.25
"Alam mo Skyla, kanina ka pa dyan nakatingin sa cellphone mo. Bakit? Hindi ba nag-text boyfriend mong si Ivo?," pang-aasar ni Alexavia sa akin sabay wiggle ng kanyang eyebrows.
Agad kong binalik ang tingin ko sa librong binabasa ko, "Huh? Ano bang sinasabi mo dyan? Friends lang kami ni Ivo."
Isang linggo na ang lumipas simula ng makita ko si Ivo, hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nya tinatawagan. Paano nya naman ako matatawagan? Hindi nya naman alam number ko. Ano bang inaasahan ko?
At isang linggo na ring hindi ako kinakausap ni Anthony. Mag-dadalawang linggo na rin akong namamalagi sa mansion dahil hindi pa rin akong pwede bumalik sa condo ko. Considered pa rin ito na crime scene.
To be honest, mas gusto ko ng bumalik sa condo ko dahil sa medyo ilang pa rin ako kay Uncle lalo na ngayon na nalaman ko na medyo mainit ang dugo nya kay Ivo at sa pamilya nito.
"Talaga? Friends lang kayo?," pang-aasar sa akin ni Alexavia.
"Oo nga. Binigyan lang ng kulay ng mga tao yung mga nabasa nila doon sa gossip forum ng University natin. Alam mo naman ang mga students kailangan ng entertainment." pagdadahilan ko kay Alexavia at tumango-tango naman sya sa mga sinabi ko, "Alexavia, you're my best friend. Natural lang na ikaw ang unang makakaalam kung may bf nga ako." dagdag ko pa na ikanatuwa naman nya.
"Aba dapat lang, no! Kikilatisin ko muna yung lalake bago maging kayo. Dadaan muna sya sa akin." I smiled at her, "Pero ang sweet nyo don ni Ivo sa picture ah, bagay kayo." she then smiled knowingly at me.
Ramdam ko ang pagpula ng pisnge ko sa sinabi ni Alexavia, "He was just being a gentleman," ani ko sa kanya. "At saka that photo was so unnecessary! Invasion of privacy!" dagdag ko pa. Sino ba ang kumuha non? Yung school paparazzi ba?
"Ay sus, Skyla. Yung namumula mong pisnge ay iba ang sinasabi sa akin pati na rin mga kilos mo. Kanina ka pa aligaga at tingin ng tingin sa cellphone mo."
Napahawak naman ako agad sa pisnge ko, "Well, he told me that he'll call me." I whispered to myself.
"Ayun naman pala. Kaso hindi ka pa rin tinatawagan?" Alexavia asked.
"Yeah," I pouted.
"Nag-exchange ba kayo ng number?," dagdag tanong niya.
Umiling ako sa kanya, "Hindi"
"Ayun naman pala. When was the last time you met him? Bakit hindi kayo nag-exchange ng numbers?"
"A week ago," I sighed. "I honestly don't know. Hindi sumagi sa isip ko, I was simply enjoying his company."
"Medyo matagal na rin. Did he say anything else like kung kailan kayo magkikita?"
"Nope. Wala na," I sighed again, "Well, what do I expect? I barely know him. Sa Charity Ball kami nagkakilala, we danced, talked for a bit, he saved my life twice, and I can't seem to get him off my mind. Lastly, Kev Conti is giving me the creeps." I shuddered at my last statement.
"Holy shit," Alexavia says loud enough for everyone to hear inside the library.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko when I realized what I had said. Can someone punch me on the stomach? So, I can avoid explaining myself to Alexavia. I exposed myself. I got no one to blame but my dumb self.
"Girl, what the heck do you mean by he saved your life twice?! WHAT!," halos pasigaw na tanong ni Alexavia. I motioned to her na tumahimik sya dahil pinagtitinginan na kami ng ilang students. "And you can't get him off your mind, what? Huh?" dagdag nya pa.
Shit, this is one of the things I hate when I'm with Alexavia, I can't seem to control myself. Lagi kong nasasabi sa kanya ang mga bagay na gusto kong ilihim. And when Alexavia is a curious cat, no one stop her from asking questions. She will grill you until you spill everything.
God, give me strength.
"You met him at the Charity Ball? That one Ball at the Pavillion?" she asked, tila hindi sya makapaniwala sa mga narinig nya mula sa akin.
I nodded, napakagat labi ako. Hindi ko talaga kaya maglihim sa kanya, "I didn't tell you about it because I know you'll worry at saka minor detail lang naman si Ivo don," I smiled innocently at her. "Let it go"
"Girl, you just spilled some juicy details to me and you're expecting me to let it go? Nah-uh sister. Not today," ani nya sabay tawa. "What about Kev Conti?" dagdag tanong nya pa.
Napatingin ako sa librarian na kanina pa nakatingin sa amin at mukhang ubos na ang kanyang pasensya. I muttered an apology at dali daling nilagay ang mga libro ko sa bag.
Agad akong tumayo at naglakad palabas ng library habang nagsisisigaw si Alexavia. "Skyla! Hoy, san ka pupunta! SKYLAA!!" yumuko ako dahil kahihiyan. Alexavia doesn't really know how to control that mouth of her. Hindi na ako magtataka kung pagbabawalan kaming pumasok sa library sa susunod na pumunta kami.
Hindi naman nagtagal at nakasunod na sa akin si Alexavia, "Skyla, wait a minute." I stopped walking at waited for her. When she reached me, she smiled broadly at me, "I'm so happy for you kasi first time mo magka-crush! Yieeeeeee!" sabay hampas sa braso ko.
"Anong crush pinagsasabi mo? At pwede ba sa susunod pakihinaan yang boses mo. Wala tayo sa palengke. Pag tayo na-ban sa library dahil dyan sa kalokahan mo!" I walked to the nearest sit and sat down.
"Kasalanan mo! Sino bang nagsabi sayo na mag-drop ka ng juicy details sa loob ng library? Of course, you can't expect me to stay quiet about it." I sighed at her reasoning, "Tell me everything. Now."
And I did, I told her everything about what happened that night at the party. When Ivo and I danced, Sel's warnings, mafia, the man on a clown mask, how Polina shot him without second thoughts.
I also told her about how my Uncle wants me to stay away from Ivo and his family. Ayoko sanang sabihin kay Alexavia ang tungkol kay Kev Conti para hindi magbago ang tingin nya kay Kev, but I did.
I told about Kev's weird behaviors and his manner of speaking to me na parang kilalang kilala nya ako. I told everything to Alexavia, I didn't spare any details. I laid everything to her. She was quiet as I told her the story.
I told her almost everything except for one thing: Megan's party, the night I was drugged and kidnapped by someone, plus how Ivo and his friends saved my life. Hanggang ngayon kasi ay hindi pa rin ako sigurado kung sino ang nasa likod nito. I think she is not ready for that yet. Kev Conti might be suspicious, but I just can't blame the guy for everything.
I also told her kung bakit pabalik balik minsan si Detective Michaels para lang kausapin ako.
She didn't interrupt. She listened quietly, digesting, and processing everything I told her.
When I finished, Alexavia was still quiet. Kunot ang kanyang noo para syang nagso-solve ng Mathematical problem. But I'm glad that I finally told her, para ako nabunutan ng malaking tinik.
Alexavia might act silly sometimes, but she's a faithful and honest friend. I know I can trust her. Wala akong ibang pinagsabihan nito kundi sya lamang.
"Wow," yan ang unang salitang lumabas sa bibig ni Alexavia. "That was a lot to take in," I nodded in agreement.
"I didn't want to worry you," it's the truth. Alam kong kaibigan ko si Alexavia pero if tama ang kutob ni Detective Michaels na nasa panganib ako... ayong madamay ang mga taong malapit sa akin.
Alexavia's expression grew serious, "I don't like to see Kev around you. After what you told me, I realized that you're right."
Kumunot ang noo ko, "What do you mean?" tanong ko sa kanya.
Alexavia faced me with a hard expression on her face, "You don't see how the way he looks at you sometimes. I caught him once. He has this hunger for you. Not the sexual kind, pero kung tignan ka nya para bang may gusto syang gawing masama sayo. Am I making sense here?"
Kinalibutan ako sa mga sinabi ni Alexavia sa akin, "Pero bakit? Kung ganoon nga ang intensyon nya, bakit? If I remember correctly, this is our first meeting at wala akong atraso sa kanya."
"Not only that. I heard a rumor that his background is a bit sketchy. Most of us know that he transferred here because of his parents, but the truth is he doesn't have one. Kev is an orphan. Wanna know what's the most fascinating part?"
I nodded my head like crazy.
"There's also a rumor that he's a member of Costa Mafia.," para akong binagsakan ng malamig na tubig ng marinig ang sinabi ni Alexavia.
Sa pagkakaalam ng nakakarami, Costa Mafia have been one of the most powerful Mafia around our country, and they still have a few territories around our city, but Kev Conti as a member of Costa Mafia? That's fucking news to me.
"Costa Mafia has one rival, and that's the Moretti's." Ivo and his family, I thought. "Do you remember any specific encounters with the Costas, Skyla?" pag-aalalang tanong ni Alexavia sa akin.
I shook my head, "Wala naman sa pagkakaalam ko."
Nilagay ni Alexavia ang kanang kamay nya sa kanyang baba at tumango lamang, "As much as possible, iwasan mo muna si Kev. Hindi natin alam kung anong tunay na pakay nya sayo."
"That's going to be difficult. He and I belong to the Tryone's team at makakasama ko sya for the National University Conference."
"Shit, maybe you can ask Tyrone to replace you? I don't think I'll be comfortable with the thought of you alone with him." bakas sa boses ni Alexavia ang lubos na pag aalala sa akin but she's right, I have to avoid Kev as much as I can.
At kung totoo man ang mga balita na kabilang sya sa mga miyembro ng Costa Mafia ay kailangan kong mas doblehin ang pag iingat ko. I have to stay away from Kev Conti.
I held her hand, "I'll be extra careful. Thank you, Alexavia."
She smiled at me, "Anytime, Skyla. I got your back." I'm really thankful that I have her as a friend.
"How about we eat some cakes. Libre ko," pag-iiba ko ng usapan. May isang cake shop kung saan kami madalas ni Alexavia simula noong nasa high school pa kami. Madalas kaming tambay doon noon. "It's been a while since we visited." dagdag ko pa.
"Oo nga no? Naging busy kasi tayo pero at least we can finally visit again and bond. And by the way, I'll drive," sabay ngise nya sa akin. Sabay kaming naglakad papuntang parking lot. She drives a mini cooper for this month. Alexavia has a bit of changing cars every six months or whenever she feels like it.
Rich girl problems.
And oh no, Alexavia is probably the worst driver I know. Kulang nalang ay paliparin nya ang kotse. I remember throwing up the first time I let her drive. "Wag. Ayoko pang mamatay."
"OA naman! I improved a lot na kaya, saka may nagtuturo sa akin," she smiled knowingly. I faked gagged and she slapped my arms.
"Aray ko ha, grabe 'to." ani ko habang natatawa.
"Ay sus, alam kong strong ka. Wala lang yung hampas na iyon sayo pero may isa akong alam na hampas na magugustuhan mo." she wiggled her eyebrows at me.
"Shut up, Alex! I'm not interested to know."
"Kunwari ka pa! I think you'll like it lalo na pag si Ivo ang gagawa nun sayo," I covered my ears. Ramdam ko na umiinit ang pisnge ko dahil sa mga pinagsasabi ni Alexavia. Damn her and her dirty thoughts.
"What do I have to do?," ani ng boses na sobrang pamilyar sa akin. Agad ako napatingin kung saan nanggaling ang boses, and Ivo is standing there with his black pants, shirt and leather jacket.
His hands are in his pockets and his smiling at me. My heart jumped a few times, wow, he looks so handsome. Isang linggo ko lang sya hindi nakita pero bakit parang naging mas gwapo sya? I'm happy to see that he's well.
I masked my happiness with a curious look instead. Ayoko naman maging masyadong obvious at ngayon pa lang ay hindi ko na mapigilan ang mamula dahil sa mga makahulugang tingin na binibigay sa akin ni Alexavia.
"Hi," ani ko. I sounded so cheerful. I want to punch myself.
"Hello," ani naman ni Ivo. He smiled at me and I can't help but return it. How can I feel this way for Ivo? I barely know him. Masyado ba akong marupok?
"Ehem, ehem, ehem.", I rolled my eyes at Alexavia's tone, "Hi, I'm Alexavia. You can call me Alex. I'm Skyla's friend." she brought her hand for a handshake and Ivo shook it. "Nice to finally meet you." Pinanlakihan ko ng mata si Alexavia pero ngumise lang sya sa akin.
Bago pa man makasagot si Ivo ay inunahan ko na sya ng tanong, "What are you doing here?" ani ko. Bahagya akong siniko ni Alexavia pero hindi ko ito pinansin at nanatili ang tingin ko kay Ivo.
Bahagya syang ngumite sa akin, "I wanted to invite you out. Coffee or something. I don't have your number, so here I am." Kumabog at lumundag ang puso ko sa sinabi nya. Napaawang ang bibig ko. Hindi ko alam anong sasabihin. Shit.
"Oh, Alexavia and I --- ", hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko dahil sa pagsabat ni Alexavia.
"She's free. Totally free. All yours, Ivo. Kahit hindi mo na iuwi.Okay lang." ani ni Alexavia na sobrang excited sabay tulak sa akin palapit kay Ivo. He caught my arm and steadied me ng medyo mapalakas ang tulak ni Alexavia sa akin.
Pwede bang kainin ako ng lupa? Pinandilatan ko ng mata si Alexavia pero tinawanan lang ako ng bruha, "Anyways, una na ako. Papakainin ko pa yung aso namin." pagsisinungaling nya. Alexavia is allergic to dogs and she doesn't have a dog.
"Alexavia, wait ---" but she didn't listen to me. She dashed out of the parking lot like some maniac. I sighed at her craziness. Tinignan ko si Ivo, "I'm sorry, she's a bit crazy." nahihiya kong sabi.
"Don't worry. She seems like a good friend to you." sumangayon ako sa kanya. "Let's go," he walked to a jet black sports bike.
Madalas ko lang makita ang ganitong klaseng sports bike sa movies lalo na sa mga gangster movies. Napalunok ako ng iabot ni Ivo sa akin ang helmet. "You have to hold on tight." may halong pang-aasar ang tono nya at mas lalong lumundag ang tibok ng puso ko.