Chapter 19: Bottled water
"Siya ang tahimik noong bata pa sila ni Leese, hija. Pero ngayon, baliktad na."
Natawa ako habang pinagmamasdan ang mga litrato ni Fidai kasama ang kakambal niya. He do seems like silent, nerdy and obedient when he was a child. Pero ngayong matanda na, he's intimidating, dark and charming, and of course, forceful. I wonder what it feels like to be with that "masunurin" Fidai. I chuckled wholeheartedly.
"Can I keep this, Tita?" turo ko sa isang litrato ni Fidai na nakasleeveless at pormal na nakaupo sa pang-daycare na upuan.
I enjoyed Tita's talk about Fidai's childhood. Tahimik lang naman si Fidai sa kabilang couch dahil sa tuwing pinipigilan niya na magkwento ang Mama niya, sinisipat siya nito. I can't stop laughing when I learned that his childhood dream is to be a teacher so he can have all the pretty girls in the class. Such a playboy.
Umiiyak pa ito nang sinabihan daw ng Papa niya na kailangan niyang maging inhinyero dahil isa siyang tagapagmana sa kompanya nila. He kept groaning and frowning at us throughout ngunit mas lalong iniignora namin siya at nakikinig sa kwento ni Tita Symfle.
"You can keep the whole album, hija. Just don't misplace any," nakangiti niyang sabi.
Umawang ang aking labi. "I just need this po,"
"Keep it, I insist."
Binaba ko ang album sa aking kandungan at ngumiti ng malapad. "Thank you po,"
She grinned again. "I still have a few stories to tell, hija. Oh, I remember. One time when Leese came back home and Fidai was--"
Fidai interrupted with a groan. "Mama, that's enough."
Bahagyang kumunot ang aking noo, kuryoso na malaman iyon ngunit pinigilan ulit ni Fidai ang kanyang ina kaya natawa ito. Tila may sekreto silang hindi gustong malaman ko.
"Next time, hija. It's already late. I better go back to my husband," natatawa niyang sabi.
"How'd you know my girl is here in my unit, Mama?" pasinggit ni Fidai.
Tinapunan siya ng tingin ni Tita. "You inutile. I heard Howl and Leyox's conversation."
"And you decided to caught her off guard." he pointed out.
"Don't make it sound like I'm a villain, Fidai. Aiofe does not deserve to be kept hidden. I can't wait to tell my friends about her." she giggled.
"Actually it's the opposite po... I asked him to make our relationship a secret,"
"Ahh. Ganoon ba." aniya at biglang pumalakpak. "Ngayon, wala ng secret. Alam ko na, e!"
Bahagyang natawa ako sa reaksyon ni Tita. She is just so pure and so loving. Another super mom that I knew aside from my own mother.
"Our secret, hija." aniya.
Tumango ako at ngumiti sa kanya. "I'll make sure to have time po,"
"You'll have time."
"Anong sekreto ninyo?" singgit na naman ni Fidai.
"Wala ka na do'n." tugon ko.
Tumawa si Tita. I gave Fidai a friendly smile and he still look interested to know. Tumayo na rin ako ng tumayo si Tita.
"Uh, let's have lunch first, Tita."
"Oh, thank you, but Leonardo is waiting for me at home. Right! Why not let's all go to the mansion and let her meet with your father,"
Namilog ang aking mata at agad dinalaw ng matinding kaba. "N-No, Tita. I mean, sa-saka nalang po..."
"We'll go when she's ready, Mama. Don't rush her. You're scaring her again." si Fidai habang tumabi sa akin.
I am so not ready! I even barely move when his mother is here but then I slowly acted normal around her so she'll not think I'm being rude or not good enough for her son, how much more go to their mansion and meet his family? His father? Oh my God. I don't know what to do and I feel like hiding.
"You had all the chance to introduce her to us, Fidai. Anong plano mo? Maging secret girlfriend si Aiofe habambuhay?" pagalit na sabi ni Tita.
"No, of course not. I was waiting till she graduates," agap ni Fidai.
Tumaas ang mga kilay ni Tita. Ngumuso ako ng bahagya. Fidai's arm on my waist made me warmer.
"Kailan ka gagraduate, hija?" inosenteng tanong niya sa akin.
I release my lower lip, I was biting it inwardly earlier. "Kahapon po, Tita..."
Her jaw dropped in surprise. "Oh my! Congratulations, hija! You did not tell me, Fidai."
Agad akong niyakap ni Tita kaya napabitaw si Fidai sa aking baywang. Natawa ako at bahagyang nasakal sa mahigpit niyang yakap.
"Mama, nasakal mo na ang girlfriend ko." pigil ni Fidai.
"Oops! Sorry, excited lang."
"It's okay," natawa kong sambit.
"Now, I don't want to leave. Did you have a party yesterday?"
"Hinihintay ka na ni Papa sa bahay, Mama." si Fidai.
Ngumuso si Tita kaya humalakhak ako ulit.
"Ingat po kayo, Tita."
"Yeah. My ungrateful son badly wants to drive me away." bigo pa niyang sabi.
Hindi natanggal ang ngiti sa akin labi. Tila ba ay nagtatalo pa ang mag-ina ngunit sa huli ay bumitaw naman si Tita at nagpaalam na umuwi.
Sa pagkakataon na sumirado ang pinto sa pag-alis ni Tita, agad akong hinalikan ni Fidai sa leeg. Umirap ako sa kawalan na may ngiti sa labi. Oh, I know saan ka pinaglihi, Fidai.
"You had fun talking to her," aniya at pinaharap ako sa kanya.
I snaked my arms around his neck and nodded. "Your Mama is very energetic and so nice to me."
Bigla niya akong binuhat kaya napapulupot agad ang aming mga hita sa kanyang baywang. As my feet left the ground, he started walking us back to his room.
"Naiwan ang photo album," puna ko.
He changed course to get the album on the couch.
"She's sometimes forceful, darling." marahan niyang sabi.
Like you, Fidai Augustine. Wow ha, hindi mo man lang nakita na ganoon ka rin, no?
Instead of saying something, I just grinned like a total crazy person on the street. Ramdam ko ang panitig niya na kuryoso kung anong iniisip ko ngunit hindi muna ako nagsalita. Tinulak niya pabukas ang pinto ng kwarto niya.
"Sa couch. Balcony." turo ko.
Nilapag naman niya ako roon. I let my two feet on the couch and slightly slanted them to the left as I leaned back and place the album on my lap.
Umupo siya sa kabilang upuan. The chairs in his balcony are like couches, cotton and foam yet it's a single chair. Kaharap niya ako at nasa aking upuan ang kanyang kanang kamay.
"Care to share your secret, darling?" malamyos niyang sabi.
I shook my head. "No. It's a secret."
Dumaing siya ang binaba ang kanyang baba sa aking balikat. I smirked inwardly and gave him a suspicious teasing eye after turning the page of the album. Litrato na seryosong nakatingin siya sa camera habang nasa tabi ng blackboard noong daycare days. Mas lalong dumaing siya ang siniksik ang ulo sa aking balikat.
"Really, huh? Maging guro ka para marami kang chicks?"
He chuckled huskily. "That's just a childhood delusion, darling."
"Talaga lang. Hanggang ngayon nakikita ko pa ang pangarap na iyan. Kung hindi lang sa responsibilidad mo, siguro teacher ka na at siguro araw araw nakikipagharutan sa mga estudyante mong magaganda."
Niyugyog niya ang aking balikat at nagpupumungay na tumingin sa akin. He shook his head upon my teasing.
"I was influenced by my cousin." dahilan niya. "Noong bata pa kami, palagi kaming sumasama sa Tiyuhin namin na guro sa probinsya. Eren wants to be a teacher because Tito receives chocolate and flowers everyday. So I was encouraged to dream the same."
Umakto akong naaawa sa kanya. "At kamusta ang pangarap na iyon? Yumanig ba ang mundo mo?"
He licked his lower lip and slowly caress my shoulder. Bumaba pa ang tingin niya sa aking labi at binalik sa aking mata. Unti unting sumilay ang ngisi sa kanyang labi.
"Ayos lang. Mas nakaka-attact ang maging Engineer." he smirked.
Walang preno akong umirap sa sinabi niya. "Hindi lahat na-aatttact sa Engineer. Stop generalizing things."
Tumawa siya ng mababa. "Hindi ko naman nilalahat. Sabi ko lang mas attractive ang maging inhinyero."
Pinanliitan ko siya ng tingin bago sinirado ang album. "Ilan ang nahulog sa'yo dahil sa propesyon mo?"
"Just you." agap niya.
I raised a brow at him. "I'm not attracted to you knowing you're an Engineer. Unang pagkakilala natin, hindi ko nga alam kung sino ka. Baka ang dating babae mo ang tinutukoy mo,"
Napaupo siya ng maayos at binigyan ako ng buo at seryosong atensyon. He grunted lowly and placed his head on the top of my bended knees.
"Girls like me but I didn't like them back. I don't want you to misunderstand, darling..." banayad niyang sabi.
"Oh no, I'm totally cool with it, Fidai." sabi ko.
He flinched a bit and he looked startled. Umawang ang kanyang labi at napalunok siya bago ako niyakap ng buo. Nilagay ko ang album sa lamesa.
"You're mad."
Kumunot ang aking dalawang kilay sa kanyang sinabi.
"Tinawag mo ako sa unang pangalan. Hindi ko gusto iyon."
Kumurap kurap ako. I chuckled nervously. "I must have spoken it subconsciously. Anyway, mag-night swimming tayo mamaya, 'di ba? Wala akong dalang bikini."
Nananatili ang mapanuri niyang tingin sa akin. Isang malalim na buntonghininga ang kanyang pinakawala at kinuha ang aking mga kamay. He kissed the knuckles of my hands without leaving his eyes off me.
"You're my first girlfriend." namamaos niyang sabi.
I felt how my heart skipped a loud beat. Umawang ang aking labi at nanunuyo ang lalamunan habang nakatingin sa kanya. My heartbeat hurts because it's loud and strong. I can't say anything because I don't know how or what to say. Lumunok ako bigla.
His eyes told me it's true. I was waiting for him to confirm it's just a white lie, but it's not. Bigla niyang siniksik ang kanyang mukha sa aking dibdib. The 'first' he mentioned before and what Leyox, his friend, told me yesterday just made sense.
"Ayaw kong sabihin sa'yo baka hindi ka maniniwala. Mukha lang akong maraming babae pero kailanman hindi ko sila naging girlfriend." he whispered softly.
"W-What are yo-you... saying..."
"You're the first and will be the last girl that I will touch, darling. I'm serious with you so I commit myself fully to you. I'm not made to be binded by desires, but to live up with my principles." aniya. "But I don't want to scare you with my love,"
Mariin kong kinagat ang aking labi. I'm extremely happy and so delighted than I was earlier. Kumalabog ang aking puso na parang lalabas na. At dahil malapit lang siya sa akin, siguro naririnig na niya iyon. Ngumuso ako upang hindi sisilay ang ngiti sa aking labi.
"You did not scare me... naman..." nakanguso kong sabi.
"Unang beses kong sinabi sa iyo, hindi ka umimik kaya siguro maaga pa. I just can't control my feelings for you, darling." aniya. "Until you said it to me on your graduation day. Sobrang saya ko noon kaya halos hindi ko napigilan ang sarili kanina. Damn,"
Ngumuso ako lalo. Hindi ko mapigilan ang mga paru-paro sa tiyan. Ako na ngayon ang nagtago. I hid my tomato face on his neck. Lumapat naman ang kamay niya sa aking likod upang masuportahan ako. I feel embarrassed and heart's so full at the same time.
He let out a manly chuckle so I pinch his arm.
"Hmm, very physical." natutuwa niyang sabi.
Napahalik siya sa aking ulo at tainga bago may binulong.
"I'm inlove with you, darling..." he gently whispered. "That's one of my biggest truths."
Hinigpitan ko ang yakap sa kanyang leeg. My heart is floating in the clouds of wonder. It seems like a genie has granted a wish that I kept a secret inside of me.
"Yeah... Me too..." I muttered.
"Hmm?"
I shook my head and pinched him again. Nahihiya na nga ako, gusto niya pang-iulit ko. Tinawanan niya pa ako sabay ng pagsinghot sa akong ulo at humalik doon.
"You always sniff me," nakanguso kong sabi.
He did it again to prove a point. "Gusto ko ang amoy mo. Now my bed has your scent too."
Niluwagan ko ang yakap sa kanyang leeg bago umayos ng upo. Binaba niya ulit ang kanyang baba sa ibabaw ng aking tuhod. His eyes is studying me which makes me hesitant to move or do anything. I became so conscious.
"Stop staring at me," marahan kong apila.
"Bakit?"
"Just... don't..." my God, Fidai Augustine.
Tinaas ko ang aking kamay at tinakpan ang mata niya. He smiled widely and remained that way. I got tempted to touch his nose and so I did. Hinayaan ko ang sarili na pindutin ang kanyang ilong.
"Hmm..." he groan softly.
Kahit nakatakip ang kanyang mata ang guwapo niya pa rin. From his nose down to his neck, I find it so attractive. I frowned when I somehow saw someone who resembles him a bit.
Suminghap ako nang naaalala. From a famous movie, I don't remember what it's called. It's midnight something-- midnight sun? Not sure. But yeah, the man looks like Fidai though my man looks more masculine, hot and guwapo. I chuckled inside my head.
"Augustine, I'm hungry..." banayad kong sinabi.
"What do you want? You barely ate the food I brought earlier."
Binaba ko na ang pagkatakip sa kanyang mata. He raised his head to me.
"Ice cream and fries."
"Okay, I'll get it for you." aniya at agad tumayo.
I watched his back walking away from me. Grinning, I wrinkled my face as I giggled. I can't believe it, but I do now. I'm his first girlfriend. I mean, I'm okay being whatever number I am, but to know what this man is really mine to claim is making my head fuzzy and heart tremble in too much delight.
Kinuha ko ang aking cellphone sa may higaan at nilagay ang album sa may lampshade bago bumalik sa balkonahe. Halos namimilog ang aking mata nang nakita ang email galing sa kompanya na inaapplyan ko. It said that I passed the initial interview and I need to fill up the attached form for the next and final interview, to which it will happen next week, Monday.
May mga kailangan na dokumento ngunit wala dito ang aking laptop. I have stored my files on my drive but I can't properly access it via a phone.
"Hello, Kad." bati ko sa kapatid.
"Hi, Ate."
"Are you at home?"
"Nope. I just left. Why?"
Oh shoot. "Malayo ka na? I need my laptop kasi right now. Can you get it for me and I'll meet you at the bus stop?"
"Yes, sure, Ate. Babalik na ako ngayon."
"Thanks, Kad."
Binaba ko na ang tawag at ibababa ko na sana ang mga paa sa sahig nang nakita si Fidai.
His forehead furrowed. "Use mine."
"Ipi-pick up ko lang naman sa may bus stop,"
"Darling, I have things in here. You don't have to ask permission to use it. Tell Kaden to go back, you're using my laptop." agap niya.
"It might take long, Augustine. What about your job if your secretary calls again?"
Napaangat ang aking ulo sa couch at nakatayo siya sa likod ko, may hawak na cup ng ice cream kanina. He crouched down and place a soft kiss on my lips.
"I don't have to work for three days, darling. Please use my things, it makes me happy." he whispered.
Kinagat ko ng aking labi habang umupo siya ulit sa kaninang inuupuan.
"Bumalik na si Kaden sa bahay para kunin iyon."
He took my phone and pick a piece of fries into my mouth. Napanguya ako.
"I'll talk to him. Wait here," aniya at umalis dala ang aking cellphone.
Ewan ko kung anong pinag-usapan nila ni Kaden. Bumalik naman siya na dala na ang kanyang laptop. Agad kong binuksan ang aking google drive at dinownload ang kinakailangan na files bago nagfill up sa isang personal information form and credientials.
I want to buy a pair of bikini for our night swimming but I saw a swimsuit in my bag. I don't remember putting this in. It's a thin stringed yellow two piece. Iyon ang sinout ko sa ilalim ng aking Bohemian crochet dress.
Fidai is wearing a brown swimming trunk and white shirt. Nasa kanyang balikat naman ang aming tuwalya. I brought a small purse with me to store our phones. Nasa kabilang tower ang infinity pool nila. He also reserved our dinner there too.
Nagkasalikop ang aming kamay habang naglalakad patungo roon. Nang dumating kami, namangha ako dahil sa lokasyon ng pool na nakikita ang buong syudad. On the left side of the pool, a candlelight dinner is prepared.
The color of the pool is illuminating in our skin and clothes. The railings of the rooftop has a series of rosy lights. Ngumiti ako ng malapad bago bumaling kay Fidai.
And to my surprise, a bouquet of red flowers is waiting for me. Hindi ko man lang nakita kung saan ito nanggaling. I run my tongue along my lips and accepted it.
"Thanks," I smiled.
He smirked and walked us towards the table. Akala ko sa restaurant kami kakain. But this is much better. Kaming dalawa lang ang nandito sa buong floor. Course meals are seat on the table and the other with the desserts are on a nearby cart.
"Is this okay?" he softly asked as he made me seat first.
"More than okay, Augustine."
"Tayong dalawa lang ang nandito. I have the place reserved for us,"
Bumaba ang aking tingin sa box na nasa lamesa. It has my name embroidered on the top of the box. Dumapo ang aking tingin kay Fidai na nakangiti at binalik ang tingin sa lamesa. I opened the box and a shining floral designed bangle bracelet with gold diamond 14-13 carat made my lips part. It even has the authentication certificate.
"No... This is for me?" nanunuyo ang aking lalamunan.
I feel a bit cold and got scared slightly. This is real gold and diamond! This is a fortune. I may not be always fond of wearing such expensive things but I am aware and very familiar with this.
He reached for my hand and squeezed it gently. "Alam ko na hindi mo tatanggapin dahil sobra. Regalo ko iyan sa'yo. Nireregalo ko dahil gusto ko. I know you think of yourself worthing less, but darling, no fortune or treasure could equate your worth. You're beyond all of this things,"
Kinagat ko ang aking labi. I'm crying, literally. What did I do to deserve this?
"But you already gave me so much gifts, Augustine..." naging maliit ang aking boses.
Ngumiti siya na nakakagaan ng loob. "And I'll give you more, just please accept them,"
I pursed my lips and watched him clasp the bracelet on my wrist and locked it. "Aren't you scared I'll suck all your money? My family's bankrupt, you know."
"I'm happy to be sucked up if it's you, darling. I'll even volunteer to open all accounts."
My eyes widened. His first sentence is just... Oh my God. He meant no harm but my green mind just suddenly imagined something wild and hot. Oh my God. Oh my God! Now, I totally forgot the whole point.
Humalakhak siya nang malakas nang may napansin kaya iniwas ko ang tingin at nilayo ang kamay ng konti.
"Darling..." he trailed off because he is chuckling.
I sent him a glare. I know, Figueroa! My mind is just getting out of hand lately because of you. He is still chuckling and he shifted on his seat. Tumikhim ako at inabot ang kutsilyo't tinidor.
"Thank you... for the gift and... yeah,"
Gather yourself, Aiofe! Hindi ko mailing ng tuluyan ang naisip kanina. He's making me a pervert now. Hindi ko nagawang tumingin sa kanya at alam ko na nakangisi pa rin siya.
"Kakain na ako," pang iba ko ng topic.
I ate half of the steak and finished the plate of calamares and fried shrimp. There's a sinigang too so we had a blast dinner. I kept seeing the bangle on my left hand. Malaki kasi kaya halata at kita lalo na tuwing naiilawan.
Hinubad ko na ang aking dress upang sumawsaw sa pool. I brought my oreo milkshake with me as I dipped my feet on the pool. Tumayo siya sa inuupuan niya at naghubad ng damit. Akala ko iyon na. Nabilaukan ako nang hinubad niya ang kanyang shorts, leaving him in his black CK boxer brief.
I coughed hard because I got choke with my own drink.
"Augustine, why are you taking off your shorts?!" I exclaimed.
Oh my God. My innocent eyes. Not innocent anymore na pala. But yeah! Why is he taking it off? He is huge, alright. I've seen him turned on several times and his thing is already shocking though it's sleeping. Dahil suot niya lang ang boxer brief, bakat ang kanyang pinagmamalaki. Abot tainga ang init ng aking mukha.
"Naka bikini ka lang naman. Patas tayo." he responded cooly and went near me.
"This is different!" giit ko.
"How so?"
Agad akong luminga sa paligid at sa direksyon ng daan baka may nakakita sa kanya. Hell! I don't want people to see him like this. Mas lalong dadami ang mang-aagaw. At for sure, may kukuha sa kanya bilang modelo ng brief. My face turned sour at the thought of it. Mabuti naman wala talagang tao sa floor na ito kaya nakakaginhawa.
Iniwas ako ang tingin sa kanya nang bumaba siya sa pool saka lumapit sa akin. My eyes just kept going astray into his lower part. I'm crying in embarrassment. Halos hindi ako makahinga at agad kumukuryente ang aking katawan nang binaba niya ang kanyang kamay sa aking nakalantad na hita.
He is devilishly handsome!
"You're not getting in yet?" malumanay niyang sabi.
He caress my wrist where the bracelet is. Binaba ko nalang ang aking milkshake upang makaramdam din ng ginaw sa tubig. Sumalampak ako sa kanyang katawan.
My eyes found his and before it registered to me, he is already kissing me making my thoughts vanish in an instant. Kumapit ako sa kanya at mas lalong lumalalim ang halik niya. My chest got squished in his and our lower part are so close to each skins.
Bumitaw kami sa halikan pagkatapos ng ilang halik. I lost count because all of it are intense and making my head fuzzier. I even manage to give him a glare. Akala ko nakakalimutan ko, Figueroa?
"Don't wear brief when you're swimming with other people." mariin kong sabi.
He smiled like a child. "Kailan lang ba dapat?"
"When you're with me, alone." agap ko.
"Of course." he chuckled and kissed my forehead. "Someone finally took control of my life,"
We drink wine before we hit back into his condo. Being with him alone is the best definition of fun. Hindi naman ako nagtagal sa pagbabanwas ng medyo mainit na tubig dahil inaantok na ako.
In that night, I slept soundly and peacefully in his arms again.
"Today?!" gualntang kong sabi.
Inosente siyang tumango. "Hindi mo alam?"
"Akala ko bukas pa."
"No. Its today, Wednesday."
Mabilis akong umakyat ng kwarto upang magbihis. Nagising ako sa halik niya at nakaligo na siya noon. Nagtagal pa ako kanina sa shower at pagbaba ko sa kusina, formal na nakabihis siya kaya napatanong ako. I asked only to find out that today is the graduation of the Engineering Department of our school. Akala ko bukas pa.
I groaned and looked for my clothes while calling Jason.
"Yes, frenny! Tatawag na sana ako sa'yo. Ngayon daw ang graduation ng Eng.Dep." bungad niya.
"I heard too. Ready ka na?"
"Oo, pababa ng ako ng bahay. Meet you there."
"Oh! Sige, sige. Bye, magbihis pa ako."
Tumawa siya. "Napaganda ang tulog sa bisig ni boyfriend, ha.".
Kumunot ang aking moo sa pagtataka. "How did you--It doesn't matter. See you later, Jason."
"See ya!"
Mabilis na tila kidlat akong nagbihis. A simple white graphic tee shirt crop top, faded and patched pants and I folded the bottom and my white sneakers. Nag apply lang ako ng konting lipstick at inayos ang pagkalugay ng aking buhok bago hinablot ang aking cap palabas ng kwarto. A pink cap with two silver rings, accessory one, attached in the side of the cap.
Kasalungat ang suot ko kay Fidai. Pormal na black long sleeves and black pants with black shoes. He is dashing handsome in his whole black attire.
Bumaba na kami bago pa siya mahuli sa graduation. Isa pa naman siyang bigatin na guest. On his private parking space, a metallic gray McLaren Senna parked in. Nang dumating kami sa reception ng graduation, agad ko namang natamaan si Jason.
He grinned at me and welcomed me with a beso. "Looking young, fresh and very... fresh."
Umirap ako sa kaibigan. "Good morning, as well."
"Good morning, Engineer." bati niya kay Fidai.
"Good morning."
"Uh, pasok na tayo." aya ko.
Nauna kaming naglakad at pagtingin ko kay Fidai, pinapalibutan na siya ng guro at ibang guest na kakarating lang din. His eyes looks for me and I smiled and he found me.
Tinuro ko ang nasa kaliwang upuan ng hall. I smiled to him again and walked to reserve our seat in that area. Malapit lang kasi ito sa stage. My eyes fixed on him even after Jason and I seated. Four seniors in the business world are talking to him. He stands out because he is tall.
Pasimpleng pinasadahan niya ng tingin ang paligid habang naglalakad sila paakyat ng stage.
"Kakaway ako," si Jason.
Talagang kumakaway siya ngunit nakita na kami ni Fidai. I smirked.
"Isang flying kiss naman diyan, frenny."
"Loko,"
"Hindi naman mahahalata ng tao kung sino ang binibigyan mo ng ganoon. Malay mo ang sugardad mo ang binibigyan mo ng kiss." natatawa niyang sabi.
Tinapunan ko siya ng tingin. His girly laugh made noise. Bumaba naman ang tingin niya sa aking palapulsuhan.
"A freaking bangle of gold and diamond!" aniya.
See. That's my reaction too but only less exaggerated. "Graduation gift niya,"
Sinindot sindot niya ang aking tagiliran. "Uy, sana lahat minahal!"
Tumawa ako at pumukos sa nagsisimulang seremonya.
My eyes kept looking at Fidai. Beside him on both sides are known Engineers too. Siya ang pinakabata sa lahat ng nakaupo roon. The ceremony started with the usual flow, respect to God--prayer, to the flag--national anthem and a welcome speech.
Sa kalagitnaan ng speech, may mga usherettes na umakyat sa entablado upang magbigay ng mga tubig sa mga nakaupo roon. Agad sinundan ng aking mata ang isang nakaponytail na usherette na naglahad ng tubig kay Fidai.
Jason beside me is already teasingly chuckling. "Ako niyan, susugudin ko."
This one's being exaggerated again. Sumilay ang ngiti sa aking labi nang tinanggihan niya ang binigay na bottled water.
"Bigyan mo ng tubig, frenny." tulak ni Jason sa akin.
"May nagbibigay naman sa kanila."
"Hindi nga tumanggap ang jowa mo--"
"Baka hindi nga siya inuuhaw." agap ko.
I can't just waltz to the stage just to give him water plus I am wearing a very civilian attire at that. But yeah, he might be thirsty now. The other men are drinking water now except him. May sinasabi pa si Jason ngunit hindi ko na napansin dahil bumaba na ako sa bleacher namin.
Preparado akong pumunta rito, no. I took out the bottled water from my purse and went into the backstage. Napansin ko kasi na may daan sa likod ng kurtina nito. Everyone stood up for a special part of the ceremony.
It was Fidai who was being called to say a few words to the graduates. A loud clap and cheering thundered in the big reception.
"Congratulations, everyone. Both parents and graduates. Taking this course is a big leap of hardship. You encounter failures. Failing grades. Failing inspirations. Failing strengths. And most of all, failing yourself. But then again, you all did not give up. I knew someone who did not give up in her dreams too. And she made me so proud. You see, just because you fail or disappointed with the outcome, it doesn't mean you fail for good. Sometimes failing means there is a rising curve up ahead and it's for you. So you just got to hold on."
Lumalakas ang tibok ng aking puso. I did not know I can still fall deeper in loving affection into someone when I already am.
"Hold on because you still want to build spacecrafts, cars, building, machines. And hold on because life is secretly rooting for you. Graduates, your journey doesn't end here today. A big technical, physical, mental, and emotional job is waiting for you outside these walls. So be brave and take the challenge. Your future is yours to make. And congratulations, once again."
His fans immediately roared. And liit ng speech ngunit ang laki ng impact. I smile widely. Of course, I'm so proud of him. Lumapit na ako bago pa siya makabalik sa upuan niya. Ngumiti siya sa akin at bahagyang lumapit pa.
"Water," mahina kong sabi at inabot ang tubig.
"Thanks, darling." he took it and whispered.
Sa gilid ng aking mata kita ko ang pagkamangha ng iba sa pagtanggap niya sa tubig. Binigyan ko siya ng tingin. I know what he's trying to do. Gumagawa ng siya ng dahilan upang lumapit ako sa kanya.
At tama ako. Tumindig ang aking balahibo at umigtad sa kinatatayuan nang pasimpleng humaplos siya sa aking baywang. Napanguso ako. He knows my body immediately reacts to his touches.
"Oops," aniya.
Pumikit ako ng mariin ngunit sandali lang bago magalang na ngumiti. I sense the piercing glares from the girls who attempted to have him accept their bottled water. I'm nervous that these people will know something is going on with their Engineer crush, yet I can't help but feel boastful.
Ngumiti ako sa babaeng galit ang tingin sa akin at mahigpit na nakahawak sa bote ng tubig.
Girl, the man's mine. I chuckle.
"He likes it warm so he accepted my bottled water." sabi ko sa kanila at naglakad pabalik sa upuan namin ni Jason.
My friend is raising his hands like he is praising me so I laughed too. Wow, that wasn't bad. It's thrilling and I feel like I have the control over him and I have the crown of a queen to silence those admirers.