Part 4
Sumunod ako sa food park. I tracked their place. Nakita ko rin naman agad sila. I parked my car then stayed in my car. May pinag-uusapan sila na kung ano habang nagbibigay ng yelo si Dash. Para saan naman 'yon?
Napansin ni Finn ang kotse ko kaya napilitan akong bumaba. He ran in my direction.
"Nix, wala akong pera. Nasa condo. Hindi ko mabibili ng pagkain si Darlene babe," he said.
Nag-salubong ang kilay ko sa huli niyang sinabi. "Darlene what?"
"Joke lang." He laughed. "Ang possessive mo naman. Darlene lang ang tawag namin sa kaniya."
"I am not possessive," I said while getting my wallet. "Si Darlene lang ang ibibili mo." I gave him one thousand. Ang swerte naman niya, ang lakas niyang magsugal tapos hindi siya makabili ng pagkain?
"Bakit naman?! Kami rin!" He said hysterically.
"No. Only Darlene. Buy her some food, kahit ano basta huwag 'yong mga dirty. Lagot ako kapag sumakit ang tiyan n'yan."
He rolled his eyes. "Isang isaw lang naman. Dali na, Nix."
"No. Go now." Umalis siya pero tinawag ko siya pabalik. "Don't tell that I was the one who gave that."
He nodded. Bumalik siya kung nasaan ang mga iba matapos bumili ng pagkain. I leaned on my car while watching Darlene's movements.
She was eating a lot of foods. Bilib rin ako sa babaeng 'to. Ang lakas-lakas kumain pero ang payat-payat. I mean not that skinny, may curves ang katawan niya, at ang pagiging payat niya ay bagay sa kaniya. Matangkad pa. Pero iyong cheeks niya ay parang siopao, so cute.
I guess she's fine so.... I think I'll leave now. Paalis na sana ako pero nakita ko si Mico, Darius' friend. Nakatayo siya sa tabi ng kotse niya.
"What are you looking at?" I asked Mico who's standing and his eyes shifted to Darlene's direction.
"Bakit ka ba nagagalit? I was just looking at her. She gave me the face of Darius. They both look alike." He looked at me. "Related ba sila?"
"You don't care," I said.
"Ano nga? Girlfriend mo ba 'yon?" He raised his brow.
"She's not." Umiling ako.
"Sus... girlfriend mo 'yon."
Bakit ba patuloy sila sa pagsabi na girlfriend ko si Darlene? E, hindi ko nga siya girlfriend.
"She's not my girlfriend." I repeated.
Tumingin ako sa pwesto ni Darlene. She's eating again. Buti hindi napapagod ang bibig niya kakanguya, 'no? Kanina pa siya kumakain. Kanina inihaw lang ang kinakain niya, ha?
"Gusto mo pala ng secret relationship, ha," he teased, laughing.
"Shut up. She's not my girlfriend." I rolled my eyes. "And why the hell are you here?"
"Wala." He answered.
Hindi ko na pinansin ang sagot niya. Pumasok ako sa kotse para bumalik sa mansion. May gagawin pa ako pero kung ano ano ang inuuna ko.
Sa office agad ang punta ko nang makabalik sa mansion. May kanya-kanya namang ginawa ang mga kapatid ko kaya hinayaan ko na lang.
I did my paperwork. Sobrang dami kong gagawin, shit. My phone beeped, I took my phone and Dash's message popped on my screen.
From: Dash
HAHAHAHAHAHA
Why is he laughing? So nonsense.
From: Dash
Sumubsob si Darlene. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA TAWANG-TAWA AKO HAHAHAHAHAHA
He sent me the video. I can't help but to laughed loud while watching her. Nakaramdam rin ako ng awa nang makita ang itsura niya. Pero mas lamang pa rin ang pagtawa ko sa napanood. Ang tanga naman niya. She looks like a kid! Namumula ang noo at mapula ang mata mukhang umiyak siya.
Is she okay? I think... not. I saw the video where Trevor helped her up. She was holding her forehead.
To: Dash
Take her to the Hospital, Torres. Don't let her home without treating her wound to the Hospital. Ako magdadala sayo sa ospital kapag hindi mo ginawa ang sinabi ko.
He replied.
From: Dash
Oo na! Kaso ayaw, e. Pero pipilitin namin.
I turned off my phone after reading his message. May pagkatanga talaga ang babaeng 'yon. The last thing I knew what happened to her, nauntog siya sa poste at ngayon naman ay ito? Pinaglihi yata siya sa katangahan kung minsan.
The helper called me, and the dinner was ready. Tinawagan ko na rin 'yong dalawa kong kapatid at si Lala. Bumaba na rin ako.
"Akala ko nakalimutan mo na ako!" It was Lala who just arrived.
Hindi ko siya pinansin at nagtungo nalang sa dining. She followed me. Tinakpan ko ang tainga ko para hindi marinig ang sinasabi niya.
"You're so sungit, Kuya," sabi ni Phoebe habang binibigyan ko siya ng rice sa plate. "By the way, I saw a girl in the street earlier. Who's that? And she's pretty, huh?"
"Ah, I heard, her name is Miranda," Preston looked at me. "Kuya knows her."
Nilingon naman ako nina Tita Grace.
I scratched my head. "That wasn't her name. It's her last name. Her name's Darlene Miranda, and yes, I know her. She's my classmate, that's all."
"Miranda? Anak ba 'yon ni Serine at Dylan?" Tita asked.
Tumango naman ako bilang sagot. "Yes, Tita."
Akala ko may itatanong pa sila, mabuti at wala na. After we ate, I stood up then excused myself. Balak ko nang umakyat para makapaghinga. I am so tired with my damn work, I need to damn sleep.
Paakyat na sana ako kaso may naabutan akong nakaupo sa sofa. My brows furrowed.
"What are you doing here?" I asked Jin who's sitting on the sofa.
How did he get in? My gate and door has a code.
He laughed a bit. "Humingi ako ng tulong kay Preston."
"He gave me a gummy bear." Preston showed up as he showed me his gummy bear.
"So, why are you here?" I turned my gaze to Jin.
"May ibibigay lang naman ako!" He gave me some folders. "Hindi pala muna siguro aalis si Mr. Miranda ng bansa. Kailangan niya raw bantayan si Darlene. At nga pala... anyway, nasa likod mo pala si Mr. Miranda."
Napatingin ako sa likod niya, then I saw Tito Dylan still wearing his office attire with suit case in is hands.
Right , I forgot. We are living in the same village. That's the reason why I saw Darlene this afternoon. But, when I visited their home, I never saw Darlene's face or even her pictures? Siguro ay nakatago? Uh, I don't know!
"Good evening, Tito." Preston greeted him.
Tito Dylan greeted him back then smiled. Pinaupo ko siya sa sofa at ganoon rin ang ginawa ko.
"Tito, what brought you here?" For sure, it has a purpose why he's here.
"I know, you are aware that I have a daughter. You are her classmate, right?" He asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, I was actually confused but when I saw her with Drake, my confusion faded. Anyway, why are you asking?"
"I did that because I know she's safe with you and the others. And you know, she's my unica hija. I didn't tell anyone about her, I want my daughter to be safe that's why. Now, I am asking for a favor."
"What is it, Tito?" I asked, confused.
"Make my daughter safe. I know she's in good hands right now. May kasama na siya palagi and it's you. I trust you a lot, Nix. Bantayan mo ang anak ko."
Si Darlene?! Babantayan ko?
"O-Oh... Okay, I will." Magagawa ko bang bantayan si Darlene? She's stubborn. "But Tito... one time, she experienced something. Drake told me that something happened back then."
"Yeah... she was kidnapped by my enemies. She's been missing for one month. She forgot everything but now.... her nightmare is hunting her."
I nodded. "So... I will do that?"
"Yeah, just make her safe. Makulit lang ang anak ko pero mabait 'yon. She's pretty too." He said. Why does he need to mention that Darlene is pretty?
"I know..." mahinang sabi ko pero narinig niya.
"Right... She's really pretty. Everyone wants her... what about you? Do you want my daughter?" He asked straightly.
I gulped. Why is he asking?
"What?"
"I said, do you want my daughter? She's my unica hija and I love my daughter a lot, more than everything. Darlene is my treasure, my strength, just like her mother, she's my weakness. Hindi ako papayag na sa iba mapupunta ang anak ko. If you like my daughter... just tell me. Ilalakad kita sa anak ko." He smirked.
What the... I don't like his daughter. Si Darlene... magugustuhan ko? Well... tangina, hindi naman siya mahirap magustuhan. Pero wala akong gusto kay Darlene.
"I don't like Darlene." I bravely said.
He laughed. "I know that. But believe me, Nix... lahat ng nagkakagusto kay Darlene ay hinaharang ko. Lalo na si Vash? Her grade school classmate. I don't like him for my daughter, but you? I like you for my daughter."
I almost cough.
Hindi ko po gusto ang anak niyo.
"At least I know you. Hindi ako mahihirapan na kilalanin ka." He said. "So.... just tell me if you like my daughter, ako ang bahala sa 'yo." He stood up. "I'm leaving now."
What the heck? Gusto niya ako para sa anak niya? What about me? I... don't like your daughter, Tito.
I nodded slowly. "Okay..."
Alam niya kaya ang nangyari sa anak niya ngayon? Sa katangahan ni Darlene.
"Take care of Phoebe and Preston." Paalala ni Tito bago lumabas ng gate.
His words are still in my head.
"Insan, may pipirmahan..." Lala stopped when he saw Jin. She ignored him. "Anyway, may pipirmahan ka. Nasa office mo." She went straight to the door.
"Ang sungit..."
I looked at Jin. "Lumayas ka na sa bahay ko."
"Teka lang, makikikain lang ako. Hehe." he stood up and went to the kitchen. "Tita, makikikain lang po."
I received a text from Harvey that they're going to rax, pinapapunta nila ako. Naudlot ang plano kong pagpapahinga. Nagpaalam na muna ako kay Tita bago umalis.
Nang makarating sa Rax ay nandoon na silang lahat. I sat in the occupied space before getting a drink. At hanggang ngayon, pinagtatawanan pa rin nila ang nangyari kay Darlene.
"Gago, pre! Tawang-tawa talaga ako sa kaniya." Rafael laughed while still watching a video. He has a black eyes. He's putting ice to his eyes.
I drank my shot while looking at his phone. Parang mga tanga ang mga 'to. Mga magkatabi lang pero mga nagcha-chat pa.
I know what their doing. Hinuhuli nila si Darlene kung magsasabi ng totoo kung kapatid niya ba si Darius o hindi. How good actor... kilalang-kilala nila si Drake at Darius tapos magtatanong pa? And bullshit to Dash words. Hindi niya tinanong ang Mommy niya, talagang alam niya lang ang tungkol kay Drake. About Harvey's chat... Drake doesn't thank us. Remember, he left after Doc. Mendoza called him.
"What kind of language did you use?" I asked, pertaining to Harvey's message.
"Ang jejemon mo naman kasi!"
"Bakit naman si Darlene? Naintindihan niya?" Harvey rolled his eyes.
"Sa kanya tanggap namin na naiintindihan niya at ayos lang sa amin na magjeje text siya pero sa'yo... pucha, ayusin mo naman!" Finn said.
Harvey sent a video.
Binato ko ng yelo si Rafael dahil sa chat niya. "What the fuck? Maybe you forgot! May babae sa GC!"
"Maka-bold 'tong si Rafael, porn na tawag do'n," Harris said.
"Sorry naman, sanay kasi ako do'n." Rafael smirked.
"Ulol, palibhasa sanay ka rin sa kamay." Dice laughed.
"Gago, ano ako ikaw?" Rafael rolled his eyes.
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa cellphone nang makita ang chat ni Darlene. Everyone looked at my phone too.
Darlene Miranda:
Velasquez, ano ang sinabi ni Rafael at Harris?
I stared at my phone.
She doesn't know about that! Shit, sabi ko na... madudungisan ang utak niya sa mga 'to.
Me:
You mean the word... that?
She replied 'oo'.
"Fuck you all. She's innocent." Masama akong tumingin kina Rafael nang mag-chat ulit sa GC. Nagtawanan naman sila.
Sinabi ko lang na wala lang 'yon at 'wag nang pansinin. naman siya nagreply kaya binaba ko na ang cellphone bago tumingin sa paligid.
I stopped when I saw Iris. She's drinking again? Inalis ko na ang tingin sa kaniya.
Tumayo ako para pumunta sa restroom. Hindi pa ako tuluyan nakakapasok nang may humila sa akin. A girl held my nape then kissed me directly.
"Hey, stop!" I held her arm. "Fucking stop it!" I pushed her. "What the fuck, Iris?!" I held my lips. "What the fuck are you doing?"
She fixed the dress while looking at me. Her hair was too messy, magulo na rin ang lipstick niya. Halata sa mukha niya ang pagiging lasing kaya hinawakan ko siya para alalayan.
"Phoenix... I want to talk to you...." she looked at me with her sleepy eyes. "Please, mahal pa rin kita. Mahal kita. I need you... I am regretting what happened. Please, ginusto iyon ni Darius. Sumunod lang ako."
"Stop this, okay? Stop doing this to yourself. At kung ano man ang ginawa ni Darius noon, wala na akong pakialam. And you, stop doing this. I don't love you anymore. But believe me, minahal rin kita, but now... I am sorry, hindi na kita mahal. " I turned her down.
"I regret everything I've done!" She sobbed, almost begging.
"Stop crying, Iris. Yes, you regret but my love for you won't come back. Feeling is getting faded on someone sometimes, if the person hurts you a lot."
"You just can't love me back, that's why you're saying that."
She tried to hold my cheeks. I lost my control, I pushed her to let go of me. Nagulat pa siya sa nagawa ko.
"The hell, Nix?!"
Nilingon ko si Darius. "You should pick her up. She's drunk." Iniwan ko silang dalawa sa loob ng restroom.
I let out a sigh in irritation. I even wiped my lips. Fuck. Halik lang yata ni Darlene ang mas nagugustuhan ko ngayon.
Damn, nandito rin pala si Darius. I shook my head. Bumalik ako kung nasaan ang nga kasama ko.
A notification appeared on my screen. It was Darlene's name. She liked my photo, it was one year ago. She's stalking my account, huh?
Phoenix Ryler Velasquez:
What a stalker...
She replied.
Darlene Miranda:
Tinitignan ko lang naman kung mas pogi ka ba sa personal o sa picture. Pero na realized kong pareho lang pala.
Halos maubo naman ako sa message na 'yon. What the hell, Darlene?
"Fuck...." I cursed.
Bakit ang lakas ng impact ni Darlene sa akin? Hindi ko siya magawang reply-an.
Trevor laughed more while looking at my phone.
"Kinilig ka yata sa simpleng chat na 'yon..." he tapped my shoulder.
Tumingin na rin ang iba sa cellphone ko. They laughed too. I raised my middle finger before drinking my shot as I leaned my head on the couch, they're still laughing.
"Tangina, kinikilig ang isang Velasquez." Mavis teased me.
"Fuck you." Hindi na ako nagreply kay Darlene.
"Baka malaglag ka." Harris said while laughing.
Hindi ko na pinansin ang mga pang-aasar nilang lahat. We continued drinking. Tumigil na rin sila sa mga pang-aasar. Darlene isn't online anymore so I guess... she's asleep now.
"Hey..." a woman approached us.
Kailan ko kaya gagawin ang sinasabi ni Tito? Iyong hindi sana niya mahahalata. For sure... she will be a beast again. Iisipin no'n kung anong ka-tripan ang ginagawa ko. Lagot pa ako. Bakit ba ako natatakot kay Darlene?
"I'm not interested." I said to the woman who's sitting beside me. Her palm is on my thigh. But she has no impact on me. Unlike Darlene.... Wait. Shit, why am I thinking of her?
Inalis ko ang kamay ng babae at tumayo. "I'm leaving now."
"Huh?! Ang aga pa! Mag-nine palang!" Tawag ni Gael.
Diretso lang ang lakad ko palabas ng club. Hindi ko na nakita pa sina Darius. Umuwi ako at wala ng tao sa ibaba nang makabalik sa mansion. I went straight to my room, I also took a bath before going straight to my bed.
I was sleeping peacefully when my phone rang for fuck sake. I looked at the clock and it's fucking six! Ang aga pa!
"Who the fuck is this?" I said as I answered the call.
"[My sister is in the house.]" Fuck, it's Drake.
Ano ngayon kung nasa bahay ang kapatid niya?
"It's fucking six in the morning!"
"[I don't care. Just go here.]" He ended the call.
Ang aga-aga pa!
Tumayo ako at dumiretso sa bathroom. I took a bath and wore my clothes. I get my keys, wallet, and phone so I can leave now.
Nasa baba na si Tita at nag-aayos ng breakfast. Nang makita niya ako agad niya akong niyaya kumain but I refused.
"I'll go to Tito Dylan's house, Tita," paalam ko naman.
"Okay then... take care." Narinig kong sabi niya habang palabas ako ng bahay.
Nakarating ako sa bahay ng mga Miranda. Pinagbuksan ako ng bodyguard nila kaya dumiretso ako sa loob. I saw Drake and his father in the living room. When they noticed my presence, they looked at me.
"What am I gonna do here?" I sat on the one seat sofa.
"Take care of Darlene while we are gone. I have a meeting today," Tito Dylan said
"And please don't let her leave this house." Drake added.
"Wow, she was like in jail, huh?"
"Not like that. Her life is in danger whenever she's outside. Someone wants her head so I really need to take care of her. But still I have a business and other agenda so I don't have time." Tito explained.
Someone want her head? I didn't know that.
"Okay, I'll do it." Tango ko.
They have a reminder towards me. Huwag ko daw gigisingin si Darlene basta-basta dahil mapuputol ang tulog niya at panigurado na mainit ang ulo.
I went to Darlene's room. I saw her sleeping face. Nakataas pa ang dalawang kamay habang nakanganga. Ang gulo pa ng buhok niya. I laughed while watching her sleeping face. Nilibot ko ang buong paningin sa kwarto niya.... It's pure pink, huh? She has a lot of teddy bears. Kusang lumipat ang paningin ko sa isang maliit na yakap niya. That teddy bear is familiar... Where did I see that?
Inikot ko na lang ulit ang paningin hanggang sa tumigil sa isang picture frame. It was her picture. Her baby picture. She's pretty.
"Putang..." napatigil ako nang marinig ang boses niya. I looked in her direction, she's still sleeping.
Sleep talking, huh?
"Gago..." she mumbled.
What the fuck? Ibang klase mag-sleep talking ang babaeng 'to.
Tumingin ako sa kanya. Natutulog pa rin naman siya. Hindi na nababalutan ang katawan niya ng kumot kaya tinaas ko. Pinagmasdan ko pa siya habang nakatayo ako sa gilid ng kama niya. Umalis na rin naman agad ako, baka magising siya kung sakaling nandito ako.
I texted the others to go here. They received my message and replied. Maliwanag na ng dumating sila.
"I messaged you all at six tapos dumating kayo eight na?"
"Sorry naman. Ang sakit ng ulo ko." Dash said.
Hindi ko na pinansin ang mga sinabi niya.
"Hoy, pwede ba tayo dito?" Harris asked.
"Of course, may babantayan tayo ngayon." I sat on the sofa.
"Babantayan?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I need to look after Darlene today..." and the other days.
"Sir, hindi pa po gising si Miss Darlene." sabi ng isang helper.
Inutusan ko nga pala silang tingnan kung gising na si Darlene.
"Okay, just let her sleep." Panigurado na nanaginip pa 'yon ngayon.
"Ano kaya ang maluluto dito?" Gael asked while looking at the kitchen.
"Ay p're! Tingnan mo! Goldfish! Darlene's baby." Basa nila sa nakasulat. Lumapit ako para tingnan. It's her goldfish. May sticker pa na heart at name niya sa may glass.
Natigilan ako nang marinig ang boses ni Darlene. Nanahimik naman ako para hindi madamay. Pero gusto kong pansinin niya ako. Pero iritasyon niya lang ang nakuha ko kaya nanahimik nalang rin ako para hindi na madamay. May hawak kasi siyang kawali, e. Baka mabato niya sa akin 'yon.
"Pabayaan mo na sila." Arvin gave Darlene a fried chicken. "Kumain ka na lang. Hindi natin sila bibigyan."
I closed my eyes and prayed that they could stop commenting bullshit. Nakakarindi ang boses nila. Mabuti na lang at tumahimik na.
Naupo sa tabi ko si Darlene. Kapag ba sinabi kong nakanganga siya kung matulog... magagalit siya?
"Darlene... you know.. nakanganga ka pala kung matulog." I laughed a bit.
"Ang kapal mo naman." She mumbled.
"Nakanganga ka nga kung matulog." Nakanganga naman talaga siya kung matulog, ha? Sana pala pinicturan ko para may ebidensya.
"Ulol."
Hindi nalang ako nagsalita. The helper put down a milk for her. Ayaw niya pang inumin ang gatas. Tsk, si Tito ang nag-utos na uminom siya ng gatas.
"Drink your milk," I said.
"Okay, Kuya."
What the fuck did she just say?! Kuya?!
"What the fuck?" I don't fucking like that word! "Don't call me that. Yuck." I felt disgusted. She laughed. "We almost did on the fucking cubi-." She put bread in my mouth.
"Gago mo naman." Masama ang tingin niya sa akin.
Nasa dining area na kami para kumain. Darlene was sitting in the middle of the table. I was staring at her. Parang naiilang na siya sa akin pero nanahimik lang siya hanggang sa apakan niya ang paa ko.
Pinanliitan pa niya ako ng mata bago humarap. Ang brutal talaga nito. Masama ba siyang titigan?
Natauhan lang kami nang yayain kami ni Darlene magdasal bago kumain. Nakita ko pa si Gael na niluwa ang bacon na kinain niya.
Inutusan pa niya akong mag-dasal kaya ginawa ko. I prayed a simple one. Kumain na rin kami pagkatapos. Napansin kong konti lang siya kung kumain sa umaga? May gatas rin sa tabi niya at konti pa lang rin ang bawas.
I really need to take care of this woman. Ano kayang magandang gawin para hindi siya ma-bored? Wala naman kaming balak umalis ngayong araw, she's not allowed to leave this house, so we'll stay here. Tsaka, wala namang masama do'n. Kasama naman niya kami.
"Hindi naman yata boring dito sa bahay niyo, Darlene."
"Anong hindi boring? Wala kaya akong kausap palagi kapag wala sila Papa," Darlene said.
"Ikaw lang mag-isa dito palagi?"
"Uh, hindi. Galing kasi ako sa lola ko sa Laguna. Kakauwi ko lang noong isang linggo yata? Ewan, hindi ko maalala."
"Huh?" Finn asked, confused.
"Doon ako sa mansyon ng Lola ko nakatira noon, sa Laguna 'yon. Siguro mga three years akong nasa kaniya, hindi na rin ako nakakabisita dito dati kahit may event si Papa. Hindi rin alam ng lahat na may anak na babae si papa at ako 'yon."
Kaya pala ngayon ko lang nalaman? I mean she lives in Laguna for three years? Kaya rin pumupunta ng province si Tito dahil sa kanya? And he hid his daughter and that's the reason why I didn't meet her.
Also, she doesn't know where Tita Serine is? As far as I know, nasa Australia ang Mommy niya. Kahit si Darius, hindi niya alam kung nasaan. Hindi sinasabi ni Tito Dylan sa kanya? Halatang may tampo siya kay Tita. I can sense her voice.
Umabot na ang topic about exes. I don't have an ex. Wala pa akong nagiging girlfriend. Hindi pa ako nagkakaroon ng girlfriend in my entire life.
"Ikaw naman Darlene! May naging ex ka na ba?"
Tss... she has an ex-boyfriend.
"Ah... ano... meron." See?!
"Weh?"
"Oo nga!" Darlene answered boredly.
"Maniwala ako? Sige nga ilan kung gano'n?"
"Isa."
"Paano? Ginayuma mo?" Tanong ni Harvey.
Darlene glared. "Tarantado ka ba?" She said irritatedly. "Syempre hindi, 'no!"
"Paano kayo naghiwalay?" Nice question, Dash.
Ewan ko ba, uminit ang ulo ko sa sagot niya. I couldn't believe it, si Darlene... niloko ng ex niya? Fuck, that man lost a damn gold. Ang ganda na ni Darlene, nasa kaniya na ang lahat pero niloko pa rin? Some men are really not contented with their girlfriend. How fucking cheaters.
"Si Nix naman!"
Bakit ako nadamay?!
"I don't have an ex." I sipped on my coffee.
"'Yong totoo?" Darlene asked again.
"Wala." Umiling ako
"Hindi niya kasi binibigyan ng label."
"Yeah..." I looked at Darlene. "I don't want to give them a label."
"Nakakatakot ka palang landiin. Hindi ka nagbibigay ng label." She said.
Well yeah... pero kung ikaw, Darlene. I can give you a label. Willing ako bigyan ka ng label.
"Bakit? May plano kang landiin si Nix?" Tanong ni Dash.
"Meron." Sagot niya na ikinasamid ko.
"What the..." Trevor laughed at me.
"Biro lang..." She laughed a bit. "Umasa ka naman."
I rolled my eyes.
"Pero muntik na! Hindi ba Nix?" Panggagago ni Arvin kaya lumipad sa kanya ang kutsara ko.
"Aray!" Daing niya. "Totoo naman ah?! Muntik nang maging kayo ni Iris!"
Everyone was quiet after Arvin mentioned Iris' name. Nawala naman ako sa mood dahil do'n at alam kong hindi lang ako. Everyone became silent and no one dared to talk.
Tinapos nila ang pagkain bago magligpit. We stayed in the living room while they are cleaning up. Ito namang babae na kasama ko, nakahiga sa sofa at kumakain ng fries. You know, initusan pa niya ako pumunta sa mcdo para bumili no'n at maging ang iced coffee na iniinom niya. And who am I to disagree?
"Hilutin mo naman ng maayos ang paa ko." And right... I was massaging her foot. Her foot was on my lap while I'm massaging the one. Kanina pa niya ako inutusan na gawin 'to. Kanina pa rin ako nandito. Panay rin ang reklamo niya.
"Para ka naman boss, madam," Finn said.
Darlene ignored him then continued eating. Kakatapos lang rin namin mag-lunch lahat at talagang nagkalat sila sa kitchen ni Darlene.
Actually, gustong ko na sila palayasin kanina pa para kaming dalawa nalang ang dito. Ang iingay pa at talagang kinalat 'yong red cups dito sa sala. Kinuha ang phone ko sa isang tabi. I chatted in our group chat.
Phoenix: you all can leave now. Umalis na kayo.
Mukhang nabasa naman agad nila dahil may hawak silang phone.
Owen: grabe atat na atat sa bebe time.
Gael: hayaan niyo na. Minsan lang naman, e. Btw, Nix, pwede naman kayo magbebe time habang nandito kami. Ayie.
I sent a picture. It was Darlene's picture while she's raising her middle finger. Nakuhaan ko siya ng picture habang nasa classroom kami noong nakaraan.
They responded to my message. Hindi ko na binasa. Nakita ko naman ang pagtawa nila. Masama akong tumingin nang hindi pa sila tumayo para umalis.
"Darlene, aalis na kami. May aasikasuhin pa kami," Finn said while hiding his laugh.
"Okay..." sagot ni Darlene.
Tawa tawa pa rin sila habang palabas. Nilingon ko naman ang katabi ko na nonood pa rin. She's watching Disney Princess movies. Kanina pa siya dito at ako... ito, walang magawa dahil siya ang masusunod.
Dude, everyone was scared of me tapos... susunod sunod lang ako sa katulad ni Darlene? That's fucking ridiculous. Hinding-hindi na ako susunod sa kaniya.
"Pahingi tubig, Velasquez. Nauuhaw na ako, e," utos niya.
"Alright..." Tumayo ako at kinuha siya ng tubig. "Here." Binigay ko naman ang baso sa kaniya.
Kakasabi ko lang kanina na hindi susunod, e. Napakamot ako sa noo. She's really a boss when it comes to this. Nginitian niya ako nang tiningnan ko siya. I smiled back, it was a fucking force smile.
Yeah... smile all you want, madam.
Nanahimik nalang ako sa tabi niya. My eyes were on the screen, watching this stupid barbie even if I didn't want to. Pero hindi ko na napigilan kaya kinuha ko ang remote sa kaniya, but damn, ayaw niyang ibigay.
I really don't get her. She's still watching this kind of movie. Halos pag-agawan na naming dalawa. Naaasar siya sa akin pero hindi ako nagpatalo.
Tumayo ako at kinuha sa kaniya. Tinaas pa niya lalo ang kamay para makuha ko, she's now laying on the sofa, trying to move the remote away from. But we both lost balance. I accidentally fell on top of her.
Darlene's lips parted in shock. Her face was so close to me! Halos magdikit na ang tungkil ng ilong namin.
We looked at the door when someone entered. It was her father who's shocked by the scene. Umalis ako sa ibabaw ni Darlene nang makuha ang remote. Iniwas ko ang tingin.
Damn! Our faces were so damn closed. Fuck. I could even hear her heartbeat running so damn fast.
Nilingon ko si Darlene dahil talagang pinagmamadali niya akong umalis. Bakit ba gustong gusto niya akong umalis agad, e, ayoko pa nga.
"Darlene." Saway ni Tito Dylan. "Bakit mo ba siya minamadali?" Right, why? I just want to be here.
"May gagawin pa kasi siya. Mag-aalaga pa siya ng bata." Darlene laughed a bit.
Ikaw ang inaalagaan kong bata, kung alam mo lang.
"Okay." I stood up. "I'm leaving now."
"Biro lang. Kumain ka na raw dito." She held my hand.
"No, thanks." I insisted.
Nagpaalam ako na uuwi na. Pero sana pala sa condo nalang ako dumiretso dahil hindi nagustuhan ang sumalubong sa akin. I saw my cousin, Oliver, at my house. He was sitting on the sofa and looked like he was waiting for someone.
"What are you doing here?" My forehead creased.
"Waiting for you." He answered my question boredly. "Our grandmother wanted to talk to you."
"What for?"
"About the traditional thing..." He rolled his eyes.
Oh, that stupid traditional thing? "I don't care about that stupid thing. Leave my house, Oliver, before I call someone to drag you out of my place." Alam kong hindi lang 'yon ang pinunta niya dito. Alam kong may gagawin siyang iba kung bakit siya nandito.
"Why are you so in a hurry to make me leave, are you hiding something, especially in your room?"
This shit. He can't go to my room. I know he wants something. I know he wants the contract. The contract of the company and my other richest. If he gets that, it is possible that... gave that to my grandmother.
"Why would I hide something?" Kung meron man akong tinatago... baril ko 'yon. "What would I hide?" I put my keys on the center table.
"I know you're hiding something, Phoenix. I will find out what you're hiding."
"Go on... as if I care." I sat on the sofa. "Leave my house, Oliver."
He looked at me with a serious face. I saw the rage in his eyes before leaving his place.
I let out a sigh. I am tired of this shit in my life. Ever since I became the CEO of my father's company, all they did was to sue me in my position. They want me gone to the company but they can't do it because I am protected by Tito Dylan and Tita Serine.
They can't mess with the Miranda couple, they are too powerful. They can do anything. My grandmother can't step on me and my family. Actually, when my grandmother found out that I am giving half of my money to Tita Grace, she got mad dahil wala naman daw karapatan si Tita Grace. But that's what I wanted, without her and Lala, my siblings and I are nothing too.
Umakyat ako sa kwarto. I took a bath first then wore my shirt. Dumiretso ako sa closet para sana kunin iyong pictures ni Darlene-yes, I have a picture of her. It's for... you know... purposes. I saw this bracelet inside my clothes.
Ang tagal na nito sa akin pero hindi ko pa rin malaman laman kung sino ang may ari. I know it's a girl. I'll just keep it anyway.
I went to my bed then I just easily fell asleep. Nang dumating ang umaga, nagising ako dahil kina Trevor. They are here for something for sure.
"What the hell are you doing here? Lumayas nga kayo sa kwarto ko." Pagtataboy ko sa kanilang lahat.
"Masama ba na bisitahin ka and may nabalitaan lang ako," Rafael smirked. "Iris kissed you, bro?" Tumawa pa siya. "Nandoon pala siya sa Rax, dude." Siniko niya si Harris.
"Gago, seryoso?" Gael assured.
"I don't know why she did that! I didn't even know she's there, besides sinundo siya ni Darius! And I don't know why I am saying this to all of you," I rolled my eyes.
"Sila bang dalawa?" Owen got confused. "Kasi one time, I saw them kissing, drunk yata si Darius no'n."
"Why are you asking me. Edi do'n ka magtanong, busy ako para paghanapin mo ng sagot, Owen." Kinuha ko ang phone ko.
Some messages are on my screen and it was all from Drake. Ano na naman kaya ang ipagagawa nito?
"Busy siya sa bebe niya, kay baby Darlene," pang-aasar ni Dice.
I raised my middle finger. Hindi ko binasa ang message ni Drake. Bahala siya sa buhay niya.
"Konting asar pa, aamin ka na crush mo 'yon!" Nagtawanan sila.
"Ay hindi, siguro mga... two or four weeks from now, magiging crush ka no'n. Itataya ko ang isang milyon ko para d'yan," Finn smirked.
"Ako hindi, feeling ko, matagal-tagal pa. Naiinis pa siya kay Nix, e. Pusta ko, thirty thousand, one month, magiging crush niya si Nix," gatong ni Renz.
I rolled my eyes with their damn stupid theories. Hindi na ako nagsalita o ano man. Basta ako, hindi magkakaroon ng gusto o crush kay Darlene.
Umalis rin naman sila after makikain ng breakfast. And since I don't have anything to do today, I went to Darlene's house. Siya nalang ang pagkaka-abalahan ko.
Nasa pinto palang ako at naabutan ko si Tito Dylan na halatang problemado.
"Hey, Tito, looks like you have a problem, huh?" Naupo ako sa sofa. "Where's your daughter?"
"About that, Nix, she left without us knowing! Wala man lang nakapansin." Tito Dylan was looking at his phone. "Damn it, ang pasaway talaga ng batang 'yon."
Oh, I know now.
"Tinakasan na naman ako ni Darlene." Drake said, holding a phone. "I told her to stay home because we'll go somewhere."
I looked at my phone. I saw Darlene's post. I know where she's going.
"I'm leaving now, Tito." Tumayo na ako at lumabas sa bahay nila.
I know where Darlene is. Nasa mall siya. I parked my car then went outside. I saw her IG story, she's planning to eat at a food court. And I'm not wrong. I saw her sitting alone while holding a milk tea.
Hindi niya napansin na nasa likod niya lang ako. Masyado siyang tulala. "Wow... me time," I teased.
Kusa siyang lumingon kung nasaan ako. Nagulat pa siya pero diretso lang ang lakad ko.
"Velasquez?! Stalker ka, 'no?!" She pointed at me.
Naupo ako sa tapat niya. "Of course not!" I rolled my eyes. "Painom ako." Kinuha ko ang milk tea niya.
"Akin 'yan!" Sabi niya. "Bilhan mo ako ng bago!" Masama ang tingin niya sa akin. "Anong ginagawa mo dito sa mall?!" Tinaas niya ang isang kilay.
"Ano bang ginagawa sa mall?" I asked.
"Nag-gagala."
"'Yon naman pala, e." Kinuha ko ulit ang milk tea sa kamay niya.
"Akin nga kasi ang milk tea na 'yan." She said, glaring at me. "May laway ko na 'yan, e, tapos iniinom pa?"
I rolled my eyes. "It's fine. I kissed you already. We kissed already so it doesn't matter if I drink this."
Mas lalong tumalim ang tingin niya sa akin.
"Tatapalan ko 'yang bibig mo." kinuha niya ang milk tea sa kamay ko. "Painom ako."
Ang arte pa, iinom rin naman pala.
"Where are you going?" I asked when she stood up.
"Sa timezone. Libre mo naman ako. May card ako dito." Nilabas niya ang card sa wallet. "Pero walang laman, hanggang three hundred lang ang load ko kasi wala pa akong pera. I mean meron naman kaso kailangan kong tipidin."
"So, it's gonna be my treat?"
She nodded. "Oo, libre mo. Kahit two hundred lang." Nauna siyang maglakad.
Tumayo ako para sundan siya. She forgot her sling bag, kinuha ko naman iyon. Nakasunod lang ako sa kaniya. Magkalayo lang ang agwat namin dalawa. Some men who's playing basketball looked in her direction.
Someone whistled while looking at her. Nairita naman ako dahil do'n. Tumabi ako sa kaniya. Nilagay ko ang kamay sa balikat niya. Napatingin naman siya sa akin dahil sa gulat pero hindi siya nagsalita at hinayaan lang ako.
Pangalawa na kami sa pila para mag-load ng card niya.
"Ayaw mo naman ako ilibre, e, ako na nga lang ang magbaba-" I cut her off.
"Don't need to do that. Ako na ang magbabayad."
Napangiti siya. "Ang galante mo naman. Baka loadan mo ng two thousand 'yan, ha? Baka lang naman..." She joked.
I chuckled. "Kunyari ka pa. Fine, I'll load your card." Her eyes twinkled. "Pero fifty lang."
"Ano ba naman 'yan!" Napapadyak siya.
"Magkano po?" The woman asked without taking her eyes on me.
I looked at Darlene. "How much?" I asked.
"Kahit magkano," sagot niya habang tumitingin ng teddy bear prizes.
"Is it okay if I purchase twenty?"
"Nix, naman! Taasan mo naman," sabi niya.
"Sabi mo kahit magkano. I'll just buy you another card." Tumingin ako sa babae. "Can I know what type of cards you have here?"
"Sir, meron po kaming VIP card, gold card, at platinum card. Iyong VIP po, 100 up, then 'yong gold card po is 5,000, 'yong platinum naman po pwede po kayong mag-spend ng 25,000-"
"Give me the platinum card," I cut the woman off.
"Gago, 25K 'yon," Darlene said, shocked. She's looking at me. "Hanggang VIP lang ako."
"I can afford that." I give my black card to the woman. "Give her a platinum card."
The woman in front of us was shocked too. Ginawa niya ang sinabi ko. Maraming load ang card na 'yon kaya gulat talaga si Darlene. The woman gave back my black card. Hinila ko na si Darlene paalis doon dahil naiirita ako sa tingin ng mga babae.
"Velasquez, patingin nga." Huminto siya sa paglalakad at hinarap ako.
"What?"
"Iyong card mo. 'Yong black ba 'yon? Pang-mayaman ang gano'n, e." She laughed a bit.
"You mean this?" I showed my black card.
"Required ba kapag mayaman kailangan luxury card rin ang gamit? Lahat ng Tito at mga pinsan ko may ganyan, pati si Kuya at Papa tapos ako ay wala? Gusto ko rin tuloy."
"You want to hold my card?" I smirked.
She shook her head. "Hindi, ha," she said. "Ubos lang ang laman niyan sa akin."
"It's fine, you can buy all the things that you like."
"Sugar daddy talaga ang peg mo." She laughed.
I looked at her in disgust. "Stop calling me sugar daddy."
She laughed more. "Bagay sa 'yo ang kanta na sugar daddy. He loves me, he give all his money..." she sang, a laugh escaped from her lips. "That Gucci, Prada comfy my sugar daddy..."
"Stop it." I said. "I'm too young for that." I'm too young to be her sugar daddy. Yuck.
"Joke lang naman."
"But... if you want... I can spoil you with my money." I smirked. "So tell me... you want to hold this?" I pointed to the black card.
"Sa 'yo na 'yan. Baka mabili ko lang 'yan ng Gucci, Dior, at Prada." Binalik niya sa kamay ko ang black card.
"Why? You want a Gucci?" I asked again.
"Hello? Sinong aayaw doon? Men, Gucci 'yon." She was right though.
"Okay then, let's go to the Gucci store." I pulled her to leave the timezone. "What do you want? Gucci? Prada? Dior? Fendi? Chanel? What else?"
"Gago, ang gusto ko maglaro hindi ganyan."
"What? I want to buy you things." I said. "Tell me, what do you want? You want a Lamborghini Veneno? I can buy you that."
Her jaw dropped. Some people looked in our direction.
"Yaman..." someone said. "Swerte ni Ate, mayaman ang boyfie."
"Darlene, I'm waiting."
"Seryoso ka?" Darlene asked, shocked.
"Yeah, I'm serious."
"Tara, air hockey nalang tayo." Hinila niya ako.
May magagawa ba ako? But the heck... it's a branded thing tapos ayaw niya pa? I can buy her a lot of things. Including LV or whatever she likes. And her bag is a montsouris backpack by LV. I've always seen her bag. Even her ball pen is parker kaya gusto niyang makuha sa akin ng mahulog niya. One thing I noticed about Darlene is that her things are branded.
Pumunta siya doon sa sinasabi niya at wala akong nagawa dahil hila-hila niya ako. She held the air hockey puddle. We are in the middle of the table. Magkabilaan kaming dalawa.
"You know how to play this?"
Isang matalim na irap ang natanggap ko sa kanya. "Naman, yayayain ba kitang maglaro nito kung hindi ako marunong?" She got the puck then put it on the table.
We start playing while I'm laughing because she can't get a score. I was teasing her all the time, halatang napipikon na siya habang nakatingin sa akin.
"Akala ko ba marunong ka?" I asked teasingly.
She rolled her eyes. "Isa pa!" Kinuha niya ang puck. Matalim ang tingin niya sa akin.
Nakakahabol naman siya kaya nang-aasar na.
"Ang bobo naman, Velasquez," She laughed at me.
"Wow... look at my score." I rolled my eyes to her.
Nagpatalo lang talaga ako para magbago na ang mood niya. Pikon na pikon na siya sa akin. Ako sana ang panalo. Ayoko lang na matalo siya dahil panigurado, inis na naman siya sa akin.
"Doon naman tayo." She went to the basketball.
I swiped the card so she could play. I stayed in my seat. Hindi kalayuan ang basketball sa pwesto ko kaya nakikita ko ang ginagawa niya. She can shoot but sometimes... sablay. Natatawa naman ako. My laugh faded when a man approached her.
Tss... mukhang balak pang turuan si Darlene, ah.
Tumayo agad ako para puntahan siya.
"Wala kang kasama?" the man asked.
"She's with me." I said and they both looked at me. I held Darlene's waist then pulled closer to me.
"Kasama ko siya." Binawi ni Darlene ang kamay sa lalaki. "Shoo ka na. Maglalaro kami."
Walang nagawa ang lalaki kung hindi ang umalis.
"Did he say something?" I asked.
"Wala."
"Good-"
"Pero tinanong niya ang number ko." She cut me off.
"What the-"
"Pero hindi ko binigay."
"Then that's good."
That is very good. Hindi niya dapat binibigay ang number niya. Bumitaw ako sa pagkakahawak sa kanya para makapaglaro siya ng maayos.
"You don't know how to play this..." I said.
"Hoy, marunong ako! Gusto mo... pakitaan kita?" Kumuha siya ng bola, she tried to shoots it to the basket. Hindi naman pumasok.
"Wow..." Pumasok ang bola na shinoot ko. "See?"
"Yabang... kaya ko rin 'yon." Kumuha ulit siya ng bola. Hindi na naman nag-shoot. "May daya 'to! May daya ang larong 'to!"
"You just don't know how to shoot." Tumabi ako sa kanya. "You want me to teach you?"
"Marunong nga ako." Puro sablay naman.
I swiped the card to the other basketball game.
"Paramihan tayo ng score, ha." She swiped the card too.
"Okay then, game." I shoot the ball to the basket. Every time I threw the ball, it always shot to the basket.
My score is 101 now and hers was 86. Paulit-ulit lang ang ginagawa ko at lahat ay pumapasok sa basket.
"Teka! Hoy!"
The time ended and my score was higher than her.
"Ang galing mo naman masyado!" She said while getting the tickets. She's holding a basket, doon nakalagay ang mga ticket. "Claw Machine naman tayo."
Sinundan ko siya papunta sa claw machine. She's trying to get the unicorn. Ang saya niya panoorin. Halatang hirap rin siya sa pagkuha ng unicorn.
"Ako nga..." tumabi ako sa kanya.
"Iyon ang kunin mo." She pointed to the purple unicorn. Sinubukan kong kunin 'yon. "Yes! Ang galing mo!"
Kinuha ko sa ilalim iyon at binigay sa kanya. Balak sana niyang kunin pero tinaas ko.
"Kiss me first before I give this to you." I smirked. "I need a reward, Miranda."
"Anak ng..." she scratched her head.
"You want this..."
She sighed and held my nape to pull me closer. She gave me a soft kiss before she got the unicorn. Hindi naman ako nakagalaw agad.
"Ngayon, hindi ka makagalaw sa sarili mong trip." She teased me. "Marami pa 'tong laman, halika doon. Sa may photo booth naman tayong dalawa." Hinila niya ako papunta sa photo booth.
She's right. Ang lakas ng trip ko pero hindi ko naman kinakaya.
Pumasok kami sa loob ng photo booth. I swiped the card so we could take a picture.
My hands were on her back, I pinched her both cheeks and I heard her giggled. I chuckled when I saw her cute face on the screen. The camera flashed after a few seconds. It has another, so I pulled her closer to me. She's smiling in front of the camera, I was smiling but it faded when I stared at her.
Why do I see sparks towards her? Why do I see her smiling towards me with her sparkling eyes? Why do I... feel strange whenever I'm holding her?
I didn't notice that the picture was done. I blinked as I heard her voice.
"Alam kong maganda ako..."
"Feeling..." Shit, bakit ko ba nararamdaman 'yon? "Give me one, please."
"Sa'yo na 'yan." She gave me the other one. "Pagod na ako maglakad."
"We are still not eating lunch." I looked at the time on my rolex watch. "It's already 12:43." Kanina pa pala kami dito.
"Edi tara na!" Tumayo siya at lumabas. "Gutom na rin ako."
Tinabi ko ang picture naming dalawa bago sumunod sa kanya sa labas. She's looking for some resto. Panay ang tingin niya sa paligid. Nakapamewang pa siya habang tumitingin.
I laughed a bit while watching her. Tumigil ako sa tabi niya.
"Doon tayo kumain." Lagi niya na lang akong hinihila. Pumunta kami sa Italian restaurant. "Ayan, ambag ko." She gave me five pesos.
"Anong gagawin ko dito?"
"Ambag ko sa pagkain na bibilhin mo." She laughed.
"You're so unbelievable."
Sa Italian restaurant kami pumunta. A waiter assisted us when we entered. Pinaghila ko ng chair si Darlene bago ako naupo sa harap niya. Binigyan naman kami ng menu kaya namili na siya habang ako ay tumitingin sa paligid.
I saw Tita Serine in the Restaurant. She saw Darlene, but... Darlene doesn't know that she's here. Patuloy lang ang ginagawa ni Darlene na pagpili ng pagkain.
Tinuon ko ang paningin sa menu. I ordered pasta. Darlene ordered meat with a veggies. Pinaghihiwalay niya ang meat sa hindi.
"Hey, eat that."
"Ayoko." She ate the meat.
"Eat that, Darlene."
"Ayoko."
Wala akong nagawa dahil puro tanggi siya. I finished first, hindi pa rin siya tapos. Pinaghihiwalay niya pa rin ang pagkain hanggang sa mag-sawa siya. I don't even know if she's full now.
"Ayoko na." Tumayo siya.
I saw Tita Serine stand up too.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"Restroom. Wait mo 'ko, ah?" Iniwan niya akong mag-isa.
I called the waitress to give the receipt. Tita Serine is in my direction. I greeted her. Tumayo pa ako para makausap siya. Gulat naman ang mga mata niya habang sinususundan ng tingin ang anak.
"Nix... you're with my daughter." Tita Serine said. "She grew up so much. The last time I saw her was when she had her debut party. Magkasama kayo ng anak ko."
"Yes, Tita, actually kanina pa kami magkasama. She escaped to her house, I followed her." I nodded.
"I thought she's in Province?" She asked, curious.
"She just moved here in Manila. Tito told me to take care of her so I did." I said. "Do you want to see Darlene or talk? She is just in the restroom."
Tita shook her head. "No! She won't like that. Just do what Dylan said. How is she?"
"She's fine, Tita. Makulit lang..." I chuckled.
"That's great." She sighed in relief. "I'll go now. I just really want to know if my daughter is okay. And please, Nix, don't tell her that you saw me." She smiled.
I replied even if I am confused. "Okay, I will."
Mabilis naman siyang umalis matapos mag-paalam. Nakita kong palabas na si Darlene.
"Sinong kausap mo kanina?" Darlene asked.
"Uh... my Mom's friend." I answered.
Tumango siya. "Okay, tara na." Kinuha na niya ang sling bag.
Nasa labas na kami ni Darlene nang makita ko si Darius na pumasok sa loob ng Restaurant. He looked in my direction. Nagulat pa siya nang makita kung sino ang kasama ko. Hinawakan ko sa kamay si Darlene bago kami naglakad.
My phone beeped. Kinuha ang phone ko para mabasa ang message. Hinahanap na ni Tito Dylan si Darlene. Balak ko sanang magsalita pero nauna siya.
"Ayoko pang umuwi." Tumingin siya sa akin.
"Your father is looking for you." Tinabi ko ang phone matapos mag-reply.
"Ayoko pa nga umuwi. Balik tayo sa timezone."
"Okay fine." Nauna siyang maglakad papunta sa timezone.
Sinundan ko siya but someone caught my attention. I saw Laureen, walking together with Patricia who's busy taking over the phone. Habang si Laureen ay nakatingin sa akin bago nilipat sa kasama ko. She smirked teasingly.
Ang dami ko naman nakikita ngayon. Fuck it. Laureen is here. She will tease me again in School for sure. Ngayon pa nga lang inaasar niya na ako gamit ang tingin. Hinila ko palayo si Darlene para hindi kami magkasalubong ni Laureen.
"Hindi dito ang papunta sa Timezone!" Puna ni Darlene nang mamali kami ng daan.
"I'll treat you today with branded things." Hinila ko siya papunta sa Chanel.
The staff greeted us. Agad silang lumapit para i-assist kami ni Darlene. Nasa harap namin sila, naghihintay. Habang itong kasama ko, ayaw na ayaw na nandito kami at gusto lang maglaro.
"Velasquez, ano ba 'to? Mahal dito. Huwag na tayo di-"
"I told you, I'll treat you today. It's my treat, pick what you like. I'll buy it." I cut her sentence off. "What do you want?"
"Marami akong ganyan. Lagi akong nireregaluhan ng mga pinsan kong lalaki ng ganito, pati nga sina Kuya, e."
"Still, I want to buy you." Tumingin ako sa sales lady. "Where are your new arrival bags?"
"This way, Sir." She pointed the way.
"Let's go." I pulled Darlene. Masyado siyang hindi makagalaw. "What kind of bag do you like?" I looked at her. "Here." Ako na ang kumuha. "What do you call this?" I asked the sales lady.
"Chanel sunset on the sea bag, Sir," she replied. "That's our new arrival. We have new Chanel sneakers too."
"Alright, give her. What's your size?" Tanong ko kay Darlene.
"Nine..." she answered.
I nodded. "Give her a size nine. Give her any designs," utos ko sa sales lady.
Binigyan nila ng designs si Darlene. Pero ako ang pumili para sa kanya. I picked the white Chanel sneakers since the shoes match for her. It was an expensive bag. It cost a hundred thousands, while the sneakers almost cost a million.
"Here, Sir." The woman gave my card back.
I took the paper bags then went back to Darlene. "Here." Ayaw niyang kunin sa kamay ko kaya ako na lang ang nag-bitbit.
"Hindi ko naman kailangan ang mga 'to."
"Kailangan mo 'yan," pagtatama ko.
"Hindi nga kasi."
"Kailangan mo nga kasi ʼyan. Let's go to LV. I'll buy you more." Hinila ko siya palabas ng Chanel shop.
"Nag-aaksaya ka lang ng pera!" Pinanliitan niya ako ng mata.
Tumigil ako at hinarap siya. "I am willing to spend my money for you, Darlene. At hindi 'to pag-aaksaya lalo na kung ikaw ang pagbibigyan ko. I am giving you gifts. I want to give you gifts... you know... for what happened to you. Remember the slime thing?"
"Pinaalala pa nga ang slime!" Napairap siya.
Hindi na ako umimik.
"Hay nako, hindi naman receiving gifts ang love language ko," narinig kong sinabi niya.
"Bakit? Ano ba ang love language mo?" I asked, getting interested.
"Uhm... words of affirmation and quality time." Tiningnan niya ako, smiling.
"Then... you should add the three." I held her hand. "Because you will be experiencing the five love languages from me starting today." I smiled.
Nabigla naman siya sa sinabi ko. I kissed the back of her palm before pulling her closer to me.
"Tara na then after this, I'll take you home."
Sa harap lang ang LV kaya hindi kami nahirapan. The staff greeted us and just like Chanel, they assisted us. Tumingin ako kay Darlene na nakatingin sa paligid.
"Ano ang gusto mo?" Nilingon ko siya. "Hey," I called her.
She sighed then looked at me. "Ang mahal dito..."
"It's alright, Miranda." I smiled before I turned my gaze to the man. "Do you have a new arrival here?"
"Yes, Sir." He said. "The multi pochette accessoires bag is our new arrival." He got the box then opened it. The white bag showed up. "We have different colors, black, brown, pink, and white."
"What color do you like?"
"Kahit ano," simpleng sagot ni Darlene.
"Paano kung bilhin ko lahat?"
Her eyes widened. "Iyong white na lang."
"What else?" I asked again.
"Wala." Umiling na siya.
Napatango naman ako. "I'll pay that, how much?" I asked the salesman.
"Let's go to the counter, Sir."
Hila-hila ko si Darlene habang papunta kami sa cashier. Nakasunod naman sa amin ang mga sales lady at sales man. Nginitian nila si Darlene nang tumingin sa kanila.
"109,323.32," The sales cashier said.
"Putang... Phoenix, ang mahal n'yan. One hundred thousand?!"
I give my card to the cashier. Kinuha ko na matapos magbayad. Lumabas kami ng shop. Darlene was looking at me with her shocked eyes.
"Sinasayang mo lang ang pera mo, Velasquez. Hindi ko naman kailangan 'yan."
"You need that, especially the shoes." Kinuha ko sa kamay niya ang isang paperbag. "And besides... I can spoil you with my money."
"Kung saan ka masaya..." napailing siya.
I chuckled. It's already six in the evening. We came back to the timezone because that's what she wanted. Nilibre niya pa ako ng cotton candy. Hindi ako kumakain no'n pero kinain ko na lang dahil binili niya ako.
Actually, this is the first time I became happy because I am with her. Even if she's cussing me sometimes, it's alright. Willing ako magpamura basta Darlene Miranda ang magmumura sa akin.
After our date-well, it's for me, it's our date! Of course, it was just me and her, so it's a date! Yes, it's a date! Anyway, after going out with her, I decided to take her home. I'm sitting in the driver's seat while she's sitting on the shotgun seat. Nagkakalkal siya sa kotse ko.
"Bakit ka may baril?" I was stunned when Darlene saw my gun. "Hoy, bakit ka may baril? Sindikato ka 'no?!"
Ang OA niya talaga.
"I'm not, okay? Stop overreacting." How can I explain this?
"So, bakit nga?" Tanong niya.
"For purposes."
"May baril din si Papa, e." She looked at me. "At Kuya, minsan nga napapaisip ako kung parte sila ng sindikato?"
I laughed. "Bagay sa kapatid mo."
"Grabe ka kay Kuya! Lagot ka doon!" She did the hand gesture.
As if I'm scared.
"I'm not scared of your brother." I rolled my eyes.
"Hindi ka takot?" I shook my head at her question. "Kanino ka lang takot?"
"Uhm, sa 'yo?" Nilingon ko siya.
Napangisi naman siya sa sagot ko, nagyayabang. Napairap ako dahil sa paraan ng ngisi niya.
Tinigil ko ang sasakyan sa harap ng gate nila. May mga bodyguards na nandoon at parang kanina pa siya hinihintay. Tinanggal niya ang seatbelt bago ako nilingon.
"Bye!" Nginitian niya ako.
"Okay." I smiled back. "Good night."
Hinintay ko muna na makapasok siya sa loob bago ako umalis. Nag-drive ako pauwi. Saktong pag-uwi ko ay kumakain sila pero si Tita Grace ay may hawak na phone, balak yata akong tawagan.
"Where have you been?" Preston asked. "Your friends are here, Kuya, and they are looking for you."
"Galing akong mall. I am with-"
"Darlene!" Lala cut me off. "I saw it sa story ng kaibigan mo. Iyong Laureen? Ah, I saw it! You're holding Darlene's hand, I saw in a picture."
Napatingin naman ako kay Lala dahil sa sinasabi niya. What the hell? Laureen took a picture of me and Darlene? That woman!
"Oh, you two had a date?" Phoebe asked, smiling.
"Well, maybe yes and maybe not. Anyway, I just need to talk to Laureen." Minsan talaga ang sarap takpan ng mata niya. Damn it.
"Eat dinner first! Come here," alok ni Tita Grace.
Umiling ako. "I'm still full, Tita. Thanks."
Umakyat ako sa kwarto habang tinatawagan si Laureen. Minutes after, she answered.
"Damn you, Laureen, delete your IG story. It was me and Darlene in your story. Baka may makakita ng iba, fuck it." It was a damn secret.
"[Ay, I hid it na nga for you not to see tapos ganoon?! You know what, your friends saw it too.]" She laughed hysterically. "[You two look good together. Hindi pala magugustuhan pero magkasama.]"
"Hindi ko nga siya magugustuhan. Stop your fucking theory. And please, tigilan mo mga pang-aasar mo. Naiirita ako!" Pinatayan ko siya ng tawag.
This woman really knows how to tease me when it comes to Darlene. Isang tao lang talaga magpapatahimik dito.
-
It's morning and I have classes. Before going outside, I put the picture on the back of my ID. It was a photo of me and Darlene, of course. Hindi naman siguro nila mapapansin ang picture.
While driving, someone caught my attention. I saw Darlene walking on the street. Umuulan, ah? Bakit siya naglalakad. Also, she has a driver and bodyguard, right? Parang dinadama niya pa ang pagbuhos ng ulan habang nakabukas ang dalawang kamay.
Bumusina ako para makuha ang atensyon niya. Binaba ko ang bintana. Nakatingin naman siya sa akin. Basang basa ang uniform niya kaya pinapasok ko siya pero nakatingin lang siya sa akin.
"Kapag nabasa ang sasakyan mo, hindi ko kasalanan, ah?"
"Oo na kaysa naman pabayaan kitang naliligo diyan." Baka magkasakit ka pa.
"Wow, ang bait mo naman."
Hindi ko na pinansin ang sinabi niya. Kinuha ko ang towel sa backseat at binigay sa kaniya. Magda-drive na sana ako pero agad rin tumigil. I saw her bra inside, dahil basa ang uniform niya. She's not even wearing a sando.
"Hindi ka ba marunong magsuot ng s-sando?" I looked away.
"Okay lang 'yan... nakita mo na naman na in personal." She said.
Naubo ako nang wala sa oras. Hindi ako makapagsalita sa sinabi niya. she really need to mention that? Her fucking... chest can't make me... sleep. What the fuck?
Iniwas ko talaga ang tingin sa kaniya pero nang marinig ang sinabi niya, napatigil ako. Hindi pa pala siya nakakaligo sa ulan? At talagang bantay sarado siya, palagi siyang may kasama or her bodyguards.
"But, you want to experience it?" I asked.
She nodded. "Naman!"
Napatango naman ako. Pumunta kami sa boutique shop ng Mom ni Rafael. Pinapili ko siya ng damit habang naghihintay naman ako na matapos siya.
"Walang kasya sa akin na dress."
Tumayo ako para puntahan siya. "Okay then, this one." Hindi ko alam ang kinuha ko basta-basta ko na lang binigay sa kanya.
"Pwede ba 'to?"
I nodded. "Patungan mo lang n'yan." I said, pertaining to blazer.
Tumango naman siya. She went to the fitting room while I was waiting for her. Minutes after she went outside.
"Okay na ba 'to?" Pinakita niya ang sarili.
Ang ganda. Her outfit is a match for her.
I nodded. "Yeah... Let's go." Hindi ko maalis ang tingin sa kanya. I blinked and stood up. Iniwan ko siyang mag-isa dahil hindi ko kayang nandoon lang.
Para akong natutunaw tuwing nakikita ko siya. What the fuck is happening to me? Her simple actions makes my system mess up.
Binayaran ko ang damit niya. Lumabas na kami sa boutique. Panay ang tingin ko kay Darlene habang nagda-drive. Her eyes were looking at the road. Bakit kaya ang lakas ng impact mo sa pagkatao ko?
Nang makarating sa School nag-park agad ako.
"Mauna ka na," I said. "Leave your clothes here first."
"Okay." Lumabas siya ng sasakyan ko.
Tumingin ako sa shotgun seat. She forgot her bag. Wala sana akong plano tingnan ang nasa loob pero ginawa ko na. She has a binder notebook and her things are organized, she has a lot of ball pens including my ballpen inside. She has books too and it's not about studying. They were romance books.
Her phone and wallet were inside too, her phone beeped. She received a message from... Alexis? Hindi ko binasa ang message dahil privacy niya 'yon, and about her wallet.
She has two thousand inside. A picture of her Mom and Dad... I think it was her first birthday. Tita Serine was carrying her. Pinasok ko na ang gamit niya sa loob at bumaba sa kotse.
I saw Laureen and Darlene were talking normally, I mean not that normal... halatang inis si Darlene kay Laureen. Basta-basta na lang umalis si Laureen kaya naiwan si Darlene na mag-isa. Darlene walked too to go to our classroom.
"Nuxs, you treat Darlene, huh?" What the... akala ko pumasok na sa classroom si Laureen? "LV and Chanel, huh? Mahal do'n! You cost a million."
"You don't care." Para kay Darlene naman 'yon.
She laughed. "Ayan, ha! Nagiging sugar daddy ka pagdating kay Darlene."
"Shut up and yuck." I rolled my eyes.
"It's fine though. Mahal mo naman ang pagbibigyan mo."
"I don't love her." I made a face. "Stop saying that." I left her. I don't really like nor love Darlene.
Dumiretso ako sa room. My forehead creased. Nagsusugal na naman ang mga 'to. They forgot, this is a room not a casino for damn sake. Napailing nalang ako.
Actually, the purpose of me being a damn SSG is to protect their doings, wala naman akong pakialam sa pagiging council member kaso epal 'tong si Harvey, nilagay ba naman ang pangalan ko. I won't forget the day, he did that.
Sumali nalang ako sa nilalaro nila Harvey. Natalo pa ako. I lost 5K, the fuck. Pakiramdam ko dinaya ako ni Finn! This fucker.
Natawag pa ngang engot ni Darlene. But even though she's like that, I realized... She knew how to give advice. Her advice makes sense.
"Bakit kaya may mga taong nang-iiwan?" Arvin asked.
"Baka may pupuntahan." Right, I was wrong. Minsan lang pala may sense ang mga sinasabi niya.
Pero kahit na gano'n ay maaasahan siya sa anomang bagay. She grew up without the attention of her father, well that's what I see every time that I am looking at her. She wants the love from her Mom and Dad.
At alam kong marami pa akong malalaman tungkol sa kaniya. I want to know about her story back then, I want to know about her life more.
May dumating na inspection teacher, wala naman silang nakita kaya umalis rin agad. Dumating rin ang subject teacher namin. Ako naman, lumipat sa likod ni Darlene. Ang tagal niya kasing lumipat sa dati niyang pwesto.
"Pst!" I called her.
Hindi niya ako pinansin kaya sinipa ko ang chair niya. Lumingon siya na masama ang tingin sa akin. She rolled her eyes then faced the Teacher.
This is boring. Hindi ako pinapansin ni Darlene. Gusto ko sanang lumipat sa tabi niya kaso hindi ko makagawa. Ayaw niya akong paupuin doon dahil nilagyan niya ng mga libro. Sumimangot ako.
The teacher didn't show up for the next subject, so it was back to normal.
Sinipa ko si Trevor nang bumuga ng usok sa harap ko. He laughed as he moved away. Nagrereklamo na nga si Darlene dahil sa dami ng usok. Napapangiwi pa siya. Kanina ko pa siya tinitingnan pero hindi niya napapansin.
She looked at me, shocked a bit when she saw me staring at her. I winked before I exhaled my vape and smirked. Her cheeks blushed, and she even coughed.
I chuckled. Iniwas niya ang sarili sa akin.
We are not a gossiper pero pinag-uusapan namin siya kanina pa. Not her bad sides, we are just talking about herself, kung ano ang nakikita namin sa kaniya. She deserves all the good compliments.
She's fixing her bangs while talking to Harvey, Finn, Arvin, and Dash. She laughed when Finn said something. Hinampas pa niya ang katabi, napangiwi si Harvey habang nakahawak sa braso.
"Baka may sinasabi na naman sigurong kagaguhan si Marquez," Harris said.
"Ano pa nga ba?" Rafael said.
Bahagya pang humangin ang bigla kaya nililipad ang nakalugay niyang buhok. Her wavy hair makes her more hot. Hinawakan niya ang buhok habang nakikinig sa sinasabi ni Finn.
"Ilaban kaya natin si Darlene sa pageant? Sa Intramurals. 'Di ba wala pa tayong representative." Dice looked at me.
"It was Laureen." I said.
"Sawang-sawa na ako sa mukha ni Laureen." He laughed a bit. "Para naman may representative sa section natin."
"Bagay naman kay Darlene ang ganoon." Gael added. "Look... she's pretty and I know she can answer the Q and A."
"It's true though. She has beauty and brains. She's Miranda, what do you expect?" My eyes are still on her direction.
"Right... she's really pretty, sexy, and smart." Trevor nodded. "That's only a compliment," he added.
"I wonder how she walks?" Rafael asked.
"Try mong utusan."
"Darlene!" Owen called her.
Lumingon si Darlene sa direction namin. "Ano na naman?"
"Try mo nga mag-walk dito." Owen pointed to the floor. "Ano... palapit dito." He signed his hand towards our direction.
"Mantitrip na naman kayo."
"Hindi!" They said.
"Iyong pang Miss Universe." Harris smirked.
"Hindi ako marunong no'n." She said seriously.
What?
"Dali na." Pilit ni Gael.
"Bakit ba? Kung gusto mo, ikaw gumawa. Ikaw gumawa. Nananahimik ako dito tapos idadamay niyo ako."
"Ito naman... bilis na!"
"Ewan ko sa inyo. Tigilan niyo ako." She left the classroom.
"Damot!"
Darlene raised her middle finger to Gael.
They laughed for some reason.
"Basta! Si Darlene ang ilalaban natin sa intramurals!" Remz smirked.
"Her partner is Nix," Harris added.
"What the fuck, Harris?" I looked at him.
"Presidente ng Council tapos ganyan?" He rolled his eyes.
"I don't like this, fucker. Sino ba ang naglagay ng pangalan ko?" Tanong ko sa kanilang lahat habang salubong ang kilay.
"Si Quintos." Finn laughed.
"At least nanalo!" Harvey smiled but I rolled my eyes on him.
Napalingon kami sa pinto nang may pumasok. My mouth dropped open when I saw Darlene. I don't know but... bakit ang lakas ng dating ni Darlene?
She was tying her hair into a messy bun while wearing earpods in her ear. Her flat tummy was showing because of her white tank top, her skirt was above the knee, same ng color sa top niya. She's wearing her plaid blazer too.
"Anong meron?" Darlene asked when she saw us looking at her. "Bakit kayo nakatingin?"
"Uh..." I can't answer her question.
"Mukha kayong ewan." Dumiretso siya sa teachers table at doon naupo.
Seriously? Gandang-ganda lang naman kami sa 'yo, and that's the reason kung bakit kami natutulala sa 'yo.