Part 48
I was waiting for Darlene at the park near their village. I was hoping that she would show up and talk to me. Hoping she would get back what she said... babawiin niya na hindi siya nagsising minahal ako.
I'm flooding her with messages. Halos hindi na ako umaalis kahit na sobrang dilim ng langit, I am still waiting for her even if my inner mind saying that she wouldn't.
Until I felt the rain and cold air touching my skin. Hanggang sa umulan na nang malakas... walang Darlene na sumulpot pero naiintindihan ko naman.
She was hurt and what would I expect? Na magpapakita siya sa taong nanakit sa kanya?
I know... I don't have the right to feel this pain because at first, it was my fault. If I just said no about the bet... we will never go at this point, na masasaktan ko siya ng sobra.
She was right... We betrayed her in another way. Pero mali siya sa akala niya na hindi ko siya mahal. Totong mahal ko siya, does she really think about what I've done to her is all about the game? It's a no dahil una palang mahal ko na siya bago pa magsimula... unti unti ko na rin siyang nagugustuhan.
At alam kong doble ang nararamdaman niya ngayon. I wanted to hug her, bend my knees just to say sorry for everything.
Twelve midnight came, she's still not here. Ilang oras ang lumipas pero wala pa rin siya. Hanggang sa umabot ng alas-una, alas dos at alas tres, wala pa rin siya.
I decided to go to their house instead. Kahit na parang bumibigat na ang katawan ko. My body felt so cold.
I stopped my car. Lumabas ako at nag-doorbell. Ang akala ko si Darlene na ang lumabas pero hindi, si Tita Serine pala.
"Tita... can I talk to her, p-please?" I asked, almost begging.
I could see Darlene's room. The lights were on, but I don't know if she's awake or not at this time.
"Not now..." She insisted, her voice cold.
"Just... just a second, Tita, please?" My voice cracked.
"No. You hurt my daughter, Nix." Tita Serine's eyes were cold, same as her voice. "I have never seen her like this. Crying in pain. I see the pain in her eyes whenever I'm looking at it. Trying to be happy and being okay but I know she's hurt. I am her mother and I know what she can feel, at 'yon ay ang sakit na nararamdaman niya ngayon."
I couldn't make a sentence. I know that... I know that she's hurt and it's because of me. Ako ang dahilan kung bakit siya umiiyak at nasasaktan ngayon.
"I can't believe na aabot sa ganito." She tried to smile. "Just go home... She needs to rest and so are you. She needs space, her heart needs to rest. Masyado mong nasaktan ang puso ng anak ko, na inakala niyang hindi mo gagawin."
"I-I'm sorry..." I whispered, my voice was shaking because of that.
She shook her head. "Hindi ka dapat sa akin humihingi ng sorry, Nix. Kay Darlene dapat pero ayaw ka na muna niyang makita. You both need to rest. Umuwi ka na." She closed the gate and went inside.
Wala akong nagawa kundi ang umuwi. Nasa loob lang ako ng kwarto. I can't sleep for the whole night. Si Darlene lang ang nasa isip ko. Masakit ang ulo ko, my body wasn't feeling well. Damn, nagkasakit pa yata ako.
Pero kahit na masama ang pakiramdam ko, pumasok pa rin ako. My eyes eyes were blurry that I almost can't drive, mabuti nagawa ko pang mag-drive.
Gusto ko lang naman siyang makausap, gusto ko lang sabihin sa kaniya ang hindi pa niya nalalaman. Lahat ng sinabi sa kaniya ni Iris, totoo 'yon pero ang mga pinagsasabi niya about she will give herself to me, it wasn't true. Hindi ko 'yon magagawa sa kaniya.
Lahat ng sinabi ni Iris tungkol doon, puro kasinungalingan. Sa parte na na kapag bumigay siya, titigil na namin. Hindi 'yon totoo dahil una palang, matagal nang huminto.
I was hurt seeing her crying. Lahat ng gusto niya sabihin pinakinggan ko while I was begging her not to leave me.
"N-No... I will fix this... I will earn your forgiveness and trust again... Love. I love you so damn much... Please, don't end this..." I begged, crying, my voice's shaking.
Mas lalong sumasakit ang ulo ko dahil sa pag-iyak sa harap niya.
"Nakakapagod rin palang magmahal. Ayoko na. Maghiwalay na tayo." after those words, she left me. Wala akong nagawa lalo na nang tuluyan na siyang iwan ako.
After the confrontation, I was quiet and so she was. Pilit pa akong pinapauwi nila Harris pero umayaw ako.
Una si Darlene na umalis. Hindi ko siya naabutan. Pinuntahan ko siya sa bahay nila pero wala pa daw. Nalaman kong nasa mall. Sinundan ko siya kung nasaan sila ni Darius. I saw her with someone.
My forehead creased when I saw that someone. It was Jacob! Iniwan siya ni Darlene, natawa naman siya.
Kailan pa nakauwi si Jacob? He was in Spain, right?
Looks like he saw me.
"Uy, Phoenix!"
Tumalikod kaagad ako paalis. Tinawagan ko na si Kio para ihanda ang sasakyan.
"Snobber, amp!" Sinundan pa talaga ako. "Phoenix, teka, kilala mo ba ang babae na 'yon? Nakatingin ka do'n, eh. "
"Yes, I know her, Jacob." I faced him. "She's Darlene."
His eyes widened. "Hala! So, ibig sabihin... iyong kasama ni Darius, eh, si Princess Michelle?!" he asked, shocked. "Pero, paano mo siya naging kilala?"
"She's my girlfriend, Jacob." I won't consider her as my ex, hangga't buhay ako, I won't consider her as that.
"Ay, gano'n?" he asked, looking so disappointed.
"Tss," iniwan ko siyang mag-isa pero bumalik rin ako agad. "You're going to Spain, right?" He nodded. "Good," I took my calling card and gave it to him. "I want you to do something, aalis si Darlene para pumunta sa Spain and since you are going there too. I want you to watch her for me, you will look after her. Babantayan mo siya."
"Seryoso ka?"
"Yes, I'm dead serious. Do it for me," I answered. "And before you leave, magpakita ka naman kina Harris."
He rolled his eyes. "Okay, fine. Mala-boss ka talaga, eh!"
"Whatever you say, Jacob," iniwan ko na siya.
Mas lalo yatang bumigat ang nararamdaman ko nang maulanan na naman ako. Sa kwarto kaagad ako dumiretso para magpahinga. Damn. My head is fucking hurts.
"Nix, you're sick. Kumain ka na," Tita Grace said. "Sobrang init mo, you need to drink medicine."
"I'm okay, Tita. No need to worry," nahiga nalang ako dahil wala akong gana kumain.
"No, Nix. Kumain ka at uminom ng gamot," pilit ni Tita. "Ano ba ang nangyayari? Bakit sumugod si Drake dito? At bakit ayaw ka na nilang palapitin kay Darlene? May nangyari ba?"
I closed my eyes. "Nasaktan ko ang anak nila, Tita. I hurt Darlene and they are mad because of that... pero matagal naman nang tumigil ang ginawa namin. And now... she broke up with me. Wala na kami." I felt my own tears on my cheeks.
"And why did you do that, Nix?" She asked.
Nagmulat ako ng mata. Nakatingin siya sa akin.
"I don't know... there's no reason to do that but still, ginawa namin..." pinagsisisihan kong ginawa ko 'yon, kung bakit ako pumayag.
Halos magmakaawa ako sa harap ni Darlene para lang 'wag gawin ang balak niya na makipag-hiwalay. I was crying and begging in front of her. Halos lumuhod na ako sa harapan niya para lang 'wag niyang gawin, para lang 'wag niya akong iwan pero siya talaga ang masusunod sa aming dalawa.
She broke up with me at wala akong magawa dahil siya ang nagdesisyon.
Mahal na mahal ko siya, lahat ng sinabi ko sa kaniya totoo. Walang kasinungalingan sa mga 'yon.
"I'm scared of losing you... every time I tried to tell you about this, lagi akong pinapangunahan ng takot ko na baka mawala ka sa akin. Instead of telling you, I let that. I kept it a secret. But, believe me, I stopped," Tiningnan ko siya ng diretso sa mata. "I stopped when I found out that I was falling too. My plan was to make you fall into my arms and after I did that I'll sue you out of our c-class..."
Pero hindi ko ginawa.
"But, I didn't do. I didn't sue you because I know if I do that, our class will no longer be happy. Babe, believe me, I stopped. Everyone noticed it, hindi na laro ang ginagawa ko. Totoo lahat 'yon. I truly love you, noong sinabi ko ang nararamdaman ko sa 'yo, totoo lahat 'yon. Lahat ng sinabi ko sa 'yo, totoo 'yon, lahat-lahat." I said, looking at her eyes.
She cried which made me weak. Hindi ko siya hinahayaan na masaktan tapos ako lang rin pala ang magiging dahilan para masaktan siya. Drake's right, where are my rights to hurt her?
"Mahal na mahal kita... Darlene. I was scared of losing you. I regret everything that I've done. Nahulog din ako noong panahon na nahulog ka sa akin..." I tried to hold her but she just stepped back. "I was the first loser in the game because I fell to you... nahulog ako sa 'yo."
Nahulog ako sa sarili naming balak at ngayon, nagsisisi ako kung bakit ko ginawa. Sisising-sisi ako dahil nasaktan ko siya
"Ayoko na..." she shook her head. "Ayoko na, Phoenix. Tigilan mo na," nanginig ang boses niya. "Hirap na hirap akong maniwala sa 'yo ngayon, hindi ko magawang paniwalaan ka dahil sinaktan mo ako behind my back. Patalikod mo 'kong niloko... at 'yon ang masakit."
"Darlene, please, believe my words.."
Gusto kong maniwala siya sa akin. Gusto kong pniwalaan niya ako. Kahit 'yon lang, bago niya ako iwan, bago siya umalis. Paniwalaan niya ako.
"Tumigil ka na. Ayokong maniwala sayo. Ayoko nang marinig ang sinasabi mo..." She sobbed. Nakayuko siya habang panay ang hikbi.
"If you won't believe that then just... believe that I love you. Kahit 'yon lang sana na mahal kita, paniwalaan mo..." My voice broke.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kaniya. Kahit ayaw niya, I pulled her a tight hugged. She was crying on my chest silently.
"I'm sorry..." I whispered.
"Huwag ka ng mag-sorry, sawang-sawa na ako..." tinulak niya ako palayo.
Wala akong nagawa kundi ang sundin lang siya sa bawat gusto niyang sabihin.
I woke up Darlene wasn't by my side. My head was aching due to my sickness. But my body isn't that hot anymore unlike before. I looked at the clock and it's still 1 am in the morning. I got my phone on the side table.
I sat on my bed as I opened my phone. I asked Darius where she was or where they were going right now. But I heard before, na sa Spain sila pupunta
To: Darius
Darius, where is your sister?
It took a minute before he replied.
From: Darius
We'll go to Australia but we'll also go to Spain. Why? Susundan mo ang kapatid ko? Huwag na lang, busy siya.
He messaged again. But it's a picture of Darlene. Nasa Airport pa sila. She was sitting pretty in her luggage while she's fixing her hair.
Halatang palihim na ginawa ni Darius ang picture dahil wala sa mood si Darlene. Her face is boring and fierce at the same time.
Sunod-sunod na send ang ginawa niya. At puro si Darlene lang. May humihikab, nakapikit, at masama ang tingin.
From: Darius
You have a souvenir, fucker. Enjoy the picture. And wait... hihingi ako kay Darlene para sayo. I got you, man.
Napailing na lang ako bago i-save ang picture na sinend niya. Darlene has a lot of pictures on my phone. Even in my Instagram, her picture is in my story highlights.
I texted Darlene to have a safe trip but she didn't reply back. I understand why she does that.
Minutes after Darius sent a lot of pictures. Puro lang si Darlene nandoon. She's sleeping normally like she wasn't hurt because of me.
I know my mistakes. At hinding-hindi ko tinatanggi na nagkamali ako. Na sobra ang nagawa ko sa kanya dahil nagawa kong saktan siya kahit wala siyang ginagawa.
I was a stupid and fucker for doing that. For hurting an innocent woman.
I turned off my phone and went back to sleep again. I woke up at eight o'clock.
Tumayo na ako para dumiretso sa bathroom. I took a shower and after I finished, I wore my uniform. Kinuha ko na ang susi ng kotse at madaling lumabas sa kwarto.
"Nix, where are you going?" Tita Grace asked me. "You're still sick, right?"
"I'm okay now," I said.
"Pero ang sabi ni Darlene mag-pahinga ka dahil may sakit ka." She insisted. "Nix, just stay home."
"Tita, I'm okay. I can go to School." Umalis na agad ako sa bahay dahil mahuhuli na ako. Narinig ko pang tinatawag niya ako pero hindi na ako lumingon.
My head still hurts but I can go to class. And I'm still thinking about Darlene. She didn't believe what I said. It was all true.
Totoong mahal na mahal ko siya. And I'm willing to do everything just for her... again. Even if she wants my love, it's fine with me. I'm willing to love her and earn her trust again.
Hinding-hindi ako papayag na hiwalay na kaming dalawa. She's the only person I love. Hindi kami naghiwalay at Hinding-hindi kami maghihiwalay.
And I will never let her move on. I can't... hindi ko kaya na basta-basta niya ako kakalimutan.
Nang makarating ako sa parking agad akong lumabas. Naglakad na ako papunta sa classroom.
"Stay away from me." pinangunahan ko si Iris nang makita niya ako at lumapit.
"What now? You two are broke up now." She smirked and tried to touch me. .
"Shut the fuck up," I removed her hands.
"Hiwalay na kayong dalawa. You're single again." she's so fucking desperate.
"No. Darlene and I are not over. She's the only person I love. You heard me, Iris? Siya lang mahal at mamahalin ko." then I left her after I said those words.
Pumasok agad ako sa classroom nang makarating sa taas. Damn, I was expecting she was here but she already left.
Her seat is empty.
"Nix, bakit ka pumasok?" Dash asked. "You are sick. Nakapagdrive ka pa nyan, ha?"
"I'm okay." I leaned at my seats and looked at Darlene's empty seat.
I will follow you. I'll just finish my class until Friday and after that I will follow you. Susundan kita.
Damn.
"Miss. Darlene Miranda can't go to class for a month." Lazarus said. "She and her Family left the Philippines for an agenda. But even though she's not here, our class will continue. And please, fix your face. I know what happened."
"Stop men-."
"Stop what, Mavis? I didn't teach you all to be like that. Kayong lahat. I told you all to be a man not to be a boy. Playing with a woman's heart? A true man will never do that, but if you are a boy you can do that. You can play with a woman's heart but I know you all. You all are men, so tell me, why do you all do that if you all are men?"
We can't answer his question.
"This is not you all. I thought hurting a woman's heart isn't your thing? Pero bakit kayo nakasakit ng babae? Don't you see, she's the reason why you are all happy, she gives you all an advice when you all were about to give up in your life but look what you all did, kapalit ng kabaitan niya, sasaktan niyo siya. You just broke her heart as her friend. At ngayon, galit na galit si Dylan."
Nilihis ko ang paningin sa labas habang pinapakinggan ang sinasabi ni Sir. Lazarus.
Nang matapos ang klase nauna na akong umalis kahit tinatawag pa ako ni Harris. Wala naman akong gagawin. Mas gugustuhin ko pang manatili na lang sa bahay, but I have a lot of plans on these coming days.
I want to earn her trust... gusto kong pagkatiwalaan niya ulit ako katulad noon. Pero alam ko naman na hindi na katulad noon ang mangyayari, this time it's different. May parte na sa kaniya na magdududa siya or worse madagdagan ang trust issues niya.
Nang makarating ako sa bahay, nandoon na si Lala. Mukhang kakarating lang galing opisina.
"Thank god, dumating ka na! You have meeting with Mr. Cameron-wait, totoo ba? Hiwalay na kayo ni Darlene? Sabi sa akin ni Jin," she looked at me.
Nagsalubong ang kilay. What the fuck?
"Shut up, magsama kayong dalawa," iniwan ko siyang mag-isa.
"Mag-ready ka na, Nix! You have a meeting."
Of course, I have to do my job as a CEO. I prepared first before going downstairs. Wala dito si Tita, hindi ko alam kung saan siya nagpunta, kasama niya rin siguro ang mga kapatid ko.
Kasama ko na si Lala habang papunta kami sa mall. I hope it's just a short meeting. When we got there, wala pa ang ka-meeting ko. Masyadong pa-VIP, my time is expensive.
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa phone. I received a message from Darius. I didn't reply. Wala na akong number ni Darlene. Nagpalit siya ng number kaya hindi na ako makapag-message, I can't message her on Instagram and Messenger.
Balak ko na sanang umalis nang matapos ang forty-five minutes kaso may tumigil sa harap ko. I looked up but I was shocked a bit when I saw Cedric.
"Cedric?" I stood up.
Shit, pinsan 'to ni Darlene.
"Phoenix, I thought you weren't coming. Your secretary told me that you were always busy..." He said and looked at Lala. "Hey," he greeted her.
Lala smiled a bit.
"Not really." I shook my head.
Fuck. I thought nasa Spain siya.
"Let's just start," I said and sat on my chair.
Our meeting started. Wala akong maintindihan sa sinasabi niya at sa mga proposal na sinasabi niya. He wants me to visit his company in Spain this coming week. Fuck. He was the one who's handling their company.
So... this is my chance to see Darlene again.
"Thank you for agreeing to my invitation, don't worry, once I finished my agenda in Spain maybe you could see the land," Cedric said politely.
Tangina, pumayag akong bumili ng lupa nila sa Spain para lang mapuntahan si Darlene! He has a lot of proposals and I fucking agreed with that para lang makita at mapuntahan ko si Darlene.
"No worries, Cedric." Gusto ko lang talaga makita ang pinsan mo kaya napilitan akong pumayag.
"That's all. I really have to go now, I have a flight."
"Oh, flight? Where?" alam ko naman ang sagot pero nagtanong pa rin ako.
"Australia. You know Auntie Serine, right? They'll go home right now in Australia together with her family and Princess Michelle."
Shit.
"Auntie Serine?" Lala asked, confused. "You are related to Miss. Serine? Wait, Princess Michelle? Is it Darlene? You? Don't tell me you are a Prince or something?! If you are, did I just basted a Prince?!"
Napalingon ako kay Lala dahil sa sinabi niya.
"What the fuck, Lala?" I looked at her in disbelief. "You don't know him?"
"Uh, not really, teka, sino ba siya? I only know that he's a CEO, that's all."
What the fuck? Seryoso ba siya?
"He's Cedric Cameron, he is a Prince in Spain tapos binasted mo lang? Wow," hindi makapaniwalang sabi ko.
Nanlaki ang mata ni Lala. While Cedric drank his water, avoid Lala's eyes. What the... ginawa ni Lala 'yon and when it happened?! So, matagal na silang magkakilala?
"Shit! I didn't know! Hindi ko alam na Prince pala... siya!" bulong niya.
"Now you know," nilingon ko si Cedric. "I can't believe that my cousin did that."
"Neither am I," he shrugged. " Anyway, I have to leave now. My secretary will just call you if everything is settled, Phoenix."
Until Cedric left, I was still shocked. Hindi lang talaga ako makapaniwala na ginawa 'yon ni Lala. Well, she was shocked when she found out that Cedric is a Prince. She wasn't talking.
Hinayaan ko nalang siya.
I am receiving a lot of messages. Nasa bahay ko sina Dash. Paano sila nakakapasok doon? Nang makauwi ako, nandoon nga silang lahat, wala nga lang si Harvey.
"What are you all doing here?"
"Visiting you... I guess?" Mavis said. "By the way, Jacob's here." he pointed to my back.
Lumingon ako. Nakita ko nga si Jacob na buhat si Lucy, my dog-aso pala namin ni Darlene.
"So, what are you guys doing here?" I repeated my question.
"Kinakamusta ka nga, baka kung ano na ang ginagawa mo dahil umalis si Darlene. And we found out na inutusan mo si Jacob just to look for her," Harris replied. "Wait, seryoso ba na Prince ang isang 'to?"
Jacob rolled his eyes. "Grabe kayo sa 'kin! Hindi ko lang sinabi sa inyo, ganyan na kayo?! Prince nga ako! Hindi naniniwala, parang hindi kaibigan. Tsaka, hindi niyo na ako kinakamusta."
"Excuse me, you're the one who cut our connections," Dash said.
"It's because of what you guys did-."
"Ano ka ba? Hindi namin alam na kayo pala ni Alora. Hindi naman namin alam na may relasyon kayo, wala kaming ginawa na pagtakpan ang kaibigan namin sa cheating issue na 'yan. Basta-basta nalang niya pinakilala sa amin si Alora bilang girlfriend niya until we found out na may boyfriend rin pala si Alora na ikaw pala," Trevor explained.
"Besides, kami pa nagsabi kay Harvey na tigilan niya dahil maging siya, niloloko si Hestia. We can't tolerate cheating, kahit pa na kaibigan namin siya. He's a cheater. Kami pa nga naglayo kay Hestia sa kaniya dahil sinaktan niya but I guess... Tia loves him so much kaya nagpapakamartyr siya."
Jacob just shook his head. "It's fine, don't need to explain. Nangyari naman na 'yon. He felt sorry but I guess, isn't the same anymore. I lost my trust with anyone especially to them, to the both of them. And, I guess, hindi ko kayang patawarin ang kaibigan niyo for now."
I really couldn't understand why Harvey needed to do that. Nalaman naman na pala niyang may boyfriend si Alora, hindi pa niya tinigil.
"Anyway, I have to go back to Spain," Jacob said. "Kaya lang rin naman ako nandito dahil para makasigurado, hindi pa rin pala sila hiwalay."
We are shocked. What the fuck? Until now... wala kaming alam na may ganito pala si Harvey. Sabagay, he won't talk about this. But this is wrong, he really fucking did that?
"Tangina, gago rin naman ako pero hindi ko ma-imagine ang sarili ko na niloloko ang girlfriend ko," Owen frowned.
Same here, I can't imagine myself cheating with another woman. Hindi ako nag-girlfriend para lang lokohin, I had a girlfriend to love her, to treat her what she deserves to be treated. Some girls tried to seduce me but I am stuck to one girl, kay Darlene lang. I can't cheat on her, it feels like I wasted a treasure.
"Anyway, aalis na ako. Ako na ang bahala sa girlfriend mo, Phoenix," Jacob nodded at me.
I just want to make sure of her safety. Baka mamaya kung ano na pala ang nangyayari habang nandoon siya. What if something was done to her by our enemies?
Pinalayas ko rin naman sila dahil wala naman silang gagawin 'to. I don't know if they are aware if Darlene is a royalty. Pero sa napapansin ko, halatang wala pa.
I was in my room. Thinking about how I can tell my siblings of our parents deaths. Hindi ko pa rin alam hanggang ngayon.
At dahil nga gusto kong tapusin lahat ng trabaho ko. Sa condo nalang ako dumiretso. Nasa pinto na ako nang maalalang wala sa akin ang susi. Hinanap ko pa sa bulsa ko pero wala and I just realized something, my wallet isn't here. Sumagi sa isip ko si Darlene, nasa kaniya nga pala ang mga 'yon.
I gasped. Shit.
Bumalik nalang ako sa mansion para doon tapusin ang trabaho ko. There was a lot of paperworks, pagkatapos, I cleaned up and rested. May klase pa ako bukas.
Nang kinaumagahan, maaga akong umalis sa bahay. I don't want to go to my classes but I have to.
Mabilis na lumipas ang oras. Nang mag-lunch, I decided na 'wag nalang pumasok. Tumawag rin kasi si Lala at sinabihan akong may suddenly appointment daw sa Barcelona, Spain. At that moment, I can see Darlene though hindi ko lang alam kung saan sa Spain kaya tatanungin ko si Darius.
"May nabalitaan ako, ah."
Nagulat ako nang sumulpot si Lara. Nilingon ko siya. She was smirking at me. I rolled my eyes.
Nasa parking lot ako ng School. Kahapon, tumawag si Laureen kay Darlene. Muntik nang mawala sa isip ko na pinsan niya si Cedric! Tangina, akala ko kung ano ang ginagawa niya, umiinom lang pala.
"Ginagago mo si Darlene!"
"What the fuck?! What was that for?!" Tangina, sinampal ako?!
"Wala pa kayang nananakit sa kaniya tapos ikaw, ginanon mo lang?! Ginagago mo lang?! Amethyst, pahiram nga ng baril mo," nilingon niya si Gianna, kasama pala niya 'to. "Palulunukin ko lang ng bala ang hayop na 'to, kapal, eh. Sinaktan ba naman si Michelle?! Nilalayo ko nga 'yon sa mga taong magtatangka na saktan siya tapos ikaw sasaktan mo lang?! Kapal mo naman!" she shouted at me.
Pinapakinggan ko lang ang lahat ng sinasabi niya.
"Tama na, Abi. May gagawin ka pa 'di ba?" Gianna pulled her. "Nasapak naman na siya ni Drake, kalma lang, okay? Mahuhuli ka sa flight mo 'di ba?"
"Flight for what?" I asked.
"Wala ka na do'n!" irap ni Lara. "Tara na nga, Gia!" sumakay siya sa kotse at sumunod naman si Gia sa kaniya.
Don't tell me susundan din ng babaeng 'to si Darius? So, alam niya kung saan?
Hapon na at nag-aayos ako ng gamit para pumunta sa Barcelona. I hope it's just a quick meeting para may oras pa akong puntahan si Darlene. Kasama ko naman si Lala. I'm using my private plane para mapadali ang flight. Inutusan ko rin ang isang tauhan ko na bumili ng helicopter, it's on working now at sa oras na matapos, sa Barcelona dalhin.
We were now inside the private plane when I received a message.
From: Darius
He's with Jacob.
Nagsend pa siya ng picture.
To: Darius
Bantayan mo lang.
He replied.
From: Darius
I'm doing it! Umalis siya, she had a fight with Mom tapos dito nagpunta. I didn't know he's here! Nasa pilipinas lang 'yan kahapon!
To: Darius
Send your sister's number to me. And saan kayo sa Spain? I want to follow her.
I waited for his reply.
From: Darius
Valencia, Spain. 09265539403
Hindi na ako nag-reply kay Darius. Si Darlene ang ni-message ko.
To: Love
Don't block my number.
To: Love
Or don't change your number.
To: Love
I will never get tired chasing you, baby.
To: Love
I miss you, love.
I thought she wouldn't respond but she did.
From: Love
Kwento mo sa sarili mo.
Agad akong nagreply.
To: Love
I already did, love. He said you're so beautiful.
To: Love
Can he court you again?
She didn't reply.
The fly was smooth. I didn't notice the time. Sakto lang rin ang landing dahil tumawag ang sekretarya ni Mr. Torillo, ready na sila at ako nalang ang hinihintay. Kaya nang makababa doon ako dumiretso.
I dialled Darlene's number. Nasa loob na ako ng sasakyan.
"Babe, bring my card and keys back." Ginawa kong dahilan ang mga naiwan ko sa kaniya para lang magkita kaming dalawa.
"[Kunin mo kung gusto mo]" Her voice was irritated. "[Saka, huwag mo akong tawagin 'babe' hindi na kita boyfriend.]"
"I'll call you whatever I want, Darlene, we are not over. And about what you said that I want to get it... fine. I will." Wala naman akong pakialam sa mga 'yon, gusto ko lang talaga siya makita.
My meeting started immediately when I got in Mr. Torillo's company. I thought it was peaceful meeting but I was wrong, hindi ko inakalang nandoon si Oliver and worse, business partners pa. At mukhang pinagtutulungan pa ako ng dalawa. Tangina talaga.
The meeting was good until Oliver speak.
"We are cousins, Mr. Torillo," Oliver smirked.
"Then why you're not a CEO of VEC?" Mr. Torillo asked. "I'm sure, you're better than him."
I held my ballpen tightly, imagining that I am murdering someone. I calmed myself. Oliver is better than me? Tss, kapag ba sinapak ko 'yan, better pa rin ang hayop na 'yan?
Some of the board members laughed.
"I don't know either," Oliver shrugged. He looked at me, smirking. "I don't know why the company is in his hands."
"You wanna know why?" I glared. "Because you're a fucker, a man like you don't deserve this big company. And why are you here? You're supposed to be with your girls, right?"
"Well, yeah, I'm supposed to be with them pero wala do'n ang gusto ko. I want your girl, Phoenix. I wonder how Darlene kisses? How does she hug? Wait, did you taste her already?"
Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko. Mabilis akong tumayo at hinila siya. Bumagsak siya sa sahig dahil sa ginawa kong suntok. Napatayo ang ilang board members dahil sa ginawa ko.
Lala stood up and stopped me. Inalis ko ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa akin.
"I told you before, huwag na huwag mong idadamay si Darlene! Kung may problema ka, pwes sa akin mo sabihin! Hindi 'yong idadamay mo siya! And I told you before, 'wag na 'wag mo siyang binabastos! I never let anyone say that to her! Papatayin talaga kita, tangina ka!" I hissed.
"Phoenix!" Hinila ako ni Lala palayo kay Oliver.
Dumating ang mga guard para umawat. Inalis ko ang kamay ng guard.
"You're really crazy, huh?" Oliver wiped the blood his lips.
"Fuck you! Fuck you to hell, Oliver!" I shouted. Nilingon ko si Mr. Torillo. "I will fucking cancel everything! From your company, proposals! Tangina, nagsayang lang ako ng oras sa inyo!" Agaran akong umalis sa loob ng conference meeting.
Irita akong sumakay sa sasakyan. Umiinit lang ang ulo ko kapag naalala ang tanginang Oliver na 'yon. Kaya ayokong makikita ang hayop na 'yon. Palaging si Darlene ang puntirya ng hayop na 'yon, tangina niya.
I decided to go to Valencia City instead, halos ikutin ko na ang lugar na 'yon para lang mahanap ko! Naiinis lang ako lalo dahil hindi ko mahanap kung nasaan sila! Darius told me the address but fuck, hindi ko mahanap!
"What the fuck, Darius?! Where the fuck is your sister?!" I was talking to him.
I heard him laugh from the other line. "[Nasa Madrid kami.]"
I let out a sigh. Nakakairita!
"You shit!" I cursed.
He laughed from the other line. "[Sorry, I guess? By the way, I have secret.]"
Kumunot ang noo ko. "What the hell is that Darius?!"
"[I told you... it's a secret.]"
This fucker!
"Then I have good news about Lara, I'll hang up-."
"[Wait! Don't hang up! What is it? Tell me!]"
"Tell me your secret first." I command.
"[Ano ba naman 'to! Fine!]" He scoffed. "[About Darlene. I know now why everyone wants her. Why does everyone want her, it's because she's my grandmother's long lost Heiress. Tinago siya ni Mama dahil ayaw niya ma maranasan ni Darlene ang naranasan niya noon. She wants Darlene to choose the best choice.]"
"Choice from what?" I asked, confused.
"[Si Darlene, she's the next queen. At ngayon, naguguluhan siya. It's either becoming a Queen or refusing it. Naawa na ako sa kaniya kahit wala pa... nahihirapan ang kapatid ko. But I hope she chooses the best choice, and please... pilitin mo siya na 'wag tanggapin. I don't want her to suffer. Kung pwede ko lang kunin ang trono na para sa kanya, ginawa ko na para hindi siya nahihirapan. But I can't... a granddaughter must claim the throne.]"
Sa bawat salita ni Darius, parang hindi ko na makaya lalo na nang malaman kong nahihirapan ang kapatid niya. I sighed.
"I will try. Just keep on eye on her. I'll be there."
"[Okay then, if magkikita kayong dalawa ngayon. Iuwi mo siya ng maayos! Remember that! And by the way, your good news?! What is it?]"
I smirked. "Well, I'm not sure but I saw someone in your house, obviously watching. Looking for you, I guess? She has the same height as Lara, and to be honest... she was covering her face, scared that maybe someone saw her."
"[The fuck? That's all? Is that... Lara?]"
"I don't know." Hindi naman sa ayaw kong sabihin, ayoko lang talaga na magalit si Lara. She's trusting me for not telling anyone that she's alive. That's her favor, so I need to do it.
"[Hina mo, anyway, alam ni Kuya na nandito ka. Hide yourself, man.]" He laughed teasingly before ending the call.
Naubo naman ako bigla sa sinabi niya. Damn.
I decided to go in my helicopter. Nandoon na 'yon sa rooftop kung saang hotel ako nagi-stay. I told the driver to go there. It's better to go to Madrid using a helicopter.
Lala's assistant went up to me when she saw me. Yup, Lala has her own assistant. Ang galing 'no?
"Everything is settled, Mr. Velasquez," she took my things.
I nodded. Nagdiretso ako ng lakad papunta sa roodtop. The staff was there. They knew me so much. They even want a picture with me. Bakit naman? Hindi naman ako sikat, ha?
"What time you'll be back?" Lala asked me.
"Tomorrow," I replied.
I hop in my helicopter. I wore my aviation headset. I removed my suit jacket as I loosen my necktie. I fold my sleeve until my elbow. I leaned on my seat.
I turned on the aviation headset to speak. I slowly held the control stick as I started to fly the helicopter smoothly.
I saw how beautiful Barcelona is. I even saw the Sagrada. The traffic lights had a beautiful view from above. Ah, what a nice view. Darlene surely loves this. She loves watching this kind of beautiful view.
I know where I landed. I texted her where we both met. I told her to go to Buen Retiro Park around Madrid. Tangina, ang aga ko pa, ha? Wala pa akong kain, maging tulog, wala pa rin ako. Pero wala na akong pakialam.
Gusto ko siyang makita, gusto kong malaman kung ano ba ang dapat kong gawin para sa lahat ng nagawa ko. Alam kong mahirap para sa kaniya, at kung ayaw niya... hindi ko na lang pipilitin. Hindi dahil ayaw kong suyuin siya, dahil gusto kong irespeto ang desisyon niya. But I hope she listens to me this time pero kung ayaw niya talaga, okay fine, it's take time.
I waited for her. I'm scared that she won't show up. Pero hindi pa rin ako aalis dito. I have a lot of time.
Tumingin ako sa paligid. Wala na rin masyadong tao kaya walang makakakita sa kaniya.
"Pst."
It was Darlene. She showed up. Humarap ako sa kaniya. I stopped when I saw her. Gumanda siya lalo.
"What took you so long?" God knows how much I wanted to hug her.
Napairap siya. "Sorry naman po at mukhang nagmamadali ka. Hindi ko naman kasi alam na totohanin mo ang sinabi ko. Pwede ko namang ibalik sa'yo pagbalik namin ng Pilipinas."
I was directly staring at her. Her face became more pretty, and she cut her bangs again. Nakalugay ang mahaba niyang buhok kaya ang ganda niyang tingnan.
Ang ganda niya talaga... you making me so whipped Darlene. Umiwas na ako ng tingin.
"That's not what I came here for. I am here because I want to see you," gusto lang talaga kitang makita. "I have an extra credit card, condo, and car. I don't care about those things, I only care about you."
"Nag-aksaya ka lang ng ticket at oras papunta dito? Hindi ka rin sira," she took her things out.
Hindi naman 'yon mahalaga. I have a lot of things. Kaya kong palitan ang mga 'yon, gusto ko lang talaga na makita siya.
"I know you are still mad at me pero sana paniwalaan mo lahat ng sinabi ko," I almost begged in front of her. Gusto kong lumuhod sa harapan niya at magmakaawa na pakinggan ang lahat ng sinasabi ko.
"Wala akong pakialam. Lumayo ka sa akin. "
"Ayokong layuan ka," lumapit ako.
"Babatuhin kita!" She noticed something which made her stop. "Ano 'to? Ikaw nagpalipad nito?"
"Yeah," I nodded.
Pinilit ko pa siya na sumakay doon. Alam ko, isa 'yon sa mga dreams niya kaya pinilit ko siya. I even called someone to have a damn fireworks for her. I know she would like that and I was right... gusto niya nga. I missed those smiles.
"Darlene, I'm sorry. I'll earn your forgiveness and trust again so we can love each other again. I promise... I won't hurt you. I will do everything just for you. I will never let you sit on your throne."
She looked with her eyes widened. "A-Alam mo?"
"Yes, and I will never let you in that situation." Huwag naman sana siyang pumayag. "You will be a Queen but not into your kingdom but to my life."
"Sinong nagsabi sayo niyan?" tanong niya. "Sinong nagsabi tungkol sa estado ko ngayon?!"
"Your brother, Darius." Siya lang naman ang nakakausap ko bukod sa pinsan niyang si Cedric.
Nanliit agad ang mata niya sa akin. "Napakachismoso talaga no'n! Chinismis sa'yo?! Isang malaking chismoso!"
"He chismis it. Because I told him something. I have good news for him, inuto ko siya."
"Ayan! Isa ka rin pala!" tinuro ko siya.
"What?! No! I'm not a chismoso."
She rolled her eyes.
We stayed at the Sagrada. She was running with those birds, nananahimik tapos hahabulin, lumalayo tuloy. She laughed so hard while running after the birds.
I took my phone out. I took a video of her while she's busy. I let out a sigh. Ang tanga ko, tangina. Habang pinagmamasdan ko siya, naaalala ko ang mga ginawa namin sa kaniya. Ang tanga-tanga ko dahil ganito kaganda at inosente nagawa kong paiyakin at saktan kahit wala naman siyang nagagawang mali.
Araw-araw at gabi-gabi ko na sigurong pagsisisihan ang nagawa ko sa kaniya.
My phone beeped. Laureen replied to my IG story.
laureendiaz: magkasama kayo, ex huh lol enjoy the moment before ka umiyak hahaha
I rolled my eyes. There's another message from... Lara? This woman is really active using her dump account.
dUmp_AccountKoTo: wWOWh nAMAnN, 4fT3Rh MOoNG zZAkHTtaAN tHApHo5 Gh@nHYhAN? 9/-\Go KA BvHa ja
What the fuck?! Ano daw?! Hindi ko maintindihan! Hindi nalang ako nagreply. Bahala siya.
Tinago ko na ang phone ko. I just stared at Darlene. Naupo ako sa wooden bench habang pinagmamasdan siya. Ito lang talaga ang hindi nakakapagod panoorin magdamag.
An old man went to my side. Nilingon ko siyam
"Disculpe, ¿nos puede tomar una foto aquí frente a la Sagrada?" He asked if I could take a picture of them in front of Sagrada.
"Por supuesto," I nodded as I took their camera.
I noticed it was his wife. I smiled. Saglit ko munang nilingon si Darlene bago picture-an ang mag-asawa. Then after, binalik ko na.
"¿Tu novia, hijo?" He asked if Darlene is my girlfriend.
"Sí, pero cometí un error, la lastimé." I admit that she's my girlfriend and I had a mistake kaya ko siya nasaktan.
Nilingon ko si Darlene. "I love her but she already lost her trust in me. She said, she doesn't love me anymore," I hope they understand me. Baka mag-spanish sila, eh, hindi ko na maiintindihan.
The woman beside him tapped my shoulder. "That's what women say whenever they are mad but the truth is, they love you. Their mind closes because of madness and because they are hurt, a woman's heart and love is different from man. They can't say that easily especially if they are so attached to that person. Their mind says that they don't love the man anymore, but their heart was shouting how much they love the person."
"But I hurt her, Madame," I looked down. "How can she love me again? How can she trust me again?"
"Just give her time, give her space to think. And of course, trusting a person takes time. She needs to heal from the pain, don't force nor hurry her. It takes time. Once she finally forgives you, don't repeat the mistake. Learn from the mistake instead," she smiled.
I nodded. Binalik ko ang tingin kay Darlene. "Thank you."
She nodded. They left now after talking to me. Si Darlene naman ang pumunta sa akin.
"They asked me if I can take a picture of them," sambit ko nang magtanong siya.
"Okay," she nodded.
We spent almost two hours in Sagrada. Nag-aya na rin siyang umuwi kaya kailangan ko siyang ihatid.
She fell asleep while we're in the car after riding helicopter. I removed my seatbelt. Tiningnan ko ang mukha niya. I couldn't help but to caress her cheeks. I missed kissing her cheeks.
"Hoy!" Oh, she was awake. Lumayo kaagad siya.
"Why? I was just caressing your face. What's wrong with that?"
"Anong what's wrong with that? Tigilan mo," bumaba siya.
Sumunod naman ako matapos kunin ang susi. Malayo naman ako nagpark kaya hindi mapapansin. Ang bilis niyang maglakad at naiiwan naman ako.
"Darlene, wait!" I called.
She stopped. Tumakbo siya at hinila ako bigla. Why? What happened?
"Ang ingay mo," she whispered, naiinis.
"Who do you think is really a noisy? Me or you?" I looked at her teasingly.
"Gago ka talaga 'no? Kalimutan mo nga ang pangyayaring 'yon," matalim siyang tumingin. "Kung may rewind lang ako, ibabalik ko ang panahon na nasa hospital tayo."
Really?
"Sorry but I can't forget it."
"Hush!" She put her index finger on my lips "Ingay mo talaga."
Tumahimik naman ako. I just realized na may guard, looking for me... I guess?
"Tara nga." Hinila niya ako. Nagpa-tianod nalang ako. Tumigil siya at humarap kaya tumama ang noo niya sa baba ako. "Hoy gago-aray naman."
Sakit, ha.
I looked at her forehead. "Wala naman nangyari."
The whole palace was so big inside, they have a lot of things inside. Napatingin ako sa isang picture frame. It's the Queen
"Damn, I want to go to the restroom." Nilingon ko si Darlene.
"Bilisan mo, mag-restroom ka na."
"Okay. Okay, don't push me," I went straight to the bathroom. I really need to pee!
After going to the restroom, I went out. I even almost slipped. Tangina, katangahan. Humawak ako sa door. Nakita ko namang may kausap siya at si Cedric, fuck. Lumabas lang ako nang restroom nang makaalis siya.
"Who was that?" Tangina, si Cedric. Nagtanong pa.
"Cedric," sagot niya. "Gago, paano ka lalabas? Mahigpit sila pag-gabi."
"Then, I'll stay here."
"Ulol. Gago. Umuwi ka na nga."
I can't leave without knowing her answer.
"Why you always saying na umuwi na ako? E, ayoko nga. I want to know what do I need to do just to trust me again." Hinila ko siya palapit sa akin. "Tell me..." I whispered in her ear.
I slightly pushed her on the dining table, holding her both elbows.
"I will get your trust again and I will win you back." Desidido akong gawin 'yon. "Fuck, I can't take this." I tilted my head. Siniil ko ng halik ang labi niya. I held the back of her head as I slowly moved my mouth. Lumayo ako. I stared at her eyes. I'm willing to wait for your forgiveness. I'm willing..." It takes time.
I kissed her again. I thought she would push me again but not. She just kissed me back instead. She was already on the dining table, sitting. Lumayo kaagad ako dahil baka magtuloy-tuloy. She also stopped. Doon lang siya natauhan, nanlaki pa ang mata niya.
"T-Tara sa kwarto, doon ka nalang muna. Baka malagot ka kay abuela kapag nakita ka dito." Hawak niya ang kamay ko paakyat.
Tumigil kami sa isang kwarto at pumasok. I sat on her sofa, looking around.
"This room is wide, is this sound proof?"
"H-Huh? Bakit mo tinatanong?" She asked innocently.
Bakit ko nga ba tinanong? "Ah. Nothing. Anyway, you sleep on the sofa."
"Ano?! Ang kapal mo naman! Ikaw na nga 'tong makikitulog dito."
"Baby, if ayaw mo akong katabi, the sofa is big," I smirked.
"Ang kapal mo!" Binato niya ako ng unan. "Doon ka sa sofa, ayaw kita katabi!"
"No, I'm your visitor, right?"
"Bwisita kamo!" She rolled her eyes.
I chuckled. "Kidding, I'll sleep on the sofa."
"Huwag na! Dito nalang ako sa sofa, malaki naman, eh. D'yan ka na. Maghihilamos lang ako, matulog ka na kung matutulog ka."
"No, I'll wait for you." But dang, nakatulog ako! Hindi ko napansin.
I woke up in the middle of the night. My eyes went straight to her. She was sleeping peacefully. Tumayo ako para ilipat siya sa kama but I saw a note.
Please huwag mo na ako gisingin. Matulog ka na. Kabisado na kita. Alam ko, bubuhatin mo 'ko. Pagod ka 'di ba? Tulog ka na! Okay na ako dito sa sofa, feel at room kasi kwarto 'to hehe. :>>
-pretty darlene
I chuckled, holding the note. You really know me. I know you really too, love. I just fixed her on the sofa, making her comfortable. It was huge so I know she can sleep peacefully.
I look for some blanket, wala akong makita kaya naghanap ako. I stopped when I saw a paper . It was a kind of essay? I'm not sure.
Kinuha ko 'yon para mabasa. Naupo ako sa tabi niya.
Ang hirap palang magpatawad, ano? Sobrang hirap. Akala ko joke lang iyong mga napapanood ko sa tv na mga nagsasabi na mahirap magpatawad, iyon pala totoo iyon? Lalo na kung sobrang sakit ng ginawa sayo kahit wala ka namang ginawang masama. Pero sa huli sinaktan ka pa rin.
Wala akong masabihan ng nararamdaman ko kaya sa paper nalang. Ayoko rin kasing sabihin kay Mama, Papa, Kuya, at lalo na kay Darius. Ayoko lang na may problem na dumagdag sa kanila if meron silang pinoproblema ngayon. Mas gusto ko pa rin na kinikimkim ang nararamdaman ko, at ngayon nasasaktan talaga ako. Mahal na mahal ko si Phoenix pero bakit ganon? Bakit niya ako sinaktan? Wala naman akong ginagawang masama hindi ba? Kung tungkol yon sa kanila ni Darius, hindi ba dapat labas ako? Wala ako sa eksena nila pero bakit ganon? Bakit parang ginantihan niya lang ang kapatid ko gamit ako? Atsaka, hindi ko maintindihan, ganon ba akong babae? Na madaling mahulog? Well, oo, marupok ako tapos tanga rin pero hindi ako marunong bumigay. Masakit lang talaga malaman na nagawa nila akong sabihan ng mga ganoong salita.
Ang tingin ba nila sa aking noong una... malandi ako kaya ganoon? Na katulad ng babaeng nakikilala nila na isang tingin lang, bibigay na? Siguro nga ganon sila sa akin, na iniisip nila malandi ako at ibibigay ang sarili kay Phoenix.
I stopped reading. Bumigat ang paghinga ko. I was crying while reading her handwriting.
"No... you're not like that," I held her hand, shaking my head. "You're different. Hindi ka ganoong babae. I'm sorry if you feel you're like that. Hindi ka gano'n." Dahil sa akin-sa amin, iniisip niya na gano'n siyang babae.
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa papel.
Kaya rin siguro ayaw nila sa akin? Hays, naalala ko nung first day ko, ayaw na ayaw nila sa akin. Muntik pa akong magtampo kasi ayaw talaga nila, iyon pala may nananakit sa kanila tapos ako naman ang sinaktan nila. Nakakahinayang lang dahil, totoong kaibigan ang turing ko sa kanila tapos niloloko lang pala ako behind my back. Hmp, baka nga binabackstab nila ako. Huhu. Nakaka-overthink tuloy. Baka mamaya, sinsabihan nila ako ng kung ano-ano noon? Hays, gusto ko nalang tuloy maglaho bigla pero hindi ko naman pwede iwan ang lahat.
Tsaka kung tatanungin ako kung magpapatawad ba ako... hindi ko alam. Ang hirap rin pala. Ang sakit, eh. Halos mabiyak ako sa sakit ng nararamdaman ko. Sobrang sakit na masaktan ng taong mahal mo. Ang akala ko pa naman iba si Phoenix sa lahat, ang green flag niya. Hindi naman maitatanggi 'yon, sumablay lang siya ng may ginawa siya sa akin na naging dahilan rin para masira kami.
Imagine ang saya namin, nag tagaytay pa kami, ha? Sinamahan niya pa ako sa lahat. Tapos dahil sa nalaman ko, nasira lahat. Dahil sa ginawa niya. Napatawad ko siya sa parteng ginamit niya ang kaibigan ko, pero ang ginawa niya sa akin...hindi, eh. Sobrang sakit talaga. Hindi ko siya kayang patawarin pa, silang lahat.
Mabait naman ako. Ayoko nang maglabas ng sama ng loob sa kanila. Ayoko na may galit ako sa tao. Galit ako sa ginawa nila, hindi sa kanila. At kung totoo ngang nagsisisi sila, edi okay. They need to learn from the mistakes they made. Pero kung sakaling mapatawad ko sila, ang tiwala ko hindi na katulad noon. Parang baso lang ang tiwala, kapag nabasag pwede mo namang ibalik at ayusin pero ang bubog na naiwan, mananatili at hindi na magiging gano'n ulit kaganda ang hugis at pagkakabuo nito. Parang tiwala ko lang, hindi na kasing ganda at buo noong una.
At sana... sa ngayon, makalimutan ko muna ang ginawa nila. Pagod na akong umiyak tuwing gabi. Pagod na akong tanungin ang sarili ko kung bakit kailangan akong gaguhin at saktan kahit wala naman akong pagkakamali. Gusto ko namang huminga ang dibdib ko dahil pakiramdam ko, hinang-hina na ako. Sobrang hirap... nasasaktan ako pero kaya ko pa, kakayanin ko pa.
I gasped. I put down the paper. I cried silently, sitting on the floor now. Watching her asleep.
"I'm sorry, love," I whispered, I'm scared she might wake up. "I'm so cowardly for doing that to you. You were right, wala kang kasalanan pero nagawa namin 'yon sa'yo..."
Gumalaw siya. Nag-angat ako ng tingin. She was half asleep.
"Umiiyak ka ba?" She suddenly became worried, her voice was soft.
Fuck. Bakit ko nasaktan ang ganitong ka-inosenteng babae?
"Uhm, no," umiling ako. "Go back to your sleep, I'm sorry, did I wake you up?"
"Hindi naman. Matulog ka na, ha?" She went back to sleep.
I nodded. I fixed her blanket as I kissed her forehead. I put down her laptop. I badly want to put her on her bed but she doesn't want to. Saglit ko siyang nilingon bago mahiga.
Next morning, I heard her waking me up.
"Hoy, gago! Gising!"
"What?" Nakakaantok. Ngayon palang ulit ako nakakabawi ng tulog.
"Gumising ka!" She shakes my arm. "Gising! Gising!"
"Stop it! Darlene, stop it." umayos ako ng higa.
"Darlene. Can I come in?" Wait, that's... that's her grandmother!
"Uh... Wait!" Darlene replied.
Napatayo ako sa gulat. "Fuck! I need to hide! Damn! Fuck." I don't know where to hide! Ang laki-laki
"Magtago ka! Dyan sa may bathroom! Huwag kang lalabas!" She push me inside the bathroom. "Huwag kang maingay."
Napatingin ako sa loob. I stopped when I saw her closet. Umiwas ako ng tingin nang makita ang undies at bra niya.
"Darlene, your undies and bra are here."
She went inside. Masama kaagad ang tingin sa akin. A teasing smirk appeared on my lips. Lumabas rin naman siya para puntahan ang Lola niya.
I didn't close the door so I could hear their conversation.
"Uh... I was talking to my friend! Through a phone call! Friend. Yeah, it was my friend."
What the fuck? Friend? Friend niya ako? That's what I heard!
Hindi ko nalang pinakinggan ang usapan nila. I leaned on the door. I saw her at the reflection, done talking to her grandmother.
"Friend, huh?" I went outside.
"Tanga, anong gusto mong sabihin ko? I was talking to my ex-boyfriend?" She said sarcastically.
"What the fuck? I'm not your ex-boyfriend or friend. And may I remind you, if I am your ex-boyfriend then why you kissed me back last night? May mag-ex bang naghahalikan?" I lay on her bed. I'm still sleepy.
"Share mo lang?" tanging nasagot niya. "Umalis ka na nga! May rope d'yan! Iyon na lang ang gamitin mo pababa dyan sa may balcony ko. Huwag ka ng matulog! Bumalik ka na ng Pilipinas."
"Are you out of your mind, Miranda? That's so damn high. Mamaya mamatay pa ako nang hindi man lang naririnig ang kapatawaran mo. "
Am I right, right? I don't wanna die without hearing her forgiveness.
I can't believe na nagawa kong makababa using that fucking rope. Pinagpagan ko ang sarili ko nang makababa ng maayos.
"O 'di ba? Hindi ka nalaglag..."
Still, what if nahulog ako?
"Kahit na," malay mo 'di ba.
She distracted the guard while I was waiting. Hinila naman niya kaagad ako palabas. Gusto na niya talaga akong umali. Bakit siya nagmamadali?
"Why are you in such a hurry to make me leave?"
Ayaw niya talagang makita ako.
"Gusto ko lang," she answered. "Umalis ka na dito."
"Paano ako aalis kung hawak mo ako?" My eyes went down on our hands.
"Gusto mo naman."
"No, I better want this." I held her chin to gave her a soft kiss.
She held her lips using her both hands. "Halik ka ng halik, ha?!"
"I know you want too." binuksan ko ang pinto ng kotse. "I love you so much, Darlene." I went inside my car. Nilingon ko pa muna siya. "Don't you ever sit on your throne or else I'll immediately go here and bring you in my arms again." Tumingin ako sa mga mata niya. "Don't, Darlene, don't."
I went back to Barcelona. I'm so tired for fucking sake. Pero kailangan kong bumalik ng Pilipinas kaya 'yon ang inasikaso ko. May klase pa rin kasi ako kaya hindi ako pwedeng manatili dito. Pero babalik ako dito.