All throughout my fifteen years of existence in this world, my life only revolves around my family and studies. Since the very first time I learned how to read and write, I have no other objective but to make my parents proud of me and in everything I do.
I always excel in school, be it normal curriculum or extra curricular activities, hindi ko sila binibigo. And I have no plans of making them feel that way towards me.
At a very young age, I have already set a lot of goals in my mind. Be an obedient daughter to my parents, study hard, finish school and help my brother to manage our empire when the right time comes.
Bata pa lang ako, iyon na agad ang sinasabi sa amin ng mga magulang namin, na kami ang mamamahala sa emperyong pinaghirapan nila pagdating ng tamang panahon.
Some may think that my parents are a bit domineering dahil bata pa lang kami ay iyon na agad ang ipinapasok nila sa isip ko, sa amin ng kapatid ko. But, no. They're not.
Frankly speaking, after I graduate from high school, they want me to pick the course I want to take. Gusto nilang ako mismo ang pumili ng daan na gusto kong tahakin. Pero wala naman akong ibang gusto kung hindi ang magkaroon ng kaalaman pagdating sa negosyo namin. Iyon lang talaga ang gusto ko.
Maybe, it's in the blood. I was born for business.
Alam kong ang matulungan ang pamilya ko pagdating sa kumpanya namin balang araw ay magdudulot sa kanila ng matinding kagalakan. Wala rin naman akong ibang gusto kung hindi ang mapasaya sila. Their happiness is my happiness, too.
But as I lie here in my king size bed while watching the white curtains flowing freely because of the slow wind coming from the veranda, I realized that some little changes had strike my already fixed goals.
Vincent Adrian Montenegro, the man who has dark and mysterious eyes like a night, a dangerous smirk that always makes the butterflies in my stomach fly widly, and a cold attitude that never fails to send shiver deep down my spine... put his spot along with my goals.
Weeks had passed and the relationship between us became better. Hindi ko na naririnig sa kanya ang pagbabawal sa akin na maging malapit masiyado. Simula ng araw na aminin ko sa kanyang siya pa rin ang gusto ko ay mas naging maayos ang trato niya sa akin.
Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba may pagasang magkagusto rin siya sa akin o hinahayaan niya na lang ako dahil nakukulitan na siya sa akin.
"Bakit ako, Shellie? What is it that you really like about me, hmm?" Vincent asked after I told him that it's still him.
Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling ang tapang ko. Pakiramdam ko ay kaya kong sabihin sa kanya lahat ng gusto niyang malaman.
"I like everything about you, Vince. Stop questioning about my feewme because I can't give you an specific answer."
Kasabay noon ay ang muling pag galaw ng ferris-wheel at nagpatuloy sa pagikot. Kita mo nga naman, nang dahil kay Vincent, ni hindi man lang ako nakaramdam ng nerbyos sa panandaliang pagkaantala ng pagikot ng sinasakyan naming ito.
Nakita ko ang pag igting ng mga panga niya bago iniiwas ang tingin sa akin. Kaagad akong nakaramdam ng kirot sa naging reaksyon niya.
"Galit ka ba? Are you going to stop me from liking you?"
He brought his intimidating eyes back to me. His brows furrowed a bit while throwing me his dark stares.
"Tell me, Shellie. Can I stop you?"
Umiling ako at ngumisi. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nagagawa ko pang ngumisi sa kabila ng tensiyon na namamayani sa amin.
"No, you can't."
Isang ngisi rin ang kumawala sa labi niya. I feel like somehow, he's not taking it seriously. Pero ayos lang, huwag lang siya magalit. Huwag niya lang ako barahin kagaya noong unang beses na magtapat ako sa kanya.
"There you have it. The the answer to your question," he said sarcastically.
I thought he's going to avoid me after that confession. But he didn't. Sa halip ay nasundan pa ng ilan pang pamamasyal namin sa kung saan-saan ang araw na iyon.
Sa tuwing sasapit ang sabado ay doon kami palaging lumalabas. We went to different places here in Luzon in where we can make different activities and spend the whole day with each other.
"Oh my gosh, Vince! Look at those dangerous eyes! Parang anytime, lalapain ka niya." turo ko sa malaking tigre isang Sabado nang mamasyal kami sa Baluarte Zoo sa Vigan.
Ngumisi si Vincent habang pinagmamasdan ang tigreng masama ang titig sa amin. Napahawak ako sa braso niya(whoa, muscles!)dahil pakiramdam ko ay susunggaban ako nito kahit pa nakakulong naman.
"Hmm. I agree. It has a knife like kind of eyes."
"Oo nga, parang sayo. Your eyes are also sharp and intense." wala sa sariling saad ko.
Naramdaman ko ang pagbaling niya sa akin saka marahan na tumawa.
"Uh-huh, tell me more about my eyes, Shellie."
For me, that place was the best place we had visited so far. Buong araw kaming namasyal. Madaling araw pa nga lang ay umalis na kami ng Manila. Linggo ng madaling araw ay nakabalik na rin kami.
Noon, nagaalala ako na baka magalit ang mga magulang ko dahil umaalis ako palagi, ni hindi nila alam na sumasama ako sa taong hindi pa nila nakikilala. But imagine the shock I felt the moment I found out that my parents already knew Vincent.
"Hijo, kamusta? Bakit ngayon ka lang napapasyal?" tanong ni Mommy kay Vincent nang magtungo ito sa bahay isang Biyernes ng gabi para ipagpaalam ako sa magiging lakad namin kinabukasan patungong Pangasinan. Ayoko nga sana. Kaya lang ay nagpumilit na siyang magpaalam sa mga magulang ko.
Kumunot ang noo ko sa naging bungad nito kay Vincent. Magkakilala ba sila?
"Good evening, Ma'am. Pasensiya na po. Marami lang po kasing ginagawa sa opisina." sagot ni Vincent bago bahagyang tumingin sa akin.
Kunot na kunot pa rin ang noo ako at pilit inaanalisa ang nangyayaring eksena.
"Is that so? Kaya naman palago ng palago ang negosyo niyo. You are very hard working. I heard your company is having a new branch somewhere in Western Visayas?"
Vincent nodded. "Yes, Ma'am."
"Wait, wait!" pigil ko sa paguusap nila nang hindi na makatiis. "You already knew each other?"
Narinig ko ang paghalakhak ni Daddy sa tabi ni Mommy.
"Shellie, hija, we're in the same world. Huwag ka na magtaka."
Magkakakilala nga sila! And all this time I always feel afraid that they might not allow me to go out because I was with someone they haven't met yet!
"Hindi mo sinasabi na ito palang si Vincent ang palagi mong kasama tuwing umaalis ka, anak! Kung sinabi mo lang, di sana pinapayagan kita agad."
"Mommy!" angil ko at agad na pinamulahan ng pisngi.
Anong ibig niyang sabihin doon? Na kapag hindi si Vincent ang nagyayaya sa akin ay hindi niya ako papayagan agad?
"I didn't know you and my daughter are getting along well with each other, Vincent. Akala ko ay si Russell lang ang kaibigan mo. Pati pala itong bunso namin,"
"We've known each other for a few months na rin, Mr. Trajano. And I apologize if I didn't ask for your permission the first few times we're having our out of town."
"It's okay. Given the credibility and the name you have, I know you are a trustworthy kind of man." Dad said with formality.
The sound of the birds chirping brought me back to the present. Napangiti ako nang maalala ko ang usapan na iyon sa pagitan ni Vincent at ng pamilya ko.
That time, I felt like I was introducing Vincent to them as my boyfriend. At mas lalo akong sumaya dahil pakiramdam ko, gusto nila si Vincent para sa akin.
Alam kong hindi magandang bigyan ng malisya lahat ng pakikitungo sa akin ni Vincent, kaya lang ay hindi ko talaga mapigilan.
I know it's wrong to fall for someone I know I shouldn't. And heaven know how many times I tried harder to restraint my feelings for him but I just couldn't.
Because, I know somewhere in the world, there's a woman who truly owns his heart. Alam na alam ko iyon. Pero hindi ko magawang ilagay sa kukote ko ang katotohanang iyon.
I can't stop myself from liking him, or think about him. He's the first person I think of when I wake up and the last thing I think of before I go to sleep. I think it's a cliché from somewhere, but it's completely true.
The word like doesn't give justice to what I feel now. Because at this moment, I think I am falling in love with him.
Having a relationship with someone or falling in love at this age doesn't belong to my priorities. Not until I saw Vincent and got the chance to meet him.
Although our first conversation didn't go well, I still treasure it as a dear memory for me. And then it somehow made me question what I wanted.
Am I ready for love?
I don't think anyone is ever ready, but when someone makes you feel inspired and alive in each passing day, it's kind of worth the risk.
Today, my goals have changed.
Be an obedient daughter, study hard, finish school, help my brother to manage our empire and last but not the least...
Marry Vincent Adrian Montenegro and make him say I do.
"Happy birthday, Princess!"
Mabilis na nagtungo ang mga mata ko sa pintuan nang marinig ko ang marahas na pagkakabukas noon. Iniluwa noon ang kapatid ko kasama si Lorraine. Kuya Russell is holding a round black forest cake in his hands while Lorraine holds three pink heart balloons.
"Happy birthday, best friend!" sigaw ni Lorraine.
Natawa ako. "Thank you!"
Today is my sixteenth birthday. Nagkataon na Friday ngayon at walang pasok dahil holiday. Mom wanted to prepare a big party for me since I'm turning sweet sixteen but I refused the idea. Big party means a lot of visitors, including my parent's business colleagues.
I only want a simple celebration with my family and friends. I also invited some of my close classmates, even Jacob. Sabi naman nila ay pupunta sila. The small party will start at four in the afternoon.
Even Theus is also invited. Siya pa ba?
Kaya lang ay busy ata siya. Susubukan pa raw niya. Hindi na kami gaano nakakapagusap. Marami raw kasi trabaho ngayon.
However, he still sends me texts every day. Sometimes, he calls me, asking me how's my day and giving me some safety reminders.
I appreciate him for that. I always do. And I... I... kinda miss his presence. It's been weeks since we last saw each other. Sana ay makapunta siya.
Lumapit si Kuya at Lorraine sa kama at umupo sa tabi ko. Umayos ako ng pagkakaupo at tinitigan ang cake na meron pang kandila sa disensyo ng edad ko.
A touched smile broke across my face when I read the message that was written in the cake. It said that it was given by my best friend. She's really the sweetest!
"Make a wish and blow your candles, Elle!" said Lorraine.
I smiled before closing my eyes.
I wish that one day, I can also hold a spot in Vincent's heart.
I blew the candle and the fire immediately subsided.
"Thank you, Kuya, Lorraine..." sabi ko.
"I love you, Princess. I'll hand you my gift later, hmm?" saad ng kapatid ko saka ako niyakap.
"Sige,"
Tumango siya. "Bumaba na kayo roon at mag almusal. I'll just have to go to the office,"
"Sige, kuya. Ingat ka."
"Bye, Kuya Russell. See you later!" paalala naman ng kaibigan ko.
My brother chuckled. "Yes, see you later."
Tumalikod na siya at lumabas na ng kwarto ko. Bumaling ako sa kaibigan ko at ngumiti, matapos noon ay pinagmasdan ko ang chocolate cake at dumutdot ng kaunting icing sa gilid. The sweetness quickly melt down in my tongue.
"Yuck, Elle! You still haven't brushed your teeth!" si Lorraine sa maarte na tono at pabagsak na dumapa sa kama ko.
Kasabay noon ay pagpapakawala niya sa tatlong lobo na nagkanya kanya na ng lipad sa kwarto ko.
"Konti lang naman!" angil ko.
She was about to speak when the loud noise coming from my phone interrupted her. Tumagilid ako ng kaunti at iniabot ang cellphone sa bedside table ko.
My eyes lighted in excitement when I saw Vincent's name on the screen.
"Hello?" I greeted as I chewed my bottom lip.
Kilig na kilig, Elle?
"Hapy birthday to my little stubborn girl,"
Sweet Mercy! Did he just take me as his girl? This is new!
Still at shocked, I giggled inwardly and inhaled a little to put air in my lungs as it began to feel tight.
"Thank you, Vince!" utal na sagot ko.
Umayos ako ng pagkakaupo at isinandal ang batok ko sa headboard ng kama ko. Nahagip ng mga mata ko si Lorraine na taas na taas ang kilay sa akin ngunit may bahid ng ngisi sa mga labi.
Later on, she let out a soundless chuckle and shook her head.
"I'm sorry. I won't be able to come to your celebration." he said in his deep sincere voice.
"Ayos lang! Magkikita naman tayo bukas. Naiintindihan ko na iyon,"
"Hmm. Are you excited for tomorrow?"
Mas lalong lumawak ang ngiti sa labi ko sa naging tanong niya.
Bukas kasi ng madaling araw ay tutungo kami sa isang resort Batangas. Dahil nga hindi siya makakarating ngayon sa simpleng celebration ko, pinangako niya na mamamasyal na lang kami kinabukasan.
He let me choose the place for us. The idea of going to a beach and a serene ambiance flocked together. Doon ko naisip ang Batangas.
Since it's just three hours drive from Manila, I think it's more convenient and less hustle for Vincent who will drive our way to the said place.
After telling him my choice, I immediately saw the hesitation on his face. His eyes suddenly went darker and his jaw clenched a bit. I felt a little worried with his reaction. As if it's not a good idea to go there.
I was about to take it away and think of another place when he finally agreed and told me that we'll really go there.
Nagtaka ako sa naging reaksyon niya. I wanted to ask him about that but I just decided to keep my mouth shut.
"Sobra! Hindi na nga ako makapaghintay, e." sagot ko.
I heard his profound chuckle over the line. My heart jumped a bit. Even the way he laugh made me fall for him more. I'm so screwed.
"Don't stay up too late tonight, hmm? We'll be leaving before the sunrise." paalala niya.
"Yes, of course."
"Good. I'll see you tomorrow, Shellie. Enjoy the rest of your day."
"Thank you, Vince." I said before I put the call to an end.
Yakap-yakap ang cellphone ay impit akong napatili. Natawa si Lorraine sa naging reaksyon ko.
"A happy birthday, indeed, huh?" she mocked while still lying on the edge of my bed.
"Gosh, Raine. I think I'm really in love!" I said dreamily.
"Ngayon mo lang napagtanto? Matagal ko na iyan napansin. Umpisa pa lang alam kong higit pa sa pagkakacrush ang nararamdaman mo diyan kay Vincent."
Ngumuso ako, ang ngiti ay hindi pa rin nawawala sa labi ko.
"Will you support me, then?" I asked as my face turned a little serious.
Bumangon siya at umayos ng pagkakaupo paharap sa akin.
"You know I always support you, my best friend. And I always will. Kung saan ka masaya, doon ako. But you must always put in your mind about Kuya Russell's opinion when it comes to that, okay? You are too young for a relationship. Plus, studies are your priorities, right? But if you can both handle it and if the feeling is mutual, then why not. Go and chase your happiness!"
If the feeling is mutual...
Is our feelings mutual? Is he feeling the same way for me? I don't know. Wala naman siyang binabanggit sa akin tungkol sa nararamdaman niya. Or kung may nararamdaman ba siya para sa akin.
Yes, we're traveling to different places, we're trying a lot of activities whenever we go to them, we're creating memories and keep them as a treasure, but... does that mean he has feelings for me, too? Ni kaunti ba, nagkakaroon na ako ng puwang sa puso niya?
Paano ko malalaman? Sapat na ba ang ilang linggo na nagkakasama kami para magkaroon ako ng espasyo sa puso niya? Will that reason be enough for me to assume that he has feelings for me, too? Do our memories together enough for me to expect that he's not in love with his ex girlfriend anymore since he also never tells me about her?
Or am I creating all these prejudices inside my head so I won't feel disappointed and get hurt?
Which is which?
Pilit akong ngumiti kay Lorraine na mataman na nakatitig sa akin.
Siguro ay sasabay na lang ako sa agos. Kung noon nga na wala pa kaming pinagsasamahan bilang magkaibigan, masaya at nakukuntento na ako basta civil kami sa isa't-isa at hindi niya ako sinusungitan, ngayon pa kayang abot kamay ko na siya at palaging nakakasama?
"Hmm, you're right. I can handle both." sabi ko na lang matapos makabalik sa sandaling paglalayag ng isip ko.
Tumango siya sa akin bago lumapit para yakapin ako.
"Remember, your happiness is my happiness, too."
I hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Raine."
⚫⚪⚫
Mabilis na lumipas ang oras. Wearing a white organza dress with blue floral all over it, a nude two inches stilettos, I turned around and scanned myself in front of the round mirror.
The pandora bangles that was given by my brother as a gift aglow under the lights. I absolutely looked expensive today. Maging ang rosary bracelet na ibinigay ni Vincent noon sa akin nung nasa Tagaytay kami ay suot ko rin. I promised myself that I'll wear this all the time.
Lorraine fixed my hair and set it into a mermaid curls that's hanging loosely on my shoulder. Kaunting make up lang rin ang inilagay ko. Baby pink lipstick at loose powder lang ay nakuntento na ako.
After making sure that I look perfectly fine, I went out of my room and walked elegantly down the stairs. Sa gitna pa lang ng hagdan ay nakikita ko na ang mga kaklase ko sa living room. I even saw Jacob with them.
As soon as they feel my presence, they lifted their heads up and glanced at me. Awe and admiration was visible in their faces as they watched me strode in the stairway.
"Happy Birthday, Shellie!" they greeted me in chorus.
I smiled at them. The party was already starting.
"Thank you!"
My family suddenly showed up. With their corporate attires still on, they appeared to be extremely reverent.
"Happy Birthday, anak. You looked stunning. I can't believe you're already sixteen. Parang kailan lang, karga karga pa kita," madramang wika ni Mommy nang yakapin niya ako matapos ko maiapak ang mga paa ko sa marmol na sahig.
Dad let out a bark of laughter including everyone around us. Maging ako ay natawa sa tinuran ni Mommy.
"Kanina pa nagda-drama sa office iyang Mommy mo, hija." aniya. Siya naman ang yumakap sa akin matapos ako bitawan ni Mommy. "Happy birthday, my princess. Please, don't grow up too fast."
I giggled. "Thank you, Dad."
"The bracelet looks great on you, princess." si Kuya naman ngayon ang yumakap sa akin.
"Well, no doubt it is. Galing sayo, e." sagot ko na ikinatawa niya.
After the touching moment with my family, I was immediately mobbed by my friends and classmates as I went to their direction.
"Ang ganda mo talaga, Shellie!" puri ng isa kong kaklaseng lalaki.
Ngumiti ako. "Salamat. Kain lang kayo,"
Nagpatuloy ang party sa ilang oras na nagdaan. The bright and shiny moon is already peeking through the frail clouds. It's already eight in the evening and I could feel a little bit weariness in my body.
Ang mga kaklase ko kabilang si Lorraine ay nasa garden habang kumakain at nagku-kwentuhan.
Meanwhile, I found myself sitting in one of the benches as I keep on looking at my phone to see if there's a message from Theus, hoping that he will tell me that he's going to come here and celebrate my birthday with us.
Kaninang umaga ko pa siya tinetext pero hindi siya nagrereply. Ni hindi pa nga niya ako binabati. Nakakainis lang sa pakiramdam. Ganoon ba siya kaabala?
"Happy birthday again, Shellie."
Jacob suddenly came into my view. With a playboy smirk in his face, he planted a kiss on my cheek and handed me a small square box. It was wrapped in a pink wrapper with a ribbon in the middle.
"My gift,"
Ngumiti ako. "Nag abala ka pa,"
"No worries. Mamaya mo na buksan bago ka matulog."
Tumango ako. "Sige, salamat ulit. Kumain ka na ba?"
"Yes, the choice of foods are great. Ikaw, kumain ka na?"
"Oo, kakatapos lang rin." tipid na sagot ko.
A moderate sound from my phone caught my attention. It was a new message. I lowered my gaze to check who it was.
My heart hopped a bit when I see a text coming from the man I've been waiting since the celebration started.
Theus:
I'm outside your house. Come here.
Finally! He's here!
"Uh, Jacob, excuse me. I just need to meet a friend outside. Nahihiya ata pumasok, susunduin ko lang." sabi ko matapos basahin ang text ni Theus.
Tumango ito. "Sure. You want me to come with you?"
"No, thank you. I can manage. Please, enjoy the party. I'll be back immediately."
"Alright."
Nang makawala kay Jacob ay mabilis akong nagtungo sa gate. Nang makalabas ay kaagad kong inilinga ang mga mata ko sa hilera ng mga kotse na nakaparada sa tapat ng bahay namin.
Saan ba dito ang sasakyan niya?
Nabanaag ko ang pag ilaw ng headlights ng isang itim na kotse. I easily assumed that it's Theus so I excitedly headed towards the direction of the black car. Dahil tinted ang salamin ay hindi ko makita ang tao sa loob.
Kaagad kong binuksan ang pinto ng passenger's seat at pumasok roon. The light immediately went on the moment my butt touched the seat.
"Theus!" tili ko kasabay ng paghagis ko ng mga braso paikot sa leeg niya.
I heard him chuckle as he wrapped his arms around my body.
"Missed me so much, babe?" he whispered in my ear.
Kumalas ako ng yakap bago humarap sa kanya ng nakanguso. "I hate you! Ngayon ka lang nagparamdam."
"I got busy with work, so..."
"Dati naman ay busy ka na rin pero palagi ka nagpaparamdam sa akin." nakanguso pa ring katwiran ko.
"You sound like you missed my presence a lot, Elle."
"Because I do!"
He tilted his head before raising his brow. The dimmed light gives a dramatic effect on his face. His brown eyes looks so vivid, too. In short, he really look so ridiculously handsome.
"You already have my best friend's attention. You still need mine?"
"Magkaiba naman kayo! You know how intimidating your best friend can be. Unlike you. I always look for your presence because you're the only one who can make me laugh. With you, I can always be more of myself."
"But you like him," he answered like it's a damn problem for him.
"So? Hindi ibig sabihin noon ay hindi ko na hahanapin ang presensiya mo! This is all your fault. Sinanay mo ako na palagi kang nagtetext sa akin, na bigla-bigla ka na lang susulpot. Tapos ngayon ang dalang mo na magparamdam!"
His brown eyes stared intensely at me, like I was a kind of a puzzle he needs to solve. After a couple of seconds, tumingala siya bago mariing ipinikit ang mga mata, na para bang meron siyang malaking problema.
My brows furrowed a bit. Am I being too demanding? Sumobra yata ako. Masiyado ata akong naging makulit. Nakalimutan kong hindi niya naman responsibilidad na patawanin ako araw araw.
Kasi naman! Ngayon na nga lang ako nagkaroon ng kaibigan na lalaki, tapos ganoon pa siya.
My lips protruded longer. Nagmulat na siya ng mga mata at tumingin muli sa akin.
"Can I have an extra thirty minutes from you, Elle?"
Nangunot ang noo ko. "Aren't you going to come inside?"
"I can't. Hindi ako puwede magtagal."
"Oh," nakaramdam ako ng dismaya sa sagot niya. "Then why do you need my thirty minutes? Hindi ka naman pala puwedeng magtagal."
He sighed. "Please..."
Feeling so clueless with his words, I still gave him a nod.
The moment he received my answer, he brought the car engine to life. The veins in his arms looks so strained as he controlled the gear stick. He's like a beast who doesn't know how to be gentle.
Lihim akong nagtatanong sa sarili ko kung bakit hindi siya puwede magtagal pero ito kami, magkasama at pupunta sa kung saan.
Saan naman kami pwede pumunta sa loob ng trenta minutos?
Minutes later and we're now exploring the uncrowded part of Manila. Hindi naman ito kalayuan sa amin at nadadaanan ko kapag papasok ako.
Naramdaman ko ang pagtigil ng sasakyan ni Theus. Tumingin ako sa kanya at pinanood siya hanggang sa mamatay ang makina ng kotse. He unfastened his seatbelt kaya naman ganoon na rin ang ginawa ko.
Sabay kaming bumaba ng sasakyan. I saw him amble towards the side bridge. He calmly stood there as he put his hands inside his pockets. Doon ko lang nakapansin na nakapang office attire pa siya. He must be really busy, huh?
Sumunod na ako sa kanya at tinabihan siya.
The long and silent river greeted us. From afar, I can see the city lights reflecting its light across the water making it look like diamonds. Maging ang malaki at maliwanag na buwan ay nagbigay liwanag sa madilim na tubig.
Hindi ko mapigilan mapasinghap sa gandang ibinibigay nito. It looks so majestic and magical.
Ilang segundo kami nasa ganoong posisyon, tahimik na pinapanood ang kalmadong pagagos ng ilog dahil sa mabining pag ihip ng hangin.
"I always go here whenever I feel stressed about work or anything personal," Theus opened up in the middle of our silence.
I brought my eyes to him. This side of him is very new to me. Hindi ako sanay ng seryoso siya. Nakakapanibago. Ganoon siguro talaga, lahat ng tao ay may kanya kanyang side na hindi puwede ipakita sa lahat. Pili lang ang makakaalam.
Muli akong tumingin sa mga nagliliwanagang gusali. "Hmm, the view is very relaxing."
"I know,"
"Why did you bring me here, Theus? Bakit hindi ka na lang pumasok sa loob ng bahay namin at nakisaya sa mga bisita ko?"
"I have a flight to catch within the next hour, Elle."
"Business related?"
"Yes..."
"I see, take care then." simpleng sabi ko.
Narinig ko ang buntong hininga niya.
"Are you still infatuated with my best friend, Elle? Or is it more than that?"
Mabilis na nagtungo sa kanya ang atensyon ko. Seryoso ang mukha niya habang hindi pa rin inaalis ang mga mata sa tanawin sa harapan niya. Natawa ako.
"Ang bilis mo naman magiba ng topic,"
"Just answer me." he commanded.
Ako naman ang bumuntong hininga. I carried my eyes back to the views in front of me and smiled a little.
"It's more than that, Theus. I think I'm already in love with your best friend."
Hindi siya sumagot kaya naman ibinalik ko muli ang tingin sa kanya. Pansin ko ang bahagyang pagtatagis ng bagang niya dahilan para makita ko ang magandang hugis nito.
Inalis ko na ang tingin sa kanya. I wonder what's with the serious awra? Marami sana akong gusto ikwento at sabihin sa kanya tungkol sa progress ng relasyon namin ni Vincent bilang mag kaibigan kaya lang ay mukhang wala siya sa mood. Pagod siguro sa trabaho. Next time na lang.
I was snapped out of my deep thoughts when I suddenly felt something cold brushing the bare skin of my chest. Tumungo ako at nakita ang isang heart pendant na napapaligiran ng maliliit na bato sa gilid.
The scene immediately sank into my brain and realizing it knocked all the wind out of my lungs.
Oh my God!
"Happy birthday, Elle." Theus whispered in my ear. His voice was extremely deep and sensual that sent shiver down my spine.
Masuyo kong hinawakan at iniangat ang pendant dahilan para kuminang ito dulot ng liwanag na nagmumula sa buwan.
He gave me a gift. A very expensive gift. It's just normal, right? Generous lang talaga siya. Pero bakit mabilis na pumipintig ang puso ko? Dahil ba siya palang ang lalaking nakakapag bigay ng alahas sa akin? Or, is it because of the way he whispers those words to me?
"T-Thank you, Theus. Ang ganda," sabi ko habang ang paningin ay nasa kwintas pa rin.
"Hmm... I'm glad you liked it."
Napapikit ako nang tumama ang mainit niyang hininga sa pisngi ko. Gosh, Theus! Umalis ka na nga diyan sa likod ko. You're making this scene awkward between us! Ni hindi ko man lang namalayan ang pagpunta mo diyan!
"Oo n-naman."
"I'll take you home, I'm sure your guests are already looking for you."
Tumango ako. Naramdaman ko ang pagalis niya sa likod ko dahilan para muling bumalik ang hangin sa loob ng dibdib ko. Kaagad akong huminga ng malalim. Humarap ako sa kanya at tipid na ngumiti. Ganoon lang rin ang ginawa niya.
Nauna siyang naglakad sa akin patungo sa kotse. Binuksan niya ang pinto passenger's seat at hinayaan akong makapasok doon.
After climbing into the car, muli ko na namang hinawakan ang pendant ng kwintas na ineragalo niya sa akin habang pinapanood siyang magtungo sa driver's seat.
Theus, Theus, Theus. Hay.
"Saan ka pala pupunta mamaya?" tanong ko nang makapasok siya, pilit binabaliwala ang pangungulit ng isip ko.
"Spain. I have to close some deals there," he said without looking at me.
"Kailan ka babalik?"
Minaniobra niya na ang sasakyan at naramdaman ko na ang paggalaw namin.
"Next week." he said.
"Oh. Okay,"
Hindi na kami nagkibuan sa loob ng ilang minuto na biyahe pabalik sa amin. Nang huminto ang sasakyan sa tapat ng bahay ay huminga ako ng malalim bago humarap sa kanya.
Nakatingin na rin siya sa akin gamit ang seryosong mga mata. Ang mga kamay niya ay nananatili pa rin sa manibela, mahigpit nakakapit. Lumapit ako sa kanya at kinintilan siya ng halik sa pisngi.
"Have a safe trip. Hihintayin kita. And please, before you decide to show me your face again, wear the cocky smirk I've been missing out for the past weeks. Nakakapanibagong hindi ko nakita sayo iyon ngayon!" natatawang saad ko.
He laughed softly. "I will. Now get out of my car before your parents conclude that somebody kidnapped you."
Natawa ako. "Hmm, you're right. And I'll point you as my kidnapper."
"Shut up, Elle." he laughed. "I'll see you when I get back."
Tumango ako at muling ngumiti. Bumaba na ako ng kotse niya at muling kumaway bago isinara ang pinto nito.
Bumusina siya bago mabilis na minaneho ang sasakyan palayo sa akin. Tinanaw ko ito hanggang sa tuluyan ng mawala. Tipid akong ngumiti.
I am serious, Theus. I wanna see those sexy smirk on your face when you get back. Hindi ako sanay ng seryoso ka.
Huminga ako ng malalim at nagdesisyon ng bumalik sa loob ng bahay para makipag salamuha sa mga bisita ko. O, kung meron pa ba akong natitirang bisita. Baka kasi umalis na sa biglaan kong pagkawala.
Natawa ako sa naisip.