Escaping Strings

Chapter 30: Operation Break

“Babe,” I called.

I bite my lip as I walk towards him. I held his face with both of my hands and made him look at me. Pinunasan ako ang luha na nasa pisngi niya bago unti-unting gumuhit ang maliit na ngiti sa mga labi niya.

“I told you, I have known you for so long.”

“Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin?”

“Babe, pinsan ko si Jacob at kaibigan mo siya. Ayaw ko lang ng gulo at gusto ko, makilala mo ako hindi bilang kamag-anak ng kaibigan mo kung hindi bilang ako mismo,” he said staring sincerely at my face.

“You should have told me still, no matter what.”

I sigh before my hands as well as my gaze fell on his hard chest still thinking. Mondragons are the kinds of tough and persistent lovers, too eager and competitive.

“Si Jacob,” I muttered. “Hindi ko alam na ganoon pala ang nararamdaman niya. I mean, until now.”

“So, are you planning of something like leaving me now?”

I stared at him for like three seconds before I drawn myself to him. I hug him, so, so tight like I am afraid of losing him. Gosh, I am again crying.

“What made you think that I would do that? I love you.”

He hug me back tightly and I feel relieve.

“I love you more than you know. Please, don't ever leave me.”

Naramdaman ko ang paghalik niya sa ulo ko bago ko naramdaman ang mas paghigpit pa lalo ng yakap niya. Inilayo ko nang kaunti ang ulo ko mula sa dibdib niya para tingnan ang mukha niya. Napangiti ako matapos kong masaksihan ang kagwapuhan niya. Kung anuman ang pumasok sa isipan niya para isiping iiwan ko siya, well, screw that! I won't leave him.

“Matthew—”

He kissed my lips and I gladly respond to it. Bahagya ko naman siyang naitulak nang maalala kong may dapat pa nga pala kaming ayusin.

“We have to talk to Jac.”

“Yeah, we should.”

Tinitigan niya muna ako bago unti-unting ngumiti at hinalikang muli sa mga labi. Napanguso naman ako sa ginawa niya at sumimangot.

“You're so beautiful, babe,” he said.

“I know that, whatever. I'm hungry, I want pizza.”

“I'll call for delivery.”

“Masyado mo namang ini-spoil. Hindi ba puwedeng heavy meal muna? Gosh, kayo na ang happy,” sabi nang kapapasok lang na si Chezca.

We just laugh to what she said before she pulled us to the kitchen.

“Come, we've prepared something. It's actually for lunch but... as you see....” She left her words hanging and kahit naman hindi niya tapusin ay alam na namin kung ano ang ibig niyang sabihin.

We reached the kitchen and there they are. Ha, I am not used to this, too quiet. We must really end this shit quick. I look at Matt and he smile before he pulled out a chair for me.

“Later, babe,” he whispers, knowing what my gaze wants to say.

Tumango naman ako at umupo na lang.

“What's on the menu?” Iris asked.

“Seafoods.”

“What?” I asked in disbelief and they all look at me like they're ready for laughing.

“Pfft! Hahahahaha! Joke lang. Alam naman naming allergic ka sa seafood.”

“I hate you, Chezca,” I said and she chuckle.