wag na Sir. Baka gusto mong mag-showbiz at ang gwapo-gwapo mo. Ito, calling card—"
"Rey." I called seriously and namilog ang mata niya.
"Sorry! Sorry!" tumikhim siya pero naglakas-loob pang inabot sa huli ang calling card. "Hayaan mo na, Sibyl. Bigyan lang natin ng calling card at bagay sa showbiz o kaya ay modelo! Tignan mo naman kasi itong driver ninyo. Matangkad, moreno at gwapo! Bagay na bagay na model ng brief!"
Nakita ko ang panlalaki ng mata ni Solomon. From Rey's face, nahulog ang tingin niya sa pantalon niya. Miski si Rey ay sumunod din doon kaya iritadong naglakad ako sa harapan ng lalaki at tinakpan siya.
"Pumasok ka, Solomon. Ano, akala ko ba ipagda-drive mo ako?" malamig kong tanong.
"Huh?" Solomon's eyes widened and he nodded abruptly and took my bag from my hand. "Sige, ano...uhm..." humawak siya sa batok at bumaling sa likod ko. "Excuse me, Sir Rey. Hatid ko muna itong pasahero ko."
When he walked towards the car, hinarap ko si Rey na nakanganga sa direksyon ni Sol at tinaasan ng kilay. Namaywang pa ako at hinuli ang tingin niya at nang makita ako ay napahawak sa dibdib.
"Ano ba 'yan, Sibyl! Akala ko may dragon!" he gasped and clutched his chest.
"Dragon? Baka gusto mong bugahan kita ng apoy." Malamig na sabi ko at napakurap-kurap siya bago mabilis na umiling sabay talikod at kaway sa akin habang tumatakbo palayo.
I rolled my eyes, nang pumasok ako sa kotse ay nakaabang sa akin si Solomon na kaagad akong sinalubong ng ngiti.
"Saan tayo, Sib?" he asked.
"Sibyl." I corrected, "close ba tayo, Solomon?"
Sa halip na ma-offend ay mas naaliw pa siya. Nang lumitaw na naman ang mapaglarong ngisi niya ay umirap ako sa hangin at inayos ang seatbelts.
"Sol na lang, grabe sa full name. Pang-matanda nga 'yan, eh. Parang others naman." He commented and smiled again, "saan tayo, Miss Sungit?"
"Mall, Solomon." I answered back and when I caught his eyes widened, I stared at him and smiled playfully. "Solomon, mall tayo. Solomon." I said and smiled again.
Mas namilog ang mata niya, nagtaka naman ako nang napatakip pa siya ng bibig.
"Hala, ngumiti ka!" he exclaimed, stopping me.
When I realized what I have done, my lips turned to a firm, straight line. Umirap ako sa hangin.
"I-I'm not."
"Oo nga!" napatawa siya, "bagay sa 'yo ang ngumingiti! Isa pa nga, Sibyl—"
"Shut up, Solomon." Malamig kong sabi at iritadong sumimsim.
The hell, why did I smile? Am I crazy?
"Hindi, eh." He laughed, "tumawa ka—"
Pinatunog ko ang lagayan ng iced coffee ko para mawala ang boses niya.
"Sibyl—" I shook my cup and the ice inside made a sound while I pretended not to hear him.
"Okay, okay. Hindi na." Tumawa siya, "ngiti ka palagi, ah?" I can see him looking at me through my peripheral vision pero 'di ko nililingon.
"Mas gumaganda ka." Aniya at mabilis akong lumingon sa bintana ko para itago ang mukha kong nag-init sa narinig mula sa kanya.
Luckily, he was quiet while driving. Nakikita ko ang panaka-naka niyang tingin sa akin pero hindi ko na nilingon pa at 'di naman siya nagkomento sa katahimikan ko.
When we got into the mall's parking, nauna na akong palabas.
"Antayin mo naman ako, Sibyl." Natatawang tawag niya sa akin, "first time ko sa mall sa Maynila."
I stopped from my tracks and looked back.
"Ano?"
He smiled a little and when he did that. I felt like I'm looking at a little kid. Despite his rugged look, he has this innocent glint on his face.
"First time ko sa mall dito sa inyo," aniya at napahawak sa batok. "Pasensya na, kasi sa mall sa bayan lang sa Sta. Monica ako minsan kaya—"
"Tara nga!" I called. "Sumabay ka sa akin."
"Talaga?" his face brightened.
"Oo nga, paulit-ulit?" malamig kong tanong pero sa halip ay lumiwanag ang mukha niya. He's like that of a shining sun, bright and lively.
What? Sun? What are you, Sibyl? You're damn corny now?
"Salamat! Sabi ko na nga ba't mabait ka, eh." Aniya pero 'di ko na sinagot at sinuot ang shades ko habang naglalakad papasok sa mall. "Sabi nila sa Sta. Monica, suplada raw ang pangalawang anak ni Sir Zeij pero hindi ako naniwala. No'ng nakikita kita 'di mo 'ko nginingitian pero 'di ka naman pala talaga masungit."
"Alam mo, ang daldal mo, Solomon." Malamig kong sabi.
"Ito na, tatahimik na." Aniya pero may ngiti pa rin sa labi kaya napailing na lang ako at pumasok sa mall.
I noticed how the people around stopped on their tracks when they saw me striding inside the mall. I am wearing my shades but of course, this tiny thing would never hide this pretty face of mine.
"Pinagtitinginan ka nila," Sol said, "sikat ka pala talaga 'no?"
"Of course," I answered and glanced at him. "Maganda ako, eh."
His lips tugged for a smile and noticed how good-looking he is.
Hell no, Sibyl.
I looked away. I fixed my shades and walked again.
"H'wag ka lalapit sa akin, ayaw ko ng issue." I told him pero natawa lang siya at namulsa.
"Bakit naman ayaw mo? Kung sa akin ka ma-issue, 'di ka na lugi—"
"Ang kapal ng mukha mo, Alejo." Iritado kong sabi at mas binilisan ang lakad, alam na may mga taong kumukuha ng litrato namin.
"Sungit mo naman, Miss Sandejas." He mumbled playfully pero 'di ko na pinansin at dumiretso na sa bookstore para bilhin ang mga utos ni Zire para sa project niya sa school na kailangan.
I can notice the stares people are giving me. I even caught some attempting to ask me something pero 'di nila natutuloy. May mga nagpa-picture na pinagbigyan ko at maliit lang na ngumingiti.
"Salamat po, Miss Sibyl! Ang ganda-ganda mo talaga!" bati nila kaya tumango ako at nagpasalamat ng mahina bago bumaling sa ginagawa.
Napansin kong may nakamasid kaya ibinaling ko ang tingin at bumusangot.
"What are you, display?" I asked Solomon who's been watching me like I'm some kind of movie.
"Kung ganito ka-gwapo ang display, edi blessing." He even motioned his face kaya nailing na ako. "Pero mas maganda iyong ngiti mo sa 'kin kanina."
"Oh, hawakan mo." Pinahawak ko sa kanya ang cart at natatawang inabot niya iyon at bumaling sa paligid.
"Laki pala ng bookstore dito, ano? Ang hirap mamili ng supplies doon sa probinsya. Buti rito mabilis." Komento niya pero 'di ko na pinansin.
Napakadaldal ni Alejo.
I let him fall in line to the cashier to pay for the supplies. Nakikita ko pa ang pagbaling-baling sa kanya ng mga dalagita roon at kapag ngumingiti siya ay nagtutulakan pa at mukhang bulateng kinikilig.
Hay naku, ang kabataan.
After paying, pinabuhat ko sa kanya ang mga gamit na pinabili ni Zirena. Ewan ko nga sa batang iyon at ang effort ng mga projects palagi at ang daming abubot pa.
I glanced at Sol and caught him admiring the place. Buhat-buhat niya sa isang kamay ang plastic ng supplies habang nakapamulsa ang isa.
Even in his not so casual look, he looked great. Well, I don't know why I was saying this but no one could know what I am thinking but me so I'll say it anyway.
He's good looking. Bagay na bagay sa kanya ang pagkamoreno niya. Matangkad at maganda ang hubog ng katawan at halatadong batak sa trabaho. His muscles are in the right places, yakap na yakap ng kanyang balikat ang suot na damit.
"I'll just go to the restroom, Sol." I informed him.
"Sige," he smiled. "Dito lang ako."
Nakita kong sumandal siya sa may barricade na salamin kaya tumalikod na ako at naglakad. May dadaanan akong mga shop at kainan papuntang banyo kaya patingin-tingin ako sa paligid at baka may makitang pagkain na p'wedeng maiuwi kina Kuya at Zire.
People are still looking at me, may mga kumakaway kaya tatango ako at ngingiti pero ang iilan ay gustong magtanong at nag-aalangan kaya nagtataka man ay hindi ko na pinansin.
I walked past a restaurant but stopped midway when I realized some people are capturing something inside. I know I shouldn't care because it wasn't my forte but I definitely saw people looking shocked seeing me. Nagsikuhan pa sila at tinuro pa ako kaya naglakad na ako papalapit.
I am nervous and I didn't know why. Itinaas ko ang shades ko at taas-noong naglakad papuntang restaurant pero 'yon na lang ang pag-awang ng labi ko nang makita si James kasama si Teresa. Maybe I won't be this stunned if it is just a simple dinner or what but what I saw definitely stepped my ego.
In there, I caught James and Teresa kissing. In a public resto, they are almost making out and people are watching.
"Grabe, ano? Talagang hiwalay na sila ni Sibyl?" I overheard people talking.
"Baka totoo talagang masama ugali niyan," someone answered and my chest felt heavier.
I wasn't that hurt but hearing other people talking ill about me? Seeing people who I tried trusting breaking it made me feel bad.
Bumigat ang pakiramdam ko at nakita ko ang paglingon ni James. Natulak niya si Teresa at napatayo sa gulat nang makita ako, nanlalaki ang mata.
"Sibyl!" he called and I looked away blankly and glanced at the people taking photos.
"Don't worry, we weren't together." I said softly, "I broke up with him. He's a cheater." I announced at mas nagkagulo na sila.
I heard him call my name—followed by the loud follow-up questions but I didn't entertain them. Dire-diretso ang aking lakad papaalis, kahit 'di na makadaan.
"Excuse me." I said coldly but they were bombarding me with questions. I almost got blinded with the camera flashes.
"Miss Sibyl! Miss Sibyl! Totoo bang—" I didn't get to understand their questions because I felt like I'm suffocating.
Bumigat ang pakiramdam ko. Nahihiya dahil sa natapakan kong ego at marahan lang akong lumalayo para 'di uminit ang ulo pero mukhang sinusubukan ako ng mga 'yon.
"Sibyl, Sibyl!" James called. "Baby, let me explain—"
"Ano ba!" I hissed when I felt him trying to reach me.
"Sibyl!" he called but I walked out, annoyed and fuming mad.
Sumusunod sila sa akin. Halos dumugin na ako ng mga tanong pero ang gusto ko lang ay ang makaalis at makaiwas sa mga tao. I kept on looking at someone on the crowd and panicked.
"Miss Sibyl! Miss Sibyl!" the crowd around is suffocating me I started panicking.
"E-excuse me, excuse..."
"Anong masasabi mong kaya kayo naghiwalay kasi pangit daw ang ugali mo?" sunod-sunod nilang tanong at napapikit na ako.
Si Sol...saan si Sol?
Despite my grumpiness, heavens answered my prayers because when I opened my eyes—I saw him. Hinahawi niya ang mga tao paalis. His eyes are fixed on me as he walked closer.
"Sibyl! Baby!" James called, "Teresa is nothing—"
Sol reached me and my heart became calmer.
"Ayos ka lang?" he asked and touched my shoulder, "anong nangyari?"
"Sibyl!" James' loud voice stopped me.
Sol's eyes turned sharp. Kumunot ang noo niya habang nakatingin kay James sa likuran ko at mas nag-ingay ang mga tao sa paligid dahil doon.
"Sino 'yan? 'Yan ba ang ipinalit mo sa akin?!" James exclaimed kaya nilingon ko siya at sumama lalo ang pakiramdam nang makita si Teresa na kunwari'y anghel sa sobrang lambing ng ekspresyon.
Mukhang inosente, ipokrita naman.
When I glanced at James' he's glaring at Sol behind me.
Huh! Ikaw pa ang galit? Gagong 'to!
"Sibyl, answer me!" he said angrily, "is he—"
"We broke up a long time ago, James." I said coldly, "because you cheated—with her." Turo ko kay Teresa na namilog pa kunwari ang mata.
"I did not!" he exclaimed, "we didn't break up! Tapos iyan ang ipapalit mo sa 'kin? Sino ba 'yan? He looked cheap—"
"You're the cheap one, James." I smiled coldly, "Sol here? He's better than you—way greater."
"I don't believe you!" napailing-iling pa siya, "hindi mo ako ipagpapalit sa lalaking ganyan lang. You are famous, Sibyl! You deserved someone like me—"
"Oh, princess like me does not deserve a trash like you, James." Malamig kong sabi, hindi na napigilan kahit na mas umugong ang usapan. "And what are you saying? Hindi kita ipagpapalit? Asa ka."
I turned my back on him and faced the annoyed man behind me. His jaw's clenched, mariin ang titig niya kay James doon kaya tinawag ko siya.
"Sol..." I uttered, almost a whisper and he looked at my way.
"I won't believe you, pinapaselos mo lang ako!" James said confidently.
"Sorry," mahinang sabi ko kay Sol at napuno ng pagtataka ang mata niya nang basta ko na lang hawakan ang batok niya at tulak sa kanya pababa papunta sa akin sabay huli sa mga labi niya para sa halik.
He was stunned. I can see how his eyes flickered when our lips touched. He's sweet.
His brownish-black orbs are wide while our lips are pressed together. Bigla akong nahiya at nag-init ang pisngi. I stopped.
"S-sorry..." I said lowly when I realized it but when I was about to go away, hinapit niya ang baywang ko palapit at walang pasubaling tumungo bago hulihin ang akin. He moved his lips and stared at my eyes directly before gently kissing me back.
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