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Rourick Maximus Demirian

Eleanor D’ssandra Alquizar

CHAPTER 1

“Thanks, Manong Fable,” I said with a small smile as he carefully lifted my luggage and placed it inside the trunk of the car.

I closed my eyes when the fresh air touched my face and inhaled deeply as I enjoyed it.

Tama nga si Pamela. 

Iba pala talaga ang hangin sa probinsiya.

Walang nakakainis na trapiko at walang polusyon. It wasn’t like the city, where the thick jeepney fumes could make my nose turn black by the end of the day.

It’s very polluted. 

I felt like I was inhaling smoke instead of oxygen.

I understand now why Lola Assunta strictly prohibited me from commuting ever since I started learning in school.

She always said public transportation wasn’t for me dahil nakakasira talaga sa baga and I can’t afford to end up with lung cancer in the future.

Even so, I still like the city though compared to here, because for sure wala mga malls dito, how can I shop my favorite branded things? 

I mentally frowned. 

I can’t live without them! 

And to make things worse, there aren’t any clubs or nightlife!

I’m seriously going to die of boredom!

I sighed heavily as I realized I would surely miss my club era with Pamela. She’s the only one who can handle my attitude.

Manong Fable quickly walked over and opened the car door for me.

I finally turned, ready to step into the car but something made me freeze mid-step.

I looked at the wheel and frowned when I saw how muddy it was. My expression immediately soured.

“Manong Fable,” I called, raising an eyebrow. “Why is the car so muddy? Didn’t the helpers do their job po ba?”

“My family paid them properly. Kaya dapat ginagawa rin po nila ang trabaho nang maayos,”

Manong Fable nervously scratched his head and smiled awkwardly at me.

“Naku, nilinisan naman po Seniorita bago ako pumunta rito,” Manong Fable explained with an apologetic smile.

“Sadyang maputik lang ho talaga ang daan papuntang Arilaw.”

I raised my eyebrows at what I heard.

Maputik ang daan papuntang Arilaw?

My mind immediately began questioning everything.

Bakit hindi pinasemento ng gobyerno kung maputik naman pala?

Bakit hindi ito agad na inaksyunan?

Ganyan na ba kahirap ang bansa natin para hindi maaksyunan ang mga problema?

Maghihintay pa ba na may mamatay dahil sa maputik na daan?

And worse, what if an ambulance can’t get through during an emergency? This place is crazy!

But it’s not a problem anyway.

I should probably ask Dad to contact someone when I get home, ipapacemento ko ang kalsada para hindi na ako mahirapan at para hindi na madumihan ang sasakyan namin.

If he won’t agree, even though he loves me, sometimes he still doesn’t agree with what I want.

And if that happens, I’ll just call Lolo Gregorio instead. 

A faint smirk tugged at my lips at the thought.

He was in London right now, probably busy with meetings and whatever serious old-people business he always had, but I’m pretty sure he will agree.

I’m his only princess, siguradong hindi niya ako matatanggihan.

This is for my own sake naman.

Paano na lang kapag pasukan na?

I couldn’t even imagine going to a university with a muddy car.

That won’t happen! baka pagtitinginan ako ng mga estudyante.

Well, I want them to look at me naman, but that’s because I’m super pretty, not because I’m riding a muddy car.

That would be very disgusting, humiliating, and . . . . .and  nakakahiya.

Transferee pa naman ako.

I wouldn’t let anyone in that university form the wrong idea about me. 

I’m the only heir of Alquizar. 

First impressions mattered.

“So the name is Arilaw? It’s weird… it sounds like bungang-araw though,” I thought.

Pilit na napangiti si Manong Fable sa sinabi ko at napakamot na naman siya sa ulo,

What? They really rhyme.

Hindi na nagsalita muli si Manong at pinagbuksan na lang ulit ako ng pinto.

I let out a small huff and immediately slid inside the car.

I didn’t even look at the mud, baka masira pa ang araw ko ng tuluyan.

The ride was smooth at first, so I thought Manong Fable was just lying about the rough road.

He’s just pranking me. 

I knew it!

I was about to call Manong Fable to confirm if he had just tricked me, but I stopped when my head almost hit the roof of the car.

“Oh my gosh!” I exclaimed as my eyes widened.

His eyes widened too as he checked me in the rearview mirror.

“Naku—pasensya na po, Seniorita. Hindi ko po nakita na may lubak na pala. Okay lang po ba kayo sa likod?”

“I’m…”

Not fine.

I’m fucking not.

Gusto kong sabihin, but I closed my eyes as I calmed myself.

Pamela’s voice echoed in my head: Don’t be rude to matatanda in the province they might have black magic.

And Manong Fable is a matanda!

“I-I’m fine, Manong,” ani ko na lang at marahang inayos ang magulong buhok ko.

Though I wanted to scream because I wasn’t really fine.

My hairstyle, which I curled for almost an hour, was ruined, at halos magkalabukol na ako sa ulo.

Lola would be furious seeing me with a bukol.

God.

Alam kong magpapadala agad iyon ng doktor sa hacienda ni Dad, para ipa-check ang balat ko because she doesn’t want me to have a peklat.

“Jesus Christ,” sambit ko sabay napangiwi nang may madaanan nanaman kaming malalim na lubak.

How did Dad even survive this kind of road for years?

This is insane.

Nakakamatay ito!

Mamamatay ako dito kung mapalaging mababagok ang ulo ko. 

There might be a chance na magkaroon ako ng blood clot sa ulo dahil sa kakakauntog!

I really need to suggest improving this immediately!

“Manong Fable, can you please slow down a bit?” hindi ko mapigilang sabi.

“Slow down na po ito, Seniorita. Kinse lang po ang takbo ko,” aniya at ngumiti sa akin.

I can’t help but roll my eyes because of irritation.

I will surely call Lola later and tell her my struggles just to be here.

She better not be busy with her amigas and give her full attention to me.

Because this? This was unacceptable.

But even as I complained internally, my gaze slowly drifted outside the window.

And I can’t help but be mesmerized by its surroundings.

I’ve never seen this kind of scenery in my entire life! I spent most of my time in London and Manila, so this is all new!

I can see trees along the way.

They are very aligned. May nakita rin ako sa malayong dako na mga white cows.

Everything around me is green and refreshing. 

Perpekto na sana ang lahat kung hindi lang lubak-lubak ang daan.

I exhaled sharply, leaning closer to the window.

“Why aren’t I seeing any cars passing by, Manong Fable?” tanong ko, dahil wala ni isa akong nakitang sasakyan simula pa kanina.

I only saw people walking with carabaos or horses earlier.

“Dalawa lang po kasi kayong may sasakyan dito, Seniorita”

Nanlaki ang mata ko.

“Really?”

“Opo. Kayo lang po at ang mga Montierde pero nasa kabilang bayan ho sila.”

My mouth formed an O.

Montierde… quite familiar, though.

Hindi ko alam kung isa sa mga naging ex ko sa Manila or maybe one of those elite families Dad used to mention during business dinners.

Or maybe one of Pamela’s countless stories about some rich guy she used to lafang.

But I bet not.

Arilaw is way too far from where Pamela is staying. This is a very silly place.

It would take almost three to four hours to travel to the nearby small cities.

We have a lot of companies in Manila, but Dad chose to stay here and brought land here after Mom passed away.

My mom originally came from here.

Her parents died when she was young.

She met Dad at the age of 21; they got married and went to Manila with him kaya nabuo ako, ofcourse!

I’ve heard this was just a plain field before, but over the years he turned it into a successful farm villa.

Studying in the province wasn’t really my plan! not even in my wildest dreams.

But Lolo insisted, he told me to stay with my dad now since he’s not getting any younger anymore.

And even though it went against my will to come here, my love for my dad prevailed, so I decided to stay with him here.

Due to exhaustion from traveling, I fell asleep without realizing it.

I always hated it. I’d wake up with a stiff neck or worse, drooling and embarrassing myself in front of Manong Fable.

But maybe I’m so tired that darkness eats me.

And the moment I opened my eyes.

I was shocked because the car wasn’t moving! 

Manong Fable was nowhere to be found. He wasn’t in the driver’s seat.

Oh my gosh.

Naholdap ba kami—

“Naku, Rourick, napakabait mo talagang bata. Salamat sa tulong mo.”

It’s Manong Fable!

Then I realized the window in front was half open kaya pala malalim ang tulog ko kanina dahil sa sariwang hangin.

“Walang anuman po, Manong Pabling.”

I raised an eyebrow at the sound of a low, deep baritone voice.

I didn’t see the man it belonged to, and I had no intention of finding out.

I’m not interested. 

Kasi kapag ganyan, ibig sabihin ay masama ang mukha. So God is simply making the voice sound prettier.

Lord probably just made the voice nice… and forgot the face. That’s what Pamela said, dahil minsan na siyang nauto ng isang DJ sa club.

I reached for the window control and slowly rolled it down, not to peek at the man, but to finally get a clearer sense of where we were.

Pinalibot ko ang aking paningin, at agad na nanliit ang mga mata ko nang makita ko ang isang lalaking nakatalikod sa puwesto ko.

He’s wearing a white loose sando top.

From where I was sitting, I could see the outline of his broad and masculine shoulders.

 Umismid ako.

Maybe he already knew I had arrived, so he intentionally wore something like that… to get noticed?

Oh, please. Marami na akong nakitang ganyan sa France at Manila.

“Buti na lang talaga at napadaan ka rito, kung hindi ay baka abutin kami ng gabi dito ni Seniorita. Ayaw pa naman noon ang pinaghihintay.”

Really? Manong Fable? Sinisiraan mo ako? I’m not like that.

“Siya po ba ang anak ni Don Augusto, Manong Pabling?”

His voice is really something!

Still…

I told myself not to care. 

People with voices like that usually disappoint anyway.

“Oo siya nga, Rourick. Napakagandang dalaga. Pakiramdam ko ay kaedaran mo lang si Seniorita.”

Rourick  . . . . .

So that was his name, not bad.

I secretly combed my hair.

Nililipad kasi ng hangin baka lilingon siya nagmukha akong sinabutan ng pitong satanas.

But then the man just nodded?

He just nodded and didn’t even dare to look back!

I knew it! Pangit talaga siya! 

That’s why he wouldn’t even turn around. Nahihiya siyang ipakita ang mukha niya.

“You better go, Manong Pablo, baka magalit ang señorita. “ he said.

And before I could stop myself…

“Manong Fable, what’s the fuss all about? Aren’t we going home yet?” I asked.

I didn’t mean for my voice to sound impatient, but it came out that way.

Kita kong nalaki ang mata ni Manong Fable at dali-daling lumapit sa akin.

“Naku, Señorita, pasensya na po. Napasarap lang ang usapan namin nitong si Rourick.”

Then the man whose name is Rourick . . .   . . . .  faced me. 

Agad nagtagpo ang paningin namin.  

The first thing I noticed was his eyes.

God. I’ve never seen such beautiful eyes before.

His eyes were ash gray, with a faint hint of green? 

It’s . . . .

It’s strangely captivating . . and deep. 

I held my breath without even realizing it.

Pamela is such a scam!

Hindi naman lahat ng may magandang boses ay pangit.

“Rourick, magpakilala ka kay señorita,” masayang utos ni Manong Fable.

The longer I stared at him, the more I felt completely drained, as if he was taking all my energy.

Parang nag-slow motion ang paligid.

Kahit ang pagtawa ni Manong Fable ay hindi ko na masyadong marinig.

Plus his brows were thick, and his jaw was perfectly shaped. Matangos ang ilong, and his tanned skin showed that he was used to hard work.

I had never imagined someone like him could exist in a place as remote as this.

I mean, if he applied as a model, the men in Manila would probably lose their jobs.

But there’s no way I’ll show him that I adore him. Hindi siya siniswerte!

I folded my arms and slightly raised my chin, waiting for him to introduce himself.

I would never introduce myself first because why would I?

I’m an Alquizar. Everyone here should bow down to me! at least, that’s what my Lola Assunta said.

“Rourick po, Señorita,” he introduced himself politely, but he didn’t smile.

I cleared my throat and straightened my back.

“I’m Eleanor D’ssandra Alquizar,” I formally said.

Then, to my surprise…

He just nodded and looked away first.

Napasinghap ako. 

I should be the one who will do that. 

How dare he!

“I’d better go, Manong. Naghihintay pa sa akin si Cecil.”

Manong Fable’s face immediately brightened.

“Oh, Cecil? Iyong nobya mo?”

My brows instinctively knitted together.

Nobya? As in Girlfriend?

“At talagang napakaswerte ninyo sa isa’t isa. Mabait rin na bata si Cecil at napaka-matulungin rin sa kapwa-”

For some reason… the conversation suddenly became irritating.

“I can drive the car if you want to stay and talk with poor strangers, Manong,” I said flatly.

Without waiting for anyone’s response, I pressed the button of the tinted car.

CHAPTER 2

“Where’s Dad?”

Halos mapatalon ang isang kasambahay na nagpupunas sa isang tabi sa aking biglaang tanong.

“S-Seniorita—”

“Where’s my daddy?” I asked again, calmly.

She nervously bit her lip.  “Baka n-nasa library po, S-Seniorita,” she replied, then quickly lowered her head.

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Why are you afraid of me? I didn’t do anything bad,”

Nanlaki ang mata niya at pinilit na ngumiti sa akin.

Bahagya akong umirap at hindi na nagtanong pa. 

I turned around and started walking away.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit takot na takot sa akin ang mga kasambahay ni Daddy.  

I don’t hurt anyone.

I don’t shout.

I didn’t do anything wrong.

I don’t even look like a witch either, so I don’t understand where their fear came from.

Another maid came.

She was hesitant at first, pero kalaunan, sinabayan niya rin ako sa paglalakad but still keeping a respectful distance.

“S-Seniorita, ano pong gusto niyo sa almusal, fried rice at tocino ho ba—”

I stopped for a moment and looked over my shoulder at her.

“Are you making me fat?”

“P-Po? Hindi po—”

“I don’t eat breakfast, Yaya,”

“Pero magagalit po ang Don—”

“A tea will do.” 

I left without waiting for her response and kept walking.

Dad’s house is very huge.

Well, our home in Manila is huge too, but it’s modern compared to here, which is all old-fashioned.

May maraming old paintings, vases, and things which I assume have the same age as my Lola Assunta pa.

It may have a lot of antiques but it didn’t look haunted or scary.

I’m not just  used to this since our house from Manila and France is very modern and full of glass windows hindi gaya rito na ang kakapal ng curtains.

Another huge painting approaching me was hanging on the wall before Dad’s library door.

I couldn’t help but step closer and take a better look.

I raised my hand without thinking.

Hinaplos ko ang mukha niya sa painting.

The woman in the picture is so elegant. Kahit walang kolorete sa mukha, ay hindi maipagkaila na sobrang ganda niya.

Then my fingers moved slightly… hanggang sa dumapo sa mata niya.

They are really the same shape and color as mine. Black almond.

“Mama,” I whispered as something tightened in my chest.

Before the feeling could swell further, I took one step back and distanced myself from the painting.

I sighed heavily as I turned my back and knocked once and entered.

“What is it that you want to talk about, Eleanor?” tanong ni Dad at ibinaba ang diyaryong binabasa niya.

I closed the door behind me.

It’s been two days since I arrived here in Arilaw, pinalipas ko lang talaga ang mga araw bago ako humingi ng pabor kay Dad.

I know the fact that he won’t tolerate my attitude of being brat. Only Lola at Lolo will and ofcourse Pamela.

But I’ll still grab the chance. I came here kahit labag sa kalooban ko para samahan siya dito.

“How’s your morning, Dad?”

I pulled the chair out and sat across from him.

“Spill it, young lady, I know you’ll ask a favor.”

I rubbed my feet against the edge of the chair,and looked down as I played with my fingers.

“Dad, you know that I really hate dirt, right?”

“Oh, you hate everything that you don’t like, Eleanor.”

“Dad!”

“Oh right,” he interrupted again “Go on.”

’’Well…“ I started,  

’’I just want you to cement the road here in Arilaw,“ panimula ko.

He removed his reading glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose, tila napakalaking problema ang sinabi ko.

Nangunot ang noo ko. His reaction didn’t make sense to me.

It’s not actually a problem. I’m helping to find solutions to a problem

Kaya bago pa siya makapagsalita ay inunahan ko na.

“Dad, it’s very maputik! And my signature sandals will be very… dirty too! Paano na lang kung magsisimula na ang pasukan! Maputikan ang sasakyan na maghahatid sa akin, everyone will look at me. Baka sabihin nilang galing ako nag-aararo sa rice field,” hysterical kong sabi.

I really cannot embarrass myself during the first day of school.

“I don’t know what to do to you, Eleanor,” namomroblemang sabi niya.

Tumayo ako agad para mas maipaliwanag ko nang maayos because clearly, sitting down was not helping him understand the seriousness of my proposal.

“Dad, come to think of it, muddy road would be very dangerous for cars. Araw-araw akong dadaan doon patungong paaralan. Kalabaw lang ang safe na dadaan don.”

Dad stared at me for a second.

“Then ride a carabao, Eleanor.”

Napasinghap ako. “Dad!”

Huminga siya nang malalim 

“We can’t do that, Iha.”

“Tatawagan ko na lang si Lolo—”

“I bet he can’t do anything about it either.”

“And why not?”

Dad set the newspaper aside completely now, giving me his full attention.

“We don’t own that land, Iha, and it will be a long process to find who’s the real owner. Why don’t you just explore Arilaw first before the school starts?”

I stopped as I think it’s a good suggestion.

“How will I do that? Wala akong kilala rito, Dad. I bet Manong Fable will not agree. He told me yesterday dudugo ang ilong niya sa akin. Dad, hindi naman ako nananapak ng matanda!”

Dad chuckled and shook his head.

“I’ll just have someone to accompany you, okay? And you better behave.”

“Can I tell Pamela to go here instead?” mabilis kong singit,

“School will start next week. She will run out of time if she visits here.”

My shoulders dropped a little..

“Ano bang pwede kong gawin dito, Dad? I like the scenery, though I just don’t like the muddy road.”

“May talon at lawa sa likod ng hacienda,” he said. “There’s a beach if you walk further ahead.”

My eyes widened.

“Oh a beach? Why didn’t you tell me, Dad? Sana dinala ko dito ang mga bikinis ko.”

“Eleanor-”

“Dad, you know I can’t swim with pajamas on, right? So maybe for now, I will go to the talon muna and the lawa.”

Dad gave a small nod, like he had already accepted that whatever plan I had in my head.

“You can prepare now. I’ll call someone to accompany you.”

I nodded.

I was about to open the door when he called me.

“And, Eleanor?”

“Yes, Dad?”

“Can you be a little gentler with the people here?”

Nangunot ang noo ko at bahagyang umirap dahil naalala ko ang inasal ko pagdating dito.

Hindi na ako nag salita at mabilis ng  nagtungo sa pangalawang palapag para mag-handa.

I immediately grabbed my hung clothes at isa-isa iyong inilagay sa kama and examining which one I should wear.

This will be the first time I will be exploring a falls  kasi  puro club hunting lang ang inaatupag namin ni Pamela noon.

Nanliit ang mata kong nakita ang isang yellow tube and a white skort. I immediately took it and parted it with white strap sandals.

Hindi na ako naligo since I’m planning to swim there naman.

I was curling my hair when a knock interrupted me.

“Seniorita, pinapatawag na po kayo ni Don.“said the housemaid from outside. 

“Coming,” I shouted back and made my action fast.

I applied lip tint, blush on and then a light makeup spray to lock everything in place.

Then I’m good to go.

I grabbed my tote bag and made my way downstairs.

I saw Dad talking to a man, so I guess siya ang kasama ko papuntang sa talon?

The man had his back turned to me, so I couldn’t see his face yet.

He’s just wearing a black fitted shirt, that features his muscles and faded jeans they had been worn more than once

Nanliit ang mata ko. His kinda familiar…

Oh, it’s him! 

I slowed my steps until I was almost tiptoeing, not wanting to disturb their conversation.

Nahuli ko ang tingin ni Dad kaya matamis akong ngumiti sa kanya but his expression became sour.

“Jesus,” I heard him murmured.

The man I knew, Rourick, turned to look at me.

I saw him blink for a while like his shock?

Well, I couldn’t really blame him.

People usually got starstruck when they saw me. I had gotten used to that a long time ago.

“What are you wearing, Eleanor?” Dad asked.

“Uh… a dress?”

“You’re going to the falls, young lady, and not to a club party.”

Umiwas ng tingin si Rourick na para bang siya ang nahiya sa akin.

Namula ang mukha ko. I could feel my ears reddening, but I wouldn’t let myself lose it.

Never.

“Should I wear Baro’t Saya instead, Dad?”

Dad took a deep breath through his nose and gave me a final look.

“Just… just wear flat shoes. Not sandals, Eleanor.”

“Alright, I just thought it would be great in the picture if I wear sandals,” huling sabi ko at tumalikod.

“Sorry Rourick. My daughter can be trouble sometimes,” I heard my Dad say but I didn’t react.

I’d like to be the trouble rather than being a victim anyways.

Bumalik ako sa baba ng naka-sout ng black CLN dollshoes.

When I reached the bottom, Dad’s eyes moved over me from head to toe.

Before he can react, inunahan ko na.

“I don’t like to wear sneakers, Dad.”

Bumuntong hininga siya, saktong tumunog ang kanyang cellphone kaya nagpaalam na siya agad sa akin.

“Who are we waiting for? Aren’t we going?” tanong ko ng hindi kumibo so Rourick.

Tumango siya sa akin.

“Tayo na po, Seniorita,” pormal niyang sabi at naunang naglakad.

I raised my eyebrows and followed him. 

Hindi ba kami gagamit ng sasakyan?

I glanced around the driveway, expecting one to pull out or a driver to appear.

Well, I guess not.

But I didn’t complain.

It’s fine so I can explore Arilaw and give this place a try.

But before I could fully step outside. I quickly turned back inside and grabbed my cute pink umbrella.

The heat outside already felt sharp against my skin.

Nauna siyang naglakad sa akin kaya mas binilisan ko pa ang aking hakbang while I’m trying to fix my hair.

“Wait up,” I called out when I saw him already past the gate.

Ngunit hindi siya lumingon but I saw how he slowed his pacing.

Pero kahit ganoon, I can’t still catch up ang haba ng mga biyas niya kumpara sa akin.

It’s very difficult to keep up.

We had already left Dad’s house.

It wasn’t as hot in this area anymore dahil may mga puno ng nakahilera sa daan.

But still, I’m holding my umbrella.

Though there are trees, pero minsan ay may lumulusot pa rin ang  init ng araw and it felt painful on my skin.

Mabagal lang akong naglakad sa gilid ng daan, sa damuhan na medyo basa pa.

Sa gitna kasi is very muddy though papadry na siya dahil mainit pero maputik pa rin talaga.

I looked up as Rourick was already far ahead.

Napahanga ako when he easily took a wide step, skipping the mud.

“Rourick!” I can’t help but call his name loudly.

Tumigil siya sa paglakad at lumingon sa akin.

“Wait for me,” dagdag ko pa.

Kahit malayo ay kita kong nangunot ang noo niya at bumuntong hininga  like he was already tired of something.

Well . . nakakatired naman talaga maglakad under the sun. Sana ay nag sasakyan nalang kami!

Naglakad siya sa dulo sa mga puno, sumandal doon at hinintay ako I guess?

Hindi ko alam ilang minuto o baka oras ang inabot bago ako nakarating sa kinatatayuan niya.

Maybe it takes really long dahil kunot noo lang niya akong  tiningnan.

“Malayo pa ba ang falls?” I can’t help but ask.

Tumango lang siya sa akin. Umayos siya ng tayo at naunang naglakad naman.

Mabilis ko siyang hinabol. I didn’t want to fall behind again.

“It’s very mainit, nuh?” I asked out of nowhere.

“I’m sweating na,” 

I wipe my forehead with the back of my hand.

 ’’Sana pala ay nagdala ako ng handkerchief para pamunas ng pawis ko.“

“I don’t like sweating you know it’s very malagkit sa skin.”

I wasn’t even sure if he was listening.

He didn’t react, didn’t look back, didn’t even slow down to acknowledge me.

But he had ears, so… technically, he heard me.

As we walked further, may nakita akong kubo sa hindi kalayuan namin.

I was about to tell him that we should rest maybe for an hour, but he turned there.

Nanlaki ang mata ko at mas binilisan ang hakbang but still very careful dahil maputik pa rin.

There’s a lady sitting outside the bahay kubo.

Maybe around 40’s? Ka-age lang ni Dad.

“Magandang umaga po, Aling Elvira,“he greeted politely.

“Oh Rourick, naparito ka?”

I slowed behind him.

“Uhh . . .  gusto kasing sumama si Cecil sa talon. Eksaktong inutusan ako ni Don Agusto na gusto niyang pasamahan ang kanyang anak.”

CHAPTER 3

“Uhh… gusto kasing sumama ni Cecil sa talon. Eksaktong inutusan ako ni Don Agusto na samahan si seniorita.”

Cecil?

Oh! Right.

She’s his girlfriend. I just remembered .

Now I’m curious about what his girlfriend looks like. 

Are they bagay ba?

Is she pretty?

Napatingin si Aling Elvira sa akin at bahagya siyang natigilan nang makita ako.

She’s probably Cecil’s mom.

“Good morning po,” I greeted her.

Sandali niya akong pinagmamasdan mula ulo hanggang paa bago siya ngumiti nang tipid.

“Good morning din, hija.”

Muli niyang ibinalik ang atensyon kay Rourick.

“Tatawagin ko muna si Cecil sa loob”

“Sige ho Aling Elvira, walang problema.”

I heard Rourick say, but I ignored it as I busied myself checking the small Kubo house.

His girlfriend’s house is really not spacious. 

In fact, my bedroom alone was probably bigger than this entire house. 

I wasn’t even trying to sound arrogant.

It was simply… true.

It’s very tiny!

But it has a lot of flowery plants though kaya okay na rin. Maganda na ring tingnan. May puno rin ng manga sa hindi kalayuan at may duyan narin.

It’s peaceful but honestly speaking I can’t live like this.

Nangawit na ang mga paa ko kakatayo kaya bahagya akong lumapit ako nang kaunti kay Rourick.

“Can I sit there?” I asked and pointed to the bamboo chair near the window.

Sinundan niya ang itinuturo ko ng tingin bago siya tumango.

Agad akong lumapit sa upuan, ngunit kusang nanliit ang mga mata ko sa nakita.

There was dried mud on the seat! Pati dito na naman? Did they put they muddy feet here? Disgusting!

And without hesitation, I took the small wipes that I got inside my bag and carefully wiped the bamboo surface.

I looked at the wipes and it was all black now from dirt kaya napangiwi ako.

Hindi pa ako nakuntento at kumuha pa ako ng dalawang wipes para ipunas doon.

“Just to be safe,” I whispered to myself.

When satisfied that it’s clean, lumingon ako kay Rourick.

Only to find him glaring at me.

Oh, and not just glaring.

He looked… genuinely annoyed.

Bakit siya galit?

Hindi naman ako magkakalat dito. Maarte man ako, pero hindi ako burara.

“Is there a trash can here?” I asked, holding up the used wipes.

“So I can throw these dirty wipes away.”

Matagal niya akong tiningnan ngunit   hindi sumagot at iritado lang na nag-iwas ng tingin.

Umikot ang mata ko sa loob ng kubo, pero wala akong makitang basurahan kaya inilagay ko na lang muna sa isang sulok ang mga ito at komportableng umupo sa upuan.

Bahagya pa itong tumunog kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.

“Am I that heavy?” I murmured.

Siguro nga! Naparami kasi akong kinain kagabi dahil sa nilutong ulam ni Manang Ruth.

I forgot the name but it’s like an eggplant with egg? And it’s color black crisp on the outside juicy on the inside.

It was my first time trying it, so I ended up eating a lot. It’s very tasty. Mas masarap pa iyon sa steak! I swear!

By just thinking about last night’s meal made my throat feel dry.

Maybe it was also because of the heat.

Ugh…

Why is it so hot here ba?

Pinaypayan ko ang sarili ko dahil pakiramdam ko sobrang lagkit ko na.

I can feel my sweat running down my back, neck, and forehead!

I stole a glance at Rourick, who he just stared at me… angrily?

Again? Galit nanaman?

What did I do ba?

Dumating si Manang Elvira kaya naputol ang maapoy na tingin ni Rourick sa akin.

“Nagbibihis na siya Rourick, pasensya na kung matagalan. Tuloy muna kayo.”

“It’s really not a problem Aling Elvira. Dito na lang po kami maghihintay.”

Tumango ang matanda at marahang ngumiti.

She was about to turn her back when I spoke.

“Uh… can I have some water po? Or… I’ll just pay na lang but I only have a one-thousand-peso bill with me.”

Napaawang ang labi niya.

“Don’t worry if you don’t have any change. It’s okay. You can keep the change na lang. I’m just super thirsty na kasi,” mabilis kong dugtong.

I heard Rourick whisper something under his breath, but I couldn’t hear what he said.

“Aling Elvira, pasensya na po,” biglang sabat ni Rourick. “Ako na lang po ang kukuha.”

Tahimik akong naiwan habang sinusundan ng tingin si Rourick na pumasok sa loob ng kubo.

Minutes later, Rourick came back with a cup in his hand, but the cup wasn’t made of glass.

It was stainless steel!

He handed it to me.

Hindi ko iyon agad kinuha dahil bago iyon sa aking paningin.

Pero umigting ang panga niya kaya mabilis ko itong kinuha.

I looked inside of it to check what’s inside. I have trust issues. Malay mo he’s pranking me. The glass is not see-through pa naman.

Cecil came, wearing a black fitted T-shirt and pants. She has long straight hair and her skin is tanned.

She looked naturally pretty? I don’t know. I’m not sure.

She smiled at me warmly.

Oh she’s friendly?

But…

For some reason, I didn’t feel like smiling back.

So I didn’t.

Her smile faded for a second before she turned to Rourick.

“Tayo na?”

Tumango si Rourick at binalingan ako.

“You done?”

“Uh…” I hesitated.

I bit my lower lip.

“Is this a… mineral water?”

The moment the question left my mouth, the surroundings seemed to fall silent.

Napansin kong unti-unting namula ang mukha ni Cecil.

Nagkasalubong ang kilay ni Rourick  kaya agad napaayos ako ng upo. He’s very nakakatakot talaga!

Realizing how my question might have sounded, I immediately tried to explain.

“I’m sorry, my stomach is very sensitive—”

“Hindi niyo ho bahay ito, seniorita” malamig niyang Sabi.

“Matuto ho sana kayong rumispito at makibagay. Huwag niyong dadalhin ang kaartehan dito.”

Before I could even process what was happening, he snatched the stainless-steel cup from my hands.

Napabitaw ako sa gulat.

Every word that comes out of his mouth makes me shut up.

I’m an Alquizar.

I don’t let anyone treat me this way.

Normally, I would’ve answered back without thinking twice. I would’ve reminded him exactly who he was talking to.

But my courage just shut down, and all I did was stare back at him.

This was the first time in my life that someone had spoken to me with such open contempt and I can’t help but my heart feels like it was being sliced!

“Rourick, ayos lang naman,”

Cecil’s gentle voice broke silence, kaya napaiwas ng tingin si Rourick sa akin.

Cecil turned to me and offered an apologetic smile.

“Hindi mineral ang tubig dito, señorita,” she said softly. “Pero malinis naman. Galing iyon sa tubud.”

Rourick didn’t say another word.

He simply turned his back and started walking. Cecil quietly followed him.

After a few seconds, I followed them as well pero natagalan lang because I needed to open my umbrella before going out to the sun.

I walked several steps behind them. May distansiya ang pagitan namin pero it’s enough for me to hear Cecil laugh.

I know it was just a normal laugh, but I didn’t know why it was irritating for me, especially when he playfully slapped Rourick’s shoulder.

Rourick looked back at me. Agad nagtagpo ang mata namin ngunit agad din niyang ibinalik iyon sa unahan.

Cecil looked back at me too and smiled and continued laughing with Rourick.

I mimicked Cecil’s laugh and made a face as I stared at them.

I wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking anymore.

My eyes were too busy glaring at the two of them. Then worst accident happened!

Shit!

I slipped.

Malakas akong na apasinghap realizing my left foot is now very muddy. Para na akong may sout na black medyas!

Maluha-luha kong tinanaw sina Rourick hoping they’d look back and help me but they just kept on walking.

And I don’t want to ask for help either baka sabihan nanaman ako ng maarte! I know it’s true but I just can’t take it coming from him!

Mariin kong tiningnan ang kaliwang paa ko na may putik, examining if there are any worms in it.

I remembered Pamela said the linta lives in the mud and will suck your your entire blood.

I bit my lips in horror thinking I will be color pale because leech will suck my blood here and no will notice!

But a wave of relief washed over me when I confirmed there wasn’t a single leech on my foot.

“Thank goodness…” I whispered as I stood up.

Nagpatuloy ako sa paglalakad. I caught a glimpse of them turning into a wooded trail.

I don’t mind. I’m good at directions naman kaya okay lang.

I don’t want to walk fast either, my left foot is very slippery. So I continued at my own pace.

“…Maybe here?” I murmured, staring at one narrow trail.

I took a few steps forward.

Then frowned.

“Maybe not!” I hissed.

Bakit hindi ko matandaan kung saan sila pumasok. This is the third way I am now. Akala ko isang daan lang pero tatlo pala.

I got exhausted from walking for god knows how many minutes so I decided to look for water first before I continue.

Baka ma dehydrate ako bago ko makita ang tamang Daan!

I looked around and luckily I spotted a small sari-sari store standing beside the road.

“Hello? Excuse me?” I called, peeking inside the tiny store.

“Anyone? Customer here! I wanna buy”

I was about to call out again when a small wooden window slid open.

“Anong atin ineng?” the old man said as he opened the small window in front of me.

“Oh!” I smiled in relief.

“Uh… can I buy a bottle of water po?”

“Water? Tubig? Meron, tag bente singko.”

And he handed me the water bottle.

Kinuha ko ang tubig, binuksan at ininom na as I handed the 1000 bill.

“Nako, wala kang barya? Wala akong panukli dito.”

“It’s okay manong, keep the change na lang po.”

“Abay salamat torista ka ba ineng? Pupunta ka ng Arilaw Falls?”

“Opo sana manong.”

“Nako! Medyo delikado kapag ikaw lang. Sana ay may kasama ka lalo na’t nasa gitna iyong ng kagubatan. Maraming mabangis na hayop na pwede mong makasalamuha.”

Agad naman namayani ang takot sa aking puso at napatingin uli sa malawak kagubatan.

“Manong, can I ask po?”

“Ano ining? Hindi ko masyadong maintindihan.”

“Pwede ho ba akong magtanong?” mas maayos kong ulit.

“Ay bakit naman hindi?”

“Is the mud… safe po?” I hesitantly asked.

“Ang putik?” he repeated, as if trying to understand my question.

“Iyong putik safe? Abay oo naman. Kadalasan pa nga ay naglalaro ang mga kabataan diyan lalo na kapag ulan.”

“Walang worms po?”

Napatitig sa akin si Manong, parang sandaling hindi makapaniwala sa tanong ko, bago siya tuluyang humalakhak.

“Wala hong bulati ma’am. Safe po yan.”

A small breath of relief escaped my lips.

Buti naman. Uuwi na lang ako dahil hindi naman pala pwedeng mag-isa papasok sa kagubatan.

I want to be angry with Rourick but I don’t have the right to do that.

Malayo pa mula rito ang mansion kaya kailangan kong maglakad ng mabilis.

I bent down and carefully took off my CLN doll shoes as I decided to walk in the mud barefoot.

For a second, I hesitated.

Then I stepped onto the mud barefoot.

It was cool and kinda . . . . cold!

Mas matagalan kasi ako kapag sa gilid ako dadaan kasi makipot at baka sa pagmamadali ko ay maslide ako. That would be dangerous.

I enjoyed the view as I walked in the muddy road. Ni hindi ko na namalayan na nakarating na pala ako sa harap ng mansion without me knowing!

But then I heard a galloping of the horse, so I turned and look back.

Only to find out Rourick is riding it with his signature angry face, again!

Pinadasahan niya pa ako ng tingin  bago umigting ang kanyang panga.

Umiwas ako ng tingin at hindi siya pinansin. No point staring back.

The guard was shocked as he saw my state at dali-daling binuksan ang gate.

“S-Seniorita, nako, ano pong nangyari sa inyo? Bakit punong-puno kayo ng putik?”

I looked down at myself.

Only then did I fully realize how bad it looked.

My dress, my legs, even my arms everything had traces of mud.

I really did look like I had walked through an entire swamp.

But I  just shrugged and smiled at him.

“Can you please call someone to drive the electric cart po?” I asked, referring to the small vehicle parked near the guard house.

From here, it would take a minute before I will arrive at the mansion and I don’t think I can walk anymore.

My legs feel so numb now.

But before Manong guard can call, Rourick came in the picture.

“Ako na lang ho ang mag-drive Manong Rony.”

I didn’t wait for anyone’s answer and just walked straight to the golf cart and sat there.

Rourick slid in pero hindi ako nangangat ng tingin. I took my phone and kept myself busy.

I can hear him clearing his throat repeatedly, but I didn’t even look up nor talk until it reached the front door.

Walang tingin-tingin akong bumaba sa cart at naglakad papasok sa mansion.

I don’t care if my feet are muddy.

I don’t care if I look ridiculous right now.

Because at that moment, something inside me finally clicked.

I don’t need to change myself just to fit in.

I don’t need to adjust just so people will like me.

If they think I’m disrespectful, if they think I’m mannerless…

Then so be it.

I’m an Alquizar. I am not born to please anyone.

CHAPTER 4

“Why don’t you study here, Pamela?I’ll just call Tita Martel and Tito Jake to ask for their permission.”  I suggested as I looked at my nails.

Hindi ko sana ito palitan since I just changed it before I came here in Arilaw, but a new set of nails somehow felt necessary for a first day of school.

“What?” Pamela nearly choked. “Are you out of your mind?”

““No. I’m perfectly sane.” I said.

“And I’ll ask Dad to finance your studies here, That way, it’ll also benefit your family. They’ll probably agree.” I added it casually.

“…Hey.” She pointed a finger at me.

“We’re not facing bankruptcy”

“I know,” I answered simply, still not lifting my eyes. “But I just want you to be here.”

I wasn’t exactly lonely because Dad was here naman. 

But having Pamela around would make everything feel less… lonely.

I’ve been with Pamela since grade school.

Alam niya lahat ng mga kasuluksulokan ng buhay ko, and having her here would lighten everything!

“Bakit ba? Because you don’t have friends? Akala ko ba may gusto kang kaibiganin riyan na lalaki.”

I was about to be shocked, wondering why he knew about Rourick.

But then I remembered I called her the moment I arrived in Arilaw.

I ended up telling her everything including my first meeting with the ridiculously handsome, Rourick.

“I changed my mind.”

Pamela’s lips slowly curled into a mischievous grin.

“Oh? And why is that? You told me he’s gwapo and you don’t care that he’s taken na.”

I rolled my eyes.

“I didn’t said his gwapo. I just said he’s… a fine-looking man in a rural place like this.”

Malakas siyang tumawa.

“It’s the same thing, El.”

Umirap ako. “He told me I’m maarte!”

“That’s not false!” Pamela blurted out before bursting into loud laughter.

Her laughter echoed through my phone’s speaker. But she stopped when I didn’t laugh with her.

“Talaga bang masama ako?”

The question slipped out before I could stop it.

Pamela’s expression immediately softened.

“What? No! You’re kind kaya.”

I let out a small sigh and rested my chin on my palm.

“Ang hirap paniwalaan,” I murmured. “Everyone here seems to dislike me. Even the maids are afraid of me.”

“Of course the maid should be afraid of you because you’re the boss’s daughter. You’re practically the princess of that hacienda.”

I scrunched my nose because somehow she got a point.

“Don’t change yourself for anyone. Kahit naman mabait ka, you will still be judged. Kaya just be you. II’ll visit you there kapag sem break nalang.”

My mood instantly lifted.

“Talaga?”

“Hmmm, yeah, I promise even in my hectic schedule.”

We chatted for a few more minutes before finally ending the call.

Morning came and I got ready since Dad told me last night that I’d be buying my school supplies in the neighboring town today. 

Unfortunately, he couldn’t come with me dahil may importante daw siyang lalakarin.

Mang Fable will accompany me there instead . But I’ll try my very best na ako lang mag-isa kahit na he will just wait in the car.

Ayaw ko kasing may nakabuntot sa akin. It made me feel like a child who couldn’t be trusted to do the simplest things by herself.

After taking a shower, I stood in front of the mirror and gave myself one last look.

I wore my black halter top dress. The dark fabric made my fair skin appear even brighter. I paired it with black flat sandals and a white crossbody bag.

And I’m making sure that I put a handkerchief inside because I know it will be very mainit there.

I can picture out there that it will be so crowded, making me frown.

I wasn’t exactly a fan of crowded places, but I didn’t have much of a choice. 

I checked my face once again in the mirror before going downstairs.

Manang Fable is already waiting for me.

“Thank you,” I said before sliding into the seat. 

As soon as he settled behind the wheel, he glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

“Ang ganda mo talaga, Seniorita.”

“Don’t trick me, Manong. I don’t have barya.”

Mahinang natawa si Manong at hindi na muling umimik pa.

I was just staring at the window as I think of my class tomorrow.

I have never been this nervous during the first day of school. Well, maybe because I have had Pamela with me since grade school.

But now I’m all alone.

Nahinto ang pag-iisip ko nang huminto sa pagmaniho si Mang Fable, and roll down his window beside him.

“Rourick, ikaw pala ’yan!” masayang bati nito.

My heart skipped a beat when I heared his name.

Agad akong napaayos ng upo.

The dark tint concealed me from the outside, giving me the perfect opportunity to observe him without being noticed.

My eyes lingered on his.

They were really… deep. Para kang maliliyo kapag matagal mo itong tinitigan.

Even though I barely knew him, and honestly had no plans of getting to know him now.

I can say that he’s a mature thinker and a very hardworking man. 

No wonder everyone around him seemed to respect him.

Cecil is very swerte for Rourick.

Napabuntong-hininga ako nang maalala ko ang huling sinabi niya sa akin.

Maarte . . .

No matter how much I tried to ignore it, part of me humbled.

Maybe he’s right that I have an attitude.

I shook my head.

No!

He’s not right.

Never will he be right when it comes to me. 

Walang makakadekta sa akin kung ano ang dapat gawin at kilos ko. Especially not him.

Who does he think he is?

The nerve.

We’re the most powerful family here in Arilaw and they’re just useless.

He contributes absolutely nothing to my life kaya why should I care about what he thinks of me? 

Kung meron mang lacked of manners sa aming dalawa ay siya iyon!

I was just asking if the water is mineral, sasabihin niyang maarte ako?

Dapat marunong akong makibagay?

How exactly was I supposed to “makibagay”? I was born an Alquizar!

People had always adjusted to us not the other way around.

“Magandang umaga ho Mang Pablo, saan ho ang punta natin?”

“Pupunta kami ng bayan, Rourick. Bibili kasi si Seniorita ng mga gamit para bukas.” paliwanag ni Mang Fable.

Napansin kong bahagya siyang natigilan nang marinig ang tungkol sa akin.

My heart jumped when his gaze jumped to where I was na para bang kita niya ako mula sa labas kahit tinted naman.

Agad akong yumuko para mag-cellphone.

Nirakrakan ko ng text si Pamela para may mapagkaabalahan kuno ako until she replies angrily.

Naaliw ako kaya hindi ko namalayan na nagpaalam na si Mang Fable kaya nag-angat ako ng tingin.

“Sigi Rourick, mag-iingat ka.”

“Sigi ho Mang Pablo, kayo rin ho,” he said, and once more my heart jumped when his stare gazed at me before Manong Fable passed him.

“Manong, our window is tinted, right?”

“Opo Seniorita, bakit po?”

“Nothing. Just making sure,” simpleng sabi ko at hindi na nireplayan si Pamela.

Ipinatong ko ang siko sa may bintana at tahimik na minasdan ang mga punong dinaraanan namin.

After a few moments, another question slipped out.

“Manong… do you have a son?”

Napansin kong bahagya siyang napatingin sa akin sa rearview mirror. Halos lumaki pa ang mga mata niya sa gulat.

Umirap ako.

“I just… I just want to have friends.”

“Si Rourick, Seniorita,” aniya na may munting ngiti. “Mabait iyong batang ’yon. Pwede mo naman siyang kaibiganin.”

“I don’t like him, Manong. He’s rude,” deretsong sabi ko. I can already imagine him lecturing me every five minutes.

Napatawa lang siya nang mahina, waring hindi naniniwala sa sinabi ko.

“So do you have a son? Or maybe daughter?” I asked again.

“Wala akong anak Seniorita. Pero pamangkin akong nakatira samin. Kasing edad mo lang rin.”

My heart filled with excitement.

“Really? What’s his name?”

“Tomas ho Seniorita. Huwag kang mag-alala, ipakikilala kita sa kanya Seniorita para naman may kaibigan ka dito.”

Hindi na nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ko sa natitirang biyahe.

I am excited to have a friend here.

And maybe I could convince him to take me to the falls and sa lawa. I really wanna go there.

Pangitngiti ako buong biyahe, and it just disappeared when we arrived at the market.

Hindi ko maiwasang napangiwi.

As I expected, maraming tao, but I never expected to be this crowded. Maybe because bukas na ang pasukan kaya marami ang bumibili.

Wala ring mga malls. Puro maliliit na tindahan at magkakadikit na stalls lang ang naroon. It’s like a bazaar in the city.

“Manong, may iba pa bang lungsod bukod dito?” I asked when he’s looking for a parking space.

“Naku, wala na ho, Seniorita…” aniya “Ah—meron pala. Pero kailangan pa nating bumiyahe nang mahigit tatlong oras. At halos ganito rin ho. Wala ring mga mall.”

Bigo akong tumango. I guess I’d really have to get used to this place.

Manong was about to go outside when I stopped him.

“Ako na ho Manong.”

Natigilan siya at napalingon sa akin.

“Pero Seniorita—”

“Manong, I can manage, okay?‘’

He still looked unconvinced.

 ’’Gusto kong ako para naman ma-proud si Dad sa akin,“ 

His expression brightened, and he gave a quick nod.

Nginitian ko siya bago isinara ang pinto ng sasakyan at tuluyang bumaba.

Nasapo ang aking noo nang maalala kong nakalimutan ko ang aking umbrella. For a second, I considered going back, but after looking up at the cloudy sky, I simply shrugged and continue walking.

I could immediately feel people’s eyes following me maybe because of what I wore.

I didn’t react because I’m really used to it. I like to wear revealing clothes. 

My naturally fair skin looked even brighter dahil itim ang sout ko, making me stand out among the crowd.

I ignored them and just looked for a perfect spot.

Ilang ulit akong palipat-lipat hanggang sa pwesto hanggang sa naabot ako sa kabilang dulo na wala masyadong tao.

 I guessed most people preferred shopping near the entrance, where almost all the school supplies were displayed.

In front of this stall is the wet market, I think. I can see someone seeking fish and meat from here.

“How much is this?” I asked, pointing at the notebook that had caught my eye.

The middle-aged vendor didn’t even spare me a glance and was just seriously watching something on his phone.

Pinaypayan ko ang aking sarili dahil sobrang init na talaga. I cannot!

“Hello? I’m gonna buy po,” ani ko at mas nilakasan ang aking boses.

“Anak ng—” Mabilis niyang nilunok ang natitirang mura bago ako ngitian “Ay, ano’ng sa’yo, Miss Ganda?”

“I want these,” I replied, pointing at the stack of notebooks while continuing to fan myself.

Kita ko kung paano niya ako pinadasahan ng tingin.

“Nako, naiinitan ka ba? Lapit ka dito para hindi mainit habang namimili ka,” aniya at tinuro ang pwesto niya na may selling fan.

“Oh, thank you,” I said and walked in.

It was actually a relief.

I still had a lot of things to buy, and the small electric fan was enough to ease the heat.

I was busy getting the things I wanted when  I felt something lightly brush against my calf.

Nangunot ang noo at nilingon siya only to find out he was just picking up something.

He then cleared his throat.

Umusog lang ako ng kaunti at nagpatuloy sa ginagawa.

I froze when I felt his hand again.

But now it wasn’t merely brushing against me! It was already crawling over my skin.

Nanayo agad ang balahibo sa aking katawan and before his hand can go up further, malakas ko nang siyang tinulak.

“Don’t touch me!” I hissed.

He didn’t expect it kaya natumba siya kasama ng kanyang paninda.

People immediately rushed toward us after hearing the loud crash.

“Hala! Si Henry!”

“Naku, ba’t siya sinaktan ng babae?”

“Parang taga-Manila ’yan… Teka, anak ba ’yan ni Don Agusto?”

I was raging in anger and I couldn’t hear them clearly.

Hindi pa ako nakuntento.  I grabbed the stack of notebooks that had fallen nearby and repeatedly smacked them against his face.

“Aray ano ba!” sigaw niya.

“You disgusting pervert!”

My entire body was shaking.

I can still feel his hand on my legs, kaya kumuha ako ng mabigat na bagay at ibabato ko sana iyon sa kanya when someone held my hand.

Sobra ang higpit niyon!

Napasinghap ako at nilingon kung sino iyon only to find out it’s Rourick.

Again!

Madilim niya akong tinitigan na para na niya akong susunugin!

I tried to yank my hand free, but he held even tighter.

Sobrang higpit non at  alam kong magkakapasa ako bukas.

Please don’t forget to follow me on Wattpad. Thank you! 🤍

CHAPTER 5

My eyes instantly stung.

And before I could even find the words to defend myself, the whispers around us grew even louder.

“Nako! Anak nga iyan ni Don. Kamukhang-kamukha ni Alana pero ang sama ng ugali.”

“Tama, sobrang matulingin at mabait si Alana noon, bakit hindi nagmana ang anak?”

“Let go of me!” I hissed at Rourick.

His jaw clenched as he tightened his hold on me even more.

“Ganyan na ba ka-taas ang tingin mo sa sarili, Seniorita? Pati ang mga taong naghahanap-buhay nang tahimik ay aapihin mo?” pang-iinsulto niya sa akin.

My stare at him became intense as something inside me shattered.

He didn’t even ask what happened.

He didn’t even ask why I acted this way.

He’s… He’s so unfair when it comes to me!

My eyes blurred worse until I could not hold it anymore.

My first tear slipped down my cheek, then another and another.

I bit my lip, trying desperately to stop myself from crying hard in front of everyone, but it was useless; mas lalo lang akong naiyak.

With the strength that I had, I pulled my hand out of him as I harshly wiped my tears.

“Mga hampas-lupa! Mga dukha!” I screamed and ran away through the crowd.

“Nako, salamat sa pagtulong Rourick. Walang hiya talaga ang babaeng iyon, pinagbintangan pa naman akong hinipuan siya?” Huling narinig ko bago ako tuluyang makalayo sa kumpulan.

Hindi na ako lumingon.

Hindi ko na kayang lumingon.

Pakiramdam ko, kapag ginawa ko iyon, tuluyan na akong babagsak at magiging kaawa-awa.

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for me to find the car.

Halos manginig ang mga kamay ko habang pilit kong hinahanap ang door handle.

It took me several tries before I finally managed to open the door.

Manong Fable almost jumped when I harshly opened the door.

Pagkaupong-pagkaupo ko sa back seat, tuluyan nang kumawala ang lahat ng pinipigilan kong emosyon mula pa kanina.

A loud, broken sob escaped my lips.

Sunod-sunod ding bumuhos ang mga luha ko habang nanginginig ang buong katawan. My tears were hot and heavy.

Namutla si Mang Fable sa nasaksihan,

“S-Seniorita, o-okay lang ho ba kayo?”

He tilted his body to check me at the back. At mas lalong nanlaki ang mata niyang makita ang namumula kong pulsuhan.

“A-Anong nangyari sa kamay mo? S-Seniorita, bakit iyan namumula,-”

I quickly wiped away the tears streaming down my cheeks before giving a firm shake of my head.

No. I won’t cry.

They aren’t worth a single tear.

I refuse to waste my tears on people who mean absolutely nothing to me.

“Let’s get out of here, Manong,” halos pabulong kong sabi.

“Pero Seniorita-”

“Please po, Manong…”

Napapikit ako habang pilit kong nilulunok ang panibagong hikbi.

“Take me out of here.”

Manong hesitantly nodded and maneuvered the car.

Buong biyahe, wala akong ibang ginawa kundi ang umiyak hanggang sa unti-unting bumigat ang aking mga talukap at tuluyan akong napapikit, marahil dahil sa pagod at walang tigil na pag-iyak.

Hanggang sa tuluyan akong makatulog.

I was only awakened when I heard the sound of a galloping horse.

Mahina lang ang takbo ni Manong dahil lubak-lubak ang daan kaya siguro ay naabutan kami ng kabayo.

And I had a feeling I knew who it was.

Mang Fable stopped the car.

“Oh, Rourick.”

I knew it.

I kept my eyes closed, pretending to still be fast asleep.

Narinig kong bumaba si Rourick mula sa kanyang kabayo.

“Si Seniorita-”

“Ah, nandito,” sagot ni Mang Fable sa mahinang tinig.

“Nakatulog sa sobrang kakaiyak. Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari, e sobrang pula ng palapulsuhan, wari ko’y magkakapasa ito bukas.”

I opened my eyes and saw how he swallowed hard, and his face went pale.

Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin dahil sobrang sama pa ang loob ko. I feel like it was the most painful scene in my entire life.

I took out my earbuds and listened to music so I wouldn’t hear his voice as he talked to Manong Fable.

Pagdating ko sa bahay, wala si Dad, may inasikaso daw at umalis kaya dere-diretso lang akong naglakad patungong second floor.

Magulo ang buhok ko at mugto ang mga mata. At kapansin-pansin ang pamumula ng aking pulsuhan.

But neither of the maids asked a single question. They immediately bowed their heads in greeting as I silently walked past them.

Buong maghapon akong hindi lumabas ng kwarto.

Even eating, I just got it delivered in my room. I don’t feel like facing anyone right now.

I admit I’m a party girl from the city.

At clubs, some guys brush against me while we’re dancing.

Sometimes it’s accidental. Sometimes it’s with my consent.

What happened earlier wasn’t something normal any woman should ever experience, of course.

It was disgusting. Humiliating.

But somehow… I know I could have handled it myself.

I’m brave enough to protect myself.

That’s why the incident itself isn’t what’s haunting me.

What haunts me the most is Rourick’s behavior.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit sobrang apektado ako kay Rourick kahit kaya ko rin naman siyang labanan at insultuhin pabalik.

I am an Alquizar. I have so much power over someone like him.

I know I was a bitch when we first met, but he still doesn’t have the right to treat me this way!

Never in my life was I treated like this.

I grew up surrounded by people who loved me and pleased me.

People who were always ready to protect me.

People who made sure no one could ever hurt me.

Only Rourick ever did this to me, and I won’t go easy on him! I promise! Luluhod siya sa harapan ko! Papahirapan ko siya! I won’t forget how he treated me.

Nakatulog na lang ako kakaisip. I woke up and it was already dark outside.

I went to the library and told Dad that I already finished eating dinner kahit hindi pa naman.

I just don’t have the mood to go outside and just want to be in my room and sleep.

Tomorrow will be my first day of school.

Ironically, I still don’t have any school supplies.

But I guess that’s fine. Since I know hindi pa naman totoong klase bukas, it will just be orientation.

And besides… I wasn’t exactly excited to go. I have no friends, wala so Pamela dito.

Morning came and I was shocked that there was already a set of school supplies inside my room. Naka-eco bag pa ito.

Dad doesn’t know what happened, so maybe it’s Mang Fable who bought me this.

Siya lang ang naiisip kong posibleng gumawa nito.

He must’ve noticed that I came home empty-handed yesterday.

I’ll thank him later and pay him back as well.

Dad wasn’t in the house again, so I ate my breakfast alone.

Mang Fable was already outside when I came out.

Napaawang pa ang labi niya nang makita ako.

“Seniorita…”

Mula ulo hanggang paa niya akong sinuri tila halatang naguguluhan.

“I-iba ho yata ang desinyo ng uniporme n’yo?”

“It’s not Mang Fable. I just wear it elegantly that’s why it looks different.”

“Ah… oo nga po, Seniorita.”

Napakamot siya sa batok.

“Tiyak pong maraming hahanga sa inyo sa iskol.”

Dad had sent me the official design of the school uniform weeks before I came here.

I even had it tailored at an expensive shop in Manila, so the craftsmanship is top-notch.

If I had to wear a uniform every day, then it had to fit me perfectly.

The pencil skirt was supposed to be knee-length, but I had it tailored to sit above my knees.

The blouse was meant to be conservative, but I made it super sikip sa waist ko.

And I wore pointed-heel school shoes. They are around 4 inches long.

My feet won’t hurt. My Lola Assunta trained me with this at an early age. This is nothing.

“Is Tomas also studying here, Manong?”

“Opo, Seniorita. Tomas Lambugin ang buong pangalan niya.” Napangiti siya.

“Sinabihan ko na siya kagabi na baka maging kaklase mo. Sabi ko, alalayan ka niya kung may kailangan ka.”

“Thanks so much, Manong. By the way, I love the notebooks you bought!”

“How did you know my taste in designs? And how much did you spend on all those school supplies? I’ll pay you back,” I said as I reached for my Coach wallet.

Kita ko kung paano natigilan si Manong at hilaw na natawa.

“H-Hindi akin iyon…” Agad siyang tumikhim, tila naalimpungatan sa sinabi.

“A-ang ibig kong sabihin… huwag na po, Seniorita. Wala na po iyon. Huwag n’yo na hong bayaran.”

I shook my head.

“No, I’ll still pay Manong. You work hard for your money. Ayokong gumastos ka para sa akin.”

Napakamot siya sa batok at bahagyang natawa.

“Ah… Huwag na Seniorita, nakakahiya naman.”

“But I wanna pay, I don’t want na magkautang na loob sa ibang tao.”

“Uh… Punta na lang ho kayo sa birthday ko next week Seniorita bilang kabayaran.”

“Oh, okay Manong, advance happy birthday then! How old are you by that time?”

Ngumiti si Mang Fable habang nakatingin sa kalsada.

“Magti-thirty pa lang naman po, Seniorita.”

Napasinghap ako ng malakas.

“Oh my gosh! You look so gurang na, Manong Fable!”

“Aray naman, Seniorita!”

Napahalakhak ako.

“I’m just kidding manong but you’re really Gurang naman talaga.”

The entire ride was filled with laughter and playful teasing between Mang Fable and me.

As soon as we arrived at the school, I immediately noticed groups of students gathered all over the campus.

I guess people in the province are early birds.

It’s still 7:00 in the morning! Maaga pa lang, pero halos puno na ang campus.

Hindi pa man ako nakakalayo ay napansin kong nakakunot-noo ang guwardiya habang papalapit ako.

CHAPTER 6

I showed him my ID.

He looked me up and down once more before giving a slight nod and stepping aside to let me in.

What I wear is not bawal naman. It’s still the same uniform that the university has. Kaya walang problema.

Pagpasok ko sa loob ng campus, ramdam na ramdam ko ang mga matang nakasunod sa aking bawat hakbang.

Mabilis kong nilingon ang isang grupo.

Halos sabay-sabay silang napayuko at nagkunwaring abala sa kani-kanilang ginagawa. . . well except for someone.

Nakatulala lang siyang nakatingin sa akin.

My gaze drifted to the ID hanging from the lanyard around his neck.

A slow, wicked smile curled on my lips.

Bingo!

Lambugin Tomas, H.

I really thought  mahihirapan pa akong hanapin siya dito sa buong campus.

Without wasting any time, I headed straight for their group.

Naputol ang usapan nilang gropu nang mapansin nila akong papalapit.

Isa-isa silang napatingin sa akin, but my attention was focused on only one person. Tomas.

I stopped in front of him and held out my hand.

“Hi! I’m Eleanor D’ssandra Alquizar.”

I show him my sweetest smile.

“Can you guide me to the guidance office, please?”

Hindi siya agad nakasagot.

Napatitig lang siya sa nakalahad kong kamay, saka muling tumingin sa aking mukha.

“You’re Tomas, right?” Panigurado ko.

Para siyang nahimasmasan sa aking tanong.

Bahagya nang inayos ang kanyang salamin at tumayo na saka sinukbit ang bag sa balikat.

“Ako nga po. Samahan na kita S-Seniorita,” mahinhing sabi niya.

“Great!”

The girls in the group on the other side whispered as soon as Tomas and I walked.

I glanced over my shoulder and arched a brow at them, their eyes widened as they quickly looked away.

“You’re related to Mang Fable?” I asked.

“Fable?”

“Yes, our driver.”

“Ahhh si Tiyo Pabling ba?”

“Ohh his name’s Pabling? I thought it’s  Fable.”

Umiwas siya ng tingin at napakamot ng ulo sa aking sinabi.

“Pabling ho ang pangalan ni tiyong Seniorita.”

Oh. . But I like Fable more! So I’ll call him Fable.

After we went to the guidance office, Tomas also helped me to find my room.

Sadly, I just found out  we weren’t taking the same course.

He’s an engineering student…while I’m in Architecture! Akala ko pa naman may kaibigan na ako sa room.

Arilaw University is really not that huge compared to the universities in Manila, but I can say it’s pretty decent and nature-friendly.

Inside the campus, you see a lot of trees surrounded by cemented chairs where students can make tambay pag walang class.

They don’t have an oval, but they had a spacious open field.

“Where is the Engineering department?” I asked.

“Nasa kabilang dulo pa po,” sagot niya habang itinuro ang direksyon. “Sa likod ng Technology Department.”

I nodded, silently following the direction of his finger.

I want to say I wanna go there if I have vacant time pero nakakahiya dahil unang kilala palang naman namin.

Baka mabigla siya at iisiping demanding ako. I like Tomas already to be my friend kaya ayaw kong pumalpak this time.

I don’t want him to have the same expression as Rourick to me.

Bitter taste in my mouth realizing I will be alone in my room but I’m an Alquizar. There’s nothing I can’t manage!

“Thanks for showing me around, Tomas” sabi ko nalang nang makita ko na ang room ko.

Tumango siya at binigyan ako ng magalang na ngiti.

“ You’re welcome po, Seniorita.“

Matapos ang ilang segundong katahimikan, tumalikod na siya at naglakad palayo.

I paused for a moment as soon as I stepped into the classroom.

There were quite a lot of students inside, and they all immediately turned to look at me when I stepped in.

May iba pa ngang ngumiwi habang nakatingin sa uniforme ko.

Pinalibot ko ang aking mata . . . . . and really, ako lang ang naiiba sa lahat.

I just shrugged. Hindi ako sinita ng guidance kanina so it’s all fine.

Akala siguro nila ay matatakot ako dahil pinag-titinginan nila ako.

I’m afraid they’re wrong, taas-noo akong pumasok at naghahanap ng bakanting upuan.

Marami pang bakante sa unahan, but I’m not a hero to take that.

So I quietly made my way to the last row and settled into the seat nearest the window.

Some boys offered their seats but I smiled at them politely as I shook my head.

I gently placed my bag on the desk before resting my elbow on the windowsill.

I busied myself watching students pass by through the window.

Lots of students were coming inside our classroom, but I didn’t dare to look.

A part of me couldn’t help but feel disappointed because normally my classmates would immediately swarm around me, greet me, ask about my branded bags, my vacation, and talk asaran with Pamela.

But now, no one noticed me.

No one seemed interested in knowing who I am . . well except for the boys who keep on smiling!

But I’m no saint to know what’s behind their tactics!

I secretly look around and sighed heavily.

Ako lang ang walang kaibigin dito and I  don’t know if I’ll survive in this school year. Oh dear God. Help me.

Just a minute passed, an old woman which obviously our instructor came with . . . Cecil?

So she’s also taking Architecture too?

Great!

Just great!

Inilibot niya ang kanyang mata at nagtagpo ang aming paningin.

A small smile curved on her lips, but again I never smiled back.

We weren’t acquaintances, nor were we close.

Why would I smiled back?

So I simply looked back at her. Expressionless.

There are two vacant seats in the third row. She chose one of them and casually placed her bag on the empty chair beside her, clearly saving it for someone.

I may know her a little but mas pipiliin kong mabagot, maging kaawa-awa at mag isa kesa kaibiganin siya.

I don’t know. She seems nice but I just don’t feel her. Period.

When the instructor was about to settle us down. Another student stepped inside.

Agad akong napatingin doon.

Oh not just me but the whole class looked at the door.

I raised my eyebrows realising it was Rourick with his dashing neat uniform.

So he’s taking architecture too? So we’re classmates? Shit!

Damn me for taking this course!

Bakit kasi architecture pa ang kinuha kong kurso-

Napahinto ako sa sarili kong iniisip.

No! it’s not my fault.

It’s his fault that’s his taking this course!

He had to deal with me! Not the other way around.

Now I can say that I’ll survive this course. These will be fun! I smiled evily.

“Rourick dito, Cecil reserved you a set already,” tawag ng isang babae na baka kaibigan din nila.

Umirap ako at tumingin sa labas ng bintana.

Edi ako na ang alone sa pinaka huli!

Like I care?

Hindi ko rin naman siya gustong katabi. Never in my wildest dream!

Pero ganon na lamang ang pagkahinto ko nang naamoy ko ang isang panlalaking pabango.

The chair beside mine was slowly pulled back. Then came the soft sound of someone sitting down.

Mabilis akong nag-angat ng tingin.

Nanadya ba siya?

Why is he sitting next to me? As far as I can remember he’s angry to me! And I felt the same way too.

I narrowed my eyes at him carefully.

This wasn’t the same Rourick I had encountered before.

Gone was the cold, intimidating man who looked at me as though I were nothing but an inconvenience.

Now . .. . . . .. he’s like a lost puppy with a soft gray eyes.

Oh?

What’s with that face?

Hindi ko alam noon kung bakit hangang hangga ako sa mukha niya. Pero ngayon sobrang nakakairata na! There’s nothing’s special in him naman pala.

His eyes softened more as I observed his movements like he knew I was staring at him.

Pero mas lalo lamang nangunot ng noo ko.

Akala Niya maaawa ako sa kanya? After what he did?

Eh kung saksakin ko kaya siya ng heels ko?

But unfortunately for my murderous imagination… disappeared as soon as the instructor started the orientation.

My gaze was just focused on the board kahit naman ramdam kong isang mainit na titig sa akin minu minuto.

And I am not dumb to know who owns the stares.

It gives me discomfort yes

But instead of hiding my face mas lalo akong nag chin up.

I want him to looked at every detail of my face! Para ma realize niyang Hindi ako basta basta.

Break time came and unti-unting nagsilabasan ang mga estudyante but I was still here copying what’s written on the board which are the classroom rules that we need to follow.

Sa buong klase… ako lang ang natitirang nagsulat sa lahat.

Everyone else had already finished copying the notes minutes ago.

Because unfortunately, I had to rewrite several lines over and over again.

Ayokong may erasures ang notebook ko, and Rourick’s stares isn’t helping.

I lost concentration and made erasures a lot of times!

Because why is he staring ba? Because I’m pretty? I know that already he doents have to be wierd staring me all the time!

“Rourick, canteen tayo?” I heard Cecil call out to me from the doorway.

Ohh here goes the mahinhing girlfriend.

And Rourick? She called him Rourick? Wala bang endearment? Babe? Mahal? Unsweet!

“Dito muna ako Cecil. Kayo na lang muna nina Ivan at Emily.” Aniya sa baritong boses.

In my peripheral vision I saw Cecil  shocked.

I felt her look at me kaya I looked at her too and raised my eyebrows.

Mabilis niya itong iniwas at tumingin pabalik kay Rourick at marahang ngumiti.

“A-Anong gagawin mo dito? Hindi ka pa tapos mag-kopya? I can’t let you borrow my notes—”

“May pag-usapan lang kami ni Seniorita. Mauna na kayo. Susunod ako”

Nag matured na ang manok ko!🤭

CHAPTER 7

I realized we have an hour break.

So instead of hurrying… mas lalo kong binagalan ang pagsusulat , hoping he would get bored and eventually leave.

I don’t wanna talk to him.

There’s no point in us talking.

Para saan pa?

Pero natapos ko na lang lahat ng kinopya ko sa blackboard, ay hindi pa rin siya lumabas at nanatili lang nakaupo sa aking tabi na parang puppy.

I gently closed my notebook and put it in my bag.

Maybe he knows I don’t have an interest to talk to him kaya inunahan na niya ako.

“Can we talk?” He said lowly.

I grabbed my bag and stood up bago siya tiningnan.

Akala niya madadaan niya ako sa malalim at baritone niyang boses?

“No, we can’t,” ani ko at lumabas sa room.

If everyone already thought I was rude… Then I might as well live up to their expectations.

Saktong paglabas ko, ay nakita kong nasa labas si Tomas.

Agad akong lumapit sa kanya. I almost jumped dahil I thought he will not visit me here anymore!

“Tomas! Thank God break time mo rin! Did you wait for me? Gosh thank you,” I happily said dahil blessings in the guise talaga siya.

“H-Ha?” Napakurap siya.

“Can you show me where the canteen is?” Pagpapatuloy ko.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya habang mabilis na tumingin sa paligid, tila tinitiyak kung may nakarinig ba sa sinabi ko.

Pagkatapos ay marahan siyang tumango.

Tomas showed me where the canteen was.

But I didn’t buy anything. It’s not that I don’t like the food. I’m on a diet kasi.

Manang Ruby made another delicious meal last night. Naparami nanaman ang kain ko! I couldn’t even blame myself.

Her cooking was just too good.

Since Tomas and I still had plenty of time before the next class, he offered to tour me around the university.

I gladly accepted.

At least this way, I wouldn’t have to spend my entire break na mag-isa.

As we walked around the campus students were obviously staring at me then whispered.

“Iyan daw ang anak ni Don Agusto. Sobrang ganda pero sobrang masama din daw ng ugali.”

“Talaga?”

“Oo. Maarte daw tapos brat iyon ang sabi-sabi sa bayan.”

The moment I heard those words, mabilis ko silang nilingon.

And honestly…

I was satisfied with what I saw.

Kaya pala they’re minding others’ business kasi they are very ugly.

Maybe I should give them advice na they should spend more time minding their own business.

Or better yet…

Minding their own faces.

“Do you think I’m maarte and brat, Tomas?” I asked Tomas who’s just silently walking beside me.

“H-Hindi ko alam seniorita.”

“Well, you should know.”

“But if I am maarte and brat…” Bahagya akong yumuko para mas makita ang reaksyon niya.

“Would it bother you?”

Dahan-dahan siyang umiling.

Nanlaki ang mata ko finally.

A Pamela boy version!

“And why is that?” I raised my eyebrows.

“Uh…” Napakamot siya sa ulo. “Hindi ko rin po alam. Basta wala naman pong problema sa akin, Seniorita.”

I gasped happily.

“Really? Then I’ll treat you after my class and please Tomas just call me Eleanor not Seniorita okay?”

“Wala nang klase mamayang hapon.”

“You’re joking.”

“Orientation lang ang meron.”

“I didn’t know. How did you know it?”

“President ako ng eng. department.”

Wow.

I wanted to say Hindi halata.

But I valued our newly formed friendship, and I didn’t want to ruin it before it even started.

So I kept my mouth shut.

“Oh wow and how about the architecture department?”

“Uhhh si Cecil ang president. Si Rourick sana kaso tumanggi dahil marami siyang trabaho.”

I raised an eyebrow. Maraming trabaho?

“What’s his work ba?”

“Ah may munti siyang palayan at paminsan-minsan ay tumutulong siya sa hacienda niyo kapag pinatawag siya ni Don.”

I nodded. So that’s what he does. And he owns a rice field? It’s kinda interesting.

Afternoon came and Tomas was right, it was all an orientation.

I did attend but umalis din dahil sobrang init sa gym, I cannot take it para akong nasa loob ng oven!

I can’t find Tomas either inside the gym, maybe he’s busy since he’s the president.

Kaya I called Manong Fable na lang to fetch me early.

Two days have passed and still Rourick has been persistent on talking to me, kahit I keep on ignoring him but he’s just so hard-headed.

Maybe guilt is killing him and he can’t sleep at night. Serve him right!

I wanted to prolong his agony dahil habang tumatagal mas lalo siyang naging dog sa paningin ko! And it’s just so satisfying!

But when break time came, and we’re the only ones left! Ayaw niya akong padaanin at palabasin ng classroom.

He just cornered me in my chair and begged we could talk, so I finally agreed.

“Anong pag-usapan natin?” Striktang sabi ko habang tinitigan siya deretso sa mata.

I saw him look down on my bruises and saw him swallow hard.

“May gusto ka bang kainin?” marahang sabi niya.

Oh? Iyan lang ba ang pag-usapan namin? And why is he asking that?

Am I malnourished to him?

“I don’t wanna eat anything. I’m on diet.”

“How about drinks? Masarap ang buko juice nila dito-”

“Did dad pay you to do this?” Hindi ko napigilang tanong.

“Hindi-”

“Then what are you trying to imply, why are you like this, why do you want us to talk when in fact there’s no need for us to talk.”

“Nareport ko na si Mang Henry sa mga polis.”

I raised my eyebrows. Is that it? It’s not really necessary though.

“And I’m sorry… kung nagkapasa ka at pasensya na sa lahat ng nasabi ko.”

I didn’t talk, just stared at him strictly.

Minuto ang lumipas ng nagkatitigan lang kami sa isa’t isa.

I was giving him fire through my stares but his gray eyes just softened each second.

And I just can’t take it kaya ako ang unang umiwas ng tingin at bahagyang umirap.

God! Ang hirap kalabanin ng gray eyes niya.

“I’m very sorry,” malambing niyang sabi.

It gave me chills on my body kaya napaayos ako ng upo and faced him again.

“I don’t accept sorry from a mere stranger.”

Mahigpit siyang pumikit at tumango.

“Then… then let’s be friends.” marahang sabi niya.

“I’m Rourick Maximus dela Paz Seniorita.”

I raised my eyebrows and ignored him introducing his full name.

“You wanna be friends? I’m masama and maarte, you want to have a masama and maarte na friend?” Tanong ko uli at mas itinaas ang aking kilay.

Marahan siyang tumango.

“Gusto ko,” bulong niya.

“Oh is that it? But sorry, I am very picky kasi when choosing a friend.”

Tumango siya, “Naiintindihan ko, pero gusto ko pa ring subukan.”

Umismid ako at bahagyang umirap nanaman! Tigas ng ulo!

“Gusto mo ba ng buko juice? Masarap ang buko juice sa canteen-”

“It’s not healthy. They put artificial sugar in it. If you really insist, then I wanna drink buko juice freshly picked from the tree,” I commanded hoping that he’ll give up dahil alam kong mahirap iyon.

Pero tumango siya!

Damn this man.

“May maraming punong niyog ang isang kaibigan ko. I’ll bring you there this Sunday para maka-inom ka ng fresh buko.”

“I won’t come. Maglalakad nanaman ako. It will be very muddy-”

“Magmomotor tayo.”

Natigilan ako. Motorcycle?

Okay that will do, I guess?

“Okay if you say so.” Tipid kong sabi.

“For now, tell me what do you wanna eat. Mahaba pa ang klase. You might get hungry in the middle of the class later in the afternoon.”

“I’ll see in the canteen,” ani ko at tumayo na.

He stood up too.

It’s now 10 am. Kaya paglabas namin sa room ay mainit na, good thing I brought my umbrella with me.

“Ako na,” aniya at kinuha ang payong.

I’m not pabebe na ilayo ang payong kaya mabilis ko iyong binigay sa kanya para hakawan niya.

“Can you also bring my bag? It’s kinda heavy,” ani ko.

Walang problema siyang tumango at hinintay na ibigay ko but then I shook my head as I changed my mind.

“Your girlfriend will not get angry?”

Nangunot ang noo niya.

“Girlfriend?”

“Yes, si Cecil, your girlfriend.”

Tumaas ang gilid ng labi niya.

Hindi ko alam bakit… Bakit naging pogi siya bigla sa anggulong niyon!

Mabilis akong umiwas ng tingin and continued walking.

“Hindi ko siya nobya seniorita,” he said ng makahabol.

Huminto ako.

“Pero bakit nag-aasta parang jowa mo? Hindi naman siya kagandahan at pobre pa,” I blurted out.

Namungay ang mata niya.

“Seniorita, masama ang ganyan.”

Nanlaki ang mata ko.

Now he’s lecturing me again! Kahit naman mahinhin na paraan niya ngayon ay ganun pa rin.

“What’s the masama on telling the truth? Masama if magsinungaling ako but what I’m saying is true! Nag aasta siyang nobya mo.”

Napaawang ang labi niya.

“Magkaibigan lang kami.”

Umirap lang ako, I grabbed my umbrella and I didn’t give my bag and just walked away.

I heard him groan but I just ignored.

Mabilis akong naglakad at lumiko sa hallway para hindi niya masundan.

Pupunta na lang ako sa Engr. Department at hahanapin si Tomas, luckily natagpuan ko din naman agad.

After eating lunch with Tomas, it was announced that walang klase sa afternoon kaya umuwi ako ng maaga.

The next day was just the same routine.

Rourick sat beside me kahit may bakanting upuan sa harapan.

My bruises were getting worse, they’re getting green and very visible now especially my skin is white. Sobrang kapansin-pansin iyon.

I saw him glance at it every minute.

He’s determined for me to forgive him and be friends with him kaya when Mr. Dalumpines finished discussing and just instructed us to take down notes.

He volunteered to do it. And for the record hindi ako pabebe kaya hindi ako tumanggi.

So I let him copy for me.

Dalawang notebook ang pinagsabay niyang sulatan.

Ilang beses akong tumingin sa sulat kamay niya dahil sobrang linis niyon tingnan kahit mabilis siyang sinusulat pantay-pantay lahat ng letra at walang erasures.

Hindi gaya sa akin na I need to slow down para magiging malinis ang sulat kamay ko.

I got bored just observing him write so just checking my nails, I was thinking of turning it red later when Cecil popped up in front of us.

“Rourick, bakit dalawa ang sinusulatan mong notebook?”

I mentally raised my eyebrows.

So what if dalawa ang

sinusulatan

?

Binabawi ko na ang friendly siya. She’s not friendly and she’s maipal pa.

“Kay Seniorita ang isa. Masakit kasi ang kamay niya.”

“I didn’t tell him to write for me. He volunteered,” panguguna ko kay Cecil.

Mahirap mag-selos ang kaibigan .

“Sana naman hindi porket anak ka ng Don ay ganito na pagtrato ang mga estudyante rito, Eleanor”

“Oh my gosh Cecil! Scold Rourick not me!”

Cecil sighed, shook her head and turned her back.

I don’t know what happened to me but I suddenly felt irritated. Kaya kinuha ko ang notebook kay Rourick.

“Hindi na masakit ang kamay mo?”

“Don’t talk to me. Baka magalit ang jowa mo, baka I’ll make patol to her then sasabihan mo nanaman ako ng masama ang ugali.”

Saktong the bell rang, I gently put things inside my bag.

I don’t know how much time I spent as I gently put my things, siguro ay matagal dahil I don’t want my inside bag to become messy.

When I looked around, mabilis na nawala ang mga kaklase ko. Only Cecil and Rourick were about to go outside.

Umismid ako. I took my phone as I was about to text Tomas when Rourick came back again stood in the door preventing me from going outside.

“I’ll go home na so pwedeng tumabi?” I fakely asked nicely.

“Galit ka nanaman ba?” Maharan niyang tanong.

Napakurap ako.

“Excuse me?”

“Tinatanong ko kung galit ka nanaman ba?”

“Why would I be angry? May ikaka angry ba ako? Wala nagusap lang naman kayo ni Cecil so why would I be angry Rourick. You’re crazy.”

“Sinabihan ko lang naman na hindi ako sasabay sa kanya dahil sasabay ako sayo.”

I was caught off guard and words counted came out of my mind.

“Akin na bag mo. Ako na magdadala.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Gusto nga kitang kaibiganin.”

“I already have a friend. Si Tomas. Wala na akong planong magdagdag pa.”

Kita kong bahagyang nandilim ang mata niya pero hindi pa ako tapos at nagpatuloy muli.

“Wala nang space for you.”

“Wala nang space para sa akin na maging kaibigan?”

“Exactly, Rouick”

“Sige, alipin mo na lang ako kung ganon.”

Ang aga nawala sa script ng manok ko! 😂

CHAPTER 8

It was a fine morning Friday when Mrs. Magno, one of our major instructors, grouped us into tatlo for a reporting.

I was grouped with Cecil and a girl named Emily? Emali? I don’t know. I don’t remember.

Maybe one of her friends too because they seemed so close at parang akong ewan dito sa tabi nila na tahimik lang.

Since Cecil, of course, is the intelligent one, I admit, so she’s the one who divided the topics and assigned it to us.

Hindi ko alam kung sinadya niya ba pero ibinigay niya sa akin ang problem-solving part.

I wanted to react but it would just show na super bobo ako kahit bobo naman talaga.

So instead of reacting, I just raised my eyebrows.

“Wala na bang mas difficult pa dito, Cecil?? It’s very easy,” I said confidently.

Napasinghap siya sa aking sinabi.

I heard Emily chuckled.

“Uhh… yan lang muna sa ngayon, Eleanor.” mahinhing sabi niya.

“Next week ang start ng schedule natin. Kanya-kanya na lang tayo gawa ng report.”

“Should we brainstorm?” tanong ni Emily, yeah I think that’s her name.

“Huwag na. Alam ko namang gagawin at iintindihin niyo yan ng maayos.”

They kept on talking about the topic but I didn’t pay attention, hindi naman nila ako sinasali sa pag-uusap nila.

I was just looking at my nails.

In all my body parts, my fingers and nails are the ones I adore the most.

My fingers really have a perfect shape.

Pamela’s grandma is a bisaya. Whenever I visited her, she always says kandilaon raw ang fingers ko.

Kaya hindi ako nagsasawang titigan ito araw-araw.

Tumayo si Emily para kumuha ng pagkain. She invited Cecil but Cecil declined, and the reason I don’t know. I’m not interested to find out.

Not just a minute later,

Rourick came into view.

Maybe they’re done with their group study? And susunduin na si Cecil? How sweet.

I looked at Cecil, she didn’t see Rourick coming since she was busy writing something on her notebook.

So my gaze went up to Rourick again and a small smile formed on his lips when our eyes met but I just raised my eyebrows.

Palihim ko siyang pinadasahanng tingin.

He’s wearing our uniform at hindi ko alam even though our simple uniform looks so good on him!

He looks so neat and . . . and hot. I admit.

My eyes then traveled down to his broad shoulders, to his arms and oh? he has veiny arms?

Maybe sa pagtatrabaho? Kaya naging maugat ang kamay?

But Pamela said, naging vieny ang arms ng isang lalaki kapag mahilig magsarili.

So that means Rourick. . . . Oh my gosh.

Mabilis uminit ang batok ko at akmang iiwas ako ng tingin when I saw something in his hand.

Nanliit ang mata ko nang makita kong vegetable roll iyon at a fresh mango shake.

Napasinghap ako, where did he get this?

Wala iyong ganito sa canteen!

And vegetable rolls are what I am looking for today!

Para akin ba iyan? Well, I guess so dahil he’s looking at me directly.

Talagang pinanindigan niya ang pagiging alipin?

I actually think he regretted what he said since it was Wednesday when he said he wants to be my alipin.

And then Thursday when he got absent agad so akala ko talaga ay natakot siya sa sariling sinabi!

And now he’s here!

And nakakakaba because his stares were just focused on me! Ni hindi niya tiningnan si Cecil sa harap ko.

“You’re hungry?” paos niyang sabi ng makalapitm

Inilagay niya sa harapan ko ang snack.

Mabilis na nag-look up si Cecil at nanlaki ang mata.

“R-Rourick.”

“Cecil?”

He seems shocked to see Cecil, don’t tell me ngayon niya lang napansin?

“A-Anong ginagawa mo rito?”

Cecil asked kahit naman  it’s very obvious na.

Hello? Dinalhan ako ng snack ni Rourick!

“Dinalhan ko lang ng pagkain si Seniorita, baka gutom na.”

Something flickered in Cecil’s eyes. Pain? Galit? Why is she galit?

“Rourick, may paa siya, pwede siyang maglakad sa canteen kung nagugutom siya!”

Nanlaki ang mata ko.

Akmang papatulan ko na sana si Cecil na bigla siyang nag-walk out sa harapan namin.

Tsk. Walk out Queen.

Umirap ako.

I know Rourick will make habol to Cecil because she’s angry nanaman kaya hindi ko maiwasang pagalit na binuksan ang snack.

“Is this okay? What else do you want, bibilhin ko,” marahang tanong nito na halos nagpasamid sa akin.

I thought he was gone at naghabol kay Cecil! But he’s still here pala.

“T-that’s all for now,” I said.

Guilt crept inside me.

Baka hindi pa sila tapos ng kanyang ka-group tapos he brought me these or worse, hindi pa siya kumakain!

“I said that’s all for now,” pag-uulit ko para umalis na siya at bumalik na sa ka grupo niya or maybe sa canteen dahil he’s hungry.

Ngunit hindi siya kumibo at nananatili lamang sa nakatayo sa aking tabi.

“Uhh, you can have a seat though,” ani ko at tinuro ang upuan sa harap.

Mabilis siyang tumango at umupo doon.

I ignored him and just focused on eating the vegetable rolls kahit naman mahirap itong gawin.

His stares are fire!  I can feel it!

Kahit naman masarap ang pagkakagawa ng vegetable rolls ay hindi ko mapigilang mag-angat ng tingin.

“Why are you staring at me?” I asked.

Pero hindi siya nagsalita. Namungay lang  ang mata niya at kalaunan umiwas ng tingin.

Now I have the chance to stare at him.

He really has a perfect jaw and nose! He’s very gwapo and hot talaga. If makita siya ni Pamela. I’m very sure magsisisigaw iyon!

Muling  ibinalik ni Rourick ang tingin sa akin. Napakurap ako but I didn’t back out.

So we stared at each other for a while.

He licked his lower lip and swallowed.

“Don’t have a crush on me,” napasabi ko.

“I mean, I admit that you’re very gwapo but I don’t make patol sa mga mahihirap.”

Ang namumungay niyang mata ay bigla nang dilim.

“I’m really not into poor boys,” ani ko uli.

Tumango lang siya waring nakuha ang gusto kong ipahiwatig.

Minutes passed and he didn’t talk but he’s still sitting in front of me pero ang tingin ay nasa malayo.

Tumikhim ako kaya napalingon siya sa akin.

“Uhh… w-would you like to try these?”

Umiling siya.

“Huwag na, madumi ang kamay ko.”

“Oh my hands are clean, I can make you subo.”

Bago pa siya makapag-react, tumayo na ako at pumunta sa harapan niya.

But the root of the tree made my heels bump kaya bahagya akong na-out of balance.

Luckily Rourick’s hands was there supporting me. Mabilis niyang inilagay ang kamay sa bewang ko.

I gasped loudly dahil parang may kuryente dumaloy sa buong katawan ko and I don’t know what happened to me but I kinda like it!

Mabilis niya ding inalis ang kamay niya sa bewang ko  but before I could stop myself, I already said it.

“Put your hand back on my waist Rourick, baka matapilok nanaman ako,” utos ko sa kanya.

Napaawang ang labi niya.

“What? You want me na matapilok? You want na magkakasugat ang knees ko?”

He licked his lower lip before he slowly crawled his hand on my waist.

A smile crept on my lips but then tumikhim lang ako and just raised my eyebrows.

“Susubo na kita.”

Biglang nandilim ang mata niya at ramdam kong napahigpit ang hawak niya sa bewang ko.

“I said isusubo na kita Rourick, are you bingi ba?”

“It’s susubuan kita Seniorita, not isusubo”

Napahinto ako.

“Ohh whatever, open your mouth na kasi,”

I smiled triumphantly, when he open his mouth.

Uwian came when it was very  unnatural that Mang Fable wasn’t near the gate waiting for me. He’s always there namn and now wala siya.

So instead na makipagsabayan sa mga estudyanteng maghihintay sa waiting shed ay bumalik ako sa classroom.

But I got stopped when I heard someones talking.

“Akala mo ba hindi ko alam ang dahilan kung bakit ka umabsent kahapon, Rourick?”

Oh… It’s Rourick and Cecil?

“Cecil—”

“Pumunta ka pa talaga ng kabilang bayan para mag-withdraw sa savings mo! And I am not dumb to know the reason why!

“Cecil, stop—”

“Dahil sa putanginang Eleanor na yan! Para mabili mo ang mga gusto niya, Rourick, savings mo yon para makapunta sa Manila! Are you out of your mind?”

Nataptop ko ang labi dahil sa narinig at gusto ko na lang isuka ang vegetable roll na kinain ko kanina.

He’s insane, why would he even spend his savings!

And I bet the vegetable rolls were  expensive kasi sobrang sarap niyon.

I’m not Marites kaya tahimik akong bumalik sa dinaanan ko.

When I went out to the university, tahimik na at kaunti na lang ang mga students but  still Manong Fable isn’t here!

Kaya naghintay na lang ako sa waiting shed as I try to dial his number

I silently groaned when he was out of reach!

I typed a message when steps came. Agad akong nag-angat ng tingin.

“Tomas, thank God! Do you know nasaan si Mang Fable? I can’t contact him.”

“Balita ko’y isinama siya ng iyong ama sa kabilang bayan, Seniorita.”

I can’t help but pout, bakit hindi man lang nag text?

“So how can I get home now?” I asked problematicaly.

“Ahhh, sabay na lang tayong-”

“Tomas, ako na.”

Mabilis kaming napalingon ni Tomas sa likuran.

“Rourick,” bati ni Tomas.

“Ako na ang maghahatid kay Seniorita, doon din naman ang punta sa kanila ngayon.”

Tumango si Tomas at saktong may palabas na isang estudyante. Kita kong Engr din kaya sumabay na siya roon.

“Wala pa si Manong Pabling?” tanong nito.

Umiwas ako ng tingin dahil guilty akong na-spent niya ang kanyang savings.

“He’s… he’s out of reach.” mahinang sabi ko.

“Ihatid na lang kita.”

Mabilis akong umiling at umatras.

“No thank you.”

“Sige na, uulan na, baka ma-stranded ka pa dito.”

Bago pa ako maka-react ay naglakad siya sa tabi at kinuha ang… motorcycle?

My eyes widened.

Is that his?

He maneuvered it and I instantly frowned when it was very noisy.

I think it’s old kasi maingay na.

He stopped in front of me.

“Sakay na, Seniorita,”

Bumuntong hininga ako at hindi na nagsalita pa.

Baka sabihin niyang I am being maarte nanaman.

“Akin na ang bag mo,”

Walang pasabi kong binigay sa kanya ang shoulder bag ko at naka pambabae na sumakay.

I immediately snaked my hand around his waist at halos mawalan ng balansi ang motor.

“Oh my gosh,” I screamed dahil akala ko tuluyan na kaming matutumba.

Buti ay naagapan ng kanyang paa.

“I’m sorry, nabigla lang ako.”

“Bakit ka nabigla? Where do you expect me to hold? The metal behind me is rusty and dirty, Rourick!” I scolded him.

Tumango siya.

“Ipapalinis ko yan bukas, lumapit ka. Aarangkada na ako,” he said and started driving.

I closed my eyes and gripped his waist as he drove.

I didn’t bother holding my hair, hindi ko alam dahil ba masariwa ang hangin na dumampi sa mukha ko or simple because I didn’t want to let go of Rourick’s waist.

I almost screamed at what I was thinking kaya mabilis kong tinanggal ang pagkakahawak sa kanya at  hinawakan ang aking buhok but my hand fled back to Rourick’s hard stomach when I almost fell.

Napalakas ang kapit ko doon kaya napasobsob ang dibdib ko sa kanya.

I felt him stiffened and frozen.

“You okay?” I heard him ask.

“Y-Yeah. Your motor is kinda noisy, masakit sa tenga” komento ko.

“Sa susunod hindi na.”

“Why? You will buy a car?”

Umiling siya.

“Ipapatalyer ko lang.”

CHAPTER 9

“What are we gonna do here?” I asked when we stopped in front of a banana tree sa gilid ng kalsada.

Nagtataka akong tumingin kay Rourick habang sinusundan ang kilos niya but my eyes grew wide when I noticed him reaching for a banana leaf.

I immediately roamed my eyes around to check baka may kumuha ng picture sa amin and reported us to the police, and worst of all, labeled us as magnanakaw. Gosh! I cannot! Really.

I couldn’t help but feel nervous.

“Rourick…” I whispered.

But he didn’t seem to care. Kalma lang siyang kumilos , as if he wasn’t doing anything bad.

I looked around once again.

Muling nanlaki ang mata ko nang may paparating na motorcycle so I quietly stood beside Rourick, trying to make sure no one would see him take the banana leaf.

But I knew it would be impossible because Rourick’s body was much bigger than mine.

I bit my lip as I tried to think of a better solution

When the motorcycle was near, napatingin sila sa direksyon namin.

I have no choice!

Instead of getting embarrassed, I folded my arms and raised my eyebrows at them.

Para naman paniwalaan nila ako ang may-ari and I was just commanding Rourick to do such thing.

I didn’t know if my act had worked, pero nanlaki ang mga mata ng mga lalaki sa motor at mabilis silang umiwas ng tingin until they were completely past us.

“Isn’t this illegal, Rourick?” I hissed lowly and looked at him.

“Walang nagmamay-ari nito, tumubo lang ’yan basta,” paliwanag niya.

“How are you even sure, is this your land ba?”

“Dito ako lumaki, señorita. Alam ko ang mga bawal at hindi rito. Parati ko ngang nakikita rito si Tomas noon.”

“Oh? He’s playing his banana leaf?”

“Hindi, wala silang banyo kaya ito ang ginawa niyang pamunas sa pwet.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

I immediately stepped back slightly when my brain processed what he said.

“What? Eww! That’s very disgusting, Rourick! Are you even for real?”

He bit his lips and nodded.

“Kaya wag mo nang kaibiganin si Tomas, ako nalang.”

Nanatili akong nakatingin sa kanya.

He’s really serious?

Napaawang lang ang labi ko. I can’t imagine banana leaf gawing tissue.

The texture is rough, and I bet it’s very makati sa pwet!

Plus, it’s very thin.

If you wipe it on your butt, there’s a tendency na ma-tear siya and your hands will be directed to your butt.

Nanlaki ang mata ko. The hands will be very mabaho.

I heard Rourick chuckle, kaya nabalik ako sa ulirat at napatingin sa kanya.

He was looking at me while holding back a smile, as if he knew exactly what was going through my mind.

“What?” tanong ko.

I saw him tear half the leaf as he went to the back of the motorcycle and put the banana leaves there.

Para nang may tail ang kanyang motorcycle.

I raised my eyebrows.

“Are you trying to impress me that you put a new design on your noisy motorcycle?”

Hindi siya nagsalita.

Instead, he was only busy arranging the banana leaves at the back of the motorcycle

“I appreciate it but the design looks awful, Rourick.”

Ngumisi siya matapos ang ginawa.

“Para hindi ka maputikan, hindi na sementado ang susunod na daan. Maarte ka pa naman.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at napatingin sa mga dahon ng saging na nakakabit sa likod ng motor.

It’s a smart idea!

And it’s really indeed effective.

Because when we reached the maputik part of the road, I noticed that the Putik didn’t splash onto me like I had expected.

Rourick is very matalino!

During the ride, I didn’t do anything but just look at the banana leaf do its work. It really amused me, bago ito sa paningin ko.

“Huwag mong masyadong tingnan baka mahulog ka” marahang saway niya kaya napaayos na lang ako ng upo.

“Nasan ang house niyo?” tanong ko nalang.

Bahagya niya akong nilingon bago sumagot.

“Bakit gusto mo bang pumunta doon?”

“Is it okay ba?”

He stayed silent for a few seconds before finally nodding at iniliko sa isang kanto.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita ko ang tanawin sa harapan namin.

This part was mostly rice fields.

Sobrang lawak nito.

I couldn’t stop myself from being amazed as I looked at the golden rice fields that stretched endlessly ahead. The rice stalks were almost ready to be harvested.

Ang ganda.

Sobrang ganda nito sa mata.

Lalo na nang dumaan ang malamig na hangin, dahilan para sabay-sabay na sumayaw ang mga palay sa bawat hampas nito.

Maybe he saw my reaction, so he stopped on the side of the road.

“You like it here?” He huskily asked.

“You’re joking? I just don’t like it. I love it, Rourick,” I said happily as I tightened my arms around his waist.

Narinig ko ang mahina niyang pagtawa.

Ngunit nang mapatingin ako sa kamay ko, saka ko lang napansin na nakayakap pa rin pala ako sa kanya kahit hindi na umaandar ang motor.

I immediately felt a wave of embarrassment.

Akmang aalisin ko sana ang kamay ko nang bigla niyang hawakan iyon at dahan-dahang ibinalik sa tiyan niya.

“Your name’s very beautiful, seniorita.”

Napakurap ako dahil sa bigla niyang sinabi.

“What? Eleanor?”

Tumango siya habang marahan niyang nilalaro ang mga daliri ko gamit ang kamay niya.

“Hmmmmmm. Bagay sa’yo.”

“My grandma named me that. But she’s in London right now. How about you? Who named you Rourick? It’s kinda unique too.”

“Mahabang storya,” aniya.

How can it be mahabang storya? It’s just a simple question.

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Your dad named you that or your mom?” I asked again.

He chuckled.

“Tigas ng ulo. Mahabang storya nga, sa susunod na lang,” aniya bago niya pinaandar muli ang kanyang noisy motorcycle.

Minutes passed when we stopped in front of a bahay kubo, which I know is probably his house.

It’s the same as Cecil’s, but this one is a little bit smaller and napapalibutan ito ng rice fields.

Walang kapitbahay. Meron man akong natanaw, pero may kalayuan pa.

Rourick went inside, so I had the opportunity to observe his house.

It’s tiny but neat.

May mga halaman at gulay din sa mga gilid. There’s sitaw, chilli’s and uh. . . petchay?

Ngumiwi ako. No brocolli? I like it pa naman.

My eyes went back to his house again.

Sa harapan naman ay may malawak na parang balkonahe, but it was made entirely of bamboo.

Muling lumabas si Rourick.

“Gusto mong pumasok sa loob?”

I bit my lips and slowly nodded.

“Should… should I remove this?” I asked, referring to my heels.

“Huwag na.”

But I still didn’t listen to him. I took off my heels, revealing my black socks.

“Sabi ko huwag na. Masisira ang medyas mo dahil may mga pako dito sa sahig.”

“Ito, suotin mo na lang,” ani niya habang ibinibigay sa akin ang malaking itim na tsinelas, which was his.

“It’s too big, Rourick!” reklamo koo.

“Bibili ako ng para sa iyo bukas, kaya suotin mo lang muna iyan para hindi masira ang medyas mo.”

“Oh, so there’s a second time pa?”

Bahagya siyang natigilan at umiwas ng tingin.

“It’s up to you if you still want to come here.”

Hindi ako nagsalita.

Sa halip, tahimik lang akong umupo sa kahoy na upuan sa harap ng bahay.

I rested my chin on its backrest while admiring the vast rice fields in front of me.

Marami akong nakikitang scarecrow na nakatayo sa gitna ng napakalawak na lupain.

Nanlaki ang mata ko nang maalala ang sinabi ni Tomas na may palayan si Rourick.

So this is all his? Ang sabi ay maliit lang!

I excitedly went inside without permission, only to find out na saktong hinuhubad niya ang kanyang uniform.

His masculine back was showing.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” pasimple kong sabi at dahan dahang tumalikod. I am taking my time as my eyes glued on his broad shoulders.

Naramdaman kong bahagyang uminit ang mukha ko dahil sa hiya. I don’t know why his back looks so hot.

As soon as he put on his shirt, I quickly turned my back on him.

“Okay na,” ani niya kaya I faced him again pretending that I didn’t see it.

I cleared my throat, trying my best to divert my attention.

I let my eyes roam around.

The kama was the first thing I noticed, along with the clothes hanging beside it.

Everything was simple, with no unnecessary items, but it was noticeably neat and well-organized.

There’s also a small table beside it. There’s a sink and a place where he will cook.

There’s also a small door that I assume is a comfort room.

So the receiving area is only outside, and I had entered his private space.

“I’m sorry I didn’t ask permission.”

Tumango lang siya.

“Okay lang, tayo na?”

I blink.

“What?”

“Ihahatid na kita sa inyo.”

Napakunot ang noo ko.

“What, no! If you’re angry because I entered without permission, then babalik na lang ako sa labas.”

Bumuntong hininga siya.

“Walang problema sa akin iyon. Ang sa akin lang ay ihahatid na kita dahil gumagabi na, baka hinahanap ka na ni Don.”

“But I want to stay here in your Kubo!” I hissed and even stump my feet.

Biglang namungay ang mga mata niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

“Huwag nang matigas ang ulo.”

But I still didn’t move and just crossed my arms. I looked away.

“Señorita…”

“You’re very disrespectful, Rourick. Pinapaalis mo agad ang bisita mo.”

Bumuntong hininga siya.

“Wala tayong pasok bukas. Pupuntahan kita sa inyo.”

I suddenly fell silent. I swallowed as I processed what he had said.

“You will court me na? m-masyado pang mabilis, but… but I think it’s okay though.”

Bahagyang napaawang ang labi niya.

“D-Dad likes you naman and . . . and it’s fine for me din naman.”

Ngunit bigla siyang umiling at mahina siyang natawa.

“Pupuntahan kita sa Inyo dahil pupunta tayo sa kaibigan kong may maraming puno ng niyog,” ani niya.

Natigilan ako.

I felt my cheeks burn all of sudden.

“You… you tricked me!” pagalit kong sabi at tinuro siya.

He just grinned even more.

“I didn’t, señorita!”

“You did. Sabi mo you’ll visit me in my house, kaya I concluded that you will… you will court me.”

“Hindi ko kasalanang ganyan ka mag-isip.”

“Whatever Rourick, if you’ll court me I won’t entertain you naman.”

Umirap ako sa kanya at walang imik na umupo sa kama niya. I folded my arms across my chest.

“Dito na muna ako. Kung gusto mo akong ihatid sa bahay, go ahead. Pumunta ka mag-isa doon.”

“Hanggang alas 6 lang tayo,” aniya kaya palihim akong nagwagi sa isip.

At least, he didn’t force me to leave right away.

He turned around and walked toward the sink.

Perhaps he was going to cook something,kaya nanatili akong tahimik habang pinagmamasdan ang paligid.

While waiting, my eyes wandered to the photos hanged on the wall.

I looked at them one by one until a particular picture immediately caught my attention-the one of him and Cecil.

Ang laki ng ngiti ni Cecil doon sa picture!

Nangunot ang noo ko at kinuha iyon. I quickly throw it under the bed and looked at Rourick.

He didn’t pay attention to me, kaya napangiti ako at nagtingin-tingin muli.

I tilted my head when I saw a picture of an older man and Rourick.

Rourick looked much younger in this picture.

Maybe he had just graduated from elementary in this picture.

I immediately took it.

“Is this your dad, Rourick?” I asked as I raised the picture frame.

He stopped what he was doing and looked at me.

Tumango siya.

“Papa Simon ko.”

“So he’s your dad? Really? Hindi kayo same ng face. Even your eyes aren’t the same.”

“Maybe you’re adopted, Rourick.” Biro ko pa. But honestly, hindi talaga sila same ng face.

Hindi siya nagsalita kaya I shrugged. Baka nagmana siya sa mama niya.

CHAPTER 10

I was so excited for my errands with Rourick that I woke up as early as 4 a.m. in the morning and started preparing.

Actually, halos wala na akong tulog dahil halos bawat oras ay nagigising ako.

It wasn’t intentional. My body just kept waking up on its own. At kapag nakikita kong madilim pa sa labas, pipilitin kong matulog ulit.

And now I  felt like I am a zombie  due to lack of sleep but I don’t care. Kailangan kong maghanda ng maaga and be pretty.

I was walking back and forth while I was trying to call Pamela.

My dress options were scattered on my bed but I felt like hindi iyon tama kaya tatawagan ko na lang siya.

I know it’s madaling araw pa and she’s still sleeping but I have no choice!

Ilang rings na pero hindi pa rin siya sumagot. I groaned loudly at dialing her number again.

Thank God she answered this time.

“Eleanor, for fuck’s sake, it’s still 4 am in the morning!”

“Good morning to you too, my dear friend, rise and shine,” I said happily.

I heard her let out a deep groan from the other end of the line.

It seemed he wasn’t too happy about being woken up this early.

So before she could end the call, I started sharing my problem na.

“Eleanor, just wear whatever makes you comfortable.”

“I am comfortable wearing bikini sa niyog farm so that means I can wear it?”

“What? No!”

Napakunot ang noo ko sa reaksyon niya.

“Just… just wear a dress. Make it conservative.”

“Conservative? Really? Why?”

“Because it’s a farm. Baka may makating plants doon and bing a hat as well dahil mainit ang weather.”

We argued for a lot of moments and ended up agreeing with her.

Dali-dali akong bumalik sa dressing room ko because none of the options were on my bed now.

My eyes quickly scanned the dressing room, and I nearly squealed when I spotted a yellow spaghetti-strap dress hanging at the far end.

“There you are!”

Agad ko iyong kinuha at inilapag sa kama.

At exactly 5 am ay naligo na ako at nag lagah ng light make up.

I even curled my hair to make my appearance perfect.  I didn’t know why I was this excited. Maybe because this is the first time Rourick and I will go somewhere.

Maaga din akong bumaba at kumain ng umaga. The maids were shock pa nga when they saw me because aside from its early pa, I don’t usually eat breakfast.

It’s really not my thing to eat breakfast but I needed to. I need to have energy para mamaya. I know it will be a long day.

Exactly 6 am ay nasa sala na ako upo habang ang mata ko ay naka-fix sa pintoan.

Rourick told me yesterday he will fetch me before 8 am. Kaya matubi ng 6 am palang ay naka abang na ako sa kanya.

Pero hindi ko alam ilang magazine na ang mabasa ko, 7 am came and still no Rourick came in the door.

Until it became 7:45…

Then 8:00 a.m.

Then 8:30.

Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses akong sumilip sa wall clock at sa malaking pintuan ng mansyon, baka paparating na siya. But there’s still no sign of Rourick and his noisy motorcycle.

With every passing minute, my heart felt heavier and heavier.

I saw Dad coming down the stairs, kaya matamlay akong lumapit sa kanya at humalik sa kanyang pisngi.

“Why is my unica hija sad? It’s early in the morning. And…” 

He stopped for a moment while looking me over from head to toe.“

“You’re dressed so well today.”

“I have a lakad with Rourick, Dad,” sabi ko habang nakanguso.

Napangiti siya.

“Oh, that’s great that you’re friends with Rourick. He’s a good man”

Napatingin ako sa wall clock.

“Pero 8:30 na, Dad. He’s still not here.”

Bahagyang tumango si Dad, tila nag-iisip.

“Manong Pablo is available. Why don’t you ask him to drive you to Rourick’s house? Baka na-busy lang si Rourick. You know that man is very hardworking.”

Nanlaki ang mata ko. That’s a great idea.

God, why didn’t I think of that before?

Mabilis kong kinuha ang bag sa sofa at binalikan si Dad and bid him goodbye with a kiss.

“Thank you, Dad!”

Napatawa siya sa bigla kong pagbalik ng sigla.

“Take care, Princess.”

“I will daddy,” mahinang sabi ko as I bid my goodbye.

If Rourick can’t come to me… then I’ll be the one to go to him.

When I went outside, saktong naglilinis ng sasakyan si Mang Fable.

I asked him if he could take me to Rourick’s house. Matagal niya akong tinitingnan ng mapang-asar bago siya tumango.

Hindi naman sobrang layo ang kina Rourick sa mansion kaya hindi natagal ay nakarating lang kami.

“Manong, just leave me here.”

“Sure po ba kayo, Seniorita?”

“Opo, Manong, it’s safe naman. I’ll just wait for Rourick here.”

Tumingin siya sa bahay ni Rourick, saka muling bumaling sa akin.

“Sige po. Tawagan n’yo na lang ako kapag gusto n’yo nang sunduin ko kayo.”

“I will. Thank you, Manong.”

Bumaba ako ng sasakyan at umarangkada na si Mang Fable.

I sighed heavily as I realized the house seems so quiet. And I was right. The moment I stepped inside the balcony ay naka-lock ang pinto.

“Great…” mahinang bulong ko sa sarili.

Now I’m alone here.

I don’t have a number of him too!

Nakakaasar. Sana pala I asked for his phone number so I can call him.

I didn’t know how long I had been sitting on the wooden chair on the balcony.

Every now and then, I’d glance down the road, hoping his noisy motorcycle would appear at any moment.

Umabot ng tanghali ang aking paghihintay. Ramdam ko ang gutom pero hindi ko ininda. Seeing him mattered more to me than leaving to eat.

Marahil dahil madaling-araw pa lang ay gising na ako, nagsimula nang bumigat ang mga talukap ng mata ko. Eventually, I fell asleep on the wooden balcony.

Hindi ko alam kung gaano katagal akong nakatulog.

Ang alam ko lang, bigla akong nagising nang marinig ko ang pamilyar na ugong ng isang motorsiklo.

Mabilis akong napabangon at agad na inayos ang gusot kong buhok at ang suot kong damit.

Hindi ko man lang namalayang nakatulog pala akong nakaupo. 

As soon as I stepped out onto the balcony, the smile on my lips slowly faded away.

“Rourick, salamat talaga sa pagtulong mo. Kung hindi ka dumating hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin.”

“Walang ano man, Cecil.”

“Hindi ko alam paano ka pasalamatan. Palagi ka nalang nandiyan para sa akin.”

My bag slipped from my grip because my hands were shaking.

Sabay silang napalingon sa direksyon ko.

Rourick’s eyes widened when he saw me.

Cecil, on the other hand, looked confused as she looked at me.

“Anong ginagawa ni Eleanor dito?“I heard Cecil asked.

“Is she bothering you, Rourick?” dagdag pa nito.

Mariin ko silang tinitigan.

So this is the reason why I waited too long? Nakalimotan niya dahil magkasama sila ni Cecil?

Sana hindi na lang siya nagplano kung hindi niya rin pala kayang panindigan.

Sana hindi na lang niya ako pinaasa kung ang balak din pala niyang gawin ay samahan si Cecil.

I wanted to be angry.

I wanted to yell at him.

I wanted to slap him for making me wait for hours without giving me even a single explanation.

Pero siguro dahil sa kakahintay ay wala na akong enerhiya para magalit.  So I took a deep breath, forcing myself to swallow the lump in my throat.

“I’m sorry I trespassed, I think,” mahina kong sabi.

Hindi ko na hinintay ang magiging sagot nila.

Dinampot ko ang bag kong nahulog sa sahig, saka mabilis na tumalikod at tuluyang bumaba ng balkonahe.

I walked past them with a fast step.

But before I could get very far, I suddenly felt a warm hand wrap around my elbow.

“Take off your dirty hands away from me,” I hissed.

“Seniorita—”

“I said…”

Mabilis akong lumingon sa kanya.

I can feel my eyes burn as they were full of resentment

“I said, fucking take your dirty hands off me!”

Until unting lumuwag ang pagkakahawak niya sa aking siko.

“Let’s talk this in a calm way,” aniya.

“I’m not one that you can command anytime you want! Huwag mo akong mandaran!”

Nakita kong bahagyang tumigas ang panga niya.

“Rourick, anong nangyayari—”

“Shut up, you palengkera!” I cut Cecil off.

She gasped and held Rourick in his elbow like a scared cat. 

Agad dumapo ang tingin ko doon.

I stared intensely at the hand holding my arm.

If my gaze had the power to burn… that hand would have already turned to ashes long ago.

Napansin marahil ni Rourick ang direksyon ng tingin ko.

Kaya dahan-dahan niyang inalis ang kamay ni Cecil sa kanyang braso.

“Cecil mag-usap muna kami ni Seniorita.”

Napakurap si Cecill.

“Saan sa bahay mo? Ng kayong dalawa lang?” worry came across her face.

Pagak akong natawa.

“You know what, Cecil?”

Huminga ako nang malalim bago siya tiningnan.

“You don’t have to worry. Hindi ko kukunin si Rourick sa’yo.”

Bahagya akong ngumiti, ngunit walang saya roon.

“Iyong-iyo na. Isaksak mo ’yan sa baga mo o kaya itago  mo siya sa  mahabang palda mo .” I bitchily said and turned around.

But Rourick held onto me again.

This time, my hand immediately flew toward his cheek. 

Ngunit bago pa man iyon umabot sa kanyang mukha, agad niya iyong nahawakan.

“Please El, mag-usap tayo nang mahinahon sa loob” paglalambing niya.

Nangunot ang noo ko.

What does he call me, El?

Only my family calls me that! How dare he! Hindi kami close para tawagin niya ako ng ganyan!

“El-”

“Don’t call me that. Mag sama kayo ni Cecil total mas inuna mo pa siya over me!” I said angrily, glaring at him intently.

“Now, if you don’t want me to make a scene, let me leave”

Bumuntong hininga si Rourick.

“Hindi ka uuwi, walang uuwi. Maguusap pa tayo.”

“Cecil, tawagan mo na lang muna si Jonel, hindi kita maihatid ngayon pabalik.”

He talked to Cecil, but he’s looking at me intently.

I glanced at Cecil over Rourick’s shoulder. I saw how she open her mouth to say something but then close it and eventually walk away.

Inirapan ko si Rourick at akmang maglalakad na palayo nang bigla niya akong binuhat.

I loudly scream and maybe Cecil hear it but I don’t care.

“Put me down! Ayaw ko sayo! I hate you! I hate you!” I screamed and struggled.

But his grip only tightened and groaned.

CHAPTER 11

I sat on his bed with my arms folded as I refused to look at him.

Hindi ko siya magawang tingnan. Not even for a second.

Just the thought of looking into his eyes made my blood boil again.

Talagang he chooses Cecil over me? Wala namang espesyal kay Cecil para unahin niya.

Nakakagalit! Nakakairita!

“El—”

“Stop calling me that!” I barked angrily and looked at him.

He sighed heavily and nodded It’s like he had already accepted that I wasn’t going to make this easy for him. Buti alam niya!

Kita kong kumuha siya ng isang balde sa ilalim ng mesa, hinila niya iyon at inilagay sa harap ko, then he sat down.

I mentally frowned. Hindi ko alam why I am even here throwing tantrums, when Rourick cannot even buy a decent chair!

“Huwag nang magalit, wala namang kailangan ikagalit agad,” marahan siyang sabi.

It was like a bell rang in my ears.

Walang kailangan

ikagalit

?

My eyes widened in disbelief.

“What? Are you seriously saying that right now?” I snapped.

“I woke up at four in the morning just to get ready and maghintay for you. Pero mas inuna mo pa talaga si Cecil kaysa sa’kin!” I said bago ko pa mapigilan.

Kita kong tumaas ang sulok ng kanyang labi, then bit his lips to suppress his smile but failed kaya mas lalong umusok ang ilong at tenga ko.

“Alas kwatro?” he repeated as  amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Madaling araw pa ’yon seniorita. Ang aga mo naman palang naghanda. Alas otso pa naman ang usapan natin.”

Napasinghap ako dahil sa mapang-asar niyang tono and I was about to slap his shoulder when he caught my hand again.

I yanked my hand away from his grip with an annoyed huff before folding my arms tightly across my chest once again.

But I  immediately straightened my posture as he gently unfolded my arms.

He then caught my fingers, idly playing with them.

Para akong napako sa kinauupuan. An electric shiver ran down my spine as I watched his hands play with my tiny pink fingers.

Naka-yuko lang siya at parang seryosong seryoso sa ginagawa.  By this view, kita ko kung may makapal siyang pilikmata.

He even traced little circles over my knuckles before gently running his fingers along my pinky finger.

I bit my lips to stop myself from reacting!

Why the heck do I suddenly feel butterflies in my stomach?

I shouldn’t feel this way!

Him holding my hand is just a very simple action!

Simple action yet my heart felt like lalabas na iyon sa ribcage ko and I really hate it!

I hated how my body betrayed me. Dapat ay galit ako ngayon!

“Papunta na sana ako sa inyo, nasa gate na ako pero sinabihan ako ng guard niyo na kakapasok lang na kailanlang daw ng tulong si Aling Elvira dahil sobrang taas ng lagnat,” paliwanag niya habang pinaglalaroan pa rin ang kamay ko.

“Wala akong nagawa kaya dumiretso doon sa kanila at dinala sa ospital,” he continued.

Gusto kong mag react dahil sa lahat ng tao bakit siya pa ang tumulong but that will make me feel like I’m Satanas.

“Dadalhin pa rin naman kita roon,” he added softly before finally lifting his gaze to meet mine.

“Marami pa tayong oras ngayong araw, huwag na magselos.”

Nanlaki ang mata ko.

At agad kong binawi ang kamay ko mula sa kanyang pagkakahawak.

“Hindi ako nagseselos!” I exclaimed as I  glared daggers at him. “And why would I be jealous, Rourick? Because of you?”

Pagan akong natawa.

“As if.”

I shook my head before crossing my arms once again.

“I will never make patol sa mga poor like you,” I scoffed. “Wala akong future”

He squeezed his eyes shut and let out a slow breath before giving a small nod.

“Hindi ko naman sinabi na papatol ka sa akin,” paos niyang sabi.

“Good to know that.”

Minutes passed when no one talked so I spoke again.

“Nawalan na ako ng ganang sumama sa coconut farm ng kaibigan mo. Uuwi na ako.” I boredly say.

I moved as if to stand, but his voice stopped me.

“May oras pa naman tayo ngayong araw.”

“Nawalan na nga ako ng gana diba? Sumama ka na lang doon sa best friend mong two-faced, palengkera at sawsawera!”

“Masama ang mantapak ng tao.”

I stared at him in disbelief.

“Seriously? Kinakampihan mo pa talaga siya over me?”

He immediately shook his head.

“Hindi. Wala akong kinakampihan.”

“Well, it seems like it to me. So can you please let me uwi na? I’m freaking tired!  I wanna rest and sleep. “

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.

“…at para rin makapunta ka na kay Cecil, ang kaibigan mong mabait, maganda, matulungin, makabayan at makabansa. There! happy?”

Then I rolled my eyes.

“Hindi ako pupunta kay Cecil, sayo ako ngayon,” he said firmly.

Pero umirap lang uli ako. Ngayong lang? Then by tomorrow kay Cecil nanaman siya. No, thank you! I don’t like kakarampot na attention from someone.

“At kung gusto mo talagang umuwi na para makapagpahinga, ihahatid kita.” he continued.

“No thank you. I will never ride your cheap, noisy and dirty motorcycle again! Hindi ako bagay diyan.”

“And bakit nga ba ako sumasama sayo? Hindi kita kilala, baka you’re making a bad plan of me.” Kusang lumabas ang mga salitang iyon sa bibig ko.

Kita kong may kung anong dumaan sa mata niya.

Hurt?

Disappointment?

Insult?

I… I don’t know.

But for the first time since barging into his room, he looked genuinely hurt.

The realization made my chest tighten.

Did I go below the belt?

Napasobra ba ang sinabi ko?

Well. . . . . I can’t help it! It’s his fault naman! Ginalit niya ako ng husto!

But still… What I said is beyond bad.

Marahan kong kinagat ang ibabang labi ko, bigla akong hindi makatingin nang diretso sa kanyang mga mata.

So I  drifted my eyes downward, settling on our feet as an uncomfortable silence settled between us.

A wave of guilt slowly crept into my chest as seconds passed by na walang nagsasalita.

I knew naman…

Deep down, I knew…

He wasn’t that kind of person.

A lot of people here in Arilaw looked up to him because of his personality. I know naman na his not a bad person.

Maybe I should apologize. Maybe I should say sorry.

Dahan-dahan kong muling itinaas ang aking ulo.

“I’m…”

The apology was already at the tip of my tongue.

But then…

My eyes caught the picture of him and Cecil smiling together again.

Cecil’s hand sneaked on Rourick’s shoulder! And kahit anong baliwala ko, kahit anong lait ko kay Cecil, she looked cute in the picture with Rourick!

They look like they are in a relationship for so long!

The guilt I was feeling moments ago slowly faded.

It was replaced by the same anger that had been burning inside me since earlier.

I just threw it under the bed.

Bakit bumalik diyan?

Binalik niya? Why?

Dahil gusto niya itong tingnan gabi-gabi bago siya matulog?

O baka dahil siya ang taong gusto niyang unang makita pagkagising niya sa umaga?

Hah! Horrible!

And just like that…

The anger returned.

“I’m not sorry for all the things I said. Because it was all true.” Pinal kong sabi.

“And finally… let’s not talk anymore Rourick. I don’t want you coming near me. I don’t want you to talk to me ever again!” I said with my head held high before standing up and walking out.

The moment I stepped outside, I immediately took out my phone and called Manong Fable to come and fetch me.

Naka-upo lang ako sa balcony habang naghihintay ni Manong.

Rourick was inside and I don’t know what he’s doing. But one thing was certain, the house was strangely quiet.

Para siyang napako sa kinauupuan niyang balde kanina at hindi man lang gumalaw.

Hanggang sa dumating na si Manong Fable, tahimik pa rin ang loob ng bahay kubo.

Dahan-dahan akong naglakad palabas.

I was actually taking my time, hoping he’d come outside, hoping that he would stop me.

Hoping that he would at least say something.

But he didn’t.

I reached the car and glanced back one last time toward Rourick’s house.

I don’t know what got into me…

But as the day went by, the regret slowly started eating me alive.

Kahit gaano ko pa piliting kumbinsihin ang sarili ko na may karapatan akong magalit because he promised something he didn’t do, a small part of me kept replaying everything I had said to him.

His facial expression, the way his eyes changed, the hurt that flashed across his face.

I hated admitting it…

But maybe I had gone too far.

“Pamela, she chose that girl over me! And I fucking hate it!” I burst out.

“He told you naman na it’s an emergency diba? And hindi si Cecil ang pinili, nanay ni Cecil, dahil may fever nga El!”

“I know that!”

“Then why are you so upset, El! I don’t see anything wrong with what happened.”

I opened my mouth.

But no words came out.

Instead of answering, I turned my attention to the window and stared outside.

But come to think of it, ni hindi man lang siya tumawag at nag-text sa akin?

He knew that I was upset.

He knew that I was mad!

He knew that I walked away hurt.

May alipin-alipin pa siyang nalalaman sa akin?

May alipin bang hinahayaan lang maging upset ang boss niya?

And so what if wala siyang number ko?

He didn’t even make an effort to ask Mang Fable for my number! Or even Tomas! Kilala niya si Tomas, he could have asked him for my number!

“Or maybe you said something to him, kaya ka nagkakaganyan right now?” Pamela said.

“What? No, I didn’t.”

“I know you. Instead of saying sorry, you get angry. Just admit your mistake and apologize to Rouick.”

“No way! He’s my alipin!”

The moment I said it, Pamela suddenly burst into laughter.

“Alipin? Bitch! Anong klaseng alipin?  Aliping sagigilid o aliping namamahay?” she asked between laughs.

“Pamela, you’re not helping me!”

“Just say sorry, that’s it!”

I sighed heavily as we ended our call.

I didn’t get proper sleep throughout the night because I kept thinking about Rourick.

Morning came so I needed to prepare to go to school.

“How’s school, Princess?”

“It’s fine, Dad. Hindi ka ba kakain with me?” I asked confusedly when I saw he’s not planning to eat with me.

“May importante akong lalakarin, Iha.”

“Nanaman, Dad? You’re always not in the house these past few days.”

“Alam mo naman malapit nang iharvest ang mga pananim, diba?”

Tumango na lang ako at hindi na nagtanong pa.

Exactly 7:30 ay nakarating na ako sa university. I didn’t even find Tomas which I normally do.

Hindi ko alam bakit pero may parte sa akin na pumunta agad sa room so I went straight to my room.

Cecil was there. Unlike before she would smile at me. Now hindi na, she just looked at me with her stoic face.

I raised my eyebrows at her and I gave a small eye roll before walking past her without saying anything.

The first subject came and Rourick didn’t show up.

Hindi ko alam why I keep on glancing at the door the moment our subject ends.

Ayaw ko mang aminin. But part of me believed he would be present today but no. Until 5 pm just came, no sign of Rourick.

Tuesday and Wednesday were still the same, Rourick was still absent so I spent most of my time with Tomas.

Until Thursday came, nagulat na lang ako during the first subject in the afternoon when Mr. Aligway was about to start the class.

Someone interrupted.

“I’m sorry sir, I’m late.”

Agad akong napatingin sa pinto.

“Hindi pa naman nagsisimula, Rourick. Please come in.”

Napatuwid ang upo ko at wala sa sarili sinuklay ang aking buhok.

Mabilis kong kinuha ang bag ko sa dating upuan niya at put it on my lap. I reserved the site for him the entire day para hindi maupuan ng kung sino.

I was waiting for our eyes to meet but it didn’t happen.

Because his eyes never landed here at the back and just sat where Cecil reserved a seat for him.

In fact, all the afternoon subjects until it became uwian, he didn’t dare to look at me nor where I was sitting.

Cecil and him were talking as they joined the crowd as they went outside pauwi na.

I don’t know but something I couldn’t name in my heart flickered. It’s very painful that I am hardly breathing.

Kung hindi pa dumungaw ang ulo mo Tomas sa classroom door ay baka gabihin ako habang nakatanaw sa kawalan.

“Gusto mo bang mag-merienda muna tayo, Seniorita?”

“I told you to call me Eleanor.”

Umiling siya.

“Ang sabi ni tiyong ay dapat daw Seniorita pa rin ang tawag ko sayo.”

I rolled my eyes and just followed him where he walked.

“Saan ba magmemerienda ang students here? May cafe ba?” tanong ko nang nakalabas na kami ng university gate.

“Walang cafe Seniorita pero may tusok-tusok.”

“Tusok-what?”

“Tusok-tusok po.”

“Tusok-tusok? Why does it sound SPG to me, Tomas?” malditang tanong ko.

Nanlaki ang mata niya.

“Hindi ko alam, pero iyon talaga ang pangalan, Seniorita.”

Hindi na ako muling nagsalita at sumunod na lang uli kay Tomas.

“Dito ho tayo, Seniorita,” aniya and held my pulsoan.

I didn’t react, Tomas is my friend anyways.

Hinila niya ako sa isang pwesto na may big colorful umbrella.

Agad kong nakita ang malaking kawali na may mainit na bumubukal na black oil.

May mga small neon thingy in a stick, parang may intestines ng chickens at I don’t know sa iba.

“Anong gusto niyong kainin diyan, Seniorita?” excited na tanong ni Tomas.

I carefully examined everything.

“Hmmm, I’ll try three small neon balls na lang.”

Tumango si Tomas.

“Manong, tatlong kwek-kwek and limang isaw. Paki-init na lang po.”

“What’s the name?” bulong ko nito.

“Kwek-kwek po, Seniorita.”

Oh… Kwek kwek. Weird.

Tomas handed me the cup of my order after manong reheated it.

He put something on my cup, maybe a sauce.

While he was doing it I casually roamed my eyes around and unfortunately I saw Cecil and Rourick happily eating the same thing.

They’re talking about something interesting.

Malakas na humalakhak si Cecil at Rourick laughed too as he shook his head on what Cecil said.

“Seniorita, okay na po,” I heard Tomas said pero my attention was glued on Rourick and Cecil.

I stared at them intently.

Saktong sumubo si Rourick at lumingon sa kinaroonan ko. Agad nagtagpo ang mata namin.

I saw Cecil wipe something on Rourick’s lips.

Before I could react, my hand immediately held the stick and ate one neon balls.

I gasped as my eyes became blurry in an instant. Rourick looked at me weirdly.

Mabilis akong tumalikod  at mariin na pumikit. I immediately cover my mouth as I wanted to scream so bad!

“Seniorita, napaso po kayo?”

Walang boses akong tumango.

Fucking hot, Tomas! I feel like I’ll be mute for months!

CHAPTER 12

I was absent right after that happened because I felt like I couldn’t even talk anymore.

My tongue hurt so much that every word I tried to say came out painfully.

Maging ang pagkain was torture. I couldn’t help but tear up whenever I chewed.

I felt like I would go mute if I didn’t take a rest, kaya I was absent for a few days.

But I didn’t spend those days doing nothing. I also used the time to prepare for my report.

It was Monday when I came back to school, and as usual, agad akong pinagtitinginan ng mga estudyante pagkapasok ko pa lang sa gate.

I just ignored the stares and went straight to my room. They’re just insecure.

Siguro ay napaaga ang dating ko dahil lima pa lang kami dito sa classroom.

My eyes instantly landed on Rourick, who was reading a book. His expression was calm.

Agad siyang nag-angat ng tingin sa akin the moment I stepped in.

My heart skipped a beat when our eyes met.

Damn… his gray eyes. It’s very deep. Parang nangangain ng tao.

He held my gaze for just a moment before quietly immersing himself in the book he had been reading, as if that brief eye contact had meant nothing.

A small pang of disappointment settled inside my chest.

Josh was sitting right beside him. Sa lahat ng lalaki naming kaklase, siya ang pinaka-close kay Rourick.

“Good morning, Eleanor,” he greeted.

“Morning, Josh,” bati ko sa maliit na boses at tipid na ngumiti.

My eyes drifted back to Rourick, hoping he will look at me again but he never did. 

He simply turned another page of his book, completely unfazed by my presence.

“May kailangan ka ba kay Rourick?” Josh asked.

Napakurap ako.

Maybe he found it weird  that I had been standing there in silence like an idiot.

“Rourick,‘’ Josh nudged him lightly ’’May kailangan yata si Eleanor sayo,” Josh said kahit hindi pa naman ako nakasagot.

Nag-angat muli ng tingin si Rourick sa akin. The moment our eyes met again, I instinctively held my breath.

He didn’t say anything. He’s just waiting for me to speak up.

Pero kahit yata ang boses ko ay tintraydor ako dahil walang lumabas. 

Every sentence I had rehearsed during the past few days suddenly vanished from my mind, making me look like a weirdo infront of him.

I swallowed hard and tightened my grip on the hem of my skirt.

I took a small breath and was finally about to speak when—

“Rourick!”

A familiar voice suddenly echoed from the doorway.

“Nakalimutan mo ang ID mo sa bahay namin!”

My head instinctively turned toward the door. 

And I saw Cecil stood there while holding Rourick’s ID between her fingers with a bright smile on her face.

Bahay… nila?

Nag punta si Rourick sa bahay nilang Cecil? Ofcourse! They’re friends!

Agad akong napaayos ng tayo ang mabilis na naglakad patungo sa dulong upuan. I lowered my head the moment I sat down.

Throughout the entire class, I did nothing but stare at my desk.

I didn’t even listen to the discussion. My mind was bombarded with the things I want to do for Rourick for an apology.

Nag-angat lang ako ng tingin ng tinawag ang pangalan ko upang mag-report. 

“Eleanor.” 

Thankfully, everything went smoothly. My report went fine and that even made my day.

During lunch, Tomas finally arrived, so we ate together in the cafeteria like we usually did.

“Tomas, do you know Rourick’s favorite food?” I asked nowhere.

“Hindi ko alam Seniorita dahil hindi naman kami masyadong close pero iyong akin ay lasagna kaya baka lasagna din ang paborito niya.”

I raised my eyebrows. Lasagna is not hard to make. It’s very basic.

Kaya noong naka-uwi ako ay agad kong hinanap si Manang para magpaturo kung paano lutuin iyon.

At first I really thought it was just very easy! 

It’s just lasagna. But no! I lost count of how many times I burned my fingers while taking the baking dish in and out of the oven. I even cut my self.

Napasinghap ako nang hindi sinasadyang madulas ang kutsilyo at bahagyang mahiwa ang daliri ko.

“Naku, Seniorita!” Agad akong nilapitan ni Manang. “Ako na lang po.”

I quickly shook my head.

“No, Manang. I have to do it myself.”

Hours passed before we finally finished.

Pagod na pagod ako.

Masakit ang likod ko, nangingirot ang mga daliri ko, at may maliliit pa akong paso sa kamay.

But despite all of it, a wide smile unconsciously spread across my lips when I saw the lasagna I had baked.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was made by me.

Satisfied, I went to sleep, feeling excited for the next day so I could give it to Rourick.

I almost got late kinabukasan. Maybe because I stayed up too late the night before, or maybe because I barely got any sleep from thinking about the lasagna.

By the time I reached our classroom, loud voices were already spilling into the hallway.

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Anong meron Josh?” I asked Josh who was leaning against the door.

“Oh Eleanor ikaw pala ’yan,” aniya at matamis na ngumiti.

“Wala, nagsisigawan lang sila dahil walang klase mamayang hapon. Mga baliw, parang mga bata.” Napailing siya habang natatawa.

Curious, I leaned forward and took a peek inside the classroom.

My gaze immediately landed on Cecil, who was sitting beside . . . .  Rourick.

Both of them were smiling while watching our classmates celebrate.

Cecil would occasionally whispered something that made Rourick’s lips curve into a small smile.

Without realizing it, I found myself staring at Rourick.

Maybe he felt my gaze kaya napatingin siya sa kinaroroonan ko.

My eyes widened in panic, and I instinctively took a step back. I held my chest dahil sobrang lakas ng kabog ng puso ko.

“Okay ka lang? Para kang nakakita ng multo!” biro ni Josh.

Ngumiti lang ako sa kanya at umiling. When we saw our professor coming, agad na kaming pumasok sa room.

Our professor only taught during the first period. The next professor didn’t show up, and neither did the one after that.

I carefully placed the insulated lunch bag containing the lasagna beside my chair before resting my head on my folded arms.

I really need to rest. I feel so antok and drained.

When I woke up, wala nang tao sa room. Josh and Emily were the only ones left.

I was about to ask where everyone was but I remembered halfday lang pala so they probably went home.

I slowly stood up and grabbed the insulated lunch bag containing the lasagna before walking toward Josh.

“Do you know where Rourick is, Josh?” I asked.

Josh looked up from his phone.

“Si Rourick?” aniya. “Sumama sila sa Talon.”

My grip on the lunch bag tightened.

“Bakit?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “May kailangan ka sa kanya?”

“Uh…” I hesitated for a moment. “May kailangan sana akong ibigay.”

Josh glanced at the container in my hands before a teasing smile slowly spread across his face.

“Josh, Emily tayo na!” I heard someone called from outside.

Josh immediately stood up and slung his bag over his shoulder.

“Emily, let’s go.”

He then turned to me.

“Sama ka na rin sa amin sa Talon. Sakto, doon din naman kami pupunta.”

I was hesitant at first but eventually nodded. Sumakay lang kami ng tricycle papuntang Talon but it just stopped us not exactly in the Talon dahil maputik ang daan.

Kaya naglakad pa kami ng ilang minuto bago nakarating sa bukana ng gubat. I carefully hugged the lunch bag against my chest, making sure the lasagna inside wouldn’t tilt.

Josh was the one who kept the conversation going during the walk.

He talked about random things while Emily quietly walked beside us, occasionally smiling but never really joining in.

I was just so lucky dahil hindi heels ang suot ko ngayong school shoes kundi flag shoes lang.

After almost half an hour of walking ay dinig na namin ang lagaslas ng tubig and even loud cheers, laughter, and the excited screams of my classmates.

Just a second later, agad na bumungad sa amin ang isang napakagandang Talon.

Agad akong namangha, an enormous waterfall stood before us, so clear that I could almost see the rocks resting at the bottom.

It looked magical like something straight out of a fairy tale at gusto ko nalang pumarito palagi.

Maraming naliligo but I knew all of them, they’re my classmates in architecture.

I was so mesmerized by the falls and I forgot what I came here for.

Nabalik lang ang ulirat ko nang nagsalita si Josh sa aking tabi. Naka-sando na siya at boxer,  clearly ready to jump into the water at any moment.

“Hindi ka ba maliligo Eleanor?”

“Uh… I didn’t bring any clothes. I really just came here to see Rourick.”

Tumango siya at inilibot ang tingin.

“Hoy Compa, nasan si Rourick?”

“Hindi ko alam, may pinuntahan lang siguro saglit sa likod ng Talon,” sagot ni Compa.

My eyes instinctively shifted toward the massive waterfall.

“You can go swim now, Josh. I’m fine,” sabi ko habang itinuturo ang malapad na batong malapit sa akin

“I’ll just wait for Rourick here.”

Tumango siya at ngumiti.

“Sige. Huwag kang aalis diyan. Hindi naman siguro iyon magtatagal.”

Then he shouted as he jumped. Napangiti ako. Tumalsik ang malamig na tubig sa lahat ng malapit sa kaniya.

Sumunod naman tumalon si Emily na naka-sando lang at naka-short.

Nang bumagsak ito sa tubig ay nakita kong lumangoy din doon papunta si Josh.

I bet there’s something going on between those two.

I was silently sitting sa malaking bato habang pinapanood ang mga kaklase kong nag-uunahang tumalon mula sa matataas na bato when everyone cheered on who was coming.

I frowned and instinctively turned toward the direction everyone was looking.

There they were.

Rourick and Cecil.

Both of them are wet. Manipis na ang puting T-shirt ni Cecil dahil sa pagkakabasa, dahilan para mas luminaw ang magandang hubog ng katawan niya.

CHAPTER 13

“Hoy! Saan kayo galing?”

“Saan kayo nagpunta?”

“Kayo ha…” Natatawang itinuro sila ng isa naming kaklase. “May tinatago kayo sa amin!”

Lalong lumakas ang tawanan.

“Oo nga!” dagdag pa ng isa. “Baka naghalikan na kayo sa likod ng talon!”

My body froze as my smile disappeared.

Naghalikan sila? Sa likod ng Talon?

“Bumalik na lang kayo roon!” sigaw pa ng isa naming kaklase. “Okay lang kami rito!”

Muling umalingawngaw ang tawanan.

Para akong nabingi sa lahat ng sigawan nila. And Cecil was just laughing with everyone.

Natigil lang ang tawanan at sigawan nang biglang bumida si Josh.

“Tigilan niyo na yan! Hoy Rourick nandito ang Seniorita mo may ibibigay daw sayo!”

Agad natahimik ang lahat at napatingin sa direksiyon ko.

Even Rourick and Cecil looked at me.

My breath caught in my throat.

Cecil slowly frowned in confusion while Rourick’s face was shocked.

I felt my knees tremble, my eyes stung, but I stood up and forced a smile.

“Ah…” I let out an awkward laugh.

“N-Next time na lang pala.”

Dahan-dahan kong tinago ang lunch box sa king likuran.

’’I forgot may important things pa akong gagawin,“ nanginginig ang boses ko but I managed to deliver it properly.

I smiled at Josh one last time since he’s the only one who talked to me . Without another word, I turned and walked away.

Hindi ko na din tiningnan ang kinaroroonan ni Rourick and Cecil dahil kung gawin ko ay baka bibigay na ako.

I blinked over and over, desperately trying to clear my vision as I walked away.

But everything had already turned blurry.

No matter how hard I tried to stop myself…

The image of Rourick and Cecil walking out from behind the waterfall kept replaying inside my head.

Then the teasing of my mga kaklase.

And before I knew it, another image formed in my mind.

Rourick.. leaning closer to Cecil. Cecil slowly closed her eyes waiting for Rourick’s lips. . . .

A warm and heavy tear rolled down my cheek.

I hurriedly wiped them away with the back of my hand.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit nasaktan ako nang ganito.

I don’t even know where the hurt was coming from. I wasn’t supposed to feel this way.

He wasn’t mine. He had never given me a reason to expect anything from him.

So… why did it feel like my heart was being ripped apart? Bakit ako nasasaktan ng husto?

A tear fell again especially when I heard Rourick’s voice calling me.

Now I’m hallucinating? I’m getting crazy! Nababaliw na ako ay Rourick!

Pero nang maramdaman ko ang hawak nito sa akin ay alam kong totoo palang tinawag niya ako.

Mabilis niya akong pinaharap sa kanya.

His gray eyes searched my face, his brows drawn together in concern.

“Bakit ka umiiyak?” his jaw cletched “Anong iniiyak mo ngayon?”

I simply lowered my head and shook it weakly.

“Please…” nanghihinang bulong ko.

“Let go of me.”

But he didn’t move. Instead, his grip tightened just enough to keep me from walking away.

“Sabihin mo muna sa’kin, bakit ka umiiyak?” He insisted.

Agad mas namuo ang galit sa aking dibdib.

“When I say… let go of me…” I swallowed hard.

I yanked my arm, trying to free myself.

“Let go of me, Rourick!”

Nandilim ang mata niya bago unti-unti akong binitawan. My chest rose and fell unevenly as tears continued to stream down my face.

“Bakit mo ako sinundan dito?” I asked lowly.

My voice cracked as I looked at him through my tears.

“Don’t you get it? I hate to see your face. I don’t want to see you anymore!”

I wiped my cheeks harshly.

I am frustrated at myself for letting him see me like this.

“Kaya sana hindi mo ako sinundan!”

My lips trembled.

“I hate you. So please don’t ever come near me, please,” pagmamakaawa ko.

Bumuntong-hininga siya at tumalikod.

My heart dropped.

Mas lalo akong napaiyak. That hurt even more. He didn’t even try to stop me from believing the scene!

My chest tightened as fresh tears spilled from my eyes again.

“Sige!” My voice echoed through the quiet forest.

“Bumalik ka doon! Magsama kayo ni Cecil!”

I didn’t care if I sounded pathetic.

I didn’t care if he saw how broken I was

“Bumalik ka doon!”

I clenched my fists.

“Total…” I choked on a sob. “You kissed her naman.‘’

I laughed bitterly through my tears

’’Maybe you liked the kiss very much kaya talagang babalik ka doon sa kanya!“

The moment the words left my mouth, my tears fell harder. I screamed and sobbed hard.

I covered my face, trying to stop myself from crying, but I couldn’t.

I hated feeling this weak.

I hated that he could affect me this much.

I hated seeing him with someone else.

I hate seeing him so close with Cecil.

My knees finally gave up, and slowly, I sank onto the large rock beside me, my shoulders shaking violently as I buried my face in my trembling hands.

Just a second later I heard Rourick’s steps.

The moment he stopped in front of me, I immediately raised my hands and started hitting his arm and chest.

“I hate you! I hate you! Leave me alone!” I screamed.

“I hate you…” I sobbed, hitting him again. “I hate you so much…”

He growled and caught my wrists gently.

“What is it that you hate about me, hmm? Wala naman akong ginawang masama sayo-”

“You kissed Cecil.” I cut him off.

His brows immediately furrowed.

“I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did!” Sigaw ko at kinalmot ang braso niya.

Sandali siyang napapikit dahil doon. Thin red lines immediately appeared across his skin.

“Did you see it? Kita mo bang hinalikan ko siya?”

“Hindi, but all of our classmates said it-”

“Then I didn’t kiss her. Kaibigan ko lang si Cecil. Nothing more, nothing less. Hanggang doon lang ang tingin ko sa kanya.”

“Kaibigan? Pero parati mong inuuna sa lahat ng bagay!”

“Sino ba dapat unahin ko kung ganon, Seniorita?”

“Ako!”

The answer came out before I could even stop myself.

Bahagya siyang natigilan at kalaunan ay tumaas ang sulok ng kanyang labi.

Nanlaki ang mata ko realizing what I said.

“O-Of course.. ako ang dapat mong unahin,”

I quickly defended myself, trying to hide my embarrassment.

“Dahil kami ang pinakamayaman dito sa Arilaw.”

His smile grew slightly.

“Hindi lang naman kayo ang mayaman dito sa Arilaw, mayaman din ang mga Montierde.”

I gasped.

“Then bumalik ka na lang kay Cecil, as if I care! Total mas masaya ka naman sa kanya.”

I looked away as my eyes started to blur again.

“Ni hindi mo nga ako kinausap ng ilang araw.”

My throat tightened.

“You’re so unfair. You made me feel like… I’m invisible.”

Mabilis na pumatak muli ang luha ko but this time I didn’t wipe it. I just let it fall.

I heard him sigh heavily.

“Pinakitaan nanaman ako ng luha,” he whispered but I don’t get it.

“Ni hindi mo akong matingnan sa mata.” Mas lalo akong naiyak remembering how he ignored me.

“Every time I looked at you……you looked away.”

“Bakit kasalanan ko pa ngayon? Sinunod ko lang ang sinabi mo,” marahang sabi niya.

Mabilis akong napahikbi.

“I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

There. I finally say it!

“Please forgive me,” I whispered.

He looked at me for a long second before speaking.

“Hindi ako basta-basta tumatanggap ng sorry.”

I immediately looked up at him.

“So…” I sniffled.

“Gagawin mo ba akong alipin?” paos kong tanong.

He shook his head and licked his lower lip.

“Kaibigan?”

Umiling siya.

He bit the inside of his cheek, but the smile on his face only grew.

“. . . . . Girlfriend?” I finally asked.

He threw his head back and burst out laughing.

For a moment, I forgot why I had been crying. His laugh sounds so magical to my ears.

“Sige…” I crossed my arms and looked away.

I cleared my throat as I was trying to hide the small smile threatening to appear.

“I’ll make ligaw to you since I’m makasalanan naman.”

“Hindi ka basta-basta manliligaw kung hindi mo gusto ang isang tao,” aniya.

Mabilis kong ibinalik ang tingin ko sa kanya. Only to find out his expression said he’s enjoying every bit of this.

Pero nangunot lang ang noo nang may napagtanto.

“Kaya ba hindi mo ako niligawan it’s because you dont like me?”

His expression immediately changed.

The smile on his lips disappeared and his expression turned serious.

“It’s not like that.”

I looked down at my hands.

“It is, kaya hindi mo ako niligawan dahil hindi mo ako gusto. Maybe because I am maarte, brat and-”

“I’ll love every part of you.”

I froze.

Nanlaki ang mata ko. I lifted my head to look at him.

“You… You like me?”

Hindi siya sumagot. Nanatili lang nakatingin sa mukha ko at marahan iyong pinadasahan ng tingin.

Silence means yes!

Napaayos ako ng upo.

“Yun naman pala why you didn’t court me. You’re afraid ba? I’m not committed to anyone naman.”

Muli siyang natawa.

“Masyado pang maaga, dapat hindi minamadali ang lahat.”

“It doesn’t matter.” I shrugged.

“Yung iba nga, three months pa lang, nagpapakasal na.”

He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Seniorita… please.”

“I don’t like it, okay?”

I crossed my arms, stubbornly looking away.

“Ayoko ng mabagal. Gusto ko minamadali.”

I glanced back at him.

“It’s not like we’re going to start a family anytime soon. Panliligaw lang naman.”

“Seniorita-”

“Ang sabihin mo you don’t like me talaga. Siguro si Cecil ang gusto mo dahil mabait-”

His brows immediately knitted together.

“Gusto kita.”

He took a step closer.

“Gustong-gusto kita.”

“Then let me court you nga!” I irritatedly said.

“Ako dapat ang manliligaw,” he replied patiently. “Hindi ikaw.”

“But you’re too slow. You’re like a pagong!”

“Kilalanin muna natin ang isa’t isa. When the perfect time comes, I will court you.”

“And when is that perfect time?” I raised my eyebrows.

“After we graduate.”

I stared at him in disbelief as my jaw dropped.

“No thank you. And can’t you not control me on the things I want to do, Rourick? I know how to court too. Don’t underestimate me!”

One of his brows lifted.

“Bakit may niligawan ka na noon?”

“Nope. If you’ll say yes to my panliligaw, you will be my first boyfriend.”

He lowered his head, a chuckle escaping his lips.

But I didn’t back down.

“And I’m the type of girl who dates to marry so you better think carefully before mo ako sagutin dahil matatali ka sa akin until your last breath.”

Hindi na niya napigilang malakas na tumawa but I didn’t.

“I’m being serious, Rourick. When I say I’ll court you, you don’t have to say anything about it.” I declared.

Seniorita? 😭

CHAPTER 14

“Rourick, are you even paying attention to what I am saying ba?” I asked.

My brows knitting together as he continued tracing lazy circles over my fingers instead na tingnan ako habang nagsasalita.

Pareho na kaming nakaupo sa malaking bato ngayon.

There wasn’t even an inch of space between us anymore. Our shoulders were pressed together as our thighs brushing every now and then.

May distansiya pa iyon kanina. He had intentionally left enough room between us, like he’s very takot na mapalapit sa akin.

But I kept throwing him sharp glares kaya wala siyang nagawa kundi ang lumapit at mas dumikit sa akin.

I was talking and discussing what relationships I want, but Rourick remained unusually quiet.

He wasn’t looking at my face. He wasn’t even reacting to anything I said. Instead, his entire attention was fixed on our intertwined hands.

“Rourick!” I called.

He finally blinked and looked up at me.

“Nakikinig ako.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Really?”

He nodded without hesitation.

I tilted my head.

“Then what’s the last thing I said?” I tested him.

Pero umiling lang siya at umiwas ng tingin.

“See? You weren’t paying attention.” I huffed and crossed my arms.

“Baka si Cecil kasi ang iniisip mo, maybe you really kissed her and you can’t get enough-”

“Hindi.”

“Then what was the last thing I said nga?”

“You said…” He cleared his throat. “…na okay lang sayo na magmomol tayo.”

I grinned. He’s really listening huh.

“And?” I raised my eyebrows, marami pa akong sinabi.

“And…” His ears slowly turned crimson. He looked everywhere except at me.

“If I can’t control myself…”

A mischievous grin spread across my mind.

“Oh?” I leaned closer. “Go on.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed.

“We can… do it… with”

’’With?“ I asked.

“…with a condom,” he muttered so quietly I almost didn’t hear him.

I couldn’t help smiling.

“Good.” I nodded.

“And if there are times when you run out of condoms-”

“Seniorita-” His voice came out almost like a plea.

“Rourick.” I shot him a look.

“Can you please let me finish? Kanina ka pa nang-iinterrupt sa akin!” maldita kong sabi.

He groaned and put his forehead on my shoulder like he’s in a big problem.

Ano ba’ng problem niya?

I was literally trying to make things easier for him nga and ganito siya ngayon? It’s like ako pa ang nagbibigay ng problem sa kanya.

Natuptup niya ang kanyang labi dahil para ko na siyang susunugin sa paraan ng tingin ko.

Yumuko siya kaya I continued.

“So, what I’m saying is, if you ever run out of condome, there are still other ways to be responsible,” I said matter of factly.

“You can always use the withdrawal method. It’s safe. That’s what my friend told me, Pamela. Ipakilala din kita sa kanya.”

I glanced sideways because he is not responding again.

“Rourick? You’re not talking again. Are you sleeping na ba?” I said and I stumbled my feet.

He sighed dramatically.

“Nakikinig ako.”

“You don’t sound like you’re listening.”

“I am.”

“Then listen carefully and pay attention.“ani ko at kinuha ang aking kamay para wala na siyang pagkaka-abalahan.

“Okay, and uh… if there’s really a moment where you don’t want to do withdrawal, there’s a method called calendar method.”

He let out a loud groan before he abruptly stood there with both hands on his hips.

Tuminggala siya at mariin na napapikit.

He released a long, weary sigh, like he is calming himself bago tuluyang mawalan ng pasensya.

“Si Josh ang kasama mo papunta rito?” He asked when he opened his eyes.

I frowned.

“You’re changing the topic!”

“Yes, I am.”

“And why is that?”

“Hindi pa dapat nating pinag-uusapan ang mga ganyang bagay.”

I immediately stood up and faced him.

“Bakit nga? I don’t get it. Mas okay nga na we’re talking about this now para nalaman natin ang mga dapat gawin.”

His gaze softened as it settled on me.

“…Ayaw kong mabuntis kita nang maaga.” nahihirapang sabi niya.

“What?” I exclaimed.

“I don’t even know where that logic is coming from! Kaya nga natin pinag-uusapan so I won’t get pregnant early, Rourick!”

Napahilamos siya sa kanyang mukha.

Another groan escaped his lips.

It was as if every word coming out of my mouth was giving him a new headache

“Eleanor…” he muttered under his breath.

“What? I’m just being practical.”

He let out a dry laugh before shaking his head.

“I don’t even know how to argue with you anymore.”

“Because I’m making sense!”

Instead of explaining, he simply looked away. He extended his hand toward me.

“Halika na, ihahatid na kita sa inyo.”

“What?” I immediately took a step back.

“No! Wala pa akong gagawin doon and it’s very maaga pa!”

“Wala ka rin namang gagawin dito, kaya mabuting ihatid na lang kita sa inyo.”

“Why are you so eager ba na ihatid ako? Siguro babalik ka nanaman doon kay Cecil-”

“Uuwi na din ako, huwag na matigas ang ulo”

“Then I want sa bahay mo din”

“El-”

“I won’t talk about withdrawal and stuff if dadalhin mo ako sa bahay kubo mo ako ngayon.” pagmamatigas ko.

Hindi siya nagsalita at tinitigan lang ako.

“Super bored sa bahay. I don’t want to go home yet. Our maids don’t like me. Dad’s not there” i lowered my head and play with my fingers.

“Then I want you to behave.”

My eyes instantly lit up.

I immediately nodded and zipped my mouth.

I even motioned it with my hand, zipping my mouth.

Bahagyang umangat ang sulok ng mga labi habang tinitigan ako.

He extended his hand kaya agad kong ibinigay ang kamay ko.

I thought he would intertwine our fingers but no. He held me by my elbow instead.

“Para akong bata!”

“You are really a baby.” he whispered ’‘My baby’’

Umirap ako at kinagat ang aking labi.

“But you’re happier with Cecil.”

“I’m not. Sinong nagsabi na masaya ako sa kanya?”

“So, who makes you happy, then”

“Iyong maarteng conyong anak ni Don Agusto.” seryosong sabi niya.

Nanlaki ang mata ko at napahinto.

Rourick suddenly burst out laughing.

“I’m not conyo!”

Natatawa siyang umiling at hinawakan uli ang kamay ko. We then continue walking.

“Si Josh ang kasama mo papunta rito?”

“Uh-huh.” I nodded. “Kasama rin si Emily… then ’yong isa pang lalaki. I don’t know his name.”

Tumango siya.

“Ang sabi ay may ibibigay ka sa akin.”

My face immediately brightened.

“Oh!”

I stopped walking again so abruptly that he was forced to stop as well.

“I almost forgot. It’s lasagna, your favorite.” I happily said and handed him the lunch box.

Akmang kukunin na niya sana pero pinigilan ko.

“I think it’s better if we reheat it before kainin.”

Tumango lang siya bago muling abutin ang kamay ko.

This time, hindi na siko ko ang hinawakan niya.

His fingers slowly slipped between my fingers and intertwined it.

I instinctively bit my lower lip.

My gaze remained fixed on our intertwined fingers as we continued walking side by side.

So this is what it feels like

to have niligawan? Then maybe I’ll

make ligaw

to Rourick forever.

I think I’m getting obsessed with the feeling, I was like walking in the clouds with Rourick.

And Rourick just admitted that he likes me.

The realization alone was enough to make the corners of my lips curl into a smile I couldn’t suppress.

I tried.

I really did.

Pero every time I glanced down at our hands, another smile escaped me.

I don’t know how we got to the bukana ng gubat dahil I didn’t pay attention that much.

My attention was really on our intertwined hands, Rourick’s broad back, and masculine arms that occasionally flexed whenever he adjusted his grip on my hand.

Doon lang umiikot ang mundo ko. Ni hindi ko namalayan na nakalapit na kami sa motorcycle niyang noisy.

Nauna siyang sumakay sa motor.

He gently took my bag and my lunch box and put it in front of him.

When it’s my turn na sumakay sa motor, humawak ako sa matigas niyang balikat at mabilis pa sa kidlat akong yumakap ng mahigpit sa kanya.

I felt him stiffened.

I know he will react kaya inunahan ko na.

“I am scared na mahulog, Rourick and maputik ang road right?” I said innocently.

Ano Rourick kaya pa ba, boi? 🤭

CHAPTER 15

Hindi na siya muling nagsalita at pinaandar na ang motor.

I leaned my head on his back as the air blew my hair as we passed the rice fields. It was peaceful.

So peaceful that I wished the ride would never end.

“Tomas told me you own rice fields.” I spoke loudly enough for him to hear over the sound of the engine.

“Are these yours?” tukoy ko sa malawak na palayan.

“Maliit lang ang akin, iyong katabi lang ng bahay.”

“Ohh and when will you harvest it?”

“Sa susunod pa na buwan.”

“I’ll help you!”

He chuckled and didn’t talk anymore.

I pouted and hugged Rourick even more.

I don’t know why pero kapag nagsasalita ako ay parang hindi interested si Rourick. It’s either he will just laughed on me or just shook his head.

When he arrived at his house, he just parked his motorcycle nearby.

Hindi na ako naghintay sa kanya na pumasok. I immediately removed my shoes and went inside his balcony, waiting for him to open the front door.

He went up to the balcony and took something in the corner. Mabilis niyang inilabas ang pink na slippers with glitters on it.

He didn’t say anything and just bent down. A loud gasped escape from my lips.

Marahan niyang hinawakan ang paa ko and remove the socks.

He gently put the pink slipper on and it fit perfectly. He did the same thing to my other foot.

“You bought me slippers?” Agad kong natanong ng makabawi.

He opened the door using his keys and nodded.

He went inside kaya mabilis din akong sumunod.

“But why? you’re angry at me, diba?”

“Ikaw lang naman ang galit sa akin,” aniya.

He took a hang shirt and was about to go to the bathroom.

“Where are you going?” agap ko.

“Nagbibihis ako. Hindi magandang maghubad na nandiyan ka.”

“I’ll close my eyes,” I said confidently, squeezing my eyes shut.

“You can change here.”

To prove my point, I even covered my eyes sa dalawang hands ko.

A few seconds later, I slowly spread two fingers apart and peeked through the tiny gap.

Mahina siyang natawa at marahang pinitik ang noo ko.

“Ouch! That hurts!”

Hindi niya ako pinansin at naglakad lang patungong banyo.

“I’ll turn my back na lang,” pahabol ko but he just closed the doorang ignore me

Umirap ako.

Amfee! It’s not like mangbubuso ako? Duh?

Yes, he has abs and a perfect body, but I won’t lay low at mangbubuso ako.

I’m not that hopeless.

…Right

With nothing else to do, I wandered around the small house and my gaze immediately landed on Cecil and Rourick’s picture.

I smiled evilly.

Mabilis ko iyong kinuha at naglakad palabas. I stretched my arms and threw it in the rice fields as far as I could.

When I heard the bathroom door open inside, pasimple akong naglakad papasok.

“San ka galing?”

“I just went outside and looked for your horse. I didn’t see it.”

I wanted to give my self a reward for acting so good.

“Nasa kay Jonel, hiniram. Bakit?”

I clasped my hands behind my back,

“I’m just interested in riding a horse.”

“Kapag naibalik na ni Jonel, tuturuan kitang sumakay.”

My eyes instantly brightened.

“Really?”

Tumango lang siya.

Kinuha niya ang lunchbox sa ibabaw ng mesa at reheated the lasagna that I made. The rich aroma of lasagna soon filled the small bahay kubo as he carefully reheated the food I had made.

Due to boredom, I decided to take off my uniform and just remain in the white spaghetti strap sando. It reveals my cleavage but not really revealing to see.

I’m still not contented; I removed my pencil skirt and just remained in my shorts.

It’s not mainit but I am not comfortable moving around with my uniform on.

I took a hanger and hung it together with Rourick’s clothes then I went silently to him.

“Jesus Christ,” bulong niya nang napalingon sa akin.

I blinked in confusion.

“What-why?”

For a few seconds, he simply stared at me before immediately looking away.

His ears slowly turned red.

“Ibalik mo ang uniform mo.” utos niya.

I frowned.

“Why would I do that? It’s very mainit here, Rourick,” I excused.

He immediately turned off his stove and scratched his forehead while eyeing me problematically.

“And my uniform is masikip,” I continued innocently.

“I can’t move comfortably.” dagdag ko pa.

“Bakit? Ano ba gagawin mo?”

I looked around the small kitchen.

My eyes immediately landed on his sink na may tatlong plato at isang bowl na hindi pa nahugasan.

“Maghuhugas ng plates?” I said unsurely since I don’t know how to wash it.

“Hindi ka marunong.”

“I can learn.” agap ko but he just ignore it.

“Ibalik mo na ang uniform mo”

Marahan niya akong pinatalikod at pinalakad pabalik.

His hand rested lightly on my shoulder as he guided me back.

“Rourick! Ano ba!” Nagpupumiglas akong humarap sa kaniya.

“Why is this such a big deal to you na I’m wearing like this?” I complained.

“I’m still wearing clothes. It’s not like nakahubad ako and seduces you.”

Sandali siyang napapikit.

“Hindi puwede. Bawal” nahihirapang sabi niya.

“Why bawal?”

“Babae ka.”

He took a slow breath.

“Lalaki ako.”

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“And?”

“Tayong dalawa lang dito.”

I looked around the empty house before looking back at him.

“I don’t get you! Of course tayong dalawa lang, may iba pa ba tayong kasama na hindi ko nakikita?”

He rubbed both hands over his face.

“Ano ba’ng gagawin ko sa’yo…” he whispered under his breath.

He sighed heavily as he went to the drawer and took something. He handed me a shirt. I’m sure sa kanya ito!

“Susuotin mo yan kung ayaw mong ibalik ang uniform mo.”

I bit my lips! This will do. Tapos dadalhin ko ito sa amin.

I immediately nooded.

I was about to pull it over my head right there in front of him when-

“Sa banyo ka magbihis.”

“Why sa banyo pa? It’s okay naman here! Ikaw naman pala ang maarte between us, Rourick.”

He shook his head and pointed toward the bathroom door.

“Wala nang reklamo.”

Umirap ako at mabilis na nagmartsa doon.

Pagkapasok ko sa banyo ay hindi muna ako naglinis. I roamed my eyes around.

I raised my eyebrows when his bathroom was tiny. Just enough space for one person to move comfortably.

It’s very organized and clean.

May maliit na salamin nakadikit sa dingding. Beside it was a wooden box where he put his soap, shampoo, and his black toothbrush.

No unnecessary decorations gaya sa akin na may maraming body lotions and facial wash.

I looked behind and agad nangunot ang noo ko nang may nakahanger doon na boxer briefs niya.

It’s color black and it’s. . . it’s huge!

At bakit nandito ito?

’‘Maybe he forgot’’ I whispered.

Mabilis kong sinuot ang t-shirt ni Rourick na agad umabot sa tuhod ko.

I just shrugged and tiptoed para makuha ko ang brief na nakahanger.

Basa pa iyon! Mukhang kakalaba niya lang.

I twisted the door knob and opened the door. I found out Rourick was preparing the table.

“Rourick?” I sweetly called his attention as I went out of the bathroom.

Mabilis siyang lumingon siya sa akin.

“I think it’s better to hang this outside para ma-dry easily,” I suggested and raised his boxer brief in front.

I saw how he got frozen as his eyes glued on what I was holding.

’‘Eleanor’’ malamig niyang sabi.

“I’ll go hang it outside for you.”

Dahan-dahan akong naglakad sa gilid.

At akmang lalapit na siya sa akin nang mabilis akong kumaripas ng tumakbo.

A loud squeal escaped me as I sprinted out of the house barefoot!

“Rourick, stop!” I shouted between my sharp laughter.

I am so loud that birds in the palayan flew away.

I didn’t wear slippers and just ran outside his house.

“Eleanor!” He called.

But I didn’t stop running. Umikot pa ako sa likod ng bahay niya.

Ngunit dahil sa mahabang biyas ni Rourick ay agad niya akong nahawakan sa kamay and pulled me closer to him.

His arms had slipped around me from behind, securely but gently keeping me from running off again.

Matinis akong napasigaw dahil sa gulat at mabilis ding napatawa.

Then I felt him lowering his head slightly and murmured against my hair.

“Damn, baby binabaliw mo ako.”

Binabaliw

rin kami ni Seniorita 😭

CHAPTER 16

Ayaw pd kalimot ug vote and comment yot oy!🙄

I gently swayed back and forth on the native wooden swing that is between two coconut trees while Rourick was busy making something na hindi ko alam.

Masama ko siyang tinitigan.

I really don’t know what’s going on inside his head.

Most guys would’ve grabbed this chance to sit beside me on the swing and simply enjoyed the moment with me, but Rourick is really different.

He keeps himself busy picking dry woods instead na mag-usap kaming dalawa!

“Rourick come here. What are you doing there ba!” I hissed.

Hindi siya agad lumingon. Isa pa niyang dinampot ang tuyong sanga bago sumagot.

“Gagawa ako ng apoy. Para walang lamok na dadapo sayo.” marahan niyang sabi.

“Oh maraming mosquitos here?”

Tahimik siyang tumango, still busy collecting dry woods.

“Good thing, hindi nagka dengue si Cecil?”

Mabilis siyang napatingin sa akin.

“Eleanor,” he warned.

“What? I’m just asking baka if na-dengue then I must be careful sa mga lamok. I can’t imagine they will make sipsip sa blood ko!” I tried to explain.

Matagal niya akong tinitigan bago bumalik ang atensyon sa ginagawa.

“Hindi siya kailanman nagka-Dengue.”

“Ohh maybe because she’s the queen of mosquitos? She looks like one sometimes. Animalistic.”

Kita kong napahinto siya kaya napaayos ako ng upo at agad na nagpatuloy bago pa niya ako leksyunan kung paano maging mabuting human being.

“Mosquitos are dangerous. Sana bumili ka ng smoke for lamok, or maybe mag fogging operation ka nalang dito, not that dry woods.”

Hindi siya nagsalita. I wasn’t even sure if he was listening.

But knowing Rourick…

He always was. He simply preferred silence over unnecessary words.

“I didn’t know you have a very beautiful backyard Rourick!” I commented again as I watched him making a fire not far from me.

Maliit lang ang backyard ni Rourick, but there are a lot of vegetables in it, and the rest are rice fields na.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti habang pinagmamasdan ang malawak na palayan sa likoran ko.

I was crazily imagining myself waiting here with our children while Rourick busied himself harvesting some palay.

It would be so fulfilling and unexpectedly give me tranquility.

Before, I never dreamed of settling down and having a life with a man like this.

Hindi ko kailanman naisip na balang araw ay mamumuhay ako nang payak sa probinsya, it would be very dull and boring.

But with Rourick, everything will always look different. Province felt comforting with a sense of contentment.

Napatingin ako ni Rourick na busy sa pangunguha ng dry branches.

Nakarolyo hanggang siko ang manggas na suot niya. Revealing his strong and vieny forearms.

I smiled genuinely out of nowhere when I realized . . . . he looked nothing like the polished men I’d met before.

As I watched him, I couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly attractive he was.

I won’t deny that I had a huge crush on Rourick.

Well, who wouldn’t?

He has very god-like features, a masculine body, and a fatherly attitude.

Gaya ngayon, he noticed the mosquitoes before I even did and immediately started making smoke just so I wouldn’t get bitten.

And without saying much, he immediately gathered dry branches to make smoke, all because he didn’t want a single lamok will bite me.

I knew my grandparents would probably lose their minds if they found out I was involved with someone like Rourick, a farmer, but it didn’t matter.

He is the only man who caught my entire system.

Hindi siya katulad ng mga lalaking nakilala ko sa Manila na halos gabi-gabi nasa bar, party, or simply wasting time wandering around.

Rourick was different.

He is very intelligent at sobrang masipag magtrabaho

He wasn’t even afraid to get his hands dirty and that makes him an ideal man to marry.

If having this crush would turn into love. . . .

Then I am willing na bakuran siya bago pa maisipan ni Cecil na agawin siya sa akin.

“You’re hungry again? Magluluto ako ng merienda,” his deep voice suddenly asked.

I blinked in surprise. Hindi ko man lang namalayang nakalapit na pala siya.

I looked up and immediately met his gentle gray eyes.

“I’m not hungry but I would like to try your merienda.”

Tumango siya at inilahad ang kamay upang tulungan akong bumaba sa duyan. Instinctively, I placed mine on his. Mainit ang palad niya, magaspang dahil sa trabaho.

“What will be my merienda?” I asked, pretending to sound casual even though my heart was doing somersaults.

“Kamoteque, nakatikim ka na ba nun?”

My eyes brightened.

“Oh! I know that. It’s sweet potato coated with caramelized sugar, right?”

He chuckled before giving a small nod.

“Arte,” bulong niya.

Nanlaki ang mata ko.

“What I said was merely a fact, Rourick.”

He just chuckled again before he walked toward the side of the house at may kinuha siya sa isang sulok. I bet that’s a bolo.

Just as we were about to head toward the garden to dig up sweet potatoes… May narinig akong motorcycle na huminto, sign that someone was there.

“Dito ka muna, hintayin mo ako. Titingnan ko lang sino,” he said gently.

I nodded obediently.

But when Rourick’s tall figure completely disappeared from my sight, pinagbuhol ko ang malaking T-shirt niya, making it like a crop top.

I took the bolo and started my mission: finding sweet potato so Rourick can make merienda for me.

Pero hindi pa man ako nakahanap kahit isa ay lagatak na ang pawis ko.

I could feel tiny beads of sweat rolling down the side of my face. I wiped them away with the back of my hand before letting out a dramatic sigh.

“You better say yes to my panliligaw, Rourick,” I murmured.

But I felt so sticky that I stopped again and tied my hair up.

It’s still 4 pm pa kasi kaya may araw pa at mainit ng kaunti. I knew my cheeks now are reddish due to heat but I don’t mind.

I keep on digging.

A gasp escaped from my lips when I saw a tiny patch of reddish skin peeked through the dark soil.

“No freaking way…”

Excitement ran through me as I used my hand to dig deeper. When I successfully pulled it out, I raised it high above my head like a trophy na napalanunan ko.

It was barely two inches long but this is an achievement already!

Napatawa ako at mabilis na tumakbo papunta sa harapan ng bahay para ipakita kay Rourick.

“Rourick look what I just-” I got stopped midway when I realized who arrived earlier.

Si Cecil, na may malaking ngiti habang kausap si Rourick but it disappeared when her gaze traveled from my face……down to the oversized shirt I was wearing.

Instead of showing that her presence is not welcome here, I smiled at her sweetly and walked to them.

“It’s good that you’re here Cecil. Rourick will cook a merienda for me. If you want, pwede ka makisawsaw,” I said sweetly and smiled.

“Eleanor,” Rourick warned.

Napatingin ako sa kanya.

“What?” I asked and blinked innocently.

“I’m just inviting Cecil to have merienda with us. I’m being hospitable.”

Ako nanaman ba ang masama? I said nga na pwedeng makisawsaw si Cecil. I didn’t do anything nor say anything bad.

Rourick only sighed before shaking his head.

Rourick and Cecil do the digging part since Rourick didn’t let me touch the soil this time.

Sabi niya ay madudumihan daw ang kamay ko. Saka nalang daw kapag makabili na siya gloves for me.

I didn’t fight back because he’s right naman madudumihan ang kamay ko and digging is very challenging.

God, kinakapos ako ng hinga and my back still ached from crouching earlier.

So instead of insisting, I simply dusted the dirt off my hands and watched them work.

Well…

Watched him work. Only Rourick.

Cecil probably thought I’d quietly stay near the house and wait for them to finish. Nagkakamali siya.

I didn’t let them have their time. While they are digging, para akong dog-no puppy. Para akong puppy na sunod-sunod kay Rourick. He took three steps.

I took three steps too.

If he crouched. I crouched beside as well.

I would even gasp when I can see the sweet potato that Rourick is digging. And when Cecil found one, magkukunwari ako na I didn’t hear it.

We didn’t spend much time in there dahil maliit lang ang kinuha ni Rourick dahil kami lang naman ang kakain.

We got back inside his house and Rourick started preparing everything in the sink.

Inunahan ko si Cecil na maupo sa kama ni Rourick. Bahala siyang tumayo o maybe umupo sa baldeng upuan ni Rourick.

But seems like she didn’t have plans to do so because parang may hinahanap siya.

“Rourick, nasan ang picture natin dito?” she asked.

Napaayos ako ng upo.

“Nandiyan lang ’yon, Cecil. Bakit?” Rourick answered while rinsing the sweet potatoes under the running water.

“Wala rito. Hindi ko makita.” She frowned and glanced around the room once more.

“Naibalik ko na ’yon dito kasi nakita kong nasa ilalim ng kama mo noong nakaraang linggo.”

My eyebrows lifted. So she’s the one na nagbalik? I thought it’s Rourick.

Thank God tinapon ko sa far away ang picture niya.

“Baka nahulog uli Cecil, hahanapin ko nalang mamaya.”

I quickly lowered my head, biting the inside of my cheek to stop myself from smiling.

Oh, Rourick…

I don’t think you’ll ever find it again.

Mag-picture nalang tayong dalawa bukas para ipalit sa picture niyo ni Cecil.

Lumabas si Cecil sa bahay.

Pinalobo ko ang aking pisngi and I silently followed her to the balcony.

Kunwari nagpapahangin ako at nagtitingin-tingin sa rice fields but I secretly observed her action.

She’s still finding the frame.

Seriously? That picture meant that much to her?

“Tinago mo ba?” bigla niyang tanong.

Mabilis akong napalingon sa kanya.

“What?” I asked, placing a hand over my chest. “Tinago?”

I blinked several times before letting out a small and disbelieving laugh.

“No, I didn’t Cecil, why would I hide some cheap things?”

Nandilim ang mata niya at pinadasahan uli ako ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa.

“At bakit mo suot ang damit ni Rourick? Nangingialam ka ng gamit.”

Napatawa uli ako.

“Oh my gosh Cecil. It’s Rourick who wants me to wear it? What are you talking about?”

“Bakit naman gagawin yon ni Rourick? Ayaw na ayaw niya ipahiram ang mga personal niyang gamit.”

There it is.

Jealousy.

“It’s simple because he’s obviously likes me?”

“Hinding- hindi ka magugustuhan ni Rourick. Huwag lang gumawa-gawa ng kwento, Eleanor”

I looked at her for a moment before letting out a tiny sigh, as if I genuinely pitied her.

“At hindi ka rin magugustuhan ni Rourick Cecil. Hanggang kaibigan ka lang. So you better wake up. Nagmukha kang nanay kakahabol,” ani ko at sad my face fakely.

Cecil’s eyes reddened.

Bago pa siya maiyak ay tinawag na kami ni Rourick.

Mabilis siyang tumalikod sa akin pumasok.

I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

A quiet laugh escaped my lips.

Pamela was right.

People really do act differently when jealousy is involved.

Who would’ve thought that calm, composed Cecil could look so shaken? She’s so funny.

Instead of going inside, I let myself sit down on the balcony. Lazily swinging one foot back and forth while staring at the endless green rice fields.

Wala pang minuto ang lumipas ay sumulpot na si Rourick sa harapan ko.

“Bakit hindi ka pumasok, hindi ka na kakain ng niluto ko?” nakakunot noong tanong niya.

I stared at him intently.

Instead of answering his question, I asked another question.

“You said that you like me, right?”

Kita kong bahagya siyang natigilan.

Unti-unting namungay ang mata niya at marahang tumango.

“I want an assurance that I am the only one you want.” seryosong sabi ko.

He sighed heavily.

“You see? Action speaks louder than words. At maraming babae diyan na umaaligid sayo-”

I stopped midway when Rourick suddenly leaned down.

Two warm kisses landed on my forehead and one kiss on the top of my head.

Nanlaki ang mata ko at napako sa aking kinatatayuan.

“Pasok na tayo huwag na matigas ang ulo,” paos niyang sabi.

I felt him hold my hand and when he pulled me, wala na akong nagawa kundi magpadala.

As I happily enjoyed my kamoteque, something caught my attention.

Cecil.

Her kamoteque remained untouched on the plate.

She hadn’t even picked it up.

Curiosity got the better of me.

“Why aren’t you eating Cecil? You don’t like it?”

Instead of answering me, her eyes looked at Rourick.

“Masyadong matamis Rourick.” komento niya. Ana may pa feedback pa?

“Really? You don’t like sweets?” I raised my eyebrows.

Marahan siyang tumango.

“Nag-iwas ako sa matamis.”

“Why? May sugat ka bang hindi pa gumagaling?”

The room instantly fell silent. Even Rourick stopped chewing.

Seniorita😭

CHAPTER 17

“Pasok ka na,” paos na sabi ni Rourick habang nakasakay pa rin siya sa kanyang noisy motorcycle.

Umiling lang ako at umirap sa kanyang sinabi.

Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses na akong umirap mula pa kanina.

It’s already 6 p.m. It’s already late, I know.

I should be inside by now. I know I should be in the dining area now, eating dinner, but here I am, nagmamatigas pa rin kay Rourick.

We are currently standing in front of our house, kakahatid niya lang sa akin galing kami sa buko farm ng kanyang kaibigan.

He keep on insisting na pumasok a ako pero hindi ako gumagalaw o lumalakad man lang.

I don’t know what’s his problem nga at bakit ayaw niya pumasok sa bahay namin. It’s not like pagpasok niya ay hindi ko na siya palalabasin!

“Let’s get inside nga.” I insisted for the fourth time.

But he shook his head again. God! He’s so difficult.

“Sa susunod na lang. Gabi na.”

I frowned.

“Are you scared ba? Dad’s not here naman, sabi ni Manang. Mamaya pa daw eleven pm ang dating niya galing Maynila.”

He licked his lower lip and shook his head.

“Hindi ako takot. Sadyang gabi na, hindi bagay na nandito pa ako sa bahay niyo ng ganitong oras.”

His voice softened.

“Magkikita naman tayo sa University bukas.”

I stared at him unbelievably.

I don’t know, but tomorrow suddenly felt unbearably far away. Nakakairata!

“It’s still bukas pa! Sobrang layo pa nun. It will take so many hours before the sun rises!” My voice rose before I could stop it.

I know I’m being a brat right now but who cares? I just don’t get him.

Instead of getting annoyed dahil kanina pa ako nagmamatigas, his gray eyes softened as he stared at my face lovingly.

I swallowed and calmed myself realizing my attitude.

“I don’t want you to go yet,” I admitted softly.

“Gusto pa kitang kasama,” bulong ko, sabay kagat ng labi.

I don’t know what’s happening to me, kasama ko siya halos buong araw but still it’s still not enough for me.

Almost 8 hours of being with Rourick is not sapat for me. I want more of his time!

Sandali siyang napapikit ng mata at tumango like he understands me which I doubt.

“Magtiis muna,” nahihirapang bulong niya.

“Kailangan kong magpa-impress sa papa mo. Dapat alas sais ay nasa loob ka na ng bahay.”

Napasinghap ako. So that’s his problem?

“You don’t need to impress Dad. In fact, he likes you nga… for me.”

He chuckled.

“Kailangan ko pa ring respetuhin ka”

“Then don’t respect me! Okay lang naman”

Mas lalo siyang natawa.

Umirap ako at tumingin sa ibang direksyon.

I know where he stands. I knew he was only trying to do the right thing or let me say, traditional thing.

But was it really my fault if I wanted to spend a little more time with him?

Was it my fault if I really like his presence?

Was it my fault that I had already imagined packing my clothes tonight and sleeping in his bahay kubo just so I could spend a little more time with him?

No, it’s not entirely my fault.

It’s his fault kasi he made me feel this way!

“Eleanor,” I heard him call my name, but I kept my eyes fixed somewhere else.

“El…”

At marahan niyang hinawakan ang aking siko upang ipaharap ako sa kanya, but nagmamatigas pa rin ako at umirap.

“Don’t touch me. Siguro you won’t go inside because you will visit Cecil pa after this. Edi don kana sa kanya. It’s not like maghahabol ako” mapait kong sabi.

“Tsk. How pathetic of me to settle on a situation like this. It’s been a while since I courted you yet you didn’t say oo to my panliligaw.”

“Maybe you really don’t like me. Maybe ginamit mo lang ako para pagselosin ang kaibigan mo-”

I heard him sigh heavily and groan so I stopped talking.

Mabilis akong napatingin sa kanya dahil akala ko ay naipit siya sa motor, but I just saw him park his motorcycle properly.

Napaatras ako nang tuluyan siyang bumaba sa kanyang motorcycle.

“Where are you going—”

My question was cut short when he suddenly held my hand and pulled me against his chest.

Mahigpit niya akong niyakap.

His masculine scent immediately filled my nose.

God! His so mabango talaga kahit nagkapawis siya kanina kakaakyat sa coconut tree.

I felt his lips gently press  against my hair.

My hands remained awkwardly at my sides as Rourick tightened his hug.

I bit my lower lip as my heart hammered against my ribs.

I knew Rourick felt it. There was no way he couldn’t, we’re so close.

And I could feel his, too. Damn! His heart was pounding just as fast as mine.

Hindi ko na napigilan.

Kinalas ko ang yakap. Not to remove myself from him, but to snake my arms around his neck instead.

Hindi pa ako nakuntento, mas lalo long hinigpitan ang yakap, making my body pressed closer to his.

He groaned softly dahil sa aking ginawa.

Then curled his strong arms even more around my waist, pulling me closer until there was barely any space left between us.

Pumikit ako at ngumiti. I want to hug Rourick palagi.

Hindi naman siguro masama if maganito kami sa University?

But I think patago lang. Like sa likod ng library, or maybe inside, or maybe sa falls, walang tao doon!

“Kailan mo ako sasagutin?” I asked, unable to hide the little pout forming on my lips.

Buti nalang nasa madilim at tagong  parte kami sa harapan ng bahay.

“Sa tamang panahon.” marahan niyang sabi.

I stamped my feet.

“Your perfect time is very far pa, Rourick. Baka puputi na ang buhok ko kakaligaw sayo”

He chuckled under his breath.

“Saka na kapag afford na kita.”

Natigilan ako. Nangunot ang noo ko at kumalas ng yakap.

I was about to lash out at him when he spoke first.

“Gusto kong  may maipagmamalaki ako sa pamilya mo. I have nothing to offer as of now, El. I don’t want to walk into your family’s home with nothing’’ he whispered.

My chest tightened as I stared at him.

“Hindi ko kailangan—”

“Kailangan,” putol niya agad.

“You deserve the world. And I want to give it to you using my sweat and efforts”

“Ayaw kong madaliin ang lahat gayung ganito pa ang estado ko sa buhay. Ayokong patirahin ka sa bahay na kubo, ayaw kong pasakayin ka sa maingay kong motorsiklo—”

“I didn’t mean it.”

“Still, you deserve more, El. So much more. You deserve a man with a title in his name, not just some mere farmer.”

“It’s just so mahirap.” I groaned.

“Mahirap rin para sa akin. Ang hirap pigilan lalo na’t ikaw lang naman ang  tuksong hindi ko kayang labanan.‘’ nahihirapang sabi niya.

“So please have mercy on me baby. Hmmm? I’m doing everything I can to become the man you deserve”

My eyes suddenly stung.

I hated that he saw himself that way. Tanggap ko kung anong meron si Rourick ngayon. Kaya kong mag-almusal ng daing araw-araw if that’s what it takes for me to stay with him.

Kahit makita ko siya na puno ng putik kakaararo, Rourick still deserves every  inch of me.

My eyes wandered in his face softly  as I realized he wasn’t pushing me away because he didn’t want me.

He was waiting because he wanted to become the man he believed I deserved.

That realization broke something inside me.

My vision blurred even more as tears gathered in my eyes.

Hindi ko na napigilan. I took one step, tiptoed, and planted a small kiss on his lips.

Agad akong napapikit. God his lips are so soft!

I was about to distance myself and end the kiss when he snaked his arms around my waist and deepened the kiss.

Kung mag

esmiringhoy

ning duha, Si Seniorita for sure ang salarin!

CHAPTER 18

Malakas akong napasinghap at napakapit sa matipono niyang dibdib.

And when I felt him move his lips, I clutched my hand on his Tshirt.

This is my first kiss, and I don’t know if I did the right thing but I just mimicked his lips’ movement.

Dinamdam ko talaga lahat ng laway ni Rourick na dumapo sa lips ko because I know na ito mangyayari uli, o mangyayari pero matagal pa.

So I really savored every momen.

The way his lips moved softly against mine.

The way his left hand gently gripped my waist na para siyang nanggigigl.

And the way his right hand held my jaw like he wants me to respond to his kisses which I did naman.

God. I didn’t know Rourick has this kind of talent. He’s always compost and formal in public pero nangangain pala ng lips!

And his saliva, damn. Bakit kakaiba ang lasa ng laway ni Rourick! It’s very addictive.

Maybe I’ll just trigger him always para naman maghalikan din kami always. It’s not makasalaman naman right? Kahit we’re not in a relationship pa?

Well Pamela had a fuck buddy before so maybe Rourick and I are momol buddies?

I don’t know how the kiss ended dahil sa aking mga naisip while kissing him.

I only returned to reality when I felt his lips press softly against my forehead.

Oh tapos na?

I slowly opened my eyes and looked up at him, then his reddened lips. I saw him lick it.

Napalunok ako ng malalim.

“Pwede isa pa?” I requested.

Pero pinitik niya lang ang aking noo at mahinang tumawa.

Napaawang lang ang labi ko habang pinagmasdan siyang nakangisi.

It’s been weeks since I’ve been courting Rourick, pero I still can’t get enough of his laugh.

Nakakagaan iyon ng araw ko. It’s like all my problems suddenly disappear whenever he laughs or even just when I hear his voice.

Lalo na ngayon na naghalikan kami. I seriously don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.

I blinked.

“You find this funny?”

He bit his lower lip, obviously trying to suppress another smile, before shaking his head.

“Pasok na,” marahan niya akong itinaboy.

“Isa pa nga kasi. Nakukulangan ako. Dapat may kasamang dila, tapos sipsipin,” I said irritably. That’s what Pamela told me what a real kiss was.

Kita ko kung paano naging problemado ang mukha ni Rourick.

I rolled my eyes dramatically and crossed my arms tightly over my chest.

“And bakit ba wala kang phone? We should have called each other before we went to sleep,” reklamo ko.

Huminga siya nang malalim.

“Bibili ako para sa’yo.”

“And make sure na ako lang ang nasa contacts mo. Walang Cecil na pangalan dahil you took my lips’ virginity.”

“Eleanor, please,” nahihirapang sabi niya.

Minutes of convincing Rourick, but he was still so hardheaded that I eventually gave up.

Sobrang pait ng mukha ko nang pumasok ako ng bahay and even during dinner.

Wala na nga si Dad.

Wala pa si Rourick!

Parang pinagkaisahan talaga ako ng mundo but I guess not parin dahil naghalikan kami ni Rourick.

Tomorrow came and Rourick was true to his word—well, sort of.

He told me aabangan niya ako sa gate but he didn’t tell me aabangan niya ako sa gate with Cecil!

What’s her problem nanaman ba? Ang aga niyang nakabuntot!

Cecil is like a nanay talaga to Rourick!

Bantay Sarado. It’s not like bubuntisin ko si Rourick at tatakbuhan!

Naglakad ako papalapit sa kanila. Ngunit hindi pa man ako tuluyang nakakalapit ay naglakad na si Rourick papunta sa akin.

When he got near, marahan niyang kinuha ang bag ko from my shoulder.

“Good morning,” he whispered huskily.

The deep rasp of his voice sent a familiar flutter through my stomach.

Even though I felt butterflies in my stomach, I still managed to act normal.

I noticed Cecil looked away. Well she should be! I only had 3 hours of sleep last night. Baka pag ako nagalit masabi ko pang sobrang sarap ng laway ni Rorouick.

“It’s still very early pa. I’ll go with Tomas na muna,” sabi ko kay Rourick, ignoring the kilig to the bones that I was feeling.

His aura immediately shifted. From being soft to being dark.

“Akala ko ba nililigawan mo ako?” he asked quietly. “Bakit ka lumalapit sa ibang lalaki?”

Nangunot ang noo ko at bahagya akong napakurap.

“Tomas is not ibang lalaki. He’s my friend, Rourick. My first and only friend when you’re being so distant with me.”

He swallowed hard.

“Sasamahan kita sa kanya kong ganon.”

I needed to see Tomas. I don’t know if I remember it right but I think next weekend would be his birthday!

Nakaligtaan ko nga ang birthday ni Mang Fable and now makaligtaan ko din ang birthday ni Tomas. Hindi ganun nangyayari.

Tumango lang ako sa sinabi ni Rourick at naunang naglakad.

I don’t know but we were like a centipede going to Engr. Dept.

Nauna akong naglakad sa kanila.

Rourick is my bontot and Cecil is Rourick’s bontot!

I didn’t even know why Cecil followed us in the first place!

When we finally reached the Engineering Department, my eyes immediately searched for Tomas.

The moment I spotted him, I excitedly waved my hand.

I heard Rourick murmur lowly beside me.

Tomas waved back at dali daling lumabas sa classroom nila.

“Seniorita—”

“Kailan ba ang kaarawan mo, Tomas?” putol na tanong ni Rourick.

Hindi ko alam bakit naging maangas iyon sa aking pandinig. This is the first time I’ve heard him in this tone.

I looked at him in confusion, but his eyes remained fixed on Tomas like susunugin na niya ito ng buhay

I slowly turned my attention back to Tomas. Napakamot siya sa ulo sabay ayos ng glasses niya.

“Ngayong Sabado. Inimbitahan ko si Seniorita, Rourick… uhh, punta din kayo ni Cecil,” he said and eyed Cecil behind Rourick.

Tumango si Rourick at tumingin sa akin.

“Sabado raw birthday niya, okay na ba? May gusto ka pang itanong at itatanong ko?”

“Uh… That’s it?” Naguguluhan pa rin sabi ko.

“Yon lang daw Tomas, alis na kami,” ani ni Rourick. At sapilitan akong pinatalikod.

I even tried to look back at Tomas dahil hindi man lang kami nakapag-usap pero Rourick didn’t let me!

“Rourick, ano ba! Your kamay is very heavy!” I said and groaned.

Marahan niya iyong kinuha and I just looked back and saw Cecil and Tomas were talking.

Rourick held my elbows this time and sapilitan akong pinatalikod at pinapalakad.

I don’t know why pero umusbong ang galit sa puso ko.

I don’t know what gotten to Rourick why he did that!

I want to spend time with Tomas pa dahil these past few days ay hindi kami masyadong nagkikita at nagkakausap dahil I’m always busy courting Rourick.

Noong papasok kami sa room ay nakita kong nasa bukana nanaman ng pinto si Josh.

Tinanggal ko ang kamay ni Rourick sa aking siko at nauna nang pumasok.

Josh saw it kaya napangisi siya.

“Ang aga namang LQ niyan Rourick” pang aasar niya.

I thought Rourick would stop and talk to Josh, but instead, he quickly followed me inside at umupo rin sa tabi ko but I didn’t acknowledge him.

I took my tablet and just scrolled as I ignored Rourick.

“Seniorita,” mababang tawag niya.

I can feel my goosebumps, but I still ignore him.

“Eleanor.”

“El…”

But I still pretended that I didn’t hear him.

I kept my eyes fixed on my tablet, scrolling mindlessly even though I hadn’t absorbed a single thing on the screen. Thankfully, our first subject instructor arrived before Rourick could say anything else.

We had a test, so Rourick did not have the opportunity to talk to me. Once or twice, I caught him glancing in my direction pero hindi ko pinapansin.

Or at least, I tried my best to.

Tanghalian came and I saw Cecil walk near us. Alam ko kung ano ang binabalak niya ngayon. But before I could let her do what she wants. I swallowed my irritation toward Rourick and decided to speak first. Wala naman pong patutunguhan kung mananatili akong galit kay Rourick.

“May niluto ako para sayo.” I finally looked at him.

Dahil sa halik namin kagabi, naisipan ko talagang ipagluto siya ng lunch the moment I woke up.

Nagpatulong pa talaga ako kay Manang, but I did all the pagtitimpla. Kaya I’m sure it’s very yummy.

“Rourick, sabay tayong kumain nila Josh,” masiglang imbitado ni Cecil.

I ignored them and just took the lunch box because I knew Rourick would decline.

“Sabay kami ni Eleanor, Cecil kayo na lang.”

I mentally smiled.

Maayos talaga ang pagkakatraining ko kay Rourick.

At least, kahit papaano, alam na niya kung sino ang dapat niyang piliin. I was still secretly pleased with myself when Josh suddenly popped out of nowhere.

“Hindi na Cecil, sabay na lang din kami dito sa inyo,” at walang pasabi siyang naghila ng upuan at idinikit iyon sa amin.

Cecil’s mouth parted. For a second, I thought she was going to say something. Good thing she didn’t say anything.

I excitedly opened the egg omelet I made and placed it in front of Rourick.

“Oy! Omelet!” ani ni Josh.

Bago ko pa siya mapigilan ay walang pasabi siyang kumuha.

He took one slice and directed it to his mouth.

The moment he bit into it, his entire face changed. His brows pulled together and his lips tightened.

“Maalat ba, Josh?” Cecil asked innocently.

Josh slowly glanced at me. For a second, he looked like he was fighting for his life.

Then he smiled at me warmly.

“Hindi naman. Sakto lang.“aniya, but I could still see a problematic expression on his face.

He then immediately grabbed his water and took several gulps.

My stomach sank as I stared at the omelet.

Maybe I added too much salt kaya naging super maalat?

Kumuha rin si Cecil ng isang maliit na piraso at tinikman. Mabilis siyang ngumiwi.

“Hindi ka pala marunong magluto? Sobrang alat, El. Hindi iyan magugustuhan ni Rourick. Huwag ka na lang magluto next time kung hindi mo kaya.”

I swallowed hard.

I quietly reached for the lunch box.

“Akin na lang—”

Before I could take it, Rourick’s hand covered mine. He gently pulled the lunch box toward himself.

“Sinong nagsabing hindi ako mahilig sa maalat?” aniya at sunod-sunod na kumain ng aking niluto.

“Pag gusto talaga, handang magka-kidney stone eh.” Josh murmured, but I didn’t pay attention to it.

CHAPTER 19

“Manang, where’s Dad?” I asked as soon as I stepped out of the library and found the room empty.

“Nasa garden po, seniorita.”

“Oh. Alright.”

I gave her a small nod before immediately turning around and heading toward the garden.

I immediately walked there. May ilang kasalubong akong mga maids along the way, at parang sila ang nakakita ng multo.

Nanlaki ang mga mata nila at dali-daling yuyuko, gigilid o di kaya liliko sa isang pasilyo to avoid me.

My dress was perfectly fine naman. My hair was still in place para maging monster sa paningin nila and I didn’t have anything on my face.

So I really don’t get why takot sila sa akin since dumating ako dito.

I shrugged my shoulders.

The moment I stepped into the garden, I immediately saw Dad.

His back partially turned toward me, one hand tucked into his pocket while the other held his phone against his ear.

“Dad—”

I got stopped midway when I noticed he was on a call.

“Tatawagan uli kita mamayang gabi,” paos na sabi ni Dad at tinapos na ang tawag.

He then lowered his phone and slipped it into his pocket.

I stared at him for a second.

“Who’s that?”

Mabilis siyang napalingon sa akin.

“Just . . . . just a client, Princess.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“A client?”

“Yes, a client.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and studied him from head to toe.

“A client where you need to husky your voice? I don’t think so, Dad.”

Dad opened his mouth as if he was about to say something, but nothing came out.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh, please, Dad.” I shook my head.

“Hindi ako pinanganak kahapon. It’s fine with me kung may other woman ka. Just make sure hindi siya baluga.”

Napaawang ang labi ni Dad sa aking sinabi. But eventually, he shook his head, clearly choosing not to argue with me.

“Anyway Dad, pupunta ako ng bayan. I’ll buy a gift for Tomas.”

“Tomas?” He asked.

I nodded.

“Mhm. Mang Fable’s pamangkin.”

Dad’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“Mang Fable?” he asked.

“Yes Dad, our driver!”

Sandali siyang natigilan then he sighed heavily.

“Pabling ang pangalan niya, iha. Hindi Fable.”

“I know, but Fable sounds unique though. So Dad, pupunta nga ako ng bayan.”

“Alright, how much do you need, Princess?”

“I don’t know. I don’t have exactly in my mind what I will buy. I’ll just figure it out when I’m there.”

“Alright iha, here,” aniya at inilahad ang kanyang wallet.

Without hesitation, I pulled out ₱5,000 and slipped the bills neatly into my bag.

“And Dad, baka gabihin ako ng uwi dahil dederetso ako kina Mang Fable.”

“Alright Princess, just take care.”

I kissed Dad on the cheek and bid him goodbye before heading toward the driveway, where Manong Fable was already waiting for me.

Before we could even reach the town, I suddenly remembered something.

“Manong, can we make a stop sa small bahay kubo ni Rourick?”

He glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

“Kay Rourick po, seniorita?”

“Yes.” I nodded. “He’s been absent for two days na kasi in school. I’m kinda worried.”

Yesterday after class, I went here pero walang tao kaya today’s Saturday, baka meron na.

But the moment we arrived at his bahay kubo is when my heart sank. Wala paring tao.

Just like when I came here Thursday and Friday to check on him, very tahimik at walang ka tao-tao.

“Let’s just go, Manong,” mapait kong sabi.

“Baka busy lang po sa trabaho, seniorita,” ani ni Manong, but hindi na ako nagsalita because irritation started to crawl inside me.

Hindi man lang siya nagsabi sa akin na a-absent siya! How dare he! Sa lahat ng tao ay si Rourick talaga ang palaging nag bibigay sa akin ng dissapointment.

It wouldn’t take an hour to inform me but he chose not to do it! And that act is very unforgivable.

Pagkadating naming sa bayan, nagpahinto lang ako sa isang bookstore. I discovered Tomas likes to study kaya I decided to buy him a Calculus Book.

Hindi ako nagtagal doon at sinabihan na lang si Manong na kailangan ko ding magpunta sa bakery.

Manong said huwag na but I insisted. Tomas is a very special friend of mine.

We stopped at Purple Yam since it’s the only cake bakeshop here sa bayan.

Gusto ko pa sanang bumili ng T-shirt for Tomas, but I guess I don’t have time na since it’s already 4 pm na.

While on our way to Mang Fable’s house, may mga kumpol ng tao akong nakita sa gilid ng malawak na taniman.

They were busy harvesting watermelons, passing the heavy fruits from one person to another.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapatingin roon at mamangha. There was something oddly fascinating about how they work.

Marahil ay napansin ni Mang Fable kung saan ako nakatingin kaya bigla siyang nagsalita.

“Isa iyan sa mga lupain ng mga Montierde, seniorita.”

Rinig kong sabi niya pero hindi ko pinagtunuan ng pansin dahil sa nakita.

My gaze had already settled on a familiar male figure among the workers. 

Nangunot ang noo ko.

I leaned forward slightly, trying to get a better look through the window.

“Stop na car, Manong,” agad naman niyang hininto ito.

The moment the car came to a complete stop, I didn’t even bother waiting for Mang Fable to say anything.

I hurriedly opened the door and stepped outside.

The wind immediately blew my hair as well as my dress as I went outside.

My eyes remained fixed on the man in the field.

Rourick.

Naka-yuko siya habang nag-aani ng pakwan. And he’s with another man which is very familiar too, Josh.

But not just that.

Mas lalong nangunot ang noo ko nang lumapit sa kanya ang isang babae habang may dalang basket.

I knew that girl, kahit nasa malayo. From the long skirt she’s wearing and from the way she moves.

Cecil.

I saw her wiped Rourick’s shoulder and held his elbow.

Hindi ko namalayan na lumabas din pala si Mang Fable at walang pasabing tinawag si Rourick.

“Rourick!” masayang tawag niya at kumaway pa.

“Nandito ang Seniorita,” sigaw niya at tinuro pa ako.

Rourick, Cecil and Josh  looked immediately in our direction, in my direction pero hindi ako kumurap.

Malamig ko lang silang tinitigan. I saw Josh whispered something on Rourick.

Rourick immediately removed Cecil’s hold then I saw him swallow hard.

Ang nakakunot kong noo ay unti-unting naging kalmado hanggang sa bumuntong hininga nalang ako.

I don’t know why but I suddenly felt exhausted and tired.

“Let’s go, Manong,” I simply said.

Tumalikod ako at naunang pumasok sa sasakyan.

Tahimik lamangang  buong biyahe. I simply stared out the window, watching the fields pass by as I tried to clear my mind.

Pagkadating namin kina Mang Fable ay agad akong sinalubong ni Tomas. I texted him kasi earlier na I’m on my way.

“Nako, seniorita, hindi ka na lang sana nag-abala pa.”

I smiled faintly.

“It’s fine Tomas. It’s your birthday naman kaya tanggapin mo na,” I said as I handed him the gift.

Since Manong Fable ay pinasok na ang cake.

Tomas guided me towards their home. Marami siyang bisita which I assume is his relatives and neighbors.

They probably already knew who I was because the moment they saw me, halos lahat ay napalingon at ngumiti.

Mang Fable’s house is made up of half cement and half bamboo. It’s decent, neat and there are a lot of bougainvillea outside.

“Siya si Tiyang Rosa ko, asawa ni Tiyong Pabling,” bulong ni Tomas habang aligaga sa pag-prepare ng pagkain sa mesa ang isang ginang ng makapasok ako ng tuluyan sa kanilang bahay.

Pinaupo ako ni Tomas sa isang pwesto. May unan pa iyon. Sa lahat ng upuan iyon lang ang may unan so maybe Tomas made it for me.

Pinagmasdan ko si Manang Rosa sa kanyang ginagawa.

May spaghetti, native chicken, cake I bought and many other foods which are on the table.

“Nako seniorita, pasensya na at ito lang ang handa namin.”

“Walang ako man po—ouch!” I suddenly flinched when I felt a sharp little sting on my arm.

I instinctively slapped the spot.

Agad namutla ang mukha ni Manang Rosa at halos nabitawan na niya ang sandok na hawak.

“Tomas, bumili ka muna ng Lion Tiger, Dalian mo. Nilalamok ang seniorita.”

“Sigi ho Tiyang,” aniya bago ako tiningnan uli.

“Seniorita, dito ka muna, may bibilhin lang ako saglit.”

Tumango lang ako and bit my cheeks as I felt another insect bite my skin.

I felt the tiny sting again.

I clenched my jaw.

I wanted to slap it away, but I stopped myself baka mawindang si Manang Rosa.

So when I saw another mosquito bite me, I just blew it away, calmly and assume is a butterfly.

Tumingin ako kay Manang Rosa at nakitang nakitang napaawang ang labi niya pero kalaunan ay pekeng tumawa.

Hindi nagtagal ay bumalik na si Tomas na humahangos. But what came after him is what I didn’t expect.

Rourick

and

Cecil.

I remembered Tomas invited them pala.

I’m not the typical girl na mag-iwas ng tingin because of jealousy. Nope.

Hindi ako ganoon.

Kaya naman, instead of pretending not to notice Cecil, tinitigan ko ang kabuuan niya.

Long skirt with a fitted white sweater. Mahinhin na galaw at may maamong mukha.

Not bad.

But still I’m prettier.

I then realized I shouldn’t be jealous of someone who has a low average face.

Then my gaze turned to Rourick but I didn’t check him out.

His eyes softened when our gazes met. Malamig ko lang siyang tinitigan bago ako nag-iba ng tingin.

“Oh Cecil, Rourick, abay mabuti at naparito kayo. Tuloy kayo at umupo at tayo ay kakain na.” I heard Mang Rosa say.

“Sigi ho Manang Rosa, salamat ho,” I heard Rourick say but I didn’t look up at him.

I was just busy scrolling on my phone when someone sat beside me.

“Tomas—”

I stopped midway when I saw it wasn’t Tomas who sat beside me.

It’s Rourick, the babaero.

Agad akong napaayos ng upo at napatingin sa unahan kung saan nakaupo si Cecil, na nakatingin rin sa amin.

“Hali na kayo at mangain na tayo,” Manong Fable announced.

Visitors stood up and came inside.

Sa aming tatlo naunang tumayo si Cecil.

Oh? She’s hungry ba? Siguro nga, ang bilis makatayo.

I was waiting for Rourick to stand up and walk through the table, but he didn’t do it.

Kaysa naman magpatigasan kaming dalawa kung sino ang unang kikilos, I finally sighed inwardly and stood up.

Fine.

I walked toward the table.

But I had barely taken a few steps when I suddenly felt his presence behind me.

He is too close that his chest is touching my naked back since I am wearing sleeveless.

It’s very hard to focus on Manang Rosa’s prayer gayong may Judas sa likuran ko.

I kept my eyes closed, hands clasped together, trying my best to listen.

“Huwag nang kakanta, para akong bata,” pangunguna ni Tomas matapos ang prayer.

A laugh escaped from the visitors kahit ako ay napangiti na rin.

Tomas passed me a paper plate. I was about to get it, but an arm from behind took it from me.

I mentally shrugged and decided not to make a big deal out of it.

I waited for Tomas to give me another one. And when Tomas finally did it, Rourick spoke.

“Okay na ang isang plato Tomas.”

“Oh, hindi ka ba kakain Rourick?” nagtatakang na tanong ni Mang Fable na kumakain na sa sulok.

“Papakainin ko muna si seniorita.”

Mabilis na napalingon sa amin ang mga tao. Manong Fable almost choke the pancit that’s his eating.

Si Tomas din ay nanlaki ang mata but Rourick acted like he didn’t spell a bomb.

“Anong gusto mong kainin?” I heard him whisper.

Para akong napako sa aking kinatatayuan at hindi makagalaw.

I looked at everyone who’s now back on track . . . . well except for Cecil who’s looking at us, wala pang laman ang paper plate niya.

“Gusto mo ng pancit?” Bulong uli ni Rourick kaya naputol ang titig ko kay Cecil.

I didn’t look back at Rourick and just slowly raised my arms and pointed to the native chicken that I wanted to try.

“Lalagyan ko ba ng kanin?” tanong uli nito.

Marahan akong umiling.

When Rourick took the things I wanted to eat, bumalik ako sa upuan.

I didn’t know where Cecil sat, but she didn’t sit in front of us na.

Rourick came with a plate in his hand that has native chicken.

I was about to reach for the chicken when Rourick stopped me.

“Paghihimayin ko muna.”

I paused and for a moment, I simply stared at him.

Hindi ako nakapagsalita. What’s this act? Bumabawi ba siya dahil sa nakita ko kanina? Huwag na.

Before I could even protest, he pulled the plate a little closer  to him and started tearing the chicken apart with his bare hands.

I watched silently how he carefully removed the bones and separated the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.

Whenever he finished a piece, I would quietly use my fork to pick it up and eat.

Kapag naparami ang kain ko ay ibibigay ni Rourick ang baso na may juice.

Tahimik lang kaming dalawa. I don’t want to talk and maybe he knew that I’m not in the mood to talk kaya Hindi na rin siya nagsasalita pa.

Whenever he looked at me. Iirap lang ako.

Then out of nowhere, he suddenly  called Tomas to ask for another paper plate.

“Kakain ka na Rourick?” tanong ni Tomas sabay inilahad ang paper plate.

Umiling siya, “Naiinitan si seniorita.”

I saw how he filled the paper plate and fanned in front of me.

“Hinda na mainit?” paos niyang tanong habang inaayos ang buhok ko sa aking leeg, itinutulak niya iyon sa likod ng aking balikat.

CHAPTER 20

“Tomas, Manang Rosa, mauna na ho kami. Maraming salamat po sa pag-imbita,” Rourick said goodbye and bowed slightly out of respect.

I did the same as well.

I bid goodbye to Tomas and Manang Rosa but not to Mang Fable because he was nowhere to be found right now.

Nandito lang siya kanina at pinilit pa pinainom si Rourick ng alcohol, but Rourick kept on rejecting it kaya umalis na siya.

I don’t know the reason why Rourick keeps on rejecting the alak. Whenever Mang Fable will offer him one, tingin siya sa akin bago tatanggi. 

It’s not like pagbabawalan ko siyang uminom na wala naman na akong pakialam sa kanya ngayon.

“Teka, hindi ka man lang kumain, Rourick. Pababaunan kita,” agad na saway ni Manang Rosa.

Rourick chuckled lowly.

“Huwag na ho, Manang Rosa. Busog pa po ako.”

“Nako! Anong busog? Alas syete na ng gabi, hintayin mo ako rito, babalik ako agad, ipagbabalot kita,” at dali-daling bumalik si Manang Rosa sa loob ng bahay.

“Tomas, I better go. Thank you for inviting me.” I said.

“Walang ano man, seniorita, maraming salamat din sa regalo at cake, nag-abala ka pa.”

I smiled warmly. Tomas is really a genuine person and very kind. I hope he can achieve whatever dreams he has.

“No worries, Tomas. It’s all fine, you’re my only friend here in Arilaw so that’s not a big thing.” ani ko at bahagya hinimas ang braso niya.

Sinundan niya iyong ng tingin. Dahan dahang napawi ang kanyang ngiti at napatingin kay Rourick na nasa likuran ko.

Nakita ko ang takot sa mata ni Tomas kaya lumingon din ako sa likod and saw ang nakakunot noo ni Rourick.

“Uh… S-sigi, teka, pupuntahan ko lang si Tiyang para kunin ang pinagbalot niyang pagkain.”

Pagkatalikod ni Tomas ay mabilis na sumakay si Rourick sa kanyang motor.

“Ihahatid na kita,” ani niya sa akin.

But I didn’t speak and just pretended to enjoy staring at Tomas’ house, then at the flowers then sa mga taong nag-iinuman pa sa labas.

“Seniorita, ihahatid na kita,” rinig kong sabi niya uli at bahagyang hinawakan pa ang siko ko.

Pero mabilis akong napalayo.

“No, thanks. Magpapahatid na lang ako kay Manong Fable.”

“Nakainom si Mang Pabling, delikado kapag hinatid ka pa.”

“Still, I don’t want to ride your nois—”

“Hindi na ito maingay. Pinatalyer ko na noong isang araw.”

“Still, I don’t want to. Pasabayin mo na lang si Cecil sayo. Total kayo naman ang magkasama kaya nga absent ka ng dalawang araw, di ba? To spend more time with her. So why are you wasting your time here with me?” mahabang litanya ko.

Kahit madilim ay kita ko kung paano namumungay ang mata niya habang tinitigan ako.

His on it nanaman!

Alam kong kinuha nanaman niya ang loob ko sa pamamagitan ng kahit galit na ako ay titigan niya lang ako ng may pag-iingat.

“Hindi kami magkasama ni Cecil.” marahan niyang Sabi.

Napakurap ako.

“Oh? So sino ang nakita ko kanina while you’re harvesting pakwan? Did Cecil turn into kalabaw na ba?” I snapped.

Rourick was about to speak maybe to defend himself but we heard footsteps papalapit so we’d stop arguing.

Paglingon ko ay si Tomas pala na may dala ng binalot na pagkain at inabot ito kay Rourick.

“Tomas, where’s Cecil? Paki sabi aalis na sila ni Rourick.” Hindi ko mapigilang sabi.

“Uh… Naihatid ko na po si Cecil kanina pa, seniorita.”

Nangunot ang noo ko.

“Really? I didn’t know.”

“Uh… Sumakit daw bigla ang puson. Pero nagpapaalam naman kay Rourick.”

“Magpapahatid nga sana iyon kay Rourick pero ang sabi ni Rourick ay hindi ka niya maiwan dito kaya ako na lang ang naghatid.” He added.

I didn’t say anything and just raised my eyebrows. Hindi ako maiwan?  Really? What kind of drama was that?

Maya-maya pa ay nagpaalam na si Tomas sa amin dahil may aasikasuhin pa daw siya sa loob.

“El, lumalalim na ang gabi, huwag nang matigas ang ulo,” basag ni Rourick sa katahimikan.

I looked at him in disbelief.

“Did you just tell me I’m a hard-headed person, Rourick?”

I heard him mutter something under his breath like his in the edge of lossing his patientce.

“What? You’re cursing me silently? Then go ahead, Rourick, umuwi ka mag-isa, dito ako matutulog kina Mang Fable ! I’m sure malaki ang kama ni Tomas” malditang sabi ko.

“Fuck!” I heard him whisper before bumaba sa motorcycle niya.

Talagang minura na niya ako.

Mabilis akong tumalikod. Pero bago pa ako makatahak ng hakbang ay pinigilan na niya ako at hinawakan sa siko.

“Hahamunin ko ng suntukan si Tomas kapag hindi ka sumama sa akin,” he threatened.

Mabilis akong napalingon sa kanya. Then for the first time, I saw the very angry Rourick. His eyes turned dark and his jaw cletched.

Scared ran through my body when I realized  sobrang layo ng katawan ni Tomas kay Rourick! Tomas would be very kawawa if magsuntukan sila ni Rourick.

And why the hell would Rourick do that? He’s crazy! Walang kasalanan si Tomas.

“You’re joking,” napasabi ko.

Matagal niya akong tinitigan. Umigting ang panga niya bago siya humakbang patungo sa bahay nina  Mang Fable.

Napasinghap ako

“Oo na, magpapahatid na ako sayo! Hindi na ako matutulog dito” malakas kong sabi.

Then in just a blink  of an eye, I found myself riding on his motorcycle.

I would have said noisy motorcycle but it isn’t noisy anymore.

But still, his motorcycle still looks very awful!

Noon ay maganda sa paningin ko ang lahat ng bagay na may kaugnay kay Rourick.

But now that I’m angry and I decided not to pursue him anymore, everything around him is very ugly na.

He maneuvered the motorcycle until I could no longer see Tomas’ house.

It’s dark and cold yet I didn’t sit near him.

Unlike before na sobrang dikit ko kay Rourick at nakayakap pa.

Now sobrang layo na ako kay Rourick. There’s a huge space between us.

And I can tell that he’s angry too dahil mabilis ang takbo niya ngayon kumpara noon.

My hair was blown away by the wind. Buti na lang sapilitan niya akong pinasuot ng jacket niya kanina kundi baka nanginig na ako sa lamig ngayon.

Throughout the ride I didn’t do anything kundi titigan ang bungo niya. Like my eyesight is like a laser at nilaser ko ang bungo ni Rourick.

I was so fuming in anger the whole ride that I didn’t notice na huminto na kami sa tapad ng bahay kubo niya.

I thought ihahatid niya ako sa mansion!

“Anong ginagawa natin dito?” aligagang tanong ko.

“Maguusap tayo,” malamig niyang sabi.

“I don’t have anything to say to you,” I said and folded my arms.

“Ako meron. Baba.”

So he’s really angry?

I’m angry too!

Fine! He would think I would act like a puppy and will ask for forgiveness? No way, mag-aabot ang sungay naming dalawa.

Mabilis akong bumaba sa motorcycle but I didn’t go inside his bahay kubo. Naglakad ako palayo.

I don’t want to talk to him right now. Manigas siya. Kung kailangan kong maglakad sa dilim ay gagawin ko. It’s not like I’m afraid of aswang.

“Eleanor!” dinig kong tawag niya pero nagpatuloy pa rin ako.

“El!”

I still ignored him and fastened my steps.

But a scream echoed across the palayan when he suddenly carried me in a bridal style.

Agad akong nagpupumiglas.

“Bitawan mo ako! Ano ba, Rourick!  Let go of me! Kay Cecil ka na! Two-timer! Babaero!” I shouted loudly wala akong pakialam if umabot ang boses ko sa malayong kapit-bahay ni Rourick.

“Shit, Rourick, let go of me nga!”

But he just groaned at mas hinigpitan ang hawak sa akin.

I don’t know how he managed to reach the balcony and open the door while I was struggling.

When he successfully opened it, agad siyang pumasok and kicked the door closed using his feet.

Mabilis niya akong binaba sa kanyang kama.

My upper body was on the bed while my feet were falling down.

Akmang tatayo ako but he cornered me. He put his hand beside me. His eyes darkened even more.

Hindi ko maiwasang matakot. This is the first time I’ve seen Rourick like this.

“Ang sabi ko mag-usap tayo.” pigil niya sa akin.

“I told you, wala na dapat tayong pag-usapan pa,” laban ko.

“Ang tigas ng ulo mo. Lahat na lang dinadaan mo sa galit, sa sigaw, ni hindi mo hiningi ang explenasyon ko.”

“Sinong hindi magagalit kung hindi ka humingi ng permiso? It won’t take an hour to inform me na mag-absent ka. Tapos ngayon makikita ko na lang kasama mo you’re with Cecil again?”

“Ayaw kong ipaalam sa’yo.”

“Kaya pinaalam mo kay Cecil? Fuck you Rourick, I hate you!” I said and tried to stand up again but this time he held my both hands and pinned them above my head.

“Ayaw kong ipaalam sa’yo dahil alam kong susundan mo ako sa trabaho.”

“As much as I want you to be by my side , I won’t dahil minamadali ko ang trabaho ko para makabili ng cellphone. I can’t concentrate in my work knowing you’re there with me.”

Napaawang ang labi ko.

“You want it, right? Gusto mong bumili ako ng cellphone para magtawagan tayo bago matulog? Kaya nga nag doble kayod ako, El.”

Guilt runs through my system but there’s no way I will admit it.

“Y-You liar!” I accused.

“Trabaho? Bakit nandoon si Cecil? Sa lahat ng lugar dito sa Arilaw, doon pa talaga siya kung nasaan ka nagtatrabaho. Talagang binilog mo pa ulo ko.”

Muli akong nagpupumiglas but Rourick cornered me even more.

“Hindi ko imbitahan si Cecil. Nandoon lang siya dahil naglalako ng meryenda.”

“Naglalako ng meryenda na may haplos sa kamay? What? Is that her strategy para ubusin mo ang paninda niya? You’re not just  babaero, bolero kapa!” sigaw ko.

“Mag-usap tayo ng mahinahon. Walang patutunguhan ito kung palagi kang nakasigaw.”

“I can scream for all I want until your eardrums will be damaged! And you don’t have to say anything about it!”

“And you know what? Ayaw ko na palang manligaw. Ayaw ko ng maghabol sa’yo. You think so high of yourself dahil habol ako ng habol sayo.”

“It’s not like ikaw lang ang lalaki sa buong mundo! Aalis na ako dito sa Arilaw. Sasabihan ko si Dad na babalik na ako ng Manila—hmmmmmmm.”

Hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin, when he suddenly dived in and kissed me.

Mabilis na nanlaki ang mata ko.

“Subukan mong umalis, bubuntisin kita.”

Iba talaga mag-away ang dalawang to😭

CHAPTER 21

Kanina pa akong mapang-asar na nakangisi habang nakatingin kay Rourick.

We’ve been like this for God knows how long.

Tahimik lang siya, nakayuko sa harapan ko habang pinaglalaruan ang  aking mga daliri.

His thumb gently brushed over my knuckles for a minute now, but I could tell from the way his shoulders remained stiff that he was still thinking about what had just happened. Pero pinilit niya lang maging kalmado at magkunwaring he didn’t say it.

Oh, Rourick, you think I will let that pass? No way.

The kiss wasn’t awkward for me, well. . none of it was awkward.

But for Rourick especially after what he had just said, I knew it had left his mind in complete chaos kaya hindi ko maiwasang malakas na matawa muli.

Kanina pa ako nakangisi, tapos biglang tatawa, pagkatapos ay tatahimik ulit habang tinititigan siya.

God. I simply couldn’t move on from what he had said earlier.

Ang sarap talagang i-trigger ni Rourick. Isang simpleng pang-aasar lang, nawawala na agad siya sa katinuan.

I bit my lower lip, trying to suppress another laugh as I watched the tips of his ears turn slightly red.

“Gusto mo na pala akong buntisin—”

“Ihahatid na kita. Tayo na,” putol niya at nagkunwaring hindi narinig ang sinabi ko.

Tumayo siya at hinanap ang kanyang susi sa motor.

His movements were noticeably hurried, like leaving as quickly as possible would somehow save him from the embarrassment I was clearly enjoying.

But I didn’t move, hindi niya ako madadala sa pa acting-acting niya.

So I just stayed where I was and watched him teasingly.

I folded my arms across my chest and tilted my head as I stared at him.

Tingnan mo itong lalaking ito.

After boldly confronting me and practically admitting that he wanted to have a baby with me, bigla na lang  magkukunwaring walang narinig?

“Rourick.”

He ignored me.

A soft giggle escaped my lips. Oh, this man.

“Rourick,” I called again, this time stretching his name longer.

“Rourick—”

“El, please. Let’s not talk about it right now,” pagmamakaawa niya.

Now, he desperately tried to escape the conversation he had started himself? Hindi ko kasalanan iyon!

“What? You know I won’t let it pass, Rourick. After admitting you want to impregnate me, you’ll act like this?”

I couldn’t help but smile wider. Ang sarap lang kasi isipin na gusto akong buntisin ni Rourick.

I mean he’s very formal and composed kaya I didint expected him to think like that.

He’s alone in this bahay kubo every night. I wonder ano ang ginagawa niya bago matulog. 

Bago pa maglakbay ang isipan ko ay itinuon ko na ang attensyon ko sa kanya.

I saw how he breathed in heavily and sat down again in front of me.

He stared at me bravely for a moment before spelling the words that made the butterflies in my stomach go wild.

“Liligawan kita simula bukas.” He said lowly.

Mabilis na nangunot ang noo ko.

“Why bukas? Why not now? Time is gold, Rourick. We shouldn’t waste a single moment.”

Sandali siyang napapikit at naging problemado.

He licked his lower lip and sighed heavily again.

“Liligawan kita simula ngayon.” pagtatama niya.

I bit my lips, trying to hide the smile that immediately formed on my face. 

“Then it’s already a yes for me, Rourick.” I smiled sweetly.

He groaned and stood up problematically. 

Magulong niyang sinuklay ang buhok gamit ang mga daliri.

“Alas nuwebe na ng gabi. Ihatid na kita. Bukas na lang tayo mag-usap muli.”

I blink and stared at him in disbelief.

“I said it’s a yes, Rourick.‘’ pag-uulit ko.  ’’Aren’t you happy?”

“El,” he sighed heavily, “Manliligaw pa ako.”

“I know kaya nga I’m saying yes na diba?”

Umiling siya at saglit na tumingala, his jaw tightening as he tried to find the right words.

“Hindi mo pa dapat ako sinasagot nang ganito kadali. Gusto kitang ligawan nang tama.” nahihirapang sabi niya.

“What you’re doing now is already enough, Rourick. That’s why I gave you my answer.”

His brow furrowed.

“That’s not how it works.”

“Why not?” I snapped.

“Wala pa naman akong ginagawa.”

“You told me you wanted to get me pregnant.”

His eyes immediately widened.

“El—”

“And we’ve already exchanged saliva, Rourick.”

“Twice already.” dagdag ko pa, showing my two fingers in front of him.

Ilang segundo siyang nakatitig sa akin, like his brain had suddenly stopped working.

“You can give me your answer after I’ve spent a year courting you.”

I gasped.

“Ohh? Says who? Ako ang nililigawan mo, so it’s up to me when I can say yes. And I like to say yes right now.” pagmamatigas ko.

He dragged a hand down his face, letting out a long, defeated sigh.

Ewan ko ba kay Rourick.

Imbis na maging masaya siya, sa nakikita ko ngayon ay mas naging problemado siya sa akin.

Others would have jumped for joy kapag sasagutin sila ng nililigawan nila, but to him, my ‘yes’ seemed to feel like he was suddenly carrying the weight of the entire world.

Pinapadali ko lang naman ang lahat. Sasagutin ko din naman si Rourick kalaunan so why not now? Bakit ko pa paghihirapan ang sarili kong magpigil?

It doesn’t make sense. Really.

“Do you understand what I mean, Rourick?” I asked.

Pero nakakunot lang ang noo niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

Marahan akong tumayo.

“You see? You’re already mahirap diba?” I said softly.

“So I don’t want you na pahirapan pa sa panliligaw. Your paghihirap will double if I’ll get hard on you.”

I stepped closer to him until I was standing right in front of him, inch apart.

“I’m just concerned. Imagine magtatrabaho ka pa, tapos mag-aaral, tapos manliligaw sa akin, that would be hard. I don’t want a suitor na stressful ang mukha,”

I reached up and gently touched his forehead, brushing my fingers over his brows para naibalik iyon sa dating hindi nakakunot.

I smiled before leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. 

Then I kissed his other cheek.

“I’m your girlfriend na, okay?” I concluded.

A low chuckle escaped his lips.

Marahan niyang ginapang ang kamay niya sa bewang ko.

Then he drew slow circles there as he pulled me into a tight embrace.

“You’re going to be the death of me, baby. Sobrang binabaliw mo na ako,” bulong niya bago hinalikan ang tuktok ng ulo ko.

Napangiti ako at sininghot singhot siya. Rourick doesn’t use any perfume maybe because he can’t afford it.

But it’s really not a problem, since his natural scent is very mabango already.

And I don’t know what gotten into me.

I suddenly smiled evily before wrapping my arms around Rourick’s shoulders.

Dahil mas matangkad siya sa akin, I had to tiptoe just to reach him.

And without hesitation . . . .  kinagat ko ang leeg ni Rourick.

He immediately let out a low groan at mabilis na napalayo sa akin.

He looked at me in disbelief.

“What? I didn’t do anything bad.” pagalit ko siyang tiningnan.

“Eleanor” he warned kaya bahagya akong umirap.

“I was just marking what’s mine! Akin kana diba?”

His eyes immediately softened.

“Hindi pwede.” marahan siyang umiling.

“Tayong dalawa lang dito sa bahay. Delikado yong ginagawa mo”

“You always said that. Dalawa lang tayo sa bahay. Dalawa lang naman talaga tayo dito Why? Is your bahay haunted? May ibang tao ba sa silong ng kubo mo?” I said irritatedly.

“Sige mamili ka! Si Tomas ang kakagatin ko sa leeg o si Cecil ang gusto mong kumagat sayo” I bluntly said.

“Siguro si Cecil ang gusto mo dahil may pangil-”

I stopped midway when he gently pulled me and tilted his head, sign na magpapakagat na siya sa akin.

Agad akong napangisi.

I wrapy my arms on his neck again and bit his neck harder this time.

A loud, raspy groan escape from his mouth.

I don’t know because of the pain pero hindi ko naman  masyadong diniinan. Enough lang para mag marka ang ngipin ko sa balat niya.

He instinctively held my arms, seemingly about to pull me away from him.

But I shook my head and stubbornly stayed where I was, still lightly biting his neck like a venomous cute animal.

He had no choice but to bring his arms around my waist again and wrap them tightly.

Mas lalo kong kinagat ang leeg niya. I even licked it.

“Damn baby,” I heard him murmured under his breath.

I finally let go and looked at the spot I had just bitten.

Then I grinned in satisfaction.

I already marked Rourick. Kapag talaga si Cecil, eepal pa sa daan ko. Sisipsipin ko ang dila ni Rourick sa harapan niya para magtigil na siya.

“You don’t want to mark me?” I asked jokingly.

He swallowed hard at umiwas ng tingin. 

I couldn’t help but smile at his reaction.

Baka hindi na makakatulog so Rourick ngayong gabi kaya I better stop.

“Hatid mo na ako?” ani ko nalang.

Lumingon siya sa akin bago tahimik na tumango. He then reached for my hand and intertwined our fingers.

Before we could head toward the door, kumuha pa si Rourick ng black cap and gently placed it on my head, adjusting it until it covered part of my face.

CHAPTER 22

I intertwined our hands again kaya kahit nga pag-lock ni Rourick sa pinto ay magkahawak kamay pa rin kami.

Hindi naman siya nag rereklamo. Hindi pa ako nakuntento, I tiptoed and planted a kiss on his checks.

Napatingin siya sa akin so I raised my one finger. Showing him I want one.

“I want one. Just one” I said lowly and pouted.

He sighed heavily and pinned me against his door.

“2 mins” aniya.

Mabilis akong tumango at pumikit.

When I felt Rourick’s lips against mine, I immediately wrapped my hands around his neck.

Hindi gumalaw ang labi niya. I got impatient kaya kinagat ko iyon. He grained and  immediately moved.

Mariin akong napapikit. His really a good kisser. Nakakapanghina ng tuhod.

Pamela once said, may lalaking nakakaluwang ng garter sa panty. Then I guessed I meet one already. Rourick.

I was about to open my mouth so Roruick can sucked my tongue when he immediately withdraw.

Mabilis akong namulat.

“I am offering my tounge!”

He chuckled and pulled me into a hug.

“Sa susunod na”

“Kelan iyon? Bukas ba? I’m all free naman”

Malakas uli siyang napatawa at hinalikan ako sa ulo saka kami nag lakad palabas.

Pagkadating namin sa motor niyang nakapark ay agad siyang sumakay at pinaandar ito.

He looked at me nang hindi pa ako sumakay.

“Ayaw kong sumakay diyan.” I said and folded my arms.

He looked at me confusedly.

“Why? This isn’t loud anymore. Sumakay ka dito kanina diba? Wala nang ingay—”

“Gusto ko sumakay sa front,” putol ko sa kanya at tinuro ang harapan ng motor na pwede kung maupuan.

Natigilan siya sa aking sinabi kaya ako na ang kumilos.

And without saying another word, sumakay ako sa harapan niya.

Mabilis naman niya akong inalalayan, his one hand immediately steadying my waist to make sure I wouldn’t lose my balance.

“Maakasedente tayo sa ginagawa mo, Eleanor D’ssandra,” masungit niyang sabi.

Oh! He is mentioning my name now but I just simply smiled.

“I know you wont let me swim in the mud, Rourick. You knew how much I hate it” pasimple kong sabi at pabirong hinawakan ang clutch ng kanyang motor.

“Fuck!” Rourick cursed when it moved a little bit.

Humagikhik lang ako at mabilis na inayos ang pagkakaupo ko.

“Don’t touch anything, baby” he warned lowly.

I bit my checks to suppress my smile. Ilang beses ko ng narinig na tinawag niya akong baby. And I like it so much.

Maybe I should call him daddy?

But it’s kinda disgusting. Darn! Ano bang itatawag ko sa kanya?

I’ll surely ask Pamela about this, tomorrow.

Hindi nagtagal ay pinaandar na ni Rourick ang motor. Nasa gitna na kami ng Daan when I cannot handle the silence.

“Rourick?”

“Hmmm.”

“I just observed, napapadalas ang pagmunura mo lately.”

I felt him stiffened.

“Hindi na ako magmumura uli. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I actually like it.”

“You like it what?”

“I like it when you curse lowly like saying ‘fuck’. Can you say it again one more time for me please?” ani ko at pinilit siyang nilingon.

“Eleanor, maakasedente tayo sa ginagawa mo” strikto niyang sabi.

“Hmmm. You’re very madamot. Isang ‘fuck’ lang naman ang hiningi ko kasi I like it.” I pouted.

Hindi siya muling nagsalita pa pero ramdam ko ang mabibigat at malalalim niyang hininga sa likuran ko.

I was about to ask him kung okay lang ba tawagin ko siyang daddy since he always called me baby. Pero baka magalit nanaman siya at baka rin maakasedente kami, so I stayed silent for the rest of the ride.  I don’t want to swim sa mud.

I was very tahimik until finally, we reached our gate.

The guard immediately opened it for us, but the moment he saw my position on the motorcycle, his eyes widened in surprise.

I pretended not to notice.

Mas lalo naging tahimik kaming dalawa ni Rourick when I spotted someone sa bukana ng bahay namin.

Gosh. Si daddy.

I immediately knew from the way he was standing there that he is not happy.

His arms were crossed and eyes fixed on us. He had probably been waiting for me for a while now.

Nilunok ko nalang ang hiya ko when I realized my position in Rourick’s motorcycle. Alam kong sobrang maharot iyong tingnan.

Bumaba ako sa motor ng tahimik.

Then I kissed Rourick’s cheeks. His breath hitched pa nga. What? He thought hindi ko siya hahalikan dahil nandiyan si daddy? I’m an adult already at sa cheeks lang naman.

Marahan kong binigay ang cap sa kanya.

“Goodbye, see you tomorrow,” bulong ko.

I gave him one last smile before turning around.

I walked toward Daddy, trying my best to act as casually as possible kahit may kaunting panginginig ang tuhod ko.

“Hi, Daddy.”

I greeted him with a smile before leaning in and kissing both of his cheeks.

But when I pulled away, I noticed his eyes slowly shifting towards Rourick.

“Get inside now, Princess,” ani ni Dad na ang tingin ay naka-pako pa rin sa likuran ko so I looked back and saw na bumaba si Rourick sa kanyang motor.

I don’t know why, but a sudden wave of nervousness washed over me.

I knew Dad wouldn’t hurt Rourick.

But still, something about the way he was looking at him made me scared.

“Magandang gabi, Don Augusto, pasensya na po at gabi ko nang nahatid ang Seniorita.”

Tipid na tumango lang si Daddy.

“Let’s talk in my library, Rourick,”

Tumalikod na siya at walang alinlangan namang sumunod si Rourick.

Nanlaki ang mata ko at mabilis silang sinundan sa loob.

“Dad!” I stopped my feet.

“Dad please don’t hurt Rourick!”

“Dad! Wala kaming ginagawang masama. Galing lang kami kina Mang Fable!”

But Daddy wouldn’t listen. He didn’t even slow down.

Kaya pagdating namin sa hallway, mabilis kong hinawakan ang kamay ni Rourick at pinigilan siya.

“Ako na ang kakausap kay Daddy. You can. . . you can go home. Ako na ang bahala hmmmm?”

He smiled calmly and let his eyes wander over my face lovingly.

“Gusto ko din makausap ang daddy mo, magpapaalam akong liwagan ka.”

“You don’t need to ask his permission—”

“Eleanor D’Ssandra. In your room. Now!‘’ putol ni Daddy.

I opened my mouth to protest.

“Dad—”

“Now, Eleanor.”

Rourick only gave me a small nod, silently assuring me that everything would be fine, bago siya tumalikod at tuluyang sumunod kay Dad.

“Dang!” I whispered as I paced back and forth near my window.

Every few minutes, I would stop and peek outside, checking whether Rourick’s motorcycle was still parked where he had left it.

Now, it was already the ninth time I had checked.

And it was still there.

That simply meant hindi pa sila tapos mag-usap. But almost an hour had already passed! Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan nila at umabot sila ng ganito katagal?

I couldn’t help but feel nervous.

I knew Dad wouldn’t do anything that could hurt me and  Rourick, but that didn’t stop my imagination from running wild.

What if bawalan siya ni dad dahil nag aaral pa kami?

What if makita ni dad ang marka sa leeg ni Rourick and he will give him a long lecture?

Shit! Sana hindi ko nalang kinagat si Rourick sa leeg kanina.

I’m sure daddy will see it.

It’s very visible naman kasi.

And hindi pwedeng sabihin ni Rourick na simpleng kagat lang iyon ng lamok!

At gusto ko nalang i-untog ang ulo ko sa pader. Maharot

kasi.

Talandi

.

Minutes passed and I heard a knock on my door.

Agad akong kumaripas papunta doon. Baka si Manang ito at ipinatawag ako ni Dad.

But the moment I opened my door, I saw a different person than I expected.

Nanlaki ang mata ko.

“Sinaktan ka ba ni Dad?“agad kong tanong.

Ngumiti siya at umiling.

Nandito siya sa harapan ng kwarto ko, that only means one thing. Okay ang lahat. Dad let him court me.

And although he looked perfectly fine, I wasn’t convinced.

I immediately reached for his face, gently running my eyes over every inch of it.

Then I stepped back.

My eyes traveled down his body, checking his arms, his shoulders, and even his shirt for any sign of a wound.

I let out a sigh of relief dahil wala siyang tatsa o sugat.

“Thank God you’re okay. What did you two talk about? Did Dad ask you a lot of questions?” sunod-sunod Kong tanong.

“Babalik ako dito bukas. Manliligaw ako.”

“But I already said yes nga diba? kanina?” I whispered baka may makarinig pa na maid.

Tumango siya.

“Manliligaw parin ak.o”

“But we’re in a relationship already right? Akin kana?” Pagkaklaro ko.

He chuckled lowly.

“Sayo na ako.” he said huskily.

I bite my lips and happily nooded.

“May gusto kang kainin bukas? Bibilhan kita.” tanong niya.

“Ikaw.”

He chuckled again.

“I mean ikaw, it’s up to you. Ikaw ang bahala.” agap ko.

Tumango siya at inilagay ang kamay sa bulsa.

“Matulog ka na, gabi na. Uuwi na rin ako”

I rubbed one foot against the other, looking down at the floor before slowly glancing back at him.

“Would… would you like to check my room?”

Mas nilakihan ko ang siwang ng pinto para makita niya ang kabuoang loob.

“Uh… That’s my bed. It’s huge. It can fit two people, I think,” I said while pointing to my bed.

Hinawi ko ang buhok ko at magpapatuloy pa sana nang maramdaman kong bigla siyang umatras.

Mabilis akong lumingon sa kanya.

“Is… there a problem? Is my room too girlie for you?”

Marahan siyang umiling at umiwas ng tingin.

Mas lalong nangunot ang noo ko.

“Are you sick or something?” I asked.

His ears had already turned red, and the redness was slowly creeping down his neck.

“Alis na ako. Babalik ako dito bukas ng umaga.” aniya pero hindi pa rin nakatingin sa akin.

“Why aren’t you looking at me-”

“Your nipples are pointing at me, El,” paos niyang sabi at tinitigan ako sa mata.

My eyes widened.

I looked down and saw they were really very visible beneath my spaghetti strap. Tayong-tayo silang dalawa.

Instead of getting embarrassed.

I bravely looked at him.

“It’s normal for girls, Rourick, and you should be happy they’re reacting that way. It only means you’re affecting me now.”

Hindi siya nagsalita at mas tinitigan ako nang mariin.

This time, his gray eyes turned dark.

Kaya ang hiya na imbis na maramdaman ko kanina ay ngayon ko naramdaman.

Tumikhim ako at umayos ng tayo.

“So . . . uh, w-would you like to get inside?”

“Ayaw kong gibain—”

Agad akong napasinghap.

“Wala tayong gagawing ibang bagay. And my bed won’t break naman. Hindi basta-basta magigiba . . matibay ang pagkakagawa niyan.”

He closed his eyes for a moment and massaged the bridge of his nose.

“Ang tiwala ng ama mo ang ayaw kong gibain, El. Hindi ang kama mo.” problemadong sabi niya.

Pag formal daw seniorita HAHA