SATT•C#10
Livy
"Ah, you're a suitor of my daughter."
Napapikit ako dahil sa riin ng boses ni Daddy. He had a raised brow, obviously judging him. Mommy was staring at Nikolo before she gazed at me. At isang mahinang singhap ang kumawala sa labi ko nang ngumiti siya na para bang proud na proud siya sa'kin kasi ang gwapo ng manliligaw ko.
"Daddy, stop staring," suway ko sa tatay ko na kinikilatis pa rin si Niko na kalmado lang sa tabi ko. I'm amazed at how composed he looks even if my parents are in front of him.
"What were you doing inside my daughter's condo, Nikolo?" My father sounded so serious kahit hindi naman siya ganoon. Luh si Daddy, binibigyang malisya. Well, hindi ko naman siya masisisi. He's just protective.
"We dropped by to get my jacket, Sir. Nothing else more," Nikolo responded before glancing at me. Napakagat ako sa labi habang inaala ang pang-aasar ko sa kanya ng halik.
"Are you sure?" Dad said, trying to catch us red-handed. Muntik ko nang sabihin na 'Nilalandi ko si Niko, Dad. 'Wag kang basag trip.'
Nikolo nodded. "Hundred percent, Sir." He faced my Mom. "Good evening, Ma'am," baling nito sa Mommy ko na agad ngumiti, akala mo nanalo sa lotto!
"Hello, dear. Did you both have dinner already?"
"Yes, Ma'am," Niko said and cleared his throat.
"Let's have coffee," biglang sabi ni Daddy na hindi inaalis ang tingin kay Niko. Mamaya n'yan, ma-fall ka sa gwapong mukha niya Dad. Ikaw pa magiging karibal ko.
Pinaningkitan niya ng mga mata si Niko. "Dad, stop looking at him like that!" May pang-aakusa kong sikmat sa tatay ko.
"I'm not doing anything, Olivia. Why don't you let us in? I want to talk to you Nikolo."
"What, now?" Nataranta ako at kinabahan ako para kay Niko. So I looked at him and found him looking at me.
"But Daddy, may pupuntahan pa ata si Niko. Baka busy 'yung tao," I stated.
"No, I'm not. It would be a pleasure having coffee with you Ma'am and Sir," sabi ni Niko na halatang nagpapa-good impression sa mga magulang ko.
"Narinig mo 'yon?" Tinaasan ako ng kilay ni Daddy kaya sinimangutan ko siya. Mommy grinned widely. But my eyes settle on my father's back. Tumabi ako nang pumasok sila sa unit ng walang pasabi at iniwan kami ni Niko dito.
"It's okay, Livy," he chuckled in my ear after my parents went inside.
"Oh gosh, I'm sorry! They did not inform me of their visit. Hindi ko alam," paghingi ko ng tawad. "Malay ko ba na pupunta pala sila!"
Umiling lang siya. "Wala na, Livy. Nasabi ko ng liligawan kita. It slipped out of my tongue."
Talaga? "Hindi ka naman mukhang sorry," puna ko. "You're not even nervous at all. Sabi mo pa nga, 'I'm courting your daughter, Sir'," panggagaya ko sa tono niya.
"Livy, do I have your permission? Do you allow me to court you?" Nahimigan ko ang pangamba sa boses niya. He sounded so careful with his words.
Napakurap ako. I dramatically covered my mouth before nodding slowly. "Yes, Niko. Sinasagot na kita!"
The side of his lips raised. "Let's go talk to your parents. They might think I'm some random guy who just came at your condo. I need to change that," he said.
Natawa ako roon dahil hindi niya pinansin ang pago-over react ko. "Nagpapalakas ka lang sa parents ko, Niko. Aminin mo."
"Hindi ko kailangan magpalakas," he almost rolled his eyes.
"Yabang naman! Ayaw ka nga ni Daddy e!" Pang-aasar ko. I saw him stop. His lips parted.
"Ayaw?" His brows furrowed, making him look so badass.
"Hayaan mo, gusto naman kita," malokong sagot ko. I even gave him a sensual smile. Kaagad siyang nag-iwas ng tingin. At malakas akong natawa nang bigla niya akong iwan.
"Wow, you're already working. That's good. Just by your stance and manner, I know you'll go far, Nikolo," wala na atang tigil ang pagpupuri ni Mommy sa katabi ko.
"A deck officer you say?" Epal naman ni Daddy.
Nikolo nodded. "For now, yes Sir."
"What's the highest rank you want to achieve?"
"Kapitan po, Sir. I'm taking it step by step."
"Based on what you've told us a while ago, I assume you have the skills and intelligence to attain it," Dad shrugged. "Malayo mararating mo. Mukhang masipag ka rin at matiyaga. Those are great characters."
Nakakaproud naman ang asawa ko! Sigurong proud din sa kanya ang mga anak namin na naiwan sa bahay.
"Thank you, Sir," Nikolo also glanced at me before smiling at Daddy. "Trust the process. That's what they said," he answered with that tone of an officer.
I playfully rolled my eyes at Mom when she gave me that smile which only means na boto siya kay Niko. Mommy, kalma lang, manliligaw pa 'yan.
Sure ka 'di mo agad sasagutin, Livy? My subconsciousness snaps at me. Of course not! Isa akong dalagang Pilipina! Hindi rin naman ako masyadong malandi, excuse me.
"Where did you two meet?" Mom had a quizzical look on her face, obviously curious. "I just want to know how it all started."
I glanced at Niko and noticed how the side of his lips raised as if he's going back to the time we both first saw each other. "Kid's play store," he simply said.
Mom's brows met so I explained what Niko said. "It was that time when I was looking for River's gift while I was waiting for you at the mall, Ma."
"Oh! That time? Then that's not so long ago, is it?"
Mapaglaro akong napangiti nang may pumasok sa isip ko. "Yes, and Niko couldn't look away from me. He also said I was so beautiful. He couldn't help but make his ways to get my attention," pag-iimbento ko.
My mom's eyes twinkled as if she just heard a romantic story.
Nikolo on the other hand licked his lower lip and smirked coldly. He leaned closer to me, making me rigid. "Mamaya ka sa'kin."
Lumayo rin siya agad at nginitihan ang Mommy ko. My breathing became uneven. His slight movement and the words he whispere near me created such a strong impact to my system. I tried to chuckle to calm my nerves.
"I did not anticipate that. I thought Nikolo would be the serious type of guy na walang pakialam sa mukha mo, 'nak," masama ang tabas ng dila ng Mommy ko.
"Nikolo is the serious type," sambit ni Dad bago ako tinignan. "Livy will be Livy."
I frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Tinignan lang no Dad si Niko. "I hope you're patient. My daughter might cause your dead end. Madaldal yan," paninira ni Dad sa akin kay Niko.
"Daddy, offensive ka na. Why would you say that to Niko? Say something positive about me naman," I glared at him but he just shrugged and placed a hand around Mom who seems to enjoy our start of banter again.
"I don't mind if she causes my dead end, as long as she stays with me," Nikolo said and looked away when I diverted my eyes at him.
Napakagat ako sa pang-ibabang labi ko at nagbaba ng tingin nung sumimsim siya sa kape niya. Hindi ako nakapagsalita sa gulat. I mean who wouldn't get surprised with those words?! It made my heart flutter. This shouldn't be happening.
"You'll be out for three days, right?" I asked after we went to the parking lot. Umuwi na rin sila Mommy kanina. So hinatid ko na rin si Niko dito sa baba.
"Why? Are you missing me already?"
I scoffed. "Your confidence must be hanging too high, Nikolo. You should check on that."
I tucked my hair behind my ear. The skies turned dim already. Napahaba ata ang usapan namin kasama ang mga magulang. Niko and Dad talked something related to business and sea life at the living room while I was with Mom.
Niko leaned on his car, watching me. "Can you come closer?"
Kumunot ang noo. "I'm already near you."
"Not close enough," he shook his head.
Nako Niko, anong pakulo 'to? Kasi lumalakas tibok ng puso ko kapag ganyan ka. "Why?" I stepped near him anyway.
A soft gasp left my lips when he pulled my wrist until I'm standing so close in front of him. Napaiwas ako ng tingin dahil hindi ko nakayanan ang intensidad ng titig niya.
"You're not looking at me in the eye."
"What is it? May gusto ka bang sabihin? Bakit kailangang ganito kalapit?" Naiilang kong sabi, hindi pa rin makatingin sa kanya.
"Eyes on me, Livy," he voiced out.
"If you want to say something, just sa–" my words stopped when he grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
"Reply to my texts and answer my calls for the following days, hmm?" Namungay ang mga mata niya.
My lips parted to what's currently going on. Natuod ako sa kinatatayuan ko. I didn't expect those words from him and the way he's acting right now. My chest hammered more. I'm palpitating. Maybe it's because of the coffee. I don't know. Kasalanan 'to ng kape. It has to be because of the coffee.
"And if I don't?" I challenged, aware of the fast palpitations in my system.
I couldn't move when his eyes went down on my lips. I watched as his eyes darkened before his thumb brushed on my bottom lip. "You'll answer."
His tone was calm and confident. His breathing turned heavy before he removed his hand from me and placed it in his pocket. Nikolo looked like he's stopping himself from doing something. I backed away to widen the space between us.
"Confident, are we?" I teased despite the thumping on the organ behind my chest.
His lips curves to a smile.
"Kakakilala lang natin sa isa't-isa. How many days was it?" I said. "Hindi ba mabilis, Niko? What moved you to court me?"
"You," he simply said like it answers everything.
"Me?"
"And for me, it's not fast. But if you feel like what's between us is too quick, then I'll take it slow for you. I can be a patient man, Livy," Nikolo whispered.
"How patient?" I crossed my arms over my chest as I received his hawk like stares. The one that can make a woman bleed for him.
"Long enough," he played with the car key in his hand. "Don't misunderstand me. I'm patient only for you, not for others."
"Is this the way how you deal with your women before?" Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mata. Because his words really has that effect on me. And I'm scared of that.
"No. It's different with you."
"Hindi mo 'ko mabobola, Niko," I stressed out.
"Who said anything about playing with you?" Nikolo raised a brow at me. "If there's someone who's capable of doing that, it would be you, Livy. You look like someone who can hurt me."
"That's definitely not true!" I fired defensively. Bakit naman binalik sa'kin? "How could you say that? You had how many exes while I have none, remember?"
"Hindi 'yun ang basehan. And if that's the case, you had flings and liked a friend for so long," he sarcastically said. Para siyang nakakain ng ampalaya. Ang bitter.
"That was before, Nikolo."
"Yeah because it's me now. I'm the one courting you," he stopped playing his key and looked at me dead in the eyes. "Me."
"Have I mentioned that you sound like a boyfriend, and not a suitor?" Nameywang ako. Kanina pa kaya siya!
Nikolo just shrugged but there was an impeccable sinful smirk that made its way on his lips. "Get inside. It's getting cold."
"Ewan ko sa'yo, Nikolo," umiling ako. I gave him a small smile. "Enjoy your family outing. Don't think about me too much," I mocked. He just shook his head with a smile on his lips.
"George, tara na! Baka ma-traffic pa tayo!" I shouted while waiting for George at his living room. Nag-aayos pa ata ang loko sa loob ng kwarto niya.
"Tangina mo, Bautista. Pwede paantay slight?! Kausapin mo tae ko, sabihin mo bilisan niyang lumabas!" He shouted back. Nakakatuwa nga, rinig ko 'yung gigil. "Minamadali ba ang pagtatae?!"
"Malay ko ba na tumatae ka! Kala ko nagpapaganda ka, sorry!" I laughed before walking to his kitchen. Naroon si Lou na nilalaro ang gitara niya. She was humming.
Napangiti ako. "Your song? That sounds great," komento ko.
"It's not mine."
"Hindi mo 'ko mauuto, Lou. You can actually make it far sa music industry kung papasok ka doon. Your songs would be hits."
"Kuntento na 'ko sa simpleng pagsali ng gigs, sis," she shook her head.
"Why not? Your voice is beautiful. I'm actually obsessed with it."
"No. That's my sister's dream. She would get offended if I also involve myself with her world. You see, she hates me," Lou laughed dryly. I expected her to show pain but her eyes were emotionless. As if she's already tired with that shit.
"Nakakaloka naman kasi 'yung ate mo, Lou. I'm sorry to say but I hate her guts," I leaned at the wall. "You know, you always have us, right? Andito lang naman kami lagi. If you want to join the music industry, were more than a hundred percent ready to support you. And I'm sure a lot of people would love your music."
Lou chuckled. "Let's not go there, Livy. My sister would just crush that dream by making up issues to end mine," she was plucking the guitar with a beautiful melody that sounds painful. "Besides, kuntento na 'ko sa gigs na sinasalihan ko."
Minsan gusto ko na lang sugurin ang kapatid ni Louise at paghahampasin ng stick ng drum. How dare her treat the youngest of my circle of friends in a way so cruel?
One of what I hate the most are people hurting the ones I love. I really don't come in good terms with them.
"Sus! May mga bashers nga Ate mo! 'Yung attitude daw kasi, pangit! And sa totoo lang, kumpara sa boses niya, mas maganda boses mo Lou. Way fucking better, to be exact," singit ni George na naga-alcohol ng kamay.
"Stop the two of you. Kapatid ko pa din 'yon. Respect her," Lou said.
Napairap naman si George. "She doesn't even respect you, so why would I?"
"As long as she's not treating you properly, we can't really force ourselves to respect her," I agreed with George.
Napailing lang si Lou at itinago ang gitara niya sa case.
"Hoy, Livy," George called me while he's driving. "May nakita raw si Kim. Kalandian mo raw?"
"Don't be curious about it," I answered. Ang daldal ni Kim ever! Abot from Ateneo to La Salle ang chismis niya!
Speaking of Niko, we texted each other this morning. After that, wala na siyang text. First day pa lang ng outing nila. Sumimangot ako. They went to the beach. Baka maraming babae doon, tapos nakabikini pa. And sa pagmumukha ni Nikolo, I doubt it na walang lalapit sa kanya.
That thought made me frown. That man better be good while he's out with his family.
"I told Ren na pupunta tayo sa birthday party, inggit ang gaga. Andito daw sana para makapag-hunting ng boylet," George blabbered while we're nearing the location.
"Apparently, Livy can't hunt now since meron na siyang hinaharot lately," Lou teased at the shotgun seat, making my brow raised. "What was his name again?"
"Well, the man is a private type. Baka i-stalk niyo pa, mahirap na," I smiled fakely. Lou saw that, the reason why she laughed.
"I heard he's an aspiring captain," dugtong niya pa.
"Lukalukang 'to! Hilig mo sa kapitan!" George also laughed. "Sino ba 'yan? Ano name?"
"Nikolo Esguerra."
"Shuta, ano?" George's mouth dropped. "'Yung poging officer sa port of Manila?! Sikat 'yun don, omg!"
"Kilala mo?"
"That guy is too hot not get noticed by female species, Livy. And mind you, maraming marine students and humahanga roon. He's their senior and some can say that he inspires them to move forward to their dreams. Parang he's such a great influence."
My mouth formed an 'o'. That's very much considerable. Sometimes, I get to observe how passionate Nikolo in terms with his job. There's that determination and fire in his eyes that makes him stand out every damn time.
"Livy, buti nakarating kayo! I was actually waiting for you," Neil neared me when he saw me and opened his arms for a hug.
I didn't want to be rude so I just gave him a friendly hug, immediately letting go and keeping a distance. Lou and George also greeted him. They already know each other since palagi nilang nakikita si Neil nung time na nililigawan pa 'ko nito.
"May poging Thomasian dun sa kabilang table," George chuckled when he saw a victim. "Super pogi."
"Saan?" Curious na tanong ni Lou at sinundan ng tingin 'yung sinasabi ni George. I followed their eyes and was surprised when I saw a hot guy sitting not far away from our table. He was talking to some friends with that boy next door aura.
Nag-iwas ako ng tingin tsaka kumuha ng maiinom. I can also feel the glances that Neil is throwing at me from time to time. Sinadya kong saluhin ang pagsulyap niya at tinaasan siya ng kilay. My raised eyebrows were saying, 'Friends right?'. Sumuko na diba? But he just smiled at me before accomodating his other guests.
"I met him before. He's a cool guy," Lou also said. I couldn't really hear clearly what their talking about since the music is too loud. Neil celebrated his birthday here at BGC.
Napailing lang ako at nilabas ang phone ko para i-chat si Niko sa instagram. It's around six-thirty in the evening already. I was surprised when I saw messages from him not too long ago. Naka-silent pala phone ko.
@nikolo.esg: Went surfing.
@nikolo.esg: How's your day?
@nikolo.esg: Olivia.
I couldn't help the smile that dominated my lips. I never really liked my first name. I prefer being called by my nickname. Pero 'pag si Niko, ang sexy ng dating. Nahihibang na ata ako?
@livybautista: I don't know how to surf. Pakiramdam ko kapag nasa surf board ako sa may tubig, may pating na aaligid at kakagatin parte ng katawan ko. That's scaryyy
@livybautista: my day? so far so good, but i'm missing you :((
Ang harot ng dating! Hindi naman talaga ako ganito. 'Dalagang Pilipina, Livy,' I reminded myself. I grinned when he read my chat immediately. Nag-online.
@nikolo.esg: You're missing your suitor? Interesting.
Sumimangot ako dahil sa naging reply niya. Wala man lang ba siyang 'i miss you too, Livy.' o 'di kaya naman, 'sinta, nananabik na 'kong makita ka'. Wala! Nagyabang lang ang loko.
@livybautista: yabang mo naman. nagjojoke lang naman ako, sineryoso mo agad! Nikolo, napaghahalataan~~
Nikolo was a serious man. Nakakatuwa tuloy asarin siya at pikunin. His serious look becomes more prominent if he's pissed or annoyed. Mas lalo siyang pumopogi.
I drank another shot my drink and felt the burn on my throat.
@nikolo.esg: I'll call.
Nanlalaki ang mata ko. Agad akong nag-type.
@livybautista: Later na! I'm at the bar, birthday ni Neil remember? Masyadong maingay at maraming tao.
@nikolo.esg: Who's with you?
Ang bilis ng reply ha!
@livybautista: Lou and George. If you're here, kasama ka din sana namin. xoxadd (〒﹏〒)
@nikolo.esg: Limit the alcohol you consume for tonight.
@livybautista: concerned ka? Hindi naman ako lasengga.
@nikolo.esg: But you have the tendency to get drunk.
Kahit sa chat, rinig ko ang pagsusungit niya. I can almost see his face contorted in a frown with a grim expression on his face.
@livybautista: if you're here, maybe I won't. I would prefer talking with you and talk about our children that we left at home.
@nikolo.esg: tf Livy.
Natawa ako bago nagtipa muli ng reply ko.
@livybautista: Charot lang hahahha! Baka hindi naman pala tayo sa huli. Ang saklap siguro non.
An idea suddenly invaded my mind. I took another shot of my vodka. I quickly went to my gallery to find the photo of me that I took before we went here. I bit my lip when I found a picture of me with my whole body. My eyes and face was looking at the lenses with that sensual look. My dress was hugging my body. It hugged every curve of my body. Some of the skin on my chest area were also exposed with the angle I've captured.
It must have been the effect of alcohol on me because I sent the photo to Niko. Sa alak ko ata nakuha ang confidence na magsend ng litrato. I felt the rush on my throat when I drank another shot of liquor. Halos pigilan ko ang paghinga nang makitang na-seen na niya.
@nikolo.esg: typing...
@nikolo.esg: You're aware I'm with my family right fucking now, right?
I giggle naughtily after reading that. I felt heat lurking on my body. I leaned comfortably on my seat and reached for a lemonade drink. But I almost choked on it when he sent me another message.
@nikolo.esg: Be a good girl, Livy. Or else..
•••••
September, 2021
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