KISSING MY KRYPTONITE
(A/N: UNEDITED. MEDYO MAHABA. HAPPY PRIDE MONTH, GAYS! XOXO.)
"I hate you.." she frowns, shoving me away.
My body fell back slightly, I stood up looking at her face, "I know."
"I hate this," muling bulong niya sa sarili niya, tatayo na sana siya pero pinigilan ko.
"Stop right there, ma'am.."
"Are you done yet?" she scoffs under her long eyelashes.
With a little grin on my face, I held out my hands in front of her, "Professor Cordova you're under arrest for being too cute, now put your hands where I can hold them."
"No," was all she said like a mad baby.
"Baka maging kriminal na tayong dalawa rito kapag hindi ka pa sumunod, ma'am," tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.
She gave me a questioning look, "Hell are you talking?"
"Kiss?" ngumisi ako. "Yung nakaw ba.."
Her face contorted, a playful grin painted my lips.
"Not from a straight woman like me," she gave me her hands, I gently pulled her up.
Pangalawang beses niya na 'tong sinabi.
"Ruler nalang straight ngayon ma'am, hindi pa sure," balik ko sa kanya, naglalakad na kami papasok sa loob.
Napaisip ako saglit, noong bachelorette party pa ni Ma'am Kelani niya sinabing straight siya. I honestly don't mind how she identifies herself. I'm just feeling a little hopeless as the more she mentions it, the further I take that to mean my charm has no influence to her. Ang lakas ko sa ibang mga babae regardless of their gender identities dahil kahit straight pa 'yan nagkakandarapa sa 'kin tapos sa kanya kahit sobrang ganda ko wala pa rin akong laban.
Breaking through my thoughts, I ask, "Noong bachelorette night ni Ma'am Kelani, do you still remember what happened after the party?"
"Not all the sequence of events," she replies. "Why?"
Seryoso? Lasing siya no'n, posible. This needs to be considered, not everyone who gets drunk is like me, some individuals are intolerant with heavy alcohol as it can lead to memory lapses.
"Yung nangyari sa bahay niyo noong hinatid kita, naalala mo pa ba, ma'am?"
"Which one?" she asks in nonchalance.
"The kiss?"
She stops walking and turns to see me. Ano'ng klaseng tingin 'yan? Rafa Eli Cordova, malditang propesora ka 'wag mo sabihing nakalimutan mo?!
"Who kissed who?" nalilito pa niyang tanong.
Holy hell? Fact of the matter, we didn't kiss. Ako ang nagnakaw ng halik, hindi kami naghalikan, walang gano'n. Kung totoong hindi niya 'yon naaalala, tamang 'wag ko nang ipaalala o banggitin pa sa kanya ang tungkol do'n. I was sober alright, she's not, I kissed her without her consent twice over and that's a no - no.
Kailangan kong isaulo na noong unang ginawa ko 'yon sa shower room ay nakatanggap ako ng suntok ng kamatayan. Akala ko 'yung nabasag na pinggan ang babaunin kong sikreto hanggang sa hukay ko, ito pa pala talaga.
"Wala, ang sabi ko ikaw ang first kiss ko," napakagat ako sa ibabang labi ko dahil sa malaking kasinungalingan. "How about you?"
The way I asked it parang nagtatanong lang ako kung kumusta na ba siya. Gusto kong humagalpak sa hitsura niya ngayon pero ayokong masapak, muka na naman siyang mangangarate.
"Hindi ka ba napapagod, Veneracion?" asik niya.
"Saan, ma'am?"
"Talking," umirap siya at umismid. "And annoying me.."
"Annoying you has been added to my fave-list," I also think this is an elaborate projection to make me realize how much I enjoy seeing her cute reaction, one little step and I'll admit she's my serotonin booster as well.
"Didn't I tell you to pick a real player?"
"Kailan ka maniniwalang hindi na ako naglalaro, Professor Cordova?" naging seryoso ang muka ko.
"Win your SSC Presidency," she mutters firmly.
"That's challenging," napakurap ako at inisip ang posibilidad. "How does my SSC Presidency have anything to do with it?"
"Drop it," she dismissed, her pace increased and I was left speechless.
I'm thinking.
Winning it is on the first of never, I still have a lot of uncertainties with the possiblity. Pero paano nga kapag naipanalo ko? Is she truly pulling for me or not? Thinking optimistically, she's genuinely urging me to victory.
I take a deep breath.
"Professor Cordova, seryosohin na natin 'to," ngumisi ako, binura ko rin kaagad nang harapin niya ako. Hinila ko pasara 'yung pintuan ng shower space para hindi niya ako matakasan, sa kabila pa dapat ako at kukuha pa ng gamit pero kailangan ko munang sabihin 'to sa kanya ngayon dahil mahihirapan na naman akong pag-usapan 'to kapag pinalampas ko.
"Veneracion, what?" she crosses her arms on her chest.
"We're making a deal," I seriously propose, the first deal I had with her is a total failure because she didn't agree in the first place. I hope it works to her this time around, she needs to deal with this dahil ipipilit ko kahit ayaw niya.
"Another game?" she turns back, I flip her by her shoulders.
Bumitaw ako agad dahil sa pagsuyod ng matalas na tingin niya at itinago sa likod ko ang mga kamay ko. Bumwelo ako, huminga ng malalim, "Partly, but this is a serious one. Like a game for natural progression between us.."
Tila ba nadismaya siya sa sagot ko kaya nang muling buksan niya ang pinto ay pinigilan ko ulit.
"Ano ba?" she scoffs.
"Gusto kong ipanalo 'yong SSC," panimula ko, kailangan niyang makita kung gaano ako kaseryoso sa bagay na 'to. "I wanted to win it not because of this deal I'm proposing, gusto kong manalo..gusto kong ipanalo 'to una pa lang kasi gusto ko."
"Continue," she sighs, I feel so exposed with the way she stares at me.
"Officially, I'm not playing any cards anymore but I wanna pull a queen," I breathe out. "Kapag naipanalo ko 'to, hindi na kita titigilan."
Nagtagal ang titigan naming dalawa, hindi ako kumukurap, kabadong kabado ako dahil sa bilis ng kabog ng dibdib ko. Sobrang delikado ko na sa ginagawa ko, delikado na..nakakalunof na.
"Make your point straight, Veneracion," she assertively stated.
"You know what I mean," determinado kong saad na may halong paligoy-ligoy. Pasensya na, nangako ako sa sarili kong hindi ako aamin kahit kailan pero maaari ring itong deal na 'to ang maging daan para sa exciting part. Sa ngayon, ang ipupunto ko muna ay itong kakulitan at kalandian ko.
I continue, "I'm gonna win this and make sure to prove you every second that I'm not playing anymore..my pure intentions."
Silence is occupying us again, a little longer.
"Will you stop bothering me if you lose it?" madiing bigkas niya. "You are becoming increasingly more annoying as time goes on. If you're not going to make it, don't bother me anymore."
My mouth fell open. Sinasabi ba talaga niya 'to? Hindi ko inaasahan 'to. Not to be stupid, pero gusto ko nalang bawiin ulit 'yung mga sinabi ko. Kung anu-ano na 'tong pinapasok ko, ayoko na namang magmukang clown sa huli dahil kakainin ko ulit ang lahat ng mga binitiwan kong salita. At this point, gusto ko naman sanang manindigan pero nakakatakot pala.
"If that's what I'll receive if I lose it, I won't have a choice but to deal with it."
"Why do you look tensed? Scared?" there's a hidden smirk on her lips.
"Of course not!" maagap na pagtanggi ko, tumawa pa ako ng mahina. "Alam ko namang gusto mo 'kong manalo, eh."
She's rooting for me, she said that before.
"Not after you made this agreement, Miss Veneracion. I changed my mind. If I could be selfish once throughout my life, I think it's partly fine if you end up losing it nonetheless."
Talaga bang hinahamon ako ng propesor na 'to? Kung gaano ako kalabis gumamit ng sugarcoat o filter kapag feelings ko na pinag-uusapan, gano'n siya kaprangka sa kahit ano'ng oras at pagkakataon. Kahit kailan ang sakit niya sa atay magsalita, marunong lang 'to mag-play safe kapag wala siyang mapapala o kapag masyado ng personal sa parte niya ang usapan.
To recapitulate, if I win the election, I will have the freedom to bother her whenever I choose to and she can't do anything about that. That would be like taking away her ability to kick my knees, which would be great. However, if I lose, everything between us will come to an abrupt end like nothing happened. Kapag natalo ako para na rin akong nagtayo ng mas matayog pang pader sa pagitan namin, mawawala ang lahat.
Ang tanong, kakayanin ko ba 'yan? Dobleng talo at dobleng panalo ang magiging labanan dito.
Kailangan kong sumugal, I will work for it.
"The question now is, do you agree on this deal, professor?"
"No," sagot niya agad, hindi man lang niya pinag-isipan.
My lips curve into a smile, "Di mo rin pala kaya-"
"It's not like that," she cuts me off. "I really don't want to put additional pressure on you, can we just let things work and turn out the way they are? There is no need for a pointless deal."
"This deal is neither pointless nor useless. This isn't to give pressure on you as well, I want you to see my best and realest side..that I could be consistent too," it's not really my obligation to prove myself to her, but I genuinely want her to see how serious I am and how I'm no longer playing. "I thought you want me to stop annoying you?"
"I do want you to stop, Veneracion but.." she says in a mumble and trails off, I step closer to keep our eye contact.
"But?" I mutter, searching into her sensual eyes. Over my peripheral vision, I started to notice her hand go off to unlock the shower room door knob, apparently trying desperately to get out of this.
Gumalaw ang kamay ko para pigilan siya.
"Veneracion," she warns, my hand remains at the back of her hand over the door knob, no one is moving.
"I'm not gonna leave until you tell me-"
"Fine, I want you to stop annoying me! Get lost and stop!" she scoffs annoyingly, it's nothing new.
"Does it say you're finally on board with the deal? This allows us to get to know one other quite well."
"I said fine," she sighs heavily.
"This could also rise a mutual understanding between the two of us-"
"Fine-what?!" her eyes wide-spread in shock.
"Warning lang, ma'am. Speaking about the possibilities, hindi natin maiiwasan 'to," dahil 'yon namam ang goal, napangiti ako sa isip ko.
"How I wish you just lose and that," she sighs massaging her temple. "I'd gladly live under a rock just to forget I came to a deal with you."
"Kapag nanalo ako I won't love bomb you pero lalandiin na kita kahit kailan at kung saan ko gusto," I smirk. "Mang-aasar at mambubwisit na 'ko everyday and everynight. Iuuwi kita sa bahay para magsaing ng bigas, ipagluto mo na rin ako ng adobo-"
"Veneracion sumusobra ka na," putol niya sa 'kin na animo'y nagbibiro ako, gumalaw yung paa niya para sipain ako sa tuhod upang kumawala sa 'kin but for the record ay naiwasan ko 'yon. I twisted the door knob with her hand with me and pushed her inside.
Tinulak niya ako, she was quick and decisive enough to pin me against the interior wall near the door, but I was able to compete sufficiently to do the same and offered the very same amount of intensity. To make sure she wouldn't flee, I instantly linked our hands on both sides of her body.
I assured her through a whisper on her ear, "It's just you.."
"And 99 others?" sarkastikong tabla niya. "I understand the logic behind such a game. Why can't you just use the traditional word?"
May diin ang huling pangungusap niya, napakatalino talaga niya, kailan ko ba 'to maiisahan ulit?
"I don't believe in courtshi-" kinagat ko ang ibabang labi ko habang sinasakop ng nagbabagang init ang muka ko. Ginagamitan ko siya ng pinagbabawal na technique, hindi ako marunong manligaw so I'm doing it on my own way.
"Cheese whiz," her sensual eyes turned to slits.
"Why do you love calling me cheese whiz?" napanguso ako, pang-ilang beses na ba ito?
"You're a play girl, tacky cheesy," she rolls her eyes. "It means you're a big bad news.."
"And you find me cool," I smirk, cheese whiz is a slang term for cool or someone important as far as I know pero marami ring silly meanings talaga, gano'n na kalawak ang narating ng mga dictionaries natin ngayong henerasyon.
"It's a melted cheddar cheese. It's not even a compliment for me, dream on," she frowns.
So kung cheese whiz ako, edi..
"Monay ka ba?" joke sana 'to pero 'yung tingin niya, anytime mangangarate na talaga.
"What are you saying?"
"Ang ganda mo," ngumisi ako, I gave up the joke dahil baka masaktan pa 'ko rito.
"You're so random," umangat ang kilay niya. "What kind of fool is that?"
"Hinahanap mo 'yung monay 'no?" tumawa ako. "Nasa bakery."
"Out now," sunod na turan niya, she looks so done with my senseless jokes. "Nagsasayang ka lang oras, Veneracion."
"Do you really think so, professor?"
"How do you know you're going to win? You've never led the polls, Veneracion. Sylvester is leading, and you've never topped her chances of victory," she stated confidently, sarcasm paints her firm tone. Tila hindi apektado sa sitwasyon naming dalawa, nakuha pa niyang ipamuka ang mapait na katotohanan at natatanging posibilidad na malapit sa reyalidad.
"At whatever cost, I'm going to try and win this by playing fair," seryoso kong sabi. "When all is said and done, you're gonna stop hating me too."
"The best of luck to you," the left corner of her lips tugs up slightly. Nakakasama ng loob dahil sa mga paganito niya parang paniwalang paniwala siyang hindi na ako mananalo.
"Kapag hindi ba ako nag-top sa election result, pwede bang sa 'yo nalang-ah, ma'am!" napahiyaw ako nang sabay-sabay na dumiin 'yung kuko niya sa likod ng mga palad ko.
Gusto kong gantihan pero hindi naman kasi mahaba kuko ko. I keep my fingernails short for multiple different reasons. Not to mention, I'm also an amateur pianist and a guitarist.
"Do you know how much I want to murder the second word in this question right now?" her voice turns harsh, I respond with a confused smile.
It took me forever to realize what she meant by that.
"Do you still want me to win?" tandang tanda ko pa iyong gabing sinabi niya sa 'king gusto niya akong manalo, ngayon parang binaligtad ko lang ang sitwasyon dahil sa kasunduang ito pero hindi siya nawala sa mga mahahalagang rason ko kung bakit gusto kong ilaban 'to.
"After all of this?" balik niya sa hindi makapaniwalang tono na nagpadilim sa paningin ko, pero hindi ako galit. "Let go of my hands."
She repeated her command, but instead of freeing her hands, I entwined all our fingers on her sides. My body is framing hers, our hands tightly and intimately connected; completely disregarding the electrifying thrill it induces us.
"Pwede mo na 'kong bitiwan," her stern voice echoes around the room, her fingernails lightly scratching the back of my palms. My hands made their way to her wrists this time, I don't want my beloved fingers to be twisted.
"Don't you think we should close the deal first, Professor Cordova?" ngumiti ako na nagpakunot sa noo niya, lumapad ang pagkurba ng mga labi ko.
"I already said fine, Veneracion," mariing bigkas niya, bumaba ang mga mata ko sa labi niya, masuyong gumalaw ang mga kamay ko hanggang sa siko niya.
"Let's politely close the deal with a kiss," I suggest, my face inching closer, teasing her.
Nagulat ako nang ilapit niya ang muka niya sa leeg ko para bumulong, "Do you know how many pounds of pressure does it take to break a windpipe which would stop all the airflow to the lungs?"
Dahil sa sinabi niya at takot, 'yung labi ko awtomatikong lumiko ng landas at napunta sa ulo niya na muntik pang sumadsad sa pader. A few knocks on the door also distracted me, she was able to get away from me because of it.
"Ezra? Are you there?"
Fucking Wren Skeeter Ymmanuel! Kahit sumadsad ako, hindi pa kami tapos!
"Hoy, Ezra!"
"Just a minute!"
Wala talaga akong balak buksan 'yung pinto kung 'di lang ako tinulak ng magaling kong kasama.
"What?!" I popped my head out of the door, bubunganga pa sana ako pero binato niya sa 'kin 'yung cellphone ko na sinalo ko naman agad.
"Naiwan mo sa loob, ang ingay," her eyes darting to the door I closed. "Where's the professor?"
"She's in a good place now," simpleng sagot ko sa kanya, hinila ko siya palayo sa shower space dahil alam kong wala na akong lusot sa makahulugang tingin niya. Hindi maayos ang pagkakasara ng pinto kanina, kaya posibleng alam niya kung sinong kasama ko sa loob.
"What did you do to the shower room?"
"Edi nag-shower? Nakasinghot ka ba ng buong gasul?" angil ko, 'yung tingin niya kasi..tapos literal para siyang 'di natulog ng ilang gabi.
"With Miss Rafa?" pinagtaasan niya ako ng kilay, uminit ang buong muka ko.
"Tinanong ko lang ano'ng kailangan niya, gamit lang ni Red ang nadala niya. Wala sa plano niya mag-swimming today," matino-tino kong palusot, makahulugang ngiti pa rin ang sinukli niya sa mahabang paliwanag ko.
"Si Cash? Where is she?" daldal kong muli para ibahin ang usapan, ang mga mata ko ay nasa screen ng phone ko, puro missed calls ni Chua ang notifs.
"Umalis na, she has site visits scheduled today."
In a moment, napamura ako kasi muntik kong makalimutan si Professor Cordova, kailangan ko kasing sagutin tawag ni Lucca kaya pinasuyo ko muna sa katiwalang staff dito ang mga gamit at iba pang importanteng bagay na kailangan niya.
"Ang kulit ng kilay mo, sabi mamaya ka na tumawag!" makagagong asik ko nang sagutin ko ang panibagong tawag niya, naghanap ako ng pwestong malayo sa mga tao para makausap ko sila ng walang istorbo.
Nakaputing robe lang ako, pagalagala rito sa labas.
"We have recently had the chance to speak with the student who witnessed the people responsible for the sabotage of Alfa Democrats."
Lucca is currently with Jazzver and Matias. We have a lot of things to talk about today, but I want to take it gradually so I can comprehend everything.
"Nakausap niyo? Ano'ng sabi? Pumayag ba?" kasi kung hindi, mapipilitan akong ilapit 'to kay Tito Steven o kay dad.
"Ayaw magpakilala noong una, kahit kausapin kami ayaw niya rin but she agreed to talk to you. Wala kaming nakuhang new info, shoot your shot nalang Meziah," seryosong saad ni Lucca.
According to Lucca, the only thing this student reported was seeing the group of individuals executing the sabotage wearing only black masks, hoodies and jeans.
It's a thing that she agreed to meet me privately, it gets me more interested to know about what's actually coming on.
"Saan niya gustong makipagkita?"
"Just somewhere safe and secure for the both of you, she doesn't want to expose herself in the best possible way."
She? I get it, this witness is a woman.
"Heaven CU-Land," I finally say, she's residing to our university's dormitory, meeting her sa school grounds will be safer for the two of us. "I'm gonna reserve a private place at that cafe. Kailan daw siya pwede?"
"Valentine's night, Meziah."
But that's tomorrow?!
"I'm not free tomorrow, Lucca. Bukas lang talaga pwede?!" reklamo ko sa kaibigan.
"Why not? Do you have a date tomorrow?"
"Wala," napairap ako, may klase bukas, wala akong pahinga panigurado kung papatulan ko 'to.
"Tangina, milagro!"
Naka-loudspeaker pa yata phone niya, sumasabay 'yung dalawang minions sa hagalpak niya eh. Mga hangal, single din naman silang lahat katulad ko, mga feeling may ka-late night talks.
"Meziah you are free to grab anyone with you tomorrow to hook up with!" dinig kong sulsul pa ni Matias na puro kalokohan ang alam, eh kung i-set up ko kaya 'to kay Finnegan? Pwede ring si Xiomara para magka-thrill buhay niya.
Heaven CU-Land, its red headstone is blowing lights all over the place. It makes everyone and everything silhouettes now and then. Following minute, the space will darken allowing the whites and bright colours to glow like neons. Tonight, this bar-cafe becomes perfectly an ideal place for Valentine's dates, it become a hit kaya maraming guests.
The reservation agent escorted me to my allocated VIP quarter. Tumayo muna ako ng ilang minuto rito sa labas, may pakiramdam na kasi akong nasa loob na ang kakausapin ko.
Pulling my card in my pocket, I run it through the VIP code scanner. Bumukas ang pinto at tumambad sa 'kin ang babaeng nakaupo sa eleganteng couch ng quarter na ito at tila kanina pa naghihintay.
"Ezra Meziah Ymmanuel Veneracion," wala sa tonong banggit niya at namamaos pa kaya hindi maunawaan kung may halong gulat ba ito, pagkamangha o sadyang kasywal lang.
Her face is new to my sight, although nakita ko na siya sa picture kanina.
She's wearing black shades and brown bucket hat. Sa unang tingin ay malalaman mo agad na mag-aaral ito rito dahil sa suot na uniporme, psychology student? I'm sure she is.
Hindi pa ako nakakaupo sa hinila kong recliner na malayo sa kanya ay nagsalita na ito.
"I don't know what to begin with.."
"Who are you?" I focused my attention on the key hook of my sports bike, whizzing it with my thumb and forefinger.
"Did you seriously enter this place without doing a background check to the stranger you're expecting to meet?"
"I have a copy of your complete information," tiningnan ko siya, hindi niya pa rin tinatanggal 'yung shades niya. "I forgot your name, lack of interest maybe."
"Lack of interest? Why did you ask me to meet you?"
"Bakit ka pumayag?" hindi ko inalis ang tingin sa kanya, itinago ko ang susi ko sa bulsa.
Ang totoo niyan, ang dami kong tanong sa buhay ngayon. Kahit walang kinalaman sa kanya ay gusto ko ring iusisa kahit wala naman akong mapapala, gano'n ako ka-bored ngayon.
"Okay first of all, just call me Mine."
"Mine?" kumunot ang noo ko, tatawa sana ako pero parang wala sa bokabyularyo niya ang pagbibiro.
"It's my second name," nagsalita ito, seryoso..
Concerned over the time, I rolled up my jacket to take a peek at my watch, "It is my understanding that you spotted the saboteurs from your dormitory room's window. Ang sabi sa initial report nakita mo silang ginagawa 'yon sa library building mula sa bintana mo."
"Yeah, that's completely right."
"Same date and time. May mga sinirang posters din sa mismong ground floor ng dormitory," I stop talking as I watch her taking off her black shades but not her bucket hat. "At nabanggit mo sa pangalawang interview mo, you saw the security guard got hit on his nape and lost consciousness..again, mula sa bintana mo."
That is the story she told in the report, nothing more, nor less. Kay Lucca, Jazzver at Matias ko nalaman itong lahat dahil sila ang nagtrabaho rito. Her identity was also fixed as confidential but Lucca did her thing to gather all her personal information, kahit ang mismong kwarto niya sa dorm na 'yon.
The dormitory is located at the right side of the library.
Kung hindi big deal sa University ang issue'ng 'to sa 'kin oo.
"12AM exactly is our curfew, hindi ako makatulog because I have an insomnia and gazing at the dark sky can help me ease it and fall asleep-"
"Then at that, you saw them? Sa labas ng library?"
"Yes? Did I miss anything?"
"Cambridge's Dormitory, 8th floor, 810 is your room number which is located at the right corner of the building. I haven't been in that dorm but I did a research, iisa lang ang bintana bawat kwarto."
At base sa mapa, magkatabi nga naman ang main library building at dorm pero 'yung kwarto niya ay nasa pinakadulong parte sa kanang banda. Kapag binuksan ang kaisa-isang bintana niya ay malabong matanaw mula roon ang gusali ng library.
The Library is located between two buildings: the Dormitory on the right and the Museum on the left. Her room is in the right side of the dormitory, and from there, the enormous Bridge of Rainbows could be seen..not the library.
"What are you trying to point out?"
"You know what I mean."
"Say it Ezra Meziah-"
"Tell me you're lying without telling me you're lying," I smirk, fishing out my phone and takes a shot of her stunned face. Ibinalandra ko ang hitsura niya mula sa phone ko, "Caught in 4k.."
It's amusing, she's stuck for words.
"Explain yourself," muli ay tinignan ko ang oras sa relos ko, may hahabulin akong family dinner pagkatapos nito, kailangan nandoon ako dahil sa unang pagkakataon ay makakasama namin si Mighty Deev.
For whatever reason, she's lying and that's the thing I need to figure out this time and if there's something I'm sure of now - hindi ko siya kakampi.
But why did she lodge that report? With the facts I calculated, what she said was actually a biased evidence. She was basically forced to do it, or she did it for apparent motives, good or evil.
Tumayo siya at muling isinuot ang shades niya, napailing ako.
"I already explained everything."
"Kung hindi ka magpapaliwanag, can I get the answer of my question earlier instead? Bakit ka pumayag na makipagkita?"
"Infamous Ezra Meziah Veneracion, kilala ka ng lahat," she didn't stutter. Wala na 'yung gulat na gumuhit sa muka niya kanina, bumalik ulit ito sa date..hindi mabasa..misteryoso. "I'm just here to bring you a bad news, guess what?"
Kumuyom ang mga kamao ko sa narinig. Gusto ko siyang sundan pero baka makagawa pa ako ng hindi maganda, nag-iinit na ang ulo ko.
"Hindi ka mananalo, Ezra Meziah Ymmanuel," matabang niyang bitaw. "Dahil isa kang Veneracion."
"Wala kang maririnig mula sa 'kin ngayon," mariing pahabol ko. "Alam mong pagkatapos nito hindi na tatahimik buhay mo, hangga't hindi ka nagsasabi ng totoo, lason ka muna sa buhay ko."
"Hindi mo 'ko kaaway," banayad niyang sagot, umangat ang dulo ng labi niya. "And before I go, let me give you some advice.."
"Tama na, ginugulo mo lang ang isip ko-'
"Inuulit ko, hindi mo ako kaaway.."
Her last statement made me clench my jaw.
"Pero kailangan mo pa ring mag-ingat because everyone is not your friend.."
Valentine's night, happening for the first time in my life that I don't have a date tapos puro sama ng loob pa natatanggap ko. May mga kaartehan akong natanggap from random people pero sa basurahan lang ending ng lahat except for the food dahil mas pinili kong ipamigay nalang sa mga bata sa kalye.
After the family dinner, I went to my tito's house para ibigay ang mga regalong pinadala ni mommy kay Rhio bago ako bumalik sa Cambridge. Alas otso na ng gabi when I checked the time, so much happened for the passed two hours.
"Miss Veneracion? Meziah?"
It's ma'am Kelani Campvell, nagtago na ako pero nakita niya pa rin ako. I lift my head to see her, "Hi ma'am, good evening."
"What are you doing?" she asks. May dala siyang malaking bouquet ng pinaghalong tulips and roses.
Nadatnan niya kasi akong kunwari'y may inaayos sa sports bike ko dahil iniiwasan kong makita niya ako, tumayo ako at nag-sanitize ng kamay.
"I was just fixing something, ma'am," ngumiti ako, nakatingin pa rin ako sa mga dala niya, para siyang nag-mall and grocery.
"Oh, okay na ba? Pwede kang sumabay sa 'kin if you want," marahang alok niya.
"Nah, thank you but my bike is fine. May hinihintay lang ako saglit, ma'am."
"Sino?" umangat ang isang kilay niya. "Help me here nalang."
"Kaibigan ko ma'am."
Pinulot ko 'yong nahulog na pulang magic pillow at sinalo mula sa kanya 'yung pinakamalaking bouquet na dala niya. Napangiwi ako nang makita ang pangalan ni Cyan sa card ng bulaklak, may gusto pala 'yon sa kanya? Akala ko kapatid 'yon 'nung lalaking pakakasalan sana ni Ma'am Kelani? I get it now why Cyan was so eager to kill me before.
Hinatid ko siya hanggang sa labas ng sasakyan niya.
"Si Miss Chua ba? I saw her with your sister leaving this car park first."
"Mighty Deev?" imposible namang si Cash?
"Yeah."
I pressed my lips together as I noticed her rolled her eyes. For what?
"Wala kang date tonight?"
"Required bang meron, ma'am?"
"Well," hinablot niya muna 'yung magic pillow sa 'kin, pahagis niyang inilagay 'yon sa loob ng kotse niya. "I think I'm free tonight, wanna hangout?"
What she said drew a playful smile on my face. Itinaas ko ang bulaklak na hawak ko, "Baka hindi na ako pauuwing buhay ni Cyan, Professor Campvell."
She chuckles softly, "Cyan is like a sister to me, besides wala naman tayong gagawing masama. It's a friendly date or kung busy ka tonight you can visit me at Campvel All-in Lifestyle just anytime."
Naglabas siya ng calling card niya mula sa kanyang purse saka niya binigay sa 'kin.
"Sure," ngumiti ako sa naisip. "I'll bring Mighty Deev with me.."
Napasimangot siya, "Ikaw lang gusto ko-"
"Kelani!" boses ni Ma'am Navaeh ang sumulpot, may dala itong box ng cake at folder na siyang iniabot niya sa kasama kong guro. "Nakalimutan mo, the Dean was looking for you."
Kasama niya si Professor Cordova na halatang pauwi na rin dahil katulad ni Ma'am Kelani ay marami rin itong dalang kung anu-ano.
"Thank you," Ma'am Kelani smiles as she takes back the bouquet from me.
"Good evening and happy valentine's, ma'am," bati ko sa dalawa, ngumiti si Ma'am Navaeh at agad na binati ako pabalik habang 'yung isa ay parang walang narinig o nakita.
Not saying anything, she walked past us. Why am I the only one who is bothered? Wala lang kasi sa dalawang guro ang ginawa niya o hindi na 'to bago sa kanila.
Scratching my nape, I search for my sports bike and about to go but Ma'am Kelani calls back my attention.
"Head over to Campvell All-in Lifestyle with these gift certificates," she handed me a few gift cards. "Use those vouchers for free to redeem any perfect deals to your liking. Facials, sauna..signature massage or whatever."
"This is too much," I mumble with surprise, maganda sana 'to kung hindi pa ako bumait konti. Tinanggap ko because I'm thinking of giving it to Lucca or Mighty Deev.
"Happy Valentine's," she smiles sweetly.
Imbes na mag-isip ng isasagot ko sa kanya ay mabilis akong tumakbo para lapitan 'yung sports bike ko. Professor Cordova's car damn nearly hit it, and I'm not quite certain if she meant it as a joke or otherwise. Tangina? Hindi marunong magbiro 'yan.
Mahal ko 'yung motorrad ko kaya hinarang ko katawan ko sa pagitan no'n at ng sasakyan niya, the headlights screening my face.
Bumukas 'yung bintana niya, damn it hindi siya nagbibiro.
"Hop in," tanging utas niya.
Tumayo ako dahil natumba ako sa pagkataranta, "What? Dala ko sasakyan ko-"
"I said get inside the car now, Veneracion!" pasigaw na asik niya.
Dahil hindi lang ako maganda kundi masunurin pa ay wala sa alas kwatro kong binuksan agad ang pinto sa backseat, binibilangan niya na rin kasi ako.
"Front seat," utos niya sa tonong mawawalan ka ng karapatang magreklamo, edi sumunod ulit ako.
"Ang bilis ko talaga kausap," bulong ko sa sarili pagpasok ko, kabado bente. Puno na 'yung backseat ng mga kaartehan kaya siguro rito niya ako pinaupo.
Walang usap, tahimik lang kami pareho. She's silently driving the car para huminto lang sa harap ng bookstore, basta malayo na sa car park. Bumusina siya nang lagpasan na kami ng sasakyan ni Ma'am Kelani, doon na ako nagsalita.
"Did you receive it?" bwelo ko, maliit na ngiti ang sumilay sa muka ko. I was so busy for the past few hours and before I went to Heaven CU-Land I begged Lucca to send something to Professor Cordova. Just a little something for Valentine's day, it's not really my thing but I did it today.
"Yes," her dark eyes move to my side.
Nagtaka ako, kinilabutan pa ako sa tingin niya, "Did you like it?"
"No," maagap na sagot niya.
Because of that, I pulled my phone from my pocket and immediately asked Lucca.
Ezra Meziah Y Veneracion:
Hey, what gift did you send
to Professor Cordova?
Ayokong magtanong sa propesor mismo dahil baka isipin niyang hindi seryoso 'yung bigay ko at naglalaro na naman ako dahil ibang tao ang inutusan kong magbigay no'n.
Lucca Ivo Chua:
Flowers!
Flowers? Nakakawala kaya ng astig points ang flowers! Pero bakit mukang 'di nagustuhan ni Professor Cordova?
Ezra Meziah Y Veneracion:
I told you to send her an
appreciation gift, bakit flowers?
Lucca Ivo Chua:
It's a combination of white
and red roses, Meziah!
Crush mo rin naman, epal pa.
Ezra Meziah Y Veneracion:
Ang sabi niya hindi niya raw
nagustuhan! Damn it!
Ano'ng crush ka jan?!
Lucca Ivo Chua:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA
Edi sana buong flower shop
nalang pina-deliver natin!
Wait, she hates roses?
"Do you hate roses?" tanong ko kay Professor Cordova, walang nagbago sa muka niya, Valentine's pero parang biyernes santo..at halloween hahahahaha.
"Veneracion, do you want me to bury you alive?" malamig niyang balik, sanay na 'ko sa kamalditahan niya pero iba talaga ngayong gabi. Kasi naman ano'ng klaseng sagot 'yan? Gusto pa akong ibaon sa hukay!
Bumaba 'yung matalim na tingin niya sa cellphone kong tumunog ulit, si Lucca siguro ulit 'yung nag-message.
Kahit kabado ay sinilip ko pa rin kung ano'ng laman ng message niya.
Lucca Ivo Chua:
I took a picture of it! I forgot to
send you kanina.
Lucca Ivo Chua sent you a photo.
(A/N: Photo not mine: credits to google)
"What the fuck?!"
I scanned the picture she sent me again.
Then again..
What in the fuckery is that?! Funeral flower?! Krazy Lucca!The curses I wanted to say.
"Did you just swear at me?" dinig kong reaksyon ni Professor Cordova sa tabi ko dahil sa 'di mapigilang pagtaas ng boses ko, muntik ko pang ibato itong phone ko holy fuck?
"N-no ma'am, it's not you. Si Lucca kasi," mautal-utal kong dahilan, hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ako o ano sa kalokohan ni Lucca Ivo Chua.
Ezra Meziah Y Veneracion:
Wtf Lucca? Don't you fucking show
your face to me! I'm gonna kill you!
I replied before blocking her, this friend of mine needs a therapy as soon as possible, she's crazy! Araw-araw sinusubok pasensya ko eh, isinilang yata silang lahat para ikapahamak ko sa buhay.
"Give me that.." utas ng kasama ko.
"Ma'am?" kabadong tugon ko, mabilis na itinago ko 'yung phone ko kasi akala ko 'yon yung hahablutin niya pero nagulat ako kasi iyong calling card ni Ma'am Kelani ang kinuha niya.
Without a word or reading it first, she crumpled it up and dumped it out the car's window. Ibig sabihin kahit 'yon ay nadatnan pa nilang dalawa ni Ma'am Navaeh kanina?
"What is that behavior, ma'am?" my blonde hair fell in front of my face, I quickly brushed and flipped it back on my head.
"You don't need it," balewalang bigkas niya. "Kapag may gusto kang sabihin sa kanya, you can tell me first."
Nabuburyo pa rin ako kay Lucca pero hindi naman ako mamalasin kapag hinayaan ko ang sariling ngumisi dahil sa mga nasasaksihan ko ngayon.
"Sa ibang salita, ikaw lang pwede kong i-text at tawagan?" I blurt out, biting my bottom lip. "Ikaw lang wala ng iba? Ikaw lang sapat na? I mean, kapag may gusto akong sabihin kay Ma'am Kelani, idadaan ko muna sa 'yo?"
Bumawi ako sa huli, kung anu-ano na naman kasing pinagsasabi ko.
"Does that make things more difficult for you?" her eyebrow raised.
"It will actually make me get closer to you," I press my back on my seat and grin with the thought.
"Get closer to her maybe? Let's correct that," walang lasa niyang saad, a note of heavy sarcasm intended. She clears her throat, "I don't play cupid, Veneracion. I will only entertain important matters for Kelani."
"Important matters like?"
"If you want to flirt with her, don't use me as a channel for it," her dagger eyes landed on me, a quick eye-roll and frown were pulled across her face.
"I have never flirted with Ma'am Kelani," I replied honestly.
"With that, are you trying to convince me to believe you or yourself?" hindi nagbago ang bigat na dala ng tingin niya, gustong manghimasok.
"I'm telling you the truth, ma'am," I'm fighting myself not to smile, it's not the right time for it dahil baka mapatay pa ako ng wala sa oras at malibing talaga ng buhay.
"What did I hear and saw earlier?" she chewed her lower lip and shifted her disappointed gaze away from me to the window. "Oh, forget it, don't answer.."
Few strands of her messy baby hair hung loosely across her temple and forehead. Nagbuga siya ng hangin na nagpagalaw sa mga buhok niya, damn cute.
"What you saw is nothing but a complete nonsense, I wasn't flirting with Professor Campvell," my gaze immediately directed to her hands, which are tightly grasping the handlebar, as if she is holding back her words.
Walang kasiguraduhan kung tama pa ba itong ginagawa ko, basta ang alam ko na lang ay gusto kong makita siyang kumalma kahit papaano, hinawakan ko ang isang kamay niya na nasa manibela. Napangiti ako sa loob-loob ko dahil kahit kaunti ay nanlambot ito.
"Kelani broke up with her fiance," she mutters firmly, ignoring my hand. "And that makes her single yet again.."
"Sml?" ngumisi ako, nauunawan ko pa kung bakit namin pinag-uusapan 'to kasi akala niya nga ay hinaharot ko ang kaibigan niya pero ngayon..sa nakikita at naririnig ko..parang iba na?
"What?" hindi niya narinig, binawi niya ang kamay niya mula sa akin.
"Capital letter S-M-L," ulit ko.
"Short, medium, large?" bira niya, umiral na naman pagiging savage niya.
"Share mo love," I said, smiling ear-to-ear.
She snaps her eyes at me, "She likes you.."
"Ma'am Kelani?" alam ko naman na, halata naman pero pwede ring gano'n lang talaga personality ni Ma'am Kelani. Nakipaghiwalay siya sa fiance niya because she finally accepted that she's not really into men, nabanggit niyang nakatulong ako in the process pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n na gano'n na kaseryoso?
"Yeah," she sighs.
"I like myself too," I chuckle playfully, earning another hot eye-roll from her. "How about you? Why do you sound like a jealous professor-"
"Whatever you're thinking now, that's insane and impossible!" she cuts me off, while her fingers are fidgeting her necklace, she failed to reciprocate my intense gaze.
"Jealous professor, ma'am. I didn't say jealous girlfriend just to clarify myself," pang-aasar ko, hindi siya nakakapagod tingnan na ganito ngayon. Kahit naiinis o galit siya, it feels satisfying in my part. "Hindi ko naman sinabing favorite teacher ko siya kaya wag kang mag-alala-"
"Well, I'm sorry, but all of that is still out of the question for me," her dark eyes lock with mine, I gaze down to her necklace.
"What gets you fiddle with your jewelry like that?" I remember her telling me it was a gift from her grandfather but how about her mannerism to touch it.
She drops her hand back to the handlebar, "It's clear in context, Veneracion."
"Tell me about it.."
"This peculiarity occupies my brain that is filled with distracted thoughts," she explains. "It helps me focus, at times reduces tension, stress, and just about everything when I'm anxious or my insecurities trigger me."
Her peculiarities, which I used to find repugnant, are now quite endearing to me.
"Ngayon? Was it my fault that you fidgeted the diamond?" I inquired bravely. "Nininerbyos ka ba ngayon dahil sa 'kin?"
"In your opinion?" may diing tanong niya, hindi ko inaasahan.
Okay, I have no other way to say it now, "Nagseselos ka-"
"Not in this life, Miss Veneracion," madiing bira niya.
"Just my opinion," humalakhak ako at napailing. "You asked for it, señorita. I know you won't either, straight ka 'di ba?"
"It's not about I'm straight or not, I just don't like you to begin with," she counter strikes, ouch.
"You know what ma'am? 'Yang sagot mo, parang mga lalaki, hindi ko kailangan," I pouted. "Hindi ko naman tinatanong.."
"Skl," mahinang sagot niya na nagpagulat sa 'kin.
"Share ko love?" I smirk, my tongue runs over my lower lip.
"Lang," maikling tugon niya, nag-iwas ito ng tingin para paandarin muli ang kotse niya.
"Kapag ikaw nahulog sa ganda ko, mapapaluhod ka," mayabang kong asal. Napakadaya, ilang beses na nanghina tuhod ko dahil sa kanya kahit wala pa siyang ginagawa, gano'n kalakas epekto niya sa 'kin tapos harap-harapan niya lang sasabihin sa 'king hindi niya ako gusto?
"I wouldn't bet on it," nanunuya pa niyang turan, talaga naman oo. "How annoying, you're the first person to ever send me funeral flowers."
My face heated up as she mentioned the latter. Dang, this is embarrassing like bitch. Kapag nakita ko talaga mga minions na 'yun, pagbubuhulin ko silang lahat.
"The bouquet means, patay na patay sila sa 'yo," tumawa ako ng mahina, lumakas dahil sa itsura niya. Ang cute talaga mainis at magalit ng mga magaganda. Ito ba talaga 'yung nilalait-lait ko noon? I had previously been blind. Ngayon ay hindi lang mga mata ko ang nabuksan, pati utak, puso't damdamin ko.
"Oh, I thought patay na patay ka nang mamatay," her death glares are consuming me. "Reminds me the days na hindi pa tapos Halloween mo."
"Happy hallowee-" kinagat ko ang labi, nagdidilim na kasi 'yung mga nakakahiwang tingin niya, tumatagos na sa buto-buto ko. Nag-isip ako ng iba pang sasabihin, "Paano kung patay na patay na pala ako sa 'yo?"
"My deep condolences," direktang sagot niya.
This savage queen is too much!
"Sungit, ah?" napanguso ako, kulang nakang tirikan niya ako ng kandila.
"What am I supposed to say?" her face fell into stern lines, a quick flame leaped in her eyes. "This game is getting out of hand. Veneracion, you gave me flowers, and Kelani received one as well at the same day. And now you expect me to thank you?"
My mouth gaped open, so this is why it feels like I'm in trouble. I whipped around to see where we stopped, bumalik lang pala ulit kami rito sa parking lot.
"Ikaw lang babaeng binigyan ko no'n, 'yung dalang bulaklak ni Ma'am Kelani kanina kay Cyan galing 'yon," I'm explaining like I should.
We stared each other, the look in her empty eyes suddenly become distant.
"Are you courting her?" her firm gaze faltered and fell.
"I don't court, ma'am. It's not my style," nangingiti ko pang sagot, joke time ba 'to?
"Why?"
"Courtship is love bombing, it's like putting pressure to someone," kumento ko, kung dati hindi ako naniniwala jan..hindi pa rin ngayon because I'm learning my own way how to pursue someone. It's being real, showing your best side, consistency, and getting to know that person better. Not by love bombing and impressing the 'person' just to get the desired 'yes' or status for a relationship proposal.
Holy, what's with this sudden realization? Or is this something I'm doing to someone right now without realizing it? Obviously..
"Kelani hates being courted too, so she's your girlfriend now?"
Dahil sa tanong niya ay naging mapaglaro ang ngiti ko na nagpairap sa kanya.
"Hindi pa-"
"May balak ka?" hindi makapaniwalang reaksyon niya. "Oh my gosh, Veneracion! Please get out of my sight!"
That makes me throw my hand on my stomach, Ietting out a deep chuckle. Sa ilang sandali ay tumigil din ako sa mapang-asar na asal ko dahil ayoko nang hintayin pa siyang mainis lalo.
"Ikaw, ma'am? Wala ka bang balak sa 'kin?" balik na tanong ko sa kanya, hindi pa rin nawala ang kapilyahan. "Bago pa ako agawin ng iba-"
"Wala pa," she answers to cut me off. "Time to go home, Veneracion.."
Wala pa? Did I hear it right o guni-guni ko lang 'to?! Wala pa daw?! Wala pa nga?!
"Wala pa?" aba hindi ako lalabas ng kotseng 'to hangga't 'di ko nasisigurado 'yan!
"I said wala po," she purses her lips like a sweet girl, a mildly amusing expression on her face.
"Kailan ka pa naging magalang sa mas nakakabata sa 'yo, ma'am?" natatawa kong reaksyon, binuksan ko ang pinto ng sasakyan para lumabas. Turning back to her, "Ayan problema sa 'yo ma'am, eh. Be matured enough, 'di kana bata kaya samahan mo 'ko sa pagtanda."
She sneered, "Wala pa nga akong balak, Veneracion. Done na?"
Wala pang balak maging magalang? O wala pang balak samahan ako sa pagtanda? Na-shake, rattle and roll yata utak ng magandang propesor na 'to.
"Linawin mo ma'am, oh!" I held my chest. "Baka maghintay ako hanggang sa makuha ko ang matamis mong oo."
I pouted slightly as if I'm asking for a kiss to tease her. Pinaandar niya ang sasakyan na hindi ako nakahanda, madrama akong dumaing dahil muntik na naman akong sumadsad hayop.
The whole zoo in my stomach made me scream overwhelmingly.
"Happy Valentine's day to me!"
Seriously, this professor is going to be the death of me.