"Catch!"
I swiftly stretched my arms to catch the box Eugene was throwing me.
"Tangina mo!" I shouted at her when I catch the heavy box she randomly threw. Padabog ko iyong inilagay sa compartment ng sasakyan.
We are now here at their mansion since this is our calling place. It's just 2:50 am at 3:00 am sakto ang alis namin. Good thing the weather isn't that bad dahil wala pang ulan o ambon. Pero panigurado mga umaga o tanghali ay uulan nanaman. Magdadala si Eugine ng isang pick up truck kung saan naka store ang lahat ng gamit na kailangan namin, habang kami nila Lialian, Stephanie, at Kezaiah ay mag momotor.
"Wala pa si Kez?" Tanong ni Lialian.
I frowned. "Akala ko ba magkasamang
pupunta si Steph at Kezaiah?"
"Oo nga. Where is she Stephanie?" Dagdag ni Eugene.
"My gosh! She said she's bringing someone so we seperated ways! Hindi ko alam okay?!"
All of us were confused on where or who Kezaiah was bringing.
"Does she have a boyfriend now?" I asked confused.
All of my cousins shook their head.
"Then who? I'm hoping it's not from our school dahil alam naman natin na ayaw ni Eleanor ng-"
"OH! EM! GOSH!! BABY ZENN!!"
Agad nanlaki ang mata ko nang matanaw ang babaeng patakbo akong nilalapitan. Her long wavy brunette hair bouncing and her intimidating latina face became light because of the big smile she was carrying as she ran towards me in bliss.
I was shocked. "Alliyah?! Why the hell are you here- Ouch!" Halos matumba kaming dalawa nang dinamba niya ako ng yakap.
Pinalupot niya ng mahigpit ang matitinis nyang braso sa aking leeg. I held her waist for support dahil masyado siyang malikot!
"I missed you..." I heard her whisper when our hug became calm.
A small smile escaped my lips. "Ako hindi."
I joked making her immediately remove our embrace.
"Kapal me. Please!" She exerted her tongue and raised her middle finger.
Nagtatampo siyang lumayo sakin at bumalik sa direksyon ni Kezaiah.Tila nag susumbong pa si pinsan ko na kasamang niyang pumunta dito.
Agad akong natawa at narinig ko rin ang tawa ng mga pinsan ko.
I glanced at Eleanor who is comfortably sitting on one of the Mansions garden bench, kanina pa siya nandito at nag cecellphone dahil ayaw naman niyang makihalubilo at tumulong saamin. I walked towards her.
Her legs were crossed and her chin was resting on the back of her hand that was on her leg.
"I wanna introduce you to a friend..."
She immediately replied with her so cold voice, "No thanks." Hindi niya ako nililingon at nag cecellphone lamang siya.
Ano katext niya siguro yong 'love' nayon?
I scratched the back of my neck in frustration. "That would be rude, Eleanor. Atleast try to be nice today hmm?"
Dahil tila matigas pa sa bato ang puso niya ay hindi niya pinansin ang sinabi ko at nanatili siyang nakaupo. Nakahalukipkip at nagmamaldita ang tingin saakin.
Damn it! I want to act mad. I want to be mad at her. But I just can't. I can't because I have no right. And I can't because she's just so pretty.
Hindi ko alam kung magmomotor ba kami o mag fafashion show siya.
She was wearing a maroon and white cropped motorcycle jacket, it was opened revealing a black fitted tube inside. It was then paired with a high waisted leather jeans that showed all her perfect curves and showcased her well-shaped legs.
Damn that hourglass body!
And also her heeled phyton boots!
Iba rin ang dating ng make up niya ngayon, her smokey eye shadow makes her look like a bad girl that can ruin your life.
I blew out air calming myself then I squatted so our height would be at level. "Come one, Eleanor..." I sighed when she still ignored me.
She finally lifted her eyes to look at me.
Nakatingin lang siya sakin at walang ekspresyon ang mukha. Para akong nang-uuto ng bata sa totoong lang.
"Kung ayaw mo talagang sumama at mag tatantrums ka lang dito. Then I guess it's better if I would bring you to your parent's house instead? Doon ka muna?" Patanong kong sabi just to confirm na iyon nga ang gusto niyang mangyari.
"I would suggest na sa Makati ang ruta namin nang madaanan ang village niyo."
Madilim na ang tingin niya kanina pa pero mukhang mas lalong nandilim nang sinabi ko iyon. She rolled her eyes in annoyance and even hissed.
Nagulat ako noong walang salitang tumayo siya making me stand as well para sundan ang galaw at gagawin niya. Akala ko ay pupunta kami sa kotseng iiwan ko dito at babalikan nalang pagbalik namin galing sa camping pero sa may gawi siya ng mga pinsan at mga motor pumunta.
She stopped walking when she was already infront of everyone. Tumigil ang tawanan nila at nabaling ang atensyon samin ni Eleanor. Lahat ng pinsan ko ay tila may nangaasar na ngiti habang si Alliyah ay mukhang nagtataka kung sino ang babaeng kasama ko.
I felt Eleanor's sharp gaze into mine so my eyes darted to her, only for me to be greeted by a deadly stare.
Her sharp gaze was like a cue to introduce her to Alliyah. I cleared my throat when I get what her deadly stare met.
"Alliyah, this is my... uh... my..." Sa taranta ay hindi ko alam kung anong introduction ang gagawin ko kay Eleanor.
I don't want her to be mad when I introduce her as my wife with my friend, since only my family and Pyke knows that fact at paniguradong ayaw niya nang dagdagan pa ang nakakaalam non...
So in a flash I said. "-My friend. Eleanor." I saw my cousins frown but they didn't talk or reacted in any more ways. So I continued my introduction.
"And Eleanor, this Alliyah. Kezaiah and I's bestfriend. She just went home from the US."
Alliyah gave me a curious look before fixing her gaze to the one I'm introducing. Alliyah let her hand out for a shake while Eleanor stared at it for a second before finally deciding to shake it.
"Hi! Nice to meet you, Eleanor!"
Tinaasan lamang siya ng kilay noong isa bago nito binitawan ang kamay ni Alliyah at tumalikod, tska muling bumalik sa kanyang inuupuan kanina.
"Woah, she's got an attitude." Alliyah muttered. "That's really your friend, Aizen?" Pagmamaldita niya rin pero saakin nasalin, I gulpped not knowing what to reply
Alliyah knows how tight of a circle I have, alam niyang hindi ako basta bastang kumakaibigan. Lalo na at siya mismo ang nakaranas ng pagiging mapili ko sa mga taong hinahayaan kong pumasok sa buhay ko.
The silent was ruined when Kezaiah leaned in Alliyah's na tila may binulong sakanya. I saw how Alliyah gasped in shock and her eyes widened more and more.
"WHAT THE FUCK, ZEN?!" She suddenly shouted.
Hindi na ako nakareact sa malakas na pagmumura niya at nagulat nalang ako nang bigla akong hitakin ni Alliyah papalayo sa mga pinsan ko at kay Eleanor.
Halos pakurot na nga ang hawak niya sa aking braso kaya't napadaing ako.
"Ikaw ang what the fuck! Your grip is so tight! Ouch Alli!" Pag rereklamo ko habang padabog siyang nag mamartsa palayo.
Nang makalayo na kami, sapat para sigawan niya ako at hindi maririnig ng mga tao ay tumigil siya.
We faced each other, eye to eye and I saw how mad and frustrated she looked. Tila nag uusok na nga ang ilong niya, even her breathing is fast like she's trying to calm herself down.
"Kezaiah told you, huh." I muttered to myself in realization.
Hindi naman siya mag rereact nang ganyan kung hindi ang fact na kasal na ako ang ibinulong ni Kezaiah sakanya kanina.
I'm also not mad at Kezaiah for immediately telling that I lied. Alliyah is one of my closest friends, ayaw ko rin naman mag sinungaling sakanya. I just needed to say that lie para hindi magalit saakin yoong isa. But I plan on telling Alli the truth later when we have our alone time in our trip but I guess there is no need to do that. Ayos narin siguro na sinabi na kaagad ni Kez. Baka kasi mas maging ma attitude si Eleanor mamaya at lalong magtataka si Alliyah kung bakit 'kinaibigan' ko ang babaeng ganon ka sungit at maldita.
Her lips formed a thin line before she shouted, "Explain yourself you idiot! Howcome I only know this now huh?! How ironic! Whenever we text naman you never said this! You were married for Pete's sake! And I had no clue?!" Sunod sunod niyang lintanya minsan ay dinuduro pa niya ako.
I remained calm, and wait for her to finish all her rants. Binigyan ko rin siya nang sandaling katahimikan to catch her breath and lessen her anger.
And after a pause, I gave her my purest and truest apology.
"I'm sorry..." I said with so much scencerity.
I saw how her furious eyes slowly became soft. There was still a hint of anger and pain in it but it is lighter now. She then sighed making her breathes back to normal.
"Why didn't you tell me this as soon as the news came, Zen?" Her voice is now so soft and delecate that it was already a whisper.
Wala na ang kaninang tila dragona niyang aura. At ang tila kidlat niyang sigaw.
Hinanap niya ang mga mata ko nang nag-iwas ako ng tingin, making our eyes meet again.
I nibble my lip feeling a bit ashamed and guilty. "I... Naisip ko lang that you are really busy. With all the modeling, pageants and fashion shows you were doing all over this glove, heck you even joined a damn competition! And you are all over the news too! I didn't want to bother you, especially your spotlight." I stated a long explanation nang maintindihan niya talaga ang hindi ko man lang pag sabi sa kanya.
"You know I would drop everything that I'm doing just to help you right? Bakit ganito?"
"That's exactly why I didn't told you, Alli. I didn't want you to do that. I want you to enjoy your spotlight."
"Damn it, Zen! Mas importante ka kesa sa enjoyment ko, and how can I fully be happy knowing all of this now huh? Your freedom is more important than all my spotlight."
"You don't have to, Alli. It's okay. Alright? Please let's stop arguing, about this?"
Napasapo siya sa noo. "Selene naman... How can this be okay? This is marriage we're talking about. Kasama mo sa bahay Zen. Kasama mo araw-araw."
"As you can see okay naman ako. Okay lang ako Alliyah."
"Your 'okay's are always fake. You can trick every person in this world except me." Her eyes were almost glistening as if she was teary.
I panicked. "Okay lang talaga, Alli!"
She blew out air looking like an annoyaned kid. "Fine!"
But eventually her expression softened again, "But you know I love you right?"
I nodded slowly giving her a genuine smile. "I know..."
"And! I'll always be your original wife."
"I kn-"
"Let's go." Si Kezaiah.
Natigil ang paguusap naming dalawa nang mayroong sabay na nagsalita sa gilid namin.
"Tss. So bagal." Si Eleanor.
I was more shocked when I felt Eleanor pulling me on the hem of my motorcycle jacket. Her steps were hard as if she was dying to get our of there.
"Sorry, we were talking about-"
"I'm not asking." She coldly said and stopped walking when we were already in front of our cousins.
"Tagal niyo don ah! Let's go! Tapos na kami mag-ayos and it's already 3:00." Lialian announced and started fixing her things in her motorcycle.
I nodded quietly and started fixing my motorcycle and things as well. My attention went to Alliyah and Kezaiah na ngayon ay tila naiinis si Alliyah sa pinsan ko dahil sa ginawang paghatak sakanya.
Parehas kami ng motor na dala ni Kezaiah. It was a Honda gold wing, her's being white, and mine being matte black.
I chose this among the other motorcycles here since it's very suitable for the passengers.
Gusto ko sanang mag BMW kaso mahihirapan lang doon ang maarte kong angkas. Maayos na sa Gold wing at maluwag ang passenger at halos kotse na sa pagka comfortable.
Kila Eugine talaga ang motor na ito at hinihiram ko lang. Eleanor and I went here with my car na babalikan ko rin dito sa mansion nila pag-uwi namin.
Hawak ko na ang helmet ni Eleanor para sana ibigay sakanya. But I heard Engine saying something to the woman beside me, making my attention to them.
"Press, pwede ka naman sa akin sumakay. I'll be bringing a car for our supplies."
I frowned an impulsive thought comes out of my mouth.
Inunahan ko ang pagsagot ni Eleanor. "Ayaw ko nga."
Napunta ang tingin nila sakin when they heard me making me clear my throat in embarrassment.
"I mean, I brought her here. I should be the one who's responsible with her. Ako dapat ang kasama niya." Pag babawi ko.
Eugine laughed as if there's something funny!
Inis ko siyang binalingan ng tingin giving her my darkest stare.
"Eh paano kung umulan na mamaya? She might get sick and-"
"Bakit ba masyado kang concerned?" I cut her off.
Then I pushed her lightly, "Kami na ang bahala. We'll talk, she'll decide where to go if it rains later. But now, sakin siya sasakay." I continued and ended in finality.
I glanced at Eleanor na ngayon ay walang reaction at tinitignan lamang kami with her judging stare.
She then shrugged and hummed.
Muli niyang ibinalik ang tingin kay Eugine. "I'm fine with anything. I appreciate the offer." She gave a smile.
Bakit kay Eugine ang dali niya ngumiti?
Eugine nodded with a smile. "No biggy! Ayaw ko lang na magkasakit ang president ko knowing there's a comming event."
Mag sasalita pa sana si Eleanor but I stood in between her and Eugine making them stop their conversation.
I started wearing the helmet for her.
She stopped in her tracks and her attention back to me and not my cousin.
It was a brand new pink helmet, si Eugine talaga ang bumili nito para kay Eleanor sinabay niya sa pagbibili ng supplies namin noong isang araw.
Hindi ko sana gusto na galing toh kay Eugine pero mabuti nayon. Nakalimutan ko rin kasing bumili kahapon dahil umuwi ako kaagad at tska nalagyan na rin toh ng intercom ni Eugine.
"Tara na." I said in a low tone as I locked her helmet.
She gave me a blank stare as I put on her helmet.
Nakita kong naka start na ang motor nila Lialian at Stephanie. Sumakay narin ng sasakyan si Eugine. Kami nalang ni Kezaiah ang hindi pa naka handa.
Bumalik ang tingin ko kay Eleanor.
I can't help but smile.
Apparently the helmet my cousin bought for her is the helmet that has some kind of ears on top looking like a cat.
Dahil doon ay naging masama ang tingin niya sakin nang unti-unting nagkaroon ng mapaglarong ngiti ang mga labi ko.
"Is something funny?" Pagmamaldita niya at tinaasan ako ng kilay.
"Huh? Wala!" I immediately bit my lip trying not to smile so it wouldn't piss her off.
But I can't help it!
Now she looked more pissed with my grin.
Her cheeks were a bit squished because of the helmet, and it was also flushed because of her anger. Halos nakanguso narin siya sa inis saakin.
Cute.
"Can you stop?" I warned acting serious.
Tumalikod narin ako sakanya nang maka sakay na ng motor. I started the bike and looked at Eleanor once again.
Mas lalo siyang nag maldita dahil sa tono ng boses ko. She crossed her arms on her chest. "Stop what?"
Stop being cute damn it! Baka makiss kita dyan!
But I didn't say that.
Instead I said, "Stop being so grumpy in the morning."
I then started the motorcycle and remove the stand now using my legs as the support of the bigbike.
Nagsuot narin ako ng helmet ko.
She hastily rolled her eyes at me.
Nah, hindi ako matatakot sa mga tingin mo kung ganyan kacute ang itsura mo ngayon.
"Get in, Regina George! We're going shopping!" Pagbibiro ko dahil naalala ko ang pinapanood niya kagabi sa T.V.
Narinig ko kasi ang linya nayon habang nagpapanggap akong tulog.
Ang alam ko ay Get in loser yon, pero ayaw ko naman siyang tawaging loser at baka imbes na sumakay siya ay umuwi nalang toh sa kanila.
Inis siya napabuga sa hangin dahil sa pagka irita sa mga sinasabi ko, nawawalan na ng pasensya.
Bago tuloy siya sumakay sa likod ay naka tanggap muna ako ng isang kurot sa tagiliran kaya't napadaing ako at hindi maiwasang matawa pagkatapos.
She effortlessly sat on the back of my motorcycle, she didn't even need something to grip onto for her balance.
Well what do I expect? She's a cheerleader anyway. Balance is her forte.
Dahil handa na ang lahat, nagsimula nang umandar ang mga pinsan ko. Nangunguna ang kotse ni Eugine para sundan namin. Nagpahuli na ako.
When they're all going to the long entrance of the mansion, I started my motorcycle and drove towards them too.
Ngunit habang nag dadrive ay may narinig din akong bulong sa likuran.
"Can you also stop?"
I frowned being confused. "Alin?!" Napasigaw na ako dahil baka hindi niya marinig dahil ingat ng makina ng motor.
"Stop being such a flirt... Babaera."
Hindi ko masyadong narinig ang sinabi niya dahil malakas ang hangin at makina ng motor at mahina ang boses niya.
Hindi pa nga pala namin na-on ang intercom ng helmet!
"Sorry ano?!" I shouted when I didn't hear her.
Now I turned my intercom on so we could talk properly.
"You can turn your intercom so we could talk properly, just press it!" I then said para mabuksan niya rin ang sakanya.
Automatic narin iyon na nag connect sa intercom ng mga pinsan ko. Kaya nag simula narin naming marinig ang ingay nila.
Nang naka connect na siya ay muli ko siyang tinanong. "What did you say awhile ago?"
"Wala! I said don't you dare drive too fast or I'll kill you!" Habol niya tila walang paki kung marinig yon ng mga pinsan kong naka connect sa isa't-isa.
"Aye-aye Captain!" Agad kong pagsang-ayon.
Nakalabas na kami sa gate ng mansion at papunta na sa labas ng village.
Nang maalala ko na hindi ko nababa ang shade ng helmet niya ay kinuha ko ang atensyon niya.
"By the way, bring the shade of your helmet down, para walang maka kilala sayo."
I felt her doing what I said, but as she do it madami akong epal na narinig sa linya ng intercom.
"Lowkey yarn?!" Narinig kong pangengealam ni Stephanie.
Sumunod pa ang isa, "Payag ka don press? She's hiding yo-"
"Can you all shut the fuck up?!" Inis ko na sigaw at narinig ko ang tawanan ng lahat sa linya.
Tahimik kaming dalawa ng angkas ko habang nag babyahe. Nagpapatugtog lang ako sa motor na isa sa feature nito.
Habang siya ay nakikita ko sa side mirror na tila nag eenjoy sa mga nadadaanan namin dahil palinga-linga ang ulo niya.
Hindi naman siya naka kapit sa akin dahil may passenger grip naman ang motor at hindi rin naman sobrang mabilis ang takbo ko sa ngayon.
She was cooly either crossing her arms or her hand was on the pocket of her motorcycle jacket.
She was like a kid that is fascinated by the skyscrapers, as if she wasn't a city girl.
Madaling araw pa lang kasi kaya wala pang ni isang traffic, wala ring mauusok na tambutso ng sasakyan at sobrang lamig pa ng hangin.
Kaya maapprciate mo talaga ang nayong tahimik na syudad.
Mas lalo pa siyang na-enganyo noong nakalagpas na kami sa syudad at paunti na ng paunti ang nadadaanan naming building. Nasa highway kami at halos puro puno na ang nakikita sa gilid.
I glanced at the side mirror to see her and her eared-helmet. I cannot see her face since the helmet was down, but I knew that she was enjoying this early motorcycle ride.
Bumagal saglit ang takbo ko para ayusin ang intercom ko.
I fixed it in a mode that only the two of us would connect to each other.
When I did that, agad ko siyang kinausap.
"Are you comfy there?" I asked and went back to my speed a while ago.
I saw on my peripheral vision that she nods her head making me chuckle because her helmets ear was so cute! Hindi aakalain na malditang mukha ang nasa loob non.
"Are you enjoying?" Pangalawang tanong ko.
"Kinda." She coldly replied.
Huuu!
Kinda lang daw eh kanina pa malikot ang ulo niya kakatingin kung saan-saan.
"Okay. So, I will speed up." I informed her.
"And why?" Masungit niyang sabi at naramdaman kong pumunta sakin ang tingin niya.
"I want us to enjoy the sunrise in the province side already. Need kong bumilis para maabutan natin. And I also feel like it's gonna rain anytime now so it's better to fasten our ride."
I saw on the rear mirror that she shrugged as if it was a sign that she doesn't mind speeding up.
I smiled. "Hold me, Eleanor. You're going to experience a ride of your life."
"There's no way I'm going to hold-"
Hindi ko na pinatapos ang sasabihin niya. Agad kong ipinihit ng todo ang hand grip making the motorcycle as swift as the winds.
Sobrang lakas ng hangin na tumatama at ng tunog ng makina. But nonetheless, I could still hear Eleanor's tiny screams since we were wearing intercoms.
Bigla siyang napa hawak sa baywang ko noong pa-bigla kong binilisan ang takbo.
"Oh my gosh! You Garbage!" Singhal niya at mas lalong kumapit sa akin dahil sa takot.
Ramdam ko ang kaunting panginginig niya. At ang bilis ng puso niya.
Kahit ganoon ang reaction niya ay hindi manlang ako bumagal.
I smirked.
Finally, naka hawak kana rin sa akin.
"Slow down, Selene! I'm gonna kill you!" Muling sigaw niya nang mas lalo kong pang binilisan.
May mga mahihinang tampal rin akong naramdaman sa may tiyan ko. Minsan pa ay masasakit na kurot. But I didn't mind.
"Shhh. Calm down, and just hold tight!" I said as I maneuver the motorcycle so perfectly avoiding the few vehicles in the road.
Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang sunod-sunod niya na mga sigaw at reklamo. I focused on driving so fast as if we're fighting the winds. Ilang kurot ang hampas ang naramdaman ko hanggang makapunta kami sa may Antipolo. Paganda na nang paganda ang daan. Palayo nang palayo sa sibilisasyon ng syudad.
Kaso nga lang...
"Fuck! There goes the rain guys." Sabay nang pagpatak ng ulan sa helmet ko ang pagsalita ni Stephanie.
"Stop over ba tayo o oks lang?" Si Lialian na katabi ko lang ngayon ang motor sa pagdadrive dahil parehas kaming nag-bilis.
I slowed down a little to talk. "I can manage. Hindi naman malubak ang daanan. Pero may pupuntahan kami saglit. Mauna na kayo."
"Me too guys. I'll stop over in 7/11 Imma buy something. Una na kayo." Narinig ko naman na sabi ni Eugine.
Hindi naman na nagsalita sila Kierra at Alliyah. Sandali akong lumingon sa likuran para icheck ang dalawa na tila nag aaway ngayon at nagsisigawan.
I chuckled and focused on driving once again.
Muli kong prinivate ang intercom ng kaming dalawa lang ni Eleanor upang makausap ko siya.
"We're gonna watch the sunrise in a spot nearby. Is it okay for you to get wet?"
Ilang minuto siyang nanahimik bago ko naramdaman na dahan dahan itong tumango.
"But don't go too fast. Not funny!" Pagrereklamo niya sa mabilis kong takbo.
I laughed and agreed kahit na hindi ko naman susundin ang sinabi niya. Mabilis parin akong nagpatakbo hanggang mapuntahan namin ang hidden gem cliff malapit sa antipolo. Dito kitang kita ang pinaghalong city at mountain view.
"Damn, the sky is so orange today!" I exclaimed as I put my motorcycle on park. Walang katao-tao dito at isang kahoy na bench lang ang makikita malapit sa dulo ng cliff.
Inalis ko na ang helmet ko at liningon siya.
The music stopped when I turned my intercom off so I opened the motorcycle's speaker instead. Stephanie's playlist was blasting some songs in it. That cousin of mine has some grandma's music taste gosh the song playing was so old. But I guess it suits the weather.
Nakahalukipkip ang magandang presidente. Kita ang maguusok niyang ilong dahil sa inis sa akin.
Hindi ko pinansin ang masama niyang timpla at agad na tumungo sa may kahoy bench.
"Halika na dito!" I shouted at her dahil hindi ito gumalaw, mukha paring galit at ayaw akong lapitan.
She didn't even remove her helmet! Naka tayo lang siya doon, naka halukipkip, at binibigyan ako ng nakakamatay na tingin na tila pinapatay niya na ako sa isipan niya.
She may look fierce with her deadly stare, however, she doesn't look scary for me.
Look at that pink helmet with ears! And thos reddish cheeks because of anger!
Damn it. So cute.
Hindi ko na natiis ang pag iignora niya, kasi hindi manlang siya namangha sa magandang tanawin dahil naka focus ang masama niyang tingin saakin.
Lumapit akong muli sa kinatatayuan niya suot ang malaki kong ngiti.
"Sorry na... Hindi kasi natin maabutan toh kung hindi ako magmamadali." I gently whispered.
Dahan dahan kong tinggal ang helmet niya. Nahihirapan ako hindi dahil sa helmet kung hindi dahil mukhang konting kibot at maling galaw ko ay sasabog na siya sa galit.
She was just staring at me intensely, throwing daggers.
Pagkatanggal ko ng helmet niya ay marahan kong inaayos ang medyo nagulo niyang buhok na unti-unti rin namang nabasa dahil sa lumalakas na ambon.
"Don't. you ever. do that. Again." She sharply said ignoring how I adore every perfect strand of her hair that my hand touches.
Tinanggal na niya ang pagkakrus ng braso niya. Pero nakita ko ang pagkuyom ng kamao niya sa baba noong yumuko ako.
I held the side of her arms trying to calm her down. "Yes, press." I smiled.
The grip of her hands loosened as I softly caressed her sides.
Her deadly eyes slowly became calm as she followed my gaze.
"That wasn't funny you know?" Her voice now softened.
"I won't do it again, madame."
Iniwas niya narin ang tingin niya sakin at luminga linga sa paligid namin.
I smiled when her oceanic eyes had a certain glow in it.
I know that expression of hers! It means she likes what she saw, that's how she looks at salads, pink items, make ups, birkin bags, expensive jewelry, expensive sunglasses, expensive clothes, cheerleading stunts, and matcha.
Binitawan ko ang mga braso niya at hinawakan na lamang ang isa niyang kamay upang mahatak ko siya papunta sa kahoy na bench.
"Don't drag me, dummy!" Pag-saway niya sa akin.
She tried to pull her hands off my grip but I didn't let her.
We stopped on the edge of the clif. Binitawan ko narin ang kamay niya."Ingat ka ah, madulas." I reminded her as we stood by each other.
"Wow..." She whispered to herself as she admired the beauty of what's in front of us.
The sunrise, the city, the mountains. All of those are exceptionally beautiful. But why... why do I prefer staring at this beautiful woman beside me rather than what's in front?
I was a bit flabbergasted when she suddenly closed her eyes and looked up. As if she was feeling each raindrops on her angelic, luminous, alluring, face.
I stared at her as she does that, she stayed like that for a minute before finally opening her eyes and turning her head to look at me.
"I could feel your stare." Maldita niyang sabi.
"I can't help it. Why are you so-" I bit my lip stopping myself, when I realized mid-sentence what I was about to say.
"So...?" She wanted me to continue. And I swear I saw a small smirk on the side of her glossy lips.
"Wala." Iniwas ko na ang tingin ko at bahagyang lumayo sakanya.
Tanga mo, Selene. May boyfriend ata yan.
Pero sino ang asawa?
Ako.
Ikaw ba ang mahal?
Tangina!
Dahil sa mga naiisip ko at sa pag debate ko sa sarili, ay tuluyan na akong nawala sa mood at nagising sa katotohanan.
"Ayusin ko lang yung motor." Mas malamig pa sa ulan na paalam ko para makalayo ng tuluyan sakanya.
A frown formed on her forehead as if she was weirded out by my sudden mood change.
Tumalikod na ako at naglakad pabalik sa malapit na motor namin.
I quietly leaned on the motorcycle as I admire the woman infront of me who is enjoying the magnificent view.
After a few minutes, lumingon ito sa akin. Akala ko ay magaaya na siyang umalis dahil lumalakas na ang ulan pero iba pala ang sasabihin niya.
"Can you hand me my camera?" Utos niya.
I simply nodded and got it from the compartment of the motorcycle. Lumapit muli ako sa kanya at inabot ito.
Aalis na sana agad ako pagkaabot ko ng dala niyang camera pero hinawakan niya ang braso ko making me stop moving.
Tangina, ganoong hawak lang niya natatameme na agad ako.
"Need anything else-?"
She hissed. "Why don't you just stay here? Is the view more beautiful beside your motorcycle?" She annoyingly asked me and raised her brow.
Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya making my cheeks hot.
"Uhm..." I didn't know what to reply!
Eh bakit nga ba kasi ako lumalayo? Hindi naman niya ako inaano. Tska bakit ba nawawala ako sa mood tuwing naalala ko yung nangyari kahapon na pagtawag niyang "love" sa kung sino mang kausap niya sa phone niya!
I cleared my throat avoidimg her eyes. "Sige na dito lang ako, mag picture picture kana jan." I changed the subject.
Inirapan niya ako at binitawan na.
She held her expensive looking camera placing it near her face to take a picture of the orange skies. Hindi parin tumitigil ang ulan kaya't paniguradong may mga patak ng tubig na makikita sa picture niya nayon.
I silently prayed that she won't get any fever after this.
I was right about the highlighted raindrops on her pictures, since when she got enough she immediately showed her photos to me looking giddy.
I smiled at her. "Maganda." My comment as she swiped her camera.
She gave me a proud smirk.
"Take a picture of me now then let's go." Utos niya at ngayon ay sakin pinahawak ang camera.
I nodded at agad siyang sinunod.
Lumayo siya ng kaunti at tumalikod. Yon ata ang gusto niyang pose kaya't nagbilang na ako.
I took a picture of her. It was against the light so only her black silhouette and the sunrise in front was shown in the picture. Kitang kita ang ganda nang hugis ng katawan niya. Her curves all in the right places. Alam mong maganda yung nasa picture kahit na itim lang naman talaga ang kita.
Bumalik ka agad siya sa gawi ko at kinuha ang camera upang tignan kung maganda ba ang kuha ko.
I small smile formed her lips as she saw what I took.
"Satisfied?" I asked.
"Yes-" Hindi natuloy ang sasabihin niya nang takpan niya ang kanyang mukha dahil sa pagbahing.
She sniffed, her nose was slowly having the same color as her maroon jacket.
I immediately got worried. "You got a cold? Tara na nilalamig kana!" I held her arms as I examine her face.
Mukha ngang sinisipon na siya dahil medyo nag-iba ang mata niya. At namumula nang kaunti ang tenga at ilong niya.
"It's my allergies, there are probably pollens here. It's not because of the rain."
"You have Allergic rhinitis?" I assured with my worried voice.
She nodded like a guilty kid and looked down playing with her feet.
"You should've told me..." I gently said not wanting her to feel bad. Paano kasi kung sinabi niya sa akin na may allergic rhinitis niya ay hinding hindi ko siya dadalhin dito.
For fuck sake all the trees around here has pollens!
Nabahing ulit siya making me more worried.
I got my handkerchief from my compartment and handed it to her. She mumbled thankyou before hugging herself.
Tinawagan ko saglit si Eugine at tinanong kung nasaan ito. Buti ay hindi pa siya nakakaalis sa convenience store na pinuntahan niya kanina kaya't pwede pa niya kaming daanan dito, inutusan ko itong bumili ng antihistamine with a specific brand of my choice dahil pinag-aralan namin yon sa med school.
Kay Eugine ko muna siya ipapasakay dahil baka mamaya ay hindi naman pala allergies ang sipon niya kundi nilalamig lang siya talaga. Medyo malayo sa lokasyon namin ang convenience store kaya sinabi ni Eugine na matatagalan siya ng kaunti. Sinabi kong ayos lang dahil may shed naman sa may gilid na pwedeng pag-sulungan kung sakali.
Pero ang makulit na Eleanor ay ayaw dahil gusto daw niyang damhin ang ulan. Humina naman ito ng kaunti at naging ambon nalang kaya pinayagan ko na.
She is now sitting on the motorcycle habang ako ay nakatayo at binabantayan siya.
"You really should've told me, Allergic rhinitis can cause fevers too you know?"
She didn't reply and simply bit her lower lip as if she was guilty.
Damn it! Paano ako magagalit sa ganitong ka-cute na tao?
Inayos ko ang basa niyang buhok, I placed some strands behind her ears to make me see her ethereal face more clearly.
"Are you mad?" She suddenly asked with her hopeful eyes.
"I'm not... I'm just worried." Umiling ako.
I can't help but move my hands up to cup her redish, smooth like cream, cute cheeks.
I gently caressed her cheeks as I saw how the scary, independent, president of our university is now showing me her cute, guilty, child-like face...
I thought she will push me away but instead I saw how her eyes slowly closed as if she enjoys the warmth from my two hands.
"I hope you're not mad to yourself for showing me this place. Nor regret to bring me here..." She mumbled as she opened her eyes.
Tila nangungusap ang mga mata niya habang tinitignan niya ako.
"Not gonna lie but I kinda am." I sighed and removed my hands on her face. I rested my hands on her sides instead, gripping her small waist.
Totoo namang medyo nagagalit ako sa sarili ko dahil dinala ko pa siya dito. Una, nainis siya dahil ang bilis kong magpatakbo, pangalawa nagka allergies pa tuloy siya.
"Don't be." She suddenly looked annoyed again. But eventually her face softened. "Forget my allergies, I enjoyed the view, and that's what's important. Understand?" She tried to look annoyed but failed since her voice slowly softened together with her eyes.
I bit my lip trying not to look frustrated and worried.
"As long as you enjoyed."
"I did..." She whispered sensually.
Why sensually? Because her gaze went down to my... lips... and I saw how her red, glossy, lip, slowly had a gap. She then closed it and gulped.
"Stop doing that." I warned making her eyes back into mine.
"What?" She asked, her voice became hoarse, low and rough.
Binaba ko ang tingin ko dahil hindi ko na kayang tignan pa ang mata niya... Lalo na at may kung anong emosyon akong nakikita.
Her breathing changed, I saw how her collarbone move so intensely then she gulped again. Tangina bakit ba naka tube lang ang babaeng toh sa loob ng cropped jacket niya?
Fuck, mas lalong hindi ko kayang makita yon kaya muli ko nalang ibinalik ang tingin ko sa mukha niya.
AND DAMN IT!
I seem not get a hold of myself as I saw her face once more. Her long wavy blonde hair was wet, her nose and cheeks were a bit red, her lips were glossy, and her smell... Damn her smell for being so intoxicating.
And damn this world for giving me such a beautiful arranged wife and expect me not to kiss her.
Cause I definitely would.
And I would now.
"Damn me!" I cursed to myself before pulling this unrealisticly hot woman on her nape, closing my eyes as I felt her soft, warm, and strawberry smelling lips into mine.
I heard her gasp, I was expecting a slap, a push, or a shout. But she didn't.
Our lips met so perfectly, it was as if that exact moment was a key for my closed stoned heart.
That kiss unlocked a surreptitious secret that was thrown deep within my soul.
Locked until proven.
And damn me.
Damn. fucking. me.
For I am officially, bewitched.