nagpartak kayu man.
GARAMPINGAT
"Bianca, what the fuck!" Ansel pushed her away and roughly wiped his cheek using the back of his hand.
His jaw clenched aggressively. "Go on and touch me again," the venom in his tone when he spat those words at Bianca was enough to make anyone tremble.
Bianca's eyes widened. She unconsciously backed away.
Ansel turned to me with nervous eyes. Umawang ang labi niya nang makita ang seryosong mukha ko. I kept my cool.
"Ansel! What a rude way of treating Bianca!" His mom snapped. "Aren't you glad she came back?! You've been waiting for her right?"
"Ma," kalmado ngunit mapanganib na untag ni Ansel.
Tita Andria kept her mouth shut when Ansel looked at her. I just sighed and walked to him. I took my hanky from my clutch and started wiping his cheeks. Hindi pa ako nakuntento. I sprayed some alcohol and wiped it gently.
I bit my lip to hide the pang of pain in my heart. Alam kong ayaw sa akin ng Mommy niya at gusto niya si Bianca para dito. Pero iba pala 'yung sakit kapag harapan niyang pinapamukha mismo. She's even convincing Bianca regardless the truth that Ansel is married to me.
Ansel muttered a low curse and placed a hand around my waist securingly. I tried to hide my face from the crowd using Ansel's large built. I held onto his tux, wiping his cheek gently.
"Baby, I'm sorr–"
I placed my thumb on his lips to silence him. I looked at Bianca who's now smirking at me. Napadila siya sa labi niya at mayabang na humalukipkip.
I gave her a sweet smile, making her drop her devilish smirk.
Tinignan ko si Ansel at hinalikan siya sa labi. I knew he was shocked because his lips parted. But I felt him smile when I pressed my lips onto his.
Tumingin ako kay Bianca na ngayon ay nakanganga. Lahat ng saya sa mukha niya kanina ay naglaho. It was my time to smirk back.
As I've said, don't test me.
"That's my girl," Ansel whispered before claiming my lips in his own dominant way.
"Fucker. It's my birthday today pero ikaw ata nakakaiskor."
Pinutol ko ang halik ni Ansel bago pa niya iyon laliman dahil sa narinig kong boses. Sa hiya ko ay napatungo ako.
Xander
"I was enjoying myself, Kuya. Couldn't keep your mouth shut for a few seconds more?" Ansel glared at me while holding his wife closer to him.
Napatakip ako sa bibig ko gamit ang likod ng kamay ko habang inoobserbahan siya. He was whispering some words to the woman in his arms right now.
Is this really my brother? Kelan pa 'to naging ganito katino kasama ang isang babae?
Nasuntok ko pa 'to last week dahil ako ata ang pinakahuling nakaalam na ikinasal siya. Nauna pa sina Marcus. The fuck? Ang tahimik ng buhay ko tapos isang araw paggising ko, malalaman ko na lang sa balita na ikinasal na ang kapatid ko? Gago?
I smirked when his wife faced me and I got a good look at her. O tangina. Papaano nakabingwit ang gago ng ganito kaganda? The real question is... bakit pinatulan niya ang kapatid ko e napakagago ni Ansel?
"Xander, this is Iana, my wife," pakilala nito sa asawa niya.
"Baby, this is Xander, my older brother," older... Fuck.
"Baby?" I looked at my brother with disbelief. Ansel never calls his women in any kind of endearment. Not even once. So... "Since fucking when did you–"
Ansel gave me a stern look. Oh he's fucking serious.
Kahit kanina. 'Yung takot na nabasa ko sa mukha niya matapos siyang halikan ni Bianca at nakita 'yon ni Iana. Damn, this was the very first time I witnessed him scared for his own life! He's not even scared of guns and bombs! Pero sa asawa niya... Tiklop?
Erin and I didn't invite Bianca. Pero iba talaga takbo ng utak ni Mama. Gusto ata ng gulo. She also didn't want Erin before. Pero nang tumagal ay nagustuhan niya ang asawa ko. Well, wala naman siyang magagawa. Because if she won't accept it, nothing would have ever changed. I'd still choose the love of my life over and over again.
I kept eyes on the couple. Hindi ko alam pero mahina akong natawa sa sobrang pagkaaliw ko.
"Hi, Xander. Sorry for the issue," Iana sounded shy. "Happy birthday," she smiled sweetly and extended her hand.
Ganda niya. Naaawa tuloy ako sa kapatid ko. Mukhang madami siyang karibal dito. Baka mamatay pa sa selos.
I smirked and stepped closer.
"Hanggang jan ka na lang. Abutin mo na lang kamay niya," masungit na untag sa akin ni Ansel.
This brat.
Ganoon na ba ako kaguwapo? He thinks I'm a threat? Tangina may asawa na ako uy!
"Ansel," Iana frowned and nudged him.
Nagulat ako dahil may babaeng tumatrato ng ganito kay Ansel. Pero mas nagulat ako nung sumimangot ang kapatid ko. He made a face and kept his mouth shut. He k-kept his mouth shut?
Wow... the power his wife holds.
For the first time... Ansel actually followed a woman's order.
Lihim akong natawa at inabot ang kamay ni Iana. Okay, noted. I should be on her good side. Mukhang understanding ang kapatid ko sa kanya e. Dun tayo sa boss.
"Where's Erin?" Prenteng tanong ni Ansel matapos sadyaing hilain pabalik ang asawa niya para mapabitaw sa pakikipagkamay sa akin.
I laughed. What a jealous asshole! I can't believe my eyes. Ngayon ko lang nakita ang kapatid ko na ganito kabantay sarado sa isang babae.
Goodluck, Iana Jace Torres Monterro. Mukhang mahihirapan kang lubayan ang kapatid ko if ever. He's fucking whipped for you.
Iana
Xander winked at me. "Nice to meet you, Iana. Buti napapunta ka ng asawa mo. I've been meaning to meet who my brother's wife is."
I could hear Ansel snickering to what his brother said. Umalis na rin sina Bianca at Tita Andria kanina nung lumapit sa amin si Xander.
"Pleasure to meet you too, uhm," I bit my lip. How should I call him?
Mukhang nahimigan ni Xander and katanungan sa isip ko dahil marahan siyang tumawa.
"Call me Kuya," he smiled politely.
"Tss. Napakaplastik. Akala mo naman talaga mabait," pagbubulong ni Ansel habang masama ang tingin sa kapatid.
Xander laughed. "Tangina. Kailan ka pa nagkaganyan, kapatid?"
Si Ansel? Bakit hindi ba siya ganito usually?
"Oh, hi! Sorry for greeting you late. Medyo nagkaproblema kasi sa kusina. Tumulong muna ako saglit," may lumapit na babae kay Kuya Xander.
Kuya Xander quickly snaked his hand around her waist and kissed her head.
"I'm Erin. This birthday boy's wife," turo niya kay Kuya Xander.
May masayang ngiti sa labi niya. And she looks stunning in her olive green silky dress.
Pumorma ang kompurtableng ngiti sa labi ko. Kahit hindi ko siya lubos na kilala ay parang ang gaan ng awra niya. I accepted her hand and introduced myself. I guess this night won't be too bad.
And I was right. Although I could feel Bianca's death glares on my direction, I ignored it. May mga pinsan rin sina Ansel na nakihalubilo sa akin. They were kind and conversant.
I was more entertained when Ansel introduced me to two of his close friends.
"Marcus Brant," he shook my hand.
"Kevin Ausburg at your service," the other said.
Ang solid pala ng friendship nila. They were teasing Ansel all the time. May atraso pa daw ito sa kanila dahil hindi nito sinabi agad sa kanila na ikinasal ito sa akin.
"Since highschool, magkakasama na ang apat na 'yan," Erin said while I'm helping her prepare some ingredients para sa iluluto niya mamaya.
Tumango ako. Nasa labas sina Ansel. Naglalaro ng panglalaking sport. They were also drinking and all that. Kasama rin nila ang kanilang mga pinsan at iba pang mga kaibigan.
"Bianca don't be too humble! I know you cook delicious recipes! Why don't you cook your best recipe that Ansel loved before? Diba gustong gusto niya dati 'yung bulalo mo?"
Two people entered the kitchen.
Napatigil ako sa ginagawa ko sa narinig.
"Oh Tita! I don't think gusto na niya ngayon 'yon. Baka nag-iba na ang paborito niya–"
"Why would you say thay?! Ansel's favorite is still bulalo! Your bulalo! Don't you remember? He loved bulalo because of your cooking! Dahil kaya sa luto mo kaya naging paborito niya ang bulalo!" Tita Andria laughed.
"Tita Andria, you're flattering me. His wife is here. Nakakahiya naman," Bianca whispered loudly, enough to reach my ears.
"Iana," tawag sa akin ng Mommy ni Ansel.
"Po?" Marespetong tugon ko sa kabila ng mahigpit na hawak ko sa kutsilyo. Pigilan niyo 'ko. Baka mamaya maitusok ko na 'to sa leeg ni Bianca please.
"Hindi ka naman mao-offend kung ipagluluto ni Bianca ang anak ko ng bulalo na paborito niya diba?"
I looked at them and nodded. "Kahit ipagluto pa po ni Bianca si Ansel ng sandamakmak na pagkain, okay lang po," I smiled sweetly. I hid the sarcasm in my voice.
Hindi ko pa nakakalimutan ang mga masasakit na salita na sinabi niya sa akin nung ipinakilala ako ni Ansel sa kanila.
Tita Andria raised a brow at me. Bianca grinned. "Good. I heard hindi ka raw marunong magluto."
Saan na naman niya narinig ang katotohanang iyan?
I nodded and continued slicing. Bianca and Ansel's mom laughed insultingly. Nag-sync pa sila. 'Yung totoo, sila ata ang magnanay dito?
"What a shame for my son. He married a woman who doesn't even know how to cook and prepare meals for him to satisfy his appetite."
"Nakakahiya nga, Iana. Seryoso ba? Kahit man lang simpleng ulam?" Pag-eepal ni Bianca.
"Kung sana ay maaga kang nakabalik, Bianca. Hindi sana naakit ni Iana ang anak ko. He could have married you," Tita Andria said like I'm not even here. "Nakakahiyang magkaroon ng daughter in law na hindi man lang marunong magluto! I pity my son!"
Napapikit ako.
"Ma, matututo rin naman si Iana," Ate Erin stood up for me.
Kaya ko nga inaaral magluto. I also felt guilty because they are speaking facts. Pero tanggap ko na kasi sa sarili ko na hindi ako pang housewife e. But I'm still trying.
"Don't worry po. I'm already learning how to cook," kalmadong sabi ko.
"Well, learn faster," irap sa akin ni Bianca. "If you really love Ansel and you're concerned for him, dapat ginagampanan mo ang pagiging housewife mo."
"Nako, Bianca! Let's not waste our time with that piece of garbage na pinulot ni Ansel sa kung saan," ani Mama ni Ansel.
Aray ha.
"Right, Tita. I'll just cook Ansel his favorite!" Bianca exclaimed.
"Edi go. Tutal mukha ka rin namang bulalo, iluto mo na lang sarili mo," pagbubulong ko at tinuloy ang paghiwa sa patatas na hinihiwa ko.
Rinig ko ang biglang pagtawa ni Ate Erin. Nang tignan ko siya ay mukha siyang nagpipigil na huwag humalakhak.
"Louder, bestie," she winked at me.
"Huwag ka masyadong magpa-apekto kay Tita Andria," sabi ni Ate Erin kapagkuwan. "She treated me badly at first too. Actually she didn't like me. She even offered me money just to leave Xander. And Bianca? Don't worry, mas maganda at sexy ka dun! Wala rin lang naman silbi ang ganda niya kung panis naman ang ugali. Wala pa ata siya sa kalingkingan mo girl."
Tumango ako at nagtanong sa sinabi niya na hindi rin siya nagustuhan ni Tita noong una. And she offered her money?! Tameme ako nang simulan niyang ikuwento ang nangyari sa kanila ni Kuya Xander.
"Don't give up on Ansel just because of the torment from other people. If you can still fight, then fight for him," she advised.
Nang matapos kami ay sabay kaming lumabas ni Ate Erin. Nadatnan namin sina Ansel at 'yung iba pa na naglalaro ng cards habang umiinom.
"The poor dude was jailed. It was his fault though. He allowed himself to enter that business. Humihithit lagi. Ayun, nag-adik. Nahuli," one of the boys said.
"Si Ansel nag-aadik rin. Kaso ang hinihithit.. si Miss Torres," tumawa si Kuya Xander.
Ansel didn't save himself though. He didn't deny either. Marahan lang siyang natawa at uminom sa bote ng alak niya. He shook his head, laughing lowly.
Bago pa man ako makalapit ay natigilan ako nang bigla ay tumabi si Bianca sa kanya. The laughter died down.
Pekeng umubo sina Marcus at Kevin. Kuya Xander shook his head.
Bianca was smiling and was telling Ansel something with excitement. Ngunit ang hindi ko inaasahan ay ang pagtayo ni Ansel habang may sinasabi pa si Bianca.
"Usog mga pre," sabi niya kila Marcus at Kevin na agad naghiwalay para bigyan ng space si Ansel sa gitna nila.
Even I was surprised when he sat between them and continued drinking. Kita ko kung papaano gumuhit ang hindi makapaniwalang ekspresyon sa mukha ni Bianca.
She looked in pain.
"Looks like someone is too faithful for Bianca's tricks," Ate Erin sang beside me.
The guys continued their conversation. May tumawag pa kay Bianca pero na kay Ansel lang ang atensyon nito. Ansel reached for his phone and started typing something.
Kumunot ang noo ko nang mag-vibrate ang phone ko. Nang abutin ko 'yon, it was Ansel's name that registered on my screen. Binuksan ko agad ang message niya.
From: Ansel Monterro
Huy kunin mo na 'ko dito sa labas. May nangmamanyak sa akin, Baby.
I swallowed the lump on my throat. Nag-type ako.
To: Ansel Monterro
Deserve mo 'yan.
"What the fuck?" Ansel cussed while staring at his phone kaya napatingin 'yung iba sa kanya.
Tinalikuran ko sila at hinila si Ate Erin papasok ulit sa bahay.
"Dinner is ready!" Tita Andria announced na siyang kakalabas lang ng bahay nila Kuya Xander.
I remain composed in my seat while waiting for Ansel and the others. Si Ate Erin sa gilid ay ngiting ngiti. Mukhang kinikilig pa nga sa nangyari kanina. She winked when she caught my eyes. I smiled.
Ngunit nawala ang ngiti ko sa labi nung pumasok na sina Marcus. Nahigit ko ang hininga ko nung makita ko si Ansel sa likuran niya. My lips parted when I met his glaring eyes. Mukha siyang badtrip at galit.
Sa akin agad siya dumikit. But before he sat beside me, he bent down and kissed my forehead.
"Ansel, you okay?" Pinigilan ko ang ngiti ko.
"Huwag mo 'kong kausapin. Nagtatampo ako," he whispered.
I bit my lip to stop the laughter that wants to escape my lips. Parang bata!
"Natutuwa pa nga," Ansel made a face and looked away from me.
"What do you want to eat?" I whispered back.
"Ikaw," he didn't hesitate. "Tinatanong pa ba 'yan."
"Ansel!" I gasped loudly with wide eyes. Napatingin sa akin sina Ate Erin.
"Ano na namang kalandian ang ginagawa mo sa asawa mo, kapatid," Xander raised a brow at Ansel who just shrugged.
"Wala. Tinanong niya kung anong gusto kong kaininin, sinabi ko lang 'yung totoo. I told her I want–" I quickly convered his lips with my hand.
"Bulalo?" Pinandilatan ko siya. "Diba paborito mo 'yun?" I warned.
Ansel frowned at me. "Sino may sabi?" He asked. "May bago na 'kong favorite."
"Huh?" Bianca sat beside him. "May bago ka nang favorite?"
Ansel looked like he has no intention of answering her kaya siniko ko siya. He sighed.
"Yeah."
"Really?" Bianca sounded disappointed. "Can I ask ano 'yun?"
Ansel looked at me after hearing Bianca's question. I frowned when a smirk appeared on his lips while looking at my lips.
"Sunog na hotdog. Sobrang cripy na bacon. At maalat-alat na itlog," he answered her seriously.
I covered my mouth in shock. Hindi ko alam kung sisipain ko ba 'yung hilaw na betlog niya o babatukan siya.
"Tangina, ano bro?" Marcus asked.
"You heard me," Ansel licked his lower lip.
Bianca glared at me. Gagang 'to! Bakit ako na naman?! Ako ba 'yung sumagot?!
Agad niyang inayos ang mukha niya nung maupo sina Tita Andria at Tito Alexander.
"Ah Ansel! Stop joking! Ang funny mo talaga!" Bianca giggled sultrily.
Tumikhim si Ate Erin. "Let's pray."
"O, Ansel, lead the prayer," Kuya Xander told Ansel.
Napailing lang si Ansel at pumikit. "Thank you, Almight Father. Amen."
I bit my lip. Agad siyang sinita ng mga kaibigan niya pagkatapos niyang magdasal.
"That's still a prayer. I said grace ya'll," depensa niya.
"Ansel, you want bulalo, right?" Malambing na tanong ni Bianca.
I ignored her and unconsciously reached for some rice and put it on Ansel's plate. Kumuha rin ako sa steak na niluto namin ni Ate Erin at nilagyan ang pinggan niya. I know he likes steaks too. He mentioned it to me.
Nang tignan ko si Ansel ay nakita kong nagpipigil siya ng ngiti habang nakatingin sa pinggan niya. Mukantanga naman 'to! Anong nakakatuwa sa kanin? Gutom ba siya?
"Here! Taste this one! Mas masarap 'to!" Bianca gave him a bowl of bulalo excitedly.
Kumunot ang noo ni Ansel. "Sino nagluto? Ikaw ba?" He whispered to me.
"Kumain ka na lang kaya? Halatang gutom ka e," I whispered back.
Ansel did start eating. Pero bago siya sumubo ay nilagay niya ang hiniwa niyang steak sa plato ko at kumuha ng bago.
"Galing a. Kelan pa naging gentleman ang isang Ansel Monterro?" Kevin said. "Hiwaan mo nga rin ako ng steak, bro."
"You're not my wife," pambabara ni Ansel sa kanya na tinawanan nung iba.
Prente kong sinimulan ang pagkain. Ansel also started eating the steak. Hindi pa nagsisimulang kumain si Bianca. And I know why.
Ngumuya ako. I saw Ansel scoop some of the bulalo's soup and sipped at it. His forehead wrinkled.
Tumikhim si Ate Erin. "How's the bulalo, Ansel? Masarap ba?"
I remained calm when Ansel nodded. Kita ko sa peripheral vision ko ang malawak at mayabang na pagngiti ni Bianca.
"It's not bad. But I like my wife's bulalo more," dagdag ni Ansel na ikinagulat ko. He what?
He took another scoop and tasted the bulalo soup, nodding afterwards. "Not to offend whoever cooked this but it's just an honest opinion from me."
"And how do you know that it's not your wife who cooked that bulalo now?" Tita Andria raised a brow at Ansel.
"I know my wife's recipe, Ma," Ansel chuckled. "Minememoryado ko 'yung lasa," tumawa siya.
"What–" Bianca interrupted, looking so fazed. Maski ako ay gulat!
"I prefer her recipe. This one tastes bland. Iba 'yung luto ng asawa ko e. May sipa," Ansel chuckled.
Palihim ko siyang sinipa sa paa.
"Aray!" Ansel exclaimed. "Literal na may sipa nga," he whispered.
"You're joking," Bianca gasped.
"Who said I'm joking?" Supladong sabad ni Ansel sa kanya. "Mukha ba akong nagbibiro?"
Nakakatakot ang mukha niya. Natahimik tuloy si Bianca. Kita ko ang pag-ukit ng hiya sa mukha niya. She bit her lip and cleared her throat, acting as if nothing happened. Gone is the pride and boastfulness in her face.
Oo. Pinagluto ko ng bulalo dati si Ansel. 'Yun 'yung time na pinauwi ko siya galing office para kumain siya ng lunch sa bahay.
Ansel turned to Ate Erin. "Ikaw ba nagluto nito, Ate Erin? I apologize for being to honest," he did look sorry. Mukhang wala nga siyang ideya kung sino ang nagluto. Pero mukhang sigurado siya na hindi ako.
"B-baka kulang lang ng knorr cubes," I heard Bianca whisper. Muntik na akong mabulunan.
•••••
;)