Waiting for You (COMPLETED R18 Tagalog)

Chapter 17

It's the day of their trip. 

Mas maaga pa syang nagising sa dad nya who usually was the first to wake up. 

She went downstairs para maumpisahan na ang pag pasok ng mga inihanda nya to the cooler. 

She was surprised to see Lucas and he already started stacking the containers inside the cooler. 

“Ang aga mo naman.” He looked like he already had a shower at mamasa-masa pa ang buhok nito.

“Good morning, baby girl.” then he opened his arms. Inviting her to come and hug him. 

She slowly approached him. He was staring at her. She stared back. She went inside his embrace. He enveloped her in his arms and slowly tightened his embrace. Kissed her on top of her head and rested his chin on her head. 

Nakayakap naman si Lexie sa bewang nito. Isinubsob nya ang mukha niya sa dibdib nito. She breathed deeply. 

“Ang bango mo.” Nahihiyang sambit nya. 

“Ano?” nakangiting tanong nito sa kanya.

“Wala.” 

“I want to hear it again, babe.” 

Sinubsob nya ulit ang ulo sa dibdib nito. “Sabi ko, ang bango mo.” she said, her voice muffled by his shirt. 

Mas lumaki naman ang pag kakangiti ni Lucas. Parang nanggigigil na hinigpitan pa nito ang yakap. “Mas mabango ka” then he dropped his head on her neck and breathed her in. 

Naghiwalay lang sila when they heard footsteps coming down the stairs. 

Lucas went back to stacking things in the cooler at sya naman prepared to brew coffee. 

Dinamihan nya na ang ginawa. Inilabas ang thermos so she can bring coffee for the road. 

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Maaga na ring nagising ang ibang kasama nila. Nagsipaghanda na rin sa pag-alis. 

Mang Jimmy will be driving them to Sagada at bibisitahin din daw nito ang kapatid na doon na naninirahan.

They will be staying sa Bed and Breakfast nila doon. Timing na wala naman naka book so they will have the whole place to themselves. 

Nang nacheck nyang naload na nila lahat ay sumakay na rin sya ng van. 

Nandoon na si Matt and Jessica occupying the middle row. Nakita nya naman si Niam sa pinaka likod while Brenna occupied the front row. Hindi nakalampas sa paningin nya ang backpack ni Lucas na katabi nito. 

Gusto nya pa naman makatabi si Lucas sa byahe. She was disappointed pero alangan naman mag reklamo sya. 

Nakangisi naman kinawayan sya ni Niam. “Dito ka. Tinapik pa nito ang katabing upuan.” 

She smiled back and made her way sa likod. Lumipat naman ito sa pang isahang upuan para makapwesto sya sa malapit sa bintana. 

“Anong baon natin?” Kinuha nito ang bag nya at sinilip ang laman noon. Para namang bata ito na tuwang-tuwa. He picked up a revel bar at binalik ang bag sa tabi nya. 

“Mmmm.” He was clearly enjoying it. Umabot naman sya ng Bottled water at passed it on to him. 

“You know, you just had breakfast.” 

Nagkibit-balikat lang ito at tuloy nang inubos ang revel bar. 

Tama namang dumating si Lucas, he just looked at Niam. Tumayo naman si Niam at lumabas ng van. 

Lucas picked up his backpack sa tabi ni Brenna and made his way sa likod. 

“I reserved this seat.” Niam occupied the seat beside Brenna. Napasimangot naman si Brenna. Nailing naman si Matt sa nakita. He was sure nag usap ang dalawa about the seating arrangement. 

Tinanggal naman ni Lucas ang bag sa tabi nya, inilipat sa pang isahang upuan and occupied the seat beside her. Inabot din nito sa kanya ang light green na dinosaur plushy. She remembered na nasa bed nya ang stuff toy na yun. 

Nagpaalam na sila sa mga magulang nila. 

‘Ingat sa pagmamaneho, Jim.” paalala ng dad nya kay Mang Jimmy. Tumango naman ito. 

Mark occupied the passenger seat. Lumingon ito sa mga sakay sa likod. 

Niam was already sleeping. Si Brenna naman ay nakatingin sa labas ng bintana. Jessica had her head sa shoulder ni Matt. And then he saw Lucas move his arm sa likod ng inuupuan ni Lexie. Napapailing na lang ito. 

He quickly sent a text to Lucas. “Behave.” 

“I am!” sagot din nito agad. 

Inilagay nya sa kandungan nya si Dino at doon ipinatong ang kamay. Itinaas naman ni Lucas ang arm rest sa pagitan nila. She can feel his arm rubbing against her arm. He also placed his arm behind her head, almost around her shoulders. Patay malisya lang sya sa ginawa nito pero halos hindi nya naman mailapat ang likod sa upuan. 

“Relax, babe.” bulong nito sa kanya. 

She leaned her back and he brought his arms around her shoulders. “Sleep.” He said near her ear. Sa bilis ng tahip ng dibdib nya, she didn’t think she will be able to sleep. But eventually, dala na rin siguro sa maagang gising kanina, she eventuallty slept. 

Lucas felt her go soft against him telling him that she was now asleep. He pulled her towards her so she can fully rest her weight against his side. She moved in her sleep and turned towards his embrace. She rubbed her head slightly as if looking for a perfect spot to rest her head. He can feel her soft side against his chest and he expelled a deep breath. 

Damn, this was sweet torture, naisip nya. Niyuko nya ito. She was in deep sleep. Medyo nakaawang pa ang labi nito. Napapikit naman sya trying not to groan loudly. Pinagkasya nya na lang ang sarili nya sa pag amoy sa buhok nito. Kinuha nya ang cellphone and took her picture. Kumuha din sya ng picture nila together. After he was satisfied, he took her hand and interlaced their fingers at ipinatong ito sa stuff toy na halos nasa kandungan nya na. He closed his eyes and tried to nap. 

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Naramdaman nya ang unti-unti pagbagal ng van. “Baby Girl, gising na” she felt warm breath hit her ears. Napasubsob pa sya lalo to his chest trying to get away from whoever was waking her up. Next she felt lips on her ears and something wet like a tounge! 

Napasinghap sya and biglang bangon. Namulatan nya naman ang tawang-tawa na si Lucas. Umayos naman sya ng upo and tried to check kung nasaan na sila.

Mukhang malapit na ata sila sa Sakura park. 

“There is a Cherry Blossom park dito.” pagpapaliwanag nya kay Lucas to divert his attention to something else. “Sana its on full bloom.” 

Tumatango-tango ito while staring at her, nakita nya ang pagtaas ng kamay ni Lucas, medyo umiwas naman sya sa kamay nito. “Easy. Easy.” he just moved some of her hair strands na kumawala from her bun.

“Stop over ba tayo dito, Mang Jim?” Narinig nyang tanong ni Niam kay Mang Jimmy. 

“Oo, Hijo. May cafe dito tsaka naka bloom ngayon ang Cherry Blossoms.” 

Naexcite naman si Jessica and Brenna sa narinig. “I didn’t know may Cherry Blossoms sa Pilipinas.” Maarteng sabi ni  Brenna. 

Bumungad sa kanila ang napaka gandang hardin. The landscape was well appointed and the flowers were in full bloom. April is the best time to visit. The Sakura trees are not fully  grown yet but it is already showing off its pink flowers. 

“Ang ganda dito ah.” si Niam na nakabuntot na naman sa kanila ni Lucas. 

Tiningnan ito ni Lucas ng makahulugan. 

“Oh come on. Sige ka, walang mag pipicture sa inyo.” banta naman nito kay Lucas. 

Nakita nyang pumunta ang Kuya niya sa cafe. Hinila naman sya agad ni Lucas toward the flowers. 

Niam was busy giving them instructions and taking their pictures. Game naman sila ni Lucas na pagbigyan ito. 

Hindi naman ganun kalakihan ang park at mabilis na nila itong naikot. Dumiretso na sila sa cafe pagkatapos. 

Papasok pa lang sya sa door ay isang batang lalaki ang sumalubong sa kanya ang hugged her legs, “Tita pretty”

“Hi, George! Who’s with you?” 

“Si Mom po.” Nakatingala ito sa kanya. With a big toothless smile. 

 Lumuhod naman sya para magpantay sila ng bata. She gave each cheek a big kiss. “Ang laki-laki mo na!” 

“Karga po.” 

Mabilis nya naman itong kinarga. Medyo may kabigatan na ito pero carry pa naman. 

Inihilig naman ng bata ang ulo nito sa balikat nya at sumubsob sa leeg nya. 

“That’s mine.” Bulong naman ni Lucas dito. 

Inirapan ito ni George at humigpit pa lalo ang yakap sa leeg nya. 

Kinusot naman ni Lucas ang ulo nito. 

“You like Tita Pretty too?” Tanong nito sa bata. 

Sunud-sunod namang tumango si George.

“Me too!” bulong nito kay George so near her ear. 

Kay George nya ba talaga sinabi. Natakot syang lingunin ito kaya mabilis na syang pumunta sa counter where Marissa was busy. Ito ang nanay ni George. 

“Nako. Nagpakarga na naman sa ‘yo yan. Ang bigat na nya.” 

“Let me, Babe.” Sabi naman ni Lucas at kinuha sa kanya si George. Sumama naman ang bata dito. Dinala naman nito si George sa table na inoccupy na nila. 

Masayang nagkwentuhan si Marissa at Lexie. Nag se-serve na ng food sa table nila tsaka lang sila huminto sa kakadaldal and Lexie went to her table already. 

Tulog na naman si George sa bisig ni Lucas. Marissa approached at kinuha ang anak. 

“Ang bilis mo syang napatulog ah. Samantalang, ako mag-aaway pa muna kami.” 

“Kanina pa kasi nagprapractice yan si Lucas.” panunukso naman ni Niam na nakatingin sa kanilang dalawa. 

Lucas just laughed while she had another huge blush. 

“I heard this cafe is popular for the Raisin bread. Let’s order some.” si Brenna

Agad naman na isinerve sa kanila ang additional order na raisin bread. 

Naka tingin lang sya sa mga ito, enjoying her coffee. 

She saw Lucas stare at her habang ngumunguya. 

“This tastes familiar.” Niam while tasting his first bite of raisin bread. “This is your bread!” tuwang bulalas nito while looking at her.

Sinagot nya naman ito ng tipid na ngiti and went back to sipping her coffee. 

“Lexie supplies the pastry and coffee beans here.” Paliwanag ni Mark. “Actually, you will find them in most local shops here in cordillera. 

Timing naman na pumasok si Mang Jimmy dala ang isang crate ng raisin bread at inihatid ito sa supply room ni Marissa. 

“Thanks, Lex.” Baling naman sa kanya ni Marissa. “ Sana pagbigyan mo na ako sa increase ng delivery frequency natin. Lagi akong nauubusan.”

Tumayo naman sya at lumapit kay Marissa. Nahihiya syang iparinig sa iba ang pag uusapan nila. 

Pagkatapos nilang mag pahinga and had light meal doon ay bumalik na sila sa van para ituloy ang byahe. 

She kissed Marissa on her cheeks and nangakong mag-uusap sila ulit. 

Sumabay na man si Mark sa kanya, nasa di kalayuan lang si Lucas, Niam and Matt. Nauna na naman si Jessica and Brenna sa van. 

“Are you not meeting your pastry supply?” nag-aalalang tanong nito sa kanya. 

“No. It’s not that. There are just too many shops asking for more supply. Hindi ko pa kaya now.” 

Tumangu-tango naman ito sa sinabi nya. 

“Yeah, don't take too many if hindi mo kaya. And you are still studying. Hindi mo pwedeng pabayaan yun.” Pagpapa-alala nito sa kanya. 

“I am managing my time. And natutulungan ako ni Aling Magda and sometimes ni Ate Grace.” tukoy nya sa anak ni Magda and Jimmy. “... when I need to catch up on orders.”

“So bakit hindi mo pagbigyan si Marissa.” 

Napabuntung-hininga naman sya. “It’s not that.” Napakamot din sya ng ulo. She didn’t want to explain it in detail sa kuya nya lalo at alam nyang naririnig sya ng mga kaibigan nito. “You know I am doing it for the coffee. They want more pastry but not the coffee. I have to re-think my plans here.” Hindi na sila nakapag patuloy sa pag uusap at narating na nila ang van. 

“We will talk again.” sabi naman ng kuya nya. Tumango na lang sya bilang sagot. 

Tahimik naman syang bumalik sa pwesto. Naupo na rin si Lucas sa tabi nya. Ginagap ang kamay nya na nasa kandungan nya, yumuko ito to look her in her eyes. 

Nang magtama ang kanilang mga mata, “I am proud of you.” Seryoso nitong sabi. Then he reached for her and hugged her. 

She felt overjoyed sa narinig nya. She felt sincere admiration from him. She felt like kailangan nya pa tuloy galingan para marinig nya yun palagi kay Lucas. 

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She spent most of the rest of the trip na tulog. Hindi na sya nahiyang sumandal kay Lucas. Kanina pa naman sya nakasandal dito. 

She can hear him groan lalo when she turns. “Mabigat ba ako?” Bulong-tanong nya dito. 

“No.” 

“Why did you groan?” 

“It’s just that you are very close and I love how you feel against me.” bulong-sagot naman nito sa kanya. 

Akmang aalis sya sa pagkakasandal dito when he tightened his hold on her. 

“Hey. Relax. I am not doing anything. You just feel good.” He whispered in her ear. He nuzzled her behind her ear and breathed her in. 

“I can’t wait for you to grow up.” Anas pa nito. 

Kinurot nya naman ito sa bewang. 

“Okay. Okay. Enough already.” sabi nito sabay luwag sa pagkakayakap sa kanya. 

“Lean on me, babe.” Humilig naman sya ulit dito. He put his arms on her shoulders. He took one of her hands and enclosed it in his hands. 

They spent most of the rest of the trip that way. He sometimes tightens ang pagkakaakbay sa kanya then loosens it. Pinipisil ang palad nya then plays with her fingers but never lets it go. They watched the scenery pass by the window.

They arrived at a cute log cabin situated on a small hill. There were pine trees everywhere. It has a small terrace overlooking the valley. And in the middle of the terrace was a fire pit at nakapalibot dito ang mga upuan. She loved this spot. She loved curling up in this spot in the early mornings and the early evenings, sipping coffee or tea. 

“Magandang umaga po.” Bati sa kanila Aling Passion ang katiwala nila sa rest house.

“Inihanda ko na po ang tanghalian nyo” They quickly went inside. “Kami na po magpapasok ng gamit nyo. Magpahinga kayo at malayo ang binyahe nyo.”

“Salamat po”

The guys were impressed with the rest house. One of the sides was wall to wall glass, that opens to the deck and the beautiful view of the valley, The kitchen had everything you could ask for. There was a mat and multiple colored pillows of different sizes in front of the fireplace. There was stairs leading to the loft. The loft was used as an open sleeping space. It has open cabinets for a closet and a door that leads to a bathroom. It is fairly bright in the sleeping loft with the large windows and a sun roof.. It would be beautiful to look at the stars while laying down. 

The lunch was generous and delicious. The group agreed na mamasyal sa mga tourists spots ng Sagada pagkatapos. Nagsabi naman sya sa kuya niya na hindi na sya sasama at iikutin nya na muna ang property at rest house para mag check ng mga kailangang ipa gawa dito. Pero pagkatapos kumain dumiretso muna sya sa deck. Merong swing day bed na naruon. It was a perfect spot to rest on the afternoons dahil malilim doon at mahangin. Mamaya na sya mag iikot may oras pa naman. Hindi nya na pansin nakatulog na sya sa day bed. 

Nang malaman ni Lucas na hindi kasama si Lexie ay nag pa-iwan na rin ito. Balak nya talagang yayain si Lexie to stroll na sila lang. Ang ma-solo sya sa bahay was even better. He wanted more time with her and he felt like it was exactly what he lacked at the moment. 

He went to look for Lexie as soon as umalis ang mga kaibigan. He found her peacefully sleeping on the daybed sa deck. 

Nilapitan nya ito and sat by her side. Some of her hair was across her face, hinawi nya ito at inipit sa likod ng tenga ng dalaga. 

Nakita nya naman si Aling Passion na lumabas sa deck at may dalang unan. Inabot nya ang at umalis na rin ito. 

Sa halip na ipaunan kay Lexie ang unan. Puwesto sya sa ulunan nito ang lifted her head sa hita nya. He took of his light jacket and covered Lexie’s lower leg. She’s wearing cut off jeans na pinutol just above her knees. 

He contented himself na titigan ang magandang mukha nito and panaka-nakang haplusin yoon. 

Lumalakas naman ang ihip ng hangin, napakislot sa pagtulog si Lexie and turned towards his stomach. 

Oh my god. He silently groaned. HIndi nya napigilan. Yumuko sya and kissed her cheeks. The feeling of soft cheeks on his lips. Mas lalo lang ata syang naggigil so he kissed her again, this time sa gilid ng mga labi ng dalaga. He pressed his lips there for quite awhile. She smells sweet and fresh. He can’t wait to capture those lips. 

He kissed her one more time and leaned on the back rest of the day bed. He decided to nap as well. 

He woke up the minute he felt Lexie move but he did not open his eyes. He can feel her staring at him. Ilang saglit pa, he felt her fingers move some hairs out of his forehead. Naramdaman nya ring bumangon ito at sumadal sa tabi nya. She even took his arm and brought it around her shoulders. 

Damn, this girl. She was making this pretending to be asleep very difficult. 

He felt her play with his fingers. The next he knows. He felt her lips on his cheeks. Did she just steal a kiss from me? 

He felt her move close to him again. He caught her in an embrace. “You will pay for those 5 stolen kisses.” he said looking at Lexie’s rounded eyes. 

“Five? isa  nga lang eh.” Mariing pagtanggi nya sa sinabi nito. 

“So you did steal a kiss.” Nakangiting sagot ni Lucas.

Pinamulahan naman sya ng mukha and tried to get out of his embrace. “Where did you kiss me?” 

She pointed at his cheeks.

“Really?” hindi naniniwalang tanong nito. 

“Oo nga.”

Dumakwang naman agad si Lucas, held her head in place so she cant move and place a kiss beside her lips. He did not remove his lips right away. 

“Ang daya mo. Mabilis lang yung kiss ko ah.” 

Natatawa naman si Lucas sa sinabi nya and he grabbed her tighter in his arms and he buried his face in her neck to breath her in. 

“You will be the death of me.” 

Pinakawalan nya rin ito and inilahad ang kamay para tulungan itong bumangon. 

“What did you need to do today?” 

Inabot din nito ang kamay nya. Nilibot nila ang rest house and took note of the things that need replacement and repair. They also visited another of their coffee farm before going home. 

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Inilabas nya ang smoked ribs para maprepare ito for dinner. It’s half cooked already and it just needs to be cooked some more. Tamang-tama lang for their dinner later.

“What do you need?” Automatic na atang tanong ni Lucas sa kanya lagi. 

“Smoker.” Nakangiting nyang sagot dito. “Nasa likod, babe.” dagdag nya. 

“What did you say?” 

“Nasa likod?” 

“No. What did you call me?” 

“Ha?” Then she realized she must have called him Babe. Biglang namula ang mukha nya. 

Natawa naman si Lucas. Gave her a quick kiss on her nose at lumabas na ito sa likod bahay. 

“You think they will like a lemon pie?” Malakas na tanong nya para marinig ni Lucas. 

“I eat anything. And everyone is your fan. They will like anything you prepare.” 

Nakita nyang pumasok na rin si Lucas after awhile. She was preparing pie crust. She will make Lemon Meringue pie and Strawberry Lemonade pie para may pagpilian sila for dessert. “We will use Sagada grown lemon.” 

Lumapit naman si Lucas and took out the strawberries and washed them. She showed them how to cut them and they were done in a flash. 

“You are very good with a knife.” Puri nya dito. 

“Who will trust a surgeon who isn’t?” sagot nya naman dito sabay kindat. 

Napa iling naman si Lexie dito. 

Tinuruan nya na rin ito paano gumawa ng strawberry filling for the pie while she started a beef sinigang using Sagada Lemon as pampaasim. 

“Why are you in a hurry?” pansin ni Lucas sa parang pagmamadali nya. She has a lot of things going. 

“I want to bring you where we can see the sun set.” Sagot nya naman dito while tinitikman ang sinigang. Kumuha sya ng konti at sinalin sa maliit na bowl and passed it on to Lucas.

“Mmm. That taste really good.” 

“Okay na?” 

“Perfect.” 

Napangiti naman sya. “Good. Good. We will just simmer that down a little bit.” She picked up Lemons and passed it on to Lucas. “Zest then juice” sinamahan nya pa ng sweet smile. 

“So bossy.” komento naman nito. 

Nang matapos nya ang mga pies ay agad nya na itong inilagay sa ref to cool it. Pinatay nya na din ang apoy sa sinigang. 

Tinawagan nya naman si Aling Pasion para ihabilin dito ang ribs na nasa smoker. 

Mabilis syang umakyat sa loft kung nasaan ang mga gamit nila ang mabilis na kumuha ng scarf at 2 warm bonnet. Kahit April na, medyo malamig pa rin sa Sagada. Mahangin din sa kung saan sila pupunta. 

Pagkababa ay sya na unang gumagap sa kamay ni Lucas at hinila ito. 

“Let’s go.” yaya nya dito. 

Nag lalakad na sila sa kakahuyan when she remembered the bonnets na hawak. Tumigil sya at humarap kay Lucas. 

Inaabot nya ang ulo nito para suotan ng bonnet, pero nilalayo naman nito ang ulo sa kanya. 

“Lucas, come on.” 

“Come closer.” 

Which she did.  When she was close enough, yumuko ito. She placed the bonnet on his head and took the scarf at sinampay sa balikat nito. It was not chilly yet so she did not wrap it around his neck. 

When she looked down, she saw him watching her intently. She saw something  soft pass through his eyes. He moved close and kissed her beside her lips. 

“I’ll wait for you.” seryoso nitong turan and kiss the tip of her nose next. Ito na ang kumuha sa kamay nya at humila sa kanya. 

“Where to?” 

Parang natauhan naman sya and started to lead the way again. 

They reached a small gazebo at the mountain edge facing west.Hindi pa naman lumulubog ang araw. There was a bench there and they decided to sit to wait for the sunset. 

She sat down on the bench and Lucas sat behind her. He pulled her to position her between his legs. 

“Relax.” sambit nito when she did not lean back. 

Only then did she lean on his chest. She can feel his warmth. She can smell his cool and minty smell. She felt his arms wrap around her waist. 

“You feel good against me. Do you know that?” bulong nito sa tenga nya. 

She felt something hard poking her at the back. “L-Lucas.” Hindi nya alam why she was calling him. 

“Sorry, babe. I am just always hard when I am with you.” At niyapos pa sya nito nang mas mahigpit sa bewang. Na lalong dumiin sa likod nya to his hard-on. 

She heard him groan. “Does it hurt?” She asked. 

He expelled a deep breath and can’t help laugh when he heard her question. 

“Yes, it’s kind of painful. But it also feels really good at the same time.” He patiently explained. “But just stay still. Okay?” 

“Okay.” and then she comfortably leaned her weight on him. 

They talked about things. Her likes, her study plans, her plans with her coffee and her pastry. Mostly about her. She loved that someone was genuinely interested in what she plans to do and curious about her thoughts. 

Napatayo sila ng simulang lumubog ang araw. Lucas hugged her from behind. His chin on top of her head. They watched a perfect ball of fire color the skies with red and orange until it finally dipped into the horizon. 

Nagmadali na rin silang umuwi habang maliwanag pa ng kaunti. Lucas wrapped the scarf on his shoulders around her neck before he took her hand and guided her home.