It was on the way home when I saw Ali's message. He sent it a few minutes after my vacant period ended. I didn't see it immediately because I don't really use my phone when I'm in class and even in between classes—unless I'm bored or I have absolutely nothing to do.
Ali Santiesteban:
I'm sorry I didn't show up. I hope you had a fun lunch.
It was my initial reflex to respond to his message but I was feeling a little... sulky. It's an extremely rare occasion because my family spoils me even when I don't demand anything. I can't even remember the last time I sulked.
Pinili kong huwag sumagot agad. I chose to do my homeworks and read a bit in our study room. I only stopped when I was called for dinner. After finish in my ice cream for dessert, I went to my room to get ready for bed.
I was in bed, staring at the blinking line while thinking of what I will reply to Ali when my phone suddenly rang. His name flashed in my screen.
A smile automatically curved on my lips. I quickly straightened my expression when I realized that I shouldn't be smiling. I pursed my lips and cleared my throat before answering.
"Hello?" I hesitantly greeted in a low voice.
"Hyon," he called. His voice was so gentle that it sounded like a lullaby to me that I almost wanted to sleep. "I'm sorry. Are you mad at me?"
I bit my lip. Bigla akong hindi mapakali. I changed my position. Sa kaliwa naman ako humarap. "It's okay. I know you're busy."
Ali didn't answer but I can hear him softly breathing on the other line. The lingering silence urged me to speak more.
"Nagtatampo lang ako ng konti, pero okay lang," I answered with all honesty.
Hindi pa rin sumagot si Ali. Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay siya na ngayon ang galit sa akin.
"Konti lang talaga," maagap na dagdag ko para hindi siya mag-alala.
I heard Ali groan in frustration from the other line. My forehead creased, especially when it was followed with a low chuckle that tickled something in my stomach.
Is he laughing at me? May nakakatawa ba sa sinabi ko?
"Can I see you?" he suddenly asked.
"Huh?" I was instantly bewildered and intrigued. "How? V-Video call?"
"That won't be enough for me though," he indulgently replied.
My face was heating up by the second. I want to see him, too, and that's the truth. "Paano?"
"Are you allowed to come out for a bit?"
My heart grew a pair of wings and it's fluttering like a humming bird. "H-Hindi naman bawal pero hindi ko pa nasubukan."
My parents never really told me that I'm not allowed to go out at night. They never had a reason to because I never did it.
The nights that I'll be heading out late, I'm usually with my parents, siblings, or cousins. Umuuwi ako ng gabi kasama ang old friends ko pero hindi ko pa nasusubukan 'yong lalabas ng bahay na gabi na at iba ang kasama.
"Alright. Tatawag ulit ako," sabi niya.
Nalukot ang mukha ko. Ayaw ko pang maputol ang usapan namin. "Bakit? Anong gagawin mo?"
"It'll be just for a few minutes." He chuckled. "Will you wait for me?" he quickly added, his tone was a little playful.
"Okay." I pouted my lips and nodded.
Ali ended the call before I can even say goodbye. I was left confused and curious of what he will do. All I can do is stare at my phone and wait for his promised phone call.
It was roughly six minutes later when a few knocks came from my door. It was such a surprise to me. Kapag ganitong oras kasi ay nasa kanya-kanya na kaming kwarto.
I quickly stood up and rushed towards the door. Bumungad sa akin si Kuya Hadeon. He's wearing a random shirt and boxer shorts. Naniningkit na ang mga mata.
"Kuya?" nagtatakang tawag ko.
He didn't say anything and scanned me from head to toe. Napatingin din tuloy ako sa sarili. I'm wearing my baby pink silk pajama set. Short sleeves buttoned shirt for the top and shorts for the bottom. My hair was on a messy bun, too.
"Okay." He nodded in approval and began to walk. "Tara na. Fifteen minutes lang, okay? I'm fucking sleepy."
"Bakit, Kuya? Saan ba tayo pupunta?" tanong ko at sumunod na sa kanya kahit naguguluhan. I closed the door behind me.
"Kuya X called me. Samahan daw kita sa labas. May kakausap daw sa'yo."
Pababa na kami ng hagdan pero bigla akong napahinto pero yung puso ko nauna ata sa pagbaba. I was immediately nervous!
He's outside? And Kuya Xavi is involved? Ibig sabihin tumawag pa siya kay Kuya Xavi na nasa France ngayon para lang magpaalam na makita ako?
And I'm wearing what again? This childish looking silk pajama set. Should I be thankful that it's just a plain baby pink and not my pajama set with printed little kittens? Nakakahiya!
"M-Magpapalit lang ako, Kuya-"
"What? No, Hyon. You're dressed okay. I want this over with because I need sleep," Kuya Hades' voice was a bit snappy. I can't blame him. Naistorbo siya sa pagtulog.
"Okay," mahina kong sagot at sumunod na lang.
Ali's familiar car was parked near our driveway. Pagkalabas namin ng gate ay sabay na lumabas si Ali mula sa sasakyan niya.
"Is that Alister Santiesteban?" Kuya Hadeon thought out loud.
Of course he knows Ali. He was our senior. Even Ate Laurene knew Ali before and had a crush on him. I can see the bafflement on his face. He's wondering why on earth is Ali here and why he wants to meet with me.
"Yes, Kuya."
"Hi," I greeted.
Amusement was written on Ali's eyes when he saw me. He transferred his attention to my brother who was looking at Ali in wonderment.
"Hades, it's nice to see you." He formally extended his hand.
Tinanggap ni Kuya 'yon kahit na kita pa rin ang pagkagulo sa mukha. "Ikaw ang gustong kumausap sa kapatid ko?"
Mahinahon na tumango si Ali. Kuya Hadeon is years older than me but from how Ali carries himself, one can really tell that he's way older than us.
"Can I speak with Hyon alone?"
Sumimangot si Kuya Hades. "Hindi pwede. Kuya Xavi told me to keep her in my line of sight."
Nag-init ang mukha ko. Nakakahiya na makita si Ali na tinanggihan ni Kuya.
"Kuya..." I tugged on his shirt to stop him.
"What?" He scowled at me. I didn't say anything and just pouted. I don't use it offen but it works ninety-nine percent of the time.
Kuya Hades squinted his eyes at me and I already know that he'll say yes to my whim. "Lalayo ako pero papanoorin ko kayo."
"Thank you, Kuya," I sweetly told him.
Umiling lang si Kuya at matapos ay dumistansya mula sa amin kagaya nang sinabi niya. At tinupad niya rin ang sinabi na manonood siya sa amin.
I turned my head to Ali. He was already staring at me. He's not bothered that we were being closely watched.
"Why..." Napatingin ako kay Kuya Hadeon. Nanonood pa rin siya at matalim ang tingin sa amin. Muli akong binalot ng hiya. I cowered a little, like a flower with its petals curling. "Why did you come here?" Humina ang boses ko.
"Nagtatampo ka kasi nang konti," asar niya at humalakhak sa dulo.
Sumimangot ako sa kanya. I could feel my eyebrows meeting in the middle. That made him chuckle more. Naalis lang ang simangot ko nang hawakan ni Ali ang braso ko at hinila ako palapit sa kanya.
My eyes widened a little as he crushed me with a hug. He squeezed my body tight, iyong parang nanggigigil. My face was buried on his chest and I can easily smell his succulent cologne.
I slowly melted, especially when his lips pressed above my ear. "Cute."
"H-Hoy, hoy. Ano 'yan?" Kuya Hadeon's voice woke me up from my trance. Ali is a kingdom that enchants you to enter, only to find yourself lost on your way back and you won't even mind.
Ali sighed and respectively pulled away. He took a safe step back and kept his hands to himself.
"Usap lang daw sabi ni Kuya," dagdag ni Kuya Hades. Napalingon ako sa kanya. He looks like he was ready to storm in and come between us.
Imbis na mainis ay natawa na lang ako. Kuya Xavi is ocean miles away and yet he's still capable of being a wall between Ali and me.
"I'll leave now," Ali stated, pulling my attention back to him. "Sleep early, okay?"
"Okay." I nodded. "Goodnight."
Ali smiled. His eyes briefly dropped to the bottom part of my face. The curve on his lips faltered and he looked away to direct his attention to my brother.
"I'll go ahead, Hadeon."
"You're leaving?" medyo gulat pang tanong ni Kuya.
"Yes. Thank you." He nodded.
"Oh? Wala pa namang fifteen minutes."
"Nope. Can't stay any longer." Napatingin sa akin si Ali at matapos ay napangisi na parang may naisip na nakakatawa. Kumunot lang ang noo ko sa kanya at umiling naman siya bilang sagot.
I was about to ask him about it but a vehicle blaring horns twice stopped me from saying a word. I looked at the car where the noise came from but the headlights were glaring at us that I can't see who was inside.
Bumukas ang passenger's seat at iniluwa si Ate Laurene. Her eyes are half closed as she mindlessly walked towards the gate. Her curled hair was a bit messy. Based on her choice of clothing, I think she had a night out.
The door by the driver's seat opened next and Kuya Orion, he's a friend of Ate L and Kuya Hades. He was wearing a simple black shirt and jeans. Unlike my sister, he looks completely sober.
Tuloy-tuloy lang ang lakad ni Ate L na parang hindi kami napansin. We were all watching her, a little stunned. Hindi niya nga nakuhang magtaka nang mabuksan niya ang pinto sa pamamagitan lang ng pagtulak.
Kuya Orion chuckled, breaking the silence. "It's not obvious but she's drunk."
"Hades." He nodded at my brother. Lumipat ang mga mata niya sa akin. There's a wicked smile on his face that shouts danger as he stared at me. "Hey, Little H."
Sumunod na lumipat ang mga mata niya kay Ali. Kumunot ang noo niya. It looks like he doesn't know Ali. He just nodded and smirked as a courtesy.
"You fucktard, lumapit ka," utos ni Kuya Hadeon dito.
"Why, Serrano? Missed me?" He playfully chuckled.
"Pumasok ka na," Ali exclaimed, drowning out my brother's conversation with Kuya Orion.
"Okay." I nodded in compliance. "Bye."
"Goodnight," he murmured.
I smiled at him and bit my lip to stop it from turning into a silly grin. Tumalikod na ako at naglakad patungong gate.
"Aw! Fuck!" the distressed wailing made me stop and turn in worry.
Ang naabutan ko lang ay ang nakababang nakakuyom na kamao ng kapatid ko at si Kuya Orion na hawak-hawak ang panga. While holding his jaw, his eyes travelled to me. Even in pain, there's still a gleam of amusement on his face. He even winked at me and then winced.
Ibinalik ko ang tingin kay Ali na nakatayo pa rin kung saan ko siya iniwan at pinapanood ako. He nodded at me. I smiled at him and nodded back before doing what he wants and retreating to our house.
Our meetings every Tuesday and Friday became consistent ever since. Ayaw niyang mag-isa ako kaya palagi niya akong sinasamahan.
I told him one time that my professor wasn't around that he came back to the uni just so I won't be alone. That's why I decided not to tell him about it anymore, and it didn't happen again anyway. It was a very rare occurence for my professors to be absent.
"Ingat po kayo, Ma'am," sabi ni Kuya Lito, one of our guards.
"Thank you po," I politely said a I stepped out of the gate.
I don't have to get my phone to ask where they are. There's only one car that is parked near our driveway. Medyo kita ko sila sa frontseat. Dumiretso lang ako sa likod. Una kong ipinasok ang bag at paperbag sa loob at tsaka lang pumasok.
"Hi," I greeted.
"Damn, Hyon. May pakiramdam na akong mayaman ka pero sobrang yaman niyo pala," Phil gushed.
I didn't answer and just smiled. They didn't comment further about it and Trix drove off.
"I'm really surprised he invited us. Ilang beses pa lang naman kami nagkikita," sabi ni Trix
Technically, Atticus asked me first if I wanted Phil and Trix to come to his birthday. I told him that it was his birthday so he should decide.
"My friends are his friends," I told them what Atticus told me.
"Gusto ko rin ng ganyang bestfriend. Ang sweet," Phil cooed.
"Does that mean Guy Friday will be there since he's your friend, too?" Trix asked.
My face scrunched at the nickname that they gave Ali. "No. May pasok siya bukas."
Phil gasped. "So they know each other?"
I laughed and instead of saying anything else, I just nodded.
It was almost six when we reached the place. Atticus' party is held at their resthouse in Tagaytay. I can hear the music from the outside. Cars were parked within the vicinity.
I saw a few of my old classmates in highschool. I'm not really close with them but it's good to see familiar faces. Ang iba ay hindi ko na kilala. They're probably friends with Atticus before I knew him.
"You came!" May dalawang kamay ang humawak sa braso ko mula sa likod. It startled me. I quickly turned around and relaxed when I saw Atticus.
"Happy Birthday!" I cheerfully greeted. Kahit na nabati ko naman na siya kanina. Malaki ang ngiti niya at titig na titig sa mukha ko.
"Hello! Nandito din kami," singit ni Phil kaya napatingin ako sa kanya. "Happy Birthday, Atticus. Saan namin ilalagay ang regalo?"
"Thanks," tipid na sagot ni Atticus kasama ng isang tipid na ngiti. "Come with me."
Atticus lead us inside the big house. It looked cozy and modern at the same time. Phil was so amazed to see the back part of the house because of the breathtaking overlooking by the balcony.
Sa isang kwarto ipinaiwan ni Atticus ang mga regalo namin. There were a lot of gifts there that I'm certain he wouldn't miss mine if I decided not to give him anything.
Sunod niya kaming inasikaso para kumain. Since Phil loved the balcony, doon na kami pinakain ni Atticus. He was forced to leave us when he got pulled by one of his friends.
I didn't see him afterwards. Nang matapos kumain ay nag-aya na si Phil na magpalit para makasama na sa party. She wants to try the swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Phil confidently wore her floral print bikini and white coverup. Trix wore a conservative type of bikini. Mukha itong cropped top at shorts. Plain white one piece swimsuit naman ang suot ko. I wore denim shorts underneath because I'm not comfortable. Iniwan namin ang mga gamit sa room na itinuro ni Atticus. I decided to leave my phone in my bag. I'm afraid I'll misplace it.
We all took a cup of jungle juice cocktail, I didn't know what it was called until Phil told me. Wala akong plano na kumuha but Phil handed me one and I'm too shy to say no. Hindi ko na lang iinumin.
Loud music, chatters, and laughter mixed in the background. Sa poolside kami umupo. Our feet were dipped in the water. Phil and Trix were animatedly talking while I quietly watched the people around me. Everyone look like they're having fun in their own groups.
Ang iba ay nakatayo malapit sa long table na nagsilbing bar. Some were by the pool and swimming. Ang iba ay nakalibot sa isa pang table at mukhang ibang alak ang iniinom. I spotted Atticus there, laughing with the other guys. Napangiti ako at matapos ay itinuloy ang paglibot ng mga mata.
I wonder where my cousin is?
"Ubos na yung akin!" Phil whined. It brought my attention back to her.
"Same," Trix said after finishing her cup. Tumingin sila sa akin.
"Mine's still full. Gusto niyo?" I handed mine to them.
"Ang daya mo, Hyon! You should drink, too!"
"I sipped," I told them, which is true. I wet my lips with it. Okay naman ang lasa. It tastes like mixed fruits.
"Sipped? That's not wine!" Phil laughed. She looks a little flushed. Maybe the alcohol is taking its effect?
"Here. Hold mine." Tinanggap naman 'yon ni Trix. Kinuha ko ang mga cups nila bago tumayo. "Kukuha ko kayo ng drinks."
"Samahan na kita," sabi ni Trix.
"It's okay. Ako na lang," sabi ko at agad na naglakad bago pa siya umangal.
There's a short line but I didn't wait long. I handed the two cups to the server and he immediately worked on it. I thanked him as soon as he handed me the cups.
"I hope those are not yours," a voice suddenly joined me.
My eyes widened and a grin spreads on my face when I saw my cousin. "Dashiel! I've been looking for you!"
"Kakarating ko lang. Where are your friends?" tanong nito at siningkitan ako ng mata. Sungit!
"Sa pool." Tinuro ko ang pwesto namin. Sinundan naman 'yon ng tingin ni Dashiel. Phil was already drinking my cocktail.
"Don't drink too much and too fast. That has a high alcohol content," Dashiel scolded.
Napanguso ako. "Hindi naman ako umiinom."
"Better." Dashiel nodded. "Go join your friends."
"Okay. See you later!" I smiled at him. I'd rather hangout with Dashiel but he has guy friends, too.
I already monopolized him during highschool because I was too shy and no one really gets my personality, kaya ngayong college ay sinusubukan ko na makipagkaibigan sa iba at hindi maging pabigat kay Dashiel.
Nang bumalik ako ay nakangusong inabot sa akin ni Phil ang cup ko. It was already half empty. "Here. I helped you drink it."
Nakangiting napailing na lang ako at tinanggap 'yon. If I wanna properly experience college life, maybe I shouldn't be too afraid in experiencing things. Drinking half won't hurt, I guess?
"Cheers." Trix raised her cup. Phil instantly clinked hers to Trix's. Tumingin sila pareho sa akin at ginaya sila bago sumabay sa pag-inom. Just a tiny portion.
Nang maubos na nila ang pangalawang cup ay naisipan na nilang lumangoy. Phil removed her cover up before jumping in the pool. Sumunod si Trix sa kanya. Meanwhile, hindi ko pa rin nauubos ang akin.
"Tara, Hyon!" aya ni Phil habang tumatalon-talong sa tubig.
I giggled. "Sige lang."
They splashed me with water and booed before swimming away. I finished my cup while watching my friends goof around. The alcohol started to feel good. It was slightly chilly and I've read that one of the effects of the alcohol is your temperature goes higher.
Kumuha ulit ako ng cocktail para sa aming tatlo. I asked the server not to fill mine entirely. Kalahati lang.
Like cats being called to eat, Phil and Trix swam to our spot and elatedly thank me for the drinks.
"Let's drink it straight?" Phil suggested.
"We're gonna be so drunk after this, Phil," nakatawang sabi ni Trix.
"Tara na. Join us, Hyon!" Inangat ni Phil ang baso niya at ganoon din ang ginawa ni Trix. I just watch them, a little hesitant. "Come on, Hyon! Ngayon lang. After this, no more alcohol for you."
"Okay." I gave in and raised my cup. Nagbilang si Phil hanggang tatlo at matapos ay sabay-sabay kaming uminom.
Kahit kalahati lang ang sa akin ay nauna pa rin silang matapos. I made a face as soon as I finished because I could clearly taste the strong bitter taste of alcohol when I drank it that way. Phil and Trix were so happy though. They cheered for me.
I can feel the heat passing down my throat. Pakiramdam ko ay gumaan ang ulo ko dahil sa mabilis na pag-inom.
"Let's swim na!" Phil mockingly reached for my shorts.
Natawa ako at hinarang ang kamay niya. I decided to do it on my own and took off my shorts. Phil and Trix whistled. I heard a small thud somewhere and a few curses.
Napatingin ako roon at may nakitang lalaki na pinupulot ang red cup na natapon sa sahig. His friends were laughing at him. They glanced at my way and quickly looked else where when they realized that I was looking at them.
"Sanay ka ba mag-swimming?" Phil asked.
"Yes-" Before I could face them, I was pushed. A scream came out from my lips and I felt my heart jumping out of my chest. Patalikod akong nahulog at bago ako lumubog ay narinig ko pa ang pagtawa nila Phil.
The water splashed as they jumped near where I am. I shivered when chose to keep my body submerged because the cold wind was biting on my skin.
"Let's play," aya ni Phil. "Trix, ikaw taya."
"Bakit ako?"
"Okay. Ako na," sabi ni Phil at matapos ay hinawakan si Trix. "Taya."
Natatawa siyang lumayo at ako naman ay hindi pa nakakahabol sa gusto nilang mangyari. Trix evilly grinned at me and tapped my shoulder. "Taya!"
She quickly swam away and I searched for Phil. Nakita ko siya na nagtatago malapit sa isang grupo ng mga lalaki.
Lumangoy ako palapit sa kanila. They were at the shallow part. Iyong pang five feet lang. Nang umayos ako ng tayo sa mismong harap ng grupo ay wala na si Phil sa kanila. I looked around the pool and saw her waving at the other side.
Namula ako nang mapansin ang panonood nila sa akin. Sa mismong harapan talaga nila ako nakaahon. I was about to apologize when someone jumped beside me, making a huge splash.
Hinintay kong umahon kung sino 'yon at napangiti nang makita si Atticus.
"Got you," he said and flashed me mischieveous smirk.
I haughtily tapped his bare shoulder. "Taya."
Tumawa ako at matapos ay sumisid para makalayo mula sa kanya. Nang umahon ako ay nakita kong si Trix na ang taya at si Phil na ngayon ang hinahabol niya.
Phil squealed and quickly got out of the pool. Sumunod si Trix sa kanya at natawa naman ako sa kalokohan nilang dalawa. Natigil lang ang panonood ko sa kanila nang humarang si Atticus sa harap ko.
"Hey," he greeted.
"Hi." I smiled.
"Having fun?" Atticus asked as he moved closer. Hindi ako makaatras dahil nakasandal na ako sa gilid ng pool.
"Yes." I spiritedly nodded. "Uminom ako nang konti," I bragged.
Atticus boyishly grinned and shook his head like I was pathetic for being proud of drinking a cup of cocktail. I still proudly smiled at him anyway.
Hindi sumagot si Atticus at tinitigan lang ako. Nawala na ang ngisi niya at seryoso ang mga mata. My smile faded because of that, too.
The silence between us made me realize how close our bodies were. Tumatama na ang tuhod niya sa hita ko. I shivered again at how cold the water is becoming. Nawawala ang init na dinala ng alak kanina.
"What?" I asked when his stares got a little too much and made me feel shy.
Atticus' eyes softened. His stare dropped to my lips before looking at my eyes again. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kaba.
His eyes were filled with hope that it even looked like he was begging for something. My chest tightened.
He looked at my lips again. He licked his lips before quickly raising it to mine.
"I want to kiss you," he said in a low voice. I breathed in sharply. I froze. "I like you, Hyon. Sobrang gusto kita."