Introduction

T I T L E

D E D I C A T I O N

This story is dedicated to anyone who’s tired of pretending and just wants to be his real self.

A U T H O R ’ S N O T E

This is the second installment of Torralba Series, please read the stories in proper order. Aking ikagagalak ang inyong bawat boto at komento sa istoryang ito. Maraming salamat!

S O C I A L S

You can follow my social life on instagram and twitter @titojax_wp

D I S C L A I M E R

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are fictitious, unless otherwise stated. Any, resemblance to real person, living or dead, or actual event is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the author.

PLAGIARISM IS A CRIME!

Foreword

This is the revised version of Jack Pulled A Punch. The original version is in third person POV and I decided to turn it to first person POV just like the rest of my stories. Please note that I needed to revise it to fit my writing style now and to make up for all the inconsistencies and unnecessary parts of the book. Don’t worry, the main characters are still like how you’ve known them, just slight (but not really slight) modifications to build more of their personality and behavior.

Also, many new scenes are added, some are deleted, some parts I have to revise everything. It was needed to make up for the lousy story telling ( since this was written when I was too young and so many cringe moments were written so please forgive me ). No major changes, the story progression and how it will end should stay the same.

I appreciate all the love and support.

Here you go guys, hoping you will love it the second time around!

PS. Possible additional chapters will be included :)

Chapter 1 [Chaos]

I was so frustrated marching on the muddy ground while getting away with the person following me for days now. Maganda ang tanawin ngunit hindi nito naisalba ang kapayapaang gusto kong makamtan.

Everything is just… disappointing.

Muddy grounds, rocky paths, salty air, forceful winds, even the rows of mountains that did nothing to me feels disappointing.

“Alan, hanggang kailan mo ba ako guguluhin? I already told you na hindi kita gusto.” nagmamadali ako sa paglalakad dahil kanina pa ako sinusundan ng makulit na si Alan, a childhood friend na may gusto sakin noon pa.

“Bakit ba ayaw mo sakin? Gwapo naman ako ah?!” patuloy siya sa pangungulit. Muntikan pa akong maduwal sa sinabi nito. I wouldn’t say he’s handsome, but he has the appeal, and him being conceited just makes my blood boil.

I didn’t want to be rude but he’s always testing my patience.

“Just back off okay? Hindi kita gusto. Period!”

I have always been disappointed with boys, like this one. There’s literally nothing he has to offer me. And besides, hindi naman pagbo-boyfriend ang kailangan kong atupagin dito. I have other errands to do.

My family came back to this place, this place that is so far from civilization, okay I know I’m exaggerating, but this place is far from the place where I grew up. I’m a graduating student from one of the top universities in Manila. After the death of my father, I’ve been sent back here, at nagkanda leche-leche na ang buhay namin pagkatapos no’n.

I’m a full scholar so I don’t pay much aside from the miscellaneous fees. We didn’t have a luxurious living back then, from middle to high school ay pinag-aral ako ng mayaman kong tiyahin ngunit simula nang magkaalitan sila ng aking ama, tumigil ito sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa akin. I applied to a university and luckily got the scholarship, well nag-aral akong mabuti at alam kong deserve ko naman.

My father died a month ago from an unknown cause. Hindi na-figure out ng mga doctors ang tunay na rason, it could be from multiple reasons because he had a weak heart and he also used to drink and smoke, so it may be from one of those reasons. My mother, who used to rely on my father, couldn’t support me financially and won’t let me stay on my own. And then I learned of our property here somewhere in god knows where, dito lumaki si Mama at naipamana sa kanya ang lupain pagkatapos pumanaw ng aking grandparents.

She told me I could continue my studies here instead, I just did not expect the place would be too underwhelming.

One of the things I hate, major life changes.

“Bakit hindi mo ako magustuhan? Ano pa bang wala sakin?” my mind reeled back to the guy in front of me.

As I said, he’s a childhood friend. My mother used to bring me here when I was a little kid, I didn’t remember that much, so I just relied on their memories of me playing with Alan and being the best of friends.

I stopped walking when some strange insect bit my left leg.

“Are you seriously asking me that question? I already told you, I’m not interested. So you can start leaving me alone and find other…. suitable person for you. But it’s not me, it’s never gonna be me.” I tried to talk some sense into him.

Hindi ko napigilang hindi ito pagtaasan ng boses. Appearance wise, hindi rin siya ang mga tipo ko kung magkakagusto man ako sa lalaki. I don’t like boys, I like men. A man who has values, strong principles in life, has a purpose, has money, and someone who is naturally gifted.

But who am I kidding? I’ll probably end up with a sugar daddy when I’m thirty or forty or maybe I’ll just grow old alone with my nails done.

“Hindi kita titigilan hangga’t wala kang magandang rason kung bakit ayaw mo sakin!”

Isn’t that enough reason?

Nagngingitngit na ako sa inis. Bakit ba napakapursigido nito? I’m sure may iba pa riyang mas angat sa akin. And besides, my family knows we are childhood friends, it would be weird if they start to see us two in a different light. And as much as possible, I’m not interested in relationships, gusto kong makatapos at magkaroon ng trabaho para makaipon ako at makaalis sa lugar na ito.

And then I had some flashbulb moment.

“I’m already taken.”

Right. That’s the best excuse to get rid of him. Silently wishing the white lie would save me from this madness. It wouldn’t be hard to believe since I’ve had my fair share of ex boyfriends, most of them good looking and from a rich background.

“Isang buwan ka na rito, Jack. Wala namang bumibisita sayong boyfriend.”

I sighed and tried to pull another trick on him. Tumingala ako at natanaw ang dumidilim na kalangitan, mukhang uulan pa yata. See? Even the weather doesn’t look good. It has always been like that, kapag hindi maganda ang pakiramdam ko ay masama rin ang timpla ng panahon.

“Ano, Jack? Hindi mo kailangang magsinunghaling para lang ayawan mo ako!” pagpupumilit niya.

Alan has a boyish look, sunburned skin and lanky posture. His hair is uncombed, parang hinayaan nalang matuyo pagkatapos maligo. His lips are dry and he’s smaller than me. He’s probably nice and all but I just can’t imagine myself being with someone like him.

I was looking at the downcast sky when I heard clip-clops somewhere, sound like hooves. Nagbaba ako ng tingin at naaninag sa hindi kalayuan ang isang kabayong paparating sa aming kinaroroonan. Habang papalapit ito ay naaninag ko rin ang silhouette ng isang matikas na lalaking nakasakay doon.

Bumagal ang takbo ng kabayo at huminto ito sa aming harapan, o baka dahil nakaharang kami sa daan at hindi ito makatuloy sa paroroonan. Tiningala ko ang lalaki sa ibabaw nitong natatakpan ng lumang cowboy hat ang mukha. Both of his hands were protected with some worn-out gloves holding onto a rope tied to the horse’s saddle.

He looks… I don’t know how to explain.

I don’t know but I sense a feeling that this new guy is an authority or something. He has a commanding aura. He looked down on me like I’m below him, well I’m literally standing below him but I meant it like I’m a small rabbit while he’s a lion.

My face felt hot, not because of the sun but because of something else. Another flashbulb moment in my head.

“Well, here’s my boyfriend, sinusundo ako.” I stole that golden opportunity and gestured at the new guy. Hindi makapaniwalang tinitigan ni Alan ang lalaki, napanganga pa ito sa gulat. Yeah, I think he can leave me alone now.

The new guy, my pretend boyfriend, has this ridiculous look on his face.

“Hey, babe!” I called the new guy’s attention and waved my hand at him. Nanginginig ang labi ko kaya nahihirapan akong ngumiti. He lowered himself and in one swift motion, he jumped off the horse. It was a scene I could only picture in television.

Nang makababa ang lalaki ay mabilis kong napansin ang difference namin sa height. He stood tall like a tower, ilang dipa ang taas sa akin. Itinaas niya nang kaunti ang suot na cowboy hat kaya mas naging klaro sa aking paningin ang kanyang mukha. I almost gasped, looking at this mouth-watering species of a man.

I can’t believe that someone like him exists here. He rested his hands on his pelvis and searched for familiarity on my face. Mukhang mabibisto pa ako nang maaga ’pag nalaman nitong hindi kami magkakilala.

“Babe?” he repeated that obnoxious endearment I called him a while ago. His voice was low and stern, ’yung tipong pakikinggan at susunurin mo ang anumang ipag-uutos niya.

He looked so serious, flat serious, with his full beard. Hindi ko na sigurado kung kaya ko pang ituloy ang pagpapanggap. This man can easily tackle me to the ground and leave me to bits and pieces.

Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ni Alan sa aming dalawa, still unconvinced that this man who looked like he’s born in Olympus turns out to be my boyfriend.

“Y-Yes, babe. Thanks for coming.” I was lost for words. Parang bula sa ere na naglaho rin ang aking mga plano. Kumunot ang noo ng lalaki nang marinig ang sinabi ko. Bahagyang umawang ang mga labi nito, parang may sasabihin na naudlot dahil sapat na ang mapanganib nitong tingin para malaman ko ang tumatakbo sa isipan niya.

This man’s built was a revelation, like he’s born to do farming, horseback riding, and lifting heavy crates. Takot ang unang emosyon na naramdaman ko sa kanya. I feel like a little boy beside him.

I set aside my fear and walked closer to him. I hooked my hands on his veinous arm. I felt his surprise when he tried to move away but my grip on his arm was tight. Ang laki pa ng braso niya, parang isang matibay na troso.

“B-Boyfriend mo?” hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Alan, may takot at pagkalito sa mga mata. Scared now, aren’t you?

Matigas at matimbang ang mga tinging ipinukol sa akin ng lalaki. I felt the muscles on his arm tensed. Hindi siya nagsasalita pero mukhang hindi rin naman abala sa kanya ang nangyayari. I smiled triumphantly at Alan and he left me alone eventually.

I was left alone with my boyfriend, with the stranger I mean.

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag. Finally!

Kaagad kong binitiwan ang braso ng lalaki nang mapagtantong nakakapit pa rin ako sa kanya. So much for this act. I moved three steps away from him.

“U-Uhm, hey sorry about that.” I started with an apology.

“Just sorry?”

He looks offended. Habang kaharap ko siya ay mas nakita ko ang mukha niya. Nangungusap ang mga mata niya, naglalaro ang seryoso at mapaglarong emosyon doon. His lips are thin and red, looks kissable to me. Pero bakit ba ’yun ang iniisip ko?

But seriously, bakit ngayon ko lang nakita ang nilalang na ito? Baguhan ba siya rito? Dayo? Hindi naman kalakihan ang baryo kaya bakit hindi siya pamilyar sakin? I must have at least heard his name before. What’s his name though?

“Ginamit mo ako.” he blurted out in a matter-of-fact tone.

“S-Sorry nga diba? Kinailangan kong gawin iyon para tigilan na ako ng lalaking ’yun. Anyway uhm, thanks?” I tried to show gratitude but he didn’t look appeased. Parang ang hirap niyang i-please.

He crossed his arms on his chest and I tried my best to avoid looking at it.

“Sorry? I wasn’t asking for your sorry.” pagmamatigas niya. Kung gano’n pala, anong kailangan niya sakin? Why is he making it a big deal? And I was surprised he speaks my language, I mean he spoke English like he speaks it on a daily basis. That only means he’s not from here.

“What do you mean? Look, kung galit ka man or what, sorry okay? It wasn’t planned. That guy was bothering me, ’yun lang ang naisip kong paraan para lubayan niya ako.” pangangatwiran ko para lang maliwanagan siya na hindi ko intensyong gamitin siya. I mean I did use him, but for a genuine purpose.

“Bothering you? Bakit naman niya gagawin ’yun?”

“Well, he likes me, or think he’s in love with me. I don’t freaking know. But he’s following me for a month now. Hindi ko naman siya gusto at hindi rin siya ang tipo ko.” I hate that I overshared, pero bahala na, ang mahalaga ay maipaliwanag ko ang totoong nangyari.

He just stared at me blankly, like he couldn’t believe I was telling the truth. Napansin ko ang suot niyang boots na may bahid ng natuyong putik. This man knows real hardwork, how come he doesn’t come with common sense?

“How can you be sure?” tanong niya.

“What?”

“Paano mo nalaman na may gusto sa’yo yung tao?”

It only means na hindi talaga siya naniniwala sa paliwanag ko. Why is that so hard to believe? Hindi ba ako ka-gusto gusto sa paningin niya?

“I don’t know? He told me he likes me. I turned him down kaysa naman paasahin ko siya sa wala.”

“And me as your boyfriend, you used that opportunity to get rid of him?”

“Tumpak, nakuha mo.” now I’m proud of him that he finally gets it.

“What’s in it for me, then?”

Natigilan ako sa sunod niyang tanong.

“Nothing, dahil isang beses lang ’yon at hindi na mauulit. You’re not even my type.” I said so casually like I didn’t think twice, but the last part is another lie. He’s so my type so I need to stay away from him.

Napailing-iling siya. Bumalik siya sa kanyang kabayo at inayos ang saddle nito. His side profile was even majestic, kahit anong view yata ay gwapo ito. Pero aanhin ko naman ang perpektong mukha kung pangit naman ang ugali?

“Little brat.” he murmured while I was distracted by the view.

Did he just…

“I’m not a brat. Ano bang problema mo? Kung ayaw mo ng sorry ko, fine! Bahala ka! Akala mo kung sinong…” naiinis kong bulalas at nagpasyang iwan siya roon sa kabayo niya.

Habang naglalakad ako pauwi ay naramdaman ko ang patak ng ulan sa aking balat kaya mas binilisan ko ang aking lakad. The weather agrees with my mood. Muntik pa akong madulas sa maputik na daan nang magmadali ako. I hate this. I hate the life here. I hate the people, especially him. I hate it here!

Nang binagalan ko ang lakad ay narinig ko ang mahihinang yapak ng kabayo sa bandang likuran. I didn’t have to turn my head to realize that the man is following me. Ang mahinang patak ng ulan ay unti-unting lumakas. My clothes are now soaked in rainwater.

“Saan ang tirahan mo?” I heard him asked.

Hindi ako lumingon at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad sa putikan. Usually, hindi naman ganitong ka-hassle maglakad ngunit dahil nabasa ng ulan ang lupa ay sumasama ang putik sa aking sapatos kaya bumibigat ang bawat hakbang ko. I didn’t like wearing bota dahil hindi bagay sa outfit ko.

“I can offer you a ride home, baka abutin ka pa ng dilim dito.”

“And what’s it to you? Ano ngayon kung abutan ako ng dilim at mapahamak? Isn’t that none of your business?” sarkastikong tugon ko.

“This is a small town, I might know your parents. I’ll take you home, not because it’s my business but because I can’t stand watching you walk like a turtle in a mud.”

Napatigil ako at nilingon siya. Anong sinabi niya? Aba’t gago pala ’to? How dare he compare me to a turtle? I looked down on my muddy shoes and think for a minute. My white shoes, now chocolate brown, keeps on sinking on the ground.

“Alright, fine!” hindi ako nakatiis dahil mas mabuti na iyon kaysa sa magpakahirap akong maglakad sa putikan.

Tinulungan niya akong umakyat sa kabayo. I sat in front of him and it was the most awkward thing I did in my life. I was glad na hindi niya pinansin ang putik sa sapatos ko kahit nabahiran ang balat niya at ang kabayo niya. He must be used to all the dirt in this place. Narinig ko ang tahimik na bungisngis niya sa aking likuran kaya gusto ko man siyang lingunin ay hindi ko siya malingon, pilit kong iniiwasang dumikit ang likod ko sa dibdib niya.

“Anong nakakatawa?”

“Nothing, ang sungit mo pa rin kahit wala akong ginagawa sa’yo.” he sounded amused rather than annoyed.

I chose to ignore him and his presence on my back. I don’t know but I liked the warmth of his body, it was a comfort I didn’t think I needed amidst the falling of the rain on the muddy ground. I never thought there would still be comfort in the middle of this chaos.

Chapter 2 [Liar]

Naglalakad ako sa gitna ng mga bukirin kasabay si Marife, kaibigan at kapareho ko ng kurso. She lives next door to us. Nag-take siya ng Accountancy dito dahil iyon lang ang offer bukod sa mga kursong may kinalaman sa pagbubukid at pagma-manage ng business. Fortunately, I also took up Accountancy back in Manila so it was an easy transition.

So far, si Marife ang pinakamatagal kong naging kaibigan dito. I know she doesn’t like my attitude, but she stays with me because she believes there’s a good person inside me, at least that’s what she always tell me. And I like that she thinks that way even when I don’t believe it myself.

Parehas kaming graduating. Both of her parents are gone but she’s living with her grandparents. She’s the type of friend who accepts flaws but don’t tolerate it, kaya hangga’t maaari ay sinasabi niya sa akin nang harapan kung may problema siyang nakikita o napapansin sa akin.

“Bakit mo naman kasi sinungitan? Baka na-intimidate lang sayo kaya ganun.” I told her today how I met the scorchingly-hot-but-grumpy-cowboy slash my pretend-boyfriend from yesterday.

Sa gilid namin ay ang mahabang palayan at maisan. Lubak lubak ang daan at may mga parte pa ring basa dulot ng ulan kaya naisipan ko nang magsuot ng bota kahit ayaw ko.

“Ako pa ang nagsungit? At bakit siya mai-intimidate sakin? For what reason?”

I don’t see any valid reason para sungitan ako ng lalaki. Well, I forced him to act like my boyfriend so I think that’s the main reason, but other than that, I tried to be nice to him. Did I? Saglit akong nagbalik tanaw ngunit kinumbinsi ko ang sariling wala akong masamang ginawa sa kanya.

“Jack, honestly intimidating ka at times. I mean, hindi palagi pero most of the time, and remember kung paano mo tinarayan ’yung mga lalaking sumubok manligaw sayo?”

I rolled my eyes at her, my suitors here were not that many. Pero lahat sila ay tinurn down ko dahil wala akong interes sa pakikipagrelasyon sa estado ng buhay ko ngayon. I have a lot of things to think about, and starting a relationship with someone is not one of them.

And besides, I hate my last relationship. Natuto na ako. I learned my lesson. Wala akong mapapala sa kanila bukod sa sakit ng ulo.

Nagpalinga-linga ako sa magkabilang daan. Malalawak na bukirin ang nadaanan namin. Sa ilang linggo kong panunuluyan sa lugar na ito ay medyo nakasanayan ko na ang ganitong mga tanawin. Iba’t ibang uri ng hayop ang makikita: kalabaw, baka, kambing, kabayo, manok, bibe, maging ang mga pananim na gaya ng palay, mais, tubo, at iba pa.

Maging ang tanawin ng mga kubo at magsasaka, but speaking of magsasaka, tama ba ang nakikita ko ngayon? Natanaw ko sa hindi kalayuan ang damuhong lalaking pretend-boyfriend ko na nakasakay naman ngayon sa isang kalabaw. Nananaginip ba ako ng gising?

“O, ba’t ka tumigil? Anong tinitignan mo dyan?” tanong ni Marife. Napako ang mga mata ko sa katawan ng lalaking iyon. Who wouldn’t stare at him? He had no shirt on for god’s sake!

“Ay! Ang gwapooo!” Narinig ko ang tili ni Marife sa aking gilid, parang bulateng binudburan ng asin. Balak pa nitong kawayan at tawagin ang lalaki ngunit mabilis kong hinatak pababa ang braso niya.

“What is he doing? Is he a farmer?”

He doesn’t noticed us yet. I watched him maneuver the carabao through the wet and muddy ground. Ilang magsasaka pa ang nasa paligid na abala sa kanilang mga trabaho.

“Hot farmer.” Marife tried to correct me and drooled over him.

Eventually, he noticed us standing like idiots watching him, narinig siguro ang mga boses namin. And the moment he laid his eyes on me, I felt the same hot burning sensation in the pit of my stomach. His serious face wasn’t unusual, pero ’yung timbang ng tingin niya ay parang may motibo. Bumaba ito sa kalabaw at saka nagtungo sa aming direksyon.

His sweat-covered torso was glistening in the sun, muscles flexing, the smooth carpet of hair on his chest choked me. I noticed the old and worn-out jeans he was wearing, marumi at may bahid ng putik at lupa. Maging ang boots niya ay nabalot ng makakapal na putik.

Like Marife, I was quietly checking him out.

“Good morning.” bati niya sa amin. I’ve never heard someone say good morning in the hottest possible way ever.

“Magandang umaga rin!” Marife replied, containing whatever she’s feeling at the moment.

“Anong maipaglilingkod ko sa inyo?” from her, his eyes darted on me longer.

I hate that he’s too formal, he sounds so mature and yet I think he’s just around my age.

“Wala, napadaan lang kami.” ako ang sumagot. “Hindi mo nabanggit na magsasaka ka pala.”

Nagpapalipat-lipat ang tingin ni Marife sa aming dalawa, nagtataka kung bakit kami magkakilala. She’s gonna realize soon that this is the same guy I was talking to her about earlier.

“Is that a problem?”

“No.” matapang kong tugon kahit na nanginginig na ang aking mga tuhod. He’s towering over me and I looked like a fucking minion compared to his massive built.

Umiling iling ito na para bang may mali akong nasabi. What now? He’s making me feel like I owe him something so big and I am disappointing him everytime I open my mouth.

I decided to leave and pulled Marife away.

I couldn’t quite place what I feel towards him so I’m just gonna ignore him because he’s not important. And I don’t need to know him more because I don’t care enough. The way he looked at me felt like he was judging me for judging him. I didn’t judge him anyway, he’s a farmer and that’s totally fine, nothing against what he does for a living, I’m just against him and the way he treats me.

Pumasok kami ni Marife sa school. Natapos ang klase namin nang maaga. Most of the teachers attended a conference this morning until lunch so nagreview lang kami ng previous topics.

In the next few days, I focused on my subjects more than ever because it’s all I got to do here, there’s no bar or cafes to visit, no malls, no themed parks, just mountains and unending grasslands. I’m used to the loud scene in the city, so this is a new experience for me. Hindi ko alam, pero may chance naman siguro na magustuhan ko rin ang lugar na ito. I’ll be living here until the end of my semester so somehow I have enough time let this sink in and learn how to appreciate the beauty of it.

One afternoon after class, mag isa akong naglalakad pauwi dahil naiwan si Marife sa school bilang siya ang class president kaya may iba siyang responsibility na kailangang bigyang pansin. It was a dry afternoon, hindi masyadong mainit at presko ang daloy ng hangin. It was almost peaceful not until someone interrupted my thoughts and called me.

“What now?” sarkastikong tanong ko habang pinanonood siya papalapit. He removed the dirty gloves on his hands and stood in front of me. Despite the stetson hat on his head, hindi nakatakas sa aking pansin ang tumutulong pawis sa gilid ng kanyang mukha.

“Bakit ang sungit mo lagi sakin?” pinunasan niya ang kanyang mga kamay at hinubad ang suot na hat. Pinapaypayan niya ang sarili habang nakatingin sa akin.

“Anong maipaglilingkod ko sa iyo? Is that how should I sound?” I asked in a more formal and business tone, mimicking him from the last time I saw him.

“You’re a ball of sunshine, aren’t you?” now he has an amused grin on his face, like he finds me funny.

“Whatever, what do you want from me?” Pinagkrus ko ang dalawang braso sa aking dibdib, acting impatiently in front of him. Bumabakat ang pawis sa suot niyang puting t-shirt kaya pinipilit kong hindi ’yun pagtuunan ng pansin.

“What do I want from you, I’m your boyfriend remember?”

Napanganga ako ng ilang sandali, hindi makapaniwala sa narinig. I feel glad that I got rid of Alan, now this guy…

“You’re not my type, remember?” mapanghamon kong sagot.

“Yeah, I remember that. You’re not mine, either.”

Hindi ko na maintindihan kung anong punto nitong pag-uusap namin, like what’s the point of us continuing this conversation if we’re both so adamant that we hate each other’s guts?

“Excuse me?”

“Ano?”

“Hindi ko tinanong kung ano ang type mo, that’s irrelevant.” matapang kong pahayag. The amused grin on his face never left. Na para bang nae-enjoy niyang naiirita niya ako.

“What, are you hurt now?”

“That I’m not your type? No. Besides, I have so much stuff on my plate that you existing does not even bother me.”

Nanatili ang mapanghamong ngisi sa kanyang mukha, hindi yata naniniwala sa sinabi ko na unbothered ako sa presensya niya.

Nagpasya akong maglakad at lisanin ang lugar na iyon ngunit napatigil ako sa sunod niyang sinabi.

“You owe me.”

I turned and faced him again.

“I don’t remember owing you anything. Nag-apologize na ako sa’yo nung nakaraan, ’di ba? It was a mistake, wasn’t a big deal either.”

“Is that your thing?” he asked, now with a curious look on his perfectly sculpted face.

“Thing?” I had to ask like a dumb idiot because I don’t get him.

“Call someone your boyfriend then forget about it.”

What is it to him, though? Bakit big deal sa kanya? Bakit hindi siya makamove-on kahit nagsorry na ako?

“Okay, look… it’s not my thing, it’s not even a thing. I’m sorry you felt used and it was not my intention. Can we call it quits, please?” I kinda begged but I just really wanted to move forward and part ways with him, as much as I’d like to see that face and body every day, but it’s not healthy if we keep on talking and arguing about things that don’t help both of us.

“Okay.” pagsang-ayon niya matapos akong titigan nang ilang segundo. He must know that I’m serious if I say ‘please’.

“Okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” nagkibit balikat siya na para bang siya ang pinakamadaling kausap sa buong mundo. “See you later, then.” aniya at saka ako tinalikuran upang bumalik sa trabaho niya.

Anong ibig niyang sabihin sa see you later? We didn’t plan on meeting again so I don’t understand. Maybe it was nothing, he meant nothing by that, just a casual phrase people say before they leave.

I took a step and turned away from the farm. I should get home before dark. See you later, then. No, I’m not gonna see you later or whenever Mr. Cowboy because I’m gonna forget we ever met and I will go on with my life like you don’t exist. I’m not gonna let you ruin my thoughts or invade my mind because I didn’t leave anybody space for that. I walked my way home believing that but forgetting I was also a bad liar.

Chapter 3 [Torralba]

Back at home, I found my family gathered around the dining table and they all turned quiet as if I was an interruption to their serious discussion.

“I’m home, guys.” anunsyo ko kahit obvious na.

I received a sympathetic smile from my mother. Sa kanyang tabi ay si Tita Sally, nakatatandang kapatid ni Mama, beside her is Tito Ronnie, Tita Sally’s second husband. Across them sits Gardo, my cousin and Tita Sally’s only son from her first husband, and beside him is Gia, Tita’s offspring from Tito Ronnie. Sina Tito at Tita ang naging caretaker ng aming lupain no’ng mga panahong sa Maynila pa kami nakatira. They’re the only family I have left now.

As if they were really discussing a serious matter, I decided to head to my room. I took a quick shower, at habang bumabagsak ang tubig sa aking katawan ay bumabalik sa aking alaala ang mukha ng lalaking ipinangakong kalilimutan ko na. And the conversation we just had a while ago, it wasn’t good but I gotta admit it’s the most interesting one I’ve had ever since I set foot here in this land.

And I don’t even know his name so I guess it’s a sign that I should be forgetting about him.

Nagkita kami ni Marife sa sumunod na araw. It’s 9AM and we have no classes today because of a holiday. Nakatambay kaming dalawa sa isang makeshift circular gazebo, ilang metro lamang ang layo sa aming bahay. I told her we can read in advance para makaiwas kami sa cramming pag oras na ng examinations. She agreed but the she decided to talk about something else.

“Naalala mo si Josie? Yung anak ni Aling Roberta na kababata ko? Guess kung saan na siya nagta-trabaho ngayon.” she started gossiping while I leaf through the pages of my binder.

“Josie? Akala ko nasa Maynila na siya?”

“Well, she did. Pero umuwi na siya noong nakaraang buwan lang. And guess who she works for now.”

Josie is her childhood friend, pero mas matanda ito ng ilang taon samin ni Marife. Ang huling balita ko ay lumuwas ito patungong Maynila noong nakaraang taon upang doon magtrabaho at namasukan ito bilang kasambahay doon. She didn’t get to finish college, she has other three little siblings kaya tumutulong ito sa pagpapaaral sa mga kapatid.

“Where?”

“Sa azucarera ng mga Torralba.” tugon niya, meaning it like she dropped a bomb.

Torralba, where did I hear that name again? I think I heard Gardo, my cousin, mentioned it before na nagmamay-ari ang mga Torralba ng pinakamalaking lupain dito sa lugar. Gardo once worked for them as a kid, naging katu-katulong siya ng mga magsasaka roon.

“At nagkita kami no’ng nakaraan sa plaza, nabanggit niya ngang nakabalik na siya rito last month. Tinulungan siyang makapasok ni Aling Roberta para makapagsilbi sa mga Torralba…” pagpapatuloy ng kanyang kwento habang naghi-highlight ako ng mga important details.

“At no’ng pumanaw si Don Santiago, yung anak niyang si Don Henry ang sumalo sa pagpapatakbo ng azucarera. Pero hindi siya nakatagal dahil may ibang priority daw na inaasikaso sa siyudad, kaya naman naipasa sa mga anak ang property.” I was half-listening to her story while I read the topics on a book, I guess I’m good with multitasking. “Minsan nang nabibisita rito yung mga anak pero yung kambal lang ang natatandaan ko, since sila rin ang sumalo sa responsibilidad sa azucarera. At ito pa ang balita, gwapo raw yung Senyorito.”

That stopped me from reading, not because interesado ako sa huling sinabi niya kundi dahil sumagi sa alaala ko ang kapatid ng isa sa mga naging kaibigan ko sa Maynila. Tricia, who was from my batch, has an older sister na CPA at nagtatrabaho sa Torralba Holdings, one of the top financial institutions in the country.

But it might just be a coincidence and has no direct relation to the Torralbas here.

“Torralba, what are they like?” I asked her to get a glimpse of that family. I may consider applying for a job just like Tricia’s sister once I finish my degree and get licensed.

“Wala akong masyadong ideya, pero maayos naman daw sila magtrato ng mga trabahador. Wala naman akong naririnig na negative feedback. Kung gusto mo, pwede tayong bumisita sa linggo.”

“What? Why?”

“May petting farm sila, if you want we can go and see what it’s like. Hindi pa rin ako nakapunta, pero sabi ni Ryan noong nakaraan na nag-ooffer na rin sila ng mga trainings.”

“Trainings for what?”

“May rancho rin sila. May training sila for crop farming, gardening, floriculture, and landscaping. May mga fun activities na rin daw pero under construction pa ’yung iba.”

Well, that sounds exciting. At dahil wala naman akong gagawin sa linggo, napapayag niya akong pumunta. Just to see the farm and their ranch, I wasn’t that giddy about the dirt and the grasslands but I might appreciate the animals.

Pagsapit ng linggo ay sinundo ako ni Marife at sabay kaming nagtungo sa rancho ng mga Torralba. Hindi namin kailangang sumakay dahil kalahating oras lang ng paglalakad ay narating agad namin ang rancho. Ryan, a friend of Marife, works there and he toured us around the place.

Everything I saw exceeded all of my expectations. Malawak ang lupaing kinatitirikan ng kanilang rancho. I couldn’t even determine how many hectares this ranch alone covers, aside from the farm and the trail back towards the mountains, it was immeasurable.

Ilang horse stables at goat pens ang nadaanan namin. Isang malaking barn house ang matatanaw sa hindi kalayuan, sa isang banda ay natanaw namin ang iilang bata na accompanied ng kanilang mga magulang na tuwang tuwa sa pagpapakain sa mga chickens. Dalawang matayog na silos ang matatanaw sa bandang dulo, with the mountain ranges on its background.

Marife brought an old camera with her and she captures photos as we walked around, taking photographs of anything that piques her attention. Sinundan ko ng tingin ang ilang manggagawa na abala sa kanilang trabaho. I saw someone carrying an overweight sheep, maybe it’s only the thick fur, and others were inside the stables tending to the horses.

And then I remembered the very first time I met Mr. Cowboy, he was riding a horse. Did he get that horse from here? At ngayon ko lang napagtanto na malaki ang posibilidad na dito rin siya nagsisilbi sa mga Torralba. I looked around as if I might see his masculine figure somewhere but I didn’t see him.

“Ang ganda pala rito, sana dati pa ako nakabisita.”

“Balik kayo sa susunod na buwan para sa festival, pwede kayong sumali sa mga palaro.”

“Susubukan namin kung maluwag ang schedule namin sa school.”

“Doon tayo sa barn para makita nyo ang ibang mga livestock.”

Nakikinig ako sa pag-uusap nina Marife at Ryan habang pagala-gala pa rin ang tingin ko sa paligid na akala mo’y radar ang mga mata ko. The sun is high and mighty in the sky and I’m starting to sweat. I couldv’e chosen to wear a lighter shirt, pero ewan ko ba at bakit napili kong magsuot ng hoodie jacket ngayong araw.

“Jack?” Marife called out.

Napansin kong ilang hakbang na ang layo ng dalawa sa akin dahil napahinto ako sa tapat ng isang confinement area kung saan matatanaw ang daan-daang mga tupa.

“I’ll keep up with you guys. May titignan lang ako rito.”

I saw the suspicious look on my friend’s face but she didn’t question me and they head towards the barn. Nang maiwan ako roon ay nagtungo ako papasok sa loob ng confinement area. I could hear the bleats and baas of the sheep as I entered the fold.

I’ve never seen a hundred sheep in my life, not like this, they look organized and clean. It was a sight to behold, I had to admit. Nang sinubukan kong lumapit ay hindi naman lumayo ang mga tupa sa presensya ko, kabaligtaran ang nangyari at ilan sa kanila ay kusang lumapit sa kinaroroonan ko. I tried to pet one of them but the sheep only licked and smelled my hand probably thinking I was trying to feed them.

Sa isang banda ay nakarinig ako ng ingay. Something that sounds like a buzz of an electric razor. I noticed the back of a man standing, it made me curious all of a sudden and I decided to step closer to take a look at what was happening.

Nang makalapit ako ay namangha ako sa nasaksihan. Someone, a worker, is holding a sheep into place while he’s trying to caress the sheep’s skin as if measuring it. Hindi ko naintindihan ang purpose ng ginagawa niya kaya nanatili ako. Unconsciously, I didn’t know I was standing beside the man that I didn’t bother looking at his face and the familiar stetson hat on his head.

I saw the look of surprise on his face upon seeing me.

“Fancy seeing you here.” I muttered, staying calm amidst the frantic beating on my chest. Bakit naman kasi ako magpa-panic eh expected ko nang makikita ko siya rito bilang isa siya sa mga trabahador ng mga Torralba.

The side of his lip that was visible to me turned upward, looking like a smirk or a grin. May nakakatuwa ba sa sinabi ko? Why does it feel like he’s mocking me in his thoughts whenever we meet?

“You’re looking for me now?” aniya, hindi tumitingin sa akin at naka-focus ang attention sa kapwa niya trabahador na hawak-hawak ang tupa.

“Excuse me?” I sounded offended.

“You heard me.”

“Yes, I heard you. Pero hindi kita hinahanap. What made you think I came here to see you?”

He’s a little airhead, isn’t he? Scratch that, not little because he’s full of it. Kung makapagsalita siya ay akala mo’y pag-aari niya ang lupang tinatapakan ko. It’s such a turn off when guys act like a king or something, especially when it’s obvious they are not anything close to it.

Hindi siya nakasagot, maaaring pinagsisisihan na ang pagiging assumero niya.

“So what are you doing here?” instead he asked. Again, bakit kung umasta siya ay parang bawal ako rito?

“I came with a friend.” maikli kong tugon, sabay naming pinanood ang trabahador na ngayo’y tini-trim ang balat ng tupa. I don’t even know what’s that called and what for. “What is he doing?” I mumbled without realizing I voiced it out.

“Sheep shearing.” casual niyang sagot na para bang lahat ay alam ’yon at ako lang ang hindi.

Nanatili ako sa panonood. It looks interesting to me even when I don’t understand it.

“It’s to collect the sheep’s wool. Nakatutulong din para sa kalusugan nila at para makaiwas sa mga parasites. Ginagawa namin ’yan kada taon.” he explained when I didn’t ask. Sa peripheral vision ko ay napansin kong nakatuon na ang tingin niya sa gawi ko.

“Does it hurt them?” I watched the worker cut the sheep’s wool while holding it in place to stop moving. I’ve never empathized with any animal before, it’s a first for me. Pero mukhang hindi naman nasasaktan ang tupa sa ginagawa, tahimik lamang ito at compliant na parang sanay na ito.

“It can be stressful for them. But they can feel a sense of relief, mas magaan at mas komportable sila pag natapos na ang shearing.”

When the worker finished, he stepped closer to us to show the fleece as what they call it.

“Salamat, Isidro.”

“May ipapagawa pa po ba kayo, Senyorito?”

“Wala na sa ngayon. Ipapatawag nalang kita kay Rodel kapag may kailangan pa bago matapos ang araw.”

“Sige po, Senyorito Hector. Mauuna na po ako.”

The worker bowed his head in formality and left us alone with the flock of sheep on my hands. Halos mabitawan ko ang hawak na fleece nang marinig kung paano niya in-address ang lalaki sa tabi ko.

Did he just…

Senyorito….

“Minsan nang nabibisita rito yung mga anak pero yung kambal lang ang natatandaan ko, since sila rin ang sumalo sa responsibilidad sa azucarera. At ito pa ang balita, gwapo raw yung Senyorito.” biglang nag-replay sa utak ko ang nabanggit sa akin ni Marife noong isang araw.

It wasn’t that difficult to figure out. The man standing beside me, the one I’ve been annoyed with, the one I’ve had petty little arguments with, is not the man I figured him out to be. Nag-flashback sa isipan ko ang lahat ng interaction namin. He rides horses, he helps with the farm, Alan who looked scared upon seeing him, the worker Isidro calling him Senyorito. He is neither a worker nor a farmer.

He’s a Torralba, and he fucking owns this place.

Chapter 4 [Hector]

Marahas at malamig ang hangin, akala mo’y may babalang kasama para sa paparating na bagyo. Wearing a cream colored hoodie over my uniform, at least I didn’t feel the cold.

“Jack? Napapansin kong tahimik ka nitong mga nakaraang araw, may problema ba?” Marife elbowed me when she caught me in a trance.

Narito kami sa sentro ngayon, nagsilbi itong marketplace para sa mga gustong mamili ng pagkain at mga local products na gawa ng mga naninirahan dito. It’s one of the places I like because I love being surrounded with people. But lately, I prefer being alone with my own thoughts.

“Wala, iniisip ko lang kung paano ako magre-review para sa upcoming midterm exams.” katwiran ko, kahit na tatlong linggo pa bago ang examinations namin.

“Matagal pa ’yun. Kung gusto mo, ayain natin si Stefan para tulungan niya tayo sa mahihirap na subject.” suhestiyon niya habang nakapila kami sa nagtitinda ng mga siomai at iba pang street food.

I don’t normally eat street foods noong nasa Maynila pa ako, aside sa pagiging health conscious, ang mga naging kaibigan ko roon ay madalas na sa restaurant ako dinadala. Most of my friends came from rich backgrounds and they didn’t bother letting me pay so I didn’t know how much eating out in high-end places cost them.

“Stefan? Close kayo?” interesado kong tanong.

“Hindi. Pero mabait naman ’yun. Kaibigan ni Lola yung Mama niya kaya sa tingin ko mapapapayag ko naman siya.”

Si Stefan ang top student sa aming klase, he’s the nerdy type but he’s good looking with good physique. If I met him when I was in Manila, I might have been drawn to him since my usual type are good boys rather than the bad boy type. Though, why am I thinking this way? Stefan is straight kaya pointless itong mga naiisip ko.

Nang makarating kami sa unahan ng pila, hinayaan ko si Marife na pumili ng aming kakainin. Hindi ko rin naman alam ang pangalan ng mga binibentang street foods at ako nalang ang nagprisintang magbayad.

“I remember Ryan mentioned the upcoming festival, what’s that like?” I asked her as we strolled aimlessly around, looking for a bench or somewhere to sit.

“Gameng Festival, teka first time mo ’di ba? It will be so much fun. Pwede tayong manood ng parade at dance competitions, may community gathering din kung interesado ka. May role din ang mga farmers at fishermen kasi nagpi-present din sila ng mga produkto nila.”

Nakahanap kami ng bakanteng table at doon kami nagpasyang kumain. I set my bag on the wooden seat and started to look at everything Marife bought.

Habang kumakain ay napapalingon ako sa mga taong nakapila sa bawat stall ng mga pagkain. I wasn’t aware of the many residents here, bihira din naman akong magtungo ng sentro kaya hindi ko alam na malaki ang populasyon.

People are flocking everywhere. I love the busyness and the hustle and bustle, it’s in this kind of place that I thrive because I like being productive and doing anything to occupy my time. I like being out, in the sun, or air, anything active.

And I’m pretty sure it was coincidental that I saw the familiar figure standing in front of a stall that sells local furnitures. I could only see his muscular back and it was enough to recognize him.

Isang linggo na ang nakalipas simula nang bumisita kami sa kanilang rancho, kung saan nalaman ko ang totoong pagkakakilanlan niya. He is the Senyorito, the grandson of Don Santiago Torralba. He’s a freaking king of this place, that is also why he acts like it. Why didn’t I see that before? Maybe because normal na kasuotan lang din naman ang sinusuot niya at wala akong napansing mamahaling accessory at jewelry sa kanya, wala rin siyang pakialam kung marumihan ng putik ang damit niya, sa madaling salita ay simple at ordinaryo lang din ang lifestyle niya.

He treats the people around him just like a normal person, well except with me, because he likes being difficult with me.

“Earth to Jack?”

Bumalik ang atensyon ko kay Marife. I didn’t hear her calling me. Kumunot ang noo niya at nang sundan niya ang line of sight ko ay doon niya napagtanto kung sino ang tinitignan ko.

“Okay, gets ko na.” she murmured, sipping on her iced tea.

“Gets ang alin?”

“Gets na gets kita, Jack. Sino namang hindi mapapatingin sa kanya? Look at him, likod palang ulam na. Aray ko!” hinampas ko ang braso niya. How dare she verbalize what I was thinking?

“Not my type.” bulalas ko para matigil siya sa kahibangan niya.

“Talaga? So mahilig ka sa mga pangit?”

“What?”

“Sabi mo hindi mo type, kung hindi mo type ang mga gwapong katulad niya, ibig sabihin…” she didn’t finish her words, as if common sense na ang karugtong ng sasabihin niya.

“Silly. It’s not like that. I’m just not into him.”

“Sure, sabi mo eh.”

“Hindi nga! He’s… different.” hindi ko rin naintindihan ang sariling lohika kung bakit hindi siya ang tipo kong lalaki.

Sure, the guy is super attractive but there’s something about him that makes me dislike him. Arrogance, maybe? No, arogante lang siya nung ginamit ko siya at pinagpanggap na boyfriend ko. Him being furious at me is justified. Assuming? No, he only assumed because we lack the communication, we can’t talk like two adults. Airhead, yes a little bit. Menacing? Hmmm I have to think about that yet.

“Different how?”

“Hindi siya magsasaka.” parang hindi agad niya nakuha ang ibig kong sabihin kaya dinagdagan ko. “Siya yung tinutukoy mong Senyorito ng mga Torralba.”

Halos malaglag ang panga niya sa gulat.

“And that makes it worse how?”

“Ewan ko, ang hirap ipaliwanag.” I dismissed her so we can forget about the guy who’s now walking towards our table.

Shit.

“Hi!” masiglang bati ni Marife sa kanya. Marife then gave me a look of understanding as if hindi siya nakumbinsi sa lahat nang sinabi ko.

I was still looking down on my plate, never bothered looking up just to see the guy.

“Magandang hapon.” bati nito sa mas pormal na tono. His voice was low but solid, like I could hear it anytime of the day which is just ridiculous.

Marife found a reason of buying more food to leave me alone with him. Hector occupied a seat across from me and clasped his hands on top of the table, then he placed his hat on an empty space. My eyes stayed on those long and powerful fingers which was another ridiculous thing to do.

“Haven’t seen you in a while…” panimula niya. And why does it matter to him kung hindi magtagpo ang mga landas namin? Isn’t that for the better?

“I was busy… with studies..” and bakit naman ako sumasagot nang matino ngayon? Is it because now I’m aware of his status, suddenly I’m all polite to him?

Nasa ibaba pa rin ang atensyon ko habang hinihiwa ko ang barbecue. I was trying to extricate it from the stick.

“Are you okay?”

Natigilan ako at nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya. This time, our eyes meeting. He was casually wearing a white shirt, no print or anything, just plain and simple. It perfectly hugs his body, like it was only made for him, again ridiculous thinking Jack. Another first for me, I’ve never found anybody attractive in a plain looking shirt.

“Ha?”

“Last time, you acted strange.”

Did he mean the moment I learned he was the golden grandson of the Torralbas? I didn’t act strange, silent yes.

“I did not.” depensa ko, ngunit base sa reaksyon niya ay mukhang hindi siya kumbinsido. “I was just… hindi ko lang in-expect na…” hirap na hirap akong aminin. And I know it shouldn’t matter that much but it was hard for me to see him in a different light. I used to hate him but now, I don’t know anymore how I’m going to act when I’m around him.

Naghihintay siya sa karugtong ng sasabihin ko. Where’s Marife? Bakit hindi na siya bumalik? I need her to interrupt this moment, but she’s nowhere to be found.

“Inexpect na?”

“Never mind, hindi na importante ’yon. Anong ginagawa mo rito sa sentro?” trying to divert the topic para hindi ako mahirapang mag-explain. Is it judgmental of me to treat him better just because I know he’s somewhat on a superior level?

It took him almost a minute to answer, parang naiwan pa ang atensyon niya sa balak kong sabihin kanina ngunit dahil hindi natuloy ay hindi nakompleto ang maaaring iniisip niya tungkol sa akin.

“Nagtingin lang ako ng kitchen table at ilang shelves. I was looking for something rustic or farmhouse style pero kailangan pa raw ipa-customize.” napapatingin ako sa labi at ngipin niya habang nagsasalita siya. His lips were thin and firm, and looked smooth and tender. Nang maglapat ang bibig niya ay napasara rin ako ng bibig.

Since when did I start noticing everything about him?

“Yeah, and it could take months bago matapos. For special items, pwedeng i-rush ang order gaya ng ginagawa ni Tito.” hindi ko alam kung bakit parang komportable akong magshare sa kanya ng mga bagay na alam ko. But he didn’t make it weird, parang lumiwanag pa ang mukha niya sa narinig.

“Gumagawa ng furniture ang Tito mo?”

Did I mention that?

“Yes. May sarili siyang shop sa kabilang bayan. He makes beautiful pieces, I saw it firsthand since halos lahat ng furnitures sa bahay ay gawa niya. I can…” I paused, thinking twice if I should really say it. “I can tell him you’re interested and maybe you can set up a deal with him?”

“Alright, I’m down.” hindi siya nagdalawang isip sa pagsang-ayon.

And that’s about it. Nothing weird happened. Nakabalik si Marife sa aming table bitbit ang isang tray ng inumin at sweet cheese corns in a cup.

Tumayo si Hector at muling sinuot ang kanyang cowboy hat. He looks ready to go but he stalled and faced my way.

“I think I need your number so we can…” aniya, bahagyang namula ang magkabilang pisngi. To make it less awkward, malugod kong tinanggap ang telepono niya at nilagay doon ang numero ko. Of course, he needs to contact me about the furniture thingy so I can update him, nothing else, only professional stuff.

On the other side, Marife has another suspicious look on her face and the creeping smile that tells me she misunderstood the whole situation.

“Thank you. Your name is Jack?” he asked before leaving. I confirmed with a slow nod of my head.

“I’m Hector, in case you didn’t know. Gotta go. You two enjoy the rest of your evening.” with a wink at us, I’m not gonna assume he only winked at me, he walked away with such gallant and grace.

Looking at him, specifically his muscular back, made me realize something. Hell no, I’m never gonna get rid of him now.