6k words. Enjoy the long update hehe
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CHAPTER 29
JEALOUSY
Iris' POV
"Where's everyone? Why are you alone?" bungad na tanong ni Dash pagpasok niya sa The Grove. Tinitigan ko lang siya kaya naman napatigil siya. He stood there, just a few feet in front of me, both of his hands inside the pocket of his jeans. "What is it we have to talk about?"
When I didn't answer, he slowly frowned. I watched how his mood turned from calm to confused. "What's wrong?"
Without a word, I placed my phone on the table. Kinuha niya iyon at tiningnan. His eyes widened in an instant. "Care to explain?"
"H-how---"
"Mahalaga pa ba talagang malaman mo kung paano ako nagkaroon ng picture niyo ni Charmaine kagabi?"
His jaw clenched as he returned my phone on the table. Akala ko ay uupo na siya sa tabi ko at magpapaliwanag pero ginulat niya ako sa reaksyon niya.
"You had someone followed me?" There's a hint of accusation in his voice. "At bakit?"
I stood up and exhaled loudly. "That's not the issue here, Dash. Bakit kayo magkasama ng ex mo? Ex na ba talaga, huh?"
"Ano? Are you hearing yourself? Iris, we just celebrated our first month together---"
"Exactly. Why are you with her on our monthsary?"
Natahimik siya saglit. "After our goodnight text, she suddenly showed up. I told her to go home but it's already too late so I drove her back to her house."
I waited for more explanation but he just stared at me.
"And?" I urged him.
"And that's it. Nothing happened, okay? Kung sino man 'yang inutusan mong sundan ako, sabihin mo sa kanya sana kompleto siya mag-report sa'yo. I didn't do anything wrong."
THAT'S IT? Tama ba ako ng narinig?
May hindi man lang niya sasabihin kung bakit pinuntahan siya ni Charmaine?
"I didn't cheat on you, Iris. I swear," He added.
As if that's going to make everything okay.
I looked away and tried my best to calm down but I just couldn't. Pakiramdam ko ay sasabog ako sa galit. "Alam mo, bahala ka sa buhay mo. Ayokong makipagusap sa'yo kung ganyan lang ang isasagot mo sa'kin."
"What? I'm explaining my side here!"
"Explain na ba ang tawag diyan? Dash, tingin mo maniniwala ako sa'yo dahil lang sa sinabi mong wala kang ginagawang mali?"
"E anong gusto mong sabihin ko? Wala naman talaga! I'm loyal to you!"
"And your word's supposed to just magically fix this?"
He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "What do you want me to do? Kneel down and beg for what? For forgiveness? E wala nga akong ginawa, Iris. Maniwala ka naman sa'kin." He sounded upset that I'm angry at him. "Gusto mong panuorin 'yung CCTV sa pool area ng bahay namin para makita mong pinauwi ko siya agad? Ganun ba gusto mong gawin natin? Because if that would help you believe me, then let's go."
"You're a f*cking jerk. I can't believe I'm dating you." I grabbed my bag and phone, and walked away. Binangga ko pa ang balikat niya para maramdaman niya ang inis ko.
"So you're really going to leave just like that? Naguusap tayo 'di ba?" pahabol niya.
"Hindi paguusap 'to, Dash. Lokohan 'to. Tsaka na tayo magkita ulit kapag may sense ka nang kausap."
"I don't understand you," napapailing na sambit niya. "Wala ka yatang tiwala sa'kin."
Malumanay ko siyang sinagot. "Yeah, you're right. I don't trust you because you lied to me. You told me no one else sat at your car chair last night but it turns out, Charmaine did." I did my best not to cry. Hindi ako iyaking tao. Crying will only make things worst for the two of us. Mas lalo kaming hindi magkakaintindihan kung ngangawa ako dito. "Bakit ka nagsinungaling kung wala na namang kayo? Bakit kailangan mong ilihim sa'kin na pinuntahan ka niya at pinag-drive mo siya pauwi?"
He froze when he realized his mistake. Lalapitan niya sana ako pero humakbang ako patalikod.
"I just don't want you to feel jealous over nothing."
"Dash, you're the one who doesn't trust me at all. Apparently, you think I'm not matured enough to handle the truth. Even now, you didn't care on elaborating what happened last night. You didn't want to clear things up between us. You just want me to let go of it and stop doubting you. Well guess what, I can't do both of that."
Lumabas na ako at naglakad na papunta sa first class ko. I didn't look back since I know it'll hurt me more the moment I see his face.
Paano bang nangyari na kahapon sobrang sweet namin tapos ngayon kumukulo ang dugo ko sa kanya?
Paanong kahapon ang bilis bilis ng tibok ng puso ko pero ngayon naninikip ang dibdib ko sa sama ng loob?
"Miss Leona, you're late." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang pagpasok ko sa room ay nandoon na ang professor namin. He's already checking the attendance.
I gulped and composed myself. "I'm sorry sir, my car broke down."
Tumango siya. "Alright, take your seat. Palalagpasin ko ito since first time mo namang ma-late sa klase ko at alam ko namang hindi dahil sa tatamad-tamad ka. But next time would be a different story, got it?"
"Yes sir, thank you po."
Nagmadali na akong umupo sa empty seat at inilabas ang laptop ko.
Habang ino-open ko ang file na sinend ng Prof namin ay narinig ko ang ilang bulungan sa likuran ko.
"Swerte ah, number one kasi sa department natin kaya ligtas palagi."
"Anong nasira ang kotse e nakita ko silang dumating ni Dash kaninang umaga?"
"Oo nga, ang aga pa nung tumambay sila sa parking lot."
"Maybe they just made out inside the car."
"Ay taray potaena ang aga aga inalmusal isa't-isa."
"Sana all may jowa na hot! Magpapaka-late din ako palagi pag ganun hahaha."
"Sana all matalino kamo. 'Di ko na keri magaral hahaha."
I just looked down and did my best to focus on my class.
Kaso kahit anong pagpapanggap ko, kay Dash pa rin talaga bumabalik ang isip ko.
I told myself I'm going to keep an open mind but when he started talking, I lost it.
Hindi ko ugaling magalit pero dahil sa inasta niya, muntik ko pa siyang masampal kanina.
Dashiell's POV
"Ano? Isang buwan pa lang kayo, LQ na kayo? Abay matindi."
"Hinaan mo nga ang boses mo, Royce. Baka kung sino pa makarinig sa'yo."
Inakbayan niya ako habang inaayos ko ang bag ko. "Gets ko si Iris kung bakit siya nagagalit. Ang hindi ko ma-gets ay kung bakit galit ka rin."
"Hindi ako galit. Naiirita lang ako sa sitwasyon." Inalis ko pagkakaakbay niya at sinubukan ko na namang tawagan si Iris pero hindi niya talaga sinasagot ang tawag ko. It's either her phone's on silent or she's really avoiding me right now. May oras din kasing hindi siya nakakasagot dahil busy siya sa klase.
Ayoko namang guluhin siya kaso hindi ako mapakali na alam kong masama pa rin ang loob niya.
"Anong kinakagalit mo sa sitwasyon niyo? Na nag-walk out siya? You can't blame her, dude. You lied to her."
"Hindi ko naman sinasadya 'yon, Royce. I was shocked when she suddenly asked about the carseat and she was in such a good mood this morning so I just blurted out the first thing that came into my mind. It's a white lie, okay? Malay ko bang magkakaganito. I didn't expect her to be so mad at me. Sinabi ko naman sa kanya 'yung totoo."
"Ayun nga ang issue niya. Sinabi mo lang dahil nga nahuli ka na pero kung 'di ka naman na-picture-an, hindi mo sasabihin sa kanya."
"Isa pa 'yan. I don't understand why she had to hire someone to follow me. I'm her boyfriend, not her property. That's just so f*cked up. Isang buwan na kami pero wala pa rin pala siyang tiwala sa'kin. Tingin niya ba talaga, kaya kong ipagpalit siya? Baliw na baliw nga 'ko sa kanya, kung alam niya lang."
He chuckled. "Malay mo naman hindi ka pinasundan. You're both famous. What if it's just a fan who took the shot?"
"E 'di sana nag-deny siya." Padabog kong hinagis ang bag ko sa loob ng locker pagkatapos ay tinawagan ko ulit si Iris. This time, she denied the call. Wala pa kasing two rings, nag-busy na.
Natulala ako saglit.
"Put*ngina, galit talaga." Huminga ako ng malalim.
I'm scared to see Iris acting this way.
Hindi ako sanay.
Ever since I met her, she never treated me like this.
I know I'm at my fault but how are we going to fix our problem if she won't talk to me?
"Suyuin mo kasi," tatawa-tawang sambit ni Royce.
"Sinusubukan ko na nga, 'di ba? Hirap lang may klase pa 'ko kaya hindi ko siya mapuntahan."
"Give her a break. Galit pa siya kaya ka hindi sinasagot. Palamigin mo muna ang ulo." Mabuti pa nga. Baka mas lalo lang siyang mainis kapag ganitong kinukulit ko siya. Kakausapin ko na lang siya mamaya sa cafeteria.
Iris' POV
"Look at him! He stopped calling! Wala na talaga siyang pake!" iritableng sambit ko habang nagaayos ng buhok si Ava dito sa CR.
"Alam mo para kang sira. You keep on ignoring his calls but when he stopped, you're throwing tantrums. Ano ba talagang gusto mo?" natatawang tanong niya.
Kakatapos lang ng morning classes kaya nagkita kaming dalawa dito. Hindi ko ugaling mag-share sa ibang tao ng mga problema ko pero nang mag-text si Ava ay hindi ko natiis at nagkuwento na ako sa kanya. Pakiramdam ko kasi ay sasabog na ako sa inis. I've been waiting for him to call again.
"I don't want to talk to Dash but I don't want him to act as if he doesn't care..."
"I think he stopped because he's afraid he might annoy you even more."
I pouted. "Gusto ko lang naman talaga malaman kung anong pinagusapan nila ni Charmaine at bakit kinailangan niyang itago sa akin 'yon..."
"Ewan ko ba sa mga lalakeng ganyan. Sometimes they like to assume things beforehand." Itinago na niya ang mga gamit niya sa purse niya bago siya humarap sa akin. "Ito opinyon ko lang ha. Mukha namang in love na in love si Dash sa'yo. I see the way he looks at you. I don't think he's secretly meeting his ex. Malay mo nagsasabi talaga siya ng totoo, na pinuntahan siya nang Charmaine na 'yon at hinatid niya lang pauwi."
"He could have told me that. Hindi naman ako magiisip ng kung ano-ano kung nagkuwento lang siya. I've always been open minded when it comes to his ex."
"Kasi nga, pinangunahan ka niya. Akala niya magseselos ka." She rolled her eyes. "You have the right to be mad at him but also think of his reason."
"Psh, kung magsalita nga siya kanina parang galit din siya..."
"Maybe he's frustrated because you're not believing him and he doesn't know how to prove himself to you."
I frowned. "So kasalanan ko pa ngayon? Ano 'yon, dapat patawarin ko na siya kasi 'yun gusto niya?"
"No. I'm saying, communicate with him. That's the only solution to this. Kung hindi mo sasabihin sa kanya ang nasa isip mo, paano ka niya maiintindihan? Boys are not mind readers, girl."
I just bit my lower lip and stayed quiet.
"Hay nako, tama na nga 'yan. Anong oras na? Nagugutom na ako. Kumain na tayo at for sure, naghihintay na 'yung sila Caylee sa dining hall."
"Mauna ka na. Baka sa labas na muna ako kumain."
"Huh? Bakit? Dahil kay Dash?"
"Wala pa ako sa mood makita siya."
"E 'di ba sinundo ka niya kaninang umaga? You don't have a car."
"I could just book one. Wag mo na ako alalahanin. I'll be back after an hour."
"You sure? Gusto mong samahan kita?"
"Ava, you know I like to be alone when my thoughts are in trouble."
Sumimagot siya. "Oo nga pala. O sige, magingat ka ha."
"I will. Thanks."
Naghiwalay na kami paglabas nang CR ng girls. I headed to the front gate while she went to eat with our friends.
Kapag kasi pumunta ako sa dining hall at nagkita kami ni Dash ay malamang hindi ko siya malalayuan. If I do, our friends will bombard me with questions while everyone else would start gossiping. Ayoko pa naman kapag pinapakielamanan ang buhay ko.
Mamaya ko na lang siya kakausapin kapag okay na talaga ako. I don't want to have a second fight him today. Baka umiyak na ako ng 'di oras.
Dashiell's POV
"Caylee! Hey!" Nilapitan ko agad siya nang makita ko siya sa table nila.
"Uy Dash! Magisa ka? Nasaan ang magandang kaibigan ko?" Nakangiti pa siya kaya medyo nagtaka ako. Mukhang hindi nagkwento sa kanila si Iris...
"Actually kaya nga ako lumapit sa'yo, itatanong ko sana kung nakita mo ba siya. She's not answering my phone call."
"Kakadating ko lang dito, e. Baka naka-silent ang phone kaya hindi ka sinasagot."
"Or maybe, she's with Ava," Zin mumbled. "Wala pa rin ang isang 'yon."
"Right. Nasaan na ba sila?" Tiffany said.
"Ayun si Ava oh, nakapila na," Rios pointed out.
Agad akong lumingon at hinanap si Iris pero hindi ko siya makita. Si Ava lang talaga ang nandoon.
"Sige ah, salamat mga 'tol."
"Okay. I'm sure Iris will be here soon." Caylee smiled.
I ran towards Ava and asked her with a low voice. "Hey, have you seen Iris?"
"Yeah. She went out."
"Ha?" Nag-lunch siya magisa?
"She's still mad at you but give it some time. Lalapit din sa'yo 'yon pag nahimasmasan."
I can't just wait for her.
Hindi ako mapapakali lalo na't nalaman kong lumabas siya na walang kasama.
"Can you please ask her where she went? She won't talk to me."
"Dash, sinabi ko na nga sa'yo---"
"Ava, please... I'm losing my sh*t here."
She stared at me before she groaned. "This better be a good idea."
"Thank you!"
Pinanuod ko siyang tawagan si Iris. "Hey girl, nasaan ka? Ha? Ano?" Bakit siya nagulat? Anong meron?! "'Di nga?" She teased her but then went back to having poker face when she realized I'm listening to her. "Wala natanong ko lang naman para alam kong safe ka. Okay. Bye!" She ended the call and looked away from me.
BAKIT SIYA UMIWAS NG TINGIN?
"What did she say?" pangungulit ko.
"Dash, mamaya mo na lang siya kausapin. Okay naman siya at babalik naman 'yon dito sa campus after an hour."
Something's wrong. Why is she avoiding my eyes?
"Ava, tingin mo ba talaga kaya kong maghintay ng isang oras na hindi alam kung nasaan ang girlfriend ko? What if something happens to her?"
"Wala ngang mangyayari sa kanya."
"You don't know that."
"Safe na 'yon kasi kasama niya si Drey! Ang kulit ha! Tabi nga, kukuha pa ako ng pagkain ko. Bakit ba pati ako nadadamay sa inyong dalawa? Kakaloka."
"Ha? Sino?" Pinigilan ko siya sa pagkuha ng tray. "Sino si Drey?"
Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at napatitig sa akin.
"Ava, sino si Drey?" paguulit ko.
"Ano...kasi...uhh...."
Sumama na ang timpla ng mukha ko kaya hinila na niya ako palabas ng dining hall.
"Tell me who the heck is that guy and why is he with my girl?" inis na pagpupumilit ko.
"Hala. Ano ba 'yan." She scratched the back of her head. "Sasabihin ko sa'yo pero wag ka muna maga-assume ha."
I just looked at her so she sighed. "Drey is Iris' first boyfriend, kababata ni Zin. Hindi sila nagkita ni Iris, okay? It wasn't a planned meeting. She said they just bumped into each other at Serenaville Mall and he offered to treat her at the seafood---DASH!!!! Saan ka pupunta?"
Hindi ko na siya pinatapos pa. I ran towards the parking lot and immediately drove to find Iris.
Ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko habang nagmamaneho.
I'm looking for her and she's out there with her ex. Ano 'to, ginagantihan niya ako dahil nagkita kami ni Charmaine kagabi? I hope not. Hindi naman siya ganung klaseng tao. Pero first boyfriend ni Iris ang Drey na 'yon. Ibig sabihin lahat ng first niya, doon napunta. Kahit matagal na silang hiwalay, iba pa rin ang connection nila. I can't help but feel jealous and surprisingly threatened.
Iris' POV
"Ris? Is that really you?"
My eyes widened in shock. "Drey? Oh my gosh, I thought you're supposed to be in Cambridge right now?"
He gave me a friendly hug. "I'm only here in the Philippines for my Dad's birthday."
"Oo nga pala, magka-birthmonth kami ng Papa mo. How's Tito Jax and your Mom?"
"Okay naman sila. As usual, palaging busy si Papa." Parehas kaming natawa doon. "Ikaw? Kumusta na? I heard you're dating someone right now."
Naalala ko na naman bigla si Dashiell. I faked a smile and nodded. "Yeah. I am... Dash and I have been together for a month now."
"Congrats." Ginulo niya pa ang buhok ko kaya hinampas ko ang kamay niya. He laughed and fixed his shades. "Where is he?" Tiningnan niya pa ang likuran ko. "Is he also here? Nagpa-park?"
"Ahh... Yeah." I lied since I didn't want to explain why I'm alone.
"Oo nga, punuan kasi ang parking ngayon dito. Nahirapan din akong maghanap ng empty space."
Ngumiti na lang ako. "Uhmm Drey, sige ah. Nagugutom na kasi ako. Mago-order na ako ng food namin ni Dash. But it was really nice seeing you again."
"Uy sakto, kakain pa lang din ako ng lunch. Can I join you two?" ngingisi ngising tanong niya. I froze on the spot.
If I agree with what Drey wants, soon he'll know that I'm lying to him. Dashiell will never show up and this guy will eventually ask questions.
But if I declined, he might make me feel guilty for saying no. Ayoko pa namang masira ang friendship namin. Never naman kaming nagkasamaan ng loob nito. We separated ways because we just didn't feel like dating anymore. Batang bata pa kasi kami noon. Highschool lovers. At 'yun nga, ayaw nila Mama sa kanya dahil may reputasyon ang pamilya niya na hindi maganda sa trabaho. Though, hindi ako sure kung totoo 'yon dahil mabait naman siya sa akin. His father maybe cold at times but he never stopped me and Drey from dating each other.
"Ito naman parang others ako. We still need to catch up. Ang tagal nating 'di nagkita."
"Ha? I saw you during Silva's birthday party last year. We can talk some other time."
"I didn't see you, though. Bilis na, wala akong kasama ngayon. Come on, it's my treat. I'm sure your boyfriend won't mind." Bago pa ako makapagsalita ay hinawakan niya na ang wrist ko at hinila ako papunta sa isang seafood restaurant.
"Fave nating dalawa," he mumbled, smiling at me as he pulled me towards our usual seat. Dito kami madalas kumain nung kami pa. Grabe, pakiramdam ko sobrang tagal na noon kahit wala pa namang isang dekada ang lumipas.
"I'll order the prawns and maybe sushi. You?" May hindi niya man lang tiningnan ang menu. He knows exactly what he wants.
"Sige 'yon na rin." I gave up since I know it would be weird to keep on saying no to him. Baka magduda siya at mabuko pa ako. I don't want him to know that I had a misunderstanding with my boyfriend. Kakabalita nga lang na sinagot ko si Dash, nagaway agad kami. Aasarin lang ako nito e.
While he's talking to the waitress, my phone suddenly rang. Ava's calling me. At bakit?
"Hey girl, nasaan ka?"
"Serenaville Mall." I paused and decided to tell her who I'm with. "I'm with Drey."
"Ha? Ano?" Ava knows who Drey is. Naikwento ko sa kanya iyon noon.
"We accidentally met outside this seafood restaurant."
"'Di nga?" Loka talaga 'to.
"Why'd you call anyway?"
"Wala natanong ko lang naman para alam kong safe ka."
"Ah. Well, I'm good so don't worry. Sige na."
"Okay. Bye!"
I ended the call and smiled at Drey. "So... until when are you going to stay here in the Philippines?"
"Next week lang. I have to be back as soon as I can. Mahirap pag maraming na-miss na class."
"Right. How's Harvard?" Matalino talaga si Drey at over-achiever parang tatay niya kaya hindi na ako nagulat nung sinabi niyang natanggap ang application niya doon.
"Stressful but fun." He smirked and took off his shades. "Enough about me. What I like to talk about is you."
"Me? What about me?"
Tinitigan niya ako nang nakangiti. "Ang laki ng pinagbago mo. I almost didn't recognize you." He leaned into the table and stared at me even more. "When we were in highschool, you look so much like a nerd. Nakasalamin tapos tahimik at palabasa ng libro. But now, look at you. Nagaayos ka na at fashionista pa." He, on the other hand, had always look good.
Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata. "Ilang taon na ba ang lumipas? Of course I grew up."
"And you look more beautiful now... "
I rolled my eyes. "Alam mo ikaw, wala ka pa ring pinagbago. Bolero ka pa rin. Grabe Drey, gumagana pa ba 'yang pambobola mo sa mga babaeng nami-meet mo?"
Humalakhak siya at napailing. "You make it sound as if I'm a playboy. You know very well that I'm not." Totoo naman iyon. If there's anything I'm grateful at during our short puppy love, it was that he stayed faithful to me until the end.
Dumating na rin ang food namin kaya nagsimula na kami kumain.
"Nasaan na nga pala boyfriend mo? Bakit wala pa?"
I looked at my phone and contemplated if I should send Dash a text message or not. Kung papupuntahin ko siya dito habang magkaaway kami at malaman niyang kasama ko pa ang ex ko, malamang hindi siya matutuwa at baka sa harapan pa ni Drey kami magaway. Pero kung hindi siya lilitaw, anong dahilan ang sasabihin ko kay Drey?
Aish. Bakit ba kasi lumitaw pa 'tong mokong na 'to dito? Sa lahat naman ng araw at oras, ngayon pa talaga? I'm supposed to be alone, organizing my thoughts...
"May pinabili lang ako sa kanyang... pagkain." Okay, what? Iris, ano ba?! You're eating lunch, hello? "Para mamaya may merienda ako."
"Takaw mo na pala? Hahaha. Ang tagal naman niya. Excited na 'kong makilala kung sino pinalit mo sa'kin."
"Hay nako, Drey."
He chuckled. "Can I ask how'd you guys meet?"
"Thru Caylee. Kababata niya kasi si Dash. Pinakilala niya sa'kin last year."
"Caylee? Oh yeah. The Elites."
Natawa ako. They're not friends since bago mag-first year college ko na naging kaibigan sila Caylee. But I'm sure they've seen each other on social gatherings.
"Kumusta pala sila Tito at Tita? Wait, have they already met Dashiell?" I could hear amusement from his voice.
"Oo naman."
"Oh. How'd it go?" Halatang interesado siya dahil nung pinakilala ko siya kila Mama ay sinungitan siya nito but Drey being Drey, he never lost his cool. We got through the night even though it was hell for me.
"They... both loved him," I lied. "Who wouldn't? He's a Lewis." I should just change the topic instead of pretending. "Ikaw ba? Are you still single?"
"Bakit mo tinatanong? Nagsisisi ka na bang sinagot mo si Dash at gusto mo na bumalik sa'kin?" biro niya.
"As if. You're boring." Nung kami pa, wala siyang ibang ginawa kundi mag-basketball at mag-aral. Mas madami pa ngang oras na nasa library kami kaysa mag-date. Kasi nga ang goal niya ay maging proud ang father niya sa kanya kaya wala siyang masyadong time sa'kin. Tapos mga isip bata pa kami kaya nung nawala na ang kilig, umayaw na kami parehas.
"Aray ko. Ang sakit mo na magsalita ngayon ah."
We both laughed because of that.
Magsasalita pa sana ako nang bigla na lang may lumapit sa table namin. Pagangat ko nang tingin ay nagulat ako nang makita ko si Dash.
Before I could even say a word, he leaned down and kissed me. It wasn't just a simple peck. Madiin ang halik niya. I had to pull away a little to stop him without Drey noticing it.
"H-hi," gulat na sambit ko.
"Hey, sorry I'm late." Umupo na siya sa tabi ko at ngumiti kay Drey. "Hi pare, I'm Dashiell. Boyfriend ni Iris." I watched as he offered his hand.
Nakipag-hand shake naman si Drey at ngumisi. "Drey. Ex." Really? You have to say that?
Dashiell wrapped his arm around my waist as he calls for the waitress. Um-order na rin siya ng pagkain niya habang nakatingin lang ako sa kanya.
Paano niya nalamang nandito ako? Did he follow me? Impossible. So how? It must be Ava. Sinabi siguro nang bruhang 'yon! What was she thinking?
"I finally get to meet the Captain of the Larkyn Bears. I thought you're taller in person, 'di pala," pagkomento ni Drey. Pinagmasdan ko ang mukha ni Dash kung maiinis ba siya pero kalmadong kalmado siya.
"Drew---Tama ba? Drew?"
"Drey, bro."
"Ah Drey. Sorry, hindi ka kasi nakukwento ni Iris sa'kin."
Drey raised an eyebrow at me. Gusto ko siyang irapan pero hindi ko magawa dahil ramdam ko ang tingin ni Dash sa akin.
Bakit ka naman namin paguusapan? Timang 'to.
"Do you also do sports?" Uminom pa si Dash nang iced tea na kaka-serve lang bago niya ako inundyok na kumain. I tried to eat but I couldn't.
Sobrang nagtataka kasi ako kung bakit ganito siya umasta. As far as I can remember, we're not in good terms right now. But he's acting as if we are. And hindi pa siya nagagalit na magkasama kami ni Drey. He's not even asking why I'm with my ex.
"Basketball lang."
"Ahhh. Part ka ng varsity?" First time kong makarinig ng yabang sa tono ng pananalita ni Dashiell.
"Hindi e. Mas priority ko kasi ang pagaaral ko. Though I could but I decided not to. Masyado nang maraming ginagawa sa Harvard para sumali pa ako sa varsity." And of course, mas mayabang ang tono ni Drey. He's known to be like that. "But I used to be the captain when I was just studying here. Iris was my number one cheerleader."
I gripped the table napkin and glared at him.
I had never cheered for you! Ayos ka lang? Ibang babae yata nasa isip mo.
"But she's now cheering for me. Inside and outside the field," Dashiell smiled. Nagtitigan sila bago ngumisi si Drey na tila ba may nakakatawa siyang narinig.
Dumating na rin ang pagkain ni Dash kaya kumain na siya. Drey also continued eating as if there's no tension in between the two of them.
Ako lang ba nakakaramdam na hindi sila okay? They're both challengeng each other.
"Oh bakit 'di ka nakain, Ris? Gusto mo balatan pa kita ng shrimp katulad ng dati?" Dash glanced at him because of that. "Amin na," pagpapatuloy ni Drey.
Kukunin na sana niya ang plato ko nang bigla na lang nagtawag ng waitress si Dash.
"Hi, can we have the peeled shrimps instead?"
"Right away, sir." Napaawang ang bibig ko nang makita kong nakakuyom ang palad niya.
He's angry. He's just keeping it to himself.
Halatang halata dahil never naman ginawa ni Dash na bigla na lang palitan ang pagkain ko. He usually asks for my opinion first but now, he's not even talking to me. He only said four words to me ever since he arrived here.
"Whoah, they served peeled shrimps now? Grabe. Nung napunta tayo dito Iris, wala pa 'di ba? Dami na talagang nagbago."
Dashiell's jaw tightened.
My ghad Drey, wag ka na maghalungkat ng past. Please lang!
"Naalala mo nung first time natin mag-date dito? Dagsa pa tao dito noon. Mas okay naman ngayon atleast hindi na tayo pipila."
Biglang umiwas ng tingin si Dash kaya inunahan ko na siya bago pa man siya makapagsalita. He seems really pissed off right now.
"Miss, sorry. Can I get that for take out na lang?" I told the waitress.
"Sige po Ma'am." Nagpunas na ng bibig si Dashiell at sumandal sa upuan niya.
"Make it two please," He said.
"Okay po Sir."
"Oh, bakit? You both don't feel like eating? Wala pa kayong masyadong nakakain ah," tanong ni Drey.
Makakakain ba ako kapag alam kong nagseselos ang boyfriend ko pagkatapos kong magselos sa kanya kaninang umaga? This is so messed up.
"May gagawin pa kasi ako sa school. I have to be back in a few."
"Ganun? Sayang naman. Anyway, magkikita pa naman tayo 'di ba? You're having your birthday soon. May party ba?"
"Uhmmm---"
"For sure meron. Invited ba 'ko?" Kita kong titig na titig na si Dash sa kanya. If I can read minds, I'm pretty sure he's cursing this guy at this moment.
Drey just smiled back like a fool, waiting for me to answer him. "Minsan lang ako dito, 'di mo pa ko iimbitahan?"
Why do I feel like he's making Dashiell feel more jealous than he already is?
"Drey, si Mama kasi ang gumawa ng final list ng guests."
"So my Father's going..."
"H-hindi ko lang alam." Kahit kasi hindi gusto nila Mama ang pamilya nila Drey, still kilalang kilala ang Ruizo Group of Companies. May school nga 'yang sila Drey. If my Mom wants me to have a grand birthday, she'd invite the Ruizo's just for publicity.
"If he's going, then may plus one siya. Will it be okay if I'll be his plus one?"
Ano bang trip nitong si Drey at ganito siya kakulit? Does he want a punch in the face from Dash? Hindi pa ba halatang badtrip na badtrip na itong isa?
"Sige pare ah, pasensya na. Male-late na kami." Tumayo na si Dash at nagiwan ng napakalaking halaga ng cash sa table pagkatapos ay hinawakan niya na ang kamay ko.
I grabbed my bag and gave Drey an apologetic smile. "Sige salamat."
To my surprise, he winked at me and mouthed 'Stop fighting'.
Alam niyang magkaaway kami ni Dash. Nahalata niya agad.
Kinuha na ni Dashiell ang takeouts namin habang hawak hawak niya ang isang kamay ko. We walked together till we reached the parking lot. Pinagbuksan niya ako ng pintuan bago siya sumakay sa driver's seat. Then he drove to our school without saying anything.
Nakakabaliw ang pagiging tahimik niya. He's definitely mad right now. Ramdam ko.
Pagdating sa LCU ay walang bumaba sa aming dalawa. We both stayed there but neither of us spoke. Tinanggal lang namin ang seatbelts namin. Hanggang sa naalala ko ang sinabi ni Ava. Dash and I need to communicate with each other. Hindi pwedeng ganito na parehas kaming hindi magsasalita.
"So we're both angry at each other now?" I mumbled.
The silence engulfed around us.
Hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita at nakatingin pa siya sa labas.
"Anong una nating paguusapan? 'Yung issue ko sa ex mo o 'yang issue mo sa ex ko?"
That's when he looked at me.
Ine-expect ko titingnan niya ako ng masama ngunit nagulat ako nang walang galit sa mga mata niya. He looks irritated but definitely not angry anymore.
"I'm sorry if I lied to you," He started. "Nung tinanong mo 'ko kaninang umaga kung may umupo ba sa shotgun seat at bakit nabago ang ayos ng upuan, nagulat ako kaya sinabi kong wala. You were smiling so widely and you even kissed my cheek. I didn't want to ruin that mood so I didn't say anything. Sobrang aga pa kasi para mawala 'yung ngiti sa bibig mo. I didn't intentionally want to hide it from you but I just thought it wouldn't hurt if I do."
I crossed my arms. "Ano ba kasing pinagusapan niyo kagabi at iniisip mong masisira ang araw ko kapag sinabi mo sa'kin?"
"She went in my house, crying. She said she saw your posted picture online and felt insecure that my Mom accepted you. Pinagsabihan ko siya na itigil niya na ang pagtingin sa social media accounts natin then I drove her home since I know she wouldn't be able to get a taxi at that time."
I looked outside the car window.
Hindi ba talaga titigil ang babaeng 'yon? I'm starting to get annoyed at her. Gets ko pa nung una pero isang buwan na kami ni Dash. Sana naman respetuhin niya na ang relasyon namin.
"Paglabas ko ng The Grove kanina, may lumapit na estudyante. Kapitbahay ni Charmaine. She's the one who took the picture..." I frowned as I imagine what happened last night inside the car. "Bakit nakahawak ka sa pisngi ni Charmaine?"
"What? No! Hindi sa pisngi. I just pat her head and told her to take care since she's going to live at their province. Hindi na daw nila kaya ang expenses dito. Bakit ko naman hahawakan ang mukha niya?"
Tiningnan ko siya at mukhang nagsasabi naman siya ng totoo.
"Wala naman palang malisya ang paguusap niyo. Bakit inisip mong mawawala ako sa mood kapag nalaman ko?"
He sighed. "Akala ko nga kasi magseselos ka nga..."
"Akala mo? Tsss. I'm not like you. Ikaw, para kang mananapak kanina."
"Malamang. Malaman ko ba namang nakipagkita ka sa first boyfriend mo habang magkaaway tayo e."
"Hindi ako nakipagkita sa kanya. We met by accident."
"Kaya pala ang saya saya mo nung nakita ko kayo. You're both laughing loudly while I'm having the worst day of my life because you're not talking to me."
"Dash, kaibigan ko 'yon at ilang taon kaming hindi nagkausap. We're just laughing because of our past."
He frowned. "You can't be friends with your ex."
"Hindi ko naman talaga minahal si Drey. Puppy love lang 'yon. Young teenage love ganon. We didn't even reach a year. Naghiwalay din kami agad kaya walang samaan ng loob. Sa totoo nga niyan, nag-congrats pa siya na may bagong boyfriend na ako."
"Bukambibig ka nga nung mokong na 'yon."
"Drey isn't into me anymore. Sigurado ako don. Kasi kung meron pa siyang feelings, sana all this time nakipagusap siya sa'kin online."
"Then why does he talk like that? Why does he want to join your party?"
"Inaasar ka lang non. Halata kasing nagseselos ka..."
"I still don't like that you spent time with Drey."
"Same as what I'm feeling when you're with Charmaine."
Pumikit si Dash at yumuko sa stirring wheel. Unti-onti ko namang na-realize na wala na ang galit ko sa kanya dahil kinausap ko na siya.
I touched his head and he peeked on me. Nang ngumiti ako nang kaunti ay parang kumalma siya.
"I'm sorry," he repeated. "I'm really sorry, my life."
Umayos siya ng upo at hinawakan ang kamay ko. "Alam ko nagkamali ako sa ginawa ko. Hindi dapat ako nainis kaninang umaga habang naguusap tayo. It's just I didn't get it at first. I thought you were accusing me of cheating when I know to myself that I did not and I will never do."
I remembered the earrings and took it off my pocket. I handed it to him. "Ikaw kaya nasa lugar ko at may makita kang gamit ng iba sa kotse ng jowa mo, ewan ko lang kung 'di ka magdududa?"
He sighed and opened the window to throw it. "I'm not sure why it's here. Hindi naman nagtanggal ng kahit na ano si Charmaine para malaglag 'yon. "
"Maybe she put it here in purpose to make me jealous. The girl's desperate to have you back."
"Hindi naman siguro... This is all my fault anyway. Dapat talaga sinabi ko ang totoo sa'yo. Sorry ulit."
Tumango ako. "Sorry din kung napagtaasan kita ng boses."
"You have every right to do so."
"No, that was rude of me. Wala e, nainis kasi ako sa mga sagot mo. You make it sound as if doubting you is a crime."
"Sorry na nga..."
Hinawakan niya ang pisngi ko at inilapit ang mukha niya upang mahalikan ako. I closed my eyes and kissed him back lightly. We both forgive and let go of our anger after hearing each other's side.
"Nakakatakot kang magalit. You cut me off for hours..."
"Sus. Tumigil ka naman sa pangungulit bago mag-lunch."
"Because I thought that's what you needed, silence. Tapos akala ko rin magkikita tayo sa dining hall." He brushed my lips with his thumb. "Wag mo na uli gagawin 'yon ha? Ayokong umaalis ka na magisa ka lang. Hindi mo pa kasama driver mo. That's so dangerous, Iris. Hindi ka basta bastang tao. People know who you are. You can be abducted." Ngumuso ako at tumango lang. "Always update me where you are, even if you're mad."
"Ang hirap kaya non. Kakausapin kita na masama loob ko sa'yo? E 'di nagbangayan lang tayo ulit non."
"You could have sent me an angry emoji or something."
I giggled. "Parang tanga naman ng ganun."
"Atleast I know you're breathing fine."
"Okay. I promise."
He kissed my forehead and smiled. "Sa susunod na magalit ka at ini-snob mo 'ko, sa kama diretso natin. Ewan ko lang kung 'di mo pa 'ko kausapin."
"Says the guy who stopped me when we were making out yesterday." I smirked, grabbing our takeout food from behind our seats so I can start eating again. Nagugutom na kasi ako dahil anong oras na at hindi pa ako masyadong nakakakain.
"Let's see next time," he mumbled before helping me with the spoon and fork.
Nagtawanan na lang kami kahit na sigurado akong namula ang pisngi ko.
Maloko din pala siya 'pag ginusto niya. I like it, though. It's so refreshing to see these new sides of Dash. Today I get to see his jealous and a little perverted side.
*End of Chapter 29*