Chapter 22

Chapter 22




"Daming tao! Ang init pa. Hanep." Reklamo ni Jessica habang hinihiwa namin ang dagat ng taong gustong magpa-enrol sa Sta. Veronica College. Tahimik lang akong nakikipagsiksikan habang si Jess naman ay umaangal sa tuwing may nakakasiko sa kaniya o nababangga ang balikat. Kapag nakikita din niyang may tumutulak sa akin para umabante sa linya ay sinisinghalan niya, dahilan ng paglipad ng tingin ng iilang estyudante sa amin.


"Juice, Anna, gusto mo? O tubig?" aniya habang inaabot sa akin ang isang can ng orange juice. Marahan akong umiling at umabante sa linya.


"Ayos lang."


"Sigurado ka?"


I nodded. Ibinulsa ni Jessica ang inaalok na orange juice at binuksan ang isa. Inilibot niya ang paningin sa paligid.


"College na tayo, Anna. Ang bilis ng panahon, 'no?"


Napangiti ako. Tama. Sobrang bilis nga ng panahon. At sobrang dami rin ng nangyari sa loob ng panahong iyon. I thought my life would be normal. I'd finish high school with Jessica by my side, and then move on to college with the guidance of my parents. Hindi ko akalaing magiging ganito pala.


"I-fill up mo yang registration form tapos ipasa mo sa window 6." Masungit na sabi sa akin sa registrar sabay abot ng manipis na papel. Ni hindi man lang siya nag-angat ng tingin sa akin mula sa kaharap na computer. I quietly accepted the paper and then moved away so Jessica could get hers. Nagtalo pa sila sandali bago tuluyang nakuha ni Jessica ang kaniyang form.


"Sungit-sungit! Matandang gurang naman. Naku!" she muttered angrily under her breath.


Naghanap kami ng bakanteng upuan kung saan pwede kaming mag-fill up sa aming form. While writing, Jessica suddenly lifted her head to stare at me. Tapos ay umugong na ang tanong na alam kong kanina lang niya pinipigilan.


"Ayos ka lang ba talaga, Anna?"


I stopped writing, staring at my paper. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to Jess who looked so worried right now. Her expression reminds me of my mother, whenever I am sick or not feeling good. She'd always have that worried expression that comforts me and helps me to relax, somehow. I always seek for her presence whenever I am feeling bad about myself because she's the only person who can make me feel good.


"Pasensiya ka na, ah? Wala ako nung libing ng tatay mo. Hindi ko rin siya nadalaw sa ospital. Nasa probinsiya ako nung mangyari yun. Nagsisisi nga ako, eh. Kung kailan kailangang-kailangan mo ng kaibigan, saka pa ako wala."


I smiled ruefully. Umiling ako at inabot ang braso niya upang pisilin. "Ayos lang, Jess. Alam kong nagtatrabaho at nag-iipon ka para sa kolehiyo."


"Oo, eh. Dapat second semester pa ako magpapa-enrol para makapag-ipon ako nang maayos kaso naiisip kita. Ayokong iwan ka nalang basta-basta. Iyakin ka pa naman."


Tumawa kaming dalawa sa sinabi niya. But deep inside, gumagaan ang loob ko. I'm still so lucky to have Jessica in my life. She's a good person and an excellent friend.


While we were filling up our forms, the delightful moans of the girls near us caught our attention. Nag-angat ulit ako ng tingin upang makita kung sino ang pinagkakaguluhan nila. Nagsisikuhan na yung tatlong babae at nang sinundan ko ang tingin nila ay bumagsak ito kay Blake.


Still fresh from work, Blake carelessly toss his car keys and placed his Raybans on the bridge of his nose, walking like he owns the place. Pati ang ilan ay napapatingin din sa kaniya. His sports car is enough to capture the attention of many but when they saw who's driving, the girls are starting to get crazy. Hindi pa iyon napapansin ni Jessica dahil abala siya sa pagfi-fill up ng kaniyang form.


"Mukhang mayaman, sis!"


"Sugar daddy!"


"Diba Sobreval yan? 'Nong ginagawa niya dito?"


"Wala na akong pakialam kung anong ginagawa niya dito. Basta akin siya! Asawa ko yan!"


I flinched at the vulgarity of words thrown by the girls who were watching his every move. Nagsimulang gumapang ang pagka-irita sa akin ngayong nakikita silang nababaliw sa boyfriend ko. Suplada na akong nakatingin sa kanila, nanliliit ang mga mata. Blake texted me earlier that he's going to see me after enrolment, as soon as he's done in work. I guess he went out early, because now he's here and people are going crazy over his mere existence.


"Bakit hindi ka pa nagsusulat—oh..." a sly smile curved into Jessica's unpainted lips. "Nandito pala si Blake." Pinanuod niyang huminto si Blake sa gitna ng field. The morning light basking into his skin made him glow like some Greek god and it infuriated me more! Parang mamamatay na ata kakatingin ang mga babaeng kanina pa siya pinagpapantasyahan. "Hinahanap ka ata, Anna."


Hindi ako sumagot at nanatiling nakatingin sa kaniya. Let's see if he can find me in the crowd. He tried to pull out his phone and seconds later, mine vibrated. I know he's asking where I am right now, but I'm not answering. Tahimik lang akong nanunuod kung papaano niya ako tutuntunin.


He advanced after receiving no reply. Habang palapit siya ay mas lalo namang lumalakas ang tilian ng mga babae sa harapan namin. Pati iyon ay napansin na din ni Jessica.


"Ang haharot, Anna! Ano, upakan na natin?"


Hinawakan ko kaagad ang braso ni Jessica nang akmang tatayo na siya. Napatingin tuloy siya sa akin nang nagtataka. I shook my head. She sighed.


"Hay nako. Kahit kailan talaga..." dahan-dahan siyang umupo. Nang balikan ko ng tingin ay tuluyan nang pumasok si Blake sa lobby at patuloy pa rin akong hinahanap. Some girls are trying to talk to him, asking him what he might need but he politely ignored them and went on.


Leaning against the side of the wall, I tapped the end of my pen against the paper I'm holding while still watching him. Despite everything that happened, I still can't believe that this man is into me. I thought we would grow to be good friends but now we're kissing and touching each other and it just felt so right. My mind is clouded of him when we were away and now that I'm back and he's here, I still couldn't take him off my mind.


Bahagyang nakaawang ang bibig ni Blake habang nililibot ng tingin ang paligid. Then, he saw me. My heart leapt to my throat when our gazes locked. Umusli ang gilid ng kaniyang labi nang sa wakas ay makita ako. It would've been better if I'm doing something when he saw me! Now he'll know that I've been watching him all the time. Nakakahiya...


"OMG! Papunta siya dito!"


"Tangina, yung panty ko mahuhulog ata!"


"Sis, blessing na to! Amen, Lord!"


Umikot ang mga mata ko nang patuloy na maglikot ang mga babae sa harapan. Binilisan ni Blake ang paglalakad patungo sa kinaroroonan ko. The girls stiffened when he finally neared us. Sumabog ang panglalaki niyang amoy na noon ko pa memoryado. It has always been his signature scent. Hindi gaanong katapang at nagtatagal sa mga bagay na hinahawakan niya.


Nilagpasan niya ang mga babae at huminto sa harapan ko. The three girls sharply turned to us and squinted their eyes. Napanganga sila nang hawakan ni Blake ang magkabilang pisngi ko at pinaulanan ako ng halik sa labi.


"I've been looking everywhere for you," he whispered, while brushing his lips against mine. Nanigas ako sa kinauupuan ko. May naririnig pa akong hiyawan mula sa likod, sa mga estyudanteng nakakita sa ginawa at ginagawa niya ngayon.


"Hoy! Nasa loob pa kayo ng campus! Gusto mo bang ma-expel to si Anna nang hindi pa nae-enrol?" natatawang saway sa amin ni Jessica.


Natawa si Blake. He leaned away and then glanced at the paper I am busy writing. "Still not done?"


Umiling ako at ibinagsak ang tingin sa papel. "Uhm... hindi pa, eh. Baka mainip ka kakahintay, medyo matagal pa kami dito."


"It's okay. Sasamahan ko kayong dalawa ni Jessica. Then we'll have lunch."


"Naku, Blake, ang usapan naming dalawa ni Anna sa karenderya lang kami kakain ngayong tanghali! Hindi ko alam na darating ka pala..."


Medyo nangunot ang noo ni Blake at binalingan ako. "Kumakain ka pala sa karenderya, Anna?"


Nahihiya akong tumango. Sa totoo lang, I've been trying to save money and be frugal ever since I got access to my trust funds. All the other properties are still in my father's name until I turned 23. Kaya binabalak kong magtipid, lalo pa't hindi pa rin nakakabangon ngayon ang hacienda. I should be very wise in spending my money until I graduate college and start taking over the hacienda fully. Sa ngayon ay pinag-aaralan ko muna ang operasyon para may ideya ako kung paano lulutasin ang kasalukuyang problema na kinakaharap namin ngayon.


"I'll treat the both of you to lunch." He offered.


"Huwag na, Blake. Masarap naman kumain sa karenderya, tsaka mura pa."


Nag-aalangan akong tiningnan ni Blake. I know he could afford to treat us to any restaurant that we like, but I just couldn't take it. Nangako ako sa sarili ko that I wouldn't rely on any man's money. I have my own and I will spend it wisely.


"Alright, then. Kakain ako sa karenderya kasama kayo."


Kahit anong pangungumbinse ko kay Blake ay hindi ko na napabago ang isip niya. Jessica agreed too, that he should dine in eateries for a change. He stayed with us and patiently waited while we went through the process of enrolment. Nang matapos kami ay kumain kami sa isang maliit ngunit malinis na karenderya sa labas ng campus. Katulad ng nangyari kanina ay pinagkaguluhan na naman siya ng mga babae sa loob. Pati ang babaeng nagbabantay ay inalukan pa siya ng libreng softdrinks at sumama ang tingin sa akin nang makitang panay ang hawak ni Blake sa kamay ko.


Maybe it was his rugged, yet formal attractiveness that had girls getting crazy over him. He's a man with vision and an intelligent businessman. You would know it at first glance.


Nang matapos kaming kumain ay nagpaalam na si Jessica na magtatrabaho sa bagong part-time na nakuha niya. Gusto pa sana namin siyang ihatid ni Blake pero umaayaw na siya kaya hinayaan nalang namin. Blake turned to me as I waved goodbye to Jessica.


"I'll drive you home."


I nodded and followed him to his waiting sports car. Streaks of orange are bursting in the sky, indicating the entrance of glorious sunset sooner or later. It was a sight to behold and one of my favorite things here in La Union. Kahit nasaang parte ka ng bayan ay makikita mo ang magandang paglubog ng araw.


"Babalik ka pa ba sa opisina?" tanong ko nang makapasok na din siya at inaayos ang sariling seatbelt. Blake gave me a quick glance and shook his head. The engine roared to life a few seconds later.


"Reuben is getting married and we're meeting his girl for the first time. My father wouldn't shut up about it. He's very ecstatic to have grandchildren so he forces his sons to get married already..."


Natawa ako sa sinabi niya. I know the oldest Sobreval is already married and now, Reuben. Si Blake nalang ang naiwang hindi pa ikinakasal.


"Do you want to come?"


"To your house?" gulat kong tanong sa kaniya.


He nodded as he pulled off the curb.


"I-I don't think..."


"Come on, Anna. Everyone in the house knows you. Dad would love to see you, too."


"Does he know that we're... dating?"


"Of course. You'll hear him nag tonight about us getting married as soon as you step inside."


Namula ang mga pisngi ko sa sinabi niya. Upang pagtakpan ang kahihiyan ay ibinaling ko ang ulo sa puting railings na pumo-protekta sa mula sa bangin na dadalhin ka patungo sa bayolenteng dagat.


"Have dinner with us. Dad cooks the most excellent pasta."


I nodded again. Blake grinned in approval. Instead of taking the usual path that leads to our mansion, he made a U-turn and went back to town to take the other road. While we were driving, I remained silent. Valerie had been nothing but a headache these past few days. Palagi niyang sinasabi tuwing umaga sa hapag-kainan na pupuntahan niya ang hacienda upang tingnan ang sitwasyon doon ngunit palagi ang totoo'y gumagala lang siya kasama ng mga amiga sa kalapit-bayan. She's spending the money she got as a token, and she has her own credit card, too! My father's account is still paying for all her whims, and I'm looking for a way to deactivate it sooner or later. She even mentioned of hosting a party in the mansion and when I asked her for what celebration, she shrugged and said she feels like throwing a party.


Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa lahat ng mga ginagasto ni Valerie. Just the other day, I saw Steve parking a brand-new car inside the garage. When I asked him where he got the money for the car, he retorted by saying that his mom loaned it for him because he doesn't want to commute to school. And I have a very strong feeling that she's using my father's account again to spoil his son.


Nararamdaman ko ang panaka-nakang pagbaling ni Blake sa akin habang nagmamaneho siya. Halos hindi na ako gumagalaw sa kinauupuan ko. Nang hindi makayanan ay tuluyan na niya akong tinanong.


"What are you thinking, Anna?"


I turned to him, and saw hope. I am so ashamed of myself for not noticing that since the beginning, he had always been there for me. He may be just lurking in the shadows, but Blake never left. I did.


"That I... I love you..." I said in almost a whisper.


Blake's face turned serious. Nagulat ako nang bigla niyang inihinto ang sasakyan. He pulled into the shoulder of the road and without saying a word, grabbed the back of my neck to pull me closer.


As soon as I felt his lips against mine, my body softened and trembled beneath his. I could hear the roars of my heart, demanding for more when he started savaging inside of my mouth, dominating, searching, marking every inch of it as his.


I flinched when I felt his other hand making slow, lazy circles at my jean-clad thighs. Pinipilit kong suklian ang intensidad ng mga halik niya but I couldn't keep up. I could feel his ragged breathing as my self-control slipped and flew out of the window. Blake's teeth nipped at my bottom lip, breathing me as I breathe him and then deepened the kiss by tilting my head to the side.


At his he was gentle, but as seconds passed by I could feel his kisses are getting hungry and more demanding. His grip on my thighs tightened as the last streaks of orange exploded into the sky before the first touch of night sky slowly went down.


"Anna, I want you." He said in his raspy voice, still brushing his lips against mine. Nanginginig ako at namumungay ang mga mat ana nakatingin sa kaniya.


"Blake..." I said in a moan.


"Oh, God." He shut his eyes as I rested my palm on his shoulders. "I want you so bad, baby..."


I smiled weakly. No one ever made me feel so wanted than Blake. I am always trying to be strong in front of others but with him I let myself feel weak. I know that I am threading dangerous waters, because I am giving him the power to hurt me but I just don't care.


Pinaglaruan ng mga daliri ni Blake ang strap ng suot kong blouse. He's slowly sliding it off my shoulders while I'm still trying to regain the composure that I lost when he kissed me senseless.


Shivering when I felt his warm mouth on my shoulder blades, kissing and worshipping the exposed skin, I almost lost it. Ipinikit ko ang mga mata. We're still on the side of the road and anyone could see us any moment but I just couldn't care. All I could think right now is how everything he touched is on fire.


My other hand went to cup his strong cheeks, feeling the ruggedness under my soft skin. It was rough, but it felt so comforting. He continued kissing until he reached the crook of my neck. Pressing a kiss at the soft part of my throat, I suppressed a moan and let myself fall for it.


Bumaba ang kamay kong nasa balikat niya patungo sa kaniyang dibdib. He drew in a sharp breath and cursed. I bit my lip and tried to be courageous. My eyes are dreamy and my body is vibrating with so much need that I dared to move lower. Isang malutong na mura ang kumawala mula sa bibig niya.


"Anna." He said in a warning tone.


I ignored him and continued to travel lower, tracing the tight ridges of muscles in his stomach until the end of my fingers came into contact with the metal part of his belt. Blake closed his eyes as if he's in agony. My heart leapt to my throat and even though my hands are trembling, I continued to move.


"Anna! Shit..."


My eyes widened when I felt a hard bulge beneath the thick fabric of his pants. I tried to get my fingers around it, but couldn't grip it fully. Before I could explore deeper, Blake caught my hand. Sobrang higpit ng pagkakahawak niya sa kamay ko. Nang magmulat siya ng mga mata ay madilim ang tingin niya sa akin.


"Don't." he said in a firm conviction as he continued staring at me.


I opened my mouth but couldn't find the right words to say. Doon pa ako dinapuan ng hiya nang ma-realize kung ano ang ginagawa ko.


"Don't do it, Anna. Baka mawalan ako ng kontrol at kung ano pa ang magawa ko..." he said, almost pleading.


I sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm down. Masyado akong nadala sa mga mapupusok niyang halik. Like a hormonal teenager who wants to explore, I started exploring him, too.


"You just turned 18. I can't do this to you..." he said in an agonized whisper.


"So, what if I just turned 18?" I said stubbornly. "Some girls are doing it even before they reached this age." Medyo naiinis kong wika sa kaniya.


He stared at me darkly. "You're being naughty tonight. Do you want me to punish you? Hmm?" the wisp of darkness vanished as he brushed soft kisses all over my face.


I pouted and leaned away. I did not dare to glance lower. Sapat na ang naramdaman ko kanina at ayaw ko na iyong kompirmahin gamit ang mga mata ko. Baka himatayin pa ako.


When a black, shining car pulled next to us and started honking violently, Blake leaned away from me and cursed. The passenger window rolled down and revealed his brother, laughing darkly.


"Couldn't afford a hotel room, bro? I never knew you were this poor."


Namula ang mukha ko sa narinig. Reuben is now grinning from ear to ear while his fiancée is smiling at us.


"Fuck off!" Blake shouted back, frowning.


"Mamaya na yan! Naghihintay si Dad sa atin sa bahay." He said, still laughing as the passenger window rolled up and the black car raced off, disappearing in just seconds.


Nilingon ko si Blake at bago pa man maibukas ang bibig ay itinaas niya ang kaniyang palad.


"See what happens when you're being naughty? Let's go..." he said in a firm voice before starting the engine again.


Humaba ang nguso ko at tumahimik na lamang habang bumabiyahe. 

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