FALLING FOR MISTER INTIMIDATING (FILIPINO)

Kabanata 2

Kabanata 2

Napahinga ako nang malalim habang nakaupo sa mesa na kaharap si Tito, at di kalayuan sa akin ay nakaupo si Danger. Well, I want to call him Danger. It sounds so cool.

"So, alam nyo naman na siguro 'kung bat kayo andito?" Tito started then he focused his gaze at me. "Lalo ka na Raye, alam mo naman na kung para saan ang pagkikita nating ito diba?" paniniguro naman nito.

Kitang-kita ko ang bahid ng pag-aalala sa mata nito. Napayuko ako kasabay ng malalim na paglunok, "I know Tito. I know." ani ko, at pasimpleng tumingin kay Danger, na kasalukuyang naka-poker face. He is intimidating. As always.

"That's good na nagkakaintindihan na tayo dito. Unlike other marriage for convenice na kailangan niyong ikasal sa harap ng maraming tao, this one is easy." Tito said again, before giving us two different brown envelopes. "That's the marriage certificate. Just sign this, and were done." Tito said.

My gaze locked on the envelopes infront of me. Pag kinuha ko iyon at pinirmahan, wala na ang kalayaan ko. I'm not free to do whatever i want anymore. Tila nanikip ang dibdib ko nang maisip ko ang bagay na iyon. Magiging limitado na ang mga kilos ko. At higit sa lahat, makukulong ako sa isang loveless marriage.

Kaya ko bang pagtiisan ang lahat ng iyon? Yes magiging malaya ako sa mga utang ng pamilya ko, pero makukulong naman ako sa piling ng lalaking hindi ko naman mahal.

Hindi ako makapag-desisyon. Wala na ba talagang ibang paraan para mabayaran ko ang utang ng pamilya ko sa kanila? As if naman na may pera ka pang natitira. Ni wala ka na nga ni piso sa bulsa mo. Anang utak ko.

That's right. I don't have any money in my pocket. Napakagat-labi ako dahil sa naisip ko. Baka nga, kailangan ko nang tanggapin na hindi na ako kailanman magiging malaya katulad noon.

But, maybe i should try my luck. Baka pwede 'ko pang magawan ng paraan na hindi muna ako makulong kasama sya. I'm just a Senior High Graduate, at gusto 'ko pang matupad ang mga pangarap ko.

I saw Danger opened the envelope and took the contract inside it, he immediately took the pen beside him, and ready himself to sign. I gulped, as i grip his arm. To stop him.

He look at me, still emotionless and intimidating. Tila naumid ang dila ko dahil sa mata niyang nakatitig sakin. No Khaliya. You need to be brave. Kaya mo to.

I look at him straightly in the eyes. Nervousness is showing up but i need to fight it. "I have a favor to ask." I said, that is followed by a deep sigh.

Nakatitig lang naman si Danger sakin, tila binabasa at inaarok ang isipan ko. Makalipas ang halos isang minuto, duon lang ito nag-iba ng tingin, ibinaba ang ballpen na hawak nito at sumandal sa swivel chair na kinauupuan bago muling ibinalik ang tingin sa akin. "Name it." He plainly said. His voice is deep, and serious. Kahit sinong tao siguro ang nasa harapan nito, tiyak na kakabahan lalo na at nakaka-intimidate naman talaga ang lalaking ito.

Para bang hindi ito palangiti, at lagi lang seryoso. Yes, gwapo ito pero may kulang. Mukhang hindi sya masaya.

I cleared my throat first before facing him with a brave expression in my face. "Six years. I need six years. Gusto 'kong matapos ang pag-aaral ko, and that will happen four years from now. After kong makatapos, i want to experience two years of freedom then after that, i'll be back. Babalik ako dito para maging asawa mo." I bravely said. There i said it. I hope he agrees.

Danger still remained emotionless, to the point that i cant read what he's thinking as of the moment after hearing what i said.

"Please. I beg you." I pleaded. Mariin pa rin ang tinging ipinupukol nito sa akin, hanggan sa ibinalik nito ang paningin sa contract na nasa table at mabilis na kumuha ng ballpen at pinirmahan iyon.

He signed the contract. It means he's not approving my favor.

"Sign the contract." I heard him said. Napalunok ako nuon, at pinipilit 'kong pigilan ang pagbadya ng luha mula sa mga mata ko. Itinuon ko ang paningin ko sa kontrata. If i'll sign this, my freedom is not visible in my life anymore.

Pero wala akong magagawa. This maybe my fate. And it's destined to happen to me.

I cleared my throat again, before opening the envelope, took the pen and quickly signed the papers. At habang pumipirma, isa isa ding naglaglagan ang luhang kanina ko pa pinipigilan.

Wala na.

Wala na akong pag-asang makalaya pa. I'm now locked in this cage, with that man.

Masakit pero kailangan ko nang tanggapin.

"Raye, Stop crying." rinig 'kong sabi ni Tito sa akin, inangat ko naman ang paningin ko at tinignan siya bago tumango at sinimulang punasan ang luhang nasa pisngi ko.

"I'll give you your freedom for six years. Do what you need to do, but right after six years you'll comeback to me and be my wife. Is that clear?" tila pumalakpak ang tenga ko matapos marinig at maintindihan ang sinabi ni Danger.

What? Did he just agreed on the favor that i asked?

"Are you sure, Mr. Tan?" rinig 'kong tanong ni Tito. Siguro gulat din ito sa narinig nya.

Danger put his gaze back to Tito, and nod. "Yes. I'm sure." He said, then he stand up, put his hands inside his pocket. "Kung wala nang kailangan pang gawin. Aalis na ako." anito bago kaagad na tumalikod at naglakad palayo.

I almost shout in happiness when Danger's back is not visible anymore. I'm still free! Still free.

Thank god!

And thank you, Danger.

I promise to be a good wife after six years.

I promise.