Kabanata 23
Kabanata 23
She'll take my room...
What... What? What?!
Napatalon ako at nakangangang sumulyap kay Henry na mukha ring litong-lito sa nangyayari. Nagkatinginan kami ni Liza na natikom ang bibig niya at hilaw na ngumisi sa akin.
"Sib? Who's that?" Henry asked.
"A friend!" I answered and gasped, "sorry, sorry, Henry! Uhm, you can take the room! Do you still have the same number? I'll call you!"
Naguguluhan pa si Henry na napatitig sa akin pero ang mata ko'y pabalik-balik sa kanya at kay Sol na tangay-tangay na ang maleta ko at papasok na ata sa elevator.
"Sib—"
"Thanks, Hen! Uh, call you later! Sundan ko lang 'yong uh, friend ko!" I gave him a quick hug, pulled the amused Liza on her wrist.
"Oh... friend." I heard her while I was dragging her where Sol was.
"What's with him?" kumunot ang noo ko. Kinuha ni Liza ang key card sa desk.
"Friend!" Liza screamed, calling Solomon frantically pressing the elevator button. "Friend, wait mo kami!"
The elevator door opened. Solomon went inside the elevator and watched us ran to him like idiots. He looked pissed, naharang pa ni Liza ang pinto kaya nakapasok kami.
Nanlalaki pa ang mata ko sa gulat sa mga nangyayari, sinusulyapan si Sol na malamig ang titig sa kung saan.
"Grabe ka naman, friend! 'Di mo naman kami inantay, friend!" Liza exclaimed, her expression mixed with amusement and exhaustion for running.
Tumikhim lang si Sol at diretso pa rin ang tingin at sa pagsasara ng pintuan ng elevator ay nagsalubong ang tingin namin sa repleksyon.
My heart pounded. My cheeks heated that I averted my gaze to stare at Liza with a weird and silly grin on her lips.
"What are you doing here nga pala?" kausap ko sa kanya.
"Ah, nag-o-organize kasi ng auction," sagot niya at mas nagliwanag ang tingin ko.
"Auction? Perhaps is this for the farmers?" hinalughog ko ang bag sabay pakita ng invitation kay Liza na biglang tinakpan ang bibig niya sa gulat.
"Oo, girl!" she gasped loudly, her eyes widening in exaggeration. Mas lalong tumalon ang puso ko sa excitement.
"Hala! Are you kidding?! Really?!" I exclaimed.\
"It's true!" she exclaimed back.
"Oh my God!" I gasped at nang magkatitigan ay sabay na tumili, naghawak ng kamay, tumalon-talon at nagyakap.
"Na-miss talaga kita, friend!" she screamed and squeezed me.
"I missed you, too!" Mas lumaki ang ngisi ko, hindi makakaila ang sayang nararamdaman. There's even a ghost of smile on my lips when I saw Sol while I'm hugging Liza from her neck.
He wasn't smiling but I caught the slight tug on his lips. Bahagya siyang lumingon at dali-dali akong nag-iwas at lumayo kay Liza sabay kapit sa kanyang braso.
"Is the dinner finish, then? Auction will be tomorrow night? Correct?"
"Oo, Sib," tumango siya. "Sayang 'di mo inabot ang dinner kanina, katatapos lang no'ng nakita kita sa may reception. Sayang, may buffet!"
Ngumisi ako at saktong pagbukas ng elevator ay nilagpasan kami ni Sol habang buhat-buhat ang maleta ko sa isang kamay niya, mukhang 'di man lang nabibigatan.
I snapped and remembered what's happening.
Marahang hinila ako ni Liza palabas at walang pasubaling sumunod kay Sol habang hawak ako, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang pagkikwento.
But my eyes and attention remained on Sol's back. His body's been something to die for before—I've seen it naked, first hand! Pero ngayon mas ano ata... mas lalong...
I shifted my position. Habang nagdadaldal si Liza ay pasimple kong kinapa ang tagiliran at napatango-tango nang masiguradong kapit na kapit pa ang T-back.
Napahawak ako sa dibdib sa relief pero muntik lang madapa nang napansing nakatingin na pala si Sol. His lip twitched again, as if it was amusing.
"D-Dumi ng dress ko!" singhap ko sabay hampas-hampas ng skirt part para ipakitang 'di ko chine-check ang panty ko!
"Oh, key card!" biglang inangat ni Liza ang kamay at nang buksan ni Sol ang kwarto ay tinaas ko ang kamay ko, kinakabahan na.
"A-Ah, Sol—I mean, Mr. Alejo," I stopped him.
He stilled. Liza whistled.
"Oh, mister zone," narinig kong bulong-bulong niya bago pasimpleng sinipa si Sol na hindi man lang gumalaw sa kinatatayuan at nakatingin lang sa akin, nag-aantay ng sasabihin ko.
"You really don't have to do this," I started and I was waiting for him to answer but he didn't kaya nagpatuloy ako. "I'm really fine. You don't have to bother giving me your room. 'Yong sa baba, si Henry, kaibigan ko 'yon. He said he'll be leaving soon so I could take his room."
Nanatili siyang nakatitig kaya pakiramdam ko'y mangangatog lang ang hita ko.
"Are you done?" he asked calmly, his voice baritone.
"Huh? Oo?" tumango-tango ako at pinagmasdan siyang binabasa ang pang-ibabang labi at tumango.
"Kumain ka na?" he asked instead, earning a small whimper from Liza's lips.
Hindi ako kaagad nakaimik. Kumurap ako at binasa ang labi ko, pilit na hindi iniinda ang malakas na kalabog ng dibdib.
"It doesn't matter, I'm okay—" but hell got loose, my stomach growled like a paid fucking terrible actor!
Shit!
"Wala lang 'yon! I'm saying—" but he only put his phone on his ear and pushed the door open.
"Hello, this is Solomon. I'd like to order," he said to the caller and got inside the room with his baggage on hand.
"Padala ka ring pizza, friend! Hawaiian!" sigaw bigla ni Liza sabay hila sa akin papasok.
I was already expecting a massive room basing it from the outside pero nang makapasok kami at makita ko mismo ang loob ay nahulog na ang panga.
We're in a presidential suite! I am sure!
Pinagmasdan ko si Sol na nakaipit pa rin ang telepono sa balikat at tainga habang inilalapag ang maleta ko sa gilid ng kama. I noticed an unpacked suitcase beside it, too. Probably his.
Kakarating niya lang din?
"Tara, feel at home!" hinila ako paupo ni Liza sa malambot na sofa at hinalughog ang remote sa lamesa para buksan ang T.V.
Sumulyap akong muli kay Sol at kinagat ang labi niya at tumango, ang kilay ay bahagyang nagsalubong pero tumango rin.
"In my room, yes. For three," he said and before he could find me watching, binalingan ko na si Liza na namimili ng movie.
Oh...
"As I was saying..." I started. Sabay na nilingon ako ng dalawa kaya natakot naman ako't parang may kasalanan ako kaya umiling na lang ako sabay tawa ng mahina.
"Ganda dito, ah?" I commented and look around. Tumayo pa ako para lapitan ang glass wall at nakita ang ilaw sa malaking siyudad ng Cebu.
"Ay, oo, friend!" nilapitan ako ni Liza. "Tignan mo pa ang CR nila, bongga! Pangyayamanin!" she exclaimed and toured me around the massive place.
It's great staying here, for sure. One week away from the city, it's great pero hindi ako p'wedeng mag-stay dito. I might take Henry's room or find a way to secure another from other hotels.
I won't take Sol's room from him. Sa kanya 'to tapos bibigay niya sa 'kin?
Muli akong hinila pabalik ni Liza sa sofa at nang pagbalik ay naroon na si Sol at nag-aayos ng box ng pizza, mga Styrofoam na may lamang foods.
"Maganda rin ang view sa kwarto ko kaso nando'n mga officemates kaya magulo. Dito na lang ako makikigulo sa kwarto n'yo ni Sol."
Kwarto namin?!
"A-Ah, hindi. Kay Sol lang 'to," sumulyap ako sa huli na mukhang walang naririnig, seryoso pa habang nagbubukas ng pizza.
"Oh, dito ka na rin naman, ah?" ani Liza na kinuha ang plastic para kumuha ng softdrinks. "Gusto mo?"
"No, thank you. I don't drink carbonated drinks." Iling ko nang may lumitaw sa harapan ko.
Gulat akong napabaling kay Sol na hawak-hawak ang iced coffee. I swallowed. The glint on his eyes are assuring me as he nodded kaya nahihiyang kinuha ko iyon sa dalawang kamay at dinama ang lamig sa palad ko.
My heart jumped. He remembered.
"Thank you," ngumiti ako sabay simsim no'n at balik kay Liza na nangingiti. "Bakit?"
"Wala, wala..." bumungisngis siya sabay sulyap sa katabi ko. "Tara, kain. Alam kong gutom ka."
And I'm really starving. I was planning to eat only a piece of pizza since I've been on a strict diet these days for an upcoming bikini shoot but when Sol opened the Styrofoam and I saw delicious foods inside, my mouth watered.
"I'm okay na dito," sabay kagat ko ng pizza, pinipigilan ang temptasyon.
"Eat," muling inilahad sa akin ni Sol ang utensils kaya dali-dali akong umiling. His eyes are serious while locking gazes with me. I was nervous but fought it to prove my point.
"Really, I'm good." I smiled.
"Eat, Sibyl," he insisted, his brows furrowed.
"No, really..." lumaban pa ako at ngumiti, "I will have a shoot and—"
"Aanhin mo ang shoot na 'yan kung magkakasakit ka?" he spat, his jaw tightened. "Eat this or do you want me to feed you?"
Mabilis kong inagaw sa kanya ang utensils at inabot ang styro.
"There, happy?" I inquired and when he gave me a small nodded and handsome smirk, parang mahihimatay na ata 'ko sa bilis ng kalabog ng dibdib.
His phone vibrated, nawala ang tingin niya sa akin at inabot ang phone. Nang tumayo siya'y umalis ay siya ring hampas sa akin ni Liza.
"Kainin mo na kasi, sige ka, baka ikaw ang kainin niyan..."
I gasped loudly. Hinampas ko siya pero tinawanan lang ako bago nakisali sa akin sa pagkain.
I let it go. He might just want us to stay formal, right? That's right, Sib. Naging kaibigan mo rin si Sol bago kayo nagharutan behind Daddy Pogi's back. It's normal.
I should stay casual!
"Liza, may tanong ako," bulong ko sa kaibigan na nakadalawang slice na ng pizza.
"Hmm?"
"Saan si Fritzy?" I asked. Kanina pa ako naghahanap ng tiyansang magtanong at wala siya rito.
I missed her.
"May pasok, friend," aniya. "Iniwan ni Sol sa bahay nila sa Australia."
My smile widened, "wow! She's studying in Australia?" I asked, pretending not to know. Of course, I know Sol and her stayed in the country. I just don't know exactly how their life there was.
"Oo! Sosyal si baby girl mo Fritzy at Aussie na!" humagikhik siya, "pero tinatapos na niya lang ang school year, dito na sila ulit ni Sol."
Hope filled the empty hollows of my chest. Sumulyap ako kay Sol na nakatayo sa may glass wall at seryosong nakikipag-usap pa rin.
I was so used of seeing him doing hard labor that him wearing casual and formal clothes is making my heart race. His tone was business like, kagaya noong nakikipag-usap pa siya sa mga business partner sa rancho at farm pero mas makikita mo ngayon ang awtoridad na mayro'n siya.
He stood six feet and two inches if he didn't become taller than that. Nasa kanyang bulsa ang palad at nakapirmi ang labi.
He's so damn hot.
He might've felt me looking because he met my gaze. Instead of flinching, I fought him with mine. Sumandal siya sa salaming pader, may kausap siya pero nanatili ang titig ng seryosong mga mata sa akin. Sumimsim ako ng kape.
"Alam kong miss na miss n'yo na ang isa't-isa pero baka matunaw na kayo. Paano naman ako kapag tunaw na friends ko?" I jumped when Liza spoke.
Umiwas ako ng tingin kay Sol at binalingan si Liza.
"Hmm?" I pretended not to know what she's saying. She gave me a look and fed me with her pizza instead.
Busog na busog tuloy ako. Paalis-alis si Sol sa kwarto habang may kausap. Pinanuod namin siyang dalawa ni Liza, nahihilo na kakaikot-ikot niya pabalik-balik.
"Kailangan mo tulong, boss?" ani Liza na tinaas ang daliri.
I know Sol's been working at a good company but...
Sol glanced at her and shook his head, "I'm good. Samahan mo muna si Sibyl, sandali lang ako."
"Boss?" nilingon ko si Liza pagkalabas ni Sol.
"Ah, si Sol?" aniya, tumango ako. "Oo, boss ko."
Umawang na ang labi ko. Natawa si Liza sa reaksyon ko at hinampas ako kaya nauwi iyon sa ngiwi at hampas pabalik sa kanya.
"Mapuputulan na ako ng kamay, ah!" reklamo ko sabay hawak sa braso.
"Ay, sorry, sorry..." humalakhak siya sabay haplos sa braso ko. "Kasi friend, just last year na-recognize 'yong fertilizer na dinevelop namin no'ng thesis sa college!"
"Totoo ba?" namilog ang mata ko, naalala kung paano nagpuyat si Sol para lang i-proofread ang paper nila.
"Oo! Alam mo namang brainy 'yang jowa mo, siya nag-develop tapos nagbuhat ng thesis noon! Pancit canton lang kasi ambag ko pero at least may ambag!"
Napailing ako, "you did great, too. Ako na nga lang na-stress sa inyong dalawa kasi palaging kayo ang nag-aasikaso noon."
"'Yon nga, sina Sir Jer at Ma'am Lena, pati na rin ang S.M.U. may magandang recommendation letter para kay Sol kaya siya kinuha no'ng pinakamagandang offer na trabaho sa kanya! Deserved! Dinevelop nila further ang studies namin no'ng college at tignan mo naman? Nga-nga ang mga pa-cute na member wala namang ambag! Si Sol ang nagpursige at tignan mo nga naman, boss ko na!" habang nagkikwento siya ay matamis lang ang ngiti ko.
"Wow..." my heart jumped in genuine happiness, "I'm proud of him, and you... look what you've reached now! You also became prettier!"
"Bolera naman!" namumulang hinampas niya ako, "pero salamat, friend. Rejuv lang 'yan."
I cackled. I really can't believe how these amazing people make someone with the temper like me laugh.
"Paano mo naging boss si Sol?" I asked curiously.
"Sus, sa work boss ko 'yan pero sa F.A., intern ko lang 'yan!" she chuckled. I glanced at her curiously.
"F.A.? Flight attendant?" she gave me a silly look.
"Wala... 'Yon nga! S'yempre, ayon, nag-credit sa amin si Sol kahit siya lang naman bumuhat. May sariling buhay iba naming member, walang paki kaya ako ang representative! S'yempre pabida tayo at 'yon, nasa Australia ako halos ilang buwan hanggang sa approved. Boom! Hindi na lang pancit canton ang ambag ko!"
I was in awe, listening to her stories. I knew Sol has been doing great but I didn't know it was way greater and bigger than that. Umaasa lang ako noon sa kaunting nakikita ko sa internet kaya ngayong narinig ko ng buo ay naiiyak ako.
She told me Fritzy was now a member of an international ballet group for kids with complications like hers. Matalino at achiever palagi sa school.
Look how far you've come. I'm proud of them. I'm proud of Liza, Sol and Fritzy.
"Where's Pookie?" I suddenly asked.
Her smile faded. My mouth parted.
"Uhm, ni-lechon na, friend..." she sighed.
Tila may sumuntok sa sikmura ko. My back fell on the couch like the energy got suck out of me, my eyes stung in pain.
"No..."
"Sib!" suminghap siya at nag-panic nang mamasa na ang mata ko. Hindi makapaniwalang umiling-iling ako at napatakip sa bibig.
My poor little Pookie in her pink dress and boots getting barbequed made me tear up.
"Sib!" she gasped, "ang totoo kasi niyan—" I sobbed.
"Liza..." that voice appeared again inside the room. Liza panicked and stood.
"Gago ka, boss! Tulong!" she exclaimed and a moment later, Sol was kneeling in front of me.
"What happened?" he asked eagerly and reached for my cheek but I smacked his palm away.
"Asshole!" I hissed at his face. "How dare you let Pookie get barbequed?!"
"Ano?" kumunot ang noo niya, "Liza, ano na namang ginawa mo?!" marahas siyang lumingon sa huli.
"H-Hoy! Ano, joke-joke lang kasi!" umiling-iling si Liza. Natigilan na ako at nabitin ang luha.
"What do you mean?" I asked her eagerly. Namimilog pa ang mata niyang umiling sa akin at inangat ang kamay niya.
"Joke lang na ni-lechon si Pookie..." nag-aalangan niya pang paliwanag.
"You told her that?" Sol asked seriously at si Liza na mukhang alam na ang kakahinatnan niya ay kinagat ang labi at tumango-tango.
"Peace...?"
"Liza!" I growled, earning a loud scream from her when I smacked her arm repeatedly, annoyed and relieved at the same time.
I was still pouting after that. Nag-iirapan na si Sol at Liza sa tabi ko.
"Are you sure Pookie is healthy? Baka napapabayaan na 'yon?" sita ko kay Sol na seryosong pinupunasan ang pisngi ko habang palihim na nakikipag-away ng tingin kay Liza.
"Yes," he nodded, his eyes finding mine. Natigilan pa ako nang muli kaming nagkatitigan at sa takot na makita niya ang pag-iinit ng pisngi ko'y nag-iwas ako ng tingin.
"Do you have proof?" I asked, took the tissue from him and dried my tears.
"Nasa bahay si Pookie, Sib," ani Liza sa akin. "Healthy 'yon, promise! Ako pa ang nagpapakain—" I glared at her, she shivered and swallowed. "Sorry na nga, eh!" ngumuso siya.
"Tss..." bumusangot ako kay Liza, "kapag pumayat 'yon, sinasabi ko sa 'yo ikaw ang lilitsunin ko." I threatened, enjoying the look of terror in her face.
"Here," napabaling ako kay Sol at inabot ang phone pero sa gulat ko'y nadulas iyon sa palad niya kaya ang kamay ko ang nahawakan. His finger slipped in between mine.
Like idiots, we stared at each other again and I swear, I swear I saw his lip twitched until his phone appeared on his other hand.
"Sorry, nadulas," parang wala lang na sagot niya. Tumikhim ako at inabot ang phone niya.
"Dahan-dahan kasi," I spat. "Mahal-mahal ng phone tapos mahuhulog lang..."
"Ay, wala raw pakialam si Boss Sol sa presyo basta ba sa 'yo siya mahuhulog—"
"Liza, tinatawag ka na nina Jet," Sol cut her off.
"Oh?" ani Liza sabay sulyap sa phone niya, "hala, teka! Sige, bye na mga friends! Magkwentuhan na muna kayo dito! See you bukas!"
I smiled at Liza when she hugged me, "na-miss kita, friend! Sabay tayo breakfast!"
"Alright, I missed you, too. See you tomorrow!" I pat her back. She winked and glanced at me then to Sol and back to me again.
My lips pursed. I eyed her seriously. She lifted her one finger then lifted another one before making it cross each other. Then, she smiled mischievously until Sol stood and took her arm.
"Ihahatid n akita, mukhang inaantok ka na." Sol said and the grinning Liza waved at me before whispering something to Sol and which the latter groaned.
Nang mawala na sila sa paningin ko ay napahawak ako sa dibdib at maliit na napangiti.
I missed Liza and I'm still in love with Sol...
Nang magbukas muli ang pinto ay sumulyap ako sa phone niya at binaling doon ang atensyon. My eyes brightened the same time my heart jumped when I saw images of Pookie.
"Malaki na siya," Sol said and sat beside me.
"I can see that," ngumiti ako, "gaano na siya katagal kina Liza? She looked healthy."
Our shoulders touched. I felt his warmth against me when he moved his head to check the photo on his phone, too. I got a whiff of his perfume again.
He smelled manly and expensive! Mas nanuyo ang lalamunan ko.
"Simula no'ng umalis kami ni Fritz, kay Liza namin pinabantay. Baka kasi magmukha kaming ewan kapag nagdala kaming biik sa eroplano, 'di ba?"
I chuckled, "sa bagay, sayang 'di na kasya sa kanya ang damit. Kilala pa kaya 'ko nito? Naliliguan ba palagi?"
"Oo raw," ani Sol at nang magdikit ang braso namin ay mas hindi na maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman. "Inaalagaan 'yon at madalas pinapakain, h'wag kang mag-alala at pasensya na kung may pagkaloka-loka si Liza. Hinding-hindi lilitsunin 'yan si Pookie, alam kasi niyang babalikan mo siya."
I tilted my head and met with his gaze. We both stilled and I saw how his eyes softened and lingered on my face as if memorizing my features.
My breath hitched when he lifted his hand, remove the few strands of my hair from my cheek and placed it behind my ear, not breaking eye contact.
"Mas gumanda ka," he breathed.
Hyperventilating, I looked away and chuckled awkwardly.
"T-Thanks, natural na 'yan," I commented.
Tumikhim naman siya at mas nagdikit ang braso namin nang abutin niya sa palad ko ang phone niya, "may anak na si Pookie."
"Totoo?!"
"Hmm," he hummed, he swiped his phone and showed it to me again. He's right! May anak na ang Pookie namin! I giggled and zoomed the photos, smiling upon seeing the three piglets the size of Pookie right before I left.
"Anong name ng anak ni Pookie?" I asked and looked at Sol.
"Mon," he answered seriously.
My shoulders slacked. His lip twitched and the more I glare at him, the more he couldn't help but smiling.
"Mukha ba 'kong nakikipagbiruan, Mr. Alejo?" I spat, couldn't deny the comfortable air around.
Oh, God. I missed him so much!
"Hindi, Miss Sandejas," he smirked and moistened his lower lip before shaking his head. "Wala pa silang pangalan, hirap makaisip ng pangalan na babagay sa Pookie, eh. Pinag-iisipan ko pa kung Pookie Mon or Pookie Mo—"
I screamed and covered my ear. He bursted out laughing at sa inis ko ay kinuha ko ang throw pillow at pinaghahampas sa mukha niya.
"J-Joke! Joke lang! Aray, brutal naman, ange—" a loud gasp left my lips when he cornered me when I fell on the couch.
He was above me, his hand on the other end of the pillow I'm holding near my chest. Nagkatinginan kami at biglang natahimik nang matanto kung gaano na kalapit ang mga mukha.
I could basically smell the caffeine mixing with mint on his breath and I am sure he could smell the coffee from mine, too. Sobrang lapit namin na ang unan na lang sa dibdib ko ang nakaharang sa pagitan namin.
Our eyes locked, the beautiful black pair of irises he had enough to fill the empty part of my heart full again.
His eyes fell on my parted lips the same time I did with his. We caught each other gaze again until we heard a door bell.
Sabay kaming bumalikwas. Napapahawak siya sa batok na parang wala sa sariling naglakad papunta sa pintuan habang ako'y inayos ang dress at niyakap ang unan para ibaon ang mukhang nag-iinit.
It was room service! Thank you, Kuya! You just saved me from associating myself again with Sol. After everything, I couldn't mess with his life again.
"The phone here is directly connected to the room I'm crashing—"
"Aalis ka?" kumunot ang noo ko kay Sol nang makitang inaayos niya ang maleta pagkatapos magdala ng unan ang room service.
"You'll sleep here," aniya. "Don't worry, doon ako makikitulog sa mga kasama ko sa trabaho—"
"No!" umiling ako, "no, please, don't..." I felt bad. "This is your room, not mine. I'm crashing here but I'm not asking you to leave."
"I know but I want you to be comfortable," aniya at humawak sa handle ng maleta. "Don't worry about me, sanay na akong makitulog sa iba."
"Who says I'm uncomfortable with you?" I spat, lumalim ang tingin niya sa akin. "I'm not, Sol. Unless you do. Are you uncomfy with me?"
I asked that bravely but deep down, I was afraid he'd say yes.
"I'm not," umiling siya, nakatitig sa akin.
Lumuwag ang pakiramdam ko at tumango-tango, "then you can stay, I don't mind. Or maybe... baka you have someone?"
Tanga naman, Sibyl Timothea! Gustong-gusto saktan ang sarili?
"Someone?" he tilted his head, resting his back on the wall and slowly crossed his arms on his chest. I caught a glimpse of his delicious biceps.
"Someone..." I trailed off, "a girlfriend, wife, perhaps? I don't want to step into any boundaries—"
"Do you want me to stay?" he asked again, I nodded with no questions. "Then, I'm staying."
"H-Huh? Pero ang girlfriend mo—"
"My girlfriend just told me she wanted me to stay so, I would." Nalaglag na ang panga ko nang tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya, at dumiretso sa telepono para tumawag.
"Good evening, this is Solomon. I'd like to request for another set of blankets and pillows," he said then glanced at me, "are you still using three pillows in sleeping?"
"O-Oo," parang tanga na tumango-tango ako at kinurot ang sarili.
"Take a shower first, may pupuntahan muna ako." Paalam niya at nang lumabas ay napatakip ako ng bibig at tahimik na sumigaw.
What the fuck was that?! Oh my God, oh my God! Oh my Goood!
Sa banyo ay para tuloy akong tanga. Napatili ako nang mabuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa banyo dahil 'di ko na-adjust ang temperature.
"Wake up, Sib. Wake up! Panaginip lang 'to!" sinampal ko na ang sarili pero hindi pa rin makapaniwala pero totoo talaga!
I finished taking a quick bath after rummaging on my suitcase to check for any pantulog na 'di kita ang kaluluwa at dalagang Filipina ako tonight! Mabuti may shirt akong na-pack sa pagmamadali!
I went out when I saw Sol resting his back on the couch. Nakasandal siya roon habang nakakrus ang hita, sarado ang mga mata. He looked exhausted but still jaw-dropping and handsome.
Sa pwesto ay pansin na pansin kung paano mas nahulma ang kanyang mukha. Hindi ko alam kung ilang beses ko pa bang sasabihin sa sarili kung gaano siya kagwapo sa paningin ko.
His skin turned a bit fair because of his stay in another country. His sun kissed face turned lighter and despite it, kahit anong kulay ng balat niya'y gwapo pa rin siya.
Lord, sorry, ang ingay ko na ba? Sorry, ang gwapo-gwapo kasi talaga!
He opened his eyes. Dali-dali kong itinakip ang twalya sa mga mata at dire-diretsong pumunta sa kama.
"You should shower na, sorry, matagal." I apologized and smiled but he remained staring at me from the sofa and crossed his arms. "W-Why?"
"Nice shirt," he smirked and stood. I watched him in awe and confusion as he disappeared to the bathroom kaya bumaba ang tingin ko sa damit at inangat.
It was a plain brown shirt with a small print near the breast area. Oversized. Is this my Kuya's or... biglang namilog ang mata ko at napatili ng walang ingay.
Stupid! Stupid! This is his shirt! Isa sa mga natangay ko sa kanya noong... mas nag-init ang pisngi ko at sa kahihiyan ay nagtalukbong ng kumot para itago ang sarili sa kanya.
Exhaustion and embarrassment consumed me. Natuluyan na ang tulog ko mula sa pagpapanggap. Nagising ako kinabukasan sa bunganga ni Liza.
"Ano? Ano? Hina mo naman, Admin—"
"Liza!" he hissed, "baka magising! Pagod 'yan—"
"Pagod? Pagod saan?" humalakhak si Liza, "ikaw, ah? Grabe naman kayo, kaka-meet lang ulit tapos—"
"Ingay naman..." humikab ako nang mas lumaki ang ngisi ni Liza sa akin.
"Good morning, friend! Ligo ka na, kain tayo sa breakfast!" she chirped.
He didn't sleep beside me. That's what I've noticed immediately. Hindi magulo ang parte ng tabi ko kahit malawak naman ang kama.
He must've slept in the couch, then?
My chest thumped painfully. Ayaw niya ako katabi?
Silly, Sib. You two should be formal. It's not like he still had feelings for you. Naka-move-on na sila, ikaw na lang ang 'di makausad sa nakaraan.
"I will," I nodded at Liza. Bahagya akong umupo sa kama at nasalubong kaagad ang tingin ni Sol na sumisimsim ng kape. My cheeks heated, I looked away and instead look for any outfits for today.
Walang-imik si Sol habang nakasunod sa amin ni Liza na umagang-umaga ay energetic na. I missed this talkative woman kaya kahit 'di naman ako palakwento ay malakas akong napapatawa sa sinasabi niya.
My eyes are stuck on Sol's reflection in the elevator door. Wearing a simple black shirt, pants and bull cap pero ang lakas-lakas na ng presensya. Nag-iwas ako nang nagkatinginan kami at binaling ang kwentuhan sa kaibigan.
We only lie-lowed when we got to the place and I realized na maraming tao. I even saw familiar paparazzis! The hell are they doing here?
Napahawak ako kay Liza na natigilan sa akin.
"Sib?"
"Uhm..." bahagya akong umatras kaya napatingin sa akin ang dalawa. "Sorry, marami kasing tao at alam mo na. Ano, sa kwarto na lang ako. Don't mind me, kayo na lang ang kumain. Don't worry much about me."
She was immediately on alert and covered me from the paparazzis. Sol even hid me with his large chest and and stood just beside me to cover me from the people entering.
"Oh, oo nga," suminghap si Liza. "Hala, sorry! Nakakalimutan ko pa rin talagang artista ang BFF ko! Ganito na lang, doon na lang din ako kakain—"
"Liza! Kanina ka pa namin hinahanap!" a group of girls called her then Sol. "Sir! Good morning."
Tumango si Sol at bahagyang lumapit sa akin.
"Liza, go," turo ko sa friends niya. "Ayos lang talaga, don't worry."
She looked so lost, mukhang nalilito kung anong gustong gawin.
"Hatid na lang muna kita—"
"Ako na, Liza," ani Sol. "Magpahatid ka na lang ng agahan sa taas."
"Okie dokie!" she nodded and hugged me, "sorry talaga, Sib! Pagkatapos dito talaga aakyat ako. Sol, alagaan mo 'tong si Sib? Talagang babangasan kita kapag..."
"Oo na," tumango si Sol at umiling-iling, "go get us foods."
Kumaway si Liza bago naglaho. Nagkatinginan kami ni Sol. Dagli akong umiwas at naglakad.
"Tara—" but he gently pulled me to the corner and stood in front of me.
My heart raced inside my ribcage. I opened my mouth to speak but he placed his palm just above my head and towered me. Mas bumilis ang paghinga ko lalo nan ang mas lumapit siya at inilapit ang mukha sa akin.
"S-Sol?"
"H'wag kang lilingon," bulong niya. Naramdaman ko ang init ng hininga niya sa tainga ko.
"Solomon Alejo?" I froze when I heard the voice of the most annoying paparazzi I'd ever had. It's mostly a hater! That damn Barbara!
"Yes?" Sol asked coldly. Naramdaman ko ang pirmi ng palad niya sa baywang ko. Napakapit ako sa kanyang damit.
"It's fancy seeing you here! I'm Barbara of ETV and we wanted to get an interview from you about—oh, I see you're with someone." I felt Barbara's gaze burning the side of my body. Mas idiniin ako ni Sol sa kanya at halos takpan na ang buong katawan ko.
"I'm quite busy, Miss. I hope it's okay to schedule a meeting with the secretary?" ani Sol.
"Oh, sorry. Of course, Mr. Alejo. Of course. Are you with your girlfriend—"
"Yes." He answered sharply, "now, can I have my privacy?"
Suminghap si Barbara, "alright. My apologies, Mr. Alejo. I hope I could get an interview from you. I've heard about the success of the product and lalabas na raw sa market sa—"
"Please, Miss Barbara?" he asked stiffly.
"A-Alright, I'm sorry..." then moments later, I heard the footsteps fading at doon lang ako pinakawalan ni Sol.
"Ayos ka lang?" he asked. Tumango ako at ngumiti sa kanya.
"Yes, salamat." Tumango ako, "I'm sorry but I just hate that paparazzi."
"It's okay, they're a pain in the ass." Umiling siya at kinuha ang bull cap, inayos ang buhok ko bago isuot iyon sa akin hanggang sa hindi na masyadong makita ang mukha ko.
"Hawak ka sa 'kin, h'wag kang lilingon. Baka nakaabang pa 'yon."
"Are you sure I won't get recognized here?" inabot ko ang cap, "I doubt, Mr. Alejo. Sa sobrang kagandahan ko malalaman nila."
He tilted his head, pinanliliitan ako ng mata. Ngumiti ako pero nawala nang pisilin niya ang ilong ko at kinuha ang kamay ko.
"Alam ko, Miss Sweet Lips. Pero kaya ko naman siguro silang suntukin nitong muscles ko?" he teased back. Umiling na lang ako at kinuha ang kamay niya.
"Hide me well, Mr. Alejo. Baka ma-issue ka sa 'kin," bulong ko pa at hindi niya 'yon pinansin, bago ako marahang hilahin papalapit sa kanya.
We stayed formal until we reached the suite. Pansin kong natitigilan ang ilan kapag nasasalubong ako, may mga nagbubulungan pa pero walang pakundangang itinatago lang ako ni Sol sa bisig niya. He would somehow place his arm on my shoulder or put his palm on my waist.
Kapag may nababangga sa akin ay hinihila niya ako palapit sa dibdib niya at feel na feel naman ni Ate mong Sibyl dahil may free singhot sa pabango!
I asked Sol not to but the gentleman he is, sinamahan niya akong kumain sa kwarto ng agahan. He did not once forget my coffee at gusto ko mang magtanong o kausapin siya tungkol sa nangyari noon ay 'di ako nakakuha ng tiyansa dahil sa mga tawag sa kanya.
He was one of the big bosses in Asia to manage the auction by their international company. Si Liza ay gano'n din kaya hindi ko silang dalawa inistorbo.
I was texting my Dad, taking picture of the view and assuring him I was well and great. Kinakabahan kasi ang Daddy kapag walang balita sa akin kaya kung may oras ay nagte-text ako.
Henry texted, too. He was asking if I'll go to the auction at invited din daw siya kaya tuwang-tuwa ako. I don't need to hail a cab upon going! May sundo na ako!
"Sib, sabay ka?" I stopped from putting lipstick when Liza asked me. Naka-gown na rin siya at inayusan ko rin ang buhok kanina.
Sol already left. May meeting sila at balita ko'y mauuna na sa venue kaya
"Saan?"
"Sa venue," she said. "Medyo maaga lang kami pupunta at alam mo na, staff. Okay lang ba sa 'yo? Sabay na tayo, sinabi rin kasi ni Sol na h'wag kang iwan."
"Oh, actually..." I licked my lip, "you know Henry? From last night?"
"Oo, bakit?"
"He texted and said he's going to the auction, too. Sorry, Liza. I wanna go with you pero nakapangako na ako. Alam mo na," I sighed. "I turned down his room offer last night so, babawi lang."
"Walang problema!" kumindat siya, "ako na bahala kapag um-attitude si Boss Sol. See you later?"
"See you!" niyakap ko siya at nagpaalam na.
I fixed myself and made sure I looked flawless in my all-black gown. Diretsong-diretso ang buhok ko at matapang na pula ang kulay ng labi. I don't have to bid or anything, may donation naman at presence ang mahalaga sa family ko.
I was texting Henry who's on his way to fetch me now when my manager called and asked if I was really in Cebu.
I touched my forehead. Oh, geez.
Sorry, Rey!
Sinabi kong oo pero ang hindi ko inaasahan ay ang sunod nitong sinabi. I immediately went to social media and gasped loudly when I saw a blurred picture of me with a man—Sol.
It was blurry. You won't even recognize me dahil 'di naman ako kita but judging from Sol's built, I know it was us! On the front desk last night!
Blind Item: Known controversial actress meeting up in a five-star hotel to a starting business man for what? Dating? Or an addition to her toys?
Fuck!
I got a message from my family and thankful because my face isn't seen at naniwala silang 'di ako 'yon at walang problema pero si Rey, 'di ako p'wedeng magsinungaling sa manager ko.
"Pupunta kang auction? Baka nando'n si Barbara!" he gasped, "que horror, Sibyl! Alam mo namang nangunguna 'yon sa mga may galit sa 'yo!"
I sighed loudly, "I think she's staying here in the hotel? I don't know."
"Wala ako diyan pero ganito na lang..." he sighed, "you said you're with Henry, right?"
"Hmm..." I nodded, pacing back and forth.
"Then, stick with him. Kapag nakuhaan kayo ng litrato mawawala kaagad ang issue, panigurado. Kaya mo naman sigurong h'wag munang lapitan o kaya kausapin ang mga kaibigan mo sa auction, 'di ba?"
"I think they'd understand," I sighed. "Do you think it would die down? Ayokong madamay dito si Sol, Rey. Kakaumpisa pa lang ng tao tapos sisirain ko kaagad?"
"No, he's safe as long as you stay with our plan," he reassured me. "Make it seem like you're in good talking terms with Henry. It would take the issue away from your friend and magbo-boost pa ang publicity n'yo ni Henry. Sakto at may cover shoot ulit."
"Alright..." I sighed.
I got it in mind while we're on our way to the auction.
Ayokong idamay dito si Liza at Sol. He was just starting and I'd drag him again into this messy life? No way! He had enough stress because of me! I ruined him before! There's no way I'd drag him to hell with me.
I will protect him... he couldn't be associated with me again.
Kagaya nga ng inaasahan ay maraming kilalang tao sa auction. It was an intimate one but known personalities and public figure was here, meaning there are also paparazzis.
"Ready, Sib?" Henry smiled and offered his hand.
I sighed, fixed my fur and accepted his palm with a smile.
We walked to the red carpet with the cameras blinding us. I showed them my rehearsed smile and Henry beside me was nodding and answering their questions about who we are wearing tonight.
Wala ako sa sarili, pagpasok pa lang naming dalawa ay kaagad kong nakita si Sol sa may pintuan.
He looked handsome and debonair on his navy-blue suit and white inner shirt with the first three buttons opened. Ngumiti siya kaagad at umabante pero natigilan nang makita akong nakahawak sa braso ni Henry.
"Sibyl! Fancy seeing you here!" my eyes sharpened upon hearing that voice.
I gently tilted my head to greet, "Barbara..."
She smirked and before she could say something, I called Henry and asked him to sit. I said hi to Liza who's been very busy walking around.
Si Sol ay nakikipag-usap din sa mga tao roon. Pormal na pormal at malamig ang tingin sa kausap. My stomach clenched when I noticed a beautiful lady walking with him, smiling.
She's a foreigner and nakita ko pa ang pagbulong niya kay Sol. He smiled lazily and nodded, whispering something back.
I clutched my skirt.
"Sib, you okay?" baling ni Henry.
"Hmm, yeah," tango ko at sumimsim ng wine. "How 'bout you? Enjoying the night?"
"Yes," he smiled back and reached for my lips with his fingers. I flinched in shock the same time a camera flash made me close my eyes. "May stain sa gilid ng labi..."
"O-Oh..." tumango ako at nag-iwas. Tumalikod ang photographer na kumuha no'n kaya kumuyom ang kamay ko, iritado na naman.
"I'm not being nosy, Sib, but who's the man last night? Kapag talaga nakakamatay ang titig baka duguan na ako rito,"
Confused, I lifted my gaze and caught Sol's sharp and cold gaze. His jaw clenched and sipped on his wine, hinawakan siya ng babae at binulungan. Mas kumuyom ang kamay ko.
That is my man!
"Is he jealous? Boyfriend mo?"
"N-No," umiling ako kay Henry. "He's a friend. Sorry nga pala last nightl. Don't worry, I owe you a dinner, right?"
Henry's smile widened, "sure, Sib. That's great! At least, kahit walang pag-asang manligaw may dinner naman. I don't have to ask, I'm sure you're already taken by that man killing me with glares—"
"Hindi..." tumikhim ako, "hindi kami."
"Hmm?" he shot his brow up, confused. "Fuck, don't tell me hindi umaaming gusto ka? In that case then, jokes for him. He didn't know men begged for a dinner with you."
Napatawa ako at pinalo siyang mahina, "you make me sound like I'm a goddess."
"You are," he nodded. "You are Sibyl Sandejas. I find you pretty the first time I saw you kaya nga gusto kong maka-dinner ka but seemed like your heart is owned already by someone. And that someone," bumaling siya kay Sol na mababasag na ata ang wine glass sa higpit ng hawak niya. "—is probably planning to send me to the hospital."
My heart swayed but I shook my head.
"You might be hallucinating, Henry. That man? He didn't like me that way." I smiled hopelessly.
"Hmm?" he placed his palm on my shoulder, "I'm a man, Sib. I know when a man is hopelessly into someone. "Let's see?"
He didn't let me wait any further. He placed his palm on my shoulder again after placing his suit on it. He was pretending to be telling stories but all he whispered about was Sol's reaction.
"Galit na galit," tumawa siya. "He's gripping the wine glass tight. May kausap siya pero lingon nang lingon."
Can't help the curiosity anymore, I turned my head to his direction and at the same time I did, I saw him drinking the glass of wine in a gulp. His forehead creasing and his jaw in a tight clench.
Is he jealous?
Oh, God... does he still love me, too?
No way, Sibyl! Stop daydreaming!
Hindi na ako nakapagreklamo nang dalhin na ako ni Henry sa pwesto nila. I kept on saying no but he was persistent. I was curious, too, honestly.
Sumama ako. Henry was too quick to join the group that later on, a lot came to the circle. Including Barbara.
I didn't give her my attention because I was focused on Sol's reaction. Malamig siya at halata ang pagkairitado. I caught him glancing at the crowd and back to Henry's palm on my waist.
He isn't even speaking kahit na patuloy siyang kinakausap ng babae.
"Oh, Sibyl! I wasn't really expecting I'd see you in Cebu." Barbara knew ways to speak and piss me. I lifted my eyes and nodded.
"Yeah, I attended I behalf of my family, Barbs." I smiled formally.
"I see," she nodded, glancing at me and Henry, "I don't know if I'm just imagining but I think I've seen you in this five-star hotel earlier." She mentioned the hotel. I tensed up.
"No," umiling ako. "I'm not staying there. I went here just for the event, nothing else if that's what you wanted to verify."
"Oh, I see..." she nodded knowingly, her eyes lingered at the pissed Sol and to me. Sumulyap ulit siya kay Henry at tumango-tango. "You have Henry here, your co-model, right? But really, tho? I thought I've seen you kanina na kasama si..."
"I said, no." I gritted my teeth. I'm pissed now. Won't this bitch shut up?
She smirked, "Sib, my dear, I'm just curious but do you know Mr. Alejo?" she asked.
Fucking bitch! She's trying to use this against me!
She'll probably write a headline with me two-timing Henry and Sol! Hell, I can't take them with this issue!
Hindi ako nakapagsalita kaagad, mas tumaas ang kilay niya at napasulyap kay Sol na walang mabakas na reaksyon pwera na lang sa lamig.
Fuck. There's no way I would deny Sol in front of these people! I won't!
"How 'bout Mr. Alejo? I think... uhm, do you know Sibyl?" she asked Sol.
I cursed under my breath and opened my mouth to just confess but Sol beat into it.
"No," he answered coldly while staring at me. "I don't know her, Miss." My heart dropped and got shattered.
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