Chapter 52
Grey's POV
My heart was beating fast and loud when we entered his condominium building. I could feel my hand trembling as I saw how serious and mad Code was. When we entered the lift, I could only hear Code's deep breath and the little beating sound of my heart.
For some reason, seeing him this mad scares me. I've never seen him mad. Not even once. Serious, yes. But mad? I don't remember any time I saw him mad at anyone or me.
Just this time. I'm only seeing it this time, and I don't know what to do.
He slammed the door shut when we reached his unit. I immediately walked towards the sofa, sat down, and hugged myself.
Code threw his phone and keys on the sofa beside me, which made me jolt a bit.
"Bakit ganiyan ang hitsura mo?" Kinilabutan ako sa lalim ng boses at tono ng pananalita niya.
Mula sa sahig ay gumapang ang tingin ko papunta sa kaniya, "N-Natatakot ako—"
"Kanino? Sa'kin? O sa kanila?" Matigas niyang tanong.
Napalunok ako ng laway bago muling nagbaba ng tingin, "Sa'yo."
Narinig ko itong suminghal. Mula sa gilid ng mata ko ay nakita ko itong nagpameywang bago naglayo ng tingin.
Maya-maya ay humakbang ito palapit sa akin bago lumuhod sa harap ko.
He held both my arms, "I'm sorry. I was just... really upset and furious about what happened. But... don't be scared. Hindi ko sa'yo ilalabas ang galit ko." He said softly despite the depth of his voice.
He gave my shoulders a slight squeeze. "Tell me, Grey. Ilan pangungutya ang narinig mo kanina? Ilan silang sinabihan ka ng kung anu-ano?" Seryoso niyang tanong. May halong pamimilit sa boses niya subalit bakas sa mukha niya ang pag-aalala.
My lips parted, I took a deep breath before slowly shaking my head, "Ano... yung tatlong tatay sa banyo ng lalaki. Narinig ko silang... pinag-uusapan ako." Pagke-kwento ko.
Kumunot ang noo niya bago tumango, "What did they say?" he asked firmly.
I swallowed a lump in my throat, "They..." I lowered my head, "They said I was only after your money and... I probably hook up with any man as long as they pay me." I added, a tear forming in my eyes while my throat felt like it was closing.
His grip on my arm tightened, "Ano pa?" May panggigigil sa boses niya.
Umiling ako bago suminghot, "Wala na—"
"Ano pa, Grey?" Putol niya sa akin.
Umiling ako, kumawala ang isang hikbi sa labi ko bago umagos ang luha sa pisnge ko. "Wala na, Code. Please, let's not... talk about this anymore. Ayaw ko nang pag-usapan." Sumumsob ako sa dibdib niya bago sunod-sunod ang paghikbi ko.
Nagulat ako nang bigla niya akong ilayo sa kaniya. Nagparte ang labi ko at gulat siyang tiningnan bago niya pinunasan ang luha sa pisnge ko.
"I know, Grey, I know. Masakit pakinggan at isipin yung mga sinabi nila pero... I need to know more. Magsasampa tayo ng kaso—"
"Code," Sunod-sunod ang pag-iling ko. "'Wag na, please. Wala lang yun, 'wag mo nang palakihin yung gulo, Code, please!" Pagmamaka-awa ko sa kaniya.
Kumunot ang noo niya bago utay-utay lumuwag ang kapit sa braso ko. "Hindi ko pinapalaki yung gulo, gusto ko lang na magbayad sila sa ginawa nila." sagot niya at agad akong umiling.
"Okay lang. Okay na, hindi ko naman ininda yung nangyari. Wala lang yun, normal lang yun—"
"Pero hindi yun tama, Grey! Ano ba?! Bakit ayaw mong i-reklamo ko sila—"
"Dahil natatakot ako! Okay?! Natatakot ako!!" sigaw ko sa kaniya. Pakiramdam ko'y napunit ang lalamunan ko sa lakas ng pagkakasigaw ko sa kaniya.
Sunod-sunod kumawala ang hikbi ko habang siya itong gulat akong pinagmamasdan.
"Grey," he faintly called. "What are you scared of? You don't have to be scared. I'm here, I'm here with you. I'll protect you," he softly said, but I slowly shook my head.
"Hindi, Code. Hayaan nalang natin." sagot ko at bumuntong-hininga siya. "Pero saan ka natatakot? Magsabi ka sa akin ng totoo." Pagsusumamo niya.
Lumunok akong laway bago bumunot ng isang buntong-hininga, "Natatakot ako na... na baka mas lalo lang sumama ang tingin nila sa atin. Sapat nang masama tayo sa paningin nila dahil bakla tayo. Kung magde-demanda ka pa o magrereklamo, mas lalo lang nila tayong kasusuklaman. 'Wag na natin gatungan. Hayaan nalang natin sila." Paliwanag ko rito.
Ilang segundo niya ako pinagmasdan. Malalim ang tingin sa akin habang hawak-hawak ang dalawang kamay ko.
He licked his lower lip, "So you're telling me that... if it were to happen to... a straight couple... it's fine to file a lawsuit or even a complaint?" he asked, and my lips parted.
I don't know if he's getting where I'm coming from. But I understand what he meant, and that's exactly what I'm thinking of.
He scoffed, "Grey, not because we're gay, we don't deserve to be treated right. Not because we're not like everyone else, we don't deserve to receive any respect. Tao tayo Grey, tao pa rin tayo at dapat nire-respeto tayo kahit anong kasarian natin! Hindi porket bakla tayo, ituturing na nila tayo bilang hayop! Bakla o hindi, hindi dapat tayo binabastos!"
Nanginig ang mga labi niya. Nakita ko kung paano bumalo ang luha sa mata niya hanggang sa utay-utay itong umagos sa pisnge niya.
Kumawala ang isang hikbi sa labi niya, agad kong binawi ang kamay ko mula sa kaniya bago siya hinigit sa isang mahigpit na yakap.
"I want to keep you safe. I want to protect you from anything. I won't let anyone hurt you. Hangga't andito ako, hindi ka mapapahamak. Hindi ko sinayang ang walong taon ng buhay ko na wala ka sa piling ko para lang bastusin ka ng ibang tao sa harap ko mismo." Humahagulgol niyang turan sa balikat ko.
Sunod-sunod na rin umagos ang mga luha sa pisnge ko na agad ko rin pinahid. Humigpit ang kapit niya sa balikat ko sa puntong nahigit na niya ako pababa mula sa sofa. Nang bumagsak ang mga tuhod ko sa sahig ay mas lalo niyang ibinaon ang muka sa balikat ko. Naramdaman kong kinuyom niya ang kamay niya na hawak-hawak ang damit ko na nagusot pa.
After a few minutes of crying in the living room. Code forced himself to calm down and explained to me what would happen. He told me the details about the complaint he'll file, and he promised I won't have to face anyone from those people again unless they're ready to apologize. He promised me he'll take care of everything and make sure they'll pay or at least apologize to us.
I didn't understand much of what he said. Though I kept listening attentively to what he's saying, it's I just don't seem to understand any of it.
I sometimes forgot he actually spent more than 10 years pursuing law, and he's actually a lawyer. His bubbly and childish personality overpowers his profession, so I forget he's actually a grown man and not the college guy I used to bicker with.
The next thing I knew, he was taking me to Chiara's school, and the three men and two women apologized to us. One father even begged Code to keep their deal, which Code never mentioned to me.
A few days after that, it was Chiara's recognition day at their school. On the same day, Code told me he would transfer Chiara to a different school. Somewhere, he knows our daughter would be safer and have a healthier environment.
One night during the last few days of March, Code brought us to a fancy restaurant. I didn't know what occasion it was today, but I just dressed up nice, just like he told me to.
"What's the occasion?" I whispered to Chiara. I've been asking Code the same thing over and over again, but he would only smile at me.
When food came, I wasn't paying much attention, but suddenly, a cake came with a candle on top. The musicians started playing the 'Happy Birthday' song. At first, for about two seconds, I got confused since I know it's not my birthday and not Chiara's too.
Then it hit me. Shit, it's Code's birthday!!!
My eyes grew wide. My head shifted at Code's direction, who was clapping his hands together with his daughter. He then turned his head to look at me before smiling. He looked back at the musicians while my mouth hung open.
Soon after, he blew his candle out, and the people in the restaurant cheered and clapped their hands.
"Happy Birthday, Daddy!!" Chiara threw herself into her father as Code wrapped his arms around his daughter.
Code stood up, Chiara in his arms, as he spun his daughter around.
"Thank you, sweetie. You're the best gift ever that came into my life!" he said before kissing his daughter on the cheek.
They sat back down, he gently placed his daughter in her seat, before he leaned towards me.
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, "And you're the best thing that came into my life, too. Mas nauna pa kay Chiara." Bulong niya sa tenga ko na medyo ikinakiliti ko pa.
I tried to keep a smile and be happy for him for the night. But the guilt was eating me up. We've been together for more than a month now, and I don't even know his birthday. I didn't even get to prepare him a gift or even a small greeting.
I'm such a terrible boyfriend!
I didn't want to ruin his night just because I feel bad for not knowing his birthday. So I would laugh and joke with them throughout the whole dinner.
After eating, Code bid me goodbye as he thought I would be driving back straight to my unit. But I told him I'll accompany them until they reach their house.
He invited me inside, offered me a tea or coffee, but I declined.
I brushed my palms against each other, "I'm sorry," I finally said. I've been holding it since the moment I found out it's his birthday today.
A smile grew on his lips before he slowly walked towards me, "I know you feel bad that you don't know. But I really kept a secret from you. I wanted to surprise you," he replied, and my brows furrowed.
"Pero ikaw ang may birthday. Bakit ako ang gusto mo i-surprise? Ako dapat ang naghanda para sa'yo. Kahit regalo nga o batiin ka hindi ko pa nagagawa." Napanguso ako,
Bumagsak ang balikat ko, "Happy birthday, Code," I faintly said.
He smiled before sealing the distance between us and wrapping his arms around me. "Thank you, Grey. I know you're busy at work, so I didn't bother telling you because I know you'll be preparing something if you find out. You already have too much on your plate, ayoko nang dumagdag sa problema mo—"
Agad akong lumayo sa kaniya bago umiling, "Anong dadagdag sa problema ko? Ikaw ang pahinga ko, Code. Kayo ni Chiara." sagot ko rito at bigla siyang ngumuso bago bumagsak ang balikat.
"Pwedeng ako muna? 'Wag mo muna isama si Chiara. Nagseselos ako, eh." ani niya na ikinatawa ko nang pagak.
Talagang pinagselosan pa yung anak niya.
Tumango ako, "Okay, ikaw ang pahinga ko. Kaya 'wag mong isipin na dadagdag ka sa problema ko." Inabot ko ang pisnge niya at marahan iyong hinimas. "Na-alala mo yung sinabi ko sa'yo? Hindi lang ikaw ang lalaki sa relasyon natin. Hindi ikaw ang kailangan na maghanda ng lahat. Hayaan mo rin akong pagsilbihan ka. Let me do the other stuffs too." I reminded him.
A small smile crept on his lips before he suddenly snorted.
May naisip nanaman 'tong kalokohan.
"Sige ha, ikaw ang magpromose sa ating dalawa. Ikaw ang lumuhod." ani niya bago humagalpak ng tawa.
Bumagsak ang balikat ko bago napa-irap. Sinasabi na nga ba. Kilala ko na ang tawa at ngisi niyang iyon.
"Baliw," Pabiro ko siyang hinampas sa dibdib. "Anong gusto mong regalo? Sa Linggo ko na maibibigay, para day-off ko." tanong ko at bigla ako nitong pinanliitan ng mata.
"Tinanong mo pa ako? Pero sa schedule na sinabi mo, parang alam mo na kung anong ibibigay mo, eh." sagot niya na ikinahagikhik ko. Ini-angkla ko ang magkabila kong kamay sa batok niya at bahagyang isinayaw ang mga katawan namin habang ang magkabila niyang palad ay nakapatong sa beywang ko.
"Yun ang gusto mo? Wala ng iba?" tanong niya at napangisi ito. Tumingin ito sa kamay niya, "Parang ang ganda ng singsing na may bato sa kamay ko 'no? Yung malaking diamond." Pagpaparinig niya at muli akong napa-irap.
"Sige, sa condo mo nalang tayo sa Sunday." ani ko na ikinahagikhik namin parehas.
Inihatid niya ako hanggang sa labas ng bahay niya at kumaway pa na parang bata habang nagmamaneho ako palayo.
Nang sumapit ang araw ng Linggo ay ibinalot ko muna sa isang gift box ang regalo ko kay Code bago siya kinita sa mall para magtanghalian sa mall at manood ng cine. Ginugol namin ang buong hapon sa mall para mag-celebrate at para maghindag na rin.
Nang dumating kami sa condo niya ng alas nuebe ng gabi ay saka ko ibinigay sa kaniya ang regalo ko.
Noong una ay akala niya'y siya ang magsusuot nito. Nakita ko pa ang bahagyang takot sa mata niya pero nang utay-utay kong tanggalin ang butones ng polo ko at isinuot iyon ay gumuhit ang gulat ngunit uhaw na ekspresyon sa mukha niya.
It was 4 AM when we finished with our little late celebration. The piece of clothing I gave him as a gift is now scattered on the floor, maybe ripped into three or four pieces.
My hole still feels like it's still filled with his dick while almost my whole skin organ is under pain from his constant hitting.
My neck, down to my chest, specially my mounds, are covered with hickeys that look concerning since they most likely look like bruises. My lips are also busted. There are marks on my wrist from Code's belt a while ago same goes with a little strangulation bruise on my neck.
It took us an hour in the shower, not because we went for another round but because I was having a hard time standing up and staying on my feet. In the end, Code brought in a monoblock chair inside the shower room and sat me down as he showered me.
We're already lying down on the bed when my phone beeped. At first, I didn't want to check who messaged me. I still have two hours before my shift, and I will use an hour to sleep while the other hour will be for preparing. But my phone keeps buzzing that Code picked it up. I heard him navigate it and pressed a few buttons before he handed it to me.
"Sino 'yan?" Nanghihina at paos kong tanong.
"Uhm," he cleared his throat, "It's... your dad," he said, and my brows furrowed. My eyes shot open before I sat down on the bed as if my asshole is not burning.
I opened the messages. At first Code, I thought was just fucking with me but Dad indeed messaged me.
From: Richard Chua
Are you free this afternoon?
From: Richard Chua
Or maybe dinner? Whatever's convenient to you, but we would like to speak with you with Mr. Villegas.
From: Richard Chua
And don't worry, I got you this time.
His last message sent shivers down my spine. Not in a bad way, but in a way I felt... relieved. The way I imagined his voice saying those words, the little boy in me who developed a father issue now feels safe and heard.
A smile immediately grew on my lips. I hold my phone with both my hands before typing a reply.
To: Richard Chua
It'll be much more convenient for me if it's dinner time since I have work at the hospital.
Dad immediately read my message,
From: Richard Chua
That's great. I'll settle everything, just tell me what time you will be able to come.
To: Richard Chua
Maybe around 8 PM since my shift ends at 7.
From: Richard Chua
Great
From: Richard Chua
By the way, why are you up so early?
To: Richard Chua
Actually ,I haven't slept yet. I'm at my man's place.
Richard Chua reacted to your message.
From: Richard Chua
Ah, that man? How are you two?
To: Richard Chua
We're boyfriends now. We made it official.
From: Richard Chua
That's great. Tell me about it later. You should get some sleep. See you later.
To: Richard Chua
See you later!
A big smile appears on my lips. I turned my face to look at Code, who raised both his brows at me.
"You seemed happy? Why?" he asked, a small smile printed on his lips.
I giggled, "Legal na tayo! Dad seems... chill about us. He seems okay that I'm gay. Si Mom nalang talaga." sagot ko bago niyakap ang hubog ng katawan niya at ini-unan ang ulo ko sa dibdib niya.
I was excited the whole day at the hospital. Even though my body is sore and I feel hot for wearing a turtle neck with long sleeves at work, I still feel happy. I'm even humming a song from time to time. Greeting everyone and smiling at everyone I would bump into.
When I got home after my shift, I immediately took a shower, applied my creams and moisturizer, slipped into another turtle and a coat before styling my hair and driving off to our house.
Dad, surprisingly, welcomed me first. He didn't hug me like Mom does, but he opened the door for me, gave me a smile, and a pat on the shoulder.
Mom came down next. She seems... distant but not mad. She welcomed me too, hugged me, but it does not feel the same as before.
"Fix your shirt, I could see your neck," Dad whispered at me as we were walking towards the dining room.
My cheeks heat up, I didn't say anything else, and I just fixed my shirt, just like he said. When we arrived at the dining room, I wasn't surprised to see Mr. Villegas, but I was surprised to see Xaitlin waving and smiling at me.
I was scared to have another fight and argument. But I'm holding onto Dad's words that he got me this time.
"So, Maurice, about the wedding you've been planning last time," Dad brought up while cutting his steak.
I lifted my head, and I met eyes with Xaitlin, who wears the same worried expression as I do.
Mr. Villegas hummed and wiped his lips with a napkin, "Yes, what about it? Have you made up your mind? Do we have a deal?" he asked, a smile printed on his lips that makes me want to throw my fork at him.
Dad chuckled, his eyes still focused on his steak. He lifted his fork, "No," he said before biting his steak.
I saw the shock in Mr. Villegas's face. Xaitlin wore the same expression, but hers screams more... relief.
Dad smiled, "Hindi ko ipipilit ang anak ko na magpakasal sa taong hindi niya gusto. And besides, my son loves someone else. Sino ako para diktahan siya kung sino ang pakakasalan niya?" Dad replied, an unfamiliar smile printed on his lips.
Was it... bragging? Arrogance? Confidence? I can't pinpoint the way he smiles, but one thing I'm sure of is that I like it.
They had an argument, Mr. Villegas shouted, got mad, and even crashed out while Dad remained seated on his chair, enjoying his steak.
"I'm calling my investment off! The project won't push through! I'm pulling out my business from you!!" Mr. Villegas shouted, standing up from his chair, grabbing his wife and daughter before storming out of the house.
Dad picked up his wine glass and took a sip of it. "Wow, this is really a good wine, Grace. Ang sarap. We should've got more," he said after drinking his wine.
Mom smiled and chuckled, "For the first time, you lost an investor." Mom said, laughing, before picking up her wine glass.
Dad smiled, giving his drink a slight shake, "What should I do? Choose him over Grey? Hell no." Dad said with a little attitude, which made me smile.
"Oh, wait, I prepared a dessert for Grey. I'll go get it." My eyes grew wide when Dad suddenly stood up from his chair and rushed towards the kitchen.
I was left there hanging. My lips parted, and I stared at Mom with my eyes blinking rapidly.
Mom chuckled, "Your Dad changed for you. He's... trying to make it up to you while he still can. I hope you won't take his efforts for granted and take this seriously." Mom softly said.
A smile grew on my lips before I nodded, "Of course I won't. All my life, this is what I prayed for. I waited and waited for this to happen. I'll enjoy every moment of this." I replied, and Mom nodded.
She reached for my hand, "But Grey," she gave it a slight squeeze. "If you want this to... last and... completely fix your relationship with your Dad, never ever mention Code to him. Not even a single word of 'Costa' or 'Code' should slip out of your mouth," she seriously said.
I was about to speak up and ask her why, but Dad came back with a large container in his hand full of a tiramisu cake.
Dad asked me about my relationship with Code. I had to cover up and just called him Ace so Dad won't hear his name 'Code'. He still seems to struggle to show and express his emotions, but I could tell he's trying and genuinely happy for me.
"But what's your plan? What's your... endgame?" he asked, and my lips parted.
A shaky laugh escaped my lips before taking a deep breath, "Marriage, if that's possible. We... we have friends who are both men and got married legally. And... if we can, we might fly to another country to get married in a church, then file for a marriage here in the Philippines too." I replied. I actually haven't talked about it with Code and just had it in my mind.
If I mention this to Code, I want to be sure and have at least a plan. I know Code, if I pitch it in, he might want it as soon as possible.
"That's great, let me know immediately so I can attend your wedding. Unless... you don't want me there?" he asked, and I shyly chuckled.
"I'll let you know, Dad. Don't worry." I replied before taking another bite of his tiramisu, which for me is too sweet, but still went for a 2nd slice since Dad seems so proud about it.
I told Code about what happened. I also told him that I was almost set up in an arranged marriage, which immediately ruined his mood. So I had to tell him right away that my Dad called it off, so he won't be sulking anymore.
I also told him how Dad has changed. How he tried to be better, which Code was so happy for. I also mentioned to him that Dad asked about our wedding, and I was right that he got excited about it.
"Parang ang ganda talaga ng malaking diamond ring sa kamay ko, 'no?" Pagpaparinig nanaman nito habang pinagmamasdan ang daliri niya.
Napatawa ako at itinapon ang sarili ko sa kaniya habang itinutulak palayo ang kamay niya.
"Alam mo... I should meet Tito. Based on how you described him, I feel like we would get along," he said, and suddenly, it hit me.
I stopped laughing, pulled away from his shoulder, which surprised him a bit. "Bakit?" Taka niyang tanong.
I held his hand. "You're a lawyer, right?" I asked, and he nodded. "As far as I remember, yes," he replied, confused.
"You've tried investigating something? Looking for clues? Evidence? Reading cases?" I asked, and he nodded again.
"From law school, yes," he replied again, still the same confused expression printed on his face.
I sat up straight on the sofa and clasped his hand together with mine. "Is there a way you could... see why my mother seems so... mad about you and your family? I mean... baka... baka may... alam ka? Or— Or, may makita ka sa bahay niyo— I don't know, clues? Evidence? Old business contracts? Anything?" I asked. I don't even know what I'm talking about right now. I know what I wanted to say, but I just cannot explain it.
Code stared at me for a few seconds, blinking his eyes as he seemed to be registering in his mind what I just said.
He slowly nods, "I-I could do that. May mga gamit si Dad sa bahay. I could maybe... check them," he replied, and a wide smile grew on my lips.
I immediately grabbed his cheek and planted an aggressive kiss, "You're the best talaga!" I smacked his cheek, "You're the best!" another smack, "You're the best!" and another.
"Aray! Aray! Tama na! T-Tama na! Yung panga ko, baka mabasag." ani niya na iknahagikhik ko bago siya niyapos nang mahigpit.
I didn't expect him to find anything immediately. I actually wanted to look for anything by myself, but my parents would pop out of nowhere in the house, even though they're always out of the country. I'm scared they might catch me looking through their old files. While Code can freely check his father's old stuff in his house since his father doesn't seem like coming back any day now.
I'm humming to a random melody at the nurse's station while writing on a patient's records when my phone buzzes. I put down my pen and reached for my pocket, still humming that Cocomelon song.
It's Code, I thought he was just checking up on me, and just calmly opened his message.
But my brows furrowed when I saw that he sent a picture.
From: Nicodemus Ace
I found this, which was strange.
Nicodemus Ace Costa sent a photo.
From: Nicodemus Ace
Why is there a picture of your Mom and my Dad in his college files? And it was taken three years before you were born?
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a/n: oooh— OOOOH
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