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Chapter 47
''Talk''
Nakabanyo naman ako at pagbalik ko sa mesa namin ay nagulat ako nang pinatayo ang lahat ng bridesmaids, and all unmarried women who wanted to join the bouquet toss. My mother was so excited that she urged me to join the crowd right away, the moment she saw me back. One of the bridesmaids pulled me too.
Agad na dumapo ang tingin ko kay Javier, na nasa akin rin ang mga mata. Ilang segundo kaming nagtitigan. He slightly gave me a nod. And that was my cue.
Anyway, I don't need to catch it aggressively like proving a point or something. I just want to join the fun as well.
Puwesto ako sa may gilid. Nandoon rin si Solenn! At nang makita ang isa't-isa ay pareho kaming natawa. We were both teasing each other, until we eventually saw the bride getting ready.
Hinagas ng bride ang bouquet. Solenn's hands were up in the sky as if reaching for the stars, while me, I didn't even extend my hand to catch it. But the bouquet ended up hitting my head with a little impact. And the next thing I knew, I was holding it already!
I was literally frozen in my spot. My heart was beating loudly against my chest. There were claps and a few teases from the crowd. Hindi ko alam kung sisimangot ako o ano, pero nang makitang nakangiti naman si Javier ay napangiti na lang din ako.
''Maid-of-honor ako, ha!'' tumatawang bulong ni Solenn.
Napairap ako habang may ngisi pa rin sa labi.
My smile only faded when the event did not end there. The groom will toss the bride's garter, too! Gosh, how could I even forget about that? Medyo doon ako hindi napakali. Of course, I knew that whoever got the garter, will be the one who will put it to the woman who caught the bouquet! And who caught the bouquet again? Me!
Mas lalo akong kinabahan nang pinaghintay pa ako sa harap para kausapin ng host.
''Wala naman sigurong magagalit, Miss Vernaise?'' nanunuksong tanong niya.
I can't help not to let out a dry and constipated laugh.
''Uy, parang meron! Do you have a boyfriend na ba?''
My eyes went to find Javier again. But he isn't on his table anymore. His parents aren't, either.
I took a deep breath for some courage before I answered, ''Yes. I have.''
''Ohh!'' The crowd cheered more.
''Off the market na pala ang ating heiress! Pero huwag kang mag-alala at katuwaan lamang ito. Or you can ask your boyfriend to join, para makilala na din namin!''
Narinig ko ang malakas na palakpak ng bride. I saw how excited she was and how she was heavily cheering for it as well.
I bit my lip. I don't know if I should be glad that Javier isn't inside the venue or what. He doesn't join things like this. Wala sa itsura niya. At kahit meron, him joining will only fire curiosity from both families. Despite that, I still wished he was here.
My hands were cold as I wait on my seat for the traditional garter toss. Naghiyawan ang mga nasa loob, especially when the groom took it so intimately from the bride.
And while that was happening, I looked at the Montecarlos.
Carlos isn't here, he did not attend. Ang una kong nakita ay ang kapatid niya, si Lukas. He probably sensed someone staring at him that he was able to find my eyes just after a few seconds. After a while, he got the message. May binulong siya kay Apollo kaya lumingon din ito sa gawi ko. He nodded understandingly on the assignment even without the instructions.
Kaya nang nagtawag na ang host ay agad tumayo si Apollo. And two other cousins of his, joined too. I sighed and muttered a 'thank you' to Lukas. At least if it were them, it isn't too much of an awkward situation. They're already like my extended family.
The event started. My eyes drifted in front. I saw Apollo in the back. Pinandilatan ko siya ng mata nang mapalingon sa'kin.
'Get it. At all costs.' I mouthed at him.
Apollo nodded obediently like a child. I don't know why, but I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped out of my mouth. Pero kahit natatawa ay kabadong kabado ako. Of course, I'd rather Apollo get it than the men I'm not close with.
I bit the insides of my cheek as I wait for the toss. Dumagdag pa sa kaba ko ang ilang beses na pabirong paghagis ng groom.
I almost stood up from my seat to join the crowd's cheer when Apollo was able to successfully catch it! Oh my gosh!?
Nawala nga lamang ang ngiti ko nang mapansing nakabalik na si Javier. He has that creased on his forehead when he took a seat along with his father. His eyes roamed around and found me.
Tinawag ako sa unahan ngunit kahit ganoon ay nanatili ang tingin ko kay Javier. The corner of my lips curled upwards but not so much of a happy smile.
''Uy, napansin namin yon! Puro Montecarlo ang sumali, ah? Parang may something.'' The host teased.
A few flashes of the camera hurts my eye a bit. Apollo immediately covered me from it.
Nakita ko na lamang na wala na ang host sa aming tabi. Lumapit ito sa mesa kung nasaan ang aking mga magulang. Mas kinabahan akong lalo.
''Daddy, are we expecting a Sarmiento-Montecarlo tying a knot in the future?'' The host asked my father.
Papa smiled warmly. ''A father can only hope.''
My heart throbbed painfully at what my father answered. I immediately looked at Javier, who has been watching me. I slightly shook my head at him. I know he knew what I wanted to tell him.
''Sounds interesting, Daddy, ha!''
I saw how Javier's mother leaned to his side, whispering something. Kitang-kita ko ang pag-igting ng panga ni Javier at ang pag-iling nito sa kanyang ina. Then his dark eyes went back to me.
I was asked to sit in a chair. The ceremony continued with cheers but I couldn't even breathe properly anymore.
''Don't worry about it, they only misunderstood.'' si Apollo na nakaluhod sa'king harap.
''I know.'' I said in a faint voice. ''Thank you for doing this, by the way.''
''Anytime.''
There was music, and a loud cheer. The glee of the people did not fade a bit, and only intensified. Despite the noise around, my eyes did not leave Javier's darkening and brooding eyes that bore at me, as I felt the garter sliding up to my legs until the deed was done. Umiwas ng tingin si Javier pagkatapos noon, kasabay ng palakpakan ng lahat, at pakiramdam ko sobra akong nasaktan.
Gabi na at halos tapos na ang pagdiriwang nang nagpaalam ako saglit para magpahangin sa labas. There's this garden with a big fountain outside of the hotel. I sat there on the cement of the fountain, maluwag iyon at tila pwedeng upuan.
Tumingala ako sa mga tala sa kalangitan. I watched it shine brightly in the dark and mysterious sky. And when the evening breeze blew, my eyes closed to feel it more.
Kung hindi lamang naramdaman ang presensya ng isang tao sa aking harap, mananatiling nakapikit ang aking mga mata.
I smiled weakly when I saw Javier de Leon, standing in front of me, both his hands are in his pocket. His face is dark and shadowed because of the light post at his back. Pero kitang-kita ko ang paraan ng kanyang pagdungaw sa'kin. He looked like a greek god watching a mere peasant like me who dared anger him. He looked really intimidating at this angle.
''Are you mad?''
''Why would I be?''
Nanatili ang mga mata ko sa kanya kahit noong bumaba siya. He squatted in front of me, his other knee already kneeling. And now that he lowered himself, he became less intimidating. At mas napagmasdan ko rin ang kanyang mukha.
''Everything's just a misunderstanding.'' mahinang sabi ko.
''Hm.''
Dumapo ang kanyang kamay sa aking binti, marahas na hinawi ang aking damit. At agad na nagpakita ang garter na sinuot sa'kin kanina. The long slit on the side made my legs really accessible. I think it was designed this way for that garter toss event.
''Lift up your leg.'' utos niya.
I obediently did what he wanted. Napakagat ako sa labi nang masuyong humaplos ang kanyang kamay mula sa aking paa, papataas hanggang maabot ang garter
Javier's eyes were ruthless, and he did not even hide it from me. He looked at me that way, as he aggressively pulled out the thing that wrapped around my thigh, tossing it somewhere. May kinuha siyang isang puting panyo sa kanyang bulsa at iyon ang itinali doon.
I pursed my lips a little. ''Akala ko hindi ka galit?''
''I'm not mad.'' aniya sa malamig na boses. ''I'm jealous.''
Napangiti ako, kahit na tila mas nagalit siya doon.
''You don't have to be. Carlos and Apollo knew about our relationship, even before. The Montecarlos are just like brothers to me. I actually asked them to join...'' I trailed. ''I would've asked you... if you were just there.''
Mariin siyang umirap. ''If I joined, your family would be able to tell without a second look.''
''Okay lang... kaysa may ibang humawak sa'kin. I don't want any man touching me aside from you.''
I smiled happily when Javier cupped my face for a deep kiss.
''I'm glad you know that you are mine.''
''I am yours, Jav.'' malambing kong sabi. ''And you are mine, too.''
''Matagal na akong sa'yo.''
Javier attacked my lips that I wasn't able to think right anymore. His tongue brushed against my lower lip before biting it. Nagpalitan kami ng mga halik, at bawat segundong lumilipas ay mas lumalalim ang mga iyon. I was on cloud-nine.
Only that, a voice like raging thunder, shattered my happy dreams.
''Sven!''
I stilled. Mabilis akong napatayo at naitulak pa si Javier papalayo. Gulat na gulat ako ang makita si Papa. Bigla akong nanlamig at tila lahat ng dugo sa aking katawan ay naglaho. Especially when I noticed that not only was my father there, si Mommy din, si Lolo. And Javier's family was there too!
''What are you doing here, Sven?!'' My father shouted with rage, snatching me abruptly from Javier's hold.
Nanghina ako kaya madali akong nahila ni Daddy. I almost lost my balance, kung hindi lamang ako nahawakan ni Javier ay sumubsob na ako sa lupa.
Javier held me protectively in his arms, almost hiding me from my father. Mariin akong napahawak sa kanyang braso bilang suporta.
''Nasasaktan po si Vernaise.''
''Vernaise Sven?!'' Daddy shouted like asking for an explanation, not minding Javier. ''What is this?!''
My whole body flinched. I have never seen my father this mad. He has always been soft and gentle. He has never raised his voice. He has never raised his hand to me or anyone. And he has never looked at me, betrayed, until today. I don't know why it pained me.
''Daddy, calm down, please.''
''Calm down?! You are here outside making out with a De Leon, and you want me to calm down?!''
Nakita ko ang pag-agap ni Mommy kay Daddy. My Lolo also stood near us. Lumapit din ang mga magulang ni Javier, na tila ba gusto ding pakalmahin ang sitwasyon kahit naguguluhan rin.
I looked up at Javier with tears in my eyes. He hushed me silently as my father threw hurtful words I did not anymore try to hear.
''Let us not make a scene here. It's best that we should talk about this somewhere else.'' Alejandro's calm voice erupted in between.
''Mukha ngang marami tayong dapat na pag-usapan, Juan Francisco.'' si Lolo.
''Maghahanda kami ni lugar.''
Hindi ko na nasundan ang kanilang usapan nang inilayo nang konti ni Javier doon. Alam kong mas magagalit si Daddy pero napayakap na ako kay Javier dahil wala ng lakas.
Marahan niyang hinaplos ang aking buhok. ''Baby, it's okay. Everything will be fine.''
''Sven!'' My father repeatedly called my name again.
I flinched and hugged Javier more. ''Jav, I don't want to go...''
''Vernaise, halika na. Mas magagalit ang Papa mo.'' rinig ko ang mahinahong boses ni Mommy nang lumapit ito sa'min.
''Javier, your father already reserve a private place. We should go and talk it out there, peacefully.''
Hindi ko alam kung paano't nakumbinsi ako ni Mommy na kumawala kay Javier. Panay ang lingon ko sa kanya habang naglalakad papalapit sa sasakyan namin. He gave me a reassuring smile, and it somehow let me be at peace, despite my insides being in chaos.
''We will leave this country, tomorrow!'' si Daddy nang nasa sasakyan na kami.
''Pwede ba kumalma ka, Steven? Hindi makakatulong iyang galit mo. Lalo mo lamang nilalayo ang loob ng anak mo sa'yo!''
Mariin akong napapikit sa palitan ng sagot ni Daddy at Lolo. My mother hugged me tight in her arms.
''I have always been skeptical about letting you live in Santa Monica. Tumutol dapat ako sa pag-aaral mo doon! Pinagkatiwalaan kita, Sven!''
''Nagmahal lang ako, Daddy. Masama ba iyon?'' bulong ko.
''Hindi ko sinabing masama! Pero bakit sa isang De Leon?!''
Marahas akong napailing at hindi na lamang nagsalita pa. I don't want to argue with my father, not when both of us are on the edge.
Pagod na pagod ako nang makapunta kami sa lugar kung na saan ang mga De Leon. My father was so against it, but my grandfather wanted to talk it out. Agad na hinanap ng mata ko si Javier nang makapasok kami sa isang pribadong kwarto ng establisyemento.
He looked tired as me. Pero nang makita ako, agad siyang tumayo para salubungin ako. His coat is already removed, hawak niya iyon sa kamay, at agad na ipinulupot sa'king balikat.
''Kung maaring kami lamang muna ang mag-usap bago kayo sumama, Javier.'' si Lolo.
Javier nodded politely, his eyes not leaving me. I took a step closer to him and held his hand. I did not care anymore if both our families were looking at us.
Lumabas kami doon, at tumungo sa katabing kwarto. May dumalo sa amin na isang staff at maraming naging utos si Javier. When we sat down, I leaned on his shoulder when I felt my head spinning. He noticed it, and immediately massaged my temples.
''We will go home after this, hm?''
Tumango ako.
''Javier, galit sila.''
''Huhupa din ang galit nila.''
''Paano kung hindi?''
''Gagawin ko ang lahat, Vernaise. Don't worry about anything.''
Humiwalay ako nang kaunti para matingnan siya. Madilim ngunit seryoso ang mga mata, animo'y gagawin ang lahat ng kinakailangan.
''What will you do, huh?''
Javier kissed my forehead and did not say anything.
Bumukas ang pintuan kaya naibaling ko ang atensyon doon. Nakita kong dumungaw si Solenn bago pumasok.
''Javier, tinatawag ka.'' aniya.
Tumango si Javier at tumayo. He gave me another kiss on the head before he walked away. May sinabi niya kay Solenn pero hindi ko na rin nasundan.
''Kailan kayo dumating?''
''Kani-kanina lang. Nandoon din si Kuya sa loob.''
Tumango ako at muling minasahe ang sentido.
''Magpahinga ka muna, Vernaise. May gusto ka ba? Kukuha ako.''
''Okay lang ako.''
Naghintay ako na tawagin pero lumipas na ang tatlongpung minuto ay wala pa rin. What's taking them so long? Bakit masyadong matagal? It's I and Javier's relationship, I should be there, too!
Ngunit hindi pa lumipas ang ilang segundo nang mapagpasyahan kong tumayo sa kinauupuan, narinig na namin ni Solenn ang kaguluhan sa labas. We both hurriedly went out.
My eyes widened when I saw my grandfather being carried out, unconscious!
I panicked. ''Mommy, what happened?''
Sumunod ako sa labas, isinakay si Lolo sa isang sasakyan at tila nagmamadali papuntang ospital. Masyadong magulo at masyadong maraming tao. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako dapat magtanong. Hindi ko din makita si Javier!
My arm was grabbed, and when I turned around, I found my father who looked beyond mad.
''Daddy, what happened?!''
''Let us get out of here!'' aniya habang hila-hila ako pabalik sa sasakyan namin.
''Hinimatay ba si Lolo? Anong nangyari, Dad?!'' my voice was high, and I'm really panicking right now.
''Iyon ang lalaking sinasabi mong mahal mo, Vernaise? Mahal mo pero hindi ka mahal!''
It wasn't the answer I was expecting yet my father opened that topic. Hindi ko sigurado kung ano ang eksaktong pinag-usapan nila na humantong sa ganitong pangyayari.
''Mahal ako ni Javier-''
''Inatake ang Lolo mo dahil tumangging magpakasal si Javier de Leon sayo!''
My father's voice was so loud that I wasn't sure if it's his voice that made my whole world stop, or the words he uttered.
#DATETHYENEMY