Filling The Gentleman's Thirst (Filipino)

Chapter 7

Like a usual morning, we go to school early, meet Trist's friends and some girls my age talk about me being Tristan Xander Immerson's girl. Nothing's new so I let it slide and went straight to our classroom, I scanned my notes since we'll be having a semi-final summative test in the first period.

I actually feel great today, parang 'di ako tinatamad magbasa kaya habang nakikinig sa kantang pinag-aaralan ay nag-aaral rin ako. Tahimik ako sa aking upuan at nagsasaya sa sariling mundo nang biglang may sumarado sa binabasa kong libro.

Agad akong nag-angat ng tingin at napabuntong-hininga nang makita si Rowen, tulad ng nakasanayan ay nakangisi na naman siya habang nakakrus ang dalawang braso sa dibdib. Kukunti pa lang ang tao at nakapalibot na naman sa'kin ang dalawa niyang kaibigan.

Chuckling humorlessly, I completely closed my notes and arched a brow at her, crossing both my legs and arms elegantly.

"What now? Gonna bully me again?" I mocked her. "Hindi pa ba sapat iyong ginawa at sinabi ko kahapon?"

Pairap kong binalingan ang kaibigan niyang nasampal ko kahapon, ngayon ay agad itong yumuko habang nagtatagis ang bagang.

"Kalma ka lang, Jedah. Wala ako sa mood manakit ngayon," sagot ni Rowen at painosenteng tumingin sa paligid. "Naisip ko lang na tumigil na sa pambubully sa'yo."

"Really? What made you changed your mind?" I asked mockingly, I'm really doubting her. "For sure not because you believe me."

"But what If I do believe you? What will you do?"

"Nothing."

"What do you mean nothing? Akala ko ba kakaibiganin ka para makuha ang atensyon ni Tristan? Ano 'yon, joke lang?" Medyo inis na niyang tanong at namewang sa harapan ko.

So that's it, she badly wants Tristan's attention. How can she be this low? Para lang do'n sa kapatid ko makikipag-plastikan siya sa'kin? Iba rin.

"Basically, it's not really my fault that he doesn't like you now. You bullied me and he saw it, then he hated you. The end. Hindi porque maging magkaibigan tayo ulit ay magugustuhan ka na niya ulit."

"Then this is useless," gigil niyang sabi at tinignan ang dalawang kaibigan. "Sinasabi ko na nga ba, selfish ka talaga. Ahas. Inahas mo ako."

"Oo na, inahas na kung inahas. Pagod na akong mag-explain—s**t!"

Napatayo ako nang biglang may bumuhos sa'kin ng malamig na tubig, agad nanuot sa katawan ko ang lamig. Hindi ako agad nakakilos para isalba ang notes at cellphone kaya nabasa rin ang mga 'to. Hindi pa ako nakakabawi sa lamig nang magtawanan sina Rowen at ang mga kaibigan niya. Pinagtinginan ako ng mga kaklase namin at wala man lang may lumapit para bigyan ako ng extrang damit pantakip sa dibdib ko.

Kahit nanlalamig, kinuyom ko ang mga kamao at pumikit para pakalmahin ang sarili. Napatingin ako sa basa kong damit, sa dibdib na dahil sa pagkabasa ay bumakat ang suot kong brassiere.

"What a good morning, right? Were you surprised, Jedah? We'd prepared for this the whole night!" Tawang-tawa pang sabi ni Rowen habang tumatawa.

I literally shivered from cold, the cold water also smells bad. It smells like a fish. Malansa. Gusto kong masuka sa amoy pero imbis gawin 'yon ay pinahid ko na lang ang mga kaliskis ng isdang dumikit sa damit ko.

"Oh, h'wag mo ng tanggalin, bagay naman sa'yo!" Kantyaw ng isang kaklase ko na nakaaway ko rin dati.

"Ganda pala talaga ng katawan mo, Jedah. Ang laki ng dibdib, gifted p're!" I want to defend myself, when I hear all their teases, my eyes wanna cry but myheart can't.

"Malaki ang dibdib kasi dating GRO sa Cagayan 'yan! Sana pala nakapunta ako ro'n, sana naka-score pa ako," dagdag ng isa pa naming kaklase na lalaki.

Habang pinapakinggan ang tawanan ng lahat, pilit kong pinapatatag ang loob. Unti-unti kong sinabayan ang tawanan nila kaya unti-unti rin silang natigil. At kahit tumigil na silang lahat ay hindi ako tumigil. Iniisip na siguro nilang nababaliw na ako, oo, nakakabaliw naman kasi talaga. Pero hindi ako iiyak na lang basta rito at mamumukhang talunan, kung ako mismo 'di ipagtatanggol ang sarili ko, sino ang magtatanggol sa'kin? Sa panahon ngayon dapat malakas ka, malakas loob mo, buo at matapang.

"Why are laughing?" Takang tanong ni Rowen. "Have you gone completely crazy? Huh! Pitiful b***h, have you lost your mind?!"

"Of course not!" I replied, laughing my ass off, while all of them are watching me. "I just can't help it, you guys are laughing at me because I was bullied. So I'll laugh, too because I'll bully someone as well now."

"What?"

Hindi na ako sumagot at tumayo na lang, mismong sa harapan ni Rowen ay inayos ko ang damit at buhok, nginisian siya ng pagkalaki-laki. Napangiwi naman siya sa pandidiri.

"Eww! Stay away from me, you stinks!"

"Yeah right, and you stinks with me!"

Napasigaw siya nang mabilis kong hablutin ang buhok niya at sabunutan. Hindi na siya nakalaban nang nilampaso ko siya sa basang sahig at sakyan sa likuran para hindi siya makatayo. Nangibabaw ang sigaw niya at ang tawa ko sa buong kwarto. May humila sa buhok ko pero hinila ko rin kung sino 'yon at inilampaso rin ito kasama ni Rowen. Sigaw ng sigaw ang dalawa maging ang mga kaklase namin dahil sa palabas.

Gigil na gigil ako, sa isip ko ay bahala ng mapatalsik makaganti lang ako sa kanila. Hindi ko na matagalan ang ginagawa nila sa'kin, hindi pwedeng ako lang ang mamukhang basahan at basang sisiw sa'min.

"Let go of me! Let go of me! Ano ba, Jedah?! I'm hurting!" Rowen cried as she stuggled to escape me.

"Let go? Hurting? Then I should enjoy and never let you go, b***h! Because that's what I actually wanted."

It was the time when, I feel like I'm free to fight for my dignity even when I know what I'm doing is wrong and inappropriate. I will surely regret this after. But I couldn't stop, I can't bear being humilated alone.

Parang may sabong sa buong classroom namin na maging ang taga kabilang room ay napasugod na. Dumating ang mga adviser at subject teachers ng bawat room at inawat kami. Nakaramdam ako ng pagod nang maialis ako sa likuran ni Rowen. Siya naman ay tudo iyak at sumbong sa guro namin.

That's the time when I realized, I f****d up again. Nobody helped me, nobody was on my side, they all sided Rowen and sent me to clean myself then after, I must go to the Dean's office. All I did was to let go of a shaky laugh, I wanted to cry and complain. But no one will sooth me, in the end, I only have myself to turn to.

Habang nasa hagdan pababa sa locker area, hindi ko naiwasang manghina. Bakit palaging ako ang naiiwang mag-isa? Bakit ako ang palaging walang kakampi? Bakit ako ang palaging nakikita? Why me? Of all people, why choose someone whose already ruined?

"W-What did I do wrong...?" Together with a shaky voice was my warm breath escaping my body, some tears followed.

I held into the handrail tightly as I squeezed the part of my chest where my heart is just to feel more pain. This is unfair, I just want a normal life. Can't I have it? The stars seemed to cannot align for me, the universe is against me, the world is just so unfair. I just realized that I've been being humilated by the world itself.

Handa na akong maupo sa hagdan para saglit magpahinga at bumawi ng lakas, nang maramdaman ko ang mainit na bagay na lumukob sa likuran ko. May umalalay sa'kin para sumandal sa pader at kahit hindi ko alam kung sino 'yon, nagawa kung ngumiti at magpatianod.

With eyes full of pain and tears, I looked up at the man who never humiliated me. The man that I barely knew yet he treated me with utmost respect despite of everything.

"Ali," I called his name, stuttering a little bit. "Do I look okay? Do I look still beautiful?"

I saw the serenity and assurance in his eyes as he looked at me in the eye, with no single judgement. He stretched a tight smile and nodded, fixing the hair that covers my face.

"You look beautiful still, no matter how you dress and what happened to your dress. You're awesome."

"Thank you..." I exhaled heavily. "Can I hug you?"

"My pleasure."

Hindi na ako nag-isip pa at natagpuan ko na lang ang sariling sinugod siya ng yakap. Ibinaon ko ang mukha sa mainit at matipuno niyang dibdib at doon umiyak ng tahimik.

Maybe I was wrong, the world isn't that unfair after all. It got me a man who can be as pure as crystals and as serene as the wind in automn. The feeling of his chest and warmth enveloping me makes me wanna sleep in his arms forever. The feeling of his fingers brushing my hair softly while he's caressing my back gives me the most soothing feeling.

Hindi man lang siya nagreklamong ang baho ko, kahit na ako mismo nababahuan sa sarili ko.

"The world is round, those people who had understamated and abused you today, they will be at the lowest when time comes. It's not everyday that they win a fight, they lose, too. It's just a matter of time," he said sincerely and with a peaceful menace. "Sorry, we've came too late for your aid. But rest assured, you'll face nothing after this."

Mabagal akong kumalas sa yakap at tumingala sa kaniya, madilim ang mukha niya at seryusong-seryuso siya habang nakadungaw sa'kin. Nagtatagis ang kanyang bagang habang pinananatili ang ayos ng paghinga. Akmang magsasalita ako nang biglang sumulpot si Trist mula sa itaas ng hagdan, hapong-hapo pa ito at parang kagagaling lang sa pagtakbo.

"Jedah!"

And as expected as it was, he dashed off towards me, pushing Ali aside. When he saw my whole, I couldn't even explain his expression better. He's extremely mad, livid, and close to going wild in anger. But he managed to reign himself and gave me an apologetic look instead.

"I'm sorry, forgive me... forgive me, I came too late. You're hurt and they will pay for this!"

"Tristan."

"Nobody hurts my baby and get away with it." Marahan niya akong kinabig para yakapin. "I'll teach them lessons, Jedah. I will."

He's another proof that I'm not that unlucky after all, I've got a sweet, protective and independent brother. I smiled through tears and nodded at him. I found myself then in the shower room of girls locker area, it took me twenty minutes before I'd fully cleaned myself.

Paglabas ay naabutan kong mahaba na ang pila sa labas ng shower room, nakaharang sina Quin at Edcharl sa kanila habang si Ali at Trist ay may kausap na lalaki.

"What's going on in here?" Nagtataka kong tanong.

Nakasimangot na ang ilang nakapila. Pinandilatan ko ng mata ang apat na lalaki pero nginuso nilang lahat si Tristan.

"Just giving you some time to clean yourself," Tristan answered.

"Okay, you can use the shower rooms now," Edcharl announced as they gave way.

I can't believe na hinarang nila ang ibang studyante para lang masolo ko ang shower room. Isa lang naman ang ginamit ko.

"You guys are insane, it's not like I can use all the rooms. Why did you..."

"They pissed me off, they needed to see the power we hold," sagot ni Tristan at tinignan ang kabuuan ko. "Better. Now let's go, hatid kita sa classroom niyo."

"Pupunta pa akong Dean's office."

"Bakit pa?" Agad nagusot ang mukha niya at halata ng nainis. "Wala kang kasalanan, sabi ng class president niyo ay sina Rowen ang nauna. Lumaban ka lang, ikaw pa ang naapi, hindi ako makakapayag na maiipit ka."

"Tristan." Lumambot ang mukha ko habang nakatingin sa kaniya.

"Jedah, I promised dad I will take care of you," he said, looking down then into my eyes. "I know what's happening inside your room, they're bullying you, always. And I'm waiting for you to tell me, ask for my help. But you're so independent you cannot even say a thing to me."

I feel guilty when I saw pain crossed his eyes, he shook his head and licked the side of his lips. While the three guys are silently watching us.

"Not again, sis. I will not let this one slide. Whoever would dare hurt my sister will live a hellish life." Seriousness grew on his face as he pressed my hand tightly. "Rowen? Alyah? Those boys who were rude to you? I'll make them suffer. Believe me."

My breathing ragged, I also felt the chills my own brother brought. I'd never seen him this serious and scary, the aura just seems so dark and cold. I don't want him like this. I want the sweet one.

"No, let them be. Hindi na 'to mauulit kaya hayaan mo na, Trist."

"We'll see."

"Tristan Xander."

"That won't stop me, Jedah." He smirked and straightened his back. "Tara na."

"Sige, kita na lang tayo mamaya," Edcharl said in monotone as he dragged Quin and Ali.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Ali, hindi nakatakas sa'kin ang pagngiti niya at pag-iling. Hindi ko alam kung para saan 'yon. Nang makabalik sa classroom ay parang wala lang nangyari, sobrang tahimik ng lahat, wala man lang may tumingin sa'kin. Maayos na ulit ang classroom at nasa loob na rin ang professor namin.

Sandaling kinausap ni Trist ang professor namin bago ito umalis, seryusong-seryuso pa rin. Kahit nang nagsimula na ang klase ay wala man lang lumingon sa'kin o kumantyaw. Wala rin sina Rowen at mga kaibigan niya saka ang tatlong lalaki kanina na nanukso sa'kin.

Wtf? I wonder what's going on? What did Tristan do when I was in the shower? This is so unusual, is my brother that powerful?

Hanggang matapos ang klase ay walang masamang nangyari sa'kin, pansin ko rin ang pag-iwas sa'kin ng mga kaklase ko. Kapag nakakasalubong ko sila ay umiiwas sila. Hindi na rin ako pinatawag ng Dean at parang wala lang talagang nangyari.

"Tristan Xander Immerson, what did you do?" Unang bagay na tinanong ko nang magkita kami ni Tristan, hindi pa kami nakakalayo sa classroom.

He looked at me with arched brows, acting innocently. He played with the car keys in his index finger and slid his left hand in his jeans's pocket. While walking straight and ridiculously cool.

"I did what a good brother should do when his sister is hurt," he answered and grinned at me. "Don't worry, you won't see them anymore. No Rowen, Alyah, no one would dare bully you again, Jedah Caizen Fidelin Immerson."

"Trist, did you...make something to kick them out?" I can't believe he just did that.

I have endless questions in my head but when I saw his wide smile, all I was able to do is to smile and shake my head. We walked side by side, chuckling by ourselves.

"Thank you."

"Sure, all for you, baby."

"Kaya ka napagkakamalang boyfriend ko, e." I laughed and he chuckled.

"I told Ali and the other two, the rest? They deal with their stupidity if ever."

Naiiling akong tumawa at sinabayan na lang siya, dahil mabagal ako maglakad ay binagalan niya rin. Nasa campus square na kami at hindi pinapansin ang mga matang nakasunod sa'min nang humarang ang tatlong lalaki kong kaklase kanina. Napatingin ako kay Trist na natigil din at malamig na nakatingin sa tatlo.

Ano na naman ito? Hindi pa ba tapos?

"Jedah," saad ni Aki, ang naunang lalaki kong kaklase na nambastos sa'kin.

Nakahanay silang tatlo at nakayuko, nasa likuran ang mga kamay at hindi makatingin sa'kin ng diritso. Napahugot ako ng malalim na hininga habang nag-aabang sa gagawin nilang tatlo.

"What now? Are you just gonna stand there and keep us waiting?" Tristan said piercingly, I had to stop him from scaring the three boys.

"Jedah," Aki looked at me in the eye, his dark orbs are full of remorse and sadness, then in a blink of an eye, they kneeled in front of me. "Forgive us! Please! We are sorry!"

Napaatras ako sa gulat sa ginawa nila at agad kong tinapunan ng nang-aakusang tingin si Tristan, na ng mga oras na 'yon ay nakakunot ang nuo habang nakatingin sa tatlo. What the f**k? Agad nakuha ang atensyon ng madla at halos lahat ay nakanunod sa'min.

"Ano 'to? Why are you kneeling? Stand up, Aki," I commanded in disbelief.

How can these boys kneel to me? What's wrong with them? Why all of a sudden?

"No, patawarin mo muna kami, Jedah. Hindi naman talaga kami masama, nadala lang kami, ayaw ka naman talaga namin asarin," dugtong ni Vio at yumuko lalo. "Please, forgive us!"

"We will not bully you again, Jedah. Swear, we'll be good, please forgive us!" Aeron followed.

Nasapo ko ang nuo at nagtatanong na binalingan si Tristan, pero nakataas lang ang kilay niya at mukhang wala ring idea sa nangyayari. If it's not him, then who? Or maybe it's really him and he's just a good actor.

"Okay? You don't need to kneel, just stand up and leave," sabi ko sa tatlo, pero walang gumalaw sa kanila.

"Hmm, you can't just forgive them just like that. Let them kneel until they hurt their knees, Jedah."

"Tristan? Are you for real?" I glared at my brother, why is he so ruthless all of a sudden. "Hayaan na natin silang umalis. At, kagagawan mo ba 'to?"

"Ha?" Nakangiwi niya akong tinignan. "What? No, of course not. Maybe they realized they made a grieve mistake." He doesn't sound legit.

I'd figured out that they won't stand up if I won't say the words they wanna hear. I don't hold grudge at people, I can forgive them now and forget this tiresome day. So with a heavy sigh, I nodded my head and say the words they seem to be really anticipating. Relief was all over their faces. We find our ways to the school's new garage and drove off the school. I thought then we're heading home, to my apartment. But my eyes grew bigger in surprise when I saw the familiar structures of the buildings and houses as the car drove faster, entering the village where father's house is.