THE FACT THAT I'M GONNA SEE PRIMO RACE for the first time is really unsettling – and it didn't help that they're doing this in an illegal race circuit. Truthfully, mas lalo pa akong kinakabahan sa larong 'to.
Racing is already a safety hazard even when it's legally done– how much more this one, an illegal race?
Major red flag.
Parang mas lalong lapitin ng disgrasya.
I got goosebumps because of my creeping thoughts.
Maybe we can try to think positively, Ayah.
I watched Primo as he's silently putting his red racing suit, accented with yellow and black prints with logos of their team and sponsors – a safety personal protection attire the org has required them to wear – and although this is one of a heck of an unofficial race, I have things I am grateful to the org. First, at least they were thinking about the participant's safety given the short notice and their tempers.
Second -
I looked at Primo again who's now all set up and ready.
He looked handsome, yes.
But I never knew Primo was this hot.
I saw him in this kind of race uniform the time I went with Julia in the circuit. They didn't race that time and instead they were introduced as official race members of their major sponsor, one of the leading petroleum company in the country and abroad – but during that unexpected meeting, his coverall were unzipped until his stomach and the sleeves were wrapped around his waist.
And now that he's standing wearing his racing suit, while holding in his right hand his black helmet equipped with a clear visor–
I realized how hot he really is.
"Don't look at me like that," Primo said.
Napapitlag ako at nahinto sa pagtitig sa kanya. "What look?," I denied.
"Like you want me to kiss you," he said, serious – then chuckled when he saw the annoyed look on my face.
I rolled my eyes.
"You wish," I denied again.
The truth is – I really want him to kiss me.
Primo's smile faded then his brows puckered with the look plastered on my face again.
Oh no.
A small bead of sweat formed on the edge of my forehead.
He placed his helmet on the hood of his car – and in big strides – opened the door on the side where I was sitting – then he swiftly lowered his head to my height.
Primo planted a swift kiss on my lips, then like an angry animal who's lost its self control– it become torrid, hungry, seeking and insatiable – it lasted longer than I expected from him and when he has finished – he rested his forehead on mine. "Do that look again baby and I might lose all the self control I have left in me."
"What the fuck – I should've placed my bet on Lance," Jaguar annoyed by the blatant display of public affection. "Ayah, tell your boyfriend to get a grip – he's looking like a lovesick animal."
This time si Ranger na ang sumapak sa kay Jaguar.
"Inggit," Shiva told Jaguar then sticked out her tongue to annoy him some more.
Sandaling nabawasan ang tensyon at nagtawanan kami.
Inihatid muna ako ni Primo sa sasakyan ni Ranger – he was the one who put my seatbelt for me in the midst of my protest. While his other members rode their own car. Si Shiva naman ay sa sasakyan ni Seige nakasakay - like a rule she's always followed.
"Range," ani Primo at tinapik ang balikat ng kaibigan.
Tumango naman si Ranger at ngumisi. "Yung usapan natin, bro."
"Tuloy na tuloy 'yon," sagot ni Primo habang tumatawa.
He stroked my face with his finger carefully bago nagpaalam na aalis. Pinaandar ni Ranger ang sasakyan at naunang nagdrive. He's like the second in rank in the group at kapag wala si Primo ay siya ang nasusunod.
I didn't know why we have to be in a car just to watch a race.
"Where are we going, Range?" Tanong ko at sinulyapan sa side mirror ang nakatayong si Primo sa gilid ng sasakyan niya at nakapamulsang tinitingnan ang papalayong sasakyan ni Ranger.
He didn't move until we were finally out of his sight.
"Kung track race lang ang gagawing karera ay kalimitan dito lang sa baba ginaganap dahil nakikita naman ng lahat. Pero dahil drift racing ang usapan nila, sa tuktok ng bundok ang finish line kaya doon tayo manunuod," aniya pagkuway binilisan ang takbo – completely forgetting he has passenger not used to speeding. "We can see the whole route if we're watching from the highest point."
"I see, but I'm not rushing to die, Range... so maybe you can slow down," I appealed, my hand almost wanting to grip my seatbelt.
"Oh," Ranger realized. "Sorry, nasanay lang," natawa ito at binagalan ang takbo.
Inilabas niya ang kamay sa bintana at sumenyas sa mga kasamahan na nakaconvoy sa likod para mag menor. I don't know if he's being good to me because of Primo or because he's my friend – either of the two, I'm very thankful.
"Wala ka bang sakit sa puso? Baka mamaya atakihin ka kapag nakita mong nagkakarera si Primo," he asked.
Nangunot ang noo ko.
It couldn't be that bad.
"This is their route," Ranger informed when he saw my confusion. "This one is generally a safe route unless you drive in here fast – then I'm not sure. That's why the group always sticked to track racing."
I realized the road towards where we are going were full of sharp curves, dangerously blind and no overtaking zones.
Don't tell me....
Of course, drift racing...
They need to drift sa matalim na liko likong daan na mga ito.
But they could've also drift in a track – like normal racers.
I suddenly felt so nervous and worried.
Tiningnan ko ang kabilang bahagi ng daan at napasinghap ako. Dahil madilim ay hindi ko napansin na bangin na pala ang kabila. Paniguradong maling kabig lang ay gugulong ka paibaba and who knows what will happen.
Ang alam ko lang... it's far from safe.
"Ranger... did you ever see Primo drift his car?" Nag aalalang tanong ko at nilingon siya.
Nag isip muna siya at tumango. "Yup, isang beses lang. Hindi na naulit dahil nabangga ang kotse niya at kinailangang ipaayos sa casa. Halos naubos nga ang ipon niya dahil doon because he refused any help – not even when Tita Josephine offered to pay. He said drift is not for him."
I groaned internally. Napahigpit ang hawak ko sa seatbelt. I looked outside the window and continued to add details on my fear.
"How about Lance?"
Nag isip ulit siya. "He's rank first in drift racing. We watched some of his race at magaling nga talaga siya."
Mas lalo lang akong nafrustrate sa narinig ko.
"Bakit hindi mo pinigilan kanina?"
"It's an agreement and a serious one at that, Ayah. Desisyon niya 'yon at hindi ko pwede o nino man na panghimasukan 'yon. As a friend and a subordinate, I'm only allowed to agree and help in whatever way I can," he answered with a serious tone and a straight face.
Sabagay – no one could really stop and convince Primo. When he has decided, it's over. It settled like an iron clad.
Napabuga ako ng hangin sa kaba. Masyado yatang malakas 'yon kaya ramdam na ramdam ng nakakarinig na nini-nyerbyos.
I heard Ranger chuckled. "You should try trusting Primo. Hindi 'yon pumapasok sa sitwasyong hindi niya masusolusyunan. Kaya nga kahit hindi umiimik 'yon ay siya ang leader ng race team. He's silent but he's also really deadly."
"Kakasabi mo lang, isang beses lang nag drift 'yon at nabangga pa. Is that the reason you didn't bet on him?" tanong ko sa kanya at ngumiwi.
He smirked. "I'd rather bet on the second one."
His own friends didn't bet on him or on his race. Hindi ko alam kung sasapakin ko ba 'to sa pagiging traidor o iirapan na lang dahil mahal ko rin naman 'tong loko lokong 'to bilang kaibigan.
They know Primo's capability and probably doesn't want to waste money but still, they should've at least placed a bet on him – like a supportive friend and group.
Nagulat ako nang pagdating namin sa tuktok ay malapad ang lugar at patag. It's a sign that this place have been used all the time. May dalawang malaking screen pa nga na nagdi-display ng pangyayari sa starting line. They also have drones that records live at doon nagdidisplay sa kabilang screen. It gives the watchers the top view and front view.
I didn't know illegal racing were this sophisticated?
Pinark ni Ranger malapit sa dulo ang sasakyan at mula roon, natatanaw ang buong daan galing sa pinaka-mababa.
If I'm afraid of heights, I'll shudder in fear. Pero dahil medyo lang naman ay isinawalang bahala ko na lang.
The race is making me more nervous than the cliff itself.
Tinanggal ko ang seatbelt ko at lumabas. Ganoon din ang ginawa ni Ranger. Lumapit siya sa akin at akmang hahawakan ang bewang ko para paakyatin sa hood ng sasakyan niya katulad ng ibang manunood pero huminto siya at umiling.
Kinumpas kumpas niya ang daliri para senyasan akong umakyat mag isa.
"Primo will kill me," he grinned.
Seriously, does he really think Primo will know when he's literally one mountain away?
I felt more wave of awkwardness nang mapansin na imbes sa hood ng mga sasakyan ng mga kagrupo ni Primo sila naupo ay sa hood ng kotseng naka park sa magkabilang gilid ng sasakyan ni Ranger sila nakapwesto. Ang iba'y nakasandig lang at may hawak na pulang beer cup.
I shook my head because I know it's all because of one person.
Primo and his over protective ways.
When I looked at the cars in the opposite direction ay naintindihan ko kung bakit ganito na lang sila kung umakto. Lance's race gang is seriously watching us at nanghahamon. They don't look stressed or worried about the game. Probably because of their huge vantage point – Lance has been drifting since the beginning of his career in racing.
Audrey is in the roof of someones car literally sporting an 'I'm a slut look'.
Inirapan niya ako.
I didn't think Primo's group is also worried about the race. They were either just talking while drinking or they're looking at their phones while smoking.
Shiva went down from Seige's car when they arrived pagkuway umakyat papunta sa sasakyan ni Ranger.
"Are you nervous?" she asked.
"More than that," balik ko.
She gave me a shot of Grey Goose XV Tequila at bago pa makapag protesta sina Ranger at Jaguar ay inisang lagok ko na 'yon.
Salubong ang kilay ng tatlong lalaki na kasabay namin. Nagtutulakan at nagpapasahan kung kaninong kasalanan.
"We're dead," tumatango–tango pang sabi ni Jag.
Like their fate were already sealed.
"Play Maroon 5 at my funeral," ani Ranger.
"Tell my mom I love her and I swear I did not screw Brenda in her bedroom but in the kitchen," si Seige.
"Gross," nakangiwing sabi ni Shiva.
"You guys are over reacting. I need this. I need something to drink so I can calm down my nerves," I said as I roll my eyes.
"Hindi mo buhay ang nakasalalay dito, Ayah." Jaguar said dramatically.
"More like panga. I think Primo will break our jaws later," si Ranger at hinimas ang panga.
"Idiots," bulong ni Shiva at pasimpleng inagaw ang baso ni Seige. Binigay niya ang baso niya sa akin at pinainom habang ang inumin naman ni Seige ang nilagok niya.
Bumuga ng hangin si Seige at matamang tiningnan si Shiva.
"Just because I like you doesn't mean I'm ready to face Primo's anger," naiiritang saway ni Seige kay Shiva.
My lips formed an "oh".
Seige just confessed.
Shiva was clearly embarrassed at inagaw pabalik ang basong binigay sa akin para inumin ang natitirang alak doon.
Okay...
I think you needed that drink more than me...
"I just told her I like her, not ask her to end the war in Iraq," ani Seige at umiling. "I don't understand girls and their reactions."
Naputol ang pag-uusap namin nang umalingaw-ngaw ang boses ng emcee sa gitna ng entablado. From that moment, nagsimula nang umingay ang paligid. The audience were raising their cups, dancing, shouting, whistling – all excited.
I just know Shiva was very thankful that the awkwardness was paused at the crucial moment.
Hindi na naman ako mapakali.
Primo is really doing this race.
I bit my lower lip as I fidget the cup they gave me as a refill. Ladies drink na ang laman ng baso.
"ARE YOU ALL READY TO WATCH THE RACE WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR?" malakas na sigaw ng emcee sa microphone nito. "YOU ASKED FOR THIS MATCH, AND NOW WE WILL DELIVER."
The shouting never stopped, the place never went silent.
"WE'VE WAITED ENOUGH – KAYA 'WAG NA NATING PATAGALIN PA," the emcee continued to speak so loud my eardrums probably broke. "GROUND TELECAST - SHOW US THE GOOD LOOKING MEN IN OUR SCREEN."
When he said that – both of the big screens turned on.
The crowd went crazy and wild - even more.
There are also people banging their own cars like they're some kind of stupid.
From the big screen – I saw Primo talking to some of his maintenance team – when the light was focused on him – he stopped talking then picked up his helmet from the next empty stool. He scooped his gloves from his side pocket then put it on his hands – he's doing that while he's walking towards his car. When he spotted the camera, he made his two fingers do a quick salute then winked.
The crowd grew even more louder. It was the girls who were cheering more loudly this time.
Lance was showed next on the other big screen, standing on the side of his car at nagsusuot ng helmet. He was also zipping the half opened racer suit he was wearing.
Why do they both look so cool in the clips showed on the screen?
Parang nagso-shoot lang ang mga 'to ng Playboy's Magazine.
"On you cars, racers," the emcee urged them.
May naka attach din atang speaker sa baba dahil umaalingaw ngaw ang boses nito.
Hindi kaya magising ang mga engkanto at mga 'di katulad na mga nakatira rito?
Nagsipasok ang mga ito sa sasakyan nila.
Even the way they went inside their car was hot.
When Primo has put down the visor of his helmet, I got my fear back.
Crap.
Lord, please let him be safe.
"ALRIGHT! THE BETS ARE CLOSE AND LOCKED IN!! THE RACERS HAVE THEIR OWN AGREEMENT AND THOSE WHO WILL VIOLATE WILL GET....."
"STITCHES! STITCHES! STITCHES!!!" pasigaw na sagod ng crowd – stomping their foot and raising their cups.
What do they mean stitches??
Seeing mine and Shiva's confused look, Seige decided to fill us in. "That means you'll get beaten by your own team or the opposing race team to the point where you will need to go to the hospital to stitch your bruises and injuries."
Nanindig ang balahibo ko sa narinig. Umawang naman ang bibig ni Shiva.
This is literally brutal and horrible.
But it was interrupted the moment the roaring of the engines were heard on the top of the cliff.
"THE DRIFT KING – CASTILLO ON HIS MIDNIGHT BLUE MURCIÉLAGO!"
Lance made his engine sound louder.
The crowd went wild again.
Ang laki siguro ng mga pusta ng mga 'to.
"THE CHALLENGER, THE TRACK MONSTER - MONTENEGRO ON HIS BLACK MATTE AVENTADOR!"
Primo turned his engine like his opponent did. There were also loud shouts and hoots – a mix of his men and women fans. Maging sina Jag ay sumali sa pagsigaw.
A round girl from the org went to the middle with a big race flag in checkered black and white.
"ON THE COUNT OF THREE," the emcee shouted. "THREE."
"TWO," the crowd joined the count down.
Their roaring engines blasted continuously, teasing.
"ONE."
The girl waved the piece of cloth at hinulog.
"GO!"
And just like that, both of the cars accelerated like the speed of light, only leaving dusts behind.
Napapikit ako ng mata habang humigpit ang yakap ni Shiva sa kamay ko. I chose to open it to watch the match, my heart full of fear, worries and anxiety.
Pinipigil din ata ni Shiva ang paghinga.
I heard again the roaring of the cars, the reason we turned to the ground instead to the screen. Kitang kita mula sa hood ng mga sasakyan nila Ranger ang nangyayari sa baba.
And clearly speaking, they're both fast.
Really fast.
As they were approaching the first curve where they will do the drift ay higit ko ang hininga ko.
Oh God.
Please, Primo.
Like an expert as he is – walang kahirap hirap na nagdrift si Lance, causing his team to shout enthusiastically and proudly.
It was expected but it was thrilling to see.
Magaling nga talaga si Lance.
Then everybody's attention turned to Primo. The anticipation of seeing him drift for the first time is making everyone tensed.
Like a slow motion – Primo slowed down a little, maneuvered his car to the opposite direction to turn around the curve, the tires screeching nicely and loudly on the track all while doing a perfectly smooth drift.
Oh my god.
That was a drift.
My heart wanted to explode because of excitement and thrill – all the fear and anxiety went away with the shouts of the crowd.
Primo did the drift like he was drifting his entire racing career.
"He's a fucking asshole for making me all worried. Look at him! Look at him doing these drifts like he's a professional! I hate Primo!," sigaw ni Shiva na naiiyak sa excitement at tuwa.
I nodded, smiling proudly. "He's going to be more arrogant if he's gonna win."
We both laughed.
The boys were not as excited as us. Umiling-iling lang mga 'to at natatawa. Like they were already expecting this to happen. I even saw Seige tossing Jaguar a small black pouch in which if I'm guessing correctly – a bag full of money. Jaguar and Seige bumped their fist mid-air.
The bets were already close, so I didn't know where they will be bringing and using that money.
Primo and Lance did the same pattern again and again. They race side by side and both were really good in what they're doing.
Hindi ko alam na enjoy pala manuod ng ganitong race.
When the last turn came, Primo decelerated on purpose.
He was already head to head with Lance the whole race and when he did that – binigyan niya si Lance ng advantage na mauna sa kanya sa finish line.
What an idiot.
"GO PRIMOOOOOOO! DON'T BE STUPID. STEP ON THAT FUCKING GAAAAAAS!" sigaw ni Shiva nang 'di na nakapagtimpi.
Like he's hearing her – and there's no way he could in the middle of the crowd's shout –
I saw Primo put up a smirk.
He accelerated when it was almost a kilometer away from the finish line.
The next thing I know everyone is shouting.
Hindi dahil may nanalo kung 'di dahil sabay silang umapak sa finish line.
They tied.
There's no winner in that match.
Primo is such an asshole.
He wanted to piss Lance by not making him win in the most unconventional manner. Ang hindi ko maintindihan ay maiinis din naman si Lance sa kanya kung pinanalo niya una pa lang.
Lance went out his car, annoyed. He leveled his head towards Primo's window. Primo nodded in agreement like he was expecting this all to happen.
Bumaba si Primo sa kotse at lumapit silang dalawa sa organizer. Nag usap sandali at nagkaroon ng panibagong agreement.
He was about to go back into his car when he changed his mind and jogged into our direction.
"Primo's very hot in his outfit, Ayah." Shiva whispered because she couldn't shut her mouth. "Lucky girl."
But I agree – he really looks good in his racer suit.
When he arrived, he signaled me to jump off Ranger's car in which I followed with no protest.
He caught my waist – mid air.
"Primo? What's happening?"
"I need another good-luck charm," he said then kissed me on my lips hastily.
I was dazed and lost at gusto ko pa sanang mag protesta nang pakawalan niya ang labi ko but he already jogged his way back to his car.
Wait?
"Why is he going back there?" I mused.
"They're going to race again," Shiva filled me in, knowing I didn't care about anything awhile ago.
I mean, I was kissing Primo.
What idiot would care to listen to anyone's announcement?
I saw Ranger winked at me when he put a 50 thousand cash to bet on Primo. Ganoon din ang ginawa nina Jag at Seige.
I'd rather bet on the second race.
Yung usapan natin, bro.
These assholes.
They planned this.
Ito yung usapan nila Primo kanina habang nasa sasakyan ako ni Ranger. This is what Ranger also meant with what he said earlier.
Filthy rich assholes.
I was not even a second nervous when they started again.
Primo was good – heck, more than good.
I stared at the monitor para tingnan si Primo habang nag-uumpisa na silang magkarera sa ikalawang beses.
Primo. Track. Sports Car. Drift Racing.
Can he stop being so hot?
If he'll continue doing these, hindi ko na siya papakawalan pa.
I heard the engines roar louder senyales na papalapit na sila. They were racing much faster this time. The audience were jumping on the roof of their cars– shouting. My nervousness turned 180 into excitement.
Both of the race cars prepared for the last drift but when Primo's Aventador made a perfect drift meters away from Lance – a quick shift in his gear and a step on the accelerator – the winner of the race was sealed.
Lance was still meters behind him.
Primo even lagged a little to tease him pagkuway nagdire-diretso sa finish line.
SHIT.
Primo won in drift racing.
Oh my god.
Drift racing.
It must've hurt Lance's pride even more and maybe that was the point of the race.
Lance who has been doing drift since he started racing – losing to Primo who's only attempt of drifting even resulted to an accident – damn, must've hurt.
And that hurt was prominent when Lance got out of his car then immediately proceeded to kicking his tires.
Primo also got out of his car while taking his helmet off. He also took off his gloves and zipped down to his waist's level his racer suit – he's doing all of that while he was walking towards us, ignoring the whole crowd cheering for him.
He stopped in the middle then he winked at my direction haughtily – he has a smug look on his face that says - well? aren't you proud of me?
He opened his arms wide open, asking me to come to where he's standing. I grinned then ran towards him to give him a hug. His arms immediately wrapped around my waist to move me closer to him. It was so tight I feel I might suffocate.
"Did you watch me beat him?" Primo asked in my ear.
"No," I shook my head, beaming happily.
"Bakit?" He said at inilayo ako ng konti sa kanya – his brows were wrinkled.
"I only looked at you the entire time," I said, chuckling.
He also chuckled then raised my chin. "That's even better."