Taste of Poison

Kabanata 22

Father

"Cheers..." tinaas ko ang baso ng alak saka ito binangga kay Azar.

"Don't drink too much," he reminded again.

I rolled my eyes before sipping on my glass. I don't have any plans to get drunk tonight. I don't want to miss this moment.

We're celebrating our first official day as girlfriend and boyfriend. Isn't it lovely?

I mentally shook my head. I never knew entering a serious relationship could make me this happy.

Sana pala ay noon pa ako pumasok sa isang seryosong relasyon.

I chuckled at my own thought.

"Why are you chuckling?" tanong ni Azar.

Umiling ako. "Inside joke, luv..."

Umiling din siya at nag-iwas ng tingin. "You should rest now, Emory."

"What?" Dahan-dahan kong binaba ang baso sa mesa.

"You're tired..." baling niya sa akin.

"I'm not..." kumunot ang aking noo.

Is he going somewhere or what? Or maybe he realized that being my boyfriend will bring him no good. That he should've found someone better than me.

Someone who deserves him more. Marahil ay napagtanto niya na dapat ay kalahi niya rin ang kaniyang makasama.

A vampire woman.

But I could be a vampire, too!

God, Emory. Ganito na ba ako ka-in love sa kaniya?

Napakurap ako nang makita siyang kunot ang noo na nakatingin sa akin.

"What are you thinking?"

Ngumuso ako. "Are you tired of me?"

"What?"

I shrugged. "Ayaw mo na akong kasama o makita kaya pinapaalis mo na ako. This is just the beginning yet you wanted to put an end to our relationship na. Sawa ka na agad sa akin? You realized now that you want a vampire instead of a mere human?"

Napabuga siya ng malalim na hininga. "You and your paranoia..."

Mas lalong tumulis ang aking nguso. "Sawa ka na?"

"Stop—"

"Sawa ka na't hindi na bampira?" natatawa kong putol sa kaniyang sasabihin sana.

I smirked. I don't want to ruin this day with my nonsense thoughts.

"Mamaya mo na ako patulugin. Nag-e-enjoy pa ako sa pakiramdam na binibigay mo sa akin."

"And what are those?"

Pinatong ko ang mga braso sa mesa at tumikhim.

"Ang saya pala magkaroon ng boyfriend, ano? Pero naroon ang kaunting kaba at takot... Unti lang naman..." I smiled lightly. "Ewan ko ba, Az. I can't put in words how happy I am today. Hindi ko ito makakalimutan..."

"I'm not capable of loving you, Emory. Deep inside, I know there's a part of you saying that you shouldn't be here with me."

Nawala ang ngiti ko.

Is he still doubting me? Marahil ay hindi maganda ang una naming interaksiyon. We were just up for fun and pleasure before, no strings attached but, it's different now! How could he think of me that way? Mukha ba akong walang paninindigan?

I will stay not because I wanted to prove to him that I can commit, but because I love him truly and deeply.

It really hurts...

"Pinapangunahan mo ako, Azarius..." hilaw akong ngumisi.

"I'm just..." umiling siya't nag-iwas ng tingin.

I rolled my tongue over my lips. I averted my gaze and stood up near the railings, and stared at the dark sky.

I put my arms above my chest.

Nasa balkonahe kami ng kaniyang bagong tahanan. It was just a simple minimalist two-story house and unlike his other home, we were surrounded by houses, too. Nasa esklusibong subdibisyon nakatayo ang kaniyang bagong biling bahay.

First freaking day.

I thought he wanted to bless his new home with my moans.

I thought he wanted to cuddle but looked what happened?

We're fighting over the petty thing!

"Look..." I turned around to face him. "This is nonsense, luv! Nothing matters to me now, okay? You're heartless, I know! You're emotionless, that's clear as water. You're a vampire and I'm just a damn mere human..."

"Emory..." Tumayo siya at lumapit sa akin.

"You're worth it, Az..." I cried.

I raised both of my hands and put it on his shoulders. 'Tsaka ako tumungo sa kaniyang dibdib.

"Nothing's wrong, Az... Walang mali. Please, let me be with you."

I felt his hands on my back. "Aren't we done talking about this?" 

Tumango ako. "We've talked about this earlier. Pero pilit mo namang binabalik-balikan. Aren't we clear? May hindi ka ba naintindihan sa pinag-usapan natin kanina?"

"It's just unfair on your part. I couldn't help but think..."

I looked up. "Huwag kang mag-isip ng hindi importanteng bagay. Nothing's unfair to me, luv. As long as you're here with me, as long as there's no other woman, all is fair."

He took a deep sighed. Hindi na ako nagsalita pa at lumayo na sa kaniya upang umupo ulit sa mesa. I poured a drink on my glass before drinking it once.

I blew a deep breath. Nang tumayo ako ay napahawak ako sa upuan dahil sa pagkahilo. I leered at Azar but, I saw two.

Napakurap ako. Am I drunk? Ang baba naman pala ng alcohol tolerance ko.

I smiled drunkly. "I'm kind of dizzy, luv..."

"Because you're drunk."

"Just tipsy..." humagikhik ako. "Please, let's not talk about this tomorrow. Bukas ay okay tayo. No fighting over this thing again, okay?"

I saw him slowly nodding. "Okay... Noted, luv."

Maybe I was really tired or just drunk because his words were the last thing I remember before sleep consumed me.

Kinabukasan ay naghanda ako. I don't know where we're going but, I trust his taste. I was shocked when I found woman's clothes on his dresser, exactly my size. Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti.

Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay gusto niya akong tumira rito kasama siya.

I shook my head. I should get ready. Mamaya ay mainip siya't maisipang iwan ako.

I chose the casual yellow short mini dress paired with the brown heels I wore yesterday. I even swayed it in front of the mirror. Azar knows my size, it fits perfectly. While I don't even know his shoe size.

I put a light makeup, too. And did I mention that I changed my hair from ash grey to brown?

Humaba na siya sa nagdaang mga buwan. Ang dating hanggang balikat kong buhok ay lumalagpas na rito. I also have it trimmed every end of the month.

Napalingon ako sa pinto nang may kumatok.

"You done?" I heard his voice outside.

"Not yet!" I shouted.

Mabilis kong tinapos ang pagsusuklay. Parang ilang minuto lang ang lumipas nang sinabi niyang mag-aayos siya ng sarili. Tapos 'eto siya't kumakatok na?

"Just a minute, luv..." sabi ko at kinuha ang aking pabango.

"Take your time..."

I sprayed some on my wrist and behind my ears. Sinubukan kong ngumiti sa harap ng salamin nang matapos bago tumayo mula sa vanity.

I blinked my eyes. With a smile on my face, I walked towards the door. Hinawakan ko ang doorknob at huminga pa ng malalim bago ito binuksan.

I don't know but my heart is beating faster than normal. Hindi ko alam kung para saan. I mean, it's for Azar, yes. But I felt something different now. Para bang hindi lang si Azar ang dahilan... Para bang may iba pa na hindi ko naman matukoy.

I scratch the thought at the back of my head. I shouldn't worry about anything.

He's here... He won't let something bad happen to me... to us.

"I could hear your heartbeat. Something's bothering you?" bungad niya.

I tried to force a smile. "Wala naman. The love of my life is right here in front of me, kaninong puso ang hindi titibok ng ganito kalakas?" I playfully uttered.

He chuckled. "You looked so beautiful in that yellow dress, luv..."

Hinawakan ko ang laylayan ng damit at bahagya itong sinayaw.

"Thank you. It fits perfectly..." Ngumiti ako.

He moved closer. "I love you..." he whispered as his lips touched my forehead.

Napapikit ako. Nagtagal ang kaniyang labi roon, at ninamnam ko naman ang masayang pakiramdam na dulot niya. I think I fallen in love more.

Nakakaiyak ang sayang nararamdaman ko. I just waned to burst out because of too much joy.

How could someone like him who's heartless bring me so much glee?

I hope he won't ask something more in return. Hindi ko yata mapapantayan ang lahat ng pinadarama niya sa akin. My boyfriend is too much.

"So, where we're going?" tanong ko.

He smiled. "Surprise..." sabi niya.

"Why did I even ask?" I said sarcastically.

Bahagya siyang tumawa. "You will know when we get there."

I playfully rolled my eyes then, clung my arms to his. Hindi naman siya nag-reklamo sa pagiging clingy ko. I pinched his sparkling toned biceps but he didn't even flinch!

Manhid nga siyang tunay. Sobra.

"Let's go?" Pag-aya ko na tinanguan naman niya.

We didn't waste any seconds. Tumungo kami sa kaniyang garahe at doon lang ako bumitaw nang makarating kami. I slapped his butt cheek before I went to the passenger seat.

He groaned. "Emory!"

I giggled. "Love you, luv. So much..." I blew a kiss before closing the passenger door.

Sinundan ko siya ng tingin. He was scratching his nape as he walked in front. At nang pumasok siya sa driver seat ay kunot ang kaniyang noo.

Kinabit ko ang seat belt. "Have you heard something from Alaric?"

"What?" Baling niya sa akin.

"My cousin, Mallory was sulking. I figured it was because of your friend. Ano na naman bang kalokohan ang ginawa ng kaibigan mo sa pinsan ko?"

Umiling-iling siya bago binuhay ang sasakyan.

"I don't know with him, luv. Hindi naman ako interesado sa kanila."

"Interesado ako sa kanila. We're talking about my cousin here..." My arms were now crossed above my chest.

I remember Mallory calling me in the midst of my meeting yesterday. She was crying and knowing her, I know it has something to do with Alaric. Hindi ko nga alam kung may label sila o wala. Nonetheless, Alaric should be responsible.

If he's not into my cousin, he should stop giving her false hope!

I shouldn't bring this topic but, I couldn't help it.

I flicked my tongue inside my mouth. Kahit naman siguro magmakaawa ako, hindi niya pa rin ako maaambunan ng pagmamahal.

He's heartless.

"It's between them, Emory. Don't meddle with their business," sabi niya at sinimulan ng paandarin ang sasakyan.

I pouted. "Nye, nye... Please punch him for me next time."

"Sure..." matabang niyang sinabi.

I laughed. Minsan nakakasama ng loob si Azar dahil hindi marunong sumakay sa mga trip ko. But I just let him because first and last, he's not the Azar I love if he changes himself for me.

Mabuti na ring nagmahal ako ng isang tulad niya.

"Pero saan nga tayo pupunta? Lake? Beach? O ano? Baka magha-hiking pala tayo tapos naka-dress and heels ako."

Natawa siya sa aking tinuran. "I wouldn't let you wear that dress if we go hiking, luv. Be patient, please..."

I pursed my lips more. "Parang ang tanga ko sa part na 'yon..." I whispered to myself.

Alam ko namang narinig niya iyon. He's a vampire after all.

"But, luv... Are you up for something?" Baling ko sa kaniya.

"Something?"

"Let's play twenty questions. Up for it?" Ngumiti ako.

"What do you want to know about me?"

I put my finger to my chin, thinking.

"Marami akong mga katanungan na nais kong mabigyan ng kasagutan pero, I know you're not yet ready to answer those questions."

He glanced at me. "Give it a try."

Umiling ako. "Would you answer it?"

"Depende sa tanong mo..." sabi niya.

"Okay..." mahina kong sinabi. Umayos ako ng upo at tumikhim.

I have a lot of questions dancing inside my head. How did he become a heartless vampire? What happened to his father? I wanted to know something about his childhood... and would he spend the rest of his life with me?

Is he willing to build a family with me? I mentally shook my head.

I shouldn't think like this. No one knows about the path we're about to cross.

Ngumiti ako na labas ang ngipin. "Your heart... would it beat for me if it happens to be alive?"

Inikot niya ang manibela para lumiko. Sumulyap siya sa akin.

"Oo..." sagot niya. "I would love you, Emory. I will..." he said firmly.

I felt my heart race. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

"Were you born heartless?"

I thought he wouldn't answer my question but, he answered it without having a second thought. 

"I wasn't..."

"What happened?" I asked, almost a whisper.

Tumawa siya ng walang laman.

"We're near..." he answered instead.

Palihim akong napabuga ng hangin. He's not ready to open up but, I will wait until he decided to tell me everything. I wouldn't force him. Alam kong kong may mabigat na dahilan at kung anuman man iyon, sana ay matanggap ko.

Sa unahan ko na tinuon ang aking tingin. I saw tall buildings around us, and different kinds of shops.

So, it's a normal date, then.

No lakes and beaches. Sa susunod nga ay aayain ko rin siyang lumabas sa paraang alam ko.

He always asked me out. Babawi na lang ako sa susunod.

Pumasok ang sasakyan sa basement. We were silent as I watched him parked the car. Hindi kami kumilos kahit pa nang pinatay na niya ang makina ng sasakyan.

I could hear my heavy breathings as well as his. Hindi ako tumingin sa kaniya. I felt like he wanted to say something so, I waited but it never came.

Kaya naman nang hindi ko matiis ay tinanggal ko na ang seat belt. I was about to open the door beside me when he talk.

"Luv, wait..."

Bumaling ako sa kaniya. "Spill it..." seryoso kong sinabi.

"They're waiting inside..." he said.

"Who?" I asked.

He rolled his tongue over his lips. "You're about to meet my father..."

My eyes widened. "Huh?"

"You will meet my father..." pag-ulit niya.

"Your father?" Mahina kong sinabi.

Tumango siya. "Yes... My father..."

"I'm going to meet your father?" usal ko.

"Yes, luv. You ready?" tanong niya.

My lips parted.  "I thought..."

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. Ang akala ko ba ay wala siyang ideya sa kaniyang ama? Was he lying?

"Bakit hindi mo man lang sinabi?" I asked instead.

"Surprised?"

Tinapunan ko siya ng masamang tingin.

"Damn you, luv..."

He let out a chuckle. "Are you angry?"

"What do you think?"

"You looked so nervous than angry..." aniya, natatawa pa rin.

"Gusto kitang sabunutan at paulanan ng kurot sa singit, Azarius!" Sigaw ko.

"You—"

"Drive!" singhal ko.

Muli ko sanang ikakabit ang seat belt nang mabilis niyang nahawakan ang aking mga kamay.

"Don't you want to meet my father?" he asked gently.

Hindi pa rin nawala ang masamang tingin ko sa kaniya.

"I'm nervous and afraid!" I exclaimed. "You lied! And you should inform me if it has something to do with your family, Az..." naiiyak kong sinabi.

"Hey, hey... Don't cry..."

Umiling ako. "Ang daya mo kasi. You don't know how scared I was when I first met your mother and now, your father. Azar naman..." nanginig ang aking labi.

Naramdaman ko ang butil ng luha na lumandas sa aking pisngi. He immediately wiped it using his finger then, he cupped my face.

Suminghot ako.

Kay Azar ko lang naranasan na ipakilala sa magulang kaya hindi ko maiwasang kabahan at matakot. What ifs' keep on ringing inside my head, and knowing myself, I would handle it with negativity.

What if he won't like me as Azar's woman?

Alam ko naman na hindi siya ang pakikisamahan ko pero ama pa rin siya ng bampirang minamahal ko. Their opinion matters to me.

"Do you want to go home?"

"They're waiting..." Naiiyak ko pa ring tugon.

"Don't worry about it."

Umiling ako. "Ayokong ma-bad shot sa ama mo, Az. Sabihin na hindi ako deserving para sa 'yo."

Umiling din siya. "Between us two, I'm the one who's not deserving for your love yet, you're here with me, luv. I'm sorry if I did this again... surprising you. I didn't think of your feelings. I'm sorry..."

I held his hands. "Gusto kong umuwi but, I don't want to disappoint your dad."

"I will just make an excuse. He will understand, he should."

Yumuko ako. "Halo-halo ang nararamdaman ko. I feel nervous, shocked, and above all, scared. He's your father, Az. His opinion matters to me. Paano kung..." I swallowed hard.

"He loves you, don't worry."

"Pampalubag loob ba 'yan?" I sniffed.

He smiled lightly. He caressed the skin below my eyes with his thumbs.

"He loves you, luv."

"Kilala na ba niya ako?"

He nodded. "I told him about you."

"What did he say?"

"That you're lovely... Strong, and beautiful."

"Binibiro mo lang ako, e..." I pursed my lips.

Umiling siya. "Take a deep breath, luv."

I did. Pumikit ako at ilang beses na huminga ng malalim. If he's telling the truth, then I shouldn't worry about anything.

Kung anuman ang mangyayari, narito pa rin si Azar sa tabi ko at hindi ako pababayaan.

"Don't think of anything aside of your boyfriend..." he said.

I smiled through the process. My gorgeous boyfriend.

"I love you, luv..." he whispered before I felt his lips on mine.

Doon ko minulat ang aking mga mata.

"'Tsansing ka, ah..." natatawa kong sinabi.

"Ready?"

One last breath, I smiled and nodded.

"I'm ready!" I cheered. 

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Good day, luvs. Please proceed to the next page. Read and understand the note. Thank you and keep safe.