Untouchable Handcuffs (LOA 2 #1)
Dawnvellichor · 46 chapters · 105,213 words
UNTOUCHABLE HANDCUFFS
Olivia Polarice CallareeseBeltran
Daughter of Aberry and Oliverious
-Faded Accounts
Disclaimer:
This story fiction name, characters, business, events, places, and incidents are produced by the author’s imagination or dreams, any resemblance to the actual persons or events is purely coincidental
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This story might contain some mature scenes, and strong language that is not suitable for very young readers, please read this at your own risk.
This story is purely unedited and has lots of errors please if you have encounters typo’s language errors please bear with me, I will try my best to fix it at any moment.
And this is already the Law of Attractions Series Second Generation story, so if you haven’t read the Law of Attraction Series better read it first before trying this one.
LAW OF ATTRACTION SERIES:
Faded Accounts LOA # 1
His Assets LOA # 2
Tax Principles LOA # 3
Lost Partnership LOA # 4
Needs and Wants LOA # 5
Corporate Bonds LOA # 6
PROLOGUE
“Sometimes we settle with lies because we are afraid of reality”
“HELLO BABE , buti naman sinagot mo na ang tawag ko, kanina pa ako tumatawag sayo ’eh.” sambit ko habang nagmamaddaling nilolock ang pinto. Nakaipit ang aking phone sa pagitan ang aking pisngi at balikat.
I was struggling on locking the door but still manage to continue carrying my two bags and one big paper bag together with my phone.
“Ahm.. sorry babe kakatapos lang kasi ng training na’min kaya hindi ko na pansin na tumatawag ka” he gently said while I was focusing on locking the door.
Jusko, ang buhay nga naman mahirap na nga papahirapan ka pa lalo.
“Hayyyy” mabigat kong pagbuntong hininga at pilit inilock ang pinto, “Are you mad babe? I’m sorry ok, masyado lang talaga kaming rush sa training” hindi ko napansin ang sinasabi niya dahil unti na lang ay malalock ko na ang pint—
“Ayon!! naglock din!!” sa wakas nag lock na din, tumayo ako ng maayos at hinawakan ang aking phone, “Ano nga ulit sabi mo babe?” tanong ko.
“Ah.. w-wala babe, by the way are you off to work?” napakalambing at hinhin ng boses niya nakakainlove talaga.
“Oo, babe O.T.W, na ako” tugon ko at nagsimula nang maglakad habang buhat ang mga bag na ito.
“Ah siya nga pala babe, may time ka ba buk—” he cut me off and said, “Babe, tinatawag na ako ni Team Captain, I’ll call you later, ok?” tanong niya na nakapagpatigil sa akin.
Kakasimula pa lang namin mag-usap ah. “Ahh sige sige pala, ingat ka I lov—” muli hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng agad niyang patayin ang tawag.
Nakapabusy naman niya, dati naman kahit may finals hindi siya ganito ka busy. Bagsak balikat tuloy akong naglakad pababa ng building at agad pumara ng taxi.
“To the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, please,” I said as I enter the taxi, the driver just nodded at me through the rearview mirror.
Inilagay ko sa aking tabi lahat ng aking bag at kumuha ng pera sa aking bag, pambayad sa taxi.
Habang nakatingin sa magandang building na aming nadadaanan, hindi ko maiwasang huminga ng malalim at malungkot na yumuko.
“Hay buhay..” mahina kong sambit, at ilang minuto lang ay nakarating na ako sa tapat ng hotel.
“Here, keep the change” I confidently said and open the taxi’s door.
Pero pababa pa lang ako narinig ko ang sinabi ng driver, “Keep the change? The charge is 10 bucks you just gave me 5 bucks?!” nakasimangot na sambit nito.
“Really?” tanong ko bago kinuha lahat ang aking gamit sa loob ng taxi, “Yes!” tugon niya, kaya nginitian ko siya at sinabi, “Ok na ’yan ang baho naman ng taxi mo, che!” sagot ko bago tumakbo sa loob ng hotel.
“Hey, what did you just said? come back here!!!” rinig kong’ sigaw nito pero nakapasok na ako sa loob ng hotel kaya wala na siyang magagawa.
Malokong ngiti ang aking iginawad habang papasok sa stuff room ng hotel, agad akong dumiretso sa locker ko at nagpalit ng uniform. Habang nagbibihis tumunog ang aking phone kaya kahit naka bra pa lang ako inabot ko ito at sinagot ng tawag ng hindi tinitignan ang caller.
“Yes hello, this is Olivia Beltran speaking.”
“Hello Olivia Beltran, it’s me Tita Nyril Beltran. I’m here in New York right now, Gonna pass by on your shop” halos lumuwa ang aking mga mata ng marinig ng boses ni Tita Nyril at ang sinabi niya. SHIT!
“Ahahaha Tita sure” hindi na ako nagdalawang isip na patayin ang tawag at tawagan agad si Jalsey.
“Sagot na bilis!” nanginginig kong bulong habang hinihintay na sagutin niya ang tawag ko. After five rings she finally answered.
“Hello, Pola it’s too early for your cal—” I cut her out. “Code red!!!!” I shouted and immediately drop my things and step out of the hotel.
Nagmamadali akong tumakbo papunta sa shop ng ate niya, habang tinatanggal ang suot kong wig at fake moles.
May isang kilometro ang layo ng hotel sa shop nila pero kayang-kaya ko itong takbuhin sa ganitong sitwasyon. Nang makarating ako sa tapat ng shop nila naabutan ko silang binubuksan ito at hatalang nagmamadali ’rin kagaya ko.
“Jalsey!” I said, she looks at me and was about to open her mouth when.
“OLIVIA, MY PANANGKIN!!!” mabilis akong humarap sa aking likuran ng marinig ang boses ni tita Nyril.
Bakit kasi bigla bigla silang dumarating?
“Tita” I uttered and give her a peck on her cheeks. “Akala ko po nasa France kayo ngayon?” nakangiti kong tanong kahit na ang totoo naiihi na ako sa kaba.
“I suddenly have urgent meeting here in New York, so I decided to visit you in your shop” nang sabihin niya ang salitang ‘your shop’ hindi maiwasang magkatinginan kami ni Jalsey at tumawa ng peke.
“Opo tita, pasok po kayo sa shop ko” pagsisinungaling ko at pumasok kaming tatlo sa shop at inalukan si Tita ng juice.
“Thank you for this, but I won’t be staying here for long. I need to visit a friend of mine, so I just want to give you this” she said and handed me a hoodie and a new pair of Balenciaga shoes.
“Your mom heard that I’ll be going to New York, kaya pinabili ako ni ate nito para daw ibigay ko sayo. Sobrang busy mo sa shop mo namimiss ka na ng Mommy mo” parang matinding pagtusok ng karayom ang aking naramdaman sa aking dibdib ng marinig iyon.
“Haha.. s-si mommy talaga inistorbo ka pa Tita. thank you so much, Tita” I said and smile as I painfully looked at the shoe. I have been wanting to buy this.
“Oh siya, hindi na ako magtatagal. I have to go” agad kaming tumayo ng tumayo si Tita, hinatid namin siya sa labas ng shop. “Have a safe trip back next week Tita” sambit ko ng isara ang pinto ng kanyang sasakyan.
“Yes, thank you, Oli stay safe here and keep shining my dear” Tita kiss me on my forehead and drive away.
Mabigat na paghinga ang aking pinakawalan at niyakap ng mahigpit ang regalong sapatos sa aking ni Mommy. Hindi namamalayan ay tumulo na ang aking luha at agad ko itong pinunasan at pilit itinago kay Jalsey.
“Hanggang kailan mo ba balak magsinungaling sa kanila?” tanong niya sa akin at tiningnan ako sa aking mga mata, hinawakan ang aking kaliwang kamay at ipinaramdam sa akin na naiintindihan niya ako sa puntong ito.
I smile bitterly and say, “Hanggang sa maging totoo na lahat ng sinabi ko sa kanila, hindi nila kailangan malaman ang lahat ng ito, dahil babalik ako doon na tinupad lahat ang aking binitawang salita” sagot ko at pinagmasdan ang shop sa aming likuran.
“Magsisinungaling ako hanggang sa maging totoo na ang lahat.”
“Ouch!” inda ko ng tumama ang ulo ko sa pinto ng sasakyan, pagkababa ko.
“Pola! Ano kaya mo ba? Do you want me to walk you up-stairs?” kahit na umiikot na ang aking paningin, hinarap ko pa’rin si Jalsey at Ate Sam, nakangiting sumandal sa kanyang sasakyan.
“I’m fine!” I was smiling but the truth is my head is spinning and my sight is very blurry already. “I can walk myself inside, don’t worry ’bout me, bring you drunk sister home hehe” sambit ko bago umatras at sumaludo sa kanya.
Pinanood silang umalis, bago nagsimulang naglakad papasok ng condominium at umakyat sa 4th floor. Pagewang-gewang at tila matutumba akong naglalakad sa hallway pagkalabas ko ng elevator.
Sobrang labo na ng paningin ko kaya hindi ko mapigilang tumawa, “Hmm, one two three” bulong ko habang binibilang ang pinto papunta sa aking unit.
Kumuha ako ng alalay sa pader habang ako ay patuloy na naglalakad papunta sa aking unit at ng marating ko ito, agad ko itong binuksan, “Ahh it’s not lock?” nagtataka kong bulong ng agad ko itong nabuksan.
“Hmmm” I groan as my head starting to ache, kaya nagmadali akong tumuloy sa aking kwarto at agad naghubad ang suot na coat at wig.
I jump on the bed but suddenly bump into someone, “Hmm? Anton?” bulong ko.
Umupo ako at tiningnan ito, sobrang labi na ng paningin ko pero alam kong siya ito. Siya lang naman ang alam ang passcode ng unit ko.
“I thought you’re busy?” I whisper as I lay above him and start roaming my hands around his naked top body.
Suddenly my sight went clear when it comes to his reddish lips, and liquor suddenly possesses my whole mind and body with heat.
Dahan-dahan kong hinimas ang kanyang dibdib pababa sa kanyang abs, and my whole face burn when sliding it down to that bulge between his thighs come to my mind.
I take a deep breath and ignore all the headache and blurry sight that I’m feeling right now.
Slowly I move my hands down to his stomach going down to that thin––
Natigilan ako ng bigla niyang hawakan ang aking kamay and after that I just felt the soft bed touches my back.
And Anton above me, “An––” I was about to call his name when he cut me off with a torrid kiss and deepens it, and before I knew it, I was in the pleasure of the seventh sea.
“Oh, god” I whimper as my knee weakly shakes and I can feel his orgasm flowing inside of my cervix.
“You’re calling me?” that’s the last words I heard before I close my eyes and rest.
Kinaumagahan, naririnig ko ang mga pagkanda ng ibon at nararamdaman ko na ang init ng sinag ng araw sa aking balat. Nakangiti kong niyakap si Anton bago dahan-dahang iminulat ang aking mga mat——
“Ahh!!!!” agad akong napaupo ng hindi mukha ni Anton ang aking unang nakita sa pagmulat ang aking mga mata.
Binalot ko ng maigi ang hubad kong katawan bago tiningnan ang lalaking nasa tabi ko ngayon.
“Why are you so loud?” he said using that bedroom voice.
Nanlaki ang aking mga mata ng makita ng mabuti ang kanyang mukha at agad itong nakilala.
“Ikaw?!?!!!!!!!!”
CHAPTER 1
Ring ring
“Hmmm.” mahina kong sambit at pilit na inaabot ang aking cellphone habang ako’y nakapikit. I was rolling all over my bed trying to look for my ringing phone while my eyes we’re close.
Tinatamad pa akong imulat ang mga ito dahil nais ko pang matulog ng mas mahaba. “Aghh! Nasaan na ba kasi” mahina kong sambit habang pilit kinakapa ang ilalim ng aking unan, at ilalim ng aking comforter.
My phone kept on ringing, kaya wala akong choice kung hindi buksan ang aking mga mata at hanapin ang phone gamit ito.
Pagmulat ko ng aking mga mata, hinanap ko ito sa gilid ng aking kama at ilalim ng unan pero wala ito dito. Hanggang sa napapunta ang aking paningin sa lamesa sa harapan ng kama.
Kung saan nakalagay ang aking TV. “Paano ka napunta dyan?” pumupungas-pungas kong sambit at dahan-dahang tumayo sa aking kama at sinubukan itong kuni—.
“Ahhh!” Malakas kong sigaw ng sumabit ang aking paa sa pulupot kong comforter, dahilan para sumalampak ako sa sahig ng sobrang lakas.
Namilipit ako sa sakit ng aking pagkabagsak at padabog na tinggal ang comforter na nakabalot sa aking katawan. “Katangahan mo Olivia!!!” singhal ko sa aking sarili at dahan-dahang gumapang para abutin ang aking cellphone sa tabi ng TV.
Kinuha ko ito at agad sinagot ng tawag kahit hindi kilala kung sino ito. Dahil hindi na ako nag-abalang tiningnan kung sino ang caller sa screen ng aking phone.
“Hello?” nakabusangot kong sagot.
“Hello, Olivia anak buti naman sinagot mo na ang tawag ko” nanlaki ang aking mga mata, at agad tiningnan ang screen ng aking phone.
Shit! Bakit hindi mo tiningnan Olivia!?
“Hello, M-mom” pinagsisihan kong hindi ko tiningnan ang caller. “Kumusta ka na? Bakit ganyan ang boses mo? Ok ka lang ba dyan? Are you feeling well?” puno ng pag-aalala nitong tanong.
Napapikit ako dahil sa mga tanong niya at hinimas ang aking noo ng marahan. “Ok lang ako Mom, I’m just busy with the shop po hehe, alam mo na marami kaming orders nitong darating na buwan” pagsisinungaling ko at pilit pinasigla ang aking boses.
“Ganon ba, nakakaproud naman. Gusto kang bisitahin ng kapatid mong si Arries dyan kaso hindi niya daw alam ang new address m—” I cut her out and spoke.
“Ay mom, wala kamo akong time ngayon hanggang next month. Sobrang busy ko kasi talaga sa shop and isa pa hindi ko siya mahaharap, sobrang hectic ng sched and sa restaurant na nga lang ako halos kumakain dahil sa sobrang busy ko, then madalang akong mag stay sa condo, next time na lang kamo” tumayo at agad akong lumabas ng aking silid habang patuloy kinakausap si Mom sa kabilang linya.
“Ay ganun ba, sige sasabihan ko na lang siya na next time ka nalang niya puntahan d’yan. Pwedi mo ba ibigay na lang sa akin ang address mo para sabihin ko na lang sa kany––” muli hindi ko napinatapos magsalita si Mom at sinabi.
“What? Ok, ok, I’m coming wait for me outside… Mom, I need to go now, I’ll just call you later ok” nagmamadali kong sambit kahit wala naman talaga akong kausap dito sa loob ng condo ko.
“Ah, ok, Ingat ka d’yan Olivia, I miss you and… I love––” before she could finish it, I end up the call and weakly seat on the floor. Staring at my silent condo.
Hindi ko ’rin maiwasang matawa ng peke, dahil nagawa kong umakting na may kausap kahit na ang totoo wala naman talagang ibang tao dito sa condo ko kung hindi ako lang.
“Hectic schedule sa shop?!” sarkastiko kong sambit bago hinawi ang aking buhok pa itaas at muling tumawa.
“Napakapeke mo Olivia.” sumbat ko sa aking sarili bago yumuko at niyakap ang aking tuhod.
I close my eyes and just stayed like that for a moment before I glance at my phone and look at the time.
9:00 am
Mabilis pa sa alaskwarto akong napatayo ng makitang late na ako sa trabaho. “Tangina Olivia!!!” I slap face and run to my bathroom.
Mabilis akong’ naligo at nagbihis. Mayayari na naman ako nito. I was moving fast and carelessly, I put some make-up on and tie my wet red hair up before I put on my short black hair wig.
Nagsusuot ako ng wig at nag mamake-up ng mmakapal para hindi ako makilala ng ibang tao. New York was once my mom’s working place and hindi mapagkakaila na marami siyang kakilala dito, kaya kailangan kong mag disguise para hindi niya ako makilala.
I’m hiding from my parents because I’ve done a very failure thing that they don’t have to know.
I put on my black shirt and paired it with white shorts then top it with a black leather coat and wear black boots. I look so different from the real me but I need to look different to hide the real me.
Mabilis akong lumabas ng condo at nilock ito. Tumakbo ako ng sobrang bilis pababa dahil hindi nakapbukas ang elevator.
Agad-agad akong pumara ng taxi at tumuloy sa hotel. “Here,” sambit ko at inabot ang bayad sa taxi driver, at mabilis na pumasok sa loob ng hotel.
Pagbukas ko pa lang ng pinto sa stuff room, isang malakas na sigaw agad ang sumalubong sa akin. “What the heck Pola! you’re late again!!!” sigaw ng manager namin sa akin, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I just have a bad stomach this morning” pagpapalusot ko habang naglalakad papunta sa locker ko.
“Dind’t you just use that excuse yesterday!!!” sigaw niya habang nakapamewang na nakatingin sa akin.
I glance at her and chuckled, do a peace sign before I run to the changing room.
“Polaaa!!!” sigaw niya sa labas kaya napapikit na lang ako at nagpalit ng uniform.
Isa akong chamber maid dito sa Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, dito sa New York. at ito ang trabaho ko.
“Clean, room 908 this instant” sambit ni Manager pagkalabas ko ng changing room. Agad kong kinuha ang cleaning cart at sinabi, “Yes Sir, Yes Sir.” kahit mabigat ang cleaning cart na ito ipinasok ko pa’rin ito sa elevator at uumakyat sa itaas.
Tumuloy ako sa room 908 at pagkabukas ko pa lang nito, gusto ko na agad masuka dahil sa matinding amoy ng alak sa loob. Sabi nila mag birthday party daw dito kagabi kaya siguradong mabigat na trabaho ito.
Itinulak ko ang cart papasok bago sinara ang pinto. Bagsak balikat akong napatingin sa buong kwarto. “Ano ba ang gumamit nito kagabi? Tao o hayop? Look at this mess.” nanglulumo kong bulong bago nagsimulang kunin ang gamit kong panglinis.
“Work-work na, Olivia” I tried cheering up myself but I guess I can’t motivate myself either.
“Ewww” bulong ko habang pilit pinupunasan ang suka dito sa sahig ng banyo. Kumalat ang suka dito at amoy ng alak, nagsuot pa ako ng mask upang hindi masuka.
Pinulot ko ang can beers at ilang plastic ng chips, pati na rin ang maliliit na comfetti gamit ang vacuum cleaner.
Inayos ko rin ang ilang nakakadiring tirang pagkain sa gilid-gilid ng kwarto. Pati ang mga kalat na ishoshoot na lang sa trashbean hindi pa nagawa.
Pumunta din ako sa gilid ng kama at pinulot ang mag dumi sa ilalim, pero natigilan ako ng may makapa akong malagkit dito sa ilalim.
Nang dahan-dahan ko itong hilahin palabas agad ko itong na itapon sa kung saan ng makitang isang condom na may semen ng lalaki. “Eww kadiri!!! Shit!! Shit Shit!!!” Tumakbos ako sa banyo upang hugasan ng mabuti ang aking kamay.
Napakasalahula ng taong gumamit ng silid na ito kagabi, karidi.
Pagkatapos kong maghugas lumabas ako ng banyo at napalingon sa TV. “Puta–– kung minamalas ka nga naman oh!! AGHHHH!!!” padabog akong nagpappadyak ng makitang sa TV ko pala na salya ang condom na iyon.
Kaya ngayon kailangan ko pang linisin ang TV na may tulo ng semen. Diring-diri ’kong nilisin ito at tinapon sa basurahan ang condom na iyon.
Halos isang oras din ang inabot ko sa paglinis ng silid na ito.
Pagkalabas ko pa lang ng silid na ito agad nang tumunog ang radio phone ko at nakatanggap ng call galing kay Manager. “Pola, room 310.”
“Roger that,” tugon ko at tumuloy na sa itaas, sa room 310.
Pagpasok ko sa loob, mukhang maayos naman ito at hindi masyadong makalat pero pagpasok ko sa CR. muntikan na akong maduwal dahil sa nakita kong jebs sa toilet bowl.
“Napakadugyot niyo!!!!!” sigaw ko sa loob ng silid at itinaas ang sleeve ng aking uniform, at nagsuot ng doble-dobleng mask.
“Shit, Tumatagos yung baho—ahh!!!” akala mo may kaaway akong nagsisigaw dito sa loob habang nililinis ang jebs na ito.
Pilit kong kinukuskus ang dumi sa gilid ng bowl ng bigla akong talsikan ng tubig nito sa aking cleaning apron.
“Ahh!!!!” sigaw ko.
“Don’t be late tomorrow Pola, or else I’ll just fine someone who can do this job better!!!” sambit ni Manager pagkatapos kong magpalit ng damit.
Natapos ang buong araw ko nng kamalasan, dahil sobrang nakakdiri ang mga silid na nilinis ko.
“Yes, yes, yes…I’ll keep that in mind” I uttered before I step out of the hotel and head straight to my next work.
Naglakad na lang ako dahil hindi naman ito ganun kalayo sa hotel. While walking, I light up a cigarette and smoke while walking. I do this after a stressing work. Para lang kumalma kahit konti bago sumabak sa panibagong stress.
The city lights here in New York is so bright and alive. Sobrang sarap mabuhay dito sa New York kung wala ka sa pwestong kinatatayuan ko.
I should be living my life to the fullest here in New York but look what I’m doing right now. Cleaning someone’s poop, semen, and others more.
What a shame Olivia. I smile bitterly before I enter this small shop that I’ve been working for during the evening.
“Good evening, Mademoiselle” I greet the owner of this small coffee shop, Madam Tallia Armsworth. I work here as a waitress and sometimes a mascot, because why not. Basta mapagkakakitaan ng pera go ako.
“Pola, we need a mascot tonight. Give flyers outside are you ok with that?” she asks as I enter the staff room.
I glance at her smile, “Sure madam.” sambit ko at agad nagbihis at sinuot ang Coffee Icon na mascot ng shop na ito.
Kahit mahirap gumalaw at mainit kinaya ko ito, at ginawa ang aking trabaho. “Ma’am/Sir, try out shop we have free promos inside” sambit ko habang nag-aabot ng mga fylers na tinatapon lang din naman ng mga tao.
“Ma’am try our sho—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng hindi ako nito pansinin at banggain pa aking ako, dahilan para maout of balance at at mapaupo sa gilid ng kalsada.
The mascot costume is a bit heavy kaya kahit konting bangga lang sa akin natutumba ako kaagad. “Ouch” I whisper as I felt that ache on my butt.
“Here, let me help you” nanlamig ang aking buong katawan ng makilala ang boses na iyon.
I slowly lift up my face and saw my brother standing in front of me. He offered me his hand and help me to stand up.
Hindi ako nakapagsalita habang itinatayo niya ako, parang nanigas ang buong katawan ko at tila multo ang aking nakita. “There you go” he said and smile after he stand in front of me and get some of my flyers.
Give some to his friends and said, “Be careful mascot man” he gently said before he starts walking together with his schoolmates.
Nakatulala lang ako sa aking kinatatayuan hanggang sa mawala na sila sa aking paningin. Nagsimulang tumulo ang aking luha pero agad ko itong pinigilan at pinilit ipagpatuloy ang aking trabaho.
Pero patuloy pa ’rin ang pagrikot ng aking puso. Miss na miss ko na siya pero hindi ko kayang magpakita sa kanila ng ganito ang kalagayan ko.
Hindi maaari, I continue working until 10 pm. Pagkatapos kong magbihis nagmamadali akong nagpaalam kay Madam Tallia. “Madam, have a goodnight bye” tumakbo ako palabas ng coffee shop at tumuloy sa isang lugar na sobrang importante sa akin.
“Ma’am please would you consider my t-shirt designs, please” I begged as I keep knocking on the glass door of her shop. “No, Pola, I already told you that we are not accepting any designs anymore, and the shop is about to close. Go home” sambit ni Ma’am Corrin.
I been passing some of my illustrations for T-shirt design to her para maibenta sa shop niya pero ilang beses na ’rin akong narereject.
“Ma’am, please!”
“No!” she said and close the blind of her shop, turn off the lights, and leave.
I let out a deep breath and start walking back home. Gabi na, and it’s already late but New York Street is still alive. Kaya hindi kamatatakot maglakad mag-isa.
Naglakad ako pauwi sa condo unit ko at inabot ako ng alauna ng madaling araw, sayang kasi ang pera sa pamasahe ang mahal-mahal.
“Hayy…!” I uttered as I lay down on my bed and look at the ceiling.
I feel so tired and weak today, but I need to sleep and work again tomorrow.
Before I sleep, I tried calling my boyfriend.
But…
“Hi, this is Anton Beckham, I may be busy at this moment try calling later or leave a massage, thank you…” binato ko ang phoen ko sa unan ng hindi matawagan si Anton, bago pumikit at huminga ng malalim.
“Anton, nasaan ka na?”
CHAPTER 2
I wake up the next morning receiving a call from my boyfriend, kaya kahit tulog pa ang kalahati ng kaluluwa ko, mabilis akong tumayo at sinagot ang tawag nito.
“Hello, Anton” masigla kong sambit habang naglalakad papunta sa banyo. “Good morning, Babe, sorry I wasn’t able to answer your call last night because I have a training.” malumanay nitong sambit na nakapagpangiti sa akin habang nakaharap sa salamin, dito sa loob ng banyo.
I brush my teeth and continue talking to him, “It’s ok, I understand naman. So, ngayong araw may training ka pa ’rin ba? Dadalaw ka ba dito sa cond—” he cut me out and spoke. “Sorry Babe, I still can’t go, Kailangan pa namin mag training nag mas mabuti habang papalapit ang finals. We need to win you know that right?” marahan at malumanay niyang sambit na tila nagpalambot agad ng aking puso.
I gently nodded and said, “Ok, naiintindihan ko just call me when you need me ok, I miss you” I was biting my lower lip as I play with the soap here in the sink.
Para akong teenager na kinikilig pa ’rin sa phone calls with crush. “I miss you too, don’t worry after the game let’s eat dinner” he sweetly said that wrap my heart with his warm love.
“Ok, sinabi mo ’yan ah. I love you Anton” ani ko at nakangiting hinintay ang sagot niya.
My heart is beating so fast, ene be kekeleg eke…
“Anton tara na!” imbis na sagot ni Anton ang inaasahan kong marinig boses ng ka-teammate niya ang narinig ko. “Ok, I’m coming” sagot ni Anton dito, kaya tumayo ako ng tuwid at hinintay ang I love you bacck niya.
“Babe, I have to go they’re calling me for warm-up ru—” I cut him and said, “Ok, I love you Anton” I uttered.
“I know, I have to go. I’ll call you later by” my lips slowly parted and glance at my reflection through the mirror. “Walang I love you too?” malakas na pagbuntong hininga kong sambit bago, ipinatong sa aking balikat ang towel, at tumuloy sa shower.
I take a shower and do my routine, Put make-up on, my black wig, and my fake moles. I was covering my red long hair because I know Arries will instantly recognize me. With my black hair and gothic look, he won’t ever think that I’m his sister when our paths cross in New York streets.
I wore a black shirt, below the knee black lace skirt. I also wore a black leather coat and black boots. “Shet, ang ganda ko.” puri ko sa aking sarili pagkaharap ko sa salamin.
Shet ang sexy at ang ganda ko. “Slay bitch” I whisper and leave my condo.
Pumasok muli sa trabaho, “Again! You’re late Pola!!! What’s your excuse for today huh!!” napatakip ako ng tenga ng boses muli ni Manager ang sumalubong sa akin.
“I lock myself in the bathroom Sir, I have to break the door and it took me 30 minutes because I’m weak” sa sobrang lame ng excuse ko naging speechless na lang siya at minamasahe ang noo at lumabas ng staff room.
“Hehe…” I chuckled and start changing my clothes and as I step out of the changing room manager call me out and ordered me to clean all the rooms on the second floor.
“Ay wow, saya mag trabaho talaga… tangina!” singhal ko pagpasok ko sa unang kwarto. Ano ba ito unang kwarto pa lang parang hayop na ang natulog dito.
“Lagi niyo talaga akong nilalagay sa maruruming room!!!” I haze and start cleaning with matching masa ng loob.
Hindi maayos na sweldo ang natatanggap ko mula sa trabahong ito eh. Puro sama ng loob at lahat ng dumi sa mundo ang nakukuha ko.
“Napakasaya Olivia!” inis kong bulong at pilit kiniskis ang dumi ng chocolate sa puting pader ng hotel room na ito. “Ano ba yong nag room dito, akala painting yong chocolate kaya ipinahid sa pader!” hindi ko mapigilang mag reklamo habang naglilinis.
May karapatan naman ako ah!
Habang pinanggigilan ang duming ito biglang tumunog ang phone ko. I stop and check on it for a second. Nang makita kong si Tito Knoxx ang tumatawag agad akong tumakbo ko itong sinagot.
“Hello, Tito Knoxx!!” masigla kong pagbati ng ito ay sagutin. I hear him chuckled from the other line before he speaks. “How’s my Olivia?” sambit nito mula sa kabilang linya.
“I’m doing good Tito, how ’bout you po??”
“Still handsome as f*ck, haha…” I chuckled as he joked. But it’s true Tito Knoxx never gets old, he’s always that hot businessman that all Wattpad readers dreamed of.
“By the way My Olivia, I talk to your mom. She’s asking me if I know where you lived.” agad akong kinabahan ng sabihin iyon ni Tito. Did he say it to her?
“T-tito…” I whisper.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t tell her a thing. Even your address, I just said that I don’t know where you are in New York. So, how long are you going to hide from them?” bakas sa boses ni Tito na seryoso siya kaya umupo ako ng tuwid bago sumagot.
“I’m not gonna tell them tito, I’m going to redeem myself, my worth, and my words. I promise you that, so please just keep this a secret between us” I beg and gaze at the window.
“Ok, I trust you and you are worth my lies, so do whatever it takes you there, and call me when you need me. Ok?” Tumango ako kahit hindi niya ito nakikita at sinabi. “Yes, Tito.”
“Ok, I have to go. Business meetings, again stay safe and lovely my Olivia” he playfully said.
“Bye Tito” I end up the call and put it back in my pocket with a smile on my face. Tito Knoxx has always been my superhero since I started to fail.
He’s the only person that saves me during my time. He even bought me my condo to hide from my parents and from my own shame.
I still remember that night where he believed and me and trust me.
I was crying all out as I walk under the rainy street here in Manhattan New York. I don’t have anything; I lose everything in just a snap.
In just one snap, I lose my hope and my dreams.
Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta ngayon, walang wala na ako. Sobrang sikip na ng dibdib ko at nanghihina na rin ang buo kong katawan.
Hindi ko alam kung ano pa ang dapat kong maramdaman ko ngayon. Sobrang nalilito at natuturete ako sa oras na ito.
I’ve lost all of my parent’s investment, they trusted me with that money and I was so confident with myself as I leave the country but look at me now.
I lose it!
Tumigil ako sa paglalakad at umupo sa gilid ng kalsada, I hugged my knees and cry like a lost kid.
“Why!!! Bakit kailangan mangyari sa akin ito!!!!” I shouted and look at the dark night sky. “Ahh!” I was crying out loud in the middle of the streets.
I was accepting all of my sorrows and was startled when a motorbike stops beside me. Inangat ko ang aking ulo upang tingnan ito.
“Why are you crying under the rain? My olivia” agad akong tumayo at niyakap si Tito Knoxx.
I hugged him like how I longed for my father’s embrace. “Shhhh… Crying will only make you ugly” he playfully said.
Dahan-dahan niya akong inalalayan pasakay sa motor bike niya at mabilis pinasuot sa akin ang helmet na sout. He brings me to Lola Lizeth’s mansion.
And I tell him everything that happens, “So, are you planning on hiding this from your parents?” he seriously asks. I slowly nodded and drink this cup of coffee he gave me.
“Where are you going after this? I mean I’m going to leave tomorrow, where are you going to stay? You already left the condo that your dad bought you. What’s your plan?” tanong niya habang nakaupo at seryosong nakatingin sa akin.
“I-I d-don’t k-know” I really don’t know, wala na akong silbi pagkatapos ng lahat ng ito, hindi ko mahaharap ang mgamagulang ko dahil sa nangyaring ito.
“Ok, I’ll buy you a new condo to stay in Manhattan, That’s the only thing I can do for now and I’ll keep this secret for your sake” he uttered, tumayo at lumapit sa akin upang yakapin ako.
I hugged him back and cry in his arms, I don’t know what to do this time.
“You’re mistakes and failures won’t define how good and great you are, don’t just stop here. Keep fighting and aim that goal, ok” he gently whispers, kisses my forehead and let me sleep inside the mansion and kinabukasan bago siya tumuloy sa flight niya. Dinala niya ako sa binili niyang condo and leave New York.
Nagpatuloy ako sa pagpupunas ng sahig hanggang malinis ang kalahati ng rooms dito sa floor na ito. Paglabas ko ng isang silid ay may nakasalubong akong tatlong babaeng naglalakad papunta sa elevator.
Hindi ko sinasadya marinig ang pinaguusapan nila sa pagdaan ko sa tabi nila. “Kc ako na ang bahala sa investments mo magtiwala ka sa amin, matutupad lahat ng pangarap mo dito sa New York”
Hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti ng peke ng marinig iyon, ganun na ganun din kasi ang sinabi sa akin ng dalawang taong pinagkatiwalaan ko.
Darcy and Carlin, the people who betrayed me.
It was my first day here in New York and now, I’m holding the money for my future clothing business. I’m ready to face the new stage of my life.
“Hello!!! New York!!!! Polar.Co is coming!!!” masigla kong sambit at naglakad sa magandang street ng New York City.
I let my shining blood red hair flow and dance with the wind here in NYC. I’m wearing a black dresser shirt paired with white short shorts with a leather jacket on. I’m also wearing my mom’s gift, my first Saint Laurent white shoes.
This is a very special day for me, I’m going to open my own business clothing line here in New York City. And I’m sure this is going to be the best clothing shop here in New York City.
While walking in the city streets I stop when I saw these two girls stepping out in a clothing line shop here in New York. they both look so fabulous and smart.
They glance at me as they noticed me staring at them with admiration. “Ahm… yes?” they ask.
“Are you the owner of this shop?” I ask, they both look at each other before they nodded. I wanna be friends with them,
“Oh my gosh, I’m Olivia. I’m new here in New York but I’m planning to buy this space beside your shop to open my own clothing brand.” masigla kong sambit sabay turo sa katabing available na space dito sa tabi nila.
Bago pa ako dumating dito sa New York, inalam ko na agad ang details ng space na ito. Dahil dito ko balaka itayo ang aking business. I did my research and I’m sure this will be the place where I put my clothes.
My Polar. Co clothing.
“Oh, what a co-incident we are selling this out space for the lowest price are you in, I mean it’s more affordable that this space” sambit ng isa sa kanila.
Hindi ako agad nakapagsalita kaya nagpakilala sila, “Hi, I’m Darcy Lorens and this is Carline Smith” they introduced.
I slowly nodded and my heart is racing in excitement, hindi ko alam pero feeling ko mas ok ata na bumuli ako ng mas murang space para mas malawak ang mapupuntahan ng perang binigay sa akin ni Dad.
“Don’t worry, Olivia, we’ll give you a great discount, you can trust us” they said.
My heart is pounding so fast and just answered. I will trust you guys“ that’s teh start of my wonderful friendship with Darcy and Carline. They teach me all I need here in New York.
They are really a good person and great friends of mine. Months passed by the process is of papers is going well.
“Olivia, don’t worry about anything, about the papers I will give it to you all after you send the whole payment,” Darcy said and smile at me, and also fix my hair.
“Your dreams with come true, Olivia” Carline cheered us up and hugged me, they both hugged me. This is my new place and new people.
“I’ll send the payment tonight and I’ll see the both of you tomorrow,” I said, they both nodded at me and separate our way home.
Pagdating sa bahay agad kong inaprrovahan ang pagpasa ng pera sa account na binigay nila. After sending it, I sleep peacefully and dream of my shop.
And after the night the story just flipped.
“Hello, where are Darcy Lorens and Carline Smith they said that we should meet here about the transpiring of lot papers” sambit ko pagpasok ko sa loob ng shop nila Darcy.
A girl approached me and said, “Ahm, Hi, I’m Jalsey. I’m the co-owner of this shop and I don’t know who are you talking about?” she confusedly said.
“Co-owner? Hindi ba ang magkapartner sa shop na ito ay si Darcy at Carline?” I whsiper. “You’re a pinay? Hi, actually wala kaming kilalang Darcy and Carline dito my Ate and I own this shop. At ano yong sinasabi mong transpering of lot? You mean this lot?” tanong niya at itinuro ang shop na kinatatayuan namin.
“Hindi, sila Darcy ang may Ari nito and they sell me this place for 15000 dollars.” sambit ko at nagsimulang tumibok ng mabilis ang aking dibdib dahil sa kaba.
“Sorry, but we are not selling our space, lot, and shop you been robbed, Miss.”
“H-hindi.”
CHAPTER 3
Nilanghap ko ang malamig na simoy ng hangin dito sa New York paglabas ko ng hotel. Tapos na ang trabaho ko at nagpaalam na man ako kay Ma’am Tallia na hindi ako papasok ngayong gabi dahil may kailangan akong puntahan.
Pumayag naman siya agad, pumara ako ng taxi at tumuloy sa Macdougal Street. Dahil gabi na buhay na buhay ang lugar. Maraming tao at bukas na bars ang makikita mo dito.
Pero hindi iyon ang dahilan kung bakit ako pumunta dito. Pumunta ako dito upang hanapin si Darcy at Carline ang dalawang magnanakaw na iyon, mga scammer.
Lumiko ako sa isang makitid na eskinita dito sa lugar at nagsimulang magtanong sa mga tao dito.
“Ahm.. excuse me, Miss, do you know these girls?” I asked and showed her some pictures I took with Darcy and Carline.
Pero imbis na sumagot agad, binugahan muna ako nito ng usok sa mukha bago nagsalita. “I don’t know them; do you want drugs?” nanalaki ang mata ko dahil sa sunod niyang sinabi.
Umatras ako at lumayo sa kanya, “No, thanks” I uttered and start walking. “Mukha ba akong drug addict?!” bulong ko at nagpatuloy magtanong sa mga nakakasalubong kong tao.
“Hi excuse me, have you seen these girls?” I asked another girl. “No, sorry” I nodded and asked another one. “Hi, have you ever seen these girls around here?”
“No.” she said, tumango ako at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. Sobrang daming tambay sa lugar na ito at tila parang drug addict ang karamihan ng nandito kaya hindi ko magawang magtanong sa lahat ng tao.
“Excuse me, do you guys know these girls?” I ask this guy seated at the staircase. He looked at my phone before he stood up and looked me in the eyes.
“I’ve seen them, I guess,” he said while rubbing his beard. “Really?!” masigla kong sambit.
He nodded, “Really can you show me where they are right no—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng agawin niya ang phone ko at tumakbo ng mabilis papalayo.
Hindi ako na kagalaw at nakakibo dahil sa sobrang bilis niya, “Y-yong p-phone k-ko” nauutal-utal kong sambit, at sa isang iglap para akong sinampal ng katotohanan kaya napasigaw ako.
“Ahhhh yung phone ko!!! magnanakaw! my phone, please help me!! thief!!!” sigaw ko at lahat ng mga tao dito ay nag sitinginan sa akin.
I get stiff when I realize that everyone is a thief here. “No, not you guys hehe” I said, mabilis akong tumakbo at hinabol ang lalaking nag nagnakaw ng phone ko.
“Ahhh there is a thief, help me!! my phone he stole it!!!” sigaw ko habang patuloy itong hinahabol, sobrang layo ng pagitan naming dalawa kaya sobrang takbo ako.
“My phone, help!!!” I was shouting already but all the people here seemed to not care, they were all busy drinking and talking to someone.
“Gago ka tumigil ka!! ibalik mo yung cellphone ko!!!” kong sigaw ng sobrang napapagod na ako kakatakbo. Sobrang bilis niya at pumapasok pa siya sa daan kung saan maraming tao kaya hindi ko talaga siya maabutan.
“Hey!!! fucking give me back my phone!!!! ahh!!!” sigaw ko ng magkamali ako ng tapak at natapilok.
Nakita ko nalang ang sarili kong nakasalampak sa gilid ng kalsada at kumirot ang balakang ko. “Aray!!!” indi ko dahil medyo masama ang pagkabagsak ko.
At paglingon ko sa magnanakaw ay wala na ito sa aking paningin. “Cellphone ko!!!!” inis kong sigaw bago nag papa padyak na parang bata dito.
“Kung minamalas ka nga naman oh!!!” wala na akong magagawa, kahit na magreklamo ako sa police, talamak ang magnanakaw dito, at kasalanan ko na hindi ako naging aware habang ipinapakita ko ang cellphone ko sa mga tao dito.
Dahan-dahan akong tumayo habang hawak ang aking makirot na balakang, pawis na pawis ako na pumasok sa loob ng bar na katapat ko.
Puro na lang kamalasan ang nangyayari sa akin sa bawat araw na ginawa ni Lord, hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko. I enter the bar as the wild and loud crowd embrace the whole place. Sobrang ingay at gulo sa loob.
Pero malinaw ang tingin ko sa bar counter, dumiretso ako doon at umorder ng isang beer. I sat on the chair and rested my head on the counter. “Wala na akong cellphone,” hindi makapaniwala kong bulong sa aking sarili.
“Here’s your brink ma’am” agad ko itong kinuha at tinungga ng straight. “AHHHHHH” sigaw ko ng maubuos ito ng isang lagukan lang.
“Lahat na lang nawawala sa akin! pera ng magulang ko na ibinigay nila sa akin pangsimula ng business, tapos ngayon yung cellphone ko naman! ano pa ang kukunin niyo sa akin! kunin niyo na laha––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng tiningnan ko ang bag ko.
My jaw just totally dropped when I saw that my bag was ripped on its bottom part. Butas ito at wala na talagang laman ang bag ko. “Hahaha,” natawa na lang ako ng makita ito at padabok itong hinubad at itinapon sa kung saan.
“Tangina.” madiin kong sambit at umorder muli ng isa pang bote hanggang sa nakalima na ako.
“My life is so fuck up” I whisper as I laugh and talk to myself, I’m feeling a little bit dizzy now.
I stood up and got 14 bucks in my pocket and paid my bills. Buti na lang ugali kong magbulsa ng pera. “Kung sino ’man ang nagnakaw ng wallet sa bag ko, tanga walang laman yon!!!” sambit ko bago magsimulang maglakad palabas ng bar. Paglabas ko ng bar natigilan ako ng parang slowmong dumaan sa aking harapan si Darcy at Carline.
Nawala ang pagkahilo ko at tila luminaw ng paningin ko ng makita silang dalawa. Nang makalagpas na sila agad na akong sumigaw. “Darcy, Carline give me back my money!!!” dahil sa pagsigaw ko agad silang lumingon dalawa at hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan ako.
They are both wearing expensive clothes and carrying expensive bags, and I know that’s because of the money they steal from me. Kaya agad kumulo ang dugo ko at hinabol sila.
They both start running, “Traitors! thief!! give me back my money!!!” malakas kong sigaw at patuloy kaming naghahabulat dito sa Macdougal Street.
They are running with their heel’s kaya confident akong maabutan ko sila. Pero bigla silang tumawid sa kabilang kanto kaya mabilis akong sumunod kaso–
Isang sasakyan ang muntikan na akong mabangga, hindi ako nakagalaw dahil sa gulat. One inches na lang ang layo nito sa akin.
I was so startled and stiff at the moment when the driver stepped out of his vehicle. Galit ako nitong nilapitan at sinabi. “Are you fucking trying to kill yourself Miss!?” galit niyang sambit sa aking harapan.
Pero ang mata ko ay agad naglanding sa dalawang babaeng iyon na sinusubukan akong takasan sa pagpara ng taxi.
“Hoy, wag niyo akong takasan!!!” sigaw ko bigla at sinubukan tumawid pero hinawakan ng lalaking ito ang aking kamay at sinabi. “Are you trying to run away?” he furiously asked as he gripped on my arms.
Kunot noo ko siyang tiningnan bago napalingon muli kila Darcy na nakasakay na sa taxi at paalis na. “Bitawan mo ako!” sambit ko at sinusubukan tanggalin ang kamay nito sa aking braso.
“Hey, Mister let go of me!!!” he didn’t let me go, kaya natakasan na ako nila Darcy.
“No, you’re coming with me” he darkly said and dragged me to his car and brought me to the nearest police station. “Teka!! bakit mo ako dinala dito!! Hey, Mister, why did you bring me here?” naguguluhan kong sambit ng tanggalin niya ang seat belt at bumababa ng sasakyan.
Binuksan niya ang pinto sa tabi ko at hinila ako palabas, “Jaywalking is illegal in New York Miss, and you’re drunk.” he seriously said and bring me inside the police station.
“No, I was just trying to run after those people who stole my money, I didn’t mean to do it. I was just so focused on catching them and I forgot about the rules. I’m really sorry Mister, please don’t do this !!” sigaw ko at pilit pinipigilan ang pagdala sa akin sa mismomg loob ng station.
“You almost cause me big trouble, Miss” seryoso niyang sambit at pinasok ako sa loob, pinaupo sa harap ng sheriff.
“Sir, I didn’t mean it please, I’m just a victim here I was catching those people who steal my money and they cross the street first, I just run after them” pagpapaliwanag ko sa sheriff habang nakatayo itong lalaki sa tabi ko.
“Do you have some pictures of those people who you are talking about Miss?” tanong nito sa akin, “Sir, you won’t believe this. I just got robbed before this happened, my phone and my bag, I have nothing right now.” tiningnan ako ng sheriff at bakas sa mukha nito na hindi ito naniniwala sa mga sinasabi ko.
“Are you just trying to trick me with these robbed things, so you can escape jaywalking?” he said and crossed his arm on his chest.
“No, I’m telling the truth please, believe me, walang-wala na talaga ako ngayon” pagod kong sambit at pilit pinipigilan ang pagtulo ng aking luha.
“What did you say, Miss. Are you cursing me in a different language?!?” nakakunot noo na tanong ng sheriff ng magtagalog ako.
“Ah..N-no Si—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng magsalita itong lalaki sa tabi ko at kinausap ang sheriff. “Let her go” he said, napatingin ako sa kanya, he glanced at me before he talked to the sheriff.
Sinabi niya na nakita niya din daw yung mga babaeng hinahabol ko, at ipinaliwanag ang lahat kaya pinayagan na akong lumabas ng sheriff dito sa station.
“Dadalhin ako dito tapos siya ’rin pala ang magpapalaya sa akin dito.” bulong ko at pumara na ng taxi. Pagod akong sumakay dito at pumikit.
Sobrang daming nangyari sa akin ngayong araw na ito, mahuhuli ko na sana sila Darcy at Carline! “Konti na lang eh!” inis kong sambit.
“Kung hindi umepal yung lalaking iyon” I whisper and just rest, until the taxi stop in front of the condo.
“Here” I pay and walk inside the condo without anything. Buti na lang code lang ang kailangan para mabuksan ang condo unit ko, dahil kung kailangan ng susi malamang wala akong uuwian ngayong gabi.
Habang naglalakad sa lobby ng condo natigilan ako ng makitang pumasok din ang lalaking iyon dito sa condo. Nakita ko ito sa reflection ko sa salamin nasa likuran ko siya.
Kahit pa gewang-gewang akong maglakad binilisan kong sumakay sa elevator at isinara agad ito. “Bakit siya nandito sinusundan niya ba ako?” tanong ko sa aking sarili at umakyat sa 4th floor.
Paglabas ko ng elevator hinintay kong bumukas ang katabi nitong elevator para siguraduhin na hindi ako sinusundan nito. Nagtago ako sa gilid at nang bumukas ito nanlaki ang mga mata ko ng makita ito sa loob.
Mabilis akong naglalakad papunta sa unit ko at nang paglingon ko nakita kong naglalakad din siya papunta sa direksyon na pinupuntahan ko kaya mabilis akong pumasok sa unit ko at kumuha ng walis tambo.
I waited behind my door and sinilip siya sa maliit uwang dito sa pinto ko. I waited for him to get near in front of my door, bago ko ito biglang binuksan at pinagpapalo siya ng walis tambo.
“Manyak ka!!! bakit mo ako sinusundan! may masama kang balak sa akin ’no! ano, gusto mo akong rapin! you pervert! maniac!!!” I shouted as I kept hitting him with my eyes closed.
“What the fuck!?” rinig kong sambit nito at nang imulat ko ang mga mata ko, nasasalo niya ang bawat hampas ko at napipigilan ito.
He looked at me with frowned brows and that’s the reason for me to stop and fearlessly stare at him. “What the hell Miss!” galit niyang sambit habang nakatingin sa akin. He’s wearing a black cap kaya hindi ko makita ng maayos ng mukha niya simula pa kanina doon sa station but as he stands straight in front of me.
Ngayon ko lang napansin na nakakalula pala ang tangkad niya.
Pero alam kong sinusundan niya ako, he’s after me!
“You’re a Pervert, you followed me here. for what huh! you’re trying to harass me!!” sigaw ko sa mukha niya.
“Follow?” he glared at me and asked.
“Yes, you followed me because you want my body!!!” what a pervert!
“What the heck are you talking about Miss, I lived here!!” he hazed into my face.
Ano?
“What?” I ask.
“I fucking lived here, Miss!”
No way!!
CHAPTER 4
“Follow?” he glared at me and asked.
“Yes, you followed me because you want my body!!!” What a pervert!
“What the heck are you talking about Miss, I lived here!!” he hazed into my face.
Ano?
“What?” I ask.
“I fucking lived here, Miss!”
No way!!
“Hindi ako naniniwala!!!! You can’t be!!!” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit at umatras papasok sa loob ng unit ko.
“Can be.” he seriously said before he glared at me. Dahan-dahan niyang naglakad papalapit sa akin kaya napaatras na talaga ako sa loob ng condo ko at tiningnan siya ng masama. “Oh, wag kang papasok, trespassing ka!!!” I said but he just smirked at me before he suddenly closes the door into my face.
“HOY GAGO!” sigaw ko dahil muntikan nang tamaan ang mukha ko sa pagkakasara niya nito. Muli kong binuksan ang pinto at lumabas, naabutan ko siyang papasok na sa katabing pinto ng unit ko.
The guy just smirked at me before he enters and close his door. Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi dahil sa inis bago padabog na pumasok sa aking condo.
“Ang pangit ng ugali, hambog! Sa dinami-rami ng pweding tirhan dito pa talaga kung sinuswerte ka nga naman oh!” napalingon ako sa salamin habang nagsasalita mag-isa, at nang makita ko ang aking sarili hindi ko maiwasang mapasigaw.
“Ahhh!!!” I caress my face and move closer to the mirror. Dahil sa kung ano-anong kamalasan ang nangyari sa akin ngayong araw, humulas na yung eyeliner ko. Mukha pala akong broken hearted dahil hulas na ang make up ko.
“Ahhr kainis!!!” pabagsak akong dumapa sa aking kama at nagpapadyak. “Mahuhuli ko ’rin kayo Darcy at Carline, humanda kayo!!!” sigaw ko sa ilalim ng unan.
Nanatili ako sa ganong posisyon ng mga kalahating oras bago umupo at kinuha ang laptop ko.pagkabukas na pagkabukas ko nito agad akong nakareceived ng tawag mula kay mama.
She’s been calling me for almost 10 times pero hindi ko ito nasagot dahil sa ninakaw ang cellphone ko, tapos ngayon sa ganitong kundisyon sa tingin ko hindi ko siya kayang harapin. Dahan-dahan kong tinaggal ang aking suot wig at pati na rin ang tali ng buhok.
Inilugay ko ito bago binitawan sa aking tabi ang aking laptop at humiga. Tumitig ako sa ceiling habang pinapakinggan ang patuloy na pagtunog ng tawag.
I bitterly smile before I cover my face and close my eyes.
Hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog na pala ako at nagising at naalmpungatan ng alasdos ng madaling araw. Naiwan kong bukas ang aking laptop na may 37 missed calls from mom.
Umayos ako ng pwesto sa gitna ng aking kama bago binuksan ang laro sa aking laptop. “Sobrang stress ako ngayon kailangan kong maglaro.” My mom and I use to play video games and COD while I was young. Siya ang nagturo sa akin ng mag ganito kaya sa mga sitwasyong ganito sa aking buhay.
Pinipili ko na lang maglaro pag sobrang stress na ako, I put my head set on and play. I was so focused on the game when Naivy call.
“Ay shit!!” I cursed when I saw my character die from a sniper shoot. “Wrong timing naman Naivs.” I whisper before I quickly run into the bathroom and wash my face.
Nagmamadali akong tumakbo sa kama at sinagot ang video call, I even put a facial mask on my face as I show myself on the screen.
“Let me guess, you’re playing right?” nakangiti at malambing niyang boses na sambit. “Buti alam mo, at ngayon mo pa talaga naisipan akong tawagan haha” ghad I miss this girl.
“How’s your business there in New York?” tanong niya, “Ok naman, still growing haha” pagsisinungaling ko, they all know that I have my own business now but look at me now. Still searching for those people who steal my money.
Gusto ko man sabihin sa kanila ang lahat ng nangyari sa akin, alam kong hindi pwedi dahil pagsinabi ko sa kanila malalaman agad ito ni Mom. Ayaw kong may makaalam na pumalpak ako dito sa New York.
Hindi nila pweding malaman kahit isa sa kanila, babawiin ko ang pera ko at tutuparin lahat ng aking iniwang salita sa kanila. Ako ang may gusto nito kaya kailangan kong panindigan.
“Actually, Ellouise and I were planning on visiting you there in New Yor—” I cut her out and said, “Wag!!!” nagpanic ako kasi alam kong sa isang pitik ng daliri kayang-kaya nilang dalawang lumipad papunta dito kung gugustuhin nila.
“Wag? Why?” she asks.
“Wala hahaha wag muna kayong pumunta dito sa New York, naku, talamak ang crisis dito sa New York ngayon tapos sobrang higpit ng mga nasa airport baka dumugin lang kayo ni Bunny sa airport niyan. Kaya wag na muna kayong pumunat dito, pag ok na lang ang lahat ako pa ang susundo sa inyo dyan sa pinas.” pagpapalusot ko, buti na lang mabilis gumalaw ang utak ko sa ganitong sitwasyon, kung hindi mabibisto ako agad.
“Ganun ba, ok next time na lang. Just tell us when we’re allowed to go there, ah. By the way, I will send you some Pilipino treats there in New York give me your address.” she said.
“Wag na Naivs, ok lang naman ako dito at isa pa ang dami Pinoy shops dito sa New York kaya nakakabili rin ak dito. At isa pa diet ako ngayon nagpapasexy ako” I joked.
She chuckled and smile “Love let’s go” tumigil ako at maloko siyang tiningnan mula sa screen, nilingon niya ito bago siya naghalikan sa harap ng screen.
I rolled my eyes and smile at them. “Ahm.. Oliv, we have to go na pala” nakangiti niyang sambit kaya tumawa ako at tumango na lamang. “Sige na kayo na may forever!” I said and turn of the call.
Dahil sa nakita ko bigla kong namiss ang boyfriend ko kaya tinawagan ko siya sa laptop for a video call.
“Tulog pa yata” bulong ko sa aking sarili habang hinihintay siyang sumagot.
Nakailang beses ako sumubok tawagan siya pero hindi niya sinasagot, malamang tulog pa ito dahil pagod sa training at isa pa madaling araw pa lang.
While staring at the laptop screen bigla kong naalala ang itsura ng lalaking nagdala sa akin kanina sa police station. Kung hindi dahil sa kanya edi nahuli ko na sana sila Darcy at Carline.
Kung pinalampas niya lang sana ako edi sana nabawi ko na ang pera ko sa dalawang bruha na iyon, hindi na sana ako nagsisinungaling sa pamilya at mga kaibigan ko ngayon.
Nasimulan ko na sana ang pagbuo ng shop ko. Pero habang iniisip iyon hindi ko maiwasang maalala ang gwapo nitong mukha. Oo na inaaman ko naman na gwapo ang lalaking iyon pero hambog.
Ang maputi nitong balat, manipis na labi, makakapal na kilay at unal nito sa gilid ng mata at labi. “HOY!!! BAKIT MO INIISIP YON KADIRI OLIVIA AH!!! WAG MARUPOK SA GWAPO!” paalala ko sa aking sarili at bumalik sa paglalaro.
I just play the whole morning dawn until the sunrises, and I prepare for work. Naligo at nagbihis ako sa tapat ng salamin, while wearing my bra and panties on, I stare at my body and gently trace my tattoo using my finger.
Nagpapatattoo ako dati bago pumunta dito sa New York dahil sa walang kwentang dahilan. Nagpatattoo ako dahil gusto kong halikan ito ng future boyfriend ko pero hanggang ngayon mag dadalawang taon na kami ni Anton ay wala pa rin nangyayari sa aming dalawa.
I have this tattoo below my right breast that says あなたのために予約済み (Anata no tame ni yoyaku-zumi- Reserved for you)
Oo na alam kong corny pero walang basagan ng trip!
“Lord bakit ba naman kasi sobrang inosente ni Anton, pag ako hindi pa sinunggaban non sa monthsary namin, Lord sinasabi ko na ho, ako na ang gagapang sa kanya.” determinado kong sambit bago nagbihis at sinuot ang aking wig.
It takes me 10 minutes on putting my wig on, dahil kailangan ko pa itong idikit para magmukhang totoo talaga. Pati ang dark make up ko tumatagal ng 15 minutes kaya ako laging na lalate pero ngayong araw sigurado akong hindi ako malalate.
“Good morning manager!!! Early bird ako ngayon” masigla kong bulong habang naglalakd papalabas ng condominuim building.
“Good morning, New York!!!” sigaw ko sabay taas ng dalawang kamay. Pero tila ang masaya kong araw at agad napalitan ng kamalasan ng may dumaan na BMW sa harapan ko dahilan para tumalsik sa aking hita ang tubig sa daan.
“AHHHH!!!” malakas kong tili at hindi agad nakagalaw sa aking kinatatayuan, basang-basa ang suot kong palda at boots dahil sa BMW na ’yon.
“Tanginaaaaa” nanggigigil kong sambit bago tiningnan ang nakalayong BMW na ’yon. “Mabangga ka sana!!!” wala akong choice kung hindi bumalik sa loob ng condominuim at umakyat muli sa taas upang magpalit ng damit.
Dahil doon na late nanaman ako!!! “Polaaa!!!!” I cover my ears adn run to the changing room. Nagmamadali akong nagbihis at tumakbo papalabas. “Sorry, manager” I said and run to the elevator with my cleaning cart.
I Started my work like a routine, laging maruruming silid ang napupunta sa akin. Buong araw linis lang hanggang sa huling kwarto na lilinisin ko ngayong araw.
Pinahid ko ang aking braso sa aking noo upang punasan ang noo ko pero pagbukas ko ng huling room nagulat ako ng may costumer na nasa loob. Teka akala ko ba umalis na ang nagcheck in dito.
“Sorry Sir” sambit ko at lalabas na sana ulti pero bigla nitong hinawakan ang aking braso at nakangiti akong hinarap sa kanya. “You look hot, wanna stay the night with me Shorty” sambit nitong kano na ito.
Pero agad akong umiling at sinabi, “No thank Sir, I have to go” magalang kong sambit at sinubukan tanggalin ang kamay nito sa aking braso.
“Oh, come on, I will make you happy don’t worry” he said and suddenly licked my cheeks. Dahil sa doon nagulat ako at buong pwersa siyang itinulak papalayo.
“Bastos ka ah!!!” I haze and was about to step out when he grabs my uniform and hugged me from behind. “Nasty, I like it” bastos nitong sambit bago pinisil ang kaliwa kong dibdib.
Nanlaban na ako at malakas na tinapakan ang kanyang paa at hinarap siya, I kick his thing and push him away before I run out of that room.
Mabilis akong sumakay ang elevator at bumaba, hinihingal akong sumandal sa gilid dito sa loob ng elevator at nang bumukas ito mabilis din akong tumuloy sa staff room at agad nagpalit.
Nagtime out ako at mabilis na umalis ng hotel na iyon, habang naglalakad papunta sa cafe nandidiri akong tinatakpan ang aking dibdib dahil sa pesteng kano na iyon.
“Bastos na kano, pasalamat siya hindi lang iyon ang natanggap niya mula sa aki—ouch!” Inda ko ng biglang may nakabangga ako.
“Sorry Miss” natigilan ako ng makilala ang boses na iyon, nang tingnan ko ito nangatog ako dahil si Arries ang nakabangga ko. Ang kapatid ko.
Pero bigla iyon nawala ng mapansin ko ang pasa sa gilid ng kanyang labi. “What happen to your face?” wala sa sarili kong sambit, sinubukan ko itong abutin ng magsalita siya. “I’m sorry Miss, I didn’t saw you coming” he said and walk past me.
Mukhang hindi niya ako nakilala pero nanlalambot ko siyang pinapanood na naglalakad palayo. He got into a fight, and I can’t do anything about it. I can’t even touch his face because I’m hiding from him.
I don’t know if he’s doing fine, hindi ko alam kung ano nangyayari sa university niya? Kung ok ba siya doon, ako dapat ang guardian niya dito sa New York pero heto ako nagtatago sa kanilang lahat.
I bitterly smile before I walk straight to my second work and wear the mascot uniform. “Ma’am/ Sir, t-try our s-shop” I was sobbing while giving flyers to the people.
Umiiyak sa loob ng mascot na ito dahil pakiramdam ko napakawalang kwenta kong ate.
“Ma’am/Sir, try our coffee and cakes it’s yummy” buti nalang talaga nakamascot uniform ako, hindi ko kailangan pigilan ang pagluha ko.
“Ma’am/Sir, our coffe is yum—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang kinuha ang isang babae ang flyers ko at hinagis ito sa ere at hinayaang kumalat sa buong paligid.
“MA’AM!” I said and look at her with disbelief, but instead of apologizing she laugh at me and put her middle finger on. “You! poor worker, just die!” lasing nitong sigaw at umalis.
Naiwan ako ditong nakatitig sa nakakalat na flyers, slowly I kneel and pick it up one by one. Again, I shed tears and frustrations.
“Are you ok Pola?” tanong ni Ma’am Tallia ng tanggalin ko ang mascot na suot ko, I know my eyes were red and a bit swollen but I choose to smile at her and spoke.
“I’m fine just got something in my eyes,” I said, avoided her gaze, and grab my things. Umuwi ako sa condo ko at agad kumuha ng beer sa ref.
Lumabas ako ng kwarto at umakyat sa roof top ng building na ito. Wala kasing umaakyat doon dahil bawal pero ako lang ang nakakalusot.
Paglabas ko sa pinto huminga ako ng malalim bago pumikit at hinayaang yakapin ng malamig na simoy ng hanging dito sa itaas. Umupo ako sa dulo ng roof top kung saan tanaw na tanaw mo ang ibaba ng building.
“Walang pera!!! walang cellphone! walang negosyo! nagyabang na kayang mabuhay mag-isa, ano ka ngayon? nga-nga. Kulelat, walang silbi at isang malaking failure!!!” I shouted all out and straight up the whole bottle of beer.
“Hahahhaha” it was crazy because I was laughing and crying at the same time. “My life sucks!!” I shouted, and stand up.
Kakatayo ko pa lang ng— “No!!!” nagulat ako ng biglang may sumigaw at may biglang yumakap sa aking bewang at hinila ako pababa.
Natumaka kaming dalawa sa sahig at agad akong lumayo sa dito, when I face him, my eyes widened and say, “You!!!!” sigaw ko ng makita muli ang lalaking ito.
Siya na naman!
He strokes his hair up using his fingers and glared at me, “ARE YOU REALLY TRYING TO KILL YOURSELF MISS!!!” galit niyang sigaw na nagpakunot ng aking noo.
Ako magpapakamatay? BAKIT?!
“I’m not trying to kills myself!!!” I said and he stood up. “Epal” bulong ko at tumayo na rin, tiningnan siya ng masama bago siya nagsalita.
“Good, kills yourself when I’m out of here because I don’t wanna be involved in some waste robbed girl’s death.” pacool nitong smabit at binulsa ang kanyang kamay bago naglakad papaalis ng rooftop.
Pagkasara ng pinto doon lang nagsink in sa akin ang sinabi niya, “Ako wasted robbed girl?! gago ka ba! ikaw nga OA d’yan, hindi ako magpapakamatay, nagfefeeling super hero ka ng wala sa lugar, ang feeling! ang sama naman ng ugali mo!!!” nagpapadyak ako sa inis bago binato ang bote sa pader.
“Agh nakakainis!!!”
CHAPTER 5
“Aray, aray” inda ko sa sakit ng aking ulo habang tumatayo mula sa kama. Nasobrahan ako ng ininom kagabi dahil sa gagong ’yon. May problema na nga ako sa buhay dadagdag pa yung hambog na iyon.
“Arayyyy” Hawak ang aking ulot dahan-dahan akong tumuloy sa banyo at naghilamos, pagkatapos ay tumuloy ako kusina para uminom ng kape.
“Hangover na naman!!” I whsiper as I seat on the high chair and fix my top strap up. Nanatili lang akong tulala habang umiinom ng kape ng bigla akong may naalala.
“Tama!!” sigaw ko at tumakbo papunta sa sofa at siniksik ang aking kamay sa gilid-gilid nito hanggang sa makapa ko ang una kong cellphone.
Bakit ngayon ko lang naalala na itinago ko dito ang luma kong cellphone. “Yes! Ouch” my head is still aching. Binuksan ko ito at gumagana pa naman. This is my Iphone 8 na itinago ko dito dahil may pinadalhan ako nila Dad ng new phone dati.
I quickly logged in my account and try calling Anton, hindi ko pa siya nakakusap simula kahapon, baka namimiss na niay ako. I called him five time already pero hindi niya pa rin sinasagot kaya naligo muna ako at nagbihis.
I wore a simple black dress and anckle boots to paired with. Also, my wig and make up and moles. Never forgotten. Habang nagaayos sinusubukan ko pa rin siyang tawagan sa messeger dahil online naman siya.
After fixing myself lumabas na ako ng condo dala ang dalawa kong bag, malalate nanaman ako nito. And then after 15 attempts finally he answered.
“Hello Babe, buti naman sinagot mo na ang tawag ko, kanina pa ako tumatawag sayo ’eh.” sambit ko habang nagmamaddaling nilolock ang pinto. inipit ang aking phone sa pagitan ang aking pisngi at balikat.
I was struggling on locking the door but still manage to continue carrying my two bags and one big paper bag together with my phone.
“Ahm.. sorry babe kakatapos lang kasi ng training na’min kaya hindi ko na pansin na tumatawag ka” Anton gently said while I was focusing on locking the door.
“Hayyyy” mabigat kong pagbuntong hininga at pilit inilock ang pinto, “Are your mad babe? I’m sorry ok, masyado lang talaga kaming rush sa training” hindi ko napansin ang sinasabi niya dahil unti na lang ay malalock ko na ang pint—
“Ayon! Nag lock din!!!” sa wakas nag lock na din nakaharang pala ang dress ko kaya ayaw agad ma lock, tumayo ako ng maayos at hinawakan ang aking phone, “Ano nga ulit sabi mo babe?” tanong ko.
“Ah.. w-wala babe, by the way are you off to work?” napakalambing at hinhin ng boses niya nakakainlove talaga. Anton enebe be kekeleg eke se
“Oo, babe O.T.W, na ako” tugon ko at nagsimula nang maglakad habang buhat ang mga bag na ito.
“Ah siya nga pala babe, may time ka ba buk—” he cut me off and said, “Babe, tinatawag na ako ni Team Captain, I’ll call you later, ok?” tanong niya na nakapagpatigil sa akin.
Kakasimula pa lang namin mag-usap ah. “Ahh sige sige pala, ingat ka I lov—” muli hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng agad niyang patayin ang tawag.
Nakapabusy naman niya, dati naman kahit may finals hindi siya ganito ka busy. Bagsak balikat tuloy akong naglakad pababa ng building at agad pumara ng taxi.
“To the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, please,” I said as I enter the taxi, the driver just nodded at me through the rearview mirror.
Inilagay ko sa aking tabi lahat ng aking bag at kumuha ng pera sa aking bag, pambayad sa taxi.
Habang nakatingin sa magandang building na aming nadadaanan, hindi ko maiwasang huminga ng malalim at malungkot na yumuko.
“Hay buhay..” mahina kong sambit, at ilang minuto lang ay nakarating na ako sa tapat ng hotel.
“Here, keeps the change” I confidently said and open the taxi’s door.
Pero pababa pa lang ako narinig ko ang sinabi ng driver, “Keep the change? The charge is 10 bucks you just gave me 5 bucks?!” nakasimangot na sambit nito.
“Really?” tanong ko bago kinuha lahat ang aking gamit sa loob ng taxi, “Yes!” tugon niya, kaya nginitian ko siya at sinabi, “Ok na ’yan ang baho naman ng taxi mo, che!” sagot ko bago tumakbo sa loob ng hotel.
“Hey what did you said?! come back here!!!” rinig kong’ sigaw nito pero nakapasok na ako sa loob ng hotel kaya wala na siyang magagawa.
Malokong ngiti ang aking iginawad habang papasok sa stuff room ng hotel, agad akong dumiretso sa locker ko at nagpalit ng uniform buti nalang wala si Manager hindi ako nasigawan. Habang nagbibihis tumunog ang aking phone kaya kahit naka bra pa lang ako inabot ko ito at sinagot ng tawag ng hindi tinitignan ang caller.
“Yes hello, this is Olivia Beltran speaking.”
“Hello Olivia Beltran, it’s me Tita Nyril Beltran. I’m here in New York right now, Gonna pass by on your shop” halos lumuwa ang aking mga mata ng marinig ng boses ni Tita Nyril at ang sinabi niya. Shit!
“Ahahaha Tita sure” hindi na ako nagdalawang isip na patayin ang tawag at tawagan agad si Jalsey.
“Sagot na bilis!” nanginginig kong bulong habang hinihintay na sagutin niya ang tawag ko. After five rings she finally answered.
“Hello, Pola it’s too early for your cal—” I cut her out. “Code red!!!!” I shouted and immediately drop my things and step out of the hotel.
Nagmamadali akong tumakbo papunta sa shop ng ate niya, habang tinatanggal ang suot kong wig at fake moles.
May isang kilometro ang layo ng hotel sa shop nila pero kayang-kaya ko itong takbuhin sa ganitong sitwasyon. Nang makarating ako sa tapat ng shop nila naabutan ko silang binubuksan ito at hatalang nagmamadali ’rin kagaya ko.
“Jalsey!” I said, she looks at me and was about to open her mouth when.
“Olivia, my pamangkin!!!” mabilis akong humarap sa aking likuran ng marinig ang boses ni tita Nyril.
Bakit kasi bigla bigla silang dumarating?
“Tita” I uttered and give her a peck on her cheeks. “Akala ko po nasa France kayo ngayon?” nakangiti kong tanong kahit na ang totoo naiihi na ako sa kaba.
“I suddenly have urgent meeting here in New York, so I decided to visit you in your shop” nang sabihin niya ang salitang ‘your shop’ hindi maiwasang magkatinginan kami ni Jalsey at tumawa ng peke.
“Opo tita, pasok po kayo sa shop ko” pagsisinungaling ko at pumasok kaming tatlo sa shop at inalukan si Tita ng juice.
“Thank you for this, but I won’t be staying here for long. I need to visit a friend of mine, so I just want to give you this” she said and handed me a hoodie and a new pair of Balenciaga shoes.
“Your mom heard that I’ll be going to New York, kaya pinabili ako ni ate nito para daw ibigay ko sayo. Sobrang busy mo sa shop mo namimiss ka na ng Mommy mo” parang matinding pagtusok ng karayom ang aking naramdaman sa aking dibdib ng marinig iyon.
“Haha.. s-si mommy talaga inistorbo ka pa Tita. thank you so much, Tita” I said and smile as I painfully looked at the shoe. I have been wanting to buy this.
“Oh siya, hindi na ako magtatagal. I have to go” agad kaming tumayo ng tumayo si Tita, hinatid namin siya sa labas ng shop. “Have a safe trip back next week Tita” sambit ko ng isara ang pinto ng kanyang sasakyan.
“Yes, thank you, Oli stay safe here and keep shining my dear” Tita kiss me on my forehead and drive away.
Mabigat na paghinga ang aking pinakawalan at niyakap ng mahigpit ang regalong sapatos sa aking ni Mommy. Hindi namamalayan ay tumulo na ang aking luha at agad ko itong pinunasan at pilit itinago kay Jalsey.
“Hanggang kailan mo ba balak magsinungaling sa kanila?” tanong niya sa akin at tiningnan ako sa aking mga mata, hinawakan ang aking kaliwang kamay at ipinaramdam sa akin na naiintindihan niya ako sa puntong ito.
Jalsey and her Ate Samantha was teh owner of teh shop na pekeng ibinenta sa akin nila Darcy at Carline, nalaman nila na naloko ako at ang buong storya ko kaya ngayon tinutulungan nila ako tuwing bibisita si Tita Nyril.
Siya lang talaga nag hindi ko mapigilan sa pagpunta dito dahil lagi siyang nagtratravel hindi mo alam biglang nanadito na siya.
Jalsey and Ate Sam are always here to help me.
I smile bitterly and say, “Hanggang sa maging totoo na lahat ng sinabi ko sa kanila, hindi nila kailangan malaman ang lahat ng ito, dahil babalik ako doon na tinupad lahat ang aking binitawang salita” sagot ko at pinagmasdan ang shop sa aming likuran.
“Magsisinungaling ako hanggang sa maging totoo na ang lahat.”
“Ang tanong hanggang kailan mo kayang itago sa kanila nag totoo, sa tingin mo ba hindi nila malalaman?” napalingo kami ng magsalita si Ate Sam habang palabas ng shop niya.
“Hindi nila ito malalaman aate kung walang magsasabi” seryoso kong sambit at yumuko.
“Hay nako, tama na nga ang drama, Olivia may party mamaya ang kaibigan ni Ate si Frank naaalala mo?” tanong ni Jalsey at biglang binago ang mood.
“Oo yung mexicano ba yon ate Sam?” tanong ko, ate Sam nodded at me. “Sama ka sa amin mag release ka muna nag stress” Ate Sam said.
Nagtinginan kami ni Jalsey bago ngumiti, “Ay teka yong trabaho ko!!!” nanlalaking mata kong sambit bago binigay sa kanya ang sapatos at tumakbo pabalik ng hotel.
“Iwan ko muna sayo balik ako mamaya!!!!” sigaw ko at pagbalik ko sa hotel as expected, “You are really testing my patience Pola! one more time!!!”
“Sorry Manager, sorry” I said and run upstairs. Ganado akong nagtrabaho buong araw dahil excited sa party. At dahil excited nga ako, natapos ko agad lahat ng room na kailangan linisin at dumiretso agad kila Jalsey.
“Here, wear this Olivia” Halsey made me wear a red dress and handed me a coat in case I get cold at the party.
Jalsey and Ate Sam wear a simple cream and black dress and just curl their hair. “Let’s go party!!!” we all shouted and ride ate Sam’s car.
As we arrived the place is rowdy and so wild, agad namain nakita si Frank at binati. “Hey, you guys came, I tough you’re not coming,” Frank said and wrap his arms around ate Sam’s waist.
Jalsey and I look at each other before we smile and said, “You guys talk, we’re gonna grab some drinks at the counter” Jalsey said and pull me to the counter.
We drink the whole night and dance in the crowd while ate Sam and Frank flirt with each other. They said that’s a friend’s thing. Pagsapit ng 12 am, umiikot na ang paningin ko kaya umupo na ako sa tabi ni ate Sam at ganon din si Jalsey.
“You guys are drunk already, let’s go home na” Ate Sam said and help us stood up with the help of Frank. Pagewang-gewang kaming naglakad ni Jalsey papunta sa parking hanggang sa makasakay na kami sa sasakyan.
Naaninag ko pang nakipag-usap si Ate Sam kay Frank bago kami tuluyang umalis pauwi.
“Ouch!” inda ko ng tumama ang ulo ko sa pinto ng sasakyan, pagkababa ko.
“Pola! Ano kaya mo ba? Do you want me to walk you up-stairs?” kahit na umiikot na ang aking paningin, hinarap ko pa’rin si Jalsey at ate Sam, nakangiting sumandal sa kanyang sasakyan.
“I’m fine!” I was smiling but the truth is my head is spinning and my sight is very blurry already. “I can walk myself inside, don’t worry ’bout me, bring you drunk sister home hehe” sambit ko bago umatras at sumaludo sa kanya.
Pinanood silang umalis, bago nagsimulang naglakad papasok ng condominium at umakyat sa 4th floor. Pagewang-gewang at tila matutumba akong naglalakad sa hallway pagkalabas ko ng elevator.
Sobrang labo na ng paningin ko kaya hindi ko mapigilang tumawa, “Hmm, one two three” bulong ko habang binibilang ang pinto papunta sa aking unit.
Kumuha ako ng alalay sa pader habang ako ay patuloy na naglalakad papunta sa aking unit at ng marating ko ito, agad ko itong binuksan, “Ahh it’s not lock?” nagtataka kong bulong ng agad ko itong nabuksan.
“Hmmm” I groan as my head starting to ache, kaya nagmadali akong tumuloy sa aking kwarto at agad naghubad ang suot na coat at wig.
I jump on the bed but suddenly bump into someone, “Hmm? Anton?” bulong ko.
Umupo ako at tiningnan ito, sobrang labi na ng paningin ko pero alam kong siya ito. Siya lang naman ang alam ang passcode ng unit ko.
“I thought you’re busy?” I whisper as I lay above him and start roaming my hands around his naked top body.
Suddenly my sight went clear when it comes to his reddish lips, and liquor suddenly possesses my whole mind and body with heat.
R18
Dahan-dahan kong hinimas ang kanyang dibdib pababa sa kanyang abs, and my whole face burn when sliding it down to that bulge between his thighs come to my mind.
I take a deep breath and ignore all the headache and blurry sight that I’m feeling right now.
Slowly I move my hands down to his stomach going down to that hard thin––
Natigilan ako ng bigla niyang hawakan ang aking kamay and after that I just felt the soft bed touches my back.
And Anton is above me, “An––” I was about to call his name when he cut me off with a torrid kiss and deepens it, “You come to me, and this is trespassing, now face your punishment” biglang naging manly ang boses ni Anton, it feels different but it’s turning me on.
I lose my self and just feel his touch, his hands roam around my body down to my thighs. “Spread those fucking sexy legs for me” paos nitong bulong sa aking tenga bago dahan-dahang bumababa sa aking dibdib at hinila pababa ang strap ng aking dress.
When I spread my legs for him, he bit my nipple that make me arched my back and meet his touches. “Good Girl” his voice really changes and I didn’t expect it to be this sexy in bed.
I could feel that I’m wet for him already, he moved down and lift my left leg up to his right shoulders before he slowly planted a wet kiss on my thighs.
He bites my legs and sucks every part of it and after that, he goes back to my breast and plays with my mound putting my nipple between his pointing finger and middle finger. He sucks it like a hungry baby and looks at me in the eyes.
My sight is blurry but I can clearly see his dark eyes and thick brows. When Anton noticed me staring at him, he moved up, level himself in front of me, and kiss me.
He teases me with a peck, so I grab his nape and pull him to me. I kiss him and bite his lower lip; I shiver on it that makes him groaned sexily. “Hmmm… fuck” he cursed as I let go of his lips. He grabs my wrist and kneels above me.
“Anata no tame ni yoyaku-zumi, Reserved for you? For me?” he read my tattoo and tighten his grip on my wrist. “Your tattoo is turning me on, don’t you know that’s illegal?” he leans down and whispers that on my ears as he bites my helix.
“Illegal?” I whisper.
“Yes, because it’s tempting me to plant my seed on you.” I don’t know but that just heat up everything inside of me. “Ahhh…” I have a heavy breath when I felt his hands slowly pulling my underwear down.
And touch the tip of my wetness, “Soaking wet for me” he whispers, move down and lick my tattoo, kiss it and suck it.
“Ahhh..s-stop” I whisper when he keeps turning me on as he kept kissing my tattoo.
“Anton” I’m losing it already, I’m not in my right sense already.
I felt his warm palm on my neck and slightly thigh it before he whispers something on my ears. “Use your words properly, call me by my name” he darkly whispers but I don’t understand anything anymore.
Lalo na nag simulang niyang paglaruan ang maselang bahagi na iyon.
“Hmmm!” I aggressively arched my back because he inserted his finger inside. “Call me,” he’s started choking me with his slight tight grip and kept kissing my lips, making it hard for me to grab some air. “Call my name”
“What’s your name?” wala sasarili kong sambit. I lose my sense already. The pleasure is all around my system already.
“Hector” I heard him said and suddenly move his hands fast down there.
“Ahh!!! H-Hector..hmm” I bite my lower lip because I felt that thing building up inside of me was about to explode.
“That’s right use that sexy voice on my name only,” he whispers and positions himself above me.
“My name sounds good on you, now let’s try how good it feels when I’m in you” he whispers and licks my lips.
And in just a glimpse, I felt that thing inside of me ripping my whole body in pain. “Ahhhhh..i-it h-hurts” I whimper in pain.
“You truly mean it when your tattoo mean reserved for me, I got you first” paos nitong bulong sa akin bago ko naramdama ang kanyang labi sa aking noo at ang kanyang palad sa aking palad.
We held each other’s hand from palm to palm, intertwined it as he slowly moved inside of me. I was shedding tears and he kept calming me with soft kisses.
And after a few thrusts, the pain becomes a pleasure, pleasure, and temptation that drowns me to the seventh sea.
He moves faster and deeper this time; I don’t even know where to face my head because of the pleasure.
“Hmmmmm..ahh..nghhh” I was moaning out loud and I could feel the bed is rocking so hard.
“Where are your words?” he groaned and thrust even harder.
Then I remember what he wanted me to call him, “Ahh Hector” I moaned and he suddenly became more aggressive, pound me even deeper.
“I’m cumming” I whisper and hold his hand tightly. “I’m near” he whispers between our lips. Few deeper fast thrusts we both reach our climax.
“Oh, god” I whimper as my knee weakly shakes and I can feel his orgasm flowing inside of my cervix.
“You’re calling me?” that’s the last words I heard before I close my eyes and rest.
Kinaumagahan, naririnig ko ang mga pagkanda ng ibon at nararamdaman ko na ang init ng sinag ng araw sa aking balat. Nakangiti kong niyakap si Anton bago dahan-dahang iminulat ang aking mga mat——
“AHHHHHHHHH!!!!” agad akong napaupo ng hindi mukha ni Anton ang aking unang nakita sa pagmulat ang aking mga mata.
Binalot ko ng maigi ang hubad kong katawan bago tiningnan ang lalaking nasa tabi ko ngayon.
“Why are you so loud?” he said using that bedroom voice.
Nanlaki ang aking mga mata ng makita ng mabuti ang kanyang mukha at ang mga nunal na iyon, agad ko itong nakilala.
“Ikaw!?!?!!!!!!!!”
CHAPTER 6
“Ahhh!!!!” agad akong napaupo ng hindi mukha ni Anton ang aking unang nakita sa pagmulat ang aking mga mata.
Binalot ko ng maigi ang hubad kong katawan gamit ang comforter, bago tiningnan ang lalaking nasa tabi ko ngayon.
“Why are you so loud?” he said using that bedroom voice.
Nanlaki ang aking mga mata ng makita ng mabuti ang kanyang mukha at ang mga nunal na iyon, agad ko itong nakilala.
“Ikaw!?!?!!!!!!!!” malakas kong sigaw at agad napatalon paalis ng kama, dahilan upang mahila ko ang buong comforter paalis ng kama. “Ahhh” lalo akong napasigaw at napatakip ng mga mata ng makitang nakaboxer lang siya at may malaking ano sa gitna ’non.
Masakit at makirot ang pagitan ng hita ko pero pilit ko itong binaliwala at hinarap ang lalaking ito. “Rapist!!!” pinulot ko ang unan sa tabi ko at pinaghahampas siya.
“What?” he asked in a calm tone of voice before he grabbed the pillow from me and put it on the side. Napatingin muli ako sa malaking bagay na iyon dahil doon pero mabilis naman akong umiwas.
Bakit ang laki? “Ikaw manyak ka! nirape mo ako!! rapist ka!!!” nagsisigaw at histerical akong napaupo sa sahig habang yakap ang aking katawan.
I was about to cry when this guy speaks. “Excuse me Miss, Hindi kita nirape” nanlaki ang mata ko ng marinig siyang magtagalog. Gamit ang manly at may acsent na boses na iyon nagtagalog siya, ibig sabihin na intindihan niya ako.
“You are the one who enters my pad without permission in the middle of the night and tried to molest me in my sleep. This is not my fault it’s your fault” kalmado niyang sambit, bago tumayo at naglakad papunta sa tapat ng closet niya.
Kumuha ng itim na pants at puting t-shirt at nagbihis sa aking harapan. Kahit na pilit akong umiiwas ng tingin sa maganda nitong katawan hindi ko napigilang tingnan ang tattoo niya sa likuran.
May tattoo siya ng wings ng angel sa likuran na tila parang gumagalaw habang nagbibihis siya. I suddely slap my face when I kept staring at his body.
Hindi ito ang tamang oras para maging chismosa sa katawan ng ibang tao Olivia tandaan mo ang ginawa mo kagabi. I tried to remeber the thing I did last night and suddenly something flashes in my mind.
“Spread those fucking sexy legs for me”
“Good Girl”
“Anata no tame ni yoyaku-zumi, Reserved for you? For me?”
“Your tattoo is turning me on, don’t you know that’s illegal?”
“Illegal?”
“Yes, because it’s tempting me to plant my seed on you.”
“Ahhh…”
“Soaking wet for me”
“Use your words properly, call me by my name”
“Hmmm!”
“Call me,”
“Call my name”
“What’s your name?”
“Hector”
“Ahh!!! H-Hector..hmm”
“Ahh!!!!!! Hindi!!! Hindi!!! Hindi!!!!” para akong batang naglulupasay dito dahil sa mga naalala kong kagagahan ko kagabi.
Tiningnan ko ang buong kwarto at malinaw na malinaw na hindi ito ang condo ko. Mali ang pinasok kong condo kagabi! “You take advantage of me! porket lasing ako!!!” I shouted at him.
Naririndi niya akong hinarap bago nagsalita, “I also drink last night, and I’m a man, you tempted me last night and it’s not my fault you give yourself to me” kalmado niya pa ring sambit.
Tama naman siya, alam ko naman na kasalanan ko ito. Pero kasi…“Eh bakit kasi bukas ang pinto mo! hindi ba dapat nilolock mo ’yon!!!” singhal ko at pinanood siyang kumuha ng damit sa closet niya.
“I forgot to lock it.” parang wala niyang sagot bago naglagay ng itim na t-shirt at pants sa gilid ng kama. “Wear this.” he said.
“At bakit ko naman susuotin ang damit mo!?!?” hindi ko naman siya boyfriend. “You’ll wear this or wear that?” itinuro niya ang sira kong dress na nakakalat sa sahig pati ang panty ko.
My lips parted out of disbelief and I just shouted all out. “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”
“Fucking loud, you’re not that loud last night.” sambit niya bago lumabas ng silid. Para akong nanlulumo habang pinakikiramdaman ang aking buong katawan.
Ibang-iba ang pakiramdam ko, tapos ang sakit pa ng gitnang bahagi ng katawan ko. “Ano ba naman itong pinasok mo Olivia!” I hit my head before I seat on the edge of the bed. Wala akong choice kung hindi suotin ang damit na ito.
Habang sinusuot ito amoy na amoy ko ang panglalake at mabang nitong pabango sa t-shirt niya.Ang bango.
Pagkatapos mag bihis humarap ako sa salamin at nanlalaking mga matang hinanap ang aking wig. “Na saan na iyon?”
Lumuhod ako sa sahig at sinilip ito sa ilalim ng kama pero wala kaya paika-ika akong lumabas ng kwarto at sinabi. “Nakita mo ba yung wi—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng makitang hawak niya ito at tila tinitingnan ng maiigi.
Kahit sobra sakit ng perlas ng silangan, tumakbo ako papalapit sa kanya at hinablot ito. “Akin na ’yan!” tiningnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa ng agawin ko ito sa kanya.
“Why are you wearing that, when you have that firing hair?” paos nitong sambit at tila hinawakan ang ilang hibla ng aking buhok. Mabilis kong hinawi ang kanyang kamay at tiningnan siya ng masama.
“Wala ka nang pake doon!” I said. And I notice those small red marks on his neck and chest. Nakaramdam ako agad ng pandidiri at sinabi, “YUCK YOU HAVE CHICKEN FOXES!!!!”
Kunot noo niya akong tingnan bago hinaplos ang kanyang leeg.“Ewwwww baka nahawaan mo na ak––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng pitikin niya ang noo ko.
“Aray!!” Sambit ko at tiningnan siya ng masama.
“You did that, it’s called hickey,” he said, I startled and my mouth just locked into each other.
“Ahh hindi!!!!!!!” sigaw ko at ginulo ang aking buhok. Tumakbo ako papalapit sa pinto, kinuha ang aking heels at lumabas sa kanyang condo.
Malakas kong itinulak ang pinto at tumuloy sa condo ko. Pagkasara ko ng pinto nanghihina akong nagpadausdos sa pader bago pinagsasampal ang aking mukha.
“Ang tanga-tanga mo Olivia!!!! Wala ang ang V-card mo dahil sa katanganhan mo. Kay Anton dapat ’yon pero anong ginawa mo pinamigay mo lang ng ganun-ganun lang!!! Tanga, tanga, tanga!” hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko ngayon sa aking sarili.
Gusto ko na lang maglaho sa mundong ito, I cheated on my boyfriend. I slept with another man last night and give him my virginity. “Ang tanga mo Olivia!” I throw my heels away and hugged my knees.
Nanatili akong nakayuko ng biglang tumunog ang phone ko, I slowly lift up my head and check it out. Nanigas ako at nanlamig ang buo kong katawan ng makita ang pangalan ni Anton sa screen.
Kinagat ko ang ibabang bahagi ng aking labi at dahan-dahan itong sinagot. “H-hello?” Hindi ’man lang ako makapagsalita ng maayos.
“Hello Babe, sorry I wasn’t calling and texting very often. Busy kasi talaga sa training and finals na namin bukas do you remember?” he asks from the other line.
I slowly nodded and say, “Y-yes I remember.” hindi ko magawang lunukin ng maayos ang aking laway dahil sa matinding kaba na aing nararamdaman.
“Actually, I’m feeling a little bit nervouse about it but I’m sure we’ll win right Babe.” he said. Sinubukan kong pasiglahin ang aking sarili bago magsalita. “Oo naman, ikaw pa ba. Ace ka kaya ng grupo…hahaha” I awkwardly laugh and glance at my shaking hands.
“Thanks, Babe,”
“What time is the finals again?” I ask and hardly gulp.
“Ahm.. Babe I know you’re busy, you don’t have to come. I’ll just go visit you in your pad tomorrow after the game and let’s eat dinner together” he gently said.
“But I want to watch you play,” I said.
“It’s just a waste of time Babe, and isa pa sayang ang pagabsent mo bukas para lang manood doon. So, please just attend your work and let’s see each other after the game in your pad. Ok” malambing nitong sambit.
“Ok” sagot ko, “Ok, have to go see you tomorrow, bye,” he said and end up the call already.
Huminga ako ng malalim bago naglakad papunta sa kwarto at pabagsak na dumapa dito. “Kalimutan mo na lang ang lahat ng nangyari Olivia. Walang nangyari!” I whisper and take a nap for a minute.
After five minutes tumloy ako sa trabaho ng walang gana, at kahit an ang sermon ni Manager ay tila hindi ko narinig dahil sa sobrang lalim ng iniisip ko.
The whole day I was just trying to erase that memory of that Hector in my mind. Pero habang pilit kong kinakalimutan mas lalo kong nakikita sa aking isipan ang mukha at katawan nito.
“My name sounds good on you, now let’s try how good it feels when I’m in you”
“Ahh nakakainis!!!” sigaw ko.
Kinabukasan maaga akong gumising at ang paalam kay Manager at Ma’am Tallia a hindi ako papasok ngayong araw. Gusto kong surpresahin si Anton sa game niya.
Manunuod ako kahit na sinabi niyang wag akong manood. Ok lang naman akong umabsent basta para sa kanya.
Sinubukan ko na din linisin ang aking isipan at linisin ang ala-ala ng gabing iyon.
I wore a simple black crop top and a leather skirt. Paired it with a black leather jacket and I tie my wig half and put my makeup on and fake moles.
Tumuloy ako sa game stadium kung saan gaganapin ang finals at sobrang daming tao dito ngayon sa area, halos lahat ang fans nila Anton.
Nakilala ko si Anton dito sa New York as an aspiring player pa lang siya ng Soccer team but look at him now. He’s the ace of his team. Umakyat ako sa hindi kataasang seats at doo umupo.
Balak magpakita kay Anton after the game para masurprise talaga siya at macongratulate ko siya after they win. Dahil sigurado naman akong sila ang mananalo dito.
Umupo ako at hinitay mag simula ang laban, halos maubusan ako ng boses kakasigaw ng tawagin si Anton sa field kasama ang team niya.
“Woah ang gwapo!!!!” I shouted and as teh game start hindi ako magkamayaw sa kakasigaw dahil lagi siyang nakakagoal.
“Woah goo, Anton my loves!!!” I shouted and naging intense ng laro ng maglapit ang score itong last quarter nila at si Anton na ang may hawak ng bola.
“Go Anton!!!” I shouted and jump, cheer him all out. Pero napalingon ako sa likuran ko kakatalon at natigilan ng makita si Hector sa aking likuran na seryosong nanonood.
Nanalaki ang mata ako at hinarap ito, “Hoy!!” sigaw ko at tinulak siya gamit ang lobo na hawak ko.
He looks down on me with frowned brows, “IKAW SINUSUNDAN MO TALAGA AKO NOH!!” Alam kong naiintindihan niya ako dahil nagtagalog siya kahapon.
Kunot noo niya akong tiningnan bago pinagkrus are braso sa tapat ng kanyang dibdib. “You assume to much, Miss” he said.
“Anong assume too much, alam kong sinusndan mo ako no––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng malakas na tumunog at timer ng game at nagtatalon ang tao sa stadium.
Nanalo sila Anton, nakalast goal siya…
Kinalimutan ko ang lalaking nasa likuran ko at nagtatalon sa tuwa..
“Woah! boyfriend ko yan!!!!!!!“sigaw ko at inirapan ang lalaking itong nasa likuran.
He looks at me and smirked.
Mas gwapo boyfriend ko sayo noh!!!
CHAPTER 7
“Ngiti ngiti mo d’yan!?” sambit ko at tiningnan siya ng masama. He rose his brows and continue smirking as he glances on the field.
“You really are assuming.” he said before he stood up. Aalis na sana siya ng hawakan ko ang kanyang braso at pilit siyang hinarap sa akin. Hindi ako magpapatalo sa lalaking ito.
“Anong assuming!!?!” singhal ko, pero si loko tinawanan lang ako at sinabi. “Do you expect me to believe that you are that player’s girlfriend? You’re funny,” he said and chuckled.
Biglang kumulo ang dugo ko dahil sa sinabi niya. “Boyfriend ko ’yon noh!” sambit ko pero tumawa lang siya at tinaggal ang aking kamay sa kanyang braso.
“If that’s true, that means that guys don’t have any taste in woman.” ani nito bago ako tinalikuran at naglakad. “Ang kapal!!!” Napalingon ako sa field at nakita si Anton na papaalis na kasama ang teammates niya.
“Sandale” I whsiper, bago nagmadaling naglakad paalis at tinulak ang lalaking ito. “Tabe!” matapang kong sambit at naunang lumabas ng stadium.
Nagmamadali akong naglakad papunta sa locker room ng team nila Anton para isurprise siya. Kinuha ko na ’din ang dala kong chocolate sa bag para ibigay sa kanya.
“Nasaan na iyon?” bulong ko at tumigil sandali upang tingnan ito sa loob ng aking bag.
Kinalkal ko ang aking bag hanggang sa nakita ito s pinakailalim ng aking bag. “Aishhhhhh” I haze when it melts inside my bag. “Ano ba ’yan” bulong ko at inilabas ito sa loob ng aking bag.
Habang tinitingnan ito natanaw ko si Hector na papalapit sa akin. I glance at him and watch him walk with his hands on his pockets, wearing that black polo shirt that fits the shape of his masculine body and that Beige ankle pants. He even wears a black sunglass while walking, kaya pinagtitinginan siya ng mga kababaihan sa paligid na kulang na lang mahulugan ng panty kakatitig sa kanya.
“Tss,” sambit ko at nagsimulang maglakad, pero nang silipin ko siya sa aking likuran ay tila sinusundan niya ako kung saan ako pupunta.
Kaya ang normal kong paglalakad ay nahaluan ng konting pagtakbo, pero bawat paglingon ko parang bumibilis siyang maglakad kaya nagiging lakad takbo na ako dito.
Lingon ulit, at mas lalo na siyang lumalapit sa akin. Kaya lakad, takbo, lakad takbo. Pero ng marealize kong talagang sinusundan niya ako tumigil ako at tumayo sa kanyang harapan.
I pointed at his fast, kahit na mas matangkad siya sa akin at nakatingala na ako para lang tingnan siya sa mata. “Ikaw talagang sinusundan mo ako noh! Ano bang trip mo! Porket ba-” I stop and looka round before I whisper. “Porket ba may nangyari sa atin, sinusundan mo na ako! Excuse me one night stand lang iyon at pinagsisihan ko iyon kaya wag ka nang umasa sa akin may boyfriend na ako! Tigilan mo na ako!!!” he was just staring at me until I finish my words.
Remove his glasses and look down on me, “For the last time, I’m not following you, so, stop assum—” he stops because I cover his mouth.
“I’m not assuming, halatang-halata ka na!” confident kong sambit, pero nagulat ako ng bigla niyang dilaan ang palad ko kaya napatalon ako papalayo.
“Ewww!!!” sambit ko at agad ipinunas ito sa aking palda.
He smirked and licked his lower lip before he tries to step close to me. Hindi ko na hinintay na makalapit siya sa akin at mabilis na naglakad papasok sa locker room nila Anton.
Nakasalubong ko pa palabas ang mga kateam mates niya. “Someone’s gonna get layd tonight hahaha” rinig kong bulong ng isa dito at tuluyang umalis.
Pumasok ako sa loob at nakita ang gamit ni Anton sa isang upuan katapat ng isang locker na nakabukas. Naglakad ako papalapit dito at tiningnan ang loob ng locket niya.
May mga picture ito niya kasama ang kateam mates niya pero wala akong nakitang kahit isang picture ko dito sa loob.
I startled when the door open and Hector step inside, tiningnan ko siya ng masama at sinabi, “At talagang sinusunda mo ako! Tatawag na ako ng pulis!” pagbabanta ko sa kanya pero imbis na pansinin ako tumingin siya sa paligid at naglakad papunta sa shower area.
“Hoy tress passing ka hindi ka dapat pumapasok dito!” I tried to stop him but he kept on walking with that serious face, and I stop talking when I heard someone is chuckling inside the shower area.
Dire-diretsong pumasok doon si Hector, sinubukan ko siyang pigilan at hilain palabas ng ako ang hilain niya papasok at—
“Teka bakit mo ako hinihil––Hmf” I gasp and instantly cover my mouth when I saw Anton making out with a guy. They are both half-naked and savoring each other under the shower.
They glance at us and Anton quickly pushes the guy and stares at me. “O-Olivia” he almost whispers my name.
Hindi ako nakapagsalita at bigla na lang bumilis ang tibok ng aking puso. Ano ito? Anong ibig sabihin nito.
Nagsimulang sumikip ang dibdib ko at pinanood si Anton na lumapit sa akin at sinubukan hawakan ang aking braso pero umtras ako papalayo at tiningnan siya na puno ng pandidiri.
“O-Olivia let me explain babe.” he gently whispers and tries to take a step closer but before he could finish that step, I slap him real hard.
“You’re a g-ga-gay.” halos hindi ko mailabas sa aking lalamunan ang salitang iyon at tila nagpaulit-ulit sa aking isipan ang nakita ko kanina.
Instead of answering he shook his head down and admit it. “Bakla ka!!!” nakaramdam ako ng galit sa aking puso. I started hiting him and pushing him. “Bakla ka!!! kaya pala hindi ako natatakot na mangbabae ka dahil lalaki pala ang gusto mo! kaya pala lagi ang paalam mo, kasama mo lang ang mga boys mo, yun pala naglalandi ka sa mga boys na sinasabi mo!!!” hindi ako lumuluha dahil bigla akong napuno ng realizations.
At galit, matagal na pala akong niloloko ng gagong ito. “Kaya pala ayaw mong makipagsex sa akin, kaya pala hindi mo ako hinalikan sa labi, ano nandidiri ka! kaya pala ayaw mong magstay sa condo ko, kaya pala hindi mo kayang hawakan ang katawan ko! gago ka!!!” I also started kicking him and pushing him.
He just let me do anything I want and admit it all with that face. “Kaya pala never kong naramdaman na mahal mo ako ginagamit mo lang ako para pagtakpan yang totoo mong pagkatao at kasarian!! Ah!!” sigaw ko at sinampal sa kanyangg mukha ang chocolate na dala ko.
Sasobrang lakas ng pagkasampal ko bumukas ito at kumalat sa kanyang mukha. “Pinagmukha mo akong tanga!! you make me look like a dumb loving you so much! fuck you!!! and you!!!” pointed at the guy beside him. “Bakla ka ’din putang ina niyo!!!” I shouted and show my middle finger to that other guy my Ex-boyfriend was kissing a while ago.
“Mga bakla!!! ikaw Anton, we’re done!! wag na wag mong ipapakita sa akin yang pagmumukha mo! bakla ka! fuck you!!” sumasabog ako sa galit habang sinasabi iyon at nang tumalikod ako bungga ako sa dibdib ni Hector.
He seriously looks at me before he walks past me. Tiningnan ko kung saan siya pupunta at nagulat ako ng bigla niyang suntukin ang kahalikan kanina ni Anton. The guy falls on the floor while bleeding lips.
“You are such a pain in the ass.” sambit ni Hector at inaayos ang kanyang suot na polo. Tumalikod at naglakad papalapit sa akin.
“That was hard, Kuya” the guy said and smirked at him. Hector stops and glances at him with a clenching jaw.
“Don’t call me that and fucking fix this mess, your mom is looking for you go home asshole.” maotoridad nitong sambit bago naglakad ng tuluyan.
Nang tumayo siya sa harapan ko hindi makapaniwala ko siyang tiningnan at tinanong.
“Kapatid mo?!” tanong ko.
Imbis na ako’y sagutin hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at hinila ako palabas ng lugar na iyon. Nang makalabas kami agad kong hinawi ang kanyang kamay at sinabi.
“Bitawan mo ako!!! ikaw bakla ka din kagaya ng kapatid mo!!!” dinuro ko siya at tiningnan ng masama, pilit pinipigilan ang pagtulo ng aking luha.
“Cry” seryos niyang sambit na parang isang magic word, at sa isang iglap bumuhos ang luha ko at sakit sa aking dibdib. Pati ba naman si Anton ginamit lang din ako.
“Ahh!!!Wahhh!” ibinuhos ko lahat ng luha ko at umiyak ng malakas. “Shit” I heard him curse and he quickly covers my mouth. Carry me like a sack of rice and bring me to his grey BMW i4.
Pero wala na akong pakielam kung saan niay ako dadalhin, basta gusto kong umiyak at magpakamatay na lang. Lahat na nag problema nasa akin na.
Gusto ko nang mamatay!
Binababa niya ako sa passenger seat pero iyak lang ako ng iyak, hinayaan siyang ilagay ang seat belt at paandarin ang sasakyan sa kung saan. He also handed me a box of tissue and just let me cry all out.
“Wahh…mga bakla!!! huhuhu,” hindi ko matanggap na ipinagpalit ako sa lalaki ni Anton. Teka, pinagpalit niya nga ba ako? O baka matagal na siyang bakla at ginamit niya lang talaga ako sa simula pa lang.
“Wahh…tanginang Anton!!!” suminga ako ng malakad ng maraming sipon sa tissue at patuloy na umiyak. Suko na ako, pagod na ako.
Nakita kong nasa Manhattan Bridge kami kaya agad kong hinarap si Hector at sinabi. “Itigil mo!” utos ko, tiningnan niya ako bago itinabi ang sasakyan sa gilid ng bridge.
“Why?” he asks me. But I didn’t bother answering him and quickly unbuckled the seat belt and step out of the car. “Hey, where are you going?” he said but I didn’t look back, agad akong lumapit sa dulo ng bridge at umakyat sa railings nito.
Medyo mataas ang railings kaya medyo nahihirapan ako, habang paakyat natigilan ako ng tumayo lang sa tabi ko si Hector at pinanood ako habang nakakrus ang braso sa dibdib.
“Hindi mo ba ako pipigilan?” Tanong ko sa kanya habang sumisinghot na parang bata. “Magpapakamatay ako oh.” I said and show him that I’m climbing up.
He smirked and say, “Go on, no one’s gonna stop you.” kalmado niyang sambit at sumandal pa sa railings, naglabas ng sigarilyo at sinindihan ito.
“Tatalon talaga ako dito!!!” sambit ko pero tila wala siyang naririnig. Bumuga pa siya ng usok at tiningnan ang tanawin dito sa Bridge na ito.
“Magpapakatamay na talaga ako huhu!!!” ani ko, tumango siya at nagwave pa sa akin ng babye.
“Mamatay ako pagtumalon ako dito” tiningnan ko ang dagat at nakaramdam ng takot ng makita ang taas ng kinalalagyan ko ngayon. “Go on, do you want me to push you?” he said and put his hands on my shoulder.
Napasigaw ko ako sa takot na baka itulak niya ako at mas lalong na iyak. “Wahhh ayaw ko pang mamatay huhuhu,” He chukled, at nilapitan ako.
Hianwakan ang aking bewang at binuhat pabalik sa kanya, yumakap ako sa kanya at umiyak sa kanyang balikat. Nanginginig ang buo kong katawan ng ibalik niya ako sa kanyang sasakyan at sinakay sa loob.
Sumakay na din siya at inabutan ako ng bottle water. Hindi ako makapaniwala na muntikan na ko nang tapusin ang buhay ko dahil sa baklang iyon. Mas naiyak ako ng maiisip na pagnamatay ako ngayon malalaman nila Mommy na hindi ako naging successful.
Nahindi ko natupad ang mga sinabi ko sa kanila. Lahat ng pinagdaanan ko dito sa New York bigla kong naramdaman at kumirot na ng tuluyan ang aking puso.
Naging totoo na yong sakit nito, “Let’s go have some drinks, I think you need it” sambit ni Hector at pinaandar ang sasakyan.
Nakayuko lang akong nakaupo dito sa loob ng sasakyan niya habang patuloy akong lumuluha. Hindi ito kirot ng pagcheacheat sa akin ni Anton, ito yong sakit na muntikan ko nang tapusin.
We stop in the Brooklyn bridge park at umupo sa bench. Konti lang ang tao ngayon.
“Here,” napalingon ako kay Hector ng abutan niya ako ng beer.
Kinuha ko ito at pagkatapos niya itong buksan para sa akin. Umupo siya sa tabi ko at sinabi, “Kaya pala hindi ka nakikipagsex ka aki–” hindi ko siya pinatapos ng gayahin niya nag sinabi ko kanina gamit ang manly na boses niya.
I hit him and he laugh, cross his arms on his chest and look around the place. “You’re really funny,” he said.
I smile bitterly, tama naman siya nakakatawa ako nakakatwa ang ang isang Olivia Polarice Beltran, isang katawa-tawang babae.
“Kapatid mo ’yon?” tanong ko at umimon.
“Step-brother” Sagot niya.
“Bakla ka din?” tanong ko muli.
“Do I look like a gay to you?” he asks. Tiningnan ko siya at napairap, “Si Anton nga ang laki ng katawan pero bakla ikaw pa kaya”
He chuckled and take a sip of his beer. “We already fuck, and you’re calling me gay? Didn’t I make you cu––” I glared at him that make him stop talking.
“Oo na hindi ka na bakla!” umirap ako at tinungga ang buong beer at nagbukas ulit ng panibago.
Uminom ako ng uminom hanggang sa umikot na ang paningin ko at lumabo na ang lahat sa paligid ko.
I tap Hector’s arms and laugh, “Nakarinig ka na ba ng isang matinding balita?” kahit na umiikot na ang paningin ko at nawawala na ako sa aking sarili gusto ko pa rin sabihin ang sekreto ko.
“Alam mo ba na isa akong failur na anak ng isang mayaman na pamilya sa pilippinas. Oo mayaman kami pero ito ako katulong kasi tanga-tanga ninakawan ng pera, nagpaloko hahaha matalinong bobo. Walang nararating.” sobra na ang pagikoy ng paningin ko at unti-unti na ring bumibigat ang talukap nag aking mga mata.
“Sinusubukan ko naman lahat ng makakaya ko eh, kaso wala eh laging fail.” I whisper and everything went black.
Nagising na lang ako sa isang familiar na room at nang umupo ako nakita ko ang isang sticky note sa side table. Ito ang kwarto ni Hector kung saan nangyari ang gabing iyon.
Kinuha ko ang note at binasa.
“I bring you in, because you passed out last night, close the door when you leave. Don’t worry I didn’t touch you last night. I’m a Gay, right.”
CHAPTER 8
“What! you got to be kidding me? For real?” hindi makapaniwalang sambit ni Bunny mula sa kabilang linya, nagvideo call ako agad sa kanila ni Naivy ng makabalik ako dito sa condo ko.
Nakadapa sa kama at tila walang gana sa buhay akong nakikipagusap sa kanila ngayon. Pakiramdam ko gusto ko na lang matulog ng matulog at wag nang gumising.
“Tangina Bunny, lalaki din pala ang gusto! alam mo ang nakakahiya doon ay sa papali pa talaga ako pinagpalit! mga walang hiya! tapos kitang-kita ko naggaganun oh!” I showed my fingers on the screen and try to make a kissing gesture using it.
“Talagang ninanamnam ng gago! Mga animal!!!” nanggigigil kong sambit at nagpapadyak sa inis.
Naivy just chuckled from the other line while reading her books. Habang si Bunny naman ay busy na minamakeupan. “Come on, you can just move on na lang. That guy is not worth it” Bunny said.
“Tama si Bunny, wag kang magsayang ng oras sa lalaking hindi naman pala babae ang tipo. I’m sure may dadating na mas deserving maging girlfriend ka.” Pagpapagaan ng loob sa akin ni Naivy.
“Hindi muna ako maghahanapp ng lalaki ngayon, magfofocus na lang ako sa pagbuo ng shop ko” I whisper and look at the ceiling.
“What?” “Pagbuo ng shop?” sabay nilang tanong sa akin, kaya nagpanic ako at agad humarap sac camera ng laptop ko. “What I mean is, pagbuo ng panibagong designs para sa shop ko hahaha, kayo talaga bingi!” pagpapalusot ko at pilit umiwas ng tingin sa kanilang dalawa.
“Oh, siya sige na, tatawag na lang ako next time. Bye” nagmamadali kong sambit at agad pinatay ang video call namin tatlo. Gumulong ako sa kama at pinaghahampas ang katabi kong unan.
“Ang tanga mo talaga Olivia, muntikan ka nang mabuking doon!!!” singhal ko sa aking sarili bago humiga ng diretso at tiningnan ang view ng langit sa bintana.
“Pag ho ba namatay ako lord, sa impyerno ho ba agad ang diretso ko. Kasi parang sa sobrang dami kong kasinungalingan na ginagawa wala nang counceling-counceling pagdating ko sa office ni San pedro. Tulak agad sa impyerno ’yan” I whsiper before I close my eyes and breathe out.
Habang nakahiga sa kama hinimas ko ang ilalim ng unan na hinihigaan ko at natigilan ng may nahawakang matigas na bagay.
Dumapa at tiningnan ko ito, nakalagay ito sa loob ng punda ng unan kaya kinailangan ko pang ipasok ang aking kaliwang kamay dito. Nang makuha ko ito, hindi ko maiwasang sumimangot.
Meron akong picture namin ni Anton dito sa punda ng unan ko. I gritted my teeth out of irritation on seeing his face, kaya agad ko itong pinunit at pinaglulukot. “Ayaw kong makita ang pagmumukha mo gago ka!!!” singhal ko bago ito binato sa pader.
Pero nanlumo ako ng makita ang buong pader dito sa kwarto ko na puno ng picture at poster niya galing sa lahat ng games niya. “Tangina ganito ba ako kadedicated sayong bakla ka!!!” nanginginig ako sa galit at dahna-dahan itong nilapitan at agad pinagtatanggal sa pader.
“Olivia!!! buong ilang taon ng relasyon niyo sinasamba mo ay isang putang bakla!!! ahh!” hindi ko mapagilan ang galit ko at pinagtatanggal lahat ng mga lawaran namin sa buong unit at pinagiimpake ang mga iniiwan niyang damit dito sa condo ko.
“Pinaikot mo ako, nagmukha akong tanga! siguro tinatawanan niyo ako ng lalaki mo habang sinasamba at minamahal kitang gago ka! nireserved ko pa ang sarili ko para sayo tapos hindi naman pala babae ang gusto mo!!!” Hinagis ko palabas ng kwarto lahat ng damit at ilang sapatos niya dito sa condo pati na rin ang mga medals na binigay niya sa akin.
“Tangina ang gwapo mo naman kasing lalaki, sinong maghihinalang bakla ka! tapos malambing ka pang magsalita pagdating sa akin pero hayop ka! umaacting ka lang pala sa harap ko!!! ahhh!!!” sa sobrang galit ko pinagsisipa ko ang gamit nito papunta sa pinto ng condo ko.
Itatapon ko sana ito lahat sa labas pero pagbukas ko ng pinto mukha niya agad ang sumalubong sa akin. Nang magkatinginan kaming dalawa hindi ko napigilan ang aking sarili at agad siyang sinapak ng sobrang lakas.
“Agh!” “Aray!!!” sabay namin sigaw ng matumba siya sa sahig at namilipit naman ako sa sakit ng kamao ko.“Tangina ang tigas ng mukha mo!!!” I shouted and shake my hand to lessen the pain.
“Ang kapal ng mukha mong magpakita pa dito, ay tama ayan,” hinagis ko sa kanya ang kanyang gamit, wala akong pake kung kumalat iyan sa hallway ng condominuim ngayon.
“Babe, please let me ex—” I cut him off and throw the medal on his face. “Wag mo akong matawag-tawag na babe ah! Anton nanggigil ako sayo ngayon baka mapatay kita!!!” sigaw ko at patuloy na itinatapon lahat ng gamit niya dito.
“Olivia, it’s not really my intention to lie to you, but I just got so scared when I realize that I like Dylan. I love you Olivia is just that Dylan is my safez—Ah” hindi niya natapos ang sasabihin niya ng tamaan siya ng sapatos sa gitnang bahagi ng katawan niya.
“Shit!” he curses and groan in pain. Nang matapon ko na lahat ng gamit niya mula sa loob ng condo ko. Diretso akong tumayo at puno ng galit siyang hinarap. “Mahal mo siya?” Tanong ko.
“Yes, Olivia, Dylan and I just genuinely love each other. He makes me feel so happy” puno ng emosyon ang kanyang mukah habang sinasabi iyon at hatalang-hatala sa mukha niay na mahal niay nga ito.
Tila parang kumirot ang dibdib ko dahil doon at tinanong siya. “Bakit sa akin ba never kang naging masaya ah?” diretso kong tanong sa kanya.
Nagsimulang mangilid ang luha sa kanyang mga mata at kinagat ang ibabang labi niya. “Olivia, y-you a-also m-make me happy in s-sometimes, but DYlan is different.”
“Anong meron siya na wala sa akin, bukod sa Titi n’ya.”
“Olivia, don’t do this pelase” sinubukan niyang hawakan ang aking magkabilang braso pero agad ko siyang tiningnan ng masamadahilan upang lumayo ang kanyang kamay sa akin.
“Sagutin mo ang tanong ko.” sambit ko.
“No, I don’t want to answer thi––” I cut him and shouted. “Sagot Anton!!!” he startled and shook his head down.
“Olivia, I don’t want to hurt you please let’s just get this ove—” again, I cut him out and glared at him. “Anong meron siya Anton!!! sagutin mo ako o sasapakin kita ulit!!!” nangiginig na ang labi ko sa inis at nauubusan na ako ng pasensya.
“He’s smart, successful, he’s always good at anything. He owns a jewelry store. Dylan is everything you’re trying to be, Olivia.” Tangina, parang sinampal ako ng kamay ng isang higante dahil sa sinabi niya.
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang una kong mararamdaman, sumisikip ang dibdib ko sa pangmamaliit niya sa akin.
Pinamukha niya lang sa akin na bobo ako at walang mararating sa buhay kaya pinagpalit niya ako sa isang lalake.
“Dylan knows his worth Olivia, and you… you always try your best but you kept on failing.” I smirked at those words and looked at him in the eyes.
“I don’t know, but I just love him, and yes siya ang kasama ko sa mga oras na hindi kita pinupuntahan. Olivia, Dylan just feels like home. And when I’m here I feel so fake, that I need to show how manly and kind I’m to you I just felt so suffocated. Until I can’t take it anymore” My lips parted and my body just feel numb.
Yong kirot at paninikip sa dibdib ko ay mas lalo lang tumitindi.
Ayaw kong umiyak sa harapan niya dahil hindi siya karapatdapat sa luha ko.
“Olivia, I already told you. I don’t want to hurt you… I’m so sorry” he begged.
“Kailan mo pa alam na bakla ka?!” seryoso kong tanong sa kanya at pagiiba ko ng usapan. Sumusobra na kasi ang pangmamaliit na lumalabas sa madumi niyang bibig, he looks at me, purse his lips and avoid my dark gaze.
“The night you want to have sex with me.” talagang nalaglag nalang ang panga ko sa sinabi niya at napuno na ako ng kahihiyan sa sarili dahil simula pala ng time na iyon pinamukha niya na akong tanga.
I bite my lower lip and shiver, “AGHRRRRRRRRRRR!!! PINAGMUKHA MO AKONG TANGA ANTON!!! YOUE JUST USED ME!!!! AHHHHHHH” kinuha ko ang walis tambo ko dito sa loob ng condo at sinugod siya, but he quickly runs.
Naghabulan kami sa hallway, sa puntong ito gusto ko na lang talagang saktan siya at magalit sa kanya dahil sa totoo lang hiyang-hiya na ako sa sarili ko.
I look so dumb in his eyes!
“I’m really sorry Olivia, I really didn’t mean it please!!!” sigaw niya habang naghahabulan kaming dalawa dito papunta sa elevator.
“Sorry?! Mabubura ba ng putanginang sorry mo ang kagaguhan na ginawa mo sa akin? Pinagmukha mo akong tanga Anton! papatayin kita ahhh!!!” Hindi ako tumigil sa pagtakbo at ng maabot ko na siya bigla akong natapilok at sumalampak sa gitna ng hallway.
“I’m really sorry Olivia, I hope you forgive me someday. We’re done.” sambit nito at mabilis na pumasok sa elevator at sinara ito.
“Hoy!!!! Anton!!!! Ako dapat ang magsasabi ’non. Break na tayo wag ka nang magpapakita sa akin!!! Ahh!!!” I just shout my lungs out and with that my tears fall.
I shed tears out of frustrations. Ang kapal niya, siya pa talaga ang makikipaghiwalay sa akin eh ako ang niloko niya! Pati ba naman sa huling araw namin dalawa pinagmukha niya pa rin akong tanga.
“Wahhh!” yumuko ako at nagpatuloy umiyak habang nakadapa dito sa gitna ng hallway.
“Wah!! Ahh!” sigaw ko, umiyak ako ng umiyak hanggang sa dahan-dahan akong kumalma at tumayo.
Naglakad ako pabalik sa condo ko at napatingin sa paa ko, niwala man lang akong suot na slipper ng habulin siya at mukha akong basahan.
Tumulo muli ang luha ko at tumawa na lang ng peke. Tinawanan ko na lang ang sakit at kahihiyan na kinakaharap ko ngayon.
Pagbalik ko sa condo, lahat ng kinalat at binato ko kay Anton kanina ay pinulot ko rin at itinapon ng maayos sa tamang basurahan sa ibaba ng condo.
Pagbalik ko sa condo, huminga ako ng malalim pagkasara ko ng pinto at inayos ang tali ng aking buhok.
Pinunasan ko ang aking mukha gamit ang aking mga kamay at hinawi paitaas ang aking bangs. Pagod kong pinagmasdan ang tanawin sa bintana ng condo ko.
Nanghihina akong naglakad papunta sa sofa at humiga doon. Ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata at pinunasan ang tumulo kong luha.
“Hindi ako failure.” madiin kong sambit kasabay ng matinding pagbukso ng galit sa aking dibdib.
“Hindi ako kulelat! Hindi ako bobo,” ani ko, pero iminulat ko ang aking mag mata ng marinig ang pagtunog ng cellphone ko.
Tumayo at kinuha ko ito sa kwarto ko. Sinagot ko ang tawag ng hindi tinitingnan ang caller.
“Yes?” walang gana kong tugon.
“Pola! This is enough! get your fucking things out of here! I’m done with you! Leave this hotel in instant. you are not worthy to be our employee! I have already given you multiple warnings, and yesterday I said, one more late excuse and you are out. Now is that day!” nanalaki ang mata ko ng marinig ang boses ni Manager mula sa kabilang linya.
Hindi.
“No, no, no Sir, please it’s just something personal happen. Please don’t do this to me. I’m on my way please I beg you. I need this job.” pagmamakaawa ko habang nagmamadaling sinusuot ang aking wig at nagpapalit ng damit.
“I’m done with your excuses! Pola! Fucking done!!!” he said.
“No, Sir please”
“You’re fired.”
CHAPTER 9
“Sir, please, please…I’m begging you I need this job… No, please” halos lumuhod at yakapin ko na ang hita ni Manager habang nandito kami sa loob ng opisina niya.
Nanatili siyang matigas at pilit akong itinutulak papalayo sa kanyang mga hita, pero hindi ako nagpatinag at nagmakaawa. “Please Sir, you know that my money was stolen. If I lose this job, I don’t know what will happen to me…please I’m begging you.” hindi ko na kinakaya ang aking sarili at nagsimula nang tumulo ang mga luha ko.
“Please, give me one more chance promise I will never be late again. I will do a lot of things here, just please let me stay! I badly need this jo—” he cut me out, as he burst out and pushed me away.
Dahil malaking tao si Manager madali niya lang akong itinulak papalayo sa kanya gamit ang pwersa at napaupo ako sa sahig. “I said, I had enough Pola! you are fired! take it of leave it, I don’t care anymore, get out before I call the security!” sigaw niya habang tinitingnan ako ng masama.
I wipe my tears using the back of my palm and look at him, “Please, you don’t know what I’ve been through, every day feels like suffering for me. If I lose this job, I will lose everything, the hope and the chances please don’t do this.” nanghihina kong sambit.
Nahihirapan na rin ako huminga ng maayos dahil sa pagbara ng sipon sa aking ilong at ang malalakas kong paghikbi.
“You can’t trick me with those lines again Pola, security!!!! call the security!!!” he shouted.
Nagpanic ako at mabilis na gumapang papalapit sa kanya, niyakap ko muli ang paa niya at nagmakaawa. “Manager, please don’t do this!!!” sigaw ko.
At kasabay ’non ay ang pagpasok ng mga security sa kanyang opisina. “Take her out of the facility, and don’t ever let her in,” he said and in just a snap, I was myself being dragged out of the hotel, while a lot of people is watching me.
“Don’t ever come back here.” sambit ng isang secuurity nang itulak nila ako palabas ng hotel. Napaupo ako sa kalsada at nagtamo ng gasgas sa magkabilang palad.
“Ahhh..p-please I-I n-need this job” I whisper but they just ignored me and go back to their work.
Naiwan akong nakaupo dito sa tapat ng hotel, puno ng luha at gulo-gulong buhok. “Wahhhhhhhhh” I cried out loud, screaming the frustration and depression that is hitting me right now.
Dahan-dahan kong pinagmasdan ang aking palad na may malaking gasgas. Makirot ito at tila pumipintig pa ang hapdi pero ang tanging nagawa ko lang ay ngumiti habang pinagmamadan ito.
I cry and laugh because I was filled with bursting pain and emotions.
After crying, I slowly stood up and start walking. Nilalayuan ako ng mga taong nakakasalubong ko at nang napatingin ako sa glass wall ng isang shop dito nakita ko ang repleksyon ko mula doon.
I can’t help not to smirked bitterly, because I look like a big mess. Kumalat na ang eyeliner ko sa mukha dahil sa pagiyak ko, at sobrang gulo ng wig ko.
Lumapit ako dito at tiningnan ang aking sarili, I tried to smile and fix my hair. Maingat kong inayos ang aking wig at pinunasan ang aking mukha. “Kaya mo ito Olivia,” I whisper to myself and kept on smiling, forcing myself to smile because this is my only hope right now.
“Wala ito Olivia, kaya mo ito” I whisper and start hitting my chest. Pinapatigas ko muli ang aking loob dahil ito na lang ang meron ako ngayon.
“Kaya mo ito Olivia, cheer up, cheer up” nang makita kong unti-unting bumabalik ang Oliviang kilala ko. Masigla akong gumuga ng hangin at ngumiti.
“May trabaho ka pa, hindi pa ubos ang pag-asa mo.” I tapped my own shoulder and look around New York Street before I start walking with a smile on my face.
Naglakad ako na puno ng pag-asa, parang panibagong restart na naman at nagpunta sa High Line para umanghap ng sariwang hangin. Umupo ako dito magisa at tiningnan ang magandang tanawin.
I cross my legs while putting both of my hands inside my pocket and close my eyes. I let the wind kiss my skin and the sound of the city surrounds my ears.
While taking soem fresh air, I startled when someon suddenly speak beside me. “This place is breath taking” he said, nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan ko ng makilala ko ang boses na iyon.
It’s my brother, he’s seating beside me but he’s facing the opposite position. Nakaharap siya sa likuran ko at nakangiting nakatanaw sa magandang view dito sa high line.
“Yeah,” sambit ko at pilit kong inipit ang aking boses upang hindi niya makilala at pasimpleng itinago ang aking mukha sa aking buhok.
“Having a bad day?” he asks, “No, I’m really into black.” tugon ko, pero tumawa lang siya at ngumiti bego ako tiningnan. Nang humarap siya sa aking lumingon ako sa iabng direksyon at tinago ang aking mukha.
“Miss, it’s ok to have bad days. Every people’s hard work will be worth it. Like my sister, she’s been a dreamer since I was young, and I saw her struggled and work so hard when she’s studying. Now, she’s enjoying her life with her own business. She’s amazing right.” tila hindi ko magawang lumunok dahil sa sinabi niya, parang may bumara sa aking lalamunan at pumiga sa aking puso.
“So, if you’re having a bad day, just believe that they are always a rainbow after the rain” he gently said. Pero hindi ko na kinaya at agad akong tumayo.
“Not every people are like your sister.” sambit ko bago mabilis na tumakbo papalayo sa kanya. Alam kong hindi niya ako nakilala pero bakit kailngan niya pang sabihin iyon sa ibang tao.
Ang tanong hinahangaan niya, ito ngayon nagtatago, nagsisinungaling at wala pa ring na rarating sa buhay.
Nang maklayo na ako tumigil ako para maghabol ng hininga at punasan muli ang luha na tumulo mula sa aking mga mata.
Nagsimula akong maglakad papunta sa shop kahit na limang kilometro pa ang layo nito sa lugar na kinatatayuan ko ngayon. I didn’t each lunch and just walk all the way to the shop.
Nakarating ako dito ng exact time ng pasok ko, nagbihis ako bilang waitress dahil kailangan ng crew, sa sobrang dami ng tao.
“Miss where’s my latte?!”
“Hey, give us some water here!”
“I’ve been waiting here like forever Miss, where is my croissant!!!” sobrang daming tao ngayon sa shop at hindi namin ito inaasahan na ganito karami kaya nagkakashirt of service na kami.
“Here, Pola take this to that table” sambit ni Ma’am Tallia sa akin at inabot ang croissant na order ng costumer.
I quickly grab it and take it to that table but I suddenly fall when I step on something. Natumba ako at natapon ang croissant na dala ko.
“Oh god! My croissant!!!” galit na sambit ng costumer, agad akong tumayo at pinulot ito. Bumalik ako sa kitchen at agad na sumalubong sa akin ang dismayadong tingin mula kay Ma’am Tallia.
“Let them to wait for 5 more minutes” pagod niyang sambit, tumango ako at agad nilapitan ang customer. “Please, we are really sorry for the inconvenience, can you wait for five more minutes?” magalang kong sambit.
“Fine, just give us some cold water” the customer said, I nodded and run to get some water pero paglapit ko sa kanya bigla siyang tumayo at nasago ang kamay ko ng kanyang braso.
I just close my eyes and after that I heard her shout, “Ahhh!!!!!” sigaw niya ng mabasa ang likuran niya. Napaatras ako at kumuha ng tissue. “I’m so sorry, ma’am it was an acci—”
Hindi ko natapos ang aking sasabihin ng paliguan niya ako ng malamig na tubig. “Quits!!! Let go!!” sigaw niya sa akin at tinawag ang mga kamasa para umalis.
“Oh gosh are you ok?” tanong ng ibang customer sa akin, pero nanatili lang akong nakayuko habang pinapanood na tumulo ang malamig na tubig mula sa aking basang buhok.
“Miss, are you ok? Here have some tissues.” some kind customer handed me some tissues and in return, I smile at them and kept bowing my head.
“Pola! oh gosh” lumabas si Ma’am Tallia sa counter at nilapitan ko. “What happened?” she said and bring me inside.
She gives me an extra shirt and towel to dry my hair.
Habang pinupunasan ko ang aking buhok, sumulyap ako sa kanya ng maramdaman na nakatitig siya sa akin.
“I’m ok ma’am, don’t worry I can still work after drying my hai—” she cut me out and spoke. “You are not ok; I want you and you need to take some rest. Rest for a week Pola” she said and handed me my salary for this month.
“Go home and take some time to freshen your mind.” she said and leave. “Pati ba naman dito?’ bulong ko. Tumayo na ako at kinuha ang aking gamit.
Hindi ko na alam ang aking nararadaman ngayon masyado na akong naguguluhan sa aking sarili to the point that I just feel so numb and tears just showed up.
Lumabas ako ng shop habang pinupunasan ang walang dahilan kong pagiyak. “Ano ba Olivia, nagiinarte ka na naman eh! Bakit ka ba umiiyak! Ayaw mo ’yon naligo ka hindi mo na kailngan maligo mamaya pag uwi sa condo hahaha” Kinakausap ko ang aking sarili na parang baliw.
Naglalakad ako magisa at hinahangaan ang ganda ng lugar, “Kung anong kinaganda ng lugar na kinaroroonan mo ngayon Olivia, ’yon naman ang inapangit ng buhay mo.” bulong ko.
Totoo nga ang sabi ng iba, sometimes a perfect place doesn’t mean a perfect life.
Because mine is a little bit miserable right now.
“Mahanap ko lang talaga kayo Darcy mababawi ko ang lahat ng ito.” I whisper and focus on walking home.
Pagpasok ko sa lobby ng condominuim, tumunog ang phone ko at unregistered number ito kaya sinagot ko.
“Hello?” I ask.
“Olivia, anak buti sinagot mo na ang tawag ko. I’ve been calling you for days. What happen to you? are you ok?” tumigil ako sa paglalakad ng marinig ang boses ni Mommy sa kabilang linya.
He way she ask me ‘what happen to you?’ and ‘are you ok?’ just makes me out to burst out on crying.Olivia? Naririnig mo ba ako? Nag-aalala na ako sayo, anak alam kong busy ka sa business mo pero tumawag ka naman sa akin kahit isang beses lang sa isang araw“ Mommy’s voice feels like home, the home I run away with.
Bumalik ako sa aking sarili at agad nagsalita, “Ah Mommy, I’m so sorry, sobrang hectic ng sched ko these past few days and I really don’t have time to check my phoe sorry” nasimula na akong maglakad at sumakay ng elevator.
“Kahit na Oli, alam mo naman na malayo ka sa amin. Tawagan mo pa rin kami pagmay oras ka dahil nag-aalala din kami sayo anak, I know you can handle yourself and you are good with it but we still need to know if you’re ok every day. Pati ang Dad mo hindi mo sinasagot ang tawag” sumandal ako sa pader ng elevator at pumikit.
I need to cut this call, dahil baka pagpinatagal ko pa ito ay umiyak na naman ako at tulyang mabuking.
“Yes? Ok, Ok, I’m coming, wait for me!” malakas kong sigaw at nagkunwaring may tumwag sa akin. “Ahm, mommy my friends are calling me. I’ll just call you later ok bye!” I spoke.
“Olivia wai—” pinatay ko ang tawag at nanghihina, naglulumong umupo sa gilid ng elevator.
Pinunasan ko ang aking mukha bago tumawa, I laugh because this is all I can do now. I’m not crying anymore. “Tama na ang pagiyak, naparami na kanina tama na Olivia.” bulong ko at yumuko, niyakap ang aking tuhod at pumikit sandali.
Kailangan ko lang ulit magrestart.
Tumayo ako ng tumunog na ang elevator at bumukas ito. Palabas palang ako ng elevator habang inaayos ang aking basang buhok ng biglang may bumangga sa akin. “ARAY!”
“I’m sorry!” napatingin ako kay Hector ng nagmamadali siyang nagsorry at pumasok sa elevator habang inaayos ang suot black na leather jacket.
Tiningnan ko siya hanggang sa tuluyang magsara ang pinto ng elevator. What with the rush?
Maglalakad na sana ako ng matapakan ko ang isang card sa sahig.
Pinulot ko ito at nakitang isa itong ID, hindi basta card.
Id ito ni Hector.
I stared at it and read his whole name.
“Hector Ansel Miranda”
CHAPTER 10
Hinihingal akong bumababa sa parking para habulin ito at iabalik ang ID niya. Pero pagbaba ko ay nakita ko nalang ang mabilis na paalis ng BMW nito.
“Sandali sabi eh,” bulong ko, habang hinihimas ang aking dibdib. Hiningal ako doon ah.
Dahil hindi ko naman alam kung saan ito pupunta, umakyat na ako sa itaas at dinala sa loob ng condo ang ID niya. I just felt so tired today and all I can do is to lay down on my bed and play COD.
“Bobo!!!” bulong ko ng hindi ko mabaril at mataaman ang lakaban. I just got irritated playing it, so I throw my phone on the other side of the bed.
Pumuwesto ako sa dulo ng kama bago hinayaang lumaylay ang buhok ko sa gilid nito. I close my eyes and tried breathing in and out before I open it again and reach for his ID.
Itinaas ko ito gamit ang dalawang kamay at binasa ng mabuti ang ID nito.
He’s wearing a formal attire on his ID picture. “Hector Ansel Miranda…hmmm manly name but I’m not sure baka bakla ka din kagaya ng kapatid mo.” bulong ko at binaligtad ito.
Nanalaki ang mata ko ng ngayon ko lang na realize na isa itong FBI ID. mabilis ko muli binasa ang harapan nito. “Deputy Special Agent in Charge (FBI) Hector Ansel Mirenda…” nanatili akong tulala sa sandaling oras bago nagsink in lahat sa akin.
I gasp and instanly seat, pero dahil nasa dulo ako ng kama mabilis akong bumaligtad at nahulog sa sahig. “ARAY!!Shhh!!” muling napahimas sa aking balakang at ininda ang pagkirot ng mga galos sa palad.
Pero mabilis ko din kinuha ang Id nito at tiningnan mabuti. “Seryoso ba? FBI? As in Federal Bureau of Investigation!!!” ang akala ko simpleng fuck boy na lang ito pero hindi ako makapaniwala na FBI siya.
I suddenly got the feeling of curiousity, Oo nga, napansin kong medyo formal siyang manamit at puno ang authority ang appearance niya.
“Hmmmm…” gumapang ako papunta sa kabilang side ng kama at kinuha ang aking phone. “Let’s see” I whisper and tried searching him on instagram.
“Hector Ansel Miranda…” pero walang lumabas, “Baka iba ang name wait, Hecsel Miranda, Hecto Miranda, H.Miranda… H.A. Mirenda… Hctr Nsl Mrnd.. wala pa rin wait baka iba pa… Miranda, SuperHector, It’s Hector Miranda? Ansel Hottie? Ay!!” wala itong instagram, baka sa facebook.
Lumipat ako sa facebook at gaya kanian hinanap lahat ng possible name niya pero wala talagang lumalabas na Hector Ansel Miranda.“Teka Olivia, kung FBI siya malamang hindi gagamit ng real name yan, and his real name is Hector…” kinakausap ko ang aking sarili na parang tanag habang nakatingin sa ID nito.
“Pero nagpakilala siya sa akin na Hector ang pangalan niya, so hindi niya tinatago ito… pero sandali nga baka may tweeter ito” sinubukan kong hanapin siya sa kung saan saang social media platform pero wala talaga.
Then biglang pumasok sa isip ko na kapatid pala niya yong pinagpalit sa akin ni Anton. Kaya dumiretso agad ako sa instaragm ni Anton na inunfollow ko kahapon.
Pero pagpunta ko sa account niya napanganga na lang ako, pagkaunfollow ko sa kanya nagpost agad siya ng picture nilang dalawa ni Dylan. “Ang lakas talaga oh!” sambit ko at natawa na lang sa inis.
Alam na alam talaga ni Anton kung paano tapakan ang pride ko ng hindi sinasadya. Tangina ka talaga! I bite my lower lip at mas napadali sa akn puntahan ang instagram account nong Dylan na iyon.
Paglipat ko sa account nito hindi ko na talaga kinaya at tumawa ng malakas. Napatayo pa ako sa sobrang sumasabog ang inis at dugo ko sa kanilang dalawa.
Puno ng picture ni Anton ang account nito, “Hahaha woah, lakas gurl sobra ahh” Sigaw ko at sipa sa unan sa gildi ko.
“Hahaha woah the best kayo!! the best!!” Ako mismo, naririnig ko ang pagkabitter sa boses ko. Pero wala akong pake, may karapatan naman akong magalit hindi ba.
Matagal na pala talaga akong niloloko at ginagamit!!! Umupo ako sa kama at tiningnan ang mga picture nilang dalawa. Puno ng mukha ni Anton ang post nito, at talagang proud pa siya. “At hindi pa talaga nakaprivate ah, so alam ng lahat ako lang ang hindi! Ang daya niyo mga tanga!!!” nanggigigil talaga ako gusto kong paguntugin ang dalawang iyon.
Sinimulan kong isa-isahin ang mag larawan, ang una kong tiningnan ay ang picture nilang dalawa ni Anton na nakasuot ng parehong jersey at iisang number. Agadkong naalala na ito yong hinihingi kong jersey niay pero sabi niya gagamitin niya daw sa game pero nong nanood ako hindi naman ito ang suot niya at pagkatapos non hindi ko na nakitang dinala niya sa condo ang jersey na iyon.
“Babe, nasaan yong Jersey mong violet? Pwedi ko bang heramin ang cute kasi non.” sambit ko habang tinitignan ang mga damit niay sa closet ko.
“Babe I already throw it, nasira kasi during practice,” he said while checking his phone.
“Ay ganun ba, ok”
“Kaya pala ayaw ibigay, couple shirt niyo pala ahhhh so sweet mamatay sana kayo sa kagat ng langgam!” I whsiper and move to the next post.
“Ay bongga!” hindi ko talaga maiwasang mag comment ng pasigaw dahil talagang nakakahiya yong kapal ng mukha nilang dalawa. Kami pa ni Anton nong mga time na pinost ang ibang pictures.
The next picture is Anton sleeping on a hotel room, at suot pa nito ang nirigalo kong t-shirt.naalala ko na ito naman yong time na naghanda ako ng dinner date dito sa loob ng condo kahit konti lang ang pera ko dahil monthsary namin pero agad siyang umalis pagkatapos kumain dahil may immergency meeting daw ang team.
“Babe, sabi sayo bagay yang T-shirt na iyan sayo eh. Tignan mo yong sa likod personalize design ko iyan. Hayaan mo pagnabalwi ko na ang pera ko at napatayo na ang clothing brand ko ikaw ang gagawin kong indorser haha” masigla kong sambti habang pinapanood siyang tingnan ang sarili sa tapat ng salamin habang suot ang t-shirt na binili ko sa kanya.
“Thank yoU, Babe, you’re so sweet kaya ma—” hindi niya natapos ang sasabihin ng biglang tumunog ang phone niya.
Mabilis pa sa alaskwatro niya itong sinagot at tumalikod sa akin, “Ahm..Lov—Louise, why did you call?” rinig kong tugon niya sa tawag.
“Really? Right now? But I’m… ok, ok I’m coming wait for me.” Anton said and turn off the call, slowly face me with a sad expression. “Babe, Louise just calls, we have an urgent meeting kasama ang buong team, I need to go”
Nawala ang ngiti sa aking labi ng malamang kailangan niya na agad umalis. “Alam ba nilang monthsary natin ngayo—” he cut me out and kneel in front of me.
“Babe naman, this is my career I need to go.” he said and gently caress my hands. Nagbuntong hininga nalamang ako at dahan-dahang tumango, kahit na alam ko sa aking sarili na ayaw ko siyang umalis.
“Uuwi ka ba dito?” tanong ko, nang tumayo siya sa aking harapan at sinuot ang jacket. “I don’t know, kung gaano katagal aabutin ang meeting Lov- I mean babe” he said, I shook my head and watch him wear hsi shoes.
“I’ll just call you” hinintay ko ang halik niay bago siya umalis pero wala akong natanggap at narinig ko na lang ang mabilis na pagsara ng pinto.
Bagsak balikat akong tumayo at pumunta sa aking kwarto, binuksan ko ang pinto nito at nakita ang hinatay kong candles at flowers sa kama.
“You are so lame Olivia” I whisper and lay down on the petals of flowers.
Ngayon ko lang na realize na wala palang immergency meeting ang mga players ano sila businessman! “Hahaha, bobo mo Olivia.” I mumbled and irritatedly move to the next picture.
Kumirot ang puso ko ng makita ang picture nilang dalawa sa St. Patrick’s Cathedral, matagal ko nang pinipilit noon si Anton na pumunta kami dito pero lagi siyang busy ayon pala ito lang ang gusto niyang dalhin doon.
Kahit na galit ako at alam kong madali akong makakapagmove on kay Anton, hindi ko pa ring maiwasang masaktan habang nakikita lahat ang other side of the story ng mga oras na magkasama kami.
“
Anton!!!“ masigla kong sambit at puno ng excitement akong lumapit sa kanya at yumakap sa balikat niya bago ipinakita ang screen ng phoen ko.
“Punta tayo sa St. Patrick’s Cathedral this valentines, pangarap ko kasing pumunta dito ng kasama ka, like were going to ask blessing as pray there together, so are we going these valentines?” I ask him while he’s reading magazines about soccer.
“Sorry Babe, diba quarter finals namin a day after valentines, so we surely have rush practice on 14. Can we just have dinner here on valentines” pagod niyang sambit, kaya unti-unti kong tinggal ang aking pagkakayakap sa kanya at tumango.
“Sige next time na lang haha, marami pa namang time”
Hindi niya ako gustong dalhin dito dahil noon pa man hindi niya ako nakikita bilang taong makakasama niya habang buhay, habang ako nagpapakatanga at bulag sa katotohanan, at pilit pa rin siyang minamahal nong mga oras na iyon.
Napailing na lang ako na puno ng pait sa aking mga ngiti, tumigil na ako sa pagtingin ng picture at sinubukan hanapin si Hector sa followers nito. Pero nisang Hector na pangalan wala akong nakita, puro soccer player ang followers nito.
Lumipat ako sa following pero shocks nong napindot ko na ang follwing doon ko lang napansin na isa ang ang pinafollow niya. Si Anton lang, “Loyal naman pala tss..” I whsiper and forcedly hit the back of my head on the bed.
“Wag mong sabihing nabubuhat sa first century ang lalaking iyon at walang social media account.” ani ko bago muling tinitignan ang ID nito.
“Gwapo ka naman, siguro dahil dyan ok na din na sayo ko nawala ang verginity ko kesa sa Anton na balkang ’yon. Na sayang lanag ang oras ko na kasama ang lalaking iyon tss.”
“Pero gwapo ka naman, bakit wala kang social media account, may tinataguan siguro ito” Tama FBI siya private persons ang mga ganong klase ng tao.
Huminga ako ng malalim at tiningnan ang gwapo nitong mukha, “Bakit wala kang social media account?”
“Bahala na tanungin mo na lang bukas, ibabalik kita bukas”sambit ko at binitawan ito sa tabi ng aking kama bago nagdecide mag shower bago matulog.
I wake up early in the morning remembering that I don’t have job anymore, kaya bumalik din ako sa pagtulog at gumising ng 1 pm.
Naligo at kumain ng sandwish for brunch, hindi ko kailangan magsuot ng wig ngayon dahil wala naman akong pupuntahan pero naalala ko na ibabalik ko pa la ang Id ni Hector mamaya kaya sinuot ko pa rin at naghintay sa tapat ng pinto.
Sumilip ako dito at hinintay siyang dumating, I seat beside teh door and play COD on my phone while waiting.
Nasa kalagitnaan na ako ng game ng mapansing dumaan siya kaya nagmamadali kong tinapos ang laro, “Shit, shit, shit mamatay kana dali!!!! Yes!” nakangiti kong sambit ng manalo sa laro.
Mabis akong lumabas ng condo at tumuloy sa tapat ng room niya, alam kong kakapaso niya pa lang kaya ako na mismo ang nagbukas ng pinto.
“Ahm Hector yong ID mo, nahu—” natigilan ako at napatulala dahil pagbukas ko ng pinto ang topless nitong katawan ang sumalubong sa akin.
“—Log” pagpapatuloy ko sa aking sinasabi at tiningnan ang dibdib nito pababa sa abs niyang 6 pack at sa s-sexy niyang v-line, nang pababa na ang tingin ko sa ibabang bahagi agad akong natauhan at bigla nalang lumipad ang kamay ko sa pisngi ko.
Sinampal ko ang aking sarili ng sobrang lakad at tuluyang natauhan, “Ahhh!!!” I shouted.
“What teh heck?” gulat niyang sambit ng mabingi sa pagtili ko. Hinawakan pa niay ang tenga kaya nagflex ang biceps niya.
Ang ho— hindi walang hot Olivia!!! Mali!
“Ahh blood!!!!”
CHAPTER 11
“Ahh, blood!!!!” nagtatalon ako sa pagsigaw habang tinatakpan ang aking mga mata na may konting siwang pa rin. Sayang view.
“Fucking too loud” rinig kong sambit ni Hector bego ko na ramdaman ang kanyang kamay sa aking braso at hinila ako papasok ng condo niya.
He pinned me behind the door and cover my mouth, “Hmm!!” nanlaki ang aking mga mata ng imulat ko ito dahil sobrang lapit niya sa akin. Tapos yung… yung abs niya natatamaan ng kamay ko sa bawat pag galaw ko.
“Hmm!!!!Bdjabdjabc (Bitawan mo ako)” he even smirked at me as I glared at him. “Shut your mouth first or else…” he playfully said, kaya tumahimik at tumigil ako sa pagpupumiglas.
“Good girl” he whispered as he slowly takes off his hands on my mouth. “Trespassing again?” nakangiti niyang tanong sa akin.
“Hindi ba ikaw ang humila sa akin dito sa loob ng condo mo—” natigilan at nanigas ako ng ilapit niya pa lalo ang kanyang mukha sa akin at sinabi, “You open teh door without knocking and my permission, would that be counted as a trespassing?” he was teasing me as he kept on moving closer whiel he speak.
Kulang na lang ilubog ko na ang mukha ko dito sa pader para lang layuan ang mukha niya, as in lumabas na ang double chin ko kakaatras ng aking mukha.
“Where did you found it?” he said in a sexy bedroom voice again, and I could feel and smell his mint breath into my skin.
“N-napulot ko kahapon nong bingga mo ako.” why am I shuttering? He nodded before he slowly moves away and get his ID on my hands.
“Thank you,” he said and look at his ID, nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang umatras na siya papalayo sa akin. I should be leaving after this but I remember that I want to ask him about his account.
“Wala kang facebook?” I ask. He glances at me with a confused expression. I gasp when I quickly realize what’s that expression means. “Omg, don’t tell me you don’t know facebook!?!” I shouted.
Pero imbis na sumagot, bigla niyang pinitik ang aking noo at sinabi. “I know it, anong tingin mo sa akin tanga?” I don’t know but my stomach acting weird when he speaks tagalog.
Bakit ang gwapo ng tono pagdating sa kanya. “Eh bakit wala akong nakitang any social media account mo?” I ask.
He chuckled and say, “So you check me out?” dahil sa sinabi niya agad kong na realize na hindi talaga ako ng iisip ng mga sinasabi ko kaya dahan-dahan ko na lang binuksan ang pinto at lumabas. “No”
“Really?” Again, he starts walking close to me, kaya lumbas na talaga ako ng tuluyan sa condo niya at siya naman ay tumigil sa harap ng pinto.
“I don’t have any social media account, so if you want to check me out, ask me instead, my bed is always free for yo—” I cut him by covering his mouth, the same way he did to me.
“SHUT UP!!!” I said it to his face before I run to my unit. Malakas kong isinara ang pinto para marinig niya at nang makaupo ako sa sofa napahawak ako sa dibdib ko habang hinihingal.
Sobrang lapit lang naman ang tinakbo ko bakit parang sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. “Hay nako Olivia,kakagaling mo pa lang sa break up, broken ka dapat.” paalala ko sa aking sarili at nanood na lang sa laptop ng movie and I tried playing COD ulit.
Habang naglalaro hindi ko magawang magfocus dahil sa sobrang daming umiikot sa isip ko. Naghahalo-halo na silang lahat, pero ang pinakanangingibabaw ay ang abs ni Hec—ay este yong idea na wala akong trabaho this week. Saan ako kukuha ng pera pang kain nito?
Isa pa yong ipon ko sa sweldo ko, ay itinatabi ko para sa paghahanap kila Darcy. “Putik wag na nga maglaro!!!” sigaw ko, sabay bato nito sa kabilang gilid ng sofa.
Humiga ako at nanatiling nakatulala, I waited for the time, until it reaches 7 pm. I take a shower and dress up. Wearing a simple black t-shirt and black denim shorts, paired them with black high cut converse and my big black leather jacket.
I fix my wig properly and add some just light makeup. Lumabas ako ng condo at nakasalubong si Hector na pabalik sa condo niya, nakasuot siya ng kulang itim na polo na fit sa katawan niya at black pants. Our eyes met but I instantly avoided him and run to teh elevator.
Sumakay ako kaagad ng elevator at inilabas sa aking tote bag ang designs at proposal ko sa shop ko. Malay mo this time tanggapin na ni Miss Corrin.
Dahil nagtitipid ako nang pera naglakad na lang ako kahit medyo malayo ang shop ni Miss Corrin. Ganitong oras siya tumatanggap ng proposals at designs kaya sure akong nandon pa siya sa shop niya.
The walk just took me 20 minutes bago nakarating sa harapng shop ni Miss Corrin. I take a deep breath and exhale I let it out loud, then I smile.
I confidently walk inside her shop and head straight to her office. I knocked, “Come in” rinig kong sambit nito mula sa loob, kaya agad akong pumasok.
“Good evening, Ma’am Corrin, it’s me again Oli—” hind niay na ako hinayaang matapos sa pagpapakilala at siya na mismo ang nagsabi ng buo kong pangalan. “Olivia Beltran, I know, you’ve been bugging me for almost a year” tila pagod niyang sambit, kaya natawa na lang ako at umupo sa harapan ng table niya.
“I’m here to propose my new t-shirt designs.” Sambit ko at inabot sa kanya ang kopya ng designs ko. Tiningnan niya ito bago huminga ng malalim at tiningnan ako.
“I already told you, Pola, that we are not accepting your designs because it’s too odd and I don’t think people will like these designs. I’m sorry you can leave now and here’s a piece of advice for you. If you see that the dream, you’re pursuing wasn’t really for you then stop and tried other one.” hindi ko alam kung advice ba ang sinabi niya sa akin o talagang pinapamukha niya lang sa akin na wala akong mararating sa pangarap ko.
I forced a smiel on her before I stood up, bow my head and leave. Lumabas ako ng shop na iyon at sinabi, “Pagnapatayo ko na ang shop ko, sisiguraduhin kong magugustuhan ng lahat ng tao ang mga t-shirts designs ko at mas lalagpasan pa kita!” dinuro-duro ko ang picture ni Ma’am Corrin sa labas ng shop niya.
“Hmmm nanggigigil ako sayong matanda k—” I stop ehrn teh door open and she showed up. “What are you doi—” hindi ko na siya hinintay pang matapos at mabilis na tumakbo papalayo.
Nakita niyang nakataas ang middle finge rko sa tapat ng picture niay kaya agad akong tumakbo palayo. At tumigil ako sa isang eskinita ng building na hinihingal.
Nagpahinga ako saglit dito bago naglakad muli pauwi ng condo. Habang naglalakad tumunog ang phone ko at isang unregistered number ito. Dahil I don’t really talk to stranger ay hindi ko ito pinalampas at sinagot.
“Hello?” I ask.
“Olivia” Tumigil ako sa paghinga at paglalakad ng marinig ang boses ni Dad. Oh no.
“D-dad? Ahmm…” parang may bumabara sa lalalunan ko ngayon. “Your mom and I have been calling you for a week already why aren’t you answering our calls?” When I hear Dad’s voice, I just suddenly turn into the little version of me, I just want to cry and run to him.
Cry on his arms, because that’s what I always do when I was young and Daddy will just turn into my super hero and solved my problems.
But this time I know that this is my problem and I’m in enough stage where I’m responsible for my decisions and failures. I don’t want them to get stressed out about me, I will just make it happen, all the words I said to them.
“S-sorry Daddy, I’m just so so so so so busy hahaha” when I chuckled, I heard that chuckled in a worried tone. “I know that but can you at least answer your mom’s call, because every time you did not answer her call, she’s convincing me to visit you there in New York” kinabahan ako ng marinig ang sinabi ni Dad.
Hindi sila pweding pumunta dito sa New York! “But you know that I’m busy with our business, so, visiting you there would be a bit impossible for now. So, please Olivia answers your mom’s call” dad gently begged, which soften my chest, I wish I could hug him right now.
“Ok Dad, I’ll put that in mind,” I answer.
“Ok, I have to end this already I have business meetings. Take care and I miss you Olivia” Dads’ words always make me feel safe. “I miss you too Dad, bye.” mabilis kong pinatay ang tawag at tumingala.
Upang hindi tumulo ang mga luha ko, “Woooo, kaya mo ito Olivia. Walang susuko” I whisper and smile.
Nagpatuloy ako sa paglalakad pauwi, pagdating sa condo na walan ako ng gana kumain ng dinner kaya dumiretso ako sa pagtulog. Pero dahil maaga ako natulog nagising din ako ng madaling araw.
I wake up at 3 in the morning. And when I stood up, I saw myself in the mirror. Tumayo ako sa harapan ng human size mirror ko at hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan ang sarili.
I’m wearing pajamas and my hair is in a messy bond, I’m also wearing a head bond that expose my forehead and a big weird glass.
“Ewww Olivia, you look socks!” panglalait ko sa aking sarili bago itinaas ang aking damit upang tingnan ang aking tyan. “Tumataba kana ah” I whisper and pinch some of my tummy fat.
Masyado akong naging busy nitong mg anagdaan na buwan, pumapangit na ako. I need to use this time to take care of myself. Tumuloy ako sa banyo, I wash my face and change my outfit into a sport wear.
I’ll just go to the gym na lang, para makapag excersise.
I just wear a simple black adidas sports bra, paired with short shorts and black rubber shoes. I also put my wig on and moles bago ako lumabas ng kwarto at kinuha ang tubig at inilagay sa contigo water bottle ko.
When I was in college I usually go to the gym before attending classes because madali akong tumaba pagnagstress eating ako for acads. Nang mapunta ako dito sa New York, madalang na akong nakakapaggym dahil sa stress.
Hindi naman ako mabilis tumaba dito dahil wala akong makain. I think that’s the advantage here haha.
Pababa ko sa lobby ng condominuim tumuloy ako sa gym dito sa baba, dahil this condo already has its own gym and swimming pool kaya hindi na kailangan lumabas.
Pagpasok ko sa gym agad akong nag IG story para makita nila Mom at nila Naivy na kunwari I’m living the life here in New York. I sposted it and start exercising.
Pumunta ako sa treadmill dahil ito lang talaga ang excersise ko here. I set it on a slowly mode lang para chill na lakad lang at nakakapagcellphone pa ako habang naglalad.
Pero habang nagcecellphone napansin ko ang isang lalaki sa Pecdeck machine, agad kong nakilal ang angel wings na tattoo na iyon.
Nandito din si Hector, naggygym din siya, at bakit kailangan topless ulit? I watch him force his muscle in that Peck deck machine at hindi ko maiwasang maamaze sa tattoo niay sa likod.
Dahil sa paggalaw niya parang gumagalaw din ang mga ito. Nakatalikod siya sa akin kaya hindi ko makita ang abs niYA pero nang mapatingin ako sa harapan niya, ilang mag babaeng naggygym ang nagkikilitian habang pinapanood siya.
“Ay wow my fans ng ganito kaaga?” I whisper.
Pagkatapos niay sa peck deck ay lumipat siya sa Resistance Machine kung saan nakaharap na sa direksyon ko. I saw those abs na tila dinadaanan ng tumutulo niyang pawis.
Tapos basa ang kanyang buhok dahil sa pawis, mukha tuloy siyang literal na wet look. Hindi ko maialis ang tingin ko sa kanya at pianood siyang mag excersise sa resistance machine.
My lips parted when he suddenly moves slow-mo in my eyes. Nag zoom in yong mata ko sa tumulo niyang pawis galing sa buhok niay pababa sa gilid ng mukha niya, dinaanan ang nunal sa gilid ng mata niya at pababa sa leeg niya.
At pababa pa sa dibdib niya na basang basa ng pawis at para itong nag slide sa baku-baku ng abs niya. Those flexing muscles are so amazing to watch.
Sobrang ganda ng hubog ng katawan niya, and when he finishes tumayo siya at tuminom ng tubig. He drinks so agressively and some fo the water from the battle spill out and tumulo ito sa leeg niya papunta sa abs niya pababa doon sa shorts niya.
Agad akong kumurap ng muntikan ko nang tingnan ang dinaanan ng tubig sa loob ng shorts niya. At bigla akong naalala ang gabing iyon.
“Ahhh Hector”
Sinampal ko ang aking sarili dahil doon, bakit mo pa inaalala ang bagay na iyon!
Ibinababa ko ang aking kamay sa treadmill pero nanlaki ang mata ko ng napindot ko ang pampabilis na botton. “Ahhhy!” gulat kong sambit at napatakbo bigla ng biglang bumilis ang machine.
“Ahhh!!!!” I shouted and ran as afast as I can, para lang mahabol ang bilis nito, pero sobrang bilis talaga. At ang ending nagkamali ako at hindi na nahabol.
“Ahhhhh!!!” tili ko ng maramdaman ko na lang ang aking sariling sumemplang sa sa sahig. “AGH! ARAY!” I whimper in pain when my hips hit the floor really bad.
“Aray, aray!” inda ko sa aking kumikirot na balakang.
Napahiga ako ng diretso sa sahig dahil sa sakit. “Aray ko…huhu” I whisper.
“What the hell are you doing to yourself?” I open my eyes when I heard Hector’s voice. He’s standing above my head.
“E-Execersing” tugon ko, na puno ng kahihiyan, tinitingnan ako ng lahat ng tao dito.
“You’re crazy,” he said and walk beside me.
“Hoy! Anong ginagawa mo!” nagpanic ako ng bigla niya akong buhatin.
“I’ll bring you to the clinic,” he said.
“Hindi na wag na! Bitawan mo ako! Aray!” I gasp when my hips aches.
“Shut up or I’ll bring you to my bed”
CHAPTER 12
“It’s just a swollen hips joint Miss, just put some ointment on it and you may feel such pain, stiffness, or trouble moving your hip from today until tomorrow. I suggest that you should rest your hips, for now, apply ice on your hips for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed, then try NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, it helps decrease swelling, pain, and possible fever.” the nurse her at the condominium clinic said while I say lying here at the clinic bed.
I mean nakadapa pala ako dahil sa sakit ng balakang ko, bakit ba kasi nangyari sa akin ito. Napatingin ako kay Hector na pacool na nakasandal sa pader habang nakakrus ang mga kamay sa tapat ng dibdib.
He’s already wearing his dry-fit shirt and a towel on his shoulder. He was checking his phone and glance at me, I glared at him and he just stared at me directly.“May I ask what happen to you why does this happen?” tanong ng nurse sa akin kaya bumalik ang tingin ko sa kanya.
Hindi ako agad nakasagot dahil sa tanong niay dahil pati ako hindi ko rin alam kung paano ako humantong sa ganitong kahihiyan. Sasagot na sana ako ng biglang may umepal.
“She’s checking me out, that why.” nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil sa sinabi niya at tiningnan siya ng masama. “That’s not true!!!” I haze and try to seat but my hips keeps aching.
“Ouch!”
“She was in the treadmill, while she’s checking me out and accidentally accelerate the mode of the machine and fall to me.” hindi ko talaga kinakaya ang lumalabas sa bibig nang lalaking ito.
“Hoy!!! hindi totoo yang sinasabi mo ah!” hinila ko ang t-shirt niya dahil sa inis, pero walang takot niya akong tiningnan at inilapit pa ang kanyang mukha sa akin.
“Really?” nanghahamon niyang sambti, hindi ako nakaimik dahil totoo naman ang sinasabi niya, kung hindi ko siya tinitingnan hindi sana mangyayari sa akin ito.
“Hmf!” I haze at him and let go of his shirt. Tinago ko ang aking mukha sa unan at nagpapadyak ng pasiple dahil sa inis. Lahat na lang ba talaga ng kamalasan ay kailngan kong saluhin?!
“You two are so cute, is she your girlfriend?” The nurse asked.
“No, we just fu––” kahit na masakit ang balakang ko, bigla akong napaupo ng tuwid at tinakpan ang kanyang bibig. “Ahhhh we’re fu-furiends haha, we’re close right?!” inakbayan ko siya at pinalupot ang aking braso sa kanyang leeg.
“Right?!” I said and glared at him. Hector nodded, ngumiti ako sa nurse at tinawanan niya lang kaming dalawa habang umiiling-iling.
“This generation is really complicated to understand,” she said and turn her back on us. “You may go, just follow what I’ve said and you’ll be fine in the next few days,” she said.
“Let’s go” panatingin ako kay Hector ng magsalita siya at sa isang iglap nakita ko ang aking sarili sa kanyang mga braso.
Binuhat niya ako, “Hoy bakit mo ako binubuhat!! kaya kong maglakad!!!” I shouted at his face, he frowned because of my loud voice and stare at me.
“Are you really that loud and crazy? Do you think you can walk with your condition?” he asks.
Hindi ako nakaimik, I just purse my lips and rolled my eyes at him. “Thanks,” he said and look at the nurse. The nurse smiled at us and nodded.
Lumabas kami ni Hector na buhat-buhat niya ako, buti na lang wala masyadong tao dito sa lobby dahil maaga pa. Pasimple kong tinatago ang aking mukha tuwing may mga tao kaming nakakasalubong.
Sumakay kami ng elevator at hindi ko kayang ganito katahimik sa paligid namin dalawa. “Pwedi mo na ako bitawan kaya ko naman nang maglakad” nahihiya kong sambit.
He looks at me and said, “Are you sure?” he asks. Tumango ako, akala ko ibaba niya na ako pero hindi, hinawakan niya ang balakang ko at diniinan ito ng bahagya.
I whimper in pain and grip on his shoulders. “I’ll just carry you until we reach your unit, it’s fine. You’re heavy I admit, but good thing I’m stro—ouch” hinampas ko siya dahil sa sinabi niya at tinawanan niay lang ako.
“Just playing with you haha,” he said and eksaktong bumukas ang elevator sa floor namin.
Lumabas kami at habang papalapit kami sa room ko, bigla akong na stress kung paano ako magpapasalamat sa kanya. Hindi ko alam, nahihiya ako at isa pa kinuha niya virginity ko dapat hindi kami chill sa isat-isa.
Nang nasa tapat na kami ng pinto ng condo ko, nagulat ako ng lumagpas siya at papunta kami sa unit niya.
“Hoy, Hoy, Hoy!!!” I said and start hitting his chest, he smirked playfully and gaze at me, “Don’t you wanna rest in my bed?” maloko niyang sambit kaya nagpumiglas na ako at nakababa na.
Binitawan niya ako, pero inalalayan niya mula akong makatayo ng maayos bago ako pakawalan at tumawa. “Nakakainis ka talaga!!!”
“Walang thank you?” tanong niya, pero napuno ako ng pride at inis sa kanya. “Manigas ka!” I spoke.
At paika-ikang naglakad papunta sa condo ko, pumasok ako agad sa loob at pabalibag na isinara ang pinto.
“Aray ko, aray, aray” inda ko at nanghihinang naglakad papunta sa kwarto. Pinahinga ko ang aking balakang at walang ginawa buong araw kung hindi maglaro ng COD at manuod ng anime.
Habang nanonood hindi ko maiwasang maalala ang tumutulong pawis na iyon. “OLIVIA, TUMIGIL KA NGA!! DYAN KANA NGA NAPAHAMAK INIISIP MO PA RIN!!! AGHHHHHRRRRR!!!!” singhal ko sa aking sarili at pilit pinagsasampal ang aking mukha.
Kailangan kong makalimutan ang abs na iyon, bakit ba kasi interisadong interisado ang mata ko sa abs at tattoo niya. Marami naman na akong nakitang ganon sa buong buhay ko.
Dahil doon, nagscroll ako sa internet ng ibat-ibang abs para lang hindi isipin ang kanya. “Marami namang mas may magandang abs sayo noh, sigurado ako doon.” I whsiper and kept scrolling.
After a few hours, “Ahh iba talaga yung abs at tattoo niya eh!! perfect combination pre!!!” sigaw ko at tinakpan ang aking mukha ng unan.
Nagpapadyak ako pero biglang kumirot ang balakang ko,“Aray, aray, aray huhuhu” I whisper and close my eyes.
“Hay buhay, Olivia ang malas-malas mo talaga!!!”
Gaya kagabi hindi ako kumain ng lunch at dinner nagyong, itinulog ko na lang ito at gumising ng maaga kinabukasan. Naisipan kong magluto ng adobo para kay Hector bilang pasasalamat sa pagtulong sa akin.
Dahil mabait naman ako, paika-ika akong naglakad sa kusina at nagsimulang magluto ng adobo. Good thing my mom is a good cook, she’s actually good at everything except dancing,her feet were both left tho, hahaha.
I cook the adobo in the traditional way but I add my own recipe which is cheese, after cooking the adobo, I put it in a ceramic bowl and put the cheese on top to bake it.
I just waited for 15 minutes and it’s ready. Inilabas ko ito sa oven at tinakpan. I wear my hat to hide my hair, dahil tinatamad na ako magsuot ng wig.
“Here, thank kahapon” I said, practicing what I’m gonna said in front of him. Lumabas ako ng condo at naglakad papunta sa harap ng condo niya.
Breath in, breath out…kaya mo ito Olivia. Magpapasalamat ka lang.
I knocked, pero walang sumasagot. Isa pa ulit pero wala pa rin, sinubukan kong buksan ito pero nakalock. Lumapit ako dito at pinakinggan kung bukas ang aircon sa loob pero sobrang tahimik sa loob ibig sabihin wala siya.
“Ano bayan, mas masarap ito pagmainit eh! tss, mamaya na nga lang” I whisper and go back to my condo. Naghintay ako hanggang lunch at muling bumalik sa condo niya pero wala paring tao.
Dinner, wala pa rin talaga siya kaya ang ending ako ang kumain ng niluto kong adobo. Kinabukasan nagluto na lang ako ng fried chicken para ibigay sa kanya pero gaya ng kahapon umabot ako ng gabi kakahintay at pabalik-balik sa unit niya.
The next day, tinola naman pero wala pa rin siya. Hindi ko alam kung umuuwi ba siya or hindi eh.
The fourth day wala talagang tao, lahat ng niluluto ko ay ako lang din ang kumain kinagabihan kaya itong susunod na araw ay hindi na ako nagluto. “Wag nang magpasalamat Olivia, I’m sure kinalimutan niya na iyon.” I whisper and take sa shower.
Wala nanaman akong gagawing buong araw, bukas pa ang balik ko sa coffee shop kaya nag-nga pa rin ako ngayong araw. Siguro maglalaro na lang ulit ako ng COD at manunuod ng Tokyo Revengers.
But after taking a shower this afternoon, I received a call from Jalsey. “Hello? Why did you call?” I ask.
“We have a party tonight, Ate’s friend party, wanna come?” tanong niya.
Sumilay ang liwanag sa aking mukha ng marinig ang salitang party, mukha ngang kailangan ko ’yon ngayon ah. “Sure, what time ba?” Tanong ko.
“9pm, sunduin ka namin dyan ok” I nodded, “Sure, nasa lobby na ako before 8 hahahahha” sambit ko at tinawanan niya lang ako. “Ok, I’ll call you later” she said and end up the call.
I look at my naked self in the mirror here in front of the mirror inside the bathroom and said, “We need a glow up” I uttered. Lumabas ako at namili ng susuotin na damit, I just choose a black leather dress that length 9 inches above the knees, paired it with black high boots and a maroon jacket.
Ginupitan ko rin ang bangs ng wig ko at kinulot ito, I wanna look good later baka makakuha ng papa.
Pagsapit ng 8 nagayus na ako at naglagay ng make-up. Humarap ako sa tapat ng salamin and take a picture to post on my instagram.
I even show my heels as my ig story. 8:55, bumababa na ako ng lobby at hinitay sila doon. Before 9 nakita ko na ang sasakyan ni Ate Sammy sa labas kaya tumakbo ako pasakay doon.
“Ahh!!!” tumili kaming tatlo pag sakay ko dahil sa excitement. “We all look gorg!!!” ate Sammy said and started the engine.
Halsey and I smile as we look at each other and head to the party. Pagtapat pa lang namin sa harap ng bahay agad na namin naririnig ang malakas na music mula sa loob kaya excited kaming bumaba tatlo.
Loko kang Anton ka, akala mo ba ikaw lang ang nageenjoy ngayon. Tingnan mo lang mas hot pa sainyong dalawa ng Dylan mo ang ipapalit ko sayo.
“Let’s go!!!!!” we shouted and went inside.
Pumasok kami sa loob at dumadagundong na music ang sumalubong sa amin at sobrang daming tao sa loob. They instantly gave us some drinks at syempre dinala kami ni ate Sammy sa friends niya.
“Guys, this is my sister and our friend, Jalsey and Pola” she said and those guys look at us with a smile on their faces.
“Hi ladies, I’m Parker the birthday boy hahaha” one of them stood in front of us, he shakes hands with us. “I have my friends here with us, Hunter, Steve, Christ and oh, there you are…” napalingon kami ng may tinukoy siya sa aming likuran.
Paglingon ko tumama ako sa isang lalake, at nang tingnan ko kusino ito nanlaki ang mata ko.
“He’s Hector, my friend”
Hector looks at me and held my waist, without everyone noticing it. He smirked and just stared at me.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Hector,” he said.
Sira ba siya!
CHAPTER 13
“I’m Jalsey.” mabilis akong lumayo kay Hector ng magpakilala sa kanya si Jalsey. He smiled at me before he faces Jalsey, nakipagkilala siya sa magkapatid bago muling ibinalik ang tingin sa akin.
I avoided his gaze and look at the table, “Oh, and I forgot he’s brother is also here my friend Dylan” I instantly look back when I heard that name, parang kumulo ang dugo ko ng makita kong naglalakad ito papalapit sa amin at tumigil sa tabi ng kapatid.
“Hi, everyone” he greeted us and when our eyes met, nakita ko ang pagdaan ng kaba sa mga mata niya ng makita niyang tinititigan ko siya.
Hector haze at him and nauna na itong umupo, “Seat here ladies,” sambit ni Parker at pinaupo kami sa kabilang dulo ng mahabang table.
Katabi ko si Jalsey sa kanan habang si Ate Sammy naman ay nasa tabi ni Parker, they were all talking while I just kept on glaring at this Guy in front of me.
Ata talagang tumapat ka pa sa akin ah, iniiwasan niya ang tingin ko at halatang hindi siya kumportable sa pwesto niya kaya mas lalo ko siyang tiningnan ng masama.
“Olivia,” tumigil lang ako ng bumulong sa akin si Jalsey, hinarap ko ito at inilapit ang aking mukha sa kanya. “Ang gwapo ni Dylan at Hector noh” she whispers.
Tiningnan ko ang tinutukoy niyang tao na taimtim na umiinom ng beer sa harapan namin. “Alam mo Jalsey ang pangit ng taste mo.” bulong ko pabalik bago tinungga ang beer ng straight, at bagsak itong ibinaba sa harapan ni Dylan.
Hatalang na gulat siya doon at agad tumayo, “I’ll just get some drinks hehe” sambit nito at agad umalis sa harapan ko. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin hanggang makaalis siya.
“Bakla ka” bulong ko, “How’s your hips?” nagulat ako ng biglang lumitaw sa harapan ko si Hector, lumipat siya ng upuan sa harapan ko.
Tinignan ko si Jalsey kung na rinig niya ba ang sinabi ni Hector, pero buti na lang busy siyang kausap ang mga kaibigan ng ate niya.
“It’s fine already” mahina kong sagot, nagkrus ito ng kamay at tiningnan akong mabuti. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko sa kakaibang tingin na iyon kaya umayos na lang ako ng upo at nagpunas bigla ng pawis.
Bakit may pawis ako?
“Why are you wearing wigs?” he asks. Muli ko siyang tiningnan and this time lumapit ako ng konti para sagutin siya.
“Wala kang paki, at isa pa wag kang makipagusap sa akin dito. Hindi tayo magkakilala” I said and move away. He smirked and lean over. “That’s cool, we can just call ourselves strangers who fu—” hindi ko siya pinatapos magsalita at agad sinubuan ng lime.
“Shut up!” I whisper, tumayo ako at hinila si Jalsey para sumayaw sa ginta. Ayaw kong magstay doon ng kaharap si Hector.
He’s giving me different feelings and I feel bad about it.
“Bakit mo ko hinila dito Olivia?” Jalsey said.
“Magsasayaw tayo, sayang naman ang music kung hindi mo sasabayan woahhhh!!!’ I shouted and dance all out.
While dancing lumapit sa aking si Jalsey at bumulong muli. “I think that Dylan is my type, what do you think?” kulang na lang masuka ako sa pandidiri dahil sa sinabi niya.
“Bakit yon? Ang daming gwapo sa table na iyon bakit siya pa?” hindi mo ba na bakla ’yan, siya ang umagaw sa boyfriend kong bakla din pala.
“Why, he’s nice and charming kaya” sambit nito, kunot noo ko siyang tiningnan at pinanood kiligin habang pinagmamasdan si Dylan na nakikipagtawanan kila Parker.
Poor Jalsey, hindi niya alam na bakla ang type niya. “Kung ako sayo maghanap ka nalang ng iba, pangit ng pakiramdam ko sa Dylan na ’yan” I said and kept swaying my hips.
“But I have a good feeling about him, dyan ka lang punatahan ko lang siya. Gonna shoot my shot” she said, “Hoy teka iiwan mo ako dito?” tanong ko.
Tumango siya at agad nilapitan ang Dylan na iyon, tumataas na talaga ang presyon ko dahil sa Dylan na ’yan, bakit ba lahat ng tao gusto siya!?!
I watch Jalsey talk to him and they laugh together, “Tss, Bakla!” inis kong bulong at kinuha ang isang drinks na dala ng waiter na dumaan sa tabi ko.
Ginawa ko itong isang lagukan bago muling sumayaw sa gitna, sobrang daming taong nagsasayaw kaya nakikipagsabayan ako.
I’m just gonna forget all my problems tonight and party all night!!
“Woahhh!!!!!!”
Hector’s POV
“Shut up,” I watch her walk with her friend in the middle of the crowd and fearlessly dance. She’s way crazier than I thought.
I had been watching her since we were seated here, she was just glaring at Dylan the whole time. Making him feel her anger towards him and I know Dylan feels bad about it that’s why he volunteers to get more drinks.
I don’t usually go and attend parties like this, because I’m always busy at work. But this night suddenly became my free time after a straight week of work. I don’t even go home for a week because of the investigation.
When Parker asked me to join them tonight, I was about to say no but suddenly something tells me to come. And surprisingly it’s her again.
I guess this night wasn’t as boring as I thought so, I watch her whisper something with her friend and start glaring at Dylan again. When I glance at my brother, he has no idea that there’s this woman who is killing him in her mind.
I can’t help, not to smirk and chuckled as I watch her reaction. She’s like a boiling pot that produces a lot of smoke from her ears.
Her friend seems to admire Dylan, she was smiling at him the whole time. Then suddenly her friend left her there and seat here beside Dylan.
They started talking and laughing, I look back at her and saw her drinking margarita in just one shot, turn her back on this area, and start swaying those hips.
She even removes her jacket to expose her white skin, yes, I admit that she’s fine and sexy but she’s too crazy and weird. I just enjoy watching her with her weird actions and expression.
But she’s far from my type, that night we have unwanted sex. I was drunk too but not too drunk to forget what happened and to wear protection. She’s so hot and admiring that night and I can’t help to devour those white skin and small waist.
Even her red fire hair turns me on that night, but I just notice that she’s not letting anyone saw her real hair. She’s always wearing that short black wig. So, I guess she’s really crazy.
I take a sip on my beer and just watch her dance until one guy notices her and stands behind her. He dances with her and held her waist.
She doesn’t seem to notice him because I bet, she’s drunk already. I just continue watching them dance and this guy moves closer to her and lets her lean in his chest and wrap his right arms around her waist.
The guy asks for a drink while they’re dancing and when the waiter handed him a whiskey. He smiles at him and puts drugs on that drink.
He’s gonna make her drink that whiskey, he whispers something on Olivia’s ears and handed her the whiskey. I don’t usually get involved in this situation but this crazy woman is senseless right now.
I stood up and quickly walk towards them, I grab the drink before she could drink it and pull her away from this man.
“What the fuck bro, she’s mine!!!” he hazes and was about to punch me, but I showed him my ID that make him stop. “Run before I catch you” I whisper.
I saw fear in his eyes and in just a glimpse of an eye, he run away and leave us here. “Mhmm…akin na painom” I got shocked when Olivia steals the glass of whiskey from me and quickly drink it straight.
“Hey!” I couldn’t stop her, because she already drinks it. I massage the bridge of the nose because this woman is so hard-headed.
“You’re crazy” I uttered but she heard it. “Anong shabi mo?! baliw ako? duh, I’m not crazy, you jerk! I’m smart and successful!!” she’s drunk, I can say, her face was already red.
“Successful? Really?” I asked.
“Oo bakit?!!” she grabbed my collar and pull me close to her. “Ikaw ilang araw kabf hindi umuwi! pinagluto pa ’man din kita ng adobo!!” she said while her eyes are close.
“Why would you cook food for me?” watching her in this state really is something, she’s so funny to watch.
“Kashi nga magpapashalamat dapat ako!! kasi mabait ako!!” she shouted into my face, that almost breaks my ear drums. I chuckled and move her face away for a bit, using my finger.
“Well, can you cook me another one for tomorrow?” I playfully ask. She opens her eyes and moves closer again. “Hmm pagiisipan ko! teka! ikaw ba ay hindi bakla? baka bakla ka ’din kagaya ng kapatid mo, kaya wala kang pacebook! anong dapat kong isearch para makita ka sa instagram? Hectoria ba?” She’s like a non-stop radio announces, it’s amaze me that he can produce a lot of words in one sentence.
She’s really crazy, “I’m not gay, we fuck already and you still think that I’m gay?” I whisper that in her ears.
“Hindi ako naniniwala!!” she said, she coped my face and stare at me.
“Gwapo ka naman, pero hindi na ako madadala sa mga gwapo-gwapo lanh! sigurado ka bang hindi ka baklsa?!” she’s really pursuing it huh.
“No, I’m not,” I said.
She squished my face and move closer, “Kailangan kong siguraduhin hmm, stay still,” I don’t know what she means by that until I felt her hands on my stomach.
When I look at it, she’s tracing my abs and slowly closes her eyes. “I been thinking about this for a few days already, hmm, it’s really hard than I though it would be,” her voice is so loud.
Good thing the people around us don’t care and have their own business.
I smirked and catch her hands, stopping her from going down. It’s like Deja vu. “You are so dangerous when you’re drunk. I might lock you in if you continue these impulsive actions of yours.” I whisper into her ears before I teasingly blow in her ears.
She reacted and face me, covering her ears using her free hand. “I’m not drunk” she fearlessly said.
“Are you sure about that?” I ask and wipe that smudged lipstick on the side of her lips.
“I want to kiss you,” I stop when she whispers that.
“What did you say?” I ask, I’m not sure about what I’ve heard. She moves her lips closer to mine and I’m tempted to taste those lips again but I want her to move first.
So, I won’t be blamed for taking advantage tomorrow morning.
“I said, I want to kiss you, asshole!” she shouted and the next thing I know is that she falls on the floor.
She passed out…
I laugh and watch her snoring on the floor. “I can’t believe this” I have no choice but to bring this extraordinary girl home.
I didn’t bother asking her friends on taking her home, I just texted them using her phone and bring her to my car.
“Hmmm” she groaned when I was putting her seatbelts on.
“Ang init!!!” she hazes and pulls her wig off, once again I saw that red fire hair again. I fix some strands of it from her face and started the engine.
“You are a trouble maker do you know that?” I uttered while she sleeps peacefully.
We arrived in front of the condo before 11 and I carried her up in a piggyback ride. As we step out of the elevator she suddenly talks and said.
“I need to prove myself”
“To whom?” I tried asking but instead of answering, I hear her snoring.
“You are weird” I whisper, I thought it’s done already but…
I stiff when she started kissing my nape, I could feel how hot her breath is. “Stop that” this is bad.
“Hmmm,” my eyes widened when she starts moaning, what the fuck! She has taken drugs a while ago, this is a problem.
I rush her into her condo and throw her into her bead. “You are really a trouble maker! I could almost bring you to my bed because of those fucking lips” I haze and leave her place.
As I enter my unit, I look down and speak.
“What the fuck, do you really stand straight just because of that moan!”
“What the fuck!!!”
CHAPTER 14
OLIVIA’S POV
“Hmmmmmmm…” paggising ko ay agad akong nagunat at dahan-dahang umupo, tinanggal ko ang nakapalupot sa aking comforter bago iminulat ang aking mga mata.
I yawn and stretch my arms up, medyo kumikirot ang ulo ko dahil sa hangover. When I glance at the window it’s already dawn daylight.
Inabot ko ang phone ko at tiningnan kung anong oras na, Its 6:32 am pa lang. Ang aga ko atang nagising para sa may hangover. “Agh!” inda ko ng biglang umikot ang paningin ko pagkatayo ko.
Kaya ang ending bumalik ako sa kama at humiga, I cover myself again and tried to go back to sleep. Gabi pa naman ang pasok ko sa coffee shop mamaya kaya ok lang bumalik sa pagtulog.
I close my eyes and try to sleep…
“Hi miss, wanna drink?” while dancing a guy approached me and offer me some drinks. I smiled at him and nodded as I continue dancing and felt his arms all over my waist.
Well, wala naman na akong paki dahil pwedi naman na akong lumandi ngayong single na ako.
I heard him call a waiter and ask for my drink, so, I smile and kept on moving my hips and waist. I feel dizzy already, hindi ko alam na malakas pala ang tama sa akin ng margarita.
“Thanks,” The guy behind me said and kept on caressing my waist. “Here’s your drink sweety” he gently said, then offer me the red drink.
When I was about to drink it, dahil pakiramdam ko nanunuyo na ang lalamunan ko biglang may humila sa iinomin ko at sa braso ko. Naramdaman ko na lang na tumama ako sa isang matigas na bagay.
“What the fuck bro, she’s mine!!” napapikit ako sa malakas na sigaw na iyon, at naramdaman ko na lang na may taong nasaharapan ko na hawak ang inumin ko.
“Akin na ’yan nauuhaw ako” I whisper.
“Run before I catch you” hmmm, parang kilala ko ang boses na iyon. “Ayon” I whsiper when I found my drink, lumalabo na ang paningin ko dahil sa epekto ng alak.
Pero uhaw na uhaw na ako, I need to drink.“Mhmm…akin na painom” inagaw ko ito sa lalaking na sa harapan ko at agad itong tinungga. “Ahhh” I said as the water fill my lungs and it doesn’t feel dry anymore.
“Hey!” nagulat ako ng maaninag si Hector sa harapan ko, ahh siya pala ang umagaw sa drinks ko.
“You’re crazy” narinig kong bulong niya, teka ako ba ang tinutukoy niya? Tumayo ako ng tuwid at tiningnan siya ng masama kahit na ang totoo hindi ko na nakikita ng malinaw ang kanyang mukha.“Anong shabi mo!?! baliw ako? duh, I’m not crazy, you jerk! I’m smart and successful!!” I said and try to stand straight but I know I couldn’t, nagiinit ang mukha ko dahil sa alak.
“Successful? Really?” he asked.
“Oo bakit!?” I grabbed his polo’s collar and pull him close to me, hoping that I could see his face clearly. Pero wa-epek. “Ikaw ilang araw kang hindi umuwi!!1 pinagluto pa ’man din kita ng adobo!!” I said while I close my eyes, ayaw talagang luminaw.
“Why would you cook food for me?” he whispered that into my face, I could smell his mint breath because of that.“Kashi nga magpapashalamat dapat ako!! kasi mabait ako!!” I said and try shaking him up, but he pushes me on my forehead.
“Well, can you cook me another one for tomorrow?” I open my eyes and still, my eyes vision is blurry. I hate alcohol. “Hmm pagiisipan ko! teka!! ikaw ba ay hindi bakla? baka bakla ka ’din kagaya ng kapatid mo, kaya wala kang facebook!! anong dapat kong isearch para makita ang instagram mo? Hectoria ba?” I said, my stomach is acting up already and my eyes feels so tired.
“I’m not gay, we fuck already and you still think that I’m gay?” hindi daw, parehas lang sila ng kapatid niyang bakla.
“Hindi ako naniniwala!!” I said, and coped his face and stare at him. Luminaw sa paningin ko ang mga maganda nitong mata at ang nunal na iyon.
“Gwapo ka naman, pero hindi ako madadala sa mga gwapo-gwapo lang! sigurado ka bang hindi ka bakla??!” I said, at mas pinisil ko ang kanyang mukha.
“No, I’m not,”
“Kailangan kong siguraduhin hmm, stay still!“sambit ko, at kinapa ko ang abs nito. Hehe, buong linggo itong umiikot sa isip ko, kailangan ko itong mahawakan.
“I been thinking about this for a few days already, hmm it’s really hard that I thought it would be,” I shouted.
Ang tigas ng abs niya, gusto ko itong hawakan lagi. “You are so dangerous when you’re drunk. I might lock you in if you continue these impulsive actions of yours.” nakaramdam ako ng nakakakiliting pakiramdam ng bumulong ito sa aking tenga kaya hinarap ko siya at tinakpan ang aking tenga.
“I’m not drunk” hindi ako lasing, konti lang! that’s different!
“Are you sure about that?” he whispers and touch the side of my lips. While doing that, suddenly I have a clear vision of his reddish lips. That looks like tasty lips, I want to kiss it.
“I want to kiss you,” I whisper my thought.
“What did you say?” I heard him ask, bingi naman nito!!
“I said, I want to kiss you, Asshole!”
“Ahhhhh!!!!!” malakas kong sigaw ng maalala ko ang ginawa ko kagabi! Oh no! Did we kiss? Napaupo ako sa kama at sinabunutan ang aking buhok.
“Did we kiss? Did I kiss him first? May nangyari ba ulit? O my gosh!!! Oliviaaa!!!” I shouted at myself and roll over the bed.
“I can’t remember anything after that, but I saw that our lips were about to kiss in my memory. That means I kiss him! I kiss him last night!!!
“Ahhh!!!!!” anong katangahan na naman ito Olivia! Teka…
Tumigil ako bigla at napaupo ng tuwid, teka! Wala naman na kami ni Anton anong mali doon? Isa pa it’s just a kiss right. “Tama, you are free to flirt with anyone now because you’re single Olivia, yong kagabi ok lang iyon… tama ok lang ’yon” I whisper to myself.
“You are really a trouble maker! I could almost bring you to my bed because of those fucking lips”
“Huy ano ’yon?!” naginit ang aking pisngi ng marinig ko ang boses ni Hector sa aking isipan. What is that?! Why am I blushing!?!!!!
Then an image of him half-naked flashes into my mind, “Noo!!! ahh stop, stop, stop Olivia!!!” tumakbo ako ng banyo at agad naghilamos, iminulat ang aking mga mata ng sobrang laki.
“This is crazy!!” sambit ko sa aking sarili na tila namumula ng sobra sa harap ng salamin.
Natigilan ako ng marinig kong tumunog ang laptop ko sa labas ng banyo. Lumabas at nilapitan ko ito,tumatawag si Bunny. Agad ko itong sinagot. “Hello, why did you call?” I ask.
“Woah, you look messed up Oli, what happen?” she asks. Kalat ang make up ko dahil sa paghilamos ko kanina, I laugh and say, “I attended a friends party last night, nakalimutan ko lang mag tanggal ng make up and right now I’m washing my face na.” tugon ko.
She nodded and smile, “No, I just call, kasi I saw your ig story last week, you’re working out again?” excited niyang tanong. “Ah oo bumalik ako dahil tumataba na ako hahaha, kahit hectic ang sched I need to look sexy pa rin” I said and show my body to the cam.
“You’re always sexy naman, kahit you gain weight. I just called because I’m back in France again, and I’m planning on sending you some diet food and chocolates from dad’s company. Since you start working out again” she said.
“Ahhh sure, send mo na lang sa address nabinigay ko sa inyo last time.” sambit ko. “Good, you’re up so early. Are you going to teh gym right now?” tanong niya, tumawa ako at sinabi, “Oo, paano mo nalaman hahaha”
“Just take guesses hahaha, ok, I have to go. Call me when you already received the foods ok” she said and smile at me, pinatay ko na ang tawag at napaupo sa sahig.
“Now, I need to go to the gym!!! Bakit mo ba kasi sinabing nag gygym ka na permanently!!” kinagat ko ang aking ibabang labi sa pangigigil sa aking sarili, bago padabog na tumayo at tumuloy sa banyo para maligo.
I just wear some sports bra and leggings, my wig and a black cap. Bumaba ako sa gym at pagpasok ko sa loob, masama aad ang tingin ko sa treadmill. “Hindi na ako uulit sayo!” I whsiper and continue walking but I bump into someone.
“Oh, sorry, I wasn’t loo—” I stop when I realize that it’s Hector. He’s wearing a black fitted sports shirt and sweat pants. Pawis na siya at halatang tapos nang maggym, basang-basa ng pawis ang buhok nito pero ang gwapo niya pa rin tingnan.
I watch him gulp and Adam’s apple move in a sexy way, and how he clenched his jaw when he looks down on my chest. Narealize ko na expose pala ang dibdib ko dahil sa sports bra na suot ko kaya agad ko itong tinakpan at muli siyang tiningnan.
“Are you going to try the treadmill again?” he whispered, gosh, why do my senses work well today, I could feel how smooth his breath touches my skin.
“H-hindi” bigla akong hiningal at naghina ng sagutin siya. Hie stare is different, parang nagaapoy ito at nakakapanghina. “Then what are you gonna do today?” he asks, pertaining about the machine I’m going to use today.
Tumingin ako sa paligid at naghanap ng pweding gamitin, “Y-yong barbell rack nalang siguro” I whsiper, lumapit siya ng konti sa akin at tiningnan ako ng mabuti. Tila hindi napupytol ang titigan naming dalawa at parang wala akong naririnig na ingay sa buong paligid kung hindi ang malalim niyang paghinga.
“Do you want me to help you?” he asks. Ang uri ng kanyang pagtatanong ay tila hindi pweding ayawan kaya tumango ako at sinundan siya papunta sa Barbell rack, at pinanood siyang buhatin ang barbell.
“Come here” he seriously said and make me stand in front of him. Tumayo ako sa kanyang harapan ng patalikod sa kanya at dahan-dahan niyang ibinigay sa aking ang barbell na magaan lang.
“Sandali, sandali” nagpanic ako at nakaramdam ng takot na mabagsakan ako nito. But he suddenly held my waist and whisper in my ears. “I’ll guide your hips, don’t worry” parang hindi ako nakahinga sa sandaling panahon dahil sa sinabi niya.
Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko at biglang uminit ang paligid. “Now, move” sinsadya niya ba ang mga binibitawan niyang salita? Why do I feel so hot with his words?
I start squatting and lifting up the barbell while his hand is on my waist, ginagabayan niya ang bawat paggalaw ko. Hindi tumitigil sa pagtibok ng mabilis ang aking puso dahil sa kakaibang init na dala ng palad niya sa aking balat.
“You’re doing great” I bit my lower lip because I’m so tempted by his words. And his voice, he knows how to use his voice well, and damn nakakapanghina.
“Bend this over, Olivia” I gasp when he touches my stomach and make me bend my back a bit, sinabayan niay pa ang pagsquat ko at inalalayan ang aking hita.
Sa araan ng pagagpang ng kanyang palad sa aking hita ay hindi ko na talaga kinakaya. I stop and look at him, “I think I’m done” I mahina kong sambit.
Hinawi niya ang bangs ng wig ko at pinunasana ng tumutulo kong pawis sa noo. “Ok,” sambit niya at sabay kaming naglakad palabas ng gym.
Tahimik lang kaming naglakad papunta ng elevator at pagsakay namin sa loob, sobrang taas ng tension sa aming dalawa at tanging pagtibok ng aking puso ang aking naririnig.
Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko, at sobrang init ng paligid. Patuloy na tumutulo ang pawis ko. Pagbukas ng elevator ay sabay kaming lumabas at naglakad. Nang malapit na kami sa pinto ng condo ko he speaks.
“Do you wanna eat breakfast with me?”
Tanong niya, nahihirapan akong huminga ng magkatinginan kaming dalawa. His really something today, I wanna kiss him.
“S-sure” sagot ko, tumango siya at tumuloy kami sa condo niya. Pinauna niya akong pumasok sa loob at pagpasok ko agad kong nakita ang dining table niya na walang laman na breakfast.
I face him and when our eyes met, I just lose my mind and meet his lips. He pinned me through the wall and grabbed my waist close to him.
“Sabi mo eat breakfast with you?” I ask between our kisses.
I felt him smirk and bite my lower lip,
“Yes, and you are my breakfast”
CHAPTER 15
R18
He pinned me even harder to the wall as we aggressively excite each other with this extreme heat building up.
“Hmmmm” I moaned, arched my back, and gave him access to my neck as he moves down from my jaw.
“You’re so white,” he said through ragged breath, and hands traveled from my waist down to my butt. Give me those merciful pinches down there.
I could feel bursting heat inside my body, ito yung init na kanina ko pa nararamdam habang nasa gym pa lang kaming dalawa.
We are craving for each other since our eyes met this morning, and I guess this is really what we really need to end up.
He sucks and lick my delicate skin with hostile, while I gripped on his nape and whimper in pleasure. “Aghh,” I shiver my lips as I felt his bite on some part of my neck, and move down to my chest.
His hand roam around my back and go back in front of my waist up to my breast, he cupped my mound as gently massaging them while he’s leaving wet kisses on the tip of it.
I gasp for air when he suddenly lifts me up, letting me wrap my legs around his masculine waist. “You fucking give me a hard time last night; do you know that?” he whispers in a breathless tone and bites me.
“Hmmmmm” I rose my head up as the pleasure that he’s giving me and the heat inside of me collide. It feels like ecstasy.
“Y-your shirt” I breathlessly uttered and tried my best to pull his shirt off, I wanna touch his tattoo. I want it to bad. “Go easy on my baby” Hector teasingly whispers, before he moves away and let me take off his shirt.
As soon it’s off of him, I throw his shirt somewhere, and quickly hug him. I kissed his neck and stroke his tattoo using my finger. He bites my shoulders when I did that and cupped my sex.
I trembled and hugged him tighter, he began to stroke the very middle of my wetness with his finger.
I felt weakly and just lean all my weight against him, hugged him, and wrap my arms around his shoulders, catching my breath and feeling his touches.
“Mmm…” he pressed a little harder against my leggings, rubbed faster between the fabric I’m wearing. My chest started to heave up and down and just breathe in his shoulders.
“Face me Olivia” he commanded, and I was just too weak to move more as he keeps playing with me down there. When our eyes met he kissed me, crashing those reddish lips against mine.
He tasted like a fantasy that I’m drowned with right now, I just lose my senses and give him all that I have. Letting him explore and devour my body.
Hector darted into my mouth as I gasp and open it for him, his tongue curling around mine. My whole soul shivered as I felt my first orgasm.
Hanghihina akong yumakap sa kanya at naghabol ng hininga habang nakasiksik ang aking mukha sa kanyang leeg.
I close my eyes and just rest for a couple of seconds but suddenly his phone rang, the reason for me to open my eyes and look at him.
His jaw clenched while looking straight into my eyes, he’s eyes set fires inside of me but the ringing sound keeps on holding us back to kiss again.
I watch him try his best to avoid getting distracted by that phone call but he was defeated when he slowly put me down and kiss the side of my lips and reach for his phone.
His left arm is still wrapped around my waist, guiding me because my knees are still wobbling after that release.
He answers the call, and I just leaned and relaxed in his chest, listening to his heartbeats.
“Agent Miranda speaking, who is this?” renege kong pormal natugon niay sa tawag. Sinubukan kong palakasina ng aking tuhod at tumayo ng tuwid para bitawan niya na ako.
But he didn’t let me go and continue listening to another line with a serious face. “Ok, I’ll be there in a few minutes, don’t let anyone get in touch with the culprit without my permission. Wait for me.” after that, he turned off the call and look at me.
Our faces were inches away from each other and we could feel the heavy breath of each other. “Change of plans, I need to go to work” he whispers into my ears and teasingly kisses my ear helix.
Tumango ako na parang bata dahil sa sinabi niya at nagulat ng bigla niya akong buhatin at lumabas kami ng condo niya, hinatid niya ako sa condo ko.
“I’ll be home before 11 pm, would you cook me some adobo?” he said with a smirk on his lips.“S-sige” my face is red now.
Binababa niya ako sa tapat ng pinto ng condo ko bago ako hinalikan sa labi at bumalik sa condo niya. Nanghihina kong binuksan ang aking pinto at pumasok sa loob, pagkasara ko nito nanginig ang aking mga tuhod at napaupo sa sahig.
I could feel that sticky liquid between my thighs now, “Did I really just do that?” nakatulala kong sambit.
Muli naginit ang aking mukha at agad ko itong tinakpan at humiga ako sa sahig na tila naglulupasay. “OLIVIA!! ANONG GINAGAWA MO!!!?!?!”
Pagkatapos ’non ay nanatili lang akong wala sa sarili buong maghapon hanggang sa pumasok ako sa trabaho. Dahil may promo ang coffee shop ngayon kinailngan ko muling maging mascot para magbigay ng promo cards sa labas.
Habang nakatayo sa labas, hindi mawala-wala sa isip ko ang nangyari kaninang umaga. Para itong sirang plaka na kanina pa nagplaplay sa isipan ko.
“Agh!!!!!! Ano ba!!! Alis! Alis! Alis!!” I was splaping my head kahit na nakasuot ako ng mascot. Nagpapadyak ako na parang bata at pilit inaalis ang kagagahan na iyon sa aking isipan.
Pero kahit na ano ang aking gawin, patuloy ko pa ring nakikita ang mukha niya Hector sa aking isip, pati ang paghalik nito sa aking labi at leeg, parang nararamdaman ko pa rin hanggang ngayon ang bawat haplos ng mapula niyang labi.
“Sabi mo eat breakfast with you?”
“Yes, and you are my breakfast”
“Ahhh!!!” malakas kong sigaw habang papaikot-ikot dito sa tapat ng coffee shop. Hawak ko ang aking ulo at tila nawawala na ako sa aking sarili.
This is making me crazy, his voice, his tattoo, his abs, chest, lips, and those eyes. Hindi sila umaalis sa isip ko!
“Hindi, hindi pweding ganito!! may trabaho ka, ano ba!! ahh!! wahh!!” buti na lang nakasuot ako ng mascot hindi gaanong malakas ang sigaw ko sa labas nito.
Kaya hindi ako maririnig ng ibang ta–– “Pinoy ka?” natigilan ako ng may narinig akong nagsalita sa likuran ko. Pagharap ko dito nagpawis ako ng sobrang lamig ng makita si Arries na nakangiti sa akin.
“Pinoy ka? I heard you speak tagalog, so you’re pinoy? I’m also pinoy, this is nice” he charmingly said and smile at me, hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko kaya mabilis ko na lang siyang hinabutan ng maraming player at sinabi. “Ibigay mo sa mga kaibigan mo!” sambit ko.
At pagkatapos non, ay tumakbo ako papasok ng shop. Dumiretso ako sa staff room at hinubad ang aking head costume. Hinabol ko ang aking paghinga at napaupo sa tabi. “That was close” bulong ko.
“Bakit ba kasi laging nandito si Arries!!! Akala ko tumalon an ang puso ko mula sa dibdib ko dahil doon.” para akong sira na kinakausap ang aking sarili dito sa loob ng staff room.
Nababaliw na talaga ako, “Ahhhhhh ano na Olivia, hindi na tumatakbo ng tama ang aking isip ngayon” sumisigaw ako ng pabulong at ginugulo ang aking buhok.
Hindi ko ata kayang magtrabaho ng matino ngayon. Sinampal ko ang aking sarili ng ilang beses bago ako tumayo at sinabi. “Back to work Olivia, focus! focus!! mamaya na si Hector!” I cheered myself up and walk out of this room. Bago ako lumabas ng coffee shop sumilip muna ako sa paligid kung nandito pa si Arries.
Nang masigurado kong wala na siya, doon pa lang ako lumabas at tumuloy sa trabaho. Kumanta ako, nagtula, ginawa ko ang lahat ng pwedi kong gawin habang nag dedestribute ng promo card para lang hindi maisip si Hector.
At pagsapit ng 9:30 nagearly close ang shop kaya maaga din akong makakauwi. “See you tomorrow Ma’am Tallia” masigla kong pagpapaalam paglabas ko ng shop, she smiled at me and ride her car off.
Habang naglalakad ako pauwi, naalala ko na ipagluluto ko pala ng adobo si Hector, at bago mag 11 uuwi na siya. Kaya kailngan ko nang makauwi at makapagluto.
Tumakbo ako pauwi at agad na dumiretso sa aking condo, buti nalang ay may tira pa akong manok at ilang rikados dito sa condo. Makakapagluto pa ako, hindi na rin ako nagabalang magpalit ng damit dahil medyo matagal akong magluto.
I focus on making it taste great, talagang sobrang naging consious ako sa lasa, gusto kong mabilib siya sa luto ko. “Almost done” bulong ko sa aking sarili at inilagay na ito sa oven pagkatapos kong lagyan ng cheese.
Then I just waited, habang naghihintay hindi ko maiwasang mapaisip kung ano ang maaring mangyari mamaya. “Should I kiss him first? Ako ba ang mauna? Baka kasi isipin niya uhaw na uhaw ako sa kanya? Teka pag hindi ko naman siya hinalikan baka wala naman siyang balak halikan ako dahil pagod siya sa trabaho? AY!” muli nakatanggap ako ng sampal mula sa aking sarili.
“Ano bang pinagiisip mo Olivia! Anong halik-halik ka diyan. Walang ganun! Bastos ka!” suway ko sa aking sarili.
“Pero dibd, ikaw din naman gusto mong halikan ka niya. Chance na natin ito” sagot ng alter ego ko, “Hindi pangit iyon, hindi mo siya boyfriend at isa pa wala kang feelings sa kanya, libog lang ’yan!!!” paalala ko sa aking sarili.
“Hindi ko sure! Parang siya lang ang tumatakbo sa isip ko buong araw tapos gusto ko ulit matikman yong mga labing iyon” sagot ko.
“Hindi pwedi! know your limit, tanggalin ang libog sa katawan!!!” para akong baliw na nakikipagsagutan sa aking sarili dito, kaya nagtatalon ako sa inis at tinakpan ang aking mukha.
Nasisiraan na ata ako ng isip dahil sa lalaking iyon, paano niya ba ito nagagawa sa akin. Bakit gustong-gusto ko siyang makita at halikan.
Umupo ako at dumukmo sa lamesa at pumikit. Nanatili ako sa ganong posisyon hanggang sa maluto na nag tuluyan ang special adobo ko. Nilabas ko ito sa oven at hinintay ang oras.
Habang naghihintay, naisipan kong magshower sandali at magpalit ng pantulog. Siguro iaabot ko lang sa kanya ang adobo mamaya tapos, tapos na.
“Tama Olivia, umiwas ka sa tukso ng hindi mo jowa.” I whisper.
Tinali ko ang aking buhok ng messy bund, dahil tinatamad na rin akong magsuot pa ng wig. Isa pa nakita niya na ang totoo kong buhok wala nang rason para itago ito sa kanya.
Exact 10:59 lumabas ako ng aking condo at tumuloy sa kanyang condo, dala ang adobong niluto ko. Huminga ako ng malalim bago kumatok.
Sobrang bili ng tibok ng puso ko hang naririnig mula sa loob ang bawat yapak niya papalapit sa pinto.
At nga bumukas ito para akong kinapos ng hininga pero nagsalita ako. “Ito na yung adob––” hindi niya na ako hinitay matapos sa pagsasalita at kinuha mula sa akin ang adobong niluto ko at hinila ako papasok sa loob ng kanyang condo.
His lips crashed into mine, he kissed me and I kissed him back. Nakita kong ibinaba niya ang adobong niluto ko sa side table dito sa malapit sa pinto kaya nagsalita ako.
“Hindi mo ba kakainin muna yong niluto ko..hmmm?” I whisper between our kisses.
“Later, after I eat you.”
CHAPTER 16
R18
“Pero lalamig yong adobo pag..h-hindi mo pa ito ki-kinain..” I said while my voice squeaking.
“We can just heat it up later after this,” I felt one corner of his lips raise and he deepens the kiss and gently caress my nape. My breathing started to become a bit shallow, my heart is pounding against his chest.
“I been thinking about you the whole day, this white skin and red fire hair of yours is what I’ve been craving for.” he licks the side of my lips before he encircles my tongue using his, exploring inside my mouth.
“Hector.” My voice shook as excitement welled up in my whole system. This is crazy and wrong and yet it feels so right.
Hector is not my boyfriend; he is just some guy that got my virginity accidentally and we’re not even close. I don’t know deep things about him, but he’s so irresistible, that I can’t run away from him.
“This time, you are not drunk, tell me you want me to ripped this piece of clothing of yours, tell me how much you think of me the whole day. Give me a permission to go.” the way Hector speak between our lips are just too difficult to resist.
“Yes, do whatever you want” I whisper, I admitted as if I was being hypnotized while kissing him back. Whatever happened tonight, I’m sure that my body has been craving for this.
There is nothing to lose anyway.
“You smell so good, did you take a shower?” he whispers and moved down to my jaw, down to my neck. “Hmmmmm…Hector” I moaned his name as he starts biting my neck, licking and sucking each part of it.
“You have no idea, how much of a tease you are, last night.” He said, cupping my butt with his hands and pulling me against his body. I could feel that bulge between his taught on my stomach as they keep banging each other.
“Did we kiss last night?” I ask, catching my breath. “No, but almost” it’s fascinating that we are making out but we could still have a normal conversation like we are not doing anything.
I gasp when he carried me up and pinned me to the wall as resumed kissing my neck, making sure he’s marking every part of my skin in my neck.
I bit my bottom lips because I could feel his erection on my butt as he kept moving. “Take off your sh-shirt” I whisper in his ears and try to unbutton his FBI uniform.
“I wanna see you tattoo” hinihingal kong sambit bago hinarap siya ng maayos at dahan-dahang tinatanggal ang pagkakabotones nng uniporme niya.
“Why?” he was staring at my lips as he asks that, but I don’t know my answer to that question either. I just badly want to see and touch his tattoo.
“Does it turn you on?” he helps me undress him, and throw his uniform on the floor. He took my hand and place it on his abs “Instead of my tattoo, isn’t this more interesting Olivia? I want you to feel me”
He guides my hands from his abs down to that bulge down there, he placed my hands on the tip of his pants and I could feel his erection through his pants. I couldn’t remember how big he was, because the night we did it, I was drunk and too stupid to remember how big he was.
But having the chance to touch him right now, it’s making me tremble in fear. How did this fit me at my first time?
“You been wanting to touch this that night, remember?” I blush and hide my face on his neck as he makes me remember that night when I tried to touch this thing.
It’s embarrassing, “Don’t be shy, touch me Olivia” he said in a deep voice and guide my hand, moving it, before finally unzipping his jeans and taking his thing out, proud and free.
It amused me to see it this clear but it also scared me at the same time. His thing was bigger than I expected. I stiffed for a moment of time while staring at those.
This is my very first time seeing a man’s thing. “Eye’s up Olivia” utos niya bago hinawakan ang aking baba at muling hinalikan. Hinalikan niya ako sa marahan na paraan bago ako bunuhat ng maayos at dinala sa dining table dito sa condo niya.
He put me down, letting me sit on the dining table and push the chairs away, giving us a much bigger space to move. I help him take off my own top and watch him kiss my collar bone down to my chest.
His kisses trailed down to my bra, biting it hard and using his mouth to pull it down, revealing my bare breast to him. My whole body trembled at the same time as the sensation when his mouth crashed into my mound.
“Hector…hmmm” I moaned but I tried my best not to.
“Use your voice Olivia, be loud, I wanna hear your voice,” he said, gently biting me, then beginning to get aggressive. He was biting and licking, playing it alternatively.
He pushed me down to lay on top of the table while he slowly pulled my shorts down. I could feel the heat between my legs, my back is arching on itself, I could feel the exposure that I’m in right now.
I’m only wearing my underwear in front of him. After focusing on my breast be slowly moved down. Giving me wet kisses down to my stomach.
I open my eyes and seek for his stares, and there it was, he was staring straight at me while slowly moving downward, following that path down to my wetness.
When he finally reaches it, he didn’t cut our gaze and kissed the tip of it with my panties on. He held my hands, intertwined our fingers, and let me grip on it.
My back arched up and I shivered as he started licking me down there with my panties on. I had never felt this kind of pleasure during my whole existence.
“Hector…hmmm stop” I wasn’t myself anymore. This guy is turning me into someone I don’t know. I could feel the warmth of his tongue against my panty, the way he licks was like electricity shot from there throughout my whole system.
He lifts my right leg and rests it on his left shoulder as he sends me pleasure using that tongue. “Hmmmmmm…” This is insane.
I don’t know where to face my head anymore, I was holding his hand so tight. I can feel something is building up inside me already.
My eyes widened when his tongue moves faster and deeper against my underwear. “Ah Hector..n-no I’m gonna cu––ah” before I could finish my work, Hector quickly finish his job down there, I have my first orgasm again in his hands.
He stood up with my legs still on his shoulder, he leans down, and I don’t know that I could be flexible like this. He kissed my forehead, my eyes, and my nose before he looks at me in the eyes and spoke.
“You gave me permission to do anything I want right?” he asks.
I nodded, he put both of my hands above my head. “Use your words Olivia, you gave me permission to do what I want, right?” he repeated.
My face is so red right now, I couldn’t handle those stares again. “Yes, I did!” malakas kong tugon, making him rose those smirk and grip tight on my wrist. I was him put protection in his thing.
“Crazy,” he said and penetrated me, I whimper in pain as that big thing went inside. I didn’t know that it would still hurt like hell.
Hindi ko niyaka ang sakit, I hit his face using my hand making him groan. “Fuck” he uttered and face me with blood at the side of his lips.
“Why are you so fucking big, it hurst like hell!” I cried out loud, making him loosen his grip on my hands. He guided my hand into his nape making me hug him and cry on his shoulders.
“I’m sorry, I’ll move and I promise you the pain will fade.” he whispers. Hinampas ko ang likuran niya at mas lalong umiyak ng malakas, “Gago ka ba kung gagalaww ka lalong sasa–ahh,” he moved before I could finish my words.
He starts moving gently, I bit his shoulder and buried my nails at his back. “Fucking tight.” he groaned.
My chest is heaving up and down in a big motion. Because I was trying my best to catch the air that I’m losing as he keeps moving.
He kissed me and move faster and deeper, the pain began to fade like what he said and a merciful feeling runs into my veins.
I was meeting his thrust by moving my waist, and we are both reaching our pleasure. “Oh gosh, Hector, faster” that’s not me.
This isn’t me anymore, I’m drowning in pleasure.
“Olivia, agh” he called my name in a nostalgic way, I lose my mind and just relish the pleasure and sensation that we are sharing right now.
He moved deeper, buried that thing inside of my sex, and thrust even faster. I know that this time I’m going to cum, so I hugged him so tight. “Ah ah ah Hector, I’m cumming.”
“I know,” he said and push deeper. I’m losing it, this is better than ecstasy.
“Hector.”
“Olivia.”
We called each other’s names and after that, I just feel that I’m in the pick of the seventh sea pleasure.
“You are a handful goddess; do you know that?” hindi ko na naintindihan pa ang kanyang sinabi at nakatulog sa sobrang pagod.
Nagising na lang ako na nakabalot sa ilalim ng makapal na comforter at nakahiga sa malambot na kama ni Hector. I seat, and my back hurts so bad, and the in between of my thighs feels numb and painful.
Tiningna ko ang aking sarili at napansin hindi ko damit ang suot ko ngayon. I’m wearing Hector’s t-shirt and boxer. Kahit masakit ang katawan ko pinilit kong tumayo mula sa kama at tiningnana ng oras sa wall clock.
It’s just 1:30 am, halos ilang oras lang akong natulog after what we did. Nasaan na siya. I wear his big slippers and slowly walk out of his room.
Paglabas ko naabutan ko siyang topless na kumakain sa breakfast table sa kitchen niya. The lights were all close, tanging ang ilaw lang sa kusina ang bukas.
He was eating my adobo while reading some files. “Ehem,” I make an entrance for causing a noise that makes him look at me with his specs on.
“You’re awake, come join me,” he said and pointed at the chair in front of him. Umupo ako sa harapan niya at inabutan niya ako ng tubig sa baso.
I drink it straight because I feel so dry, para akong na drained.
“Do you feel sore?” he asks in straight stares.
I blushed in embarrassment and avoided his gaze, “A bit.” He nodded and continue eating, halos maubos niya na ito. “Would it be greedy if I ask you to cook another meal for me later?” he asks while reading some cases.
“Hindi naman,” tugon ko, “Great.” parang excited na bata niyang sambit.
While staring at him and watching him read some FBI things that I don’t understand. I remember that I already had sex with him two times and I still don’t know anything about him.
Alam ko lang ang pangalan niya, trabaho niya, at ang kapatid niyang inagaw ang jowa ko.
“How old are you?” I ask making him stop reading and glance at me. “So, we’re on a getting information basis? Hindi ba dapat ginawa natin yon before we had sex?” diretso niyang sambit.
“Sagutin mo na lang pwedi,” he chuckled in my reaction and remove his specs, put it on the side, and look at me in the eyes.
“31” nanlaki ang mata kko dahil sa sagot niya, “You don’t look like you’re in 30s!” I said with disbelief.
“I know,” confident niyang sagot at nagpatuloy sa pagkain. Ay wow. Iba din talaga.
“How ’bout you, how old are you?” hindi kaya maturn off siya pag sinabi kong 8 years ang agwat namin? Huh! Bakit ka naman mag-aalala kung maturn off siya sayo Olivia. Tumigil ka nga!
“I’m 23” sagot ko, he doesn’t look surprised on knowing it, he just continues eating and finish the whole meal.
“Where do you study college?” curious ako dahil kung titingnan siya kanina habang nagbabasa mukha siyang matalinong tao.
“I studied in John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York. Major in Criminal Justice Management, how ’bout you?” he answered and put his dishes on the sink.
“UST.”
“You must be a smart woman?” tanong niya at tumayo sa harapan ko, he put both if his hands beside me and lean down to lock stress with me.
“I am” confident kong sagot at inilapit ang aking mukha sa kanya.
Akala ko naghahamunan lang kami ng tingin pero bigla niya akong hinalikan. “AYYY!” sigaw ko ng bigla niya rin aking buhatin at dinala sa kanyang kwarto.
“Another round would be nice, what do you think miss UST?” he as he positioned above me.
My eyes laid on his abs and look at his eyes, “I gues—hmm” his lips crashes on mine already, before I could finish my words.
And that night we spend another trip to the seventh sea of pleasure.
It was a wistful night.
Then I wake up without him by my side. Umupo ako at gaya ng inaasahan nakabihis na ako kahit na tulog akong nakahubad kagabi.
I look at the clock and it’s already 10:23 in the morning.
Siguradong pumasok na sa trabaho si Hector.
Hindi ko maiwasang mamula ng maalala ang mga ginawa namin kagabi, this time I could clearly remember every detailed thathas happen.
And it’s burning my cheek. Tumayo ako at lumabas ng kwarto sa mabagal na paglalakad dahil medyo nanghina ako, naubos nag energy ko kagabi, pakiramdam ko hindi nauubusan ng energy si Hector sa katawan.
Paglabas ko nakita ko ang egg and bacon sa breakfast table, nakahanda ito at may note sa ilalim nito.
Kinuha ko ito at binasa,
‘I’m looking forward to my meal tonight, I didn’t expect that you can cook. I cook breakfast for you to eat before you leave. See you later.’
My face just blushes and I can help not to smile as I start jumping, feeling some butterflies in my stomach.
I stop and look at myself through the mirror. I’m glowing and my smile is visible in my eyes.
“What’s this Olivia?” I ask myself.
I laugh and also answered myself.
“I don’t know,” I said and smile.
CHAPTER 17
After eating the breakfast, he cooks for me, I clean his room and his whole condo with a genuine smile. I just felt so humorous today, I leave his condo and head to mine.
Sobrang ganado ako kaya pagbalik ko sa condo nag basa ako ng magazines, do yoga and play COD after lunch. Then after that, I just stayed inside of my room, scrolling on my Instagram account and posting old pictures of me here in New York.
Hinintay ko lang din ang oras bago naligo at tuluyang nagayos para sa trabaho. I think I need to find a morning job too, hindi pweding matay ang schedule ko sa umaga sayang ang kikitain pera.
Bukas na bukas maghahanap ako ng ma pagtratrabahuhan sa umaga. I won’t let my time here go to waste. At hindi rin ako titigil sa paghahanap kila Darcy at Carline, they have to return my money.
I put my wig on after drying my hair with the blower and put some dark red make-up on. Sinuot ko na rin ang malaki kong black hoodie at itinerno sa isang black pants na mukhang malaki sa akin.
I wanna feel comfortable today, natigila ako sa paglalagay ng face powder ng mapansin ko ang mapulang marka sa aking leeg. Dahan-dahan kong ibinababa ang suot kong hoodie, my lips parted when I was throng of hickeys all over my neck.
“No way…” halos kapos hininga kong bulong bago muling namula ang aking mukha. I bit my bottom lip and go back to my dresser. Imbis na hoodie ang susuotin ko ngayon, I need to change, and wear a turtle neck sweater instead.
Namumula akong bumalik sa harap ng salamin ng ako ay nakapagpalit na. “Did we go wild last night?” I ask myself and run to my bed. Tumalon ako at binaon ang aking mukha sa aking unan.
I kick whatever I can kick here in the bed, “Ahhh!!!!!” Pagkatapos ay tumayo ako na parang walang nangyari at inayos ang aking sarili.
Kinuha ko ang aking bag at cellphone bago tuluyang lumabas ng condo. I walk to my work with an energy that doesn’t exist every day. Masigla akong pumasok sa coffee shop at agad na nagpalit ng mascot costume.
“Pola, you look so energetic today? Something happens?” Ma’am Tallia asks as I walk past through her, I stop and smile at her while holding the head costume of this mascot.
Bakit nga ba sobrang energetic ko ngayon? “It’s just a nice day Ma’am, that’s why I’m energetic, nothing happens.” wala nga ba Olivia. Napangiti ako bago nagbow sa kanya at tumuloy sa labas ng coffee shop.
Sinuot ko na ulo ng mascot at nagsimula nang mag-abot ng flyers sa mga taong dumadaan. I was having a very nice and good work but my smile fade when I saw two people walking towards my place.
They are smiling and whispering with each other while walking on the city streets. Ang kapal talaga ng mukha ng dalawang ito. Anton and Dylan look like a proud gay couple walking around here in New York.
Samantalang dati sabi ni Anton hindi niya gusto ang naglalakd sa kalsada kaya lagi kaming nakasakay sa taxi tuwing may pupuntahan kami. Hindi ko mapigilang mainis at hindi magisip ng masama sa kanilang dalawa.
Alam kong madali lang akong makamove on mula kay Anton pero yong pride kong tinapaktapakan nila ang hindi madaling makamove on. Kaya gaganti ako.
Hinintay kong dumaan silang dalawa sa harapan ko bago ako sumayaw at sinasadyang tinamaan si Anton sa likuran, sinigurado kong sobrang lakas nito para matumba siya sa sahig.
At tama ako nadapa siya at agad tinulungan ni Dylan, pero bago pa sila makatayong dalawa nagkunwari akong nawalan ng balanses at natumba sa kanilang dalawa.
Ibinigay ko lahat ng bigay ng suot kong mascot sa kanilang dalawa, “FUCKING SHIT!” Anton haze, umakto ako na parang hindi sinasadya at nakakaawa,
“I’m so sorry I didn’t mean it, sorry sir” Pinalaki ko ang boses ko habang paulit-ulit na nagbabow sa harapan nilang dalawa. Nang makatayo na silang dalawa at nagpagpag ng pantalon, humakbang ako ng pasimple papalapit kay Anton at siniguradong tatamaan ang baba niya ng mascot na suot ko pagtayo ko.
“Oouc!” sigaw niya sa sakit ng makita ko ang pagdugo ng ilong niya sa biglaan kong pagtayo at pagtama sa kanyang ilong ng suot kong mascot.
“Wahhhh, I’m really sorry sir.” I said and knee in front of him, hindi nila ako makikilala dahil sa kakaiba kong boses at habang nakaluhod sa harapan nila pasimple kong hinila ang sintas ng sapatos ni Anton. “I’m really sorry Sir, please speare me. I beg you” kunwaring umiiyak kong sambit.
“Hey, stand up, It’s ok we understand” Dylan gently said and help me stand up. Tumayo ako atpatuloy na nagbobow sa kanila. “Let’s just go, Babe,” Anton said, wrapping his right arms around Dylan’s waist while wiping the blood from his nose.
Taray ah, talagang babe din ang tawagan nila para hindi malito si Anton sa aming dalawa nung kami pa. Dahil sa inis ko muli akong yumuko at tinamaan ulit ang ilong niya.
“Ahhh!” he groaned in pain. “Can you move away, you kept on accidentally hitting my Boyfriend” Dylan said, na puno ng pag-aalala kay Anton. Hindi yon accidentally, sinadya ko talaga ’yon.
Gusto ko isigaw iyan sa mukha nilang dalawa pero nasa trabaho ako at mas importante ito kesa sa kanilang dalawa. I bow and take a step bakward.
“Let’s go,” Dylan said and they turn their back on me. “I’m really sorry sir” pahabol kong sambit. Tumalikod ako at sinabi, “I’m sorry, not sorry…1.2.3..boom” eksaktong pagkasabi ko ng boom, narinig ko ang pagkatumba ni Anton muli sa sahig.
Natapakan niya ang lace ng sapatos niya kaya siya natumba, I laugh silently and watch Dylan carry him life they came from abossing fight.
“K.O.!!! woah!!” para akong nagcecelebrate ng pagkapanalo nang makaalis na sila. Mas lalo tuloy akong ginanahan sa pagtatrabaho dahil dito.
Naubos ko ng mas maaga sa inaasahan ang mga flyers na kailangan kong ipamigay sa mga dumadaan kaya maaga din akong nakapag out. Before I left the shop Ma’am Tallia handed me my monthly salary.
“Thank you so much, Ma’am Tallia, see you tomorrow,” I said and watch her ride her car off the road. Nang makaalis na siya doon lamang ako nagsimulang maglakad pauwi.
Dumaan ako sa market para bumili ng hipon para sa lulutuin kong sinigang. Pagkatapos kong mabili lahat ng rikados na kailangan ko nagpatuloy na ako sa paglalakad habang binibilang ang pera ko. My sallary from the coffee shop just cost 255 dollars.
Medyo sikat ang coffee shop kaya medyo mataas kesa sa normal na shop ang sweldo pero hindi ito sapat na pera para makapagbayad ako ng private investiagtor para mahanap sila Darcy at Carline.
Kailangan ko pa’ring magipon at magtrabaho ng mabuti, while walking I stop and glance at the sculpture shop again, mabilis akong nagtago sa gildi at sinilip ang tao sa loob.
I saw Arries closing a payment bill from a customer at the culture shop, he’s still in his uniform. My lisp parted when I saw the customer is paying him 1000 bucks of money for a sculpture of an owl.
Nakangiti siya at nagpapasalamat ng sobra sa customer na binili ang ginawa niya. Dahil doon agad akong tumakbo papalayo at nang masigurado kong malayo na ako sa lugar na iyon.
Hinihingal akong tumigil at napaupo sa tabi ng kalsada. Sobrang sakit sa ego ko bilang panganay na makitang mas kumikita pa sa akin ng malaki si Arries.
I should be the one who’s earning a big amount of money here because I work hard for this. And I’m the one who’s done studying for all most 85% of my life.
Naiingit ako kay Arries, that’s why I don’t like seeing him. Ayaw kong makita niya na ganito ako kaloser. Nasa aming tatlo ako ang kulelat.
Ako ang panganay, I should be the one who’s receiving all the compliments as a breadwinner.
Nanatili lang akong nakaupo sa tabi ng kalsada, sinusubukan alisin lahat ng toxic treats na umaatake sa akin ngayon. When I’m done with all my drama’s tumayo ako at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
Nawala ang sigla ko habang naglalakad at napalitan ng what if’s ang isipan ko.
What if hindi agad ako nagtiwala kila Darcy at Carline, siguro malago na ang business ko ngayon.
What if hindi ako nagpumilit lumayo kila Mommy at Daddy, edi masaya ang buhay ko ngayon, working for our own company.
What if hindi ko tinakasan ang responsibility ko company ni Dad, edi ako sana ang naguutos ngayon, hindi ako yung inuutusan.
What if I didn’t dream about going to New York, edi sana nandon ako ngayon sa pinas kasama ang mga pinsan at kaibigan ko, party all night and spending money all day.
Ang dami kong what if’s but as I look around here in New York. something inside of me tells me that my decision was right. I just need that one opportunity to blast in.
And when that happens, I’m going to seize it make the best out of it.
Ngumiti na ako ulit dahil sa ideang iyon, “Someday Olivia, that day will come just be patient.’ I whisper to myself.
Habang naglalakd tumigil ako ng may bumisinang BMW sa gilid ko, kilala ko na agad kung kainino ito. Ito ang sasakyan na muntikan nang bumangga sa akin.
And ang may ari ng sasakyan anito ang kumuha ng virginity ko, at siya rin ang dahilan kung bakit may dala akong hipon ngayon. He opens the passengers window and when our eyes met.
My heart started beating abnormally. “Hector?” kunwaring gulat kong sambit. He gazes and narrowed those thick brows of him. “Going home? Hop in.” he said.
Tumingin muna ako sa paligid bago dahan-dahang tumago at binuksan ang pinto ng kanyang sasakyan. Sumakay ako at nahihiyang hinila ang seatbelt para ilagaya sa akin.
He waited for me to finish fixing the seatbelt before he started the engine.
“So, what are you cooking for tonight?”,“Wala ka bang trabaho ngayong gabi?” sabay naming sambit.
“We closed a case earlier than I expected, so I decided to go home,” tugon niya sa tanong ko, tumango ako bago sinago ang kanyang tanong. “Oo, magluluto ako ng siningang ngayong gabi, ok lang ba sayo ’yon?” tanong ko.
His lips rose and said, “I would love too,” parang excited na bata nitong sambit. Tumango na lang ako sa sagot niya. Tahimik lang kaming dalawa at parang walang gustong magsalita sa aming dalawa.
Pero ang kakaibang tension sa paligid namin ay nagsimulang mabuo, this is the same feeling that I felt last night. Ito yong kakaibang aura sa paligid naming dalawa na tila nakakapanghina.
Bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko habang mas lalong nanaig ang katahimikan sa aming dalawa, tangin tunog lang ng sasakyan at aircon ang maririnig mo.
I started to have heavy breath because of the silence between us that’s making my heart pound. Ano ba ang nangyayari sayo Olivia. “Stop that,” Hector said with a ragged tone.
What did I do?
I look at him with a confused expression but he just hazes and quickly stops the car at the side of the street. Kung saan maraming saradong shop at walang taong dumadaan.
Kinakabahan ko siyang tiningnan ng patayin niay ang makita ng sasakyan. He clenched his jaw while staring straight at the street. “Hector?” mahina kong sambit sa kanyang pangalan.
“I know you’re a loud person, but seeing you go this quiet… it does something to me,” he murmured, using that dangerous bedroom voice again.
No, this is bad.
My breathing deepened as I heard the soft click of his seatbelt coming undone. He turned toward me, slowly leaning closer, his presence swallowing the already tight space between us.
“I never expected you could be this polite, kid,” he whispered against my ear, his voice smooth like a melody.
I gasped, brows knitting together. “I’m not a kid anymore,” I said, trying to sound fearless despite the tremor in my voice.
“Really?” he asked playfully, his lips brushing teasingly against my ear.
“Yes,” I answered, more confidently this time, kahit hindi ko maintindihan kung paano biglang nag-iba ang atmosphere sa loob ng sasakyan. How could he flip the mood that fast?
His chuckle was low, dangerous.
“Then,” he said softly, leaning even closer, “can we do adult things in the backseat?” I absolutely know what he means, this is insane, why am I thrilled about it.
Tiningann niya ako sa aking mga mata, na tila humihingi ng permission at naghihintay ng sagot ko. Mas bumilis lalo ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa ginagawa niya.
At alam ko sa aking sarili na kung ano man ang tinutukoy niyang gagawin namin ay nais kong maramdaman. I look at him in the eyes and try to seek regrets inside of me.
“Is this tinted?” tanong ko.
He smirked, and give me a wet kiss on my lips before he moves away and carried me on top of him. In just a snap I’m seating on his lap already.
“You bet,”
CHAPTER 18
R18
I gasp, he pushed the backrest a little backward. Giving us the dainty space that we need as I seat on his lap. He straddled his hips to fix our position.
He put his hands on my thighs before slightly lifting up the hem of my dress. He goggles at me with a total sensual look. “Hector, shouldn’t we head home first?” I consciously look around to check if someone might see us.
“As you said, this car is tinted we can do it here, isn’t this a little thrilling,” he said, pulling my nape to his face and giving me those soft kisses on my cheeks. Closing my eyes to feel his affectionate touches.
His warm palm roamed around my thighs up to the side of my panties. Trail it down to my thighs and successfully take it off my feet. He showed me how he leers on it and put it in his pocket.
Pulling my nape with entice gaze, his kisses went from my cheeks down to my lips. He playfully licked and socked lightly. He leniently bit my bottom lip. Exploring his lips inside my mouth and sucking my tongue in the most pleasant way he could do.
He moves from my lips down to my neck; I arched my head giving him better access to my skin. He carefully left marks on my neck. I bit my bottom lip, close my eyes when he slowly brushed his hands up between my thighs.
I could feel his erection through his bulge between his thighs, sending me sensually heat on my sex. His hands slid between my thighs, putting a bit of pressure through his finger as he touches me down there.
I shiver a bit as he starts moving his finger down there, “Do you still want us to go home first when you’re this soaking wet?” he fleshly whispers through my ears.
“N-no,” I said with a heaving chest, going up and down. “Would you let me have you here?” he said as he played with the strand of my hair.
I nodded like a polite kid and help him take off my top revealing my mound in front of him. His lips crash to my mound as he slowly pulls my bra down and sucks on it. He alternately moves on one other.
I reach for the hem of his uniform and lift it up, he stops and lets me undress him before he went back to my breast giving its proper attention and leaving some marks around it.
I couldn’t do anything but grab his nape and push him to me. He brushed his thumb on my nipple as he gently massaged one of it. “Hector,” I moaned when one of his fingers penetrates me down there.
It slid flawlessly as my sex was soaking wet. While his other hand guide me to his thing and I unbuckled his belt and open the zipper of his pants, and grabbed his thing out there.
“Touch me,” he whispers, then moves to my lips again. He guides my hand placed it on top of his thing, it was big and even though he tried to get my attention through his lips, we can’t avoid the fact that his thing is catching half of my attention with his length.
He started guiding my hands, wrapping my fingers around his thing. I didn’t move a muscle as I could feel it beating on my palm.
“Jack me off, Olivia” he whispers between our kisses.
I was so clueless on what to do at first but he started guiding my hand and stop the kiss, he let me look down on it. Then he let out a soft groan as I continue stroking him while we’re looking on his shaft.
“Go hard on me, Olivia,” I watch him tilt his head up as he feels every stroke I did. It was amusing watching him in pleasure and I did what he said and start moving my hands vigorously.
“Agh, Olivia,” He started shivering as he guides my hands again, he moves them faster and after a few strokes, I close my eyes when liquid burst out of his thing.
He pulls my nape and kisses me. He kisses me gently as he has his first orgasm in my hands. I don’t know what do to about it now and just kiss him back.
“It’s unfair that I come first, this is a big embarrassment for me being a man, now it’s your turn,” he said and move his hand back on my sex. Penetrates me with his fingers and pulls it in and out in an aggressive way.
I hugged him a bit tight and bit his shoulder as he moves faster. In just seconds I have my orgasm in his hands. “Ride me, Olivia” he whispers while I weakly rest on his chest.
I lose my mind in his arms and just follow what he said. I open my eyes and seat properly against his lap. I blushed when I look down on his thing and he chuckled because of that.
“Go now, Olivia rides me as hard as you can.” I positioned myself above him, acting unbothered on where we are, and let that thing enters my sex.
“Hmmm,” I softly moaned and weakly fall on his chest. “Move, Olivia” he whispers, touching the shell of my ears. I could feel his hot breath against my nape, he guided my hips as I started moving above him.
In this position, I could clearly feel his length inside of me. I started moving up and down, while my chest heaving up and down. Every thrust was leaving me breathlessly.
“Fuck, Olivia.” he groaned rested his head, and feel me. It turns me on seeing him in pleasure like this, so I voluntarily move my hips faster making him covered with pleasure.
“Ah, ah, Olivia harder baby,” he groaned, I began to move harder and deeper, controlling my moan as this thrust is making me crazy.
After a few more thrusts, he speaks “I’m cumming ah, Olivia stop and just jack me off, I can’t come inside of you.” hirap niyang sambit. Before I followed what he said, I had already had my second orgasm.
I weakly take off his thing and jack him off as he cum in my hands for the second time around.
I weakly lean down on his chest and fall asleep after that.
Hector’s POV
I was catching my breath and noticed Olivia fall asleep on my chest. I don’t want to wake her up so, I just reach for the tissues here inside my car and clean us up but I didn’t bother moving her back to the shot-gun seat.
I let her sleep in my arms while I buckled up my belt and fixed the driver’s seat. I started to open the window of this car and light up my cigarettes as I started the engine and drive with one hand.
She was sleeping peacefully in my arms while I drive and as we arrived at the condominium building, I had to carry her out and bring her to my place. I put her down to my bed.
I smoked outside, and just glance at her sleeping in my bed.
Maybe it’s nice having women on my bed again.
Olivia’s POV
I wake up and its already sunrise, sinubukan kong gumalaw at mag-unat sana kasi naramdaman ko ang mabigat na bagay na nakapalupot sa aking bewang.
When I slightly open my eyes, I saw Hector sleeping beside me. He’s still here.
I wasn’t ready for this, I thought I’m gonna wake up without him already. So, when he moves, I act sleeping and pinakiramdaman ko ang bawat galaw niya.
Niyakap niya ako, he sniffs on my neck before he stood off the bed, and head to the bathroom. Binuksan ko ang aking mga mata at ramdam ko kaagad ang pamumula ng aking mga pisngi.
I look at myself and I’m already wearing another shirt of his. I bit the pillow beside mad and jump on the bed with busting butterflies feeling inside my stomach.
I stop when the bathroom door open and he step out, nagtalukbong ako at nahihiyang nagtago, alam kong nakita niya akong tumatalon. At baka isipin niyang nababaliw nanaman ako.
Narinig ko ang paghakbang niya papalapit sa kama at ramdam ko ang naloko niyang ngiti, he seats on the side of the bed and pull the comforter off me. Pero hindi ko siya hinayaan at nagmatigas, so, he pulls my feet and force to pull the comforter out. Sa paghila niay sa akin napahiga ako sa kama at umpaibabaw siya sa akin.
When our eyes met, agad kong tinakpan ang aking mukha dahil sa kahihiyan. He chuckled before he held my hand and pull it away from my face.
I close my eyes when my palm left my face, nahihiya akong harapin siya. “What’s this you’re blushing?” he playfully said.
Binuksan ko ang aking mga mata at sinagot niya, “I’m not, mainit lang kasi,” pagpapalusot ko, mas lalo siyang natawa at tiningnan ang aircon dito sa loob ng silid niya.
“The aircon is open, how can you still feel hot? Or are you sending me hints right now?” he playfully said. Dahil doon tinulak ko siya at nagmadaling tumayo.
“Uuwi na ako,” sambit ko at tumakbo papalabas ng condo niya. Nagmamadali akong tumuloy sa condo ko pero agad kong nalala yong bag at cellphoen ko naiwan ko sa condo niya, kaya bagsak balikat akong naglakad pabalik sa tapat ng pinto ng condo niya.
I knocked and he open it with a playful smirk on his lips. “Y-yung ce-cellphone ko naiwan ko,” mahina kong sambit, tumawa siya at binuksan ang pinto ng mas malawak upang makapasok ako.
Agad akong dumiretso at tumuloy sa kwarto niay para kunin ang cellphone at bag ko. Paglabas ko naabutan ko siyang topless na nakasandal sa breakfast table.
Drinking coffee and waiting for me to step out, “Do you have anything to do today?” he asked.
“May trabaho ako mamayang gabi, bakit?” tanong ko.
“Great, come with me. Let’s eat lunch outside and join me on my game later after your work,” game? Anong laro?
“Anong laro?” tanong ko habang nakakunot ang aking noo. “Basketball,” he said and start preparing breakfast for two.
“Let’s eat,” he said and seat, habang ako ay nakatayo lang dito sa tabi hawak ang bag at cellphone ko. “Come here,” utos niya kaya lumapit ako na parang batang mabait at umupo sa harapan niya.
“Bon appetit,” he said in a charming smile as he put bread on my plate, pinalamanan niya pa ako ng bacon at egg ang tinapay ko. Bago siya kumain at nagbasa ang kung ano sa phone niya.
“Bakit wala kang social media account?” tanong ko, dahilan para makuha ang atensyon niya. “I don’t like social interactions,” he answered.
“Pure pinoy ka?” tanong ko.
“Nope, half.” tugon niya.
“Ilang taon ka na dito sa New York?” tanong niya.
“Ever since I was born, I’m a citizen here.” tumango-tango ako at inubos ng tinapay na ginawa niya para sa akin. Tumayo siya habang umiinom ako ng kape, “I’ll just take a shower, just leave those there and prepare yourself too.” tumango ako at pinaood siyang pumasok sa kanyang silid at maya-maya lang ay narinig ko ang tubig mula sa banyo sa loob.
Hindi gaya ng sinabi niya, hindi ko iniwan basta ang pinagkainan namin sa lamesa, inilagay ko ito sa sink at sinugasan bago ako bumalik sa condo ko para mag bihis.
While I’m under the shower, hindi ko maiwasan na mapangiti dahil sa idea na magdadate kami ni Hector ngayon. Then I slap my face, “Wag kang OA Olivia, he just asks you to eat lunch with him hindi niya sinabing date.” kinakausap ko ang aking sarili na prang tanga.
After taking a shower, inayos ko ang wig ko at makeup ko. Nilagay ko na rin ang fake moles ko bago ako namili ng susuotin. “Hmmm, what should I wear?” I ask myself before I check some of my dresses inside my closeth.
Then I end up on my black tank top paired with grey teen skirt and a black boot. I top it all up with a Zara jacket. Pagkarinig ko ng katok mula sa pinto, mabilis kong kinuha ang bag at cellphone ko, tumakbo papunta sa pinto.
When I open it, I saw him standing in front fo the door, wearing a matte black dresser shirt paired with black ankle pants and black leather shoes. He folded the sleeve up to his elbows and wear a wrist watch that makes him look like a sugar daddy.
“Stop staring Olivia, we might not get our lunch because of those,” he said with a double meaning, kaya mabilis akong lumabas ng condo at pinalupot ang kamay sa kanayng braso.
“Tara na, libre mo ito ah.” I said, He smirked and we head to the parking riding his BMW to the restaurant we’ll eat lunch. Habang nasa loob ng sasakyan iniiwasna kong tingnan ang pwesto niya dahil naalala ko lang mag ginawa namin kagabi doon.
Nangmakarating kami sa tapat ng sikat na restaurant dito sa New York, pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto at tumuloy kaming dalawa sa loob.
“Sir. Hector, it’s nice to see you again.” bati ng waiter sa kanya paglapit nito sa amin dalawa. Hector smile at him and shake hand with him.
“It’s been a while, Franco,” he said.
Pumupunta siya dito? “And who is this hot lady beside you Sir?” tanong nito sa kanya at tiningna ako mula ulo hanggang paa. I even saw him stare at my legs for a bit while.
“She’s with me,” imbis na ipakilala ang pangalan ko iyon ang sinabi ni Hector kaya tiningnan siya ng waiter na si Franco na may ngiti sa mag labi. “Ahhhh with you,” he said in a meaningful way before he nodded at him and Hector just laugh at him.
He brings us to a table for two and serve us some great food for our lunch. “Madalas kang pumupunta dito?” tanong ko sa kanya ng magsimula kaming kumain.
“Back then,” he said.
Tiningna ko lang siya dahil mukhang ayaw niyang pagusapan ang tungkol sa tanong ko, kaya nanahimik na lang ako at nagpatuloy kumain.
“I’ll give you a ride to your work then, we’ll see each other after your work. What time will you be out of work?” he asks.
“Mga 10 siguro.” sagot ko.
“Great, I’ll fetch you up and go with me.”
“Sige,’ tugon ko at nagpatuloy kaming kumain dalawa, after eating lunch nakipagkwentuhan pa siya sa Franco na iyon kaya medyo late na rin kaming nakaalis sa restaurant na iyon.
Pagkahatid niya sa akin sa coffee shop, saktong malapit na ang start ng working hour ko. “I’ll see you later.” he said as I step out of his car.
“Sige,” tumango siya bago pinaandar ang sasakyan paalis, pumasok ako sa loob ng shop at naghintay ng oras bago nagbihis ng mascot at nagsimulang magtrabaho.
“Olivia, we need waitress tonight coem here inside.’ tawag sa akin ni Ma’am Tallia habang nagbibigay ako ng flyers sa labas.
Agad akong pumasok sa loob gay ang sabi niya at nagpalit ng uniform ng waitress. Tumulong ako sa paghatid ng mag pagkain at pagkuha ng mga orders dito sa loob. At sa sobrang daming customer hindi ko na pansin ang bilis ng oras.
Pumasok ako sa loob ng staff room para magpalit ng damit, whiel changing one of my co-employees were hurriedly changing her uniform.
“Jade,” I called her and she look at me, “Yes?”
“Do you have any job hiring on your other work that I can apply on?” I ask with a pleasing stare.
“For now, I don’t think we have but I’ll call you when we have don’t worry,” she said and smile at me.
“Thank you so much, I’ll wait for that.” gaya nga ng sabi ko kailangan ko pa rin magtrabaho dahil ayaw kong sayangin ang umaga na wala akong ginagawa.
Lumabas ako ng coffee shop at natigilan ng makita ang BMW ni Hector sa labas, he was leaning of the side of it while smoking. I admit that he looks so hot there, that’s why I can’t hide my smile as I walk towards him.
“Ehem.” pagkuha ko ng atnesyon niya.
He look at me and throw his cigarettes,“You’re here, let’s go” pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto at agad din sumakay at pinaandar ang sasakyan.
“Wala ka bang trabaho ngayon? Hindi ba busy ang mg FBI?” tanong ko.
“Yes, but this game is part of my job. Kasama ko rin ang mga katrabaho ko.” sambit niya, “Bakit pala kailngan kasama pa ako?” tanong ko at inaamin na sa likod ng aking isip, nagaasume ako ng something.
“I need a water gilr that’s why,” he playfully said, so I hit him and glared at him. “Ah talaga, ibaba mo na pala ako hindi na ako sasama!” singhal ko.
Tumawa siya at pinabilis ang pagtakbo ng sasakyan, “No, you’re coming with me.” he said.
Wala akong nagawa kung hindi sumamasa kanya at tumuloy kami sa isang indor court. Pagpasok namin sa loob, hindi ko inaasahang maraming tao sa loob at karamihan ay mga kababaihan na nagsisigawan.
“Ano ba ’to? Bakit ang daming tao?” tanong ko sa kanya habang naglalakad kami papasok. “This is just a simple game for us.” sambit niya bago ako binulungan. “Here’s my water bottle, go find your seat near the left side, so I can easily find you. I’ll just talk to my team,” he whispers as he handed me a blue water bottle and push me gently on my waist.
Tumango ako at naghanap ng mauupuan na malapit sa left side ng court. Pumuwesto ako sa wala masyadong kaaupo at nanahimik doon.
Tiningnan ko ang mag players sa baba, at lahat sila ay mukhang mg FBI. so, may prang sportfest pala ang mag ganito? Hindi ko alam ’yon ah.
Napatingin ako kay Hector ng lumabas siya mula sa isang pinto na nakasuot ng itim na jersey at kitang kita ang biceps niya. Nagulat ako ng mas lumakas ang sigawan dahil sa kanya. Kilig na kilig itong mga amerikana sa isang tabi dahil sa kanya.
Nang bumalik ang tingin ko kay Hector mukhang, hinahanap niya ako dahil umiikot ang paingin niya dito sa left side ng court, at nag magtama ang aming mga mata, he nodded and talk to his team.
“He looks at me, oh my gosh, I’m gonna die!!!” OA na sambit ng isang amerikana sa harapan ko. Kaya tumaas na lang ang kilay ko at hinintay mag simula ang laro.
While staring at the court, I suddenly misses my college life where I play volleyball. I miss those old times.
The game started and everyone is cheering for Hector. Literal na si Hector talaga dahil tuwing napupunta sa kanya ang bola halos matanggal ang ear drums ko dahil sa lakas ng boses ng mag amerikanang nasa harapan ko.
Nang mag time out side pinanood kong lumapit harapan namin si Hector. “Water” he said. Halos hindi magkanda ogaga ang mag amerikana sa harapan ko at inabutan siya ng bottel water.
Pero hindi niya ito kinuha at sinabi, “Olivia, my water.” he said, making all these girls in front of me look at me with frowned brows.
I stand up and give him his water but instead of just getting the water from me, he pulls my wrist and make me seat near their bench.
“Ang hirap mong hanapin, if you’re seating there,” he whispers and go give me back the water bottle and go back to the game.
Parang 40% lang ng indoor court na ito ang dami ng tao at lahat ng iyon ay babae na masama ang tingin sa akin ngayon. Pero imbis na matakot tiningnan ko ang mga babaeng nasa likuran ko na at hinawi ang aking buhok sa mapangasar na paraan.
Nagpatuloy ang laro at sa akin lang lumalapit si Hector para uminom ng tubig, hanggang sa matapos ang laro at nanalo sila. Nalaman ko na ibang station pala ang kalaban nila.
Lumapt sa akin si Hector at agad akong dinala palabas, tila sinadya niyang hindi ako mapansin ng mag kateam mates slash co-agents niya, kaya agad niya akong dinala sa parking at sinakay sa sasakyan.
He put the throphy on my lap and drove us out of here. And head stright home. Paglabas namin ng elevator nagsalita siya.
“Do you want to stay in my pad tonight?”
I glance at him and I know, the moment our eyes met I’ll fall for it.
“S-sige,” tugon ko at sa isang iglap binuhat niya ako at pinasok sa loob ng condo niya.
“Let’s celebrate in my bed.”
“Hector sandali,”
“Ahhhh,”
CHAPTER 19
Naalimpungatan ako ng maramdaman ko ang init ng sinag ng araw sa aking mukha, dahan-dahan akong gumalaw at nagunat-unat ng braso, pakiramdam ko na ngawit ang aking braso dahil sa pagkakahiga ko.
Sinubukan kong yakapin ang unan sa aking tabi at ninais muling matulog, pero may naramdaman akong bigat sa gilid ng kama, someone seat on it. “Hmmm…” mahina kong sambit bago dahan-dahang iminulat ang aking mga mata.
As I open my eyes, mukha agad ni Hector ang aking nakita, agad bumilis ang takbo ng aking puso ng masilayan ang napakafreash nitong mukha.
Kasabay ’non ay ang ala-ala ng mga ginawa namin kagabi, dahil sa hiya agd kong hinila ang kumot at tinakpan ang aking mukha. We we’re so wild last night, I even do things, that I never expected to do.
“Why are you hiding your face, Olivia?” he said in a playful tone of voice, I felt his hand slowly enter the side of the blanket and reach for my legs.
Those warm palms against my skin, roam around my legs up to my thighs, giving me a breath-taking moment. Pinanood ko itong gumalaw dito sa ilalim ng kumot.
I want to stop it but at the same time, my body was hunting those warm feelings from his palm.
“Why are you being shy, Olivia, didn’t you enjoy what we did last night?” he caress my thighs and gently chuckled out there. I bit my lower lip, hindi ko alam ang isasagot ko, hindi ko naman itatanggi na hindi ako nagenjoy kagabi.
Dahil alam ko sa sarili ko na ginusto ko angmga nangyari kagabi. Naramdaman kong lumapit siya sa akin kahit naka balot ako ng kumot, naramdaman ko ang presensya ng kanyang mukha malapit sa aking tenga.
“I’m going to work on another case today, I won’t be home later, up until tomorrow.” agad akong natigilan dahil sa sinabi niya, “A-ah, g-ganon ba ok.” naiilang kong sambit.
“So, do you wanna take a shower with me?” he asks in this sexy bedroom voice before he pulls the blanket away from me.
Tinakpan ko ang aking mukha gamit ang aking kamay dahil ayaw ko pa ring tiningna niya ako sa mukha, tinawanan niya lang ako, “Ahh Hector!!” bigla niya akong binuhat kaya napilitan akong tanggalin ang aking kamay sa aking mukha at yumakap sa kanyang leeg dahil sa takot mahulog.
“Now, you’re looking at me,” he said, stealing a kiss from me before he smiles and bring me inside his room’s bathroom. Hindi na ako nagsalita pa at tinago na lamang ang aking mukha sa kanyang leeg.
“You might miss me tonight, so I’m giving you a free ticket and access to my body right now.” ibinaba niya ako sa loob ng shower room bago tumayo sa aking harapan at tiningnan ako ng mabuti habang umiigting ang kanyang panga.
Para akong estatwang nanatiling nakatayo dito sa ilalim ng shower habang nakakulong ang aking mga tingin sa malipulative na mga matang iyon.
His mole at the side of his eyes is adding more temptation on him. Hindi ko maiwasang mahulog sa apoy na dala ng mga titig na iyon.
He slowly held the brim of his shirt, before he started taking it off in front of me. Napalunok ako pero, ito yong pakiramdam na gusto kong lumunok pero tila may nagbara sa aking lalamunan na hindi ko magawang makahinga ng maayos.
My chest was heaving up and down, as I watch him taking off his shirt and flexing those abs and biceps. Halos mag-apoy sa sobrang init ang aking mukha ng makita ang mga marka ng kagat at hickey sa abs niya pababa sa v-line na iyon.
Did I do that?!
Hindi ako makapaniwala na ginawa ko iyon, hindi, hindi ko ginawa iyon. Dahil sa sobrang hiya tumalikod ako at pinagsasampal ang aking mukha ng patago. Olivia ano ba itong pinasok mo.
“Olivia,” tumindig ang aking balahibo ng maramdaman ko siya sa aking likuran at dahan-dahan niyang ipanlupot sa akin ang mga braso, bago sinumulang itaas ang suot kong t-shirt niya.
He started planting kisses on my shoulders up to my neck, and end to the back of my ears. That made me close my eyes and relax my head on his shoulders as I lean on him, giving him half of my weight.
I felt like I’d been taken by the god from Olympus, I can’t even resist this sensual touch he’s giving me.
“Can I have you again, Olivia?” he asks, like a gentleman filled with respect and elegance.
“Yes,” kapos hininga kong bulong, at dahan-dahan ipinapaubaya ang aking sarili sa kamay niya.
“I can’t hear, Olivia.” I know he’s teasing me; he clearly heard my answer yet he still wants me to say it out loud. He even stops kissing me.
“Hector, I already said yes!” I haze at him.
He laughs and in a glimpse of an eye, he turns me on my waist and makes me face him as he locks my lips using his and pinned me on the wall.
He opens the shower and let the water run throughout our body as the heat fired inside of us.
“Ahh, Hector,”
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said as he walk me to my condo and leave for work. Hinatid niya ako sa tapat ng condo ko na akala mo sobrang layo ng condo niya dito.
It just took us five-step to reach the front of my door.
“Sige,” tugon ko at hinayaan siyang halikan ako sa aking labi bago siya tuluyang umalis.
He even takes a last glance at me as he enters the elevator.
Nang magsara na ang pinto ng elevator, pumasok na ako sa aking condo at ng maisara ko ito.
“Ahhh!!!!” tumili ako ng napakalakas at tumakbo at tumalon sa sofa. I dive in the couch and kick like a tennager who got noticed by her crush.
Napaupo ako at hindi mapigilang magblush habang panakikiramdaman ang pagtibok ng aking puso. Hindi ko kinakaya ang lahat ng ito. Kahit na ilang beses dumaan da aking isipan si Anton, lagi itong nasasapawan ni Hector.
“Ahh, ano ba Olivia!!” I slap my face multiple times before I look at the mirror beside me and smile like a crazy woman.
“Bakit ka kinikilig!! Stop Olivia, stop!!!” sambit ko sa aking sarili at sinubukan tanggalin ang ngiti sa aking labi. Sinubukan ko pero ilang saglit lang ay hindi ko din kinaya at nagtatalon sa kilig tuwing naalala ko si Hector.
This guy is making me crazy!!!
“Hoy tama na Olivia!!!” para akong baliw dito na pinagbabawalan ang aking sarili pero panay pa rin ang aking pag ngiti.
Pumunta ako sa kusina para maghilamos at nang mahimasmasan, huminga ako ng malalim bago pumasok sa kwarto at palit ng damit. Hinubad ko ang t-shirt ni Hector at itinabi ito sa gilid imbis na ilagay sa labahin.
Mamaya na ang kalandian, ngayon kailangan ko na din, maghanap ng trabaho na pangumaga para hindi masayang ang oras at araw ko. Nagpalit ako ng isang kulat itim na maxi dress bago ito pinatungan ng cropt top leather jacket at tinernohan ng black ankle boots.
I fix my wig and put my fake moles on, nagmake up ako ng medyo light lang bago tuluyang lumabas ng condo na may ngiti sa labi.
Habang naglalakad palabas ng condo, natigilan ako ng may marinig na pamilyar na pangalan.
“The famous Karnel’s Scent and Delavine’s Scent company are merging another new limited-edition perfume that we all know is going to be the best collaboration this year, and Oliverious Beltran the owner of Karnel’s Scent has been awarded as the highest-ranked CEO in the Philippines, and on the 5th rank here in New York.” I stop and watch my father’s clip on the TV news.
He was accepting the award together with mom and the twins. I bite my lower lip because I miss them so much. I have been hiding from them for a very long time because of my wrong decisions in life.
“Mr. Beltran what’s the story beyond this your success?” one reporter asked him while they were standing on the stage. Dad smiles and wraps his arms around my mom’s waist.
Dad has always been the sweetest man I know, “My real success is my wife, and my children without them, I’m nothing. They are the reasons for this success and they will always be the reason for everything I’m achieving right now.” I urge a smile because of his answer.
“Is this your twins, Mr. Beltran?” Dad, nodded as he answers, “We all know that you have four kids, where are Olivia and Arries right now?” the reporter asks him.
Dad smile in confidence and said, “My Olivia is in New York right now, same goes with Arries. Olivia is busy with her business, while Arries is studying there.” I bitterly smile when he mentions my business.
“Dad, my business is still an illusion,” I whisper, hindi ko na ito tinapos panoorin at tuluyan nang umalis at naghanap ng trabaho sa kung saan.
Basta may makita akong hiring sign sinubukan kong pasukin pero mukhang hindi ito ang araw ko.
“Est-ce que tu parles français? (Do you knwo how to speak french?)” ano daw?
“I don’t understand you sir,” I said but he kept on speaking so fast. “tu ne fais pas?, tu ne fais pas?, tu ne fais pas? (You don’t? You don’t? You don’t?)” hindi ko alam ang sinasabi niya.
“Employé français, employé français, employé français (I want frech employee, I want frech employee, I want frech employee!!!)” napaatras na ako ng tuluyan palabas ng restaurant an ito, dahil sa sobrang kalas ng boses ng may ari nito.
“Si tu ne parles pas français,Va te faire cuire un œuf! (If you don’t speak french, get lost!)” huh?
“I don’t understand you! tapos ang baho pa ng hininga mo!!!” sigaw ko ng pagsaraduhan niya ako ng pinto ng sobrang lakas.
Bagsak balikat akong naglakad paalis, nakailang subok na ako pero wala pa rin akong mahanap na trabaho. Kahit part time lang.
Umupo ako sa tabi ng kalsada at napatingin sa matataas na building dito sa New York. “Bakit ba sobrang malas ko, mali ba ang desisyon kong pumunta dito?” bulong ko na tila kinakausap ang magandang lugar ng New York.
“Hindi mali ang desisyon mo, sadyang niloko ka lang.” napatalon ako sa aking inuupuan ng biglang may nagsalita sa aking likuran.
“Hahaha…” nanlaki ang mata ko ng makita si Jalsey, akala ko kung sino. Tumawa siya ng malakas bago umupo sa aking tabi. Sabay naming tiningnan ang buong city bago siya muling nag salita.
“Ano nang balak mo, mukha habang patagal ng patagal kang nagsisinungaling sa magulang mo mas lalo kang pinapahirapan ng buhay.” She spoke.
I sigh and nodded as I agree, siguro nga karma ko lahat ng ito dahil sa pagsisinungaling ko sa aking pamilya at kaibigan. “Pero, ayaw ko talagang malaman nila ang lahat ng ito Jal, mahal ko silang lahat at ayaw ko silang lokohin pero kung ito lang ang tanging paraan upang hindi sila madissapoint sa akin, gagawin ko ito. Malapit ko naman nang makompleto ang ipon kong pera para mapahanap sila Darcy at Carline sa isang private investigator kaya konting tiis na lang.” puno ng kumpyansa kong sambit.
“Eh paano kung naunang dumating ang araw na mahuli ka ng palimya mo, anong gagawin mo?” she asks. I know that could possibly happen.
“Hindi iyon mangyayari, sisiguraduhin kong mauunahan ko ang araw na iyon at hindi sila madidisappoint sa akin.” pilit kong iiwasan ang katotohanan na maaring mangyari hangga’t kaya ko dahil ito na lang ang pinaghahawakan ko ngayon.
“Hay nako, tama na nga ito pakiramdam ko ito na lagi ang huling araw natin kapag ganito tayo mag-usap, halika na nga sa shop bumili ako ng pizza doon kana mag lunch.” hinila niya ako pasakay sa sasakyan niya at tumuloy sa shop ni ate Sammy.
Nagstay ako doon hanggang sa dumating ng oras ng trabaho ko, balak kong magover time na lang ngayong gabi tutal wala naman si Hector ngayong gabi.
Pero pagpunta ko sa staff room para mag break ng 15 minutes, nakarecieved ako ng text mula sa isang unknown number pero alam ko na kaagad kung sino ito ng buksan ko pa lang ang mensahe.
From Unknown Number,
Change of plans, I’m going home tonight can you cook dinner for me?
Agad akong napatayo at tumakbo palabas, nilapitan si Ma’am Tallia at sinabi. “Ma’am, I change my mind, I can’t work late tonight. I need to go. Bye!!”
Tumakbo ako papaalis ng shop, at bumili agad ng pweding lutuin. Agad akong nakarating sa condo ko at nagluto ng Broccoli Beef stir fry.
I know these feelings; I know what is this and I think I need to tell him about this tonight. Ilang beses na din namaing ginawa iyon, kaya sa tingin ko cool lang if umamin ako sa kanya na gusto ko na siya agad hindi ba?
Ay bahala na!!!
“Ayan, tapos na ang bro—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng may kumatok sa pinto. Nandyan na siya. I smile at take off my apron before I head to the door.
Huminga ako ng malalim at inayos ang aking wig bago ito binuksan.
“Hi,” Hector greeted me with a charming stare.
I smile and, “Hi, pasok ka,” sa puso ko.
He went in and remove his shoes before he followed me to the dining table where I started preparing the food I cook.
“Tara, kain na tayo,” sambit ko.
“Olivia, let’s talk first.”
CHAPTER 20
“Olivia, Let’s talk first,”
Tumigil ako sa paghahain ng pagkain dahil sa sinabi niya, “A-ah sige, a-ano bang pag-uusapan natin?” Tanong ko at dahan-dahan umupo sa dining table at ganon din siya.
Umupo siya sa aking harapan at tiningnan ako ng seryoso sa aking mga mata. He even folded his sleeve up to his elbow in the sexiest way he never knew.
Parang nagslow mo iyon sa aking paningin, at tila tumitibok ng mabilis ang aking buso at may kakaibang pakiramdam sa aking buong kalamnan.
I could feel butterflies in my stomach right now,and out of the blue, bigla akong nagsalita ng hindi nag-iisip. “I think I like you,” I whisper.
“What did you say?” tanong niya kaya agad akong humarap sa kanya at umupo ng maayos. “A-ah?” sambit ko. Tiningnan niya ako habang nakakunot ang gwapong mukha na iyon.
“I said, what did you mumble about?” he asked.
Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko ng sorbang bilis habang pinagmamasdan ako ng mga matang iyon, nakakapanglambot ang mga tingin na kanyang ibinibigay sa akin.
“Ahm… may sinabi ba ako?” tanong ko at sinusubukan kung makakalusot. “Yes, you whisper something. I just don’t have teh chance to hear it clearly. What is it again?” pinipilit niya talagang alamin ang sinabi ko kaya nagpapanic na ako sa loob-loob ko.
Bakit naman kasi napakaimpulsive ng bibig ko, bigla-bigla na lang nagsasalita mag-isa.
“Ano…diba may sasabihin ka, pagkatapos nalang ng sasabihin mo yong sasabihin ko hahaha,” that’s an awkward move, I don’t know pero bigla akong nahiya sa harapan niya.
Would it be weird for him, that I’ll confess my feeling for him kahit na ilang araw pa lang kaming nag-sasama?
I saw how he clenched his jaw before he looks at me in the eyes. Napatitig sa ako sa maganda nitong mga mata at ang nakakakit nitong nunal.
“I’m not really into serious relationships,” he said.
“Huh?” what?
“Sinasabi ko ito ngayon bago pa mahuli ang lahat, I don’t want you catching feelings for me, because I will not be responsible for any attached feelings that you might misinterpret.” tila hindi gumana ang utak sa sandaling iyon.
Anong ibig niyang sabihin?
“I don’t do relationships, I hate labels and commitments, do you get it?” para akong na stock sa isang tumigil na machine dahil sa mga lumalabas na salita sa kanyang bibig.
Ano pala ibig sabihin ng ginagawa namin nitong mga nagdaang araw? Ano pala yong mga bagay at salita na binitawan niya para sa akin na nagpatibok ng aking puso.
At nanggambala ng paru-paro sa aking tiyan. Ano pala lahat nang nangyari nitong mga nangdaang araw? Hindi ko maintindihan.
Nakaramdama ako ng mabigat na bagay sa kaing dibdib na tila nagpapasama ng pakiramdam ko. I could feel how heavy that weight inside my chest and how butterflies die inside my stomach.
“Olivia, do you hear me?” napatingin ako sa kanya at bumalik sa aking sarili ng tawagin niya ang aking pangalan.
“Huh, ano?” Tanong ko, dahil hindi ko narinig ang sumunod niyang sinabi. “I said, but that doesn’t mean that we should stop what we have right now.” he gently said with a calming tone of voice.
“What do we have ba?” tanong ko, dahil mismong ako ay naguguluhan sa lahat ng sinasabi niya.
“This. You and me having a good time together. I don’t want this to stop but I just want to clear things to you. I do this, where I have rules in no label relationship. It’s just what you give is what you received. Win-win situation right.” no label relationship?
“Y-you want us to have a no-label relationship? How is that possible? Paki-explain dahil sa totoo lang wala akong naiintidihan sa sinasabi mo ngayon Hector.how do you play that game?” Sambit ko at sinubukan itago ang aking emosyon.
He smirked and lean to the backrest of the chair, cross his arms above his chest and say, “No, label relationship, just easy as this, no responsibilities, commitment, and problems. We can do what girlfriends and boyfriends do but we are not in a relationship. What you give is what you received.” he repeated.
“Hindi ba masakit ang no label relationship?” Tanga ngayon pa nag lang Olivia kumikirot na nag puso mo. bakit ba kasi ang bilis mong pagpaloko sa ibang tao.
How can other people, be this good at disguising?
“The Person who gets hurts the most in a no-label relationship is the person who hopes more, who assumes more than what he gets. So, all you have to do to avoid pain in this setup is stop assuming things and hoping for more. Be contented and I promise you it will be worth it.” I think this setup is stupid.
I can’t be in that kind of relationship, I’m a toxic person. I always assume things, I always hope for more, and get hurt the most in just simple things.
I can’t be in a no-label relationship. Because I know I’m a total loser in that setup.
Pero deep inside of me keeps on wanting him and his setup. Maybe I’m just to lonely and problematic right now, kaya akala ko nahulog ako sa kanya.
Maybe I just like the idea of him around me. This is not love, and I think it’s time for me to step out of my comfort zone.
I want what we both have right now, and if this is called a no-label relationship and I think I’m on it.
“So, what do you think Olivia?” he said in a bedroom voice.
Tiningnan ko siya ng diretso sa kanyang mga mata. Tama, I’m not inlove with him, nagkamali lang ako ng pagkakaintindi sa nararamdaman ko.
“Sure, I’m on it, bakit sa tingin mo ba mahuhulog ako sayo agad ng ganon-ganon lang? No, you’re not my time.” I confidently said and smirked at him.
He chuckled and leaned close to me; I stop breathing because he’s too close. “Really, I thought you’re falling for me already,” he teased me.
“No, asa ka naman!!!” Tumayo ako at kinuha ang baso sa breakfast table dito sa condo ko.
Bumalik siya sa pagkakaupo ng maayos at sinabi, “Good, then we are settled now. Just don’t assume and fall for me Olivia,” mapanghamon niyang sambit, kaya buong tapang ko siyang hinarap.
“Be careful with your words Hector, you might fall for me first,” I said.
“Nah, I doubt that,” he said and stood up. Lumapit siya sa akin at kinulong ako sa counter ng breakfast table.
“So, how long will this no-label relationship last? May exparitation date ba ito?” nakangisi kong sambit kahit na nag totoo ay kinakahaban ako sa sobrang lapit niya.
Bakit ganito? Ok naman ako na lumalapit siya sa aking kahapon bakit iba ang pakiramdam ko ngayon.
“Until you fall in love with me, I’ll stop when you fall in love with me.” lumapit siya sa kain at hinalikan ang aking pisngi sa marahan na paraan.
“Nah, I doubt that,” I mock him, which makes him chuckle and carry me up the counter, spread my legs for him, and davour my lips.
R18
My eyes widened when he kneels in front of my spread thighs and reach for my underwear. He slowly pulls the garter of my undies and completely removes them from my legs.
“Let me eat my dinner now,” he whispers and dive into my wetness. I whisper and shiver at the same time as he stared
kissing my sex, licking and sucking my clit.
“Hmmm…Hector,” I moaned.
My shirt falls and covers his head while he’s doing it down there, every stroke of his lips and tongue, sends electricity into my body.
My knees were shaking as he inserted those tongues inside my wetness. His warm palm slid up under my bra and start massaging one of my mounds.
“Agh, Hector that is,” I can’t believe myself right now, am I a whore for wanting for more right now.
He moves his lips faster and in just a few movements I release my first orgasm.
“Oh my gosh, Hector! I’m sorry.” agad kong hinila pataas ang aking t-shirt para tiningnan siya at punasan ang kanyang mukha.
“Oh my gosh,” I’m so embarrassed right now.
It’s all over his face right now, pupunasan ko na sana ito amit ang tissue sa tabi ko ng bigla niyang hawakan ang aking kamay at tiningnan ako sa kaing mga mata.
I stiff when he licked it from the side of his lip and temptingly stared at me.
And say,
“It’s fine baby, we are just getting started.”
“Ahhhh!!” I shouted when he carried me like a sack of rice before he heads straight into my room and put me down on my bed.
Kakalinis ko lang ng kama ko kaya maayos ang sapin nito, he looks at me while he stands in front for bed. “You have a nice bed, the last time I saw this It’s a very messy bedroom, I guess you clean it for me?” he playfully said and slowly crawl into my bed and lift my legs up to his shoulders.
He lingers his hands into my shirt and kisses me on my lips as he positions himself above me. Like he’s over taking all the space I have right now.
He bit my lower lip for me to open my mouth for him, “Are you sure you’re ok with no label relationship?” he asks between out kisses.
I felt his fingers dawdle in my wetness before he started interting two of it inside of me. I arched my back because of the passive movements he’s doing right now.
He moves like he owns my whole soul and system, that I can;t even resist every single touches he gave.
“Olivia, answer me,” he whispers, plays with my lips and licked the bottom part of it before he moved down to my jaw, into my neck.
“I’m g-good..hmmm…with it ah Hector,” I shiver when he remove his finger inside of me and dress himself in front of me.
I watch him like a sexy artist undressing in front for me, and plant wet kisses on my ankle. He caresses my feet in his shoulders. Sensually kissing me from my feet down to my legs.
I saw his sharp thing get out of the cage; I bit my lower lip. It’s still as big I as I remember yesterday. I really can’t imagine how my sex take that whole thing.
“Put it in me, Hector.” I whisper in a gasping tone, he leaned down and position himself between my legs.
“What did you just say, Olivia? He whispers in my cheeks.
“I wanna ear it baby,” I lose it, my body keeps wanting him more.
“Put it inside me, Hector.” I whisper in his ears.
He gives me a peck and,
“Ahh… Hector,”
Nagising ako ng 4 in the moring habang mahimbing ang tulog niya sa aking tabi. Dahan-dahan akong tumayo at lumabas ng aking silid. Ginawa ko lahat ng aking makakaya upang hindi makagawa ng ingay hanggang sa makarating ako sa terrace ng condo ko.
Kung saan kita mo ang buong city ng New York.
Habang pinagmamasdan ito, hindi ko maiwasang mapaisip kung tama ba itong pinasok ko. Oh, pagsisihan ko ba ito pagdating ng oras.
“Oh, Olivia you are in big trouble now.” I whisper and lamely laugh at myself.
Umupo ako sa gilid ng tarace at huminga ng malalim.
“Hector, you’re a red flag in disguise.”
CHAPTER 21
A week passed by, we continue what we are doing and just like what we’ve talked about. We had this no-label relationship. Nong’ una pakiramdam ko may mali, I was seeking for something I was uncertain but as we continue talking and have this intimate connection between us. I became contented and I just go with the flow.
Sa mga araw na nagdaan, madalas dito sa condo ko umuuwi si Hector pagkagaling niya sa trabaho. Kahit anong oras, hindi siya nababahala na gamdalain ako at dito tumuloy at matulog.
I heard that knocking sound while I’m lying on the bed scrolling on phone. Agad akong tumayo at lumabas ng kwarto upang daluhan ang pinto.
“Sandaleee!!!” tumakbo ako papalapit sa pinto at binuksan ito. Pagkabukas na pagkabukas ko nito, agad hinagkad ni Hector ang aking labi, at tila propesyonal na isinara ang pinto gamit ang kaliwang paa.
Binutawan ang dalang suit case na may lamang ng mga cases na kanyang pinag-aaralan at tila binuhat ako na parang bata. Sinuklian ko ang bawat halik na kanyang iginagawad sa akin at ipinalupot ang aking braso sa kanyang leeg.
Para kaming uhaw na uhaw sa isat’isa sa uri ng kanyang paghalik, pilit ko itong sinasabayan hanggang sa siya na mismo ang pumutol nito, upang makahinga kaming dalawa. I lean my forhead against his while we are both gasping for air.
He looks at me in the eyes and urge that charming smile, “How’s your day?” he ask and put me down on the dining table. Umupo ako dito at inayos ang aking nagulong buhok bago siya sinagot.
“Ok naman, naghahanap pa ’rin ako ng isa pang trabaho.” tugon ko. Hinawi niya ang buhok ko at itinago ito sa likuran ng aking kaliwang tenga bago ako dahan-dahan binaba sa dining table gamit ang isang kamay.
Tumayo ako at naglakad papunta sa kusina upang hainan niya ng hapunan kahit na madaling araw na. 2 am na siya nakauwi, at parang na sanay na din ako dahil isang linggo na kaming ganito.
“Nagluto ako ng buttered shrimp kanina, iinit ko lang.” sambit ko habang nakita siyang pinulot ang binitawang suitcase sa tapat ng pinto at dinala ito sa dining table, bago umupo at magsalita.
“I’ll wait for it,” he said, tumango ako at inilagay sa oven yong niluto ko at nagsandok ng kanin para sa kanya. Inilagay ko ito sa harapan niya habang nagsisimula siyang ilabas ang mga papales na nasa loob ng suitcase na dala niya.
Sumandal ako sa lamesa at tiningnan ang mga ito, “Panibaong kaso?” Tanong ko at nagsimulang basahin ang isang pahina. He nodded and say, “Yup, a crazy case of a daughter killing her father, we still didn’t find any clue about the poison she used and she’s not admiting it.” tila pagod na sambit niya.
Pinagmasdan ko siyang magbasa at hawiin ang kanyang bumabagsak na buhok paitaas, hindi ko maiwasang pagmasdan ang maganda nitong nunal. Hahawakan ko sana ito ng biglang tumunog ang oven.
Mabilis akong tumayo at dinaluhan ito.
“Ginusto mo ba talaga ang trabaho mo simula bata ka pa?” curiuos kong tanong at inilagay sa harapan niya ang ulam na ininit ko. Tumabi ako sa kanya at nilagyan ng tubig ang baso niya.
He loosens his necktie before he does the sign of the cross and he prayed before eating. I just watch him and waited for his answer, but instead of answering sumubo muna siya ng ilang beses bago ako tiningnan.
“You never fail to amaze me with your cooking skills.” he said, I rolled my eyes with a smile on my face and said, “Yung tanong ko sagutin mo, wag mo akong binobola.” he chuckled.
“I don’t want this job when I was young, not until I was in the 5th grade, people do really change their minds in most unexpected ways,” he said. Huh? Anong ibig n’yang sabihin.
“Bakit nong 5th gra—” hindi niya ako pinatapos sa pagsasalita at sinubuan ako ng hipon. “I bought something for, I almost forgot,” ngumiti siya at may kinuha sa bulsa ng kanyang jacket.
Nakasimangot kong nginuya ang hipon, at tiningnan siya ng masama. He smiles at me and bring out a new Iphone 13 pro max, then put it on the table. “Ano ’to?” tanong ko ng itulak niya ito sa aking harapan.
“I bought you a new phone,” he casually said, “Bakit?” tanong ko. Bakit niya ako binilhan nito? Halos kahapon lang binilhan niya din ako ng mga bagong wigs.
“I saw you struggling on your old phone, so, I bought you a new one,” parang wala lang na sagot niya, “Teka, magkano ito? Babayaran ko na lang,” tumayo ako at kukunin sana ang wallet ko sa kwarto ng pigilan niay ako at pauupuin sa kanyang hita.
“Hector,” I uttered, he gives me a peck and smile at me. “You don’t need to pay me, I wanted to buy you that, and perhaps you can just keep your questions next time and kiss me as a reward of my kindness,” hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti dahil sa sinabi niya.
Hinalikan ko siya gaya ng sabi niya at niyakap siya, “Thank you,” I whsiper between our kisses. “You’re welcome,” he whispers back. Tumaigil kami upang ipagpatuloy niya ang kanyang kinakain at ang kanyang pagbabasa.
Hinintay kong siyang matapos kumain at iniligpit ang pinagkainan niay pagkatapos. After that, pumasok na ako sa kwarto ko at humiga. Maya-maya lang ay pumasok na din siya dala ang mmga binabasa niya at tumabi sa akin dito sa kama.
“Are we not gonna do it tonight?” tanong ko, he glanced at me and caresses my cheeks. “I know you’re tired, just sleep. I still need to read this,” he said, and again, he gives me a peck of a soft kiss before he leans on the headboard and start focusing on the paper.
I nodded and yawn, kanina ko pa siya hinihintay at ilang araw na akong puyat dahil sa ginagawa namin. Kaya kukunin ko na ang oportunidad na ito para makapagpahinga.
Lumapit ako sa kanya at niyakap ang kanyang bewang at tuluyang natulog.
Nagising ako kinabukasan ng wala na si Hector sa tabi ko, agad akong tumayo at tumuloy sa banyo upang maligo. Susubukan ko pa ’rin maghanap ng trabaho ngayong umaga bago ako pumasok mamaya sa coffee shop.
Nagbihis ako ang nagsuot lang ng isang simple vintage black t-shirt, at itinerno sa isang black high waist pants. Ankle boots at ang leather jacket ko.
Lumabas ako ng kwarto habang pinapatuyo ang aking buhok, nakita ko ang Iphone 13 Pro max na binili sa akin kagabi ni Hector. Hindi ko pa ito nabubuksan dahil dumiretso ako sa kwarto pagkatapos kong magligpit ng pinagkainan niya.
Binuksan ko ito at hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti dahil sa ganda nito, alam kong mahal ito at meron pa’rin akong pagdadalawang isip na tanggapin ito.
Pero ano pang magagawa ko nanadito na, umupo ako sa couch at inayos ito, inilipat ang mga accounts ko at iba pang contact. Sinubukan ko din mag laro ng COD dito kahit isang game lang.
Habang nag-lalaro naalala ko, gusto ko pa lang ayain siyang subukan maglaro nito. “Mamayang gabi, aayain ko siya,” bulong ko at sinuot na ang panibago kong wig, kagaya pa’rin ito ng wig ko pero ito ay kulot at mas maganda ang brand.
Nagmake up na ako at umalis na nang condo, nagikot-ikot ako sa New York Time Square. Nagbakasakaling makahanap ng trabaho, o kahit part time job lang.
Halos lahat ng hotel na pinagtanungan ko ay hindi hiring, pati ang ibang reataurants at shops walang hiring. Yung iba naman na hiring hindi ako nakapasa sa standards na kailangan nila.
Kaya bagsak balikat akong napaupo sa dito sa gilid ng kalsada, “Ano ba Olivia, ganito na lang ba palagi ang mangyayari sa buhay mo?” pinulot ko ang bato sa aking harapan at binato ito ng mahina.
Inilabas ko ang bago kong cellphone ng tumunog ito, nakatagap ako ng text mula kay Hector.
From Hector,
We solved the case; I’ll be off early tonight let’s seat dinner outside.
Napangiti ako at tila nawala ang lungkot ko dahil sa text niya, pakiramdam ko masaya ako na nagbunga ang pinagpuyatan niya kagabi, simula nang tumuloy siya sa condo ko. I saw how he’s a career driven person, talagang sineseryoso niya ang bawat kasong hinahawakan niya.
He even finish reading one before we would do sex, or sometime after sex he will let me sleep and he’ll read and do something about his work.
Dahil sa pinapakita niyang ganong personality, hindi ko mapigilang mahulog sa kanya. Alam ko naman sa sarili ko na hindi ako pweding mahulog sa kanya pero minsan tila hindi ko lang talaga mapigilang hangaan niya.
Pero pagkatapos, maalala ko ang deal namin pipilitin ko muling burahin ang nararamdaman ko at magfocus sa buhay ko. Isa pa malaking advantage din na may ganito kaming deal dahil siya ang gumagastos sa groceries ko.
I’ll cook for him and he’ll pay for it, so, it’s not really a bad deal having him in a no-label relationship.
I text him back,
To Hector,
Wow, sige wag mo na akong sunduin sa shop uuwi na lang ako ng maaga.
I put my phone back on my jacket’s pocket and stand up, pagkatayo ko inayos ko ang aking buhok at tila may nahagip ang aking mga mata mula sa kabilang kanto.
My lips parted when I saw Darcy talking with some guy across the streets, mag-isa lang siya. Mabilis akong kumilos at tumawid papunta sa kanya, sinundan ko siya ng hindi niya napapansin pinanuod ko siyang makipagtawanan sa isang hapon.
Hapon na lalaki ang kausap niya, they were holding each other’s waist while walking but the Japanese guy say good bye to her. Nakita ko ang paghahalikan nilang dalawa sa gilid ng kalsada.
At nakita ko din kung paano gumapang ang kamay ni Darcy mula sa bulsa nito at mabilis na kinuha ang wallet nito ng hindi namamalayan ng hapon.
Umalis ito at sumakay ng taxi, sinundan ko si Darcy na lumiko sa isang eskinita, tumigil siya dito at binuklat ang wallet ng hapon. “What the fuck, 20 bucks only!” I heard her haze.
Kinuha ko ang oras na iyon para sugutin siya, “Darcy!!!!!” sigaw ko, nagulat siya at nagpanic, lumingon-lingon siya kung saan pweding tumakas pero huli na. Pagkatalikod niay mabilis kong hinablot ang buhok niya, dahilan upang matumba siya sa sahig.
Pumatong ako sa kanya at sinabunutan siya, “Where is my money!!! give me back my money!!!” I shouted at her face and tighten my grip on her hair.
“I dont know what you are talking about Olivia! Carline is the oen who stole your money not me!!” sinubukan niya oang itanggi ka mas sinabunutan ko siya ng sobra.
“Do you think you can still fucking trick me with this excuse?! give me back my money Darcy or I’ll put you in jai—ahhh!” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin niya ng hampasin niya ang ulo ko ng isang matigas na kahoy.
Hindi ko alam kung saan niya ito nagkuha, pero parang umikot ang paningin sa dahil sa sakit. Itinulak niya ako papalayo sa kanya at agad tumakbo. Sinubukan ko pang pigilan siya at hilain ang paa niya kahit na sobrang sakit ng ulo ko.
“Fuck! let go bitch!!!” I whimper in pain when she stamps on my hands, causing me to let go of her feet and she escapes.
Napahiga ako sa sahig dahil sa sakit ng ulo at kamay ko, “AGHH!!!!AHHHHHHH!!!” I shouted in frustration and just close my eyes. Pumikit ako ng ilang minuto bago ako nakarecover at dahan-dahan umupo.
“Ouch,” I whisper and touch my head. Nang tingnan ko ang aking kamay may dugo ito, kinuha ko ang phone ko at tiningna ang aking sarili sa camera.
“Oh, no,” bulong ko ng makita ang maliit na cut sa itaas na bahagi ng aking noo, dito nanggagaling yung dugo. Pinunasan ko ito gamit ang likod ng aking t-shirt bago tumayo at bumili ng bandaid sa convinience store na malapit.
Bumili na rin ako ng tinapay para sa lunch at doon na nanghalian. Nagikot ako sa New York Time Square ng hapon bago tumuloy sa trabaho pagsapit ng alasais.
Nagsuot ako ng mascot dahil kompleto ang crew sa loob, balik ako sa trabaho ko bilang mascot. “Ma’am/Sir, try our best-selling frappe, here inside our shop,” sambit ko habang nagaabot ng flyers.
Pero gaya ng nakasanayan, wala namang paki ang mga 85% ng tao sa flyers, tinatapon lang nila ito matapos nilang tingnan.
“Ma’am/Sir you might want to have a date here in our shop and try our best-selling frappe, here inside our shop,”
“Sir relieve some stress and try our best-selling frappe, here inside our shop,”
“Ma’am you have a stunning style would you try our best-selling frappe, here inside our shop,” may ilang sinusubukan pumasok pero sobrang dalang lang.
Pero hindi ako sumuko, nagpatuloy ako pamimigay ng flyers. Hanggang sa matapos ang oras ng pagtratrabaho ko. Pagod akong umupo sa loob ng staffroom at hinubad ang mascot na ito. Pawis na pawis ako sa loob nito dahil mas pinili kong maging extra ngayong gabi.
Sumayaw ako at nakipaglaro sa ibang bata na dumadaan kasama ang kanilang magulang.
“Olivia,” napalingon ako ng pumasok si Ma’am Tallia dito sa staffroom na may dalang maliit na sobre.
“Ma’am Tallia, I already finish the flyers tonight, so I’m asking if I can go home early tonight?” Masigla kong sambit, ngumiti siya bago umupo sa aking tabi at hinawakan ang aking kamay.
“Olivia, the shop is reducing some employees because I’m having troubles with the bank and I’m sorry to say you are one of those employees that I need to let go of, I’m really sorry here’s this month’s salary and I add some money to help you out. I’m really sorry, I need to do this, please do understand me.” hindi ako nakaimik sa sinabi niya, tiningnan ko na lang ang sobreng ibinigay niya sa akin at lumabas na siya.
Naiwan akong mag-isa dito, “Hahaha,” natawa ako sa aking sarili bago napatulala sa isang gilid.
“Ngayon, wala na talaga akong trabaho.” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit, tumayo ako at nagbihis ng wala sa sarili at umalis ng coffee shop ng hindi nagsasalita.
Nakayuko lang akong naglakad at tumatawa-tawa, natatawa ako sa sarili ko. “Hahaha, this is frustrating and depressing,” I whisper, kanina gusto kong mag-makaawa kay Ma’am Tallia pero parang bigla na lang akong nawalan ng salita sa aking isip.
Parang napagod na ako magmakaawa sa trabaho, parang nawalan na lang talaga ako ng sasabihin.
“The daughter of Oliverious A. Beltran, the famous businessman who owns Karnel’s scents, and Aberry Jade Callareese a famous Entreperaur and Professional Marketing Advocates are a total jobless woman in New York, wow, let’s give her a round of applause.” I sarcastically said and clap in sarcasm.
“Woah, total loser among her sibling, yehey!” I shouted, para akong baliw na naglalakad dito sa gilid ng kalsada at sumisigaw.
Tumigil ako sa isang convinience store malapit sa condo at bumili ng isang beer. Inuwi ko ito sa condo at agad ininom, I seat on the floor and drink this all.
Wala akong ginawa kung hindi tuloy-tuloy itong inubos hanggang sa may kumatok sa pinto. “Hmmmm… Hector?! shandalee andyan na!” sambit ko at pagewang-gewang na naglakad papunta sa pinto.
Pagkabukas ko ng pinto agad ko siyang hinalikan kahit nasa labas pa siya, “Hey, hey chill, you’re drunk?” kunot noo niyang tanong at binuhat ako sa aking bewang papasok sa loob ng condo.
Sinara niya ito bago ako muling hinarap, “Why are you drinking?” he asks.
Niyakap ko siya at tumawa, “Hahaha diba naslove mo yung kaso, magcecelebrate tayo!!!” I shouted.
“You know this wasn’t the celebration I want Olivia, now answer me why are you drinking? And what the fuck happened to your forehead and your hands?!” he said and check my hands. Tumawa ako at itinago ito mula sa kanya.
“No, it’s nothing, come on let’s celebrate in your way baby,” I playfully said.
“No, we are not doing it unless you tell me what happen to you?” he seriously said. Tiningnan ko siya ng mabuti hanggang sa luminaw na ang paningin ko at nakita ko ang gwapo nitong mukha.
I sigh and nodded,
“Fine, I’ll tell you everything,”
CHAPTER 22
“Ito tingnan mo ito,” sambit ko at inabot sa kanya ang cellphone ko kung saan nakaflash sa screen ang family picture namin.
We are both seating here on the floor resting our back on the feet of the couch, while a lot of can beers spread around us. Tiningnan niya ito ng seryoso kaya sumandal ako sa balikat niya at tumawa. “I have a wonderful family,” I said.
“Yes, in did,” he whispers and look at me, he made me face him. Hinawakan niya ang magkabila kong balikat at hinila ako papalapit sa kanya.
I smile at him even though my vision of him is slightly blurry na ulit. “You came from a rich family?” he asks, at dahan-dahan tinanggal ang bandaid sa noo ko.
Umiling ako bilang sagot, “Actually, my dad wasn’t from a rich family, and my mom either. They are both average working employees back then, but my dad strives so hard after my grandma’s death. He built the Karnel’s Scent which he named after my mother’s codename, they have an amazing love story and they are a great example of successful people.” sambit ko, nanatiling tahimik si Hector habang ginagamot ang sugat ko sa noo.
Ipinatong ko ang aking hita sa kanyang hita at nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita, “Graduate ako bilang magna cum laude, hindi nagkulang ang magulang ko sa akin at sa lahat ng pangangailangan ko. Hindi pa nga ako graduate binigyan na agad ako ni Dad ng mga libro tungkol sa pabango at sa paghandle ng business. Halos nasa akin na ang lahat, nakalatag na sa harapan ko ang magandang future na pinaghirapan ng magulang ko para sa akin.” hindi ko mapigilang tumawa ng sarkastiko dahil sa aking sinasabi.
“Continue,” Aniya ni Hector habang nagbubukas ng panibagong bandaid para sa noo ko. “Pero, dahil isa akong mayabang na anak, walang kwenta, pinilit ko sila na hayaan ako pumunta dito sa New York at magtayo ng sarili kong busines dahil iyon ang pangarap ko talaga. Alam kong ayaw ni Mommy pero anong ginawa ko, pinilit ko siya at nagbitaw ng mga salita na puno ng illusyon. Sinabi ko na magiging sikat yong brand ng shop ko, sinabi ko na ipagmamalaki nila ako dahil sa business ko. Pumayag si Mommy at binigyan ako ng Dad ko ng malaking pera para pangsimula ko nang business dito sa New York.” kumikirot ang puso ko habang naalala ang mga araw na iyon.
That was the old Olivia who always sees the impossible dreams, not look at me, I have a blurry vision because I’m drunk as fuck and I am a fucking jobless woman.
“What happens next?” He asks and softly caresses my cheeks.
“I bring my father’s money here in New York with a vision of having my business started before a year but I was scammed, I was rubbed by the people I thought I can trust, and now I’m a failure, I’m a jobless woman, I can’t even get my money back,” nanghihina kong sambit at hindi ko namalayan ang pagtulo ng aking luha.
“The day when we first met, I was telling the truth. Hinahabol ko talaga ang mga taong nagnakaw ng pera ko. And this bruises here,” itinuro ko ang sugat ko sa noo. “I got this from one of them, nahuli ko siya kanina, pinipilit ko siyang ibalik ang pera ko pero bigla niya akong hinampas sa ulo kaya nakatakas siya.” para akong batang inapi na nagsusubong sa magulang sa uri ng pananalita ko.
Hinawakan ni Hector ang aking kamay at pinunasan ito ng wet wipes, he remains silent while I was sobbing and crying in front of him.
“Hindi ko na nga nahuli yung kumuha ng pera ko, natanggal pa ako sa trabaho,” I whisper and cry out loud, “Wala na akong trabaho!!! paano na ako? mamamatay na ako! hindi na ako makakapagipon ng pangbayad sa investigatos na kilala ko!! malalaman na ng magulang ko na isang failure ang anak nilang panganay!” I shouted in frustration.
“Why do you need money for an investigator?” he seriously asks.
“Kasi nga ipapahanap ko nga yung nagnakaw ng pera ko, pero puta ang mahal ng bayad!!!” pagbagsak kong isinandal sa kanyang dibdib ang aking ulo bago iritang nagpapadyak ng paa.
“I’ll help you,” he said, the reason for me to stop and look at him.
“Anong sinabi mo?” tanong ko, alam kong lasing ako pero nasa tamangkatinuan pa ako para marinig ang sinabi niya.
“I’ll help you find them and get your money back.” seryoso niyang sambit at pandage ang kamay ko. I stiff and just watch him, hindi ako nakaimik sa sinabi niya hanggang sa bitawan niya na ang kamay ako at tingnan ako ng diretso sa mukha.
“Why are you still shedding tears?” he gently whispers and tries to wipe my tears using his thumb. Pumikit ako at dinama ang paghaplos ng kanyang daliri sa aking pisngi. My heart is pounding so fast, why is he being so kind to me.
He’s making me fall for him.
“Can a ask you a favor?” I whisper, iminulat ko ang aking mga mata. Diretso siyang tiningnan sa kanyang mag mata.
Hindi siya nagsalita at hinintay na lamang sa susunod kong sasabihin.
“Can you take me on a date?” I said, hindi siya sumagot at nakipagtitgan lang sa akin.
Parang may dumaan na anghel sa condo ko dahil sa sobrang tahimik namin dalawa. Wala ni-isa ang sa aming dalawa ang nag-nais putulin ang aming pagtititigan.
“Olivia, I already said that I’m not into serious rela––” I cut him off and said, “Alam ko, date lang naman ah!!! hindi ko naman sinabing maging tayo!”
“Going on a date, that’s only for couples,” hinawi niya ang buhok niya paitaas na parang na stress siya bigla dahil sa mga sinabi ko. I even saw that jaw clenched so hard.
Halata at bakas sa kanyang mukha na gusto niya nang umalis sa condo ko, pero bago pa iyon mangyari. I cupped his face and seat on his lap, forced him to look into my eyes and spoke.
“Comfort me, this date will not mean any special connection between us. I just want to feel happy and go out tomorrow, will you do that for me just this once?” seryoso kong sambit.
“You know what, that’s the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard in my life,” he said, kaya bagsak balikat akong bumitaw sa mukha niya.
Gusto ko lang naman lumabas kasama siya bukas dahil alam kong pagnanatili ako dito sa condo ko bukas, I will just lock myself with depression and with my anxiety.
“But I will do since you wish for it,” nanlaki ang aking mga mata dahil sa sinabi niya at tila nawala ang pagkakalasing ko.
“Seryoso?!” tanong ko, he nodded and urge that charming smile. “YES!!!!” sigaw ko at niyakap siya ng mahigpit. “Thank you so much, this will mean a lot for me,” I genuinely said.
Muli ko siyang hinarap pero dahil sa sobrang lapit ng mukha namin sa isat-isa biglang bumilis ang tibok ng aking puso ng magkatitigan kami.
Parang may kuryenteng dumaloy sa buong katawan ko na naging dahilan ng biglaan kong paglayo sa kanya. Hindi pwedi ito. “Ahm, dahil g-gagawin mo iyon p-para sa akin, l-lutuan k-kita ng m-masarap na u-ulam, s-sandali l-lang,” nauutal-utal kong sambit at pilit iniwasan ang kanyang nakakapasong mga tingin.
Nagmadali akong pumunta sa kusina at nagluto, parang sa isang iglap nawala ang pagkalasing ko at matino akong nakapagluto ng ulam para sa kanya. Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko habang nagluluto ng burger steak, my hands were even shaking.
I can’t believe myself; this is stupid.
Matapos kong magluto naabutan ko siyang inililigpit ang mga kinalat kong bote ng beer sa sahig, natigilan ako habang pinagmamasdan siyang’ gawin iyon.
Hindi ka pweding mahulog sa kanya Olivia. Paalala ko sa aking sarili pero tila traydor ang aking puso at patuloy pa’rin sa pagtibok ng mabilis para sa lalaking ito.
Tumayo siya at hinarap ako, “You’re done already?” masigla niyang sambit ng makita ang ulam na dala ko. Tumango ako bilang sagot at hinain ito sa lamesa.
Itinapon niya ang mag can beer sa basurahan bago umupo sa tabi ko at nagsimulang kumain. Aya wkong mmag stay dito ng matagal habang pinagmamasdan siya kaya tumayo ako at maglalakad na sana papunta sa kwarto ng harapin niya ang bewang ko gamit ang kaliwang braso niya at hinila ako paupo sa lap niya.
“Where are you going?” he asks, “M-maliligo na ako at matutulog, diba may date tayo bukas, I mean a no-label date,” nakangiti kong sambit kahit na ang totoo, pakiramdam ko napapaso ako habang nasa mga kamay niya.
“Wait for me, I’ll just finish this them we’ll take a shower together.” kalmabo niyang sambit at nagpatuloy sa pagkain, sinubukan kong tumayo mula sa kanyang hita pero pinigilan niya ako.
“Just stay,” he whispers while chewing.
“Pero mahihirapan kang kumain, kapag nandito ak––”
“One more move, and I’ll fuck you here in instant,” nanigas ako dahil sa sinabi niya at nanahimik na lamang.
I saw him smirking when I cover my mouth, he continues eating na parang wala ako sa hita niya. Komportable siyang kumain habang nakaupo ako sa hita niya.
Pagkatapos niyang kumain, tatayo na sana ako para iligpit ito pero bigla niya akong binuhat at ipinasok sa kwarto. “Teka, yung pinagkainan mo!” I spoke.
“Don’t worry you’ll wash it later, for now you need to wash my body first,” paso niyang bulong sa aking tenga bago ako pinasok sa banyo.
“S-sandali Hector…”
Kinabukasan maaga akong nagising kesa kay Hector, kahit na medyo masakit ang katawan at likuran ko. Tumayo pa’rin ako kaagad at nag handa ng almusal para sa aming dalawa.
Akala ko bago ako matapos magluto magigising na si Hector pero natapos ko na lahat ng nililuto ko at nakapaglinis na ako dito sa salas pero tulog pa’rin siya.
Pumasok ako sa kwarto, at kung paano ko siya iniwan kanian ay ganun pa’rin siya hanggang ngayon. Umupo ako sa tabi ng kama at hinaplos ang tattoo nito sa likod.
Nangpagmasdan ko itong mabuti, doon ko lang na pansin na isa pala itong malaking peklat na tinakpan ng tattoo niya. He covered it using his tattoo pero kung titingnan mo ito ng malapitan mapapansin mo pa rin ang malaking peklat sa likuran niya.
I stop touching it as I felt teh cheels on my body, tumayo ako at lalabas na sana muli ng mapansin ko ang baril ni Hector sa tabi ng kama.
Inilagay niya ito sa ilalim ng kama, kaya kinuha ko ito. This is my first time touching a real gun and I didn’t know that this would be heavy as this.
Naamaze ako habang tinitingnan ang bawat parte nito, “Wow,” I whisper. Humarap ako sa salamin at nagkunwaring charlie’s angel at itinutok ito sa mismong salamin.
“I’m charlie’s angel, rawr,” I whisper, natutawa ako dahil mukha akong cool dahil sa baril na ito.
“Kachow, boom, boom, bang, bang,” pakiramdam ko nasa COD ako, at marami akong kalaban na nakakasalubong. “Beng, beng, beng…” mahina kong sambit ang nnageenjoy ako ng biglang sumulpot sa likuran ko si Hector.
Hinawakan niya ang bewang ko at ang kamay ko na hawak ang baril niya, “HECTOR!” gulat kong sambit, itinutok niya ang baril diretso sa salamin habang nakatingin sa aking repleksyon sa salimin.
He’s topless and I could feel his morning erection on my butt, and nag pagkakahawak niya sa aking bewang papunta sa aking tiyan ay tila nakakapangilabot.
“Why are you playing with my gun? Olivia,” he whispers into my ears and teasingly kiss the back of my ear. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko ng ikasa niya ang baril na hawak ko, at pinuwesto niya ang hintuturo ko sa trigger nito habang controlado ang kamay ko.
“H-hector,” kinakabahan kong sambit, parang naging yelo ang buong katawan ko habang nakatingin sa baril na hawak ko. Isang kabig lang ang kanyang daliri sa akin ay puputok ng baril na ito.
“Do you knwo how dangerous to play with my gun,” kinagat ko ang ibaba kong labi ng mas lalo kong nararamdaman ang matigas na bagay sa aking likuran.
Ano bang baril ang tinutukoy niya?
“Tinitingnan ko lang naman, f-first time ko kasing makakkita ng baril,” pinagpapawisan na ako dahil sa ginagawa niya sa akin ngayon. Natatakot ako sa baril na hawak namin at sa matigas na bagay sa likuran ko.
“Did you know that a close gunshot to a glass can make a strong impact and the bullet can bounce back in the opposite direction?” parang gusto kong maihi dahil sa sinabi niya.
“S-sorry hindi ko na ito gagalawin ulit,” I whisper, pero halos maluha ako ng maramdaman ko ang dahan-dahan na pagbigay niay ng pressure hintuturo ko.
“Hector, anong ginagawa mo!!!” sigaw ko, pero nakita ko ang paghalik niya sa gilid ng leeg ko at dahan-dahan binibigyan ng diin ang daliri ko. “Hector ano!! hindi ako nakikipagbiruan!!!” hinigpitan niya ang pagkakayakap sa aking bewang upang hindi ako makatakas at kinagat ang gilid na bahagi ng leeg ko.
“Hector, ano ba!!!!” my knees are wobbling in fear already, he’s really gonna make me pull the trigger.
“Hector, ano ba!!! Hector!!!” he licks my neck and I close my eyes and he makes me pull the trigger.
I stop when I didn’t hear any loud sound of gunshot, ang tanging narinig ko lang ay ang pag click ng baril niya. Imunulat ko ang aking mga mata at agad akong hinarap ni Hector sa kanya.
“I’m just kidding, it’s not loaded,” he said and show me the lower part of the gun. Wala nga itong kaset ng bala. My lips parted for a seconds before magsink in sa itak ko ang lahat.
I hit him and try pushing him away but he locked me in his arms.
“Nakakatawa ’yon!!!” I shouted, tumawa siya sa gwapong paraan, pero hindi ako madadala ng tawa na ’yan. “Tawa pa, happy ka?!!” kumukulo talaga ang dugo ko ngayon, muntikan na ako ng maihi sa shorts ko dahil sa gianwa niya.
Tense na tense ako sa takot tapos niloloko lang pala niya ako.
“I was just joking around my gun isn’t loaded, but you know what’s loaded right now?” he playfully said, dahil sa sinabi niya natahimik ako at dahan-dahan bumababa ang tingin ko sa matiga sna bagay na kanina pa tumatama sa akin.
My eyes widened when it’s fully erected in front of me, and why the fuck is he wearing gray sweat pants. Really!
“May hindi pa pala ako tapos lutuin sa labas, haha,” sinubukan kong tanggalin ang kamay niya sa akin at tumakbo palabas. “Ahh!” sigaw ko ng buhatin niya ako na parang sako at ibinalik sa kama.
“Let’s have a morning exercise, Olivia,” he said and use that bedroom voice again.
No!
“Ayaw ko!!!!!”
char…
“Gusto kong manunood ng movie sa sinehan may magandang movie ngayon eh, tara!” hinila ko siya papunta sa sinehan at agad namili ng ticket.
Gaya ng napagusapan namin nagno-label date kami ngayong araw, sinadya niyang mag paalam sa trabaho niay kaninang umabga para sa akin.
Kaya hindi ko maexplain ang saya na nararamdaman ko ngayon. “Really a fucking romance?” he hazes as teh movie started. Tiningnan ko siya at binigyan ng matamis na ngiti.
He just rolled his eyes and wala siyang choice kung hindi manood. Habang nanonood nagvibrate ang phone ko kaya kinuha ko ito sa aking bulsa pero nang makita ko ang npangalan ni Mommy sa screen agad kong pinatay ang aking phone at nagpatuloy sa panunuod.
Habang focus si Hector sa movie, kinagat ko ang aking labi at dahan-dahan sinubukan hawakan ang kanyang kamay. My heart almost jumps out of my chest when he accepts my hand and let me intertwined him with his.
Nanood kami ng magkahawak ang mga kamay, and he didn’t let go of my hand hanggang sa makalabas kami ng sinihan.
“Where do you want to eat?” tanong niya, napalingon ako sa labasan ng mall at nakitang pababa na ang araw.
Saan kaya magandang kumain ng dinner?
“Hmmm…” umakto akong nagiisip ng biglang tumunog ang phone niya.
“Just a second,” he said at agad itong sinagot.
“Yes…now? Ok I’ll be there in a few minutes,” sambit niya sa kabilang linya.
Alam ko na agad ang ibig sabihin ’non kaya nang ibaba niya ang tawag at tignan ako.
Nagsalita na ako kaagad, “Sa bahay na lang ako kakain ng hapunan, sige pumunta ka na sa trabaho mo,” sambit ko.
He clenched his jaw and hold my hand tighter.
“No, you’re coming with me, this will not take long.”
“Huh?”
“Let’s have dinner after going there,” he said and pull me to this car and drive our way to the…
FBI OFFICE!
CHAPTER 23
“Sigurado ka bang pwedi akong sumama sayo doon?” tanong ko habang tahimik siyang na dadrive papunta sa headquarters ng FBI office.
Hindi ako mapakali habang hawak ang seat beat dito sa shutgun seat, hindi ko alam pero kinakabahan ako. First time kong makakapunta sa ganong klaseng lugar.
“It’s fine, hindi naman tayo magtatagal, I’ll just need to check something,” seryoso niyang sambit, tumango ako at ipinilit na lamang kumalma hanggang sa makarating kami sa harap ng FBI office.
“Woah, Federal Plaze,” bulong ko, itiningala ko ang aking ulo upang pagmasdan ang mataas nitong building.
“Let’s go,” Sambit ni Hector bago inabot ang aking kamay at hinila ako papasok sa loob ng building. Pagpasok sa loob hindi ko maiwasang mamangha sa magandang disenyo ng buong lugar.
Pati ang mga taong nakakasalubong namin ay kahanga-hanga, nakasuot sila ng mga formal na unifrome at may mga baril sa kanilangtagiliran. Yung iba naman mukhang mga special agent sa movies.
“Woah, wow,” patuloy kong sambit, may ilan kaming nakakasalubong na kilala si Hector at nagsasalute sa kanya, Hector looks so coold right now. Iba talaga ang dating niya pag-umaakto na siya bilang isang FBI agent.
Nakasunod lang ako sa kanyang likuran habang hawak niya ang aking kamay, tumuloy kami sa isang elevator na wala ma syadong tao. “Ang ganda pala dito,” bulong ko sa kanya habang nakangiti, he glances at me with a smirk in his eyes.
“You won’t wish to be here Olivia,” he said and pull me closer to him when the elevator opens and three agents come in.
“Agent Evans, Sir.” napalingon ako sa dalawang lalaki at isang babae na pumasok nang bigla silang magsalute kay Hector dito sa loob ng elevator. Mukha silang mga bata pa kaya I assume na baguhan pa lang ang mga ito.
Yung kasi din mukhang kinakabahan at nanginginig pa ang kamay, Hecto glance at them and nodded at them, bego ito tumigil sa pagsalute at tumayo ng tuwid sa gilid namin. Para akong bata na nakatago sa likuran ni Hector habang pinapanood silang tatlo na parang estatwa kung tumindig.
“Ahm… Sir Evans,” lumingon ang babae kay Hector at tinawag ito, Evans? Hindi ba Miranda ang surname ni Hector? Why are they calling him Evans?
Tiningnan ni Hector ang babae at hindi nagsalita, “Sir, are you f-free f-for d-dinner?” tiningnan ko ng mabuti ang babae ng mamula ang pisngi nito habang nakayukong tinatanong si Hector.
She likes him, “Why are you asking?” tanong ni Hector sa kanya habang diretso itong bumalik ng tingin sa pinto ng elevator. Matangkad si Hector kaya kinailangan ko pang tumingala ng konti upang tingnan ang reaksyon nila.
Ngumiti itong americanang agent na ito at hinawi ang buhok upang ilagay sa likod ng kanyang tenga, I instanly make face here while watching this cringe agent.
Akala ko ba cool ang mga agent na babae? Bakit mas pabebe pa ito sa pabebe girls.
“I was j-just h-hoping if y-you c-can c-come v-visit my pad and eat d-dinner w-with me?” the fuck, utal-utal siyang magsalita pero napakalandi ng boses. Hindi mo alam kung kinakabahan o sinasadya niya lang mag pakacute sa harap ni Hector.
At isa pa visit my pad? Eat dinner?! Duh, sinong matinong babae ang papayag na magpapasok ng hindi boyfriend sa pad niya for din—
Natigilan ako sa aking iniisip ng marealize kong isa ako sa hindi matinong babae na nagpapasok ng hindi poyfriend sa condo ko.
Palingon ako sa dalawang lalaki na tila natutuwa sa nakikita nila, para silang supportive bestfriend dito kay ate gurl, tiningnan ko si Hector at hinintay ang isasagot niya.
“Sure,” nanlaki ang mata ko dahil sa sagot niya, ano!!!
Agad ngumiti ng abot tenga si ate gurl dahil sa sagot ni Hector kaya hindi ko maiwasang mainis at sinubukan tanggalin ang pagkakahawak ni Hector sa aking kamay. Pero nagulat ako ng itinaas niya ito at hinila ako sa tabi niya.
He faces the girl and said, “Can I bring my girlfriend there?”
“Huh?” sambit ko at naguguluhan siyang tiningnan bago sinulyapan ang amerikanang agent na ito sa gilid ko. Nakanganga siyang tumingin sa akin at tila hindi makapaniwala sa prisensy ako.
“Sir, you have a girlfriend?!” naguunahang tanong nung dalawang lalaki sa likod ni ate gurl.
“Yes,” kalmadong sambit ni Hector, bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa mag lumalabas sa bibig nya, akala ko ba no-label relationship ito?
“But, but I o-only prepare a m-meal f-for t-two,” sarkastikong sambit ng babaeng ito at pasimple akong tiningnan ng masama. “If that’s the case, I’m sorry we’re not going,” Hector said, and the elevator opens, kaya hinila niya na ako palabas.
Tiningnan ko yung babae at pasimpleng ngumiti bago kami tuluyang nakalabas. Duh gurl, wala ka pa sa kalingkingan ng kasexihan at kagandahan ko, maligo ka muna ng mga 100x ok.
Dahil doon confident akong naglakad sa tabi ni Hector at pang-asar siyang binulungan. “Akala ko ba no-label relatinship tayo Mr. FBI? Bakit pinagkakalat mo na girlfriend mo ako?” I playfully said.
Hector glance at me with a smile on the side of his lips and say, “I just said that to stop that girl’s obsession for me,” sagot niya.
“Wehhh, baka naman nainlove ka na sa akin? Nako Mr. FBI pigilan mo ’yan wala kang chance sa akin, I will just break you heart.” I joked, tumawa siya at lumiko kami sa isang malaking office dito sa itaas kung saan maraming FBI agents ang nagtatrabaho.
Karamihan ang gagwapo, shems!!! “Pogi,” bulong ko.
“Don’t bother they are all married,” paninira ni Hector ng aking pantasya.
“SIR EVANS!!” isang parang nerd na lalaki ang tumatakbo palapit sa amin. “It’s Miranda,” pagtatama niya dito, “Yes, what did you get Harvey?” tanong ni Hector sa kanya. “Sorry sir, we already have leads, here,” may inabot siyang papel kay Hector.
Nang tingnan ko ito nakita ko ang picture ni Darcy at Carline kaya hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Hector at mas tiningna ito ng mabuti. “Pinahahanap mo sil—–” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang.
“SIR!!” biglang nagsalute si Harvey at kasunod non’ ay ang pagsalute ng lahat ng agents dito sa opisina. They are all facing at us.
“Agent Evans,” agad akong napalingon ng biglang may nagsalita sa likuran namin. Isa itong matandang americano na nakasuot ng isang coat and tie. Matangkad ito at tila nakakatakot ang prisensya niya.
Hinarap siya ni Hector ng walang takot at taas noo itong nagsalute sa matanda. “Sir Evans, it’s Agent Miranda.” tiningnan ko si Hector madiin niyang sinagot ito at tila galit itong tiningnan.
Nakita ko kung paano umigitng ang panga ni Hector habang kaharap ito ang kung paano magalab ang kanyang mga mata. Bakit parang galit siya?
Imbis na sagutin niya ng matanda, humarap ito sa akin at tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Ang uri ng tingin na iginawad nito sa akin at tila nakakapangliit.
“Let’s talk in my office Agent Evans,” sambit nito bago kami nilagpasan dalawa ni Hector. Nang makapasok na ito sa loob ng isang opisina. Doon lang nakahinga ng maluwag ang mga tao dito sa loob at bumalik sa kanilang trabaho.
Muli kong tiningnan si Hector dahil nanatili pa rin siyang nakatayo ng tuwid at tila nagpipigil ng galit. “S-sir?” tinawag si ni Harvey, kaya hinarap niya ito at binitawan ang aking kamay.
“Wait for me here, Harvey bring her to my office.” mautoridad niyang sambit at basta na lang akong iniwan at dumiretso sa office na pinasukan ng matandang americano.
“Follow me Ma’am,” tumango ako at sinundan si Harvey sa isang office malapit sa office na pinuntahan ni Hector.
“Agent Ev- I mean Miranda will be here after a minute, do you want some coffee?” inayos nito ang makapal na salamin ng taungin ako. Ngumiti ako sa kanya at sinabi, “No, I’m fine, I’ll just wait for him here.” he nodded and leave.
When my eyes roam around the room, I feel so amaze by the organize case papels na nandito sa loob, maraming papel pero mukha itong malinis na office dahil maayos itong nakatabi sa gilid.
Lumapit ako sa table ni Hector at binasa ang name plate sa ibabaw nito.
“FBI Deputy Special Agent in Charge Hector Ansel Miranda Evans,” so may Evans pa pala siya sa pangalan niya, bakit wala ito sa ID niya.
Dahil doon napaisip ako, Sir. Evans din ang tawag ng ibang agents at ni Harvey doon sa matanda. Doon lang nagsink in sa akin na magkahawig sila ni Hector.
“Is that his dad?” hindi makapaniwala kong bulong, lumapit ako sa pinto ng office ni Hector at dahan-dahan sumilip. Binasa ko ang nakasulat sa pinto ng office na pinasukan ni Hector.
“FBI director,” I gasp when I read that, don’t tell me tatay ni Hector ang FBI director dito sa New York. No way.
Umupo ako dito sa couch sa loob ng makita kong lumabas si Hector sa office ng director at agad pumasok dito sa office niya. “Hecto—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng hilain niya ang kamay ko palabas at pinuntahan ang table kung saan nakaupo si Harvey.
“Send me that information,” diretso at madiinniyang utos dito bago ako hinila palabas sa department na ito. Sumakay kami ng elavator kung saan mas maraming Agent na lalaki ang nakasakay.
Pumasok kami at ipinuwesto niya ako sa harapan niya ng sumara ang pinto, “Nice catch Evans, didn’t knwo you like kids, damb those white le—” hindi natapos nito ang sasabihin ng biglang tutukan ni Hector ng baril ito.
Nanigas ako sa aking kinatatayuan ng ibang Hector ang nakikita ko ngayon. “Don’t you fucking continue your words, or I’ll shoot that fucking empty head of yours,”
“Woah, bro calm down I was just kiddi—”
“Shut the fuck up!” madiin na sambit ni Hector, “Hector,” bulong ko at sinubukan ibaba braso niya. “Hey,” I whisper and tap his chest. He gazes at me before he put his gun down and put it back on his gun carriage.
Bumukas ang elevator at nagmamadaling umalis ang mga lalaki, hinarap ko si Hector at sinubukan siyang pakalmahin. “Are you ok?” tanong ko, hindi siya sumagot sa halip at hinila niya na ako palabas ng building at dumiretso kami sa paguwi sa condo.
“Hindi na ba tayo kakain ng dinner sa labas?” tanong ko ng papalapit na kami sa condo ko. Hindi siya umimik at tumigil na lamang sa tapat ng pinto ng condo ko.
Kakaiba ang pakiramdam habang pinagmamasdan ang ibang side ni Hector, hindi ko inaasahan na magiging ganito siya ka terror pag galit. What did that director do to him that makes him furious like this?
Hanggang ngayon nanginginig pa rin ako sa takot pagnaalala ko kung paano niya walang takot na tinutukan ng baril ang isang agent na iyon.
Binuksan ko ang pinto ng condo at pumasok, hininaty kong smunod siya pero nanatili lang siya sa labas kaya hinarap ko siya. “Ano pang ginagawa mo d’yan? Tara na dito sa loob,” I said.
He stared at me straight in the eyes before he let out a deep breath and said, “I need to work late tonight, I won’t be sleeping with you tonight you should rest.” sambit niya at agad umalis.
Naiwan ako dito na nakanganga at tulala, yung totoo ano ba talagang ginawa ng Mr. Evans na ’yon kay Hector at biglang nagbago ito ng mood.
I slowly close the door and just cook an instant ramen for dinner, kumain ako pero nasa isip ko pa ’rin ang mag nakita ko ngayong araw. I never knew that Hector could be like that.
He’s scary but I’m not scared of him.
Pagkatapos kumain tumuloy na ako sa kwarto at naligo bago mahiga sa kama. I posted a picture of our movie tickets on my story at ngayon ko lang napansin na may messege pala si Bunny dito.
From Bunny,
I wish I could also go on a date.
I urge a smile, she’s an artist wala talaga siyang time makipagdate.
Alam kong hindi niya na ito mababasa pero nagreply pa ’rin ako.
To Bunny,
You will someday.
After that pumunat ako sa missed calls list ko at isa-isang binura ang calls ni Mommy at ni Daddy. Hindi ba sila napapagod tawagan ako na hindi naman sumasagot sa kanila.
That feels like a stab in my chest, I don’t want to do that to them but I need to. They are the sweetest parents but I’ll just mess it up if nalaman nila ang totoo kong kalagayan dito sa New York.
Sorry, Mom and Dad, I will make you proud I promise you.
I put my phone on the side table and hugged the pillow beside me, pumasok sa isip ko si Hector. I feel worried and at the same time, I’m confused what’s his story?
I never heard about his family background, I only know his gay stepbrother Dylan, and that’s it.
Kakaisip ko kay Hector buong gabi, hindi ko na namalayan kung anong oras na ako nakatulog at nagising na lang ako ng mga 10 am. Pagkatayo ko sa kama naalala ko na wala na pala akong trabaho.
Walang hotel job, at wala na ’rin coffee shop job.
Hindi ko maiwasang mainis sa aking sarili, dahil tingin ko para na akong walang silbing tao. Umupo ako sa kama at naglaro lang sa cellphone ko wala pa akong balak mag-almusal dahil tinatamad akong magluto.
Pero habang nasa kalagitnaan ng game nakaamoy ako ng masarap na pagkain mula sa labas ng kwarto. Parang pinapasunod ako nito sa amoy nitong taglay kaya tumayo ako at naglakad palabas ng kwarto.
Pagbukas ko ng pinto ang matipunong likuran agad ni Hector ang aking nakita, “Hector,” bulong ko.
He glances at me with a charming smile on his face, why the hell is he topless? And wearing an apron early this morning. He’s turning me on.
“Good morning,” he said.
Parang bigla ko siyang na miss kahit na magkasama lang kami kagabi, hindi na ata ako sanay na hindi siya katabing matulog. I Smile and run to him, niyakap ko siya mula sa kanyang likuran.
“Kanina ka pa dito?” tanong ko, hindi na ako magtataka kung paano siya nakapasok sa condo ko, dahil alam niya naman ang password sa pinto ko.
He chuckled and said, “Umuwi ako ng 4 am in the morning from work and I felt lonely in my pad, so I invade her inside your pad and sleep beside you.” bumalik na ang Hector na kilala ko.
I feel happy seeing him here, akala ko hindi kami magkikita ng matagal dahil sa nangyari kagabi.
Nanatili lang akong nakayakap sa kanya hanggang sa matapos siyang magluto, hanggang sa pagpunta niya sa dining table nakayakap pa ’rin ako sa kanya.
“Do you miss me that much, that you are being extra clingy today??” he teases me, I make face at him and let go, umupo ako sa harapan niya at pinanood siyang hainan ako ng almusal.
He cooked pancakes with bacon and egg.
Tinitigan ko lang siya hanggang sa matapos siyang maglagay ng pagkain sa plato ko at sa plato niya, nagdasal siya bago kumain at nagsimulang magbasa ng papers habang kumakain.
Napansin niyang nakatitig lang ako sa kanya kaya hinarap niya ako at sinubuan ng pancake. “What do you want to ask me, ask me now,” casual niyang sambit at binitawan ang papers na binabasa.
“Is that Sir. Evans is your dad?” I ask out of the blue, nang hindi nagiisip. Nagpanic ko ng marealize ko ang pagiging impulsive ko. “Ah, what I m-mean is tha—”
“Yes, he is, my father.” sagot niya. Natigilan ako at naghanda na sana sa pagbabago ng mood niay pero tila wala lang ito sa kanya hindi gaya ng kagabi.
“I was nine years old when my mother dies and after a year my dad decided to marry Dylan’s mother, we moved here to New York when I was ten years. He’s a man of his words and because of that consistency he became the director of FBI for almost 10 years,” he said.
“G-galit ka ba sa kanya?” tanong ko, dahil sa kwento niya normal na magalit ka sa dad mo ng magpakasal ito agad after you mom’s death, right.
“No,” kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa sagot niya, “No?” I utter.
He gazes at me and smiles, “I’m not mad at him,” he repeated.
Bakit pala ganun siya umasta kagabi?
Teka ano bang kinamatay ng mom niya?
“What’s the reason for your mother’s death?” I ask.
He looks at me in the eyes and said,
“I killed her, I killed my mother.”
Ano!!!
CHAPTER 24
“I killed her, I killed my mother.” nanigas ako sa sandaling panahon ng lumabas iyon mula sa kanyang bibig.
Tiningnan niya ako sa diretso sa aking mata na tila tumatagos papunta sa aking utak at puso, bumilis ang tibok ng aking puso sa hindi malamang dahilan.
My lips parted and my knees weakened, “Y-your jo-joking, r-right?” na-uutal kong sambit. I could see it through his eyes, he’s serious, and there’s anger inside his soul.
Nagtitigan kami ni Hector ng ilang segundo bago siya biglang tumawag. Halos tumigil ako sa paghinga sa sandaling oras na iyon tapos tatawanan niya lang ako. “I was just kidding, come here,” hinila niya ang upuan ko papalapit sa kanya.
He spread his legs to place me and my chair in front of him and caresses my face. “You look pale, hahaha,” sambit niya at hinawi ang buhok ko at hinalikan ang aking pisngi.inilayo ko ang mmukha ko sa kanya at inirapan siya bago lumingon sa kanan upang iwasan siyang tingnan.
Hindi magandang biro ’yon!
“I was just kidding, hey Olivia, come on, look at me.” he tried holding my chin and made me face him but I didn’t let him. “Hindi nakakatawa yung joke mo,” walang gana kong sambit.
He wrapped his arms around my waist and kiss my neck before he sighs and said, “My mom died in a car accident,” mahina niyang bulong, dahil doon hinarap ko siya.
“I’m sorry about that,” mahina kong sambit, tiningnan niya ako bago binuhat paupo sa hita niya at itinulak ang upuan ko papalayo. “It’s ok,” he whispers and started plating wet kisses on my neck.
“Hmmmm..tama na ’yan tapusin mo na ang kinakain mo.” tumayo ako mula sa kanyang hita, hinila ko muli ang upuan ko at nagpatuloy kaming kumain kahit mukhang na bitin siya sa ginagawa niya sa leeg ko.
“By the way, wala ka bang balak gumawa ng facebook account?” tanong ko.
“Do I need one? I don’t think so,” bored niyang sagot, sinaunang tao talaga ito. “Magandang may social media account ka para nakikita mo yung mga updates sa buhay ng mga kaibigan at kakilala mo, at isa pa doon magiging friends tayo.”
“Do we still need to be friends Olivia, we already fuck,” tumigil ako sa pagnguya at dinuro siya ng tinidor. “Ang bastos ng bibig mo, kumakian tayo eh!” he smirked and, “What? I’m just telling the truth.”
“Truth mo mukha mo,” I rolled my eyes on him, but it seems like he didn’t care about it and continued chuckling. “I’ll be off to work after this, what will you be doing while I’m gone?” tanong niya ng matapos siyang tumawa.
Oo nga, wala na akong trabaho anong gagawin ko ngayon? Tatanga na lang dito sa bahay at hihintayin maubusan ng hininga, hanggang sa mamatay, ganun na lang siguro.
“Maglilinis ako ng condo, general cleaning,” I said and fake a smile at him. He nodded and continue eating, after we ate nagpaalam siyang maliligo sa condo niya. Ako naman ay naghugas ng pinagkainan namin dalawa.
Hindi ko maiwasang malungkot habang nakikita ko kung paano ang nagiging takbo ng buhay ko. Wala na akong trabaho, how can magna cum laude like me be a jobless woman in New York. That is so lame.
Maya-maya lang ay bumalik dito sa condo si Hector, he’s wearing a black denim jacket paired with a black shirt underneath and black pants. Lumapit ako sa kanya at agad niya akong hinalikan, “I’ll see you later,” he whispers between our lips.
“Sure,” sagot ko, we kissed again and after that he left for work. Tiningnan ko ang buong condo, itinali ang aking buhok at itinaas ang mangas ng aking t-shirt. “Let’s start cleaning!!!” masigla kong sambit bago ngumiti at nagsimulang maglinis ng buong bahay.
Sa totoo lang mas mukhang makalat ang room ko kesa sa room ni Hector, pero ano bang magagawa ko, namana ko ata ito kay Mommy. She’s a player she focused on playing that cleaning, kaya si Dad lagi ang naglilinis ng bahay.
Itinapon ko ang dapat itapon at inayos ang ilang gamit na nakalat dito sa salas at pagkatapos ay lumipat ako sa kwarto ko kung saan marami talagang kalat. “Ay!” hindi ako makapaniwala na nandito pala sa ilalim ng kama yung bra na halos mag-iisang taon ko nang hinahanap.
Akala ko ninakaw ito ni Anton dahil tinger print ang design baka ginamit niya sa bed time nila ni Dylan, “Ewww!!!” sigaw ko at pinalo ang aking ulo, dahil sa kung ano-ano ang pumapasok sa isip ko.
After kong linisin ang aking kwarto, nagtuos namin kami ng magulo kong closet at itinupi lahat ng pweding tupiing damit at inayos ang pagkakasampay ng aking mga dress.
“Awww, namis ko itong suotin,” bulong ko ng makita ang mga dress dito sa closet, ito yung mga radiant color dress ko na galing pa sa pinas. Dinala ko ito dito dahil ganito manamit ang dating Olivia.
Pero ngayon hindi na ito ang sinusuot ko, pinagmasdan ko ang aking closet ng maayos na ito at halos 85% nito ay kulay itim. At mga leather jacket.
Then I gaze at their radiant dress that I’ve decided to declutter. Huminga ako ng maalim at inilagay ang lahat ng ito sa isang malaking kahon.
I will donate this somewhere, nang matapos ko ang paglilinis ng buong condo pabagsak akong umupo sa couch at tiningnan ang oras sa aking phone. Inabot ako ng hapon sa paglilinis, its already 3:48 pm.
“Grabe,” bulong ko at imbis na kumain ng tanghalian mas pinili ko munang umidlip at nagising na madilim na salabas. “Owww gutom na ako,” napahaba ang tulog ko sabi ko isang oras lang pero 7:26 pm na.
Tumayo ako at pumunta ng kusina, magluluto na ako ng hapunan dahil ito na lang din ang lunch ko. Pinili kong magluto ng nilagang baboy.
My phone ring and it’s mom again, tumatawag na naman siya. Hindi ko ito sinagot at mas piniling hindi pansinin hanggang sa tumigil na sa tunog.
Habang nagluluto, naluluha ako dahil inaatake na naman ako ng depression at anxiety ko. I just feel so worthless right now, but I’m trying my best to cheer up and gather myself together.
Tumunog ang pinto ng condo ko kaya mabilis akong nagpunas ng luha at naghilamos. “Olivia,” rinig kong tawag sa akin ni Hector. Pinunasan ko ang aking mukha gamit ang tissue dito sa kitchen at dinaluhan siya.
“Oh, ang aga mo ata ngayon?” tanong ko, hindi ko siya agd tiningnan dahil busy ako sa pagtanggal ng pagkakabuhol ng apron na suot ko pero ng harapin ko siya natigilan ako ng hindi mukha niya ang sumalubong sa akin.
It’s a bouquet of white gardenia flowers, “I know you’re not feeling well, so I bought you this, hoping that this could cheer you up,” he gently whispered, lowering down the flower so I could see his face.
My heart just starts pounding and tears burst out from my eyes, niyakap ko siya ng sobrang higpit at lumuha sa kaing balikat. It’s already two years since I received flowers from someone.
Then I realize that Anton has already shown me hints that he’s not really into me, he didn’t give me flowers since we’ve started dating. The last time I received a flower is from my dad.
“Shhhhh…” Hector wraps his right arms around my waist and rubbed my back, as I continue crying in his arms. “Thank you,” I whisper while sobbing so hard.
He chuckled and put the bouquet of flowers on the table, then carry me like a baby. I wrap my legs around his waist and hide my face on his neck.
Sumandal lang siya sa dinig table habang buhat ako na parang wala lang sa kanya ang bigat ko at hinayaan akong umiyak hanggang sa matapos ako, at tuluyang kumalma.
“Are you done?” tanong niya, pinunsan ko ang aking luha at hinarap siya. I was pouting my lips at him, he smiles and said, “EvErything is gonna be ok,” he whispers.
Tumango ako at dahan-dahan niya na akong ibinababa at binigay sa aking ang boquet ng Gardenia flowers. “Thank you for this,” I genuinely whisper.
He nodded and let me serve our food tonight, umupo kami sa dining table na patuloy pa ’rin ako sa pagsinghot ng sipon dahil sa pagiyak. “Do you want me to do something to cheer you up? Just tell me what you want I’ll do it for you,” he said while we’re both eating.
Napaisip ako sa sinabi niya, hmmm Ano ba ang gusto kong gawin ngayong gabi… “Kahit ano?” tanong ko.
“Yes,” he said.
Agad pumasok sa isip ko ang isang napakagandang idea, “Gumawa ka ng social media account mo tapos maglaro tayo ng COD ngayong gabi.” I spoke.
“COD? What is that?” tiningnan mo ito, napaghahalataang sinaunang tao eh. “COD, C.O.D. Call of Duty, duh halos lahat ng tao alam ’yon.” I said, rolling my eyes with sarcasm.
“Fine, download it on my phone here,” nagulat ako ng agad niyang binuksan ang kanyang phone at inabot ito sa akin bago nagpatuloy kumain.
“Gagawa ka ng social media account?” tanong ko.
“Sabi mo diba?” he said with that handsome accent. Parang tumalon ang puso ko sa tuwa kaya mabilis akong tumayo at pumunta malapit sa wifi para magdown load ng COD, facebook, Instagram sa phone niya. Habang naghihintay sinubukan kong tingnan ang gallery niya.
Pero pinagsisihan ko lang din, akala ko kasi makakakita ako ng abs niya or selfie niya dito pero ang nakita ko lang ay mga picture ng files, mga larawan ng mga bagay na ginagamit sa kaso sa trabaho niya.
Matapos kong madownload ang lahat tumayo ako at lumapit sa kanya na naghuhugas na ng plato sa kusina, “Ako na dyan, gawa ka na ng account mo bilis,” excited kong sambit.
“I don’t know how to make one, ikaw na ang gumawa,” sambit niya habang patuloy sa paghuhugas. “Ok ako na lang,” una kong ginawa ay ang facebook account niya, syempre inadd ko ang sarili ko bilang unang friend niya.
“Kailan ang birthday mo?”
“November 08, 1990,” sagot niya, “Woahhh ang tanda mo na pala talaga, I should call you tito na ata,” biro ko.
“You can’t call me that when I fuck you, Olivia, that’s a sin,”
I punch his waist because of that and he just smirked at me, I continue making his account, even in his instagram. “Oh, yan tapos na friend na tayo sa facebook pwedi mo ako doon tawagan at sa instagram finallow back na kita kaya pwedi mo din ako doon ichat. Maligo ka muna bago tayo maglaro ng COD.” sambit ko at bumalik sa couch para magpatuloy.
“Wait for me,” he said and pumunta sa condo niya para magshower, nagisang game lang ako dito habang hinihintay siya at saktong pagkapanalo ko pumasok na siya na nakapangtulog na dala-dala ang phone niya.
“Tara dito dali,” excited kong sambit at pinaupo siya sa tabi ko.
“How do I play this?” he asks when I open the app on his phone. “Sandali, akin na, hanapin muna kita,” kinuha ko ang phoen niya at inayos ang aming laro.
Tinuruan ko na rin siya ng basics sa laro para hindi siya mamatay agad, “Yan, ganyan lang ’yan madali lang diba, ano game na?” tanong ko, tumango siya at tila focus sa pagintindi ng laro.
I smile and started the game, “Ok, sunod ko lang sa akin ako bahala sayo para hindi ka kaagad mamatay,” confident kong sambit ng magsimula ang laro pero….
“We win,” masigla niyang sambit ng manalo kami sa laro, pero ako ay parang binagsakan ng langit at lupa.
“Paano mo nagawa ’yon?!” tanong ko.
“What?” tanong niya, paano niya nagawang patayin lahat ng kalaban ng siya lang, ni-hindi niya man lang ako binigyan ng chance makapatay kahit isa lang.
Hindi ako makapaniwala!!!
“Akala ko ba hindi ka marunong nito!!!” naiinis ako!
“I just followed what you teach me, Olivia, what’s wrong?” tanong niya, mas lalo akong naiinis sa inosenteng mukhang iyan.
“One game pa dali, chamba lang yun kanina,” I said and umisa pa kaming game.
“We win again,” he said. Kumukulo ang dugo ko! No kill!!!
“One game pa ulit,” isa pang laro pero ganun pa rin ang nangayri.
“Isa pa!”
“One game pa ulit!”
“Isa pa nga!”
“Last game na, sigurado ako makakapatay na ako dito,”
Zero-kill!
“Olivia, it’s getting very late, don’t you think we should sleep alrea––”
“One game pa sabi eh!!”
CHAPTER 25
“Hmmmm, one game pa…” Mahina kong sambit habang patuloy pa ’rin sa paglalaro. “Hector, isang game pa dali na!!!” I haze when he’s not responding.
“Hector, isang game pa hindi ako papayag na mat––” hindi ko ntapos ang sasabihin ko ng makita kong tulog sa siya sa couch habang hawak ang nakabukas niyang cellphone.
Nakatulog na siya, dahil doon itinigil ko na ang paglalaro at kinuha ang phone niya sa kanyang kamay upang maiwasan ang pagkangalay niya. “Sabi mo first time mo lang maglaro, pero lahat ng game natin pinanalo mo, ang duga mo,” mahina kong bulong sa kanya habang inaayos ang kanyang kamay sa gilid at tinanggal ang unaan sa gilid niya.
He looks vulnerable right now, para siyang batang damulag na tahimik na natutulog. I urge a smile before I stood up and walk straight to my room.
Kinuha ko ng unan at kumot sa loob ng kwarto bago muling lumabas at umupo sa sahig katabi ng couch kung saan natutulog si Hector. Kinumutan ko siya at pinatong ang aking unan sa space sa gilid niya at doon ipinatong ang aking baba, habang pinagmamasdan ang gwapo nitong mukha.
Hinawi ko ang bumagsak nitong buhok at hinaplos ang kanyang noo, pababa sa kanyang makapal na kilay at sa kanyang pilik mata. Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti ng medyo gumalaw siya dahil sa kagagawan ko.
I pointed my finger on his mole, before I slid it down to his nose, straight to his lips. Ang mapula nitong labi na tila dinadala ako sa ibang dimensyon tuwing hinahalikan ako nito.
Ang nakakapanghinang labi na ito, “Pasalamat ka gwapo ka, pinagbigyan lang kitang manalo sa COD kanina dahil ayaw kong madepress ka kapagnatalo ka,” bulong ko.
“Sinasadya ko lang talagang hindi mabaril ang mga kalaban para sayo noh,” confident kong sambit, kahit na ang totoo hindi talaga ako nabigyan ni Hector ng chance pumatay.
Inilapit ko ang aking mukha sa kanyang mukha at tinitigan siya. “Hmf, nakakainis ka! Bakit ang gwap—hmmp!” nanlaki ang aking mga mata ng bigla siyang gumising at hinalikan ako.
He wraps his arms around my waist, dahil doon napadapa ako sa ibabaw niya. I stop the kiss and look at him with disbelief. Akal ko ba tulog siya? Narinig niya ba mga sinabi ko.
Mapungay ang mata niya akong tiningnan bago ngumiti at sinabi, “You are simping on me?” he playfully said, “Duh! simping talaga?! ano ka bagets? asa ka!” pagtatanggi ko at sinubukan tumayo.
Tumayo ako at inayos ang aking damit, bago tiningnan siya ng masqama. “Kung matutulog sa dito lumipat ka nalang pero kung doon ka sa condo mo, siguraduhin mo ilolock mo ang pinto ko pagkaalis mo.” sambit ko at naglakad na papunta sa aking silid.
Hindi ko alam pero pakiramdam ko sobra akong nahhihiya dahil na huli niya akong pinapanood siyang matulog. Baka isipin niya na baka may gusto na ako sa kanya.
Nagtalukbong ako ng kumot, bago sinampal ang aking sarili. I tapped my chest to stop my heart from beating but it seems like it’s not working. Mas lalo lang itong bumilis sa pagtibok.
I gasp when I felt his presence inside my room, maya-maya lang ay naramdaman ko ang paghiga niya sa tabi ko at pumasok siya sa ilalim ng kumot kasama ko, at niyakap ako mula sa aking likuran.
“Thank you for letting me win the game,” he teases, siniko ko siya pero tumawa lang siya at siniksik ang mukha sa aking leeg. “I have fun tonight, goodnight,” bulong niya bago natulog.
My heaart skip beat and after that I just rested myself on him and relax before I fellasleep so soundly.
Gaya ng kahapon, nagising ako ng late at wala nsa sa tabi ko si Hector pero natext siya na umalis na siya at uuwi mamayang gabi dito sa condo ko. Pagkatapos kong mag-almusal hindi ako apapayag na tatambay lang ako dito sa condo buong araw.
Lumabas ako at pumunta kila Jalsey, “Kailangan ko talaga ng trabaho ngayon Jalsey, sige na baka may alam kayo ni ate Sam.” pagpipilit ko sa kanya pagkadating ko sa loob ng shop nila.
“Nako Olivia wala pa akong alam sa ngayon pero tatawagan kita pag meron, tatanungin ko din si ate mamaya. Ito mag kape ka muna, bakit ba kasi na tanggal ka sa shop ni Tallia?” tanong niya pagkaupo niya sa aking harapan at inabutan ako ng kape.
“Nagbabawas ng employee, syempre ako unang matatanggal doon mascot lang naman ang trabaho ko doon, minsan nagwaitress pero mascot ang pinakatrabaho ko kaya madali lang tanggalin.” Sagot ko, hinilot ni Jalsey ang kanyang noo bago kinuha ang kanyang phone at may tinawagan.
Pinanood ko lang siya at ininom ang kapeng ibinigay niya sa akin, sumulyap din ako sa labas ng office niya kung saan makikita ang mga customer ng shop nila.
My shop would look like this if only I didn’t trust Darcy and Carline that quick.
“AAhm, yes hello, yes it’s me Jalsey, do you have any hiring job in your cousin’s hotel?” napalingon ako kay Jalsey ng sabihin niya iyon, lumapit at nakinig ako sa isasagot ng nasa kabilang linya sa pamamagitan ng paglapit ko ng aking tenga sa phone niya.
“Wait, I’ll ask my cousin Zaxx, Z do you have any job for my friend in yoru hotel.” renege kong boses ng babae sa kabilang linya, Jalsey and ate Sam have so many friend’s kaya alam kong hindi ako nagkamali ng nilapitan.
“What kidn of job?” may mahinang boses ng lalaki sa kabilang linya na nagtanong, hinampas-hampas koa ng kamay ni Jal and I mouthed at her that ‘any job would do’.
She nodded and, “Any job would do,” she said.
“Any job would do, she said,” the girl in the other line repeated Jal say.
“Fine, tell her to bring her friend to my office tomorrow,” malinaw pa sa mata ko ang pagkakarinig ko sa sinabi ng mahinang boses na lalaking iyon.
I bite my lower lip to control my smile and continue listening, “You heard that Jal, he’ll see your friend tomorrow on his office, tell her to bring her resume.” I cover my mouth out of excitement, hindi pa tapos ni Jalsey kausapin yung nasa kabilang linya pero niyakap ko na siya ng sobrang higpit.
“Noted, see you tomorrow, thanks,” she said and end up the call.
“Wahhh, Jalsey thank you talaga!! ahh!” tumili-tili ako dito sa loob ng room niay dahil sa sobrang saya.
“Oo na, basta narinig mo naman ang kailngan mong dalhin bukas. Just prepare yourself medyo malaking hotel ang pag-aari ng pinsan ni Harly,” tumango ako at itinatatak iyon sa aking utak.
“Akong bahala, promise ko hindi kita ipapahiya sa kanila, wahhh, thank you talaga Jalsey, mahal na mahal kita!!!” that was a genuine wrods from me, dahil totoo naman, sobrang malaki ang pasasalamat ko kay Jalsey.
Without her and ate Sammy, siguro matagal na akong nabuking ng family ko. At siguradong pinabalik na ako sa pilipinas sa umpisa pa lang.
“Walang anuman, basta tandaan mo nandito lang ako palagi para sayo but not when we’re at the party hahahaha,” makahulugan niyang sambit, tumawa kaming dalawa at nagpatuloy lang sa pagkwekwentuhan hanggang lunch.
Inaya niya na akong dito maglunch sa shop kaya hindi ko na kinailngan pang umuwi ng condo at magluto ng pagkain. Kinahapunan, I just decided to help her with her shop, tumulong ako sa pagsosort sa storage nila kasama siya.
Super nag-eenjoy akong ginagawa ito dahil alam kong someday gagawin ko ’rin ito sa sarili kong shop.
“Your brother went viral pala, alam mo ba ’yon Olivia?” napalingon ako sa kanya dahil sa sinabi niya, sino?
“Si Arries?” tanong ko, tumango siya at kinuha ang cellphone sa bulsan. Ipinskita niya sa akin ang isang video ng kapatid kong pinagkakaguluhan sa shop na pinagtatrabahuhan niya.
“The captions say, ‘The hottest guy in New York city’ iba din talaga ang hali niyo noh, ang gwapo, kung hindi lang ito bata baka pinatulan ko na it—” pinagpag ko sa harapan niya ang maalikabok na damit na hawak ko upang hindi na siya iyon tapusin.
I feel cringe tuwing naririnig kong pinagnanasahan ang kapatid ko, I means yeah, Arries looks like my dad, so it’s normal that girl will go crazy for him. Pero hindi ko talaga kayang marinig ang mga ganito.
“Tumigil ka Jal, kapatid ko ’yon, off limits.” I said and continue what I’m doing. Nagmake-face siya at pinaulit-ulit tingnan ang litrato ni Arries sa internet.
Natapos kami sa pagaayus sa loob ng storage niya at sinamahan ko na ’rin siyang magsara ng shop. “Tara na Oli, hatid na kita.” she said and open her car for me.
I smile at her and ride went inside, hinatid niya ako sa condo at agad akong umakyat sa itaas, para ipagluto si Hector ng dinner. Habang kumukuha ng beef sa ref. Napansin ko ang litrato sa harap ng ref. Pagkasara ko nito.
This was my picture in Okada hotel in the Philippines. I’m in the pool together with Bunny and Naivy. Bigla kong namiss magswimming sa pool ng gabi, nung unang week ko dito noon sa New York I was living a life everynight I’ll have a wine and swim on the pool at night.
Nagsimula na akong magluto na nasa isip ko pa ’rin ang thought na magswimming sa itaas. Because this condominuim have a swimming pool on its rooftop na free for the peopel who live here.
After cooking, pumunta ako sa kwarto at hinanap ang aking swimsuit, gusto kong magswiming ngayong gabi. Nakita ko ang kulay itim kong two-peice sa closet kaya inilabas ko ito at nagshower ako habang wala pa si Hector.
I wear my swimsuit underneath my white t-shirt and black dolphin shorts. Lumabas ako ng kwarto na pinapatuyo ang aking buhok at naghintay dito sa dining table.
Maya-maya lang ay bumukas ang pinto ng condo ko at pumasok si Hector na bagsak ang buhok ata tila pagod sa trabaho. “Kain na,” bungad ko at hinila siya sa dining table.
Pagkaupo niya imbis na kumain agad, niyakap niya ako sa aking bewang at ipinikit ang kanyang mga mata. “I fucking hate dirty cases, and I’m still serching that Darcy and Carline.” pagod niyang bulong, dama ko ang mainit na hininga nito sa aking tiyan kaya hinawakan ko ang mukha niya at nakangiti siyang tiningnan.
“Kumain ka na, tapos after magswiming nalang tayo sa itaas para mawala yang stress mo.” he stared at me for a moment before he nodded and let me seat beside him.
Tahimik siyang kumain dahil pati sa pagsasalita ay tila pagod siya, he even just put his gun on the side because he’s so exhausted.
“By the way, nakahanap na ako ng trabaho may interview ako bukas ng umaga,” masigla kong sambit, “That’s great, I’m happy for you,” sambit niya. Confident akong humagikgik sa tabi niya at iniligpit ang aming pinagkainan pagkatapos.
“Magpalit ka ng pangswiming huhugasan ko lang ito, then let’s head upstairs.” hinalikan niya ako sa pisngi bago umalis at pumunta sa kanyang condo.
Kumuha ako beer sa ref at towel bago lumabas at makasalubong siya sa hallway. Mapungay at bagsak ang buhok niya ngayon kaya ako ang may energy sa aming dalawa, so, I wrapped my arms around his and pull him into the rooftop.
“Tara dali!!” excited kong sambit at hinila siya sa pool ng makitang walang tao dito sa taas. “Hey, be careful madulas ka,” sambit niya. Tumigil ako at hinubad ang aking shorts at white t-shirt sa harap niya bago si tiningnan.
“Tara sa kasi, solo natin yung pool oh,” he looks at me from head to toe before he nodded and remove his shirt in front of me. My lisp parted when it feels like a slowmo reveal of his freaking hit abs.
“Dali,” I pull his hand and we both step in the pool, malamig ang tubig pero sakto lang ito. “Kalimutan mo ang stress mo sa trabaho, let’s enjoy the night and forget about our stress.” I said, let go of his hand and swim.
Nagswiming ako hanggang sa dulo ng pool pero paglingon ko kay Hector nandon pa ’rin siya nakatayo sa kabilang dulo habang nakatitig sa akin. “Why are you staring at me, Mr. Hector?” malaoko kong tanong.
Napangiti siya dahil doon at sumagot, nothing just checking that freaking hot ass you have,“ he said.
Hindi ko alam pero namula agad ang buong mukah ko dahil sa sinabi niya, at agad nagbago ang mood dito sa pool. How teh hell can he flipped the atmosphere around us so fast.
He slowly lowerdown his body to the water, hanggang sa mata niya nalang ang nakikita ko at ulo niya, nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan ko dito sa kabilang dulo ng pool ng magsimula siyang lumangoy papalapit sa akin.
Pinanood ko siya hanggang sa hawakan niya ang bewang ko sa ilalim ang tubig at tumayo sa aking harapan. The water was dripping from his hair. The pool is cold but yet this man in front of me is fucking hot.
He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me against him. He kissed my forehead and I close my eyes, take a few heavy breaths, and open it again, to look at him.
His lip lowered to the tip of my nose, then he gave me a soft peck and pulled me even closer until there was no space between the two of us.
R18
“Hector, there is a CCTV here,” I uttered under my breath. This is creeping me out, what if someone is watching us.
“I don’t care,” He whispers, and move his lips just a few centimeters away from my lips. I could already feel his sweet mint breath against my lips.
“Hector,” I breathlessly whisper.
“What?” he asks but his lips were already against mine.
“W-w can’t do it here,” I said but it had me struggling to get every word out of my mouth.
He pressed his lips to my lips before he chuckled and said, “They won’t see us under the water, Olivia.” my eyes widened because he looks unstoppable right now. Nothing is holding him back.
“Take a lot of air that you can, because I’m about to take if from you.” humigpit ang kapit niya sa aking bewang, at nang maramdaman ko nang hihilain niya na ako palubog sa pool.
Himigop na ako ng lahat ng air na kaya ko bago kami lumubog sa malamig na tubig ng pool. He chases my lips and we kissed under the water. He slid his hands on my bikini and massage my mound.
While we’re kissing breathlessly underwater, it takes a minute before he lifts me up. I gasp for her but I whimper when he pushed me to the wall of the pool and his still under the water.
Umahon siya sandali bago ako tiningnan sa aking mga mata at sinabi, “Let’s forget about our stress Olivia,” he playfully said go under teh water. Anong kalimutan ang stress, eh sa giangawa niya ngayon sobrang na stress na ako.
I watch him move his hands down to my thighs, he caressed it gently. I was melting in every hot touch he was giving me under the water. He started placing kisses on my body and had not left any part untouched.
He pulls my bikini down and touch my sex, he’s movements were so fast and I just arched my head and back when I felt his lips touch my pearl. He was licking and sucking me down there.
I gripped on the edge of the pool and tremble all I can as he moves his tongue faster and after a few seconds, I just wobbled and release my cum under the water.
Umahon siya at nakangiting dinidilaan ang gilid ng kanyang labi, tinakpan ko ang aking mukha dahil sa kahihiyan. Lumapit siya sa akin and pinned me on the wall.
“The CCTV here are broken, Olivia,” he whispers on my neck and starts grabbing my breast.
“T-talaga?” habol hininga kong sambit habang nakayakap sa kanya.
“Yes, we can do anything we want tonight,” he said and pull me under the water.
This is gonna be a very long night for us.
CHAPTER 26
Nagising ako sa malakas na tunog ng phone ko mula sa kung saan, bago ko imulat ang aking mga mata, kinapa ko muna ang katabi ko, pero ng unan na lang ang nahawakan ko iminulat ko na ito at dahan-dahan umupo at nagunat.
Umalis na si Hector malamang, inabot ko ang aking phone mula sa sahig at bumalik sa pagkakahiga ng ito ay sagutin.
Ang sakit ng likod ko, at nanghihina ang mga hita ko. “Hmm..Hello?” tanong ko sa kabilang linya.
“Olivia!! where are you? I’ve been calling you for almost half an hour!!!” kumunot ang aking noo dahil sa malakas na pagsigaw ni Jalsey mula sa kabilang linya.
“Teka, bakit ka ba sumisigaw?” tanong ko, ano bang nangyayari?
“DIBA WE TALK ABOUT YOUR INTERVIEW TODAY!!!” nagpapanic niyang sigaw, I stop and try to think about the interview? Anong interview ’yon?“
Sinubukan kong alalahanin ang ibig nyang sabihin ng biglang nagsink in sa utak ko ang nangyayari. Napalingon ako sa wall clock ng kwarto ko at, “Ahhh!!!!” malakas kong tili.
It’s already 10 am, “Yeah, ahh! where are you? I’m downstairs, here at the parking, pumunta kana dito!!” she shouted back, halos hindi magkandaogaga akong tumayo mula sa kama.
“Ahhh!! Aray!!!” sigaw ko ng madapa ako dahil sa pagkakapalupot sa aking nng comforter, I’m not totally naked under it but I’m olny wearing Hector’s t-shirt. Kaya sapul yong pwetan ko sa sahig.
“Aray ko po!!” I shouted, tumayo ako agad at paika-ika na tumakbo papunta sa banyo, naligo ako at kinuha na lang lahat ng gamit ko at bumababa ng parking.
Pagkalabas ko pa lang sa pinto papunta sa parking nakita ko na si Jalsey sa tabi ng sasakyan ni Ate Sam. “Oh gosh, bakit hindi ka pa nakaayos?! interview ang pupuntahan natin Olivia, remember?!” sigaw niya habang tumatakbo ako papalapit sa kanya.
Medyo hirap tumakbo ng mabilis dahil bukod sa nakapencil cut skirt lang ako madami akong dalawa na hindi pweding mahulog. Ang wig at makeup ko.
“Sorry na late akong gumising,” I said and enter the car with her, “Oh my gosh, Olivia, I don’t know what will Zaxx do to us! yari tayo nito. He’s a busy guy you know,” she said and started the engine.
“I know, sorry na talaga, gagalingan ko na lang mamaya sa interview.” tugon ko, she rolled her eyes out of frustration and said, “If Zaxx is still there,” she said and just focus on draiving.
Ako naman ay nagsimula nang patuyuin ang aking basang buhok, bago ito itinali at nagsuot ng itim na maikling wig. I also put my make up on, then inayos ko na ’rin ang formal attire na suot ko.
“Sorry talaga Jal,” sambti ko dahil nahihiya na talaga ako sa kanya, dahil sa akin mapapahiya pa siya sa kaibigan niyang mayaman. “Just finish yourself first Oli, malapit na tayo,” she said.
I pouted before I glance at myself through the mirror, tapos na ako. “I wish Zaxx is still here,” she said. Tumango ako para makisali sa wish niya, sana nandyan pa yung Zaxx para magkaroon na ako ng trabaho.
Mabilis kaming bumababa ng sasakyan ng makapark na si Jal, tumakbo kami papasok ng lobby at lumapit sa front desk ng malaking hotel na ito.
“Good morning, I have an appointment with Mr. Zaxcarias, I’m Jalsey Roberts,” fluent na english na sabit ni Jal, tumango ang frontdesk lady bego tiningnan ang kanyang laptop.
“Ma’am, your appointment with Mr. Zaxcarias is moved to 1 pm because he has an urgent meeting with the board, you can just come back later,” sambit nito, nagkatinginan kami ni Jal bago tumango at muling lumabas ng hotel.
“You’re lucky,” she said and smirked at me, natawa ako dahil buti nalang may meeting yung Zaxx na iyon dahil kung hindi malamang hindi na ako tatanggapin ’non dito dahil one-hour akong late sa interview.
“Let’s eat lunch first bago tayo bumalik dito mamaya,” binuksan ni Jal ang kanyang sasakyan at sumakay kaming dalawa dito, “Sinong nagbabantay sa shop ngayon kung sasamahan mo ako buong araw?” tanong ko, nilingon niya ako ng matapos magmaniobra ng sasakyan.
“It’s fine, ate Sam is free today, so, she’s the one checking the shop,” she said and drop us up at a Pasta Restaurant. “Mahal dito Jal, sa iba na lan—”
“My treat,” she said and wink at me, “Talaga, salamat hindi ko tatanggihan ’yan,” umakbay ako sa kanya at pumasok sa loob kasama siya. We ordered the classic tomatoe pasta.
“Olivia, what’s that on your neck and chest, look oh,” she pointed at my chest and neck with frowned brows, kinuha ko sa bag ang phone ko at tiningnan ito gamit ang camera ng phone.
Nanigas ako ng makakita ng hickeys sa leeg at dibdib ko, “Oh my shit,” bulong ko at mabilis kinuha mula sa loob ng aking bag ang concealer ko.
What fuck Hector!!!
“Don’t tell me that’s a Hick—” tinakpan ko ang bibig n’ya bago niya pa ito matapos sabihin. “Shhhhhh!!” I whisper, nanlaki ang mata ni Jal at tinanggal ang aking kamay sa kanyang bibig.
“Tell me, who is it?” she asks with a double-meaning stare, I blush and finish covering my hickeys before I answer her question. “His name is Hector, kafling ko lang,” sinubukan kong maging casual ang tono ng boses ko, pero masyado akong halata dahil sa pamumula ng pisngi ko.
“Kafling, but you two fuck?” she ask and rose the side of her lips,“ Wait, Hector? Do you mean the guy na kapatid ni Dylan?!“ I smile at her with embarrassment written all over my face.
“Oh my gosh, so you mean that time, na inuwi ka n’ya? you guys did that?” inalala ko ang sinabi niya at sumagot, “Nope, we didn’t but the next day we did ahhhhhh!!!” sabay kaming sumigaw ni Jal dito sa loob ng Restaurant kaya pinagtitinginan kaming dalawa.
“We’re sorry,” she said and look at back at me, “Oh my gosh, so what’s your status with him?” nakangiti niyang tanong sa akin.
“No-label relationship,” tugon ko.
“WHAT?!” she shouted, “Shhh!” napalingon kami ng pagbawalan kami ng matandang lalaki na nakaupo sa kabilang table.
“Sorry,” Jal apologize and face me, lean over and whisper. “That’s fuck up, bakit walang label? I mean it’s already been a month.” she said with disbelief on her face.
“He’s not into commitment daw,” I said.
“Oh no boy, that’s not cool baka may issue ’yan sa ex, Olivia, be careful baka mafall ka d’yan mahirap ’yan.” she said and eat her pasta.
“I know, kaya nga pilit kong tinatanggal sa aking isip na magustuhan siya kahit na ang totoo nahuhulog ako sa kanya ara-ara––” she cut me out and spoke.
“Shocks! You already fall for him?” she asks and held my hand, tiningnan ko siya at umiwas pagkatapos, I rubbed my nape and slightly nodded.
“Oh no, you are in big trouble Olivia,” she said.
I know.
“Are you nervous Olivia?” tanong ni Jalsey habang papasok kami sa loob ng hotel, “No, ako pa ba,” I cheerfully said and wink at her, “Hey Miss, is Mr. Zaxcarias is done with his meeting?” Tanong ni Jal sa frotndesk.
“Yes Ma’am, Follow me.” sambit ng frontdesk lady at naunang naglakad sa amin papunta sa elevator. Ang masculine ng dating ng hotel na ito, everything is color black and elegant.
Dalawang taon na akong nakatira dito sa New York pero first time ko lang nalaman ang hotel na ito at napuntahan.
“Z.Y. Hotel,” bulong ko ng binasa ko ang uniform ng frondesk sa aming harapan dito sa loob ng elevator.
The interior and the structure design of this Hotel is unique, tila pinaghandaan talaga at mahusay na tinrabaho. Bawat details ng hotel ang ganda-ganda. Kanina hindi ko ito napansin dahil ang pagkalate ko ang tanging nasa isip ko pero ngayon nakikita ko na lahat.
At napakaganda ng design ng hotel, sobra!
Tumunog ang elevator at lumabas kami sa 24th floor ng hotel, hanggang 25 ang floor ng hotel pero ang sabi private area ang 25th floor. “This way Ma’am,” teh lady said and lead us to a silver door.
Nakasulat dito ay Z.Y. tapos kumatok na yung frontdesk lady sa pinto, “Sir, Miss Roberts is here with her friend,” she gently said through the door.
Halatang nagpapacute sa boss niya, umiling na lamang ako habang nakangiti, “Let them in,” buritong tono ng boses nito mula sa loob. Tumango yung frontdesk lady at pinagbuksan kami ng pinto.
Went inside at hindi ko maiwasang mapanganga sa sobrang lawak ng opisinang ito. “Roberts, you’re friend is one hour late this morning,” nanlaki ang mata ko ng magsalita ang lalaking nakatalikod sa aming direskyon.
Binasa ko ang name plate nito sa lamesa, Zaxcarias Yvestial Jr. President.
Matanggakad ito gaya nni Hector, pero mas payat ito kesa kay Hector at hindi masyadong malaki ang muscle. “Sorry Zaxx, it’s just that, she have personal reason, I hope you’ll still give her a chance please.” Sambit ni Jal.
Humarap ito sa amin, my lips parted slightly when I saw his handsome face akala ko may edad na ito or mas matanda sa akin pero ng humarap ito mukha itong bata at ang gwapo.
He’s chinito na may maliit na labi at maputing balat, kaso nakasimnagot nga lang. “You’re lucky that I’m not in a bad mood today, Miss? What’s your name? Tanong niya sa akin.
“O-Olivia Polarice Beltran,” tugon ko at lumapit sa table niya, “Hand me your resume,” he said, so I quickly move and handed him my resume.
He scans on it and seat on his swivel chair, “You work for Double Tress hotel as a chambermaid? But you graduated accounting, did you pass any CPA board exam?” he asks.
“No, Sir after graduating I move here in New York so, I didn’t have time on taking a CPA board exam.” binasa niya muli ang pangalan ko at tila napaisip.
“Beltran?” bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa uri ng tingin na ibinibigay niay sa akin, baka makilala niya ako na related sa Karnel’s Scent hindi pwedi ito.
Bago niya pa maisip na related ako sa Beltran agad na akong nagsalita, “Sir, I can do many jobs here in your hotel if you’ll just give me a chance, I promise you won’t regret it,” I said and smile at him.
“The truth is, I still don’t have space for an accountant manager here in my hotel, I only have a a position for hotel clerk, are you fine with that?” tanong niya. Mabilis akong tumango at lumapit sa kanya. “Yes Sir, any job would do!!!” excited kong sambit.
“Ok, you’ll start tomorrow,” sambit nito at may tinawagan sa telepono sa kanyang tabi. “Haley, get me a hotel clerk uniform here at my office, now,” bossy nitong sambit, mukhang nakakatakot siyang maging boss pero ok na ’rin ito kesa sa wala.
Maya-maya lang ay maykumatok na sa pinto at pumasok ang isang cute na babaeng nakasuot ng hotel uniform kagaya ng frotndesk lady kanina, maliit siya at may suot na malaking salamin.
“Here, Sir,” inabot niya ang tatlong uniform dito at nagbow bago umalis. “Here’s your uniform, I’ll be expecting you tomorrow at 7:30 am, you’ll be trained by Frimly. You may go,”
“Thank you so much Sir,” inabot ko ang kamay niya at energetic na kanipagkamayan sa kanya. Lalong kumunot ang kanyang gwapong mukha dahil sa ginawa ko at agad inalis ang aking kamay sa kamay niya.
“Weird lady,” He whispers something, pero di ko ito narinig ng maayos.
I smiled at him before I look at Jal and smile at her, “Thank you, Zaxx,” Jal said and lumabas kami ng opisina na iyon.
“Yes! may trabaho na ako,” ipit kong sigaw pagkalabas naming ng pinto at nagtatalon kasama si Jal, she was smiling at me and said, “Good, sana naman hindi ka malate bukas, baka hindi ka tumagal ng isang oras dito bukas pag ginawa mo ’yon,” pagbabanta niya, inakpayan ko siya at sinabi.
“Wag kang mag-alala mag aalarm ako, hahahaha,” we both laugh and leave the hotel. Hinatid niya ako sa condo ng medyo late na dahil kumain kami sa shop nila dahil nagpadeliver ang manliligaw ni Ate Sammy sa shop ng maraming box ng kimbap.
“Thank Jal, sobrang laki ng tulong na ginagawa mo para sa akin,” sambit ko pagkababa ko ng sasakyan at tumilip sa bintana nito. She smiles at me, “Don’t worry, may interest ito hahahha joke, I’m rooting for you tomorrow, bye.” she said.
“Bye!!!” malaking pagwave ng kamay ang aking ginawa habang paalis na siya ng parking dito sa condoimuim building.
Papasok na sana ako sa loob ng marinig ko ang sasakyan ni Hector na paparating, tumigil ako at hinintay itong dumating at magpark dito sa loob.
Napangiti ako agad ng bumababa ito mula sa BMW niya, at hinawi ang bagsak na buhok pa itaas, “Hector!!” sigaw ko, kaya napalingon siya sa akin.
Hindi ko alam pero bigla na lang akong natuwa namakita siya, kaya wala sa sarili akong tumakbo at tumalon sa kanya. Binuhat niya ako kaagad ng yakapin ko siya.
I wrapped my legs around his waist and face him with a wide smile, “What’s with the energy?” natatawa niyang tanong sa akin.
“I got hired!!!” masigla kong sambit at nagsasayaw habang buhat niya. “Oh yeah, I got hired! I got a job!! oh yeah, oh yeah!!!” I rise my hands and shake it up, I even make faces dahil feel na feel ko ang saya at excitement kong ipaalam sa kanya na natanggap ako.
“Oh yeah, oh yea—” naputol ako sa pagsasayaw ng mapansin kong nakatitig lang siya sa akin, “Bakit?” tanong ko.
“Nothing you just look so amazing when you’re genuinely happy, like a abstract painting that makes my mind think,” he said, medyo naguluhan ako sa dulo niyang sinabi pero mas pinili ko na lang tumawa, because I felt butterflies in it.
“Hahaha, ang sabihin mo ang ganda ko,” lalo siyang tumawa dahil sa sinabi ko at nagsimula nang maglakad habang buhat ako, papasok ng building.
Hindi ako bumababa sa pagkakabuhat niya hanggang sa makarating kami sa condo ko, binababa niya ako sa dining table at inayos ang aking buhok.
“I also have good news for you,” he said.
“Ano iyon?” tanong ko, he kisses me before answering my question.
“We already got Darcy and Carline, you’ll have your money back, soon,”
CHAPTER 27
“Seryoso ka ba?” tanong ko at dahan-dahang bumababa mula sa pagkakabuhat niya at tumayo ng tuwid sa kanyang harapan, totoo ba ito?
Bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko sa bawat segundong lumilipas, pagkatapos ng dalawang taon, totoo na ba itong naririnig ko. Makukuha ko na ba ulit ang pera ng dad ko?
“Hector, totoo ba itong sinasabi mo? Hindi ba ito joke time?” kinakabahan kong sambit, he chuckled, wrapping his arms around my waist before he kissed my forehead and whisper, “You’ll have your money back,” he whispers.
Iyon lamang ang hinihintay kong marinig bago, ipinatong ang aking ulo sa kanyang dibdib at siya ay niyakap. I closed my eyes and lean on him. Nakahinga na ako ng maluwag, “Finally,” I shed tears out of joy, that his making me feel tonight.
Matatapos na ’rin ang pagsisinungaling ko sa buong pamilya ko, I can finally answer my parents calls, I can finally have dinner with my brother here in New York. I won’t be hiding anymore.
“Maraming salamat,” Hector cupped my face and he made me face him, “Tomorrow after your work, I’ll be fetching you up and we’ll meet them and get your money back, ok?” he wipes my tears and smile at me.
Parang bata kong pinunsan ang aking mukha sa kanyang harapan, at tumango bilang sagot sa kanyang tanong. “Sobrang salamat talaga,” sambit ko. Hindi ako magsasawang magpasalamat sa kanya.
All this time, I didn’t know Hector was the answer to my prayers. All this time the guy who will save me is just living next door.
I stared at his handsome face, with racing butterflies on my stomach. “Thank you,” whsiper and still not cutting those stares. “You’re welcome.” dahan-dahan akong inilapit ang aking mukha sa kanya, at bumababa ang aking tingin sa kanyang labi.
Nagsisimulang bumigat ang aming paghinga habang papalapit sa isa’t-isa. “I did a very good job today, didn’t I?” he said in a hoarse tone and caress my waist with his warm palm.
“Y-yes,” tugon ko, siya ay ngumiti bago hinagkan ang aking labi at sinabi “I think I should receive my reward in bed?” sambit niya at agad akong binuhat at patakbong dinala sa kwarto.
“Hector, hahaha!”
Kinabukasan ay mas maaga akong nagising kay Hector at sa sarili kong alarm clock. Agad akong tumayo at naghanda ng almusal para sa aming dalawa. Ito ang unang araw ko sa panibagong trabaho, hindi ako dapat malate.
I cooked egg and bacon for the two of us and just prepare coffee for Hector, my body seems to be used on the back and hips pain because of this guy.
Pagkatapos kong magluto, dinaluhan ko ang aking uniform at inayos ito bago pumasok sa banyo para maligo. I was staring at my reflection to teh mirror while drying my hair after shower.
Hindi ko mapigilan mamula habang nakikita ang mga kiss mark at hickeys na laging inilalagay sa akin ni Hector. He was marking my body like a wolf. Halos bawat parte ng aking katawan ay kanyang inaangkin, ngayon hindi ko na alam kung paano pa makakawala sa kanya.
Humakbang ako paatras upang silipin siya sa kama, habang siya ay mapayapang natutulog. My heart is pounding while staring at him. I slap myself when I got back to my senses and face the mirror once again, “Tumigil ka Olivia, this is a deal!” bulong ko nagpatuloy na sa pag-aayos.
He’s just doing this because, he’s kind and wala nang ibang dahilan.
Pagkatapos kong magayos at magsuot ng wig lumabas ako ng banyo at saktong gising na si Hector, nagbibihis na siya sa gilid ng kama at nilingon ako. He smiles at me and said, “Good morning,”
“Good morning,” sambit ko at dumiretso palabas ng kwarto, I shake my trembling hands as I step out and fix the food for the two of us. “You cook breakfast?” lumabas siya ng kwarto at agad umupo sa breakfast table na may ngiti sa labi, habang pinagmamasdan ang niluto kong almusal.
“Maaga kasi ang pasok ko ngayon kaya naisip kong magluto na ng almusal,” Sambit ko at umupo sa kanyang tabi, nagulat ako ng hilain niya palapit ang aking upuan papalapit sa kanya bago siya nagdasal at kumain.
I stared at him and watch him eat, why is he so kind to me? Bakit hindi siya ng papakita ng pangit na ugali sa akin? Bakit kahit na alam kong red flag siya, bakit gusto ko pa rin ang nangyayari sa aming dalawa.
Why am I hoping for more, when I already know that I can’t have more?
He noticed me staring at him, that’s why he stops eating and look at me, “Why aren’t you eating?” tanong niya.
“Ahhh, wala hahaha,” agad akong sumubo ng bacon upang maiwasan ang tingin niya, he nodded with a confused expression written in his face but he chooses to continue eating and checking his phone.
“What time will you be off your work today?” he ask, tumigil ako sa pagnguya at napaisip, hindi ko ’rin kasi alam kung anong oras matatapos ang trabaho ko ngayon, first day ko pa lang.
“Ang totoo hindi ko pa talaga sure, pero itetext na lang kita or ichachat pagnakalabas na ako sa trabaho mamaya, ok lang ba?” he nodded and, “Sure, I’ll be waiting for you text nor chat,” then he smiles at me and finish his food.
I bit my lower lip to control myself, cut it out, Olivia!
Tumunog ang phone niya kaya agad niya itong sinagot at kinuha ang gamit sa loob ng kwarto, lumabas siya na dala ang baril, “Yes, I’ll be there in a minute.” tiningnan niya ako, at nilapitan.
“I’ll be going now,” he whispers, “Sige,” tugon ko at pinanood siyang mabilis na umalis ng condo ko. Naiwan ako ditong mag-isa at tulala.
I just can’t understand myself today, my heart is crazy!
Inayos ko ang aking sarili pagkatapos magligpit at dinala na palabas ng condo ang aking mga gamit. Tumuloy ako sa Z.Y. Hotel at agad sumalubong sa akin ang isang magandang babae sa labas ng lobby.
“Olivia?” tanong niya pagkatayo ko sa kanyang harapan, “Yes,” sagot ko.
She nodded and, “I’m Frimly the President ask me to guide you here, so come with me,” tumalikod ito at mabilis na naglakad papunta sa isang pinto dito sa lobby ng hotel.
“Usually, the Hotel Clerk is at the front desk but since we already have enough front desk ladies, and you are just an unexpected employee, you’ll have a different description of the job, do you understand?” hindi ko alam kung ganito lang ba talaga siya magsalita o matabil talaga ang bibig ng isang ito. Parang inaparating niya na hindi ako dapat nandito ngayon. Duh, yung boss kaya nagpasok sa akin dito.
“Yes, I understand po,” peke akong ngumiti at lakad-takbong sinusundan siya, grabi naman kasi maglakad napakabili. Porket mas mahaba ang biyas sa akin.
“Hotel Clerks use customer service and communication skills to provide the guest with an exceptional and accommodating hotel experience here in Z.Y. Hotel, your job will be, inform customers of all on-site amenities and any relevant information that is needed to use them,” sambit niya habang lumiko kami sa isang parte ng hotel papunta sa hindi ko alam na lugar.
“You’ll have to handle and resolve guest complaints, communicate with guests to better understand their individual needs and to provide them with the best service possible, and since you are not really familiar with the rules here, I’m telling you this, employees here should be very flexible, so if I tell you to do things that are not in your job description you should to it too since we are flexible workers here. Do you get it Miss Beltran?” tumigil siya bigla sa paglalakad kaya aksidenteng bumangga ako sa kanyang likuran.
“Ay sorry, sorry Frimly,” she glared at me and said, “MA’AM, Ma’am Frimly, call me properly and know your position here in the hotel.” tila galit niyang sambit at binuksan ang locker room ng mga staff ng hotel.
Tumango ako bilang pagsangayon, bakit siya galit? “Put your things there and I want you to help teh chamber maids cleaning the pools outside,” masungit niyang sambit at naglakad paalis, “Ow,” bulong ko ng banggain niya pa ang balikat ko bago tuluyang umalis.
Pinanood ko siyang maglakad na parang pato hanggang sa tuluyan siyang mawala sa paingin ko, “Ang sungit gurl,” I whisper and enter the staff room.
“Ahmm hi,” bati ko sa ilang tao dito sa loob, lahat sila ay tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa at bumalik sa kanilang ginagawa na parang wala lang. “I’m Olivia, new Hotel Clerk here,” sinubukan ko pa ’rin silang batiin.
Pero imbis na bigyan ulit ako ng pansin nagsitayuan sila at naglakad palabas, “We don’t need new employee here,” rinig kong bulong ng isa sa kanila bago tuluyang lumabas at itrato akong parang hangin.
“Wow lahat ata sila dito ay iisang ugali, napakawelcoming ng atmosphere, wow.” sambit ko.
“Hahaha, I think we are,” napatalon ako sa gulat ng may nagsalita sa likuran ko, nangharapin ko ito isa itong matangkad na lalaki. “Oh my gosh, sorry,” I uttered, narinig niya ang sinab—
“Teka naintindihan mo ang sinabi ko?” tanong ko, nagtagalog ako kanina. “Yes, I’m Brad half pinoy ako at tama ka ganito ang ugali ng llahat ng tao dito, dahil ayaw nila sayo,” kumunot ang aking noo dahil sa kanyang sinabi.
“Sakin? Bakit? Bago pa langa ko dito? Actually, first day ko pa lang,” sambit ko. “Ayon nga eh, mahirap makapasok dito sa Hotel na ito dahil sa sobrang taas ng standards ng president pero nang marinig nila na may ipapasok ito na isang Hotel Clerk na babae, halos lahat ng employee dito ay nagalit, they all think you are taking advantage of being close with the president, so be careful, girls here are a bit evil. See yah.” tinalikuran ako nito at nagsimulang maglakad.
“Teka…” hindi na niya ako nilingon pa at tuluyang umalis, napalingon ako sa locker room at nabasa ang mga pangalan dito sa lockers, “SHIT, puro babae ang employees dito,” kinilabutan ako dahil dito, ibig sabihin lahat sila galit sa akin?
“You’re in big trouble again, Olivia,” I whisper.
“Here’s help them clean the pool,” inabot sa akin ni Fri– Ma’am Frimly ang panglinis ng pool bago umalis at pumasok sa loob ng hotel. Napatingin ako sa suot kong pencil cut na uniform bago tiningnan ang malaking infinity pool dito sa labas.
“Seryoso!!” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit, at nagsimulang tulungan ang mga naglilinis ng pool. Tatlo lang kaming naglilinis para sa isang malaking infinity pool at tatlo pang ibang klase ng pool sa kabilang.
Halos wala ’rin palang pinagkaiba ito sa trabaho ko sa Doubletree doon nililinis ko ay dumi sa kwarto ngayon dito sa swiming pool. “Kaya mo ito Olivia,” inayos ko ang pagakkatank in ng uniform ko at nagsimulang abutin ang mga dumi sa pool gamit nag panglinis na ito.
“This is going to be a tough day, Olivia,” paalala ko sa aking sarili.
“Beltran after cleaning the pool, help the VIP guest to their private room upstairs, room 059.” napalingon ako ng lumitaw si Ma’am Frimly at nagbigay ng panibagong task, eh nasa pangalawang pool pa lang ako eh.
At basa na yung palda ko, dahil sa talsik ng mga batang nagswiswiming dito sa pool.
“Ok ma’am,” I said.
“Beltran, help Dasty clean the water at the lobby,” natigilan ako sa pag-aayos ng gamit ng VIP guest dito sa room 059 ng marinig ko ang boses ni Ma’am Frimly sa pinto.
When I glance at her, pananlakihan niya ako ng mata at sinabi, “What are you looking at? Move!” nagulat ako ng tumaas ang boses niya. Kaya agad akong tumayo at sumunod sa kanya.
Pinaglampaso ako sa lobby ng natapong tubig, kahit na alam ko namang may mop ang hotel an ito. Habang ginagawa ko iyon, alam kong pinagtatawanan ako ng ibang employee, pero ams pinili ko itong hindi pansinin.
Anong tingin nila sa akin! hindi ako maapektuhan sa mga ginagawa nila. Sanay na kaya ako!
Natapos ang first day ko dito na sobrang dami ko nang nagawa, ang sabi nila 7:00 pm ang out ng normal clerk pero ako daw ay 8:00 pm pa kaya nakasalamuha ko pa ang mga night shift na employee na tila galit din sa akin.
Lumabas ako ng hotel at doon lang ako nakahinga ng maluwag, nakakasoffocate kasi sa loob. “Hooo, kinaya mo ’yon Olivia, wow ang galing mo,” kinuha ko ang phone mula sa aking bulsa at sinubukan ichat si Hector since wala akong load para itext siya.
To Hector,
Tapos na ang trabaho ko, Nandito na ako sa labas ng hotel hintayin kita. Z.Y. Hotel.
Pagkasend ko nito nagulat ko ng agad niya itong na seen, wow online siya? Ito pala ang hindi mahilig sa social media ah.
From Hector,
Give me 10 minutes.
Ang bilis magreply, napangiti ako at sumandal na lang sa isang puno dito sa gilid at nakiwifi sa hotel. Mgalalaro muna ako, 10 minutes pa naman eh.
I stop when a Masda BT 50 stop in front of me, tumayo ako ng tuwid ng bumukas ang bintana ng sasakyan. My lips parted when it’s the President. Si Sir. Zaxx, “Sir,” I uttered.
“What are you doing there?” tanong niya sa akin, “I’m just waiting for my…ahm…friend,” I said and smile at him.
He nodded, “As far as I remember, My Hotel Clerk’s uniform is color beige, what happen to your uniform? Did I give you the wrong color?” pilosopo nitong tanong.
Tiningnan ko ang uniform na medyo nagkulay brown sa baba dahil sa paglampaso ko sa lobby kanina. “Ahh…ahaha, No Sir,It’s just that I got a little bit messy for my first day hahaha,” sambit ko at pekeng tumawa.
Sumulyap siya sa relo niya bago muling nagsalita, “I guess your friend isn’t coming, let me drive you home.”
“What?” he avoided my gaze and repeated what he said, “I said, let me drive you home instead,”
“Nako, hindi na po hintayin ko na lang po yung—” he cut me off and said, “Just text your friend and tell him or her that your boss is driving you ho––” he was cut also when someone speak behind me.
“Friend?” mabilis akong tumalikod at hinarap ito.
“Hector,” nandito na siya, bakit hindi ko napansin. Agad kong hinanap ang sasakyan niya nakapark ito sa harap ng sasakyan ni Sir. Zaxx.
“Is this your friend, Beltran?” tanong ni Sir Zaxx sa akin kaya muli ko siyang hinarap.
“Y-yes Sir,” then I heard Hector haze behind my back.
“Ok, since he’s already here I’ll be heading now, I’ll see you tomorrow.” sabi nito, at isinara ang bintana ng sasakyan bago tuluyang umalis.
Paglingon ko kay Hector, wala na ito sa aking likuran. Naglakad na pala siya papasok sa sasakyan niya kaya mabilis akong sumunod at sumakay sa shotgun seat.
“Ang bilis mo magseen ah, akala ko ba ayaw mo ang social media?” nakangiti kong sambit at sinuot ang seatbelt ng sasakyan.
“Friends?” he said and leer at me, “Huh?” tanong ko. Anong ibig niyang sabihin, bakit galit siya?
“So, we are friends? I did’t know friends do fuck each other?” natigilan ako sa sinabi niya, teka saan ba nanggagaling ang galit niya?
“Anong gusto mo sabihin ko No-label Relationship Partner ko ganon? Fuck buddy ko ganon?” tanong ko, pero imbis na sagutin niya ako nagbuntong hininga siya at maya-maya lumambot ang kanyang expression.
“Forget about it, I don’t want a fight,”
“Bakit nakikipag-away ba ako? Ikaw ang nagsimula d’yan!” he sighs and, “I’m sorry,” hinawakan niya ang aking kaliwang hita at mapangay ang mata akong sinulyapan.
“I’m sorry,” paguulit niya, gusto ko man tiisin siya at patuloy ang away, hindi ko naman magawa dahil sa gwapo nitong mukha. Hindi ko matiis tangina.
“Ok,” lumitaw ang ngiti nito sa labi at nagpatuloy na sa pagmamaneho ng hindi inaalis ang kamay sa aking hita.
Nakarating kami sa Federal Plaza, at gaya noon tumuloy kami sa headquarters nila at sinalubong kami ng ibang agents. “They’re inside your office Sir,” tumango si Hector at hinawakan ang aking kamay papunta sa opisina niya.
Si Darcy ang una kong nakita pagpasok ko sa loob kasama si Carline. Nakaposas silang dalawa habang binabantayan ng dalawang agents. “Let’s go,” bulong ni Hector at hinila ako papunta sa table niya at pinaupo ako sa upuan niya.
“You two can go,” utos niya sa dalawang agents, lumabas ito at kaming apat na lang ang naiwan dito. Nakatayo sa aking tabi si Hector habang nasa harapan ng table niya si Darcy at Carline.
Both of them look so messed up, “You can ask them,” mahinang sambit ni Hector.
Huminga ako ng malalim at tiningnan sila ng diretso, “Why did you two do that to me?” parang may tumusok sa puso ko ng tanungin ko iyon sa kanilang dalawa, naramdaman ko muli ang sakit ang pangtratraydor nila sa akin nong araw na iyon.
I Trusted them, “We need your money,” Carline said and avoided my gaze. “For what?” I ask and that’s when she started crying and open the button of her polo shirt.
“What are you doing?” Tanong ko at nagpanic agad, balak niya bang maghubad sa harapan ni Hector! pinigilan ako ni Hector at hinawakan ang aking kamay.
Napaupo ako at tiningnan ang dibdib ni Carline, I gasp when I saw a stitches marks on her chest. What is this?
“My sister has had a heart failure problem since we were young, we used your money for her heart transplant and we cannot give it bag! We are suffering already and go on laugh at us, that’s what rich peopel alway do!!!” mataas ang boses na sambit ni Darcy at umiyak na silang dalawa sa aming harapan.
Nanghihina akong napasandal sa backrest ng swivel chair ni Hector, at hindi ko namalayan na ako ay naluha habang pinapanonod silang dalawa sa aking harapan.
“What are you looking at! We can’t give your money back, just put us in jail!!!” Darcy was trying to hide her pain using her anger and Carline just continue crying and holding her chest.
Tiningnan ako ni Hector at hinawakan ang aking mga kamay, “We’ll get your money back don’t word—” bulong niya pero pinutol ko siya at nagsalita.
“I don’t need my money back, let them go” Hector looks at me. “What!?”
I smile at him and said,
“I don’t need my money back, let them go please.”
CHAPTER 28
“Are you sure about your decision, Olivia?” binuksan ko ang pinto ng condo at natatawa siyang hinarap, “Hector, nakasampong tanong ka na ata sa akin n’yan, simula ng umalis tayo ng office niyo,” Sambit ko.
“Because I can’t believe you, hinahanap mo sila for almost 2 years because they steal your money and now that we’ve already found them, and have them in our hands. You choose to just let them go that easily. Hindi mo nga alam if that heart failure thing is true. They might just use that as an excuse to make the fool out of you again, Olivia, I won’t let that happen!” he said as we entered the pad and sat on the couch.
I smile at him and said, “Hayaan mo na, kung totoo iyon masaya na ako na nakaligtas ng buhay ang perang iyon. Pero kung hindi iyon totoo, si Lord na ang bahala. Right now I just need to earn money and start my business from zero, na dapat noon ko pa ginawa, masyado akong nagpakasad girl and I choose to feel pity for myself for the past few years, Now I’ve realize that I just waste that two years of my life when I can be better on my own, I’m smart yet I choose to be stupid haha, but it’s never too late to try again, right.” I said and smile at him.
Tinitigan niya ako gamit ang mga nakakainlove niyang mga mata at hinaplos ang aking mukha. “You’re selflessly stupid, I hate you,” he said, pull me on my nape at hinagkan ako sa aking labi.
He kissed me so tenderly and caressed my neck gently. I don’t know but this kind of kiss he’s giving me makes me so genuinely happy and content.
Maybe this is what he was saying, in a no-label relationship being contented is the key to survive, and starting from this day, I will just be contented that he’s at my side.
I’m cool with this.
“Thank you for helping me,” I whisper after we cut the kiss and gasp for air. “You’re welcome.” tugon niya.
Kinabukasan ay hinatid ako ni Hector sa hotel bago tumuloy sa trabaho. I started my work with a smile but ended up losing it quickly when I was asked to clean 13 bathrooms here in the hotel for the whole day.
“Do you have problems with that Beltran?” Frimly ask me while standing in front of the door of this bathroom. I glance at her with a fake smile on my face, “No, ma’am, don’t worry I’ll finish this as soon as possible.” Sabi ni Mom, kill your enemy with your brightest smile, so I did.
“Great, I want all the bathrooms here sparkling clear at the end of the day, do you understand!!!”
“Yes, Ma’am” masigla kong sambit upang inisin pa siya lalo pero talagang ang demonyo, pagdemonyo makakahanap talaga ng paraan, “Ay!!” agad akong napatayo ng sipain niya ang timba ng maduming tubig sa lugar kung saan ako nakaupo kanina.
“Opss, my bad, it’s blocking my way, sorry,” she said.
Papatayin kita! “No, problem Ma’am, I understand animal behaviour naman eh,” mahina kong sambit.
“What did you say?” tiningan niya ako ng nakakunot ang noo, I smile, “Nothing Ma’am, I said no problem you can do it again,”
She smirked devilishly before she leaving the room, naiwan ako dito sa banyo ang nagsimula nang maglinis. This is going to be my job for the whole day. Wow, just wow!
Mabilis kong tinapos ang unang banyo na halos inabot ako ng 30 minutes, at tumuloy na ako sa susunod na kwarto para maglinis at makatapos agad. “Oh no, ackk..” muntik na akong maduwal ng makita kung gaano kadumi ang susunod na silid.
Wala itong pagkakaiba sa feeling ko bilang chambermaid sa Doubletree. I started brushing the floor and the walls here inside teh bathroom. “Why the fuck do people checking out here don’t fucking use condom!!!” inis kong sambit ng makita ang nakakadiring cum ng tao dito sa loob ng shower area.
Talagang pinatalsik pa sa sliding door ng shower room, aghr!!!!
I had to clean it kahit na sobrang nakakadiri, “Nako, ang hirap kumita ng pera Olivia, woohhh!!” at nang matapos ako dito hindi ko alam na mas marami pang delubyo ang aking haharapin. Ayaw ko na lang sabihin kung ano pa ang mga iyon.
Natapos akong maglinis ng 9:00 pm at halos lahat na nang kasama ko dito sa hotel ay night shift na employee’s na, pati si ma’am Frimly ay umuwi na rin kahit sinabi niay kanina na hindi siya uuwi hangga’t hindi niya nakikitang makintab ang mga banyo na ipinalinis niya sa akin.
Lumabas ako ng hotel ng exact 9:40 pm dahil nagpahinga ako sandali sa loob ng staff room. Kahit na halos patayin ako sa tingin ng mga babaeng empleyado sa loob. Halos lahat ng employee dito ay may lahing amerikano. Ako lang ata ang asian kaya sa tingin ko matatawag ko silang racist, racist sila sa kagandahan ko duh.
Mga inggitera, “Shhh akala nila, susuko ako agad sa kanila, na-uh! Isang Beltran kaya ang kinaiiggitan nila, pagnalaman ng Mom ko ito siguradong susugudin sila nit––nito,” mahina kong sambit sa dulo ng maalala ko si Mommy.
I missed her, I was always avoiding her calls and I know she missed me too. She was my alley, I remember those day when I was in elementary, kapag may nangaaway sa akin dalawa sila ni Tita Lana ang sumusugod sa school para makipagaway sa magulang nang nangaway sa akin.
And guess what, lagi silang panalo dahil pag mamaiari ni Tita Sienna ang school namin that time. Simula noon hindi na kami inaway ng kahit na sino dahil kilala kaming magpipinsan sa school. What a good old day.
“Hahaha, nakakamis—Ahhh puke mo!!” napatalon ako sa gulat ng may biglang bumusina sa gilid ko dito sa labas ng hotel. Nang harapin ko ito, bumaba muli ang bintana ng sasakyan ni Mr. President.
“Puke what?” may accent nitong tanong sa akin habang nakakunot ang makapal na kilay. “Ahhhh…hahaha Pokemon Sir, I said I’m pokemon, I’m playing pokemon here in my mind, pikachu chu chu chu!!!” palusot ko sa kahihiyan.
“You are really a weird girl, hop in,” he said and opened the door for me while he’s inside. “Ahh, so Sir, I’m good at walking hom—” he cut me out and speak.
“I said hop in,” mautoridad ang ginamit niyang boses sa akin kaya wala akong nagawa kung hindi sumakay at magpahatid sa kanya.
“Thank you, Sir,” mahina kong sambit pagkasara ng pinto at sinuot ng seatbelt ng passenger seat. He started the engine and glanced at me.
“For your second day here in my hotel, you look like you’ve been working here for years, why are you always look so messy and what is that?” itinuro niya ang stain sa gitnang bahagi ng dress ko kung saan katapat nito ang perlas ng silangan ko.
“Oh shit, are you on your monthly peri—” I cut him off by covering his mouth and said. “No, it’s not what you’re thinking, it’s a dirt stain from the hotel rooms,” I said.
Tumango siya at nagpatuloy sa pagmamaneho, “So, how’s your day here in my hotel?” he asked, sa totoo lang ho ang baho ng mga ugali ng empleyado mo dapat palitan mo na, tapos ang baduy ng black theme yung bong hotel pakiramdam mo emo kung may ari, tapos ang pangit ng mga nakatayo sa front desk ng hotel panget na sa mukha pangit pa ng ugali. Si Frimly feeling boss na jowa mo kung umasta eh mukha namang suso na kinulang sa lumot, kung ako sayo magpapalit na ako ng hotel. “The hotel is great Sir,” sobrang dami kong gustong sabihin pero wag na lang.
Kailangan ko ang trabaho na ito sa ngayon.
“Does Frimly teach you well on your clerk service?” tanong niya, natigilan ako dahil hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko.
Sabihin ko ba sa kanya na pang chaimbermaids at pool caretaker ang pinapagawa sa akin ng Frimly niya?
“Ahhhh…yes sir, she’s a great trainor haha,” sambit ko bago kinuha ang aking phone at tiningnan ang text ni Hector.
From Hector,
Darcy and Carline went here to my office to bring back the 20% of the money they stole from you, and we had an agreement na huhulog-hulugan na lang nila ito sayo. Don’t complain, justice is served to the person who deserved it. By the way, I won’t be going home tonight, overtime.
Natawa ako ng pagkatapos ng message niyang ito nagsend siya sa akin ng GIF na galit, he’s learning already. How cute.
“Why do you always smile? Do you know what people might think of you when you suddenly start smiling beside them?” lumingon ako kay Sir Zaxx ng magsalita siya. Teka ako ba ang tinutukoy niya?
“Me?” I utter.
“Yes you, stop smiling!” he hazed and dropped me in front of the condominium building. Bumababa ako habang hindi niya ako pinapansin, “Sir, thank you po,” I said and smiled at him, “I’ll see you tom—”
“Stop smiling!” bigla niya sambit at humarurot paalis. Anong problema ’non sa ngiti ko? Lumapit ako sa pinto ng lobby ng condominium building at tiningnan ang aking sarili.
“Ano bang problema niya sa ngiti ko––ay!!” kaya naman pala, may itim na dumi sa ngipin ko mula sa kinain ko kaninang lunch. Nakalimutan kong mag toothbrush dahil sa pag iisip. Nakakahiya.
Agad akong umakyat sa condo ko at nagbihis, nagluto na lang ako ng noddles dahil hindi naman uuwi ngayon si Hector. Then after that naisipan ko na lang magbasa saglit ng business book bago mahiga sa kama.
Sinuot ko ng t-shirt ni Hector sa pagtulog at maagang gumising para sa trabaho. Nagluto din ako ng adobo para dalhin ko mamayang lunch break sa office ni Hector.
Siguradong mmatutuwa ’yon.
“Good morning, Ma’am Frimly!” I was so energetic when I greeted her but she just rolled her eyes and said. “Clean the pool again,“What?” tanong ko, tama ba ang narinig ko.
“I said clean the pool! are you deaf?” she shouted to my face? I look around all the employees here inside the staff area, and they are all just staring at me and some of them are happy that I got shouted at in front of everyone.
“But ma’am I already cleaned the pool last day,” sambit ko, “Are you complaining, Beltran? Is that how you work, you’re just a beginner here so act as one and don’t complain, GO!! FASTER!!” ibinigay niya sa akin ang panguha ng dumi sa pool at pinagtawanan ako ng ibang empleyado dahil sa pagmamadali.
I clean the pool kahit na wala naman dapat linisin dito, alam ko naman gusto lang nila akong mababad sa init ang sumuko, pero ipapakita ko sa kanila na hindi ako mapapaalis ng mga pangbata nilang laro.
“Mga mahihinang nilalang,” I whisper and smirked, nagsuot ako ng sunglass habang naglilinis upang mainis sila sa akin.
When I finish cleaning the pools, umupo ako sa isang gilid upang magpahinga and malapit na ’rin naman ang lunchtime kaya dito muna ako. Mamaya ako pupunta sa office ni hector pag time na.
I scroll on my phone and watch some doggy videos here on my phone.
“So, you like watching animals, Beltran?” may nagsalita sa likuran ko at sinagot ko ito, “Yes, I love it so much.”
“Really?” napalingon ako dahil naging masungit na ang boses nito, “Ma’am Frimly!”
“You are watching animal videos while you’re working?” she said and her nose is already letting out some smoke because she’s mad, and I can sense it.
“Hehe,”
“Why are you watching animal videos? Beltran, answer me!!!” galit niyang tanong sa akin.
“I’m learning your language” I whisper.
“WHAT?!” she shouted, sakto naman nag ring ang phone ko para sa alarm ng lunch kaya ngumiti ako ng napakalaki sa kanya at sinabi. “Lunch time, have to go, gonna eat outside, yehey! I love animals!!!” tumalon-talon ako palabas ng hotel at sumakay ng taxi papunta sa Federal Plaza.
“Ahm excuse me, is Agent Hector Miranda busy?” I ask the guy in the first table here at their headquarters. He looked at me and smiled, “You’re his girlfriend, right? Yes, ma’am he’s here, I’ll call him please have a seat first.” magalang niyang sambit, bago tumakbo papunta sa office ni Hector.
“You are looking for my son?” napatayo ako bigla ng magsalita sa aking harapan ang Director ng FBI. he’s wearing his uniform and look at me straight in the eyes.
“S-sir,” I uttered while shuttering a bit.
“You are his girlfriend?”
CHAPTER 29
“You are his girlfriend?” seryoso nitong tanong habang diretso ang tingin sa akin. Nakaramdam na ako ng matinding takot simula ng magtagpo ang aming mga mata. Hindi ko alam kung anong isasagot ko.
Baka ayaw niya na may girlfriend si Hector? Anong sasabihin ko?
Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko, nihindi ko magawang huminga ng maayos sa harapan niya. Ang bigat ng pakiramdam ko at parang sobrang lakad ng aura niya sa buong paligid. Busy lahat ng tao dito, pero alam kong na sa amin ang atnesyon nilang lahat.
I could feel the tension of his stares, “Ahm…y-yes s-sir,” I whisper as an answer. Alanganamang sabihin kong no-label relationship kami ng anak niya, na friends kami but we f*ck.
“Can you come to my office, I wanna talk to you about something,” he said in authority, kaya wala akong nagawa ’nong tumalikod na siya at pumunta sa kanyang opisina. Bago ako sumunod, sumilip ako sa office ni Hector pero hindi pa ’rin siya lumalabas kaya wala na talaga akong kawala dito sa Daddy niya.
Sinundan ko ito s aloob ng office nito, at halos mahulog ang panga ko sa sobrang daming trophys at awards, certificates ang loob ng opisina nito.
Sobrang lawag din ng buong silid, “Wow,” I whisper when I gaze at the portrait of the president on the wall.
“Have a seat young lady,” he’s voice is too powerful for me to handle, parang kahit anong sabihin nito matatakot ako. Umupo ako sa harapan ng table niay kung saan siya nakaupo at pasimpleng binasa ang name plate nito sa table.
Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation Christian Evans.
“So, How long are you in a relationship with my son, Agent Evans?” tanong niya at ipinatong ang braso sa kanyang lamesa, at tiningnan ako ng mabuti.
“Ahmm…almost 2 months I guess,” pabulong na ang sagot ko dahil hindi ko alam talaga kung paano ito kausapin at kung magugustuhan ba nito ang mga isasagot ko.
He’s a director of FBI, he was appointed by the President, this guy in front of me is so powerful. Hindi ko alam kung anong mangyayari sa akin pagnagkamali ako ng isasagot sa kanya.
Baka isang bala lang ako dito, huhu Hector iligtas mo ako.
“So, how is he as a boyfriend?” natigilan ako sa pagiisip sa takot ng biglang kumalma ang boses nito at tiningnan ako bago sumandal sa swivel chair niya.
“Pardon me?” I ask, tama ba ako ng pagkakarinig? Tinatanong niya kung anong klaseng boyfriend ang anak niya?
“How is he as a person outside his job? I wanna know,” kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa kanyang tanong, kung hindi ko alam na mag-ama sila, sa uri ng tanong nito iisipain kong gusto niyang makilala si Hector.
“Ahmmm..?” anong sasabihin ko?
“You see, my son and I have been working together since he started working as one of my agents but I never get the chance to meet Hector outside this place. He was raised by his mother that’s why I don’t know things about him, so I’m asking you? What is he like?” biglang lumambot ang puso ko dahil sa sinabi nito.
He was reaching out for his son, this old powerful, and the dominant director is reaching out for his son, how sweet. Hindi ko ’man alam ang story behind the two of them, I can see it through his eyes that he wants to know his son.
And he loves him, I know it because this is how dad looks at me when he always makes me remember how much he loves me and my mom since I was young.
“He’s more like you Sir when it comes to your appearance, you two look exactly the same,” I said with a smile on my face. I watch him rose the side of his lips, “Continue,” he said.
“When we first met, he’s more like a grumpy guy and I don’t really like his guts. But as we kept bumping into each other I learn to understand that him and as we start seeing each other, he shows me how much kind, loving, and gentle he is.” I said and chuckled a little, remembering kung paano kami nagkairingan ni Hector ’nong una namin pagkikita.
And nakaramdam din ako ng konting hiya ng maalala ko kung paano ba talaga kami nalapit sa isa’t-isa. Dahil sa pagpasok ko sa condo niya nung gabing iyon.
“I never got the chance to know my own son, I didn’t know he would bring her girl here, he’s always doing what he was assigned and never dated anyone, that’s why when I saw you last time I may look intimidating but I was just shocked,” he chuckled at me, hindi ako makapaniwala na tumatawa siya sa harapan ko ngayon.
“Opo nga muntikan pa akong mapaihi non eh,” bulong ko, pero mas lalo siyang tumawa kaya kumunot ang aking noo. “Did you understand what I’ve said?” nahihiya kong tanong.
“Yes, my frist wife is a filipina, Hector’s mom, I learn tagalog words from her, and It’s been so long since I get the chance to talk to another filipina. I guess my son sees his mother in you.” he said. Gumaan na ang pakiramdam ko habang kausap ito at tila nawala na sa isip ko na mataas ang posisiyon nito.
He speaks so nicely, “Helena was a very cheerful woman and just like you, she’s so beautiful, no wonder Hector choose you,” gusto ko sanang kiligin sa sinasabi niya, pero naalala ko wala pala kaming label ng anak niya.
I was just lying, at hindi ako gusto ng anak niya.
“Hahahaha, may picture po ba kayo ng Mom ni Hector?” tanong ko at ngumiti ng napakalawak.
“Of course, here.” itinulak nito ang kanyang swivel chair gamit ang paa habang nakaupo pa ’rin dito bago inabot ang isang picture frame sa table sa likuran niya.
“She is Helena Miranda Evans my first wife, Hector’s mother,” inabot niya sa akin ang isang picture frame kung saan may larawan ng napakagandang babae.
Murena ito at may kulot na buhok, mapuputing ngipin at manipis sa labi. Kumikintab na itim ang kulay ng maganda nitong mata at napansin ko na parehas silang may nunal ni Hector sa gilid ng kanilang mata.
Nakasuot ito ng kulay puti na bestida at nakaupo sa gilid ng ilong kung saan may maganda scenery ng sunset. She was smiling like she was the happiest woman in the world.
“Isn’t she lovely,” napatingin ako sa dad ni Hector ng sabihin niya iyon, kung magsalita ito ay tila kita mo pa ’rin sa mata nito na mahal pa ’rin ang ina ni Hector.
Napangiti ako at muling pinagsamdan ang magandang larawan ng mama ni Hector, kamukha niya ito at pati ang labi nila ay iisa pero may halo at dugong americano si Hector kaya sobrang gwapo niya.
“Ilan taon po ang nanay ni Hector nong namatay po siya?” tanong ko, at hinaplos ang pisngi nito sa kanyang larawan. “Helena was 26 when she died and we have Hector when she was 17 and I was 22, too young but drunk in love I guess,” nakakatuwa itong pagmasdan habang inaalala ang kanyang love story sa mama ni Hector.
“Hahaha,” tumawa ako kasabay niya at inabutan niya muli ako ng isa pang larawan galing sa kanyang wallet. “This is Helena and Hector, Hector was 8 years old there,” he said.
My heart is jumping right now, bata pa lang si Hector kitang-kita na kung gaano siya kagwapo, I wish I could meet him earlier before his mother die, and we could be a childhood sweethearts.
Stop dreaming Olivia, “He’s so cute,” I uttered and Mr. Evans nodded at me with a smile on his face.
“During that time, I often see Hector smile and laugh but as he grow old, I never had a chance to see him smile again,” he said.
“Kung alam niyo lang po kung gaano karami ngumiti ang anak niyo sa isang araw, nakakainlove po tala––ay” I cover my mouth because I can’t be, walang maiinlove Olivia.
“I guess you really love my son,” hindi iyon tanong, he said it like he know what I’m feeling inside of me. “I can see it through your eyes, young lady” he said and laugh, nahiya akong umiwas ng tingin at tumawa, “Hindi naman po ganu––”
Hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang bumukas ang pintong office na ito, halos tumalsik ang pinto sa sobrang lakas ng pagbukas ni Hector.
“Hector, I was just talk to you Da—” galit akong nilapitan ni Hector at agad hinila ang aking kamay patayo, bago hinarap ang kanyang ama.
“I’ll you’ll excuse us SIR!” galit at madiin niyang sigaw, at hinila ako palabas ng opisina na iyon. “H-Hector sandali, aray,” ininda ko ang madiin nitong pagkakahawak sa aking kamay. Pero parang wala lang ito sa kanya at patuloy akong dinala palabas ng federal building at sinakay sa kanyang sasakyan.
“Hector ano ba masakit,” sambit ko ng papasukin niya ako sa sasakyan, he didn’t speak, he was just flaming with anger. Sumakay siya sa drivers seat at agad pinaandar ang sasakyan ng sobrang bilis.
Hindi ko na nagawang magsalita pa dahil sa takot at nang makarating kami sa parking ng condo, mabilis din siyang bumababa at hinila ako palabas ng sasakyan at umakyat kami papunta sa condo ko.
Pero this time hindi na ganon kahigpit ang pagkakahawak niay sa kamay ko, pero ramdam ko pa rin na nagpipigil siya ng galit.
“Hector, anong problema mo? Nakikipag-usap lang naman ako sa Pa—” I was cut when he suddenly hit the table with his hand and glared at me. “You should not talk to him!!!” galit niyang sigaw.
Napaatras ako at, “Bakit? Hector your dad is reaching out for you, bakit ka ba galit na galit sa kanya?” tanong ko.
“I don’t care about him! I don’t need him by my side, and you don’t have to know anything about him!!!” sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko dahil sa kakaibang ugali na ipinapakita sa akin ni Hector.
Bawat salita na kanyang binibitawan ay katumbas ng isang hakbang papalapit sa akin, he was mad and unstopable right now. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko.
“Hector, you’re dad’s loves you I can see it through his eyes,” mahina kong sambit hanggang sa tumama na ang aking pwetan sa back rest ng sofa dito sa living room.
“He didn’t Olivia, he fucking didn’t, so stop talking and stop defending him, you just met him. You don’t know the real story!!!” he shouted to my face. His eyes were so dark and covered with blinding anger.
But I know what I’ve seen, I saw what his dad feels and I know he loves him.
Hector is just being cowardly selfish right now!
“Hector, he’s still your father, respect him and don’t you see he’s trying his best!!” I shouted back at him, I didn’t mean to shout at him because we’re starting a fight, gusto ko lang na magising siya at kumalma.
“How about you?! you alway try your best but you always fail!!!” my heart stop beating because of what he said and I just saw my hand fly on his face and slap him real hard.
A heavyweight from my chest just convey everything and I just didn’t know what to say right now.
Tila natauhan siya sa aking sampal at ng magtama ang aming mga mata, bigla nalang tumulo ang luho ko, “O-Olivia, I didn’t mean what I’v—”
I cut him off and said, “You don’t know how hard this is for me, kaya wag mo akong husgahan kagaya ng ginagawa mo sa ama mo!” tinulak ko siya papalayo, at nanaig ang bumubugsong sakit sa aking dibdib.
“I’m doing this because I don’t want to disappoint my parents. I’m trying my best even though, it’s fucking painful to lie to my family and pretend that everything is always alright, it’s hard to admit that yes. I’m trying my best here, but I always end up failing, but you shouldn’t have said that to my face. Because you don’t know and you don’t fucking feel how painful it is to stand in my place,” tinulak ko siya ulit.
“Hindi mo alam!!!” sigaw ko, kasabay ng pagbuhos ng aking luha at hirap sa paghinga.
“Hindi mo alam kung gaano kahirap para sa akin ang mag stay dito kahit na nakikita ko na sa araw-araw na gigising ako ay parang walang patutunguhan ang buhay ko, hindi mo alam kung gaano kahirap ang mabuhay na nagtatago sa imahe ng taong akala ng ibang tao na successful, kahit na ang totoo isa lang akong katulong na naglilinis ng banyo ng ibang tao, sobrang hirap mabuhay na iniiwasan mong makausap ang pamilya mo kahit miss na miss mo na sila, dahil ayaw mong malaman nila ang paghihirap mo, kahit na gusto mo silang makasama at mayakap, hindi mo alam ’yon!!! Kasi wala ka sa posisyon ko!!!” nahihirapan na akong huminga dahil sa makalas kong pagiyak, sobrang sakit pala na maglabas ng matagal mo nang nararamdaman.
“Sa dalawang taon na buhay ko dito, tinanong ko ang sarili ko ng maraming beses kasi alam ko naman na failure ako, na Olivia bakit hindi ka nalang umamin sa pamilya mo na nahihirapan ka na? Bakit hindi ka nalang sumuko at kalimutan mo na lang pride mo kasi failure ka naman talaga? Bakit hindi ka na lang umuwi sa pinas?” I stop and gasp for air, as I shed more tears and pain.
“Kasi masakit sa puso yung makita mong hindi mo natupad ang pangarap na ipinangako mo sa magulang mo na walang ibang ginawa kung hindi ibigay ang best para sayo, masakit dito ’yon” I pointed at my chest where my fucking broken heart is located, “Sobrang sakit nito Hector, sobra na gugustuhin ko na lang mamatay kesa sa malaman nila ang totoong nangyayari sa akin!”
“I’m sorry Olivia,” he tried to reach for my hand but I pushed him.
“Umalis ka muna Hector,” I whisper.
“Olivia, I didn’t mea––”
“Umalis ka muna!!!” I shouted at him and that’s when he stopped, shook his head, and leave my place.
Pagkasara ng pinto nanghihina akong napaupo sa sahig at niyakap ang aking tuhod.
“Shit ang sakit,”
CHAPTER 30
I lay down on my bed staring at my ringing phone, with tears flowing from my eyes. Mom is calling me again, and once again, I can’t answer her.
Mahigpit kong niyakap ang unan sa aking tabi, nagtalukbong ako at tinakpan ang aking tenga upang hindi ito marinig. Sobrang sakip ng aking dibdib at mas nananaig pa ’rin ang bigat ng mga salitang nailabas ko na kanina.
Ang akala ko ok lang ako, ang akala ko kaya ko pa, pero isang salita lang pala ang magpapalambot sa akin. Akala ko kaya ko pa eh, pero hindi na pala, sobrang bigat na pala nito sa loob ko.
Hindi ko naman sinisisi si Hector, naiinindihan ko na wala akong alam sa buhay nniya at dapat hindi ako nangielam, but he uses the wrong words to stop me and it’s fucking painful.
Ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata, hanggang sa hindi ko namalayan na ako ay nakatulog at nagising na lamang sa tunog ng alarm clock ko.
Mabigat ’man ang aking pakiramdam, kailangan kong pumasok at magtrabaho. Tumayo ako mula sa kama at sinilip ang aking cellphone kung saan may 20 missed call from my mom.
I bite my lower lip and control my tears not to fall, huminga ng malalim bago ito binitawan at naglakad palabas ng kwarto. I stop when I saw a breakfast prepared in my table.
Nilapitan ko ito at tiningnan, it’s a fried rise, with bacon, egg and milk. May letter sa ilalim ng plato kaya kinuha ko ito at binasa.
I can’t face you right now, because I know what I said hurts you but please forgive me. I wasn’t thinking yesterday, I got so mad and didn’t think of the words I’m gonna say, Please Olivia forgive me.
-H.M.
Huminga ang ng malalim bago ito itinabi sa gilid ng lamesa at tinalikuran ang mga pagkain na ito. Pumasok ako sa aking silid upang mag-ayos na para sa trabaho.
Wala akong ganang kumain ngayon siguro ay babaunin ko na lang ito sa trabaho. I take a shower and wear my uniform and wig. Inilagay ko sa isang tapper wear ang mga nakahanda dito sa lamesa at inilagay ito sa loob ng aking bag.
Sinuot ko ito at muling tiningnan ang letter na iniwan ni Hector, bago umalis at pumasok sa trabaho. Pagpasok ko sa lobby ng hotel ang masamang tingin ng ibang employee na ang sumalubong sa akin.
Pero mas pinili ko na lang yumuko at tumuloy sa locker room dito sa hotel, inilagay ko sa locker ko ang bag ko at at inilabas dito ang pagkain para ilagay sa itaas na parket ng locker ko.
“Ahh” sambit ko ng may bungga sa aking likuran dahilan upang timama ang aking balikat sa pinto ng locker kong nakabukas. Nang tingnan ko ito, “Opsss, sorry I didn’t see you,” sambit ng amerikana na ito habang nakangiti ng pang demonyo.
Tumawa ang kaibigan niya na isang chaimbermaid at tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa.
“You didn’t see me? That’s impossible, you did it on purpose!” wala ako sa mood na magpakabait sa mga kagaya niyang tao. Hindi maganda ang araw ko kaya hindi ako papayag na sirain pa ito lalo.
Kung gusto nila ng ayaw, ibibigay ko.
“Yes, I did it on purpose you got any problem with that!” she suddely showed up her true identity and pushed me on my shoulder. Hindi ko hinayaan na gawin niya pa ulit sa pangalawang beses kaya sinalag ko ang kamay niya at tinulak siya palayo.
“Don’t touch me!” I haze at her, “Ah! You!!” she said and umambang sasampalin ako pero mabilis akong umiwas pero hinila niya ang aking wig buti na lang ay hindi ito mabilis matanggal.
Tinulak ko siya bago pa ito matanggal, “I said don’t touch me!” sambit ko, pero parang wala siyang na ririnig at bigla akong sinampal.
“You deserve that hypocrite girl, do you think the president will like a girl like you?!!” she said, and together with her friend, they pushed me, causing me to fall on the floor.
Kumirot kaagad ang tagiliran ko dahil sa maling pagtama nito sasahig, kumulo at dugo ko dahil sa dalawang ito at,
“At sino ba kasing putang ina ang nagsabi na bagay kami ng boss niyo! Tangina!” tumayo ako at agad silang sinugod, I slap her back and grab their hair.
Oo silang magkaibigan, sinabunutan ko silang dalawa at tinulak kagaya ng ginawa nila sa akin. “Ahhh!” they both shouted as their ass kiss the floor.
“You star—” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang bumukas ang pinto dito at dumating si Ma’am Frimly. “WHAT THE HELL IS THIS BELTRAN?!” she shouted and quickly held this two to stand up, while glaring at me.
“What the hell did you do Beltran!? Are yous tarting a fight with your co-employees?!” galit niyang sambit, nilapitan ako at hinawakan ng mahigpit ang aking braso.
“I didn’t start it!” I said, and try to defend myself but these girls acted like they’re in big pain and crying in front of us. “Ma’am, she slaps me and grabbed her, I just accidentally bump her back and she instantly hurt us,”
“Ano!” sambit ko pero hindi na ako nagkaroon ng oras ipaliwanag ang side ko ng hilain ako palabas ni Ma’am Frimly sa locker room na iyon at dinala sa lobby.
“I will not suspend you for this fight, but you need to do this.” she said and handed me a small cleaning towel a cleaning spray. “Wipe the whole floor using thsi here in the lobby,” tiningan ko siya dahil sa sinabi niya at hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan kung gaano kalawak ang lobby na ito.
“Do it now, or else you’ll be suspended for a week,” tinulak niya ako bago umalis at iniwan ako mag-isa dito. Sobrang daming tao, at nakakahiya pero wala akong nagawa kung hindi sundin ito kesa sa masuspend ng isang linggo.
Lumuhod ako at nagsimulang linisan ang sahig gamit ang cleaning towel at cleaning spray na ibinigay ni Ma’a, Frimly sa akin.
I wipe the floor with my head down and try my best to move fast dahil may mga taong dumadaan. “Ahh,” inda ko ng may tumapak sa aking kamay habang naglilimas ako.
“Opss sorry,” I raise my head and the two of them look down on me and said, “Serves you right bitch,” they said and walk away like cinderella’s ugly sisters.
Kahit na gusto silang habulin at sabunutan sa harap ng maraming tao, hindi ko magawa dahil kailangan ko ang trabaho na ito at hindi ako papayag na mawala ito ng dahil sa mga kagaya nilang walang kwentang tao.
Hindi ko inaasahan na aabutin ako ng lunch break dito, at kalahati palang ng lobby ang pinupunasan ko. Tumayo ako para kumain pero pagdating ko sa locker room nakita ko ang bukas kong locker at nakatapon na pagkain sa harap nito.
Tinapon ito at ibinuhos ang kanin sa loob ng aking bag, nang tiningan ko lahat ng tao dito, they are all looking at me and waiting for my reaction.
“Who did this?” tanong ko pero ni isa sa kanila ay walang sumagot.
Bagsak balikat ang lumuhod at pinulot ang kalat na ito isa-isa at itinapon sa basura ang nasayang na pagkain. Walang natira kahit na isang bacon sa lalagyanan lahat ito ay nasayang kaya hindi ako na nakain ng lunch at nagpatuloy na lamang sa trabaho.
“After wiping the floor here, get me some stock towels from the stock room and bring two boxes in the chambers cleaning quarters” sambit ni Ma’am Frimly nang dumaan ito sa aking pwesto.
Tumango ako bilang sagot at nagpunas ng pawis, muli akong nag punas at tinapos ito ng hapon. Natapso din, tumayo ako at napahawak sa aking balakang dahil sa sakit ng pagkakatama nito sa sahig kanina.
Naglakad ako papunta sa stock room, pagpasok ko dito hindi ko maiwasang maluha sa pagod at frustration, dalawang malalaking box ang pinapakuha sa akin ni Ma’am Frimly at hindi biro ang bigat nito.
Hirap ko itong inilabas sa stock room peroo kinaya ko itong dalhin papunta sa chambers cleaning quarters kung nasaan ang ibang chambermaids at nandito si Ma’am Frimly.
“Actually, we already have new stock here can you put it back,” sambit ng isang chambermaid sa akin ng ilagay ko ito sa isang upuan. Tiningnan ko si Ma’am Frimly na nakikipagusap sa dalawang demonyo na babae kanina.
“Ma’am,” tawag ko sa kanya, she looks at me and smiles, “Put it back, the chamber has already got their stock, My bad,” she said, and just like that they all laugh at me.
Wala akong nagawa kung hindi buhatin ito ulit at ibalik sa stock room. Nagstay na lang ako doon at hanggang sa matapos anhg oras ng trabaho ko.
Lumabas ako ng hotel at agad natigilan ng makita ang sasakyan ni Hector sa labas, he was standing at the side of his car and wehen our eyes met, those apologizing stares look at me.
Lumapit ako sa kanya at walang gana siyang tiningnan, he opens the door for me at sumakay ako ng hindi nagbibitaw ng kahit anong salita.
Aligaga siyang tumakbo pasakay sa driver’s seat at agad binuksan ang makina, he starts driving and kept on glancing at me. Pero tumingin lang ako ng diretso sa kalsada at nanahimik.
“Olivia, I’m sorry please forgive me, it wasn’t really my intention to hurt you, I was stupid with my words.” he tried to apologize but I didn’t even glance at him and just remain silent.
Nang maramdaman niyang wala akong ganang makipag-usap sa kanya nanahimik siya at bakas sa mukha niya na hindi siya mapakali. At tila hindi komportable na ganito ang sitwasyon naming dalawa.
Tumigil kami sa dating restaurant na kinainan namin, mabilis siyang bumaba at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto. Tahimik akong lumabas at naglakad kaming dalawa papasok sa loob.
“Table for two sir?” masiglang sambit ng waiter sa amin, pinilit ni Hector na ngumiti dito at nag-aalangan kung aalalayan ako sa aking bewang papunta sa aming table.
Nialalayan niya ako pero hindi niya idinikit sa aking bewang kanyang kamay, umupo kami at agad niya ako tiningnan ng magkaharap kami. “Waht do you wanna eat?” he asks and try to smile even though he looks so hesitant to approach me.
Imbisna sumagot iniwasan ko ang tingin niya at tumingin sa ibang direksyon dahil doon siya ang pumili ng pagkain para sa aming dalawa. Nanatili kaming tahimik habang kumakain.
He was straing at me the whole time, bakas nsa mukha niya na pinagsisihan niya ang kanyang sinabi hanggang sa mkauwi kami ng condo.
Binuksan ko ang pinto nito at pumasok, iniwan ko itong bukas pero hindi siya pumasok at mas piniling tawagin ang aking pangalan habang nakatayo sa harap nito.
“Olivia,” nilingon ko siya at tiningnan, he shook his head before he sighs and looks back at me, he looks like he was about to cry with your pleasing eyes. “I’m sorry, I know you are still mad at me and I can’t bear to stay here while you’re ignoring me, so I’ll just say my goodnight to you, again I’m sorry.”
Tiningnan ko lang siya ng tahimik hanggang sa umalis siya at pumasok sa condo niya. Tahimik akong lumapit sa pinto at sinara ito. Pagod na pagod ako ngayong araw to the point na hindi ko na gustohin pang magsalita.
Gusto ko na lang matulog, dumiretso ako sa kwarto at agad nagpahinga.
Lumipas ang isang linggo at walang tigil si Hector na nilulutuan ako ng almusal, sinusundo sa paguwi at kumakain kami sa labas. He even buys me expensive things just to say sorry, lagi siyang naggoodnight sa akin pagkahatid, alam kong sencere siya sa sorry niya.
At alam ko ’rin naman saumpisa pa lang na hindi niay iyon sinasadya, pero hindi ko lang talaga mahanap yung time na kausapin siya.
Lagi akong pagod sa trabaho dahil kung ano-ano ang pinapagawa nila sa akin.
Hindi ’rin ako nagkakaroon ng oras kausapin si Jalsey dahil sa sobrang busy niya sa shop. My week just feel so off, hindi ko magawang ibalik ang Olivia na nakilala nila.
“Goodnight, Olivia,” pagkapasok ko sa condo, nakaramdam ako ng lungkot ng marinig muli ang good night ni Hector bago ito tumuloy sa condo niay at iniwan ako dito sa loob ng condo ko.
Aaminin ko, Oo, namimiss ko na rin siya sa aking tabi. Pero hindi ko pa talaga alam kung kailan ko siya dapat kausapin.
Pumasok ako sa kwarto at padapang humiga sa kama ng biglang tumunog ang phone ko, kinuha ko ito mula sa aking bulsa at binuksan ito. Napaupo ako ng makitang notification ito galing sa instagram kung saan galing ang tag mula kay Hector.
Binuksan ko ang ig account ko at tiningnan ang tinag ni Hector, I bite my lower lip when I saw that he posts some pictures of me on his account.
My heart start beating so fast as I check all the picture of me that he posted, lahat ng larawan ko ay n tila stolen shot habang natutulog ako sa tabi niya.
Halos lahat ito ay kuha tuwing madaling araw dahil kitang kita sa background ang madilim na kwarto ko. He was talking a picture of me everytime he wake up?
The caption, “I’m sorry Olivia,” simply us that but my heart almost jumps out of my chest.
Tiningnan ako ang mga larawan ko sa pangalawang pagkakataon, at sa oras na iyon alam ko na pinapatawad ko na siya.
Tumayo ako at tila may sariling isip ang aking paa at tinungo ko ang daan palabas ang aking silid at dumiretso palabas ng pinto ng condo ko. Bawat hakbang na aking ginagawad ay kasabay ang malakas na pagtibok ng aking puso.
Tumayo ako sa harapan ng pinto ng condo niya at halos tumalon palabas ng aking dibdib ang aking puso.
How can he manipulate me this easily, my heart is crazy for him.
I knocked on his door, and there I hear his rushing footstep towards the door and I almost lose my breath when the door open and our eyes met.
“I know you would come,” he said and smile at me.
CHAPTER 31
R18
As soon as he held my hand, he simply pulls me inside of his condo. Close the door and pinned me behind it, rushing his lips to mine. Hindi ako nanlaban sa pagkat tinanggap ko pa ito ng buong puso at sinuklian.
He guides my arms up around his shoulders, he grabbed my waist using his warm palm and pulled me to get close to him.
“Hmmmmm…” I whine when he bites my lower lip and tried to pin me harder, I could feel his body hitting mien in a tempting way. He stops the kiss and looks me in the eyes.
Nangmagkatinginan kami hindi ko alam pero bigla na lang akong naluha at nakaramdam ng matinding pagod at nangungulila sa mga tingin na ito. I shed tears and he smile at me, wiping my tears using his thump and whisper.
“I’m sorry, I will never do that again,” he whispers, which made my heart go wild. His words are my comfort, his touch is my solace and he was my heartbeat.
I didn’t hesitate to initiate the kiss again and hugged him, pulling him against my body. At first, it was a soft and slow kiss, until it turned rough and aggressive. He moved us from the back of the door to the table near his door.
He didn’t let go of my lips as he guide us to the table, we carelessly hit other things that block our way and let them fall on the floor. He carried me up to a seat on the table as he devours my lips down to my chin and jaw.
I closed my eyes and held his nape to deepen the kiss and wrapped my legs around his waist, locking him close to mine, and killing the distance between us.
He sucked on my bottom lip before pushing his tongue inside my mouth. “Hector,” I even whine harder when he was tasting every bit of me inside of my mouth, he acts like he memorizes every inch and part of me just to move expertly while his tongue is inside of my mouth.
I yelped when he grabbed my legs up and leaning the both of us down above the table. Hindi ko maiwasang higpitan ang pagkakakapit sa kanyang balikat ng bumababa ang halik niya mula sa aking baba papunta sa akin leeg.
Bawat galaw na kanyang iginagawad ay naghahatid init sa aking buong katawan, I bit my bottom lip to stifle the moan and try my best to gripped on the other edge of the table and arched my back to push my body against his warm and soft lips.
He put his right hand on my neck, at first, I thought he’s going to choke me, but he used it to lift up my head, so he can have better access to my neck. I haze when I know deep inside of me the desire to be choked by him.
“Ahhh Hector,” hindi ko na napigilan ang aking sarili, hinawakan ko ang kanyang ulo at mas idiniin siya sa aking balat, he was licking and sucking my skin, leaving some hickeys in there and went down to my chest.
Pulling the brim of my uniform and start unbuttoning it, revealing my naked upper body in front of him. Served as a sacred delicacy as he stares at my mound. Sinalubong ko ng mainit niyang mag tingin at pinanood siyang kunin ang aking kamay mula sa kanyang balikat at hinubad ang kanyang suot na t-shirt sa aking harapan.
Pinadaos-dos nito ang aking maliit na kamay sa kanyang malaki at mataigas na katawan. He made me touch his chest down to his abs and guide me to this V-line. “Do you know how much I’m turned on when you’re looking at me like that? I could jack off a hundred times thinking of you but nothing beats the pleasure when you are right in front of me like naked.” My lips parted when he put my hands under his pants and make me touch his bulge.
“Move your hands and get this thing work done,” he ordered before he lean down, pull my bra down, and suck my breast and kiss my tattoo there. As he works on my chest, he also starts guiding me down there.
I was stiff at first but when I could hear him growling on my chest, I move my hands on my own and do my best to pleasure him down there. I arched my back as he put started biting my nipples as he groaned.
He stops when I move my hands faster, tumayo siya at itiningala ang kanyang ulo. “Agh fuck Olivia, you are fucking crazy good at this, agh shit,” this is the first time I saw him loud like this, and watching him pleasured like this, is making me wet down there.
Mabilis niyang hinila ang aking batok at hinalikan ng napakaagresibo, he cum on my hands while kissing me so roughly. We stop to catch our breath and he rests his head on my shoulder.
Malakas ang ingay ng paghinga namin dalawa at nanatili iyon ng ilang segundo bago niya ako muling hinarap, he roams his hands around my thighs and lift my skirt up to pull my underwear underneath and throw it somewhere in the kitchen. Tiningan ko siya at agad niya akong binuhat papasok ng kanyang silid at dahan-dahan akong hinaga sa kama.
When he was going to positioned above me, I speak, “I wanna be on top,” I whisper, pero narinig niay iyon dahilan para siya ay ngumiti at agad akong binuhat at ipinatong sa kanyang ibabaw.
I seated on his lap while looking at me, “It’s ok, I don’t want to look down on you anyway,” he whispers so gently and reaches for my lisp for a different feeling of his kiss.
He started kissing me in a different way, a heart-flattering one. Sobrang bilis ng puso ko kanina pero mas mabilis itong ngayon, his movements where slow and calm. He was touching me like a very special gem.
He moved away and look at me straight in the eyes, and touch the back of my wig. “Can I?” tanong niya, he was asking permission to remove my wig.
I was gasping for air and nodded weakly at him, hindi niya pinutol ang titig sa akin habanag tinatanggal ang aking wig. He even let my red hair fall of my face as he removed my wig.
“You are so beautiful with your real hair, like a beautiful fire that embrace a broken soul, and heals a wicked heart,” he whispers and puts some strand of my hair at the back of my ear and kissed me once again.
Hinawakan ko ang dibdib niya at itinulak siya pahiga, I started moving on my own and unbuckled his belt. Pulling it out, throw it somewhere, and pull his pants down. I gulp when I was about to pull his underwear.
Huminga ako ng malalim bago ito hinila pababa, I positioned myself above him and whimper as his hard thing poke my wetness. “Olivia, we can’t do it already, let me put my condo–fuck.” hindi ko na siya pinatapos magsalita at ako na mismo ang nagpasok nito sa akin.
I cry in pain as his thing nearly ripped me up, he gripped my waist and I fall on his chest, “Olivia, you don’t need to push yourself, let me pull it out,” he said and sounded so worried.
Pinunsanan ko ang aking luha at umiling, “I-I c-can d-do this,” buong lakas kong tiniis ang sakit at nagsimulang bumayo sa kanyang ibabaw.
he seated and covered my body with his and helped me on moving, at first, he was gentle but when he noticed that I’d adjusted to his length already he moves faster and deeper.
The bed is making noise because of us and I’m losing my mind already. “Ahh, Hector faster,” I moaned.
He growls and bites my shoulder as he moved faster and deeper. “Olivia, are you falling for me already?” he asks in the middle of this kind of situation.
I’m losing my mind how can I answer him right? But one thing comes into my mind when his question sinks in. pagumamin ako sa kanya na gusto ko siya, this could end in just a snap.
“No, I would never,” kapos hininga kong sambit, I felt him smirked on my shoulder and bite it harder. “Ah!” I groaned in pain.
“You know you can’t fall for me, but I know your falling,” he whispered in a teasing way. I know he’s not serious about this, he’s teasing me.
“Ahhh”
“Fuck”
I could feel something inside of me is building up already, hindi sinasandya kong naibabaon sa kanyang likuran ang aking kuko habang papalapit na ako sa rurok ng sensyon na ito.
“I’m cumming,” I whisper, and bite the helix of his ears. He moves even harder and faster.
“Fuck, me too,” he said and after a few hard thrusts.
“Ahh, Hector”, “Fuck, Olivia,” we both moaned in the same time as I felt some warm liquid inside of me flowing all over my wetness. Pabagsak kaming siyang napahiga sa kama at nanatili ako sa kanyang inanabaw.
He didn’t even pull his thing out, when I look at his face, he smiles at me and said, “You’re crazy in love Olivia, don’t deny it.” I stiff when he said that with a teasing smile on his face.
Was he still joking or did he really know I was falling? He can’t be.
He touches my hair and stroke it up, “You are crazy troublesome as fuck, but it’s admiring.” my heart is going crazy inside of my chest, his making me lose my mind from his words.
“I hate you,” he whispers and planted soft kisses on my lips.
“But I want you,” he was using his husky tone on me, while my heart is going crazy beating for him.
“I might wife you,” he looks at me in the eyes and turns our positions in a snap. His now above me and staring at me with those eyes.
“Right after I fuck you,” he said and start moving again. I arched my back and gasp for air.
I know he’s just teasing me but fuck, I’m falling for it.
He thrust deeper and lifted up my left leg up to his shoulder, and kiss the side of my thighs while staring at me.
He moved faster just like what he did a while ago, I started to lose my senses and just be drowned by pleasure and this feeling inside of me.
I could feel my second orgasm coming, we are ricking the bed as he aggressively moves and pounds me down there.
“Ah, I’m cumming Hector,” I whimper as I trembled.
“Fuck, let me cum with you, Olivia,” he said and…
“Ahhh!” I moaned, my knees shaken and my whole body weakened. Hector falls above me and breath on my shoulder. I hugged him and close my eyes before I whisper something in his ears.
“I love you,”
I felt him stiff because of what he heard and after a few silent seconds, he stops up and avoided my gaze.
“I’ll just smoke outside,” he whispers and went outside of his room.
I close my eyes and cover it using my right arms and I let out a heavy breath.
“I guess it’s game over, Olivia,” I whisper and I fall asleep.
Kinabuksan ay nagising ako na walang Hector sa tabi ko, maayos ang buong kwarto hindi kagaya ng nakita ko kagabi, at nakasuot na ’rin ako ng t-shirt, I check myself and I know I’m cleaned already.
Tumayo ako kahit medyo makirot ang gitnang bahagi ng katawan ko. Naglakad ako palabasng kwarto at kagaya sa loob, malinis na rin dito sa labas at wala na ang mga gamit na nakakalat sa sahig.
May nakahanda na ’ring breakfast sa kitchen counter, agad ko itong nilapitan upang tingnan ang note na iniwan ni Hector pero ng tingnan ko ito, walang note na nakalagay.
Umupo ako sa high chair at bagsak balikat na kumain habang sinusubukan hanapin kung may note na iniwan si Hector dito sa condo niya. Pero wala talaga. Pagkatapos kong kumain kinuha ko ang phone ko sa loob ng kwarto at umalis ng condo niya, I lock it and head to my condo to prepare for work.
Wala sa sarili akong pumasok sa hotel at hindi pinansin ang ibang katrabaho. I just feel so off today, “Beltran!!!” I stop walking when Ma’am Frimly grabbed my arms and forcedly pull me to the stock room.
“You’re late, clean this mess!!” itinulak ako nito sa loob ng stock room kung saan nakakalat ng boxes ng towel na tila parang nahulog mula sa itaas ng shelf dito sa loob.
“Don’t step out of this room unless you finish folding all of these towels!” he pushed me before letting go of my arms.
I just followed what they said and I didn’t have the chance to eat dinner dahil sa sobrang dami ng towel na ito.
While folding the towel, kinuha ko ang phone ko at tiningnan muli ang pinost ni Hector kagabi, I can’t believe I’m this weak for him. Maybe I truly loved him, I fall for him in the way that I know it’s forbidden and I’m ready to accept whatever happens after this.
Sinubukan ko siyang itext, at itanong kung susunduin niya ba ako mamaya dahil mukhang malalate ako sa paguwi dahil sa towels na ito.
To Hector,
Susuinduin mo ba ako mamaya? Malalate kasi ako ng labas sa hotel kaya ok lang na wag mo na akong sunduin at magkita nalang tayo sa condo mamaya, magluluto ako ng ulam.
Naghintay ako ng reply niya but it takes 25 minutes for him to reply, siguro busy siya sa trabaho.
From Hector,
I won’t be home this week, be careful on your way home.
Dahil sa reply niya mas lalo akong nawalan ng galang umuwi at magtrabaho, pero pagkalabas ko ng hotel tumuloy ako sa isang botique ng mga damit, kung saan may iba’t-ibang brand ng clothes.
Magiinquire lang ako kung pwedi nilang i display ang mga ilalabas kong shirt next month. Magstart ako sa pakonti-konti lang muna, dahil dito naman talaga nagsisimula ang totong business woman.
“Ahm..good evening ma’am, I just want to ask if you are still open for another new brand display?” I ask.
Nilapitan ako ng isang babae at sinabi, “Ahm sorry ma’am we are not accepting staring brands for now, but if you want, I can have your design copies and show it to my boss and I’ll contact you if I received any deals with her,” she said with a smile.
I smiled back at her and nodded, “Thank you so much, this is my USB, my designs are in there and also my contact, please give me a call,” I said and step out of the shop, walk my way home, and lay on my room.
For a week, my life cycle just fucks me up, I received a lot of work that I wasn’t expected to do as a hotel clerk, and I have a lot of small fights with my co-employees.
Paulit-ulit lang iyon nangyari sa buong linggo na ito, at isang linggo na din hindi nagpaparamdam si Hector. Now I just got home and I’m waiting here in front of my door for him.
It’s been a week passed, siguro naman uuwi na siya ngayon.
Nakatulala lang akong nakaupo dito hanggang ala-una ng madaling araw, paglingon ko sa bumukas na elevator agad akong napatayo ng makita si Hector.
I waited for him here in front of my door and greet him with a smile, “Hector, nagluto ako ng ado—” he cut me out and said.
“Not now Olivia, I wanna rest,” bagsak ang mga mata nito at mukhang pagod siya.
I take a step back and nodded, “Ok,” pagkasabi ko ’non, nagpatuloy siyang naglakad papasok sa condo niya at hinitay kong linngunin niya ako bago ito isara pero hindi siya lumingon at agad pumasok sa loob.
He closed the door leaving me here standing in front of mine,
“Goodnight,” I whisper as a tiny pain hits my chest.
CHAPTER 32
Kinabukasan ay maaga akong gumising para magluto ang almusal at inilagay ito sa mangkok at dinala sa harap ng condo ni Hector. Aayain ko siyang kumain ng almusal kasama ko.
I smile and knock on his door, tatlong beses lang akong kumatok at bumukas agad ang pinto kung saan bumungad sa akin ang nakaayos na si Hector. Papasok na siya ng ganito kaaga?
Tiningnan ko siya mula ulo hanggang paa at halata ngayang bagong ligo siya at tila handa nang umalis, “Papasok kana kaagad?” tanong ko sa kanya, he avoided my gaze and nodded, “I have a lot of things to do, we have so many cases for this month, so I bet I’m not gonna see you often,” habang nagsasalita siya pinagmasdan ko lang siya at hinintay na tingnan ako pero pilit siyang umiiwas ng tingin sa akin.
“Mag-almusal ka muna, nagluto kasi ako ng adobo baka—”
“I have already drunk my coffee, and I really need to go Olivia, I’ll see you next week,” he said, grabbing his gun and jacket on the table and stepping out of his condo.
Umatras ako upang maisara niya ng maayos ang pinto ng condo niya at tila nahihirapan akong huminga habang pinapanood siyang iwasan ako.
“Gusto mo bang baunan na lang kita nito? Sandali lang ipagbabalot kit—” again, he cut me off and face me, “No need Olivia, I’m not hungry,” parang dinurog ang puso ko ng marinig iyon mula sa kanya.
Hector don’t really decline my food, lahat ng niluluto ko kinakain niya kahit hindi siya gutom. I purse my lips, trying to control my tears and slightly shook my head down.
Hindi siya nagsalita at nanatili lang nakatayo sa harapan ko kaya naglakas loob akong magsalita kahit na alam ko ang kahihinatnan ko pagkatapos nito.
“Iniiwasan mo ba ako?” diretso kong tanong at buong tapang siyang tiningnan sa kanyang mga mata, this time I caught his eyes and hold my tears.
Nagkatitigan kami sa sandaling panahon bago siya muling umiwas ng tingin at nagsalita, “No, I’m not, I’m just really busy Olivia, you know my job,” he said trying to make me feel ok with that tone, but I knew it to myself that he was keeping his distance away from me because of what I’ve said that night.
“Bakit next week ulit kita makikita, may malaki ba kayong case?” tanong ko. “Yes, it will probobly last a week or two, I don’t know, I’ll just text you,” sambit niya.
“Pwedi ba kitang puntahan don, magluluto ako ng minudo mamayang gabi.” I tried to smaile even though my heart is aching already. “You better not go there Olivia, I’ll just call you, I need to go,” aalis na sana siya ng hawaka ko ang braso niya upang pigilan siya.
Hector glance at me and I speak, “Yung about sa sinabi ko nong gabing iyo—” nagulat ako ng tanggalin niya ang pagkakahawak ko sa braso niya bago ko pa matapos ang sasabihin ko.
“I really have to go Olivia, bye,” sambit niya, at naglakad ng mabilsi papunta sa elevator. Ng pindotin niya ang pagsara ng pinto ng elevator, tumakbo ako palapit sa harap nito at tinawag siya.
“Hector,” tumigil ako sa harap ng pinto at tiningnan siya sa kanyang mga mata, tumulo ang luha ko at ngumiti, “See you next week,” ani ko at tuluyang nagsara ang elevator.
Agad akong napayuko, at gamit ang aking kaliwang kamay tinunasan ko ang aking luha na tila bumuhos pagkasara ng pinto.
Hindi ko alam na ganito pala kasakit ang pinasok ko, dahan-dahan akong tumalikod at naglakad pabalik sa aking condo dala-dal ang ulam na niluto ko.
Binitawan ko ito sa dining table at dumiretso sa aking kwarto. Nanghihina akong napaupo sa sahig at niyakap ang aking tuhod at muling binuhos ang aking mga luha.
Sobrang bigat at sikip ng dibdib ko, at bawat pagpintig ng puso ko ay makapalit na kirot.
Bakas sa mukha ni Hector na ayaw niya akong makausap, at gumagawa siya ng paraan upang iwasan ako.
“Bakit ba ang tanga-tanga mo Olivia?” tanong ko sa aking sarili, lumuha ako at humiga sa sahig dahil sa sobrang sakit at bigat ng aking nararamdaman.
I stared at the floor and just let my tears flow; I don’t know what to do tomorrow. “My life socks” I whisper in agony.
Nanatili ako sa ganong position hanggang sa kusa na lang tumigil ang pagtulo ng luha ko at hindi ko namalayan na umaga na at hindi ako nakatulog.
Nang tumunog ang alarm ko, tumayo ako at nagbihis para sa pagpasok sa trabaho. Walang buhay kong pinagmasdan ang repleksyon sa harap ng salamin at pinilit kong ngumiti pero pagtulo lang ng luha ang nangyayari.
Everything inside of me feels so numb, right now. Siguro kusang yung katawan at puso ko na ang napagod sa sakit at bigat ng dinadala ko.
Hindi ko sinuot ang aking wig dahil wala na akong gana sa aking sarili, hindi na ’rin ako naglagay ng make up sa aking mukha. Sinuot ko lamang ang uniform ko at kinuha ang aking gamit papunta sa trabaho.
Wala sa sarili akong pumasok sa lobby, kaya aksidente kong nabangga ang isang empleyado na hindi ko na maalala ang pangalan. “Beltran?” she asks and look at me from head to toe.
“Is that really you?” she asks and that caught the attention of other employees. They all look at me, at halos lahat sila ay parang tinitingnan ako bilang isang dumi na hindi nararapat sa lugar na kinabibilangan nila.
“Olivia, clean the hallway on the second floor!” napalingon ako sa aking likuran ng mag salita si Ma’am Frimly, I nodded and just dropped my thing inside my locker and follow her upstairs.
Nang makarating kami sa itaas, binuhat ko ang clleaning cart ng pang chambermaids palabas ng cleaning room dito sa second floor at nagsimulang linisin ang buong hallway dito.
Umalis si Ma’am Frimly at iniwan ako na mag-isa dito. Sa haban ng hallway na ito inabot na ako ng tanghalian sa paglampaso ng sahig at pagtanggal ng mga matitigas na dumi sa gilid-gilid nito. At dahil mag-isa lang ako hindi ko na ginawang magtangahalian at dumiretso na ako sa paglilinis hanggang mag dilim. Tulala lang ako habang nagmamop ng sahig ng biglang bumukas ang pinto ng room 201 at isang babae ang galit na lumabas mula dito.
I stop what I’m doing and look at her, “You mother fucking shit, fuck you asshole!!!’ halatang lasing ito at sobrang gulo ng kanyang buhok at damit, may dala pa siyang isang can ng beer at pagewang-gewang na minumura ang nasa loob ng silid.
“Fuck you money, I don’t fucking need it anymore!!!” she shouted and the door in front of her closed, naglakad siya padaan sa akin at ng mapansin niyang tinitingnan ko siya agad akong uumiwas at nagpatuloy sa paglilinis.
She stops in front of me and said, “Hey, look at me,” galit niyang sambit, ayaw ko ng gulo kaya nanatiling nakayuko ang aking ulo, “I’m sorry Ma’am but I need to finish my wor—” hindi ko natapos ang aking sasabihin at napasinghap na lang ako ng maramdaman ko ang malamig na beer na bumuhos sa aking ulo pababa sa aking mukha at katawan.
“Opss my bad, I though you’re a trash car, excuse me,” she even hit me with the can on my head before she walks past through me. Hindi ako nakagalaw sa aking kinatatayuan at tiningnan na lang ang tumutulong beer mula sa aking buhok at uniform.
Hindi ko alam pero basta na lang akong naluha at napaulo sa panghihina, umiyak ako at kinuhat ang cleaning towel mula sa cart at nilampaso ang nabuhos na beer sa sahig.
Habang naglalampaso nakarinig ako ng sumuka mual sa aking likuran kaya ng lingunin ko ito bago sumakaya ng babae sa elevator sumuka ito ng napakarami sa harap ng elevator.
Everything just triggers me off, and I just cry and cry while doing my job. Pagkatapso punasana ng beer dito nilapitan ko ang sinuka nito at kahit lagkit na lagkit na ako sa aking katawan mano-mano kong nilinis ang suka sa harap ng elevator.
Maya-maya bigla itong bumukas, at itong dalawang chaimber maid ang bumungad sa akin. “Oh my gosh, what happend to you hahahaha,” pinagtawanan nila ako at inilabas pa ang kanilang cellphone upang videohan ako.
Pinunsan ko ang aking luha at nagpatuloy sa paglilinis, hinayaan ko silang kuhanan ako ng larawana at videohan. Dahil wala na ’rin naman akong lakas labanan silang dalawa ngayon.
“You look so messy Olivia, you better quit,” they said and kick the bucket beside me, kung saan ko pinipiga ang suka ng babae kanina dahil sa pagsipa nila tumalsik ang laman nito sa mukha ko, at napapikit na lamang ako dahil doon.
“You’re so bad, say sorry to her,” isa sa kanila ang nagsalita habang tumatawa sila ng sobrang lakas. “Opss sorry I’m not sorry bitch,” sambti nito at umalis silang dalawa.
Pero hindi ako papayag na ganito, sumosobra na sila, tumayo ako at binato ang towel ng suka sa ulo nito. “Ahh oh my gosh, you!!” nandidiri siyang humarap sa akin bago bumalik at agad nhinila ang aking buhok.
Sinabunutan ko din siya at kinuha pa ang isang towel sa gilid ko para ipunas sa mukha niya. I was wining the fight when her friend pull my hair from the back, at pinagtulungan nila akong dalawa.
Until I fall on the floor at binuhos nila sa akin ang natitirang laman ng balde sa gilid. “You’ll pay for this!!” she said.
“What the hell is this?” napalingon kaming tatlo ng isang malakas at buritong boses ang nanaig sa hallway.
“President Zaxx!!!” itong dalawang chambermaids ay agad sumakay ng elevator at umalis, iniwan akong naliligo ng suka dito sa sahig. Narinig ko ang yapak palapit sa akin ni Sir Zaxx.
“What the heck, happend to you?” hindi siya nagalinlangan na abutin ang braso ko at tulungan akong tumayo kahit na puno ako ng suka sa katawan.
Pinaghalong suka at beer ang amoy ko ngayon, “Let’s go to the clinic and you should change,” he said and pull me inside the other elevator and head to the lobby, straight to the clinic of this hotel.
Pagpasok sa clinic agad nila akong binigyan nag damit at pinaligo sa banyo, hindi ko na maipaliwanag anga king nararamdaman habang tinatanggal ko ang suka sa aking buhok.
Hindi na ’rin ako lumuha dahil namamanhid na lang muli ang aking buong katawan.
Lumabas ako ng banyo na basa ang aking buhok at agad kinamot ang nurse ang kamot sa aking noo.
“You better go home, I’ll talk to my assistant about this, I’ll take care of those chambermaids, who do this to you,” sambit ni Sir Zaxx bago tumayo at inayos nag suot na polo.
“Thank you po sir,” bulong ko.
He nodded, put his phone on his pocket and leave the clinic. “You may go miss,” the nurse said and go back to her work. Tumayo ako at kinuha ang aking gamit sa locker room bago lumabas sa likod na exist ng hotel.
Pagkalabas ko ng pinto, ang malamig na simoy ng hangin dito sa New York ang aking dinama. I close my eyes and just let all the feelings out but my phone rings at walang gana ko itong sinagot.
“Hello?” I whisper.
“Olivia anak,” it’s mom.
“Mom” I whisper. My heart beats so fast hearing her voice again.
“Olivia, one of my friends in New York saw you working as a maid in a hotel, anak totoo ba ’yon?” napaupo ako ng sobrang bilis dahil kusang bumigay ang aking tuhod dahil sa tanong ni Mommy.
N-no…
“Olivia, totoo ba ’yon?”
CHAPTER 33
“Olivia, totoo ba ’yon?”
“M-Ma…” I whisper, I suddely feel numb and lahat ng naririnig kong ingay sa paligid ay tila naglaho ng parang bula, tanging paghinga ni mama mula sa kabilang linya ang nananaig sa aking buong sistema.
“Olivia, anak sagutin mo ako totoo ba ’yon?” I purse my lips and try my best to hold my tears but my vision easily get blueberry because of my tears.
“M-mom,” hindi ko magawang magsalita ng maayos, at sagutin ang tanong ni ma’am, tila parang may bumabara sa aking lalalmunan habang sobrang bigat ng aking pakiramdam.
Tumulo ang luha ko kasabay ng pagtulo ng basa kong buhok sa aking braso at kamay, napayuko ako at hindi ko magawang magsalita. “Olivia, totoo ba na nagtatrabaho ka d’yan bilang maid a-anak?” I tremble in pain when mom’s voice started to crack from the other line.
She’s crying, umiling ako at tinakpan ang aking bibig gamit ang likod ng aking palad.
“Olivia, anak sagutin mo naman si Mommy, what happened to you anak?” she asks and all I could feel is pain, pain for making my life miserable and making my mom cry.
I bite my lower lip so hard before I chin up, wipe my tears and take a deep breath, “Ahm… mom, ganito k-kasi… I failed,” bumuhos lalo ang aking luha at nanghihina akong tinakpan ang aking mukha gamit ang kaliwa kong kamay.
I can’t take this, I wish that this is just a dream, “I failed Mom, I failed, your daughter failed Mom, I’m sorry, sorry,” narinig ko ang pagsinghap ni Mommy mula sa kabilang linya, she’s crying with me.
This is my fault.
“Olivia,” she called my name filled with longing, “Mom, my m-money got robbed a few months after I arrived here in N-New York Mom, I lie, wala akong business Mom, h-hindi ko po na-natupad yung pangarap k-ko d-dito sa N-New Y-York Mom.” I started having a hard time to breath because I was crying so hard, and sobbing so loud.
“Mom, everything that I’ve said was a l-lie, m-my shop, it was a lie, everything about me was a lie. I’m sorry Mom, I’m sorry, sorry I failed you, sorry Mom,” hindi sumasagot si Mommy, but I could hear her cry so hard from the other line, which breaks me even more.
“I’m sorry Mom,” I whsiper and hit my chest, trying to kill the pain that stabing me inside my chest.
“Bakit h-hi-hindi mo sinabi kay Mommy?” hirap na sambit ni Mom, “Why Olivia?” I cover my face and trembled.
I never expected that this day would come, bakit ganito ka sakit?
I wanna die.
Agian, I wipe my tears and smile, “I’ve been working as a maid for two years already Mom, naglilinis po ako ng mga kwarto, banyo, suka ng ibang tao at marami pang iba, I even work as a mascot for the night pero last month lang natanggal po ako, pero, pero m-may b-bago na akong h-hotel na pinapasukan Mom, ok l-lang n-naman ako dito,” I was breathlessly making the fool out of me.
Nahuli na nga ako pero mapride pa ’rin ako, what the heck is wrong with you Olivia?!
“Are you tired?” my world just stop with that quastion, am I?
“Olivia, a-anak, a-are y-you t-tired anak?” bakas ang sakit sa boses ni Mom at tagos sa akin ang sakit na iyon. Yes, I’m so tired, pagod na ako Mom. gusto kong sabihin iyon pero hindi pwedi.
“No, mom, I’m f-fine here,” parang binibiyak sa dalawa ang aking puso habang sinusubukan ko pa ’ring magsinungaling kay Mom kahit nahuli na niya ako.
“Olivia anak, go home please” umiling ako habang bumubuhos lalo ang luha ko.
“M-mom,” my voice was shuttering, fucking painful.
“Olivia, this is enough, go home anak,” she was begging.
Mas lumakas ang pag-iyak ko dahil sa sinabi ni Mom, to the point na hindi ko na talaga kinaya, “Mom, I need to go,” I whisper.
“No, Olivia, you have to go home here! Tama na anak, nahihirapan ka na d’yan, go home please, anak!” kinagat ko ang aking kamay upang magpigil at patuloy na umiling.
Hindi pa ako pweding umuwi, I can’t. Hindi ko sila kayangharapin ng ganito lang ang narating ko sa buhay. I can’t.
“Mom, I can’t” I uttered breathlessly.
“No, Olivia hear me out anak, please stop this already, go home, enough, enough with this lies, please I’m beggi—” I turn of the call and hurriedly put it inside my bag, shook my head down and cry out loud.
“Ahhh!!!!” I yelled so loud, and let out all the agony inside of my soul and system. I couldn’t bear this, sinimulan kong sampalin ang aking sarili at suntukin ang aking katawan.
I wanna hurt myself so bad, I just failed at anything.
I hugged my knees and shuttered myself in the middle of the dark, tumunog muli ang phone ko, kaya tinakpan ko ang aking tenga ng sobrang diin at patuloy na tumutulo ang aking luha.
Umiyak lang ako ng umiyak hanggang sa bila na lang nagdilim ang paningin ko at namanhid na lang ang lahat sa akin.
I just wanna die right now.
Nagising ako sa isang napakaliwanag na silid, at ng luminaw ang aking paningin, agad kong narealize na nasa hospital ako. I slowly seated on this bed and the exact time I properly seated is when the door open and Zaxx come in.
“You’re awake,” he uttered and walk towards my place, he handed me a bottled of water and fix his coat.
“I was just gonna smoke outside my hotel at the back exit and I was you there laying on the floor unconsciously, so I thought you’re dead and rush you here in the hospital, only to find out that you pass out because of fatigue and you are not eating, what a troublesome,” he said and stare at me.
Umiwas ako ng tingin at inayos ang aking magulong buhok, “Sorry sa abala,” I whsiper. Siguradong nagtataka siya dahil maga ang mga mata ko ngayon, pero hindi niya na kailangan pakielaman pa ang buhay ko kaya tumayo ako.
“Aalis na ako, salamat sa pagdala sa akin dito, babayaran na lang kita sa nagastos mo para dito.” nagsimula akong kunin ang aking bag at cellphone sa gilid ng hospital bed at nanatili lang siyang nakatingin sa akin.
Hindi siya nagsalita o nagtanong man lang, kaya tiningnan ko siya ng makuha ko na lahat ng gamit ko. “Thank you for this, and I’m quitting on my job.” diretso kong sambit.
He nodded and acted like he respected my decision and said, “Ok,” he uttered and with that, I bow my head before I leave him here.
Wala sa sarili akong nag lakad palabas ng hospital at tumigil upang tingnan ng paligid. This is New York the place of my dreams but ended up being the place where I failed at everything.
I sobb, before I continue walking. Umuwi ako ng condo ko at nagkulong sa aking kwarto.
I just need some time to rest, “I’m tired” I whisper, laydown on my bed and cover my eyes with my arms and shed tears once again.
“I’m sorry M-mom,”
Hector’s POV
A week passed by, I walked in the condominiums hallway as I step out of the elevator, feeling exhausted and super drained by work.
I stroke my hair up, while my jacket is on my shoulder and I stop in front of Olivia’s condo and stare at it.
It was so silent in here and even inside her condo was so silent, usually when you stand in front of her condo, you can hear her TV inside.
But now is different, it’s so silent, I bet she’s not home.
I was about to open the door of her condo when I remember her words.
“I love you,”
I stop and wipe my face using my palm, turned my back on her condo and head to mine.
I’m just tired, I need to rest.
Olivia’s POV
It’s been a week and my phone never stop ringing, I don’t want to turn it off so I just stared at it every time it rings.
A week of feeling numb and locking myself inside my room, nanatili ako sa loob at nagedit lang ng designs sa shirts ko. Nagkulong ako sa illusion ko.
I make a lot of designs and just feel numb about it.
Parang naging blanko ang buhay ko sa loob ng madilim na silid na ito. Tumayo ako mula sa kama at humarap sa salamin.
I lift my shirt up and urge a numb smile, I lose wight and my face is so off. While staring at myself in front of the mirror, I heard someone knock in my door.
Naglakad ako papunat sa pinto ng kwarto ko at binuksan ito ng konti. Soemoen is knocing on my door in front.
Nanatili lang akong tahimik at nakatanaw sa pinto, who could that be?
“Olivia, are you there?” nanghina ako ng marinig ko ang boses ni Hector sa labas. He’s back. But I can’t face him right now.
Sinara ko ang pinto at sumandal sa likod nito, kasabay ng pagkatok nito ay ang muling pagtunog ng phone. I felt so soffucated and just covered my ears to stop hearing a thing.
But I heard him open the door and walk toward here, he’s outside my room. Standing in front of this door.
“Olivia, I have another case and I won’t be back for 3 weeks, are you in there? Olivia?” naririnig ko pa ’rin ang boses ni Hector mula sa labas kaya mas lalo kong hinigpitan ang pagkakatakip sa aking tenga.
I hugged my knees and bite my lower lip so hard.
My hands were shaking and my mind is shuttering, I can’t even think straight. “Olivia, can you hear me? I’m leaving for almost a month, will you be, ok?” naririnig ko ang boses ni Hector sa labas at alam kong nag-aalala siya sa akin.
But I can’t face him right now, I can’t say goodbye to him.
Hindi ako sumagot at mas kinagat ang aking labi, I could taste my blood already.
“I’ll be heading now, just call me when you need me,” sambit niya at narinig ko ang yapak niya palabas ng condo ko.
Nang marinig ko ang pagsara ng pinto ng condo ko, dahan-dahan kong tinaggal ang aking kamay sa aking tenga at naglakad pabalik ng kama upang balutin ang aking sarili ng comforter.
I reached for my phone and open one of my mom’s text messages.
From Mommy,
Olivia, please go home.
I can’t…
The next few days, lumabas na ako ng aking kwarto at kumain, and I recieved a call from the shop na pinaginquiran ko. Pinapapunta nila ako sa shop ngayong araw kaya ito ako ngayon naglalakad papunta doon dala-dala ang bango kong designs.
“Good afternoon,” bati ko pagpasok ko sa loob, the girl approached me quickly and I stop when she handed me my designs, yung binigay ko sa kanya nung nakaraan.
“Miss?” tanong ko, “Sorry Miss, my boss already closed her brand deals and we are really not accepting new brands, we just called you here to give this back to you, thank you Miss,” sambit niya.
Kasabay ’non ay ang pagbagsak ang aking balikat at sinubukan ngumiti bago lumabas ng shop.
Naglakad na ako pauwi dahil wala naman na akong mapapala dito sa laba––.
I bump into someone, “I’m sorry,” he hurriedly said when his coffee splash on me. Buti na lang ice coffee ito, napatingin ako sa puti kong damit na kulay brown na ngayon.
“I’m so sorry Miss,” he said.
Hinarap ko ito at sinabi, “No, it’s fin—” I stiff when I met his gaze.
His lips parted and look at me so deeply,
No.
“Ate?”
It’s Arries, my brother.
CHAPTER 34
“Ate?” sambit niya at tiningnan ko mula ulo hanggang paa, bakas sa mukha niya na hindi inaasahan makita ako ngayon at tila gulat siya.
Ganun din ang aking naramdaman pero agad kumirot ng puso ko ng pagmasdan siya, sa daming beses namin nagkatagpo dito sa New York ngayon lang kami talaga nagkabangga na ako ang totoo Olivia na kilala niya.
Gusto ko na agad umiyak habang nakatayo sa kanyang harapan pero hindi pwedi, “Ate, I’ve been look—” hindi ko na siya pinatapos magsalita at agad tinulak upang malampasan siya at tumakbo ng mabilis.
“Ate!!!” I heard him shouted my name, kaya tuluyan nang tumulo ang luha ko, naghahalo-halo ang aking nararamdaman ngayon, nahihiya ako sa kanya, he saw me in this state.
I look so terrible, mas binilisan ko ang paghakbang ko at lumiko sa liblib na eskinita dito kung saan nakalagay ang mga pasurahan. Nagtago ako sa gilid nito at tinakpan ang aking bibig, kasabay ng pag-agos ng luha mula sa aking mga mata.
“Ate!!!!” Arries chase after me, pero hindi niya ako nakitang lumiko dito, at ng sumilip ako nakita kong lumagpas na siya dito.
Nanghihina akong napaupo ng tuluyan, basang-basa ako dahil sa iced coffee, I’m a mess, a big mess for everyone I loved.
I wanted to shout, let out the pain but all I can do is cry. Cover my lips so no one would know how deep is the pain inside of me. Anong ginawa mo sa sarili mo Olivia? I ask myself.
Pero ang totoo hindi ko na’rin alam kung ano ang ginagawa ko, I’m so lost. I don’t even know how to go back anymore.
Umiyak ako ng umiyak dito sa madilim sulok at dinamdam lahat ng sakit na nanggagaling sa aking puso. Lahat ng pinilit kong iwasan na sakit at disappointments noon ay bumabalik na sa akin ngayon.
Sa sobrang sakit hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang gagawin ko, I lose my dreams, myself and my hope. Walang-wala na ako ngayon, I’m worthless and stupid.
“Haha,” Natawa ako sa aking sarili habang patuloy ang pagtulo ng aking mga luha, ito na lang ang kaya kong gawin ngayon, ang tawanan ang aking failure na sarili, siguro nga tama si Hector. I’m always trying but at the same time I always ended up failing.
Because I was never enough for my dreams.
Siguro, ito na talaga ako, I’m a failure, stupid, and I have no vision in life. Hindi ko na nakikita kung ano ba ang gusto kong maging dahil sobrang labo na ng buhay ko.
Lahat ng pinaghirapan, nawala lang ng isang iglap.
Dahan-dahan akong tumayo at naglakad palabas ng eskinita, sumakay ako ng taxi at dumiretso pauwi. I stoped in front of the door of my condo and gaze at Hector’s condo.
Alam kong wala siya sa likod ng pintong iyon, pero hinahanap-hanap siya ng aking puso. Dahil alam kong sa puntong ito, siya lang ang gusto at kailngan kong sandalan. Naglakad ako papalapit sa harap ng condo niya, muling tumulo ang aking luha habang pinagmamadan ang pintong na sa aking harapan.
Nanghihina kong sinandal ang aking ulo sa pinto, at binuhos ang sakit na aking nararamdam. My chest is heaving up and down as I sobbs so loud. I kneel and lean on the door, give all my weight on it and all the pain I have inside of me.
Inilabas ko ang aking phone sa loob ng aking bag and I dial his number. My hands were shaking, my body feels numb and cold. My eyes sores and my heart is crashing into pieces.
Mga ilang ring lang ang lumipas ay sinagot niya ito, huminga ako ng malalim. “Hello, Olivia?” narinig ko ang boses niya mula sa kabilang linya kaya mas lalo lang ang naluha.
I wanna hug him right now, I’m in pain Hector, please be here. “A-are you a-at w-work?” tanong ko, habang pilit na pinipigilan ang aking paghikbi.
“Not really, we are following a lead for a possible suspect,” narinig ko ang mga busines mula sa kabilang linya, “Pw-pwedi ka bang u-umuwi ngayong gab––”
“Not now Olivia, I can’t, I’m sorry,” he said and just ended up the call that quickly, leaving me stunned.
Napayuko ako at niyakap ang aking tuhod, “Not now Olivia,” I whisper to myself, kailngan kong ipalala sa aking sarili na hindi lang ako ang nahihirapan sa buhay, lahat ng tao ay nahihirapan kaya wala akong karapatang mag demand sa ibang tao at magreklamo. I stood up and walk towards my condo and lock myself up.
I’m so tired, I wanna give up.
3 weeks later,
Mabilis akong tumakbo papunta sa banyo mula sa aking kama, I almost vomit on my bed, buti na lang ay nakatakbo kaagad ako papunta sa banyo.
After vomiting, I wipe my face and look at the mirror, this past week I have not been feeling well. Walang tigil ang aking pagiyak tuwing gabi, I spend my morning playing games and eating some ramen noodles and chips I have here in my condo.
I even lost a big amount of weight, bumagsak din ang mukha ko, my eyes bags are bigger than my future, my cheekbone pops up like I’m Angelina Jolie, and my skin looks pale as a vampire.
Habang pinagmamasdan ang aking sarili, I can’t help to smile bitterly because now I really look like a disappointment to my family. Walang gana akong naglakad pabalik sa kama at muling tumihaya, I grab my phone and start playing again.
Naglaro lang ako at hinintay sumapit ang dilim, I look at the wall clock and waited for the time to stop are 7:10 pm. Sinabayan ko ang tunog ng orasan hanggang sa tumigil ito sa oras na hinihintay ko.
Nilingon ko ang aking cellphoen at wala pang isang segundong nakalipas, tumunog na ulit ito at tumatawag na ulit so Mommy.
She never stops calling me, reaching out and hoping that I would answer her calls, the reason for me to cry every night. Niyakap ko ang aking unan at pinanood ang aking phone na tumunog.
Again, I shed tears just like last night, “Stop this mom, you are making this hard for me, please” maghina kong sambit at nagpatuloy sa pagluha, I bit my lower lip and continue watching her call.
Natigilan ako ng makarinig ng pagkatok mula sa labas ng aking condo, dahan-dahan akong tumayo at naglakad palabas ng aking silid.
“Olivia?” nanlambot ako ng marinig ang boses ni Hector sa labas ng aking condo, agad akong tumakbo papalapit sa pinto at pinunasan ang aking luha bago ito buksan.
As I open it, and I met his gaze, agad akong tumalon sa kanya at niyakap siya ng sobrang higpit. “Namiss kita,” I whisper.
I felt him nod and carried me properly before he enters my condo, and close the door, naglakad siya papunta sa salas at umupo habang nakaupo ako sa kanyang hita. I didn’t let him go and just hugged him, buried my face on his neck.
“Are you ok,” tanong ko ng mapansing hindi siya nagsasalita, he just let me hugged him and he remain silent. I slowly move away and look at his face, he looks so tired and stressed out.
Hinawi ko ang bagsak niya buhok at hinaplos ang kanyang pisngi, he closes his eyes and lean his forehead on my chest and whisper, “Hugged me Olivia, I need it,” paos niyang sambit.
Agad ko siyang niyakap gaya ng sinabi niya at nanatili kami sa ganong posisyon hanggang sa magsalita siya. “Do you wanna hear a story?” he whispers and I suddenly felt pain from his voice.
“S-sige,” sambit ko, parang nakalimutan ko ang sakit na aking nararamdaman ng makita ang hinanakit sa kanyang mag mata kanina. Handa akong isandabi ang aking nararamdamn na sakit ngayon para lang manatili sa tabi niya at palakasin ang kanyang loob.
“There was this kid looked up to his father up high, and loved his mother so much, he had a happy family that everyone could dream off, he was living his childhood life to the fullest with his dad but one day his dad suddenly left to be with another woman, living his wife and son alone in sorrow, the kid wanted his dad to come back, so he runs after him even though his mother tries to stop him. He pushed her so hard and run fast after his father but his father quickly gets into his car with another woman, the kid didn’t stop and still run after the car, he tried his very best to run as fast as he can because the kid knows how painful this is for his mother, he doesn’t want his dad to leave them because he knows his mother loves his father so much. He chases after him for her mother but in the middle of the street he stumbled and a big white truck suddenly appeared he stood up but it was too late for him to run, he was ready to get hit by the big truck but suddenly he was pushed…” tumigil si Hector sa pagsasalita at tumigala upang tingnan ako.
My lips parted when I saw him crying, and meeting his eyes instantly make me feel his pain. Hinawakan ko ang pisngi niya at pinunasan ang tumutulo niyang luha, “He was pushed,” I purse my lips and cry with him.
“He was p-pushed by h-his mother,” I close my eyes and let my tears fall, I could feel teh heavyweight inside my chest as I listen to his story. I know this was his story.
“His m-mother d-died to save him, he rolled over the other side of the street got his back injured and with his own eyes he sees his mother died cold-blooded under that white truck, it was his fault, it was the kids fault why his mother died,” umiling ako at hinawakan ang kanyang mag kamay.
“N-no, it’s not your fault,” I whisper and kiss his forehead,
“It was my fault Olivia, I killed my mother,” he was shivering like a child, he was in pain. I hugged him, “It was my mother’s death anniversary today, I m-miss her,” mas lalong sumikip ang aking dibdib dahil sa sinabi niya.
“Shhh, it’s not your fault,” hinawakan ko ang kanyang pisngi at inangat ang kanyang baba upang harapin ako, he looks at me with those eyes and “Hindi mo iyon kasalanan, you never killed you mother,” sambit ko pero pumikit lang siya at muli akong niyakap.
Nanatili kami sa ganong posisyon hanggang sa maramdaman kong nakatulog siya sa aking sibdib, I stood up and seated beside him, let him lean his head on my shoulder and held his hand.
“The kid wanted to be an astronaut when he was 8,” I look at him when he suddenly speaks, but his eyes were still close, so I also stayed unmoved.
“Why did he become an FBI agent?” I ask.
“Because he seeks revenge, he knows how important for his dad his position, so he’s working hard to steal that position from him since he was 9, and next week he will be able to achieve it,” he chuckled bitterly.
So, this is the reason why he’s mad with his dad, he was blaming himself and his dad for his mother’s death. “Is he gonna be truly happy with that?” I ask.
“Yes, that was the only reason why he continued his life,” he said.
“Is this the reason why you can’t love me?” I ask. Hindi siya agad nakasagot sa halip ay huminga muna siya ng malalim bago tumango.
“I have never desired anything in my life but my father’s position and that’s my only goal, loving you was never a part of it, I’m sorry.”
Akala ko tapos na akong lumuha kanina, but I was wrong, what he said make my left eye shed the most heart-breaking tears I have. “I u-understand,” tugon ko at ipinikit ang aking maga mata at sinandal sa kanyang ulo.
“But please don’t leave my side, Olivia,” he asks one last time.
I nodded with a painful smile, “Yes, I won’t.”
Nagising ako kinabukasan na wala na sa tabi ko si Hector, at nasa kama na ako, nakabalot ng comforter. Inilipat niya siguro ako bago siya umalis. Umupo ako at napalingon sa side table ng makita ang note na mula sa kanya.
Agad ko itong inabot at binasa,
I’ll buy dinner for us tonight, wait for me.
-H.M.
I smiled and kiss the paper but…
Muli akong nagmadaling tumakbo papunta sa banyo para ilabas ang biglang pagikot ng aking sikmura.
I’ve been noticing this for almost a week, late na ang menstruation ko, ang akala ko delayed lang ako kaya hindi ko pinansin pero it’s been a month and wala pa ’rin anong mens. Then this vomiting thing is getting worst and worst as days pass by.
Nanlamig ako ng pumasok sa aking isipan ang isang bagay na kinatatakutan ko. I can’t be…
Tumayo ako mula sa loob ng banyo at mabilis naghilamos, nagpalit ng damit at tumakbo palabas ng condo. I went to the nearest Pharmacy and buy the thing I don’t want to buy.
“Thank you, ma’am,” agad akong tumakbo pabalik ng condo at tumuloy sa banyo. Nanginginig ang aking kamay habang binubuksan ito at habang ibinababa ang aking shorts.
I was biting my bottom lips while peeing, my knees won’t stop shaking as I stood up and put it on the sink waiting for the results.
“Please,” I begged before I flipped it up and look at the results.
I shed tears in instant, at agad ko itong nabitawan. My heart is rising so fact that I can’t even breath properly. I seated on the floor and cry. Gumapang ako palabas ng banyo at kinuha ang aking phone.
I was shaking, my body is trembling and all I know is I need them right now.
I called them at the same time and when they answer,
“Oli, why did you call?” Naivy.
“Olivia, I miss you,” Bunny.
“I n-need y-you, please.”
CHAPTER 35
“Olivia?” napalingon ako sa pinto ng marinig ang boses ni Hector sa labas, agad akong tumayo at dinaluhan ang pinto. Bago ko ito buksan hinigpitan ko muna ang pagpisil sa aking kaliwang kamay upang pigilan ang naginginig nito.
I opened the door and Hector’s smile was the first thing I see, he was puting some paper bags on the table at inilabas ang laman nito isa-isa. “I brought some pasta and lasagna for you, let’s have dinner,” sambit niya at agad akong nilapitan upang hapitin ang aking bewang at pinaupo.
Hinila niya ang upuan ko papalapit sa tabi niya ng mapansin niyang masyado akong malayo sa kanya, siya na ’rin ang naghain ng pagkain sa aking harapan. He was smiling again, sobrang mapanlinlang ang mga ngiti ni Hector.
I couldn’t berely see his suffering from pain on those smile, pinagmasdan ko lang siya habang ginagawa niya ang lahat ng ito ng may ngiti sa kanyang labi.
“You’ve lost weight, you need to eat all of this,” he said, glance at me while putting some pasta on my plate. Nakasuot siya ng uniform nila ngayon at kitang-kita ang ganda ng hubog ng katawan dahil dito. I look down and saw his gun at the side of his waist.
Nang mapansin niyang nakatingin ako dito, agad niya itong tinanggal sa kanyang katawan at sinabi, “I’m sorry, I should have put this away first,” he said and put his gun on the couch.
Ngayong pinagmamasdan ko siya sa uniform niya, mas lalo kong naiisip kung gaano kaimportante sa kanya ang trabahong ito at ang goal niyang position. Alam ko na hindi lang basta galit ang dahilan kung bakit niya gagawin ito, I know behind those anger he was desiring this job because he really wants it.
I’ve seen him work so hard since we’ve met, I know he loves his job.
“Olivia,” bumalik ako sa aking sarili ng tawagin niya ang aking pangalan, “Huh?’ tanong ko, “You’re spacing out, are you ok? You look pale,” he said and caress my face.
“Do you want us to go to the hospital?” he asks, nanlaki ang aking mga mata at sinabi, “No! I’m ok let’s pray and eat, gutom na ako eh haha,” sambit ko at mabilis na umayos ng upo para magdasal.
Nakita kong nagtatakang kumunot ang noo niya bago siya nagsign of the cross, “Pagkatapos natin kumain, maypupuntahan tayo,” I said, making him stop eating and glance at me. “Where?” tanong niya.
I smile at him and said, “Basta,” I been thinking of this the whole day. Tumango siya na tila naguguluhan sa aking kinikilos pero nagpatuloy sa pagkain habang hinahawakan ang aking kaliwang kamay.
Hindi niya binitawan ang aking kamay hanggang sa matapos kaming kumain, at tinulungan niya ’rin akong mahugas ng plato bago siya magpalit ng damit.
“Tara?” tanong ko ng siya’y lapitan ko. He smiles at me and fix some strand of my face before he speaks, “Yes,” he whispers and kiss my forehead.
I held his hand and intertwined it with mine, then pull him out of my condo. Pumunta kami sa parking lot at tumigil sa harap ng sasakyan niya. “Give me your key,” I said.
Walang pag-aalinlangan niya itong kinuha mula sa kanyang bulsa at inabot sa akin. I smile at me, “Sakay ka na,” utos ko, ngumiti siya bago kami naghiwalay upang sumakay sa BMW niya.
I simply touch my tummy before I enter the car and again, I smile at him before I started the engine.
I drove us away from the hotel, I played music that makes him look at me and chuckle, “You drive like a pro,” he said and I knew that was a doubled meaning. So, I hit him on his arm making him laugh.
Seeing him smile and laugh above the pain he’s suffering, makes me admire and loved him even more. But I know my love should stay where it is right now because I have no place in his life.
And same goes with this baby inside of me…
I played music and glance at him with a fake smile, “I love this song,” I said, he nodded and reaches my lips for a peck of a soft kiss.
Hindi ko inaasahan na magiging ganito kabigat para sa akin ang isang halik mula sa kanya. Dumiretso ang tingin niya sa kalsada habang ako naman ay patuloy nasumusulyap sa kanya habang nagmamaneho.
“Please, stay where you are don’t come any closer, don’t try to change my mind, I’m being cruel to be kind I can’t love you in the dark, it feels like we’re oceans apart there is so much space between us, Baby, we’re already defeated Ah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah Everything changed me,” sinabayan ko ang kanta at inabot ang kanyang kamay habang ako ay nagmamaneho. I wanna hold him.
It was a bit of a long ride before we’ev arrived, he looks at me and said, “Ausable Chasm Bridge? Why?” tanong niya sa akin. Imbis na sumagot, ay agad kong tinanggal ang aking seat bealt at bumaba ng sasakyan. Ganun ’rin ang ginawa niya at nilapitan ako.
Bago pa siya makapagsalita hinawakan ko ang kanyang kamay at hinila sa gitnang parte ng tulay at hinarapa ng magandang view dito. Alam kong gabi na at mas maganda itong puntahan sa umaga pero ngayon siguro ang tamang oras.
“What are we doing here, Olivia?” tanong niya. Hinarap ko siya at kinuha ang isang papel na puting rosas sa aking bulsa. Ginawa ko ito kanina.
Kunot noo niya itong pinagmasdan ng iabot ko ito sa kanyang kamay, “What is this, Olivia?” tanong niya. Ngumiti ako sa kanya, hinagkan ang kanyang labi sa sandaling segundo bago muli siyang tiningnan.
Hindi ko alam sabi ko pipigilan ko ang luah ko pero agad itong tumulo ng matitigan kaming dalawa. “Trust me,” I whisper and face the bridge.
Huminga ako ng malalim at hinaplos ang aking tyan ng patago bago ako sumigaw, “Ma’am Helena Mirenda, ako po ito si Olivia, malapit na tao sa inyong anak, gusto ko lang po kayong kamustahin diyan sa langit?”
“Olivia?” sambit ni Hector pero nagpatuloy ako sa pagsigaw, “Si Hector po, malaki na po siya at isang magaling na FBI angent po, sobrang gwapo niya po at lalo na pag nakangiti, ok naman po siya pero alam ko po na nasasaktan pa’rin ho siya tuwing naiisip kayo, pwedi ho bang iparamdam niyo sa kanya na hindi niya ho kasalanan ang laha—” hinwakan ni Hector ang aking braso upsang pigilan ako at nang harapin ko siya nakita ko ang nangingilid na luha sa kanyang mga mata kaya nagpatuloy ako.
“Hindi niya po kasalanan ang lahat ng ito diba Ma’am, please naman po sabihin niyo po sa kanya na hindi niya kasalanan kasi po ayaw ko po siyang nakikitang nasasaktan. Sige na po!!! Parang awa niyo na po, gusto ko pong makitang masaya si Hec—hmmp” hindi ko natapos ang aking sasabihin ng bigla akong hilahin ni Hector palapit sa kanya at agad hinagkan ang aking labi.
I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him back, he gently caresses my waist and as we cut the kiss to gasp for air, I smile at him and with his tears.
“Give this flower to your mom, I know she can see us,” I whisper. Dahan-dahan akong lumayo sa kanya at hinayaan siyang tumingala. Pumikit siya at hinalikan ang paper rose na ginawa ko bago ito inihagis at hinayaang dalhin ng hangin papunta kay Ma’am Helena.
He faced me with those heart-melting stares, “Why did you do this?” he asked with a genuine smile. “Nothing, I just want to talk to your mom since it’s her death anniversary yesterday and I wanted you to be happy, I bet I succeed?” I ask with a playful smile, na nakapagpatawa sa kanya at muling hinagkan ang aking labi.
He kissed me gently just like how he kissed me that night we make love. Feeling these kisses makes my heartache, because I know I can’t hope for anything more than this. Because this is all that he can give me.
Sa tingin ko hindi naman toto ang rules na sinabi niya sa No-label relationship, what you give is what you received was only for him because for me What I give can’t never be what will I received.
How painful.
“Why are you crying?” iminulat ko ang aking mga mata ng tumigil siya sa paghalik sa akin at pinunasan ang aking tumutulong luha gamit ang kanyang hinlalaki.
I smile and said, “Nothing I’m just happy you’re here with me,” I whisper.
He smiles and, “Me too, I’m happy that you’re here, thank you for this.” patuloy niyang pinunasan ang aking mga luha at hinalikan ang aking mga mata.
Nanatili kami dito habang pinapanood ang mga bituwin sa madilim na kalangitan. “Hector, can I ask you a question?” I uttered.
“Sure,”
“If your mom is still alive and we will meet just like this, will you love me?” his smile slowly faded when he glanced at me.
“Why would you ask that? Olivia, are you serious about your feelings for m—,” I cut him and look at the sky. “Yes, but I know my limit, I’m just asking, bakit bawal ba?” tanong ko pabalik at tiningnan siya ng diretso.
“Olivia, we’ve already talked about thi—,”
“Just answer my question, it’s easy.” sambit ko, “Yes,” sagot niya.
Ang sagot na alam mong hindi magiging toto, ang sagot na walang chance. This is fucking hearbreaking. Tumayo ako ng tuwid, “Tara na uwi na tayo,” hinawakan ko ang kanayang kamat at hinila pabalik sa sasakyan.
Nanatili lang siyang tahimik ng magsimula kaming bumiyahe pauwi. This time he’s the one whose driving. I could feel the tense between us, so I speak and try to cool it down. “Don’t take it so seriously, I just ask you by no means,” sambit ko at nginitian siya, ako mismo ang humawak sa kanyang kamay.
He glances and as he felt relief, and intertwined our hands again.
Nakabalik kami ng condo ng almost 12 midnight na, and we have sex and we cuddle but after that a call from his work came. “I need to go, I’ll see you later,” he said kissed my forehead, grabbed his gun, and leave.
Pagkasarang-pagkasara ng pinto, mabilis nanaig ang sakit sa aking puso at panghihina sa aking buong katawan.
Binalot ko ang aking sarili ng comforter at muling tumulo ang aking mag luha habang nakatulala sa kawalan. I’m facing a lot of pain right now to the point na hindi ko na alam kung saan nanggagaling ang bawat kirot ng aking puso.
When my phone rings again, Mom is calling again. I close my eyes and rest my whole body and soul. I just want to rest for now.
Naalimpungatan ako ng makrinig ng katok mula sa labas ng condo ko, kaya dahan-dahan akong tumayo at nagsuot ng isang malaking t-shirt at boyleg. Lumabas ako ng kwarto at dinaluhan ang pinto.
“Who’s there?” I ask, and open the door, my eyes widened when I saw Naivy and Bunny standing in front of me. I gasp and cover my mouth in an instant before I shed tears.
I even kneel as I felt my knees weaken and my whole body trembled. “Olivia,” Naivy whispered and they both hugged me so tenderly. I was crying and my heart is pounding in pain mixed with happiness on seeing them again.
“What happened to you?” Bunny ask, I met their gaze. “I’m p-pregnant,” diretso kong sambit, walang pagaalinlangan at walang pagdadalawang isip kong agad sinabi sa kanial ang totoo.
Because they are the only two persons, I trust with this, “You’re what?!” gulat na sambot ni Naivy, bago nila ako tinulungan tumayo at pumasok sa loob kasama ko.
They guided me on seating on the couch before they face me, “Tell us everything,” Bunny said and they both held my hand, hinawakan niya ang kamay ko sa paraan na alam kong mapagkakatiwalaan ko sila.
“Everything is complicated for me to tell, but all I could say is that getting pregnant wasn’t in our deal. I love him but he can’t love me.” hiningpitan ni Bunny ang pagakkahawak sa aking kamay at sinabi, “I understand, we understand, don’t be afraid we’re here for you” by the looks on their eyes, sa tingin ko hindi ko na kailngan mag paliwanag.
But there is one thing I need to tell them, “I have to tell you guys something,” I said.
They both stare at me at tila hinihintay ang aking sasabihin, “I lie to you guys, I don’t have my business, I’m living a messy life here in New York, I lied”
They look into each other eyes and said, “We know,”
“What?”
CHAPTER 36
“We know,” what?
“A-alam n-niyo?” naguguluhan kong sambit kasabay ng pagsikip ng aking dibdib. They know? They can’t be.
They both nodded as an answer and that just stop my heart from beating for a second. Hindi maari, “H-how?” nanginginig kong sambit, hiningpitan ni Naivy ang pagkakahawak sa aking kamay at nagsimulang mangilid ang luha sa kanyang mga mata.
“Tita Nyril tell us,” I shiver and just slowly remove their hands from mine, ibig sabihin alam nila, alam nila ang lahat ng ito. “A year ago, Tita Nyril had a business meeting here in New York, she saw you on the doubletree hotel wearing a black wig and fake moles, she knew it was you but she didn’t talk to you because ayaw ka niyang pangunahan, she even asks to meet you and watch you run to someone’s shop and act like it’s your when you meet her. Matagal niya nang alam ang situwasyon mo and alam kong mabigat para sa kanya iyon kaya sinabi niya sa amin.” my body was just shaking while listening to Naivy and my tears just stop from falling.
“A week after she goes back to manila, we fly here to New York to check your situation and we saw you cleaning trashes,” nanghihinang sambit ni Bunny at nagsimulang lumuha, “W-we s-saw you s-suffering and it hurts us so bad, but we didn’t do anything because we know you don’t want us to know about your situation. We helped you” her voice was cracking because of her sobs.
And all I can do right now is to shed tears while listening, it’s breaking my heart. “Pinagtakpan ka namin, kila Tita Aberry at Tito Oliver, Tita Nyril helps us to hide your status here in New York, we acted like we don’t know kasi alam namin na mas lalo kang mahihirapan kung malalaman mong alam namin ang situwasyon mo. Hinarang namin lahat ng flight ni Tita Aberry papunta dito sa New York, even if she begs for it. We did that for you because we love you, we understand you, so please don’t be mad at us,” hindi ko magawang umimik at magsalita, dahil sobrang nadudurog ang puso ko.
Lahat ng ito ay kasalanan ko, “Please Olivia, don’t be mad at us,” Bunny begged and try to reach my hand.
“I don’t know what to say, I feel numb,” I whisper, making them cry even harder and hug me. “We’re so sorry, we’re here for you,”
Bumuhos lalo ang luha ko dahil doon, “I should be the saying sorry to you guys, I lied to you, I was a fail—” they cut me and Bunny cupped my face and, “You are not a failure, you are just pressured Olivia, we understand you and we feel your pain, you are not a failure,”
I wrapped my arms around her waist and just cry in her arms while Naivy held my hand. “You’re not a failure, you will never be one,” she whispers and kissed my forehead.
Ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata at nanatili sa kanilang kamay, I need them. We stayed in that position until I calm down and stop crying. They both seated beside me and held my hands.
“I lost the money for my business that’s why my life turns out like this, I hide it from everyone because I don’t want to disappoint my parents but now, Mom already know it and I’m sure my dad too, I don’t know how to face them anymore.” nanghihina kong sambit at maluha-luha na naman silang tiningnan.
Naivy wipe my face, “They would understand you, I’m sure Tita Aberry will understand you and she will always believe you, why don’t you just go home with us?” Bunny said and try to convince me with her beautiful green eyes.
“I can’t go home, hindi ko kayang harapin sila Mom.” umiiling-iling kong tugon, “Hindi ko kayang makita sa kanilang mga mata ang disaapointment nila sa akin, gusto kong patunayan ang sarili ko, gusto kong may marating bago bumalik sa kanila.”
Naivy looks at me in the eyes and sighs before she speaks, “Is that really the reason why you are not going home?” tanong niya.
“Y-yes,” nauutal kong sambit at tila iniwasan ang kanyang mga tingin.
“How about that guy who got you pregnant? Is he part of your reason or he may be the new reason why you are not going home,” kahit na patanong itong sambit ni Naivy ramdam kong sigurado siya sa sinasabi niya na nagpagulo ng aking isipan.
Si Hector?
“W-what do you mean?” I ask her, lumapit siya sa akin at tiningann ng diretso sa aking mga mata, she acts likeshe’s reading my whole sould through my eyes with those stares.
“Siguro nung una ang pride mo ang main reason kung bakit ayaw mo umuwi sa Manila, you wanted to be someone before you go home, you wanted to prove yourself but now, while I’m looking in your eyes I can say that your pride wasn’t the main reason why you can’t go home now,” dahil sa sinabi niya natigilan ako at isa lang ang pumasok sa aking isipan.
“But please don’t leave my side, Olivia.”
My heart starts beating so fast.
“Yes, I won’t”
“Alam mo sa sarili mo na pwedi kanang umuwi, you know it deep inside your heart that your family will understand you, pero pinipilit mo ang sarili mo maniwala na hindi ka nila maiintindihan kasi pinagtatakpan mo ang rason na mahal mo ang ama ng dinadala mo at siya na ang bagong rason kung bakit ayaw mong umuwi,” parang isang matalim na kutsilyo ang mga salitang lumabas sa bibig ni Naivy. At lahat iyon ay tumagos sa aking puso.
I burst out and tears started to fall again, “He can’t love me, but I don’t want to leave him,” I whisper as I trembled in her arms.
“If he can’t love you then there is no reason to stay, Olivia,” Bunny said, rubbing my back and holding my hands.
“Bunny is right, your parents have longed for you enough, you need to go home.” pagsang-ayon ni Naivy kay Bunny at patuloy akong niyakap.
My heart just kept on bleeding, lahat ng sinasabi nila ay totoo at wala akong magawa at maisip rason upang labanan ang mag iyon. Tama sila.
“You don’t belong here in New York if you’re just suffering Olivia, stop your illusions and just go home with us please,” they begged.
Pero ang tanging tumatakbo sa aking isipan ay si Hector, what if I leave will he be fine with that?
“I have never desired anything in my life but my father’s position and that’s my only goal, loving you was never a part of it, I’m sorry.”
Bigla kong naalala ang sinabi ni Hector nong gabing iyon, na mas lalong nakapagpadurog ng puso ko. Maybe their right, I need to go home.
Because loving me was never in Hector’s goal. Pagnalaman niyang may anak siya sa akin at nanatili ako dito sa tabi niya baka hindi niya na maabot ang goal niya dahil sa akin.
I love him enough for me to let go.
My phone rings and because of that Naivy and Bunny and Naivy let go of my hands and let me grab my phone. It’s Dad, he’s calling.
Tiningnan ko si Naivy at Bunny, they nodded at me, “Answer it,” Naivy whisper.
Dahil sa sinabi niya naglakas loob akong sagutin ang tawag ni Dad, nanginginig ko itong inilapit sa aking tenga. Sobrang bilsi ng tibok ng puso ko ng marinig ang paghinga ni Dad sa kabilang linya.
Will he shout at me? I’m scared. “D-dad,” hinawakan ni Naivy at Bunny ang kaliwa kong kamay.
“Olivia,” my knees wobbled when Dad calls my name.
“Go home anak, we’ll wait for you,” my lips parted and my tears just continue falling from my eyes.
Hindi ko na ito kinaya pa at agad ibinababa ng tawag, niyakap ko si Naivy at Bunny at patuloy na umiyak sa kanilang kamay. I don’t deserve my parents. They are too kind for me.
I miss them so bad, “I’m going home,” bulong ko at umupo ng maayos, tiningnan nila akong dalawa, pinunasan ko ang aking luha kahit sobrang bigat ng nararamdaman ko sa loob.
“But first I need to talk to Hector, give me a week please,” I begged.
“Ok, we’ll wait for you,” they whisper and we hugged again.
They stayed with me until afternoon and they decided to leave when Hector texted me that he’s on his way home. Hinatid ko sila sa pinto ng condo.
“We’ll be staying in a hotel for a week, just come to us when you’re ready to go home,” they said, kissing me on my cheeks before they left.
I closed the door and just seated on the couch, waiting for Hector to arrive. Habang naghihintay hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng lungkot habang hinahalpos ang aking maliit na tiyan.
“I know you’re in there already,” I whisper, “I know you feel what I’ve felt, and I’m sorry for making you feel sad,” I just still can’t believe that there is a life inside of me.
“Bear with me, just a week,” ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata at dinama ito kahit alam kong wala pa akong mararamdaman mula sa kanya. After a minute Hector opened the door.
Agad akong tumayo at tumakbo papunta sa kanya, I hugged him and kissed him. I don’t care if someone might see us while the door is still open, I just want to kiss him and feel him right now.
“Hey, let me close the door first,” natatwa niyang sambit ng isiksik ko ang aking mukha sa kanyang leeg. He smells so nice, I wanna stay in his arms forever.
Binuhat niya ako pagkatapos isara ang pinto at ibinababa sa upan dito sa dining table bego niya ipinatong ang mga dalang rikados sa lamesa. “I’ll cooked dinner, wait for me here,” nakangiti niyang sambit, at nanatili lang akong nakatingin sa gwapo niyang mukha.
Tama si Naivy, this guy is maybe the new reason why I don’t want to go home. I wanna stay in his arms. Pinanood ko siyang hubadin ang body belt niya na may lalagyanan ng baril at naglakad papunta sa kusina para magluto.
Pinagmasdan ko ang kanyang likuran, hanggang sa kusa akong tumayo at lumapit sa kanya. Niyakap ko siya mula sa kanyang likuran. He chuckled, “Do you miss me that much?” he asks.
No, I will miss this.
“Yes,” sagot ko at ipinikit ang aking mga mata habang nakayapak sa kanya. He continues what his doing and just let me hugged him.
After that we ate dinner and I just followed him where ever he goes, making him laugh until we both lay down on the bed, siniksik ko ang aking sarili sa kanya kaya muli siyang tumawa.
“You are being too clingy tonight, are you ok?” tanong niya at hinawakan ang aking bewang. Umiling ako at nanatili lang sa piling niya. “I just want to hugged you, forever,” I whisper.
Tumawa siya at niyakap ako pabalik, “Ok, let’s hugged each other forever,” sambit niya bago ipanong sa aking ulo ang kanyang baba at ipinikit ang mga mata.
I wish you could do that, hug me forever but I know it won’t happen.
“May pasok ka ba bukas?” tanong ko.
“Yes why?” tanong niya, “Wala lang, ipaghahanda kita ng almusal,” tugon ko, naramdaman kong ngumiti siya bago hinawakan ang aking mukha at itiningala ito upang harapin siya.
“Why are you being so sweet tonight, you’re making my heart happy,” he said with a charming smile.
“I wish I can make your heart love me to,” mahina kong sambit, alam kong narinig niya iyon pero mas pinili niyang magbingi-bingihan at niyakap ako ng mahigpit.
“Let’s sleep,” he gently whispers and kisses my forehead, locking me in his arms.
I smile bitterly, ano ka ba Olivia wag ka nang umasa na magagawa mo siyang mahalin ka sa loob ng isang linggo. Tanggapin mo na lang ang katotohanan. Singhal ko sa aking isipan.
Isinantabi ko lahat ng sakit at lungkot at mas hinigpitan ang pagkakayakap sa kanya bago ako tuluyang natulog sa kanyang braso.
Maaga akong gumising kinabukasan at pinagmasdan ang kanyang mala anghel na mukha habang natutulog. I was crying while staring at him, but I choose to stop and prepare our breakfast instead.
Nagluto ako ng adobo, itlog at pancake para sa aming dalawa, I just want to have a simple breakfast with him. I know he loves adobo.
“Good morning,” natigilan ako ng bigla siyang sumulpot sa likuran ko at niyakap ako sa aking bewang. He sniffs on my neck and plant soft kisses on it.
“Good morning, tamang tama luto na ito, let’s eat.” I spoke. He nodded like a polite kid and seat on the high chair here at the kitchen counter, waiting for me to serve his food.
Hinain ko ang breakfast naming dalawa at sabay kaming kumain dalawa, he was in a good mode while eating, and I’m just watching him.
“Stop staring at me like that, I might get you pregnant if you continue those stares,” he joked.
You already did get me pregnant, jerk.
“If I get pregnant, will you accept it?” I ask in a teasing way so he won’t think that I’m serious about it. He chuckled and glance at me before he answers.
“Maybe,” he answers with a smile.
Maybe was always uncertain for Hector, so I won’t give hope from that.
Pagkatapos kumain we make out inside the bathroom as he takes me for a shower, and I just make the most out of it. now, I’m drying my hair while he’s preparing for work when someone calls on his phone.
He quickly answers it and says, “Yes, we have the lead? Ok, I’m on my way.” he loves his job, I can see it.
After the call he glance at and grabbed his gun, lumuhod siya sa harapan ko at sinabi, “I have to go, and we’ll be following someone who’s in charge in our case, it will take days, so, I’ll be back next week.” he said.
Nakramdam ako ng kirot sa aking puso pero kabaligtaran nito ang ipinakita ko sa kanya, I smile and nodded, “Ok, magingat ka.”
He reaches for my lips and kissed me, “I’ll see you next week, and I’ll tell you something,” he said with a genuine smile.
“Ok, I’ll wait for you,” tugon ko and for the last time we kiss
“Goodbye,” he said and I watch him leave my condo.
Pagbalik mo, it will be our last goodbye.
CHAPTER 37
I open my eyes and take a deep breath; this is the day. It’s been a week of staying here inside my condo, isang linggong pag iimpake ng aking mga gamit.
Tumayo ako mula sa kama at hinaplos ang napakaliit kong baby bump, it showed up when I reveal her to Naivy and Bunny. Siguro nga totoo ang sinasabi nila na kapag tinatago mong buntis ka hindi din nagpapakita ang baby mo pero ngayon may nakakaalam na sa kanyang existence, he/she just suddenly showed up in my little baby bump.
“Good morning,” I whisper and glance around my room, nakabox na lahat ng gamit ko at nakalagay na ang mga damit ko sa isang malaking maleta sa tabi ng pinto.
Marahan akong nag lakad patungo sa bintana at binuksan ito, sinalubong ko ang sinag ng araw at ipinikit ang aking mga mata. Simula pa kagabi ay mabigat na ang pakiramdam ko. Siguro dahil ito na ’rin ang huling araw ko dito sa New York.
I can’t believe that this day will come, muling tumulo ang aking luha at agad ko itong pinunasan.
Naglakad ako palabas ng kwarto at naghanda ng almusal para sa akin at kay Baby, first I drink milk for my baby and toast some bread for myself as a breakfast.
Pagkatapos ay umupo lang ako sa terrace ng condo ko at pinagmasdan ang magandang tanawin dito sa New York. I watch the sun rise and the birds flies, and my heart breaks.
I will miss this, mamimiss ko ang lamig ng panahon dito, ang magagandang tanawin dito sa New York, at ang lalaking nanatili sa tabi na nagpabago ng takbo ng story ko dito sa New York.
I will madly miss him, at wala pa ’man ramdam ko na kung gaano kasakit ang malayo sa kanya.
Habang pinagmamasdan ko ang kalangitan tumunog ang aking phone at nakarecived ng text message mula kila Naivy at Bunny. As I look at it, I saw the picture of our plane ticket for tonight.
Parang isang mabigat na bato ang dumagan sa aking dibdib ng pagmasdan ito, totoo na talaga ito. I don’t know what to feel.
Ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata at ibinaba ang aking phone sa aking tabi at pinakiramdaman na lamang ang simoy ng hangin dito sa New York na tila dumadampi sa aking balat.
“I don’t want to leave,” I whisper, before I stood up and head inside. Pumasok muli ako sa aking silid at mas piniling matulog kesa sa lunurin ko ang aking sarili sa sakit ng aking puso.
Gumising ako ng lunch para kumain at manood ng TV, nanatili lang ako dito na tulala at tahimik, hanggang sa dumilim na sa labasan, nagluto ako ng hapunan at pagkatapos nakarecived ako ng text mula kay Hector.
From Hector,
I’m on my way home, wait for me.
I bit my bottom lips as I tried to control my tears. Tumayo ako at pinunasan ang nagbabadyang luha, I head to the bathroom to take a shower and wear my yellow maxi dress.
I put makeup on my face and fix my red hair. I wanna look pretty tonight, I want him to see me as the most beautiful woman he met in his life tonight.
I want him to smile at me and touch me, kissed me, hugged me and stare at me. I want it all tonight, kasi alam kong ito na ang huling pagkakataon ko para maramdaman iyon mula sa kanya.
Tumayo ako sa harap ng salamin at sinubukan ngumiti, pero tumulo lamang ang aking luha. “Stop crying, Olivia,” suway ko sa aking sarili, hinawi ang aking buhok at pinagmasdan ang aking sariling repleksyon.
I touch my tummy and ask, “Maganda ba si Mommy, baby?” bulong ko habang hinihimas ito. Lumabas ako at umupo sa dining table kung saan nakahanda ang adobong hinanda ko para kay Hector.
Sobrang tahimik dito sa loob ng condo ko at tangin ingay galing sa aircon lang ang nanaig sa buong paligid. Nanatili lang akong nakaupo dito hanggang sa marinig ko ang pagpindot nito sa code ng pinto ko.
Naninikip ang aking dibdib ng bumukas ang pinto, pumasok si Hector na may malaking ngiti sa kanyang labi. Dahan-dahan akong tumayo at sinalubong siya ng siya ay biglang tumakbo papalapit sa akin.
“Olivia!” he shouted out of excitement, I spread my arms and welcome him with a warm embrace. Niyakap niya akong sobrang higpit at binuhat, nagpaikot-ikot siya habang tumatawa.
He stops and put me down after a few turns and he cupped my face, he kissed me and say, “I got promoted!!!” tuwang-tuwa niyang sigaw. Bakas sa kanyang mukha na totoo ang nararamdaman niyang excitement habang ibinabalita ito sa akin.
“I’ll be meeting the president tomorrow and I’ll be taking my father’s position finally!!!” binuhat niya ako muli at niyakap ng sobrang higpit, halos hindi mawala sa labi niya ang saya, na lalong nag pabigat ng aking nararamdaman.
How can I ruin this happiness he felt, napakasama mo Olivia.
“Are you proud of me, Olivia,” tanong niya, I look down on him, cupped his face and smile, “You don’t know how proud I’m to you, it’s beyond boundaries, Hector,” I said breathlessly.
He put me down and put his gun on the couch too, natigilan siya ng mapansing nakatakip ng puting tela ang mga couch dito sa salas. Pinanood ko siyang tingnan ang lahat ng gamit bego dahan-dahan akong hinarap.
“What is this, Olivia?” naguguluhan nang itanong sa akin. Sa halip na sagutin ang tanong niya, nilapitan ko siya at inabot ang kanyang kamay. “Tara kain na muna tayo, nagluto ako ng adobo, special dahil maanghang ito, haha” sambit ko at pilit na tumawa.
Hinayaan niyang hilain ko siya papaupo dito sa dining table at naghain ng pagkain sa kanyang plato, habang ginagawa ko iyon nanahimik lang siya at tiningnan ko ng mabuti.
Hanggang sa matapos ako at umupo sa tabi niya, hindi ko na hinintay na hilain niya papalapit ang upuan ko sa kanya dahil ako na mismo ang naglapit nito sa kanya. “Let’s pray,” I said. He nodded and I start praying.
“Lord, maraming salamat po sa biyayang nakahain sa aming harapan ngayon, at sa pagkakataong ito na magkasama kami ni Hector. Thank you po din po sa blessing na ibinigay niyo kay Hector, Alam ko pong deserve niya ito at sana po ay gabayan niyo siya at protektahan sa panibagong kabanata ng buhay niya. Thank you po dahil pinakilala niyo siya sa akin, sobrang saya ko po dahil sa kanya at marami akong narealize habang nasa tabi niya, kaya lord please, wag niyo po siyang pababayaan, thank you po lord, in jesus name we pray, amen.” pagkatapos kong magsign of the cross at iminulat ko ang aking mga mata, agad kong nakita ang nag-aalala niyang tingin sa akin.
I smile at him, “Kain na tayo,” sambit ko, pero nanatili lang siyang nakatingin sa akin. Kaya nagsimula na akong kumain. “Hector, wag mo na akong titigan lalamig na yang pagkain mo, kumain kana.” sambit ko habang naghihimay ng manok para sa kanya.
He started eating but I could feel him worrying of something he felt from my prayers, pero nanatili siyang tahimik hanggang sa matapos kaming kumain.
“Hugasan ko lang ito,” tumayo ako at iniligpit ang mga pinagkainan namin, I put everything on the sink and started washing the dishes. While washing, Hector wrapped his arms around my waist and buried his face on my neck.
“I hate what I’m feeling tonight,” he whispers, ngumiti ako kahit nagsiismula nang sumikip ang aking dibdib. “Magshower ka muna kaya,” ani ko, at hinawakan ang kanyang buhok.
“Sige na magshower ka muna, ang baho mo,” biro ko at tumawa, he slowly moves away and nodded. “I’ll just take a shower,” paso niyang sambit at naglakad palabas ng kusina.
Narinig ko ang paglabas niya ng condo ko, huminga ako ng malalim habang ipinagpatuloy ang aking ginagawa at saktong pagkatapos kong maghugas bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Hector na tila nagmamadali at basa pa ang buhok.
I smile at him and seated on the couch, nilapitan niya ako at niyakap. “Are you ok?” he asks.
I didn’t answer him, because I face him instead. I held both of his hands in my lap and looked him straight in the eyes. “Olivia?” naguguluhan niyang sambit.
Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko, at nanlalamig ang buo kong katawan. Huminga ako ng malalim bago nagsalita.
“I’m pregnant,”
Hetcor didn’t flinch nor move after I said that and just stared at me in the eyes, so I continue. “But you don’t have to worry about this, I know we didn’t plan nor expect this, kaya hindi mo ako kailangan panindigan.” nagsisimula ’nang mag bandyang tumulo ang aking luha, pero pilit ko itong pinipigilan.
“Kailan mo nalaman?” tanong niya, at umiwas ng tingin sa akin. Pero ramdam kong seryoso siya sa kanyang tanong dahil sa tono ng kanyang boses.
“Last w-week,” sambti ko, habang pilit pinipigilan ang aking pagluha.
“Papanindigan kita, Olivia,”
Diretso niyang sambit at tumayo, agad ko siyang pinigilan at hinawakan ang kanyang braso. “No!” I shouted, “Hindi mo kailangan gawin iyon, please wag Hector!”
Kunot noo niya akong hinarap at, “What do you mean? Olivia, that’s my flesh!!” tumaas ang tono ng kanyang boses kaya tumulo na ang aking luha at hindi ko na mapigilan umiyak.
“Ayaw ko,” mahina kong sambit. Bigla niyang hinawakan ang magkabila kong braso at pilit akong hinarap sa kanya. “What do you mean na ayaw mo, Olivia,” sigaw niya.
“Ayaw ko, aalis na ako dito, uuwi na ako sa Pinas, kaya hindi mo na ako kailangan panindigan. Hindi mo kailangan makaramdam ng guilt kasi ginusto ko ito, ako ang may kasalanan nito. Isa pa maabot mo na ang pangarap mo para sa mom mo, ayaw kong mapunta lang iyon sa wala ng dahil sa akin.” parang unti-unting dinudurog ang aking puso dahil sa mga sinasabi ko.
Ako mismo ang nasasaktan sa mga sinasabi ko, “I don’t understand, why are you leaving me?” nanlalambot ako ng makita ang nagbabadyang luha mula sa kanyang mga mata.
No, please don’t give me those stares.
“Uuwi na ako Hector, tigilan na natin ito.” sinubukan kong tanggalin ang kanyang kamay sa aking braso pero agad niya akong niyakap ng sobrang higpit.
“No, Olivia, please don’t leave me, I beg you please no,” nanghina ako ng magsimula siyang umiyak sa aking balikat. “I need to leave, Hector,”
“No, please!” sinubukan ko siyang itulak papalayo pero mas lalo niya lang isiniksik ang sarili sa akin at niyakap ako ng mas mahigpit. “Hector ano ba, bitawan mo ako, you don’t need to do this!” nahihirapan na ako, kaya idinaan ko na lang sa pagtaas ng boses ang sakit na aking nararamdaman.
“Don’t leave me Olivia, don’t end us,” he pleaded, I gather all my strength and push him away, lumayo ako sa kanya pero nanlaki ang mata ko ng bigla siyang lumuhod at niyakap ako sa aking bewang.
“Hector ano ba!” I tried pushing him away but he wouldn’t let me, he hid his face on my stomach and kept on begging and crying. Mas lalo akong naiyak dahil sa ginagawa niya.
He’s making it hard for me to leave. “Hector, we don’t have to end us, dahil alam natin sa simula pa lang walang tayo, hindi mo kailangan panindigan ako at ang baby na ito, kaya kong buhayin siya ng mag-isa! Para sayo naman ito, para mabuhay ka pa rin ng normal! You are finally reaching your goal in life and me and this baby weren’t part of it, so just let us go!!!” sobrang sikip at nahihirapan na akong humiga dahil sa pag-iyak.
“No, Olivia, no please! I love you,” I stop for a second hearing that word but I guess it’s too late for me to believe in that.
“Don’t say that Hector, hindi mo ako mahal, ayaw mo lang na iwan kita kaya sinabi mo iyon, don’t do this Hector please let me go!!” my heart is breaking into pieces.
“But I’m telling you the truth, I love you Olivia, please don’t do this,” he begged, gusto kong maniwala at manatili pero ayaw kong sirain ang buhay niya, ayaw kong mapunta sa wala lahat ng ginawa at pinaghirapan niay para sa mom niya.
“You don’t Hector, tama na, bitawan mo na ako!” sobrang lakas na boses ko pero patuloy pa ’rin siyang lumalaban at hindi ako binibitawan.
“I knew it, I fucking felt it, your prayers it was your goodbye. I was just about to tell you my feeling Olivia, believe me please, I don’t want you to leave because I love you and I’ll have that child with you, just please don’t leave me, I will resign, I will forget everything just don’t leave my side, you promise me,”
Dahil sa sinabi niya itinulak ko siya at buong lakas na lumayo sa kanya, nang tumayo siya at sinubukan muli akong lapitan. I slapped him.
I slapped him, making him stop and shook his head down.
“If you love me, then let me go, let us go Hector,” nadudurog ang puso ko ng makitang tumulo ang luha niya sa sahig.
“You don’t believe that I love you?” mahina niyang sambit habang nakayuko. Hindi ako nakasagot sa kanyang tanong dahil sobrang sakit na ng lahat ng ito para sa akin.
“Y-yes,” tugon ko.
He raised his head up, meeting my gaze and I almost broke down when I saw visible pain in his eyes.
“Ok, leave, goodbye,” he said, quickly turning his back on me and leaving my condo.
Napaluhod ako ng sumara ang pinto at ibinuhos lahat ng sakit na aking nararamdaman. Gusto kong sumigaw, magwala pero hinang-hina ako para gawin ang lahat ng iyon.
I just want to leave this place, tumayo ako at kinuha ang aking mga gamit sa loob ng kwarto. Nanginginig ang aking kamay habang binubuhat ang mga ito palabas ng condo ko.
Lumuhod ako at hinalikan ang sahig ng condo na ito, kung saan nabuo ang pag ibig na aking inalay kay Hector. Now, I’m leaving it all here.
I took my last glance and wiped my tears.
This place holds so many memories for me, it’s breaking to see that I’m leaving it all now.
I slowly close the door and lock it.
Nanghihina kong hinawakan ang mga maleta ko at naglakad papalapit sa harap ng pinto ng condo ni Hector.
I touch the door hopelessly and kiss it. “Hector, g-goodbye,” I whisper.
“I love you,”
CHAPTER 38
Naivy’s POV
“Are you sure about this? We’re just gonna wait for her? What if she changes her mind and run away?” nag-aalalang tanong ni Ellouise habang hindi mapakaling naglalakad dito sa loob ng hotel room namin.
We stayed here in New York for a week, para hintayin si Olivia. Ngayong gabi ang flight namin pabalik ng Pilipinas at may dalawang oras na lang kami bago ang flight namin, pero hanggang ngayon wala pa’rin si Olivia.
Alam ko sa sarili ko na may punta si Ellouise, but I wanna trust Olivia. Hihintayin ko siya at alam kong darating siya. I seated on the couch before I glance on the door. “She will come Bunny, don’t worry,” I whisper.
Nanatili akong nakatingin sa pinto, come on Olivia it’s time to go home and rest. Hindi ko maiwasang kagatin ang aking daliri dahil sa bawat pagtakbo ng oras ay katumbas nito ang kaba sa aking puso na baka walang Olivia na kakatok sa pinto na ito.
“Oh my gosh, Olivia where are you?” Ellouise kept mumbling as she was finally seated on the couch beside mine.
Hindi ko inalis ang aking mga mata sa pinto, hinihiling na kakatok at darating na si Olivia ano mang oras ngayon. “Come on, Olivia,” puno ng kumpansya kong bulong.
“Naivy, let’s just go to her place na lang,” sambit ni Bunny sa tabi ko pero mas pinili kong umasa at bantayan ang pinto. She’s going home tonight; I know she will.
“Naivy, are you listening?” Bunny tries to tap my thighs but I glance at her and say, “Shh,” she stops and at that moment someone knocks on the door.
Mabilis kaming tumayo at tumakbo papunta sa pinto, hinihingal namin binuksan ang pinto at nakita namin si Olivia.
“Olivia,” we both whispered, dahan-dahan inangat ni Olivia ang kanyang mukha at ang lumuluhang mata niya agad ang sumalubong sa amin. Nang makita ko ang kanyang mga mata agad akong naluha at hinila siya papalapit upang yakapin ng sobrang higpit.
Bunny and I hugged and she bursted out crying out loud, ramdam na ramdam ang ko ang sakit na kanyang dinadala habang malakas siyang humihikbi sa aking braso.
“N-naivy, h-he s-said he loves me,” nanghihinang bulong ni Olivia sa akin bago siya nawalan ng malay. “Ah!” sigaw ni Bunny at agad namin pinagtulungan buhatin si Olivia papasok ng condo.
We both put her in our bed and I wipe my tears after, “Let her take some rest for an hour,” I whisper, umupo si Bunny sa tabi ni Olivia at hinawi ang pula nitong buhok.
I saw how Bunny shed tears while staring at our best friend, “Why does she have to suffer this much?” bakas ang lungkot sa boses nito ng tanungin ako nito.
“She chooses this,” I whisper, turn my back at her. Lumabas ako para kunin ang lahat ng maleta ni Olivia sa tapat ng pinto ng hotel room namin, then I fix our things.
Lumabas si Bunny mula sa kwarto at tumabi sa akin, “Did you call Tita Aberry and tell her about this?” she asks. Umiling ako bilang sagot at nagpatuloy sa pag-aayos ng gamit.
“How ’bout you did you tell him, where you are?” I ask.
“I’m done with him and he never cares about me, so why would I tell him?” she said, huminga siya ng malalim bago pumikit at umidlip ng ilang minuto, after that bumalik siya sa kwarto kung nasaan si Olivia.
After fixing all our things, I rested my head on the couch, “Thank God,” I whisper as I felt relieved that Olivia is really going home with us.
Tumayo ako upang gisingin si Olivia dahil kailngan na namin pumunta sa airport. Pagpasok ko sa loob naabutan kong nakayakap si Olivia sa bewang ni Bunny habang patuloy na lumuluha kahit nakapikit.
Nilapitan ko silang dalawa at umupo sa gilid ng kama, I caress Olivia’s arm, she opens her eyes and instantly move to hugged me.
“Ang sakit Naivy,” bulong niya, “Do you want to stay?” tanong ko, pero umiling siya at nagpatuloy lang sa pagyakap sa akin. “I want to go home,” her voice sounded so weak.
Hinagod ko ang kanyang likuran at tiningnan si Bunny. Bunny stood up and ready out things. “We’ll go home, stop crying that’s bad for your baby. You’ve cried enough,” seryoso kong sambit at pinunasana ng kanyang mga luha.
She nodded, we followed Bunny outside the hotel room. Tumuloy kami sa parking ng hotel at sumakay sa service namin na sasakyan. Tito Cadmus ask someone to drive for us here in New York kaya hindi na kami na hirapan kahit na biglaan ang punta namin dito.
“Thank you po,” Bunny uttered as the driver helps us put our bags on the car trunk.
Nilapitan ko si Olivia na nakatanaw sa glass window dito sa parking kung saan kita ang city lights dito sa New York. I held her hands and wipe her tears. “Let’s go home.”
Mas lalo siyang lumuha ng sabihin ko iyon, kaya inalalayan ko na siya pasakay ng sasakyan at tumuloy na kami sa Airport.
“This is the final boarding call for passengers Elluoise, Hermione Naivy, and Olivia booked on flight 372A to Manila City, Philippines. Please proceed to gate 3 immediately. The final checks are being completed and the captain will order for the doors of the aircraft to close in approximately five minutes time. I repeat. This is the final boarding call for Elluoise, Hermione Naivy, and Olivia. Thank you.” tumakbo kami papunta sa gate 3 ng tawagin na ang aming pangalan for final boarding.
Medyo natagalan kami dahil sa traffic, we run as fast as we can and good thing nakahabol kami at nakasakay na sa loob ng eroplano.
“Are you ok?” tanong ko kay Olivia habang inaabutan siya ng bottled water. She glances at us and nodded. Kahit na tumigil na siya sa pagiyak kitang-kita pa ’rin sa kanyang mga mata ang sakit na kanyang nararadaman sa kanyang puso.
If only I could do something to lessen the pain.
“Come here,” Bunny gently pull her and hugged her.
“Let’s bring you home,” I whisper.
“Cabin Crew: Prepare for take-off”
Olivia’s POV
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Please make sure one last time your seat belt is securely fastened. Thank you.” I open my eyes and glance at the plane window.
I’m too tired to feel everything right now, nakatulala lang ako habang patuloy nagaannounce ang flight attendant sa harap. Naivy and Bunny started fixing their things.
I close my eyes and waited for teh Plane to finally land and we stood up when they open the plane already. Hinawakan ni Bunny at Naivy ang aking kamay ng makalabas na kami ng eroplano.
Ang malamig na simoy ng hangin dito sa pinas ang sumalubong sa aking balat na nagpabilis ng tibok ng puso ko. “Let’s go Tita Aberry is probably waiting for you,” Bunny whispered in my ears and we started walking out of the airport.
“There,” tinuro ni Bunny ang black van niya sa amin paglabas namin ng airport, ito ang sumundo sa amin. Her assitant help her put our things inside the van and we headed to our house.
Habang papalapit kami ng papalapit sa bahay, hindi ko maiwasang manibago sa mga nadadaanan namin dahil ibang-iba na ang lahat. My hands were shaking as we are getting near our house.
I don’t know how to face my parents. Napansin ni Naivy iyon kaya hinawakan niya ang aking kamay at minahase ito. “Don’t be scared, they are your home,” bulong niya.
Mas lalo bumulis ang tibok ng puso ko dahil doon, at halos maubusan ako ng hininga ng matanaw ko na ang malaking gate ng bahay namin. Everything changes and our house became bigger than before.
Nanlamig ang aking buong katawan ng tumigil na ang van sa parking ng bahay, the lights inside were all open and I know my mom is waiting for me inside.
Naunang bumababa sila Naivy at Bunny sa akin, I didn’t move and just stared at the house. My knees begin to wobble, my chest felt a heavyweight inside.
“Olivia,” tinawag ako ni Naivy at inabot ang aking kamay, dahan-dahan akong tumayo at ng makalabas na ako ng van, muntikan pa akong matumba dahil sa panlalambot. Buti na lang ay inalalayan ako ni Naivy at Bunny.
“You can do this, we’re here for you, this is your home Olivia,” Bunny tried to cheer me up and smile at me. I gulp before taking my step with them.
As we walk, I simply touch my tummy to get straight from my baby.
We stop in front of the big entrance door of our house, and breathlessly glance at them before they open the door. Napapikit ako dahil sa sobrang liwanag sa loob ng bahay.
“Olivia!” I heard my mom’s voice and before I could have a clearer vision inside the house, mom hugged me so tight. “M-mom,” my voice cracked.
“Jusko, anak Olivia, finally you’re home.” malakas na umiyak si Mom habang mahigpit akong niyayakap. Bumuhos ang aking luha at agad lumuhod sa harapan niya. “I’m sorry Mom, I failed you, I’m so sorry forgive me,” I kneel down and try to kiss her feet but she quickly kneels in frotn fo me and cupped my face.
“No, don’t do this, I forgive you and you didn’t fail Mommy. You did’nt,” nagtagpo ang aming mga mata. “You don’t have to say sorry for your hard works anak, you didn’t fail us, Olivia,” Mom just kissed my forehead and let me cry in her arms.
“You never disappointed us Olivia, what you did just show us how strong our daughter is, but you suffered enough, you have to lean on us baby,” Mommy whispered as she rubbed my bag and didn’t let go of my hands.
“Ate!” I open my eyes when I heard Ariana’s Voice, she was running down from the staircase. Binitawan ako ni Mom para mayakap si Pau. “Ate, you’re here,” parang hinaplos ang puso ko ng marinig ang pagbasag ng boses ni Pau.
I didn’t have enough time to be with her because I choose to leave, and now she’s all grown up. “I miss you Ate,” she wrapped her arms around my waist and kept on whispering that she misses me.
Tumayo ako ng makita si Dad na nakatayo lang sa gilid ng hagdan, Mom and Pau let go of me and let me take my step towards my dad. Tumigil ako sa harapan niya at nanatili siyang nakatitig sa akin.
“D-dad,” I burst out when I call him, and he didn’t speak a word. Bigla niya na lang akong hinila at niyakap ng sobrang higpit.
“You should have call Daddy when you’re in pain, my princess.” gumihit ang sakit sa boses ni Dad kaya mas lalo kong ibinaon ang aking sarili sa kanya.
“Daddy, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry––” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng biglang bumaligtad ang sikmura ko at naitulak ko si Dad para tumakbo sa kusina.
“Olivia!!!” Mom and Dad shouted, sinundan nila akong lahat dito sa kusina. Mom rubbed my back and help me wipe my face with water.
“What’s the meaning of this?” seryosong sambit ni Dad at tiningnan ako ng diretso sa aking mga mata.
“Are you pregnant Olivia?” Mom stand in front of me, cupped my face, and just make me look into her eyes.
Hindi ko nagawang sumagot at sumikip na lamang ang aking dibdib at nakaramdam ng matinding sakit sa aking tiyan. “Agh! Ouch mom,” I whismper when I felt a killing pain in my stomach.
“Olivia!” Naivy shouted, Dad, run toward me and hurriedly carry me out of the kitchen. “Let’s bring her to the hospital Oliver,” rinig kong nanginginig na sambit ni mom pero mas lalo lang aking namilipit sa sakit.
“M-my baby,” I whisper, and cry out loud as the pain eats my whole system.
“No, Start the fucking Van!!!” when Dad hear what I’ve whispered he rushed me out of the house.
Nahihirapan na akong huminga dahil sa sakit, I could feel that beating pain in my stomach. Please not my baby. Sumakit na ’rin ang aking ulo at unti-unti nang bumibigat ang talukap ng aking mag mata.
“Drive faster Oliverious, daughter! No Olivia doesn’t close your eyes anak,” Mom started gently tapping my face but my eyes felt so heavy.
“Oh my gosh Olivia, stay with us!” I could hear Bunny shout and Pau is crying so loud.
I can’t handle the pain anymore, please save my baby.
“Olivia, open your eyes!” Mom.
But before I could open that, I lose it, and everything went black.
Save my baby.
CHAPTER 39
“Olivia, wake up,” I opened my eyes and my heart instantly pounded so fast when our eyes met.
“H-Hector,” nanghihina kong sambit at dahan-dahang umupo sa hospital bed, “Y-you’re here,” I reach for his face, so, he seated beside me here in the bed with tears all over his face.
“You’re here,” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit at agad siyang niyakap, my body feels a bit numb but I don’t care, I want to touch him.
Mas lalo siyang umiyak ng yakapin ko siya at isiniksik ang kanyang mukha sa aking balikat. “W-why are you c-crying?” I ask.
Mas humigpit ang pagkakayakap niya sa akin at tila naramdaman ko ang sakit na kanyang nararamdaman. “H-Hector,” sinubukan ko siyang iharap sa akin. I slowly pushed his shoulder and cupped his face.
Namumula ang kanyang mga mata habang patuloy na tumutulo ang luha mula dito. Tiningnan niya ako ng diretso sa aking mga mata at hinawakan ang aking kamay na nasa kanyang pisngi.
He closed his eyes, shook his head down and, “I’m s-so sorry,” he whispered.
“Shh, why are you saying that?” I ask him, lift his face up and wipe his tears.
“I’m sorry,” pain is very visible on his face, that makes me feel confused. “Hector, look at me, everything is fine now, you’re here,” I whisper.
Umiling siya at mas hinigpitan ang pagkakahawak sa aking kamay, “No, no,” he uttered.
“What do you mean no?” naguguluhan kong tanong sa kanya.
“The baby,” umiiyak niyang sambit, kaya agad akong napahawak sa aking tiyan. Pinakiramdaman ko ito, my lips parted when I felt that my baby wasn’t inside of me.
I know it, I can feel it. “No, no! Hector, No!!!” nagsimulang sumikip ang aking dibdib at bigla akong nahirapang huminga. Bumuhos ang luha ko at yumuko lamang si Hector sa harapan ko, nagpatuloy sa pag-iyak.
“No! Nagsisinungaling ka! Not my baby! No!!! Hector, tell me my baby is still here!” I started hitting him and pushing him as I panicked, but he just remained stiff, drowning in pain.
I could feel the rushing pain around my whole system, “Hector come on! Tell me my baby is still here!! My baby is still here!!” tinanggal ko ang dextrose na nakalagay sa aking kamay at agad itong kumirot at nagdugo pero wala na akong pakialam.
“My baby!!!” I cried out loud.
“Olivia, Olivia anak, wake up!” suddenly everything black out, Hector disappeared and I heard my mother’s voice.
“Olivia anak, wake up! Olivia!!” iminulat ko ang aking mga mata at agad kong niyakap si Mom habang punong-puno ng luha ang aking mukha. “Shh, nanaginip ka anak.” she whispered and rubbed my back.
I sobbed so loud and instantly touched my tummy, then I felt that heartbeat. “My Baby,” nanghihina kong bulong.
“The baby is fine, don’t worry,” sambit ni Dad habang nakatayo sa likuran ni Mom. itinaas ko ang aking kamay upang abutin si Dad, pero siya na mismo ang lumapit sa akin at niyakap kaming dalawa ni Mom.
“Everything is gonna be alright, my princess,” Dad whispered and I just closed my eyes and let my tears fall. It was just a dream; Hector won’t be here.
He can’t be here.
Natigilan ako ng biglang bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Naivy at Bunny, may dala-dalang bouquet ng bulaklak at basket ng prutas. “Olivia,” Bunny said while taking off her shade and mask. Pinunasan ni Mom ang luha ko at umupo ng maayos sa tabi ko.
Ang akala ko silang dalawa lang ang dumating pero natigilan ako ng makita si Arries at ang kambal na pumasok. “Ate,” Arries uttered and quickly walked towards me and hugged me so tight.
Muli akong lumuha ng mayakap siya, finally I could hug him. “You should have leaned on me when you’re having a hard time in New York, you know how much I love you and I will do anything for you. I could have just lied with you.” he said as he held me so tightly.
Para akong binunutan ng tinik sa aking puso dahil sa sinabi niya, then I look into the twins Andrei smile at me, held my hand and kiss my forehead. He didn’t speak but his actions touched my heart. How I miss him.
Ari seated beside me and said, “Where not done yet,” I confusedly frowned my brows because of what she said.
“Make way!” mabilis akong napalingon sa pinto ng marinig ko ang boses ni Tita Lana, pumasok siya kasama si Tita Sienna at Tita Ali. “Welcome back, Olivia,” Tita Sienna said, at isa-isa nilang ibinababa ang dalang mga pagkain sa lamesa sa tabi ni Naivy at Bunny.
“Tita,” I uttered, naglakad sila papalapit sa akin at niyakap akong.
“It’s great that you’re finally home,” Tita Ali fixes my hair as she smiles at me. “You can finally heal your pain, we’re all here to help you,” Tita Sienna whispered in my ears, kissed my cheeks and smiled at me.
“Dapat kompleto kaming pupunta ngayon pero nasa France si Tita Val mo at Tita Chantel kaya kami na lang muna,” sambit ni Tita Lana at hinaplos ang aking tiyan.
“I can’t believe na magkakaapo kana Aberry, my gosh,” Tita Lana joked, making the atmosphere so light. I urge a smile and say, “Thank you everyone, and I’m sorry that I lied.”
“You are forgiven, Oli.” mom said and they all looked at me with that genuine smile.
Naluha ulit ako at yumakap kay Mom, “Shh, you will start again and with that baby, you will heal.” She whispered.
“Ok, tama na ang drama let’s eat nagluto ako ng sinigang!!!” malakas na sambit ni Tita Lana.
After three days, nakauwi din kami sa bahay dahil pinalabas na ako ng hospital. They said that I just fainted and felt cramps because of fatigue that almost harmed the baby but good thing the baby is healthy, that saves her life.
Now it’s been a week since I came back. Mom didn’t leave my side, she even slept in my room for a week and left Dad in their room just to stay with me.
Natutulog siya sa tabi ko para masigurong makakatulog ako ng mahimbing, and I can say it works. Now, I’m here at the garden together with my mom.
While watching her watering the flowers here in her garden I noticed a familiar flower.
“Mom, when did you start planting those Gardenia flowers?” I ask, I know mom just likes roses, sunflowers and tulips in her garden but now she has Gardenia flowers too.
“Nako, hindi ako ang nagtanim n’yan.” sambit niya at pumitas ng isa bago inabot sa akin. Inamoy ko ito, “Who plant this?” mahina kong tanong.
“Your Dad plant that,” kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa sagot ni Mom, Dad plant this? Why?
“Why?” tanong ko.
“Your Dad said it symbolizes our love, ang ibig sabihin kasi ng Gardenia flower ay secret love between two people and also joy, sabi ng dad mo parang nakikita niya kasi ang pinagdaanan namin sa bulaklak na iyan. We were once in a secret relationship.” sambit ni Mom habang patuloy na nagdidilig ng mga roses niya.
“Secret Love?” I whisper and remember the day when Hector gave me this kind of flower. “Oo, secret love, binibigay sa akin ng Dad mo yan tuwing birthday ko dahil crush niya pa ’rin daw ako ng palihim haha,” Mom jokes.
I smile and ask, “Mom, if someone gives you gardenia flowers what does that mean?” I ask.
Nilingon ako ni Mom bago ngumiti, “It means that person loves you secretly, maybe he can’t say it in words but he knows in his heart that he loves you.” alam na alam ni Mom kung anong mga tamang salita para tamaan ang aking puso.
Now my heart is longing for him again. Does Hector mean something when he gives me those flowers? Does he really love me?
“Do you miss him?” napatingin ako kay Mom ng tangungin niya ako, lumapit siya sa akin at umupo sa tabi ko. “Hindi ko alam kung anong story niyo ng ama ng anak mo, pero alam ko kung gaano mo siya kamahal. I can see it in your eyes, I was once like that when I was in love with your father. We really do crazy things for love, that’s why we understand you.” Mom held my hand and gently caressed it.
“But ours is different Mom, we are so complicated,you and Dad are perfect for each other.” Sambit ko.
“Love isn’t love if it’s not complicated, Oli,” Mom said, tumingin siya sa kalangitan bago ngumiti.
“Kami ng dad mo, we are not really perfect for each other. Mas maraming dahilan para hindi kami magmahalan pero pinaglaban namin kahit gaano katagal. Naghintay kami kasi ganun ang pag-ibig, love is patience. Kung kayo talaga, tadhana na mismo ang gagawa ng paraan para sa inyo.” Mom said before she stood up and continued what she was doing.
Naiwan akong nakaupo dito at hinaplos ang aking tiyan, “Hector,” I whisper.
“Olivia!!!” napalingon ako sa glass door ng bahay ng marinig ang boses ni Bunny mula sa loob. Tumayo ako ng makita ko silang dalawa ni Naivy sa pinto.
“Bakit kayo nandito? Wala ba kayong pasok?” tanong ko at nilapitan silang dalawa. Bunny takes off her shades and smiles at me, “I cancel all my shoots for today, for you.”
“I also cancel all my for for today,” nakangiting sambit ni Naivy, at hinila nila akong dalawa palabas ng bahay. “T-teka,” I tried to stop them but I saw Mom and Dad nodding at these two.
“Mom? Dad?” I uttered.
“Go home some fun, Oli,” hinayaan nila akong tangayin ng dalawang ito at agad ipasok sa van ni Bunny.
“Saan tayo pupunta?” tanong ko.
“Gonna take some rest,” sambit ni Bunny at nagsimula ’nang umandar ang van paalis ng bahay.
“We missed you so much, kaya kailangan ’mong bumawi sa amin.” they said and they brought me to Okada hotel.
“You have to tell us everything about your man tonight!”
That night we had fun and they made me forget about the pain even for a while. Pagbalik ko sa bahay, ganun pa ’rin ang routine namin. Mom would go sleep in my bed and Dad had to sleep alone in their room.
Arries stayed for three days but he went back to New York for his academics. While Andrei is busy with his work and study. Ariana also sleeps in my bed every time she goes home.
Walang araw na hindi nila ako sinamahan, Mom made sure that I would not feel depressed and she always make healthy food for me and my baby. Also, my baby bump is getting bigger, that’s why we always have monthly checkups.
“The baby is doing great, just avoid being stressed out and wag kang mag-isip ng sobra. You also need to stay mentally healthy for the baby ok,” My doctor said while I’m sitting beside my mom.
“Thank you, Doc, I’ll keep that in mind,” sambit ko at ngumiti sa kanya.
“Good,” she said. Nagbigay pa siya ng ibang prescription para sa mga dapat kong kainin at inumin na vitamins for the baby at pagkatapos ’non ay umuwi na kami ni Mom sa bahay.
“Pahinga ka muna sa kwarto mo, maghahanda lang ako ng hapunan dahil uuwi ng maaga ang dad mo at pati na ’rin ang kambal kaya kailangan ako ang magluluto.” Mom said before she headed to the kitchen.
Umakyat ako sa kwarto ko at nagpahinga gaya ng sabi ni Mom, habang nakahiga inabot ko ang phone ko at pumunta sa instagram account ni Hector. He never updated anything as I expected.
I’m healing, but I miss him so damn much.
“Hector,”
I’m longing for him, everyday, every night, always. Nakaidlip ako dahil sa pagod at nagising ng makarinig ng katok mula sa pinto ng aking silid.
I stood up, fixing my dress before I walked towards the door and opened it. “Dad,” Dad showed up, still wearing his suit and tie.
“Let’s eat dinner, your mom wanted me to call you,” he said. I nodded and followed him downstairs.
Tumuloy kami sa dining table kung saan nakaupo na ang kambal kasama si Mom. “Let’s go eat,” sambit ni Mom at agad akong pinaupo sa tabi niya.
Ari led the prayer and we started eating, “Andrei how’s school?” tanong ni Dad kay Andrei. “It’s fine dad,” sagot nito at patuloy pa ’rin sa pagkain. Andrei grew up faster than Ari because he looks so matured now.
“Always fine, he didn’t take our midterms exam because of his shoot!” iritang sambit ni Ari at masamang tiningnan si Andrei. “The prof said, I can take it tomorrow, chill your horses,” sambit Andrei na lalong nagpainis kay Ari.
“You jer—” bago pa matapos ni Ari ang sasabihin niya nagsalita si Dad na nakapagpatahimik sa dalawa. “Knock it off, we’re eating, you can fight later,” kalmado nitong sambit at tiningnan si Mom.
I saw how inlove he looked at my mom. Mom smiled at him that lightened up his expression and they continued eating.
How can they still be this in love after 23 years. My dad looks at my mom like he still has a crush on her. Then suddenly while gazing at him I remember how Hector looked at me that way.
He looked at me that way.
“You have something on your face ma’am,” Dad said while smiling at my mom and removing the sauce on the side of her lips. “Thank you.”
Natpatuloy kami sa pagkain at ang tanging tumakbo sa aking isipan ay si Hector. Hindi ko maiwasang isipin na baka matagal na ’rin niya akong mahal pero he’s too afraid to admit it to me.
I mean, he could have just picked any flowers to give me that day but instead he chose the Gardenia flowers.
I was thinking of that until I head to my room and already take a night shower. Mom said she’s going to sleep in my room, but I said that she can sleep on their bed because I feel bad for dad. He might miss my mom.
Pero habang nakahiga ako dito sa kama ko, napakatahimik at tanging si Hector lang ang naiisip ko. I wanted to rest, so I slowly stood up and walked towards the door.
Lumabas ako ng kwarto ko at tumuloy sa harap ng kwarto nila Mom, I knocked and Mom quickly open it. “Olivia, bakit gusto mo bang sa kwarto mo ako matulog anak?” agad na bungad ni Mom sa akin.
Pero umiling ako at ipinakita sa kanya ang dala kong unan, “Is it too late to sleep with you guys?” mahina kong sambit.
Mom urges a genuine smile before she glance on my Dad, “You will never be too late for that, come here,” nakangiting sambit ni Dad kaya mabilis akong pumasok sa kwarto nila at huminga sa gitna ng kama.
I hugged my dad and felt him kissing my forehead.
Habng yakap nila akong dalawa, hindi ko maiwasang maluha at siniksik ang aking mukha kay Dad. “Who was the guy?” tanong ni Dad.
“His name was Hector, dad” mahina kong sambit, naramdaman kong hinawi ni mama ang buhok ko at sinuklayan ito gamit ang kanyang kamay.
“Do you miss him?” Mom asks.
“Yes, I miss him so much that it pains me already,” I whispered.
CHAPTER 40
Hector’s POV
“Sir, aren’t you going home tonight?” I was focused on reading the cases in my table when Dave came into my office and asked.
I did a quick glance at him and nodded as an answer, “Damn man, you’ve been working for straight two weeks, I didn’t see you leave your chair for a week and half. Are you trying to kills yourself?” he asked.
I smirked at him, “There’s no point in going home anymore,” I whispered.
“What do you mean man? Look at you, you’ve lost weight already, you’re not fucking eating well. I never saw you grow a beard before but now look at yourself. You look like a working mess. You didn’t even sleep fuck man. What happened to you?” he said in a confused tone of voice, I just chuckled at him and continued working.
I need to finish this, “Just go home Dave, don’t mind me, I need to finish this,” I uttered.
“Man, that case wasn’t even in a rush. Why are you working too much? Do you have a problem?” this time I stop what I’m doing and look at him.
“Dave, just go home,” I said in authority as his boss. He stood straight before he saluted and left.
“Call me when you need me,” I heard him say as the door closed. I sigh and resume reading these papers. He’s right I have been working myself out for half the month because I don’t see any point in going home if Olivia wasn’t there waiting for me.
I stop when someone knocks on my door once again, “Come in,” I uttered, looked at the door and waited for who would come in. my thought was it was one of my agents but I seated straight when I saw Dylan step inside wearing a white shirt and denim pants.
“Dylan, what brought you here?” I put the paper aside and wait for him to sit on the chair in front of my table. “Kuya, I came here to check on you, since you’ve taken over dad’s position you have become so busy. I was waiting for you in your condo for a week but you never went home.” he said, looking so worried.
“You stayed in my condo? How did you open it?” I ask in a serious tone.
He avoided my gaze as he answered, “Yes, and I saw how messy it is inside, I’ve cleaned all the beers on the floor, the broken vases and paintings, the TV, I’ve cleaned everything. I wanna ask you, is this about Anton’s ex-girlfriend, Olivia?” my heart started beating so fast in a heavy way, hearing her name again.
Fuck I miss her! I clenched my jaw and faced my papers. “No, I was just drunk when I left the place.” fuck, I going back to that feelings again.
I fucking drown myself to work, just to avoid this fucking pain but it keeps coming back when I heard her name from other people.
“I heard from Anton that she went back to the Philippines, so is that the reason why you are doing this? Killing yourself at work?” I tried ignoring what he said but he continued.
“I saw her wig and some of her clothes in your condo, are you two dating?” Dylan looked me straight in the eyes, “Stop asking Dylan, this is none of your business. If you don’t have anything important to say then leave. I can’t waste my time, I’m the director.”
“Do you like sitting in our dad’s position? Did you finally aim your goal? Are you happy? Did you let go of that girl because of this shameful revenge?” I couldn’t help my temper; it just roasts up when she brings this fucking revenge out.
I grab his collar and grip it tightly, “I said, stop it, Dylan!” I darkly said, making the words strong for him to fucking understand. I don’t want a fight.
“Why would I? Are you still mad at me and my mother, and still blaming us how your mother die––” I lost it and punched him really hard, he fell down on the floor and this raging anger inside of me just busted out
“I don’t fuck blame anyone, Dylan!” He smirked at me, while wiping that blood from the side of his lips. “Really Kuya, if you didn’t blame anyone why are you making all things hard for us to reach you! We wanted to be your family and you kept pushing us away!!! Is that what you mean by not blaming anyone!!!”
“I’m not pushing you away!”
“Dad is always trying his best to make you happy, to reach out on you. My mom is doing her very best to make you comfortable with us because she knows how badly dad wanted you to stay with us. You are making him suffer by doing all these things to him! You know how dad didn’t want you to join the FBI because he knows how dangerous it is inside this place but what did you do, you joined it without his permission. Dad worked so hard for his position and what did you do? You take it away from him in just a fucking snap. Now, tell me you’re not blaming us!” He stood up with those stares.
I griped on my table to control myself, “You don’t understand me Dylan, so, just leave!” I said, trying to calm myself down and avoid him.
I’m so fucking tired of pain; I just fucking want to rest.
“You know what Kuya, you are so selfish!!! I hate you for hurting Dad!” he shouted, turned his back on me and left my office.
“Fuck!” I throw all the papers on my table and break the glasses on my shelf.
This is making me fucking crazy. Why do I always have to look like the bad guy! I sat on my chair, rested my head on the backrest and closed my eyes out of frustration.
Fuck this pain.
I take a nap and wake up because of my ringing phone, Umupo ako ng maayos at tiningnan ito. I saw the Ex-Directors calling. Dad is calling, before I answer it, I brush my hair up and glance at the mess that I did inside my office.
From Director Evans,
Can we see each other tonight? I’m in front of your condo.
It was so rare to receive a call from him, but I stood up, grabbed all my things with me and drove myself to my condo. I quickly headed up the elevator and as I stepped out, I saw him standing in front of my place.
I take a deep breath before I start walking, I even flinch when I walk past Olivia’s place. My heart felt heavy, it’s making it hard for me to breathe.
“Director Miranda,” Dad saluted me when he faced me, I saluted back and opened my place for him to enter. It was so silent when I closed the door and followed him to the living room.
“Have a seat Sir,” I uttered professionally.
Dad urged a small smile before he seated and looked at me.
“Can I talk to you as my son?” he gently asked. I nodded but I avoided his gaze.
“I heard you and your brother had a fight, and Dave reported to me about your situation. Why are you neglecting yourself, son?” I instantly felt a heavier weight in my chest when he asked that.
“I’m sorry for hurting Dylan, I didn’t mean it.” I spoke.
“No, Son, I’m asking you why are you being so hard on yourself?” he asked, that’s when I looked at him and my whole body trembled in pain, looking through his eyes.
“I’m the director now, I have to be responsible.” sagot ko at tumingin ng diretso sa kanya, and tried to keep myself on guard.
“Son, why are you still blaming yourself for your mom’s death? You are not blaming us; you are blaming yourself and all these years I know you are distancing yourself to us because you don’t want that to happen again. But look at you now son, you are losing yourself already come on son stop blaming yourself it was an accident.” What he said was like a sharp knife stabbed into a gallon of water and seemed to pour out all the pain I was feeling.
“Son, I regret what I did to your mom, I didn’t leave her back then for Dylan’s mom. I love your mother up until now, she was never forgotten, we all know that it was an accident. Please stop this, stop blaming yourself and move on. you mom wants you to heal son please I beg you.” I didn’t know what to say and just shocked my face, and tears started falling from my eyes.
This pain is fucking tiring, Dad stood up and walks towards my seat and hugged me. “Please son, it’s enough for you to torture yourself, let go of your mom so she can rest peacefully up there.”
“I love you son, I love you as much as I love your mother, and it can never be replaced by anyone. not even Dylan’s mom.” I was keeping this pain all by myself.
I was blaming myself for my mother’s death to the pain that it’s hard for me to love someone because I feared losing them because of me. But it happens again.
I weakly gave up and hugged my dad back, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry Mom died because of me, I’m sorry I became so hard on you. I’m sorry I made you suffer. I’m sorry Dad.” Dad hugged me tighter and kissed my head.
“It was never your fault son; it was never your fault.” he whispered.
“I will always hurt the people I love Dad; I can’t love anyone because I’ll end up hurting them. I don’t deserve to be loved!”
“You deserve it, son, enough with your fear. Your mom wants you to heal and love someone else. You can’t avoid hurting anyone, son, because love consists of pain, you have to overcome it and fight for love. Please stop blaming yourself, be free son.”
“Your mom wanted you to have someone who will love you just as much as she loves you and she wanted you to marry that woman someday, maybe now it’s the time to heal and find that woman she was saying.” Dad said tapping my back like I was still a child.
I face him and looking into his eyes, I regret everything that I have done to him. I shed tears in front of him and said, “I’m so sorry Dad,” he smiled at me.
“I love you, son,” I hugged him once again and felt that lessened the pain in my chest.
Mom is right, someone who will love me as much as she did and I need to marry that woman. I need to marry Olivia.
I love her and I’m ready to lose everything for her, “Dad,” I moved away to face him properly and remove my FBI chapa. “I will resign,” his brows frowned because of what I said and he instantly asked me, “Why!”
“I already found that woman who loves me as much as mom loves me and I need to follow her, I need to marry her.”
“Are you sure about this son?” he asked, looking at my chapa.
“Yes, my child needs me.” I stood up, making his eyes widened. “Your, what?!” he asked.
I wipe my tears and smile at him, “That woman is carrying my child,” I grab my passport inside my room and some of my things.
“Thank you for everything Dad,” I said and saluted him before I left the place. He stood up, wore his old chapa and saluted me.
“Goodluck son,”
Wait for me Olivia.
***
“Sir, good evening, what flowers do you like?” A woman approached me as I entered the flower shop. Olivia is having a bad day, I wanted to make her feel good even just for tonight.
“I don’t really know a lot about flowers but I’m giving this to a woman.” I said with a smile on my face, I could clearly imagine what will Olivia react when I gave her a bouquet of flowers.
“Do you want roses sir, it symbolizes love,” no, I don’t want to give Olivia hopes for us. I know it to myself that I like- no, I love her but I can’t love her, I’ll just hurt her.
“No, not that.”
“How about tulips sir, perfect and deep love.” I shake my head, not that one.
“How about this sir,” she continued, recommending some loved flowers but I noticed a white simple elegant flower at the edge of the shop.
“What flower is that?” I ask.
“Oh that, it’s a gardenia flower Sir.” she said and grabbed the bouquet of it. I could smell its scent already.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“It symbolizes purity and gentleness
also a secret love,“
Secret love.
“I’ll get that,” for Olivia, my secret love.
CHAPTER 41
Olivia’s POV
“Olivia, do you want syrup on your pancakes anak?” nilingon ko si Mom ng tanungin niya ako mula sa kusina habang busy siyang nagluluto ng Japanese pancake for me.
“I want blueberry syrup po,” nakangiti kong sambit ng silipin niya ako mula sa counter ng kitchen. She urged her beautiful smile and nodded. “Your baby might have a sweet tooth, puro sweets ang hinihiling sa akin eh,” tumayo ako sa pagkakaupo dito sa living room at lumipat sa counter ng kitchen.
I watched Mom put the syrup on her fluffy pancakes, “Sa tingin ko din mom, haha” I chuckled and waited for my food.
“Oh, ito na ang cravings mo,” hinain ito ni Mom sa harap ko na may kasamang strawberry shakes at white kisses chocolates. I’ve been wanting to eat this because of my cravings.
“Ito ang unang pagkakataon kong magluto ng pancake sa kalagitnaan ng gabi,” umiling-iling nasambit ni Mom at hinubad ang apron na suot.
“Thank you, Mom, and sorry for waking you up for this,” tugon ko at nagsimula nang kainin ang pancake na ito.
“It’s fine, I’d love to cook for you and your baby cravings,” she said and rubbed my baby bump gently, “kumain ka lang d’yan pupuntahan ko lang ang dad mo sa office room niya, baka hindi na naman tumigil sa kakatrabaho. Pag tapos kana kumain iwan mo na lang ’yan diyan, ok,” I nodded at her and watched her walk towards dad’s office room near the living room.
Naiwan akong mag-isa dito at inubos ko ang lahat ng ito na parang gutom na gutom ako ng buong araw. But I just ate lasagna 3 hours ago. Now, I’m eating again.
Habang kumakain napatingin ako sa repleksyon ko sa glass wall dito sa kitchen. I gulp when my red hair is gone, Mom just colored my hair yesterday into black and cut it into a short length.
Now I look like the old Olivia they know; I love this look because it looks like a fresh start. Because from now on, I’ll be starting again and I’ll be healed someday.
Hector and I might not be for each other but I know this baby will be the light in my life, and I want to give him or her the best of me. I want to be the best version of me for my baby.
For our child.
After eating, I put the dishes in the sink and wash them even if mom already told me to just leave them here. I can still do it myself. Umakyat ako sa kwarto ko pagkatapos maghugas ng plato. I closed the door and looked around my room.
I turned off the lights and took a deep breath. My heart always aches suddenly when I’m alone and when everything around me is silent. Hector never leaves my heart; he’s always causing me small aches that bring a lot of sadness in me.
I opened the TV para may ingay sa loob ng kwarto ko at naglakad ako papunta sa terrace ng kwarto ko at doon umupo, pinagmasdan ko ang makitang na mga bituin sa kalangitan habang dinadama ang malamig na simoy ng hangin.
I was listening to the TV while closing my eyes and I heard this.
“For our international News for tonight, Director Christian Evans is back in service after the new Director Hector Evans stepped down as the director yesterday, Director C. Evans has named Davidson Hudges as the assistant director in charge of the New York Field Office. He most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Philadelphia Field Office.” n-no.
I open my eyes because of that and slowly glance on the TV inside my room, “Mr. Hudges has served in New York several times since becoming a special agent in 2015, including his first assignment working counterterrorism cases—” para akong nabingi at bigla na lang ako kinain ng katahimikan.
Tila nag slow mo pa ang pagsasalita ng reporter sa TV habang nakatingin ako dito. Why did he step down? He wants this. I slowly stood up and was about to enter my room when I heard a car arriving in front of our gate.
“H-hindi,” mahina kong sambit ng bumukas ang pinto ng sasakyan at lumabas mula doon si Hector. Agad tumulo ang luha ko at mabilis akong pumasok sa kwarto upang hindi niya makita.
Sobrang bilis ng puso ng sumandal ako sa likod ng pinto ng terrace ko, this can’t be happening, he can’t be here. I shouldn’t be here!
Bumuhos ang luha ko at nanginig ang aking mga tuhod at kamay. I touched my tummy and bit my lower lip as I cried even more. He can’t do this, no!
“Olivia!!!” I was stiff when Hector shouted my name outside. Hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko ngayon, pero ayaw ko siyang harapin dahil alam kong ako ang dahilan kung bakit niya binitawan ang pagiging Director niya.
Sumisikip ang dibdib ko habang patuloy na sumisigaw si Hector sa labas ng bahay. Nanghihina akong napaupo habang pinakikinggan ang halos mapaos niyang boses kakasigaw ng pangalan ko sa labas.
I tried to cover my ears and avoid the pain. I love him, I want to hug him but I can’t be the reason, why Hector let go of his dreams. Sisihin ko lang ’rin ang sarili ko dahil sa ginawa niya.
“Olivia!!!!” bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto ko at mas lalo akong umiyak ng malakas ng makita ko si Mom na hinihingal sa tapat ng pinto ko. “M-mom, h-he’s h-here. I don’t want to see him.” I whispered, that was almost eaten by my loud sobs.
Mom hurriedly walked towards me and hugged me real tight. I saw Dad standing in front of my door staring at me while mom kept rubbing my back. “Shh, I’m here for you, kung naguguluhan ka pa naiintindihan kita, if you don’t want to see him, then don’t”
“M-mom, k-kasalanan ko, I r-ruin h-his d-dreams, I r-ruin h-his life!” nahihirapan na akong huminga habang pinupunasan ni Mom ang aking luha. She kept kissing my forehead and when I glanced at my dad in front of my door, he wasn’t there anymore.
“D-dad?” I whispered, hindi ko alam pero agad akong napatayo at sumilip sa pinto ng terrace ko.
Mom followed me and gazed at the door. I saw Hector waiting in front of our gate and dad showed up, opening the gate, stepping outside to face Hector.
I bit my finger as I watched Hector bow his head in front of my dad and plead with him but my eyes widened and mom gasped when dad punched him on his face really hard that made him all on the floor.
My heart stopped beating when I saw Hector fall on the floor with blood on the side of his lips. “Leave!” We heard Dad shout at him.
When I saw Hector was about to gaze on my terrace, I quickly hid inside and mom held my hands. “Stay here, I’ll go to your dad.” mom said and hurriedly walked out of my room.
Nanghihina akong napaluhod habang patuloy na bumubuhos ang aking luha, hindi ko maintindihan ang aking sarili, all I can do is to cry and cover my face as I feared of love.
“Olivia please, sir please I need to see you daughter!” rinig na rinig ko ang pagmamakaawa ni Hector kay Dad, “Oliverious!” nagkakagulo na sila sa labas. I could hear mom shout and call my dad.
“After you hurt her, leave!!!” I covered my ears and trembled so hard; I could hear them shouting.
“Ate,” Ari showed up in front of my door, nang tingnan ko siya agad siyang tumakbo papalapit sa akin at niyakap ako, I hugged her back and hide my face in her arms.
“I don’t know what to do, Ari,” I whisper.
“I’m here for you ate,” she covered my ears, pero narinig ko ang malakas na pagsara ng gate mula sa labas.
“Tara muna dito ate,” inalalayan ako ni Ari paupo sa kama ko, at inabutan ng tubig. Habang umiinom patuloy pa ’rin naninikip ang dibdib ko.
I stopped drinking when I saw dad darkly pass by my door, he was followed by my mom. “Oliver!” sigaw ni Mom at kasabay ’non ay ang malakas na pagsara ng pinto nila.
“Calm down ate,” Ari rubbed my back and I remained to shed tears for an hour. I lay down on my bed together with Ari and Mom came in after an hour.
She looks frustrated but she quickly smiles when she saw us, lumapit siya sa akin at umupo sa gilid ng kama ko. She spread her arms for me to hug her, and I did.
“I m-miss h-him M-mom, b-but I d-don’t know what to d-do now. Hindi ko inaasahan ang lahat ng ito,” I whisper.
“It’s normal for you to not know what you want to do, alam kong nagulat ka na nandito siya, if you still don’t want to see him it’s alright but I just want to say that he’s still outside.” dahil sa sinabi ni Mom, my lips parted and walked towards the window to look outside.
Tinakpan ko ang aking bibig ng makita siyang nakasandal sa sasaknyan habang nakayuko at naghihintay. “Why is he still h-here?”
“He said he loves you so much that he’s willing to wait even though your father almost beat him to death.” I could feel the frustration in my mom’s voice when she said that but all I can think right now is Hector.
He looked so hopeless outside. My heart is breaking seeing him like that. This is what I’m talking about, ito ang dahilan kung bakit hindi ako naniniwala na mahal niya ako.
I know that I’ll just ruin his bright path in life if I continue to love him and now, I’m totally ruining it all. This is all because of me.
“I want to be alone, mom,” I whispered out of the blue. “Ok, Ari let’s go,” malumanay na sambit ni Mom, “But m-mom we can’t l-leave ate like this––” mom cut her out and spoke. “Let’s go Ari,” I glanced at them as they both left my room and closed the door.
Pinagmasdan ko ulit si Hector sa labas at dahan-dahan umatras at umupo sa aking kama. I caress my tummy and wipe my tears. Nanatili akong tahimik habang hinahaplos ang aking tiyan hanggang sa biglang bumuhos ang malakas na ulan sa labas.
Tumanaw ako sa labas ng bintana at nakita ang malakas na pag ulan, tumayo ako at naglakad papalapit sa pinto ng aking terrace upang silipin kung nandito pa ’rin sa labas si Hector.
Bawat hakbang ko, hinihiling ko na sana umalis na si Hector, nasa wala na akong makikitang Hector sa labas na nababasa ng ulan.
Pagsilip ko sa pinto, my heart crashes watching him still standing there, unmoved under the pouring rain. Nanatili siyang nakatayo sa harap ng gate ng bahay, walang pakialam kahit basang-basa siya ng ulan.
I bit my lower lip and try to control myself, pinigilan ko ang aking sarili at nagmatigas. I watch him there for half an hour pero hindi pa ’rin talaga siya umaalis.
Tumutulo ang luha ko habang pinapanood siya na basang-basa ng ulan. Sinubukan kong tiisin siya pero alam ko sa aking sarili na hindi ko kaya.
And after a few seconds I just saw myself running out of my door, rushing downstairs and grabbing the umbrella outside the house. Nakita ko ang patayo ng tuwid ni Hector ng makita niya akong lumabas ng bahay.
I was crying so hard as I run towards the gate and open it, agad niya akong hinila at niyakap ng sobrang higpit ng lumabas ako ng gate. He buried his face on my neck.
“You clearly know how to get me back,” I whisper.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, his voice cracking already. My heart beats so fast and all I can do is grip on him so tight.
He faced me and cupped my face for a kiss, “I love you, please, believe me, Olivia,” he begged and started shedding tears.
I saw blood on his face and bruises on his cheeks. It was the breaking point, seeing him like this feels the worst. “I believe you, but I don’t want you to ruin your goals in life, that’s why I left, why did you follow me here,” nanghihina kong sambit.
“Because you are my life, Olivia, you are the one person I want to lean on, you are the hope, the happiness in me. I love you and I will risk everything for you, please believe me this time.” I nodded as he begged like a child.
Parang nabura lahat ng sakit at lungkot dahil sa kanyang sinabi at isang iglap, gusto ko na lang ’din siyang makasama muli sa araw-araw.
“I love you,” I whisper breathlessly.
“Don’t leave me again, Olivia.” hinagkan niya muli ako at dahan-dahan ko nang nabitawan ang payong na aking hawak dahil sa panlalambot at sinuklian ang kanyang paghalik.
“How can I leave you again, when I know you can follow me in just a snap,” I said, smiling at him.
He urges a smile as he moves his lips an inch away and looks straight into my eyes. “Will you marry me?”
My heart skip beat, at mas lalo akong lumuha. This is what I’ve dreamed of. I don’t care about the pain anymore, I just want Hector beside me forever.
I kissed him a peck and smile at him, “Ye—”
“No Olivia, you are not marrying him!”
I turned my back and saw Dad furiously standing at the gate with mom beside him.
“D-dad?”
“You are not marrying this man!”
CHAPTER 42
Aberry’s POV
“Why do you have to punch that kid, Oliver!” tanong ko pagkasara ko ng pinto dito sa kwarto namin.
Oliverious seated on the bed trying to control his anger and brush his hard up out of frustration. “Hey, hey, look at me.” nilapitan at lumuhod ako sa kanyang harapan upang harapin siya
I cupped his face, “He’s not a kid anymore Aberry, for god’s sake that guy is in this 30’s already and he fucking hurt my daughter!” naiintinidihan ko kung saan nanggagaling ang galit niya, so, I stood up and hugged him.
He wrapped his arms around my waist, trying to calm himself down. “It was a fucking painful scene seeing my daughter in that state Aberry, I can’t just fucking forgive that guy for hurting my daughter. My child is everything to me and I won’t let other people hurt them again, once is fucking enough!”
Hinayaan ’kong ilabas niya lahat ng galit na kanyang nararamdaman at nanatili lang ako sa tabi niya. I know what he feels, araw-araw kong nakikita kung paano niya pagmasdan si Olivia, at kung paano siya nasasaktan tuwing nakikita itong lumuluha.
If this is painful for Olivia, mas masakit ito sa amin na magulang niya dahil mas doble ang sakit kapag nakikita mo ang anak mong naghihirap at nasasaktan.
It kills us, Oliver is right Olivia has suffered enough. But she’s also old enough to decide for herself. She chose to love that man, and I will not doubt her love.
I waited for him to fall asleep before I put him down on the bed. Sumilip ako sa terrace ng kwarto namin upang tanawin si Hector. Poor guy, he’s still waiting for Olivia outside with bruises on his face. Oliver got furious after seeing Olivia cry so loud inside her room, causing him to beat this guy. I took a deep breath and walked toward Olivia’s room. Pumasok ako sa silid niya kung saan kasama niya si Arianna habang nakahiga sa kama at patuloy pa’rin sa pagluha.
Lumapit ako sa kanya at umupo sa gilid ng kanyang kama, spread my arms to hug her. Agad niya akong niyakap at umiyak sa aking braso, “I m-miss h-him M-mom, b-but I d-don’t know what to d-do now. Hindi ko inaasahan ang lahat ng ito,” Olivia whispered, she wasn’t prepared for this situation, so I understand her, I was once in her position back then.
Alam ko kung paano mablanko sa ganitong sitwasyon.
“It’s normal for you to not know what you want to do, alam kong nagulat ka na nandito siya, if you still don’t want to see him it’s alright but I just want to say that he’s still outside.” malumanay ’kong sambit.
Agad siyang tumayo at sumilip sa bintana, she slowly covers her mouth seeing his man outside.“Why is he still h-here?” nanghihina niyang sambit. It feels surreal seeing my daughter in the position that I was once standing in.
Watching his man in the most chaotic feelings, this is a fight against herself. Ito yung sinasabi ni Madam Lizeth na Love isn’t love, if it isn’t complicated. It’s very intricate but I know this is love.
“He said he loves you so much that he’s willing to wait even though your father almost beat him to death,” I said frustratedly because I remember how Oliver beat that kid outside. He didn’t even drudge a punch from Oliver, tinanggap niya ito ng buong puso.
“I want to be alone, mom,” She whispered out of the blue. I nodded and glanced at Arianna, “Ok, Ari let’s go,” I gently said, tiningnan ako ni Arianna na puno ng pag-aalala sa kanyang mukha. “But m-mom we can’t l-leave ate like this––” I cut her out and spoke. “Let’s go Ari,” wala siyang nagawa kung hindi bumababa ng kama ng ate niya at sumunod sa aking palabas ng pinto.
I close the door, “Mom we can’t leave ate like this, she needs us,” hinarap ko siya at hinawakan ang magkabila niyang balikat bago nagsalita. “Hindi tayo ang kailangan ng ate mo ngayon, that guy standing in front of our gate is the person she only needs.” I whispered and walked her back to her room.
“Go, take a rest,” sambit ko ng isara ko ang pinto ng kanyang silid. Napalingon ako sa bintana dito sa second-floor hallway ng bumuhos ang malakas na ulan sa labas ng bahay. Lumapit ako sa bintana at hinawi ang kurtina upang tingnan si Hector sa ibaba.
Nanatili siyang nakatayo sa labas habang nababasa ng malakas na ulan, natigilan ako ng biglang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto ni Olivia at nakita siyang nagmamadaling tumakbo pababa ng hagdan.
I urged a smile when I saw myself in her. Pinanood ko siyang lumabas ng bahay at nilapitan si Hector sa labas. While watching, Oliver suddenly steps out of our room, stares at Olivia’s open door, and glances at me.
“Where is Olivia?” he seriously asks, tiningnan ko siya ng mabuti at ng marealize niya kung nasaan ang anak niya agad akong nagsalita. “You are not doing this Oliverious,” I uttered but he didn’t listen, instead he followed her daughter downstairs.
Sumunod ako sa kanya at pumabas kami ng bahay, ““Will you marry me?” rinig kong sambit ni Hector ng lumabas kami ng gate. He asks Olivia to marry him.
Olivia and Hector didn’t notice us, Olivia kissed him and was about to answer when Oliverious spoke. “No Olivia, you are not marrying him!”
“D-dad?” mahinang tugon ni Olivia, at halatang gulat dahil sa sinabi ng ama. Tiningnan ko si Oliver na umiigting ang pangang inulit ang kanyang sinabi. “You are not marrying this man!”
“No, you are not doing this to me D-dad,” Olivia whispered, pero agad siyang hinila ni Oliver papalayo kay Hector. Umiyak ng malakas si Olivia, kaya agad ko siyang niyakap habang nakatayo sa likod ni Oliverious.
“Mr. Beltran, I understand you and I’m willing to work for your trust until you’ll allow me to have your daughter back.” magalang na sambit ni Hector at sumulyap kay Olivia.
“You’ll just work for the impossible,” seryosong sambit ni Oliverious at isnara ang gate at hinila papasok ng bahay si Olivia. Nagpaiwan ako at binuksan ang gate para kay Hector.
“Are you willing to work for the impossible?” nakangiti kong tanong, agad nagkaroon ng pag-asa sa kanyang mukha, “Yes, Ma’am.” tumango ako at binuksan ang gate upang papasukin ang sasakyan niya.
Bumababa siya ng sasakyan at nahihiya akong tiningnan, I smile at him and said, “Let’s go inside,” naglakad ako papasok ng bahay at sumunod siya.
“Olivia, come back here!!!” pagpasok namin naabutan namin, umiiyak paakyat si Olivia sa kanyang silid. Kaya hindi niya na napansin ang pagpasok ni Hector sa bahay.
Oliverious frustratedly massage the bridge of his nose before he glanced at me and saw Hector behind my back. “What the fuck are you doing in my house!” galit niyang sigaw at dinuro si Hector.
“I’m letting him stay because this is my house too!” diretso kong sambit, bagi nilingon si Hector at sinabi, “That door in our kitchen is a extra shower room, fix yourself before we talk.” sambit ko. At walang nagawa si Oliverious ng maglakad si Hector papunta sa kusina dala-dala ang bag nito.
“What is this Aberry!” madiin niyang sambit, at tila nagpipigil ng galit. Buong tapang ko siyang hinarap at sinabi, “Hindi pinigilan ng bigla kang magdesisyon na pigilan ang pagpapakasal ng anak mo, kaya hindi mo ako pwedeng pigilan sa desisyon ko.” Diretso kong sambit.
“He can’t be here Aberry!” pagpupumilit niya. “No, he can. And he will. He will prove himself to you,” sambit ko at umakyat sa itaas.
“Fuck!” sigaw ni Oliver at umakyat papasok ng kwarto namin, habang ako ay tumigil sa harap ng kwarto ni Olivia. I tried to open it but it’s locked. I knocked but she didn’t reply.
I sigh, I guess she wanted to be alone. Napalingon ako ng lumabas ulit si Oliverious sa kwarto na dala ang susi ng bodega ng bahay. I followed him downstairs and faced Hector.
“If you want to prove yourself to me, then you should start now.” sambit niya at hinagis kay Hector ang susi ng bodega. “You will not stay in any of this house room, you’ll stay in the storage room, suit yourself,” he said.
“Oliver,” sinubukan ko siyang pigilan pero hindi niya ako pinapansin at tumuloy sa itaas, “Ma’am, I’ll do it, where is your storage room if I may ask?” magalang na sambit ni Hector.
Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ihatid siya sa storage room namin at doon siya natulog. There is no bed inside so he has to sleep on the floor with dusty things around him.
Bumalik ako ng kwarto at naabutan si Oliver na nakahiga na sa kama. “I understand you but I’m not at your side in this,” I whisper and lay down beside him.
He hugged me from the back and hid his face on my neck, “I can’t bear to see my daughter in pain again,” paso nitong sambit.
“Aren’t you causing her pain right now?”
Days passed by, Oliverious didn’t let Hector and Olivia meet even though we are staying in the same house. He also made Hector do a lot of work that wasn’t really needed to do in our house.
But the kid didn’t say anything and just did his best everytime Oliverious asked him things to do. kitang -kita ko na determinado itong gawin lahat para kay Olivia.
Olivia will just have the chance to see him from afar, she wasn’t allowed to talk to him.
“Hindi ka pwedeng pumasok dito hanggang hindi mo na natatapos bunutin lahat ng damo d’yan!” it’s almost 7 pm and binigyan ulit ni Oliver si Hector ng gagawin.
Napalingon kami kay Olivia ng padabog siyang tumayo at umakyat sa itaas. I glance at him before I step inside the house. I admit that Oliverious is being too much.
Umakyat ako ng kwarto at naghahanda na sa pagtulog, at ganun din siya. He was sitting on the bed and I’m drying my hair here at my vanity table when the door opens and Olivia steps in crying.
“You are being too much dad; you don’t have to do this.” umiyak nitong sambit at bakas sa mukha nito ang sakit na kanyang nararamdaman. Bago pasumagot si Oliver sa kanya, tinalikuran niya na ito at bumalik sa kanyang kwarto.
Tiningnan ko si Oliverious na huminga ng malalim, tumayo ako at umupo sa kanyang tabi. “Tama ang anak mo, you are being too much.” I whisper.
“I’m doing this for her,” matigas nitong sambit. I urged a smile and cupped his face. “Are you really doing this for your daughter or are you doing this because you see yourself in him? Takot ka sa sarili mong multo Oliver. Remember my parents didn’t do anything nor hinder you from having me back. They try to understand you even if we are in the most complicated situation.” he avoided my gaze and guilt is written all over his face.
“You are making this hard for your daughter, Oliver. Didn’t we promise to be the best parents for our kids, do you think you are doing well in that promise?” tanong ko, doon tumulo ang luha niya at agad akong niyakap.
“I’m fucking hurt, Aberry, seeing my daughter been through a lot making me feel a worthless father, I didn’t know she’s suffering, I fucking didn’t do anything to save her from her problems. It was so painful watching her cry every night since she came back, and I can’t do anything about it.” ramdam ko ang sakit na nanggagaling sa kanyang boses at ganun din ang aking nararamdaman.
“I feel what you feel Oliver, mas masakit sa akin ito dahil ako ang nanay niya. But it’s never too late, let’s make her happy now that she’s back. Let us not stock ourselves for what is done already, we can still be the best parents for her.”
He looked at me and I wiped his tears. “Let them be,” I whisper.
“No,” he answered.
Olivia’s POV
Lumabas ako ng bahay para puntahan si Hector habang natutulog sila Mom. it’s been a week of suffering for him. “Hector,” I uttered, calling his name.
When he sees me, agad siyang tumayo at pinagpag ang maduming kamay bago ako nilapitan. “What are you doing here, you shouldn’t be here, it’s bad for the baby and your dad might see us.” nag-aalala niyang sambit, at lumingon sa terrace ng kwarto nila Mom.
I shed tears and wiped the dirt in his face, he looks so tired and weak. Mahaba na ang bigote nito at malaki na ang eyebags niya sa kakapuyat sa mga pinapagawa ni Dad sa kanya.
Bumababa ang tingin ko sa kanyang braso na puno ng maliliit na sugat. Nakakapanglambot makita siyang ganito, yumuko ako at mas lalong umiyak.
“Just let go of me, Hector.” I whispered. “What?” tanong niya, buong tapang ko siyang hinarap at pinunasan ang aking luha. “Just give up on me please, I can’t bear to see you like this anymore. You are ruining yourself for me.” naninikip ang aking dibdib at nahihirapan huminga dahil sa sakit na makita siyang ganito.
He smiled at me and nodded, “I might be tired, I will rest but I’ll always come back to you.” hinagkan niya ang aking labi at ginawaran ako ng napakatamis na halik bago ako dahan-dahan binitawan at bumalik sa kanyang ginagawa.
I shook my head down and walked back inside the house. I lock myself inside my room and softly caress my tummy. I could feel her inside. “Baby, hang in there and please be our hope,” I whisper before I close my eyes and fall asleep.
“Ate! Ate! Wake up!!!” naalimpungatan ako ng marinig ko ang boses ni Arianna sa tabi ko. “Hmmm,” I groan, forced to open my eyes for her.
“Why are you waking me up this early Ari—”
“Ate, kuya Hector wala na ang mga gamit niya sa storage room!!!” parang tumigil sa pagtibok ang puso ko dahil sa sinabi niya, at agad akong tumakbo papunta sa storage room sa ibaba.
“N-no, he can’t be,” nanginginig kong sambit, pagkabukas ko ng pinto dito sa storage room, wala na ang lahat ng gamit niya dito.
“Olivia anak?” napalingon ako kay Mom ng tawagin niya, “Where is dad?” diretso kong tanong, my heart is racing right now.
“He drives Oliverious to the airpo—” hindi ko na hinintay tapusin ni Mom ang kanyang sasabihin at agad kinuha angs susi ng sasakyan ko na bigay ni tita Valerie.
“Ate, where are you going?” tanong ni Ari ng makita akong pumasok sa sasakyan ko. “You can’t drive ate, buntis k—”
“Open the gate, Arianna!” sigaw ko at halos mabingi ako sa sarili kong boses. Walang nagawa si Arianna upang pigilan ako at binuksan ang gate para sa akin.
I rush my car to the airport, with tears shedding from my eyes.
“You can’t do this to me Dad, and you Hector, you said you won’t leave me.” I whisper, ng makarating ako sa airport. Agad akong bumaba at mabilis na naglakad papasok ng airport.
“Hector!!!” I shouted, looking around, and ran inside towards the gates.
“Hector!!!”
“Good afternoon passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 78B to New York City. We are now inviting those passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes time. Thank you.” natigilan ako sa announcement, that must be Hector’s flight back to New York.
“Hector!!!” sigaw ko at umikot-ikot upang hanapin siya.
“Hector, don’t lea—” I stopped running and stuffy when I saw him and Dad standing in the waiting area.
Nanlalambot akong napatakip ng bibig habang nakikitang nauusap sila habang nakatayo at tila may hinihintay. And after a few seconds I saw Arries arrive waving at them.
Dad and Hector smiled at him until he reaches them, sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko at patuloy tumutulo ang mga luha ko.
“Ate Olivia!” sigaw ni Arries ng makita niya ako. Hector and Dad turn their backs and look at me.
“Olivia?” Dad uttered my name.
“Olivia, why are you here?” tanong ni Hector.
Nanaghihina akong napaupo sa aking kinatatayuan at umiyak ng malakas. “Olivia!” agad akong nilapitan ni Hector at lumuhod sa aking harapan.
“Olivia, wh—” hindi ko na siya pinatapos magsalita at agad siyang niyakap. “I thought you’re going to leave me,”
“Why would I leave you?” tanong niya kaya mas lalo akong naiyak sa kamay niya.
“Olivia!” “Ate!” napalingon kami ng hinihingal na sumunod sa akin sila Mom. “Thank god, you’re safe.” Mom said and stood beside my dad.
“Your dad and I already talk, we came here to fetch your brother Arries and I think we are settled,” Hector said and smiled at me, I glanced at my parents and Dad smiled at me, he nodded and mouthed ‘I love you’ to me.
“I love you too,” I uttered and faced Hector.
“So, can we have our label now?” maluha-luha kong tanong sa kanya.
He chuckled and kissed me.
“Fuck Labels, Let’s get married!”
EPILOGUE
Hector’s POV
“Let’s all welcome the grand entrance of our lovely bride,” it was a breathtaking moment, seeing them opening the door of this church.
And My Olivia showed up under the light from the sun. I shed tears as I watched her take her steps towards the aisle.
At first, I actually thought that I wouldn’t like a woman like her. I met her in her worst situation, running in the middle of the street trying to chase after someone with those messy black short hair, a black leather jacket, and a dress underneath.
Sweat all over her face and her eyeliner smudge, lips are darker than blood red. She was not the typical girl that any guy would be whipped for, at first sight, but underneath that messy look I know I saw her beautiful eyes that marked something inside of me. That time, it was a bad day for me, so I thought she was trying to get herself into trouble.
I thought she was going to commit suicide, so, I drag her to the nearest police station that I know.
Olivia was so messy that day that I could have my eye out of her. She was defending herself so hard that she ended up looking desperate. Then the second time around, we met again.
Damn, I didn’t know that she was living in the same condominium building that I live in. and worst of all, her boyfriend was my brother’s lover that caused us to crash paths with each other.
Unexpectedly one night happened, which I would never regret having.
Olivia became my peace, my home, that I have never noticed while she was in my arms. I realized it all when it’s already too late.
I feared love, not knowing that this would cause me everything.
Hindi ko inaasahan na kakayanin kong bitawan lahat ng pinaghirapan ko ng halos buong buhay ko para lang habulin at sundan siya dito.
Olivia is a burst of my sunset, as the glowing sun, a crisp circle in the bloody sky, illuminated a quivering path across the water. It bathed the ocean’s meek waves of feelings and the wispy clouds in a burning red like her hair. She was bold, brilliant, and had a personality that was rich in colors.
And sometimes she’s like a sun dipped below the horizon when she’s trying to look strong, the fleeting colors of dusk begin to fade away. The charcoal-black rocks symbolize her tears hidden by circling around small pools of water, shimmering confidently before dark falls upon her.
I have loved her undoubtedly. Pero ako mismo sa sarili ko ay hindi iyon agad nalaman.
I smile when she reaches the center of the aisle and meet Mr. Beltran there. Hinawakan niya ang braso ng ama at lumuluhang naglakad kasama ito papalapit sa akin.
Watching her walk with her father makes me remember the night when her dad changed his mind and talked to me.
“I might be tired; I will rest but I’ll always come back to you.” I kissed Olivia before I turn my back on her and continue what Mr. Beltran ordered me to do it.
I have to prove to him that I’m serious about his daughter. And I want to spend the rest of my time with her. I watched Olivia go back inside the house before she closed the door leaving me here.
“Wait for me Olivia, we’ll get there soon,” I whisper, then resume picking the bushes.
When I’m almost done, the door of their house opened, and when I raised my head up. I saw Mr. Beltran walking towards the gate. Seriously looking at me.
“Come inside,” he said. I hurriedly stood up to clean myself first before I followed him inside.
We went to his office area here in their house and he sat on his chair. “I’ve watched my daughter suffer as soon as she got home, she cried every night because of you, and I fucking hated you for that. But tonight, I want you to promise me to take responsibility for her and give her the best that she could ever have.” my eyes widened when Mr. Beltran smiled at me.
“S-sir,” my heart is bursting with joy, and I can’t even say a proper word in front of him.
“Tomorrow, come with me. My daughter will be needing her brother for her wedding, won’t she?” I just saw myself kneeling with tears all over my face because of what he said.
“Sir, thank you so much sir,” I bow my head to the floor and kept thanking Mr. Beltran. The door opens and Mrs. Beltran stepped in with a wide smile on her face.
“Welcome to our family Hector,” she said and hugged me. “You’ll promise us that you’ll take care of her for a lifetime.” She whispers, cupped my face, and wiped my tears.
“Yes, Ma’am.”
I glance at Mrs. Beltran as she stood beside me together with Arries, she smiled at me and for that moment, I saw a glimpse of my mom in her.
I urge a genuine smile at her and look back at my Olivia. Mr. Beltran stood in front of me with teary eyes and handed me the hands of his daughter. “Take good care of her,” he whispered and finally I touched Olivia’s palm and brought her in front of the priest.
It was so magical to have her by my side in front of the lord.
“Good afternoon to everybody. It’s so great to have you on a very special occasion, as family and friends we have come together to witness the marriage of Hector and Olivia.” I couldn’t help to kiss her hands while glancing at her.
Finally, she’s in my hands. My secret love. My untouchable love. My Olivia.
Olivia’s POV
“Do you Hector Ansel Miranda Evans, take Olivia Polarice Callareese Beltran to be your wife, will you love her, comfort her honor and keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?” hinarap ako ni Hector at tumutulo ang luha akong nginitian.
“I do,” my heart is beating so fast hearing this from him.
“Do you Olivia Polarice Callareese Beltran, take Hector Ansel Miranda Evans to be your husband, will you love her, comfort her honor and keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”
Bumubuhos ang saya sa aking puso, at hindi ko mapigilang hindi lumuha. Dahil pakiramdam ko ay nasa isa akong magandang panaginip.
I have always expected that this day would come, but I have always dreamed of saying, “I do,” to my Hector.
“You may now say your vows for each other,”
They handed me the mic and I faced the man I’m going to spend my whole life with.
“Hi,” I started but I couldn’t stop shedding tears as I smiled at him. “Who would have thought that my problems and heartbreak would lead me to you and to us here in front of everyone, our story has been quite a roller coaster ride, we have our ups and downs, our label and not. You give me hope, you take what it’s broken and fix it even if you’re also broken inside. We found a healing spot in each other’s arms; you saw the best in me even in my worst. You accept who I was and who I was meant to become, your wife. As we take this new step in our life, I would love to have you in my arms every night, morning, and afternoon. I’ll cook you unlimited adobo, and I will wait for you in front of our door. We might not have the great start that every typical couple has but I promise to give you the best story we have yet to have. I vow to love you under any circumstances, rain or shine. I vow to hug you in my arms, to kiss you on my lips, and to love you with all I Am. I vow to be at your weakest side, when everything gets emotional, I will always be at your side.” he reached for my face to wipe my tears and kiss my hand.
After that, they handed him the mic and he stared at me straight in the eyes as he opened his mouth and spoke. “I have never expected to love another woman after my mom died, since then it was always difficult for me to truly express what I feel. I blamed myself and suffered under the lies in my 15 years old mind. I never saw love in me until you showed up in front of my car, on the rooftop, and in my condo. You have opened my eyes to the colors of life, you bring warmth’s to my cold days. You shine in my mornings and you are crazy beautiful in every second I look at you. You make me feel mixed emotions whenever you’re beside me. You make me laugh, smile, be jealous and happy. I know I was a jerk, but now I’m ready to be the perfect man for you and for this angel.” he touched my baby bump.
Pinunasan ko ang luha niya at itinuloy niya ang kanyang sinasabi, “You locked me in your love like a handcuff without keys and escape. You are my untouchable love. I vow to love you at my worst and best, I vow to spend the rest of my life with you, I love you, Olivia.”
I chuckled and smiled at him even though my tears won’t stop falling from my eyes.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.” Hector slowly lifted up my veil and gently cupped my face as he leaned closer.
“I love you, Olivia, I’m crazy in love with you” he whispers before he locks my lips with his, and everyone around us claps and celebrates with us.
Pagkatapos niya akong halikan, Mom and Dad walk towards us and take a picture with us. All of our relatives. His dad and Stepmother arrived yesterday to join us here.
Dylan and Anton are also here, my friends Naivy and Bunny. My cousins, friends and Tito’s and Tita’s are all here. He headed to our reception and started the celebration.
“For our message, may we call on the father. Tito Oliverious A. Beltran.” I smile and keep Hector’s hand intertwined with mine. Umakyat si Dad sa stage at inabot sa kanya ni Naivy ang mic upang makapagsalita siya.
“It is my great pleasure to stand before you on this occasion of my daughter’s wedding,I never expected that this would happen so fast but I just want to take a moment to savor this experience because chances are, I’m never gonna have another opportunity like this again.” tiningnan ako ni Dad bago niya ituloy ang kanyang sasabihin pero agad na akong lumuha at hinigpitan ang pagkakahawak sa kamay ni Hector.
“The day when Olivia was born, I realized the depth of love I’d never known before. As I hold her for the first time in my arms, I recall clearly having this different sensation that my heart was no longer in my body,” Dad look at me in the eyes shed tears, and said, “You stole Daddy’s heart from the moment that I saw you and today my heart is bursting with pride and joy. I am proud of the woman that you became and grateful that you have come to know the true meaning of true love.” I could feel the love of heavyweight in my chest from my dad’s words.
“I’m absolutely certain that you are gonna be a great wife and a lovely mother after you’ve learned from the experts,” sumulyap siya kay Mom ng sabihin iyon at nagpunas ng luha.
“Hector, when I asked your name to Olivia, I felt fear of losing my princess because she finally found you. They say that a woman tends to marry a man who has the same attributes as her father, and when I first met you that night, I saw myself in you and I get scared of giving my daughter to you, I once hurt her mother so much and I know whether you like it or not, you’ll have to hurt my daughter and it happens but know seeing you two happy makes me change my mind because it’s obvious to me that you’re deeply in love with my daughter and there’s nothing more important to this father than to know that his daughter is in the care of that kind of love and integrity that you have, please have my daughter at all cost in life. I love you, my princess.” agad akong tumayo at nilapitan si Dad.
I hugged him so tight and kissed him on his cheeks. “Thank you, Dad.”
“I’ll always choose what’s best for you, Olivia,” he whispered and kissed my forehead with all his heart. After that, bumalik siya sa tabi ni Mom at pinunasan ni Mom ang kanyang luha.
Bumalik ako sa tabi ni Hector at niyakap niya, “I love you.”
“I love you eternally, Olivia.”
“Ahh, Hector! Tangina mamamatay na ako!!!” malakas kong sigaw habang nasa loob kami ng delivery room. Pakiramdam ko ay mamamatay na ako sa sobrang sakit.
“Come on, Olivia we are almost there, please bear with me,” Hector begged as I almost buried my nails in his skin.
“One more push mommy,” the doctor said. I take a deep breath and push it all again. Hindi ko na magandang umiyak dahil sa sobrang sakit. Gusto ko na lang talagang mamatay.
“Agh!!!” after that one last push. I weakly fall my head down and breathlessly catch air.
“Good job Olivia,” Hector whispered in my kiss and kissed the side of my head as I closed my eyes.
Narinig ko ang malakas na pag iyak ng baby, dahilan upang imulat ko muli ang aking mga mata at tingnan ito.
“A healthy baby girl,” the nurse handed her to me. And when I first saw her, I fell in love.
My baby is finally here.
Hector was smiling but tears were all over his face, he touched her little hands and the baby stopped crying. Parang nawala lahat ng pagod at sakit na aking nararamdaman ng pagmasdan siya. Napakaganda niya.
“What will you name her?”
“I wanna name her after your mother, but in a way that it’s still different.” nakangiti kong sambit.
Tiningnan ako ni Hector at hinintay ang sasabihin kong pangalan.
“Hanalia Faye Beltran Evan’s,” my second untouchable handcuff.
FIN
SPECIAL CHAPTER
“Welcome to New York Time Square! Today we celebrate the grand opening of our Clothing Brand business. We are so thankful to so many of you, who have been with us every step of the way, so that this day would finally come. My name is Olivia Polarice B. Evans, and I am the owner of Hanalia.” Everyone applauded, and smiled at me while I stood in front.
“I would like to introduce a few special persons to you, My family, Mr. Oliverious Beltran and Aberry Beltran together with my siblings, cousins and relatives. My husband, Director Hector Evans, and my lovely Daughter Hanalia Evans. They are the people behind my success.” sumulyap ako kay Hector ng marahan niya akong hinila papalapit sa kanya habang buhat-buhat nito si Faye.
My heart is pounding so fast, while seeing my whole family and friends spending this important day with me. Finally, after 5 years, natupad lahat ng binitawan kong pangarap sa aking mga magulang.
“Next on our agenda is the ribbon cutting ceremony, which will be followed by a tour or opening of our facility” Halsey said when I handed her the mic and everyone braced themself as Hector and I stood in front of the shop.
Tumingala ako at pinagmasdan ito ng mabuti, hindi na ito panaginip at pagpapanggap. Totoo na ang lahat ng ito, “I’m proud of you,” he whispers, making me look at him with a genuine smile all over my face.
“I love you,” bulong ko at nilingon sila Mom and Dad sa ’aming tabi.
“Let us now cut the ribbon.” Sambit ni Jalsey, inabot sa akin ni Hector ang gunting at hinayaan akong gupitin ang ribbon. Lahat ng tao na nasa aming likuran ay nag palakpakan ng buksan namin ni Hector ang malaking pinto ng Hanalia Shop.
He wrapped his arms around my waist, kiss the side of my forehead. Hindi ko naiwasang maluha habang pinagmamasdan ang mga naabot kong pangarap.
“Mii,” Faye mumbled and pointed her little fingers at my tears. I chuckled and kissed her while she’s in Hector’s arms. Inabot sa akin ni Jalsey ang mic at hinayaan akong magsalita.
“On behalf of Hanalia Clothing Brand, we would like to thank each of you for taking time out of your busy schedule today. Thank You and welcome to Hanalia.” sambit ko, sunod-sunod nang pumasok ang mga tao sa shop.
Nilapitan ako ni Mom at Dad, niyakap at hinalikan nila ako bago kunin ni Mom si Hanalia kay Hector. “We are so happy for you Oli,” Dad uttered as he shook hands with Hector and look at Hanalia.
“You guys are talking to me, but your attention is on my daughter.” natatawa kong sambit, dahil parang kinakausap lang nila ako para makuha si Faye sa amin ni Hector.
“That’s the plan, pasok na kami,” natatawang sambit ni Mom at agad nilang tinanggay ni Dad si Faye papalayo sa amin. Napailing na lang ako at pinanood ang mga taong bumibili ng mga shirts sa loob.
Hindi ko inaasahan dadagsain kami ng maraming tao ngayong opening ng shop. I only expect few customers and some of my friends but it’s a blast, punong-puno ang tao sa loob at mahaba ang pila sa labas.
Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang saya na aking nararamdaman ngayon.
“I’ll just check something on the car,” bulong ni Hector, tumango ako at hinayaan siyang umalis sa tabi ko, at naiwan ako mag-isa dito sa gilid ng pinto.
Every person who enters the shop, they all smile at me and take a picture with me. “Your brand is so beautiful, the clothes I bought are so worth it,” some of the foreign customers said before they left the shop.
“Thank you so much,” sambit ko at nakipagkamayan sa ibang customers na pumapasok.
3 years ago, after Hector and I got married, a year after I gave birth to Faye, we both decided to go back here to New York. The first reason is, I want him to pursue his job again, and the second reason is that, I really wanted to live where it all started and lastly to aim this dream I left in New York and will always be in New York.
Sa 3 years na iyon, pinag usapan namin ni Hector na pagbalik namin dito sa New York, I’ll just give him 1 year to do his thing, bring back his job and achieved his desired position and after that 1-year sabi niya siya na ang bahala sa lahat.
Siya ang nag-alaga kay Faye, kahit sobrang impossible niyang magawa iyon bilang Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation dito sa New York. hinayaan niya akong gawin ang lahat ng kailangan kong gawin upang mailakad ang shop na ito for a year, never niya akong ginulo pagdating kay Faye.
He always makes sure that I will finish my work before him and Faye will come to me. He never makes me feel bad about doing my job, achieving my dreams instead of doing my duty as his wife. Never siyang nagdemand ng kahit ano sa akin, except in bed. But because of that I’m here, he’s the reason why I’m standing here in front of all these people.
Why I’m smiling and having the best time of my life.
“Olivia,” napalingon ako ng may tumawag sa akin, napangiti ako ng harapin ang mga ito. “Anton, Dylan,” sambit ko at nakipag beso sa kanilang dalawa.
“Congratulations, you finally have your clothing brand,” Anton said with a smile on his face and Dylan standing beside him. “Thank you, and congrats on your wedding. I’m happy for you guys.” sambit ko.
They both got married 6 months ago in Luxembourg, it was a private wedding kaya nagulat na lang kami ni Hector ng mabalitaan namin 4 months ago na kasal na silang dalawa.
And we quickly understand why they didn’t tell us agad, sikat silang tao kaya normal na importante sa kanila ang privacy. “Thank you, Olivia” Dylan looked me in the eyes, held my hand and smiled. “If it wasn’t’ because of you, Kuya and I won’t be this close, you change him into a better person he was hiding inside of him all this time.” hinila at niyakap ko siya dahil doon.
“You’re welcome,” I whispered and joined them inside the shop. “Oli, come here!” Bunny and Naivy suddenly pull me away from Anton and Dylan and bring me inside the fitting room.
“You have to change, para matchy-matchy tayo!” masiglang sambit ni Bunny at tinulungan si Naivy tanggalin ang pagkakabutones ng polo shirt na suot ko.
Tinulungan nila akong magpalit ng t-shirt na may design na untouchable handcuffs. I designed this, “Let’s take a picture,” sambit nito at nagpicture nga kami sa loob ng fitting room.
“There you go,” tiningnan namin ang mga picture sa phone ni Bunny bago kami lumabas, at agad akong natigilan ng dumilim sa loob ng shop at isang spotlight ang tumutok sa akin.
Napapikit ako sa sobrang liwanag nito at hindi agad nakita ang mga tao sa paligid.
“Naivy, Bunny,” bulong ko at sinubukan hawakan silang dalawa sa aking likuran pero wala na sila doon. Unti-unti akong nakarecover sa liwanag at naaninag ang lahat ng tao sa harapan ko na may hawak na bulaklak.
Agad ’kong nakilala ang bulaklak na hawak nilang lahat, pati si Faye na buhat ni Dad may hawak din ganitong klase ng bulaklak.
What is happening? Mamatay na ba ako?
They were all holding gardenia flowers, and suddenly music started to play inside the shop.
“The strands in your eyes that color them wonderfully, stop me, and steal my breath and emeralds from mountains, the thrust towards the sky, never revealing their depth” I gasped when the door opened and Hector started singing with a bouquet of gardenia flowers on his arms.
He’s wearing the same shirt I’m wearing right now. Bumili ang tibok ng puso ko habang pinagmamasdan siyang maglakad habang kumakanta. He won’t do this thing for nothing.
“And tell me that we belong together, dress it up with the trappings of love, I’ll be captivated, I’ll hang from your lips, instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above,” tumayo siya sa aking harapan at inabot sa akin ang bouquet ng flowers.
Agad akong naluha ng pagmasdan siya sa aking harapan, “Anong pakulo ito?” tanong ko, at tumawa. Hinawakan niya ang aking kamay at inilagay ito sa kanyang balikat.
He wrapped his left arms around my waist and continue singin, “And I’ll be your cryin’ shoulder, I’ll be love’s suicide and I’ll be better when I’m older, I’ll be the greatest fan of your life,” he kissed my forehead and start doing some small swings and let me rest my head on his shoulders.
Pakiramdam ko walang taong nakapaligid sa amin ngayon at tanging dalawa lang ang nandito. I closed my eyes and hugged him.
“Well, I’ve dropped out I’ve burned up, I’ve fought my way back from the dead, tuned in, turned on, remembered the things that you said and I’ll be your cryin’ shoulder, I’ll be love’s suicide, and I’ll be better when I’m older, I’ll be the greatest fan of your and I’ll be your cryin’ shoulder, I’ll be love’s suicide and I’ll be better when I’m older, I’ll be the greatest fan of your life, the greatest fan of your life” nangmatapos siyang kumanta, hinarap ko siya at pinunasan nito ang aking luha.
“Congratulation Mrs. Evans, I did this because I know you deserve it and I’m so proud of you,” bulong niya.
“Kiss!!!” napalingon kami ng sumigaw sila Bunny at Naivy. Dahil doon lahat ng tao, “Paano ba ’yan kiss daw,” nagtagalog pa si Hector upang asarin ako.
I chuckled and before I could speak, he kissed me in front of everyone and after that, he shouted. “Let’s congratulate my wife for her success!!!” nagpalakpakan ang lahat ng tao at nagpatuloy sa pagbili ng damit.
Dad guided Faye to walk towards us and handed me the flower that she had, “Mii,” tawag nito sa akin, agad ko siyang binuhat at niyakap. “My baby,” I whisper, tinadtad siya ng halik dahilan para humagikgik ito.
“May paganito-ganito ka pa ah,” sambit ko at tinawanan lang ako ni hector, “I just want to congratulate you in the most special way I could do, I don’t sing in front of a lot of people you know that, but for you I did it because I wanna express how proud I’m to have you as my wife and the mother of my child.”
“I love you,” sambit ko, at tinakpan ang mata ni Faye bago siya hinalikan at nagpatuloy sa event.
“Sa wakas natapos ’din,” pagod kong sambit ng abutin kami ng madaling araw dahil sa opening ng shop. Buti nauna nang umuwi si Faye kasama si Mom and Dad sa bahay. They will be staying here for a week, dahil gusto daw nilang makasama si Faye.
Pumasok na sa driver’s seat si Hector pagkatapos nitong ilagay ang lahat ng gamit ko sa likod ng sasakyan. “Are you tired?” tanong niya, he reached for my hands and started the engine.
“Yeah, my legs were aching already,” nakapikit kong sambit at hinubad ang aking suot na heels, at ibinato sa likod.
“Can we go somewhere before we go home?” Tanong nito, iminulat ko ang aking mga mata at tiningnan ang aming dinadaanan. I know where we are heading already, I urged a genuine smile and said,“Yes, sure.”
Pumikit ako ulit at hinintay na lang na makarating kami sa pupuntahan namin, “Olivia, wake up, we are here.” he whispers into my ears, I open my eyes and agad bumababa ng sasakyan.
Naglabas ng bouquet of roses si Hector mula sa likod ng sasakyan at lumapit kami sa gilid ng tulay. We are back here in .
Tinanggal niya ang rosas sa bouquet nito at binigay sa akin ang kalahati, “Hi Mom,” he uttered and look at the beautiful dark sky here in the bridge.
“How are you up there? Olivia just opens her shop today; I hope you would guide her to more success.” pinanood ko lang si Hector na kausapin ang Mom niya habang yakap-yakap siya.
“I bought you so flowers Mom,” tiningnan niya ako at sabay namin hininagis ang mga rosas sa ibaba ng bridge. Nahulog ito sa napakagandang paraan at umagos kasama ng tubig sa ibaba.
“I just came here to say that I will always miss you, and I love you Mom.” he whispered, looked at me and kissed my forehead.
“Mom, uuwi na po kami ni Hector, kayo na po ang bahala sa amin ah.” I said, and intertwined my hands with Hector and walked back towards our car.
Pagkasakay namin, agad niyang hinawakan ang aking kamay at hinalikan ito. “I would never ask for anything in my life, but you and Faye by my side, thank you for everything Olivia you are my life, my hope and my love.”
I smiled at him and say, “Ayaw mo bang madagdagan kami ni Faye?” tanong ko na may malokong ngiti. I saw him widen his eyes and flinch when my phone rings.
Kinuha ko ito mula sa aking bag at agad sinabot ang tawag ni Mom, “Hello Mom,” I uttered, Hector was just staring at me.
“Pauwi na ba kayo ni Hector? Tulog na kasi si Faye dito siya matutulog sa kwarto namin ok lang ba?” tanong ni Mom. nginitian ko si Hector at itinaas ang aking kamay papunta sa kanyang hita.
“Mom, may dadaanan pa kami ni Hector sa Manhattan kaya baka bukas na kami makauwi.” hinaplos ko ang hita ni Hector paitaas hanggang sa malapit na ito sa zipper ng pantalon niya. He was gulping and trying his best to control himself.
“Ok, ingat kayo ok.” Mom said and ended the call.
Malakas na nagbuntong hininga si Hector at binuksan ang makita ng sasakyan.
“Oh, you’re so dead Olivia.” He uttered and hurriedly drove us to the nearest hotel.
“Hahaha,” I laugh.
Yes, this is my happy ending and my new chapter of the story. This might not be the best story for you but this is the greatest for me.
My untouchable handcuffs.

