"Rahim..." Hindi ko napigilang mapasinghap nang maramdaman ang pag-hagod ng kamay niya sa likod ko. I can feel his breath on my neck as both of my cheeks flush because of the sudden turn of events!
What the hell did he just said? Did he? Oh my god!
"Can I use your bathroom?" Mahina niyang bulong sa leeg ko. Hindi ko napigilan mapakagat sa pang-ibabang labi dahil sa naging tanong niya.
Is he going to? You know... let it out?
Jesus, Monique!!! What am I even imagining!?
"Sure. Do you need... some help--"
"No, no. Fuck, Mon don't suggest such thing, please." Natataranta niyang putol sa akin bago ako pakawalan sa isang yakap at hinanap ang mga mata ko. He clenches his jaw when our eyes met kaya naman hindi ko na napigilan ang paglinya ng mga labi when I saw his face.
His face is a bit red, especially his ears. Ang salamin niya'y nasa tungki na ng ilong while his long hair is now messy, very far from the ever compose Rahim that he always is.
"I'll just use the bathroom then I'll head home." He said with finality in his tone as he diverts his gaze away from me, tila ba kapag tinignan niya ako ay mapapatid na ang natitirang pasensyang meron siya sa nangyayari.
He was about to step back and let go of me pero agad kong hinawakan ang braso niya para pigilan siya. I couldn't help but gulp when his dark blue eyes look at my hand at his arm on my side. The way I catch how he slowly licks his lower lips lit something in me kaya agad akong nag iwas ng tingin mula roon.
"You're going home after?" Hindi alintana ang hiya ay agad ko iyong tinanong sa kanya. His thick brows furrow at my questions kaya naman doon na ako tinamaan ng kakaonting delikadeza. I just... well... want him to stay for a while.
"Mon, please. If I stay here, I can't hold back." Tila nagmamakaawang saad niya sa akin. Inayos ang salamin at marahang kinamot ang tungki ng ilong bago tapatan ang mga titig ko.
When I met his eyes, I already knew that he's just holding himself so much that the desire reflects in his dark sky eyes. Those dark orbs lit with a hint of fire in them, as if a little more push and he will devour me without any second thoughts.
I unconsciously turn my gaze down, but his hands found my neck and held up my head immediately. I found him clenching his jaw as his eyes' intensity double because of what I did.
I felt so hot when I realized what he just did! His hands... his hands are on my neck, not to tight though. But just picturing our position now as I gaze upon his eyes looking down on me with those lustful eyes... I-I just... feel so weak... on my knees.
God! I feel like a teenager with a decade of pent-up sexual desires! Kulang na lang ay sambahin ko ang lalaking ito sa harapan ko matapos niya akong ambunan ng konting halik!
"Eyes up here, Monique! Stop teasing me!!!" He roared through gritted teeth, holding back at me as if I did something bad!
Nang hindi ako sumagot sa kanya ay naramdaman kong marahang humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa leeg ko. Agad naman niyang inilihis ang titig sa akin at bumigkas pa ng iilang mura bago ako bitawan.
He slowly let go of my neck and rests both of his arms on my side, leaning on the marble kitchen top and encaging me on his arms. Ipinatong ang ulo sa aking balikat bago nagpakawala ng isang malalim na buntong hininga. I place my one hand on the top of his chest to push him a little to create a space between us.
"Just... I don't want to rush you. I've waited for a decade, taking this slow is nothing to me, Mon." he whispers as if pleading me to stop testing his patience. What he said sounded like a lie base on what he looks like now. Konting kibot ko na lang yata ay putol na lahat ng pagpipigil niya.
I couldn't help but shiver when I felt the tip of his nose trace the crook of my neck up to my jaw. When he found my face ay agad siyang nagpatak ng isang halik.
God, Ibrahim Gregorio! How can I stop when you're doing this?! It's unfair, hindi lang ikaw ang nagpipigil!!!
"Are you really sure you're f-fine?" I almost gasp when I heard myself stutter as I ask that question. Ang boses ay hindi na makilala dahil sa hina at kakaibang tono noon.
He shook his head and finally stands up to face me. Ang madilim na asul na mata ang agad kong nakita nang marahan iyong bumaba sa mga labi ko. Another second passed and he finally landed a kiss on my lips.
"Rahim..." I said, sounding like I'm pleading him...
"I'll use the bathroom now." He said with determination on his face before quickly kissing me again and walk out from my kitchen, not even turning back to glance at me.
I felt like I was free from hypnotism nang tuluyan ng makaalis si Rahim. Hindi ko napigilan magpakawala ng isang buntong hininga habang binabalingan ang kapeng inilapag sa gilid bago nangyari ang lahat ng iyon.
I unconsciously grab the cup of coffee and took a sip from it. Trying to at least get my senses back from what happened. Pakiramdam ko ay hindi na nag-fufunction ang utak ko ng tama dahil sa lahat nangyari. I even doubt that I'll get a good ounce of sleep tonight dahil dito!
What am I even thinking?! I kissed him like I'm dying to be with him! Nakakahiya!
If Annica hears about this, hindi na ako magtataka kung ibabalot niya ako at ipapatapon kay Captain!
Nagpasya na akong bumaba mula sa counter top at nagtungo sa living room to find a mirror and see if I look like a mess from all of that kissing that happened.
Nang makita ang sarili sa harapan ng salamin ay parang mas dinapuan ako ng hiya nang makita ang ayos ko.
My cheeks are flush, my lips are slightly swollen from all the kissing. Ang damit ay bahagyang nagusot habang ang leeg ko ay bahagyang namumula rin. I can see a faint mark of his fingers on my neck as he held on it awhile ago.
I immediately shook my head when that scenario flashes again in my mind. Jesus, Monique! Saan mo natutunan ang mga iyon, 10 years in med school and the only thing that you can came up with someone holding your neck is to be weak on the knees?!
I should really assert myself whenever I'm with Rahim! Pakiramdam ko ay laging sumasabog ang kung ano-anong ideya sa akin kapag nariyan siya! Worse, the darkest part of my imagination (na nakuha ko lang naman kay Annica) ay na-aactivate!!!
When I heard the door from the bathroom open ay bahagya akong natarantang ayusin ang sarili. When I turn around, Rahim is already walking toward me.
Ang tatlong butones ng dress shirt niya ay nakabukas na. His face is a bit wet; some droplets of water is still sliding down his jaw habang inaayos naman niya ang buhok.
When he reaches me, he immediately fixes his glasses before looking at his wristwatch.
"I'll be going now, Mon." He said in a low voice, as if pleading me.
Marahan ko 'ring sinipat ang wall clock ko, only top find that it's already quarter to 10. I couldn't help but protrude my lips as I nod at him. Nang makita niya ang reaksyon ko ay agad naman niyang inabot ang isang kamay ko, immediately intertwining our fingers together.
"I'll fetch you tomorrow and we can eat... outside." Hindi ko na napigilan ang pagtaas ng isang kilay ng marinig ang sinabi niya.
"Outside? Wala akong duty tomorrow, we can stay here and order some take outs." Dire-diretso kong saad at ni hindi man lang pinag-iisapan ang suhestyon. Pinanliitan naman niya ako ng mata kaya naman agad akong nagkibit balikat.
"What? I'm tired, Rahim. Ayoko munang lumabas."
"Is that really the reason? O gusto mo lang talaga akong ma-solo." I immediately gasped when I heard him na agad niyang ikinangisi. I bit the side of my cheeks to stop myself from being defensive kaya naman inirapan ko na lang siya.
"Edi huwag na. I'll just rest tomorrow, kaya kung gusto mo akong puntahan. Dito lang tayo sa bahay." Pag-iinarte ko. Half-heartedly telling the truth.
Totoo naman! Magpapahinga talaga ako! But... but I also want to be with him...
Marahan siyang napahilot sa kanyang sentido habang nag-iisip kung papatulan niya ang sinasabi ko. I cross my arms as I watch him think of my proposition, na mukha namang wala siyang choice.
"Fine, but I'll go after my hearing. I think that's around four in the afternoon. Will that be fine?" I try to hide the smile that wants to form on my lips as I heard him. I nod at him with joy on my face bago niya ako inilingan at nagmartsa na papunta sa leather bag niya, preparing to leave.
"Then I'll be going, Mon." With that ay hinatid ko na 'rin siya sa kotse niya.
"Rest well, baby. Call me if you need anything." He said in his low voice nang huminto kami sa tapat ng kotse niya.
"I will, Rahim. Mag-ingat ka sa pagdri-drive."
"I'll text you when I get home, okay? Don't forget to lock the gates and your door."
"Yes, attorney." I said jokingly bago unahan siyang buksan ang pinto ng driver's seat.
Isang buntong hininga muna ang pinakawalan niya bago bahagyang hilahin ang siko ko papalapit sa kanya. His face looks so breathe-taking this close, so handsome. Pakiramdam ko ay umiikot na naman ang sikmura ko dahil lang sa lapit naming dalawa.
"L-Let's take things slow, Mon." He whispers at the top of my lips as if casting a spell at me kaya naman para akong asong tumango sa sinabi niya.
"I don't want to lose you this time. I don't want to make another mistake." A part of my chest hurts when I realized what he said. His eyes glistened under the dark night as he looks at me with sincerity and a bit of fear on it.
He slowly licks his lower lips before kissing me fully. It wasn't like the kiss that he gave me earlier. It's slow and passionate, with the right amount of heat and tenderness. As if caressing me and assuring me that this time, we will do it right. That this time, he will make it right.
When he broke from the kiss ay muli siyang nagpatak ulit ng isang halik bago ako tuluyang pakawalan.
"I love you, Mon. I'll be going." Hindi ko na nagawang makasagot sa kanya hanggang sa makapasok siya sa loob ng kotse.
I stood there looking at his car as if I was nailed on the ground. Kahit pa nakaalis na ang kotse niya ay hindi ko na maalala kung ilang Segundo akong nakatayo roon.
I just know that, that kiss.
It took my breath away, leaving all these feelings that didn't let me sleep the whole night.
The morning came after that night, and I knew for a fact that my sleep is as light as a feather. Pakiramdam ko ay nakapikit lang ako buong gabi habang patuloy na binabagagabag ng lahat ng nangyari sa mga nakaraang araw.
Pinagnilayan ko na yata lahat ng pwedeng pagnilayan kagabi na pakiramdam ko ay gusto ko na lamang matulog ngayong umaga. Even if I want to sort a lot of things and unsaid feelings inside of me ay hindi ko naman magawa.
To start off, I want to know if I still have feelings for Rahim. I want to confirm to myself that what I feel is true and not a remnant of the past. Na baka kaya ganito ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya ay dahil lang sa may past kami. It was a whole new set of confusion to look forward to.
Though after we met my Mon the other night, I already said to myself that I have forgiven him. After all, I was not the only one who had it hard back then. No matter how much painful it was for me, it will not invalidate his loss and hardship. He lost someone dear to him too. He lost his father.
Agad akong napailing sa sarili at napabuntong hininga bago hinarap ang iPad ko. I sip on my cup of coffee as I reply to my emails and update my schedule for the following weeks.
Dr. Anastacio also emailed me about the incoming VIP patient that will be admitted in our hospital. He was asking for my assistance that I whole-heartedly agree kaya naman pakiramdam ko ay need kong ipasa kay Dr. Cruz ang iilang patient ko dahil base sa week plan ni chief ay magkakaroon iyon ng conflict sa iilang operation schedules ko.
Natanggal lamang ang tingin ko sa iPad ko ng marinig kong tumunog ang phone ko. When I peak on it ay agad ko namang nakita ang pangalan ni Rahim roon.
From: Rahim
Good morning. I'll be going to work now. Remember to eat your breakfast.
I unconsciously check the clock at nakitang mag-aalas otso pa lamang ng umaga. Hindi ko naman napigilan ang mapakagat sa pang-ibabang labi habang nagtitipa ng reply sa kanya.
To: Rahim
Morningg, I'm awake na. Take care and drive safely, okay?
From: Rahim
You should sleep some more, Monique. I'll text you when I arrived at the firm. I love you.
I couldn't help when but bite the side of my cheeks when I read the last sentence of his reply. I stare at my screen for a good minute thinking what I should reply to him, but I had nothing to say. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang tamang response sa kanya sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, especially when he's being so bold and vocal like this.
Na putol ang pag-iisip ko ng mag-ring ang phone ko. When I saw who the caller ID was ay tuluyan ng nagising ang Sistema ko.
It's Mrs. Castello! Vico's mother!
"H-Hello? Good morning, maam." I bit my tongue when I realized that I stuttered upong greeting her. Sinuklian niya lang iyon ng isang mahinhing tawa na mas lalong ikinahiya ko.
"Oh, c'mon, Monique! How many times should I tell you to call me tita!" She happily said on the other line. I couldn't help but pinch my earlobe out of embarrassment ng marinig iyon. I think I will never be accustomed to calling her Tita ever after all these years.
"I'm sorry po... tita. Bakit po pala kayo napatawag?"
"Better! I met your mom the other day and she gave me the most delicious pastries again, hija! Nagre-reklamo na ang mama mo at hindi ka raw umuuwi sa inyo para bumisita. What did I tell you about working in hospital?"
"That never forget that we have a family to come home to, every now and then." Pagsagot ko sa tanong niya na akala mo isang estudyanteng natawag sa recitation. She giggles when she heard her own phrases coming from me.
"Don't forget to visit your parents! Okay? Anyways, I called because I heard from Dr. Anastacio that you're free today. Ayos lang ba kung magpasama ako sayo sa mall to buy a gift for my husband? You see, it will be his birthday this coming end of the month. We'll be having a small dinner party and please invited ka and your parents!" Pagpapaliwanag niya sa akin. The face of Vico's father suddenly flashed in my mind and it made my heart swell a little seeing the resemblance from both the of them.
"Sure, tita. No problem po. Where should we meet?" Walang pagaalinlangan kong sagot sa kanya.
"Let's just meet sa Shang Ri La, a little after lunch. Would that be okay for you?"
"Sure po! No worries. I'll just get ready po."
"Perfect! Then let's visit him after we buy something." Hindi ko napigilan ang pagtahimik dahil sa suhestyon niya. I smile at myself just by remembering his face.
"That would be great, Tita."
"I'll hung up na. See you later, Monique!" and with that, she ended the call.
I let out a heavy sigh and stare on the empty kitchen in front of me. Pakiramdam ko ay may kung anong dumagan sa dibdib ko just by the thought of visiting him. Kahit pa ilang taon na ang lumipas, hindi pa 'rin talaga lumilipas iyong puwang na naiwan niya.
Victoria Castello, Vico's mom, has become like a second mom to me after everything. She was there when I needed someone to guide me back to studying medicine. She helped me sought out my recovery and my condition now. She was there for me the whole time, like how Vico was silently there for me too when he was still alive.
Ngayon ko lang na-realize na it was a while since I visited his grave and this is a great opportunity to do so. I have a lot to tell him and his mother.
With that, I decided to wear a black long sleeve and paired with a white square pants. Nag-sneakers na lang rin ako para hindi hassle sa pag-iikot. I also ate a light lunch incase na magyaya pa si tita na kumain ng lunch sa Shang Ri La.
Bago tuluyang umalis ay nakita ko ang ilang messages ni Rahim.
From: Rahim
I just arrived at work. Be sure to eat your breakfast, Mon.
From: Rahim
Just finish our briefing. I'll have lunch with Ysaac and Jace.
From: Rahim
You seem busy? Kumain ka na ba ng lunch, Mon?
Hindi ko napigilan ang mapakagat sa pang-ibabang labi habang tinitignan ang mga messages niya. Wow, Rahim do love texting me... a lot.
To: Rahim
I ate a light lunch, Rahim. I'll be going out this afternoon, sa Shang Ri La lang.
Hindi pa nag-iisang minute ng i-send ko ang message na iyon ay nag-reply agad si Rahim. Wala bai tong ginagawa at parang ang dami niyang time na mag-reply sa akin.
From: Rahim
I thought you don't want to go out today. Who are you going with?
Agad akong napanguso ng Mabasa ang reply niya sa akin. Why is he using that against me?!
To: Rahim
Mrs. Castello, Vico's mom.
With a doubt in my chest, I hit the send button. Hindi sigurado kung dapat ko bang sabihin iyon kay Rahim. A minute has passed pero wala akong nakuhang reply sa kanya. Nagpakawala ako ng isang bunton hininga bago tuluyang pinatay ang phone ko at nagdesisyong umalis na.
Maybe that hit a nerve, huh.
Hindi ko 'rin naman siya masisisi. Everything from that accident was a fragile thing for all of us. Na kahit pa ilang taon na ang lumipas ay hindi pa 'rin naming kayang buksan at iwan ng tuluyan ang nangyari.
I for a fact won't leave and moved pass it. Not a chance. It is a burden that I put into myself for the past years. Iyon na lang 'rin ang iilan sa mga dahilan kung bakit ako patuloy na namumuhay kahit pa halos isang dekada na ang nakakaraan.
"Mon, you know you're tito so well. Do you think he will like this watch or that one?" I snapped out of it nang marinig ang tanong ng mama ni Vico. I look at the pieces of watches that she's pointing to at agad pinili ang mas simpleng design.
"Tito likes it simpler, tita. I think this one is much better. Besides, kahit ano namang ibigay niyo kay tito, for sure matutuwa iyon." Hindi ko napigilan ang mapatawa dahil marahan niya akong kinurot dahil sa sinabi ko.
"What a bolero, Monique! Sige, tapos pumili 'rin tayo ng bagong tie niya." She said and proceeded to paying the watch. Nang makita ang presyo noon ay parang gusto kong malula sa kaloob-looban ko. That's like my salary for at least 3 months!
Nang makapagbayad ay agad kaming lumipat sa ibang stall para magtingin ng mga formal tie. Tita was so engrossed on choosing things na naiwan niya na ako sa section ng mga necktie.
I just remember that Rahim is only using a black necktie. Hindi 'rin iyon mahilig sa ganito dahil sa court hearing ko lang siya nakikitang nagsusuot noon.
I pout to myself while I check-out the neckties on the glass rack at nakuha ng atensyon ko ang blue necktie in the same shade of Rahim's eye. Agad ko iyong ipinasuyo sa salesclerk na malapit sa akin.
Marahan kong hinaplos ang asul na tela and immediately shiver when I remember Rahim's eyes last night. It was shining in the dim lights of my kitchen as he looks at me with restrain in his face, well as he holds onto my neck.
"I'll take this." Mahina kong saad sa clerk na agad naman niyang tinugunan.
"Ooh, a necktie. Para kanino?" I almost jump on my feet when I heard Vico's mom on my side. I smile awkwardly at her as we walk towards the counter to pay everything.
"Ah... for an acquaintance, tita."
"Acquaintance, huh? Pogi ba?" I can feel my cheeks flush when I heard her questions.
"Sa itsura mo, I can say na pogi nga!" saad niya at marahang humalakhak bago balingan ang cashier and busy herself paying. Binayaran ko na 'rin ang necktie na pinili and ask if they can wrap it as a gift.
Matapos naming mamili pa ng iilang personal needs ni tita at iilang gamit na para sa akin (which I politely tried to decline but failed to) ay dumiretso na 'rin kami sa kanya.
Mababa na ang araw at malamig na ang hangin ng makarating kami sa sementeryo. I held onto the bouquet of blue carnation as we approach his grave. It was near a huge tree kaya naman madali iyong mahanap.
Tita removed some dried leaves on his gravestone at marahang pinunasan ang kakaonting alikabok sa pangalan niya.
Victorio Ysmael J. Castello
Hindi ko napigilan ang pagkagat sa pang ibabang labi ng mabasa ang buong pangalan niya and the sudden flash of his shy face like it was embedded in my mind resurfaces.
Nang matapos magsindi ng kandila si tita ay marahan kong inilapag ang bulaklak na dala namin. Vico's mom place herself beside me and lean on me a bit.
"It's almost a decade since then." Mahina niyang saad, her voice so low as if whispering those words. Marahan naman akong tumango sa kanya, as I couldn't find the words to respond to her.
"Do you think he's happy? Wherever he is?" she said as she clings one of her arms on mine. A small smile formed on my lips for her questions.
"He is, tita. He will be so proud and happy for the both of us." I whisper back, trying so hard not to break my voice.
Vico's mom smiled at me genuinely as she looks back to Vico's grave.
"You know, Vico. I think Monique have a boyfriend. Malakas 'din iyong kutob ko na iyon ung lalaking kaagaw mo sa kanya noon!" Agad nanlaki ang mga mata ko ng marinig ang sinabi ni tita. Nang balingan niya ako ay agad siyang natawa sa reaksyon ko.
My cheeks flush upon hearing her laughs and as she shook her head.
"I know that you'll be happy if Monique is happy, anak. Kaya naman kahit ayaw kong ipagkatiwala si Monique sa iba, sige papayagan ko na siyang mag-boyfriend."
"Tita!!!"
"What? All those boys back when you're in med school we're so petty. Tingin ko pinatulan mo lang sila out of boredom!"
"Tita hindi naman ganoon iyon! I was just... trying?"
"Siguro naman ay hindi na trial and error ang lalaking pagbibigyan mo ng necktie, Monique?" parang umusok ang magkabilang pisngi ko sa naging tanong niya. Rather than answering her questions ay inilihis ko na lamang ang tingin ko pabalik sa pangalan ni Vico.
"I just want you to be happy, hija. It's what Vico wants as well. Kaya piliin mong maging masaya, kahit minsan nakakatakot at walang kasiguraduhan."
"What if we fall apart again, Tita? Paano kung malaman niyo kung anong nangyari sa akin?"
"Then he's not the right man for you if love you less because of your condition. You deserve to be love with everything you are, Monique." Hindi napigilan ang mapasinghap nang marinig ang sinabi niya.
Will Rahim be okay with me?
What if he knew that we couldn't have a child?
"Hindi ka naman babalikan 'rin noon kung hindi siya handang harapin ang kahit anong bagay, Monique. Just trust your heart on this one, hindi mo kailangan i-overthink ang mga bagay na magpapasaya sayo. You will recover in time, hija. Just don't close those doors." I couldn't find the right word to respond to what she said. Naramdaman ko na lang ang mainit niyang yakap sa akin at ang mahigpit kong pagkapit sa kanya.
She's always been a ray of warm sunshine to me.
Marahan kong binalingan siya.
Even though you suddenly left me, Vico. You did leave a lot of good things in my life. Thank you so much still for loving me unconditionally.
I immediately went home at around 4 PM matapos ang pagbisita naming sa sementeryo. Vico's mom insisted to have dinner with her, but I politely refused to dahil nga may usapan kami ni Rahim na magkikita kami. When she realized why I decline her proposal ay tinawan niya lamang ako at hinayaan na. She even asked me to bring Rahim to tito's birthday dinner, which I answered vaguely in return.
Nang makarating sa bahay ay para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig ng makita si Rahim sa tapat ng gate ng bahay.
He's leaning on his expensive car at malayo ang tingin. He looks like the aftermath of work as his white sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. Ang buhok ay bahagyang magulo at nakabukas na ang dalawang butones ng damit.
I immediately get out of my car at pinuntahan siya. That's the only time that he had notice me kaya agad naman siyang napaayos ng tayo when he saw me.
"Hey, I'm sorry! Kanina ka pa ba? You didn't text me –" natataranta kong saad ng makalapit sa kanya. Ngunit imbis na sagutin ang tanong ko ay agad niya akong hinigit at ikinulong sa isang yakap.
A second has passed at mas lalo lamang humigpit ang pagkakapit niya sa akin. I slowly place my hands on his back.
"A-Are you okay?" Hindi sigurado kong saad sa kanya.
Ilang Segundo ang lumipas ay hindi niya nagawang sagutin ang tanong ko.
I decided to gently pat his back as he continues to stay silent. Hindi malaman kung ano ang problema, I just stood there waiting for him to tell me what's wrong with him.
"Did you visit him?" para akong naistatwa ng ibulong niya iyon. His hug tightens when he felt how my body stiffen. Agad akong napakagat sa aking pisngi bago tuluyang sagutin ang tanong niya.
"Yeah, we did."
"You're with his mom?"
"Yes, we shopped and stopped by the cemetery after."
"What did tell him?" Hindi ko napigilan ang mapalunok ng marinig ang tanong niya.
Nagpakawala muna ako ng isang buntong hininga bago sinubukang makawala sa mga yakap niya. I push him just enough for me to see his face. Bakas sa mukha niya ang pangamba at pag-aantay sa sagot ko.
"Not much. Iyong mama niya lang ang maraming kwento." Paninimula ko ngunit hindi nagbago ang ekspresyon sa mukha niya kahit konti.
"Her mom told him that I might have a boyfriend." When utter the word 'boyfriend' at awtomatikong nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya.
"Boyfriend?! What boyfriend, Monique?!" Nagpipigil niyang saad kaya naman agad akong napakagat sa pang-ibabang labi para pigilan ang pag-usbong ng isang ngiti sa akin.
"And she told me that she's giving me her blessing to finally have one, well... officially. She trusts this guy daw."
"Who the fucking hell is this guy you're talking about, huh? Answer me, Monique!"
"Your words, Rahim!"
"Answer me, Mon!"
"You need to calm down, Rahim-"
"How can I fucking calm down when you're telling me you have boyfriend-"
"It's you." At doon na siya tuluyang natahimik. Hindi ko napigilan ang pilyang ngiti ng makita ang gulat niyang mukha.
"What did you say?" Natataranta niyang saad habang hinihila ako papalapit sa kanya.
"We're talking about you, Rahim. You're the boyfriend in question." I said jokingly.
Isang mura pa ang narinig ko sa kanya bago niya ako tuluyang hatakin at ikulong sa isang halik.