Selena's Sentiment
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It's been a week since that event happened on the cafeteria. Well, as for us, we became closer the before. But, to my surprise, hindi niya ako minamadali.
Kapag tutor session namin, he will just assist and talk to me, give me words of affirmation and things like that. Kapag naman nasa labas kami, we act like normal. While kapag nasa school, Savannah is still pestering us and Blagden is having a hard time avoiding her kasi consistent talaga siya.
"Beddings. Tents. Extra clothes. Toiletries. What else?" napatingin ako kay Blagden na nagtutulak ng cart namin.
Nasa mall kami ngayon. Bukas na yung one week workshop namin sa Baguio, and I am super duper excited. Medyo nasira lang yung excitement ko dahil kasabay namin roon ang Tourism and Computer Science department. Great, just great.
Tatango na sana ako but nakita ko yung aisle for snacks. "Foods?" suggestion ko.
We decided to shop together nalang because wala rin naman siyang gagawin and I need a driver and magbubuhat sa mga bibilhin ko. Duh! Kailangan niya rin kaya mga 'to.
"Let's get cup noodles." sabi ko at umupo para kumuha ng dalawang packs, may laman na 9 noodles each pack.
Napairap nalang ako dahil pati ba naman dito sa mall, center of attraction siya. Yung iba napapatigil pa, especially the sales ladies, kahit yata hindi yun 'yong aisle na naka appoint sakanila, kung nasaan kami, sinusundan kami. Others, like teenagers, are taking pictures of him.
He is kind. Ngumingiti siya kapag may nakakasalubong kami na nakangiti dahil sa kagwapuhan niya. He is even waving at children na nakakasalubong namin.
"How do you eat that?" he said looking at the cup noodles na nilalagay ko sa cart.
Kunot ang noo kong tumingin sakaniya. "Hindi ka ba kumakain ng noodles?"
"I do..."
"Yung niluluto? Like yung ganito?" I showed him yung chicken flavor na Lucky Me.
Umiling siya bago umiwas ng tingin. He's looking at the snacks before answering me. "I ate one at China. Mom said it was noodles but..." kumuha siya ng isang pack ng noodles. "It was not served like this."
Napatawa ako. Ah, kaya naman pala. Noodles ng mayayaman yung natikman niya. "What is it and magkano?"
"Ban Mian. I think it's around 13,800 yuan." he answered.
Nagpatuloy ako sa paglalagay ng mga snacks sa cart namin. Pangalawang cart na namin 'to kasi yung isa, napuno na ng ibang binili namin.
"How much sa peso yun?" I asked while checking the biscuits section. Tumabi rin siya saakin at nagtingin. Inabot ko yung Pik-Nik.
"Around 103,000 pesos." he was fast to catch the pik-nik falling. He got fast reflexes ha.
I looked at him with wide eyes. "You spent a hundred thousands for a bowl of noodles?"
Tumango siya na parang wala lang. "Yes. It's kinda cheap though and it was so good. If I was the owner, I could've sold it for 500k." he shrugged. "Why are you so surprised?" he let out laugh. "Magkano ba 'to?" he asked and checked the shelf where we got the pack of cup noodles.
Napakunot ang noo ko nang magsalita siya. "What?! Only 200 pesos for 9 cups of this? Their company would go bankrupt." he said habang umiiling pa.
Tumawa ako. "Idiot. Talagang mura yan." sabi ko at kinuha sakaniya yung pack ng noodles saka ibinalik sa cart namin. "Tara na." enough naman na yung snacks na nandito.
We just paid sa counter. Maglalabas na sana ako ng cash but una na siyang naglabas ng card niya, nagulat pa yung cashier dahil black card 'yon. She tried swiping it but hindi tinatanggap ng machine.
"Sir, the machine can't accept your black card. Masyado pong maliit yung price ng binili niyo para bayaran gamit 'tong black card. Baka po may cash kayo or credit card na local po?" sabi ni ateng cashier saka ibinalik kay Blagden yung card niya.
Blagden accepted it. He tried finding his credit card sa wallet niyang punong puno ng ids and cards. "Blagden, ako na muna." I said at iaabot na sana yung cash.
"Here, try this." he gave the cashier a gold card na may nakasulat na BDO. Gosh, ang rich.
Sa wakas ay tinanggap na rin ng machine, medyo nahihiya na rin kami sa mga nakikiusyoso dito e. Habang hinihintay naming matapos yung printing ng resibo ay may nagsalita.
"Mr. Stevensons! You're here!" a middle-aged man came. He's wearing a formal attire.
Kilala niya si Blagden?
"Are there any problems?" the man asked Blagden.
Blagden chuckled. "None. These machines does not accept black cards yet. Hindi pa ba dumating yung mga machines? They were expected to arrive last week."
Kumunot ang noo ko, pati na si ateng cashier at iba ditong nakapila. Anong pinag uusapan ng dalawang 'to.
"Sir, kilala niyo po siya?" tanong ni ateng cashier.
Gulat na napatingin yung lalaki kay ate. "Of course, I know him! He's the owner of this mall."
Lahat kami ay nagulat dahil sa narinig. Blagden is the owner of this famous mall? Ano bang establishment ang hindi pagmamay ari ni Blagden?
"But the name of the mall is BPDS City---" I said.
"Which stands for Blagden Phyre Dracarus Stevensons." the man cut me off.
Blagden scratched his back before looking at me and back to the man. "Come on, Mr. Ty. You really don't need to mention it. We're just here shopping." Blagden said. Lahat ay nahiya sakaniya pati yung mga nagrereklamo at nagsasita kanina dahil sa problema sa card.
May pinagusapan lang sila ni Blagden. Pinatawag pa nung lalaki yung mga guards dito sa mall para i-escort kami at buhatin yung mga pinamili namin when Blagden can carry those naman. They even waited for us be out of the mall's exit.
"You didn't tell me..." panimula ako.
He looked at me before manuevering the car. His hands on the wheel doing that thing, is really attractive for me.
"You really don't need to know." he answered, shyly. Nahihiya ba 'to saakin sa yaman niya? Baliw.
I let out a laugh. "You really are rich, huh."
"This kind of conversation is making me embarassed." he replied.
Lumingon ako sakaniya. "Why? You must be proud of your wealth."
Umiling siya. His eyes are focused on the road. "Nah. I'm proud of myself for creating what I am today. My money is not something I am proud of, I am more proud of my character." he smiled after saying that.
Let me say this. Blagden is rich, I mean, super duper rich. He is smart, he has a great sense of humor, he loves animals, he loves kids, he knows how to get well with humans, he has a perfect body, he is handsome, he smells great, he is humble, he loves his parents, he is honest and he is kind to everyone who shows him the same kindness. He knows how to handle issues well, mentally, physically and in other aspects. He sets the standard too high. Blagden is a walking green flag.
I looked at him. His family and wife will be very lucky to have him.
"Do you have any plans seeing other women?" I asked out of the blue.
He moved his gaze at me then back to the road. Confusion can be seen on his face. "I don't, why?"
I bit my lip before replying. "Do you like someone?"
Well, if he likes someone else, I must not get hurt right? But he calls me Tiger and I call him Dragon. Kung may gusto siyang iba, maybe it is just a friendly endearment, right?
"I do..." my thoughts were cut when he answered.
Agad akong sumagot. "Who?" the side of his lips rose that's why I defended myself. "I-It's not what you think... I mean...---"
"She's Hilary." ouch ha. Tumingin ako ng masama sakaniya at padabog na sumandal. I looked outside the window para mawala yung sama ng loob ko.
Hilary?!
"Hey. Are you mad?" I can hear the playfulness in his voice. Tumingin ako sakaniya. His playful face immediately vanished when he saw my teary eyes. "Wtf, are you going to cry?" tanong niya.
He stopped the car at the side of the rode. He removed his seatbelt and faced me. I was shocked when he cupped my face and made me look at him. Worried is written all over his face.
Pero naisip ko yung sagot niya kanina, kaya umatras ako at tinignan siya ng masama. "You're a dick."
Nagtaka siya. "Huh? Why?!"
I glared at him. "Stupid! You stole my first three kisses, you even made an endearment for me, and now, you will say that you like someone named Hila---"
He shut me up by kissing my lips, this time, it was not just a peck! The kiss lasted for a few seconds. Malalaki yung mata kong nakatingin sakaniya while he is looking at my parted lips.
"Damn you!" I raised my hand, ready to slap him when his arm raised and held my hand.
He smiled before reaching his phone from the dashboard. "Siri, what does the name Alair means?"
Nagtataka ako. Then Siri answered.
"The meaning of Alair is 'cheerful', or 'merry', and is of English origin. Alair is also a shortened French name for Hilary."
My eyes widened when Siri finished answering. He's smirking while waiting for me to say something.
"Y-You like m-me?" I was stuttering.
He nodded before leaning forward. "I do." he said and moved upwards to kiss my forehead.
I really don't know what to say. I was just thinking earlier na magiging maswerte yung magugustuhan at magiging asawa niya.
He cleared his throat habang inilayo niya saakin yung mukha niya. "Well, A-Alair." he's stuttering.
I raised my brow, waiting for his words.
"Can I court you?"
I caught my breath. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling. Damn, Stevensons.
His eyes lowered down my lip. "Please stop doing that, I'm really...really having a hard time stopping myself from kissing you."
Agad agad kong pinakawalan yung labi ko at umayos ng upo.
"So?" he said, waiting for my answer.
I slowly nodded my head, making him punch to the air. He then held my hand na nasa lap ko. "Thank you for giving me a chance, Alair. I will wait for you, no matter how long it is. You're the only one I'm willing to spend my life with."
I smiled at him at umiwas nang tingin, because his last words just gave me billions of butterflies. Delikado ka na, Alair.
"Ay, kayo talaga tabi? Akala ko ako katabi mo, Alair ha." bungad ni Athena pagkasakay niya sa bus.
Today na yung pagpunta namn sa Baguio and I am so excited. Nagising pa ako ng maaga para i-ready lahat ng need namin. Ako na rin gumising kay Blagden. Actually, si Athena talaga katabi ko kasi akala ko, Blagden will use one of his car but to my surprise, sinabi niya kanina na he wants to experience riding a bus. Kaya, eto ang ending namin.
"Do you want to sit with her? I can move to other seat---"
"Ay joke lang, Papi Dragon. Baka kagatin ako nung Tigre, e." pang aasar ni Athena. Sa likod ko rin naman siya uupo.
Nag dadatingan pa yung mga ibang classmates. Nasa window seat ako, gusto ko ngang paupoin si Blagden dito but he insisted because he knew that I like window seats. I even saw Savannah, hinahanap si Blagden. And Trevor, looking for me.
Blagden's phone rang on his pocket, he got it out and looked at the called id. Secretary, yung nakalagay.
"I'll just take this call. Wait for me, okay?" tumango ako. He smiled before getting off the bus.
I was just checking my phone nang pumasok si Savannah and Trevor sa bus. Trevor immediately saw me at naglakad palapit saakin. Nilingon ko si Athena sa likod ko and she is already sleeping. Great!
"Selena!" I closed my eyes tightly before looking at Trevor. He was now sitting beside me. "Excuse me? May nakaupo na dyan." mataray kong sabi.
"He can move." prente niyang sagot. Humarap pa siya saakin at kinausap ako sa kung ano ano. Hindi ko naman siya sinasagot. Gosh, ang tagal ni Blagden.
Napairap ako nang marinig ko si Savannah na tinatanong kung nasaan si Blagden at kung nasaan yung upuan niya. I looked at Trevor.
"Bakit kayo nandito? Diba hindi dito bus niyo?" I asked.
He laughed kahit wala namang nakakatawa. "Oh, hindi kami kasya sa bus namin and nalaman ko na may dalawang vacant seats dito sa bus ninyo. Destiny wants us to meet, Sele---"
"Your fucking destiny wants me to beat you up again, Cardenas." tumahimik yung mga ibang students bus nang marinig nila yung malamig na boses ni Blagden.
I looked at him, his face is very dark, especially his aura. He is looking at us, emotionless.
Si Trevor naman ay umaktong walang pakealam at humarap saakin.
"Dragon, you're here. Halika, tabi tayo!" nakita kong lumapit si Savannah sakaniya. She was about to reach his hand when Blagden spoke.
"Don't touch me." napatigil sa ere yung kamay ni Savannah. Hindi pa rin natitinag yung tingin niya kay Trevor. "Get out of my way." parang maamong tuta na umatras si Savannah at bumalik sa upuan niya.
Nagulat ako nang dumampi yung kamay ni Trevor sa legs ko, I am wearing shorts, kasi. Agad akong nagreact, inalis ko yung kamay niya at umatras. Tinignan ko siya ng masama. "Fuck off! Manyak!"
I was shocked when a hand grabbed him using his collar. It was Blagden, with glaring eyes. Tumaas na yung kamao niya but I don't want to create another scene dito sa bus. Tumingin ako kay Athena at tulog pa rin ang loka, naka airpods yata kaya hindi rinig nangyayari sa paligid.
"Blagden..." I stood up and held Blagden's fist. He looked at me. Umiling ako. "Calm down... please..." I pleaded.
He exhaled a deep breath before pushing away Trevor. Trevor coughed while holding his neck. Blagden held my hand and put me behind him.
He looked at Trevor who's now looking at us. Tumingin ako kay Savannah. Masama yung tingin niya sa kamay namin ni Blagden, at mas lalong masama nang tumaas yung tingin niya saamin.
"Next time you lay your hands on my girl..." Blagden's dark voice echoed the whole bus. "I'll be the one who will dig your grave."
After that, Blagden guided me to sit. He sat next to me. Tumingin ako sakaniya and I can see he is controlling his anger. I held his shaking fist na nasa ibabaw ng legs niya.
He looked at me. "Calm down..." I said.
"I am." he smiled. I smiled back. He kissed my forehead. "You are always calming me down. Thank you."
The whole ride was smooth. But I really got completely dizzy because of the well known 'Zigzag Road' or the Kennon Road. Damn, feeling ko nag roller coaster ako. Si Blagden, cool lang na nakaupo.
We arrived at Bakekeng North Campground, sa Benguet. After the touch down, we immediately set up our tents. Blagden made sure na tabi tabi kami ng tent nila Athena, he even helped up set us our own, lalo na yung ibang nahihirapan, especially the girls na ngayon lang nakaranas ng camping. Madali lang niya maayos mga tent, he said he loves camping, that's why.
Tabi tabi lang kami ng campsite ng ibang department kaya from here, I can see Savannah's glare at us, lalo na saakin. Sinalubong ko yung tingin niya at umirap lang siya. Trevor is nowhere to be found.
"Alair, change into thicker clothes. Malamig, you might get sick." I turned my gaze at Blagden who's now in front of me. It's twilight, na. And the sun is about to set.
Napalingon siya kung saan ako nakatingin. He smiled before looking at me. "Let's watch the sunset later."
My face lit up at tumingin sakaniya. "Really?" I sounded like a kid.
Tumango siya. "Yes. Now, go and change. Lumalamig na." utos niya.
"How about you?" I asked habang papasok sa tent ko.
He chuckled. "I'll go and chance once I saw you go inside your tent." I smiled at him before going inside.
He always prioritizes others before himself. Walking green flag, y'all.
"It's so pretty, right?" I said, full of admiration. We are watching the sunset. The pink, orange, and yellow combinations are so stunning and breathtaking.
"Yes, it's pretty." napairap ako dahil nakatingin naman siya saakin.
"You're not even watching it." I scoffed.
"I used to hate sunsets."
Napakunot yung noo ko. "Why?"
He sighed before answering. "Because no matter how beautiful it is, it still symbolizes the ending..."
Well, that got me somehow. Tumitig ako sa papalubog na araw. Then, a thought came in my mind. Nagtataka akong tumingin sakaniya.
"You said you 'used' to. So, you love it now?" I asked him.
He nodded.
"Why?"
He looked at me and smiled. ""Because I am watching it with the woman I'm willing to spend my life until the end..."
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