CHAPTER NINE
Parang dati lang nasa kalsada ako, naghahanap ng magiging biktima. I had to do it for my brother's operation.
Less fortunate meant less opportunities.
Hindi mabubuhay ang kapatid ko sa matinong trabaho.
Nagbunga naman iyon. Gumaling si Russle sa tulong ni Gotham. If I weren't in that path, I wouldn't meet my husband... Kinagat ko ang labi ko.
Why does that sound I'm happy meeting him? Why does that sound it's destiny that pull us from the beginning? Tangina naman, nahihibang na yata ako.
Muli kong pinirmi ang aking mata sa harap ng salamin. I was seeing my own reflection wearing a decent blouse and black skirt. Mukha akong... mukha akong mamahalin at may pinag-aralan.
But that outfit wouldn't hide the stains of my character. Pero sadyang nakakamangha kung gaano kadaling itago ang baho kapag mayroong pera. It was easy for the privilege to act high and mighty.
Ito ang unang araw ko sa trabahong ibinigay ni Gotham. Hindi ako sanay ng walang ginagawa at maghintay sa maraming sulok ng mansyon. My body was craving for something to do now that I'm assured nothing's going to happen to my brother while I'm gone for work.
Russle's well taken care of... siya pa itong hinihimok akong bumalik na sa dati kong trabaho, baka raw masisante ako. Kung alam lang niya.
"You're making me regret I let you work for me," his baritone voice pounded the whole room.
I eyed him sideways. Pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay. I didn't take his words lightly.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin? What does that mean?" I was clearly annoyed.
"You're too hot," he licked his lip. "I'm short-tempered, I may not handle that hotness well while you are inside my office."
Pumalibot ang kanyang bisig sa aking baywang. His minty breath was giving me sensation. Mainit - init iyon sa batok ko. There was no point of pushing Gotham away. Mas lalo itong naniniksik.
I felt his lips tracing my neck. Nanunukso. Nanlalambot naman ako.
His kisses have that effect, they weaken my defenses. His touch was comforting and giving me tingles. Hindi ko inaamin iyon sa kanya, sigurado akong lulubo sa laki ang ulo ni Gotham sa oras na malaman niyang may ganoon siyang epekto sa akin.
Inirapan ko siya sa repleksyon ng salamin. "Kung makadikit ka, para kang tuko."
His brows furrowed. "What's tuko?" confused niyang tanong.
I just shook my head. Hindi ko naman alam kung anong english ng tuko. Medyo pamilyar pero hindi ko matandaan. Basta, kapamilya siya ng mga butiki.
He poked my cheek.
"I'm asking a question, Fili."
"Hindi ko alam, limitado lang naman ang english ko. Hayop 'yon na mahilig dumikit, parang ikaw," sagot ko sa kanya. "Hindi pa ba tayo mahuhuli sa trabaho? Sabagay, ikaw naman ang boss ko. Siguro kahit hindi na ako pumasok susuweldo pa rin ako."
Ngumisi ako nang mapang-asar.
"Grab your things, and we'll go," utos niya.
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin bago ko sundin ang sinabi niya. Hindi ako sigurado kung magandang ideyang magtrabaho sa kanya dahil wala akong magawa sa buhay, mabilis akong mairita sa mga palautos.
Kaya nga tumiwalag ako sa grupo nina Bernabe. Bukod kay Russle, ayoko rin ng boss na dapat kong sundin, sambahin at pinapangunahan ako sa diskarte ko sa buhay. And Bernabe was abusive. Good thing, he was gone.
It was an enormous building in the middle of the city. Ilang palapag ang gusali, napakataas... halatang hindi ko matatapakan kung hindi dahil sa asawa ko. It was still strange to refer Gotham as my husband.
Iba pa rin sa pandinig ko ang tawagin siyang asawa ko. But that's the truth. Mag-asawa kami sa papel. Our marriage was consummated. Hindi lang isang beses... dalawa o tatlo... Hindi ko na mabilang sa daliri ko kung ilang beses kaming nagtalik.
"I wonder what's going on inside your head."
Bumalik ako sa realidad nang marinig ang kanyang baritonong boses. The elevator on the top floor opened. Narating namin ang destinasyon --- ang kanyang malawak na opisina.
Wala akong ideya sa negosyo niya, kahit sa trabaho ko. Wala naman akong alam sa pagiging sekretarya. Hindi naman ako nakapag-aral. Everything I learned in life is through experience and I taught myself of the things I should've learned in school.
Hinarap ko si Gotham nang nakakunot ang noo. He raised a brow.
"What? Why do you look annoyed? Are you annoyed with me?" sunod - sunod niyang tanong.
Umiling ako bilang sagot. Looking annoyed is my default expression. Pero hindi ibig sabihin noon ay iritado ako.
Madalas. Madalas na iritado ako lalo na kay Gotham. Malakas ang saltik niyang mang-inis.
"Hindi. Hindi ko lang alam ang gagawin. Bakit mo nga ba ako tinanggap bilang sekretarya mo? Wala naman akong alam sa ganitong trabaho. Wala akong kakayahan para gampanan ang responsibilidad ko. Kung trabahong ilegal pa, siguradong alam ko." I told him truthfully.
I was just being honest. Hindi ako marunong sa trabahong ito. Hindi naman ako nakapag-aral at nakatungtong sa kolehiyo. It wasn't my expertise. Huli nang ma-realize ang bagay na iyon. I shouldn't have accepted his offer in the first place.
He stopped, his gaze was intensely penetrating me. Namulsa siya habang pinagmamasdan ako.
"You're smart, Fili. You're going to do well with whatever you set your mind into," mahinahon niyang saad.
Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ko. "Kailan ka pa naging mabait?" tanong ko sa kanyang may halong sarkasmo.
His lips formed an endearing smirk. "I'm always good and behaved whenever I'm with you, didn't you notice? You're the only one who has that effect on me. It's fucking refreshing to be your husband."
Hinapit niya ang baywang ko. "I'm here to help and guide you when you need me, I just want to see you every fucking opportunity I have. When you wanted a job, I didn't hesitate to take that opportunity. You make my sinful heart calm amidst its chaotic nature." He gave me a soft kiss on the lips... ilang segundong naglapat ang aming labi.
I stared at him for a long minute. Pino-proseso pa ng utak ko ang kanyang sinabi. Lulong akong nakatingin sa kanyang mga mata.
"Tangina mo, Gotham." I said out loud to hush the fast beating of my heart.
Pinipilit kong iwaksi itong pinaparamdam niya sa akin. It felt wrong having this so much tension. It felt wrong having my heart beats fast for him. These feelings were new to my system.
Humalakhak ang gago kong asawa at mas lalo akong hinapit palapit sa kanya. Pinaulanan niya ng halik ang aking buong mukha. Mas lalo niya akong iniirita sa pagiging sweet niya sa akin at sa kapatid ko.
He was good at his game.
***
Imbes na gumaan ang trabaho ni Gotham, siya ang nag-asikaso lahat pati ang trabaho na dapat ay para sa akin. Palpak ako bilang sekretarya niya. There was no time he looked annoyed with my stupidity.
I wasn't suitable for the job.
Pumasok akong muli ng kanyang opisina matapos kung magpalamig ng ulo pansamantala. Mukhang kanina pa ako hinihintay ni Gotham, agad siyang tumayo nang makapasok ako ng opisina.
Pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay. "May kailangan ka ba? Bakit hindi mo agad ako tinawag?"
"Lunch," he replied.
Oh. Muntik ko nang makalimutan! It's already lunch time.
Hindi pa ako nakaka-order ng pagkain o dapat ba akong mag-order ng pagkain? Hindi ko iyon naitanong sa kanya.
"I haven't ordered anything. Ano bang gusto mo?" I asked.
Lumakad siya papalapit sa akin. Nang ilang agwat na lang ang aming pagitan, hinaplos niya ang aking pisngi.
"Let's just eat somewhere nice. I don't want you ordering my meal, I want us having lunch together. You're working with me so we could eat together, Fili. Ease your worries." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko, pinagdaop niya ang aming mga daliri.
Tumungo siya sa elevator habang nagpatianod ako sa kanya. Inilagay niya ang magkahugpo naming kamay sa kanyang bulsa.
Everyone's eyes were on us as soon as we stepped out of the elevator. I stared back at them.
Mukhang wala namang pakialam si Gotham sa mga tinging natanggap namin. Karamihan naman ng mga tauhan sa kompanya niya, lalaki. Pati pala ang mga ito tsismoso. His company seemed to be allergic with ugly-looking employees.
Hindi niya pinakawalan ang aking kamay hanggang makarating kami sa parking lot. Hinayaan ko lang siya, sino ba ako para tumanggi? Gusto ko rin naman ang hawak niya, hindi ko lang iyon inaamin sa kanya.
He drove his car around the city. Tinanong niya ako sa restaurant na gusto kong kainan sa area.
"P'wede bang kumain na lang tayo sa sasakyan mo?" tanong ko.
Hindi pa rin ako sanay sa tingin ng mayayaman. I felt seen... and I don't want that. I would've blown my cover and got caught in my previous job.
"Sure, sweetheart, then I'll eat you for dessert?"
Inundayan ko siya ng sapak mula sa passenger seat. Bumunghalit naman ang kanyang nakakapikong halakhak sa loob ng kotse.
"It makes me so happy whenever you express your annoyance. It's only you who has that effect on me. If others try that, they would be buried six feet under the ground by now," komento niyang may ngisi sa labi.
"Oh, tapos? Anong gusto mong gawin ko? Dapat ba akong matuwa?" I asked blandly.
Gotham chuckled. He seemed so amused.
Hinarap niya ako, tumitig siya sa akin ng matagal. Pinisil niya ang aking pisngi. His lips were slightly parted while staring at me. Parang hindi siya makapaniwala sa pinagmamasdan niya.
Tinampal ko ang kanyang kamay na marahang kinukurot ang pisngi ko. "Akala ko ba nagugutom ka na?"
"The gremlins in my stomach can wait," he told me. "Hm, are you hungry na ba? You're simangot again."
I shook my head, and sighed. Napailing ako sa paghahalo niya ng salitang tagalog at inglis, akala yata niya nakakapogi ang ganoon. Totoo naman.
"Ayoko nang magtrabaho sa'yo. Hindi naman para sa akin ang ganitong trabaho. Madali naman akong matuto, sadyang kulang lang talaga ako sa kaalaman kaya kahit pag-aralan ko, wala ring mangyayari. Hindi naman ganito ang buhay na kinagisnan ko noon," seryoso kong sinabi.
May parte sa aking nahihiya sa sarili ko... but it was not entirely my fault I was a victim of circumstance. Hindi ko naman ginustong mabuhay sa mundo bilang mahirap.
If only I have a choice, I would rather not.
Iniharap niya ang aking mukha sa kanya, nagtagpo ang aming mga mata. He looked at me with softness and understanding.
"Everything can be learned, my Fili. It's okay if there are things you don't know yet. It's okay if this set-up is overwhelming right now. It's my fault that I give you that work without proper training. I just want to see you every fucking opportunity, sweetheart. Who can blame me?" Hinawakan niya ang aking kamay.
"Do you want to have a proper training, perhaps, you want to go to school?" tanong niya sa marahang boses.
Nanatili akong nakatingin sa kanya habang pino-proseso ang kanyang salita.
"You don't have to worry about Russle. He's fine. He has recovered well. I know you love him so much, but don't you think it's time for you to pursue whatever dreams you have and heal your inner child that stepped up when no one else did."
My mouth parted in awe.
Hinawakan ko ang magkabila niyang pisngi. Kusa na lang gumalaw ang aking dalawang palad para sampalin siya. Umigting ang kanyang panga.
"Sorry!" agad kong hingi ng paumanhin. Kinagat ko ang labi ko. "Hindi ko lang inakalang makakarinig ako sa'yo ng ganoon. Malalim. It was touching. Eh, demonyo ka naman. Baka hinihila mo lang ako sa patibong mo."
"Fuck," Gotham whispered, but I could totally hear him cursed under his breath.
Pumaling ang kanyang mukha sa harap ng sasakyan. He didn't look at me. He seemed to be annoyed and upset. Sinira ko ang litanya niya. He was just trying to uplift my mood.
Nakakapanibago... I wasn't expecting that from him. I wasn't expecting that he would make sense.
"Tampo ka ba? Tampo ka na sa akin?" I came closer to inspect the expression on his face. I sighed.
Ipinikit ko ang aking mata at lumapit lalo sa kanya. I did what I think he would appreciate --- I kissed him on the lips to make up with my bad joke earlier.
He was trying to be nice and I wasn't used to people being nice to me.
At mas hindi kapani - paniwala na nice siya. Gotham is not the type of person to be mess with.
When our lips parted, his eyes solely focused on me. Nakakapanindig balahibo ang intensidad ng paninitig niya. "You know how to get me, huh. You think the kiss would solve the problem? Another one pa nga."
"Ewan ko sa'yo, Gotham. Para kang sira." I ignored his plea.
Pasimple akong nangingiti sa gilid. Agad kong sinupil ang sarili ko nang mapagtanto ang pangyayari. It can't be. Malala na 'to.
Tumikhim ako. "Hindi ba huli na ang lahat para ituloy 'yong mga naudlot kong pangarap?" Huminga ako ng malalim.
Wala naman akong ibang pangarap kung hindi gumaling ang kapatid ko. I couldn't afford to dream when I have to fend for my brother and myself. Natuto lang ako sa sariling sikap at para mas mapadali ang gawain kong ilegal.
"It's never too late, sweetheart." Muli niyang sinakop ang aking kamay at pinaglaruan ito. "Just tell me what you want to do, we'll make it happen."
His tone was serious. Walang halong biro o pang-aasar.
"Anong nakain mo?" Hindi ko maiwasang hindi maitanong.
"You."
Hinampas ko siya sa braso, nag-init masyado ang aking pisngi. My cheeks reddened.
His chuckles echoed inside the car. Imbes na salagin ang mga palo at kurot ko, mas lalong lumakas ang kanyang halakhak. Bugbog-sarado na siya sa akin. Tuwang - tuwa na naman ang gago kong asawa na buwesit na buwesit ako sa kanya.
Nasasanay na ako sa ganitong senaryo. He's always this giggly and cheeky with me. I am a liar if I deny I'm not growing fond of those interactions. Naririnig ko madalas ang paghalakhak niya. It was becoming comfort than just an annoying sound.
"Seriously, what do you want for lunch? We've been here for a good thirty minutes, sweetheart. It's my time to serve you after being my hard-working secretary for a day." He squeezed my hand.
"Kahit ano," alangang sagot ko.
Hindi ko naman hawak ang menu. Wala rin akong ideya sa pagkaing sini-serve ng restaurant.
"Okay." Wala akong nahimigang emosyon bago bumaba ng sasakyan.
Kumunot naman ang noo ko. Kanina lang ang saya niyang asar na asar ako.
Gotham went inside the restaurant. Pasensyoso naman akong naghintay sa loob ng kotse, pero lumagpas ng halos trenta minuto siya sa loob. I was getting more annoyed at him.
Gaano ba naman kahirap um-order ng pagkain? Kinain na ba siya ng pagkain? I bit my lip and closed my eyes for a minute.
Nakarinig ako ng pagbukas ng pinto ng sasakyan. Nagmulat ako ng mata para salubungin ng masamang tingin si Gotham. But he wasn't alone. The staffs of the restaurant accompanied him. Dala ng mga ito ang maraming pagkain.
I looked at him, confused.
"Buong barangay ba ang pakakainin mo?" I gasped.
"What? I asked you what you want. You answered kahit ano, it wasn't even on the menu. I don't know what you want, so I bought them all." He answered nonchalantly.
Parang hindi siya nag-aksaya ng ilang lilibuhin sa mamahaling restaurant. Barya lang naman iyon sa kanya pero hindi natinag ang inis ko.
That's what I hate with privilege people, they always splurge just 'cause they can... with that, prices typically increase when demand outpaces supply causing burden to the less fortunate.
Nasasayang naman madalas at hindi nauubos. "We can give it to the kids, you know. There are a lot in the streets. It won't go to waste, sweetheart." Gotham assured me. Nabasa niya yata ang nasa isip ko.
I nodded, and helped him secure the food on the backseat. Buong menu talaga ang in-order niya.
After loading the plastic bags, we ate inside his car. Saka ko lang naramdaman ang kumukulong sikmura ko. I was able to devour the meal faster than a lightning speed which amused him.
Pinasundan niya pa iyon ng dessert. Panaka - naka ang pag-uusap namin. As usual, madalas ang pang-aasar niya sa tuwing nakakakuha ng tiyempo.
Tinotoo niya ang kanyang sinabi kanina. The food were given to the street children we were able to spot in the sidewalks. It warmed my heart. Nanggaling din ako sa ganoong posisyon sa buhay.
"Let's go back to work. Marami ka pang aasikasuhin."
Gotham played with my fingers. "How about we ditch it? I don't want you to get tired. Let's fetch our bunso and do whatever you two want to do."
Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Kapag sa trabaho, ayaw nang napapagod ako. Pero kapag kinakantot, okay lang?" Ipinagkrus ko ang braso ko sa aking dibdib.
Naubo siya ng ilang sunod. "Fuck, woman," he cursed. "Your mouth has no filter."
"Yabang, ah. Wala ka rin namang filter kapag..." I laughed seeing his reaction.
Namumula ang likod ng kanyang tainga hanggang leeg. Napailing ako. A horny man can't handle a bit of my naughty mouth. I was just being truthful. Halos wala naman talaga akong pahinga sa tuwing nagtatalik kaming mag-asawa.
Wala namang masama. Kasal kaming dalawa. We were bound by sanctity of marriage.
I let out a laugh --- the same annoying laugh whenever he messes with me.
Nang humupa na ang tensyon sa pagitan namin, muli niyang pinaandar ang kotse upang sunduin ang kapatid ko. We really ditched work for the three of us.
***
"Ate, ano pong ginagawa mo?" Bitbit ang laruan niyang dinosaur, tumungo sa gawi ko si Russle.
Agad siyang nagpabuhat at pinaupo ko sa aking binti. He gained a few pounds. Matapos niyang operahan, nanumbalik ang sigla sa kanyang katawan. I was happy about it.
I was reading. Bumili kami ng mga libro ni Gotham. Para iyon sa kagustuhan kong bumalik sa pag-aaral.
It took me a week to decide. At gusto kong mag-aral. I was deprived of learning when I was in my brother's age. Sabay kaming papasok na dalawa ng kapatid ko.
"Hindi ka po ba magtatrabaho ngayon?" Umiling ako bilang tugon.
"Russle..." I called his name softly. Hinaplos ko ang kanyang buhok. "Gusto rin ni ateng mag-aral, okay lang ba sa'yo 'yon?"
Tumingin siya sa akin nang nanlalaki ang mga mata. "Sabay po tayong papasok, ate?" His eyes glistened with glee. Nawala ang kaba ko. Medyo natakot ako ng bahagya sa magiging reaksiyon niya. I nodded at him. "Gusto ko 'yon, ate!"
"Salamat, bunso." Hinalikan ko siya sa noo.
It meant a lot to me.
Russle stayed with me while I read some of the books, he was silently playing with his toys. Paminsan - minsang kinukuha niya ang atensyon ko para maglambing. That makes me so happy.
Wala talagang matigas na puso pagdating sa kapatid ko. Si Gotham nga na gago, lumalambot pagdating kay Russle.
Speaking of the devil, he was back early in the afternoon. Rinig ko ang masayang sigaw ng kapatid ko at pagtakbo niya para batiin si Gotham. I pretended not to hear anything and my eyes still focused on the book I was reading.
Kahit wala talaga roon ang atensyon ko, hindi na rin pumapasok sa utak ko ang mga letrang nakasulat sa pahina ilang beses ko mang basahin. Nasa kapatid ko at kay Gotham ang aking atensyon, pinakikinggan ko ang pag-uusap ng dalawa.
My brother was telling him everything he did on his day enthusiastically. Knowing him, may kasama pang aksiyon ang kanyang pagkukuwento. It was followed with laughter.
"Busy?" he asked with raspy voice.
Ramdam ko ang paninitig sa gilid ko, mukhang nakalapit na siya sa akin. Bago ko pa man maibuka ang aking bibig, may dumamping malambot na bagay sa aking pisngi.
He kissed me on the cheek. Unti - unti niyang isinara ang libro sa harap ko.
"Come on, I need your attention now," he whispered.
Hinarap ko siya at pinagtaasan ng kilay. "Akala ko mamaya pa ang uwi mo?" tanong ko rito.
Nagsalubong ang kanyang kilay. "When did I go home late? I'm always early. Now, kiss me."
"Inuutusan mo ba ako?" Inirapan ko siya at tumayo upang pantayan siya. He's tall and he's towering me.
I crossed my arms. Masyadong demanding.
Humagikhik ang kapatid ko sa tabi niya. He has that teasing smile. He's always like that whenever he sees us together. Kinikilig daw siya. Hays, ang bata pa niya para makaramdam ng kilig.
Baby pa siya ni ate, hindi muna p'wede ang ganoon.
"Big boy, I have something for you." My brother knew it all too well.
May pasalubong na naman si Gotham sa kapatid ko. It's his cue to leave us alone for some kissing action. Trick iyon ni Gotham upang hindi niya masaksihan ang sabik na paglalapat ng aming labi.
I obliged to his demanding request. Who am I to refuse when I'm addicted to his kisses as he's addicted to mine? I encircled my arms to his nape, savoring every second of the shared kiss.
Nangangatog na naman ang tuhod ko. Sigurado akong kung nasa tamang lugar kaming dalawa, hindi lang halik ang matatanggap ko mula sa kanya.
"I always look forward to that kisses that's why I'm home early." Pinisil niya ang pisngi ko. "I missed you two."
Sakto namang bumalik ang kapatid ko dala ang bago niyang laruan at meryenda. He was assisted by Gotham's men. Napailing na lang ako sa daming bagong laruang pasalubong ng asawa ko.
His toys filled the whole entire room. Marami na rin ang nai-share ni Russle na mga laruan sa iba't ibang orphanage pero ga-bundok pa rin ang dami. Gotham was spoiling my brother so much.
Walang palya siyang may pasalubong dito. Pasimple ko siyang kinurot sa tagiliran.
"Sinabi ko naman sa'yo, 'wag masyadong i-spoil si bunso," bulong ko.
"What? He can only be a child once, Fili. Let him enjoy." Inakbayan niya ako. "You like it, big boy?"
"Thank you, kuya bayaw! Love you palagi!" He muttered with excitement, and hugged us both. "Love you, ate!"
"See? He's happy." Dinampian niya ang aking pisngi.
I just rolled my eyes.
It was making my heart flutter.
Every afternoon was like that. We would both play with Russle and eat merienda. Madalas kong ipinagluluto ang dalawa. Gotham also brings home food. He likes to splurge money to spoil my brother.
Once my brother was tired and asleep, it was his time to tutor me. Siya naman ang nag-boluntaryo na tulungan ako sa kagustuhan kong makapag-aral. Doon namin ginugugol ang oras bago matulog.
Something that makes me comfortable with this setup --- he never once made me feel dumb for not knowing certain things. He's patient to help me learn things, and I appreciate that.
"Tired?" he asked softly. "Let's go to sleep."
"Hindi ko pa nasasagutan iyong activity."
"It's fine, continue that tomorrow." Inilahad niya ang kanyang kamay sa akin. "Good job today, sweetheart."
Napailing ako at nagpatianod sa kanya. "Hindi ako sanay na ganyan ka,"
He smirked. Naupo siya sa gilid ng kama. His legs cornered me in between, while he placed his both hands on my waist. Hindi ako sigurado kung sa paghaplos niya sa aking tagiliran o sa pagkulong niya sa kanyang binti, hinang - hina ang tuhod ko.
"Aren't you accustomed with my ways yet, sweetheart? You should be, I'm only like that around you. You're the only one who has seen that side of me."
Nakatunganga akong hindi alam ang sasabihin. My knees were weak, I was trembling and nearly falling.
Ito ba... ito ba 'yong pa-fall?
Pinitik ko ang kanyang ilong. "Ganyan mo ba nakukuha ang mga babae mo?" Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata.
"Frankly..." Umismid siya. "I don't need to do anything, sweetheart. I can get any girl who wants me, but you're the only exception, because it's me who wants you."
Mas lalong lumaki ang ngisi niya. "Why... kuha na ba kita?"
"In your dreams," namumulang sagot ko sa mga banat niya.
"Exactly, that's why let's go to sleep."
He let himself fall into the soft mattress. Hinila niya ako sa kanyang ibabaw. Our eyes locked onto each other.
"Kiss mo 'ko..." utos niya.
Pinadaplisan ko ng halik ang labi niya... I was teasing him a bit. Nagsalubong agad ang kanyang magkabilang kilay na ikinatawa ko naman. May pa-fall na personality si Gotham, mayroon ding pikunin side siya.
He was right; I was the only one who has seen that side of him, it's intended for me only.
"Akala ko ba matutulog na tayo? Bakit puro ka kiss?" Ginulo ko ang kanyang buhok.
Ewan ko ba, kahit magulo ang buhok niya, pogi pa rin. Tangina. Ano naman? Wala akong pakialam kung gwapo siya. Marami naman akong nakitang gwapo... at siya lang nag-stand out. Ipinilig ko ang aking ulo.
Hays.
"I can't sleep without your kisses."
"Sinungaling! Kung sungalngalin kaya kita r'yan nang makita mo hinahanap mo." I showed him my fist.
"What? Sungal... what? You're so daming alam, huh. Por que't my tagalog is not malalim." Tumawa ako.
I rested on his chest. Hindi ako nahiyang titigan ang kabuuan ng kanyang mukha. Wala naman akong hiya. Siya naman ang naglaro sa aking buhok, he caressed it softly.
"You may sleep on my top, Fili. You would keep the demons at bay."
"Eh, ikaw naman 'yong demon."
Sumimangot siya at inirapan ako. "You're happy teasing me, huh. 'Cause you know how to get me... you know I wouldn't get mad at you..."
"Hindi ko na kasalanan 'yon," I stuck my tongue out, and sighed. Nahiga ako sa tabi niya. "Inaantok na ako, Gotham..."
He tapped his right shoulder, insisting I should make it my pillow. Sumunod naman ako. Umunan ako sa kanyang malaki at matigas na braso.
"Sleep tight, sweetheart. Good night," winika niya at hinalikan ang noo ko.
"Good night, demonyo." Agad akong pumikit bago pa man siya makapagreklamo. Rinig na rinig ko naman ang pagbuntong - hininga niya, gusto ko sanang isiping nakanguso pa siya.
It put a smile on my lips. Nawawala na ang angas ko. Sometimes, I am forgetting the fact that we're only married in papers.
Good night, asawa ko.