Kabanata 10
Kabanata 10
“Ride me…” halos malaglag ako sa inuupan nang marinig ang utos ni Angelo.
“Hoy!” namilog ang mata ko sa gitla sa sinabi niya.
“What?” I caught him smirking, mas sumandal sa upuan at marahang kinalas ang butones ng suot na shirt.
“Bakit kita sasakyan?” gulantang ko pa ring sabi at narinig ko ang mahina niyang halakhak.
“It’s hard making love inside the car, babe.” I saw how the side of his lips lifting when he saw me blushing hard. “Oh, should we just go to work without—”
“Sino nagsabing hindi kita sasakyan?” ngiwi ko at narinig ko ang mahina niyang halakhak nang umayos ako ng upo, halos tumama pa ang ulo sa bubong ng sasakyan habang nauupo sa kandungan niya.
“Careful, Philomena. Ang ulo mo.” Aniya at inabot ang ulo ko kaya natawa na ako.
“I’m not hurt, babe.” Sagot ko pa, “excited lang, sorry na.”
“Good girl,” he said darkly, I caught him moistening his lips, his rough palm touching the soft fabric of my dress, hitching it up.
“Hindi ba tayo mahuhuli rito, Gelo?” mahinang sabi ko habang abala siya sa pag-angat ng dress ko.
“Nope,” he said, medyo tumingin pa sa paligid. “It’s heavily tinted, babe. One thing, we’re in the secluded part of the parking, I don’t think we’ll be seen.”
“Okay…” nguso ko at kinakabahan man ay hindi mapagkakailang excited din sa magaganap. “Bongga, ah? Adventurer na tayo ngayon?”
I heard him chuckle, he touched my face before moving his head to kiss my lips briefly.
“What? Remembered when the nurse almost caught you giving me a head?” aniya at halos sumabog na ang pisngi ko sa init.
“Samaniego, ikaw!” pinalo ko siya kaya mas natawa siya, “loko ka! Sa gulat mo tinulak mo ako sa ilalim ng lamesa, ang sakit kaya!”
“Sorry…sorry…” halakhak pa rin niya, “I made up to you about that, right? I ate you up—”
“Shh, ito mahirap no’ng nagdaldal ka na, eh. Puro kahalayan ang lumalabas sa bunganga mo!” irap ko at pinisil niya ang baywang ko, hinuli ang mata ko at nakita ko ang aliw doon nang magkatinginan.
“Why? Sa ‘yo lang naman hahalay ang bunganga na ‘to.” Asar pa niya kaya natatawang sinapo ko ang pisngi niya at humalik.
“Ang kulit mo, Gelo. I love you.” Ngiti ko sa labi niya.
“I love you too,” he whispered and gave me a peck this time, “let’s do this, Philie. We have fifteen minutes remaining. We’ll be late.”
Of course, si Philomena ay kay Angelo lang haharot.
My soft moan filled the car when I rode him. I can hear his heavily breathing, he assisted my waist to go up and down on him while we do it on his backseat.
“Angelo…” I called his name.
“Faster, babe.” He said darkly, his hoarse voice filled my ear.
“Ahh…” I moaned loudly, clenching around him and he cursed loudly, kissing my neck, giving it a few kisses and bite.
“Don’t suck it, Angelo…” I said breathlessly, moving my hips faster. “Baka magka-chikinini!”
“Hindi ‘yan, Philomena.” Halakhak niya at hinawi ang buhok ko, mas niyayakap ang likod ko.
“Siguraduhin mo lang—oh my gosh! Feeling ko ano—” napapikit ako ng mariin.
“Then, cum on me.” He said teasingly, touching my back more. “Cum on me.”
I moved my hips faster, our moans filled the car, I can definitely feel the vehicle shaking a bit pero wala na akong pakialam.
I gripped his shoulders, mariin iyon pero mukha namang walang pakialam si Angelo. I can hear his soft hum on my shoulder while he’s sucking on my skin.
“Kapag ‘yan nagkaroon ng mark, Samaniego, sinasabi ko sa ‘yo…” reklamo ko pero naramdaman ko lang ang ngiti niya sa leeg ko at hindi na ako nakapagsalita at nanghina na lang nang maramdaman ang kung ano sa akin.
I felt spent after I have my release. Angelo then touched my hips, thrusting in a faster pace and moments later, I felt his release too—spilling inside me.
Pareho pa kaming naghahabol ng hininga pagkatapos kaya sumubsob ako sa balikat niya.
“Loko ka, Samaniego.” I whispered.
“I love you, Philomena.” Halakhak niya at humalik sa balikat ko. “You’re awesome.”
“You came inside me, don’t you?” reklamo ko at binalingan na siya at nakita ang mata niyang bahagyang nanlaki sa akin.
“Yeah, I think so.” Ngiti niya na parang inosente kaya napailing na ako at hinaplos ang buhok niya.
“Saan na naman ‘yong condom mo?” I asked and I saw him thinking, sumandal pa pagkatapos at inilagay braso sa likod ng ulo.
I almost drooled when I caught a glimpse of his white under arms, his sweaty chest looking sexy as it moved slowly up and down, as if he’s still catching his breath.
“I remembered it now, naubos natin kagabi.” Aniya kaya namilog na ang mata ko.
“Weh?! ‘Di nga?!” gulat kong sabi at ngumuso siya, nangingiting tumango. Nakita ko ang paglubog ng biloy niya at magulo pa ang buhok kaya ang gwapo-gwapo niya sa paningin ko.
“Hmm, we did three rounds last night.” Aniyang nang-aasar kaya napatili na ako at napatakip ng mukha.
Humalakhak siya, saglit kong naramdaman ang pag-galaw niya at napasinghap ako nang yakapin niya ako kaya sumubsob ako sa kanyang balikat.
“Angelo, parang lumalandi na ako?” bulong ko at natatawang humalik siya sa ulo ko.
“Nope, you’re not. You just love me.” Bulong niya kaya mas sumiksik ako sa leeg niya.
“Kukurutin ako sa singit ng Nanay nito, kumekerengkeng na ako.” Bulong ko.
“We’ve been together for years now, babe.” Bulong niya. “Alam naman ni Nanay na kumerengkeng ka na, okay lang ‘yan.”
“Ang kapal nito!” lumayo ako sa kanya, “ikaw nga rin kumerengkeng na? Remember ‘yong sinabi ni Cairis? Para ka na raw yelo na tinubuan ng tao.”
“You’re being mean now, nahawaan ka na ni Cairis, ano? O ni Phoebe? Oh, don’t tell me…sinisiraan ako ni Mommy sa ‘yo?” when he glared at me, I began laughing. Pinisil-pisil ko ang pisngi niya at sinuklay ang buhok niya ng marahan.
“Oh, sige na. Pareho na tayong kerengkeng, happy?” he frowned kaya mas naaliw lang ako sa kanya.
“Tss…s’werte mo mahal kita.” He said that with a serious face but it made my heart swell in happiness. My palm reached for his cheek, gently caressing it.
“I love you too, Gel. Akin ka lang, ah?” ngiti ko.
I noticed how the seriousness on his eyes vanished when he heard it from me. He nodded, he stroked my cheek before removing a few strands of my hair from it.
“Those words always make me weak.” He sighed, smiling at me.
“Your answer?” ngisi ko, nag-aabang ng sagot at hindi naman niya ako binigo.
“Si Angelo ay kay Philomena lang,” he answered me. “You’re mine too, hmm? Sa akin lang si piglet?”
“Oink-oink…” I answered and we ended up laughing hard, feeling comfortable teasing each other.
My boyfriend helped me in fixing myself, I even told him na ako na ang mag-aayos sa sarili but he insisted.
“Ako ang naghubad, ako rin dapat magsusuot sa ‘yo.” Palagi niyang sinasabi kaya napangiti ako, masaya sa naririnig mula sa kanya.
Angelo is…one-of-a-kind. He’s a cold and a snob man but when you get to know him, you’ll realize he’s more than that. He’s sweet and caring, he’s a gentleman. He makes sure I am comfortable and even though there are times we were both busy, we will make amends and compromise and this is what I like about or relationship.
It’s been years, there are times we were fighting because of him being overly jealous or me, being one pero napag-uusapan naman namin. I am aware nobody is perfect, every people have red flags they don’t tend to notice about themselves and as a person who sees it, we should try and address it to let them know and help them, at least, to become better.
“Nagseselos ka na naman kay Dr. Jon, ano?” tanong ko habang tinutungan siyang mag-ayos ng butones ng shirt niya.
“No.” He answered, hindi tumitingin sa akin pero alam ko na.
“He called me last night because he’s looking for a file, Gelo.” I said and his lips pursed, staring at me.
“I’m telling you, that man fancies you, Philomena.” He said, “it’s not that I’m jealous or overly possessive, I am just annoyed because he keeps on calling you late at night for petty reasons.”
“He asked for a file sa pedia ward, Gelo.” Sabi ko pero umiling lang siya.
“Not just that, he texted you one time at three A.M., asking if you’d like to have lunch with him.” Bagnot niyang sabi kaya malakas na akong natawa.
“Friendly offer lang, Gelo.” I said.
“At fucking three in the morning?” irita niyang sagot at naiiling na inayos ko ang kwelyo niya.
“Hmm, weird pero baka ‘yon lang ang free time niya mag-text sa duty.” Sagot ko naman.
“Night time is Angelo’s time,” sabat niya. “Walang makikiagaw sa oras ni Angelo kay Philomena.”
“Aww, my adorable babe.” Hinuli ko ang pisngi niya at sinalubong ang mata niyang halatang iritado na. “I’m pleased when you’re jealous because I know you love me pero h’wag palaging kapag nagseselos ka, lalandiin mo ako kinabukasan kahit late na tayo para makipag-jugjugan sa ‘yo tapos ako naman itong kerengkeng din ay bibigay.”
“You like it too, tho.” Doon na siya ngumisi.
“Hindi naman sa gusto ko—okay, gusto ko.” I gave up at narinig ko na ang tawa niya, hinuhuli ang kamay ko sa pisngi niya para bigyan ng maliliit na halik. “Pero kapag naman jugjug time, mag-condom ka, ano?”
“I am wearing one,” aniya. “Naubusan nga lang ngayon kasi kagabi, ‘di ba? Nakatatlo tayo?”
I glared at him, namilog ang mata niya at natatawang yumakap sa baywang ko.
“I want a baby, Philie.” Bulong niya pagkaraan at ngumuso ako, pinipigil ang ngiti, hinayaan ko siyang halik-halikan ang leeg ko.
“Of course, I want one too.” I said, “pero pakasal muna tayo, Samaniego. Baka ‘di na ako makauwi sa San Isidro kasi ipapa-ban na ako ni Nanay.”
We ended up laughing, I felt him sucked on my skin and it made me gasp, slapping his arm.
“Dean Angelo…” I warned. “Kapag ‘yan…”
“Wala nga,” bulong pa niya at suminghot-singhot doon. “Bango naman ng Philomena ko, amoy-Angelo.”
“Weh? Talaga ba? Dapat amoy-Philie ka rin para quits?” ramdam na ramdam ko ang saya sa puso ko nang narinig iyon sa kanya.
Philomena ko…
It was nice and overwhelming to hear it from someone you cherish. That’s my Angelo.
We did our best to be formal while walking towards the hospital’s premises. We were side by side. Angelo’s sporting a brown dress shirt and slacks while I’m wearing a yellow one. All eyes are on us kaya noong inaabot ni Angelo ang kamay ko para makipag-holding hands ay pinapalo ko.
“Babe…” he whined and stomped his feet. Nakita kong nagulat ang dalawang Nurse na bumabati sa amin sa biglaang ginawa ni Gelo kaya umiling ako.
“Shh, professional tayo. Mamaya na ako babalentong sa pagka-unprofessional sa ‘yo.” I hissed at hinawi ang buhok ko sa balikat.
Tumawa siya roon pero nang mapasulyap sa leeg ko ay biglang nasamid kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
“What?” I asked but his cheeks blushed, umiwas siya ng tingin sa akin at umiling.
“Wala…” sagot niya.
“Weh?” na-conscious naman ako, “tumingin ka lang sa akin bigla kang ganyan, may dumi ba sa mukha ko? Hoy, Angelo!” pinalo ko na, walang pakialam kung nakikita kami.
“You’re just pretty.” Aniya at doon na ako tuluyang natigilan sa kanya.
Ramdam na ramdam ko ang pag-init ng pisngi ko sa gulat sa biglaang lumalabas sa bibig niya kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
“I-ikaw talaga…”
“No one’s prettier than my babe,” hirit pa niya, kinuha ang buhok ko at inilagay sa leeg, hinuli ang daliri at hindi ko na napigilang hawakan ang kamay ko.
He pulled me closer to him, when our shoulders touched and his eyes caught mine—it felt home.
Hindi na ako umalma, it’s not like the hospital didn’t know we’re together. Paano ba naman kasi at si Angelo, malamig sa iba pero kapag nakakasalubong ako biglang ngingisi at sisigaw ng babe, kakaway pa ang loko kaya kalat na.
“I can’t join you for lunch today, babe.” Ani Angelo pagkarating namin sa tapat ng clinic ko.
“It’s okay,” ngiti ko. “May patient ka?”
“Hmm…” he nodded, “nagle-labor kagabi pa.”
Umawang ang labi ko sa gulat, “huh?! Tapos ikaw itong nakikipaglandian pa sa akin kanina?!”
He let out a soft chuckle, “don’t worry, I’m monitoring her through her nurse. May OB naman dito rin kagabi kaya ‘di ako urgent na kailangan.”
“Ikaw…” I flicked his forehead and he closed his eyes, pabirong ngumingiwi pero ‘di naman paniguradong nasaktan. “Punta ka na ro’n, okay lang. Phoebe’s here, Cairis texted me too na bibisita raw siya ngayon.”
“Good then,” he nodded and smiled. “I gotta go, babe. I love you. Can I hear an oink-oink?”
“Loko…” I smacked him playfully, “love you too, oink-oink.”
We both smiled, I was caught off guard when he pulled me closer. His chest touched mine and he quickly lowered his face, giving me a quick kiss on the lips and then proceeded to kissing my forehead.
“Love you, Philie. Eat well and…sorry.” Aniya kaya nagtaka ako.
“Sorry for?” I asked and his cheeks flushed a bit, I saw how he shyly looked away and shook his head.
“Nothing, you’re beautiful, bye.” Aniya, muling nagnakaw ng halik at sumalisi papaalis kaya nagkibit-balikat na lang ako at napangiti.
Masaya akong pumasok sa loob ng clinic, wala pa ang secretary ko kaya feel na feel ko namang hinawakan ang palda ng dress ko at kumendeng.
“Ang ganda ko! Feel na feel ang long hair ko!” I sang, giggling.
Kumekembot pa akong nagtungo sa may salamin ng opisina ko para magtali ng buhok pero naiwan sa ere ang boses ko at nawala ang ngiti nang makita ang bilog na pula sa leeg ko.
“Anong…” I moved hastily closer to the mirror, check on my neck at umawang na ang labi ko at napasigaw.
“Chikinini! Angelo!” I exclaimed and stomped my feet.
It was weird before when Tita Natalie—Angelo’s Mom, gifted me a nice and expensive scarf. Napapaisip pa nga ako noon kasi nasa Pilipinas naman kami at hindi malamig.
“It will come in handy, for sure.” She said mysteriously while smiling at me and now, I knew what is this for.
Kakaloka, Angelo Samaniego. Kukutusan ko talaga iyon pagkakakita ko.
I was lucky because I found new friends when I met Angelo. Before, sa San Isidro, iniiwasan ako ng mga colleagues ko dahil sa favorite raw ako ng mga seniors. Ang sabi nila’y sipsip ako at nagpapabango sa kanila para sa opportunities pero wala namang gano’ng nangyayari. Nag-aaral at nagtatrabaho lang akong mabuti.
Even here, mas lalong naging aloof sa akin sina Ika noong nalamang kami na ni Angelo. I once overheard her saying na nilalandi ko si Angelo para sa posisyon and I want to clear my name but I realized it has no use.
People would think what they want to think about you regardless your explanation. No one knows you but yourself so instead of fighting with them to clear my name—I would just work harder to prove them wrong.
“Uy, nasa Nurse station ako kanina, ‘di ba?” nawala ang atensyon ko sa kinakain nang magsalita si Phoebe sa tabi ko.
“Hmm?” Cairis hummed.
“Kanina, nasa Nurse station ako tapos narinig ko mga Nurses nag-uusap tungkol sa multo sa Side B, parking lot.” Kwento ni Phoebe kaya nagkainteres ako.
“Oh? May multo sa parking lot?” gulat kong tanong, naiisip na naroon kami sa Side B parking kanina ni Angelo.
“Oo…” Phoebe answered.
“I hadn’t heard that before.” Cairis said, “pero paano nasabi ng Nurses? Nakakita silang ghost?” she asked.
“Oo!” aniya, nanlalaki pa ang mata. “Kasi ‘di ba, secluded ang parking doon? Madilim?”
Naiintrigang tumango ako at si Cairis ay mukhang interesado rin. Bata pa lang ako ay madalas akong nakikinig sa mga horror stories na kwento sa bayan namin o kaya nila Nanay kaya nakakatuwa at the same time ay nakakatakot din na mayro’n ditong gan’to sa ospital.
“Oo, may nagpa-park pa ba sa side B? Medyo secluded na ‘yon, ah?” ani Cai.
“Well…doon kami nag-park kanina ni Gelo.” I said, “t-talaga bang may multo? Hala, ipalipat ko kaya sa kanya ang kotse? Ano bang nangyari?”
“Ganito kasi, napadaan doon ang mga Nurses kasi may binili sila sa may likod tapos sa dilim ng parking, may isang sasakyang walang tao.”
Napatakip ako sa bibig, “t-tapos? May multo ro’n?! Anong kulay? Baka nakita namin.”
“Itim,” ani Phoebe. “Tinted daw ang sasakyan pero sigurado raw sila walang tao pero alam niyo ba?”
“Ano? Ano?” Cairis asked.
“Walang tao ‘yong sasakyan pero umaalog.” Sagot ni Phoebe at bigla akong natulala at napakurap-kurap.
I realized something. My hand shook, marahas akong napalunok at nanlamig, inaabot ang baso ng tubig para uminom.
Oh my gosh…oh my gosh!
“Ito pa ang mas creepy, nakarinig daw sila ng mahinang ungol no’ng multo!” Malakas na sabi ni Phoebe at nabuga ko ang tubig.
“Philie!” they both exclaimed but I only coughed, napatakip ako sa bibig ko at malakas na napaubo.
“OMG! You okay?!” Cairis exclaimed and I shook my head, mamatay na ata sa kakaubo.
“Hala ka, Philie! Okay ka lang? Baka nasasakal ka na sa scarf mo!” hindi na ako nakapag-react nang hilahin ni Phoebe ang scarf paalis sa leeg ko.
“Mainit naman sa Pinas pero naka-scarf ko—oh my God…chikinini!” Cairis gasped kaya mabilis kong nahawakan ang leeg at natakpan.
“It’s not—”
“Oh? Saan?” halos mabali ang leeg ko nang haltakin ako ni Phoebe, hinila ni Cairis ang kamay ko sa leeg at napasipa ako nang dungawin nila ang leeg ko.
“Ah-huh! Chikinini ka pa—” inangat ko ang kamay at tinampal ang bibig ni Phoebe.
“Phoebe!” I hissed, napapansin pa ang tingin ng mga tao na sa komosyon naming tatlo sa cafeteria.
She grinned at me, si Cairis ay malisyoso ring ngumisi kaya ngumuso na ako, umaayos ng upo pagkatapos tanggalin ang kamay ng kaibigan sa leeg.
“Shh, nakakahiya!” halos pabulong ko ng sabat, nag-iinit ang pisngi.
“Ikaw huh, never kong na-imagine na gano’n si Angelo pero no’ng dumating si Philie. Kayo huh, adventurer kayo ng pinsan ko?” Cairis whispered and I smacked her leg.
“H-hindi! Mali ‘yong naiisip mo—”
“Asus…” tawa ni Phoebe, “may pa-scarf ka pa, ah? Oh, come to think of it! Hindi pala ‘yong multo ang nasa parking lot, Cai. Mga halimaw pala. Rawr!”
I covered my ears in embarrassment and they were just laughing at me.
“Scarf ka pa riyan, ah. May sekreto ka pa lang malupit.” Cai whispered.
“Chikinini pa more…” Phoebe teased at napasinghap sila nang sabay kong batukan para manahimik, nangangarap na lang lamunin ng lupa.
The two kept on teasing me about the adventure we had in the parking lot, kulang na nga lang ay balibagan ko ang dalawa dahil sumama pa sa akin hanggang pedia ward, lalaruin din daw ang mga bata pero duda ako.
“Stacy, alam mo ba si Mama Philie mo—” I smacked Phoebe.
“Po? Bakit po, Mama Philie?” narinig ko ang tawanan ni Phoebe at Cairis nang tanungin na ako ni Stacy na nakaupo sa aking hita dahil tinatalian ko siya.
“Nothing, Stacy.” Lambing ko at hinaplos ang buhok niya, “loko lang ‘yan si Tita Cairis and Nurse Phoebe.”
“Sabi po nila may sasabihin po ikaw?” she asked and I thought of it, inayos ko sa hita ko si Stacy, pasimpleng umiirap kina Phoebe at Cai na tatawa-tawa.
“Wala naman, Stacy.” I chuckled, “love na love ka lang ni Mama Philie.” Lambing ko.
My heart swelled when I saw the kid smiled sweetly, yumakap siya sa batok ko kaya humawak ako sa baywang niya.
“Love rin po kita, Mama Philie!” she said happily. “Salamat po kasi po palagi niyo po akong binibisita dito po sa ward, wala na po kasi akong Mama at Papa na bibisita po, eh.”
Hearing the gratefulness and sadness mixing on her voice, I felt touched.
“It’s okay, baby. Mama Philie is happy visiting you here with the other kids. Happy ako kasi inaantay niyo ako palagi. Happy ako kapag happy kayo. Atsaka may Mama ka naman, ako. ‘Di ba ako si Mama Philie? Tapos si Papa Dean? May Tita Phoebe ka rin ‘tsaka Tita Cai, ‘di ba, Titas?” marahan kong sabi.
“Yes, baby Stacy.” Cairis smiled, “we are your family, hmm? Hayaan mo kapag ‘di busy si Tita Cai, bibisita ako rito palagi.”
“Thank you po! Antay ko palagi kayo rito. Writer po ba kayo, Tita Cai?” she asked kaya bumaling kami kay Cai na mahinang tumawa at tumango.
“Well, yeah, baby.” She answered shyly, “but Tita is still working on it, practice pa ako para mas gumaling.”
“Wow! Narinig ko po kasi po ‘yong Nurses kanina na pinag-uusapan po na writer ka raw po tapos may boyfriend po ikaw na writer din? May Tito na po ba ako?”
Napaubo si Cai. Nagkatinginan kami kaagad ni Phoebe na namimilog din ng mata, mabilis na bumaling kay Cairis na namumula.
“Hoy, bakit ‘di ko alam?” tanong ko.
“Don’t tell me…” Phoebe started off. “Kayo na ni Cal—”
“P-parang natatae ako, ah?” ani Cai at ngumiwi. “Saan ang CR? Jebs lang ako!” tumayo siya at sumalisi.
“Cairis!” we exclaimed, calling her name but she left us, running hastily to escape.
Totoong tinakasan nga kami ni Cairis pagkatapos, sinundan namin siya ni Phoebe para paaminin sana ay nakatakas na ang loka. We followed her on the exit and caught her walking towards a man.
“Is that him?” bulong ko kay Phoebe na tumango sa akin, natatawa pa.
“This sneaky woman, hindi nagki-kwento na mayro’n na pala sila…” she shook her head, sabay naming pinagmasdan ang pag-akbay sa kanya ng lalaking naka-cap at hoodie at sabay silang umalis.
“Ayan ba ‘yong writer?” I asked her, “sinearch ko no’ng nakaraan, famous nga tapos gwapo.”
“Oo, tragic writer ata ‘yan.” She said, “imagine paano sila nagkasundo ni Cai, eh, mahilig ‘yan sa mga fairytale tapos happy endings.”
“Opposite attracts kasi…” I whispered and she nodded.
“Sa bagay, sa sobrang opposite attracts niyo ni Mr. Yelo, ginagawa niyong horror movie ‘yong parking lot.” Ngisi niya.
“Phoebe! Shh!” I hissed, mabilis na tumingin sa paligid para tignan kung may nakikinig.
“Bakit?” ngisi niya, “umaalog nga raw tapos umuungol ‘yong multo—” nawala ang sinasabi niya nang basta ko na lang tinakpan ang kanyang bibig para ‘di na makapagsalita.
Pinagtinginan kami kaagad no’ng nahatak ko na siya kaya ngumisi ako at umiling.
“Papatapon ko lang,” sabi ko at hinila si Phoebe para ‘di na makapagsalita ng bulgar.
Days passed with my usual routine, magdu-duty, pagod sa toxic shifts pero worth it pa rin dahil alam ko sa sarili kong masaya ako sa ginagawa ko. I am inspired seeing kids happy seeing me, dagdag pa na nakikita ko madalas sa ospital si Angelo kaya inspired na inspired ang lola niyo.
“Dra. Philie, good noon po!” nakangiting bati sa akin ng Nurses nang madaanan ako.
“Good noon din, kumain na kayo?” ngiti ko.
“Opo, kaka-lunch lang, ikaw po, Doc?”
“Mayamaya lunch na rin ako, katatapos lang kasi ng consultation. Have a great day!” I greeted and they waved at me.
Dumiretso ako sa opisina at nakita ang secretary ko na mukhang inaantay ako dahil tumayo kaagad pagkakita sa akin.
“Doktora!” she called.
“Hmm? Bakit?” I asked.
“Uh, alam ko po lunch na pero kasi may naghahanap po sa inyo kanina pa. Sabi ko nga po may appointment kayo at lunch na pero she insisted, baka sakali raw po.”
It got me curious, hinubad ko ang white coat ko at pinatong sa swivel.
“Sure, sino? I can meet her, p’wede naman ako mag-lunch later.”
“Uh, she’ll be waiting po sa may garden, Samantha po ang pangalan.” My smile faded upon hearing that name, kaagad akong nagtaka at tumitig sa kanya.
“Did she say something about her concerns?” I asked, “may sadya ba siya or what?”
“Wala po, eh.” She shook her head. “Sabi niya po, sabihin ko lang sa ‘yo.”
I nodded, sumulyap ako sa salamin at inayos ang bangs ko, naglagay pa ako ng tint para mukhang fresh at presentable.
“Uh, did she talk to someone? Sina Phoebe or perhaps, si Gelo?”
“Hindi ko po sure, Dra., eh.” Aniya kaya tumango na ako at nagpaalam na aalis na.
Maybe it was a good thing Angelo is busy for today at hindi kami magsasabay for lunch kaya malaya akong nakapunta sa garden. Hindi naman ako nahirapang hanapin siya dahil agaw pansin siya sa garden at umiinom pa ata ng milktea.
She’s pretty, even prettier when I first saw her years ago. Matangkad siya at designer clothes ang suot, mukhang super model at sa tikas pa lang ay halata mong lumaki sa mayamang pamilya. I saw people looking at her admiringly and she deserved it, she’s gorgeous…no wonder Angelo’s her ex.
I frowned when I sounded a bit bitter so I shrugged it off.
Why would I compare myself to another woman when I have my own personality? She’s pretty but I believe I’m pretty too—sabi ni Nanay at naniniwala naman ako kasi Nanay knows best.
Well, my boyfriend never forgot reminding me how beautiful I am everyday so I shouldn’t get insecure—lahat naman ng tao’y magaganda sa kanilang sariling paraan.
She’s Samantha and I am Philomena. I don’t have to compare myself because I have me.
“Hello, hanap mo raw ako?” I smiled before starting.
“Hey, Philomena?” aniya at tumayo, ngumingiti pa sa akin.
“Philie na lang,” sagot ko at tumango, “upo muna tayo.”
She nodded and sit with me on the bench, it was a bit awkward since matagal na no’ng huli ko siyang nakita. Sa restroom pa ata ‘yon at nagkagalit kami ni Angelo dahil nahuli ko siyang hinalikan ni Sam. Ever since that day, I didn’t saw her—or maybe because Angelo talked to her.
“You can call me Sam na lang,” she started off kaya napatango ako.
“Hi, Sam. It’s lunch time, kumain ka na ba?” I asked, “would you like if we talk over lunch if gutom ka?”
“No, I’m okay. Mabilis lang naman ‘to, you can have your lunch after.” Aniya kaya tumango ako at ngumiti, sumusulyap sa mga batang naglalaro sa may mga bulaklak.
“Alright,” I said. “Hindi ko na rin patatagalin, what is it you’d like to talk to?” sumulyap ako.
“Well…” she gulped, glancing at her fingers. “I wanted to apologize first for what happened two years ago.”
I wasn’t expecting that kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
“For?”
“For kissing Dean.” She said and suddenly, a glimpse of that event flashed on my mind. Kung noon siguro’y nasasaktan ako pero matanggal na iyon kaya hindi na masyado.
“Matagal na ‘yon, Sam.” I said and she nodded, sighing.
“Well…nagkaaway ata kayo ni Dean no’n? I’m sorry for that, I heard he is into someone else that time pero akala ko’y wala lang at pinapaselos lang ako so I tried taking him back. You see, we broke up because I was immature before—I kept on forcing him to quit work and just come with me wherever I like and it led to us, breaking up.”
Naalala ko ang sinabi ni Angelo noon. Tumango ako at pinakinggan siya.
“He talked to me and cleared everything years ago. He said he’s into someone else and I should quit on following him around and it hurt me. Naisip ko noon ang walang-hiya niya para iwan lang ako ng gano’n pagkatapos ng taong pinagsamahan namin but when I get to know you, well, I am sorry to say but I did a background check.”
Nagulat ako kaya nanlalaki ang mata ko nang titigan siya.
“What? Really?”
“Hmm,” she nodded, chuckling. “I just wanna check on you so I could see if I would see something to use para hiwalayan ka ni Dean.”
“That’s mean.” I said and she smiled kaya natawa ako. “Ano, may nakita ka ba?”
“Wala naman…” iling niya.
“’Di ba, wala kang nakita? Flawless kasi ang record ko, sis.” I even teased to lift the mood at tumango-tango siya sa akin, nangingiti pa.
“Kaya ayon, hinayaan ko na lang. I went to states and study for our business. Sabi ko after years, babalik ako na better so he’d love me again, tapos baka sakaling break na kayo kaso…” sumulyap siya sa akin.
“We’re two years now and counting,” I said, gumaan ang pakiramdam sa kanya. “Mahirap na tibagin ‘yon, Sam.”
“But we’re almost three years.” Aniya sa akin at natigilan ako saglit pero nagkibit-balikat.
“Ah, malalagpasan namin ‘yang almost three years niyo.” Palaban kong sabi at natawa siya ng bahagya at umiling.
“You’re funny and adorable, Philie.” She complimented and I was pleased so I glanced at her.
“You’re gorgeous too.” I said.
“Thanks for the flattery, Doctora.” She said. “I’m shocked you weren’t a war freak girlfriend—not that I am expecting, nasanay lang kasi ako na ganyan, lalo na at ex ko ang boyfriend mo.”
“You don’t look threatening at all, Sam, why would I be a freak? It’s a compliment, ah?” I explained. “Kasi you’re my boyfriend’s ex for almost three years. Maybe threatening sa iba pero you looked and I’m sure you are kind. You’re beautiful but I know I am beautiful in my own way too.”
“Hmm, how can I say this?” she asked, glancing at me. “But truth be told, I’m still into Dean.”
Medyo nagulat pa ako ro’n, napatikhim ako at umayos ng upo.
“Really?”
“After years, I still can’t move on, Philie. Angelo is…he’s the greatest man I’d ever met in this life.”
I was startled but I composed myself, “oh, I get it that you’re still into him but I don’t think he feels the same way.” Sagot ko naman.
“How can you say that?” she asked, as if challenging me. “I think I’ve grown—maybe a little but I established a career now, I think I’m way more matured than before and I’m pretty.”
“Patay na patay sa akin si Dean Angelo, sis.” I whispered a bit at nang nakita kong nanlaki ang mata niya ay napatawa na ako. She chuckled too after a while and shook her head.
“Bagay nga kayo ni Angelo, he’s cold and composed and you’re bubbly and adorable. Mabuti na lang at natatanya mo ang ugali niyan? Hindi kasi palasalita at tahimik lang. He’s a gentleman pero he’s not that kind of man na kagaya ng iba.”
“What? Angelo’s talkative.” I said and I noticed how shock she is upon hearing it.
“What do you mean? He’s…he’s talkative?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “Yes, he’s cold before but now, he is still the same yet different at the same time. Maingay siyang kasama, madaming kwento. Is he not talkative before? Noong kayo?”
Napaisip siya, she sighed afterwards before shaking her head.
“Maybe he changed.” She said, “but I came here because I wanted to inform you that until now, I want Dean back.”
It was my turn to heave a deep sigh, I shook my head and stared at the sky.
“I won’t give up Angelo that fast, Sam. Hindi porket nagbago ka na ay hahayaan ko siyang mapunta sa ‘yo. I love him and he is too, with me.” Matapang kong sagot sa kabila ng alangan sa naririnig mula sa kanya.
“I am glad you wanna put up a fight for him, Philie.” She smiled.
“Because he’s mine now, Sam. Oo, ikaw ‘yong nauna pero hindi dahil do’n ay ikaw din dapat ang huli niya.” Sabi ko at nakita ko ang pagtango niya.
“I am not that kind of woman who’ll steal your man, Philie.” She said, “but take care of Dean and love him dearly because I still want him.”
“Angelo’s not the type of man na kung kailan mo gusto ay kukunin mo, Sam.” I didn’t know what more I could say to her. “Angelo’s mine and I respect you as a woman, I don’t like to have a fight with you for him but…”
“But?” her intense black eyes looked at me.
“But if you tried taking him from me, lalaban ako.” I said with a smile. “Mukha lang akong mabait pero kapag may gusto akong kinukuha sa akin, hindi lang ako uupo sa tabi.”
“Same as me, if I want something or someone, I’ll do my best to take it.” She shrugged, “just telling you now that I have plans of trying to make him fall for me again, if possible. Fair competition. If ayaw niya talaga then okay, I will respect it but if I got a chance and you let him go—kapag nalaman kong may tyansang bumalik siya sa akin, I’ll grab it.”
“I’d never let him go, Sam.” I said and she smirked, showing me her hand.
“Me either, Philie. You have him now but I’ll try my luck, if there’s a chance to make him love me again—like before, kaya h’wag mo siyang papakawalan kasi kukunin ko siya.”
Doon na natapos ang usapan naming dalawa. There is no bad blood in between us, we even shook our hands and we smiled at each other before separating but it made me wonder.
She really changed, pagkarating ko sa opisina ay ini-stalk ko siya at nakitang malapit na niyang i-assume ang position ng head sa company nila. She’s a career woman now.
Hindi ako halos makapag-concentrate kaya tulala lang ako habang nag-aayos ng mga patient chart, hindi ko na rin nabisita muli ang mga bata dahil wala ako sa sarili at nagpaalam akong mag-i-early out dahil masama ang pakiramdam ko at gusto kong magpahinga.
Alas-tres pa lang ay lumabas na ako dahil wala naman ng pasyenteng darating, I was walking with my hand bag, pa-exit sana pero nakita ko si Angelo na naglalakad.
He’s with his co-doctors, sporting a white coat, a black turtleneck inner shirt and eyeglasses. May ballpen pa sa bulsa ng coat.
Gorgeous. I almost swoon. He has this air sorrounding him that no matter how strict-looking and cold he is, he'll still look attractive.
He’s serious, like usual. Malamig ang tingin sa daan habang nakapamulsa, binabati ng mga dumaraan pero tahimik na tango lang ang sagot niya.
Mr. Yelo talaga…
Akala ko’y lalagpasan niya ako at ‘di mapapansin pero bigla siyang napalingon, nawala ang lamig sa mata at biglang umangat ang labi.
“Babe!” he suddenly cheered.
I rolled my eyes when the people took a glance at our way, startled hearing him turning to a kid from a cold-looking gentleman.
“Angelo…” I called and he hopped back, biglang tinapik ang doktor sa harapan kaya tumango ito at ngumiti.
Angelo shifted his direction, parang wala lang na inakbayan niya ako at nakisabay pa sa paglalakad ko pa-exit kaya napatawa na ako.
“What is it, Gelo?” I asked.
“Hmm…” napasulyap siya sa bag ko, “it’s still early tho, why are you leaving?”
I don’t want him to worry so I lied, “wala na kasing pasyente, papahinga sana ako since medyo napagod kasi toxic ang shift kahapon. I am planning to call you when I got home.”
“Are you okay? Sick?” he even asked, touching my neck but I shook my head.
“Nope, I’m fine, Gelo.” Sagot ko, “I just have to rest for a while. What time does your shift end?”
“By nine or eight,” he said, napangiti ako nang kinuha niya ang hand bag ko at inilagay sa braso bago ibinaba ang kamay sa baywang ko para hapitin ako palapit.
“Clingy natin, Doc, ah?” I even teased.
“Well…” he smirked, “you should rest on my penthouse, babe. Doon ka sa kama ko.”
I rolled my eyes, binigyan naman niya ako ng pilyong ngiti at umiling.
“Not what your thinking, Philomena.” He teased, “but if you like…” he moved his brows.
“Ikaw talaga, Samaniego.” Natawa na ako, “Sa kwarto muna ako, baka minumulto na ‘yon kasi madalang na lang ako matulog kasi nando’n ako sa penthouse mo.”
“How about after you rest?” he asked, hinahatid ako sa sakayan pauwi.
“Sure,” tango ko na. “I will wait for you to come home.”
He didn’t say anything, akala ko’y tumitingin lang ng sasakyan ko pero naramdaman ko ang pagkakatitig niya sa akin kaya bumaling ako.
“Yes?” I asked with a smile.
“Can you say that again?” he asked, making me confused.
“’Yong ano?”
“That…” he caressed my waist more. “About coming home.”
When I noticed the softness his eyes have, it made my heart swell. Marahan akong humawak sa kanyang baywang pabalik bago marahang tumingkayad at hagkan ang panga niya.
“I will wait for you…to come home.” I whispered.
“I’ll always come home, babe.” He uttered.
I went to my unit and rest, ka-text ko pa si Gelo at sinabi niyang kumain na siya kaya inaantay ko na lang. I stayed on his balcony, staring at the city lights in the busy streets of Manila—thinking how different it is way back in San Isidro.
Will I be back in San Isidro or will we stay here? Dalhin ko ba sina Nanay? Pero sabi nila noon na masaya na sila sa probinsya.
Abala ako sa pag-inom ng gatas habang nakatingin sa siyudad nang maramdaman ko ang mainit na yakap sa likod ko. I didn’t need to ask who was it because of that familiar scent and warmth.
“I’m home…” he whispered, burying his face on my neck and a sweet smile escaped on my lips.
“You’re home now, finally.” Sagot ko at marahang humaplos sa kanyang kamay sa tiyan ko.
“You know I’ll only come home to you.” Bulong niya, nagbigay pa ng mumunting halik sa tainga ko kaya napapikit na ako at sumandal sa kanya.
“Gel?” I suddenly called and he stopped kissing me.
“Hmm?”
“If…if ever you past love came back, will you take her again?” hearing that, he froze, isang galaw lang ay naiharap na niya ako sa kanya at nahuli niya ang paningin ko.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Kunwari…” I bit my lower lip. “Kunwari, bumalik si Sam tapos she’s more matured that before. She’s career-driven now, she changed for the better and she still loves you, will you be back together?”
I saw how confusion and annoyance filled his eyes.
“What are you saying, Philomena? Did something happen?”
“Wala naman…” iling ko, “kunwari lang. ‘Yong dahilan ng paghihiwalay niyo noon ay naayos tapos mahal ka pa niya—” natigil ako sa pagsasalita nang bigla na lang niyang hulihin ang labi ko para sa halik.
“Gelo—”
“Shh…mahal ko pa ba siya?” he brushed my lips with his tiny kisses, his thumb gently moving on my jaw. “What the hell are you saying, Philomena?”
“Gaano mo ako kamahal, Gelo?” I asked, staring at his eyes. Nahihiya man ay gustong sabihin ang nasa isip.
"So much." He said, nang nagbaba ako ng tingin ay muli niyang hinuli ang chin ko.
“You’ve talked to her? She visited you?” malamig niyang tanong.
“It’s not that—”
“I saw her leaving, Philie. Hindi ko lang pinansin dahil akala ko, wala lang and now you’re talking like this. What is it? Did she asked you to leave me?” mariing tanong niya, halatang-halata ang kaseryosohan sa boses kaya umiling ako.
“You know I’d never let you go.” I said in a small voice.
“Really?” he asked, “because hearing you saying that now, I don’t know. It was as if you’ll leave me.”
“Hindi, hindi gano’n, Gelo. Magkamatayan na pero ‘di kita ibibigay ng gano’n kadali sa kahit sino kasi akin ka.” I said and touched his jaw. “I’d never let you go, I’ll always hold your hand… unless you wanted me to let go.”
“Why would I even ask you to let me go, Philomena?” he sounded irritated. “You think I’d let you go too? Hell no.”
“Talaga?” it’s my turn to ask now at nang inilagay niya ang kamay sa barricade at tumitig sa akin habang inilalapit ang mukha bago tumango ay napanatag na ako.
“You’re mine but I’m yours too, Philie.” He said, “bumalik man si Sam, o kung sino man. Ikaw lang ang pipiliin ko.”
“Paano kapag nakalimutan mo ‘ko?” I even teased because of glee hearing him and he just brushed his lips on mine and spoke.
“That only happens in telenovelas, babe.” He answered.
“Oh?” tawa ko at pinalo na siya, “kunwari lang, ano nga?”
Umayos siya ng tayo, marahang humawak siya sa batok ko at nagtataka man ako no’ng una ay hinayaan ko siyang idikit ang tainga ko sa dibdib niya.
“Listen to it, what does it say?” he asked and I listened to his heart.
“Heart sounds,” I answered. “Lub-dub. Lub-dub.”
“Wrong…” I heard the vibration of his laugh from his chest. “Listen carefully, what does it say?” mas inilapit niya ang tainga ko sa dibdib kaya mas pinakinggan ko.
“Phi-lie.” He uttered while I was listening to his heartbeat. “Phi-lie. Phi-lie. It says your name.”
Nag-init ang pisngi ko, pinalo ko siya habang natatawang lumayo at sinalubong naman ng tingin niya ang mga mata ko.
“Ikaw ang nagsasalita, eh. Science says its Lub-dub.” I smiled.
“That’s Science, babe. But it’s my heart so Angelo says it’s Philie.”
I bit my lower lip, suppressing a smile but when he winked, it escaped.
“Dean Angelo! Kalandian mo!” yumakap na ang braso ko sa batok niya at natatawang tumango siya at mas inilapit ang mukha sa akin.
“Let me clear this to you, hmm?” he touched my hair and tucked it behind my ear.
My heart thumped loudly this time, seeing how wonderful it is to have a man like him.
“Sam is a part of my life, yes, but it’s in the past now. Ikaw…” humaplos siya sa pisngi ko. “Ikaw ang ngayon ko at ang hinaharap.”
“Will you not forget me? Like the telenovelas?” I joked and he nodded.
“My mind might forget you but this heart won’t.” he reached for my hand and placed it on his chest. “Si Angelo ay kay Philie lang.”
“And Philie’s for Angelo only. So, don’t get jealous about Jon, okay?” inabot ko ang batok niya.
“I’ll try,” I glared at him kaya suminghap na at tumango. “Okay, okay. I won’t. But promise me to stop being paranoid. It’s you I love, Philie. Not anyone else but you.”
“Hmm?” I hummed and he nodded.
“Sa ‘yo lang ako uuwi.” When I heard it from his lips again, I am the verge of crying. Saglit kaming nagkatitigan sa dilim ng gabi, sa ilalim ng maliwanag na mga bituin at nakita ko ang mga emosyon sa mga mata niyang ako lang ang nakakakita.
“Philomena ko?” he called.
“Yes, Gelo ko?” I smiled sweetly and he sighed, kissed my forehead and I was shocked when he left. Pinagmasdan ko siyang may hinahalukay sa side table niya at pagbalik niya ay inaayos niya ang paper clip.
“Gelo?”
“Wait, babe.” He said, tinanggal ang orihinal na porma ng paper clip at ginagawang pabilog.
“Angelo? What are you doing?” natatawa ko pang tanong at bumuntonghininga siya, inaangat ang ihinugis na paper clip at ipinakita sa akin.
“I know it was so sudden to ask,” he said and my heart started thumping. “The real one’s still overseas, hindi pa tapos sa pinapagawan ko. I was even planning a grand one with your Nanay and Tatay but I’m an impatient man, you know that. I can’t wait.”
“G-Gelo…” nasapo ko na ang labi ko nang basta na lang niyang iniluhod ang isang tuhod sa lapag at inabot ang kamay ko.
“I have a lot of expectation to make this one perfect and memorable but I realized it doesn’t matter. Wherever it is, whenever it is…if it’s you I’ll ask, it will be perfect.”
“O-oh my God…” napapaypay ako sa mukha sa gulat. “’Di ako prepared! Wala man lang akong make-up, Gelo!”
“Me either,” he smiled shyly. “Damn, I prepared an event but fuck it, I’ll still do this anyway.”
“A-Angelo naman…nakakaloka ka!” kagat-kagat ko ang labi habang sinasabi iyon and he smiled at me despite looking nervous, offering me the paper clip he shaped like a ring.
“Philomena Dianne Suarez, babe. Let me come home to you, legally now. Please…marry me?” he asked and my tears fell continuously, nodding at him.
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