Kabanata 10
"LENA," HE CALLED in a whisper.
"Hmm?" I hummed.
"Nothing," he smiled at me and squeezed my hand under our chair. "I just missed you so much."
"I missed you too," nangingiting baling ko at pinisil ang kamay niya pabalik.
The presenter is in the middle of the crowd, nakikinig ako pero wala akong naiintindihan, all I can hear are the unrecognizable words, ang atensyon ko ay na kay Ejercito na nakasandal at pinaglalaruan ang daliri ko.
He was too focused on my hand, inilalagay niya ang hintuturo sa gitna at ipinapaikot sa palad ko at kaagad ko iyong huhulihin kaya natatawa siya.
"I'm getting bored here," he snorted after a while. "Where do you wanna date, hon?"
"Hmm, sa paborito ko?" I suggested.
"Perya?" his brow raised and a playful smile left his lips.
"Hmm," I murmured. "Is that fine?"
"Definitely," he kissed my hand and looked at the man in front.
Minutes have passed but it's getting more and more boring each passing time, I am staring to feel sleepy at nang sumulyap ako kay Ejercito ay nakita kong pinapalobo na niya ang bibig para lagyan ng hangin at puputukin pagkatapos.
He would let air fill his mouth at nang lumubo ang pisngi niya ay mabilis kong pinindot ito na nag-ani ng ingay.
My eyes widened and he paled when his mouth sounded like he just farted!
The people stopped, nanlaki ang mata ko nang bumaling sila sa amin at ang iba'y nagtakip ng ilong.
Shit...
Ejercito coughed loudly, namula ang mukha niya at napalunok ako roon.
"S-sorry," ubo ni Jer at humarap sa akin.
"Maybe you can excuse yourself first, Mr. Sandejas." The strict professor suddenly said, covering his nose.
He did not fart! Oh my God!
"Excuse me, then," Ejercito shook his head and glared at me. Natatawa naman ako pero pilit na nagseryoso.
Tumayo si Ejercito sa kanyang upuan at nagmamadaling umalis sa loob ng room, halos tumakbo pa sa kahihiyan. Kitang-kita ko ang pagkuyom ng kamay niya.
"Gwapo naman umutot ni Jer!" I heard the girl giggling in front of me.
My brow shot up.
"Sinabi mo pa, have you seen him blushing? Ang gwapo!" Her friend even exclaimed back making me frown.
Nag-umpisa na ulit ang nagsasalita sa harap pero masama pa rin ang tingin ko sa mga babae sa harapan.
"Totoo bang girlfriend niya 'yong kaibigan niya?"
"Oo, 'di naman kagandahan!"
Excuse me?! Narito ako sa likuran n'yo!
Halos magpanting ang tainga ko.
"Hindi naman siguro? Mapili 'yon sa babae—" tumikhim ako ng malakas kaya napaharap sila sa akin.
Nakita ko ang gulat nila nang matantong nakikinig ako kaya ngumiwi ako sa kanila. I raised my brow, natahimik sila at sa inis ko ay tahimik ako pumuslit palabas ng room para hanapin si Ejercito.
Inayos ko ang damit ko habang lumilinga ay hinahanap ko si Ejercito sa tahimik na hallway.
Where is he?
I walked while looking around and gasped when I felt I was being pulled me somewhere. My eyes widened and an audible gasp left my lips when I felt my back slammed on the wall pero ang gulat ko ay napalitan ng tawa nang makita ang mukha ni Ejercito.
"What?" I chuckled loudly.
"You're annoying, Lena." He hissed with his straight face. I laughed more at his reaction.
Nakasandal ako habang nakapatong ang kanyang kamay sa itaas ng ulo ko. Nakasimangot siya at masama ang tingin sa akin.
"You're so cute, Jer." I chuckled, iniangat ko ang kamay ko at hinaplos ang pisngi niya para manlambing. I knew this man too well, he couldn't resist this one.
I smiled. I saw his face softened but then blinked and was straight face again.
"Oh, come on. Hindi mo ako matitiis." I teased and grinned.
"Leona Harriet," giit niya.
"You're handsome, stop being irritated." I pinched his cheek and tiptoed to kiss his lips.
He froze, his eyes widened in shocked. I giggled, my heart was thumping loudly too but I tried finding his gaze to give him a sweet smile.
"Hindi na galit?" I asked.
He sighed, he closed his eyes tightly and leaned in to give me a peck on the lips too and rested his forehead against mine.
"Hindi talaga kita matiis," he groaned as he whispered.
I chuckled heartily and hugged his nape, gumapang naman ang kamay niya sa baywang ko at pinirmi iyon bago paulit-ulit na humalik sa noo ko.
"You're lucky I missed you so much," he pulled me for a soft hug.
"I missed you too," I hugged him back and noticed we're at the girl's restroom.
"Labas na tayo, Jer!" I called his attention.
"Hmm?" He hummed on my shoulder. "Balik ka na sa seminar, hon."
"Huh?" lumayo ako at sinilip ang mukha niya. "Ikaw?"
"I won't," he snorted. "That was embarrassing." It made me laugh.
"Gwapo nga, pala-utot naman." I teased.
His face flushed. Napahagalpak ako ng tawa nang makita ang pagkakatulala niya sa akin.
"Anong sabi mo?" He tickled me kaya napatili ako at pinalo ang kamay niya.
"Jer! I exclaimed.
"Ano, huh?" He squeezed my waist. "It sounded like fart because of you." He pointed out, frowning.
"S-sorry!" I laughed and pushed him.
"No," kiniliti niya ako kaya napasinghap ako at tumawa habang pinapalo siya.
"Ejercito!"
"What?" he squeezed my waist more, making me squeal. "You naughty woman."
"Ano ba?!" tawa ako nang tawa at tinutulak siya pero sabay kaming natigilan nang makarinig ng boses sa labas.
"May tao!" I hissed. Ejercito was disoriented and confused, mabilis kong hinila ang kamay niya papasok sa isang cubicle bago ini-lock.
I heard footsteps outside, my eyes widened. Jer blinked, still holding me by my waist.
"The seminar's boring," I heard a voice in the bathroom.
"Oo nga, and Ejercito left. Wala na tuloy akong matitigan." I heard a woman said.
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko nang makita kong napapangisi si Ejercito roon.
"I know, right? And that Leona... Is she his girlfriend? I saw them hugged!" she exclaimed.
"Impossible, Lena isn't Jer's type of girl." The girl answered. Sumimangot ako.
I looked at Jer, nanliit ang mata ko at kumindat siya bago hawakan ang baywang ko para sa yakap.
"Hindi 'yan totoo, Harriet," he laughed and chuckled lowly on my ear, his breath fanning my skin.
"Talaga lang, huh?" I uttered. He chuckled deeply and buried his face on my neck.
"Hmm, if you weren't my type, sana hindi tayo magkayakap ngayon, hindi ba?" bulong niya at halos magtaasan ang balahibo ko nang maramdaman ko ang pagdampi ng labi niya sa leeg ko sabay hilang palapit pa para mas humigpit ang yakap.
"Hmp!" I smacked his arm.
"Malay mo, hindi talaga. I heard rumors last time, sa ball, they were seen together."
"Magkaibigan kasi sila," sagot no'ng isa.
"Basta, ayokong magkatuluyan sila. Hindi sila bagay!" The girl hissed at ngumuso ako at lumayo bago hinarap si Jer.
"Hindi ba?" I asked, my lips protruding.
Umiling siya at hinaplos ang pisngi ko.
"Bagay na bagay," he murmured softly and smiled at me, his blue eyes painted like the skies above—blue and glistening. "Ako lang nababagay sa 'yo, Lena. Walang iba."
We stayed staring at each other and when the girls left, we ended up laughing and went out of the bathroom, holding hands.
"Balik ka na sa seminar," he even encouraged me.
"Ikaw?" my brow raised.
"No, hon. I'll wait for you here." Sagot niya sa akin.
"Huh?" I pouted. "No. Ako nga ang ipinunta mo rito tapos hindi rin naman tayo magkakasama?"
His lips protruded, he ran his fingers on his hair and stared at me.
"Sayang ang seminar, I will just wait for you here."
"No," I shook my head and looked around. "Punta tayo sa perya, let's escape."
His eyes widened, natawa ako sa kanya at yumakap sa braso niya.
"Let's go, Jer!" I exclaimed happily.
"You'll go with me?" Gulat niyang sabi.
"Yes!" I smiled. "I won't go back there, it's boring."
"But..."
"No, come on!" I pulled him softly. "No buts, we'll go out!"
I saw how a soft smile escaped his lips, inabot niya ang kamay ko at tahimik akong hinila kung saan. I chuckled when I saw the sleeping security guard.
Jer placed his finger on his lips and mentioned me to walk quietly so I did. Magkahawak-kamay kaming naglakad at nang makalagpas ay nagmamadali kaming nagtungo sa may pader palabas ng unibersidad.
"I'll go first, hon," he said and stepped at the top of the table in there.
I nodded, he stretched his body, pulled himself up the wall and smoothly sat on the wall.
I chuckled when he offered me his hand, mabilis akong umakyat sa lamesa at marahang hinatak niya ako paakyat hanggang sa makaupo kaming pareho sa pader.
I looked down and saw the quiet parking space. Ejercito cleared his throat and clicked his neck as he swiftly jumped off the wall.
My mouth parted when he smoothly landed on the ground, the end of his coat flying with the air.
Looks like a hero, hmm? My hero.
"Hey, love, jump!" He called me, lifting his arms on the air. I bit my lip and nodded, nanginginig pa ang kamay habang nakakapit sa pader at sumulyap sa kanya.
"S-sasaluin mo ako, ah?!" I exclaimed.
His brow shot up, a playful smile left his lips before nodding.
"I'll always catch you, hon," he chuckled. "Every damn time."
That is enough assurance for me, I jumped of the wall and I closed my eyes if ever I'll slam on the ground but a pair of strong arms caught me.
Nang magmulat ako ng mata ay nasalubong ko ang malalim na asul na mga mata ni Ejercito. I saw how his blue eyes shone with the dark clouds above. His blue eyes painted perfectly like the canvass above, the skies reflected on his blue orbs.
I stared at him, lost in my own thoughts until I noticed his eyes glistening.
"I know you love me much, Lena," he chuckled and carried me. "But don't make it too obvious, honey. I might melt."
Tila natatauhang napasinghap ako.
"Jer!" I groaned and slapped his chest. He chuckled and slowly lowered me on the ground.
Humawak ako sa braso niya at inalalayan niya akong patayo. He fixed my dress and offered his hand on me.
I accepted it as we walked nonchalantly out of the university. Nagtawanan pa kami sa pagkakatakas sa seminar.
"Gumagaya ka na sa 'kin, that's bad." Jer murmured, holding my hand.
"Yeah," I smiled. "I loved it, anyways."
Kinawayan kami ni Manong na nagtitinda ng street foods at kumaway kami sa kanya.
"Ano, hijo? Sinagot ka na?" Manong exclaimed.
"Yes, Kuya! Napa-oo ko na!" he answered back.
My cheeks flushed. Pinalo ko si Ejercito na natatawa roon at sumaludo kay Kuya.
"Mabuti 'yan, Jer! Hindi ka na torpe!" Kuya exclaimed.
Jer froze, doon naman ako natawa at sumaludo ako kay Kuya.
"Well, umamin na. Nabahag siguro ang buntot dati!" I answered teasingly and grinned when Jer glanced my way, glaring with his protruding lips.
"Siguro nga, hija!" Kuya laughed. Ejercito glared at me kaya humagikhik ako at hinawakan ang kamay niya.
"Sige po, aalis na kami." Paalam ko.
"Sige, mag-ingat kayo!" He waved his hand at nakasimangot na si Jer ay hinila ko na patungo sa traysikel.
He was still pouting when we're inside the tricycle. Natatawang sumandig ako sa kanya at pinindot ang ilong niya.
"H'wag ka na magtampo, Jer. Truth hurts, eh?" I smirked.
"Leona," he warned. I chuckled and caressed his hand.
"Okay lang na torpe, nasabi mo rin naman kalaunan." I consoled him, "at least naamin kaysa sa forever na wala, 'di ba?"
"Hindi ako torpe," he countered. I chuckled at that, matalim ang tingin niya sa akin kaya pinisil ko ang daliri niya.
"It's alright, Jer. Don't cry," I said in a small tone and tapped his nose again.
"You woman..." he groaned. Napatawa ako nang hulihin niya ang pisngi ko, he held my jaw and rained my face with his kisses.
"Ano ba!" natatawang pinalo ko siya.
"Swerte mo mahal kita," reklamo niya at hinuli ang labi ko kaya napangiti ako at mabilis siyang hinalikan pabalik at bahagyang lumayo.
We reached my favorite place after a while, hawak-hawak ko ang kamay ni Jer habang nakaupo kami sa bench at nakatanaw sa carousel sa hindi kalayuan.
I took a small piece of cotton candy and placed it on his lips na kaagad niyang kinain bago muling sumandal sa bench at ipinatong ang kamay sa aking likuran.
"I hope things will always be like this," he suddenly said kaya napaharap ako sa kanya.
"Hmm?" I asked.
"Nothing," he smiled and took my hand so he can eat a piece of cotton candy. "I just wish this too much happiness will last."
"It will," masuyong sabi ko habang pinagmamasdan siya. "As long as I am with you, I know this happiness will last."
He froze, his eyes darted on my face. His blue eyes suddenly filled with fear and sadness kaya nagtaka ako roon.
"May problema ka ba?" bulong ko.
"Nothing," he chuckled and looked away.
"Ano nga kasi?" I asked him, I took his hand kaya napatitig siya doon pabalik sa mukha ko.
"Will you...will you stay with me, Lena?" He eyed me seriously and I nodded at that without second thoughts.
"Of course," I answered. "Why would I leave you? Just promise me you'll stay then I'll stay too."
"I will stay," he assured me, a smile slowly formed on his lips. "Unless...you'll push me away."
"I won't. Silly." Natawa ako sa kanya. "Why would I push you away?"
"No one knows," he shrugged. "But...I am not that scared anymore. I believe you, hindi ka naman mangangako kung hindi mo gagawin 'di ba?"
"Hmm," I nodded.
"I won't go away," pinaglaruan niya ang daliri ko at napapikit ako nang ilapit niya ang labi roon at nagbigay ng halik. "Dito lang ako sa tabi mo, Lena. We'll reach our dream together."
"We'll fly together," I murmured.
"Promise?" he asked, his eyes shining with his sweet smile.
"Promise." I swore.
We had fun that night. We rode the carousel, the haunted train with Ejercito screaming his lungs out and my favorite ride, the ferris wheel. He conquered his fear just so he could be with me. Palagi siyang napapasakay dito para sa akin, dahil ayaw niya akong mag-isa.
Even when I keep on seeing him shaking, his eyes closed and gripping my hand, sumama pa rin siya sa akin.
I can't believe I have this precious man with me. I can't believe I have him now.
This man is my best friend, my lover, my hero, my...everything. I couldn't let go of his hand. Never.
***
"LENA! BUTI DUMATING ka na!" My brows met when I saw my friend, Cess, running towards me.
"Huh?" I asked her. "Si Jer ba? Hindi pa pumapasok?"
"Hindi, hindi si Jer." Sagot niya kaya nagtaka ako roon at nangunot ang noo ko.
"Sino?"
"It's his mother," aniya.
My eyes widened. Napaayos ako ng tayo at niyakap ang libro ko.
"H-huh? Bakit? Bakit daw?" gulat kong tanong.
"Kanina ka pa hinahanap."
"A-ako? Bakit...bakit naman ako hahanapin?"
"Hindi ko alam," she held my hand. "Tara, puntahan natin."
I was nervous with my every step towards my boyfriend's mother. Parang lalabas ang puso ko sa aking dibdib habang hila ako ni Cess patungo sa may parking kung nasaan naroon ito.
Where is Ejercito? Magkasama kaya sila ng Mamá niya?
"Uhm, hello, Ma'am! Nandito na po si Lena." Ani Cecille sa isang nakatalikod na ginang at nang humarap siya ay sumilay ang ngiti niya sa labi.
"Oh," she gasped, her hair is in an elegant French twist. Nakasuot siya ng kulay asul na dress at may perlas sa leeg.
She's beautiful and elegant. No wonder she's Jer's mother.
"G-good morning, Ma'am." Mahinang bati ko at alangang ngumiti.
"Good morning!" She smiled sweetly and her took a glance at my friend and smiled. "Thank you rin, hija, for bringing Lena here. Can I borrow her first?"
"Oh! Of course, po!" Cecille smiled and took a glance at me, looking at me with comfort and curiosity. "Mauuna na po ako."
"Thanks, hija! If you see my son, don't tell him I kidnapped his girlfriend. Yari ako roon!" She giggled adoringly.
"Sure po, you can trust me!" Cess winked and waved at us. "Lena, una na ako, ah?"
Mas kumabog ang puso ko nang mawala na si Cecille at bumaling sa akin ang magandang ginang at matamis na ngumiti.
"You're Leona Harriet, I see." She stared at me. "My son has taste, huh? I like it."
I blinked, napansin niya marahil na tensyonado ako kaya natawa siya at umiling.
"Oh, no, hija. I am not that strict mother from Mexican telenovelas!" She exclaimed with an accent at doon na lumuwang ang paghinga ko at unti-unti'y ngumiti sa kanya.
"Hindi ko naman po iniisip iyon," I smiled. "U-uhm, sorry po. Bakit n'yo po ako gusto makausap, Ma'am?" I asked her gently.
She stared at me intently and bit her lip, shaking her head.
"So prim and proper. Ma'am is too formal, hija, call me Auntie." She smiled.
"U-uhm, Auntie," I murmured and cleared my throat. "Auntie Agnes?"
"Oh, you know me!" she cheered. "Did my son mentioned me to you?" she asked excitedly and I nodded.
"A lot of time, Auntie." I chuckled. "He said you're an awesome mother."
"Oh, that's too sweet!" Her black eyes twinkled. "Jer's always so sweet. Nga pala, hija, I dropped here hoping if I can ask you for a coffee?"
Nagulat ako roon pero napatango-tango.
"Coffee? Sure po!" Sagot ko kaagad.
"Great!" She chuckled and pulled me inside her car.
Auntie Agnes is talking non-stop inside the car so I was really amused. Bumaba kami sa hindi kalayuang coffee shop at pagkatapos niyang mag-order ng kape ay tahimik ko lang siyang pinagmasdan.
She's really beautiful. Her eyes are round, long silky hair, elegant dress and amusing smile. She really is Ejercito's mother.
"So, hija." Pinagsiklop niya ang kamay at ngumiti sa akin. "How are you and my son?"
"Uhm... Paano n'yo po nalaman?" Maliit na boses kong tanong sa kanya, nahihiya pa.
"Kinulit ko ang anak ko," tumawa siya. "Akala niya hindi ko malalaman? I teased him and he blushed. That's when I found out about you. Matagal ko ng alam na gusto ka niya actually, ngayon ko lang nalaman na hindi na pala torpe ang anak ko."
I smiled at that. Nang dumating ang kape ay sumimsim ako roon at nakitang nakatitig sa akin ang Mamá ni Ejercito.
"Hija," she started.
"Yes po?" I asked quickly.
"Actually," she sighed. "I came here for a favor."
Kumalabog ang dibdib ko sa sinabi niya pero 'di ako masyadong nag-isip at nagsalita.
"For what po?"
"Uhm, you know we went to Cambridge last week, right?" aniya. I nodded slowly, an idea slowly forming on my mind.
"Y-yes po," I answered.
"You know he took an exam to Harvard? Law school?" She stared at me, watching my reaction.
Dahan-dahan naman akong tumango at ngumiti sa kanya.
"Pumasa po, ano?" I tried cheering my voice up.
"Yes," aniya, binabantayan pa rin ang mukha ko.
"I knew it! Sabi niya hindi pero alam kong papasa siya." I smiled happily but I felt my heart aching at that and I couldn't even explain why.
"Ayos...lang sa 'yo na pumasa siya, hija?" namilog ang mata niya sa pagkamangha kaya tumango ako.
"Of course po," I said. "It's a big opportunity for him."
"Oh, I knew you'd understand me!" napasinghap siya na parang nabunutan ng tinik at unti-unting napangiti. "I was scared na hindi ka papayag, naisip ko nga kanina kung paano ako hihingi ng pabor sa 'yo."
"Ano po bang pabor?" I asked her critically, my heart pounding louder inside my chest.
"My son," she sighed. "Noong isang araw pa lumabas ang resulta na pumasa siya. We said we have to fix his papers so he can start studying after his graduation but no, he insisted of staying here!"
"I-Is that so?" I felt my heart's ripping so I sipped on my coffee and stared at my hand and flashed a small smile.
"Ano pong p'wede kong gawin? Maitulong?" I asked her, my voice almost break.
"I know this is somehow hard for you, hija." She reached for my hand upon heaving a loud sigh. "But I know you'll understand me, I just want the best for my son. Hindi ko naman papakialaman ang mayroon kayo, I like you, Lena but you see, Ejercito needs to study there."
Natahimik ako pero tumango.
"I understand po," marahang sinabi ko. "It's always been Jer's dream. He wanted to pursue law...that's what I know."
"Hindi ba?" she brushed her hair and sighed heavily again. "Ang anak ko talagang iyon, masakit sa ulo! Even his father is stressed! Alam mo naman ang asawa ko, gusto ring maging abogado ang anak kagaya niya? He keeps on telling him to go and study abroad pero nagmamatigas si Ejercito."
So...is that the reason Jer wants to stay in school instead of going home?
"Hija, sana, you can help us in convincing him." She squeezed my hand. "Ejercito will be a great lawyer someday, I know it. He'll be like his father."
Natahimik ako at sumulyap kay Auntie. She was so kind and as a mother, I know and understand she wanted the best for her son. All mothers wanted that.
Is it me who's stopping him from going abroad?
Sumikip ang dibdib ko at muling napasulyap kay Auntie na punong-puno ng pag-asa ang mata habang nakatitig sa akin.
"Please, hija? Can you please help us in convincing Jer?" She asked hopefully, her eyes twinkling.
I bit my lip and remembered Ejercito. It's always his dream to be a lawyer like his father. He always tells me he'll be a great lawyer and protect the poor and weak.
Can I take that dream away from him?
"Lena, hija, please?" Auntie Agnes pouted and a sad smile left my lips and nodded slowly.
"I-I'll try, Auntie." I answered and sighed.