Chapter 37
Flirty
Si Gio ang nagpaalam kay Kuya para sa akin habang nag-aasikaso ako.
Dahil sa gasang nakabalot sa kaliwang braso, kinailangan kong magsuot ng cardigan sa ibabaw ng bestida.
Good thing I had a plain white crop-top cardigan in my dresser. Bumagay iyon sa kabuuang anyo ng blusa. Pinili ko ang flat shoes na minsan ko lang din magamit dahil hindi ko kakayaning mag-heels sa uri ng lugar na gusto kong puntahan namin.
I wonder if he'll like it. That place has a special place in my heart, so it will be terrific if he finds it fun, too. But the moment I laid my eyes on him downstairs, I started to doubt.
We looked like we're going to attend a semi-formal party. Baka mas gugustuhin pa niyang magtrabaho kesa mag-aksaya ng oras sa ganitong bagay.
"Mag-iingat ka. Sabihan mo agad ako sa mga nangyayari sayo," mahigpit na bilin ni Kuya.
Hindi ko pa man nabubuka ang bibig ko, hinawakan na agad ni Gio ang likod ng ulo ko.
"I'll keep an eye on her and make sure she's safe," sabi niya sabay alalay sa akin palabas.
Sinundan kami ni Kuya hanggang sa makaabot na kami sa sasakyan ni Gio. Mariin niya akong tinignan at kalaunan ay bumuntong-hininga na lang.
"Behave yourself, Riz. I'm warning you."
Ngumuso ako. Bukod sa sugat ko, masigla na ang buong katawan ko. Dalawang araw ba naman akong nagpahinga!
"Hindi na ako bata, Kuya. Magpapakabait ako."
"Why is this making me nervous?" I heard Giovanni razz from behind.
Buti na lang hindi iyon narinig ni Kuya. Umatras na siya para bigyan kami ng daan.
Kinalas na ni Gio ang pagkakahalukipkip ng mga braso para pagbuksan ako ng pinto sa front seat. Nilahad niya ang kanyang kamay para alalayan ako sa pagpasok, kasabay ng pagsilong niya ng kamay sa ulo ko.
"Watch your head. Careful."
I chuckled as soon as I settled. "You both need to calm down."
I waved Kuya a see-you-later before we headed out. Since when did I become this carefree? I don't know!
Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba tinanggap ko na sa sarili na deserve kong magpahinga at gawin ang mga gusto ko ngayon, o dahil si Giovanni naman ang kasama ko. He gave off a "nothing will go wrong when you're with me" energy, kaya panatag ang loob ko sa kabila ng mga naiwang gawain sa school at mga problemang nakapasan sa likod ko.
Namangha ako sa posibilidad na iyon. How could one person give you a sense of guarantee that everything will be alright, despite knowing that everything's on the verge of collapse? I can't believe this. And Giovanni of all people.
"Do you like the dress?" Gio asked with his eyes fixed on the road.
I blinked fast when I realized he wanted to hear my comment on the outfit, and that I haven't said my thanks to him personally yet.
"It's lovely. I prefer this kind of dress and the measurement fits me well. Nagustuhan ko. Salamat..."
He nodded. I noticed how his tensed shoulders relaxed a bit.
Hindi ko na alam kung anong pag-uusapan pagkatapos no'n. Wala akong ideya kung saan na tinangay ang lakas ng loob na meron ako kanina.
"Earlier... what did you call me?" Then here's Gio all of a sudden. "Say it again."
Lito akong napatingin sa kanya. "Alin don?"
He rested his left elbow on the window and leisurely played with his lips, while his right hand took over the wheel.
"I thought I heard something," he mumbled meaningfully.
The moment I fathomed his question, my cheeks flushed profusely.
Tumikhim ako. "Guni-guni mo lang iyon. Wala akong naaalalang may sinabi akong kakaiba."
"Wala ako sinabing kakaiba 'yon. Gusto kong marinig ulit... para malinaw tayo."
Hearing him speak Filipino gave me goosebumps every time. Not because it's awkward, but because it sounded even sexier to my ears. What the heck is wrong with me?
"Bakit, anong gusto mong linawin?" I asked curiously instead.
Humarap ako sa kanya. Nahuli ko siyang tinatakpan ng kamao ang bibig kaya kumunot ang noo ko nang naalala ang ibig sabihin ng arteng iyon.
Susuwayin ko pa lang sana siya nang binalik na niya ang kamay sa manibela.
"That I'm not crazy enough to hear silly things."
"Oh," I scoffed. "You think it was silly?"
"Yeah..." his voice croaked before he gave out a low growl of a chuckle. "How did such endearment make me go crazy? That's unfair."
Hindi ko na rin nakayaanan at natawa na sa inaakto niya.
"Yes. You're silly. And overreacting," that's a lie.
Kung may mas nakakaalam man sa amin kung gaano kalaki ang epekto ng salitang iyon, paniguradong ako na ang salarin.
I couldn't believe that endearment could make me lose my mind every time. Pakiramdam ko, alam na alam niya ang epekto nito sa akin kaya sinasadya niya palagi. Turns out, he was freaking clueless, too, himself!
Bago pa man kami makalabas ng syudad, sinabi ko na sa kanya kung saan ko gustong pumunta.
Ang totoo nyan, medyo nagulat pa ako na wala siyang komento kung bakit doon. Gio was unfazed and it didn't even affect his speed.
Hindi na niya ginamit ang navigator ng kanyang sasakyan dahil tila kabisado na ang dadaanan. Is he sure about this? Even though the place is quite popular, the route is a bit tricky.
"Sigurado ka ba na sasamahan mo ako buong araw? Paano ang trabaho at school works mo?" I asked when I remembered it.
He said he was busy, right? Saan naman kaya?
"I finished everything in advance to reserve some time today."
Kung umabot na siya sa puntong kailangan na niyang mag-request ng special class, hindi ba't ibang usapan na iyon? Whatever he's dealing with right now, it must be intense. How come he managed to sacrifice some of his precious time for my birthday?
Bahagya akong nahiya. I should've stayed at home and rested as he suggested. That way, he could leave early for more significant things. Or I should've lied about going out. In that case, he wouldn't be dragged into this childish affair.
As if Giovanni could hear my thoughts, he poke my cheek and shook his head.
"Hey, let's not overthink this. You're not holding me back," he guaranteed. "If anything, it's that certain incident that is hindering me from hanging out with you."
Napailing ako sa kanya. "Alam kong may nararamdaman ka para sa akin. Pero hindi mo ako kargo de konsensiya, Gio. Don't do that to yourself."
He flexed his jaw in disagreement. "I regret not being there for you, Elia... At least let me do that."
Bago pa man ako mabaliw sa tanawin, tumango na lang ako at humarap sa daan.
"How much did you know?" I asked again after a moment of silence.
After some deep thought, he glanced at me critically.
"I found out the problem with your family business... that led to your admission."
I sighed in relief. At least he only knew the surface.
"Thanks for not asking me anything though," I turned to give him a sincere smile.
Giovanni nodded. "Thank you for being understanding of my shortcomings, too."
Gusto kong tawanan ang sarili. Actually, I almost used it against him, but that was for a matter of seconds before I knew there was a problem on his end, too.
Yumuko ako at hinuli ang tingin niya. I giggled when I caught him grazing his tongue on his molar at my sudden move.
"Respect goes both ways. There are things we need to handle alone, Gio... And during those times, I make sure to keep an open mind—the same way I wish others to do when it's my time."
"Fair enough... but I can't promise," Gio turned to me and raised a brow. "If something happens to you, my patience may not be able to hold for too long. I can be a little impatient, you know."
Is that true? Ngumuso ako. I couldn't imagine. Kahit na masama ang tingin ko sa kanya dati, aaminin kong hanga ako sa haba ng pasensiya't kontrol nito.
Giovanni may be sensitive on the inside, but the patience and control he has to keep himself in check was flawless. If he's easily triggered by the smallest things but remains calm and composed, then that makes him patient, right?
Sensitivity is an intuitive occurrence within human emotions related to an instinctive response to an event. While patience is tolerance–a factor that influences how you choose to behave in the face of that event.
A person can be both sensitive and patient at the same time. For me, that's Giovanni in a nutshell.
Somehow, I'm like that, too. But there was a specific time at the hospital that I lost it. That I completely lost control...
Natanto ko na minsan pala, hindi lamang pasensiya at pang-unawa ang kailangang makita sayo ng ibang tao. Kailangan din nila ng reaksiyon mula sayo. Maybe it's a way to show you're still a human. That you're capable of being hurt and vulnerable, too.
And that is something I want Giovanni to understand... in exchange for helping me rebuild my life for myself. That sometimes, he needs to blow off steam and speak his mind, too. Because when I did it, it was almost too late for me. I learned it the hard way.
Pagkatapos mag-park ni Gio sa magandang pwesto, bumaba na ako agad para mag-inat. Medyo konti lang ang tao ngayon siguro dahil weekday at alanganin na ang oras.
Rinig ko ang pagbagsak ng pinto kaya nilingon ko ang paglabas ni Gio. He was still wearing his formal attire, so I couldn't help but praise every detail of him.
Habang naglalakad siya patungo sa akin, napukol ang mga mata ko sa paraan ng pagpasok niya ng phone sa bulsa. He gracefully held his wallet and keys in one hand, too, before fixing his disheveled hair.
Am I really on a date with this good sir?
"Let's go," he said before putting his hand on the small of my back to support my gait.
"O-Okay."
Tinuon ko na lang ang pansin sa nilalakaran dahil bahagyang naghuramentado ang puso.
Was he always this kind and thoughtful? Or was I putting too much meaning in his innocent gestures? Napapikit ako nang mariin.
As soon as we reached the familiar amusement park's entrance, I looked up to marvel my eyes at the grandeur of its magical view.
To be honest, I used to come here with Tobie before. He was the one who introduced me to this magical place, so it grew on me in time.
Tuwing tumatapak ako rito, para bang napupunta ako sa ibang parte ng mundo. Malayo sa apuradong kapaligiran ng syudad, sa maiitim at bumubugang usok ng mga sasakyan.
I let the fresh wind embrace my entirety as Gio and I walked side by side. I could also hear the crashing waves not so far away from here... next to the amusement park.
Sometimes I even wondered if some people visit the park for the calmness of the sea, and not for the fun of the giant playground. If that's the case, I wouldn't be surprised.
I pulled a deep breath, feeling the expansion of my lungs along the process, before breathing out with a satisfied smile on my face.
It's been a year... Now, I am here with Gio. I hope you could see this, Tobie. I hope we could enjoy this moment with you.
Nang tuluyan na kaming makarating sa malaking ticket booth ng parke, sa pag-aakalang titigil si Gio para bumili ng ticket, napabalikwas ako nang nilagpasan niya lang ang mga booth at dire-diretso lumakad sa gate!
Oh, my goodness! He's a ten, but the brute doesn't know a thing about amusement park policies!
Ugh! As much as I wanted to run after him, I stayed on my post because I haven't bought a ticket yet.
"Gio! Bawal pang pumasok! Bibili muna tayo ng ticket!"
Nakita ko itong nakikipag-usap sa guard na siyang sumaludo sa kanya. Mukhang magtatanong pa ata ang damuho kung paano ang proseso, e, alam ko naman!
Problemado tuloy akong humarap sa isang booth habang naghahalughog ng pera sa wallet. What a freeloader, Gio!
"Miss, wait lang po. Magkano na ba ang ticket? Uh. For two adults po."
"Good afternoon, Ma'am. Are you with Sir Clark?" tanong ng kahera na siyang nagpatigil sa akin kalaunan.
Sir Clark? Who's that? Oh-
Namilog ang mga mata ko. "Yes... Yes, yes. I'm with him. Giovanni Clark Smith. How do you know him?"
The cashier gave me a friendly smile. "You are authorized to enter the park now, Ma'am. Sir Clark already secured everything for your visit. Enjoy your time."
Puno ng kalituhan at kahihiyan ang hitsura ko habang tinatanggap ang VIP pass at souvenirs sa booth. Para akong nililipad habang papalapit sa kinaroroonan ni Giovanni.
He was wearing a different lanyard from me. Nang natanaw ang ID ng tatlong empleyadong kausap niya, na mukhang mataas ang posisyon at suot ang kaparehong lanyard ni Gio, ay saka ko lamang natanto ang nangyayari.
"Your family is one of the stakeholders of this park?!" bulalas ko nang tuluyan na kaming humiwalay sa mga empleyadong sumusulpot sa harapan niya.
Parang wala atang katapusan ang mga bumabati sa lalaking ito!
"Hmm. You can say that." Giovanni put his fist in front of his mouth and cleared his throat. "Where do you wanna go first?"
I narrowed my eyes at his fist. Inabot ko iyon at nilayo sa bibig niya, saka ako tumigil sa kanyang harapan.
"Tell me, Gio. How are you related to this place?" mataman kong tanong.
He groaned. "Come on, sweetheart..."
"Don't sweetheart me, Gio."
His head fell back for a moment, making the movement of his throat visible, before facing and pulling me toward him. I shrieked in surprise!
"Fine... this place is my parents' property," labag sa loob niyang pag-amin. "I was designated here sometimes. So... I did work here."
My jaw literally dropped in shock. "This whole... freaking land... is yours?"
He ignored my question by pulling me out of there.
"No extreme rides for you. Do you like the merry-go-round?"
"Gio," may banta na sa boses ko. This is making me insane!
Bigo siyang bumuntong-hininga at humarap muli sa akin.
"I was nothing but a staff member, alright?"
"But your parents own this place?" I tried to make sense.
He nodded and waited for another reaction from me. I was at a loss as I went to a bench so I could sit down and process that information.
Just how many properties do they have? Bukod sa mga ito, ano pa? Kailan niya ba sasabihin sa akin ang lahat? Sana nilubos na niya para isang gulatan na lang.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It's your birthday, so I didn't want to spoil and make it about me." Giovanni kneeled in front of me and caressed my arm, coaxing me. "This is our first date, too."
Pinatong ko ang aking kamay sa ibabaw ng kamay niya at umiling.
"Nagulat lang ako. It's not an everyday experience that you'll discover how insanely well off someone close to you is."
"I'm not proud of it."
"Why not?"
Come to think of it, I don't think students at Mackenzie know that he's related to the Smitten Smiths, La Estrella Smiths, Von Rezella Smiths, and this... Amusement Park Smiths.
"I want to be known for hard work, not for generational health and inherited status."
Kaya ba tinatago mo ang katotohanang ito sa mga taong nakapaligid sayo?
I nodded and tapped his hand twice. "You're doing fine that way. People respect and admire you for who you are, Gio... outside your family's shadow."
He gave a lopsided grin and laughed.
"Good thing my parents understand the struggle, huh?"
That piqued my curiosity. Base sa kaalaman ko, pribadong tao rin ang mga magulang niya. Lalo na ang ginoong Smith.
Dahil doon, habang nakasakay sa merry-go-round, inulan ko ng tanong si Gio tungkol sa mga magulang at pamilya niya. It looked like their family wasn't half-bad as other affluent families out there.
Whenever I see President Coleen and Mr. Ambrose, I am confident that their marriage is a result of love. Giovanni tried addressing my questions though, but I knew those were just the surface far off from the nuts and bolts of the actuality. I could even search for them online!
Nang napansin kong hindi na siya komportable sa mga personal kong tanong, tumigil na ako. I could sense his rigidness more and more. Pagkatapos sa pendulum, he asked me what to do next, but I was distracted by the coldness in his voice so I wasn't able to respond immediately.
Did I push his buttons too much? I think I went overboard. He seemed disturbed and... upset.
My lips quivered. Of course, Riz. He wouldn't keep his family background a secret for nothing! Of course, he was uncomfortable about the topic.
"Elia, what do you want next?" mataman na niyang tanong pagkalipas ng ilang ulit.
Napayuko ako. Dahan-dahan akong umiling.
"M-Magpahinga muna tayo. Lagpas isang oras din ang byahe natin kanina, kaya... baka pagod ka pa."
His brooding gaze remained on me for seconds when I decided to walk past him to proceed to the snack bar.
Napansin ko ang bigat ng presensiya sa likod ko kaya alam kong sumunod na siya. Napaigtad lang ako nang naramdaman ang magaan niyang kamay sa aking likod.
"Are you unwell?" he sounded worried. "You should take a seat, I'll get the food for us."
"Okay." I should get a grip while he's gone, too.
His lips hardened as he surveyed my face. Halatang nagdadalawang-isip kung ayos lang bang iwan ako pansamantala kaya marahan ko siyang tinulak at pilit na tumawa.
Napansin ko ang mga nakaw na tingin sa kanya ng mga dumadaan kaya tinaboy ko na siya.
"Sige na. Maghahanap lang ako ng mauupuan dito."
Gio licked his lower lip before giving me a one sec finger.
"I'll be quick. Don't go too far, alright?"
"I won't!" I waved at him as I walked backward, watching other girls push each other as they bat their eyelashes at him.
Look at that. He could attract attention without even trying and you're telling me I'm his date?
Napasapo ako sa noo at nagsimula nang maglakad. Pumasada ang pagsisisi sa akin nang balikan ko ang mga ginawa kanina.
How could I ask him personal questions too much? He hated people worming information out of him and look what you've done, Riz!
Ginala ko ang tingin sa makulay at buhay na paligid. Right. We're here to have fun. It's not about him, he wanted to make everything about me today, so be it.
I knew exactly where to rest. Nagtungo ako sa malapad na concrete barrier na inuupuan din ng mangilan-ngilang tao at sumampa roon.
My lips parted in awe as I witnessed the calming beauty of the sea in front of me. Dahil malapit nang magdapithapon, marahan na ang latag ng araw sa balat ko. Nakatulong din ang preskong ihip ng hangin, na kung pwede lang langhapin at baunin lahat sa baga ay ginawa ko na nang ilang ulit.
I took a snapshot of the breathtaking scenery and posted it on my Stories with a simple caption: The things I'd do for this view.
I smiled with satisfaction as soon as it went through. Just being here would religiously calm my nerves and wash my worries away.
Niyakap ko ang mga hita habang dinadama ang kapayapaan, at pinapanuod ang bawat hampas ng alon sa naglalakihang bato sa paanan ng harang.
I stayed like that for a moment, until I lost track of the time. Kung hindi pa magsasalita si Giovanni sa likod ko, baka hindi ko na siya napansin nang tuluyan.
"I know you'd be here," his voice was throaty and his warmth felt like home. "I know exactly where to find you."
"K-Kanina ka pa dyan?" Halos mapabalikwas ako.
"Hmm. Not quite," aniya habang nilalapag ang mga kinuha niyang pagkain.
Nakita ko ang isang kape, fruit juice, sandwich, waffle, nachos, at salad. Kinuha ko agad ang sandwich at nilantakan iyon.
"Buti nahanap mo'ko agad," sabi ko dahil hindi ko siya na-text kanina.
He drank his coffee and then closed its lid.
"Why wouldn't I?" he then glanced at me. "This is the main reason why you wanted to come here in the first place."
How did he know that? Anyone in their right mind would assume that when I asked for a trip to an amusement park, I'd go for the rides!
The confusion and surprise were probably evident on my face. But instead of explaining how he figured it out, Giovanni told me an unexpected story.
He placed his palm on the concrete barrier and leaned forward with his arms, calmly watching the seascape.
"Tito Vince and my mother were childhood sweethearts... They were each other's first love."
Kung gulat na ako kanina, parang luluwa na ang mga mata ko sa narinig. Tito Vince—Tita Jean's husband—and Madam Coleen?
"And Tita Jean's first love was my father, back when they were in the states... But my father's first love has always been my mother."
I put my fist in front of my mouth as I pushed the sandwich into my throat. Sounds like a complicated love story!
Giovanni smiled fondly at me as he removed the strands of my hair covering my face.
"Dad found my mom first when they were younger, even before she met Tito Vince, but she didn't remember. They met here... at this amusement park. Since my mom was oblivious to that fact, when my father studied here in the Philippines, he decided to be a stand-in to set up my mom and Tito Vince together... And at that time, this place was already nothing but a restricted and abandoned zone."
My heart crumpled hearing that story. But as much as I wanted to hear it further, I searched Giovanni's gaze and frowned.
"Kung dahil ito sa pangungulit ko kanina, kalimutan mo na 'yon," sabay bukas ko ng fruit juice para ipakitang hindi iyon big deal. "You don't need to force yourself to tell me your family's story. Sorry kung pinilit kita kanina."
Uminom ako sa juice. Nakaupo ako sa concrete habang nakatayo lang siya, nakatuon ang mga braso sa tabi ko. Ayaw niyang umakyat para tumabi sa akin.
Instead, he went behind me and rested his arms on each side of my spot, caging me as he rested his chin on my shoulder.
"It strangely reminds me of our story, which is why I'm telling you this, Elia," he said as he tried catching my gaze on that position.
I flinched and froze with a flutter of butterflies in my stomach. Na-stuck sa ere ang nilalapag kong bote ng fruit juice. Dahil doon, siya na mismo ang nagbaba ng kamay ko para sa akin.
"W-What are you talking about?"
Nangibabaw ang kalituhan sa boses ko, kahit dapat masaya ako dahil sa wakas, pinag-uusapan na namin ang mga bagay na bumabagabag sa kanya.
"I found you first, sweetheart," Gio almost whispered to my ear. "And as ridiculous as it may sound, another Smith held back his feelings... to give way to a Fabian."
My heart pounded like a brutal hammer. Was he talking about him and Tobie? Kinagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi.
"When did you first meet me?"
He kept referring to that part, even last time when he confessed his feelings. At saka, wala akong maalalang nagkita na kami bago ko pa makilala sina Tobie. Kaya paano nangyari iyon?
To my surprise, Giovanni chuckled heartily as if he found something amusing. And as if my heart wasn't racing enough, he snaked his hands up to my waist, causing me a heart attack.
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa mapang-angkin ngunit magaan niyang kamay.
Tinulak niya ang sarili para bumangon at tumayo sa likuran ko. Sa kabila ng paghuhuramentado ng sistema, nagpalit ako ng pwesto at humarap ng pagkakaupo sa kanya, bagay na agad ko ring pinagsisihan.
Walang kahirap-hirap niya akong nakulong sa mga braso niya.
"If I wasn't able to... recognize you then, like how Tita Coleen has forgotten Mr. Ambrose, then I'm sorry..."
A smile crawled to his lips. "Of course, you wouldn't remember me."
"Pero kung talagang nakita kita, imposibleng hindi kita maaalala."
I mean, with that kind of face? Come on...
"That's because you approached me in a dark, secluded area at that party, while I was out hiding from any more tiring chatters. I ensured to keep myself hidden, sweetheart, but you made yourself found... on the terrace."
Kahit nilahad na niya ang sagot sa akin, gulong-gulo pa rin ako.
Terrace? Binalikan ko ang mga pagkakataong may sinundan ako sa ganong klaseng lugar.
Bukod sa birthday party ni Tita Jean, kung saan ko sinundan si Giovanni sa tagong balkonahe... sa kasuluk-sulukan ng utak ko, isang memorya bigla ang sumulpot sa isip.
My pupils dilated as a familiar scenario was recognized... during the night when our family first attended Fabian's party—the same night I met Tobie.
Gio was right. On my way back to our table from a restroom break, I did notice a weird guy on a dark terrace. Nasapo ko ang bibig nang napagtagpi-tagpi ang lahat.
"That's you?!"
"Hmm," he tilted his head as he studied my reaction. "I don't like your reaction one bit."
"Sorry, I-I just can't believe it. I should've known..." regret was laced in my voice.
"I remember telling Tobiah about our encounter, but the boy—may he rest in peace—already made a move on you."
Nanumbalik ang alaala ko sa panahong iyon. Naisip ko, kung si Gio ba ang una kong nakilala, may magbabago ba sa mga nangyari noon? Malaki ang posibilidad... na kung ganoon nga, magbabago rin ang kapalaran ni Tobie.
But none of it mattered now. We have all gone through enough hardships thus far. Let's not overthink this, Riz. What matters now... is this. What do you really want right now?
Hinagilap ko ang matamang titig ni Gio.
"N-Nangyari na ang mga dapat mangyari. I learned a lot, but I learned them the hard way. Now I know... that I should appreciate and enjoy this life that I have... while I still can..."
Gumaan ang mariing ekspresyon ni Giovanni.
His lips curved into a smile. A kind of smile that made me feel like I'd done something right, making my heart nestle in these fuzzy warm clouds.
When was the last time I felt this heard and validated?
"I knew you could do it," he murmured using his hoarse baritone voice. "I am proud of you."
"That's what I'm trying to tell you," ngumuso ako para pigilan ang nagbabadyang ngiti. "I'm ready to live better now and hit it."
"Hit what?" Gio looked seriously curious... and competitive, but just beneath his quizzical eyes, I caught a glimpse of ecstasy.
"Beats me, Giovanni Clark," I returned meaningfully as I flicked the stubborn fringe away from his perfect eyebrow. "What was your condition again? Something that involves... licking and dating?"
His mouth quivered with pleasure, until he couldn't hold it anymore.
Giovanni gave a lopsided grin and laughed. He's definitely enjoying this. The virile sound of his chuckle sent tingles down my spine. I couldn't even contain my laugh, too. What nonsense am I even spouting?
"Licking and dating? Jesus Christ," he shook his head in disbelief with a smug grin on his face. "I didn't peg you as a perverted missus. And stop stealing my line, you little flirt."
"That's rich coming from you, good sir," tawa ko sabay tulak nang mahina sa kanyang dibdib. "At saka, nagbibiro lang ako."
He captured my hand before I could even pull it away from his chest.
"What a shame," aniya sabay hatid ng kamay ko sa kanyang pisngi. He closed his eyes as he felt the warmness of my palm against his skin, before he opened them again in that position, with deep darkness and a grave look in them. "I don't have time for jokes and confusing signals, sweetheart."
Kumabog nang malakas ang dibdib ko. Hindi ko magalaw ang sariling kamay.
"So, you mean..."
Those rigorous eyes... they were different from the painful eyes I'd seen before.
They weren't confusing, guilt-tripping, and melancholic. I saw nothing but a figure full of decision and dignity... as if guiding me... not misleading me.
Muli niyang pinikit ang mga mata habang tinatago ang bibig sa aking kamay.
"No wonder Dad chose this place to propose to Mom," he mumbled behind my palm before looking at me. "His blood runs in my veins without doubt, huh."
"Gio..." My eyelids were heavy as he worked wonders with my senses only through my sensitive palm. "You must really love your parents..."
"Damn right I do." Our eyes locked when he cocked his head to the side. "They have given me so much love, baby. So I have so much love to give you, too."
I curled my finger toes and looked away. "Don't get too cocky..."
Tuluyan na niyang hinatid ang kamay ko sa kanyang balikat bago nagtaas ng kilay sa akin.
"I will lick your boots with the intent of dating you, Elia. So starting today, make sure to keep your end of the deal."
"You don't have to tell me, Gio. I will rebuild my life... slowly but surely this time. Watch me."
His lips slid into a grin. "That's my girl."
I didn't expect that everything would pan out like that. The day felt lighthearted and warm. Who would have thought that letting myself loosen up and act carefree for a day would be this good? I think I should do this more often.
Pagkatapos ng fireworks display sa amusement park, inaya akong mag-dinner ni Gio bago umuwi.
He was searching for a nearby restaurant when my phone rang for a call from my brother.
"Kuya?" bungad ko rito.
I saw Gio glance at me in my peripheral vision.
"Nasaan na kayo? Anong oras na," si Kuya.
I checked my wristwatch. It was 8:42 in the evening. Late na nga masyado... para sa akin.
"Uh... kakaalis lang namin sa amusement park. Naghahanap kami ng makakainan ngayon tapos uuwi na rin agad, Kuya."
"Huwag na," ani Kuya. "Dito na kayo dumiretso dahil maraming pagkain dito. Invite him over for dinner."
My eyebrows furrowed. "Huh? 'W-Wag na. Nakakahiya. Uuwi na lang-"
"Sabay-sabay na tayong maghapunan. Bilisan niyo. Ingat sa byahe." Then he hung up.
Frustrated kong chineck ang screen.
Great! Mas masisikmura ko pa ang panlilibre ni Gio ng dinner, na labag sa loob ko, kesa sa kahihiyang maaari niyang masaksihan sa bahay! There was no telling what could happen! The possibilities were endless!
Huminto ang sasakyan para sa stop light. Halos bumigay na ang katawan ko sa upuan nang lingunin ako ni Gio.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"Tumawag si Kuya."
"I figured that part. What did he say?"
"Sa bahay na lang daw tayo maghapunan..." pahina nang pahina kong sambit. "Pwede nating sabihin na may kailangan kang asikasuhin bigla. Hindi mo na kailangang-"
"What are you talking about? I like it." He drew his lower lip between his teeth in excitement. "Your house is the perfect spot for dinner tonight."
What? No, no, no—It's not so gonna happen.
"Ano ka ba! B-Baka gabihin ka pa! Paano pauwi? Maaga ka pa buk-"
"I'll sleep in your room no problem."
Halos malaglag ang panga ko. He hit the gas when the go signal lit, totally ignoring my reaction.
"Who are you to decide that? That's my room! At tingin mo papayagan ka ni Kuya?"
"No. God, I'm just kidding. You're so uptight." Humalakhak siya bago humilig sa manibela habang nakatitig sa akin. "But I think your brother respects and trusts me enough to approve of that idea. Wanna make a bet?"
"You've got to be kidding me," I groaned under my breath.
Hindi ako makapaniwalang umiling habang tatawa-tawa lang ang antipatikong lalaki.
Also, what did he mean by Kuya Orpheus respecting him so much that Gio was so confident about it? Were they communicating behind my back?
The whole ride, I was anxious for God knows what. Giovanni seemed to notice my strange silence, but I mentally thanked him that he didn't pry into it because I didn't know what to tell him.
He treated me and did so much for me today. I couldn't thank him enough. I owed him a lot today, so if he tells me he'd want to come over for dinner, then who am I to say no?
This feels terrible. Kung may pagpipilian lamang ako, ayoko siyang idamay sa gulong ito. The idea of bringing him home automatically leads to the horrifying image of my mother troubling Giovanni with her excessive craze for their family, or her backhanded remarks directed at me.
Hangga't maaari, ayokong idamay si Gio sa gulo ng pamilya ko, lalong-lalo na sa alitan namin ni Mama. Kapag nagkataon, baka ano lang ang masabi ni Mama sa harapan nito, o ano pang magawa ko dahil sa kasukdulan ng emosyon. It was complicated. Too personal and sensitive. I don't wanna burden Giovanni that way.
Pagka-park ni Gio sa tapat ng gate namin, narinig ko ang pagtahol ng mga aso at pagbukas ng door screen sa bahay.
There I saw Mama, followed by Kuya Orpheus from behind. Pero nanatili lamang ang kapatid sa hamba ng pintuan at si Mama na ang nagbukas ng gate para sa amin. I unconsciously balled my fists beside me.
I glanced at Giovanni as we neared the house. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na makikita kaming magkasama ni Mama.
"Ginabi na kayo. Naku, tamang-tama. Kakatapos ko lang magluto. Pumarito na kayong dalawa." Mama beckoned us to join her inside merrily.
That sight made me nauseous to be honest. Kailan pa siya natutong pagbuksan ako ng pinto at salubungin ang pag-uwi ko nang malawak ang ngiti? Ngayon lang kasi may dala akong jackpot?
I clenched my teeth. Talk about two-faced.
Umabante si Gio at inabot ang kamay ni Mama bago yumuko at nagmano.
My lips parted. I wasn't able to recover from my surprise yet, when he went back down the street gutter and said...
"I truly appreciate your welcoming invitation, but forgive me, Tita," Gio looked apologetically as he slid his hands inside his pockets. "As much as I want to have dinner with everyone, an important matter came up that I need to look into. Hinatid ko lang po si Ophelia."
Puno ng gulat at pagkalito ang titig ko sa katabi. Ganoon din si Mama, mukhang hindi inaasahan ang pagtanggi ni Gio sa imbitasyon niya.
Giovanni, however, only gave me a quick glance before smiling reassuringly. My forehead puckered.
What's his deal? He was so invested in joining us for dinner one moment, then declined the offer the next.
Mabagal na tumango si Mama at ngumiti rin kalaunan sa bisita.
"Sayang naman kung ganoon, pero walang problema, hijo. Salamat sa paghatid kay Riz."
"Babawi po ako sa susunod," he then looked in Kuya's direction to nod, before giving Mama one last bow as a way of adieu. "I'll take my leave now. Have a good evening, Tita."
"Mag-iingat ka sa daan," Mama said before turning to me. "Riz, ihatid mo na muna sa sasakyan at sumunod ka na rin agad sa loob."
Walang sabi-sabi akong tumalikod at naglakad patungo sa kotse. Ramdam ko ang pagsunod ni Gio. Pagkatigil sa gilid ng sasakyan, ilang sandali bago ako humarap sa kanya.
He stood there looking down at me with this owl-eyed expression on his face.
"An important matter came up? You could fool them, Gio, but not me. Bakit bigla kang aalis?"
He bent his knees so his face was level with mine.
"You should enjoy dinner with your family. I'll join next time if you want me to."
May kumirot na kung ano sa aking dibdib.
"Dahil ba sa akin?" mahina kong tanong.
Bigla akong nakonsensiya sa inasal kanina. Malakas ang kutob kong naramdaman niyang hindi ako komportable sa ideyang makakasalamuha niya ang pamilya ko.
But it didn't mean that I don't want him to join us for dinner. Gusto ko lang siyang ilayo kay Mama hangga't maaari. I just don't want to tarnish this... this whatever between us.
Later on, I could hear Giovanni's smile.
"I told you, sweetheart. Today is all about you."
He then went to open the door on the backseat and slid a bit inside to get something. Tumabi ako para tignan ang ginagawa niya. Pagkatayo, isang paper bag ang hawak niya.
Bumagsak doon ang tingin ko.
"This is for you," he then brought it to my hand, leaving me no choice but to accept it. "I hope you like your birthday present."
I was about to say something, but Giovanni stepped forward and I felt his huge palm on my nape. And before I even knew it, he already planted a soft kiss on my forehead.
I closed my eyes unconsciously as response to his gesture. Taliwas sa gaan at lambot ng halik, para akong nilagutan ng hininga sa nangyari.
"See you next week at school, Elia. Don't make me wait too long," he said hoarsely with a shallow caress on my nape before letting me go.
Minulat ko ang mga mata at tinitigan siya.
So... this is him. He's sensitive but patient. He's easily triggered but he knows how to hold back.
He's needy and decisive; he knows what he wants, but he's understanding and considerate despite compromising his liking, too. Most of all, he's clingy, touchy, and flirty despite his looks, but he knows his boundaries.
Dumiin ang hawak ko sa handle ng paper bag at bago pa man siya makatalikod, hinila ko na agad ang necktie niya.
Taken aback by my sudden moves, I grabbed that chance to pull him down. I tiptoed to level his face and without a word, I kissed his cheek for the first time ever, before I gave him a tight hug. Fuck, I needed that to hide my crimson face.
How could his skin be freaking soft and smooth despite its potent masculinity?
I felt the brute stiffen. Napapikit ako sa kahihiyan.
"T-Thank you for today, Gio. It's been a whole lot of fun with you. You don't know how much you made me happy... simula kanina hanggang ngayon."
Lumunok ako nang malalim bago siya tuluyang pakawalan. Bakas pa rin sa kanyang hitsura ang gulat, kahit hanggang sa pagbaba niya ng tingin sa akin.
Umatras na ako at niyakap ang binigay niyang paper bag. Medyo inangat ko iyon para tabunan ang kalahati ng nangangamatis kong mukha. Dinaan ko sa tawa ang nararamdaman.
"I'm glad we met, Giovanni Clark Allester Smith..." I waved at him with a wide smile on my face. "It's nice to finally meet you."
I had his smitten face memorized on my head when I left him. Tumakbo ako patungo sa loob ng bahay, hanggang sa kwarto, para pakalmahin ang sarili at ibaba ang mabigat na paper bag. Pagkatapos ay humilata ako sa kama.
"Shit." I placed my hand on my frantic chest as I stared at the ceiling.
Hindi ako makapaniwalang nangyari iyon. He kissed me... and I kissed him back! We were both flirty with each other and I wasn't even complaining!
And it was too late when it registered to me, but Giovanni Clark is crazy for courting me!
Paano niya naman ako liligawan kung gano'n? Sa school? Bibigyan niya ako ng mga regalo? Ililibre lalo? Susundan ako sa Mackenzie? Wala akong alam pagdating sa panliligaw. I was never... courted anyway.
Lalong uminit ang mukha ko. Paano kung pag-usapan kami sa school? Ano na lang magiging reaksiyon nina Apollo? Nawala lang ako ng isang linggo tapos pagkabalik, manliligaw ko na si Gio!
"Hindi ka pa ba tapos? Kakain na tayo. Tara na," rinig kong katok ni Kuya sa pinto ko.
Hindi na ako nagtagal sa loob. Bumaba na kami ni Kuya at nakita kong nag-aabang na si Mama sa hapagkainan.
Somehow, seeing her patiently waiting for me to join the table threw me off. It felt unreal and imaginary. Parang mas madaling paniwalaan na nag-iilusyon lang ako.
She stood and waited more as we neared the dining table. Pumait ang pakiramdam ko pagkarating sa pwesto.
Habang nasa kabisera si Mama, huminto si Kuya sa kanang bahagi nito kung saan siya madalas umupo, habang sumunod lang ako kay Kuya dahil sa kabilang banda niya ako, malayo kay Mama.
"Riz, dito ka," biglang tawag ng ina sabay hila ng silya sa kaliwang gilid niya.
Parang bumaliktad ang sikmura ko habang iniisip na tatabi ako roon. Kung noon, paniguradong magkukumahog ako para makatabi siya. Ngayon, para akong masusunog sa oras na sumunod ako sa kanya.
Kuya sighed before nudging my elbow a bit. "Sige na."
I looked at him with protest. But he simply pulled his chair to settle down, totally blocking any reaction from me, so I had no choice but to yield.
My feet were heavy as I approached the other side of the table. I didn't look her way just once in the process. Basta'y umupo na lang ako at tahimik na pinagmasdan ang hapag.
I wanted so hard to roll my eyes after witnessing the feast before me. Sa gitna ng lamesa, naroon ang malaking cake, nakapatong sa pedestal at may nakatusok pang topper: Happy Birthday.
Naupo na rin si Mama at nag-lead ng dasal. Sa sandaling natapos iyon, ginalaw ko na ang kubyertos at nagsimulang sumandok ng pagkain.
"Kamusta ang lakad mo?" panimula ni Mama habang pinapanuod akong kumuha ng paborito kong sinigang.
Inisip kong nagkataon lang itong lutuin. O kung sinadya man niyang itaon sa kaarawan ko, alam kong may dahilan siya. Maybe she's trying to get something from me during this dinner.
"Ayos lang ba ang lahat? Hindi kumirot ang sugat mo?" pagpapatuloy ni Mama.
Nahagip ko ang mapagmatyag na titig ng kapatid sa harap, tila inaabangan ang kung ano sa hitsura ko. Imbes na sumagot, binagsak ko lang ang tingin sa plato at nagsimula nang kumain.
Maybe she got tired trying to capture my attention. Si Kuya na ang kinausap nito. Natanto niya siguro na wala siyang mapapala sa akin.
Kung sa normal na pagkakataon, sisigawan o pagbubuhatan na niya ako ng kamay dahil iniignora ko siya. Pero sa kung anong rason, pinagpapasensiyahan niya ako ngayon.
I ignored the cake throughout the dinner. I couldn't even stomach looking at it, let alone having a taste. Kumuha na lang ako ng konting fruit salad hanggang sa lingunin muli ako ang ina.
"Hindi ako nakapagpasalamat nang maayos sa kaibigan mo. Imbitahan mo na lang ulit siya sa susunod, Riz, para makausap ko siya," aniya sabay lapag ng kubyertos sa pinggan, animo'y kanina pa bumebwelo para isingit 'to sa usapan. "Hindi ko alam na kilala mo pala ang binatang iyon. Hindi ba't sila ang may-ari ng malaking hotel na pinuntahan natin? Kaeskuwela mo pala, mukhang dumidiskarte sayo?"
My patience already hanging by a thread snapped out.
Nabagsak ko ang hawak na tinidor at puno ng pagtitimping nilingon si Mama. That was the only time I realized my hands were trembling in disgust and outrage.
I knew this was her agenda all along. Believe me or not, my temper was off the charts when I slammed the table as I pushed myself to get up.
Binagsak ko ang iritadong tingin kay Mama na kasalukuyang gulat sa inaakto ko, mistulang hindi alam kung ba't ako nagkakaganto.
"Kung ano man ang pinaplano niyo, 'wag na 'wag niyong idadamay si Giovanni," I warned her, barely parting my lips with my jaw in a tight clench.
Huminto si Kuya sa pagkain. Tumayo si Mama, suot niya ang balisang ekspresyon na hindi ko alam kung para saan.
Gumalaw ang mga mata ko patungo sa kamay niya nang akmang aabutin niya ang braso ko, pero para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa simpleng galaw na iyon, at halos mabuhal ako para lang iwasan ang pinsalang paparating.
"Riz!" Kuya rose and rushed toward me.
My pupils dilated and my heart raced rapidly. Saka ko lang natantong aabutin lang pala ni Mama ang braso ko, nang sipatin ko ulit ang posisyon ng kamay niyang unti-unting bumabagsak sa kanyang gilid.
"Don't be hasty like that! Nagpapagaling ka pa!"
Kuya's words were blurry to my ears. Nanatili lang ang sindak kong mga mata kay Mama na mukhang nagulat din sa mga pangyayari.
I caught my breath and blinked my eyes to pull myself together because I could feel the pain in my head.
Damn it. What was she doing... suddenly lifting her hand like that? She frightened me! What the hell is wrong with her?!
Dahil sa matinding gulat, iritasyon, at kahihiyan, tuluyan ko na silang tinalikuran at tumakbo sa kwarto ko.
"Riz!" sabay nilang hiyaw pero hindi ko na sila nilingon pa.
Ayoko nang magtagal sa pamamahay na ito. Mababaliw lang ako! Whether they like it or not, I will return to Mackenzie this fucking morning!
March 28, 2023
#GCSeries1
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