SIMULA - IKATLONG PARTE

FIX

Sapo ang ulo mula sa pagkagising ay agad kong ginawa ang nakagawian tuwing umaga. Habang nagsisipilyo ay pilit inaalala ang nangyari pagkauwi ko kagabi. Agad agad akong nagmumog at lumabas ng kwarto upang sanay tanungin si Samantha ngunit nagulat sa nadatnan sa living room. Hindi panaginip at lalong hindi ako kasing lasing ni Sammy kagabi kaya totoo lahat! He is here in flesh talking with my friend! Napansin siguro nito ang presensya ko kaya napabaling sa akin. 

"Good morning! Come, have breakfast, join us," alok niya habang nakangiti. 

He then pulled a chair for me but I was hesitant to go near them. I caught my friend's lips pointing the chair. I keep on telling myself that it is okay and to keep calm. I sit without saying a word. I don't know what to say as of the moment. I am overwhelmed by the idea that he is here and what is he doing here last night.

How did he knew that I am here? Is he the one I saw during the runway?

He looks a fortune teller for knowing what I am thinking.

"I'm here to return Samantha's cardholder. She dropped it somewhere the house and she isn't replying to my dms so I here I am!" kumbinsi niya.

Tumango ako ngunit hindi parin nagsalita, humigop agad ako ng soup ng sopas. I observe my surroundings like a predator. Mukhang bago at kauumpisa din lang naman nilang dalawa sa pagkain dahil konti palang ang bawas sa mga bowl nila.

"You look terrified seeing me last night," umpisa ng lalaki.

"Because you look like a ghost!" I joked trying lighten my nervousness. 

"Sabi ko naman kasi sa iyo eh, ayaw kang makita niyan..." singit ni Samantha habang tinuturo pa ako. 

Pinilig ko nalang ang aking ulo sa biro ng aking kaibigan. Pero tama naman siya hanggang kaya ko ay gusto kong hindi mag krus ang landas ko at ng kahit sino sa kanila. Mahirap na!

Ang nakaraan ay nakaraan. Kailangan kong tanggapin iyon at saka kahit papaano ay may kaunting ipon naman na ako. Kaya kong tumayo sa sarili kong mga paa. Pinaghirapan ko pero masaya akong nakaya ko. I am alone so I have to thrive if I wanted to enjoy my retirement. Pero makukuha ko lang iyon kung tatapangan ko ang aking sarili at putulin ang nag-iisang kadena na magpapalaya sa akin mula sa bangungot ng nakaraan. I know that like apacity, the years will slowly melt the mountains of hatred and vengeance from the purple kisses of yesterday. 

"Pero miss ko na kasi siya, Sammy. I didn't know she's living with you. I thought that you two are just close friends. Isapa mali ba na kumustahin ko naman ang aking kapatid? Diba, Yancinda?" muling ngiti ng lalaki sa akin. 

Nagulantang si Samantha sa narinig, maging ako man ay pinanlakihan ng mga mata na napatingin kay dito. Mabuti at nalunok ko na ang aking nginunguyang pagkain. 

"Kapatid?!!! Wait! Wait a minute," tumayo si Samantha at nagpamaywang saka muling nagsalita. "Nalilito ako, so magkapatid kayong dalawa? You are a Montiel too, Cindy?" kumpirma niya.

"No," I confirmed.

Tumingin sa akin si Fourth at kay Sammy pagkatapos ay tumikhim. "Let's just finish our  breakfast, first." 

Tahimik naming tinapos ang agahan at kasalukuyang nagpapahinga sa living room. Samantha didn't push Fourth to answer her questions. 

"Akala ko talaga magkapatid kayong dalawa eh," si Samantha.

"I consider her my sister so she is same with the others," Fourth cooly answered.

"Sabagay, the bonding you had is like a real siblings. Now, Cindy's my sister too so we are family na, by the way, hindi naman kayo nagkasakitan ni Trinidad kagabi, Fourth?" Samantha curiosily asked Fourth after claiming me as her sister.

"No, pero ang talim ng mga mata ng fiancé mo Samantha. I won't let him punch my pretty face,though," lintaya ni kuya Fourth.

Samantha excuse herself to answer a call from her phone. Pagka-alis niya ay tinanong ko si Fourth kung wala na ba itong gagawin. 

"You're all going back to San Gabriel this afternoon?" 

I wanted to hear from him that he'll not gonna be here and he didn't betray me. 

"Yes Princess. Maraming naiwang trabaho kaya hindi na kami pwedeng manatili rito. Umalis na yung iba kagabi going to Cebu and Davao. Kasi naman eh... Sana dito na ako next week. Yung isa kasi eh, he is not so cooperative enough," reklamo ni Fourth.

Kumunot ang aking noo. "Paki kumusta nalang sila lahat, I'm sorry but I'm really busy," saad ko.

"I will. They miss you so much. It's been years already. Marami ng nagbago doon. You should visit soon. Mama misses you too, kahit sa bahay lang dito sa Manila ka dumalaw since they're here." 

I smiled, "How I wanted to, but I can't for now I'm so packed. I miss her too... so much!" yumuko ako at nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga. 

"I know, you have your own life too, now.  How's your work by the way, Princess?" 

"It's all fine. I am used to it already." I genuinely smiled to him. 

Nagkwento siya tungkol sa pagkakaroon ng asawa ni ate Mae at malapit na panganganak ni ate Avikah at kung anu-ano pa. 

Sammy interrupted our conversation. "I know you guys have a lot of stories to exchange but Cindy, our schedule is moved to 1 PM." 

"The two of you should be ready na, hatid ko kayong dalawa. I brought my car. I'll wait you at the lower basement," it's Fourth. 

"That's my boy! A real gentleman indeed! Sana gayahin ka ni Trinidad," si Samantha habang sumisilip mula sa pinto ng kanyang room.

Tumawa kaming dalawa ni Fourth.

"You should get ready too, baby. I'll wait the two of you in the parking lot." 

Tumango ako at sinamahan si Fourth sa main door. Pagka-alis niya ay nagtungo na rin ako sa aking silid upang makapaghanda. Nakakahiyang paghintayin si kuya Fourth ng matagal dahil babalik pa ito ng San Gabriel. 

Simpleng plain white shirt at maong ang aking napiling suotin. Si Samantha naman ay shorts at puting Gucci shirt. She also wear her silver gladiator sandals while I choose to wear a white Adidas rubber shoes para mas komportable akong maglakad. It's just 10 in the morning, maaga pa naman pero kung meron na mga crew ay maaaring tapusin na namin agad ang photoshoot.

Naabutan namin si Fourth na nakasandal sa isang itim na raptor. Mukhang bagong bago pa ito at sadyang pang probinsya dahil sa suspension nito. Kumaway ito sa amin at binaba ang kanyang phone. Mukhang tapos na siyang makipag-usap sa nasa kabilang linya. 

"Nagpipilit si Mama, gusto ka niyang makita. Sinabi kong busy ka pero inalam ang schedule mo if you can clear your calendar kahit ilang araw lang daw, dahil gustong gusto ka niyang makita. Can't you get a day off or two, baby?" salubong niya sa akin. 

"Kung ako kay Cindy, I will clear my schedule talaga at sumama nalang sa province or sa saan man. Pwede bang ako nalang ang sumama sa iyo, Fourth?" ani Sammy, habang naka peace sign. 

"Of course, mag paalam ka lang kay Trinidad. Baka sugurin ako sa San Gabriel ng wala sa oras," kuya Fourth beamed.

"Subukan ko pa kung kaya ng schedule ko, kuya," tipid kong sagot. 

Umaandar na ang sasakyan at tanging music sa stereo nalang ang maririnig. Ma traffic na rin sa daan. 

"Inaantok pa ako, gisingin mo nalang ako mamaya, Cindy," habilin ni Samantha.

Tumango ako sa aking kaibigan ng hindi lumingon sa kanya. Kahit ako'y inaantok pa kaya pumikit din ngunit dahil sa hindi makatulog ay minabuting nakipag-usap kay Fourth. 

"When did ate Avikah got married? It wasn't on the news."

"Three years ago, she's actually trying to find you but a friend of her told that you are still abroad that time. She'll be happy to see you." 

"I'm sure about it, and how about you, still no plans yet?" I kid around.

"I should really let Edriel, Kaxiel and Kaixus first, those cavemen seemed like no interest with flirting! Kami ni kuya Driego ang mag hinay-hinay muna. Just chillin' around, lalo na ako!" dipensa ni kuya.

Tumikhim ako sa sagot niya at napangiti habang nakatingin sa labas ng bintana ng kotse. 

"You know, hindi ko alam kung anong balak ng tatlong iyon sa kanilang mga buhay. They're always busy. Like, seriously, hindi ko manlang sila nakasama inside the club or aside from damn meetings! Syempre sa San Gabriel kami lang ni kuya Driego ang lagi doon kaya kami ang laging magkasama." 

I didn't know that he really lived in San Gabriel it explains why he's tanner and rugged unlike his younger years, prim and fair. 

"As long as you guys aren't always on the news. That's a good to have a night life too," wala sa isip na bitaw ko.

"You're right, diba? Kaya ayaw nila magtagal dito sa Manila dahil ayaw nila ng nasusundan ng media. Lalo na si Lola at si tito, naku, akala mo naman hindi siya dito lumaki..." 

"Malayo pa ba, Fourth?" 

Mukhang naingayan si Samantha sa akin at kay Fourth. Kaya nagising siya. 

"Five minutes more Sammy, did we disturbed you?" pag-aalalang sabi ni Fourth.

"No, don't worry," tipid na sagot ni Sammy. 

Sa tapat ng main entrance ng Eastwood pinarada ni Fourth ang sasakyan dahil may importanteng lakad daw ito. Might be the text I read from his phone, telling him to hand a hand.

Hot Babe.

Iyon ang pangalan ng nagtext sa kanya.

Hot Babe, huh! In the middle of the day asking for a hand? Tssssk, boys! 

"Sorry baby, I wish to stay with you two all day but I'll be dead if I wouldn't hand my service to this one."

"It's okay Fourth, puntahan mo na baka pa magbreak kayo niyan," ani Samantha habang tumatawa. 

"I'm really sorry." 

Sinalubong kami ng receptionist ng ngiti. We smiled back at her at dumiretso na sa elevator ng building. I press the floor button where the studio is. Nag-usap kaming dalawa ni Samantha maghintay nalang sa lobby ang maunang makatapos ng photoshoot dahil magkaibang floors ang pakay namin. 

I've finished the photoshoot around 4 PM and waiting for Sammy at the lobby of the building. Medyo pagod ng konti dahil tuloy tuloy ang nangyaring photoshoot. It's already 4:45 and still, there's no Samantha coming from the elevator. Bored and hungry, I opened my sns only to see that my dearest friend finished her photoshoot as early as 2:30 PM and she's with her beau ngayong oras! I dialed her phone number but her phone was off. In a minute I received a message from Silver Trinidad through his sns account. We are not even friends and we don't follow each other's account kaya may duda na ako kung kanino galing ang mensahe.

Silver Trinidad:

I forgot my phone at the unit and Trinidad came to fetch me. We have an important meeting with his fam. I won't be able to come home for a week starting tonight. They invited me to be with them in there beach house. I'm sorry dearest.

Xoxo,

Just used this account to inform you that I am safe.

"It's okay Sammy, I'm gonna head back home nalang na. See you soon. Enjoy your vacation, Sammy. Paki kumusta nalang sila tito at tita." I typed and sent it to her.

After I sent my reply sa pasasalamat ni Samantha, I logged out and search some restaurants near the place. I saw one authentic Italian restaurant and decided to go for a pasta. It's just three minutes walk from the building ayon sa map and I can still manage to walk naman kaya agad akong nagpa-reserve ng table, they confirmed my reservation naman agad kaya sinimulan ko ng naglakad. 

The streets are busy. Eastwood is a nice place, ilang beses na kaming tumatambay dito ni Samantha or kung wala si Samantha ay si Angela ang aking kasama. I Immediately found the restaurant and was welcomed with the warm smiles of the employees. I told the receptionist about my reservation and showed her the confirmation message I received. She lead me to a corner table near a cheese wheel. A waiter handled me their menu book and patiently waited for my order. She also suggested their best seller which is pasta made on the cheese wheel so I agreed with her suggestion and also ordered a glass of sangria. Their best seller seems delicious and I will be able to watch how it will be done on the cheese wheel. 

I was amazed by the service they have. I will definitely give them five stars. The place is also cozy. The walls are wine cellars and you can see the different wines displayed on the racks. It's already 5:50 PM when I finished my meal. I decided to go bar hopping to high-end bars that are just around the city pero maaga pa kaya nagdecide akong umuwi muna at magpalit.

Exactly 5 minutes before 8 PM and I was able to dress in a mid-thigh black silk and paired with one of my black Jimmy Choo shoes. I already booked a grab so I hurried up to be down the lobby. Saktong nagmessage na ang driver na nasa tapat na siya. Walang masyadong traffic kaya 10:12 ng gabi ay nasa loob na ako ng isang bar. Nagsisimula na itong umingay. I can smell alcohol all over and the different smell of perfumes. Most people are foreigners, some are celebrities, politicians and people who came from elite families. It's a high-end bar and only exclusive card bar holder will be able to enter. I was able to own one because of Samantha or else will not afford to get one by myself. The membership fee ranges from 10 million. 

It's a huge bar and it has so many different amenities from different dance room to presidential suites in VVIP rooms. It's own by Samantha's cousin and she said that this is not just an ordinary bar as it may seems to be. I decided to go to the first party lounge where most people gathered. I ordered a glass of hard drink and sip until some girls chatted with me.

"Anong galawan ba ang dapat na gawin para maging kasing ganda ng isang modelong gaya mo Miss Cindy?" 

A girl in black silk dress asked me.

Tumawa ako, "Naku mas maganda ka sa akin, just be yourself at huwag umiyak dahil sa walang kwentang bagay. Also visit your Dermatologist and Dentist."

"That's it! Magpapaset ako ng appointment with my Dermatologist bukas na bukas agad. Thank you for the advice Miss Cindy, see you around!"

"See you!" 

Umalis na ang babae pero may lumapit sa akin na medyo bata. 

"Miss Yacinda? Pwede po bang magpa-picture sa inyo? Kayo po kasi ang isa sa mga hinahangaan ko. I am a model din po."

"Sure! Where your phone? Okay lang ba dito tayo?" I suggested na sa may side ng bar counter para hindi halatang umiinom ako. 

"Wala pong problema. I won't post it online po para na rin sa inyong privacy." 

Agad akong napapicture sa modelo.

"What's your name? Which agency are you from?"

"Galing po ako ng ACE. Yevivah po," sagot niya.

"Yevivah, nice to meet you. Si Luwalhati ang kilala ko sa ACE. It's a good agency because they produces some of the models who was luckily doing modeling international."

"Siya po ang handler ko Miss Cindy. Sana nga po ay maging tulad ko din sila."

Masaya siya na nagsabi na si Luwalhati ang trainer niya.

"You will learn a lot from him. Mabait din siya," sambit ko.

"Mauna na po ako Miss Cindy. May pinaabot lang po kasi sa akin dito kaya nakapasok ako. It's nice to meet you po."

"You take care! It's nice to meet you din, by the way, did you follow me on my sns account? Send me a private message. I will recommend you sa ilang designers na kilala ko. They might secure you a spot for runway modeling."

"Opo. I will send you a message nasa baba po kasi ang phone ko. Maraming salamat po..."

"You're welcome," I smiled at her. 

Some recognized me and even had a picture with me after Yevivah. I don't know I'm that popular with girls! Ang isang glass ng hard drink ay naging dalawa at cocktails na hindi ko na mabilang. Drink and dance and drink. That's the routine I had until I met Zarrique Bracamonte and his fianćee, Fluer Miller. We recognized each other and they invited me to the VVIP area. They are throwing a party for Gareth Bracamonte. It's my first time going to the VVIP area and Samantha says that it's where the real party is.

"I thought Samantha is with you. Shes with Silver pala." - Zarrique.

"Yes, I'm not supposed to be here sana eh, pero boring sa unit so here I am." 

"I love your dress during your last fashion show but I asn't able to have a reservation the past days. What a shame!" it's Fluer. 

"Hahaha! I was so nervous that time. I'll send you a link on your sns. It's a VIP link for the latest na disenyo. You can register and can be able to set appointment directly with Giselle." 

I sent the link to Fluer's sns account and informed Giselle Luxhouse secretary about it. It's an actual marketing partner link that models get from Giselle herself, if they wanted to have an extra income aside from being a model.

Pagbukas ng elevator ay may malawak na lobby. You can here music and noises at the pool.

This is where the most elite ones party! This is what Sammy is talking about, and it's so real!

The bar counter is just sa kanang side of the rectangular overlooking city view infinity pool. The occupants tonight are all Gareth's visitor. There are also some models and we greeted each other. The couple that's with me tells me that they just need to go around and find where Gareth is pero naiwan si Fluer.

"Grabe free drinks nanaman ang lahat dito ngayon. Ang galante talaga ng brother-in-law ko."

Natatawa ako sa puri ni Fluer sa may-ari ng The Lounge. 

"Of course Fluer, hindi mo ba ramdam kung gaano kagalante ang asawa mo?" Gusto kong isaboses ang nasa aking isipan pero ngiti lang ang naibigay ko sa babae.

"I saw a Montiel earlier at the lobby pala. Siguro ay kasama ni Gareth ngayon sa party nila sa itaas," aniya. 

Kinabahan ako. 

It's not him naman diba? Baka si Calibre o di kaya ay si kuya Edriel or si Kaixel or the twins ang nakita ni Fluer.

Tatanungin ko sana ang babae pero may nagsalita.

"Baka nag eenjoy na sa party nila sa itaas. I heard na may mga free service din ngayon sa penthouse at lower penthouse," salubong ni Angela. 

"What?! Lagot sa akin iyang Zarrique na iyan. Hindi siya ko siya tatabihan simula bukas!" Nangangalaiting turan ni Fluer.

"Let's find our husbands then," suhestiyon ni Angela.

"How? Barging the rooms sa lower penthouse at penthouse?" tanong ni Fluer.

"No choice! Tayo ang boss. Maiintindihan ni Gareth ang gagawin natin," Angela confidently told.

"Let's go!" aya ko.

Tunog ng dahon at bulwak ng tubig ang gumising sa akin. Agad akong napaupo ng maalala ang nangyari kagabi. Sobrang bilis na parang flash ng camera. Ang kabog ng aking dibdib ay nakakabingi at hindi mapigilang kagatin ang aking labi.

Unang pinto na nagbukas sa lower penthouse ay mga foreigners at nag complain ang babae.

"This is against the rule! I will report you to the management!" sigaw niya sa mukha ko.

"I'm sorry someone said that my husband is here. Our children are waiting for him at the parking lot. I can't go home without him," palusot ko and she seemed to be touch.

"I'm sorry, your husband is not a good man, divorce him. He might be at the other rooms. Do you want me to help you in finding him? What does that cheater looks like?" 

Nagulat ako sa sagot ng babae pero sinabihan ko na ako na ang bahala.

"Please don't take it seriously, you are so pretty and seems like a girl boss. You don't deserve to suffer because of an unfaithful man!"

Nagpaalam ako at muling kumatok sa sumunod na room but it seems empty until Wyeth Cabral in her nighties opened one of the door I knocked. 

"What a pleasant surprise! You've become rude and less modest after leaving the province, huh!" salubong niya.

"Who is that Wy? Do they know that they can go to jail for being too nosy?!" 

That familiar voice makes me freeze to where I am standing.

Nagkatinginan kami habang nagbubutones siya ng kanyang polo.

Mukhang kakaligo lang niya!

"My sister's killer..." Wyeth uttered nonchalantly.

Tumakbo ako papunta sa elevator. Nagmadali kong kinuha ang aking cellphone sa lobby at umalis sa lugar na iyon. 

I booked a room sa Okada para kahit sundan ako ni Sage ay aakalain na hindi ako nananatili dito sa bansa. That I am just here for work only.

Pumunta ako sa isang bar sa malapit sa The Lounge matapos kong pinaikot ang grab taxi na sinakyan ko. 

As I entered the place, ay on peak na ang tao sa dance floor. I dance for a few minutes then ordered a whiskey. 

Drink and dance and drink. Iyon ang ginawa hanggang sa may nagbigay ng free drink sa akin.

"Thanks!" 

I drink the free mojito and dance. Medyo umiinit ang aking pakiramdam pero hindi ko alintana iyon. 

May lalaking sumayaw sa aking likod kaya gumiling ako hanggang sa may kamay akong naramdaman na humawak sa aking puson. 

The man's hand is so warm at mas lalong umiinit ang pakiramdam ko when the man is dancing like I do. Swaying with the alluring music. I felt him in between my butt while swaying sa sobrang walang espasyo ng aming katawan. 

He is hard! 

Kumapit ako sa kanyang leeg at pumikit habang dikit na dikit ang aming katawan at patuloy sa pagsayaw, hindi alintana ang paligid dahil sa dilim ng dance floor.

He smells so good! 

The familiar Clive Christian X is giving masculinity to the man enough even if a girl will just smell him from a distance. 

Nagulat ako ng magsalita ang lalaki.

"You won't be able to walk for a week after this. Let's get you out of here, Sunshine... You have a lot of explaining to do!" banta niya sa mababang tono.

"Ano ba, bitawan mo ako!" piglas ko habang hinihila niya ako palabas. 

Parang walang pakialam ang mga tao sa amin dahil sa sobrang busy ng lahat.

I saw flashes of light when we are approaching his new sleek black Corvette.

"Delete all the photos if you wanted a clean name!" sigaw ni Sage at kinuha ang isang cp ng lalaki na malapit sa amin at tinapakan. 

Tinuro niya lahat ng nandoon, "Got it?!" muling sigaw niya.

He settled me sa shotgun seat at saka pinasibad ang sasakyan.

"Drop me off to the nearest hotel, Sage!" utos ko pero parang wala siyang naririnig.

Parang mas tumaas pa ang temperatura ng katawan ko sa bawat pagdaan ng minuto.

"Turn on the aircon!" 

"It's already on maximum, Yacinda. Stay put!" aniya.

"Sage... I feel hot! It's hot!" reklamo ko.

Hinawakan ko ang kanyang kamay kaya itinabi niya ang sasakyan sa isang madilim na parte ng kalsada. 

Hindi ko alam kung nasaan kami pero sigurado akong hindi na parte ng Manila ang daan.

"I told you to drop me to the nearest hotel!" akusa ko. 

Dinuro-duro ko siya. 

"Fuck, Yacinda! You are dancing like a striper with another man!" 

"And? Anong pakialam mo?" sigaw ko at saka pilit na tinatanggal ang seatbelt.

Striper pala ha, Iyan ba ang tingin mo sa akin samantalang sa'yo lang naman ako dumikit kanina ng husto!

"What are you doing?" tanong niya.

Ngumiti ako, "Nnnnn, none..." bulong ko gamit ang aking lasing sa boses at tinignan siya. 

I look at his face memorizing every inch of it with my half-opened drunk eyes. Bakit sa paglipas ng panahon ay mas lalo lamang siyang mas bata tignan kesa sa kanyang edad. Feeling ko ay mas matanda na ako kesa sa kanya.

So unfair!

"Did you miss me, Sage?" I smiled while biting my lips meeting his now, dark orbs. 

I know malapit ng maputol ang tali ng kanyang pagtitimpi pero wala akong pakialam. 

Striper my ass! 

Ang kunot niyang noo ay bumalik sa dating hitsura. He run his tongue on his pink kissable lips as eyeing me like I'm a sumptuous dessert.

Ginaya ko siya at saka hinaplos ang kanyang mukha. 

Napapikit siya at ng magmulat ay nagsalita. "It's just the drug talking, Yacinda. Stop it..." kumbinsi niya.

"Uh, huh! I guess I'm sober enough..." I pursed.

"Don't test my patience, Yacinda..." hirap niyang ani.

Imbis na makinig sa kanya ay kinalas ko ang aking seatbelt at umupo sa kanyang kandungan.

"Yacinda!" saway niya sa akin pero yumakap lang ako sa kanya.

"I feel so hot, Sage..." muling reklamo ko while pouting.  

"Fuck! Pagsisisihan mo ito, bukas. Please go back to your seat..."  nagmamakaawa ang kanyang boses that's why I tease him more. 

I kiss him lightly and he change the game!

He cupped my butt and settled me perfectly on his lap. Unbuckle his seatbelt and cupped my breast and draw circles. 

I got challenge that's why I unzip his trouser and hold him like I'm hold a cocktail glass — carefully. 

"Fuck! Yacinda!" 

"Yes, please..." I whispered as I bite his left ear. 

"You will regret it..." he gritted.

I smile at pumilig saka siya muling hinalikan. 

Mukhang napugto ko ang kanyang pasensiya ng bumaba ang kanyang isang kamay sa aking ibaba and when he found his target he tease me like I'm a hungry puppy until folded and he started a rhythm that only his hand knows. 

Hindi maipaliwanag na kiliti ang dulot ng kanyang ginagawa sa akin kaya nabanggit ko ang kanyang pangalan. 

"Sage! Ugh! Ugh!..." 

He fixed me and let me sit on the shotgun then his tongue change his hand doing magic to my core.

"Please, Sage. More..." pagmamakaawa ko.

Something wants to be released from me and he noticed it.

"Just let it go," aniya and kiss my core sexily.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" I screamed and I feel so relieved.

Sinalubong niya ang aking tingin as he run his tongue on his lips.

I pushed him on his seat at saka inisang hila ang kanyang pang-ibabang saplot. 

Napalunok ako when I saw him but the feeling of wanting to give back to what he's done to me is so strong.

I kiss his tip and slowly move my mouth down. and up.

"Yacinda, stop..." he begged habang inaayos ang aking buhok at dahan dahan na sinabunutan but I didn't listen until in one go he scooped me and settled me on his lap.

Both of us are panting pero nakabawi agad siya. Humalik siya sa aking nakalitaw na dibdib habang ang isang kamay naman niya ay minamasahe ang aking kabilang dibdib. 

I wiggle to let him know that I want more. 

I hold him again and I stroke him down and up like what I did using my mouth. 

"Wife, please. I..." 

Nahalata ata niya that I am teasing him and so he settled me fully. 

His private part is touching my entrance and I got so excited that's why I wiggle. 

"Sage, c'mon!.." I hissed at bigla siyang umulos.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" 

"Fuck!!!" 

Sabay naming sabi. I didn't expect what he did!

No one moves until he slowly start to rock slowly and the pain I felt earlier was slowly covered by a tingling sensation. 

His stroke becomes faster and faster. Everytime he push I let out a slutty whimper and everytime he pull I call his name. 

"Sage I am near..." 

His moves becomes slower and afterwards becomes faster again. 

"Sage... I.... Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!"

I scream then I came as he spilled all his load inside of me.

We did it once more before I got so sleepy. 

Inayos niya ang aking damit then settled me on my seat. 

Dahil sa hilong hilo ako dahil sa alak na aking nainom ay pumikit ako at tagtag na tagtag sa nanyari.

I let my tired self sleep.

Naramdaman ko ang pagbuhat sa aking ni Sage at ang pagdampi ng malamig na hangin sa aking balat. Parang may tunog ng dagat akong naririnig pero dahil sa sobrang pagod ko ay hindi na ako nagpumiglas pa. 

I didn't know na may kumatok dahil sa sobrang inclined ako sa unang pagkikita namin ni Sage hangang sa may nagsalita sa labas ng pintuan.

"Hija, nagsaing ako ng sopas para sa iyo, habilin ni Kaixus kanina. Halika kana sa baba't habang mainit init pa," aya sa akin ng boses ng matanda.

Nagdalawang isip akong bumaba ng bed pero ramdam ko ang pangangalam ng tiyan kaya napabangon ako ng tuluyan at naligo bago sumunod sa matandang babae.

Naglikot ang aking mata habang pababa ng hagdan. I am fascinated by the design of this  huge house... Nope it's not just a house but a Mansion!

Bumaba ako sa kitchen, muntikan pang malito kung nasaang parte iyon. Mukhang walang tao bukod sa aming dalawa ng matanda. Ang tabi ng higaan ko kanina ay walang kusot ibig sabihin mag-isa akong natulog sa loob ng kwarto. There's no sign of Sage and that makes me a little relax. 

"Habilin sa akin ni Kaixus na ipagluto ka ng sopas at agahan. Siguro ay maya-maya pa iyon makakabalik dahil sumamang pumalaot kaninang madaling araw." 

"Maraming salamat po. Okay na po yung sopas na agahan ko. Matagal na ho ba kayo dito?" sagot at tanong ko.

I wanted to quench my curiosity.

"Ako nga pala si nanay Guada, caretaker ako ng bahay-bakasyunang ito ng mga Javonillo. Noong bata bata pa iyang si Kaixus parating dito iyan pumupunta. Kung hindi mo mamasamain, ngayon lang kita nakita rito hija, kaibigan ka ba ng mga Montiel? Halos kakilala ko ang lahat ang mga kaibigan ng mga batang Javonillo at ni Kaixus..." 

"Parang ganoon po. Sa kanila po nagtrabaho ang aking pamilya noong buhay pa ang mga ito," tipid ko. 

"Sa hacienda? Sa San Gabriel? Kaya pala mukhang importante kang bisita at ginising pa kami niyang si Kaixus kagabi upang ihanda itong bahay. Pasensiya kana at yung pinakamaliit pang kwarto ang naihanda namin. Masyadong busy sa resort ang mga tao kagabi dahil sa dami ng bisita kaya ako na ang nag-ayos dito hayaan mo at may mga mag-aayos galing sa resort maya-maya paniguradong doon na dumiretso iyang kaibigan mo." 

Tumingin ito sa akin at mukhang alam na lito ako sa kanyang pinagsasabi. I don't know that there's a resort because the surrounding is peaceful.

"Kapag didiretso ka sa dalampasigan doon sa kabilang dulo iyong resort hindi kita dito dahil may kalayuan ngunit may golf cart o van naman na pwede mong sakyan upang pumunta doon." 

Tumango-tango ako habang sumusubo ng sopas. Hindi naman na ito nag-usisa pa at nagpa-alam upang mag-ayos daw sa sala. Pansin kong may mga takip pa na puti ang mga gamit sa may sala habang pababa ako ng hagdan kanina. Siguro ay walang nakatira dito. Ilang sandali pa ay may mga ingay akong narinig, iyan na siguro ang maglilinis na sinasabi ni nanay Guada. Malapit ko ng matapos ang aking pagkain ng bumalik ang matanda. 

"Hija kung ikaw ay tapos ng kumain, ilagay mo nalang sa sink iyang pinagkainan mo at ako na ang maghuhugas. May garden itong bahay sa likod at may hagdan pababa sa dalampasigan tanaw sa may teresa pero mabuti pa ay ipahatid nalang kita kay Berting sa resort habang inaayos pa itong bahay.  Masyadong maalikabok dito," aniya.

Bumalik muli ang matanda sa sala at may kasunod na binatang naka-uniform ng puting shirt na may logong 'Playa Caleta' 

"Magandang umaga, Ma'am. Handa na po ba kayo? Ihahanda ko lang yung van para mahatid po kita sa resort," he quipped.

"I'm fine. Okay lang ako, ilang minuto ba ang biyahe?"

I am curious. 

"Mga sampu lang po."

Hindi ako nakinig sa matanda at hinugasan ang aking pinagkainan. Sumama si nanay sa may sasakyan sa binata. I told them that I'll just go back to my room for my things. The housekeepers are women probably same age as me or younger. Mga lima ang mga ito. Bumati sila sa akin ng nadaanan ko sa sala kanina at nakipag-usap ng kaunti. Narinig ko ang isa na nagsabing kakilala niya ako sa tv.

I search for my phone and clutch from last night at nasa side table naman mga iyon sa kwarto. I'm wearing a dress right now and luckily it doesn't show any sign of what happened lastnight. No bruises or kiss mark, just pinky skin on my neck because Sage didn't clean his beard. I found toiletries at the shower room so I clean my teeth before going out. Naabutan kong nag-uusap si nanay Guada at Berting. 

"Sabihan mo nalang si Kaixus hijo ha, iyon ang mga kailangan dito. Bumalik ka rin agad dito isama mo si Fire para ikaw ay may kasama sa pagbubuhat ng mga ilang mabibigat na kagamitan, mukhang wala namang ginagawa iyon sa kabilang Mansion."  

Bumaling sa akin ang matanda, "Hija ipapahatid kita sa Caleta mag-enjoy ka muna doon. Siguradong nasa office niya na sa hotel si Kaixus o di kaya'y nasa paligid lang dahil wala pang umuuwi." 

"Maraming salamat po sa agahan ko. Sige po, hanapin ko nalang siya doon nanay Guada." 

Sumakay ako sa may tabi ng driver. Nang umandar ang sasakyan ay nagsalita ang aking kasama. 

"Ma'am nakikita kita sa commercial sa television. Model ka hindi ba? Ang ganda ganda niyo po pala sa personal. Okay lang ba magpapicture ako at girlfriend ko sa'yo mamaya sa resort? Siya po ang nakafollow sa inyo sa inyong sns account eh," saad ni Berting. 

"Sige, okay lang naman. Ilang taon kana? Matagal kana bang nagtratrabaho dito sa Playa Caleta?" usyosa ko.

His features can pass as a Korean or Japanese actor or model kasi that's why I'm intrigued. I might be able to help him to land a better job than being stock here in the island.

"Tuwing bakasyon lang ako tumutulong sa resort minsan sa housekeeping madalas, driver. I'm mostly in Manila," he responded.

Tumango tango ako. "Ilang oras ang biyahe pabalik ng Manila?" 

"Dalawa hanggang apat dipende kung traffic po."

Matapos ng usapang iyon ay wala ng nagsalita sa amin hanggang sa nakarating kami ng resort. Sa may entrance ng hotel nagpark si Berting. Pinagbuksan din ako nito ng pintuan.

Namangha ako sa gara ng resort. This is the pride of the Javonillos... Donya Diana once told me about her family running resorts ngayon ay narito na ako. Akala ko ay ordinaryong resort but the luxurious and artistic style of the hotel can actually be rated five stars. If someone is tired for the southern trips they can easily reroute here instead. 

"Miss Cindy, sandali lang ha, hanapin ko lang girlfriend ko para sa picture." 

Berting guided me to the hotel lobby. It looks like a high-end condo style. Spacious and elegant. Umupo ako sa isa sa mga sofa habang si Berting ay dumiretso sa may concierge. Dalawang tawag ang ginawa niya sa telepono, sa pangalawang tawag ay tumingin siya sa akin habang tumatango, mukhang seryoso ang aura. Ngayon ko lang nahalata ang itsura niya. He's young maybe between 18 to 20 but you can see that he got a good genes. He also got a resemblance with the twin cousin of Sage. Tumabi siya sa gilid ng concierge, paglaon ay lumapit sa akin. 

"Miss Cindy, sa office daw tayo dumiretso. It's from the boss," seryosong turan niya.

Naglakad na siya papuntang elevator kaya sinundan ko. Sa isang private elevator kami sumakay imbes na sa common elevator. Maybe he is a well known employee here? A trusted one? Or maybe galing kay Sage ang na dito kami sa pribadong elebeytor ng hotel. May gusto sanang sumakay pero sinabihan pa ng binata na para lamang sa may-ari ang sinakyan namin at may elevator pa sa kabilang banda. 

"He told me that you wait for him. Is he really your friend? How come you're friend with that caveman? By the way nauna na sa office si girlfriend..." Berting stated.

Imbis na sagutin ang tanong niya ay ako naman ang nagtanong. I'm curious about him especially that he seems to be close with Sage. 

"How old are you? If you don't mind, are you and the Montiels are related?" 

"I'm 18. Bentley Javonillo. My twin, the one nanay Guada is taking a while back is Fire Javonillo. Tiyo namin si Kaixus," tipid niyang sagot habang may nakausling ngiti sa labi. 

Bumukas ang elevator na dahilan upang maputol ang aming usapan. Nauna siya lumabas sa akin at sinalubong ang isang dalagang naka-uniporme ng gaya sa kanya pero bakas na hindi ito galing sa hirap because of her fair skin and expensive perfume.

"Oh my Goodness!!! It's real!!!" 

Halos tumalon talon sa saya ang babae ng makita ako. 

"You're Miss Yancinda? Can we take a picture, please? Miss..." 

I smiled at hindi tumanggi. She let Bentley took our picture. Tapos ay nag selfie kaming tatlo. Isa sa labas ng office at isa sa loob bago ako iniwan ng mga ito. The same as Bentley, Jalilla is also having her part-time in this resort  although she is the province Congressman's daughter because her boyfriend is here. 

Such a classic teenage love. 

Mag-isa akong nakatanaw sa dagat mula sa bintana ng office ni Sage. Salamin iyon na nakaharap sa dalampasigan kaya nakikita ko ang mga bakasyonista na naliligo, ang iba ay mga nasa cottages at sun loungers samantalang nasa sandbar ang iba.

I tried to open my phone but it's dead. Kaya naghanap ako ng socket. Bumukas ang pinto at nagkatinginan kami ni Sage. Agad kong iniwas ang aking mata. Abot-abot ang aking kaba habang papalapit siya sa akin but I compose myself. Huminto siya sa guest chair habang ako ay nasa nakatayo sa gilid ng swivel chair niya. 

"I told nanay Guada to prepare you breakfast. Had your breakfast, already?" 

It is not the first question I expected from him after so many years that's why I arch my one brow.

"Yeah. No need to clean the house I'll go back to Manila this afternoon." 

"Take a day off. One day or two," he comfortably stated but made me uncomfortable.  

Umupo siya sa isa mga sofa sa may gilid ng table. Pansin kong iba na rin ang suot niya mula kagabi, mukhang gaya ko ay nagpalit ng damit, hindi halatang nagpalaot kanina. Umupo ako sa swivel chair dahil sa nanghihina ang aking mga tuhod. Humarap ako sa bintana upang magkaroon ng lakas ng loob na makipag-usap sa kasama ko. 

"Tell Bentley na ihatid ako sa Manila mamayang hapon o kahit sinong driver ninyo na available. They'll say no to you because you're the boss." I played my tongue inside my mouth to relax my shaking hands. "If not, I'll just borrow a car from the garage." I added. 

"I can't, besides your friend is not with you. You'll go back in the metro to what? Bar hopping?! Kung hindi kita sinundan kagabi baka kung sinu-sinong lalaki na ang nag-uwi sa'yo! You didn't even know that your drink was spiked!" medyo may kataasang tonong puna niya. 

Napatayo ako ng wala sa oras. 

"No one told you to look after me! No, never look after me!" I shriek, out of sudden burst of emotions. 

I can't help my tears from falling. Yumuko ako upang hindi ipakita sa kanya ang aking luha. Nakakahiya! Baka mamaya isipin niya ako parin ang paslit na walang laban sa kanya. 

"I already sent you the documents. You should know what it means. I already gave you what you need. It's been a long overdue but I did, so let's just remain as the same as before," pikit mata kong sambit.

"Fuck it! Fuck the documents, Yancinda! We can never go back as before, I will not let it! Not after this morning..."

Narinig kong may sumuntok sa pader kaya napatingin ako. I never imagine that he is this violent. Kagabi ay parang papatay siya ng tao ng may kumukuha ng picture at video sa amin ngayon ay kakaibang galit ang nakikita ko. Parang galit siya sa sarili niya. He seems frustrated at himself. That's the kind of anger I saw. 

"I gave up. You are right! I will never be a Montiel. No, I never wanted to be Montiel in the first place, but I am still grateful for everything your family has done for me and my family. I don't like this situation. Let's stop it. I'm begging you... I gave up. I'm exhausted. It's been years already... Okay lang naman sa akin na pag-akusahan pero hindi ako bagay para hindi makaramdam ng sakit. Another thing is that, I know what you want, and now I'll surrender to this game anymore..."

Tuloy ang luha sa pagpatak mula sa aking mga mata ngunit hindi ko alintana iyon. Habang maaga pa ay putulin ko na lahat ng ito. I will break the only chain that's been put around my wings. I want to soar high like a free eagle. I don't want to a beautiful peafowl in a cage for entertainment in a palace. 

"This is useless. Let's fix this. Please, I can't fix it alone..." aniya at medyo pumiyok pa ang boses.

Hindi ko maintindihan ang ibig niyang sabihin. There's nothing to fix right? What made him turn the tables now? It's been years... I know I made a mistake before. I was so young back then and overwhelmed by love but I should fix it now, this is the right thing I knew. I was never his anyways, and my young self was so dumb that she believed in him, but I can live my life now. I have nothing aside from career and my two bestfriends. He doesn't belong to the family I considered.

"Don't worry I'll never be pregnant from last night. Just tell someone na ihatid ako sa Manila mamayang hapon," I spit without mercy. 

Lumapit ito sa akin. Lumuhod sa aking harapan. Habang nakaupo ako sa kanyang swivel chair. Hinanap niya ang aking mga mata at saka pinisil at hinalikan ang aking nakatiklop na mga kamay. He put my left hand on his right hand and kiss my palm. 

"Is this really what you want?" he gently whispered. 

Napakalamig ng boses niya pero napakalambing. Nakakapanibago. What made him change? He was never this soft with me, kahit anong lambing niya ay buo na ang aking pasya. Ito ang makakabuti para sa lahat. Ito ang nararapat at dapat noon ko pa ginawa — makipaghiwalay sa kanya. 

"Yes. I told you I signed it up already. This is what you want right? I won't delay it anymore. Let's close our book already... It's been half opened for years but I will finally close it." Matapang usal sa maliit na boses.   

Ito ang matagal mo ng asam asam! This is the revenge I want because you wanted to see me crawl. You made it! You made me be scared of your own blood who raised me. You made me hide from all of them. You left me with no choice but to continue in life without you! 

I wanted to get back at you for not believing in me and leaving me after I bear your noble surname. Your pain isn't even a fourth of what I've been through. I will return the cruelty of time to you. You should try to crawl in a miry clay like I did, Kaixus Sage Montiel! 

"Can't we fix it? Hmm? Your terms..." pakiusap niya. 

Mas lalong bumuhos ang aking mga luha. Sa lambing ng kanyang boses pero gusto kong matawa. Seryoso ba siya? My terms? After I developed a solid backbone to fight with him ngayon ay siya ay gusto na naman niyang kontrolin ang laro na sinimulan niya. Ano ito, biro?

"I'm so exhausted. Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko. Tama na. Tama na Sage... I just wanted to live in peace!" My voice is hoarse.  

I tried to meet his eyes. Pulang pula ang kanyang mga iyon senyales na wala siyang tulog o gustong lumuha. 

"It's all my fault," aniya. "Take a day off. Ihahatid kita bukas makalawa ng hapon."

"I can't. Kailangang magtrabaho ako dahil tumatakbo ang oras ko. Hindi tayo magkatulad, even if you will just sit down all day doing nothing, you still have food on the table. Ako, I need to feed myself and I need to work for it. Sana naman maintindihan mo."

"I will pay your day, how much, Yacinda? How much do you need to stay me just even just for a day?" He massage his temple after he put price over my time just for me to spare him some. 

Hinaplos niya ang aking mukha kaya napapikit ako pero muling napadilat ng muli siyang magsalita, "You never even use the card I gave you. Have you lost it?" 

Kinuha niya ang iilang gold cards sa dulong bahagi ng kanyang drawer at linagay sa aking kamay.

Mabigat iyon dahil sa metal. Iilang tao lang sa mundo ang mayroon niyon sa card na binigay niya sa akin noon kaya bakit ko iwawala? I never imagine how many zeros there is in sa kanyang bank account... Sayang at hindi ko nagamit noon sa pagbayad ko sa utang ng ina ni Amaris. Ngayon ay pati golden cards niya ay ibibigay niya sa akin? 

Should I tip off the hungry gossipers in showbiz that Kaixus Sage Montiel gave his centurion card and gold cards to a nobody girl after turning his back during their wedding day? The news will surely spread like a wildfire and sell like turo-turo. 

"I don't need your money..." I firmly quipped.

"Our money, Yacinda. Don't exclude yourself. We bear the same surname," he reminded.

He even emphasizes the word, "we" to remind me of our failed marriage. 

Nagbagok ata siya? The last time I checked, he doesn't want my name to be next to his surname bakit ngayon ay pinaglalandakan at pinapaalalahanan niya ako na may Montiel din na nakakabit sa aking pangalan? 

"Take that. I don't need it," kumbinsi pa niya sa akin, "Use it whatever you want..."

"I have my own card, Sage. I don't need your card for my shopping. I'm not most girls..."

I don't want to intimidate him but just to remind him that for years, nabuhay ako ng sarili kong pera. Kaya kong buhayin ang sarili ko kahit wala siya. 

He is amused of my principle because his brows shot. "You really hate me, you don't want to accept anything from me... I understand you. It's all my fault..." he responded. 

Umalis na siya sa aking harapan but I remain seated, I turned the swivel chair towards the ocean again. The turquoise waters makes my bothered mind to be a bit calm. 

Looking at my life, it's really funny...

The door opened and he left but his manly scent was left with me inside his office na parang kaagapay ko. Enveloping me territorially. 

"Anong gagawin ko sa'yo Sage? Ilang taon na pero bakit pakiramdam ko walang nagbago. Isang araw lang pero bakit bumabalik ako sa dati? Anong meron sa'yo bakit pati katawan ko ay parang hindi akin? Sana noon pa, sana kahit manlang isang lambing mo pinaramdam mo, bakit kung kailan handa na akong tanggapin na hindi natin kayang maayos pa ang lahat saka mo ako gustong pumasok sa buhay mo?" I sigh.

"Each year I created mountains of abhorrence towards you but why do I feel like, each year, you surreptitiously melted it with your warmth remorse that what's only really left is longingness..." bulong ko sa kawalan habang tumutulo ang luha mula sa aking mga mata. 

It's funny that my flesh and mind surrendered to the man I loathe for years sa unang gabi ng aming pagkikita. Siguro ay ganito kahibang ang tadhana. Kung anong mga bagay ayaw mo ay iyon ang lalapit at kung anong bagay ang gusto mo ay kay hirap abutin.

Too absurd!

"Huwag kang masyadong makampante, Yacinda. Ilang taon ang luha mo, oras na para patuyuin ang tear duck mo. Kung talagang mahal ka niya dapat hindi siya nagsayang ng ilang taon..." Mapait akong ngumiti at nagpunas ng luha.

Kailan ba matatapos ang araw na ito? Sana ay makabalik na agad ako ng Manila. I already miss bar hopping after crying!