Chapter 21
"May split ends ka, babe", puna ni Theo habang sinusuklayan ang buhok ko.
He visited me today, Sunday, because it is his day off. After getting his license, he began his work in Trazo Real and he became a bit busy but it was fine with me.
"I always get my hair curled or ironed. What do you expect?", I rolled my eyes on him and he chuckled.
"Wala ka na bang time pumuntang hair salon? I can trim the ends if you want", he suggested and I immediately stood up.
"Don't you dare! Puhanan ko itong buhok ko. Mamaya hindi pa pantay ang gupit mo", I grabbed the comb out of his hand and decided to comb my hair.
Mamaya, ang inaakala kong suklay na nasa kamay niya, gunting na pala.
He let out a bark of laughter and stood up to. Kinuha niya ang suklay sa kamay ko to get my attention and made me face him.
"Pantay ako maggupit, promise. Sige na. Ayaw mo 'non, libre gupit ka? Ang gwapo ng hairdresser mo", lambing niya sa akin pero umiling pa rin ako.
"Oh gosh! Babe, kahit pa pantay ka gumupit ng papel o kung anu-ano pang pinapantay niyo, iba itong buhok ko. This is my hair"
"Come on. Trust me", he winked.
Hindi ko alam kung paano ako napapayag ni Theo. I just found myself sitting infront of my vanity, covered with a piece of cloth. He looked really excited to trim my hair.
"Stop grinning. Kinakabahan ako sa'yo", puna ko at tumawa pa siya.
"Akong bahala. Ilang inches ba?", tanong niya pa like an expert.
"Three inches lang", saad ko.
"Alright, baby. Three inches"
It took him only a few minutes to trim the ends of my hair. Sinuri ko nang mabuti kung pantay nga ba ang gupit niya sa buhok ko. I had him took a photo of my hair to make sure that it was well-cut. Nag zoom in at zoom out pa ako nang ilang beses sa photo dahil pantay ang gupit niya.
"Ano, ayos ba?", proud niyang tanong habang nakakrus ang dalawang braso sa gilid ko.
"Well, it looks decent", nguso ko dahil kapag inamin ko naman na maayos ang gupit niya for sure magyayabang lang siya sa akin.
"Decent, my ass. Paano, ako na laging magti-trim ng buhok mo ha?", he smiled like a kid to me.
"Oo na", I rolled my eyes but ended up smiling at him.
That same day, he helped me with my schoolwork. Na-process naman na ang paglipat ko sa isang online program ng isang international school. I processed it right away so it will be less hassle for me. Right now, all I need to do is finish and pass all my requirements para makumpleto na ang grades ko.
"I seriously don't get the purpose of these minor subjects", reklamo ko habang tinititigan ang powerpoint slide kung saan naroon ang instructions para sa final output namin.
"You mean, gen ed courses?", tanong niya at sumampa na rin sa kama sa likod ko.
"Oo. Like, anong connection nito sa inaaral ko?", nakabusangot kong saad.
"Well, don't you see that most gen ed courses are more related to real-life practices and more on the application of those learning to the society?"
"And so?"
"Ibig sabihin lang 'non, pinapaalala sa atin ng course subjects na 'to na above getting that degree and being a professional, tao pa rin tayo. We are still part of the society. Even after earning money or getting whatever title we want, we are still humans. You get it, prettyhead?", siniksik niya ang ulo niya sa ibabaw ng balikat ko at mahigpit na yumakap sa akin mula sa likod.
"Why are you so smart, huh? I wish I had a brain like yours", I chuckled.
"Ano ba 'yan? I'll help you", he said, pertaining to the powerpoint slide.
"Desargues' Theorem. Ugh! I hate geometry!", reklamo ko ngunit tumawa lamang siya.
"Akin na. I got you, baby", sagot niya hanggang sa siya na nga ang tumapos ng final output ko sa course subject na 'yon.
Second term ended well and I was able to transfer to an online learning program. At first, my parents didn't like the idea. My Mom was so furious because she wanted me to graduate in my former school. It's one of the best schools in the country kaya hindi niya matanggap.
My brother was cool about it. Hinayaan ko na lang si Mommy dahil wala naman siyang magagawa. Enrolled na ako kaya sa ayaw at sa gusto niya, nakalipat na ako.
We're almost done filming our mini-series. Excited na kami pareho ni Neil dahil malapit nang i-launch at kahit si Tita Jen ay hindi na rin makapaghintay pa dahil may mga bagong project na rin daw na nakalinya para sa akin.
"You know what, you really made the right decision to go to an online school. Mas hawak mo na ang oras mo ngayon", saad ng handler ko.
Katulad nga naman ng sabi ni Tita Jen, mas hawak ko na ang oras ko. Malayang malaya ako dahil nasa sa akin naman kung magka-klase ako o hindi. Of course, I still want to graduate even if I don't really like my program pero naisip ko na lang din na ituloy dahil baka ito na lang ang magandang maibibigay ko kay Mom at Dad, ang makatapos sa kursong sila rin ang pumili para sa akin.
The mini-series was well-accepted by the viewers so it was a relief for me and Neil. After the mini-series, nagkaroon kaagad kami ng project ni Neil. Hindi kami ang bibida pero anak ako ng mga bida. It's a family drama again and I'm gonna be needed always to shoot scenes.
"Ate Len, 'yung orange pouch please", saad ko dahil nandoon halos lahat ng mga basic na essentials ko like my lip balm, sunscreen, at mga basic na pang-ayos.
"Ito na, Ma'am", abot niya sa akin.
I just washed my face so I have to do my skin care again. Mamaya ay aayusan ulit ako ng light make-up dahil may kukuhanan ulit na eksena. The setting is in a school kung saan una kong makikilala ang character ni Neil.
Neil was on the other tent, preparing himself too. I wanted to help him find his ex-girlfriend but he told me that it's fine. Siya na raw ang bahala at nahihiya siya sa akin. I just thought maybe I can use my father's connections to help a friend. But of course, I respected Neil's decision.
Nagmememorya ako ng script at pagkatapos ay tinawag ko na si Neil para makapagthrow lines kami. Ilang minuto pa ay pinagblockings na kami ng director at tsaka nagstart na magshoot. It was not tiring but since we had to film outdoors because most of the scenes today are shot in the school field and quadrangle, mainit.
"Tubig", abot ni Neil.
"Thanks", I smiled.
His road manager went to us and took a picture para raw may pang-IG story. Neil and I were both cool with it. Pagkatapos ay bumulong na lamang sa akin si Neil.
"Isipin mo 'yon, ang tanda ko na pero pang-college student pa rin roles ko", he rolled his eyes.
"Hindi ka naman kasi mukhang 27"
"Hindi na bale. Tiyagain ko na lang kaysa naman walang trabaho 'di ba?"
It's true that Neil is 27 years old already but he doesn't look like he's that old. Mukha nga lang siyang kaedaran ni Theo. Baby faced siya at napakaamo ng mukha kaya mukha pa ring bata. He had dimples on both sides of his cheeks and he's fair white. I heard he's half-American kaya mukha siyang foreigner talaga.
After the taping I went straight home but to my surprise, my parents were home and they looked like they're arguing about something really important.
"How did that happen? 25 percent? I knew it! Sutil talaga ang Alvarez na 'yon", I heard my Mom saying.
"I know! I fucked up, really bad. I'll try to talk to Winona and maybe she can sell me some of her shares. Magagawan pa 'to ng paraan", saad ni Daddy.
Lumikha ng tunog ang takong ko kaya napalingon silang dalawa sa akin.
"Darling, you're home", Dad said calmly as if they weren't tensed seconds ago.
He gave me a hug and kissed my cheeks. Bumeso rin ako kay Mommy.
"Is there a problem?", I asked.
"Not that serious. It's just business", si Dad muli ang sumagot kaya tumango na lang ako.
I went upstairs and took a shower. Theo and I are going on a date tomorrow because it's our monthsary.
I didn't really like celebrating monthsaries with my exes back then. Karamihan sa kanila hindi rin naman tumagal ng isang buwan. Kung mayroon mang umaabot ng buwan, hindi ko talaga trip ang mga ganoong celebrations. I just feel like it's too cheesy and I'm not up for those kinds of things.
Ngayon lang naman ako maggaganito kaya bago rin sa akin halos lahat ng mga ganito. Kung seryosong relasyon lang din naman, kay Theo lang naman ako totally seryoso at nagcommit. I had decent boyfriends back then but I was never really expecting anything from the relationship except for fun. Kaya kung tutuusin, Theo is like my first boyfriend – my real first boyfriend.
"Do you own this?", I asked him.
We're in a private resort in Antipolo. As much as we want to go to public places for our dates, we can't because of... well me. He understands that so he finds a way for us to date even in private places like this.
"Hindi. I rented the whole place", kamot niya sa kanyang ulo.
"Why would you spend so much money for a garden date like this in a private resort? Sana nagsetup na lang tayo sa garden ng mansion niyo. You spend so much money, love"
"Minsan lang naman tayo mag-date kaya pagbigyan mo na ako", humalik siya sa pisngi ko at inabot ang bouquet ng mga bulaklak sa akin.
"Happy Monthsary, love", I greeted and kissed him.
"Happy Monthsary, love", he greeted back and smiled at me.
We had a fine dinner. Pwede sana kaming magpalipas ng gabi rito pero kailangan ding agad umalis ni Theo mamayang madaling araw para sa trabaho. We walked around the resort after eating, holding hands, and just admiring the night sky.
"What happened to your hand?", tanong ko dahil may sugat ang kanang kamay niya.
"Ahh. Sa site lang. Gasgas lang 'yan", saad niya.
"Sugat 'yan, hindi gasgas", puna ko at marahang hinawakan ang kamay.
"Sorry. Natanggal yata 'yung gauze kanina"
"Take care of yourself at work, okay?", saad ko at nilagay ang palad ko sa pisngi niya.
"I will. You too, ha? Puyat ka lagi", siya naman ang pumuna sa akin.
We stopped by a bench and decided to just sit there. Puno ng palm trees ang paligid at mayroon namang fountain sa harap. Tahimik at mukhang kami lang talaga ang tao rito maliban sa ilang staff at security na natira para asikasuhin kami. I wonder how much he paid for this.
"My parents were arguing about business last night. I've never seen them worriedly talking about business, kagabi lang. Do you think it's something serious?", tanong ko.
"Hindi naman siguro. Kung seryoso 'yon, dapat alam na ni Papa at nakarating na sa akin ang balita. I'm sure everything's going to be fine", he said and I put my head on his shoulder.
"Why do I feel like it's about money or shares? Ewan ko ba. They were talking about percentages", pangamba ko muli.
"I'll try to look into it. Don't worry, okay?", saad niya at humalik sa noo ko.
I sighed. It feels peaceful now that I am alone with him. Nakakapagod at nakakapuyat ang trabaho ko. I'm sure he's also tired with work dahil sa Cavinti, Laguna pa ang site ng trabaho niya ngayon. It's also true that we don't have much time to go out on dates like these because we're both busy people. Kaya ngayong may pagkakataon, lalo na't may okasyon, sinasamantala na naming dalawa dahil bukas ay balik na ulit sa normal ang lahat.
"I know that it's impossible for couples not to fight but the last thing I want us to fight over is money. Ayaw ko ng ganoon", bulong ko at naramdaman kong umisod siya nang bahagya para pagharapin ang mukha naming dalawa.
"Pangako. Huwag mo rin akong iiwan, ha?", he brushed his thumb on my left cheek while staring at my eyes, waiting for my answer.
"I won't. I promise you that too"
"I don't know how relationships work but I'm learning, baby", Theo said and transferred his thumb on my lips. We were both staring at each other's eyes and the next thing I know is we were already kissing under the moonlight.
Lumapat ang palad niya sa likod ko. The moment his palm landed on my back's skin, it immediately sent shivers down my spine. He savored every corner of my mouth, showing me how expert he is in making out. I bit his lower lip and it made him groan like a wild beast restraining himself from attacking his prey.
"Baka... may makakita", even my voice sounded so erotic now and I can't help it. He was pleasuring me with his hot kisses!
"Wala. At sobrang dilim. No one will see us here", he answered and went back to kissing me again.
He angled my head and kissed my jaw down to my neck. Hindi ko na napigilan pa. I let out a moan and it made him chuckle.
"You like it when I kiss your neck, huh?", he teased but I can no longer find the right words to utter. He's making me feel... horny.
At dahil hindi ako nakasagot pa, lalo niyang ginalingan dahil alam niyang gustong gusto ko ang ginagawa niya. He planted more kisses on my neck while I kept on reminding him not to leave marks.
He unzipped my dress' zipper which is located on the front of my dress. He pulled down the cloth revealing my naked top infront of him and then he started massaging my mounds with his skillful hands. We always makeout but this was the first time he saw me naked on top. Hindi ko alam kung makakaramdam ba ako ng hiya dahil kahati 'non ang hindi maipaliwanag na sensasyong dumadaloy sa katawan ko dahil sa ginagawa niya sa akin.
"What about this? Do you like this too?", he teased again and because my mind was totally blank right now, I nodded and kissed him. I let his hands do my mounds while our lips were locked in each other's.
He pinched my hard nipples and that made me let out another moan. He played with it again and slowly attacked my shoulder blades with his hungry kisses. I thought he wasn't going to do it but his mouth went to my nipples and I swear, that was the most pleasurable thing he has ever done to me. I arched my back more to give him access to my whole chest and he knew what I was asking for so he delved in again, like a hungry predator.
Mahigpit ang hawak ko sa dalawang balikat niya kaya nagkalukot-lukot na ang long sleeves ni Theo pero hindi ko na 'yon kayang alalahanin pa. What he's doing to me is literally the best thing I've ever experienced in my life, so far.
So he wasn't lying when he told me that he has a good mouth. I told him that because he was good with words but he took my statement literally and agreed with it.
Ito pala 'yung sinasabi niya na magaling talaga ang bibig niya.
Pawisan kaming pareho nang tumigil siya. I was about to complain but when I saw his member bulging, his zipper as if it was about to loose thread, I immediately understood why he wanted to stop. He zipped my top and kissed my forehead.
"You, okay?", tanong niya.
"I am. Ikaw yata ang hindi okay", asar ko at humagikhik kaya natawa rin siya.
"I need to calm it down before we head to my car, babe", saad niya kaya lalo akong natawa.
Hinatid ako ni Theo pabalik sa bahay. Hanggang sa makarating ako sa bahay, nag-iinit ang buong katawan ko. I thought taking a shower before going to bed will cool me down but I was wrong. Kahit sa pagligo ko, naiisip ko 'yung nangyari kanina. That was so hot!
I was looking forward to second base with him but I was not expecting it to be tonight and in that kind of place. Wala lang tao pero kung tutuusin, we were making out in a public place! But I had no regrets. Sa paghiga at pagpikit ko sa kama, nakangiti pa rin ako.
No wonder I brought the good mood on set the following day at sa mga sumunod pang araw.
"Ang blooming mo, Clars!", saad ng HMUA namin dito sa set.
"Totoo ba?", I checked my face on the mirror. I feel like I look the same.
"Oo! Naggo-glow ka, girl! Ngiting ngiti ka pa kanina pagbaba mo sa kotse", dagdag niya habang pinaplantsa ang buhok ko.
"Ohh! Uhm, wala lang. Inspired lang ako sa trabaho", pagdadahilan ko kahit na alam ko naman sa sarili ko kung bakit ako good mood ngayon pati noong mga nakaraang araw.
Pagkatapos ng taping namin sa umaga, magge-guest kami ni Neil sa isang evening talk show. Of course, part na rin 'yon ng promotion namin para rito sa project na 'to at sa loveteam namin. I heard we already have a strong fanbase so that's good news.
Kaunting eksena lang naman ngayong araw at hindi mahihirap ang scenes na kukuhaan kaya naging mabilis lang ang taping namin ngayon. I immediately went to my tent to pack my things. Balak ko sanang bumalik sa bahay para makaligo ulit at tsaka na ako didiretso sa studio.
"Ma'am, may mga fans sa labas gustong magpa-picture", saad ni Ate Len.
"Sige, Ate. Padala na lang nito sa kotse", inabot ko ang ilang bag ko kay Ate Len. Nasa labas naman ng tent si Kuya Lito.
May mga fans na naghihintay sa labas ng tent kaya dumalo kaagad ako sa kanila para makuhanan kami ng litrato. Akala ko ay mabilis lang dahil kaunti lang ang mga nasa labas kanina pero biglang nadagdagan nang nadagdagan ang mga nakapila. Higit kalahating oras siguro ako roon na nakatayo at nagpapakuha ng litrato.
I have no complaints though. Masaya ako na may mga taong sumusuporta sa akin. Ang init init ngayong araw pero naghihintay sila sa labas ng tent ko para lang magpakuha ng litrato. It meant a lot to me kaya ano ba naman 'yung saglit na tatayo ako para makuhanan ng litrato.
Pinagpawisan na ang noo ko pero wala akong panyo. Sakto naman na dumating si Neil at inabutan ako ng tissue. Nagtilian ang mga fans sa gesture ni Neil pero sa aming dalawa, wala lang naman 'yon.
"Thank you. Uuwi pa ako. Ikaw ba?", tanong ko sa kanya nang magkasabay kaming lumabas ng set.
"May rehearsals pa ako 'e. Baka sa rehearsals muna ako tapos diretso na ako sa studio", saad niya.
"Okay. See you later", sagot ko.
"See you. Ingat", saad ni Neil at tinapik ang balikat ko.
Sa bahay ay naligo lang ako at nagpahinga saglit. I did my make-up since I don't really plan to look extravagant in tonight's guesting. I was thinking of getting myself my own glam team but I just don't have the time to find the right people for that job yet. I've been busy the past few days because if I don't have work, I make sure to attend my classes. Ayaw ko na lang na may nasasayang na oras dahil gusto ko na talagang matapos 'tong pag-aaral ko.
"Where's Neil, Ate Joan?", tanong ko sa PA ni Neil na nakasalubong ko sa studio.
"Nagre-ready na, Clars", saad niya at tumango na lang ako.
That night was actually super fun. The host was funny and all we did was laugh. Medyo pushy nga lang siya sa loveteam namin ni Neil. I know that they're all trying to get something like "I like her", "I like him", "We're dating" or kung ano pa but they won't succeed because Neil and I are good friends.
Medyo nagpashowbiz na lang kami kaya sinabi na lang namin na crush namin ang isa't-isa. I don't know if that makes sense but at least, the audience were pleased. Nagulat na lang din ako at noong inere 'yung show, nagtrending ang hashtag.
I posted a boomerang of my TV on IG while watching the show that night. Kaka-post ko pa lang ay mayroon kaagad reply si Theo.
@nathanieldt: Ayan na crush mo?
I smirked and replied.
@claradelrio: You know that we're only doing that for promotion, right?
@nathanieldt: Oo na. Di hamak naman na mas gwapo ako sa kanya.
@claradelrio: Baliw. Hindi ka uuwi sa Manila?
@nathanieldt: Hindi muna, baby. Maybe next week. Why? Miss mo 'ko?
@claradelrio: Nah
@nathanieldt: K dot
And my hypocrite ass just found myself here in Cavinti. It's supposed to be my rest day today but because Theo is here and I miss him, I didn't care about rest day at all.
Sa labas ay pinagtitinginan ako ng mga construction workers. May ilang nakakilala sa akin at gusto sanang makipagkamay pero nahihiyang iabot ang kamay sa akin dahil may semento pa. Lumapit ang dalawang engineer sa akin at ngumiti ako.
"Hello", I smiled at them.
"Naku! Miss Clara, pagagalitan kami ni boss kapag nakita kang walang hardhat" tsaka niya naman inabot 'yon sa akin para maisuot ko.
"Nasaan siya?", I asked.
"Akala namin Miss Clara fan mo lang si Sir Theo. Bukambibig ka 'non dito 'e. Totoo pala?"
"Ang alin?", lito kong tanong.
"Crush mo raw siya, Miss. Patay na patay ka raw sa kanya sabi niya. Sabagay, pumunta ka pa pala talaga rito sa site", tukso 'nung isa.
Oh gosh! Napakahambog talaga!
Hinatid ako ng dalawa sa opisina ni Theo sa site. They knocked and I heard Theo say "pasok" so when I opened the door, he looked surprised to see me.
"Oy! Sarado niyo 'yung pinto", puna niya roon sa dalawa kaya agaran ding sinara 'nong dalawang engineer ang pinto.
"Hindi ka nagsabi. Awit ka talaga", pabiro niyang piningot ang tainga ko bago ako hagkan sa labi.
"Hindi ko rin naman plinano 'to", umirap ako pero biniletan na niya ako na tila ba nahuli na kaagad niya ako.
"Talaga? So ano, naisip mo lang biglang pumunta sa Cavinti tapos nagkataong nandito ka sa site? Really, love?", he questioned me while attacking me with soft kisses.
"I... fine... I miss you", putol putol na naman ang mga salita ko.
"Oh god! I know where this is going. We should lock the door, baby"
"And we can't make sounds", we both chuckled.
He carried me on top of his working desk. May mga nahulog na gamit pero wala ng pakialam doon si Theo dahil pareho kaming sabik sa isa't-isa.
"Hey", I said in between our kisses.
"Hmm?"
"I'm curious"
"About what?", he stopped kissing since I got his attention.
"This", I said and brushed my palm on his erect member.
"Are you serious?", hindi niya makapaniwalang tanong.
I nodded and without a word, I started unbuckling his belt. He unzipped his pants and pushed them down to his feet, together with his boxer shorts and underwear.
I've never seen a man's genitals in person but the one I am seeing right now, is surely something that reached beyond my expectations. Damn, he's big!
"What the hell? You're driving me crazy, Clara –"
"Shh! Just teach me how", I said before I grabbed his nape with my left arm to kiss me and my right hand found its place on his member.
"Are you sure you want me to cum on your hands?"
"Come on, we've been making out for a long time. I want to touch and please you like how you please my boobs with your mouth"
He bit his lower lip as if he was already losing his patience and when he looked straight to my eyes, that was when I knew that he's heating up.
Theo grabbed my hand and made me wrap it on his thing. With his hand's guidance, he showed me how to stroke it, up and down. It was slow at first but then, I can feel him getting tensed and even harder so I tried to do it in a faster pace. He was red all over, mula mukha hanggang dibdib, and after a few more strokes, he released for the first time, in my hands.
"We're not yet done, baby. Your crowns are hard too", he teased as he slipped his hand on my top and felt that my nipples were hard too like his member.
"May balak ka rin bang gawin sa akin, Engineer?", I teased back.
"Gusto mo ba, misis ko?", Theo smirked and started removing my top before I could even answer.
"Gladly", I said and I don't give a damn about what the workers will think outside because all I care about is I'm with Theo now.