"Ano!? tangina hinarass ka n'ya!? Aba tarantado pala yung Fernandez na'yon ah pigilan niyo ko papaliparin ko yung kamao ko sa bwakanangshit na'yon!"
"Hinde babae, gusto mo ba ihatid pa kita? May pang piyansa naman tayo eh tara na, sabihin mo lang ang address ng pugitang 'yan at nangangati na yung kamay ko na sampalin siya ng mag kabila! "
"Ang alam ko malapit siya sa Ayala. Ano sugurin na ba natin beh?"
"Kunin ko lang yung susi, bayaran mo gasolina ko ah tangina mahal na per litters ngayon."
Napahawak na lamang ako sa aking sintido at marahan itong hinilot. I thought only high percentage of alcoholic beverages can cause headache, pati rin pala ang mga overacting mong tropa.
Hindi na ako mag tataka kung isang araw kakatok nalang sa pinto namin ang Landlord ng apartment na ito at papalayasin na kami dahil sa nakakabinging ingay at mga natamong reklamo mula sa kapit-bahay. Huhuhu Kia umuwi ka na nga kasi.
"Calm down, okay? I am hundred billion percent fine so there's no need for you two to leave and make a disastrous scene. Nakauwi naman ako ng buo kaya huwag na kayo mag hanap pa ng gulo." I mumbled and release a heavy sighs.
Mukhang hindi naman natinag sa aking naturan si Astrid at iritadong niyugyog ang aking balikat.
"Damn Lina, baki ba kasi ngayon mo lang sinabi!? I can easily sent him straight to jail or pay someone so they can torture him! he deserve it naman kasi gago siya! Paki ko kung mayaman siya, eh mayaman din naman ako tapos maganda pa."
I glanced at her, then shifted my gaze to Eros who also look concerned.
"You should have said it right away Lina, although napansin ko na wala ka sa sarili at namumutla kagabi hindi naman ako Marites para pakialaman ka. Pero nag a-alala talaga ako sa'yo, muntikan na nga ako mapadasal na sana hindi ka sinasapian."
"She looked pale last night!? Why you didn't tell me?!"
"Kasasabi ko lang, hindi ako Marites."
I bite my lower lip and finally averted their eyes.
Hindi ko nga alam na namumutla ako kagabi.
"Stop overthinking. If I tried to tell this thing to you last night, baka hindi na inabutan ng araw yung Fernandez na'yon at nabaon na agad sa hukay," I rolled my eyes and reach out her hand, marahan itong tinapik. "You don't have to worry Astrid, okay lang talaga ako. At ikaw din Eros, stop stressing yourself over this matter at sayang ang beauty hmm," I console and plastered a sweet smile.
"I love you talaga beh. Pero ang sarap niya pa ring sabunutan." He giggled and make a finger heart.
"Minsan talaga napuputol yung sungay mo noh? Kaso laging sa maling sitwasyon." singit ni Astrid.
Sweet na sana eh, panira lang talaga ng moment.
"Shut up Astrid." I snorted.
Napabuga naman ito ng hangin at napatango na lamang, maybe she's now satisfied with my answer.
o mayber not? who knows. Baluktot mag isip ang isang 'to eh.
"But kapag nag bago ang isip mo, just tell me agad Lina. And you don't have to attend another blind shits anymore kaya yung advance payment ko for upcoming dates dapat, sa'yo na. Kakausapin ko lang si Ermat at tatalakan siya nang matigil na sa kahibangan, huhuhu muntikan ka pa tuloy mapahamakl, sorry talaga." She told and hugged me tight.
Para namang kaya niyang pigilan si Aunty sa trip nito, bonak kasi ayaw pa mag jowa ng matino eh.
"Ganyan ka pala maguilty beh, what if gumawa ka nalang sa amin ng kasalanan palagi?" singit ni Eros at napahalakhak. Agad naman siyang pinaulanan ng sipa ni Astrid na mabilis niya ring nailagan.
"Eh kung bangasan ko yung mukha mo? Paayos mo nalang ulit kay Belo." Banta nito.
"Kaya mo ba?"
"Oo halika dine."
"Sus, tiklop naman pag hinalikan."
"Ng chupapi? pwede pa pero sa'yo? mandiri ka."
Nag patuloy lamang ang bangayan ng dalawa, kaya bilang isang parte ng pamamahay na ito at rinding-rindi na sa boses nila, nag pasiya na lamang akong bumalik sa aking silid at humiga sa kama. Nilamon ng madilim na kapaligiran at nakakabinging katahimikan.
I admit, I didn't tell them everything that happened last night. Only the part where that maniac ruin the blind date and tried to harassed me, the rest... I kept it secret... deep inside my neurons and tangled circulatory system.
Napahilamos ako sa aking mukha at inilapat nalang ang titig sa kisame.
My life is like a winding roller coaster last night---unexpected to been seen, hard to believe at halos hindi kayang i-digest ng aking utak. Who knows that those imaginary scenes... will be popular enough to happened in reality and worst, hindi mo na lulubayan isipin.
"Putangina talaga," singhal ko nalang as I frantically grabbed my phone beside the table.
I gritted my teeth, punong-puno ng pag kairita at kuryoso as I scroll down and search some information about the unrealistic President of En-Neves.
-
"Catalina, will you marry me?"
Halos maibuga ko lahat ng redtea na aking iniinom dahil sa kanyang naturan.
Now I believe on what my Biology professor once said--- In just one word, one phrase or one sentence, a tons of memories can be remember. And those pieces of memories will be flash inside your head in an instant, and apparently, sasampalin ka na ng buong katotohanan.
"Hey, are you alright?" Jillian, the President who save my ass earlier was about to stood up and help me, but I--- who almost died in coughing automatically lift my left hand, tried to stop him from going towards me.
"I-I'm fine." Nabulalas ko nalang.
Through my peripheral vision, I saw how he doubted at me first. Yet, he still followed my signal and go back to his seat, nanatili pa rin ang tingin sa akin.
Nang sa wakas ay matigil na ang aking pag-samid, mabilis kong inilapag ang hawak na baso at kinuha ang table napkin sa aking gilid upang punasan ang basang labi. Then I also tried to breathe properly and ofcourse, to collect my senses.
Tangina, totoo ba 'to. Paldong- paldo na ako sa kahihiyan ah.
"My apology Pre---Jil, may naalala lang." I stuttered and finally earn enough confidence to glance at him.
Thanks to his stupid words that almost kill me, I can damn imagine my crumpled face right now as I feel the soreness of my throat when I gulped.
Moreover, Jillian's face still looks unreadable. Those pair of dull, charcoal eyes are currently glued on mine and yet I can't feel any emotions.
Why I didn't even notice that those eyes was the same as before.
Pinag salikop lamang nito muli ang kaniyang braso at napabuntong hininga.
"So you finally remember me huh." He told in monotone, like he already expected it from the start.
Natigilan naman ako, agad na nanlaki ang mga mata.
"Tangina and you knew it all along!?"
"Yeah, clearly remember."
"Eh bakit hindi mo sinabi agad!?"
"Did you ask?"
"Paano ko itatanong eh hindi ko nga maalala!?"
"Then it's not my fault that you forgot everything about that night."
Once again, my jaw dropped.
This. This is the reason why he seems familiar towards me. His inexplicable attitude and logical way of thinking that can make you out for words, kaparehas ng maiikli ngunit nakakawindang na salita na binitawan niya noon.
Plus some part of his appearance are very similar from that taxi guy. His fucking angular jaw that can stab you in split of seconds, his silver shining ear piercings, his addictive scent, his way of being rich and generosit---
Bakit ba kasi nakalimutan ko siya!?! Dapat pag gwapo, tinatandaan mabuti!
I averted his gaze and bite my lower lip to ease my frustration.
"I thought I'll never meet you again... Mister unbothered, billionaire, crazy sleepyhead from the taxi." I burst out, emphasizing every words.
"Likewise, Miss stupid ass who forgot her cash. " He mocked.
Aba gago, gumati talaga ah.
Hindi ko na dinugtungan pa ang panunukso nito at ibinaling na lamang ang tingin sa kaniyang mukha. Ngayon na ang bawat piraso ng palaisipan ay unti-unti nang nabubuo, I know--- I am pretty aware that we must discuss the last shit he said, right before I remember that this is not the first time we get stuck together.
"So what's with the sudden proposal again? Tinatanong ko lang naman kung sino yung girl na tinutukoy mo tapos babanatan mo na naman ako ng ganyang linya. Paborito mo bang joke ang pag alok ng kasal sa iba?" I blatantly asked and rolled my eyes.
Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na ang isang sobrang yaman na tulad niya ay naligaw sa taxi--- at walang pakialam sa mundo, makatulog lang ng payapa.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" He muttered.
"Would I ask if you are not? Think wisely, President." I shotback.
He only face me, bewildered. Para bang ito ang unang beses na nakatanggap siya ng sagot na pabalang mula sa ordinaryong empleyado.
Well, I completely forgot how far our difference. Mamaya ko nalang sisisihin yung sarili ko.
Jillian cluck his tongue.
It looks sexy--- tangena landi!
"Isn't obvious? You are the one I am referring to, Catalina." He responded in serious way before seating properly.
Samantalang ako ay muntikan na malaglag sa kinauupuan.
Hindi ko na alam kung ilang beses nang bumagsak ang aking panga at nawala sa ulirat ngayong araw.
This man in front of me are full of surprises. That's all I can say. Period.
Our eyes met midway.
"Tanginamo, a-ako?" I stutter, batted his eyes.
"Yeah, that's why I am asking to marry you."
"Weh?"
"Yes."
"Hobby mo ba mag joke? Di bagay sa'yo ang weird eh."
He glared at me, and it immediately sent shiver down to my spine.
"I mean it. Every words I said, Catalina."
"At bakit mo naman ako gusto pakasalan!? We only met twice, not knowing each other's background--- well aside sa pagiging President mo sa isang kilalang kumpanya, iyon lang ang alam ko. Walang ligaw. Walang jowa moments, walang monthsary, anniversary at walang proper date. Normal na tao ka ba?"
Beat.
Beat.
My heart are pounding like a race.
Never leaving my eyes, he only laid his arms on the table and move his head closer towards me.
"I am." He answered.
Napanganga na lamang ako at hindi makapaniwala sa kanyang naturan.
Anong mindset to pota.
I slowly shrugged my head. Flustered.
"Uwi na ako, ayaw ko ng laro. Pangit mo ka-bonding." Bulalas ko, kumalas na sa titig nito at hinablot na ang aking bag sa gilid.
"We are not even playing Catalina. And if you want all of that---appreciation, gifts, attention, everything. I can give it to you once you accept my proposal."
"Pass, hanap ka nalang sa mga expensive girls na na-meet mo sa blind date para hindi sayang ang oras mo." I stood up, heavily sigh and ready to step my feet away.
Ngunit hindi pa man ako nakakaalis ay muli itong nag salita---- making me feel the unusual sensation of adrenaline rush towards my body.
"How much?"
I quickly took a glimpse on him and saw how he pull out his cheque booklet from his pocket and start to write something.
Tinaasan ko naman ito ng kilay.
"Ha?"
"How much do you want? Name your price and I'll make it double or even triple, as long as you will say yes and accept my offer, Catalina." He stated.
Napamaang naman ang aking labi.
So, this is the part when the main character get an offer, and since he left her with no other choices plus she's also in need...
"You...will buy me?" I clarified.
He only smirked.
"Yeah. Do you want cash or cheq---"
That's it. I've heard enough.
Kanina pa ako nag titimpi sa gagong to ah.
Without thinking for possible aftermath, my hands automatically move, grabbed the glass filled with leftover redtea and throw it directly from his face.
"Ang liit ng mukha mo pero ang tapang ng hiya mo. Aminado akong gwapo ka pero pasensya ka na, hindi ako tanga." I sarcastically hissed and clenched my fist.
Jillian didn't even tried to budge. He was just staring at me in blank expression, all ears. Ni-hindi niya inalintana ang tumutulong redtea mula sa buhok at mukha nito. He don't even mind how his sweatshirt slowly got stained by the beverages I threw. He's calm... and patiently waiting.
"I didn't graduate Suma cumlaude and top the CPA licensure examination para lang maging bayaran at uto-uto. Just in case you didn't know President Neves, I am not a type of business you can easily deal with." I continue, without removing my gaze on him.
Tangina, bahala na kung may pag-sisisihan ako bukas.
"Remember this Neves..."
I knew he's a fucking rich man and living a royal life, but as a person who needs help, this is not the proper way to ask a favor.
I am not a thing to purchase at first place, and I will never forgive him for looking down at me.
Gago ha, bibilhin daw. Sampalin ko siya ng isang kahon kong medal eh.
"Kahit tapatan mo pa ako ng ilang milyon, hindi mo ako mabibili. Fuck off." Padarag kong ibinaba ang basong hawak at inihakbang na ang mga paa paalis.
Mabuti nalang at inarkila niya ang buong paligid, less hassle mag dabog at magalit.
But in the middle of walking away, another pieces of memory registered on my brain.
"Oh wait," Muli akong napahinto sa pag lalakad at bumalik sa harapan nito.
"I'll accept your apology." He proudly mumbled and start to clean himself.
I evily laughed.
"I have nothing to apologize Mister sleepyhead. And oh right, I almost forgot. Here's my ten thousand debt to you, though I only borrowed a thousand. Tubo na yung sobra." Then I opened my branded bag and grabbed the remaining cash inside.
Muli ko itong itinapon sa kanyang mukha.
Dasurb.
"What the---" He only flinched for a second and look at me with disbelief.
I smirked.
"Enjoy your night. It's not nice to meet you personally President Neves. I hope I'll never see you again." After my final words, I step back and do my elegant exit.
Without even trying to take back all the stupid things I said to him.
Yes, ganon ang tamang paraan para ilagay sa peligro ang buhay mo. Hindi na 'ko magugulat kung bukas ay pinag lalamayan na ako.
Pride and dignity over life ba hehe.
Nang sa wakas ay makalampas na sa ikatlong palapag, nanginginig at nag mamadali na akong bumaba mula sa lobby ng resto, hinahabol ang aking hininga. Both of my knees are still shaking and I can't process anything.
My anger swallowed me alive. That's it.
Without hesitation, I grabbed my phone inside my bag and dialed Astrid's number. I need to ask her to pick me up, dahil hindi ko na afford mag grab pa.
Since I don't have money left.
Even a cent.
-
I spent almost two hours staring at his first and only picture displayed on Google--- na blurred pa while reminiscing that bitchy scene of mine with him.
He is not just a normal person, he have a powerful aura that can make you kneel down and beg for your life once you see him. Para siyang si Angry bird na kapag tinitigan mo ay papatayin ka sa nerbyos at takot.
So I can't still believe that I talk back and mess with the President of En- Neves. Hindi ko alam kung saang lupalop ko ba pinulot ang aking lakas ng loob para buhusan ito ng redtea at cash.
That was the most intense and dangerous thing I did ever since I was born... and I'm sincerely praying na sana hindi agad ako balikan ng karma sa ginawa ko.
Umattend lang naman ako ng blind date para sa kaibigan ko huhuhu. Hindi ko naman inaasahan na lapitin ako ng sobrang mayayaman.
Pero tangina yung siyam na libo ko haha, mukhang mauuwi talaga ako sa cup noodles nito araw-araw.
Isinubsob ko na lamang ang aking mukha sa malambot na unan at sunod-sunod ang pinakawalan na buntong hininga.
Masyado akong mahal ng kamalasan, palagi akong dinidikitan eh tangina naman.
"Lord baka mayroon pa, ibigay mo na lahat."