Chapter 12

Tigagal ako ng ilang segundo. Tuluyan nang nilisan ng boses ko ang kakayahang makapagsalita ngayong nandito na si Blake sa harapan ko. My lips trembled as a futile attempt to say something to him.

"Anong... anong ginagawa mo dito?"

His face darkened. I watched in awe as he ran the tip of his tongue across his lower lip. The long eyelashes of his casted a shadow on the tip of his high cheekbones.

"Hindi natin nakita ang isa't isa sa loob ng dalawang taon tapos ito ang itatanong mo sa akin?"

I blinked, completely taken aback. And then I smiled ruefully as I realized how rude I was to him. Humugot ako ng isang malalim na hininga. Mind your manners, Anna. Blake is a good family friend. You shouldn't be nasty to him.

"Nice seeing you again, Blake..."

"That statement usually goes with a smile..." he sighed. "But okay. Nice to see you too, Savannah..."

I tilted my head and studied him. He's still the same Blake that I left two years ago. Parang walang pinagbago. He can still make my heart flutter and burst into thousand pieces. I thought the separation between the two of us will make my feelings go away. Pero mas lalo pa atang lumala ngayong nakita ko na siya ulit.

"Bakit ka nga nandito?" I insisted. "Paano mo ako nahanap?"

"I have connections." He said nonchalantly. "But it wasn't easy, though. I have to visit each and every property that the Villafuerte family owns. Ferdinand Villafuerte is a very private person. I can't get any information from his men no matter how much I bribe them."

I frowned. "Why were you looking for me, anyway?"

"Isn't it obvious?" he tilted his head to bask in the glory of the sun. It made his flawless skin glow. Kulang nalang ay mga camera upang kunan siya ng litrato. He looks like he's modelling for the sunglasses. "I am an impatient man, Savannah. I can't just wait for you to go back to La Union. I needed to find you."

My heart fluttered again. I bit my lower lip and glanced away when I saw him glancing down at me. Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko. And the growing number of curious stares from the students aren't helping either. In a small, sleepy town of Negros Occidental, a face like Blake's is like a celebrated figure to them. When a man's got a face that is sculpted to be worshipped by females, it's hard to keep him to myself. Marami talaga akong kaagaw, pati sa simpleng paghanga man lang sa mukha niya.

"Hindi kita pwedeng dalhin sa mansion, Blake." Mahina kong imik sa kaniya. "Nakikitira lang ako sa Lolo ko. Tsaka, hindi alam ni Papa kung saan kami ngayon. Ayaw ni Mama ng kahit anong komunikasyon sa Papa ko."

"I see. Is that why you never called or texted me?"

I slowly nodded, ashamed.

"I'll be staying here in Negros Occidental until your birthday. Can I take Jessica here too, the next time I visit?"

My eyes glinted in so much joy as I looked up to him and nodded excitedly like a child.

Blake smiled at me. "Good. Because she's been nagging me like crazy. Ilang araw pagkatapos mong umalis, bigla nalang siyang lumitaw sa opisina ko at sinuntok ako sa mukha. Duwag daw ako, kasi hindi kita pinigilan..."

My eyes widened. Jess has never mentioned that to me!

"Blake, I'm sorry—"

"It's nothing, really. Pero malakas talaga sumuntok ang kaibigan mo..." he chuckled in amusement, touching a part of his chiseled jaw as if he could still feel the pain of Jess' punch. "Her punch woke me up. I'm really a fucking coward, Savannah. Kaya hinanap kita..."

I nodded again, and then shifted my weight as I grew nervous around him again. The first several drops of rain made me tilt my head as it darkened the dry asphalt. Pati si Blake ay tiningala ang nagdidilim na langit.

"Hindi ba kita pwedeng ihatid sa inyo?"

"Blake, kakasabi ko lang—"

"Kahit sa kanto nalang..." seryoso niyang wika. "I can't go back to my hotel knowing that you'll be going home alone."

I sighed, and then nodded in defeat. "Fine, fine."

Nag-isang sulyap ako at nakitang nakatingin pala sa akin ang iilan sa mga kaklase ko. I quickly averted my gaze and climb inside the car. Sumunod si Blake sa loob ng kotse. Saktong pagbuhay niya sa makina ay ang malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan. Nagsitakbuhan ang mga estyudante at nag-unahan sa pagsilong sa maliit na waiting shed sa tabi ng gate.

I stared at the raindrops knocking at the windows of the car as Blake slowly drove. He's a reckless driver, but I've always noticed him slowing down when he has a passenger. His sense of responsibility is something I've always admired since I was little.

Without asking for his permission, I fiddled with the radio and browed through different channels. When I caught Lana del Rey's sultry voice, I immediately stopped and started singing along to her 'Radio'. Paminsan-minsan ay sumusulyap si Blake sa akin, may naglalarong ngiti sa mga labi. I would grin at him and would continue to sing along. My mother is a big fan of del Rey, and I grew up listening to her classic songs in the mansion. Blake likes to listen to rock songs, but seeing that this is just a rented car, he has no power over the playlists and today must've been my lucky day to stumble across one of LDR's songs.

"There's the mansion..." I squinted through the busy wipers moving left and right and the heavy pour of the rain on the car. From afar, I could see Barin by the doorway sitting patiently, waiting for me. I smiled when I saw him.

"Is that a..."

"A puma? Yes."

He doesn't seem shocked to see one, though. He stared at Barin with adoration as the big cat started licking its paw.

"So, it's true. Ferdinand Villafuerte is really into exotic animals."

I smiled cutely at him. "Isn't he a cute little thing?"

"He's cute, but not little." When realization sank, his face darkened a bit. Nag-seryoso siya. "Are you sure he's safe to be with? Baka magalusan ka, Anna—"

"It's okay. Hindi naman siya patitirahin ni Lolo Ferdie sa bahay kung nananakit siya. Barin is a trained cat. He's still a kitten and likes to play a lot. Dinadamba lang niya ako kapag nanggigigil pero nakikinig naman siya."

"Are you sure?" he doesn't sound very convinced. The song is about to end and I'm nodding my head up and down happily.

"I'm sure..."

"Mababasa ka ng ulan." Blake reached out for my arm when I was about to open the door.

I glanced at him and smiled again. "It's okay, Blake. Tatakbuhin ko nalang ang mansion."

"Okay. Take a bath and change, then."

"Okay."

"And drink some water."

"Yes, Blake."

"And some aspirin—"

"Blake, I'm turning eighteen." I cut him off with a sly smile. "I'm not the sixteen-year old kid you used to take care. I'm not a kid anymore."

His eyes changed again, this time with darkness swirling in his orbs. Nakabalot pa rin ang malakas niyang braso sa pulso ko.

"Yes, you're not a kid anymore..." he said in a raspy tone.

Hindi na ako sumagot pa. Unti-unting lumuwag ang pagkakahawak niya sa akin. I stepped one foot outside and let the mud and the rain kiss my school shoes.

"I'll call you tomorrow."

I nodded again and with my designer bag on top of my head, climb out of the car and ran to the mansion.

Through the thick pour of the rain, I watched his car from the doorway with Barin next to me. He honked twice before he slowly pulled and drive away.

It was always a challenge to earn the trust of a Villafuerte. Dati, halos hindi pa ako payagan na makalapit nang basta-basta kay Barin. Lolo Ferdie is afraid that he'd react violently to strangers. But once he saw that we were slowly becoming friends, he'd let me take care of him as he cannot do the usual chores anymore with the same youthful energy.

"Pwede ko po bang ipasyal si Barin ngayong hapon?"

Lolo Ferdie set down his cup of coffee and stared at me seriously. "Ipapasyal mo si Barin?"

I refused the strong urge to bit my lower lip and nodded. Bukas ay kaarawan ko na. Blake and I have been secretly seeing each other over the past two weeks. I took him to the only coffee shop in town, visited some antique shops, shopped for clothes in small boutique stores, and visited the beach. This afternoon, we agreed to meet in the rice fields. Abala ang mga tao ngayon sa paghahanda para sa party ko bukas. Even though I told Lola Amelia countless times that I don't want a party, she ignored me and pushed the idea. Sinuportahan naman siya ni Mama kaya wala na rin akong nagawa. I just can't toss the champagne ball gown they'd bought for me and the glassy heels that would go with the dress.

"Hindi naman po kami magtatagal, Lolo. Tsaka bored na rin si Barin dito. I'm sure he'd like some fresh air."

At the mention of his name, Barin tilted his head expectantly. He was nuzzling comfortably by the doorway, scaring the nervous housekeepers who were serving us the breakfast food.

"Sige. Gusto mo pa bang magpasama kay Tonyo?"

"Ayos lang po ako. Kaya ko naman si Barin." I turned to him and winked. "Right, boy?"

He purred again, his jewel eyes shining, and then went back to sleep. Mama and Lola Amelia are still busy discussing the decorations for tomorrow's event.

"Pupunta ako ng bayan mamaya, Anna. May ipapabili ka ba?" si Mama na kanina ko pa napansing maganda ang gising.

"Wala naman po..."

She nodded and turned to her mother again, as they pick up their discussion on what appetizers to serve.

Napanguso ako. I wouldn't be able to invite Blake to my party unless it's a masquerade event. My mother would definitely spot him and I'm sure she'll get upset. I don't want to be one of her burdens by being a disobedient daughter.

When my phone vibrated, I discreetly glanced at the new message.

Blake:

See you at 3 later. And please don't wear short dresses again.

Inipit ko ang pang-ibabang labi upang pigilan ang pagtakas ng hagikhik. The other day, Blake was horrified when he saw me wearing a thin Brandy Melville dress that's three inches above the knees. The weather is scorching hot, and I had to wear something that would keep me fresh. Apparently, Blake didn't approve of it and we fought until I demanded to just get me home already. Doon pa siya natauhan at nag-sorry sa akin.

I changed Barin's collar that day, even though it was reserved for my birthday and was glad he was not being moody. There are times when he'd just lay in the carpet all day and ignore me, even if I rub his belly. Barin's got a lot more complicated mood swings than a 17-year old girl like me.

Malawak ang palayan nila Lolo Ferdie dito sa Negros. It's his only source of income, aside from the multiple properties that he has in different regions of the country. Kaya nga naging isa sa mga tauhan niya si Papa noon. Lolo said he's disappointed at what my father turned out to be. Had he known that he's going to be a jerk, he must've let my mother cry for weeks when she was 19 than have her heart broken when past 30s.

Sumasayaw sa hangin ang suot kong puting bestida habang si Barin naman ay kalmado na naglalakad. I am holding his leash as he walked and scanning the surroundings for Blake.

A wide smile spread on my lips when I saw him casually chilling under a mango tree. Tagaktak din ang pawis niya. He hasn't seen me yet so I had the privilege of watching him shrug off his brown leather jacket, revealing a white wife-beater shirt that could barely conceal his toned abs and ripped muscles.

Barin snarled at the sight of a stranger, and that's when Blake turned to us. I already told him earlier that I am bringing my pet, and he agreed to meet the black puma I've been telling him all about. A lazy smirk formed in his lips at the sight of us.

"Barin doesn't like tensed people around him..." ani ko habang papalapit kaming dalawa. "So it would be good if you just relax."

"I'm relaxing." He countered with an amused smile on his face.

"I mean... you're not afraid of him, right?"

"He's not on the list of the things that I am afraid of, Anna." Tumayo si Blake at pinagpagan ang kaniyang suot na pantalon. Ginamit niya ang hinubad na jacket upang ilatag sa damuhan. Then he occupied the part without the jacket and patted the fabric.

"Sit here."

I hesitated for a bit. Sinulyapan ko pa muna si Barin na para bang nanghihingi ng permiso. He doesn't seem to care for the new visitor. I unclasped his leash and then touched his cold, black nose.

"Come back here after you're done, okay?"

Halos hindi pa ako tapos sa pagsasalita ay diretso na agad ang takbo ni Barin sa palayan. Anyone who doesn't know him would probably have a heart attack seeing a black puma running wildly on the fields.

I smiled shyly at Blake. Naupo na ako sa inilatag niyang jacket.

"Kanina ka pa?"

"Kakarating ko lang din."

I nodded and then stared at the cerulean-blue sky. Grinning, I turned to him again.

"Birthday party ko bukas sa mansion. I'd really like to invite you but..."

"It's okay, Anna." Blake closed his eyes. Isinandal niya ang ulo sa malaking katawan ng puno. "We can always hang out after the party."

The thought thrilled me, and I immediately agreed. I'm sure the visitors of my party tomorrow are just friends and colleagues of my grandparents, if not workers. Wala naman kasi akong inimbita sa eskwelahan. Jess really wants to come, but it's impossible and she still has work to do after school. She barely has time to sleep, so attending a party that is thousands of miles away from home is next to impossible.

Barin spent the entire afternoon running the fields while we talked in soft voices. I liked how, for the first time I've been here in Negros, I'm starting to relax again. It's like Blake had brought with him my peace of mind and is now helping me to cope up with everything that happened for the past two years.

"I'll treat you some ice cream..." he told me when it was getting dark. Tumayo na ako at pinagpagan ang pang-upo ko. Kinuha ko din ang inilatag niyang jacket at pinagpagan, saka inabot sa kaniya.

"Si Barin—"

"I can wait here till you drop him back to the mansion."

I hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. I won't be seeing him tomorrow until the night, and after tomorrow, I don't know how long he'll stay here. He'll probably go back to La Union. Hindi niya pwedeng basta iwan nalang ang hacienda nila.

"Alright." I said, relieved to see Barin already running towards me. Dumidilim na at kapag hindi siya lumapit ay pahirapan talaga ang paghahanap sa kaniya. "Iuuwi ko muna si Barin."

I attached the leash to his collar gently and then smiled at Blake, before we started walking away. I could tell Barin is exhausted, because there were no detours and playful rubs while we were on our way home. Muling sumilay ang ngiti sa mga labi ko nang mapagtantong tulad ko, gusto ding pahabain ni Blake ang oras na magkasama kaming dalawa.

Pinapasok ko si Barin sa gate at mabilis iyong isinara. He stopped walking and stared at me, confused as to why I'm not coming back with him. I pressed a finger against my lips.

"Ssh. Babalik din agad ako, okay? Dito ka lang..."

Barin continued staring at me, and when I started walking away, leaped to the gate as if calling me back. I waved at him happily before I disappeared into the darkness and ran back to the rice fields.

Bahagya pa akong hinihingal nang makarating ako sa palayan. Blake is waiting outside his rented car. I smiled and immediately went to him.

"Tara?"

He nodded and opened the door for me. bahagyang nagtagal ang tingin niya sa mansion bago niya isinara ang pinto ng sasakyan at umikot upang makasakay na rin. I started buckling my seatbelt while he pulled the car over the muddy terrain, and then drove straight to the shortcut that will lead to the highway.

"Are you making friends here, Anna?" Blake asked casually as he was driving carefully.

"Uhm..."

"No?"

Nahihiya ko siyang sinilip. Blake is someone that would automatically attract people around him. It's impossible for him to be spotted alone in an event, unless he prefers the solitude. Palagi siyang may kasama, may kaibigan, at may kakilala kahit saan siya magpunta.

"They're not like Jessica." I murmured.

"People don't have to be like Jessica for you to be friends with them." He said in a gentle manner. "Go out and have fun, Anna. You're still young. I know you're traumatized by what happened to your family, but you still have a life to live, you know?"

Alanganin akong ngumiti sa kaniya. He's asking me to make friends cause he's worried of me. Now I feel like I really look pathetic in front of him.

Bumagal ang takbo ng sasakyan nang mamataan namin ang 24/7 grocery mart. We do not have the luxury of having an ice cream parlor here. Itinuro ko kay Blake kung saan kami pwedeng mag-park bago bumaba.

Gininaw kaagad ako pagkababa pero hindi ko iyon pinahalata sa kaniya. He'd scold me again for wearing such a short dress. Isinilid ni Blake ang susi ng sasakyan sa kaniyang bulsa saka prenteng naglakad papasok sa grocery mart.

The sleepy female attendant suddenly perked up at the sight of him when we got inside. Pati na rin ang ilang babaeng nakaupo sa cemented tables sa loob ay nagsikuhan nang makita si Blake.

Even here, he's still being adored by many.

"Nandun yung ice cream section..." mahina kong wika.

Kinuha ni Blake ang kamay ko at marahang hinawakan saka ako iginiya patungo sa chest freezer. Naa sa amin pa rin ang mga mata ng tatlong babaeng schoolmates ko pa ata habang namimili ako ng ice cream.

I picked up the strawberry milk flavor and handed it to him, while he casually plucked a dark chocolate popsicle and then we went to the counter. Malaking ngiti ang ibinigay sa kaniya ng nagbabantay. Blake is oblivious of the female adoration he's receiving right now as he paid for our frozen sweets.

Even though there are still vacant seats, I suggested that we eat our ice cream outside. Sumama naman si Blake sa akin. There are cemented benches under the city lamps that most teenagers use for hanging out.

I kept a good distance between the two of us when I sat in the cemented table, already peeling my ice cream and licking the tip of it. Blake was silent as he tore the wrapper of his popsicle, too.

"Kailan ka babalik?"

"Babalik?" marahan niya akong nilingon, bahagyang nakataas ang mga kilay.

I bit my lower lip and gazed away. Every time he stares at me like that, I still feel giddy on the inside. Blake doesn't even have any idea how his stares can affect a lot of women.

"Babalik sa La Union. You can't stay here forever, Blake..."

"Actually, I can."

I sighed out loud. "Blake, if you're still worried about me, I can handle myself just fine. I told you, I'm not a kid anymore—"

"I know. You're not a kid."

"Yes." I said through gritted teeth. "I'm not."

"You're turning eighteen tomorrow, right?"

"Yes."

"Pwede na..."

"Anong pwede na—"

I was silenced when Blake devoured the small distance that was keeping the two of us apart, and then grabbed the back of my neck. A protest stirred at the back of my throat, but it was shoved back when he crashed his lips into mine.

Soft, hot, and demanding. My body trembled against his when I felt his hot tongue dominating inside of my mouth for the first time. The caress of an expert womanizer, and the dominance of a man who knows exactly what and who he wants. My eyes were clouded and my pulse are scrambling. I feel like my chest is about to explode.

Blake decided to drop the melting popsicle to free his other hand and buried his fingers on my hair. Ang lamig sa dulo ng mga daliri niya ay nagpanginig sa buong kalamnan ko. I struggled to breath, as his name circled inside of my head and I could think of nothing else.

"Blake..." I wanted to call for him, but it came out as a moan. And I was embarrassed, especially when I saw his eyes darkened as desire started pooling in his orbs.

He pulled for a brief moment, only to give me limited time to suck as much air as I can when he lowered his lips on me again. This time, it was me who dropped my ice cream.

"Blake—" I whimpered when I saw flashing headlights down the highway. I know the girls in the grocery mart and probably the security guard are watching us, but he didn't care.

Blake pressed a soft kiss on the side of my throat as the vehicle passed by. Then his hot lips went up to my chin again as his hands framed my face.

"I'm sorry, baby..." aniya sa paos na tinig. "I can't stop..." he claimed my lips again, and this time, demanded equal aggressive response. Pakiramdam ko ay malulunod na ako. "—kissing you..."

I know I was only hours from turning 18 back then, but the power that cackled between the two of us when we kissed as if the universe is telling me that after so many years, I can finally reach him.