Kabanata 9
Kabanata 9 (New Version)
"Solomon! Idiot! Let me go!" sa lakas ng tili ko ay magkakalindol na ata sa Sta. Monica pero unbothered pa rin ang gago.
"Solomon!" I screamed, moving my body to get off his shoulders but he won't let go.
Basang-basa na ang lapag panigurado. Anyone who's gonna volunteer sweeping the damn floor would be so tired for sure!
"Solomon! Pag ako nakababa rito humanda ka sa 'kin!" I screamed in all my power, even attempting to lift my hand to pull his hair but failed reaching it otherwise.
I am wiggling my body. I can feel how stiff he is but not saying anything. Mabilis pa niyang napihit ang seradura bago pinasok ang kwarto ko at parang laruang inilapag sa banyo.
"You jerk!" I smacked his arm. He remained on his place, unmoving and serious. "How dare you pick me up like that?! Am I a toy, ah?"
"Hindi pero ang gaan mo, Miss," tumaas ang kilay niya't tinitigan ako. "Kumakain ka ba ng maayos? Parang unan lang 'yong nabuhat ko."
"Gago!" I tried kicking him. He moved away from it like an expert, a sly smirk on his lips. I probably looked silly now, drenched like a kid, wearing white like a white lady with my hair with shampoo filled with bubbles!
"Maligo ka na ro'n, pasaway." Tinuro niya ang shower pero nanatili akong nakabusangot sa kanya.
"Why would I?" I hissed, "I am having the time of my life and taking my peaceful bath but you came and ruined it!"
"Peaceful? Calm?" nagsalubong ang kilay niya, "anong peaceful do'n kung maliligo kang may mga taong galing munisipyo tapos ganyan pa ang itsura mo?"
Bumaba ang tingin niya sa katawan ko sabay mahinang mura at iling-iling.
"What?" bumusangot ako sabay tingin sa damit, "problema mo sa outfit ko? This is what I wore last night to sleep and there's nothing wrong with it!"
"Nothing wrong?" mas nagsalubong ang kilay niya, "eh, bakat na nga 'yang dibdib mo tapos gumigiling ka pa ro'n?"
Tumawa ako't napapalakpak, "and now, what? You act like an angry, conservative old man, eh? Are you the jealous and possessive type, Mr. Alejo?" I bit my lower lip.
"Sandejas..." he warned.
"What?! What do you want me to wear? I'm just taking a bath for Pete's sake! It was you who refused taking my pail of water here tapos magrereklamo kang doon ako?"
"Is it too hard for you to say please?" still, that thick accent made me shiver.
"Is that thing in between your legs hard, too?" My eyes fell on his pants. He stiffened.
"Hindi ako nakikipagbiruan sa 'yo, Sandejas," malaman niyang turan, umiigting ang panga.
"Why, hmm? Is the sight of my proud breasts turn the good boy Sol on, eh?" matapang kong sabi pero nang makita siyang igting na ang panga ay kinabahan.
I'm not new to worldly things and sex. I know a thing or two, sex education is a must and also, sa kalat ba naman ng tabas ng bibig ng mga pinsan ko'y walang maiiwang inosente ang utak. Well, of course, except Adira Venice who did nothing but praise her law books and watch mock trials instead of porn.
Ngumisi ako, "good for you I'm still wearing my night dress while taking a bath outside. What if I'm wearing the usual? Baka nahimatay ka na r'yan sa galit?"
He took a step forward. I gasped.
Nakita ko ang pag-iiba ng reaksyon niya nang makita ang gulat ko kaya pinatulis ko ang mata para magmukhang naghahamon na naman ng away.
Muli siyang umabante. Napaatras ako. Each time he'd take a step forward, I'll take a step back still with my glaring eyes until I bumped into something.
I cursed inside my head, realizing I was already leaning on the sink. Malalim ko siyang tinitigan, nakangisi pang nang-aasar hanggang sa magkalapit na kami ng tuluyan.
His hair's in his usual disheveled style. His shirt's kinda wet for carrying me on his shoulders and his lips in a thin line. Malalim ang titig niya kaya parang hinahalukay na ang sikmura ko.
"What's with the eyes, baby?" I teased him, trying my best to mask my racing heart with sarcasm for the dear boy. "Curious what I wear in my usual routine?"
He lowered his face and crouched. Our faces levelled until he successfully caged me in between his arms. His natural male scent and soap lingered on my nose. I tried my best not to show him I liked it.
"Anong sinusuot mo, hmm?" tanong niya, hindi winawala ang titig sa mata ko bago bahagyang itinagilid ang ulo.
"My usual routine? Well, I am on my birth suit, Mr. Alejo. I wear... nothing." I grinned at him but that grin wasn't reciprocated kaya mas kinabahan ako.
Hindi ako papatalo! He shouldn't see how he's affecting me right now! There is no way!
"Why curious what would I look like on my birth suit, baby?" matapang kong sabi pa, nang-uuyam.
Nanatiling nakatitig sa akin si Solomon, ang mga mata'y may halong kaseryosohan at aliw. I fought his gaze with a smirk, only for it to vanished when he moved closer and our chests got pressed to each other.
Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga't nangunot ang noo. Kinapa ko ang likuran ko para maghanap ng daan para makawala. My mind's running like crazy, tempting me to crawl on the sink up instead to escape his overwhelming presence.
Mas kumapa ako't pasimpleng sumubok na iangat ang sarili pero malakas na tili lang ang kumawala sa labi ko nang hinuli niya ang baywang ko at walang hirap akong binuhat paupo sa sink.
"What the fuck?!" singhal ko, hindi makapaniwala sa ginawa niya't nilalamon ng malakas na kabog ng dibdib. "Gago ka ba? What do you think you're doing, ah?!"
He shrugged, "tinutulungan lang kitang maupo, angel. Mukhang nahihirapan ka, eh."
I glared at him angrily—well no, but at least I'm trying to! He equaled my gaze with his amused one, pinapantayan pa ang titig ko't medyo umayos ng tayo para pantay ang mukha naming mukha.
"What do you look like in your birth suit, then?" seryoso niyang tanong kaya halos mag-summon na ako ng krus kung saan at itutok sa kanya.
Oh, God! Take me away from temptation.
"Bastos ka, ah!" singhal ko.
"Ako ba?" he chuckled huskily, his intense eyes on me. "Ako ba ang nag-suggest para mag-isip anong itsura mo sa birth suit mo kamo?"
Mas nag-init ang pisngi ko.
"Sumbong kita sa Daddy Pogi ko!" I whined when I got no words to throw.
Nanlaki ang mata niya ng bahagya at tumikhim, "kapag kaya binarily ako ni Sir diretso akong heaven?"
"Doon ka sa baba!" I answered, "you know, in hell?" ngumisi ako.
"Oh, edi maganda. Magkasama tayo." Sabat niya biglang may ngisi at nang napanganga ako'y humalakhak at binasa ang labi sabay sulyap sa labi ko.
"Are you saying I'm a devil?" mariing sinabi ko, "how dare you call me angel when—"
"Itong panglabas anghel na anghel, Miss," sabay sulyap niya sa mukha kong tila nagkakabisado. "Pero kapag bumuka na 'yang bibig mo, nakakatakot baka may lumabas na apoy—" I smacked him. He laughed loudly.
"Ano?" may multo pang ngisi sa kanya pero hindi ko na mahagilap ang sasabihin ko nang mapatitig sa labi niya. I swallowed the lump on my throat.
Sumulyap ako sa mga mata niya't nahuli ang kislap doon. He moved closer until he was completely in between my parted legs.
I fisted my palm and stared on his lips. Dahil sa lapit ng pwesto naming dalawa ay damang-dama at rinig na rinig ko ang paglalim ng kanyang hininga.
Our gazed locked and hell, I don't know why I'm feeling like this. Ang lamig-lamig nga dapat dahil basa ang damit ko pero ang init-init sa pakiramdam nag anito kami kalapit.
Our breathing labored. My eyes shut closed when his face moved closer.
"Papatayin ako ni Sir Zeijan pero," mahinang bulong niya at mas natunaw lang nang maramdaman ang labi niyang humalik sa noo ko. "Ano bang ginagawa mo sa akin, Sandejas?"
"Malay ko sa 'yo," I hissed under my breath, gasping with the warmth his lips felt on my forehead. "Ako ba ikaw? Ba't ako tinatanong mo? Crazy ka ba?"
He chuckled, "ang talas talaga ng dilang 'yan."
His lips fell down on the tip of my nose. My breath hitched.
His coffee-scented breath filled my nostrils when he chuckled and moved the tip of his nose against mine. Umawang ang labi ko't mas kumuyom ang kamao.
"Handa na 'ko sa sapak ni Sir," bulong niya at bahagya, tumama ang halik niya sa pisngi ko. Napasinghap akong lalo at iminulat ang mata, lasing siyang tinitigan.
Our gazes locked again. Like idiots, we remained staring at each other's lips until he moved closer to me. I waited for his sweet lips to be on mine.
"Sib! Sorry, pumasok na 'ko! Sabi kasi ni Mary—ay jusko!" sigaw ni Liza.
Sa gulat ay mabilis kong tinulak si Sol at sinampal.
"B-Bastos ka, ah!" I hissed loudly and angrily. Halos napaikot ang ulo ni Sol sa lakas.
"B-Bakit..." napahawak si Sol sa pisngi niyang nanlalaki ang mata sa akin.
Oh, God! Oh, God! I'm so sorry! I gave him a look despite my widening eyes.
"Anong..." malakas na suminghap si Liza sa amin, "bakit kayo gano'n... atsaka... Sol, nasampal ka—"
"N-Nagkikwentuhan lang kami, Liza!" sigaw ko, "nagulat lang ako sa 'yo kaya ko s-siya nasampal! Hindi naman kami maghahalikan, ma-issue ka!"
Napanganga si Liza sa akin.
"Wala naman akong sinasabi—"
"Nando'n ba sina Mayor?" biglang tinanong ni Sol, pinuputol si Liza. Nakahawak sa pisngi niya bago napahawak sa may leeg niya.
"Huh?" ang naguguluhang babae ay napatango-tango, "oo, hinahanap ka na kaya umakyat ako para tawagin ka tapos pinapasabi ni Mary na bumalik na raw ang ano... tubig?"
Oh, shit! The damn water! It's your fault!
Mabilis akong tumalon paalis sa sink at binuksan ang gripo sa sink. May tubig na nga! Taksil! Kung 'di ka nag-inarte kanina edi sana! Sana hindi na kami muntik maghalikan!
"Mabuti naman," tumikhim si Sol. "Bababa na muna ako't kakausapin sina Mayor, Sibyl. Liza, doon ka muna sa sala manuod ng T.V. maliligo pa si Sibyl."
"A-Ah, sige," ang naguguluhang si Liza ay sumunod din kaya pasimple akong sumulyap sa kanilang paalis at nakita ang ngiwi ni Sol habang nakahawak sa leeg.
"Na-dislocate ata leeg ko," bulong pa niya pero rinig na rinig ko kaya kinagat-kagat ko ang labi ko at nang maisara na niya nang tuluyan ang banyo atsaka lang walang ingay na sumigaw at tumalon-talon sa banyo.
Nakakahiya! Sibyl Timothea, sa ginagawa mong kagagahan, isusuka ka ng mga Sandejas!
I was taking a bath, angry and confused. Angry because of the damn water and confused thinking what's happening to me. Is this some kind of midlife crisis or what?
I can't believe I almost kissed that brute!
Natapos akong maligo halos isang oras ang nakalipas kasama pa ang pag-aayos ko ng itsura. I settled with a simple dress and sandals. Naabutan ko si Liza na nakatutok sa T.V. kaya naupo ako sa tabi niya.
"Sibyl! Good morning!" bati niya't tinuro ang palabas, "ang ganda ng Mommy mo kaso nakakagigil ang acting. Pang-kontrabida talaga!"
I smiled, nodding. She really is great.
"It's last year pa, ah?" I noticed, brushing my hair. "Bakit pinapalabas ulit?"
"Ah, binalik nila kasi in demand," paliwanag niya.
Napatitig ako sa T.V.
My Mom looked timeless as usual, beautiful and elegant. I am sure my Daddy Pogi's on his couch now or probably on his office watching this for the nth time.
He's that obsessed with Mom. Proud na proud pa nga 'yon noon no'ng maliit pa kami tapos tinuturo ang babae sa palabas—which is obviously Mom's younger version—crush niya raw tapos lumabas si Mommy sa kusina na may dalang sandok.
"Crush ko lang 'yan noon, Mommy Ganda n'yo na ngayon!" he even flexed and everytime, Mom would smile cheekily and will kiss him.
I missed my parents... are they missing me, too?
"Hindi ba tayo pupuntang palengke ngayon?" I asked.
"Huh? Hindi, wala namang kakaliskisan," ani Liza, "atsaka busy si Sol nakikipag-usap kina Mayor."
"Ah..." I nodded.
"Nga pala, Sib," tumikhim siya at may nangingising titig na ibinigay sa akin. "Ikaw, ah? Ano 'yong nakita ko kanina—"
"What about we go and greet the visitors?" I stopped her.
Ngumisi siya, "bakit may pag-iwas—"
I shot her a look. A scary one pero tumawa lang siya at iginalaw ang kilay niya sabay tayo at ikot ng braso niya sa braso ko.
"Sige, sige, tatahimik na ako! Kunwari wala akong nakita, kunwari 'di kayo muntik na mag-kiss sa banyo... muntik nga lang ba o nag-kiss na kayo noon—"
"Saan na ba ang duct tape dito..." I mumbled.
"Hoy! Joke lang!" namilog ang mata niya at umiling-iling sa akin. "Tatahimik na 'ko, Sib. Secret lang ba?"
I eyed her sharply. She gasped and grinned, jokingly zipping her mouth.
Simula nang nanatili ako sa Sta. Monica ay parang bumabaligtad ang mundo ko. I thought I owned the world, that ever whims I had would be given without second thoughts.
I don't even talk to people much pero ngayon, ito't nakikipagkamay sa akin ang mga bisita ni Solomon galing munisipyo.
I can't believe I'm in here. Kung 'di lang talaga maingay ang bibig nitong si Liza!
Unfamiliar faces are in here. May mga may edad, may mga mukhang bata. Not to mention that annoying face's in here, too. Emma the witch.
Sumimangot siya sa akin. I didn't even bother showing her a grimace. Nah, she's not worth any muscle movement from me.
I locked gazes with a handsome man, smiling.
"Miss Sibyl Sandejas, I assumed?" he introduced.
I nodded a bit. He offered me his hand.
"Nash Lopez," he said, "I'm the Mayor's son..."
"Oh..." I nodded, my lips pursing. Emma's brother, huh? "Nice meeting you, Nash. I'm Sibyl." Prente kong pakilala sabay abot ng kamay ko.
He thought he could grasp my palm but I only let him hold my fingers and shook it very briefly until I felt a grip on my waist.
"Hey, angel," nabitawan ko siya't napalingon sa gilid. Nasalubong ko ang seryosong mukha ni Solomon.
"Oh?" I asked back. Ang seryoso niyang mata ay napabaling sa harapan saglit.
"Sol," Nash greeted. "Ang ganda nga talaga ng apo nina Atty. Sandejas, ano?" Nash glanced at me with a charming smile.
"Oh, thank you," I felt flattered and gave him a very small smile.
Mas kumislap ang mata niya pero nawala lang ang pansin ko roon nang mas may humigit sa baywang ko.
"Excuse us first, ipapakilala ko lang si Sibyl kay Mayor," aniya, kalmado pero mariin ang boses bago ako inakay papunta sa matandang mayor.
Sol introduced me to the people around. I can't believe my ears hearing him in actual talking and conversing with these men sounding like a professional. Well, I don't doubt my grandfather's taste when it comes to the people working for him.
Sol is really a good businessman—well, hindi pa siya tapos pero sapat na para masabing may maganda siyang kinabukasan at 'di na nakakagulat na siya ang pinagkatiwalaan ng pamilya sa rancho.
I wanna leave but I think it's rude. Hindi naman na ako kasama sa usapan at pulos negosyo lang naman pero naisip kong hindi magandang tignan kung lalayas ako bigla.
I am a great actress, I can act well so I tried looking so interested even it this bores me to death already. Kailangan kong makisama para kina Mama at Papa. I don't want investors turning their backs from my grandparents because of their little devil granddaughter—which is fortunately, as beautiful as me.
Beside me was Liza, keeping my company kahit nakanganga lang kami at wala talagang interes.
"Yes, of course." Solomon's baritone voice and that thick mouth-watering accent made me uneasy. "I'll consult the offer first to Atty. Sandejas. We'll contact you if it's approved."
Emma's eyes twinkled while Sol's been talking to the Mayor with men in formal suits. Nakatabi siya kay Sol, halos humawak na sa huli kaya mas pumirmi ang labi ko.
"Gwapo ni Sol, 'no?" bulong ni Liza, "bati na kayo?"
Inirapan ko siya, "no comment."
"Hmm, okay, baka nga bati na kayo kasi 'di ba kanina sa banyo maghahalikan—"
"You know what, Liza?" I whispered, "I like you as a friend, okay?"
Nagliwanang ang mata niya't napatango-tango, "talaga?"
"Yes, but the same time, I'd love to duct tape that mouth of yours. Did you know my father's a retired navy seal? And my brother's in army? And I loved watching crime documentaries with my cousin, Adira. I know how to hide a dead body well—"
"Hoy!" hinampas niya ako, namumutla. "Ito naman masyadong mapagbiro!"
"Oh, I'm not joking, honey." I gave her the sweetest and vilest smile she'd ever seen in her whole life she's in the verge of fainting.
"So... Sibyl, you are a ballerina, right?" Nash Lopez is hitting on me. I'm sure.\
"Yeah," pormal kong sagot sabay titig sa nails ko.
Maybe I could go to local salons here and see if they have mani-pedi? Gusto ko sanang tanungin si Liza kaso mukhang naghahabol pa ng hininga sa panakot ko.
She's so funny.
"What brought you here in the province? I assume you're a city girl," he asked again.
Yeah, obviously. I'm a city girl because I lived in a city? Duh?
"Just vacation," maikling sagot ko.
"Without your cousins?" he asked, "nakakatuwa naman ang bakasyon mo, I heard you're in the market yesterday?"
I glanced at him this time, watching his reaction. He smiled.
Oh, he probably didn't know what happened yesterday. Hindi niya siguro alam na binuhusan ko ng hasang ng isda ang kapatid niyang impaktita.
"Nothing's wrong with helping," I gave him a sweet smile. "Isa pa, I enjoyed doing that you know, kaliskis ng fish?"
"You're beautiful," he praised. "Will you be back in the market? I'm planning to go and have a visit, maybe offer some help, too. Kakauwi ko lang kasi galing America at alam mo na, mamasyal."
I nodded, "are you going back after?"
"Not certain. Bakasyon lang dapat pero mukhang mapapa-stay ako..." his eyes lingered at me knowingly.
I tried my best not to frown and puke my intestines out.
Cringey.
I know that moves well, boy. Not interested.
Sumulyap muli ako kay Solomon na nakatitig sa pwesto namin. Nakaigting ang panga at malalim ang tingin. Emma's beside him, whispering something but his eyes remained on us.
Oh, the grumpy, conservative Alejo's pissed.
I shot my brow up then glanced at Nash.
"So, Nash, what do you for a living?" even if I don't feel like conversing, I loved pissing Solomon.
Oh, I think this will be my new hobby!
"I'm a businessman," tuloy-tuloy niyang sabi habang nakikinig lang ako kahit wala naman talaga akong maintindihan. He began boasting his properties. That he owed something from there and wherever... whatever and I pretended so interested.
Pero sa totoo, mas nag-eenjoy ako sa matalim na titig mula kay Solomon na halos lingkisan n ani Emma.
Huh, I don't care. Magsama kayo ng girlfriend mo.
"Then, not just that. I'm great, not to mention my achievements and wealth. I was awarded with Best Entrepreneur of the year last year," he announced so proud.
"Well, I was awarded with Best in Math when I was in Grade One." I answered back. It was supposed to be a sarcasm but saying it with a straight face is funny for him.
Malakas siyang tumawa. Natawa rin si Liza na nakiki-chismis pala.
"You're funny, Sibyl," he cackled with Liza.
Funny? I'm not even trying? Duh...
I smirked secretly.
Maybe it runs with Zeijan Sandejas's blood.
"Have you toured around the province?" ani Nash nang maka-recover sa tawa niya.
"A bit," I shrugged. "I went to Kawasan already and some beaches around but not entirely, I prefer it more staying here during vacation."
"Great!" he smiled widely, "then how about I become your very personal tour guide—"
"Kakauwi mo lang ng America, Nash, 'di ba?" I couldn't hide the audible gasp escaping my mouth when I felt a presence just beside me.
His waist and the rough material of his jeans touched my shoulder when he stood beside me. Dinala niya ang palad sa taas ng ulo ko kaya sumimangot ako at iniangat ang tingin kay Solomon.
"Oo," tumawa si Nash, "pero I could tour her—"
"Mas gamay ko ang lugar dito," ani Sol. "Dito na ako lumaki at ako ang tour guide ni señorita."
"But—"
"Utos ni Sir Zeijan na ako ang magbabantay sa anak niya," he said na alam kong kasinungalingan. He volunteered, he said. This asshole.
Nash opened his mouth to speak but closed it again, looking frustrated and annoyed but when he saw me watching his reaction, he nodded.\
"Alright..."
"Good," Sol said boastfully and smirked.
Yabang! Umirap ako sa hangin.
"Then, how about lunch, Sibyl?" ani Nash sa akin, "I know a great restaurant."
"Nagluto na si Mary, Nash. Salamat daw sabi ni señorita," ani ni gago bago pa ako makapagsalita.
"Dinner?" he offered again.
I felt the tension between the two.
Uh-oh, I have to go before I witness a real-time wrestling! I took a glance at Liza eating peanuts as if she's watching a love-triangle love story!
"Liza..." I called.
She glanced at me and grinned. I mouthed help.
"Magluluto ako," Sol blurted.
Liza mouthed a long ohhh, amused. I narrowed my eyes.
This woman! Nahuli ko ang tingin niya at mas tumalim ang mata ko. Napatalon siya't nabilaukan ng mani.
"H'wag ka na magluto, ako na bahala sa dinner—"
"Sib! A-Ah! Kain na tayo!" biglang tumayo si Liza sabay tulak kay Sol.
"Right!" I grinned and stood, linking my arm on Liza's. "I'm starving! Let's eat!"
Umawang ang labi ng dalawang lalaki, mukhang may sasabihin pa kaya tinalikuran namin ni Liza at nagtatakbo papasok sa mansyon.
Akala ko ay tapos na, pero sumunod pala si Mr. who-must-not-be-named na tinawag kong Sol sa utak ko at nakialam na ng mga plato do'n.
"Uy, sarap naman! Kaldereta!" masayang pansin ni Liza sa ulam sabay sandok sa mangkok. Naupo ako sa kabisera at humalukipkip, nakikipag-irapan kay Sol na seryoso roon at minamata ako.
"Hindi ba sumasakit 'yang mata mo kakairap?" pansin niya.
Umirap ako ulit.
"Pasabay akong kumain, Sib, okay lang?" ani Liza kaya tumango ako at tinapik ang tabi ko.
She excitedly went beside me. She reminded me of Adira, just that, Adi's way too shy while Liza's a talkative one.
Naglapag si Sol ng plato at kutsara't tinidor sa harapan ko. Miski kanin ay nag-serve siya pero
'di ko nililingon.
"Magluluto ako ng dinner, dito ka kakain mamayang gabi, Sibyl." Paalala niya.
"Kinakausap ka, Sib," ani Liza na kagat-kagat ang kutsara niya.
"Liza, pasabi, desisyon ka?"
Tumawa si Liza, "akala ko ba ayos na kayo?" pero nang makita ang mata ko ay tumikhim siya at inulit ang sinabi ko kay Sol na nakatitig.
"Oo, desisyon ako, señorita." He answered back, "magluluto ako ng hapunan mo mamaya kaya dito ka at hindi lalabas. Alam mo bang grounded ka, at sinabi nina Ma'am Lena na h'wag kang aalis mag-isa na hindi ako kasama."
I frowned and stared at Liza's wide smiling face, "Liza, pasabi naman kung boyfriend ko ba siya? Bakit bawal ako lumabas na 'di siya kasama? Jowa 'yan?"
Liza repeated my words, giggling.
"Boyfriend? Bakit, gusto mo ba?" he asked amusingly. My heart burst.
Liza squealed and smacked my arm. Muntik na akong mahulog.
"Ay, sorry!" humalakhak siya. "Ikaw naman kasi Sol! Hindi ko alam na ganyan ka pala!"
Now, I'm questioning my life choices of choosing friends.
Tumawa si Sol at umalis, narinig ko ang pagbukas ng ref pero nanatili akong nakatitig sa plato ko, tinatago ang pag-iinit ng pisngi.
"Ano, angel?" he asked again, "gusto mo ba? Magpapaalam na ako kay Sir—"
"Liza! Tell this idiot o shut his mouth—" my voice faded, the same time my annoyance did when he placed a cup of iced coffee in front of me.
My mouth watered. I lifted my hand like a kid and reached for it when he snatched it out.
"Ih!" I whined and stomped my feet.
"Dito ka magdi-dinner, Sibyl," aniya.
"What?! No way, Dad ba kita para sundin—"
"Okay, walang kape," sabay layo niya ng kape.
"Fine!" I whined, "fine, I'm eating dinner here! Just... just give me my coffee back!"
A sly smile left his lips, "good girl."
I hissed, snatching the coffee from his hand and hugged it on my chest protectively.
No one's gonna take my iced coffee from me!
Tumatawa pa si Sol nang pinatong niya ang palad sa ulo ko bago balingan si Liza.
"Una muna ko, Liza, trabaho. Kakausapin ko pa sina Mayor. Ikaw na bahala rito sa malditang señorita ko." Sabay gulo niya sa buhok ko. Sumabog ang eardrums ko sa tili ni Liza.
Solomon! Parang... parang gago!
I happily ate my lunch, feeling better and in good mood because of my precious and mood booster—iced coffee. It's my therapy, tasting the caffeine and hearing the ice cubes clicking.
Oh, eargasm!
Unfortunately, as much as I want to cover Liza's mouth with the duct tape, I felt sad when she bid her goodbyes at me after lunch. Kailangan kasi ng tulong ng Tatay niya sa mga eggs ng chicken kaya I was left alone after.
I was sipping on my coffee and after finishing it, I decided to see Solomon and thank him for my drink. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko nang makita siyang nasa may gate at tatawagin na dapat nang lumitaw si Emma at kumapit sa braso niya.
I looked away and clenched my fist.
My chest ached and I hated it. Nang makita ko si Mary ay kaagad akong nagdesisyong mag-ikot mag-isa para 'di mapansin ang nararamdaman.
Why am I even affected?
"I can go to the rancho, right? And to the palayan?" I asked.
"Opo, señorita. Ayos lang po," aniya, "may mga trabahador lang po roon kasi ani ngayon."
"Hmm..." I nodded and brushed my hair, "is it hot outside?"
"Medyo, señorita," ngiti niya, "pero maganda naman po sa balat ang init ngayon at 'di masakit. H'wag lang po kayo masyadong lalagpas sa may rancho at may mga loko po kasi minsan d'yang tumatambay."
I nodded. After I took my important things and stuff it inside my small bag, tumalikod na ako pagkatapos at sinalubong ng sariwang hangin ng probinsya. I got out to the backdoor exit and gate, iniikot ang tingin.
Ibang-iba ang ambiance sa lugar, bukod sa mga punong naglalakihan at mga bato sa daan ay mas gusto ko pa rin sa siyudad.
I loved the mall, the bars, the spa and salon tapos dito ay wala. Ano bang view rito bukod sa mansyon at malawak na plantation? Bukod naman sa pag-ikot sa may Kawasan falls at ilang beaches dito ay 'di ko pa nasusubok mag-explore sa lugar 'di kagaya ng mga pinsan kong kahit madalang lang dito sa probinsya ay kabisado ang pasikot-sikot.
I often stay inside the mansion and sleep or dance in the studio they made for me whenever I am here. I was not even familiar with the people around.
"Uy, may maganda! Sino 'yon? Bakasyunista?" I overheard some people talking around while I walked further from the mansion to check around the area.
I saw the rancho. Nag-ikot-ikot ako. May malaking harang doon at sa kabila ay may mga hayop kaya amoy ko ang stinky smell nila.
I caught a goat walking towards me and my jaw dropped when he suddenly stopped and without warning, poop near my feet.
"Yuck!" I exclaimed and shivered. "You crazy kambing!" I hissed and moved away, annoyed.
I felt like shivering.
Damn goat poo! Damn Sol and that witchy Emma! Magsama sila! Paki ko ba?!
Napansin kong medyo masukal na ang daan sa may parteng iyon ng rancho pero kuryoso ako kung may view pa ba kaya naglakad ako papunta.
Iritang-irita pa ako sa kambing habang naglalakad palayo nang may sumabay sa aking iilang bisikleta.
"Hi, Miss! Bago ka rito? Ganda mo, ah?" the boy riding the bicycle called my attention. Hindi ako sumagot, diretso ang tingin at wala man lang ekspresyon akong naglakad palayo pero nakasunod sila.
"Ngayon ka lang namin nakita rito. Ano pangalan mo? Ganda mo, ah. Kutis porselana pa, oh! Amerikana ka ba, Miss? Anong pangalan mo—"
"Can you shut the fuck up?" I asked coldly, annoyed.
Namilog ang mata nila.
"Naks, masungit!" nagtawanan sila. "Miss, ganda mo kaso ang hard to get mo. Taga saan ka? Taga diyan ka ba sa mansyon ng mga Sandejas? Mga may lahi iyon mga 'yon, eh. Mga asul ang mata!"
"Ay, hala, oo nga!" tawa no'ng nasa kanan ko. "Kamag-anak mo ba sila, ganda? May crush ako roon, eh! 'Yong mukhang mabait na maganda, 'yong asul 'yong mata. Sino nga 'yon? 'Yong Darshana?"
I stopped. I maintained my straight face and walked a bit faster than I was doing before.
"Uy, ang bilis mo naman ganda!" tawag nila at muli akong sinabayan. "oo, maganda 'yong Darshana pero mas gusto ko 'yong isa? 'Yong Crest ba 'yon? Palangiti, eh! Feeling ko nga may gusto sa 'kin, ngumiti no'ng napatingin. Pagbalik nga no'n kausapin ko—"
"My family's just friendly but they weren't interested in creepy people with the likes of you." I commented when I became pissed.
"Ano?" he asked, "ano raw sabi, Mark? 'Di ko naintindihan ang bilis no'ng ingles!"
"Bobo naman, Romel! Ang sabi niya friendly daw siya kaya hi daw."
I rolled my eyes.
"Oh..." tango niya, "hi, Miss! Ganda ng kutis mo, bango mo pa! P'wedeng makipagkilala?"
Hindi pa rin ako umimik. I began feeling uncomfortable when I showed them I'm not interested and yet, they still followed me with their bicycle.
"Gago, Romel. Ganda ng kutis, oh. Tignan mo 'yong hita, kulay gatas." My heart felt heavier when I heard that. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa bag ko at dire-diretsong naglakad, natantong mas lumayo na pala ako sa may rancho namin dahil sa kakalakad.
"Nakakaintindi bang Tagalog 'yan o kaunti lang? 'Di kasi umiimik, suplada. Kausapin mo nga, Mark. Lambingin mo at baka maka-score." Humalakhak siya.
I gulped. My jaw clenched as I looked around, checking if there is someone I can see to ask for help. They weren't doing anything inappropriate physically but their malicious words and voices gave me chills it made me so uncomfortable.
"Oo, gago. Kapag naasawa mo 'yan secured na future mo kung Sandejas 'yan. Yaman kaya ng pamilya no'n. Sabi nga sa diyaryo highest tax payers 'yan sila."
"Oh? Edi maganda, tara kausapin." Tawanan nila at muli akong kinulit kaya suminghap na ako.
"Can you please stop following me?" I hissed angrily. "I am not interested to the two of you. Fuck off."
Instead, they just whistled. Fear crept inside my chest. I did my best to suppress my emotions.
"Choosy mo naman—"
"Stop following me, will you?!" my voice's strained and yet, they just made fun of it.
I was extra nervous. Seryoso lang ako pero medyo nanginig na ang kamay ko sa takot dahil 'di nila ako nilulubayan.
I need Mama and Papa Jer. I need... someone.
Just when I'm about to ran because of this scary feeling I began experiencing, I heard horse gallops behind us.
"Anong mayro'n dito?" my heart quickened upon hearing that voice. Dali-dali akong napalingon at nakita ang lalaking nakasakay sa kabayo.
Sol is sporting a brown shirt and maong pants. He's a bit sweaty with his messy hair. His black orbs turning brown when the sunrays touched it.
"Oh, pareng Sol! Kumusta? Kinakausap lang namin itong si ganda at hindi nagsasalita," ani no'ng isang lalaki pero seryoso lang si Sol na nakatingin sa kanila.
"Sungit nga, eh. Sandejas ba 'to? Anong pangalan? Pakilala mo nga kami, 'di ba, close ka ro'n?" ani no'ng nasa kabila. "Alam mo, Sol. Chicks, baka mabihag natin at ma-secure ang future—"
"H'wag n'yong papakialaman 'yan." Natigilan ako sa lamig ng boses niya at nahuling mas tumapang ang mata niya.
My heart jumped. Napatungo ako at napatitig sa bato sa paa ko, hindi alam pero natakot din sa tono niya.
"Bakit?" natawa na sila, "ikaw naman ang damot. Pangalan lang, eh. Share ka naman—"
"Hindi ako nakikipagbiruan, Romel. Hawakan n'yo ni dulo ng buhok niyan ako makakalaban n'yo." I was startled by his words.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin.
Natahimik din ang dalawa. That one on the left even tried laughing, thinking it was a joke but with Sol's straight and cold face, he stopped.
Siniko siya ng isa kaya napatikhim ang huli.
"Pasensya na, Sol. Sige na, pare. Una na kami. P-Pasensya na, Miss," ani nila ng sulyapan ako pero 'di ako umimik at hinayaan silang umalis, nag-uunahan pa.
The sound of the whistling wind and the dancing of the leaves are the only ones audible at the moment. Narinig ko ang mahinang tunog na ginawa ng kabayo kaya napasulyap ako roon bago sa kanya na nakababa na pala mula sa likod nito.
My cheeks heated up and I gulped.
"I—"
"Anong ginagawa mo ritong mag-isa?" he asked me seriously, his tone's angry. "Hindi ka ba sinabihang h'wag mag-isa? Ni hindi ka nagpaalam. Maraming gago rito, kung sino-sinong pinagtitripan!"
"I..." I bit my lip, embarrassed. "I didn't realize I reached it here. I-I was curious. Napabilis din ata lakad ko kasi 'yong dalawa—"
"Mga loko-loko 'yon, Sibyl," aniya sa seryosong tono, "iniiwasan 'yang dalawa rito at kahit sino na lang ang sinusundan! Mabuti na lang at binalikan kita sa mansyon. May trabaho ako, paano kung 'di ako bumalik at hinanap ka?" he's scolding me. My chest felt heavier.
Why is he screaming? Is he annoyed I cut his flirting with that girlfriend of his?!
"Paano kung 'di ako alam na lumabas ka at 'di nakita? Baka napagtripan ka no'ng mga gagong 'yon—"
"Sorry, ah?" matabang kong sinabi, nairita na. "Naistorbo ko ba trabaho mo? Naistorbo ko ba ang usapan n'yo ng girlfriend mo? Sige, balik ka na. 'Di ko naman sinabing sundan mo ako rito!"
"Ano?" kumunot ang noo niya, "Sibyl Timothea, sinasabihan lang kitang h'wag nang mag-isa sa parte rito at wala akong girlfriend!"
"Sorry na nga, eh!" I exclaimed, "bago lang ako rito eh. Malay ko ba? Pasensya na, ah? Hindi ko naman gustong istorbohin ka sa trabaho mo. Hayaan mo, akong bahala sa sweldo mo sa kaltas dahil pumunta ka pa rito!"
"Ano? Sibyl, 'di kita sinisisi," tumiim ang panga niya, "kinakausap lang kita—"
"Oo na, dapat 'di ako naglakad papunta rito! Oo, sinabihan na ako na h'wag pumunta ng lagpas sa rancho pero ang kulit ko. Masaya ka na?" I scoffed, "go back to your work—if it's work flirting with your girlfriend and don't mind me! Uuwi na ako't nakakahiya naman sa istorbo ko sa 'yo!"
Nanatili siyang seryoso, pinagmamasdan ako.
"Nagseselos ka ba?" he asked brutally, my breathing labored.
"No way! To hell I'm jealous! In your dreams!" Bumigat naman ang pakiramdam ko kaya mabilis akong tumalikod, nangingilid na ang luha ay naglakad akong palayo, nagdadabog pero 'yon na lang ang gulat ko dahil 'di pa nakakalayo ay isang hawak sa siko ang nagpatigil sa akin.
"Ano ba, Solomon—"
"Ayos ka lang?" my heart fell when I heard the gentleness his voice had. Hindi ako lumingon at pinakiramdaman ang marahang pagbaba ng kamay niya sa sa pulsuhan ko.
"Bitaw," mariin kong sabi, "uuwi na ako."
"Sorry, Sib," he sighed, his tone turned calmer. "Hindi kita sinisisi, okay? Nag-alala lang ako't nagalit kasi nandito ka sa lugar na 'to. Mga gago 'yong dalawang 'yon, pasensya na. Naiisip ko lang kasi kung pa'no kung 'di kita binalikan? Pa'no kung hindi ko nalamang lumabas ka? Baka napahamak ka."
Kinagat ko ang labi ng mariin at nanlabo ang mata.
"Hey, I'm sorry..." mas rumahan ang hawak niya sa pulsuhan ko. "Nag-alala lang ako no'ng nakita kang gano'n."
"G-Galit ka ba sa 'kin kasi nandito ako?" I asked lowly.
"Hindi..." he sighed, "hindi ako galit. Nag-alala lang ako."
Hindi ako umimik, mas dumiin ang kagat sa labi ko nang bumaba pa ang palad niya sa palad ko at marahang humawak sa mga daliri ko.
"Harap ka nga sa 'kin..." mahinang sabi niya, "ayos ka lang?"
I puffed a deep breath. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at mukhang nagulat siya nang makita ang mukha ko kasabay ng mabilis kong yakap sa kanya.
"Thank you, S-Sol..." bulong ko at nagtago sa may dibdib niya, "n-natatakot talaga ako kanina. T-Thank you." He sighed, the moment I felt his arms wrapping around my back, the fear vanished. It was replaced by security, peace... solace.
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