Cut Me Warmly

Eight: Second Chances

Chapter 8: Second Chances



NAPAKURAP-KURAP ng mga mata si Selene nang tila mahulog siya sa maiksing trance habang pinagmamasdan ang larawan ng babae sa painting. Muli niyang ibinalik iyon mula sa pagkakasabit sa ding-ding nang makarinig nang mahinang pagkatok sa pinto. Pinagbuksan niya ang tao sa labas at bumungad ang masiglang mukha ng kanyang Mama Miranda.

“Oh, there you are. How are you? Anything wrong? You went home too soon,” sabi nito na kakabakasan ng pag-aalala ang tinig.

Nakangiting umiling siya rito, hiding all the pain. “I’m okay, Mama. I just got bored. You know, I couldn’t live a day without working. At isa pa, I’ve read that Nica was promoted as the new VP of FRC. So, I immediately went home to surprise her!”

Humakbang ito papasok sa loob ng kuwarto niya at ginagap ang palad niya. Malakas na napabuntong-hininga ito. “I’ve thought about that trip for so long but I guess it’s not really for you. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed it even for a while.”

“Of course, Mama. I enjoyed it but I guess it’s just too long for a vacation. I didn’t want to die there out of boredom,” aniya na sinamahan iyon nang malutong na tawa. “Though, I’m really thankful to you for giving me such time. By the way, I’m planning to have a surprise party for Veronica. Care to join me?” mabilis na pag-iiba niya ng paksa.

“Yeah, sure,” sang-ayon agad nito.

Niyakap niya ito. “Thanks, Mama.”

“By the way, have you seen the painting?” anito nang kumalas sa kanya.

“What painting? Is it the beautiful lady there?” patanong na sagot niya sabay turo sa kinasasabitang pwesto ng larawan.

“Yes, that’s the one. I’ve found that in one of our old houses that I visited. I’ve taken it because it resembles you.”

Napa-oh siya sa sinabi ng kanyang abuela. Hindi niya agad naisip na kahawig niya ang babae sa larawan pero naisip niyang nakita na niya ito noon. Baka isang artista o kamag-anak nila. But the look of it, she could be their relative. Baka kamag-anak na nag-artista before kaya pamilyar sa kanya ang mukha. Nilapitan nila ang larawan at muli ay pinakatitigan niya iyon. Doon niya unti-unting napagtanto ang pagkakahawig nila.

“Who is she?” she asked curiously.

“She’s Lorena, one of your great-grandmothers. It was painted by Manuel, her husband and your great-grandfather.”

“Hmmm… do you know anything about them aside from that?”

“S’yempre naman, lagi silang nakukuwento sa akin ni Antonio noong nabubuhay pa siya. Manuel was actually one of the Filipinos who fought against the Spaniards. He joined the revolution. And that’s how he actually met his demise, died for his country. Maiksi lang ang naging pagsasama nila ni Lorena dahil doon but those times were the greatest time she had in her lifetime. He’s her savior, and for us that comes after him, he would always be our hero.”

“Wow, that’s cool to know. May dugong bayani pala ang mga Feron, Mama.”

“Well, he’s not really in the books. But yeah, you have his blood in you. For sure, he’s proud of what his lineage had become.”

“Eh, saan naman po nagsimula ang sumpa-sumpa sa pamilya natin?” curious pa rin na tanong niya. Tutal ay nagkukuwentuhan na rin naman sila ay naisipan na rin niyang itanong dahil ilang beses na niyang narinig at wala namang malinaw na eksplanasyon sa kanila.

Natatawang nilingon siya nito ngunit hindi iyon umabot sa mga mata nito. “To be honest, hija hindi ko alam kung maniniwala ako sa sumpa o hindi. Dumating din naman ako sa punto na wala akong ibang masisi kundi iyon. I suppose I believe it somehow. But at the same time, I don’t want to.” Humakbang ito palapit sa larawan at tinanggal iyon sa pagkakasabit. Iginiya siya nito paupo sa kama. “That curse also started with Lorena and Manuel. I was told that Manuel wasn’t Lorena’s first husband. It was someone that I didn’t know the name. It could have been mentioned to me by Antonio but I might have forgotten. Anyway, this man na unang asawa ni Lorena ay natitipuhan ng isang mangkukulam but it was Lorena who he chose. See, one of the reasons why I don’t believe it. It sounds like a fairytale.” They chuckled.

“At least we have an interesting history,” komento niya.

“Yes, we do,” sang-ayon nito at nagpatuloy na sa pagkukuwento. “Dahil si Lorena ang pinili ng lalaki at hindi ang mangkukulam ay isinumpa niya ang dalawa hanggang sa magiging kaapu-apuhan ng mga ito, na walang liligaya sa sinumang may dugo ng dalawa. Though, hindi naman nagbunga ang pagsasama ng dalawa since the man died early in their marriage. Then Lorena met Manuel. Some of the old families still believe that the curse was still potent since Lorena’s blood was part of it. Kaya marami pa rin sa mga may dugong Feron ang nakakahanap ng true love dahil kalahati lang ng sumpa ang natira at nabura ang kalahati dahil sa lahi ni Manuel.”

“That makes sense, though. But what’s with the necklace? How come it’s cursed, too?”

“They believed that the necklace was worn by Lorena during the day the curse was bestowed upon them.”

“Why not throw away the necklace? Or sell it?”

Mapait na ngumit ito. “It’s a family heirloom and it cost billions. We don’t want to waste such treasure.”

Napa-oh na naman siya sa sinabi ng kanyang abuela. “Wala bang nabanggit kung paano tatanggalin ang sumpa?” tanong niya nang makabawi.s

“Sadly, walang nabanggit.”

“Sounds tragic. I’ll just think one myself and tell my children about it so, the curse will be officially broken,” natatawang sabi niya. Her Mama laughed with her, too.

“That’s a bright idea,” anito at binalot sila ng sandaling katahimikan.

“Thanks for giving me a good laugh, Mama,” aniya nang muling magsalita. She smiled authentically.

Minsan kahit itago niya ang lungkot o kung ano man mula rito ay parang nararamdaman pa rin nito iyon at nalalaman sa kung anong paraan na hindi niya alam. Siguro dahil ito na ang nakasama nila mula pa noon at mahal na mahal sila nito. Napakaswerte niyang ito ang nag-alaga sa kanya simula nang mamatay ang mga magulang niya. She would always be thankful.

“Everything for you, my dear. You know that I’m always here for you.” Muli ay niyakap niya ang abuela. “All right, all right. Let’s stop the drama before we both cry. Let’s talk about that party idea of yours instead.”

The room was filled with more laughters.

IT was the night Selene prepared for her sister, Veronica. Isang selebrasyon ang naisip niyang gawin para dito, to recognize her achievements and share it with their people. Masayang-masaya siya sa tagumpay nito.

“You’ve surprised me, Selene. Hindi ka na sana nag-abala pa,” turan ni Veronica nang makapasok sila sa hall ng Hotel Feron. Nakasuot ito ng pulang serpentina gown na siya mismo ang pumili.

“We owe you this, Veronica,” nakangiting tugon niya. Royal blue na evening gown naman ang suot niya. Halter iyon at may mahabang slit sa magkibalang gilid ng hita. Pina-bun niya ang buhok na may iilang hibla na nakakawala at sensual na bumagsak sa gilid ng tainga niya.

“Thank you very much for this,” parang maluluhang sabi nito.

“Veronica, you are so gorgeous tonight,” anang Mama Miranda nila na sinalubong sila pagpasok sa bulwagan.

“Gosh, you are very much gorgeous than us,” Veronica complimented.

Nakakakulot ang maiksing buhok ng kanyang abuela na bumagay sa golden turtle neck gown na suot nito. Mahahaba ang mga manggas niyon at diretso ang pagkakatabas. Black flatted sandals naman ang kapareha niyon sa ibaba.

“Huwag mo na sana akong bolahin, Nica. This party is yours. Congratulations, sabi ko na nga ba at hindi ako nagkamali nang paglalagay sa ‘yo bilang VP ng FRC. In fact, our sales had grown 20% higher for the last month since you’ve taken charge of the position. Kahit kailan talaga alam kong hindi ninyo ako bibiguin at didismayahin.”

“Promise, Mama. I will do all my best for FRC,” sagot nito.

“I hope Iñigo can see the three of you now. He will be happy, very happy that her daughters didn’t waste what he had work hard for in so many years,” Miranda said, loneliness in her voice, her eyes went misty.

“Bawal ang umiyak ngayong gabi, Mama. Huhulas ang mga pinagkagastusan nating mga make-up,” pagbibirong sabi niya. Natawa sila ng sabay-sabay.

“Nasaan nga pala si Agatha? Kanina ko pa siya hindi nakikita.”

“Iniistima marahil ang ilang mga associate ng kumpanya, Mama. Huwag po kayong mag-alala nandyan lang po iyon sa tabi-tabi o ‘di kaya’y nasa mga sulok lang nakapwesto.”

“Okay, sige. Kakamustahin ko na rin muna ang ilan sa aking mga amiga,” paalam ng matanda at iniwan silang dalawa roon ni Veronica.

She looked around the hall and saw the usual rich and powerful in the society. Most of them were business associates but some just wanted to be there. Her Mama Miranda technically invited everyone. She was about to mingle with them when her eyes caught a strange mien.

Akala niya noong una ay pinaglalaruan lang ng matitingkad na ilaw ang kanyang paningin, na isang ilusyon lamang ang nakikita niya. Pero hindi, totoong-totoo ang bulto na nakatayo sa pagitan ng mga bisitang kakilala niya. Kumaway ito sa kanya.

She didn’t know how to react. She was caught off guard. Anong ginagawa nito roon? At sino ang nagbigay ng karapatan ditong maging ganoon kagwapo at kakisig? The man was wearing a royal blue coat and slacks, puti ang pangloob na polo at kulay balat ang sapatos sa paa. Kitang-kita ito sa gitna ng pulutong ng mga tao dahil sa kalbong ulo nito. And of course, he was huge and looked so mighty, astounding against all other visitors.

Mabilis na nagpaalam siya sa kapatid nang makita niyang humakbang ito palapit sa kinatatayuan nila. Sinalubong niya ang lakad ng lalaki, grabbing one glass from the waiter’s tray. Huminto silang pareho nang makaharap ang isa’t-isa. Nanatili silang nakatitig sa mga mata ng bawat isa at tila walang may gustong bumitaw roon.

“I think we should dance,” Brandon mused when the music started playing.

She would like to answer him that she didn’t want to dance, but to kiss him and indulge him all night long. Because she f*****g missed him and she’s f*****g angry with him. She felt so terrible having all those contradicting emotions showering her right now. She couldn’t understand why the feelings were so intense considering they’ve only been together for a short period of time. Maybe that’s the answer, she didn’t want to be with him for just a while but to be with him for a long, long time. Yet, they were given otherwise. Was it crazy to fall in love that quick and ask for too much? Was she being so stupid and crazy?

“Hey, are we okay?” he asked, waving his hand in front of her.

Inisang lagok niya ang laman ng kopitang hawak upang mapangiwi lamang. Hindi niya alam kung anong alak iyon at sobrang tapang. Iniabot niya ang baso sa isang waiter na napadaan malapit sa kanila. “What are you doing here?” tanong niya, nakahugot ng lakas mula sa espiritu ng alak.

“Someone invited me to be her partner but I lost her then I found you.”

“So, you’re not with your boyfriend?” she frankly muttered.

A shock drew on his gorgeous face then he laughed, showing his magnificent white teeth. “My boyfriend’s not with me. There’s nothing to be jealous tonight,” sagot nito sa pagitan ng mga tawa.

“How about that gal who invited you here?”

“Oh, the young Marrigan? I guess she went home already or maybe with someone else, I don’t care. I’m just here because of you.”

Now, she had the shocked face. Hindi niya inaasahan ang sagot nito. Or was he just playing her? Maybe he’s after her fortune? But she knew the Marrigans, they’re richer than Ferons. Maybe she’s the easy prey? No, that young Marrigan he’s referring to looks gullible compared to her. Maybe she just want her body? Okay, maybe that’s the absolute answer. She giggled of that thought.

“You’re grinning, tell me what’s on your mind,” anitong yumuko sa harap niya upang ibulong ang mga salitang iyon. Naamoy niya ang hininga nito, it was minty and winey. And it’s warm when it touched her skin, she grew goosebumps. All the sensual escapades they shared flashed before her eyes.

“You know what, I’ve told myself that when I see you, I would slap your face so hard you would be knocked out. But I don’t want to cause ruckus as this is my sister’s celebration. I could do something else with you instead…”

“I’d love to see what you’re thinking. But for now, let’s dance.” Kinabig siya nito palapit dito at hinawakan ang palad niya pataas.

His feet started moving, begging her own feet to move with the rhythm. She obliged, trying to recall her dance classes before. Good thing, she could remember how to waltz. Natapos nila ang sayaw na hindi niya naaapakan ang paa nito.

Nang tumigil ang tugtog ay may hinanap ang spotlight sa bulwagan. Nahuli ng liwanag ang kapatid niya. The host called on her sister, Veronica. She’d given a short speech. Nagsipalakpakan ang mga tao nang matapos ito.

“Care to share what’s on your mind a while ago… the something else that you’re thinking…” bulong sa kanya ni Brandon na muling nagpatayo ng mga balahibo niya sa katawan.

Nilingon niya ito at hinila palabas ng bulwagan. They went straight to the parking lot. The lights were dimmed but it didn’t hinder them to trace each other’s body and to find their lips to share kisses. Halos magkadapa-dapa sila sa sementadong sahig dahil sa hindi pagkamayaw sa isa’t-isa.

Ibinalandra siya nito sa unang van na nasumpungan nila. Lumapat ang balat niya sa malamig na katawan ng sasakyan. Hinuli nito ang magkabilang palad niya at mahigpit na hinawakan iyon. Nagsimulang bumaba ang halik nito sa leeg niya, pababa sa puno ng kanyang dibdib. Mabuti na lamang at hindi siya nagsuot ng bra. She was only wearing a pair of silicone paddings for her n*****s. Mabilis namang natanggal iyon ng labi nito at iniitsa.

Pinigil niyang mapaungol ng malakas nang supsupin nito ang magkabilang dunggot niya. Nagpasalit-salit doon ang labi, dila at ngipin nito. She felt so sore yet delighted.

When he was done sucking on her t**s, he let go of her hands and grabbed her on her waist. Tinangay siya nito sa hood ng kotse at pinatuwad. Nakalapat ang itaas na bahagi katawan niya roon samantalang ang ibabang bahagi ay pinabukaka nito. Walang hirap na naibaba nito ang G-string na suot niya sa pamamagitan lamang ng isang haklit.

Nangatog ang katawan niya nang dumampi ang basang daliri nito sa kaselanan niya. Though, her v****a didn’t need additional lubricant as she was already damped down there. Nang marinig niya ang mahinang tunog ng zipper nito ay inihanda na niya ang sarili.

She whimpered when she felt his mushroom head within her opening, then its full trunk. It created havoc inside her. She shuddered in pain and ecstasy.

“Moan for me, baby,” utos nito.

Sumunod naman siya sa gusto nito at pinakawalan ang ingay na kanina pa naglulupasay sa loob niya. Nangingibabaw ang ingay niya sa katahimikan ng lugar. It was even echoing, summoning all the carnal souls.

Sinabunutan nito ang ulo niya na sumira sa pagkaka-bun ng buhok niya at mas inigtingan pa nito ang paglabas-masok sa kaselanan niya. Naikuyom niya ang mga palad at tinigasan ang mga tuhod. She could do it. She could have all of him. Again.

“Moan harder for me, baby.” Nanginginig sa sarap ang tinig nito at sinusundan iyon ng mga anas.

Muli ay tumalima siya sa nais nito. She was now wailing in rapture. In agony but nevertheless, being blessed with out of this world satisfaction. And only Brandon could give her that, for sure.

When she started to feel the peak of her sensation, she started weeping and her tears fell down on her cheeks. At the same time, he could hear him calling out her name. His p***s still thrusting between her thighs then he stopped stroking and went deeper within her vaginal wall, warm liquid started shooting inside her. She’s so wet and dripping.

Paharap dito na sumandal siya sa sasakyan matapos ang kaiga-igayang sandali ng kamunduhan. She’s still breathless and gasping for air. Her knees were wobbly she couldn’t even stand straight.

Dumukwang ito sa kanya at hinalikan ang noo niya. “Can you still walk?” he asked thoughtfully.

“I can but I think I shouldn’t go back. I definitely look like a mess right now.”

“I’m sorry about that… I just… I missed you so much, Selene. For the last days and nights, I was thinking about you and I told myself that I had to find you. And here I am now, f****d you without explaining myself or at least ask you why you’ve just left.”

She snickered and held onto her nape. “I guess you already had an idea.”

“Oh, was it because of… my, my… It’s Omi, wasn’t it?”

“If that’s the name of the guy then yes,” diretsong sagot niya.

“He’s my cousin, and we’re not in relationship for the record. That would be incest. And also, I’m not gay… I have nothing against gay people. I just want to straight things out.”

“Well, I don’t think you’re gay. But you could be bisexual and I don’t f*****g care. I just want you to be loyal and honest with me. Faithful, if it’s ain’t too much to ask for.”

“I can be anything you want me to be, Selene. But I also want you to tell me if there’s anything wrong. Let’s talk and hear out each other. If you want to have some space for a while, I’m cool with that. But get back to me, okay?”

“Okay,” she agreed, nodding and smiling. She raised her pinky. “Let’s promise to each other, Brandon.”

He beamed and raised his pinky as well. “I promise.”

They sealed the promise with a sensual kiss.

THAT night wasn’t the last of them together in an intense, passionate intercourse as just right after, they didn’t go back to the party but booked a room in the nearest hotel they’ve found. They’ve tried all the s****l position they could think of ‘til they lost count of time and drained all their energy. It was a marvelous reunion for their worldly souls.

Nang magising siya nang araw na iyon ay wala siyang ibang saplot kundi ang puting kumot na nakabalot sa katawan niya. It’s the hotel’s comforter and smelled cheap fabcon. She tried to trace Brandon’s natural smell beside her but she couldn’t. Nang kapain niya ang katabing pwesto ay walang tao roon. Pero nang bumaling siya sa kabila niya ay natagpuan niya ang lalaki na nakatungayaw sa kanya at may hawak na pumpon ng bulaklak. Naka-short at sando lang ito pero napakagwapo pa rin.

“Did you miss me already?” he asked and sat on the bed. Iniabot nito sa kanya ang mga bulaklak.

She smiled sheepishly. “I do, I miss you.”

“Come here,” anito at inalalayan siyang makabangon.

Doon niya nadama ang sakit ng kasukasuan niya. Impit na napa-aray siya. “My gosh, I’m so tender.”

“I’m sorry for exhausting you,” he said and gently kissed her on the cheeks.

“It’s all right, I’m fine. I can do a few more rounds…” Napabuga siya ng hangin sa bibig. “Why am I so horny these days?”

He chuckled. “Sorry for being around with you.”

Kinurot niya ito sa tagiliran at mahinang tinampal ng pumpon ng mga bulaklak. Pero may punto rin naman ang sinabi nito. Dahil kapag kasama niya ito at ito ang nasa isip niya ay tumataas ang libido niya at parang hayok na hayok siyang makipagtalik.

“By the way, I want to show you something,” anito at inilabas ang cellphone. May ilang pinindot ito sa screen nito at iniabot iyon sa kanya.

Tinanggap naman niya iyon at nakita niya ang nakabukas na Photos App nito. Pinagmasdan niya ang mga larawan sa album nito at tiningnan pa ang ibang naka-save roon. It was him with his family and friends, and the man he called Omi. There were only a few photos, maybe around a hundred but it spanned a decade long memories.

“I don’t know if the photos are enough to prove that Omi’s my cousin and that I would never be in relationship with him. But that’s all I have, and my words and promises.”

Ngumiti siya at iniabot pabalik dito ang cellphone nito. “I appreciate the effort but we’ll see. Are you going to stay?”

“I’m here to stay where you are, baby.”

“My life is here in the Philippines but yours, you have the world. Do you think it would work out? We’re living in two different worlds.”

“Who says I couldn’t stay here in the Philippines? I’m a Filipino, too. I can start a business here or continue my modelling career, locally.”

“What? You’re Filipino?” mulagat na tanong niya.

“Yes,” kumpirma nito at muling ipinakita ang family picture sa cellphone nito. “My dad’s half-Filipino, half-Spanish. My mom’s half-Filipina, half-American. We just don’t look like one but we have the blood.”

Nabitawan niya ang bulaklak at napahawak sa magkabilang pisngi. “Wow,” she exclaimed. “I thought you’re a demigod.”

Natatawang sinugod siya nito ng halik at pinaulanan siya niyon. Kumubabaw ito sa kanya at nadama agad niya ang matikas nitong pagkakalalaki na nakatundo sa puson niya. Handang-handa ito at tanging mga tela na lamang ang pumipigil dito para pasukin siyang muli.

“Ooops, just one sec. I need to make a phone call, first. They might be looking for me and I don’t have my phone. May I borrow yours for a while?”

“Sure, but be quick,” he handed over the phone again to her but continued tasting her skin. Unti-unti nitong tinatanggal ang kumot na nakatakip sa kanya.

Nagkukumahog naman ang daliri niya sa pag-dial sa numero ng opisina nila. Mabilis naman ang naging pagsagot ng sekretarya niya. Dama ang pagka-aligaga sa tinig nito at mabilis siyang ikinonekta sa linya ng Mama Miranda niya.

Napahinto siya sa pagresponde sa init na natatanggap mula sa mga halik ni Brandon nang matanggap ang balita mula sa kanyang abuela. Something happened to Veronica…