Bonus🎉
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Cross of paths: His endless love
Cody Villanueva
Fuck hangover. My head's spinning and aching so bad. All thanks to that beer pong last night. Ginulo ko ang aking buhok. Bumangon sa pagkakahiga at naglakad palabas ng kuwarto dahil kanina pa katok ng katok si manang para ipabalita na may bisita daw. Do my presence really need to be there?
I glared. Naglakad ako pababa sa hagdan, but the moment I layed my eye's on her I was taken aback. Not by the way she look, but I don't know also. Something just glued me in the moment her eyes met mine and all I can say is that she's pretty.
Bumaba ang paningin ko sakanyang dibdib kung saan 'medium' size. I saw how she gulped while staring at my body, I wanna laugh or just put a smirk on my lips because I know I'm hot af, but I'm too preoccupied on what's about to happen.
"Son, meet your new babysitter, Holiday Recijeo and Ms. Ricijeo, He's Codly Dwight Villanueva, my only son."
Holiday, just like her smile it screams sunshine in sundays.
She came into my life and messed my plan so bad that I have to thank her for messing it beautifully.
Nasa kwarto ako, katatapos lang mag-bihis nang mag-ring ang telepono ko at nung makita na unregistered caller ang tumatawag madali ko itong sinagot.
I swear if this is another mafia threat---
"Where the hell is nicole?!" napatayo ako nang marinig ang galit na boses ni tito carlos, Nicole's father.
Wait, anong nangyari kay Nicole?!
"Sir? What happen to nicole? Is she alright---"
"Mag to-2 months na siyang nawawala, the police couldn't find her and I'm desperate to find my daughter kahit pa labag sa loob kong tawagan ka... ginawa ko dahil nag-aalala ako para sa aking anak. "
I look down at the floor. Worry consume my whole body, nag-aaalala ako para kay nicole. And that's when I remember morgana's words, I bet she know something!
Tumayo ako at naglakad sa lalagyan ng susi ng mga kotse and then it hit me, fuck, I almost forgot that I'm fucking grounded like a kid!
I messed my hair and sat down beside my bed out of despair. Napatingin ako sa kawalan at biglang sumagi sa aking isip ang mukha ng babysitter ko kuno. Nagmadali akong umalis sa kwarto at saktong-sakto dahil nakita ko siya sa sala.
What's her name again?
Oh, haliday, that beef loaf.
"Give me the keys."
"H-hindi pwede!"
"Sino ka para hindi ibigay sa akin ang susi ko?"
"S-sabi ng mama mo na ako ang masusunod sa b-bahay na'to." ngumisi ako at humakbang palapit sa kanya.
I changed my sarcastic smile into a warning. "I said give me the fucking keys."
She tried to push me kaya mas lalo ko pa siyang ikinulong sa sofa. I lean closer trying to intimidate her and hoping she'll just get hypnotized and make it easy for the both of us, but she's hard so hard that it challenge the beast inside me.
"H-hinding-hindi ko ibibigay sayo."
I grit my jaw. Mabilis kong hinawakan ang kanyang bewang upang mapatayo ko siya. I even lean closer to scare her but it was hopeless.
All of this is Hopeless!
"Don't make me repeat myself again woman." but she keep repeating her words! I combed my hair out of frustration. "If you won't tell me where the fuck is my car keys then I'll just fucking bring my own light's and sounds here, Got it potato head?"
Umirap ako at bintawan siya, naglakad ako paalis sa sala at pumasok sa kwarto. I invited some random people na kakilala ng mga kaibigan ko.
It's already midnight and I'm hosting a party out of my frustration. Kaya ko naman talagang umalis nalang pero may tumitigil sa akin. If I want to move on... I shouldn't think of Nicole? I shouldn't get attached with her anymore.
For crying out loud she left me! Fucked!
"Alam ba ni tita 'to?" tiff asked with her usual bratty tone.
I glared. "No."
"Owww? Bad boy ka na niyan?"
"Fuck off tiffany."
"Haha, I'm waiting for shion."
"I don't like you for my friend." I smirk before taking a sip from my whiskey.
I'm only joking.
Bumaling siya sa akin at pinagtaasan ako ng kilay. "Good, cause I don't just like shion..." what the? pinaglalaroan niya lang ba ang kaibigan ko? Suddenly she matched my gaze with a coldness, she took a sip on her cocktail drink before continuing. "I love him."
Napa-iling ako at tiningnan ang papalayong si Tiffany para salobongin si shion ng yakap sa likod kaya umalis ang dalawa, pumunta a'ta sa swimming pool area.
I drink the last alcohol while looking at the two love birds, I remember someone that I used to treat that way before. I clenched the side of my jaw.
Gusto ko siyang hanapin pero ayaw ko rin. Nalilito ako sa nararamdaman ko. Hindi ko kayang e detalye pero ang alam ko ay si holiday ang dahilan at dapat pagbuntongan ko ng galit dahil hindi niya ako pinayagan kanina. Fuck, I'm talking nonsense.
I shift my gaze on a woman coming down the stairs with her surprised reaction which I was aiming to see. Nang makalapit na siya sa akin at nagka-usap kami ay bigla niya nalang akong sinapak sa mukha, and I god! I really thought she was flirting with me.
I looked at my left side after she throwed a fucking hard blow. Babae ba talaga siya?! She hit like a freaking pro but her fist felt like a metal bat.
Pumasok ako sa kwarto at patumbang humiga sa kama pagkatapos kong iwanan si holiday sa sala na naglilinis sa mga iniwan kong kalat. I should be a fucking happy man but why the fuck am I feeling guilty leaving that woman, cleaning alone.
Ito 'yung gusto ko. Ang pahirapan siya pero bakit hindi ko magawang ipikit ang mga mata at matulog nalang? Fucked, Everytime I close my eyes her angry-poker face sent a cold shiver down my spine. Natatakot ba ako sa babaeng 'yun? No, iba yung takot na nararamdaman ko ngayon. 'Yung takot na mapalapit sa kanya dahil inaamin ko, magaan ang pakiramdam ko kay holiday pero hindi batayan iyon na pwede na siyang pumasok sa buhay ko.
No, I will never let any woman enter my life and leave me after falling hard again. A hard fall to shatter my heart into pieces is a scary thing.
But holiday was an exemption. On the balcony where we gaze above the starry night and as I mesmerized myself on her beautiful soul I realized it wasn't late for me to give myself a chance.
Pero nung umuwi siya pagkatapos ng kanyang day off natako ako na malamang may manliligaw siya. Namaunahan ako ng iba, that's when I realized I'm already linked to her.
"M-manliligaw ko, bakit?" umirap ako, in my head I'm imagining punching all her suitors. Inunahan pa talaga ako, mga tangina.
"At talagang may nagtangkang ligawan ka? Ang lakas naman ng tinira niya." I tried to sound it as a tease pero siguro dahil sa naiinis ako kaya akala niyang hinuhusgahan ko siya.
"Anong sabi mo!?"
"Wala pumasok kana sa kwarto mo,"
She's my savior, my light, the colors of my emotions, the reason why I learned to embrace my mistakes and grow from it.
Nakaharap ako sa screen ng cell ko habang nag s-swipe ng mamahaling damit na pambabae. I could buy her more beautiful clothes keysa sa binili ng manliligaw niya. I can be a fashion expert myself.
Ginising ko siya upang umalis kami at pumunta na sa na-book kong mall. Oo, nag book ako ng mall para lang kay holiday para maka pag-focus siya sa pamimili.
"Anong gagawin natin dito?"
"Mag m-mall malamang."
Umirap siya. "Eh, paano 'yan mukhang close pa ang mall kamahalan?"
"Ts. You're with me, The Codly Dwight Villanueva, hali, I prefer to shopped na ako lang ang costumer."
"Ikaw ba may-ari?"
"Hindi. 'Yung kaibigan ko."
"So?"
I glared. She still couldn't guess it? "I booked the whole mall for us."
"Anong sabi mo?!"
"That I booked the whole mall for us?" I repeat.
"That's not what I meant, What I mean is that malaking gastos 'to!"
Shit. I look like a kid with my head down while this woman is scolding me like my mother. Damn what a tigress.
"But I did this all for y-you..." I couldn't look at her. Great, now my feelings are fucking obvious, hilarious!
It took a minute before she respond. "P-para sa akin?"
"Oo."
"But I don't like shopping for today, mostly not like this. Ayaw kong nagwawaldas ka ng pera dahil sa akin."
Ngayon napatingin ako sa kanya. "Ano ba ang gusto mo?"
It took her a moment before answering, sumakay siya sa kotse at may sinabi siyang address sa akin pero bago kami pumunta sa address na 'yun ay nag drive thru muna kami sa isang sikat na fast food chain upang mag order ng 30 pieces of chicken with spaghetti and 30 pieces of spaghetti with mash potatoes at lahat 'yun take out.
Napatitig ako kay holiday dahil kakasweldo niya lang kahapon at ang mga natitirang libo ang siyang ibinayad niya leaving her wallet empty. I insisted to pay for it but she didn't let me.
First it was weird dahil 60 na pagkain ang inorder niya and I couldn't ask her hanggang sa dumating kami sa isang home for the agent. And I realized this was amazing, She was amazing. Giving and sharing her blessings to the people she doesn't know. Caring for them like they're are family. It was one of the things that I learn from her.
Binigyan niya ng 30 piece ng pagkain ang mga 30 ka tao sa center. And then we drove the car to our next destination and it was an orphanage. Hindi malayo sa center pero nang makita ng mga bata si holiday lahat ng bata sa orphanage ay nagsitakbohan upang salobungin kami.
"Hi ate holiday!"
"Welcome back ate!"
"Ate pasalubong!"
"Ate holiday!"
"Miss ka po namin ate!"
"Ate may dala kang pagkain?" isa lamang iyon sa mga naririnig ko sa mga bata. Habang pinagmasdan ko si holiday may malapad itong ngiti na para bang hanggang langit ang sukatan ng kanyang kasiyahan ngayon. Even the little things can make her smile pricelessly, and strangely, sa simpleng kilos at pag ngiti niya napapangiti nalang din ako.
Mas lalong sumaya ang mga bata nang makita ang dala-dalang pagkain ni holiday. Pagkatapos niyang maibigay lahat ng pagkain ay umupo na kami pareho sa wooden bench.
"Kailan ka pa tumutulong sa mga bata at mga matatanda? This is far from the city." I asked.
"Simula nung dumating ako sa lugar na 'to at dito ko narin nakilala ang matalik ko na kaibigan," she took a long breathe and sigh. "Malapitin ako sa mga bata at mga matatanda. I help elders because they reminded me of my lola, minsan nalang kasi kami nakakapag-usap dahil busy siya sa pagtulong ng mga tao sa probinsya. For the orphans I easily get attached to them dahil alam ko ang sakit na walang magulang."
"Are you an orphan?"
"Nuon? Akala ko pero ngayon hindi ko na alam." she laughed. "Walang deserve na maiwan lalo na kung bata ka pa and that's what these kids want, someone they can call their family. Kaya nung sinabi na may e b-babysit akong bata madali akong um-oo dahil baka nakaramadam siya ng lungkot? That he might think he's alone in the world. So kapag nagkita na kami ay ipaparamdam ko sa kanya na hindi siya nag-iisa. May tahanan siya sa taong hindi niya kadugo dahil 'yun ang pamilya. But I was surprised to know it was you. A playboy na parang bad boy." she giggled.
That was the first sign. I started liking her. And it change into something much stronger. She touched me without reaching, I've love her without knowing. Nag-simula sa pagtingala ng mga tala, isang halik na ngayon hinahanap ko parin sa kanya. Knowing that I'm her first kiss, mas masaya pa ako sa taong nanalo ng lotto!
Siguro 'yun ang dahilan kung bakit ko siya gustong halikan kanina nung nakatulog siya sa sasakyan. She was sleeping peacefully like my future baby. Damn, when did I started getting this corny? I shut my eyes as I prayed to god that he could wash this temptation. Nasa kwarto kaming dalawa ni holiday, umuulan sa labas at walang kurenti dahil nakikituloy lang kami sa isang lumang Inn. The room was freaking quite and awkward, nararamdaman ko rin na gising pa si holiday.
Siguro hindi siya komportable na katabi ako o baka hindi siya makatulog dahil nga katabi niya ako at Ayaw ko siyang mapuyat, kung pwede lang na matulog ako sa sala para komportable na siya dito ay gagawin ko pero pinigilan naman ako ni lola lisa dahil may tumutulong tubig daw duon so I have no choice but to sleep besides holiday.
"Are you comfortable?" I asked out of the blue.
It took her a minute to answer. "Y-yeah, ba't mo na itanong?"
I looked at her back and grit my jaw. "I know you're not. Sorry..."
"Okay lang cody, tanggap ko ang sitwasyon nating dalawa."
I stared at her for a brief moment before making the stupidest idea. Goodness help me. Yinakap ko si holiday pero humingi parin ako ng permisso, I know she was surprised because I just snake my arms around her waist para mag kasya kami sa maliit na kama, this way, me and her will feel comfortable but are we really comfortable?! 'This situation is making me crazy!'
Fuck. Hugging her is happiness.
Touching her is fire.
Calling holiday mine is impossible.
If I could kiss her... she can hold my life forever. At that night I realized I really like holiday, Ang lakas ng tama ko sa kanya na para akong tanga na siya lang iniisip sa pag gising at pag tulog ko!
Sa una hindi ko matanggap dahil ang dali lang, How can I like a woman I barely know?! It frustrates me that she's the weakness I've been hiding and pushing.
She made it crystal clear to me that making her like me back would be impossible. Pinapahalata niya sa akin na hindi niya talaga ako gusto. Natatakot ako sa sarili ko na binibigyan ko siya ng permisso na wasakin ako. Funny as it sounds but I'm willing to get shattered by her.
Mas lalo pa akong natakot dahil putangina! What's that guys name again? Reynolds? Oh, Fucking Ryan. Pairap akong tumingin sa kawalan at napahilot narin sa sintido.
I'm stressed. First this little girl is spreading false rumour about me and her being in a relationship. Crap. Hindi ako pumapatol sa mga bata at hindi ko naman kayang e take advantage ang kabaitan ni saldi. She's a young sweet girl, bubbly too pero wala akong balak na patulan siya and what she said earlier about me and her being a thing was something I couldn't stand.
"The lady said she doesn't want to come with you." I said arriving at the scene where Ryan was pushy, trying to force holiday.
Gusto kong sapakin ang ryan na 'to, Ang ayaw ko sa lahat 'yung namimilit ng babae. Hindi ko hahayaang maranasan ni holiday ang nangyari kay nicole. Maybe I was too late for nicole but I swear to god I won't let holiday down. Not this time!
"... b-bumalik ka nalang duon sa nobya mo!" she shouted with trembling lips.
I look at her gently. I didn't know why I'm fucking happy right now and I have the urge to thank all the deities above me for making her say those words. Somehow a light spark a chance, a chance to be with her, a chance to fight the whole world for her. A chance to love again.
"Mag-usap tayo ng mahinahon."
"Wala tayong pag-uusapan cody."
Fuck. I don't understand her but fuck that. Kahit hindi kita maintindihan mananatili parin ako. It was stupid of me to leave the country if I can't be with her. If I can't have her then I'll just choose to protect her.
"Bakit ganito cody? Katabi kita pero hawak ka ng iba..." hindi naman talaga ako hawak ng iba, hawak mo ako pati ang puso ko and I know you feel it too.
I've been inlove before and I know this feeling but this time it was more stronger than my past, she's stronger andI know her feelings. God, thank you for bringing her and letting me meet the woman I want to be with.
I'm now inlove with you Holiday Ricijeo!
Hindi ko alam pero hindi ko mapigilan na wa'g maiyak dahil kahit tarantado ako at gago may isang babaeng dumating sa buhay ko. Ang makaka-usap ko, ang maiiyakan ko at iingatan ko.
You gave her to me, I'll cherished her forever. My finality is her. Even though my scars from the past aren't completely healed, I'll live with the marks and grow my perspective as a man with her.
"Ang sakit, a-aray!"
Clenching my jaw I carried saldi back to the barn after holiday just turn her back on us and run. Gusto ko siyang sundan kaya ihahatid ko muna si saldi at nang maihatid ko ito ay pina-upo ko si saldi sa isa mga haystack sa labas ng barn, May tao naman dun pero nasa loob nga lang and besides she insisted that I put her there.
Nang magawa ko na ang dapat kong gawin aalis na sana ako upang sundan si holiday nang pigilan ako ni saldi. She was holding my hand tightly, not letting me go.
I sighed loudly.
"Let go."
"Ayaw ko! D-dito ka lang c-cody please?" now I kinda feel bad for her. Hindi ko sinasadya na mahulog siya sa akin, bata pa siya makakahanap rin siya ng mas babagay sa kanya.
"Bitawan mo na ako saldi---"
"Alam kong hahabulin mo siya! Cody, andito ako!"
My brows met each other and I couldn't help but to feel disappointed. "Wala akong pinakitang motibo na may gusto ako sayo." I said calmly.
"A-alam ko pero mahal parin k-kita."
"That's just infatuation, you'll get over it."
"Ayaw! Gusto ko ikaw lang, IKAW!"
I massage the side of my forhead "I'm not having this conversation with you right now kid."
"Dahil ba sa babaeng 'yun?! She's not pretty! Mas mukha pa siyang manang kesa sa mama ko!"
I looked at her unbelievable. Marahas kong kinuha ang aking kamay sa kanyang pagkakahawak at tumalikod. "Kahit mukha siyang manang eh siya parin ang mamahalin ko."
"B-bakit mo siya Mahal?"
Napahinto ako. Hindi ko sinagot ang tanong ni saldi kundi ay nagmadali akong umalis upang hanapin si holiday. Kung meroon mang unang makaalam kung bakit ko siya mahal ay si holiday 'yun. And I found her crying under the rain and fuck, worry consumed me that she might catch a cold.
"Fuck you! I hate you so much! I hate you for making me feel this way! for choosing that girl instead of me! I hate myself because I already like you..!"
'And I'm inlove with you.' Damn, I'm so happy I could literally see stars above me and her smiling face. She's a drug, A drug I'll be willing and happily to get addicted.
"Say it again." I asked breathlessly holding her cheeks and touching both of our forheads while I close my eyes for a brief moment.
"What? that I hate you?!" I chuckled and slowly kiss her cheeks which made her speechless and offguard.
"Say it again baby that you like me..." because this feels like a fucking dream and if this is reality then you're my dream come true.
"I like you cody---"
Sinungaban ko siya ng yakap at napapikit sa saya at pasasalamat. Never have I imagine that I'll love again after nicole but this time I'll make it different.
She's my endless love after all.
"I like you..." for now I'll stick with this, I don't wanna rush things over and surprise her because damn I'm inlove with her so bad that it feels good.
Once I feel her lips to mine again, Katulad parin ito nung una ko siyang hinalikan. Matamis at malambot, puno ng pagmamahal at emosyon.
Simula ng araw na 'yun pinangako ko sa sarili at pati narin sayo holiday, kahit anong problema hindi ako hihinto sa pagmamahal sayo, siguro may mga araw na mapapagod ako pero hindi batayan iyon upang isuko kita.
I earned that love of yours. In every words I say to you will be the truth but I'm scared to loose you by this one lie, I'm willing to be villain to keep you but it will be selfish and I don't like to suffocate you so if one day we'll have to part ways and you will need to let me go, I'll wait for you.
You are not just my home, you're the land, the air I breathe, the love I needed. I am at my weakest when you are crying and I am strongest because of your love for me and the people around you. The direction I belong to is where you are standing with an open embrace.
But it all change because of a sinful night that not a day, month, year goes by I didn't stop repenting. Lasing ako nun sa bar at pauwi na nang makaramdam ako ng pagkakahilo at umaalon naman ang aking paningin and just when I expect myself to hit my face on the ground when someone caught me right on time.
It was a woman. Her slender body reminds me of the woman I am so inlove with. Naaalala ko si holiday sa buhok at kilos niya, The my sunshine I seek in holidays.
I reach her face with my palm to caress her cheeks but I couldn't clearly see her face but I was too drunk to even care. Drunk, and broken I muttered holidays name and I couldn't help but to feel a stab in my chest every time I call out her name.
"H-holiday, baby, I deserve your anger, K-kahit lumuhod ako sa mga maraming tao gagawin ko!" I drunkly muttered, I slap my chest with my own fist while thinking of holiday and seeing her face in that woman's blurry facade. "I prayed for our relationship and for my forgiveness, natakot akong sabihin sayo ang totoo dahil ayokong masira ang dinasal ko sa diyos. But I also know that I needed to tell you the truth but every moment that I spend my time with you I just couldn't get myself to say it. I can't... bare to see that happy face of yours turn into tears because of one damn secret. I love you so much that I'm willing to be the villain just to see you smile without thinking any problem."
Umopo ako sa sahig at sumandal sa sementadong haligi ng bar. I felt the woman's presence lean closer which I immediately waver.
"I'm sorry miss---"
"No, Cody, ako 'to..."
My brows furred. "What?"
"Ako 'to, s-si Ate---I mean, holiday."
My eyes immediately widened and I scan her again but her face is blurry lalo na madilim dito sa labas ng bar. She even lean closer which I immediately stopped her from getting too close.
"Go. I don't have time to play games with you miss."
"Pero cody---"
"How did you know my name---" before I could complete the sentence I puke on the left side and the next thing I remember nawalan na ako ng malay bago huling binitawan ang sinabi. "Baby..."
Bumangon ako at kinusot ang aking mata, I clenched my jaw after feeling the hangover hitting hard, pero halos hindi ko maramdaman ang sakit ng ulo dahil ikinagulat ko ang makita na wala akong saplot. I'm not wearing any shirt, at yung boxer ko naman pahubad na! Fucked! Did I had a one night stand with someone?
Fucking shit! Madali akong umalis sa kama at galit na galit sa sarili at sumulong papasok sa banyo. Tiningnan ko ang aking sariling repleksiyon sa salamin, I wanted to fucking punch myself so bad because of the stupidity that I've done! I'm such a mess. Lumabas ako sa banyo para pumunta sana sa kusina at uminom ng tubig nang sinalubong ako ng isang bisita na sana hindi nalang siya.
"Good morning." saldi, the last person that I expect, showed up wearing the shirt that I was wearing last night!
Lumaki ang aking mata nang narealize kung sino ang babaeng nakasama ko sa buong gabi. "What happened last night?!"
"Nakalimutan mo na agad? You were... so wild last night."
"Fuck! What the fuck saldi?!" I grab her arm. I'm so angry, hindi sa kanya kundi sa sarili ko!
"Bakit? Is it wrong to share a night with me?!"
"Oo! Maling-mali dahil kapatid na ang tingin ko sayo, this is just disgusting!" with red eyes, she slap the hell out of me.
"Well, nangyari na!" at dahil sa galit at desisdidong boses niya mas lalong nagpakumpirma sa akin na nagsasabi siya ng totoo.
I couldn't believe what I have done. Mas pinalaki ko pa ang kasalanan ko kay holiday! God, I am horrible! Walang gabi na nakakatulog ako ng mahimbing, walang araw na may gana akong kumain at magsaya, I am drunk in sadness and rage. I hate myself. I hated that night ever happen. I hated that I let another woman enter this condo other than holiday.
Mas lalong dumoble ang galit ko sa sarili nang makita ko siya sa pintoan, katulad ng dati maganda at maamo, ibang iba sa mga babaeng nakilala sa tanan buhay ko. Siya lang ang babaeng kaya akong pasayahin sa simpleng galaw at kaya akong patayin sa bawat patak ng kanyang luha dahil sa kalungkotan.
"I'm sorry kung pagod ka na cody wa'g naman sana ganito. Mahal na mahal kita at marami akong narealize at isa na dun yung pagmamahal mo sa akin. You're always a warrior, ready for any battle that'll throw in our relationship. Parati kang matatag kaya sana this time let me, let me be the one to protect our relationship."
Oh man, Her, telling these is making me regret what I've done all over again. Baby you deserve someone better even if I don't like seeing you in the arms of another man but maybe it's better that way? Tangina ang sakit, hindi kita gustong lokohin, ayaw kitang lokohin pero kung tatanggapin mo ulit ako... para narin kitang niloko.
"Leave me alone!" I shut the door close infront of her face. Naglakad ako papunta sa kwarto at naglock, I cried the pain, I cried the anger, All I did was to cry all day, leaving me defenseless and unmanly but fuck it, I'd rather choose to be fragile in the dark than to act like a man without balls in the light!
Gumising ako sa oras na gusto ko, it's been a month since that incident happen. Parati tumatawagan si mama para mangumusta, may pinapadala din siyang taga linis dito sa condo dahil sa kalat and I appreciate it even though I couldn't face my mom. My whiskers grew, sa school works naman ay nagawan ko ng paraan, tinulongan ako ng mga barkada na maka pag kompleto sa requirements at mga lessons kahit na hindi ako pumapasok sa school. I haven't heard from holiday ever since that unforgettable day. I heard nasa school pa daw siya pumapasok pero I stopped getting news from her just this month at ayaw ko na makialam sa buhay niya.
Pumunta ako sa kusina upang kumuha ng tubig na maiinom nang mag ring ang door bell. Wala akong ineexpect na bisita kaya curious ako kung. Binuksan ko ang pintoan and to my surprise it was no other than the brat, Tiffany. My freaking childhood enemy.
"What are you doing here?"
She glared at me, pumasok siya sa loob kaya umirap ako at isinara ang pintoan. "You're place look like a depressed zone." 'you sound more depressed than me.'
"So?"
"Kaya dito ako matutulog."
Umiba ang templa ng mukha. "Stop playing around and go back to your lover boy." I said referring to shion.
"No way! manigas siya! He punch my co-worker at work! Nag tra-trabaho lang kami." busangot niyang reklamo.
I glared. "Nagtratrabaho? Dude, you should've seen how he touched you like he's devouring you."
"Kaya nga acting diba?"
"Kahit offscreen?"
"I'm not like that kaya! Pag off screen naman kino-comfort ko si shion."
Umirap ako at napakamot. "So what's the use of you being here? Go and comfort your man and leave me out of this. I'm fucking over with love shit."
Pinagtaasan niya ako ng kilay. "Love shit? WHAT DO YOU MEAN LOVE SHIT?! Hindi ka pa kasi naiinlove kaya ganyan ka."
Umirap ako at iniwan siya sa sala habang pumuputak na parang manok. Yeah, love shit. I know love and it's full of sweets but sometimes you can it's full of shit, like forever kayong dalawa lang pero ngayon ikaw nalang mag isa at ang forever na 'yun? Dinala na ng hangin.
Pumasok ako sa kwarto para matulog, and minutes later she started knocking on my door like a toddler on the loose. I had to cover my ears with my pillows just to ignore her but damn her and her noisy mouth.
"Cody!!!!! Cody!!!! Coooodeeeeee!!!!"
Pinagbuksan ko siya ng pinto. "What?!"
"Shave your whiskers at magpagupit ka narin, Go to the mall and buy me a bouquet of red roses."
"What would I freaking do that?"
"Oh you will or else---"
"---or else What?"
"Dito ako mag s-stay for one month."
I looked at her unbelievable. Having her here for an hour already drives me crazy, ano pa kaya kapag one month siya andito? Mag papamental talaga ako.
"You're evil."
"I know." I glared at saka nagpasya na sundin siya. First, I shaved my whiskers at pumunta sa sikat na barbershop. Nagpagupit ako and while looking at myself in the mirror, parang bumalik ako sa dating ako, Yung hindi ko pa nakikilala si holiday.
Holiday...
I shut my eyes to stop thinking of our memories. Nagpasalamat na ako sa barbero at pumunta na sa mall at nang makahanap ng simpleng flower stall ay bumili ako at para makaganti sa kanya, nagsulat ako sa card ng 'You smells like poop in the morning and the most smelly person I know.' I plastered an evil smile habang inilagay iyon sa gitna ng bulaklak. Mukhang magugustohan niya tung red roses.
Bumalik ako sa condo at nang makita ko siya sa sala na naka large t-shirt. Watching her favourite drama with popcorn. Talagang nangialam sa mga pagkain ko.
"Here's your flowers." I sarcastically said.
"Goody!" she said clapping at tumayo. "Ipag d-drive mo ako ngayon."
"What the hell?"
"Yep, you heard it right kaya magbibihis lang ako wait."
Umirap ako. Pagkatapos niyang magbihis ay dumiretso na kami sa fashion show niya. Nasa parking area lang ako at nang bumalik siya sa loob ay para siyang toro, galit na pumasok sa loob ng sasakyan at sinakal ako ng limang segundo.
"What the fuck tiff?"
"You moron! Alam mo bang napahiya ako sa binigyan ko ng bulaklak?" nanlaki ang aking mata. It was supposed to be her, hindi ko naman alam ibibigay niya sa iba.
"Kanino mo ba binigay?"
"Kanino pa? E'de sa future husband ko!"
"Shion?"
"Oo!" I burst a laugh after knowing she gave it to shion. Halos hampasin niya ako ng chanel bag dahil sa galit at inis. "Stop laughing you prick!"
"Akala ko ba galit ka sa kanya?"
"Eh miss ko na, may angal ba?!"
"Okay, I'm sorry. Sasabihin ko nalang kay shion na sa akin galing 'yun."
"Dapat lang! You're so putangina!"
Umirap ako at pinigilan ang matawa saka siya hinatid sa condo. Ayaw niya pa kasing umuwi sa condo nila ni shion dahil nahihiya siya. Pumasok ako sa kwarto at nagbihis, kinuha ko ang aking telepono at tiningnan ang inbox ko,
Holiday
I'd like to call her but I couldn't. I just can't.
I turned off my phone, habang nakatingin ako sa kisame na wala sa sarili hanggan makatulog. When I woke up because of a beep from my phone. An odd message from Tiffany.
Tiffany:
I'm so sorry. Umuwi na pala ako because I cannot bear your depressing place.
It was odd why she suddenly left and surprisingly she freaking apologize for the first time but I didn't care. Sa gabing 'yun may bago nanaman akong bisita and it was an unexpected guest. I showed her a cold gaze. Kahit na galit ako sa ginawa niya hindi rin tama na sa kanya ko ibuntong lahat ng pagkakamali ko.
"What are you doing here nicole?"
"I-im... sorry... I'm sorry. Cody... sorry." halos mapaluhod na siya pero I didn't let her.
"I don't know how to forgive you nicole pero I still respect you. Biktima ka parin pero you can't force someone to be with you dahil lang nangyari yun nuon sayo. Nicole, I would do everything to prevent that night ever happen to you, na iligtas ka dahil alam kong nasaktan ka pero sinaktan mo rin ako. Is it wrong to be... happy? Kahit hindi na ikaw dahilan? Masaya na ako sa kanya kahit sa mga natitirang panahon na kasama ko siya naging masaya ako ng sobra-sobra pa."
"I just love you... kaya nagawa ko 'yun."
"You love me before, you're not inlove with me now. You're only holding onto our past, but it's all in the past nicole, nagbago na lahat pati ikaw."
"I'm s-sorry?"
"Love yourself first, find hope and will to live. Don't depend your life on someone."
Tumango siya at nagdadalawang isip na yakapin ako, so I had to hug her first. I hug her like before but without the love I felt towards her but only care for a friend.
"C-cody, I need to tell you something about holiday. Ngayon lang sinabi ni professor na hindi na daw duon mag-aaral si holiday."
My brows met each other. "What? Saan naman? Sa ibang academy na ba?"
Umiling siya. "She's... transferring abroad."
Halos naglinya ang pandinig ko, I couldn't blink my eyes, my heart stopped beating for a minute. Para akong istatwa nang ilang minuto at alam ko lang kinuha ko ang susi ng sasakyan at madaling nagmaneho papunta sa mansion nila.
Fuck, Oo! Pinagtabuyan ko siya pero hindi ko kaya, hindi ko kayang mawalay sa kanya. I am eating my own words, Wala na akong maisip kundi siya at ang pigilan siya. I hope I'm not too late but when I got there nasalubong ko ang kuya niya.
"Please let me talk to your sister---" hindi ko pa nga nakukumpleto ay binulaga ako ng sapak nang kapatid niya.
"Ang kapal ng mukha mo! Para ano pa? Para gulohin ang buhay niya? Fuck! Dude, let her grow! Let her be! That's just teenage love!"
"No! It's not just teenage love, She's already my everything from the beginning! My endless love."
"Kung mahal mo siya let her go. If she's your endless love then you'll have to wait like decades! Let her grow as a woman, to accomplished things as a woman. Wa'g puro pagibig kung hindi mo pa alam buhayin."
"I can, I can work hard---"
"Then prove it, not just to her, but for us! Her family. Prove to me that you deserve my sister." and he left.
It's been eight years since that happen. Inayos ko ang aking necktie at ang botones ng aking palapulsohan ng polo. I stand infront of the skyscrapers. Inaalala ang nangyari five years ago nung pumunta ako sa amerika upang sundan siya.
She was working as a student doctor sa isang hospital. It was a coincidence that I saw her there, hindi ko alam kung nakita niya pero I was there because of business. Pero madali akong umalis dahil mukhang may bago na siya, the way that foreigner held her hand and how she smiled at him for assistance. Oo na, nagseselos ako kaya bago pa ako mambulabog umalis na ako ang hindi ko alam baka nakita niya ako at sana nakita niya ako.
Mas lalo pa akong nahulog at nahulog ng paulit-ulit nung makausap ko siya ulit sa Maldives, ang makasama siya sa iisang kwarto, Ang pagmasdan ang private jet na sinasakyan niya pauwi masigurado ko lang na ligtas siya.
I become even more defenseless when she took care of me when I was sick. Kahit pa walong taon na ang nagdaan pinapakarera niya parin itong puso ko. And when that day happen, when I needed to break free, kahit pa hindi ko malaman ang totoo sa pagitan ng nangyari sa amin kuno ni saldi ay parang babalik at babalikan ko parin si holiday. Hindi ko kaya eh, siya parin. Handa ako sa galit niya para sa akin, handa akong maghintay para sa kanya.
I stood and welcome her as she came in to our special garden, Wearing a white fitted dress hugging her mature body, I proposed to her for the third time. I saw how tears glisters in those eyes as she cried in joy. Ibinigay ko sa kanya ang puting rosas, at ang pula naman ay nasa loob ng singsing.
"This ruby symbolizes my blood, sweat and tears throughout our love. You're my precious ruby, red and fierce like the day I first saw you. Kung dapat paulit-ulit akong magpropose then I'll do it. You bring sunshine in my worst moment, and lastly you accepted my vulnerability. You've become my friend, family, lover, and soon to be my wife. Holiday Ricijeo, I'm kneeling infront you again, the most amazing woman to take me as her man forever... will you?"
"Marry you?" she grin holding both of my cheeks.
"Will you join me in church to exchange our I do's?"
Tinagilid niya kanyang ulo at marahan na lumapit upang halikan ako sa labi. I close my eyes and kiss her back, I felt her wet tears, so I had to wipe it off. When I did that, hinawakan niya ako sa kamay at hinalikan ito.
"I do and I will marry you." she whispered.
I grin. Tumayo ako at ipinasuot sakanya ang singsing. I hugged her curves, ibinaon ko ang aking mukha sa kanyang leeg, I slightly plant a kiss on it before facing her lips.
"I'm lucky to have you." she said between our kisses.
I smiled in contentment. If there was a word that could overpower money more than anything it will always be love. Because as I achieve many promises in my life, I realize she was the first promise that I still haven't fulfill, her besides me can make me dream more and achieve more goals. Love made me a better man not just to deserve her but for myself, as I love her I begin to love myself as a man and she thought it all to me. My sweet holiday.
"Mahal kita."
Napangiti ako habang inaala ang gabing iyon. My phone beep and when I saw who it was I just couldn't help but to smile.
Wife:
Bili mo ako ng mangga ah? I love you♡
Ngumiti ako.
Me:
Sure wifey, I love you too♡♡♡♡♡
And I click the send button with a smile on my face. Tumalikod ako at naglakad papunta sa picture frame namin holiday, it was our wedding picture. Out of the blue a smile crept around my lips, I can't wait to see me and holiday build our own happy family.
The End.