Sunday na at masarap ang gising ko sa kama ko since nangyari ang hindi dapat inaasahang mangyari nung nakaraan. I slept in her office room at katabi ko pa siya. Hinatid niya ako sa bahay pero gulat pa rin ako kung bakit niya alam ang address ko kahit wala naman akong sinabi sa kanya but I was still grateful kasi ang asawa ko na mismo ang naghatid sakin pauwi.
Thinking back about what happened.
"Let's sleep," she said after niya makabihis. I just stared at her with the clothes she's wearing, suit her so much kahit may touch ng simplicity. She taps the space besides her. Dali akong humiga sa kama. She slowly lays her body besides me at wala akong sinayang na oras para hindi siya yakapin. My arms resting on her upper body.
"You're heavy," she complained, groaning as if she don't like what I did.
"You're soft kasi tsaka you don't have any vacant pillows so wala akong mayakap." I answered, smiling.
"Here, take this!" basag niya sakin sabay alis ng kamay ko. I rolled my eyes at nakaramdam ng sama ng loob.
Kanina lang parang ayaw niya pa akong pigilan na halikan siya tapos ngayon parang wala na namang nangyari.
Kinuha ko ang inabot niyang unan at tumalikod sa kanya.
"Bahala ka gusto mo ʼyan," I mentally said.
I noticed no movements from her kaya hindi ko nalang pinansin. Siguro ayaw niya ng niyayakap habang tulog or she's not really comfortable with me. I gently shuts my eyes so I can sleep habang may sama ng loob pa rin.
My eyes partially shut when her hand touches my back and an electrifying sensation greeted it.
"Are you asleep?" she inquired, her voice suddenly become so soft.
"Tulog na." Tipid pero pabiro kong sagot.
She slowly moves closer to me and linked her arms on my waist, hugging me back.
Akala ko ba ayaw mo?
"Don't move." She commanded.
I badly want to hug her.
Hinayaan ko lang siya baka magalit pa sakin at mapalayas ako, hindi ko pa naman maintindihan mood niya. Pagkaraan ng ilang minuto ay napansin kong tulog na siya, still hugging me. Dahan-dahan kong inikot ang katawan ko holding her wrist.
Oo, tulog nga. Ang ganda niya talaga.
Ngumiti ako habang nakatingin sa maamo niyang mukha - maamo lang pag tulog.
"Really you don't have to pay big amount of cash to have my company because I'm willing to spend my life with you forever." I whispered to her slumber state. I gently caress her face and slowly moved in to kiss her forehead.
"Good night," I whispered again. I then fixed my posture and layed down to hug her body again. She's sleeping so she won't notice our sudden position.
Galit talaga siya kanina, ramdam ko ang kinimkim niyang galit nung sumigaw siya ng 20 billion. Parang ayaw niya talagang mapunta ako kay Ma'am Vivien.
Ma'am Vivien. I wonder where is she. Wala rin akong magawa kanina as the two masked guy hurriedly assisted me. Maybe she knows where am I?
Sana hindi niya ako hanapin. I'm fine here. Perfectly fine with her.
I gently shuts my eyes as I'm hugging her. Completely in slumber. Then again, I found my peace. Wala akong balak na umuwi at kung papagalitan ako bukas wala akong paki. I'm gonna spend this night with her.
I woke up with no ones around. Nawala rin siya sa tabi ko. I groaned. Hindi man lang ako hinintay na gumising.
Tumayo ako at nag-unat. Where is she?
Naglakad ako para lumabas sa room baka nasa desk lang siya at may ginagawa. I gestured to open the doorknob pero hindi ko mabuksan. Pinilit kong itulak pero hindi ayaw talaga.
Did she locked me here? Why?
Hindi naman ako tatakas at hindi ko siya tatakasan. I will be responsible for this. Papakasalan ko naman siya at pananagutan ko ang magiging anak namin.
Charot, ang daming dama.
Lakad ako nang lakad sa kwarto niya, walang magawa.
What if ikulong niya ako dito haggang sa mamatay ako?
Bumalik ako sa pintuan at kinatok iyon ulit.
"Ma'am!? Ma'am!?" sigaw ko habang dinadamba ng palad ko ang pintuan niya. Wala pa ring sumasagot.
Bumalik ako sa kama niya at tiningnan ang pintuan, nag-aantay kung kailan bubukas. I stood again, dumaan na ang ilang minuto pero hindi pa rin binubuksan.
"Open sesame!" sigaw ko gesturing my hand na parang may kapangyarihan.
"Hays tangina!" I groaned.
Hindi na ako nakatiis, binalikan ko ang doorknob at pinilit kong buksan nang bumukas naman ito bigla. Her figure greeted my face na parang bumaba ang isang anghel para batiin ako. I purposely covered my eyes and made some jokes for her na kinatuwa niya naman.
Hindi ko alam kung saan siya galing pero may dala siyang paper bag galing sa Havens Café, did she goes there or nag order lang siya through phone?
Whatever.
We finished our breakfast with our chuckles and stuff. Hindi ko kasi mapigil ang bunganga ko pag kaharap siya. Sino ba naman ang magshu-shut up challenge pag ang isang dyosa na ang kaharap mo.
Hinatid niya ako sa bahay. Nang dumating kami ay nag-antay ako...ng goodbye kiss, siyempre.
When I playfully asked for a kiss, her neutral and cold gaze bore on mine again. A sudden stab on my chest.
Did she forgot what happened quickly? Am I her mere toy?
Nakaramdam ako ng sakit sa kaloob-looban ko. Oo nga pala. She have that guy then why is she treating me like this?
Pinigilan ko ang sarili kong umiyak and told her it's fine. Naiintindihan ko.
I was about to get out when she suddenly cupped my face and kissed me slowly. It was soft, gentle, and I kissed her back as a response.
Then all of my uncertainty fades away in an instant.
Naiiyak ako kasi ang rupok ko.
I stepped out of her car at kumaway sa kanya habang papalayo ang ford na sinasakyan niya. I will miss her.
Pumasok ako sa gate namin at dumiretso sa loob dala ang paper bag na nilagyan ng dress ko kahapon. My father greeted me with a smile.
Hindi ba nila ako hinanap? Alam ba nilang kinidnap ako kagabi ng dyosa?
Eme lang.
"Hey love!" Mom and dad greeted me with a warm smile on their faces.
"Mom! Dad!" I said as I hugged them.
"Did you enjoy your evening?" Dad asked.
"Yes Dad," I smiled back.
"How about Ma'am Suarez? Did you enjoy the night with her?" Mom asked.
My eyebrows met in puzzled. Si Ma'am Vivien? Hindi niya ako kasama kagabi, and why did they asked if how's my evening with Ma'am Vivien when I spent the night with Ma'am Rhea.
Did she lie on my parents? To cover me?
"Y-Yes dad. T'was f-fun." I hesitantly answered them. Pilit akong ngumiti at tumango nalang.
I retreated to my room in order to collect my thoughts once more. The question lingered in my mind. Did Ma'am Vivien know that I was with Ma'am Rhea, but she chose not to inform my parents and instead fabricated a story about us spending the entire night together?
Seated on my bed, I remained perplexed by this idea.
I felt a sense of remorse towards Ma'am Vivien, and gratitude as well, for shielding me from potential trouble.
I'm sorry, Ma'am Vivien.
Back at my current situation.
Pagkatapos kong maligo ay bumaba na ako para mag breakfast. Naabutan ko ang parents ko na masayang nag-uusap.
"Sweetie!" Dad greeted me, "Come here, we're waiting for you to wake up."
"Good morning," I said, smiling at them.
"Oo nga pala anak," Mom started, "How's your chest? Hindi na ba sumasakit?"
"Yes po," sagot ko sabay tango. Hindi ko mawari kung ano ang meron sa kanila ngayon kasi feeling ko ang saya saya nila.
"Let's have a breakfast first befor-
"Anton!" putol ni mom kay dad sabay boom bastic side-eye.
Ano bang meron sa kanila ngayon?
I joined my parents at the breakfast table, still curious about their simultaneous smiles. As we finished our meal, their excitement became palpable, particularly noticeable in my dad's smile.
"Freyja, sweetie," my dad began, his smile unwavering.
"Yes, Dad?" I replied, my eyebrows knitting together as their behavior piqued my suspicion.
"Could you please stand up?" utos niya sakin.
Rising from my seat, I watched with a mixture of confusion and anticipation as he placed his palm over my eyes. "Anong ibig sabihin nito dad?"
"Hush now, just relax," he reassured. Guiding me gently, I walked alongside him, my vision obscured by his hand.
The sensation of fresh outdoor air enveloped me, indicating that we had stepped outside. Continuing to follow his lead, we moved forward until my dad eventually brought us to a halt.
"Are you ready?" He exclaimed excitedly.
"For what, Dad?" I inquired, my curiosity growing.
"Count with me! One, two, three!" With a flourish, he unveiled my eyes and cried out.
"Surprise!" They both exclaimed.
My eyes widened in astonishment, and I felt an overwhelming surge of emotion. It was real. Before me stood the car I had always dreamed of owning - a Nissan GT-R, adorned with a fresh bouquet of flowers on its hood. Mom stood holding the keys, a smile playing on her lips, while Dad radiated sheer happiness.
"D-Dad..." Tears began to well up and trickle down my cheeks.
"Don't cry, hush now." My dad tried to console me, gesturing toward the car. "We got this for you."
"Sweetie, this is yours," my mom added, placing the key in my hand.
With a mixture of gratitude and overwhelming emotion, I embraced them tightly.
"Thank you, thank you so much."
The car I had longed for, my lifelong dream, was now a reality. My heart overflowed with happiness.
"Wanna ride it?" Dad excitedly asked, parang siya pa ang excited na sumakay pero excited din naman ako.
"Ngayon na? Dad?" I inquired.
"Of course, baby. Let's go, let's test it out!" Patalon pang sabi niya.
We all climbed into my brand new car, the elegant white Nissan GT-R. With both my parents seated beside me, we joyfully took the car out onto the highway to test its capabilities. The experience was exhilarating, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful parents I had. As I drove, time seemed to slow down, allowing me to savor the moments spent with my beaming parents. Their infectious smiles, laughter, and happiness were a treasure to behold. I cherished every second, enveloped in the warmth of their love.
Umuwi na kami sa bahay as our car testing done,
as we stepped out of the car upon our return, my phone suddenly buzzed with messages from them.
Kinuha ko agad saka binuksan ko at tiningnan.
10:28 AM
the baddies.🥵💅
Soraiya:
Let's have a friendly outing! I've discovered an amazing spot for us
Savvy:
is that so?
Yve:
Tara!?
Soraiya:
Tell Freyja we're going on a friend date
Savvy:
she will read this, idiots!
Yve:
Hayaan niyo na malaki na yon!
charot ito na tatawagan na.
Magrereply na sana ako kaso bigla ngang tumawag ang bruha.
"Nabasa ko," mabilis kong sagot bago pa man siya magsalita.
"Bihis ka na!" nae-excite na sagot niya.
Binaba ko na ang phone at pumasok na sa loob. Magpapaalam pa ako sa parents ko.
With a mix of anticipation, "Dad, pwede ba akong lumabas kasama mga friends ko? It's just a friendly date po."
My dad offered a smile, while my mom stood by his side. "You're more than welcome to go, just remember to take care, alright?" he advised.
With a smile of gratitude, I nodded, already changing into something suitable outfit for the our date. Brimming with excitement, I left the house, hopping into my new car.
Binigay ni Charlotte ang address kung saan kami pupunta, I began my journey.
A great spot, huh. I couldn't help but smile in anticipation as I made my way to the destination.
Nakarating ako sa isang park. May malaking restaurant din katabi ng malaking entrance. Pumasok ako roon at nakita sila Charlotte.
Biglang sumama ang loob ko.
Ang sabi nila friendly date tapos dala ni Charlotte si Samantha. Si Savannah dala si Catalina tapos si Soraiya may kasama rin.
Ako ang dala ko lang ay sama ng loob.
Diretso-diretso akong pumunta sa parking lot. Natanaw naman nila ang sasakyan ko pero wala siguro silang alam. Ang sarap nila sagasaan lahat.
Lumabas ako sa bago kong sasakyan at padabog na pumunta kung saan nag-aantay ang mga kumag.
"Freyjaa!" sigaw ni Charlotte, "Ikaw ba may-ari nun?" sabay turo sa sasakyan.
"Hindi, hiniram ko lang yan sa sugar mommy ko. Obvious ba?" naiirita kong sagot sa kanya.
"Siguro pinaghatian niyo ni Miss Porchevannah ang 20 Billion kaya nakabili ka ng bago." Natatawang sabi nito. Sarap niyang sikmurahan.
"Gaga!" sabay tawa ni Raya.
"New car, huh." Ngising sabi ni Savannah.
"Frey! Kamusta?" Cat spoke, nag-gesture pa ito na mag greeting kiss pero pinigilan agad ni Sav. "Hep!"
Takot ba to maagawan ng babae?
Sa tabi ni Charlotte ay si Samantha. Hindi ko alam kung anong gayuma ang pinainom ni Charlotte at napasama niya si Sam. Napakabait na bata pa naman n'yan. Ramdam ko ang talim ng mga titig nito sakin. It's very uncomfortable. Hindi man lang nagsalita. Tumingin ako dito at ngumiti but then she just rolled her eyes as a response from my beaming expression.
See? Ganyan siya kabait.
"Shall we grab a bite before we explore the place?" Savannah suggested.
"By the way, Freyja, I'd like you to meet Cassandra, my girlfriend," pagpapakilala ni Raya sa babaeng katabi niya.
The girl wore a simple yet elegant dress that accentuated her physique perfectly. So, she's Raya's girlfriend.
Charlotte and Samantha, Savannah and Catalina, Soraiya and Cassandra, and then there's me with my Imaginary friend.
"Hello nice to meet you, I'm Frey," I greeted, extending my hand for a handshake.
"I'm Cassandra. Nice to meet you too," she replied, shaking my hand warmly.
After exchanging pleasantries, we headed to start our meal. Pero hindi ko pa rin matanggap na ako lang ang walang partner. Naging seven wheel pa nga.
Nagsimula na kaming maglakad papasok sa restaurant, my attention suddenly diverted as I caught sight of someone familiar in my peripheral vision. Two figures that seemed recognizable, yet they vanished when I turned to look directly.
Perhaps it was just my imagination, but it certainly stirred my heart.
Pinagsawalang bahala ko nalang at baka nagkamali lang ako ng pagkakilala.
We happily entered the restaurant. Umupo kami sa malaking table, suits for us. Ako lang talaga ang walang katabi umupo parang gusto ko nalang umuwi.
The staff approached our group, ready to take our orders. We chose a variety of dishes and eagerly indulged in our meal.
Laughter and joy filled the air as we enjoyed our time together.
Despite the overall happiness, Samantha's icy glances toward me remained, casting a shadow over the atmosphere. Galit pa ba talaga siya sakin?
After namin kumain ay lumabas na kami sa restaurant and we strolled the park just as what we want. As we leisurely explored the park, taking selfies and capturing moments with our cameras, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. The park was bustling with people, all radiating smiles. I exhaled deeply, my smile reflecting the warmth of the day, and my gaze shifted to my friends.
Masayang-masaya silang nagpi-picture kahit si Sam nauubos pasensya kay Charlotte e. Tinapon ba naman sa taas ang phone kasi cool daw.
Savannah and Catalina also Soraiya and Cassandra happily taking pics din.
Sana umulan ng apoy tapos matamaan kayo.
Charot
However, a familiar figure in the distance caught my attention. My heart skipped a beat, and I widened my eyes to confirm what I was seeing.
Hindi ako nagkakamali. Hindi.
It was her, accompanied by him - Ma'am Rhea and Sir Montejo - holding hands and strolling blissfully.
Their apparent happiness and shared intimacy seemed like they were in their own world. A tear welled up in my eye, and a deep ache settled in my chest. Had she forgotten the moments we shared just days ago? Was she toying with my emotions?
Nasasaktan ako. Ano ba ako sa kanya? Pagkatapos ng lahat kakalimutan niya lang?
I couldn't tear my eyes away as I stood there, watching them. Anger and pain clenched my heart, shattering it into pieces. I felt paralyzed by the sight of her with that man, an overwhelming ache consuming me.
In that moment, our eyes met, and my heart sank even further. Tears blurred my vision, but I managed to hold them back. My hope disintegrated as she looked at me, her surprise evident, yet her hand firmly intertwined with his. It was a painful realization, and my heartache deepened as I witnessed her with him.
Are you happy being with him and toying with my feelings?
Mabilis akong umalis sa pwesto ko. Hindi na ako nagpaalam sa mga kasama ko. I walk fast, gusto ko ng umalis. I can't bear watching them, holding hands like a sweet couple and ignoring all the crowds around them. That fucking hurted me.
"Goddammit!" I shouted, looking at my self in the mirror. My tears won't stop. Naaawa ako sa sarili ko.
Bakit ba palagi nalang ganito?
I'm ready to give her the world but she's ready to give her damn world to that man. I'm here, I'm fucking here!
Bakit siya pa? Dahil siya ba ang nauna?
Did she just pay billions just to play with me?
Ganun nalang ba kadali sa kanya na paglaruan ako as if mabibili lang niya ako?
Why I'm always soft for her? I witnessed her multiple times together with that man but why am I still pushing my feelings to her? Ganito na ba ako katanga.
I care, I always care for her. That's my fucking problem.
I'm at the restroom. I headed here to wash my face. So that my tears won't be visible. I want to go home.
Hinugasan ko ang mukha ko then a figure appeared in my back...
"S-Samantha?" I asked. Si Samantha, sumunod pala siya sakin. But her cold gazes on mine. Pinilit kong hindi umiyak.
"Let go of the illusion that it could have been any different," she coldy stated.
"W-what do you mean?" I inquired, puzzled by her sudden quote.
"You!" she yelled. "You're a fucking wrecker!" turo niya sakin.
I gasped, once again. Anong ibig niyang sabihin?
"W-why?" I weakly mumbled. I don't know anymore.
"You ruined my life, Elie! You ruined me!"
"What are you sayin- anong pinagsasabi mo, is that why you're here? Para sabihin ʼyan?" tanong ko sa kanya.
"Ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit ayaw ako ng Dad ko! Kung bakit palagi niya nalang akong pinapagalitan sa tuwing pangalawa lang ako sayo, because of you!" She shouted again. She moved towards me making me took a step back. "The competition, it was mine sana. Akala ko magiging akin na ang trophy, I need it to made my Dad praise me pero anong ginawa mo? Sinira mo ang plano ko! You're a fucking wrecker!"
"Shut up!!!" I shouted, my fist clenched. "Hindi ko kasalanan kung palaging pangalawa ka lang sakin!"
Hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili kong hindi sumigaw as anger surged within me alongside with the pain in my heart.
"You have no idea how much effort and hard work I've put into achieving my goals, Samantha. It's not my fault that you can't measure up. Your inability to match my accomplishments is your own issue, and your jealousy of me is clear!" I exclaimed, tears streaming down my face.
"I'm not jealous of you! I want to have it all, but you always stand in my way!" she yelled back, frustration evident in her voice.
"Samantha, it's been this way from the beginning. You treated me like an enemy, even though I wanted to be your friend. The paint you threw at me in the practice room, the colors you ruined in the school fountain, the bag you defaced to the point that I couldn't go to school afterwards - despite all that, I tried to see you as a sister. I never saw you as my enemy." My voice quivered as tears continued to fall. My throat felt constricted.
Samantha fell silent, my words stopping her in her tracks.
My fists clenched as I gathered my resolve. "I apologize for always being at the forefront, but it's not my fault. If I could give you everything, I would have. I'm sorry, Sam," I whispered weakly, my voice breaking as I left the restroom, tears still streaming down my face. She remained behind, stunned by my words.
With an ache in my chest, I made my way to the car and started driving back home. I had hoped for a day of enjoyment, but it seemed like everything was ruined.
Gusto ko lang naman magsaya.
Samantha's unexpected appearance and her anger towards me only added to my frustration and anger, causing tears to well up in my eyes.
Seeing her with that man, holding hands and sharing smiles, shattered my day and my heart. My optimism was crushed once again. I love her deeply, and she's well aware of that fact. However, it's becoming increasingly clear that she doesn't feel the same way about me.
It would have been so much better if it were me in his place.
But yet again, my heart was left broken, shattered into pieces.
It's as if she takes pleasure in seeing me suffer because of her, relishing in the pain she causes me.
She's like an unfathomable ocean, pulling me into its depths, only to abandon me in emptiness after I've lost my breath.