My Handsome Katipunero

KABANATA 16

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I slowly opened my eyes when I felt the heat from the sun on my cheeks. Bumungad sakin ang gea sa kahoy na kisame. I turned my head to the side and saw an open window.

Napaupo ako when my right leg ached. "Fuck." I cursed when I saw blood seeping through the cloth that was wrapped on my leg.

Tinanggal ko ang tela at tinignan ang sugat. Pahaba at malalim. Halatang sariwa pa. It was still bleeding pero hindi tulad ng kagabi.

I bit my lower lip when I remembered what happened last night. If Antonio didn't come, the man would've violated me. Kung hindi dumating si Antonio, siguro pinaglalamayan na ako ngayon.

I felt so helpless last night. 'Di ako makapaniwala na hinayaan kong tadyak-tadyakan ako nung lalaki. Ang lakas pa ng loob kong sabihin na ililigtas ko si Antonio, but he ended up saving me instead.

My heart thumped when I remembered the look on his face when he found me. I felt my cheeks flush. Would it be wrong kung iba ang interpretation ko? I mean, kahit sino naman ganun ang magiging reaksyon kapag nakita nilang nasa panganib ang kakilala nila. Pero, ayos lang ba kung bibigyan ko ng ibang kahulugan- I shook my head. I shouldn't be thinking of things like this.

"I like you."

Pakiramdam ko lahat ng dugo sa katawan ko ay umakyat sa mukha.

I confessed last night! I confessed!

Oh c'mon, Kristin. Antonio can't understand english. So, you're safe.

I shook my head. I should think of other things right now. Like... Like how Karlos disappeared and didn't even bother to help me.

"I helped you!" Karlos said, appearing out of nowhere.

"You did."

"I warned you."

I rolled my eyes heavenward, "Why did you tell me to save all the people in the barrio when you told me not to interfere with history?"

"It's because I know you'll get hurt. I don't have any choice. I predicted it already. But you were stubborn, I couldn't stop you. Y-your determination. Your eyes.."
he shook his head, then he glared at me. "You should be grateful I helped."

"Why would I? I was on the brink of being violated! Antonio came to save me. Why would I be grateful to you?" I saw how his nose and cheeks turned red as if he was about to cry. He bit his lower lip.

"Ewan ko sayo! Panget na matanda!" Then he vanished.

Kung wala akong iniindang sakit sa katawanbay baka nahablot ko ang batang 'yun bago pa siya maglaho. Nasabunutan ko pa sana. Geez! He's making my blood boil.

But for a moment there, Karlos acted like a child. Kahit papano bumagay 'yung ugali niya sa katawan niya.

Halos mapatalon ako nang bumukas ang pinto. Iniluwal nito ang isang babaeng nakasuot ng baro't saya. Her skin was slightly tan and she's got a long silky black hair. Her cheeks were round, het lower lips were full. I think she's younger than me.

She walked towards me holding a basin of warm water.

"Gising ka na pala." she smiled. I noticed the color of her eyes. It was the same as Antonio's but hers was lighter. "Kumusta ang iyong pakiramdam?"

I smiled, "Ayos lang."

Wala akong mahanap na rason para maging rude sa kanya. There's something about her that makes you comfortable.