Kabanata 10...
Man
Sinuklay ko ang buhok at dinilaan ang labi bago bumaba sa kabayo at nagtungo sa isang puno para itali ito doon.
Sa ilalim ng lilim ng puno ay naupo ako habang pinagmamasdan ang payapang kalangitan, iniisip ang mga bagay-bagay.
"Marjorie?"
Agad akong napa-angat sa narinig.
"Marjorie," Alessandro's face was revealed by the shade of the same tree. "Nandyan ka lang pala," tila hinihingal na aniya.
Nagpagpag ako ng pag-ibaba at tinanggal ang pagkakatali ng kabayo sa puno.
"You walked from there to here?"
Out of breath, he nodded.
Napangiwi ako. "You're dumb,"
"Hindi ako marunong mangabayo."
I scoff and slightly laugh. "Idiot. Then you should've used a golf cart or something!"
Sumimangot s'ya at inirapan ako.
Napaawang ang labi ko at akmang lalapitan s'ya para hampasin nang natawa s'ya ng bahagya. Umatras na lamang ako at ibinalik ang irap n'ya.
"Hinahanap ka na nila. Nag-iikot iyong kaibigan mo sa track, hindi ka makita."
"Malamang. I wasn't in the track, paano ako makikita,"
He sighed. "That's not the point. The point is kailangan mo nang bumalik doon,"
"I was only out for a while."
He shrugs, feeling a little okay than earlier.
Pinagmasdan ko s'yang pawisan. Nang bumaba ang tingin ko sa basa n'yang shirt ay lalo pa akong napangiwi.
"You're sweating,"
"I know. Normal naman sigurong pagpawisan, 'no?"
I roll my eyes.
"Do you have a spare shirt? Baka bumaho ang sasakyan n'yan later,"
Alessandro's mouth gape open as he looks at me with amused eyes and grin. Natawa s'ya at umiling.
"Ang arte talaga..."
"What? Do you want your car to smell like sweat, then?"
"Mabango ako kahit pinagpawisan,"
Tinaasan ko s'ya ng kilay at hindi na nakasagot dahil hindi rin ako makatanggi doon. Magpahanggang sa pwesto ko ay naaamoy ko pa rin ang halimuyak n'ya.
Damn him, really!
Umangat na ako sa kabayo at hinayos ang pagkakahawak ko sa lubid. Tinaasan ko s'ya ng kilay nang makita itong tinitingala ako.
"Ano? Sasakay ka ba o hindi?"
His eyes drifted from me, to my back.
"Wait, do you even know how to sit here?!"
"Alam ko," masungit n'yang ani at lumapit na sa kabayo.
Pinagmasdan ko si Alessandro na subukang umakyat sa kabayo. Tama naman ang hinahawakan nito kaya hindi na ako umapila.
Bahagyang gumalaw ang kabayo nang tuluyan nang makasakay si Alessandro kaya wala sa sariling napasandal ako sa mainit n'yang katawan sa likod ko.
"Alessandro!"
"Ano?" Natatawa n'yang ani.
"Move back!"
"What back are you implying? Wala nang uupuan,"
Pagalit ko s'yang nilingon at tiningnan ang inuupuan namin at nasa dulo na nga s'ya.
"Just freaking make a space between us!"
He chuckled and didn't say anything which even ignite my irritation towards him.
"Alessandro!"
"There's a space between us, chill."
"Pervert..." I whispered.
"I heard you." His baritone voice and hot breath against my nape sent shivers down my spine. "I'm not trying to sexually harass you here. Hindi ko sinasadyang madikit sa'yo, at kung naramdaman mo man ang pagkalalaki ko, hindi ko na kasalanan 'yon. You were the one to move back,"
"Pagkala—" hindi ko na itinuloy ang sasabihin at inis na lang na bumuga ng hangin.
I felt him, alright!
God! Hindi naman ako ganito umakto sa mga lalaki kong kaibigan na nakikipagbiruan sa'kin ng ganoon dati!
Umirap ako at sinimulan nang patakbuhin ang kabayo.
Tila tumaas ang lahat ng balahibo ko nang ang mainit na palad ni Alessandro ay nagtungo sa dalawang sulok ng bewang ko.
"Hold my fucking shoulders!"
Even with the harsh air greeting us, I heard him chuckle. "Okay ma'am,"
Hindi pa man nakakalapit, natanaw ko na ang nakapamewang na si Carson habang pinagmamasdan ang paglapit namin doon.
Unang nakababa si Alessandro. Inabot nito ang kan'yang kamay kaya kinuha ko 'yon at nang makatalon pababa ay mabilis na lamang akong napalayo sa sobrang lapit namin.
I pursed my lips and brush my hair as I walk towards Carson.
"Where's Kate and Kuya Ross?"
"Still at the track," Carson answered and eyed Alessandro at my back.
"I think I'll go home after a few."
Pinakatitigan ako nito at hindi sumagot kaya tinaasan ko na lang ito ng kilay at tumango na, bago nilingon si Alessandro para sumunod sa paglalakad ko.
"Do you have plans later?"
"You're my only plan this day,"
I arched my brow. "Pretty impossible for a political science student. You don't have any readings left?"
"Hmm, you're concerned about academic performance, huh? I've already done my readings last night."
I only gave him a scoff before looking at our way.
"Marjorie," a familiar voice called.
Kumunot ang noo ko.
Itinikom ko ang bibig at nilingon ang gilid. Jeremiah was there, grinning, as was Imogen, who was then busy with her things but nonetheless smiled at me out of courtesy.
"Marjorie! It's been so long,"
Tumatawa akong lumapit dito at sandali s'yang hinagkan.
"Well, it's been busy," I smirked. "How have you been? I think the last time I saw you was still last year, if I'm not mistaken?"
Jeremiah laughs boyishly.
"Yup. I remember. I haven't got a chance to greet you then, you're always surrounded by your crowd."
I roll my eyes. "You should've approached me still!"
"I'll do it next time," he chuckled as his gaze shifted from me to the man beside me.
Muntik ko nang makaligtaan si Alessandro. Nilingon ko ito at sandaling natigilan nang mamataan itong chine-check si Imogen na pawang busy sa kan'yang cellphone. Kumunot ang noo ko.
"This is Alessandro by the way. Alessandro, Jeremiah,"
"Your?"
I roll my eyes. "Friend, Jer,"
He arched his brow and squinted his eyes, leaning against me for a moment before he and Alessandro exchange long glances at each other before nodding.
"Kadarating n'yo lang?"
"Nope. We went here early e. Actually, we're about to go na,"
Jeremiah nodded. "That's a waste. Well, maybe we can catch up over lunch some time. Are you still using the same number?"
"Yup. Just hit me up. I'm always bored, mind you, might as well hang out with you,"
Ilang sandali pang bato ng kamustahan bago ko muling nilakad ang patungong parking lot. Bago isara ang pinto ng sasakyan ay hindi nakatakas sa'kin ang inis kay Alessandro.
This asshole!
Does this man think I forgot about how he checked out Imogen earlier?
Kung makatingin kanina ay akala mo isang kalabit na lang, lalapit na s'ya roon at magpapakilala! Sana ginawa n'ya na! Para hindi na s'ya nalulugmok dito sa pagsisi!
"Ano?" He asked with curious eyes.
Pa-inosente pa ang isang 'to...
"E 'di bumalik ka do'n..." I murmured.
"What?"
I roll my eyes and ragefully fasten my seatbelt.
"Marjorie,"
"What?!"
"Anong..." awang ang labi nito. "Anong problema mo?"
"I don't have a problem! Ano ba? Aalis ba tayo o hindi? Do you want me to take a taxi instead?!"
I was about to release my seatbelt when he stopped my hands. Bumaling ako sa kan'ya.
"Ba't ka nagagalit?"
"I'm not mad! Anong pake ko kung gandang-ganda ka kay Imogen, hindi mo maalis ang tingin mo sa kan'ya? Masyado bang maganda?"
He pursed his lips as he looked at me. As if he was trying hard not to smile.
"Ha? Ano?"
Pumalatak lang ito at nai-start ang sasakyan.
"What? Can't answer it?"
He shook his head as his skillful arm maneuvers the steering wheel. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa braso n'ya. His muscles flexed fluidly, and the visible veins on his hands made him appear even hotter.
Suminghap ako at mariin na lamang napapikit bago sumandal sa upuan.
How can I even compliment him when I'm this annoyed?! This man, really!
"Hey,"
"What?" I snap.
Natatawa nitong pinabagal ang sasakyan habang may kinukuha sa likod. Deretso lang ang tingin ko sa kalsada kaya naman ganoon na lang ang gulat ko nang may ibinato s'ya sa muka ko.
"What the hell?"
He chuckled. "Ano bang kinaiinisan mo?"
"Nothing!"
"Ngayon ko lang kasi nakita si Imogen..."
"Ah so, that's why you're checking her out earlier?"
"I wasn't checking her out,"
"Just staring, then? Intently, Alessandro?"
He sighed and glance at me.
"Maganda s'ya, to answer your question earlier,"
Suminghap ako at itinuro s'ya. Hindi ko napigilan ang paghampas sa braso nito. Lalo pa akong nainis ng humalakhak s'ya.
There's no denying Imogen is stunning. It just infuriates me that this man...
Ah, whatever!
Bahala s'ya sa buhay n'ya!
Ano namang pakealam ko?
Nakagat ko ang sariling labi habang ini-imagine si Alessandro na sinasapak ko ang dibdib. Kung hindi lang s'ya nagmamaneho ngayon, naku!
Umirap ako at padarag na sumandal sa upuan. Bumaba ang tingin ko at itinaas ang ibinato n'ya sa akin kanina.
"What is this? Ano namang gagawin ko dito?"
Bumaling ito sandali sa hawak ko.
"Nadaanan ko noong bumili ako ng pagkain mo kanina. Lagi ka kasing natutulog sa byahe, ibinili na kita ng kumot. You might be more comfortable with that sleeping. Don't worry, malinis 'yan,"
Ngumuso ako at dinama ang malambot na tela niyon sa palad ko.
I click my tongue and glance at him.
"Napaka-annoying mo!"
He exaggerates his sigh. "What have I done now?"
Umirap na lang ako at nai-recline ang upuan bago itinakip ang kumot sa ibaba ko.
That's so thoughtful of him! Pero naiinis pa rin talaga ako!
Wait.
Wait a damn minute.
So, he brought me this blanket because he believes I always sleep inside his car during our journey? It's not like this blanket is a throwaway...
That means he expects me to keep riding in this car again, right? With him?
So, may next time pa?
Is he looking forward to having me in this car with him?
Kumportable na sa pagkakahiga, pinakatitigan ko s'ya habang nagda-drive.
"Hmm..." I uttered maliciously.
"Ano na namang nangyayari sa malisyoso mong utak, Marjorie Bernaldez?"
Sumama ang muka ko at inismiran s'ya bago nagtalukbong ng kumot.
We were back at the town, before I know it. Nagising na lamang ako sa mahinang paggalaw ni Alessandro sa balikat. Pumupungay-pungay akong nagdilat ng mata.
Alessandro chuckled. "Kagigising lang, nakasimangot agad,"
"Kung ikaw ang sasalubong sa pag gising, sino ba namang hindi?"
He raised a brow and shook his head, smiling.
"Where are we?" I groan and tried to sit up.
"Back to your house,"
That quick? That didn't even feel like a long ride, more like a 15-minute nap.
"Why?"
He asked when he probably noticed my slight disappointment.
Umiling ako.
"I'm your only plan this day, right?"
Umangat ang isang kilay n'ya at marahang tumango sa'kin.
I can't help but pout.
Should I prioritize my pride, or let myself invite him for another hang out? Hindi naman siguro s'ya tatanggi, 'di ba?
Isa pa, s'ya na rin naman ang nagsabing ako lang ang plano n'ya ngayong araw!
Muli akong nag angat ng tingin at nasaktuhan ang nananantyang mga mata ni Alessando. Bumuntong hininga s'ya at bahagyang ipinaling ang ulo.
"May gusto ka pang puntahan?"
Bago ko pa mapigilan, tila nagning-ning na ang mga mata ko.
I purse my lips and nodded.
Siguro nga 'yung mga hindi natin inaasahan o kadalasang ayaw nating mangyari, iyon pa ang nagaganap. We can control ourselves, but never everything around us. Even if we pour ourselves hating one thing, we can't make it vanish in just instant. It takes time in some circumstances, but most of the time either consciously or unconsciously, we just learn to co-exist around it.
Alessandro was my type in men, but I initially didn't even consider making him my friend due to our multiple bickerings, yet look where that hostility headed.
Sandali akong naglinis ng sarili sa akong kwarto, bago bumaba sa sala at pansamantalang nanatili roon.
Ilang minuto lang, narinig ko na sa kasambahay ang pahdating ng sasakyan ni Alessandro kaya mabilis na akong nagtungo roon para tumulak na paalis.
"Anong madalas mong pagkaabalahan?" I asked while waiting for our dinner.
Kagagaling lang namin sa isang parke, na s'ya ang nagpumilit even if ayaw ko kasi alam kong maraming tao. Ngayon, matapos ang kamunting oras doon, inaya ko na lang s'yang kumain.
"What do you mean?"
I roll my eyes. "What do you often do, in english. I mean, aside from studying... and working, I guess," napangiwi ako.
"Madalas akong imbitahan ng mga kaibigan kong lumabas,"
Mas lalo pa akong napangiwi nang maalala ang "pagce-celebrate" n'ya ng birthday ng kaibigan n'ya sa isang club.
"I already knew that,"
"Madalas din akong tumanggi,"
"No need to cover up. I already knew your escapades,"
Alessandro's brows firrowed.
"Tinatanong mo ako, tapos hindi ka maniniwala?"
I, then again, rolled my eyes.
"Can you blame me though? Your reputation's wildly known."
"Hindi ko alam na chismosa ka pala,"
I can't help but gasp as I look at him with visible accusation.
"Did you just call me chismosa? I'm no chismosa!"
Mayabang n'ya akong tiningnan. "Pareho lang ang nagpapakalat ng maling balita, sa mabilis naniniwala roon, Miss Bernaldez,"
"Hindi naman iyon chismis. I have like, countless witness,"
"I doubt their credibility, then,"
Unismid ako at sinamaan lang s'ya ng tingin.
Totoo naman, itinatanggi pa. Itsura pa lang nga, mukang marami nang babae.
Akala naman maloloko pa 'ko...
Ilang sandali pa kaming natahimik bago s'ya muling nagsalita.
"I heard the Salinas are hosting a charity event, I suppose your family will be attending?"
Sumimsim s'ya sa sariling baso.
I guess it's already predictable we're coming.
Besides, matagal nang family friends ang mga Bernaldez at Salinas, kasama pa ang maraming pamilya na madalas ding magpadala ng imbitasyon sa amin. Siguro'y napadalas nga lang ang liban namin noon dahil sa katatapos lang na kaso, at dahil na rin sa trahedya nito lang nakaraang buwan.
I felt goosebumps at the sudden memory.
"We will, actually..."
Malapit na pala iyon. Halos lumihis na sa utak ko.
Most of the time I have a scheduled event where I need to look presentable, I make sure before the day I pamper myself. That way, it lessens my anxiety.
That's exactly what I did before the event.
The continuous flashes of camera blinded me for a moment before I got myself comfortable with the crowd. Kung dati nama'y sanay na ako, ngayon siguro dahil na rin sa matagal na hindi pagdalo sa ganito, naninibago ang mga mata ko.
"Mayor, can you answer a few questions?"
"Are you planning to run again for Mayor? Or is true that you're planning to run for the Presidential position?"
Mariin kong itinikom ang bibig nang sunod-sunod na bumaha ang tanong sa nilalakaran namin.
"Anong masasabi n'yo Mayor sa mga bagong paratang sa inyo?"
"Totoo ho bang dito naglalagi ang mga sindikatong usap-usapang patong-patong ang mabibigat na kaso? Anong aksyon n'yo roon, Mayor?"
My head jerked to the reporter who asked.
"Mrs. Bernaldez! Is it true that you had an affair with your friend's husband?"
Nilingon ko rin ang nagsabi noon.
Umawang ang labi ko, balak sanang sagutin iyon nang naging mabilis ang paglapit namin sa entrance ng venue.
Nilingon ko si Daddy para sana magsalita, pero nang makita ang dilim ng itsura nito'y natahimik na lamang akong pinagmasdan ang disenyo ng buong lugar.
A huge chandelier was majestically placed at the center of the whole venue, giving us the elegance as the pianist plays a soft melody continuously.
"Good evening, Mayor Bernaldez! I'm glad your family's able to come!"
Daddy lugh heartily.
"Of course!"
Ngumiti ako sa bawat myembro ng mga Salinas at isa-isang kinamayan iyon, as if this is the first time we've met.
Another set of pleasantries and they guided us personally to our table, still talking about random things. Bago pa kami tuluyang makalapit sa lanesa'y palihim na akong nagpaalam kay Mommy, at sa dalawang lalaking Salinas dahil busy pa si Daddy kausap ang host ng event.
Habang naglalakd ay muling nasagip ng tingin ko ang mga reporters sa labas na may iba namang pinagkakaguluhan.
I can't get off my head how disrespectful they were.
Alam kong madalas itong mangyari sa amin dahil isa kami sa mga ma-impluwensya at sikat na pamilya sa buong bansa, pero dapat bang kasanayan ang ganito?
I guess not.
There is no way to justify senseless disrespectfulness.
With a bottle of champagne on my hand, I quietly observe the guests on my sight.
Sumimsim ako sa inumin at agad napansing maraming dumalo na mga talagang kilalang tao ngayon. There are many unsual but familiar faces here. O talagang matagal lang simula ng huli akong makadalo?
"Hija!"
A soft hand landed on my elbow. It was Carson's mother, beside her was Kate and Carson himself.
"Hi Tita, good evening. You look good!"
There's no denying Carson's mother was beautiful despite her age. She gives off old rich caucasian beauty vibes.
"Don't flatter me, Marjorie!" She laughs. "Ang tagal mo nang hindi nakakabisita, I miss you on our house!"
Tumawa ako at ibinalik ang yakap nito.
"I'll visit once in a while, Tita. I also miss your dishes,"
Ngumiti ito sa sinabi ko, tumaas ang tingin nito't nagliwanag ang muka nang tila may nakitang kakilala sa likod ko. Muli n'ya akong hinagkan bago hinila si Kate na tila pre-occupied kung saan. Naiwan naman si Carson sa aking gilid.
"It's nice to see you on an even again, Marj,"
"Not sure if I can return that though,"
He smirked and shook his head.
"I'm surprised you're not with your crowd,"
Nagkibit-balikat ako. "Not in the mood to really socialize,"
Ngunit ganoon na lamang ang pag ginhawa ng nararamaman ko nang makita si Callie na patungo kung saan.
"Callie!" One call and I immediately got her attention.
"Here!"
Callie was smiling as she walks towards us. I kissed her cheek and hook my arm on hers.
"I'm so glad you're here!"
"Wow..." I heard Carson.
Hindi ko 'yon pinansin.
"Hello Carson," Callie greeted, answered by a low greet from Carson. "Narito rin si Nikko, oo nga pala. Nagkita na kayo?"
"Really? Hindi pa,"
"He said he'll go early, pero nadito pa naman siguro iyon. You'll probably see each other later?" She said unsure.
"That's fine. I'm just glad I saw you. Kun'di buong gabi akong bored!"
"I doubt that."
"No, really! Have you seen the guest list?" I roll my eyes.
Carson chuckled.
"Keep it low, Marj. Surely, you don't want another issue on your name,"
Napanguso ako.
Spite of the fact that the Salinas are great friends of ours, I can't deny that this event reeks of problematic socialites. We aren't particularly problematic, but perhaps the "full of controversy socialites" are.
Anyway, I also find it clever since these people definitely want to taint their name with benevolence, which will lead to more donations. Okay na rin dahil makaktulong kahit pa hindi puro ang intensyon nila.
"Whatever," sagot ko nang makabawi. "Totoo naman. But anyway..." nagtuloy-tuloy ang litanya ko tungkol sa mga napapansin sa party.
Namataan ko kasi ang isang artista sa gilid. Naalala ko ang sandaling pagkatigil ko nang napadaan sa telebisyon at saktong news iyon tungkol sa kinasasangkutan nitong controversy. I wasn't that nosy, but I can't just shove her issue away.
It's so disturbing.
"Right?"
"I know. Denver told me about it the other day, mas marami pa s'yang alam kahit na nasa ibang bansa." Si Callie.
"You can't just expect people to ignore that though, I guess your thoughts are justifiable,"
"My thoughts are always justifiable," my brows furrowed at Carson's declaration.
I wonder then if some of my standpoints are too flawed? No. I highly doubt it.
"Marj, stop overthinking." Tawa ni Carson bago ito napa-ayos ng tayo.
Nagtataka, sinundan ko ang tingin nito at napangiti na lamang nang makita si Lindsey na patungo sa amin.
"What is this amalgamation about?"
I chuckled and kissed her cheeks. Ganoon din ang ginawa n'ya kay Carson habang kumunot naman ang noo nito kay Callie.
I immediately felt her tension.
Muli akong natawa. "This is Callie, Lindsey. Callie, Lindsey,"
"Hmm, I think I saw you before,"
"Uhm... I don't remember, s-sorry," si Callie.
"Oh, well. So, what are we up to?"
"You're not belong, Lindsey," Carson mumbled with humor.
Umirap si Lindsey at sinamaan ng tingin si Carson.
"Shut the fuck up. Stop talking like you're the older one here, kid,"
Humalakhak na ako.
Hindi na sumagot si Carson at tumawa na lang, nakita ko rin ang bahagyang pag ngiti ni Callie.
"Anyway, it appears that you three have no better plan here. Want to go somewhere else? This party is damn boring,"
"I was just waiting for them to invite me!"
"I can't—"
Iyon pa lamang ang naririnig kay Callie, nanlaki na ang mata ko.
"No! You're coming with us. I'm not letting you stay here and die of boredom! Let's go to tita, magpapa-alam tayo,"
Hindi na nakapalag pa si Callie nang hilahin ko s'ya para masabi sa kan'yang mga magulang ang balak naming pag-alis. Wala namang naging pag angal ang mga iyon kaya malaki ang ngiti ko nang naglalakad kami pabalik kila Lindsey.
We were stopped by Callie's friend when I saw a familiar figure gracing the corridor.
Kumunot ang noo ko at hindi pa naniniwala, pero nang umalis ang isang nasa harapan ay nakumpirma kong si Alessandro nga iyon.
Anong ginagawa n'ya rito?
Bumulong ako kay Callie at sinabing babalik din bago tumulak papalapit sa lalaki.
Pagkatapos ng dinner namin ng gabing iyon, sandali pa kaming nanatili sa trunk ng kan'yang sasakyan sa playground ng aming village bago kami nilamok kaya nagpasya nang umuwi.
Hindi pa nakakalapit ay nagtama na ang mga mata namin.
I saw his eyes panic for a second, or maybe namalikmata lang ako. Bumalik din iyon sa halos walang ekspresyon n'yang mga mata.
Hindi man lang masaya na nasilayan ako.
"You never said you're invited too,"
Hindi sumagi iyon sa isip ko. Paano ba naman kasi...
Tinitigan n'ya lang ako kaya umirap na at muling nagsalita.
"Sinong kasama mo?"
"Ako lang,"
Stern and cold.
"May nagawa ba 'ko?" Quite disturb by his tone, I asked.
"What? Anong nagawa?"
I sigh.
I almost forgot he's just really snob and annoying. Nakakairita naman!
Ngumuso ako at pinasadahan s'ya ng tingin. Kahit pa pang-ilang beses ko na iyon.
Alessandro's furrowed brows always disturb me, but I can't damn deny he looks so hot when he's this tense. He really looks good in suits, looking formal. So, so good.
I cleared my throat and straighten my body, trying to match his expression and height.
"Where's your date?"
"Kasasabi ko lang na wala akong kasama,"
"Impossible!"
"You should stop asking if you won't believe my answers, Marjorie."
Umirap ako. "Wala talaga?"
He sighs and nodded.
Nilingon ko ang likod n'ya. Madrama naman n'yang tinabunan ang mga mata ko ng malapad na katawan.
"Oh? Sabi mo wala, bakit parang may tinatago ka?"
He clicked his tongue.
"Wala nga," he held my elbow, but I still tried to take a peek on his back.
"Let me see!"
"Ang kulit mo..."
Natigilan ako at nakasimangot s'yang hinarap habang naka-krus na ang dalawang braso.
"You're hiding something."
"Wala akong itinatago,"
"It wasn't a question. I can tell, Alessandro." I scoff. "Just tell me who you're with. Wala naman akong masamang gagawin!"
"I told you, wala nga,' umusog na s'ya pagilid.
Natanaw ko ang likod n'ya, at tanging matatanda lang ang tao roon na nakikinig sa programa.
He could've signed something to get his girlfriend to leave, which I'm not sure how he did, but he could've done it!
Tinitigan ko s'ya lalo.
Behind his stern cold expression, I just can tell that he's disturb by something.
"What are you hiding, hm..."
"Hey,"
Agad akong napalingon sa likod at nakita si Lindsey, sa likod n'ya ay si Callie at Carson na madilim agad ang ekspresyon.
"Are we going na?"
"Yup, I'll be damned if you're gonna ditch us,"
"No," tumawa ako sa sinabi ni Lindsey. "I was just about to go back. Tara na?"
Lindsey is harsh, I think everyone knows that. Ang kaibahan lang, sanay na ako.
We've been introduced since I was in junior high, and she was in college at the time, since our parents are both leaders in this town. We were initially very distant. Although, since we see each other at parties like this all the time, nagkalapit na rin.
"Who's you're with?"
Kita ko ang pagpasada ng tingin nito kay Alessandro sa likod ko.
"Oh, uhm..."
"Wanna come?"
I was about to decline in place for Alessandro when I heard him answer without battling an eye.
"Sure,"
Mabilis pa sa kidlat na napalingon ako sa kan'ya, nagtama ang mga mata namin at alam kong kita n'ya kung gaano kasama ang tingin ko sa kan'ya.
"Paalis na rin naman ako..." he added.
Suminghap ako pero huli na ang lahat dahil tumalikod na si Lindsey. Sumunod naman si Callie, at si Carson na umiling pa muna sa akin.
Alessandro was being difficult to me earlier, and now, with one invitation from Lindsey, he has suddenly become submissive?!
"Come on. Let's go," marahan ang paghawak n'ya sa braso ko na para bang kaunting mali n'ya lang ay sasabog ako.
Well, he is right! Malapit na 'kong sumabog!
Pinaalis ko ang braso sa kan'yang hawak at iritado s'yang inirapan.
Maganda si Lindsey. Hindi malabong matipuhan s'ya ni Alessandro, dahil hindi naman nagkakalayo ang edad nila. Muntik ko nang makalimutan na ilang taon ang tanda ni Alessandro sa'kin.
He has more experience when it comes to girls. Probably why he doesn't like me...
But I do have experience!
Just... not as vast as he has, perhaps.
Why am I bothered anyway? Ano namang pake alam ko? E 'di gustuhin n'ya si Lindsey! Magpakasal na sila!
"Marjorie,"
"Hm?" Lingon ko kay Callie.
"Tahimik ka?"
Mabilis akong ngumisi.
"Daldalin mo 'ko,"
Callie pouted as she looks on the glass she's holding, probably contemplating. Humalakhak na ako at pabiro s'yang hinampas.
Hindi s'ya sanay na tahimik ako.
Hindi ko na rin naman napansin ang katahimikan ko. Masyadong maraming bumabagabag sa isip ko, kahit pa itaboy ko iyon.
Lindsey took us to a club, as expected. She's already dancing with her found friends, Alessandro left a minute a go. I didn't listen to his reason, kaya hindi ko alam kung saan. Si Carson at Callie naman ay nanatili sa aming sofa.
"Who's your boyfriend now, Callie?"
"Huh? Wala!"
"Hmm, that boy still courting you?"
Nag-isip pa s'ya saglit at nagdadalawang isip na tiningnan ako.
"Jacob? Yes..."
"Quite persistent, huh? Kailan mo s'ya sasagutin, kung ganoon?"
After what Leon did to her, it's long past time for her to be happy. I can still feel her pain kahit pa hindi naman s'ya ganoong nagkukuwento tungkol sa nangyari sa kanilang dalawa.
I've met Jacob and he seems like a good man.
"Wala pa sa plano kong pumasok sa relasyon,"
"When do we know when we're ready, anyway?"
"What?"
I smiled and shook my head. "Don't mind me, I'm just blabbering nonsense,"
Nanatili ang tingin sa'kin ni Callie, maski si Carson kalapit ang kung sinong mga babae ay bumaling din ang tingin sa akin.
Nang natanaw ko si Alessandro na pabalik sa aming sofa ay nagpaalam na muna akong pupunta sa bar.
"Gimlet," I uttered and raised a hand.
The bartender then smiled and work on my request.
"Marami pang alak do'n. Why are you here?" Alessandro's voice was emphasized despite the loud booming through the speakers.
"Carson's girls are annoying,"
Ibinaba na ng bartender ang order sa aking harap.
Hindi pa rin nakasagot si Alessandro kaya nilingon ko ito at naabutan s'yang mariin ang tingin sa'kin.
"Nagseselos ka?" He finally asked.
"Does that concern you?"
I'm not jealous of Carson's girls. Hell, I don't even care. Excuse ko lamang iyon dahil ang totoong dahilan ay pabalik na s'ya kaya ako naman ang umalis.
"You should tell him. Muka namang gusto ka rin n'ya,"
Suminghap ako. "Can we not talk about this, please?"
"I'm sorry,"
Hindi ko na s'ya pinansin at nagpalunod na lamang sa mga iniisip.
"Mabuti't pinayagan ka ni Mayor na umalis sa party?"
"Hindi ako nagpa-alam,
He shifts uncomfortably on his seat.
"Hindi ka pagagalitan?"
I shrugged. "Doesn't matter,"
Malakas ang naging pagbuntong hininga n'ya kaya hindi ko napigilan ang lumingon.
"Galit ka?"
"No."
Why would I be mad? Pake ko sa'yo?
Pero hindi ko na itinuloy.
Alessandro sighed dramatically once more. "Then what is our problem?"
"We don't have a problem, Alessandro. Gusto mo, meron?"
"Hindi..." he bites his lip. A ghost smile appeared on his face.
Sa irita ay nag-iwas ako ng tingin.
"Umalis ka na nga! Nandoon sila Lindsey sa sofa! 'Wag mo na 'kong guluhin dito!"
"E'di lumabas din,"
"What?!"
"Why are you so upset, hmm? Marjorie Bernaldez? Nagseselos ka sa mga babae ng kaibigan mong 'yon, o baka naman sinabi mo lang 'yan dahil nagseselos ka naman talaga kay Lindsey? Dahil sa pagsama ko?"
"You're delusional, Mr. Napaka-feeling mo naman! Sino ka sa tingin mo?"
"The man you like?" He now has a smirk on his face.
I hissed. "Ang kapal-kapal! Excuse me, I don't like you anymore!"
Ilang mga ulo ang nakita kong napalingon sa'min kaya imbes na sa kan'ya humarap ay pinagtuonan ko ng pansin ang baso ko.
"Ouch! Ang sakit naman..."
Sinungaling!
Paano ka masasaktan kung hindi mo nga ako gusto?
"I'm really worried though. Sigurado ka bang hindi ka mapapagalitan sa inyo? Dapat nagpaalam ka muna..."
"They don't care, Alessandro."
"Paano mo naman nasabi 'yan?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
He stares at me for a moment before he sighs and pulled my stool closer to him. My face profusely heats at his move.
"A-Ano ba?!"
Itinuon ko ang palad sa kan'yang dibdib, pero hindi n'ya inalintana 'yon at mas pinaglapit pa kami.
"What can soothe you? Hmm...?"
"Ano bang pinagsasabi mo?"
"Gusto kitang ayain na umangkas sa motor ko, pero naka-dress ka,"
"P-Pwe—"
"No. You're not back riding with that dress. May nakita akong restaurant sa labas, do you want to eat?"
"Are you kidding me? I already ate at the party!"
Ngumuso s'ya. "Dapat nga'y marami kang kainin. Buto't balat ka na,"
Umawang ang labi ko at galit s'yang hinampas.
"How dare you!"
He only laughed at my protest and held both of my hands to stop me from punching him. Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kan'ya dahil doon.
"Let's just stay here, then? 'Wag ka nang uminom. Tama na 'yan,"
"Sino ka para magdesisyon sa'kin?"
"The man you like?"
I groan in annoyance as I kick him with so much emotion. Before tucking both my hands and legs in, as he let out a bark of laughter.
...