words.

And I hated it that even in this situation, my eyes traveled down his body, his
pecs, where drops of water
trickled down to his abdomen. Napakurap-kurap ako.
Nang humakbang siya palapit ay nanigas ako. As if his presence wasn't enough. As if
his presence here didn't
suffocate me. He squatted in front of me. Just inches away frommy legs. Hawak ang
mga hawakan ng upuang
rattan habang nilelebel ang aming mga mata. Like a grown man talking to a kid.
I began to remember how I loathe himof course. And I don't know why, even if I did
loathe him, I couldn't
help but watch his weighing expression. The fluidness of his movement when he
reached for the robe. When
he put it on my back without slipping both my arms in its holes... but instead he
tied the belt.
"You'll get colds fromthis," he said.
"I don't care," my voice is icy.
Huminga siya ng malalimat tiningnan ako, punong-puno ng kuryusidad ang mga mata.
"So what if I bed Vanessa on that boat?" his brow shot up.
Rage filled me again like a demon to its posession.
"See?" my voice shook. "You had that plan!"
"Fuck!" He closed his eyes as if trying to decipher some things.
"You manwhore! And all this time you have been screwing other girls? While your
girlfriend is Vanessa?!"
sigaw ko.
"She's not my girlfriend," he said.
"You liar! She is!" I said rejecting his words. "You're a manwhore! And all this
time, Daddy prefers you
over me?"
Natigil ako nang hinawakan niya ang aking tuhod. My bare knee almost jerked at his
warmtouch. His
calloused hand trying to rest on the softness of my skin. The difference is very
evident and I know he can feel
it. His roughness and ruthlessness over my softness and vulnerability.
"What is it that is really upsetting you, Eury? Please, tell me."
Nangilid ang luha sa aking mga mata. The way he pleaded in front of me tug strings
I didn't know existed. But
P 10-5
then my anger just couldn't subside. Here is the man who's practically stolen my
role as my parent's child,
that should be what's upsetting me. But then...
"Sinungaling ka!" I cried hurting his shoulders, trying to push himaway.
He bit his lower lip. His eyes looked strained and very tired. Maybe tired of
thinking about me. Tired of me,
entirely.
"Vanessa is not my girlfriend," ulit niya na tila naalu ako noon.
But then, I realized, it did feel me better.
"Sinungaling!" ulit ko.
Hinaplos niya ang aking tuhod patungo sa likod niyon. I shivered at the feel of his
rough hands on my soft and
delicate skin. I shiver at consoling strokes.
"Bakit? 'Di mo na siya girlfriend? Dahil may girlfriend ka nang iba? Sino? Iyong ka
teammo? Iyong tutor ko?
Sino?!" I hurled.
He did not even flinch. All he did was stare up at me with so much pain in his
eyes. And I don't need the
pain. The pity. Whatsoever. I need the answer.
He shook his head. Trying to control the thin line of his mouth until he sighed and
couldn't.
"I won't have a girlfriend," he said.
Pinalis ko ang mga luhang bumagsak sa aking pisngi kanina. My head poisoned with
ill thoughts about him.
That he is bluffing. That he is doing this to win my sympathy. And winning my
sympathy will mean that there
will be no thorns in his plan.
"Shower and change your clothes. Para hindi ka sipunin," anito bago tumayo.
I know, because I have heard it that night. I have heard himtalk to the husband of
the owner of the mansion.
And I wish I know more... I wish I have known so much more before I've decided.
"Nagkausap kami ni Architect Saniel. Mukhang interesado talaga siyang ikaw ang
gawing head, kung sakali,
ng kanyang Architectural firm. Hindi ba iyan ang pangarap mo?" the man asked.
Nasa barandilya ako. Bababa sana para uminomng tubig nang narinig ang usapan ng
dalawa, madaling araw
na noon.
"Opo, Kapitan. Akala ko noon, mahirap abutin," Vincent said in a low drawl.
"Hindi iyan mahirap, Vincent. Coninue what you're doing. Architect Saniel trusts
you. He will realize that
you deserve it."
"Pero..."
P 10-6
I didn't need to hear the rest of it. I scrambled on my feet and went back to my
room. Confused thoughts didn't
let me sleep. As if I don't have enough confusions to carry.
Tumunog muli ang windchimes. The probably two or three months Vincent has spent
with our family was
probably the hell of his life. I know that now that I'mjust reminiscing it. Alamko
na ngayon.
Noon, limitado ang pananaw ko. I wanted my parent's love so much that I no longer
seek for anything other
than that. I turned blindly at other things. I wanted themto love me the way I
amand not the way they want. I
want themto love Eury, who could actually pursue Architecture, but wanted to choose
the easy life instead. I
want themto love me for all my flaws. I want them. I want my parents. I want my
family to. Not other people.
"Ate Ganda, are you crying?" The boy asked tugging my shirt.
I smiled weakly at him. It was the fear of being loved only on my best. My fear of
disappointing people after
the applause streaks that made my head so haywired. It was that.
"No," I said at the boy.
"Sabi ni Mommy, wala ka rawng ma-i-stayhan? Dito ka na lang? Sa kwarto ko?" he said
in puppy eyes.
Tama si Wanda. Ang kapal ng mukha kong manghingi ng tulong dito. Kay Vincent. Ang
kapal kapal ng mukha
kong mag request, magmando, at manggamit. Ang kapal ng mukha ko.
If only the wind has blown me to a different direction. But then I should be
grateful, right? That I was blown
in the direction where I could be safe. But people didn't mind much about my
safety.
"I'msorry, Milo, but I don't want to bother anyone. I will find a hotel," sabi ko.
"Huh? Sa The Coast, po?" tanong ni Milo.
I wonder how, though? I don't have any means to pay for it. I couldn't contact my
manager because I have no
phone. And it will be, again, a big slap if I have to borrow fromanyone in this
house. This is Vincent's
house. And I don't have any right where Vincent is concerned.
One of the Engineers turned the television on. Ang isa'y naupo sa sofa malapit
doon. Nilingon ko iyon, sa 'di
kalayuan. Milo is still looking at me intently with his puppy eyes. I gave himan
assuring smile even when I
couldn't even assure myself.
I wonder if there is news on the Television. Maybe some witnesses? O may hindi
nakatiis sa grupo nila?
Maybe the stylist? Or the other photographers? Or maybe the hotel? I don't know.
Iyon ang hinahanap ko ngunit iba ang ibinalita sa TV. Para akong nakitilan ng
hininga nang nakita ang isang
picture habang ibinabalita sa isang showbizcolumn.
It is a picture of me and Zander holding hands. Naka slideshow iyon, iba-iba. Those
pictures were private
and frommy phone! Damn it!
"Si Eury 'yan, 'di ba?" an Engineer noted.
P 10-7
Their heads turn to where I was standing and they all turned white when they
realized I'mwatching the news.
Umamba si Rod na papatayin ang TV ngunit suminghot ako at nagsalita.
"I want to see it. Please, don't turn it off."
The remote control is in mid-air, itinututok na sa TV pero hindi pinatay.
"Netizens are raging at the photos of Zander Mendez, and the model, internet
sensation, Astra member, Eury
Saniel. Zander is rumored to have an on and off screen relationship with his love
teamBlair Francisco. Alin
kaya ang totoo sa dalawa? Or maybe, there is a third party involved."
My heart ached at the problems piling up before me. I licked my lips and tried to
calmdown though. I stared
blankly at the TV as the screen flashed the Social media comments about it.
"Of course, si Eury ang kabit. God! I always know she's a slut!"
"Blair is probably upset now. I hopw Zander clears everything."
"Hindi pa nga sikat si Eury, kapal na ng mukha."
"Eury looks like a witch who can allure any man."
"She is like a bitch in heat. Lahat ng lalaki ay nagmamagnet sa kanya."
I couldn't cry more. I have cried reminiscing but now that the problems here in
front of me is too much, I
couldn't cry hard enough. Nanatili akong nakatayo, namamanhid, kinakalma ang
sarili. Nanatili akong
nakatingin sa telebisyon hanggang sa natapos ang segment at wala ni isang report
tungkol sa pagkawala ko, o
sa kung nasaan sina Hubert sa oras na ito. Not that they are showbizenough to be
put to news but if they
reported what happened to me, they could've made it to the TV.
The roomfell silent as the television muted. Hindi ko namalayang si Cassandra man
ay nasa likod ng sofa,
natanaw ang balita tungkol sa akin kanina.
Yumuko ako at taas noo na lumapit sa mga sofa, sa kung nasaan sila. And to my
surprise, on the stairs, there
stood Vincent and his massive and demanding frame. His t-shirt fitted perfectly at
himand his pants revealed
how properly sculpted his thighs were.
He probably see me as that same girl. The needy one who was always rude and mean.
Well, to be frank, only
to him. I was not rude to anyone other than himand his girls. Now, I know why.
He tilted his head a bit, giving me half view of his hard jaw. The faint stubble on
his face only added his
musculinity. He had always been manly that only a few men of this age dared to be.
Too rough and ruthless
that I always thought he'd hurt me once he gets close. Kaya naman lagi akong naka
depensa. Lagi akong
masama. Dahil natatakot ako sa kanya. His presence intimidates me so much that I
didn't know it was
possible. I have never been intimidated by the man my whole life. Now I realized,
even Zander, with all his
influence, did not intimidate me a bit.
Maybe, it is the power of beauty. Maybe, it is that pass that could get people to
be nicer to me. Its pros that
can help me pave my own way to wherever I was going. It was that that made me too
confident to be
P 10-8
intimidated.
"Can I walk here to the nearest hotel? The Coast?" tanong ko, hindi alamkung para
kanino.
"Yes, you may," Cassandra said. Si Milo ay nasa kanyang tabi na.
"Ate Ganda, don't leave. May kwarto ako," Milo said.
"Milo, baby, Ate and Mommy is talking." Then Cassandra's eyes lifted to me. "You
can walk by the shore."
"Saan ka kukuha ng pera?" Rod asked a bit shaken.
"I'll use their phone to call my manager. Fromthere, I will try to find a way to
pay the bill."
I scanned their faces. Pero sa totoo lang, isang reaksyon lang ang gusto kong
makita. His cold expression did
not budge at my statement. Not that I expect himto. He's offered me a place to stay
and I assume that's
because somehow, my father helped hima great deal. He can't say no lalo na dahil
ilang araw lang naman.
But I amnot the kid I was before. I amnot going to suck every ounce of energy
frompeople and use it to my
advantage.
"I apologize for the trouble. Thanks for the short stay."
Napabaling si Cassandra sa kay Vincent na ngayon ay nanatiling nakatingin at
nagmamasid sa akin. Yumuko
ako at napalunok.
"The Coast is a five star hotel. Hindi iyon basta-basta magpapapasok nang 'di pa
binabayaran," Vincent said
in a hard tone.
"I will phone my manager."
"Which you think your manager will give you the money immediately? That will take
days and where will
you be sleeping tonight?"
Hindi ako nakapagsalita. His eyes is cold and withdrawn, with a hint of fury or
another similar expression.
"You are staying in my house for the day," his voice thundered with finality.
"But-"
"I amnot asking you, Eury. That isn't a question."
Naitikomko ang bibig ko sa sinabi niya. Though I think he's right on some parts but
I can find a way if I
would. I can go out of here and convince anyone to shelter me in a hotel but... I
just wonder. AmI going to be
safe?
TATALON NASI MAXIMO! Eto lang ang story ang tagal ko makaalis sa mgachaptersewan ko
ba haha. So iskip this part na. Hindi ko
kaya.
P 10-9
Kabanata 9
333K 15.8K 11K
by jonaxx
Kabanata 9
Safe
I silently thought about the way my life is in tangle now. Gamit ang aking mga paa
ay naghukay ako sa
buhangin, wala sa sariling nililibang ang sarili sa tabing dagat.
The sun is setting and I have not heard frommy manager. Even a bit.
Vincent is still right. Kung umalis ako kanina at nagpunta sa isang hotel, hindi ko
rin mababayaran ang
kwarto. Kung bakit inabot ng ganito ka tagal si Tita na tumawag pabalik, knowing my
problems, I don't
understand.
I froze when I saw a group of men and some kids coming my way. May dalang mga
balde-baldeng isda ang
mga ito. The kids were playing paper planes. Tawanan at hiyawan sa kanila kahit na
mahirap ang trabaho.
Tila isang normal na araw, ngunit para sa akin, hindi.
"Nakarami tayo ngayon," a man said.
"Yehey ang taas ng lipad noong sa akin!" the boy in probably nine or ten rejoiced.
Ang isang papel na eroplano ang naglanding sa paanan ko. Nilingon ko muli ang grupo
at nakitang nakatingin
sa akin ang isang batang babae. Siguro'y nasa siyamo sampu rin ang edad nito.
Pinulot ko ang eroplanong papel at nilahad sa kanya. The young girl's brows
furrowed as she looks at me
with great intent. I smiled at her to give her an assurance.
Nagulat ako nang tumakbo siya patungo sa akin. Her expression suddenly changed.
Galing sa pagtataka ay
unti-unti itong naging galit. Before I could react, she kicked my knee twice. She
fisted and started pounding
on my stomach.
"Si Kuya Zander ay para kay Ate Blair lang! Ugh!"
"Tama na, Anna!" ang batang lalaki ang umawat sa batang babae.
When one of the fisherman saw what happened, padarag nitong nabitiwan ang balde ng
isa. Sa buhangin ay
nahulog ang mga isda habang ang lalaki'y tumakbo patungo sa dalawang batang nasa
harap ko.
I shielded myself using my hands. I tried to block the girl's punches because they
boy did not have enough
momentumto stop here.
"Tama na, Anna!" ang mangingisda.
Inangat niya ang naghihisteryang bata. Naangat ang damit nito pataas habang
nagpupumiglas.
P 11-1
"Anak, tama na!" pagalit nang awat ng lalaki ngayon.
Nilingon ako ng lalaki. He smiled apologetically at me.
Hindi ko alamna ganoon ka grabe ang dulot ng balitang iyon sa mga tao. I imagine
people violently
commenting on social media accounts but not this. I imagine their rage for their
favorite teambut not as far as
inflicting physical pain.
"Pasensya na." Tumagilid ang ulo niya. "May kamukha ka kasi. O ikaw ba iyon, Miss?
Idol kasi ng anak ko si
Blair at..."
Nanliit ang mga mata ng lalaki. The boy is intently looking at me as well.
"Ate, ikaw ba iyong sa Astra?" he asked.
Ngumiti lamang ako at nag-angat ng tingin sa mangingisda.
My fresh wounds fromwhat happened is not yet healed. Ang pasa na dulot ng
pagkakabagok ko kung saan
saan ay naroon pa. Kung wala ang mga ito, siguro'y hindi naman ganoon kasakit ang
tama ng ginawa noong
bata.
"Ayos lang po," I said changing the topic.
The man's eyes went behind me. Before I could react, narinig ko na ang nagsalita.
"Anong nangyayari rito, Mang Emil?" Vincent's commanding voice echoed.
"Ah. Vincent, pasensya na. May bisita ka kasing kamukha ng artista at itong anak
ko'y nagwawala."
"Bitiwan mo ako, tay!" sigaw noong batang babae na nanatili sa mga balikat ng
kanyang ama.
"Si Anna ba?" Vincent asked.
"Kuya Vince!" tawag noong batang babae. "Ayaw ko sa kanya! Bakit siya nandiyan?"
For a fleeting moment, I got reminded of myself. Of how hysterical I was way back.
Of how naive I was in
thinking that my actions don't really affect other people. My naivete is to the
moon and I always blame my
lack of love. Pero sa huli, napagtanto kong hindi iyon. It is my choices that make
me, not other people's
choices.
If my parents chose a life like that for me, it is normal to feel and act with its
ripples, but it is brave to brace
it and overcome it.
"Bakit Anna?" tanong ni Vince sa isang banayad nginit may diing boses.
"Girlfriend daw si ni Kuya Zander, 'di ba? Idol na idol ko 'yon! Dapat sila ni Ate
Blair-"
"Hindi naman totoo iyon," Vincent said like it is so natural.
P 11-2
Tumawa ang mangingisda. Nanatili naman ang mga mata ng dalawang bata kay Vincent.
The boys eyes
looked curious. The girl's eyes looked a bit shocked.
"Girlfriend ko siya, Anna. Kaya paano niya magiging boyfriend ang idol mo?"
"T-Talaga?" the girl looked at me.
Unti-unting nawala ang galit sa mga mata nito. Inayos niya ang buhok na sumabog sa
mukha. Basa ang dulo
dahil sa mga luha kanina.
Of course, this is not the time to protest on that. Of course, this is not the time
to say the truth. And I'msure
Vince is only doing this to calmthe girl.
Tumawa ang mangingisda. Inalu ang anak at bumaling sa akin. He gave Vince a nod of
approval before
finally looking at his daughter.
"Tingnan mo, anak. Nagkamali ka pa tuloy. Manghingi ka ng sorry kay Ate."
Binaba ng tatay ang kanyang anak. Nang nailapag ito sa buhangin ay kinukusot pa
nito ang mga mata. She
looked at me with one innocent eye.
Kahit na hindi naman totoo ang sinabi ni Vincent, kailangan kong sakyan iyon. Para
maibsan man lang ang
galit na nararamdaman ng bata. To save myself. And to save the child fromthe anger
that will eventually eat
her.
"Sorry po, Ate," sabi noong bata at nagtago na sa likod ng tatay nito.
Hilaw na humalakhak ang mangingisda. Binaba ang sumbrero at nilagay sa dibdib.
"Pasensya na, Miss... Vincent..."
Makahulugang tinanguan ng mangingisda si Vincent na nasa likod ko bago nagpaalamang
mga ito na babalik
na sa trabaho. Tiningnan ko sila habang naglalakad palayo. The young girl looked at
me with so much
curiosity bago binalik ang mga mata sa kung saan sila patungo.
I stayed silent until the men were far away and are resuming their laughs. Babaling
sana ako kay Vincent nang
bigla niyang hinablot ang aking palapulsuhan. For a moment, I remember how firmthe
way he handled me
years ago.
Ang kaba sa aking dibdib ay agad nagparamdam. I turned to himonly to be overpowered
by his masculinity.
Looking back, I realized that I was not really angry or hateful, I was scared.
Tiningnan niyang mabuti ang aking palapulsuhan. Kunot ang kanyang noo habang
tinitititigan ang naging
pasang linya ng baging. Binawi ko ang kamay ko ngunit pinigilan niya iyon. Imbes ay
inangat niya ang aking
palapulsuhan para mas lalong makita pa iyon.
"Vincent," tawag ko,
His angry eyes leveled. His jaw intensely clenched and is disturbingly looking
strong.
P 11-3
"Ano ba talaga ang nangyari sa'yo?" he asked in deep tone.
Nanatili ang tingin ko sa kanya. I was a young girl when we both first met. All my
decisions were on
impulse. Lahat ng ginawa ko'y makasarili. Sa ilang taon na lumipas, nagbago na
lahat ng pananaw ko.
But if I tell himnow what exactly happened, I don't think his view of me is any
different. I don't think he'll
realize that this time, I amreally telling the truth.
I was harrassed by four men. Almost raped if I did not run.
Nakakatawa. Nakakatawa dahil noon, umalis siya dahil inakusahan ko siya ng ganoon.
Even when I only
want to get rid of him. Even when I did not realize that that was way too far. That
my parents would take it
seriously. That my mother, who is known to be a Violence Against Women specialist
way back when he was
a lawyer, will not take it for granted. No matter how worthless I amfor them.
"I told you, the wind blew me here," sabi ko kay Vincent.
Binawi ko ang aking palapulsuhan sa kanya. Nakawala ito ngunit nanatili ang mga
mata niya sa akin. Umatras
ako, tila ba makakatulong iyon. Because I never liked the feeling when he's near.
Even before.
Nanliit ang mga mata niya. I can sense that he did not believe me at all. Kahit
kanina ko pa iyon sinabi.
"Bakit puno ka ng pasa, kung ganoon?"
"Fromthe boat ride. I don't know. I passed out the whole ride so..."
Hindi siya nagsalit. Ako ma'y nag-iwas na lamang ng tingin ngunit naalala ko ang
sinabi niya sa bata kanina. I
know that he knows those people pero may pakpak ang balita. Kung sinabi niya sa
bata, at narinig ng
matatanda, na siya ang boyfriend ko... it will spread.
"Iyong sinabi mo sa bata kanina, alamkong maganda ang intensyon mo roon, pero kapag
kumalat iyon, baka
mas lalo lang gumulo."
I glanced at himagain. His expression is like a predator ready to strike. His
muscles strained and his eyes
burning. Tila apoy na ayaw kong mapaso ay muling binaba ko ang tingin ko.
How time did fly and how, even when I can now be proud about something, I amstill
not confident in front of
him.
"Bakit? Totoo ba iyong balita? Is that boy your boyfriend?"
Kumunot ang noo ko.
"Hindi na importante iyon, Vincent."
"So he is, huh?"
Humakbang siya ng paikot sa akin. Like a predator looking at his prey. Napalunok
ako at sinundan ang bawat
apak ng kulay dark brown niyang boots. I pressed my lips in a hard line, trying not
to speak now that I find
P 11-4
himaggressive.
I know that his anger towards me is reasonable. Anyone not guilty of a legal
accusation, muntik nang
nadungisan ang pangalan, ay may karapatang magalit ng ganito. I cried for months
when I realized what I did.
I said sorry to my parents. Binawi ko iyong sinabi ko, agaran nang umalis si
Vincent sa firmni Daddy. And
immediately, when my father heard that I was lying, he has insulted me in the worst
possible way.
"Look, I know you're angry at me. Hanggang ngayon, Vince. And I know my apology is
not enough for you..."
Nasa likod ko na siya ngayon. Humakbang siya sa gilid at nilingon ko ang banda
roon. His every step is very
pronounced, like he's thinking deeply about something or about what I'mtalking
about.
"My mother did not pursue with the case, and I know you know that."
"And did it even help? Ang mga taong nakarinig noon, tingin mo nagbago ang pananaw
nila sa akin, Eury?"
Shit. I know that.
"But I said sorry, Vince! Sinabi ko, maging sa mga kasambahay namin na hindi iyon
totoo! I was a brat,
alright and they all know that it is my fault!" I know reasoning out is useless.
Kahit anong banda tingnan ang
ginawa ko, hindi iyon tama.
"My name will never be clean again because of you," may diin sa pagkakasabi niya.
"And your sorry will
never be enough."
Nangilid ang luha ko.
"Then what can I do?" hinarap ko siya.
He stopped moving. Nanatili ang mga mata niya sa akin, mercilessly looking at my
eyes without even
blinking. Mas lalong sumakit ang dibdib ko. Tumulo ang nagbabadyang luha na agad
kong pinalis. I don't
expect himto flinch just because I'mcrying. He has every right to be cruel. At
naiinis ako dahil alamko iyon.
"Tell the media that you broke up with your boyfriend. Tell your father that you're
marrying me."
Natigil ang luha ko sa sinabi niya. Tumuwid ako sa pagkakatayo.
Ang kulay kahel na langit ay mas lalong nagpatingkad sa golden brown niyang kulay.
His hair tousled by the
sea breeze. The ends of his hair on the back reached to his nape.
This is impossible. Just impossible.
Iniisip kong gusto niyang maangkin ang firmni Daddy ngunit sa pangalan niya ngayon,
I highly doubt that he'd
need anyone's help! He has achieve far more than what my Daddy has achieved. If he
wanted the firm, he
could've offered that to Ate Lyanna!
He is the country's number one architect with a notorious silent label of being
lady's man. No need to woo
women. His money, appeal, and name will attract woman like a moth to the lamp!
P 11-5
"Vincent," nanginig ang boses ko.
His eyes surveyed me for a moment. Bumuga siya ng hininga. He cocked his head to
another side, like he's
trying to figure me out.
Instantly, the reason for his offer registered to me. Alamko. Kapag ginawa ko ang
gusto niyang mangyari, he
will be cleared fromwhatever gossip there is about him. People who knew will
conclude that he never
forced me to do anything. Not that he really did anything to me.
"Hindi na natin pa kailangang umabot pa sa ganyan-"
My thoughts whirled around his offer. This is not simply an offer. This is revenge,
for sure. Kapag sinabi ko
sa media na kami at hindi si Zander, my relationship with Zander will suffer. And
while we're at it, I amvery
sure that his escapades with other women will never end. And that, I will be, in
the end a loser.
Kahit na alamkong iyon ang gusto niyang mangyari. He wants to drain me. He wants to
punish me fromall
the stupid things I did back when I was sixteen.
"Ang dali mong masabi 'yan, hindi ba? Dahil hindi naman ikaw ang may sirang
pangalan. I will never accept
your apology. It will never be enough."
Yumuko ako. Humakbang siya pabalik sa likod ko. Hindi ko siya sinundan ng tingin. I
amindeed, drained.
Ngayon pa lang, nagtatagumpay na siya.
"You have destroyed my name just so you can get rid of me! Kahit kailan, hindi ako
nagkaroon ng interes sa
negosyo ng Daddy mo. At kahit kailan..." his voice now soft and tender.
His rough hand carressed my soft cheek. Basa iyon sa mga luha at patuloy parin
akong lumuluha ngayon.
"Hinding-hindi kita pipilitin," mahinahon iyon ngunit puno ng insulto sa tono. "So
I don't know why you'd
deliriously tell people that I forced you to bed. I don't know why you think you
can tempt anyone with your
face and body."
Ngumuso ako habnag pumapatak ang aking mga luha. He wiped a tear with his thumb.
Hindi ko maiwas sa
kanya ang aking mukha.
Ganoon na ba talaga siya kasama? Alamkong may kasalanan ako pero kailangan ba ng
ganito para
mapatawad ako? Para malinis ang pangalan niya?
But then who amI to question what he needs? I amthe author of his struggle. I did
it to him. I have no right to
question however he wants to be paid for what I did.
Kung sana ay alamko noon pa. Kung sana ay matagal ko nang tinanggap iyon.
That my attraction towards himis confused with jealousy and anger. That I always
thought I'mangry at him
because he has my family's attention. Hindi pala... Galit ako sa kanya dahil hindi
niya ako makita bilang isang
babaeng may kapasidad sa buhay at sa emosyon. Ang tanging nakikita niya sa akin ay
ang pagiging batang
mahina. Wala nang iba.
P 11-6
"Fine!" wala sa sarili kong sinabi.
Hinarap ko siya. I can tell that he was a bit stunned by my sudden agreement. My
eyes burned at the sight of
him.
I don't want this a bit. I don't want his wrath. He's avoided this confrontation as
well that no matter how much
my father wanted to see him, he didn't let him. At ngayong kami na mismong dalawa
ang nagkita, sa akin niya
pinapasan ang problemang ibinigay ko sa kanya.
Kung ganoon, tatanggapin ko. Tatanggapin ko ang kung ano mang kasalanan ko.
He lifted his chin for a bit in a cocky way. Isang pamilyar na boses ng isang bata
ang narinig ko kung saan.
"Tito Vince! Tito Vince!" Milo called running towards us.
Pinalis ko ang luha sa aking mga mata para hindi makita ng bata. The boy is
bringing a large phone, na sa
pagkakaalamko'y kay Vincent. It is ringing, an unknown number is registered.
"Sabi ni Mommy, mukhang kay Ate Ganda 'yan!" si Milo.
Kinuha iyon ni Vincent. Tiningnan ng ilang sandali bago inilahad sa akin. I
snatched the phone immediately,
eager for a call frommy manager.
"Tita," I answered.
"Eury, where are you?" she sounded serious now. "I have news."
"Nasa... Nasa ano po..."
Tiningnan ko si Vincent para sa isasagot. He shifted to another side before
answering.
"Aklan," Vincent said coldly.
"Aklan," I echoed to the phone.
"Make your position known. Log in to your social media networks."
"P-Po? Bakit po?" medyo lito kong tanong.
"Hija, umuwi kagabi ang apat na kasama mo sa Romblon. They arrived here in Manila
past ten. Hubert's
grandpa called immediately for a meeting. He wants his grandson out of any charges
fromyour
disappearance o kung magpapakita ka man, dapat walang kinalaman si Hubert sa
nangyari sa'yo."
My heart ached. Kung alamba ng makasalanan na pinaparusahan sila, kailangan bang
tanggapin na lamang
iyon? To suffer in exchange of forgiveness? Is it really how it works? If it is,
then I would gladly take it.
"Now just one in the afternoon of today," nanginig ang boses ni Tita sa
pagpapatuloy. "Three of the boys
were found dead in Hubert's apartment. Throat slashed and..." napalunok si Tita sa
sinabi.
P 11-7
Ang kalabog sa puso ko ay mas lalong nadepina. My eyes widened in horror when I
realized what is
happening.
"... maraming saksak. Hubert is not found so everyone assumed that he's the
killer."
"W-What?"
"Yes, Eury. The authorities are still investigating. They are also searching for
him."
"Tatlong lalaki po?" tanong kong muli.
"Yes, exactly those who were part of your shoot. Iyong stylist, at ang dalawang
photographer, Eury."
Hindi ako nakapagsalita. Nanunuyo ang lalamunan sa takot.
"Ngayon, kaninang umaga, pinaputok na ang balita ninyo ni Zander. This is the
company's way of warning for
you, if ever you were alive. Hindi alamna ganito ang mangyayari ngayong hapon!"
I'msure I paled. Hinarap ako ni Vincent. The expanse of his broad shoulders is
blinding me of the old
mansion in front.
"What is it?" he said with brows furrowed.
Humugot ako ng malalimna hininga.
"I'msure media won't ask you anymore questions. Hindi lang dahil inipigilan iyon ng
President, ngunit dahil
na rin masyado silang nagulat sa nangyari kay Hubert!"
I still couldn't say anything. Humakbang palapit si Vincent sa akin, hindi alamkung
saan ako titingnan.
"Hija, are you still there?"
Kumurap-kurap ako.
"Contact your parents. I will send you another P.A. for your things. As for your
cards, pinoproseso ko pa
kaya pera ang ibibigay ko sa'yo. H'wag kang mag-alala, pinaghahanap si Hubert
ngayon ng mga awtoridad-"
"T-Tita, I-I'mscared. What if he'll come after me?"
Umigting ang panga ni Vincent, umaambang magsasalita ngunit hindi tinutuloy.
"He won't. He is now wanted b the authorities. Mahihirapan iyong harapin ka, Eury.
In the mean time, watch
the news and be safe. Are you staying in a hotel? I trust Zander will take care of
the issue between you.
Saang hotel ka ba, Eury?"
"I-I'mnot staying in a hotel, Tita."
"Then, where? Are you safe?"
P 11-8
AmI safe?
The wind blew my hair. The waves crashed on the shore as I lifted my eyes up to
meet Vincent's gaze. I
startled himwith the eye contact. Mas lalo siyang lumapit na tila gustong malaman
ang kahit ano sa
nangyayari sa akin.
"Yes."
5 minutes screaming for vince! Yeeeessss Yun oh
P 11-9
Kabanata 10
381K 16.7K 6.4K
by jonaxx
Kabanata 10
Anger
Nakatitig ako sa TV habang pinagmamasdan ang paulit-ulit ng pagkakabalita sa
nangyaring krimen sa
mismong apartment ni Hubert. Hindi maalis ang mga mata ko kahit na ang kilabot ko'y
hanggang buto.
Three dead bodies of the men who were with me in Romblon littered on the floor. And
dugo ay kung saansaan.
Found in the crime scene are grams of prohibited drugs. It is assumed that they
were all high fromit
when the incident happened.
"Ate Ganda, mag didinner na raw," Milo said.
My eyes are glued on the television, even after the reports. Kahit na commercial
break na ay nakatunganga
lamang ako roon.
Milo tugged the hemof my skirt. Nilingon ko ang bata. He cocked his head to another
side, without his usual
smile.
"Bakit, Ate?"
Umiling ako.
"Kakain na raw po, sabi ni Mommy." Nanatili siyang seryoso.
I suddenly realized that my expression must've been scary. I tried to smile, kahit
mahirap. All my insides are
turning. I couldn't stop thinking about their dead bodies on the floor.
Masama ang ginawa nila sa akin ngunit hindi sumagi sa utak ko na ganoon ang
mangyayari. All I want is to be
safe, not to avenge whatever they did to me.
Kasama si Milo ay pumanhik na ako sa kusina. Ang naroon ay si Cassandra lamang. Sa
malapad na lamesa ay
mahabang lamesa na kayang upuan ng marami, kami lamang ang naroon.
Cassandra must've seen my expression. She smiled, iginiya ako sa aking upuan.
"Nasa Library sila, abala para bukas. Lunes kasi at pupunta ulit sila sa site para
sa ginagawang proyekto,"
she said like answering my unvoiced question.
I nodded. Naupo si Milo sa harap ko. Umupo na rin ako roon habang si Cassandra ay
nag-aayos ng mga
kubyertos. Tahimik kami, tanging ang mga kubyertos lamang ang naririnig. And I know
Cassandra's eyes is on
me all this time.
P 12-1
"Ate Ganda, saan ka matutulog ngayong gabi?" tanong ni Milo habang kumakain kami.
Hindi ko masagot ang kanyang tanong. Nagkatinginan kami ni Cassandra. Her spoon is
caught mid-air
because of her son's question.
"Milo, Ate will sleep in Tito Vincent's room," malumanay na paintindi ni Cassandra
sa anak.
"Huh? Bakit? Pwede siyang matulog sa kwarto ko, Mommy. Ate Ganda, you can sleep in
my roominstead. I
will sleep beside Mommy if you don't want a boy beside you," he suggested.
Bahagya akong nagulat. Hinawakan ni Cassandra ang balikat ng anak. She smiled at me
apologetically and
whispered something to his son.
"She will be okay, Milo. Your Tito suggested that. It is okay."
Nilapag ko ang kutsara sa aking plato. Masarap ang luto ngunit tila wala akong
gana. The shocking news
about what's happening way back home is making me too preoccupied to even feel
hungry.
"Pasensya ka na," si Cassandra.
Umiling ako. "No, it's okay. Ako dapat ang magsorry. I know that my presence here
only stirred up old
memories."
Nanatili ang tipid na ngiti sa kanyang labi. Tila tinatanya ang mga sinasabi ko.
Iginala ko ang mga mata ko. Kanina nang una akong nakapasok sa dining area, hindi
ko masyadong nakuha
ang buong detalye ng mga muwebles at palamuting naroon. Kahit man sa sala o sa mga
pasilyo ng bahay ay
hindi ko rin nakuha. But now, after all the chaos in my mind, my eyes are just
suddenly glued on the paintings
on their walls.
"If only I have the means, I will not waste my time..." I continued as I started
looking at each of the paintings
above bago ko binalik kay Cassandra ang aking mga mata. "I'mreally sorry. Tomorrow,
baka mayroon na
akong pera at makakaalis na ako rito."
"Vincent and his teamwill be on the site tomorrow. Buong araw silang naroon. Kung
may plano kang umalis,
sana ay masabi mo sa kanya muna."
Sumagi sa isip ko ang napag-usapan namin ni Vince kanina sa dalampasigan. A man
like him, who is
accustomed to having girls the way he wants them, I doubt that he's serious with
his offer. the familiar beating
of my heart started. Napakurap-kurap ako.
"I will."
Unconsciously, my eyes went to the paintings again. In between those paintings is a
head of a deer. Sa kabila
ay ganoon din ngunit mas malaki iyon. Ngayon ay pati si Cassandra ay inangat na rin
ang tingin sa mga
paintings.
"I'msorry. I'mjust fascinated with the paintings above," paliwanag ko. "The woman
looks just like you and
the man looks like Vincent."
P 12-2
I squinted my eyes and saw a signature below the paintings. Hindi ko lubusang
makita dahil maliit pero may
isang malaking V na nauna sa pangalan nito. So... these are his ancestors?
"Kulot nga lang ang buhok ng magandang ginang sa taas, but her features looks just
like you," I said.
"She's my grandmother," sagot niya.
Tumango ako at uminomng tubig. Muling tiningnan ang mga lalaking nasa paintings.
One is on a horse,
topless, with black boots, and faded jeans. He maneuvered the horse for a seeming
drift. Malaki ang
katawan, gaya ng kay Vincent. He looks ruthless, ragged, and rough. His muscles are
strained while holding
on to the ropes. A familiar uneasiness filled my gut. Hindi ko alamkung bakit.
Isang buntong-hininga ang narinig ko galing kay Cassandra. She pointed at the top
most center, a man in his
gray hair and suit.
"That's my grandfather," aniya.
Muli ay itinuro ang iilan pang mga lalaking naroon. They all looked almost the
same. Parehong mga
matitipuno kahit na nakapormal. With the aura of rough and ruthless with a hint of
mystery. Even how the
brows were arched, they all looked ridiculously intriguing. Para bang may mali sa
tinitingnan nila at sila lang
ang may alamkaya may tinatago silang ngiti. Damn, I hate that kind of demeanor. I
have always been sure of
myself, even with the insecurities frommy family. But being watched with eyes like
that destroys my
confidence for whatever reason.
"These are his sons. And my father..."
Itinuro niya ang isang lalaking kamukhang-kamukha ni Vincent. He looked
ridiculously handsome and
ruthless, the same aura Vincent is giving out. Kaya naman napabaling ulit ako sa
lalaking nasa kabayo.
"That's Wanda."
One thing about their woman, they all looked classy and untouchable. They all
looked stiff. Tila ba walang
pwedeng makipagbiruan sa kanila dahil masyado silang pormal.
"Who's that on the horse?" hindi ko na napigilan.
"That's Vince."
Halos masamid ako sa iniinom. I slightly coughed bago tumango. Damn it! I seriously
have that... style, huh?
Tumuwid ako sa pagkakaupo.
"Tita Vince is so cool, Ate Ganda, right?" wika ni Milo.
Tumango ako para hindi mabigo ang bata.
"If you're wondering kung paano kami nagkahiwalay at kung paano siya naging ulila
sa murang edad, our
parents died after his birth. Umalis ang mga magulang ko sa lugar na ito at
ibinigay kami sa mga kakilala
lamang. I got a bit lost in my childhood years, pa iba-iba ang naging tirahan ko
kaya mas maging nahirap
P 12-3
akong hanapin." She smiled. "Now, we're back here trying to fix the mansion and the
land our parents and
ancestors owned."
Marami akong gustong itanong ngunit pakiramdamko'y wala akong karapatan na malaman
ang history ng
pamilya nila. I amnothing but an intruder to this seemingly old rich family. I know
because my father is an
Architect. This house is built probably a hundred years ago but the wood used were
that expensive to last
until now. At sino ang makakabili ng ganoong klaseng mga materyal? Ang mga
mayayaman lamang.
"I really thought he's an orphan. All this time, my father really believed that he
doesn't-"
"Technically, we're both orphans. Parehong patay na ang Mama at Papa noong bata pa
lang kami."
I nodded again.
Ilang sandali pang pahapyaw na usapan tungkol doon ay natapos na rin kaming kumain.
Wala silang
kasambahay at nakita kong si Wanda o siya lamang ang nagluluto at nagliligpit. Sa
mga pagkakataong ganito
na wala si Wanda, maaaring si Cassandra nga lang talaga ang gumagawa. Maaaring
tumutulong na lang din
ang mga kasama ni Vince.
"Let me do the dishes," I offered.
Nagtulungan kami ni Cassandra sa ginagawa. Pagkatapos noon ay niyaya niya na si
Milo na umakyat dahil
may titingnan yata sila sa computer. And now, I'mleft here all alone to think if I
should crawl to Vincent's
bed or what.
I turned the TV off. Wala nang balita tungkol sa mga insidenteng iyon. I know my
manager told me to log in to
my accounts but I don't want to bother Vince and ask for his gadgets.
Nilapitan ko ang library at narinig ko ang usapan nila sa loob. Teknikal ang usapin
ngunit nagtatawanan din
sa kalagitnaan. Naririnig ko ang tinig ni Vincent, in a low lazy drawl, deeper than
the other men's voice.
I stiffened beside the door of the library. Ngumuso ako at tiningnan ang aking mga
paa sa sahig. I curled my
toes when I realized something.
As a child, a teenager, I was never really mean to anyone. Even to the people who
disliked me. Sa isang tao
lang ako naging marahas at naging masyadong masama. I may lack labels for different
emotions in the past,
but right now, the experience has opened my eyes to the names.
I was not, never, jealous of him. I was attracted. I was scared. I made excuses for
that.
I heard the hardwood croak. Naramdaman kong may papalapit sa pintuan galing sa loob
at ang tawanan ay
biglang kumalma. Like a ghost, I started walking briskly past it and towards the
roomwhere I was lead just
this morning.
Pagkabukas ng pintuan sa library ay siyang pagsarado ko ng pinto sa kwarto ni
Vincent. I sighed and silently
cursed myself.
What the hell, Eury!? Your stalking skills is coming to surface again! That is just
gross! Damn it! And all this
time, I was so convinced that I have finally changed! That I cannot do those things
again! I cannot be that
P 12-4
impulsive!
Ang galing kong umintindi sa parents kong nagkulang sa atensyon sa akin. Ang galing
kong umintindi at
tumanggap ng insulto galing sa ibang tao. I amso good at handling my best for
everyone but I amcompletely
failing on this part of my life. The part where Vince is concerned. Which I thought
would never hit me again
but here I amnot.
Binagsak ko ang sarili ko sa kama niya. The scent of his sheets immediately filled
me and my head went
fuzzy. The aftershave, mint, and a mixture of fresh green leaves and morning dew
like his unique scent made
me a bit high. Pinikit ko ng mariin ang mga mata ko. Nagtatalo ang dalawang dati'y
magkasundo na parte sa
aking sarili.
Ayos lang, Eury. At least ngayon, hindi ka baliw. Hindi mo dinideny ang iniisip mo.
Hindi ayos 'yan, Eury! Umuwi ka na sa inyo! Mag-aantay ka nanaman ba na ma obsess
sa lalaking iyan?
"Damn it, Eury! Will you get a hold of yourse-"
In the middle of my mutterings, the door opened and Vincent's hawklike eyes
immediately found mine. At
dahil hindi naman ako nagpatay ng mga ilaw noong pumasok ako ay kitang-kita niya na
kinakausap ko ang
sarili ko ngayon!
Oh my God! Maybe he realized I'mcrazy? Aatras na siya sa offer niya na ganoon? O
may offer ba talaga na
ganoon? At bakit ba big deal na offer iyon para sa akin?
Tumikhimako at agad bumangon sa gulat. Nag indian seat sa kama niya at palihimna
kinuyomang kamao sa
iritasyon sa sarili.
"AmI going to... uh... sleep here?" tanong ko bilang pag-iiba sa usapan.
Wala naman kaming usapan pero imbes na isipin niyang nababaliw na nga ako, tinanong
ko na lamang siya
noon.
"Yes," he said and then he went to his table to get something fromthe drawer.
I want to mutter so many curses but I don't want himto think that I amtalking to
myself so refrained. Nilingon
kong muli siya. His broad back trying to reach something on his drawer is giving me
again so many curseworthy
ideas.
Nang nilingon niya ako ay tumuwid ako sa pagkakaupo. I'mjust suddenly feeling all
classy like the Hidalgo
women in their paintings.
"Bukas ay baka may pera na ako, lilipat ako sa pinakamalapit na hotel. The Coast is
it?" I asked in the most
confident way I can.
Hinarap niya ako. I'mtrying so much to look at his forehead instead of his eyes or
his body. Even with all my
parent issues, I have always been confident around other people. Be it on the stage
or not. But with him, I
thought he was my bane, I was wrong... he is my kryptonite. All the confidence were
sucked out of me
leaving me only with my weaknesses, naked.
P 12-5
"You're not leaving Costa Leona anytime soon," he said, marked with finality.
Napaawang ang bibig ko sa gulat at sa mga umaambang salita.
"What do you mean I'mnot leaving? I amneeded in Manila."
"We still have to talk about our arrangement," he said in a business-like tone.
Uminit ang pisngi ko sa sinabi. I know what he means by that. Alamko na hindi siya
nagbibitiw ng salitang
hindi niya totohanin pero hindi lang talaga ako makapaniwala.
"I can just go back to Manila and tell my father that we're in a r-relationship," I
explained simply.
A ghost of a smirk played on his lips. He stepped forward to his bed. Para akong
sinisilaban nang umuga ang
kama sa pag-up niya. Tinuko niya ang kanyang kamay sa kama para makahilig at
makalapit sa akin.
Ayaw kong gumalaw o umilag man lang. But then my eyes betrayed me. It trailed to
the sides of the bed,
away fromhim.
"You say that easily when you cannot even contact your family and tell themabout
what happened."
Mahinahon at napapaos niyang sinabi. "You were randomly blown by the wind
fromRomblon. Do you have
any idea how far that is?"
Hindi ako nakapagsalita. Ngayong sinabi niya at ipinagdiinan niya ang nangyari,
realization dawned on me. It
was a near-death experience. Hindi ko man naranasan at naramdaman ang rahas ng
dagat at hangin habang
nasa laot dahil wala akong malay, ngayong iniisip ko na ito, tila napaka imposible.
Umawang ang labi ko sa gustong sabihin. But my words were caught mid air. I
couldn't tell himexactly what
happened. And I know any excuse won't work for him.
He ruffled my curly ends. The roots tingled at his touch. Gusto kong umiyak ng
pahisterya. Eury, you were
broken as a child and a teenager, and I understand your reaction towards himyears
ago. Ngunit ngayon,
you've matured enough to lead yourself here but you're still that same girl years
ago! Damn it!
Nilingon ko siya. Determined to fight whatever I'mfeeling again.
"I don't understand! If you hate me so much because of what I did, why do you have
to do this?"
Ang gilid ng kanyang labi ay umangat. Tila may masamang binabalak ang tingin niya.
Tila alamniya kung ano
talaga ang tunay kong iniisip at mas lalo lang akong nairita sa sarili ko. Ngunit
habang tumatagal ay nakikita
kong nahalinhinan iyon ng poot.
"Matulog ka na. You need to rest properly."
Tumayo siya, binalewala ang naging tanong ko. He turned the lights off, living only
the dimmed lamp and then
he's gone. Nanatili akong nakatitig sa pintuan ng ilang sandali.
He's right. I needed the rest properly. Nang humiga ako'y akala ko'y nasa laot
parin ako. Umaalon pa ang
pakiramdamko. Parang lumulutang sa karagatan hanggang sa tuluyan nang nakatulog sa
pagod.
P 12-6
Hinihipan ng hangin ang puting kurtina ng silid. Matayog na ang araw nang nagising
ako kinabukasan. It took
me a while to realize where I am. Ilang saglit ko pang pinroseso ang nangyari noong
mga nagdaang araw.
Ilang saglit ko pang pinilit ang sarili ko na maniwala na totoo nga ang
nangyayaring ito.
I woke up past ten in the morning. Ang huni ng ibon galing sa kakahuyang nasa gilid
ng bahay ay buhay na
buhay parin kahit na halos tanghali na.
Bumangon ako at muling tiningnan ang kama. The white sheets exploded on my side but
on the other side, it
looks so neat. Hindi siya natulog dito?
I amnot surprised, though. Binaba ko ang mga paa ko sa sahig at nakita ang isang de
kutsong tsinelas doon.
Sinuot ko iyon, hindi sigurado kung para iyon sa akin. But certainly, Vincent is
not wearing that kind, right?
Pagkalabas ko ng silid ay dumaan muli ako sa library. Wala na yatang tao roon. Wala
akong naririnig na kahit
ano. Bumaba ako sa sala at nakita ang pagtingala ni Milo sa akin.
"You're awake, Ate Ganda!" puna ni Milo nang nakita ako.
Cassandra walked out of the kitchen when she heard Milo's greeting.
"Good morning, Milo!"
"Tito Vince and his teamis out. Sabi ni Mommy, breakfast ka na raw dapat."
Cassandra beamed at me.
"Pasensya na. Hindi na kita ginising dahil alamkong pagod na pagod ka kahapon. Did
you sleep well?"
"Yup. Thank you."
Lahat ng ipinakitang walang kapintasang kabaitan ng kapatid ni Vincent ay hindi ko
maintindihan. She knows
what happened years ago, I would understand if she'll treat me like how her brother
treats me. Ngunit imbes
ay pinagsisilbihan niya pa ako habang narito ako.
Binaba ko ang kubyertos nang nakapagdesisyon pagkatapos kumain. I amsure I can talk
to the manager of the
five star hotel. Fromthere, I can use their telephones or any means of
communication to contact my Manager
and stay there instead habang nag-aantay. Hindi pwedeng ganito. Alamkong may
paraang hindi na tumanaw
ng utang na loob sa kanila, hindi ko na kailangan pang dagdagan.
"Cassandra, thanks for letting me stay here..." hindi ko na dinagdagan. Alamniya na
kung ano ang ibig kong
sabihin.
She nodded but didn't look at me. Abala siya sa pag-aayos ng gamit sa kusina habang
ako'y naghuhugas ng
pinggan.
"Iniisip kong lumipat muna sa hotel at doon manirahan pansamantala. Ayaw ko nang
makaabala pa sa inyo at
sa kay Vince."
Tumigil siya sa ginagawa at nilingon ako. She wasn't shocked with it. Nagpunas siya
ng kamay bago ako
P 12-7
hinarap.
"I have my own money, I just don't have the means to access it ngunit may paraan
naman. I want to exhaust my
choices instead of staying here and waiting."
"Antayin mo muna si Vincent bago ka magdesisyon."
Great! Which will probably mean another painful talk.
"Nag-usap na kami tungkol dito pero hindi niya naman siguro mamasamain kung
pipiliin ko iyon. Besides, it
will be just a few blocks away fromhere, I guess."
Ilang saglit siyang nag-isip bago bumuntong-hininga.
"To tell you honestly, I don't know why my brother is keeping you here. I don't
know you but based on what
I've heard..." Hindi niya pinagpatuloy. "Kaya hindi ko maintindihan. I suggest mag-
usap kayo ng kapatid ko
pero kung gusto mo talagang gawin ito, tingin ko ay wala akong magagawa para
pilitin ka."
Naging mahirap iyon. Lalo na't ang mga mata ni Milo nang nagsimula na akong
maglakad sa dalampasigan
patungo sa isang exklusibong hotel sa 'di kalayuan ay halos nagmamakaawa. Tinapik
ko ang kanyang ulo at
hinalikan ang kanyang pisngi. He blushed after that.
Kinawayan ko lamang siya nang nakalayo na ako.
"May I use your cellphones or telephones here?" tanong ko sa receptionist ng five
star hotel na sikat sa lugar
na iyon.
The coral white walls, huge transparent glasses, and expensive gold accents
decorated the whole of the
hotel. Sa laki ng lamesang pang reception at sa tangkad ay tila isa akong bata na
sinusubukang bumili ng
candy sa isang tindahan.
"I amEury Saniel of Astra."
I cringed at that. I amnot used to talking like that. At least not to normal people
and to normal situations but I
need to use it.
"Naiwan ko ang mga bagahe ko kaya wala rito ang identification card ko, ang credit
cards, and debit. Wala
akong ibang dala. But if I can contact my manager fromhere, I'msure she can provide
you all the necessary
details for it. I need a place to stay," paliwanag ko.
Nanatili ang mga mata ng isang chinitang receptionist sa akin. Kunot-noo naman ang
isang katabi niya.
Nilapitan siya ng isa pa at tinitigan nila akong mabuti.
"I'msorry, Miss, but..."
May binulong ang bagong lapit na receptionist sa kaharap ko. Her name reads "Esme".
"I think I'll have to contact our manager, Miss," nahihiyang ngiti ng babae.
P 12-8
Tumango ako. I feel like I can settle for anything. If they are going to judge me,
I'd understand. Baka iniisip
nilang scammer ako o ano.
"Eury? Eury Saniel?" boses galing sa likod ang narinig ko.
When I turned around, napawi ang tipid na ngiting suot ko kani-kanina lamang. Isang
grupo ng mga bading na
showbizreporters ang lumapit. The tourists look our way, even the staff of the
hotels were a bit intrigued.
"Excuse me..." anito habang nilalagpasan ang mga turistang naroon.
Tatlo sila at kilala ko bilang tabloid reporters. These are the people my manager
wpuld definitely ask me to
avoid but... hindi atang magandang ideny ang identity ko ngayon lalo na't halos
magmakaawa ako rito sa front
desk na makilala.
"Ah... Hmmm..."
Tinanggap ko ang mga kamay nila na agad inilahad sa akin. Hindi pa nga ako
nakakapagsalitang muli ay
nakuhanan na ako ng picture.
"Now that we're hear, kumusta? My God! The news about you is filling the headlines
of the industry!"
First of all, that's an exaggeration for sure. Hindi ako ganoon ka sikat kay
Zander. Unless if... what is it?
"And have you seen the exclusive interview of Blair? My God, she's picking a
fight!" ang sabi noong may
katangkarang bading.
Hindi ko alamkung kanino ako titingin. The curly-haired one, the tallest, or the
one sporting a Louis Vuitton
Speedy.
Hindi ako makasabay. Hindi ko pa alamkung ano ang mga balita at mas lalong hindi ko
alamkung gusto ko
bang malaman.
"Aha! You didn't see her interview, yet? My God! And I'msure, sorry ha, I know a
girl like you fromthe elite
family wouldn't want to be involved with Zander kaya imposible iyong paratang ni
Blair!"
What?
All the blood ran out of my face when I slowly realize what it all means.
"Ano ka ba!" Umirap ang bading na may dalang Louis Vuitton. He took his phone out
and started scrolling for
whatever it is.
"At iyong Daddy at Mommy mo? They were immediately mobbed by the reporters asking
about your opinion!
Ang sabi'y you're in some island at busy ka. You're here pala?"
"Here, lady," sabay hila sa braso ko ay ipinakita sa akin ang video ni Blair na
nagsasalita, with Boracay on
her background.
Simula pa lang ng video, alamko ang ipinapahiwatig niya.
P 12-9
"Alamng mga tao na simula pa lang, kami na ni Zander. The fans, the staff, our
close friends know that. Even
Zander, he's not denying that Eury always make the first moves and being the
gentleman that he is..."
What the fuck?
"I think everyone knows what kind of girl she is so nobody will believe it."
May hirit pa ang interviewer. "These pictures are recent. Does that mean she's a
third party?"
Tumawa si Blair. "I'mnot sure about that. A possible?" Tumawa muli siya at na-cut
na ang video.
Nagtarayan ang mga bading sa tabi ko ngunit hindi ko na iyon maproseso. And as if
that explosive is not
enough, they scrolled down for an ambush interview of my Dad with my Mombehind him,
trying to hide from
the cameras and looking utterly annoyed. Ang bouncers at security guards sa tabi
nila ay halos labagin na ang
Human Rights sa pagtataboy sa mga reporters.
"Architect, Architect! Is it true that your daughter is a involved in a third
party?"
Umiilag si Daddy sa camera ngunit dahil hindi na siya makalakad sa dami ng mga
sumusubok ay napilitan
siyang sumagot.
"I'msure not," tipid nitong sinabi.
Parang kinurot ang puso ko habang tinitingnang nahihirapan ang aking ama na sagutin
ang mga paratang sa
akin. Parang kinukurot ang puso ko nang narinig kong ipinagtanggol niya ako, kahit
paano, ng ganoon.
"Architect, they said she's been involved with a lot of men so it is not
surprising-"
Tumigil si Daddy. I can see his veins surfaced on his forehead. Tiningnan niyang
mabuti ang reporter na
nagtanong at nanginginig siyang sumagot.
"My daughter is a respectable woman! I can guarantee everyone that! All these
speculations about her isn't
true! I amvery, very disappointed, not of her, but of the people around her! That's
all. Now may you please
excuse me. My wife is not fond of cameras," sabi ni Daddy bago naputol ang
interview.
"And have you seen Zander's posts lately?"
Hindi ko na kailangang makita iyon. There is nothing in me but pure anger. Nothing
in me but pure pain for
my parents who're trying to clear my name while I amnot around.
Ayaw ni Mommy at Daddy kay Zander noong una ngunit natutunan din nila itong
gustuhin kalaunan. Maybe
they realized that there is just nowhere to go for me but in this industry. No one
is good for me but someone
who is successful in it. Pero alamko na sa aming tatlo, they liked my relationships
the least.
Now that this news exploded, I know where my father is coming from. All his
stereotypes about it came true.
And for the first time, I want to hear himsay, "I told you so..."
"Miss Saniel," tawag ni Esme sa front desk.
P 12-10
I absent-mindedly looked at her. She smiled and nodded.
"I received a call fromyour fiancee. He's paid for your stay for tonight."
"Fiancee?" mas gulat pa ang tatlong kasama ko sa sinabi ng receptionist.
Esme smiled shyly at thembefore finally giving me a roomcard.
"No need for the details, Ma'am. Architect Hidalgo is a friend of our acting
President."
"Architect Hidalgo!?" the one with a Louis Vuitton exclaimed. "Vince Hidalgo,
Eury?"
Baka ganon talaga. Itseems like we don't love our own family pero once naibang tao
naangmanirasasarilimong pamilya, syempre, magagalit
tayo. HahhahahahaahDzahhhhh ngangahhhhhh angmga bayooootttt!!!!!!!!
P 12-11
Kabanata 11
375K 15.8K 8.8K
by jonaxx
Kabanata 11
Break
Hinawi ko ang mahabang kurtina sa aking bintana, tama lang para makita ko ang
dalampasigan. I sighed when
I realized that my view is dotted with obvious in disguise media.
Kakatapos ko lang manood sa telebisyon ng paulit ulit na pahayag ni Blair tungkol
sa kumalat na relasyon
namin ni Zander. And it is funny when I realized that all I feel about this issue
is anger. Hindi sakit o hinagpis
kundi galit. To see that Zander did not even clear our name and is letting Blair
talk about it speaks volumes.
Lalo na sa kanyang social media accounts, na ibinalita rin, na dumami ang post niya
na silang dalawa lamang
ni Blair.
I remember how my parents are beginning to understand what I really want. I
remember themfinally
accepting that this is what I want. I remember themrealizing that they couldn't
dictate who I want to be with. I
remember the first time they supported my relationship with Zander. I remember
thempushing me to be in a
relationship with Zander because he is the top of the pinnacle in my chosen field.
Now that they think my world is crumbling down, the little step of acceptance they
have given it has
crumbled down, too.
Tumingala ang mga nagpapanggap na turistang reporters kaya agad kong binitiwan ang
kurtina ng aking
kwarto.
"I've known Zander for a long time and I don't think he is the kind na magiging
unfaithful. So whatever that is,
it's probably just rumors," sabi noong isa sa mga common friend ni Blair at Zander.
Matalimkong tinitigan ang TV. Kanina pa hinihingan ng opinyon ang mga kaibigan
nila. And on my side,
Carrie did not comment on anything. Flyn is busy with her own shoots kaya hindi rin
ito nahingan ng opinyon.
"Well, the pictures. I've known Eury for quite sometime now and alamkong touchy
talaga siya at medyo
friendly towards boys so..."
Padarag akong naupo sa kama, tumingala at binuga sa hininga ang frustration. People
think they know
everything. What the serious hell are they saying? At si Zander, ni walang
statement? This is obviously a
sabotage to ruin me. This is clearly his choice and I cannot believe him! Bago ako
pumuntang Romblon, he
offered me a house. He seems serious about it. Kung ito ang sukli niya sa naging
reaksyon ko, then fine! But
we're fucking done!
At ngayon... hinihintay ko na lang na ibalita ang detalye ng aking relasyon.
Because of what happened in the
front desk, I believe some media covering events in Boracay went here without
hesitation because of it. Kaya
P 13-1
hindi ako makalabas dahil ayaw kong pagkaguluhan ng media sa mga tanong.
Nag-iba ang topic sa news ngunit ang tumatakbo sa utak ko ay ganoon pa rin. I want
to call the restaurant and
ask themto deliver my dinner here. Ayaw ko nang bumaba.
Tumayo ako at lumapit sa telepono nang narinig kong tumunog ang pintuan, hudyat na
may papasok. I muttered
a curse under my breath and saw Vincent's large brooding frame on my doorstep.
Kunot noo niya akong tiningnan habang sinasarado ang pintuan. He put the card he
used inside his pockets.
Maraming tanong ang bumalot sa aking utak. Paano siya nakapasok? Hindi ba may
privacy dapat ang mga
rooms? But then, fine, he paid for this room.
Lumapit siya at nilapag ang mga paperbag sa kama. Napakurap-kurap ako at
tinalikuran ang telepono. He
started removing his wristwatch. What the hell does this mean?
I stepped forward para komprontahin siya ngunit mas lalo lang nadepina ang konting
distansya namin dahil
doon. Para akong nasa gitna ng isang electric field. Pinapalibutan ng libu-libong
boltahe ng kuryenteng kung
saan-saan tumatama.
"Maraming reporters sa baba," panimula ko. "Some of themoverheard the front desk
woman when she told
me that the roomis paid by my fiancee."
Lumapit si Vincent sa bintana. Tumingala siya at sinarado ang gahiblang espasyo na
maaaring gawing mata
ng mga nasa labas patungo sa aming kwarto.
Nagtagis ang bagang ko habang tinitingnan siyang ginagawa iyon. He checked all the
ends and corrected the
spaces that seems a bit too revealing. Then he turned to me.
"Dumaan ka ba sa lobby?" tanong ko.
"Yes," he said in a low baritone.
He shifted a bit and started unbuttoning his white longsleeves. Oh my God, Eury!
You fool! Stop noticing
even the small things about him! Ganyan ka nagsimula noon!
"W-W-Were you asked by anyone about... anything."
Now I can't even say the words properly without stuttering.
"Yes," he answered. "Tinanong ako kung bakit hindi ka bumababa."
Damn! So the media really is shamelessly waiting for me to show up for an exclusive
interview? Bakit pa
ako nagulat. It is a big scoop right now. To be the first one to enjoy that
privelege will allow themaccess to
an award or something.
"Anong sagot mo?"
"I said you were too tired last night so you're probably resting the whole day."
P 13-2
What? A smirk curved on his lips but then it immediately disappeared. Napalitan ng
pagseseryoso.
"Bakit mo naisipang kumuha ng hotel?"
God! I want to avoid this confrontation tapos narito na ito sa harapan ko ngayon?
"I don't want to be a burden to your sister or to you. Besides, I can afford a
hotel room, talagang wala lang
akong access sa pera ko ngayon at nag-aantay pa ako sa aking P.A. na dumating."
He is walking lazily towards me. Maaaring relax pa ako ngunit nagwawala na ang
sistema ko. You fool!
Hindi ka parin talaga nagbabago! But at least now you know what it is and not
making excuses for being a
crazy bat shit, Eury!
"And you think people will believe we have a relationship when you're being this
distant? Ang lapit lang ng
bahay ko rito, Eury. Bakit ka rito titira kung pwedeng doon?"
Uminit ang pisngi ko. I know and I understand that my accusation is unforgivable.
Ano man ang gusto niyang
mangyari ngayon bilang kaparusahan ko, dapat ay tanggapin ko na iyon. Ngunit hindi
ko mapigilan.
If I tell himthat I'll just issue a statement about what happened years ago, para
sa kung sino man ang gusto
niyang makaalam, alamkong walang bisa iyon. That is why he's opting for us to show
an intimate
relationship just to prove that he never forced me whatsoever years ago.
Pinisil ko ang bridge ng aking ilong at naglakad na para malagpasan siya at
mapanatili ang distansya.
"Fine! Fine! But when does this end, Vince? Alamkong ang gusto mong mangyari ay
ipakita sa mga kliyente
at mga tao na walang pilitang nangyari sa atin pero hanggang kailan tayo ganito?"
I amtrying so hard to think straight while he's watching me losing the filter of my
mouth.
"Until I'msatisfied," he said.
"Until you're satisfied?!" Gusto kong maghisterya.
This is ridiculous. Pero alamkong wala akong karapatang magtanong dahil ako ang may
atraso at siya ang
naagrabyado ko.
"Fine!" I said, frustrated. "I have so many issues right now, Vince. If you haven't
noticed? My boyfriend is
not defending me fromall of our issues and people are accusing me of being his
mistress."
His lips twisted in a sexy manner. Iniwas ko ang mata ko sa kanya at saglit na
inisip kung bakit hindi ako
makapag-isip ng diretso. Ah... oo nga pala.
"Your... boyfriend? Sabihin mo nga sa akin, Eury," mariin ang pagkakasabi niya nito
habang humahakbang
palapit sa akin.
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko. Shoot! I did not realize what I just said.
"Paano maniniwala ang mga tao na tayo kung may boyfriend ka? Hmm?"
P 13-3
Asshole! And I have no right to question it because... damn it! Ganito ba magbayad
ng kasalanan?
Yumuko ako nang napalapit na siya. The scent of his expensive perfume mixed with
his unique scent filled
my nose. Napapikit ako ng mariin at pilit na itinutulak ang sarili sa galit.
Here is a man who's trying to get even with me. Here is a man who's trying to clear
his name while literally
forcing me to do it. At heto ako, walang magawa dahil alamko na may atraso ako sa
kanya. At kung hindi ko
binawi o naging mas malupit ang mga magulang ko'y baka nakulong na siya habang
buhay sa kasalanang 'di
niya ginawa.
He slowly caressed my chin with his index finger. Para akong lumutang sa ginawa
niya. How can a man so
savage and ruthless as himhave this kind of gentle touch. Like how he's able to
touch me before. Noong
nahulog ako sa bangka at napagalitan. Noong umiyak ako at naghihisterya. Kahit
noong ipagtulakan ko na siya
sa galit ko.
He pushed my chin up para makatingala ako sa kanya. Pagbabanta, panghihina, galit,
at frustration ang nakita
ko sa kanyang mga mata. His lips curved.
"Break it up," he said breathily.
"I amin showbusiness, Vince. Unless you want a complicated life, filled with
questions fromthe media
because of your sudden relationship with me-"
"Break your relationship up, Eury," he said ignoring my last call for his change of
mind.
Ngumuso ako at bahagyang tumango.
Inangat ko ang tingin ko sa kanya. Matalimat madilimang kanyang mga mata. Umawang
ang kanyang labi at
bumaba ang kanyang tingin sa aking labi. His very presence and the closeness made
my heartbeat faster. Sa
sobrang bilis at lakas nito, pakiramdamko'y sumasakit na ang mga butong nakapalibot
dito.
My breathing is heavy. His fingers grazed the sof sides of my face and I was
already hesitant to question
more.
"You told me to tell Dad that we're getting married. We can't just fool him! He'll
expect, Vince," mahina kong
sinabi. "And that's too much."
"I'll say it's too much if it is."
Tinulak ko siya ngunit kung may distansya mang bumahagi ay agad din siyang
nakabawi.
"If you want to get even with me, h'wag mong idamay ang pamilya ko! They will
expect so much, Vince, and I
don't want to disappoint themagain!" halos maiyak ako. "Kung gusto mong maghiganti
sa ginawa ko, ako ang
saktan mo! Ako ang pagbayarin mo! I amwilling to pay you anything! Even this! Even
the ruin of my own
name just so you can forgive me but I won't allow you to ruin my family!"
Hinapit niya ang baywang ko at dinikit ang aking katawan sa kanya. I would be
squished on his chest kung
hindi ko lang nailagay ang braso ko sa kanyang dibdib bilang pantuko at ang tanging
nagpipigil sa distansya
naming dalawa.
P 13-4
"We won't disappoint," he said.
For a brief moment, naging masyado akong naging conscious sa posisyon namin. I
amalmost tiptoeing
because of his height and his demanding stance. I amalmost certain that he can hear
my heart's beating or he
can feel my ribs hammering like crazy.
"Bakit hi-hindi nanliligaw na lang muna, k-kung ganoon?" I swear I sounded so
ridiculous at my request.
Ngumuso siya at nagtaas ng isang kilay. Ilang sandali siyang hindi nagsalita
dahilan kung bakit mas lumala pa
ang awkwardness na naramdaman ko. Eury, you freaking fool!
"I don't do courtship, Eury. You think anyone would believe that?"
Bumuhos ang pait sa akin. Of course, Eury. He doesn't do courtship, obviously. Noon
hanggang ngayon. His
relationship with women is not really that private. Lalo na syempre noong naging
isa siya sa pinaka in
demand na Architect sa buong Asya. Walang babaeng mag-aantay pang ligawan niya. His
looks, masculinity,
power, and money is enough to seduce anyone. He doesn't have to be nice or
whatsoever. Damn him!
He tilted his head and then loosened his grip. Haplos sa aking baywang bago siya
umurong at tumalikod.
"I bought you new clothes. That's not as fancy as the clothes you model but will do
for now."
Nilingon ko ang mga paperbag sa aking kama. Lumapit si Vincent sa kama at kinuha
niya ang paperbag.
Nilahad niya iyon sa akin.
"I don't want you wearing that dress while roaming around here. We'll eat our
dinner downstairs."
Binalingan ko ang damit kong ipinahiramng kanyang kapatid. It's an old rose floral
dress that would pass as
a daster, kung iba lang siguro ang nagsuot. Is that what he meant? I shouldn't wear
something of this variant?
Damn him!
"Maliligo muna ako," sabi ko at hindi na siya tiningnan.
Dumiretso ako sa banyo at nagkulong na roon. Nilagay ko ang aking mga kamay sa
aking mga mata. Damn
him! And Eury, you fool! How dare you just agree even when you know what it is!
Binaba ko ang aking mga kamay at pinagmasdan ang aking sarili sa salamin. Hell, I
look like a lost child in a
dress. Bakit ba hindi ko ito naisip kanina?
Niligo ko lahat ng frustrations ko. Puno ang pag-iisip ng maraming bagay habang
nagbibihis at sinusubukang
patuyuin ang buhok gamit ang blowdry.
I have to ask himif my manager called his phone or anything. There is no news again
about what happened
with Hubert but I'mglad that the police is on it. I wonder what the higher ups of
the station is thinking. O nagiisip
pa ba sila sa akin?
He bought me a black simple dress. Siguro'y sa Caticlan, kung saan siya
nagtatrabaho, iyon galing. I peeked
at the other paperbag and saw sets of underwear.
P 13-5
"God damn it!"
Pumikit ako sa awkwardness na naramdaman at inilayo iyong paperbag sa aking mukha.
Sa huli ay kinuha ko
ang mga ito at sinuot na. May iilan pang damit ang naroon. I checked themone by
one. It can actually last for
a week.
Pagkatapos magbihis ay lumabas na ako ng bathroom. My eyes immediately flew to my
bed where Vincent is. Wearing a white v-neck t-shirt, holding on to the remote
control, his eyes drifted to me. Pinatay niya na agad
ang telebisyon at agad na bumangon galing sa pagkakahilig sa headboard.
Nilingon niyang muli ako. Tiningnan mula ulo hanggang paa bago huminga ng malalimat
tumayo.
"Kakain tayo sa restaurant dito?" tanong ko.
Nakapamaywang siya nang tumigil at tinatantya ang sinasabi ko.
"The media won't come near us if you don't want to."
Bakit? Anong gagawin niya? Even the security of this hotel can't just tell their
guest to leave other guest
alone.
"We'll eat our dinner inside their VIP room. Tito Solomon and his wife is waiting
for us."
Sa ilang araw naming pananatili sa ginagawang resort sa Batangas noon, alamko na
kung sino ang kanyang
Tito Solomon. These couple guided himgrowing up. At paniguradong hindi lingid sa
kaalaman ng mga taong
iyon ang tungkol sa nangyari sa amin noon.
"Okay," pagsang-ayon ko.
"Let's go..."
Nauna na siya sa pintuan. He opened the door for me at ilang sandali akong hinintay
na makuha ang gusto
niyang iparating bago ako tuluyang lumabas.
Patungong elevator ay tahimik kaming dalawa. Walang imikan. Bago kami nakasakay ng
elevator ay may
tumawag sa kanyang cellphone. He answered it.
"I'min The Coast. Dito na ako matutulog," sagot niya.
Nanatili ang tingin ko sa harap. Isang malaking salamin sa pintuan ng elevator na
may repleksyon naming
dalawa. He looked at me intently as the elevator started to travel down.
"Paki sabi kay Rod na siya na muna bahala. Susunod ako bukas ng tanghali."
He sighed. The elevator opened for the ground floor. Lumabas ako, ganoon din siya
bago binaba ang
cellphone at iginiya ako kung saan kami kakain.
Hindi iilan ang mga nakakita sa akin. Alamkong media tuwing agarang nagmamadali
pagkakita sa akin,
sinusundan ako at nagpapanggap na hindi. Mabuti na lang at hindi kalayuan ang
restaurant, ngunit hindi pa
P 13-6
kami nakakapasok sa VIP roomay nakita ko nang nagsitayuan ang iilang kakilala kong
media na naroon,
kasama ang mga nakausap ko kanina sa front desk.
"Eury," ang matangkad na bading ang unang bumati. He's calling me but his eyes
drifted to the one beside me.
"Hello!" I smiled.
Vincent snaked his armaround my waist and blocked my view.
"I'msorry but I want a private moment with her," he said immediately.
Bumaba ang mata ko sa kamay niyang nakahawak sa baywang ko. He pulled me closer
against his body in a
possessive stance that had my heart hammering. Para akong masasamid sa bagsik ng
pintig ng puso ko.
"Sure, Architect Hidalgo."
Inangat ko ang mga mata ko sa mga lumapit na media. They did not even look at me
when they said it. Lahat
ng mga mata ay na kay Vince. Pagkatapos ng sagot ay nagkatinginan sila, parehong
malalapad ang ngiti.
Vince's chest blocked my view, iginiya niya na agad ako sa loob ng isang silid.
The VIP roomin the hotel's restaurant is made of glass walls decorated with flesh
colored curtains. Sa
mahabang hapag ay naroon ang isang lalaking tantya ko'y nasa 40s-50s ang edad
kasama ang nasisiguro kong
asawa nito. They were sweet and touchy on the table. The man's hand is on the
woman's thigh. When they
saw us, tumayo agad ang dalawa.
"Tito," Vincent said in a greeting.
Tinapik ng mas matandang lalaki si Vince sa likod at pirming ngitian. The woman
kissed Vince's cheek
before they both turned to me.
"This is Eury Saniel," ani Vince.
I smiled and held out my hand. "Nice to meet you, po."
"This is Captain Solomon and his wife, Tita Athena."
The man gave a hearty laugh before shaking my hand firmly. Pagkatapos ay iyong
babae naman. The woman
looked so elegant. With her straight shiny hair, soft facial features, plump lips,
and curved lashes, I must say
na bagay na bagay sila ni Captain Solomon.
I suddenly wonder if I could ever grow older like that.
"Your father designed my wife's resort in Batangas years ago, tama ba, hija?"
Tipid akong tumango. The man looked at Vincent bago ako iginiya sa upuan.
"Thank you," sabi ko.
Pumasok ang iilang waiter para paglagyan ng inumin ang aming mga baso. Kinuha ko
ang baso at uminomako
P 13-7
galing doon. Naabutan kong nakatingin ang Tita Athena ni Vincent sa akin. Mapanuri
ang kanyang mga mata
ngunit agad din itong ngumiti at binalingan ang mga pagkain.
I bit my lowerlip. I wonder if these people knows about the past, too. I cringed
when I realized that they
probably did. At ito ang dahilan kung bakit gustong-gusto ni Vincent na ipakitang
hindi ganoon.
"Mabuti at tumawag ang aming front desk kay Athena noong nag check in ka, hija,"
Captain said.
My eyes darted towards him. Muli akong kinabahan. May kasunduan kami ni Vincent
ngunit hindi ko alam
kung anong isasagot sa mga taong malapit sa amin.
"As much as possible, we want to avoid scammers. Maaaring mathreaten din ang aming
mga bisita kung
sakaling hindi kami nag-ingat kaya kailangan iyon, Vince," Tita Athena said
pagkatapos ay sumulyap sa akin.
"Naiintindihan ko. Mabuti po at itinawag ninyo sa akin."
"Why would you want to stay here when his mansion is only a few blocks away?"
tumaas ang kilay ni Tita
Athena sa akin.
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko. I seriously don't know what to say.
"Misunderstanding, Tita," sagot ni Vince.
Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ng kanyang tiyahin na tila nagulat at naliwanagan ng
sabay. Tumuwid ito sa
pagkakaupo at tumango.
"Well, I hope it is a simple misunderstanding. By the way, nalaman ko kay Sibal ang
tungkol dito noong
nagkwento siya sa mga sinabi ni Wanda sa mga Riego. Your Tita Fely is worried about
you." Pasimpleng
sumulyap si Tita Athena sa akin.
I wonder what that means. Wala akong ganang kumain ngunit sinubo ko ang iilang nasa
aking pinggan habang
nag-uusap sila.
"Wala kang dapat ipag-alala," sagot ni Vince.
"The whole hotel seems packed with media today. Alamko na kung bakit," Captain
Solomon smiled at me.
"I'msorry, po. I know it is because of me."
Palipat lipat ang tingin ko sa dalawa sa harap. I can sense that their eyes are
trying.
"I can just entertain their questions para matapos na ito pero nag-aantay ako ng
tawag galing sa aking
Manager," paliwanag ko.
"That's okay, hija. Wala namang inaabala ang mga media sa aming guests so it is not
a bother. Besides, most
of themhas checked in the hotel so it is even an advantage." Tumawa si Kapitan.
Vincent leaned on me a bit.
P 13-8
"Wala akong tawag na natanggap galing sa Manager mo." Then he took his phone out.
"You may use this. I'll
buy you a phone tomorrow."
I nodded. Tinanggap ko ang kanyang cellphone at tiningnan ito. Isang tikhimang
naging dahilan kung bakit
nag-angat ako ng tingin sa dalawang nasa harap. I saw themboth take a sip on their
wines.
Nilagay ko ang cellphone sa aking bulsa at nagpatuloy na sa pagkain.
Ang sunod na pinag-usapan ni Vince at ni Captain ay ang trabaho. While Tita Athena
is suggesting some of
their unique food to me. She's kind and nice. If she ever think that I ama bad
person, I cannot blame her.
"I will get some of those Strawberry Parfait I'mtalking about fromthe kitchen.
Omar, kindly please put more
wine on our glasses?" sabi ni Tita Athena sabay tayo.
Tumango ako at ngumiti sa kanya. Nang umalis siya at nagpatuloy si Captain at si
Vincent sa pag-uusap ay
bahagya kong tiningnan ang cellphone ni Vince. His social media account is active
and on his newsfeed.
Nilingon ko siya at mabilisang binisita ang isang account ng pinakamalaking
namamalita ng nangyayari sa
showbizindustry.
The freshest news was posted three hours ago with so many interactions. Ang titulo
nito ay isang quote galing
sa mukhang cover nito na si Zander saying...
"I don't have any romantic relationship with Eury. It has always been Blair."
Parang kumulog ang kalooblooban ko sa nabasa. I don't have to read the whol article
to confirmit. I can
immagine Zander doing that to save his career. Kahit pa sinabi niya sa aking kaya
niyang talikuran ito para sa
akin. I can imagine himbeing an asshole just to get back at me! Just for me to hurt
because I rejected him!
Hindi sakit ang naramdaman ko kundi galit. I clicked on the comments and saw how
people talked so many
shits about me. How they called me a whore, a slut, and a mistress. How I'msuddenly
the bad person when I
just freshly escaped death.
I put the phone back in my pocket. Nilingon ako ni Vincent at agad kong
pinangalahatian ang wine sa harap
ko.
Can this be anymore fucked up?
Yez namanAboitizzzzzexpressagoroyyyyy
P 13-9
Kabanata 12
397K 16.6K 9.3K
by jonaxx
Kabanata 12
Boyfriend
Kahit noong kumain na kami ng desert ni Tita Athena, hindi parin ako lubusang
mapanatag. I can't get over
what I just read. I cannot believe that this is happening to me.
Iniisip kong baka sinabi ng Manager ni Zander na iyon ang gawin para masalba sila
ni Blair. But damn him!
Sinabi niya rin sa akin na kaya niyang talikuran ang showbiz.
Sa galit ko'y nagbabadya na ang mga luha ko. I drowned my tears with food. I
diverted my attention to
Vincent and Captain Solomon. Nagtama ang tingin namin ni Vincent sa kalagitnaan ng
pag-uusap nila ng
kanyang tiyuhin. Before he could say something, I managed to utter my decision.
"I want to allow an interview," sabi ko.
Bumaling siya kay Captain. Nagkatinginan sila ng ilang saglit pagkatapos ay tumayo
si Tita Athena.
"Do you want me to set up a place?"
Umiling ako. "Anywhere will do, po. I just want to clear my name."
Hindi ko na kailangan ng manager. Hindi ko na kailangan irehearse ang mga isasagot
ko. Ngayon pa lang,
pinipili ko na ang mga tamang salita. Nagtawag si Captain ng mga staff.
"Anong sasabihin mo?" Vince asked when everyone's too busy for my request.
Mapait ko siyang tiningnan. Huwag kang mag-alala at isasalba ko rin ang pangalan
mo, if that's what you're
asking me. My God, boys will be the death of me! It's either they'll try to harass
me, break my heart, or drive
me insane!
"Kung ano ang dapat na sabihin," sagot ko.
A dark stormis forming in his eyes. I can see so many questions and endless
thoughts. Tumayo ako at pinutol
ang titig namin.
"Excuse me," I said and started walking towards the door to bravely face the
paparazzi and the media.
Tama ang hinala ko. Some shameless unknown group were around the VIP roomjust
waiting for us to come
out. Nang lumabas ako'y agad nila akong pinuntahan para makausap. Hinarangan agad
sila ng mga waiter at
staff ng hotel na tingin ko'y inutusan ni Captain para protektahan ako.
I don't remember the press being this wild towards me. Well, maybe because this is
a big scoop since the
largest current loveteamis involved. Kung tutuusin, kaya kong sirain silang dalawa
sa galit ko. They are so
P 14-1
selfish. To save their asses, they chose to degrade me. But no... I won't stoop
down to their level.
"I will allow an interview with my chosen media men. But I want to review the
questions first," anunsyo ko
para marinig ng lahat.
"Eury! Sa amin ka na!" the paparazzi fromtabloids are shouting like rabid animals.
Umiling ako at tinukoy kung sinong grupo ang gusto kong mag interview sa akin. Ang
napili ko ay iyong grupo
ng tatlong bading na hindi ko sinasadyang nakahalubilo kanina sa lobby. I chose
thembecause they come
froma decent company. Kumpara sa ibang narito.
"Eury, I have arranged the sea side sofa," narinig kong sinabi ni Tita Athena.
Hindi na ako humindi. Maeeskandalo ang ibang guests nila kung magpatuloy ang mob
doon sa loob ng
restaurant kaya sumang-ayon na ako roon. Nilingon ko ang VIP roomat nakita kong
nakalabas na si Captain at
si Vincent. Vincent's cold eyes bore into me. His arms are crossed as he talks
cooly to the older man.
I tore my eyes off himand started walking towards the exit. Sumunod ang mga staff
pati na rin ang iilang
media na uhaw sa mga sasabihin ko.
Pinapili ako kung dimlights ba o iilawan ng mas maliwanag. Pinili ko iyong tama
lang at naupo na sa sofa na
naroon sa harap ng dalampasigan, malayo sa iilan pang guest na tahimik na kumakain
ng kanilang hapunan.
"Are you fine here, Eury?" Tita Athena asked.
I nodded. "Thank you for the help, po. This is fine. I'mplanning to have a candid
interview but I guess this
place is much better."
Tumango siya at ngumiti.
"Tatawagin ko lang ang ibang staff, hija."
Nakakahiyang inabala pa ng tiyahin ni Vince ang sarili niya para lang matulungan
ako. Naupo na rin sa tapat
na sofa ang isa sa tatlong bading na nakausap ko kanina sa front desk. Dalawa
silang mag-iinterview sa akin,
ang isa'y may hawak ng DSLR camera. Nagtatalo pa ang iba. Anila'y mas maganda ang
dala nilang camera
but then I refused them. They can all just record whatever I'mgoing to say.
"Wala ka bang dalang P.A.?" tanong ng mag-iinterview sa akin.
That part is what I'mnot going to say. Hindi malinaw sa aking kung ano ang nangyari
sa kay Hubert at kung
sasabihin kong galing akong shoot kasama ang lahat ng namatay sa apartment ni
Hubert, na maaaring pinatay
nga nito, lalaki pa ng husto ang issue.
"Kung sa bagay, you don't need make up. You're glowing even without it! What's your
secret?" he smiled at
ibinigay sa akin ang isang papel.
"Is this going to be part of the question?" tanong ko.
Humalakhak siya. "No. I'mjust wondering since I know who's..." Natutop niya ang
bibig niya na para bang
P 14-2
ipinagbabawal ko iyong sabihin.
Dinungaw ko iyong mga tanong sa papel. Namili ako roon kung ano ang komportable
kong sagutin bago
ibinalik sa kanya.
"I haven't watched all of the interviews of the involved people. Kay Zander,
hindi."
"It's here..." mabilis niyang ipinakita sa akin ang kanyang cellphone.
He clicked a link and immediately Zander's words filled the air.
"The rumors are not true. I don't have any romantic relationship with Eury. It has
always been Blair."
Tumango-tango si Zander sa hindi kitang kausap. His face looked tired and weary
ngunit nakatitig siya sa
kausap na para bang sigurado siya sa sagot.
"Those pictures are just friendly. I'mfriends with Eury but we definitely have no
relationship with her."
Narinig ko ang huling tinanong na hindi na sinagot ni Zander. He's asked if I ama
third party since Blair is
suggesting it on her interviews and tweets! Umiling na si Zander at umaalis.
Naputol ang video. Inexit ng may
hawak ang link at ipinakita sa akin ang Twitter account ni Blair.
Blair: Someone is obviously a mistress in the making.
Blair: Using charmand her face to cover up ugly attitude.
Marami pa iyon. Agad akong tumuwid sa pagkakaupo at matamang tiningnan ang nasa
aking harap. My view
is dotted with so many other media men around who will try to record whatever I
have to say. Sa gilid ng
mga mata ko ay nakita kong kalalabas lang ni Captain at ni Vincent para panoorin
ang gagawing interview.
"I'mready," deklara ko.
"Let's start, then," medyo natataranta nilang sinabi at agad ng pumwesto.
Agad na lumapit ang iba para masagap sa kanilang recorders ang mga sasabihin ko.
Nakita kong nag rerecord
na sa camera kaya bumaling na ako sa mag-iinterview.
"Good evening Eury, thank you for allowing us an interview. It is an honor to be
trusted by you."
Ngumiti ako, no trace of humor anywhere.
"So let's start, days ago, the news and pictures about you and Zander
Mendezsurfaced on the internet. Anong
masasabi mo roon?" tanong nito, ngayon seryoso at may fake concern na sa tono.
"Well, just like what the people involved said, those are pictures of me and Zander
together."
"Does this mean anything?"
Kumurap-kurap ako. I shifted on the other side before shaking my head. "No."
P 14-3
"You're not in a relationship with Zander?"
"I'mnot."
"Never or not anymore?"
Fuck! That wasn't in the script! Adlib lang iyon at hindi ako nakapaghanda roon!
"I'min a relationship with someone right now," nasabi ko para masalo ang sarili sa
pagsisinungaling na hindi
ko na dapat pang gawin.
"Oh! Uhm, so you're not involved, in anyway, of Blair and Zander's relationship?"
"I'mgood friends with Zander, that's all."
"Ano ang masasabi mo sa mga taong nagsasabing third party ka raw sa relasyon ng
dalawa."
"I find it funny, actually. Sa dami ng nangyayari sa buhay ko ngayon, tingin ko'y
wala na akong panahon sa
mga ganitong klaseng kababawan."
"Ohh!"
Suminghap ang mga naroon at narinig ko ang bulung-bulungan.
"So you're so in love with your current boyfriend, Eury?"
Fuck! Hindi ko rin ito nabasa sa listahan ah! Ito ang mahirap kapag mag-isa at
walang manager! People take
advantage of me! And I cannot just stop the interview because I'msure some will
even include my reaction!
"Yes," mataman kong sinabi.
Uminit ang pisngi ko lalo na noong naghiyawan sila at nilingon sa gilid kung sino.
Hindi na kailangang
tanungin kung sino ang boyfriend ko. Lahat ng naroon ay alamna kung sino iyon.
Their eyes darted to
wherever Vince is.
"That's all. Thank you very much for this, Eury. Kailan ka babalik ng Maynila?"
Kahit iyang huling tanong ay mahirap sagutin! What the hell?
"It depends..." I trailed off.
"When his project finishes?" nang-iintrigang tanong sa akin.
"Uh, no... That's going to be a month or less fromnow. I have to go back to Manila
probably within this week
or next."
Nagpipigil ng ngiti na yumakap ang nag-interview sa akin. Nakipagbeso ako
pagkatapos ay tumayo na.
Pinaunlakan ko ang iilang pictures na hiningi sa akin hanggang sa may ilang
turistang namataan ako at
nakilala.
P 14-4
Pagkatapos ng pictures para sa lahat ng naroon ay iyong mga turista naman ang
pinaunlakan ko. I amnot even
sure if this is safe. I don't understand why I amnot that cautious when Hubert has
escaped multiple murder
and is on the loose now. Kung ano man ang alitan nila ay nakasisiguro akong
involved ang issue namin doon.
And he knows that I amalive and just somewhere in Aklan!
Sa kalagitnaan ng pagkukuha ng pictures, hindi ko maalis iyon sa utak ko.
"Narinig ko na narito ka raw, dinala ko ang CD ng Astra at isang poster mo," sabi
noong isang lalaki na siya
lamang may merchandise ko.
Tumango ako at tinanggap ang Pentel para maisulat ang pangalan niya. He shyly
waited for me to finish my
autograph. Nang natapos ay nanghingi muli siya ng isa pang picture.
Pakiramdamko'y hindi na matatapos ito. People realized who I was because of the
interview, now some are
lining up just for a picture. Habang inientertain ko lahat ng lumapit, binabantayan
naman ako ng staff at iilang
security ng hotel. Kung tutuusin, hindi na iyon obligasyon ng hotel. Pero dahil
kilala ni Vincent ang may-ari
ay inakong responsibilidad na iyon.
Nakipagkamayan ako sa dalawa pang lalaking nahihiyang lumapit. Pinagitnaan nila ako
sa picture. Nahagip
ng aking tingin ang 'di kalayuang sofa sa hilera namin. Nakita kong naroon na si
Vince kasama si Captain
Solomon. Beside themare some of the staff, serving some hard liquors. Ang mga mata
ni Vincent ay nakatoon
sa akin, malamig at matalim.
"Eury! Aakyat ka na sa hotel roommo o dito ka muna? Dito muna tayo so we could
chat! We're ordering
wine."
Ang ibang mga miyembro ng media ay may katawagan na. Ang iba'y abala sa pagpipindot
sa kani-kanilang
mga cellphone. Siguro'y pinapasa na ang mga detalyeng sinabi ko.
"Hindi, sige. I need to, uh, go to their table."
Hindi ko na kailangang tukuyin kung sino. Madrama lamang silang tumango na para
bang nakakaintriga talaga
ang lihimko.
I waved at themgoodbye, leaving some onlookers and curious guests. Nang palapit na
ako sa sofa kung
nasaan ang dalawang lalaki, narinig ko ang tawanan nila.
Vincent lazily stretched his hand to get a glass of bourbon. Nang nakita ako'y agad
na napawi ang tawanan at
ang tanging natitira ay multo ng ngiti sa kanilang pinag-usapan.
He sipped on his glass as he watched me sit beside him.
"Kumusta ang interview?" tanong ni Captain.
"Ayos lang, po. I just gave themthe answers they want para hindi na sila manggulo
pa."
Vincent's hand rested on my thigh. Halos maestatwa ako nang naramdaman iyon. But
then he quickly removed
it. He just wanted my attention. Tinapik niya ang kaliwang gilid niya.
P 14-5
"H-Huh?"
"Dito ka sa kabila. I don't want people to easily ogle on you just because you're
on that side," anito.
Napatingin ako kay Captain sa harap. His eyebrows shot up. Ang kanyang ngisi ay
tinabunan niya ng paginom.
Nakaupo na ako sa kanan ni Vincent nang tumayo si Captain Solomon. Tuwid ako sa
pagkakaupo habang
pinagmamasdan si Captain na nagpipigil ng ngiti habang pinagmamasdan kaming dalawa.
"I'll just check on my wife. And probably give you two some privacy?"
Namilog ang mga mata ko. Umiling agad ako at nilingon si Vince para manghingi ng
suporta sa pag-alma
ngunit tumango lamang ito na parang mas sinang-ayunan pa ang sinabi ng tiyuhin.
"Good night, Vince, Eury... Enjoy your stay!" he said, marked with finality.
"T-Thank you and good night, too. Please, send my regards to Tita Athena,"
mabilisan kong sinabi.
"No problem," he said as he excused himself.
Ngayong kaming dalawa na lang ni Vincent, with media around, I feel as though I'min
the hotseat. No, mas
malala pa riyan. Pakiramdamko'y mahihimatay ako sa biglaang kaba at pamamawis. I
amalways confident
whether in front of the camera or the stage but why amI always so nervous around
him. One of these days,
I'mgoing to get some sample of his whatnots just so I will understand my
kryptonite.
Diretso ang tingin ko sa harap. I'mjust suddenly reminded of my attitude whenever
we have guests at home. I
would always be primand proper, just like my sisters.
Hindi ko man tiningnan ay naramdaman ko ang paglahad ng braso niya sa likod ko.
Kumuha siya ng isang