CHAPTER 39
REVELATION
Damian's POV
Dash and Iris reconciled after that huge fight they had the other night. Ngayong bumalik na si Dashiell mula sa Academy ay mas napapadalas na ang pagpunta niya sa office. Nakikita ko siyang hinahatid pa sa floor si Iris bago iwan. Sometimes he would even stay for a couple of minutes.
I didn't dare to ask the reason for their misunderstanding but I was hoping it wasn't because of me. Nakikiramdam tuloy ako kung alam na ba ni Dash ang sikreto namin ng girlfriend niya. But I guess I was just overthinking. Pinapansin pa 'ko ng kapatid ko kaya mukhang hindi iyon ang pinagawayan nila.
"Kuya..." sambit ni Dash. Lumapit pa siya sa table ko at sumandal doon. "May nabanggit ba sa'yo si Papa tungkol sa kanila ni Mama?"
I instantly frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I heard Mom crying last night, sa kuwarto nila. She sounded angry but at the same time, hurt? I couldn't understand the words clearly."
Nalaman na siguro ni Mama ang sakit ng asawa niya...
Nagkibit balikat ako. "I'm clueless too."
He sighed. "I hope they'll fix whatever it is."
"I'm sure they will. Matatanda na sila Dash. Annulment isn't one of their options for situations like that."
Natawa siya sa sinabi ko ngunit halata sa mukha niyang nagwo-worry siya.
I wish I could tell him about Dad's disease. Kailan pa kaya balak ni Papa sabihin kay Dash? Kapag malala na ang sakit niya?
Biglang lumapit si Iris sa amin kaya naman parehas kami ni Dash na napatingin sa kanya.
"Hey." Dash smiled and wrapped his arms around Iris' waist. "I'm about to leave. Sunduin kita mamaya?"
"Sure." Iris looked at me and gave me a tight smile before kissing Dashiell's cheeks. "Ingat ka pauwi."
They looked perfect together and I hate it.
Tumingin na ulit ang kapatid ko sa akin kaya naman inalis ko na ang titig ko kay Iris. Ngumisi siya na para bang may naalala siya. "By the way, I saw your girlfriend earlier. Why didn't you tell me she's here?"
"Girlfriend?"
"The one you introduced to me back in Australia. What was her name again?"
"Si Nova?" gulat na tanong ko. Iris furrowed her brows but didn't utter a word. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin habang yakap yakap siya ni Dash. "Saan mo siya nakita?" curious na tanong ako.
I know we already cut our communication but I'm still hoping to see her. Kung nandito siya para magbakasyon, sana magkita man lang kami. She was my bestfriend after all.
"Downstairs," pagtawa niya. "Sinusundo ka na yata."
"Sa baba?!"
"Wait, hindi mo alam? Oh. Was she going to surprise you? Sh*t, nasira ko pa yata ang plano niya."
I was stunned.
What would Nova do at my father's company? It must be business related...
"Who's Nova? I didn't know you're dating someone." I was startled when Iris spoke to me. Titig na titig siya sa mga mata ko na tila ba gustong-gusto niyang marinig ang sagot ko.
"She's---" Biglang umingay ang floor kaya naman na-distract kami. I followed everyone's gaze and my eyes widened when I saw my father walking towards us.
Behind him is NOVA?!?!!!
Napatayo ako sa gulat nang makita ko siya. She's wearing her usual leather jacket and pants. Pati na ang boots niya na may takong. Kahit sa malayuan ay alam ko na agad na siya iyon dahil kilalang kilala ko ang pananamit niya.
She's really here! What the...
Dire-diretso silang pumasok sa office ni Amari kaya naman nagbulungan ang mga tao.
"Sino 'yung girl na nakasunod kay Mr. Lewis?"
"Nakaka-intimidate ang look niya. Halatang matapang."
"True. Parang nakakatakot mabangga. Pero ang ganda, grabe."
"I wonder if she's a new employee."
"Grabe ha, may recommendation pa galing sa owner ng company?"
"Halatang madaming connections. Is she Elite too?"
"Intern din ba dito ang girlfriend mo, Kuya? Damn. In love na in love ha," asar ni Dash.
Hindi ako sumagot at hindi ko rin siya tiningnan. Ang mga mata ko ay nakatutok sa labas ng opisina ni Amari, naghihintay lumabas sila.
I'm so confused right now. I badly wanted some answers.
Pagbukas na pagbukas ng pintuan ay agad akong lumapit sa kanila. They were all laughing, including my father who I barely see smile at work.
"Good, you're here." My father greeted me. "Take care of her. Iha, give my regards to your Dad, okay?"
"Sure Tito. Thank you again."
Umalis na ang Papa ko habang naiwan naman akong gulat na gulat.
"Miss me, stiff?" She smiled widely. "Cause I miss you like hell." Bigla niyang pinulupot ang mga braso sa leeg ko at niyakap ako ng mahigpit. I was too shocked to move.
Nang mag-sink in naman sa utak kong nandito nga talaga siya ay niyakap ko rin siya pabalik.
"Of course I miss you! But how come you're here?"
Lumayo siya nang kaunti at hinawakan ang pisngi ko. "Maybe we should go somewhere private? I'll tell you everything, I promise."
"How about the coffee shop outside? Does that sound good?" Tumango lang siya. "F*ck! Silva and Art would also be thrilled to see you!"
"I miss them too. Kayong tatlo." Kumapit siya sa braso ko at ngumisi. "Let's all meet soon. But for now, tayo na lang munang dalawa. Shall we?"
Naglakad na kami papunta sa elevator. Once inside, I couldn't help but bombard her with my questions. "Mind explaining why you're here? Kailan ka pa dumating? Are you staying here for long or are you just visiting? And why are you with my father?"
Natawa siya at sinandal ang ulo sa balikat ko. "Ghad, I miss hearing your voice..."
Bumukas na ang elevator at naglakad na kami palabas ng kumpanya. She was quiet until we had to order our drinks. Pagakyat sa second floor ay umupo kami sa may dulong table.
"Nova, answer me please. Anong ginagawa mo dito?"
"I don't want to beat around the bush since there's no use of that. I'm here because of you," diretsang pagamin niya. "When you suddenly left Australia, I thought I can finally move on. I tried to forget about you, trust me I did everything that I could. I went to parties, met awesome guys but something's just not clicking. Even if I flirt with them and force myself to date them, I still couldn't make my heart beat for any of them." Ngumiti siya at uminom muna ng kape bago nagsalita ulit. "The longer you're gone, the harder it is for me not to think about you. I keep on wondering what are you doing, how's life for you. Even dumb questions like are you thinking about me or are you dating someone new? I always have those thoughts and sometimes, I ended up laughing at myself. We said goodbyes already but I can't seem to let you go."
I just stared at her since I didn't know what to say. Thankfully, she spoke again.
"I know you're not into me, Damian. We've already established that. But at the end of the day, I still love you and I want to be beside you." She smiled at me. "I'm tired of staying away so now, I'm here. I'll stick around till all my hope is gone."
"Nova..."
"It's totally fine. I'm not forcing you to feel the same way. Just please allow me to be here."
"Don't you think it's just a waste of time wanting me instead of finding the man who can truly make you happy? I care about you, Nova. Ayokong nasasaktan ka."
"I've already made a decision and it's final. You can't stop me."
She's so stubborn...
Kahit siguro paulit-ulit kong sabihin sa kanyang hindi magandang idea ang nasa isip niya ay hindi pa rin siya titigil. Siya lang naman ang iniisip ko. I can't give her what she wants. Kahit gustuhin ko, hindi ko mapilit ang sarili kong magkagusto sa kanya.
Si Iris pa rin talaga ang nasa isip ko palagi.
" Besides, I can't just leave. Nakausap ko na ang parents ko at pumayag silang dito na ulit ako sa Pilipinas mag-stay. Dad even talked to your father. I'm going to take my internship here with you. Para sabay tayong babalik sa Australia upang grumaduate."
"So there isn't anything I can do to change your mind?"
She smirked. "You know the answer to that."
Napangiti na lang ako at ginulo ang buhok niya. "Kulit mo talaga!"
Tumawa siya at pinalo ang kamay ko. We both laughed and it instantly felt like old times. "You don't know how happy I am to see you again. It's been a while, stiff."
"Me too, Nova. Na-miss kita."
Now that she's here, maybe I'd be able to stop myself from looking at Iris...
Maybe she can distract me from wanting the girl I shouldn't like...
Iris' POV
Kumunot lalo ang noo ko nang makita kong nagyakapan sila. They hugged and then that Nova girl just wrapped her arms around Damian's. Umalis sila pagkatapos nilang magusap saglit.
"I knew they're together. Noon pa lang, halata ko na," tatawa-tawang sambit ni Dash.
I'm supposed to be happy for Damian but somehow, I felt different. Almost like I'm pissed off. Maybe because Damian didn't even mention to me that he's taken.
He's so secretive. Ilang araw na kaming magkasama dito sa trabaho pero ni minsan ay hindi niya nabanggit sa akin na may girlfriend siya.
Teka nga, ano naman pakielam ko? Hindi niya naman obligasyon ipaalam sa'kin 'yon...
"Anyway, it's the start of Senyor's game tomorrow. Should I pick you up?" Inilaan ko na ang atensyon ko kay Dash dahil baka kung ano ano na ang pumapasok sa isip ko.
"Sure. Or you can just drop by at my house and we'll get ready there."
"Pwede din." Tumunog ang phone niya kaya tiningnan niya kung sino ang nag-text. "Mauna na ako. I'm going back to school. May meeting daw sabi nila coach." Tumayo na siya at hinalikan ang noo ko. "Love you. See you later."
"Be safe."
Bumalik na ako sa upuan ko at nagtrabaho na ulit. Kaso hindi ko maiwasang hindi lumingon sa elevator maya't-maya.
Kanina pa umalis sila Damian pero bakit hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin sila? Did he went home with that girl? Sino ba 'yung Nova na 'yon at bakit kasama niya pa si Tito kanina? Is she going to work here too?
Hindi ko nagawang mag-concentrate sa trabaho ko hanggang sa nakabalik na sila. They were laughing when they walked towards Damian's table. Pansin na pansin ang closeness nila. Normal na normal ang pagdikit nila sa isa't-isa. Hindi talaga makakailang magjowa sila.
"Uy Damian, sino 'yang magandang kasama mo?"
"Oo nga, pakilala mo naman kami."
I saw few of our colleagues approached them. It's too obvious they just want to gossip.
"Guys, si Nova nga pala. She'll be having her internship here too."
The girl just smiled at them but didn't even shake hands. Napansin iyon ni Damian at natawa lang siya. Mukhang alam niyang ganito na talaga ang ugali nito. From the looks of it, Nova's like Caylee or Ava. Hindi basta basta nakikipagkaibigan. They keep their inner circle small.
While watching them, Damian suddenly glanced over me. Nagulat ako kaya naman nanigas ako sa kinauupan ko. He stared at me as if he wants to talk to me.
A part of me wishes he'd leave Nova's side. Gusto kong lumapit siya sa akin at kami ang magusap. I want him to explain everything.
I looked away and pretended I didn't see him. I continued what I was doing but I could feel his eyes on me. Nang hindi ako makatiis ay tumayo na ako at pumunta sa CR. I washed my face and stared at myself in the mirror.
"Ano bang nangyayari sa'yo, Iris? Bakit ganyan ang mga pumapasok sa isip mo?"
I hate myself for getting affected towards that girl's presence. Naguguluhan ako sa sarili ko. Bakit ba inis na inis ako na hindi nabanggit kahit kailan ni Damian si Nova? She just popped out of nowhere!
Biglang bumukas ang pintuan kaya napatingin ako doon. To my surprise, it was her who walked inside. Sa lahat naman ng taong makikita ko, bakit siya pa?
"Oh, hi," bati niya sa akin. "Iris right?"
I raised an eyebrow. "How'd you know my name?"
"Everyone knows who you are. You're Dashiell's girlfriend and you're pretty famous." Tumabi siya sa akin at nag-lipstick. She applied more shade on her already red lips. "I'm Nova. It's nice meeting you."
Inilahad niya ang kamay niya kaya naman nakipagkamayan ako sa kanya kahit basa ang kamay ko. She didn't even got mad what I did. She just grabbed a tissue to wipe her hands and then, she even gave me some.
Hindi na ako nagsalita pagkatapos non. I just dried my face and fixed the ribbon on my hair.
"Can I ask you something?" tanong niya kaya napatingin uli ako sa kanya. "Between us girls only?"
"S-sure."
"How's Damian here?" Talagang humarap pa siya sa akin upang makita niya maigi ang mukha ko.
"What do you mean?"
"I haven't been around so I'm interested to know how he's been."
"Uhhh, okay naman. Everyone here loves him. Magaling kasi siya magtrabaho. He knows what he's doing."
Tumango tango siya. "And the girls?"
"The what?"
"May mga babae bang umaaligid sa kanya dito? You know, flirts who think they can date the future owner of this company? I'm sure there are some but does Damian flirt back to them? Sa'tin lang naman 'to. I won't tell anyone I heard it from you."
Oh. She wants to know if her boyfriend's cheating on her.
"Wala naman akong napapansin..."
The corner of her lips turned up. "Good." Inayos niya ang pagkapusod ng buhok niya. "Cause if there's one, I'll make sure she'd leave him alone," pagtawa niya.
Habang tinititigan siya ay hindi ko maiwasang hindi ikumpara ang sarili ko sa kanya.
She's so fierce-looking. All black pa ang suot niya kaya ang angas lang niya tingnan. I, on the other hand, wears a floral dress. I don't even have any make-up on. Ang plain ko kumpara sa kanya. Ang itsura ko parang pang sixteen years old lang.
I slowly took off the ribbon on my hair. Na-conscious ako bigla. She is more beautiful than me. Naguumapaw ang confidence niya, unang tingin pa lang.
"Uhh...Nova, pwede magtanong?"
She was applying a mascara on her eyelashes when I spoke. Natigil tuloy siya upang tingnan ako. "Sure. What is it?"
"Paano kayo nagkakilala ni Damian? I heard you're from Australia so magkaklase kayo?" Hindi ko gets bakit gustong gusto kong malaman ang nakaraan nila. Parang 'di ako matatahimik kung hindi ko malalaman.
"Yup. One of our professors partnered us for this project. At first I kinda not like him but as time passes by, we got along pretty well. We have so much in common, we ended up being bestfriends. Now, I can't even move on with my life without him." She blushed. "I even followed him here. Crazy, right?"
"No. It's romantic..." I whispered.
"Thanks." Ngumisi siya. "I have a feeling we'll get along. We can be future sisters-in-law, don't you think?"
I just smiled at her.
Obviously she doesn't know about 'Paris' cause if she does, she wouldn't be this nice to me.
Paano nagagawa ni Damian ilihim iyon sa girlfriend niya? Kaya pala ayaw niya ring umamin ako kay Dash. Natatakot kasi siyang magkasira sila ni Nova.
Now, I get it. It makes perfect sense.
This isn't about me or the two of us. It's all about her.
Damian wants me to keep our secret because he's afraid to lose Nova.
*****
I enjoyed the opening ceremony for the Annual Elite Game. Even though I'm not a huge fan of social gatherings, I was still happy to be with my friends again. Surprisingly, Nova wasn't around. I heard she's not into events like this. She's also from a wealthy family pero kaugali niya sila Drey. They'll rather travel than participate at this.
"Ghad, you look hot," Dash murmured before pressing his lips into mine.
After the program, we sneaked out to make out a little. Good mood siya dahil kumpleto ang tulog niya. I was also happy to be spending so much time with him. Na-miss ko ang atensyong binibigay niya sa akin. Ang tagal niya ring naging busy sa training at ngayon ko lang talaga siya lubusang na-solo.
"We should go," I whispered while he's kissing my neck, gently.
"No, not really."
"Dash..." I have to push him or else, something might happen here inside his car. I'm getting high with the feeling of his lips brushing against my skin. Delikado. Kahit tinted ang kotse niya ay baka may makakuha ng litrato sa amin mamaya paglabas namin.
What if he leaves a love bite on my neck and someone takes a picture of that? I'd be doomed.
"Sigurado akong hinahanap na ako nila Caylee..."
"Let them. You're all mine for tonight."
I touched both his shoulders. "They're expecting us to join the after party. Naghihintay din sila Mama ng picture. Tara na."
He kissed me again, a passionate one before he nodded. "Okay."
Bumaba na kami at magka-holding hands na pumasok sa bar. Our friends teased us about getting a quickie but I just laughed at them. Balewala naman sa akin kung ano isipin nila. Kahit naman sabihin ko ang totoo ay hindi sila maniniwala.
I sat at the couch beside Tiff. Habang nakikinig sa usapan nila ay tumingin ako sa paligid. My eyes are looking for Damian for some reason.
I eventually saw him. His friends are not here but he's with another group. Tawanan sila ng tawanan hanggang sa nagkayayaan sa dance floor. I watched them have fun with the others.
"Body shot!" pasimuno ng mga kaibigan ko. Dash handed me a fruit cocktail and I accepted it. Hindi naman gaano nakakalasing ang cocktails.
After teasing Caylee and Zin, they made Dash and I join the game. Inilagay ni Ava ang chaser na asin sa dila ko. I didn't want to do it at first but I didn't want to be a killjoy. Besides, I was just kissing my boyfriend in the car anyway. This is just like the continuation.
Hindi na rin ako gaanong nahiya dahil exclusive party ito. All the pictures that are going to be taken are from a professional photographer then it will be approved by Senyor's team. Wala silang ilalabas na litratong makakasira sa image naming mga Elites.
"OH MY GOSH!" I heard the girls shouted as Dash deepened our kiss.
And then all of a sudden, an image of Damian entered my mind. While kissing Dash, it was my memory of Damian in Paris that got stuck in my thoughts. Tinulak ko si Dashiell sa gulat. He didn't seem to realize what I just did because he just laughed. Akala niya yata ay kinakailangan ko na kasi makahinga kaya ko siya naitulak.
Nilingon ko si Damian at nagulat ako nang makita ko siyang nakatigil sa gitna ng dance floor. He's staring at me as if he's in pain.
Umiwas ako ng tingin at kinuha ang alak na nasa table. Nang hindi mawala ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko ay inagaw ko pa ang kay Rios. Umupo na rin ako sa couch at kinalma ang sarili ko.
What the heck? Bakit ko naisip si Damian?!
I drank more and so did Dashiell. Kahit na ayoko sa lasa ay pakiramdam ko kailangan ko iyon para kumalma ako. Dash didn't stop me since I told him I can handle it.
Maya't-maya ay may iniinom kami hanggang sa medyo nakaramdam na ako ng hilo. I stopped because I'm scared of what I'll do once I'm drunk.
I decided to just dance since I want to get distracted. Para kaming mga baliw na nagtatatalon nila Naomi. We keep on laughing even though there's nothing funny. And we drained our energies till we couldn't feel our feet.
Medyo hilo na kaming lahat nang tumigil kami. I was really sweaty and tipsy. I feel like I'll also vomit soon.
"Hey Dash, uwi na tayo." Nilapitan ko siya sa upuan at tinapik ang braso niya pero bagsak na siya. Tulog na tulog na silang dalawa ni Asher.
Tingnan mo 'to. Napa-sobra na naman ng inom.
Mukhang na-miss niya mag-party.
Tumabi na lang muna ako sa kanya at kumain ng fruits na nasa table. Napapapikit na rin ako sa antok pero pinipigilan ko ang sarili ko. I still need to call my driver so he can fetch us.
"Hey, everything good?" Iniangat ko ang tingin ko at nakitang lumapit si Damian sa amin. Bukas ang ilang butones ng polo niya at pawisan rin siya katulad ko. Everyone's just having fun tonight.
"Your brother's sleeping and I'm sleepy na rin." I pouted. "I wanna leave already."
"Are you going home or are you staying at our house?"
"Pwede ba 'ko sa inyo? Baka magalit si Nova."
"Your Dashiell's girlfriend. Of course you can stay at ours." Sinampal sampal niya nang kaunti si Dash upang magising ito. "Huy, tumayo ka na. Uwi na tayo."
"Si Iris ko?"
"I'm here!" I almost shouted. Napatakip naman ako sa bibig ko dahil hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ang lakas ng boses ko. "Sorry," I whispered.
Damian helped Dash to walk. Bitbit ko naman ang coat nito at tahimik na sumunod sa kanila. Medyo nakakapagtaka lang dahil parang patagilid ang lakad ko. Or tagilid ang daan. Hmmm...
We went to the parking area at the back so that the media won't be able to see us. I was having light hiccups when I watched Damian put Dash at the passenger seat. Pagsarado niya ng pintuan ay humarap siya bigla sa akin kaya naman muntikan na kaming magtama. I took a step back and lost my balance. Mabuti na lang ay mabilis siya. He wrapped an arm around my waist while his other hand held my left arm.
"Whoah," I murmured while watching the world spin. Lasing na ako. Ganito pala ang pakiramdam malasing. My head's throbbing and my heart's beating fast.
"You're drunk. Tsk. Halika na."
Inalalayan na rin ako ni Damian sumakay sa shotgun seat. He even helped me put my seatbelt on. I smiled when I noticed how serious he is. Hindi ko mapigilang hindi hawakan ang kilay niya. He's frowning too much...
Natigil siya at napatingin sa akin. Ang lapit lapit ng mukha niya, halos ramdam ko na ang mainit niyang hininga.
I stared at his lips and touched it as well.
"You confuse me," I admitted. "In a bad way."
Hindi nagsalita si Damian. Pumikit lang siya saglit bago siya lumayo at sinarado na ang pintuan ng kotse. Then he walked around and sat on the driver's seat. Tiningnan niya muna saglit si Dash bago siya nag-drive.
I also looked behind and watched Dashiell sleep peacefully.
Damian's POV
It took everything in my will not to kiss Iris. Kapag ganoon ang titig niya sa mga mata ko ay nawawala talaga ako sa sarili ko.
T*ngina. Mali 'to.
Obviously she's not thinking straight. Nakainom siya kaya wala sa sarili.
Nagpatugtog na lang ako at tahimik na nag-drive pauwi ng bahay. Nang makarating sa amin ay inalalayan ko na ulit si Dash papunta sa kuwarto niya.
"Hindi ka dapat naglalasing kapag kasama mo girlfriend mo. You should be looking out after her," I mumbled even though he's passed out. Inalis ko ang sapatos niya at kinumutan siya. "Pasalamat ka nandito ako."
He groaned. "Pabukas nga ng aircon, ang init." I rolled my eyes but did what he asked me to do.
"And stay away from her." Sobrang hina ng boses niya kaya hindi ako sigurado kung tama ba ako ng narinig. I froze for a few minutes before I realized, he must just be dreaming.
Umiling na lang ako at lumabas na ng kuwarto niya. I frowned when I didn't see Iris. Akala ko ay nakasunod siya sa amin ngunit wala siya dito sa hallway.
I walked downstairs and looked for her but she's nowhere to be found. Wala rin siya sa garahe.
Where the hell is she?
I was about to run upstairs again when I noticed the open door leading to the pool. I checked if she's in there and she is. Nakaupo siya sa gilid ng swimming pool, nakababa ang paa sa tubig.
"What are you doing here?" I asked. "You should go upstairs and rest."
Hindi siya umimik kaya naman lumapit na ako sa kanya. "Iris..."
"Sit with me..." Tinapik niya ang sahig sa gilid niya habang nakatitig sa reflection ng ilaw sa tubig.
I noticed she's hugging herself with her arms. Giniginaw siya pero hindi niya iniintindi iyon. I took my coat off and put it around her before I hesitantly sat beside her.
Mukhang ang lalim lalim ng iniisip niya. Or maybe she's just trying to relax. Baka nagtatanggal ng hilo. I noticed she's been drinking all night. Nagulat nga ako dahil hindi ko inakalang ganoon siya kalakas uminom.
"Do you want some water? Or coffee?" I asked and she just shook her head. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. Hindi ako masyado uminom dahil binantayan ko si Iris. Even if it's an exclusive party, I still wanted to make sure she's safe.
"Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit hindi ko magawang makalimutan ang nangyari noon."
Napatingin ako nang bigla siyang magsalita. Her voice was too low but I still heard her.
"I just don't get it. Bakit hindi mo 'ko tinawagan?" When she looked at me, my breathing hitched. I can clearly see the pain in her eyes. Tila sumikip ang dibdib ko at napapikit ako saglit. "I waited, Damian. Ang tagal kong umasa pero hindi ka nagparamdam. Bakit? Anong rason mo para bigla na lang ako kalimutan? Did I scare you? Did you hate me for lying to you?"
"Iris, hindi." Nagulat ako nang makitang umiiyak na siya. I reached out to her cheeks and wiped those tears with my thumb. "I looked for you but I couldn't find you."
Nagkasalubong ang mga kilay niya. She touched my hand and pulled it away from her cheeks. Hinawakan niya iyon at tinitigan. "I left you a letter. My real name and my number were there. Nagpaliwanag ako pero binalewala mo."
"What letter?"
She gazed at me with confusion in her eyes. "The one that I left at the hotel. I told the receptionist to give it to you. Kinailangan ko kasing umalis nang mas maaga dahil iyon ang utos ng nanay ko. She got mad at me for sneaking out and ended up punishing me. Wala akong nagawa kasi mawawalan ng trabaho ang mga kasama ko kung hindi ako uuwi. Pero nagiwan ako ng sulat. I specifically told the front desk you'll arrive in an hour and that she should give it to you. She promised me she would!"
Natahimik ako saglit. "I didn't receive any letter..."
Humagulgol na nang tuluyan si Iris kaya naman niyakap ko siya. Hindi ko na rin mapigilang hindi maiyak.
All this time, I thought she ran away because I wasn't important for her. Pero hindi naman pala siya basta basta umalis. She left while thinking of me. She left while hoping I'd reach out to her.
Gusto kong magalit sa mundo dahil kung nabasa ko lang ang sulat na iyon ay hindi na sana kami nahirapan pa. I would have continued to pursue her even though I was living in Australia and she's in here. Lahat gagawin ko para matuloy lang ang sinimulan na namin.
"Akala ko wala lang ako sa'yo kaya hindi mo na 'ko kinausap," she cried. "I thought what we had was just a one night stand for you."
"No Iris! Of course not! Kahit na isang araw lang tayong nagkasama noon, alam ko agad sa sarili kong totoo ang naramdaman ko. I wanted you to be mine. I wanted to be with you."
Sobrang sakit malaman na nagkasalisihan lang kami nung araw na 'yon.
Looking back, I realized she's the girl inside the luxurious car when I arrived at the hotel. Nagmamadali ang mga helpers niya noon at narinig ko pa ang pangalan na 'Iris'. Kung alam ko lang, sana tumakbo ako at kinatok ang kotse. I wouldn't allow her to leave just like that.
"I didn't mean to leave you. I'm sorry," she sobbed and I just shook my head.
"Wala kang kasalanan. Tadhana ang naglayo sa atin..."
I hugged her tight. Iyak lang siya ng iyak at halos hindi na makahinga ng maayos.
"What the f*ck?" Nagulat ako nang marinig ko ang boses ni Dash. Iris immediately pulled away from my hug. She wiped her tears and stood up. Napatayo rin ako at palihim na pinunasan ang pisngi ko gamit ng kamay ko.
"Why are you hugging my girlfriend?" he asked. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Iris at hinila ito papunta sa likuran niya, almost as if he's shielding her away from me.
"Dash, it's not what you think---"
"I'm asking you. Why are you hugging her?" He repeated, completely ignoring Iris. Kita ko ang pagdududa sa mukha niya.
I sighed. "She's crying. I was just comforting her."
"Well then don't. That's my job, not yours." Hinila niya na papasok si Iris habang naiwan akong tulala sa kinatatayuan ko.
I felt shuttered by the sudden revelation. Nanghina ako at napuno ng galit ang dibdib ko.
Sa sobrang sama ng loob ko ay sinuntok ko ang pader sa gilid.
How come Dash gets to have her? Anong meron sa kapatid ko at sa kanya napunta ang nagiisang babaeng gustong-gusto kong makasama sa buhay ko?
"Damian? Hey, your maid opened the door for me. I know it's late but---OH MY GOSH! YOU'RE BLEEDING!" Lumapit si Nova sa akin at pinaupo ako sa isa sa mga swimming pool chairs. "Wait here!"
Pumasok siya sa loob at maya-maya ay bumalik siya kasama ang isang maid namin na may dalang first aid kit. "Okay na po Manang, iwan mo na lang po dito."
"Sir Damian, gusto niyo po bang tumawag ako ng ambulansya?" tanong nito.
Tinignan ko ang kamay ko at nagagalaw ko pa naman iyon. It doesn't even hurt. Manhid na yata ako dahil mas malala ang sakit na naramdaman ko sa nalaman ko.
"It's not broken. Don't worry about it."
"Thank you po," Nova said before she sat beside me. "What the hell happened? Bakit nagdudugo ang kamay mo?"
I didn't speak. I just watched her take care of my wound. Halatang halata ang pagaalala niya sa akin. She's panicking but she's doing her best to attend to my needs.
"I can't love you back and yet you're still here," I blurted out.
She stopped for a second before she smiled. "Ganun naman talaga magmahal 'di ba? Titiisin mo kahit sobrang sakit na."
Ngayong alam ko na ang totoong nangyari noon, kaya ko pa rin bang magtiis makita si Iris kasama si Dash?
I don't want to betray or hurt my brother but Iris and I have unresolved feelings for each other. I need to know if she still wants me because if she does, I will fight for her. Bahala na kung anong mangyari pero kung ako ang tinitibok ng puso ni Iris, hindi ako papayag na mapunta siya kay Dashiell.
*End of Chapter 39*