Mine Forevermore

Kabanata 19

I love you

Kung tatanongin ako. This is probably one of the happiest days of my life. Sa loob ng ilang araw, at ilang weeks na puro kadramahan lang ang nangyayari sa buhay ko. Never did I think I’d be in a relationship like the one I’m in now, only now did I feel my peace of mind, only now did I feel how important I was to a person. It's different from the relationship I had back then. This feels more… real.

I watched Appolo in the distance sitting on a mini garden bench here at school. Nakayuko siya habang magkahawak ang mga kamay na naghihintay sa akin. Even in that distance and position, his masculinity and handsomeness cry out.

Nangunot nga lang ang noo ko ng makita sa malayong puno ang isang babae na pinagtutulakan ng mga kaibigan niya. They are encouraging her to go with Appolo. I folded my arms and raised an eyebrow as the girl began to walk towards Appolo. Humakbang din ako papalapit sa kanila hanggang sa narinig ko ang boses nila.

Appolo looked up at the girl after he notice that she’s standing in front of him.

"Uh… H-hi." The woman greeted him with a smile even though I could feel her nervousness. I stayed behind the bunch of flowers and green leaf while watching them. They didn’t saw me because they are busy talking to each other, however, I saw that her friends noticed me and suddenly they panicked though they couldn’t get close to their friend to stop her since she was now talking to Appolo.

I feel like they know that there something going on between me and Appolo pero sinubukan padin nila na ipagtulakan ang kaibigan nila.

"Yes?" Si Appolo.

“Uh—I—I’m Janaya. Uh--p-pwede ba kitang maka-date sa …uh—prom?” Nauutal na tanong niya.

I played my tongue inside my mouth and tilted my head while waiting for Appolo's answer.

"I'm sorry, I can't."

Kita ko ang mas lalong pagkailang ng babae. Umiling naman ako ng ilang beses at pinakinggan ang mga sunod na sinabi ni Appolo.

“I’m going to ask someone today, and I’m waiting for her.” Aniya na nakapagpanguso sa akin. Talaga? Tatanungin niya ako ngayon?

“So, wala ka pa namang ka-date sa prom?” Tanong ng babae.

Nangunot ang noo ko duon lalo na’t tinanguan siya ni Appolo.

“If hindi siya pumayag, pwede bang ako ang maka-date mo?” Dagdag niya pa.

I shifted my weight. Now she got the courage to talk, and somehow made a deal with Appolo even though she was already turned down.

Appolo didn’t answer kaya nairita ako duon. Ano? Balak niyang i-consider ang sinabi ng babae?

I stood up straight and finally approached them. I could see how the woman's eyes widened when she saw me behind Appolo.

“You can’t.” Mabilis na sambit ko. Appolo quickly stood up and turned to me. I glanced at him sharply before turning to the woman.

I walked closer to Appolo until I came beside him. I turned to him and looked up at him, niyuko niya naman ako. Unti unti ay inabot ko ang kamay niya saka pinagsalikop ang mga kamay namin. Bumaba ang tinigin niya sa magkahawak naming kamay. I then turned to the woman to faced her.

“He’s now my boyfriend. So, you can’t.” I added.

Appolo cursed softly and felt his hand tighten on mine.

The woman's lips parted and she looked at me in surprise. "I-I-I-I didn't know." She stuttered and now I could see the fear in her eyes.

“Now, you know.” Sambit ko at tinanguan siya saka sininyas ang mga kaibigan niya sa malayong likod na nakatanaw pa din sa amin “Leave, and go back to your friends.”

"S-So-sorry." She said nervously and hurriedly turned around and walked back to her friends. I look at them coldly while keeping my eyes on them. Her friends then asked her, but she shook her head and say something to them. Some of her friends’ ayes widened while some dropped their jaws before they glanced at us.

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

“Stop it. You’re scaring them.” Appolo whispered softly beside me. When I turned to him, I could see the smile on his lips.

“I didn’t know you’re my girlfriend.” Nakangising sambit niya.

Tumaas ang kilay ko. “Bakit ayaw mo?” tanong ko at kinalas ang pagkakahawak sa kanya.

He then bit his lips and reached for me again but I withdrew my hand. He shook his head and grabbed my waist. His gripped tightened when he pulled me closer to his chest.

“Syempre gusto ko.” Nangingiting sagot niya. Nangunot ang noo ko at tinitigan ang labi niya na nagpipigil ng ngiti. “Gustong gusto.” Bulong niya pa.

Ngumuso ako duon at umirap saka muling binalingan ang mga babae na nanatiling nakatingin sa amin. Ang dalawa ay inaalo ang kaibigan nilang na-reject at ang iba pa ay nanatiling nakaawang ang labi.

Nagulat nga lang ako ng maramdaman ang halik ni Appolo sa pisnge ko. “I love you.”

Mas ngumuso naman ako duon.

It’s been 5 days since he courted me. Walang tigil sa loob ng isang araw. I can feel his sincerity every time we were together, kapag kumakain, kapag pauwi at bago matulog. When he came home, he always contacts me before I go to sleep. It was only three days, pero sinagot ko agad siya. Naisip ko, why would I prolong it when we both feel the same way for each other. Naipakilala na niya ang sarili niya sa akin sa loob ng dalawang buwan simula ng makilala ko siya. And the rest, I'll just find it out. For sure, I can get to know him better while we’re in a relationship.

Though, during that day, everytime na magkikita kami ni Sienna sa school ay lagi ko siyang tinititigan. Kung dati ay hindi ko siya masyadong pinapansin, ngayon ay bawat kilos niya ay pinapansin ko na. The way she often looks at me and the fear in her eyes every time I look back. I wonder if it’s because she was afraid of me or because she knows that were half-sisters.

“N-nasia, puwede ka bang sumabay sa aming kumain ngayon?” Tanong niya sa akin pagkatapos akong lapitan.

I folded my arms and looked up at her. Tinitigan ko siyang mabuti. We don’t look alike; I don’t see that we have anything in common. So, I never thought I had a connection with her. Maybe she inherited her looks from his father, not from my mother. But I can’t deny the fact that she’s beautiful. The only thing I noticed about her was that she looks a bit younger than me. That's all.

Napatayo ako sa gulat ng makita ang kwintas niya. I just don’t wear it often. Though, it was a gift from my father. Kung ganun kanino galing yan? Binigay ni Daddy sa kanya?

Napaatras siya ng lumapit ako.

“Where did you get that necklace?” Nanlalaki ang mga matang tanong ko sa kanya.

Napalunok siya duon at napahawak din sa kwintas niya.

“I-it’s a birthday gift from my m-mother.” Nanginginig na sambit niya.

“Nasia, anong problema?” Alisha asked as she stood next to me and frowned at Sienna.

“Sienna, what’s that?” Maarteng tanong naman ni Charlotte na nakalapit na din sa amin.

Napakurap ako at umatras saka binalingan si Alisha. “Wala.” Bawi ko. “I’ll just go to the restroom. Excuse me.” Paalam ko. Sinulyapan ko pa muna si Sienna bago si Charlotte na seryoso lang akong tiningnan saka tuluyan ng lumabas sa classroom.

Nakakunot ang noo ng maghugas ako ng kamay sa loob ng restroom. Binigay ng mommy niya? Does it mean binigay ni mommy sa kanya ang kwintas. How do we have the same birthday gift? I also received that gift from my father during my 13th birthday, kaya panong parehas kami ng regalo. Imposibleng coincidence lang yun. It’s either galing iyon kay Daddy o si mommy ang tunay na nagbigay ng kwintas.

Nawala ako sa iniisip ng tumunog ang cellphone ko.

“Hello V?” Sagot ko sa tawag at binalingan ang loob ng restroom kung may tao ba. Luckily walang tao duon dahil hindi pa naman break.

"Where do you want us to meet tomorrow?" He asked on the other line.

"Sa little flour cafe nalang sa BGC. Let’s see each other in the morning.” Sagot ko.

“Okay, let's talk and have breakfast together. What time? 8 or 9?” tanong niya.

"8 am." Sagot ko naman.

“Okay. How are you by the way?" he asked.

"I'm good." mahinang sambit ko.

"How 'bout that Sienna Cervantes, you’re in the same school, right?"

"We're in the same class." I replied that made him sigh. "I'm fine though." I added.

"Sure?"

Napakurap ako. “Sure.” Sambit ko at binalingan ang pinto ng marinig ang boses duon ng mga estudyante na papasok din ng restroom. “I'll drop the call now. Just text me tomorrow when you get there.” I said and cut call quickly.

Nakangiti ako ng pagbuksan ako ni Appolo ng pinto ng sasakyan. Minsan kapag pwudeng magsabay ay magkasabay kaming umuuwi, pero minsan naman kapag hindi puwede, tinatawagan ko si Kuya Franco para ihatid ako pauwi.

He was holding the back of my seat as he maneuvered the car to get out of the parking lot. After doing that he reached for my hand that rested on my lap while one of his hands held the steering wheel.

“Are you okay?” Nakakunot na tanong niya.

I smiled after glancing at our hands. “Yeah. Napagod lang ako sa practice sa promenade kanina. You?”

“I’m good. Wala naman masyadong ginagawa. The teachers are now finalizing the result of the awardees.”

Ngumiti ako. “For sure, kasama ka.” Sambit ko. “Baka nga with high honor pa eh.” Dagdag ko na nakapagpangisi sa kanya.

“Hindi ko itatanggi.” Nakangising sagot niya imbis na “oo” or “syempre, ako pa” para kumpirmahin o magmayabang.

“Pa-humble ka pa.” Nakangising sambit ko pero napailing nalang siya habang kinakagat ang labi.

Inangat niya ang kamay ko na hawak niya at hinalikan iyon. “How ‘bout my baby?”

Ngumuso ako duon. “May honor ako, hindi lang nga with high honor.”

He laughed. “Bakit parang malungkot ka?"

“Baka kasi ma-disappoint ka or what.” Nakalabing aniya ko.

“I don’t care about the honor, baby. I only want you.” Sagot niya.

Pakiramdam ko ay uminit ang pisnge ko sa sinabi niya lalo pa ng muli niyang hinalikan ang kamay ko.

“Bolero ka.” Nakangusong sambit ko.

He shook his head and answer back. “Pa-humble lang.”

Natawa kaming pareho sa sinabi niya lalo pa ng kumpirmahin niya pa-humble nga siya.

“At totoo syempre.” Dagdag niya pa na nakapag-pailing sa akin.

“Whatever you say.” I replied almost in a whispered.

Pagkarating sa bahay ay hinintay ko ang pag-uwi ni Daddy para tanongin siya tungkol sa kwintas na binigay niya sa akin. Wala akong ibang gagawin ngayon kaya habang naghihintay sa kanya ay naisipan ko na magbasa nalang ng mga bagong release na articles at magazines. Nakita ko sa isang Philippine Tatler magazine ang mga pictures ni Althea Dela Vega ng kanyang 16th birthday sa Palawan, kasama ang mga naglalakihang tao sa industriya. Lahat ko iyon nagustuhan, especially since the designer of her gown is one of my favorite designers.

Habang ginagawa ang pagtingin sa kanyang mga larawan ay narinig ko ang pagtunog ng aking cellphone. My boyfriend is calling. Actually, ang nilagay ko na contact name niya ay My Husky at hanggang ngayon hindi ko parin pinapalitan.

"Hey." I said after answering the call.

"Are you busy?" he asked on the other line.

“Nope. Actually, I got bored while waiting for my father to come home, so I’m now reading some articles and magazines to get myself busy.”

“You should have called me so you won’t get bored.” Mababang sambit niya.

Ngumuso naman ako. “I don’t want to disturb you and … I actually want you to insist the call.”

He laughed. “But you can do the same for me, so whenever your board or want someone to talk to, you can always contact me, and I will answer your call even if I’m busy. You know, I can always make time for you.”

“Hmm…talaga?” Tumaas ang kilay ko, tila hindi naniniwala sa sinabi niya.

“Talaga.” He replied.

I bit my lip to suppressed a smile. “Okay.” Mahinang sambit ko at sinimulang kalikutin ang unan ko. “Sa ibang tao, ganyan kadin ba? Like… your friends?”

“No. Sa’yo lang.” Mabilis na sagot niya.

“Okay.” Marahan na sambit ko ulit. Nangingiti na ngayon.

Ilang minuto kaming natahimik. Tanging ang marahan na hininga lang niya ang naririnig ko sa kabilang linya.

“Hindi ka pa ba inaantok? You should rest now, It’s already late.” Marahang aniya sa kabilang linya.

Umiling ako. “Hinihintay ko pa si Daddy.”

“Bakit? Do you always wait for your father o come home? It’s already late, hindi pa ba siya umuuwi ng ganitong oras?” tanong niya.

I bit my lower lip. Wala pa nga pala akong sinasabi sa kanya tungkol sa magulong pamilya ako. Though I don’t want to ruin our moment. Isa pa, I don’t think I’m ready to tell it to him. I haven’t even told Alisha about it.

“Nothing. I just want to make sure that he come home safe and sound.” Sagot ko.

“Alright, do you want me to entertain you for a while, while waiting for your father to come home?” Marahan na tanong niya.

“Yes, please.” Walang pag-aalinlangan na sagot ko.

“But baby, if your already tired, you can sleep and rest now, just order your house help to let you know if he’s already came home.” Aniya.

"No, it's okay, I'm not yet sleepy." Agap ko saka nakagat ang labi.

“Alright.” Marahan na sambit niya.

Iyon nga ang nangyari. Marami kaming pinag-usapan. We talked about the upcoming promenade, about his plan for college, about his friends and siblings. He says, he wants to be an engineer or an architect, he doesn’t have a definite decision yet, pinagpipilian niya pa sa dalawa. Sinabi din niya na close sila ng mga kapatid niya ng mga bata pa sila pero nitong malaki na sila ay medyo nagkaroon ng barrier sa relasyon nila, maybe because of their personal life, but so far they are all fine, medyo hindi nga lang daw nagkakasundo ang pangatlo at ang bunso nitong mga nakaraang buwan. Tinanong ko siya kung bakit pero hindi rin daw niya alam.

“How ‘bout you, your only child right, wala ka bang kapatid?” Bigla ay tanong niya.

“Nope. Nag-iisang anak lang ako ni mommy at daddy.” Sambit ko dahil totoo naman na wala naman akong ibang kapatid na sila mismo ang gumawa. Kung sa ibang lalaki ay iyong kay mommy na hanggang ngayon ay hindi sa akin pinapakilala kahit na nakilala ko na ang isa- si Alisha.

My forehead furrowed. "Though, there's something I want to tell you, I just can't say it right now." I sighed heavily. “Ok lang ba kung hindi ko muna sabihin sa’yo ngayon?”

“Are you uncomfortable with it?” He asked lightly.

“Yeah, kind of.” Napapaos na sambit ko.

“Alright, you don’t have to tell me. Just tell me when you’re ready. I will wait.”

I bit my lip. I never thought that such a considerate and understanding man would be my boyfriend. He’s on his senior year but he already knows how to handle a mature relationship. Kung iba sigurong lalaki ay magtatampo na and worst magagalit pa sa girlfriend nila. Iisipin nila na hindi sila pinagkakatiwalaan ng mga girlfriend nila, pero hindi siya ganun. Hindi ganun ang mindset niya. He’s different.

“Thank you.” Sinserong sambit ko.

“Anything for you, baby.” He replied.

I also found out that the Generals were his friends as well as the Dela Vegas and Villareals, but he was more close to the Generals. I won't be surprised because they we're in the same social circle, though I'm not close to the people he name of since I don't attend often to such events. Maybe I've only been there three or four times. I think.

“How‘ bout your friends? You told me Abby is your only friend, why?” he asked as we talked about our friends.

“Abby is just like you, she’s different. Wala akong ibang makitang katulad niya.” Sagot ko habang tinitingnan si Nanang na papalapit na sa akin ngayon habang nakakunot ang noo. “Wait…” Sambit ko sa kanya ng tuluyang makalapit si Nanang sa akin.

“Bakit gising ka pa, Nasia? Alas diyes na. Sino ba yang kausap mo?” Nakakunot na sambit ni Nanang.

“Uh, si Appolo po.” Sambit ko na mas lalong nakapag-pasalubong ng kilay niya.

“Hindi mo ba pwudeng sabihin sa manliligaw mo na tama na muna ang tawagan at gabi na, para namang hindi kayo nagkikita sa eskwelahan. Ano ba yang pinag-uusapan niyo? Ganun ba iyon kaimportante na ipagpaliban ang pagtulog at pagpapahinga?” Saway niya sa akin. Napalunok naman ako duon.

Narinig ko ang pagtikhim ni Appolo sa kabilang linya. Nakaramdam naman ako ng hiya sa sinabi ni Nanang.

“Nanang, ako po ang nag-insist na kausapin niya muna ako habang naghihintay kay Daddy.”

Nangunot ang noo niya. “Hindi ba nasabi sa’yo ni Nesa? Nasa probinsya ngayon ang Daddy mo dahil nagkaproblema sa isa sa mga negosyo na hinahawakan niya ruon. Hindi ko alam kung anong problema pero iyon ang sabi niya sa akin. Akala ko ay alam mo.”

“Po? Wala pong sinabi si Nesa.” Nakakunot na sambit ko. Napabuntong hininga naman si Nanang at nasapo ang noo.

“Nakalimutan siguro.” Aniya at nag-angat ng tingin sa akin. “Sana tinanong mo nalang hija, para hindi ka naghihintay dito. Bakit mo nga ba hinihintay ang Daddy mo? Hindi ba pwedeng ipagpabukas nalang iyan, pwede naman sigurong tawagan nalang.”

“Ah, hindi na po Nanang. Sa susunod nalang po siguro pagka-uwi niya baka maistorbo ko pa.” Tipid ang ngiting sambit ko.

“Oh sige, tama na yang usapan niyo at matulog kana.” Aniya.

“O-opo.”

Umiiling siyang tumalikod sa akin at nagsimulang humakbang patungo sa kanyang kwarto sa baba.

Narinig ko ang marahas na buntong hininga ni Appolo. “Matulog ka na.” Aniya.

Napanguso ako. “O-okay, sorry sa sinabi ni Nanang.”

He chuckled. “It’s okay, I enjoy our conversation.”

I bit my lip. "Me too." I said softly.

Narinig ko na ang tawa niya sa kabilang linya. Nangunot naman ang noo ko duon habang ngumunguso.

“Matulog ka na. Good night.” Pagtatapos niya sa usapan namin.

“Hmm…Good night. Thanks for the call.”

“No problem.”

Ilang segundo kaming natahimik. Naririnig ko naman ang marahang hininga niya sa kabilang linya.

“Are you still there?” biglang sambit niya.

“Yeah.” Mahinang sagot ko na tinawaan niya.

“You should cut the call now.” Natatawang aniya.

"Oh-o-ok." I said shyly.

“I love you.” Pahabol niya.

Uminit ang pisnge ko. “I-I love you.” Nanliliit ang boses na sambit ko at mabilis na pinutol ang tawag.

Nakagat ko ang labi para pigilan ang tili saka kinuha ang unan at niyakap iyon ng mahigpit bago pinanggigilan. Mababaliw na yata ako.