Chapter 1
Encounter
The sky above, with the endless light of the sun, shone luminously as it spreads the effulgence before the sun finally sets. The blended shade of orange and purple eases my worries even for a moment. From my window, the afternoon breeze dances the curtains of my room. It has reminded that beauty can be found in such difficult circumstances. Kung paano maging malaya sa lahat ng problema. Far from the chaos of the world. That's what I truly want from the very start, be free from the chains that hold me back.
I sighed. Papalubog na ang araw, tila ba mawawala na anumang oras. The city lights of various colours has began to gleam, it's getting dark anytime soon. I have my thoughts of what possibly could happen if I hadn't come back.
"You're gonna marry him."
Those are the words that welcomed me as soon as Daddy walked into my room. I was unpacking my make-up set and now I figured he's here to convince me tie the knot. Through the mirror, I met my father's furious eyes. He was mad, but so was I. Kagagaling ko lang galing ibang bansa ngunit ito agad ang salubong niya sa akin.
Umiling ako at hindi nagpaapekto sa kanyang presensya. "I have three things in my priority list. I, myself and my career. Marriage is the fourth."
He's used me all the time for his own gain. Simula pagkabata, hanggang ngayon. I had thought I have escaped him when I'd left under his care to pursue my dreams abroad yet here I am, back to where I used to be. Fate really loves to play.
Kasal ang huling nasa isip ko. Ang dami-dami ko nang problema, uunahin ko pa ba ang lalaki?
"You caused enough shame to this family, Iris. This is the only thing I ask of you." Napatigil ako sa pag-aayos ng gamit dahil sa kanyang sinabi. "You have brought nothing but embarrassment. Your scandals abroad has tainted our family's reputation!"
I faced him. Matagal nang sira ang reputasyon ng pamilya ko. Dinagdagan ko lang!
"Maybe you should've aborted me, then." Pabalang kong sagot.
Sinasabi niyang matalino siya dahil sa success ng kanyang kumpanya pero kung talagang matalino siya, bakit hindi niya naisipang gumamit ng condom habang ginagawa ako? They were not even contented. Nasundan pa ng isa!
Pinagpatuloy kong ayusin ang mga gamit. Inilabas ko ang mga dami ko galing maleta saka iyon inilagay sa cabinet. glanced at him again. Umismid ako nang makitang nangingitngit na siya sa galit.
"Your mother's on the run. I can have her caught."
Doon ako natigilan. Had I not known him for years, I should be frightened, trembling by his roaring voice like a scared lamb with thoughts of being unalive by vicious predators. But I know him for so long that I thought I'm rather cursed than blessed of having his as my father. This has been our usual day. Kung sa ibang pamilya, pagpaparamdam ng pagmamahal sa isa't isa ang salubong sa araw-araw, hindi kami gano'n. Our family is built with anything but love. So if asked, Daddy's definition of familial love is not ideal.
Alam kong ligtas ang kalagayan ni Mama ngayon. Kinaya niya noon magtiis sa puder ni Daddy, mas kakayanin niya ngayon.
"You can never find her." Sigurado kong sabi.
He had filed a case of theft against my mother in which he claimed she had stolen jewelries, land titles, and some important paperworks. Now, my mother's on the run for months. And he's using my mother to grip me on my neck. I clenched my fist as watched his heaved breaths, sign of his anger.
Contrary to his accusations, I know my Mama. Hindi ako pinalaking tanga upang hindi makita na isa ito sa mga plano ni Daddy upang kontrolin ako. Sergio Alonzo is not a typical father. He's a control freak, always been strict and callous as though the rain from the clouds above his head had drown him to be bitter in life. He married Mama after I was conceived. It's a mistake, as he used to say. But nothing hurts me more to witness my mother's constant pain during her stay with him for years.
"You and your brother never changed, huh? Parehas kayong pasakit sa ulo ko. 'Yan ba ang natututuhan mo sa babaeng iyon? Ilang beses ko nang sinabi sa iyo na lason ang babaeng iyon! Isa siyang ahas na tutuklawin ka patalikod na walang awa!"
No. Mama isn't like that. She cares for us. Hindi tulad ni Daddy'ng araw araw ipinaparamdam sa amin ng kapatid ko na wala kaming kwenta. He treated Cluskey and I badly, hanggang ngayon.
Umigting ang panga ko habang walang emosyong nakatitig sa kanya. "Ironic, because that's the exact words to describe your character. Snake, poison, traitor."
As a kid, I was never allowed to meet my mother. Kung magkita man kami, iilang beses lang at patago pa. Daddy had forbidden her to go near Cluskey and I after she had left the mansion. It was my seventh existence when they separated and until then, my family was never complete. Daddy acquired my custody since, given the obvious and the rotten system in the country, he had money. My mother had not.
Dati intindihin ko na lang. Mama was physically abused. She was deprived of her own liberty. Kaya naiintindihan ko kung bakit kinailangan niyang.. umalis.
"I'm telling you, Iris! You're going to marry your way into that man's family!"
Iyon ang araw-araw na bungad sa akin sa bawat araw ng pananatili ko sa mansion. I had a life in London. I walked for some renowned fashion brands, modelled for some jewelry companies. I had signed contracts for some high-end commercials—and it boosts my popularity. Three years in the industry of modeling, they claim I achieved a lot for a woman in my age. But the moment I heard the news regarding my younger brother, my life crumbled.
I came back as per my father's request, well, threat rather. He told me my younger brother's comatose, currently lying at the hospital. I felt my life had stopped at that moment. He had a heart attack and fell on the stairs. I tightened my fists. And Sergio Alonzo, being a classic father, had forbidden me to come any close near Cluskey despite of his call to return.
Bwisit na tatay siya! Ginagamit niya ang kapatid ko laban sa akin.
Cluskey is seventeen, I am twenty-three. He was diagnosed with a heart condition when he was six. Since then, he was taken care of with gentleness. We couldn't risk having him a heart attack. Mahirap na, delikado raw ang puso ni Cluskey sabi ng doktor. Pero, wala iyon sa isipan ni Daddy sa mga nagdaang-taong paglaki ng kapatid ko.
Huminto ako sa pagjojogging at sandaling uminom ng tubig. I was heaving. Nang tignan ko ang relo ay alas-syete pa lang ng umaga. Well, this is quite a start of my day.
I haven't seen my mother for ages. Huli ko siyang nakausap ay nu'ng nagtrabaho siya bilang waitress sa isang kilalang restaurant sa probinsiya. When she found out I'm going to London, she was so delighted. She always tells me how proud she is of me. That's the only thing that matters back then. Isang bagay na pinakapinahahalagahan ko, ang mga ngiti niya.
Bumalik ako sa mansion matapos ang kalahating oras para makapagshower at palit. Nakasalubong ko si Daddy habang pababa ako ng hagdan. He's convincing me, again, to marry. I shrugged it off.
Maybe I should move out. Daddy's constant rant is tiring. Wala pang isang linggo simula nang makabalik ako, kumukulo na talaga ang dugo ko sa kanya. I have saved enough money from modelling to afford such place. I can also start here my own make-up line to earn. But I will have to consult it first.
"Hi!" Bati ni Hanz nang magvideo call kami habang naglalakad ako papunta sa malapit na coffee shop. Nabalitaan kong may coffee shop daw malapit sa subdivision namin. Daseri, my friend, told me it's great when taking breakfast. "Kakauwi mo lang, 'no? S'yempre pagod ka n'yan."
I don't take my breakfast at the mansions. Makakasabay ko pa si Daddy e sa kanya nga ako naiirita.
I arched a brow. "Why'd you call?"
He looked fresh, hair's a little messy while his lips was almost in a hue of red. Bagong ligo yata at papasok sa trabaho.
"Wala lang. Bawal ka bang mamiss?"
Bumuntong-hininga ako. "Sige. Patayin ko na-"
"Luh, joke lang! Hindi ka na talaga mabiro!" tumawa siya.
Hanz is my longtime friend since highschool. Bukod sa mga kaibigan kong sila Daseri, siya ang tumagal sa ugali ko kaya bilang sa mga daliri ang mga naging aking kaibigan.
"Kamusta si Cluskey?" Tanong niya pagkaraan.
"Tulog pa rin."
"Iris! Ang dark naman ng humour mo, tangina!"
I creased my forehead before looking at Hanz. Tulog naman talaga ang kapatid ko at nakaratay sa hospital. Anong problema nito?
"Do I looked like I'm joking?"
"Hindi! Pero tangina naman feel ko tuloy ang sama-sama kong tao kasi natawa ako!"
As my feet moved foward, my sight was instantly captured by the sight of a poodle with its owner walking at the park. She barked and wiggled her tail at me. Naalala ko tuloy ang alaga kong aso na si Kersytia. For now at least, she's under the care of my manager. Hindi ko siya madala sa mansion dahil allergic si Daddy sa aso. I couldn't risk having Kersytia around him. Baka maltratuhin niya lang!
Pinatay ko na ang tawag nang makarating ako sa coffee shop. The aroma of addictive pure brew had filled my nose. Umorder ako ng coffee at bread na lagi kong inoorder sa London. I was happy they have the same option. The tone inside seems to be cordial. When I received my order, I chose the table at the side since that's where I can be alone. I sipped on my coffee. Nothing beats coffee for breakfast. Napatingin ako sa labas at napansin kong sikat na sikat ang araw. Hindi gano'n kainit dahil umaga pa lang naman. I was then reading a magazine when two girls sat on the table beside me. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang marinig ang kanilang pinag-uusapan.
"Gagi, malapit daw dito 'yung penthouse nu'ng gwapong engineer? True ba, bebs?"
"Aba malay ko! Kung alam ko lang edi sana kanina pa ko nagpabuntis!"
"Namo, gwapo lang papabuntis ka na agad? Same."
"Ano ba ulit pangalan no'n? Ang alam ko lang ay 'yung mukha, e."
"Kairon, bebs. Gallegos 'yon kaya for sure daks 'yon!"
Kumunot ang noo ko sa pinag-uusapan nila. Typical women swayed by a man's dashing looks. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit laging mukha ang nagiging batayan ng karamihan kung magugustuhan ba nila ang isang tao o hindi. It's cliché, but in my opinion what's inside matters more. Aanhin mo ang gwapo kung saksakan naman ng pangit ng ugali?!
I continued reading. Hindi na ko nakinig sa pinag-uusapan nila. I searched for my shots in the magazine. Napangiwi ako dahil ang pangit ng isa kong kuha roon. Sayang, ang ganda-ganda ko pa naman. As I lifted the pages, I heard the door chimed, then gasps followed. Nalukot ang noo ko pero hindi iyon pinansin o tinignan man lang.
"One cup of Cappuccino, please."
Napatingala ako sa baritonong boses na iyon. That voice wasn't loud, but since the coffee shop inhibits such a quiet atmosphere, it allowed me to hear everything. Saka ko narinig ang impit na tili ng dalawang nakakairitang babae sa tabi ko.
"Omg! Siya 'yon, diba? Si Kairon!"
I looked at the man. Nakatalikod ito sa akin kaya hindi ko makita ang kanyang mukha. He has broad shoulders. Matangkad siya, kahit sa suot na white long sleeve polo ay mahahalatang malaki ang kanyang katawan.
"Likod pa lang ang pogi na!"
"Hindi naman gwapo." I commented that made them looked at me. Tinitigan ko rin sila sa mata. "Pa'no niyo nasasabing gwapo e likod pa lang ang nakikita niyo?"
"Luh, ate. Bakit ka nangingialam?"
"Oo nga! Respect my opinion na lang!"
"Our opinion, bebs. Tanga mo talaga!"
I sneered. Nagpatuloy sila sa pagiging baliw sa lalaki at bahagya akong iniirapan. I rolled my eyes as well. At least I'm a woman who don't go for looks!
Nagvibrate ang phone ko. I grabbed it as my brows furrowed at the article Maggie sent at our group chat.
maggielangfleece: @irisalonzo naneto talagang tatay mo kokonyatan ko na to
Sinabi sa article ang pagnanakaw na ginawa ni Mama at ang pagkasira ng kanilang relasyon. Daddy told the media that whoever catches her would be rewarded. My Mama's been chased for month but we never publicised the issue. Ngayon ay pinagmumukha niyang masama ang nanay ko!
It was published hours ago.
Dahil sa galit ko, agad akong umalis sa coffee shop para iconfront ang si Daddy. May tama ang lalaking iyon! Pero napatigil ako nang may humawak sa aking palapulsuhan. I was surprised it was the man the two girls are talking about. Unti-unting nawala ang lukot sa aking noo nang mapatingala.
"Miss, you dropped this." Kairon, as the women I heard addressed him, handed me my car key. Natulala bigla ako.
I've seen men of different charms but I never encountered someone this... this good-looking! He looks serious, his features are strong and fierce. Perpektong-perpekto ang pagkakahulma ng kanyang prominenteng panga. His red almost sensual lips are naturally in a thin shape. He carried an imperious grecian nose, almost pointing at me, proud and dominant. But his pair of silver eyes had me question my sanity. They were a-flush of sterness and a power of gloom. Mahahaba ang pilik-mata niya, makapal ang kilay, ngunit ang kanyang mga abuhing mata ang talagang agaw-pansin. His eyes highlight heavy brow bone with a deep-set crease. Tila iyon ang makikita sa kabilang buhay.
The two girls were right. This man is handsome, as though he's molded to be perfect. He has the sight of an ancient greek god that can rule everybody to his whim.
Natauhan ako bigla. Bakit ko ba pinupuri ang klase ng taong tulad niya?! Kung gwapo siya, anong pake ko?
"O-Okay." Masama ang tingin ko sa kanya bago iyon kinuha. Hindi niya dapat mahalatang nagwagwapuhan ako sa kanya. Tatalikod na sana ako nang magsalita siyang muli.
"Why are you glaring at me, though?" Nagsalubong ang kanyang mga kilay.
I instantly felt irritated. Anong problema nito? "It's my eyes. Dapat bang pili lang ang titignan ko nang masama?"
"You could glare at me if I did you wrong. But I did not, right?" He said, sounded almost scolding me. He titled his face, his eyes then examined me. Pinaghalong tila kaba at iritasyon ang naramdaman ko sa mga oras na 'yon! "Plus, glaring at someone who just gave your keys is very rude."
E, sa masama ang ugali ko, e! Ano bang pakialam nito?!
Umismid ako at tumalikod na. Isang sulyap ang ibinigay ko sa kanya bago ako tuluyang umalis sa coffee shop. Hindi iyon ang unang araw na makita ko ang lalaki. We had plenty encounters. I was too unfortunate the following days were the same. Palagi kong napapansin, sa sumunod na mga araw, na naroon siya sa coffee shop sa eksaktong oras na naroon din ako. Sometimes he's early, nevertheless, I was still intrigued by his presence. May kung ano sa kanya na nagpapairita sa akin.
I confronted my father last night about the publication of the issue. He was chill about it, composed and proud, like what he did is right. "Just be happy I didn't drag your name! I know you have contact to her! You're tolerating your mother's crime, Iris!" 'Yan ang pangontra niya sa galit ko. I have no proof to clean my mother's name.
Pinagpagan ko ang sarili bago napagdesisyunang pumunta sa bathroom ng coffee shop. It's Tuesday, I'm reviewing the offers my manager, Liza, has sent to me. For now I'm checking where should my interest be. Balak ko sanang bumalik sa pagmomodelo kapag hindi na ako nakatira kay Daddy. I need a place of my own. Being with him is suffocating.
Nakatingin ako sa baba habang naglalakad dahil pinapagpagan ko ang sarili. Gano'n na lang ang gulat ko nang biglang may humila sa akin dahilan upang impit akong mapatili. To my surprise, it was the man, Kairon Gallegos!
His arm snaked around the small of my back. Kumabog nang mabilis ang puso ko. When I looked at him, his eyes were showing no emotions at all. Agad kong binawi ang sarili sa kanya.
"Ano ba?! Bitawan mo nga ako!"
He didn't react at my sudden yell. Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa akin.
"You would've bumped yourself into that waiter who's carrying a lot of food." He explained. Tinignan ko ang waiter na may hawak na tray at binigyan ako ng apologetic na ngiti. I faced the man.
Wala akong sinabing gawin niya iyon. Kung bumangga ako sa waiter, edi bumangga ako. "Am I supposed to thank you?"
Inis niya akong binalingan. "What the heck are you so mad about? I helped you yet you couldn't even thank me at least. It's not my fault you're not looking at your way."
"Nanunumbat ka? Sinabi ko bang gawin mo iyon?"
"See? You can't even be grateful."
Isa pa iyon sa pagtatagpo namin sa coffee shop na nauuwi lang sa away. Pakiramdam ko kaunti na lang at sisitahin na kami ng may-ari. Baka ipa-ban pa! Buti na lang kahit pa'no ay kakaunti ang nakakakita ng mga pag-aaway naming kasalanan niya naman.
Nang umuwi ako sa bahay, nilock ko agad ang kwarto upang hindi na ako kausapin ni Daddy. He's just doing to say the same thing. I'm getting tired of it. I really need to buy my own place. I slept while thinking the pair of those silvers eyes.
"Excuse me. Do you have a charger?" I was taken aback when Kairon walked towards me one morning. His manly voice was cold. I wasn't expecting him to ask for anything, given our few adverse meetings. Pero heto siya't nilapitan na lang ako bigla! He bit his lips while gazing me intently. I stopped from typing on my laptop then looked up at him. Tunay ngang gwapo siya talaga, matangkad pa kaya pantasya ng mga babae. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa laptop din na kanyang hawak. "I forgot mine..."
"Wala." Ibinalik ko ang atensyon sa pagtitipa. I gazed him through my peripheral vision. He's not moving away. It made my forehead creased. Bakit pa siya nand'yan?! Wala nga akong charger!
He pointed out my opened bag. "You have one in your-"
Kinuha ko ang bag at itinago ang charger doon. "Now I don't have any."
He poked the inside of his cheek using the tip of his tongue.
"You really are terrible." Kunot-noo niyang ani. Ngumisi ako sa kanya.
Personality ko 'to. Anong gusto niya, baguhin ko ugali ko?
Sinubukan kong puntahan ang kapatid sa hospital bago matapos ang araw na iyon. Napag-alaman kong pinagsabihan ni Daddy ang dalawang bodyguard na sa oras na makita ako, h'wag na h'wag nila akong palalapitin kay Cluskey. I was tearing up about it. Ngayon ko na lang ulit makikita ang kapatid ko at ipagbabawal pa niya?! What kind of father is he?!
"Let me see my brother, you monster!" Galit kong sigaw kay Daddy.
"You agree to marry first. If you did, I'd bring Cluskey here to be with you."
Kuyom ang mga kamao ko habang kausap ang ama. He just won't stop. Kapatid ko 'yon! May karapatan ako ro'n! My brother needs me and he doesn't even care about it!
Late ako ng isang oras kaysa sa usual kong punta sa coffee shop. The door chimed when I entered and my eyes were directed at the spot the man always occupies. Nagulat ako dahil nakatingin din siya sa akin. There's something in his eyes that seems to send me shivers. He looked like annoyed, but as well amused.
Umiwas ako ng tingin.
"My usual order," I said to the cashier in the counter. I took a glance at my right side, aware of his attention. Ano bang tinititig-titig nito? Is he angry I didn't let him borrow my charger last time?! Kasalanan niya naman dahil ang iresponsable niya. Dadala ng laptop pero walang pangcharge!
Ako na ang kumuha ng tray ng order ko papunta sa lagi kong table. As I moved, I felt his eyes watching me, like a deadly predator planning to devour its prey. I didn't mind. I didn't at all. I've mastered the art of eye contact, as well as its counterpart.
But this is the first time his eyes were fixated on me all the time. Sa pagsubo ko ng pancake, sa pagtipa ko sa laptop, sa paghigop ko ng kape, lahat ay nakaobserba siya! It was obviously making me uncomfortable. Wala naman siyang pakialam nu'ng mga nakaraang araw. Sana nanatili na lang siyang ganoon!
Tumayo ako nang matapos sa kinain. Isang sulyap ang iginawad ko sa kanya na hindi ko dapat ginawa. He was gawking at me with full attention, then the side of his lips rose. Mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin at lumabas.
Nakasakay na ako sa sasakyan ko nang maalala ko na naman ang pagngisi niya. He was mocking me! Kung galit siya dahil sa charger, bahala siya sa buhay niya. It's not my fault he didn't charge his laptop!
Buhat ng inis ko, aksidente kong napaabante ang sasakyan na naging sanhi upang masira ang bumper ng sasakyan sa may harapan. Nagpanic ako. Nabangga ko ang isang mamahaling sport's car!
"Oh my god!"
I got out of my car and gasped when I saw the damaged I did to the car's bumper! Naisuklay ko ang buhok sa sobrang inis. Bwisit! Anong gagawin ko ngayon nito?
"What did you do to my car?"
Napatalon ako sa biglang nagsalita sa likod ko. Igting ang mga pangang lumapit si Kairon sa kinaroroonan ko. I was shaking in fear. Oh my goodness! Hindi ko naman talaga kasalanan! Kasalanan nu'ng... nu'ng sasakyan ko!
"I-It's yours?"
"You did a severe damage." He looked at his sport's car, shaking his head in disbelief. It's definitely his!
Agad akong humingi ng dispensa. "Hindi ko sinasadya. It was an accident-"
"It was my favourite car."
Napalunok ako roon. "I can pay for the damages-"
"I don't need your money." His head turned to me. Ang nakakatakot at tila nangmamahak niyang mga mata ang sumalubong sa akin. Napahakbang ako paatras dahil sa pagkabigla.
Ito ang unang beses na nakasira ako ng sasakyan ng ibang tao. Sure, I can pay but if he's not willing to settle, I can't do anything!
"How am I going to pay you, then?"
Doon niya ako mariing tinitigan, para bang hinihintay niyang sabihin ko ang mga salitang iyon. Then, a mischievous smirk spreaded his lips. "We can settle this by filing a case-"
"What? No! Hindi ko naman sinasadya, e!" Bakit kaso agad?! Kung sinadya ko saka siya magfile ng kaso! "It was purely unintentional. I also said I'm willing to pay how much the repair might cost!"
Humakbang siya palapit, umatras naman ako. "I also said I don't need your money." He sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose. Akala ko ay tuluyan siyang magagalit ngunit nanatili siyang kalmado.. na mababakasan ng pagkatuwa sa nangyayari. "I think this is karma. The tables have turned, eh?"
I gave him a disbelieving look. "Wow. Do you want me to beg?"
"See? You don't even feel sorry."
"Oi! I am sorry! Sorry na, okay?!" Saka dumako ang paningin ko sa kanyang tattoo sa kaliwang braso. I gasped.
We stayed silent for a while, sensing each other. Marami siyang kinausap sa telepono habang nakatayo lang ako roon, pinipilit na huwag matumba sa kabila ng nanlalambot kong mga tuhod. Hanggang leeg niya lang ako kaya bahagya akong nakatingala sa kanya.
This man, he exudes such aura that is malevolent and mischievous at the same time. If that makes any sense.
He looked at me afterwards. "Give me your number. I'd text you how you can pay me back."
"Huh?" I gulped. "O-Okay."
Wala na akong nagawa dahil gusto ko na ring matapos ito. I gave him my phone. Tinitigan niya iyon bago kinuha, nakataas ang kilay. Sa pagkakatayo ko ay kitang-kita ko ang pagkatangos ng kanyang ilong. Gosh, this man is, well, so fine!
Binalik niya sakin ang aking phone. Marahil ay nailagay na niya ang kanyang numero.
"Let's see how we can settle this... Alonzo." I had hoped that the pounding of my chest would not be loud enough for him to hear. Nanghihina ako sa hindi malamang dahilan. He uttered my name in such a sensual but mocking manner, if that's possible. May tinawagan siya sa telepono habang nakatingin sa akin. Slowly, he raised a brow. "I'm Kairon, by the way. Nice to meet you."
Ikinuwento ko kila Maggie ang nangyari kinabukasan. They laughed at me. Nagmukha raw akong asong bahag ang buntot! Paano ba naman kasi. Nagulat talaga ako dahil maingat naman ako kung magmaneho! First time kong may mabangga at ang malala pa, sasakyan ng lalaking iyon!
"Diba ayon 'yung Gallegos na pinagpapantasyahan ni Devone, Maggie? Kairon daw, e." saad ni Charyl saka kumain ng chips.
"Oo. Bukod sa may itsura, magaling din sa field ng aerospace engineering. Sikat na engineer ba naman, e. Lowkey pero madalas nalilink sa iba't ibang mga babae."
Kairon Andreus Gallegos. I've been thinking about that name for quite a while now. Simula nu'ng araw na nabangga ko ang sasakyan niya kahapon, laman na ng isip ko iyong lalaking iyon. He's a Gallegos, one of the prominent and riches name recorded in Europe. They own an aerospace company which is globally known for its highest quality, best services and the strategies they make to be on top.
"He came from a rich family," I uttered.
"Someone did her research!" Isang araw sabi ni Maggie. Kasalukuyan kaming nasa garden nila Daseri at nagkukwentuhan. My father's mansion is never an option when we meet like this. "Pukingina, h'wag mo sabihin saking pinagnanasahan mo na 'yung lalaking 'yon!"
"Hayaan mo na nang madiligan naman!" Tawa ni Charyl. I glared at the both of them.
"Nagsearch lang ako, pinagnanasahan ko na agad?! Can't it be that I plan to make him disappear without anyone noticing?"
"Namo, accla! Brutal ampucha."
"He's been with a lot of women. Linked to a lot of popular gorgeous female celebrities and beauty queens. In short, a womaniser." Iling ni Daseri. "He may be an exceptional in his field, but he's still a playboy."
"Playboy na masarap!"
"True! Playboy na may big dick energy!"
Ikot ng mga mata ang naging tugon ko kila Maggie at Charyl. I looked at Selene molding the grass from afar.
"You know, you could've been productive if you'd help Selene over there! Wala na nga kayong mga ambag sa lipunan sinisira niyo pa ang araw ko!" ani ko. Ngumiwi si Daseri.
"Ulol! Taxpayer ako!"
"Weh? Sabi mo sakin plano mong iwasan na magbayad ng tax nang hindi ka nakukulong!" Kontra ni Charyl kay Maggie.
"Bakit? Politiko ba ko para gawin 'yon? Ha?"
Sasakit yata ang ulo ko sa dalawa. They are so nosy! Ang lalaking iyon pa lagi ang topic!
But, as I think about it deeply, I wonder what his condition may be. Ang lakas din ng tama no'n, e. Halatang gumaganti dahil lang sa hindi ko pagpapahirap ng charger! Had I not accidentally damaged his car, I'm certain our paths wouldn't cross again.
"Anyway, I'd hope to see you guys tomorrow. Sa isang club lang sa BGC." Si Daseri maya-maya, humalukipkip. She invited us to the celebration of her anniversary with her husband. Bukas ang ikaunang taon nilang kasal.
"Pacelebrate-celebrate pa, maghiwalay na lang kayo!" Buwelta ni Maggie. Natawa ako. She has a point!
Di makapaniwalang suminghap si Charyl. "Naneto talaga ni Maggie. Pero sana nga."
"That's entirely the reason kung bakit walang nagtatagal na lalaki sa inyo," nagsusungit na balik ni Daseri. I laughed hilariously.
We discussed a lot of things before we agreed to go home. They have asked me when do I plan to work. I am, as of now, literally jobless. I told them once I got a place to move, I'd immediately work my ass off. My agency's well aware of my situation and they advised me to take a break, for a while at least. My friends offered their own places but I declined. Gusto ko sa bahay na matitirhan ay 'yung sarili kong condo na matatawag kong akin.
Bago umuwi ay pasikreto kong dinaanan ang kapatid na nakaratay ngayon sa hospital. Kasama ko si Liza na ayaw pang sumama noong una dahil kinakabahan daw siya sa tatay ko. Naiintindihan ko siya. Pero nang marinig na dadagdagan ko ang sahod niya, siya pa ang humila sa akin dito. I didn't tell anybody about this. Liza's the one who knew about my plan. Kasalukuyan kaming nasa hallway ng hospital, bahagyang tago na wala gaanong nakakakita, minamatyagan ang private room ng kapatid.
"You know what to do. You must distract them." I held both of her shoulders, determined. She didn't look hesitant and I secretly admired her courage.
"Aye, aye, Captain!" I grinned at myself. Para siyang bata na madaling mauto. Palakad na siya sa hallway pero biglang bumalik sa tabi ko. She irritably scratched her right ear. "Putangina naman kasi, Miss! Ang hirap naman maging parte ng pamilya mo."
Pinandilatan ko siya. "You should be lucky, then! You're privileged enough not to end up being part of my family!"
"Talaga naman! Hindi ko kaya kaya na kailangan ko pang pumuslit para lang makita ang comatose kong kapatid!"
Ang daldal niya talaga kahit kailan. I shooed her away. Lumapit siya sa dalawang bodyguard at nagkunwaring mahihimatay. Kung di ko lang kailangan ng katulong ngayon, iiwan ko na siya dahil nakakahiya ang ginagawa namin! Her acting's unbelievably realistic, though. The two bodyguards panicked and helped her, leaving their post. Hence, I immediately sneaked inside the room before anyone could even notice.
Ang malamig na atmosphere ang sumalubong sa akin. Noiseless and dismal, these were the first two words I dare use to describe the feeling inside. My sight drifted to my younger brother. Nakapikit ang kanyang mga mata at may oxygen na nakakabit sa kanya. He's pale and thin, but he looked peaceful.
Nanginginig ang mga kamay na lumapit ako. Ngayon ko lang nakitang ganito kakalmado ang mukha ni Cluskey. Maybe because he wasn't physically abused anymore. Wala nang magsasabi sa kanya ng masasakit na salita. Wala nang Daddy na ipipilit siyang patigasin. Wala nang taong araw-araw magpaparamdam sa kanya na mahina siya. I smiled sadly.
"Pasensya na, Cluskey. Ngayon lang ako nakabisita. I hope you won't get mad at me." My voice broke.
Kung may ibang tao akong pinahahalagahan bukod sa aking ina, si Cluskey iyon. Back then, he was so blue when I left for London. But he managed to smile because he knew it was for my dream. It was the warmest smile I have seen. Madalas siyang paluin ng tatay namin. Daddy always claimed he's too soft for a man. He scolded him and treated him coldly despite of his awareness of my brother's condition.
I smiled as I caressed his black hair with my bare hands. "Ikaw talaga. Sa dami ng pamilya mong pwedeng mapuntahan... sa amin ka pa bumagsak." You're too unlucky, Cluskey Alonzo. Iyon na lang ang iiwasan mo, hindi mo pa talaga ginawa.
For the past years, I've been vocal about my pain. Alam ng mga kaibigan ko kung gaano katindi ang sakit na dinulot ng pag-alis ni Mama kahit hindi niya pa man ginusto. I resented my father because of it. He treated us nothing like as his own as we grew up. But then in those years, I realised that if I am hurting because of my family, my younger brother is too.
Kung nasaktan ako sa pang-aabuso ni Daddy, nasaktan din siya. My pain is valid but isn't the only one that's significant.
Lumabas ako sa kwarto niya na lumuluha. Liza immediately gave me tissue, I wiped my tears. "Kamusta, Miss?"
"He's still not awake. But I think he'd manage. Kapatid ko 'yon, e." Isang ngiti ang iginawad sa akin ni Liza bago kami sabay na lumabas ng hospital.
Nagpaalam siya agad dahil hinahanap na siya ng kanyang pamilya. Sometimes, without her knowledge, I envy her. Kahit 'yung mga kaibigan kong may buong pamilya. Theirs aren't perfect but at least they have each other. Hindi katulad ng pamilya kong hindi na nga kumpleto, hindi pa pwedeng masandalan.
I stayed at the hospital for a while. Sinabi kong gusto ko munang manatili roon kahit na ilang minuto. Kapag umuwi ako, sasama lang ang aking loob. It's already five in the afternoon, the sun's already bidding its goodbye.
I sighed as I walked to the garden. The pea-green grass embraced my feet. Its display of the variety of perfectly arranged flower would have anybody in awe. Maraming pasyente ang nasa garden, ang ibang nakaupo sa mga bench, tahimik, at pinanonood ang napakagandang senaryo. This is quite a view, I said to myself.
Pero gano'n na lang ang gulat ko dahil saktong pagtungo ko sa pinakagitna ng hardin, nakita ko roon si Kairon. He was sitting at the bench, eyes were focused at the setting sky. Tumayo siya at nang tumalikod ay saka ako napansin.
Nagkatitigan kami.
I was stunned. Bahagya akong napaatras dahil sa gulat. His face, like a glacial in the midst of the void, has shown nothing. Tinitigan ko siyang mabuti. Unti-unti, napangisi siya at lumapit sa akin, ang mga kamay ay nasa bulsa ng suot niyang pantalon.
"Are you that eager to see me to follow me here?"
Napakurap-kurap ako. Mariin ang kanyang titig sa akin kaya ibinalik ko iyon sa kanya.
I scoffed. "As far as I know, this hospital isn't yours. And don't get ahead of yourself. I'm not even interested in you." Siniringan ko siya. "This is just.. a coincidence."
It's true, though! Coincidence naman talaga ito. Kung iniisip niyang sinundan ko siya, bahala na siya sa buhay niya. Opinion niya 'yan, ayokong pakialaman.
"We've met, however, for times that couldn't be counted in fingers. Our plenty encounters don't count as mere coincidence, Alonzo." Iyon na naman ang nang-aasar niyang tono! Nakakainis talaga siya! Bago pa ako makapagsalita ay naunahan na niya ako. "Anyway, have you thought what I might possibly want you to pay me back?"
I haven't given it much thought. Tinitigan ko ang kaliwang braso niya. He's wearing a plain white shirt that made his lion tattoo evident. Its eyes were frigid, that you could almost vivid it's roaring.
Ibinalik ko sa kanya ang paningin.
"Bakit hindi mo na lang kasi tanggapin ang pera ko? I said I'm willing to pay for the damages." Hindi ko talaga siya maintindihan. Mas lalo niya lang pinapakumplikado ang sitwasyon namin!
"I have plenty. Why would I need money from someone else?" Nakakainsulto 'yon. Ang yabang, hindi lang naman siya ang may pera!
"Kung gano'n, anong gusto mo?"
"Hmm, I haven't thought of it really. I told you, I will text you."
Iniisip ko na sa kung paanong paraan ako maaaring makabayad sa kanya. I admit, he's sinfully hot. Gwapo na kung gwapo. But hot guys aren't supposed to mess the life of girls like me! Hindi naman ako ginaganito ng mga lalaki kong nakilala sa ibang bansa. They adore me. Bungod-tangi siyang ginagawang problema ang sarili sa buhay ko!
"Mommy, look! Ang ganda nu'ng sky, o!"
Sabay kaming napalingon sa batang babae na nagsalita. Our eyes drifted to the sky. The sun blossomed upon the clouds with red and gold scheme, as though the greatest painter of history has painted its magestic beauty so that everyone can witness his masterpiece.
"Ang ganda nga, anak."
Then our eyes met. The depth of his eyes had me drowned for a couple of minutes. His eyes speaks for him. The rays of the sun has highlighted his flushed skin and the precision of his face, its gleam reflected through the silver shade of his dangerous eyes.
Tumingin akong muli sa nagpapaalam na araw. It's calming. When I looked at the man beside, he was facing me. My lips twisted. Of all people, he was the least I expected to see here. Sasamaan ko na sana siya ng tingin ngunit ibinalik niya ang mga mata sa nawawalang araw. Pinanood naming sabay iyon hanggang sa matapos.
"Perhaps I should expect our next encounter, Alonzo."
shandreev