Tempted Heart (FREE TO READ)

Kabanata 11

KABANATA 11

FEW months had passed, Tito Claudio’s wedding finally came. Ako ang kinuha nilang maid-of-honr dahil ako lang kasi ang tanging pamilya ni Tito. Namatay na ang mga magulang niya noong bata pa siya kaya inampom siya ng lolo at lola ko. While for Tita Daniela, marami ang dumalo mula sa side niya. Lahat ng mga abay na mga lalaki at babae ay napupunta sa side ni Tita kaya halos lahat ng mga pamangkin niya ay inimbita niya sa kasal. Wala kasing mga binata at mga dalagang anak sa mga tauhan namin kaya walang nagawa si Tita ng wala kaming makuhang iba.

Naging busy ang lahat sa hacienda dahil doon din gaganapin ang kasal. Taga-Manila si Tita pero dito niya gustong makasal. I still wonder how they’ve met because Surigao were too far from here. I shrugged that thought off, there are many possibilities in this world and everything could have happened. Plus, the world is so small for two hearts that will become one.

I decided to go upstairs to visit Tita. I’m done with my make up. Bihis na bihis na rin ako at anumang oras ngayon ay magsisimula na ang seremonya.

I knocked twice before entering.

“Hi.” Ngiting bati ko sa kanilang lahat na naroon.

She was not alone. All of her bridesmaids were there. Nakabihis na din silang lahat. They were all busy when I came in, they just stopped doing their thing when they saw me.

Nakaawang ang mga labi nilang nakatingin sa akin. Agad akong nagtaka at naconcious sa sarili ko.

Humalakhak si Tita ng mapansin ang reaksiyon ng mga pamangkin niya.

“Sabi ko sa inyo ang ganda niya girls no?” Tita said in a boastful manner.

I withdraw all my concerns. Kala ko pa naman ano na.

I rolled my eyes at her.

“Come here, Bee. Ipakikilala kita sa kanila.” She then pats the chair beside her. Kahit ang bakla na nag-aayos pa rin sa buhok niya ay napatanga sa akin.

Why are they staring at me like that?

“Saang lupalop ka nanggaling, hija? Bat ang ganda mo?” Maarteng saad nito habang nakatingin sa akin mula ulo at hanggang paa.

Bumaling siya kay Tita. “Mother, super model ba itong maid of honor mo?”

Napayuko ako sa kahihiyan. Napailing si Tita habang natatawa.

Isa isang lumapit ang mga pamangkin niya sa akin at nagpakilala at gayundin naman ako sa kanila. Doon ko din nalaman na mas matanda ako sa kanilang lahat. Lahat sila ngayon ay ate na ang tawag sa akin. I’m okay with that; I have longed for a baby sister too. It will be my privilege and advantage.

I can’t help to smile because they really look beautiful and cute in their gown.

“Ate, ang ganda ganda talaga ng mata mo.” Saad ni Melissa. Siya ang pinakabata sa kanilang lahat.

Napanguso ako sa sinabi niya. Tita Daniela encourages me not to wear contact lenses anymore. It’s part of my recovery process, hindi naging madali iyon. Isa siya sa pinakamahirap na tinanggap ko in the whole duration of the session.

“It looks like our beautiful galaxy but…”

“But what, Melissa?” Tita asked curiously when her niece didn’t finish her sentence.

Napangiwi si Melissa. “It looks so cold and dull.” Deritsiyong sabi niya sa akin.

I stiffened.

“Should I be angry for that?” I asked her.

Nagulat siya sa sinabi ko at namilog ang mata.

“No, Ate. I don’t mean any harm..” Umiiling na sabi niya habang natataranta.

Napahalakhak ako sa sinabi niya kaya natigilan silang lahat na naroon. I laughed so hard that I didn’t even notice that a tear slid through my eyes. I’m just so happy and she looks so cute when she said that.

“I’m sorry.” I then sighed to control my laughter. “I’m just kidding.”

She awkwardly smiled at me.

“Akala ko po kasi galit kayo sa akin.” She apologetically eyed me.

Mabilis akong umiling. “Totoo naman kasi ang sinabi mo at walang masama kung sasabihin mo ang totoo. I’m actually glad for it, just a few people could notice my eyes and I think you’re special because you did. I thank you for seeing the real me.”

She smiled at what I said.

Isa sa sinabi niya ang dahilan kong bakit itinago ko sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin ang totong kulay ng mata ko ng ilang taon. Simula pagkabata pa ay iyon na ang ginagawa ko at nasanay na rin ako na gawin iyon araw araw. Even if my mother hates it. Gray or not, it is still my eyes. The difference is.. people would likely to notice it easily and I don’t want it. Some says it’s beautiful but not all beautiful are beautiful. If what they want is my external beautiful eyes then the logic of that thought is very evident. I don’t wanna be praised just because I have beautiful features in me, beautiful eyes, a nice body and everything. I also wanna be praised because I am me... myself.

“Why isn’t he picking up his phone?” I was back in reality when I heard Tita’s worried voice.

“Sino po?” I asked curiously.

Napabuntong hininga ako. “Iyong kinuha kong groom’s man para sa Tito mo. He was actually my bestfriend’s son, Bee. Hindi ko macontact hanggang ngayon. Kahapon pa iyon nakarating dito, ang sabi ko ay dito na lang din siya sa mansiyon pero umayaw siya at doon nalang sa malapit na resort nag-stay.” Mahabang saad niya. “Hindi pa naman nakadala ng kotse iyon dito. Hindi ko rin napagsabihan si Claudio na ipasundo iyon. Hindi kasi makakadalo ang parents ni Riley dahil may emergency trip silang mag-asawa.”

“Baka papunta na iyon dito.”

“I hope so.”

Tapos na siyang inayusan at ilang minuto pa ay lumabas na kami ng mansiyon. They will be wed actually at the front of the mansion. Kami ni Tita ang namili ng naging design para sa kasal while Tito was hands on for the invitation. I actually recommended that they should do church wedding but Tita really insisted that she wants it in here. Dito daw sila unang nagkaibigan kaya dito din dapat daw sila magpakasal.

Well, I like that idea too.

It is impossible to be right and at the same time a foolish.

That comes with love too. It is impossible to be wrong because love makes it all right. And no amount of energy can destroyed it.

Walking through this isle as the ceremonies begins, all more possibilities comes out in my mind again. Walang humapay ang ngiti hanggang sa makita sila Tito at Tita na masayang nakatitig sa isa’t isa. They were saying their vows now.

I’m really happy for them.

Nang matapos ang kasal ay madali rin kaming pumunta sa reception are which is just beside the mansion too. Lahat ng mga nagtratrabaho sa sugar mill at rice field ay imbitado. Kaya marami rin ang naging bisita.

“Bee?!” Tawag sa akin ni Tita.

Masaya akong bumaling sa kanya. “Congratulation, Tita..Welcome to the family finally.” Saad ko sa kanya.

“Finally.”

Pinakilala niya ako sa pamilya niya at sa iba pang relatives niya pagkatapos noon. Hindi ko kasi sila na-meet dahil hindi ako sumasama kay Tito sa tuwing pumupunta siya sa Manila kapag nagtatagal si Tita doon. He will miss Tita immediately which I find really romantic.

“Akyat muna ako sa mansiyon, Tita. Magbibihis lang ako, babalik rin ako kaagad.” Pagpapaalam ko sa kanila.

“Okay.” She smiled at me. “Pero huwag kang magtatagal, gusto kong ikaw ang makakuha sa bouquet ko.”

Natatawa akong umiling sa kanya. That’s so silly.

I waved my hands on my face.

Naiinitan na ako sa gown ko kaya gusto ko nang magbihis. Tumalikod ako at tinungo ang kwarto ko. May ilang bumati sa akin ng papasok ako, puro tango lang ang isinagot ko. May ibang nagtatanong kaya napapahinto at napapatagal ako. Ilang minuto pa ang tinagal ko bago ako makaabot talaga sa pinto ng mansiyon.

Napatigil ako ng may makitang pamilyar na bulto ng katawan habang nakatayo malapit sa malaking sofa. He looks so serious while staring at the big photo that was on the wall. It was my picture, smiling so happily at the camera.

My heart hurt so bad.

What the heck is Achilles doing here?

With a trembling hands, I still manage to move my legs. Nagmamadali akong lumabas ng mansiyon ng wala sa sarili. Gusto kong umiyak at magmakaawa sa maykaapal na sana hindi nangyari ito. I wanted to turn back time, I wish I could. I'm healed, I know I am. I'm branded with so much emotions, still, I'm not ready for this.

"Bee?!" Tawag sa akin ni Tita ng makita ako. I silently cursed to myself.

Wala ako sa sariling tumingin sa kanya. She's smiling so wide. Tito Claudio on the other hand was on her side looking at me like I've done something weird stuff.

Nanghihina ako pero ngumiti pa rin ako ng pilit para sa kanila.

"Ang sabi mo ay magbibihis ka?" She eyed me still shocked.

Gusto kong mapatampal sa aking noo ng maalala iyon. So stressful?

"May nangyari ba, Braises?" Makahulugang tanong ni Tito sa akin.

Umiling ako kaagad, knowing Tito, hindi siya titigil sa kakatanong sa akin. Alam niya kaagad kung may mali sa akin o wala.

"Wala po." Kinakabahan kong saad.

"I just decided that maybe I'll wear this gown until the party ended." Kinagat ko ang dila ko pagkatapos. I'm such a bad liar, and I'm hope I will not be in hell.

Nakatitig pa rin sa akin si Tito pero nginitian ko nalang siya. He sighed heavily. Tumingin kaagad si Tita sa kanya ng may pag-alala at pagkatapos tumingin sa akin ulit.

"Are you really fine, Braises?" Tanong ni Tita ulit, her voice is hysterical right now.

I heaved a sigh. Pilit pinapanatag ang isip at puso ko. I don't wanna burden them so much.

I chuckled to ease the tension. Tita's shoulder slightly went down when I did that simple stance. "I'm okay, Tita. You don't need to worry about me anymore. Today is your wedding day." Lumapit ako sa kanila at niyakap ko silang dalawa. "You should just enjoy and never mind me!"

Tinuring ko na silang mga magulang ko ng magsimula akong tumira dito at kahit ako ay nalulungkot para sa sarili sa pag-alala. They hugged me tightly afterwards. I felt so lucky to have them both in my life. Tita was teary eyed when I finally let them go.

"Why do I felt like this is your farewell hug?" Nagulat ako ng marinig ang nasasaktang boses ni Tito. Gusto kong matawa pero ang seryoso niya kaya hindi ako makahirit. I'm lonely and sad too when I think about the days that we will be away but I have to. I needed this for myself too. I need to stand alone and face my real world, my career and everyone.

"Pinagpaalam ko na po ang desisyon ko, Tito. I'm actaully leaving tonight!" Masaya kong saad..

Tita smiled but not too really wide.

Tito nodded. Hindi na umapila pa dahil napag-usapan na namin ang bagay na ito dati pa.

"Congratulation, Tita."

I stopped my breath when I heard that cold voice from my behind. I was glued and unable to move because of the fast beating of my heart. I want to run away but my reflexes were so slow, I needed more energy to do that. Kumapit ako sa gown ko ng mahigpit at nanginginig na nagpatiuna sa sitwasiyon. I restrained myself and inhaled my breath once more.

"Riley!" Tita said happily at him.

Kumalas sa pagkakayakap si Tita sa kay Tito at nilapitan ang bagong dating. Tito then looked to me and gesture his hand to embrace him. Ngumiti ako, I then hugged him on the side, still not looking at them.

What I'm gonna do?

"Saan ka ba galing, hijo?" Tita asked him again. Hindi ko magawang iangat ang mukha ko dahil sa kaba. I wanted to eradicate all the small thought and negative one on my mind. I wanted to assure myself that it is alright, it is okay. But I'm too doomed to even think that way.

I felt the heat on my face when I see him staring at me on my peripheral vision.

Should I be afraid?

Should I tremble in pain?

I don't know.

"I'm just wandering in the whole mansion, Tita. I can't get enough seeing the most beautiful frame in your living room." He coldly said.

Lahat ng bisita nila Tita ay kumakain pa. The party was about to end anyway, marami na rin ang nagpaalam na mga bisita kaya nagkakaroon kami dito ng mataas na oras na mag-usap.

I'm still shocked that Achilles was here. Hindi ko siya nakita kanina sa ceremony. Or I was just maybe preoccupied with what's happening earlier? Siya pala ang tinutukoy ni Tita. Hindi ko naman kasi alam. Marami ang kapareho niyang pangalan kaya hindi ko nalang inisip iyon.

"Oh! It was Bee's portrait. She's very beautiful." Halos masamid ako sa sinabi ni Tita. It was so vulgar!

"Ipakikilala kita sa kanya." My breath hitched. Mabuti nalang at nakakapit ako kay Tito. This meet up is draining me.

"Bee!" Tawag ni Tita sa akin. I have no choice to lift my head, still nervous.

I saw Achilles who was murderously staring at me. His burning eyes meets my gray one. I saw him stilled when he stared back at me. My Achilles was now so incredibly gorgeous. I can't help to stare at him boldly too. I looked very smitten. His features now are very muscularly preserved. His face was more matured now, he was undeniably gorgeous. Mas lumaki na ang katawan niya ngayon. His shoulders are more widethat I can remember. His exquisite suit perfectly hanged on it.

"Nice to see you, Bee." Halos mangisay ako ng marinig ko ang tawag niya.

His voice makes me reminisce all our past. I know I'm beyond stupid when I hurted and leaved him but the damage was already been done. I can't turn back the time and I don't wish too. Seeing him so vigorously successful right now, I highly doubt all my intuition.

I have loved him for so long and I intended to love him again even if he's not mine anymore.

Natauhan ako ng mariin akong pinisil ni Tito. Am I that so out?

I blushed at the sudden embarassment.

"Oww! Ang cute ni Bee mag-blush." Tita teased. I parted my mouth a little because of that.

Tito chucked. "Huwag mo nang gatungan, Hon." Tito said.

Bumaling ako kay Achilles. I then decided to act like an idiot to save my fallen soul again.

"I'm Amaris. Nice to meet you, Riley." I said nervously at him.

I see his jaw clenching when he heard what I said. I'm using my second name. Well, he used his second name too. Tita laughed at me, nagtaka ako doon.

"Amaris?" Achilles boomed dangerously. He looks like he wanted to grab me from Tito's hug because of what he heard.

"It's actually Braises Amaris, hijo." Tita corrected him.

He knows that! He knew my name.

Matagal ang titig niya sa akin, maanghang at may pangungulila. Pero alam kong galit siya.

"How fascinating.." Matigas na sabi niya.

Kinabahan ako doon. My heart leaped in a thousands ways because of his chilly dangerous voice.

"Nice to meet you, Amaris." He smirked nonchalantly.

His way too aggressive at every word, that I forgot where I stand.

Sa buong pag-uusap namin ay wala akong ibang ginawa kundi ang tumunganga. I'm exhausted. Kating kati na akong umalis sa harapan nila para makapag-empake. I don't want to be rude but the deadly stares that Achilles throwing me are far from my expectations. Kailangan kong lumayo kung ayaw kong mamatay dahil sa nerbiyos.

Tita even suggested that I should leave together with Achilles for a safe travel. Hindi ako nakapagsalita. Achilles didn't bother to speak too. Ang lamig ng tingin at aura niya sanhi ng maraming pagbabago sa kanya. This can't be happening.

Later that evening, nagmamadali akong nag-empake. I didn't say anything on them about me leaving because I already did earlier.

"Maria?" I answered the phone.

We contacted two years ago. I missed her so much kaya nagawa ko iyon. Umiyak siya ng makausap ko siya. She said sorry for everything. I assured her that it was my fault for not telling her. I felt so guilty and I admitted it. I've been so greedy that time and until now. I'm unfair and I've already accept all the future consequences. I wanted to stand on my own feet and choose to fight my own battle.

"Bakit ngayon ka lang tumawag, Bree?" She then asked, worried.

I smiled, knowing my best friend, I'm glad that she's on my side.

"Achilles is here, Maria." I sighed after the confession.

Tumahimik siya sa kabilang linya. "What is he doing there? Oh gosh! Are you okay?" She asked frantically.

Agad akong nag-alala sa sinabi niya. "Geez! Huwag kang mag-alala. I'm perfectly fine."

"You can't expect me to be calm after hearing it from you! I'm telling you a hundred times already, that man changed dangerously, Bree. He is now known as ruthless, both in business and in the construction world. Seriously, kailangan mo nang pumunta dito!" Mahabang saad niya.

I trembled a bit.

No!

He can't just do that to me. I've hurted him, yes, but that doesn't mean he will chase me down, does he? Sinaktan niya din ako. How dare him chase me with anger when all along he knows the truth?

I frustratedly combed my hair. What now?

'"Who knows kung ano ang kaya niyang gawin? He was mad at you. That just simply add everything perfectly!"

"Okay, calm down. May I remind you that you were very pregnant."I exhaustedly said.

She's married now to Miguel. She's happy but his husband didn't know about me for the purpose that I don't want Achilles to know about me.

"I gotta go now. I'll have to catch my flight."

She sighed. "Okay, mag-ingat ka. Beep me back if you are already here."

"Okay, bye." I hanged up.

May tumulong sa akin na buhatin sa akin ang mga maleta ko. Tita and Tito stayed on their honeymoon suite in one of the extravagant hotel in here. Kaya mas naging madali sa akin ang umalis. I tell them the details when I'll arrive in there anyway.

I stopped my track and proceeded to my hidden small vault, where I hid Mama's ashes.

"I'm gonna miss you, Ma." I sadly said.

I will gonna bury her once I'll come back, that's a promise.

Nagmamadali ko itong isinirado kaagad at iniwan na ang kwarto. With a heavy heart, I bid my goodbyes to all of the people in the mansion. I smiled bitterly.

"Mag-ingat kayo, Ma'am!" Paalam nila sa akin.

"Kayo din." I smiled before climbing to the van.

"Tayo na, Mang Kanor." Saad ko sa driver. The engine roared and we started to drift off away from the mansion.

Naiisip ko pa lang na mawawalay ako ng ilang taon ay mas lalo akong nalungkot.

Minutes later, I slightly massaged my nose when I smell a not so wonderful scent. I cringed my nose more when it became so uncomfortable now. Nanghihina long kinuha ang cellphone sa bulsa ko.

Napakurap ako ng ilang beses ng bumigat ang talukap ng mata ko.

What is happening?

Pilit akong dumilat pero hindi na kaya ng mata ko at bumibigay na din ang katawan ko. Naramdaman kong tumigil ang sasakyan.

I panicked when I felt the door of the van opened.

"M--mang Kanor?" I asked desperately even with my low voice.

Nakarinig ako ng ilang tinig at yabag pero hindi ko na kaya. I felt like I was drugged and I can't even moved a limb.

"Sir, nakatulog na si Ma'am." Narinig ko ang tinig ni Mang Kanor.

Who is he talking to?

"That's good." Anang isang pamilyar at malamig na boses. "Kukunin ko na siya, bumalik ka na."

"Opo, Sir."

I still felt someone lifted me up. A light warm touch is what I felt after.

"Finally, you are really mine." The stranger said dangerously and I lost myself afterwards. "Hindi ka na mawawala sa akin ulit."