Kabanata 6
Hi, happy 555K tuna ulit! Here's a treat! Finally, the first revised chapter for Solace Escape! I advise you to read again the book from the start if last year mo pa nabasa but if not, reread this chapter.
Iba na almost kalahati ang content nito (middle-last part) compared sa dati. The old chapter before will be back, too, pero mag-iiba ang chap number. Enjoy!
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Kabanata 6
"How's your first day in your new home so far, Sibyl?" my friends, Mila and Leah asked when they requested for a face time that night.
"Arrgh! Worst!" I spat, sighing.
Napatawa sila. Naiiritang umupo naman ako sa silyang rattan sa terrace ng kwarto ko, inaangat ang paa sa lamesa roon at sumandal.
"Why? What happened?" Mila asked, laughing. Sinulyapan ko siya at nakitang nasa isang salon sila ni Leah.
"Well, it sucks here." I gasped, "not enough internet connection! No view and just disgusting and smelly animals around!"
"Nand'yan naman ang grandparents mo, ah? Hindi mo ba sila close?" Leah inquired.
"I'm close with them, of course." I sighed, "it's just that...can you blame me? I have no friends here. No parties, no salon, no anything! As in wala!" I looked around dramatically, "just some stupid trees!"
"Eh, may gwapo ba? Don't tell me wala?" Mila asked playfully kaya sumulyap akong muli sa phone.
Gwapo? A sudden face showed up on my mind but stopped upon realizing it.
The fuck, Sibyl Timothea?
"W-wala!" I exclaimed, shaking my head and glanced at the girls. "Walang gwapo rito!"
"Oh?" Leah had that playful glint on her eyes, "eh, bakit ka namumula?"
"Am I?" I scoffed, napapahawak pa sa pisngi. "I am not! This is just a natural blush!"
"Uh-huh!" they teased, "don't tell us you thought of someone!"
Namilog ang mata ko, napatawa pa sila nang mahuli ang reaksyon ko kaya dagli akong umayos ng upo at tumikhim. I tried masking my expression into a stoic one but they know me.
"Loko! 'Di ba, taga probinsya 'yong ka-kissing scene niya nitong nakaraan sa mall?! Don't tell me he's—"
"Wala si Solomon dito!" I exclaimed, stopping when they laughed at me.
"Huli!" they exclaimed.
"Ano naman kung nandito 'yon?!" I frowned because they're having a blast making fun of me. "It's not like it's a big thing!"
"Being noticed by 'the' Sibyl Sandejas is a big thing!" Mila blurted out, "you cared less about other people, why not thinking—even kissing wasn't a big thing, eh?"
Sumimangot ako sa pang-aasar nila.
"Naku, baka magulat na lang kami at kayo na, ah?"
"To hell with that," I laughed blankly, "I like western boys, girls. I won't settle for a mere probinsyano."
"Weh?" Leah grinned, "h'wag kang magsalita ng tapos—"
"Sibyl won't settle for a low life, Leah! Ano ka ba?" Mila murmured and glanced at her. Medyo nagsalubong ang kilay ko. "Parang 'di mo kilala 'yan."
"Hindi ka sure—"
"I don't like poor boys!" I spat, stopping them, "you know my taste, girls. If I'd be in a relationship again—which I think was impossible now because of that stunt James made—I won't settle for someone just like him. Hindi pa nakakapagtapos 'yong tao. S'yempre, kung magkaka-boyfriend akong muli doon na sa sigurado ako."
"Sa bagay." They agreed.
"But you're rich now, do you really need to have a rich man as a boyfriend? You can provide—" Leah inquired but was cut off by Mila.
"Tanga, let Sibyl decide. Atsaka ikaw ba magse-settle sa probinsyano?"
"Well..." she thought of it, "that guy is handsome—"
"Mapapakain ka ba ng kagwapuhan?" Mila asked.
"'Yon lang..." she chuckled and looked back at me again, confusing me when she grinned. "Pero who knows? Sibyl might fall for his charms—"
"Hell no!" I exclaimed, "I-I won't!"
"What's with the stutter?" she asked, chuckling. "Don't me you like him—"
"No way!" I shook my head timidly, "there is no way I'll like him! I have great taste in man, 'no! Yes, he's gwapo, I'll give you that."
"See?!" nagtawanan sila.
"But it doesn't mean I'll like him!" I defended. "I am not interested at him at the very least! Isa pa, you know what happened, right? Because of that damn kiss, now, the media's been bugging me. Dahil din diyan kaya 'ko nandito sa boring na probinsyang 'to!" inikot ang tingin at ngumiwi nang walang ibang marinig kung hindi ang pagaspas ng hangin at tunog ng mga insekto.
Hindi sila umimik kaya ibinalik ko ang tingin sa phone at napansin ang nakakaloko nilang ngisi.
"You sure?"
"What?" napatawa pa ako, "you think I'll like a probinsyano? Of course not!"
"Pero madalas kayong magkasama riyan, nagkikita everyday! Atsaka gwapo pa, may possibility talagang magustuhan mo siya—"
"Oh, come on! You two, shut up!" I whined.
"Possible kayang mahulog ang isang senyorita sa probinsyano? Abangan—"
"You are such a bitch, Mila!" I frowned at her, "hell, I won't like him!"
"Sige...sabihin na nating 'di mo magugustuhan siya. May tanong lang ako, you think he likes you?" I stopped upon hearing Leah's question. "Mukhang desididong-desidido si Miss Ballerina na 'di niya magugustuhan si Sol, kumusta naman kaya siya? Magugustuhan ka kaya niya?"
Napaisip ako ng malalim doon.
"He does." I announced. "Who wouldn't like me, anyway? Sa ganda kong 'to?"
"Wow! I love the confidence!" nagtawanan sila kaya napangisi na akong muli.
"I'm Alyx Sandejas' daughter." I said proudly, smirking when they clapped their hands.
"Pero duda talaga ako sa 'yo at kay Sol..." my smile faded upon hearing that name from Mila's lips again.
"What about him?" I asked, "can we quit talking about him?"
"Hmm..." Mila suddenly smirked, "you looked affected upon hearing the handsome man's name. Right, Leah?"
Mas humaba ang nguso ko nang napatango-tango rin si Leah.
"Hindi mo siya magugustuhan, sabi mo. Pero bakit sa lahat naman ng hahalikan mo siya pa?"
"Because I am saving my face from humiliation! The damn James was a jerk!"
"Mapili ka, eh. S'yempre kahit caught off guard ka na you'll still look for someone good to shield you from humiliation. Bakit si Sol? You've seen something on him, I am sure."
"Wala nga, Mila. Your theories sucks." Iritado kong turan, "ayoko na nga, let's end this one—"
"Uh-hmm, bakit may pag-iwas?" She grinned before I could even end the video call. "That means one thing! You're interested with him!"
"Fucking no. Shut up." Sumimangot ako. "Impossibleng magustuhan ko 'yan." Nairita na naman ako nang maisip ang nangyari kaninang komosyon sa aming dalawa dahil sa ipis. "Let's stop this bullshit and talk next time."
"How...about a bet?" Leah suggested. I stopped.
"What? For?"
"Let's bet for fun!" she grinned, "during your stay there will you like Sol or not?"
"That's absurd." Ngumiwi ako, "I am sure I won't even like that man an inch!"
"Then you should be sports!" Mila grinned, "kung hindi mo talaga magugustuhan si Sol then fine, you won."
As if I'll like him.
"Know what, Mila? I think we can add more thrill." Leah said after thinking for a while. "If that alone, I don't think Sibyl would tell us he likes him."
"Kasi nga hindi." Malamig kong sinabi, "why would I announce something like that? Eh, sinabi ko na ngang 'di ko siya magugustuhan?"
"Let's bet then, if you are that sure." Mila grinned. Magsasalita pa sana ako pero mabilis niya akong pinutol. "Na-uh, you won't get scared of playing with us if you are so sure. Bakit ka nga ba matatakot kung hindi talaga?"
Natahimik ako at napaisip.
She's right, why would I be scared if I'm so sure of my decision. Impossible naman kasi talagang magustuhan ko ang lalaking iyon!
"Let's play." Leah said, "but of course, to be fair, dapat hindi lang sasabihin mo sa amin. You can hide it and decide you didn't like him so, for more fun how about you'll make him fall for you instead."
"What?!" hindi ko pa ata narinig ang boses kong gano'n kagulat. "That is insane—"
"Make him fall for you and make him confess his love without falling, Sib! Mananalo ka kapag nagustuhan ka niyang 'di mo siya nagugustuhan and it is our win if you fell for him instead."
"Wouldn't it be unfair?" kumunot ang noo ko, "ako tapos kayong dalawa?"
"Then we can give both our bets to you and you can give us one, para sa aming dalawa na. Beneficial to sa 'yo! Isa lang kapag natalo ka para sa aming dalawa na tapos dalawa galing sa amin sa 'yo kapag nanalo ka."
"What's the prize, then?" I raised my brow.
"Anything!" Mila answered, "oh, we can give you your bags of choice and you can give us, hmm? What? Maybe some of your jewelries from France? Ikaw bahala." She offered and it sounded so tempting but it was really absurd.
"I really won't fall for him." I insisted, "kaya nagsasayang lang tayo ng panahon—"
"We'll give you time to think!" Leah cut me off. "This is just for fun, Sib. If you are really sure you won't fall for him then why would you be afraid? Just say yes, make him fall—which of course, not too hard for you because he likes you already, sabi mo and get the prize! Tsaran, tapos na!"
"But..." napailing ako, "wouldn't it backfire?"
"Anong backfire?" nagtawanan sila, "it will backfire if you fell for him!"
"I won't!" iling ko, "impossible!"
"Then think for now, Sib." She said, "let us know, ah? After? Sayang ang bag! You've been eyeing the Chanel bag for too long now! Ayaw mo ba?"
"Yep! And that baguette handbag from Fendi? So tempting!" Leah added up and I was so tempted.
"You don't have to decide for now, think first pero sayang! Isa pa, kapag humindi ka, ibig sabihin interesado ka talaga kay Sol!" Mila exclaimed and they teased me again.
"Oh, I am not." I acted like I'm so disgusted and flipped my hair. "I'll let you know. Bye for now, girls." I murmured and waved a little at them before ending the call.
Nang mawala na sila sa paningin ko ay nahulog ang maliit at pekeng ngiti sa labi ko. I suddenly thought of Solomon and that messy scenario earlier with the fucking ipis!
Solomon may look so strong but he's such a lampa! He was running while carrying me to save ourselves from the cockroach and what happened? He slipped and I fell on his arms!
"Hala, shit!" he abruptly stood when he caught me glaring at him while on the ground. "Sorry, Sibyl!" he panicked.
"Lampa!" I growled angrily while touching my waist when he paced towards my direction, kneeling in front of me.
"Sorry..." napatawa siya ng mahina at sumulyap sa akin. "Masakit? Saan?"
"Balakang ko!" I hissed, "ikaw ba naman mahulog sa lapag hindi sasakit ang pwet mo?!"
He let out a soft chuckle. I frowned. Inabot niya ang braso ko para alalayang patayo kaya bigla akong may naisip na kalokohan.
"Sorry, nagulat lang ako," he mumbled, "hindi naman sa takot ako sa ipis—"
"Cockroach behind you!" singhap ko sabay turo.
"Pu...ta." His hard tone mumbled. My mouth parted.
He's really a coward!
"H-hindi...hindi ako takot, ah? Hindi." Kumunot ang noo niya, kasabay ng kuha ng tsinelas at lingon sa likod.
"Saan?" he exclaimed and lifted his slippers. Iwinasiwas niya iyon sa ere, "saan ang ipis na 'yan? Harapin mo 'ko! Magtuos tayo!"
While he's making a scene there, I tried remaining serious but he looked so ridiculous lifting his slippers to try and pretend he's gonna kill the cockroach but he looked so scared I ended up laughing.
He froze. Mabilis niya akong nilingon kaya napatakip ako sa bibig at napailing.
"S-sorry..." I laughed and touched my stomach.
"Saan ang ipis?" he asked, looking more confused.
"W-wala..." I shook my head, stifling a laugh while looking at his pale face. "W-walang..." mas napatawa ako, "w-walang ipis."
"Huh?" nahulog ang panga niya, ang kamay na nakataas sa ere ay may hawak pa ring tsinelas.
"Oh my...sorry..." I puffed a breath and shook my head, trying to compose myself. "I was just kidding, there is no cockroach." I announced and folded my arms on my chest.
"Ibig mong sabihin..." unti-unting seryoso ang mukha niya.
"It's a prank." I smirked.
I was smirking the whole time, waiting for him to react because I did great with my prank but he remained serious.
He lowered his slippers and wore it. Ngising-ngisi naman ako habang pinagmamasdan siya pero kaagad iyong naglaho nang salubungin ako ng tingin ng seryoso at malamig niyang mga mata.
He took a step forward and I took a step back in shock. Nawala ang pagkakahalukipkip ng braso sa aking dibdib sa ginawa, lalo na nang mas dumami ang hakbang niya palapit at akong paatras. The only stop I made was when I felt the wall against my back and he's towering me.
He placed his arm on the top of my head. Napalunok ako sa kanyang ginawa at namilog ang mata.
"T-the hell are you doing?" I hissed but it only ended up sounding like a whisper.
His intense black eyes stared at me, his heavy and long eyelashes made me feel lost with my thoughts. Tumiim ang panga niya.
"Happy 'yan?" his husky voice asked kaya umawang na ang labi ko.
"I-it was just some stupid prank! Ano ka ba? Hindi ka naman m-maloko. It's a joke, mabait pa ako niyan like an angel!" tumawa pa ako at tinulak siya sa dibdib pero mabilis niya iyong nahuli ng kamay niya kaya pinagsaklop niya ang mga ito.
My breath labored, attempting to escape but he moved his body closer until our chests are touching.
I froze. His almond shaped orbs made him looked more rugged, a few strands of his hair were falling on his forehead while he's looking down at me.
"Akala ko ba nag-e-enjoy ka? You pranked me, fine, but...what's with the scared face now, angel?" I was frozen in place I felt like I was out of oxygen for a second when he said that in a straight accent, stunning me.
Nahulog ang panga ko.
"Galing ko mag-English 'no? Madaming kinikilig dito kapag nagsasalita ako ng gano'n." Biglang komento niya kaya sinapak ko na.
He laughed, nakaiwas sa sapak ko at mas idiniin pa ako sa pader kaya dikit na dikit kaming dalawa.
"Solomon, ano ba?" I scoffed but he remained staring. Seryoso ang mukha niya ngayon na may bahid ng kung ano sa labi kaya bumalik sa isipan ko ang reaksyon niya kanina.
"You looked serious now, hmm?" I smirked, "kanina kong makasigaw ka para kang batang paslit na takot sa ipis." Ngumuso ako, nagpigil ng ngiti.
"Ang ganda-ganda mo talaga lalo kapag ngumingiti," mahinang komento niya kaya nawala iyon sa labi ko.
I stared at him seriously. He stared back at me until we're exchanging deep glances with nothing but silence.
Nakita ko ang pagbasak ng dila niya sa kanyang labi nang basain niya iyon at wala sa sariling napatitig ako roon. His lips are reddish and thin, dahil nga sa ginawa niyang pagdila roon ay medyo nabasa iyon.
I gulped a little, lifting my head to look for his eyes but realized he's been staring at my parted lips for a while now. Disoriented.
His adam's apple moved harshly. His jaw clenched and the look on his eyes looks extra darker now.
Suddenly, a wicked idea filled my mind so I could escape from him. I moistened my lips, pushing my chest against his, an amused and proud feeling filled my chest when he obviously got affected with that.
I lifted my free hand and placed it on his nape, stopping him. Kaagad niyang hinanap ang mata ko at nang magtagpo ang tingin ay ngumiti ako ng maliit.
Madilim at seryoso ang mga mata niya habang nakatitig kaya mas hinaplos ko ang batok niya hanggang sa lumalim ang kanyang paghinga. I tiptoed when I felt his grip on my other hand loosened, raising it so I could touch his defined jaw.
"Close your eyes," bulong kong mahina, inilalapit ang ilong sa ilong niya hanggang sa magdikit iyon.
"Sib..." he breathlessly called.
"Hmm?" I hummed, gasping too for air because of his taunting lips.
"What are you doing?" mahina pero seryosong tanong niya kaya ngumiti ako, hinaplos ang kanyang pang-ibabang labi at mas idinikit ang ilong sa kanya.
"Can I have a taste, Sol?" marahang bulong ko.
"Ng?" seryosong tanong niya.
"Your lips," malamyos kong bulong at nang ilapit niya ang mukha ay dali-dali akong umatras. "Na-uh, close your eyes first." Utos ko, naghahabol na rin ng hininga.
"Bakit pa—"
"You want to kiss or not?" seryosong sabi ko kaya suminghap siya at umayos ng tayo, mukhang nawawalan na ng pasensya. "Move a little. Close your eyes if you want me."
Tumitig siya ng mariin sa akin kaya gano'n din ako sa kanya. Nagtagisan kami ng titigan hanggang sa bumuntonghininga siya at medyo umaatras, ipinipikit ang mata.
"Ayan. Saan na ang kiss?" he asked me seriously and I almost laugh at his stern face.
Tss, grabe talagang kagandahan mayro'n ka, Sibyl Timothea. Nakakarupok 'no, Sol?
I stepped forward, touched his lips again with my fingers while looking at his impatient face with his eyes closed. I moved my face closer to him, letting the tip of my nose touched his.
"No peeking, Sol." I whispered and moved my finger on the center of his lips. When I saw how serious looking his is, ngumisi na ako sabay tingin sa lusutan ko.
I moved my face towards him, kissing my fingers instead of his lips and smiled.
"It's a prank, baby." Bulong ko sabay layo sa kanya at nang magmulat siya at kumindat na ako, hinahawi ang buhok.
"Sibyl..." he grimly called.
"Uto-uto," tawa ko sabay kaway ng maliit. I turned my back on him, confidently walking away. Taas-noo pa akong naglakad, mabilis na tumalilis dahil ramdam na ramdam ko ang titig niyang mariin pero kaagad na nawala ang confidence at napawi ang ngiti nang pagkababa ko sa may hagdan ay may naramdaman.
"O-ouch..." I gasped loudly and touched my waist, "balakang ko, a-aray."
"Oh, anak? Anong nangyari?" I shifted my gaze, only to see my worried grandparents walking towards me with their hand intertwined. "Si Sol? Ayos lang kayo?" Mama asked.
"Ah, opo. Ma, may ipis sa kwarto ko." Sumbong ko. I flashed a small smile and walked towards them kaya kaagad akong inabot ni Mama at niyakap.
"Ha? Hala, don't worry, papaalis natin 'yan mamaya. Papahanap ko." Lambing niya at humalik sa ulo ko.
"Oh, Sol? Okay ka lang? Tulala ka riyan?" mula sa pagkakayakap kay Mama ay inilipat ko ang tingin sa hagdan at nakita si Sol na pababa roon.
"Sir..." he greeted, startled.
"Anong nangyari? Tulala ka?" ani Papa kaya natigilan si Sol at napasulyap sa akin. Nang magtagpo ang tingin ay tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.
"Wala, Sir." Tumikhim siya, "may ipis lang po ro'n sa kwarto ni senyorita kaya medyo nagkagulo."
"Medyo?" I asked and stifled a laugh, "grabe nga ang sigaw mo—"
"Una na pala ako, Sir, Ma'am." He cut me off kaya ngumuso na ako. "Hinahanap na kasi ako ni Fritz."
"Oh, sige, hijo." Mama nodded, "tara muna sa kusina at h'wag mong kalimutan ang banana cue."
Inakay ako ni Mama papuntang kusina. Si Papa Jer ay nagpaalam mula para maghanap ng titingin sa ipis sa kwarto ko.
"Hon, saan ang spray?" Papa asked Mama who pointed on somewhere for the bug spray or something.
"Will it be effective, Pa?" natatakot kong tanong. Hinarap niya ako.
"Yes, of course," he said gently, even lifting the spray to show me. "We've been using this for a long time."
"But..." I bit my lip nervously, "don't you have a newer one? I read kasi from somewhere... they said, recently, cockroaches are evolving and they're becoming resistant to chemicals."
"Oh..." tumawa siya.
"Kasi what if..." tumigil ako at lumunok, "what if the ipis would pretend they're dead after you sprayed the insecticide? Then, moments later they'd rise from the dead and find me—"
"I'm afraid with that disgusting cockroach but I haven't encountered them rising from the dead, darling," Mama said, chuckling as she touched my hair.
"But they're evolving... some scientists said..." I blurted, genuinely worried. "And Dad said they're taking revenge..."
Barks of laughter is what I got instead. My lips protruded.
"Ang tatay mo talaga, ano?" Papa's still cackling, "h'wag ka maniniwala kay Zeijan Ruias, Sibyl. No'ng nahulog sa hagdan ang Mama mo no'ng pinagbubuntis siya, medyo nawala iyong turnilyo no'n kaya naalog."
I pursed my lips for a small smile, remembering my father.
"But won't they come back?" I asked gently, "I can tolerate any insects. Salagubang, spiders or anything but cockroach... eww, they're pretending to be butterflies." I pretended to be puking.
"Don't worry," Papa chuckled, "Papa Jer got your back, anak. I-do-double dead ko 'yang ipis na 'yan, tinatakot ang apo ko!" he marched like a soldier upstairs while lifting the spray on his hand.
"Trust your Papa," Mama's chuckling while saying that. "Hindi naman 'yan takot sa ipis—unless gugulatin siya sa biglaang lipad."
Ngumiti ako, nagtitiwala sa power ni Super Jer. Nawala lang ang ngiti ko nang maramdaman ang titig kaya bumaling ako sa bandang 'yon at nahuli ang titig ni Sol habang nakapamulsa at nakasandal sa pader.
When he saw me looking, he lowered his eyes coldly.
"Tara na sa kusina, may papatikim ako!" Mama said excitedly.
Habang naglalakad ng kusina ay pasulyap-sulyap ako kay Sol na seryoso at nakapamulsa pa habang naglalakad pasunod sa amin.
He's a probinsyano boy and probably doing labor work but he looks clean to me. His sun kissed skin suits him so damn well I think he's hot.
I stopped.
What the fuck?
Humiwalay ako kay Mama nang kunin niya ang plato sa kusina at inabot iyon kay Sol na nakatayo sa may pintuan. Nagkatinginan kami.
I raised my brow at him and smirked. Umirap siya at sumimangot.
What?
"Ayan, ngayon lang ako nakaayos ng luto niyan pero sabi ni Ejercito at ng prinsesa ko ritong masarap kaya sana magustuhan ninyo." Mama said with a sweet smile.
"Naku, siguradong masarap 'to, Ma'am." Ani Sol na ngumiti pa, akala mo'y 'di ako inirapan. Ang mga mata'y malambing. "Paniguradong magugustuhan ito ni Fritz at Nanay mahilig iyon sa ganito."
"That's good to hear," Mama murmured, "anyway, you can tell Fritz to come here and dance. Tamang-tama at narito ang idol niya!" sumulyap sa akin si Mama kaya natigilan ako.
"Ayos lang ba sa 'yong pumunta rito si Fritz, Sibyl? 'Yong sinasabi kong kapatid ni Sol," Mama asked, "idolo ka no'ng batang 'yon, mahilig kasi iyong sumayaw."
I swallowed harshly, feeling the bitter taste on my mouth. Napasulyap ako kay Sol muli na nakatingin na pala sa 'kin at seryoso ang mga mata.
"S-sure..." I nodded, looking at Mama. "Sige po, okay lang."
"That's great!" she chirped happily, looking at him. "Kapag free si Fritz, sabihin mong pumunta rito, ah? Tamang-tama at nandito si Sibyl para maturuan siya ng tips sa ballet. My Sibyl here is a great dancer! She's well-known in the industry. For aspiring ballerinas like Fritz, this will be a great opportunity!"
Kumalabog ang dibdib ko habang pinagmamasdan ang ekspresyon ni Sol. Seryoso iyon at malamig pero dahil si Mama ang kausap niya ay ngumiti siya.
"Sige po, Ma'am. Sabihan ko si Fritz." Aniya at umayos ng tayo, "salamat po rito sa mga banana cue. Siguradong magugustuhan nila 'to."
"No worries, hijo. Pamilya na namin kayo rito, h'wag kang mag-alala." Mama smiled at him.
"Salamat po, Ma'am. Sige po, una na ako." Paalam niya. He turned his back afterwards and went out abruptly, not even giving me another glance.
I couldn't sleep that night because of thinking too much. Zire asked how I am before I slept, even sending me photos of her newly bought gummy bears tapos si Kuya ay nag-picture pa ng pagkain na niluto niya para sa dinner nila sa bahay at ininggit ako.
I felt good at that, actually, pero si Mommy at Dad ang iniisip ko. They didn't even ask how I am and if it's okay for me to stay here kaya ang bigat-bigat sa aking pakiramdam.
Kaya no'ng sumunod na araw ay maaga akong nagising. Kaagad na nagbanyo at nag-ayos para makapag-ikot-ikot kahit papaano at hindi ma-bored sa mansyon.
Marami-rami akong baong dress kaya nakapili ako kaagad pagkatapos.
I settled into a white summer tie up string Boho laced mini dress. Abot iyon hanggang sa itaas ng tuhod ko at dahil may oras pa ay humarap ako sa salamin para ayusin ang buhok ko.
My hair is straight at times but I have natural curls kaya inemphasize ko iyon gamit ang plantsa at hinayaan itong mahulog sa balikat. After that, I took my small shoulder bag for my phone and essentials and wore my light brown cowboy boots to complete my province outfit.
Now, looking at myself in the mirror, I looked like a pretty haciendera.
Bumaba ako ng hagdan, sumilip sa kusina pero wala roon sina Mama at Papa.
"Pumunta po sa may bayan sina Ma'am at Sir, Señorita. May niluto pong pagkain dito, kain po muna kayo."
"No, it's okay." I shook my head. "I don't eat breakfast. Is it okay if I roam around the area for now?"
"Ay, opo, Ma'am," tumango siya. "Pero ang alam ko po, sasama ka kay Sol?"
"Huh?" my forehead creased. "Why would I come with him?"
"Ah..." napakamot siya ng kilay, "nand'yan po kasi siya sa labas, nag-aantay sa inyo tapos..."
"No way I'm gonna come with him!" sumimangot ako, "I'd like to talk to my grandparents!"
"Wala po atang dalang phone sina Ma'am," mukhang kinabahan siya sa akin, "ah... pero p'wede pong subukan—"
"Quit it," umirap ako sa hangin at hinawi ang buhok ko. "I'll talk to him."
Nagmartsa ako paalis. Ang tunog ng boots ko'y nag-ingay sa tiles at pagkalabas ng mansyon ay nakita ko kaagad si Sol na nasa may damuhan at nagpapakain ng kabayo.
The rays from the sunlight touched my face. My lips pursed, hinawi-hawi ko ang buhok at itinaas ang maliit na bag habang nagmamartsa papalapit sa kanya.
"And why am I coming with you?!" matinis kong tanong.
Mukhang 'di siya nagulat. He faced me after lowering the bowl he's using to feed the horse, his eyes sharp.
"Magandang umaga rin, señorita," he answered and moistened his lower lip.
"Nothing's good in the morning if you're the first person I'd see," I spat, annoyed.
"Oh? Ako ang una?" his lips lifted, "galing pala ng talent mo, nakapikit ka pababa?"
My mouth parted with his sarcastic remark, annoying me any further.
"Hindi ako nakikipaglokohan," humalukipkip ako sa harapan niya, nahuli ko ang pagpasada ng tingin niya mula sa paa ko paakyat.
That look made me conscious but to hell I'd let him see it!
"Hindi p'wede 'yang suot mo sa pupuntahan natin," he started.
"Who are you to comment what my wardrobe would be?" I snapped, "and why would I come with you? Are you my boss?"
"Hindi," nagkibit-balikat siya, "pero ako ang magbabantay sa 'yo rito habang nasa probinsya ka."
"And why would I want that?" I asked, lifting my brow. "I can do what I like and my plan for today is to roam around—"
"Utos ni Sir Zeijan, señorita," he sighed, "sa tingin mo ba gusto rin kitang samahan?"
The coldness on his voice made me shiver the same time I felt a pierce on my heart.
"Then, don't?" I tried masking it with annoyance, "bakit ka naman sumusunod sa kanya? If you're annoyed with me then don't follow him! It's not like I'd like to be around you."
"Ginagawa ko 'to hindi para sa 'yo, señorita," he said icily, the warmth on his eyes faded. "Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa mga magulang mo, sa pamilya mo. Hindi ko tatalikuran ang pasasalamat ko sa kanila para lang sa gaspang ng ugali ng anak nila."
My jaw dropped dramatically.
"H-How dare you..." pero parang wala lang na tumalikod siya at naglakad paalis.
I ran after him, was about to rant about how petty his mouth is to talk back at me but I realized he's in front of a motorcycle.
"What's that?" I asked.
"Sakay," aniya sabay turo sa motor doon sa labas ng gate. "May pupuntahan tayo."
"No. Fucking. Way." I said calmly, lifting my hand in the air. "There's no way I'm gonna ride that motorcycle. Where's the car?"
"Ginamit nina Ma'am Lena ang sasakyan, señorita," he answered blankly. "At utos ni Sir Zeijan na dalhin ka kaagad doon—"
"I won't ride it." I hissed in finality, "and hindi ako sasama sa 'yo! What made you think I'd follow you?"
"Ah, sige," nagkibit-balikat siya sabay kuha ng phone niya. "Masabi nga kay Sir na gusto mo pa mag-stay dito ng isang taon—"
"Damn it!" I stomped my feet angrily, he lifted his gaze back at me. He shot his brow up.
"H-How can I..." my lips quivered, eyeing my mini dress. "How can I ride that thing wearing this? I don't like changing na!"
He put his phone back on the pocket of his jeans. He stripped his plaid long sleeve shirt, leaving him with a plain black shirt.
Diretso siyang naglakad palapit sa akin na halos mapaatras ako sa gulat.
"Anong ginagawa mo?" iritang sinabi ko, natulos nang magkasalubong na naman ang mga mata namin.
"Iangat mo 'yang kamay mo," he commanded.
"Why would I?" laban ko, kinuyom pa ang dalawang kamay sa gilid para magmatigas pero mabilis niyang nahuli ang pulsuhan ko't iniangat.
I gasped. My fisted palms were left midair when he put the shirt around my waist. Hindi ko halos napansin iyon sa sobrang bilis ng kanyang galaw, ni hindi dumampi ni kaunti ang kanyang palad sa balat ko. Itinali niya ang long sleeve sa may baywang ko kaya nahulog ang tingin ko roon, napansing natabunan na ang mini dress at abot sa ibaba ng tuhod.
My heart flattered.
"Ayan... happy?" he asked.
"This is... out of style." I commented instead, pursing my lips. "Puro ganito ba wardrobe mo?"
He shrugged. Tumalikod siyang may kinuha sa may motor bago lumapit palapit sa akin.
Sibyl Timothea couldn't easily get intimidated but when he strode towards me again with that overwhelming presence, my heart's been in haywire.
"Wala kong oras sa wardrobe na 'yan, señorita," may ipinatong siya sa ulo ko kaya inabot ko iyon at natantong helmet. "Ang dami kong iniisip sa buhay, damit pa ba iisipin ko?"
Hindi ako kaagad nakaimik. He tilted my chin up, making me stare at his structured face. Humahalik ang haring araw sa balat niya dahilan kung bakit mas nakita ko ang hulma ng mukha niya.
"Why not?" I asked, my gaze landing at those pair of lips. "Of course, kasama na sa buhay ang mga damit. You should be looking formal always. What other people see would reflect on you, d-dapat ang damit mo presentable..." napalunok ako nang makita ang pag-nguso ng labi niya.
"Alam ko, pero hindi lahat ng tao may pribilehiyo kagaya mo," aniya. Natigilan na ako at muling nakita ang mga mata niyang malalim ang tingin. "Kung sa 'yo, mahalaga ang magandang damit, sa iba masayang kahit ano basta'y may maisusuot na sila."
Natahimik ako roon, nanatiling nakatitig sa kanya.
"Ang kasiyahan ng iba'y makabili ng damit pero ang kasiyahan ng kagaya ko, may maipon para sa pamilya niya," he answered back, stunning me. "Kung lahat ng tao'y may kaya at may pera, masaya sana ang buhay. Wala sanang mahirap, wala sanang nagkakandakuba para magtrabaho. Kaso hindi, eh."
I couldn't find words to say.
"Kahit anong sabihin ng ibang pantay ang mga tao, hindi ako naniniwala," he said while staring intently at me. "Kasi, kung pantay nga, bakit 'yong iba masarap ang buhay? Bakit ako nagpapakahirap? Hindi ko kailanman naisip na pantay ang tingin sa mga tao dahil kahit anong gawin ng kagaya ko, ang pera mas angat sa dignidad ng kahit sino."
My mouth parted, wanting to say something but he locked the helmet below my chin and turned his back at me.
"Tara na, señorita, late ka na." Sabay suot niya ng helmet at sakay sa motor, hinahayaan akong maglakad patungo roon.
I was expecting the whole ride would be quiet because of that talk but that's what I thought.
"Señorita, kumapit ka. Yumakap ka na lang sa baywang ko, may batuhan na." He reminded.
"Ayoko! Kaya ko." I answered with pride but when we got into a rocky road, I almost fell. I screamed loudly in shock, hugging his throat for my safety.
"Sibyl Timothea!" he hissed and tried removing my arm but I remained choking him in terror. "H-Hindi ako makahinga—madidisgrasya tayo—"
"I almost fell, Solomon!" I screamed, "oh, God! I told you, sana kasi nag-car na lang!"
He stopped the motorcycle in the side of the road. I was still gasping and hugging his throat. Kung hindi ko lang naramdaman ang paghawak niya sa braso ko't pilit na alis nito'y 'di pa ako matatauhan.
"Sorry!" I let go of his throat, feeling guilty when he glanced at me and his face's pale.
"Muntik na 'kong mamatay," he touched his throat and sighed. "Bakit kasi 'di ka na lang yumakap sa baywang ko?" he annoyingly removed his helmet, making his messy hair fall from his forehead.
"What? No way!" umirap ako sa hangin sabay hila ng shirt niya para matakpan ang hita ko.
"Kulit," sumimangot siya. "Kung ayaw mong yumakap edi paharap kang umupo rito sa motor, at least, hindi medyo nakakatakot kapag mabato ang daan."
I looked at my position. I'm sitting sideways on the motorcycle, trying my best to balance myself but almost fell.
"Kaya ko, okay lang,"
"Kaya mo?" kumunot ang noo niya, "eh, halos mahulog ka na nga kanina, Sibyl! Kung ganyan ang pwesto mo, kumapit ka sa akin, hindi 'yong feeling mo magician ka!"
"Excuse me? I'm no magician!" I hissed, "I'm a ballerina, I can balance myself well—"
"Muntik kang mahulog! Anong sinasabi mo? Kung ayaw mo talaga 'kong hawakan, umikot ka. Sumampa ka ng maayos sa motor atsaka ka humawak sa may likuran d'yan."
"Are you saying I'll bukaka here?" I pointed the seat horribly.
"Ano?" kumunot ang noo niya, "hindi kita hahawakan h'wag kang mag-alala. May respeto akong tao, hindi kita pipiliting kumapit sa akin pero ako ang nagda-drive at iniisip ko ang kaligtasan mo kaya mamili ka. Patagilid kang uupo at hahawak ng maayos sa akin o sasampa ka tapos ikaw bahala saan ka na masaya?"
"Ayoko nga yumakap sa 'yo..." ngumuso ako sabay kurap-kurap.
"Edi sumampa ka—"
"No." I hissed hardly.
"Ang kulit, napakaarte. Sumampa ka nga—"
"Naka-panty lang ako!" I screamed back.
We both stilled. Huling-huli ko ang pamimilog ng mata niya't pagbaba ng tingin sa akin kaya mas itinago ko ang hita ng shirt niyang inilagay doon.
"K-Kaya hindi ako p'wedeng bumukaka d'yan at sensitive ang ano... ang vagina ko." I answered straightly.
"Tang ina..." he cursed under his breath.
"Yes, Solomon. Motherfucker." I repeated, my cheeks burning in embarrassment. "Kaya hindi mo 'ko mapapabukaka d'yan at..."
"Akala ko ba mahalaga ang wardrobe mo? Bakit wala kang shorts, Sandejas?" nagdilim ang mukha niya, mukhang iritado.
"Kasi I'm not expecting naman this!" I hissed back, "I am planning to stroll around and maybe swim in Kawasan if given some opportunity! Malay ko bang dadalhin mo 'kong saan?!"
He stared at me sharply. I fought his gaze with the same intensity until we both sighed and averted each other's gaze.
"Alright!" I gave up, didn't want our conversation to progress any further into a more silly topic. "Kakapit na ako p-pero gusto ko ganito lang. Ayokong bumukaka!"
"Alright, angel," he mumbled coldly and when I glanced at him, he was brushing his hair and put his helmet back and sat in front of me.
He waited for me and hesitant at first, I put my arms around his stomach, a small gasp leaving my lips when he started the motorcycle and drove.
I could feel his muscles. I tightened my grip when we drove into the rocky road and closed my eyes, inhaling his natural scent.
How could a man smell so manly without such expensive perfume? Mas inilapit ko ang mukha sa likod niya hanggang sa unti-unti'y isinandal ko na roon ang mukha.
I cherished his warmth for a brief moment, closing my eyes to smell his scent until I heard his chuckle vibrating from his back.
"Aayaw-ayaw ka pa no'ng una pero kung makayakap ngayon parang papakasalan na ako, ah?"
I yelped. Hinila ko ang braso paalis sa tiyan niya sabay hampas sa likod niya.
"Aray naman!" humahalakhak pa rin siya kaya inis na tinanggal ko ang helmet sabay hagis sa kanya pagkaalis sa motor. Nasalo niya 'yon ng walang hirap bago tinanggal din ang kanya, ginugulo pa ng bahagya ang buhok kaya nag-iwas ako ng tingin.
A smelly scent filled my lungs. Nalukot ang mukha ko nang makita ang nasa harapan.
Sta Monica Public Market
"What the hell are we doing here, Solomon?!" I exclaimed loudly.
"Lesson number one," aniya sabay lakad pauna sa akin, "sumunod ka, señorita."
Annoyed, I followed him. I was stomping my feet as I looked around, seeing the curious glances buyers and sellers around are giving me.
What are we gonna do here? Mamamalengke? If that's it, I'm okay with it. I tried naman before going to public markets with my Kuya Zy but I didn't do it again since I couldn't stand the smell.
Binabati ng karamihan si Sol na sasaludo pa sa kanila bago babati.
"Sikat ako rito, eh," biglang sinabi niya nang makita ang mata ko sa kanya.
"Oh? Anong fans mo, mga isda?" I asked brutally and when his arrogant smile faded, I ended up smirking.
Hindi na niya ako inimik. Nauna siya sa akin palakad at sa takot kong mawala ay humabol ako't kumapit sa shirt niya.
He might've felt it. He threw me a look.
"What?" I snapped, "I'm afraid I'll be lost! And... and the smelly fish's disgusting. What are we doing here ba? Look, the floor's wet and my boot's getting stained—"
"Oh, ipalit mo," out of nowhere, he lifted a pair or bright yellow rubber boots.
"What?" I hissed, "no way in hell you'll expect me—"
"Sol, hijo! Na-late ka, ah?" nawala ang boses ko nang may narinig na boses.
"Opo, manang, pasensya na at na-late kasi ang bago nating OJT!" ani Solomon kaya nagtatakang sumilip ako't nakita ang mga dalaga at iilang matandang nakaupo sa maliit na plastic na upuan, sa kanilang harapan ay mga balde at may hawak na kutsilyo't isda.
"Ipakilala mo naman kami kay ganda," sabi ng isa pa kaya namilog ang mata ko nang hinila akong marahan ni Sol palapit sa tabi niya at ipinakilala.
"Ito si Sibyl," pakilala niya kaya nagtatakang tumitig lang ako sa kanila. The ladies smiled at me and waved. I flashed an awkward smile and nodded.
"Anong mayro'n, Solomon—"
"Señorita Sibyl," he cut me off, "ito sina manang, ang magtuturo sa 'yo ng OJT mo."
"On the job training?" I whispered, "the fuck are you saying?"
"Oh..." I was shocked when he took my palm, handed me the bright yellow rubber boots and an apron with the same color.
"What am I gonna do with this?" I demanded in a low voice, annoyed now.
"Welcome sa first day mo sa trabaho. Magkaliskis ka na ng mga isda, señorita," he smirked evilly.
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