SATT•C#9
Livy
"Repeat what you said, come on. Hindi ko narinig," pangungulit ko sa kanya pagpasok namin.
Date! Rinig na rinig ko 'yun!
"You said date, Niko! I heard it crystal clear. Hindi naman ako bingi!" Pagtutuloy ko pa.
"You're mistaken," he denied and pulled a chair for me. "Clean your ears."
Excuse me, what?! Malinis tenga ko ano!
"Ayaw mong ulitin?" I dared him.
Nikolo cleared his throat and did not say a word. He was receiving my stares.
I tilted my head to the side. And instead of sitting down, lumapit ako sa kanya. He narrowed his eyes on me. Tumingkayad ako konti dahil matangkad siya. He was careful not to move even for a bit because our skin would make contact with the slightest movement.
"Say it, Niko," I whispered seductively in his ears.
Agad siyang lumayo sa akin na parang napapaso. He smoothly moved away, still in his dominant way. I chuckled because he couldn't look at me straight anymore.
Umiling siya. "Sit down, Livy," he firmly said.
"I'm not a dog," simangot ko sa kanya.
"Please sit down," he said formally this time.
Ngumuso ako at naupo. When I settled on my seat, saka lang siya naupo sa tapat ko. Like we're facing each other between the table.
"Unbelievable. Nagsasabi sabi ka ng date jan. Babawiin din naman pala," I raised a brow at him. "Don't make it look like I'm insisting it."
"It's a damn date, Livy," he muttered lowly. "Ayaw mo?"
I stopped bantering with him. Lumunok ako ng makitang seryoso siyang nakatingin sa akin. He looked as if he's waiting for my answer.
I bit my lower lip. "G-gusto."
Nakakahiya! Nautal pa ako! I faked a cough and looked away when he tensed. There was a sudden amusement in his eyes which I noticed. Inirapan ko siya para itago ang hiya ko.
Nikolo let out a low chuckle. "Cute."
Nag-order din naman kami. I got some steak and salad for me. Niko got a different order. We were eating when I noticed a woman not far away from our table who's glancing at Nikolo from time to time. I couldn't concentrate on eating because of it.
Sinubukan kong huwag pansinin. Niko was also eating his food, not minding anyone. Wala atang pakialam 'to kahit may nakatitig. Sanay na siguro. With his looks? I won't doubt it.
"Is your home far from your unit?"
I shrugged. "You can probably say that. It's a thirty to forty minute drive," prenteng sabi ko.
I grabbed my glass and drank at it. Niko ordered this wine. It's the one with a very low alcohol content.
"Ikaw? Where are you staying here?" Sumubo ako sa steak.
"I booked a hotel fit for the duration of my work break."
Tumango tango ako.
"Your family's business is a cruise line, right?" Niko asked.
Napatigil ako sa pagkain at nag-angat ng tingin. I smiled a little when I found him sipping at his drink. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin matapos mapanood kung paano gumalaw ang adam's apple niya.
"Saan mo nalaman? Stalker ka 'no," pagbibiro ko.
"I heard from someone, Livy," iling niya.
Ngumiti ako. "Yes, it's a cruise line. But only my parents are fan of the sea and ships."
His forehead creased. "Why aren't you interested?"
"I wasn't," tumigil ako sa pagkain at tinignan siya. "Not until I met a future ship captain," malandi akong ngumiti.
Nikolo placed his tongue inwardly at the side of his cheek. The corner of his lips raised, understanding what I meant by that.
"And isa pa, Dad will pass the business to me. I'm their only child and no one's taking over so I have to do it. Good thing I wanted to take up a business related course."
He nodded.
"I'm still learning to love the sea, ships and matters about it which are inclined to the cruise line company," pagkukwento ko habang tahimik naman siyang nakikinig. He looked so attentive so I continued telling him more.
"I'll help you love the sea," Niko smirked.
Hmm. "Okay, teach me how to sail against the tides too, then," pagtango ko. We both looked at each other, making me chuckle while he smiles.
The smile did not leave my lips when he leaned back at his seat. Pero nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko nang may lumapit sa tabi ni Niko. It was the woman a while ago.
"Nikolo?"
I saw Nikolo look at whoever called his name. He looked confused as if trying to remember who it is. Nako girl, hindi ka matandaan.
"It's Tifanny, hi! We met once at Port of Manila, remember?" Ang tinis ng boses. Pero maganda. She's wearing a tight dress.
Napasimangot ako nang mapansin ang dalawang malalaking bundok na nasa dibdib niya. Wala sa sariling napasulyap ako sa dibdib ko. I bit my lip. Kalahati lang ata size nung akin kumpara sa kanya.
Nikolo did not respond so I looked at him. I saw him biting his lip as if trying to stop a laugh. He looked away from me. Tumikhim siya. Ngumuso ako.
Seryoso niyang tinignan 'yung babae. "I'm sorry I can't remember," he carefully said.
There it is. The disappointment that crossed the girl's face. Isang beses lang nagkakilala, ano aasahan mo girl? Buti pa ako, natandaan.
"Well it's good to see you again. Are you still working at Manila port?" Hala siya, pinapahaba usapan.
Niko nodded. He looked as if he already wants to finish the conversation. I can see from my peripheral vision how he glanced at me. But I was pretending to be busy with my food.
"Why are you here? Off duty?" She asked.
I looked at her boobs again. I sighed and took a sip at my wine. Masama kong tinignan ang steak ko. Nakatulog siguro ako sa kuwarto nung nagpaulan sila ng boob grower.
Nikolo cleared his throat again. Nag-angat ako ng tingin para makita lang siyang nakatingin sa akin, nagpipigil na naman ng mahinang tawa. I glared at him and he bit his lip.
The girl laughed flirtatiously at him. "Why are you laughing ba?" She giggled. "Nahihiya tuloy ako."
My eyes dilated at what I heard. Tumaas ang kilay ko pero sa lamesa ko ibinaling ang tingin ko. I took a slice of my steak.
Nikolo on the other hand faked cough. "I'm sorry. I was too focused at my girl. I didn't get what you said."
Muntikan ko nang maidura 'yung nginunguya ko dahil sa narinig. Nikolo was definitely pertaining at me because his eyes are on me.
My girl?! Paypayan niyo 'ko! Shuta bakit siya ganyan!
Napatingin ako sa babae na parang natauhan.
"Hi," she faked a smile.
"Hi," I greeted back.
Nikolo put his tongue on his cheek inwardly, looking so entertained. He shrugged when I eyed him suspiciously.
"Oh, I'm sorry for interfering," she apologized and forced a smile at me. "See when I see you then, Nikolo," she smiled at Niko who just nodded at her.
When she went back to her seat, I threw Niko a look of disbelief. He wet his lower lip. "What?"
"My girl?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Pigilan niyo ko, uulamin 'ko 'to mamayang gabi!
"Eat your food, it's getting dark outside," he changed topic.
"No. Pag-usapan natin 'yung sinabi mo," I insisted, glancing at the girl who looked away when I found her gaze.
"Next year na natin pag-usapan," iwas niya.
My phone rang. Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata. Nikolo smirked and gestured my phone that's ringing. Akala niya ata may takas siya sa mga tanong ko.
I rolled my eyes at him before answering the call.
[Anak, tapos na ba class niyo?] It's Mom.
"Hi, Mommy. Opo, kakatapos lang po kanina. Bakit po?"
[Nothing. I'm just asking,] she chuckled. [Okay, bye. Love you!]
"I love you too," naguguluhang sabi ko at napatingin sa phone ko pagkatapos ma-end 'yung call. "Weird."
Both Niko and I paid the bill. I paid mine and he paid his. Naunahan niya pa ako na magbayad sa wine. I negotiated on paying half the payment of it but he dismissed the thought . Halatang ayaw niya pa 'ko pagbayarin pero nagpumilit ako. I was ready to argue with him about it kaya hinayaan niya na lang ako.
Lumubog na ang araw. The skies are grey, getting dim with each passing minute.
"I'm craving for some ice cream, Niko. Can we drop by at a 7-eleven store somewhere?" I asked while putting the seatbelt on. Kakakain lang namin pero bakit ba. Gusto ko ng dessert.
Nikolo nodded. "Sure."
"Kelan ba magkakabalikan sina James at Nadine? May chance pa naman diba?"
"I don't know. Actually, we don't know."
Napakurap ako sa naririnig na usapan ng magkaibigan sa gilid habang pumipili ako ng ice cream. Nikolo stayed at the car, waiting for me. I just grabbed two classic magnum flavored ones and proceeded to pay. The cashier was a bit weird though. He winked at me after handing me my change.
"You okay?" Nikolo asked me when I looked at him from the window.
I nodded. "Get out of the car. Let's eat some magnum first."
Nikolo stopped when I sent him a smile. The side of his lips raised before he nodded. Maayos namang naka-park ang kotse niya sa parking na available.
"Are you sure we're dating, Niko?" I asked him.
Napahawak siya sa batok. Alanganin siyang ngumiti. "About that, I want to ask permission from you first. I don't want to make you feel like it's rushed or make you feel like I'm not sure about it."
Bigla siyang sumeryoso kaya napatitig ako sa mukha niya. I saw him gulp.
"Livy.." he faced me, making me divert all my attention to him.
"Pwede ba manligaw?" Nikolo asked seriously.
Shuta. Nakurot ko ang sarili ko para pigilan ang ngiting gustong kumawala sa labi ko. Livy for pete's sake! Siya ang binabalak mong mahulog sa'yo, hindi ikaw 'yung mahuhulog ang loob, tangeks!
"If I say yes, you're still going back to the ship after two months," I answered, stating a fact.
I saw him stiffened but slowly nodded. He became attentive, waiting for what I would say.
"Whether you're aboard, we can still keep in touch right? Through call?" I asked.
Paano kung hindi! Ayokong mahulog sa taong madalang makasama. That would be hard. Long distance relationship, something like that?
"Yeah, but it would be a bit difficult. That goes with signal and internet connection issues," he sighed. "It would take long before we can find signal between travels."
Saglit ako napaisip. Mahirap nga siguro.
"Hirap mo naman ka-date," ngumuso ako.
"There would be busy days but I'll always find time to contact you as much as I can," Nikolo replied in a serious tone. "It would be hard, Livy. I won't lie on that."
"I get that," I nodded. I took a bite at my ice cream and smiled when I saw his ice cream drip.
"Nikolo, ubusin mo muna ice cream mo. We're getting too serious with the conversation," I chuckled to lighten it up.
"It is serious," he countered. Kinain rin naman niya 'yung magnum.
"Will you let me think about it?" I met his eyes.
Nikolo nodded understandingly. "Of course. It's your word, Ma'am."
When we reached the hotel where my unit is located, Nikolo made sure he opened the car's door for me. He reached for my books pero naunahan ko na.
"Gentleman. Hindi ba 'yan pakitang-tao lang?" Panunukso ko sa pabirong paraan.
"Date me so you'll know."
Lumabas ako ng kotse and sumandal sa car door matapos niyang isara yon. He's standing close in front of me while I'm leaning on his car. "What if pakitang-tao pa din. Of course you'll be a gentleman when you're courting me, very common."
The side of his lips raised. "Then be with me for a lifetime. You'll get a long-term proof."
"Niko, lumalandi ka na," I told him honestly. Hindi ko nakakaya!
I heard his low laugh when I walked pass him. Naramdaman ko ang presensya niyang sumunod sa akin. Nakagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko dahil amoy ko pa din ang mabangong amoy niya kahit nasa likod ko siya. His scent smells so natural and manly. Nakaka-adik!
As we got inside the building, I looked at him.
"I'll just wait for you here," he said cautiously.
"Are you sure?" Kasi 'yung akto niya, parang kakainin ko naman siya ng buhay kung sasama siya sa taas! Grabe siya, pinag-iisipan ko pa lang naman.
Tumango siya. Okay. Tumalikod na ako at naglakad ulit pero tumigil ako, binalik ang tingin sa kanya.
"Ayaw mong sumama sa taas?"
"Hmm," his eyes became hazy. Agad kumunot ang noo niya. "What are you implying, Livy?"
Pinagkrus ko sa dibdib ang mga braso ko. I eyed him while his face remained stoic. Namulsa siya at tinapatan ang titig ko. Sa riin ng tingin niya, pakiramdam ko lalabas ang puso ko sa dibdib ko! Hindi ako OA ha, sadyang ang pogi niya lang talaga!
"I'm not a pervert," I rolled my eyes before smiling playfully. "Unless of course, magpapamanyak ka sa'kin. Hindi ako tatangg–"
"Olivia," Nikolo sternly said my name.
I laughed before pulling his wrist. Nagpatianod naman siya ng walang sabi ngunit nanatiling seryoso ang mukha. I smiled sweetly at him when we entered the elevator but he just glared at me.
"Suplado naman nito!" Natawa ako. "Gusto mo ng kiss?" Pang-aasar ko.
Inirapan niya lang ako. "Stop it."
"Hug?"
"Stop, Livy," asar na sambit niya.
"Ayaw mo? Lambingin na lang kita?" Pangungulit ko pa din.
Nikolo did not respond. Kinuha niya lang 'yung books ko para siya maghawak at nanatili na lang siyang tahimik. Natawa pa ako nung medyo lumayo siya sa akin at pumuwesto dun sa gilid. Akala mo naman kakainin ko siya! Pwede rin naman. Sa ibang paraan nga lang. Chrzz!
"Go in. I'll just wait for you here," he was standing so tall in front of me.
I folded my arms over my chest. "No, tara na sa loob. Kukunin ko lang naman 'yung jacket."
"Livy," he looked like wanted to hesitate but I already entered the code and got inside.
When he entered, I noticed him roaming his eyes around. Buti na lang palagi akong naglilinis sa unit ko. I don't like messy stuffs. Marumi sa paningin.
"You need anything?" I placed my bag at the sofa. He also placed my books at the table near him.
Tumingin siya sa'kin at umiling. "Nice room by the way."
"Maganda ba?" I chuckled.
"Minimalistic. I like it," he let out a lopsided smile that made my heart crazily flutter.
Gagi Livy! Ngiti lang 'yan, hulog na panty mo?!
"Ang sabihin mo, 'you like me'," ani ko. I sent him a flirty wink.
Wala sa sariling napa-paypay ako sa mukha nang maramdamang nag-init ang pisngi ko. Ganito na ba ako? Hindi naman ako ganito kalandi dati.
Nikolo chuckled. Iniwan ko na muna siya saglit sa living room. I went inside my room before getting his jacket from the closet. Inilagay ko 'yon sa gift paper bag.
When I went back, he was taking to someone on the phone. "Pass. I'm with Livy."
Dahan-dahan akong lumapit. He immediately noticed my presence and stared at my face when I smiled at him.
"Tell him to supervise the juniors on board," kumunot ang noo niya habang pinapakinggan ang katawag. "Stand by then. I'll just text you after I make the call."
Nikolo stood up. "Sorry about that," he apologized.
"No need to say sorry," lumapit na ako ng tuluyan sa kanya at iniabot ang paper bag. "Work?"
"Something like that."
"O, alis ka na siguro. Baka marami ka pang gagawin," pagtataboy ko sa kanya.
His lips parted and stared at me as if I grew two more heads. "What a way of kicking me out of your unit," sarkastikong puna niya.
"Baka nga kasi busy ka!" I reasoned out and laughed when he scowled at me.
"If I'm busy, I would still find a way to be with you," masungit na sagot niya.
Natahimik ako roon. Loko 'to a. Pa-fall! Mamaya niyan mahulog ako pero hindi niya 'ko sasaluhin!
"Pa-kiss nga, Nikolo!" I pouted my lips.
"Why are you so thirsty for kisses?" He arched a brow.
"Huy grabe ka naman! Feeling mo uhaw na uhaw ako sa halik?!" Singhap ko. "I'm that kind of girl, Niko. How could you accuse me of such!" Pagdadrama ko.
"Who kept on verbalizing kisses minutes ago and now?" He talked back.
"Basag trip naman 'to!" Umingos ako at lumayo kaunti sa kanya. "Sino ba first kiss mo?"
"You wouldn't want to know."
"I want to that's why I'm asking," nameywang ako.
Nikolo shook his head.
"O sige, kung ayaw mo sagutin 'yon, ibang tanong na lang!" Makulit na pang-uusisa ko. "Ilan na ex mo?"
"Why are you asking?" Pinaningkitan niya ako ng mata. Gusto ko lang namang malaman!
"Masama ba mag-tanong?"
"Yeah, if you'll get annoyed after knowing the answer," he countered.
"No ones getting annoyed. Hindi naman tayo," I trailed and saw how he pursed his lips.
"Just two," he said in a monotone.
"Two or more is many," sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
His lips parted. "See what I'm talking about? You're already glaring at me."
"I am not!" tanggi ko tsaka na siya tinalikuran. "Kapag dinagdag mo 'yung mga ka-flings mo, mas madami pa!"
"What about you? How many?" His face turned serious.
"Wala pa," I answered honestly. "Fling-fling lang."
He stilled. Mukhang nagulat pa siya.
"I had suitors pero wala akong sinagot ni isa," I bit my lip. Kasi nga diba, si Robi 'yung gusto ko. As in super. I never gave anyone a chance because I was so interested in Robi. 'Yung kumag na 'yon manhid naman. And that's what makes it okay. He never knew. Buti na lang dahil alam kong masisira lang pagkakaibigan namin kapag nagtapat ako. It would be so awkward! Knowing Robi, he hates it if he's hurting people close to him. Lalong magiging awkward lang.
Nikolo looked as if he's in deep thoughts. Napatitig tuloy ako sa kanya.
"The other guy?" He asked.
"Sino?"
"Your friend," he emphasized. " 'Yung piloto."
I gasped. "Si Robi?" Tanong ko at mahinang natawa. "To be honest, naging crush ko 'yun. Huwag mo ng tanungin. Ang laswa lang kung iisipin. Kapatid turing noon sakin. Good thing I changed my mind about it. Weird kasi. Parang friendcest," I clarified and grimaced, noticing how his eyes darkened.
"And now?"
"Wala na. May iba na nga akong gusto," umiwas ako ng tingin kasi nahihiya ako. Livy, umayos ka! Siya mahuhulog, hindi ikaw!
I can see how amusement crossed his eyes. Lalo tuloy akong nahiya!
"Ikaw? Sure ka bang wala kang iba? Or baka may nilalandi ka tapos liligawan mo 'ko?" There was accusation in my tone.
Umiling siya. "Ikaw lang, Livy."
I can feel my pulse racing. And the organ began to thump wildly against my chest. I faked a cough to calm myself. Bakit ganyan ang nararamdaman mo self? The feeling was so new so I didn't know how to react. Kilig yarn?
"T-tara na. Hatid kita sa baba," shocks, Livy! Ano? Wala ka ng masabi?
Nauna na akong naglakad habang nakasunod siya sa likod ko.
"I'll be going to Palawan and stay there for three days. Family outing."
Napalingon ako sa kanya dahil sa narinig. Ngumuso ako at nakita ang pag-angat ng sulok ng labi niya nang makita ang reaksyon ko.
"Bakit mo sinasabi sa'kin?"
"Nagpapaalam lang ako sa'yo," he explained.
What am I, the girlfriend? Kinilig tuloy ako dahil doon. May improvement na ang level namin! Baka next week, aayain na n'ya 'ko magpakasal! Chrzz!
"So I wouldn't see you for three days?"
"I'll message you or even call."
Napangiti ako dahil sa nangyayari. We sound like a couple kung saan nagpapaalam si guy kay girl na lalabas siya. Pero hindi ako kinikilig a!
"Since hindi kita makikita for three days, wala bang kiss jan?" I replied instead.
"Stop that," he hissed. Parang nagalit. Pero namumula 'yung tenga. Ano bang nangyayari dito? Ang cute niya!
"Ipapakilala na ba kita sa mga magulang ko, Nikolo?" I teased more.
Nikolo immediately tensed. Parang nag-flashback sa kanya ang buong buhay niya kaya natawa ako.
"Joke lang! Ito naman 'di na mabiro," binuntutan ko 'yun ng hagikhik. Asar niya lang akong tinignan, halatang napipikon. Sus, kinabahan nga itsura niya nung sinabi kong ipapakilala ko siya sa parents ko!
"Let's go down na," I told him before walking towards the door.
"Yeah, let's do that," sarkastikong sagot niya.
Tumawa lang ako bago binuksan ang pintuan. Ngunit ganun na lang ang pag-awang ng labi ko nang makita ang mukha ng mga magulang ko. I felt Niko's presence behind me.
Nakita ko kung paano naglaho ang ngiti nila Dad nang mapansin si Nikolo. Dad's face turned serious while Mom frowned.
"Oh my gosh," I whispered.
"Who's this young man, Olivia Bautista?" Dad looked at me strictly. "And why is he inside your condo unit?"
Ayan, sinabi niya buong pangalan ko. That means he's really serious. Jusko, biro ko lang naman 'yung ipapakilala ko si Nikolo sa parents ko! Bakit nagkatotoo naman na?!
When I glanced at Niko, I saw his eyes widen a bit. His lips parted. Of course, he's surprised! Wala pangang ligawan na nagaganap, meet na parents na agad?! Inasar ko pa kasi siya kanina, nag-backfire tuloy!
But Nikolo met my Dad's judging eyes. From the looks of it, Nikolo looked so composed but I can sense him getting rattled slightly. Nakuha niyang tanggapin ang tingin ni Dad ng hindi umiiwas. Wow.
"Mom, Dad! What brings you here?" Kabado bente kong pagsasalita. I kissed them on their cheek.
"Good evening, Ma'am, Sir," Nikolo respectfully voiced out in a formal tone.
"Who are you? And what's your relationship with my daughter?"
Hala, patay! Abot langit ang kaba kong napahawak sa laylayan ng blouse ko.
"I'm Nikolo Esguerra, Sir."
Kabado akong tumawa bago nagsalita. "Friend ko po."
"And her suitor," seryosong saad ni Niko sa magalang na boses. He eyed me seriously before looking at my Dad. "I'm courting your daughter, Sir."
My jaw dropped. Shuta.
•••••
09-2021
Saturday, pm.