Kabanata 18
Sweet Pacific Breezes
"Sasama ka ba mamaya?" bungad sa akin ni Cristy nang sagutin ko ang kaniyang tawag. I was in the middle of work, and I stopped just to answer her call. Minsan kasi ay tumatawag siya kung may importante siyang tatanungin.
"To where? Tina's party?"
"Yup. Everyone's invited. Kung sasama ka, sasama na rin ako."
I rummaged through my table and looked for my planner. Nilalagay ko roon ang nga plano kong gawin buong araw, included my activities at the late time of the day. Wala namang ibinilin sa akin ang boss ko at matatapos ko na rin naman ang ipinapagawa sa akin ni Isidore. Speaking of the devil, he was currently sleeping on his desk. Apparently, pinalitan niya si Miro kagabi kaya buti na lang, napilit kong matulog. I forced him by hook or by crook, of course. Sinalo ko na lang ang mga gagawin niya.
"I'm free later tonight. Sunduin niyo na lang ako mamaya. If you're going, then Karlo's going too, right?"
"Yep. I'll see you later na lang?"
"Yeah, see you."
I dropped the call and went back to what I'm working on. Maya-maya ay pupuntahan ko naman si Ira. It wasn't really a busy day thus I had the time to do whatever I like. Naglinis ako ng opisina ni Isidore kahit hindi naman masyadong makalat at madumi. 'Yong hindi ko lang ginalaw ay ang kaniyang desk kasi natutulog siya roon.
He woke up after lunch time. Kababalik ko lang sa office pagkatapos kong makisalo sa iba.
"Are you feeling well?" I asked Isidore. Naniningkit pa ang mga mata niya habang nakatingin sa paligid. One side of his face was blushing a little from the pressure he put in it.
"Where were you?" aniya.
"I was at the pantry. Kumain ng lunch. You should eat, too." Umupo na ako sa aking desk. I opened my laptop and clicked on my email. Ni-check ko kung pumasok ba ang mensahe ko sa kaniya.
"No clients for today?" tanong niya at tumayo na.
"Kinuha na ni Doc Jin at Doc Gino. May limang dumating kanina kaya hinati nilang dalawa."
He just hummed as a response. May tiningnan siya sa computer at saka umalis sa kaniyang desk. He silently walked out of his office while I kept my eyes on him.
I guess we were back to square one. Gusto kong balewalain iyon ngunit tumatatak pa rin sa isipan ko. I guess it's normal to feel this way and then later on, I wouldn't mind any single thing about it. I was new to this whole new attraction thing and even though I was aware that the goal isn't reciprocation of the feelings, I still want to expect that I've had the same effect on him like he does to me.
Unfortunately, mukhang immune na siya sa mga ganito kaya alam niya na kung paano balewalain. His professionalism towards me was the clear evidence to it.
Although...I am not really giving up. He thinks of me as a brat and that I always get what I want. He was right about it. I still want him despite the heartless rejection.
"You're leaving early?" I asked him when I noticed that he was putting his ipad inside its case. Nakapatay na rin ang kaniyang computer.
"I have an appointment."
"Ah." Napataas ang kilay ko. I was curious but I didn't ask where was his appointment. Baka pagsabihan ako na masyado nang nangingialam sa buhay niya. Like I said, we're back to square one. We're not totally strangers from each other but it felt like we were both unfamiliar with each other's presence.
Umupo ako at binantayan ang kaniyang kilos. For someone who has an appointment, he was moving slow...rather, languidly. He had other things on his mind, I was sure of it. He had this bothered expression on his face. Naka-linya ang mga labi at bahagyang nagsasalubong ang kilay.
Nahuli niya akong nakatingin sa kaniya pero hindi niya ako tinanong kung bakit. Maybe he was bothered that I had kept my attraction to him intact even though I wasn't doing anything to attract him anymore.
"Ingat," pahabol kong sabi nang papalabas na siya ng pinto. The door hanged open for a while like he was startled that I had given him a pleasant word before he leaves.
"You, too." To my surprised, he replied, before closing the door. It left a soft thud and just like that, I was only embraced by the lingering scent of his musk cologne.
Napapikit ako at napabuntong hininga na lang. Hindi rin naman ako nagtagal sa clinic kasi may pupuntahan din naman ako maya-maya. It's my college friend's birthday and everyone from our class were invited. But it's not like everyone would attend. Sa bar kasi sa Pueblo ang ganap kaya naman hindi na ako nakatanggi. Back when we were in college, especially if it's a Friday night, we'd go exploring bars and 24-hour cafes. I remember entering my Saturday class with a 'lil bit of a hangover but was able to recover from it when we received a surprise quiz. Na-surprise talaga ang sistema ko kaya nawala lahat ng antok at sakit ng ulo.
"Looking hot and unbothered 'yan?" biro ni Cristy nang makapasok siya sa bahay ni Uncle. Sumunod si Karlo sa kaniya at pareho silang naupo sa living room couch.
Cristy wore a hot pink tube top and black vinyl pants. Medyo busangot nga ang mukha ni Karlo. I figured it was because of Cristy's clothes. Nakangisi ako sa kaibigan kasi bakit nga naman niya pinapahirapan si Karlo.
"If you're looking for my Uncle, sorry to break it to you pero hindi pa siya dumadating. Maybe he's on a date. Pansin kong palaging late na kung umuwi."
"Gaga," she cursed at me. "Tama na 'yang pagpapaganda mo at wala naman doon ang crush mo. Sayang lang 'yang effort mo."
"Kahit ano naman ang isuot ko walang epekto iyon sa kaniya so I'll just dress whatever I like," ganti ko at kinuha na ang aking maliit na clutch bag.
I was dressed in a criss cross halter top and black skinny jeans. I tied my hair in a bun and left some strands at the sides of my hair. Hindi naman talaga ako masyadong nag-effort sa make up kasi mawawala rin naman iyon mamaya. I'll probably look wasted later after many drinks. This day is like a blessing in disguise. I'd like to treat it as a celebratory day for my hard work and of course, for my first ever romance rejection.
"Kung ako kasi sa'yo, iba na lang ang gustuhin mo. Maybe this night, you'll find the one."
"You say that as if it's easy."
Cristy rolled her eyes. "Duh, sa mukha mong 'yan, akala mo ba ay hindi ka makakahanap ng lalaki? Maybe you weren't destined for a local guy, Cleo. Baka pang-international ang iyong peg."
"'Wag mo nang patulan ang trip ni Cristy, Cleo. What's important is for you to find a guy that's suitable for you," Karlo interjected. Sinamaan siya ng tingin ni Cristy. "What? I'm just trying to console her."
"Doc's a jerk for rejecting my friend. I mean, saan ka pa ba makakakita ng katulad ni Cleora? She's smart, diligent and an advocate. Marami pang kayang gawin ang kaibigan natin and all she gets is a fucking plastic rejection."
I chuckled. "Chill, you two. Kailangan na nating umalis at baka mauwi na naman ito sa away."
Nakumbinsi ko rin naman silang dalawa na umalis na. I'm really glad that I have the two of them kahit pa minsan pakiramdam ko talaga ay may sarili silang mundo. What can I say? The two have feelings for each other. Karlo was willing to do everything for Cristy and Cristy loves him for whatever he is.
"Did she rent the whole bar? Bakit invited lahat? I didn't read all the messages last night so..."
"Nah, she just said she'll pay for our drinks pero di niya naman ni-rent ang bar. As if naman na makakapunta ang lahat. I heard she's been receiving good money lately."
"Good for her."
Tina's family was well-off so no wonder, she can pay for everything. Kaunti lang naman kami sa Marine Bio noon and others even shifted so kumonti nang kumonti ang mga kaklase namin.
There was a loud pop music when we entered the bar. Marami-rami ang tao, some I think were college students having their night out. I can't believe that students are like this these days. Wala na palang pinipiling araw ang inuman.
We spotted Tina and her circle right at the corner. Halos wala na ngang espasyo ang mesa dahil sa bucket ng beer na nakalagay. Tina and I kissed each other's cheeks before I greeted some of our classmates.
"Long time no see, Cleo. Saan ka na pala nag-wo-work ngayon? There's not much update on your social media," says Marian.
"AquaCare clinic in Puerto. I'm also working on a research with a Vet."
"Good for you! Forte mo naman talaga ang mga research."
I started with a beer once I sat down and talked with some of my classmates. Others have been complimenting me, seeing how I became more toned even after getting a job. Ang sabi ko naman, paanong hindi ako magiging ganito eh marami akong trabaho.
"Ganda ni Cleora ah!" hirit ni Seph na kararating lang kasama ng mga lalaki naming kaklase noon.
Nagtawanan kami. "Thanks, Seph. Natural 'to lahat," ganti ko.
I had two bottles of beer already and I haven't even seated for long. Kaniya-kaniyang kuwentuhan kami nang dumami na ang tao sa paligid namin. I missed chaotic chatters like this. Iyong kahit malakas na ang music ay nagkakarinigan pa rin ang lahat. Tinalo pa namin ang mga college students na naroon lang sa kabila.
Sina Karlo at Cristy ay mukhang may sariling mundo. I just had my third bottle when I noticed the two of them stood up. Hinila ni Cristy si Karlo papunta roon sa dancefloor sa gitna. I continued sipping on my beer while watching the two lovers dancing sweetly on the music. Sumunod ang iba ko pang mga kaklase at naiwan lang ang ibang nakaupo.
"Uy, I heard you got married?" I asked Ethan, who sat next to me when Marian stood up and went for a dance.
"Yeah, ngayon nga lang ako nakauwi rito sa Marina." He scratched the back of his neck.
"Where's your wife? Hindi mo kasama?"
"She told me to have fun tonight so hindi na siya sumama."
I chuckled. "Hindi ba siya natatakot na baka malasing ka tapos iba ang uwian?"
"Kaya nga hindi ako umiinom ngayon, baka iba ang mauwian," he chuckled. "How about you, Cleo? How's the job?"
"Okay lang naman. It's not a hassle plus I love what I'm doing." To pass some time, I told Ethan about my work and research. He's one of my rivals in academics and compared to me, he was more studious. He'd mostly reject party invites and night outs. Kaya nga nagulat ako kasi nagpakasal na siya agad. I mean, we're too young for it. Pero hindi ko naman sinasabing bawal magpakasal sa ganitong edad.
Ethan was offered a good opportunity kaya nga siguro hindi na problema sa kaniya kung sakaling magkaroon na ng pamilya.
"You still got no boyfriend? Aba naunahan pa kita!" biro pa ni Ethan sa akin. I rolled my eyes instantly. Naalala ko na naman tuloy ang boss kong matamlay ngayon.
I wonder where he is right now. Well, I'm sure he's back at home and working. Sigurado naman akong hindi iyon nagtatagal sa ibang lugar kasi nga mas importante ang trabaho. He's not the type of guy to spend the night with other people and drowning himself in alcohol.
Pero parang binuhusan ako ng malamig na tubig nang mamataan ang pamilyar na mukha ni Isidore na naglalakad sa loob ng bar. Napakurap ako ng dalawang beses dahil hindi ko alam kung namamalikmata lang ba ako o ano. But after two blinks, I realized it was Isidore, in the flesh! Napaayos ako ng upo nang makitang lumingon siya sa direksyon namin. My grip on the neck of the bottle of beer tightened when his eyes landed on me. Sandaling kumunot ang kaniyang noo ngunit nag-iwas din ng tingin.
I swallowed hard. Did he see me? But it was kind of dark in here so I don't know if he has a supervision for him to see me clearly. Siguro ay inakala niya lang na ako pero hindi pala. But if he saw me, why would he even care to ask?
Sinundan ko ng tingin ang kanilang grupo. He was with some familiar friends. There were five of them and the three others were my customers before at the diving shop. Ang isa ay hindi ko naman kilala. He has many friends, including those at the clinic. Sa kaniyang ugali ay hindi mo talaga aasahan na marami siyang kaibigan. I didn't peg him as the friendly type.
I watched him as he sat on one of the couches. He was wearing a plain dark shirt and pants. He had a silver dogtag hanging on his neck and when he raised his hand, I spotted his black Fossil wristwatch. Of course, it was him. His cold aura brings familiarity to me even when I'm just a few meters away from him. Ni hindi nga siya lumingon sa direksyon ko kahit ilang minuto na akong nakatitig. Hindi nga talaga niya ako nakita. If he saw me, he would at least text right? For a confirmation, maybe?
"Oh, they're hot!" Hindi ko namalayan na tumayo na pala si Ethan sa tabi ko at ang pumalit ay si Tina. She had a margarita on her hand and when I trained her line of sight, I noticed that she was staring at Isidore's table.
"Mukha namang single pa!" she giggled and went on complimenting each one of Isidore's friends. I was sipping on my beer while I listened to her.
"Wait, isn't that the Vet doctor sa Puerto? Boss mo, Cleora?" Tina asked as soon as she noticed.
Tumango ako at hindi na rin maalis ang tingin doon.
"I bet you like your boss! I mean, gwapo siya di' ba and he's single, right? Though, doon ako sa guy with a striped shirt. He looks cute and eh, I don't go for angelic looking face."
I grinned in amusement. So ibig bang sabihin attracted ako sa mala-anghel ang mukha pero devil in disguise naman pala? I cannot say much about Isidore's face since he was actually angelic looking with his fair-skinned face. Maamo naman talaga ang mukha niya kung hindi lang palaging nakakunot ang noo at nagsasalubong ang kilay. He's got a face of a man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I shrugged. "Not my type." And I sipped on my beer like it's not a big deal to me.
I already had three bottles of beer and Tina added another hard liquor on the table. Nakabalik na si Cristy at Karlo mula sa sayawan. I ignored Isidore's presence and tried to entertain myself. May mga gwapo namang nandoon but well, I'm comparing them to an angel.
I had a few shots of tequila and Seph offered me a glass of gin. I was enjoying myself. Natatawa na lang ako kasi naririnig ko si Cristy na sinusuway si Karlo sa pag-inom. I almost forgot that he's our driver for the night. Pero ang dipensa naman ni Karlo ay pwede naman daw na mag-stay na lamang kami sa malapit na hotel para hindi hassle umuwi mamaya. I would love that, too. Ayaw ko rin namang magising pa si Uncle dahil lang sa pagdating ko. Hindi naman talaga iyon nag-aalala kapag umaalis ako kasi kasama ko naman sina Karlo. He trusts my friends so...
"I pick dare for Cleora!" Tina shouted when the bottle pointed at me. Malaki na kami para sa truth or dare na ito but we still all give it a shot.
I smirked at Tina and crossed my arms. Pumupungay na ang mga mata ko pero kaya ko pa naman. I still have a sound mind.
"Sure. Pagbibigyan kita kasi birthday mo naman."
Our crowd cheered. Malakas ang musika ngunit mas malakas ang ingay namin.
Tina grinned at me. "Sige. I dare you to kiss that guy."
Itinuro ni Tina ang pwesto nina Isidore. My eyes followed her finger. Naroon pa si Isidore at dahan-dahang umiinom ng rum. His friends were laughing and he was listening to them.
"Who?" rinig kong bulong ni Cristy at inaninag din kung sino ang naroon. Fortunately, my friend was too drunk to see people from meters away clearly.
"Ah, go for it!" she cheered absentmindedly without knowing who it was. "Time for you to shine, Cleo!" she added.
Nagtaas ako ng kilay bago ko ibinalik ang tingin kay Tina. I'm sure hindi ko na pwedeng bawiin iyon. I'll just ask him kindly and if he declines then the dare will not happen. I won't add fuel to the fire of his anger at me. I'm sure after a lot that had happened Isidore will kick me out of his clinic and out of his life completely.
"You can't back out on this, Cleo. Kung hindi papayag, then I suggest you'll do a body shot with Seph but that's just an option ha!"
"Fine, fine!" I motioned my hand. Umalis ako sa kinauupuan. I adjusted the hem of my halter top before I started walking.
"Tina, if I lose my job, you better give me one!" I muttered.
Tumawa lamang si Tina at itinulak na ako. I even stumbled on my foot on the way there.
One of Isidore's friends noticed me approaching. He was the unfamiliar one and he nudged the moreno guy beside him. Napatingin sa akin si Lance at tila nagulat nang makita ako. The others followed like they were curious about it. But my eyes immediately locked into Isidore's.
Hindi siya nagulat nang makita ako. He really did see me a while ago. He just pretended not to recognize me.
"Ikaw 'yong sa diving shop, right? What's your name again?" asked Kino.
"I feel hurt. Hanggang ngayon kilala ko pa kayo."
Kino chuckled. "Sorry, I have a habit of forgetting names. But hey, I remembered your face."
"It's Cleora, but I'm not here for you guys. I'm here for Doctor Camporazzo."
I heard 'ohs' from his friends. Ngumisi ako sa kaniya at binalewala ang masama niyang tingin sa akin. I went closer to him.
"My friends dared me to kiss you." Itinuro ko ang mga dating kaklase. All of them were waiting for me to do something.
"I'm asking nicely so that I can get your permission. Pero kung ayaw mo naman, I'll do a body shot with a random guy," I lied on the last part. Gusto ko lang makita kung ano ang magiging reaksyon niya.
I'm sure he won't let me kiss him but the question is, will he let me do a body shot on a random guy? or at least, will he watch me do it? Kung anuman ang sagot, I'm sure I won't be hurt by it.
"...so, which is it?" I stared deeply into his eyes. It felt like there was just the two of us and all of those noises faded in the background. I can feel my chest vibrating into the silent rhythm.
My lips parted and a gasped escaped my lips when I felt him grab the back of my neck and pulled me to him. Nawala ang aking balanse ngunit sinalo naman ng kaniyang labi ang akin. My eyes widened a fraction when I felt my lips crashed into his in a fluid motion. Tila tumigil ang aking mundo sa pag-ikot nang maramdaman ang mainit niyang labi sa akin. He forced my lips to open and I willingly accepted him.
He tasted rum. I was right on my guess about his drink. An angelic-looking man like him can drink. He was hot and harsh on my mouth and I felt like melting. His kiss shook the alcohol in my system that all of my senses were heightened. Kung hindi ko pa narinig ang hiyawan ng kaniyang mga kaibigan ay hindi pa ako matatauhan.
Humiwalay ang kaniyang labi sa akin. I was silently catching my breath while my widened eyes were staring at him.
"The dare's done, Cleora," he whispered coldly but my heart was still thumping wildly.