The Opposite of Hate (Upper Crust #1)

Chapter 15

Chapter 15
"Lips"

I put down my phone after taking a few shots of the scenery. Nagpakawala ako ng hangin pagkatapos matagal na tumitig sa mga bulubunduking paalon-alon ang istraktura. It feels like time stood still. Dama ko ang katahimikan, but it isn't discomforting, it makes me calm and light. The cold wind brushing on my skin makes me shiver a bit.

Parang gusto kong akyatin ang mga bundok na 'yan. Would it be satisfying? Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin ko, bukod sa rigorous training and playing soccer, wala na akong ibang nagawang extreme activities.

Binalikan ko na si Aris sa may puno. Nakaupo at nakahilig sa malaking katawan ng punong kahoy. His eyes are closed. Hindi naman mukhang natutulog. Just relaxing.

It's tempting to trace and poke his highbridge nose. As he gets older and mature, mas lalong tumatapang ang western genes niya. Kulay pa lang ng buhok niya halata nang banyaga. It has the same color of his eyes, parang purong tsokolate.

"Let's go back now," I said to him.

He opened his eyes, languidly, lifting to meet my gaze. "Have you taken good photos?"

Tumango ako at tumalikod na para mauna kung saan niya itinali si Alucard.

"Let me see then," sabi niya.

"Later."

I watched him undo the knot. Hindi naman matagal dahil hindi mahigpit ang pagkakatali niya. Kung kakawala ang kabayo madali lang 'yong maalis.

Now, it makes me think—si Alucard—he probably knows na hindi siya nakatali ng maayos, pero hindi siya kakawala, hindi siya aalis... it's because there's no way he can go without his master. He knows that he should be with his master. Tipid akong napangiti sa naisip. Agad din akong umayos ng nilahad na ni Aris ang kamay niya para tulungan akong sumampa.

"Hindi ka pa ba pagod?" I asked while we're on our way back to the mansion. I don't think he had at least a decent sleep back in the yacht... or maybe he is used to strenuous activities a lot?

"Nah. Still good."

The househelps prepared food for us. It's a delicacy made out of grind corn. Unang beses ko pa lang makakatikim nito. It's actually good. I like the taste and the texture.

Aris bid goodbye to the few househelps who welcomed us. Nagpaalam na rin ako at nagpasalamat. Gusto pa nga pigilan si Aris ng isa para magpalipas ng gabi at bukas na lang tumulak pauwi. He, instead, promised to visit again, soon.

"Darcula... reversed."

His head turned to me listlissly. Sakay kami ng kotse pauwi ng bahay. A driver picked us up after we landed. Kaya hindi na siya nagmaneho. He must be tired to drive, too.

"Alucard," I told him, remembering his hoarse.

He nooded shortly.

Sobrang bilis ng oras. It felt like a short kiss of the wind. Alas sais na agad. Siguradong nasa bahay na sila Papa by now. Surprisingly, I am just calm here, sitting comfortably. Dala na rin siguro ng pagod at puyat ito. If only malayo pa ang oras ng dinner namin matutulog muna ako. My parents might notice na sobrang pagod ako.

"Will you stay for the night?"

"I need to hurry to the airport."

Naunawaan ko na agad. He is leaving for US. Siya ang bumibisita sa grandparents niya palagi. I can't recall in the past years kung nakadalaw na ba rito ang lolo at lola niya. They're also old kaya hindi na rin nakakabyahe ng malayo.