It is already almost dinner when we arrived home. Kumain na kami roon kaya nagkaniya-kaniyang pahinga na Ang lahat sa sobrang pagod. Hindi man lamang napansin ang pagtakbo ng oras. I admit that it was a tiring day, yet, fulfilling. Naligo lamang ako ng mabilis at tumungo na agad sa malambot na kama. Nagdasal lamang ako ng minuto at hindi na napigilan ang pagbigat ng talukap ng aking mata.
Kinabukasan, nagpasya na lamang sila Mommy na kumain sa labas ng bahay. Literal. Nag-ihaw sila ng karne sa dalampasigan habang kaming mga anak naman ay naging abala sa pagtatampisaw sa dagat. Hindi ako marunong lumangoy kaya narito lamang ako sa mababaw. Doon sa abot pa ng aking mga paa. As an excuse, I snatched the baby from our helpers and entertained the cute baby. It’s a win-win situation for me. The baby and I were both able to have fun in the water without drowning. Ry and Leeyah went for a snorkeling. They invited me but I was too afraid to join. Laking pasasalamat ko na lamang kanina nang inilabas ni kuya Lording si Jena. Tutal ay walang namang magbabantay sa kaniya kaya nagboluntaryo na ako. Nang mapagod saglit at lumusong muna kami at nagpahinga sa isa sa sun lounger na nakahilera sa labas ng bahay.
Pamaya-maya ay nakaramdam din ng gutom dulot ng nakakatakam na amoy mula sa inihaw. I smiled sadly when I remembered that I should watch my fat and carbs intake for a while. It is not advisable for me to gain weight since I am attending a wedding on the next other day. I am supposed to wear a fitted dress and the zipper shouldn’t be too hard to lack if ever. Ikakasal kasi ang inaanak nila Mommy at isa ako sa bride’s maid. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit ako nasama roon kung hindi ko naman sila gaanong close. We were more of like acquaintance. But I had no choice.
“Here, cereals lang ang laman ng tiyan mo mula kanina pang umaga,” Mommy went on my side while holding a plate full of barbecue with lettuce and some ingredients for samgyupsal, a Korean grilled meat partnered with some vegetable. Sinimangutan ko siya sapagkat halatang nakakasira iyon ng diet.
“I can’t. Only few lang po. After wedding na lang ang cheat day,” I frowned with the fact that I should watch my foods carefully.
“Come on, darling. May roon ka pang bukas upang mag-exercise. Eating too much doesn’t mean you will gain weight already,” she said, pursuing me to fill in her temptations. Gracious! That is one of my favorite foods in her recipe. I needed a tight grip.
“Sige na. Last week pa ako naaawa sa tiyan mo. Masiyado mong tinitipid ang pagkain. Sasamahan ka naman ni Ry na mag-gym tomorrow and jog too. Right, Ry?” she then turned behind me.
Out of curiousity, I also turned my head. Giving me the best view of Ry with his abs and firm biceps. Hindi ko napigilang mag-iwas ng tingin doon kahit pa paminsan-minsan ay naliligaw ang aking paningin sa kaniyang katawan. He was busy drying himself while gawking at us. He smiled generously to my mother, agreeing to her cupid stunts.
“Available naman po ako anytime. Just give me a heads up, Ze. So, I can prepare myself.”
Nangunguso akong bumaling sa ina bago matamlay na kinuha sa kaniya ang plato. I couldn’t cheat and share this food with the baby. I silently prayed for the blessing before taking it inside my mouth. Masisira ang diet ko. Puro half cup of rice lang ang kinakain ko nitong nakaraang lingo, and now, a plate full of sinful meat and juicy fats.
Kinaumagahan, maaga akong nagising upang mag-gym. Hindi ako pwedeng mag-jogging dahil umuulan sa labas. I prepared extra clothes, a tumbler, as well as some safety bands for me. I am actually clueless here. I didn’t know what to bring. Naaya ko na si Ry kanina pang alas-singko.
A knock on my door drifted my attention from my clothes. Marahan akong naglakad tungo room at binuksan ang pintuan. Ry with his comfortable sweat pants and shirt welcomed me as I unlocked it.
“You ready?” He asked with his deep tone voice. Marion akong umiling at bumuntong hininga upang ipakita ang aking problema.
“What’s our problem?” he said softly.
“Hindi ko alam kung anong proper attire para sa gym?” I tried my best not to pout but my lips had their own instructor. He chuckled at the sight.
“You can have comfortable clothes, as long as you weren’t disturbed.”
He patted my head lightly.
“Weren’t gym clothes too, you know? Revealing?” Nag-aalangan kong tanong sa kaniya.
“Wala namang rule sa gym na kailangan mong mag-suot ng sports bra. It’s up to you if you want to wear shirts,” he uttered, comforting me.
“Aight. Let’s go!”
Tinulungan niya akong buhatin ang dala kong gym bag. Nagdala pa rin ako ng proper gym clothes dahil baka mamaya ay hindi pala pwede. Tulog pa sila Mommy kaya nag-message na lang ako sa kaniya na aalis muna kami. Naabutan namin na gising sa kusina si kuya Lording kung kaya’t sa kaniya kami nagpaalam.
Dumiretso si Ry sa compartment upang ilagay ang aming mga gamit. Siya ang magd-drive ng gagamitin namin dahil sa kaniya naman ito. Kahapon lamang dumating ang bago niyang sasakyan. Ang isa niya pa kami ay nasa Amerika. Hindi pinayagan ni Tita na iluwas dito sapagkat nais niyang may gamitin kung sakaling uuwi sila roon.
He drived for 20 minutes until we finally found a gym. Since it is a local branch, walang gaanong gym equipments ang narito. Only treadmill, dumbbells, gym ball, and some basics. Ako na ang nagparegister sa amin dahil dalawang bag ang dala ng aking kasama. Very accommodating at ang bait ng nasa lounge kaya nagustuhan ko kaagad ang lugar.
Wala pa namang gaanong tao kaya maaari akong mag-suot ng kahit anong gusto ko. Tinanong ko rin ang nasa desk kanina kung anong oras kasalanan magkaroon ng tao rito at alas-otso pa naman daw ng umaga. Alas-sais pa lamang ngayon kaya ayos lang. Parang pag mamay-ari tuloy namin ang buong lugar.
I went to the bathroom to change my clothes. I chose to wear a secured sports bra and sweat pants. Hindi kasi ako sanay na pagpawisan at nanlalagkit ako kapag kumakapit ito sa damit kaya iyon na lang ang pinili ko. Komportable naman ako kapag kasama si Ry kaya ayos lang.
Una kong pinuntahan ay ang treadmill sapagkat ito ay ang sa tingin kong pinakamadali. Tatapak na sana ako ngunit agad akong pinigilan ng kasama ko sa pagtakbo.
“Let’s do our stretching first,” he chuckled when he saw my confused face. Otomatikong namula ang aking pisngi dulot ng pagkapahiya.
Ano ba yan, Ze. Napaghahalataang hindi nagbabanat ng buto.
Siya na rin ang kumuha ng mat na aming gagamitin para doon. Naging instant instructor ko pa si Ry dahil inaalalayan niya ako tuwing sa tingin niya ay nahihirapan ako. Hindi ko nga alam kung nakapag-ehersisyo siya ng maayos, panay lamang ang panonood niya sa akin. It’s okay though. His body is already ripped. He is very thoughtful that he had always looked for me.
Matapos no’n ay hinayaan niya na akong pumunta sa kanina pang dapat gawin. I am casually running when my eyes unconsciously went to him. He was busy with the lat pulldown machine. Nakasuot lamang siya ng sandi at manipis pa iyon. His biceps were flexing as his arms do its work. Di gaya ko ay halata namang suki na siya ng mga ganitong lugar.
Distracted, my hands accidentally slipped on the screen in the treadmill, making it to fasten the speed. Mabuti na lamang ay naging alisto ako, kung hindi ay baka nadapa na ako. Mas lalong nakakahiya iyon. Buti na lamang ay hindi niya ako napansin.
Shrugging myself from distraction, I put my earphones unto my ears. Much better if I will make myself occupied with the music rather than looking for his muscles. Baka mas madagdagan lamang ang kahihiyan ko.
After showering, we have decided to eat outside for our breakfast. Bibili rin kasi kami ng regalo para sa kasal na gaganapin bukas. Nagulat na lamang ako ng malamang imbitado rin sir Ry. Agad namang nagbunyi ang aking puso dahil mayroon na akong kasama at tiyak na hindi na ako mapipilitang makihalubilo sa iba. Kahit paalis na ay siya pa rin ang nagbitbit ng gamit namin. I am wearing a knitted long sleeve, high-waist skirt and partnered with combat shoes. It was actually a product of no choice, all of my casual wears which is simpler is at my laundry. But still, it came good. Meanwhile, Ry is wearing a fitted shirt and pants.
Ngunit kahit simple lamang ang suot niya ay mapapansin pa rin ang karangyaan. He is wearing a Rolex which made his Gucci outfit more expensive. Sabagay, kahit ano naman atang suotin niya ay bagay lahat sa kaniya. I bet, wala ring butas ang mukha niya. Parang laging naka-derma kahit na hindi naman.
Pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto nang papasakay na kami ng sasakyan niya. Inilagay niya pa ang palad sa itaas nito kung sakaling mauntog. Tahimik naman akong nagpasalamat sa kaniyang paging maginoo. There is always a tingling feeling whenever he does something that makes me shock because of his behavior. Halos ilang linggo ko na rin siyang nakasama mula nang magkakilala kami ngunit hindi siya pumalyang sorpresahin ako. Making me wonder if his kind is already endangered species.
“What do you want, Ze?” He asked me while scanning the café’s menu in our table. I also looked at the thing between his hands and scanned it carefully. I am in need to eat healthy and at the same time has low calorie food. Kakagaling lang namin ng gym para magbawas. Magkatabi kami ngayon sa table. Hindi ko alam kung bakit mas pinili niyang maupo rito kaysa sa harap ko. Umusog ako papalapit sa kaniya ngunit nahirapan akong buhatin ang bangko. While struggling, I just found myself stunned at his action. His hand swiftly went to one of the legs of my chair and pulled me closer.
Biglang naghurumentado ang tibok ng aking puso nang mapalapit ang aking mukha sa kaniya. Mas lalo pa iyong lumapit nang iniangat niya ang ulo tungo sa direksyon ko.
I can hear my heart beating loudly without using stethoscope. And for some reason, my tummy went wild with butterflies while staring straightly at his eyes.
We were silent for a moment. Just busy staring at each other. Dumiretso ang aking mata sa bawat parte ng kaniyang mukha. It wasn’t my first time seeing his bare face but I couldn’t help myself to praise his features more. He was perfectly made.
For me.
I saw him gulped and watched how his Adam’s apples worked.
Napatikhim ako nang wala sa oras dahil sa iniisip na naging sanhi para sa pagkatauhan naming dalawa.
I mean, for me, his features suit his face well.
Right? Yeah, right. That should be the perfect context.
Gwapo siya. Period.
Muli kong binaling ang atensyon sa papel na hawak ng isa pa niyang kamay. My hands flew to the menu to hold it. And unfortunately, it slipped. Hindi ko sinasadya. Hindi ko lang namalayan na nanghina ako dahil sa titig niya. I heard an ample sound of chuckle from the guy beside me, making me more attentive. As well as my cheeks burning with his gaze. Until now, he isn’t taking off his eyes from me. From my peripheral vision, I can see a sly smirk showing off his mouth. For the first time, I felt intimidated to someone and making my knees jelly with that simple gesture.
Muling hinanap ng aking kamay ang nahulog na menu at tinignan ang mga pagkaing maaari nilang ihain. I tried my best to think straightly because my mind is still clouded with his face.
“Uhm, Tea and Croissant na lang siguro. Yung number 2 since it is healthier,” I finally uttered.
I’m so thankful that I successfully said it without stuttering.
“Okay,” he mouthed before standing up, walking towards the counter. Doon lamang ako nakahinga ng maluwag. His stares were something. Pilit itong nangungusap ngunit ayaw iyong tanggapin ng sarili. Tila namamahay sa epekto nito.
Tahimik lamang kaming kumain marahil ay naramdaman niyang wala akong ganang makipag-usap. I still have the aftermath of what happened earlier. Good thing, he could sense my not-so-ready for chitchat aura.
“Yung bayad pala kanina sa breakfast natin,” akmang iaabot ko sa kaniya ang pera nang pigilan niya ako. Narito na kami sa sasakyan nang maalala iyon. Hindi naman ako buraot para hayaan siyang manibre. I mean, sa kaniya na ang sasakyan at gas, samantalang pabigat lang ang ambag ko. Pero pwede naming ganda lang.
Hindi ko maiwasang humagikhik sa iniisip. He was distracted with my silent laugh and ask me what’s going on. Umiling lamang ako sa kaniya. I cannot share my thoughts with him, baka kasi mamaya ay pag-isipan niya akong mahilig magbuhat ng sariling bangko.
“There is no need for you to spend for our breakfast. You will be hurting my ego when you insist that,” pagtatanggi niya.
Nagbunyi ang pagkakuripot ko dulot ng narinig. Hindi naman talaga ako buraot. In fact, kaya kong bayaran lahat ng gastos naming kaso lang ay ayaw niya naman. Kung ayaw ay wag pilitin. Simple as that.
“Ano sa tingin ang pwedeng ipang-regalo sa bagong kasal?” I asked him while we were walking to the entrance of a mall.
“Jewelries, I guess? Mayaman naman sila para kailanganin ang mga gamit sa bahay,” he commented. Bumaling siya sa kabilang gilid ko at pumunta roon. Marami kasing dumadaan sa gilid ko kung kaya’t pinagpalit niya ang pwesto namin. Magaan niya ring hinawakan ang aking braso, leading me the right way.
My heart pounded hard with his gesture. Ngunit pinilit ko ring kalimutan iyon. It is not the right time to acknowledge my butterflies roaming around my stomach. Tila kinikiliti nito ako sa bawat parte ng aking katawan na nagsanhi ng pagtaas ng aking balahibo. His minty breath flew on my nape, sending chills on my spine.
“Mama mentioned that only the of us will be traveling to Manila?” He opened a topic.
Mommy haven’t discussed anything yet regarding the setup tomorrow. But I know that they will not come in the event since they have such plenty of outreach program starting tomorrow. Ipapaabot na lamang sa akin ng magulang ko ang regalo nila sa inaanak.
“Wala pang sinasabi sa akin si Mommy. But I guessed, tayong dalawa nga lang. Pinapaabot na lang sakin yung gift nila para sa ikakasal,” ani ko habang naglalakad kami patungo sa loob.
“If that’s the case, may tiwala ka naman sa akin no?” Biro niya. Maybe he was talking about him as a pilot. Much probably, baka by air ang travel namin. It causes too much hassle if by any chance, we traveled by land.
“Ata,” I chuckled. Siyempre, ay tiwala na ako na sa kaniya. I’ve experienced already his driving skills when it comes to flying. Sobrang smooth nga ng pagkakababa namin last time. Kahit na assist lang siya. The fact that he was praised by his instructors are enough for me.
Una naming dinaluhan ang isang sikat na local jewelry shop. That is his suggestion awhile ago.
Napanguso naman ako dahil walang mapili. I want them by myself, not as a gift. Because all of the designs are minimalist, and I love those kinds of jewelries. Hindi naman ako maluho or something, it’s just that it suited my taste. And I don’t think it will be good for the bride.
“Why?” Ry went near me from the aisle when he saw my pouted face.
Mas lalong humaba ang nguso ko sa narinig. I saw how the smile slowly formed while staring at me, giving me an ample of tickle inside me. I am not used to do this to some people, but when I am with him, I can unwrapped the inner me that’s softy.
“I don’t see them as a gift but for myself. All of their designs captured my parsimonious heart.”
I heard him chuckle a little.
“Shall we go to another shop?” He asked which I oblige to nod.
May kinausap lamang siya sa counter at nang makuha ang pinamili ay inaya na akong umalis. Hindi ko naman nakita ang napili niya dahil inabala ko ang sarili sa pagtitingin ng ibang design. Babalikan ko iyon sa birthday ko. I want that to be reward and gift for myself.
Ang ending ay wala akong napili ni-isa sa loob ng mall. Pati ang boutique ay pinuntahan na rin namin ngunit walang magandang gawing regalo. I want the styles all by myself and the bride wasn’t into my fashion sense. Ako na Ang nagdesisyon na hindi niya iyon maiibigan. As for the groom, namili na lamang ako ng Rolex. Madali lang namang regaluhan ang mga kalalakihan dahil kakaunti lamang ang pagpipilian na maaaring pagpipilian sa kanila. Hindi katulad ng sa aming mga babae. We, women, have different types of preferences and as well as the accessories.
Dumaan muna kami ng restaurant bago umalis. Tanghali na rin kasi at napag-abutan na kami ng oras para sa hapag. As usual, Ry being a gentleman, he opened the door for me. Amidst the busy crowd, I could still found stares towards him. A mixture of adoration and surprised. I get that he is handsome, or maybe that description is underrated but shouldn’t they mind their foods.
Don’t misinterpret me. It’s just that I saw someone dropped her food on her lap because of too much gaze on the man beside me.
Masuyong nilagay ni Ry ang kaniyang kamay sa maliit ng aking likod while walking. The place is crowded, making the hallway narrow. Kaliwa’t kanan ang dumaraan kung kaya’t inaalalayan niya ako patungo sa bakanteng lamesa. Matapos niyang ilapag ang pinamili sa tabi ay itinaas niya na ang kamay upang magtawag ng waiter. Minabuti niyang kuhanin ang nais ko ibinigay ang order namin.
“Oh, give me steak. The rare medium one,” he informed the guy who was taking our order.
Inilabas ko ang aking telepono upang silipin kung may mensahe ba ako mula sa aking magulang.
Mommy:
Yes, dear. Enjoy your date with Ry😀. Anyway, the helicopter will arrive at 3:00 PM. Make sure to go home before 3. Take care.
My mother’s message was the first notification that appears on my phone. Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ba ako o maiinis sa pang-aasar ng ina ko. Lately, napapasin ko ang paggamit niya ng emojis. But that emoji was the constant. Hindi ko alam kung sarkastiko ba iyon o sadyang genuine ang pagkasaya niya.
Reply to: Mommy:
My, we weren’t dating. Btw, were currently at a restaurant. Wala pa akong napipiling regalo kay ate Grace. We’ll try to go in Gucvi pa. Thanks for the reminder po!
I also saw some messages from my friends but I find it rude to be busy with it while Ry is here with me.
“Sorry about that. Nag-reply lang ako kay Mommy,” itinabi ko na ang hawak sa gilid.
“It’s okay. I’ve searched if there are some stores of that brand near here, it says that the other mall has it.”
“Sure. And Mommy informed me pala na we have to be home before 3 in the afternoon. Mamaya na raw parating yung sundo natin,” I gave him a heads up.
Hindi rin nagtagal ay dumating na rin ang pagkain namin. Habang kumakain ay kinuwentuhan niya ako ng mga karanasan niya roon sa ibang bansa. He was busy slicing when a question popped up on my head.
“Lilipat ka raw dito for your remaining flying hours?” I asked him.
Ibinigay niya muna sa akin ang hiniwa niyang steak bago nagsalita.
“Yes, my instructor actually suggested that I will spend my remaining time for flying school here. Since I wasn’t that very familiar in my own home country. Dito rin naman ako magta-trabaho. Mapapabilis rin ang pagkuha ko ng lisensya kung dito ang magtatapos. It will take so much hassle for me if my certificates are almost 24 hours away from here,” he answered. I’m glad that with this little chitchat, I was able to know him more.
“So, saan mo balak niyan mag-enroll?” There are lots of great schools inside and outside Manila. There is a possibility that he will have it on my university since it has school for flying.
“Tita Nicole suggested the university you were in,” hay nako.
“How about house? Not that I don’t want you in our house, ah? But I am just curious. Mommy mentioned that one of the reasons why all of you were here was to look for your future home? Tama ba?” I interviewed him.
“Yeah. Papa had actually bought already a land and the building had started already last year. Kaunti na lamang ay matatapos na rin. Next month, we will be going back to states to pack-up.”
After eating our lunch, Ry drove to the mall he had searched. Nagtalo kami ng kaunti dahil hindi niya ako pinayagang mag-drive. Kanina pa kasi siya roon, at mamaya, siya rin ang sa sasakyang panghimpapawid. Nakaka-guilty naman kung wala man lang akong naitulong. Mula kanina pa akong umaga pabigat sa kaniya. Siya rin kasi ang nagbitbit ng mga gamit ko. Naiintindihan ko namang malaki at mukhang matigas ang biceps niya pero nakaka-guilty.
Inabala ko lamang ang sarili ko sa pagtitingin ng alahas nang makarating kami sa paroroonan. Ayaw ko rin siyang pansinin pa. May inis pa rin ako sa kaniya dulot ng pagtanggi niya sa tulong ko. Siguro ay dulot na rin iyon ng pagod. Almost 3 hours kaming nag-iikot at naglalakad ngunit wala kaming mahanap na maayos na regalo. It’s the only thing that it important for me right now.
Siya naman ay tila tutang nakasunod sa amo. Tahimik niyang tinatahak ang mga hakbang na dinaanan ko. Marahil ay naramdaman ang mood ko ngayon.
I tried to focus harder on the necklaces but I found no one. No one catches my eye. Mas nananaig ang pagkawalang gana. Huminga ako ng malalim at binuga ito upang tanggalin ito. Nadako naman ang paningin ko sa mga bracelet section.
Something caught my attention. I saw an accessory with minimalist design but you could say that it was beautiful. In the middle of the chain, there is a tiny diamond shining brightly on me.
Without a second, all of my frustrations vanished. Kanina pa pagod ang paa ko kakalibot ng mall. And finally, I found the right one! Pati tuloy ang inis ko kay Ry ay biglang nawala.
My unconscious mind turned to him, smiling brightly.
“I found a perfect gift!” I giggled while grinning at him. Ilang segundo pa siyang natulala sa akin bago nakuha ang pagkakatulog na diwa. He chuckled at the sight. Biruin mo nga naman, kanina lang ay halos kamuhian ko siya. At ngayon ay nakangiti ako ng wagas.
His hand moved swiftly towards my face, making my whole world shake. My heart beater harshly while staring at his face, picturing an adoration on the girl facing him while smiling widely. Napawi lahat ng itim na lumulukob sa akin puso at napalitan ng makulay na tanawin.
His fingers went to my hair strands blocking my eyes. Isinilid niya ang takas na bukas sa likod ng akin tenga. His eyes went straight from my lips to my eyes. And all I could see is his, glowing with the sight. Maaari man kaming mukhang ewan na nakatayo sa gitna ng daanan, ngunit hindi man lamang iyon ang unang inalala ko. Dahil walang ni-isang bagay ang pumasok sa isip ko matapos kumabog ng husto and puso kong abnormal. It was beating in a way, where an unfamiliar feeling started entering my system.
I couldn’t think straight. All I care is the zoo that’s been active inside my stomach since the day we met.
And I could die right now. And my cause of death is heart attack due to his gesture.
