Painful Scar

Kabanata 4

I was stunned for a while. My feet seems glued to the floor. I just can't believe that Lyle has finally returned home. I hurried myself inside the house and reach for my mom's car keys. I didn't bother to mention where am I going, I just fetch the keys and drove down town. I don't have the time to change my clothes, my pajamas were on. I had my face bare, my hair was loose and even wearing a pair of ice bear slipper.

I got into an accident recently but I'm not in pain anymore. I parked the car alongside the road and hurried myself inside the bar. The bar looks good. The porches, ceiling seems to be freshly painted.

My eyes were laid to the man who was sitting right next to the bar's corridor. My lips parted, Lyle had returned! He look exactly the same before he went abroad. He was wearing his favorite skinny jeans together his favorite dark gray t-shirt.

I froze when he finally meet my glance. A smile was now plastering his pinky-reddish lips. He stood up and greeted me with a warm hug as he whispered, "I missed you, Lili."

When he loosen his grip I'm more able to breathe fine. Words aren't escaping my lips, I'm just speechless. I can't still nourish his presence. It's been a while when I heard the Lili thing and been too long since I last heard his baritone voice.

"Would you mind saying, I missed you too?" he sarcastically asked.

I smiled at him and muttered, "Why would I?" His lips parted and so as his eyes widened in surprise, with pinch of confusion of course.

I laughed with sarcasm. "I do!"

"You're still the one~ You're still the one I run to! The one that I belong to! You're still the one I want for life!" Shivers crept into my spine when I heard Xyrene singing that song. I mean, she has a sweet voice but not good enough to reminiscence memories. Her sweet voice doesn't justify the song.

I throw her a deadly stare. "Really?"

Ngumiti pa si Xyrene bago iminuwestra sa akin ang upuan sa gawing kanan. Umupo ako rito at pinagmasdan ang buong bar. The bar looks quite expensive even though it wasn't that big.

"This bar looks nice."

Lyle looked at me, half smiling. "Does it?" he fired back so I unconsciously nodded.

"Jane!" Lyle suddenly called out. Isang babaeng nakablusa ang lumapit sa amin. She looks petite, those curve under her eyes looks fair. Desenteng manamit at kaakit-akit tignan.

The woman smiled. "Yes?"

"Can I have another bottle of champagne?" nakangiting aniya bago ako binalingan ng tingin. "What do you want?"

Tipid akong napangiti. "Fries?"

"One ultimate frie, a bottle of soju and a glass of champagne, please." Tumango ang babae bago tuluyang lisanin ang aming harapan. Kung pagmamasdan siya mula sa kinauupuan ko ay aakalain mong hindi siya crew rito.

"Is that the owner of this bar?" walang emosyong tanong ko. Lyle bit his lips and look right through my eyes. "It's my bar."

"Oh? Okay." 'Di na ako gaanong magugulat dahil si Lyle siya. He's a Rotulo and he can get what he want, do what he likes the way I can't.

Ilang sandali pa ay natanaw na namin ang babaeng iyon, papalapit sa gawi namin habang bitbit ang in-order ni Lyle. Her smile is hypnotising like how fast cupid's golden arrow can capture someone in an instant.

"Thanks, Jane," ani Lyle nang mailapag nito ang bote at pagkain sa mesa. She smiled at us and bow her head.

"It's not a big deal," she answered.

"By the way, Jane, this is Vali Piero." Inilahad niya ang kamay niya kaya't inabot ko naman ito. "Vali, this is Jane Cruz. My eldest cousin."

I smiled at her. "Nice to meet you, Jane." She just nod. Obviously, she doesn't talk that much.

"Jane!" Nang marinig niya ang tawag na iyon mula sa kung saan ay muli siyang yumuko at walang pasabing umalis sa aming harapan.

"Let's have a toast!" Natigilan kami sa sigaw na iyon ng isang babaeng tila langung-lango na sa alak. Doon ko lang napansin na bukod kay Xyrene ay may kasama pa kami.

"Ayos ka pa ba, Isabelle?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Xyrene sa babaeng katabi niya. She look good, looks pure and a sweet innocent girl.

The girl smiled at us as she waved the glass of wine in the mid-air. "Let's celebrate this rendezvous!" pasigaw na aniya saka ini-abot sa amin ang mga basong puno ng wine.

"Alam mo bang ako sana kung wala ka? K-kung hindi k-ka dumating?" Natigilan ako nang mapagtantong ako ang tinutukoy niya. Nakatingin siya nang diretso sa aking mga mata na animo'y nangungusap. Unti-unti iyong napalitan ng lungkot at ang mga mata niya'y namumungay. "M-muntik. . . M-muntik n-niya na a-akong mahalin," pahina nang pahinang usal niya. "M-muntik na."

"You're drunk, Isabelle," makahulugan ito ngunut bakas sa tono ni Xyrene ang pag-aalala.

Isabelle smirked. "D-drunk? Me? No way!" Kung ako ang tatanungin ay lasing na talaga siya dahil nagkakandasamid-samid na siya sa tuwing magsasalita.

"Hindi ka pa lasing sa estilo mong 'yan, ha?" puno ng sarkasmong tanong ni Lyle. "What more kung lasing ka na?"

Unti-unti siyang yumuko kasabay nito ang paglalim ng gitla sa kaniyang noo. "I'm just tipsy," giit niya.

"Let's have a toast!" muling asik ng babae saka itinaas nang bahagya ang baso niya. Wala kaming nagawa kun'di itaas din ang mga hawak naming baso.

She bitterly smiled, "Let's cheers for the planned story—" She stopped and looked at Lyle with so much regrets. "We c-can't h-have!" Her voice literally cracked and her tears began to fall from her once teared eye.

Hinawakan ni Xyrene ang balikat niya bago sinambit ang, "I think, you should go home na," puno ng pag-aalalang mungkahi nito saka pilit na itinayo si Isabelle ngunit nagpumiglas ito.

"Hayaan mo siya," walang emosyong sabat ni Lyle. Walang nagawa si Xyrene kun'di marahang bitawan si Isabelle at maupo sa tabi nito.

Isabelle threw a bark of laugh. "I'm not even drunk."

"Wow, ha?" sarkastikong sabat ni Lyle. "Okay, you're not drunk but you're not also sobber. What are you?"

"Fool," walang kasing bilis na tugon ng dilag. "I was foolishly in love with a childhood friend of mine even though I know that his arms will always long for someone else's embrace. Even though his heart belongs to another girl. I was foolish because I became hopelessly devoted to him. I was really a fool who's heart even flatters everytime he call my name. I don't know what to do anymore."

Tama ba ang nakikita ko? Umiiyak na naman siya! Sa pagkakataong ito ay sunud-sunod na ang paglandas nito mula sa mga mata niya.

"Lasing na nga siya," umiiling na bulong ni Lyle.

I took a deep breath. "She likes you." I meet his eyes. "Right from the start."

Napailing ako't ibinaling ang tingin sa hawak kong baso. Napapikit akong nilagok ang alak at napakibit-balikat dahil sa lasa no'n. I bet it's one it has a high alcoholic rate, won't be surprised why she is totally drunk.

"How's life, Lili?" mayamaya'y tanong ni Lyle. Inilapag ko ang hawak ko at saka nag-angat ng tingin. Nang magtama ang aming paningin ay parang may kuryenteng dumaloy roon!

"Alam niyo, may spark pa rin." Sabay kaming napatingin kay Xyrene. Ininguso ko naman si Isabelle na hindi na maipinta ang mukha habang titig na titig kay Lyle.

"I've been fine," I answered.

"Good to know."

"How's your studies?"

"Good. 'Bout yours?"

Natawa ako. "Probably, embarrassing. What will you expect from me?"

Katulad ko ay natawa na lang din siya. Nagsimula siyang uminom habang ako ay titig na titig pa rin sa baso ko. Dumampot ako ng bagong baso at sinalinan ito ng soju. Sabi kasi nila masarap 'yon.

Napapikit na lang ako sa lasa dahil katulad nung red wine ay matapang din pala iyon! Siguro pwede kong maihalintulad sa martini kaso mas may hagod ang isang 'to.

"Don't drink too much," he whispered. "You'll drive."

Tumango ako saka siya nginitian. "You too."

"L-lyle," natigilan ang lahat sa boses na nagmula sa babaeng kanina pa humahagulgol.

Halatang nagpipigil ng inis na binalingan ito ni Lyle. "What now, Isabelle?"

Her tears began to fall. Seeing her lovely face like that, pierced my heart. "Ako n-na lang." I know it took her a lot of courage to voice what she feels, but it wasn't easy as it may seem.

"W-what!?" Naguguluhang napatitig sa kanya ang binata, habang kami naman ni Xyerene ay nagtatapunan ng tingin. "Alam mo Isabelle, you're just wasted."

"I told you, I'm n-not!"

"You are." There was cloldness in his voice.

"N-no!" Her teardrops began to fall. "Kaya ko rin namang maging katulad niya, Lyle! I followed you around like how she did before. I stood beside you and admired you from a distance!" She looked at me with her teared eyes. I can forsee how her lips started small trembles. “I can be like her, too.”

"Ano nga bang mayroon siyang—" tumigil siya at bahagya pang nasinok. Batid ng lahat na langong-lango na siya sa alak at lahat ng sinasabi niya ay dala na lamang ng kalasingan. "—wala ako?"

Binalingan niya ako at pinagmasdan ang aking kabuuan. Sa paraang iyon, nakaramdam ako ng kakarampot na kahihiyan. Hindi man lang ako nakapag-ayos dahil sa pagmamadali kong kumpirmahin ang mga nilalaman ng isipan ko. Ang kaniyang mga mata ay napuno ng paghanga, lungkot, at panghihinayang. Hindi ko alam kung para saan ang titig na iyon ngunit para ba itong karayom na tumutusok sa aking puso. Hindi ko batid kung naaawa ba ako o talagang nakikita ko lamang ang aking sarili sa kanya.

Out of nowhere a familiar voice came barging in, "Long time no see, Lyle!" illuminating the atmosphere as if he was a cop, chasing his prey. My eyes pop out when he started taking step closer.

I turned my gaze and meet his. Once again, we're gaining sympathy. "What are you doing here?" I asked in a low voice.

"None."

"Why are you here? This is so Imbarassing!"

He suddenly smiled as his eyes gone smaller, now he's smirking right through me. Unbelievable! "Sa g'wapo kong 'to, mahihiya ka? Sinong niloloko mo?" Nakangising patanong na tugon niya saka ako nilagpasan at nakipagkamay kay Lyle.

Hiyang-hiya akong napatingin sa kanila. Xyrene was giving me a confuse look while her friends are looking right through Damon, bitting lips. Can't deny, always will admit that Kuya is sizzling hot. Hindi ko masisising kahit saan ay agaw atensiyon siya.

Ngayon ko lang napansin ang suot niya. He's wearing a black short top with a white neat polo. The first two button of it was unclasped while his hair was messy. He looks like a freaking model!

"Hey bro." tipid na bati ni Lyle sa kanya.

"Kailan ka bumalik? Haven't heard any rumors that you'll be coming home."

Napangiwi ng bahagya si Lyle dahil sa inutas ni Kuya. "Biglaan lang," nakangiting tugon niya.

"Are you courting my sister?" Nanlaki ang mata ko sa tanong ni Kuya. Halos liparin ko ang distansiya namin sa isa't isa at bahagyang sinundot ang kaniyang tagiliran.

From my peripheral view, I saw Lyle's lips curved a smile. "If by a chance, why not?"

I can't believe it! Did he just say that if he'll be given a chance, he'll court me? FUCKIN' FETCH!

Hindi ko na namalayan ang sarili long parang tangang nakatunganga sa kung saan habang hindi pa rin mapawi ang ngiti sa aking mga labi. Nabalik ako sa ulirat matapos sambitin ni Kuya ang mga katagang ito, "You're crossing the line, bro. Hindi pup'wede, bata pa siya."

Lyle smiled at him once more. "I'll wait then." Mas lalong naghuramentado ang sistema ko dahil sa inutas niya. Gusto kong tumalon, sumigaw o kung ano pa man, nang mailabas ko ang kakaibang sensayong bumabalot sa kaibituran ko.

Kuya held my arms and gave Lyle a serious smirk. "Good luck then." walang pasabing tinalikuran niya ang mga kasama ko at hinatak ako papalabas ng bar.

Hindi na talaga ako natutuwa sa pakikialam niya. I understand that he's just worried 'cause I'm his sister, he's protecting me. But he's crossing the line!

"Ano ba Kuya?! Bitawan mo nga ako!" Inis na sigaw ko saka patapong inalis ang braso ko sa pagkakahawak niya.

Mabagal siyang napatingin sa akin at kitang-kita ko talaga ang pag-igting ng kaniyang panga. "Who told you to drink?" He asked with a serious voice.

"Why do you care?" Inis na pabalik kong tanong.

"Do you still like him?" walang bahid ng anumang biro sa tinig niya. Brusko't seryoso.

My eyebrows arched. "So what if I'm still into him?"

"Dati si Kian, ngayon naman si Lyle? Tell me the truth, ano ba ang pagmamahal sa 'yo?" Iritadong tanong niya.

"I can't understand why you kept acting this way. Where in fact you should mind your own life. Get yourself a girl, get married and f**k hard!" Mas iritado kong sigaw.

He gave me a what the f**k look. "Really, Vali?" He asked back. "You're turning the tables. Now, answer my first question. Why did you drink?"

"Hindi ko kailangan magpaalam sa 'yo! First of all, Kuya lang kita. Stop acting like you are the one who brought me to life! Kuya lang kita, don't cross the line." I shouted in disbelief.

"What are you pointing out?" Nanggagalaiting tanong niya habang matalim pa ring nakatitig nang diretso sa akin.

Napangiwi ako ng bahagya. "Na hindi kailangan alam mo ang lahat! Hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay makikialam ka dahil lang sa KUYA kita!"

"Kaya nagpapakapokpok ka?" Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at hindi ko kinaya ang mga luhang kanina pa namuo sa gilid ng mga mata ko.

I smiled at him, sarcastically? "'Yan ba ang tingin mo sa akin, Kuya?" tanong ko habang pinupunasan ang mga luhang dumadaloy pababa sa aking pisnge.

He was about to step closer pero hindi ko hinayaang makalapit pa siya ng ilang dangkal dahil baka masampal ko siya. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it."

"Ano'ng magagawa ng sorry mo, eh nasabi mo na."

"Sor-"

"You can never undo things, Kuya. Next time, be more careful. Tulak ng bibig, kabig ng dibdib." Ani ko saka dali-daling pumasok sa sasakyan at pinaharurot ito papalayo sa kanya.

That Moron!