Bullet

Chapter 7

HALOS nakapikit pa ang mga mata ko dahil sa matinding antok pero heto ako ngayon, nakatayo na parang lantang gulay habang isinusuot naman ni Valente ang gloves niya. It was very early in the morning, maybe it was even dawn, when he suddenly knocked on my door. Ginising niya ako at pinabihis para dalhin dito.

"Do we really have to do this, this early?" Humihikab na tanong ko. "Nasuntok ako kahapon diba? I have to rest."

"You already had your rest. It's enough." Malamig na sagot niya.

I sighed as I opened my eyes. Muli akong napahikab. "How can I train properly if I am still tired? Gusto ko pa pong matulog, Valente. Please? Let me go to my room and let me sleep more. Gisingin mo na lang ako ulit after 1 hour."

He suddenly stopped and just stared at me, as if he is studying my face and as if what I said is too ridiculous.

Muli akong humikab. "Sundalo ba ako para gawin ito sa akin? I want to sleep more---"

I stiffened when he suddenly stepped closer to me. Sa haba ng mga paa niya ay inisang hakbang niya lang ang distansiya namin at ngayon ay nakayuko siya habang nakatingin sa akin. His forehead is creased while irritation is visible in his eyes.

Antok na antok ako kanina pero ngayon, buhay na buhay na ang dugo ko dahil sa kaba sa kaniya.

Bigla akong sumaludo at humakbang palayo sa kaniya. "Gising na ako! Look! Gising na gising na ako!"

He raised his eyebrow at me. And then crossed his arms over his chiseled chest. "Are you sure, Aurora? Gising ka na ba talaga?"

Tapos ay humakbang ulit palapit sa akin.

I stepped backward. "Y-yes!" I stuttered miserably.

He stopped then showed me the most boyish smile I have ever seen. Ginulo niya ang buhok at inayos muli ang suot-suot na gloves. "If you're really awake now, then punch the punching bag. Malakas dapat. Quick."

Wala sa oras na naglakad ako patungo sa punching bag at huminga nang malalim. I readied myself and was about to punch the bag when his voice suddenly roared inside the room.

"Stupid, Aurora. You'll hurt your self. Wear your gloves." Hindi siya sumigaw na sumigaw pero malakas at madiin ang pagkakasabi niya no'n.

Natulala ako.

"Wear your gloves, I said." His deep voice uttered. Madiin na naman ang pagkakasabi niya. "I won't say it again, Aurora. You're now getting occupied by your thoughts."

Napakurap-kurap ako at agad na kinuha ang gloves na una kong bakita sa gilid. Sa pagkataranta, ay kahit pilit ko iyong isinusuot sa kamay ko, ay hindi ko magawa. I can just feel him watching me, watching my every moves, watching me get all messed up because he's scaring me!

I heard him sighed. "Aurora..."

Malumanay iyon.

I sighed exasperatedly when the glove fell to the ground. Dahil nabitawan ko. Kukunin ko na sana pero naunahan niya na ako. I gulped in nervousness.

"Are you trembling? Are you too nervous?" Mahinang tanong niya.

Napalunok ako. "Hindi, sir, ah. Nagmamadali lang po talaga. Adrenaline rush kumbaga. Tsaka, opo, kaunti, hehe. Sinong hindi kakabahan eh nakakatakot ka po talaga---este, nakakatakot po ang boses niyo."

Hindi ako makatingin dito pero alam kong tinititigan niya ako. I just saw how he shook his head and surprisingly, he took my left hand. Tahimik ang paligid at hinayaan ko lang siyang isuot sa akin ang glove. He wrapped it tightly and then took the other one. He also put it in my hand.