Ilang segundo pa kaming nagka-titigan ni Tyson bago siya kumurap at nag-iwas ng tingin. He took a sip from his glass of water and immediately then turned his attention back to me. I lovingly caressed his right cheek using my left palm since the right one is what I am using to feed us both. Sinubuan ko siya ng panibagong barbeque at tahimik niya naman din agad itong nginuya.
Maingay sina Thea at iyong dalawang lalaki na kaibigan niya habang kumakain kami. Halos tapos na rin silang kumain pagkalipas ng ilang minuto at tanging ako, si Tyson at si Jerro na lamang ang naiwang nakatayo sa harap ng mahabang lamesa at kumakain.
I watched Tyson feed himself using his big, veiny and porcelain left hand. Kumunot ang noo ko. Wait... what?
"Are you a leftie, Tyty?" Malambing kong bulong. Napa-tingin siya sa akin at marahang kumunot ang noo bago nilunok ang sinubo niyang pagkain at tumango. Oh, gosh. How come I never noticed! All these times! Gosh!
"Why?" His low baritone made me chuckle at my silliness. Umiling ako at ngumisi.
"Ngayon ko lang napansin." Sabi ko. He sneered.
"Hindi mo napansin sa iilang beses kong sinuntok ang mga lalaki mo gamit ito?" He arrogantly said and raised a brow at me. Inis kong kinurot ang tricep niya nang marahan. Ang gara talaga nito!
"Ayan... diyan ka talaga magaling. Tapusin mo na nga 'yan." Malumanay kong sabi at binilisan na rin ang pag-ubos sa pagkain ko.
Naunahan niya nga akong matapos at nang ako naman ang natapos ay umiinom na siya ng soda. Sinalinan niya ang baso ko at hindi ko mapigilang matuwa sa napaka-simpleng bagay na iyon.
"Thank you." I weirdly plastered a smile showing all of my teeth. Kaloka, bading. Nagpapaka feeling cute and adorable ka naman masyado. Adorable baby contest, oo, pasok pa. Charot! I bit my lower lip to reprimand myself.
"Bro, Morgan iyong nabili nina Chiko, eh. G lang?" Biglang kibo ni Jerro sa likod ko. Napapagitnaan kasi nila akong dalawa at nang nilingon ko si Jerro ay tapos naman na rin itong kumain. He grinned at me. I gave him a swift smile.
"Tss. Ba't kasi sumasama ka sa mga bata. May Johnnie ako sa loob. Papakuha ko." Ani Tyson at hinigit ang beywang ko palapit sakaniya.
"Nah, I'm hitting on one of Thea's friends pero 'di na sumama rito, eh. Pagkababa nami'y umuwi na agad. Sinundo ng Kuya." Ani Jerro. Nyeta, gusto ko nang umalis. Naririndi ako rito sa gitna nilang dalawa.
"Hah. Pahamak talaga 'pag may Kuya." Tyson lowly chuckled and I immediately gave him a warning look. He smirked even more.
"Hoy! Tara na kayo! Nagpapasahan ba kayo ng droga diyan?" Biglang sigaw ni Thea at nakita kong malayo na sila nung mga kaibigan niya sa amin. Nag-lagay sila ng maliit na lamesa at apat na upuan doon malapit sa pool. Napa-tingin naman ako sa mga lalaki na sine-set up ang kanilang lamesa at mga upuan din malapit lang sa mahabang lamesa na may pagkain.
"Damn it. Why does she speak like that?" Tyson groaned that made me chuckle. Napaka squammy naman kasi talaga nitong si Thea. I wonder if she has friends that are not of the same status as her? Kasi saan niya nakukuha iyang ganiyang salitaan? I cannot.
"Hayaan at tantanan mo na nga 'yang pinsan mo. Tara na." Ngisi ko at hinila na siya patungo sakanila. At dahil mas malapit lamang ang lamesa ng mga lalaki ay agad naka-upo si Tyson. I saw the other boys pulled out a cigar from their pockets and it stopped me from leaving Tyson alone with them and join the girls.
Dinungaw ko si Tyson na prente nang naka-upo at binigyan siya nang makahulugang tingin. Pinitik niya ang leeg niya habang tinitingala ako. He gave me a confused look.
"What, B?"
"No smoking." Bulong ko habang abala ang mga lalaki sa pag aayos ng lamesa nila.
"Bro, 'yung Johnnie?" Ani Jerro. Nanatili kaming nag-titinginan ni Tyson at hinintay ko talagang may gumuhit na reaksyon sa mukha niya.
"At least one. Please." Balewala niya sa ingay.
"Use your vape instead." Kondisyon ko. He sighed.
"Pampawala lang ng rindi, B, please." Laban niya. Napa-ikot na lamang ako ng mga mata at inayos ang buhok niya. I guess I just can't force a smoker to stop smoking in an instant. Lalo na't rinig ko'y malakas daw talaga ang temtasyong mag-yosi kapag naka-inom.
"Fine. Isa lang. Just make sure you don't smell like it when we go to sleep." Sabi ko. Maangas siyang tumango.
"G." Aniya. G ka riyan.
Tumalikod na ako at tumungo kina Thea na naabutan ko pang tumutungga na ng alak. Nakita kong Tequila Rose at Captain Morgan with Coke iyong nasa lamesa nila ngunit iyong Morgan ang nilalaklak ni Thea.
"Ang tagal mo, babe! Bilis, dito ka." Parang uod na binudburan ng asin na sabi ni Thea habang tinatapik ang upuang katabi niya. I giggled as I sat beside her.
"Hi, Apple!" Magkasabay na bati noong dalawang babaeng kaibigan ni Thea. My heart warmed. Para kasing kanina pa nila ako gustong kausapin kaso masyado akong occupied kay Tyson.
"Hello!" I cheerfully waved my hand at them. Tinanong ko rin ang mga pangalan nila at napag-alamang sina Bea at Peachy pala sila na mga taga La Salle rin.
Agaran kaming nagkagaanan ng mga loob dahil bukod sa magkaka-edad lang naman kami eh hindi rin naman sila boring kausap. Kalauna'y napansin kong mga matitino iyong dalawa ngunit iyong tipong nakakasakay din naman sa mga kabaklaan at kalokohan. Si Thea talaga iyong eksenadora kaya natatawa na lamang ako dahil nau-upstage niya ako sa daldalan.
Mabuti na lang talaga at sana'y akong umayon sa iba't ibang uri ng circle ng tao. I easily adapted to their energies. Mabuti na lamang at binabalanse ni Thea ang ere ng lamesa namin. Napapa-tili nga kaming apat kapag may sinasabi siyang bulgar kung bulgaran. Mas bakla pa siya sa'kin in some aspects!
"Girls." Sita ni Tyson sa kalayuan. Napa-tingin kami sakanila at nakitang naka-ngisi ang mga lalaking naka-tingin din sa'min, tila na-disturbo sila ng tili namin ngunit naa-amuse. Si Tyson lamang ang kalmado at maawtoridad na naka-tingin. Magka-harap ang posisyon namin kaya klarong klaro namin ang bawat galaw ng isa't isa.
"Boo! Mind your own boring little stories, man!" Pang-asar na sabi ni Thea at nag-tawanan kami nina Bea at Peachy. I gave Tyson a thumbs down. He sneered and looked away. Bumalik naman na rin sila sa usapan nila kaya dinedma na rin agad namin.
"Isa lang binili mo, Peach? Ang lakas uminom ni Apple!" Tawa ni Thea. Umiling ako habang inuubos ang laman ng baso ko. Ang sarap din naman kasi talaga ng Tequila Rose.
"Ikaw kaya 'yung salin ng salin sa baso ko!" Sabi ko at hinila ang kamay niya para patahimikin siya kasi akmang may pasigaw na naman siyang sasabihin.
"Tone it down, Tey. Baka patigilin na ako ni Ty 'pag shina-shout out mong nakakarami na ako!" Bulong ko. She puked as if very disgusted by it.
"Yucks! Ang corny niyang unggoy na 'yan! At kailan pa siya naging dramatic sa alcohol intake ng mga babae niya? Babe, I know you must be something, okay? But that brute is just so pakitang gilas!" Medyo kumukulot na ang dilang sabi ni Thea. Mariin akong napapikit at nang dumilat ay nagka-tinginan kami nina Bea at Peachy at sabay na natawa na lamang.
"Thea, hush it. Sige ka, baka kunin sa'tin si Apple agad."
"Or worse, e-ban ka rito!" Ani Peachy at Bea. Nag-tawanan kami.
"I don't care! Basta ako, love na love ko si Apple!" Iling ni Thea sabay yakap sa akin. Niyakap ko rin siya at natatawa na lamang. Echosera din talaga 'to!
Nang naubos na namin nang tuluyan iyong Tequila Rose ay umalis muna si Thea upang mag-banyo. Naiwan kaming tatlo nina Bea at Peachy habang tinatagay ng huli ang Morgan na nabuksan na ni Thea kanina at isa sa tatlong Morgan sa lamesa namin. Jusko!
"Kanina pa kasi iyon sumisipsip ng alak, eh. Atsaka, walang maayos na rest na rin after hiking kaya medyo natamaan agad." Ani Peachy habang sinasalinan ang mga baso namin. Hindi uso ang pinapa-ikot na baso rito. Nakakapag-ganun lang din ako kapag sina Jade at Kobi ang kasama ko. Lalo na noong senior high. Jeez, good old days with the gays!
Nag-uusap kaming tatlo nang mahinahon na ngayon nang biglang nag-vibrate ang phone ko. Agad akong napa-tingin kay Tyson at nakita ang namumula niyang mga mata na seryosong naka-titig sa'kin. Ay gagu, ang bilis namula ng damuho!
From: Tyty ko
18th glass now. I'm watching. Slow damn down.
Napa-kagat labi ako. And yes, I changed his contact name. Ang landi kasi nung Daddy Tyty, eh. Tunog nagpapantasya pa lang. Okay na iyong ngayon, tunog may label na. Charing!
Mabilis ko siyang sinulyapan at binigyan niya lang ako ng maangas na tango. Nanginig ang labi ko dahil sa mabilis na tibok ng puso ko.
Me:
Stop counting it, Tyson Matheus haha. You'll let me enjoy, right?
Agad kong binitawan ang phone ko at kunwaring nakikinig pa sa sinasabi ni Peachy. Nakabalik na rin si Thea sa tabi ko at inakbayan ako. Nabigla ako nang hinalikan niya ako sa pisngi. It was just a normal drunk girly girl kiss but damn! Tyson's just watching!
Agad akong napa-tingin kay Tyson at nakitang kunot noo na siyang naka-titig sa'min. Sana pala hindi na lang ako pumwesto nang naka-harap sakaniya! And shit! This is what he was talking about! Jusko naman 'tong si Thea kasi!
From: Tyty ko
But we had a deal earlier than that. Pag sabi kong tama na, tama na. Bell?
Grrr. Ba't ang hot nung 'bell'. Ang tamad mag type! Nagulat ako nang may kasunod agad na message.
From: Tyty ko
Bullshit.
I sighed and closed my phone. Jusko. Ngumuso na lamang ako nang sinulyapan ko ulit siya. I gave him an apologetic smile. He looked away. Buti at kalmado pa rin naman siya kahit papaano. Had it been a man, baka kanina pa nag-liparan iyong mga bote ng alak.
Hindi ko na lang din masyadong ininda iyon at nag-patuloy sa pagsasaya. The Morgan kind of choke me a little at the start but it gradually soothed down eventually. I'm actually tipsy now but in a very good way. Masyado akong nalibang sa kwentuhan namin nina Peachy at Bea na hindi ko namalayang na-ubos na pala namin ang unang bote ng Captain Morgan.
Napa-tingin ako kay Thea nung binubuksan na ni Peachy ang pangalawang bote. Tamad na naka-sandal na ito sa upuan niya at sobrang naniningkit na ang mga mata. I can safely say she's drunk already. Pero kahit papaano'y maayos pa naman siyang sumasagot sa usapan namin.
Napa-tingin siya sa'kin at biglang walang boses na humalakhak. Natawa rin ako. Oh, gosh. What's even funny.
"I'm not drunk, babe. Swear. Pero ayoko na ring galitin." Tumatawang bulong niya. I looked at her, very confused, but still continued to laugh with her.
"What?" I asked.
"Oh? Biglang behave ka nga, Tey? 'Di pa peak ng amats mo eh kasi 'di ka pa humahundusay." Ani Bea at nag-tawanan sila ni Peachy.
"If it isn't the Don Echiverri. Tss." Hilamos ni Thea at pinakita ang phone niya. Nagsihabaan ang mga leeg nung dalawa dahil sa'kin itinapat ni Thea at kitang kita ko kung ano ang ibig sabihin niya kanina pa.
From: Kuya Tyson
Keep your fucking hands off Apple, Thea Marie! Fuck you can't understand? Angas mo na ah tangina kanina ka pa.
Napa-sapo ako sa noo habang sina Bea at Peachy naman ang nagbabasa nun. Nagka-titigan na lamang kami ni Thea na impit na lamang na tinatawanan iyon.
"I'm sorry, Tey. He's really overreacting. I didn't mind it." Sabi ko at hinawakan ang kamay niya. Umiling siya.
"No, gosh, it's okay. I just really like pissing him off but I'd also never dare make him real mad. Nag text ba naman eh 'di 'yan nagti-text! At least, not to me!" Napa-ubo siya sa kakatawa nang mahina.
"Dedmahin mo na. Nagiging oa lang din talaga 'yan." Sabi ko para palubagin ang loob niya. Alam kong kahit na tumatawa siya eh natakot siya dun sa damuho. Ang likot din naman kasi nitong bilat na 'to, eh! Pero oa lang din talaga si Tyson! Kahit na ba nag-bilin na siya kanina eh oa pa rin talaga siya!
"I never liked any of his women before, babe, I tell you. Pero ikaw... lalo na nung nalaman kong trans ka. Kuhang kuha mo na agad loob ko. Plus, you really are so pretty. I understand my cousin." Aniya at ngumiti. I pouted as it touched me so much. Napa-tingin ako kina Bea na tumatango sa akin. We're suddenly so quiet now that the men's topic about car tyres echoed all over the place.
"True. Ikaw iyong paganda nang paganda habang tumatagal mong titigan." Ani Bea. My cheeks burned. But I cannot get over what Thea said about my being trans.
"Funny because I'm always expecting the opposite when it comes to my gender." I giggled but my voice shook a little bit. Punyetang mga bilat 'to pinapa-angsha din ako lalo, eh!
"Don't, Apple! Gosh." Singhap ni Peachy. I smiled at her.
"No. Because obviously, you effortlessly stand out among all of them. And you're his first, too, judging on his history. Something about it is just so powerful. I don't know. It's like you are breaking barriers and as someone who's bisexual, I like that so much."
Walang eme kahit emedora 'tong si Thea pero napa-luha ako sa sinabi niya. I hugged her so tight as my way of showing how much I appreciate her. It feels extra special maybe because he is Tyson's family. And having another family member accept and actually like me, aside from his father, is so much fulfilling.
"Uy gagu, si Kuya! Kalas, Apple!" Daing ni Thea at pilit kumawala pero mabilis na sumali sa yakapan sina Bea at Peachy at nag-hagikhikan.
"Eto na, para kunware eh yakapan tayong lahat, para 'di lalong magalit." Ani Peachy. Nag-tawanan kaming apat. Ang laro ng mga bilat na 'to! Ang saya saya!
Nag-patuloy ang inuman at usapan namin pagkatapos nun. Milagro naman at hindi na'ko kinulit pa ni Tyson. Ngayong kami naman na ang tahimik, iyong mga lalaki na naman ang nag-ingay. May amats na si Jerro nang tumayo ito at with action na nag-kwento. Ngumingisi-ngisi lang si Tyson habang sobrang pula na ng leeg at dibdib.
Bandang alas dos na nang madaling araw nang tinamaan na ako ng antok. Si Bea ay naka-pikit na sa upuan niya habang si Peachy at Thea naman ay matibay pa ring nag-uusap pero halatang lasing na rin. On the other hand, I don't know if I'm drunk or whatnot. Sobrang inaantok na nga lang ako.
I yawned and I covered my mouth with both of my hands. I giggled afterwards.
"Excuse me." Sabi ko sa dalawa na dinedma lang akes. Matira matibay go!
"Apple." Rinig kong boses ni Tyson ngunit hindi ko pinansin at pilit ibinuka ang mga mata ko. I yawned again, this time, it's louder.
"Apple Neone." Matigas na tawag ni Tyson na nakapagpa-tuwid ng upo sa akin. Napa-tingin ako sa seryoso niyang mukha. Natigilan din sina Peachy at Thea.
"Come here now." Aniya. I tried to keep my vision straight and clear first. Pinadaanan ko muna nang haplos ang buhok ko bago tumayo at hindi na nanlaban.
"Tara, lipat na rin tayo." Ani Thea.
Nauna na akong lumapit sa lamesa nina Tyson dahil ginigising pa nina Peachy si Bea at pinapa-lipat na sa loob ng bahay. Gusto ko rin sanang tumulong ngunit ang mando at awtoridad sa mga mata ni Tyson habang pinapanood akong papalapit sakaniya ay nakaka-wala sa katinuan.
Abala naman ang mga lalaki sa usapan nila nang tuluyan akong naka-lapit kay Tyson. Just when I was about to search for a chair, my heart skipped a beat when he effortlessly wrapped his left arm around my waist and pinned me down his thighs. He then buried my head on his neck and spooned me up.
"Enough." My heart and ears vibrated because of his low baritone. I don't know how we look like right now in front of everyone. And i'm too drunk and drowned in this very moment to feel embarassed. I couldn't care less.
"Hmm." I nodded. Dumilat ako saglit at nakitang natatalikuran ko ang mga lalaki at ang katawan ko'y nasa bahagi ng katawan niyang walang kaharap na ka-inuman. I heard footsteps from afar. Prolly Peachy and Thea.
"Ikaw din... let's go upstairs na, Ty..." I purred. I felt his every hot breath on top of my head.
"Oo, tatapusin na lang namin 'to." Bulong niya.
"Hoy, ba't tulog tulogan na rin iyan?" Rinig kong boses ni Thea. I heard Tyson's 'tsk'. I wanted to laugh but I'm too sleepy.
"She's had enough." Striktong sabi ni Tyson at hindi naman na rin ako nakarinig ng sagot mula sa dalawa imbes ay naririnig ko silang sumali na sa inuman at usapan ng mga lalaki.
"Did you smoke..." Pagod kong sabi.
"Yeah. Kanina lang. Do I smell like it?" Bulong niya. Oh, gosh, this feels so good. To be this intimate with him. To be this laid back with him. I don't know what I did to be suddenly in this moment with him. These moments with him. It feels too good to be true...
"Nmm." I shook my head. He sniffed on my head and planted a kiss on it. And the way my heart flutters every single second of that night was all I could ever grasp from the memory of it all.
I wasn't able to fulfill my promise to him that night. Sobrang lantang gulay na raw ako nung kinarga ako ni Tyson paakyat sa kwarto namin matapos nilang maubos iyong malaking Johnnie Walker. Thea even got a picture of me while being spooned up by Tyson. Hayup na babaeng iyon. Iyong akala mong siya iyong unang magpa-pass out pero magugulat ka na lang eh last man standing pala!
Bahagya rin akong nag-suka kina-umagahan. Parang hinahalukay iyong tiyan ko kaya napa-bangon ako't takbo sa banyo. Nagising din si Tyson at mura nang mura habang tinutulungan ako. I tried so hard to contain my vomiting because he already looked so dismayed as if he's not going to let me drink ever again. My gosh, no!
Buti na lang at nahimasmasan naman agad ako. Na disturbo ko pa si Ate Jo sa pag-luluto ng agahan para sa mga bisita nang nagpa-hatid ako ng white flower.
Tanghali na nang tumulak sina Thea at ang buong grupo pagkatapos nilang mag brunch. Hinatid namin sila ni Tyson hanggang sa highway. Napag-pasyahan kasi ni Tyson na ituloy iyong pag-pasyal namin doon sa cabin resort nila nang araw na iyon.
Nag-impake nga ako ng dalawang pares ng damit namin ni Tyson dahil doon daw kami matutulog. My delusional self was so happy as I prepared our things earlier that day. It feels very wifey moments. Ulirang asawa ganun. Charing ulit.
Per usual, the staff treats Tyson like a prince charming. You can see it in their eyes how much 'starstrucked' they are with Tyson. I can't blame them. Same, same...
In all fairness, they were also very welcoming and polite just like the ones in Pangasinan. I commended Tyson for that even though I know he's not to be the one commended for it. He's not hands on with these other businesses of them. He's much more inclined with their construction which is also their main one.
The resort hotel is so calming and refreshing. Ang lamig din lalo na 'pag gabi. The lake is giving me the creeps thinking there might be crocodiles in it but I enjoyed riding the boat, nevertheless.
Pagod na pagod ako buong araw at mas pinagod pa ako ni Tyson kinagabihan. Doon niya ako binawian nang parang wala ng bukas. Halos bawat sulok at parte ng cabin namin ay nabinyagan namin. Madaling araw niya na akong tinantanan dahilan upang tanghaliin ako nang gising sa sumunod na araw.
Magta-tatlong linggo na kami sa Bulacan nang kinailangan na ni Tyson na bumalik ng Manila. I literally forgot that it is his graduation this month! End of the month to be exact. Nakalimutan ko iyon noong nag-banta siyang magtatagal kami sa Bulacan. I failed to do the math. Buti na lang din talaga dahil tingin ko'y kung hindi lang sa graduation niya'y hindi niya pa ako iuuwi!
Marami kaming nagawa sa buong pananatili namin doon. We rode Igor. He taught me how to take care of a new born foal when one of their horses gave birth. Literal na kaming dalawa lang talaga ang pagala-gala sa buong mansion ngunit hindi naman din naging boring iyon. Being with him is more than enough to overwhelm me just like how ten people around would.
He mentioned few more things that we will do but one call from the school blocked all of that from happening. He's missed a lot of rehearsals already!
Nag-uusap kami tungkol roon habang bumibyahe pauwi ng Manila. Kumakain kami ng chichirya habang sinasagot niya ang mga tanong ko. Sinusubuan ko lamang siya paminsan-minsan kasi gusto kong sinasagot niya lang lagi ang mga tanong ko. I chuckled inwardly.
Aniya'y it almost took him 6 long years to finish his degree. Him only taking partial units because he had to also work part time in their company as part of his training is the biggest factor. No matter how much he wants to finish it in the standard 4 to 5 years (as this is civil engineering) time, he just couldn't do it due to the nature of the business he was born into. Humirit nga ako roon kasi masyado siyang naghuhugas kamay.
"You forgot to mention your partying and womanizing too. Those are factors too." Sabi ko. Igting panga niya akong sinulyapan habang nagmamaneho. Malakas akong tumawa at hinalikan siya sa pisngi.
Marami pa kaming pinag-usapan sa buong byahe pauwi. Sobrang nakaka-mangha makipag-usap nang ganito kay Tyson. Ngayon lang siya naging ganito. Simula noong ilang awayan namin. He finally let loose and is now more laid back. Dati kasi ay sobra sobrang restraint iyong ginagawa niya. Not willing to be vulnerable around me, until he had to.
He's too smart and oozing with so much sense as we talk. Napapa-nganga ako minsan sa sobrang mangha. Sheeet. Iyong pogi na tapos sobrang dami mo pang natututunan sakaniya. Kung araw araw akong virgin eh talagang araw araw din akong papa-virgin sakaniya eh! Charis!
"I will take an indifinite leave next month for my review and licensure. The boss already approved it." Aniya. At isa pa iyan. The way he refers to his Dad as 'boss' when talking about the business and work is just so attractive and hot.
"Iyong masters mo?"
"In the works for quite some time now. Hirap ng thesis tang ina." He groaned. I wonder how difficult his 'difficult' actually is. Jusko, kung ako 'yan eh baka na angsha na ako. Nakaka bobo pa naman minsan si Ante Pildoras.
Iniinterview ko pa siya nang bongga nang biglang tumunog ang phone ko. Sabay kaming napa-tingin ni Tyson sa screen nito. Kumunot ang noo ko nang nakitang ang pinsan kong babae ang tumatawag.
Raine Sandova wants to speak with you...
Naguguluhan man ay sinagot ko pa rin. It's very unusual of Raine to call me. Iyong mga kapatid niya ang close ko. Rumi and Renna.
Agad kong nakita ang pag-senyas ni Tyson sa gilid ng kaliwang mata ko. I turned the Loudspeaker on before speaking.
"Hello? Raine?"
"Pol, si Mommy, kausapin ka raw." Aniya. Raine is the eldest among them. All girls.
"Ha? Bakit?"
"Apolinario? Hello." Si Tita Vicky. Literal na tumalon ang puso ko sa sobrang gulat at hiya kasabay nang pamamasa ng mga palad at talampakan ko sa sobrang gigil. The fuck?
Hindi ako nangiming balingan man lang si Tyson kahit saglit. Nakakahiya! This is the first time he's heard someone call me by my government name! Ni hindi ko nga alam kung alam niya na ba o akala niya'y Apple talaga ang legal name ko! Sheeet! Nawala bigla ang lahat nang pag-mamaganda ko kani kanina lang. Back to angkol real quick.
"Y-yes po, Tita?" I cleared my throat.
"May ginagawa ka ba? I hope I'm not disturbing." Aniya. Ay wow. Talaga ba, Tita? Nahiya ka pa. Eme! Mabait naman itong Tita kong ito. Boba Milk Tea nga lang din most of the time. Eme ulit!
"Wala naman po. Bakit po?"
"Eh kasi, itong mga pinsan mo magta-travel next week sa Tagaytay. It's their first travel without us. They bothered me for months and I finally said yes to it. Kaya lang 'di pa rin ako napapanatag, eh..." Anito.
Awtomatiko kaming nagka-tinginan ni Tyson. He caressed his jaw and focused on driving.
"Tapos po?"
"Eh papasama ko sana sa'yo, eh. Ako na bahala sa lahat ng expenses mo. They really want to experience travelling with just themselves and Tagaytay is a safe spot for them to begin with."
Napa-kagat labi ako at kinagat-kagat ang kuko ko.
"Next week po? Until what date?"
"The whole week sana, Aps. You've been to Tagaytay many times, right? Kaya ikaw naisip ko..."
Sumulyap ako kay Tyson at kitang kita ko ang pag-iigtingan ng mga panga niya. Madilim na ang mukha at nawala na ang magandang mood niya kanina. Jusko.
"Pag-iisipan at titingnan ko muna, Tita, ah. Baka kasi may exam kami niyan, eh. Magfo-fourth year na po kasi ako next year." Sabi ko at hilaw na ngumiti kahit hindi niya naman nakikita.
"Please, Aps. Mga sanggol pa 'tong mga pinsan mo kaya sana ma guide mo for 1 week lang naman. Lakwatsera ka naman, eh." Anito. Jusko, sige pa, Tita. Dagdagan mo pa! At nang humindi talaga ako. Kaloka kang shutanda ka!
"I'll update you, Tita. Wednesday palang naman."
"Okay, okay. Thank you! Chat mo si Raine, okay?"
Para akong nabibingi nang ibinaba ko na ang phone. I let out a heavy sigh before turning to Tyson.
"Ty."
"Ano 'yon, Apple?" Seryoso at mapanganib niyang tanong. Hindi ko na kailangang magka honor pa para malaman kung bakit siya iritado.
"Papasama lang naman daw. Mas younger kasi sa'kin 'yong mga pinsan kong babae na 'yon. Atsaka, malapit lang naman. Tagaytay lang—"
"Tang ina, hindi. One fucking week? Are you kidding me?" Halos hindi na siya tumitingin sa daan. I caressed his arm.
"Hey, calm down." Malambing kong bulong.
"Ke bago bago lang kita nakuha ulit matapos nang isang buwan tapos kukunin ka na naman ulit sa'kin? Kahit isang araw pa 'yan, B, hindi ako papayag!" Giit niya. I sighed.
"Family naman 'yon, Ty..." I tried. He shook his head almost instantly.
"No. 'Di ako papayag diyan, ah. Tang ina." Maangas siyang tumango. Napa-tango na lamang din ako.
Oh, gosh. How I've underestimated his separation issues is beyond me. Akala ko kasi noong kakarating lang namin sa Bulacan eh kaya lang siya mahigpit sa bagay na iyon dahil sobrang presko pa nang pag-iwan ko sakaniya nang isang buwan. I didn't expect it to last this long. Or to look like it's not even gonna go away. I genuinely thought he would get over it.
I should've known better. Galit na galit siya sa ginawa kong pag-lalayas at ang tanging nakikita niyang paraan para mabawi iyon ay ang ilayo ako sa lahat at sarilihin ako. Dapat alam ko na hindi pa siya tapos roon at hinding hindi niya palalampasin iyon.
Sinuklay niya ang buhok niya gamit ang kanang kamay habang ang kaliwa ay nasa manubela. Agad ko iyong hinuli pagkatapos at hinalikan. I sniffed on it. Pumikit ako habang naka-lapat lang ang mukha ko rito.
There are a lot of things running on my mind right now. Things that could lead me to the root cause of this particular behavior of him. And all I can ever think of are two people from his past. His late mom and... Eurie.
Those two has something in common. They both left him. And forever scarred him. I'm not a professional to execute my own diagnosis of him but this is a no brainer. It's very obvious that who, how and what he is as a person today is a result of when, what and who he was with yesterday.
And no matter how brilliant he is, his poor little scarred soul couldn't help but act up around the new people that try to get inside his life... as its way of cry for help.
I now understand why he plays with girls. Why he changes from women to women every week— if not every day.
He did it so he doesn't have to go through the same trauma again. He abandons them first so he doesn't have to be the one, abandoned.
My heart ached for him. Ewan ko. I might just also be overthinking and making these all up inside my head so I can have a justification and answer for all of these and it all could be wrong. But the whole of me still ache for him.
Dumilat ako at ngumiti sakaniya. Tears at bay. Hindi niya ako sinulyapan at tahimik lang na nag-maneho.
"I'm yours, hmm. I'm always yours." Bulong ko.
"And I'm always gonna be here. With you. For you. Okay?" Malambing kong sabi. He gulped and swiftly took a glance at me.
Hindi siya sumagot at hinayaan lang akong hagkan ang kamay niya. Naka-tulog ako nang ganoon at nagising na lamang na naka higa na ang sandalan ko at naka-dikit pa rin ang mukha sa kamay niya. Hindi na umaandar ang sasakyan at nakita kong may kausap si Tyson sa phone niya. His left hand is holding his phone while his right hand is stuck with me. Another gesture that warmed my heart.
"I know, Dad. I'll work on that as soon as I get home. I'm just dropping Apple off. Engineer Sandova wants to talk for a bit too." Rinig kong sabi niya. Ilang segundo siyang tahimik at nakikinig sa kung anong sinasabi ng Daddy niya.
"Can't you send one of your engineers to represent you instead? I'm not accepting another trip just yet." Aniya. Nasaan na ba kami? Ayoko naman munang gumalaw dahil gusto ko pang makinig.
"I'm gonna pass, Dad. Stop. That's final..." bahagyang tumaas ang boses niya. Sa iilang beses na narinig ko siyang kausap ang Daddy niya sa phone, ganito talaga siya makipag usap. I don't know if that's really how they talk to each other or his Dad likes to annoy him over the phone. Pang-asar pa naman din si Engineer Teorico.
"Drop it!" Huling sabi niya bago pinatay ang phone niya. Ako ang una niyang binalingan at bahagyang namilog ang mga mata niya nang nakitang gising na ako. I gave him a smile to ease him.
"Sorry, I fell asleep. Where are we?"
"Dito na tayo. Tara na." Aniya.
Bumangon ako at tumingin sa labas. Nasa labas ng bahay na nga kami. Hapon at dumidilim na.
"P-papasok ka?" Baling ko sakaniya. I heard him mention something about Daddy earlier but I'm not sure.
"Yeah. I informed your Dad earlier that we're going home. He invited me over for dinner." Seryosong aniya. Napa-sapo ako sa dibdib ko. Alam ko namang gustong gusto siya ni Daddy pero kinabahan pa rin ako. Siguro kasi alam kong may agenda ang boto ni Daddy sakaniya. Sa amin.
And shit. Si Kuya?! Tumingin ulit ako sa labas at tiningnan kung nasa loob ba ang sasakyan niya at parang nanlumo ako nang nakitang naroon nga. Is Dad out of his mind? Why would he invite Tyson over for dinner when his first born that's equally an alpha male as Tyson is here too? At alam kong galit na galit si Kuya sa ginawang pag-kidnap sa'kin ni Tyson. Kahit na ba'y paniguradong nag-usap na sila ni Daddy!
"B, what's wrong?" Hinila ni Tyson ang baba ko. I looked at him worriedly.
"Ty... nandito si Kuya. Mamamatay ako sa pag-aalala. Wala pa namang nagpapa-talo sainyo." I pouted. He smirked.
"Well, I'm just gonna act cool and casual. I have no problem, Buttercup. Nasa sakaniya na iyon kung uunahan niya ako nang suntok."
"Argh! Tyson! See? Huwag na nga tayong tumuloy! Sa penthouse mo ako uuwi, ete-text ko si Mommy't Daddy." Daing ko.
"Hey, hey. I'm not gonna fight him, okay? Don't worry. Your Dad already talked to him too three weeks ago. Come on." He hushed me.
Ilang sandali pa akong balisa bago nakuha ang sarili kong paniwalaan siya. Ang hirap kasi talaga niyang paniwalaan eh basta ganito! He would act chill and all of that but once Apollo triggers him, he would not think twice about going ballistic!
Sabay kaming bumaba ng sasakyan at pumasok ng bahay. Agad kaming namataan ni Daddy at maingay nitong sinalubong si Tyson. Oo, dahil si Tyson lang talaga ang binati niya. I saw Tyson noticed it too but didn't say anything.
"Hijo! Glad you're home safe! Thank you for coming over." At marami pang daldal eme eme. He got Tyson occupied so I just continued and went inside. Nakita ko si Mommy na may inaayos sa isang charcuterie board. Napansin kong nilipat nila ang dining table namin sa sala para mas malaki siguro ang space. What's going on?
"Mommy." Tawag ko.
"Oh, Aps? Saan si Tyson?" Aniya. Nag-mano ako at niyakap siya.
"Nasa entrada, sinalubong ni Daddy." Sabi ko. Kumuha ako ng isang pirasong cheese sa charcuterie board at kinain.
"Si Kuya?" I nervously asked.
"Nasa itaas. Nandiyan si Claire. Bababa na iyon ngayon." Aniya. I gasped. Claire! Oh my gosh! I felt so relieved. At least, she's here. May katulong akong umawat if ever mag tantrum na naman ang dalawang unggoy. And I missed her!
Sabay kaming napa-lingon ni Mommy nang naka-pasok na sina Daddy at Tyson. He did a very manly yet so graceful beso beso to my mother and greeted her good evening. Halatang halata talaga ang privileged upbringing niya. The way he moves and behaves in formal settings really shows his old money etiquette.
"Thank you for coming, Hijo." Ani Mommy. He nodded.
"My pleasure, Tita."
"Where's your Apollo?" Singit ni Daddy. Kinabahan na naman ulit ako.
"Pababa na iyon." Ani Mommy at tinanguhan kami.
"Shall we?" Pinagsalikop niya ang dalawang palad at inilahad na ang lamesa. Daddy sat at the capital of the table while Mommy settled on his left side. Si Tyson ang umupo sa kanang bahagi niya at sumunod ako. Lumabas si Nang Lupe na bitbit ang main course namin. Punong puno ang lamesa ng mga pagkain. Typical way of how a middle class family eat dinner. Although, Apollo is right, we are somewhat in the upper middle class but still, a middle class and I'm proud of that.
"Sorry if it's a bit of an overwhelming sight, Hijo. We lack manpower for a formal dining set up. Just pick whatever you want to eat first and so on." Mommy chuckled. Napa-ngiti din ako.
"No problem, Tita. It's like this at home too." Ani Tyson. Asuss, emedora din. Kahit hindi naman. Pinsan nga talaga sila ni Thea. I giggled silently.
"Bueno, we will add manpower once our family gets bigger too. My Apollo has introduced a woman now and I know marriage is what's next after that. And I guess it won't be too long for your turn, right?" Seryosong sabi ni Daddy at halos magpa-kain na ako sa lupa sa sobrang kahihiyan nang hindi sumagot si Tyson at nag-iwas lang ng tingin.
"Biro lang, Hijo." Awkward na baritonong tawa ang pinakawalan ni Daddy at tinapik si Tyson sa balikat. Nakakahiya! What was he thinking? Baka ano na lang 'yung isipin ni Tyson sa'min! And that's not a light topic let alone something to make fun of! It's marriage! And knowing what happened to the marriage of Tyson's parents? Gosh.
Hindi pa ako nakaka-recover sa kahihiyan ay siya namang pag-sulpot nina Kuya at Claire. I didn't see them descend the stairs and by the way Apollo look at us right now, I'm sure they heard it all loud and clear!
"Oh, Apollo, bilisan niyo na." Ani Daddy. Nagka-tinginan kami ni Claire at sabay naming pinalaki ang mga mata tila ba nae-excite kami pero 'di tamang panahon para mag baklaan. I watched how Apollo guided Claire into her seat. Hindi niya ako tinatapunan ng tingin. I already have expected it. He took so much effort to help me when I was so down and yet here we are, here I am, sitting beside the man who caused my downfall a month ago.
"Good evening." Tyson formally greeted the two. I caressed his left thigh under the table and patted it. Good boy, Tyty. Good boy.
"Good evening, Ty." Si Claire lamang ang gumanti nang bati at si Kuya'y ginalaw na ang mga kubyertos.
"Shall we?" Inip na huminga si Kuya. Tumango tango si Mommy at mabilis na nag-dasal.
Wala kaming nagawa kung hindi ang kumain na rin. At dahil gawain ko naman talaga, at nasa bahay pa namin, eh todo alalay at silbi ako kay Tyson habang kumakain. Nakikita ko ang pag-iling iling ni Apollo sa gilid ng mga mata ko pero 'di ko na pinansin.
"Siya nga pala, Hijo, are you, by any chance, thinking of applying to another company and earn your experience there?" Tanong ni Daddy. Jusko po. Ayan na naman siya.
"I've already earned all the experiences I needed since freshmen, Tito. And from ECG too. And I'm not sure if the boss would also allow it." Sagot ni Tyson. Oo nga naman. Napaka mema nitong si Daddy! Para ano pa't nag training na siya sakanila tapos sa ibang construction company lang din pala maga-apply? Daddy's brain is not braining unfortunately.
"Right. Anyway, is it true that your Dad is whom you interned for?" Hirit na naman ni Daddy. Sa inis ko'y ako na ang humiwa sa manok ni Tyson dahil hindi niya magawa-gawa dahil sa kakasagot kay Daddy.
"Yeah. I wanted to. I'm afraid I'm too persistent and vocal about my ideas that it would offend the Engineer I would intern for. So, Dad was the best choice since he lets me have a say even in his actual multi billion projects." Tyson sneered. Daddy's amusement is now to the sky. It's embarrassing.
"Ang dali lang talaga kapag maraming connections, ano? Plus, being from an old elite clan too. Your ancestors really worked hard to make everything accessible for you and you're very lucky for that, really. In my case, I had to shed blood and sweat to make a way up for myself. No resources. No connections." Daddy smiled bitterly.
"Kaya nga 'yan lagi ang sinasabi ko sa mga anak ko, Hijo, eh. Lalo na itong si Apple. If he— she is to be an Architect, which is in the same field as us, s-she either has to fight for her way up and gain connections or get someone who has connections already and marry into that." Daddy winked at Tyson and sipped on his wine. Tang ina. Sobrang nakakahiya na. Masyado na siyang halata. Pinipilit niya talaga ang ideya ng kasal.
Hindi naka-sagot si Tyson at sumubo lang ng pagkain. I caressed his thigh again under the table. Bigla kong narinig si Apollo na humalakhak.
I caught him sarcastically eyeing Tyson and then looked away. It's as if he's watching Tyson's reaction to it the second time around. Kasi narinig at nakita niya rin panigurado iyong nauna kanina!
"Well, in marketing, if the prospect is uninterested in making business with the vendor, even if they fit the desired criteria, the vendor can always move on and proceed with another prospect. And maybe, that's where and who she can marry into, huh?" Apollo said meaningfully and finally looked at me. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay kaya nanginig ako sa kaba. I saw Claire whispered something to him and he looked away.
"That's too much discussion for a simple dinner. How's my cooking by the way?" Basag ni Mommy sa mabigat na ere. My lips shook and did my best to add something to that effect.
"Chosera ka, 'My, si Nang Lupe kaya nag-luto lahat niyan!" Biro ko. Claire let out a strained laugh and I couldn't be more thankful for her support as always.
Nang nalipat sa iba ang atensyon nila ay agad kong dinaluhan si Tyson na sobrang tahimik na. Hahaplusin ko na sana naman ulit ang hita niya sa ilalim ngunit ang kamao niya ang nahawakan ko. Agad akong kinabahan at nag-alala nang maramdaman ang nanginginig at nag-pipigil niyang kamao. Jusko maryusep, utang na loob!
"Hey... are you full na?" Malambing kong bulong. He turned his cold eyes on me. I saw so much turmoil inside his pitch black eyes. Nilambing ko pa siya at hinalikan ang balikat niya. No longer minding the eyes of my family who are probably watching us as they speak.
"It's okay. Don't listen to him, okay? Ty?" Pilit kong tinatawag ang pansin niya dahil kahit parang naka-titig siya sa'kin eh lumulutang naman ang isip niya.
"Tyty ko..." I whispered desperately. Doon lamang siya gumalaw at kumurap. His jaw clenched and sipped on his wine. Buong lakas kong giniba ang kamao niya sa ilalim at pinag-salikop ang mga kamay namin. Mabuti naman at nagpa-tianod din ang damuho kalaunan.
The dinner ended unexpectedly well. Tyson invited all of us to his graduation party to be hosted by his father, in his home in Forbes Park.
Claire did a great job in taming Apollo as the latter never spoke again the entire evening. Dito siya matutulog kaya nang paakyat na sila ni Kuya ay sinenyasan ko siyang mag-uusap kami mamaya pagkatapos kong ihatid si Tyson sa labas. She excitedly nodded.
I watched Ty man hugged my father and did beso beso to my mother again. I clinged unto his arm as we walked towards the gate and exited the property.
"Ty." Tawag ko habang sumusunod sakaniya patungong driver's seat. He opened the door and did a half sitting on the driver's chair. He faced me.
"For the love of all fucking Gods, can you genuinely talk to your dumb ass brother and tell him to stop fucking triggering me?" He growled. He's still on self restaint because he's not totally shouting. Naglalabasan nga lang iyong mga ugat sa leeg niya.
"I will, I will. Just, please, don't listen to him. Ignore him. Be more cool and casual—"
"I am, B! I am! Not until he would push me to my limits by threatening to break us up! To take you away again from me! Not fucking again, Apple Neone! I'm telling you now!"
"Alam ko, Ty. Ssh. Alam ko."
"That's it, huh? That's how he plays this, huh? He would willingly gift you to other men than let you be with me! What the fuck did I do to your brother?" He hoarsely said. Napa-yakap na lamang ako sakaniya dahil naawa ako sa huling sinabi niya. He's very frustrated and I know it's difficult for him because I know deep inside him he wants to be cool with Apollo. Sadyang sobrang magka-ugali lang talaga sila at hindi sila nagkaka-intindihan!
I stayed hugging him for minutes. Naka-sandal naman ang noo niya sa balikat ko. Nang mas lumalim na ang gabi ay sinakop ko na ang mukha niya at malalim siyang hinalikan. I tasted the strong wine he drank with Daddy earlier.
"I love you so much." I whispered in between our kisses.
"Did you hear that, Tyson Matheus?" Malambing kong sabi. He nodded.
"Good. So go home now and take a rest. Mamahalin pa kita bukas." Sabi ko. Nyeta, na cringe ako konti sa sinabi ko pero dapat seryoso pa rin si akes kasi nasa pag-tatayo ng assurance na naman po tayo ni Tyson Matheus, opo. Kahit wala din akes assurance hala go pa rin akes. Arouch.
When he finally calmed down, masunuring bata naman siyang tumulak at umuwi na. Pumasok at umakyat na ako sa bahay upang puntahan si Claire.
I DMed Claire in IG. Sabi ko'y nasa labas ako ng kwarto ni Kuya. Agad naman siyang nag-bukas ng pinto at impit na tumili.
"Sis! I missed you so much!" Impit niyang sabi at niyakap ako.
"Chararat ka! Ako rin!"
Nag-yayakapan pa kami nang biglang lumaki ang awang ng pinto sa likod ni Claire at bumungad si Kuya na kakaligo lang at busangot ang mukha.
"Get inside, Claire." Matigas na sabi ni Kuya at tumalikod na upang pumasok.
"Apollo, sandali lang..."
"Get inside. Now!" Biglang sigaw ni Kuya kaya natataranta ko na lang ring tinulak si Claire papasok.
Naluluha ako nang naka-pasok na sa kwarto ko. Nasasaktan ako sa estado namin ngayon ni Kuya. Alam kong sobrang disappointed niya talaga sa'kin at nagtatampo. This is not the first time he got mad at me. Ngunit ngayon lang tila mukhang tatagal ang tampo at galit niya sa'kin.
Naka-tulog ako sa sobrang pagod. Naalimpungatan lamang ako sa ingay ng phone ko. Gosh, I wasn't even able to change into my PJs!
Lumundag ang puso ko nang nakitang si Tyson ang tumatawag. And it's on FaceTime! He's never used FaceTime ever before! Mabilis kong sinagot ang tawag. Gosh, it's 2:36 AM!
Agad bumungad sa akin ang busangot niyang mukha. Magulo ang buhok at tila may mga guhit na ng bed sheet ang mukha niya. His room's lighting is dimmed.
"Ty? What happened?"
"B..." He called in a weak voice.
"Tyson? Are you okay? May lagnat ka ba?" Napa-bangon na ako nang tuluyan at handa sa kung ano mang sakuna. Charing.
"B... fuck. I'm getting it again." He groaned. Nag-hang ang utak ko. What?
"Tyson, please, tell me what's wrong." Sabi ko habang kinakapa ang switch ng lamp ko.
"I can't sleep. The nightmares... fuck." Paos niyang sabi. Agad nalusaw ang puso ko nang naintindihan na ang sinasabi niya.
"Ty..." tanging nasabi ko habang awang awa ko siyang pinapanood na kinukusot ang mata.
"I don't wanna use any of it again to escape. I made a promise..." aniya, tila mas kinakausap niya ang sarili niya kesa sa'kin. Hindi ko tuluyang nahanap ang switch ng lamp ko at nanghihinang napa-balik na lamang ng higa sa kama.
"Right. Right. Good boy, Tyty. Good job." Bulong ko.
"B, I need you... here."
"Punta ako diyan?" I softly asked. He nodded but then shook his head afterwards.
"I'm torn, Buttercup. I don't want you riding a public vehicle. But I can't fetch you up too." Aniya na parang nasasaktan.
"Ty, may masakit ba sa'yo? Mag sabi ka, please." Nanginig ang boses ko. I saw how his eyes left mine and just stared blankly somewhere.
"Tyson!" Napa-iyak na ako sa pag-aalala.
"B... yeah. It hurts... it does hurt. But I don't know where..." aniya. Tinitigan ko talaga nang maigi ang mukha niya at nag-hanap nang senyales na baka nag opt for that drug na naman siya. Pero wala. He looks normal and disturbed from his sleep.
"I never got those monsters again when you were sleeping beside me for weeks. And prior, to the times you would spend the night here. Fuck, B, I need you... please." Bigla siyang dumaing sa huling sinabi at tinakpan ang mga mata niya gamit ang kanang forearm niya.
"Tyson, hey, I'm here. Hey... Buttercup's here." Sabi ko habang hinahaplos ang mukha niya sa screen ng phone ko tila ba mararamdaman niya rin iyon. Natataranta na ako sa loob ko pero ayokong magpa-dala dahil kailangan niya ako.
"Help me... please." He said in a little tiny voice. Nagsitindigan lahat ng balahibo ko sa katawan at napa-pikit ako nang mariin. Oh, Lord God, I am very confused and scared right now, but please, please... let me be the light that he needs right now. Even if I don't know how. Even if I don't know why.
"I will, yes, I will. I'm just here, okay? Just close your eyes, okay? You're safe now, hmm... you're safe now, Tyty..." gumaralgal ang boses ko sa huli.
Nanatili siyang naka-tago sa kanang braso niya. He's heavily panting as if he's on one of his contact sports.
"You can sleep again now... no more monsters, I promise." Malambing kong sabi. I watched him shiver like a scared poor little child. I watched him catch his breath as if his room lacks proper ventilation. And for minutes and minutes, I stayed up and watched him closely as I humm any song I can think of.
And it was all worth it when his shivering slowly stopped, his breathing normalized, and his forearm fell from the top of his eyes.
And when I saw his face... his handsome, to die for, and very familiar face... now peacefully sleeping again. Parang kinuyom ng higanteng kamay ang puso ko at pigil hikbi akong umiyak. I continued humming and I stayed awake for another hour watching over him. To be his light. To be his help. And to be his protector from the monsters.
Nagising ako kinabukasan na naka-dikit ang mukha sa phone ko. Mabilis akong napa-bangon sa pag-aalala at chineck ang phone ko. Mas lalo akong nag-alala nang makitang alas onse na pala ng tanghali. Gosh! I slept on my baby Tyty!
Pagka-unlock ko ay naibalik naman agad ako sa FaceTime ngunit wala nga lang si Tyson. I saw the the duration of our FaceTime last night and it made me gasp.
8hrs36mins
My heart warmed at it. Mabilis ko siyang tinext at kinamusta. Though, nalugmok nga lang ako nang beri beri light nang makitang wala man lang siyang text.
At dahil tapos naman na iyong drama ko kagabi eh back to bad bitch era na agad ako at bumangon para maligo.
I don't really have something big to do today. Though, I have to go to school and inform my profs that I am now physically fit to study in school after that emedorang injury ni Apollo. Pero titingnan ko muna kung 'di ako tatamarin mamaya. Plus, I'll wait for Tyson's response muna.
Pagkalabas ko'y kumunot ang noo ko nang may narinig na boses ng mga lalaki. Unang nakilala ko ang boses ni Daddy. At ilang sandali pa akong parang tangang humihinto sa hagdanan para kilalanin ang pangalawang boses.
"I'll get her clothes and personal things first, Tito. And then I'll send a truck for her furnitures." Boses ni Tyson.
Mabilis akong tumakbo pababa ng hagdanan at naabutan silang dalawa nga ni Daddy na nakatayong nag-uusap at parehong naka-pameywang na pinapanood ang dalawang babaeng naka maid uniform na nililigpit ang mga pamilyar na damit sa'kin.
"Ty?" I called. Mabilis siyang napa-tingin sa'kin at lumuwag ang mukha. I pouted at him.
"What are you doing here? What's this?" Sabi ko at lumapit sakaniya. Hinagkan niya ang noo ko at pinisil ang beywang ko. Ni hindi ko pinapansin si Daddy!
"Sinusundo ka." Aniya. Naka-nganga ko siyang tiningala. Daddy cleared his throat.
"Tyson asked if I can let you go and live with him. I see nothing wrong with it so here he is, having their Forbes Park maids pack your things up." Daddy said nonchalantly. Gusto ko sanang umapela roon ngunit mas natuon ang isip ko sa koneksyon nito sa nangyari kagabi. I slowly calmed down. But gosh! Tinatanan niya na ako at binubugaw pa ako ng ambisyosong ama ko.
"You didn't tell me..." I whispered. He gave me a timid smile and nodded.
"Tagal mo gumising, eh." Aniya. Palihim ko siyang kinurot at tumango ako kay Daddy.
"Be a good and productive partner, Apple. Make sure you attend to all of your boyfriend's needs. Huwag kang tatamad-tamad dahil hindi mo na bahay iyon gaya rito." Ani Daddy.
"It's her penthouse now too, Tito." Tyson defended. I inwardly grinned. Ganiyan nga, ipag-laban mo akong tuso ka. Akala mo rin talaga 'di ko nahahalatang dine-diretso mo kay Daddy ang lahat ng gusto mo kasi alam mong hindi ka hihindian at magkaka-problema, ah?
"All talk unless it's written on a legal document, Hijo. Conjugal kumbaga." Ani Daddy. Napa-pisil ako sa bicep ni Tyson na may half sleeve tattoo. When will my father stop it with his fantasies? I mean, I would also want and dream for that in the future but gosh! Alam ko kasing may agenda iyong sakaniya. Connections connections eme eme. Kapagod!
"Right." Tyson lowly chuckled and avoided my father's gaze.
"Dad, excuse us, please. We'll just talk." Paalam ko kay Daddy na isang beses lang akong tinanguhan at minandohan na iyong dalawang kasambahay nina Tyson na para bang siya iyong nagpapa-sweldo sakanila.
Bago pa man ako mas lalong ma stress kay Daddy ay hinila ko na si Tyson palabas. Nakita ko pang umaandar na naka-park ang Raptor niya sa labas lamang ng entrada ng bahay namin. Naka-bukas rin ang gate.
"We could've talked about this first, Tyson." Sabi ko. Hinila niya ang beywang ko at umiling.
"Yeah but what? You will have all the say kapag gusto mo na naman akong layasan? Your Dad's approval and knowledge is better, B."
"You really are taking his fondness of you to your advantage, huh? Tuso!" Irap ko ngunit napa-igtad din at halakhak nang ang kanang kamay niyang naka-kapit sa beywang ko ay umakyat at pinitik ang kaliwang nipple ko. Hindi pa naman ako nag-bra kasi pambahay lang!
"I just can't wait to have you all day, every day at home, Buttercup. Kantot na kantot na ulit ako sa'yo." Magaspang niyang sabi. Humagikhik ako at naeeskandalong tinakpan ang bibig niya lalo na nang lumabas iyong dalawang kasambahay bitbit ang mga damit ko at ikinarga sa likod ng Raptor niya.
"Tyson Matheus!"
"You're my one tablespoon of porn all day and after dinner. And half a glass of protection from the monsters during bedtime." He continued. Mas lalo akong humagikhik. Ang witty naman! Kainis!
"Tao po? Mother Lupe? Nandiyan ba si Apolinario Mabini?"
Bigla kaming na-disturbo nang boses baklang nag-mumula sa gate. At dahil bukas nga ang gate namin ay hindi naging mahirap sa'king matanaw si Kobi at Jade na pumapasok ng bahay.
They are on their highly feminine outfits. It's been a while since I last saw and bonded with them. And this is definitely not the perfect time!
Patuloy sa pag-tawag kay Nang Lupe ang ginawa ni Kobi habang si Jade naman ay nakuha ang atensyon ng sasakyang naka-parada sa harap nila. Dumaan sila sa gilid nito nung mas pumasok pa sila at kitang kita ko kung paano halos 'di maalis ang mga mata niya roon. She's into cars, I know that.
Her eyes then turned to the two maids who are busy arranging my stuff behind. And then finally, her eyes locked with mine. I smiled at her. I missed them so much!
"Hi, sisters!" I excitedly jumped as Tyson's hold on my waist doubled when he snaked his left arm around it too. Hindi ko na alam kung saan ibabaling ang buong atensyon ko. Sa mga best friends kong matagal ko nang 'di nakikita. O sa damuhong higante na ito sa gilid ko na ayaw na ayaw'ng may kaagaw sa atensyon ko. Well, I guess both?