I'm pretty sure I slept with my back facing him, and I don't know how we ended up with this very clingy position. Our arms were wrapped around each other's waist, one of my legs are resting on top of his thigh. I was facing his Adam's apple, and we're already snuggled up with just a blanket covering the two of us.
And I can't deny that I had the most comfortable sleep because of this. I was still sleepy since I think it was only five in the morning, so I snuggled closer to him. I felt him moved and tigthened his hold on me.
Hindi man lang siya nagpalit ng damit. I thought but who cares? Mabango pa din naman siya.
Just when I was about to sleep again, a loud noise came from outside. It was no other than Eliana, "Gising na, hoy! Tanghali na!"
"No, tita! It's just 5:30 in the morning!" Cryd grunted, narinig ko ang mahinang pag-ungos niya bago maligayang sumigaw ng, "Daddy!"
Mariin akong napapikit sa sigaw niya, I still want to sleep.
"Tita! Daddy is here!" Cryd beamed, I sighed and opened my eyes, "We need to get up, Ryder."
He groaned, lazily opening his eyes, "I'm still sleepy."
"I know, but your son's awake."
"Our son." He corrected, saka huminga ng malalim. Sabay kaming bumangon, sakto namang binuksan ni Eliana ang pintuan ng tent. Malakas siyang tumili, "Totoo nga! Nandito ka!"
"Tone down your voice, Eliana." I told her, saka hinalikan sa pisngi si Cryd na malawak nanaman ang ngiti, "Good morning, Cryd."
"Good morning, mommy, daddy!" He beamed. Umayos ako ng tayo nang makalabas kami ng tent.
"Ay, Cae, paanong nangyaring nandyan yan?" Eliana asked, I shrugged and yawned before glancing back at Ryder who seems really sleepy dahil papikit-pikit pa ang mata niya.
"Matulog ka nalang ulit muna." I told him but he just shook his head, "I'm fine."
"No, you're not." I pointed, "Once we finish eating our breakfast, let's go back down. There's a mini hotel there, we can check in, so you can sleep comfortably until you fully recovered from tiredness. I'll just tell them that we'll stay there for awhile."
"I'm fi—" I cut him off using my index finger, "Don't push yourself, magkakasakit ka niyan. Para kang si Vodka eh."
Sumimangot siya nang marinig ang pangalan ni Vodka, tinalukuran ko na siya para tulungan sina Cola sa pagpeprepare ng breakfast. Sinabi ko na rin sa kanila ang plano kong patuluyan muna si Ryder sa isang hotel. Kaso ang anak ko naman ang umapila, he seems enjoying the adventure kaya naman wala akong ibang nagawa kundi ipaubaya muna siya kina Eliana.
"You didn't tell me that bastard is here." Bulong sa akin ni Ryder while we were in the middle of eating our breakfast, "Buong araw kayong magkasama kahapon."
"Ryder, he already has a girlfriend."
"And so? He can cheat anytime." He hissed saka kumapit sa bewang ko, hinawi ko naman iyon saka marahan siyang tinignan, "Yes, he can but not with me."
"Definitely not with you or else." He left his words hanging, nagpatuloy na kami sa pagkain.
—
It's a good thing Kuya Kenneth is here to take care of Cryd. He said he's fond with kids dahil madalas sila ng girlfriend niya sa bahay ampunan so looking out for Cryd is just a piece of cake.
Ryder and I reached the hotel at 10 in the morning, mas mabilis talaga ang lakad pag pabalik na at mabuti'y dala ni Ryder ang kotse niya. He has extra clothes there.
"Sorry, miss, one room with four beds nalang po ang available ngayon." Sambit nung babae sa isang customer. Napatingin ako kay Ryder na ngayo'y nakasuot ng salamin para hindi siya marecognize agad, "One room nalang daw."
"You can kick those in the royal suite now! I can't check in a room with this man!" Reklamo noong babae, which voice was a little familiar.
"Miss, kukunin na namin yung room. Napakaarte nitong babaeng to, kung sana hindi siya maarte, nagtatrabaho ako ngayon at wala dito." And just when I heard the other guy speak, narealized ko na kung sino ang mga ito.
"Ano nalang ang sasabihin ni Caeleah pag nalaman niyang nandito ako sa Pilipinas nang di niya alam?" Vodka spouted, Ryder's hand immediately caught my waist, I heard him tsk-ed and murmured, "Panira."
But I ignored him, he's just acting like a spoiled child anyway.
"Kukunin niyo na po ba?" Tanong ulit nung babae na mukhang natatae na dahil sa putla ng mukha.
"They'll take it. We'll join these two sa room nila." I answered, making the two of them turn to our direction.
"Caeleah?!"
"Ry—" Tinakpan ni Pillow ang sarili niyang bibig upon realizing that she's not suppose to shout Ryder's name in public.
"We can share rooms." I told them saka ibinigay ang card ko doon sa babae. We settled accounts bago niya ibinigay ang keys sa room. A worker led as there.
"You should take a shower first before sleeping." I told Ryder when we got inside the room, tumango siya at naglakad papasok doon sa bathroom.
Hinarap ko si Vodka at Pillow na ngayo'y nakaupo sa kani-kaniyang kama, "Anyone care to explain?"
"Just as I planned, dapat ay ihahatid ko lang itong babaeng ito sa airport para makauwi siya dito pero dahil lintik siya, sinama niya ako at dinala dito sa pesteng lugar na ito. The e—" Vodka stopped when he saw me giving him a very calm but deadly stare, napalunok pa siya dahil doon, "Well, the truth is I came along with her to surprise you but she asked me to bring her in this certain place since she wants tranquility and peace and so, I did brought her here and then you caught us."
Binalingan ko naman si Pillow, "Are you forgetting that you're an actress? Pinag-aalala mo ang mga manager mo pati sina Ryder."
"I won't forget that. I just really want to unwind at the moment."
"You can ask for your management's permission."
"I did but they didn't let me so I sneaked out of the country."
"And you think getting drunk is the solution?" I asked arching an eyebrow. She huffed, "Being drunk and getting almost roofied is not part of the plan."
"You're lucky Vodka's there." I mumbled saka inayos ang mga dala-dala naming gamit, "So, what's your plan now?"
"We'll go hiking." Pillow said, "Iyon ay kung papayagan mong hiramin ko muna ang boyfriend mo."
"You can take him wherever you want." I said nonchalant, umakto naman si Vodka na parang nasaktan sa sinabi ko. He stabbed the imaginary knife on his chest before sniffing like he's having a hard time crying.
"Before I forget." Pillow added, "Bakit magkasama kayo ni Ryder?"
"Long story." I utter saka pumunta sa pwesto ko para ayusin ang mga gamit ko.
"Si Cryd?" Asked Vodka.
"She's with Eliana and Cola, ayaw niya pa kasing bumababa after our long hike. Baka maabutan niyo pa siya doon kung maghahiking kayo."
"Who's Cryd?" Takang tanong ni Pillow.
"My son."
"Your son?!" Pasigaw niyang tanong saka pabalik-balik na tinignan kami ni Vodka, "May anak na kayong dalawa? But you're too young!"
She gaped at us before squealing upon realizing something, kinuha niya ang phone niya and did something there bago impit na tumili ulit, "Okay. Okay. That's why the figure looks familiar. It is you!"
Ipinakita niya sa amin yung picture namin ni Ryder na kumakalat ngayon sa media, bumuntong hininga ako.
"So, you and Ryder has a son already! That's why he's being a little clingy with you during our taping! And now, you're together!" She said in conclusion, "Edi paano na si Vodka? Naknang! Akala ko mag-on kayo?"
"Kabit niya ako." Natatawang singit ni Vodka. Pillow looked at us in disbelief, "Seryoso?!"
"It's true that Ryder and I has a son."
"How old is he?"
"He's turning five."
"Ay gago!" Pillow reacted, knowing that she's an actress, it's amusing that she'll go and act like this, "Ibig sabihin matagal ng kayo?! Jusme, ang tagal niyong tinago sa publiko ito!"
"No, actually, kailan lang din nalaman ni Ryder." I told her, napamura siyang muli kaya naman binato siya ni Vodka ng unan, "Ang OA mo."
"Kumain na kayo?" I asked to change the subject. They both nodded, tumayo si Vodka at umupo sa tabi ko. He leaned forward to give me a peck on my cheeks, "Miss you."
"Likewise." Mahina akong natawa, napasinghap naman si Pillow, telling us na its not right to continue Vodka and I's relationship, respeto naman daw kay Ryder.
"I agree with you." Ryder said from behind, basa ang buhok niyo at nakapagpalit na siya ng damit. Below his eyes was a huge dark bags, which I assume is because of too much lack of sleep.
Tumayo ako at nagpunta sa kanya to check his temperature, good thing, wala pa siyang lagnat. Tsaka mahihirapan din ako pag may sakit siya, he's a lot more clingy when he's sick, kaso may masungit na side din siya.
He held my gaze for awhile bago siya humiga sa kama. Bumaling ako kina Pillow na ngayo'y nag-aayos na for the camp, "Babalik din kami agad."
"Kaya hindi niyo masusundan si Cryd." Vodka teased, tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, making him grin wider.
After half an hour, nagpaalam na din sila. Seeing the two of them arguing like a couple tugged my heart, they look cute together and if ever possible, I want Vodka to court Pillow soon. He should not just let her slide out of his grip. Besides, I know there are more reasons why Pillow suddenly wants to unwind and I'm sure Vodka knew what those reasons are.
I looked back at Ryder who's now fast asleep. Naligo muna ako bago siya ipaghanda ng tanghalian. May corned beef naman dito kaya iyon nalang ang hinanda ko.
After preparing, I grabbed one Lays, turned on the TV and sat on my bed para hintaying magising si Ryder.
—
Past one o'clock na nang magising si Ryder, "Hey." He murmured when he saw me, "Dito ka sa tabi ko."
I glanced at him, "I have my own bed to fill. Tsaka pang-isahan lang ang mga kama. You'll just feel uncomfortable."
"I don't care. I want you beside me." Untag niya pero umiling ako, "Nagugutom ka na? Nagluto ako ng makakain."
"Hindi pa. Kumain ka na?"
"Hindi pa, hinihintay kasi kita para sabay na tayo." I answered honestly.
Ngumiti siya bago huminga ng malalim saka bumangon, "Kain na tayo."
"I thought you're not yet hungry?" I asked before grabbing the remote to turn off the TV.
"Gutom na pala ko, sabay na tayong kumain." He smiled softly, sabay kaming tumayo at nagtungo sa kitchen kung saan nandoon din ang dining table.
"This is the best tasting corned beef ever!" Natatawa niyang sabi matapos naming kumain. I looked at him blankly, "Ang tabang kaya! Dapat pala nilagyan ko ng kaunting asin."
"Masarap." He laughed saka ako tinulungan sa pag-aayos ng mesa at paghuhugas ng plato. Hindi ko alam kung nambobola lang siya na masarap yung niluto ko o talagang nasarapan siya, simut na simot kasi yung niluto ko.
"Matulog ka na ulit." I told him when we reached our beds. Ngumuso naman siya, "Do you want me to sleep all day?"
"Yes. 'Cause you look really tired and sleepless." Tinuro ko pa yung malalaki niyang eyebags.
"Hindi na ko inaantok." Pilit niya saka nakisiksik sa higaan ko, bahagya ko naman siyang tinulak, "Ryder, masikip na."
"Tabi tayo." Parang bata niyang sabi saka nakikain sa Lays ko.
"Masikip nga."
"Ayos lang, mas masaya pag mas masikip." Utas niya kaya tinaasan ko siya mg kilay, "At bakit naman?"
"Para mas close tayo."
"Nakakairita pag masikip." I told him, slightly pushing him away but just like before, yung gusto niya ang masusunod so we ended up almost hugging each other on the small bed while watching Warm Bodies.
"Ikaw? Kailan titibok ang puso mo para sa akin?" Ryder kidded saka isinandal ang ulo niya sa balikat ko. I did not respond to that because honestly speaking, my heart didn't stop beating for him over and over again.
Nang mag-gabihan na ay nag-suggest nalang ako na kumain kami sa restaurant sa ibaba, pinilit pa niya akong ipagluto siya ulit kaso ayoko naman na dahil baka matabang nanaman.
Sakto namang kararating lang nina Eliana nang papasok kami sa resto kaya naman sabay sabay na kaming kumain. Cryd told me they saw Vodka there on their way back, gusto pa nga daw sana nitong magpaiwan ayon kay Kuya Kenneth kaso hindi na niya pinayagan at bago magkasakit na ang bata.
"Gwapo din pala nung Vodka te." Eliana whispered when we were on our way back to our room, "Swerte mo." Kantyaw niya pa.
Hindi ko na lamang siya pinansin at tinitigan nalang sina Ryder at Cryd (na buhat-buhat ni Ryder) habang naglalaro sila ng jack en poy.
"Look." Kuya Kenneth gestured saka ipinakita sa akin ang mga litrato ng mag-ama simula kaninang kumakain kami, napangiti ako, they look adorable, "Can you send it to me via email?"
"Sure." He smiled.
Mabuti at hindi na kami magpapalipas ng gabi dito, wala din kasing matutulugan ang ilan kung dito pa kami matutulog. Tsaka tinatawagan na si Ryder ng management niya dahil buong araw na itong wala.
"Kung alam ko lang na may anak tayo, hindi na sana ako nag-artista." He murmured looking at his beeping phone. I bit my lower lip, "Sorry."
"Ayos lang." Ngumiti siya saka ginulo ang buhok ko. All of us are having a great time chatting when Cryd suddenly poked me and asked, "Mom, you and daddy is trending on Twitter. And I think its a bad bad bad trend."
My forehead creased because of what he said, "What do you—" Natigil ako sa pagsasalita nang ipakita niya sa akin ang phone niya at ang trending list sa Twitter.
#PSYKamatayanNiDavidClaudiaAtNayBelen
#RyderScandal
Ryder Constantine
Leaked videos
#OTWOLTheWedding
Caeleah Suarez
#AlDubTakdangPanahon
#HappyLizQuenDay
#KathNielByahengForever
KathReid
#AllFor1D
"What the hell?" I mumbled in confusion. I clicked on #RyderScandal and saw the reason why we're both on the trending list.
I don't know where this came from, o kung saan man nila ito napulot....but one thing's for sure, the videos of our love making five years ago was leaked in public.
Now, the whole world is talking about us.
"Ry...der." I called him and showed him the screen. And all he could say was, "Fuck."
—
Double update. Hehez. Sorry kung may typo or anything, di talaga ako nagpoproofread eh :)
Focus muna ako dito sa TNQ, next time na yung ibang stories ko. Lols.
Follow Cryd in Twitter, @caxander 💕