"Bakit mo ba ako tinatakasan, ha? Ganiyan ka talaga, 'no?"
Marco's head snapped at me, not liking the words I blurted out. He pointed at me angrily. I felt a pang in my chest.
"Ano? Ano ako, ha? Sabihin mo. Ituloy mo," he demanded.
Matalim ko siyang tiningnan. "I'm doing everything for you," nahihirapang sambit ko, pagod at nasasaktan nang husto ang tono.
"Everything?" he repeated sternly. "If you're doing everything, then why does it feel like nothing?"
My lips quiver, getting weak. "It feels like nothing? My everything feel like nothing to you? Does that mean I'm nothing, too?" It was almost like a whisper. My voice strained to say that.
"Hindi sapat ang binibigay mo. Hindi na ako kontento sa 'yo. Kulang ka. Tapos na tayo."
"Ang kapal mo!" I became enraged. As I raised my hand, his eyes widened in anticipation of my slap.
"Hoy, cut!" sigaw niya. Marahan kong dinapo ang kamay ko sa pisngi niya. "Lord! Akala ko sasampalin mo ako, babe! Wala iyon sa script, eh!" Hininghal pa siya sa takot.
I giggled before wiping my cheeks. Nagme-memorize ako ng lines para sa movie. "I won't do that to you, 'no! Ilalabas ko ang galit ko kay Aspen para makaganti sa pangloloko niya sa 'kin," wala sa loob na sabi ko.
"Pangloloko?" His head tilted slightly to the right.
Nanigas ako. "Pangloloko sa character! Ano ka ba!" I let out an awkward laugh. Ano ba naman! Why did I expose that?!
I pulled a stool. Nasa likod ko siya kaagad. He put both his hands on each sides of the chair and rested his chin on my left shoulder.
"Hindi naman nagloko iyong character, ah? Hindi lang daw enough iyong babae." He knew the plot too well that he didn't believe my palusot.
"Huwag kang spoiler!"
"May kissing scene sa movie?" tanong niya at pinalibot ang mga braso sa leeg ko. Pinatong naman niya ngayon ang chin niya sa itaas ng ulo ko at pagod na bumuntong-hininga.
"Mayroon," sagot ko sa nanliliit na boses. He only hummed as a response. "I can say no naman if you're not comfortable. Pwede akong gumawa ng rason," agap ko kaagad, puno ng katotohanan. Pwede naman talaga. Madami lang itatanong sa akin at mangangapa siguro ako ng sagot pero pwede.
I felt the vibration of his chest on my back as he laughed. "Huwag na huwag mong gagawin iyan dahil lang iniisip mong hindi ako komportable. Isipin mo kung komportable ka dahil ikaw naman ang hahalik," he uttered.
"Are you comfortable?" I asked, looking up to him.
"Hindi." He didn't hesitate. "Ang weird naman kasing panuorin na may ibang humahalik sa girlfriend ko, kaya hindi ko na lang papanuorin iyong scene na iyon. Professional ka naman."
My brows knitted. "I had a fake bed scene in the last two movies," I told him, recalling that he saw those films in the cinema. The one with Aspen, and the other with Lawrence, who 'boasted' my fame—according to Gia.
"Hindi ko pinanuod, uy. Pumikit ako. Ganito." Tinabon niya ang dalawang kamay niya sa mga mata na para bang sobrang natatakot sa memorya.
"Hindi na bagay ang kaartehan mo minsan," paninira ko.
Humalakhak siya. "Pero talaga? Pinatulan mo iyong partner mo na iyon? Austin ba pangalan?" taas kilay na tanong niya. He already drawn conclusions in his mind and didn't spare me from his teases based on my words earlier.
"Aspen," I corrected.
"Ah, pake ko." He smiled politely. "Sino'ng mas magaling humalik sa amin?"
Sinamaan ko kaagad siya ng tingin. "Beaumont," banta ko. Ano ba namang tanong iyan?
"Good. Dapat lang na ako." He disregarded my threat and thought of it as an answer.
My eyes rolled heavenwards at his boastfulness. Was he even wrong? No!
"Huy, nang-aasar lang naman ako. Huwag kang umirap diyan at baka hindi na bumalik mata mo." He chuckled and bit my ear gently before pushing the back of my head.
I immediately punched his arm because of his goofiness. He grabbed my jaw and made me face him, leaning in for a kiss. I put my hand over his shoulder and kissed him back.
I held my breath when he sucked my lip before letting go. He looked so drowsy, like he was still lost from our short kiss. Hahalikan na niya sana ako ulit nang pinitik ko ang noo niya.
"I love you," I randomly said. I swear, I saw his lips formed a smile when those three words escaped my lips.
"You love me?" he asked. If I didn't know Marco so well, I'd assume he was serious because of his monotone.
"Oo..." Parang nahiya ako sa biglaang paglahad ng damdamin ko sa kaniya sa pangalawang beses.
He licked his lips and looked away. "Say it again," he requested.
Napakagat ako sa labi ko. Say it again?
"I love... you," I stuttered a little so I repeated it in a much stable tone. "I love you." And damn, it suddenly felt so easy to say it out loud once more.
He chuckled, bringing his eyes back to me. Humupa ang tawa niya pero nanatili ang malalim na titig sa akin, may hinahanap sa mukha ko.
"Hindi ko alam na ang sarap pala sa pakiramdam na paulit-ulit na sabihan niyan." He bit his lower lip, looking away again like he was shy. I don't understand why he was shy!
"You don't have to say it back, ah," I assured him.
Kinuha niya ang mga kamay ko at binalot ang mainit na palad niya sa itaas noon. "Alam kong hindi ako sumagot noong nakaraan pero hindi ibig sabihin na hindi ko na naappreciate iyon..."
"I wasn't even thinking about it." The last time in Bataan, ngumiti lang siya at hinalikan ang pisngi ko. Him not replying was completely fine with me.
I knew I was ahead of him by a few steps. I have always been. I liked him first. I fell for him first. And honestly, I don't mind. My love for him was no battle wherein the first who falls, loses.
"I'm getting there, Ica." Maki gave me a smile full of assurance.
My lips stretched into a smile. "No pressure. Don't rush it. Hindi kita minamadali. Let your feelings flow slowly. I want you to tell me those words only if it comes from here." I pointed his left chest with my finger. "Only if you mean it."
I watched his adam's apple move as he swallowed, taking in my words. "How did I get so lucky to have you?" he said with a gentle laugh.
"I know, right!" I shrugged, nagyayabang.
Days flew by fast. I had my prelims and shooting on the same week. I was a little bummed, feeling like I didn't do well. On both. I was kind of unmotivated to move around. Gusto ko lang matulog.
"Hello! I brought pizza!" Masaya akong pumasok sa apartment nila Marco. Ang una kong nasaksihan ay si Ares sa sofa, spacing out. "Huy, hirap sisirin ng iniisip mo, ah?"
He jumped a bit before standing up and greeted me politely, "Good evening."
A dramatic gasp went out my mouth. "Sinapian ka ba today? Or sick?" Lumapit ako at kinapa ang noo niya. Hindi naman siya mainit. Ares frowned.
I heard Marco's laugh behind me. He held my shoulders, making me turn to him. "Nasampal lang naman ng babae niya diyan sa labas. Pinaasa, eh," panglalaglag niya. Napasinghap ako bago natawa.
Ares groaned. "I already told her in the first place that I was not up for commitment!" And he went on ranting his usual rant, which I heard several times now because he always gets slaps outside. Playboy kasi!
While teasing Ares and preparing juice for them, I noticed Marco playing with the slice of pizza instead of eating it.
"Hindi ba masarap?" I asked.
Ngumiti siya nang tipid. "Masarap. Pagod lang ako." He showed me his hand. I placed the sachet of juice down and accepted his hand, allowing him to pull me towards him for a short hug.
"I can give you a massage," I offered.
Mahina siyang tumawa. "Mamaya na bago matulog."
Marco was talking about what happened with his day in the hospital. He started talking about surgical terms—I assumed it was surgical terms because roon ang department niya ngayon.
Honestly, I wasn't understanding a single word but I was happily listening and nodding along. I put my leg over his, putting my elbow on it and resting my cheek on my palm. I was staring at him. He looked so passionate. It shows in his eyes that he really wanted this.
Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na panuorin siyang mangarap.
"Madami na ba akong sinabi?" Marco stopped from his story, looking embarrassed.
"Continue, babe. Nakikinig ako," I assured with a smile before taking a bite on my pizza.
"May naintindihan ka ba sa pinagsasabi ko?" Pinaningkitan niya ako ng mga mata. I bit my lip and slowly shook my head. Napakamot siya sa ulo niya. "Dapat sinabi mo. Nakakahiya naman."
"That means you'll stop with your kwento. I don't want that. I enjoy listening to your day," pagsabi ko ng totoo.
Natigilan siya at napatitig sa 'kin saglit bago umiwas ng tingin. When he returned his gaze to me, he gave me his usual downward smile. I mocked him by doing the same.
"Umay manuod ng mga in love," bitter na sabi ni Ares bago kumuha ng isang slice ng pizza at lumabas ng kusina.
The next day, Alonzo and I had lunch at Wolfgang's steakhouse and we went shopping at Rockwell. Bumili ako ng perfume at hand wash ko sa Jo Malone. I also bought perfume for Maki as a random gift.
Then, we went to Lonzo's condo to visit Mishu. I miss her so much! Most of the time kasi, na kay Alonzo ang pusa ko dahil walang magbabantay sa kaniya sa apartment.
"Mishu, baby! Did you miss Mommy?" Akala mo naman sasagutin ako nito. I immediately carried her in my arms when she played in my legs. I caressed her white fur na bagong gupit lang.
"I'm honestly fond of her. Can I have her?" Alonzo joked.
"Adopt your own. Akin ito," pagdadamot ko.
He laughed, crossing his legs on the sofa. "You're almost graduating. I'll give you my books as reviewers for the BAR."
"Huwag na. Baka magalit na naman iyong isa sa 'kin." Natawa ako, iniimagine ang galit na mukha ni Lianna. There were times I wanted to visit the mansion, pero kapag naaalala ko na hindi naman nila ako gusto, hindi ako tumutuloy kasi 'la namang sense.
"Oh, you didn't know?" Gulat ang hitsura ni Alonzo, na nagpakunot ng noo ko sa pagtataka
"Know what exactly?"
"Lianna failed her first sem and stopped law school," pagbalita niya.
I blinked twice, shocked to hear that. "Oh my god! Why did she fail?" He shrugged. "Kinabahan tuloy ako, Kuya!" I whined and rolled on his carpet with Mishu. She jumped off my chest and walked around the unit.
"Wow... You never called me 'Kuya'." He blinked twice, amused. Sumilay ang ngiti sa labi niya bago nagsalita. "It kind of feels good, honestly."
"Our age is near lang kasi so what's the point of calling you that?"
He shrugged. "I've never had bad blood against you like our sisters do. For me, you're my sister and I accept you. Just want you to know that you can lean on me at anytime."
Napanguso ako. "Aga mo naman mag soft hours, Lonzo..." Tumawa ako nang mahina. Alam ko naman na tanggap niya ako, pero iba pala talaga kapag sinabi sa 'yo mismo.
Tumawa siya at nagtaas ng kilay. "When will you introduce your boyfriend to me, huh?"
"Who told you?" I asked, groaning. Was it Dad? He just grinned and pulled me up to sit beside him on the sofa. "I like your perfume," pag-iiba ko.
"Thanks. It's Calvin Klein," he said.
Work and final exam ang inatupag ko sa mga lumipas na linggo. Sa work, na-excite ako dahil may sariling caravan na ako where I can rest in between shoots, unlike the last time na tent lang kaya magulo, maingay, at mainit.
"I have a yacht party later around 7... You should come," I said cooly to Maki as I scrolled through my cabinet to search for an outfit. I will have a random party that Dad prepared.
"Huwag na. Baka may makakita sa atin," pagtanggi niya.
Umiling ako. "It's private. My dad only invited people who doesn't really care about the media, like my closest friends, family friends, business partners. No media. In fairness sa kaniya at bumabait na talaga siya!" hindi makapaniwala na sabi ko.
Silence filled the room because he didn't say a word. I threw him a glance over my shoulder. He was sitting on the sofabed, his fingers drumming the sides of his cola can as he watched me silently for several beats.
"Please, come. I want you to be there," I pleaded, pouting. Naglakad ako papunta sa kaniya at kumandong sa hita niya. Gumapang kaagad ang kamay niya sa taas ng hita ko para mabalanse ako. "Pakilala na rin kita sa ibang friends ko..." Humina ang tono ko sa dulo.
He sighed heavily. "Hindi naman sa hindi ko gusto pumunta. Pero hindi rin ako matahimik na may makakakita sa atin kahit pa sabihin na walang media," he told me gently.
"I'm not keeping you a secret," I defended.
Natawa siya at nagtaas ng kilay. "Talaga lang?"
"I'm not keeping you a secret from my close friends," pagtama ko sa sinabi ko kanina.
"You've been keeping me a secret for quite some time now, Ica. Who knows about us in your circle of friends? Si Sab lang, 'di ba?" He made me remember.
My lips formed a straight line, suddenly unable to speak. He was right there.
"Nandoon manager mo?" tanong niya sa 'kin.
"Yup," I responded shortly.
Tumango siya. "Mas lalong hindi ako pupunta. Hindi ka pwede mag-date. Paano na lang kung bigla akong komportable na lumapit sa 'yo, eh 'di nabuko?" natatawang sabi niya.
"I'll just say you're my friend, duh! Hindi naman siguro iyon magtatanong." Kinamot ko ang braso ko dahil bakit ba ayaw na lang niyang sumama?
I wanted him to be there so he can meet my friends and we can actually spend time somewhere else, not just apartment and cafés. Kung mago-out of town naman, de schedule. Minsan hindi pa natutuloy. A little yacht party won't hurt.
"Paano kung bigla kitang mahalikan?" He threw another question.
I rolled my eyes and pushed his face. "Then don't do that, stupid! Control yourself."
He let out a low chuckle before leaning in towards me. "Paano kung ikaw iyong humalik? Malala ka pa naman malasing."
"Eh, 'di sasabihin kong hindi ko sinasadya na mahalikan ang kaibigan ko!" Ang dami naman nitong tanong!
"Ano iyon? Friendly kiss? Nanghahalik ka pala ng kaibigan?"
"Ikaw nga hinalikan ko kahit na hindi tayo magkaibigan noon," I countered.
His brow shut up, amused. "Tama. Pero nanghahalik ka nga ng kaibigan?"
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at hinampas-hampas sa braso at dibdib. Parang ang layo naman ng narating ng topic! Pinakinggan ko siyang tumawa habang ginagawa ko iyon.
"Sige nga, kaya mo bang sabihin na tayo kapag nagtanong iyong manager mo?" Tinagilid niya ang ulo niya, nanghahamon ang tingin sa akin.
Once again, my mouth went shut and I didn't know what to say. I looked away, thinking deeply.
"Just admit it that you are keeping me a secret for now, okay?" He held my jaw and made me face him, his eyes piercing into my soul. "I'm good with it."
"If worse comes to worst and she forces the truth out of me like she did with Aspen..." I looked down at my fingers, pinching them because they were numb. "Then I'll just admit it..." I mumbled.
"No," he instantly said in a serious tone,
"Why not?" Pinitik niya ang noo ko nang mahina. Nagreklamo ako at sinampal nang marahan ang panga niya bilang ganti.
"Minsan yata nakakalimutan mo na madaming humahanga sa 'yo at parang kasalanan kapag magkajowa ka. Saka nasa kontrata mo iyon. Hindi ba kinunsinti ka lang ng manager mo dati kasi love team mo naman si Austin?"
"Aspen nga," I corrected.
"Who cares." He laughed. "You have to understand that we need to be careful, Ica. May reputasyon ka. May kontrata ka. Kung ayaw mong mag-ingat, ako na ang mag-iingat para sa 'yo."
"How many times do I have to tell you that it's just close friends later, Marco. Kulit mo rin, eh..."I let out a sigh in annoyance, getting up from his lap.
"Huy." Hinila niya kaagad ang kamay ko bago ako makalayo. "Come back here. We're still talking."
Hindi ako nagmatigas at nagpubaya sa hila niya sa kamay ko. He sat me down again on his lap and wrapped his arms around my waist, locking me. I didn't give him a second glance.
"Talagang magtatampo ka dahil gusto kong maging maingat?" He pulled me closer. My eyes were just focused on the floor. Ultimo alikabok nakita ko na sa riin ng titig ko roon. "Dahil gusto kong protektahan ka sa issue para hindi ka mahirapan? Dahil ayaw kong matustusan ka ng manager mo?"
As if my immaturity had struck, I gave him a bored shrug without looking at him, I let my feet touch on the floor before forcing myself to stand.
"Whatever. You can leave," I told him, walking towards my closet. He tsked and grabbed my hand again. "I need to find an outfit pa for later," iritang dugtong ko.
I heard him click his tongue against his teeth. When he walked towards me, he didn't let go of my hand. Gamit ang seryoso niyang mga mata, dinungaw niya ako.
"Fine... I'll think about it. Is that enough?" malambing na sabi niya.
My eyes lit up. "Really?" I asked, a little bit enthusiastic.
"Really," he whispered and crouched a bit to touch his lips with mine. "Nagtatampo ka naman kasi kaagad. Pinapaalis pa ako. Nakakainis." He held the back of my nape and kissed me better.
"Sorry." I laughed.
"Tahimik," utos niya sa 'kin. He pushed me to the sofa and went on top of me.
Unang tapak ko palang sa yacht, sinalubong na ako ng iba't ibang bati at tunog ng musikang ginagawa ng mga violinist. I gave everyone I bumped into a cheek-to-cheek greeting.
"Hello, Ica! I love the set up!" Cali approached me, grinning. She was with Lucas. I invited Raya but she was in Paris pa pala. Nalungkot talaga ako sa nangyari sa kaniya. If I were her, I think I'd also isolate myself from people to heal peacefully.
"Thanks! I don't know who's the designer, though. Si Dad lang kasi nag-ayos nito," I admitted, making Cali laugh. "Kain lang kayo, ah. Let's catch up later!"
My coworkers were already seated at one table. My barkada is at the other table. My model and influencer friends are also on the other. Oh my goodness! I just realized how difficult it was to put my different friend groups on the same place!
"We'll go to the room upstairs now. Poker time. Wish your father good luck." Dad laughed, giving his friends a competitive gaze.
"Akala mo naman naghihirap ka, Dad," I joked.
"Enjoy your night, darling." Dad kissed my cheek before guiding his friends away.
See? They were going to play instead of socializing. No one really cared tonight! Sana talaga pumunta si Marco.
When I went to my friends, I grabbed my phone, hoping for a message from Marco. But none. Maybe busy pa or nag-iisip.
I noticed a familiar face in the midst of my chattering with Zion. Ylona. I excused myself and went to the bar section, where I stood beside her and ordered a drink. I hinted she was related to one of Dad's friends.
"Hello." Ylona flashed me an elegant smile. "I really love your movies. Big fan."
"Thank you," pasalamat ko at ngumiti rin nang kalmado sa kaniya. "Sorry, I didn't catch your name," pagmamaang-maangan ko.
"Oh, right! Silly me!" She slapped her cheek, turning crimson. "Ylona Deterala," she introduced. I was right. Anak nga siya ng kabigan ni Dad na si Yilak.
"Are you alone? Join me and my friends for a drink." Tinanggap ko ang baso ng margarita na inabot sa 'kin ng waiter. "Unless you want to join the oldies for poker. Feel free!"
"Hala, huwag! Ang boring doon, jusko!" she exclaimed, looking so terrified. Natigil kami sa pagtawa nang nag-ring ang phone sa kamay niya.
As an initial reaction, my eyes flew to read the name on the screen. I tried so hard to keep a smile on my lips when I read Marco's name there.
"Excuse muna ako, ah. Sagutin ko lang." Ylona bowed a little and went away.
Nakasimangot akong naglakad pabalik sa kinauupuan ng kaibigan ko. I checked my phone for Marco's call or message that I might have missed but wala pa rin! Kahit chat!
What the hell?
Maybe he was still thinking if he should come and just didn't text me to not keep my hopes up, right? I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
"Ylona. You're here." Alonzo looked shocked to see her coming our way.
"Hoy, Lonzo! Kamusta na? Long time no see!" Gulat din siya. Magkakilala pala sila.
I made Ylona sit beside me. Mabait naman siya pero medyo nairita ako. Pinilit ko naman iwala iyon at nakipagdaldalan sa kaniya. Madami siyang baon kaya medyo nawala sa isip ko si Marco. Napansin ko lang na... we actually had the same vibes.
Marco really has a type, huh?
"Ano ba naman. Tawag nang tawag." It was Marco calling Ylona again. She excused herself.
Hindi ko napigilan ang pag-irap, napupuno ng iritasyon at inis sa kanilang dalawa. Sunod-sunod kong ininom ang shot na inabot sa 'kin ni Dustin. Binaliwala ko na rin ang cellphone ko.
I had the urge to pee so I walked down, stumbling on the stairs. "Shit!" I cursed, anticipating my fall.
"Jesus, are you drunk?" Aspen asked after he caught the sides of my arms to prevent me from rolling down the stairs.
"Jesus ain't me, bro," I joked before pulling my neckline up and continued walking down the stairs.
"Samahan na kita."
"Doon ka na lang sa taas lumandi," sambit ko sa kaniya at siniko siya paalis. Napasimangot ako nang inakbay niya pa sa akin ang braso at nagpabigat kaya nairita ako lalo. "Isa. Masusuntok talaga kita."
He laughed to disregard me and dropped me to the bathroom. Walang tao. Pagkalabas ko, naroon pa rin siya nakasandal sa dingding. I didn't know he waited. Buti pa siya, nandito...
"Aspen, patali nga ulit ng straps. Ang luwag." Tinalikuran ko siya. He obliged and redo it.
"This tight?" tanong niya, hinihigpitan pa ang tali.
"No, you're choking me!" I coughed fakely and held on the side, balancing myself because I can now feel the movement of the yacht. Hindi pa naman ako lasing.
"Oh, sorry!" He let out a laugh, too.
"Ica." I heard Marco's voice in a baritone. He looked so sleek in his all-white look, with minimal silver jewelry and hair swept up to the side.
"Beau," I uttered his name with pure shock, yet getting happy.
His jaw clenched when he saw that we were in front of the bathroom. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Oh my goodness! He might think of it differently! Nahuli pa niyang inaayusan ako ng straps ni Aspen!
I started to run to him but stopped when I realized that I was upset and irate at him. I was ready to return to Aspen so that he could tie my straps properly before my dress fully falls.
"Halika sa akin," mataman na sabi ni Marco at hinatak ang palapulsuhan ko.
"Don't touch her, dude," Aspen said seriously, stealing my wrist from Marco. Hindi pala niya kilala nito! "I'm politely asking you to let her go," he requested.
"Ikaw ang bumitaw," nanghahamon na sabi ni Marco.
Aspen scoffed, suddenly infuriated. "Who are you? Who even invited you here?"
"May problema ka ba na nandito ako?" Marco smiled sarcastically at him. I get the impression they were about to punch each other and I cannot do anything.
"Do you know him, Ica?" Aspen didn't give Maki attention and asked me instead.
"Kakausapin ko girlfriend ko. May problema ka ba roon?" Marco poked his tongue on the inside of his cheek, getting pissed.
Aspen was stunned that he wasn't able to speak. I was feeling nauseous. Ba't naman galaw nang galaw ang yacht kung kailan nakainom na ako?! Still in the end, I managed to confirm that Marco was indeed my boyfriend.
Maki held my hand and bumped Aspen's shoulder before we left the yacht completely, going straight to his car.
"Do you think we can just leave? It's my party!" I screamed when he put me inside the shotgun seat. Kung hindi lang ako nasusuka, nakaangal na sana ako!
"Ask your Austin about that," walang kwentang ganti niya at pumasok sa kabila.
"That's not his name, and he is not mine! Ikaw nga diyan. Daming time para tumawag sa Ylona mo tapos sa akin wala. Akala mo hindi ko malalaman, ha?"
He raised a brow. "Nagseselos ka ba?"
"Ako magseselos? Bakit may nilamang siya? Talaga? Saan banda?" sarkastikong tanong ko sa kaniya. I gathered my guts and opened the door. He tried to reach my arm when I went down but he didn't succeed.
"Get back in the car," he demanded.
"No. I don't want to," pagmamatigas ko.
He smirked at me without humor. "Get in the car," he repeated firmly.
"I don't want to." I matched his tone.
His serious eyes grew a shade darker. Tinasaan ko siya ng kilay, ayaw magpatalo. He licked his lower lip before blowing out some air in annoyance.
"Naiinis na ako, ah." Bumaba siya at pumunta sa 'kin, iniiwan ang pinto niya na nakabukas. I pushed his chest when he was near me. Imbis na lumayo, hinawakan niya ang kamay ko para ipasok sa sasakyan.
"What the hell?! Ayaw ko ngang pumasok!" Pinilit kong pigilan ang sarili na mapaupo ulit sa passenger seat. Pero hindi nagtagumpay. He effortlessly held my waist and made me sit there. Nilagayan niya ako kaagad ng seatbelt.
"Ayaw ko itong gawin pero ang tigas ng ulo mo. Bakit ba ayaw mo makinig, ha?" iritang tanong niya.
"I just don't want to talk to you!"
"Dahil nagseselos ka itutulak mo ako palayo?"
"I'm not jealous!" tanggi ko at hinampas siya. Agaran kong tinanggal ang seatbelt at bababa na sana ulit nang hinarang niya ang braso niya at lumapit pa sa 'kin. Halos mapapasok na siya sa shotgun seat.
My ears were filled with Marco's soft curses after he looked around the venue, closing his eyes frustrately. I got confused but my irritation was above my curiosity.
"Pumunta ka sa driver's seat. Bilis." Lumunok siya, nababahala ang mga mata nang binuksan ang mga 'to.
I rolled my eyes. "You think you can just boss me around?"
"Pwede bang mamaya mo na akong awayin, Lalique?" He tsked. "Bilisan mo na ang paglipat. May paparazzi sa tapat at kanina pa tayo kinukuhanan ng picture kaya ko sinisiksik ang sarili ko sa loob."
I blinked twice. Paparazzi? Sabi walang media! Right! In the yacht, wala. Of course mayroon iyan pasekreto sa labas! Oh no!
"Kung gusto mo magmatigas at awayin ako, pwede pero mamaya na sa bahay. Pagbibigyan kita. Ngayon, pwede bang makinig ka muna sa akin at lumipat ka na sa driver's seat bago pa sila makakuha nang maayos na litrato na kita ang mukha mo," he seriously said.
Without hesitation, I climbed towards the driver's seat. Nahimasmasan ako bigla. Pumasok naman siya sa shotgun. We both wore our seatbelts before I drove away, my hands shaking a little.
"Kanina pa kita tinatawagan. Hindi mo ako sinasagot," Marco spoke after a few moments of silence.
Natawa ako bigla nang sarkastiko. I turned the car towards the dark path, hoping that the paparazzi didn't follow us.
"What's funny?" Marco raised his brow.
"You." I shrugged. "Nauna mo pang tinawagan ex fling mo kaysa sa 'kin. Paulit-ulit pa, ha. Tapos pupunta ka roon at hihilahin ako palayo. And now, you have the audacity to be angry because I didn't answer your call?"
He sighed, looking out the window. "May kailangan lang ako sa kaniya. Importante. Sorry..." His voice went low.
"Sure." Inismiran ko siya at huminto sa may madilim na parking lot ng isang donut store.
"Tinawagan naman kita. Hindi ka sumagot. Bakit?"
"I turned my phone off. Hindi na ako umasa na pupunta ka pa," I admitted.
"At bakit naman? Sinabihan kita na pag-iisipan ko. Hindi ko naman sasabihin iyon kung hindi ako tutuloy," taas kilay na sabi niya. "Nagselos ka dahil tinawagan ko si Nana?" He made sure.
"May nickname pa nga." Sinigurado kong sarkastiko ang bawat salita at ekspresyon ko.
"Ylona," he quickly said in a calm tone. "Pero totoo? Dahil doon?"
"Nagselos sa isang phonecall. Fine, it's childish. Happy? Who cares?" I snapped.
"I didn't say anything like that," he defended, his forehead in a crease.
I gave him a stern look. "But it feels like that's what you're implying."
He groaned. "Paano? Nagtatanong lang ako kung iyon ba ang rason kung bakit ka nagselos. Hindi ko naman sinabi na hindi ka pwedeng magselos."
"Pwede bang huwag mo nang ipamukha sa 'kin?" Inirapan ko siya at binabaan ang temperature ng AC dahil naiintan ako.
"Eh, sa totoo naman, ah?" Noong hinawakan niya ang mukha ko ay nagtama ang mga mata namin. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay habang pilit na winawala ang emosyon sa mga mata ko.
I felt conscious after a while and pushed his face away, not handling his gaze. Pinagdiskitahan ko na lang ayusin ang tali ng dress ko.
"Come here." Marco pulled my hand.
"Kaya ko na gawin." Binawi ko ang kamay ko sa kaniya.
"Ayaw mo akong payagan gawin ito pero iyong Austin pwede?" pagtapon niya ng hirit sa 'kin.
I just rolled my eyes, turning my back to him so he won't have any crappy words anymore.
He slowly pushed my hair aside before arranging the straps. Napalunok ako nang naramdaman kong dinampian niya ng halik ang leeg ko kasabay nang pagyakap niya sa akin galing sa likuran.
"Don't cut me off like that next time when you're jealous. Pag-uusapan natin, okay? Please, just trust me," he whispered.