Kabanata 14
"Okay! Candidate number two!" Inilahad sa akin ni Macarena ang larawan ng isang gwapo lalaki.
"Ezekiel Salazar," She showed me the infos. "Owner of a Salazar ranch in Batanes, twenty-nine years old, single. Ateneo graduate of business administration."
"Gwapo," I nodded. Nanatili akong nakatitig roon.
"I know right," She said. "Nanligaw nga sa'yo diba?"
"That was way back in college, Macarena. I totally forgot his face. Saan mo nga pala nakita itong lalaki?" My brow raised.
"Sa listahan mo, 'yung dalawang page." Aniya at bumilog ang bibig ko at napatango roon.
"Ang galing, huh. Saan mo nahalukay?" I asked her.
"Sa laptop mo! Babaeng 'to talaga." Tawa n'ya at napanguso ako at pinakatitigan ang mukha 'nung lalaki.
"Hmm, feeling ko Mama's boy pa rin 'to." I said. Macarena chuckled, nakatitig rin s'ya sa litrato at tumango.
"Yeah, look at the red ribbon on his neck. Good boy, huh?" Ngisi n'ya. "Di mo ba bet? Kung ayaw mo marami pa 'to, let's proceed to candidate number three?"
My forehead creased.
"Why candidate number three kaagad? Ezekiel is the first one you showed me, right?" Gulong sabi ko.
"Syempre, may candidate number one na ako!" Aniya at nagtaka ako roon at nangunot ang noo.
"Who?"
"Sino pa ba edi 'yung manok ko!" Aniya. Mas nangunot ang noo ko roon, napairap s'ya sa akin at ngumiwi.
"Si Major, Winter! Slow naman nito." Aniya at nanlaki ang mata ko.
I cleared my throat, taas noong umiling sa kanya.
"No freaking way, ekis na 'yun sakin!" I sulked.
"I know, medyo ekis na rin sa'kin pero s'ya first choice ko sa'yo e." Aniya. "Pero syempre hindi rin ako papayag na diligan ka 'nun, he still isn't allowed to come near you 'no! Kung didiligan ka nga lang, magandang choice pero sinaktan ka na so, no." Iling n'ya.
"See?" My lips protruded.
"Bakit nga ba 'di pa 'yan umaalis rito?" She asked me and I shrugged and shook my head.
"Ewan ko d'yan, nakakainis." Nguso ko. "Babantay daw sakin habang wala sina Mommy, like, ano ako, baby? I can handle myself! Lakas makasabi ng may buhay s'ya bukod sa akin pero ayaw pa rin umalis!"
"Tinry mo palayasin 'no?" Malisyosang sabi n'ya.
"Oo!" I answered. "Kulang na nga lang itapon ko 'yung damit sa labas."
"Galit ka sa kanya talaga?" Her brow raised at me, tila inoobserbahan ako.
"Syempre," I sighed. "But I understand him, na hindi lang sa akin iikot ang buhay n'ya at it's fine with me. Pero sana, umalis s'ya, naiirita ako sa mukha n'ya. Inaaway ko na nga pero ang gwapo pa rin!" I stomped my feet.
"Hay, ang marupok kong kaibigan." She sighed.
"I'm not!" I raised my brow. "Have I ever talked to him? No, right? S'ya itong papansin palagi, akala n'ya gwapo."
Ngumisi si Macarena at nanliit ang mata sa akin.
"Oo na, oo na, gwapo!" Irit ko.
Humagalpak s'ya at nang makitang palapit si Piglet ay tinanggal ko ang unan sa hita ko at hinayaang tumalon roon ang pusa ko.
I slowly caressed the head of my cat, bored lang naman itong nakatingin kay Macarena na ngumuso sa akin.
"Ito talagang si piglet kapag tumingin parang nang-ja-judge." Reklamo n'ya at hinaplos rin ang ulo ng pusa.
"I know right, I can almost imagine her purring everytime, definitely saying, Tuyot! Tuyot! Tuyot!" I said.
"Ano, Winter? Should we give Ezekiel a try? Kung ayaw mo, the list goes on." Aniya.
"How about Max?" I asked her.
"Max's an asshole," Ngiwi n'ya bigla kaya nagtaka ako roon. "Nung nakaraan pa ako pinipilit na pumunta rito! Sasama raw s'ya sakin and can you believe he's saying you're his girlfriend?"
My mouth parted, napakurap ako sa gulat roon.
"S-Seriously?"
"Yes, that man. Sinabi ko nang sa sunod na kayo magkita pero namimilit." She said.
Napatango ako at kinagat ang labi ko.
"He's a good man, Elena but you see...I can't like Max more than a friend." I sighed.
"Then, tell him. Para matapos na rin. He's becoming very obssessive of you."
"I will," I sighed and shook my head.
I don't know what magic Macarena has but he contacted Ezekiel right after our talk at naging maayos ang lahat. We've decided we'll meet at a bar tonight, kasama ko si Macarena mamaya at kasalukuyan akong nag-aayos para sa meet-up ko sa college suitor ko.
Well, desperate measures. I'm getting older, isa pa, baka ma-expire na ako talaga kapag hindi pa ako nag-asawa!
I just wish Ezekiel is a good man, sana magustuhan ko s'ya kaagad.
I remembered going to Caspian's condo unit after that scene last time with Warrion. Sinundo namin sila noon sa ospital, si Caspian, Polaris and their son, Riu. Ayaw ko man ay wala na akong nagawa kung hindi ang mag-stay roon hanggang gabi.
Polaris is a good woman, masayang kausap at palaging punong-puno ng knowledge. We stayed until dinner at kung maghaharap lang kami ni Warrion ay walang sawa ko s'yang iirapan kaya sumakit na ang mata ko.
Sirius is a bubbly, little kid. He's handsome, I can't believe Caspian is the father, that explains the uncanny resemblance of the kid and Warrion! Kasi anak ng kapatid n'ya!
Wearing a sparkly little black dress, I stared at myself in the mirror. Malaki ang ngiti ko habang inaayos ang kinulot kong buhok.
The dress fits perfectly on my body, exposing my porcelain skin and chest and my small waist. I wore a two-inches stilletos to match my outfit and a black small bag.
When satisfied, I took a photo on my phone and post it on my social media before heading out of my room.
I was humming a bit, walking on the hallway when I saw Warrion coming.
His forehead creased when he saw me, tumaas ang kilay n'ya nang tumitig sa katawan ko at hinarap ako.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
Nagtaas ako ng noo at tinitigan s'ya.
"Why do you care?" I asked him.
His jaw clenched, I saw how his lips protruded a bit, probably annoyed of me.
"I have to check on you--"
"Check on me, check on me my ass." Ngiwi ko. "Malaki na ako, Mr. Alcantara and you see, like you, I have bigger life than this."
"Where are you going?" Iritang sabi n'ya. Nakita kong naiinis na sa mga sagot ko.
"Date," I said and grinned. "Madidiligan na ako, Mr. Alcantara."
His eyes darken, I saw how his muscle clenched. Mukhang ilang pang-aasar ko pa ay madudurog na ako.
"Sasama ako." Aniya.
My jaw dropped, umayos ako ng tayo at tinitigan s'ya.
"Excuse me?"
"I'm coming with you." Aniya at tumaas ang kilay ko.
"No way!" I exclaimed.
"Yes way," Kumunot ang noo n'ya. "I'll get my keys, wait for me." Utos n'ya at nilagpasan ako.
Syempre nagmadali ako palabas bago pa n'ya ako abutan, ano ako, hilo? Hindi na ako bata para samahan n'ya! I can do it on my own!
Kung magpapadilig ako ay wala na s'yang pakialam roon! Ni-reject n'ya ang offer kong maging irrigation, edi h'wag!
Halos hingalin na ako nang makasakay sa taxi sa pagmamadali.
"Pakibilisan, Kuya!" I exclaimed when I got into the vehicle.
Hindi naman na s'ya nagtanong, nang makalagpas sa village ay tuwang-tuwa ako dahil hindi ako nasundan ni Warrion.
Pagkarating ko sa isang sikat na high-end bar ay tuwang-tuwa ako. It's been a while since I last went to places like this!
Siguro dahil masyado na akong Tita? Oh, does that really affect my likes? Because I'm not getting any younger?
Sa labas palang ng bar ay may nakita na akong mga teenagers sa labas na mukhang nag-iisip paano makakapasok sa loob at dadayain ang kanilang edad.
My brows shot up the moment I saw two of the teenagers kissing.
What?
Umawang ang labi ko at namaywang, hindi ko alam pero lumapit ako sa kanila at nagsalita.
"Hey, bawal 'yan dito. Bata pa kayo, huh?" I said.
The couple stopped kissing, nakita ko ang pagtingin sa akin ng ilang mga teenager at ngumiwi.
"Ano po bang pakialam mo?"
"Aba't! Alam ba iyan ng Nanay n'yo?" Namaywang ako at pinagtaasan sila ng kilay.
"Ano namang pakialam mo, huh, Manang?" The girl asked.
My jaw dropped dramatically, I gasped in horror and pointed myself.
"M-Manang? Me?!" I exclaimed.
"Oo, ikaw, Manang. Pakialam mo ba kung gusto namin mag-bar?"
"Because you're all obviously kids! What are you, sixteen? What?" Tumaas ang kilay ko. "And bawiin mo 'yun, hindi ako, Manang! Dalaga pa ako--"
"Ay, hindi halata." The bitchy teenager said. Umawang nanaman ang labi ko.
"Sabihin mo na kasi, Manang, inggit ka lang kasi may kahalikan kami. E, ikaw? You are obviously going to bars because you don't have a man. Seeking love and shelter, huh?"
"What?! You kid!" I exclaimed. "H-Hindi ako single, may boyfriend ako!"
"Then why are you alone here, huh? Bakit mo kami aawayin dito?" Ngiwi n'ya sa akin at pinaypayan ko ang sarili sa stress.
"B-Busy s'ya! Kaya ako mag-isa!"
"Okay, sabi mo e...Tita." The girl smirked.
Halos atakihin ako sa puso, umawang ang labi ko sa konsumisyon at hindi na alam ang sasabihin.
"Tatakas ka, hmm..." I felt a hand on my waist and a hard kiss on my cheek kaya napatalon ako.
Napalingon ako at halos mawalan nang ulirat nang makita si Alcantara sa tabi ko.
"W-What..."
"You have a problem with my girlfriend?" Warrion's deep and alluring voice filled my ears. Nang bumaba ang tingin ko sa mga bata ay nakita kong gulat na gulat sila sa mukha ni Warrion.
"U-Uh, Kuya, girlfriend mo si Tita?" Ani nung babaeng suplada.
"A-Anong Tita?!" I exclaimed pero diniin ako ni Warrion sa dibdib n'ya kaya natahimik ako.
"Yeah, hmm, why?"
"W-Wala naman..." Nasilip ko ang mga batang hiyang-hiya kay Warrion. I even saw the only boy in the group, shaking his head, looking at his girlfriend who was obviously smitten with this ugly man.
"Why are you here anyway? How old are you?"
"S-Seventeen po!" Sagot nung babae.
"That isn't the legal age, why would you go inside the bar?" Mabait na sabi ni Warrion.
Napairap ako, tinulak ko ang dibdib n'ya pero mas hinapit ako kaya sumubsob ako sa leeg n'ya.
"Alcantara!" I hissed and slapped his back pero mas idiniin n'ya lang ako.
"Ta-try lang po sana."
"No, don't. Come back here when you're legal. Go home now." Ani nito.
"O-Okay, sige po!" Mabilis na sabi nila at sa muli kong paglingon ay nagsisialisan na ang mga bata kaya napasinghap ako at tinulak na ng mas malakas si Alcantara.
"These kids!" Nasapo ko ang noo, pinagmamasdan ang mga bata. "Anong Tita?! Do I look like an auntie to them?!"
"Pagkatapos mong tumakas sakin, makikita kitang nakikipag-away sa mga bata." Malisyosong sabi ni Warrion kaya hinarap ko s'ya at inirapan.
I crossed my arms on my chest and raised my brow.
"Anong ginagawa mo dito?!"
"Babantayan ka." Aniya.
Natawa ako at suminghap, parang nababaliw na.
"Bantayan mo mukha mo," Ngiwi ko.
His jaw clenched, nakita kong bumaba ang tingin n'ya sa dibdib ko at tumikhim.
"Let's go inside para maaga kitang i-uuwi."
"What?!" I exclaimed. "No way, dito lang ako hanggang umaga!"
"What?" His forehead creased. "No, you're going early with me. Uuwi na tayo kaagad."
"Bakit? Boss ba kita? Why would I come with you?"
"Because I said so," Prenteng sabi n'ya.
"Fuck you," Ngiwi ko.
"Are you cursing me or giving me a task to do?" Tumaas ang kilay n'ya.
"What the..." Hindi makapaniwalang napailing ako sa kanya. "Y-You're seriously telling me that?!"
He smirked at me, licking his lower lip seductively.
Nagpalpitate naman ang puso ko, halos murahin s'ya sa utak dahil kahit anong irita ko sa kanya ay ang gwapo-gwapo pa rin n'ya!
He's wearing a white dress shirt and black slacks, the first three buttons of his shirt was undone, exposing his chest. The sleeves of his clothes were folded up to his forearm.
I also noticed his hair, looking like he's freshly shaved for an undercut with low fade. His hair is messy. His green mesmerizing eyes stared darkly at me that I have to refrain myself from praising him again like a fool.
"Pwede ba, Alcantara." I sighed. "Tantanan mo na ako, please?"
His eyes soften, nawala ang pilyong tingin n'ya at humugot ng hininga.
"Winter..." He said in a deep baritone. "I was just trying to protect you."
"Protect me?" I laughed. "Yet you hurt my heart! Naprotektahan mo nga ako pero 'yung puso ko, nagawa mo ba?"
He stopped, I saw how pain reflected his eyes, akmang magsasalita pero umiling ako at mabilis na tumalikod at magmartsa papasok.
Mabigat ang loob ko, nang batiin ako ng bouncer ay hindi ako sumagot at kaagad na kumuha ng inumin sa waiter na dumaan.
I drinked the vodka in one gulp at halos mahilo sa bigla at sa pagsabog ng nakakaindak na kanta sa lugar. The colorful and playful lights scattered the place, nang makita si Macarena ay lumaki ang ngisi ko at mabilis na lumapit.
She hugged me, niyakap ko s'ya pabalik at ngumisi.
"You looked gorg, Winter! As always!" She giggled while I twirled infront of her.
"You too! Sinong kasama mo?" I asked her at mula sa likod n'ya ay nakita ko ang paglitaw ng boyfriend n'ya.
"Josiah!" I exclaimed.
Josiah laughed when she saw me, kaagad akong nagbeso at ngumisi sa kaibigan ko at bumulong.
"Ayiee, lalasingin mo itong bebe mo, ano? Tapos jugjugan na?" Biro ko at napahagalpak nang mamula ang pisngi ni Macarena at pinalo ang braso ko.
"Shh! H'wag ka maingay! Secret lang!" Hagikhik n'ya kaya mas nagtawanan kami.
"Pero ikaw, I saw Ezekiel and I admit he was super hot!" Tili ni Macarena pero natigil lang nang yakapin s'ya ni Josiah sa likuran at halikan sa pisngi.
"Your mouth, Rena..." Ani nito.
My friend blushed, napatili naman ako roon at hinila ang buhok ng kaibigan ko.
"Ikaw na! Ikaw na ang may jowang nakakakilig!" I stomped my feet. "Ako na ang single, ako na ang mag-isa!"
She laughed, umiling s'ya at pinanlakihan ako ng mata.
"Kaya ikaw, galingan mo, girl! Ezekiel looks stable! Potential jowa material!" Aniya at may tinuro roon sa malayo.
I shifted my gaze and saw Ezekiel sitting on the bar counter drinking whiskey. Tahimik s'ya roon at sumulyap ako kay Josiah at Macarena bago sumaludo.
Nang may madaanang waiter ay muli akong kumuha ng alak at tumungga bago naglakad patungo kay Ezekiel.
Tita raw ako? But then, I stopped when I realized I am basically the elderly who hated teenagers on street.
Oh, so...Tita na talaga ako?
"Hi, Ezekiel!" I greeted the man who was sitting on the stool.
Kaagad itong lumingon at nakita ko ang gulat sa kanya nang makita ako.
"Winter," He said in a deep baritone. I flashed a small, sweet smile.
"Hi..."
"Wow!" His smile brightened, tumayo s'ya at inalalayan akong paupo.
"You looked beautiful, as always!" Aniya at nag-init ang pisngi ko. I chuckled, masuyo naman ang kanyang tingin at tinawag ang waiter para bigyan ako ng inumin.
"You looked handsome too," Bati ko and I mean it.
He matured a lot since college! Mas naging batak ang katawan n'ya kumpara noon na medyo patpatin.
We talked a lot, reminiscing our college days. He's a good listener, huli ko na napansing napakadaldal ko na kaya nagsitawanan kami.
Sa lakas ng tugtog ay halos hindi na kami magkarinigan kaya magkalapit ang mukha namin para magkarinigan. He was almost shouting the words on my ear.
I chuckled when his lips touched my cheek briefly, malamang ay dahil sa nahihilo na rin ako sa alak.
He's fun to be with, hindi nga lang ako makapagfocus dahil sa alak at sa pakiramdam na minamatyagan ako.
My lips protruded, kumunot ang noo ko at umikot ang paningin pero wala akong makita.
I just hope that it isn't the asshole, Alcantara.
I continued talking to Ezekiel but I was pre-occupied and out of focus. Paikot-ikot ang tingin ko dahil sa pakiramdam sa pagbabantay sa mga kilos ko.
"Are you alright, Winter?" Ezekiel touched my forearm.
"Yes," Ngiti ko. "I just...you know, restroom muna ako."
"Oh...sure!" He grinned and stood.
"Ihahatid kita."
"No, ayos lang." I said softly. He nodded, saglit n'ya akong inalalayan patayo at medyo nahilo na sa alak pero tumayo ako ng maayos.
I made my way to the restroom with the feeling of being followed, nang makita kong parang pamilyar ang presensyang iyon ay ngumuso ako.
Ganyang-ganyan kahit 'nung nasa Manila ako!
I entered the restroom, noong una ay may kasama ako pero kalaunan ay nawala na rin ang babaeng kasabay.
I fixed myself in the bathroom, I brushed my curly hair and fixed my small dress and put on a red lipstick.
Namumutla ang mukha ko sa ilaw kaya naglagay ako ng kaunting blush on at tumitig sa salamin.
I looked pretty, hindi naman ako mukhang Tita, a? Those kids!
Nang makuntento ay sumulyap akong muli bago lumabas ng banyo pero halos mapatalon nang makita si Alcantara na nakatayo sa tapat ng restroom.
"A-Anong ginagawa mo?!" I exclaimed.
His forehead creased at me, he looks darkly handsome with his drunk look. Maayos pa naman s'ya pero halatang nakainom dahil sa namumungay na mga mata.
"I followed you," He said huskily.
I gulped when he advanced a step, napaatras ako roon at napahugot ng hininga.
"B-Bakit? Because my father asked you?" Mapait kong sabi.
His breath deepened, hinanap n'ya ang mata ko at nagsalita.
"Because I want to," Bulong n'ya sa hangin.
"Kasi utos ng Daddy ko..." I chuckled bitterly. "Come on, Alcantara, you can leave me alone."
"I won't." He sighed. Napasinghap ako nang mapansing nakapasok akong muli sa banyo at nakapasok na rin s'ya.
"W-Why tapos na ang kontrata mo, diba? You can leave me alone now! S-Sabi mo hindi mo ako gusto! Is it because of my Dad then, kaya ka palaging nandito--"
"I am here because I want to," He sighed. "Damn, I'd protect you again and again."
"F-For?" Nanginig ang boses ko.
I gasped when my back reached the wall, tumama ang likod ko rito at napasinghap ako nang nakitang ni-lock n'ya ang pinto at lumapit sa akin.
I gulped and my heart started beating loudly.
My eyes dilated with the sight of him closer to me, bumilis ang aking paghinga nang inilapit n'ya ang katawan sa akin at ipinatong ang kamay sa itaas ng ulo ko.
He towered me, a whimper left my lips when he caught my chin and lifted it, making me see his green eyes.
"What are you doing with that boy, hmm..." Mahinang bulong n'ya, nakatitig sa labi ko.
"D-Date..." Bulong ko. His eyes darken and his lips lifted for a bitter smile.
"I wish I could date other woman too," Bulong n'ya kaya nagtaka ako at iniangat ang tingin sa kanya.
"T-Then date other woman." Sabi ko pero ang bigat ng puso ko.
"I will if only I could," He chuckled non-chalantly. "But I'm stucked with you for years."
"H-Huh?" Gulong sabi ko.
"I don't break promises, Winter." He smiled sadly at me. "I won't because my heart can't. I promised to protect you, over and over again."
I smelled liquor on his breath at kahit nagwawala na ang puso ko ay iniangat ko ang tingin sa kanya.
"W-Why are you saying this?" Mababa ang boses ko.
"Because I want to," He whispered. "Even if it fucking hurts seeing you liking other man than me. Even if it hurts seeing you kissing them."
I gasped when his lips landed on my cheek.
"Y-You pushed me away and now..."
"Because I have to stop myself," Bulong n'ya. "I don't want to hurt you."
"By hurting me?" Bulong ko.
"That's the only way," Aniya. "I should be staying away from you like what I intended to always do. I should have just stayed under your shadow."
"E, bakit ka nandito?" Bulong ko. Nagwawala ang puso.
"Kasi gago ako," He chuckled non-chalantly. "I can't stay away from you... Kahit anong pilit kong ilayo ang sarili ko sayo dahil ayokong maulit ulit ang dati."
Hindi ako umimik at humugot ng hininga.
"I-I am hurt, Warrion." I gasped. "Because I like you...and you pushed me away."
"I am hurt too, Winter." He sighed and placed his forehead against mine. "You hurt me first, years ago, when you blocked me out from your memory."
Natigilan ako roon at hindi ko alam pero tumulo ang luha sa mata ko.
"I-I did?" My heart started beating wildly.
Hindi s'ya sumagot, I saw his bloodshot eyes, mukha s'yang hinang-hina roon. My mouth parted when he planted a small kiss on my lips and dried my cheek.
"What..." Hinanap ko ang mata n'ya.
"I'm fucking drunk," He groaned and held my waist. Muli s'yang nagpatak ng halik sa labi ko at hinanap ang mata ko.
"I can't even see you clearly now," Reklamo n'ya at kumunot ang noo. "Fuck that drinks, I will punch Caspian."
"L-Lasing ka na talaga?" Bulong ko at hinaplos ang pisngi n'ya.
Nakita kong pumikit ang mata n'ya at muling nagmulat, hinanahap ang mata ko.
"Can I kiss you?" Bulong n'ya. "I might sober up if I kiss you."
"B-But hindi pa tayo bati!" I exclaimed.
"Magbati na tayo, please..." Bulong n'ya, nakatitig sa labi ko.
"No," I murmured, nalalasing na rin sa tingin n'ya. "Ayoko..."
"Baby...please?" He murmured. Napasinghap ako sa gulat nang buhatin n'ya ang baywang ko kaya napatili ako at yumakap sa leeg n'ya.
My eyes widen when he walked towards the sink and placed me on top of it, the mirror on my back.
Halos masilaw ako sa ilaw roon at nakita kong namumula na si Warrion roon habang hinahanap ang mata ko.
"There, you're clear..." He murmured and caressed my cheek. "I can see you clearly now, how I wish this isn't a dream."
My mouth parted in shock, kumunot ang noo ko.
"This isn't a dream!" I murmured.
"Nah," He chuckled huskily, lowering his head and kissing my lips. "I am sure I passed out with that fucking drink Caspian gave and you..." He touched my lips.
"You probably is with that boy, right now... Galit ka sakin because I pushed you away, what an asshole, right?"
"This isn't a dream, Warrion!" I snapped but he smiled seductively and caressed my waist.
"I wish," He chuckled deeply. "If it's true then, I might can't touch you like this because you hate me."
"But..." Natigil lang ako nang hulihin n'ya ang labi ko para sa isang malalim na halik.
"And tomorrow...when I woke up, hindi mo nanaman ako kakausapin. Doon nanaman ako sa tapat ng kwarto mo, aantayin kung lalabas ka." He said bitterly. "I have to stay away from you, I have to push you away so, you won't get hurt again."
I didn't say anything, I can't understand what he's saying but I am positive he is so drunk right now. His voice is slurred, namumungay ang mga mata n'ya habang nalalasing ang tingin sa aking labi kaya hinawakan ko na ang batok n'ya at hinila s'ya palapit sa akin.
Our lips met, it was as if it knows what to do, his hands crawled on my back and pulled me closer to his chest.
His mouth invaded mine, I opened my mouth willingly when his tongue made its way towards mine.
The heat started invading my system, niyakap ko ng mahigpit ang kanyang leeg habang nagpapalitan kami ng halik.
"I wish I can hold you like this in reality, hmm..." He whispered on my lips.
"Why are you pushing me, anyway?" Hinahapo kong sabi.
"I have reasons," He said and caught my lips again.
"Like?" Tinulak ko s'ya at hinanap ang mata n'ya.
"Like..." He licked his lower lips and I gasped in shock when he lowered his head and kissed my neck. I groaned and tilted my head to give him more access to my skin.
He touched my jaw and a sweet moan left my lips the moment he bit my skin.
"W-War..." I whispered.
He groaned and touched my waist, naghabol ako nang hininga nang maramdaman ang daliri n'ya sa hita ko, dahilan para umakyat ang dress ko.
Our lower bodies touched, I felt the heat burning my system and the burning hidden desire inside me. I clutched his hair and pulled it softly.
"Damn, you smell good..." He groaned on my ear and bit my earlobe.
"Ah..." I gasped. Mas hinigit n'ya ako sa kanya, bumilis ang paghinga ko nang maramdaman ang katawan n'ya sa akin.
He moved his waist a bit, natigalgal ako at mas nakaramdaman ng init.
"W-Warrion!" I gasped.
"Hmm, baby?" He whispered sensually on my ear, huli ko na napansing nakababa na pala ang strap ng damit ko kaya kitang-kita n'ya ang dibdib ko.
My eyes dilated at that, akmang tatakpan pero hindi n'ya ako hinayaan.
"Wala kang bra?" Reklamo n'ya, titig na titig sa dibdib ko.
"A-Ayaw mo 'nun, easy access?" I breathe.
He groaned, ngumiwi s'ya at hinanap ang mata ko.
"Not funny, woman." He murmured. "What are you doing in here anyway, other than to date that boy?"
Hindi ako kaagad nakasagot nang maramdaman ang kamay n'ya sa dibdib ko, my breath was unsteady, lumunok ako ng marahas at nakagat ang labi ko.
"D-Didiligan mo na ako, Major?" I murmured.
His lip twitched, umangat ang kilay n'ya at pinatakan ng halik ang labi ko.
"Ano munang ginagawa mo dito?" Aniya.
"Party, syempre!" I exclaimed in frustration because he's teasing my peaks with his freaking fingers!
"And?" Tumitig s'ya sa mata ko at ibinagsak rin ang isang strap ng dress ko at marahang hinila pababa.
"P-Party! Sasayaw syempre, anong gusto mo, prayer meeting?---Warrion!" I exclaimed when he lowered his face and licked my chest.
I was feeling dizzy and burning, tanging malakas na ungol nalang ang pinakawalan ko sa kanyang ginagawa. He licked my breast, sucking its peaks while he plays the other one, placing it on his fingers, teasing it.
Heat consumed my body, the part in between my legs felt weird. I almost convulsed when he dry humped me, the roughness of his pants gave enought sensitiveness in that part of mine.
"W-War..."
"Damn, I fucking don't want to wake up." Giit n'ya at muling binalikan ang labi ko.
We exchanged kisses like it was our last. Nawawawala na ako sa sarili, miski ang steps ni Macarena ay nawala na sa isip ko at mararahas na paghinga lang ang pinapakawalan ko.
I stopped kissing him the moment I realized someone is knocking harshly on the door.
My eyes widen, tinulak ko ang ulo ni Warrion pero nangunot lang ang noo n'ya at pinatakan ang labi ko ng paulit-ulit na halik.
"Wait..." Umiwas ako kaya tumama ang halik n'ya sa pisngi ko.
"What?" He whinned and kissed my neck while cupping my breast.
"M-May tao, Warrion." I said and pushed him.
"Huh?" Wala sa sariling sabi n'ya at lumingon sa pintuan pabalik sa akin. "I locked it, no one will see you--"
"W-We have to go out," I said, panicking at nang mas lumakas ang katok ay natulala ako.
Warrion was fast, bumalik lang ako sa sarili nang i-angat n'ya ang damit ko at inayos ang laylayan ng dress ko.
I blinked, mabilis namang pinatakan n'ya ng halik ang labi ko bago ayusin ang buhok ko at buhatin ako pababa sa sink.
"Come on," Hinawakan n'ya ang kamay ko nang makitang ayos na ako at binuksan ang pintuan.
My eyes widen when I realized that a lot of woman is out here! Nakita ko ang gulat at malisyosa nilang tingin sa akin pero mas nagulat ako nang makita ang parang mahihimatay na si Macarena roon.
"Y-You..." Tinuro n'ya kaming dalawa.
My cheeks flushed, mabilis kong inagaw ang kamay ko kay Warrion at tumingin sa bangag na si Macarena.
"It's not--"
"Ang galing ng manok ko!" She exclaimed at nagulat ako nang mag-apir sila ni Warrion.
My eyes widen, nang lingunin ko si Warrion ay tumikhim s'ya at nag-iwas ng tingin.
What the hell?
Nangunot ang noo ko, paulit-ulit silang tinignan at nailing bago umalis. Warrion ran after me, nang maabutan n'ya ako ay hinawakan n'ya ang pulsuhan ko pero kinuha ko ang kamay at nilingon s'ya.
"U-Umalis ka na, I have a date." I said.
His eyes darken, his jaw clenched and I shook my head at him and turned my back to go back to Ezekiel.
Inulan ako ng tanong ni Ezekiel pagkabalik ko pero wala akong masagot sa kanya, sinabi ko nalang na sumama kasi ang pakiramdam ko. We drinked until it's late, nang mag-aya s'yang sumayaw ay tumango ako at sumama.
Is Warrion home? Umalis na kaya s'ya?
Wala pa man ako sa dancefloor ay may tumawag sa akin at sa paglingon ko ay nagulat ako nang makita si Caspian at Wave roon.
"H-Hi?" Gulo kong sabi.
"Can you come with us, Winter?" Caspian asked kaya naguluhan ako.
"Why?"
"Warrion," Ani Wave at natigil ako. My mouth parted, napalingon ako sa naguguluhang si Zeke at nagsalita.
"Uhm, Zeke... I'm sorry, as much as I want to stay, may kailangan kasi..." I murmured.
"Oh, it's alright." Aniya, naguguluhan pa rin. "Maybe I can ask you for another date?"
"S-Sure..." I smiled a bit. "I just have to go now."
Nang pumayag s'ya ay nagpaalam na ako at sumama sa dalawa, habang paakyat sa second floor ng bar ay nagtanong ako.
"What's happening?" I asked Caspian.
"Nababaliw na ata 'yung lover boy mo," He said.
My eyes widen, napasulyap ako kay Wave at napangisi lang ito at umiling sa akin.
"Warrion is crazy when he's drunk, akala lahat kapag nahihilo na s'ya, panaginip."
My mouth parted, inilahad n'ya ang counter at nagitla ako nang makitang nakasubsob sa counter si Warrion at Vioxx habang sa tabi ay nagsasalita si Lucian mag-isa.
"A-Anong nangyari sa kanila?"
"Broken hearted," Ngisi ni Cas. "Kaya pinainom ko 'nung pinakamatapang na alak, ayan, tulog."
"E, si Lucian..." Turo ko kay Lucian.
"Hayaan mo, naniningil lang 'yan ng utang." Tawa ni Caspian.
I nodded, lumapit ako sa kanila at naupo sa tabi ng nakapikit na si Warrion, katabi ang isang baso ng alak.
"Can he still go home?" Baling ko kay Caspian na tumango sa akin.
"Oo, gising 'yan, kalabitin mo. Medyo bangag pero makakausap naman. H'wag mo nalang pansinin kung may sasabihin."
I nodded, marahang hinaplos ko ang buhok ni Warrion at tinawag s'ya.
"War..." I called. He stirred a bit, isang haplos pa sa buhok n'ya ay nagmulat ang isang mata n'ya at namumungay na tumingin sa akin.
"Alala mo na ko?" He murmured.
I was confused, tumitig ako sa kanya at nakita ko ang pagkabigo sa kanya bago bahagyang umayos ng upo at tumango sa akin.
I stood, hinayaan s'ya nang hilahin ako at niyakap ang baywang ko bago isinubsob ang mukha sa aking leeg.
"Winter," He hummed on my neck and kissed my skin.
Mula sa likuran n'ya ay nakita kong nakatingin si Caspian at Wave na nangingisi pa roon, mukhang may pinag-uusapan.
"Yes?"
"Don't wake me up from this dream," He murmured painfully. "I...I don't want us to be strangers again."
"T-This isn't a dream, War." Bulong ko.
"It is," He said in a slurred voice. "If it's true...then, you won't be talking to me."
"I...I lov--" He suddenly stopped.
Humigpit ang yakap n'ya sa akin at maya-maya pa ay narinig ko na ang malalim n'yang paghinga.
He slept on my shoulder, tinulungan akong buhatin si Warrion ni Caspian.
Wave assisted the broken Vioxx and Lucian, nawe-weirduhan man noong una sa kanila ay naintindihan ko.
Warrion was hugging my waist as he sleep on my shoulder in Caspian's car.
Pagkarating namin sa bahay ay hinatid namin sa kwarto n'ya si Warrion at nang bumagsak ito roon sa kama ay hinarap ako ni Caspian.
"Forgive my brother, he's an ass sometimes." Ngiti n'ya sa akin.
I nodded slowly, staring at Warrion and back to him.
"Does he know me?" Mahinang sabi ko. "I mean, in the past? Before he even worked here?
He froze but then smiled a little.
"Sorry, Miss, that isn't my story to tell." Aniya. "Ask him, Winter."
I nodded and thanked him.
Nang umalis na s'ya ay inasikaso ko si Warrion bago natulog. I was on my bed, thinking of a lot of things.
I wonder if I know him in the past? Wala akong amnesia so, it's impossible.
But we kissed and ayon sa sinabi n'ya kanina, I assume he likes me. I felt it, naniniwala akong gusto n'ya ako pero kailangang umiwas dahil may dahilan.
I felt like he's jealous of Ezekiel and he looks sad, saying he wants us to be good again.
Huminga ako ng malalim at hinaplos ang labi ko, a smile left my lips and is looking forward talking to him tomorrow.
I have to clear things out. I have to.
I have to know the past, kung kilala n'ya ako. What was his reason? Does he really like me? That's why he kissed me?
I woke up excited the next day, hindi ko alam pero sobrang saya ko dahil kagabi. I am positive he likes me too and he's hiding something between us and I want to know why.
So, when I went out of the room and saw him going out too ay mabilis na kumalabog ang puso ko.
Our eyes met, kung noong nakaraan ay iiwas ako at aalis kapag nagkakasabay kami ay iba ngayon.
Lumapit ako, may malaking ngiti sa labi.
"Good morning!" I greeted him.
He stared at me, confused. Nakita kong nanatili ang titig n'ya sa akin na nagtataka roon sa asal ko.
"Uhm, just dropped by to ask...uhm, about last night."
Kumunot ang noo n'ya, nagtataka sa akin.
"What about it?" He asked in a cold voice.
"Sinundan mo ako, diba?"
He was confused but then nodded at me, placing his hand on his pocket.
"Yes, I checked on you. Pagkapasok mo sa bar."
I sighed and stared at his eyes. Humakbang ako palapit sa kanya at ngumiti.
"You do remember what happened right? Between us?"
Hindi kaagad s'ya sumagot kaya nagsalita ako.
"You remember what happened right?" I said, hoping. "Tell me everything, Warrion. Ano bang meron bakit ka lumalayo sa akin? Is it something about the past?"
Hindi s'ya sumagot at tumitig lang.
"And...about the kiss."
He looks taken aback.
"We did not kissed," Biglang sabi n'ya.
I froze, umawang ang labi ko at napakurap.
"We did," I said. "In the bathroom, you said you will protect me. You kissed me, sabi mo, magbati na tayo and we did make out."
"We did?" Gulong sabi n'ya.
I nodded slowly, my heart started hurting.
"H-Hindi mo naalala?" Bigong sabi ko. "Hindi 'yun panaginip, if you are remembering--"
"I did not kissed you," He denied. "Maybe outside the bar but I didn't do it again."
"You did!" I exclaimed. "Alalahanin mo, we kissed, Warrion. We talked too."
Hindi s'ya umimik, nakita kong mukhang napaisip at muling humarap.
"I'm sorry, I can't remember." He said.
I gasped, kumuyom ang kamay ko sa likod.
"If I've said things last night, forget it." Aniya. "I coudn't remember what I did but if I really did something, forget it. I can't remember anything."
"B-But we kissed, Warrion."
"You might be drunk too, Winter." Aniya at kumunot ang noo. "Maybe it was that man you met you're kissing last night."
I saw his jaw clenched.
Natahimik ako at humugot ng hininga.
"We're both drunk."
"But I remember it, Warrion! We kissed! We flirted with each other!" I exclaimed at tumitig s'ya, mukhang maniniwala na pero nag-iwas ng tingin at umiling.
"That's impossible, the last thing I'd do right now is to flirt with you." He said.
My heart sank, napaatras ako at napalunok ng marahas.
"R-Really?" I murmured.
Hindi s'ya umimik, nakagat ko ang labi ko at humugot ng hininga, pinipigilan ang sarili sa pag-iyak nanaman sa harapan n'ya.
"Everything is just a game to you, hmm?" I said.
"I can't remember anything from last night, Winter. Caspian made me drink a hard liquor last night so, it isn't clear to me. If ever I said something, forget it. If I did kissed you, which is impossible, forget it." Giit n'ya, gulong-gulo.
I nodded slowly, chewing my lower lip.
He's saying the truth, he doesn't remember anything.
Tanga mo, Winter. Ang tanga-tanga mo.
"R-Right..." My voice broke but I cleared my throat to stop myself.
"Maybe I'm just drunk too," Ngiti ko at pinisil ang daliri ko para pigilan ang luha ko.
"Sorry... Mukhang nanaginip lang rin ako kagabi at kung ano-anong nasabi." I said. "But don't worry, I'll forget everything from last night."
I saw him froze, alam kong wala talaga s'yang maalala at nahihiya ako para sa sarili kong ginawa.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Alcantara." I apologized and smiled at him, doing my best to look fine.
"I just thought it happened but you were right, lasing lang rin siguro ako." Umatras ako ng ilang hakbang. "Don't worry, I'll forget it."
His mouth parted, mukhang may sasabihin pero kaagad akong nag-iwas.
"Winter, I..." He called pero ngumiti lang ako at umiling.
"Don't worry, it might be because of liquor. Pasensya na, Warrion. Palagi nalang kitang ginugulo." I said. His eyes was filled with confusion and pain, akmang may sasabihin pero umiwas ako at tumalikod.