Strokes of a Painter

Kabanata 47

Kabanata 47

Remember 

Fej woke up earlier than usual. She tried to sleep but to no avail she just get up from the bed. Mahimbing paring natutulog si Tob. Napagpasyahan niyang lumabas sandali. Her feet brought her to the beach.

Medyo madilim pa ang paligid at tahimik ang buong lugar. Tanging ang mahihinag hampas ng alon ang maririnig. Pinikit niya ang mga mata at dinama ang panandaliang katahimikan. She badly wanted to remember but the more she tired, the more it's evading.

She got startled when a hand touched her left shoulder. Lumingon siya at nakita si Shawn. Biglang umusbong ang kaba niya nang hindi niya mawari. Nginitian siya nito pero hindi niya kayang ngumiti pabalik.

"Ang aga mo yatang nagising Fej," panimula ni Shawn. Mas lumanlam ang tingin nito sa kanya.

Nagsitayuan ang balahibo niya sa katawan. Siguro dulot lang ng malamig na simoy ng hangin.

"Ahm, yeah. Ikaw? Ang aga mo rin yatang nagising."

"I'm waiting for you actually. I just want to clarify some things," he said as his voice turned cold so with his eyes.

"What is it then?" Kalmadong tanong niya kahit kinakabahan na siya. Hindi naman siya ganito sa presensiya ni Shawn noon. Why now? Ano ba ang nagbago?

"Can we talk in a more private manner?"

Napataas ang isang kilay niya.

"Hindi ba pwede rito? Wala namang tao," medyo may dudang sambit niya.

"Come on. Mag-uumaga na baka may biglang dumating at makakakita sa akin. I'm still a celebrity you know." He put a little bit of humor in his voice.

"Fine," she said in resignation.

Sumunod siya kay Shawn haggang mapadpad sila sa dulong bahagi ng resort. Ang mga malalaking bato ang nagsisilbing boundary sa resort at sa kabilang lugar. Huminto si Shawn at humarap sa kanya. Now his face turned to some angry lion.

"Look at my face closely Fej. Take a good look. Do you remember this?" matigas na tanong nito sabay turo sa mukha.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit nag-iba ng mood si Shawn. He looked angry and frustrated. Tumitig siya sa mukha nito na kinakabahan at nalilito. Saan patungo ang usapang ito?

"Y-es?" patanong na sagot niya dahil hindi niya alam kung anong tinutukoy nito.

His expression became more savage. He licked his lips in frustration and combed his already messed up hair.

"So you know all along. I should have known better," nag-aapoy sa galit nitong sambit.

"What's wrong with you Shawn? What are you talking about?" she asked in confusion and her nervousness doubled.

"Don't play games with me Fej! I should have killed you para hindi na umabot pa sa ganito."

What did he just say? Kill her? For what?

She shivered as she looked at him, shocked.

He made an advanced move and it was too late for her to defend herself. Shawn held her neck and choked her. She was gasping for air. She tried to punch and kick him but he was strong enough.

She tried once again and this time she kicked his crotch. It worked for he released her immediately. Parehong silang natumba sa buhangin. Hawak ni Fej ang leeg. Masakit at namamaga ang leeg niya. Napaubo siya at pilit na huminga ng normal.