C13 Chapter 12

The corners of my red painted lips couldn't help but to rise at the image of Zadriel repeatedly playing in my head. Biting the end of my sign pen, his reaction when I told him that I would asked his cousin if he's also a german size was beyond priceless. Parang batang inagawan ng candy at sobrang masama ang loob.

But then, I was only fooling around when I asked him that. Gwapo si Dashiel, hindi nalalayo ang datingan kay Zadriel. Only that Zadriel looks more playful than his cousin. Iyon kasing pinsan niya ay kababakasan ng pagkaseryoso ang datingan. He seldom smile during their mini reunion awhile ago. Magsasalita lang kapag kinakausap, madalas ay nasa cellphone ang atensyon at tila ba laging abala roon.

Pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n ay gugustuhin ko na rin gawin sa kanya ang bagay na ginagawa namin ni Zadriel. Pero... it's sure exciting to have a little touch of his buddy in between his thighs - oh my gosh, Tatiana! You're really out of your mind now!

My thoughts were suddenly halted when my phone vibrated above the glass table. Dumako ang mga mata ko roon at inalis sa pagitan ng mga ngipin ang dulo ng sign pen. Moving my swivel chair a bit while legs crossed together, I picked my iPhone up and see what it has for me.

Zadriel:

Stop imagining my cousin's buddy. You already have mine.

I suddenly threw back my head and let out a loud laugh. Halos manginig pa ang balikat ko dahil sa pagtawa.

Resting the back of my head against the head rest, I lifted my phone up and reread his text again. Nagtipa ako ng sagot, ang ngiti ay nasa labi pa rin.

Me:

Since when did it become mine? I thought it's Dianara's. :p

Wala pang isang minuto simula nang i-send ko ang reply na 'yon ay tumunog naman ang cellphone ko mula sa tawag niya.

Natawa ako at agad sinagot ito.

"Miss agad? Kakahiwalay lang natin, ah." pangaasar ko.

Mahigit isang oras pa lang simula nang ihatid ako ni Zadriel sa pinagiwanan ko ng kotse ko kanina. Hindi rin kami nagtagal sa simenteryo dahil may trabaho pa raw siyang kailangan ayusin. Mabuti nga rin iyon dahil mega na-i-stress talaga ako sa nanay niya na hindi malaman kung bakit parang ang init agad ng dugo sa akin.

Malamang, Tate. Si Dianara ang kilalang jowa at hindi naman ikaw. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sinasabi ni Zadriel na hindi rin gusto ng nanay si Dianara. For sure, he's just bluffing.

"Tss. What are you doing?" he asked, voice sounds irritated.

Ngumisi ako, ang kalokohan ay mabilis na nagliwanag sa aking isip.

"Well, I am imagining your cousin on top of me-"

"Damn you, Tate." he cut me off.

"What? I'm just telling the truth!" I laughed crazily.

"You don't imagine some other man aside from me."

"And you don't tell me who I should imagine doing it with me because as far as I'm concerned, you don't own me."

From the other line, I heard him let out an audible smirk.

"Who owns you, then? Cade?"

"May I remind you that he's my boyfriend so I will give you a yes for that question." nangingising sagot ko.

"Boyfriend my fucking ass..." he growled, voice so deep and cold that sent shiver down my spine.

Mas lalong limalin ang ngisi sa aking mukha. "Why do you sound so grumpy? Nakaisa ka na nga kanina sa kotse. Oh! Don't tell me you're waiting for the couple of rounds I've promised you?"

Hindi siya sumagot agad. Nawala ang ngisi sa labi ko, agad napalitan ng pagnguso dahil sa pananahimik niya.

Ano bang problema ng isang ito? Huwag niya sabihin sa akin na sineryoso niya talaga iyong sinabi ko kanina sa simenteryo na makakailang rounds kami? Hala siya. Agad-agad?

"Gosh, Zadriel. Hindi ko alam na ganyan ka kasabik sa akin, ha?" Natawa ako. "We still have cha-"

"I need to hang this up. Got a meeting." Was all he said before I heard the beeping tone.

Salubong ang kilay ko nang ibaba ko ang cellphone mula sa aking tainga at tiningnan ang screen. It's now back to the homescreen, putol na nga ang tawag.

Napakurap-kurap ako, nagiisip kung bakit bigla ay parang tinoyo ang isang iyon. Huwag niyang sabihin na tungkol nga sa jerjer? O, baka naman tungkol sa pinsan niya?

Tumungo ako sa cellphone ko at nagtipa ng mensahe sa kanya.

Ako:

Adobo ka ba? Kasi ang dami mong toyo-

Natigil ang pagtitipa ko nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan ng office at iluwa noon si Cade.

"Cade!" Napatuwid ako ng upo.

He's seriously looking at me, face void of any emotion other than coldness. Diretso ang tingin niya sa akin habang niluluwagan ang neck tie. Pasimple kong ibinaba ang hawak na cellphone sa table, ang tingin ay nakatuon lang rin sa kanya.

Without saying anything, he sat on the chair in front of my desk and leaned his back against it. The way his chest rose and fell told me that he just let go a heavy sigh. He set his eyes ahead him for a couple of seconds before diverting them on me.

"Do we have a problem?" he asked stoically.

My eye lashes batted repeatedly, brows a bit crinkled. "Problem? Wala! Bakit mo naman natanong?"

Mas lumalim ang titig niya sa akin na para bang pilit niyang inaalam kung nagsasabi ba ako ng totoo.

"You were not answering my calls the whole day. May usapan tayo kahapon na sa bahay ka matutulog. One text that you wouldn't be able to go for some reason and it's done. Fine, I understand. Pero ang buong araw mong hindi sagutin ang tawag at text ko..." Inalis niya ang tingin sa akin at umiling, halatang dismayado. "What the fuck is really happening to us, Tate?"

I don't know! Wala rin akong ideya, Cade! Wala akong ideya kung bakit ganito na ang kinahantungan ng nararamdaman ko para sa'yo! Hindi ko alam at hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit hindi na kita mahal!

Sa kabila ng sigaw ng isip ay nanatili akong kalmado habang nakatitig sa kanya. Gustuhin ko man sabihin iyon at aminin na ang totoong estado ng nararamdaman ko para sa kanya, sa tingin ko ay hindi pa rin magiging magandang dahilan ang mayroon ako ngayon.

Kung makikipaghiwalay ako, gusto kong sa ibang dahilan. Pakiramdam ko, ang ipagtapat sa kanya na matagal nang nawala ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya ay masiyadong masakit at suntok sa pagkalalaki niya. I want to hurt him in some other way. Kung sa anong dahilan iyon ay hindi ko pa alam.

Peke akong natawa. Tumayo ako mula sa silya ko at eleganteng naglakad patungo sa gawi niya. Mula sa pagkakatingin sa kawalan ay marahan niyang itinuon ang mga mata sa akin. He shot his brow up as he watched me walking near him with his cold eyes.

Naupo ako sa kandungan niya, ang mga kamay ay mabilis na ipinaikot sa kanyang batok. His arms suddenly wrapped my waist but his expression remained stern.

My lips held a not so genuine smile.

"What made you think that we have a problem? Medyo maraming kliyente ngayong araw kaya hindi ko nagagawang sagutin ang mga tawag at text mo. Alam mo na, sikat na interior designer ang girlfriend mo kaya hindi nawawalan ng clients."

The truth is, I wasn't able to answer his calls and texts because I forgot my phone inside the car when Zadriel asked me to come with him. Nang magkaroon ng tsansa na mabasa ang mga texts niya ay hindi ko na rin naisipan pang sagutin siya.

It's a mistake on my part, I know. .

"Then come with me..."

"Huh? Saan naman?"

"I'll be leaving for Thailand tonight. Just for a week, Tate. Drop your work and come with me."

Umawang ang labi ko sa sinabi niya. "A week? Hindi puwede, Cade. Alam mong tuluyan nang binitawan ni Mommy itong kumpanya sa akin at walang ibang mamamahala nito kung hindi ako."

"Nagagawa mong iwan ang kumpanya noon, Tate. We were always having a vacation abroad and leaving your work was easy as pie for you. Anong pagkakaiba ng noon sa ngayon?"

Words suddenly left my brain. Pakiramdam ko ay hindi ko kayang bigyan ng tamang sagot si Cade lalo pa at alam ko sa sarili kong nagdadahilan lang ako para hindi sumama sa kanya.

Staying with him for a such a long time isn't that easy anymore.

Marahan akong umiling. Nakaramdam ako ng kirot sa aking dibdib nang makita ang pagdaan ng lungkot sa mga mata niya.

"I'm sorry. Babawi ako pagbalik mo."

Silence lingered in the air. His stare was uncomfortable and there's no life behind those eyes. It's three seconds later when his hold on my waist loosened and gently removed me from sitting on his lap. Kusang kumalas ang mga kamay ko sa batok niya, maang na nakatitig habang nakatayo sa harapan niya.

He brought his hands on his face and brushed it down with so much frustration. Marahas siyang tumayo bago madilim ang mga matang tumitig sa akin.

"Ngayon mo sabihin sa akin na wala tayong problema." As soon he dropped those words, he walked past me and stormed out of the room, closing the door with a loud thud.

Sinundan ko siya ng tingin hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang mawala. Wala sa sarili akong napaupo sa silyang inalisan niya. A loud sigh escaped my lungs.

I don't need a smart person to conclude that he's mad. Ilang taon na kaming magkarelasyon at alam ko na ang ibig sabihin ng bawat titig na ipinupukol niya sa akin. I already know what he feels base on his facial expressions. Sa mga sandaling ito, alam kong galit talaga siya sa akin.

"Bakit kasi hindi ka pa makipaghiwalay sa kanya? What are you still waiting for?" tanong ni Amaris na siyang pumutol sa pagbabalik tanaw ko sa nangyari kanina.

I glanced at her and found that all of them are staring at me. After work, Mica invited me to have some night out and instantly agreed. Kagaya ng dati, kami apat nila Amaris at Eloisa ang laging magkakasama sa ganito. We have been doing it since we're college and it already became our hobby.

"Anong sasabihin ko sa kanya? Na na-fall out of love ako? Ang corny, girl. Parang hindi kapani-paniwala!" natatawang sagot ko sabay lagok sa iniinom na alak. It's already on my fifth shot and the alcohol is starting to take its toll on me.

The music was as loud as thunder that it made my skin tingle and my lungs feel like mush. The bass thumped in time with my heart beat as though they were one, filling me from head to toe with music. Over the roar of music, a distant, hazy chatter could be heard. I couldn't make out any words, but laughter rang in my ears and wouldn't seem to stop.

"Iyon naman talaga ang nararamdaman mo, hindi ba? Just be true to him, Tate. He deserves to know the truth and you must free yourself from that relationship if you don't feel the love anymore. Pinahihirapan mo lang ang sarili mo!" si Mica.

Damn. I wonder why I suddenly thought of telling them what happened between Cade and I awhile ago. This bonding is supposed to be all about fun.

Humalakhak ako at maang silamg tinitigan. "What is this? M.O.R? Any advice from you DJ Mica and DJ Amaris?"

Eloisa laughed. "Gago ka talaga, Tate!"

"Kasi naman! We're here for fun nga, hindi ba? Huwag nga kayong mas madrama pa sa akin. You know being dramatic isn't part of my vocabulary. Come on, Mica! Give me some fun!"

Nagkatinginan si Amaris at Mica. Amaris shook her head first and pointed his finger somewhere.

"That guy in a navy blue button down shirt, the one who's sitting on the bar counter. Flirt with him and you know what to happen next. Send us the picture!"

"Oh, God! Another victim of Tatiana Faith Follosco!" Amaris exclaimed.

Ngumisi ako. I shot another glass and stood up. Pinagpag ko ang laylayan ng suot kong itim na bestida at taas kilay silang nilingon.

"Watch me."

Prente akong naglakad palapit sa lalaking itinuro ni Amaris. He's sitting alone, his rippled back was facing my direction. Based on his get up, he's surely a businessman. Sabagay, halos lahat naman ng lalaking narito ay negosyo. This is one of the high end bars in Manila.

A smirk crept on my lips when I saw that no one's sitting beside him. Maarte akong naupo roon nang makarating. I even crossed my legs before telling my order to the bartender.

"One margarita, please." malambing na saad ko bago nilingon ang lalaki sa aking tabi. Saktong paglingon at pagdapo rin ng mga mata niya sa gawi ko.

As soon as our eyes met, a seducing smirk broke out of my lips.

"Alone?" I asked.

"Yeah..." The deepness of his voice was playing together with the loud bass. Bagay lang sa itsura niya ang boses niya dahil malaking tao siya at gwapo rin naman.

He had a pair of almond eyes, his Grecian nose and pale curvy lips made him look like a hot dude but a little bit nerdy because of his round spectacles.

Mukhang matalino ang isang ito at seryoso rin sa buhay. Who knows this man might be a book worm. I haven't try making out with a nerd but I heard that they're sexy and aggressive when it comes to bed.

Let me try then.

"Here's your Margarita, Ma'am. Enjoy!" the bartender interrupted my thoughts.

I looked at him and smiled. "Thanks!"

Pagkasabi no'n ay pasimple akong sumipsip sa straw at nilasahan ang may katamisang alak sa harapan ko. Nilingon kong muli ang lalaki at seryoso na siyang nakatitig sa inumin niya.

"Problem?" I asked over the loud music, hoping that he would still hear me.

He shrugged his shoulders without giving me a glance. "Most of the people here are probably dealing with their problems and I ain't an exemption."

Ngumiwi ako. Daming sinabi, oo at hindi lang naman ang sagot.

"Is it financial? Tamang-tama! Nagne-networking ako. Sali ka na. Ang isang daan mo, gagawin nating isang libo!" paguumpisa na naman ng kalokohan ko.

The man glanced at me and chuckled. "You're funny."

"I'm not funny. I'm Tate. At ano man ang iyong hiling ay aking tutuparin! Ano man ang iyong nasa loob, aking ipagkakaloob ngayon din. Now na!"

Just before I could hear his response, a soft but sexy chuckle played in my ear. Along with it is a warm palm grazing over the small of my waist.

"There you are, Starla." a husky voice whispered softly in my ear.

Mabilis akong napalingon sa gilid ko kung saan nagmula ang bulong na 'yon. Ganoon na lang ang pangdidilat ng mga mata ko nang matagpuan si Zadriel na nakaupo sa stool na nasa tabi ko. He's staring intently at me, hand still on my waist.

"What are you doing here?" I asked in low voice.

"Fetching you, what do you think?"

"Fetching me? Kailan pa kita naging driver? When did I hire-"

My words were interrupted by a short but wild kiss from him! Kusa akong napakapit sa braso niya dahil sa marahas niyang pagkakasunggab sa akin.

"You're talking too much. Let's get you out of here."

"What? Hindi puwede! I still have to..."

Lumingon ako sa gawi ng lalaki at nakitang nakatingin ito sa gawi namin. Walang kababakasan ng kahit ano at tila ba natutuwa pa sa panonood sa amin.

Nerd ba talaga siya? Hindi niya man lang ba nahahalata na may motibo ako sa kanya? Didn't he find me sexy and seductive? Paano niya naman mapapansin na inaakit mo siya kung nagkunwari kang si Starla, ha Tatiana Faith?

Kasalanan to ni Mommy, e. Kung hindi ko siya palagi naaabutang nanonood ng palabas na iyon, hindi ko masasaulo ang litanya na iyon ni Starla. Alam ko na ngang pitong kahilingan na lang ang natitira sa kanya, e!

"Sorry. Is my girlfriend bothering you?"

Bago pa ako makaapuhap ng sasabihin ay narinig ko na ang mga salitang iyon kay Zadriel. Nilingon ko siya at nakitang sa lalaki sa aming harap siya nakatingin.

Kumunot ang noo ko, ha. "Girlfriend? Kaila-"

"No. She's actually funny. She lightened up my mood for a short period of time." the man beside us uttered.

"I see. I'll take her home." sabi ni Zadriel at unti-unti na akong binuhat pababa sa stool sa pamamagitan ng mahigpit na hawak niya sa bewang ko.

"Zadriel, sandali la-"

"Take care." The man have once again interrupted me. Nilingon ko siya at sinamaan ng tingin. He only smiled at me like he doesn't care about my glare.

Zadriel gently pulled me along with him.

"Zadriel, ayaw ko pang umuwi!"

The asshole didn't listen to me. Instead, he keeps on pulling me until we reached the car space. Nang nasa tapat na kami ng kotse ko ay huminto kami. Humarap siya sa akin, nakalahad ang kamay.

"Keys?"

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Why?"

"Give me your keys, Tate." he said with a hint of authority through his voice. It's the usual voice of a successful businessman.

Sumimangot ako. Tumungo ako at kinuha ang susi ng kotse sa loob ng sling bag. Pasalpak ko iyong inilagay sa palad niyang nakalahad. As soon as he got it, he opened the passenger side and glanced at me.

"Get in."

"Ikaw magda-drive ng kotse ko? Nasaan ang sa'yo?"

Feeling like he's starting to lose some patience, he clenched his jaw and breathed a sigh.

"Just get in the damn car, please."

Nginiwian ko siya. "Naku, Zadriel. Naaamoy kita. May balak ka na naman sa akin, ano?"

Hindi siya sumagot. Nakatitig lang siya sa akin, naiinip kung kailan ba ako titigil sa pagsasalita at sa halip ay sumakay na lang sa sasakyan ko.

"Eto na nga, sasakay na!" dagdag ko hindi kalaunan.

Dire-diretso akong naglakad palapit sa gawi niya. He moved a bit so I can have the space to get inside. His woody scent even lingered in my nose as I got to get close with him.

Yumuko ako at pumasok sa loob. He slammed the door close and walked to the other side. Pinanood ko siya hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang makasakay sa driver's seat. He inserted the key to the ignition and the engine immediately roared to life.

"Bakit ikaw ang magmamaneho ng kotse ko? Where's your car? Nag commute ka lang papunta dito?" tanong ko saka humikab.

He anchored his merciless eyes on me. The shadows of the light were hitting some parts of his face that made him look more cruel.

"Why are you with a stranger?" he asked seriously. "Still doing your game, Tate?"

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What game?"

"Are you trying to play with that man?"

Already understood what he's trying to say, a smirk escaped my lips and nodded at him.

"Yas! That's a dare between my friends and I. Unfortunately, you came and ruined it. I'll surely have a punishment from my them." Lumabi ako.

Zadriel flashed a dangerous smirk. He crouched a bit, leaving inches in between us that made me feel his warm breath against my ear.

"Then let me give you my punishment first..." he whispered sexily. "And trust me when I say that it will be hard."

To be continued...