Kabanata 25
Hi! Last 5 chapters to go! This chapter is a bit long and unedited. Medyo magiging mabagal ang updates for the remaining chaps since I have deadlines na hahabulin (secret kung ano pero matutuwa kayo) and this will end probably this July. Enjoy!
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Kabanata 25
Oh, shit!
Nagkumahog kaming dalawa ni Solomon. I asked the receptionist to ask them to wait for me instead while I'm panicking. Halos masampal ko pa si Solomon sa panic ko at naging pagligo ko atang 'yon ang naging pinakamabilis sa buhay ko.
"What are we gonna do?!" I hissed at the freshly showered Solomon in front of me.
"Hmm?" he asked, quite disoriented, too. "Uhm, papakilala ako kay Sir Zeijan—"
"Are you insane?!" I hissed and paced nervously. "Daddy will kill us both!"
"Ako lang, angel," binasa niya ang labi at ginulo ng kaunti ang buhok. "Hindi pa ako prepared pero... 'di ba mahal mo pa rin ako kahit malamig na bangkay na?"
"Oo—" his eyes brightened. "I mean no." Sabay iwas ko nang mag-init ang pisngi.
"Sib..." he whined, I lifted my finger a bit to shut him up and think.
"You can't show yourself," I explained to him. "Una, he'll be ballistic. You know my Dad! Pangalawa, anong ipapakilala ko sa 'yo, ah?"
"Boyfriend," walang pagdadalawang-isip niyang sagot.
Natulala ako saglit at mas nag-init ang pisngi pero nang mapansing naaaliw na siya sa reaksyon ko ay bumusagot na. I smacked him, he chuckled.
"Why? Ayaw mo ba ng instant boyfriend? Kagaya noon," he smirked evilly and tried reaching for my waist. Umiwas ako at sinipa siyang mahina.
"Shut up, Alejo." Umiling ako, "now's not the right time to—" we heard the doorbell ringing, we froze.
"Shit! Sabi ko ako ang bababa!" muling tumunog ang doorbell kaya nagkatinginan kami ni Sol at nag-unahan papunta sa maleta niya.
I shoved it immediately under the bed and gasped loudly when I bumped into Sol's cheek when we collided. Nasalo niya ang baywang ko at nagkatinginan.
"Ayos ka lang?" kumunot ang noo niya't tumitig sa akin.
Like an idiot in the face of the greatest danger, I stayed staring at him, bewitched. His eyes remained the same, yet more intense, more beautiful, more alive...
My gaze fell down on his parted lips. He stopped. Bumaba rin ang tingin niya sa labi ko at doon na ako bahagyang lumapit at tumingkayad sa panghahalina ng mga labi niya.
I fisted his shirt, his grip on my waist tightened. Our faces moved closer to each other. Slowly, I tiptoed more to taste his lips when endless doorbell stopped us.
I slapped Sol's cheek, "b-bastos!" sigaw ko sabay atras.
"A-Ano..." he clutched his cheek dramatically. He looked like he's about to cry. I gasped loudly and gave him an apologetic gaze.
"Sol! I'm sorry! Oh, God! Ikaw kasi!"
"Ako pa?" umawang ang labi niya pero 'di ko na alam ang gagawin at sasabihin kaya inabot ko si Sol at hinila papunta sa malaking closet.
I shoved his large frame inside the cabinet and watched his eyes went wide.
"Angel?" gulantang tanong niya habang tinatakpan ko siya ng unan.
"My Dad can't see you!" I explained, nervous.
He gulped, "I'm nervous, too, but I think I'm ready to die. Ang mahalaga, mamamatay ako para sa 'yo." Humawak pa siya sa dibdib.
I eyed him ridiculously, he smirked handsomely.
"Basta, may request lang ako. Libing mo 'ko sa libingan ng mga bayani, hmm?" he shot his brow up. "Lagay mo, Cause of Death: Shotgun ni Pareng Zeijan."
"Idiot," ngumuso ako at pinitik ang noo niya. "I'm not yet ready seeing a cold corpse."
His lips protruded, "pero seryoso nga, angel—"
I kissed his cheek to cut him off. He froze on the spot and blushed while staring at me.
Ayan lang pala katapat mo, ah?
"Behave there, baby, can you?" I touched his jaw and moved my face closer to him, "if you're a good boy tonight, I might consider accepting your courtship offer, hmm?"
He nodded like a puppet, still fazed. Kinindatan ko siya bago tinakpan ang mukha niya ng unan at sinarado ang cabinet.
Phew! This is it, Sib! Calm down!
I walked towards the door with a wide smile on my lips, ready to face my parents with a loud welcome.
I opened the door and saw my Mom and Dad, I smiled.
"Hi, parents!" I greeted in a high-pitch tone.
My Mom smiled while my Dad's eyes are wide upon seeing me, kunot ang noo niya at nagulat ako sa biglaang paglakad niya palapit sa akin at kulong niya sa bisig niya ng katawan ko para sa isang yakap.
"Ayos ka lang, 'nak?" his tone didn't hide the worry and fear lacing in it. I stilled and glanced at my Mom.
"Sibyl..." Dad called again, startling me. Lumayo siya sa akin at basta na lang kinuha ang braso ko para tignan, "may sugat ka ba, anak? Bakit ang tagal mo? Are you hurt, hmm? Pretty ghourl?" he even cupped my cheek to check for any bruises.
"Dad..." I called, my heart swelling.
"Ayos ka lang, anak ko?" kunot pa rin ang kanyang noo habang itinatanong iyon, "may sugat ka? Bakit ang tagal mo buksan? Nakatulog ka na ba? Naistorbo ka ba ni Daddy? Nanaginip kang masama, prinsesa ko?"
My eyes stung, hindi ko na nasagot si Daddy at basta na lang siyang niyakap nang mahigpit. Siya naman ang natigilan sa akin.
"Pretty ghourl..." he called.
"I'm alright, Dad," I whispered. Nang maramdaman ko ang pagkalma ng katawan niya at pagyakap pabalik sa akin ay mas sumakit ang dibdib ko.
Nananakit ang gilid ng mata ko dahil sa paambang mga luha pero alam kong iiyak ang Dad kapag gano'n ako kaya 'di ko na ginawa. I moved away from Daddy and smiled gently, kissing his cheek.
"Did I worry you two so much? Sorry, I'm okay, Dad." Marahang sinabi ko sabay sulyap kay Mommy.
"You aren't answering the calls," Mommy walked closer and joined the hug. Niyakap ko silang dalawa at ipinikit ang mata ko. "Your Dad was frantic and called the hotel earlier, no'ng sinabing wala raw sumasagot sa kwarto mo ay tumawag na si Tito Dash mo para sa private jet."
"I'm sorry," lumayo ako sa kanilang dalawa at bumuntonghininga. "The truth was, my phone got snatched."
"Ano?!" Dad began panicking again, "nasaktan ka ba? Sinong gago 'yan? Naalala mo ang mukha? Ipapahanap ko—"
"No, no, I'm fine, really..." I assured my father. "Hinatak lang ang phone ko pero hindi naman ako nasaktan—"
"No, Sibyl," umiling siya. "Paano kung sinaktan ka? Kung tinutukan ka ng kutsilyo? You think I'll be fine with that?"
"Zeij," Mom called him and squeezed his hand, "come on, give your daughter a break. She said she's fine, nasaktan ka ba, anak?" baling ni Mommy sa akin.
I shook my head and smiled at them, "I swear, Dad. I'm fine. Naglalakad lang ako kanina no'ng hinatak 'yong phone ko and that's the reason why I couldn't call."
Dad was still hesitating, his face's hard and frowning.
"Daddy pogi, I'm fine po, promise." Ngumiti ako ng malambing sa kanya sabay kapit sa kanyang braso. "Did I worry you so much? Look, oh! Kunot na ang noo mo! Paano 'yan, gusto mo magka-wrinkles?"
He suddenly stopped frowning, "fuck, totoo ba? May wrinkles na?"
Napatawa kami ni Mommy. We both hugged Dad and kissed his booth cheeks at doon na lumambot ang kanyang tingin.
"Alam na alam n'yo talaga akong palambutin mga beautiful girls ko," umakbay siya sa amin ni Mommy at bumuntonghininga. "Sigurado ka bang ayos ka lang, Sibyl?"
"Opo," I nodded. "And sorry if late ko na na-open ang door, as you can see, I'm taking a bath. Umulan kasi kanina and naabutan ako."
Muling lumambing ang mata niya, "uminom ka na ng gamot, anak?" bumaling siya kay Mommy. "Misis ko, may dala ka bang gamot?"
"I already drink meds," I assured him at doon na siya napatango-tango.
Niyaya ko sila papasok sa suite. Dad's eyes roamed around the room while I'm linking my arms on his.
"Ganda ng kwarto mo, pretty ghourl, ah?" his voice is light and jolly, akala mo ay hindi alalang-alala kanina.
Dad really is great in hiding his feelings. He told us before na ayaw niya kasing madrama, ayaw niya raw na malungkot ang paligid kaya hangga't kaya niya'y nagbibiro siya't pinapagaan ang atmosphere.
I let him. It wasn't my Dad if he wasn't like this.
"Yeah," I nodded, biglang kinabahan na at minata ang cabinet kung nasaan ko inilibing sa unan si Sol.
Nang humiwalay si Daddy ay tumikhim ako at sumulyap kay Mommy nang tinawag niya ako.
"It's Sinulog, right?" she asked, "mabuti may nakuha kang hotel, anak? Matao ngayon at Sinulog pa. Dito ka rin kasi naka-book dapat sa hotel na 'to kung 'di na-cancel."
Actually, My, nakikikwarto lang ako kay Sol. Please, don't kill me.
"Well, luckily, they have a vacant room when I got here." I informed her, smiling to hide my trembling legs. I'm nervous!
Sinusundan ko ng tingin si Daddy na paiikot-ikot ang mata sa paligid, sumisilip pa sa mga kurtina.
Shit...
"Misis, oh! Ganda ng view!" Dad exclaimed habang nakadikit ang mukha niya sa salamin. Napatawa kami ni Mommy.
"Ang dumi niyan, Zeijan, nakadikit ka." Mom walked closer to him flawlessly and Dad held her gently.
"Tignan mo, Misis. Ganda ng ilaw-ilaw." He admired like an innocent child.
Ngumiti ako. Naabutan iyon ni Daddy kaya kinawayan niya ako at pinalapit.
"Tara dito, pretty ghourl!" he lifted his hand to urge me to come at nang makalapit ay tinuro niya ang view. "Ganda dito, oh? Gusto mo pa-upgrade natin condo mo? 'Yong kita buong siyudad para maganda? Cute ng ilaw, oh. Nag-spark-spark."
"Really? You'll upgrade na my condo? Kahit 'di ako masyadong nag-i-stay do'n?" I asked and rested my head on Dad's shoulder, umayos siya para bahagya akong akbayan habang hawak niya ang baywang ni Mommy.
"Why not? Kapag gusto mong makita ang siyudad, sabihan mo lang ako at bibigay ko sa inyo lahat." He smiled playfully.
"Yabang mo, mister," Mom smacked him playfully.
"Totoo nga, misis!" he insisted, "gusto mo ba, princess? Tawagan ko na agad para kapag uwi mo galing sa bakasyon makita mo 'yong view. Sabi kasi nila para gumaan 'yong mood mo dapat nakakakita ka ng maganda kaya kapag nasa bahay ako magaan pakiramdam ko. Alyx Sandejas ba naman makita mo? Naks, sobrang perfect!"
I chuckled loudly when Mommy blushed.
"Ano ba, Zeijan, mahiya ka naman sa anak mo sa kaharutan mo." Umiling si Mommy pero 'di naman makakaila ang saya sa mga mata niya.
"Bakit mahihiya? Dapat 'di ikakahiya ang ganyang perfection, oh!" Dad moved a little to stare at my face. "Tignan mo ang Sibyl ko, manang-mana kay Mommy niyang perfect? Sobrang ganda, oh? Kapag binenta ko 'to mas mahal pa sa gold."
"Dad! Are you considering selling me?!" I whined playfully.
"Hindi, 'no! Kunwari nga lang, pretty ghourl," he winked. "Hinding-hindi ko kayo ibebenta kasi no'ng dumating kayo sa buhay kong perfect, mas naging perfect pa lalo. Wala na 'kong hihilingin pa."
"Bolero..." Mommy smiled sweetly, "but well, that's why I love you, Zeij."
Dad's eyes softened more. Kikiligin na sana ako pero no'ng akmang maglalampungan na sila at halikan ay tumikhim ako ng malakas.
Mom jumped and slapped his cheek in shock, "b-bastos ka, Zeijan! May bata!"
"Huh..." gulantang na napahawak si Dad sa pisngi niya habang nakatulala kay Mommy. "Misis..." he whined.
I find the scene amusing, making me laugh.
"Grabe ka, pretty ghourl, pinagatatawan mo si Daddy?!" Dad sulked, umiling ako't mas natawa, inaangat ang kamay.
"No, no!" umiling ako, "it's just funny and familiar. Naalala ko 'yong..." nabitin ang boses ko at namilog ang mata.
Holy shit! That petty mouth would kill you, Sibyl!
Dad's eyes turned sharp, "ano? Anong naalala mo, Sibyl Timothea?"
"H-Huh?" tumikhim ako, nag-iinit ang pisngi. "Nothing—"
"May boyfriend ka na?" he suddenly asked.
My blood rushed inside my veins. Dali-dali akong umiling at inangat ang kamay ko para i-krus.
"Wala! Of course not, Dad! Do you think I still have time—where are you going?" nakapamaywang siyang naglakad patungo sa banyo at bumukas doon.
"Nagtatago ka ng boyfriend 'no? Nasaan na 'yan nang ma-introduce ko na kay San Pedro?"
"Zeijan..." Mommy chuckled when I followed Dad. "You're overreacting."
"Oo nga, Dad," I said. "I don't have a boyfriend, kapag mayro'n, s'yempre, sasabihin ko sa 'yo!"
Paikot-ikot siya sa malaking kwarto at tinitignan ang mga kung anong 'di ko masabi.
"Your daughter's a woman already," Mommy rested her back on the glass wall. "Ano ngayon kung may boyfriend na?"
"R-Right, Mom?!" I glanced at my Mom for support, "I'm a grown woman—"
"So, may boyfriend nga..." Dad pointed out and nodded his head suspiciously at me.
"Wala!" I exclaimed. "Well, noon, I admit! But right now, wala—"
Nilagpasan niya ako at nang tumapat siya sa cabinet ay doon na lumuwa ang mata ko.
Oh, shit! No, no, no!
"Dad?" I asked eagerly when he stood in front of the closet and stared at it. He was damn serious! Matalim ang asul na mga mata at kuryoso.
"What is it, Zeij?" Mom asked.
"Parang nakabukas kasi kanina, Misis," aniya. "Tapos feeling ko may nakasilip."
Holy shit! I will choke you, Solomon! Sabing behave! Bakit ka sumisilip!
"It must be your imagination, Dad," I explained, "walang... walang tao rito, ako lang!"
"Hmm..." Dad remained staring at the closet and touched the door. "We have to make sure, you'll never know unless we see—"
"Balita ko may multo raw dito!" I exclaimed. He went from competitive to literally frozen in place.
"A-Ano?" nanlalaki ang matang tumingin siya sa akin.
"Well... I heard," I tried making stories inside my head. "Kasi kanina narinig ko 'yong guests na nagtatanong kung may naglalakad daw sa hallway sa gabi..."
"Tapos?" Mom asked mischievously and went closer to Dad.
"Tapos ang sabi wala raw kasi walang nagtawag ng room service no'ng oras na 'yon then... last night," hininaan ko ang boses ko, "last night, I heard the cabinet's door creaking..."
Dad's eyes dilated. I can see how terrified this large and strong of a man he is with ghosts.
"Ayoko na..." umiling si Dad.
"Tapos?" Mom asked eagerly.
"Nope," Dad shook his head, "Sib, don't—"
"I was alone and sleeping on the bed when I heard the cabinet creak," I am not a great actress if I don't act well and so, I let my Dad see the terrified look in my eyes. "Then... I can feel eyes watching me but I didn't know where it was coming from..."
"Ayoko na..." tinakpan ni Daddy ang tainga, "ayoko na marinig! Sibyl Timothea—"
"And then when I glanced at the cabinet, biglang sumara!" I exclaimed the same time Mom touched his shoulder to surprise him and hell, he screamed.
"Putang ina!" sabay takip niya ng mukha at atras. Bigla kaming napahagalpak ni Mommy at nag-apir.
"Tinatakot n'yo ko, eh!" Dad whined, pale and pouting. "Wala naman talagang multo!"
"There is, I swear!" I made it sound believable, "your reaction's just amusing me, Dad, but there really is something here. In this cabinet." Madramang hinaplos ko ang cabinet. "Ang sabi ng housekeeper, portal daw 'to ng entities."
"Talaga ba?" Dad stared at the the cabinet.
"I heard the same thing," I was shocked nang patulan ako ni Mom. "Mga cabinet daw ang portal ng mga white lady, mister."
Dad blinked and nodded, "bakit 'di ka na lang umalis dito, anak? We can try and find you a hotel with no ghost history—"
"You're being dramatic," Mom shook her head, "as if your daughter's scared of ghost like you?"
"Misis! 'Di ako takot!" laban pa niya kaya pasimple kong sinipa ang upuan sa gilid para gumalaw at napatili na naman si Daddy.
"Puta! Puta talaga! Tang ina!" malutong niyang sabi at humawak ako sa dibdib ko para kunwari'y natatakot pero sa totoo lang ay natatawa na talaga ako't walang kulay na ang mukha niya.
"See? There's something here," I gasped. "But I'm fine, Dad. That's just a ghost."
"Just a ghost? No way, pretty ghourl!"
"Matakot ka sa buhay, h'wag sa patay," Mom beamed. "Your daughter is brave-hearted, she won't get scared with ghosts, right?"
I suddenly remembered my dramatic running experience when I thought a nuno sa punso or engkanto was following me on my way home. 'Yon pala ay si Sol lang.
Nakakaloka, makatakbo ako no'n para 'kong nasa shooting ng horror film na ilalaban sa MMFF.
"Of course not!" yabang ko, "ghost can't hurt me. Mas takot pa ako sa mga taong ma-issue sa buhay ng iba."
"Yeah, right?" Mom winked. I winked back at her.
"Pero hindi..." Dad shook his head, "bakit sa palabas, ah? Mga multo sila pero nasasaktan 'yong mga tao! Paano kapag binato bigla ng kama ang pretty ghourl ko? Edi yupi 'yan?"
I rolled my eyes.
The overreacting Zeijan is back.
"Silipin lang natin ang cabinet para sure tayo. Walang multo for sure kasi tatlo naman tayo!" Dad said, I was horrified again and cursed inside my head.
Oh, I'm doomed! I'm doomed!
"Ikaw na lang, mister! H'wag mo 'kong idamay!" Mom gasped loudly, gulat kaming napatingin sa kanya.
"Why, misis?"
"I saw a cockroach earlier! Pumasok sa cabinet!" Mom looked disgusted, "ikaw bahala, kung bubuksan mo 'yan at liliparan—"
I tensed up. Shit, Sol! Don't you dare make a move!
Hindi ko man siya nakikita ay alam kong gumalaw siya sa loob. I felt it! He was scared of cockroach, too!
"Akong bahala sa inyo! Ipis lang 'yan, Zeijan ata 'to!" he tapped his chest, only that Mom smacked his nape.
"H'wag mo 'kong mayabang-yabangan d'yan, Sandejas, kung ayaw mong ipaalala ko sa 'yo pa'no mo 'ko iniwan no'ng niliparan tayo ng ipis?!" she scolded.
Dad gasped, "nadala lang kasi ako ng damdamin, Ree ko!" he called my Mom on his very own nickname for her. "Si Sib na lang, tara, 'nak. Pagtatanggol ka ni Daddy—"
"Nope..." I shook my head and raised my hand, "I can fight ghost but cockroach? Nope, I don't like seeing butterfly-wanna-be."
Thankfully, he gave up after. Sumama ako kay Mommy papunta na sana sa sofa nang mapansin kong dumudukwang si Dad sa gilid ng kama ko para sintasin ang sneakers niya.
I froze.
Oh, God. The maleta!
He tilted his head and life flashed before my eyes when he stopped and glanced at me.
"Ah-huh!" he snapped. My jaw dropped and panicked.
"D-Dad, let me—"
"Nagugutom ako! Gusto n'yo pizza?" sabay ngisi at tayo niya, naglakad papunta sa amin.
Napahawak ako sa dibdib, sumulyap ako sa cabinet at pinagdasal si Alejo bago naglakad patungong sofa pero mukhang sinusubok talaga ako ng panahon at nando'n sa lapag ang slacks ni Solomon!
"Seriously?" I mumbled under my breath.
"Princess?" Mom asked but I only smiled.
"Wala, My," I laughed awkwardly, slowly and secretly kicking the slacks under the sofa.
I then caught Mommy's gaze, nakita kong sinundan niya ng tingin ang paa ko at nang muli kaming magkatinginan ay tumikhim siya sabay unat ng kamay niya.
"Mister, you've seen Sibyl already. Let's go back," she suddenly said.
Nagtaka naman ako, "why, My?"
"Oo nga, bakit, Misis?" Dad asked. "We can stay here for the night! Dito kayo ni ganda sa kama tapos dito ako sa sofa. 'Di ba, pretty ghourl?"
"Huh? Uh, of course! Of course!" I chuckled awkwardly, my heart racing.
Solomon!
"I have a shoot in Ilocos for tomorrow, remember?" she reminded.
"Oh?" Dad scratched his brow, "mayro'n ba? Akala ko sa sunod na araw—"
"Tumawag ang manager ko," ani Mom. "We need to be there tomorrow. ASAP."
"Oh..." Dad nodded then sighed when he looked at me, "sayang, kukulitin ko pa sana si pretty ghourl pero okay lang, pag-uwi mo na lang. Enjoy ka rito, hmm?"
Relieved, I walked closer to him for a hug.
"Yes, Dad. Thank you for taking your time to check me here. I'm alright and I'll be for the next days. Sorry for worrying you. I will buy a phone immediately to contact you."
"Don't bother," Mom opened her purse and handed me her phone, "you can use your fingerprint as a password."
Amazed, I tried it and smiled.
"Thank you, Mom," niyakap ko siya.
"Don't worry. Take it for now para 'di na mag-panic itong Tatay mo kapag 'di ka natatawagan. Alam mo na at baka sa sunod maging superhero na 'yan at biglang makalipad para lang makarating sa 'yo."
I offered my hand to Dad when I caught him watching me and Mom amusingly. He hugged me and kissed my forehead.
"Take care, my princess, okay? You know Dad and Mom will always be there for you, right?"
I glanced at the both of them and nodded, "of course... I love you, My, Dy."
Hinatid ko sina Mom and Dad sa reception at habang kinakausap ni Dad ang nasa front desk ay kinalabit ako ni Mommy habang yakap ko siya.
"I will buy you a phone when you get back. We'll make sure na walang magagamit ang snatcher sa phone mo na kahit ano. Poor him stealing something he could only consider a useless trash in the end," umiling siya. "And Sib?"
I glanced at her.
"Yes, My?"
"Do I know that boy?" she suddenly asked.
"M-My..." umayos ako ng tayo at napahiwalay sa kanya, nagkakarera na naman ang puso. "How did you..."
"I saw the slacks, darling," she smiled evilly.
"Hindi 'yon kagaya ng iniisip mo, My!" umiling ako sabay sulyap kay Dad at hininaan ang boses, "naubusan ako ng room and he only offered me a place to stay!"
Doon na nangunot ang noo ni Mom, "what? Don't tell me you're staying with a stranger—"
"It sounded wrong! No, sorry, Mom. Not like that. I mean, my friend is here. Liza from Sta. Monica? Tapos si ano... uh, nakita lang ako sa ulanan kanina and then we are both wet! From the rain!"
"And...?" Mom shot her brow up.
"Then the receptionist called na nandito kayo ni Dad kaya I panicked! We panicked! And then naligo ako, siya siguro nakiligo sa kwarto ng mga kasama niya sa opisina and that slacks, baka nahulog lang, My. It's not like we have a relationship! Friend lang kami ni Sol!"
"So, Solomon Alejo, hmm?" she smiled. My smile froze.
"Shit..." I closed my eyes and slapped my mouth. Mom chuckled and slowly removed my palm from my mouth.
"I know, darling."
Napaawang ang labi ko at dagling nagmulat ng mata, "know about..."
"You and Sol," she smiled. I covered my mouth in shock.
"How?"
"Matagal na, no'ng nasa Sta. Monica ka pa. Sol confessed to me, he told me you two have a relationship and he's in love with you."
I never thought Sol could shock me any further.
"Mom... that's..." bumuntonghininga ako, "we already broke up."
"I know," she smiled sadly, shocking me more.
"Mom..."
Gaano karami ang alam ni Mommy?
"Oh, darling," Mommy chuckled softly, her expressions are sweet but the way her black eyes glint gives me an evil villain vibe. "You might be forgetting who your mother is?"
"Oh, well," napatawa na ako at tumango. "Agent slash part time actress?" I teased and shot my brow up.
Mom winked at me and lifted her finger like a gun and blowing it. My heart boomed with pride.
My family's a badass. I'm always forgetting that because of my father and siblings. Mga kalog kasi at maingay sa bahay kaya 'di mo iisiping may ganitong background sila.
"But the thing here is, I know Sol and I trust him for you. Nagsabi rin siyang kasama mo siya ngayon dito sa Cebu kaya 'di ako nag-aalala."
"Then, si Dad..." sumulyap ako kay Dad na kausap naman ang guard ngayon.
"He didn't know," she shook her head. "Kaya nag-aalala at pinagbigyan ko nang pumunta rito. Sol approached me and told me about the two of you before and balak na nga rin niyang sabihin sa Daddy mo rin pero hindi muna ako pumayag. I told him to take everything slow, you are aware how overly protective Zeijan was."
"Yes, My," I smiled gently, watching Dad from the distance. "But that's what make him the best, hmm?"
"Correct," she touched my cheek. "That's what make your Dad the best. Hindi ko alam kung may araw bang 'di ako natawa sa kalokohan ng Tatay mo. I didn't even know how to take him when he's serious. Mukha kasing joke."
Nagkatawanan kaming dalawa at napansin ko ang suspicious na tingin sa amin ni Daddy kaya kumaway ako sa kanya.
"But Mom," kinagat ko ang labi. "Can you not tell Dad about this? I mean, I hope you won't for now. Sol and I broke up already and right now, we're casual with each other. I don't want any commitments or whatsoever."
Mommy's eyes softened, I saw the recognition on her eyes.
"Afraid you'll only hurt the people you love?" she asked gently, "you're thinking leaving is the only way to protect them."
Gulat man ay napatango ako sa kanya.
"We're the same, darling, I get you." Mom sighed, "that's why I left your father before. Luckily it turned out fine and I hope it would, too. For you."
"I..." my eyes stung, "I don't think so, My."
"Oh, baby. Don't think that way," she tapped my cheek. "I can feel everything will be alright. For now, enjoy the moment and worry about things later. Just please, don't blame yourself. Don't think you're a nuisance to us because no, darling. You are a gift. You are amazing, hmm?"
"Mom..." mabilis ko siyang niyakap.
"It's alright, hmm? Don't pressure yourself and take everything slow." She whispered, "alam kong gusto nating protektahan ang mga taong mahal natin at ang naiisip lang natin ay lumayo para sa kapakanan nila pero anak, talk to them—to him first. I've known Sol since he's young and he's a great kid, your Dad and I know that but the decision lies in you. Use your brain but you have to consider what this organ feels..." she lifted my palm and placed it on my chest, letting me feel my own heartbeat.
"I won't tell your Dad first. I'm afraid too he'll become ballistic. Manliligaw mo pa nga lang muntik na 'yang maghisterikal, paano pa kaya kong ang inutusan niyang bantayan ka..."
"—jinowa ko, My?" nahihiyang tanong ko.
Natatawang tumango siya, "yup. But it's okay, I trust you. You're a grown woman and is capable of your own decision. 'Yong Tatay mo kasi toddler pa ata kayo sa paningin niya."
It took us a while before they let me go. Si Dad ay nag-iwan pa sa akin ng rosary at baka makatulong din daw kapag nagbukas ang cabinet. Pray daw tapos lagay ko ang rosary sa handle ng cabinet.
'Di niya alam na hindi multo ang nando'n. Si Solomon lang, ang halimaw sa closet.
I opened the cabinet and cackled when I saw what happened to him. Nakasiksik ang malaki niyang katawan sa cabinet. The cabinet was large but he stayed in there like a kid. Nakasandal pa siya at tulog na.
"Sorry, Sol," mahinang sabi ko at tinitigan siya.
Bagsak ang kanyang buhok sa noo. Halatado ang pagod niya pero hindi pa rin maikakaila ang kagwapuhang taglay.
He doesn't look like a softy type, 'yong tipong malambing ang itsura. Kabaligtaran ng ugali niya. He's cocky and teasing but if you based solely by his looks, he's more like a rough one. He's hot when serious, he's also damn hot with sweet.
I lifted my finger and removed the few strands of his hair. Pagkatapos ay bumaba ang daliri ko sa gilid ng kanyang mata at panga. Nagpigil ako ng ngiti.
I was only wishing to see his face in my dreams before kaya 'di pa rin ako makapaniwalang ngayon ay ganito kami kalapit muli sa isa't-isa.
Pinasok ko ang sarili ko sa cabinet at nagsumiksik sa tabi niya. I smiled again. He's asleep. I don't need to pretend I don't want him when the truth was, I was craving for him. I want him. I love him and missed him... so much.
Muli akong sumulyap sa mukha ni Sol at kinuha ang isang unan bago yakapin at unti-unti'y sumandal ako sa kanyang balikat.
Falling asleep wasn't my intention but maybe if you're beside someone you feel comfortable with, if you're with someone who made you feel like home then my body wanted to give in for its warmth.
Naalimpungatan lang ako nang maramdaman kong buhat ako ng kung sino. My back touched the soft mattress. Naramdaman ko ang kumot sa katawan ko kasabay ng halik sa noo ko.
Maybe it's a dream? A wonderful one instead of nightmares. And in my dreams, it was Solomon. My solace.
That's why it's peaceful.
"I love you," I could her his apparition whispering and just as he's leaving, I lifted my palm and pulled his wrist.
"Hmm? Angel?" His black eyes stared at me, naupo siya sa gilid ng kama at ang kamay niyang hawak-hawak ko ay dinala ko sa labi at hinagkan.
"Stay..." I whispered.
"You want me to stay?" he asked and brushed my hair. I nodded and tapped the space beside me.
"Talaga ba?" tumikhim siya, "naku ka, Miss Sweet Lips, kapag nagising ka't nasampal na naman ako..."
Silly, it's just a dream!
"Idiot," I mumbled. "Do you wanna sleep beside me or...?"
"Sino ba nagsabing ayaw ko?" bigla siyang humiga sabay siksik ng katawan sa akin. I sniffed his scent and sighed as he cuddled me.
He feels so warm.
I hope this is really happening.
"Taas ko ulo mo, angel ko," I felt him raising my head until I'm resting on his arms and I smiled softly, ipinapatong ang palad sa kanyang dibdib habang sumisiksik sa kanyang leeg.
He cuddled me in my dreams and kissed my head, whispering his I love yous.
"You looked good in my arms," he whispered again and kissed my hair.
"I do?" bulong ko. Tumango siya.
"You're the only person I'd want to see resting in it," he whispered back. "Hindi ako nagpa-yummy kung 'di mo rin mahihigaan ang muscles ko."
And now, he's an idiot even in my dreams.
Kinurot ko na. Dumaing siya't natawa, hinuhuli ang katawan ko sa yakap bago ako tandayan.
"Ang ganda-ganda mo," he breathed. "Mahal na mahal kita, Sib. Sana alam mo 'yon."
I do, too, Sol. Kahit sa panaginip na 'to mahal na mahal ko kayo ni Fritzy. Mahal na mahal kita.
"Stay, Sol," I mumbled. "If I pushed you away again. Please... don't leave."
The next morning, I felt refreshed. Tapos na si Sol maligo at nakaupo na sa sofa habang sumisimsim ng kape.
"'Di ka pa ba uuwi?" I asked, smirking when he jumped in shock and almost spilled his coffee.
Ngumiti ako at naglakad papalapit sabay abot ng kape niya at inom din doon. I can feel his gaze watching me and when I looked at him, he didn't even bother taking his eyes off.
"Hmm?" tinaasan ko ng kilay pero sa halip ay inilagay niya lang sa likod ng tainga ko ang buhok at hinaplos ang pisngi ko. I was just frozen while locking gazes with him, the cup of coffee still on my lips.
"Ang ganda mo," he complimented.
"Alam ko, natural 'yan," I answered back. My heart raced but I lowered the coffee cup to look away, hiding him my blushing cheeks.
"Alam ko rin," he chuckled and I was stunned when he took my palm and kissed it briefly. Hinarap ko siyang nasa labi pa rin ang likod ng palad ko.
"Good morning, angel."
"Mo..." tumikhim ako, "morning." My cheeks turned beet red! I am damn sure!
He squeezed my palm and grazed his fingers in it.
"Ligo ka na maya-maya pagkatapos mong magkape, breakfast tayo tapos gusto mong mag-Sinulog?"
Doon na ako napasinghap, "can I?"
"Why not?"
"Oh, I'd love to!" I gasped loudly, "matagal ko na kasing naririnig na maganda ang festival! Kaso..." my excitement died down. "I don't think I could go, you see..."
"Akong bahala. H'wag kang mag-alala, babaligtarin ko lahat ng manggugulo sa 'yo ng muscles na 'to." Sabay taas niya ng braso. Nailing ako at muling sumimsim ng kape.
"May morning kiss na tayo," he commented, stopping me from sipping.
"What?"
His eyes danced with amusement has his lips protruded a little, referring to the cup I'm sipping.
"Oh..." my lips tugged for a smirk, "this isn't a morning kiss, baby."
Tumayo ako at humalik sa gilid ng labi niya, "this is." And when I saw how he flushed, I gave him a wink and stood, even wiggling my booty to go the bathroom to take a bath.
"A-Angel..." he called, "angel, isa pa, hindi ako prepared!" sigaw pa niya pero natatawa at dali-dali kong sinara ang pinto.
When I finished taking a bath, Sol was energetic. Kung anong ikinatahimik niya't simpleng masid lang no'ng unang gabi, ngayon namang nakita niyang maganda ang mood ko dahil sa panaginip ko kagabi ay buhay na buhay din siya.
Pagkalabas ko pa lang ng banyo ay sinalubong na ang mukha ko ng pumpon ng bulaklak.
"Ano 'to?" I asked in shock.
"Bulaklak?" the idiot answered and gave me a questioning look. I rolled my eyes.
"I mean, what am I gonna do with this?" kinuha ko ang bulaklak sa kanya at tinignan.
"Uhm, baka kakainin?" he answered again and when I shot him a look, he smirked.
"Sige, sige!" kumuha ako ng isang talulot ng bulaklak at inilapit sa kanya. "Sige, kainin mo, Solomon! Nguyain mo!"
Pero tinawanan lang ako ng loko at pinirmi ang baywang kong tinatalon siya para pakainin ng petals.
"Ano ba?" suminghap ako nang kilitiin pa niya ako, "Sol, ano ba—" I screamed and smacked him. He caught me and caged my body with the glass wall on my back.
He moistened his lower lip and stared at my eyes glaring at him nonstop. Ngumiti siya at diyos ko naman, heart. P'wede bang hinayaan mo sa pagwawala?
Makisama ka naman sa T-back natin malapit na ma-loose-thread!
"Ayan, mas gusto ko 'yang iniirapan mo 'ko at sinusungitan." His thumb went down on my lower lip. "Bumabalik na 'yong Sibyl ko."
"Anong... anong Sibyl mo?" mahinang singhal ko. "Anong bumabalik sa irap ko?"
"Hmm? Bumabalik 'yong mga panahong nagtatago ako ng bendita sa bulsa ko kasi kapag umirap ka puti 'yong natira, baka—"
I screamed and kicked his feet. Dumaing siya at parang gagong tinawanan ako.
Solomon was fucking annoying but I loved it. It's just being him. At hinayaan ko na.
Sanay na sanay na ako sa bulaklak dahil sa mga fans noon at sponsors pero 'di ko mapigilang irampa ang bulaklak na bigay niya sa akin no'ng breakfast.
I know it was a weird one. I could've left it in the room and eat in peace but I feel like parading it.
Sol was wearing a Ralph Lauren navy blue polo with white linings on the end of his collar and sleeves. He tucked it in a dust gray pants while he's wearing simple sneakers.
Malinis ang gupit, suot ang itim na wrist watch at seryoso ang mga mata habang nakaluhod sa harapan ko sa elevator.
Unang tingin pa lang, halata mong mabango.
He's hot... I bit my lower lip and giggled inside.
The elevator door opened. I hid my face a little using the flowers he gave me and Sol stood from lacing my shoelace and stood beside me, serving like my he's my tower.
I could hear the girls talking about Sol. Malakas talaga radar ko sa tsismis kaya bahagya akong sumilip sa bulaklak at tumaas ang kilay nang makitang nagsisikuhan silang dalawa.
"May jowa kaya?" bulong-bulong nila. Bumusangot ako.
Mag-ex kami pero 'di n'yo ba napapansing may katabing pretty girl with flowers?!
Ngumuso ako nang naghagikhikan pa at s ainis ay ibinaba ko ng bahagya ang bulaklak.
"Hindi—" Sol lifted the flower back to hide my face. Inangat ko ang tingin para sitahin siya pero ibinaba niya lang ang mukha at bumulong.
"I thought you're trying to blend the crowd? Lowkey remember?" amusement was filling the tone of his voice.
Oh, he likes this so much!
"How could I?" I whispered back, "akala nila wala ka pang nililigawan. 'Di nila alam na patay na patay ka sa 'kin!"
"Ay, hindi pa ba halata?" he shot me a look, trying to tease me.
"Ewan ko sa 'yo!" singhal ko sabay layo sa kanya pero nahapit niya lang ako palapit hanggang sa halos nakadikit na ako sa dibdib niya.
My eyes dilated. It was only the flowers hiding my face from the crowd and Sol's intense gaze are burning me.
"I'll show you, then," muling humaplos ang palad niya sa baywang ko't tumungo sa tainga ko. "Papakita ko sa 'yo kung ga'no ko kapatay na patay sa 'yo."
My breath hitched when he swiped a kiss on my ear and breathed in it, "just one word, angel. One word and I'll be on my knees for you."
My blood raced, narinig ko ang pagbukas ng elevator at pag-alis ng mga natahimik na babae at sa pagsara ay nilabanan ko siya ng tingin.
"Kneel? Will you be kind enough to elaborate the context, Mr. Alejo?"
"Hmm..." mas naging pilyo ang mata niya. "It's up to you, Miss Sandejas. Either I'll kneel to you, begging for you to accept me again or you... begging me to fuck you harder with my tongue."
And hell, I'm wet again.
"Uy, nand'yan na pala kayo—" Liza's voice got cut off at sa gulat ay mahinang natampal ni Sol ang pisngi ko.
"Sibyl! Conservative ako!" the brute even exclaimed in front of my face with Liza and Nash as a witness.
Oh, hell. Great, Solomon! Ako pa ang nagtunog na hayok dito!
"'Yong totoo? Love language n'yo bang dalawa mag-sampalan?"
"Liza!" sabay-sabay naming tawag na tatlo at sa huli'y tinakpan na lang ni Nash ang bibig ng huli para patahimikin.
It was awkward. Una, nahuli kaming gano'n ang pwesto ng dalawang 'to. Pangalawa, si Sol ay kanina pa nag-so-sorry at sa hiya ko rin sa nangyari ay sumasakit na mata ko kakairap sa kanya.
"'Di ba, mag-ex kayo?" ani Nash. Muntik ko nang mabuga ang juice.
"Hoy, h'wag mo na tanungin," Liza giggled, "baka balikan stage na sila! Ganda kaya no'ng episode kagabi. OMG! Iyakan sa ulan, Daniel at Kathryn? Kayo ba 'yan?"
I kicked her. Napatawa si Liza at tinuro ako, "sus, si Madame Sibyl, pasimple! Eh, kulang na nga lang iparada mo 'yang bouquet mo sa lahat ng tao sa hotel!"
"I..." binaba ko ang bouquet sa hita ko at sinimangutan siya, "I was just covering my face from the crowd!"
"Oh?" the two asked in chorus. Napairap na lang ako.
"H'wag n'yo ngang asarin ang anghel ko," natatawang hinuli ni Sol ang palad ko, hinampas ko paalis at umangil. He pouted like a wounded animal.
"Pero seryoso nga, Pareng Sol. Tanungang pangkaibigan," ani Nash kaya napasulyap kami sa kanya. "Anong tips mo para balikan na 'ko nitong babe ko? Three days na kasi kaming break daw at dahil mag-ex na kayo ni Sib, pahingi namang tips paanong moves ba dapat—"
"Isa pa, Nash," bumusangot si Sol nang humagalpak ang huli. "Isa pa sinasabi ko sa 'yo tatawagan ko na 'yong direktor ng Going Bulilit, sabihin ko nakatakas isang cast nila."
And heck, I didn't know why but I ended up laughing.
I was annoyed yet happy at the same time. Not just because of being with my friends again and Sol, I just realized the flower arrangement of Sol's bouquet for me has the same one from the bouquets I'm receiving before. During my recovery.
We had fun in Cebu that day. Mabuti na lang ay pinagsuot ako ni Sol ng rubber shoes sa halip na sandals dahil mahaba pala ang lakaran dito! The roads are closed too and you couldn't do much but roam around by foot or rent a motorcycle.
Good thing magaling magmaneho itong si Solomon. Well, he's great. Kahit noon pa sa Sta. Monica kapag sumasakay ako sa kanya o kaya'y minamaneho niya ako.
I jumped, the sudden realization I'm in front of a saint's replica inside the church.
"Oh, God." Dali-dali kong itinirik ang kandila at nag-sign-of-the-cross. "I'm so sorry po, please, help me wash out my sins! Sorry!"
"Ano na naman 'yan, angel?" bulong ni Sol sa likod ko, tila temptasyon. Umiling ako sabay pikit ng mariin at focus sa pagdadasal.
Later on, I got lost with my own prayers. Punong-puno ang Sto. Nino Basilica pero damang-dama mo pa rin ang pagkaka-solemn ng lugar. Halo ang amoy ng kandila at sampaguita at kumakanta ang mga choir ng pasasalamat para sa araw na ito.
I prayed and thanked Him for everything. I asked for forgiveness not just for my sins but for my love ones and other people, too. I asked him for guidance for the paths I'm gonna take for this day forward and the future.
And, too much to ask but I asked Him to give me another chance in life. I wished and prayed I'd be happy. Na kahit 'di na ako makasayaw muli, sana maging tunay na masaya na ako.
I opened my eyes and watched Sol putting three candles in the stand.
"Why three?" I asked, nilingon niya ako at ngumiti.
"Si Nanay, si Fritzy," turo niya sa dalawa, "tapos ikaw."
"Ako?" gulat kong sabi at tumango lang siya, maliit na ngumiti sabay pikit.
I let him be and did not ask for more. I was curious but scared, too. Gusto kong maging masaya at sumubok kay Sol muli pero mas nangingibabaw pa rin ang takot sa puso ko.
Ayaw ko silang madamay ni Fritzy sa magulong mundo ko.
"Ma'am! Sir! Bibingka kayo d'yan!" biglang tumawa si Sol sa tabi ko sabay hawak sa baywang ko't bulong.
"Bibingka raw, angel,"
I smacked him. He chuckled and fixed my cap, "gusto mo? Masarap 'yan."
"Hmp," I pouted. "Mas masarap pa rin ang delicacy ko. Ayaw mong tikman kaya okay, sayang naman for you."
He called me when I went past him and walked towards the old vendor, smiling. I asked her how much at si Sol ay tumabi na naman sa akin.
"Pabili pong apat, Nay. Paborito ko kasi 'tong ano... bibingka," ani Sol sabay sulyap sa aking nag-aasar. Napailing ako't umirap sa likod ng shades.
Inikot ko ang ingin sa paligid at napansing madaming nagbebenta ng replica ng mga santo o 'di kaya'y mga damit.
I lifted the camera hanging on my neck and snapped photos of families, couples, group of friends and just everyone. It was tiring but they looked so happy.
"Ay, hija, 'di ba, artista ka?" doon na ako napabaling muli sa vendor.
"Nay—" pasimple kong hinawakan si Sol at tinanguan para sabihing ayos lang.
"Po?"
"Ay! Oo, ikaw nga!" nagliwanag ang mata niya. "Naku at fan ako! Grabe ang gigil ko sa sabunutan n'yo ni Misty!"
A smile lifted on my lips, "talaga po? Sinong paborito n'yong character?"
"Aba, ikaw!" she proclaimed happily, "naku at sa totoo lang mas gusto ko ang palaban! Naiinis kasi ako doon sa isang bid ana iyakin tapos hinayaan lang na sampal-sampalin siya, gusto ko 'yong ikaw na maldita tapos lumalaban kahit itapon ka nila sa probinsya!"
Napatawa na ako, inabot ni Sol ang baywang ko.
"Naku, Nay, sa probinsya niya kasi makikita ang forever niya." Hirit pa ng huli kaya siniko ko na. Tumawa si Nanay at palitan ang tingin sa amin ni Sol.
"Naku, hala! Nakakatuwa naman at nandito kayo! Naiiyak naman ako," lumambot ang puso ko nang makita ang mata niya.
"Gusto n'yo po picture?" I asked and smiled.
"Oo! Hala, oo, anak..." tumawa siyang muli at humawak sa dibdib niya. "Sobrang invested talaga ako sa palabas sa hapon! Kapag alas-kwatro na, bawal na akong istorbohin at manunuod na ako!"
Pinahawak ko kay Sol ang camera ko at nilabas ang polaroid. I asked Sol to take a picture of us habang tumatabi ako kay Nanay. She hugged me, I hugged her back and smiled widely at the camera.
Bukod sa polaroid ay naging photographer pa namin si Sol sa isang camera ko at nang mag-develop ang film ay naghalughog ako ng sharpie sa bag para pirmahan iyon at ibigay kay Nanay.
"Ito po," I smiled gently when she gasped and almost hug the mini film.
"Naku, maraming salamat! Fan na fan ako!" her eyes brightened, "naku, buong-buo na ang araw ko!"
"Kayo nga po ang bumuo ng araw ko, eh," I smiled gently at her. "Thank you, Nay. Hayaan mo, mas gagalingan ko pang um-acting para sa 'yo."
"Naku, nakakahiya naman at wala akong maibibigay na regalo pero..." she took a piece of self-made bracelet from her cart. Isinuot niya iyon sa akin at inabot din si Sol para bigyan. "Sana magustuhan n'yo!"
My heart thumped.
"I do," muli kong hinaplos ang bracelet sa pulsuhan ko. "Thank you, Nay."
"Walang anuman, anak!" she smiled, I suddenly remembered Sol's grandma at nang lingunin ko siyang malambing din ang tingin niya sa matanda.
"Pa-picture din ako sa 'yo, hijo! Napakagwapo! Jusko!"
"Hindi ako artista, Nay," tumawa siya, "pero sa napakagwapo? 'Di ko matatanggi 'yan kasi may ebidensya."
Conceited. Chuckling, I rolled my eyes.
I took a picture of them, too. Mukhang proud na proud pa si Solomon dahil pinapirmahan din sa kanya ang polaroid.
"Angel, ano sa tingin mo? Kung tanggapin ko na kaya 'yong offer na mag-model ako sa brief ng Bench?" biglang tinanong ni gago kaya nabulunan na ako ng laway sa kanya.
The crowd is large. The sun is too hot and I am sweating bad.
"Init naman," reklamo ko habang nakikisiksik sa mga tao para manuod ng parada.
"Sorry, angel," ani Sol sa tabi ko kaya bumagsak na ang balikat ko't inambahan siya.
I find it hard to watch the parade and it was frustrating me. Matatangkad ang nasa unahan at siksikan ang mga tao.
I sighed exasperatedly.
"Okay ka lang, angel?" napapikit ako at sumandal kay Sol.
"Saan sina Liza?" I asked, humawak siya sa baywang ko at hinayaan akong sumandal sa dibdib niya.
"Niyaya si Nash sumilong, gusto mo rin ba? Mainit, oh." He lifted a small fan and placed it on my face. Natawa ako at inangat ang tingin sa kanya.
"Ready ka, ah?"
"Of course, baka mainitan ang anghel ko," aniya sabay angat naman ng panyo at punas sa noo ko, "usog ka kaunti, basa ata ang likod mo. Lagyan natin ng bimpo."
We aren't in a relationship but I felt like a pampered girlfriend. I smiled knowingly seeing how thoughtful Sol was. He brought water for me not to get thirsty, checking on my back from time-to-time dahil ayaw ko talaga paawat at nangungulit sa gustong panunuod ng parada.
"'Di ko kita... tatangkad nila," I whined and folded my arms in front of my chest.
Sol moved a bit from me. Nilingon ko siyang nagtataka at sinundan ng tingin habang nag-i-squat siya sa harapan ko.
"Here, angel," he tapped his shoulder.
"Huh?"
"Sit on my shoulder, para makita mo,"
"Really?!" I jumped and clapped my hands. Nilingon niya ako at tumango sabay tapik ulit sa balikat niya.
"Yehey! Upo ako sa batok ni Sol!" I was grinning as I sat on his nape, my legs on his shoulder and when he lifted me up in the air and saw the parade, I was smiling widely in happiness.
Oh, good Lord. What did I do to deserve Solomon?
May pintura ang mukha namin dahil sa mga kasiyahan sa daan. May mga face painting, may mga head dress pa nga kaming may balahibo at mga kwintas.
Pagod na pagod tuloy kami pagkarating ng hapon. Mas lalo na si Sol kaya no'ng umalis sina Liza at Nash para maghanap ng kainan ay plakda kaming dalawa sa pang-isahang upuan na nakita namin.
I was sitting on his lap. Nakapatong naman ang chin niya sa balikat ko at bahagya akong tumagilid para haplusin ang kanyang buhok.
"Pagod ka?" I asked and brushed his hair, "sorry, Sol. Sabi ko sa 'yo kasi saglit lang, ayaw mo naman ako ibaba."
"Masaya ka ba?" he asked, his black eyes sparkling while staring at me with adoration.
"Honestly? Yes," I nodded. "I loved the show, the song and the float pati 'yong mga muses ang gaganda."
"Then, I'm okay," pinaraan niya ang ilong sa pisngi ko. "Walang-wala ang pagod ko, basta masaya ka."
Nasa may tagong lugar kami at medyo madilim. Kinain na ng gabi ang haring-araw at malakas pa rin ang tugtog mula sa musika ng festival at street party pero mas nangingibabaw ang musikang ginagawa ng puso ko.
We stared at each other and realized, again and again, how beautiful this man is.
Bahagya akong inangat ni Sol. Napasinghap ako nang pinaupo niya ako sa upuan at tumayo siya sa harapan ko, inilalahad ang kamay sa akin.
"Can I dance with you again, angel?" inilahad niya ang kamay sa akin.
"H-Hmm?" namilog ang mata ko. "You know I can't dance."
"Hmm? Sinong nagsabi?" tumaas ang kilay niya, "you can dance, Sibyl. I saw you wiggling earlier with the song."
My cheeks heated, naalala ko ang pagkendeng ko kanila sa tunog ng drum at pinagmasdan si Sol na nag-aantay sa akin. The sparks from the disco lights from the on-going street party is touching Sol's handsome face.
"Dancing is an expression, angel, remember? No matter what kind of dance, it speaks a thousand words. Now, my angel, can I ask you to dance? With me?"
I hesitated at first but then I felt a loud thump inside my chest. My inner self whispering for me to try and the moment I accepted Sol's hand, the previous song ended and was replaced with Ruth's Dandelion.
Marahang yumukod si Sol para hagkan ang likod ng palad ko at sa pagtayo ko ay inabot niya ang baywang ko.
Maybe it's the way you say my name
Maybe it's the way you play your game
But it's so good, I've never known anybody like you
But it's so good, I've never dreamed of nobody like you
We swayed a little while locking gazes with each other, dancing with the song with the people not too far from where we're hiding. Madilim pero nagliliwanag ang ngiti niya sa paningin ko.
And I've heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime
And I'm pretty sure that you are that love of mine
He extended his hand a bit and let me move, umikot ako pabalik sa kanya at muling humawak sa kanyang palad at nagkatitigan.
'Cause I'm in a field of dandelions
Wishing on every one that you'll be mine, mine
"See? You're dancing, angel. You can dance," he swayed me then raised my palm, making me twirl. "Damn it, baby. You are beautiful."
"Bolero," tumawa ako at humawak sa kanyang batok.
And I see forever in your eyes
I feel okay when I see you smile, smile
"You wanna know what I prayed for you earlier?" he asked, curious, I nodded.
Wishing on dandelions all of the time
Praying to God that one day you'll be mine
Wishing on dandelions all of the time, all of the time
"What is it, hmm?" I asked. Ang daliri niya'y bumaba sa kwintas kong bigay niya pabalik sa panga ko.
"I prayed you won't stop loving things. Failure's a chance to begin again, angel." he said. "Pinagdasal kong sana hindi ka tumigil sa pagsubok na sumayaw muli dahil alam ko kung ga'no ka pinasaya nito." He swayed me then moved his face closer until our nose our touching
"I prayed that he will never stop giving you the courage to try and try again, angel." Mas lumamlam ang mata niya. "I prayed to him, I begged him to make you genuinely happy. Gusto kong maramdaman mo ang kasiyahan muli sa pagsasayaw. Gusto kong maramdaman mo ng triple ang sayang nararamdaman ko simula no'ng nakilala kita."
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