DATE THY ENEMY | ES:1

45

''Does he have work?'' masuring tanong niya ulit. ''I hope he does. I don't like irresponsible men who just party and slack off while you are building your own career. You are too precious for boys like that.''

''He has work and he is a responsible man, Daddy.'' sagot ko.

''That's good. Is he kind though, especially to you? Is he treating you right?''

A warm smile instantly appeared on my face. When my father looked at me in the rearview mirror, I saw him smile too. I guess he already got the answer.

''I've never seen you like this. It scares me.'' aniya.

''Let her be, Steven. Our daughter is already twenty-four years old. She knows what she is doing.''

''Alam ko, hindi ko naman pinagbabawalan.'' ani Daddy. ''Basta hindi isang De Leon, panatag ako.''

I froze.

My smile faded in an instant.

On weekends, since I do not have work, Javier would pick me up at our house. Doon ako sa kanyang condo but he knows that I can't sleep there so he'd bring me back whenever it's six o or seven o 'clock.

''Is everything okay?''

Hindi ko na siya kailangan linungin pa. Javier's arm immediately hugged me from behind. Sumuot ang kanyang mga kamay sa loob ng aking damit para damhin ang aking balat habang nakayakap.

I leaned my back closer to his body for some warmth in this cold evening. Tanaw namin ang buong syudad dito sa teresa ng kanyang condo.

''Your silence kills me.'' aniya. ''Something happened at the brunch you had with your family?''

''I was asked if I have a boyfriend...'' panimula ko.

''Uh, huh.''

I pursed my lips. ''I told them I have.''

Tila ba napaaga ang Pasko kay Javier nang marinig iyon dahil agad kong maramdaman ang kanyang mga halik sa aking leeg. His hand on my stomach went up to cup one of my mounds. I did not wear a bra that's why I instantly felt his warm hand. Halos mapadaing ako.

''Javier, nag-uusap pa tayo.'' medyo kapos sa hininga kong sabi.

''Sorry,'' he whispered, his hand retreating. He pulled me closer. ''I almost lost my control. Continue.''

Napasimangot ako. Not sure whether I liked that he stopped or not. Every time he touches my body, I feel like a dry flower being watered for the first time after being in a long drought.

Umiling ako sa mga pinag-iinisip.

''My father...'' I paused whether to continue or not but I did anyway. ''I told you before right? Kung gaano ako ka-gusto matali ni Lolo sa pamilya ninyo, ganon din kaayaw ni Daddy.'' Saglit ko siyang nilingon para matingnan ang reaksyon. I smiled at him. ''But I think he's just worried since I'm his only child. And usually fathers are like that to their daughters, right? Somehow overly protective. So don't worry, okay? Besides, he isn't that cold-hearted. I know my father. Once we tell my family about us, he'll eventually understand and support us.''

''You don't have to worry either. You love your family so I love them, too. I will show your father how much I love you and how serious I am with us, that he doesn't need to worry about anything, especially about you.'' malambing niyang bulong. ''If he still doesn't like me, I'd just stick with your grandfather because he approves of me more.''

Pabiro akong umirap sa kanya pero natawa na lang rin.

I caressed his hand that's holding me. Rinig ko ang malalim niyang hininga sa may aking leeg kaya alam ko kung saan kami maaring mapunta.