Yes, yes, it really took me time to update. Been bombarded with work these past few months. Sadlife. But don't worry, here it is!
Happy Reading, Enjoy!
+++++
Chapter 20
''Different''
Sabay kaming lumabas ng kanyang kwarto. Nauna ako paglalakad. Sa dulo ng pasilyo ay naaninag ko ang papalapit na Jakob. With a furrowed eyebrows, his eyes lingered to the man tailing behind me. I made a swift glance at Javier, before meeting Jakob's knowing eyes.
My lips curled into a mischievous smile.
''There you are.'' nakangising panimula niya nang magkaharap na kami. ''Your friends thought you already went home.''
''I kinda lost track of time.'' I chuckled softly. ''Javier and I... we were pretty occupied.''
''Hmm,'' tumigil siya at lumihis ang kanyang tingin kay Javier, na halos kakaabot lang kung na saan kami . ''Your guests are looking for you, Javier. Why don't both of you go downstairs and stop locking yourselves in a room.''
''What did you say to him?'' Javier whispered beside me.
I shook my head and mouthed 'nothing'. Hindi niya narinig ang unang pinag-usapan namin ni Jakob. He was walking so slow behind me.
I glanced at the two men and noticed that they were exchanging glances. Jakob had that devilish smirk of him while Javier's back to his cold demeanor. Seems like they're going to talk about something... or they're already talking with their eyes.
Nonetheless, I don't feel like hearing what's up.
''I'll go first.''
Jakob nodded while Javier's eyes snapped to meet mine. I almost flinched, because at the same time, I heard an imaginary sound inside me that you'll only hear in dramas.
''I'll follow.'' he said in baritone.
Napakurap ako, hindi inaasahan ang kanyang sinabi.
''Okay...''
''I wonder what's the best dog food these days.'' I heard Jakob muttering to himself.
I rolled my eyes at him. Hindi ko na lamang pinansin.
One last look and I walked away. Muli kong tinungo ang backyard pool. Agad kong namataan si Rhys sa may malayo. But when he saw me, he instantly guided me in a table with few familiar people. There's Axel, Erik, Anton, and two more girls. Hindi sila kasya sa maliit na pabilog na lamesa kaya ang ibang upuan ng mga lalaki ay nasa may gilid na, sa likod ng dalawang babae.
''Vernaise!'' gulat na tawag ni Axel nang makita ako.
I waved my hand. ''Hey!''
Erik almost spit out his drink when he faced me. Akma akong yayakapin ni Axel pero pinigilan siya ni Rhys. Siguro dahil basa ito. Tumawa lamang si Axel habang namumula ng kaunti ang pisngi, mukhang mula sa pag-inom.
''Ngayon lang ulit kita nakita!''
''Been busy with my studies in Manila.'' I answered with a small smile.
Pinaupo ako ni Rhys sa bakanteng upuan na katabi ng kanya. In front of me are the curious eyes of two girls, beside Anton and Erik. It's a bit crowdy here, huh? There's a lot of vacant spaces though. I don't know why these people are trying to fit themselves in this one small table.
''Good to see you again, Vernaise.'' si Erik.
I nodded at him in acknowledgment. ''It feels like a long time when I last saw you all.''
''It is indeed.''
Pinakilala sa'kin ni Erik ang dalawang babaeng kasama nila. He only said their names so I guess, they aren't one of their friends or girlfriends. Because if that's the case, the introduction would be more longer and friendlier.
I noticed that there's hostility in the eyes of the women while glancing at me from time to time. I'm somehow already used with that type of look whenever I'm here, so it doesn't bother me that much anymore. To mirror the hostility, I would raise my eyebrow whenever our eyes would meet.
''Akala ko umuwi ka na. Nabati mo na ba si Javier?'' tanong ni Rhys pagkatapos ng kaunting kamustahan kina Erik.
''Ah, oo.''
''Natagalan ka. May pinuntahan ka pa?''
I don't know why but if someone asked me where I have been, I'd confidently say I was in Javier's room. But sometimes whenever it comes to Rhys, I feel like I'm this girl who's almost shy about everything. Siguro dahil mabait siya at ang mga ginagawa ko ay napakapilya na nakakahiyang malaman niya pa.
''Hinintay ko si Javier...'' I smiled sheepishly.
He nodded.
Even before... it's already that way.
''Vernaise!'' si Axel na naagaw ang atensyon namin. ''The pool is great, want to take a dip?''
I shook my head. ''I don't have clothes for swimming with me right now.''
''Oh, yeah! You look great tonight, by the way.'' he complimented. ''But you always look great even in normal days. To tell you honestly, everytime I see you, I feel like you're a firework... you're always sparkling.''
Nagtawanan ang mga kasama namin. I can't help myself not to laugh too. Halatang nakainom na si Axel. He isn't the type of person to say those things... well... not openly to me.
''Don't flirt with me, you already have a girlfriend.'' ngisi ko.
''Wala! Wala na!'' agap niya, tila nabuhayan pa sa kung ano. ''Since I don't have a girlfriend anymore, am I allowed to flirt with you now?''
Tumawa nang malakas si Erik. Tinapunan niya ito ng disposable fork at saktong tumama ito sa mukha ni Axel. Axel then looked at Erik with so much rage.
''Problema mo?!''
''Gago.''
''I'm single! I have no commitment with anyone. Vernaise...'' nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang nilingon ako. Nagulat ako nang tumayo siya at lumapit sa gawi ko. ''You're single right?''
I chuckled.
''Technically, uh, yes?''
''That's it!'' Axel smugly looked at Erik. ''We're both single. Nothing's wrong with flirting.''
Nagulat ako nang may itinapon din si Rhys kay Axel. I gaped at Rhys. He threw him a bottle tincap! After that I heard the low 'ohhhh' sound from the men. Mas lalo tuloy natawa si Erik.
''Ask the lady first if she's interested with you. Gago!''
The table was filled with laughers. I was laughing at their jokes and small banters. My laughs were only halted when I finally got a glimpse of Javier on the entrace of the backyard. Namataan niya agad kami. I waved at him cutely. Nahinto nga lang siya sa paglapit nang may mga sumalubong na ibang tao.
Erik and Axel started to bicker again, so my attention went back to them. Anton handed me a canned beer... although I noticed that they were drinking a harder and more expensive liquor. Pero tinanggap ko pa rin iyon at uminom. Rhys entertained me with funny and interesting stories. Abala pa din si Javier sa pakikipag-usap sa mga bisita niya. This is his birthday party after all.
''Drink moderately...'' Rhys said when he saw me trying to change what I'm drinking.
''Yes, dad.'' I said, slightly teasing him.
His lips protruded at bit, and his expression suddenly changed. I poked him at the side with my elbow, wiggling my eyebrows and making cute faces. Doon lamang bumalik ang palangiti niyang mukha.
''Vernaise! I know a lot of techiques in swimming, watch me!'' si Axel na agad tumayo sa upuan.
''He's drunk.'' komento ko nang makitang medyo gumegewang na ang lakad niya papunta sa pool.
''He's been drinking since dusk.''
Lumingon ulit si Axel at kumaway-kaway sa'min. May panghahamon sa mga mata.
''Come on, Vernaise!''
''This is fun. Let's go.'' nauna pa si Erik tumayo at sumunod kay Axel.
Tumayo na rin ako at sumunod dahil mukhang pagtatawanan lamang ni Erik ang kaibigan niya pag may nangyari dito. Axel's so drunk that I'm scared he'll drown himself. I even pulled Rhys up to follow them in case something happens.
And I was right, Axel was too drunk to even float himself properly in the water! Yun ang kanina niya pa ginagawa. We were at the edge of the pool looking at him doing those so called tricks. Tawa ng tawa si Erik.
''Para kang tanga!'' sigaw niya sa kaibigan. ''Pa-impress masyado ang gago!''
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang sa isang iglap nawala na lang din bigla si Erik sa may gilid namin. He landed on the water with a loud splash. When my eyes searched for the culprit, I saw Anton, dusting off the imaginary dust in his hand.
''Fuck you, Anton!''
I can't help myself but to laugh when Axel went to Erik and they started wrestling with each other on the water.
''Collect your friends.'' I told Rhys after a while.
Umiling lamang ito ng nakangisi. ''Let them be.''
Pinagtinginan tuloy kami dahil sa ingay namin. May ibang nagv-video pa nang nangyayari sa dalawang lalaki na nasa pool. They're like toddlers fighting for a toy.
''What's happening here?''
Lumingon ako sa aking likod nang marinig ang boses ni Javier. His eyes went to me, to the pool, to Rhys, then back to my eyes.
''They're playing.'' si Anton ang sumagot.
My sharp eyes darted at the familiar girl tailing Javier. Siya iyong kausap niya noong una ko siyang nakita. She has paper white skin and soft face. Her features are exactly the opposite of me. She has an innocent looking face but somehow her expression is giving her a different vibe.
Ito ang mga tipong babae ni Javier. From Jena, Helena, and to the girls he's with in those photos Solenn always sent me before. They all share the same features in apperances. Mapuputi, mukhang mababait, at tila sobrang inosente. A girl looking like an angel who descended from the sky.
Maybe he doesn't like me because I don't look like that. Rather than an angel, I look like a mischievous devil who will lure him to the mysterious, dark, and cold underground.
''Sabi ko naman sa'yo naglalaro lang yan sina Erik, Javier.'' she said with a very soft almost pitchy voice. Hindi nakalagpas sa aking paningin ang paghaplos niya sa braso ni Javier. ''Walang dapat ipag-alala, Javier. Balik ka nalang doon.''
Umikot sa kalangitan ang aking mata. After that, I averted my eyes away from them and focused on the little show in front of me.
Tumawa ako nang sakalin na rin ni Erik si Axel. People are already starting to cheer and bet who think they'll win. The music changed and the noise from the onlookers got louder. Marami na ring nakisali sa tubig. Even Anton joined them. They're splashing water here and there. Muntik pa akong mabasa ng tubig. Umatras na lamang ako ngunit hindi sinasadyang mabunggo ang taong nasa aking likod.
A hand was fast enough to hold my waist for support. I looked over my shoulder and found Javier, looking at my face.
''Javier...'' an irritating voice called.
Malamig na tingin ang iginawad ko sa babaeng nagsisimula nang magpasama ng timpla ko. I gave her a glare. Naituptop niya ang kanyang labi, padabog na lumayo.
She looks kind, alright. But there's really something about her face that makes me doubt it. I smell a rotten core behind the artificial fresh look. Or maybe I'm just that judgemental.
Javier moved closer to me to block my vision of her walking away. I find the move annoying rather than anything.
''Is that the one you like?'' iling ko at muling nanunuod sa mga taong naglalaro sa tubig. I saw Axel punching Anton. And Rhys on the side of the pool, pulling Erik up.
''No.'' agap niya.
''Fling?''
''No.''
I raised an eyebrow. Well that better be true.
''What about Helena, Javier?'' I asked meeting his eyes. I held my chin up. ''Is she still your girlfriend?''
''No.'' he answered in a snap like a trained soldier. ''She's in a relationship with someone else.''
In a relationship with someone else?So, Carlos' did tell the truth, huh.
''Are you saying that if she isn't, you'd still be a couple?''
Nanliit ang kanyang mga mata. At nangunot ang noo.
''No.''
It seems like 'no' is his favorite word tonight. And it's just one word but I already know what it means.
''Did you really like her romantically back then enough for you to declare her your girlfriend?'' kalmado kong tanong. ''Or... you made it just look like that?''
I waited for an answer but there was silence. He didn't say anything.
I looked up to him, searching for his eyes. I wanted to know what it would give as an answer, but he instantly looked away. At the same time, I can feel him tightening his hold on my waist.
He didn't answer. Yet, I think even before, I have finally came to know the answer for that question.
I smiled.
I smiled without any hint of amusement.
''What a heartless man you are, Javier.''
He stayed silent. I can only hear his deep breaths. I did not comment anything anymore as well. We stayed there silently watching his friends have fun.
He is really not a De Leon for nothing.
''May susundo ba sa'yo?''
I stopped sipping on the island iced tea which he gave me a while ago, and turned my head to the side to face him.
''Yes.'' I answered truthfully. ''Pero kung gusto mo akong ihatid sa bahay, pwede naman akong hindi magpasundo.''
''Alright.''
''Alright?'' I asked confused. ''Alright... what?''
''I'll bring you back home.''
I almost choked on my own saliva. And even though I didn't spill anything because I wasn't drinking anymore, Javier still offered me some tissue. I didn't care if he's being sarcastic or what. I am still shocked.
''You will?!''
He raised an eyebrow at me. Was I too shocked? Well who wouldn't? He's behaving like a different person these days!
''If you don't mind.''
''Of course, I wouldn't!'' I answered, cannot anymore hold back the happiness escaping my voice. ''You can even drive me home everyday, and I still wouldn't mind.''
His lips curled upwards in a small smile. My whole world almost stopped. Agad ding nawala ang kanyang ngiti nang makitang titig na titig ako.
He cleared his throat. ''Finish it.''
Gusto ko sana siyang tuksuhin pero huwag na lang. I'm already satisfied with this.
''Hey, Javier! Aren't you guys lonely there?''
Nilingon ko ang kabilang mesa nang marinig ang boses ni Axel.
When Javier's friends got tired of playing, umahon din na sila sa tubig. Sobrang basa sila. Pati si Rhys ay basa kahit hindi naman lumusong. And since they're only occupying a small table, which is already a bit crowdy, Javier pulled me to an empty table beside theirs. Ni hindi ako nakapila sa gulat! Not that I will, anyway.
Hindi naman malayo. Just beside them. It's only actually a meter away. But Axel had really been sullen the moment he realized we're alone and away from them.
I'd miss their noise. But I prefer my alone time with my Javier de Leon.
''Damn you!'' Axel cursed.
My eyebrows furrowed. Javier didn't say anything yet Axel cursed. Napalingon ako kay Javier na kakababa lamang ng kaliwamg kamay.
''What happened?''
Umiling siya. ''Ignore him.''
I pursed my lips. Umirap na lamang ako kinalaunan.
But no matter how we isolate ourselves. It won't change the fact that Javier's the main star of the night. Maraming lumapit sa aming mesa at bumati. Although he would only reply for courtesy, there are still people he had conversations with.
Two gentleman asked for my permission if they can borrow him for a while. They were in casual clothes, both wearing jeans. One's wearing a white shirt and the other one a blue polo shirt. One of them even address Javier as my boyfriend.
''I stand by corrected, he's just an acquaintance.'' I said. ''I'm single.''
''What--- oh--pfft!'' pigil niyang tawa. Nakita ko ang pagsiko niya sa kasama. ''You said she's his...''
''I thought too...''
The two whispered with each other. While I smiled at Javier who's starting to have a displeased expression.
I leaned closer to his side. ''I don't want them to assume. We're not even friends, right?''
His jaw clenched. Mas lalo akong nangisi. He then stood up from his seat to silently to go with them. The man in the blue polo smiled at me.
''We'll bring back your---'' he paused abruptly. ''---acquaintance, after a few words.''
I shrugged. ''No worries. Take your time.''
It was fun. But the time passes real fast when you're having fun. And before the clock could even strike at midnight, I already found myself seated inside Javier's car. I promised to be back home at midnight, so no matter how much I wanted to stay with them and have more fun, I couldn't.
I waved and bid my goodbye to Rhys and the other men before they faded on the background. Hindi na ako nakapagpaalam kay Jakob. He's like a ghost. I mean, he'd be there and after he's gone. His appearance is always unnoticeable.
It was a quick drive from their house to ours. Especially without traffic, since it's already midnight. And just like the last time, I asked Javier to drop me off in front of the gate.
And before I could even finish unbuckling my seatbelt, Javier's fast enough to go out of the car and jog to the side, opening the door for me.
''Thanks.'' I murmured when I went out.
He only nodded. He didn't say anything, and neither did I. We stayed there, under the moonlight, staring at each other. It was dark yet it was not dreary. It was windy yet it wasn't cold.
It is a new refreshing atmosphere.
''Are you---''
''Are you---''
Sabay kaming huminto nang mapagtantong sabay din kaming nagsalita. I bit my lip, preventing my smile from coming out. I was about to ask if he's just going to stare at me or he's already debating whether to kiss me or not, because I won't mind if he do the latter.
''What is it?'' I asked him first.
''Are you free this friday?''
My eyes widened a bit. ''Are you asking me out?''
''You said you wanted to roam around our land.'' he replied, not directly answering my question.
Tss.
''Hmm,'' I mumbled. ''But why Friday? Wouldn't it be better if we go on a date on weekends?''
Hindi siya agad nagsalita at mukhang may mas malalim pang iniisip. I wonder then if he's busy on weekends that's why he asked for Friday. It was too late when I realized that he is indeed a busy man.
Nagsasalita na sana ako ngunit naunahan niya ako.
''Do you prefer weekends?''
''On dates?'' I urged, teasing him to admit that it is a date.
I pursed my lips when he didn't answer. Yet, it didn't made me less happy. In fact, everything about tonight made me the happiest.
I moved closer and rested my lips on the side of his lips. I heard his deep breaths which made me smile.
''Friday or weekends... it doesn't really matter to me. As long as I can spend a day with you, I'd make any day possible.'' marahan kong sambit pagkatapos. ''So if you're busy on the weekends, then Friday it is.''
Javier's already the one who's walking closer to where am I standing, patiently waiting for my turn. So if he'd ask me about these things, I don't mind it at all. I'd make anything possible as long as at the end of everything, it'll be all at my advantage.
#DATETHYENEMY