Part 12
Kanina pa ako nakauwi sa bahay. Kailangan ko na rin umuwi dahil hinahanap na ako ni Tita. At isa pa, hindi ko kayang doon manatil especially if Tito Dylan was there, Darlene and I just caught hugging each other while sleeping. May hiya naman ako kahit papaano, 'no, lalo na nandoon pa iyong ibang cousins ni Darlene.
Pakiramdam ko may ginagawa akong masama kahit wala naman dahil sa mga tingin nila. I stayed at the house instead to take some sleep then after that I did my work. Umalis rin ako ng bahay para dumaan sa SHS para kumuha ng exams, it's not mine, it's for Darlene.
"Nix!" It was Laureen. Huminto siya sa harap ko. "I heard about what happened to your baby. How is she?"
"She's fine." Iniwan ko rin siya pero kaagad rin sumunod. "She just needs to rest."
"Oh, then that's good to hear! I'll visit her tomorrow or maybe later!" Paalala niya bago lumiko papunta sa classroom niya.
Dumiretso na ako sa office then I saw Sir. Lazarus standing in front of the table. Nasa sofa si Ms. Catalina at may binabasang papel. Nilingon naman niya ako, his brow shot up.
"What brought you here?" He asked.
"I want an exam paper, Lazar—I mean, Sir, Lazarus," sagot ko. "Don't ask why, okay? Just give a damn paper."
Kumuha naman siya sa cabinet at binigay sa akin. Umalis rin ako sa agad. Sa condo ang diretso ko. Ayokong mag-exam sa school. Panay pa ang tawag ni Harris sa akin pero hindi ko pinapansin hanggang sa sinagot ko na.
"[Alam mo, Nix, pansin ko lang... you're changing. Seriously, ginagawa mo talaga 'yan kay Darlene?]"
"What's wrong with that?" Binaba ko ang hawak na ballpen.
"[You're changing because of her. And... about the rule, Nix. Don't fall for her.]"
"You know what, Harris, huwag nalang kayo makialam. This is what you all want, right? Sinimulan niyo 'to. And if I fall then it's not your—or everyone's problem anymore, okay?" I ended the call.
I held my forehead as I let out a heavy sigh. Kung ano man ang ginagawa ko, labas kung anong sinasabi ni Harris. Lahat ng gusto ko iparating kay Darlene, totoo. From my words about her, it's all true. All of those are true.
Nagbasa ako ng mga chat sa group chat. Hinahanap pa rin pala ni Darlene sa Dash. I am curious, may gusto ba talaga 'to kay Dash? I mean, they were really close before so it's not surprising if she really liked Dash. But if she is, why does she kiss me back everytime that I am kissing her?
Napatingin ako sa screen nang mabasa ang last chat ni Darlene.
Darlene Miranda: KAYONG MGA BWISIT KAYO!!! MALAMAN KO LANG TALAGA KUNG NASAAN SI DASH !!! HINDING HINDI KO NA KAYO KAKAUSAPIN!!!😡 BWISIT! BAHALA KAYO!! LALO KA NA VELASQUEZ.
Why am I dragged on this? But, damn, nakakatakot naman ang banta niya. Tinapos ko ang gawain bago kinuha ang susi ng kotse.
Nag-message ako sa isang group chat na dumiretso na sila sa Hospital dahil may pupuntahan pa ako. May lunch kami ngayon sa restaurant and I really need to go there. My family is waiting at the restaurant kaya kailangan kong sumunod.
"Nandito na pala si Phoenix." Tita Grace stood up when she saw me. "Nix, nandito pala 'yong Mom ni Iris, the one you introduced to me before?"
Nilingon ko si Tita Iza, Iris' Mother. "Ah, good afternoon, Tita..." Anong ginagawa ni Tita Iza dito? Did Tita Grace invite her here?
"Hey, am I late na ba?"
Nilingon ko ang likod nang marinig ang boses ni Iris. Nagsalubong ang kilay ko dahil talagang nandito nga siya. Her shock eyes slowly became happy.
"Wow, nandito ka pala Nix. Hi, Tita," bati niya kay Tita Grace.
"Hi, Iris," ngiti ni Tita.
"What is she doing here?" bulong ko kay Lala.
She shrugged, confused. Nag-aya nang maupo si Tita Iza kaya wala akong nagawa kundi ang maupo sa tabi ng dalawang kapatid ko. They were too confused why they are here, ang akala nila ay kami kami lang ang magla-lunch.
"Pasensya na if we shared a one table, ito kasing si Iza ay nag-aya!" Tita Grace informed. Mukhang nahalata niyang nagtataka ako. "Anyway, are you still studying in GFS, Iris?"
"Yes po, Tita. After graduating, I am planning to take a BS Tourism," Iris smiled then shifted her eyes at me. "How about you, Nix?"
Hinintay nila ang sagot ko. "I still don't know yet."
"Then you should think about your like, I mean kung sa ano mo nakikita ang sarili mo," Tita Iza said, nakatingin sa akin. "Anyway, medyo matagal pa naman but I think it's better if you are prepared."
I don't know where my future will go. I didn't respond. I felt my phone vibrating. Trevor's name appeared on my screen. Hindi ko sinagot ang tawag. I messaged him instead.
To: Trevor
I'm at the restaurant. Having lunch. Just stay at Dash's room.
"May girlfriend na itong si Nix!" Dinig kong sinabi ni Tita Grace, tapping my shoulder. "First girlfriend niya 'yon, hindi ko pa nakikila pero pakiramdam ko ay mabait. Teka, anak iyon ng Tito Dylan mo, ano?"
Right, girlfriend raw kita, Darlene? Sana totoo nalang, damn. I can't take this delusion of mine.
"Opo, Tita. Kapatid rin ni Darius," sagot ko sabay tingin sa kanila.
Iris' eyes suddenly filled with irritation. She tried to smile at my Auntie but when her eyes looked mine, halos kasuklaman niya na si Darlene. How funny, wala namang ginagawa sa kaniya 'yong tao.
"Really, kaibigan mo si Darius, 'di ba, Iris? Madalas ang batang 'yon sa amin. Ang akala ko pa nga ay sila nitong si Iris, paano ba naman kasi madalas kong makita sa patio na magkasama, magkahawak pa ng kam—"
"We are just friends, Mom. And it was before, we are considering ourselves as friends. Besides, hindi ako pumapatol sa mga user." Humigpit ang hawak ni Iris sa knife.
Suddenly, all of them became curious about what she's talking about. Nahinto na rin si Lala sa pagkain para makinig. My phone vibrates once again. Hinahanap na nila ako sa Hospital.
"Mauuna na po ako, Tita. My friends are waiting at the Hospital." I kissed Tita Grace's forehead then Phoebe and Lala. Tinapik ko naman ang balikat ni Preston. "Tita Iza, I'll go now. Thank you for having lunch with us." Nilingon ko si Tita Grace. "I'm going now, excuse me." I smiled then excused myself.
I know what Iris' talking about. She's saying that Darius used her. Alam ko naman 'yon, iyon ang ginawa niya noon. Ginusto ni Darius na masira ako—kaming lahat by using Iris before. And I think he did. He really broke us. But what happened to me and Iris are different, totoong minahal ko rin siya noon. At masakit na ginawa niya lang 'yon dahil sinabi ni Darius. He really just used her just what I did to Lara, I guess?
Darius and I are really best friends, huh. Marunong gumamit ng tao para lang gantihan ang isa't isa.
"What does it feel to know that Darius is a user just like you, Phoenix?" Iris suddenly blocked my way.
Tiningnan ko siya. "What the fuck are you talking about?"
She gave a smile, a plastic one. "Yes, you and Darius are a user, Nix. You heard me, pareho kayong manggagamit ng kaibigan mo. All I thought na mahal rin ako ni Darius noon kaya pumayag ako sa gusto niya. Na kapag sumunod ako sa kaniya baka pwede niya rin akong mahalin katulad ng ginagawa ko. Pero mali pala, hindi niya rin pala ako kayang mahalin pabalik dahil mula noon hanggang ngayon... iyong namatay niyang girlfriend ang mahal niya. Na ginamit niya lang talaga ako para magantihan ka, dahil katulad niya... you are a user too. Ginamit mo iyong girlfriend niya para lang gantihan siya." She breathed heavily, trying to stop her emotions.
"Darius and I different, Iris—"
"You are both users, Nix. Stop denying it. Baka nga ginagamit mo 'yong babae na 'yon dahil kapatid ni Darius, or maybe you're doing something behind her!"
"Stop it, Iris! Labas si Darlene dito, labas siya dito. Now fucking get out of my fucking way, and please... stop mentioning her." Binuksan ko ang pinto ng kotse.
Inalis ko ang tingin sa kaniya. I went straight to the Hospital. Lahat ng sinasabi ni Iris, nasa utak ko. Paulit ulit ko lang naalala. So, Iris loved Darius before but Darius didn't feel the same. At ngayon, ako ang ginugulo ni Iris because she thinks that I still love her? No way, I won't love her anymore. Noon oo, pero ngayon... hindi na.
Sa loob kaagad ng kwarto ni Dash ang diretso ko. Nandoon nga silang lahat, nagtatawanan. Nang makita nila ako pare-pareho silang natigilan.
"You're here, finally... saan ka ba galing?" Rafael asked.
"Restaurant, kaya lang naman ako nandito dahil sa sinabi ni Darlene." Kung hindi ko lang kinatatakutan na hindi niya ako papansinin ay hindi ako pupunta dito, e.
"Oh, so natatakot ka?" Harvey's brow shot up.
"Well..." I shrugged.
Niyaya ko sila para puntahan ang mahal na Reyna namin. Nakasabay pa namin sina Gianna then later they'll visit Dash. By the way, he needs to be operated on because of what happened. Well, we are just hoping na makaya niya.
Pumasok kami sa loob. Nandoon pala ang pamilya ni Darlene. My eyes went to her side. Irap niya agad ang nakita ko. Sungit, ah. Does she have a period today?
Binati pa namin sina Tita Serine. Nandito rin pala si Darius. Napabaling ang tingin ko kay Darlene nang may iniluwa siya. Damn, that's disgusting... but it's alright. Mukhang expensive ang saliva ng isang Miranda, kahit ako, e, basta siya willing ako mabasbasan.
"Ano ngang ginagawa niyo rito? Matutulog na ako, oh!"
Sumandal ako sa pader, nakatitig sa mga ginagawa niya habang pinapakinggan siya. How damn pretty. Kahit naka-hospital gown at naka-messy bun ang buhok, maganda pa rin. Hindi na siya namumutla katulad noong nakaraan, mapula na ang labi niya. Ah, I missed kissing those lips.
"You're starting too much, Nix. Baka matunaw, ah," puna ni Renz.
"Ano ngang ginagawa niyo dito?" Darlene asked once again.
I told her that we will go to Dash. Ayaw pa siyang payagan ng dalawang kapatid niya, papansin kasi masyado ang dalawang 'yon. Tiklop naman pagdating kay Tita Serine at Darlene.
Niyaya ko na sila labas. Hawak ko ang dextrose ni Darlene. Nasa tabi ko siya at ang iba ay nasa likod. Inayos ko ang likod niya bago nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
"Bakit kasi kailangan pa ng dextrose?"
Pinitik ko ang kamay niya nang balak niyang tanggalin. "Stupid, Dextrose can be utilized as a source of energy quickly." Para kahit na wala siyang kinakain may lakas siya.
"You need that since your body is still slightly weak." Trevor added.
As expected... They have a comment.
"Pre, may naintindihan kayo?"
"Ewan ko sa kanilang dalawa. Nakakabobo."
Nang makarating sa kwarto ni Dash pinauna ko si Darlene. She was amazed by this place. Ikaw ba naman ay anak ng may ari? Of course, you have a special treatment.
Naupo si Darlene sa sofa matapos makuha ang dextrose. I don't know where to start so I just tell her straightly what happened to Dash.
"Dash was shot," I informed.
She was shocked, yes. Hindi naman iyon mawawala sa kaniya. Sinabi ko rin ang dahilan kung bakit ganoon ang nangyari. Hindi naman namin ginusto iyong nangyari, that wasn't her fault too. It was the enemy's fault kung bakit nalagay si Dash sa ganoong sitwasyon.
At katulad ng sinabi ko sa mga 'to, ayokong mag-alala si Darlene kaya hindi ko muna pinaalam. Alam ko namang mahalaga si Dash sa kaniya and she deserves to know too, she's Dash's friend after all.
"Pero paano kayo napunta sa ganoong sitwasyon."
"Noong araw na nag-mall tayo. May sumusunod sa atin n'on kaya para siguraduhin na ligtas ka, nilihis namin sila ng direksiyon," Arvin replied. "Kaso magaling talaga sila dahil nahanap ka nila at tignan mo. Nabaril ka..." he added. "... at si Dash."
"We failed to protect you," I suddenly said. "We let you hurt." My job was to make her safe but it didn't happen.
"We're all sorry for that..."
"Wala naman kayo dapat i-hingi ng sorry. Saka, maayos na naman ako. Hindi niyo kasalanan."
She's so kind. Damn kind. Pero hindi naman 'yon ang tinutukoy ko, I was talking about our... bet towards her. You know... while protecting her, we'll do something behind her. We were fooling her, stupid right.
"Hindi naman 'yon ang tinu—." I cut Harvey off.
"Even though we failed as friends." I stared at her face, feeling guilty.
Tumingin silang lahat sa sa akin, they know why I said that. Inalis ko ang tingin sa kanila at hindi na nagsalita. Ayoko ng pag-usapan ang tungkol doon.
"Kilala niyo ba sila? O kaya kung anong dahilan para gawin 'yon?"
Iyon nga ang inaalam ko ngayon. I want to know behind this... gusto kong malaman kung bakit kailangan nilang gawin 'yon kay Darlene
I want to know why they want you and to be gone, Darlene. I'm not convinced of Tita Serine's answer. I know there's a reason behind this, and I want to know that reason.
"We don't know the reason, maybe Tita Serine knows or Tito Dylan," si Trevor.
"Try to ask her," udyok ko.
Sumimangot naman siya. "Ayaw nga kasi ni Mama. Soon raw! Kahit yata si Papa hindi sasabihin sa akin kung sakaling mag-tanong ako, gano'n rin kay Kuya at Darius." Umirap siya. "Ni katiting na sagot wala akong makuha."
Ang sikreto naman ng pamilya niya.
"What about you? Do you have clues?"
She shook her head. "Wala nga kasi. Tsk! Ayaw kasing sabihin sa akin, e. Deserves ko naman malaman dahil buhay ko ang kinukuha. Nagkahiwalay kaming dalawa ni Mama kaya wala rin akong alam tungkol sa kaniya."
I know that... nasabi na niya 'yan sa akin, e.
"Nagkahiwalay?" Dice asked.
She nodded. "Iniwan niya kasi ako kay Papa noong two years-old ako at si Darius lang ang kasama niya no'n kaya pati kami ni Darius ay nagkahiwalay. Nagkakilala at nagkita lang kami noon noong field trip namin tapos sinuntok ko siya sa ilong."
My forehead creased as I heard her last sentence. I know this scene! I was there! Darius was my best friend back then! At hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ay 'yong may batang babae na sumuntok sa kaniya. Hindi ako makapaniwala na isang batang babae ang magpapabagsak kay Darius noon.
"Tapos may putanginang lalaki na nakiepal." She rolled her eyes once again. "Buti nga sa kaniya... inaasar niya kasi ako, e, kaya pati siya sinuntok ko."
I was fucking shocked by her words. Fuck, when I was with Darius, a girl punched my nose! Ang sakit kaya no'n! At kung iisipin... kapatid ni Darius si Darlene noon pa man, at nagkita silang dalawa noon sa field trip?
What the fuck... don't tell me si Darlene ang kauna-unahang babaeng sumuntok sa akin?! And as far as I remember the reason why the girl punched me, because I was teasing her! Napabagsak ako ng isang babae n'on.
"Is your field trip in EK?" I asked to make sure if it was really her.
"Oo, bakit?" Oh, fuck. Siya nga.
I shook my head. "Nothing." Fuck, so siya nga!
Hindi ako makapaniwala na nagawa akong pabagsakin ni Darlene noon. So that means... sa kanya rin ang bracelet na nasa akin hanggang ngayon? I have been taking care of that bracelet ever since I found it.
Wow, what a small world for us. We've seen each other before, she is my first kiss and the bracelet I found a year ago is hers. At ngayon, nagkita ulit kami and whether I admit it or not... iyong taong first kiss ko ay crush ko.
Nanatili kami sa kwarto kung nasaan si Dash habang iniisip ko pa rin iyong mga nalaman ko. I really can't believe that it was her! Hindi ko na talaga 'to pakakawalan, I won't let that happen.
"Huy, nag-message si Kuya sa 'yo," si Darlene nang lumabas sa screen ang pangalan ni Drake. Hawak niya ang phone ko. Binigay naman niya sa akin.
Binasa ko ang message. Napairap nalang ako nang mabasa 'yon.
From: Drake
Ibalik mo na ang kapatid mo. Baka tinatakas mo na.
I didn't reply. Pinatay ko ang cellphone ko. Wala sa ugali ko magtakas, kidnap ang ginagawa ko. I'd rather kidnap Darlene kaysa sa ganoon, walang thrill.
Nagpaalam rin naman ang iba para umuwi, but they will be back later. Nahiga na agad sa kama si Darlene para matulog, inaantok na raw kasi siya.
"Sigurado kang ayaw mo ng katabi?" I asked and I received a middle finger from Darlene.
I chuckled. Gumilid na siya at pumikit. Tinakpan pa niya ang tainga bago nagpatuloy sa pagtulog. Napatingin ako sa dalawang kapatid niya na masama ang tingin sa akin.
"Why are guys glaring at me?"
"You're flirting with my sister. Tigilan mo nga." Masama ang tingin ni Darius sa akin.
"I am just not flirting with her, I actually... like her, you know." I shrugged, chuckling.
"Umalis ka nga dito, Nix," iritang sambit ni Drake.
Tinawanan ko lang sila. Ang sarap nilang bwisitin dalawa. Tumayo na ako para umuwi na. Nasa likod ko pala si Darius nang lumingon ako.
"Darius, si Darlene ba 'yong babaeng nagpabagsak sa 'yo sa field trip?" I asked while we're walking.
Matagal bago siya sumagot "Yes, why? Are you gonna laugh because Darlene punched me on the nose? Gano'n ka rin naman, 'di ba?"
"You're still a Darius I know. Tss... so fucking talkative." I said before rolling my eyes.
"And you're still a Phoenix I know. You still like to tease a fucking person."
I didn't say anything and he did the same. Pero sadyang madaldal si Darius dahil talagang nagsalita pa.
"Good for you, you remembered her."
"I actually don't. Naalala ko lang kanina nang mabanggit niya. Pinabagsak ako ng kapatid mo." Next time si Darlene naman ang pababagsakin ko but not like what she did to me... I want it in a different way.
"You deserve that, you teased her."
Totoo namang toothless si Darlene noon. Tsaka, napikon siya. Nasuntok nga lang ako. Wait... I just realised that this is the first time Darius and I talk normally. Without madness and hatred for each other.
Lumabas na ako ng hospital para makauwi na. He stayed outside of the hospital just to smoke. He even offered me but I refused. I drove my car home, this time I'll rest.
Laureen texted me too, they were planning to visit Darlene. Nangyari naman ang gusto niya. Madalas rin silang nakikitulog sa kwarto ni Darlene. We even went camping in her hospital room.
At nang madischarged si Darlene, lagi ko na siyang kinukulit. And we're still hoping that Dash will wake up. Kakatapos lang ng operation sa kaniya kaya alam naming gigising na siya.
"Darlene, takbo ka nang takbo," puna ko nang makita siyang tumatakbo sa hallway ng hospital.
Kakagaling lang namin sa hospital church to pray for Dash's condition. Nauna na sila Trevor paalis dahil kahapon pa sila dito kaya kaming dalawa na lang ang naiwan sa Hospital.
"Hindi na po." Pumirmi naman siya. "Ay, wheel chair, o! Tulak mo ako!" Naupo siya at hinila pa ako.
"Did you forget your vitamins, Darlene? Why so hyper?" Habol ko ang hininga kakahabol sa kaniya.
"Tulak mo na ako." Niyugyog niya ang braso ko.
Tinulak ko siya. "Ayan na, tinulak na kita."
"Ih, parang ewan. Hindi ganyan! Itong wheelchair, itulak mo! Bilis na! Dali—wait! Wait lang! Ang bilis!" reklamo niya nang tinulak ko siya. "Hoy, Phoenix! May tao—masusubsob ako!"
Tinawanan ko siya nang tinigil ko ang pagtulak sa kaniya. Masama ang tingin niya sa akin.
"Muntik na 'yon, hmp!" Irap niya. "Tara, racing nalang tayo. Kapag nanalo ka, ililibre mo ako."
"What? Grabe naman ang deal mo, imagine, ako na ang nanalo then I'll still treat you? You're the one who should treat me," reklamo ko naman.
"O, sige—"
May lumapit na nurse kaya natigil siya sa pagsasalita. I held Darlene's arm then looked at the nurse.
"Bawal po ang maglaro sa hallway. At pahiram po ng wheelchair. Gamit po 'yan ng lalaki doon." She pointed to the man who had a bandage on his feet.
Darlene and I coughed. Gamit pala 'yon ng lalaki. Tumango naman si Darlene sabay bigay ng wheelchair sa nurse. Mahina ko siyang tinawanan dahil nakita kong nakaramdam siya ng hiya.
"Let's go," I said between my laughter. "Wheelchair pa more, huh?" Hawak ko siya sa kamay habang palabas kami ng Hospital.
"Tse, ikaw kaya nagtutulak! Pero nakakahiya, gamit pala 'yon ng lalaki?" She looked behind us, feeling guilty. "Anyway, ilibre mo nalang ako. Gutom na ako, e."
"You are always hungry, Miranda. Nothing's new," I commented.
"Grabe ka naman sa akin, hindi naman. Ano lang... masarap lang talaga kumain, hehe. Tsaka, sexy naman ako kahit marami akong kinakain." She tapped her flat tummy.
"Yeah... you are..." I agreed, looking at her sexy figure. "You are sexy and pretty, Darlene. Always remember that."
Nilingon naman niya ako. Her cheeks suddenly blushed.
"Ano ba 'yan, iba talaga kapag ikaw ang nagbibigay ng comment. Hindi ako sanay. Tama na nga," she mumbled.
Natawa ako. "You know, dapat ka ng masanay. Because you will receive those words everyday."
Pinagbuksan ko siya ng pinto. Sinarado ko rin agad bago umikot. Bumaling agad ako sa kaniya sabay lapit para suotan siya ng seatbelt bago ako naupo ng maayos.
Hindi naman siya sumagot.
"Let's go to the mall. What do you want to eat? You want an ice cream? Crinkles?"
"Syempre, crinkles at ice cream," she laughed sweetly.
She's so pretty, even her laughs. Hindi nakakasawang pakinggan.
"Alright then, let's go..." tango ako.
When she got discharged from the Hospital, I used to visit her at their house. It was new and bigger than their previous mansion. Kay Tito Dylan ko lang nalaman ang address nito. Darius is living here too.
Palagi pa akong may dalang crinkles tuwing pupunta sa bahay nila. Darlene's not complaining though. I was thinking sometimes if she noticed how close I am to her. Lahat ng pagkain na dala ko ay sa kaniya lang lahat.
Pumasok ako sa loob ng mansion nang buksan ng bodyguard ang gate.
"Good morning, Tita. Serine" I greeted Tita Serine, she was in the living room.
"Good morning rin, Nix." Ngiti niya. "Kumain ka na ba?" She put down the magazine on the center table.
"Yes, Tita, sa bahay." I replied.
"Maka-Tita ka, ha?" Nasa tabi lang pala niya si Darlene.
Tumingin ako sa kaniya. "Bakit gusto mo ba 'Mama'?" I sat beside her. Natawa naman si Tita Serine sa sinabi ko.
"Ulol, ayoko kitang maging kapatid. Ew." Darlene rolled her eyes.
"Ayaw rin naman kitang maging kapatid. I preferred you as my beloved wife." Inakbayan ko siya kaya agad kaya hampas niya rin agad ang nakuha ko. "Tita Serine, your daughter is hurting me."
"Para kang gago, baka kung ano iniisip nila Mama, e!"
"It's fine..." I smirked but she pushed me brutally. "Aray ko, lagi mo na lang ako sinasaktan. Is that how you treat your future husband?"
"Hayop ka, tigil-tigilan mo 'ko, Velasquez, ah." Her eyes narrowed in irritation.
Biglang tumayo si Tita Serine. Masama na ang tingin niya kay Darlene para pagsabihan.
"Darlene, control your mouth, and please stop doing that to him. Don't curse him, treat him in a nice way because who knows... si Phoenix pala ang future boyfriend mo?" Tita Serine smirked then left us.
Halos masamid naman ako sa narinig. I didn't expect those words. Nilingon ko si Darlene na hindi rin expected ang mga salitang 'yon.
"Tangina, boto yata sa 'yo ang buong pamilya ko, ah?"
"It is, Darlene. And maybe in the future... ako na pala ang magiging husband mo? You have a very handsome, hardworking, billionaire husband. But think, I am that lucky one because you know... you're my wife," bahagya akong natawa dahil sa mga sinasabi ko.
"Ang lakas mo mag-delulu, Phoenix! At anong future?! Hinding-hindi kita pakakasalan!" She threw me a pillow. "Magma-madre na lang ako kung sakaling ikaw! Talagang dumadayo ka pa dito... para lang mambwisit!"
"Of course not, nandito ako para makita. I missed you, okay?" I smiled.
Namula naman ang pisngi niya sinabi ko. "M-Miss ka d'yan, e, kakakita lang natin noong nakaraan!"
"Oo nga, masama ka bang ma-miss? Wait, did you missed me too? Kasi ako, I really missed you, Darlene. I missed our long drive at night." Tinitigan ko siya sa mata.
Ramdam ko ang kaba niya habang nilalabanan ang tingin ko. Her face turned red. Tumalikod siya at narinig ko ang pagmumura.
"It's fine, huwag ka na kiligin." I chuckled then pulled her closer to me. "I brought crinkles for you, Darlene." Tumayo ako para kunin sa kabilang sofa.
Her eyes twinkled. Nawala na ang pamumula sa pisngi niya. Balak niyang kunin pero tinaas ko.
"Can I have a thank you kiss first?" I demand.
Her forehead creased. "Ano ba naman 'to! Akin na—sige na nga. Yuko ka," utos niya.
"Okay..." yumuko nga ako.
Nilapit naman niya ang mukha sa akin. All I thought she would kiss but it's not. Nilapit niya lang ang labi sa tainga ko.
"Pinapanood ka ni Papa mula sa second floor."
Halos masamid ako sa sariling laway nang matapos niyang sabihin 'ton. Umayos ako ng tayo sabay tingin aa taas. Nandoon si Tito Dylan sa second floor at kanina pa pala kami pinapanood. He was leaning on the railings, watching my moves from his daughter. Sa tabi niya ay ang dalawang anak, masama ang tingin sa akin ni Drake at Darius.
Lumayo ako kay Darlene. Faking a cough.
"Sige, good luck, Velasquez. Thank you sa crinkles!" Darlene said teasingly.
Bumaba si Tito Dylan kasama sina Drake. Umakyat naman si Darlene, nang-aasar pa rin ang mukha. Hindi ako nagsalita hanggang sa makarating sina Tito sa sofa kung nasaan ako. Napaayos ako ng upo nang tumigil siya sa harap ko bago naupo sa sofa sa harap ko.
"Are you courting her?" bungad ni Darius.
"You're late on the news, kami na," biro ko but because my tone is serious, sineryoso rin nila Drake.
"What the..." hindi makapaniwala na sabi ni Drake.
"Relax, it wasn't true. Nagbibiro lang ako, Tito Dylan," bawi ko dahil baka si Tito Dylan na ang tumapos sa akin. "But she's pretty."
"Ah, so you like her? I told you, Nix, just tell me if you like her. Ilalakad kita sa anak ko," Tito Dylan smirked at me. "I think, it's better if ikaw ang boyfriend ni Darlene kaysa naman sa iba na hindi niya deserve, right?"
"Phoenix is not deserving though," sabat ni Darius.
"Excuse me, I am deserving." I rolled my eyes. "But, Tito Dylan, I think this is still not a perfect time for that. It can wait, for sure."
"I understand, sayang... gusto ko pa naman sana i-arranged ka sa kaniya," he leaned on the sofa, getting some cigarettes.
"Huh?" I was confused, arranged from what?
"Arranged marriage, that is part of your family tradition, right? But since you said, it's still not a perfect time... then I guess, in the future?" He blew out the cigarette smoke.
Tatlo kaming hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi ni Tito Dylan. I wasn't able to make a word, ganoon rin si Darius
"Arranged Marriage usually in the Family of Velasquez, right?" Tito Dylan asked me.
I gulped. "Well... yeah. That's our tradition." Pero... si Darlene? Shit, papayag agad ako!
"See? One talk to your grandmother and she'll agree pero ayoko siyang makausap. So I guess... sa future nalang talaga." Tito Dylan tapped my shoulder.
I was left dumbfounded and shocked at the same time. Seriously, he said that?! He really wants an arranged marriage with me and his daughter? Syempre papayag agad ako, si Darlene na 'yon.
Hindi mawala sa isip ko ang sinabi ni Tito Dylan. Kahit yata matulog ako hindi nawawala. Kahit pumapasok ako sa School 'yon ang nasa isip ko.
Darlene also went back to class. Madalas niya nga lang kasama si Laureen, paano lagi ba naman siyang hinihila. Tipong kakarating lang, susulpot agad si Laureen kasama si Patricia at sina Farrah para idamay sa mga ginagawa nilang makeup.
"Rafael, can you get your girlfriend there? And you, Harris, call Gavin and tell him to get Laureen here." Gusto ko ng lapitan si Darlene.
"Don't tell me you're jealous of Laureen and Patricia?" Mavis asked as he pointed to the girls in front.
"I'm not." Hindi, gusto ko lang talaga lapitan si Darlene.
Nakatingin lang ako sa kaniya habang lunch break. Panay ang amoy niya ng pabango ni Laureen, napapangiwi pa siya at napapailing. She even smelled the makeup.
Hinayaan ko na lang siya since she's enjoying being with them. For weeks, it's happy that she's with us. We're visiting Dash at the hospital too to hear good news.
And... today is Saturday and I don't have class. Wala rin akong planong lumabas ngayon dahil kasama ko ang mga kapatid ko. I was fixing Phoebe's hair, I was brushing it using a hairbrush.
"Kuya, who's this?"
Tumingin ako kay Preston. He was holding a picture... wait, that's Darlene photo.
"Ah, ate niyo." Siguro kung nandito lang si Darlene baka nabatukan na ako n'on. That woman was, you know... brutal....sometimes.
"What? Ate? We have a sister?"
Nasamid ako. "What I mean is... if she becomes my girlfriend. You two will have a sister-in-law." Freak, I imagined Darlene's death glare.
Nakakatakot.
"Huh? I thought, kayo na?" Preston asked, confused.
"Hindi pa, I want her to be my girlfriend yes, but not too easy. I have to ask first if I can court her, well, hindi pa ngayon. Maybe soon?" sagot ko sa tanong ng kapatid.
"But you liked her?" My sister asked.
"Yes, I like her. She's actually my crush." Pero hindi ko sasabihin kay Darlene. Tss... baka lumaki ang ulo niya tapos sasabihin niya na may gusto ako sa kaniya. In fact, Darlene knows how to tease a person. At kapag nalaman noon ay panigurado, aasarin niya ako.
"But keep it a secret, okay? Don't tell anyone including my friends, Tita Grace, and Ate Lala, okay?" Tumango naman silang dalawa.
Baka masabi na lang bigla ni Phoebe kay Lala, then she'll tell Jin who is her suitor, after Jin he'll tell our friends. Kilala pa naman niya sina Harris at kapag nakarating sa kanila, it possible na makarating kay Darlene.
So, no.
"Pero bakit? Ayaw mo ba ipaalam kay Ate na may gusto ka sa kanya?" Preston asked once again.
"I think this is not the right time to tell her. Maybe soon... I'll tell her." Ayoko, I can't do it. I don't know how to fucking confess, you know!
I changed the topic but they kept on asking about Darlene.
"What's she like?"
"She loves crinkles, playing instruments, and stuffed toys." Aside from her stuffed toys, may mga unicorn din sa kwarto niya.
"Tell us about her personality and her features."
I sighed. Her personality? "She's kind, she's soft-hearted, she has a good and beautiful heart. She's bubbly... She's a person who cares for others before herself. She cared for her family, and knew how to forgive..." Hmm, her features? "She has a beautiful face, reddish lips, she has bangs also, has a pointed nose, and her cheeks were pinkish sometimes." Maganda naman si Darlene. "Basta... She's pretty... that's all. Basta kapag salitang maganda, siya na 'yon."
Akala ko magtatanong pa sila buti na lang hindi na. Nanonood na lang sila sa TV, while I'm looking at my phone. Darlene messaged me on Instagram.
darlene.michelle: uy.
I typed a reply.
velasquez_phoenix: What?
A three dot showed up, she's typing something.
darlene.michelle: bakit 'yung inihaw, iniihaw?
What is her trip today, huh? I waited for her another message because she's still typing.
darlene.michelle: tapos ang bbq ikaw.
I almost cough on her fucking message. What the fuck, Darlene? She sent me another message.
darlene.michelle: nix, star ka ba?
velasquez _phoenix: what?
She's too fast, she replied immediately.
darlene.michelle: tinatanong ko lang kung star ka kasi I feel something bituin us.
"The fuck..." I cussed as I read the message.
I don't know what kind of reply I'll make. Hindi ko nga alam kung magrereply ba ako o ano. I was stunned seeing her message. I don't know how to react
. My heart fucking beating so fast. Damn, Nix, don't tell me kinikilig ka sa banat na 'yon? Napailing nalang ako, nakatingin pa rin sa message ni Darlene. My phone beeped again and her messages popped up.
darlene.michelle: arte puro seen lang... seen lang nang seen sana hindi ka na magising.
Grabe talaga 'to sa akin.
darlene.michelle: Joke lang. Pakopya na lang ako sa genmath.
If you just knew, Darlene. Ang lakas ng impact mo sa akin.
I sent a picture of our assignment. Nagreply naman siya agad.
darlene.michelle:
hinulog ka talaga ng langit para sa akin!
I gasped, I could feel the redness on my ear. Damn it. I turned off my phone, no plans on replying. I focused my eyes on the TV.
This woman always makes me crazy. I think I need a mental facility... no, I'm still normal. I'm still normal but one craziness message, I think, I'll be crazy.
I distracted myself from reading my paper works while I'm inside my room. Tinapos ko ang lahat ng 'yon bago magpasya na pumunta sa kabilang kwarto to have a gym.
I was in the middle of my cardio when suddenly my phone vibrated. Tiningnan ko kung sino 'yon. Si Harvey at niyaya ako sa Rax. Tinapos ko muna ang cardio at pagbubuhat bago dumiretso sa shower.
Nagbihis agad ako para sumunod sa kanila. Dinampot ko ang cellphone sa gilid nang tumunog. It was Darius.
"[Tinakas mo ba si Darlene?]"
Huh? Ano na naman bang problema ni Darius? At ano? Si Darlene tinakas ko... of course not.
"I'm not and that's not my thing. Kidnap, Darius. Kidnap ang gagawin ko sa kapatid mo pero kung takas? That would be boring," I said. "But anyway, why are you asking?"
"[Darlene left. Dala niya ang kotse ni Mama at hindi namin alam kung saan siya pumunta. We need to find her dahil kami ang lagot ni Kuya kapag hindi siya nahanap.]"
I laughed. "How scared of you, huh?"
"[Fuck you. Just locate her!]" binabaan ako ng tawag ni Darius.
Saan na naman ba pumunta si Darlene? Lagi na lang siyang tumatakas.
Kinuha ko ang laptop ko para hanapin si Darlene. But shit... I forgot. Hindi ko pa nga pala naibabalik ang kwintas niya kaya ang ginawa ko, phone niya ang ginamit ko, but still I can't locate her.
Hindi ko magawa kaya kinuha ko na ang susi para umalis. I went to their house to see if she's there, but she's not. Mga bodyguards at mga kapatid ni Tito Dylan ang nasa mansion.
"I can't find her." Kakabalik lang ni Darius at Drake.
"Bakit naman kasi umalis?" It was Beatrice Miranda-Salvacion. "Did you two fight?" She was asking Tita Serine but she ignored her. "Snobber, huh?"
"Maybe she was just at the mall," Mr. Darwin Miranda said.
"She doesn't have a wallet. Hindi 'yon mabubuhay ng walang binibili, Tito." Drake said.
"Right... what if she just... I mean, no. No what ifs." Tito Amcel said.
Halos lahat ay nag-aalala kay Darlene. At this moment, I realized that she's really important in this Family. Her Tito's cancelled their important meetings just to find her. Ibang klase tumakas si Darlene, saan kaya 'yon nagpunta? Damn.
I think about the place she wants to go. I looked at my phone and tried to locate her once again. Mahina ang signal kaya nagpaalam na akong aalis na.
Nasa sasakyan ako nang makatanggap ng message na nasa Rax raw si Darlene. I cursed after knowing it. Anong ginagawa niya sa Rax?
Hapon palang pero nag-iinom na siya. At kung sino man ang taong nagdala sa kaniya sa Rax, sisiguraduhin kong isusunod ko siya kay Dash sa Hospital.
I immediately drove my car to go to Rax. Bumaba agad ako para puntahan si Darlene. What the... saan ko hahanapin si Darlene? Should I use a fucking microphone just to call her?
"Nix, what are you doing here?" si Iris agad ang sumalubong sa akin.
"Get off."
"Wala pa nga akong ginagawa tapos get off agad?" She laughed a bit, drunk.
"Wala pa? Don't touch me. I can't see her!" Inalis ko ang kamay niya bago siya iniwan.
Nasaan na ba si Darlene? Dumiretso ako sa taas para ilibot ang mata. Pero iba ang nakita ko... I saw Trevor and others! Who's holding a fucking girls.
"Nandito na pala si Nix!" Finn shouted. "Pero hindi siya available kasi may bebe na 'yan at sure ako, isang malutong na mura lang taob kayo. 'Di ba, Nix? Kaya nga takot si Nix sa bebe niya."
"Tangina, bitawan mo nga ako." I said in an irritated tone. "Where's Darlene?"
Pareho pareho silang natigilan sa tanong ko.
"Put-si Darlene!" Harvey snapped.
"Where is she? And who the fuck let her inside of this club?" I glared at one of them.
They pointed to Trevor. "Dude, I was telling her that she's not allowed here! Pero makulit siya kaya sinama ko na! Don't worry she's fine but she's missing." Trevor explained.
I held my head in frustration. Tumingin ako sa baba and there I saw a woman who's drinking a lot. My brows furrowed when someone touched her. Mas lalong nag-salubong ang kilay ko nang may lumapit sa kanyang lalaki.
I went down to get her. Tangina, baka kung ano na ang ginagawa sa kaniya. Sumunod naman sa akin sina Trevor. Kay Darlene agad and diretso ko. Inalis ko ang lalaki sa harap niya.
"Darlene, what the fuck?" She looked up.
"Dude-."
"Don't fucking dude me. I'm here to get her. Let's go!" I pulled her pero ayaw tumayo ni Darlene! "Dammit." Ang dami niyang nainom!
"A-ang sakit ng.... ulo ko..." She mumbled. "Mamaya na lang..."
"Don't test my patience, Darlene." Tangina, muntik na siyang halikan ng lalaki kanina. "And how dare you touch her and try to kiss her?!" I looked at him with furious eyes.
"I'm not!" The man defended himself.
"Hala, Darlene." Arvin held her arm to help her sit.
"Don't touch her." I glared.
"Edi don't."
"Let's go, Darlene." I helped her to get up. Inalalayan ko pa siya para hindi madulas dahil sa kalasingan. "Get out of the way." Umalis naman silang lahat sa gitna kaya binuhat ko na si Darlene para makalabas.
Pilit siyang bumaba kaya ginawa ko na. Ang kulit naman niya. Humawak pa siya sa kamay ko kaya hinayaan ko na. I held her waist to support her.
"P-Puta, nasusuka ako."
"Shit, don't you dare vomit in my shirt, Miranda." Fuck it.
Sandali siyang huminto. Yumuko siya habang hawak pa rin ako sa kamay. Napailing nalang ako nang marinig ang pagsusuka niya. I caressed her back. I took her ponytail from her wrist then tied up her hair.
"Miranda, damn it." I'm so fucking frustrated while holding this drunk woman. Shit naman!
Hinawakan ko na ang kamay niya para makapaglakad na kami. But shit... this woman is really hitting me... but I can stand with this. Babaeng lasing lang 'to at si Darlene ʼto. I have patience for Darlene... I can do this.
"Pwede bang mag-lakad ka ng maayos?" Ang gulo niya maglakad, hindi kami makarating sa kotse ko dahil sa mga ginagawa niya.
"M-masakit ang paa ko...." Namumula ang pisngi niya dahil sa kalasingan.
Pinaupo ko siya sa saglit sa gatter para tignan ang paa niya. Her foot is getting red even if she's wearing slippers. Did she slip?
I took her slippers and lifted her up in a wedding style. "You're so heavy..." I muttered.
"Ha..." Bulong niya.
I laughed a bit because of her. She's half asleep because of drunkenness. Iinom inom kasi, e.
"Tangina..." mura niya.
Binuksan ko ang kotse ko at nilagay siya sa passenger seat.
"Stop cussing," saway ko.
Umikot ako at sumakay rin. Sinuotan ko siya ng seat belt pero palagi niyang tinatanggal.
"Don't remove your seat belt, Darlene." Dapat naiinis ako pero hindi ko magawa-gawa.
Hindi ko ma-i-start ang sasakyan dahil sa kaniya. Baka mauntog siya kapag nag-drive ako dahil hindi siya naka seat belt.
"M-Mainit...." She whispered.
Nilakasan ko ang aircon para hindi na siya mainitan.
"A-Ang... lamig..."
I sighed deeply.
Relax, Phoenix. She's drunk.
"Alright. I just opened the window." I said.
I turned off the aircon then opened the window beside her. Sinuot ko na ulit ang seat belt niya, good thing she didn't remove it so I can drive now.
Hindi siya pwedeng makita nina Tita Serine ng ganito. I drove my car somewhere and looked for a beautiful view. Binili ko pa siya ng maiinom.
Nakatayo ako sa tabi ng shotgun seat habang pinapainom siya ng tubig. Inayos ko ang buhok niya. I wiped the sweat from her forehead. Pumasok na rin ako agad sa sasakyan. Muli akong nag-drive, panay pa ang lingon sa kaniya.
"Nasusuka ako..." bigla niyang sinabi.
Nakahawak na siya sa bibig niya at tatanggalin na sana kaso pinigilan ko siya. "Shit! Don't you dare, Darlene!"
"Nasusuka na ako!"
"You can handle that! Huwag kang susuka sa kotse ko! Damn, this is my favorite car!" Halatang pigil na pigil na ang ginagawa niya. "Damn it! Don't you dare vomit in my car, Miranda." I was holding her chin while driving.
Hirap na hirap ako sa pagda-drive pero hindi naman pwedeng bitawan ko siya dahil mauuntog siya kung sakali.
"N-Nasusuka na ako..." She mumbled, holding her mouth.
Napamura nalang ako nang sumuka siya. "Fuck it! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Damn it! Tangina!" She vomited a lot.
Kahit inaantok na siya pilit siyang nagmulat ng mata. "S-Sorry..." Oh, come on! Stop being soft! Lumalambot ako kapag ganyan ka, Darlene! Damn it!
"Fuck it!" She closed her eyes because of the drunkenness. "Miranda! You vomited in my car! Damn it! That's... that's gross! Fucking gross!" My car smells bad.
"Shh..." She just wiped her mouth then ate some mint.
Ang gulo na ng buhok niya.
"Damn it." Kinuha ko ang tissue sa glove compartment. I wiped her mouth once again, I even fixed her hair dahil nakasabog na. Inayos ko ang pagkakaupo niya bago huminga ng malalim. "Next time... don't drink, this is the first time I will take care of a drunk woman."
I sighed deeply before lifting her up to get off inside of my car. Binaba ko siya, I held her waist to support her. Shit naman.
"Tangina, papatayin kita, Trevor." I cussed his name. I told them not to let her go inside of the Rax.
"Next time, don't fucking drink." I said.
We went inside of the elevator, I pressed the third floor. Gusto ko na siyang matulog ng maayos. She needs to change her clothes but I won't do it. She didn't give me permission to do so... no.
"Huh? Kuya ikaw 'yan?" Hinawakan niya ang pisngi ko. "Kuya."
Muntik na akong sumuka. "Mas nakakadiri pa ang pag-tawag mo sa akin ng Kuya. Don't call me like that. I'm not your Kuya."
She giggled. "A-Akala ko si... Kuya... Si N-Nix ka pala..."
"Yeah, it's me and you vomited in my car. You know how gross it is?" I need a fucking car wash tomorrow.
"S-Sorry na..." She softly mumbled.
You making me so fucking weak on that kind of voice.
"Damn that voice. How soft..." I whispered.
"Ano...?"
"Tss... wala," sagot ko.
"B-Bakit ka ba n-naiinis?"
"Really? You asked that? You vomited in my car, Miranda."
She pouted cutely. "S-Sorry na nga k-kasi..." Hinawakan ko ulit siya sa braso bago maglakad palabas ng elevator.
Saglit ko siyang binitawan para makuha ang susi ng condo. Muntik pa siyang bumagsak, mabuti at nahawakan ko ang braso niya.
"Let's go. You need to sober up before I take you home." Sa kwarto agad ang punta namin para mahiga ko na siya.
Binuksan ko na rin ang aircon para hindi siya mainitan. I covered her with a blanket but she removed it. Hinayaan ko na. Kailangan niya munang uminom ng tubig. I was about to stand up but suddenly she said something.
"A-Alam mo... V-Velasquez... crush kita..." she confessed. "Promise c-crush kita."
Natigilan ako. "You're drunk... sleep now."
She shook her head. "T-Totoong crush kita. D-Dati nga akala ko t-trip-trip lang na crush kita... tapos t-totoo na pala? Gago kasi 'tong si H-Harvey... panay ang sabi na crush kita, nagkatotoo tuloy."
Ang hirap kapag si Darlene ang umaamin, hindi ko kinakaya.
"Sleep now, please?"
I can't stand this... tangina, first time kong kiligin ng sobra. Wala namang masamang kiligin pero tangina! Nakakabakla kapag kinikilig ka! Fuck this!
"Shh... alam mo tingin ko nga... hindi lang crush m-mararamdaman ko s-sa 'yo. Baka m-mahalin pa kita..." She said in a soft tone.
I stared at her sleeping face. I blinked as I realized her words. "You can't love me... I don't want to hurt you."
"Hindi mo mapipigilan ang puso na magmahal, Phoenix. If you feel that love towards to that person, dadalhin mo lahat ng sakit sa bandang huli. There's no exception when it comes to love, Phoenix. Makakaramdam ka ng sakit whether you ask or not, it's part of love. Pain is part of love, okay?" She tapped my cheeks and smiled sweetly before closing her eyes.
"I know that... but you are too precious to feel that kind of pain..." I whispered.