SYNOPSIS:

SYNOPSIS

ESCAPING from his responsibilities after a failed marriage engagement, Terron Dashwood, the heir to a noble title, went to the other side of the globe in search of a simpler and humble life. But just when he thought his life couldn’t get any peaceful, his responsibilities came knocking back.

He was summoned back home. Back to the monotonous life he once lived and was once again arranged to marry another duke’s daughter.

But that wasn’t all.

As he slowly began to shoulder the responsibilities of his family, he was thrust into the dangerous world of justice he once heard from his father when he was young. And in that world, he met a familiar face—a face of a woman from his once peaceful life that he would never forget. But she was far from the woman he knew. Regardless, he was just as drawn and tempted.

But to be drawn to her would be a mistake and to be tempted to her would put his family at risk.

A decision had to be made. Would he risk his everything for her or would he let her slip away in the name of his responsibility?

CECELIB | C.C.

PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

DIS-ORAS nang gabi, humahagibis na sumalpok ang isang sasakyan na may sakay na apat katao— isang nasa katamtamang-gulang na lalaki na siyang nagmamaneho, isang kasing edad nitong babae na nasa passenger seat ng sasakyan at nasa backseat naman ang isang dalaga at isang binatilyo—sa harap mismo ng isang pribadong ospital. Sa sobrang lakas ng pagbangga niyon ay nayupi ang harap ng sasakyan at nabasag ang windshield.

The entire emergency room immediately went into action after the medical staff saw the situation outside. After the hospital’s security checked the car, the four unconscious patients in the car were immediately taken inside the emergency room.

The two of the four patients—the driver and the one on the passenger seat—were pronounced dead on arrival. It was a miracle to the medical staff how the driver could drive in such a condition and arrived at the hospital just right before he died.

However, unlike the driver, the woman in the passenger seat died in the car while on the way to the hospital.

As for the two surviving patients, one was in the surgery while the other one was at the death door in the ICU. No one knew if they would survive, and the doctors could only do their very best to help the two patients.

“Doctor Bren?”

Doctor Bren, the Chief of Hospital, who was standing in front of the ICU, turned his head to the side to look at who called him. It was a Police Officer in uniform.

“Kayo ho ba si Doctor Bren?”

Tumango ang doktor. “Yes. That’s me. Anong kailangan nila?”

Lumapit ang pulis kay Doctor Bren at nagpakilala. “I’m SPO4 Immanuel Dulce. Nandito ako para magtanong tungkol sa apat na pasyente na dumating dito sa hospital niyo kagabi. Dito ako tinuro ng nurse sa information desk.”

Hindi kaagad umu-o o nagbigay ng impormasyon ang doktor. “Tungkol saan ang tanong niyo, SPO4 Dulce?”

Kaagad na nagpaliwanag si SPO4 Dulce. “Kagabi, nakatanggap kami ng tawag. Pinasok daw ang bahay nila ng isang magnanakaw. Ibinigay niya samin ang address niya at sinabi niyang papunta siya sa hospital kasama ang buong pamilya niya. Kaso, bago pa niya masabi kung saang ospital, naputol na ang tawag. Pinuntahan namin ang address na binigay niya at doon namin napagtanto kung ano talaga ang nangyari. Kaya naman kaagad naming hinanap kung saang hospital pumunta ang buong pamilya. ’Yon ang rason kaya nandito ako ngayon.”

Pinakinggan at inintindi muna ni Doctor Bren ang paliwanag ni SPO4. Nang makitang wala namang problema at dahil pinakita nito ang I.D. nito na magpapatunay na pulis nga ito, sinabi niya ang impormasyong alam niya.

“Kung isang pamilya nga sila… dead on arrival ang mag-asawa na nasa unahan ng sasakyan. Kalalabas lang sa surgery ng babae nilang anak at nasa ICU siya kasama ang nakababata niyang kapatid na lalaki.” Tinuro ng doktor ang ICU na hindi kalayuan sa kinatatayuan nila. “Base sa sugat na natamo ng apat, halatang hinding simpleng pagnanakaw ang nangyari.”

“Kaya kailangan naming mag-imbestiga.” Tumingin si SPO4 sa ICU. “Kapag may nagising sa magkapatid, pakitawagan ako kaagad, doc.” Binigay ni SPO4 ang numero niya. “Kailangan kong makausap ang magkapatid para malaman ang nangyari.”

Tumango si Doctor Bren saka napabuntong-hininga ng makaalis ang pulis.

Nasa kritikal na kondisyon ang magkapatid. The daughter was stabbed, and the son was nearly beaten to death. Pinagdarasal ni Doctor Bren na sana magising ang dalawa pagkatapos nilang gawin ang lahat ng makakaya sa mga ito.

But unfortunately, Doctor Bren’s prayer was unanswered. The siblings didn’t wake up.

At tulad ng mga nakaraang araw, bumisita na naman si SPO4 Dulce sa labas ng ICU. Habang nakatingin sa pintuan ng ICU, may tinawagan ito sa cellphone.

“Hindi pa rin nagigising?” Kaagad na tanong ng nasa kabilang linya.

“Hindi pa.”

Napamura ang nasa kabilang linya. “Bantayan mo nang maiigi. Kailangan tayo ang unang makakausap sa magkapatid na ’yan kapag nagising sila. I’m pretty certain those two have told their daughter about it.”

“Yes, Sir. Ako ho ang bahala.”

“Sige. Siguraduhin mo na may makukuha tayong impormasyon sa magkapatid. Kapag nakuha mo na, alam mo na ang gagawin mo.”

“Yes, Sir.”

When the call ended, SPO4 sat outside the ICU to make sure he would be the first to know if one of the siblings had woken up.

Meanwhile, inside the ICU, a male nurse working inside received a note from a hospital staff, who just left. He opened the note and read it.

‘Outside threat. Secure the cubs. Rescue: 23:00.’

After the male nurse read it, he soaked the note in water on the sink until the paper melted, leaving no evidence. Pagkatapos ay pasimple siyang sumilip sa labas ng ICU para makita kung sino ang nandoon.

It was SPO4 Dulce. Again.

The male nurse sighed. Mukhang mahihirapan silang ilabas ang dalawang pasyente kung may nakabantay na Pulis. Oh, well. It’s not like it’s going to be a problem.

After calmly assessing the situation, the male nurse went back to his work as if nothing had happened.

Few hours passed after that and at exactly eleven in the evening, the ICU’s door was hastily pushed open, and two patients were rushed out to the operating room.

“Anong nangyari?!” Kaagad na tanong ni SPO4 Dulce ng makitang sabay na inilabas sa stretcher ang magkapatid na hinihintay niyang magising.

“Emergency! To the O.R.! Hurry!” Iyon lang ang sagot ng nurse habang nagmamadaling itinulak ang stretcher patungong operating room.

Walang nagawa si SPO4 Dulce kundi ang sumunod at magbantay sa labas ng operating room. Not knowing that the patients he was waiting for would never come out of the operating room and would be pronounced dead in a few minutes.

Inside the operating room, the nurses pushing the stretchers did not stop, passing through a few rooms and entering a door used for disposal to get to the hospital’s basement parking lot, where an ambulance was waiting.

“Dom, do you think we’re doing the right thing here?” The driver of the ambulance, Von Per, asked the man observing the children in the back while the tracker, Ruthgar, was busy with his laptop on the passenger seat. “You know who these children are. Keeping them is a risk—no. This is a risk. We haven’t been on the field for years. I thought we’re done with this.”

Dom ordered Klaus to monitor the children’s vitals before answering Von Per. “Whatever their parents did, it was not their fault. We shouldn’t crucify children for their parents’ mistake. They’re faultless in this matter. And I know this is a risk, but I can’t say no to justice.”

“But—”

“No buts.” Dominick tied his hair into a man bun before adding, “I already made my decision, and I will take full responsibility for it. We can’t let these children fall into the Triad’s hands.”

Von Per sighed. “What will we do with these children, then?”

“Give them a new life and let them choose their own path. And if, even after all that, they still choose to follow the crook path of their parents, then that’s when we will bring our judgement upon them. But tonight, they’re just children who had lost their parents. They’re innocent.”

“Only the brother is innocent, I think.” Ruthgar interjected after being silent for a while. “According to the data I just received from our spy, the daughter knows something.”

“Then let her decide what to do with what she knows when she wakes up.” Dominick’s decision did not change. Then he leaned back and let out a loud sighed. “Ah. I missed my Happy. I want to go home after this.”

Von Per sighed and focused all his attention on the road while Ruthgar was making a new identity for the children. To give them a new life, they needed new names and a new identity.

A few days after the children were rescued, the girl finally woke up while her younger brother remained asleep. The girl did not shed a tear even after she learned what happened to her parents and how they were now orphans. She bravely faced their situation, courageously accept what had happened and endure the pain that came with it.

All she cared about at that moment was her little brother. How to care for him and how to protect him.

From that moment on, the happy-go-lucky girl who was born and raised in a loving home was no more. She was replaced by a grieving daughter with a hallowed heart full of pain. And she wants vengeance.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

BORED na bored na nagbabantay si Eva sa tindahan nila habang binibilang kung ilang mamahaling sasakyan na ang dumaan sa harapan nila. Mula ng magbukas sila ng tindahan kaninang umaga, mga sampu na siguro ang dumaan. Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Eva saka bumulong sa sarili. “Mayayaman nga ang hilig naman mangutang at ang iingay pa.”

Pinagdarasal niya na sana wala na namang tumambay dito mamayang gabi. Oo nga’t ubos palagi ang paninda nila, pero sa sobrang ingay ng mga ito, mas gusto na lang niyang hindi maubos ang paninda nila.

Hindi talaga niya maintindihan kung anong utak mayroon ang magkakaibang ’yon. Kaya tumigil na siya sa pag-intindi. Matino kasi ang utak niya. Hinding-hindi niya talaga maiintindihan ang isip ng mga baliw.

Napatango-tango si Eva sa sariling naisip saka napatayo sa plastik na upuan ng may marinig siyang pamilyar na cute na boses.

Nang makita niya ang dalawang guwapong nilalang sa harapan ng tindahan—immune na siya sa kaguwapuhan kaya wala siyang ano mang reaksiyon—kaagad na bumaba ang tingin niya sa dalawang bulilit na nakatingala sa kaniya. ’Yong pinakamalusog ay titig na titig sa lollipop na tinda nila.

“Hi, Miss Eva! It’s me. The chubbiest KN.”

Hindi mapigilan ni Eva na mapangiti. “Hi, KN. Lollipop?” Tanong niya kapagkuwan.

Mas nagningning ang mga mata ni KN. “One, please.”

Kaagad namang kumuha si Eva ng isang lollipop saka inabot ’yon kay KN.

KN tilted his head to side as if to show his confusion. “I mean one whole pack, Miss Eva.”

Tumango si NK. “Naubusan kami ng lollipop at hindi na makapaghintay si chubby KN.”

Napatanga si Eva saka tumingin sa dalawang guwapong nilala na kasama ng dalawa—si Cloud at Jacques. “Isang pack talaga?”

Tumango si Jacques. “If you have more, I’ll buy it.”

“Okay.” Kaagad na kinuha ni Eva ang natitira pa nilang dalawang pack ng lollipop. “Ito nalang ang lollipop namin.”

Excited na tinanggap ni KN ang dalawang pack ng lollipop bago binigay ang isa kay NK. Samantala, bumaling naman si Eva kay Cloud at sinabi rito kung magkano ang babayaran.

Sanay na si Eva na kahit si Jacques ang bumili, si Cloud ang palaging nagbabayad.

Ngumiti si Cloud. “Keep the change.”

Kaagad na malapad na ngumiti si Eva. “Hindi ako hihindi. Sana lahat ng nakatira sa village niyo katulad niyo.”

“Should I ask them to come here and pay up?” Cloud asked while picking up KN.

“Yes. Please lang.” Bakas ang pagod sa boses ni Eva. Parang sukong-suko na ito. “Pasabi na mahaba na ang lista ng mga cute nilang anak dito.”

Mahinang natawa si Cloud. “Alright. Leave it to me.”

Kumaway si Eva sa dalawang guwapong nilalang at sa dalawang cute na bulilit bago bumalik sa kinauupuan niya kanina. Kapagkuwan ay pinulot niya ang cellphone na nasa ibabaw ng lamesa at nagbasa ng balita.

Patayan. Nakawan. Panggagahasa. Terorismo. At kung ano-ano pang karumaldumal na krimen.

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Eva pagkatapos mabasa ang bagong balita ngayong araw. Sa dami ng krimen, sobrang nakakatakot na ang mundo. Napakahirap magtiwala sa kahit na kanino.

Nawala sa isip ni Eva ang mga krimeng nabasa ng makarinig ng ingay sa harapan ng tindahan. Nang tingnan niya kung ano ’yon, napataas nalang ang kilay niya.

Isang kawawang sasakyan na medyo flat ang gulong ang pumarada sa harapan ng tindahan nila at walo katao ang lumabas mula sa sasakyan na ’yon.

Maiintindihan sana niya kung ang sasakyan ay SUV o ’yong ibang klase pa ng malaking sasakyan pero sedan ang nilabasan ng walong kalalakihan. At ang ingay-ingay ng mga ito habang nagsisisihan at nagrereklamo kung gaano kasikip sa loob.

Mga baliw nga naman. Isip ni Eva saka akmang babalik na sa kinauupuan ng pumasok sa tindahan nila ang walong kalalakihan at kumaway sa kaniya ang isa sabay ngiti.

“Hi, Eva!”

Hindi i-di-deny ni Eva ang kaguwapuhang taglay ng kumaway sa kaniya, pero immune na siya. Sa dami ng guwapong nilalang na nakikita niya araw-araw, parang na-neutralize na ang utak niya at wala nang epekto.

“May barbecue ba kayo mamaya?” Tanong ng bumati sa kaniya. “Kailangan mo ng tulong sa pagtuhog ng karne?”

“Sige, Terron. Kaya mo ’yan, bud.” Tudyo ni Khairro sa kaibigan.

“Tulungan mo rin si Eva sa pag-refill ng beer sa ref nila. Wala nang laman.” Segunda ni Andrius.

“Magwalis ka na rin dito sa labas. Effort ba.” Dagdag ni Beckett.

“Tulungan mo na rin si Eva na bumili ng paninda. Kulang na rin sila, oh.” Pakikisabay ni Cali.

“Eva, baka kailangan mo ng kargador. More than willing din si Terron.” Dagdag tudyo ni Reigo na

“Baka kailangan mo ng boy, Eva. Willing si Terron.” Pigil ang tawa na sabi ni Evren.

“Mga gago kayo! Tingnan niyo nangyari sa sasakyan ko dahil sa katarantaduhan niyo!” Reklamo ni Calyx bago nito binati si Eva na parang walang nangyari. “Pipitasin daw ni Terron ang buwan para sayo patulungin mo lang siyang mag-tuhog ng karne.”

Hindi pinansin ni Terron ang mga kaibigan saka kinausap si Eva. “Don’t mind them. Helping you with the barbecue is a novel experience.” Then he put his elbows on the counter and leaned forward. “So? Need help?”

Eva just looked at everyone flatly before responding to Terron. “Mamaya pa. Mina-marinate pa ’yong karne namin e. Saka hindi ko kaya ang serbisyo mo, Your Grace.” Terron never once hid his identity to Eva, so she knew who he really was behind this casual conversation. “Wala akong pambayad.”

Terron’s smile deepened. “Free of charge. As usual.”

“Don’t worry, Eva. Si Terron pa ang magbabayad sayo patulungin mo lang siya.” Tudyo ni Khairro.

“Sige. Mamaya.” Kibit-balikat na sabi ni Eva. Hindi siya hihindi sa libreng serbisyo. Nakakatamad magtuhog ng karne. Masakit sa kamay.

Terron’s smile widened even more. “Text me later?”

Tumango si Eva. “Hmm.” Kapagkuwan ay tumingin si Eva sa pitong kalalakihan na panay pa rin ang tudyo kay Terron. “Anong kailangan niyo sa tindahan namin? Maaga pa para uminom.”

Kaagad na sumagot si Evren. “We are in need of a bond paper and a pen. Mayroon ba kayong tinda rito?”

Walang imik na kumuha ng isang bond paper at ball pen si Eva saka inabot ’yon kay Atty. Evren sabay sabi rito kung magkano.

Hindi na nagtaka si Eva na nagkaroon ng mahabang diskusyon sa harapan niya kung paano ng walo babayaran ang bond paper at ball pen na para bang milyones ang halaga no’n.

At the end, the eight lunatics ended up dividing the amount into eight and they finally paid Eva after a deep and thorough discussion.

Akala ni Eva may sobrang importanteng rason kung bakit kailangan ng mga ito ng ball pen at bond paper. Pero habang pinapakinggan niya ang usapan ng walo, napatanga nalang si Eva.

They were discussing what they had eaten in Thorn Calderon’s restaurant and how much they had to pay since the check wasn’t automatically divided into eight. So, they were now manually dividing it into eight.

“Pinagsiksikan niyo na nga ang mga sarili niyo sa sasakyan ko na halos ma-flat na ang gulong, pagbabayarin niyo pa ako?” Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Calyx na para bang aping-api ito.

“Stop acting.” Evren clicked his tongue. “Ikaw ang maraming kinain at nag takeout ka pa kaya sumakay kami sa’yo para wala kang takas sa hatian.”

“At saka traffic. Okay na ang isang sasakyan lang. Kasya naman tayo.” Dagdag ni Khairro.

“At kung na-flat man ang gulong ng sasakyan mo isa lang ibig sabihin no’n, kailangan na talaga niyang palitan.” Ani Cali.

“Don’t be like Vergara.” Ani Reigo. “Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin nababayaran ang fifty pesos na utang niya kay Wolkzbin.”

Calyx groaned. “You’re all so annoying! I’m not Iuhence!”

Andrius snorted. “We all know here that you are Iuhence the second.”

Calyx—Iuhence the second—felt wronged and kept complaining, but no one entertained him.

Except for Terron, who was still leaning on the counter and looking at Eva, the rest of the lunatics continued arguing.

“Kailan ka mamimili ng mga paninda niyo rito?” Tanong ni Terron. “Want me to come along? I can be your baggage boy.”

Walang emosyong tumingin si Eva kay Terron. “Wala ka bang ginagawa sa buhay mo maliban sa magpakalat-kalat?”

Mahinang natawa si Terron. “I’m bored.”

“Oh, siya. Since ikaw ang nag-offer. Kailangan ko nga ng baggage boy bukas.”

“Alright.” Terron’s smile became even more charming. “You have my number. Just text me the time. Helping you is a novel experience for me. I quite like it.”

Tumango lang si Eva at inalis ang tingin kay Terron. Kapagkuwan ay inabala niya ang sarili sa paglilinis ng tindahan hanggang sa umalis na rin sa wakas ang walong maiingay na ipinagpasalamat ni Eva.

Without the eight noisy lunatics, the store fell into silence. Just how Eva liked it.

“SERYOSO ka ba kay Eva?” Tanong ni Khairro ng makapasok silang walo sa barn na pag-aari ni Lysander. “Napakahalatang interesado ka sa kaniya. Ligawan mo na kaya.”

Ngumiti lang si Terron. He did like Eva, but not in that sort of way. He just finds her personality interesting. She was clearly a strong, fearless, and independent woman, but she would sometimes act otherwise. Opinionated, but not to the point of being obstinate. Her clear eyes would always look straight into his when she was talking to him, as if she had nothing to hide. And her unwavering gaze sometimes felt like she was reading him, and it was intriguing.

“I don’t like her like that.” Ani Terron sa wakas.

Cali snorted. “I’ve heard that before. Give it a few months and you’ll be asking us for help to woe her.”

Tumawa si Terron. “That’s not going to happen.”

“And why is that?” Andrius asked.

Terron shrugged. “Because I’m me.”

Three words response and the lunatics understood.

“I indeed find her interesting, but that’s it.” Terron confessed calmly with a smile. “She’s a nice woman. Very eloquent when she wanted to be, and she never shy away from challenges or hardship. Hindi lang ’yon. She’s very sensible as well. Very easy to talk to.”

Napakunot ng nuo si Evren. “Wait, bud. Si Eva pa rin ba pinag-uusapan natin?”

Tumango si Khairro. “Sigurado ka bang si Eva ang tinutukoy mo? I mean… si Eva? Very easy to talk to? Are you sure?”

“May iba ka bang kilalang Eva na hindi namin kilala?” Tanong din ni Cali na may pagtataka.

“Love is blind.” Bulong na sabi Andrius.

“Love is deaf.” Dagdag ni Reigo. “Minsan lang ako tumambay sa tindahan nila Eva pero nasisiguro kong hindi kasama ang ‘easy to talk to’ sa description ni Eva.”

Terron just sighed at his friends and stopped talking. Palaging tinanggap ni Eva ang tulong na inaalok niya. Kaya naman mas kilala niya si Eva keysa sa mga kaibigan niyang nandoon lang sa tindahan kapag gustong uminom.

And after hearing his friend’s understanding of Eva’s character, he chose to just keep his thoughts to himself. He liked the fact that only he knew that side of Eva.

It feels nice.

“By the way, Dashwood. What’s your plan for next year?” Cali asked. “Still continuing your investment plan?”

Tumango si Terron. “If nothing goes wrong, that’s my plan.”

“What could go wrong?” Andrius asked.

“A lot.” Terron knew that his freedom now was temporary. A day will come when he had to go back to the responsibilities he left behind after his failed marriage engagement to Themarie.

Sighing to himself, he continued conversing with his friends until nightfall. When it was time to go home, Terron went home to his condo outside BV.

The condo was empty, cold, and dark when he arrived, but he actually preferred it that way. The quietness was to his liking. He enjoyed being alone as much as he enjoyed being with his friends. He liked doing things on his own and enjoying the peace and simplicity of life.

Humakbang si Terron patungo sa kuwarto nito. Nang makapasok at mabuksan ang aircon, nakatanggap siya ng text galing kay Eva.

Unbeknownst to himself, he had a smile on his lips.

’Hi! Mga 5pm bukas. Go?“

He replied as he stood in front of the bedroom’s glass wall overlooking the bustling city below. ‘Busy ka buong maghapon bukas?’

‘Hindi.’

‘Then why 5pm?’ He replied.

‘Katamad.’

Hindi mapigilang matawa ni Terron at nasundan pa ’yon ng mahinang tawa ng nagpadala ulit ng text si Eva.

‘At saka mainit.’

With a smile on his lips that he was not aware of, he replied. ‘Dalhin ko ba ang sasakyan ko?’

‘Gusto mong mag-commute?’

Nawala ang ngiti ni Terron sa nabasa. Commuting was hell for him. Especially with the traffic and all. So, he called Eva and put her on speaker.

“I’ll bring my car. Mainit. Hindi ka naaawa sa baggage boy mo?”

“Ha?” Puno ng labis na pagtataka at kainosentehan ang boses ni Eva sa kabilang linya. “Ikaw ang may gustong maging baggage boy, Your Grace. Tinutupad ko lang ang gusto mo. Nakakahiya naman sayo.”

Terron couldn’t help chuckling again before responding in a doting tone. “Oops. My bad. Yes. It was me. Thank you for making my dream come true.”

“You’re very welcome, Your Grace.” May pagmamalaki sa boses ni Eva na ikinatawa ulit ni Terron.

“How about the barbecue for tonight?” Inilapag ni Terron ang cellphone sa bedside table saka nag-umpisang hubarin ang damit na suot para magbihis. “Need help with that?”

“Hindi na kailangan. Kaya ko na ’to.”

Terron finished unbuttoning his shirt and throw it into the laundry basket. “Mamamaga na naman ang kamay mo.”

“Ayos lang. Trabaho ko to.”

Napangiti si Terro. “Alright miss hard worker, I’ll send you a cream for your hand later.”

“Huwag na.” Pigil ni Eva sa balak ni Terron. “May cream pa ako rito. Naalala mo, pinadalhan mo rin ako ng cream nuong nakaraang buwan. May natira pa.”

He took off his pants and walked toward the closet with only a boxer on. He raised his voice so Eva could hear him. “You really don’t need my help?”

“Ang kulit natin, ah.”

“I’m just worried about you. That’s all.” He changed clothes and walked toward the bed. “Busy ka ba?” Tanong niya kapagkuwan ng marinig na may ibang kausap si Eva sa kabilang linya.

“May bumili lang.”

“Is that so?” Terron had nothing more to say to Eva, and he still had work to do, but he didn’t want to hang up the phone yet. “Pagkatapos nating mamili bukas, let’s have dinner.”

“Sige. Pero ako pipili ng kakainan natin.” Mabilis na sabi ni Eva ng maalala ang huling beses na si Terron ang pumili ng kakainan nila. “Hindi nakakabusog ’yong mga gusto mong restaurant.”

Terron walked toward his work desk with his phone in hand and started working on his laptop while talking to Eva. “Kahit sa restaurant ni Calderon, ayaw mo?”

Natahimik si Eva saka may bakas na simangot na sumagot ito. “Don’t tempt me!”

Mahinang natawa si Terron. “Masarap ang pagkain nila do’n. Ayaw mo talaga?”

“Ayoko. Mahal. Hindi kaya ng budget ko.”

Hindi na pinilit ni Terron si Eva. “Alright. If you say so. Then where do you want to eat tomorrow?”

“Mag-iisip pa ako. Update kita bukas.”

“Sige.” Silence fell again—the kind of silence that meant it was now time to say goodbye, but Terron still didn’t want to end the call. So, he just asked some random question that first came into his mind. “Anong ginagawa mo?”

Hindi napigilan ni Eva na matawa. “’Yan talaga ang tanong mo?”

Natawa rin si Terron. “Sorry. I just don’t want to end the call. Why don’t you ask me what I’m doing as well… just to be fair?”

“Okay.” Patawa-tawa pa rin si Eva sa kabilang linya. “Anong ginagawa mo?” Kapagkuwan ay malakas na natawa si Eva. “Naalala ko bigla ’yong mga meme na nakita ko sa internet.”

“What meme?”

“Wait. Hanapin ko.” Naka-headset si Eva habang kausap si Terron kaya naman malaya siyang hanapin ang meme na tinutukoy niya. “Ito, oh. Tingnan mo.”

When Terron’s phone beeped, notifying him that he just received a chat message, he languidly picked up his phone and opened it.

Then a chuckle escaped his mouth when he saw the meme sent by Eva.

“Yeah. It’s funny.” Ani Terron saka inilapag ulit ang cellphone at itinuon ang atensiyon sa laptop nito. “Anyway, to answer your question, I’m working, by the way.”

“Oh! Bye na—”

“It’s okay. No need to hang up.” He really didn’t want the call to end, but then he heard Eva’s mother’s voice.

“Eva, may costumer sa may barbecue-han, ikaw na muna ang tumao do’n.”

Terron immediately changed his mind. “I’m hanging up. Huwag masyadong magpakapagod.”

“Okay. Bye.”

“Bye.”

When the call ended, Terron focused on his laptop and continued working.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Eva was busy until close to midnight. Dahil sa pagbabantay niya sa barbecue-han nila, sumakit ang likod at beywang niya na halos sumigaw na ang katawan niya na mahiga at magpahinga.

But she still had to help to tidy everything up, so she was only able to rest after midnight and she was so freaking tired that she immediately fell asleep.

Only to be awakened after a few hours by her phone ringing.

Kinapa niya ang cellphone na nasa uluhan at gilid ng kama niya saka pumipikit-pikit ang matang tiningnan kung sino ang tumatawa.

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya ng makitang wala namang tumatawag sa kaniya.

After a few seconds, she realized it was her second phone that was ringing. Ang cellphone niya na palaging nakatago sa ilalim ng unan niya.

Mabilis niyang kinuha ’yon at nang makita kung sino ang tumatawag, walang sabi-sabing ni-reject niya ang tawag at pinatay ang cellphone para walang makaisturbo sa kaniya saka ibinalik ulit iyon sa ilalim ng unan.

Hayon. Katahimikan. Sa isip niya bago ipinikit ulit ang mga mata at natulog.

CECELIB | C.C.

A/N: I just want to thank everyone for patiently waiting for PS26. I’m sorry, natagalan. Gusto ko kasing tapusin muna ang MISTRESS OF NATURE bago ko isulat ’to. Gusto kong focus lang aka sa PS26. Anyway, thank you so much again!

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

DAHIL sa pagod ni Eva ng nagdaang gabi, malapit na ang pananghalian ng magising siya. Masakit pa rin ang katawan niya pero bumangon pa rin siya at kaagad na tumulong sa mga gawaing bahay bago naglista ng mga kailangang bilhin para sa tindahan nila saka naligo. Sa sobrang init ng panahon, wala nang epekto ang electric fan na nakatutok buong maghapon kaya naman naligo ulit si Eva ng malapit ng mag alas-singko ng hapon.

“Sasamahan ka ulit ni Sir Terron?” Tanong ni ’Nay Luz kay Eva. Halata sa boses nito na hindi ito sang-ayon.

Tumango si Eva habang sinusuklay ang may kahabaan niyang kulot na buhok. “’Nay, libre na ’yon. Sayang naman. Tapos may sasakyan pa. Sino ako para tumanggi?”

Napailing si ’Nay Luz. “Eva, huwag mong kakalimutan kung sino si Sir Terron. Alam mo naman ang tunay na estado ng buhay ni Sir Terron ’di ba? Hindi siya katulad natin.”

Ngumiti si Eva sa ina na parang wala lang sa dalaga ang paalala nito. “’Nay, alam ko. Huwag kayong mag-aalala. Wala sa isip ko ang makipagrelasyon. Alam niyo naman ang sitwasyon ko ’di ba?”

Huminga ng malalim si ’Nay Luz. “Alam ko. Gusto lang kitang paalalahanan.”

Nginitian lang ni Eva ang ina saka pinagpatuloy ang pag-aayos.

Dahil mamimili sila ni Terron, tinali niya ang buhok para walang isturbo saka komportableng damit ang isinuot niya at pinaresan niya iyon ng walking shoes.

At exactly five in the afternoon, Terron arrived with his low-key car.

Eva called it low-key because as far as she knows, this was Terron’s ‘cheapest’ car, which was not really that cheap.

Terron opened the car door for her. As usual.

“Alas-singko na nang hapon pero mainit pa rin.” Komento ni Terron ng maka-upo ito sa driver’s seat.

“Sinabi mo pa. Kahit electric fan walang gamit.” Ani Eva na sinusuot ang seat belt. “Mainit din na hangin ang binubuga.”

Inabot ni Terron ang AC vent ng sasakyan at itinutok iyon lahat kay Eva na nasa passenger seat. “How about it? Still hot?”

Sumandal si Eva sa kinauupuan, bakas ang kasiyahan sa mukha niyo. “Parang ayoko nang lumabas sa sasakyan mo, Your Grace. Nakakatakot ang init sa labas.”

Mahinang natawa si Terron saka minaniobra ang manibela paalis. “Enjoy it then.”

Eva just hummed and enjoyed the cold air coming from the vent. Kung hindi lang talaga malako sa kuryente, nagpa-aircon na siya sa kuwarto niya. Pero sa tuwing napapaisip siyang bumili ng aircon, paulit-ulit niyang pinapaalala sa sarili niya na mahirap lang siya at wala siyang pera.

“Ikaw ba ang nagbantay sa barbecue-han niyo kagabi?” Kapagkuwan ay tanong ni Terron ng nasa kalsada na sila.

“Hmm.”

“Anong oras kayo nagsara?”

Sa tanong ni Terron, naalala na naman ni Eva ang pagod niya kagabi at napahikab siya. “Mga lampas alas-dose na. Parang binugbog ang katawan ko pagkatapos.”

“Want a massage?”

Eva looked at Terron flatly. “Huwag mong sabihing marunong ka ring magmasahe, Your Grace.”

Terron glanced at Eva with a small grin. “I’m talented.”

Eva was close to rolling her eyes. “Hindi ko kayang bayaran ang serbisyo mo, Your Grace.”

“What payment? It’s free of charge, as always.”

Puno ng pagdududa ang tingin ni Eva kay Terron. “Marunong ka ba talaga?”

“Try me. I’m very talented with my fingers.”

Eva looked at Terron’s fingers. “Hindi lang naman daliri ang ginagamit sa pagmamasahe, ah.”

Terron immediately added. “It’s not just my fingers that are talented, my whole hands can do wonder.”

Naniniwala si Eva na hindi siya green minded na tao, pero sa mag sandaling ’yon, parang bumerde ng kaunti ang kulay ng utak niya.

“Gusto mo bang maging masseur?” Ayaw ni Eva na maging green minded kaya naman itinulak niya sa ibang dereksiyon ang pinag-uusapan nila. “May alam ako kung saan ka puwedeng mag part-time, Your Grace.”

“Don’t bother. They probably can’t afford me.”

“Teka, akala ko ba free of charge ang masahe mo, Your Grace.”

Terron just smiled and said nothing. Hindi rin ito kinulit ni Eva kaya naman nilukob ng katahimikan ang buong sasakyan hanggang sa magsalita ulit si Terron.

“Nakapag-decide ka na ba kung saan mo gustong mag-dinner mamaya?”

Naghikab ulit si Eva dahil malamig ang sasakyan at inantok siya bigla. This was a rare occurrence for her. “May restaurant doon malapit lang sa may supermarket na bilihan ko. Nakita ko siya nuong huling punta ko do’n kasama si ’nay. Mura lang.”

“Masarap ba?”

“Siguro. Hindi ko alam.”

“Alright. Let’s try it.”

Napangiti si Eva. Ito ang gusto niya kay Terron, hindi ito mahirap na kausap at hindi judgmental pagdating sa mga maliliit na restaurant o karenderya kahit mataas ang estado nito sa buhay.

Terron was always willing to try new things and eat different food with her. They had known each other for more than a year, and she could say that Terron was not as perfect as he appeared outside. But his flaws were easily covered by his genuine personality.

Kaya hindi niya pinapansin ang panunukso palagi ng mga baliw na kaibigan ni Terron. She liked what they had now. Just genuine friendship between a male and a female.

“Mauna ka na sa loob.” Ani Terron ng makarating sila sa supermarket. “Maghahanap ako ng parking.”

“Sige.” Kaagad na lumabas si Eva ng sasakyan at pumasok sa supermarket.

And with a big cart in her hand plus a list on the other, she started shopping. Only a few minutes after that, the cart was snatched away from her by Terron, the baggage boy.

“What else do you need?” Tanong ni Terron na nakatingin sa laman ng cart. “I’ll find it for you.”

Ipinakita ni Eva ang listahan niya kay Terron.

“Hmm. That’s a lot,” Terron commented before pulling out his phone from his pocket. “Send it to me. I’ll help.”

Eva immediately sent the list on her phone to Terron through the chat app they usually used when talking online.

“Ako na sa canned goods at sa ibang mabigat na nakalista rito.” Ani Terron habang binabasa ang lista niya sa cellphone nito. “I’ll find you after I’m done.”

Eva would never say no to that offer. Hindi na nga siya mapapagod sa paglalakad, makakatipid pa siya ng oras. Kaya gusto niyang kasama si Terron kapag namimili siya, e. Wala siyang masyadong ginagawa kapag kasama niya ang binata.

She smiled sweetly at Terron to show her appreciation. “Salamat.”

Instead of leaving immediately, Terron just stared at her without blinking, as if in dazed.

“Terron?”

Terron finally blinked before clearing his throat and smiling. “I’ll get my own cart. See you later.”

“Hmm. Okay.”

Eva’s eyes followed Terron’s back until he disappeared from her sight. Only then did she move and pushed her cart. At dahil si Terron ang bahala sa mga mabibigat na nasa listahan niya, magaan pa rin ang cart niya ng matapos siya. After checking that she got everything on her list, she went looking for Terron.

Kaagad niyang natagpuan ang binata sa beverage section. May dalawa itong cart na tinutulak. Isang malaking cart na ang laman ay ang mga nasa listahan niya habang ang isa naman ay maliit na cart at puro inumin ang laman no’n.

“Oh, hey.” Terron immediately smiled when he saw Eva walking toward him. “Done with your list?”

Tumango si Eva. “Ikaw?”

“Just buying some personal stuff.”

Bumaba ang tingin ni Eva sa laman ng maliit na cart. Puno iyon ng canned alcoholic drinks. “Wala ka bang ibang bibilhin maliban sa mga ’yan?”

“Yep. That’s all I need.” Terron exchanged their carts. He took the big cart she was holding and gave her the small cart. “I don’t cook, and I usually eat outside.”

“Oo nga pala.” Naalala na naman ni Eva nuong una niyang nalaman na may naghahatid ng pagkain kay Terron kapag nasa condo lang ito at hindi kumakain sa labas. “Dahil sa pagiging baggage boy mo, nakakalimutan ko minsan na diamond spoon ka pala.”

Terron only chuckled at that and pushed the carts toward the counter.

“Hand me the money for payment.” Ani Terron ng malapit na sila sa counter. “You can just sit comfortably on the table outside. Mahaba ang pila sa lahat ng counter. Mapapagod ka kung pipila ka. I’ll do it.”

Without a word, Eva gave the money to Terron as if it was natural to just sit outside while Terron falls in line on the counter to pay. This was the perk of having Terron as a baggage boy. At habang pumipila si Terron, bumili ng makakain Eva. Pakain-kain lang siya habang naghihintay. When she got bored, she sent a chat to Terron.

‘Pang-ilan ka na sa pila?’

Kaagad na nag-reply ni Terron. ‘Pang-lima na ako sa pila. Just wait a bit. I’ll be finished here soon. What about you? What are you doing?’

‘Kumakain.’

‘Don’t eat too much. We’re having dinner later, remember?’

‘Siomai lang naman ang kinain ko saka dalawang pirasong tinapay. Gutom pa nga ako e.’

‘You didn’t eat lunch?’

‘Hindi. BBQ na naman ulam sa bahay kanina, e. Sawang-sawa na ako. Gusto ko ng gulay!’

Terron chuckled while reading Eva’s reply. ‘Alright. Vegetables later, then.’

‘👌’

Nang hindi na nag-reply si Terron, bumili ulit si Eva ng siomai kapagkuwan ay naglaro siya ng brain training games sa cellphone niya habang naghihintay. It was to sharpen her mind while being idle.

Then, while in the middle of the game, someone patted her head.

“I’m here.” Anang baritonong boses na kilalang-kilala niya.

Nag-angat si Eva ng tingin kay Terron na kakaupo lang sa katabi niyang upuan habang nasa tabi nito ang dalawang malaking cart na laman ang pinamili nila. “Alis na tayo?”

Terron looked at her phone before leaning back in the chair. “Later. Tapusin mo muna ang nilalaro mo.”

“Okay.” Ibinalik ni Eva ang atensiyon sa cellphone.

A few seconds later, Terron moved and rested his chin on the ends of Eva’s shoulder to see what game she was playing. “Puzzle game?”

“Hmm.”

“Hard?”

“Medyo.”

“Anong level ka na?”

“Level 213.”

Stunned, Terron looked at Eva. All he could see was the side of her face and he couldn’t help admitting to himself that Eva was really beautiful.

Simple yet stunning. A dangerous combination. Addicting even.

And his mouth moved faster than his brain. He said, “You’re very pretty.”

Nagtatakang nilingon ni Eva si Terron na nakapatong pa rin ang baba sa balikat niya. Halos ilang dangkal lang ang pagitan ng mga mukha nila pero walang pagbabago sa ekspresyon ng mukha ni Eva.

“Hindi ka rin ba nananghalian, Your Grace?”

Terron’s lips formed into a charming smile. “No. I ate.”

“Talaga?” Kumurap si Eva. “Kung ganun, ’you’re very handsome too, Your Grace.”

Terron’s smile widened. “I know.”

Eva rolled her eyes and return her attention to the game. “Gusto kong sabihin na ang hangin mo, Your Grace, pero totoo namang guwapo ka at napaka-imposible na hindi mo alam ’yon.”

“Hmm. I know I’m handsome.” Terron said softly, almost whispering.

“Halata nga.” Patuloy ang paglalaro ni Eva ng puzzle. “Buti na lang talaga immune na ako sa mga guwapong mukha. Sa dami ng guwapong nakatira sa Bachelor’s Village na araw-araw kong nakikita, ’yong utak ko hindi na nagba-buffer kapag nakakakita ako ng guwapo. Minsan nga, hindi na ako nakaka-appreciate ng normal na kaguwapuhan. Parang biglang nagkaroon ng high standard and utak ko pagdating sa salitang guwapo.”

“Hmm… so who’s the most handsome man in the Bachelor’s Village?” Terron sounded intrigued.

“Sa BV?” Tumigil si Eva sa paglalaro saka malalim na nag-isip bago sumagot. “Para sakin ang pinaka-guwapo sa Bachelor’s Village ay si Knight at saka si Cloud.”

Terron felt sour when he heard that. “How about me?”

“Bakit? Nakatira ka sa BV?”

Natahimik si Terron sa sagot na ’yon ng dalaga. Oo nga naman, hindi siya nakatira sa BV. Simula pa lang, hindi na talaga siya kasama sa choices. “Kung ganun sino ang pinaka-guwapo saming magkakaibigan?”

Ipinasok ni Eva ang cellphone sa sling bag na dala saka tumayo. “Tara. Tapos na ako maglaro.”

Terron looked at Eva dryly. “Ev, I saw you close the game with a still unfinished puzzle.”

Eva gave Terron a perfunctory smile. “Tara na.”

But Terron didn’t budge on his seat and just stared at Eva with accusation. “You are dodging my question.”

Nanatili ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Eva. “Ayokong sagutin baka may baggage boy diyan na magtampo.”

Hindi maipinta ang ekspresyon ng mukha ni Terron ng marinig ang sinabi ni Eva. “So, you’re telling me that I’m not the most handsome in your eyes?”

“Wala akong sinabing ganun.”

“I can read between the lines, Ev.”

“Ganun naman pala.” Mas tumamis ang ngiti ni Eva ss binata. “Tara na. Kumain na tayo.”

But Terron still didn’t move a muscle. In addition, the baggage boy was now sulking. “I can’t believe how heartless you are, Ev.”

Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ni Eva saka pinaningkitan ng mata ang binata sa harapan. “Sapat nang alam mo sa sarili mo na guwapo ka. Hindi mo kailangan ang validation ng iba.”

“Yes. I know that. But it just so happens that I want your validation.”

“Bakit?”

“Don’t know. I just want it.”

Napabuntong-hininga si Eva bago nagsalita. “Yes, Your Grace. You are very, very handsome.”

“More handsome that Knight and Cloud?”

“Your Grace, masama ang magsinungaling kaya kumain nalang tayo.”

Terron narrowed his eyes at Eva, who was still smiling sweetly at him. “I’m hurt, Ev.”

“At gutom na ako, Your Grace. Kaya naman tara na at kumain.” Hinawakan ni Eva si Terron sa pulsuhan saka hinila ang binata patayo. “Tara na. Kumain na tayo.”

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Terron saka umiling-iling. Hindi pa rin niya matanggap na mas guwapo si Knight at Cloud sa paningin ni Eva.

He felt aggrieved that he sent a message to the lunatic group chat: TOO HOT AND HANDSOME TO HANDLE and even tagged Knight before pushing the cart to follow Eva.

Terron Dashwood: @KnightVelasquez 😡

Kaagad na ibinulsa ni Terron ang cellphone pagkatapos i-send ang angry emoji kaya naman hindi na nabasa ng binata ang maraming question mark na sagot ni Knight.

From the supermarket to the restaurant, Terron was silent. Buti nalang bumalik ang sigla nito pagkatapos nilang umorder ng pagkain.

“By the way, Ev, kumusta na pala ’yong balak mong paghahanap ng trabaho? I think Zapanta’s and Vasquez’s company are hiring.”

“Nagbago na ang isip ko. Sa tindahan nalang ako. Walang katulong si ’nay.” Hindi naman talaga siya nangangailangan ng trabaho. “Si ’nay lang naman itong panay tulak sakin na magtrabaho. Sayang daw ang tinapos kong kurso.”

“Political Science, right?”

Tumango si Eva.

“Why don’t you proceed to Law?” Ani Terron na parang siguradong-sigurado ito na papasa ang dalaga. “I think you can do it.”

Natawa si Eva. “Masyado kang bilib sakin, Your Grace.”

“No. I really think you can do it.” Giit nito saka ipinatong ang mga siko sa lamesa. “Law school is not for everyone, but if it’s you, I believe you can do it. Walang halong bola.”

“Thanks, but…” she trailed before changing the subject. “Siya nga pala, Your Grace, kailan ang balik mo sa Tuscany?”

Terron leaned back before answering. “Hindi ko alam. Siguro kapag pinauwi na ako?”

“You’re the future duke. Siguradong pauuwiin ka nila.”

Terron shrugged. “Monarchy had been long abolished in Italy, so the title that was passed down in our family is nothing more than just that—a title. But our family is very traditional and still a very important figure in the society and politics, so they kept the title and passed it down to the head of the family. And they still believed in noble blood and things like that. The title comes with a lot of responsibilities and things I don’t agree with, but it’s my family. I can run away from all those responsibilities, but I can’t turn my back on my family.”

Tumango si Eva at lumambot ang mukha nito. “Yeah. Family is important.”

Terron stared at Eva for a short while. “I’m reluctant to leave, to be honest. Sigurado akong makikita ko pa ang mga kaibigan ko, pero ikaw… sa tingin ko hindi na tayo magkikita kapag umalis ako.”

Sinalubong ni Eva ang tingin ni Terron saka misteryusong ngumiti. “Malay mo naman.”

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ni Terron. “Seriously?”

Nagkibit-balikat si Eva. “Malay mo makapag-tour ako sa Europe. Chat nalang kita.”

Terron laughed at that. “Then I’ll accompany you on your tour. If I’m still single at that time.”

“At kung hindi na?”

“I’ll probably won’t reply.”

Napatango-tango si Eva. “Okay. Noted, Your Grace.”

Terron let out a deep, sexy chuckle. “What’s with ‘Your Grace’? Kakasabi ko lang na matagal nang in-abolished ang monarchy sa Italy. It’s just a title.”

Nagkibit-balikat si Eva. “Still. You’re a future duke by noble blood and title. At saka diamond spoon ka. Bagay na bagay sayo ang ‘Your Grace’.”

Terron acquiesced with a pleasant smile. “Alright. I will be Your Grace then.”

Eva nodded. “Yes, Your Grace.”

Terron stared at Eva for a long while and Eva stared back without a fuss. When Terron smiled, Eva smiled back. And then Terron moved to sit beside Eva.

“Ituloy mo ang nilalaro mo kanina. Wala pa naman ang pagkain natin.” Ani Terron pagkatapos ipatong ang baba sa balikat ni Eva. “I’ll watch.”

Without a word, Eva listened to Terron and continued the puzzle game.

Habang naglalaro si Eva, tahimik lang na nanunood si Terron sa tabi ng dalaga. Eva enjoyed the game, while Terron enjoyed the silence. It was therapeutic, and they stayed like that until their food arrived.

Terron then went back to his seat, and the two started eating.

After the meal, when Terron offered to pay, Eva stopped him. “Ako na. Ako ang pumili ng restaurant at ikaw pa lang ang nagbayad nuong huli tayong kumain.”

“Okay.” Ibinalik ni Terron ang pera sa pitaka at hinayaan si Eva na magbayad.

He had known Eva for more than a year and he knew how stubborn she could be when it comes to paying for food or other things. Sa halip na makipag-argumento rito, hinahayaan nalang niya ang dalaga at bumabawi nalang siya kapag siya ang pumipili ng restaurant na kakainan nila.

He was not used to women paying for his meal. He grew up with a mentality that men should pay for the meal even if it was not a date. But after meeting Eva, he gradually got used to it. He was still a little uncomfortable about it, but seeing the determined and sincere look on Eva’s face every time she tells him she would pay; it was endearing. That was why he always acquiesced.

“Sa tingin ko okay naman ang pagkain nila.” Ani Eva ng makalabas sila ng restaurant at naglalakad na sila ni Terron patungo sa sasakyan nito. “Pero hindi na ako babalik.”

Mahinang natawa si Terron. “It’s not so bad. How about I take you to a delicious buffet next time?”

Kaagad na umu-o si Eva. “Hindi ako hihindi.”

Terron opened the door for Eva and placed his free hand on top of the door to protect Eva’s head from accidentally bumping into it. After Eva was settled in the passenger seat, Terron closed the door, walked around the car to the driver’s seat and drove off.

Dahil sa lamig ng sasakyan, hindi namalayan ni Eva na nakatulog pala siya. Namalayan lang niya ng tumigil ang sasakyan sa tindahan nila at ginising siya ni Terron.

Ininat ni Eva ang mga braso saka likod bago lumabas ng sasakyan. She was surprised that she fell asleep. It was such a rare occurrence that she couldn’t help being amazed.

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Aniya ng maipasok lahat ni Terron ang ilang kahong pinamili nila sa loob ng tindahan.

“You’re welcome.” Naglakad na si Terron pabalik sa sasakyan. “Sleep early and have a good rest.”

“Hmm.”

Before stepping inside the car, Terron looked at Eva and smiled. “Have a good night, Ev.”

“You too, Your Grace.”

Terron smiled one last time before finally getting inside the car and driving off to his condo.

Nang makaalis ang sasakyan, kaagad na pumasok si Eva sa loob ng tindahan para ayusin ang mga pinamili. Saka lang siya nagpahinga ng naayos na niya lahat.

Nang patulog na siya, naalala niya ang pangalawang cellphone na ini-off niya. Dahil hindi pa naman siya inaantok, ini-on niya ang pangalawang cellphone kapagkuwan ay napangiwi ng makita ang napakaraming mensahe na natanggap.

Wala siyang balak mag-reply pero may isang mensahe na nakakuha sa atensiyon niya. Kalalip ng mensahe ay larawan nila ni Terron na magkasamang kumakain sa labas.

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga saka sinagot ang mensahe na may kalakip na larawan nila ni Terron bago ini-off na naman ang cellphone para walang isturbo sa tulog niya.

Pero sa halip na makatulog, natagpuan niya ang sarili na nakatitig lang sa kisame at tinatanong ang sarili kung tama ba ang ginagawa niya.

Buong gabing hindi nakatulog si Eva. Nang makita niya ang liwanag na nanggagaling sa labas ng bintana, napabuntong-hininga nalang siya saka mahaba ang ngusong napabulong.

“Anong sleep early and rest well?” She, of all people, knew that to fall asleep, she needed to be so exhausted to the point of collapsing. Walang sleep early and rest well sa kaniya. Bakit ba ako nakinig sa diamond spoon baggage boy na ’yon?

She groaned and rubbed her face with the palm of her hands. Then she grumpily grabbed her phone and sent a message to Terron.

‘Kape, please.’

Terron did not reply, but half an hour later, a coffee and a croissant were delivered to their store.

Walang imik na kinain ’yon ni Eva pagkatapos ay pinagod niya ang katawan sa mga gawaing bahay at pagtutuhog ng karne para sa barbecue-han nila mamayang gabi.

At nang pagod na pagod na siya, saka lang siya pumasok sa kuwarto niya para matulog.

Nothing had changed. Only exhaustion could make her fall asleep. She preferred that than taking sleeping pills and having nightmares every night. At least in exhaustion, her dreams were free of blood and death.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

TERRON woke up early to go to the bathroom and when he was about to go back to bed to continue his sleep, he received a message from Eva. She was asking for coffee. It seems she didn’t have a good night sleep again. So, even when his eyes were begging for him to shut them, he went online and ordered Eva a cup of coffee and croissant. Only after that did he go back to sleep.

It was already past nine in the morning when he woke up again. And it was because his phone was ringing non-stop.

He grabbed the phone that he wanted to throw to the nearest wall and grumpily answered the call without looking at who was calling. “What?”

“Huh? It’s already past nine. Kakagising mo lang?”

Terron felt like a headache was coming when he heard Knight’s voice on the other line. “Fuck you. Let me sleep.”

“What sleep? Don’t sleep! There’s an emergency in our group chat! Hurry! Mag-online ka na! Ngayon na!” Then Knight hanged up.

Thinking about the alarm in Knight’s voice, he sat up and went online.

Nagbago na naman ulit ang pangalan ng group chat nila. From TOO HOT AND HANDSOME TO HANDLE yesterday to ARF STYLE

with dog emoji at the end.

What the fuck is this…? Terron was so confused by the new group’s name that he actually wanted to backread just to see who changed it.

Pero naalala niya ang emergency na sinasabi ni Knight. Thinking that he didn’t have time to do anything else, he opened the group chat and read all the chats he missed.

Knight Velasquez: ???????????????

Knight Velasquez: What the fuck, Terron! Don’t just tag me and disappear!

Knight Velasquez: What’s with the angry emoji?! Don’t hang me, you fucker!

Knight Velasquez: Hello! @TerronDashwood explain! Umalis ka lang sa BV, ginaganito mo na ako. Hindi ka nga nagpa-bbq at beer ng maibenta ’yong babay mo dito sa BV na nakapangalan kay Shun. Tsk!

Knight Velasquez: This is an emergency @TerronDashwood. Come out! Now! Umaga na hindi ka pa rin nagpapaliwanag. I’d been waiting. Kahit magalino ako, di ko maintindihan ang angry emoji mo.

Knight Velasquez: @everyone Help! Terron never sent me an angry emoji. Si Volkzki lang naman ang palaging galit dito sa group chat natin. Parang nag-a-andropause palagi si best friend. Sa bait kong ’to? I don’t deserve an angry emoji! I deserve an emoji with heart eyes!

Tyron Zapanta: Isn’t it early for this? 🥱

Lander Storm: I’m busy at work. Can’t help.

Cali Sudalga: Yes. It is indeed early for this. Coffee, anyone?

Knight Velasquez: Heartless! Gusto ko lang naman na habang maaga, mapatunayan na inosente ako. I am not guilty! Terron Dashwood! Explain!

Khairro Sanford: Ikaw? Inosente?

Give me all your money 🔪: High-five @KhairroSanford.

Khairro Sanford: @GiveMeAllYourMoney 🔪 Shun?

Give me all your money🔪: Who the fuck change my name again?

Knight Velasquez: Bakit ka nagtatanong? Mag backread ka nalang.

Valerian Volkzki: Isn’t the one who changed @GiveMeAllYourMoney 🔪 name you @KnightVelasquez?

Knight Velasquez changed Valerian Volkzki’s name to My Andropause best friend.

Valerian Volkzki: I’m going to kill you, you motherfucker!!!

Knight Velasquez: Wow. So many exclamations point. 😮🫢

Knight Velasquez: I called @TerronDashwood. He just woke up. Now, clear my name, Terron. Prove my innocence!

Terron dropped his phone on the bed and massaged his temple. He couldn’t believe that Knight woke him up for this! Akala naman niya kung anong emergency na. Tumawag pa talaga ang sinto-sinto na ’yon para lang mag-reply siya.

He was so irritated that he was gritting his teeth and cursing Knight in his mind a million times! He was so pissed that he went to the bathroom to take a cold shower to cool off.

Only after taking a cold shower did Terron calm down. At habang nagbibihis siya, tumunog ang cellphone niya.

It was a group chat call. And since he was not pissed anymore, he accepted. Only a few accepted the call. More than half rejected the call and sent a message saying they were busy or in the middle of a meeting.

“Wala ka bang duty ngayon, Chief?” Tanong ni Cali kay Khairro na tinanggap ang tawag.

“I’m off duty. Cutting fruits for my wife.”

“You better take good care of my adorable, innocent little sister, Sanford!” Knight was still as overprotective as ever.

Bumuntong-hininga si Khairro. “Ilang taon mo na ’yang sinasabi. Hindi ka ba nananawa, brother-in-law?”

“Don’t call me that. Nagtataasan ang balahibo ko.”

“Anong emergency? What’s with the call?” Evren asked. “I just finished talking to a client.”

“It’s Terron! Terron is the emergency!” Knight clicked his tongue. “Dashwood, what did I do to you to deserve such emoji, huh?!”

Hinilot ni Terron ang sentido. “Don’t mind it. I was just feeling sour yesterday.”

“What don’t mind it?! I deserve an explanation! I deserve an acceptable reason!”

From the background, SM’s voice was heard. “My lord, stop quoting movie lines. Hindi bagay sayo.”

Natawa ang lahat ng nakarinig.

“Mi reina! It’s Terron’s fault. Nag-send siya ng angry emoji sa group chat namin at naka-tag ako!”

“Don’t shout, my lord.” Kalmadong saway ni SM kay Knight.

And Knight’s voice immediately lowered. “I am aggrieved, Mi reina.”

There was a soft kissing sound in the background, then SM spoke. “Just finished your commoner’s coffee, Knight. I’m off to the café. Bye, baby.”

“Bye.” Knight sounded so down. “Now I feel so alone.”

“But I’m still here, the fluffiest and chubbiest KN!”

“Yes. Yes.” Knight said dotingly before returning his attention to the group call. “By the way, who changed our group chat name?”

“Calyx.” Sagot ni Evren.

“Bakit Arf Style? Ano ’yon?” Tanong ni Cali.

“I’m wondering the same thing.” Ani Terron.

“It was supposed to be ‘Dog Style’. Pero mukhang nabasa yata ng anak niya at nagtanong sa kaniya anong ibig sabihin no’n kaya binago niya.” Natatawang kuwento ni Tyron. “His son even suggested putting a dog emoji in the end. Masunuring ama si Calyx. Hayon nilagyan nga niya.”

“Sino ang naka-schedule next week?” Tanong ni Khairro. “Kung sino ka man, desenteng group chat name sana ang ipalit mo. I can’t still forget the embarrassment I went through last month.”

“May hiya ka pala?” Natatawang tanong ni Shun.

“Fuck you, singkit.”

“What happened last month?” Lysander asked. “Bakit hindi ako updated? Traitors!”

“Wait! Ako magkukuwento! Wala rito si Vergara, e.” Knight then eagerly shared the story to Lysander. “There was a meeting in their precinct and Sanford used his laptop, then connected it to their projector. In the middle of the meeting, a notification popped up on the side. Guess which notification was it?”

Lysander’s lips parted. “No way.”

“Yep.” Tuwang-tuwa si Knight habang nagkukuwento. “It’s from our group chat. And at that time, guess what is the name of our group chat?”

“Last month…” Hinalukay ni Lysander ang memorya kapagkuwan ay malakas na natawa ng maalala ang group chat name nila nuong huling buwan. “Fuck, Sanford. What a bad luck.”

Knight was laughing as he said, “I can imagine what the other people in that meeting might’ve looked like when they read a chat notification from Ako’y may mahabang talong group chat.”

Khairro groaned. “Please. I don’t want to remember.”

“Want to see the CCTV footage?” Shun offered. “Pay up, lunatics. Nothing is free in this world.”

“Singkit! That’s illegal!” Khairro snapped.

Shun just laughed and started collecting the money.

Napailing naman si Terron. Yes. That was indeed a bad luck.

“Stop! Let’s go back to our initial topic. Terron. Speak.” Knight was back to pestering Terron again.

Terron sighed heavily. Sigurado siyang hindi siya titigilan ng sinto-sinto na ’to hanggan’t hindi niya sinasabi ang totoo rito.

Terron inwardly groaned. “It was nothing. I was just pissed yesterday.”

“Wait— magkasama kayo ni Eva kahapon ’di ba? I saw you two get in your car,” Ani Khairro.

“Huh? Si Eva?” Kumunot ang nuo ni Knight. “May sinabi ba si Eva patungkol sakin na ikinagalit mo sakin? What is it?”

Terron closed his eyes, sighed and then confessed. “She told me you’re more handsome than me.”

Everyone became silent.

Then Knight suddenly declared. “Barbecue and beer on me! Ubusin natin ang barbecue mamaya nila Eva! Yes. Yes. I am indeed handsome. Guwapo na, magalino pa. Eva’s eyes don’t lie. I am indeed an adonis. Who cares if you’re a duke and I’m just a count. Mas guwapo pa rin ako sa’yo.” Then Knight proceeded to laugh so condescendingly that Terron just hanged up and left the group.

Khairro Sanford added you to Arf Style 🐶 group chat.*

Terron sighed heavily and muted the group chat.

Nope. He would not entertain Knight’s boastfulness. He was getting pissed again.

Half an hour later, he received a message from Eva.

‘Anong nakain ng kaibigan mo? Binili lahat ng paninda namin. Umorder pa ng 1k pcs na bbq.’

Terron’s jaw went slacked and sighed. ‘I told him you find him more handsome than me 😒’

‘Oh! Sabihan mo rin ang mga kaibigan mo na lahat sila guwapo sa paningin ko. Kailangan kong kumita ng pera. Help me, Your Grace 🤗’

‘What a heartless little thing. I can buy everything in your store as well! How hard could it be to call me handsome?’

‘Now, now, Your Grace. Let’s not lie. It’s bad.’

Pissed off by Knight and Eva, Terron went to take a cold shower again to calm down.

“ANONG nangyari?” Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni ’Nay Luz kay Eva ng makabalik ito mula sa palengke at nakitang walang ni-isang laman ang tindahan nila.

Nangalumbaba si Eva. “Binili lahat ng isang sinto-sinto at binigay sa orphanage.”

“Ha?” Hindi pa rin napa-process sa utak ni ’Nay Luz ang nangyari.

Nang makita ni Eva ang ekspresyon sa mukha ng ina, napabuntong-hininga siya. “Huwag kang mag-alala, ’Nay. Hindi ka nag-iisa. Hindi rin maproseso ng utak ko ang nangyari.”

Pinalibot ni ’Nay Luz ang matang puno ng katanungan at pagtataka. “Kung ganun, mamimili ka ulit ng paninda natin?”

Malakas na napabuntong-hininga ulit si Eva habang nakapangalumbaba. “Mukhang may baggage boy akong kailangang suyuin.”

Pero bago siya manuyo, kailangan muna nilang ihanda ang order na barbecue ni Knight. Isang libong piraso din ’yon.

At tulad nga ng inaasahan ni Eva, hindi pa siya nakaka tatlong daang barbecue, wala nang lakas ang kamay niya. Tinawagan na ni ’Nay Luz ang pamangkin nito para tumulong pero hanggang sa gumabi, lampas limang daan pa lang ang nagagawa nila.

Eva was so closed to giving up. She just kept reminding herself that this was money.

Pero may mga bagay talaga na hindi mapipilit. Tulad nalang ng isang libong order ng barbecue.

“Ayoko na.” Walang luhang umiyak si Eva. “Lahat yata ng daliri ko natusok ko na. Wala nang lakas ang kamay ko.”

Naawa na kaniya ang ina kaya tumawag ulit ito sa isa pa nitong pamangkin. Habang ang una nitong tinawagan ay siyang nag-iihaw sa labas.

“Good evening, Manang Luz, Eva!” Ang pagbating ’yon ay nasundan na marami pang pagbati at napuno ng ingay ang buong tindahan nila.

Eva leaned on her seat while her hands were resting on the armrest. Nandito na ang maiingay.

“Hi, Eva!” Bati ni Knight kay Eva na nasa likod ng counter sabay kaway. “Pinapasabi ni SM na salamat daw dahil naguwapuhan ka sakin. I have a lovely wife, right?” Knight sounded so proud of his wife that Eva couldn’t help smiling even though she was dead tired because of this lunatic.

“Espanyol, stop bragging for once!” Shun clicked his tongue.

“No fucking hope.” Valerian muttered under his breath.

“What the fuck. You bragged about your wives every chance you got!” Reklamo ni Knight saka ito na ang kumuha ng beer sa ref. “Come on. Let’s drink. Ubusin natin ang beer nila Eva.”

“Siya nga pala, anong oras daw ang dating nila Phoenix?” Tanong ni Ymar.

“Nakaalis na yata sila sa Baguio.” Sagot ni Khairro. “Give it two hours. Hunt is with them.”

“How about the Coleman twins?” Cali asked.

“Dadaanan daw nila Phoenix yong magkambal sa dagat.” Sagot ni Shun.

“Sabihan mo manghuli ng isda para ihawin.” Ani Knight habang sumisimsim ng beer at kumakain ng barbecue.

Everyone looked at Knight dryly.

“What? Nasa dagat na sila. Tell Lash and Lath I want fish. Let’s ihaw-ihaw it here.”

Hearing that, Eva inwardly groaned. Kung isda naman pala ang gusto, hindi na sana ako nagtuhog ng maraming barbecue! Gusto kong magmura pero wala akong lakas!

“Velasquez, please, stop being conyo. Nagtataasan ang mga balahibo namin sa’yo.” Saway ni Lander kay Knight.

“Wait! Wait!” It was Iuhence. “I’m calling Lysander. Gusto niya updated siya. And I take it upon myself to be his updater .”

“What the fuck?” Train frowned. “Is updater even a word?”

“Vergara, magbayad ka na kay Wolkzbin. Kinokompara nila ako sayo. Unacceptable!” Si Calyx na ngayon ang naniningil kay Iuhence.

“Don’t bother, Vargaz.” Train dryly looked at Iuhence. “Masisira na lang ang esophagus mo, hindi pa rin magbabayad ang walang-hiyang ’yan sa fifty pesos niyang utang sa’kin.”

As usual, Iuhence acted like he heard nothing while talking to Lysander and sharing all the petty gossips he knew.

“Manang Luz, magkakaraoke kami!” Imporma ni Khairro kay ’Nay Luz sabay bigay ng microphone kay Reigo. “Hanapin mo ’yong kantang Stupid Love. Duet tayo.”

Knight glared at Khairro. “What Stupid Love? “

Biglang binawi ni Khairro ang sinabi. “Merry Christmas song nalang pala. Ber months naman na. You know, Jose Marie Chan’s songs.”

Then another set of noise appeared.

“Let’s welcome the man of the hour and the man who sent an angry emoji to Count Knight Velasquez, future Duke Terron Dashwood.” Evren announced. “Around of applause, everyone!”

Dark handed Evren a beer. “Just drink. By the way, where are Furrer and Muller?”

“On the way.” Sagot ni Shun na nakaharap na naman sa laptop nito. “Libre e. Siguradong kompleto tayo ngayong gabi maliban nalang kay Callahan na nakikipag-tsismis kay Iuhence.”

“Kailan ba may humindi sa libre?” Wika ni Shun. “Lahat nabubuhayan ng dugo kapag nakakarinig ng libre e.”

These lunatics were all stingy with their money with it comes to their own circle of friends, but they were the opposite when it comes to their wives and children. Hindi sa mga kuripot ang mga ito, ayaw lang talaga ng nga ito na naiisahan lalo na pagdating sa bayaran.

“Here. Beer.” Knight handed a beer to Terron.

Terron sighed before accepting it. Hindi niya alam kung ipagpapasalamat niya na sinabi niya ang totoo kay Knight o hindi. Sa dami nang inorder nitong barbecue, tiyak na pagod na pagod si Eva ngayon.

Unconsciously, his eyes wandered around the store until it saw Eva looking exhausted, sitting behind the counter.

Walang imik na naglakad si Terron patungo sa dalaga at walang sabi-sabing binuhat ang stainless steel na palanggana na may lamang karne na tutuhugin pa.

“Anong—”

“Just rest.” Ani Terron kay Eva saka dinala ang palanggana sa lamesang inuukupa ng mga kaibigan at inilapag iyon sa harap mismo ni Knight.

“Velasquez, here’s your book of life.” Ani Terron sabay abot ng disposable gloves sa espanyol.

Kaagad namang kumuha ng disposable gloves si Khairro at inabot iyon kay Terron. “Book of life versus novel experience. What a magnificent combination!”

Knight and Terron both looked at Khairro flatly before the two nobles by blood and title, started skewing the meat, looking like experts.

“Singkit, video-han mo kami.” Wika ni Knight. “Ipapakita ko sa asawa ko kung gaano ako kasipag. Barbecue ko, gawa ko, kain ko.”

Pleasant laughters filled the store and Knight and Terron became meat skewers masters. Nang matapos ang dalawa, bumalik si Terron sa nakaparadang sasakyan at kinuha ang ointment na nasa compartment.

Then he returned to Eva while his friends were busy drinking, eating, and singing merrily.

“Can you lift your hands?”

Umiling si Eva. “Walang lakas ang kamay ko.”

Terron squatted in front of Eva, then he carefully took her hands to inspect it. “It’s red and swollen.” As if Eva was a fragile item, Terron softly rub the ointment all over her hands while tenderly massaging and kneading them. “How do you feel? Sore?”

“Medyo, pero kaya naman.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oo.”

“Alright.” Terron didn’t want to be importunate. “You should rest.”

“Ayokong tumayo. Masakit ang katawan ko.”

“Should I carry you to your bed?”

“Baka masapak ka ni ’Nay.”

Terron couldn’t help chuckling at that. “My bad. What then? How can I help?”

Hindi sumagot si Eva. Sa halip ay tinitigan lang nito ang binata sa gitna ng maingay na kapaligiran. “Not sulking anymore, Your Grace?”

Terron snorted. “Still sulking.”

“Kung ganun bakit mo ako tinutulungan?”

“Hindi kasi ako katulad ng iba riyan na walang puso.”

Mahinang natawa si Eva. “Ayoko lang namang magsinungaling.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m not handsome. I get it.”

“You’re handsome in your own way, though, Your Grace.”

Terron looked at Eva dryly. “If you are trying to cheer me up, it’s not working, Ev. So heartless.” Then he playfully flicked the tip of her nose. “You really should rest. You look really exhausted.”

Sinubukan ni Eva na tumayo sa recliner na kinauupuan pero ni hindi nga niya na-i-angat ang sarili kahit ilang pulgada lang. Ang bigat ng bigat ng katawan niya kaya hindi na siya sumubok ulit.

Eva wholeheartedly accepted her failure to stand up.

“Need help?”

“Hmm.”

Carefully, Terron picked up Eva, then he slowly put her down so she could walk by herself to her room to rest.

“Kaya?” Tanong ni Terron.

Tumango si Eva. “Kaya naman.”

“Alright. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Pumasok si Eva sa loob ng kabahayan at lumabas naman si Terron sa loob ng counter ng tindahan. Napailing nalang siya ng makitang bini-video siya ni Khairro at Cali.

“This is evidence. Hard evidence.” Tumatango-tangong sabi ni Khairro.

Cali looked at Terron teasingly. “I don’t like her like that. Really?”

Hindi pinansin ni Terron ang mga kaibigan saka tahimik lang na uminom ng beer at kumain ng barbecue.

A few minutes later, he received a message.

‘Thanks, Your Grace.’

Unknowingly, he smiled as he replied. ‘Stop texting, rest your hand and go to sleep.’

‘Okay.’

“Who are talking to?” Reigo couldn’t help asking Terron.

“Hmm? Why you ask?”

“Because you look like someone who was just hit by a love bug.”

Terron blinked at Reigo. “A what?”

Reigo just looked at Terron with amusement before patting Terron’s shoulder. “You’ll get there.”

Terron frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Nothing.” Reigo clinked his bottle of beer against Terron’s. “Just drink. You’ll need it.”

Bemused by Reigo’s words, Terron drank his beer and hanged out with his friends throughout the night. He had fun as usual, but he couldn’t stop worrying about that heartless little thing with sore and swollen hands.

Terron could only shake his head when he thought of something. It’s no big deal. It’s normal to worry about a friend… right?

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

SALAMAT sa isang libong barbecue na order ni Knight na hindi nila Eva natapos lahat gawin, ilang araw ang lumipas bago gumaling ang kamay ni Eva. Walang luha na lang siyang umiyak. Alam niyang dapat niyang ipagpasalamat ang isang libong barbecue na order ni Knight, pero sa likod ng isip niya, gusto niyang magmura.

“Kumusta ang kamay mo, ’nak?” Tanong ni ’Nay Luz sa ika-apat na umaga mula ng mamaga ang kamay niya.

“Okay na, ’nay. Magaling na.”

“Buti naman. Pero huwag ka munang magbubuhat ng mabibigat baka mabinat ang kamay mo.”

“Ayos lang ako, ’nay. Effective ’yong ointment na binigay ni Terron.”

Lihim na napabuntong-hininga si Luz ng marinig ang pangalan ni Terron. “Eva, talaga bang wala kayong relasyon ni Sir Terron?”

“Ha?” Napatingin si Eva sa ina habang sumisimsim ng kape. “Sigurado akong wala, ’nay. Magkaibigan lang kami.”

Bakas sa mukha ni Luz na hindi ito naniniwala. Kitang-kita ng ginang ang pag-aalala ni Terron para kay Eva at hindi ’yon simpleng pag-aalala ng isang kaibigan. “Wala ka talagang interes kay Sir Terron?”

Bumakas ang pagtataka sa mukha ni Eva. “’Nay, kaibigan ko lang talaga si Terron.”

“Kung ganun, iwasan mo muna siya pansamantala.” Suhestiyon ni Luz sa anak. “Siguro nga wala kang interes sa kaniya, pero nasisiguro kong interesado siya sa’yo. Hindi ka naman siguro bulag, Eva.”

Gustong igiit ni Eva sa ina na magkaibigan lang talaga sila ni Terron. Na walang halong malisya ang relasyong mayroon sila pero pinili ni Eva ang sarili at tumahimik na lang.

No one understands her relationship with Terron. Maybe to other people, they had an ambiguous relationship. But to her, what they had was a special kind of friendship. It was the kind of relationship that she finds therapeutic.

And with her stress-filled life, she was desperate for something therapeutic and Terron gave that to her.

In short, walang stress na naibibigay sa kaniya ang binata. Kaya palagi niyang tinatanggap ang tulong na inaalok nito. She not only finds Terron stress-free, but he also helped her alleviate her stress sometimes. At sa mundong halos lamunin siya ng stress, sa presensiya lang ni Terron siya pansamantalang nakakapagpahinga.

Speaking of which, she received a message from Terron. Buti na lang naka-silent ang cellphone niya na nasa ibabaw ng lamesa.

Pasimpleng niyang binuksan iyon saka binabasa ang mensahe ng binata.

‘How are your hands? Need more ointment? I can send you more.’

Then Terron sent another message. ‘Btw, are you free this coming Saturday? There’s a newly opened attraction. Wanna go with me?’

Eva subtly picked up her phone and replied. ‘Sorry, Your Grace. Mamimili ako ng paninda namin sa sabado.’

‘Sunday then.’

Hindi mapigilang napangiti si Eva. ‘O iba na lang kaya ang isama mo?’

‘Who?’

‘Girlfriend?’

‘I don’t have that.’

‘Then ask someone on a date.’

‘Troublesome. And you’re the only woman I’m comfortable going out with.’

Nang mabasa ’yon ni Eva, napataas ang kilay niya. Kung mababasa ito ni ’Nay Luz, mas lalo itong hindi maniniwala na wala silang relasyon ni Terron. Siya lang ang nakakaintindi na walang malisya ang salita ng binata.

He was just really comfortable being with her. That’s it. Unless he stated otherwise. She was aware of Terron’s honesty, after all.

‘Sige. Sa Sunday.’

On the other line, Terron smiled when he received a confirmation from Eva. ‘Do you need your baggage boy this Saturday?’

‘Kailangan! 🤗 5pm din. Go?’

‘Sure. I’ll pick you up at 5pm. Saturday.’

’ 👌 ’

After setting an appointment with Terron, Eva looked at her mother. “’Nay, hindi ko iiwasan si Terron.”

“Eva—”

“Trust me.” Eva gave her mother a soft smile. “Never akong nagsinungaling sa inyo, ’nay. Alam niyo ’yon.”

Napabuntong-hininga si Luz. “O, siya. Basta mag-iingat ka palagi. Hindi porke’t hindi ka interesado ngayon ay hindi ka na magkakagusto kay Sir Terron. Hindi napipigilan ang emosyon, Eva.”

Tumango si Eva. “Opo, ’nay.”

Pinakatitigan ni Luz ang anak saka napabuntong-hininga nalang ulit bago umalis sa hapagkainan.

Nang maiwang mag-isa si Eva, tinapos niya ang pag-aagahan saka bumalik sa kuwarto niya para kunin ang isang cellphone na nakatago sa ilalim ng unan.

Kapagkuwan ay umupo si Eva sa gilid ng kama niya at may tinawagan. Kaagad namang sumagot ang nasa kabilang linya at narinig ni Eva ang pamilyar na baritonong boses na ilang buwan na rin niyang hindi naririnig.

“Ev, napatawag ka.”

Lumambot ang ekspresyon ng mukha ni Eva. “How are you? How’s work?”

“I’m okay. Just bored.”

Eva rolled her eyes. “Hindi ka busy?”

“Nope. I’m having dinner.”

Kumunot ang nuo ni Eva. “Dinner? Isn’t it morning there?”

“It is? Hmm. Whatever. I’m just eating because I need to. By the way, I got an entire week of paid leave next month. I want to see you.”

Hearing that brought immense happiness to Eva. “Okay. Just inform me of the exact date.”

“Alright. Anyway, I missed you.” There was no indication in his voice that he missed her, but it made Eva smiled.

“I know. Na miss din kita, Eth.”

“Hmm.” Ethan was silent for a long time before speaking. “How about you? Kumusta ka riyan?”

“Heto, kaka-recover lang ng kamay ko. Can you believe na nagtuhog ako ng mga ilang daang barbecue? Sa sobrang pagod ko, namaga ang kamay ko. It was so painful!”

“Nagpa-check ka na ba sa doctor?”

“No need. Okay naman na ang kamay ko.”

“You should stop working already.” There was a hint of displeasure in Ethan’s voice. “I can support you.”

Eva’s expression softened. “Alam ko. Pero hindi puwede. Alam mo naman kung bakit ako nagta-trabaho ’di ba?”

Ethan said nothing for a while.

“Eth?”

“What?”

“I can’t stop. Not now.”

Ethan became silent again. Then he sighed. “Ev, you’re the only one I have left. If I lost you too… you know how unstable I am. I’m going to go crazy.”

Pakiramdam ni Eva parang may pumipiga sa puso niya. It was painful. “Hindi ako mawawala.”

“How can you be so sure?”

Walang sagot si Eva sa tanong na ’yon ni Ethan.

After Eva’s silence, Ethan squeezed his eyes shut. “I have to hang up now. Bye, Ev.”

Eva didn’t get to say goodbye when the phone call ended. Napabuntong-hininga na lang siya saka ibinalik ang cellphone sa ilalim ng unan.

“WHY ARE you looking at that?” Tanong ni Shun kay Terron ng makapasok si Shun sa barn ni Lysander at nakita si Terron sa salas na seryosong-seryoso na tumitingin sa house brochure ng Bachelor’s Village. “Kakabenta mo lang ng bahay mo, bibili ka ulit?”

“Nah.” Terron kept on turning the brochure’s page. “Just looking.”

Shun finds it weird, but didn’t delve deeper into it. He was here to get his laptop’s charger. Naiwan niya iyon nuong isang araw at ngayon lang siya sinipag kunin.

After getting his laptop’s charger, Shun was about to leave the barn when a thought came to his mind. Tumigil siya sa pag-alis at bumaling kay Terron. “I’m curious about something.”

Napatigil si Terron sa pagbabasa ng brochure saka tumingin kay Shun. “What is it?”

“Can you take it?”

Terron frowned. “What do you mean?”

Shun fully turned to face Terron. “Can you go back home without any regrets? And can you take it if you have any?”

Terron closed the brochure and took a careful, deep breath. “I can’t run away from my responsibilities forever. And even if regret devours me, I will still go home and be a dutiful son to my parents.”

Shun nodded. Themarie did tell him that Terron had always been an obedient son. “Then make sure that Eva won’t be a part of your regrets.” Shun turned around and waved his hand. “I’m going. See you!”

Hindi gumalaw si Terron sa kinauupuan at napatitig lang sa nilabasang pinto ni Shun.

Una si Reigo, ngayon naman si Shun. Ano ba ang nakikita ng mga ito sa kanila ni Eva na hindi niya makita? He was far from being blind, but he really couldn’t see what they were seeing between him and Eva.

With his curiosity piqued, he sent a message to Khairro. Sanford was always the number one when it comes to pairing him with Eva.

‘Busy? I have a question.’

It took Khairro a couple of minutes to reply. ‘What is it?’

With a frown, he replied. ‘What do you see in me and Eva that you keep pairing us? I can’t see it.’

On the other side, Khairro was looking at his phone in disbelief after reading Terron’s message. He can’t see it? What kind of blindness is this? Or is this what they called denseness?

Khairro clicked his tongue. ’If I have a chance, I’ll take a video of you when you’re with Eva and then you see for yourself. Too bad hindi

malinaw

‘yong video na kinuha ko sa’yo nuong uminom tayo sa tindahan nila Eva.’

‘Should I take a video of me and Eva then?’

Napailing si Khairro. ‘Nope. Mas maganda kapag stolen shots. Mas genuine.’

‘I don’t get it, but whatever. Send me the video once you have it. I want to see.’

‘Alright, bud. Leave it to me!’

After Khairro sent that message, he pulled Shun and his annoying brother-in-law into a group chat: Help Terron see the light .

Khairro Sanford: Help me take a stolen video of Eva and Terron together. That motherfucker’s blindness is beyond me.

Knight Velasquez: 🤔 Wala talagang panama sa’kin ang duke na ’yon. I’m so great, my greatness knows no bounds!

Shun Kim: @KhairroSanford that’ll cost you. 😎

Shun Kim: @KnightVelasquez since nandito ka rin. You’re paying as well.

Knight Velasquez: Wtf … me as well? 😱

Khairro Sanford: What the fuck?! Why would I pay for someone else’s love life?!

Shun Kim: You asked. You pay.

Khairro Sanford: Wtf… speechless here.

Knight Velasquez: Since Sanford made this group chat, he’s paying. I’m just an innocent bystander.

Khairro Sanford: I’m speechless.

Knight Velasquez: You’re still talking though.

Shun Kim: Well? @KhairroSanford.

Khairro Sanford: Fuck! Fine! How much is it?

Shun Kim: Since it’s for a friend, 1M will do. 😎

Khairro Sanford: 😑

Khairro Sanford: I can feel your fucking friendship.

Shun Kim: 😏

Knight Velasquez: Hurray for friendship! 🥳

Khairro Sanford: I’m being sarcastic.

Knight Velasquez: I know. Lol.

Shun Kim: You know my account. Pay-up first.

Khairro Sanford: Fuck. I feel cheated.

Back in the barn, Terron, who didn’t know that Khairro just sent Shun Kim one million, received a video call from his little sister, Trinity.

“ Fratellone! Come sei stato ?“

Terron smiled when he saw his little sister. “I’m living a pretty peaceful life. Want to come visit?”

Trinity pouted. “You’re only saying that because I’m graduating, and I don’t have time to visit you.”

Terron chuckled. “Yes. You guessed it right, sorellina .”

Trinity stuck her tongue out at his brother. “I think Papá will call for you soon, fratellone . Nonno had been asking Papá every chance he got. Even Nonna had been urging Mamma as well.”

Terron was not surprised. “It was father who gave me permission to leave. Only he could make me come back.”

Trinity shrugged. “I think Papá is buying you time, fratellone. He always dodged nonno ’s questions these days.”

Terron just smiled and changed the subject. “How about you? How’s school?”

“School? Well, our faculty just welcomed a gorgeous professor.”

Terron gave his little sister a strict look.

“What?” Trinity chuckled. “Our new professor is really gorgeous.”

“More handsome than me?”

“Yes.”

Terron let out a displeased sigh. What’s with the women in my life not finding me handsome? “You’re not allowed to date. You’re still young.”

Trinity rolled her eyes. “I just said our professor is handsome, not that I’m interested in him that way. And he’s cold. I don’t like indifferent men.”

“Good. Anyway, it’s early morning there, right? Not preparing for school?”

“In a bit. I just want to talk to you. So… how’s your love life there, fratellone ?”

Terron shrugged. “Nothing.”

Trinity’s eyes widened. “You don’t have anyone you like?”

For some reason, Eva’s simple yet stunning face entered his mind. “I have someone I like. But only as a friend.”

Trinity looked at her brother dubiously. “As a friend? What a lousy reasoning.”

Mahinang natawa si Terron. “What’s the point of finding someone here when it’ll only end in tragedy? I will go home someday, and I can’t take her home with me. You know how our family is. They won’t allow someone who is not of noble blood. So why start something that I can’t take responsibility for?”

Natahimik si Trinity sa sinabi ng kapatid. “ Mi dispiace, fratellone. “

Terron smiled. “It’s okay.” Matagal na niyang tanggap ang kapalaran niya.

Trinity looked at her brother’s nonchalant smile. “Maybe it’s because you haven’t fallen in love yet, fratellone.”

“What?”

“Nothing.” Trinity smiled. “Anyway, I have to go now. Ti voglio bene, fratellone. Bye!”

“ Ti voglio bene anch’io , sorellina.“

The call ended and Terron suddenly felt an urged to see someone. So, he left the barn and went to see Eva. Pero nang makarating siya sa tindahan, si Manang Luz ang nadatnan niya.

“Good morning.” Bati niya sa ina ni Eva. “Si Eva ho?”

Ayaw sagutin ni Luz ang binata pero may respeto pa rin naman siya sa mga taong maayos ang pakikitungo sa kaniya. “Nasa loob. Nagpapahinga.”

“Balik na lang ho ako mamaya kung ganun.” Ayaw ni Terron isturbuhin ang dalaga.

Akmang aalis na siya ng pumasok Eva sa tindahan. Unbeknownst to Terron, his whole face instantly brightened upon seeing Eva. “Akala ko nagpapahinga ka.”

“Pahinga? Hindi ko kilala ’yon.” Pabirong sabi ni Eva. “Kailangan kong maglista ng mga kailangan kong bilhin sa sabado.”

“Oh.” Terron walked toward the counter and rested his elbows on it before leaning forward. “Need help?”

Eva looked at Terron flatly. “Bored ka na naman?”

“Kind of.”

“O, siya.” Walang pag-alinlangan na tinulak ni Eva ang papel at ballpen patungo kay Terron. “Isulat mo lahat ng panindan na sasabihin ko.”

Terron immediately picked up the pen and went to work. “Alright. I’m ready.”

And so Eva and Terron started working. Eva would say what was needed in their store, and Terron would listen and write it down. It was such a harmonious scene.

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Luz habang nakatingin sa dalawa. Ayaw na niyang mag-komento pa at may tiwala siya kay Eva kaya naman iniwan niya ang dalawa sa tindahan at pumasok sa loob ng kabahayan.

“… sa canned goods naman tayo.” Ani Eva saka isa-isang sinabi ang canned goods na palaging nasa tindahan nila kasama ang brand na gusto niya. As for Terron, he was diligently writing it all down. Sa sobrang seryoso nito sa ginagawa, iisipin ng makakakita rito na examination ang ginagawa nito. “Okay. Let’s move to drinks. Dadaan mamayang hapon ang supplier ng soft drinks at beer. Ilista nalang din natin para mabilis ang transaction mamaya.”

“Alright. I’m ready.”

Malapit isang oras din ang lumipas bago natapos si Eva at Terron.

“Manghihiram ako ng SUV kay Vargaz sa sabado.” Ani Terron habang tinitingnan ang listahan. “Hindi kakasya ang mga ’to sa kotse ko.”

Ipinatong ni Eva ang mga siko sa counter, sa harap ni Terron, saka nangalumbaba. “Salamat ulit sa tulong, Your Grace.”

Nag-angat ng tingin si Terron kay Eva. He wanted to tell Eva that she was welcome, but he ended up just staring at her.

Because of the hot weather, Eva was sweating a lot. Her hair was in a messy bun and some strands were sticking into her sweaty skin. A few drops of sweat rolled down her neck and he couldn’t look away from it.

Terron was in dazed as he gulped. He could feel a strong urged to lean in and do some indecent things to Eva’s neck.

“Your Grace?”

Eva’s voice pulled him out of his indecent thoughts. Why the hell am I thinking of doing just now? When did I become salacious?

Terron leaned back, wanting to escape his thought, pulled himself together, then smiled at Eva. “I still have something to do, so… see you on Saturday?”

Tumango si Eva. “Sige. Salamat ulit, Your Grace.”

Tumango si Terron saka wala sa sariling naglakad patungo sa nakaparadang sasakyan. His mind was too preoccupied that he was not even aware of how he got home.

He felt guilty. How could he have such thoughts toward his friend?

Terron cupped his head. “Fuck… my head hurts.”

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

TERRON blamed his friends for his sudden indecent thoughts toward Eva. If not for those lunatics teasing him and pairing him with Eva all the time, he was certain that that wouldn’t have entered his mind. Thankfully, it did not worsen or linger. Kung mas lumala ’yon, nasisiguro niyang hindi siya mapapakali sa sabado at linggo kung kailan kasama niya ang dalaga. Buti nalang at nawala kaagad iyon sa isip niya.

He was thankful that those thoughts had disappeared from his mind before he met again.

“That’s new.” Komento ni Terron ng makitang hindi nakatali ang buhok ng Eva. “Hindi ka ba maiinitan mamaya?”

“No choice. Biglang naglahong parang bula ang hair clamp ko.”

“You want to buy a new one?” Minaniobra ni Terron ang sasakyan patungo sa kalsada.

“Huwag na. Siguradong lilitaw na lang ’yon kapag hindi ko na hinahanap.” Napailing si Eva. “Nangangain talaga ng gamit ang kuwarto ko.”

Terron just chuckled at that. “So, what have you been doing lately?”

Tinaasan ni Eva ng kilay ang binata. “Your Grace, sa pagkakaalala ko, palagi tayong magkausap sa chat nitong huling araw. Nasisiguro kong nasabi ko na sa’yo kung anong pinaggagagawa ko.”

“I didn’t ask you that today, Ev.” Terron pointed out.

“Hmm. That’s true.” Kaya naman sinagot ni Eva ang tanong ng binata. “Wala akong masyadong ginawa. Humilata ako buong araw kasi gusto ko lang. Ang init-init kasi. Kaunting galaw lang, pinagpapawisan ako kaagad.”

When Terron heard Eva’s last sentence, the memory of what happened that day flashed in his mind.

That sweat rolling down her neck… how alluring she looked when sweaty— Terron cleared his thought and changed the topic. “Ako ang pipili ng restaurant na kakainan natin ngayon ’di ba?”

“Hmm.”

“Bukas na lang tayo mag-buffet. Tonight, let’s eat at Calderon’s restaurant.”

Eva couldn’t help clasping her hands together in excitement. “Hindi ako hihindi sa suggestion mo, Your Grace!”

Mahinang natawa si Terron sa reaksiyon ni Eva at patuloy na kinausap ang dalawa kung anong gusto nitong kainin mamaya sa restaurant ni Terron.

Lingid sa kaalaman ng dalawa, mayroong sasakyan na sumusunod sa mga ito. At sa loob ng sasakyan na ’yon, maririnig ang dalawang tao na nagbabangayan.

“Why the fuck am I here, singkit?” The driver, Khairro Sanford, complained. “This is fucked up! Give me back my one million!”

Shun continued being busy on his laptop in the passenger seat and calmly replied. “May discount ang binigay ko sa’yong presyo dahil magkaibigan tayo—”

“Bullshit!” Khairro hissed, but still continued driving, following behind Terron.

“And this is the friendship discount.” Shun gave Khairro an innocent smile. “You’re welcome.”

“You’re a motherfucker!”

Shun just shrugged.

Knight, who was in the backseat, snickered. “This is just sad. For a Chief of Police to be cheated on like this. My heart breaks for you, Sanford. Best friend number two, you are indeed awesome. Ilibre mo ako ng barbecue at beer mamaya.”

Then beside Knight was Valerian, who groaned. “Why the fuck am I here?”

“Moral support.” Mabilis na sagot ni Knight.

“Fuck you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Knight said dismissively before looking at Sanford. “Ayusin mo ang pagmamaneho. Be a smooth operator. At bilisan mo. Tingnan mo ang layo na ng sasakyan nila Terron.”

Khairro gritted his teeth. Kung hindi lang talaga niya brother-in-law si Knight, kanina pa niya ito namura. “Give me back my money!” Kaya naman kay Shun niya ibinuhos ang inis na nararamdaman. “This is the reason I paid you one million! So, I won’t do this kind of shit!”

“And as I said, I gave you a discount.”

Khairro groaned in annoyance. “What did I pay one million for then?”

“My effort.”

Khairro gritted his teeth and Knight clapped.

“That’s my best friend number two.”

Valerian sighed. “Knight, for fuck’s sake, be quiet! I’m fucking chatting with my wife!”

Of course, who could silence Knight when he wanted to be rowdy?

“And my equipment.” Shun added.

“What equipment?” Binuko ni Knight si Shun. “Hiniran mo lang kay Yrozz ’yong camera at drone na dala natin.”

“Bastards!” Khairro hissed.

Shun just smiled and continued tapping his laptop’s keyboard. “Drive faster, Sanford. Sayang ang one million mo kung hindi natin makukunan ng video ang dalawang ’yon ngayong araw.”

“Damn!” Knight grinned excitedly. “I feel like a paparazzi!”

Valerian sighed. “So fucking noisy.”

Shun chuckled. “What’s new?”

“I’m so pissed!” Khairro snapped and his passengers just laughed, except for Valerian, who pitied Sanford.

Valerian, of all people, knew how crazy Knight and Shun were. Knight was overbearing and annoying, while Shun just wants to cheat people’s money in every way he could.

“Oh! They’re parking!” Knight pointed his hand at Terron’s car. “Hurry, Sanford! We’re going to miss them!”

Khairro sighed heavily. “Bakit ko ba ’to nararanasan pagkatapos kong magbayad ng isang milyon? Fuck this.” Still, he followed Terron’s car and parked near it. “Can I go now?”

“Yes.” Binigay ni Shun ang remote ng drone kay Khairro. “You can now go and control the drone.”

Khairro looked at Shun dryly. “I want my one million back.” Then he pointed at Knight. “Bakit hindi nalang ang sinto-sinto ang humawak sa remote ng drone? I paid one million for my convenience!”

“Nope. You are paying for my effort.” Shun closed his laptop. “At kapag ang espanyol ang pinahawak mo sa remote, baka kung saan pulutin ang drone ni Yrozz. Ayokong magbayad.”

Hindi mapigilan ni Khairro na sumanayon sa sinabi ni Shun. Sa kamay ng sinto-sinto, hindi na makapagtataka kung saan lumipad ang drone ni Yrozz. “I really want my one million back.”

Valerian patted Khairro’s shoulder. “You’re so fucking pitiful.”

Khairro just glared at Valerian before leaving the car and following Terron and Eva inside the supermarket.

“Sanford, go ask the supermarket’s manager if we could fly a drone here.” Utos ni Shun kay Khairro.

Sa halip na magreklamo, napabuntong-hininga na lang si Khairro at lihim na pinagdarasal na sana ay dumating ang panahon na mawalan ng pera ang singkit na ’yon. Pagkatapos niyang magdadal ng masinsinan, hinanap niya ang manager para makapagtanong.

A few minutes later, Khairro went back to his lunatic friends to deliver the good news. The supermarket manager allowed them to use drone.

Shun patted Khairro’s shoulder and gave him a wireless nano earphone. “Get to work then.” Then Shun handed the camera and also a piece of wireless nano earphone to Valerian. “Val, huwag na huwag mong ibibigay ang camera na ’to kay Knight kahit anong mangyari.” Bilin ni Shun kay Valerian. “For all of our sake.”

Knight clicked his tongue and lightly sneered at Shun. “So judgement. For your information, I know how to operate a camera, singkit.”

“Yes. You can also destroy it just for fun.”

Knight did not rebuke Shun.

Meanwhile, Valerian sighed. “So that’s the fucking reason why I’m here. Sinong nagsabi na nandito ako para sa moral support? How I fucking wish.”

Knight looked away and pretended like he heard nothing while whistling without a sound.

“And you?” Khairro asked Shun with an annoyed glare. “What are you going to do?”

Tinuro ni Shun ang bakanteng lamesa na medyo tago. “I’ll be sitting pretty there while watching the live feed from the camera and the drone. Sobrang effort ang gagawin ko kaya kailangan kong umupo.”

Khairro, Knight and Valerian glared at Shun and Shun gave the three a dog-like smile before walking toward the empty table.

“Paid one million, and I’m being treated like this,” Khairro mumbled before entering the aisles. “Ah, fuck. I need my turtle babe’s sweet love after this fuckery.”

Knight’s voice sudden filled Khairro’s ear. “My little sister is not a turtle, Sanford!”

Khairro just keep silence then he released the drone and controlled it with the remote. “Now… where the fuck is Terron? That bastard.”

Through the drone, Khairro looked for Terron and Eva while standing alone in the dairy aisle. Meanwhile, Knight and Valerian were also looking for Terron and Eva. Valerian was holding the camera while Knight was trying to grab the camera from Valerian.

“Stop being a lunatic for once, espanyol.” Iritadong sabi ni Valerian habang nililibot ang bawat aisle ng supermarket.

“This is so boring!” Knight eyed the camera Valerian was holding. “Gaano ba kamahal ang camera na ’yan?”

“Six million.” Sagot ni Shun kay Knight sa earphone na suot.

“Give it to me then, Val. My butler, Cloud, could easily afford it.”

“Huwag kang makikinig sa espanyol na ’yan, Volzki.” Paalala ni Shun.

“Don’t worry. Nasa tamang huwisyo pa naman ako.” Sagot ni Valerian.

Knight’s shoulder fell. “How could you two be so mean to me?!”

“Shut the fuck up!” Saway ni Valerian kay Knight and Knight groaned.

Then Shun spoke again. “Target spotted through Sanford’s drone. They have separated.”

“The fuck?” Khairro clicked his tongue. “What the fuck is Terron doing?”

“Helping Eva buy stuff.” Sagot ni Shun. “Let’s wait and stay covert.”

Khairro stared blankly at the drone’s remote in his hands. “Remind me again why I paid one million just to do all this fuckery?”

Sumagot si Shun na may bahid na ngiti. “Dahil isa kang mabait na mamamayan at kaibigan.”

“Fuck off, singkit!”

Instead of answering Khairro, Shun suddenly send out orders. “Val, Knight, Eva is walking to the aisle you’re in. Move to the meat section. Sanford, Terron is heading in your direction. Move to the vegetable aisle.”

Pakiramdam ni Khairro isang importanteng misyon ang ginagawa nila at hindi nang-i-ispeya sa kaibigan para ma video-han ito kasama si Eva.

“I feel so uncomfortable. This is illegal.” Khairro hissed.

“Really?” Knight couldn’t relate. “I’ve done worse than this.”

Nagbingi-bingihan na lang si Khairro habang si Valerian naman ay nagpapanggap na mag-isa lang ito at walang kasamang sinto-sinto.

Finally, after moving around the supermarket to not get spotted by Eva and Terron, the two finally finished shopping and Terron was now walking to the counter, alone, while Eva walked toward the table to rest. Mabuti nala at medyo nasa tagong lamesa si Shun kaya hindi ito nakita ni Eva.

“Napaka-gentleman naman ng duke natin.” Komento ni Khairro ng makitang si Terron ang pumipila sa counter para kay Eva. “I’m moved to tears.”

Knight nodded in agreement. “If Eva is not moved by that, she can’t be moved at all.”

Valerian stared at Eva. “She doesn’t look moved to me. She looks hungry, though.”

“Parang ang sarap ng siomai na kinakain niya.” Sabad ni Shun. “Makabili nga mamaya.”

“Focus, fuckers.” Ani Khairro. “We’ve been here for hours! Terron is finally near the counter. He’s about to shine like a diamond.”

Thus, the four watched Terron paid for Eva’s shopping and pushed the carts to Eva. And the four raised their eyebrows after seeing Terron being so gentle and sweet.

Terron patted Eva’s head. “I’m here.”

Nag-angat ng tingin si Eva sa binata. “Let’s go?”

Sa halip na sumagot, tumayo si Terron sa likuran ni Eva at itinali ang buhok ng dalaga gamit ang hairclamp na binili.

Gulat na napahawak si Eva sa hair clamp na pinangtali ni Terron sa buhok niya. “Binili mo?”

“Yes. For you. You look so uncomfortable with your hair down earlier.” Terron then touched a few strands of Eva’s curly hair, then intimately wrapped it wound his fingers. “You have a beautiful hair, by the way.”

“… thank you.”

Terron stared at the few strands of Eva’s hair around his fingers. Without thinking, he bent down and brought his finger with Eva’s hair close to his lips.

But before he could do something he’ll regret, he came to his senses and let go of Eva’s hair.

Fuck. What am I doing?

Terron’s head was in turmoil while the four who were watching the two all sighed after seeing Terron’s gestures and expressions.

“He’s done for.” Ani Khairro.

“It’s going to be a bottomless regret.” Ani Shun.

“He’s fucked.” Ani Valerian.

“Should we call the gang and have Zapanta welcome him?” Knight asked.

“But I don’t think he’s finally seeing the light.” Ani Khairro. “Let’s send the video to him as soon as possible.”

Shun smiled slyly while humming. “Leave it to me. I’ll edit it to the point where it can be played in the cinema.”

“You better! I paid one million for someone else’s love life!” Khairro was aggrieved again.

Shun just chuckled. If the three could see him, they would know that Shun Kim was planning something wicked. Again.

AFTER A sumptuous dinner at Thorn Calderon’s restaurant, Terron drove Eva back to her house. On the way, Eva had fallen asleep. He didn’t have the heart to wake her up, so even after arriving outside the store, he didn’t wake Eva up.

That’s when all kinds of questions filled his head.

His conscience was clear when he said that Eva was a good friend of his. Even after experiencing those two strange incidents with Eva, he still believed that. Because it would be for the best to be just friends with Eva. Nothing more and nothing less.

With that firm decision in mind, he looked at Eva’s sleeping face.

She was really beautiful—beautiful than anyone he had ever met. Additionally, she possessed a captivating personality. She was also comfortable to be with that he could spend hours just talking to her through chat or phone call.

And it was because of this comfort that she was a dear friend to him.

Suddenly, Eva stirred awake.

Kumurap-kurap ang kakagising lang nitong mga mata saka tumingin kaniya. “Your Grace?”

Terron smiled. “We’re here.”

“Oh.” Eve stretched her arms and back. “Nakatulog ako.” Bumukas ang kasiyahan sa mukha ni Eva. “That’s nice.”

“Napagod ka ba sa pamimili natin?” Tanong ni Terron.

“Nope.” Paano siya mapapagod e halos wala siyang ginawa? The perks of having a baggage boy. “Thank you again, Your Grace. Less stressful palagi ang pamimili ko kapag kasama kita. Having a baggage boy is the best!”

Terron pinched Eva’s check. “This baggage boy will step out now to carry those boxes insidwe.”

Eva smiled. “Thank you, baggage bo—I mean, Your Grace.”

Terron knew it was a deliberate teasing, but let it go so he could finish his job as the baggage boy.

Finally, after less than an hour, everything was finally inside the store, and it was now time for Terron to leave, however reluctant he was.

“Rest early.” Ani Terron kay Eva.

Tumango si Eva kahit alam nitong hindi naman ito maagang makakatulog dahil hindi ito pagod.

“Uuwi ka ba kaagad, Your Grace?” Tanong ni Eva habang hinahatid ang binata sa sasakyan nito.

“Nope. Ibabalik ko muna itong hiniram kong sasakyan kay Calyx. Then I’ll go home.”

“Ingat.”

Terron looked at Eva for a short while before pulling away his gaze and smiling. “Good night, Ev. I had a good time.”

“Ako rin. Good night, Your Grace.”

Terron slid inside the car and drove toward BV. Malapit lang iyon sa bahay nila Eva kaya madali siyang nakarating sa bahay ni Calyx.

After returning the SUV to Calyx and getting his car from the barn’s garage, he planned to go home and rest for the day. Pero bago pa siya makalabas ng BV, nakatanggap siya ng tawag galing kay Shun.

“What’s up?” Terron asked after parking his car on the side of the road.

Shun went straight to the point. “I heard from Sanford that you want a video of you and Eva together?”

Terron slightly frowned. “…yes. Why?”

“I have what you need. Very clear.” May bakas ng ngiti ang boses ni Shun. “You want it?”

“Well, yeah.”

“It’ll cost you.”

Hindi na nagulat si Terron. “How much?”

“Because I went through a lot of effort of this. How about two million?”

Sumandal si Terron sa likod ng driver’s seat. “Mandurugas ka talaga.”

Shun laughed. “Well… I have a lot of mouth to feed.”

Recalling Shun’s orphanage, Terron did not complain anymore and agreed to the price. “Fine. Two million.”

“Alright!” Shun grinned excitedly on the other side of the line. “Expect the video tonight. By the way, I have a payment first policy.”

Terron sighed and rolled his eyes. “Kaya palaging binabago ang pangalan mo sa group chat, e.”

Tumawa lang si Shun saka nagpaalam na. Samantala, kinontak naman ni Terron ang bangko niya para makapag-send ng pera kay Shun.

After it was all settled, he drove back to his condo, not knowing that he was cheated on by Shun Kim and that Khairro actually already paid for his “love life”.

All in all, the winner for today was, of course, Shun “mandu” Kim.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

TERRON received the video from Shun early in the morning. But even though Shun sent it early as promised, Terron still couldn’t make himself open it. The content of the video was his and Eva’s interaction. Alam niyang makikita niya sa video ang rason kung bakit palagi siyang tinutukso ng mga kaibigan niya kay Eva. Siguro iyon ang rason kung bakit di niya magawang panooorin ’yon.

With a deep, loud sigh, he closed his laptop and ignored the video he paid for two million.

And while contemplating on what to do, he received a message from Eva—it was a funny reel that made him chuckle while watching it. But his smile disappeared when he received a message from his father.

‘Son, unfortunately, I can only buy you two more months. Be sure to settle everything before then. I will send your butler to fetch you by the end of two months. Have fun and leave no regrets.’

Leave no regrets. His father’s last words made him smile wryly. How could he leave with no regrets? What an impossibility. Regret would always be present. But what was the use of regretting?

With a small, bitter smile, he replied to his father. ‘See you soon, father.’

Terron was about to put his phone down when he saw Eva’s name on the screen. Just below his father’s.

Maliban sa mga naging kaibigan niya sa Bachelor’s Village, tanging si Eva lang ang maituturing niyang may koneksiyon siya.

Their friendship started when he saw Eva dragging a heavy box into the store. He offered a hand. She accepted, and the rest was history. It had been more than a year since then. They had shopped together, have dinner together, chatted and talk over the phone with interesting topics and they had visited some attractions they both wanted to see together.

It was a good year. But there was no party that never ends. In two months, he’ll go back to his monotonous life.

His hands acted faster than his brain—he called Eva.

“Napatawag ka, Your Grace.” There was no surprised in Eva’s voice, she was just genuinely wondering why Terron called. “May pagbabago ba sa lakad natin mamaya?”

“…no.”

Hearing Terron’s languid voice, Eva knew something must’ve happened, hence the sudden call. Nag-iisip si Eva kung magtatanong ba siya at kung tama bang magtanong siya ng magsalita ulit si Terron.

“Can I see you?” He asked in the same languid voice.

Natigilan si Eva ng ilang segundo bago sumagot. “Sure. Bitter Sweet café?”

“Okay.” Medyo nagkaroon ng sigla ang boses ng binata. “See you in thirty?”

“Sige.”

“Thanks. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Nang matapos ang tawag ay napatingin na lang si Eva sa pinamili nilang panindan kahapon na nagkalat sa sahig. Nasa kalagitnaan siya ng paglalagay niyon sa istante ng tumawag si Terron. Plano niyang ayusin ang mga pinanili nila kahapon ngayon pero biglang nagbago ang isip niya.

Pumasok siya sa kabahayan para maligo at magbihis bago makipagkita kay Terron sa Bitter Sweet café. Dahil malapit lang naman ang café sa kanila, nilakad lang ’yon ni Eva matapos siyang mag-ayos.

“Oh. Hi, Eva!” SM, the café’s owner, welcomed her with a sweet smile.

Only heartless people wouldn’t be moved by SM’s smile. Eva smiled back. “Hi, SM.”

Naglakad si Eva patungo sa counter kung saan nasa likod niyon si SM at saka si Jacques na parang prinsepeng nakaupo at sumisimsim ng kape. Kung hindi niya alam na butler ni SM si Jacques, iisipin niyang si SM ang nagta-trabaho para kay Jacques.

“The usual?” SM asked when Eva stopped in front of the counter.

“Yep. Pero maliban sa large Sea Salt Latte, padagdag ako ng isang Caffè Ristretto at limang butter cookies.”

With a smile, SM entered her order in the machine. “By the way, Eva, thank you for finding my husband handsome.” Mas lumapad ang ngiti ni SM. “Halos araw-araw niyang pinagmamalaki na siya raw ang pinaka-guwapo sa buong BV.”

Eve didn’t know how to react, so she just chose to be honest. “Well, sila naman talaga ni Cloud ang pinakaguwapo sa BV—kung ako ang tatanungin.”

The silent Jacques showed a reaction. He stopped sipping his coffee and looked at Eva. “You also find Cloud handsome?”

“Hindi ba?”

Jacques nodded, looking proud and pleased. “Indeed. That shameless bastard is very handsome. Anyway, it seems like a certain count is going to cry tonight.”

Natawa si SM. “Mukha nga. Kapag nalaman niyang hindi siya nag-iisa sa listahan ng ‘pinakaguwapo’ sa BV, baka magwala ’yon.”

Umingos si Jacques. “Subukan lang ng konde na ’yon. I won’t buy his favorite rice next month.”

SM just messed Jacques’ hair and looked at Eva. “Siguradong pupuntahan ka ni Knight para magtanong. If ever, just tell him I said he’s the most handsome.”

Napangiti si Eva saka tumango. Sa lahat ng mag-asawa sa BV na nakilala niya, para sa kaniya, si SM at Knight ang may pinaka-unique na relasyon. Knight was crazy and SM was calm and collected. Not only that, SM could also handle Knight’s crazy antics without even blinking an eye. Just like now.

“Anyway, that would be five hundred and thirty-seven pesos.” Imporma ni SM kay Eva sa babayaran nito.

Nagbayad naman kaagad si Eva saka tinanggap ang café pager bago pumili ng lamesa.

Eva chose the most inconspicuous table and sat there to wait for Terron.

Ilang minuto lang siyang naghintay. Tamang-tama lang na pagdating ng order niya, dumating naman si Terron.

“Let me.” Terron immediately took the tray with coffee and cookies from Eva’s hand. “Where’s our table?”

Nauna nang maglakad si Eva patungo sa mesa nila at kaagad namang sumunod si Terron sa dalaga.

Sitting at their table, Eva immediately looked at Terron to observe his expression.

If she was not mistaken, he seemed to be feeling down.

Gustong-gustong magtanong ni Eva kung ano ang nangyari pero sa isiping may mga bagay ang bawat tao na ayaw ng mga itong ipaalam sa iba, hindi niya ibinuka ang bibig para magtanong ng personal na bagay.

“Ayos ka la bang, Your Grace?” Sa halip ay iyon ang tinanong niya.

Sumimsim si Terron ng kape saka nangalumbabang tumingin ng matiim kay Eva ng ilang segundo bago sumagot. “Hmm. I’m feeling better now.”

“Buti naman.” Inubos ni Eva ang butter cookie na hawak saka sinalubong ang matiim na tingin ni Terron. “What?”

Terron reached out his hand to touch the end of Eva’s long, curly hair that was resting over her shoulder. “Hindi nakatali ang buhok mo.”

Eva unconsciously touched the hair Terron was holding. “Nakalimutan ko. Nagmamadali kasi ako.”

“Nagmamadali ka?” Terron played with Eva’s hair with his fingers. “Were in you in a hurry to see me?”

Tumango si Eva. She didn’t see the need to lie or pretend. “You sounded off on the phone. Saka hindi mo gawaing tanungin ako kung puwede mo akong makita kaya medyo nag-alala ako.”

“Is that so?” Terron continued playing with Eva’s hair. “I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“Ayos lang.” Eva picked up another butter cookie to eat. “May gusto ka bang kainin, Your Grace? My treat.”

“I like their ravioli.” Terron answered as he inwardly smiled. The first time he heard those words from Eva, he was so against it they argued a bit. But now, he had become accustomed to those words. However, he was still raised as a gentleman who believed in compromise.

Ibinuka ni Terron ang palad sa harapan ni Eva na parang nanghihingi. “Your treat, but I’m ordering.”

Eva happily handed Terron the money and let him order his ravioli. Nang makabalik ito sa mesa nila mula sa counter, hinila nito ang kinauupuan kanin palapit sa kaniya hanggang sa magkatabi na ang upuan nila.

“Anong—”

Umupo si Terron sa hinilang upuan saka ihinilig nito ang ulo sa balikat ni Eva. “Don’t mind me. Do your thing. I’ll just rest for a bit.”

Walang nagawa si Eva dahil nakita ng dalaga na pumikit na ang mga mata ni Terron habang nakahilig ang ulo nito sa balikat niya. Hinayaan niya ang binata at nagpatuloy siya sa pagkain ng butter cookies at pag-inom ng Sea Salt Latte. Habang kumakain, tahimik din siyang naglalaro sa cellphone niya.

It was the same brain training game, and she finished level after level while Terron’s head rested on her shoulder.

Really therapeutic, sa isip ni Eva habang naglalaro. Walang maingay at walang isturbo. It was a very pleasant morning.

All along, Eva thought Terron had really fallen asleep. But when the pager made a sound, notifying them that their order—the ravioli—was ready, Terron opened his eyes and silently walked toward the counter. At nang makabalik ito sa lamesa, inilapag nito ang order na ravioli saka umupo ulit sa tabi ni Eva. Sa pagkakataong ’yon, hindi na ito humilig sa balikat ni Eva pero nanatili itong tahimik.

It was as if he was keeping quiet not to disturb Eva and her game.

After a while, Eva offered her phone to Terron. “Want to play?”

Tumingin si Terron sa screen ng cellphone ni Eva saka tinanggap ang alok ng dalaga.

Together, the two solved numerous puzzles to pass the time. It was quiet and therapeutic that Eva found herself getting sleepy after some time and soon after, her head fell on Terron’s shoulder, and fell asleep.

Terron stopped playing and glanced at his shoulder.

Unaware of the smile that grazed his lips, he carefully guided Eva’s head to be more comfortable leaning on his shoulder, then he stopped playing and quietly sipped his coffee while eating ravioli.

It was a comfortable silence until Knight appeared in front of their table.

“Dashwood—”

Terron put his forefinger over his lips to gesture Knight to be quiet.

Knight dryly stared at Terron, then whispered. “How sweet.”

Ngumiti lang si Terron saka iminuwestra ang kamay bakanteng upuan bago pabulong na nagsalita para hindi ma-isturbo ang tulog ni Eva. “May kailangan ka?”

“Have you seen the video?” Knight asked in a low voice. “Pinaghirapan namin ’yon.”

“Namin?”

“Yep. Me, singkit, Val and my annoying brother-in-law.”

Terron blinked at Knight. “Apat kayo?”

“Yeah. Why?” Knight asked when he saw Terron’s bewildered expression. “What did singkit say?”

“I paid two million for his effort.”

Knight’s lips parted. He looked shocked that Terron was sure that something happened that he didn’t know.

“Did I miss something?” Terron asked.

Knight murmured. “My brother-in-law is annoying, but very pitiful.”

“What?”

Knight chuckled. “Nothing. I just remembered a certain pitiful someone who paid for someone’s love life.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing, nothing. Anyway, have you seen the video?” Knight asked, still in a low voice.

Umiling si Terron.

“Bakit hindi pa?” Nagtatakang tanong ni Knight.

Terron unconsciously glanced at Eva before responding. “I just don’t feel like watching it at the moment.”

The humor in Knight’s face disappeared as if he hadn’t had them in the first place. “Or maybe you’re just running away.”

Terron’s eyes snapped at Knight. “What did you say?”

Knight remained emotionless as he said, “you’re afraid to see what the video will show you because you already have an inkling of its content. And since you’re leaving, you don’t want to start anything you can’t take responsibility for. You want to leave with no regrets, but you know yourself that that’s impossible. So, you’re unconsciously running away.”

“Unconsciously… running away?”

“Aren’t you?”

Terron became silent.

“If you’re going to run away,” sumulyap si Knight kay Eva. “Continue what you’re doing right now and let her be. That’s the best outcome for you and her.”

Terron remained silent while looking and listening to Knight.

The Knight Velasquez in front of him now was different from the crazy lunatic he knew. This was the other side of Knight that they seldom see because he’s always acting childish and crazy.

“Don’t worry.” Terron spoke after a short while. “I plan to leave without making a fuss.”

“That’s good.” Like a switch, Knight lost his emotionless expression and became the crazy count Terron knew. “Enjoy your brunch. I’m going to look for my lovely wife.” Knight bade goodbye and left their table.

After silence fell once again, Terron thought back to Knight’s words and a wry, bitter smile appeared on his lips before sipping his coffee.

A long while after Terron finished his coffee and ravioli, Eva stirred awake. Naghikab ang dalaga.

“Had a good sleep?”

Natigilan si Eva sa tanong na ’yon ni Terron na ginawa niyang unan ang balikat. “Mahimbing ba ang tulog ko?”

“You tell me.”

Pinakiramdaman ni Eva ang katawan kapagkuwan ay masayang napangiti. “I can’t believe I fell asleep. Salamat sa pagpapahiram ng balikat, Your Grace.”

“You’re welcome. Want some water?”

“Hmm.”

Terron got up to get Eva a glass of water from the self-service water dispenser at the corner of the café. Then he returned to their table and handed a glass of water to Eva. Kaagad naman ’yong tinanggap ni Eva dahil nauuhaw ito.

Pagkatapos uminom ng tubig, nagtanong si Eva kay Terron na umupo na naman sa tabi nito. “Tuloy ba ang lakad natin mamayang hapon?”

Terron looked at Eva. “We can leave now if you want. I already booked a buffet lunch for two.”

Sa narinig, kaagad na tumayo si Eva saka hinawakan sa pulsuhan si Terron at hinila ito palabas ng café. “Let’s go, Your Grace!”

Mahinang natawa si Terron habang hinahayaan si Eva na hilahin siya palabas ng café. Nang makalabas, luminga-linga si Eva at nang makita ang sasakyan na palaging ginagamit ni Terron, hinila niya patungo roon ang binata.

Nang parehong makasakay ang dalawa, binuhay ni Terron ang makina ng sasakyan at maingat na nagmaneho patungo sa luxury buffet restaurant na kaninang umaga pa binook ni Terron.

“Ano nga pala ’yong attraction na gusto mong puntahan?” Basta lang umu-o si Eva na hindi inaalam kung saan gustong pumunta ni Terron.

“It’s a newly opened interactive museum.”

“Oh.” That piqued Eva’s interest. “Anong klaseng interactive museum? May pinuntahan kasi ako dati na picture-picture lang.”

Terron chuckled when he heard the disappointment in Eva’s voice. “Don’t worry. This one will challenge your brain. There are a lot of puzzles, quiz games and a maze.”

Eva couldn’t hide her excitement. “Mamaya na kaya tayo mag-buffet? Pumunta muna tayo sa museum. Sige na, Your Grace. Please… please, Your Grace…”

Terron had already booked and paid for their buffet lunch, but being at the receiving end of Eva’s soft begging, he acquiesced. “Alright.”

“Yes!” Napasuntok pa sa hangin si Eva. “Puzzles, quizzes, maze… here I come.”

Seeing Eva’s excited expression, Terron’s smile never left his lips, even after they arrived at the museum’s parking lot.

“Pipila na ako para bumili ng ticket!” Excited na imporma ni Eva kay Terron saka nagmamadali itong lumabas ng sasakyan na kaka-park lang.

Napailing nalang ng ulo si Terron saka may kinuha muna sa small compartment bago lumabas ng sasakyan at sinundan si Eva.

Hindi ganun karami ang tao kaya naman hindi ganun kahaba ang pila. Pagkadating ni Eva sa ticket booth, ika-apat siya sa pila.

While anticipating all the fun things she could do inside; she felt a presence behind her.

Instantly, she lost her excitement. Her expression tightened, and her eyes sharpened. She was ready to protect herself when that someone behind her started softly combing her hair with their fingers and used a hair clamp to fix her hair.

Then she heard Terron’s familiar voice.

“There. You can solve all the puzzles inside without your hair getting in the way.”

Wala sa sariling napahawak si Eva sa hair clamp at umikot paharap kay Terron. Then she dumbly asked, because her brain suddenly went blank. “Bakit may hair clamp ka?”

“Bought a few for you.” Terron walked past Eva to buy the ticket himself. “If you lost it again, there are a few hair clamps in my car’s compartment. You can use it freely. It’s yours.”

Hindi umumik si Eva at tumitig lang sa likod ni Terron. Nang mahimasmasan, inilang hakbang ni Eva ang pagitan nilang dalawa saka ipinatong ang baba sa balikat ni Terron mula sa likuran.

Eva was a tall woman and Terron was only two inches taller than her. So, putting her chin on Terron’s shoulder from behind was easy and comfortable.

But Terron was feeling the opposite of comfortable. His whole body became tense when he felt Eva’s breath against his neck and the indispensable organ in his chest was getting stimulated.

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Eva whispered.

Terron silently thanked his grandfather for the self-control training he was forced to take since he was a child until he became an adult. Because of that, he could still stand there like nothing happened, even when his entire body was shouting at him to do bad, indecent things.

“You’re welcome.” Fuck!

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

KAAGAD na pumasok si Eva sa museum pagkatapos nilang makabili ng ticket habang dala-dala ang pamphlet na binigay sa kanila sa ticket booth. Inside the pamphlet was a map of the whole museum and what they could expect inside.

“Anong una nating pupuntahan, Your Grace?” Tanong ni Eva kay Terron sabay pakita rito sa pamphlet na hawak.

Terron looked at the pamphlet and said, “you choose. I’ll just follow you.”

“Okay.” Madaling kausap si Eva. “Subukan natin ’yong crossword puzzle nila.” Tinuro nito ang daan patungong crossword puzzle ayon sa mapa. “This way, Your Grace.”

Terron obediently followed Eva and, in a minute, they arrived at a large room with different large touchscreen monitors with a crossword puzzle. And every monitor had a theme.

Eva chose geography.

“Solve this geography crossword puzzle to see the hidden painting inside.” Basa ni Eva sa instruction na nasa gilid ng bawat malaking monitor. “Hmm…twenty crossword lang naman. Kaya natin ’to.”

Terron was intrigued by the geography crossword puzzle in front of them. He tapped the screen and chose the number one question. “The third rock from the sun.”

“Earth.” Mabilis na sagot ni Eva saka ini-input ang sagot gamit ang touchscreen keyboard.

“Nice.” Terron commented when he saw that it was correct. Of course it was. Mula ng makilala niya si Eva, pastime na nito ang maglaro ng mga puzzle games.

“Easy peasy.” Eva smirked and read the second question. “A sizable inland body of water.”

Terron answered. “I think it’s a lake.”

Eva entered Terron’s answer and clapped when it was correct. “Nice! Okay. Next question. Part of a large body of water that extends into a shoreline generally larger and more deeply indented than a bay.”

Nagkatinginan si Eva at Terron, pareho nag-iisip ng sagot. Nang pareho walang maisip, nagdesisyon ang dalawa na sagutan muna ang iba na alam nila.

“The Softest mineral.”

“Talc.” Sagot ni Eva.

“Pakistani Capital.”

“Islamabad.” Sagot ni Terron.

“Beach neighborhood of Honolulu.”

“Waikiki?” Hindi siguradong sagot ni Eva pero i-ti-nayp pa rin ni Terron iyon sa monitor.

“Oh! It’s correct.”

“Yey!”

“One of the seven large landmasses on the earth.”

“Continent.”

Eva was grinning from ear to ear. She would look at Terron from time to time when she couldn’t answer a question and she ended up clinging to Terron’s arm every time they get a correct answer after thinking hard.

Eva was unaware that she was holding Terron’s arm so intimately. She was so focused on answering the crossword puzzle. But unlike Eva, Terron was very aware of Eva’s every move and how her body was pressing against his arm.

This is bad.

“Part of a large body of water that extends into a shoreline generally larger and more deeply indented than a bay.” Bumalik ang dalawa sa ikatlong tanong na hindi nila nasagutan. “Look, Your Grace. Nasagutan na natin ang kadikit niyang tanong. And based on our answer, the answer to this one starts with letter G and end with F.”

“Gulf?” Nanghuhula lang si Terron kaya hindi ng dalawa inaasahan na tama ang sagot nito.

Pumalakpak si Eva. “Your Grace, sayo na ang korona.”

Terron just chuckled.

“City northwest of Auckland, New Zealand and the name of the beautiful mountain ranges that threads through it.” Kumunot ang nuo ni Eva. Wala siyang ideya rito kaya bumaling siya kay Terron.

She caught him looking at her. “Your Grace?”

Terron blinked, cleared his throat, smiled calmly, and answered. “I think it’s Waitakere.”

“Oh! Correct! Hmm… A sheltered place along a shoreline where ships can anchor safely.” Basa ni Eva saka ito rin ang sumagot. “A harbor.”

In less than five minutes, Eva and Terron were able to answer the twenty questions. And soon after they answered the last question, the monitor moved up to reveal a landscape painting of Mount Mayon hidden behind it.

“Ang galing.” Eva beamed. “Sagutan pa natin ’yong iba, Your Grace. I want to see all the hidden paintings behind them.”

Terron just let Eva dragged him to the next crossword puzzle.

Terron was not fond of solving puzzles, but seeing Eva enjoying herself, he thought it was indeed a good idea to invite her here. Ang dalaga kaagad ang pumasok sa naisip niya ng malaman niyang may bagong interactive museum na magbubukas at solving puzzles ang main theme ng museum.

“Wala na?” Luminga-linga si Eva pagkatapos masagutan ang huling crossword puzzle. “’Yon lang ’yon.”

Mahinang natawa si Terron saka hinawakan sa pulsuhan ang dalaga. “Come on, Ev. I think you will like their number slide puzzle.”

Nakasimangot na nagpahila naman si Eva. “Nabitin ako do’n.”

Terron just chuckled and brought Eva to the number slide puzzle on the wall.

“So, may prize kapag nabuo namin ’to?” Tanong ni Eva sa nakabantay na staff ng museum sa number slide puzzle.

“Yes po, ma’am.”

“Ano ang prize?” Usisa ni Eva dahil hanggang 40 ang number slide puzzle.

“Kapag na-solve niyo ho ang number slide puzzle, may mapapanalunan po kayong snack stub sa café namin sa second floor.”

Nang marinig ni Eva ang salitan snack stub, kaagad niyang hinila si Terron palapit sa number slide puzzle.

“We better win this, Your Grace.”

Seeing the determined look on Eva’s face, Terron was amused. “Gusto mo ’yong libreng meryenda nila?”

“Sinong may ayaw sa libre?” Balik na tanong ni Eva. “Kayong magkakaibigan nga na maraming pera, gustong-gusto ng libre e.”

Terron couldn’t rebuke that, so he just helped Eva solved the number slide puzzle.

In fifteen minutes, they solved it and won a set of snacks in the café on the second floor.

Pangiti-ngiti na ibinulsa ni Eva ang dnack coupon nila bago hinila siya ng dalaga patungo sa ibang puzzle game.

From brain teaser games to leaving an intricate maze by solving riddles and clues, Eva and Terron did it all. Hindi namalayan ng dalawa ang paglipas ng oras habang nag-iikot sila sa loob ng interactive museum.

And throughout the day, Terron’s phone was filled with photos of Eva and himself playing around.

It was such a fun day filled with brain burning questions, laughter, deep frowns when they couldn’t solve a puzzle and brainstorming so they could leave the maze.

“Pakiramdam ko na-drain ang utak ko sa mga puzzles na sinagutan natin. Lalo na doon sa may maze.” Wika ni Eva ng nasa second floor na sila para i-claim ang napanalunang snack stub sa number slide puzzle.

“Hindi halata.” Kinuha ni Terron ang snack stub na hawak ni Eva. “Upo ka na. Ako na ang magki-claim sa snack stub natin.”

“Sige.”

Eva chose the table in the corner, and while waiting for Terron, she took out her second cellphone and read all the e-mails and messages she received.

And then she opened an email informing her that she had won a trip to Dubai.

“Hmm…” she just hummed and return her phone to her bag.

Tamang-tama naman na naglalakad na si Terron patungo sa mesa nila.

“Oh.” Eva’s lips formed into an ‘o’ when Terron placed the tray with food on the table. Two kinds of smoothie, four slices of different cakes, two cupcakes and two cookies. “Ang dami naman. Akala ko simpleng snack lang.”

“I thought so too.” Umupo si Terron sa tabi ni Eva. “Anong gusto mo? Peach smoothie or pineapple smoothie?”

“Peach.”

Terron picked up the peach smoothie and placed in on the table, in front of Eva. “Here you go.” As for the cakes, Terron arranged them on the table in a way that would be easier for Eva to reach. “Eat up.”

“Thanks, Your Grace.” Eva was so used to being served by Terron that she just thanked him without thinking about anything else. “Oh! Masarap ’yong smoothie nila. Subukan ko nga ’yong cake.”

Eva was busy eating while Terron was just staring at the food in front of him. Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago napansin ni Eva na hindi pa ginagalaw ni Terron ang pagkain nito.

“May problema ba, Your Grace?”

Terron’s eyes remained on the food as he said, “I’m leaving in two months.”

Eva went back to eating the cake. “Kaya ba hindi maganda ang mood mo?”

“Kinda.”

“Ayaw mong umuwi?”

Terron didn’t answer until a few moments later. “… I want to stay.”

“But you can’t,” Eva said in a matter-of-fact voice. “Sabi mo noon wala kang ibang choice kung hindi ang umuwi kapag pinauwi ka na. Sa sitwasyon mo ngayon, Your Grace, isa lang ang magagawa mo.”

Terron finally looked at Eva. “What?”

“Enjoy your remaining time here.” Inubos ni Eva ang slice ng cake na kinakain. “Make your last two months worthwhile. Umalis ka man, at least may maganda kang ala-ala na dadalhin.”

Napatitig si Terron sa dalaga. “You won’t miss me?”

Nagpatuloy sa pagkain si Eva. “Napaka-imposibleng hindi ko ma-miss ang baggage boy ko.”

“Only the baggage boy?” Pabirong usisa ni Terron sa dalaga.

“And my food buddy.”

“How about the future duke himself?”

Nginitian lang ni Eva ang binata saka bumalik ito sa pagkain.

“I’ll miss you. That’s for sure.” Kapagkuwan ay sabi ni Terron na ikinatigil ng pagkain ni Eva.

“May cellphone naman.” Ani Eva kapagkuwan. “Kapag na-miss mo ako, tawagan mo lang ako. Communication is not a problem these days.”

“I might not be able to.”

“Hmm?” Tumigil sa pagkain si Eva saka nakataas ang kilay na bumaling sa binata. “Bakit naman? Pati ba pakikipag-usap sa katulad kong hindi maharlikang tao ay pinagbabawal ng pamilya mo?”

“No.”

“Then what’s the reason?”

“I might… get engaged.”

Natigilan si Eva saka ilang segundong nakatitig lang kay Terron bago nakapag-react. “How long would it take before you get engaged, Your Grace?”

“Probably a month or two.”

“Then we have a month or two to talk after you leave.” Eva chose to be optimistic. “Dalawang buwan din ’yon.”

Terron looked away from Eva’s optimistic eyes. “I might get greedy and keep contacting you.”

“Then… that would be a problem, Your Grace.”

“Yeah.” Terron leaned against Eva and rested his head on Eva’s shoulder. “Anong gagawin ko kapag na-miss kita?”

Honestly, Eva had no answer to that question.

“Ev… I want to stay.”

Umangat ang kamay ni Eva para masuyong tapikin ang pisngi ng binata. “We can’t always get what we want, Your Grace. Ganun talaga ang buhay. What we can do is make do of what’s in front of us and move forward. Life is constantly changing. Malay mo naman, may magbago pa sa buhay mo.”

Terron closed his eyes while his head was still resting on Eva’s shoulder. How he wished that his life would change. But he couldn’t see his life changing with all the responsibilities he had.

“Ev?”

“Hmm?”

“Can I have all your weekends for the next two months?”

“Sure.” Walang pag-aalinlangang sagot ni Eva. “May mga gusto ka bang puntahan bago ka umalis?”

“Hmm. Will you accompany me?”

“Oo naman. Malakas kaya sakin ang baggage boy ko.”

Mahinang natawa lang si Terron bago iminulat nito ang mga mata at tinitigan ang dalaga na parang minimemorya ang mukha nito.

In two months, he would never see Eva again. Yes. He should make his last two months worthwhile.

Then his eyes unconsciously dropped to Eva’s neck. She had tied her hair while they were in the maze, exposing her beautiful neck.

Terron inwardly gulped at the sight.

Wala sa sariling umayos siya ng upo saka pinulot ang pineapple smoothie niya saka sumisimsim niyon para mawala ang pagkauhaw na biglang naramdaman.

“Kakainin mo ba ’yong cake mo?” Kapagkuwan ay tanong ni Eva kay Terron na panay simsim lang ng pineapple smoothie nito.

“Huh?”

Eva looked at Terron dryly. “Nasaang planeta ka, Your Grace?”

Terron smiled guiltily. “You can have my cake.”

From looking at Terron dryly to smiling at him sweetly. “Isa ka talagang mabait na mamamayaman, Your Grace.”

If you know what is in my mind right now… you will not say that, sa isip ni Terron bago inilabas ang cellphone sa bulsa para hindi kung saan-saan napupunta ang tingin at atensiyon niya.

His attention was indeed captured by what was happening in the group chat: ARF STYLE 🐶 .

Shun sent a link to the group chat with a message: Terron Dashwood shining bright like a diamond.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Terron. What the fuck is this?

Intrigued, he clicked the link, and he was brought to a website that says, ‘Pay a two-minute subscription to see the video.’ Then below that was the two-minute subscription price, which was two hundred and fifty thousand pesos.

Huh?

Mabilis na bumalik si Terron sa group chat nilang magkakaibigan saka ti-nag si Shun.

Terron Dashwood: @Mandu 🔪 what the fuck? Am I in that video?

Shun was quick to reply.

Mandu 🔪 : Don’t worry. I blurred everyone but you since you are the male lead in the video.

Terron Dashwood: 😑

Terron Dashwood: Why can’t I access my own video then?

Mandu 🔪 : Payment first, bud 😎

“What the fuck…?” Hindi napigilan ni Terron na mapanura.

Kaagad na napabaling si Eva kay Terron ng marinig itong nagmumura. “Anyare?”

Terron couldn’t help showing Eva the link and the website Shun created. “Singkit posted a video where I’m the protagonist, but I can’t access it. Can you believe that I have to pay to see it?”

Napangiwi si Eva. “Yeah. I believe it.”

Sa daming beses na na tumambay ang maiingay na magkakaibigan na ’yon sa tindahan nila, nalaman ni Eva na mandurugas si Shun. Well… for a good reason. At ang mga mayayaman at mga kuripot lang nitong kaibigan ang binubudol-budol nito ayon kay Iuhence na nalaman niyang hari ng mga tsismoso.

Terron loudly sighed and asked Eva with a pitiful expression. “Should I pay to watch it?”

Sa buhay ngayon ni Eva, magpapagulong-gulong siya para sa two hundred and fifty thousand pesos. Pero si Terron, ipambabayad lang para makanood ng ilang minutong video.

“Hindi ba puwedeng i-send nalang ng isa sa mga kaibigan mo sayo ang video pagkatapos nilang bilhin?”

“Nope. Knowing Shun, I’m certain that this video couldn’t be downloaded or screen recorded.”

Nagkibit-balikat si Eva sabay sabi, “kung gusto mo lang namang makita, puwede namang habang nagpi-play ang video, ipa-video mo sa isang cellphone at i-send sayo.”

That made Terron grin. “Brilliant idea, Ev!”

Kaagad na nagsend ng private message si Terron kay Tyron. Ito lang ang maasahan niya sa mga ganitong kaganapan. Isa sa mga matitino si Tyron.

‘Bud, have you seen the video? Can you take a video of it and send it to me?’

Tyron replied after a few seconds. ‘Wait a sec.’

Another few seconds later: ’Dashwood, sabi ni Shun bawal ko raw gawin ‘yon dahil unfair sa iba. Sorry. Oh, and by the way, welcome to the possessive men’s club.’

Terron looked at his phone with a dry expression. “The fuck.”

“Anyare na naman?” Sagot ni Eva na inuubos ang cupcake na para dapat kay Terron.

Terron showed Tyron’s response.

Eva grimaced before opening her palm to Terron. “I’ll reply for you. May I?”

Walang pag-aalinlangan na binigay ni Terron ang cellphone nito kay Eva saka pinanood kung anong sasabihin ni Eva kay Zapanta.

‘I’m with Eva at the moment. She said she overheard you promising to your wife in the Bitter Sweet café that you will not drink even a drop of beer when you were coughing a few weeks ago, but a day after that, you drank three bottles of beer in their store. So… the video?’

Napatanga si Terron kay Eva na pangiti-ngiti habang tina-type ’yon.

“Hayan,” ibinalik ni Eva ang cellphone kay Terron. “Send it now, Your Grace.”

Terron obliged while chuckling, and Zapanta’s response was faster than lightning.

‘Fuck you, Dashwood. I’ll send it.’

Eva smirked when Terron showed her Tyron’s reply, then she casually picked up Terron’s pineapple smoothie and sipped on it.

“That’s mine.” Gulat na sabi ni Terron ng makitang inuubos ni Eva ang pineapple smoothie niya.

Nagkibit-balikat lang ang dalaga. “Wala ka namang sakit.” ’Yon lang ang sinabi nito bago inubos ang pineapple smoothie niya. “Ang sarap ng smoothie nila rito. Parang gusto kong bumalik dito para lang sa smoothie.”

Terron could only look at Eva helplessly before looking back at his phone for the video.

Zapanta sent a clear video of a video.

The video looked like a trailer for a cinematic film.

From the drone shots to background music, it’s like a beginning of a love story. Kulang na lang ay may pusong magliparan sa screen.

After seeing a couple of drone shots, Terron immediately realized what this video was.

The supermarket!

Doesn’t the title of the video Shun sent to me this morning was ‘Terron Dashwood shining bright like a diamond in the supermarket’? Fuck!

Before Terron could close the video, he saw a scene just outside the supermarket counter. He was fixing someone’s hair. The face and the whole body of the woman had been blurred, but Terron knew it was Eva.

Sa buong buhay niya, si Eva lang ang babaeng inayos at itinali niya ang buhok.

Terron couldn’t unsee the look in his eyes when he was fixing Eva’s hair, even after closing the video.

That look, that gentle expression and that dotting small smile… he didn’t want to admit it and even after seeing it, he still didn’t want to.

But deep down, he realized that somehow, along the way, he had unconsciously stopped treating Eva as a friend.

Terron let out a half chuckle, and a half scoffed.

What now?

CECELIB | C.C.

A/N: Does backache comes with age? Susko. Mula ng pumasok ang edad ko sa trenta, panay sakit na ng likod ko. 😩 Kaya kapag hindi ako nakapag-update, kung hindi ako busy, siguradong umatake na naman ang likod ko 🥲

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

TERRON found himself hanging out alone in Lysander’s barn these past few days. He hadn’t contacted Eva ever since he sent her home after their visit to the museum. Ilang araw na rin mula noon. Ayaw niyang humarap dito habang hindi pa niya alam ang dapat niyang gawin. Dahil sa video na senend ni Shun, biglang nagulo ang isip niya.

What now? That’s what he had been asking himself these past few days. What now? Should he be honest, or should he act as if he didn’t realize it yet, which was the rightest thing to do in his situation.

Yes… why start something that he couldn’t take responsibility for?

However, although that was what he wanted to do, he couldn’t make himself walk away from this. Alam niya kung anong dapat niyang gawin, pero may parte sa kaniya na ayaw sundin ’yon.

His body was moving differently than what his mind was telling it to do. It was complicated.

Just like now. His mind was telling him to distance himself from Eva, but he found himself opening his messaging app and typing a message to Eva. Limang araw na rin niya itong hindi kinakausap. Sabado na bukas. Pagatapos niyang hilingin dito na ibinigay nito sa kaniya ang sabado at linggo nito sa dalawang buwan niyang natitira rito sa bansa, ayaw niyang kanselahin ’yon.

Honestly, after five days of stopping himself from going to see Eva, he missed her.

Terron scoffed at himself. It seems the self-control classes I was forced to take is useless against my strong desire to see Eva. Even just a glimpse.

“Ah, fuck…” He concedes. He couldn’t take it anymore!

He sent a message to Eva.

‘Ev, your weekend is still mine, right?’

Terron hit send, then he let out a breath of relief. It feels like a weight was lifted off his chest after that. The discomfort he was feeling these past five days disappeared, replaced by anticipation of what’s coming.

I know this is wrong, but… how to stop?

‘Uy. Nabuhay ka, Your Grace.’

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ni Terron. Na-i-imagine niya ang walang emosyong mukha ng dalaga habang nag-ri-reply. ‘Just a little busy.’

‘At gusto mo pa ring angkinin ang weekend ko kahit busy ka?’

‘Yes. Can I have it?’

‘May tanong muna ako.’

’Ano ‘yon?’

‘Hindi mo naman ako iniwasan ng limang araw, ano, Your Grace?’

Napangiwi si Terron. Eva may seem like a carefree woman, but she was sharp when she wanted to be. ‘Bakit naman kita iiwasan?’

‘Confirmed. Iniiwasan mo nga ako, Your Grace.’

What? How did she know?

‘Paano mo nasabi?’

‘Kasi kung hindi, sasagot ka kaagad ng hindi at hindi mo ibabalik sakin ang tanong ko.’

Terron blinked at Eva’s reply. Why did he feel like he had been caught red-handed? ‘I was just thinking about something.’

‘About what?’

‘About you and me. If it’s okay to continue getting along knowing I’m leaving in two months.’

‘Limang araw kang nag-isip para riyan? 😒’

‘I’m just worried.’

‘Nag-aalala saan?’

Tinawagan ni Terron si Eva pasa sagutin ang tanong nito. Saying it through the chat felt too insincere. “I’ll tell you the reason, but don’t be surprised. I was not expecting it as well. It just happened and I have no control over it.”

“Okay.”

“Promise me, Ev.”

“Promise, Your Grace.”

“Alright.” Terron took a deep breath and let out an audible sigh before saying, “I think I like you more than a friend, Ev. And I’m afraid that it won’t do me or you any good if I continued liking you. That’s what I’m worried about.”

The other line was silent. Ni paghinga ni Eva hindi marinig ni Terron.

“Ev?”

Terron was starting to get worried when he heard laughter from the other line.

“Sorry.” Ani Eva na hindi mapigilan ang matawa. “Hindi lang ako makapaniwala kaya tumatawa ako.”

Terron grimaced. “Why do I feel insulted?”

“No, no, Your Grace.” Depensa ni Eva sa sarili pero tumatawa pa rin ito. “Hindi lang talaga ako makapaniwala na gusto mo ako higit pa sa kaibigan kaya tumatawa ako. I mean… that is unbelievable.”

Terron’s expression became dry. “I’m telling the truth, Ev. I really like you.”

Napatigil si Eva sa pagtawa saka seryosong sumagot. “Thank you for liking me, Your Grace, but I only see you as a friend and nothing more.”

Unrequited, huh? Surprisingly, Terron felt no disappointment.

“Is that so?”

“Hmm.”

“Can we still be friends?”

“Kung okay lang sayo, Your Grace.”

Pagkatapos ng pinagtapat ni Terron, walang pagbabago sa boses ni Eva o sa pakikitungo nito sa binata na ikinasiya ni Terron. It was as if nothing had happened and Terron preferred it that way. Him, liking Eva, shouldn’t destroy the friendship they built for more than a year.

“Akin pa rin ang weekend mo, ’di ba?” Tanong ni Terron sa masuyong boses habang may ngiti sa mga labi.

“Oo naman.”

“That’s good. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Hmm. See you, Your Grace.”

“Alright. Bye, Ev.”

“Bye.”

The call ended, and Terron chuckled bitterly. Unrequited and rejected. What a day.

Meanwhile, at Eva’s store, Eva was staring at her phone in her hand. Paulit-ulit na nag ri-replay sa isip niya na parang sirang plaka ang pagtatapat ni Terron sa kaniya ngayon-ngayon lang.

She rejected him, of course. What else could she do? Marami pa siyang kailangang gawin. Hindi makakatulong sa kaniya kung makikipagrelasyon siya. It’ll only hinder her from finally reaching her objective.

Yes. Let’s not be sidetracked. Focus on the goal, Eva. Malapit ka na sa finish line. Kaunti na lang.

Huminga ng malalim si Eva saka sumandal sa recliner na kinauupaun.

“Still… I can’t believe the duke likes me.” Eva smiled before closing her eyes. “What a funny thing.”

IN THE Arf Style group chat, Terron’s message was seen by everyone, and they honestly didn’t know how to respond to him. It was to the point where the whole group chat was silent.

Terron Dashwood: I told Eva I like her. Got rejected. Beer, anyone?

There were a few seconds of silence in the group chat before Knight broke it.

Knight Velasquez: Walang barbecue?

Mandu 🔪: @KnightVelasquez please read the room.

Khairro Sanford: @TerronDashwood Lysander’s barn?

Andrius Salazar: Oh. Shit! I remember Valerian’s curse.

Valerian Volkzki: What fucking curse? Blaming me again for your fucking misfortunes?

Knight Velasquez: Wala talagang barbecue?

Thorn Calderon: What curse?

Ream Oliveros: @ThornCalderon walang karapatang magtanong ang mga nakatakas sa sumpa ni Valerian.

Reigo Vasquez: Yeah. What curse?

Khairro Sanford: Why do I feel so fucking mad right now?! @ValerianVolkzki kung manunumpa ka lang naman, dapat nilahat mo na. Bakit kami lang?! Unacceptable! May preferential treatment ang sumpa mo, Volkzki!

Valerian Volkzki: FUCK ALL OF YOU!!!

Knight Velasquez: 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Valerian Volkzki: Shut the fuck up, Espanyol!

Knight Velasquez: What did I do? Nag send lang naman ako ng laughing emoji, ah. So judgmental, best friend.

Valerian Volkzki: You’re not my best friend!

Cali Sudalga: Wait… aren’t we talking about Terron’s broken heart here?

Terron Dashwood: I’m not broken-hearted though.

Iuhence Vergara: Then what’s with the beer, then?

Lysander Callahan: Ah, beer and barbecue. I miss you 😋

Tyron Zapanta: @TerronDashwood welcome to the possessive men’s club 🥳

Terron Dashwood: I’m not possessive, though.

Train Wolkzbin: Not yet.

Titus Morgan: Not yet.

Phoenix Martinez: Not yet.

Hunt Baltazar: Not yet.

Andrius Salazar: Wait until you see her with another man.

Blaze Vitale: @TerronDashwood first time to get rejected?

Terron Dashwood: Yeah. But it’s okay. I expected it. Maybe it’s because that is also what I wanted.

Blaze Vitale: Expected it?

Terron Dashwood: Yes. I’ve known Eva for quite some time now. I would notice if she liked me. Not even once did she look at me like she likes me that way, so the rejection was expected. And I’m leaving in two months.

Ymar Stroam: Well… sino ba ang hindi rito alam kung gaano katigas si Eva?

Evren Yilmaz: That’s true. Masyadong tigasin si Eva. Mahihirapan ka na palambutin si Eva @TerronDashwood.

Terron Dashwood: Anong palambutin? I like the way she is now. No need to soften her up. I like her because she’s the way she is.

Dark Montero: Aherm… just like, huh?

Calyx Vargaz: Nabasted ka? @TerronDashwood 😂😂😂 Now that’s funny.

Terron Dashwood: Yeah. But we’re okay. She even gave me all her weekends for the next two months. 😌

Lash Coleman: Wow! Aren’t you a lucky bastard, Dashwood? Binasted ka na pero okay pa rin kayo? Now that’s something rare.

Terron Dashwood: Yes. Eva is a very sensible woman, after all. Very easy to talk and comfortable to be with.

Khairro Sanford: Si Eva pa rin ba pinag-uusapan natin dito?

Knight Velasquez: Kailan pa naging easy to talk to si Eva? 🤔

Terron Dashwood: You don’t need to know what she’s really like.

Titus Morgan: And you said you’re not possessive 😏

Terron ignored Titus. He believed he was not possessive.

Terron Dashwood: So? Beer? I’m at Lysander’s barn.

Phoenix Martinez: Alright. Iinom natin ang non-existent broken heart mo.

Mahinang natawa si Terron sa sagot ni Phoenix. And then, one after another, others agreed to drink in Lysander’s barn to accompany Terron and his non-existent broken heart.

AT ELEVEN o’clock in Lysander’s barn, the lunatics inside were drunk. May nakahiga sa sahig, mayroong lasing pero umiinom pa rin at mayroon namang mga lasing na pero nasa harap pa rin ng karaoke, sumasayaw at kumakanta. At ’yon ay si Khairro at Knight na kumakanta at sumasayaw sa kantang I will survive .

Mayroon din namang hindi lasing at tipsy lang katulad ni Terron, Blake, Lash, Shun at Valerian.

“So, after you leave in two months, that’s it?” Lash asked Terron with a frown. “Hindi mo man lang ipaglalaban ’yang nararamdaman mo?”

Terron answered calmly. “What I have is an unrequited like, no need to drag Eva into my mess.”

“Are you sure you like her?” May pagdududa sa boses ni Blaze. “Usually, if you like someone, you fight for it.”

“What is there to fight?” Terron had already made peace with the responsibilities he needed to take for his family. “I have my responsibilities.”

“As long as you don’t regret it.” Sabad ni Shun.

“Oh. He’ll regret it.” Puno ng kasiguraduhan ang boses ni Lash. “Regret is part of life, after all. Pero minsan kailangan talaga nating umiwas sa taong mahalaga sa’tin para maging maayos ang buhay nila lalo na’t hindi rin maayos ang buhay natin.”

Valerian nodded before saying, “I didn’t curse you, though. Just to be fucking clear. Those bastards keep blaming me for their fucking misfortune.”

Terron laughed at Valerian’s annoyed face. “Don’t worry. I don’t feel like I’m cursed or anything.”

“Good.” Valerian finished his beer. Hindi alam ni Valerian kung naka-ilang bote na siya ng beer pero alam niyang medyo nakarami na dahil medyo umiikot na ang paligid niya.

“By the way, how sure are you that you’ll get engaged?” Shun asked.

Terron shrugged. “My sister told me our grandparents have found a suitable partner for me.”

“Oh.” Lash clicked his tongue. “That sucks.”

“Fine. Let’s say you’ll be engaged once you go back home. Will you be able to forget Eva?” Tanong ni Blaze.

“It would be for the best if I could.” Terron stared at the bottle of beer in his hand. His mind was wandering toward Eva. “Forget her, huh…? That would be for the best indeed.”

Nagkatinginan lang ang mga hindi pa lasing na kausap ni Terron. Maybe Terron was not aware of his expression just now, but his friends could see the reluctance in his eyes to forget Eva. But that reluctance was being tightly restrained.

Terron’s sense of responsibility was stronger that his own wants.

Shun sighed. “Maikli lang ang dalawang buwan. Sulitin mo.”

Terron finally raised his head and smiled tipsily. “Yeah. I will.”

No one gave advice to Terron after that. Hinayaan ng mga ito si Terron dahil nakikita ng mga ito na nakapagdesisyon na ang kaibigan nila. Kaya naman sinamahan na lang nila si Terron na uminom at ubusin ang lahat ng beer na binili nito.

Nang sumapit ang hating-gabi, sinundo ng kaniya-kaniyang asawa ang mga mga lasing hanggang sa naiwang mag-isa si Terron sa barn. Walang susundo sa kaniya kaya naman dito siya sa barn matutulog. He didn’t like driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Wanting to sober up, he got up and left the barn to breathe some fresh air.

Walang dereksiyon ang paglalakad niya, kung saan lang siya dalhin ng mga paa niya. Kaya mahina siyang napatawa ng tumigil siya sa harapan ng isang tindahan.

“What the fuck am I doing here?” Terron muttered under his breath when he realized he was in front of Eva’s store. “It seems I’m out of my mind tonight.”

Terron told himself to leave, but his feet wouldn’t budge.

He sighed. What the fuck am I doing…?

Before he could control himself from doing anything unsavory, his hand already got his phone out of his pocket and his thumb tapped Eva’s number.

“Fuck…” kaagad na gumalaw ang hinlalaking daliri ni Terron para kanselahin ang tawag ng may sumagot sa kabilang linya.

In surprise, Terron put the phone over his ear. “Eva?”

“Your Grace?”

“Hmm. Bakit gising ka pa?”

“Hindi ako makatulog. Ikaw, Your Grace?”

Before Terron could stop, his mouth honestly answered. “Been drinking with my friends at Lysander’s barn, and I want to breathe some fresh air. And for some reason, I ended up in front of your store.”

“Ano?” Napabangon bigla si Eva sa kama at lumabas ng kuwarto. “Nandiyan ka pa ba?”

“Hmm. Will you, um, come out for me?”

Hindi pa nagtatanong si Terron, naglalakad na si Eva patungo sa pintuan ng bahay nila sa hindi konektado sa tindahan. Iyon ang ginagamit nila kapag sarado ang tindahan nila. “On my way, Your Grace.”

“Hmm.”

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ni Eva ng may mapansin sa pagsasalita ni Terron. “Lasing ka ba, Your Grace?”

“A bit.”

“Want some water?”

“No. Just you.”

Ilang segundong napatigil sa paglalakad si Eva sa narinig bago ipinagpatuloy ang paglalakad palabas ng bahay.

Kaagad na nakita ni Eva si Terron ng makalabas siya ng bahay. Nakatayo nga ito sa labas ng tindahan nila at parang wala sa sariling nakatingin sa signboard ng tindahan nila. Halatang naka-inom ang binata at medyo lasing nga tulad ng sabi nito.

“Your Grace.” When Terron turned to face Eva after Eva called out to him, Eva ended the call and walked toward Terron.

When Terron laid his eyes on Eva, he smiled carelessly. “Ev…”

Kinunotan ng nuo ni Eva ang binata. “Sarado na ang tindahan namin. Bumalik ka na sa barn.”

Pero hindi nakinig si Terron, sa halip ay sinalubong nito si Eva saka masuyong niyakap ang dalaga ng magkalapit ang dalawa. “I think I know why I’m here, Ev.”

Alam ni Eva na lasing ang binata kaya hinayaan niya lang itong yakapin siya. “Ano?”

He rested his chin on Eva’s shoulder. “I missed you.” Nang hindi nagsalita si Eva, bahagyang binigyan ng distansya ni Terron ang katawan nilang dalawa para masapo nito ang mukha ni Eva. “Ev, am I making you uncomfortable?”

Umiling si Eva.

Gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Terron at napatitig doon si Eva. Terron’s smile at that moment was unrestrained. It was so carefree that his eyes were shining as if there were stars in them.

“Ev?”

“Hmm?”

“I like you.”

“I know.”

Terron smiled again before leaning in and pressing his lips against Eva’s forehead while stilling cupping Eva’s face with both his hands.

Eva only blinked and said nothing.

That forehead kiss lasted for a few seconds before Terron pulled away, still cupping Eva’s face. Then his gaze held hers. “Goodnight, Ev. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Hmm.”

Pinakawalan na rin sa wakas ni Terron ang mga pisngi ni Eva at humakbang ito paatras habang nakatuon pa rin ang mga mata nito kay Eva.

“Go on.” He spoke. “Go back inside. I’ll leave afterwards.”

Eva didn’t make a fuss. Tumango ang dalaga saka naglakad pabalik sa loob ng kabahayan at dumeretso sa kuwarto nito pagkatapos nitong isara ang pinto. Samantala, sa labas ng tindahan, tulad ng sinabi ni Terron, umalis ito ng makapasok sa kabahayan si Eva at naglakad pabalik sa Bachelor’s Village.

Sa kuwarto ni Eva, panay ang buntong-hininga ng dalaga habang ang kamay nito ay nakahawak sa nuo nito kung saan ito hinalikan ni Terron.

“It’s just a forehead kiss.” She reasoned with herself. “Yeah. Just a forehead kiss. Nothing to fuss about.”

Eva believed it was a harmless kiss. So harmless that she couldn’t sleep a wink.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 9

THANKS to the beer from the previous night, Terron woke up late with a little hangover on the side. He scrambled to get up when he saw the time and hurriedly texted Eva before driving to his condo. Pero nakauwi, nakaligo at nakapagbihis na siya’t lahat-lahat, wala pa ring sagot galing kay Eva.

So, he decided to drive to Eva’s store. Pero bago pa siya makalabas ng condo niya, nakatanggap siya sa wakas ng mensahe galing kay Eva.

‘Kagigising ko lang 🥱’

Napangiti siya ng makita ang kalakip na emoji sa mensahe nito. ‘Inaantok ka pa? Sleep some more.’

‘Pero di ba may lakad tayo ngayon?’

‘Bukas na lang.’

‘Sigurado ka, Your Grace? Kasi matutulog ulit ako.’

Terron chuckled at that. ‘I’m sure. Go back to sleep.’

‘👌’

Hindi na nag-reply si Terron para hindi maisturbo ang pagtulog ulit ni Eva. At dahil nakansela ang lakad nila ng dalaga, tumawag na lang si Terron sa restaurant ni Thorn para magpa-deliver ng pagkain.

When his food arrived, he ate alone and in peace in his condo before opening his laptop to do some work—stocks trading. This was his primary source of income since he left home.

Terron was focused on his work that he didn’t realize that it was already nighttime. Thinking that Eva would be awake by now, he sent her a message.

‘Awake?’

‘Kanina pa, Your Grace.’

‘Have dinner with me?’

‘😭😭😭’

‘What’s with the crying emoji?’ Terron replied, amused.

‘Naiiyak ako kasi bbq na naman ulam namin. Kaunti na lang iihawin ko na sarili ko.’

Terron laughed. ‘Then have dinner with me.’

‘Sige.’

‘I’ll be there in thirty minutes.’

On the other side, when Eva read Terron’s message, she immediately told her mother that she was going to eat outside.

“May kasama ka?”

Hindi naglihim si Eva. “Oo ’nay. Si Terron.”

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Luz. “Umuwi ka ng maaga.”

“Yes, ’nay. Kakain lang naman kami.”

“Mabuti naman. Siguraduhin mong hindi ka kasama sa menu.”

Hindi napigilang matawa ni Eva sa narinig. “Nay, saan niyo naman nalaman ’yan?”

“Marami akong alam. Mas matanda ako sayo.” Sabay ingos ni Luz.

Tumawa ulit si Eva. “Huwag kang mag-alala, ’Nay, hindi naman ganun si Terron. Saka sa tingin niyo talaga may makakapilit sakin sa bagay na ’yon?”

“’Yon na nga ang pinag-aalala ko! Paano kung hindi ka pilitin at kusa mong ibigay, sige nga?!”

Tumatawa pa rin si Eva. “Kapag nangyari ’yon, sasabihin ko kaagad sa inyo, nay.”

“Kita mo ’tong batang to! Hindi man lang kinaila!”

Panay ang tawa ni Eva dahil sa mga sinabi ng ina. Nakukuha niyang tumawa dahil alam niyang hindi si Terron ang tipo ng lalaki na ipipilit ang bagay na ’yon. Terron had always been honest and considerate. Kaya komportable siyang sumama rito o kaya naman matulog sa sasakyan nito dahil alam niyang wala itong gagawing masama sa kaniya.

“Sige na. Umalis ka na para makabalik ka ng maaga.” Pagtataboy ni Luz sa anak.

Eva waved her hands while still laughing. Then she went to her room to change clothes and waited for Terron.

Terron was punctual, as usual. In thirty minutes, he arrived at their store. And as always, he opened the car’s door for her, casually put his arms on top of the door frame to protect her head as she entered the car, and then carefully closed the door after she was settled in.

Nang makasakay ulit si Terron sa sasakyan, inobserbahan ni Eva ang binata. Terron had told her he liked her—twice now—in a phone call and then personally. But not even once did he ask her to like him back or give him a chance.

He respected her response and continued treating her like usual. No fuss.

“What do you want to eat?” Terron asked while driving.

Sa tanong na ’yon ni Terron, naalala ni Eva ang pinagsasasabi ng ina niya kanina. Bigla siyang natawa.

Terron glanced at Eva with a frown.

“Sorry.” Tumatawa pa rin si Eva. “May naalala lang akong nakakatawa.”

“Care to share?”

“Huwag na.” Patawa-tawa pa rin si Eva. “Baka bigla lang mabilaukan, Your Grace.”

“That bad?”

“Yep.”

Terron was even more curious. “Really not sharing it?”

“Nope. Anyway,” Eva changed the topic. “Subukan kaya natin doon sa sa open food market, ’yong malapit sa bagong gawa na park. Sabi ng pamangkin ni ’nay masarap daw mga pagkain do’n at maraming pagpipilian.”

“Alright. To the open food market, then.”

Hindi kalayuan ang open food market kina Eva, kaya naman nakarating kaagad doon ang dalawa. Pagkatapos makahanap ng parking spot, sabay ang dalawa na pumasok sa food market at inikot muna nila iyon bago nagdesisyon kung anong gusto nilang bilhin at kainin.

“Anong gusto mong inumin?” Tanong ni Terron kay Eva ng mabili na nilang lahat ang pagkain gusto nilang tikman.

Tinuro ni Eva ang booth na nasa kaliwa nila. “Fruit tea. Anong sa’yo, Your Grace?”

“Coffee.”

“Sige. Ako na bibili. Maghanap ka na lang ng mauupuan natin, Your Grace.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep.” Binigay ni Eva ang dala niyang pagkain na pinamili kay Terron. “Here. I’ll buy us a drink and your coffee.”

“Alright.”

Habang pumipila si Eva para bumili ng fruit tea at kape, naghanap naman si Terron ng mauupuan nila. Fortunately, there were still a few unoccupied tables left.

While placing the food they bought on the table, Terron couldn’t help shaking his head. He honestly had no idea who was treating who in tonight’s dinner. May mga pagkain siyang nagustuhan na si Eva ang bumili para sa kaniya at may nga pagkain naman si Eva na gustong bilhin na siya ang nagbayad.

He would have loved to pay for it all but seeing Eva quickly handing her money to pay as if she was racing against someone for payment, he let it be. It was fun seeing her so determined to pay first.

“Buti nakahanap ka kaagad na mauupuan.” Boses iyon ni Eva na kakaupo lang sa bakanteng upuan sa harapan ni Terron. “Anyway, Your Grace, heto ang kape mo. Saka bumili pala ako ng tubig, just in case.”

“Thanks, Ev.”

“Hmm.”

A comfortable silence fell as they started eating. It lasted for a few minutes until Eva asked.

“Saan pala tayo bukas, Your Grace? Tuloy ba tayo?”

Tumango si Terron. “I suddenly want to see the beach.”

“Then let’s go see the beach.” Sumimsim si Eva ng fruit tea niya. “Maghanda ba ako ng makakain natin?”

Terron frowned. “I thought you can’t cook.”

“Yep. I can’t.”

“Then why are you offering to prepare food?”

“Sinabi ko bang ako ang magluluto?”

Terron gave Eva a sarcastic ‘really?’ look.

Tumawa lang si Eva kapagkuwan ay sumagot. “Magaling lang akong kumain, Your Grace.”

Terron could only shake his head. “I’ll prepare the food.”

Eva’s lips formed into an ‘o’ while looking at Terron in a new light. “Marunong ka pa lang magluto, Your Grace?”

“Nope. Bibili lang ako sa restaurant ni Calderon.”

Eva’s face immediately fell and grimaced. “Magaling ka rin lang palang kumain, Your Grace.”

“Yes. I’m good at eating.” When he said that, he was looking straight into Eva’s eyes and Eva couldn’t help her mind from being covered in green moss.

Kasalanan ’to ni ’nay. Simipsip na lang ng fruit tea si Eva habang nililinis ang berde sa utak niya. Kapagkuwan ay kalmadong ibinalik ni Eva ang atensiyon sa pagkain na parang walang berdeng laman ang isip.

“Your Grace, uuwi ba kaagad tayo pagkatapos natin dito?”

“Puwede bang hindi kita iuwi?”

Napaangat ng tingin si Eva kay Terron. “Gusto mong masapak ni ’nay? Kahit pa future duke ka, lalaban ’yon.”

Terron chuckled. “How about we just drive around afterwards? Ayaw pa kitang iuwi.”

Eva went back to eating. “Okay.”

Terron smiled at Eva’s nonchalant behavior, as if he did not just confessed yesterday and got rejected by her. He liked it that their friendship remained intact after all that.

“Is it good?” He and Eva ordered different food to try. Seeing her eat with such gusto, he couldn’t help asking.

“Hmm. Masarap.” Tumingin si Eva sa mga napiling pagkain ni Terron na kaunti lang ang bawas. “Busog ka na?”

Napangiwi si Terron bago umamim. “Not to my taste.”

“Akin na lang kung ganun.” Eva was quick to taste all the food Terron chose. “Hmm… masarap naman, Your Grace.”

“You can eat more if you want.” Then Terron opened the bottle of water for Eva before placing it where she could comfortably reach it if she gets thirsty. “Kung may gusto ka pang kainin, magsabi ka lang. I’ll buy it for you.”

“Hmm.” Then Eva returned to eating. Meanwhile, Terron watched her with a soft smile on his lips while enjoying his coffee.

“Siya nga pala, Your Grace,” nag-angat ng tingin si Eva kay Terron at nahuli niya ang binata na nakatingin sa kaniya pero hindi niya pinansin ’yon at nagpatuloy sa tanong niya. “Anong oras tayo bukas? Baka late na naman akong magising.”

Bahagyang kumunot ang nuo ni Terron sa huling sinabi ni Eva. “Bakit ka nga pala late na nagising? Hindi ka ba nakatulog kaagad kagabi?”

“Hmm.” Tumango si Eva. “Hindi ako makatulog minsan.”

“Bakit?”

“Nightmares.” Eva answered as if it was nothing.

“Is it that bad?”

Napatigil sa pagkain si Eva at wala sa sariling napatitig ito kay Terron ng ilang segundo bago sumagot. “Kaya naman. May mga gabi lang na…” hindi natapos ni Eva ang sasabihin ng maalala niya ang bangungot na gabi-gabi niyang nararanasan kapag hindi siya pagod kung matulog.

“If you can’t sleep, you can call me.” Terron offered.

Eva’s eyes snapped at Terron. “I can call you?”

“Yeah.”

The light in Eva’s eyes dimmed. It sounded nice and all, but what happens after Terron leave? Ayaw niyang i-asa sa iba ang kondisyon niya, pero na-appreciate pa rin niya ang offer nito. “Thanks, Your Grace. Maybe I’ll take you on your offer one day.”

One day, huh? Terron knew the meaning hidden in those simple words. Eva had no plans to call him when she couldn’t sleep. There was a tinge of pain in his chest, but what could he do other than respect Eva’s answer?

“I’ll pick you up at eight o’clock in the morning tomorrow.” Ani Terron saka hinawi ang ilang hibla ng buhok na tumatabing sa mukha ng dalaga. “Kain ka lang.”

Eva resumed eating, and Terron couldn’t help worrying. For a nightmare to affect someone’s sleep, it must be severe.

“Ev, would I be overstepping my bounds if I told you I know a psychiatrist and a psychologist that might help you?”

Umiling si Eva. “Okay lang. Ang totoo niyan, may doctor na tumitingin sa’kin kada buwan. May gamot din ako para makatulog. Hindi ko lang minsan iniinom dahil may natural naman akong alam na paraan para makatulog ako. Saka hindi ko gusto ang side effect ng sleeping pills sa’kin. Palaging mabigat ang katawan ko.”

Gustong-gusto ni Terron na magtanong kay Eva kung anong nangyari rito na palagi itong binabangungot pero hindi niya magawa. He had a feeling that he would really overstep his bounds if he asked. Things like that were difficult to talk about.

Lihim na napangiti si Eva ng makita ang ekspresyon ng mukha ni Terron pagkatapos ng mga sinabi niya. Terron looked worried.

“Okay lang ako, Your Grace.” Aniya para maging panatag ito.

“Really?” Terron couldn’t help feeling skeptical. “Are you really okay?”

Tumango si Eva. “Kapag hindi ako nakakatulog sa gabi, bumabawi ako sa umaga.” Iminuwestra ni Eva ang kamay sa ibaba ng mata nito. “See? Walang eyebags ’di ba?”

Eva indeed looked fine from the outside. Terron sighed. “Alright. I’ll hold you to that.”

Ngumiti si Eva. A worried Terron looks charming, to be honest. “Your Grace, bilhan mo na lang ako ng siomao. Malapit lang yong stall nila rito.”

Bumaba ang tingin ni Terron sa marami pang pagkain sa lamesa nila saka mahinang natawa bago tumayo. “Alright. Ilang piraso?”

“Apat.”

“Need more water?”

“Nope. Milktea ang gusto ko.”

“Flavor?”

“Okinawa Milktea, please.”

“Okay. Wait for me.”

Eva watched Terron leave. Unbeknownst to her, she was smiling while watching Terron’s back. Kung hindi lang siya kumakain, natulog na siya. Ganun siya kakomportable sa presensiya ni Terron.

Even after he confessed, she did not feel awkward at all. Kaya nakukuha pa rin niyang tratuhin ang binata na parang walang nangyari.

Ibinalik ni Eva ang atensiyon sa pagkain habang hinihintay si Terron. Hindi naman nagtagal ang binata. Kaagad itong nakabalik at ini-enjoy ni Eva ang Okinawa Milktea na binili nito para sa kaniya kasama na ang siomai.

“Full?” Terron asked after Eva finished everything on the table. “May gusto ka pang kainin?”

Napahawak si Eva sa tiyan. “Sa sobrang kabusugan ko, hindi na ako makahinga. Your Grace, I think you have to roll me home.”

Mahinang natawa si Terron. “Unfortunately, you have to walk. Sa dami ng kinain mo, baka hindi ka matunawan.”

“Yeah. Wait— my secret technique ako sa ganitong sitwasyon.”

Under Terron’s questioning look, Eva brought down her hands to her jeans waist and opened the button to give room to her full stomach. “Hayan…” nakahinga na rin sa wakas ng maluwang si Eva. “Perfect. Komportable na ako.”

Terron looked away and cleared his throat. Eva noticed that and inwardly chuckled. Kaagad na naintidhan ni Eva kung bakit ganun ang reaksiyon ni Terron.

“Come on, Your Grace. Butones lang ’yon. Hindi mo nga nakita ang pagbukas.”

Terron gave Eva an exasperated look. “In case you’ve forgotten, Ev, I like you. And my like comes with desire, so… I would appreciate it if you don’t do that in front of me.”

“Alright. Sorry, Your Grace.”

“Forgiven.”

Hearing that she had been forgiven, Eva laughed softly.

Terron looked at Eva dryly. “Bakit pakiramdam ko ako ang pinagtatawanan mo?”

Mabilis na umiling si Eva habang patawa-tawa pa rin. “Medyo, Your Grace.”

“I feel offended.”

Kaagad na pinigilan ni Eva ang sarili. “Mahigit isang taon tayong magkaibigan, Your Grace, hindi ko akalain na ganito ka magkagusto. I mean, I thought you’re the aggressive type even though you’re innocent most of the time.”

Terron’s gaze on her became heated. “Would you like me to be aggressive?”

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mat ani Eva sa tanong na ’yon ng binata. Kanina lang patawa-tawa siya, pero ngayon ni ngiti hindi niya magawa. It was the way Terron was looking at her. Those ardent eyes and fervent gaze, she was lost for words.

“Well, Ev?”

Eva gulped. “Define aggressive.”

Before Eva could prepare herself, Terron had stood up from his chair and was leaning down on her. His waist bent, his hands were planted on the table, and his handsome face was so close to hers that their lips were only an inch apart.

In that close proximity, Eva’s breath became entangled with its own until she stopped breathing entirely.

“If I kiss you right now, that’s aggressive.” Terron whispered over her lips. “If I slid my tongue inside your mouth while kissing, that’s also aggressive. And if I touched you in places to make you moan, that’s also aggressive.” Then his gaze moved down to her lips. “Although it’s tempting, I rather not do that.” He finally leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. “This will suffice. I don’t want to incur your wrath.”

Eva blinked as Terron pulled back and went back to his seat.

Eva couldn’t hide her shock. Ever since she befriended Terron, this was the first time that he said those kinds of words to her.

Kiss. Tongue. Touching. And moan.

Seeing Eva’s stunned reaction, Terron couldn’t help chuckling. “Did I shock you?”

Wala sa sariling napatango si Eva.

“Was it too much?”

Hindi alam ni Eva kung tatango siya o iiling.

“Did I make you uncomfortable?”

Umiling si Eva. She was just stunned, not uncomfortable.

“That’s good.” Terron smiled softly. “I don’t want to scare you.”

Anong scare? Shock lang ako, shock! Biglang tumayo si Eva. “Maglalakad-lakad ako para mahismasmasan.”

Terron laughed at that and followed Eva from behind. Hinayaan ni Terron ang dalaga na maglakad-lakad ng mag-isa habang tahimik lang siyang nakasunod dito.

After circling the block twice, Eva finally stopped and turned around to face Terron.

“Okay na ako, Your Grace. Nakondisyon ko na ang utak ko.”

Pigil ni Terron ang matawa. “Anong kondisyon?”

“Sobrang bait at inosente kasi ng tingin ko sa’yo, pero ngayon hindi na. Kinondisyon ko na ang utak ko na may kahalayan ka ring taglay para hindi na ako magulat sa susunod.”

Terron couldn’t stop it anymore. He laughed. “Ev, I didn’t even kiss you.”

Eva narrowed her eyes at Terron’s amused expression. “Kaya mas kailangan kong maging alerto.”

Terron finally sobered up and earnestly asked while looking into Eva’s eyes. “Hypothetical question. Would you find my kiss distasteful?”

Eva answered without looking away. “Hypothetical answer—I don’t know.”

Terron chuckled. “Shall we go home?”

“Yes, please.” Sagot ni Eva saka bumulong ito na tanging ito lang ang nakarinig. “Baka bigla akong masama sa after-dinner menu.”

Terron offered his arm, but Eva playfully punched it to push it away. “Huwag lang maging mahalay, Your Grace. Please lang.”

“Paano naging mahalay ang pag-alok ko sa braso ko?” Natatawang tanong ni Terron kay Eva. “I’m being a gentleman.”

“Gentleman, my ass.” Nauna nang naglakad si Eva at patawa-tawa naman si Terron na nakasunod sa likuran nito.

Alam ni Terron na mabait ang tingin sa kaniya ni Eva, pero hindi niya akalaing napaka-inosente ng tingin nito sa kaniya. He was far from being innocent.

Should I … show her my filthy side?

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 10

“ANG aga natin, ah.” Ani Thorn ng bumukas ang bintana ng sasakyan ni Terron na kakaparada lang sa harapan ng bahay nito para kunin ang inorder na pagkain kagabi. “Saan ba ang punta mo at kailangan mo ng pagkain? Mahaba ba ang biyahe—” Napatigil si Thorn sa pagsasalita ng makitang inilagay ni Terron ang hintuturo nito sa harapan ng labi nito na para bang senesenyasan siyang huwag mag-ingay.

Thorn frowned before peeking inside the car to see if Terron was with someone.

In the passenger seat, Thorn saw Eva. She was sleeping. At that moment, he understood why Terron wanted him to be silent.

Nanunudyong ibinalik ni Thorn ang tingin kay Terron. “Ang aga naman ng date natin, ah.”

Terron just chuckled and accepted the food he ordered, then put it on the backseat.

“Okay. Enjoy your date, bud.”

“I will. Thanks.”

Terron rolled up the window and then resumed driving. In the passenger seat, Eva remained asleep. Nang sunduin niya ito, may dala itong beach towel na ginawa nitong kumot saka basta na lang natulog.

Hindi na naman siguro ito nakatulog ng maayos kagabi kaya hinayaan lang ni Terron na matulog si Eva.

It’s a three hours’ drive—more or less—to the beach he chose, and the car was silent for the first hour. Terron was driving and Eva was asleep. Ang tanging tunog lang na maririnig sa loob ng sasakyan ay ang mahinang kanta na nanggagaling sa stereo ng sasakyan na naka-konekta sa cellphone ni Terron.

At dahil sa mga kanta sa cellphone ni Terron, mas lalong naging mahimbing ang tulog ni Eva. From Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Michael Learns to Rock music to David Bowie and Marvin Gaye’s songs. Classic songs one after another. Eva had a good sleep and woke up midway.

“Awake?”

Naghikab si Eva. “Medyo.”

Mahinang natawa si Terron. “Go back to sleep if you’re still sleepy.”

Naghikab ulit si Eva saka ininat ang mga braso. “Nasaan na tayo?”

“Halfway to our destination.”

Eva sniffed the air when she smelled something delicious, then she looked around and found that the smell was coming from the backseat. Base sa logo ng itim na eco bag na bahagyang nakabukas, galing iyon sa restaurant ni Thorn Calderon.

Hinaplos ni Eva ang tiyan. “Parang nagutom ako bigla.”

Terron chuckled. “Kumain ka kung gusto mo. I think there are disposable utensils in there.”

Inalis ni Eva ang seatbelt para maabot ang pagkain sa backseat. Pero hindi ang pagkain galing sa restaurant ni Terron ang kinuha niya kundi ang malaking sitsirya na lays na katabi niyon.

Nang makuha ang lays, umayos kaagad ng upo si Eva saka ibinalik ang inalis nitong seatbelt.

“Want some, Your Grace?” Tanong ni Eva na mabuksan ang lays.

“Sure. Feed me?”

Nagmamaneho si Terron kay walang ibang pagpipilian si Eva kundi ang subuan ng sitsirya ang binata.

Because of what happened last night, Eva’s perception of Terron had changed. He was not innocent anymore like she first thought. He may be nice and considerate, but he had some filthiness in him, too. So, feeding Terron, she had to be careful not to let her fingers touched Terron’s mouth.

However, Terron would always deliberately brush his lips against her fingers.

Eva narrowed her eyes on Terron while a smile was playing on Terron’s lips as he drives.

“Tatlong beses na ’yon, Your Grace. Nananadya ka talaga.”

Terron chuckled. “I’m just showing you a side of me you haven’t seen before.”

“Ayokong makita.”

Terron just chuckled and ask for more chips. So, Eva fed him. Thankfully, Terron had kept his lips to himself this time. At hindi na nito inulit ang ginawa. He went back to being a gentleman again, which made Eva felt relieved and her guard loosened.

“Ubos na?” Tanong ni Terron ng mapansing tumigil na sa pagkain ng sitsirya si Eva.

“Hmm.”

“Give me your hand.”

Eva was so comfortable with Terron, and she trusted him so much that she just gave her hand with little thought. She just realized her mistake when Terron held the palm of her hand and brought her chip dust coated finger to his mouth to lick it clean.

Eva was so surprised that she just sat there and watched Terron lick off her chip dust coated fingers with his tongue.

Nang matapos si Terron, napakurap-kurap na lang si Eva saka sarkastikong nagtanong. “Masaya ka na?”

“Very.” Then Terron smiled like nothing happened. “There’s a wet wipe and tissue in the small compartment.”

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Eva saka binuksan ang small compartment sa sasakyan nito na nasa harapan niya. Ang dami niyang gustong sabihin pero parang bigla siyang nakaramdam ng pagod.

Who would have thought that being licked on the fingers could exhaust her? It was more exhausting than solving her beloved puzzles and fighting against brainiac people.

Whatever. It’s just licking my fingers, anyway. Sa isiping ’yon, naalala niya ang kaparehong sinabi niya sa sarili ng halikan siya sa nuo at sa ilong ni Terron.

It was just a kiss on the forehead. It was just a kiss on the nose.

Then… if all of those things were “just” to her, what was her boundary when it came to Terron?

“Ev, did I make you uncomfortable?”

Nang marinig ni Eva ang tanong na ’yon ng binata, binigay niya ang kaparehong sagot niya rito ng nagdaang gabi.

Umiling siya. In all honesty, she was not uncomfortable.

“That’s a relief.” May naglalarong ngiti sa mga labi ni Terron. “May chips pa sa likod. Kumain ka pa kung gusto mo.”

“Ayoko na.” Tiningnan ng masama ni Eva ang binata. “Baka hindi lang pagdila ang gawin mo sa daliri ko.”

Terron glanced at Eva. “I won’t. I promise.”

Madaling kausap si Eva. Dahil nangako na si Terron, kumuha ulit siya ng bagong chip at kumain. Sinubuan pa rin niya ng sitsirya si Terron pero sa pagkakataong ’to, wala nang ginawang kahalayan ang binata tulad ng pinangako nito.

And while on the road, they got talking. Just some random topics and whatever they could think of, really.

“Wala sa isip kong makipagrelasyon. Busy ako masyado sa pag-aaral ko dati at sa ibang bagay sa buhay ko. Tapos ngayon tumutulong ako sa tindahan, mas lalong wala sa isip ko ’yon.”

“This is a hypothetical question. If I stayed, would you have me?”

“Hypothetical answer—I don’t know.” Tumingin sa labas ng sasakyan si Eva. “Ang dami ko pang kailangang gawin sa buhay. I sometimes even think that I’m running out of time.”

“You’re still young.”

Eva scoffed. “Walang kasiguraduhan ang buhay. Hindi mo alam kung hanggang kailan ka lang mabubuhay. Kailangan magawa ko lahat ng kailangan kong gawin bago pa ako mawala sa mundong ’to.”

Natahimik si Terron at bigla napaisip sa buhay niya ngayon at sa magiging buhay niya pag-uwi niya.

Tulad ni Eva, kailangan niya ring gawin ang mga kailangan niyang gawin bago siya mawala sa mundong ’to. May mga responsabilidad siyang hindi puwedeng talikuran.

“Ev?”

“Hmm?”

“I like you.”

Ilang segundong natahimik si Eva bago sumagot. “Alam ko. Ikatlong beses mo nang sinabi sa akin ’yan, Your Grace.”

“It’s selfish of me, but I don’t want you to forget that in your life, there was a man named Terron Dashwood who likes you a lot.”

For some reason, Eva felt sad. They way Terron was saying it and how his voice became low at the end, there was a tinge of pain in her chest.

“Even if my feelings are unrequited, please don’t forget me, Ev.”

Eva took a deep breath and looked outside the car again before saying, “isa ka sa mga taong hindi ko makakalimutan, Your Grace.”

“That’s good enough for me.” Terron’s voice went back to being lighthearted again. “Anyway, I think your mother will not be very happy with me after this.”

“Huh? Bakit?”

“Wala akong planong iuwi ka ngayong gabi.”

Napatanga si Eva kay Terron. “Your Grace, sigurado akong ba-barbecue-hin ka ng nanay ko.”

Terron smiled and glanced at Eva. “Iuuwi kita kung gusto mo. Pero kung ayos lang sayo, puwede bang bukas na kita iuwi?”

Hindi kaagad sumagot si Eva. Sa halip ay nagtanong ang dalaga. “Saan mo ba ako dadalhin?”

“I booked a buffet-restaurant with different cuisine. Unfortunately, they’re only open for dinner. So… iuuwi kita o hindi?”

Eva was sold the moment she heard about different cuisine. Walang pag-aalinlangan ang sagot niya. “Bukas na tayo umuwi, Your Grace.”

Terron smiled. “Alright. Bukas na kita iuuwi.”

“Hmm. Pero humanda ka bukas kay ’nay.”

“How about you call her now? Ipagpapaalam kita.”

Eva was surprised at that. Then she smiled and listened to Terron. She called her mother and put her on loudspeaker.

“Oh, Eva, napatawag ka. Akala ko ba nagbi-beach kayo ni Sir Terron.”

Bago pa makasagot si Eva, nagsalita na si Terron.

“Good morning ho. This is Terron. Gusto ko lang sanang ipagpaalam si Eva para mamayang gabi. Kung puwede ho sana, bukas ko na ho siya iuuwi sa inyo.

Halos isang buong minutong natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya bago narinig ang boses nito.

“Eva, ’nak?”

Kaagad na sumagot si Eva. “Yes, ’nay?”

“Ayos lang ba sayo ang pinagpapaalam ni Sir Terron? May tiwala ako sa’yo.”

Napangiti si Eva sa tinuran ng ’nay niya. “Ayos lang, ’nay. May tiwala ako kay Terron.”

Hearing that Eva trusted him felt like he had achieved something extraordinary. And he promised to himself not to do anything that would sully that trust.

“Oh, siya. Mag-ingat kayo.”

“Salamat ho.” Ani Terron.

Ini-off ni Eva ang loudspeaker saka inilapit ang cellphone sa tainga nito para sila lang ang magkausap ng ina.

“Salamat sa pagpayag, ’nay.”

“Siguraduhin mong bata ka na hindi ka magiging kasama sa menu.”

Mahinang natawa si Eva. “Opo, ’nay.”

“Huwag kang tatawa-tawa riyan. Maging alerto ka. Baka akitin ka ni Sir Terron.”

Akitin? The memory of Terron licking her fingers came to mind. Tumikhim siya. “See you tomorrow, ’Nay.”

“Maging alerto ka.”

“Opo, ’nay. Bye.”

“Oh, siya. Bye. Ingat.”

Pinatay ni Eva ang tawag at pigil niya ang matawa. Takot na takot talaga ang ’nay niya na makasama siya kakainin ni Terron. Oo nga at medyo maypagkamahalay si Terron pero hindi naman siya nito kakainin—

She remembered him licking her fingers.

Hindi naman siya nito kakainin… ’di ba?

Mabilis siyang napabaling kay Terron. May pagdududa ang tingin niya sa binata.

“What?” Terron asked when he felt Eva’s doubtful look.

Hindi mo naman ako kakainin ’di ba? Ito ang gustong itanong ni Eva pero sobrang nakakahiya naman ’tong tanong na ’to. Hindi lang nakakahiya, napaka-asyumera rin.

So what if Terron’s like comes with desire? Let’s not assume.

“Matagal pa ba tayo?” Tanong ni Eva para maiba ang topic nila.

“Give it thirty minutes or so.”

“Kung ganun, idlip muna ako.” Pinalibot ulit ni Eva ang beach towel na dala sa katawan nito. “Gisingin mo na lang ako kapag dumating na tayo, Your Grace.”

Ang totoo niyan, magtutulog-tulugan lang si Eva dahil ayaw niyang mag-isip ng kung ano-ano pero hindi niya akalaing totoong nakatulog siya. Mahimbing pa.

“Ev, we’re here.”

Naalimpungatan si Eva sa narinig saka minulat ang mga mata at tumingin sa labas. Nag-loading ang utak niya ng makakita siya ng port hindi kalayuan sa kanila.

“Huh…?” Kaagad siyang lumingon kay Terron. “Akala ko magbi-beach tayo?”

Terron habitually fixed Eva’s slightly messy hair because of sleeping in the car, then unlocked the doors. “Yes. We’re going to the beach.”

Confused, Eva stepped out of the car. Akmang kukunin niya ang tote bag niya na may lamang pampalit na damit at iba bang personal na bagay ng maunahan siya ni Terron. And he didn’t give it to her.

Instead, he put her large tote bag over his right shoulder while the backpack he owned was on his left shoulder. And in his hand was the black eco bag from Thorn Calderon’s restaurant.

“Come on. Let’s go.” Ani Terron kay Eva.

Seeing that Terron was walking as if he was not carrying anything, Eva just let her tote bag be and followed Terron.

Nang sabihin ni Terron na gusto nitong mag-beach, ang nasa isip ni Eva ay maliligo sila sa dagat, tatambay sa dalampasigan at magri-renta ng cottage kung mayroon man.

Dahil sa palaging pagtulong sa kaniya ni Terron at pagiging baggage boy nito, nakalimutan niyang iba ang depinisyon ni Terron ng “mag-beach”.

For Terron, going to the beach means renting a freaking luxurious looking yacht!

Eva’s train of thoughts had frozen as she watched Terron accept the key to the yacht’s bridge from one of the Coleman twins. She says ‘one’ because she couldn’t tell who was who when it comes to the Coleman twins.

“Thanks, Lath. I’ll owe you one.”

Eva’s mind had frozen that she didn’t hear when Lath said, “enjoy your date” before leaving.

“Come on, Ev.” Terron offered his free hand at the shocked Eva.

Wala sa sariling tinanggap naman iyon ni Eva saka hinayaan ang binata na igiya siya nito pasakay sa yate.

It was relatively a simple yacht, not overly luxurious, but it had a complete interior.

A kitchenette, a room with a bed and bathroom, a set of sofas near the floor to ceiling glass window, a dining set and a mini bar facing the glass wall, overlooking the sea. And in the corner was a wooden staircase leading to the bridge that was also connected to the sundeck.

Eva was still in shock as she joined Terron on the yacht’s bridge and watched him maneuvered the boat away from the port and into the sea.

The scenery was so beautiful that she found herself lounging on the sundeck, watching the blue sea and the horizon without care for the sun until the yacht stopped and she felt a beach towel wrapped around her from behind.

“Put on a sunscreen. You’re going to have sunburn, Ev.”

Hindi pinansin ni Eva ang sinabi ni Terron saka humarap dito. “So, this is your definition of beach, Your Grace.”

Iminuwestra ni Terron ang kamay sa medyo may kalayuan na dalamsigan pero kitang-kita pa rin ang maputing buhangin niyon. “Beach.”

Napakurap-kurap siya sa tinuro nitong “beach” at napabuntong-hininga. “Sabi ko nga. Beach.”

Terron chuckled and fixed Eva’s tangled hair again because of the wind. “Kumain muna tayo. Kung gusto mong maligo sa dagat, may swimming platform sa ibaba. Samahan kita. Safe naman ang parteng ’to para maligo, so no need to worry. Just enjoy.”

Tumango lang si Eva saka walang imik na ihinilig ang katawan sa binata saka ipinatong ang nuo sa balikat nito.

“Give me a sec, Your Grace. Medyo shock pa ako.”

Terron just chuckled and let Eva gather her wits.

“Your Grace?”

“Hmm.”

“You’re unbelievable.” Eva sounded as if she was complaining, but her voice held no sharpness. “Dahil sa pagiging baggage boy mo, nakakalimutan kong magkaiba tayo ng mundo.”

“As long as we breathe the same air, we will always be in the same world, Ev.”

“Oo na lang. Nagutom ako bigla.”

“Kanina ka pa gutom.” Natatawang ani ni Terron.

“That’s true.”

“Come on, let’s eat.”

Holding Eva’s hand again, Terron pulled Eva to the dining table below. At habang hinahain ni Eva ang pagkain na binili ni Terron sa restaurant ni Thorn, gumagawa naman ng kape si Terron. Thanks to the coffeemaker in the yacht. Since Eva didn’t like black coffee, Terron made an iced latte for her. It was a good thing that he asked Lath to buy him a cooler earlier this morning and filled it with ice cubes and a box of whole milk.

Eva was amazed when Terron placed an iced latte on the dining table in front of her. “Puwede ka nang maging barista, Your Grace.” Aniya ng matikman ’yon.

Natawa lang si Terron saka umupo sa bakanteng upuan sa tabi niya.

“Ang daming upuan na bakante, Your grace.” Eva just narrowed her eyes at Terron, while Terron smiled back. “This is a six-seater dining table.”

“Hmm. I know. Gusto ko lang umupo sa tabi mo.” Kalmadong sagot ni Terron.

Hindi na nagkomento pa si Eva at kumain na lang dahil gutom na siya. As usual, the food in Thorn Calderon’s restaurant tasted heavenly. She enjoyed it immensely, that she let out a sigh of satisfaction after the meal.

Meanwhile, Terron smiled, seeing Eva’s satisfied expression.

“Ang dami pang pagkain.” Komento ni Eva habang hinahaplos ang busog niyang tiyan.

“That’s okay. Siguradong magugutom ka mamaya kapag lumangoy ka.”

“That’s true…” tumayo si Eva sa hapagkainan saka ini-explore ang kabuonan ng yate. “Pag-aari ba ’to ni Lath?” Tanong niya kay Terron ng makabalik.

Terron nodded. “One of the Coleman’s businesses is Yacht Charter and Brokerage.”

Napa-o na lang ang labi ni Eva sa narinig. Alam niyang mayayaman ang maiingay nilang customer sa barbecue-han nila pero minsan dahil sa kabaliwan ng mga ito, nakakalimutan niya iyon. Or maybe it’s because those crazy people who liked to drink beer and eat barbecue in their store didn’t put on airs.

“By the way, Your Grace,” tinuro ni Eva ang pintuan ng kuwarto kung saan may isang kama lang. “Dito ba tayo matutulog mamaya? Isa lang ang kama.”

Terron calmly sipped his coffee. “It’s a queen bed.”

“Nakita ko nga. Pero isa lang.”

“It’s big enough for two, Ev.”

Napakurap-kurap si Eva kay Terron. “We’re sharing a bed?”

Seeing the expression on Eva’s face as if she couldn’t process in her mind what he just said, Terron continued with his joke. He was actually planning to sleep on the sofa tonight. “Of course. Where would I sleep? The sofa is uncomfortable.”

Wala sa sariling bumaling si Eva sa sofa pagkatapos ay ibinalik ang tingin kay Terron, kapagkuwan ay napatingin ulit sa sofa. “Your Grace?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m very sure that’s a sofa bed.” Ani Eva sabay turo sa sofa.

Terron was holding back his laughter. “Is that so?”

“Hmm. Hindi mo ba alam kung paano gawing sofa bed ang—” napatigil sa pagsasalita si Eva ng mapansing umaalog ang balikat ni Terron dahil sa pinipigil nitong natawa. “You knew it’s a sofa bed.”

Terron couldn’t hold back his laughter anymore. “I’m sorry, Ev. I can’t resist teasing you.” He said between laughter.

Gustong sapakin ni Eva si Terron sa inis. But battery was a criminal offense, so she settled on glaring at the future duke.

“I’m sorry.” Terron finally sobered up and pulled a pitiful face in front of Eva. “Forgive me?”

“Bigyan mo ako ng rason kung bakit kita patatawarin, Your Grace.”

“Um… I won’t do it again?”

“You look like a repeat offender to me, Your Grace.”

Terron smiled innocently. “Presumption of innocence, Ev. I’m innocent until proven guilty.”

“You are guilty.” Eva said with utmost confidence. “By your words, you said you can’t resist teasing me. Put an emphasis on can’t resist. I will take that as circumstantial evidence which proves my point that there is a high chance of you being a repeat offender, Your Grace.”

Terron blinked at Eva. “Why do I feel like I’m being persecuted in court?”

Ngumiti si Eva. “So? Still sharing a bed with me?”

Mabilis na umiling si Terron. “The sofa bed seems comfortable.”

“I thought so.” Eva’s smiled widened, then she picked up her tote bag and went to the bedroom.

Terron could only sigh and went back to silently sipping his coffee.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11

WHEN Eva came out of the bedroom, she had already changed into her swimwear—a black boy-leg one-piece swimsuit with long sleeve. Hindi siya komportable magsuot ng swimsuit na kita ang singit o cleavage niya kaya halos lahat ng swimsuit niya balot na balot ang katawan niya.

Kaagad na naramdaman ni Eva ang mga mata ni Terron sa kaniya.

Humarap siya sa binata saka tinaasan ito ng kilay. “What?”

“Nothing.” He smiled. “You look sexy.”

Umingos si Eva. “Mamumulaklak ang bibig mo sa mga pinagsasasabi mo, Your Grace. How can this kind of swimwear look sexy?”

Terron shrugged. “You can still be sexy without showing skin, Ev.”

That was pleasing to hear, so she happily went to the swimming platform of the yacht. Sumunod naman si Terron kay Eva para samahan ito. Just in case something unexpected happens.

“Naglagay ka na ba ng sunblock?” Tanong ni Terron sa dalaga na kaagad umahon ang ulo pagkatapos nitong basta na lang tumalon sa dagat.

“Yep.”

Terron sat on the edge of the swimming platform to accompany Eva and watched her swim around. Halatang magaling itong lumangoy kaya medyo nabawasan ang pag-aalala niya, pero hindi pa rin siya umalis.

Dahil sa anggulo ng araw at sa posisyon ng yate, hindi masyadong naarawan ang swimming platform na kinauupuan ni Terron kaya malaya siyang samahan doon si Eva.

“Don’t swim too far, Ev.” Paalala niya rito.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Terron leaned back against the wall behind him and just watched Eva silently. It was peaceful and therapeutic. Just the sound of the water gently lapping against the yacht and the sound of Eva swimming around. Terron had this dangerous thought of just staying there and continue this kind of life.

Palagi niyang pinapaalala sa sarili na kailangan niyang umuwi dahil may mga responsabilidad siya, pero sa pagkakataong ’yon, kung magiging tapat siya sa sarili niya, ganitong buhay ang gusto niya.

Tahimik. Payapa. At higit sa lahat, kasama niya si Eva.

Sa bawat araw na dumadaan, mas lalong lumalalim ang pagkagusto niya sa dalaga. It was a good thing that he just realized his feelings now because if he had realized them a year ago, he would be completely crazy about Eva right now.

Napatigil sa pag-iisip si Terron ng makitang lumalangoy patungo sa kaniya ang dalaga pero hindi ito umahon ng makalapit ito sa swimming platform. She just floats in front of him while glancing at him from time to time, as if she had something to say.

He was amused, so he pretended not to notice her.

Finally, she called for his attention.

“Your Grace?”

He looked down at Eva. “Hmm?”

Sinilip nito ang kayak na naka-tali si gilid ng yate. Halata ang interes sa mukha nito. “Puwede ko bang gamitin ’yong kayak para pumunta sa dalampasigan? Babalik din ako kaagad. Promise.”

He had always been overprotective of Eva even before he realized and admit his feelings for her, so his answer was an automatic “no”. But seeing Eva’s interest on the kayak and the beach at the distance, he couldn’t say “no”.

What a dilemma. He sighed and chose to compromise. “Puwede ba akong sumama? I’ll be worried sick if I stayed here and just wait for you to return.”

Eva’s face softened before she agreed. “Sige ba! Kakapagod kayang mag-sagwan.”

That made Terron chuckled, then he got up to change clothes and get some money just in case before fetching the kayak.

Eva didn’t need help to get on the kayak, so it didn’t take long for Eva and Terron to be on their way to the beach. At dahil si Terron ang nagsasagwan, hawak-hawak ni Eva ang underwater action camera na dala ni Terron.

Dahil hindi naman busy si Eva, kinunan na lang niya si Terron ng video na nagsasagwan ito.

“Say eggplant, Your Grace!”

Terron laughed before saying, “eggplant.”

Eva laughed and continued moving the camera to video Terron and then herself then back to Terron again.

“So, Your Grace, base sa experience mo, gaano kahirap magsagwan?” Patawa-tawang tanong ni Eva.

Terron chuckled. “Hmm… kakakain pa lang na pasahero ko kaya nahihirapan ako.”

Tiningnan ng masama ni Eva si Terron. “Sinasabi mo bang mabigat ako?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You’re implying it.”

Terron just winked at the camera and since Eva was looking at the camera screen, she felt like Terron’s wink was meant for her.

“Napaka-unfair talaga ng mga guwapo. Kindat-kindat lang, nakakawala na ng inis.” Pabulong na sabi ni Eva pero narinig iyon ni Terron.

“Akala ko immune ka na sa mga guwapo—lalo na sa’kin.”

Eva clicked her tongue. “It’s your fault. Mas guwapo ka kapag pinagpapawisan.” Ngayon lang ’yon napansin ni Eva.

Terron grinned. “I should sweat more then.”

“Nagiging mahalay ka na naman, Your Grace.”

“Anong mahalay sa pagpapapawis?”

“Basta! Tunog mahalay! Magsagwan ka na lang diyan.”

Terron laughed before playfully scooping water onto his palm and splashing it on Eva’s face.

“Ah, ’yan ang gusto mo?” Hindi magpapatalo si Eva kung sabuyan ng tubig ang labanan.

Her hands were so fast on splashing water on Terron that Terron had stopped rowing because he couldn’t see anything!

“I admit defeat, Ev!” Said Terron while laughing his ass off. “I admit defeat!”

“Hmp!” Tumigil si Eva dahil sumuko na ang kalaban.

However, the moment she let her guard down, Terron used the kayak’s paddle to splash a large amount of water on her.

Kung wala lang sila sa dagat, nasisiguro ni Eva na may nagawa na siyang hindi maganda sa binata. Alam niyang delikado kung gagalaw siya ngayon kaya naman nagpanggap siyang hindi big deal ang ginawa ng binata sa kaniya at nakangiti siyang nakipag-usap dito.

Terron thought Eva had forgiven him.

Oh, how naïve he was.

The moment they reached the beach, got off the kayak and pulled it to the shore, Eva picked up the kayak’s paddle and used it to slap his ass. Then she burst out laughing.

“Ev!”

Kaagad na napatigil si Eva sa pagtawa at pag-celebrate ng paghihiganti niya ng makita ang kislap ng mga mata ni Terron.

Danger—run! Let’s run!

Kaagad na kumaripas ng takbo si Eva na kaagad namang hinabol ni Terron.

“Ev, come back here! Stop!”

“Bakit ako titigil e hinahabol mo ako?! Ginagago mo ako, Your Grace!”

“Ev!”

“No! I’m not stopping!”

Eva ran even faster, and then an idea came to mind. She made a sudden turn and then she started running back to their kayak.

With a strength she didn’t know she possess; she pushed the kayak back to water. Pero sa sobrang pagmamadali niya, nakalimutan niya ang paddle na ngayon ay hawak na ni Terron.

Eva had the kayak, Terron had the paddle.

What now?

Nagkatitigan ang dalawa.

Kahit saan anggulo tingnan, dehado si Eva.

So, Eve did the most rational thing to do in her situation.

She did an arm heart pose over her head. “Your Grace… forgive me?”

Terron immediately conceded. Partly because he was afraid that the water current would pull the kayak and without the paddle, it’ll be dangerous. And of course, it’s because of the arm heart pose.

With the paddle, he swam toward the kayak and easily climbed aboard.

“Sorry dahil pinalo ko ang puwet mo.” Ani Eva na hindi makatingin ng deretso kay Terron.

Terron inwardly smiled at Eva’s not-really-guilty expression. “Sorry I splashed you with tons of water. Peace?”

“Okay. Peace.”

Terron smiled and rowed their kayak back to the shore again. This time, they were peaceful, and Eva was even holding Terron’s hand while dragging him to the small food cart selling dang dang que. Good thing he brought some money with him.

Terron was not sure if Eva was aware that she was holding his hand tightly while waiting for a newly cooked dang dang que.

“Hindi ka pa nakakatikim nito ’di ba, Your Grace? Masarap ’to. Promise. As in. Ay, wait—wala akong dalang pera!”

“Just order. Nagdala ako ng pera.”

Kaagad na bumalik ang sigla sa mukha ni Eva.

Napangiti naman si Terron. He was enjoying Eva’s hand holding his. Pinagdarasal niya na sana hindi nito kaagad mapansin na magkahawak ang kamay nila. He wanted it to last a little longer.

“Nuong elementary ako, may nagbebenta nito sa labas ng school namin.” Pagkuwento ni Eva. “Kaya lang pinagbawalan ako ni ’nay na bumili kaya palagi akong nagtatago sa kaniya para lang makabili ng dang dang que. Kaso alam niya kaagad kung nasaan ako kapag nawala ako sa harapan niya kaya palagi rin niya akong nahuhuli.”

“It seems like you’re very close to your mother.”

Natigilan si Eva sa narinig at dumaan ang emosyong hindi mabasa ni Terron sa mukha nito bago ito nakangiting tumango. “Hmm. Close kami ng ’nay ko.”

Terron was involuntarily drawn to Eva who was excited for the dang dang que. If his memory served him right, Eva never showed this kind of emotion in front of the lunatics. Every time they’re in Eva’s store, Eva would always have a grumpy, bored and exasperated look as if she wanted to be away from them.

However, when it was just the two of them, she would show different kinds of emotions. Kaya hindi maintindihan ng mga kaibigan niya kapag sinasabi niyang easy to talk to si Eva at komportableng kasama. Because she never showed this side of her to others.

And he liked that.

Terron liked that this side of Eva was only for him. That’s right. The others didn’t need to know this side of Eva. It was enough that it was just him who knew.

Terron brought his hands to cover his mouth when he realized something and felt a little ashamed.

I said I’m not possessive… and look at me now. But as long as his possessiveness does not impede or hurt Eva in any way… then it’s okay, I guess.

He sighed. Now he’s justifying himself. Great.

“Here you go, Your Grace!” Eva handed one dang dang que to Terron. “Ihipan mo muna, Your Grace. Mainit pa ’yan.”

Unfortunately, he had to let go of Eva’s hand to pay.

But maybe he was lucky today. Hinawakan na naman ni Eva ang kamay at hinila na naman siya ng dalaga patungo sa may edad nang lalaki na nagbebenta ng buko hindi kalayuan.

“Gusto mo, Your Grace?”

Mahinang natawa si Terron. “Nagtatanong ka kung gusto ko pero bumili ka na ng dalawa.”

“Huh? Para sakin ang dalawang ’to, Your Grace.”

“Sabi ko nga.” Bakit hindi na ako nagulat? Being with Eva, he knew how much of a foodie she was. “Then buy me one, please.”

Soon after, Eva and Terron were sitting on the white sand under a tree, eating dang dang que and sipping buko juice .

“Ah. This is life.” Puno ng kasiyahang ani ni Eva ng maubos nito ang dang dang que at sumimsim ng buko juice. “Nagutom ako sa pag-kayak natin.”

“Parang siya ang nagsagwan, ah.” Tudyo ni Terron sa dalaga.

Nagbingi-bingihan naman si Eva saka sumimsim ulit ng buko juice. Pagkalipas ng ilang segundo, komportableng ihinilig ni Eva ang ulo sa balikat ni Terron saka ipinikit ang mga mata.

Their surroundings were peaceful that Eva dozed off and came awake when she felt a kiss fell on the top of her head.

She instantly knew it was Terron, so she did not react and let him be.

Pinapakiramdaman niya ang sarili. Gusto niyang malaman kung hanggang saan ang kaya niyang i-tolerate pagdating kay Terron. So far, everything that Terron had done did not violate her bottom line, which was surprising.

Or maybe it’s because it was Terron that she could tolerate him?

What was her bottom line before when it came to men? Simple answer—no touching. But Terron had already gone past that. He licked her fingers, for heaven’s sake! Pero hindi pa rin siya nagalit dito.

Is this what they call preferential treatment? Probably. No. I’m sure it is.

Eva, who had no experience in any kind of romance and was only focused on things that serves her purpose, was having a hard time grasping what was going on with her.

But it’s not like this is harming me or anyone I care about… with this thought, Eva decided to just let things be, since she perceived it as harmless.

“Ev?”

“Hmm?”

“Sleepy?”

Naghikab si Eva. “Medyo.”

“Let’s go back?”

“Hmm. Okay.”

It was really interesting to Eva that when she was with Terron, she always feels sleepy.

Tulad ng pagpunta sa beach ng dalawa, si Terron ulit ang nagsagwan pabalik sa yate. Pagkadating nila, kaagad na dumeretso si Eva sa kuwarto para magbanlaw, magbihis at matulog.

Pero hindi siya nakatulog kahit ramdam niyang antok na antok siya. This was the same as when she was alone in her room. She couldn’t sleep unless exhausted.

But she was desperate for sleep. So, she listened to the desperate idea in her head without ruminating on it.

Bumangon siya sa kama at lumabas ng kuwarto. Tamang-tama naman na kakalabas lang ni Terron sa banyo pagkatapos nitong magbanlaw at magpalit ng damit.

Walang sabi-sabing hinawakan ito ni Eva sa pulsuhan saka walang imik pa ring hinila patungo sa kuwarto.

Terron was so stunned that he couldn’t form a word to ask. He just looked at Eva as she dragged him to sit on the bed, leaning against the bed’s headboard while she sleeps on the other side of the bed.

He was speechless. Wala siyang ideya kung anong nangyari dahil wala namang ibinigay na eksplinasyon sa kaniya ang dalaga. Basta na lang siya nito pina-upo sa gilid ng kama at natulog naman ito.

Maybe she wants my company as she sleeps? Iyon lang ang eksplinasyon mayroon siya.

Oh, well. It was not like he was against it. He enjoyed staying close to Eva.

What he did next was to leave to room to get the book he packed this morning, then he went back, sat on the bed, his back against the headboard, and opened the book to read silently.

EVA CAME awake a few hours later after she dragged Terron to the bedroom so she could sleep. At that moment, she didn’t need to be a genius to figure out that Terron was her very own human-size sleeping pills.

She felt great! But what was not great was that her sleeping pill was leaving in two months!

Tumihaya siya ng higa sa kama at napatitig sa kisame. Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago niya na-realize na kasama pa rin niya si Terron sa kama.

But Terron was not lying on the bed. He was reading a book with a title The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene.

Natigilan si Eva sa pagtitig kay Terron ng bigla na lang nitong isinara ang librong binabasa saka bumama ang tingin sa kaniya.

“Awake?”

Tumango siya. “Anong oras na?”

Terron checked his wristwatch. “Quarter to six.” Then he looked at Eva again, with amusement this time. “Want to sleep some more or watch the sunset with me?”

Mabilis na bumangon si Eva. “Sunset!”

Terron left the bed as well. “Sa sundeck tayo. Mas maganda do’n manood ng sunset. Take your beach towel with you. Baka lamigin ka doon.”

Eva moved obediently, thinking that she should be nice to her highly effective sleeping pill.

Nang makarating sila sa sundeck, tinungo ni Terron ang bridge para pagalawin ang yate at humanap ng magandang puwesto para manood ng sunset. Only after Terron found the perfect spot did he stop the yacht and joined Eva in the sundeck on the u-shaped sofa set.

Seeing the beautiful sunset, he took out his phone from his pocket and took a quick photo. Then he uploaded it to his social media account with no caption. Just the photo.

The lunatics, of course, made a fuss. Not in the comment section of his post, but in their group chat. Shun took a screenshot of his post and sent it to their group chat. Lath and Thorn took the lead in teasing him and spreading the “gossip” about his date.

Sa halip na basahin ang kaguluhan sa group chat, ini-lock niya ang cellphone at bumaling kay Eva na katatapos lang din kunan ng larawan ang papalubog na araw at ngayon ay tahimik lang na nakatingin sa karagatan.

Seeing the beautiful view in front of him, Terron, once again, couldn’t help snapping a photo of Eva.

After the shutter sound echoed in the air, Eva turned to look at Terron’s phone. Terron snapped another shot.

Kumunot ang nuo ni Eva. “Sarili mo kaya ang picture-ran mo, Your Grace.”

“I find you more appealing to the eye.”

Umingos si Eva. “Sa mahigit isang taong pagkakaibigan natin, Your Grace, hindi ko akalain na mabulaklak ang bibig mo.”

“I want to attract my bee.”

Eva’s lips parted and added ‘flirty’ to Terron’s growing list of new attitudes after he confessed to her. This was a new side of Terron she was seeing. Siguro dahil kaibigan ang turing nito sa kaniya noon kaya ngayon lang lumabas itong mga nakakagulat na ugali ng binata.

“Ev?”

Wala sa sariling lumingon si Eva sa binata. “Hmm—” she froze and swallowed her words when she realized the distance between Terron’s face and hers.

Just an inch. She could feel Terron’s breath against her skin. The warmth and the tingling sensation that followed.

Eva felt like she was taken back to the time in the open market when Terron brought his face closed to hers. And just like that time, her breathing got entangled before she stopped breathing entirely.

“Breathe, Ev.”

Eva let go of the breath she was holding; her eyes were still on Terron’s.

Terron’s eyes glistened with amusement. “That nervous?”

“Hindi ako madaling manerbiyos, Your Grace.”

“Then why did your breathing stop?”

“I was just shocked, not nervous.”

“Is that so?”

“Hmm.”

Without warning, Terron crossed the distance between their faces and placed a soft kiss on Eva’s cheek. “Angry?”

Eva responded honestly. “No.”

“Can I do more?”

“Define… more?”

“Kiss you… on the lips.”

Biglang napalunok si Eva ng laway. Because she realized something at that very moment—her bottom line didn’t matter when it comes to Terron. It scared her. And Terron saw that glint of fear in Eva’s eyes.

Instantly, he pulled away and put a distance between them. “Sorry, Ev. Was I being too much?”

Napatitig si Eva kay Terron. Too much? Is it too much? Eva had no idea. Because to her, a kiss on the lips was not too much. Wait… am I still right in the head? How could a kiss on the lips not be too much?! It’s too much, right?

“Um…” It was the first time for Eva not to have an answer to such a simple question. “I don’t know.”

“Should I step away?”

“Huh? Why?” Naguguluhang tanong ni Eva.

At dahil sa naguguluhang tanong na ’yon ni Eva, naguluhan din si Terron.

“I don’t think we’re on the same page, Ev.”

Eva blinked at Terron. Then it dawn on her. “Yeah. I think so too, Your Grace.”

The serious atmosphere was broken by Terron’s chuckle. Then he rested his forehead on Eva’s shoulder. “Is this uncomfortable?”

“Hindi naman.”

Terron slightly pulled away to drop a kiss on Eva’s shoulder. “This?”

“Hindi rin.”

“How about this?”

Eva felt a soft set of lips kissed the side of her neck. Biglang nagtaasan ang balahibo niya. “That’s…”

“Uncomfortable?”

“…ticklish.”

Terron chuckled as if he found something funny before going back to resting his forehead on Eva’s shoulder. “Ev?”

“Hmm?”

“I think you have a different view of what’s comfortable or not. Either that or you like me too as more than a friend.”

Eva’s clueless brain froze, and it remained like that even after Terron docked the yacht and went to have dinner at the buffet restaurant.

And because of that, Eva overate.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 12

EVA felt her brain malfunctioned for a few hours that she couldn’t enjoy their sumptuous dinner—the reason why they stayed for the night. At kahit oras na ang lumipas, hindi pa rin matanggap ng utak niya ang mga sinabi ni Terron at patuloy na gumagawa ng rason ang utak niya para kontrahin ’yon.

Pero kahit anong kontra niya sa sinabi ni Terron, may parte sa isip niya na sumasangayon dito.

Maybe the reason why her bottom line didn’t exist when it comes to Terron was because she liked him as more than a friend. But Eva was not the kind of woman who easily believed something without proof.

How could she get a proof that she liked Terron like that? That Terron’s feeling for her was not unrequited?

Sitting alone on the sundeck, she called the only guy she had a close relationship with.

“What is it?” The person on the other side immediately asked after the call got connected.

“May tanong ako, Eth.” Mabilis na sagot ni Eva.

“I’m in the middle of class. Make it quick.”

Eva pursed her lips before asking. “Paano mo masasabi na may gusto ka sa isang tao? The romantic kind of like.”

Natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya at lumipas ang ilang segundo bago narinig ulit ni Eva ang boses ng kausap.

“Answer the problem on the board with the formula I provided. I will give you ten minutes.” Then Ethan turned his complete attention to Eva, “as for you Ev, I will give you ten minutes to explain.”

Napakagat-labi si Eva. “Bakit parang kasalanan ko?”

“Explain!”

Napaigtad si Eva saka humaba ang nguso nito. “Huwag mo akong sigawan. Mas matanda ako sa’yo.”

Ethan let out an exasperated sigh. “I don’t care. Explain yourself, Ev.”

Nakasimangot na ikinuwento ni Eva kay Ethan ang lahat ng naaalala niya mula ng makilala niya si Terron hanggang sa mga sinabi ng binata kanina.

Wala siyang itinago.

Pagkatapos niyang magkuwento, halos buong minuto ang dumaan bago narinig ni Eva ang paghinga ng malalim ni Ethan.

“Ev?”

“Yes, Eth?” Eva expectantly listened to Ethan’s next words.

“Are you an idiot?”

Sumama ang mukha ni Eva. “Hey! That’s foul. How dare you!”

“No! How dare you !” Ethan snapped. “How can you not know if you like someone or not?! What are you? A child?!” Ethan couldn’t help raising his voice in irritation. “And not only that, but you’re also asking for a proof?! After letting him kiss you on the forehead, nose, cheeks and neck. You’re an idiot indeed! You want proof? You are the proof! You even let him lick your fingers! You are your own witness, you hear me?!” Ethan huffed after shouting in annoyance. “God. I’m so angry. Bye!”

The call ended. Just like that. Leaving Eva speechless and in disbelief that her little Ethan had shouted at her as if he was not a little baby.

Meanwhile, on the other line, Ethan wanted to push Eva to date Terron Dashwood. Maybe, just maybe, Terron could stop Eva from doing anything reckless or anything that would lead to death. But Ethan knew Eva. She was a stubborn one. It would take a world to stop Eva’s reckless and stubborn behavior.

Ethan sighed and uttered a quick prayer for Terron Dashwood. Eva may be academically smart, but emotionally, she was stupid as it gets. Her life only revolved around school, books, and puzzles, after all.

How would Eva fare in front of romance, Ethan had no idea nor expectation. He just prayed that Eva would be happy and wouldn’t drown in despair from their past.

Back on the yacht, Eva was still gaping at her phone. Hindi na lang ngayon ang mga salita ni Terron ang gumugulo sa utak niya, pati na rin ang mga salita ni Ethan.

I’m my own witness? I’m the proof? Napabuntong-hininga si Eva saka napatingin sa kalangitan na puno ng bituin. This needs a thorough investigation. Thus, Eva searched on the net about liking someone and ended up reading an article written by a one of the famous online publication.

First—you can’t stop thinking about them. Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Eva. Parang hindi naman siya ganun kay Terron. Maraming laman ang isip niya, hindi lang ito.

Second—you know them better than anyone else. Nasisiguro ni Eva na marami siyang hindi alam tungkol kay Terron.

Third—you often think about a future with the person. To be honest, not really. Eva knew that Terron had to leave, so any future plans with him would be a waste of time.

Fourth—you prioritized spending time with them. When Eva read this one, she stilled because the answer was yes. Iniwan niya ang mga panindad niya na nagkalat sa sahig para lang mag-kape kasama si Terron dahil inaya siya nito.

Fifth—you feel safe. Eva stilled again. Indeed, she felt safe with Terron. She could sleep deeply in his presence. She liked it.

Sixth—you’re more affectionate. Nang mabasa iyon ni Eva, napabuntong-hininga na lang siya. This was a yes as well. It felt nice to be kissed by Terron. Although she was uncertain if she would feel the same way if he kissed her on the lips. But based on her reaction earlier, it seemed she was not against it.

Malakas na bumuntong-hininga ulit si Eva. Parang nag-uumpisa na siyang matakot sa listahan na ’to.

Lastly—you feel you’re on top of the world. Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Eva. No! I feel confused!

Sa pitong nasa listahan, tatlo lang ang may-check kay Eva. Did that mean she didn’t really like Terron? That Ethan was mistaken?

Thus, Eva ended up reading a few more articles about liking someone after that. When her head started to hurt afterwards because of all these confusing information in her mind, she rolled her eyes and shouted in frustration, “whatever! May gusto o wala, wala akong paki!”

“Ev?”

Napaigtad si Eva ng marinig ang boses ni Terron sa likuran niya.

Narinig ba siya nito? Pero wala naman siyang pinangalanan kaya safe siya.

Dahan-dahang humarap si Eva sa binata. “Your Grace… may kailangan ka?”

Dinig na dinig ni Terron ang sigaw ni Eva. Is she still out of it? Kanina pa niya napansin na wala sa sarili si Eva kaya naman dumistansiya muna siya rito pagkabalik nila sa yate. Pero may kailangan siya sa dalaga kaya pinuntahan niya ito rito sa sundeck.

“Magtatanong lang ako kung puwede kung kunin ’yong isang unan sa kuwarto?” Ani Terron.

“Huh? Bakit?” Naguguluhang tanong ni Eva.

“You told me to sleep on the sofa, remember?”

Nagpanggap si Eva na nagka-amnesia siya. “Huh? I did?”

Terron’s eyes glistened with something mischievousness as he asked back. “So… you want to sleep with me now?”

Napakurap-kurap si Eva dahil iba ang pagkakaintindi niya sa tanong na ’yon ni Terron. “Your Grace, masyado namang intense ang tanong mo. It’s sharing a bed, Your Grace, not sleeping together.” I need my sleeping pill!

Terron hid his smile. “Isn’t that the same thing?”

“Hindi, ah. Mahalay pakinggan ang sinabi mo.”

Terron was amused. “So… let’s share a bed?”

Kumunot ang nuo ni Eva. “Bakit mahalay pa rin pakinggan?”

“Maybe it’s not me but you, Ev.” Tukso ni Terron sa dalaga.

Natigilan si Eva at bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata. Hala… nagiging green minded na ba ako?

Tumikhim si Eva saka umaktong hindi nito narinig ang sinabi ni Terron. “Malapad naman ’yong kama. Share na lang tayo. May tiwala ako sayo, Your Grace.”

Terron couldn’t help smiling at Eva’s last words. “Alright. Let’s share a bed.” Then he went to sit beside Eva on the sofa. “Tapos ka na bang mag-isip?”

Napatitig si Eva kay Terron. “Mag-isip sa ano?”

“About what I said earlier. You were out of it the whole dinner, so I thought you were thinking about it.”

“Ah.” Huminga ng malalim si Eva saka tiningala ang kalangitan. “Yeah. I’d been thinking about it. Ang totoo niyan, hindi ko alam kung may gusto ako sayo o wala, Your Grace. Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa kakaisip kaya nagdesisyon akong huwag na lang mag-isip.”

“That’s okay. At least it’s not a straight ‘no’.”

Ibinalik ni Eva ang tingin kay Terron. “Aren’t we optimistic?”

Terron shrugged before resting his head on Eva’s shoulder. “I like you, Ev. I won’t lie and say that I wouldn’t be happy if you liked me too, because I’ll be thrilled for sure. But I don’t want you to be so out of it or lose sleep over it. It’s okay if you don’t like me. Okay na sakin ’to.”

Nakahinga ng maluwang si Eva sa mga sinabi ni Terron, pero gusto pa rin niyang malaman kung talagang mag gusto siya sa binata. Kaya naman kailangan niyang mag-imbestiga. At isa lang ang klase ng imbestigasyon na nasa isip niya—halik.

That’s right. A kiss.

After reading a few articles about liking someone, Eva came out with a plausible hypothesis. If she enjoyed the kiss, then that means she’s attracted to Terron. And if she wanted to do more than kissing, that means she liked him. But if she found the kiss distasteful, then that means she only thinks of Terron as a friend.

Simple, right?

“Your Grace?”

“Hmm?”

“Umayos ka ng upo at humarap ka sa’kin.”

Without thinking too much of Eva’s sudden request, Terron obliged and faced Eva.

Underneath the stars and the moon, surrounded by the tranquil sound of the sea, Eva suddenly cupped Terron’s face, surprising Terron.

Huh?

And without warning, Eva just brought her face close to Terron’s—so close that they could feel each other’s breath. Terron only had to move a little and his lips would taste Eva’s, but he was frozen in place. Too stunned to move.

“Your Grace?”

“H-hmm?” He could feel Eva’s breathing brushing against his lips. His throat went dry, and he gulped.

“Puwede ba kitang halikan?”

At that moment, Terron felt their role had been reversed. But unlike Eva, who got scared of the same question he asked earlier, he wholeheartedly nodded and responded in a low voice, “all yours.”

Bumaba ang tingin ni Eva sa mga labi ni Terron na isang dangkal lang ang layo sa labi niya. Bago pa siya mawalan ng lakas ng loob na ipagpatuloy ang imbestigasyong naisip, mabilis na inilapat ni Eva ang labi sa mga labi ni Terron.

It was a quick kiss. A peck on the lips.

When Eva immediately pulled away, Terron had to muster all his strength not to chase after Eva’s lips.

Reluctance was visible on Terron’s face as he stared at Eva’s lips longingly. He thought everything would end there until Eva’s thumb that was cupping his face touched his lower lips as if she was feeling them.

And without warning, Eva kissed him again.

This time, it was not a peck. Eva moved her lips against his. But before Terron could respond, Eva pulled away again and just stared at his lips.

“What?” Terron asked in a whisper. He was going crazy. He wanted more of Eva’s lips!

“Your Grace?”

“Yes? What is it?” Terron applauded himself for still being able to control himself.

“Hindi ako marunong humalik.” Ngayon lang iton naisip ni Eva.

“That’s okay.” Terron whispered before cupping Eva’s nape and pulling her close. “I’ll teach you.” Terron then claimed Eva’s lips. Unlike Eva’s kisses, he instantly slid his tongue inside and teased the roof of her mouth.

“Uhmm…” hindi napigilan ni Eva ang ungol na bigla nalang lumabas sa bibig niya kapagkuwan ay wala sa sariling nahawak siya sa balikat ng binata habang mas lalong lumalalim ang halik ni Terron.

Eva didn’t know how to kiss. She didn’t have any experience. However, she learns fast.

She mimicked how Terron’s lips moved against hers and soon after; she was kissing Terron back with the same intensity, while soft groans and moans escaped both hers and Terron’s mouth.

Kissing so fervently as if there was no tomorrow, Terron and Eva soon had to catch their breath.

As they both pulled away from each, their eyes that were full of desire met.

Seeing the desire in Eva’s eyes, something inside Terron snapped, and he claimed Eva’s lips once again. He kissed her deeply and ravaged her lips mercilessly.

Eva was kissed until her head spun.

Bahagyang tinulak ni Eva si Terron kapagkuwan para maging malaya ang labi niya. “W-wait… Your Grace… h-hindi ako makahinga.”

Tumigil nga si Terron sa paghalik sa labi ni Eva, pero dumapo naman ang mga labi nito sa gilid ng labi niya, sa pisngi niya, tungki ng ilong niya, sa pagitan ng kilay niya at sa nuo niya.

And after kissing her face all over, Terron’s lips moved to kiss her jaw, then those same lips traveled down to her neck, and it elicited a soft moan from Eva.

“Uhmm…”

A part of Eva was throbbing. And it was affecting her thought process. That throbbing sensation was fueling her desire to do more with Terron. She found herself wrapping her arms around Terron’s neck and letting Terron kissed and licked her neck down to her collarbone.

“Your Grace…” she softly moaned when Terron lightly sucked the skin on her neck.

Eva had called Terron ‘Your Grace’ countless times now, but this was the first time that Terron find it so alluring. In his ear, Eva sounded like she was enticing him… tempting to do some bad things to her.

Terron had to curve his desire and bury his face in the hallow of Eva’s neck to take control of himself. He didn’t want to take Eva’s innocence, knowing he was going to leave.

Terron squeezed his eyes shut when he felt his lower region still throbbing and rearing its head, desperate for attention. “Fuck…”

Eva’s lips felt swollen and sore after being kissed until her head spun, but her attention turned to Terron when she heard him cussed. “Ayos ka lang ba, Your Grace?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.” Pabulong na sagot ni Terron.

“Masakit din ba ang labi mo tulad ng sa akin?”

Mahinang natawa si Terron saka nag-angat ng tingin kay Eva at sinapo ang pisngi ng dalaga. “Let me see.”

Eva puckered her lips to show it to Terron.

Terron chuckled at Eva’s appearance. As if she was asking for a kiss. “Yeah. It’s indeed swollen.”

“Sore, too, Your Grace.”

“I shouldn’t have kissed you senseless. Forgive me?”

“Okay.”

Eva’s head was in turmoil. Base sa imbestigasyon niya, mukha ngang may gusto siya kay Terron. Their kisses were the proof of that. Ni wala siyang pagtutol na naramdaman sa paghalik sa kaniya ng binata. She wholeheartedly welcomed it, forgetting her bottom line with it came to men.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ni Eva ng maramdamang may humaplos sa pisngi at pang-ibabang labi niya. Ibinalik niya ang atensiyon sa binata at natigilan ng makita ang masuyong ekspresyon sa mukha nito habang titig na titig sa kaniya.

“What is it, Your Grace?”

Umiling lang si Terron saka hinalikan siya sa nuo bago siya masuyong niyakap.

Nang maramdaman ni Eva ang init ng katawan ni Terron, bigla siyang dinalaw ng antok. Naghikab siya. “Your Grace?”

“Hmm?”

“Inaantok na ako pero ayoko pang bumaba.”

“Then sleep here. Buhatin na lang kita patungo sa kuwarto mamaya.” Binigyang distansiya ni Terron ang katawan nila ng dalaga saka ibinuka niya ang mga braso. “Come here. I’ll be your pillow.”

Walang pag-aalinlangan na gumalaw si Eva para mahiga sa mahabang sofa at ginawa niyang unan ang mga braso at dibdib ng binata.

With her back comfortably resting against Terron’s upper body, she stared at the sky full of stars. Soon after, her eyes closed, and she fell asleep. Before she fully lost her consciousness, she heard Terron whispered “goodnight” over her ear and kissing her temple.

Napatitig si Terron sa dalagang mahimbing nang natutulog sa braso niya. Ramdam ni Terron ang tiwala sa kaniya ni Eva. If she didn’t trust him that much, she would never sleep defenselessly in front of him.

Napabuntong-hininga nalang siya saka humigpit ang yakap sa dalaga. Halos kalahating oras din ang lumipas bago niya binuhat si Eva at dinala sa kuwarto saka maingat na ihiniga ang dalaga sa kama.

After making sure that Eva was comfortable, he went back to the sundeck to pick up Eva’s phone that fell on to the sofa when he picked her up earlier.

Naka-lock ang cellphone ni Eva pero nakita pa rin ni Terron sa notification nito na may natanggap itong chat galing kay ‘Eth❤️’, pero nakatago ang mensahe nito.

Hindi maalis ni Terron ang tingin sa heart emoji. With a dark expression on his face, he wondered if Eth was a man or a woman. Nevertheless, the heart emoji was bothering him.

Leaving the sundeck with Eva’s phone, he decided to ask Eva tomorrow if he had a heart beside his name on her contacts. And if he had none, then he would be shameless, and asked her to put three or more hearts beside his name.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 13

EVA woke up feeling fresh. Maaga siyang natulog, mahimbing ang tulog niya at higit sa lahat hindi siya nagising kahit isang beses buong gabi. It was the most peaceful sleep she ever had! Kaya naman maganda ang mood niya ngayong umaga. Lalo na nang mag-agahan at ginawan siya ng Iced Latte ni Terron.

Iced Latte plus heated leftover food from Thorn Calderon’s restaurant plus eating in the sundeck while watching the sunrise—it was a perfect breakfast.

“Ev?”

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“Anong naka-save na pangalan ko sa contacts mo?” Kalmadong tanong ni Terron habang sumisimsim ito ng kape.

“Huh?” Eva was so confused by that random question.

Inulit ulit ni Terron ang tanong. “Ano ang pangalan ko na naka-save sa contacts mo?”

Naguguluhan pa rin si Eva bakit nagtatanong ng ganun ang binata pero sinagot pa rin niya ito. “ Your Grace and naka-save na pangalan mo sa contacts ko.“

Napatango-tango ang binata saka nagtanong ulit. “That’s it? No emoji attached to my name?”

Kumunot ang nuo ni Eva. “May nakain ka bang hindi maganda, Your Grace?”

“No. I’m perfectly fine.” Terron replied calmly. “So? Does my name have an emoji attached to it?”

Eva was so confused that she ended up answering just to get to the bottom of this. “Wala. Your Grace lang ang naka-save.”

Terron suddenly seemed displeased. “Then may I make a request?”

“Anong request?”

“Can you put an emoji beside my name?” He cleared his throat and added. “Three to six heart emojis, to be precise.”

Eva looked at Terron flatly with a frown. She didn’t know what to think at that moment, so she asked. “Sigurado ka bang ayos ka lang, Your Grace?”

“Yes. I am fine. So? Will you accept my request?”

Para kay Eva, ’yong sobrang close lang niya ang nilalagyan niya ng heart emoji. But since she and Terron had already kissed last night, and she acknowledged that she may have feelings for Terron, she nodded.

“Sige.”

“Six emoji hearts, please.”

Nahihiwagaang napatitig si Eva sa binata na kalmado pa ring sumisimsim ng kape. Something was off with Terron. She just couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

“Okay. Six emoji hearts.”

Picking up her phone on the table, he edited Terron’s name in her contacts and put six hearts besides Your Grace.

’Your Grace ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ ’

“Parang sumakit bigla ang mata ko sa dami ng puso.” Komento ni Eva ng ma-save ang bagong pangalan ni Terron sa cellphone niya.

Seeing the six emoji hearts, Terron smiled, pleased at the success of his sudden request. “Thanks, Ev.”

“Um… You’re welcome…?”

“By the way, how many people in your contacts have a heart emoji beside their names?”

Hindi niya talaga maintindihan si Terron. “Pangatlo ka, Your Grace.”

“Then how many heart emoji do they have besides their names?”

Her eyebrows twitched. “Isa lang, Your Grace.”

Terron smiled before leaning in and kissing her temple. “It is indeed a good morning.”

Nakatingin lang si Eva kay Terron na parang may sira sa ulo ang binata. Hindi niya talaga maintindihan kung saan nanggagaling ang mga tanong nito.

“Your Grace?”

“Hmm?”

“Mas nakakalito ka pa keysa sa puzzle games ko ngayong umaga.”

Terron just smiled and finished his coffee. Then he got up. “Let’s enjoy the morning sun and cruise a bit. Then we’ll head back.”

Tumango si Eva saka tahimik na pinagmasdan si Terron na naglalakad patungo sa bridge ng yate. And before she knew it, the yacht was moving slowly and Terron walked out of the bridge.

Eva had read and seen boats with autopilot, so she had no concern when Terron went back to sit beside her.

The morning ocean breeze felt nice. Paired with a beautiful sunrise, and it was a perfect morning.

Eva suddenly thought that this kind of life seemed nice. Quiet and peaceful. Too bad she had important things to do. Siguro kung normal ang buhay niya, ganitong-ganitong ang buhay na gusto niya.

But she had already crossed the bridge. She couldn’t go back anymore.

After cruising until the sun was high in the sky, they tidied up the yacht, packed their belongings and Terron docked the yacht. It was time to go home.

Tulad kahapon, tinulugan ulit ni Eva si Terron habang nagmamaneho. Sinisi ni Eva ang tugtog sa loob ng sasakyan ng binata.

Sa malapit tatlong oras nilang biyahe pauwi, nagigising ng dalawang beses si Eva para kumain ng sitsirya. Kaya nang makarating sila sa bahay niya, busog siya at magaan ang pakiramdam niya dahil nakatulog na naman siya ng maayos.

“Thanks, Your Grace. I had fun.” Ani Eva at akmang bubuksan nito ang pintuan ng sasakyan para lumabas na ng marinig niya ang pagtawag ni Terron sa pangalan niya.

“Ev?”

Awtomatikong lumingon siya sa binata na kaagad na inangkin ang labi niya. Mapusok ang halik nito at nadarang si Eva na tugunin ’yon.

They kissed for a couple of minutes before Terron finally let go of her lips while licking his own, as if he just had tasted the most delicious dessert.

“See you, Ev.”

“Hmm.” Lumabas si Eva ng sasakyan saka kumaway kay Terron bago siya pumasok sa kabahayan.

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok niya, kaagad niyang nakita ang ’nay niya.

Kaagad siya nitong in-inspeksiyon ang katawan niya. Syempre, hindi nakaligtas sa matalas nitong mga mata ang leeg ni Eva na pinanggigilan ni Terron ng nagdaang kagabi.

“Anong…” nahumindig si Luz sa nakita. “Eva! Hindi ba sabi ko naman sa’yo na maging alerto ka?! Ano ’to, ha?! Huwag mong sabihing kagat ng lamok ’yan! Hindi ako tumadang ganito para hindi malaman kung ano ’yang nasa leeg mo! Sinabi ko na sayo na huwag kang magpapaakit kay Sir Terron! Ano ’to, ha? Magsabi ka ng totoo sakin.”

Madaling kausap si Eva. Kaagad siyang nagsabi ng totoo. “’Nay, hindi ako inakit ni Terron.”

“Kung ganun ano ’yan, ha?! Kagat ng lamok?!” Ani Luz sabay turo sa leeg ni Eva na may marka. “Napakalaking lamok naman niyan!”

“Ito?” Napahawak si Eva sa parte ng leeg na sinipsip ni Terron kagabi. Ang totoo niyan nakita na niya iyon sa banyo ng yate kanina. Hindi lang niya pinansin. “Si Terron ang may gawa nito hindi lamok, ’nay.”

Pakiramdam ni Luz at tumaas ang presyon niya. “Tapos sinasabi mong hindi ka inakit?!”

“Hindi nga ’nay. Ako ang unang humalik kay Terron. Ako ang nagtanong sa kaniya kung puwede ko siyang halikan.”

Napatanga si Luz sa anak at biglang nawalan ng imik. Wala itong masabi. Hindi makapaniwalang nakatitig lang ito sa anak.

“’Nay, ayos ka lang?”

Gustong bulyawan ni Luz ang anak na kung umakto ay parang walang nangyari, pero hindi niya magawa dahil alam niyang hindi si Eva ang tipo ng babae na basta-basta manghahalik o magpapahalik sa kung sino-sino lang.

Hinilot ni Luz ang sentido na pumipintig sa sakit. “’Nak, Eva, bakit naman ikaw ang unang nanghalik? Hindi ba puwedeng maghintay ka na si Sir Terron ang unang kumilos?”

Nagkibit-balikat si Eva. “Nag-iimbestiga ako kung gusto ko siya o hindi kaya hinalikan ko siya.”

Dalawang kamay ni Luz ang nakahawak sa magkabilang sentido. “Oh, tapos? Anong resulta ng imbestigasyon mo?”

“Mukhang may gusto ako sa kaniya, ’nay.”

Hindi na nagulat si Luz sa resulta. “Tapos? Anong gagawin mo?”

“Wala.”

“Ha?”

“Wala akong gagawin. Aalis si Terron pagkalipas ng isang buwan at tatlong linggo. Hindi lang ’yon, wala rin sa isip ko ang makipagrelasyon. Gusto ko lang siya. Period.”

Napatanga si Luz sa anak. “Pero makikipagkita ka pa rin sa kaniya kahit ganun?”

Tumango si Eva saka ngumiti. “Oo naman. Just enjoy the moment while he’s still here.”

Napakurap-kurap si Luz sa anak. “’Nak, hindi tama ang takbo ng isip mo. Dapat siguraduhin mo muna ang posisyon mo sa buhay ni Sir Terron bago ka makipaghalikan sa kaniya. Alam mo naman ’yon ’di ba? Bago ka sana nakipaghalikan, siniguro mo muna na hindi ka niya iiwan pag-alis niya.”

Nawalan ng emosyon ang mukha ni Eva. “Wala akong balak na gawin ’yon, ’Nay. Naiintindihan ko kung bakit kailangang umalis ni Terron. Tulad ko, may mga responsabilidad din siyang kailangang harapin. Hindi sapat na rason na gusto namin ang isa’t-isa para talikuran namin ang kailangan naming gawin. Hindi ako haharang sa landas na napili niya dahil ayoko ring harangan niya ang landas na napili ko. We’re both consenting adults, ’nay. At pareho kaming may responsabilidad sa sarili at pamilya namin.”

Nawalan ng imik si Luz. Alam niya kung gaano katigas si Eva pagdating sa mga plano nito. Walang makakapagpabago sa isip nito.

“Ayoko lang na masaktan ka, Eva.”

Gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Eva. “’Nay, sigurado akong malulungkot ako pag-alis niya, pero hindi ako masasaktan. Dahil alam ko kung bakit siya aalis. Hindi dahil gusto niya akong iwan kundi dahil may responsabilidad siya sa pamilya niya. At isa ’yon sa mga nagustuhan ko sa kaniya. Dahil responsable siyang tao. Dahil maasahan siya at mapagkakatiwalaan.”

Ito ang unang beses na nagkagusto siya sa iba. Gusto niyang maranasan lahat na puwede niyang maranasan dahil may pakiramdam siyang hindi na siya ulit magkakagusto sa iba. Napaka-imposible para sa kaniya makahanap ng mas hihigit pa kay Terron. Sa kaguwapuhan man ’yon o sa ugali.

Walang nagawa si Luz kundi ang mapabuntong-hininga. Walang makakapigil kay Eva kapag nagdesisyon na ito. “Siguraduhin mo lang na hindi ka masasaktan, ’nak.”

Nakangiting niyakap ni Eva ang ’nay niya. “Salamat sa pag-aalala ’nay.”

Nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga si Luz. “Basta huwag kalimutan ang bilin ko. Huwag kang maging menu.”

Tumawa lang si Eva saka tinungo ang kuwarto para magbihis bago binuksan ang laptop niya para harapin ang iniwan niyang trabaho.

Buong maghapon halos laptop lang niya ang kaharap niya. Marami siyang sinagutang mensahe at e-mail na hindi niya binigyang pansin ng magkasama sila ni Terron. She was so focused on what she was doing that she didn’t see Terron’s messages until it was already nighttime.

‘Have you rested?’

‘Asleep?’

‘Join me for dinner?’

Nang mabasa ang mensahe ni Terron, tiningnan niya ang oras sa cellphone niya.

It was already past nine in the evening.

She replied. ‘Sorry, Your Grace. Na-busy ako. Bukas na lang.’

A few minutes passed before Terron replied. ‘Have a midnight snack with me?’

Eva looked at Terron’s message dubiously. ‘Your Grace, 3 hours pa bago mag-hating gabi. Nakapa-advance mo naman mag-isip 🫤’

‘Don’t criticize my alibi, Ev. Gusto lang kitang makita. I suddenly missed you.’

Mahinang natawa si Eva. ‘Your Grace, I suggest you don’t become a criminal. Your alibi will not fly in court, and you’ll be incarcerated.’

‘Duly noted. So…? Midnight snack?’

Napailing si Eva. ‘Saan?’

‘I know a 24-hour café. Their Iced Latte is good, I hear. I’ll pick you up.’

‘Sige.’

‘Okay. I’ll be there in 30mins.’

Kaagad na gumalaw si Eva. Mabilis siyang naligo dahil pinagpawisan siya buong hapon kahit nakaupo lang siya at nakatutok ang electric fan sa kaniya. Pagkatapos ay nagbihis siya. Simpleng light blue skinny jeans at puting sleeveless na pang-itaas ang sinuot niya. Pinaresan niya iyon ng puting sneakers at kulay apricot na sling bag.

“’Nay, lalabas ako.” Imporma ni Eva sa ina ng makalabas siya sa tindahan at naroon ang ’nay niya, nagbabantay.

Hindi na nagtanong si Luz kung sinong kasama ni Eva. Alam niyang si Sir Terron na naman ’yon dahil pumarada ang sasakyan ng binata at lumabas ito ng sasakyan para batiin siya ng dumating ito ngayon-ngayon lang. “Mag-ingat ka. Yong bilin ko, huwag kakalimutan.”

Tumawa lang si Eva saka naglakad patungo sa nakaparadang sasakyan ni Terron.

As always, Terron opened the car’s door for her while placing his hand on top of the door to prevent her head from accidentally bumping into it. Saka lang sumakay ulit ang binata ng nakapag-seatbelt na siya.

Pero hindi pa sila nag-iilang minuto sa daan ng bigla na lang itinigil ni Terron ang sasakyan sa gilid ng kalsada. Bago makapagtanong si Eva kung bakit sila tumigil, siniil na ng mapusok na halik ni Terron ang mga labi niya.

Hindi pinigilan ni Eva ang binata at nagpaubaya ng ipasok ni Terron ang dila nito sa loob ng bibig niya. Tinugon niya ang halik nito. A long, sultry moan escaped her lips when Terron’s tongue teased hers and licked the roof of her mouth.

The kiss felt so good that Eva found herself wounding her arms around Terron’s neck while Terron was literally pressing her against the door.

Terron kissed Eva hungrily that Eva felt like Terron was going to eat her alive. Fortunately, Terron stopped after dropping a kiss on her lips before slightly pulling away. But their lips were still an inch apart.

“Your Grace…”

“That’s foul, Ev.” Calling him that while her lips were wet, and red was definitely a dangerous thing.

“What?”

“Too seductive.”

Eva took the initiative to kiss Terron on the corner of his mouth before saying, “I enjoy kissing you and all, but I also like my coffee. Kaya naman magmaneho ka na papuntang café, Your Grace. Nandito ako para sa kape. Iced Latte, remember?”

Mahinang natawa si Terron saka ginawaran ng halik sa nuo si Eva bago umayos ito ng upo at nagpatuloy sa pagmamaneho.

Soon after, they arrived at the café Terron was referring to.

Kahit malalim na ang gabi, marami pa ring tao sa loob ng café. Terron and Eva went to the second floor, where they found a vacant table in the corner.

After they’ve settled in, Terron went down to the first floor to order. Habang umoorder si Terron, naglalaro naman si Eva sa cellphone nito. She was playing puzzles again, to make her brain sharp since she was bored.

Eva waited for a while before Terron returned with their food.

Hinila ni Terron ang upuan nito palapit kay Eva bago umupo. Since Eva was playing, he let her be and just silently watched her play while resting his chin on her shoulder. From time to time, he would solve a puzzle with her until they passed ten levels. Doon lang tumigil si Eva sa paglalaro saka bumaling sa kaniya.

Awtomatikong bumama ang tingin ni Terron sa mga labi ng dalaga. Ever since he had tasted Eva’s lips, there was never been a second that he didn’t crave it. He always wanted to kiss her, and he couldn’t get her off his mind.

“Bawal manghalik.” Mabilis na sabi ni Eva ng mapansin kung saan nakatingin si Terron at ang kislap ng mga mata nito. “We’re in public, Your Grace.”

“Hmm. I know.” But Terron was still looking at Eva’s lips.

Eva playfully flicked Terron’s lips. “Huwag mo akong tingnan ng ganiyan, Your Grace.”

“Paano ba ako tumingin?”

“Like you’re going to eat me.”

“I do… want to eat you.”

Napatanga si Eva. “No, Your Grace. Wala akong balak na maging menu mo.”

Terron smiled temptingly at Eva. “Really? I eat good.”

Eva’s breathing hitched. Nasisiguro kong double meaning ’yon! Tumikhim si Eva. “Magkape ka na lang, Your Grace.”

Terron still wanted to tease Eva more when her phone rang. Sabay na napatingin doon si Terron at Eva. Because he was next to Eva, he clearly saw who it was.

It’s from ‘Eth❤️’.

Hindi umimik si Terron at hinayaan si Eva na sagutin ang tawag kahit ang gusto niya ay pindutin ang reject button.

“Eth, napatawag ka.” Ani Eva ng sagutin ang tawag ni Ethan. She sounded so intimate that Terron’s expression darkened.

“Yeah. I just want to tell that I already booked my flight home. I’ll see you in two weeks. May gusto ka bang ipabili sakin?”

Kaagad na nagningning ang mga mata ni Eva sa narinig. “Alam mo naman ang mga paborito ko ’di ba? Buy them all for me.” Kapagkuwan at ngumisi si Eva. “Libre mo ’di ba? Marami ka namang pera. Ililibre mo ako ’di ba?”

Terron, who was listening to that, frowned. Just who was this person who could make Eva smile so brightly, as if she was a flower blooming under the brightness of the sun?

Since his chin was on Eva’s shoulder, he could make out the other person’s voice.

It belonged to a man.

Unbeknownst to Terron, his face was getting darker and darker as Eva and Eth’s conversation continued.

“Ah! Don’t forget my chocolate! Tapos coffee beans din. Dry pasta rin pala, Eth!”

Eth scoffed. “Anong dry pasta? Hindi ka naman marunong magluto.”

Sumimangot si Eva. “Si ’Nay marunong magluto ng pasta.”

“Alright. I’ll buy you some dry pasta.”

“Yes!” Eva was grinning from ear to ear.

“Nasaan ka nga pala?” Tanong ni Ethan ng mapansing medyo maingay ang kapaligiran ni Eva.

“Nasa café ako.”

“At this hour?”

“Yep. Kasama ko si Terron.”

Terron’s ear perked up when he heard his name.

“Oh. A date, I see.”

Nalukot ang mukha ni Eva. “No. It’s not a date.” Bumaling si Eva kay Terron para maliwanagan si Ethan. “Say, Your Grace, this is not a date, right?”

Terron smiled innocently. “It’s a date, Ev.”

Natigilan si Eva bago ibinalik ang atensiyon sa kausap. “Yes, I’m on a date.”

Ethan was amused by Eva. “Ev, alam mo naman siguro ang ibig sabihin ng date, no?”

“Oo naman. I read some articles about it. Tapos narinig ko na rin ’yon sa bibig ng marami.” Although Eva didn’t know what people do on these dates.

“Good that you know. Anyway, bye. Enjoy your date.”

“Okay. Bye.”

The call ended, but Eva did not put her phone down. Instead, she sent a message to Ethan.

‘What do people do when on a date?’

Ethan’s reply was quick. ‘Eat, watch movies, enjoy sceneries, or do some lewd stuff. Depends on the couple.’

‘But we’re not a couple, though.’

‘God. I’m angry again. Don’t talk to me.’

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Eva sa reply ni Ethan. Then she clicked her tongue. “Tingnan mo ang batang ’to kung makasagot sakin. Parang mas matanda siya sakin, ah.”

“Who were you talking to?” Terron asked casually, as if he was not feeling possessive of Eva.

“Si Eth—I mean, Ethan.”

“A friend?”

“Hindi. A relative.”

“Oh.” The relief he felt was palpable. “Is that so?”

“Hmm.” Ibinalik ni Eva ang cellphone sa ibabaw ng mesa saka sumimsim ng Iced Latte niya.

Terron sipped on his coffee, feeling relieved and triumphant. Who cares if Ethan was a relative with a one heart emoji beside his name? He had six heart emojis beside his name.

It’s my win.

On the other side of the world, Ethan, who didn’t know he was in an extremely serious battle against Terron over several hearts’ emojis, had unknowingly lost.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 14

A WEEK passed by like a blur. And in a week that passed, it had become a routine for Terron and Eva to have dinner and a midnight snack together. They would drive around at night; visit open food markets and enjoy the night sceneries together.

Their relationship remained good and ambiguous. Terron and Eva never talked about what they were to each other, as if they had a secret agreement not to talk about it and just enjoy the moment they had together.

Living in the moment. Not forcing anything. Enjoying their time together and just letting things flow as they should.

It was peaceful.

Well… until Eva didn’t receive a single message from Terron for a whole day.

Hindi man sila buong araw na magka-usap ng binata nitong nakaraang linggo dahil pareho silang busy sa mga buhay nila, hindi lumilipas ang araw na hindi sila nagkaka-usap ni Terron kahit maiksing usapan lang ’yon. Lalo na sa gabi kung kailan pareho silang hindi abala.

But a day already passed, and there was no message from Terron. Eva was worried. Nakailang tawag na siya kay Terron pero hindi sinasagot ng binata ang tawag niya. Kaya naman pumunta na siya sa café ni SM hindi para magkape kundi para magtanong kung may alam ito tungkol kay Terron.

To Eva, Terron wouldn’t just disappear without telling her. So, something must’ve happened.

“Si Terron?” Napakurap-kurap si SM kay Eva kapagkuwan ay napangiti. “Ang alam ko may sakit yata si Terron.”

Eva had always been a rational person. Straight, honest, and cold to most people. But when it comes to Terron, she never thought that she would become muddle headed. Sa sobrang pag-aalala na nararamdaman niya, naging blangko ang isip niya at ilang segundo siyang hindi makapag-isip ng maayos.

“Alam mo ba kung nasaan ang condo ni Terron?” Tanong niya kay SM. Ni minsan kasi hindi siya nagtanong kay Terron kung saan ito nakatira. “Kung alam mo, puwede ko bang malaman?”

SM was more than happy to help. “Tawagan ko si Chief para ipagmaneho ka niya. Papunta rin ’yon doon para maghatid ng pagkain at gamot.”

“Hindi na kailangan.” Kaagad na tanggi ni Eva sa offer ni SM. “Kaya ko namang mag-commute.”

“Alam ko pero mas mabuti nang kasama mo si Chief. May spare key siya ng condo ni Terron in case of an emergency. Kung may sakit pa rin hanggang ngayon si Terron baka hindi ka mapagbuksan no’n.” Katwiran ni SM kay Eva.

SM was smiling so pleasantly, and her reasoning was on point that Eva couldn’t reject her the second time.

“Sige. Salamat, SM.”

“You’re welcome.” SM responded with a sweet smile, excusing herself to call Khairro. But before she left the counter, she told Eva, “It’ll probably take half an hour for Chief to drive here. Gusto mo bang maghintay dito o tawagan na lang kita?”

Eva had to prepare some personal things, so she chose the latter. “Salamat ulit, SM.”

“Welcome.”

Lumabas ng café ni SM si Eva saka umuwi muna sa bahay nila para mag-ayos at kunin ang sling bag niya. Hindi nagtagal ay nakatanggap siyang ng tawag mula kay SM na nasa labas na raw ng tindahan nila si Khairro Sanford at naghihintay sa kaniya.

Mabilis na lumabas si Eva ng tindahan pagkatapos magpaalam sa ’nay niya.

“Ready?” Tanong ni Khairro ng makita si Eva na naglalakad palapit dito.

Nang tumango si Eva, pinagbuksan ito ng pintuan ng sasakyan ni Khairro.

Seeing Eva’s impassive expression, Khairro was really having a hard time believing Terron’s words that Eva was easy to talk to and very comfortable to be with. Lalo na nang nagmamaneho na siya patungo sa condo ni Terron. Napakahirap magbukas ng mapag-uusapan dahil kung anong tanong, ’yon lang ang sagot ni Eva.

“Hindi mo ba alam na may sakit si Terron?” Khairro was trying to open a conversation.

“Hindi.”

Khairro waited for a continuation, but it didn’t come. Lihim na napabuntong-hininga si Khairro. “Tumawag ka na ba sa kaniya?”

“Oo.”

As usual, there was no elaborate answer. Khairro sighed. “Sinagot ba niya ang tawag mo?”

Eva glanced at Khairro with a small frown. Kung sinagot ni Terron ang tawag niya, wala siya rito ngayon.

Khairro swore that he saw Eva looking at him with an ‘are you an idiot’ look.

Tumikhim si Khairro. “Baka hindi niya nasagot dahil masama ang pakiramdam niya. but I wonder why he didn’t inform you that he’s down with a cold.”

“Hmm.”

That’s it. ’Yon lang ang sagot ni Eva na napakurap-kurap na lang si Khairro.

Nasaan dito ang easy to talk to, Dashwood?! Napailing na lang Khairro at hindi na sinubukang kausapin si Eva hanggang sa makarating sila sa condo ni Terron.

“He’s on the twenty-sixth floor.” Imporma ni Khairro kay Eva ng parehong makalabas ang dalawa ng sasakyan at naglalakad papasok sa condominium.

Khairro and Eva rode the elevator and soon after, they arrived at the floor where Terron’s unit was located.

Using the keycard Terron gave Khairro for an emergency, Khairro opened the door. However, instead of calling out to the owner of the place, he turned to Eva and gave her the paper bag he was carrying. “There’s food and medicine there. I leave it to you. Bye!”

Napatanga lang si Eva sa papalayong likod ni Khairro Sanford. Hindi talaga niya maintindihan ang pag-uugali ng mga kaibigan ni Terron.

Naiiling na isinara ni Eva ang pintuan ng condo ni Terron saka ipinalibot ang tingin.

It was a very simple condo. Very minimalist when it comes to décor, and it was easy to tell that only one person was living here.

Eva moved her feet to look for Terron. Hula niya ay nasa kuwarto nito ito kaya naman tinahak niya ang pintuan na sa tingin niya ay kuwarto ng binata.

She knocked on the door. “Your Grace?”

Nang walang sumagot, maingat na binuksan niya ang pinto at sumilip sa loob.

Tama ang hinala niya. Kuwarto nga iyon ng binata. Hindi lang narinig ni Terron ang pagkatok niya dahil tulog ito.

Eva entered the room and placed the paper bag Khairro Sanford had given her on the study table before she walked toward Terron.

Nang makalapit sa binata, kaagad na inilapat niya ang palad sa nuo nito.

He’s burning up!

Kaagad na gumalaw si Eva. Binalikan niya ang paper bag na inilapag sa study table at binuksan iyon para tingnan kung mayroon doon magagamit para sa lagnat ni Terron.

Eva was relieved when she saw a Koolfever sheet for adult. Kaagad niyang binuksan iyon saka bumalik kay Terron para ilagay ’yon sa nuo nito. Kapagkuwan ay lumabas siya ng kuwarto para kumuha ng tubig kung sakaling mauhaw ang binata.

Pagkabalik niya, nabasa niya ang note na iniwan ng kung sino sa bedside table kung saan niya inilapag ang isang pitsel na tubig at baso.

Nakasulat sa note ang oras kung kailan dapat uminom ng gamot si Terron.

Napatingin si Eva sa wall clock na nasa loob ng kuwarto ni Terron. It seems she was just in time to feed him medicine.

Inihanda niya ang pagkain saka ang gamot nito bago nagsalin ng tubig sa baso. Kapagkuwan ay umupo siya sa gilid ng kama para gisingin ang binata.

“Your Grace?” Bahagyan niyang niyugyog ang balikat nito. “Your Grace, gising ka muna. Kailangan mong uminom ng gamot.”

Pero nanatiling tulog si Terron.

Mas nilakasan ni Eva ang pagyugyog sa balikat nito. “Kailangan mong uminom ng gamot, Your Grace.”

Fortunately, Terron finally stirred awake and his eyes slowly opened.

“E-Ev?”

“Hmm. It’s me. Kain ka na muna para makainom ka na ng gamot.”

Terron looked so out of it and was just staring at Eva.

“Your Grace—”

Naputol ang ibang sasabihin ni Eva ng bigla na lang gumalaw si Terron para yakapin ang beywang niya pagkatapos ay isinubsob nito ang mukha sa tiyan niya habang naka-unan sa hita niya ang ulo nito.

“Ev…”

“Kailangan mong kumain, Your Grace. Iinom ka pa ng gamot. Bumangon ka muna.”

“Ev…”

Gustong kutusan ni Eva ang binata pero may sakit ito kaya naman hinaplos nalang niya ang buhok nito. “Bangon ka muna, Your Grace. Sige na. Ayaw mo bang gumaling? Kapag may sakit ka pa hanggang bukas dadalhin kita sa hospital.”

Terron groaned. “Wala akong gana.”

“Pilitin mo.”

“Feed me?”

“Sure. Come on. Get up first.”

Bumangon nga si Terron pero nakayakap pa rin ito sa kaniya at nakapatong sa balikat niya ang baba nito.

“I missed you.” He whispered.

Inabot ni Eva ang pagkain na nasa bedside table. “Umayos ka ng upo. Paano kita susubuan kung nakahilig ka sakin?”

Thankfully, Terron listened and became obedient as she feeds him. But he would sometimes lean on her, hugged her, and rubbed his nose against her neck.

Hinayaan lang ito ni Eva. Hindi naman siya nakakaramdam na hindi siya komportable sa ginagawa nito.

“Here’s your medicine. Take it.” Inabot ni Eva ang gamot dito kasama ang isang basong tubig ng maubos nito ang pagkain. “After that, you rest.”

Terron listened to everything Eva said. But when it was time to rest, he wrapped his arms around Eva and buried his face against the hallow of her neck.

Ramdam ni Eva ang init ng katawan ni Terron pero hinayaan niya lang ang binata.

“Kahapon ka ba may lagnat?”

“Hmm.”

“Uminom ka ba ng gamot kahapon? Bakit hindi bumaba ang lagnat mo?”

“I did. But it flared up again this morning.”

“Ano ba’ng ginawa mo na nabinat ka?”

“Missing you.”

Eva rolled her eyes. “So unscientific.”

Terron just smiled and tightened his embraced around Eva’s waist. He didn’t want to let go. He didn’t want to be away from her.

“Ev…?”

“Hmm?”

“Don’t leave.” Terron sounded so soft and vulnerable as he asked. “Stay with me until I get better. Please…?”

This past week, Eva had learned that liking Terron as more than a friend made her tolerant, and soft that her answer at that moment didn’t surprise her. “Hmm. I’ll stay.”

Pleased, Terron rubbed the top of his noses against Eva’s neck. “You smell good.”

“Syempre. Bagong ligo ako.”

Napangiti si Terron. “Paano mo pala nalaman na may sakit ako? I deliberately hid it from you since it’s just a cold.”

“Nag-alala ako ng hindi ka nagparamdam buong araw. Kaya pumunta ako sa café ni SM para magtanong. Sa kaniya ko nalaman na may sakit ka. At dahil papunta rito si Khairro, pinasabay na ako ni SM baka raw hindi mo ako mapagbuksan.”

“This was not the first time I didn’t chat with you for a day, though.”

“Yeah. But you’ve been clingy this past week, Your Grace. Nakapagtataka na bigla ka nalang hindi nagparamdam. Hindi naman ikaw ang tipo na basta na lang mawawala ng walang pasabi kaya nagtanong na ako.”

“Thank you for asking.” He placed a soft kiss on her neck. “And thank you for coming over.”

“Hmm.” Humigpit na naman ang yakap ni Terron sa kaniya kaya tinapik na niya ang braso ng binata na nakapalibot sa beywang niya. “Mapupugto ang hininga ko sa ginagawa mo, Your Grace. Magpahinga ka na lang ulit para gumaling ka na.”

Terron slightly pulled away to look into her eyes. “Rest with me?”

Eva indulged Terron again and laid beside him on the bed. Terron’s arm remained wrapped around Eva’s waist and his face was once again buried on Eva’s neck. He liked Eva’s natural scent mixed with the fragrance she’s using.

“Pahinga ka na.” Ani Eva habang masuyong tinatapik ang braso ni Terron sa beywang niya. “I’ll stay.”

“Hmm.” Terron closed his eyes to rest.

After he fell asleep, Eva followed suit. Her sleeping pill was lying next to her, after all. Ilang gabi na ring hindi maayos ang tulog niya kaya bumawi ang katawan niya ng tulog ngayong katabi na niya ang binata.

And because of that, she overslept.

Nang magising siya, madilim na sa labas pero tulog pa rin si Terron. Bumaba na ang lagnat nito pero hindi pa rin siya naging pabaya.

Maingat niyang inalis ang braso nitong nakayakap pa rin sa beywang niya saka dahan-dahan siyang bumangon. Pagkatapos ay kumuha siya ng bagong Koolfever sheet at pinalitan ang inilagay niya sa nuo ni Terron kanina.

After that was done, she was about to order food for dinner when the doorbell rang.

It was Thorn Calderon, delivering food for two people, because Khairro apparently informed everyone that she was in Terron’s place.

Tinanggap ni Eva ang pagkain saka nagpasalamat. Kaagad namang umalis si Thorn kaya kaagad na naihanda ni Eva ang hapunan nila at dinala iyon sa kuwarto.

Tulad kanina, ginising niya si Terron at sabay silang kumain. Pagkatapos ay pina-inom niya ito ng gamot. Nang lumabas siya ng kuwarto para hugasan ang pinagkainan, pagkabalik niya, kalalabas lang ni Terron sa banyo.

Kinunotan niya ito ng nuo ng mapansing basa ang buhok nito at bago ang damit na suot nito.

Terron immediately explained. “I feel so uncomfortable. And it’s a warm bath, so… I’ll be okay.”

Eva just rolled her eyes and dragged Terron back to bed. “Rest, Your Grace. I can stay tonight, but not tomorrow or the next. Siguradong pagagalitan na ako ni ’nay kaya kailangang gumaling ka na.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Eva just looked at Terron dryly.

Terron chuckled, and his voice softened. “Yes, Ev. I will. By the way, I prepared a new toothbrush and a towel. It’s in the bathroom sink. As for change of clothes,” tinuro nito ang closet. “You can use mine if you want.”

“Thanks, but no thanks, Your Grace. Tatawag ako kay ’nay para magpaalam na rito muna ako matutulog dahil may sakit ka. Magpapasuyo na lang din siguro ako ng damit.”

“Alright.” Terron lied on the bed and smiled attractively, as if he was tempting her to be his dessert. “Hurry. The patient wants to cuddle.”

Eva could only sigh because she couldn’t feel any rejection and discomfort from those words and action. Hindi niya akalain na ganito siya magkagusto sa lalaki. Napaka-indulhente niya.

Or maybe because it’s Terron.

She’d been observing herself this past week and she could probably make a long ass Research Paper out of it.

Kinuha niya ang cellphone sa sling bag at tinawagan ang ’nay niya. Pagkatapos ng napakahabang speech at ilang ulit na paalala na ‘huwag kang maging menu’, pumayag din sa wakas ang ’nay niya at ipapadala na lang daw nito ang damit niya sa delivery service.

“Your Grace, pahinge ako ng buong address mo.” Ibinigay ni Eva ang cellphone kay Terron pagkatapos makipag-usap sa ’nay niya. “Ipapadala na lang daw ni ’nay ang damit ko.”

Terron accepted the phone, typed his full address and gave it back to Eva.

Kaagad namang i-si-nend ni Eva ang address ni Terron sa ’nay niya saka umupo sa gilid ng kama. At habang hinihintay ang damit niya, naglaro si Eva sa cellphone nito para pampalipas ng oras.

Sa pagkakataong ’yon, gumalaw si Terron para yakapin sa beywang ang dalaga at ginawang unan ang mga hita ni Eva.

Eva was playing, and Terron was resting on her lap.

It was tranquil.

Until Eva’s clothes arrived.

“Your Grace, patapos naman ng level na ’to.” Ani Eva sabay bigay ng cellphone nito kay Terron at nagmamadaling lumabas ng kuwarto.

Lying on the bed without Eva’s lap as a pillow, Terron continued the game, finished solving the puzzle and passed the level. Only then did he realize something with a frown.

He was holding a different phone. Hindi ito ang cellphone ni Eva na nahulog at binalikan niya sa sundeck. Because it had the same case, he thought it was the same phone. But now that he was holding it, he could tell that it was different.

His thumb was faster that his brain. He exited the game and tapped the phone’s contact.

There were only two contacts saved there—‘Your Grace ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️’ and ‘Nay ❤️’.

Yes. Just two.

What happened to ‘Eth❤️’?

He never knew that Eva had two phones.

But why was this Ethan’s—the relative—number saved in a different device?

His eyebrows furrowed, and his face unknowingly darkened.

’Yon ang napasukan ni Eva habang dala-dala ang paper bag na may lamang damit nito.

“Your Grace?”

Terron immediately put a smile on for Eva.

“Ayos ka lang?”

Tumango si Terron. “Hurry, Ev. I want to cuddle.”

Since Terron said he’s okay, Eva didn’t force him to come clean even though she clearly saw how dark his expression was. Pumasok siya sa banyo at nag-half bath.

And then, she was cuddled to sleep by Terron, who was getting better until his fever flared up when morning came.

Terron was dragged to the hospital by Eva early in the morning. When Terron was asked what he was doing for his fever to flare up again, he was silent.

Daldalhin niya hanggang sa libingan niya ang dahilan kung bakit siya nabinat—selos.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 15

TERRON stayed in the hospital for two days. Maliban sa mga kaibigan nitong bumisita, si Eva ang kasama nito palagi na siyang nagbantay dito. Of course, Terron swallowed his own jealousy that stressed him out and made his fever flared up. Ayaw niyang malaman ’yon ni Eva. He would surely look childish or worse, unreasonable.

And Ethan was a relative. Yes. A relative.

Then one afternoon, a few days after Terron was discharged from the hospital, a gossip entered the lunatics group chat.

Ang paksa na pinagkakaguluhan? Ang tsismis ni Iuhence sa group chat tungkol kay Terron at Eva.

Iuhence Vergara: Pumunta ako sa tindahan nila Eva ngayon lang kasi ang cute kong kambal na prinsesa ay gusto ng lollipop. We don’t have that in the house because Mhel doesn’t like buying sweets for the kids, so we went to Eva’s store. At habang bumibili ako dinig na dinig ko ang usapan ni Eva at ni Manang Luz. They’re talking about Terron. Nagtatanong si Manang Luz kung bakit daw ang pangalan ni Terron sa cellphone ni Eva ay may napakaraming heart emoji na nakalagay. Ang sagot naman ni Eva dahil daw ni-request ’yon ni Terron sa kaniya. And I was like … WTF?! Niri-request pala ’yon? Hindi ba ’yon kusang binibigay? 😵😵😵 I was so shocked that when I went home, I followed Dashwood’s example and asked my wife to put a lot of hearts on my name on her phone. ’Yon lang naman ang tsismis na nasagap ko ngayong araw. Bow.

Khairro Sanford: @TerronDashwood I can feel the secondhand embarrassment. 🫣

Lander Storm: Wtf?

Knight Velasquez: I checked my wife’s phone. I’m happy to report that I have a heart emoji besides my name 😏.

Beckett Furrer: Wait… @TerronDashwood ni-request mo talaga? What the hell, bud?

Dark Montero: @TerronDashwood I can feel your desperation.

Evren Yilmaz: Aren’t you all curious why he asked for it?

Mandu🔪: Only I-don’t-like-her-like-that can answer you @EvrenYilmaz.

Phoenix Martinez: I feel like this is not just a simple request. Siguradong may pinaghuhugutan si Dashwood dito.

Titus Morgan: That was unexpected. I agree with Nix. Dashwood must have a reason.

Andrius Salazar: Why do I feel like the reason was pettiness?

Pierce Muller: I can feel jealousy.

Ymar Stroam: Huh? Akala ko I-don’t-like-her-like-that?

Tyron Zapanta: Welcome to Possessive Men’s Club @TerronDashwood.

Valerian Volkzki: Buti nga si Dashwood mga puso, sakin dog emoji.

Knight Velasquez: @ValerianVolkzki I will edit your name on my phone and put a dog emoji as well 🤗

Valerian Volkzki: Fuck off! Animals!

Knight Velasquez: Just animal, Val. Remove the s. Nag-iisa lang ang best friend mo.

Valerian Vokzki: 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Mandu🔪: Should I prepare another subscription-based tsismis? 🤔

Cali Sudalga: And here I thought si Terron ang pinaka-matino sating lahat.

Lath Coleman: Umaasa ka na may matino satin?

Train Wolkzbin: Wait… mas nagulat ako na ‘bumili’ si Vergara at hindi nangutang.

Calyx Vargaz: Same @TrainWolkzbin we need beer and barbecue to celebrate this.

Evren Yilmaz: @CalyxVargaz libre mo?

Calyx Vargaz: Ah. So much work. Calyx Vargaz has gone offline.

Khairro Sanford: Huwag kang puro seen lang @TerronDashwood.

As the lunatics in the group chat became rowdy, Terron was just calmly reading the chat-slash-gossip about him. Wala sana siyang balak na sagutin ’yon dahil abala siya sa harapan ng laptop niya pero sobrang ingay ng cellphone niya dahil halos lahat ng baliw na nasa group chat ay ti-nag siya ng makitang online naman siya pero hindi sumasagot.

I should’ve gone offline. But he was chatting with his sister. So, he had no choice but to answer.

Terron Dashwood: Eva had two people in her contacts with one heart emoji in their names. It bothered me, so I asked her to put six emoji hearts in my name as well. May problema ba do’n?

Lahat natahimik ng mabasa ang reply ni Terron.

Khairro Sanford: The pettiest man I have ever seen.

Andrius Salazar: I knew it.

Knight Velasquez: 😱😱😱

Titus Morgan: Aherm. Who was it who said that he was not possessive?

Phoenix Martinez: 😂

Dark Montero: So childish.

Pierce Muller: So competitive you mean?

Evren Yilmaz: Well… 🤷🏻‍♀️ Jealousy brings out the childishness and competitiveness in us.

Terron Dashwood. I don’t care. I have six heart emoji in my name. I won. That is the most important.

Khairro Sanford: And he looks so proud. 😑

Terron Dashwood: Yes. I am. 😊.

Khairro Sanford: 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

It may be petty and childish to everyone, but it was an achievement to him, and he was not ashamed of it. That request was granted by Eva. That six-hearts emoji brought him happiness and triumph.

Speaking of triumph, Eva never talked about Ethan again, even after he asked her a few times when he was admitted to the hospital. Eva said he was a relative, but weren’t they too intimate for a “relative”? Hindi lang ’yon, naka-save ang numero nito sa ibang cellphone ni Eva na hindi palaging dala ng dalaga.

It felt like a secret phone to him.

Thus, he couldn’t help wondering who this Ethan was and why was he so close to Eva.

Ah, fuck. He was getting annoyed again. Baka lagnatin na naman siya.

With Eva in his mind again, he sent her a message.

‘Ev…’

Eva’s reply came a few minutes later. ‘Busy ako.’

‘Bantay ka sa tindahan? Want me to accompany you?’

’Si ‘nay ang bantay ngayon.’

‘Then are you solving puzzles again or trying to sleep?’ Iyon lang naman ang pinagkakaabalahan ni Eva maliban sa pagbabantay sa tindahan.

‘Games.’

‘I have a question. Kahit mamaya mo na sagutan pagkatapos mong maglaro. My question is… would you like to come to my place and sleep over?’

It took Eva an hour before she replied. Mukhang natapos din itong maglaro.

’Sleep over? Baka makurot na ako ni ‘nay. Ilang mahabang litanya na ang natanggap ko nuong binabantayan pa lang kita sa ospital, ano pa kaya kung pupunta ako riyan sa condo mo ng wala lang rason?’

‘Am I that bad?’

’Your Grace, in case you haven’t noticed, hindi ka gusto ng ‘nay ko.’

Napangiwi si Terron sa nabasa. ‘I know. Why, though? Wala naman tayong ginagawang masama kapag magkasama tayo, ah.’

‘Sigurado ka ba diyan, Your Grace? 😑’

‘Are my hugs and kisses bad?’

Well… it was not bad , Eva thought as she replied. ‘Nope.’

‘How about cuddles?’

After letting Terron cuddle me to sleep when he was sick, I realized I like cuddles.

‘Hindi rin.’

‘Then come over. I won’t do anything you don’t like.’

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Eva. That’s the thing—this was what her ’nay was worried about. Dahil gusto niya ang ginagawa ni Terron sa kaniya. Ani pa nga ng ’nay niya na baka raw hindi magtagal ay siya na ang maghain sa sarili niya kay Terron.

She just chuckled at that and didn’t deny it because that might probably happen if her good relationship with Terron continued. She was not as clueless anymore as the first time she kissed Terron. She had already done an extensive amount of research about attraction, affection and, of course, sexual intimacy between two people who liked each other.

‘Ev… please…? Come over? I promise I will behave.’

Syempre hindi naniwala si Eva kay Terron. Anong behave? Sa tuwing nagkikita silang dalawa, palagi itong nakayakap sa kaniya o kaya naman nakadikit at panay halik. Parang ayaw nitong humiwalay sa kaniya.

She was not an expert when it comes relationship and romance, but she was pretty certain that Terron likes her so much to the point where he didn’t want to be away from her.

The rational part of her brain was telling her that it was a dangerous behavior… that Terron will be really hurt once it’s time to part ways. And her brain was warning her as well not to overdo it, and not to fall into a pit she couldn’t climb her way out.

‘Ev?’

‘Hmm?’

‘I want to cuddle.’

Eva rolled her eyes. ‘Maraming unan sa kama mo, Your Grace.’

‘I want to cuddle my Ev.’

Napailing si Eva kasi gusto rin naman niya. ’Magpapaalam muna ako kay ‘nay.’

Terron grinned. ‘Thanks, Ev. I’ll pick you up 😚’

Napangiti si Eva sa kissing emoji na kakabit sa mensahe ni Terron. Alam niyang nagiging indulhente na naman siya kay Terron pero gusto rin niyang makatulog ng maayos.

And since her very own sleeping pill was suggesting cuddling, who was she to decline such a tempting offer?

ILANG PAALALA at babala ang natanggap ni Eva sa ’nay niya bago siya nito hinayaang makalabas ng bahay pagkatapos nilang maghapunan. Nang makalabas ng bahay, nakita niya kaagad si Terron na nakahilig sa gilid ng sasakyan nito at hinihintay siya.

“Pinagalitan ka ba?” Tanong ng binata sabay kuha ng tote bag na dala niya.

“Nilitanyahan kamo.”

“Should I talk to your mother?” He asked while opening the door for Eva and casually placing his hand on top of the door.

“Ano naman ang sasabihin mo, Your Grace?”

Napipilan si Terron dahil naisip niya na wala nga siyang masasabi na katiwa-tiwala. It’ll be just him and Eva at his place, after all. Ang tanging rason lang kung bakit pinayagan si Eva ni Manang Luz ay dahil malaki ang tiwala nito sa anak nito.

He sighed and bent his waist to level his face with Eva’s, who was already sitting in the passenger seat. “I will behave. I promise.”

“Behaving means no hugging, kissing and cuddling, Your Grace.”

Napangiwi si Terron. “Then I promise to just be a little naughty.”

“Biglang bawi?”

Ngumiti lang si Terron at isinara na ang pintuan ng passenger seat saka umikot patungong driver’s seat.

Before going to Terron’s place, the two decided to stop by a café. Eva paid for two coffees, and then they went to buy chips at the convenience store just below Terron’s condo.

Nang makapasok sila sa condo ni Terron, napatanong si Eva kay Terron. “Anong gagawin natin maliban sa pagtulog? This is my first sleepover.”

Napatigil si Terron sa paglapag ng pinamiling pagkain sa center table ng sofa saka bumaling kay Eva. “Really? Your first?”

Tumango si Eva. “Wala akong masyadong kaibigan habang lumalaki ako. We kinda move around a lot, so I don’t have long-time friends that would invite me to sleepover and I’m reading books most of the time, so… wala akong ideya sa ganito.”

Terron’s expression softened. “You can do whatever you want here. There is no rule that says you have to do this and that in a sleepover. Do whatever you’re comfortable doing.”

Nakahinga ng maluwang si Eva. “Buti naman. Kasi wala talaga akong ideya.”

Naglakad si Terron pabalik kay Eva saka ipinalibot ang mga braso sa beywang ng dalaga. “What do you want to do?”

Walang pag-aalinlangan ang sagot ni Eva. “Sleep.”

Mahinang natawa si Terron. “Maliban diyan.”

“Eat?”

“Hmm. How about watching movies?”

Umiling si Eva. “Hindi ako mahilig.”

“Reading books?”

“Yes, please.”

“What kind of books do you read?”

“Hmm…” Eva rested her chin on Terron’s shoulder. “Biographies, Essays, Research studies, Case Digests, mostly Law books, Scientific books, Philosophy books, and a bit of Psychology books.”

Terron knew Eva was smart, but hearing the kinds of books she reads, he was still surprised and amazed.

“If you’re into Law books, why not study to become a Lawyer?”

Eva just shrugged and raised her hand to play with Terron’s hair.

“May iba ka pa bang gustong gawin maliban sa magbasa at matulog?” Tanong ni Terron bago iginiya si Eva paupo sa mahabang sofa.

“Hmm… wala na.” Gumalaw si Eva para patihayang humiga sa sofa at ginawang unang ang hita ni Terron. “How about you, Your Grace? What do you want to do?”

Bumaba ang tingin ni Terron kay Eva. “Right now?”

“Yep.”

He smiled desirously. “I want to hug you, kiss you and cuddle with you.”

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Eva. “Wala kang ibang gustong gawin maliban do’n?”

“Yeah. That’s it.”

Pinaningkitan ni Eva ang binata. “Too lewd, Your Grace.”

Terron chuckled. “Trust me, I’m still holding back.”

Umawang ang labi ni Eva. “Still holding back ka pa sa lagay na yan?”

“Yes.”

“Then what is not holding back to you?”

“You don’t want to know.”

That piqued Eva’s curiosity. “Paano kung gusto kong malaman?”

Pinisil ni Terron ang tungki ng ilong ni Eva. “I don’t want to put you in a disadvantageous situation. So, holding back is the right thing to do in our circumstances.”

Kaagad na naintindihan ni Eva ang ibig sabihin ni Terron. He was thinking of her.

Napangiti siya. “Masuwerte ang mapapangasawa mo, Your Grace.”

Natigilan si Terron sa sinabing ’yon ni Eva. Hindi dahil si Eva ang nagsabi no’n kundi dahil sa naramdaman niyang pagtutol mula sa kaibuturan niya dahil alam niyang hindi si Eva ang makakasama niyang tumanda.

That vehement rejection toward his planned future rendered him speechless for a moment.

“Your Grace?”

Napakurap-kurap si Terron saka maingat na huminga ng malalim. “Yeah?”

“Ayos ka lang ba?”

Bumaba ang tingin niya kay Eva saka masuying sinapo ang pisngi nito. “Ev…?”

Eva looked straight into Terron’s eyes. “Hmm?”

I want to spend my days cruising the sea with you. I want to spend my nights hunting café’s and drinking coffee with you. I want to hold your hand and explore all the food markets in the world because I know how much you like food. I want to go to a culinary adventure with you—tasting and enjoying food like nothing else matters in the world. I want you.

Terron wanted to say those words, but he couldn’t. His life was not his own. He had responsibilities. He was not in a position where he could be selfish and self-centered.

So, he moved his lips to smile at Eva. “Nothing. Napagtanto ko lang kung gaano kita kagusto.”

Umingos si Eva. “Ngayon mo lang naisip ’yon? Sa sobrang clingy mo? I think you’re dense, Your Grace.”

Terron chuckled and bent down to press his lips against Eva’s forehead. “Yes. Yes. Your Grace is very dense.”

Mahinang natawa si Eva sa pag-amin na ’yon ni Terron. “Buti alam mo.”

“Yeah.” Terron whispered before his lips on her forehead moved to hover over her lips. “Can I kiss you?”

Eva answered Terron by grabbing his nape and pulling him down to claim his lips.

Terron groaned when Eva took the initiative to slid her tongue inside his mouth. It was the first time, and he trembled at the taste and sensation of her tongue teasing his.

Fuck.

Engrossed in kissing Terron, Eva didn’t realize that her body was unconsciously moving to sit on Terron’s lap. She only realized what she had done when she pulled away to breathe.

“What the…?” Napatingin siya sa magkadikit nilang katawan ng binata.

Akmang aalis siya ng pigilan siya ni Terron.

“My lap is all yours, Ev.” He said in a low voice tinge with unrestrained desire. “I’m all yours…”

Napalunok si Eva ng makita kung paano siya titigan ni Terron. The glint of unrestrained desire in his eyes mixed with untamed adoration and uncontrollable affection for her—she was drawn to him.

Her body hummed and throbbed.

Wala sa sariling sinapo niya ang mukha ni Terron at matiim na pinakatitigan ang mga mata nito.

She liked how Terron was looking at her. The unrestrained desire, the untamed adoration, the uncontrollable affection and a little craziness in the depths of his eyes was a relished to see. It felt like she was being fed her favorite food. Appetizing and delicious.

To see Terron looked at her like that, it gave her a unique sense of pleasure.

Gusto niyang sa kaniya lang tumingin ng ganun ang binata. Siya lang dapat. Sa kaniya lang.

Eva never felt this kind of possessiveness before. It was an interesting and intriguing feeling, but also dangerous. Because she knew what she’s capable of when she wanted something so desperately.

“Your Grace?”

Terron brushed his lips against hers. “Hmm?”

“How do you like to be eaten?”

Terron froze, and the disbelief in his eyes was palpable.

“What?” She chuckled. “I’m not that clueless anymore. I did my research.”

Terron cleared his throat and his voice dropped low and deep. “What kind of… eating… are we talking about here… exactly?”

Sa halip na sagutin ang tanong na ’yon ng binata, bumaba ang tingin ni Eva sa pagkalalaki ni Terron. “Gusto kong subukan. Puwede ba?”

Eva was asking Terron as if they were in a restaurant and she just wanted to taste a food Terron ordered because it looked appetizing.

“You said you’re all mine, Your Grace.” At that moment, with the possessiveness she was feeling, she wanted to own Terron before his future Duchess could take him away from her. “So, can I?”

Terron’s answer came in a whisper. “Yes. You can.”

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 16

WARNING: SLIGHT MATURE CONTENT

CHAPTER 16

RECEIVING Terron’s consent, Eva moved her body to leave Terron’s lap and slid down towards the floor, where she kneeled in between Terron’s legs. She was determined to have Terron tonight that the extensive research she had done about this intimate act was replaying in her head as if she was mastering a tutorial. Meanwhile, Terron was just looking at Eva with half-hooded eyes. He was still in disbelief even after seeing Eva unbuckling his belt.

He never once thought that he would reach this stage with Eva. Not because he didn’t want to, but because he couldn’t take responsibility for it. He couldn’t even offer her the basic of relationships, so he held himself back.

But when Eva asked him how he wanted to be eaten, all the reasons he had piled inside his brain just flew out of his mind, as if it was not there in the first place.

Since he accepted his feeling for Eva, every day, he learned something new about himself. He thought he had the self-control to not go further with Eva, but look at him now, watching the woman he adores with anticipation of what she would do next.

Fuck.

“Ev…”

Ibinaba ni Eva ang zipper ng pantalon ni Terron kapagkuwan ay bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata niya ng makita ang nakatagong pagkalalaki doon.

Oh, my… Throughout her research, she had seen her fair shares of manhoods since it couldn’t be helped, but this was the most well-endowed of them all. It was pleasing to the eyes, too. And the veins visible on the skin were like a temptation beckoning her to lean forward and licked it.

Eva unconsciously licked her lips. She was drawn to those veins. They looked really tempting.

Unconsciously listening to her desire-filled brain, she leaned forward and with her tongue ready to have a taste, when Terron’s deep, low voice entered her ear.

“Ev… are you sure?”

Natigilan si Eva sa tanong na ’yon ng binata. Alam niya kung bakit ito nagtatanong. He was thinking of her and how she would fare after he leaves. He was trying to protect her honor because he wouldn’t be able to take responsibility for her.

Lumambot ang ekspresyon ng mukha ni Eva at mas lalong gusto niyang ipagpatuloy ang nasimulan niya.

“Your Grace,” nag-angat siya ng tingin sa binata. “Thank you for trying to protect me, but I can take responsibility for myself.” Her thumb reached out to caress the hard length in front of her. It throbbed against her skin. “Ang gusto ko lang ay akin ka hanggang sa pag-alis mo. ’Yon lang.”

Being this possessive of someone was new to her. She didn’t even know that she was capable of feeling this way and she couldn’t control it. At that moment, all she wanted was to own Terron. To have him in so many ways before his future Duchess could have him.

“Your Grace…” she leaned closer to brush her lips against the skin of Terron’s erection, unknowingly being seductive. “You’re mine, right?”

Terron gulped. He didn’t know if it was deliberate, but Eva looked so alluring while asking him that. Looking this tempting should be a crime!

“Your Grace…”

Terron’s throats had run dry. “Yes.” His voice had become hoarse. “All yours.” As if he could say no to her.

’Yon lang ang hinihintay ni Eva na marinig. With Terron’s full consent, she brought out her tongue to have a taste.

She was no expert, and she didn’t know how helpful those articles she had read, so she moved her mouth and tongue as if she was testing the waters.

The tip of her tongue licked the skin of Terron’s erection, trailing through the throbbing veins and feeling its warmth. But she didn’t go all the way. Pinapakiramdam niya ang reaksiyon ng binata dahil hindi niya alam kung tama ang ginagawa niya.

Kaya naman sa bawat paglapat ng dila ni Eva sa pagkalalaki ni Terron, nag-aangat siya ng tingin para makita ang reaksiyon nito.

To Eva, this was helping her see if she was doing it right. But to Terron, it was driving him insane.

Licking and then stopping and then licking him again. There was only so much he could take from this kind of teasing!

“Ev…” his jaw tightened as he reached out to grab Eva’s jaw and raised it for their eyes to meet. “If you don’t want me to go crazy, I beg of you, just suck me already.”

Eva blinked. “Am I… doing it right?”

Terron became dazed, seeing Eva blinked so innocently at him. Lord. Have mercy on me!

“This is my first time doing this, so am I… doing it right?”

Terron exhaled, unconsciously gripping Eva’s jaw. He wanted to teach her, but his desire to see what Eva would do on her own won by a landslide.

“Can you show me a little more?” Terron felt like he’s doing something bad and tainting Eva’s innocence. But stopping was never on his mind.

“More?”

“Hmm. More. You said you’re not clueless anymore. Let me see what you’ve learned.” He was so damn curious about what Eva had been learning.

Eva felt like she was being challenged, and her brain was greatly stimulated. Her lips pursed before she leaned in and licked the tip of Terron’s erection.

Nang marinig ni Eva ang mahinang pagdaing ni Terron, mas pinagbuti pa niya ang pagdila sa pagkalalaki ng binata bago ipinalibot ang mga daliri sa puno ng kahabaan nito.

She licked his length from base to tip. Then she kissed it as her tongue swirled and traced the veins on his throbbing manhood while her hand wrapped around the base of his erection moved up and down.

Eva still hadn’t put Terron’s manhood inside her mouth, but Terron was already panting and writhing desperately.

His control slowly slipped away every time he heard Eva make a little noise was licking him. He was blanking out and gritting his teeth. Eva’s tongue on him with the combination of her hand moving relentlessly was enough to send him over the edge.

“Fuck…” he hissed.

The next thing he knew, he was pulling Eva by hair and guiding her mouth to suck him already.

From the small indecent sounds she makes to her decadently messy hair and entrancing hand wrap around his length, Terron was becoming desperate by the second.

“Ev…” panting, he couldn’t take it anymore and begged. “Please… let me fuck your mouth.”

It was Eva’s first time hearing such obscene words from Terron that she stopped to look up at him. And that’s when she saw the mess she had made.

Terron’s tidied clothes were in disarray. His hair was disheveled from his own fingers running through it while he was lost in pleasure. And his usual clean, handsome face was tinged with unconstrained lust that he looked so decadent.

Yes. She made a mess of him.

There was no need to ask. Eva knew she had a perfect score.

Obediently, Eva opened her mouth for Terron, and she watched his erection slowly filled her mouth until her own breathing became disarray.

He was well-endowed, and the tip of his cock was hitting the back of her throat. And at every thrust, Eva couldn’t help making the most indecent sound she had ever heard herself make.

And with a sensitive gag reflex, her eyes watered while her mouth was being fucked.

Eva’s little groans and moans at every thrust, the slurping sound her mouth makes and her gasps for air while her mouth was being deep throated by Terron’s length made Terron lost his control entirely and came inside Eva’s mouth.

“Fuck…!”

Terron’s release was so sudden that Eva stilled in surprised.

When Eva tasted that salty taste of Terron’s semen in her mouth, she also smelled that slightly musky and metallic scent. Immediately, Eva pulled away, tightly closed her mouth and then she ran to the bathroom.

Ayon sa research niya, harmless naman daw lunukin ang inilalabas ng lalaki maliban na lang kung may allergy ang lulunok, pero hindi pa rin niya kayang lunukin ’yon.

Kaya naman mabilis siyang nagmumog at ginamit ang toothbrush niya—nuong nagkasakit si Terron at una siyang natulog dito—na naroon pa rin sa lababo.

Habang nagto-toothbrush siya, pumasok sa banyo si Terron at niyakap siya mula sa likuran saka isinubsob ang mukha nito sa batok niya.

“I’m sorry for coming in your mouth, Ev.” He said with a muffled voice. “Nawala sa isip ko.”

“Okay lang.” Eva paused for a bit to say that, and then she continued brushing her teeth.

Mas lalong humigpit ang yakap ni Terron sa beywang niya saka masuyo siya nitong hinalikan sa leeg at bumulong sa tainga niya. “I enjoyed it.”

Halata naman pero iba pa rin pala sa pakiramdam na marinig ’yon mula sa binata. She actually felt a sense of accomplishment. After all, this was her first time doing it. Pakiramdam niya may pinatunguhan ang research niya.

“Ev?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m curious what you’ve been reading these days.”

Tinapos ni Eva ang pagto-toothbrush. “A website with an in-depth guide and explanation about sexual acts and behaviors.” Umikot siya paharap sa binata. “I learn fast.”

Terron stared at Eva, amused by the proud expression on her face. “Halata nga.” Kapagkuwan ay niyakap niya ng mahigpit ang dalaga saka hinalikan ito sa tainga, pababa sa leeg hanggang sa umabot sa baba ng collar bone nito, patungo na sa dibdib ng dalaga.

Nagsisinungaling si Eva kung sasabihin niyang hindi siya natu-turn on sa ginagawa ni Terron pero palaging pumapasok sa isip niya ang paalala ng ’nay niya na huwag siyang maging menu.

Tumikhim siya saka pinigilan si Terron na mas bumaba pa ang halik nito. Kaagad namang tumigil ang binata saka bumalik sa pagyakap sa kaniya at masuyo siyang isinandal sa lababo.

Lumipas ang ilang segundong katahimikan bago nagsalita ulit si Terron.

“Ev?”

She hugged Terron back. “Hmm?”

“Sa ginawa natin ngayong gabi, I think we already crossed the line of no return. I’m worried that this might get out of control, and you might end up regretting it—regretting me. Ayokong mangyari ’yon, Ev. Alam kong makasariling hiling ’to, pero gusto ko maayos tayo pag-alis ko. Ayokong umalis na may sama ka ng loob sakin o may hindi tayo pagkakaintindihan. I don’t think I will be able to take it. So, I have to ask. Should we continue this, or should we stop and put a distance between us?”

Kumawala si Eva sa yakap ni Terron saka tumitig sa binata.

Without hiding his expression and emotions, Terron welcomed Eva’s gaze.

Pagkalipas ng isang mahabang minuto, tapos na ang obserbasyon ni Eva at may sagot na siya sa tanong ng binata.

“You’re asking for my consent to continue this, knowing that you can’t give me anything other than your affection.” It was not a question, but a statement.

Terron nodded. “I know it’s unfair—”

“Bakit mo naman naisip ’yon, Your Grace?” Kumunot ang nuo ni Eva. “Magkaiba tayo ng rason, pero pareho tayong hindi puwedeng pumasok sa isang relasyon. Alam ko at naiintindihan ko ang pinasok ko.” Masuyong sinapo ni Eva ang mukha ng binata saka nginitian ito. “Gusto kita, Your Grace. And in case you haven’t noticed, I am very tolerant and indulgent towards you. Hindi ko nakikita ang sarili ko na didistansiya sayo dahil lang aalis ka. Hindi ba dapat sulitin natin ang bawat araw dahil aalis ka na?”

Terron’s expression softened, and Eva was rewarded with a doting smile. “You have the most unique and intriguing mind that I have ever seen.”

Lumapad ang ngiti ni Eva. “I will take that as a compliment.”

“It is.”

Pinangigilan ni Eva ang pisngi ni Terron. Kapagkuwan ay bigla niyang naalala kung bakit nasa banyo silang dalawa.

It felt good and satisfying to perform an oral sex on Terron, but the semen did not taste good. “I suddenly want my Iced Latte.”

Terron leaned in to drop a soft kiss on Eva’s lips before picking her up into a princess carry. “Then I will take you to your Iced Latte.”

Natawa si Eva saka hinayaan lang si Terron na buhatin siya pabalik sa salas.

And unlike their earlier position, she was now sitting in between Terron’s legs, and she was leaning against him while sipping her Iced Latte and Terron was showering her neck with kisses.

“Your Grace?”

“Huwag kang mang-iiwan ng ebidensiya riyan sa leeg ko. Pagagalitan na naman ako ni ’nay. Sa sobrang paulit-ulit, memorize ko na ang palagi niyang sinasabi.”

Mahinang natawa si Terron. “Ano bang sinasabi ni Manang Luz sa’yo?”

Nagkibit-balikat si Eva. “Munting babala at paalala lang naman.”

That piqued Terron’s interest. “Anong babala at paalala sayo ng ’nay mo?”

“Siguraduhin ko raw na hindi ako maging menu mo.”

Malakas na natawa si Terron saka pinisil ang pisngi ni Eva. “Paano ’yan ngayon, kumain ka ng hindi mo dapat kainin?”

Nagkibit-balikat ulit si Eva. “Sa pagkakaalam ko, wala akong ginawang masama, Your Grace. Ang sabi lang naman ni ’nay ay huwag akong maging menu, hindi niya sinabing hindi kita puwedeng gawing menu. So, technically, I am innocent and cannot be held liable in this situation.”

Natatawang napailing na lang si Terron. “You are anything but innocent, Ev.”

Umingos si Eva. “I am not guilty, therefore I am innocent.”

“Wala na akong sinabi.” He hugged her from behind and kissed her temple. “By the way, Ev, saan mo gustong pumunta bukas? It’s the weekend. Let’s have a date.”

“Bukas? Hindi ako puwede bukas.”

Natigilan si Terron. “Bakit? May gagawin ka bang importante bukas?”

Tumango si Eva habang sumisimsim ng Iced Latte. “Yep.”

When Eva didn’t elaborate, Terron couldn’t help asking. “Anong gagawin mo bukas?”

“May importante akong lakad.” ’Yon lang ang sinabi ni Eva at hindi na dinagdagan ang sagot.

Terron was a little bothered, but Eva had her own life, after all. If she said she would be busy and couldn’t go on a date with him, then he should accept it as it is and ask her to go on a date next time.

But even so… a part of him was bothered by it.

Because of Terron’s silence and his warm embrace, Eva felt so cozy that she dozed off. Mabuti na lang at mabilis na nasalo ni Terron ang hawak nitong Iced Latte ng mabitawan iyon ni Eva dahil nakatulog na ito.

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig si Terron sa dalaga na nasa mga bisig niya.

To sleep while sipping coffee—only his Ev.

Shaking his head, he carefully picked her up again and brought her to his bedroom. Pagkatapos niyang maingat na maihiga ang dalaga, bumalik siya sa salas para iligpit ang pinamili nilang pagkain bago bumalik sa kuwarto.

After washing up, he was about to get cozy and cuddle with Eva when his phone made a sound. Nang tingnan niya kung ano ’yon, chat iyon galing sa kapatid niya.

‘Fratellone, Papá told me to tell you not to answer Nonno’s calls. He said that it’s meaningless to talk to him, so you shouldn’t bother.’

Right at that moment, he received an e-mail from his grandfather with an encrypted file and a message.

’The password is the code to the family’s vault. Memorize everything in this file. It will do you good if you know all these people on the list before coming back home. And the last page of this file is the most important.

P.S. the file will self-destruct in five minutes.’

With a frown, he opened the file and the first words he read were ‘THE COUNCIL OF JUSTICE’.

And just like what his grandfather said, five minutes later, the encrypted file became broken, and it couldn’t be opened again. Every time he tried; his phone’s power dies.

Just what the hell is this file? And what is that council?

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 17

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CHAPTER 18

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CHAPTER 19

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CHAPTER 20

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CHAPTER 21

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CHAPTER 22

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CHAPTER 23

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CHAPTER 24

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CHAPTER 25

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CHAPTER 26

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ORGÁNOSI INTERCHAPTER: Dissolution

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ORGÁNOSI INTERCHAPTER: CHART

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CHAPTER 27

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CHAPTER 28

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CHAPTER 29

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TRIAD INTERCHAPTER: Co-conspirator

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CHAPTER 30

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CHAPTER 31

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CHAPTER 32

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CHAPTER 33

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CHAPTER 34

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CHAPTER 35

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CHAPTER 36

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CHAPTER 37

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CHAPTER 38

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CHAPTER 39

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CHAPTER 40

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CHAPTER 41

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CHAPTER 42

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CHAPTER 43

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CHAPTER 44

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CHAPTER 45

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CHAPTER 46

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CHAPTER 47

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CHAPTER 48

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CHAPTER 49

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SENTRIES INTERCHAPTER: Assassins

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CHAPTER 50

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CHAPTER 51

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CHAPTER 52

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CHAPTER 53

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CHAPTER 54

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CHAPTER 55

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CHAPTER 56

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CHAPTER 57

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CHAPTER 58

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CHAPTER 59

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CHAPTER 60

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CHAPTER 61

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CHAPTER 62

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CHAPTER 63

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CHAPTER 64

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CHAPTER 65

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CHAPTER 66

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CHAPTER 67

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CHAPTER 68

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CHAPTER 69

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CHAPTER 70

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CHAPTER 71

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CHAPTER 72

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CHAPTER 73

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CHAPTER 74

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 75

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 76

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 77

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 78

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 79

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 80

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 81

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 82

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 83

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 84

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 85

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 86

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 87

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 88

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 89

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

EPILOGUE

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: LIFE WITH THE OLD GOSSIPERS

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: THE AGROTERÊ’S

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: HALF-BROTHER

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: PREGNANCY

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: FAMILY MEETING

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: MOON

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: SLICE OF LIFE

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: GROWP-UP

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: THE PIT

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: THE OLD AND NEW GENERATION BONDING (PART 1)

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: THE OLD AND NEW GENERATION BONDING PART 2

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: THE OLD AND NEW GENERATION BONDING PART 3

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

✨ CeCeLib’s 10th Anniversary Event ✨

A decade of storytelling—what a surreal feeling.

Thank you for your unwavering support and love.

Your love for my work has been my inspiration behind every story I’ve shared.

Thank you for being part of this incredible decade journey.

Here’s to many more years of stories and memories.

• C.C -

---

Celebrating 10 years of CeCeLib on Wattpad!

Time flies when the reading is good.

Ring in CeCeLib’s 10th birthday with up to 50% OFF most of her popular reads, like the Possessive Series, Mistress of Nature, Amorous Agreement and more.

Check this

reading list

now!

  ![](https://img.wattpad.com/559a1fbd0f49603cad02647f78e2baf700b4f313/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f49774f77546e683956646c6338673d3d2d313434363038353035362e313763663938626563653332616234373531343831373233383834322e6a7067)