Behind that mask (Tagalog)

Kabanata Isa

"Cindy sweetheart, please stay away from him. Hindi siya makakabuti para sa'yo." pagmamakaawa ni Mommy.

Ngayon ay ika labing pintong kaarawan ko at patuloy na hinihiling ni Mommy na makipaghiwalay ako sa kasintahan kong si Leo. Great. Just great.

"Mommy huwag mong gawin sa akin ito. Alam mong mahal ko siya. Not now please. " sagot ako.

Nakilala ko si Leo noong nakaraang taon, nasa entrance kami ng Imperial ice bar ng mga kaibigan ko.

We got faked ID's and the guard won't let us in.Tinitigan akong mabuti ng guard at sinabing 'HINDI pinapayagan ang mga menor de edad sa bar na ito. It was my first time going to a bar. It was just a challenge with my friends but we got busted anyway.

Isang grupo ng mga lalaki ang lumabas at doon. Isa doon si Leo. Nakasuot siya ng puting shirt, leather jacket at itim na pantalon. Mukha siyang tipsy ngunit siya ay ngumiti at kumaway sa akin.

"Hija you just turned seventeen oday, how old is he? Twenty five! Oh my God Cindy. Kapag nalaman ito ng Daddy mo par---- 

"Yes hon, anong dapat kong malaman?"  I almost dropped the dress I was holding.

Nag lakad si Daddy papasok ng kwarto ko. 

"Daddy--I got a low score in my history exam last week. Yeah. But don't worry, babawi ako. Pangako." I gave him my sweetest smile. 

It works a lot of time.

Huminga ng malalim si Mommy. Sorry Mom.

"Oh, okay. Kung kailangan mo ng tulong, you know I'm always here, right ? Happy birthday princess." ngumiti siya at niyakap ako.

I'm sorry too Dad. 

"Thanks Dad. I love you." sabi ko. 

"I love you too. Ang regalo ko ay naghihintay sa iyo sa labas." kinurot niya ang pisngi ko.

"Talaga? Is it the - - - -. Excited na ako. Bumaba na tayo." yaya ko sa kanila. 

"Sweetheart, inaayos pa natin ang iyong buhok at ang iyong damit. Pabayaan mo munang mauna bumaba ang Daddy mo." Hinawakan ni Mommy ang braso ko para pigilan ako.

"Sige, take your time ladies. Maghihintay lang kami ng mga boys sa baba." He winked before exiting my room.

"Fine, pero hindi tayo tapos Cindy. Gusto ko lang naman kung ano ang makakabuti para sa iyo. You're still young." niyakap niya ako pabalik.

I know Mom, but Leo is sweet, charming and kind. Napapasaya niya ko at mahal ko siya. 

I did not invite him to my birthday party. I wanted him to be here, pero sabi ni Mommy mas mabuti na wag na lang muna.

Wala ni isa sa pamilya ko ang may alam kung anong meron kami ni Leo, well except from my Mom. She saw the note and necklace that Leo gave me in my closet. Wala na akong ibang magawa kundi sabihin sa kanya ang totoo.

"Thanks Mom. I love you, huwag ka na magalit." Naglakad ako papunta sa walk-in closet ko.

"I love you sweetheart." sagot niya.

I wore the baby blue knee length dress. It was made by Francis Libiran. 

Ako lang ang nag make-up sa sarili ko. I want this party to be simple but classy. Just like me.

I was right. My Dad's gift was my dream car. 2005 Maybach 57.

I screamed. My baby. Finally. 

"Princess, hindi ka pa rin makapagmaneho sa main highway, okay? I hired a personal driver for you." sabi ni Daddy.

I pouted.

"Pero daddy, kaya ko naman. Tinuruan mo na ako, remember?" sabi ko.

I really wanted to drive this baby. 

"Yes, you can drive but still, no highways. Wala ka pang lisensya. You need one more year, princess. Just be patient." He kissed my cheek.

As if I have a choice.

"Ohhhkay. Thank you dad. Da best ka talaga." I smiled at him.

Some of my friends arrived. Stefanie, Arriana, Steven and Paul. 

"Happy birthday girl." Bati ni Arriana at niyakap ako.

"Thank you guys for coming. Come on let's go at the back." Sabi ko.

"Sweet. Is that a Maybach?" tanong ni Paul habang tinuturo ang bago kong kotse. 

"Yes. Dad's gift." I smiled proudly.

"Lucky girl. Ang mahal niyan. My dad can't even afford it for himself." Sabi naman ni Steven.

I received a text from Leo.

'Baby happy birthday, I have a surprise for you. My boys will take care of you. They already know what to do.'

Napatingin ako kay Paul. He winked at me.

After eating I asked Paul what's the plan.

Binigyan niya ako ng note galing sa ilalim ng table.

The girls and I excused ourselves. Pumunta kami sa kwarto ko. 

"I knew it. Paul keeps asking me to come to your party early. That's why!." Arriana giggled.

"Sshh. Baka marinig ka sa labas. Let me read it first." I opened the note.

'At 8o’clcok, mauuna na kami ni Steven. Gumawa na lang kayo ng dahilan na kailangan mong sumama kina Stef at Arri. We will wait at Leo's pad. Beep me if you trust us. Boys are waiting.'

Medyo kinabahan ako, pero gusto ko din naman ma celebrate ang birthday ko kasama si Leo.

Nagtext ako kay Paul, na itutuloy namin ang plano.

Nag-retouch muna ulit kami ng make up bago bumaba ulit.

"Cindy, nakakatamad dito.The bartender won't give us booze." Arri said, then pouted her lips.

"Sorry, dad said it's for adults only." I answered.

"Ano pa’ng ginagawa natin dito? Let's go follow the boys." Bulong naman ni Stefanie.

I'm still plotting an excuse.

"Just wait here. Kakausapin ko lang si Daddy." Sabi ko.

Nakita ko si Daddy kasama ng mga kaibigan niya.

"Dad, can I use my car? Ihahatid ko lang sina Arri at Stef pauwi." I gave him my puppy eyes. 

Please dad. 

"Okay. But Simon, your personal driver will drive. Not you young lady." Tumingin siya sa likuran ko.

But dad, I want to drive. Pwede niya naman kami sundan with a different car eh.” I insist.

"No princess. Simon will drive or else no one's going outside." Sabi niya habang nakatingin sa’min ng mga kaibigan ko.

Fine. Mag iisip na lang ako ng ibang dahilan.

I crossed my arms. 

"Simon, take care of the girls. 11o o'clock sharp." Dad said to my driver.

"Copy Sir." sagot naman ni Simon.

I kissed Dad’s cheek before heading out.

Pinag buksan kami ni Simon ng pintuan ng kotse.

This is the first time that I will be riding my baby, and I can't even drive it myself. I sighed. 

Nakaka-frustrate talaga.

Tumingin sa akin sina Stef at Arri. Kinuha ko ang phone ko at nag chat sa kanila.

'Sorry girls. I need to make a new plan. Arri pwede ba tayo pumunta muna sa bahay mo?'

'Ano? Bakit?' tanong niya.

"Ms. Cindy, saan po tayo pupunta?" Tanong ni Simon.

"Uhm, sa bahay ni Arriana. Here's the address." Nag-type ako ng address sa pad at ibinigay sa kanya.

Na-activate ko na ang gps.

'Mag-uusap tayo pagdating natin doon.' Nag chat ulit ako sa kanila.

After fifteen minutes nakarating kami sa bahay ni Arri.

I instructed Simon to wait in the car. 

"Cinds anong gagawin natin?" Stef asked after getting in Arriana's room. 

"Relax girls. Arri naalala ko, may back door kayo diba?" I asked. 

"Oo. I'm always using that door to meet Paul." she giggled. This bitch. 

"So we are climbing that ladder out there? I'm all dressed up girls. I can't." Stef shook her head.

"Lahat tayo nakabihis na Stef. If you want you can stay here, am gonna climb that stupid ladder to meet my man. Kanina pa ako nagtext sa kanya. Siguro nasa kabila na siya ngayon." I stood up and looked at the full sized mirror.

"Are you guys in or not?" I asked one last time while fixing my hair. 

"Pero paano ang driver mo? Hindi natin siya pwede hayaan lang sa labas. My dad will be here soon." Arriana said.

"Call your Dad now. Just tell him the truth, that my driver will wait for me outside, make an excuse so he won't bother us here in your room. Come on Arri, alam kong kaya mo ‘to. Gusto ko makasama si Leo,at least until mid night." I grabbed my bag and headed to the door.

I received a text from Leo.

'Baby, nandito kami sa labas. What's taking you so long?'

Ohhh. My heart.

"Double time girls. Nasa labas na sila." Binuksan ko na ang pinto at tumingin sa kanila.

Nagawa naming umakyat sa hagdan. Nakita ko si Leo na papalabas mula sa sasakyan niya.

He's holding a bouquet of red roses. 

I smiled. The sweetest. 

"Sa wakas. Happy birthday baby girl." He kissed me fully on my lips. 

I heard the girls giggled behind my back. 

He snaked his arms around my waist. Oh I missed him. 

"Guys get a room. We need to go!" Sigaw ni Paul. Tinulak si Leo palayo sa akin.

"Let's go babe. We don't have a lot of time." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko.

Binuksan niya ako ng pinto ng sasakyan niya. He's my ideal man. He always makes sure that I can feel his effort. Love. 

I'm maybe 17 years old, but I'm sure as hell that he will be the first and last man in my life. 

"Saan tayo pupunta babe?" tanong ko.

Napansin kong hindi sumusunod sa amin ang sasakyan ni Paul.

Where are they? 

"It's a surprise baby. May tiwala ka sa akin di ba?" hinalikan niya ang likod ng kaliwang kamay ko.

With all my life Leo. You are my life.

"Syempre love. Kinakabahan lang ako at excited na at the same time." Sagot ko.

It's true. Kinakabahan ako na malaman ni Daddy ang tungkol sa amin. I hope mom will stay quiet. At least just for now. 

Huminto kami sa harap ng isang condominium. I guess somewhere in the Makati area. I looked at my wrist watch.

9 o'clock. May 2 oras pa kaming natitira. 

Nagtext ako kay Aari habang pinaparada ni Leo ang sasakyan. 'Nasaan na kayo?'

"Another thing baby. I need you to wear this." He handed a blindfold. 

Oh my God. Seryoso ba siya? 

I chuckled.

"Please?" He gave me puppy eyes.

How can I say no?

"Fine. But don't make me fall." Banta ko sa kanya.

"Ohh you already fell babe. You can't resist my charm." So proud of himself.

Pero tama siya. 

Nakuha na niya ako.

Naramdaman ko ang kamay niya sa bewang ko. He's guiding me slowly.

"Nasaan ang mga kaibigan natin? Are they joining us? Did my girls know about this?" I can't believe that they know and they didn't tell me his plan.

I know Stef can't keep a secret. 

"Okay, I'll answer you. Hindi natin sila kasama. It will be just you and me." He whispered in my ear.

Goosebumps. 

Ito ang magiging unang pagkakataon na lalabas kaming dalawa. Our friends always joined us on our dates.

Kaya ito ang unang pagkakataon na maaari kaming magkaroon ng privacy. 

I'm a little surprised when I heard the elevator dings. 

"Careful, love." He gently pushed me to make me walk.

“Kaninong condo unit to?” Tanong ko pa.

"Sssh. Patience my love. Patience. We're almost there."  sagot nito.

Ito rin ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na sinorpresa niya ako. Binilang ko na ang mga hakbang bago kami tumigil.

"Just close your eyes." I heard the clinging of keys.

This is it. I'm sweating.

Tinanggal niya ang piring ko ngunit agad niyang pinalitan ang kanyang mga kamay upang takpan ang aking mga mata.

"Walk slowly." bulong niya.

Sinundan ko siya at dahan-dahang naglakad. Hawak ko pa rin ang bouquet of roses na binigay niya sa akin kanina.

I smelled something sweet. Scented candles?

"Okay. Open your eyes, love." 

Dahan dahan kong iminulat ang aking mga mata.

First, my visions are blurry. I noticed our pictures hanging at the ceiling with balloons. Mayroong mga petals ng pulang rosas sa kama. Tatlong kahon din ng Chanel at isang paper bag ng Tiffany & Co.

I got teary eyes. 

"I hope you like it babe." Tumayo siya sa harap ko at niyakap ako.

This guy is perfect. I'm the luckiest girl on earth right now. 

Ang silid ay napuno ng mga pulang rosas at may scented candles.

Mayroon ding isang malaking 'happy birthday baby' banner na nakadikit sa dingding.

Ohh this guy. I'm speechless. I don't know what to say.

Niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit. 

"What can you say? Nagustuhan mo ba?" Ngumiti siya at kinurot ang pisngi ko.

"My cry baby." he hugged me again when he saw my tears. 

Nagulat talaga ako. Hindi ko alam na kaya niya ito. Yeah he's sweet but this setup. This is grand. 

"Oh I love you babe." I kissed him. 

I can feel he chuckled before answering my kiss. 

Alam kong hindi ako ang una niyang babae. He taught me how to kiss. He knows it well. I wonder how many girls he kissed before me.

Every flicked oh his tongue makes me shiver. I hooked my arms around his neck. He kissed me hard this time. Pressing his body onto mine.

Naramdaman ko ang kanyang mga kamay sa aking likuran, going down my buttocks.

Nakasuot pa ako ng damit ngunit ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang katawan. 

This is not right but I don't want him to stop.

Iminulat ko ang aking mga mata. He looked so serious while kissing me. He opened his eyes too.

His lips left my lips and went all the way down my neck. Kissing it gently. Not living every part of it untouched. 

Jesus! I want more.

Pinahiga niya ako sa kama.

Naaamoy ko ang mga rosas. Hinubad niya ang polo niya habang nakatingin sa akin ng mabuti.

"Tell me to stop now if you don't like it. I may not be able to control myself later. I swear this is not a part of my plan." sabi niya habang tinatanggal ang polo niya. Hinagis niya ito sa kanyang likuran. Inilipat niya ang mga regalo sa bedside table.

Hindi ko siya masagot. Nakatingin ako sa dibdib niya.

Down to his pants. I can see a bulge there.

I swallowed.

Handa na ba ako para dito? Mahal ko siya no doubt, but-----

"Baby say something. Hindi kita pinipilit kung hindi ka pa handa. I can wait." I can see the heat in his eyes.

How can I say no? A part of me also wants to make him happy. I want him to be my first. 

My last. 

"I'm ready. Love me." I answered.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------