^Hanz
****
Chapter 17— Dinner with the Varquez
Kelly's Point Of View
"Kuya," tawag ni Hanz sa kanyang kapatid. Parehong lumingon ang dalawang tao sa direksyon namin yung babae at yung tinawag niya. Kaagad na ngumiti si kuya Vinz sa amin kaya ngumiti kami pabalik. Lumipat ang tingin ko sa kasama niya na may ngiti rin sa labi.
The word 'Goddess' is the first thing that came to my mind when I saw her for the first time. The orbs of her eyes are clearer than the sky. It's emerald, like the color of the ocean. Her perfectly angled nose is pointy. Her pouty lips are covered in nude matte. She is looking straight at me with a soft smile plastered on her beautiful face.
I've never felt so insecure in my whole life.
Nakipagkamay si kuya Vinz sa akin. "Kelly," he called. "This is my girlfriend." pagpapakilala niya sa kasama niya. Girlfriend? They look so good together. The ever gentleman and his lady. Gosh, kinikilig ako sa hindi malamang dahilan.
Ngumiti ulit yung girlfriend niya sa akin at naglahad ng kamay. "Hi. I'm Liza, short for Alizzia."
"Kelly." pagpapakilala ko rin. "Short for Kelliah." Ngumiti ako.
"Nice to meet you." she said as she let go of my hand. "Hey Hanz." bati niya sa kasama ko.
"Nice to meet you, too... ate Liza?" I'm not really sure how old she is but I do know she's older than me.
Tumawa siya. "No, no, don't call me 'ate', feeling ko ang tanda-tanda ko na kapag ganun."
Oh, she speaks tagalog. No sht Sherlock.
"Talaga? Ilang taon ka na ba?"
"Twenty six."
Tinignan ko ulit siya, then kay kuya Vinz. Tumingin ulit ako kay Liza, at balik ulit kay kuya Vinz. Humarap ako kay Hanz at bumulong. "Ilang taon na ba si kuya Vinz?"
Kuya Vinz looks mature for his age, while Liza looks too young. She has a baby face, yet she also looks sexy.
"He's twenty seven." sagot niya, hindi man lang nag-abalang bumulong kaya narinig nila. Tumawa lang ang dalawa.
Yep. No sht. Talk about maturity.
"I'm really glad to meet you, Kelly. I hope we can be good friends." she smiled again. Nakita kong ngumiti si kuya Vinz at tumango sa akin.
She's so tall kaya kailangan ko pang tumingala. Siguro nasa 5'7 or 8 habang si kuya Vinz naman ay 6'1. Wow, I wish I could be tall like her. Sucks to be 5'3. Tatangkad pa naman siguro ako. Mabuti na lang at hindi magkasingtangkad si kuya Vinz at Hanz. 5'8 lang kasi ang bansot na to.
"Hey guys!" wika ng bagong dating na si kuya Denz. He's wearing a dark blue button down longsleeve and a pair of beige trouser. "Hello there, Alizzia." bati niya sa dalaga as he hugged her.
"Good to see you again, Denz." tumawa silang dalawa bago humarap sa akin. I gulped when I realized he's staring at me.
"Kelly, my dear!" he shouts kaya nagulat ako. "I'm so glad you came." Lumapit siya sa akin at niyakap ako. I returned it with an awkward pat on his back. "Wow. You look... great—I mean, you look different, well—in a good way."
"Why are you stuttering though?" kuya Vinz joked. Ngumisi lang siya. "She looks wonderful."
"What? I'm just trying to make her feel comfortable, which, obviously, is not helping." he chuckled. "So feel yourself at home, sweetie."
"Uy Denz. Pansinin mo rin ako." ani Liza na parang nagtatampo sa lalaki. "Halos dinaanan mo lang ako eh." Hindi pa rin ma-process ng utak ko na nagtatagalog siya, ang fluent niya kasi tapos halatang foreigner.
"You're practically living here," he replied as he laughed. "Nakakasawa na nga ang mukha mo."
"Aray." drama niya. Kuya Vinz just laughed. Bakit ganun, kahit nagbibiro lang siya, maganda pa rin ang aura niya. Kahit siguro mag-wacky siya, maiingit pa rin ako.
"Kuya, nasaan pala sa ate Kendri?" tanong ni Hanz. "Will she come for dinner?" Tinignan siya kuya Denz na nagtataka.
"Nasaan nga ba siya?" he asked innocently, tapos nagkunwari siyang nanlaki ang mga mata niya. "Hala. Nasa labas na pala siya at nagpapasundo sa akin." aniya at naglakad palabas.
"So Kelly," tawag ni Liza. "I heard may bagong club kayo sa Xaris?"
Bago pa man ako nakasagot, sumingit si kuya Vinz. "Liza is a Xaris alumnus. She graduated when she was 16 but she couldn't get to college because of her work." he explained.
Hindi pala siya nakapagtapos? That's too bad. If it was me, I'd rather sulk in my room than to work. Getting to college is one of my biggest dreams, kaya nga naiinis ako ngayon. I'm supposed to be a college student by now but because of this new education system, I ended up being a high school student again.
Tumango ako at sinagot ang tanong ni Liza na may ngiti. "Related sa modeling ang club na sinalihan namin." sabi ko. "Well, 'sinalihan' is not the exact word.
"We were picked by the organizer herself even without our permission that's why ended up with no choice. It's kind of a competition between the members. The club holder said that the winner will be given a full scholarship sa college. She said the university is a modeling school at sikat daw ito sa Florida."
"Modeling?" tanong ni Liza na halos kumikinang ang mga mata. "Ito ba yung hinahandle ni Kazzi?"
Nagtataka naman ako kung bakit kilala niya ang teacher namin. Ngumiti si kuya Vinz dahil kay Liza. "She's a model. And she's friends with your teacher."
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. "Oh really?!" I exclaimed as I held her hands. "Maybe you can teach me a stuff or two about modeling?"
Tumawa siya. "Sure, sure. Why not? It'll be my pleasure."
"Guys, guys." tawag ni kuya Denz sa amin. "What did I miss?"
Pumasok siya kasabay ang isang babaeng busy sa cellphone niya. Naka-plain white vneck shirt lang siya at black ripped jeans, may dala pang backpack. She's wearing a red high cut sneakers at naka-baseball cap pa siya kaya hindi ko makita ang mukha niya. Akala ko formal dinner to?
"Ate Ken?" tawag ni Hanz. Tumingala yung Ken na tinawag niya. Her eyes are fierce and captivating but she looks sweet. Her eyebrows are on point. Her long, straight, 11chesnut-brown hair reaches her waist.
"Oh, nandyan pala kayo." she said, a smile formed on her red, pouty lips.
"You're going to dinner wearing that?" tanong ni Vinz. Nagtaka naman siya at tinignan ang sarili niya.
"Why? What's wrong with my outfit?" she asked.
"Hindi sinabi sayo ni kuya?" tanong ni Hanz. Kumunot ang noo ni ate Ken. "I-I though—"
"Joke lang," she laughed at nag-peace sign. "Nasa kwarto ni Denz ang susuotin ko. Kayo talaga ang serious niyo, ever."
Tumawa lang sila. "We were just shock. This'll be our first meeting their parents formally kaya I thought we should, ugh you know... make good first impressions?" Liza explained.
"Hah. Kayo first time," she snarled. "Ilang beses na kaya kaming nagkita ni tita at tito. They even attended my birthday party last year."
"True," bulong ni Hanz sa akin. "They've been together for 5 years."
Tumango ako. "Sila?" I nod at Liza's direction.
"2 years... and a half? I don't know, I lost track."
"Ah, medyo matagal na pala sila ni kuya Vinz."
"Kuya Vinz?" ulit niya, hindi makapaniwala sa bago niyang natuklasan.
"Yeah? What's wrong? He's obviously older than me."
He suddenly lowered his head, a sly grin on his face. "Then..." he whispered. "Can you call me daddy?"
By now, I'm supposed to be pushing him away or smack him hard on his head but for some reason, I blushed. "G-Get awa—"
"Oy, oy, oy." I heard ate Ken's voice. "Mamaya na maglampungan. Maaga pa." she turned to me. "And who do we have here?"
I blushed harder when I noticed they're all looking at us. Kaagad ko siyang tinulak ng malakas at tumayo ng maayos. I cleared my throat. "Kelliah Villaverde po." I said. "Nice to meet you."
"Ako si ate Kendria mo." she offered her hand, which I gladly took. "Tsaka, wag ka ngang mag-po sa akin, hindi mo naman ako lola."
"Ah, s-sige." Tumango ako at ngumiti. Ngumiti rin siya pabalik.
"Denz, akyat na tayo? Kailangan ko nang mag-ayos." aya niya sa syota niya at naunang umalis. "Una na kami guys. Kitakits later."
Umirap si kuya Denz sa kawalan. "Thank God, naalala mo pang bumihis. Akala ko magdidinner ka talaga ng ganyan." Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay.
"Bakit? Ano bang masama sa suot ko?"
"Ah, umangal ka pa talaga?" he challenged at padabog na kinuha ang bag na dala ni ate Ken. "Batukan kita jan eh."
Nagtinginan kaming apat dahil sa inasal ng dalawa at sabay na tumawa. "Ganyan talaga sila?" tanong ko.
"Yeah," sagot ni kuya Vinz. "They're always arguing but they never leave each other's side."
"Mas madalas pa nga silang mag-bangayan kaysa mag-momol eh." dagdag ni Hanz, which is unnecessary. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
"At least show some delicacy, boy." I scolded. Tumahimik naman siya.
"Doon muna tayo sa taas?" pag-aya niya. Hindi na ako umangal at humarap lang kay Liza.
"See you later Liza, kuya Vinz." paalam ko. Kumaway lang silang dalawa kaya umalis na kami.
Nang makarating kami sa second floor, akala ko didiretso kami sa game room nila nang bigla niya akong pinahinto.
"Dito tayo." sabi niya at binuksan ang pinto na nasa tabi niya. He pushed me inside gently as he closes the door behind us.
The first thing I noticed is the manly smell that lingers inside the room. Then I saw a queen-size bed in the corner, a small, leather couch and a plasma TV in front of us. May mga damit pa na nakahanger sa gilid namin.
I'm inside his room.
"Dito muna tayo." wika niya. "Wala pa yata sila mama at papa."
Umupo siya sa kama niya at tinuro ang sofa kaya umupo ako doon. Anong gagawin namin ngayon?
"Anong password ng wifi niyo?" tanong ko.
Nilahad niya ang kamay niya. "Gimme." aniya habang nanatili ang atensyon sa phone niya.
Binigay ko sa kanya ang cellphone ko. Nang binalik niya sa akin, naka-connect na ako sa wifi nila.
Tahimik lang kami at busy sa kanya-kanya naming gadgets. Nag-instagram muna ako. Nang medyo na-bored na ako ay lumipat ako sa facebook.
Nang in-open ko ang notifications ko, nakita kong may 42, 376 reactions na yung picture na pinost ko kanina.
I closed it at pumunta sa timeline ko nang mapansin ko ang pangalan ni Hanz doon. Pinost niya yung picture ko kanina sa garden, yung ako lang mag-isa. Tapos may caption pa.
Hanz Varquez: My pretty princess <3
Lihim akong napangiti. It didn't occur to me na gumagamit siya ng word na 'pretty'. I mean, he's a man. 'Pretty' is too girly.
I turned to him and noticed he was already looking at me with a gentle smile on his face. When our eyes locked, agad siyang nag-iwas ng tingin. Agad kong napansin na namumula na ang tainga niya.
Napangiti na ako ng tuluyan at binalik ang tingin sa cellphone. Nag-scroll ako sa mga messages ng post niya. I saw comments from familiar people.
Kate Fuertes: You're so beautiful, bebe. Kilig kilig.
Neil Villaverde: Magkasama pala kayo ngayon?
Jazz Ramos: Ginayuma mo noh?
Cheska Mitchel Alvarez: Cute.
Aba, nagcomment pa talaga ang desperada? Hula ko nagseselos na yan. Hah, mamatay siya sa inggit.
Ilang minuto ang nakalipas ay may kumatok sa pinto.
"They're here." bungad ni kuya Denz nang binuksan ko ang pinto. Agad na bumangon si Hanz sa kama niya at lumapit sa amin. Tumingin ako sa kanya.
"Get ready." Sabi niya.
**
"Hello darling, how are you?" Mas lalong lumakas ang kabog ng dibdib ko nang marinig ko ang boses ng mama nila habang pababa kami ng hagdan.
How should I greet them? Hi? Hello? Good evening? Hey? Yo? Urgh I don't even know anymore. Bahala na si Batman.
"Okay ka lang?" Hanz asked as he pulled my hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. "You look tense."
Umiling ako. Kung hindi dahil sa lipstick ko, maputla na siguro ako. "I'm fine. I'm just... nervous."
"Don't be. Hindi naman sila nangangagat." He grinned. "They only bite."
I could only roll my eyes when I realize he used the same joke mommy said earlier. "Tara na? Baka mahimatay ako dito."
"Liza, long time no see. Been good? How's your job?" Nakita ko ang mom at dad nila na nasa sala at kasama si Liza, kuya Vinz, kuya Denz at ate Kendria.
I almost didn't realize ate Ken now that she's wearing a different outfit.
She's wearing a silky peach dress na umabot hanggang sa tuhod niya. The white laces covered her wrist up until her neck. Yung straight at buhayhay niyang buhok kanina ay nakakulot at messy ponytail na.
If Liza looks elegant, and ate Kendria looks graceful, then what am I? I look like a potato? Ang gaganda naman kasi ng mga girlfriends nila.
Ito yung mga oras na gusto kong umupo sa gilid at magmukmok.
"A-Aray." Tumingin ako kay Hanz nang tinanggal niya ang kamay ko mula sa braso niya. "Dahan-dahan naman. Matatanggal ang braso ko nang dahil sayo eh."
Tinignan ko ang kamay kong nakakuyom at tumingin ulit sa kanya. "Kinakabahan ako."
Natigilan siya sa nang sinabi ko yun then he smiled tenderly. Kinuha niya ang kamay ko at binalik ito sa braso niya. "Pasensya ka na kung sa ganitong paraan kita ipakilala sa kanila." He said, his voice soft. "My family is always formal. You need to get used to it."
He's looking at me with gentle eyes, his lips forms a small smile. He assures me by patting my hand. For some reason, I calmed at his small gesture.
Lumunok ako at tumingin ulit sa kanila na nag-uusap pa rin. "S-Sige. I'll try to... uhm... impress them."
"You don't have to," kumunot ang noo niya. "They will like you, I promise."
"Is that my youngest?" Pareho kaming nagulat nang marinig ulit namin ang boses ng mama niya. "It is Hanz. Halika anak, come."
Lumunok ulit ako. He squeezed my hand kaya ngumiti ako.
Nang makarating kami sa kanila, humalik si Hanz sa pisngi ng mama at papa niya. Ngumiti lang silang dalawa hanggang sa napansin nila ako.
"Hanz?" tawag ng mama niya habang nakatingin pa rin sa akin at may ngiti sa labi. "Who is she?" Her tone is obviously excited, yung papa niya kalmado lang.
"Ma," simula niya at sinulyapan ako. "This is Kelly, ma, pa." Nakita ko siyang lumunok. "My g-girlfriend."
I smiled awkwardly. "Good after—good evening po, ma'a—Mrs. Varquez." Humarap ako sa papa niya. "Sir."
Ngumiti ang mama niya. "Is she really your girlfriend, anak?"
Lumunok ulit ako. Ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko, tapos parang may bumabara pa sa lalamunan ko. Nanginginig na ang tuhod ko dahil sa kaba. Ano bang dapat kong gawin?
Nakaramdam ako ng kamay sa balikat ko at bahagyang pinisil. Lumingon ako kay ate Kendria na nakangiti sa akin at tumango, telling me that I'm doing fine.
"Oo naman, ma." Sagot ni Hanz at binitawan ang kamay ko para hawakan ako sa bewang. Mas lumawak ang ngiti ng mama niya nang makita ang ginawa ni Hanz. "Are you doubting me?"
"Finally, hijo." She exclaimed. "You brought a girl for the first time."
I don't know why big deal sa kanila ang magpakilala ng babae sa bahay. Una si kuya Vinz, sunod si kuya Denz. Ngayon ang mama niya. Yung papa niya mukhang strikto pero nakangiti lang sa akin.
"Hello, hija." Bumaling ang mama niya sa akin kaya ngumiti na naman ako. "Nice to meet you. Welcome to the family!"
I blushed at the last statement. Welcome to the family? Hindi naman kami magpapakasal, nagpapakilala lang.
"Nice to meet you din po, Mrs. Varquez." Sabi ko at nakipagkamayan sa kanya.
"No, no, no. Call me tita since you're practically part of us." Aniya at bumalik sa tabi ng asawa.
"Oh, sige po tita. If you insist. Pero sa tingin ko ay ate dapat ang itatawag ko sayo." I joked kaya tumawa siya.
"I like her." She chuckled at tinuro ako.
Doon ko lang napansin ang itsura ni tita nang lumayo siya sa akin. She's wearing a silver, knee-length dress with fringes on the lower part, paired with black stilettos. A simple pearl necklace is placed over her chest, her cleavage is obviously shown but her wrinkles are not.
She's a sexy-as-fck mother with 3 hot, grown-up sons. Tapos yung asawa niya, young and hot din. How cool is that? This is literally family goals.
"Now," tito said, his voice is low. "Why don't we eat our supper before it gets cold?"
Sabay-sabay kaming naglakad papunta sa dining area nila. Naunang maglakad sila tita at tito, sunod sila Liza at kuya Vinz. Next to them are ate Ken and kuya Denz.
"You did great." Hanz said as he grasps my waist again. My heartbeat hitches. I stopped on my tracks and looked straight. I still can't believe this is happening to me too soon. I mean, we're only two weeks long. What's with the rush?
"Did I?" I asked, my sanity seems to be drifting away from me.
He smiled as he held my chin with his other hand and tilts it upward. "Of course you did, honey."
I can feel my face burn bright red. Again with his sweet words and gentleman gestures. Why can't he just leave me alone? Kinakabahan na nga ako, dumagdag pa ang mga damoves niya. Pasimple rin tong mokong na to eh.
When we both entered the dining room, my jaws drop and I gasp.
The chandelier in the middle of the room caught my attention. Its jewels are shining and shimmering brightly under the light.
It's not that I haven't seen one. It's just that... this is really on a whole new level. I know giant chandeliers in living rooms, not in dinings and kitchen.
The large marble table is full of different kinds of food. Variety colors and smell lingers inside the huge room.
Unconciously, my stomach grumbled loud enough Hanz heard it. He chuckled. "Let us sit down?"
His papa sat in the middle, his mama next to him. Kuya Denz and ate Ken positioned theirselves beside her.
Kuya Vinz and Liza settled beside tito and we sit by their side.
"Well then," his mother said. "Let us eat, shall we?"
We silently prayed for the food and right after that, bon appétit. Kuya Vinz, kuya Denz, and tito are having a conversation about business as we listen to them respectfully. Hindi ako masyadong nakasunod sa topic nila kasi they're talking about stocks and partnerships and statistics and transactions and everything in between.
"Boys, boys," tita snapped, her tone is threating yet the elegance didn't stay behind. "Are we going to talk about business all through out the night? The ladies are here, show some delicacy."
The three of them fell into silence because of the lady's point.
Tito cleared his throat, composing his self. Well, it is kind of awkward being scolded by your loving wife in front of your kids with their girlfriends. "So Kendria, how are you?"
"Urgh." Tita rolled her eyes as she literally face palmed. "Are you serious?"
Tito look dumbfounded. "What? What did I say?"
Tita regained her posture, she sat straight again, her chin up. "Hanz, how's school?" Hindi niya pinansin ang tanong ng asawa at humarap sa gawi namin.
"Ano namang pinagkaiba ng sinabi mo sa sinabi ko?" tito grumbled but tita ignored him.
"It's fine ma." He answered, not looking at her.
"Oh-ho-ho," she laughed, amused. "I see you're inspired, eh?"
His hand stops halfway when she said that. He lifted his gaze, and when they locked eyes, he blushed. I don't know why. They were like communicating through their eyes.
"If that's what you think, then whatever. I don't c-care." Siniko ko siya kaya tinapunan niya ako ng tingin. He shouldn't talk to his mother that way. Inirapan niya lang ako at nagpatuloy sa pagkain.
I'm busy with my steak when she suddenly talked to me. "Kelly, dear. What year are you now?"
I abruptly looked at her and smiled. "Same year po kami ni H-Hanz. Pareho kaming graduating." Napansin kong napatigil si Hanz sa pagsubo mula sa kutsara niya nang sinabi ko yun. I saw him staring at me from the corner of my eyes kaya napalunok ako.
"Actually," he said, his eyes still fixed on me. "Classmate kami ngayon."
"Oh talaga? That's good then. Kaya pala hindi umaabsent si Hanz." Tumawa silang lahat dahil dun, habang si Hanz ay sumimangot. Ayaw niya yatang inaasar siya.
"How is he doing then?" tanong ni tito. "Is he taking his studies seriously?"
Hindi ko talaga mapigilang maintimidate sa papa niya. His voice is low and his tone is full of authority. Like a true leader.
"Magulo po siya," I answered honestly. Sinamaan ako ng tingin ni Hanz. "Al though he's doing well naman po... so far. Active rin siya sa kanyang club." Satisfied, tumango lang siya at nagpatuloy sa pagkain.
"Paano ka ba niya niligawan, hija?" she asked. Nagkatinginan kami ni Hanz at napatingin ulit kay tita, ang lahat ng atensyon nasa akin.
I saw him gulped nervously. What should I tell her? Sasabihin ko bang instant girlfriend niya ako? O di kaya ay hindi naman talaga kami at napilitan lang akong maging girlfriend niya?
Tumingin ulit ako sa katabi ko, searching for answers. All he did was kicked me slightly on the heels.
"Uh... Ano po..." I trailed at yumuko. "Uh... He asked me privately po."
"And...?" she asked eagerly. I lift my gaze to tell them that's all. Then I saw a hint of disappointment on her beautiful face. "Yun lang?" tanong niya kay Hanz at binitawan ang kutsara niya. "Ugh. I lost my appetite."
"You can do better than that, baby bro." ani kuya Denz.
"You should've been more romantic." dagdag ni kuya Vinz.
"Para namang hindi kita anak, bunso." Sumingit pa si tito at tumawa. "You're a Varquez, you should be proud."
Tumawa silang lahat maliban sa akin, at si Hanz. Pulang pula na ang tainga niya sa kahihiyan. As for me, I can't even lift my head because of embarrassment. Mali ba yung sinabi ko? Baka minumura na ako Hanz sa isip niya.
"Gaano na ba kayo katagal, Kelly?" tanong ni ate Kendria.
"Ugh... A few weeks?"
"20 days, to be exact." Sagot ni Hanz na kalmadong kumakain. He counts days instead of weeks?
"Oh," gulat na usal ni tita. "Bago pa pala kayo. Ngayon lang kayo nagkakilala?"
I was about to answer pero naunahan ako ni Hanz. "We were school mates since freshmen pa po ma, pero I just asked her recently."
"Why?" Tita is still shock from the news.
"Kababalik ko lang po galing Canada kasi doon ako nag-aral for a year." Ani ko.
"Is that so?"
The dinner lasted an hour or so. They didn't ask futher questions regarding my stay in Canada but they kept on teasing Hanz. Bakit daw ang weak niya sa babae, bakit ngayon lang siya nagpakilala ng girlfriend, ako ba ang una niyang girlfriend, and other questions na binalewa niya lang.
Nalaman rin nilang magkapatid kami ni kuya Neil. Apparently, ilang beses nang nakasalubong ni tita ang mga kaibigan ni Hanz tuwing pumupunta sila rito. Si kuya Neil, si Mico, si Jeff, at ang iba pa na hindi ko kilala.
"Saan kayo?" tanong ni kuya Denz nang aakyat na sana kami sa hagdan. Tita and tito already left to rest. Kaming anim na lang ang natitira at nandito kaming lahat sa living room.
"Sa kwarto. Bakit?" masungit na sagot ni Hanz. Naiinis pa rin siya sa panunukso nila.
"Ang aga niyo naman," he said and I saw him grin slyly kaya namula ako. I'm not that innocent para hindi maintindihan ang gusto niyang ipahiwatig. "Look, she's blushing." He laughed heartily, and the rest of them laugh. "Joke lang, Kelly. Wag mong seryosohin."
Yumuko lang ako at tumango. I can still feel my cheeks burning.
Lumapit si kuya Vinz sa amin habang hawak-hawak pa rin si Liza sa bewang. "It's still early. Why don't we bond and play for once?"
That sounds good. Tumingala ako kay Hanz at nakita kong nakataas ang kilay niya at ngumiti ng konti.
**
"She's impossible." Ani kuya Vinz at bahagyang tinapon ang controller. "I just couldn't defeat her."
Nakaupo kaming dalawa sa sahig at nakaharap sa plasma tv. Naglalaro kaming dalawa ng tekken and for the 12th time, nanalo na naman ako.
"Surrender ka na kasi." Narinig ko si Hanz mula sa likod ko. Nakahilata siya sa sofa at busy sa phone niya habang nakasandal ako sa tuhod niya. "Hindi mo matatalo yan."
"Gusto ko lang namang subukan." Kuya Vinz chuckled. Tumawa rin ako at tumingin sa kanya. Ibang-iba siya sa itsura niya kanina. Magulo na ang buhok niya at nakabukas ang unang dalawang butones ng shirt niya. From gentleman to carefree, boy-next-door. He looks hotter though, lalo na ngayong nagtatagalog siya at walang accent.
Kuya Vinz has an image of a boy-next-door. Kuya Denz is more like the 'maginoo-pero-medyo-bastos' kind of guy. And Hanz... Yep. Your first impression of him will always be the 'fckboy of the batch'.
"Tanggapin mo na lang kasing may nakakatalo na sayo." I heard kuya Denz from the corner of the room, umiinom sila ng whiskey ni ate Ken. "You've met your own medicine." He said as he gulps the alcoholic beverage.
"Pagod na ako." Ani ko at pumwesto sa bakanteng parte ng sofa, si Hanz nasa likod ko pa rin at nakahiga.
"Right," tumayo na rin si kuya Vinz at nagpagpag ng slacks. "I need to go. Mauna na ako."
Umuwi kaagad si Liza pagkatapos ng dinner kasi may trabaho pa daw siya. Kaya siguro na-bored si kuya Vinz. Wala ang shutatengs niya.
Tumango lang kami sa kanya kaya lumabas siya.
"Uwi na rin tayo?" ani ko kay Hanz at sinuntok siya ng mahina sa tiyan niya. "Pagod na ako."
"Ya think?" Bumangon siya at umupo sa tabi ko tsaka umakbay sa akin. "It's been a long day."
Umirap ako sa kawalan at tinulak siya. Pasimple rin tong lalaking to. Akala niya maiisahan niya ako.
"Kuya Denz, ate Ken, mauna na kami." Paalam ko sa kanila nang palabas na kami ng kwarto. Sumunod si Hanz sa akin.
"Sige, sige. Ingat kayo ha?" wika ni ate Ken at tinignan ako. "Nice to meet you again, Kelly. I hope this will not be the last, 'kay?"
I smiled and nod.
"Hay," I breathe at nag-inat habang naglalakad kami sa hallway. Gusto ko nang umuwi at humiga sa kama.
I wipe my lips with my handkerchief, and I wet it using my tounge to remove the remaining lipstick. I looked up only to see him staring at me. His gaze is dark and intense, making me conscious. What is up with him?
We're still walking, but slowly. Actually, siya lang naman ang mabagal maglakad, sinusundan ko lang siya.
I was about to snap at him when he suddenly held my waist with his two strong arms and pulled me closer until our bodies are touching. I can feel myself blush at his aggressiveness.
"V-Varqu—"
I couldn't finish my warning when he suddenly leaned and dip his head close to me, his face is only inches away from mine. I can feel his hot breaths on my lips, like waiting for permission.
When I didn't react, he kissed me. His warm lips are on mine and yet, I can't react. He stayed like that and didn't move for 5 seconds. My breathing hitched when I felt his hand travels on my bare back; the warmth of his palm gives shivers to my spine. His other hand is still on my waist. I was startled when I felt him leaning closer to deepen the kiss.
His soft lips makes me want to kiss him back, it's driving me crazy. But I remembered, I shouldn't be intimate with him, I don't want to build romantic feelings for him. I don't want a man that has many women.
I jolted back and slapped him across the face, my breathing shallow because of both shock and rage. Part of me wanted to slap myself too, how could I hurt him like that? But then again, I can't let him do whatever he wants with me. I'm not low, nor cheap.
I stand straight to regain my composure. Umalis ako sa harap niya at naunang maglakad, hindi ko siya nilingon hanggang sa pagbaba ko.
I can't understand why I'm upset. It's not like it's my first kiss, why is my blood boiling? Feeling ko lang kasi nabastos ako. I didn't push him, but that doesn't mean I allowed him to kiss me then and there.
I still like it, I can't argue with that.
"Kelly hija," tawag ni tita nang palabas na ako. Akala ko nagpapahinga pa siya. "Uuwi ka na? The night's still early though."
Ngumiti ako ng pilit. That's the least I can do. "Opo tita. Hinahanap na po kasi ako sa amin." I saw Hanz from the corner of my eyes, his gaze to the floor. It's good that he felt ashame of what he did, it was truly unwanted. Pero nang makita ko ang itsura niya, kumirot ang dibdib ko. I feel guilty for hurting him. I could've just pushed him, why do I have to hurt him? It's not like he raped me.
"Oh sya, sya, Hanz anak," ani tita at tinignan si Hanz. He lift his head up, at mas lalong nadagdagan ang kirot ng dibdib ko when I saw his pained expression. "Ihatid mo ng maayos si Kelly ha? Ingat kayo."
He smiled weakly at tumango. Nauna siyang lumabas at sinundan ko lang siya ng tingin. If he's doing that to make me feel bad, he has done enough.
Humarap ulit ako kay tita at ngumiti. "Mauna na po ako. Nice to meet you tita."
She opened her arms widely and hugged me. "It's really nice to meet you more, Kelly." She said. "You're really beautiful."
I blushed at her compliment. Coming from a gorgeous and amazing woman, that really feels nice.
Nang makarating ako sa kotse ni Hanz na naka-park sa garden nila, nakita ko siyang nakasandal malapit sa pinto ng shotgun seat kung saan ako umuupo. When he saw me, he opened the door. I tried to catch his gaze, but his expression remained staunch and stoic.
The trip to home was silent and awkward. He didn't say a word, and I don't know what to say to open up.
The silence is killing me. I don't want to befriend people that are difficult to deal with, but in this case, it's different. The serious look in his face doesn't seem to be affected by the awkwardness though. He's obviously bothered by something else.
Should I apologize first? I caused him discomfort, slap him in the face, and I practically damaged his self-esteem.
But he molested me.
Yeah he did, he kissed me against my will. But isn't that what boyfriend and girlfriend normally do? They kiss and hug and they even...
Urgh whatever.
"I'm sorry." I managed to blurt out, avoiding his gaze when he threw me a look.
I heard him sigh. "No, I'm sorry." He said. "I shouldn't have surprised you. That was completely thoughtless of me." His voice trailed off. "Although I didn't regret anything."
I sighed in relief and unconsciously smiled.
Nang makababa ako sa kotse niya, hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita. We've settled the situation but the wooden atmosphere is still here. I couldn't afford to act gauche in front of him the next time we meet so I turned to him.
"Listen," I said and met his eyes. "Let's not make things more—uhm—awkward, okay?"
He was flustered, but at the same time, amused by my sudden outburst. "A-Awkward?" he stuttered and scratched his nape. "Anong awkward ang pinagsasabi mo diyan? Ha-ha-ha." He laughed remotely, I can't help but chuckled.
"No more issues?" I asked.
He stopped and smiled. "No more." Inakbayan niya ako na parang walang nangyari at hinila papunta sa bahay. Dahan-dahan kaming naglalakad papunta sa gate. "Okay na ang lahat? Hindi ka na galit?"
"Hmm." Umiling ako.
"Hindi mo na ako sasampalin sa susunod?" he grinned. Malakas din pala ang tama ng lalaking to.
I showed him my fist, and slowly, I raised my middle finger. Mas lalong lumakas ang tawa niya.
Unti-unti niyang binitawan ang balikat ko nang makarating kami sa harap ng gate. His hand trailed my bare shoulders, my clothed arm, up until my cold hands. He kissed it gently and as he lifts his gaze to me, I blushed when I realized how captivating his eyes are.
"Good night, Kelliah." He said as he lets me go.
I smiled back. "Good night..." Hanz.
****
Lee Sungkyung as Alizzia (pronounced as A-lee-zee-yah) Summers. Kim Bok Joo and Kang Chul with Han Sung :)
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