Chapter 17

Scandalous

“Aalis ka?”

Heather stopped packing her clothes and faced Aidan. It has been a week after their fight. She did not move in Primo’s apartment as soon as possible dahil naisip niyang sobrang nakakahiya naman kung biglaan. At isa pa, she spent the entire week looking for an affordable renting place. Pero sadyang hindi talaga aabot ang pocket money niya. Kaya nagdesisiyon na lang siya na tanggapin ang alok ni Primo.

“You wanted me to leave, right? Oh heto, aalis na ‘ko.” Ibinalik niya ang atensiyon sa ginagawa.

“Have you found a place to rent? Kasya sa pera mo? Saan ‘yon? Ihahatid na kita.”

“No, thanks. May maghahatid na sa ‘kin.” Nilagpasan niya si Aidan at dinala sa sala ang isang maleta.

“Heather, galit ka ba?” Sinundan siya nito.

“Ayaw kong sagutin.”

“Answer it. Ayaw kong umalis ka nang may sama ng loob sa akin.”

“Matagal na akong may sama ng loob sa ‘yo, Aidan!” sighal niya. “I just keep on denying it pero oo, may sama ako ng loob sa ‘yo! Who in my position could say the otherwise? Iyong ibang artista ngang may non-showbiz relationships, hindi makatiis na umamin in less than a year. Tapos ikaw? Inabot na tayo ng apat na taon, naduduwag ka pa rin?”

“I thought you understand our situation?”

“Paulit-ulit na lang iyang tanong mo. Yes I do, Aidan! Gets ko! But that doesn’t mean I like it. Hindi porke’t naiintindihan ko, gusto ko at okay ako. Because God knows kung gaano ako nahihirapan at nasasaktan. Nabubwisit ka sa ‘kin kasi sa tuwing nag-aaway tayo ay dinadawit ko si Cali? Sinong babae bas a posisyon ko ang hindi? The man that I love, my boyfriend, is being partnered with someone who is better than me in all sorts! Araw-araw at gabi-gabi kong dala ang alalahanin na baka sooner or later, makalimutan mo ako at maging siya na ang mahal mo.” Heather wetted her lips as she catch her breath.  “I want the people to know about us. So I don’t have to hide anymore. Ayaw mo ba no’n? Malaya na tayong lumabas. Hindi na natin kailangang palihim na magkita. We don’t have to hide our love for each other.”

“But it’s risky for my job…”

“Mas mahalaga ba ‘yang trabaho mo kaysa sa ‘kin?” she asked. Aidan did not answer. “Alam mo, we’re a perfect couple. You’re a naïve, insensitive man who only cares about his job while I’m an immature, insolent woman who can’t control her emotions and dedicates her years worshipping her boyfriend.” Those were Heather’s final words before she left Aidan’s penthouse.

Nasa elevator na siya nang maalalang wala pala siyang suot na sunglasses o sombrero man lang.

Shit!

Heather quickly took out her sunglasses na nasa shoulder bag niya saka kalmadong lumabas ng building. It didn’t take her too long to find Primo’s car.

“What’s with the glasses?”

“Mainit,” she said briefly as they both help each other in placing the luggages at the back of Primo’s car. Pagkatapos no’n ay umalis na sila. Heather heaved a sigh as she close her eyes and discard her negative thoughts.

“That building is expensive, you know. Nandoon ang penthouse ng boyfriend mo?” tanong ni Primo habang nasa biyahe sila.

“Yeah.”

“So he’s rich?” Napatango-tango ito. “Kaya pala bagay kayo. Parehong mayaman.”

“Hindi ako mayaman. Naghihirap na nga ako ‘di ba?”

Mahina itong natawa. “Right. Let me rephrase my remark…anak mayaman ka. Siya rin ba, ganoon?” Primo asked. Not that he’s interested with Marcus. Gusto niya lang mas makilala pa ang taong pinakamamahal ng babaeng natitipuhan niya. So he’ll know how to surpass him.

Nailing si Primo sa sariling naisip. He’s not even denying nor stopping his feelings for Heather anymore. And to even think how to surpass Marcus so Heather would pay attention to him more…

Ah, I’m such a bad friend.

It’s his selfish side talking. Tama si Roxanne. Liking a commited person is forbidden. But he can’t stop himself. Wala namang kakaibang ginagawa si Heather sa kaniya pero bawat araw, mas lumalalim ang nararamdaman niya para rito. Even a simple smile from Heather could make him feel breathless.

And now, he wants Heather to pay attention to him. Sa madaling salita, he wants Heather to fall for him.

“No. All the money he’s got now, pinaghirapan niya ‘yon,” sagot ni Heather. Pareho lang pala sila ni Marcus. All the money Primo has now is all because of his hard work too.

It’s wrong in any way possible but it feels so right to him. He’s a grown ass man. He knows what’s right and wrong. And falling for Heather is considered wrong. But he can’t stop himself. More like he doesn’t want to stop.

It’s been so long since I felt this kind of feeling. It’s even stronger than what I felt before.

“Siya nga pala, kapag nakuha ko na ang sahod ko sa katapusan, maghahanap na ako ng malilipatan. I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

Saglit na nilingon ni Primo si Heather. “You’re not. You can stay for as long as you want. Spend your first salary for something else. Something special. O ‘di kaya, itago mo muna para sa ipon.”

“Hindi ba nakakahiya naman ‘yon? Okay lang sana kung hahayaan mo akong bayaran ka.” Hindi talaga komportable si Heather sa isiping libre lang ang pagtira niya sa apartment ni Primo. It’s touching and all, but if she has the resources to pay…why not, right?

“What about this…you pay for the bills—water, electricity, and the others. Ayos na ba ‘yon?”

Heather grinned. “That’s a good idea. Deal.”

“I’m, glad you’re okay now,” Primo said with a small smile in his lips.

“Huh?”

“You look problematic and stressed earlier,” pagtukoy niya sa hitsura nito kanina nang lumabas siya ng building.

“Ah.” Tumango-tango si Heather. “Marcus and I just had an argument before I left.” Mapait siyang ngumiti. “So much for our anniversary.”

“Masaya ka pa ba sa kaniya?” Hindi mapigilang tanong ni Primo. “Sa mga kuwento mo, lagi na lang kayong nag-aaway. In my viewpoint, wala siyang naidudulot sa ‘yo kun’di sakit ng ulo.”

“I think it’s normal na magkaroon ng hindi pagkaka-unawaan ang dalawang tao sa isang relasyon.”

“Pero hindi sing-dalas ng sa inyo.”

Saglit na natahimik si Heather. “Well maybe, I’m the problem. I have an IED, the reason why I get angry a lot.”

Primo almost stepped on the break when he heard what she said. IED? “That has something to do with anger management, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t know you have that. I mean, you looked calm to me.”

“Well, I have,” sabi na lang ni Heather. She’s actually curious too, as to why she don’t get angry when Primo is around. He has this aura that makes her feel very comfortable and calm. “I even get angry for no reason sometimes.”

“Okay, that’s a given. Pero may contribution pa rin siya sa pagkagalit mo. I suggest you erase all things that affects you negatively, Heather. I’m no professional but I know, isa rin ‘yan sa dahilan kung bakit nagt-trigger iyang kondisyon mo.”

“May pinapahiwatig ka ba?”

“Wala naman. I just want you to live a more peaceful and positive life. Isipin mo iyong pagpapalayas sa ‘yo as a new start. A new you. Assess the things you have like you’re organizing clothes. Kapag pangit at sira na, pakawalan mo na. Pwede ka pa ngang maghanap ng bago kung gugustuhin mo. But if it makes you smile and feel comfortable, keep it. Kapag naman masyadong sentimental, pag-isipan mo ng ilang araw kung itatago mo ba o hindi. Kung pwede pa bang ayusin o hindi.”

Primo stopped his car on a small building. Pagkatapos ay hinawakan niya sa balikat si Heather.

“Always remember that I’m always here when you need assistance in organizing your clothes,” makabuluhan niyang ani.

A small smile grazed her lips when she understood what Primo meant. “Thanks.”

Ilang oras matapos siyang ihatid ni Primo, umalis ito para magpunta sa Limelight. Siya naman ay naiwan sa apartment because she took an absent.

The apartment was not that big, but wasn’t too small either. Saktong–sakto lang talaga ito para sa isang tao. Okain white walls, plain white sheets, it has no character. O baka naman kaya ganito ay dahil inalis na ni Primo lahat ng gamit niya?

Heather was lounging on the sofa while staring at the black screen of the TV when her phone rang. Her body went cold when her father’s name appeared on the screen. Kahit kinakabahan, sinagot niya pa rin ang tawag.

“D-Dad?”

“Heather!” he sounded relieved. “Why were you avoiding my calls these past few days, huh? Nasaan ka? Dalawang araw lang akong nawala para convention ko sa Davao, pag-uwi ko wala ka na. Naglayas ka raw sabi ng Mommy mo. Bakit, Anak? May nangyari ba?”

Natigilan si Heather sa sinabi ng ama. Naglayas? Ako?

Bumuka ang bibig ni Heather para linawin sa ama na hindi siya naglayas kun’di pinalayas siya pero naisip niya ang posibleng mangyari. Her father and her step-mother might get into a fight again. With that thought in mind, pinigilan ni Heather ang sarili.

“I just…needed to find myself, Dad,” aniya. It’s partly true. Gusto niyang makilala ang sarili niya—ang totoong siya. The real Heather who’s not submissive and obedient to anyone who dictates her. And she wants to be independent. Iyong totoong independent.

“Can you at least tell me where you are?” Diego’s voice is much calmer now.

“Huwag na po muna ngayon, Daddy. Pero pwede naman po tayong magkita.” Ayaw niya na munang kumausap ng kahit sino. She wants to be alone even for just a few days.

“Bakit?” Heather can imagine hier father pouting.

“I’m trying to stand on my own, Dad. And my new life is still not stable. Marami pa akong kailangang gawin at ayusin sa sarili ko. And I hope to do it without your assistance.”

Simula sa araw na ‘to, seseryosohin na niya ang pag-aayos ng sarili. She’ll work hard, feed herself and survive on her own. At kapag may ipon na siya, she’ll schedule a therapy again so she gets better.

“My baby is growing. I’m glad. Do you have plans?”

“Aside from working hard to feed and cloth myself, wala po muna. Saka na kapag may sapat na akong ipon.”

“I can lend you some—“

“Dad,” pigil niya sa ama. “I’m trying to be independent, remember? Ibig sabihin, I don’t want to rely on you when it comes to my expenses and all. Sasarilihin ko lahat.”

“Hindi ka ba mahihirapang mag-adjust niyan? Hindi ka sanay, Heather,” nag-aalala nitong wika.

“Kakayanin ko, Dad. Tsaka po, I have a friend who supports me.”

“Mabuti naman. Pero gusto ko pa ring umuwi ka na rito.”

Heather chuckled at her father’s persistence. “Hindi pa sa ngayon, Daddy. And I’m sure it won’t be anytime soon.”

“Okay but if you change your mind, always remember that the house is always open for you.” Heather smiled bitterly. She highly doubts that.

“Yes, Dad.”

“I’ll hang up now. Take care, okay? I love you, Anak.”

“Love you too, Daddy. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Nahiga si Heather sa sofa at napatitig sa kisame. Naala niyang muli ang pag-aaway nila ni Aidan kanina. Her boyfriend is really naïve when it comes to romantic stuff. Being sweet was his nature but sometimes, he’s more insensitive than being sweet.

Ni hindi nga niya maintindihan si Aidan kung bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi nito napapansin ang mga ikinikilos at inaakto ni Calista sa kaniya. At ang mas lalo niyang hindi maintindihan kay Aidan ay ang reaksiyon nito ng tanungin niya kung ano ang plano nito para sa kanila.

Heather meant marriage. Gusto niyang malaman kung may plano ba si Aidan na pakasalan siya. O kung darating man lang ba sila sa stage na ‘yon. Kaso parang malabo yata. Ni hindi nga sumagi sa isip ni Aidan ang ipakilala siya sa lahat.

That’s what confuses her though. Bakit takot na takot si Aidan na ipakilala siya bilang girlfriend nito? Lagi niyang tinatanong iyon sa sarili pero wala siyang makuhang rason maliban kay Cali. Apat na taon na sila ni Aidan pero, mukhang wala itong balak na mas ayusin ang relasyon nila.

Para ngang hindi niya napapansin na may problema kami. Gano’n na ba siya ka-busy sa trabaho? Hindi niya na napapansin na may problema kaming dalawa.

The he handles the situation, he looks so clueless. Like in his eyes, everything is fine. Na itong issue ni Heather na matagal na niyang inirereklamo ay hindi naman talaga niya naririnig at naipoproseso. Ngayon lang napagtanto ni Heather na nakakapagod palang iungkat at ireklamo kay Aidan ang mga hinaing niya. Kasi parang hindi naman ito nakikinig.

Mabuti pa si Primo, pinapakinggan at pinapayuhan ako.

She’s really thankful that she has Primo. At sumakto pa talaga ang pagdating nito sa buhay niya kung kalian kailangan niya ng masasandalan. Somehow, she’s still lucky. Primo was like her guardian angel. Kahit hindi nito alam ang kabuuan ng pinagdadaanan niya, he still says the right words to console her and out some sense in her head. At lagi itong maasahan. Handa siyang tumulong sa tuwing kailangan ni Heather ng tulong.

And through Primo, Heather understood the true meaning of friendship. It’s about sticking by each other’s side in good times and bad times. It’s not about your common interests or if you run around the same circle. It’s about your emotional connection and understanding towards each other.

The following day, Heather was feeling productive. Pakiramdam niya, bagong tao siya. She felt more positive than ever. Maybe because she fell asleep while thinking all her happy moments with people she treasures and not the negatives like what she used to do when she’s at her Dad’s house.

The new environment helped in lifting her mood.

“You know what, I heard someone was staying in her guy friend’s house for free. Imagine-in niyo ‘yon? Sinong matinong babae ang papayag na tumira sa bahay ng lalaking kaibigan niya lalo na at may boyfriend siya?” It was Roxanne’s malicious voice talking. Napaka-arte ng pagkakakuwento nito na parang may malisya talaga ang kinukwento niya.

Heather stopped from typing and focused her attention to the voice.

Hindi niya na kailangan pang magtanong, alam niya ng siya ang tinutukoy nito. At hindi na rin niya kailangan pang sumilip sa kung saan nanggagaling ang boses dahil kilalang-kilala niya na ang boses ni Roxanne.

“Really? Gosh, does she know how scandalous that was?” tanong ng isang babae na hindi kilala ni Heather. Wala pa siyang masyadong kakilala sa Limelight. Pero natitiyak ni Heather na kausap ni Roxanne ang babaeng iyon.

“I know right?” She heard footsteps from her back but she did not dare turn around. Tumigil ang mga yapak ng stiletto pagkatapos ay narinig niya ang nang-uuyam na boses ni Roxanne sa likod niya. “Very scandalous.”

Heather straighten her back as she take deep breaths.

There is no way in hell I would let this woman ruin my day. Not ever.