Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Love Me Too
Love Me Too
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LOVE ME TOO
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Kaytagal natulog ng puso ko. At kung alam ko lang na sa maling tao din lang naman
pala ito titibok, sana hindi na lang ito muling nagising...
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Prologue
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-"I love you... handa kitang ipaglaban. At kung sakaling may makauna man sa akin at
magka-asawa ka na, gagawin ko ang lahat mabawi lang ulit kita,"...
-"I love you more than anybody else loves you or shall I say I need you more than
anybody else needs you,"...
-"Habambuhay kitang mamahalin at wala akong ibang nakikitang makakasama buong buhay
ko kundi ikaw lamang,"...
Yes.
But the irony is... I feel all alone now. The men who uttered those sweet words ay
lahat masasaya na sa kani-kanilang mga pag-ibig.
Walang pagmamahal na tumagal para sa akin. Kasi sabi nila, bato daw ako. Ako daw
ang hindi marunong magmahal. Ako daw ang madamot. Ako daw ang may mali.
Because it happened repeatedly, I started believing what they said. Siguro ako nga
ang may problema. Siguro ako nga ang may kasalanan...
Hanggang sa puso ko na ang sumuko. I changed the way I live. I stopped believing in
love. Inuna ko sa buhay ang pagmamahal sa pera, materyal na bagay at trabaho...
Doon sa kung saan hindi ako masasaktan, hindi ako iiwanan at hindi ako makakarinig
na ako ang may kasalanan.
Subalit, sa kabila ng aking tagumpay. I still feel the emptiness inside me. Ramdam
kong may kulang, may nawawala at may dapat na dumating sa buhay ko. And then....one
day a man came along. He slowly opened my eyes in the true meaning of love.
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Chapter 1
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*****
I just had my hot shower. My hand gently wiped the cloudy mirror in my bathroom's
sink. I stared at my reflection habang nakasubo ang toothbrush sa aking bibig.
Nakasuot ako ng puting bathrobe at nakabalot ng tuwalya ang aking basang buhok.
I closely checked my face in the mirror... May nakikita na naman ba akong bagong
maliit na linya sa ilalim ng aking mga mata? I grabbed an eye cream from the set of
toiletries beside me at pinahiran ko ang mga nagbabantang wrinkles sa aking mukha.
I should take good care of my face dahil isa na lamang ito na sa mga natitirang
dahilan kung bakit may mga taong pumupuri sa akin.
I sighed deeply and think about my age. 29 years old. Ika nga, isang tulak na lang
ay tutuntong na ako ng trenta. Ilang hakbang na lang, nasa borderline na ng
pagiging old maid.
Ngumiti ako ng matamlay sa mukhang gumaganti ng mga titig sa akin. This is the face
praised by many ngunit siya ring nagiging batayan kung bakit maraming nadidismaya
sa taglay kong pag-uugali. Sabi nila kung gaano daw kaganda ang hitsura ko, ganun
din daw kasama ang ugali ko. People see me as a monster woman who happens to have
an angelic mask. Maaliwas ang hitsura ngunit nakakatakot kasama. People don't stay
beside me because of my horrible attitude. These are the prejudices I usually get..
Mga panghuhusgang tahimik ko na lang na tinatanggap dahil anuman ang sabihin
nila... alam ko kung sino ako.
Tiningnan ko ang istante ng aking mga sapatos. Most of the shoes have the same
style too. Black closed heels. And the bags? They have different brands, pero
almost iisa rin ang design. A type of handbags kung saan kaya kong isalaksak kahit
isang buong folder.
I walked out of the closet holding a white long sleeve, black coat, black skirt and
a pair of black high heels. Ipinatong ko sa kama ang mga damit habang ingat na
ingat ako na huwag ang mga itong magusot samantalang inilapag ko naman ang sapatos
sa sahig. I blow dried my hair. Then I put on my clothes. Umikot-ikot ako sa
salamin at nang makuntento na ako sa hitsura ko, I sat on the dresser.
I slowly closed my door and gently walked on the aisle of my house upper floor.
Napahinto ako sa aking narinig. I turned my head and gazed to the room's door
adjacent to my bedroom. I listened to those steamy moans for a while. Then I
smirked while shaking my head. Itinuloy ko ang paglalakad patungo sa hagdan. And
when I reached the living room, kinuha ko ang diyaryong nakapatong sa center table.
I brought it to the kitchen.
Ipinatong ko ang diyaryo on the transparent glass dining table while I placed my
suitcase and handbag on the chair. Lumapit ako sa refrigerator at kumuha ng
dalawang pirasong sliced bread. I whipped the bread with some butter and put them
in the toaster. I stood beside the toaster and the kitchen was filled with the
sound of my tapping heel while waiting for the bread to be done. Inilagay ko ang
tinapay sa platito at nagsalin ako ng kape sa tasa from the coffee maker.
Naupo ako sa dining table at tahimik na nag-almusal. While savoring my brewed hot
coffee, I turned the pages of the newspaper and silently read them.
"Bye!"
Wala pang ilang minuto ang dumaan and even without taking away my eyes from the
paper, ramdam kong may naglalakad papalapit ng kusina. I briefly looked to a
shirtless man heading to the refrigerator. Kinuha nito ang isang pitsel ng tubig at
tahimik na uminom dito while staring at me. I could still hear his heavy breathing.
" Good morning Attorney Clarisse Fiona De Silva. You're early again. Papasok ka na
ba ng office?"
I ignored his question. Wasn't it obvious? Saan pa ba ako pupunta pag ganitong
nakabihis na ako?
"Mahirap bang magsalin ng tubig sa baso?" I firmly asked him while still reading
the paper. "I'll put label to the water containers next time and from then onwards,
use the bottles which you have name on it. I hate sharing saliva with other person
lalong lalo na sa mga prone sa virus."
Nginisian niya lang ako. This is what he is. He ignores all my rules and does
everything in his own way. He never listened to my complains and didn't care about
what I want. But still, hindi pa rin ako nagsasawang pagsabihan siya. Such an
unclassy, rude, insensitive, womanizer and spoiled brat guy. Akala mo hindi nagmula
sa matinong pamilya.
He put cereal on a plate and poured fresh milk on it. Umupo siya malapit sa akin
and so I moved my chair away from him.
"I don't want my nose to catch your after sex smell," I frankly told him. "And
please put on your shirt, you're not in your bedroom. You're in other people's
kitchen."
He smiled again. "You know why you can't catch a man? Because you don't even have a
single strand of lust in your body." diretsong sagot niya sa akin.
"Hey chill out madam lawyer. Binibiro lang kita. If I say that I'm going to give
you a huge amount of settlement on our annulment day, will it lighten your mood?"
I sighed again. Yeah, sighing is becoming my habit whenever I face this man.
"There is no such thing as property settlement in a fake marriage at lalong-lalong
walang annulment na mangyayari, just saying in case you forgot, Mr. Calderon," I
coldly said to him while crossing my legs.
He is Pierce Calderon, a year older than me, bunsong anak ng isang negosyanteng
nagmamay-ari ng isang kilalang bangko. A blacksheep in his family. While all his
siblings have their own businesses, this guy is still busy clubbing, racing,
womanizing and spending his family wealth on useless stuff... At sa maniwala kayo o
hindi, I'm living in the same roof with this despicable guy for three months
already dahil sa mata ng aming mga pamilya, kami ay mag-asawa.
Yes, I bought into this stupid idea. We met each other through a blind date
arranged by our parents. I regularly saw him when we were teenagers but hearing
that he studied abroad, I didn't wonder kung bakit nakita ko na lang ulit siya on
our first date. He is undoubtedly good looking and sexy pero sa unang tingin ko pa
lang sa kanya, naamoy ko na ang pagiging babaero, disfunctional, mayabang at
pagiging spoiled brat niya.
But I don't want to be one-sided. I guess he saw some dislikable things about me
too. Kaya kahit pa bihis na bihis on the day we had our blind date, ni hindi ko man
lang ito nakitaan ng kahit konting sign na na-impress siya sa akin. And after
living with him for a while, naintindihan ko na kung bakit. Dahil iba ang mga tipo
niyang babae. Mga babaeng sa hitsura pa lang ay alam mo ng wild at sumisigaw
pagdating sa kama. I can firmly say it dahil yan ang pare-parehong characteristic
ng mga inuuwi niyang babae.
However, he has some sort of common sense too. Dahil nabasa niya agad ang pagiging
praktikal kong tao. And since our parents were so into us getting together, my
parents offered to give me my own law firm while Pierce was offered by his parents
to regularly receive his share income from their family business even without doing
anything basta ang gusto lang nila ay magkatuluyan kaming dalawa. Plus his family
pledged to him too that he'll have his own car shop after a year of marriage with
me.
Because of these tempting offers, Pierce came up with a plan and had a deal with
me. He asked me for a civil marriage para lamang may maipakita kaming papel sa
aming mga magulang. But because I believe in practicality than fairy tale romance,
I came up with much bolder idea. A fake marriage with a fake marriage registration.
I know this will endanger my professional license but I'm a brave woman. Naniniwala
akong walang gusot na hindi ko kayang lusutan. Para ano pa't naging in demand akong
family lawyer kung hindi ko rin naman gagamitin ang utak ko. I needed this deal
because I needed to have my own law firm. Ambition is only what I have now and
nothing else. Moreover, this set up has one more consolation thing for me. My
parents stopped bugging me about blind dating and somehow I cleared people's
impression that I'm living a lonely life because I have a man beside me.
We showed the fake marriage certificate to our parents. We told them we secretly
married because our love for each other was simply unstoppable and could no longer
wait. They believed us and we got what we want. I have my law firm and Pierce got
his money. Pero dahil dapat naming i-sustain ang palabas namin sa aming mga
magulang, kailangan naming magsama sa iisang bahay. And since this deal is more
beneficial to Pierce, ako ang nasunod kung saan kami titira. He moved into my
house. The house that I bought using the money I earned as a lawyer. But of course,
we don't share the same room. Wala kaming pakialam sa buhay ng isa't isa. He can do
his things and I can do mine. As long as our family is not around, we completely
live like a total stranger to one another...
I gave the paper to him. Dinala ko ang pinagkainan ko sa lababo at hinugasan. Then
I wiped my hand with a clean towel. Inayos ko ang damit ko to make sure na hindi
ito nagusot. Kinuha ko ang briefcase at handbag sa silya. And before leaving the
kitchen, I calmly faced Pierce na noon ay hindi pa rin tapos sa kanyang almusal
habang seryosong nagbabasa ng diyaryo.
"Don't leave any unwashed plates in the sink." paalala ko ulit sa kanya.
"Yes ma'am. I told you to hire a maid para mabawasan yang pinagsusungit mo." he
answered without looking at my face.
"I don't want strangers inside my house. You and you're countless women are enough.
Beside, gusto mo bang makarating sa pamilya natin that we're living this way?"
Then, I turned my back. I searched for the car keys in my handbag and calmly walked
to the garage...
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Chapter 2
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*****
CLARISSE
I don't have time to argue sa kung sinumang umagaw ng parking space ko kaya
napilitan akong maghanap ng ibang pwesto. I found one pero medyo malayo na ito sa
building kung saan kinakailangan ko pang maglakad ng mga sampung minuto. Nagmadali
akong lumabas ng sasakyan. I grabbed my briefcase and some folders from the
backseat and headed to our building half-running. Then my phone rang. I clasped the
folders thru my armpit at hinalukay ng isang kamay ko ang loob ng handbag para
kapain ang cellphone. Hindi ko ito makapa kaya't napatingin ako sa loob ng aking
bag habang walang tigil pa rin ako sa mabilis na paglalakad.
Blag!
I bumped to someone.
"I-I guess you were the one who wasn't looking," mahinahong depensa nito.
"I didn't see you too. Nakatayo lang ako dito and you were the one who suddenly
bumped at me. Sorry again, I'll help you pick your things," kunwa'y humihingi ng
despensa ngunit may halo namang pagtatanggol nito sa sarili.
I think, I just saw a sunny face of a young man. My feeling suddenly shifted.
Gumaan ang aking pakiramdam as if a bright radiance of light is gradually emitting
from the good looking face in front of me. He squatted to help me pick-up the
papers and then he looked at me and smiled.
"Mukhang nagmamadali kayo. I'm sorry again. I was busy checking if I am in the
right building kaya hindi ko po kayo napansin," he said with formality habang
tinutulungan ako sa pagdampot ng mga nagkalat kong gamit.
"It's okay. There's no need for you to help. It's partially my fault to," sagot ko
habang pinipilit kong itago ang pansamantalang pagkabighaning nararamdaman ko.
Inagaw ko mula sa mga kamay niya ang mga gamit ko at nagmamadali akong tumayo.
Hanggang sa biglang nanlaki ang mga mata ko, ang kliyente ko nga pala baka
naghihintay na! Noon ko rin lang narealize na nasa harap na pala ako ng building
namin. Nagmadali akong pumasok sa loob.
And just like that, I forgot about the good looking young man...
"Good morning Atty. De Silva," bati sa akin ng isang babaeng may napipilitang
ngiti.
I didn't reply. Why should I? Alam ko namang labas sa ilong ang bating iyon. Tuluy-
tuloy lang ako sa paglalakad with my head up. Yung ibang nakakasalubong ko ay
halatang lumilihis ng daan habang nagkukunwaring hindi nila ako nakikita. Ang iba
naman ay mabilis na tumatalikod kapag malayo pa lang ay nakikita na akong
paparating.
I'm very well known as a wicked witch in this building. It started with a simple
gossip na nanampal at nanakit daw ako ng mga empleyado. Yeah, I fired people but I
didn't hurt any of them. Siguro isa sa mga natanggal ko ang nagpasimula ng tsismis.
And people believed simply because the gossips suit my look. Dahil ba mukha akong
laging seryoso at hindi palangiti, ugaling bruha na agad? Napapakibit-balikat na
lamang ako sa impression sa akin ng mga tao. I let them think whatever they want
to. I don't care as long as my clients still see me as good lawyer.
Pagdating ko sa elevator, nauna akong pumasok. I pressed 16th floor and the open
button to wait for the others to come in, but nobody did. They all hesitated as if
may nakakahawa akong sakit. Huwag kayong mag-alala hindi nakakahawa ang pagiging
bruha! I wanted to shout these line but instead I calmly waited for the door to
close at hinayaan ko na lamang na mag-isa akong sumakay sa elevator.
In the 16th floor, I entered the office with a gold plated letters 'DE SILVA AND
ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM' engraved in the front wall. Pagdating ko my three staff were
startled. Agad ang mga itong nagsipagtahimik from a loud conversation at biglang
naghanap ng mga gagawin na para bang may dumarating na isang mapanupil na diktador.
Nilingon ko ang dalawang nakasaradong pinto of the two private rooms within the
office.
"Nandito na ba sina Atty. Manalo and Atty. Lopez?" tanong ko sa dalagang sekretarya
na nakapwesto malapit sa tabi ng pinto ng aking personal na opisina.
The office has four rooms inside. One for my personal office, the other two are for
my partners and the last one is the client's room.
"Ah, by the way dumating na ba ang kliyenteng sinasabi mong pupunta ngayon?" I
asked again before I enter my office.
"Yun nga po pala. Tumawag po kasi at nagpapareset na kung pwede daw pong i-move ng
eleven. Nagkaroon daw po kasi ng emergency appointment. Pwede po ba? Sabi ko po
magrereturn call na lang ako."
I felt relieved. At least hindi ako nalate. Sa lahat ng ayaw ko ay ang malilate sa
mga appointment ko with my clients. Ayoko nang madagdagan pa ang mga negatice
impressions sa akin ng tao.
"Bakit ako ang tinatanong mo, Karen? You're the one who's holding my schedule."
Bahagyang nataranta ang secretary ko at dali-dali nitong kinuha ang planner. "Oo
nga po pala. Sige po ichecheck ko muna."
I entered my room and quietly sat on my desk. Binuhay ko ang aking laptop at
inilabas ang ilan sa mga dokumento mula sa dala kong briefcase. While reviewing
some papers, Karen entered with a cup of coffee. Inilapag nito ang kape sa aking
table.
Mahigit isang oras nang nag rereview ng mga files si Clarisse. She'll have a
hearing in two days kaya't maaga pa lang ay pinaghahandaan niya na ito. While fully
engaged in reading, her intercom rang. She answered it with a serious face.
Ibinaba niya ang telepono at kalmadong inayos ang mga dokumentong nakalatag sa
mesa. Pumasok si Karen para ibigay sa kanya ang hinihingi niyang resume.
"Just put it on the table," she said with a blank face habang inilalagay sa drawer
ang hawak na mga dokumento.
Eksaktong pagkatapos niyang magligpit ng mesa, siya namang katok ulit ni Karen sa
kanyang pinto.
Hindi agad siya sumagot. Nagmamadaling inayos niya muna ang damit at kumuha siya ng
compact mirror sa bag upang siguraduhing wala siyang dumi sa mukha. Inayos niya ng
bahagya ang buhok at nagpahid na rin siya ng kaunting lipstick. Kahit sinuman ang
makakaharap niya, gusto niya ay lagi siyang presentableng tingnan.
"Okay, I'm ready!" sigaw niya at sabay kuha niya sa resume sa ibabaw ng table para
basahin ito ng mabilisan.
"Huh, the running lady!" wika nito na halatang gulat na gulat din pagkakita sa
kanya.
Nagmamadaling tiningnan niya ang resume. Tumingin siya sa litratong nakakabit dito,
pagkatapos ay tiningnan naman niya ang mukha ng lalaking bagong pasok. Magkapareho
nga. She started to panic inside but still, she manage to straighten her face.
Inayos niya ang suot na salamin at huminga ng malalim para pasimpleng ikalma ang
sarili. Tumikhim muna siya bago magbitiw ng salita at itinuwid ang pagkakaupo nang
hindi sumasandal sa silya. Alam niyang naguiguilty lang siya sa sarili dahil sa
pansamantalang paghangang naramdaman niya sa gwapong bata kung kaya't lihim siyang
natataranta.
Naupo ang lalaki sa harap niya at nahihiya itong ngumiti sa kanya. "Thank you and
I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't know your Atty. De Silva."
"It's fine. Forget about it, nakakailan sorry ka na tungkol diyan. Is saying sorry
one of your hobbies?"
Again, Clarisse was mesmerized by the smile. Pasimpleng yumuko siya at kinailangan
niya pang kumurap ng ilang ulit para matauhan. She sighed again to calm herself. At
saka niya sinimulang basahin ng seryoso ang biodata ng kaharap.
"You are..." she started while biting the tip of her pen.
"Yeah that's right. Lance Oliver Perez... and you are twenty five years old. Huh?
Twenty five years old?" napaangat ng mukha ang abogada at napatingin sa maaliwalas
na mukha ng kaharap.
"You're twenty five years old?" she repeated with slight disbelief.
"There's no need to say thank you. I don't mean to compliment you. I'm only
wondering kung gaano kabait sayo ang tadhana because it seems that you have a
worry-free life in order for you to have that younger looking face," she said with
a poker face.
Unti-unti namang nabura ang mga ngiti sa mukha ni Lance nang mapagtantong hindi
natuwa ang abogada sa sinabi niya.
"In this interview, I'm the only one who's allowed to give questions," matigas na
wika ng babae.
"You just graduated from UP Law of College... I can see that you have a good
educational background. So what makes you decide to apply as paralegal in my
office?"
"I'm now preparing for bar exam and while doing it, I want to have some actual
legal experiences. I want to consider this as a job training for me."
"How are you related to Atty. Dominador Perez?" agad na tanong niya
Clarisse slowly removed her eyeglasses in awe while staring at applicant's face.
"If you said so, then why don't you work under your father's law office? He's a
very good lawyer. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from him compare to what you'll
experience here."
"I decide on my own. I don't want to live behind my father's shadow. I want to be
recognized because of my own effort not because I'm a son of a popular lawyer."
"At bakit naman ang firm ko ang napili mong pagtrabahuan? How did you know about
this office?"
"A friend referred this to me. He heard that this is a good firm."
Napapangiti ulit si Lance sa style ng pagtatanong sa kanya na para bang isa siya sa
mga ginigisang witness sa korte ng abogada.
"To be honest, Atty. De Silva, your firm is quite popular now in some law
students."
"They said it's a very promising young firm. And I do agree on that, too. I know
that you rarely lost a case."
"So is that enough reason to work under me and not under a very good lawyer, who
happens to be your father?"
"Not only that.... I know that you're all young lawyers in this office. So if I
will be fortunate to pass the bar exam and excel in my work, I'm hoping that maybe
I can be one of your partners in the future," seryosong sagot ulit ng lalaki.
Tumahimik si Clarisse at nag-isip while tapping her fingers on the table. Pinag-
aralan niyang mabuti ang sitwasyon ng kaharap. Young, intellegent, principled but
impractical. Well, that explains his aura. Maybe his heart is yet to be tarnished.
Halatang wala pa itong gaanong pinagdaanang sakit at hirap sa buhay kung kaya't ang
mga pang-amatuer na prinsipyo pa ang nagingibabaw dito. Tangang lawyer lang ang
tatanggi na makatrabaho ang isa sa mga pinakamagaling na abogado ng bansa...kahit
pa tatay mo ito. Sa mundo ng abogasya, it's the learning that counts regardless who
your teacher is.
Tiningnan niya uli ang lalaki. Only then she noticed na kung gaano kaaliwalas ang
mukha nito ganun din ang pananamit nito. She couldn't see a single wrinkled area sa
suot nitong sky blue long sleeve and white slack pants. He's also wearing an
expensive wrist watch and a stylish men shoes. Another rich guy, she thought. But a
total opposite of someone she knows.
Gusto niyang tanggihan ang aplikante. Mataas ang respeto niya sa tatay nito so she
wouldn't dare misguide the son of someone she idolizes. Natutukso siyang
kumbinsihin ito na magtrabaho sa opisina ng sariling ama... But then she thinks
again, sabi niya nga na dapat manguna sa buhay niya ang ambisyon at pagiging
praktikal. And this young man in front of her could give her a connection to one of
the best lawyers in the country. It will open many doors of opportunities kapag
napalapit siya sa sikat at magaling na abogado. She smiled inside her mind. Now she
understands kung bakit magaan ang loob niya sa kaharap... because this guy is meant
to be a blessing to her.
"Do you still have questions?" tanong ni Lance nang mahalata ang matagal na
pananahimik ng abogada.
"Wala na," masiglang sagot ni Clarisse sabay bigay ng isang ngiti sa kausap.
"Huh? Did you just smile?" tila hindi makapaniwalang tanong ng lalaki.
Lumingon sa kanyang kaliwa't kanan si Clarisse. " Bakit may iba ka pa bang
nakikitang tao dito maliban sa akin na pwedeng ngumiti sayo?"
"Hindi ho yan ang ibig kong sabihin. It's just that...I heard that you don't smile
at all and I almost believe it dahil simula nang magkabanggaan tayo hindi ko ho
talaga kayo nakitang ngumiti, not until now."
Ngumisi ang abogada at humalukipkip. "Mr. Perez aside from saying sorry, is
listening to gossip one of your hobbies too?" nakataas ang isang kilay na tanong
nito.
"Hindi naman ho sa ganun. I'm just interested to have some information about the
person I want to work with."
"Well, how about me firing people that easily. Have you heard about it too?"
"No that's not what I mean. Thank you for trusting me. I promise you won't regret
hiring me," he said with excitement.
"Don't be too excited, you're just being lucky since I'm desperate for an assistant
now."
"Lucky or not... Working with you is still a good thing for me. Salamat ho ulit!"
"You may leave now. And if you really want know something about me, ask my
secretary Karen. She'll tell you about my likes and dislikes about a person's
working attitude."
"Yes, I will. I'm leaving now. Nice to meet you Attorney De Silva..." Lance stood
up and extended his hand for a handshake at hindi naman ito tinanggihan ni
Clarisse.
"... and nice working with you in the future too," he added.
Before Lance turned his back, Clarisse took a final glimpse on his smile. She
wanted to feel those light feeling again. Pakiramdam niya, parang nakakahawa ang
pagkagaan ng mga ngiti nito. At nang papalabas na ito ng pinto, lihim niya itong
hinabol ng tingin habang napapailing at napapangiti.
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Chapter 3
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****
Nagwalk-out si Clarisse from the client room matapos makita kung sino ang
kliyenteng naghihintay sa kanya. But eventhough she's bursting with outrage, she
still managed to control herself in front of her staff.
"Lance, tell that client my schedule is already fully booked. Hindi muna ako
pwedeng tumanggap ng kaso or if she'll insist na ang firm na ito ang gusto niyang
humawak sa kanya, refer Atty. Manalo or Atty. Lopez," utos nito nang mapadaan sa
desk ng bagong hire na assistant.
Nagulat ang lahat maliban kay Lance na noon ay alam nang may mali sa galaw ng
abogada. Fully booked? Kelan pa naging valid reason ito para tanggihang harapin ang
isang kliyente. Tumayo siya para sundin ang utos ng babae at pumasok sa client
room. There, he saw a sad face of a woman calmly sitting while sipping a cup of
tea. Halos hindi ito nagkakalayo ng edad ng dalagang attorney.
"Mrs. Barredo, I don't think Atty. De Silva can talk to you now. I don't know kung
anuman ang rason niya but it looks like she's unhappy to see you," he frankly said
with hesitating smiles. "As far as I know, she's not really enthusiastic to face
clients na walang appointment. But that only applies to Atty. De Silva. If you
want, I can tell our other lawyers to meet you."
Ngumiti ng matamlay ang babae. Although she looks sad, her sophisticated aura is
still evident. "I understand. But I don't want any other lawyer except Atty. De
Silva. Pakisabi handa akong maghintay kahit ilang oras, harapin niya lang ako. Can
you help me change her mind?"
By then, nahalata ni Lance na hindi pangkaraniwang kliyente ang kanyang kausap.
He's starting to have the impression na mayroong mas malalim na kaugnayan sa isa't
isa ang dalawang baabe.
"Thank you."
Bago siya pumasok sa silid ng abogada kumuha muna siya ng isang malamig na bottled
water sa refreshment area ng opisina
"Did you tell her?" tanong agad sa kanya ng attorney kahit nasa bungad pa lamang
siya ng pinto nito.
"Not yet. She said she's willing to wait until you decide to talk to her."
Napaangat ng mukha ang abogada na noon din lamang napatingin sa kanya. She again
did the habit of straightening her eyeglasses. "Did you offer the services of our
other lawyers?"
She started to look uneasy pero like what she always does, pinipilit niya na naman
itong itago. He opened the bottled water he brought and put it on her table.
Tumingin sa kanya ang abogada nang may nagtatanong na mukha.
"Drink some water, you look anxious," nakangiting sabi niya dito.
Hindi nito pinansin ang tubig na alok niya sa halip ay bumalik ito sa pagbabasa.
"Tell her I'll be leaving after ten minutes for an appointment and I'll be out for
the rest of the day. Or think of any excuses just to make her leave this office,"
she commanded.
He turned his back at bago tuluyang makalabas ng pintuan, he stopped and sighed. He
faced again the lawyer with a serious face.
"My father once advised me about a certain situation. He said that if ever you meet
a criminal na tinalikuran na ng buong mundo because everyone sees him as a
culprit... na kahit ikaw mismo sa sarili mo ay naniniwala kang guilty ang taong
iyon...but when that person approached and asked you to be his lawyer, you should
give him a chance to your heart. Because for a person being condemn by the whole
world and you being chosen by him as his lawyer, means na ikaw ang pinili niya
bilang kahuli-hulihang tao na pwede niyang bigyan ng kanyang pagtitiwala. You are
his single chance para makaramdam siya na may taong magtatanggol sa kanya. At kapag
nagawa mong pakinggan at bigyan ng pagkakataon ang ganitong uri ng tao sa puso
mo... only then you could say that you have a true heart of a lawyer."
"If you deeply believe your father's words, then why didn't you work for him?" she
answered with an adamant face.
"It's not that I believe him or not. I shared his words because I noticed from the
start that you're a big fan of him. So I was thinking that maybe you'll be
interested hearing some of his words of wisdom," he answered with a meaningful
smile.
"I'll go back to the client now." dagdag na wika nito bago tumalikod.
Nang mawala sa paningin niya ang lalaki, hinubad niya ang suot na salamin, huminga
ng malalim and she smirked with disbelief.
Habang lumilipas ang bawat minuto, maya't maya siyang napapatingin sa nakasaradong
pinto ng abogada. Subalit lumipas na ang dalawampu't siyam na minuto, nanatiling
nakasarado pa rin ang pintong inaabangan niyang magbukas. He was slightly
disappointed. Wala siyang nagawa kundi tumayo na lamang para puntahan at kausapin
ang naghihintay na kliyente.
Ngunit nagulat siya nang kasabay ng pagtayo niya ay siya namang biglang bukas ng
pinto ng abogada. Unti-unting nagliwanag ang kanyang mukha nang makitang lumalabas
dito ang babae. She walked with her head up habang diretso lamang ang mga tingin.
Huminto ito nang mapatapat sa kanyang table. Humalukipkip ito and she stared him in
the eyes nang nakataas ang isang kilay.
"Your father said to listen and give a chance but it doesn't mean I'll accept the
case, right?" she said in a defensive tone.
Kunwa'y nag-isip ng ilang saglit si Lance while keeping himself from smiling. At
that moment, he finds the frigid personality of the lawyer somehow entertaining.
"Well, If you interpret it that way then maybe he meant it that way too," patay-
malisyang sagot niya.
Hindi na sumagot pa ang abogada sa halip ay binigyan siya nito ng isang matapang na
tingin at irap. Saka ito taas noong naglakad patungong client room...
----
CLARISSE
Bago ako pumasok sa client room, I straightened my coat , counted from one to ten
and then took a very deep breath. I don't know what to feel. Pakiramdam ko ay
punung-puno ng mga naghahalo-halong emosyon ang aking dibdib. Hindi ko alam kong
papaano ko haharapin ang isang taong iniwasan kong makita at makausap sa loob ng
mahigit limang taon.
I entered the room with a blank face. I tried not to show even a single sign of
emotion. Tahimik akong naupo sa harap ng taong naghihintay sa akin. I crossed my
legs, folded my arms and sat without leaning on the chair. I bravely looked her
straight to her face...Nothing changed, she still looks classy, elegant,
sophisticated and beautiful. Ang tipo ng hitsurang kahit kailan ay hindi ko kayang
higitan.
Hindi agad ako sumagot. Tiningnan ko lang siya mula ulo hanggang paa. I noticed how
she's gripping to her expensive handbag out of uneasiness.
"Let say, I managed to have a better life with one less friend in my life," I
answered boldly. "Let's stop with the act, diretsahin mo na ako. I'm busy, so tell
me why you're here."
She hesitated to open her mouth. Nahihiyang tiningnan niya muna ako sa aking mga
mata.
Hindi ako nakakibo.I couldn't deny to myself na nagulat ako sa aking narinig at
tila huminto ang puso ko ng ilang sandali. But still as I said, I mustn't show any
emotion.
"So what do you want me to do? Laugh or shed tears with you?" I asked
sarcastically.
"Ang dami-daming abogado sa Pilipinas, bakit dito ka dinala ng mga paa mo? What
makes you think that I'll agree to be a lawyer of my ex-bestfriend who happened to
runaway with my ex-fiance on my wedding day?" matapang na tanong ko sa kanya while
putting emphasis to the word "ex".
After those words came out of my mouth, ang pakiramdam na gusto ko siyang sumbatan
ay unti-unting nangingibabaw. Since the day I experienced the most painful moment
of my life, I never had the chance na ipakita sa mga taong nanakit sa akin kung
gaano nila ako nasaktan. I didn't received a single apology from them and not even
a single word of explanation. They just went on with their happy lives leaving me
all alone in the darkness... in pain and in misery.
That was the last pain I decided to accept in my life. Paulit-ulit na rin naman
akong nasaktan. Ilang beses na rin naman akong niloko at iniwan. But that one was
the most painful one... And it completely changed my life.
Ngayong nasa harap ko na ang isa sa mga taong gumawa nito sa akin. Gusto kong
manumbat, gusto kong magalit at kahit huli na parang gusto ko pa ring ipagtanggol
ang sarili ko. But what can I do? My mind wants to do it but my heart doesn't
agree. Manhid na ang puso ko. Maaaring naalala pa ng isip ko kung paano ako
nasaktan ngunit hindi na ng aking dibdib. Hindi ko na alam ang mga pagkakaiba ng
maging masaya, malungkot, ng naaawa, at ng nasasaktan. Kaya sa sandaling ito, I'll
let my reasoning handle the situation.
"A-Alam kong tatanggapin mo dahil nasaktan ka rin niya..." she said with teary
eyes.
"Baka nakakalimutan mong hindi lang siya ang nanakit sa akin, kasama ka doon
Brandy. Besides, I don't accept jobs out of vengeance."
I smirked in disbelief. Ang lakas ng loob niya na kuwestiyunin ang pagtanggi ko.
Yeah, I was hurt pero ni minsan hindi sumagi sa isip ko na maghiganti.
"What scheme are you creating now? You have money to hire any lawyer you want.
Minsan ka nang gumawa ng drama sa buhay ko, hindi ka pa rin ba kuntento kaya't
gusto mo na naman akong idamay sa drama ng buhay mo ngayon?!"
Her tears started to shed. Bigla akong natigilan mula sa bahagyang pagtataas ko ng
boses. Napapalunok ako habang nakikita ko ang kanyang mga luha, not because I'm
touched but because I feel uncomfortable facing someone who shows this kind of
emotion.
Tiningnan ko siya ng walang kahit anumang reaksiyon. I let her express her excuses.
Afterall, whatever she says wala na itong magiging epekto sa akin. What was done
could never be undone. Lahat ng nasirang bagay sa buhay ko ay mas pinipili kong
itapon because even if I keep them, they will never be the same as how they used to
be.
"...Nagmahal din lang ako Clarisse at dahil sa pagmamahal kong iyon kaya ka din
niya nasaktan. Pero kung alam mo lang na kumpara sa sakit na ibinigay niya sayo,
doble at higit pa ang pananakit na ginawa niya sa akin. I think karma hit me more
than you could imagine..."
"...Kaya ikaw ang gusto kong tumayong abogado ko dahil ito lang ang nakikita kong
paraan para mas madali mo akong mapatawad. Because as our annulment goes on alam
kong mahahalukay kung anong klaseng pagsasama meron kami. Gusto kong harap-harapang
malaman mo kung paano ko pinagbayaran ang kasalanang ginawa ko sayo..."
She put her face in her palms and bursted into tears.
I'm sorry.... Finally, I heard those words... after five years I finally hear the
words some people owe me. Unti-unting nagbago ang aking pakiramdam na para bang
nabunot ang isa sa mga tinik na matagal nang nakabaon sa aking dibdib. But this
feeling is not a feeling of vindication. Instead, it gives me a different kind of
pain na para bang muling nanariwa ang sugat na pinagbunutan ng tinik na ito. At
this very moment, may nararamdaman na ulit ang puso ko.
Unti-unting nangilid ang luha ko. Paulit-ulit akong bumuntong-hininga para pigilan
ang pagdaloy nito habang tinitingnan ko ang humahagulhol kong kaharap. I listened
to her loud weeping. That was the kind of weeping I used to have...At alam ko kung
gaano kalalim na sakit ang dapat mong maramdaman to cry that way.
The uncomforts became unbearable. At ang hapdi sa aking dibdib ay lalong tumitindi.
"I-I'll think about it... your annulment case. I can't talk to you for a long time,
marami pa akong gagawin," I told her with a shaky voice.
Tumayo ako bago pa man tumulo ang dumudungaw kong mga luha. Lumabas ako ng may
nanghihinang mga tuhod. Agad akong napasandal pagkalabas ko ng pintuan. I can still
hear her crying. Tumingala ako at kumurap ng ilang beses to clear my tears.
Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib and I could feel the pounding of my heart.
I closed my eyes and waited for a while to calm myself. At nang nagmulat ako ng mga
mata, nakita ko ang lahat ng mga staff na nakatingin sa akin. I want to act tough
pero mukhang hindi ko kaya. Kaya't nagmadali na lamang ako sa paglalakad pabalik sa
aking opisina.
I sat on my desk with shaky knees. Sumandal ako sa aking upuan. I closed my eyes
habang paulit-ulit kong nakikita ang umiiyak kong kausap. I'm sorry...I'm sorry.
Her words keep playing inside my head.
Habang nakapikit at tahimik akong nag-iisip, I heard the gentle creaking sound of
my door. I sensed the presence of someone. Iminulat ko ang aking mga mata and then
I saw Lance. He smiled and it appeared to my eyes like he did it in slow motion.
"Cold water." sabi niya sabay lapag ulit ng isang mineral water sa aking table.
"Thanks," matamlay kong sagot.
I gave him a bitter smile. And when he was about to turn his back. I called him.
"Lance."
I gazed at his sunny face and took a deep breath. I compared my feeling to his
radiant look. Kung gaano kadilim ang nararamdaman ko ganoon naman kaliwanag ang
mukha ng kaharap ko. I looked at his unrestrained smile and asked myself. Bakit
napakadali para sa ibang tao na magbitiw ng ganito kagaang mga ngiti? Why do they
look good wearing those kind of smiles. Pag ngumingiti sila, ngumingiti din pati
puso nila. Why can they do it easily...but why can't I?...
####################################
Chapter 4
####################################
*****
Tahimik na pinagmamasdan ni Pierce mula sa kanyang sasakyan ang nagpapark na kotse
ni Clarisse. Magkasunod silang dumating ngunit naghintay lang muna siya sa drive
way at hinayaan ang babaeng matapos sa pagpaparada bago siya sumingit sa garahe.
Lumabas si Clarisse ng kotse. Kung ano ang hilatsa ng mukha nito nang makita niya
kaninang umaga ganun pa rin ang mukha nito ngayon. He's drunk but he can still see
clearly every single detail of her face. Pagkasara ng babae sa pinto ng driver's
seat ay unti-unting nagsalubong ang mga kilay nito. She turned her back from the
car subalit nakakaisang hakbang pa lamang ito ay muli itong humarap at lumapit sa
kotse. Paulit-ulit nitong sinipa ang gulong ng sasakyan.
"You're stupid Clarisse! Are you out of your mind?!" naririnig niyang sabi ng babae
habang pinagbubuntunan ng init ng ulo ang walang malay na gulong.
Pagkatapos mailabas ang init ng ulo, paulit-ulit na huminga ng malalim ang babae.
She straightened her clothes and walked with poise and a calm face going to the
front door. Halatang hindi nito napansin na naroroon na rin siya. Natatawa siya sa
napapanood. This woman can win an Oscar for being such a good actress. Acting cool
and mighty in front of other people pero may hidden savageness din naman pala pag
walang nakatingin.
He drove to the garage and quickly parked his car. Pagkababa niya ng sasakyan ay
ilang ulit syang kumurap at umiling. He tried to shake off his dizziness. Birthday
ng pinakaclose niyang kuya at niyaya siya nito sa isang bar. Since his brother is a
family man, maaga silang nag-umpisang uminom bago pa man ito hanapin ng asawa. He
enjoyed their time together kaya't hindi niya namalayang napadami pala siya ng
inom.
He went straight to the front door habang pinipilit niyang maglakad ng tuwid.
Pagdating niya malapit sa may pintuan, nagulat siya nang makitang naroroon pa rin
si Clarisse. She's holding different set of keys at hindi nito makuha-kuha ang
tamang susi ng pinto. Tila natataranta ito hanggang sa dahan-dahan na naman itong
nairita.
"Hays ano ka ba Clarisse? Nilayasan ka ba ng utak mo ngayon!" sermon nito sa
sarili.
Natigilan ang babae at halatang nagulat ito nang marinig ang boses niya. As
expected, she composed herself again and looked at him with a proud face. "What are
you trying to point out?"
"Aren't you getting tired na gumigising kang iritable sa umaga at natatapos ang
araw mong iritable ka pa rin?" ngingisi-ngising tanong niya dito.
She ignored his question but instead she stared at him with folded arms at ngumisi.
"How about you, aren't you tired spending your family fortune in useless things?"
sabay tingin nito sa paligid na tila may hinahanap. "It's not even midnight yet but
you're home already at himala mukhang wala ka yatang escort ngayon."
"My luscious body needs to have a break too once in a while," he answered with a
flirtatious smile.
But as usual his smile had no effect to the frigid woman. Tinalikuran lamang siya
nito at muling pinagpatuloy ang paghahanap ng tamang susi ng pinto. Tahimik na
lumapit siya at tumayo sa bandang likuran ng babae. He secretly looked at her from
head to foot. Kapag mag-isa kaya ito, is this woman capable of imagining sexy and
naughty things too? He smirked for what he thought hanggang sa napansin niyang
hindi pa rin mabuksan ng pamali-maling babae ang pinto. Inilabas niya ang sariling
susi at marahang tinabig ang kamay ng dalaga.
"Ako na."
"Don't get any closer. I hate that stinking smell of alcohol," nakataas ang isang
kilay na sabi nito.
His ego was a bit offended. Wherever he goes, women voluntarily approach him and
flirt with him kaya't hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit parang napakadali sa
kaharap niya na insultuhin ang pagkalalaki niya. She acts as if he has some kind of
dirty diseases. And as she continues with her repulsiveness, his eyes are starting
to see her as a challenge. But she's a challenge that he can't touch and never will
kung ayaw niyang mauwi sa wala ang pagtitiyaga niyang pakisamahan ito. He's not
dumb enough para isugal ang kontrata nila dahil lamang naiinsulto siya sa mga pag-
iwas nito sa kanya. As funny as it may seems, but she's the only one who could make
him swallow his pride as a man.
He grabbed her arm at kinabig ito papalapit sa kanya. Inakbayan niya ito ng
mahigpit habang nagbubukas siya ng pinto.
"What do you think you're doing Pierce?!" nanlalaki ang mga matang sabi nito habang
pumapalag.
Hinigpitan niya pa lalo ang pagkakaakbay at nang-aasar na ngumiti. "Stop acting
strange. We're still outside the house now. Gusto mo bang may makakitang kapitbahay
at magtaka if they see how weird we treat each other?" ngingisi-ngising sabi niya.
"Did you have your dinner already?" tanong niya sa iritableng babae. Naupo siya sa
sopa. Komportable siyang sumandal dito nang nakadipa habang nakatingala sa kisame.
Pansamantala niyang ipinikit ang mga mata. Umiikot na naman ang kanyang mga
paningin.
"If I say not yet, are you going to provide dinner for me?" ganting tanong nito sa
kanya.
Inilipat niya ang mga mata nang hindi ipinapaling ang ulo sa babaeng nasa
kalagitnaan na ng hagdan. " No, why should I?" diretsong sagot niya dito.
"Then stop asking stupid question as if you cared about me. Kung sa bawat sinasabi
mong sexual fasting mo ay magkakaganyan ka, then I'd rather see you bring a woman
everyday. Kinikilabutan ako sa mga pinagagagawa mo, I don't want to think dirty
pero pakiramdam ko you're trying to see me as a woman now. Please, just accept the
fact that you can't live without it even for a night so don't ever think of having
that kind of break again."
Inayos ng babae ang suot na salamin at nakairap itong tumalikod. Itinuloy nito ang
pag-akyat sa kuwarto at ngingisi-ngisi naman niya itong hinabol ng tingin.
-----
CLARISSE
Ang dapat kong isipin kong papaano ko makukuha ang driver's license ko na
nakumpiska ng pulis kanina. Kahit kasi sa pagmamaneho hindi ko pa ring naiwasang
huwag mag-isip ng malalim tungkol sa annulment case ni Brandy, ayan tuloy nahuli
ako for beating the red light. Today is really my unlucky day, sa dinami-dami ng
makakahuli sa akin natapat pa ako sa sobrang matinong pulis. I begged and even
tried to bribe him pero mas lalo niya lang akong pinag-initan. Kinumpiska ang
lisensiya ko without giving me any consideration at all.
Ang dami ko pa namang appointment bukas. Bawal akong magmaneho kaya't wala akong
magagawa kundi tiisin ang discomfort ng pagcocommute. Isa pa pala! Kailangan ko
ring pumila ng pagkahaba-haba sa LTO to claim my license. Tiyak na madaming oras
ang masasayang sa akin sa pagkuha ko ng lisensiya ko.
His words swayed me. And it somehow challenged my pride as a lawyer. Kung talagang
matatag akong abogado at kahit ako na rin mismo ang nagsasabi dati pa, I won't put
even a single ounce of any personal issue to my job.
Brandy's case is a big test for me as a lawyer. And a big test for me as a person.
If I want to forget and let go of the pain, dapat matutunan kung harapin at titigan
ng diretso sa mga mata ang mga taong nanakit sa akin. I need to prove to them and
to myself that I really moved on...
After taking a shower, I changed into my pajama. Nagsuklay ako and applied
nightcream on my face. I grabbed one of my law books. Ang pagbabasa ng
constitutional laws ang ritwal na pampaantok ko. Pero bago ako mahiga, nakaramdam
ako ng uhaw. So I went downstair to get a glass of water.
What an eyesore!
Naglakad ako pabalik ng kuwarto. Pero nasa unang baitang pa lamang ako ng hagdanan
ay natigilan na ako. I'm a person who's obsessed to cleanliness. Kaya't ayokong may
nakikitang kalat lalong-lalo na sa living room ko. Hindi ko natiis ang aking
sarili, bumaba ako ng hagdan at lumapit sa sopa.
I folded my arms and stared at the drunk guy for a while. Pinakiramdaman ko kung
kusa itong magigising kapag naramdamang may nakatunghay sa kanya. But nothing
happened, ni hindi man lamang ito gumalaw ng kahit konti.
"Pierce, sleep in your room," sabi ko habang marahang niyuyugyog ang kanyang
balikat.
"Pierce.."
I called his name many times pero hindi pa rin ito nagising. Nilakasan ko rin ang
pagyuyog sa balikat nito pero wala pa ring epekto.
"What's wrong with this guy?" inis nang sambit ko sa aking sarili.
This is the first time Pierce slept outside his room. Is he that drunk? Parang
hindi ko naman nahalata kanina or siguro masyadong nang professional ang lalaking
ito sa paghandle ng kalasingan niya. Sinipa ko siya ng marahan sa tagiliran. At
nang hindi pa rin ito magising, I kicked him strongly.
"Pierce wake up! This is not your room!"
He moved... but only to change his position. He turned his back from me and went
back to sleep. Ako na lang ang kusang sumuko kaya't napilitan akong pabayaan na
lamang ito. Naglakad ulit ako pabalik ng kuwarto ngunit huminto ulit ako sa
kalagitnaan ng hagdan.
I sighed and rolled my eyes. I won't feel comfortable unless he sleep in his room.
Bumalik ulit ako sa sopa at tinitigan ang natutulog na lalaki. Kaya ko ba itong
buhatin?
I carefully held his arm at pinilit ko siyang paupuin. Kinikilabutan akong hawakan
siya pero mas kinikilabutan akong isipin na may lasing na natutulog sa sopa ko. I
sat beside him and wrapped his one arm around my shoulder. Hinawakan ko siya sa
beywang at pilit itinayo.
Kahit nabibigatan ako, pinilit ko pa rin siyang maitayo. He put his head on my
shoulder and when I started walking, sumabay din ang mga paa niya. He seemed to be
half-concious already kaya nakayanan ko siyang akayin. He walked with his eyes
closed. And when we reached his door, sinubukan ko ulit siyang gisingin.
"Pierce, where's your key. Pierce!"
He didn't respond again. Nakapikit pa rin siya habang nakapatong ang ulo sa aking
balikat. I took a deep breath. Nandidiri ako sa aking naiisip gawin pero I don't
have a choice. Tinanggal ko ang aking kamay na nakaalalay sa nakapulupot na braso
niya sa aking balikat. I closed my eyes and took the courage na kapain ang harapang
bulsa ng pantalon niya. At nang maramdaman kong naroroon ang susi, lakas-loob ko
itong dinukot. I almost puke for what I just did.
I opened the door at inakay ko siya patungo sa kama. At nang marating namin ang
kama, hindi makapaghintay na itinulak ko siya papahiga dito. Napaupo ako sa gilid
nito at napahawak sa aking dibdib. Noon ko lamang naramdaman ang pagod at ang bigat
ng taong inakay ko hanggang second floor. I gasped for air and I felt sweat in my
forehead. Habang hinahabol ko ang aking paghinga napatingin ako sa buong paligid.
Since Pierce moved in, ito ang unang pagkakataon na nakapasok ako sa kanyang
kuwarto.
Nagulat ako sa aking nakita. Sobrang linis nito and to be exact mas mukhang malinis
pa ito sa aking kuwarto. Tumayo ako at lumapit sa isang side table. Pinadaan ko
dito ang aking isang daliri at wala ni isa mang alikabok na sumama. Inilibot ko
ulit ang aking mga mata, everything in this room is neatly arranged and well-
positioned. Napalingon ako sa natutulog na lalaki. I looked at him with an open
mouth. I'm amazed. I didn't expect this dysfunctional guy to have this kind of
extremely tidy room.
Gumalaw ng bahagya si Pierce. At saka din lamang ako natauhan na nasa isang kuwarto
ako kasama ng isang lalaki. Humakbang ako para bumalik na sa sarili kong kiwarto
but before reaching the door, sumagi sa isip ko na nakasuot pa pala ng sapatos ang
lalaki. I tried to ignore it but my conscience hit me again. Napilitan na naman
akong lumapit sa kama upang hubaran siya ng sapatos. I placed his shoes under the
bed and while doing it, hindi sinasadyang napatingin ako sa natutulog na mukha ng
lalaki.
Dahan-dahan ko siyang tinitigan ng malapitan. When he's asleep, he seems like a
different person. He looks handsome, kind and very manly. Sana palagi na lang itong
tulog. Inilapit ko pa ang aking mukha para titigang maiigi ang hitsura niya. I want
to know kung papaano nito nagagawang mag-uwi ng iba't ibang babae sa loob ng isang
linggo. As I stare him closely, I realized that he is really a good looking guy
with a very masculine facial features. No wonder kung bakit napakadali sa mga babae
na magtaas ng palda para sa kanya. However, I feel sorry for those women. I pity
them for choosing this guy just because he looks great.
Pansamantala akong natulala, napanganga at nag-init ang aking mga pisngi. Dali-dali
akong napaatras at kulang na lang ay matumba ako sa sobrang pagkataranta. Masiglang
tumayo si Pierce nang walang anumang bahid ng antok at pagkalasing. Naghubad ito sa
harapan ko ng T-shirt.
"You're not funny! Subukan mong ulitin yan, sa susunod bubuhusan na kita ng malamig
na tubig!" nag-aapoy ang pisngi na singhal ko.
"I didn't expect you to be this thoughtful. I can't believe you have a soft heart
to help a drunken man," mas nang-aasar na wika pa nito bago tuluyang pumasok ng
banyo.
Pikon na pikon akong nag walk out at mas lalo akong nanggagalaiti sa inis kapag
naiisip kong tila tuwang-tuwa siya na naisahan ako. He smiled as if he achieved
something against me. Namumula ang mukha na lumabas ako sa kanyang kuwarto. I
slammed his door and when I reach my room, I slammed my door too.
Galit na galit na naghubad ako ng damit. I need to take a shower again. Kapag
naiisip ko kung gaano ko siya katagal inakay, pakiramdam ko ay nagkalat na ang mga
mikrobyo sa buong katawan ko.
"That pervert!"...
####################################
Chapter 5
####################################
******
"Kumpleto ba?"
"Yes, sigurado ako sa hawak kong information. I also confirmed the details to Mrs.
Barredo and she said it's absolutely correct."
Tumahimik ng ilang sandali si Clarisse. Pinaikot niya sa mga daliri ang hawak na
ballpen habang idinuduyan ang sarili sa upuan. She gave Lance a hesitant look.
"I'll try calling the other party but what reason shall I tell them?"
She paused for a while. Ano nga ba ang dahilan niya maliban sa totoong rason na
bigla siyang naduduwag harapin ang ex-fiance?
"You look pale indeed. But is it because you're sick or because you're tensed?"
panghuhuli nito sa kanya.
"Both."
"Ano pa ba ang dapat mong ika-tense? I thought you and Mrs. Barredo is fine now
kaya mo nga tinanggap ang kaso niya di ba?"
She frowned inside her mind. Ayan na naman ang kausap, nagsisimula na naman itong
makialam sa desisyon niya.
"It's not about her and me. It's because hindi ko pa gaanong narereview lahat ng
complains ng client. Pati mga properties niya hindi ko pa gaanong napag-aaralan. I
need to be careful. She came from a very rich family at ayokong maisahan siya sa
hatian ng kanilang assets," she reasoned out with full confidence.
"We've been discussing about it for three days tapos hindi ka pa rin ready. Ikaw pa
nga ang nagtatama if I mention some wrong information. I thought you're quite
prepared."
Nag-isip ulit siya ng palusot. Anak nga ni Attorney Perez ang kausap niya. He's a
control freak in his own way. Napakalakas ng pang-amoy nito kapag nagsisinungaling
siya. He kept interfering in her shaky decisions. Alam niyang paminsan-minsan
nagkakamali siya pero pag nakialam na ang lalaki para bang ipinararamdam nito na
hindi siya pwedeng magkamali. Ilang uli na niyang nilunok ang pride para sundin
ito. Kasi naman lagi na lang siyang talo pagdating sa pakikipagargumento. Pero kung
tutuusin bakit ba laging siya ang kailangang mag-adjust? Assistant niya lang naman
ito pero parang bakit siya yata minsan ang nagiging sunud-sunuran. Kung hindi lang
dahil sa kagustuhan niyang makilala ng personal at mapalapit sa tatay nito, she
won't be this kind and considerate to this guy.
"Ah one more thing Lance. I have to go to LTO later I need to get my driver's
license back. Ilang araw ko nang hindi nakukuha ang lisensiya ko. I'm afraid na
baka mamisplace nila ito."
"You have a lot of time tomorrow. Bakit hindi mo na lang ito kunin bukas. Siguro
naman makapaghihintay yang lisensiya mo. The settlement meeting is far more
important. If you want, I'll help you claim your license. Alam kong galit ka sa
pila at sa paghihintay, I can do it for you."
"I think I should get it now. Somehow, I feel guilty na ginagawa kitang driver.
Nahihiya na rin ako dahil parang nagiging company car na yang sasakyan mo. Plus, I
can't stand anymore the discomfort ng pagcocommute ko sa pagpasok at pag-uwi."
Clarisse secretly closed her fists under the table. Even her teeth are starting to
grind. Napakaintrometido talaga ng assistant niya!
"So pwede ba or hindi pwede? Just answer me directly," iritableng bigkas ng babae.
Clarisse smiled with disbelief. How can this guy talk so casually to a person
superior to him?
"Personal reason?!" hindi niya na napigilan ang sarili na huwag magtaas ng boses.
"Are you trying to mock my professionalism?"
"No. I don't want to believe that too kaya lang wala na akong maisip na ibang
dahilan. So I was thinking na baka ang dahilan mo nung tanggihan mong harapin si
Mrs. Barredo is still your reason kung bakit kinakabahan ka ngayon. And I feel that
there's some personal issues going on."
"Fine! Huwag mo ng icancel. Just decide on your own. Kung sa bawat utos ko sayo ay
kailangan ko pang magbigay ng mahabang paliwanag, then fine do everything in your
own way!"
"Don't get upset. I'm only protecting your good image as a lawyer. You won't be
happy if may madadagdag na naman sa mga black propaganda against you."
Mas lalong tamaas ang presyon ni Clarisse. Sinasabi ba ng kausap na marami itong
alam na hindi magagandang bagay tungkol sa kanya? Her strong grip to the ballpen
starts to shake. Nanggigigil na idiniin niya ang panulat nito sa isang papel while
glaring to a person na nakangiti lamang habang namumula siya sa pagkairita. Kung
madalas ay gumagaan ang pakiramdam niya sa mga ngiting nakikita, this time it's
different. It annoys her up to the deepest part of her bones. She's starting to see
his true color. Kung siya ay tinatawag na devil who wears an angelic mask, well
this guy is a manipulative freak who wears a fake bright smile.
"Do you want some cold water? I'll get you one," nakangiti pa ring tanong ng
assistant at sabay tayo nito...
-------
"It's only two o clock. Hindi ba parang masyado namang maaga para umalis tayo? Four
thirty pa ang meeting natin." reklamo ni Clarisse pagkaupong-pagkaupo sa sasakyan
ng assistant.
Nahuli siya ni Lance habang pinagmamasdan niya ito. Napalunok siya at patay
malisyang inilipat niya sa ibang direksiyon ang mga paningin.
"I don't mind. You're pretty much free to do anything you want. Ako lang yata ang
unti-unting nababawasan ng karapatan dito," walang gana ulit ngunit medyo
sarkastikong sagot niya.
"It's her birthday today and I'm planning to give her a wonderful dinner tonight.
She belongs to our world too. She's a law student in UP and now on her final year.
We've been together for two years and I met her at the university. For me she was
the true meaning of love at first sight. Unang kita ko pa lang sa kanya, I told
myself that I just met the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my whole life,"
masayang kuwento ni Lance habang sinisimulang patakbuhin ang sasakyan.
Clarisse momentarily closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Pagkatapos ay nilingon
niya ang katabi and gave him a sarcastic grin.
"I'm happy for the two of you. I hope your love for one another will grow as big as
the biggest mountain in the whole wide world. But let me tell you frankly, wala ako
ni kahit kaunting interes na makinig sa love story mo. Kaya't pwede ba do me a
favor. I'm thinking for my words para sa settlement meeting mamaya so stop talking
irrelevant matters."
Parang walang narinig si Lance. Diretso lamang ang mga tingin nito sa daan at
nangingislap pa rin ang mga mata habang patuloy nagkukuwento tungkol sa girlfriend.
"She actually knows you and she's a fan of yours. She really admires your
intelligence and professionalism."
"Kaya ka ba nagtrabaho sa akin because of her?"
"No. I work with you because they said if I survive working with you, I can survive
working with anybody else."
She removed her eyeglasses and gave Lance a deathly glare. Sinadya niyang tanggalin
ang suot na salamin para makita ng kausap kung gaano kasama ang mga titig niya. But
Lance only gave her a hasty laugh.
"I'm just joking. Your temper is really short. Don't you have someone special like
mine who could lighten your mood too?"
"Lance akala ko ba kinausap mo na si Karen about the do's and dont's while working
with me," nagtitimping wika ng babae.
"I did. And among the top dont's is to avoid talking personal matter while
working."
"You know it but why are you still doing it right now? Sinusubukan mo ba ang
pasensiya ko?" she said while wearing back her glasses.
"I don't mean to upset you. Kaya lang I don't see your point why we can't talk
about our private matters. To have a good working atmosphere, employees should be
friendly to each other and friends normally do personal talks. Minsan kapag nagsabi
ka ng mga personal na bagay sa isang tao, it gives impression to that person na
pinagkakatiwalaan mo siya."
"Is that why you're sharing your love story now? Para madala ako at mag-open rin ng
sarili kong kuwento. Sorry to disappoint you, sunugin mo man ang buong katauhan ko
ngayon hinding-hindi ako mangangamoy lovelife. Wala kang makakalkal na excitement
sa buhay ko. So if I were you, I'll shut my mouth and just drive."
"Anong ginagawa natin dito? This is not our meeting place," nagtatakang tanong niya
sa kasama.
"Hey! How about some decency to ask my permission first. I'm the boss here. Mahirap
bang magsabi ng pwede bang mag-aksaya ka ng kaunting oras sa flowershop?!"
napipikong wika niya sa nakalabas na ng sasakyan na kasama.
Napabuntong-hininga na lamang siya at humalukipkip sa inis. Kaya siguro nagyaya ito
ng maaga paalis ng office not because of the traffic but because of this.
Nagsalubong ang kanyang mga kilay. Hindi talaga marunong rumespeto ng amo ang taong
ito. Porke ba't anak siya ng isang maimpluwensiyang tao ay pakiramdam niya ay
kapantay niya lang ang lahat.
Natigilan siya sa pagmamaktol nang biglang nagbukas ang pinto sa kinauupuan niya.
Binuksan ito ni Lance habang nakangiti sa kanya. Hawak lamang nito ang pinto na
tila hinihintay siyang bumaba.
"Puwes, I don't want to. Besides, wala akong alam pagdating sa bulaklak.
Nakalimutan ko na nga kung kelan ako huling nakatanggap ng bulaklak so you
approached the wrong woman."
"Kahit na, iba pa rin kapag mata ng babae ang namili," pamimilit ng lalaki.
Nanlalaki ang mga matang napatingin si Clarisse sa assistant nang marinig ang
pasaring nito. "Sinisingil mo ba ako sa mga pabor na ginawa mo?"
"Did I say something to you? I thought I was only thinking out loud."
"Fine. Kapag tinulungan kitang mamili ng bulaklak, quits na tayo ha? Back to zero
na ang mga pabor na ginawa mo sa akin," sabay hubad ni Clarisse sa seatbelt at saka
bumaba ng sasakyan.
"Sure if that's what you want. Although hindi naman talaga ako nanghihingi ng
kapalit sa mga magagandang bagay na nagawa ko para sayo," nakangiting sagot ng
assistant habang nanatiling nakahawak sa pinto ng kotse.
Nakahalukipkip na pumasok si Clarisse sa loob ng flower shop. Iginala niya ang mga
mata. Naglipana ang mga bouquets na may iba't ibang arrangements. Napakarami ng mga
nakadisplay dito pero ang tingin niya ay pare-pareho lamang ang mga ito. They are
all flowers. Walang nagiistand out because for her each flower is beautiful in it's
own way.
"Uhmm... That's pretty pero may nakahalong tulip. She doesn't like tulip."
"Twenty three."
"Young, pretty... so let's choose flowers based on your description of her. How
about her personality?"
"No."
"What's wrong with my answer? She's really your opposite. It's not an insult, it's
a comparison."
"Wala akong sinasabing ganyan. If two persons have totally different personalities
dapat ba pangit at maganda lang. Can we just say she's a serious type and the
other one is a smiling type. Or maybe she's an intelligent type while the other one
is an elegant type. See, wala akong makitang offensive sa mga descriptions ko."
"Then just describe her that way. Why do you have to drag me into your answer?"
"Para hindi na humaba ang sagot ko. All you need to do is vizualize someone who's
totally different from you. As simple as that."
"So pwede ko bang isama ang pagiging bobo sa personality niya because that's a
total opposite of me too,"nakangising sabi ng dalaga.
"Of course not. She's a UP Law student remember."
"See. There are loopholes in your premises. As a future lawyer, how can you make
such arguments."
Napaisip ang lalaki dahil naisahan siya dun ng kausap samantalang ngingisi-ngising
lumapit si Clarisse sa isa pang bouquet.
"How about this? With pink roses and no tulips," tanong niya.
"Hindi pwede yan. There's a purple flower in there. She doesn't like purple."
"This one. The arrangement is beautiful. With pink roses, no tulip, no touch of
purple."
Tiningnan ng maiigi ni Lance ang mga bulaklak at umiling. "No. There's lily. She's
allergy to lily's smell."
"Lily's smell? Bakit may amoy ba to?" sabay amoy niya sa bulaklak. "Wala naman
masyado ah."
"Madalas siyang humahatsing basta may lilies sa mga bulaklak na binibigay ko sa
kanya."
Marami pa siyang pinili ngunit lahat nireject ni Lance hanggang sa nairita na naman
siya. Halos naubos na nilang tingnan lahat ng nakadisplay doon subalit wala pa ring
napipili ang lalaki.
"Look Lance we're wasting a lot of time here. Ganito na lang. Why don't we arrange
it ourselves okay? Let me handle this tutal alam ko na kung anong bulaklak at kulay
ang pwede sa girlfriend mo."
"You said she's twenty three. So let's put twenty three roses," paliwanag niya sa
tahimik na nanonood na kasama.
"I like it, it's beautiful," he said with folded arms and a hand in his chin. "I
didn't expect you have this kind of feminine side too."
"Bakit mukha ba akong lalaking nakapalda? There's no need to say such comments. A
simple thank you is enough."
Kinuha ni Lance ang inayos na mga bulaklak at binayaran ito sa counter. Kumuha siya
ng isang maliit na notecard at sinulatan ito. Pagkatapos ay ibinigay ang address ng
padadalhan.
Hinintay naman ni Clarisse ang lalaki malapit sa may pintuan. Pinagmamasdan niya
ang masayang mukha nito habang nagsusulat sa notecard. The word love is all over
his face. She thinks about the age of his girlfriend. Nasa ganung edad din siya
nang nasa kasagsagan siya ng katangahan sa pagmamahal. Katulad ng isang bulaklak,
ang relasyon ni Lance at ng girlfriend nito ay marahil nasa kalagitnaan pa lamang
ng pamumukadkad. Still loving each other, dreaming together and saying that they'll
spend the rest of their lives together forever.
Huminga siya ng malalim. She suddenly felt suffocated kaya't sa labas na lamang
siya ng flower shop naghintay. Habang pinapanood niya kasi ang masayang mukha ni
Lance, parang may maliit na karayom na tumusok sa kanyang dibdib. She felt that she
suddenly misses something from her past. Was it the floating feeling of being in
love?
Napalingon siya sa lalaki at nagulat siya dahil iniaabot nito sa kanya ang isang
tangkay ng puting rosas.
"What's that?" nakakunot noong tanong niya.
"Binabastos mo ba ako?"
"No. It's a thank you flower. Sabi mo hindi mo na maalala kung kelan ka nakatanggap
ng bulaklak kaya't eto na lang ang paraan ng pasasalamat ko. At least ngayon may
mermory ka na ulit about receiving a flower."
"Ayaw mo? That' too bad, you refuse to receive one. Maybe it's really your choice
to totally forget kung kelan ka huling nabigyan ng bulaklak. Tsk, I guess I have no
choice but to throw it away, poor flower."
"Sinabi ko bang ayaw ko? Pinag-aaralan ko lang ang totoong motibo mo but
nevertheless I'm an educated person so I carry the etiquette na tanggapin ang
anumang simple form of appreciation na ibinibigay sa akin...whether I like it or
not," nakairap na wika niya at sabay na naglakad papabalik ng sasakyan.
####################################
Chapter 6
####################################
****
Lance stares at the man who just spoke to his lawyer. He is in his early thirties
who still looks like a bachelor. Well built body, matangkad, malinis manamit and
with a good looking face. Hindi siya magtataka kung bakit ang pagiging babaero nito
ay isa sa mga complains ni Mrs. Brandy Barredo.
Palipat-lipat ang mga mata niya mula kay Clarisse at sa mister ng kanilang
kliyente. Simula nang magkaharap ang dalawa, napansin niya na kaagad ang kakaibang
tensiyon sa mukha ng mga ito. Parehong pilit kung magbitiw ng mga ngiti sa isa't
isa. Mr. Kurt Barredo stares to Atty. De Silva most of the time samantalang ang
abogada ay halatang iniiwasang tingnan ang lalaki hangga't maari.
Nakaupo sa tabi niya si Mrs. Barredo. Tahimik lamang ito ngunit tila
pinapakiramdaman ang mister at si Atty. De Silva. Maya't maya itong napapalunok
habang nakatingin sa asawang titig na titig sa abogada.
"What are you talking about Kurt?" nagtatakang tanong ng abogado ni Mr. Barredo.
"We don't need to undergo long negotiation. Let Brandy get the properties she
wants. Itira niya kung ano ang gusto niyang itira para sa akin," Kurt answered then
he looked straight to his wife's eye and smirked. "You're wise enough to choose
Atty. De Silva as your lawyer. Alam mong hindi ako makakatanggi sa anumang
sasabihin niya. Hindi ako makapaniwalang ganyan ka kabuting kaibigan, still using
her even up to this point."
"That is not my intention kung bakit siya ang kinuha kong abogado," Mrs. Barredo
answered with a stiff face.
"And what is it? You planned to discuss to her in details lahat ng mga pangit sa
pinagsamahan natin to get her sympathy. Para kahit papaano maabsuwelto ka sa
kasalanang ginawa mo? Yan ba ang intensiyon mo?" he said with a high voice.
Lance noticed the trembling hands of Clarisse habang nakikinig sa usapan ng mag-
asawa. Matuwid pa rin ang pagkakaupo nito ngunit sa mesa lamang nakafocus ang mga
paningin. Her lips started shaking too. But after a while, she cleared her throat
and slowy lifted her face. She looked at everyone with a poker face especially to
Mr. Barredo.
"That's enough. I'm not involved in your marital problems kaya pwede bang huwag ako
ang pag-usapan dito."
The couple silenced at muling tumitig si Mr. Barredo kay Atty. De Silva. Matapang
na ginantihan din ng titig ng abogada ang mga matang nakatitig sa kanya. Since the
meeting started, that was the first time she looked directly into the eyes of that
man.
"Mr. Barredo, let me clarify my client's claim to your conjugal properties. She
doesn't intend to get whatever she wants. She'll get what she thinks she deserves.
And as we studied thoroughly, here are the properties she's claiming," sabay abot
ng abogada ng isang file sa abogado ng kabilang panig.
"Just say yes to it," utos ni Mr. Barredo sa abogado nang hindi man lamang binasa
ang inabot na papel sa kanila.
"Are you out of your mind, Kurt? We're not talking small amount of money here,"
sagot ng abogdo.
"Yes. I'm out of my mind now because I'm in front of someone who could make me
think this way..."
Lalong naguluhan si Lance sa huling narinig. His drowning in curiosity. He saw that
Atty. De Silva choked up after hearing what Mr. Barredo said. What's going on in
this meeting?
Ramdam ni Lance ang naghihinang mga tuhod ng abogada kaya't nagpaalam din siya para
sundan at alalayan ito patungo sa comfort room. Naabutan niya sa hallway ang babae
na nakatuon ang isang kamay sa dingding at nakahawak naman ang isang kamay sa
dibdib. She's looking at the floor so he can't see her face. Is she crying?
"Are you okay?" tanong niya habang hindi malaman kung tatapikin ba ito sa likod
upang aluin o hahawakan sa magkabilang balikat para huwag itong matumba.
She liftted her face and looked at him. Walang luha sa mga mata nito but she looks
pale. She removed her hand from the wall and gave him a bitter smile.
"You should have listened to me when I told you to reset this appointment," she
said briefly at sabay lakad nito patungong CR without giving him a chance to say
even a word.
He was momentarily dumbfounded. She seems fine but he knows she's not. Naguguluhang
itinuloy niya ang pagpunta sa banyo. At bago siya pumasok dito, nakasalubong niya
ang dalawang staff ng abogado ni Mr. Barredo.
"Totoo nga pala talaga ang tsismis na robot yang si Atty. De Silva. Akalain mo yun
nakayanan niyang maging abogado ng taong nang-agaw ng fiance niya. Dinig ko
iniwanan daw yan sa araw mismo ng kasal."
"Siguro naramdaman na nung lalaki na zombie ang mapapangasawa niya kaya umatras."
Something blasted in his ears at pansamantala siyang hindi nakakilos. At nang medyo
natauhan siya, wala sa sariling pumasok siya sa loob ng CR. Lumapit siya sa sink at
natutulalang naghugas ng mga kamay. He looked at himself in the mirror... The guilt
started to draw in his face. He made her attend this meeting at lalong siya ang
nag-udyok sa abogada na tanggapin ang kasong ito.
He suddenly felt bad for everything he said to the lawyer. She should have told him
the truth. Mauunawaan naman ng kahit sinong normal na tao kung tatanggihan niya ang
kaso. Ganito ba kalala anh pagiging pretentious loner nito? Lahat ba talaga ng mga
personal na bagay ay pilit na itinatago lamang nito sa sarili? He understands kung
sadyang ganun na nga ang personality ng babae pero sa ganitong sitwasyon, ang itago
mo ang katotohanan at unahing pairalin ang pride is one big stupidity. How colud
she hurt herself this way?...
------
CLARISSE
"Fiona."
I stopped but I didn't look back. Diretso lamang ang mga tingin ko kung saan
tinutumbok nito ang aking assistant na noon ay nakatayo sa tabi ng kotse habang
naghihintay at nakatingin sa direksiyon ko.
"The settlement is done so we have no business to talk right now," I said coldly as
I heard his approaching steps.
"Kumusta ka na?"
I sighed and smiled sarcastically. "Mr. Barredo, having casual conversation with my
client's estranged husband is not one of my habits."
Itinuloy ko ang aking paglalakad nang hindi tumitingin sa mukha ng aking kausap.
"I'm sorry, Fiona" he said with an earnest tone. "I'm very sorry."
Kusang huminto ang aking mga paa. Napalunok ako at nagsimulang lumabo ang aking mga
paningin. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang unti-unting pagtunaw ng nagmamatigas kong puso.
Ilang ulit akong huminga ng malalim at lumunok. At nang magawa kong pigilan ang
pagdungaw ng aking mga luha saka ko lamang nagawang tingnan ang taong kumakausap sa
akin. I forced myself to smile at him.
"Let's forget about it. Matagal na yun so I assumed we all moved on from that."
"I know matagal na yun. But after seeing you today, it seems that it only happened
yesterday."
Napalunok muli ako sa kanyang sinabi. That's exactly what I'm feeling right now.
Lahat ng alaala ay isa-isa uling nagbagsakan sa akin. At sa tuwing tinitingnan ko
ang mukha ni Kurt I'm being reminded of the days when I used to think of him as the
man whom I'm going to spend the rest of my life. Ang mga araw kung saan makasama ko
lang siya kahit isang minuto ay nakukumpleto na ang buong araw ko. Those moments
which when I usually spent my whole day smiling. Kung saan ang pinakamahalagang
sandali para sa akin ay ang mga oras na kasama ko siya.
Yes. In one blow, it all came back to me. Not the feeling of hatred. Not the
feeling of vengeance. Not the feeling of wrath.... but the feeling of being deeply
in love.
"...And I want to take this chance too to apologize sa lahat ng mga nagawa ko sayo.
Hanggang ngayon pinagsisihan ko pa rin ang ginawa kong pananakit sayo. Gusto ko
lang malaman mo na totoong minahal kita..."
"Kurt stop it. Past is past and I'm totally over it. So please stop saying those
kind of things including what you said on the meeting. Sorry is enough and there's
no need for an explanation dahil anupaman ang sabihin mo nangyari na ang nangyari
and your words won't change anything."
"Totoo ang mga salitang binitawan ko kanina," and he slowly touched his chest.
"You're still here Fiona...pero huwag kang mag-alala wala akong anumang balak na
lumapit muli sayo. To be able to talk to you and to ask for your forgiveness now is
more than enough. I'm also glad to see how successful you are now. I do hope that
you'll continue living a happy life."
"Thank you," sagot ko nang may matamlay ngiti. I took my eyes away from him and
continued walking but after a few steps I stopped again.
"Kurt, somehow I'm a little bit disappointed. It makes me feel bad na ang isang
bagay na naging dahilan ng pinakamasakit na pinagdaanan ko sa buong buhay ko will
only end this way. I don't feel justified but rather I feel that all my sufferings
have been wasted. Kaya't sana maayos niyo pang dalawa ni Brandy ang inyong
pagsasama."
"F-Fiona..."
Pinagpatuloy ko ang paglapit sa sasakyan at hindi ko na nilingon pa ang aking
kausap. Yes, I must not look back...and must continue taking steps to where I
should be headed.
But unexpectedly, he didn't say a word. Tanging ang naririnig lamang sa loob ng
sasakyan ay ang sagutan namin ng buntong-hininga. Pagkatapos ng halos dalawampung
minutong walang imikan saka lamang nabasag ang mahabang katahimikan.
"I'll drive you home. Where do you live?" he asked with a serious face.
"Huwag mo na akong ihatid. Just drop me to a place where I can easily find cabs,"
walang ganang sagot ko.
Knowing his character, he won't give up. I am not in the mood to argue with anybody
else kaya't hinayaan ko na lamang siyang ihatid ako. I asked him to bring me to a
place I regularly visit.
"Dito na lang," I told him nang marating namin ang tapat ng isang simpleng kainan
at inuman na halos nasa tabi lamang ng kalsada.
"Kakain."
"Is that even a restaurant? Mukhang inuman yata ang lugar na yan."
"Mag-isa ka lang?"
"It does'nt look like a safe place? Look, all costumers are group of guys and they
are all drinking. Ikaw lang ang babae dyan kung saka-sakali."
"The owner is a woman and she's there too," I answered in a toneless voice.
"Can't you find a better place to unwind?" he said habang lalong hinigpitan ang
pagkakapigil sa aking braso.
Wala yata talaga sa diksiyonaryo ng assistant ko ang mga katagang mind your own
business.
"Lance, I've been to this place many times kaya pwede ba pababain mo na ako," sabay
tanggal ko sa kamay niya sa aking braso. "And one more thing don't touch me
randomly."
"I want to be alone. Besides, you have an important dinner with your girlfriend.
Thanks for taking time to drive me here," I told him with a certain amount of
sincerity.
"Call me if you experience a problem," he said after I got off the car.
"I'll be fine. We're done with works now so stop worrying about other things. Just
enjoy your dinner date," walang ganang tugon ko while waving a hand.
Hinintay kong makaalis muna ang sasakyan ni Lance before I enter the eatery.
After he left me, I temporarily stopped coming to this place. Ilang taon ang
lumipas until one bad day, napadaan ang sasakyan ko dito. Natukso akong magpalipas
ng ilang sandali over a bottle of alcohol. And then I realized that the kind of
comfort this place gave me hadn't totally gone afterall. At simula noon, pabalik-
balik na ulit ako sa lugar na ito... because I like being here and I got closer to
the people here. Walang kinalaman si Kurt neither our memories...
Dinala ni Manang ang order kong isang bote ng beer and the usual one plate of mixed
nuts. Isinalin ko ang beer sa basong may yelo. I lifted the glass and closed my
eyes when my lips touched the cold alcohol. This is one of the sweetest beers I've
ever tasted. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang init na dumadaloy sa aking lalamunan, pababa
sa aking leeg at patungo sa aking dibdib...until it's warmth reaches my heart.
Habang dirediretso kong iniinom ang laman ng baso, I can feel the warm liquid
flowing down to my cheeks. Hinahayaan ko ang mga itong dumaloy with my eyes closed.
I let them flow freely dahil kasabay sa nito sa pag-agosang mga bagay na gusto kong
isa-isang kumawala sa aking dibdib.
The pains...
The regrets...
The achings...
The yearnings...
I want them all out inside me right now...Because tonight I'm putting closure to
everything and tomorrow is the beginning of my days without any suffering.I'm
finally giving freedom to the tears I've been trying to hold back for years...
####################################
Chapter 7
####################################
*****
Lance gave a sincere smile after saying those sweet words to a lady sitting in
front of him. Samantala nakahawak naman ang dalagang may naantig na reaksiyon sa
amythest pendant ng isang kwintas na kasusuot lamang sa kanya ng lalaki.
Lance could hear the heavy pounding of his heart as he gazed to the most beautiful
face in his eyes. Kahit taon na ang ibinibilang ng kanilang relasyon, hindi pa rin
nabibigo ang angking kagahandahan ng babae na pabilisin ang tibok ng kanyang puso.
For him, she is the epitome of an ideal girlfriend and wife. Classy, smart, tall,
sweet, kind, sexy and beautiful. Maganda pati background ng pamilya. And whenever
he's with her, he can always sense the envious eyes of other men. Wherever she
goes, her beauty and personality never fails to stand out among the crowd.
And tonight, she looks perfect in her mini pink dress. Nakalugay ang makintab at
mahabang buhok with spiral curls on the tip.Hindi siya magsasawa kahit paulit-ulit
niya mang titigan ang mukha nito. A small heart shaped face with a pair of
perfectly formed eyebrows, thick and curly eyelashes, brown almond eyes, an ideal
nose of a woman and a full kisssable lips. She got a flawless milky smooth skin too
mula ulo hanggang talampakan.
He loves Scarlet not only because of her perfect looks pero dahil na rin sa
magandang pag-uugali nito. Although she looks very feminine, but once she exhibits
her intelligence you can tell that she got some hidden strength too. And her
sweetness is over the top. Ang pagmamahal nila sa isa't isa ay pantay lamang. He
loves her excessively and she extremely loves him too.
"How's your birthday lunch with your colleagues? Nag-enjoy ka ba?" he said while
pouring a red wine in her glass.
"It's fine. Bumawi ka naman. This heartwarming dinner is more than enough. And the
necklace too... plus the flowers that you sent me. Thank you sweetie. I really love
the flower arrangement. Sa tingin ko I should give extra care for them para hindi
agad malanta," nakangiting wika ng dalaga habang namimilog ang mga mata sa sayang
nararamdaman.
Natigilan si Lance as soon as Scarlet mentioned about the flower arrangement. Atty.
De Silva swiftly invaded his mind and his sparkling moment was suddenly shattered
into pieces. Unti-unting nawalan ng sigla ang kanyang mukha... a heartbreaking
scene came back to him.
Bababa sana siya ng sasakyan upang samahan ito ng ilang sandali. Ngunit bago pa man
niya mahubad ang seatbelt, napansin niyang tila umiiyak ito habang nakapikit. At
ilang sandali pa ay lumakas na nga ang pagyugyog ng balikat nito. He decided to
stay in his car. He understood that she needed to be alone. Tiyak na hindi ito
makakapaglabas ng sama ng loob kung sasamahan niya because she couldn't afford to
embarras herself in front of someone she knows. As he watched her from afar, his
heart was ripping. Naawa siya and at the same time inuusig siya ng kanyang
konsensiya. She wouldn't be in that condition kung hindi dahil sa kagagawan niya.
"You look bothered, may problema ka ba?" tanong ni Scarlet nang mapansin ang
biglang pananamlay ng boyfriend.
"Scarlet, I think I made a big mistake to a certain person and my guilt is killing
me," medyo matamlay at seryosong pag-amin niya.
"Kanino?"
"T-To Attorney De Silva."
"Why? What happened? Anong ginawa mo sa kanya?" she asked with full curiousity
habang nanlalaki ang mga mata.
"I challenged her to accept the annulment case of the people who hurt her..."
"The wife was her bestfriend and the husband was her ex-fiance. They run away on
the day of Atty. De Silva's wedding and that ex-fiance."
"I know. Kanina ko lang nalaman ang totoong kuwento. I thought na pihikan lang siya
sa mga kliyenteng tinatanggap. Although I sensed that there was something going on
between attorney and the wife pero ang akala ko ay mayroon lamang mababaw na
misunderstanding at pinepersonal lamang ni Atty. De Silva ang kliyente."
"So did she accept the case?" Scarlet asked in excitement with her eyes still wide
open.
Lance sighed and drink a glass of water. "Yeah. She did. And now, she's having a
difficult time because of it."
"Wow! She's really a one brave woman. If I were her, kahit sino pa man ang
kumumbinsi sa akin, hinding-hindi ko hahawakan ang ganyang kaso. Not because I
don't want to but because I can't. Totoo nga pala talagang napakatapang niya." she
said with full of adoration.
"Yes, she's maybe tough but she's a human too... so siguro ay nahihirapan din siya
sa ganyang sitwasyon," he answered.
"Of course it's a fact that she's having a difficult time too. But to be able to
face those sorts of people for the sake of professionalism, wow that's something
big! I can imagine how cool she was when facing those clients. Looking tough and
intelligent in the eyes of many people, how I wish I could be like her," puno ng
paghangang pahayag ni Scarlet.
"No. Don't be like her. May mga taong siguro nga ay matatapang sa mata ng ibang tao
pero ang totoo they are living a lonely life. Your personality is already perfect
in my opinion. And it's not good to change it only because you're comparing
yourself to other woman," he said strongly.
"A-All I'm saying is, I idolized her as a lawyer but not as a private person..."
mahinang paliwanah ng dalaga nang maramdamang tila hindi natuwa ang boyfriend sa
kanyang huling sinabi.
Napabuntong-hininga si Lance. "That's exactly the point. I didn't know the story at
sa katulad niyang may magandang kredibilidad pagdating sa trabaho, I should have
trusted her reason why she tried to reject the client. I feel ashamed now."
"Come on don't be harsh to yourself. Kilala kita. Alam kong kaya mo lang nagawa yun
dahil it's either nagmamalasakit ka sa kliyente or sa boss mo. Cheer up! Today is
my birthday, remember sweetie."
Lance hastily tried to lift up his mood matapos mapaalalahanang ang gabing yun ay
kaarawan ng girlfriend. "I'm sorry. Let's forget about her and works. I had no
intention to bring it up, naalala ko lang after you mentioned the flowers,"
nakangiti at pilit pagsusumiglang sabi niya.
"S-She helped me pick it. No, actually she even arranged them too."
Muling namilog ang mga mata ni Scarlet at gumuhit ang malaking ngiti sa kanyang
mukha. "Really?!" she almost screamed. "Atty. De Silva arranged that flower?"
"Yes."
"Oh my god! The more na dapat ko palang ingatan ang mga flowers na yun! I can't
believe that she has that kind of soft spot in her heart. That one is the best
birthday gift I receive today!" bulalas ni Scarlet na tila daig pa ang nakatanggap
ng isang autograph mula sa kanyang paboritong artista.
"Better than the necklace? Do you mean that flowers were great because of Atty. De
Silva and not because of me?" kunwa'y nagtatampong wika ni Lance.
Muling sumandal ang dalaga sa lalaki at malambing na ngumiti. "Ahh huwag ka nang
magtampo sweetie siyempre lahat naman ng gifts mo importante sa akin. Tsaka galing
din naman sayo ang flowers na yun, plus factor nga lang si Atty. De Silva."
"You're lying. It's written all over your face na it's because of her," tatawa-
tawang sabi ng binata.
"Sweetie naman eh. Alam mo naman di ba that I really admire your boss kaya iexempt
mo na lang siya sa mga taong pinagseselosan mo ha?" she said with a childish face.
"Okay, but can we change topic now? Let's not make her the main course in our
dinner date,"he pretended to answer with a serious face but at the back of his
mind, he finds her childish gestures cute.
"Last na lang. Can you make a way para mapakilala mo ako sa kanya?"
"Since I'm always with her most of the time, there's a very big chance na baka one
of these days kahit sa pakikipagkita ko sayo ay kasama ko na rin siya."
"I promise. So can we stop talking about her and start talking about ourselves more
now?"
-----
"Thank you for the wonderful evening. Do you want to get inside our house first?"
nakangiting sabi ni Scarlet.
"Huwag na babe. It's already late I'm sure your parents are already asleep kaya't
hindi ko na rin naman sila mababati. Magpahinga ka na rin, you have an early class
tomorrow."
"A-Are you sure you don't want to come in?"
"Thank you. It's past twelve already so it's not my birthday anymore," pabirong
sagot ng dalaga. "And it's hard to believe that I'm twenty three already, ang bilis
talaga ng panahon. Akalain mo yun I'm already a full bloom woman now," dugtong nito
na tila may tono ng pagpapasaring.
Bago tuluyang bumaba ng sasakyan, lumapit si Scarlet sa nobyo para bigyan ito ng
isang halik sa pisngi. Ngunit di inaasahang bigla na lamang siyang kinabig ng
lalaki sa batok at walang pasabing siniil siya ng halik sa mga labi. Hindi na siya
gaanong nagulat dahil kanina niya pa nahahalatang nagpipigil lamang ng sarili ang
binata. She closed her eyes and voluntarily kissed him back passionately.
Scarlet wrapped her arms around his neck and gently stroke the back of his head.
His hand is trying to crawl inside the chest part of her dress pero may kasikipan
ito kaya't ibinaba muna ng binata ang strap nito at marahang gumapang ang mga kamay
patungo sa zipper. He opened it and slowly pulled down the top of her dress leaving
her pink lacy bra exposed in his eyes. He stopped kissing her and stared at her
cleavage shortly. His face is really turning red, halata kung gaano na kaintense
ang nararamdaman nitong init. He started kissing the back of her ears and gently
licks it. Her eyes rolled in pleasure at humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa ulo ng
boyfriend. He inserted his hand inside her bra and gently cupped her breasts.
Marahan nitong hinihimas ang kanyang magkabilaang dibdib habang patuloy lamang sa
paghalik at pagdila sa magkabilaan niyang tenga.
"Ooooh Lance..."
She moaned while her body is voluntarily arching upward. Hotness is flushing all
over her body. She felt feverish as his hand unhook her bra and gently enters her
dress hemline. His lips move slowly down to her neck, down to her chest until it
reaches the peak of her breast .
The car is filled with hot and heavy breathings. Her body is aching for more. She
wanted to tell him that she wanted to do it tonight...but without a word, Lance
suddenly stopped.
He pulled himself away from Scarlet leaving her speechless and confused. He leaned
his head in the car seat with his eyes closed habang paulit-ulit na humihinga ng
malalim.
"I-I'm sorry... I almost couldn't control myself," paliwanag nito habang nakapikit
pa rin at bumubuntong-hininga.
"I-It's not your fault. I think I was a bit carried away too," she said in
embarrasment habang ibinabalik sa dating ayos ang mga damit.
"Don't worry paninindigan kong magtitiis ako until you graduate. I agree to your
point na once we start doing it, we'll keep doing it. I won't put your studying and
dream at risk so I'm willing to wait."
"T-Thank you for the respect Lance," sagot ni Scarlet kahit sa likod ng isipan niya
ay gusto niyang ituloy ng lalaki ang lahat. Nasabi niya dito noong bago pa lamang
silang magkarelasyon na hindi pa siya handang magkaroon ng sexual relationship
hangga't di siya nakakapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Subalit ngayon ay pinagsisisihan niya
ang binitawang salita dahil habang tumatagal ang kanilang relasyon, she starts
longing to have sex with him. And because of her stupid pride, nahihiya lang siyang
bawiin ang mga nasabi sa lalaki. Matagal niya nang gustong sabihin na she's ready
to do it.
"G-Get inside and take a rest now," nakapikit na wika ng lalaki habang dinig pa rin
ang mabibigat nitong paghinga.
When he reached the place, nagulat siya sa nakita. Naroroon pa rin ang abogada at
nakasubsob lamang ito sa mesa. Dali-dali siyang bumaba ng sasakyan at pumasok sa
loob.
"Attorney De Silva, gising na. Ano ba itong batang to? Bakit ba ito uminom nang
pagkarami-rami!" sabi ng isang may edad ng ginang na siguro ay siyang may-ari ng
lugar.
"Gising Clarisse! Gising!" the woman said repeatedly habang niyuyog nito ang
balikat ng attorney.
Lumapit siya para tumulong sa paggising sa babae subalit nagtatakang tiningnan siya
ng ginang.
"Sino ka?" tanong nito habang tinitingnan siya mula ulo hanggang paa.
"I'm Lance Perez, her assistant," he answered briefly.
"Hay mabuti naman at dumating ka. Kanina ko pa ginigising yan ayaw talagang tumayo.
Magigising sandali pero bumabalik din lang ulit sa pagtulog. Hindi ko na nga alam
ang gagawin ko sa batang yan, buti naman at may natawagan din palang susundo sa
kanya. Sige na ihatid mo na yan sa kanila."
"Ha eh pano yan? Akala ko ba assistant ka niya eh ba't di mo alam kung saan siya
nakatira?"
"She doesn't disclose such private information to us. Gaano ho ba karami ang nainom
ni Attorney?"
"Naku hindi ko na nga rin nabilang sa dami. Hindi naman ganyan yan. Kapag pumupunta
yan dito ang pinakamadaming naiinom niyan ay tatlong bote lang ng beer. Ngayon ko
lang nakitang nagpakalasing yan ng ganyan. Ano bang nangyayari sa batang yan?"
"Sige ho Manang ako na ho ang bahala kay Atty. De Silva," wika niya sa nag-aalalang
ginang.
"Teka lang, mag-iwan ka muna ng ID mo. Mahirap na baka hindi ka naman totoong
katrabaho ni Clarisse," biglang sabi sa kanya ng kausap nang aakayin niya na ang
lasing na babae.
"Manang Do I look like a rapist or a bad guy to you?" natatawang sagot niya habang
napipilitang maglabas ng ID mula sa kanyang wallet.
"Hindi naman kaya lang iba pa rin ang nakakasigurado. Malaki ang malasakit ko sa
batang yan kaya nag-aalala lang ako sa kaligtasan niya."
Pagkabigay ng ID, maingat na itinayo niya ang amo at iniakbay ang isang kamay nito
sa kanyang balikat. He wrapped his arm to her waist but when he tried to make a
step, hindi pa rin gumagalaw ang babae. She's not even capable of moving her feet.
Wala siyang nagawa kundi ang buhatin na lamang ito.
Dinala niya ito sa kanyang kotse. Iniupo niya ito sa front seat at sinuotan ng seat
belt. Inayos niya ang pagkakasandal nito at nilagyan ng car pillow ang ilalim ng
leeg nito.
"Teka lang! Yung bag niya naiwan!" sigaw ng tumatakbo papalapit na may-ari bitbit
ang bag.
He put the handbag at the backseat. Pagkatapos ay pumasok na rin siya ng kotse. He
looked carefully sa lasing na babae. Natatawa siya sa kanyang isipan.
"If I were to take pictures of you right now, would you flare up kapag ipinakita ko
ang mga ito sayo?" tatawa-tawang sabi niya sa walang malay na katabi.
Hindi niya ginising ang babae. Tahimik lamang siyang nagmaneho habang inaaliw ang
sarili sa pinapatugtog na mga musika. Nagpaikot-ikot lamang siya habang hinihintay
na magising ang attorney. Subalit pagkalipas ng isang oras ay hindi na rin siya
nakatiis. Inaantok na rin siya kaya't napilitan siyang gisingin ito. Nag-aalangan
siyang magsalita ng malakas dahil baka bigla itong maalimpungatan ng gising kaya't
inilapit niya ang bibig sa tenga nito at marahang nagsalita.
"Attorney wake up. Wake up. Hindi ko alam kung saan ang bahay niyo so how can I
send you home? ," malumanay na pagkakasabi niya habang marahang niyuyugyog ang
balikat ng babae.
Surprisingly, the woman slowly opened her eyes. At diretsong napatitig ito sa
nakatutok niyang mukha. She gazed at him with sleepy face. Ngumiti ito habang
namumungay pa rin ang mga mata. Iginalaw nito ang mga kamay at nagulat siya nang
bigla na lamang nitong hinawakan at inipit ang magkabilaan niyang pisngi. She
gently rubbed his cheeks and gave him a bitter smile.
"Your back..." she said. "Did you finally realized na dapat mo akong balikan?"
"Attorney, you're drunk and I have to bring you home now," he said with uncomforts.
"Ba't ka pa bumalik? Di ba you chose to be with her over me," napapangising wika
nito.
Hindi na siya sumagot. Alam niyang wala pa ito sa sarili kaya't hinayaan niya na
lang muna itong magsalita bago kausapin ng matino.
"... And since you're here, would you mind of I ask why you chose her over me?" she
said while starting to have teary eyes.
"..Does she love you more? Mas inaalagaan ka ba niya? Is it because she looks
prettier?" at muli na naman itong ngumisi. "Ah maybe you find her a better kisser.
But you used to say you love kissing me..." sabay dahan-dahan nitong ibinaba ang
pagkakatitig patungo sa kanyang mga labi at dahil dito ay bigla siyang kinabahan.
"Do you want me to remind you how my kisses taste?" she told him with a flirty
smile.
Unti-unting nanlaki ang mga mata niya habang nakikita ang papalapit na mga labi ng
abogada. He wanted to pull himself away from her but instead he was stunned at
pansamantala siyang hindi nakagalaw. He felt as if all his blood rapidly rushed
toward his cheeks. He halfly closed his eyes in panic habang inaaninag ang
papalapit na mga labi nito. Ngunit bago pa man dumampi ang mga labi nito ay biglang
naramdaman niya ang pagbagsak ng ulo ng babae sa kanyang balikat. And then, he
heard her snoring.
Tinitigan niya ng seryoso ang natutulog na mukha ng babae. She is beautiful and
lovable in her own way kaya hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit ito nagawang saktan
ni Mr. Barredo. If he were in his shoes, kailan man ay hindi niya magagawang saktan
at lokohin ang babaeng kagaya niya.
"Tsk, what shall I do with her now?" biglang naguguluhang tanong niya sa sarili...
####################################
Chapter 8
####################################
***
CLARISSE
I'm half awake. But before I open my eyes ramdam na ramdam ko ang tila binabarena
kong ulo. Nanunuot sa kailalim-ilaliman ng utak ko ang sakit. I massaged my
forehead and when the pain slightly subsided saka ako dahan-dahang nagmulat ng mga
mata.
Maliwanag na ang paligid. I tried to reach the bedside table para kapain ang alarm
clock ngunit nagtaka ako nang wala akong makapang mesa. Iminulat ko nang maigi ang
aking mga mata and then I realize that I'm in an unfamiliar place.
Napabalikwas ako ng gising. Kinusot kong maigi ang aking mga mata, baka sakaling
namamalikmata lang ako. Pero hindi eh. Totoo ngang wala ako sa aking sariling
kuwarto. Naguguluhan akong napatingin sa paligid. Ano to nasa sala ako ng isang
condo unit?
Pilit kong inaalala ang nangyari kagabi. Ang huling natatandaan ko ay nasa tindahan
pa ako ni Manang Lida at tahimik na umiinom mag-isa. A-After that? Wala na akong
maalala. Oh my! Was I drunk?
Bigla akong kinabahan. I quickly checked myself. Kinapa ko ang aking katawan at
tinanggal ko ang kumot na nakabalot sa aking paanan. Kumpleto naman ang mga damit
ko maliban sa aking sapatos na nasa baba ng sopa.
But what happened? What am I doing in this place? At bakit sa sopa ako natutulog?
Did I do something crazy?
"L-Lance?"
Lumabas ang assistant ko mula sa pinto. Pinapagpagan nito ang damit na tinamaan ng
aking mga sapatos. Nakasuot ito ng pambahay na V-neck shirt at sweat pants.
"Why am I here?! And why are you here too? What have you done to me?! May ginawa ka
bang masama sa akin?" walang pag-aalinlangang pamimintang ko.
Halos sumabog na ang dibdib ko sa kaba and my head was about to explode in
confusion too. Ngunit sa gitna ng nararamdan kong nerbiyos, napapangisi lamang si
Lance. No, he actually looked like he wanted to burst into laughter pagkatapos
marinig ang mga sinabi ko.
"T-Then why are we together now? N-Nasaan ba tayo?" biglang hinahong tanong ko.
"Napadaan ulit ako kagabi sa pinaghatiran ko sayong eatery. You were passed-out
drunk at hindi na halos alam ng may-ari kung anong gagawin sayo. Anong klaseng
dinner ba ang ginawa mo at nalasing ka ng sobra?" ngisi-ngising tanong nito nang
hindi man lamang tumitingin sa akin.
My cheeks started to heat up. I'm burning in shame. Pero ipapahalata ko bang
napapahiya ako? No way! "That's none of your business! Regardless you helped me,
still you should have brought me to my home and not to your place!" malakas at
nagtatapang-tapangang sagot ko.
"Then you should have told me your address when I asked you several times!" malakas
ding sagot nito.
Haist, this disrespectful guy! Hindi man lamang marunong makipag-usap ng pormal sa
nakatatanda at nakatataas sa kanya.
"Hindi mo pala alam di dapat nagtanong ka sa ibang staff! Did you call Karen?"
"I did and surprisingly, lahat sila hindi alam kung saan kayo nakatira. Amazing!
See attorney this is what I told you about personal talks. Paminsan-minsan hindi
masamang mag-share ng mga personal na bagay sa mga empleyado mo. Pasalamat kayo
nagmalasakit akong daanan ang lugar na yon kagabi, kung hindi baka sa sidewalk kayo
natulog,"nakangising at nagmamalaking panunumbat nito habang hindi pa rin
makatingin sa aking mukha.
"What's wrong with you? Kanina ka pa hindi makatingin nang diretso sa akin. Are you
guilty of something?" hindi na nakatiis na tanong ko.
"Sino bang hindi maasiwang tumingin sayo? Try to look at yourself in the mirror,"
sagot nito na tila nandidiri sa tuwing tinitingnan ako.
"Bakit ano bang hitsura ko?" natatarantang tanong ko sabay kapa ko sa aking mukha
at buhok.
"Aww! You smell alcohol!" nakangiwing bulalas nito habang nakahawak sa magkabilaang
braso ko.
Itinulak ko siya ng mahina papalayo. "Kung ganun, huwag mo akong lapitan at lalong
huwag mo akong hawakan! Where's your bathroom?"
Ngingiti-ngiting Itinuro niya ang banyo habang nakatakip ang isang daliri sa ilong.
Agad-agad akong naghilamos. Kinuskos kong maiigi ng sabon ang parte ng aking mga
mata. Matagal bago ko natanggal ang mga nagkalat na makeup. Sinuklay ko ng kamay
ang aking buhok. Pilit kong tinanggal ang pagkakabuhol-buhol nito. Binasa ko ito ng
kaunti, pinadapa ng maayos ang harapan at saka ibinalik sa pagkakatali.
Inamoy ko ang aking hininga. Napapikit ako sabay napangiwi. Amoy na amoy alak nga
ako! Pinakialaman ko ang toothpaste na nasa banyo. Nagpahid ako sa aking daliri and
I gently rubbed my finger into my teeth. Makailang ulit akong nagmumog hanggang sa
maglaho sa hininga ko ang amoy ng alak. I touched again Lance's set of toiletries
upang kumuha ng alcohol. Halos paliguan ko nito ang aking buong katawan. At nang
kumpiyansa na ako sa aking hitsura, saka ako lumabas ng banyo.
"I'm leaving," nagmamadaling sagot ko subalit bago ko mabuksan ang pinto ay bigla
akong natigilan.
Kinapa ko ang aking damit. Paano nga pala ako makakauwi eh wala akong kapera-pera?
At ang susi ng bahay ko? Mabilis akong napalingon kay Lance na noon ay nakaupo na
sa dining table at payapang nagkakape habang nagbabasa ng libro.
"It's in the car," sagot nito nang hindi man lamang tumitingin sa kumakausap sa
kanya.
"That's not easy. My car is parked in the basement and we're now in 38th floor,"
kalmadong pagrereklamo nito habang ipinapatong ang dalawang paa sa silya.
"Are you saying no? Then papaano ako makakauwi? Paglalakarin mo ba ako hanggang
bahay?" iritableng sambit ko sa tila nang-aasar na lalaki.
Ano to? It seems that the impolitenes of this guy is getting worse now. Dahil ba
ito sa nasaksihan niyang paglalasing ko? Does my image now is totally tainted in
the eyes of my assistant?
Gusto kong batukan ang aking sarili. Ahh... It's partially your fault Clarisse!
Sino ba naman kasing may sabing magpakalunod ka sa alak? Ayan tuloy nasaksihan ng
empleyado mo ang kagagahan mo!
"I'll get it, provided you drink first this coffee I made for you," he said at
tiningnan nito ang isang tasang kapeng kaharap.
Nanuot sa ilong ko ang mabangong aroma ng kape. With my hang over, I realize that I
am dying to drink a coffee. But before I move, tiningnan ko muna ang aking relos.
It's 7:30 am, I think I still have enough time to waste.
"Bakit hindi ka pa nag-aayos? Wala ka bang balak pumasok sa opisina?" I told him
while sitting in front of him.
"I think I'm working already. As an assistant, taking care of my drunk boss is
still part of my job, isn't it?" sagot nito habang nagbabasa pa rin ng hawak na
libro.
He looked and smiled at me. Then he calmy sipped his cup of coffee. "Bakit
attorney, do I have extra boss other than you?"
"Oh thank you for reminding me. The way you talk to me, I almost forgot I'm your
boss," nakangiti ngunit sarkastikong tugon ko sa kanya hanggang sa dahan-dahang
kumunot ang aking noo. "Seriously, why do you talk to me as if we're at the same
level? What am I? Your friend or something? Were you raised that way by Atty.
Perez?" panenermon ko bago inumin ang kapeng nakahain sa harap ko.
Ibinaba ni Lance ang hawak na libro at seryosong tumingin ng diretso sa aking mga
mata."Yap. I was raised that way. To approach a person in different ways based on
their personalities."
"Anong ibig mong sabihin? You talk to me informally dahil ang tingin mo sa akin ay
hindi kagalang-galang."
"Not that way. You have a very uptight personality so I must approach you in a
friendly way to loosen up everything ang to lighten up our work atmosphere. Kung
magiging pormal din ako masyado baka pareho tayong tumanda nang wala sa oras dahil
sa tensiyon."
Napaisip ako sa paliwanag niya. Binabay ko isa-isa ang mga sandaling nag-uusap at
nagkasama kami. He has a point. Tila mabilis nga kaming naging komportable sa isa't
isa and we often exchange ideas without much hesitations kahit pa madalas akong
mairita sa kanya.
"Why are you looking at me that way? May dumi ba ako sa mukha?" nagtatakang tanong
ko.
"Ngayon lang kita nakitang walang make up. The rumour is true," he said without
removing his eyes from my face.
I don't know if I should be flattered for what he said. Kadalasan kasi pag may
sinabi itong maganda tungkol sa akin laging may kasunod na pang-nuetralize na
pintas.
"Why don't you try wearing light make-up everyday para naman mabawasan yang dark
and heavy aura mo," natural na natural na wika nito at sabay dampot ulit sa librong
binabasa.
I didn't talk back para hindi na humaba ang usapan. Ipinako ko na lamang ang aking
atensiyon sa iniinom kong kape para naman matapos na ito at kunin na nang kaharap
ko ang bag ko. Funny isn't it? Kailangan sundin ko muna ang gusto ng assistant ko
para sundin niya ang gusto ko.
"Ah by the way attorney... did you perhaps mistook me for another guy last night?
Sinong lalaki ba ang iniisip mo kagabi?"
Napaangat bigla ako ng mukha at mabilis na tumingin sa aking kaharap. "Why? Anong
ginawa ko. Did I do something weird last night? B-But you said I totally passed
out," I said while my heart starting to beat rapidly again.
"There was this one moment in which you suddenly woke up. You looked closely at my
face and told me weird things... And you even tried to kiss me."
Muntik ko nang maibuga ang kapeng iniinom ko sa aking narinig.
"No. I'm telling the truth. Some guy was obviously occupying your mind. Was he the
reason why you got drunk? Akala ko ba kahit sunugin ka ay hindi ka mangangamoy
lovelife, so who is he then?"
Napalunok ako sa mga mapang-usisang tanong ng aking kausap. But I didn't bother to
answer him because I was completely worried about the kissing thing that he
mentioned.
"S-So what happened then? N-Nangyari ba?" abot langit ang kaba na tanong ko na para
bang kahit hindi pa man sumasagot ang kaharap ko ay matutunaw na ako sa hiya.
"Ang alin?"
"T-The k-kiss..."
Ipinalo niya sa mesa ang libro at bahagyang pinandilatan ako ng mga mata. " Thanks
god, it didn't! Attorney, next time don't drink too much because you have a
tendency to sexually harass the people around you!" tila galit na sabi nito.
Sobrang nakahinga ako ng maluwag sa sagot ng lalaki ngunit unti-unting nagbago ang
hilatsa ng aking mukha nang mapansin kong parang diring-diri ito sa idea na muntik
ko na siyang mahalikan. I might be old in the eyes of this young man pero hindi pa
ako amoy lupa para umarte ito na para bang kasuka-suka na ako. Bibigyan ko sana ito
ng isang magandang hirit subalit biglang tumunog ang cellphone nito.
"R-Right now?"
"My girlfriend.."
"S-She's at the lobby right now. And she's on her way up here."
Para akong binuhusan ng mainit na tubig sa aking narinig. "ANO?!" sabay tayo ko.
"Hey relax. I'll explain why you're here. Don't worry, she'll understand. My
girlfriend trusts me."
"Sayo okay lang, sa akin hindi! I don't want anybody to know that I carelessly
sleep in some man's place. Ano na lang ang iisipin ng girlfriend mo tungkol sa
akin?!"
Sumunod sa akin lalaki at pilit ako nitong pinapakalma ngunit hindi pa rin ako
mapalagay. Napatingin ako sa ilalim ng kama. Hays, hindi ako kasya! Napalingon ako
sa malaking cabinet at dali-dali akong lumapit dito. I opened it and I was relieved
dahil pwede akong magkasya sa pinaghahangeran ng mga damit. Walang pag-aalinlangang
pumasok ako dito.
"What do you think you're doing?" napapangangang tanong ni Lance habang nakahawak
sa pinto ng aparador." You don't have to hide. Mas lalong nakakaduda pag nahuli
kang nagtatago."
Ding dong.
"Ayan na! Ano pang hinihintay mo! Isarado mo na tong cabinet...At teka lang, y-yung
pinagkapehan ko tanggalin mo sa mesa ha... Bilis na umalis ka na sa harap ko!"
Hindi pa rin umalis ang lalaki sa harap ko. " Baka naman masuffocate ka dyan."
"Pwede ba Mr. Lance Oliver Perez, for once sumunod ka sa naman ng matiwasay sa utos
ng boss mo?!!"...
####################################
Chapter 9
####################################
*****
"Tadaaa!!! I've brought you some breakfast, sweetie!" masayang bungad ni Scarlet
nang pagbuksan siya ng pintuan ng boyfriend.
"T-Thank you..C-Come in. You're early, babe," naghahalong tuwa at kabang sagot ni
Lance.
"I hope tama ang timing ko. Hindi ka pa nag-aalmusal, right?" tanong ni Scarlet na
noon ay nagtuluy-tuloy lamang patungong kusina ng boyfriend.
"Not yet but I had coffee already. You know that I don't eat heavy meal in the
morning."
"That's exactly the reason why I come. Since you're working already, dapat matuto
ka nang mag-almusal ng normal to maintain your energy for the whole day."
Scarlet prepared the food she brought. At napansin niya ang dalawang gamit na
coffee mugs sa sink ng lalaki. "Did you have a visitor?" kaswal na tanong niya.
Lumunok muna si Lance bago sumagot. "N-No... Except you, wala na akong ibang
bisita. Who will visit me at this hour in the morning?" sagot ng lalaki habang
inaabala ang sarili sa pagliligpit ng kumot at iniiwasang tumingin sa kausap.
"Then kaninong mug to? Don't tell you just finished two cups of coffee. Ilang beses
ko bang sasabihin sayo na too much caffeine is not good. I know you like coffee but
try to lessen your intake of it bago ka pa man maging dependent dito."
Saka lamang humarap ang binata sa nag-aalalang girlfriend. He looked at her with
strained smile habang pasimpleng itinatabi ang tinuping kumot. "I only drank one
cup. K-Kagabi pa yan. N-Nakalimutan ko lang hugasan."
Napakunot ng noo si Scarlet habang nakahawak sa mug. " But it seemed that this cup
is newly used dahil medyo mainit pa. I think your lying."
"Thank you. Just leave it there babe. I'll take a shower first bago ako mag-
almusal."
Lance stepped toward his room pero mabilis siyang sinundan ni Scarlet at
hinarangan.
"Oops! Where are you going? I know your style, nagdadahilan ka lang para makaiwas
sa breakfast. Eat it now, babantayan kita," madiin ngunit may lambing na sabi ni
Scarlet.
"You made an effort for that kaya't pwede ba namang hindi ko yan kainin. But I just
had coffee so I have no appetite yet. Mamaya na lang ako kakain pagkatapos kong
mag-ayos," paliwanag ni Lance ngunit ang totoo ay gumagawa siya ng dahilan para
maisipan na ng girlfriend na magpaalam.
"No. Eat now."
Walang nagawa si Lance kundi pagbigyan ang gusto ng babae. He sat in the dining
table at umupo naman sa harap niya si Scarlet upang bantayan siya. She's smiling
habang nakapangalumbabang pinapanood siya. Nakayuko lamang siya habang sumusubo.
Binibilisan niyang kumain while avoiding the eyes of the lady in front of him.
Umuukapa sa isip niya ang nagtatagong amo sa closet. Hindi kaya nasusuffocate na
ito?
"You look uneasy. Eat slowly," puna ni Scarlet sabay punas nito ng tissue sa gilid
ng bibig ng boyfriend.
"N-Nag-aalala lang ako baka malate ka sa klase mo. You should leave now. Hindi mo
na ako kailangang bantayan. Don't worry uubusin ko lahat to."
Umiling si Scarlet. "No. I'm enjoying this kind of moment. Yung inaasikaso ka
before you go to work," nakangiting sagot nito. "I have still an hour before my
first class kaya pwede pa akong mag-stay dito ng ilang sandali."
Iniligpit naman ni Scarlet ang pinagkainan ng boyfriend. Inilagay niya ang mga
hugasin sa sink.
"Just leave it there. I'll take care of that. You can leave now baka matraffic ka,"
wika ng lalaki.
Hindi inintindi ng dalaga ang narinig. Matapos ilagay ang mga plato sa sink ay
naglakad ito patungo sa kuwarto ng boyfriend. "What do you want to wear? I'll
prepare your clothes habang nagshashower ka."
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Lance sa sinabi ni Scarlet. He felt as if all his blood
rushed towards his face. Mabilis niyang hinabol ang girlfriend at nang maabutan
niya ito ay eksaktong nakahawak na ito sa pinto ng cabinet.
"Don't!" natatarantang utos niya nang aktong bubuksan na ng girlfriend ang closet.
Her eyes were closed while his eyes were wide open.
Nakatitig ang mga mata ni Lance sa aparador habang iniisip ang babaeng nasa loob
nito. Hindi niya maibuhos-buhos ang buong atensiyon sa halikan nilang magkasintahan
dahil sa matinding kabang nararamdaman. Ngunit ilang saglit lamang ay naramdaman
niya ang gumagapang na mga kamay ni Scarlet. Ipinasok ng babae ang mga kamay nito
sa loob ng kanyang T-shirt at marahang hinaplos ang kanyang dibdib hanggang sa
niyakap nito ng mahigpit ang kanyang katawan habang patuloy na hinahaplos ang
kanyang likod. Unti-unti siyang nadala sa ginagawa ng girlfriend. Nag-umpisang mag-
init ang kanyang pakiramdam hanggang sa dahan-dahan niya na ring ipinikit ang mga
mata...Ngunit agad din siyang napamulat after he realized na baka nararamdaman ni
Clarisse ang kanilang ginagawa.
He shifted their position. Siya naman ang sumandal sa closet. Dahan-dahan niyang
inihakbang ang mga paa papalayo sa cabinet ngunit papalapit sa kama. Scarlet
responded to his steps. Sinabayan nito ng pag-atras ang bawat hakbang niya. Huminto
siya nang nasa tabi na sila ng higaan ngunit hindi pa rin naghihiwalay ang kanilang
mga labi and to his surprise, kinabig siya papahiga sa kama ng girlfriend. She
wrapped her arms around his body.
"Forget about what I said before... I'm ready to have sex with you."
"Ohh...Lance."
Bigla siyang natauhan nang marinig ang ungol ng girlfriend. Meron nga palang ibang
tao sa kuwarto. Ahhhh! Gusto niyang sumigaw sa panghihinayang. He wanted to
continue what their doing pero hindi pwede. Napilitan siyang tumigil sa ginagawa at
umalis sa pagkakaibabaw sa kayakap.
"L-Let's not do it today. This is not the right time to do it ...I'm sorry," sagot
niya sabay isip pa niya ng ibang idadahilan. "I think you deserve a more romantic
atmosphere than this."
"I need to go class now," nakangiting sabi niya na tila balewala ang sinabi ng
boyfriend.
"No need. Medyo malayo sa building ang pinagparkingan ko. Mag-ayos ka na rin ng
sarili baka ikaw naman ang malate sa trabaho mo."
Lance took a heavy deep breath nang makaalis ang girlfriend. Ilang saglit siyang
nag-isip kung papaano makakabawi dito ngunit nang maalala si Clarisse ay biglang
nawala sa utak niya ang lahat ng iniisip. Nagmamadali siyang tumungo sa kanyang
closet. Pagkabukas niya nito ay bigla siyang kinabahan sa nakita. Nakatalungko at
walang malay ang abogada. Nagpapawis ang noo nito at bahagyang namumutla ang mukha.
Lumakas ang kaba sa dibdib ni Lance. Eto na nga ba ang inaalala niya na baka
nahihirapang huminga ang babae. Natatarantang binuhat niya ito mula sa pagkakaupo
at inilabas ng cabinet. Inihiga niya ito sa kanyang magkabilaang braso at
kinakabahang inilapit sa kama. Subalit nang ibaba niya na ito sa higaan ay bigla
itong nagmulat ng mga mata. Agad itong napatingin ng diretso sa kanyang mukha.
"W-What are you doing?" nagdududang tanong ng babae.
Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Clarisse nang mapagtantong binubuhat siya ni Lance
patungo sa kama. "Put me down!" matigas na utos niya.
Mabilis na ibinaba siya ng lalaki at agad siyang lumayo dito. Tinitigan niya ito
nang may nagdududang mga mata. "Anong binabalak mong gawin sa akin?"
Nawala ang bakas ng pag-aalala sa mukha ni Lance. Gusto niyang matawa sa ibig
ipakahulugan ng kausap. "Wala akong masamang balak sayo. I was in panic, akala ko
nahimatay ka na sa loob ng closet. Before you accuse me again of something, I just
want to tell you that you owe me big one this time. Napilitan akong magsinungaling
sa girlfriend ko nang dahil sayo."
Kumalma si Clarisse at kasabay nito ay agad niyang naalala ang sitwasyong may
pinagtataguan nga pala siya. She cleared her throat first. " H-Hindi ako
hinimatay...Nakatulog lang ako. Nakaalis na ba ang girlfriend mo?" biglang hinahong
tugon niya.
"Sinabi ng wala. Bakit meron ba akong hindi dapat marinig?" kunwa'y iritableng sabi
ni Clarisse sabay muli niyang tinitigan nang may pagdududa ang kausap. "Nag-aalala
ka ba na baka narinig ko ang paglalampungan niyo ng girlfriend mo?"
"You said you didn't hear anything!" bulalas ng lalaki na noon ay bahagyang namula
ang mga pisngi.
"Wala. Teka, bago magkalimutan kunin mo na ang bag ko. I can't wait to go home."
"Where are you going? I said give me my bag now!" inis na sabi ni Scarlet nang
basta na lamang siya tinalikuran ng lalaki.
"I'm taking a shower. Wait for me, ihahatid na kita sa inyo. It's better to know
where you live para hindi na ito maulit kung sakaling maisipan mo uling maglasing."
"If you're still sleepy, pwede ka munang matulog," dugtong na wika ng binata at
sabay tungo nito sa banyo.
******
Nakakailang akyat-baba na si Pierce mula kuwarto hanggang kusina ngunit hindi pa
rin niya natitiyempuhan si Clarisse sa dining table. Kanina pa siya nagtataka dahil
base sa routine ng abogada, dapat ay kanina pa ito nag-almusal. Hindi ito
nagpaparamdam since yesterday morning. Hindi niya rin ito nakitang lumabas ng
kuwarto kagabi. What's wrong with her? Wala ba itong balak pumasok ng opisina. Is
she sick kung kaya't nagkukulong ito sa kuwarto?
Gusto niya sanang katukin ang babae sa kuwarto nito subalit hindi niya itinuloy.
Knowing her character, she'll definitely not open the door to anybody just to show
her sick face kung sakaling may sakit nga ito. Kaya't nanatili na lamang siya sa
living room. Inabala niya ang sarili sa pagbabasa ng diyaryo habang hinihintay si
Clarisse na bumaba ng kuwarto nito. Hanggang sa mapalingon siya sa harapang bintana
at noon ay eksaktong may pumaradang isang sasakyan sa tapat ng bahay.
Bumaba mula sa driver seat ang isang lalaki at pinagbuksan nito ang kabilang pinto
sa unahan. Nagulat siya nang makitang lumalabas dito si Clarisse. He was frozen for
a moment. Wala siyang anumang espesyal na nararamdaman para sa babae pero sa mga
sandaling iyon na nakikita niya itong bumababa sa sasakyan ng ibang lalaki, he felt
as if he is being threatened of something.
Pinapanood niya ang mga ito habang nagpapaalaman. The guy is obviously younger but
good looking. From the look of their faces, mas mukhang masaya ang lalaki. Clarisse
is still wearing her normal stiff and cold face. No sign of butterflies around her.
Hinintay muna ng babae na makaalis ang sasakyan ng naghatid sa kanya bago ito
pumasok ng bahay.
Natigilan si Clarisse sa tanong ni Pierce. She turned around and looked at him with
a blank face. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang gusto nitong palabasin sa pagtatanong
nito. But for sure, he wants to satisfy his craving to know na may ginawa siyang
hindi maganda kaya hindi siya umuwi ng bahay. This is how she feels about this man.
Na para bang naghihintay lagi ito na may mali siyang gawin para may panghawakan ito
na anumang bagay against her.
She looked at him straight in the eyes. She could feel his hunger to know about
what she did. Kaya naman walang pagdadalawang isip na binigyan niya lamang ito ng
isang ngisi at saka muling tinalikuran.
Napipikong hinabol ni Pierce ang dalaga at iniharang ang kanyang sarili sa dadaanan
nito. "I'm asking you. Can't you give even a short answer?"
Napangisi ulit si Clarisse. Hirap siyang paniwalaan ang reaksiyon ng kausap. "Don't
you think na lumalampas ka na sa boundary mo? Do you remember even a single time
kung nagtanong ako kung ano ang ginagawa mo sa buhay mo. Mind your own business
Pierce. Stop asking as if you care."
"Yeah I understand na wala tayong pakialaman sa isa't isa but what you did today is
foul Clarisse."
"May pakialam ako! Dahil sa mga mata ng magulang mo ako ang asawa mo! Obligasyon
kita sa kanila. At pag may nangyari sayong masama, hindi ba ako ang mananagot sa
kanila?! This is the first time you did it and I think you're starting to see guys.
And what's next? You'll keep sleeping in their places! Hindi ako nakikialam sayo
before because I thought you're taking our contract seriously."
"Let's make it clear this time. Wala tayong specific na pinag-usapan tungkol dito
therefore for the safety of our contract let's have a new condition... You can't
date other guys as long as we're playing as married couple," seryoso at maawtoridad
na bigkas ng lalaki.
Napanganga si Clarisse sa sinabi ng kaharap. Hindi siya makapaniwalang minamaliit
siya nito. Kahit na ni minsan ay hindi sumagi sa isip niya ang pakikipagrelasyon sa
sinuman but what he said is below the belt. Who is he para diktahan siya kung kelan
siya pwede at hindi pwedeng makipagdate?
"So are you saying na you can keep playing around with different women anytime you
want but I can't? Don't you think you're being unfair Pierce?" nakataas ang isang
kilay na sagot niya.
"I'm a guy and I can easily control my emotion but you're different. Once you
started going out with men our contract will be endangered," mataas pa ring tonong
wika ni Pierce.
Napalunok muna si Pierce bago sumagot at panandaliang iniwas niya ang mga mata sa
mukha ng kausap. "Because as what I've heard about your past, once you fell in love
you could go crazy at kaya mong ipagpalit ang lahat," mahinang pagkakasabi niya.
Pansamantala uling natahimik si Clarisse. She wanted to flare out dahil sa biglaang
panghihimasok ng lalaki sa personal na buhay niya. This is what she hates the most.
At ano ang karapatan nito na magsalita tungkol sa kanyang nakaraan? Gusto niya
itong sampalin but she chose to retain her posture. Hindi niya sasayangin ang galit
niya dahil lamang sa pagiging makasarili ng kausap. Seryosong tinitigan niya ang
mukha ni Pierce at sabay hawi niya sa nakaharang na katawan nito sa dadaanan.
"Don't bring up the past Pierce because I'm a different person now," mahinahon
ngunit madiing sagot niya at sabay lakad ng mabilis papaakyat ng kanyang kuwarto
habang nakokontrol niya pa ang sarili.
Akala niya ay hindi na siya sinundan ng kausap ngunit nang magbubukas na siya ng
pinto ng kuwarto ay bigla na lamang siya nitong tinabig sa balikat at iniharap.
"You haven't answered me yet! Saan ka natulog? Magkasama ba kayo kagabi ng lalaking
naghatid sayo?"
Hindi na nakapagpigil ng sarili niya si Clarisse. Ginantihan niya ang mga matatalim
na titig ng kausap. "Oo, kasama ko siya kagabi! Sa kanya ako natulog! Ano masaya ka
na na sinagot ko ang tanong mo?! At kung inaalala mong kababaliwan ko ang lalaking
yun, huwag kang mag-alala! I have a great control with my emotion too! I can play
with any guys I want without having any emotional attachment to them! So stop
insulting and underestimating me! Happy now?!"
Pinandilatan siya ng mga mata ng lalaki at kitang-kita niya ang nangangalit na mga
panga nito. " Make sure that you can stand for your words," nanggigil na sabi nito
nang may bahid ng pagbabanta at sabay na tumalikod.
Nanginginig sa galit ang kamay na binuksan niya ang pinto ng kanyang kuwarto.
Pumasok din si Pierce sa kuwarto nito at sabay nilang isinara nang pabulagsak ang
kani-kanilang mga pinto...
####################################
Chapter 10
####################################
****
"Pare anong nangyari sayo? Sabi mo pahinga ka muna sa paglalabas at pag-inom. Bakit
bigla-bigla kang nag-aya ngayon? Hindi ka rin nakatiis ano?" nanunuksong sabi sa
kanya ng isa sa mga kabarkada.
Tiningnan niya ang nagsalitang kasama. Humitit siya sa sigarilyo , nagbuga ng hugis
bilog na usok, pinatay at idiniin ang yosi sa ashtray at saka ginantihan ng ngisi
ang nagtatanong.
"I need to get out of the house for a while. That place is suffocating me.
Nagkasagutan kami ng kasama ko sa bahay," aniya sabay inom sa bote ng alak.
Hinaplos-haplos siya sa dibdib ng katabing babae at tumingin ito sa kanya nang may
nagtatampong mukha.
"Baby who was that woman I saw in your house last time I slept in your place?"
nakasimangot na tanong nito. "Don't tell me may binabahay ka ng ibang babae."
Natatawang tiningnan niya ang dalagang akbay. "Did you check her style?"
Umiling ang babae. "Who is she then? And what is your relationship with her?"
dagdag na pangungulit nito.
"She's just a friend and more of a housemate. That's all," seryosong sagot niya at
saka uminom muli ng alak.
"Yeah," maiksing sagot niya sabay tingin sa kausap nang may mukhang nagpapahiwatig
na ayaw niya na itong pag-usapan.
Hindi na nagtanong pa ang babae sa halip ay ipinulupot na lamang nito ang kamay sa
katawan niya at isinandal ang ulo sa kanyang dibdib.
"Pare ang pinag-uusapan niyo bang babae ay yung nagbukas sa atin ng pintuan nang
minsang inihatid kita ng lasing na lasing sa inyo?" sabat ng isa sa mga kaibigan
nang maulinigan nito ang kanilang pag-uusap.
Tumango siya bilang simpleng sagot dito. Ayaw niya nang pahabain pa ang usapan.
Lumabas siya para iwasang maisip ang nangyari sa kanila ni Clarisse kaya hindi siya
natutuwa na ang babae ang inuungkat sa kanya ng mga kasama.
"Totoo ba ang narinig ko na wala kang relasyon sa babaeng iyon?" nagliliwanag ang
mukha na tanong ulit nito sa kanya.
"Pierce she's my type. Ganung mga tipo ng mukha ang kursunada ko! Whoah! Inggit na
inggit pa mandin ako sayo nung makita ko ang babaeng yun akala ko nakasilo ka na
naman ng dekalidad na syota!"
He smirked to his excited friend. Nagsindi ulit siya ng sigarilyo at uminom sa bote
ng beer.
"Don't get blinded by her face. That woman is the perfect description of the word
boredom," nakangising sabi niya habang hinihimas-himas ang braso ng babaeng akbay.
"I don't care about her personality. Kilala mo naman ako, ang importante lang naman
sa akin sa babae ay ang hitsura at katawan nito," sabay tawa ng kaibigan. "Hey baka
naman pwede kong diskartehan ang housemate mo na yun," nakangising dagdag na wika
nito.
"Don't ever think of getting involve with her kung ayaw mong gumulo ang buhay mo.
She's not the kind of woman whom you can play around. She's a lawyer. A really
really good one," pananakot niya sa pilyong barkada.
Lalong nagliwanag ang mukha ng kausap. Mas lalong naging interesado ang hitsura
nito. "Whoah that's explain why she's boring. Ah mas may challenge pala kung
ganoon, mas lalo ako gaganahan diskartehan ang babaeng yun. Sabi nila mas masasarap
daw sa kama ang mga matatalino at pormal magkikilos na mga babae. Because they
usually supressed their feelings kaya when it comes to bed, they are totally hot
and wild," his friend uttered with lustful eyes.
Napahigpit ang hawak niya sa bote ng beer. Hindi na siya natutuwa sa tabas ng dila
ng kabarkada. He didn't agree na pag-usapan nila si Clarisse para bastusin ito.
"Forget about her. Huwag mo siyang isama sa mga koleksiyon mo, mapapahiya ka lang
dahil hindi siya ang tipo ng babaeng basta na lang pumapatol sa kung sino-sinong
lalaki."
"Bakit pare wala ka bang bilib sa akin? Magaling lang magpakipot ang mga babaeng
katulad niya pero kapag nakuha mo na ang kiliti ng mga iyan, bibigay din yan.
Kasama mo sa bahay yun diba? Did you try at least once na ikama siya," nanunukso
pang sabi nito.
"I said she's not the type of woman na pwedeng paglaruan," madiin at nagtitimping
sagot niya.
"Ipaubaya mo siya sa akin pare at tiyak na magbabago ang pananaw nun sa mga lalaki.
Kulang lang sa lambing ang babaeng iyon pero once na nag-enjoy yun sa kama, boom!
Bukas na ang pinto ng langit sa sinumang gustong pumasok dito," sabi nito ng may
pilyong ngiti and he leaned closer to Pierce to whisper. "Pare alam mo bang siya
ang tipo ng babaeng masarap tirahin sa ibabaw ng mesa. Give me the key to your
house. Sabi nga nila kung hindi makuha sa santong dasalan, kunin mo sa santong
paspasan."
Kumulo ang dugo ni Pierce sa ibinulong sa kanya. Inalis niya ang kamay sa
pagkakaakbay sa katabing babae. Nginisian niya ang kabarkada at tiningnan ito ng
masama.
"Anong sabi mo?" natatawang tanong niya ng may hirap makapaniwalang mukha.
Hindi sumagot ang lalaki. Nagtatakang tiningnan nito si Pierce nang mahalatang tila
galit at napipikon ito.
Tumayo si Pierce nang walang marinig na sagot at namumula ang mukha na lumapit ito
sa kinauupuan ng kausap. Hinatak niya sa kuwelyo ang lalaki at pinatayo ito.
Binigyan niya ito ng matatapang na mga titig habang nanginginig ang mga kalamnan sa
galit.
"I SAID WHAT DID YOU SAY!" namumula sa galit na sigaw niya.
"Pare relax lang. Nagbibiruan lang naman tayo," awat sa kanya ng iba pang mga
kasamahan.
"I said let me fuck her on your dining table," nakakaloko pa lalong sagot nito.
Nanggigil ang mga panga na binitawan ni Pierce ang kuwelyo ng lalaki. Tamalikod
siya ng ilang saglit ngunit agad ding humarap muli at binigyan ng isang malakas na
suntok sa mukha ang bastos na kabarkada.
Gumanti ng suntok ang lalaki at tinamaan din sa mukha si Pierce. Nagpambuno ang
dalawa habang hindi malaman ng mga kasamahan kung papaano ang mga ito aawatin.
Tumitili na rin ang mga kasama nilang mga babae.
"I'm going to fuck her hard Pierce and do you have a problem with that?" pang-aasar
pa lalo ng lalaki kahit duguan na ang gilid ng bibig nito.
Umabot sa sukdulan ang galit ni Pierce. Dinukwang niya ang isang bote ng beer at
binasag ito ng pahati. Pagkatapos ay itinutok niya sa leeg ng lalaki ang basag na
bote.
"You have no right to talk about her that way! Sino ka para bastusin siya! Subukan
mong kantiin kahit dulo ng daliri ng babaeng yun kung gusto mong ibaon kita ng
buhay sa lupa!" nanlalaki ang mga mata sa galit na banta niya nang hindi pa rin
inaalis ang basag na bote sa tapat ng leeg ng lalaki....
-----
CLARISSE
"Ahh how I wish na sana pwedeng ipagpabukas ang mga kontratang ito," I complained
while stretching my neck.
My hangover is killing me the whole day tapos ngayon ay kailangan ko pang mag-
overtime para tapusin ang mga kontratang kinakailangan ko para sa client meeting
bukas ng maaga. This is total suffering. Nakaubos na ata ako ng dalawang galong
tubig maghapon pero hindi man lang nito nababawasan ang pananakit ng ulo ko. Dagdag
pa ang maya't mayang pag-aalboroto ng tiyan ko.
Ahhh... this is why I always regret drinking. I'm usually less productive the next
day. Nasasayang ang araw ko sa pakikipagtunggali sa hangover.
Pumikit ako ng sandali at minasahe ang aking noo. I need to concentrate to what I'm
writing. Gusto ko nang matapos ang ginagawa ko para makauwi na't makapagpahinga.
And after closing my eyes for a while, I slightly felt better. I look at the time.
It's past eight already.
Bumalik ako sa aking ginagawa ngunit ilang sandali lamang ay nakarinig ako ng
pagkaluskos. Napakunot ako ng noo. I thought I'm all alone in the office. I went
outside of my room and nagulat ako nang makita ko si Lance sa table nito.
"You're still here? It's late already. Hindi ka pa ba uuwi?" sabi ko sa kanya.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about me sanay na akong mag-stay ng late dito sa
office. You can go home baka may lakad ka pa."
Kanina ko pa siya sinabihang umuwi kaya nagtataka ako kung bakit nasa office pa rin
ito. After what happened this morning, I have this feeling na kailangan nitong
bumawi sa girlfriend. I'm aware of the discomfort I caused them.
"Scarlet has a night class at mamayang 10 pa ang labas niya. Susunduin ko siya and
I decided na dito na lang magpalipas ng oras para may kasama ka. Besides, I'm
reviewing some law books too," nakangiting paliwanag nito na para bang nababasa ang
laman ng isip ko kung bakit ko siya pinagtutulakang umuwi.
"Well if that's what you want bahala ka but you can leave anytime," I answered with
a shrug.
Nang papabalik na ako sa aking silid biglang nag-ring ang office phone. Dali-daling
tumayo si Lance para sagutin ito samantalang natigilan naman ako dahil baka
sakaling para sa akin ang tawag. At hindi nga ako nagkamali.
"Secretary of Mrs. Calderon, she said her boss wants to talk to you," sagot niya
habang tinatakpan ng kamay ang mouthpiece ng telepono.
"Hello..."
"Clarisse iha,"
"Yes M-Mom..."
Hininaan ko ang aking boses upang hindi marinig ni Lance kung ano ang tawag ko sa
aking kausap.
Kelan ba naman hindi nagkatrouble yang anak niyo? Gusto kong isagot but of course I
can't say it.
"Bakit ho? Ano po ba ang nangyari?" magalang na sabi ko habang napapatingin sa
direksiyon ng aking kasama na noon ay nagtatakang napapatingin din sa akin.
"I received a call from the police station and he's being detained there right
now."
"He had a fight in a bar. Maybe he wants me to bail him out dahil ako ang tinawagan
ng mga pulis but you're his wife and I think you have the right to know it. You
should be the one to settle this problem with the police."
Hindi agad ako nakasagot. Naisip ko ang mga trabahong dapat ko pang tapusin pero
anong magagawa ko alangan namang sawayin ko ang ina ni Pierce.
"Sige po ako na lang ang bahala. Saang police station ho ba?" walang magawang wika
ko.
"He's at the Camp Karingal in Quezon City. Pasensiya ka na iha sa anak ko ha. Hay
kailan kaya magbabago ang lalaking yan akala ko pa naman ay magtitino na ito dahil
may asawa na," she said at dinig na dinig ko kung gaano kalalim ang buntong-hininga
niya.
"Huwag ho kayong mag-alala ako na po ang mag-aayos ng problema saka ngayon lang
naman ho ito nangyari simula nang magsama kami baka naman ho nadamay lang sa away,"
pagtatakip ko kay Pierce upang maibsan ang pag-aalala ng ina nito.
"Siya paano iha I need to hang up now dahil baka dumating pa ang Dad niyo at
malaman na naman ang problemang ito."
"Bye."
Hinintay kong mawala ang aking kausap at saka ko pabulagsak na ibinaba ang
telepono.
Tumayo si Lance at lumapit ito sa akin. Agad naman akong huminahon nang maalala
kong may kasama pala ako.
"Let's close the office. I'm leaving," I said without answering his questions.
"You sound worried on the phone. Sino ang Mrs. Calderon na yun? Is she one of the
firm's client?"
I sighed and rolled my eyes. I know deep inside na hindi ako titigilan ng kasama ko
unless may makuha itong sagot. I'm actually starting to get used to his character.
At unti-unti ko na ring natutunang huwag mapikon sa ugali niyang ito.
"Yes she's a client. Her son is in trouble right now and I have to release him from
a police headquarter," I halfly lied just to satisfy his curiosity.
"Humihingi lang ng pabor yung tao since ako lang daw ang lawyer na malapit sa
kanila," katwiran ko.
He sighed at tumingin siya sa akin nang may problemadong mukha. "Do you want me to
ask help from my father's connections para hindi ka na pumunta doon?"
"Huwag na. She requested me to personally release her son kaya ako dapat ang mag-
asikaso nito."
"Pero hindi ba ang mas importante ay makalabas ang anak niya regardless you go
there or not? Alanganing oras na and that place is not suitable for a woman like
you to go."
Teka nga muna, nakakahalata na ako ah! Kailangan ko na naman bang magbigay ng
mahabang paliwanag sa assistant kong ito?
Inilapag ko ulit ang aking mga gamit sa mesa. Pinamewangan ko ang lalaki at taas
noong tiningnan ito nang may nagtatapang-tapangang mukha.
"Wala bang katapusan yang pagtatanong mo? Can't I decide for myself? Pag sinabi
kong pupunta ako, pupunta ako! Do I still need to get clearance from you?" kunwari
ay galit na sabi ko.
"Kelan pa naging delikadong lugar ang police station? And why do you have to worry
kahit sa simpleng bagay na ito? Do you see me as a weakling? I am a grown-up woman
and a lawyer. I don't easily get intimidated by places like jail or police station.
Kaya pwede ba Lance imbes na mag-aksaya ka ng pagpapakita ng concern sa akin, why
don't you save that for your girlfriend. Alalahanin mo may utang ka pa sa kanya
dahil sa nangyari kanina!"
"I don't forget about that," seryoso uling sabi nito. "And I have a better plan
with her tonight."
"Mabuti naman kung ganun," napapalunok at mahinahon nang sagot ko. I avoided his
eyes dahil ayokong mahalata nito na nakokonsensiya rin ako na ako ang naging
dahilan kung bakit ito nakapagsinungaling sa girlfriend. "Can we leave the office
now?"
I bid goodbye to Lance para mag-abang ng taxi but I was startled when he grabbed my
arm at inakay ako nito patungo sa kanyang sasakyan.
"Ihahatid na kita," mabilis na wika nito. "I still have time so don't worry hindi
ako malilate sa pagsundo kay Scarlet."
Hindi na ako nakapalag pa at napilitan na lamang sumakay sa sasakyan nito. Yeah I'm
concerned na baka magkaroon na naman ito ng atraso sa girlfriend ng dahil sa akin.
But right now, I'm more worried na baka maamoy nito ang tungkol sa amin ni Pierce.
Bukod sa pamilya namin ni Pierce, wala pang ibang nakakaalam na nagsasama kami sa
iisang bahay bilang mag-asawa. We both agreed na ilihim ito sa iba upang maiwasang
maging kumplikado ang aming sitwasyon.
"Yeah, alam kong nagiguilty ka rin about Scarlet so don't worry hindi ko na
dadagdagan pa ang pag-aalala mo," he said while smiling.
Nilingon ko ang nakangiti niyang hitsura. At this moment, I'm starting to realize
how lucky his girlfriend is. Kung ganito na siya kabait at kamaalalahanin sa
regular na babaeng kagaya ko, ano pa kaya sa babaeng mahal nito?
"Why are you looking at me that way?" biglang tanong nito sa akin na noon ay akala
ko'y hindi alam ang palihim na pagtitig ko sa kanya.
"Payo ko lang, medyo bawas-bawasan mo ang paggiging thoughtful sa mga babae. They
might misunderstood you. Your actions are somewhat in the borderline of flirting
already. Pasalamat ka you're with me pero kung sa ibang babae ito baka binigyan na
ng ibang kahulugan yang kabaitan mo," seryosong sabi ko na may halong panenermon.
"It's good that you simply see my actions as sign of kindness dahil bukod kay
Scarlet wala namang ibang malapit na babae sa akin except you, attorney."
Natahimik ako at biglang natigilan. I am not sure kung dapat ba akong maflatter o
mag-worry sa aking narinig. But what's there to worry.? I know why he like spending
time with me and that because he is deceptively workaholic...but in a friendly way.
"Nothing. Natutuwa lang ako that you're starting to be vocal with your thougths.
Sana tama ang pakiramdam ko na unti-unti ka nang nagiging komportable sa akin."
Sinagot ko siya ng tipid na ngiti na may kasamang irap. I looked at him again and
sighed. Kung sana naambunan man lamang si Pierce ng kahit katiting ng kabaitan at
pagiging gentleman ng assistant ko, I guess pretending to be married with him in
more than a year will be much more endurable. Kunsabagay sino ba namang matinong
lalaking katulad ni Lance ang papasok sa kagaya ng kasunduan namin ng lalaking
yun...
####################################
Chapter 11
####################################
*****
Napakamot ulit siya sa ulo. Naparami lang siguro siya ng inom kaya masyado siyang
naging sensitive. It creeps the hell out of him to hear her name being dragged to
sensual topics. He couldn't imagine it. Maybe he reacted subconciously dahil ni
minsan hindi pa nagsasabay sa utak niya ang pangalang Clarisse at salitang sex.
Tuluy-tuloy siya sa paglalakad at laking gulat niya nang makita kung sino ang
naghihintay sa kanya sa waiting area. Si Clarisse. Agad itong napatayo nang makita
siyang paparating. Humalukipkip ito at sinalubong siya ng tagos sa butong mga
titig. Iginala nito ang mga mata sa pasa-pasa niyang mukha at saka ngumisi.
"Wala ka na ba talagang natitirang kahihiyan diyan sa katawan mo? You even reach to
a point in which you have to drag me into your mess," pormal ngunit napakadiing
wika nito.
Hindi siya kumibo. Binalewala niya ang halatang nagpipigil ng galit na babae at sa
halip ay mahinahong pinahid niya ng kamay ang nanuyong dugo sa gilid ng kanyang mga
labi.
"What are you doing here? Where's Mom?" kalmadong tanong niya at sabay baling sa
ibang direksiyon ng kanyang mga paningin para hanapin ang ina.
Sinundan ng nagtitimping babae ang bawat galaw ng kanyang mga mata. Inihaharang
nito ang sarili habang pilit siyang pinapatingin ng diretso sa mga mata nito.
Hinawakan siya nito sa braso upang kunin ang kanyang buong atensiyon.
"Isa pa yan! Hindi ka man lang ba nag-iisip? Why did you call your mom about this?"
mahinang sabi nito habang pinandidilatan siya ng mga mata.
"And why shouldn't I? She's the easiest person who could help me," napapangising
sagot niya.
"You should have resorted to other people and not to your family. You're really
unbelievable. Paminsan-minsan naman paganahin mo rin yang utak mo. Look what
happened ako pa rin ang tinawagan ng nanay mo para mag-ayos ng problema mo,"
pabulong pa ring panenermon nito habang tinataong walang nakatingin sa kanila.
Napangisi siya habang napapailing. The blood of this woman is purely made out of
selfishness. She only cares about herself and her image. Hindi nakapagtataka kung
bakit walang tumatagal na lalaki dito. Wala man lamang atang kahit konting
pagmamalasakit at pag-aalala ito para sa ibang tao.
"I didn't ask you to help me. If it's too much for you then you should've not come.
Pwede pa naman akong humingi ng tulong sa ibang tao," seryosong sagot niya.
"That's not my point. I don't mind getting you out of here but what freaks me out
ay ang pinarating mo pa ito sa magulang mo. Ano na lang ang iisipin nila? Do you
know what your mother told me? She said you might still be living as carefree as
before. Stop giving them a reason to doubt our relationship for god sake, Pierce."
Ngingiti-ngiting tiningnan niya mula ulo hanggang paa ang nagkukunwaring mahinahong
kausap. " Kanina ka pa bumubulong. Why don't you talk loudly dahil wala namang
pinagkaiba ang epekto nito sa mga tenga ko," kunwa'y pabirong wika niya.
Ilang segundo nanahimik si Clarisse, pagkuwa'y unti-unting pomormal ang mukha nito
hanggang sa magsimula na naman itong maglitanya. "I heard that you were the one who
started the fight. Ano ba ang napakabigat na dahilan mo para makipagbubugan? Oh let
me guess, it's because of a woman again, am I right?"
Hindi agad sumagot si Pierce sa halip ay tiningnan niya muna ng nakakaloko ang
dalaga. Should he tell her? Kapag nalaman kaya nito ang dahilan, mapapahiya ba ito
at magsisisi sa mga pinagsasabi nito sa kanya. O baka naman ito mismo ang manugod
sa binugbog niya kapag nalamang binastos ang pinakaiingat-ingatan nitong imahe.
Malamang na gawin nito ang huling naisip niya...pero ang humingi ng tawad at
magsisi? Imposible. Sa taas ng pride ng babaeng ito, mas malamang pang umalan ng
niyebe sa Pilipinas kaysa lunukin nito ang pride at magpakumbaba.
"My god Pierce. How old are you? Grow up! Hindi ka na teenager para makipagbubugan
pa sa gimikan at para sunduin sa presinto," dagdag na talak nito.
"Haist, what the...," napipikong bigkas niya. "Aren't you going to stop? Kung alam
ko lang na ganyan ka kaingay sana tumanggi na lang akong lumabas ng kulungan. Mas
matindi ka pa manermon sa nanay ko ah!"
Napalunok bigla si Clarisse nang magtaas ng boses ang lalaki. Mabilis na nagbago
ang hitsura nito at kitang-kitang bahagyang kinabahan ito nang mahalatang napipikon
na rin ang kausap.
"I didn't bring one. How about your car?" biglang hinahong sagot ni Clarisse..
"It's still parked in the bar. Isinakay ako papunta dito gamit ang sasakyan ng mga
pulis."
"Then let's take a taxi separately. I need to go back to the office. Marami pa
akong dapat tapusin," nakairap na sagot ng dalaga.
"Why don't we take taxi together going to my car at ihahatid na lang kita sa office
mo," alok ni Pierce.
"No need. I don't want any favor from you, kinikilabutan ako," pagtataray ulit ng
babae.
Natawa ng mahina si Pierce. Even in this situation, hindi pa rin talaga papaawat sa
pakikipagmataasan ang babae. Napapailing na muli niyang inilibot ang mga mata sa
paligid hanggang sa natigilan siya nang mapansin ang isang lalaking nakatayo sa
tabi ng isang magarang kotse. Kumakaway ito sa direksiyon nila.
"I think there's a smiling guy waving at you," kunot noong sabi niya sa dalaga at
sabay nguso sa taong tinutukoy.
Nilingon ni Clarisse ang taong itinuro niya at hindi nakaligtas sa mga mata niya
kung gaano ito nagulat pagkakita sa lalaki. Muli niyang tiningnan ang lalaki until
he realized that he looks familiar. Unti-unting uminit ang kanyang dugo nang
matandaan kung sino ito. Ito ang lalaking nakita niyang naghatid kay Clarisse sa
bahay. Ang lalaking sinasabi ng dalaga na nakasama niya sa loob ng isang buong
magdamag.
"Now I understand why you rejected my offer to give you a ride," sarkastikong wika
niya.
"I lied Pierce! He is not what you think he is! D-Don't say anything about what I
told you this morning. G-Galit lang ako kaya kung ano-ano ang mga nasabi ko. Please
don't embarrass me in front of him, pleaseee!"
Please? Tama ba ang narinig niya na nakikiusap ito sa kanya? Is it a sign na
nagpapakumbaba ang babae just because of that man?
"Relax. Don't worry after what you've done for me today, may gana pa ba akong
ipahiya ka," ngingisi-ngising sabi niya habang nakatingin sa papalapit na lalaki.
"Since he's here. Baka pwede niyo na rin akong idaan papunta sa kotse ko," kunwa'y
natural na dugtong niya.
"Why? Kinakabahan ka ba? If you don't like it then it's fine...but I think I still
have the right to be introduced to my wife's man," sabay tingin niya nang
nakakaloko sa noon ay halatang nagulat na kausap dahil sa may lamang sinabi niya...
####################################
Chapter 12
####################################
******
CLARISSE
"Akala ko ba idadaan mo lang ako? Then what are you doing here? How about your
girlfriend?" sunud-sunod, kinakabahan at pabulong na mga tanong ko sa kanya.
Hindi niya ako agad sinagot sa halip ay kunot-noong tiningnan niya ang aking mukha.
Halatang nagtataka ito sa obvious na natatarantang reaksiyon ko.
"Scarlet called me, may biglaan daw silang group study. She asked for another one
and a half hour for me to wait," paliwanag nito habang papalit-palit ang tingin sa
aking mukha at sa kanyang braso kung saan mahigpit akong nakahawak.
"Then you should have waited her in the campus. Bakit kinakailangan mo pa akong
puntahan dito?" nagpipigil ng panggigigil na wika ko.
"This place is only fifteen minutes drive away from UP kaya naisipan kong balikan
ka. Since I have plenty of time to waste, I decided to drive you home," nakangiti
pa nitong sabi.
You decided? Bakit sinabi ko bang magpapahatid ako! Bakit ba ganito ka-entremetido
ang taong ito?
"Huwag mo na akong ihatid. Sige na, sige na bumalik ka na sa girlfriend mo.
Hintayin mo na lang siya sa kung nasan man siya," nagmamadaling sabi ko while
slowly pushing him back to his car.
Kinokontra ni Lance ang bawat pagtulak ko sa kanya at tinanggal niya rin ang aking
kamay na nakahawak sa kanyang braso. Pagkatapos ay umayos siya ng tayo at tumingin
sa kinaroroonan ni Pierce. Hindi pa rin ata nito nahahalatang pinagtutulakan ko
siya.
His face slowly changed. He looks slightly convinced. Mukhang naniwala ito sa
sinabi ko. Unti-unti akong nakahinga ng maluwag ngunit bumalik ang kabog sa aking
dibdib nang makita kong si Pierce naman ang naglalakad papalapit sa amin.
"He's here to pick you up, right?" sabay ngisi nito kay Lance before he gave me a
meaningful teasing gaze. "Pare, pwede ba akong makisabay sa inyo?" kaswal na kaswal
na dugtong nito.
"S-Sure..." hindi tiyak na sagot ni Lance. "But are you guys done talking? Akala ko
marami pa kayong pag-uusapan."
What the heck is going on inside this guy head? Ah this is making me crazy! Mukhang
may balak pa atang ipamblack mail sa akin ang mga nasabi ko nang magtalo kami. It's
your fault Clarisse!Bakit ba naman kasi pinatulan mo pa ang makitid ang utak na
taong iyan.
Tumingin sa akin si Lance as if he's asking for my opinion before he gave Pierce an
answer. Pero kahit pasimple ko pang iniiling ang aking ulo, iba naman ang ibinigay
nitong sagot.
"O-Okay lang... p-pero attorney just told me that I don't need to drive her home.
Maybe you can convince her."
Natawa ng mahina si Pierce. "Come on attorney! Don't refuse this nice guy's offer.
Kanina lang ay handang-handa ka nang umuwi. You even mentioned about us taking taxi
separately but why bother if someone is willing to give you a ride."
Naguguluhang napatingin ulit sa akin si Lance. Wala akong magawa kundi bigyan siya
ng napapahiyang ngiti. Yeah you just caught me lying.
"So do you agree now?" Pierce told me. "Pwede na ba akong sumakay?" sabi naman nito
kay Lance without even a single ounce of hesitation.
Wala akong nagawa kundi sumunod sa dalawang lalaki. Pero pasimple ko munang
tiningnan si Pierce at mabilis na pinandilatan ito ng mga mata bilang pahiwatig na
huwag na huwag itong magkakamaling magsalita. But he only replied with a smirk and
a wink.
Pagdating sa sasakyan, Pierce took the backseat and I took the front seat. Lahat ay
pansamantalang tumahimik. Mga palitan ng buntong-hininga lamang ang nangingibabaw
na ingay sa paligid. Nagpapakiramdaman ang bawat isa. I could notice too na
nagpapalitan ng mga tingin ang dalawa kong kasama thru the rearview mirror. The
feeling of awkwardness is too obvious.
Gusto kong matawa sa aking isipan. What is this atmosphere? It looks like I'm
entangled in a love triangle with guys whom I'm not even emotionally involved with.
As for Lance, he is being like this simply because I'm his boss whom he wishes to
treat as a colleague and a friend. Plus the fact na nasa personality niya na ang
pagiging maalalahanin. And right at this very moment, I know what's going on inside
his mind. His curiousity is killing him dahil alam kong nararamdaman niya that
there is a tension going on between me and Pierce.
About Pierce, his reason is too obvious. It even came out from his own mouth....
it's all because of our contract. Sa pag-aakalang may namamagitan sa amin ni Lance,
pakiramdam niya ay nanganganib ang aming kasunduan. All he cares about is his money
and maybe his ego too. At anumang oras sa mga sandaling ito, I know he'll turn into
a jerk.
And as for me, I don't have other reason for being uneasy except na natatakot akong
baka komprontahin ni Pierce si Lance about the lied I made. That will be a big blow
of embarrasment. Ano na lang ang iisipin sa akin ng aking assistant? Na napaka
inconsiderate kung tao kung saan pagkatapos niya akong tulungan nagawa ko pa siyang
gamitin at nagawa ko pang sirain ang kanyang imahe sa mata ng ibang tao. I don't
want to look like a pathetic person in the eyes of any of my employees. That is not
going to happen. Never.
"Should I drop you off first?" tanong ni Lance kay Pierce pagkalipas ng mahaba-
habang katahimikan.
"You can drop us off together. Bababa ako kung saan bababa si Clarisse."
Oo wala na akong balak bumalik sa opisina! Sinabi ko lang yun dahil ayokong
makasabay ka!
"Huh? Your planning to go back to the office? You can't. Wala ka ng kasama doon at
saka iilan-ilan na rin lang ang tao sa building baka may masamang mangyari sayo.
There's nobody there to help you out," nag-aalalang hirit naman ni Lance
Isa pa to! Sige, dagdagan mo pa ang dahilan para lalong mag-isip ng masama tungkol
sa atin si Pierce.
"I won't anymore. Maaga na lang akong papasok bukas," mahinang sagot ko.
Hindi ako sumagot. I decided to shut my mouth. Ayaw ko nang pahabain pa ang kung
anumang tinutumbok na topic ni Pierce. Seryoso na lamang akong tumingin ng diretso
sa daan. Paulit-ulit akong huminga ng malalim to calm myself. Kung papatulan ko ang
tension sa loob ng sasakyan, baka masiraan ako ng ulo bago pa man kami makarating
ng bahay.
Lance answered in my behalf. "It's not because of me driving her. Her driver's
license was confiscated by a police officer. And lately she had a very busy
schedule kaya hindi niya pa ito nakukuha."
"I see. By the way, how are you related to Clarisse?" wala nang paligoy-ligoy pang
tanong ni Pierce.
"She's my boss. I'm her paralegal assistant. I'm Lance Perez by the way."
"I'm Pierce Calderon. So you're her apprentice that's explain why you look much
younger," he said then I heard him sigh. "Attorney De Silva is really a bad girl.
She didn't even made an effort to introduce us to each other," kunwa'y pabiro pang
dugtong nito.
Natawa ng mahina si Lance. "My boss is not a very accomodating person. Maybe she's
still weighing things out bago niya tayo ipakilala sa isa't isa."
"You're her assistant, does that mean na madalas kayong magkasama sa mga lakad?"
"Hmmm. Parang ganun na nga," inosenteng sagot ni Lance. "How about the two of you,
are you somehow related to each other? Attorney said you're the son of one of our
clients but I feel that you two of you are much more that that. You could even call
attorney in her first name and you know some personal things about her too."
Napapreno ng malakas si Lance at muntik na akong masubsob dahil dito. Inihinto niya
bigla ang sasakyan sa kalagitnaan ng kalsada.
Pansamantala naman akong natulala. Parang naghahalo ang apoy at lamig sa aking
katawan sa narinig kong sinabi ni Pierce hanggang sa unti-unting mangibabaw ang
init sa aking kabuuan.
Napakuyom ako ng mga kamay sa galit. Had he gone crazy?! My face is burning in
anger and I turned my head para lingunin at sigawan si Pierce. Hindi ko pwedeng
palampasin ang sinabi niya! Subalit nang mapadaan ang aking mga mata kay Lance ay
bigla akong natigilan. Nakatitig ito sa akin nang may hindi makapaniwalang mukha.
Napapalunok ako while receiving his gaze. I feel something different sa paraan ng
pagkakatitig niya sa akin... para bang dinidiktahan ako nito na hindi ako pwedeng
magsinungaling sa aking isasagot. My mouth started trembling as I open it.
"Hard to believe isn't it?...But she is what she is. A very secretive and a very
private woman...And yes, she is my wife," ngingisi-ngisi pang wika ni Pierce....
####################################
Chapter 13
####################################
****
Natigilan siya at napatingin sa babae. Muli niyang isinara ang pinto ng kotse at
lumapit sa amo.
But before she open her mouth her husband shouted from the door."HON, HINDI KA PA
BA PAPASOK?"
She looked back and shouted back. " YEAH! I'LL BE RIGHT THERE!"
Tumingin ulit ito sa kanya nang may naasiwang ngiti habang sinusuklay ng kamay ang
buhok at napapakagat sa labi. Lumunok muna ito ng malalim bago ibinuka ang bibig.
"Then what is it?" patay malisyang tanong niya kahit kutob niya na kung ano ang
gusto nitong sabihin.
"Ah-eh oo," mahina at mapagkumbabang sagot nito. " L-Lance, I-I hope you can keep
it as a secret especially from the office," medyo nahihiyang pakiusap nito.
Hindi agad siya nakasagot. Humugot muna siya ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga at
saka ngumiti sa nakikiusap na kaharap.
"Sure! Huwag kayong mag-alala attorney I don't have a big mouth. This is none of my
business and I respect your privacy. You're the one who has the right to announce
to anybody about your status and not me."
"Ha?! Ah o-oo..."
"Ah o sige, sige... salamat uli ha," nagmamadaling sabi nito ng may pilit na ngiti.
Tumalikod siya ngunit bago pa man siya makahakbang ay humawak sa kanyang braso ang
babae. Nagtatakang napatingin siya sa mukha nito.
"L-Lance, I-I hope you won't misinterpret me for keeping my marriage a secret. I-I
have my reason why I'm doing this," pahabol na paliwanag nito.
He smiled and gave her an assuring look. "Don't worry attorney. I understand that
you are a very private person at naniniwala din akong may mabigat kang dahilan kung
bakit mo ito ginagawa. I know you're not the type of person who'll decide on
something without thinking thoroughly."
"S-Salamat." sabay bitiw nito sa pagkakahawak sa kanyang braso. "You can leave
now."
Itinuloy niya ang paglalakad patungo sa pinto ng driver's seat. Sinulyapan niya
muna ang nakatayo pa ring abogada bago tuluyang pumasok sa loob ng sasakyan.
"Aren't you going inside your house?" nakangiting sabi niya dito.
Nang mawala sa mga paningin niya ang minamanehong kotse ng assistant, unti-unting
nagbago ang hulma ng kanyang mukha. Nangangalit ang mga panga na napalingon siya sa
kanyang bahay. Dahan-dahang tumalim ang kanyang mga mata at nagmamadali siyang
pumasok sa loob.
Pagkapasok ng pinto ay agad na hinanap ng mga mata niya si Pierce. Hindi niya ito
makita sa baba ng bahay kaya patakbo siyang umakyat ng hagdan at malakas na kinatok
ng paulit-ulit ang kuwarto nito.
"PIERCE OPEN THIS DOOR! OPEN IT! I SAID OPEN IT!" sigaw niya habang lumalabas ang
mga litid sa leeg sa sobrang panggigigil.
Nagbukas ang pintuan ng lalaki at bumungad sa kanya ang hitsura nitong tila
balewala lang ang lahat ng nangyari. Kalmado at ngingiti-ngiti.
"Why? What's wrong? May balak ka bang sirain ang pinto ko?"
Kumulo lalo ang kanyang dugo sa tila nang-aasar pang sagot nito.
"ARE YOU MAD? HAVE YOU GONE CRAZY?!!!WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!!!" nawawala
sa sariling pagsisigaw niya. "N-Nasisiraan ka na ba ng ulo? N-Naalog ba yang utak
mo kanina nang nakipagbugbugan ka?!" nangingilid ang luha sa galit na dugtong niya.
"Why? What did I do para magalit ka ng ganyan?" nakangisi pang tugon sa kanya ng
lalaki.
"Didn't you hear what I said kanina. I admitted I lied! Wala kaming ibang relasyon
ng taong yun! Why couldn't you believe me?!"
"Attorney De Silva, akala ko ba matalino ka? Can't you read people? Or sadyang
mahina ka lang pagdating sa lalaki."
Sumandal si Pierce sa hamba ng pintuan at ngumisi. "I believe you but I don't trust
that guy. Can't you see his interested to you?"
"Hindi ako nagdududa. I'm stating the fact. Lalaki rin ako kaya alam ko kung may
gusto ang kapwa ko lalaki sa isang babae. Hindi para asikasuhin ka niya at
pagtuunan ng ganitong klaseng atensiyon kung hindi siya interesado sayo."
Namewang si Clarisse and she sighed in disbelief. Binabaan niya ang kanyang boses
ngunit matigas pa ring nagsalita habang ngingisi-ngisi. "Pierce, hindi lahat ng
lalaki ay kagaya mo na gagawa lamang ng kabutihan sa isang babae kapag may kapalit.
Huwag na huwag mong itutulad sayo si Lance. Do you even have an idea if what kind
of personality he has. He is good to everybody not just to me! And he is deeply in
love to his girlfriend that's why don't you dare give any malicious meaning sa kung
papaano niya ako tinatrato dahil hindi siya kagaya niyo na nangongolekta ng mga
babae!"
"Ah so you mean na mali ako... well let say I'm wrong pero mas mabuti na ring
nalaman niya para wala na talagang chance na magkagusto pa siya sayo. Mahirap na,
lagi pa naman kayong magkasama," kaswal na sagot ni Pierce.
Muling umigting ang galit ni Clarisse. Nagngingitngit ang mga ngiping tiningnan
niya ng diretso sa mga mata ang tila hindi pa rin apektadong kausap. "Hindi mo man
lang ba inisip if who is Lance to me before you introduce yourself as my husband?"
"Ano nga ba siya sayo? Don't tell me ikaw ang may gusto dun sa tao. Is he that
special person to you. To be honest and if I think about it, I didn't make a big
mistake to deserve all this yelling," tatawa-tawa pang sabi ng lalaki.
"HE'S MY EMPLOYEE FOR GOD SAKE PIERCE!" pikon na pikong singhal ng babae.
"Hey relax. Don't lose your control. Sige ka, baka magsisi ka mamaya dahil nasisira
ang maganda mong poise ngayon ," nakakaloko pa lalong sagot ng lalaki. " So what if
he's your employee?"
"Ikaw na ang may sabing disenteng tao yung lalaking yun. Siguro naman kasama sa
pagiging matino niya ang hindi pagiging tsismoso. Saka bakit ba takot na takot kang
malaman sa opisina niyo na kasal ka? I know we agreed not to talk about our
marriage outside our families pero not to this extent na kailangan pa natin itong
pag-awayan. Ano naman kung malaman ng mga empleyado mo? May mawawala ba sayo?
Magreresign ba sila at pagwewelgahan ka?"
Clarisse rolled her eyes habang natatawa ng may hindi makapaniwalang mukha. "Wow
how easy for you to say such things! Alam mo kahit pinasok ko itong sitwasyon
natin, iniisip ko pa rin ang ibang aspeto ng buhay ko. Let's say I told everyone
that I'm married pero pagkalipas ng isang taon, I got separated. How do you think
will people see and think about me? I have an image and a profession to protect
Pierce!"
"Ah so you keep yelling at me right now because of your so-called image. Kung gusto
mo para maproteksiyonan yang napakagandang pangalan mo, baguhin natin ang kondisyon
natin. Huwag na tayong maghiwalay, let's enjoy living like this forever. O di kaya
para mabawasan yang ikinagagalit mo ngayon, get even with me. Ipangalandakan mo rin
sa mga babae ko that you're my wife para quits na tayo. Ano sa palagay mo?" sabay
kindat pa ng lalaki sa kaharap.
Natigilan ng ilang sandali si Clarisse. She didn't expect na ganito ka-extreme ang
pagkawalang modo ng kausap. She opened her mouth to talkback again pero bago pa man
may lumabas na boses sa bibig niya, inunahan na siyang magsalita ng lalaki.
"Look I want to take a rest now and I'm sleepy. My body is still in pain kaya kung
hindi ka pa rin tapos sa mga litanya mo, pwede bang bukas na lang ang
continuation," sabay sarado nito sa pinto.
Napanganga siya sa inasal ng kausap. "Tingnan mo itong bastos na lalaking to. Hey
I'm not done talking here! Open this door!"
Kumatok ulit siya ng ilang beses ngunit hindi na siya pinagbuksan ni Pierce.
"Ahhhhh!" nanggigigil ngunit walang magawang sigaw niya at sabay pasok niya na rin
sa sariling kuwarto....
Lumabas dito ang nakapajama ng si Clarisse hawak ang isang plastic at maliit na
kahon. Muli itong kumatok sa pinto ng lalaki nang maedyo may kahinaan na.
Hindi naman nagtagal ay pinagbuksan ni Pierce ang babae. "Ano na naman ba? I told
you, let's continue arguing tomorrow."
"Ano to?" nagtatakang wika ng lalaki habang tinatanggap ang iniaabot sa kanya.
"Lagyan mo ng gamot yang sarili mo. Masakit sa mata na may pakalat-kalat ditong
sugatan ang mukha. I don't want to be reminded na may kasama akong basagulero sa
bahay," nakataas ang isang kilay na bigkas ng dalaga at sabay talikod nito nang
hindi na hinintay pa ang sagot ng naguguluhang lalaki....
-----
LANCE
People saw her differently from the way I saw her. I tried to be good to her as
much as possible because I thought she's being misunderstood. I thought she needed
someone na handang makinig sa lahat ng mga kinikimkim niyang sama ng loob. With her
difficult personality, I still tried my best na mapalapit sa kanya at lahat ng
paraan ay ginawa ko in order for her to start opening herself to people. Because I
pitied her. Because I thought she's the kind of woman who's trying very hard to
look tough from the outside but deep inside is actually living a very lonely life.
I was concerned about her not only because she's my boss but because I thought she
needed a friend.
But what had just happened? Dumating na lamang ang isang surpresa kung saan may
nagpakilalang isang lalaki saying that he is her husband. Ah, this is unbelievable!
She actually has someone in her side whom she can lean on and specifically a
husband!
Alam kong medyo out of control ang naging reaksiyon ko matapos itong marinig but
after that, I tried my best to hide my disappointment. Wala ako sa lugar para
magalit at hindi rin tamang ipakita kong dismayado ako. I'm just her employee and
the concerns I'd given her were not even solicited. I did it on my own.
However right at this moment, I want to take the situation lightly....but I just
couldn't do it. I still don't understand her! How could she hide such important
details in life? She said she had a reason. But whatever reason she has, you can't
just toy with a sacred thing such as marriage.
Are they perhaps the kind of lovers na tinututulan ng marami? Are their families
against their marriage? But what about her line na kahit sunugin siya ay hindi siya
mangangamoy lovelife? Who is her husband to her then?
There's one thing that confuses me more. Who is Mr. Kurt Barredo in her heart now?
Alam kong ang lalaking yun ang dahilan kung bakit siya nagpakalasing. I saw that
she was really in pain because of their last encounter. Wait... what is this? May
iniiyakan siyang ibang lalaki at the back of her husband. Is she this kind of
woman?
Ahhh... this is making me crazy! I wasted a lot of misconceptions about her. She
even ran into my mind regularly to a point na iniisip kong nagiging unfair na ako
kay Scarlet. But what do I get in return? I was tricked!
I wanted to decipher the situation more pero kahit ano pa mang paghahanap ko ng
kasagutan sa mga tanong sa aking isipan. The reality will remain as reality. I
learned the truth about her and that truth won't change...So it's better to think
if what will I do next and how will I approach her starting today?
Siguro, wala akong magagawa kundi ang idistansiya ang aking sarili. Hindi na ako
pwedeng maging malapit sa kanya. I noticed that her husband is possessive and
jealous type of guy at dahil dito, dapat pa rin akong magpasalamat na nalaman ko
nang maaga ang katotohanan. At least we avoided the situation in which he'll
misunderstand my closeness to her wife.
Kaya from now on... Attorney De Silva is simply my boss. Bear that in mind, Lance
Oliver Perez!....
####################################
Chapter 14
####################################
****
Hindi sila nagbatian. Seryoso ang lalaki sa binabasang newspaper at diretso naman
siya sa pagkuha ng kape. May nakahanda ng kape sa coffee maker kaya't nagsalin na
lamang siya sa tasa. Pagkatapos ay binuksan niya ang refrigerator para kumuha ng
tinapay.
Tumaas ang isang kilay niya. Anong nakain ng kasama at mukhang nagbabait-baitan?
Tumikhim siya at isinarado ang refrigerator. Tahimik na kumuha siya ng tinidor.
Naupo siya sa mesa at nag-aatubiling kinabig ang pancake.
"Are you sure this is for me?" paninigurado niya.
"Yap. Don't worry, walang lason yan," ika ng lalaki nang hindi inaalis ang mga mata
sa diyaryo.
"By the way, don't make any appointment on Friday night," he said while flipping
the pages of the newspaper.
"Bakit?"
Natigilan si Clarisse. Unti-unting naging problemado ang kanyang mukha. "Pwede bang
huwag pumunta?" nag-aalangang wika niya.
Tinupi ni Pierce ang diyaryo, inilapag ito sa mesa, uminom ng kape at saka
ngingiti-ngiting tumingin sa kausap. "What kind of daughter-in-law image are you
trying to pull-out? Akala ko ba ayaw mong pagdudahan tayo? Attending each other's
family gatherings is one of our basic responsibilities."
"Tell them I have a very important meeting," katwiran ni Clarisse. "If it's simple
family gathering, I'll go. But it's your father's birthday celebration. With his
huge connections, I'm sure maraming bisitang pupunta. It's awkward for me to act in
front of many people baka mahalata lang tayo."
"It's your decision. Pero ikaw ang bahalang magpaliwanag sa family ko especially
to my Mom," ngingisi-ngising sabi ni Pierce.
"D-Don't tell them yet that I'm not attending. I'll think about it first," biglang
nagdadalawang-isip na usal niya.
"Kung pupunta ka, you better prepare a beautiful outfit," sabay tingin ng lalaki sa
suot niya. "That kind of boring getup won't do or else magmumukha kang kulelat sa
mga sisters ko and to other daughter-in-laws."
Nakataas ang kilay na tinanggap ito ng dalaga habang kita pa rin sa mukha na hindi
pa rin ito naniniwala sa sinabi ng lalaki. Subalit nang makitang ito nga ang
kanyang driver's license, takang-takang napatingin ulit ito sa kausap.
"I used to date someone from LTO and asked her for this favor," walang pag-
aatubiling sagot ni Pierce.
Lihim na umangat ang sulok ng mga labi ni Clarisse. Hindi niya maikaila sa sariling
natuwa siya sa ginawa ng lalaki. Matagal-tagal na rin siyang nagtitiis sa
pagcocommute dahil lamang sa hindi niya maisingit sa schedule niya ang pagpunta sa
LTO.
She cleared her throat and pretended to have a blank face. Mahinahon niyang
isiniksik sa wallet ang kanyang lisensya at muling ibinalik ang atensiyon sa
pagbabasa.
"Why did you do it?" di makatiis na tanong niya pagkalipas ng ilang minuto ng
katahimikan.
Bumuntong-hininga si Clarisse. What does she expect? Of course this guy won't do
anything good to her unless it's for the sake of his own personal motives.
Isinara ng dalaga ang binabasang magazine at saka tumayo. Itinuwid niya ang suot na
eyeglasses at tumingin sa kausap nang may pormal na mukha."I'm leaving. Since
you're trying to act as a good guy now ikaw na rin ang magligpit ng pinag-almusalan
ko," sabay dampot niya ng kanyang handbag at suitcase.
"Like thank you perhaps," he said with a smirk while rubbing his chin.
"Why should I? I didn't ask you to get my license," she answered with stiff face.
"I didn't ask for your help too nang inilabas mo ako ng kulungan."
"Yeah and you didn't say thank you either so we're even now," nakairap na wika ni
Clarisse at sabay talikod nito.
----
CLARISSE
Nevertheless, I couldn't blame him for this kind of reaction. I must admit I kinda
miss his bubbly personality pero wala akong magagawa sa ipinagbago niya. I'm not
really disappointed nor unhappy about it. Naiintindihan kong naninimbang na siya sa
kung ano ang tamang pakikisama to a married woman superior to him. And though I'm
not so sure about this, I feel na may kaunti siyang tampo sa akin. Kunsabagay sino
ba namang matutuwa kapag nalaman mong nagsinungaling sayo ang isang tao?
But if I think about it, I didn't lie. Hindi ko lang pinaalam ang tungkol kay
Pierce. Wala naman akong sinabing hindi ako kasal....but wait, I remember now,
sinabi ko nga pala minsan na kahit anong mangyari ay hindi ako mangangamoy
lovelife. So in his perspective somehow I lied, right?
Paulit-ulit akong umiling. Whatever. Bakit ko ba iniisip ang assistant kong yun? So
what if he turned into a cold man? Di hamak na mas cold pa rin naman ang
personality ko kaysa sa kanya. And most importantly, sanay naman akong mag-isa.
Basta ang pinakamahalaga ay tumupad siya sa pangakong hindi ipagsasabi ang nalaman
tungkol sa akin.
Napapabuntong-hininga ako sa aking mga naiisip. Masyado ng nasasayang ang oras ko,
imbes na asikasuhin ko itong binabasa ko, bakit ang taong yun ang tumatakbo sa utak
ko? Kasalanan ito ng silya eh, pinaalala pa sa akin ang lalaking yun.
Nag-angat ako ng ulo pagkatapos kong magbasa ng mga ilang pahina. Again, I
accidentally saw Lance and his companion. Nakapwesto sila sa medyo may kalayuan sa
table ko ngunit sa nahahagip pa rin ng aking nga mata. They sit beside each other
while facing towards my direction. Masaya silang nag-uusap and they're both smiling
from ear to ear. It seems that they are oblivous to everything around them. Halos
nakapako lamang ang mga tingin nila sa isa't isa. I could sense some love in the
air. The lady with him must be his girlfriend.
I shrugged as I go back to reading. Napailing lamang ako at napangiti ng bahagya.
He finally brought to his workplace the lady he used to mention most of the time.
Muli akong nagseryoso sa aking ginagawa ngunit pagkalipas lamang ng ilang saglit, I
was tempted to steal a glance at my assistant's table. Unti-unti akong nacurious sa
girlfriend nito. Though hindi ko makita ng maigi ang detalye ng mukha ng dalaga,
yet I can tell from afar that she's a pretty woman. And I could say that they are a
very good looking couple.
Babawiin ko na sana ang aking mga paningin subalit bigla akong natigilan nang
makita kong sinusubuan ni Lance ang babae at pagkatapos ay siya naman ang sinubuan
nito. They smile and laugh habang sweet na sweet sa isa't isa. Napako ang aking mga
mata sa aking pinapanood and I unconciously smiled too. I know this is the type of
scene na nagkaka-goosebump ako pero sa mga sandaling ito, I feel like my spirit is
being lifted because of what I'm witnessing. Their bright and happy aura is giving
a positive impact to my mood. So this kind of lovey dovey couple still exists in
this era?
I'm happy to witness too na hindi lamang si Lance ang nagmamahal ng sobra sa
girlfriend niya. From what I can see, they are both madly in love with each other.
Hindi na ako muling nag-angat pa ng mukha. And when the breaktime is about to end,
may narinig akong tumikhim malapit sa akin. Saka lamang ako napaangat muli ng
tingin, nagulat ako nang makita kong nakatayo sa aking harap si Lance at ang
girlfriend nito. He's looking at me with uncomfortable reaction while the lady is
watching me with a wide smile.
"Y-Yes?" takang tanong ko at sabay tuwid ko sa aking suot na eyeglasses.
"I'm sorry to disturb you attorney but my girlfriend won't stop begging me to
introduce her to you," napapalunok at atubiling wika ni Lance.
"Hi! Attorney De Silva! I'm Scarlet Yamzon," kusang bati sa akin ng dalaga at sabay
abot nito ng kamay.
Pasimple kong tiningnan ang mukha ng dalaga. My god she's extremely beautiful.
Matangkad, maganda ang hubog ng katawan at napakaganda magdala ng damit. Like his
boyfriend, it seems that she carries a bright personality too. Isn't she in the
wrong field? Mas mukhang bagay yata sa babaeng ito ang maging beauty queen kaysa
maging abogada.
"I can't believe I finally meet you. I'm a big fan of yours," she said in
excitement.
"Thank you. I'm glad to meet you too. Finally nakita ko na rin ang babaeng madalas
ikuwento ni Lance. His words are true, napakaganda mo nga pala talaga," I replied
with enthusiasm.
"Salamat ho. I hope we can meet more often. To be your friend is one of my dreams,"
masaya ulit nitong sambit.
Namilog ang mga mata ni Scarlet at agad itong napatingin kay Lance na tila
mapapatili. "You heard that Lance? She said she want to know me too!" parang batang
bulalas nito.
I shook my head and waived my hand in disagreement. "No, it's fine with me. I'm
really glad to meet her too."
Bago umalis kinuha ulit ni Scarlet ang aking kamay at mahigpit itong hinawakan.
"Aasahan ko po yung sinabi niyo attorney. I can't wait for the day to get closer to
you," masiglang sabi nito nang may nangingislap pa ring mga mata.
"Don't worry. Let's go out sometime kapag medyo maluwag-luwag na ang schedule ko.
Ah and why don't you visit Lance here more often," tatawa-tawang sagot ko.
"I told you she's a busy person," nakatawang pangangatwiran ng lalaki. "That's
enough nakakahiya kay attorney na nagtatalo tayo sa harap niya. Let's leave now."
Inismiran ni Scarlet ng may paglalambing ang boyfriend at saka ito muling tumingin
sa akin ng may abot tenga pa ring mga ngiti. "I'm leaving now may pasok pa ho kasi
ako. Nice meeting you again, Attorney De Silva!"
Hindi maalis-alis ang ngiti sa aking mukha habang tinitingnan ang papalayong
magkasintahan. What a nice couple to watch. Sila ang tipo ng magkarelasyon na
hihilingin mong sana ay magkatuluyan.
Nang mawala sila sa aking mga paningin, saka lamang ako bumalik sa pagkakaupo.
Tinapos ko na rin ang aking pagkain at pagbabasa. Makalipas ang ilang minuto,
lumabas ako ng cafeteria para bumalik na sa opisina.
Sumakay ako ng elevator and as usual wala pa ring interesadong sumabay sa akin. I
pushed the close button pero bago ito tuluyang magsara, bumungad sa harap ko si
Lance. Pinigilan ng kamay nito ang pagsasara ng pinto at pumasok sa loob.
Sinalubong ko siya ng ngiti at yumukod naman siya sa akin bilang bati. He stood
next to me without saying a word until I heard him cleared his throat.
"I understand. Tell her I'm very flattered," I answered in a pleasant tone.
He kept his silence again. Hanggang sa ako na mismo ang hindi nakatiis, I looked at
him and started a conversation.
I meant what i just said. Totoong masaya ako para sa kanya. A guy like him who
still has a deep faith in love and has extraordinary sweetness, thoughtfulness and
kindness in him, deserves a woman like Scarlet.
"By the way attorney, hindi pala kita masasamahang mag-claim ng driver's license
niyo this afternoon. Tatapusin ko kasi ang research na pinapagawa niyo sa akin," he
told me with a serious face.
Ngumiti ako at umiling. "It's alright. Hindi na rin naman ako pupunta dahil nasa
akin na ang lisensiya ko. Pierce got it for me," diretsong sagot ko.
Bigla siyang huminto at mula nang magkasabay kami sa elevator noon din lamang siya
napatingin ng diretso sa aking mukha.
Tumango ako.
It's good then," he said but still with a cold smile. "It must be nice to have a
husband," dugtong nito at saka muling naglakad.
Panandalian akong natigilan at napakunot ng noo. What was that? I felt some
bitterness and sarcasm from his answer. Umiling ako at kumurap ng ilang ulit. Mali
lang siguro ang dinig ko. Why would he feel bad about what I said in the first
place.
Itinuloy ko ang aking paglalakad at hinabol si Lance. "Ah oo nga pala. Pwede ka
bang mag-overtime mamaya? Can you finish the documents needed for court filing on
the day after tomorrow? I want to review them thoroughly within tomorrow," maamong
sabi ko nang may nakikiusap na tono.
"I can't," he answered without hesitation. "May lakad kami ni Scarlet pagkatapos ng
oras ng trabaho ko. But don't worry, iuuwi ko na lang ang mga files para tapusin
ang mga ito sa bahay. You can still have them by tomorrow."
"Ah okay. I guess I have no choice but to work alone tonight," matamlay na sagot
ko.
Umiling ako nang may tipid na ngiti. "I'll be fine. I can stay here alone. Sanay na
naman ako."
####################################
Chapter 15
####################################
****
Naglalakad sa parking lot ng isang hotel sa may Roxas Boulevard sina Clarisse at
Lance. Katatapos lamang ng meeting nila sa isang kliyente. At bago sila makalapit
sa kani-kanilang minamanehong sasakyan, lumapit ang abogada sa assistant at maamong
nakipag-usap.
"Lance can we drop by sa nearest mall, may importante lang akong bibilhin?"
"You have another appointment sa office. Do you really have to buy it now, baka
maalanganin tayo sa oras," malamig na sagot ng lalaki.
Clarisse checked her watch. "Medyo maaga pa naman. Ngayon ko na bibilhin tutal nasa
labas na rin lang ako. Mabilis lang ito," nakangiting sabi niya.
"If you want mauuna na ako sa office para kung sakaling malate ka, ako na lang muna
ang haharap sa kliyente," he answered habang dinudukot sa bulsa ng pantalon ang
susi ng kotse.
Mabilis na umiling si Clarisse. "No, you should come with me!" she unintentionally
exclaimed.
"I-I mean, gusto kong sumama ka because I need your opinion sa bibilhin ko," medyo
may lambing ng paliwanag ng babae.
Bago pumunta sa sariling kotse, palihim munang inismiran ni Clarisse ang lalaki.
"Tutal nagbago ka na rin lang, bakit hindi mo pa idinamay yang katigasan ng ulo
mo?" nakaingus na bulong niya.
"Nahihirapan nga akong magdecide eh. Lance, ano sa palagay mo ang magandang
birthday gift para sa isang lalaki?" kaswal na tanong ng babae.
Biglang nagbago ang hulma ng mukha ni Lance. "Who has a birthday? Are you buying
gift for your husband?"
"I guess so? You sound as if you're not sure about it," natatawang wika ni Lance
nang may sarkastikong tono. "How old is he?"
"Sixty five."
"Well since we're in a hurry, why don't you buy him the safest gift, a parker pen."
"A parker pen?" napapaisip na sambit ng babae at sabay na nagliwanag ang mukha
nito. "Yeah a parker pen! I think you're right since he's a business man too! Bakit
ba hindi ko naisip agad yan?"
Mabilis na naglakad ang dalawa para maghanap ng nasabing regalo ngunit biglang
natigilan si Clarisse nang may madaanan silang isang flowershop.
"Thanks but I hope you stop doing her favors. Alam niyo namang natataranta yun
basta pagdating sa inyo. I don't want her to expect too much," seryosong sagot ni
Lance.
Napataas ng isang kilay ang babae. "Why? Are you doubting my words? When I said I
wanted to be her friend, I mean it. I'm a person who don't talk a lot but when I
say something, I make sure it happens."
"Hindi naman sa ganun. Kaya lang kahit naman hindi matupad ang sinabi niyo
maiintindihan ko pa rin kayo. You're a busy person para pagtuunan pa ng pansin ang
ganyang maliliit na bagay," katwiran ng lalaki.
"You're becoming a bad boyfriend now. Why are you so pessimistic about simple
things that make your girlfriend happy? I maybe look scary pero huwag kang matakot
hindi ko kakagatin si Scarlet!..."
Natigilan sa pagsasalita si Clarisse nang mahagip ng mga mata niya ang nakadisplay
na kumpol ng mga bulaklak ng carnation. Napatitig siya ng ilang saglit dito at
ramdam niya ang paggaan ng kanyang dibdib habang pinagmamasdan ito.
Napansin naman ni Lance ang pananahimik ng abogada at ang pagkakatitig nito sa mga
bulaklak. "Do you like them? I thought you're not interested in flowers."
"I don't know. I'm staring at it so I guess I like it," she answered with a blank
face while still looking at the flowers.
"No." mabilis na sagot ng dalaga at saka unti-unting nagseryoso ng mukha. "I don't
buy things that wilt because they remind me of the fact na hindi lahat ng
magagandang bagay na nakapaligid sayo ay habambuhay na tumatagal."
Natigilan ng ilang saglit si Lance. Hindi niya alam kung tama ang kanyang narinig.
That was the first time he heard the woman shared her thought about her perspective
in life. He wanted to dig for more but he realized na baka maging dahilan lamang
ito ng muling pagkakalapit nila. Kaya't imbes na sakyan ang mood ng babae,
ipinaalala niya na lamang dito ang dahilan ng ipinunta nila sa mall.
"If you're not buying, pwede na ba nating ituloy ang paghahanap ng ipangreregalo
niyo rather than staring at that flower. We're running out of time."
Dali-dali ulit silang nag-ikot. Pumasok sila sa loob ng department store hanggang
sa makita nila ang section kung saan nakadisplay ang mga luxury pen.
"Are you sure?" nakapamewang na wika ng babae habang nakasandal ang isang siko sa
glass counter.
"Okay," humarap si Clarisse sa saleslady at ngumiti. "I'll take this one. How much
is this?"
Muntik ng madulas ang nakasandal sa counter na siko ni Clarisse nang marinig ang
presyo ng bibilhing item. Ramdam niyang parang nag-init ang kanyang batok kaya
pasimple niya itong hinaplos habang napapalunok, saka siya napatingin kay Lance
nang may napipilitang ngiti.
"D-Do you think it's a nice gift? Since you said it's a common gift to a
businessman, baka isipin naman ng tatay ni Pierce na hindi ko pinag-isipang mabuti
ang ireregalo ko sa kanya," kunway nag-aalalang sabi niya.
Palihim namang napangiti si Lance. Natatawa siya sa naging reaksiyon ng babae nang
malaman ang presyo ng binabalak bilhin. Hindi niya akalaing may pagkapraktikal at
kuripot din naman pala ito.
"Well, leather wallet or belt is a safe gift too," pagsakay niya sa halatang
binabalak na pag-atras ng abogada sa pagbili ng napili niyang item.
"You go to that section, I'll stay here. Mamimili na rin ako ng iba pang mas
magandang item," utos ulit ng babae.
He shook his head as he shifted his attention to the belts and wallets. Nagseryoso
siya sa pagpili para makabalik na sila ng opisina hanggang sa mahagip ng mga mata
niya ang isang pamilyar na mukha ng lalaki. Nasa area ito ng mga perfumes at
namimili habang akbay-akbay at kalambingan ang isang magandang babae. Nanlaki ang
mga mata niya at pansamantala siyang hindi nakagalaw nang makilala ang taong
nakita. It's none other than his boss husband, Pierce.
Nang matauhan siya mula sa pansamantalang pagkakatulala, agad na nilingon niya ang
abogada. Abala pa rin ito sa pagpili ng ipangreregalo. He started to panic inside.
Naglakad siya papabalik sa babae upang yayain ito sa ibang shop bago pa man nito
makita ang asawa. But she turned around para tingnan siya and she's facing the
direction kung saan maaring matanaw nito si Pierce. Binilisan niya pa lalo ang
paglalakad.
"Lance..."
"Sigurado ka? Ang bilis mo namang pumili. Sandali, I want to check those items too
baka naman ikaw lang ang napapangitan."
"I said let's go!" sabay hawak nito sa kanyang braso at sinubukan siyang hilahin
papalabas.
"Sandali ano ba?! I said hindi pa ako tapos pumili. Ano bang nangyayari sayo?"
Humarap ulit siya sa direksiyong halatang ayaw patingnan sa kanya ng binata. Muli
na naman nitong hinawakan ang balikat niya at sinubukan siyang patalikurin.
Mas lalo siyang naintriga kaya't mabilis siyang naglakad papalapit sa mga wallet at
sinturon. Hanggang sa bigla siyang natigilan sa di inaasahang eksenang natanaw. And
then, she eventually understood Lance's actions.
She was speechless and frozen for a moment habang tinitingnan si Pierce at ang
kasama nitong babae. Pagkuway nag-isip siya ng ipapalusot sa assistant. She planned
to tell him that it's Pierce younger sister. Subalit bago pa man niya tuluyang
mabuo ang nasabing ideya sa kanyang utak, humalik sa mga labi ni Pierce ang babae.
Napangisi na lamang siya habang pinapanood ang mga ito. This explains why his room
is so quiet nowadays...dahil sa labas pala ito nagkakalat!
Halos bumagsak naman ang balikat ni Lance after he witnessed na nakita pa rin ng
abogada ang pilit niyang iniiwas na tanawin dito. Unti-unti siyang binalot ng pag-
aalala dahil sa sakit na maaring nararamdaman ng babae habang pinagmamasdan nito
ang asawa. At nang makita niya itong ngumisi, agad siyang kinabahan. He thought
that the smirk was the start of her sudden burst of anger. With her brave
personality, ang akala niya ay walang pag-aalinlangang susugurin nito ang
nagtataksil na asawa.
Ngunit laking gulat niya nang matapos itong ngumisi ay tumalikod lamang ito nang
may blankong mukha. She gave him a quick glance and peacefully smiled at him.
Pagkatapos ay mahinahon itong bumalik sa section ng luxury pens at nakangiting
kinausap ang saleslady.
"Kukunin ko na lang yung pinili kanina ng kasama ko," natural na sabi nito na para
bang walang nangyari.
"Sure ma'am."
Natapos sila sa pamimili nang hindi na inungkat pa ang nangyari. Clarisse remain
calmed and normal. Subalit nang marating nila ang parking lot, hindi na nakatiis si
Lance. Lumapit siya sa amo bago pa man ito makapasok sa sariling kotse. He gripped
her wrist at pwersado itong pinaharap sa kanya.
"What's wrong with you? Ganun-ganun na lang ba sayo yun?" madiing bigkas niya nang
may matatapang na tingin.
Napangisi si Clarisse habang tinitingnan ang galit na mukha ng kausap. She almost
couldn't believe sa muling pagpapakita nito ng kakaibang pangingialam.
"Bakit? Ano ba sa tingin mo ang dapat kong gawin? Ang mag-eskandalo at manugod sa
mataong lugar? Sa tingin mo ba gawain yan ng isang may pinag-aralang tao?" malaman
ngunit mahinahon pa ring tugon niya.
"Hindi ko sinasabing magwala ka but you should confront him at least! Let him know
na nahuli mo siya. That's the normal reaction ng taong nasasaktan at nagseselos!"
he exclaimed.
Naglakad siya patungo sa sariling sasakyan at pabalibag na isinara ang pinto nito.
Nanginginig ang kanyang kamay sa panggigigil habang sinusususian ang kotse.
Pagkuway unti-unting nag-init ang kanyang mga pisngi nang sumagi sa isipan niya si
Pierce. How could there be such an asshole husband? Letting his wife bailed him out
of jail after a fistfight and now cheating on her in broad daylight while she was
busy buying gift for his father. He is not a violent person... pero sa mga
sandaling yun parang gusto niyang manapak ng tao!...
####################################
Chapter 16
####################################
*****
LANCE
Alas-otso na ng gabi pero nasa opisina pa rin ako. I'm supposed to leave dahil may
lakad kami ni Scarlet kasama ng mga kaibigan niya sa isang disco bar. My girlfriend
doesn't go on a night out nang hindi ako kasama. If I have to base on my habits, I
should be on on my way now rushing to pick her up...pero sa mga sandaling ito
nabibigatan ang aking mga paa na umalis ng opisina.
Hindi ko maiwan-iwan mag-isa si Attorney De Silva. I've been worried about her
simula pa kaninang pagkagaling namin sa mall. Hindi pa rin ito nagpapakita ng
normal na reaksiyon matapos mahuli ang asawa na may kasamang ibang babae. Nag-
aalala ako na baka anytime ay bigla-bigla na lang itong mag-breakdown.
After what I witnessed, I started to doubt my decision kung tama ba ang ginawa kong
pag-iwas sa kanya nitong mga huling araw. Does she have a miserable married life?
Isa ba sa mga dahilan niya kung bakit ayaw ipaalam ang tungkol sa pagkakaroon niya
ng asawa is due to the fact that she's having a hard time because of her husband?
Kaya siguro hindi pa rin ito tuluyang makamove-on sa frustration ng dati nitong
pag-ibig because the person who's supposed to heal her pain is actually adding more
wounds to her. Maybe my old impression about her wasn't wrong after all. Ang
pagkakaroon lamang nito ng asawa ang ipinagkaiba but still, I think she's a
pitiable person.
Lumingon ako sa kanyang personal office. Pagkatapos ng client meeting namin dito sa
opisina, hindi na ito muling lumabas pa ng kanyang sariling silid. Nakaumang ang
pinto ng opisina nito kaya't natatanaw ko siya on her desk from my table. Kanina pa
ito seryoso habang inaabala ang sarili sa trabaho. And right now, she's talking to
someone on her cellphone with a very serious face.
She slowly lifted her head and rubbed her eyes. She looked at me with a tired face.
"Huh? You're still here?" gulat na sabi niya.
Wala nga ito sa tamang konsentrasyon. All throughout hindi niya alam na may kasama
pa pala siya sa opisina.
She replied with a lazy smile. "Yeah I'm fine. Medyo nakaramdam lang ako ng
kaunting pagod," matamlay na sagot niya while stretching her neck.
She tried to open the bottle but it seemed that she had no strength to do it.
"Nakita kung may kausap ka sa phone. Who was that? Was it your husband?" pasimpleng
pangungusisa ko.
I know nagmumukha na akong tsismoso but my curiousity is killing me. I want to know
kung sino ang nakausap niya dahil mas lalong naging seryoso ang mukha niya after
that call. Naupo ako sa silyang nasa harap ng mesa niya habang hinihintay ang
kanyang sagot.
Matamlay niya akong tiningnan ngunit bahagyang napapangiti na tila alam ang dahilan
ng pagtatanong ko. Napasandal muna siya sa silya at huminga ng malalim.
"No, it wasn't him... It was Brandy," she answered with a low voice.
Napakunot ako ng noo. "Brandy? Our client Mrs. Brandy Barredo, your friend?"
Napatuwid ng upo ang aking kausap at tinaasan ako nito ng isang kilay.
"Correction, my ex-friend," she said stressing the word ex-friend at sabay irap
niya sa akin.
Natawa ako ng mahina. Again, she's displaying a different side of herself. The
childish one.
"Why did she call? Is it about her ongoing case?" tanong ko.
"Yeah, she told me na nagdadalawang-isip siyang ituloy ang annulment case," walang
gana uling sagot nito.
"Really? Is she and Mr. Kurt Barredo reconciling? If that's the case, it's a good
news then!" I said smiling.
"Yeah maybe they finally fixed their relationship," sabay tingin niya sa akin nang
may malungkot na mga mata. "And you're right, it is going to be a very good news
kung totoong yan nga ang dahilan," she added with a bitter smile and a sigh.
Natigilan ako ng ilang sandali. I realized I wasn't careful with my words. How
could I be so insensitive para banggitin pa ang pangalan ni Mr. Kurt Barredo in
front of her? Nagiguilty akong napatingin sa kanyang mukha.
"Teka nga muna, bakit nandidito ka pa? I didn't ask you to work overtime. Aren't
you getting weird lately? You left early kapag pinapakiusapan kitang mag-overtime
ngayon namang I'm contemplating to work alone, nandidito ka. Wala ba kayong lakad
ngayon ni Scarlet para magsayang ka ng oras dito?"
"Meron, we're going out with her friends tonight," I answered truthfully.
"Then, ano pang ginagawa mo dito?"
"M-May tinapos lang akong documents. I planned to bring it home but since I'm going
to a bar with Scarlet tonight, minabuti kong tapusin na lang dito baka late na ako
makauwi."
Natawa ng mahina si Atty. De Silva sa sagot ko na para bang alam niyang gumagawa
lang ako ng excuse. She folded her arms and pretended to have an angry face.
"Mr. Monteverde, if you're here because you're worried about me dahil sa nangyari
kanina sa mall, I'm telling you to leave now. I told you I'm fine! Umalis ka na't
baka naghihintay na sayo si Scarlet, ayokong magkatampuhan kayo ng dahil sa akin."
I shook my head in disagreement. "That won't happen. Scarlet will never get angry
because of you. She might get upset about everything except you," I answered
confidently. "Sinabi ko na rin sa kanya na susunod na lang ako dahil wala kang
kasama dito."
"I have time to do it until tomorrow," sagot niya and then she looked me in the
eyes. "How can you be so insensitive to your girlfriend? I know I'm your boss but
I'm still a woman. Do you know how it feels for a woman to hear that her boyfriend
coudn't go to her because he's taking care of another woman? Scarlet is maybe
saying okay but you'll never know if her ego is hurt," pagalit niya sa akin.
Natigilan ako at napamaang ng ilang saglit. I wasn't happy about what she said.
"Are you saying that Scarlet is lying when she said okay? My girlfriend is always
honest to her words. She's not the kind of person who will get mad because of her
ego. She's an understanding woman and she doesn't easily get offended by small
things like this. Hindi makitid ang utak ng girlfriend ko," pagtatanggol ko kay
Scarlet.
Atty. De Silva sighed and faced me calmly. She looked at me earnestly after she
noticed that I didn't feel good about her words.
"Lance, I am not looking down on Scarlet. I am not judging her or anything. All I'm
saying is that I don't want to take even the slightest possibility na magtampo sayo
ang girlfriend mo because of me. I admire your relationship a lot so I don't want
to mess it up," she explained to me calmly.
"Am I crazy to think that way?! How can you ask me that? Do you think I'm a mad
woman who'll misunderstood a man who's almost like a younger brother to me. And
most of all you're my employee. For god sake, that's creepy! Of course I know why
you're acting like this today, because you're thinking that I'm being mistreated by
my husband. You pity me that's all and that's how I perceive your actions. Nothing
less and nothing more! At lalong walang ibang kahulugan!" she said in full defense.
"Hey please don't overreact, I didn't mean to offend you. Naguluhan lang ako dahil
the way you laid your reasons, it seemed to be na dapat may pagdudahan sa atin si
Scarlet," kalmado ngunit napapangiting sabi ko.
"Stop it! And let's cut this crap. Kinikilabutan ako sa mga pinagsasabi mo,"
nanggigigil na sabi niya habang namumula pa rin ang mga pisngi. "All I want for you
is to go to your girlfriend now. That's all! Why do we have to end up in this
horrible discussion."
I know she's upset and I should be worried pero hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit
tila na-eentertain pa ako sa panggagaliti niya. I was amused especially when I
looked at her blushing cheeks.
"I'm sorry," I said with not enough sincerity. "Let's forget about it and pretend I
didn't say anything. But you don't have to stop what you're doing now. Huwag kang
mag-alala maaga pa naman para pumunta kami sa bar ni Scarlet."
Hindi ko na siya napigilan. We decided to close the office but before heading to
the door, uminom ulit siya ng isa pang mineral water. Hindi niya na ako muling
inimikan pa at medyo may katapangan na rin ang mga tingin niya sa akin. At first, I
didn't take her anger seriously pero nang pababa na kami sa groundfloor unti-unti
na akong nag-alala at kinabahan. Mukhang seryoso ngang galit ito.
While we were inside the elevator, hindi ko natiis ang katahimikan. Humakbang ako
papalapit sa kanya kung saan halos magdikit na ang mga braso namin. Nakatingin
lamang siya ng diretso habang nakahalukipkip. Then I cleared my throat while
secretly glancing at her.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be disrespectful. I promise not to say stupid and
nonsense things again," mahina at maamong paghingi ko ng paumanhin.
She didn't react nor say anything. Diretso pa rin ang mga mata niya sa pinto ng
elevator na para bang walang narinig.
"Sorry na po," nagpapaawang sabi ko na noon ay itinaon kong sabihin nang napatingin
siya ng diretso sa aking mga mata.
Magtataray na naman sana siya but as soon as she saw my begging face, her reaction
slowly changed. Napapalunok na tiningnan niya ako hanggang sa unti-unting gumuhit
ang pinipigilang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.
"Okay. Kalimutan na natin yun," tipid na sagot niya at sabay tingin ulit ng diretso
sa pinto.
"No. You've been very cold to me lately," she said with full conviction.
Tumawa ako ng mahina. "Am I?" kunwa'y inosenteng sagot ko. "Ah...I'm contemplating
lately kung masyado pa ba akong maglalalapit sayo baka kasi masanay ka sa kabaitan
ko. Bakit attorney namiss mo ba ang mabait at cheerful na assistant mo?" paliwanag
ko nang may halong pagbibiro.
She gave me a head to foot gaze. "Crazy kid. Kaya siguro nahuhumaling sayo ang
girlfriend mo dahil dyan sa talent mong magbuhat ng sarili," nakairap na sabi niya
sa akin.
Pasimpleng dumikit ulit ako sa kanya at muli siyang siniko ng marahan sa braso.
"Hindi nga attorney, namiss niyo ako no? Aminin niyo na nagpapapansin din kayo sa
akin this past few days."
"Don't be full of yourself!" she said habang pinamimilugan ako ng mga mata.
"Did you finally realize that you need my bright energy para sumaya ang araw niyo?"
I said while giving her my signature smile.
Hindi siya sumagot. Pinaningkitan niya ako ng mga mata habang unti-unting lumalaki
ang mga butas ng kanyang ilong. Then, bumalik sa normal ang mga titig niya. She
gazed at me momentarily weighing the joke I just said at dahan-dahan siyang
napangiti hanggang sa matawa ng mahina.
I was struck for a moment habang pinapanood ko siyang tumawa. It felt like a
portion of me slowly melted. Was it a flattery on my part? Because again, for the
first time I saw her smile and laugh genuinely....
----
"Clarisse kapag paulit-ulit mong iniisip yun, you'll be misunderstood na guilty ka!
Wake up. It was said carelessly so get over with it!" pagalit niya sa sarili sa
salamin.
Bigla siyang nakaramdam ng uhaw kaya't bumaba siya ng kusina na suot-suot pa ang
huling sinukat niyang damit. Habang nagsasalin siya ng tubig sa baso, nagbukas ang
main door at pumasok ang kadarating lamang na si Pierce.
Natigilan ito nang mamataan siya sa kusina. Kunot-noong tiningnan siya nito mula
ulo hanggang paa.
"Nagsusukat lang ako ng isusuot ko para sa party ng Dad mo," she answered casually.
"It's good that you finally decided to attend," ika ng lalaki at ipinagpatuloy nito
ang paglalakad patungo sa kuwarto.
Nakahalukipkip na lumapit si Clarisse sa kausap. "By the way, I was at the mall
yesterday with my assistant and we saw you there. You were with a woman."
Napataas ng isang kilay si Clarisse sa sinabi ng kausap. "So? Anong so? Since you
revealed to him that we're married, of course that person would have a negative
impression about what he saw!"
"Bakit are you planning to portray sa mabait mong assistant that you have a perfect
marriage life? O baka naman he reacted harshly in behalf of you?" he said with
sarcasm. "Whichever it is, I don't care. Wala akong pakialam sa iisipin ng Lance na
yun."
"Ano na naman kaya ang problema ng taong ito?" she told herself pouting.
Nagtaka siya nang biglang iniabot sa kanya ni Pierce ang isang malaking paper bag
ng isang mamahaling brand.
"I know what types of boring clothes you have so I decided to buy you a dress for
the party."
Pahablot na tinanggap ni Clarisse ang paper bag. "Magbibigay ka na rin lang, mang-
iinsulto ka pa!" nakasimangot na ika niya.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I bought that to save my pride. Ayokong isipin ng mga
bisita that I have an ugly wife," ngingisi-ngisi pang sabi ng lalaki.
"I know! Kelan ka ba naman may ginawa na hindi para sa sarili mo?!" sagot ng babae
habang pinandidilatan ng mga mata ang kaharap.
"Ah and by the way, remember the woman you saw with me at the mall? She helped me
choose that dress," pahabol pang wika ni Pierce at saka ito tumalikod pabalik sa
sariling kuwarto.
"Whoah, in fairness that woman has a nice taste!" nakangiting bulalas niya
pagkakita sa damit.
She checked the dress with excitement but after a while, her smile slowly faded
away. Bigla siyang napaisip at napakunot ng noo. She started to understand
something. Dahil ba sa damit na ito kaya pumunta si Pierce sa mall na may kasamang
babae?...
####################################
Chapter 17
####################################
*****
PIERCE
Hindi sinasadyang nabitawan ko ang binabasa kong diyaryo nang mapalingon ako sa
hagdanan. Napanganga ako nang makita ang hitsura ng babaeng bumababa dito.
Suot nito ang binili kong black tube dress and it amazingly looks good on her.
Tamang-tama ang sukat ng damit. Maganda ang pagkakahapit nito sa katawan which
opened my eyes na may itinatago din palang kaseksihan ang babae. It reveals her
beautiful shoulders and slim but firm arms. Ito rin ang unang beses na nagsuot ito
ng damit na kita ang kanyang mga hita. And I couldn't believe how sexy those thighs
are. Wala itong suot na stockings dahilan para lumutang ang makinis, makintab at
malagatas nitong kutis.
I looked at her face. Her makeup is slightly lighter than the usual. Medyo nagmukha
itong bata ng ilang taon at hindi mo iisiping she usually carries a stressful mood.
She's not wearing glasses instead she wears a pair of hazel brown contact lenses.
Ang mga mata niyang madalas ay may nakakahiwang mga tingin, now look seductive and
expressive. Pulidong nakataas din ang buhok nito na may tirintas na paikot ang
gilid.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said as she approaches me in the living room.
Medyo napaiktad ako sa aking pagkakaupo nang marinig ko siyang magsalita. Tumuwid
ako ng upo at kumurap ng ilang beses. Kulang na lang ay sampalin ko ang aking
sarili para lubusang matauhan.
Get hold of yourself Pierce! Don't fall for this temporary enchantment. She may
look like a goddess now but at the end of the day she'll still turn into the same
old witch Clarisse!
"What took you so long? Mahigit isang oras mo akong pinaghintay ah," kunwa'y
napipikong sabi ko while trying to hide my fascination.
Sinimangutan niya ako at inirapan. "Ilang beses akong nagtry magpalit ng damit.
Nagsisisi ako kung bakit hindi ko sinukat ang damit na ito pagkabigay mo! I didn't
expect na ganito pala ito kahalay!"
"You called that mahalay? Clarisse that is a very typical dress wear by
sophisticated women. Should you be at least thankful to me this time na kahit
papaano hindi ka magmumukhang old maid na malapit ng mag menopause kapag itinabi ka
sa ibang mga babae sa party," ngingiti-ngiting sabi ko.
"M-Menopause?! How dare you say that type of words in front of me!"
"Hey loosen up! Naiistress ka na naman, sayang ang ganda ng damit mo kung nakalukot
naman yang mukha mo. Let's go. We better leave now, nagtatanong na si Mommy kung
nasaan na daw tayo."
Tumayo ako at lumapit sa kanya. I automatically take her arms para alalayan siya
papalabas ng bahay.
"What are you doing?" inis na sabi nito at sabay alis sa kanyang braso mula sa
pagkakahawak ko.
Maging ako man ay nagulat sa aking ginawa. Bakit ko nga ba naisipang akayin ang
babaeng may allergy sa balat ng lalaki? Mabilis akong nag-isip ng palusot.
"Ahh I thought we should start acting as a couple dito pa lang bahay. At least we
have enough time to internalize our role before we arrive at the party."
"We don't need unnecessary skinship. Hindi porke't mag-asawa ay kailangan nang mag
PDA."
"Hindi pagpi-PDA ang ginawa ko. I was just trying to act as a husband na inalalayan
lang ang kanyang asawa sa paglalakad. That was very normal, Clarisse."
"Pwes hindi mo ako kailangang alalayan. I have two strong legs. Kaya kong maglakad
mag-isa! At ngayon pa lang binabalaan na kita huwag na huwag mong sasamantalahin
ang sitwasyon mamaya para tsansingan ako."
"Ang dami mong sinasabi, bahala ka na nga! Tara na!" totoong napipikong sabi ko.
Ano tama ako di ba? She may look like a beautiful statue now pero literal na
istatwa pa rin siya.
Lifeless.
Cold.
Heartless.
-----
Sa bahay nina Pierce ang venue ng party. The house is a typical mansion house of an
old rich family. May maganda at malawak na garden. May malaking swimming pool. May
hile-hilerang nakaparadang mamahaling sasakyan sa garahe. May mala-ballroom venue
sa laki na living room. Mamahalin ang mga ilaw lalo na ang isang malaking
chandelier sa may sala. Kaliwa't kanan ang nakasabit na mga paintings na
nagkakahalang milyones. May dining area kung saan matatagpuan ang napakahabang
mesang gawa sa makintab na narra na mayroong dalawampu't walong upuan. At may
labinlimang kuwartong matatagpuan sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay.
Most of the visitors are in the garden, kaya pinili niyang pumirmi sa loob ng bahay
para makaiwas sa mga ito. She is not in the mood to talk about businesses or any
political issues with older people. Sa mga kaedaran niya namang naroroon, halos mga
fashion trends, travel at pag-aaksaya ng pera lamang ang kadalasang pinag-uusapan
ng mga ito. Kanina pa rin nawawala sa tabi niya si Pierce. Simula nang dumating
sila, sinamahan lang siya nito ng mga fifteen minutes pagkatapos ay hindi na ulit
ito lumapit sa kanya. Ni kumustahin siya kung nabobore ba siya o okay lang ba siya
ay hindi nito ginawa. As usual he is mingling and secretly flirting with his dad's
associates beautiful daughters. Ang lakas ng loob magsabing kailangan nilang
pagbutihan ang pag-arte bilang mag-asawa but look who's losing his control now.
Buti na lang busy ang lahat kaya hindi napapansin ang kalandian nito, kunsabagay sa
pagiging expert nito sa babae, mabubuko pa ba ito?
"Clarisse!"
Napalingon siya.
It's Pierce's dad, Mr. Lauro Calderon. Sa tindig at hitsura nito alam na kaagad na
isa itong respetadong negosyante. Nakasuot ito ng mamahaling suit, sapatos at
relos. Medyo may kabataan din ang hitsura nito kumpara sa edad nitong sixty five.
Malusog ding tingnan ang pangangatawan nito, hindi katabaan at hindi rin kapayatan.
"Ah pasensiya na ho kayo medyo nilalamig kasi ako sa labas. Mukhang nagkamali ho
yata ako ng napiling damit,"biro niya para huwag ipahalatang nababagot siya. "Teka,
bakit niyo naman ho ako hinahanap?"
"I have a newly arrived visitor whom I like to introduce to you. He's our company's
new head legal consultant. I assume you'll be interested to meet him."
"Ah sige po. I'm very interested. I'm sure his a great lawyer para maging head
consultant ninyo," nakangiting sabi niya.
Natutulang nakipagkamay si Clarisse gamit ang dalawang kamay. Hindi pa rin siya
makapaniwalang kaharap niya ang taong hinahangaan. She didn't expect that one of
the best moment in her life was gonna happen in this boring night.
"Hi Attorney Perez. I'm Clarisse De Silva. Oh my god I'm your biggest fan and
you're one of my inspirations. It's really an honor to meet you!" di mapigilang
bulalas niya.
Tumingin ang abogado kay Mr. Calderon. "Y-You said she's a daughter-in-law," takang
sambit nito.
"Ah you must be confused because of her last name. She's newly married to my
youngest son. She requested to retain her surname for the meantime because of her
profession. I guess this is the hard part of having an intelligent, strong and
career oriented daughter-in-law," tumatawang sabi ni Mr. Calderon.
"You forgot to mention the word pretty," tatawa-tawang puri din ng abogado.
"Of course I'm aware of that. Hindi pipili ang anak ko ng mahinang klase ng babae.
And l'm happy and very proud to have her as a new member of our family. She's a
very good lawyer too and I think she'll turn into a great one in the future."
Ramdam ni Clarisse ang pamumula ng kanyang mga pisngi dahil sa mga papuring
natatanggap subalit hindi pa rin mawala-wala ang mga ngiti sa kanyang mukha.
"Sa palagay ko magkapareho ng kapalaran ang ating mga anak na lalaki. My son may
get married to a woman like her too. Very pretty and intellegent kaya ngayon pa
lang pinaghahandaan ko na ang hard part," masaya at pabirong bigkas pa rin ni Atty.
Perez. "Ah by the way he's with me right now. I'll introduce him to both of you,"
sabay lingon nito sa paligid para hanapin ang anak.
Napapanganga at namimilog ang mga matang tiningnan nito ang abogada mula buhok,
mukha, hikaw, leeg, necklace, damit at sapatos.
"Thank you, although I'm not sure if being different is a compliment or a negative
comment," bigkas ni Clarisse nang may asiwang ngiti.
Saka lamang naalis ang mga mata ni Lance sa abogada. Napapangiting nilingon nito
ang ama. "Dad she's my boss."
Parehong nagulat ang dalawang matandang lalaki.
"So you're that lady lawyer who stole my son from me," biro ulit ng sikat na
abogado. "I hope he's not giving you a hard time. Medyo may katigasan din minsan
ang ulo nitong anak ko."
"Small world. Sinong mag-aakalang magkatrabaho na pala si Clarisse at ang anak mo.
I think fate has plan to bring us together," wika ni Mr. Calderon.
"That's absolutely right. By the way, Lance this is Mr. Lauro Calderon. The
chairman of Heir Banking Corporation. Lauro this is my son Lance. He is soon to be
a lawyer too," pagpapakilala ni Atty. Perez.
Nagtatakang napatingin si Lance kay Clarisse at kay Mr. Calderon. "I don't mean to
be rude but may I know if how are you related to my boss?"
"She's my daughter-in-law."
"D-Daughter-in-law?"
Napatingin ang binata sa amo na noon ay halatang biglang umiwas ng tingin sa kanya.
"Ahh hindi naman ho sa ganun. Hindi lang ho talaga palakuwento si Atty. De Silva
pagdating sa personal na buhay niya. Work related issues lang ho ang madalas naming
pag-usapan," pagtatakip ng lalaki sa amo.
Nagkapalitan ng makahulugang tingin sina Lance at Clarisse. She secretly gave him a
quick smile for being grateful and he nodded in return.
Hindi pa man nagtatagal ang kanilang mga pag-uusap, nakaramdam si Clarisse ng kamay
sa kanyang mga balikat.
"Thank you. Napakagandang lalaki din naman pala nitong anak mo Mr. Calderon. Bagay
na bagay silang mag-asawa. Siguradong mabibigyan ka nito ng magaganda at poging mga
apo."
Muling umakbay si Pierce kay Clarisse at saka ngingisi-ngising tumingin kay Lance
na noon ay walang gaanong reaksiyon ang mukha habang nakatingin sa mag-asawang nasa
harap niya.
"This is my son..."
"Actually we already met twice," pagklaro naman ni Lance na noon ay binibigyan din
ng makahulugang titig ang lalaki. "Maybe you don't remember our second meeting
because you were busy about other things," sarkastikong dagdag nito.
"Excuse us! I just remember I need to talk to my husband about something!" biglang
bulalas ni Clarisse nang mahalata ang namumuong tensiyon sa dalawang lalaking
magkaharap.
"Pasensiya na ho kayo Dad, Atty. Perez. Excuse us for a while, kakausapin ko lang
po muna si Pierce bago ko makalimutan ang sasabihin ko," she added.
Lance didn't react. Ramdam niya agad ang dahilan ng bigla-biglang pag-iwas ng
abogada.
"Is it really necessary for you to butt in while I'm having a conversation with an
important person?!"
Her temper even rose more. "Magsisimula ka na naman ba sa mga walang kwentang
speculations mo?! Do you know that you just ruined one of the important moments in
my life. I'm having a great conversation with the lawyer I admire most. This is
like a dream come true for me pero anong ginawa mo? Bigla ka na lang sumulpot at
nag-power trip. Akala mo ba hindi ko nahahalata na inaangasan mo na naman si Lance.
And you even tried to do it in front of his father! Ano ba talaga ang problema mo
sa assistant ko?!"
"Clarisse iha!"
Sabay na napalingon ang dalawa sa pinanggalingan ng boses. Biglang dumikit ang mga
ito sa isa't isa at nagholding hands nang makita kung sino ang paparating. Sabay
ding gumuhit ang mga ngiti sa kanilang mga mukha.
Lumapit sa kanila si Mrs. Frida Calderon, ang maganda at mestisahing ginang who's
in her late fifties. Lutang na lutang ang pagiging sosyal at sopistikada nito sa
suot nitong mamahaling long gown na may patong na authentic fur coat sa pantaas.
Also, the diamonds and jewelries she's wearing are enough to make her standout
among the socialite wives attending the party.
"No Mom, may pinag-uusapan lang ho kaming seryosong bagay, " nakangiting sagot ni
Clarisse.
"Ganun ba? Pierce, can I borrow your wife for a while I'd like to introduce her to
my friends."
"Sure Mom. Go ahead honey," may pang-aasar na wika ni Pierce sa abogada.
Dinala ni Mrs. Calderon si Clarisse sa mesa ng mga kaibigan nitong nabibilang lahat
sa alta-sociedad. Lahat ng mga ito ay pabonggahan ng mga damit, alahas, clutchbags
at pati sa ayos ng buhok ay tila walang ayaw magpahuli. Naupo siya sa isang silya
habang ang pakiramdam niya ay isa siyang akusadong inilalagay sa hot seat.
"Amigas I'd like you to meet Clarisse the wife of my youngest child, Pierce."
Iba-iba ang naging reaksiyon ng mga nakarinig. May nagulat, may nagtaka, may natuwa
at may naguluhan.
"Yes. They got married almost five months ago," sagot ni Mrs. Calderon.
"Bakit wala man lang akong natanggap na imbitasyon? May natanggap ba kayo?"
naguguluhang tugon naman ng isa sa mga ginang at sabay tingin nito sa mga kasamahan
sa mesa.
"They get married on their own. Binulaga na lang kami na kasal na pala sila. Alam
mo naman ang mga kabataan ngayon, they can be very stubborn sometime. Pero kahit na
nilihim nila sa amin ang kasal, we were still very happy dahil sa totoo lang gusto
talaga naming maging manugang itong si Clarisse."
"So kelan niyo sila balak ipakasal sa simbahan? I love Pierce the most among your
five children kaya huwag na huwag mo akong kakalimutang imbitahan," sabi naman ng
isa pang ginang.
"Mukhang masuwerte rin naman si Pierce sa napangasawa niya. She's very pretty. What
do you do iha?"
"I'm a lawyer and I own a firm," Clarisse answered with a hesitant smile.
"Really? Wow I can't believe that he married to a career woman. At sa abogada pa
which means you're smart. My daugther whom Pierce used to date told me that he
wanted to get married sa isang simple at housewife material na babae. But look now,
ang nagagawa nga naman ng pag-ibig!" pahayag ng isang taklesang ginang.
"Frida, isama mo naman minsan yang manugang mo sa mga spa getaway natin o di kaya
sa mga beauty consultations na pinupuntahan natin. Umpisahan mo nang alagaan ang
ganda niyan para lalong ganahan si Pierce at magkaapo ka na agad sa kanya."
"O kung gusto mo naman ipakilala natin siya sa kaibigan natin gynecologist para
maalagaan ang matris niya. With her type of job, siguradong madalas siyang ma-
stress. Ang alam ko mahirap magbuntis ang mga babaeng madalas na nag-iisip at
namomroblema."
Gustong masuka ni Clarisse sa mga naririnig. Nilalamig na nga siya sa suot niya,
tinatayuan pa siya ng mga balahibo dahil sa pinagsasabi ng mga kasama sa mesa. She
thinks she can't stand anymore the discomfort of talking to the old ladies.
Natanaw niya si Lance at naglalakad ito patungo sa table malapit sa kanila. Tila
lalapitan nito ang isang kakilala. Sinamantala niya ang pagkakataon para makaalis
sa mesang kinauupuan.
"Mom, Kailangan ko nga palang makausap ang assistant ko. I forgot to tell him some
important matter this morning. Excuse me lang ho," paalam niya.
"It just happened that way. Excuse me lang po muna," tamad na paliwanag ni
Clarisse.
Nagpaalam si Clarisse sa lahat ng nasa table. Naglakad siya papunta kay Lance at
walang pasabing hinawakan niya ito sa braso at sapilitang hinila para sabayan siya
sa paglalakad.
"Sakyan mo lang ang ginagawa ko. Kunwari'y may pinag-uusapan tayong importante,"
bulong ng babae.
"Anong pag-uusapan natin?"
"Okay na. Iwan mo na ako," sabi niya kay Lance na noon ay obvious naghihintay ng
paliwanag sa ginawa nila.
"Why did you do that? May iniiwasan ka ba?" he asked with curiousity.
"It's not a big deal, gusto ko lang makatakas sa table nina Mrs.... I mean, sa
table ng mother-in-law ko. Hindi madecipher ng utak ko ang pinag-uusapan nila. I
can't relate to their scent of extravagances. Pasensiya ka na, naistorbo kita. Sige
balikan mo na yung mga kausap mo nakakahiya naman sa kanila."
"I'll stay here with you. I notice your husband is busy talking with other
visitors. You'll get bored pag iniwan din kita dito."
"What do you mean? Are you trying to impress my father? Do you like older men?"
kunot noong tanong ni Lance.
"Stop joking! You know that's not what I mean. I'm talking about his impression
about me as a lawyer. Do you think he likes me?"
"Of course he does. You're his son's employer and the wife of his client's son, so
he has no choice but to like you," tatawa-tawang sagot ng lalaki.
"Puro ka biro."
"Ehem. Attorney mukhang kanina mo pa ako pinupuri ha. Does it mean na totoo yung
sinabi mo kanina na I'm a hardworking, intellegent and kind person?"
Tumawa ng mahina ang binata ngunit ilang saglit lamang ay unti-unti itong
nagseryoso.
"I notice you're in good terms already with your husband," biglang paglihis nito sa
usapan.
"Yeah."
"N-Napag-usapan niyo na ba ang nangyari sa mall? I-Is he forgiven sa ginawa niyang
pambabae?" he asked slowly and very carefully with a low voice.
Bumuntong hininga ang abogada at ngumiti ng matamlay. "Yes... Wala naman akong
choice kundi ang intindihin siya. Nasa nature na naman yata ng lalaki ang pambabae
na yan. I guess I have to go through it dahil gwapo, hunk at mayaman ang
napangasawa ko. Ang importante ay sa akin pa rin siya umuuwi."
Mas lalong nagseryoso si Lance. "After knowing how rich his family is, I think he
grew up getting everything he wanted. Isn't he a free spirited man? I feel his
personality is still very fragile to temptations. Akala ko simpleng may asawa lang
kayo, yun pala you're married to a very rich son. A-Are you having a hard time
because of your lifestyle differences?"
Muling napangiti si Clarisse nang mapansin ang bakas ng sobrang pag-aalala sa mukha
ng kausap.
"Lance, we're a newly married couple. It's true that we have differences and I'm
having difficulty because of that. Pero natural lang naman sa bagong mag-asawa na
mag-adjust sa ugali ng isa't isa. Don't get too affected about my married life at
lalong huwag mo akong kaawaan. Let's just continue to enjoy our good working
relationship."
"Sorry, if I'm going overboard again. I can't help myself to feel bad if I see a
woman being treated unfairly. Hindi naman kasi simpleng bagay lang ang pambabae.
Hindi ko lubos maisip na kaya kong gawin yan kay Scarlet."
Clarisse sipped her wine at saka tiningnan ng seryoso ang kausap. "Hindi lahat ng
lalaki kagaya mo. At kung meron mang kagaya mo, kakaunti na lang kayo. Kaya nga
napakaswerte sayo ni Scarlet. And I really wish that both of you won't stop loving
each other and I hope that you won't change the way you love her..."
Uminom ulit ang babae ng wine, humalukipkip at tumingin sa malayo. Lance on the
other hand started to feel that the woman is starting to get sentimental.
"Lance to be honest, before I was perceived as a cold woman, I'd been into
different relationships too. Natuto din naman akong magmahal but it just happened
that all the guys I loved ended up loving another women. Lahat ng relasyon ko
natapos dahil pinagpalit ako sa iba. Nakakatawa nga eh ni minsan hindi ko man lang
nagamit yung famous break-up quote na 'its not you, it's me', o di kaya yung
eksenang dumating na lang ang isang araw na both of you just realized na hindi niyo
na mahal ang isa't isa. Walang ganun, lahat yata ng kamalasan sa pag-ibig na yan
nasalo ko na. Laging natatapos na ang lalaki ang nawawalan ng pagmamahal at ako ang
naiiwang nagmamahal pa rin..."
She glanced at him and gave an assuring smile after seeing his worried look. "Don't
worry. I'm not getting emotional here. Hindi ba ang mga bagay na ito ang matagal mo
nang gustong malaman? I'm telling these to you now para matigil na yang curiousity
mo. Siguro naman pag narinig mo na, ititigil mo na yang pagpapakita mo ng concern o
awa sa akin. I don't want you to keep feeling bad because of me and because of the
situation you don't understand."
"I-I'm listening," usal ng binata.
Clarisse sighed at muli itong tumingin sa malayo para magpatuloy. "After I felt the
biggest pain in my life...siguro naman alam mo na kung ano yun..."
"Right, it's them....after that very bad nightmare, nagising na lang ako isang
umaga bilang ibang tao. I became tough, cold, strong, uptight, grounded and most of
all I stopped believing in love. I focused on my career. I worked hard to achieve
my dream at ni minsan hindi na muling tumibok pa ang puso ko...And then Pierce
came..."
"Maybe yes and maybe no," and then she looked at him. "That's why don't feel bad
about me because to be fair with Pierce, hindi rin naman ako isang mabuting asawa
sa kanya. And as of now, we are just trying our best to live together harmoniuosly.
Kaya Lance, don't waste too much concern and time digging this bitter side of my
life. Keep your focus on your dream and your love to Scarlet. I don't want your
heart to be tainted because of my bitterness in life...."
"Attorney..."
"Alam mo bang ang pagmamahalan niyo ni Scarlet ang isa sa nakakapagpalambot ngayon
sa bato kong pakiramdam. Believe me or not but it does. I was totally amazed sa
paraan ng pagpapakita mo ng pagmamahal sa kanya. Ikaw ang kauna-unahang lalaking
nakita kong ganyan magmahal. Sa pagbibigay mo nga lang ng bulaklak araw-araw
napapanganga na ako eh. And remember the time you introduced Scarlet to me? That
time na nakita ko kayong masayang magkatabi, kumakain at nag-uusap, that scene had
an impact to me. After a very long time, that was the first time I smell again the
scent of love..."
"At habang tumatagal na nawiwitness ko ang pagmamahalan niyong dalawa, I started to
realize kung bakit parang sumasaya din ako pag nakikita ko kayong masayang
naglalambingan and that's because your relationship was my idea of true love noong
mga panahong naniniwala pa ako dito...So please love Scarlet forever baka malay mo
dahil sa inyo, muling magising ang puso ko at matuto ulit itong magmahal."
Lance remains speechless. Hindi niya alam ang isasagot. He's still in shock about
what she opened up. He didn't expect she'd do it in one blow.
"Don't you get tired of each other's faces? Magkasama na nga kayo buong araw sa
trabaho pati ba naman dito magkasama pa rin kayo."
Sabay na napalingon sina Lance at Clarisse kay Pierce. Lumapit sa kanila ang lalaki
nang may seryosong mukha at pagkuwa'y inakbayan ulit nito si Clarisse.
"Hindi naman siguro nakakahiya kung ako naman ang manghiram ng oras ni Clarisse,"
sarkastikong wika nito habang nakatingin kay Lance.
Hirap pa ring magsalita si Lance kaya't si Clarisse na lamang ang kusang nagpaalam.
"Sige Lance I'll go with Pierce now. Bumalik ka na doon sa mga kausap mo kanina or
try to check your father baka hinahanap ka na niya," nakangiti pa ring sabi ng
babae.
"Mag-uumpisa ka na naman!"
Muling nilingon ni Pierce si Lance. Nahuli niyang nakatingin pa rin ito sa kanila.
Nginisian niya ito. The young man maybe likes Clarisse but after knowing he's the
son of a very prominent lawyer, nabawasan agad ang ikinatatakot niya. Nakakasiguro
siyang hindi kailanman mahuhulog ang loob ni Clarisse sa taong ikakasira ng
pinakaiingat-ingatan nitong reputasyon at pangalan...
####################################
Chapter 18
####################################
*****
PIERCE
Some weird things happened to me this past few days. Since the day we went to my
father's birthday party, madalas nang sumasagi sa isip ko si Clarisse. Walang
gabing hindi ko siya inisip sa tuwing napapapikit ako ng mga mata hanggang sa
umabot pa sa puntong nahihirapan akong makatulog hangga't hindi ko muna siya
nakikita. Minsan kinakailangan ko pang mag-imbento ng mga kababawan para magkaroon
ako ng dahilan na katukin siya sa kanyang kuwarto.
May dalawang naging pinakaimportanteng oras sa akin sa bawat araw na dumadaan. The
breakfast time kung kailan inaabangan ko siya sa kusina para makasabay sa pag-
aalmusal at late dinner time kung kailan siya namang kadalasang oras ng dating niya
mula trabaho. I started creating a beautiful image of her inside my head. Natuto
akong mag-imagine ng isang mabait, malambing at palangiting Clarisse. Yun nga lang
naglalaho din itong parang bula sa tuwing magkakaharap kami. Her real mean self
didn't fail to remind me about the reality.
I missed her when she wasn't around but she pissed me off everytime we're together.
She was a fairy inside my mind whenever I don't see her but switches to witch
whenever she's in front of my eyes. Paulit-ulit na nangyari ito and I wasn't happy
at all about what's going on with me.
Pinag-isipan kong mabuti ang pinagdaanan ko. Do I like her? I don't think so. Am I
starting to like her? I don't think so too. Sigurado ako sa sagot ko dahil sa
kabila ng mga kakaibang nararamdaman ko para kay Clarisse, I still don't feel a
single strand of sexual desire towards her. Hindi pa nangyari sa buong buhay ko na
nagkagusto ako sa taong hindi man lang pumukaw sa aking pagkalalaki. Dalawa lang
naman ang cycle ng lovelife ko. Fall in love first then have sex later or sex first
then fall in love later. Sex is love. And love is sex. Love is directly
proportional to your sexual desires. Ganun lang naman ang katotohanan sa pag-ibig
kahit bigyan mo pa ito ng iba't ibang mga namumulaklak o magarbong kahulugan. You
smile, you cry, you fight and you make love.
At ngayong gabi, I made the right decision na yayain ang aking barkada sa paborito
naming bar na tambayan ng mga kolehiyala. Matapos kong iburo ng ilang araw ang
aking sarili sa bahay dahil sa pag-aaksaya ng oras sa pag-iisip kay Clarisse, sa
wakas I returned to my old self. I drank a lot and enjoyed the night to the
fullest. The real fun had returned. I finally clarified the confusions I felt for
my fake wife, ang lahat ng iyon ay bunga lamang ng pagkabagot.
And after what I've been through lately, I didn't expect that there's a wonderful
reward waiting for me tonight.
Kasama ko ngayon sa sasakyan ang babaeng nakilala ko sa pinuntahan kong bar. Siya
na yata ang pinakamagandang babaeng maiuuwi ko sa bahay. Siya rin lang ang bukod
tanging nakilala ko na may pinakamala-anghel na mukha subalit nag-uumapaw sa sex
appeal. From the moment I set my eyes on her, I already felt the flaming desire
within me.
I need to sleep with her, yan agad ang unang bagay na pumasok sa isip ko pagkakita
sa kanya. Kaya naman hindi ako tumigil until I succeeded flirting with her. At sa
simula pa lang na magkalapit kami, there's already an unexplainable sexual sparks
between us.
We're in front of the the house now, sa sasakyan pa lang ay halos hindi na namin
makontrol ang init na nararamdaman namin sa isa't isa. We can't stop kissing and
touching each other passionately and agressively. She has the sweetest lips I've
ever tasted. Napakalambot. Napakatamis. Napakasarap.
Sa una ay medyo reserved at nahihiya pa ito but after I made her feel comfortable,
her agressiveness started to come alive. Pinagbigyan nito ang init ng katawan
hanggang sa unti-unti na rin itong naging palaban. We're not having sex yet pero at
this very moment iniisip ko na na sana paulit-ulit na may mangyari sa amin.
I kissed her deeply and the taste of her sweet tounge is enough to give me
hardness. My lips slowly went down to her neck to savor her nice smell and feel the
smoothness of her skin. Naririnig ko ang mabibigat niyang mga paghinga. I know
she's enjoying it. Marahan kong hinalikan at dinilaan ang kanyang balikat. I want
to take everything slowly. Para bang isa siyang napakasarap na putahe na ayokong
maubos agad. I need to eat slowly to enjoy it's real taste.
Tumigil ako sa paghalik. Dahan-dahan kong ibinaba ang suot niyang garterized off-
shoulder tops habang tinititigan ko ang kanyang mga matang may naghahalong init at
kainosentehan. Dumungaw ang malusog niyang cleavage mula sa suot niyang itim na
strapless bra. Muli ko siyang hinalikan sa mga labi habang dahan-dahan kong
ipinapasok ang aking kamay sa loob ng kanyang bra. I cupped her breast and gently
massage it an then my thumb slowly rubbed her hardening nipple.
Mas lalong siyang nag-init. Napahawak ang isang kamay niya sa aking batok habang
napapasabunot naman ang isa sa aking ulo. I slowly moved my lips at the back of her
ear to give her a different kind of sensation. I licked it gently habang
ipinararamdam sa kanya ang init ng aking mga hininga. Patuloy ako sa paghalik sa
kanyang mga tenga and I almost wanted to bite them sa sobrang pananabik habang ang
kamay ko naman ay hindi tumitigil sa paghimas sa kanyang magkabilaang dibdib.
"Ohhhh Pierce.."
Her body starts to irk. Ipinasok niya ang kanyang mga kamay sa loob ng suot kong
polo shirt and she caressed my chest.
I stopped rubbing her breast to unhook her bra but she suddenly shook her head in
refusal.
"I don't want to do it here. Let's go to your room please," hinihingal na sabi
niya.
"Okay."
We went out of the car at ni hindi ko na nga nagawang ayusin ang pagkakapark nito
dahil sa kagustuhan kong makapasok agad ng bahay. Nangnginig ang aking mga kamay sa
sobrang pananabik habang isinasaksak ko ang susi sa door knob. At nang makapasok
kami sa loob wala nang pakiputan pa uling naganap.
Muling naglapat ang aming mga labi. Binuhat ko siya at iniikot ang kanyang mga hita
sa aking beywang. My sexual urge is over powering everything, ni hindi ko na nga
inalintana na baka gising pa si Clarisse at baka makita kami nito. Maging sa pag-
akyat ng hagdan ay hindi pa rin kami tumigil sa paghahalikan. Sanay na ako sa
ganito kaya kabisado ko na pati pag-akyat ng may kahalikan.
And when we reached my room, the real make out began. Pagkasara pa lang ng pintuan
ay isinandal ko na siya sa likod nito nang hindi ibinababa sa aking pagkakabuhat.
Mas lalong lumalim ang aming paghahalikan at halos kagatin na namin ang mga labi ng
isa't isa. Hinubad ko ang suot niyang blouse and I unhooked her bra. Inangat ko ang
kanyang katawan upang itapat sa aking mukha ang malulusog niya dibdib.
I'm going to give this woman the best sex of her life. I want to make her addicted
to me. I can do it because this is what I do best.
I slowly kissed her cleavage part, lick it then kiss it again. She started to moan
at napasabunot na siya sa akin. I cupped her breasts and gently stroke them. I'm
looking at her face while doing it. Gusto kong makita kung papaano siya nag-eenjoy.
I won't do the next step unless her face started to ask for it. I quickly sucked my
both thumbs and rubbed it slowly to her nipples.
" Ahhhh...."
She closed her eyes and bit her lower lip. Napapangisi ako habang pinapanood ko ang
di malaman kung saan ipapaling na ulo.
"Oooohhh..."
Napapaiktad siya sa ginagawa ko. I didn't stop until her nipples turn really hard.
Dahan-dahan kong isinubsob ang aking mukha sa kanyang malulusog na dibdib. I kissed
and licked the lower part of her breast. Paikot kung hinalikan ang kanyang
magkabilaang dibdib hanggang sa makarating ako sa tuktok nito. I sucked it gently
and licked with total wetness.
I moved her from the door to the wall beside my bed. Maingat ko siyang ibinaba mula
sa aking pagkakabuhat at muling isinandal sa dingding. I started kissing her lips
again at halos sipsipin ko na rin ang kanyang dila. My hand stroked her breast for
a while and then it slowly went down to her pants. I unbuttoned her tight jeans at
unti-unti kong ipinasok ang aking kamay sa loob. Muli siyang napaiktad at nakagat
niya pa ng bahagya ang aking labi.
"Ahhhh..."
Inilipat ko ang aking mga labi sa kanyang tenga and there I started kissing and
licking it again. She responded hotly by taking off my shirt and she started
touching me too. She stroked my back, unto my chest and down to my hardness. She
tried to unbuttoned my pants but I stopped her hand.
I moved my lips down to her breast. As I start thrusting my finger in and out, I
begin sucking and licking her nipples.
"Ohhhh...please, please..."
Binilisan ko ang galaw ng aking mga daliri. I want her to go crazier. So I rubbed
her clit with my thumb while my middle finger is busy thrusting her in and out.
"Ahhhhhhh," ungol pa niya habang isinusubsob lalo ang aking mukha sa kanyang
dibdib.
Gusto kong tikman ang buong katawan niya nang nakatayo lamang siya.
Hinubaran ko siya ng sapatos and threw them away from us. I fully unzipped her
jeans. Dahan-dahan ko itong ibinaba at hinubad. The only clothes she has now is her
sexy black lace panty. Hinawakan ko ang kanyang isang paa at hinalikan ito mula sa
talampakan papaakyat sa tuhod, papaakyat sa hita. Kinakagat-kagat at dinidilaan ko
ang makinis at malambot niyang balat. I keep kissing and tasting her thigh hanggang
sa marating ko ang gitna ng kanyang mga hita.
I gently kissed her center without taking off her underwear. I love the smell of
her juice extracted by my fingers. I teasingly bit her and lick her from the
outside.
"Beg first."
"Please..."
"Beg more.."
"Please...do it please..."
Ibinaba ko nang dahan-dahan ang kanyang huling saplot at itinapon ito sa sahig. And
then I stared at her womanhood for a while.
I hold her one leg at ipinatong ko ito sa katabi naming kama. I made her open her
legs wider at saka ko unti-unting inilapit ang aking mga labi sa kanyang
pagkababae.
"Oooooh, ahhhhh..."
I started licking her slowly and smoothly. But whenever she craves for more, my
tounge begins to move faster too. I want to satisfy her at most at nakahanda akong
ibigay anuman ang hilingin ng katawan niya.
Shout it honey! Shout it! Let everybody hear how good I am.
"PIEEERCEEEE!"
But it's not the end yet. I can make her come again.Tumayo ako, binuhat ko siya at
inihiga sa kama.
I opened her legs at lumuhod ako gitna nito. Inilabas ko ang isang pirasong condom
mula sa likurang bulsa ng aking pantalon. I threw it on the bed then I undressed
myself. Dinampot ko ulit ang condom and opened it with my teeth. And when I was
about to wear it, she stopped me.
Umupo siya at lumapit sa akin. Hinawakan niya ang aking pagkalalaki and she began
stroking it up and down.
"I know...ahhh"
I expect her to do more kaya't umayos ako sa aking pagkakaluhod. Ilang saglit pa ay
tumigil siya sa ginagawa at unti -unti niya nang inilapit ang kanyang mukha sa
aking pagkalalaki. Then I felt my manhood inside her wet mouth.
"Ahhhh..."
Holy sh...! I'm having sex with the sex goddess. She's good, she's really, really
good.
Ako naman ngayon ang napapasabunot sa kanya. At halos ipagdiinan ko na ang kanyang
ulo sa akin because of the extreme pleasure it brings. She's doing it in perfect
rhythm and it seems that she has no plan on stopping.
"S-Stop."
Hinawakan ko ang magkabilaang side ng kanyang mukha upang pigilan ito sa ginagawa
or else I might explode anytime. She removed her mouth from me, looked me in the
eyes and smiled. How can she even managed to have that kind of innocent smile when
she's this good in eating man.
Nag-aapoy sa init ang aking katawan na itinulak ko siya papahiga sa kama. I put on
the condom and opened her legs wider. I moved closer to her, dahan-dahan akong
pumaibabaw, humalik sa kanyang mga labi at walang pasabing pinasok ko ang kanyang
pagkababae.
Bigla kung binagalan ang aking galaw nang magulat siya. And when I started moving
in and out of her, I felt her tightness, subalit kasabay nito ay nararamdaman ko
rin ang mga bumabaong kuko niya sa aking likod.
"Ah!" napapaiktad na daing niya at mas lalong humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa
aking likod.
I started to realize something at bigla akong natigilan. I looked at her face and
it's obvious that she's in pain.
Bumagsak ng ilang lebel ang init ko sa katawan sa aking nalaman. My urge was
soaring high but I couldn't be harsh to a woman who's doing it for the first time.
But since she asked for it, I started moving again. And this time, I'm slower,
smoother and gentler.
This is heaven.
I stopped to sit on my knees. I touched her behind and drew her closer to my lap.
Itinaas ko ang isang paa niya at isinabit sa aking balikat. Muli ko siyang pinasok.
I shoved her in and out while my hands are stroking her breasts. She's getting wild
again at sumasabay ng indayog ang katawan niya sa bawat galaw ko.
"Ahhhh..."
"Ohhh.."
The room is filled with our hot moanings. Bumilis pa lalo ang pag-indayog namin.
We're starting to get there. This is the best feeling that I wish won't end.
"Ahh..faster.."
"Yes baby."
I move faster and there's no more room for holding back. Parang napapaso na ako sa
aking sariling apoy. I thrusted her hard and faster, reaching her deepest part. I'm
going crazy as her tightness meet my hardness.
"Ahhhh faster..."
Tila tumigil ang lahat. Tumahimik ang buong paligid. And the only things that exist
are our hot flaming desires. Yes. We're delirious as we meet our explosions.
Bumagal ang aking paggalaw habang unti-unting nababawasan ang malakas na kuryenteng
bumabalot sa aking buong katawan. Ibinaba ko ang kanyang paa at hinihingal akong
napasubsob sa ibabaw niya.
-----
CLARISSE
Kukurap-kurap akong nagmulat. Kinusot ko ang aking mga mata at napatingin ako sa
bintana. Mukhang mataas na ang sikat ng araw. Inaantok pang napalingon ako sa alarm
clock, alas siyete y medya ng umaga. Mapapabalikwas sana ako ng gising ngunit
naalala kong linggo nga pala ngayon. Pumikit ulit ako para bumalik sa pagtulog.
Naramdaman kong may bagay na nakadikit sa aking tenga. Nagmulat ulit ako at kinapa
ito. It's my cellphone. Naalala kong kausap ko nga pala si Lance bago ako matulog.
Sa sobrang tagal namin magkausap di sinasadyang nakatulugan ko ito. Nagbabasa kasi
ito kagabi ng reviewers para sa bar exam at maya't mayang tinatanong ang opinyon ko
tungkol sa mga kasong nababasa niya.
Siya na naman.
Nawala na ang aking antok kaya bumangon na lamang ako. I fixed my bed and went to
the bathroom. Naghilamos ako, nag-toothbrush at nagsuklay. I grabbed a clamp at
inipit ko pataas ang aking buhok. Tiningnan ko munang maigi ang aking mukha to make
sure na wala itong dumi at saka ako lumabas ng banyo.
'Nag-breakfast ka na ba?'
Lumabas ako ng kuwarto nang nakasuot pa rin ng pajama. Binitbit ko na rin ang aking
cellphone dahil alam kong anytime may panibagong text na namang darating.
"Oooooh Pierce..."
Napahinto ako sa kalagitnaan ng aking paghihikab. Tama bang may naririnig ulit
akong halinghing?
Tumaas ang aking kilay at kunot noo akong lumapit sa pintuan ni Pierce.
Tahimik na ulit.
"Ooohh..."
May humahalinghing na nga ulit! Lumayo ako sa pinto at umingos. Napailing ako.
Akala ko pa naman ay unti-unti nang nagbabago ang lalaki, yun pala ay nagpahinga
lang ng ilang araw.
Itinuloy ko ang pagbaba ng bahay. Nagtungo ako ng kusina. I put coffee and poured
water on the coffee maker. I toasted some breads. Kumuha ako ng isang malaking mug
and I poured coffee on it.
Sinagot ko ang text habang kagat-kagat ko ang isang buong toasted bread.
'Welcome.'
'Yap.'
'Thanks.'
Natapos ako sa aking pag-aalmusal. Tumayo ako at niligpit ang aking pinagkainan. I
brought them to the sink and washed them. Habang naghuhugas ako, I hear some
footsteps in the stairs.
Bigla akong na-curious. Ano naman kaya ang hitsura ng babae ngayon? Tsinita ba?
Mestisa ba? O mala-Latina?
Hindi totoo ang aking nakikita! Namamalikmata lang ako. Baka naman hindi pa ako
totoong gising, kulang pa ata ang kapeng ininom ko.
Napapanganga ako. Hindi ko magawang igalaw ang aking buong katawan habang
sinusundan ng aking mga mata ang bawat hakbang pababa ng babae. Para akong
sinusukluban ng langit at lupa. Wala sa sariling nabitawan ko ang hawak kong tasa
at nabasag ito sa aking paanan.
Napalingon sa akin ang babae nang marinig ang ingay ng nabasag na tasa. Kagaya ko,
nanlaki rin ang mga mata nito at namula ng matindi ang mukha sa matinding
pagkagulat.
Hindi pa rin ako makagalaw sa sobrang pagkabigla. Wala akong nagawa kundi ang
habulin na lamang ng tingin ang babae. Nang mawala siya sa aking mga paningin ay
saka ko lamang naalala ang nabasag sa aking paanan. Nanghihina ang tuhod na naupo
ako at nanginginig ang mga kamay na dinampot ko ang mga bubog.
Natutulala at wala sa sariling napatingin ako kay Pierce. He's shirtless again.
Natigilan ito nang makita ang aking ginagawa at dali-daling lumapit sa akin.
"Let me clean this, baka masugatan ka," sabi nito habang tinutulungan ako sa
pagdampot ng mga bubog.
I didn't move for a while at napapangangang tinitigan ko ang kanyang mukha. He's
still sweating. I gazed to his naked body. Makintab pa ito at may bakas pa ng
pawis.
"Clarisse what's wrong?" takang tanong nito nang mapansin ang natutulalang
pagkakatitig ko sa kanya.
Kinuha niya ang aking kamay para kunin ang hawak kong bubog subalit mabilis ko
itong binawi.
"T-The w-woman I j-just saw right now.....H-How did y-you know her?" nauutal at
gumagaralgal ang boses na tanong ko.
"I meet her last night sa pinuntahan kong bar. Bakit may problema ba?" natural
lamang na sagot nito.
"Yes, for now but I have plan on seeing her again. I think I like her," he answered
with sparks in his eyes.
"Don't you dare meet her again," matigas na wika ko nang may nangingilid na mga
luha dahil sa naghahalong sakit at galit.
Natatarantang kinuha niya ang aking kamay. Dumudugo nga ito at noon ko rin lamang
naramdaman ang bumabaong mga bubog dito. But this pain is nothing compared to the
pain caused by what I had just witnessed.
"Clarisse bitawan mo ang mga bubog na yan! Ano bang nangyayari sa yo?!"
"Why shouldn't I? Pwede bang huwag muna yan ang pag-usapan natin. You're hurt for
god sake!"
"ANO BA KASI ANG PROBLEMA?!" galit na ring sigaw nito at saka naguguluhang
napasuklay ng kamay sa kanyang buhok. "Pero sige para matigil ka lang at magamot
natin yang sugat mo, fine hindi na ako makikipagkita sa babaeng yun," maamong
pagkakasabi nito.
Muli niyang tinangkang kunin ang aking kamay na noon ay hindi pa rin tumitigil sa
pagdugo subalit mabilis ko itong inilayo at itinago sa aking likuran.
Pinag-aralan ko muna ang kanyang mukha at nang maramdaman kong tila nagsasabi ito
ng totoo saka ko lamang iniabot sa kanya ang aking nakatikom na kamay. Dali-dali
niyang inalis ang hawak kong mga bubog at marahang tinanggal ang ilang mga bumaon.
Inilapit niya ako sa lababo at nilinisan ang dugo at hiwa sa aking kamay.
Pagkatapos ay paulit-ulit niya itong hinipan.
Natutulalang tinititigan ko siya habang ginagamot niya ang aking sugat. Naglalaro
sa isip ko ang mga eksenang maaring nangyari sa kanilang dalawa ni Scarlet. What
happened? Bakit nangyari ang tila isa sa mga pinakaimposibleng bagay?
####################################
Chapter 19
####################################
•••••�?
CLARISSE
I took a deep breath as I step forward at napaiktad ako nang tumunog ang hawak kong
cellphone. Thinking about that guy, eto na nga tumatawag na siya. I've been holding
my cellphone since this morning. Pinagtitiyagaan ko talagang hawakan ito kahit pa
nakabenda ang isa kong kamay. I'm wondering why he hasn't texted me since I woke
up. It's very unlike him.
Nalaman na kaya nito ang tungkol kay Pierce at Scarlet? Did his girlfriend finally
couldn't handle the guilt at nagtapat na ito sa kanya? Galit kaya ito sa akin for
not telling him what I knew?
Napalunok muna ako ng ilang beses bago sagutin ang tawag. I almost slap myself para
matauhan sa wala sa lugar na pagpapanic ko. So what if I didn't tell him? In the
first place wala naman akong karapatan manghimasok sa problema nilang dalawa. I
shook my head, sighed and cleared my throat.
Napatingin agad ako sa hawak kong cellphone. Tama bang kay Lance ang masiglang
boses na naririnig ko?
He's okay, so it means he doesn't know yet... My guilt starts to strike again.
"I might be late for office today, I'm here at the university registrar getting my
records. Hinihintay ko lang na dumating yung pipirma ng transcripts ko. Pasensiya
na attorney inagahan ko nang pumunta dito but unfortunately matatagalan pa rin pala
ako," paliwanag nito.
"Okay lang ba? Actually yan ang susunod na sasabihin ko," he said with a bit of
hesitation.
"Naku okay lang! Go ahead, visit her. Kung gusto mo if ever free si Scarlet, kumain
muna kayo sa labas! Manood ng sine, mag shopping or if you want isama mo siya sa
pagbili mo ng mga bulaklak para siya na mismo ang pumili!" I answered with bizarre
excitement.
"Sus, hindi ka dapat manibago. Ganito talaga ako pag good mood," napapatapik sa pa
sa hanging sabi ko.
"Thank you. I'm glad to hear that your having a nice day. Thanks again."
"No problem. Sige na puntahan mo na si Scarlet."
"A-Aalisin ko na po... alam ko naman pong ayaw niyo sa bulaklak," paliwanag nito.
Well, that's not really the reason kung bakit ako natigilan. The flowers look
familiar to my eyes. They're the pink carnations I saw at the mall and even the
arrangement is exactly the same.
"Saan galing yan?" I asked and obviously my secretary was a bit surprise dahil sa
pinapakita kong interes sa mga bulaklak.
"M-May dumating pong isang delivery man galing sa isang flowershop. P-Para daw po
sa inyo attorney."
Tumaas ang isa kong kilay. For me? "Galing naman kanino?"
"Hindi po sinabi pero meron pong isang maliit na envelope na nakadikit dito. Gusto
niyo po bang buksan at basahin ko?"
"No," sabay itinuloy ko ang paglalakad sa aking silid. "Put that flowers on my
table."
Patapong inilapag ko ang handbag sa aking mesa at parang pagod na pagod na naupo.
How I wish na totoo ang sinabi ni Lance that I'm having a nice day. I'm not. Hindi
ako nakatulog ng mabuti dahil sa kakaisip kung papaano ireresolve ang sitwasyon. Sa
totoo lang kagabi lang ulit ako hindi humawak ng anumang law books bago matulog.
After a very long time, it's my first time to face again this kind of complicated
personal situation. And even if I want to, hindi ko ito pwedeng i-ignore. In Lance
eyes, I'm married to Pierce. Pwede niyang isisi sa akin ang pagkakaroon ng one
night affair ng girlfriend niya because of my negligence to my husband. And if why
on earth that I tolerate him to bring a woman even in our own house.
I removed my glasses at napamasahe ako sa gitna ng aking mga kilay. Umayos lang ako
ng upo nang pumasok na ang aking secretary. She's holding the pink carnations.
"San ko po ito ilalagay attorney?" sambit nito na tila hindi pa rin sigurado kung
tama ang inutos ko.
"Okay po."
Hinintay kong makalabas ang aking sekretarya saka ko tiningnan nang maigi ang
kumpol ng mga bulaklak. Sino naman kayang nakaisip magbigay sa akin nito? Tinanggal
at binuksan ko ang nakakabit ditong maliit na note.
'I won't let them wither right before your eyes. I'll replace them regularly. Good
day!' - Lance Oliver Perez
Napangiti ako sa aking nabasa. Tumitig ako sa mga bulaklak and I felt a portion of
my heart melting. It refreshed my mind and lifted my spirit. But that was only
temporary because it was suddenly replaced by a heavier feeling of guilt. Kinukurot
din ang aking dibdib sa nararamdamang awa para sa aking assistant. How can a woman
be unfaithful to this kind of sweet and kind hearted man?
Napaangat agad ako ng mukha. "I-Is Lance with her? Nandiyan na ba siya?"
"Wala po."
Pumasok agad sa isip ko ang posibleng dahilan ng pagbisita ni Scarlet. But why
would she want to talk to me first?
"Let her wait at the client room tatapusin ko lang itong ginagawa ko."
"Sige po."
Napabuntong-hininga ako nang muling magsarado ang aking pintuan. How am I going to
face that woman? Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nadadamay ako sa isang kasalanang
hindi ko naman ginawa. Simula na naman ba ng paggulo ng tahimik kong buhay?...
-----
Magkaharap sina Clarisse at Scarlet sa mesa ng cafeteria kung saan una silang
nagkakilala. Dito niyaya ni Clarisse ang dalaga dahil hindi siya komportableng
makipag-usap sa mismong firm niya. Ang katwiran ng bisita ay si Lance talaga ang
pinupuntahan kaya lang wala ang lalaki kaya't siya na lamang ang gustong makausap.
Pero siyempre maniniwala ba naman siya sa alibi ng isang mas batang kagaya ni
Scarlet? Malinaw pa sa isang distilled water kung ano ang pakay nito sa kanya.
"Are you going to say something or hahayaan mo na lang akong titigan ka?" Di na
nakatiis na tanong ni Clarisse. They're being like this for almost thirty minutes.
Dapat matapos ang kanilang pag-uusap bago pa man dumating si Lance.
"I-It's not what you think it is..." sa wakas ay naibuka na rin ni Scarlet ang
bibig.
"A-About what you saw...." Scarlet slowly changed into pleading face. Kulang na
lang ay magmakaawa ito para paniwalaan siya ng kausap. "Attorney believe me or not,
nothing happened between me and Pierce. I was too drunk that night and when I woke
up I'm in someone else room already. Pero alam kong walang nangyari sa amin coz I
didn't feel anything wrong in my body. I hope you won't misunderstand me. Hindi ho
ako ang babaeng basta-basta na lang sumasama sa kung sino-sinong lalaki."
Napangisi si Clarisse sa isipan. The woman is not just a cheater but a great liar
too. Napakasarap sanang paniwalaan ang sinabi nito, yun ay kung hindi niya kilala
ang pagkatao ni Pierce. Kelan pa ito nag-uwi ng babae para lamang simpleng makatabi
sa pagtulog? Baka bumuka ang lupang kinatitirikan ng bahay nila pag nangyari yun.
"For someone who was too drunk, I'm glad that you still remember the name of the
man you sleep with." she said sarcastically at napapalunok na tumugon lamang ng
nahihiyang tingin si Scarlet sa kanya. "Bakit sa akin ka nagpapaliwanag?" prangkang
tanong niya.
"D-Dahil ayokong makarating kay Lance ang nangyari," mahinang sabi nito.
Clarisse could no longer hide her smirk. "Scarlet, wala akong pakialam sa
nangyayari sa paligid ko unless it affects my peaceful life. You can play with any
man you want. I don't give a damn because that's your life and that's your choice.
So don't drag me into this. Don't worry about my opinion because I don't have one.
Kung may problema ka sa boyfriend mo then you two have both head to solve it. Huwag
mo akong idamay," pagmamatigas niya but deep down inside she wanted to yell her
'stop doing those crazy things and for once be honest to your boyfriend!'.
"Hindi naman ho sa idinadamay ko kayo. Gusto ko lang makiusap na sana huwag niyong
mabanggit kay Lance yung nalaman niyo."
Tumitig ng ilang saglit ang abogada sa mga mata ng kausap. "Don't worry hindi ko
ugali ang makisawsaw sa problema ng iba. I don't have a single strand of compassion
for that matter."
"S-Salamat," napapayukong sagot ni Scarlet.
Clarisse wanted to stop the conversation ngunit may isang bagay na kanina pa
gustong lumabas sa bibig niya. Huminga siya ng malalim while thinking if she'll say
it.
Clarisse almost felt relieved by what she heard but there's a part in her heart
that couldn't easily be convinced. "Kung mahal mo siya, ano ang nagtulak sayong
sumama sa isang lalaking kakakilala mo pa lamang?"
Iniwas ni Scarlet ang mga mata kay Clarisse. Siya man ay hindi alam sa sarili kung
papaano niya nagawa iyon. Isang bagay lang ang malinaw sa kanya. The first time she
set her eyes on Pierce, there was this raging desires that flowed all over her
body. Hindi niya maipaliwanag but she felt that there was some strange connection
between them. The way he smirked, how his expressive eyes looked at her, the simple
movement of his mouth while talking...all of these caught her attention. Everything
about that guy was sexy. She even found hotness in the way he puff his cigarette.
Wala pa siyang karanasan sa sex but the moment she met Pierce, that fact was almost
forgotten. Nilamon siya nang buong-buo ng pagnanasa. Noon lamang siya nakaramdam ng
ganoon sa isang lalaki, not even with Lance. That was why she blindedly followed
what Pierce want and willingly submitted herself to his irresistible seduction. It
was too late to realize that she had given him the thing she vowed to give to
Lance, her virginity.
"Lance is a good guy and I don't think he deserves to get hurt. He loves you very
much. Don't you feel guilty na actually nasa university siya ngayon and his excited
to spend time with you while you're here talking with me because of another man?"
nagpapakonsensiyang wika ni Clarisse.
"I-I know... and I do feel sorry for what I did. I want to correct my action."
Marami pa sanang gustong sabihin si Clarisse pero pinili niyang manahimik na.
Nahalata niya ang sariling sinasalungat na ang ipinalalabas sa kausap na wala
siyang pakialam at hindi apektado sa ginawa nito. Binalak niyang tapusin na ang
kanilang pag-uusap subalit nahalata niya sa kasamang may sasabihin pa ito.
"A-Attorney... I-I don't know if I should ask you this. I-I hope you wont mind...."
nag-aalangang bigkas nito. "H-How are you related to Pierce?"
"Why are you still asking about him? Are you still interested in him?" mabilis na
ganting tanong ni Clarisse.
Umiling ng ilang beses si Scarlet. "Naku hindi ho... I-I just want to know if
somehow I offended you because of him. I was wondering until now kung ano ang
ginagawa niyo sa bahay niya."
"Let's just say we're in a type of relationship that requires living together,"
Clarisse answered vaguely.
"Relationship? L-Like what?"
Nagdalawang-isip muna si Clarisse kung lilinawin ang sagot. Ngunit naisip niyang
mas makabubuti sigurong malaman ito ni Scarlet upang masigurong hindi na uit ito
makikipagkita kay Pierce.
"Like what the normal married couple does," walang pag-aalinlangang sagot niya.
Bago pa man maituloy ni Scarlet ang sinasabi, natanaw ni Clarisse ang pumapasok sa
cafeteria na si Lance.
"Lance is here," turan niya nang may kasamang simpleng pagnguso sa pintuan.
Nagbago agad ang hilatsa ng mukha ni Scarlet. Dali-dali itong nag-ayos ng sarili.
Sinuklay ng kamay ang mahabang buhok at inipit sa magkabilaang tenga. Mabilis
itong nagkunwaring masaya't nakangiti.
"Good morning Attorney!" nakangiting bati agad ni Lance hindi pa man nakakaupo. "Hi
Babes!" sabay bigay nito ng isang damping halik sa mga labi ni Scarlet at
pagkatapos ay kinabig ang upuan at pumuwesto sa tabi ng girlfriend. "You should
have told me that you're coming here today. Di sana pinagpabukas ko na lang ang
pag-aasikaso ng mga requirements ko sa bar exam."
"I wanted to surprise you," malambing na sagot ni Scarlet ngunit halatang naasiwa
dahil kaharap ang abogada.
"Thank you for spending time with Scarlet habang wala ako."
"Walang anuman."
Tumayo si Clarisse ngunit nang mapadaan siya sa harap ni Lance napansin ng binata
ang nakabenda niyang kamay.
Huminto siya at nagtatakang tiningnan ang papalapit na lalaki. Without asking any
permission, basta na lang nitong kinuha ang kanyang kanang palad at maiging
tiningnan.
Lihim niyang tiningnan ang mukha ng lalaking nag-aalala sa kamay niya. She suddenly
felt a deep cut inside her chest. She's seeing her old self in him. Umibig. Niloko.
At nasaktan.... pero sana lang hindi mangyari ang panghuli sa lalaki. Alam niya
kung gaano kasakit ang pagtaksilan ng taong minahal mo ng totoo at sobra-sobra. At
ayaw niyang marananasan ito ng isang napakabuting taong gaya ni Lance.
Para lamang huwag itong masaktan, she's willing to close her mouth forever but at
same time she's hoping that Scarlet will be true to her words...
####################################
Chapter 20
####################################
••••�?
Simpleng inoobserbahan ni Lance si Clarisse habang hinihintay nila ang isang late
na kliyente sa isang japanese restaurant. Tahimik at maaliwalas ang mukhang
nagbabasa ang abogada ng isang John Grisham novel habang panaka-nakang sumusubo ng
paborito nitong sushi't sashimi bilang pantawid gutom. Mag-iisang oras na silang
naghihintay sa kanilang ka-lunch meeting dahil naipit daw ito sa isang banggaan sa
Quezon Avenue kaya't hindi na natiis ng babae ang gutom. Siya naman ay nagbubukas
ng kung anu-anong mga applications sa hawak na tablet.
"Hindi ka pa ba nagugutom?" puna nito nang mapansing hindi man lang niya ginagalaw
ang pagkain.
Naninibago siya sa kilos ng babae nitong mga nagdaang araw. Madalang ng uminit ang
ulo nito at mas madalas na itong ngumiti.
"I'm not hungry yet." Ang totoo'y wala lang talaga siyang hilig sa inorder nitong
pagkain. His stomach is very sensitive to raw foods.
"Why don't you order some? Huwag kang magpapagutom," untag nito na para bang nabasa
ang laman ng utak niya.
Isa pa ito sa ipinagtataka niya sa abogada. Naging mas maasikaso ito kumpara sa
dating tila lagi itong walang pakialam sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya.
"Huwag na attorney. Mamaya na lang pagdating ng kliyente tutal hindi pa naman ako
gaanong gutom," pigil niya bago pa man ito makatawag ng waiter.
Tumingin ang babae sa oras at itiniklop ang hawak nitong libro. "Maghintay pa tayo
ng mga 30 minutes. Pag wala pa rin ang client, ireschedule na lang natin sa ibang
araw ang meeting. Let's transfer to another restaurant and have some decent lunch."
Naalala ni Clarisse na wala nga palang kahilig-hilig sa japanese food ang kasama.
Makakapaghintay pa naman sana siya sa ka-meeting ngunit inaalala niya ang lalaki
baka hindi lamang ito nagsasalita dahil ayaw nitong makaabala.
"Okay," sagot ni Lance nang may maaliwalas na ngiti. Pansin niyang natuwa ito sa
narinig na lilipat sila ng ibang restaurant. Sabi na nga ba't ang pagiging pihikan
sa pagkain ang dahilan ng pagtanggi nito.
"P-Parang kayo lang ni Scarlet," kusang paliwanag niya nang mapansing nakatingin sa
kanya si Lance na noon ay nagtataka sa tila pagiging ususera niya.
"Ahmmm... Lance hanggang saan mo kayang tanggapin ang taong mahal mo?" she asked
after being reminded by the sweet couple in front of them.
Napakunot ng noo si Lance. It's hard to believe his boss just voluntarily opens a
topic about love. Pero kahit nagulat siya'y hindi niya ito pinahalata. It's a very
rare chance to talk to the lawyer about personal matter kaya naman agad niya itong
sinakyan. "I can accept everything. Kaya mo nga mahal di ba? You should love both
the ugly and beautiful things about that person."
"How about sa mga kasalanang pwede niyang magawa sayo. Hanggang saan mo siya kayang
patawarin?" untag pa rin ng abogada.
"Hmmm... depende. Since I love the person I can definitely forgive her sa lahat ng
magiging kasalanan niya... pero kung gaano ko siya kabilis mapapatawad ay
nakadepende sa bigat ng naging kasalanan niya," Lance answered while secretly
glancing at Clarisse. Nagdududa ito sa mga kakaibang tanong ng kausap.
"Of course siguradong magagalit ako sa una but I think I'll spend time too to
examine myself. Hindi lang naman siya ang pwede kong sisihin sa lahat. Possibleng
may nagawa din akong mga pagkukulang para pagtaksilan niya ako."
Namilog ang mga mata ni Clarisse. "Y-You mean patatawarin mo siya and you're not
going to break up with her? You'll consider the mistake as a learning lesson in a
relationship, right?" she said with excitement.
Umangat ang isang sulok ng mga labi ni Clarisse. Medyo gumaan ang pakiramdam niya
sa sinabi ng lalaki. She knew from the start na mas nangingibabaw pa rin sa kasama
ang pagmamahal kesa sa ego. Kung katulad niya si Lance noong mga panahong nahuli
niyang pinagtataksilan siya ng mga naging boyfriend, siguro kahit isang relasyon ay
meron siyang naipaglaban...at siguro ay hindi siya nag-iisa ngayon. Although
masakit sa pride na tanggapin, natutuwa siyang hindi niya kagaya mag-isip ang
assistant.
"Why are you smiling?" he noticed.
Natawa ng mahina si Lance and he looked at her. Inilapag nito ang ipad sa mesa at
pomormal ng pakikipag-usap. "Do you think si Scarlet lang ang masuwerte sa akin?
How about me? I am not bragging pero masasabi kong isa pa rin ako sa mga
pinakamasusuwerteng lalaki because I have a beautiful, kind and loving girlfriend
like her."
Muntik ng mawala ang mga ngiti sa mukha ni Clarisse pero pinilit niyang maging
masaya upang huwag mahalata ng kausap na meron siyang itinatago. She felt a sudden
discomfort about what he said at alam niyang hindi siya makakasagot ng maayos
kaya't nag-isip siya ng paraan para makaiwas. Nagpaalam siyang pumunta ng CR. She
left the table in rush before he noticed her lying eyes.
Kriingggg. Kriiinggggg......
Kriiiinggg. Kriinnnggg.....
Natukso siyang tingnan ito. Numero lamang ang lumalabas. Hindi kaya ito ang
kliyenteng hinihintay nila at baka gumamit lang ng ibang number? He was tempted to
answer it.
"Fiona..."
"Y-Yes....This is her assistant. She's in the restroom right now. May I know who's
calling?"
"Ah I see.... This is Kurt Barredo. I'll call again later. Thanks."
"O-Okay..."
Napapamaang siya habang ibinabalik sa dating pinagpatungan ang cellphone. Kurt
Barredo? Atty. De Silva's ex? Why is he calling her personally. He's their client
but most of their client's call ay dumadaan muna sa kanya. And what did he call
her? Fiona?
May direct communication na ba ang boss niya sa dating boyfriend nito? Are they
secretly seeing each other?...Kaya ba nitong mga huling araw ay parang laging good
mood sa kanya ang amo? Maybe her weird questions were not because of her
husband....it's for herself. Is she the one whose being unfaithful now?
May kumirot sa dibdib niya. It's the pain of disappointment. Kahit sa hinagap ay
hindi niya naisip na magagawa ng taong iginagalang at nirerespeto niya ang
ipinagdududa niya. Napailing siya ng ilang beses upang mabura ang masasamang mga
naiisip. Gusto niyang pagalitan ang sarili. Imposible ang tumatakbo sa kanyang
utak. Hindi magagawa ni Atty. De Silva ang mga ito. She's the most decent and
uptight person he'd ever met. Maybe the call is nothing but a friendly call. Sinabi
na mismo ng abogada that Mr. and Mrs. Barredo are planning to file for the
dismissal of their annulment case.
Natanaw niyang papabalik na ang attorney. Dinampot niya uli ang tablet at
nagkunwaring may binabrowse. Lihim niyang sinulyapan ang maaliwalas pa rin nitong
mukha. Kinuha nito ang cellphone at tiningnan na animo'y may hinihintay na tawag.
Bago pa man niya maituloy ang sasabihin ay muling nag-ring ang telepono ng babae.
At first she answered amicably but her face suddenly looked surprised. Hula niya na
kung sino ulit ang tumatawag. Napansin niyang mabilis na napatingin sa kanya ang
abogada ngunit agad din nitong iniiwas ang mga mata. Plus she lowered her voice.
Patay malisya siyang nagbasa ulit sa tablet while secretly listening to her.
"W-When? Tonight?"
Sabay tingin ulit nito sa kanya at pagkatapos ay ipinaling nito sa ibang direksiyon
ang ulo. It's obvious that the person is asking her out. Tonight? For what? Dinner?
"Ah...I'm sorry but I'm busy tonight. Maybe some other time....T-Tomorrow night?
Hindi rin ako pwede...This weekend? T-Titingnan ko. I'll call you if I can make
it....Bye."
"Okay." He sighed and asked for their bill. "By the way, who called? Is there a
client who wants to set up a meeting with you? Gusto mo bang ayusin ko yung
schedule mo?" patay malisyang pag-ungkat niya.
She smiled at nagkunwaring hindi importante ang natanggap na tawag. She cleaned up
her things at kalmadong inilagay ang mga ito sa attache case but he could see in
her eyes that she was panicking inside.
"Ahh wala yun. She's an old friend from my law school who's practicing now in
Singapore. She's currently in the country and asking me if we can meet up," she
said with a brief laugh pero hindi nakaligtas sa mga mata niya ang pamumula ng mga
pisngi nito.
Napangisi siya sa pagsisinungaling ng babae. What's going on? Why is she trying to
hide the fact na si Mr. Barredo ang tumawag?....
------
PIERCE
There's only one thing occupying my mind now. Yun ay kung papaano ko muling
makikita ang huling babaeng naka one night stand ko. Nagsisisi tuloy ako kung bakit
iniapply ko pati sa kanya ang style kong hindi ibinibigay ang number at nanghihingi
ng number. All I know about her is her first name.
It never happened to me before. Usually after I had sex, kung hindi man nawawala ay
nababawasan na ang interes ko sa isang babae. But Scarlet is different. I couldn't
get her out of my head. Everytime na naiisip ko siya, nabubuhay ang lahat ng
libidong nananalantay sa aking buong pagkalalaki. Ano bang meron sa babaeng iyon
bukod sa kakaibang ganda? I don't thinks it's because of her virginity dahil hindi
lang naman siya ang naikama kong virgin. At mas lalong hindi rin ang maiinit na
pagtatalik namin. I had way hotter sex with other girls.
Hindi ko maipaliwanag kong bakit hinahanap-hanap siya ng katawan ko. Wala akong
ganang maghanap ng babae, all I want now is her. I long to sleep with her over and
over and over again... But how can I see her again? Pinuntahan ko na ang bar kung
saan ko siya nakilala and I didn't get anything. Ni mga kasama niya nang gabing yun
ay hindi na rin bumalik sa bar. She's like a sex nymph na nagpakita sa gitna ng
kabihasnan and after casting an spell to a person ay bigla na lang naglaho without
leaving any trace. I tried my best to find her pero walang nangyari.
Now, I only have one choice left. To face my biggest problem but my only hope to
find Scarlet and that is none other than...Clarisse.
Bumangon ako ngunit naupo muna ako ng ilang saglit sa gilid ng kama. Napahilamos
ako sa aking mukha habang pinag-iisipang mabuti ang susunod kong hakbang. How can I
approach that woman if I promised her I'm not going to see Scarlet again?
Bahala na. Tumayo ako at lumabas ng kuwarto. I knocked Clarisse's room with no
longer hesitation. I won't ask her directly para hindi nito mahalata. Maybe all I
need is to dig some small information para magka-idea lang ako kung saan ko
mahahanap si Scarlet.
"What are you doing?" I asked with disbelief. The mighty attorney is now acting
domisticated.
"Sa tingin mo sinong naglilinis dito kung hindi ako naglilinis?" pilosopong sagot
ulit nito.
Me. I wanted to answer but I decided to shut up. Hindi ko pwedeng sirain ang mala
babasaging crystal na mood nito kung gusto ko itong kausapin tungkol kay Scarlet.
Sumandal ako sa katapat na dingding and crossed my arms habang pinapanood ko siyang
nakatalikod na naglilinis. Her messy hair is up and I can see sweat dripping in her
nape.
"I clean the whole house every weekend. Hindi mo lang nakikita dahil lagi kang
wala," dagdag pa nito. "Speaking of that, himala weekend na weekend eh nasa bahay
ka. May lagnat ka ba?"
Saka lamang humarap sa akin si Clarisse. I unfolded my arms at medyo umangat ang
aking likod mula sa pagkakasandal. Pansamantala akong natigilan at napatanga nang
makita ko ang hitsura nya. Her face is so plain. There's nothing on it except for
the sweat in her forehead. Napakakinis nito and compare to her real age, right now
she looks like she's only in her early twenties. Nakaharang ang ilang bahagi ng
magulo nitong buhok sa namumula-mula at nangingintab nitong mga pisngi. So angelic
and innocent looking. Ganito pala ang mukha nito pag binura ang makapal nitong eye
makeup.
She's wearing a loose white shirt na may kaluwangan sa bandang neckline. Lumalabas
ang hindi ko matiyak kung black strap ng bra or kung may suot pa itong spaghetti
top underneath. Noon ko din lang napansin na nakasuot lamang ito ng maiksing kupas
na maong short. She's comfortably baring her long and skinny legs.
It's the first time to see her without any makeup and wearing only a comfortable
casual chic clothes. I must admit that she looks sexy and her bare face looks
surprisingly beautiful. Was she like this every time I wasn't around on weekend? I
felt a portion of regret inside.
Hindi ko naintindihan ang sinasabi niya. Napapalunok lamang ako habang tinitingnan
ang dahan-dahang tumutulong pawis sa nangingintab niyang leeg at balikat.
"W-What were you saying?" ika ko na medyo wala pa rin sa sarili habang humihirit pa
rin ng pailan-ilang tingin sa leeg niya.
"Natural naglilinis ako," walang malisyang sagot niya at sabay dampot sa isang
maliit na towel na nasa center table upang pahiran ang pawis. Mas lalo akong
nakaramdam ng pagkauhaw while watching her bending her neck and wiping her sweat
with the towel. It seems that she's doing it in slow motion
"May sasabihin ka kaya mo ako hinahanap, right? What is it?" ulit niya.
I forgot what I had to say. Kailangan ko yatang uminom muna ng tubig or else baka
hindi ako makarecover sa pansamantalang pagkakahipnotize sa akin ng babaeng ito.
Naglakad ako papuntang kusina.Kumuha agad ako ng tubig sa ref, nagsalin sa baso at
dire-diretsong uminom. Saka ko lamang naalala ang tungkol kay Scarlet. I took a
deep breath. The water helped me to have the courage to finally asked her about
that woman. Pero nang ibinuka ko na ang aking bibig ay iba ang lumabas dito.
I almost punch my face for what I just said. Napalingon din bigla sa akin si
Clarisse at tumaas ang isang kilay nito.
"I-I'm planning to cook because I'm bored kaya isasabay na kita para hindi
masayang," depensa ko.
Dahan-dahang bumaba ang kilay niya. "I'm going out tonight," she answered with a
blank face at muling ibinalik ang atensiyon sa pagpupunas.
"I have a dinner appointment with someone else," natural na sagot niya without even
looking at me.
Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa baso. Don't tell me na lalabas ito kasama na naman
ang maangas nitong assistant? Pati ba naman weekend ay kasama pa rin ito ng babae.
Inilapag ko ang baso sa sink at naglakad ako papabalik sa kuwarto. On my way to the
stairs, ninanakawan ko pa rin ng tingin ang nakatalikod na babae especially her
sexy legs.
Napailing ako ng ilang beses nang makarating ako sa harap ng aking pintuan. I
finally decided to go out later. I need to see other girls and I don't care
whether it's Scarlet or not. Maybe I'm starting to lose my mind again for depriving
myself with sex this past few days.
I don't want to happen again what just happened now. This is not right. I can't
believe na unti-unting gumaganda at nagkakaalindog sa aking mga mata ang reyna ng
mga pusong bato....
####################################
Chapter 21
####################################
*****
Naglalakad palabas ng kanilang bakuran si Pierce para katagpuin ang mga kabarkada
sa isang bar. Nauna nang umalis ng bahay si Clarisse para sa dinner appointment
nito. Based on the usual boring outfit she's wearing, he's quite sure na work
related nga ang pupuntahang dinner ng abogada. Kaalis din lamang ng babae at
inutusan pa nga siya nitong ilabas ang kanyang sasakyan na nakaharang sa driveway.
Dahil may lakad na rin siya di na siya nag-abala pang ipasok muli ang kotse sa
garahe sa halip ay ipinarada na lamang ito sa tabing kalsada.
Before he entered his car, inilabas niya muna ang cellphone upang tawagan ang isa
sa mga kaibigan.
"Pierce."
Pierce gazed at her beautiful face keenly. Down to her luscious neck, to her slim
body and to her sexy long legs. She's wearing a button pink and white floral
blouse, turquoise flowy short skirt and a pair of white wedges. Damn! The missing
goddess is truly making an apparition in front of him.
Gusto niyang imbitahan ito sa loob ng bahay subalit naisip niyang baka biglang
bumalik si Clarisse at mahuli sila. Iginala niya ang mga paningin sa paligid upang
tiyaking walang mga matang nakatingin. Then he held her wrist and invited her
inside his car. Binuhay niya muna ang makina at aircon saka hinarap ng maayos ang
tahimik at kiming katabi.
Ngayong nasa tabi na ni Pierce ang babaeng hinahanap-hanap, he can't deny that
excitement starts to engulf him. And just by the mere thought na kasama niya ito sa
loob ng sasakyan, unti-unti niya nang nararamdaman ang pagtaas ng temperatura ng
kanyang katawan. But as much as he wanted to express his desire, pinili niya munang
magpakagentleman. Pagkatapos ng hirap na pinagdaanan niya sa paghahanap sa dalaga,
he'll not do anything na ikaka-offend nito sa mga sandaling iyon. Iiwasan niyang
umalis na naman ito nang walang anumang ibinibigay na impormasyon tungkol sa
sarili.
He decided to listen for what she has to say. Ramdam niyang may rason kung bakit
kusa siya nitong pinuntahan. Binuhay niya ang ilaw sa sasakyan matapos mahalatang
naasiwa ang babae sa may kadilimang paligid. The car is darkly-tinted so he doesn't
worry much na may makakakita sa kanila sa loob.
Hindi agad nakasagot si Scarlet. Ano nga ba ang ginagawa niya sa tapat ng bahay ng
lalaking mahigpit niyang ipinagbilin sa sariling kailanman ay hindi na pwedeng
makita? She fought hard against her longing to see him again but the impression he
left was unfathomable. Hinahanap-hanap niya ang lalaki at walang araw na hindi ito
sumagi sa kanyang isipan. And everytime she thinks of him, she could feel her blood
rushing into her viens. She hates herself for this. That one night stand was
supposed to be a mistake she should condemn as well as the man who lured him to it.
Pero hindi ito ang nararamdaman niya. Her heart is thumping whenever she thinks of
that steamy night they had.
Ayaw niyang isiping may namumuo siyang pagtingin sa lalaking isang beses niya lang
nakita. She loves Lance deeply and there's no chance that a mere stranger can be
his rival to her heart. Pakiramdam niya habang patuloy niyang iniisip si Pierce ay
patuloy siyang nagiging masamang girlfriend sa lalaking totoong iniibig niya. Plus
the fact that Pierce is involved to a woman who's connected both to Lance and
herself would only make the situation worse.
Napagdesisyunan niyang makipagkitang muli sa taong nagpapagulo sa kanyang isipan.
What she'd gone through was a big mistake kaya once and for all tatapusin niya na
ito. She wanted to prove to herself na wala siyang nararamdaman sa isang
estranghero. Maybe everything happened out of curiosity at kapag nasatisfy niya na
ang sarili ay kusa nang mawawala sa utak niya ang lalaki.
Pero ano nga ba ang nararamdaman niya ngayong nakita niya nang muli si Pierce?
The moment she set her eyes again on his manly face, agad na naglaro sa kanyang
isipan ang maiinit na mga sandaling kanilang pinagsaluhan. When he grabbed her
wrist earlier, right then ramdam niya na ang umpisa ng panghihina ng kanyang mga
tuhod. At ngayon ngang katabi niya na ito, she's aware that everything inside her
is starting to melt. There are two words that can only describe her now. Captivated
again.
"I talked to your wife..." she started while trying her best to conceal her
nervousness.
Napalunok si Scarlet. She could feel the warmth in his sigh. At tila nakakahawa ang
init na yun dahil dahan-dahan itong lumilipat sa kanyang katawan.
"Is that what she only told you? That I'm her friend?"
"Yes. Besides hindi magsasabi yun ng anumang bagay tungkol sayo because she
definetly won't give me the chance na mahanap ka. She strongly warned me not to see
you again."
Nang medyo humupa ang nararamdamang init, saka lang siya muling humarap sa babae
nang may tatawa-tawang reaksiyon.
"I will never consider seeing a lovely woman like you as a mistake. I take it as a
privilige instead," sagot niya sa huling tanong nito.
Pierce was dumbstruck for a moment but later on natawa siya sa kaprangkahan ng
kausap.
"Dahil kung mahal mo siya you won't feel comfortable sleeping with other women. And
also when your wife talked to me, although she told me not to meet you again, I
didn't see any ounce of jealousy from her eyes."
"And also how can a married couple have two separate rooms?" malumanay na dagdag pa
ng babae.
Napapabuntong-hiningang tumingin si Pierce sa kausap. "Is this the reason why you
wanted to see me? To lecture me about my unfaithfulness to your friend and to
discuss about our unusual marriage relationship?"
Scarlet slowly shook her head. "N-No...I just want to hear something that could
help me ease my guilt."
"Then what else is your reason for suddenly showing up in front of me?" he asked
directly.
"I-I'm here because..I-I think I miss you," mahinang bigkas ng babae habang
diretsong nakatingin sa mukha ng kausap.
He held her nape without hesitation and pulled her towards him. Agarang hinalikan
niya ito ng malalim and relished the sweetness of her lips na kaninang-kanina pa
niya gustong matikman muli. He could hear his heart pounding at ramdam na ramdam
niya ang mabilis na pagkalat ng apoy sa kanyang katawan. Pinatay niya ang ilaw sa
loob ng sasakyan. And when she kissed him back, his aggressiveness started to grow.
Sa tindi ng pananabik niya sa babae, he thinks that there's no room yet for him to
be gentle. He took out his tounge and explore every part of her mouth. And as she
took out her tounge too, he tasted it while halfly sucking it.
Scarlet wrapped her arms around his neck. Heavenly! Why is he so good even in
kissing. His kiss alone is enough to make her brain locks. She doesn't want him to
stop. She's in full admission now na hinahanap-hanap niya ang mga haplos nito. She
longed for his touches that played all throughout her body. Gusto niya uling
maranasan ang nakakamamatay sa sarap nitong pagroromansa.
Hindi mapaghiwalay ang kanilang mga labi na para bang sinusulit nito ang pagitan ng
mga araw ng hindi pagdampi sa isa't isa. But Pierce couldn't wait to do more. His
hand cupped her breast and unbuttoned her blouse. Bumaba ang mga halik nito sa
kanyang leeg and lick every part of it.
Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ni Scarlet sa lalaki. Palipat-lipat ang mga kamay niya sa
ulo at batok nito. He fully unbuttoned her top nang hindi man lamang ito tumigil sa
paghalik sa kanyang leeg. And then she felt his hand unhooking her bra while the
other is crawling down in her thigh. She's wearing a strap bra so he couldn't
removed it easily.
She followed without hesitation. Tinapon niya sa sahig ng likurang upuan ang
hinubad na blouse. While she's still taking-off her bra, he lifted her skirt and
drew her closer to him. At bago pa man niya tuluyang matanggal sa katawan ang
hinuhubad na bra, napaigtad siya nang maramdamang nasa pagkababae niya na ang kamay
ni Pierce.
"Ooohh..." ungol niya habang itinatapon sa sahig ang huling pantaas na saplot.
He slid his hand inside her underwear and slowly rubbed her womanhood. Scarlet
started to become feverish when his lips went down to her breast kasabay ng
pagbilis ng naglalarong kamay nito. He licked the top of her breasts in circle with
the same motion and rhythm as how he played with her clit. Napasabunot siya sa
lalaki. With the pleasure she's giving her, paano gagana ang natitirang katinuan sa
kanyang pag-iisip?
"Ah!" she gasped as he sucked her nip and slid his two fingers inside her.
He thrusted his finger inside and out habang palipat-lipat ito sa paghalik sa
magkabilaang tuktok ng kanyang dibdib. She wanted to scream in pleasure but she
couldn't. Alam niya kung nasaan sila kaya't napapakagat na lamang siya ng madiin sa
labi habang kumakawala ang kanyang mga impit na daing.
He removed his finger inside her at marahang ibinaba ng dalawang kamay nito ang
kanyang underwear patungo sa kanyang tuhod. Then his hand went back between her
thighs at muling ibinaon ang mga diliri sa kanyang pagkababae. Nababaliw siya sa
tindi ng sensasyong nararamdaman. She put down her panty on her own and opened her
legs wider. His hand is moving faster.
His lips moved to her ear. He kissed and licked it wildly. Gosh, everything he does
is perfect and in rhythm. She's totally on fire at ilang sandali lamang ay tanging
ang nangingibabaw na lang sa nararamdaman niya'y ang nakakabaliw na sarap na hatid
ng naglalarong kamay ng lalaki. Dahan-dahan niyang iminulat ang napapapikit na mga
mata at noon ay nakita niya si Pierce na tumigil sa paghalik. He's silently
watching her enjoys what he's doing. Naaninag niya ang nakakapasong mga titig nito
habang pinapanood siya.
"Like it?"
"Aahh yes..."
"Ahhh..."
"Faster?"
"S-Scarlet..."
"B-Because it's not right ahhh," she answered while arching. " W-What we're doing
is not right ahh..."
The speed of his hand is making her wild again. Napapaindayog na rin siya upang
salubungin ang galaw nito.
"Ahh not only that but this is cheating....a-and I know everything is going to be
temporary."
"Do you want it to become permanent?" he teasingly asked habang lalong binibilisan
ang paglabas-masok ng mga daliri.
"Why not? My marriage to Clarisse won't last that long, you can wait, right?"
He slid another finger inside her at muling isinubsob nito ang mukha sa kanyang
dibdib. She almost screamed for what he just did kaya naman hindi gaanong pumasok
sa utak niya ang huling sinabi nito.
"Does it hurt?" he whispered with worries while licking back her nipples.
"A bit but it feels even better ahhh," she gasped as the pain and pleasure is
mixing inside her.
Bumilis ng bumilis pa ang galaw ng kamay ng lalaki and she knows she's coming
closer to her peak but before it happens, Pierce stopped.
Muli siya nitong hinalikan ng malalim sa mga labi. And then he lifted her and asked
her to sit on his lap. She willingly obeyed. Medyo masikip ang espasyo kaya't mas
i-dinecline pa nito ang upuan. He made her unbuttoned his pants and unzip it. She
could feel already how hard he is. She slid his hand inside his underwear and
stroke his manhood. He's enjoying it since she hears some moans from him. Now it's
her chance to return the favor. She didn't stop stroking him until he told her to
stop.
Ibinaba nito ng bahagya ang pantalon kasabay ng underwear. He grabbed her from
behind and made her sit on his hardness. She hesitated for a while and he noticed
it.
"Ohhh god you're good," mahinang ungol nito while stroking her breast.
She followed and she's getting crazier as he's perfectly meeting her rhythm while
sucking her breast. He even slapped her behind if he wanted her to go faster.
Bumilis lalo ang pag-indayog niya and he's starting to get wilder too. He's almost
biting her nip sa panggigil and his touches to her breast is getting stronger.
They're a bit painful but sensually enticing.
"Ohhh later," she answered habang mas lalo pang binibilisan ang galaw niya.
His phone rang but no one minded hanggang sa paulit-ulit nang may tumatawag dito.
"Ohhh Pierce I think someone is calling you," she said however it didn't make her
stop.
He gripped her behind hardly and didn't stop licking her breast. Scarlet feels that
the fire inside her is about to blast. Binilisan niya pa lalo ang pag-indayog until
she thinks nothing can make her stop anymore.
Napapakagat ng mariin sa kanyang labi si Pierce upang pigilan ang sarili na huwag
sabayan ang pagsabog ng babae.
Tinakpan ni Pierce ng kamay ang bibig ng babaeng nasa rurok ng kaligayahan. She bit
his hand hard para makaiwas sa pagsigaw. At nang maramdaman niyang natapos na ito'y
saka naman pinagbigyan ang sarili. He continued pounding her while pulling her from
behind.
"Ahhh keep moving honey," utos niya habang walang pag-aatubiling sinusunod pa rin
siya ng babae. "Oooh faster."
"Y-Yes Pierce..."
When he's about to explode, mabilis niyang iniangat ang katawan ng babae and
removed his manhood inside her. He asked her to stroke it until he climaxed. he
spread his juice in her stomach.
Scarlet slowly climbed down from his lap at tahimik na bumalik sa upuan. Both had
taken an amount of time para makabawi sa matinding pagkahingal. And in a while,
inilabas ni Pierce ang isang box ng tissue mula sa glove compartment and gave it to
her.
He quietly pulled up his pants at pinunasan naman ng babae ang sarili. She put on
her clothes at pagkatapos ay muling sumandal sa upuan nang may seryoso ng mukha.
It's obvious that her guilt is starting to engulf her again. She sighed many times.
Napansin ni Pierce ang agad na pagseseryoso ng kasama. Binuksan niyang muli ang
ilaw at tinitigan ito.
"Don't think too much about my wife. She'll definitely won't really mind it much
even if she'll learn. Kaya lang siya nagkakaganyan ngayon not because I'm having an
affair but because she's more upset about her worries that you might involve
yourself to a wrong person. All we need is be careful. Ni hindi mag-aaksaya ng
gintong oras ang taong yun para pagdudahan tayo."
Sumagot lamang ng matamlay na ngiti si Scarlet. She can't say yes but she can't say
no too. She doesn't trust even herself anymore.
"Scarlet..."
"I don't know Pierce. What's happening right now is something that I never imagined
na mangyayari sa buhay ko."
"I'm not asking for a commitment. All we need is to meet whenever we miss each
other."
"Let's see if we'll both miss each other again. After tonight, who knows ay mawalan
na rin tayo ng gana sa isa't isa," nakahalukipkip na sagot ng babae.
"Aren't you going to answer your phone? Kanina pa may tumatawag sayo."
"Mga kaibigan ko lang yan. They're waiting for me in a bar but why would I go kung
kasama ko na ang taong naging dahilan kung bakit gustong kong lumabas tonight,"
ngingisi-ngising katwiran ng lalaki.
Walang ganang tiningnan ni Pierce ang cellphone para matigil lamang ang kausap. He
received several calls from same unknown number. Nakatanggap din siya ng text mula
sa nasabing numero. Tanging nakasaad dito ang pangalan at address ng isang
restaurant.
Nagsalubong ang kanyang kilay. They were distracted because of a wrong number.
Ilalapag na sana niya ang telepono ngunit muli siyang nakatanggap ng text.
'Atty. De Silva is having dinner with a man right now in that place.'
Natigilan siya sa nabasa. At pagkuway natawa siya ng bahagya. So? Why would he care
about that woman having dinner with another man? She's always eating outside with
men. It's part of her job. Besides, he won't waste his precious time with Scarlet
para lamang puntahan ang babaeng mamaya lamang ay makikita niya na uli.
Muling may dumating na isa pang text.
Pansamantala siyang napamaang. Kurt Barredo? Of course he knows who he is. He's
Clarisse ex-fiancee. According to her family, he was the man she loved the most but
hurt her the most.
Unti-unti siyang napaisip. Why would she meet with that man suddenly?
Hindi makatiis na muli niyang dinampot ang telepono at kunwa'y tinitext ang
nabanggit na kaibigan.
'Who's this?'
Wala sa sariling naibato niya ang cellphone sa harap ng manibela. Medyo nairita na
siya sa naunang nabanggit na lalaki ngayo'y mas lalo siyang napikon sa huling
pangalang nabasa. Why would this assistant care that much kung nakikipag-dinner man
ang boss niya sa ex-boyfriend nito? Muli niyang inihagis ang celpphone sa tapat
niya at sabay hawak sa kambyo ng kotse.
####################################
Chapter 22
####################################
####################################
Chapter 23
####################################
•••�?
CLARISSE
"I'm sorry again for what happened last Saturday, attorney. I acted immaturely. I
shouldn't have sent that text to your husband. Hinding-hindi ko na uulitin ang
ganung pagkakamali."
"I told you. It's okay. Huwag na nating pag-usapan yung nangyari," I answered while
looking outside the car's window.
"Hindi pa rin ako mapakali. Everytime na nakikita kong seryoso ang mukha niyo
pakiramdam ko you're still disappointed with me."
Heto na naman kami. Lunes na lunes ay tinatadtad pa rin ako ni Lance ng paulit-ulit
niyang pagso-sorry. Buong araw niya na akong binuliglig kahapon sa kaka-explain at
kakahingi ng tawad kung kaya't medyo nakakapagod na rin sa tenga na may
continuation pa rin hanggang ngayon. I already answered him repeatedly that I'm not
angry anymore kaya lang tila naka-active mode na naman ang kakulitan ng assistant
kong ito.
Now I know why most of the time I feel that he doesn't see me as his boss at ako
rin nama'y paminsan-minsan nakakalimot na staff ko nga pala siya, na ako nga pala
ang dapat na mas masunod sa aming dalawa. Paano ba naman, between the two of us,
parang mas madalas pang ako ang nasa yagit na sitwasyon. Sa kanya, balewala ang
coding-coding na yan palibhasa'y may dalawa pa siyang nakareserbang sasakyan. Pag
nagkayayaan naman kaming kumain sa labas na kahit pa nga minsan ay may kinalaman
ito sa trabaho, inuunahan pa niya ako sa pagbabayad ng bills. Mas magaling siya sa
pananamit at higit sa lahat mas mamahalin pa ang mga gamit niya kaysa sa akin.
I thought his family is rich because of his popular father. But I was wrong, his
mother is the one who's richer among his parents. Nagmula pala ang nanay nito sa
isang napakayamang angkan. Though living in the shadow of her husband's fame, Mrs.
Perez alone owns two popular clothing lines, fifteen restaurants, three four star
hotels and a shipping line. I researched about it out of curiousity since Lance has
flashes of unexpected extravagance in him. Kaya nga hindi ako nagi-expect na
magtatagal siya sa firm namin. Sooner or later aalis din ito since he has a lot
better opportunities outside our company. Right now, I'm just taking advantage of
his intelligence and connections while still with us... Siyempre kasama na rin sa
ini-enjoy ko ang pagkakaroon ng gwapo, cool at masayang kasamang assistant.
"See. Malalim pa rin ang iniisip mo, mukhang disappointed ka pa rin sa akin."
Napilitan akong tumingin sa makulit kong kasama. I slowly gave him a wide sweet
smile.
"Ayan okay na ba ang ganitong expression ko?" tanong ko habang nakapako ang mga
ngiti sa aking mukha.
He gazed at me for a while and then he bursted into laughter to a point na namumula
pa ang kanyang mukha.
"Don't ever do that again attorney! You look awkward. Hindi bagay sayo ang
magpacute!" tawang-tawang komento nito.
Unti-unti akong napangiwi habang tinitingnan ang tuwang-tuwang reaksiyon niya. I'm
starting to feel embarassed. "Ano ba talaga?! Kaninang seryoso ako, ini-insist mong
baka galit pa rin ako! Ngayon namang pinipilit kong ngumiti, pinagtatawanan mo
ako!"
He noticed my irritation kaya huminto siya sa pagtawa. Pero I know that his still
laughing inside dahil namumula pa rin ang kanyang mukha.
"Seriously attorney don't ever do that in front of our clients or else baka mawalan
tayo ng mga kliyente," hirit pa rin nito.
Sinagot ko siya ng irap at ingos. Bakit nga naman naisipan kong magpabeautiful eyes
sa lalaking ito? Nahahawa na ata ako sa paminsan-minsang pagkachildish nito.
Humalukipkip ako at muling itinuon ang aking atensiyon sa labas ng bintana ng
kotse.
"Try asking me again kung galit pa ako and you're dead!" I said firmly without
looking at him.
"Sorry, I was only making a way to start a conversation about what happened. Hindi
ka ba talaga inaway ni Mr. Calderon? If you want I'll explain to him everything in
your behalf," medyo seryoso na nitong sabi.
I sighed at tumaas ang isa kong kilay matapos marinig ang pangalan ni Pierce. I
unfolded my arms at dahan-dahan akong napakuyom ng mga kamay. Isa pa ang lalaking
iyon. Ang kapal ng mukha! Ako na nga ang hinarass, siya pa ang may ganang
magsuplado. He didn't even try to utter a simple apology. Even a fake one, wala
talaga!
I'm raging inside whenever I remember what he said yesterday morning. Iiwasan niya
na daw ako and he requested na huwag akong magpahara-hara sa harap niya kung ayaw
kong maulit ang nangyari. Wow! Siya itong may attitude problem pero ako itong
kailangang mag-adjust. And for god sake that's my house. I should have the freedom
to go anywhere, anytime. At nagdikit pa siya sa refrigerator ng schedule niya. Ang
oras ng punta niya sa kusina, sa sala, alis niya ng bahay at oras ng dating niya.
He noted it down para daw alam ko kung kelan ko siya iiwasan. I wanted to slap the
paper in his face. He is overblowing what happened, isa lang naman ang hinihintay
ko. Isang simpleng sorry. Pero sa taas ng ego at pride niya I know it won't happen.
Totoo ngang mas lalo mong nakikilala ang isang tao habang nakakasama mo ito ng
matagal. Imagine, we don't even interact that much pero unti-unti ko pa ring
nadidiscover if how horrible and selfish man he is. What exactly is the peak of his
meaness? He's playing with women out of lust and he can harass one also out of his
ego. I'm truly praying that someday he'll fall in love deeply to someone. Yung
tipong mahihirapan siyang mapaibig ang isang babae so that he'll realize kung
papaano siya naging inconsiderate sa pakiramdam ng iba.
"You had fight, right?" Lance asked. I looked at him quickly and I noticed that
he's looking at my closed fist.
"No." Mabilis kong sagot at sabay buka sa aking mga kamay. Agad ko ring ikinalma
ang aking mukha sabay lingon ulit sa labas ng bintana.
"Stop!" I exclaimed.
I saw a flower shop. Nakahanap ako ng pagkakataong ilihis ang atensiyon ng makulit
kong kasama. He stopped the car at nagtataka itong tumingin sa akin.
"Why?" he asked with furrowed brow.
"May nakita akong flower shop. Nakabili ka na ba ng bulaklak for today para kay
Scarlet?"
"How about making a difference for today? Dalawang beses mo siyang padalhan ng
bulaklak. One in the morning and one in the afternoon," I insisted.
"No need to do that. I know I'm a bit corny but I can't afford to be extremely
corny."
"Thanks but no need," he answered pero ilang saglit lamang ay bigla siyang
napatingin sa akin. "Wait a minute. Are you interested to drop by in that flower
shop? Do you want me to buy for you your favorite pink carnations?" nakangiti
nitong tanong.
Natigilan ako.
His words have different effect on me this time. I stare at his smiling face and I
can feel a slight pounding in my chest. Tila may nagliparang mga paru-paru sa aking
dibdib. My cheeks is slowly turning hot. What's going on with me? Dalawang beses
niya na akong binigyan ng bulaklak but I didn't react this way. Dahil kaya
pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon ngayon lang ulit may nagtanong sa akin kung gusto ko
ba ng bulaklak? Alam kong walang ibang ibig ipakahulugan si Lance. In the first
place kung talagang gusto mong bigyan ng bulaklak ang isang tao hindi mo na
kailangang tanungin ang pagbibigyan mo kung gusto niya ba ito...But somehow what he
just said still brought a light and radiant feeling to me.
"Let me buy some flowers for you. To be honest, your office looks boring without
your favorite carnations in it."
Natutulala pa rin ako. Lumakas pa ang tahip ng aking dibdib habang nanatiling
nakatingin sa akin ang aking kausap. Then he started to unbuckle his seatbelt.
Saka lamang ako natauhan. I immediately grabbed his arm and objected. "No need!"
"I already told you not to buy flowers me. I-I hate them," madiing paglilinaw ko
sabay iwas ng tingin.
I quickly defended myself. "Hindi ako nagpapanic! It's just that the idea creeps me
out!"
"What's being creepy in buying you a flower? I just want to lift up your serious
mood today," bumubulong na sambit nito habang napapailing.
"Stop murmuring!" kunway pagsusungit ko. "Continue driving. Let's have our lunch,
I'm starving already!"
"Yes ma'am," tatawa-tawang tugon nito sabay suot ulit ng seatbelt. "Where do you
want to eat?"
"What's going on with you? Mukhang mas lalo kayong naging seryoso ah... Are you
sure na hindi na talaga kayo galit..."
Alam kong nahahalata niya ang pagiging asiwa ko. I tried looking at a different
direction habang nakapangalumbaba but I can feel that he's secretly staring at me.
This is not right. I should not be the one setting this kind of mood between us. I
composed myself and abruptly erased the unexplainable uncomfort that I suddenly
felt with him. I pretended to smile and looked him straight in the eyes. Nahuli ko
siyang nakatitig sa akin at siya naman ngayon ang biglang umiwas ng tingin.
"Why aren't you calling the waiter yet?" masigla at nakangiting tanong ko while
trying to set a better atmosphere in our table.
"Ah kasi attorney I forgot to tell you. Scarlet is on her way here. Okay lang ba?"
Mabilis na naglaho ang aking mga ngiti. I momentarily glared at him with straight
face.
"Sorry if I didn't tell you earlier. I haven't met her in two days because she was
busy the whole weekend. I want to take opportunity of our free time to have lunch
with her today."
So kaya pala may pafrench-french restaurant ka pang nalalaman sapagkat darating ang
haliparot mong girlfriend? I wanted to tell him.
Ewan ko ba. Although, Scarlet talked to me earnestly and explained to me about her
mistake, hindi na bumalik ang gaan ng loob na dati kong nararamdaman para sa kanya.
It's like a broken trust that can never be mended again. But eventhough I started
not liking her, wala naman akong magagawa dahil mahal na mahal siya ni Lance. I
can't bear to see him hurt if he lost her kaya all I can do is zip my mouth.
"If you're not comfortable with it. Okay lang ba na lumipat kami sa ibang mas
malapit na restaurant?" he added.
Something stabbed me inside. My pride is being stepped on. Ano ako second priority?
Pagkatapos niyong magharutan saka mo ako babalikan dito?!
I sighed and drink a glass of water. "S-Sure no problem," tila kaswal ngunit may
kahinaang sagot ko. Sino ba naman ako para humindi? Di nagmukha akong kontabida sa
pag-iibigan ng isang Romeo at Juliet.
"Thank you!" he answered with a wide smile. Excitement is written all over his
face.
I think of a way to divert my ruined mood. Naglabas ako ng reading materials from
my suitcase habang si Lance naman ay maya't mayang napapatingin sa entrance.
I straightened my eyeglasses and started reading.
"What made her busy the whole weekend para mawalan siya ng oras sayo?" tanong ko
nang hindi nag-aangat ng mukha.
"P-Pardon?" he uttered.
"Ah Scarlet was busy studying. She had group study last Saturday and she did a
library research the whole day yesterday."
"Even sunday? May bukas bang library pag sunday?" kunot noong tanong ko.
"Ah ganun ba. That's new to me, palibhasa sa ibang university ako nag-aral," I
replied with a lazy grin.
Nag-angat ako ng mukha at naniningkit na tumingin sa aking kausap. "Did you confirm
if she's really studying?"
"Did you regularly call her and could you tell from the background sound kung
talaga bang nasa library siya or kasama niya ang mga kaklase niya?"
"So did you find a way to confirm na nasa library siya or nag-aaral siya?" ulit ko.
"No. I didn't bother to call her since she already informed me na magpapatay siya
ng telepono para makapagconcentrate sa pag-aaral."
Mas lalo akong napaisip sa narinig kong sagot. "Anong oras mo siya last na nakausap
bago ito magpatay ng telepono?"
"How about the time of your first conversation after she turned on her phone?"
The note Pierce left flashed back in my mind. He left yesterday around eight in the
morning and I heard a slam in his door by ten in the evening. My chest started to
pound again. I asked another glass of water from the waiter. Humigpit ang
pagkakahawak ko sa aking reading materials. Are Pierce and Scarlet still seeing
each other? Napailing ako at napakurap ng ilang bese. I wanted to erase the
unpleasant thought. Maybe the time was only a coincidence.
Scarlet sincerely promised she'll never ever meet him again. I even purposely
informed her that he's my husband para masiguradong iiwasan niya na ito. She must
be out of her mind to continuously see a married man. Besides, Pierce promised me
too not to see her again. I know him based from the women he brought home. He never
sleep twice with the same woman.
You're just being paranoid Clarisse! Mas possible pang magkatotoo si Superman kesa
sa iniisip mo.
Scarlet finally arrived. She kissed Lance quickly on the lips and sat beside him.
She was a bit surprised after seeing me. It looks like Lance didn't mention to her
that I'm around.
"Hi! Nice to see you again! How's studying? I heard from Lance that you're really
working hard on it." I said smiling but there's a bit of sarcasm in it.
"Okay naman ho. Medyo may kahirapan. Ganito talaga yata pag nasa final year na."
Tiningnan ko siya sa mga mata. I want to know if she's still hiding something. But
all I see are the same ashamed eyes when she talked to me privately. I couldn't
tell kung ito ba'y dahil sa may itinatago pa siya or it's because of her secret
that I know.
"Do you like the flower I sent you this morning?" Lance asked while touching her
hair softly.
"Yes. It's beautiful. Thank you sweetie." And then she kissed him again in the
cheek.
I couldn't stand the sight in front of me. I grab my suitcase and stand up.
"Lilipat ako ng table. I'm giving you two a chance to talk privately," paliwanag ko
nang nakangiti.
"Don't worry about me. Sanay akong kumain mag-isa and besides I'm reading so I need
a quiet table too."
I transferred to a table not too far from them but the distance is enough para
hindi ko marinig ang pinag-uusapan nila. I ordered black coffee and a pasta.
Itinuloy ko ang aking pagbabasa but my mind is still flying in Lance's table.
Maya't maya ko silang ninanakawan ng sulyap. Like what I used to witness, their
sweetness hasn't changed at all. But this time, I don't feel any amount of
adoration for them instead I feel a piercing needle inside. Everytime Lance looked
at my table, mabilis kong ibinabalik ang aking mga mata sa pagbabasa. He smiled at
me sa tuwing nahuhuli namin ang isa't isa na nakatingin. I smiled back but always a
dull one.
Dumating ang aking order. I grabbed my coffee. And while having my first sip, I
unintentionally glanced again at Lance table. I caught him on the act of kissing
Scarlet. And when his lips reached her lips, bigla kong naibuga ang kape.
Bigla akong natigilan nang maramdaman kong tila nasa dibdib ko ang kamay ng aking
assistant. I looked down at unti-unting nanlaki ang aking mga mata. His hand is
definitely on my breast. Napapamaang na tumingin ako sa kanya. Bigla rin siyang
napatulala after he realized where his hand is resting. He was shocked too at
pansamantalang hindi nito naigalaw ang kamay. Dahan-dahang nagsalubong ang aking
mga kilay. My blood started to heat up then I strongly slapped his hand.
"Where the hell do you think you're touching me?!" I exclaimed angrily.
"I-I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to.." tila hindi rin makapaniwalang sambit niya habang
tinatanggal ang mga kamay sa pagkakahawak sa akin.
Dali-dali kong binalik sa suitcase ang aking binabasa and I stand up.
"Give me the car key. I'll wait for you in the car," mainit ang ulong bigkas ko.
He gave me the key helplessly. "By the way since you ruined my appetite, pay my
bill." I told him with an angry eyes and he immediately responded with a nod.
I walked towards the door and gave Scarlet one sharp look as I passed by her table.
Sa kabila ng madumi kong damit at kahit alam kong maraming nakatingin sa akin, may
poise pa rin akong naglakad papalabas ng restaurant.
When I reached the car, binuhay ko agad ang makina nito. Itinutok ko ng ilang
minuto ang aircon sa aking mukha. Sumandal ako ng maigi sa upuan. I closed my eyes
and took a deep breath repeatedly. I tried my best to calm down pero pagkalipas ng
ilang sandali bigla na lang akong nagpapadyak. I screamed at sabay sabunot ko sa
aking sarili.
Tiningnan ko ang aking mukha sa salamin and I'm still blushing in embarrassment.
What happened? Bakit ako nagkakaganito? I was never been this clumsy before?
I looked at the restaurant's direction and I looked again at myself in the mirror.
Unti-unting nanlaki ang aking mata sa bagay na pumasok sa aking isipan. I wanted to
laugh in disbelief but I couldn't because it seems true. Hinawakan ko ang aking
dibdib at ramdam na ramdam ko ang lakas ng kabog nito. Am I the one who's the real
crazy here?
••••�?
Umiiksi na ang pasensiya ni Lance. Nangangalay na ang mga daliri niya sa paulit na
pagdada-dial pero wala pa ring sumasagot sa mga tawag niya. Iritableng itinapon
niya ang cellphone sa kama at saka uminom ng malamig na tubig. Dapat ay nagbabasa
siya at nagseseryoso sa pagrereview pero hindi siya makapagconcentrate. Muli siyang
umupo sa study table and grabbed a book. Pinilit niyang magbasa pero dumadaan lang
ang mga letra sa kanyang mga mata and nothing sticks to his mind. He's out of
focus so again he closed the book. He massaged the middle of his brows then again
picked up his phone.
He knows he's troubled and he wants to talk to someone but nobody takes his call.
Hindi niya alam kung saan siya mas naiirita; sa hindi pagsagot ni Scarlet sa mga
tawag niya o dahil hanggang ngayo'y nakapatay pa rin ang cellphone ni Atty. De
Silva. Gusto niyang isiping it's all because of her girlfriend at umiinit lang ang
ulo niya dahil namimiss niya na ito. Hindi siya sanay na miminsan lang ito makita
although he should understand na abala ito sa pag-aaral. He was in this situation
too during his graduating year kaya dapat naiintindihan niya rin si Scarlet.
Ikinalma niya ang sarili habang pilit pinapaniwalang ang sanhi ng nararamdaman ay
ang pananabik sa kasintahan.
But why is it that he feels like he's lying to himself? Sapilitang isinasaksak niya
sa utak si Scarlet samantalang si Atty. De Silva ay kusang sinasakop ang kanyang
isipan. He'd been restless since yesterday. Hindi niya alam ang rason basta nagulat
na lang siya nang biglang nagsabi ang abogada na mawawala ito ng tatlong araw.
Pagkatapos ng hearing nung Martes, tinanong siya nito tungkol sa schedule. After
confirming she has no hearing for the rest of the week, she suddenly told him to
reschedule the rest of her appointments. She said she's going out of town for an
undisclosed reason.
She was gone since yesterday. Unang araw pa lang na wala ito ay hinahanap-hanap
niya na ang pagsusungit nito, ang pagiging pikon sa mga pang-aasar niya at ang mga
sarkastikong hirit nito sa mga empleyado which he always find amusing and funny.
Although he has good relationship too with the other staff and lawyers, iba pa rin
pag nasa opisina si Atty. De Silva. Kahit magaling itong mampressure ng staff but
the office has different energy whenever she's around.
Dumaan ang maghapon niya ngayon na para bang napakabagal ng oras. Her absence made
him realized that he's getting addicted conversing with her. His day at the office
seemed so quiet. He had no one to discuss with after a night of studying about his
opinions on cases he encountered in books, on their clients legal situations and
some random social issues. They usually had serious debates whenever their opinions
collide pero inaamin niyang marami siyang natutunan sa madalas nilang pagtatalo.
Kaya naman ang isiping dadaan pa ang sabado't linggo na hindi niya ito makikita at
makakausap ng personal ay nadidismaya na siya.
But what really frenzies him is that she turned off her phone since yesterday. Wala
naman itong ibinilin na ayaw nitong magpaistorbo. Tinatawagan niya ito sa tuwing
may mga bagay tungkol sa opisina na kailangang ang abogada ang magdesisyon. He kept
making excuses to call her pero ang totoo'y gusto niya lang itong kumustahin. And
the fact na dalawang araw ng patay ang telepono nito doesn't only make him frantic
but worried too. What if hindi naman talaga ito nagpatay ng cellphone because
cutting communication with her office during working hours is absolutely out of her
character. Paano kung may masamang nangyari pala dito?
Dismayadong ibinato niya ulit ang telepono sa kama at paglapag ay siya namang ring
nito. Nagmamadaling dinukwang niya ito in a way na halos mapasubsob siya sa higaan.
His heart rushes with excitement nang makitang ang attorney ang tumatawag.
"Hello attorney. How are you? What happened to you?" nag-aalalang sunud-sunod na
tanong niya.
"How's office?"
"Ahh nabagsak ko and it was broken. Nasa farm kasi ako at medyo may kalayuan sa
bayan kaya ngayon ko lang napaayos. Why are you asking? Did you try calling me?"
"I'm on my way to Manila now. Papasok na ako bukas," kusang pahayag ng abogada.
"Yeah. I'll hang up now hindi ako pwedeng makipag-usap ng matagal coz I'm driving."
"Are you alone? It's almost midnight hindi ba delikadong mag-isa ka lang na
nagmamaneho."
"Bye."
Right after she turned on her phone, si Lance agad ang tinawagan niya. She wanted
to asses her feeling habang kausap ito. And the way their conversation turned out
mukhang effective ang ginawa niyang pagbabakasyon. Komportable na ulit siyang
kausap ang assistant and it seems that she's been rehabilitated from her temporary
craziness.
Hindi niya makukunsinti ang sarili sa nararamdaman. It was absolutely clear that
she's having symptoms of liking her assistant. Bumilang ang ilang taong hindi siya
tumingin sa mga lalaki at ngayong may gumising ulit sa natutulog niyang puso, why
is it that it has to be a wrong guy and in a wrong situation? Firstly, he's way
younger. Secondly, he's her employee and she's not the type of person who will
violate a work ethic.Thirdly, she's in a relationship contract with other guy. And
lastly but most importantly, Lance is deeply in love with someone else.
Nagulat ang lola niya sa walang abisong pagdalaw niya. Tinanong agad siya nito kung
nag-away ba silang mag-asawa. It was her habit to visit her farm unannounced sa
tuwing may problema siya sa lovelife. Ang pagkakaiba nga lang ngayon, hindi niya
maopen ang totoong nangyayari. Paano niya ba naman ipapaliwanag ditong may
nararamdaman siya para sa ibang lalaki? Her grandmother was her strenght during her
hard times and she knows all her frustrating stories. Pero sa kabila ng nagawa nito
para sa kanya, isa rin ito sa mga pinaniwala niya tungkol sa pagpapakasal niya kay
Pierce. Because of this, she deprived herself the right to ask for her advise
anymore. Ang makasama at makausap lang ito tungkol sa ibang bagay ay kuntento na
siya ngayon. Being with her and her peaceful farm is enough to clear her minds and
forget about troubles.
Sinadya niyang patayin ang cellphone. Inabala niya ang sarili sa bukirin. Tumulong
siya sa pagbabalot ng mga mangga, pagpupute ng mga papaya, pagtatanim ng sibuya't
bawang at paghahanda ng mga pagkain ng mga trabahador. She spent her first day
enjoying everything she does. Hanggang sa natapos ang araw na minsan lamang sumagi
sa isip niya si Lance. And on the second day, maghapong hindi niya naisip ang
assistant at sa halip ay nag-umpisa na siyang mag-alala tungkol sa trabaho. She
realized she doesn't need a longer vacation. She started to understand her feeling
for her assistant. It was a mere attraction and nothing deeper than that. Maybe
their closeness made her heart wavered a bit. Natapik lang ng lalaki ang puso niya
dahil lagi niya itong nakakasama. She was uneasy when he's closer but easily forgot
about him when he's not around, a mere indication of infatuation that won't last.
All she need is to guard herself, as long as it's not love, wala siyang dapat
ikatakot....
----
Pierce is quietly staring at the ceiling. Scarlet is lying in his arm and they just
finished their long steamy sex. Dinala niya sa bahay ang dalaga since Clarisse is
not around. The lawyer left a note in the refrigerator that she is visiting her
grandmother and she'll spend the weekend at her parents' house kaya naman malayang
malaya siyang gawin lahat ng gusto niya.
But instead of celebrating, he feels emptiness inside. The house is lifeless when
Clarisse is not around. Kahit pa nag-iiwasan silang dalawa iba pa rin kapag alam
niyang nasa kabilang kuwarto lamang ang babae. Since the day he displayed extreme
sign of jealousy, he finally made an admission to himself that he's falling to that
cold woman. He couldn't find enough reason kung paanong nangyari yun and he has no
plan on wooing her. She's definitely not the right woman for him at imposible din
itong magkagusto sa kanya. That's why he decided to avoid her until he gets back to
his normal self.
Tumagilid siya sa kanyang kanan at pinagmasdan ang magandang mukha ng katabi. She
smiled at him and it brought him a lighter feeling. This beautiful woman is her
only antidote to Clarisse. Scarlet is the perfect fit to a man like him. Maganda,
malambing, masiglang kasama, she knows how to follow orders and above all she
satisfies every ounce of desire in his body. As much as he misses Clarisse, he
misses this woman too.
"Do you want to upgrade our relationship? How about a small amount of commitment
from now on?" seryosong alok niya sa dalaga.
Scarlet brushed his sweaty hair with her fingers and gave him an even wider smile.
She, too, intimately stared at him. Her beautiful eyes, her sexy lips and the
heavenly scent of her hair tempt him to fuck her again.
"Are you hungry? Do you want me to cook food for you?" she replied intead.
Obviously she's avoiding his question. Although Pierce decided to keep quiet, but
he's starting to doubt about Scarlet's real situation. Kung bakit wala pa rin itong
gaanong ibinibigay na impormasyon sa kanya tungkol sa sarili nito. Kung saan ito
nakatira o kung ano ang mga pinagkakaabalahan nito. But he knows she's a law
student dahil nakausap niya dati ang isa sa mga kasamahan nito nang una niya itong
makita sa bar, hindi niya nga lang alam kung saang unibersidad. Ang pinakamalaki
niyang hinala ay meron itong mahigpit na mga magulang at mula ito sa konserbatibong
pamilya. And she's very cautious not to be exposed for secretly having an affair
with a married man.
The least thing that she doubt about her is having a relationship with other man.
Virgin pa ito nang nakuha niya. With her charm and beauty, sinong lalaki ang
makakatiis na huwag itong galawin? He's confident na hindi ang pagkakaroon ng
boyfriend ang isa sa mga itinatago nito.
She nodded with excitement. "Yap. What do you want? I'll make the best midnight
snack for you."
He sighed and suddenly lost his interest dahil sa pag-iwas ng babae sa mga naunang
tanong niya.
"It's getting late. Aren't you going home? Baka hinahanap ka na sa inyo," walang
ganang wika niya.
"Your wife isn't here, can I spend the night with you?" she asked with a begging
innocent face.
Pierce get off the bed to take a hot shower. He stood up naked exposing his firm
and sexy butt. Kinuha niya ang tuwalya and while wrapping it in his waist, nagbukas
ang pinto ng kuwarto. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at halos malaglag ang puso niya sa
nakita. Dali-dali niyang pinagbutihan ang pagkakatapis ng tuwalya.
Clarisse remained standing in the door. Walang karea-reaksiyon ang mukha nito
habang palipat-lipat ang mga tingin sa dalawang parehong gulat na gulat pa rin sa
bigla nitong pagsulpot. Pierce took the courage to make a step towards the lawyer
but she strongly raised her hand to stop him. Pagkuway ipinako ng abogada ang mga
paningin kay Scarlet. Her eyes slowly displayed signs of anger.
"Get dressed. I'll be waiting for you downstair," matigas na utos nito sa babae
bago isarado ang pintuan nang hindi na muling tumingin pa kay Pierce...
####################################
Chapter 25
####################################
•••�?
Nanginginig ang tuhod ni Scarlet habang bumababa ng hagdan. When Atty. De Silva
look at her sharply, parang gusto niyang umatras at magtago pabalik ng kuwarto ni
Pierce. Pero nandidito na siya, nahuli na sila kaya't wala siyang pagpipilian kundi
panindigan ang ginawa niya.
Clarisse saw Pierce walking behind Scarlet. "You're not needed here," madiing wika
nito sa lalaki.
Clarisse took a deep breath before she set her eyes to a woman in front of her.
Nakayuko ito at animo'y babaeng hindi makabasag pinggan. Her teeth is secretly
grinding in anger. Kung pagbibigyan niya ang sarili, nasampal at nasabunutan niya
na ang kaharap.
Dahan-dahang nag-angat ng mukha si Scarlet and when their eyes met, Clarisse gave
her a smirk.
"Alin sa dalawa ang sagot? Mas masarap kumamot ang asawa ko kesa sa boyfriend mo o
hindi alam ng boyfriend mo na nangangati ka kaya hindi ka kinakamot."
"A-Attorney..."
"Stop calling me that way. Huwag kang magpanggap na nirerespeto mo ako kung sa
sarili kong pamamahay ay nagawa mo akong bastusin!"
"What the hell happened to your promises?" nanlalaki ang mga matang sumbat ng
abogada. "Paano mo nagawa ito sa taong halos walang ibang gustong gawin kundi ang
iparamdam sayo kung gaano ka niya kamahal? You said you love him!" medyo napalakas
na wika nito kaya muling hininaan ang boses sa pag-aalalang baka nakikinig si
Pierce. "But why do you keep seeing Pierce? Ito ba ang pagmamahal na sinasabi mo?"
Nanatiling nakayuko at tahimik si Scarlet.
"I-I'm sorry b-but I-I'm starting to fall for Pierce. I-I don't have the courage
right now to stay away from him.... " takot na takot na pag-amin ng dalaga.
Napahawak sa dibdib niya si Clarisse sa narinig. She almost laugh in disbelief. "B-
But what about Lance? Hindi mo na ba siya mahal?" mahina at nanghihinang tanong
niya.
"I-I still love him. And he's still the man who occupies a bigger portion of my
heart."
Napangisi ulit siya sa sinabi ng kausap. "Kung ganun masarap nga sigurong kumamot
ang asawa ko. Nagi-enjoy ka kaya di ka makaiwas-iwas!"
"I-It's not just about desire, I think I will fall deeper to Pierce if given a
chance to know him longer..."
"Tingnan mo nga naman how looks can be deceiving. I'm starting to appreciate now
when someone sees me as bitchy because that's what they really get from me. Eh ikaw
mukha kang anghel pero may nakatago ka palang buntot ng kataksilan at sungay ng
kalandian."
"Then you choose! Hindi yong nagpapakasanta ka sa isa habang nagpapakasasa ka naman
sa isa!" hindi na napagilang singhal ni Clarisse. "Magpakatotoo ka sa sarili mo
para wala kang niloloko. Kung mahal mo si Lance dun ka sa kanya at kung mas mahal
mo si Pierce prangkahin mo yang boyfriend mo at saka mo pagbutihan yang pagiging
kabit mo!"
Unti-unting tumapang ang mukha ni Scarlet dulot ng sunud-sunod na sakit ng mga
insultong natatanggap.
Ngumisi ang kanina'y maamong kausap at dahan-dahang naging palaban ang mukha nito.
"Why did you marry someone you don't love?"
"Isn't it obvious that you don't care about your husband at all? Mas nag-aalala ka
pa sa kalagayan ng relasyon namin ni Lance at sa mararamdaman ng assistant mo
rather than having a room for jealousy after you caught your husband sleeping with
another woman," ngingisi-ngising wika ni Scarlet.
"Then wala ka ring pakialam sa isyu naming mag boyfriend," matapang na salita ni
Scarlet.
Namumula ang mukha sa galit na lumapit si Clarisse sa kausap at matatalim ang mga
matang tinitigan ito. "I'm giving you an ultimatum, stay away from Pierce or else
ako mismo ang magbubuko sayo sa boyfriend mo," pabulong na banta niya.
Tumawa ng mahina si Scarlet at tinaasan siya nito ng isang kilay. "Try it. Don't
you think I don't smell something fishy with your marriage situation. How can a
famous family lawyer keep her married status a secret to the public? Hindi ba dapat
maging isa kang magandang example? A newly married couple sleeping in two separate
rooms. Aren't you hiding something too, attorney?"
Napakuyom ng mga kamay si Clarisse at pinandilatan niya ng mga mata ang kaharap.
She's speechless. Hindi siya makapaniwalang pinagbabantaan din siya ng babae.
"Stop preaching me and don't act as if you're innocent. You have fault too.
Partially, you have to be blamed for what happened to me. Kung nagpakaasawa ka,
you're husband won't be needing another woman. Di sana hindi ko siya nakilala and
it didn't made me a different person that I am today."
Clarisse is still shocked. Hindi niya alam kung dahil totoo ang mga sinabi ng
kausap or because she wasn't expecting her to talkback this way.
"If you want me to stay away from your husband then learn how to get hold of him.
Be a wife and win his love or else I won't stop giving him the things na dapat ikaw
ang gumagawa," nakangising dagdag pa nito.
Clarisse's face is burning in rage. She can no longer control her anger kung kaya't
bigla niyang sinampal ng malakas ang kausap.
"HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME THAT WAY! AKO PA BA ANG PAGBABANTAAN MO SAMANTALANG IKAW
ITONG GUMAGAWA NG KALOKOHAN?!!!"
Lumabas si Pierce nang marinig ang sigaw ni Clarisse. Naabutan niyang hawak-hawak
pa ni Scarlet ang nasampal na pisngi. Nagmadali siyang bumaba ng hagdan at muli
sanang sasampalin ng abogada ang babae subalit pinigilan niya ang kamay nito.
Napatingin sa kanya si Clarisse at nangangalit ang mga pangang tiningnan nito ang
pagkakahawak niya sa pinipigilang kamay. Ngumisi ito at sabay sampal sa kanya gamit
ang kabilang kamay.
Tinanggal ng babae ang pagkakahawak niya sa kamay nito. She gave him a furious
stare at saka ito dire-diretsong umakyat patungong kuwarto....
-----
"CLARISSE OPEN THIS DOOR! PLEASE MAG-USAP TAYO, CLARISSE!"
Saka lamang siya pinagbuksan ng babae. Napataas ang kilay niya nang makita ang
hitsura nito. She had shower already. Nakapajama na ito at nakapagpahid na rin ng
cream sa mukha. Kalmadong-kalmado na ang mukha nito na para bang kanina'y hindi ito
nagwala.
Pagsasaraduhan sana ulit siya nito ngunit mabilis niyang iniharang ang kamay sa
pinto. "Let's talk," mahinahong wika niya.
"You don't need to interfere. It's between me and Scarlet," paglilinaw ng babae.
"Pero ganyan ba katindi ang objection mo sa akin para sa kaibigan mo? To a point
para bigyan mo kami ng tig-isang sampal?"
Natigilan si Clarisse sa pagsalin ng tubig sa baso and she quickly thinks for a
safe answer. "T-Tinatanong pa ba yun? Sino bang kaibigan ang matutuwa na ang
karelasyon ng kaibigan niya ay isang babaerong kagaya mo?"
Pierce leaned in the refrigerator and folded his arms. He stared at Clarisse
intently. "I don't think that's the only reason. Your reaction had gone overboard.
Hindi ka maninigaw at mananampal kung walang malalim na dahilan. Bakit Clarisse,
meron ba akong dapat malaman?"
Because she's Lance woman for god sake! She wanted to spit the words in his face
but she couldn't get the courage to open her mouth. Hindi niya kayang pagmukhaing
tanga si Lance sa mata ng ibang lalaki lalong-lalo na kay Pierce. If she revealed
the truth baka tuluyan ng sumabog ang dati pang namumuong tensiyon sa dalawa.
"I know it's impossible but perhaps... are you jealous?" dagdag pa ng lalaki.
Muntik nang maibuga ni Clarisse ang iniinom na tubig. "Are you dreaming? Where did
you get that silly idea?" she almost laugh.
"Wala akong ibang rason. At mas lalong hindi ako nagseselos! A-Ayoko lang na
makasama si Scarlet sa mga babaeng pinaglalaruan mo, that's all!"matigas ngunit
napapalunok at hindi makatinging sagot ng abogada.
Mabilis namang umatras papalayo si Clarisse. Simula nang gabing naharass siya ng
lalaki ay parang nagka-trauma na siya dito. Pakiramdam niya'y may gagawin itong
hindi maganda kapag nagkalapit ulit sila anumang oras. Pierce looked at her from
top to bottom, with an unspoken display of mockery nang mapansing pasimpleng
umaatras siya. As if he's telling her na wala siyang dapat ikatakot at lalong wala
siyang dapat ipagmalaki kumpara sa mga babaeng inuuwi nito.
"Are you gonna stop worrying about your friend if I say that I really like her?"
seryosong tanong ni Pierce habang pilit binabalewala ang nag-aalborotong dibdib.
"Paano kung sabihin kong hindi lang simpleng babae ang tingin ko sa kanya and I'm
willing to commit myself to her. Yan lang naman ang pinag-aalala mo di ba?"
"I'm not. I'm ready to have a relationship with her at wala akong balak
makipaglokohan. Now that we're talking about it, I hope you won't mind if I
continue seeing her. Don't worry as my respect to you and to Scarlet, I'll try to
be discreet as much as much as possible while the two of us is still under
contract."
"No Pierce. Please don't do that.... You should have listened to me when I warned
you to stay away from her," biglang palit niya ng tonong nakikiusap.
"Why? Are my clear intentions not enough para payagan mo kami? Sa tinagal-tagal ng
panahon ngayon lang ulit ako nagkainteres mag-seryoso sa isang babae and you know
that."
"Hindi pwede Pierce! Just listen to me please. What happened to your promise?
Nangako ka sa aking hindi ka na makikipagkita sa kanya!" matinding pagtutol pa rin
ng babae ng may nanlalaking mga mata
"I had no choice that time because of your wounded hand!" bahagyang pagtataas na
rin ng boses ni Pierce.
"Ngayon lang ako makikiusap sayo! Believe me, I have a huge reason kung bakit hindi
ako pumapayag sa gusto mong mangyari!"
"THEN TELL ME WHAT THAT REASON IS! I'm not playing a guessing game here!"
napipikong pahayag ng lalaki.
"I-I cant..." nanghihinang sagot ni Clarisse. "If I'm capable of saying it then I
won't be begging you this way."
Pierce sighed and smirked. "See how manipulative you are? You'd given me the
freedom to date anyone at ngayong nakakita na ako ng pwede kong seryosohin, ikaw
ang unang tumututol. Mind you Atty. De Silva, kung hindi mo kayang sabihin ang
rason mo puwes hindi ko pagbibigyan ang pakiusap mo. I'll do whatever I want to do
with Scarlet at kapag nadiskubre ko na kung anuman yang dahilan mo by that time
I'll decide what to do." He eventually turned his back to end their conversation.
Titig na titig siya sa malapit na mukha nito. Bahagyang nakatingala ito habang
hinihintay ang sagot niya. Her eyes mirror pains and worries which he couldn't
understand. Ramdam niya rin ang humihigpit na pagkakahawak nito sa mga braso niya
na para bang pati mga kamay nito'y nagmamakaawa sa kanya. She doesn't move an inch
at kahit mga matang nakatitig sa kanya ay hindi man lamang kumukurap. He's trying
his best to think straight but her newly showered smell and the fragrance of her
facial cream are bothering him.
Sumagot ng sunud-sunod na tango ang babae. "Oo kahit sino Pierce ipinapangako kong
hindi ako tututol o makikialam, huwag lang siya."
"I won't Pierce I'm giving you my words!" she uttered with confidence.
Pierce look closely at her face and gazed her straight in the eyes. "Then how about
you as her replacement?"
Tumahimik ang babae at napaisip ng ilang saglit habang tinitingnan ang seryosong
mukha ng kaharap.
"W-What craziness are you spouting right now?" napapatangang bigkas ng abogada.
"Let's start treating each other as real husband and wife. Which means we share
meal together, we talk about things, we go out for dates, we share same room, we
share same bed and..." sabay lapit ng lalaki sa tenga ng natutulalang kausap..."we
make love at night," pabulong na habol nito.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Clarisse sa narinig at lalong hindi siya nakapagsalita.
"You're asking something big from me so I'm asking something big in return... If
you agreed to my new rules then I'm more than willing to grant your request. Plus
if you accept my offer I can promise you na hindi na ako titingin pa sa ibang
babae. But if you won't, then expect me to keep seeing the woman I like."
She's speechless and it feels like her whole body turned numb.
"Think about it," he added and then went upstair leaving Clarisse in huge
astonishment...
####################################
Chapter 26
####################################
•••�?
Napangisi siya habang napapailing. How the hell did he come up with that silly
idea? He sounded sincere and it looked like he had nice intentions...pero kung
hindi niya lang alam he was spitting in her face the words 'I'll bring you to
hell'. Paminsan-minsan may itinatago din namang katalinuhan ang babaerong yun. What
a nice way para maitaboy siya sa pag-object niya sa relasyon nila ni Scarlet.
"Attorney..."
"Attorney... may I come in?" ulit ni Lance sabay katok sa pinto ng kanyang opisina.
"S-Sure..." kabadong sagot niya habang kinokontrol na huwag gumaralgal ang boses.
Binitawan niya ang ballpen, ibinaba ang kamay at pasimpleng kinurot muna ang
kanyang hita para matauhan sa nag-iingay na namang dibdib. Saka siya nag-angat ng
mukha at walang reaksiyong hinarap ang assistant.
"Not yet. Tatapusin ko ang naka-pending kong mga pipirmaha't basahin. Dalawang araw
akong wala kaya't ayokong magka backlog," seryosong sagot niya sabay ayos sa
eyeglasses.
Mas lalo siyang nahihirapang harapin ngayon ang assistant. Sumasabay sa bilis ng
tibok ng dibdib niya ang pang-uusig ng konsensiya sa tuwing nilalapitan siya ng
lalaki. Pagkatapos niyang muling mahuli ang girlfriend nito, wala na siyang balak
itago ang pagtataksil ni Scarlet. But she couldn't find enough courage to tell him
the truth yet. Baka siya ang unang magbreakdown pag nakita niya kung papaano ito
masaktan. Pinangangambahan din niyang kamumuhian siya nito sa ginawang
pansamantalang paglilihim at sisisihin dahil lalabas na parang kinunsinti niya ang
mga nangyari.
"Bakit may lakad ka ba? You can leave first, I'll be staying here until I finish
everything."
Hindi agad nakasagot si Lance. Pupunta sila sa music bar ni Scarlet upang dumalo sa
birthday celebration ng isa nilang kaibigan. He doesn't want to leave the lawyer by
herself pero gusto niya na ring makita agad ang girlfriend dahil finally ngayon
lang ulit ito nagkaroon ng libreng oras.
"G-Good to hear that. Enjoy your date." She swallowed hard without looking at him.
Bumuntong-hininga si Lance habang tinitingnan ang abogada. Though he was too happy
to see her again, pero hindi nakaligtas sa atensyon niya ang kakaibang ikinikilos
nito. She's treating her coldly since she cameback from her vacation. Hindi niya
tuloy alam kung may nagawa siyang mali.
"Let's go out and have dinner first. You should fill your stomach if you're going
to stay here for few more hours ," alok niya.
Napaangat agad ng mukha si Clarisse nang hindi namamalayang biglang nangislap ang
kanyang mga mata. Her heart said yes outright... but of course she's not that
careless to follow it. Muli niya kinurot ang hita at pinilit magseryoso.
"Go ahead."
Nabibigatan ang mga paang humakbang si Lance papalabas ng silid. He walked slowly
hoping that the lawyer will change her mind. Pero wala siyang narinig mula dito
kaya't bago makalabas ng pintuan ay mula niya itong nilingon. He wanted to invite
her again but he hesitated. That moment he also felt a little bit weird, as if he's
starting to get nervous around her.
"Y-You can call me anytime in case you need some help," salita niya.
"Thanks. But don't worry I'll be fine," she answered with a wry smile.
----
Pierce is drinking with two closer friends in a solemn acoustic bar. Dito niya
niyaya ang mga kaibigan na noon ay parehong nagtataka. Music bar. No ladies in
their arms. And they're discussing about life and future plans.
Unti-unti siyang nagkainteres na lapitan ito. He finally found a way to get more
information about the woman he's seeing. Tatayo na sana siya to approach the person
subalit bigla siyang natigilan nang bigla itong may kinawayan. Sinundan niya ng
tingin ang direksiyon ng kinakawayan nito. Lumingon siya sa may pintuan at muntik
niya nang mabitawan ang hawak na brandy glass sa nakita. Magkaakbay na pumapasok si
Scarlet at ang assistant ni Clarisse.
Ilang sandaling tila nagyelo ang buong katawan niya. He unintentionally glared at
them with incalculable disbelief as the two enter the place. Umaasa siyang sana'y
nagkakamali siya ng intindi sa kanyang nakikita.
Napatingin si Lance sa direksiyon niya at nagulat din ito pagkakita sa kanya. The
young man acknowledged him right away. Bahagyang yumukod ito nang may tipid na
ngiti bago pa man ito tumungo sa mga naghihintay na kasama. He looked at Scarlet.
Nasaksihan niya ang panlalaki ng mga mata at pamumutla ng mukha nito pagkakita sa
kanya. She immediately removed Lance's arms from her shoulders. Mas lalong lumakas
ang kaba sa dibdib niya. Sa reaksiyon ng babae ay tila totoo ang hinala niya.
Tiningnan siya ni Lance with a calm face but an expression telling him that he's
being aware of his glares. Ngumiti ito sa kanya na halatang nagpapakasibil lamang.
At nang lumapit ito ay saka lamang siya unti-unting nakabawi mula sa matinding
pagkabigla. He can see Scarlet hesitating to approach his table. She had difficulty
taking steps as she followed Lance. Ngumiti siya and pretended to act normal. Sanay
na siya sa ganitong klaseng awkward situation, kung may bigayan nga ng award baka
ilang beses na siyang nakagrand slam.
"Oh Lance nice to see you here," he greeted with a fake smile.
Lance gently pulled the hand of the uncomfortable girlfriend to get closer to them.
"This is Scarlet, my girlfriend...Scarlet this is Mr. Pierce Calderon....A-Atty. De
Silva's husband," bahagyang nag-aatubiling bigkas nito sa mga huling salita.
Nakangising inabot ni Pierce ang kamay sa namumutlang babae habang tinititigan ang
mga matang di makatingin ng diretso sa kanya. She nervously reached out her hand at
naramdaman niya agad ang panlalamig ng palad nito. Hinawakan niya ito ng mahigpit
to tease her even more.
"Hi Scarlet nice to meet you. Lance, you've got an awesome girlfriend here."
"We'll leave you now. We'll go to our table to greet our friends," wika niya sabay
di nakatiis na kusang inalis ang kamay ng kasintahan sa halatang mahigpit na
pagkakahawak ng lalaki.
"Okay. Enjoy."
"Thanks."
Hinabol ng tingin ni Pierce ang dalawa. And while staring at their back, pinuno
niya ng alak ang baso at sabay inom dito ng diretso. Rage is slowly building in his
chest. Gusto niyang magbasag sa mga sandaling iyon. Nag-iinit ang kanyang mga
pisngi sa galit.
"Pare that woman looks familiar," mahinang sabi ng isa niyang kasama. "Hindi ba
siya yung babaeng nakilala mo sa bar at nauto mong ilabas?"
"Whoah don't tell me nakatisod ka na naman ng may sabit!" komento naman ng isa.
Hindi niya pinansin ang panunukso ng mga kasama sa halip ay diretso lamang siya sa
pag-inom. Tila sasabog ang dibdib niya sa halo-halong nararamdaman. Galit,
insulto...at selos. Ngayon niya naiintindihan kung bakit hindi masabi-sabi ni
Clarisse ang dahilan ng pagtutol nito kay Scarlet. It's all about that man!
Pinagmukha siya nitong tanga para huwag ang assistant nito ang magmukhang tanga sa
mga mata niya! Ano lang ba ang kahit simpleng 'stop fucking my assistant's
girlfriend'!
Muli niyang pinuno ng alak ang baso.
Nilalamon siya ng selos and he's starting to dislike the assistant even deeper. He
couldn't believe that they're meant to share two women. But the irony is, both of
these women made them look stupids.
"It's getting boring here. Let's invite some ladies," salubong ang kilay na sabi
niya sa mga kasama sabay sindi ng sigarilyo.
He has no plan of leaving the bar. He'll punish Scarlet right there and then.
Sagad-sagaran sa buto ang nararamdaman niyang pagkakainsulto sa kanyang
pagkalalaki.
"Babes if you're not really feeling well, we can go home now. Ako na ang bahalang
magpaliwanag sa mga kaibigan natin," nag-aalalang aya niya.
"W-We can stay a little bit longer Babes. I-I'm feeling better now...."
"Now you know, why Atty. De Silva is not being open about her marriage. Please
don't tell her regarding what you saw today," ika niya sa gulat na gulat na babae.
Tumayo si Pierce at nakita niyang patungo ito ng CR. Kanina niya pa ito gustong
komprontahin pero nagpipigil lamang siya. But now, he found a chance to talk to
him. Tumayo siya para sundan ang lalaki sa banyo but Scarlet held his wrist.
"W-Where are you going Babes?" tanong nito na para bang kinukutuban sa gagawin
niya.
Sinagot niya lang ng ngiti ang babae at sabay alis ng kamay sa pagkakahawak nito sa
kanya. "Sandali lang ako Babes."
"It looks like you guys are enjoying the night," ngingiti-ngiting wika nito.
Lance smirked. "It seems that you're enjoying it more," sarkastikong sagot niya.
Pierce just smiled at nagkunwaring hindi apektado sa narinig. He took some tissue
paper and wiped his hands.
"Attorney is still in the office right now, working alone. Hindi mo man lang ba
siya susunduin?"
"Why do you keep doing this to your wife? Wala ka ba talagang respeto sa asawa mo?"
di na napigilang sumbat ni Lance.
Pierce gave the younger man a sarcastic smile. "You're with your beautiful
girlfriend right now pero bakit mukhang ibang babae ang nasa isip mo," nakakaloko
ngunit nagtitimping tugon nito.
"Because your shameful actions make me think about her!" diretsong sagot ni Lance.
Nagpanting ang mga tenga ni Pierce sa narinig. He grabbed Lance, itinulak niya ito
sa dingding at saka diniinan ng braso ang balikat nito. Itinutok niya ang mukha sa
pakialamerong lalaki at binigyan ito ng nakakahiwang mga titig.
Lance turned speechless. He was momentarily struck by the question. Bigla siyang
nahirapang maghanap ng isasagot. He wasn't really sure about his feelings for the
lawyer pero isa lang ang sigurado niya sa nararamdaman sa mga oras na iyon. Na
hinding-hindi siya mananahimik at magsasawalang-kibo kapag merong nagtangkang
manakit sa abogada. Nakahanda siyang ipagtanggol ito sa sinuman...kahit pa sa
mismong asawa nito.
####################################
Chapter 27
####################################
•••�?
LANCE
Humihigpit ang hawak ko sa manibela. Hindi ko magawang paandarin ang sasakyan dahil
paulit-ulit na naglalaro sa aking isip ang binitawang tanong ni Pierce. Hindi
lamang sa utak ko tumatak ang sinabi niya kundi pati na rin sa aking dibdib. It
made me uneasy everytime I think about it. It's hard to accept, but his words made
me realize that my heart is pounding everytime I think of the possibility na may
gusto nga ako kay Atty. De Silva.
Napatingin ako kay Scarlet. She looks worried. Bigla akong nakonsensiya. Sa
kakaisip ko kay attorney I almost forgot that my very own girlfriend is beside me.
I feel ashamed that in the end, ako pa ang nag-aya dito na lisanin na ang music
bar. I couldn't stand seeing that rascal! I'm pissed off and annoyed everytime I
see how he openly cheats behind his wife's back.
"B-Babe... I-I saw kanina na magkasunod kayong lumabas ng a-asawa ni Atty. De Silva
sa men's room. Y-Your face didn't look good then and I noticed y-you became
unsettled after that....m-may nangyari ba?" mukhang kinakabahang tanong ni Scarlet.
"Nothing happened. I guess medyo hindi na ako sanay mag nightlife after months na
wala akong ginawa kundi magreview at magfocus sa trabaho..." I said while still
trying hard to hide my exasperation.
I swallowed hard. What's going on with me? Katabi ko si Scarlet pero bakit ako
naapektuhan ng galit because of Atty. De Silva? Is this a sign na may katotohanan
ang sinabi ng babaero nitong asawa? I wanted to erase the thought. This is
preposterous! How can I like other woman when I am this deeply in love to my
girlfriend? Besides, attorney is a married woman for god sake!
I kissed her lips gently, not allowing her to talk more, and closed my eyes. I
wanted to feel that sweetness whenever our tounges meet. Yes...I'm starting to
taste it again. My urged started to fire up ngunit sa halip na ituloy ko ang aking
paghalik ay bigla akong natigilan. Inilayo ko ang aking mga labi nang may di
makapaniwalang mukha.
Napilitan akong ngumiti. "Nothing," I responded with guilt sabay pinaandar ko ang
kotse. "Let's go home."
Nagmaneho ako habang nasa ilalim pa rin ng matinding pagkabigla. What just happened
was extremely unreal. I saw myself kissing Atty. De Silva samantalang mga labi ni
Scarlet ang nalalasahan ko.
-----
"Haist! Look at this man lagi na lang iniiwang bukas ang ilaw," bulong niya.
She didn't bother to open the light in the living room but instead she walked
quietly towards the kitchen upang patayin ang ilaw dito.
"Pierce?" kunot noong sambit niya sabay balik sa may pintuan para buksan ang main
switch. Tiningnan niya nang masama ang lalaki na noo'y nakatingin rin sa kanya ng
matapang.
"Why are you here? Huwag mong sabihing nalasing ka na naman at nakatulog ka sa
sopa. I told you a hundred times na ayokong tinutulugan ang couch ko," she said
strongly.
Ngumisi si Pierce habang nakatingin nang nakakaloko sa babae. "Wow you can surely
nag. Wala kang pinipiling oras."
"I'm here because I'm waiting for you. And I was about to lose my patience dahil
ang tagal mong dumating," mayabang na salita nito.
Tumayo ang lalaki at lumapit ito sa kanya. Agad siyang napahakbang paatras lalo
pa't inilapit nito ang ngingisi-ngising mukha.
She raised an eyebrow. Amoy alak na naman ito kaya lumayo pa siya ng bahagya.
Clarisse almost laugh after she got what he was talking about. Hindi niya akalaing
sineseryoso pala ito ng kausap. "Naghintay ka nang dahil lang diyan? Pierce, what
makes you think that I will fall into your trap? It's a no of course!" tatawa-
tawang sagot niya.
"Why?"
Hinawakan ni Pierce ang kaliwang braso ng abogada habang titig na titig sa tatawa-
tawang hitsura nito. "What if I say I mean it?"
Unti-unting naglaho ang mga ngisi ni Clarise. She stared at the man who's gripping
her arms tightly. His face does look like he means his words. What a good actor!
"What's Lance got to do with it?" she said with a wry smile.
Lumapit si Pierce sa kausap at nakakalokong tinitigan ito. "You like him, don't
you? Bakit di mo na lang ako diretsahin?!" may panunumbat nitong sabi.
Clarisse couldn't talk back for a while. Hindi niya malaman kung ano ang magiging
reaksiyon. Naguguluhan siya kung bakit bigla-biglang ipinapasok ng kaharap sa
kanilang pag-uusap ang kanyang assistant.
"Pwede ba Pierce huwag mong idamay yung nananahimik na tao. Hanggang ngayon ba
naman ay pinag-iisipan mo pa rin kami ng masama?"
"Stop being pathetic Clarisse! You keep taking the side of that man kahit alam mong
may iba itong mahal. Bakit? Umaasa ka bang iiwanan niya si Scarlet because of
you?!"
"Nagulat ka? Yes! I know now na pinagmukha mo akong tanga! Bakit? Dahil gusto mong
protektahan ang ego ng lalaking yun!" namumula sa galit na ika ni Pierce.
"How can you be unfair to me? Ako ang napapakinabangan mo! Ako ang kasama mo dito
sa bahay! Nang dahil sa akin kaya naeenjoy mo ang kung anong meron ka ngayon! Pero
bakit mo ipinagdamot ang simpleng katotohanan nang dahil lang sa lalaking hindi
naman mapupunta sayo!"
His last sentence was a dagger. She was insulted really hard. Pakiramdam niya'y
diretsahan siyang inaakusahan nito bilang isang uri ng babaeng nagmamalimos ng
pagmamahal.
"You should have listened to me when I told you to stay away from her," madiing
bigkas niya habang pilit pinipigilan ang sariling huwag sabayan ang init ng ulo ng
kausap.
"Bakit Clarisse? Hirap na hirap bang lumabas diyan sa bibig mo na ipaalam sa akin
na ang ikinakama ko ay ang syota ng assistant mo! O baka naman kasi nagdadalawang-
isip ka so you can have your way para maagaw mo si Lance?"
Nanginig ang mga kamay na Clarisse. Natutukso siyang padapuin ang isa nito sa pingi
ng bastos na kaharap subalit napapakagat sa labing ikinuyom niya na lamang ang mga
ito.
She tried to take a step going upstair but Pierce grabbed her arm.
"Huwag mong bilugin ang ulo ko. Don't make it sound like you have good intentions!
I remember clearly when you said you have a deeper reason. Deeper ang alin? Ganyan
ba kalalim ang pagmamalasakit mo sa assistant mo? Masyado bang mahirap tanggapin na
diretsahang ipaalam sa aking naiiputan ko sa ulo yang Lance na yan? Don't take
credit to yourself na prinotektahan mo ang pagkalalaki niya dahil ang totoo, pareho
mo lang kaming pinagmukhang tanga!"
Ngumisi si Clarisse habang itinatago ang katotohanang hinihiwa ang dibdib niya ng
mga masasakit na salita ng lalaki. "Sige tinatanggap kong may mali ako. But I don't
think I deserve these kind of harsh words from you. Aren't you barking in the wrong
woman? It looks like I get the bitter words at the end while she was the one who
enjoyed all the pleasures."
Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. "Pierce kung may problema ka sa babae mo, huwag mo
akong idamay. Don't you know the main rule of our relationship....Buntot mo, hila
mo," sabay ngisi niya at akyat sa hagdan.
Sinundan siya ni Pierce hanggang taas. "It's not about Scarlet! IT'S ABOUT YOU!"
Bigla siyang natigilan at unti-unting kumunot ang kanyang noo. She faced him with
confusion. "Me? What about me?"
"I want to hear the reasons from your own mouth why you're always taking Lance's
side!"
Lumapit sa kanya ang lalaki and this time he pulled her closer.
"You're right. I know your personality and I know right now that your lying."
Dinuru-duro nito ang kanyang dibdib. "You're hiding something in there. TELL ME THE
TRUTH! YOU LIKE THAT YOUNG MAN, DON'T YOU?!"
"You want to know the truth. Okay I'll tell you now....." she slowly raised her
chin. "Yes, I like him. I like him to a point that I'm seeing myself as a crazy
woman! I like him to a point that I'm hating myself because of it! I like him to a
point that I needed to take a break from work to think about my foolishness. I like
him to a point that I have to bear this guilt of not telling both of you that
you're sharing the same woman! AND I LIKE HIM TO A POINT THAT I'LL DO ANYTHING
UPANG HUWAG NIYANG MARANASAN ANG SAKIT NA GAYA NG NARANASAN KO NUNG PINAGTAKSILAN
AKO! YES PIERCE, I LIKE LANCE! A-And I don't just like him...but I like him a lot,"
buong tapang na pag-amin niya ngunit hindi niya napigilan ang pangingilid ng
kanyang mga luha habang dahan-dahang nanghihina ang kanyang mga tuhod.
"And what's your plan for him now?" finally he murmured while trying to control his
gritting teeth.
"I don't have any plan...except na hayaang mawala ang nararamdaman ko para sa
kanya," seryosong sagot ni Clarisse who's surprised by the seems to be quiet
reaction of Pierce. "Get your hands off me Pierce, you're hurting me."
"Why do you like him? Is it because he seems to be a nice guy?" mahinang tanong
niya nang hindi tumitingin sa babae.
"M-Maybe...."
"What if I told you na wala siyang pinagkaiba sa akin? He can think of other woman
while there's already a woman in his arms. He's capable of being unfaithful too,"
he said with a blank face.
"Huwag na huwag mong ikukumpara sayo si Lance because he's your exact opposite,"
madiing bigkas ni Clarisse.
"You can't go to him," utos ni Pierce habang diretso pa rin ang mga mata sa
dingding.
"You don't have to remind me that. Hindi pa naman ako nilalayasan ng katinuan para
hindi ko marealize that I'm falling to a wrong guy."
Saka lamang tumingin si Pierce sa mga mata ng babae. "Not because of that."
Napangisi si Clarisse sa sagot ng lalaki. "I'm trying to talk here with some
honesty. But if you're trying to insert you ego now, fine! As I said I won't do
anything crazy so your pride is safe. I like him but that doesn't mean I'll be
stupid enough to have an affair with him."
"Dahil gusto kita," seryoso ngunit mahinahong pag-amin ni Pierce na tanging mga
mata lamang ang nagtataglay ng reaksiyon.
"Look Pierce. I know how huge you're ego is. Hindi mo na kailangang pagtakpan pa
yang higante mong pride ng mas malaking kasinungalingan. Just be honest and spit to
my face na wala akong karapatang makipagrelasyon sa iba dahil ayaw mong pagtawanan
ka ng mga taong naniniwalang mag-asawa tayo."
"Akala ko ba matalino ka? Don't you understand why I'm always behaving this way
when it comes to your assistant? It's because I'M JEALOUS! BECAUSE I'M STUPID
ENOUGH TO FALL TO A HEARTLESS WOMAN LIKE YOU!"
Muntik nang tumawa ng malakas si Clarisse. "Wow what a romantic way to confess!
Fall for me? Really?" sabay taas niya ng kilay hanggang sa unti-unting tumigas ang
kanyang mukha. "Gusto mong maniwala ako? Prove it. Put that in actions, not just in
words," ngingiti-ngiting hamon niya sabay pasok sa kanyang kuwarto.
"Break a leg, Mr. Calderon," sarkastikong pahabol niya bago tuluyang pagsaraduhan
ng pinto ang di makaimik na lalaki...
####################################
Chapter 28
####################################
*****
CLARISSE
Paglabas ko ng sasakyan ay nakita ko ang kotse ni Lance na pumaparada rin mga apat
na space ang layo mula sa pinagpaparkingan ko. Bigla akong nataranta. I turned my
back from his direction at mabilis na binuksan ko ang likurang pinto ng kotse.
Kinuha ko ang suitcase at baon kong mga files. Tinagalan ko ang pagkuha nito habang
tinatantiya ang pagpasok ni Lance sa loob ng building.
Kinakabahan ako sa paghaharap namin. I was thinking all night kung papaano nalaman
ni Pierce ang relasyon nina Lance at Scarlet. Nahuli kaya ng assistant niya ang
dalawa? Inamin na ba finally ni Scarlet ang totoo kay Pierce? Anytime ba ay
susumbatan na rin ako ni Lance? Ilang sandali akong nagkunwaring abala sa pagkuha
ng aking mga gamit and after I had an assurance na nakapasok na sa aming gusali
ang iniiwasan kong tao ay saka ko lamang isinara ang pinto ng sasakyan.
"Ay pusa!" muntik nang matupi ang mga tuhod ko sa pagkabigla nang malamang nasa
likuran ko lang pala si Lance at tahimik na nakatayo.
"Good morning," bati nito nang may tipid na ngiti. His eyes were looking at me
differently as if there's a hidden seriousness in there kaya mas lalo akong
kinabahan.
Inumpisahan ko ng ihanda ang aking dibdib sa mga maririnig kong salita. Napapalunok
na tumingin ako kay Lance while waiting for him to scold me. He didn't say anything
but instead tumingin siya sa aking mga dala-dala.
"S-Sorry..." he apologized with an assuring face that it was purely an accident and
there was no other meaning behind it.
"I-It's okay," I replied with a smile. You don't have to give me that look. Alam ko
namang wala kang rason para hawakan ang palad ko. I wanted to tell him.
"What's wrong attorney? Mukhang malalim ang iniisip mo ah," puna nito nang mahuli
akong umiiling.
When we reached the elevator, awkwardness engulfed us... or maybe just me... Pareho
kaming tahimik at mas lalo akong naasiwa nang mapansin kong maya't maya akong
tinitingnan ni Lance. I feel that there's a touch of coldness in the way he's
treating me right now. He's looking at me with a blank face. It's very rare na
hindi ako nito masyadong pinagkaka-usap. Dahil ba alam na nito ang tungkol sa
relasyon nina Scarlet at Pierce? Or maybe he's starting to smell my hidden feelings
for him?
"Bakit pangit ba? Di ba sabi mo mas bagay sa akin pag light lang ang makeup?"
I almost blush for what I just said. Palihim na kinurot ko ang aking sarili sa
pagkakadulas. Your embarassing yourself Clarisse!
Did he just praised me? This time, mukhang hindi ko na mapipigilan ang pamumula ng
aking mga pisngi. I bit my lower lip at patay-malisyang ipinaling ang aking mukha
sa ibang direksiyon. Mahiya ka nga Clarisse! Ano ka teenager para kiligin sa isang
simpleng puri?!
Nagbukas ang pinto ng elevator. Pinauna niya akong lumabas while holding the door
for me.
"K-Kumusta ang lakad niyo kagabi ni Scarlet?" tanong ko habang naglalakad kami sa
hallway patungong opisina.
Dumaan ulit ang katahimikan. Mabuti pa ang aming mga sapatos nakakagawa ng ingay
kesa sa aming mga bibig.
"By the way..." this time he's looking at me while talking. "We met your husband at
the bar last night."
Bigla akong natigilan sa paglalakad. My heartbeat started to race. "W-We?...S-
Sinong we?"
He stopped and waited for me to take steps but I remain motionless. Ramdam ko ang
unti-unting pagkawala ng kulay sa aking mukha.
----
Dumaan ang maghapon na iwas at malamig ang trato ni Lance kay Clarisse. Pati mga
kaopisina'y nagtataka sa pag-iiwasan ng dalawa. The two are acting like their
playing some sort of game. Pinapadaan muna ni Clarisse sa secretary ang mga gustong
sabihin kay Lance o di kaya isinusulat sa post-it at ganoon din ang lalaki sa
abogada. Hindi lumalabas ng silid niya si Clarisse unless nasa labas ng opisina si
Lance. Gulung-gulo ang mga staff sa kakaibang kilos ng dalawa. Naiisip tuloy ng mga
ito na baka ginugoodtime lang sila dahil mukhang hindi naman magkagalit ang mag-
amo.
Lance sorted out his feeling. And finally tanggap niya nang nahuhulog nga siya sa
abogada. Desisyon niyang habang maaga ay putulin na ito. It's his fault in the
first place. He didn't guard his heart and never anticipated that he'd fall for
her. Sa laki ng pagmamahal niya kay Scarlet, he trusted himself a lot na hinding-
hindi siya mahuhulog sa ibang babae. His only intention for getting extra closer to
the attorney was to bring out her real personality para hindi na ito
mamisunderstood ng mga taong nakapaligid dito. Pero mukhang kabaliktaran ang
nangyari, instead she was the one who brought out another personality in him.
Habang maaga pa lang ay itatama niya na ang nararamdaman. Both of them are
committed individuals so these are the feeling na hindi dapat kinukunsinti. He
doesn't want to become unfaithful to the woman he loves. And he wants to protect
the image of Atty. De Silva too. Ano na lang ang iisipin ng mga tao pag mahalatang
interesado sa abogada ang isang lalaking madalas nitong kasama?
Lumapit lang si Lance kay Clarisse nang mag-uuwian na. He entered his office to
discuss some matters na hindi niya pwedeng ipadaan sa mga kasamahan. He needed to
get a decision sa oras ding yun kaya napilitan siyang kausapin ito. At least he has
an excuse para huwag masyadong mahalata sa pag-iwas na ginagawa.
Nauna pang bumilis ang tibok ng dibdib niya kesa sa pagbuka ng kanyang bibig. "A-
Attorney I received today thru e-mail the official invitation for the Young
Lawyer's Convention that will be held at Subic and they're waiting for your
confirmation sa pagiging guest speaker mo."
"Oh my! I forgot about it. Kelan nga yan?" namimilog ang mga matang bulalas ni
Clarisse.
"This coming weekend. We'll be staying there for three days starting this Friday."
Natigilan si Clarisse. She and Lance are going out of town and will be staying in
same resort?
He felt a bit disappointed but at the same time relieved. Disappointed dahil hindi
na mangyayari ang pinakahihintay niyang out of town kasama ang lawyer. Relieved
dahil maiiwasan ang mga pagkakataong maaring lalo pa siyang mahulog dito. But he
carefully thought about the decision of the lawyer. If he's going to be objective,
malaking kasiraan sa pangalan ng abogada kung hindi ito pupunta. It's also a bad
move for her budding career.
"I forgot my gagawin akong importante this weekend," kaswal na katwiran ng babae.
"I-It's a family gathering at nakapangako akong pupunta. L-Lagi na lang akong wala
sa mga previous gatherings kaya this time hindi pwedeng wala pa rin ako."
Hindi makapaniwalang napangiti si Lance. Her reason was definitely a weak one. "B-
But this is a very important event too. Basta-basta mo na lang ba pakakawalan ang
chance na ma-boost ang career mo at ang magandang pangalan mo bilang lawyer?"
"Attorney that next time might no longer be as good as this one dahil sira na ang
impression sayo ng mga associations. How could you back out on the final minutes?
Umoo na kayo sa pagiging speaker niyo and now they just want a formal confirmation.
Anong idadahilan ko? Because you have a family gathering?"
"Ano bang nangyayari sa inyo? I'm hoping I'm wrong... but I couldn't help but
notice na medyo hindi niyo na yata pinaprioritize lately ang mga commitments niyo
sa trabaho."
She couldn't talk back because he's right. Kung pwede niya lang sanang ipagsigawan
sa harap nito na it's all because of him. For being so cautious, hindi niya
namamalayang unti-unti niya nang napapabayaan ang trabaho. And right now, she's
starting to feel ashame to herself. It looks like her reaching the peak of her
immaturity kung pati trabaho ay isasakripisyo niya because of her shallow personal
reason.
"Are you going with me in that convention?" walang reaksiyong tanong niya.
Unti-unting nawala ang mga lukot sa noo ni Lance. "O-Of course... it's part of my
job."
"Sige I'll attend but in one condition..." ika ng abogada.
"What condition?"
"Because I'm aware that lately nawawalan na kayo ng oras sa isa't isa. This is a
good chance for the two of you to have an out of town vacation."
At the back of Clarisse's mind, she has two concerns why she wants that woman to
join them. Una, para masiguradong hindi siya gaanong pagtuunan ng atensiyon ni
Lance. At pangalawa, ikinakatakot niya na habang nasa Subic sila ay palihim uling
magkita sina Pierce at Scarlet.
"A vacation?" natatawang bigkas ng lalaki. " Are you forgetting na trabaho ang
pupuntahan natin Atty. De Silva? How can I have time para asikasuhin si Scarlet
kung isasama ko siya?"
Clarisse crossed her legs and folded her arms. Kalmadong tiningnan niya ang mukha
ng di sumasang-ayong kausap. "I'm the one who's only needed in that convention.
Huwag kang mag-alala I won't take much of your time. Hindi mo ako kailangang
samahan sa venue so you can stay with your girlfriend at the resort. Tatawagan na
lang kita in case I'll be needing your help."
Clarisse stood up and cleared her table. "Wala ng pero-pero...If you want me to
attend that event, then bring Scarlet with you or else I'll go to my family
gathering this weekend," salita niya habang naghahanda nang umalis ng opisina.
"I'm going home now. Give me news after you talk to her," she added.
"Oh sorry I forgot!" sabay balik ng binata sa table nito at dali-daling nag-ayos ng
gamit. Lihim namang napapangiti si Clarisse habang pinagmamasdan ang lalaki.
Natutukso si Lance na hawakan kahit man lamang dulo ng daliri ng babae but he
controlled it. And before his heavy breathing turned obvious, tumikhim siya at
tumingala sa kalangitan. He's finally ready to part ways subalit nang mapalingon
siya sa katabi'y nahuli niya itong nakatingin sa kanya. Her beautiful face suddenly
melt his heart and all his courage.
"D-Do you want to have a dinner first?" sa halip ay sabi niya nang hindi inaalis
ang pagkakatitig ng seryoso sa abogada.
" I-I have a car. Bakit kailangan mo pa akong sunduin?" naguguluhang tanong ng
babae.
Lumapit si Pierce sa kinaroroonan ng dalawa. And Lance noticed how Atty. De Silva's
face turned uncomfortable. Pasimpleng umatras ito mula sa papalapit na asawa.
"Nakakagulat naman ata ang bigla-bigla mong pagsundo ngayon. H-hindi mo naman to
dating ginagawa di ba?" she said with a fake smile and a humble tone while trying
to act nice in front of her assistant.
"Anong nakakagulat? It's very normal for a husband to pick-up her wife after work.
Right, Lance?" nakakalokong sambit ni Pierce at sabay akbay nito kay Clarisse.
"Let's go, Hon."
"Date? Anong date ang pinagsasabi mo. Did I even agree to it?!"
"Bakit naman ako mag-aaksayang tanungin ka kung alam ko namang tatanggihan mo lang
ako," ngingiti-ngiting sagot ni Pierce.
Meanwhile, Lance is silently staring at the couple while the husband is opening the
car door for his wife. Di niya alam kung nakakahinga pa ba siya. His heart is being
wrecked and smashed into pieces. Napakuyom siya ng kamay. Ngunit kahit masakit ang
nakikita, buong tapang pa rin niya itong pinagmasdan. He needs to face the reality.
This is not the only chance na pwede niyang masaksihan ang ganitong eksena. He must
get used to it. Mabuti na rin ang ganito para mas lalo siyang mapaalalahanang mali
ang kanyang nararamdaman.
'This is the pain you're about to suffer Lance. Because even the world turned
upside down, that woman would still belong to that man.' He reminded himself...
####################################
Chapter 29
####################################
*****
"I'm trying something new here. You know that I haven't been into a wholesome date
before," he explained while shrugging.
"And this is the most wholesome date that you can think of. Ang dalhin ako sa
amusement park? What's this place, Star City?! My god I'm wearing stilettos and a
pencil skirt tapos pinasakay mo ako sa roller coaster!" namumula sa pagkapikong
wika ni Clarisse.
"You told me to prove myself. I'm starting to take the challenge," walang pag-
aalinlangang sagot niya.
Natawa ng mahina si Clarisse. "Prove yourself? Don't make that an excuse. Ang
sabihin mo isa lang ito sa mga paraan mo para itorture ako!" panunumbat nito habang
pinandidilatan ang kasamang ni hindi man lamang makitaan ng senyales na apektado sa
kanyang panggagalaiti.
"Are you done vomiting?" he asked calmly. "If you're feeling better now. Let's go
back inside."
"Bumalik kang mag-isa mo! Sa tingin mo sasama pa ako sayo!" namumulang singhal ng
abogada sabay mabilis na naglakad papuntang parking lot.
"Hey where are you going?" wika ng lalaki habang sinusundan ang nagwawalk-out na
kasama.
Pierce stopped walking to get a cigarette from his pocket. "You can't. The car keys
is with me," relax na relax na sabi nito .
Huminto si Clarisse. Nilingon niya ang kasama upang hingin dito ang susi ngunit
agad na nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya nang makitang nagsisindi ito ng sigarilyo.
Pinandilatan niya ito at patay-malisyang itinapon naman agad ng lalaki ang bagong
sinding sigarilyo.
"It's still early. Let's have more fun," aya ulit ni Pierce.
"Fun? Anong fun doon? Siguro tuwang-tuwa ka pag nakikita mong halos mamatay ako sa
takot sa kung anu-anong pinagsasakyan natin. Give me my car key!"
"No. I won't," nang-aasar pa lalong bigkas ng lalaki.
"Ah ganun kung ayaw mo. Pwes, magtataxi ako at ikakandado ko sa loob ang bahay nang
ikaw naman ang hindi makapasok!"
Tumawa ng mahina si Pierce nang makitang lumalabas na ang mga litid ng babae sa
leeg. "Hey relax. You don't have to get mad over simple things. Sige na, uuwi na
tayo. Matahimik ka lang."
Inismiran siya ng babae. "Ang reyna dapat nakakarwahe hindi yung pinaglalakad
hanggang magkapaltos-paltos ang mga paa!"
"You're different. Dahil ikaw ay isang makabagong reyna." he said while wearing a
seatbelt.
"Aminin mong wala ka lang mailabas na babae ngayon kaya ako ang naisipan mong
bwisitin. Ibang klase talaga yang ego mo pag nasasagi, nakakagawa ka ng himala."
Pierce took a deep breath before turning on the engine. "You keep complaining that
you're tired pero bakit mukhang hindi naman napapagod yang bibig mo?"
Biglang nanahimik si Clarisse. Noon niya lamang napagtantong non-stop nga yata ang
bunganga niya. Tumikhim siya at medyo nakaramdam ng pananakit ng lalamunan.
Napapahiya at patay-malisyang tumingin siya sa bintana.
"May bibilhin lang ako saglit," pauna na ng lalaki bago pa man makarinig ulit ng
bagong reklamo.
Sa higpit ng pagkakahawak sa kanya, she had no choice but to give in. She moved on
her other side facing Pierce at dahan-dahan niyang inangat ang paa. Ipinatong ito
ng lalaki sa hita at marahan siyang hinubaran ng sapatos. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay
nito nang makita ang sariwang sugat sa kanyang sakong na kanina'y inirereklamo
niya.
"You should have told me about this while we were still strolling," seryosong sabi
nito.
Inilabas ni Pierce mula sa maliit na supot ang biniling box ng band-aid. Hinipan
muna nito ang sugat saka ito nilagyan. Napapalunok si Clarisse habang pinagmamasdan
ang lalaki sa ginagawa nito. Kahit papaano ay nakaramdam siya ng kaunting
pagkaantig. At that moment, she felt that the care he's showing has some touch of
genuineness.
Nagdadalawang-isip na ibinigay niya ang isang paa. Ngunit siya na ang kusang
naghubad ng sapatos bago niya ito iniangat. Maingat uling nilagyan ni Pierce ng
band-aid ang paltos nito.
"T-Thanks..." nahihiyang sambit niya matapos gamutin ng lalaki ang mga sugat.
"No need to say it. It's my fault kung bakit ka nagkasugat."
Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Clarisse at nagdududang tumingin sa kasama. Totoo ba ang
naririnig niyang umaamin ng kasalanan ang lalaki? Muntik niya nang maidampi sa leeg
nito ang kanyang kamay upang alamin kung hindi ba ito nilalagnat.
"Why are you looking at me that way? Huwag mong sabihing sa simpleng band-aid lang
ay makukuha na kita," ngingisi-ngising sabi nito habang itinutuloy ang pagmamaneho.
Iningusan niya ang lalaki but because she was slightly touched by what he did, she
controlled her mouth to utter mean words. On their way home, she pretended to
listen to everything he says kahit wala naman talagang nagsisink-in sa utak niya
dahil kanina pa siya inaatake ng antok. Gustung-gusto niya na ring magreklamo
sapagkat napapansin niyang tila sinasadya ng kasama na tahakin ang mga matatatrapik
at mahahabang daan pauwi to prolong her agony. Kaya naman nang makarating sila ng
bahay ay tila di makapag-antay na bumaba agad siya ng sasakyan.
Pagkalabas niya ng kotse ay dali-dali niyang kinuha ang susi ng pinto sa handbag.
But she suddenly stopped midway to their front door nang makita kung sino ang
nakatayo't naghihintay sa tapat ng kanilang bahay. She dropped the keys at dahan-
dahang tumigas ang mukha niya habang nakatingin kay Scarlet.
"H-Hi!" kaswal at nakangiting bati sa kanya ng babae, pretending not to notice her
resentment.
The woman doesn't have a single sign of intimidation. Nagbago lang ang hilatsa ng
mukha nito nang makita si Pierce mula sa likuran niya. Nagkaroon ng bakas ng takot
at pag-aalala sa mga mata nito.
Nawala ang antok ni Clarisse and her blood started to heat up. Hindi niya lubos
maisip kung papaano pa nagawang magpakita ng babae sa kabila ng pagkakabuko ni
Pierce sa relasyon nila ni Lance. Instead of heading to the door, she decided to go
to Scarlet's direction. She wants to give her a harder taste of medicine para
tuluyan na itong magising sa pansamantalang pagkakabulag sa reyalidad. Ngunit bago
pa man siya makahakbang, hinawakan siya sa braso ni Pierce. Matapang ang mukhang
humarap siya sa lalaki. She knows he'll take again that woman's side.
She wanted to object. Subalit hindi niya nagawang ibuka ang bibig nang mapansin ang
seryosong pagkakatitig sa kanya ni Pierce. His eyes is telling her that there's
nothing to worry about. Napapalunok na bumitiw siya sa kanilang pagtitigan at sa
hindi maipaliwanag na dahilan, she believed what his eyes had told her.
Napapatangang tumango't sumunod siya. His commanding words has different impact
this time. Dinampot niya ang nabitawang susi at saka naglakad patungong pintuan.
Habang nagbubukas ng pinto, she saw that Pierce brought Scarlet to his car which is
parked on the street in front of house.
Clarisse is putting her trust on Pierce for the first time. Siguro naman hindi ito
ganun kasama at kairasyonal para ipagpatuloy pa ang pakikipagrelasyon kay Scarlet
matapos malaman ang buong katotohanan.
Pierce waited for Clarisse to get inside the house. Nang mawala ito sa kanyang
paningin saka niya lamang hinarap ang katabing babae. Napapabuntong-hiningang
pinagmasdan niya ng ilang saglit ang nakatungong hitsura nito. She's playing with
her fingernails while avoiding his eyes. His chest is aching while looking at her.
Hindi gaya ng ibang mga babaeng naikama niya, he liked this woman. Kaya kahit
papaano'y nasasaktan siya matapos madiskubreng ang mga oras na pinagsaluhan nila ay
isa palang malaking kasinungalingan at hiram na mga sandali lamang.
"I-I want to see you and talk to you..." she replied with low voice.
"W-What's gonna happen between us now?" nanginginig ang boses na ika ni Scarlet
nang hindi pa rin tumitingin sa kausap.
"Kailangan pa bang itanong yan? Everything about us ended on that night I caught
you in the arms of that man," diretsong sagot ng lalaki.
Saka lamang nag-angat ng mukha si Scarlet. Namumutlang napatingin ito kay Pierce
nang may nangingilid na mga luha. "Y-You're joking right?"
"I'm not," he said firmly.
"B-But why?"
Galit na napapalo si Pierce sa manibela. "Because you have a boyfriend for god sake
Scarlet!"
Namuo ang luha ni Scarlet. Alam niyang rurok na ng katangahan ang lumalabas na mga
salita sa sariling bibig subalit hindi niya kayang suwayin ang dinidikta ng dibdib.
All the bravery, flirty behaviors and courage to accept the harsh words and bear
the guilts were just a facade. She could no longer hide the fact that she's falling
deeply to him to a point that she's starting to get confused about her feelings for
Lance. Ang maisip niya lang na darating ang araw na iiwanan siya ni Pierce ay
nawawalan na agad siya ng lakas. And now that she heard from his own mouth na gusto
na nitong tapusin ang namamagitan sa kanilang dalawa ay para siyang mamamatay.
"You've got a wife too.... b-but I accepted you're situation. I remember you even
told me to wait until the two of you got separated," lumuluha nang sabi niya.
"Then don't leave her but please keep me by your side Pierce," nagmamakaawang wika
ni Scarlet sabay hawak nito sa kamay ng lalaki.
Pierce coldly remove his hand from her grasp and looked her in the eyes. "What
about your boyfriend? Are you planning to keep seeing me while you're in a
relationship with other man?"
"I don't know what I feel about him right now. Pero isa lang ang sigurado ako sa
nararamdaman ko ngayon, hindi ko kaya kapag ikaw ang nawala Pierce. Kaya please
huwag mong gawin sa akin to! Don't dump me this soon, hindi ko pa kaya!"
pagmamakaawa ng babae habang unti-unting lumalakas ang pag-iyak. "I couldn't be
honest to you about my relationship dahil natatakot akong baka hindi ka na
makipagkita sa akin!"
Napamaang si Pierce sa mga narinig. He couldn't believe that she was already this
deeply drowned in their affair sa loob lamang ng maiksing panahong pinagsamahan
nila.
"You're just confused right now Scarlet. Don't make it look like you're choosing me
over your boyfriend. Besides, sharing a woman with other guy is not in my
vocabulary. Kaya bumalik ka na lang kay Lance habang may panahon ka pang itama ang
naging pagkakamali mo."
Napahawak sa noo niya si Pierce. Guilt is starting to engulf him while she weeps.
Everything is his fault because he took advantage of a fragile woman. Now that
reality strikes him, he pities Scarlet for what she turned out because of him. And
the way she's behaving right now, alam niyang sarado ang isip nito kahit paulit-
ulit man niyang ipaunawa ang mali sa kanilang sitwasyon.
"B-But if I leave Lance, iiwan mo na rin ba ang asawa mo? Will you be mine alone?"
she asked while gazing at him with teary eyes.
Natutukso si Pierce na aminin sa babae ang totong nararamdaman para kay Clarisse.
But he's not an asshole enough to rub the wound of a woman who's already in pain.
Hinawakan niya ng dalawang kamay ang magkabilaang pisngi ng nagmamakaawang babae at
seryosong tinitigan ito sa mga mata. " Do you really want to hear what I want?"
Scarlet nodded.
Pierce sighed and talked with sincerity. "What I want is for you to return to
Lance. I believe he's a good man and he can make you happier. I'm a married man. I
don't want to ruin forever the life of a young and beautiful woman like you. Hindi
ka magiging masaya sa akin, Scarlet. Don't mistake pleasure, comfort and excitement
with love because of me. Don't misunderstood your feeling for a bad guy like me."
"H-Hindi ako nagkakamali ng nararamdaman para sayo Pierce. And it's not because of
pleasure alone. The time we spent together were the happiest moments of my life.
Lahat ng nararamdaman kong takot, pangamba at kaduwagan ay nababalewala basta
kasama na kita."
"Nasasabi mo lang yan dahil ako ang nagpapaalam sayo. But did you ever see yourself
kapag si Lance naman ang nawala sayo?"
Pansamantalang natahimik si Scarlet.
"See you can't answer....I give you a piece of advice, get hold of him before it's
too late. Nakakatakot maranasan ang gaya ng nararanasan ko ngayon, you'll only know
the real worth of a person next to you kapag unti-unti na itong nawawala sayo."
"P-Pierce...what are you trying to say right now?" natutulalang sambit ng dalaga
nang mahalata ang nilalaman ng mga salita ng lalaki.
"I'm sorry to say this Scarlet... But the main reason why I can no longer see you
is that I just realized how my wife really means to me."
Nag-angat ng mukha si Scarlet and she looked him in the eyes. Now that she lost
Pierce, she felt helpless. She lost the only man she thought who'd be on her side
kapag lahat ay hinusgahan na siya dahil sa pagkakamali niya. Hindi niya inaasahang
ito pa pala ang pinakaunang mang-iiwan sa kanya.
The pain. The losses. The forbidden love for a wrong man. The unfaithfulness to a
good guy. Lahat ng ito ay hindi niya alam kung hanggang saan at hanggang kailan
niya kakayanin, tatanggapin o makakalimutan. But as of now, anuman ang paliwanag sa
kanya ni Pierce at kahit gusto niyang intindihin ang sitwasyon, her heart won't
listen. Dinidiktahan siya nitong huwag sumuko. Inuutusan siya nitong ipaglaban ang
kaisa-isang lalaking nagpagulo at bumaliktad sa tahimik niyang buhay.
"What is it?"
Dahan-dahan niyang inilapit ang mga labi sa dalaga and when their lips met, she
started kissing him deeply and passionately. This is the most passionate kiss he
ever received from a woman. And the way she's kissing him, muntik na siyang
makumbinsi na maaring may katotohanan nga ang ipinagtapat nitong damdamin para sa
kanya.
The guilt struck him again. He decided to stop kissing her pero tila ayaw pa ng
babaeng paghiwalayin ang kanilang mga labi. She's pulling him to her. He slowly
opened his eyes to contain himself at biglang nanlamig ang kanyang buong katawan
nang makitang nasa labas ng bahay si Clarisse. She's watching them with a fiery
eyes.
He quickly parted his lips from Scarlet at halos muntik niya nang maitulak ang
babae papalayo. Dali-dali siyang lumabas ng sasakyan at lumapit kay Clarisse.
Tinataasan siya nito ng kilay habang ngingisi-ngisi.
Naglaho ang mga ngisi nito, unti-unting tumapang ang mukha at tiningnan siya nang
nakakahiwa.
"You are evil." Then she turned her back and entered the house without giving him a
chance to explain...
####################################
Chapter 30
####################################
*****
Naninibago si Lance sa ipinapakitang saya ni Scarlet. Buong akala niya ay
mahihirapan siyang imbitahan ito pero hindi man lang siya nagdalawang salita sa
pag-aya dito. At ngayon nga'y enjoy na enjoy ito sa kanilang bakasyon. She smiles
most of the time to a point na napapaisip siyang maybe she's pretending to be happy
to hide some pain. But what's there to hide? Scarlet tells him everything kahit pa
ang pinakasimpleng problema nito.
Nasa tabing dagat sila. Scarlet is wearing her red string bikini, revealing her
goddess like beauty and sexy body. Kaaahon lang nito sa dagat at halos lahat ng
napapadaan ay napapalingon sa babae. Kung ubod lang siya ng seloso siguro'y kanina
niya pa kinumutan ang girlfriend. He's sitting on the beach bench while calmy
watching the beautiful sunset. Nakasuot siya ng komportableng walking short, T-
shirt at tsinelas habang hindi inilalayo ang cellphone sa kanyang tabi dahil baka
anumang oras ay bigla siyang tawagan ng attorney.
Scarlet sat beside him and he wrapped a towel in her shoulder upang huwag itong
lamigin.
Umiling siya at muling tumingin sa cellphone. "Hindi pwede baka tumawag si Atty. De
Silva at bigla akong papuntahin sa convention venue."
Sumimangot si Scarlet. " Bakit ganyan ka? Parang ako lang ang nag-eenjoy sa ating
dalawa. You keep looking at your phone since we arrived here. Di ba nga si Atty. De
Silva na ang nagsabi sa atin to take our time?" nagtatampong wika nito.
Hinawi ni Lance ang basang buhok ng babae patungo sa harap ng balikat nito. "She's
just trying to be polite but of course I can still not neglect the fact na pumunta
ako dito because of work. Don't worry tomorrow is a free day kaya masasabayan na
kita sa pagsuswimming the whole day," naglalambing na paliwanag niya.
"Ah what a nice view! Ang ganda ng langit," she uttered while looking at the ocean
up to the pinkish sky.
Scarlet closed her eyes, took a deep breath and smiled. She remains quiet without
taking her smile away. She's doing her best to hide and to forget the pain she's
carrying. Tama ang naging desisyon niya na pansamantalang lumayo sa maingay na
lungsod ng Maynila para mas lalong makapagisip-isip ng mabuti. With Pierce being
within her reach, she's always haunted by those painful feelings she wishes to
forget ngunit habang tumatagal ay lalong tumitindi ang sakit. And everyday she was
tempted to see him and beg for his love again.
Pero ngayong malayo siya sa lalaki, pakiramdam niya ay unti-unting gumagaan ang mga
dalahin niya sa dibdib. And the way Lance is treating her right now, she's being
reminded that there's still someone who loves her wholeheartedly. Unti-unti niya
nang nakikita ang pag-asa na darating din ang araw na makakalimutan niya ang maling
pag-ibig na nararamdaman. All she needs now is to stay at Lance side. Alam niyang
kayang gamutin ng pagmamahal ng lalaki ang lahat ng nararamdaman niyang sakit. She
knows she's being being selfish but if Lance could steal back her heart, she
promised to devote herself forever to him. With his unconditional love, alam niyang
kaya pa rin siyang mahalin nito sa kabila ng mga naging pagkakamali't pagkukulang
niya.
"I'm glad that you look happy," nakangiting komento ni Lance habang nakatingin sa
mapayapang mukha ng girlfriend.
"Ang sarap pala ng ganito. Can we do this often? Pero next time yung tayong dalawa
lang, yung hindi na work-related para wala na akong kahati sa atensiyon mo,"
lambing niya sabay hilig sa balikat ng boyfriend.
"Then, let's find time for ourselves. Just like what we did today," she insisted.
"O-Okay if you say so..." nag-aalinlangang sagot ng binata. "B-But better be true
to your words because between the two of us, ikaw ang mas madalas na walang time."
"Promise, I'll find time!" masiglang sagot ni Scarlet sabay halik sa pisngi ng
boyfriend. "The sun is gone and it's getting darker here. Let's go back to our
room. Magbibihis na rin ako."
Lance sighed. It's getting dark but Atty. De Silva is not around yet. Scarlet wore
her robe and he hesitantly followed her going back to their room.
The resort is not a big one but still classy. In front of a three-floor hotel na
may hilera ng labinlimang kuwarto bawat palapag ay isang malaking gunite swimming
pool. Ang bawat palapag ay mayroong balkonaheng abot beywang na iron railings. Mula
sa tapat na glass window ng bawat kuwarto ay kitang-kita ang magandang tanawin ng
dagat. The guests have options how to get to their rooms, either pass by the lobby
or take the stairs at the edge sides of the hotel.
Sa bandang kanan na may dalawampung metro ang layo mula sa pool ay matatagpuan ang
isang bamboo bar and restaurant. Ang buhangin naman sa aplaya ay hindi gaanong
kaputian ngunit may kapinuhan ito. Malinis ang kahabaan ng dalampasigan. Mayroon
ding magaganda, maayos, nakakarelax pagmasdan at mga maliliit na kabanang
nakahilera sa tapat ng resort bago marating ang pinakatabing dagat.
"You're taking shower right? I'll just stay right here. Tawagin mo na lang ako pag
tapos ka nang magbihis."
Pansamantalang natahimik si Scarlet. She knows what inside his mind. It's hard to
believe na kahit nasa ganitong bakasyon ay iwas pa rin ang lalaki na magkaroon sila
ng pagkakataong maging intimate sa isa't isa.
"O-Okay..."
"B-By the way Scarlet, if you're not comfortable sharing room with me. I can get
another room," napapalunok na ika ng binata.
"I-It's fine with me. Besides baka fully booked na rin lahat ng mga matitinong
kuwarto," she replied habang hindi makatingin ng diretso sa boyfriend.
Scarlet was about to leave nang sabay nilang matanaw si Clarisse na pumapasok ng
resort. May kausap ito sa cellphone habang naglalakad patungong hotel. Agad na
nagliwanag ang mukha ni Lance pagkakita sa abogada.
"Maybe she wants to take a rest now," Scarlet said after seeing that her boyfriend
is slightly disappointed.
"M-Maybe," he murmured. "You better go to our room now, it's getting cold here,"
sabay pag-alala nito sa kasintahan.
Matapos mapag-isa sa tabi ng pool, Lance sat in the umbrella table next to a
palmera tree. Sinundan niya ng tingin si Scarlet habang papasok ito ng kanilang
kuwarto na nasa first floor lamang, pangalawa mula sa pinakadulong kanang bahagi ng
hotel. Mas convenient ang location ng kanilang kuwarto dahil mas malapit ito sa
dagat, sa mga cavanas, sa pool at sa restaurant. Unlike Atty. De Silva na pinili
ang area kung saan mas tahimik at may kalayuan sa kanila.
Tinanaw niya ang kuwarto ng abogada na nasa kaliwang dulong side ng second floor.
Natutukso siyang puntahan ito upang kumustahin tungkol sa convention. Nag-aalala
din siya na baka nagugutom ito o baka may kailangan ito. In case she's tired and
stressed out, gusto niyang yayain itong maglakad-lakad at magpahangin sa tabing-
dagat. But maybe Scarlet was right na baka mas gusto nitong magpahinga sa kuwarto.
Napamaang siya nang makita ang hitsura ng attorney. She's not wearing any makeup,
nakataas ang magulo't mahabang buhok habang suot pa rin ang black framed
eyeglasses. She's wearing a white loose tank top with black tube underneath, skimpy
jean shorts na halos isa't kalahating dangkal lang ang haba at kulay puting beach
slipper. Napapalunok na tiningnan niya ito mula ulo hanggang paa. She got sexy neck
and shoulder, slim but firm arms and a pair of long flawless legs. Gusto niyang
makasigurado kung ang attorney nga ba ang kaharap niya. It's his first time to see
her carrying a seductive aura.
"Ah... I'm wondering na baka nagugutom ka? Gusto mo bang samahan kita sa
restaurant...Or do you need anything? I'll bring it here."
She gave him a wry smile. Itinaas ng abogada ang isang kamay na may hawak-hawak na
mga papel. "I'm reading and I'm not hungry yet. I'll just go to the restaurant or
call the room service if I need anything. Don't mind me. J-Just enjoy your time
with Scarlet."
"H-How about we stroll by the beach to get some fresh air?" yaya ulit ng lalaki.
Unti-unting nawala ang sigla sa mukha ni Lance. He's not sure but somehow he feels
that the lawyer is also deliberately avoiding him.
"O-Okay. H-Have a good rest."
"Thanks."
-----
Her whole day was nothing but pain. Saan ba siya mas nagkamali? Sa pagpunta dito o
sa pagsama kay Scarlet? Oo nga't iniwasan niya buong maghapon si Lance pero ito
naman ang laging laman ng isip niya. Napaparanoid siya everytime na naiisip na
kasama nito ang girlfriend. May kumukurot sa dibdib niya sa tuwing naiimagine ang
mga bagay na posibleng mangyari lalo't nasa romantikong lugar ang dalawa.
Ang pinakamahirap sa lahat ay ang makitang naglalambingan mismo ang mga ito sa
harap niya. Tiniis niya na nga ang gutom at kagustuhang magpahangin para lamang
huwag makasalamuha ang dalawa pero heto't nasa labas pa rin pala ang mga ito. She
ordered a sandwich and an orange juice. And while eating she can hear the laughter
of Scarlet. How can that bitch laugh so genuinely sa harap ng lalaking
pinagtataksilan niya? She shook her head to stay out of their business habang hindi
namamalayang napapabilis ang pagsubo niya. Kumukulo ang dugo't umiinit ang ulo niya
sa tuwing naririnig ang pag-iingay ng babae.
Huwag kang mag-inarte Clarisse! Hindi siya sayo kaya pwede siyang halikan ng kahit
sinong babae!
Omorder siya ng ice cream para makatulong sa pagpapalamig ng kanyang ulo. Hindi pa
rin siya nakuntento, omorder siya ng beer. Masama ang loob niya at nagagalit siya
sa sarili. Bakit ba pag kaharap niya na si Lance ay naglalaho lahat ng inipon
niyang lakas ng loob? Nasaan na ang sinasabi niyang hindi magpapaapekto anuman ang
gawin sa harap niya ng dalawa? Those are the sweetness she used to witness before
pero bakit hindi niya magawang ibalik ang dating reaksiyon.
Sumisikip ang dibdib niya dahil sa wala sa lugar na pagseselos kaya't minabuti
niyang tumayo at magpahangin sa tabing-dagat. Tinaon niyang walang nakatingin isa
man sa magkasintahan at maingat siyang nagpunta sa pinakamalapit na cavana. Bitbit
niya ang bote ng beer at tahimik na uminom mag-isa habang ninanamnam ang malamig na
hangin at pinapakinggan ang ingay ng mga alon. She felt better. At least hindi na
abot ng mga halakhak ni Scarlet ang kinaroroonan niya.
She thought of other things. Inisip niya kung ano ang gagawin kinabukasan. She's
planning to enjoy the day. Dineprive niya na ang sarili ngayon sa maraming bagay
dahil sa kakamoment kaya't bukas sisiguraduhin niyang babawi siya sa sarili.
Nanamnamin niya ang dagat at ang magandang sikat ng araw.
"Nakapagpahinga ka ba ng mabuti?"
Isa-isang nagsulputan ang mga paru-paru sa tiyan niya nang marinig ang boses ni
Lance. Muntik ng gumuhit ang abot tengang ngiti sa kanyang mukha... But she
contained her childish feeling. She gave him a quick glance while he was walking
towards her direction. He sat beside her at lihim siyang napadiin ng hawak sa gilid
ng inuupuang sahig ng cavana upang pigilan ang panghihina ng mga kalamnan.
"Sasamahan ka."
Umiling ang lalaki. " She's in our room. Niyaya ko siya dito but she said she's
sleepy and a bit drunk already."
Of course she'll think of any excuse para umiwas sa akin! Ngingisi-ngising naisip
ni Clarisse sabay inom ng beer.
"Hindi mo na ako kailangang samahan. Y-You can join Scarlet in bed now." Muntik na
siyang masamid sa huling linyang binitawan. Maging si Lance ay napatanga sa sinabi
niya. "I-I mean you can take a rest too," paglinaw niya nang may napapahiyang
ngiti.
Lance looked at Clarisse face under the dim light of the cavana. Nakita niya na
naman sa malapitan ang mala-anghel nitong kagandahan na madalas ay sinasadyang
takpan ng matapang na makeup.
"I'm not tired," he uttered. "Besides gusto kitang bantayan because you're drinking
right now. Baka magaya ka na naman nung dati na nagblack-out na lang sa kalasingan.
Mahirap na baka may makadampot sayong masamang lalaki."
Natawa ng mahina si Clarisse. "It's only a bottle of beer so don't worry hindi ako
malalasing."
Clarisse smiled and gave him a glance. Again she caught him staring at her at ang
mga titig nito ay tumatagos sa kanyang dibdib. Agad niyang binawi ang mga mata at
muling napainom.
"Masaya and I met a lot of new faces," may ngiting sagot ng abogada.
"Why are you drinking? Brokenhearted ka na naman ba?" biglang paglihis ni Lance sa
usapan na medyo may kaseryosohan na sa pagtatanong.
"Pag umiinom ba brokenhearted kaagad? I just love drinking beer while enjoying the
good scent of the ocean."
"The last time I saw you drink was because of Mr. Kurt Barredo, right? So who is it
now? Is it your husband?"
"Did you have a fight with him? I wonder why he didn't join us considering the
sweetness he showed you the last time I met him," Lance said with a bit of
bitterness. "N-Nahuli mo na naman ba siyang nambabae?" mahinang dagdag nito na
halatang nag-aalinlangan sa tanong.
"N-No...H-He knows this trip is work related that's why he didn't join me."
Muntik ng masamid si Clarisse sa tanong but she needs to give him the proper
answer. "I-I think so. H-Hindi naman siguro ako magpapakasal sa kanya k-kung hindi
ko siya mahal."
Pansamantalang natahimik si Lance. Her answer cuts like a knife. He's hating
himself dahil ang inaakalang mapipigilang emosyon ay ang siyang naningingibabaw sa
kanya. Could it be because of the ambiance? Di niya maipaliwanag but he feels as if
there's an unspoken intimacy going on between them. Ito na yata ang pinakasolemn
moment na nakasama't nakausap niya ang abogada.
He's turning into a bad guy...Because for the first time he wishes na sana walang
Pierce at Scarlet na nababanggit sa gitna ng kanilang pag-uusap.
Biglang napatingin si Clarisse sa katabi. Their eyes met.. Dumaan ang maiksing
katahimikan habang wala ni isa mang bumibitiw sa pagkakatitig. She doesn't want to
misunderstand but his eyes are trying to tell her something. What is it then? Tama
ba ang naiisip niya o nag-aassume lang siya masyado?
"Then how about if you're starting to fall in love to a person?" he asked again.
Mas lalong naging seryoso ang pagkakatitig ni Lance sa katabi. Her answers made him
forgot the reality. She's no longer the woman he respects because of her skill as a
lawyer. She's no longer the boss he admires because of her remarkable intelligence.
Right at that moment, she is the woman he's aching to kiss and embrace.
"I-It's getting late. W-We b-better go back to our rooms," nauutal na sambit niya.
Nanatiling nakaupo si Lance. And when she's about to leave, he grabbed her elbow.
Tumungo ito at humigpit ang pagkakahawak sa kanya hanggang sa dahan-dahang bumaba
ang kamay nito patungo sa kanyang palad.
"Everytime I go to bed, I'm always excited for tomorrow because I'm going to see
you...d-does it mean I like you?" nakayukong salita ng lalaki.
Dahan-dahang nanlaki ang mga mata ni Clarisse. "W-What are you talking --"
"Everytime I see a guy disrespecting you, it aches my heart and makes me want to
protect you more...does it mean I love you?"
Clarisse couldn't move an inch ngunit ramdam niya pa rin kung gaano kahigpit ang
pagkakahawak ng binata sa palad niya.
"L-Lance-"
Her heart wants to explode. Hindi niya nga lang alam kung dahil sa tuwa o dahil sa
matinding pagkabigla. This is the most unexpected thing she could ever think of.
Alin ang totoo? Ang nanaginip siya o nanaginip ang kausap?
"I know it's the craziest thing to happen. B-But I'm not asking nor expecting
anything in return... I just want to be honest with what I feel right now.
Everyday, it gets confusing and uncontrollable. Maybe I only need to confess and
admit it so it won't get any deeper," he added at sa pagkakataong iyon saka lamang
ito bumitaw sa palad niya. Tumayo ito, tumingin sa kanya at mapait na ngumiti.
"Please don't be afraid. I don't mean to harm you ... a-and the last thing I wish
is for you to like me too," he added at dahan-dahan itong humakbang papaatras.
She still couldn't move. Nakatangang sinundan niya ng tingin ang likod ng
papalayong lalaki. Natutukso siyang habulin ito. Gusto niyang ipagsigawan ang
totoong nararamdaman...Pero pag ginawa niya yun, mapapasakanya ba si Lance o pareho
lang silang mahihirapa't masasaktan? With the choices you made in your life
Clarisse, you have no right to steal a heart of a good guy!...
####################################
Chapter 31
####################################
****
"You want more fresh fruits, Babe? Ikukuha kita sa buffet table," lambing nito sa
lalaki.
Clarisse is concentrating in her own plate. Kaharap niya si Lance pero hangga't
maaari ay ayaw niyang magtama ang kanilang mga mata. Ingat na ingat siya sa pagkain
upang maiwasang mabilaukan everytime na maglalambing si Scarlet sa binata. She's
trying to act calmly but whenever she remembers his confession, she keeps having
butterflies in her stomach. Nag-aalala siyang baka hindi niya namamalayang
napapangiti na pala siyang mag-isa.
So it wasn't a one sided feeling after all? All night she was floating on clouds
everytime she thinks about his words. Pansamantala niya munang kinalimutan lahat ng
mga rason kung bakit kailangan nilang supilin ang nararamdaman sa isa't isa.
Instead, she relished the feeling of being a woman. So she wasn't bad after all?
With her age, status and image, she never expected that she's capable of swaying
the feeling of a younger, handsome, intelligent and kind-hearted man who has an
extremely beautiful girlfriend.
But since she admitted she's the older one, she needs to initiate pacifying the
complicated situation. Mas dapat niyang doblehin ang pag-iingat sapagkat ngayon,
ang lalaking nasa tabi niya lagi ay hindi niya lamang gusto...kundi may gusto na
rin sa kanya.
Lance, on the other hand, is giving the attorney quick glances every now and then.
Kanina pa siya kinakabahan sapagkat hindi niya mabasa ang totoong reaksiyon nito
tungkol sa ipinagtapat niya. Nakahanda na ang kanyang mga tenga sa salitang 'you're
fired'. But since they were together this morning, wala siyang makitang pagbabago
sa kilos nito. She's an expert in hiding her true feelings kaya't hindi niya
malaman kung natutuwa, nagagalit o simpleng hindi ito apektado sa mga sinabi niya.
He knows it's stupid for him to assume. But last night, she looked at him with
different eyes. She had no sign of objection when he was about to kiss her. And
when he held her hand, he felt warmth instead of coldness.
"Babe I forgot my cellphone sa room. Kunin ko lang muna ha," Scarlet said.
He nodded. Nakokonsensiya siya. Katabi niya si Scarlet pero ang isip niya ay
lumilipad sa kanyang kaharap. Ni minsan sa buhay niya ay hindi niya naisip na
magiging masama siyang lalaki. His girlfriend is too kind and too deeply in love
with him para hayaan niya ang sarili na ma-confuse sa isang babaeng may asawa.
After Scarlet left, inaasahan niya nang makakarinig siya ng mga masasakit na
pasaring mula sa abogada. But still she didn't utter a word nor even bother to look
at him. Tuloy lang ito sa tahimik na pagsubo. He wanted to initiate a conversation
but he hesitated. Naninimbang pa rin siya sa totoong nararamdaman ng kaharap.
Napako ang mga mata niya kay Clarisse at napansin niyang wala ng lamang tubig ang
baso nito. He got the pitcher beside him and refilled the glass. He's trying to get
her attention. Inilapit niya ng bahagya ang baso sa babae ngunit nagulat siya nang
biglang may dumampot ditong ibang kamay. Napamaang siya pagkakita sa asawa ng
abogada na noon ay nakatayo sa tabi ng kanilang mesa at dire-diretsong ininom ang
tubig.
"Ahhhh... I'm thirsty. Thanks for the water," Pierce said pagkalapag sa mesa ng
baso.
Agad na napaangat ng mukha si Clarisse at nanlaki ang mga mata pagkakita sa lalaki.
Hinila ni Pierce ang isang bakanteng upuan at tumabi kay Clarisse. "I don't want to
miss the fun honey," kalmadong sagot nito while staring at Lance.
"Hi, Mr. Calderon," kaswal na bati ni Lance habang pilit itinatago ang matinding
pagkabigla.
Lance wanted to talk back dahil alam niyang para sa kanya ang mga salitang iyun.
But he couldn't. Although he didn't do anything wrong to his wife, it feels like
there were some truth in what he said. A bit of guilt struck him kaya napapalunok
na uminom na lamang siya ng tubig.
"I'd been driving for hours. Hindi mo man lang ba ako tatanungin kung nagugutom
ako?" bigkas ni Pierce malapit sa tenga ng di makapagsalitang babae.
"A-Are y-you hungry?" napipilitang tanong ni Clarisse nang may plastik na ngiti.
Bago makasagot si Pierce ay biglang may narinig silang isang nahulog na bagay.
Sabay-sabay ang tatlong napalingon sa pinanggalingan ng ingay at nakita nila si
Scarlet na natutulalang nakatayo habang nakatingin kay Pierce. Nahulog ang
cellphone nito at nagkapira-piraso sa sahig.
Maingat na inalalayan ni Lance ang dalaga pabalik sa kanilang mesa. "By the way, do
you remember Mr. Calderon? T-The husband of attorney," wika niya nang makaupo ulit
sila sa table.
"H-Have you eaten yet? I'll get you some food," alok ni Scarlet sa lalaki.
Biglang napatingin si Lance at Clarisse sa dalagang noon ay titig na titig kay
Pierce. Halatang nagulat ang binata sa sinabi ng kasintahan at napansin agad ito ng
abogada. Clarisse started to panic inside. It's obvious that Scarlet has difficulty
hiding her feelings. Her eyes are glowing while looking at the man in front of her.
Pierce followed her at the buffet table at ngingiti-ngiting pinagmasdan ang babae
habang pumipili ito ng pagkain. He stands next to her closely.
Tinaasan ni Clarisse ng kilay ang nang-aasar na lalaki. "In your dreams," mahinang
sabi niya at nang mahalatang aakbay na naman ito, agad siyang lumayo. "Pwede ba
tigil-tigilan mo yang pananantsing mo or else I'll sue you for sexual harassment."
"Kelan pa bawal umakbay ang lalaki sa misis niya? You're mind isn't working again
attorney. Are you always like this whenever I'm around?" pang-aasar pa lalo nito.
Inismiran ni Clarisse ang lalaki. "Ano bang gusto mong kainin?" mabigat sa loob na
tanong niya bago lagyan ng pagkain ang plato ng lalaki.
She frowned. She quietly chose food by herself and decided not to ask him anymore.
Mag-aaksaya lang siya ng laway sa taong hindi makausap ng matino.
"By the way, why didn't you tell me Scarlet is here?" Pierce said out of the blue.
Tiningnan ni Clarisse ng masama ang kausap. "Am I obliged to tell you? She's you're
woman too. Aren't you two communicating? How gutsy you are to follow here
eventhough you know her boyfriend is around."
Pierce took a deep breath at namulsa sa pantalon habang pinanonood ang babaeng
kumukuha ng pagkain.
"I ended things with her," he said with a very serious face. "I told you I came her
because of you."
Natigilan si Clarisse. Tiningnan niya ang mga mata ng kausap upang alamin kung
nagsasabi ito ng totoo. She almost believed him pero muli niyang naalala ang
halikang nasaksihan.
"You ended things with her but still kissed her. Liar."
She smirked. "Wow what a sweet way to say goodbye. So kung hindi ko kayo nakita
that farewell kiss could turn out to a farewell sex, right?" she said with full
sarcasm.
"I'm not lying. You keep having misconception about me because you're not giving me
a chance to explain."
"Ako may misconception sayo?" she laughed. "Tell me Pierce in what aspect of your
personality ang nagkakamali ako ng pagkilala sayo?"
"You're still thinking that I'm being insincere about my feelings for you,"
diretsong sagot ni Pierce.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Clarisse. "Are you of you mind?! Gusto mo bang mabuko ni
Lance ang kalokohan niyo ni Scarlet? Ngayon pa nga lang ay halatang-halatang hindi
na makontrol ng babaeng yun ang nararamdaman para sayo. I'm begging you to go home
bago pa man tayo magkagulo dito."
"I won't. I'm here because of you and not because of Scarlet," pagmamatigas ng
lalaki...
----
Pierce opened his window habang tahimik na umiinom ng brandy at ninanamnam ang
hanging nagmumula sa dagat. He lit a cigarette at humitit ng malalim. Tumingin siya
sa direksiyon ng dagat at paulit-ulit na bumuntong-hininga.
He's aching inside at hindi niya maipaliwanag kung saan nagmumula ang kakaibang
sakit na nararamdaman. Ngayon lang siya nakaramdam ng isang uri ng sakit na tila
namamahay sa kanyang dibdib. Sa maghapong iginugol niya sa resort, he's starting to
see the reality between Clarisse and Lance. Both of them obviously has a supressed
feeling for each other. Sa tuwing magtatama ang mga mata ng mga ito, there were
unspoken words of care, jealousy and longing. And everytime the two talk, the
sparks in their eyes were undeniably vibrant.
Those things stab his chest. Nilalamon siya ng selos, insecurities at panghihina.
Mahirap tanggapin sa napakataas niyang pride na right at this moment may isang
lalaking tumalo sa kanya pagdating sa babae. Maliwanag pa sa tinititigan niyang
bilog na buwan ang katotohanang sa mga sandaling ito ay wala siyang pag-asa sa puso
ni Clarisse. He's the person who doesn't like complication. Kung ayaw sa kanya then
so be it. Kung wala siyang kapagapag-asa then why not go back to his old habits.
More women, more sex, more alcohol, more excitement and no pain like this. Just
give up. You're happier in your old life.
But he can't... because he can't stand the idea that Clarisse will be in the arms
of other man. Pag nangyari yun, baka ang dibdib niyang ngayo'y nagdurusa lamang sa
sakit at selos ay tuluyan nang mawasak at sumabog. He won't allow that to happen.
As long as they are pretending as husband and wife, he'll do his best to guard the
woman who supposed to belong to him. He'll do everything to own her... not just in
pretensions and neither in contract.
His glass was empty. He went to the console table, squeezed the cigarette in the
ash tray and picked-up the bottle of brandy. He heard his door creaking while
refilling the glass. Nakalimutan niyang naiwan nga pala itong hindi nakalock.
Muntik nang umawas sa baso ang sinasaling alak nang makita niya si Scarlet na
walang pag-aalinlangang pumapasok sa kanyang kuwarto.
"Go back to your room bago ka pa mahuli ng boyfriend mo na nasa kuwarto ng ibang
lalaki."
"I won't unless you spend some time talking to me," giit ng babae.
"I want to be alone. And I don't need company right now so just leave."
Scarlet looked at his glass and sniggered. "Hindi ba mas dapat kailangan mo ng
kausap ngayon? I can feel you're loneliness. Bakit? Dahil hanggang dito ba ay
ipinagtutulakan ka pa rin papalayo ng asawa mo? Look, pati ba naman sa ganitong
romantic resort, she won't allow you to spend a night with her."
"I have no more business to talk to you about my relationship with Clarisse. Kung
anuman ang problema namin ngayon, I'm doing my best to resolve it. And why do you
still come here? We already agreed to end everything between us."
Scarlet approached Pierce and looked him straight in the eyes. She stands so close
in which he can already smell the fragrance of her hair.
"You really don't understand woman,right? Maybe all your life you just slept with
them and didn't even bother to know what they really feel..." she whispered while
tracing her fingers thru his neck.
Pierce quickly took a shot glass. Her seductive gaze and touches starting to have
an effect on him. He's still a man after all. And this is a type of night in which
he's most vulnerable in temptations.
"Do you really think I'd agree that easily to what you want? Ganyan ba sa tingin mo
kadali ang lahat sa akin? Baka nakakalimutan mo kung anong mga pinagpalit ko
because of you. I gave you my virginity and I gave you things I didn't even give to
my own boyfriend. I risked my good image and blindly submitted to you. But why do
you have to be unfair? Basta-basta mo na lang ba ako iiwan dahil lamang narealize
mo na hindi mo pala kayang iwanan ang asawa mo?"
He stepped back habang napapalunok. "I want to be fair to you that's why I decided
to stop seeing you. Akala ko ba napag-usapan na natin to Scarlet?"
"My heart won't be at peace unless I see that you really belong to your wife. But
that is not what happens now. What I'm seeing right now is a pathetic husband who's
trying to beg for attention from a wife na mas pipiliin pang magbasa kesa tumabi
sayo. A wife na pagkatapos malamang may relasyon ang asawa niya at ang girlfriend
ng staff niya ay mas nakuha pang mag-alala para sa staff niya keysa pagselosan ang
babae ng asawa niya. Pierce you're blind. It's crystal clear na wala kang kahit
anumang katiting na lugar sa puso ni Atty. De Silva so why do you have to dissed
the woman who truly loves you because of her."
Napangisi si Pierce. Although what she said about Clarisse was true pero masakit pa
ring marinig ito mula sa bibig ng iba. He was insulted. Unti-unting namula ang
pisngi niya at walang pasabing isinandal sa dingding ng dalaga. Matapang na
tinitigan niya ito sa mga mata.
"Love?" he laughed. "Stop talking about love in front of me... Don't overhype
everything because I'm not there yet. I still don't believe in such thing. You want
a person, you desire a person, you like a person or you need a person. And funny
that you call it love when in fact you just feel a bit of extremity with those
things... Now stop making love as an excuse." ngumisi siya at tumitig ng mapang-
akit sa babae. "Eto lang naman ang gusto mo di ba?"
Pierce kissed her lips agressively. Walang bahid ng anumang pagiging malumanay. His
lips went down to her neck at halos napapakagat siya sa bawat daanan ng kanyang mga
labi. He touched her breast without hesitation and massage it without showing any
tenderness.
His lips went to her ear. "You said you've done something for me that you don't do
to your boyfriend. Isn't it the other way around? Hindi ba dahil ako ang gumagawa
ng mga bagay na hindi nagagawa sayo ng boyfriend mo?"
Scarlet almost cried. Pierce's touches and kisses were different. It was purely
desires, without tenderness, without care and not a single amount of passion. But
still, she's willing to submit herself. Nakahanda siyang tanggapin ang lahat ng
hirap, pambabastos at sakit maangkin lamang ang puso nito.
Pierce pulled Scarlet's bottom and lifted her. Itinaas niya ang palda ng babae at
ipinulupot ang mga hita nito sa kanyang beywang habang marahas itong hinahalikan sa
mga labi. He stopped kissing her to unzip his pants but when he had the chance to
look at her face, he saw fear in her teary eyes.
Bigla siyang natauhan.
Dahan-dahan niyang ibinaba ang naiiyak na babae. Nanghihina itong naupo sa sahig
samantalang napaupo naman siya sa kama. Napahilamos siya ng kamay sa mukha.
"I-I'm sorry..." he uttered. "The reason why I'm begging you to stay away from
dahil gusto kitang igalang. Kung susundin ko ang gusto mo ngayon, it's like
allowing myself to continue disrespecting you. I can sleep with you countless times
but I can never be yours Scarlet... so please just leave and stay away from a bad
guy like me forever."
Nanghihinang lumabas ng kuwarto ni Pierce si Scarlet. For the first time nakaramdam
siya ng takot sa lalaki. His words were true that he could really be mean at times.
But what can she do? Bad or good, she wants everything about him.
When she arrived at their room, wala doon si Lance. She was thankful because she
had time to ease herself. Hinintay niya ang lalaki ngunit lumipas ang trenta
minutos na hindi pa rin ito bumabalik. Iniwan niya itong abala sa pagbabasa kaya't
nagtataka siya kung saan ito nagpunta. Lumabas siya ng kuwarto para hanapin ito.
And then she saw him sitting all alone in the restaurant.
Lumapit siya dito and when she got closer doon niya lang napansin na may alak ito
sa harapan.
"L-Lance what are you doing here?" she asked from behind. Nag-aalinlangan siyang
magpakita sa binata.
"O-Okay..."
After Lance felt that Scarlet is finally gone, he filled the glass with alcohol.
Uminom siya ng isang lagukan at may kalakasang inilapag ang baso sa mesa. His grip
tightened while his hand started to shake.
He could feel the warmth of alcohol running down his throat, down to his chest at
ilang saglit lamang ay unti-unting tumapang ang mga mata niya. His teeth gritted
habang ayaw tumigil sa pangiginig ang kanyang mga kamay. He lifted the glass pero
sa halip na salinan ulit ito ng alak, ibinato niya ito sa sahig. Nagulat ang nag-
iisang waiter na naroroon at dali-dali nitong nilinis ang nabasag na baso.
'I gave you my virginity and I gave you things I didn't even give to my own
boyfriend...'
He can't bear the pain. Parang pinagpipira-piraso ang kanyang buong pagkatao.
Sobrang sakit kung saan umaasa siyang sana panaginip na lang ang lahat. Gusto
niyang itanggi sa sarili't isipan ang nalaman...Pero papaano? He clearly saw it
with his own eyes and heard everything with his own ears.
Hindi niya lubos maisip kung gaano siya nagpakatanga! Tears silently fall in his
cheeks. Hindi siya iyaking tao pero iba to. Hindi niya kayang sukatin ang lalim ng
sakit. All throughout his life, today is the first time he sees himself as a fool!
How can they do this to him? Ano ba ang nagawa niyang kasalanan para lokohin at
pagkaisahan siya ng ganito? Ganito ba kabilis ang pagdating ng karma sa
pagkakahulog ng loob niya sa ibang babae?
'...A wife na pagkatapos malamang may relasyon ang asawa niya at ang girlfriend ng
staff niya ay mas nakuha pang mag-alala para sa staff niya keysa pagselosan ang
babae ng asawa niya..'
And this what hurts the most. All the good treatments, the caring and the kindness
of Atty. De Silva weren't real. The lawyer had been too good to him to a point that
he was crazy enough to develop a feeling for her ngunit ang totoo pala ay may gusto
lamang itong bahong pagtakpan. It was all fake! Kaya ba ito bigla-bigla na lamang
naging mabait sa kanya, out of pity or maybe out of guilt? Durog na durog ang buong
pagkalalaki niya after he caught her girlfriend cheating on him but after hearing
that even the attorney lied to him too, his heart was smashed really hard.
Another tear fell down and he wiped it. Wala na siyang mapaglagyan ng sakit,
pakiramdam niya pati kaluluwa niya ay nadudurog at nasasaktan.
Nagbukas ang pinto matapos ang ilang ulit na pagkatok niya. Nagtaka ang abogada
pagkakita nito sa kanya.
He wants to hear an explanation why she hid the truth. At kung bakit siya nito
natiis na pagmukhaing tanga sa kabila ng mga kabutihang ipinakita niya. Maliban sa
pagtatakip sa mga kalokohan ng asawa nito para huwag itong masaktan, he can't
remember even a single moment na hindi siya nagpakatotoo dito. He even confessed
his feeling because he couldn't lie to her. But what does he get in return?
Gusto niya agad itong sumbatan...but after he saw her bare face at ang hitsura
nitong nakasuot ng silky nightgown, a sudden burst of desire mixed his anger. The
picture of Scarlet and Pierce kissing flashed back in his mind. His body turned
into flames after he recalled how that man wrapped Scarlet's legs around his waist.
He's being tempted to do the same to the woman in front of him. He wants that man
to feel his pain by doing to his wife what he does to his girlfriend.
"L-Lance what's wrong?" she asked after seeing his unusual reaction.
He hesitated first. But why should he? He's curious to know how good that feeling
could be para makayanan ng mga itong lokohin at saktan siya. Walang takot na
pumasok siya sa loob ng kuwarto ng abogada even without her invitation.
Nanlalaki ang mga matang tiningnan siya ng babae but he didn't falter. He locked
the door without saying anything.
He doesn't want to think. This is the first time in his life that he'll only listen
to his desires...
####################################
Chapter 32
####################################
****
Clarisse is clearly seeing the fury, pain and outrage in Lance's eyes. Hindi ito
ang normal na Lance na kilala niya kaya't alam niyang may nangyayari dito. Anguish
is all over his face. And as he corners him to the wall, nahuhulaan niya na kung
bakit ito nagkakaganito. Pain is starting to hit her chest too. She's been there.
She knew the feeling. At ito ang uri ng sakit na aakalain mong habambuhay na titira
sa iyong dibdib. The kind of agony that could temporarily get rid of your sanity.
Napasandal siya sa dingding at ikinulong siya ng binata sa mga braso nito. He held
her cheeks with one hand at pilit siyang pinapaganti ng titig.
Parang wala itong narinig. Sa halip ay naglakbay ang mga mata nito sa kanyang
katawan. She flustered. She's only wearing an above-knee laced strapped night gown
at dahil naalimpungatan siya sa katok, nakalimutan niyang wala pala siyang suot na
bra nang pinagbuksan ito.
Still, he didn't listen. He gave her a brief rough kiss in the lips and looked her
in the eyes with heavy breathing. Pumaling siya sa kanan upang iwasan ang mga titig
nito at ang muling paghalik nito. But he held her cheeks again at pilit iniharap
ang kanyang mukha. Hindi nito tinanggal ang pagkakahawak sa kanyang mga pisngi and
again he kissed her lips aggressively.
Nanatiling nakatikom ang kanyang mga labi. She's battling with her own feeling.
Hindi man ito ang normal na Lance but still it's his lips that kisses her. It's his
scent that she's smelling and it's the man she likes who touches her. Tinatakasan
pa rin siya ng tapang. Unti-unti pa rin siyang pinanghihinaan ng mga tuhod.
Pinipilit nitong ibuka ang kanyang mga labi and forced her to respond to his
kisses.
She tried to push him away but he held her wrists and leaned them on the wall.
Hindi ito tumigil sa paghalik and he's almost biting her lower lip. She cried to
beg but when she opened her mouth his tounge finally had the freedom to get into
her. He moved it freely reaching every part of hers hanggang sa unti-unti na siyang
tinakasan ng lakas. She started floating in air... enough to respond to his kisses.
She closed her eyes and kissed him back deeply. Their tongues reached each other
hanggang sa naramdaman niyang unti-unting nagiging malumanay ang paghalik sa kanya
ng lalaki. The rough and aggressive kisses turned tender, soft and caring.
Sweetness started to flow all over her.
His grip to her wrists loosened hanggang sa dahan-dahan ang mga itong pinakawalan.
He wrapped her waist and pulled her closer while she wrapped her hands to his neck.
Wala ni isa man ang gustong tumigil sa malalim na paghalik na para bang sinusulit
ang itinakbo ng panahong itinago sa isa't isa ang totoong nararamdaman.
When Lance felt the kisses of Clarisse, right at that instance, parang sabay-sabay
na hinipan ang sakit, galit at sama ng loob papalayo sa kanyang dibdib. Natauhan
siya mula sa pansamantalang pagkawala sa sarili. He clearly knows what he's doing
now. He wishes to stop but he can't. The anger and pain had been replaced by
longing to own the woman she's kissing even just for a night.
He parted his lips from her and gaze at her beautiful face. No words need to be
said because their eyes are telling them how they feel. Marahan niyang hinawi ang
nakaharang nitong buhok sa balikat. He stared at her neck for a while. Dahan-dahan
niyang inilapit ang mga labi dito and made soft traces of kisses to her neck down
to her shoulder.
"L-Lance...."
He glided his hand inside the low neckline of her gown and gently touched her
breasts. He caressed them softly and rubbed her nipple with so much tenderness
while kissing back her sweet lips. She arched towards him at kusa nitong ipinasok
ang mga kamay sa loob ng kanyang T-shirt. She stroked his back passionately. Even
her simple touch could soar his emotion. It aches him to touch her more and feel
every part of her body.
Dahan-dahan niyang ibinaba ang straps ng nightgown and slid it in her arms. The
clothes slip in her body and dropped on the floor leaving the beautiful woman in
front of him wearing her last piece of lace underwear. Tinitigan niya ng ilang
sandali ang napakagandang katawan sa harap niya and when he noticed she's getting
embarrassed, he kissed her again deeply.
Hinaplos niya ang bawat kurba ng katawan nito and when his hand reached her bottom,
he lifted her. She wrapped her legs to his waist while their lips are still locked
into each other. He brought her to bed at maingat itong inihiga sa kama.
Clarisse chest is about to explode in nervousness. It's been years since she was
get laid by a man at hindi niya inasahang mauulit pa ito. She almost forgot the
feeling of making love and right now she feels like she's doing it again for the
first time. Lance take off his clothes leaving his firm chest and sexy body exposed
in front of her eyes. Her eyes went down to her manhood at bigla siya napapikit.
Can she handle that size? She bit her lips as she imagines the pain she'll go
through.
He kissed her again gently. Itinagilid siya nito and he laid beside her back. He
touched her breast from behind and gently kissed the back of her ear. His
gentleness brings a sensation she can't resist. His soft kisses went down to her
neck, to her shoulder and down to her body curves.
He lifted her and made her sit on the bed without facing him. Hinawi nito ang
kanyang buhok patungo sa harapan. He kissed her ears, her nape and slowly his lips
travelled to her back while his hands are softly caressing her bosom. Malayang
inilakbay nito ang mga labi sa kanyang likuran and it made her go weaker and
weaker. Her heart is melting. She feels like a fragile woman being treated with so
much care.
Muli siyang inihiga ni Lance at hinubad nito ang pinakahuling saplot niya sa
katawan. Hinalikan nito ang kanyang magkabilaang hita at pagkuway maingat itong
pumaibabaw sa kanya. He kissed her lips deeply and those sweet kisses travelled
down to her chest. Napaarko siya ng katawan as his tongue stroke the peak of her
breasts.
She wrapped her arms in his head and they went down to his back. Hinahaplos-haplos
niya ang likod ng lalaki habang hinahalikan nito ang kanyang magkabilaang dibdib.
The sensation just killed the last strand of her sanity.
Muling bumaba ang mga halik nito and gently kissed her navel. Unti-unting may
humalong kaba sa init na nararamdaman niya. She can guess what he'll do next.
Dahan-dahan nitong pinaghiwalay ang kanyang mga hita. She felt embarassed so she
gestures to stop him but he contained her both hands. Hinawakan nito ang
magkabilaang palad niya at idiniin sa kama as his lips touches her womanhood.
"L-Lance...ahhhh."
His tongue played. And she had a feeling that a firework is about to explode
anytime. His tongue go deeper and faster. This is the sensation she doesn't know if
she can handle. Gusto niyang magpumiglas sa nakakabaliw na pakiramdam but she
couldn't dahil mas lalong dinidiinan ni Lance ang pagkakahawak sa mga palad niya.
Napakagat siya ng sobrang diin sa mga labi dahil baka anumang oras ay mapasigaw
siya. And before she totally became oblivious of everything, Lance stopped.
Bumitiw ito sa kanyang mga palad at muling pumaibabaw. He held her nape and put his
other hand under her waist. He pulled her closer and kissed her lips while she
embraced him. His legs guided hers to open them wider hanggang sa dahan-dahan
niyang nararamdaman ang pagpasok nito sa kanyang pagkababae.
Napadiin ang hawak niya sa likod nito. It's not her first time but still there's
pain in it. Malumanay na naglabas masok sa simula ang lalaki habang hinahalikan
siya at hinahaplos nito ang kanyang dibdib. When the pleasure started to build up,
his pounding gets faster and harder. Sa paglutang nila sa kaligayahan mas lalong
lumalim ang mga halik at humigpit ang yakap nila sa isa't isa. They hold each other
passionately while both are wishing the moment won't end.
He pounded even faster and harder. She wrapped her legs around his waist na para
bang ayaw niya nang pakawalan pa ang katawan ng lalaki. Her body longs for deeper
and faster rhythm until the much awaited fireworks finally exploded.
"Ahhhhh!" Lance groaned as he reached his peak.
She wanted to scream but Lance put his hand to her mouth as she comes to her
explosion kaya napakagat na lamang siya ng sobrang diin sa kamay nito. Binitawan
niya lang ito nang unti-unting humupa ang nararamdamang sensasyon.
Nagmulat siya ng mga mata at nakita niyang titig na titig sa kanya si Lance who's
still on top of her. He removed his hand from her lips, touched her hair and kissed
her again deeply as he lay down beside her.
Siya ang kusang kumawala sa halik and when he tried to kiss her again she avoided.
She covered herself with a blanket. The reality is slowly hitting on her. Nagkaroon
ng katahimikan habang pareho silang nakitingin sa kisame at sabay na nag-iisip ng
malalim.
"How did you find out?" Clarisse broke the silence while staring at ceiling.
They talked without looking each other. Parehong may mahina at kalmadong boses.
"No."
Clarisse sighed.
Hindi sumagot si Lance. As the reality comes back, the pain is starting to conquer
him again.
"Bakit ka nahihirapan?"
"D-Dahil nasasaktan na ako hindi ka pa man nasasaktan.... And maybe tonight is the
biggest payment I made. I hope we're even now."
Saka lamang tumingin si Lance sa katabi. He tried to embrace her but she avoided
again.
"Leave now baka hinahanap ka na ng girlfriend mo," she said without showing any
emotion.
Bumangon si Lance at tahimik na nagbihis. He sat on the edge of the bed and quietly
looked at the floor. Ilang saglit itong nag-isip ng malalim. Paulit-ulit itong
napasuklay ng kamay sa ulo at napamasahe sa noo.
"I'm sorry." The only words he uttered with full sincerity at saka tumayo't
nagtungo sa pintuan.
Narinig niya ang pagsarado ng pintuan. Napalunok siya't napakagat sa labi hanggang
sa unti-unti niyang naramdaman ang pagpatak ng kanyang mga luha...
----
They are getting ready to go back to Manila. Hila-hila ni Clarisse ang kanyang
maleta patungong parking lot ngunit natigilan siya nang mapadaan sina Lance at
Scarlet sa harap niya. Nakaakbay ang binata sa girlfriend habang masayang
nakikipag-usap at pinagbibitbit ng mga gamit ang babae. He didn't even bother to
look at her. She stared at them for a moment at ramdam niya ang dahan-dahan pagbaon
ng punyal sa kanyang dibdib. Hindi kaila sa kanyang iniiwasan siya ni Lance while
he's trying to become sweeter to Scarlet.
Naalala niya nung minsang tanungin niya ang lalaki kung anong gagawin pag nahuling
pinagtataksilan ng taong mahal niya. And he answered he'll forgive and accept both
the good and ugly sides of the person. That he'll reflect too on his actions para
maintindihan kung bakit nagawa iyon ng taong mahal niya.
Maybe that's what he's doing now. He's starting to make up sa lahat ng mga naging
pagkukulang sa kasintahan. Ganoon nga siguro kalalim ang pagmamahal nito kay
Scarlet.
Nagulat siya at napalingon kay Pierce na noon ay nasa tabi niya na pala. Ngumiti
ito pagkakita sa gulat niyang reaksiyon.
She opened her car door ngunit muli niya itong isinara nang maalalang nakalimutan
niya ang attache case sa kuwarto. May mga importanteng papeles doon kaya't dali-
dali siyang bumalik ng hotel. She felt relieved na naisurrender ito sa reception ng
tagalinis.
On her way back, she saw Lance getting out of his car. Sinalubong siya nito at
walang imik na kinuha ang bitbit niyang attache case. She was planning to put it at
the backseat but he walked towards the car trunk. She opened it. Itinaas ng lalaki
ang trunk at pagkatapos ay pasimple nitong hinawakan ang palad niya habang
inilalagay ang suitcase sa loob. Napapalunok na tiningnan niya ang binata. And for
the first time on that day, he looked straight to her face. He gazed at her with
eyes full of emotions at ramdam niya ang paghigpit ng hawak nito sa kanyang palad.
"Ingat sa pagmamaneho," he whispered with a simple but sweet smile.
She smiled back and nodded. Isinara ng binata ang trunk without letting go of her
hand. But they were surprised when they saw Pierce standing beside the car.
"Get you hands off her," madiing bigkas ni Pierce na may kasamang tono ng
pagbabanta.
"I'm only holding her hand pero nagpuputok na yang butse mo." sabay taas ni Lance
sa magkahawak nilang mga kamay ni Clarisse. "Eto ba? Does this simple sight hurt
you already? Masyado ka namang sensitive Mr. Calderon. Magpalit tayo ng posisyon
para maintindihan mo ang ibig sabihin ng salitang masakit..."
Pierce turned quiet and briefly lost for words. Unti-unti niyang nahuhulaan ang
tinutumbok ng kausap.
"...What would you feel if you learn that some guy is secretly fucking your woman?
Can you take the thought na ang babaeng iginalang mo ay binababoy pala ng ibang
lalaki? How are you going to handle the situation Mr. Calderon if some guy do that
to your wife? Para ka rin bang dahan-dahang pinapatay sa tuwing naiisip na may
isang lalaking nagpapakasasa sa katawan ng babaeng pinakaiingat-ingatan mo?"
ngingisi-ngisi at puno ng galit na sumbat ni Lance.
"Stay away from my wife," he said strongly habang hinihila papalayo ang babae.
Clarisse removed her wrist from Pierce's grip. Nanggigigil na tinanggal niya nang
sapilitan ang kanyang palad sa mahigpit na pagkakahawak ni Lance. Tiningnan niya
ang binata nang may nanlalaking mga mata. He stared back at her. Ang kaninang puno
ng emosyong mga mata nito are now being filled with guilt alone. Namuo ang kanyang
mga luha. Nanginginig ang kanyang mga labi habang naglalaro sa isipan ang nangyari
sa kanila kagabi at ang mga salitang binitawan nito ngayon. Ilang saglit niyang
tinitigan ang lalaki while trying to control her tears.
PAK!
****
CLARISSE
It's been three weeks since I fired Lance. I never heard anything from him nor
anything about him since we parted ways at Subic. Wala na ring Scarlet na bigla na
lang nagpapakita sa tapat ng aming bahay. Pierce and I never had an arguments
except the night we came back from the resort.
Nagkaroon ng katahimikan ang paligid ko... ngunit hindi ang puso ko.
Ganito yata talaga ako magmahal. Malalim. Makapit. Kunwari'y pinapagana ang isip
ngunit sa bandang dulo'y sinusukuan pa rin naman ang puso. Kahit ilang beses ko
atang ire-invent ang sarili ko, pag tinamaan naman ng pag-ibig ay bumabalik pa rin
ang dating Clarisse na nagmamahal.
Nagsisisi ako na nagpadala ako sa sariling galit. I shouldn't have walked away from
him. Alam ko naman kung gaano kalalim ang sakit na pinagdadaanan niya. The pain was
still so fresh then kaya dapat inunawa ko na lang kung nakapagsalita man siya ng
hindi maganda. I was selfish. I cared more about my pride than lending a shoulder
to the person I love. Ako ang dapat higit sa lahat na nakakaunawa sa kanya pero
bakit ako ang unang nang-iwan sa kanya?
The words he tried to imply weren't true. I knew he said them purposely just to
hurt Pierce's pride. Pero kahit ano pa man ang lumabas sa bibig niya, I know the
truth. That night, he touched me with so much love and care. I made love to a man
with a pure heart... without pain and without anger. Hindi niya ako binastos at mas
lalong hindi niya ako binaboy.
I'm regretting my action. Pero paulit-ulit man akong magsisi, Lance is gone. He
hurt me but maybe I hurt him even more. I wanted to visit his apartment pero naisip
ko, after that, what will happen? Still I don't have the freedom to love him.
Dudugtungan ko lang ang isang bagay na dapat na ngang putulin.
Napakalungkot pero napagdaanan ko na ito. Alam kong ganito lang ito sa umpisa.
Siguro'y ang kapalaran na ang gumawa ng dahilan na paglayuin kami. Magpaikot-ikot
man ang nararamdaman namin para sa isa't isa but at the end of the day, our
feelings will harm us both.
Tok.Tok.Tok.
Muli kong tiningnan ang mukha ko sa salamin bago lumabas ng kuwarto. I want to make
sure I'm wearing a light makeup. I did my morning habit of checking my handphone.
Umaasa pa rin ako na sana'y may maligaw na text si Lance.
"I'm going to meet my father. We'll talk about the car center I'm going to open."
And you know what's the funniest thing he said in the middle of our heated
arguments? "Did you use contraceptive?" After saying that line, I knew he's
learning to accept my situation.
Pierce changed a lot. In every little way, he tries to support me and understands
my feeling. There was even a point na nahuli niya akong umiiyak and that instant
tinanong niya ako kung gusto ko daw bang hanapin niya si Lance. I never doubted his
ego again. I'm starting to see his human side.
His lifestyle improved too. Hindi na siya madalas lumabas. Hindi ko na rin
nahuhuling may inuuwi siyang babae, but nevertheless may kutob pa rin akong
sumasideline pa rin ito paminsan-minsan. Well I can't blame him, he's a man and
he's definitely not a saint.
"What's with the sigh? Do you miss him again?" Sumilip siya sa binabasang diyaryo.
I gave him a wry smile and looked at the window near our dining table. Yes, Lance
just crossed my mind again. Kumusta na kaya siya? I hope he's handling well all the
pains. I know it's too early to move on but he must do something to heal himself.
Dahil pag wala siyang ginawa mas lalo lamang babaon at magtatagal ang sakit sa
dibdib niya.
"H-How about you?D-Did you hear anything from Scarlet?" atubiling tanong ko.
"Nope." He drink his coffee and turn the pages. "Maybe they're trying to fix their
relationship now."
He folded the papers, sighed and took a bite of his bread. "That's a relief." Then
he looked at me. "Atty. De Silva when you sleep with a man use your head too. Sa
edad mong yan dapat marunong ka ng maging responsable sa katawan mo," medyo galit
na tono nito.
I nodded obediently.
"I thought I'm gonna act soon as a father too." I heard him whispered to himself.
I'm seriously taking his advices. Alam ko naman na pagdating sa field na to, he's
an expert. Hindi ko nga lubos maisip kung bakit sa dinami-dami na ng naikama nito
ngunit ni isang nabuntis ay walang naghahabol dito.
"D-Don't get me wrong...At your age now, how many times have you done it?" tanong
nito nang walang bahid ng malisya ang mukha.
"T-Twice."
Muntik nang maibuga ni Pierce ang kape. "You're joking, right?" tatawa-tawang
anito.
"I'm not," pairap na sagot ko. I was slightly offended by his laughters.
"How did you survive that boring life?" nang-aasar pang dagdag nito habang
napapailing.
Honestly, I feel that in some way sleeping with man is a curse to me. The first
time I did it, next day the guy ran away with my bestfriend. The second time I did
it, next day I had serious misunderstanding and he suddenly disappeared in my life.
I am really unlucky in so many aspects of love.
"Are you done?" Pierce asked and he gestured to remove his cup and plates from the
tables.
"Ops! Leave it there. You prepared the breakfast so let me do the dishes," I
offered with a smile...
-----
Clarisse had been waiting for an hour. Tapos na siya sa kanyang trabaho at
naghihintay na lamang siya ng sundo. She's reading a book but it's getting boring.
Tumayo siya sa kanyang desk and toured herself inside the office. She's all alone.
Ang bagay na madalas na ulit mangyari simula nang mawala si Lance.
Inilibot niya ang mga mata sa paligid. Napansin niyang marami na palang naging
pagbabago sa opisina. The employee's area had been rearranged at marami na ring mga
bagong displays. She didn't take notice of these things before because every time
she comes to work, diretso agad siya sa kanyang table at subsob agad sa trabaho.
Kung wala siya sa kanyang mesa ay nasa labas naman siya para sa appointments.
She smiled inside her head. Ganito yata talaga pag may pinagdadaanan, you take
notice of things you ignored before. Nahagip ng mga mata niya ang dating mesa ni
Lance. Again, she felt a sharp tool cutting her chest.
She starts to recall the old picture in which she was quietly working in her desk
and Lance was busy doing something while waiting for her to be done. Ngayon niya
lang napagtatanto na halos sa lahat ng oras pala ay sinasadya nitong hintayin siya.
She misses his voice, his smiles, his knocks on her door, his nitpicking and the
bottled water he offered whenever she's upset.
Tumingala siya nang maramdaman ang pamumuo ng mga luha. She took a deep breath and
smiled to herself. Until when is she going to be like this?
Her cellphone rang. Pinahiran niya muna ang mamasa-masang mga mata bago sinagot ang
telepono. She cleared her throat too.
"H-Hello Pierce..."
"Clarisse, I'm sorry but I don't think I can pick you up tonight."
"I just finished my meeting to some prospect suppliers and my father asked me to
have a drink with him tonight."
She smiled. "Oh I see. Okay I'll just take a taxi then. Enjoy your time with your
Dad. Bye."
"Clarisse-"
"Yes?"
"Bye."
"Bye."
Bumalik siya sa kanyang table at kinuha ang mga gamit. Matamlay na pinatay niya ang
mga ilaw at isinarado ang opisina. Tahimik siyang naglakad sa maluwang na pasilyo.
Nag-iisip siya kung matatake-out sa isang malapit na fast food o magluluto
pagdating sa bahay. Pierce won't be eating at home kaya mas mabuti sigurong dumaan
na lang muna siya ng restaurant.
Natanaw niya sa bandang dulo ng parking lot ang isang pamilyar na pangangatawan.
Nakatayo ito at nakasandal sa trunk ng isang nakaparadang kotse. Naaninag niya ang
mukha ni Lance.
Binitawan ng lalaki ang sigarilyo at inapakan ito. He looked at her face with
gloomy eyes.
She slowly shook her head habang dahan-dahang nangingilid ang kanyang mga luha.
Right there and then she wanted to hug him. Gusto niya itong mahawakan upang
masiguradong si Lance nga ang kaharap... But she contained herself. She took one
step closer instead.
"I miss you-" He swallowed hard. "A-And I'm sorry.." His starting to have teary
eyes.
Clarisse's tears were about to fall but she managed to control them. Pinilit niyang
ngumiti. She took another step closer to make him see that she's okay now.
" T-This is the last time that I'll be seeing you... and I-I want to ask for your
forgiveness before I totally disappear in your life-"...
She stopped. A dagger just hit her heart. Napapangangang napatingin siya sa binata.
"I-I'm sorry for everything that I said....Sorry if I caused you pains... Kahit
kailan hindi ko intensiyong saktan o pahirapan ka..." His voice started shaking.
"And I'm sorry because I fall in love to a woman I'm not supposed to...."
Nanlamig ang buong katawan ni Clarisse. Hindi niya maintindihan ang nararamdaman.
She smiles while her eyes is getting blurry. She wants to speak but her mouth can't
find even a single word. Gusto niya itong patigilin sa pagsasalita. Natatakot
siyang bawat salitang maririnig ay babaon sa kanyang dibdib.
"T-Thank you for everything. The time we spent together are the best days of my
life. They'll definitely make me smile everytime I'll think of them in the future.
I will be forever grateful that I was given a chance to meet a great woman like
you...Thank you."
She wanted to stop him. Beg. Say she loves him. Tell him she'll be staying by his
side....But, she can't. No. She can... But, she shouldn't.
"I-I'm sorry too..." Ang tanging nasambit niya nang may nanginginig na mga labi.
Lance looked at her for the last time and smiled. "Wala kang kasalanan."
He went inside his car, drove and never looked back, not even in the mirrors.
Clarisse was left voiceless. Habang tinitingnan niya ang papalayong sasakyan ay
saka isa-isang kumakawala ang pinipigilang mga luha. Nabitawan niya ang dalang
briefcase sa panghihina. Her files were scattered on the ground.
She was standing all alone in the middle of parking lot like a lost child. Weak...
dumbfounded...helpless...hurt...and crying.
####################################
Chapter 34
####################################
*****
Pierce is taking courage to face the woman he wishes not to see anymore. And here
he is, naglalakad papalapit kay Scarlet habang hinihintay siya nito sa isang
malamig at tahimik na lugar sa Antipolo. He can see her back while she folds her
arm at tahimik na tinatanaw ang magandang tanawin ng nagkikislapang mga ilaw sa
lungsod.
"I feel delighted. For the first time, you choose me over your wife."
He smirked. He knows that she's only teasing him. "Whatever it is that you have to
say, say it now," walang paligoy-ligoy na sabi niya.
He didn't come here because he wanted to. Pinaunlakan niya ang imbitasyon ng babae
for the sake of Clarisse. Nakakita siya ng pagkakataong makarinig ng balita tungkol
kay Lance.
Scarlet once again savored the beautiful night scenery of the city and smiled to
herself. "Lance and I are getting engaged."
Natigilan si Pierce sa narinig. The cigarette was stuck in his mouth for a while.
Matutuwa ba siya o madidismaya sa nalaman?
"Lance must be really in love with you to forgive you that easily," ngingiti-
ngiting tugon ni Pierce. "Congratulations...but why do you have to inform me about
this?"
Kinakabahan siyang baka mag-uumpisa na naman ang dalaga sa pangungulit nito. Maybe
she wants to hear his final words about her feelings for him.
"Hindi mo kailangang sabihin sa akin yan. I'll hold on to her because I want to and
not because you command me to do so."
"Hindi kita inuutusan. Pinapaalalahanan lang kita," madiin ngunit mahinang sagot ng
babae. "Do you know that Lance has feelings for her?"
Humugot ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga si Pierce. "I'm always been aware of
that."
"So was it Lance who made you realize that Atty. De Silva is important to you?"
tanong ng babae.
"Kind of....But why do you have to worry over Clarisse? You're getting engaged to
him which means he chose you."
Scarlet sighed. "I have small doubt in his sincerity over our engagement. Life had
always been too easy for him but now that he encountered this kind of frustrations,
I don't really know what's going on inside his head. Hindi niya ako sinumbatan. Ni
wala siyang galit na ipinaramdam sa akin...He treats me like nothing happened which
makes me more nervous and uncomfortable."
"Don't think too much. Siguro ay malalim lang talaga ang pagmamahal sayo nung tao
kaya mas pinipili niyang kalimutan na lang ang mga pangit na nangyari."
"B-But whenever we're together I feel like I don't own his heart anymore...He's
with me but it's seems like I'm losing him along the way. Do you remember you told
me to get hold of a person bago pa man ito mawala sa tabi ko? That's what I'm doing
now for Lance. Ginagawa ko ang lahat para makabawi sa mga naging kasalanan ko. I'll
go crazy kung pati si Lance ay mawawala rin sa akin."
"No, Pierce it's not about what I've done. I'm guessing that I'm losing him because
of your wife!" biglang galit na ika ni Scarlet. "Give more attention to Atty. De
Silva. Don't give her any chance to meet him. Win her heart now so Lance won't see
any hope for her. She's your wife, control her!"
Ngumisi si Pierce at siniksik ang mga kamay sa mga bulsa ng pantalon. "I can't do
that," kalmadong sabi niya sabay tingin sa magandang tanawin. "I'm trying to win
her but I'm not depriving her the freedom to choose."
Scarlet stared at him with disbelief. "Are you saying that you're willing to give
her up? What happened to you? Are you still the Pierce I know? She is yours! She
married you hence she has no right to have choices anymore! Hahayaan mo bang maagaw
siya ng ibang lalaki? How can you answer me like that?!"
Pierce gave her a bitter smile. "Akala ko noong una keeping her by my side was
enough. I couldn't stand the thought of losing her because it hurts a lot...but I
was wrong, meron pa palang mas sasakit sa bagay na yan."
"Ito ay yung pag nakikita ko siyang nasasaktan at nahihirapan. The pain doubled
whenever I see her crying. My heart is being stabbed sa tuwing nakikita ko ang
lungkot sa kanyang mga mata. Everytime I saw tears that about to fall, iniisip ko
na sana sa mga oras ding yun ay mabibigay ko ang bagay na makakapagpasaya sa
kanya...."
"You know what she said to me the last time we had a fight?....'Lahat ginagawa mo
para pigilan akong magmahal ng iba, pero ikaw ano ba ang ginawa mo para mahalin
kita?'" He chuckled. "She was right. Ano nga ba ang ginawa ko para mahalin niya
ako? I was selfish, irresponsible, arrogant, womanizer and a man who doesn't know
what he wants in his life. Who am I to demand the love of a woman I don't even
deserve? If I want her heart I need to earn it but if I can't then I have no other
wish than for her to be with the man she loves and be with the man who can make her
happier."
Tumapang ang mukha ni Scarlet at nangalit ang mga panga nito. She gave Pierce a
hard slap. "You're a jerk! You used me, dumped me and rejected me! And now that I'm
clinging to a man who can still love me back, you can't even do me a favor to keep
him by my side!" She laughed with sarcasm. "Love? Who are you talk about it now? It
was your own mouth that said there is no such thing! You told me you're not there
yet!"
He looked at her, chuckled and swiftly shifted into serious face. "Right now.....
I'm already there."
Napanganga si Scarlet. Nanlalaki ang mga matang tumitig ito sa kausap nang may
nangingilid na mga luha. "Fool,"...
-----
Pierce is driving on his way home. Maya't maya siyang napapasuklay ng kamay sa ulo
habang iniisip ang balitang narinig mula kay Scarlet. He can't wait to give the
news to Clarisse that Lance is doing fine... but should he tell her too that he's
getting engaged?
He drank the bottled water beside him to calm his chest. Pagkaisip sa babae ay
inilabas niya ang cellphone. He wanted to know kung nakauwi ba ito ng maayos at
kung nagdinner na ba ito. He called but she doesn't pick up her phone. He tried
calling her many times pero hindi pa rin ito sumasagot. Bigla siyang kinabahan.
Binilisan niya ang takbo ng sasakyan.
Nakita siya ng abogada. Pagkuway yumuko ito habang tuluy-tuloy lamang sa paglalakad
at pagkain ng sandwich.
"Dumaan akong seven-eleven sa may kanto para bumiling sandwich," sagot nito habang
nanatiling nakayuko.
Napansin niyang bitbit pa rin nito ang mga gamit pang-opisina. "Kadarating mo lang
ba mula office?"
"Yeah, I worked overtime. K-Kumusta ang inuman niyong magtatay?" mahina pa ring
sambit nito nang nakatungo.
Bigla siyang nakonsensiya. " I-It's alright... He couldn't stay late kaya maaga
kaming natapos. Halika na sumakay ka na ng kotse."
Sinubukan niyang kunin ang mga bitbit ng babae ngunit tumanggi ito. "I'll bring
them. Maglalakad na ako tutal malapit na lang naman. I want to burn some fats."
Tumango ito.
Bumalik siya ng kotse. Pinaandar niya ito nang mabagal upang sabayan sa paglalakad
ang babae. She doesn't stop eating while walking. Sigurado siyang may nangyayari na
naman dito.
Inunahan niya itong makarating sa bahay para makasabay ito sa pinto. Pagkatapos
igarahe ang sasakyan, he opened the door for her. Tahimik itong naglakad tungo sa
kusina. Inunahan niya ulit ito. He knows what she'll do. Binuksan niya ang
refrigerator ang gave her a glass of water. She accepted it and after drinking,
noon niya lang napansin ang bahagyang namumugtong mga mata nito nang maliwanagan ng
ilaw sa kusina.
She shook her head. "W-Wala," sabay lakad nito papaakyat sa hagdan.
Pierce knows she's not telling the truth. "B-By the way I didn't have a drink with
Dad..." di nakatiis na wika niya. Maybe if he mentions about Lance, her mood will
lift up.
"I lied. The truth is....I met Scarlet," matapang na pag-amin niya.
Kunot noong lumapit sa kanya si Clarisse. " Why did you have to meet her?"
Unti-unting naningkit ang mga mata nito na halatang pinagdududahan na naman siya.
"Don't look at me that way, I didn't do anything wrong, okay? I only wanted to hear
something about Lance..."
Umangat ang isang sulok ng bibig ng babae. "W-What else?" medyo nahihiya pang usisa
nito.
Pierce hesitated if he should tell her about the engagement thing. Pero naisip
niyang dapat nitong malaman ang totoo. She musn't be deprived of the truth about
the man she loves...even if it hurts. Kung hindi niya ito sasabihin baka lalo lang
itong maghintay at umasa tapos sa bandang dulo'y mas lalo lang itong masasaktan.
Uminom muna siya ng isang basong tubig at saka muling hinarap ang kausap na
naghihintay ng sasabihin niya. "Uhm... The two of them are still together-"
Napanganga ng ilang sandali si Clarisse. He saw how slowly her eyes become teary.
"W-Well good for them. I-Im glad that they were able to fix their relationship,"
kunwa'y nakangiting sabi nito ngunit nanginginig naman ang boses. "I-I'm
tired...I'll go to my room now. G-Goodnight."
Pierce couldn't stand the sight. Lumapit siya kay Clarisse at kinuha ang susi dito.
He opened the door for her pero kahit nakabukas na ito ay tila hindi pa rin nito
magawang humakbang. Hinihiwa ang puso niya habang tinitingnan ang tila wala sa
sariling reaksiyon nito. Nang maramdaman niyang hindi na nito kayang pigilan ang
mga luha, bigla niya itong niyakap ng mahigpit.
Lumakas ang pagyugyog ng balikat nito and her weeping goes louder. "Ang sakit...ang
sakit-sakit..."
He swallowed hard. He stroke and kissed her hair. "It's okay, Clarisse... Just cry.
Iiyak mo nang lahat ngayon. You're going to be fine...Tomorrow everything is gonna
be alright..." he spoke softly.
His eyes are moisting. May tumatarak sa dibdib niya sa tuwing lalakas ang pagyugyog
ng balikat ng babae. His heart is being shattered into pieces habang nararamdaman
ang mga basang luhang tumatagos sa kanyang damit. Masyadong masakit. Masakit dahil
nasasaktan ang babaeng mahal niya pero mas malalim ang sakit sapagkat umiiyak ito
ng dahil sa ibang lalaki at wala siyang magawa...
####################################
Chapter 35
####################################
******
Isang linggo pa lang ang nakakalipas since he bid goodbye and her heart is still
vulnerable. It's pounding even in the sight of his apartment alone. She's on the
other side of the street at natutukso siyang puntahan ito. She misses him and she
wants to see him even from afar. Gusto niya ring alamin kung totoo bang maayos ang
lagay nito. Or maybe she can just stay at the lobby at umasang sana mapadaan ang
binata. Kuntento na siyang matanaw ito kahit sa malayo at kung makita man siya nito
mag-iisip na lang siya ng magandang alibi. O kaya pwede niya namang sabihin ang
totoong may appointment siya sa katapat na restaurant kaya't naisipan niyang
dumaan.
She took a deep breath and bravely crossed the street. Bahala na. She knows she's
starting to look like a cheap woman pero walang cheap-cheap kapag mahal mo at nag-
aalala ka sa isang tao. Pagkatawid niya ay tumigil muna siya sa harap ng gusali.
Tumabi siya nang hindi makaharang sa mga dumadaan at pumaparadang sasakyan. Ilang
saglit munang nagtalo ang kanyang isip at dibdib kung tutuloy ba siya sa lobby o
hindi.
Nakita niya ang isang paparating na kotse at biglang bumilis ang tibok ng kanyang
dibdib nang makilala ang sasakyan. Nataranta siya. Dali-dali siyang tumalikod at
tinakpan ng hawak na folder ang mukha. Nang makalagpas ang sasakyan, saka siya
dahan-dahang humarap at sumilip sa folder. Natanaw niyang pumaparada ito papaharap
sa direksiyon niya nang may mga limampung metro ang layo mula sa kanyang
kinatatayuan. Naaninag niya agad si Lance na siyang nagmamaneho. Tumalikod ulit
siya. Bigla siyang naduwag. Inisip niyang umatras at umalis na lamang.
Nataranta ulit siya. It looks like he's with Scarlet. Bigla siyang nag-alala na
baka makita siya ng babae. Nasa proseso pa lang ng pag-aayos ang dalawa baka
makagulo lamang siya. She decided to leave the place but when she was about to
turned her back, muli siyang natigilan nang makita ang babaeng bumaba sa kotse. Her
brows furrowed... It's not Scarlet.
The woman wrapped her arms around his waist and Lance put his arm on her shoulders.
Maganda ang babae and it's obvious that she's so into Lance. Hindi maalis-alis ang
mga ngiti nito sa labi habang nakapako ang mga mata sa binata. They talk happily
while walking.
Hindi na siya nakagalaw sa kanyang kinatatayuan. Napako ang mga mata niya sa
tanawing pinapanood. Her heart was frozen for a moment and it temporarily stopped
beating. Bumalik ang kaninang nabunot na isang malaking tinik sa dibdib at tila
nagsama pa ito ng iba.
Nahagip siya ng mga mata ni Lance. He looked surprised for a while. Their eyes met.
Ngunit pagkatapos ng ilang saglit na pagtititigan, he took away his eyes from her
at itinuloy ang pakikipag-usap sa kasamang babae. He walked and acted like she
wasn't there. Nilampasan siya ng mga ito and Lance completely ignored her.
He didn't respond. Binilisan niya ang paglalakad hanggang sa maabutan niya ito. She
held his wrist without hesitation.
Saka lamang tumigil ang binata. He looked at her with a blank face. Napapalunok na
tiningnan niya ang malamig na reaksiyon nito at pagkatapos ay lumipat ang mga
paningin niya sa babaeng kaakbay. The woman glared at her from head to foot.
Bumilang ang ilang segundo bago nakasagot ang binata. "She's my former boss, Atty.
De Silva," he said coldly.
"Hi! I'm Vivienne!" masiglang bati nito then she asked for a handshake.
Napunta sa babae ang atensiyon ni Clarisse. Tiningnan niya ng ilang saglit ang
kamay nitong nakapulupot sa binata. She wanted to ignore her greetings but she
chose not to be childish.
"Hi Vivienne! Can I borrow Lance for a second?" she said with a fake smile while
shaking hands.
Hinila niya si Lance papalayo sa babae kung saan hindi sila nito maririnig.
Hindi nag-react ang binata sa pagtataas niya ng boses. "Why are you here?" he
asked with hostility.
Bigla siyang napaisip. Nahihiyang binitawan niya ang kamay ng lalaki. "I-I had an
appointment in a nearby restaurant. N-Naisip ko lang na dumaan para k-kumustahin
ka."
"I'm okay....Now that you know, I'll go inside. Ayokong pinaghihintay ang bisita
ko," mailap na tugon nito.
She grabbed his wrist again. "Sandali lang, mag-usap muna tayo. A-Ano bang
nangyayari sayo ha? Natututo ka na rin bang mambabae ngayon? Lance you're not that
kind of person, " malumanay na wika niya.
Ngumisi ang lalaki at tinanggal nito ang kamay niya sa pagkakahawak dito. "Atty. De
Silva, I'm no longer your employee therefore I don't owe you my time or my
explanation. May kanya-kanya na tayong buhay so let's not waste time interfering
into each other businesses."
He turned his back from her ngunit habang napapatanga pa rin siya, muli siya nitong
nilingon.
"Next time kahit pa sa mismong building na ito kayo magka-appointment, don't bother
to look for me at lalong huwag ka ng mag-abalang kumustahin pa ako...." he gave her
a wry smile and stared at her for a moment. "Nevertheless, nice to see you again
attorney."
Clarisse turned speechless because of his unexpected coldness. She felt embarassed
pero hindi niya inintindi ang nararamdaman. Her eyes followed Lance. Agad itong
ngumiti pagkaharap sa kasamang babae at muling umakbay habang papasok ng lobby.
Hindi na ito lumingon pa sa kanya.
He's not okay. His smiles were fake. He's not handling everything well while
turning into someone he's not. Wala siyang karapatang makialam pero matatahimik ba
siya sa tuwing maiisip na baka unti-unting sinisira nito ang sarili?...
----
So this is the fun I missed my whole life? 'Never knew it existed because l was too
busy living as a good guy and a good boyfriend.
Nasa isang disco si Lance. He's with his college friends at sumasayaw sa lap niya
ang isang wild, sexy and gorgeous chick na pinakilala ng mga pilyong kaibigan.
"Your place or mine?" bulong sa kanya ng babae while dancing over a flirty music.
He gave her a naughty smile and secretly slid his hand inside her mini skirt. Nang-
aakit na hinaplos niya ang hita nito.
Living the right way doesn't guarantee you a fair life. He lived in honesty,
loyalty, true love and decency. But what did he get in return? Pinaglaruan pa rin
siya ng tadhana. All the loyalty had been wasted. Honesty was defeated by lies. And
a love that is impossible to blossom. He never imagined that life could be cruel
this way. Kaya bakit hindi na lang niya sabayan ang biro ng buhay. This time, he'll
do anything to forget his pain and loneliness, may maapakan man siya o wala.
Scarlet?
Ngumisi siya.
"Whooooh! Lance you're the man now! After a year of not seeing each other, I didn't
know you changed that much bro!" hiyaw ng isa sa mga kaibigan niya sabay high five
nito sa kanya.
"I chose to be a good boy back then because I hate to give you competition,"
ngingisi-ngising sagot niya. "But now, sorry to tell you guys. You have to endure
the challenge."
Tumawa ng malakas ang kaibigan. "That's my man! Cheers! Let's party all night and
live our bachelor days to the fullest!"
Naupo sa tabi niya ang kalandiang babae at yumapos sa kanyang katawan. He offered
her a drink. Every touch she made is an art of seduction kaya naman mas lalo siyang
ginaganahang uminom. He wanted to add more fire in his body before they go to his
place. Lahat ng mga kabarkada ay may kanya-kanyang mga babaeng kasama,
mapagirlfriend man o fling. Walang pakialaman kung sino ang seryoso o ang naglalaro
lamang. Everyone was cheering, enjoying and flirting.
But the table was suddenly silenced nang napansin ng bawat isa na may isang babaeng
tumayo sa tabi ng mesa. He was the last one who noticed her. She's looking at him
with a fierce eyes. A woman who has a respectable aura, authoritative face and a
dignified look. She straightened her eyeglasses and folded her arms while staring
down at his seat up to the lady beside him.
Para siyang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig. Paano nangyari ang bigla-bigla nitong
pagsulpot? Hindi siya nakaimik. All the fun burst like bubble and now the reality
slaps him again. The face he'd been trying so hard to remove from his head is in
front of him again.
"Lance is she your older sister?" asked by one of his friends with a low voice.
"I didn't know na may ate ka palang ganyan kaganda. Is she still single? Can you
hook me up with her?" bulong ng katabi niyang kaibigan.
Saka lamang siya napatingin sa nagtanong. Nag-init ang mga pisngi niya sa sinabi
nito. Right there and then, he wanted to punch his face but he doesn't want to ruin
the night.
"Really? She doesn't look like one. She still got a hot body at hindi halatang
laspag na. Her husband surely knows how to take care of her in bed."
Inawat siya ng mga kasama. Binitawan niya ang lalaki at saka tumayo. He grabbed
Clarisse's wrist at hinila ito papalabas ng disco bar.
"What are you doing here? "agad niyang tanong pagkalabas. He chose a quiet place
kung saan malapit sa pinagkakaparadahan ng kanyang sasakyan.
"Ikaw ang dapat kong tanungin kung ano ang ginagawa mo sa lugar na yan? Sino na
naman ang kasama mong babae ngayon?" matapang na sagot ni Clarisse.
Ngumisi si Lance at tumingin ito sa ibang direksiyom sabay na napadaan ang kamay sa
buhok. Then he faced Clarisse again with a stiff reaction. "Bakit? Sino ka ba? Do I
owe you an explanation sa bawat galaw ko? Anong karapatan mong makialam sa buhay
ko? I don't need any of your permission sa anumang bagay na gusto kong gawin!"
mataas ang tonong ika niya.
Natahimik si Clarisse. His words were right. All the strings that connect them had
been cut already. Wala siyang karapatang makialam at manghimasok sa buhay nito.
Pero mahalaga ito sa kanya at hindi siya matatahimik lalo't alam niyang dinadaan
nito sa ganitong paraan ang paglimot sa problema. Especially now that she heard
personally from Scarlet that he's becoming uncontrollable.
"How did you know I'm here?" biglang kambyo ni Lance after he noticed she was hurt
by his words.
He chuckled. "Wow that woman has unbelievable guts! Nagagawa niya pa ring humingi
ng pabor sayo."
Clarisse silenced. Yesterday Scarlet visited her at the office. Kinausap siya nito
nang masinsinan at humingi na rin ng tawad sa kanya. She told her about the
punishments and sufferings she's experiencing right now from Lance. He's treating
him nicely and sweetly in front of her face but behind her back, he's doing
anything he wants. And Scarlet can't stop him dahil sa takot na baka biglang
bumalik sa kanya ang lahat ng sumbat. Humingi ang dalaga ng tulong sa kanya dahil
alam nitong mas pakikinggan siya ni Lance. Hindi na rin nito maatim at makayanan
ang ginagawang pagsira ng lalaki sa kanyang sarili. Unti-unti na itong inuusig ng
konsensiya as she witnessed the sudden transformation of her boyfriend.
"Lance ano ba yang pinaggagawa mo? If you decided to forgive Scarlet, then forgive
her completely. Alam kong hindi madaling mawala ang sakit but you have no choice
but to forget it for the sake of your relationship and the woman you love. Di ba
ikaw na rin ang nagsabing matatanggap mo pa rin ang tao kahit anuman ang naging
kasalanan nito basta ang mahalaga'y mahal mo pa rin siya," maamong paliwanag ng
abogada.
"...Love? Do you think there's still room to that for her and me?"
"Hindi ba kaya hanggang ngayon ay kayo pa rin dahil mahal mo pa rin siya?" she
swallowed hard. "I-I heard that the two of you even got enganged already," she
mumbled.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Clarisse. Hindi siya makapaniwalang ang ganitong uri ng mga
salita ay lumabas mismo sa bibig ng binata. Sinampal niya ito ng mahina upang
matauhan.
"Wake up! Who are you? Kelan ka pa natutong magsalita tungkol sa babae ng ganyan?!"
galit na sabi niya.
Hinawakan nito ang nasampal na pisngi ang gave her a smirk. "Is this the reason why
you're following me around? You look for that old good guy, Lance? That person
doesn't exist anymore kaya pwede ka ng umalis."
He turned his back para bumalik sa loob ng bar pero mabilis na iniharang ni
Clarisse ang sarili. And this time she slapped him hard. "Ganyan ka ba kaduwag?
Ganyan ka ba kahina? Who told you life is going to be easy on you forever? Is this
your true color? You're good if life is good at you but you turned bad once life
becomes difficult for you. Alam ko may pinagdadaanan ka but you don't have to
resort to these temporary pleasures dahil mas lalo mo lang binabaon ang sarili mo
sa problema. Be a man enough to accept the pain!"
"Accept it? That's easy for you to say dahil hindi ikaw ang nasasaktan. You're not
the one being played at lalong hindi ikaw ang niloko kaya wala kang karapatang
pagsabihan ako dahil hindi mo naiintindihan ang pinagdadaanan ko."
"NAAIINTINDIHAN KITA!" sigaw ni Clarisse habang nangingilid ang mga luha. "Alam ko
kung gaano kasakit yang nandiyan sa dibdib mo dahil paulit-ulit ko na yang
naramdaman!" She smiled bitterly. "Mabuti ka nga kahit niloko ka, nandiyan pa rin
sa tabi mo ang babaeng mahal mo. Unlike me, they played with me and they all left
me all alone....But look at me I survived. So I beg you huwag mong solusyunan ang
problema ng isa pang problema dahil darating ang araw na pagsisihan mo yan. Don't
make a wrong decision just because you were once bitter in life...believe me, that
one mistake could haunt you for the rest of your life. Y-yung kahit gusto mo nang
maging masaya pero hindi na pwede dahil may kailangan ka ng panindigang
desisyon..." her voice started shaking.
Kumalma si Lance. He regretted the words he said. Bigla siyang nakonsensiya dahil
napaalala niya sa babae ang masakit na nakaraan ito. He stared at her while trying
his best to keep his distance. He's fighting the urge to hug and comfort her.
Clarisse managed to control her tear at nang tuluyan ng umatras ang mga luha, muli
niyang tinitigan sa mga mata ang binata. "Kung hindi mo kayang patawarin si
Scarlet, then let her go. Set her free. Hindi mawawala ang sakit sa pamamagitan ng
paghihiganti. The pain will only vanish if you learn to accept the truth. Tanggapin
mong minsan ay nasaktan ka, niloko ka at napaglaruan ka. Endure the pain until you
learn to move on. Don't stay in a relationship because of vangeance. Learn to let
go ...a-and open your heart to possibility of loving another woman..." napapalunok
na paliwanag niya.
Lance sighed at natatawang umiling. "You still don't get my situation, do you?
Open my heart to other woman? You're suggesting something impossible to happen...."
He looked at her with a very serious face. "How can I have the freedom to love
other woman when my heart completely belongs to you...I beg you to teach me."
He chuckled. "My life is a joke, right? I completely fall in love to a wrong person
right after I discovered that I was being toyed by the woman I used to love deeply.
Hindi lang isa kundi dalawa ang kailangan kong maramdamang sakit.... I decided to
stay out of your life because I don't want to cause you trouble. I have no plan to
put you into a difficult situation and I don't want to beg a married woman to love
me back... kaya nakikiusap ako, stay out of my life. Kung anuman ang pinagdadaanan
ko ngayon, I have my own way of healing myself and you don't need to bother
yourself about it."
"I-I want to...pero mahirap gawin. I won't have peace of mind hanggat alam kong
nasasaktan ka at pinahihirapan mo ng ganito ang iyong sarili," mahinang tugon niya.
Lance grabbed her waist and pulled her closer. He looked her straight in the eyes
and whispered. "You want me to get out of this miseries? There's one solution that
can totally remove all those pains. Gusto mong malaman kung ano?"
"L-Lance..."
"Okay this is the last time na magpapakita ako sayo but please don't go back inside
that place. Umuwi ka na or else sasamahan kita magdamag sa loob," banta ng babae.
Ngumisi ang binata na tila hindi naalarma sa sinabi ng abogada. He picked up
something in his pocket and threw it to the lawyer.
"You're welcome anytime of the day to my place. I'm giving you two choices. Stay
out of my life forever...or be my woman. Next time you appeared in front of me
again, I'll assume that you take the second option."
"Lance..."
"But are you willing to taint that good reputation of yours as lawyer by having an
affair with a younger man? Stop thinking about me and start thinking about
yourself... Huwag mong kakalimutang may pangalan kang dapat pag-ingatan."....
####################################
Chapter 36
####################################
****
Lumalabas si Clarisse ng korte. She won another case. But instead of having the
feeling of satisfaction, bigat sa dibdib ang nararamdaman niya. Lately right after
every hearing, laging merong maiksing sandali kung kailan inaatake siya ng hiya sa
sarili. Sa harap ng mga kliyente, ipinaglalaban niya ang karapatang nasasaklawan ng
kasal pero in reality she mocks it. She disrespected the sanctity of marriage,
faked it and made people believe in one big lie. All because of her own personal
interest. She committed something that a lawyer should be ashamed of. Sa muling
paglambot ng puso niya, the possible aftermath of her risky decision starts to
haunt her same time.
"Thank you attorney. Hindi ako nagkamali sa pagkuha sayo. You're indeed a great
lawyer," masiglang salubong sa kanya ng kliyente bago siya makalabas ng courtroom.
"It's my job. Thank you too for giving your full trust to me," kunway nakangiting
sagot niya habang hindi makatingin ng diretso sa mga mata ng kausap.
Natawa siya sa hitsura ng lalaki. His surprised appearance somehow lightened her
heavy feelings. Alam niyang nagbibiro na naman ang lalaki at may pabula-bulaklak pa
talaga itong nalalaman. Tinaasan niya ito ng isang kilay at nginusuan habang
pinipigilan ang sariling ngumiti. Kunway naniningkit ang mga matang lumapit siya
dito.
"Sinusundo ka na. I heard from your secretary that you're here kaya't dito na kita
pinuntahan para hindi ka na magtaxi pa pabalik ng opisina."
He gave her the flowers at pakipot na tinanggap niya ito. Inamoy niya ang bouquet
at saka nagdududang tumingin sa lalaki.
"Para saan tong mga bulaklak?" she asked while still holding back her smiles.
"I'm just guessing. You're one of the best lawyers so I assume you never lost."
"Didn't I told you this morning na pag natapos ako ng maaga sa meeting ko ngayong
hapon ay susunduin agad kita? I'm treating you for a dinner, remember?"
Napaisip siya at saka lamang naalalang may binanggit nga pala talaga ito about
dinner while they were having breakfast. Hindi nga lang siya nag-expect na
matutuloy dahil usually kapag nasa labas na ang lalaki, madalas ay sa inuman na ito
dumidiretso.
"But it's only four twenty five masyado pang maaga para magdinner," turan niya.
Biglang napakunot ang noo niya. "Movie? Hey Mr. Calderon! Are you taking me out on
a date again?"
"Sort of," tatawa-tawang tugon ni Pierce. "Huwag kang matakot. This time, hindi na
kita paglalakarin ng matagal."
Ilang saglit munang nag-isip si Clarisse saka ito naghihinalang tumingin sa lalaki.
"Siguraduhin mong matutuwa na ako ngayon dahil kung hindi, sa susunod hinding-hindi
na ako papayag maging substitute date mo," nakairap na sagot niya.
"Substitute? What makes you think you're just a proxy. I'm asking you out because I
want to," nakatawang depensa ni Pierce.
"Naku huwag mo nga ako pinagloloko Pierce. Hindi porke't medyo bumait ka na'y
mabobola mo na ako."
Nahinto sa pag-uusap ang dalawa nang matanaw ang isang kilalang taong papalapit sa
kanila. Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Clarisse nang mamukhaan ang iniidolong abogado.
Dahan-dahang umusbong ang kaba sa kanyang dibdib habang humahakbang ito patungo sa
kanilang direksiyon.
"A young and lovely couple indeed," nakangiting komento ni Atty. Perez habang
nakatingin sa bulaklak na hawak ng abogada.
"H-Hello po..." nauutal na bati ni Clarisse. She's lost for words. Who wouldn't?
Kaharap niya ang idolo niya na siya ring ama ng lalaking lihim niyang iniibig.
"Hi Attorney Perez! Nice to see you here," masayang bati ni Pierce sabay kinamayan
ang kanilang corporate lawyer. Masigla ang kanyang mukha but at the back of his
mind he suddenly worries about Clarisse. He feels comfortable to the old man since
he's close to his family but he's not forgetting the fact that he's still Lance
father afterall.
"Good to see you too. Medyo matagal-tagal na rin tayong di nagkikita. I've heard
from your father na magbubukas ka daw ng car shop."
"Ganun nga ho. Pasensiya na medyo hindi tayo nagkakatagpo sa opisina ni Dad. I've
been busy lately with the preparation of my new business ...Do you have a trial to
attend here attorney?"
"None. I'm here to talk to a judge. How about you? Are you here to pick-up your
wife?" malugod na tanong ng matandang abogado habang natutuwa sa inaakalang
naglalambingang mag-asawa.
"Y-Yes."
Atty. Perez smiled. "What a caring husband. Attorney De Silva must be very lucky to
have a good husband like you."
Muntik nang masamid si Clarisse subalit agad na inagapan siya ni Pierce. Kinabig
siya ng lalaki sabay na hinimas sa likod upang huwag matuloy sa pag-ubo.
"Your father is very proud of you. He said you really changed a lot since you got
married. Ang nagagawa nga naman ng pag-ibig. According to him, isa na lang ang
pinakahihintay-hintay niya. Ang magkaroon siya ng apo sa inyo," dagdag na pahayag
ng abogado.
"T-That's not in our plan yet. Pareho pa kasi kaming abala ngayon especially my
wife. Alam niyo naman kung gaano ka-stressful ang propesyon niyo," paliwanag ni
Pierce nang may naasiwang ngiti.
Napunta ang atensiyon ng matanda kay Clarisse. "By the way Atty. De Silva, I
learned that Lance quitted his job. I'd like to apologize for the stubbornness of
my son..."
"I don't understand too what's gotten unto his mind. He's a very determined person.
Ngayon lamang siya bumitiw sa isang bagay na sinimulan niya ng seryoso," dagdag pa
ng abogado.
Atty. Perez shook his head in confusion. "What was the reason then?"
"But what's going on right now is an irony of that," mas naguguluhang sambit ng
matanda. "Actually I heard na hindi ito nagseseryoso sa pagrereview and the thing
that worries me most ay ang nakarating sa aking sumbong na tila wala yata itong
balak magtake ng exam..."
Natupi ang mga tuhod ni Clarisse sa narinig ngunit agad siyang naagapan ni Pierce.
Iniangat siya ng lalaki bago pa man mapansin ng matanda ang kanyang panghihina. Her
face turned really pale this time.
"I'm glad that I met you today attorney," patuloy na salita ni Atty. Perez. "I hope
you won't mind if I ask a favor from you about him..."
Her heartbeat starts racing as she anticipates what she'll hear next.
"In case you meet him, can you give him some advice and convince him to be serious
about the exam? He thinks highly of you as a lawyer, I guess he'll listen to your
words. As a father, I'm ashamed to admit that he rarely listens to me. He's a very
prideful son and always hungry to prove his independence. I hope you can help me
since he seemed to be in trouble nowadays."
Napatanga si Clarisse. Hindi niya alam kung papaano sasagutin ang pakiusap.
"No problem attorney. My wife will definitely talk to him kung sakali mang magkita
sila," salo ni Pierce sa babae nang mahalatang nagtataka na ang abogado sa
natutulalang reaksiyon ng kausap.
"Thank you," sagot ng matanda. "I'll go ahead now. Mukhang may pupuntahan pa kayo."
"Bye Atty. Perez," paalam ni Pierce and after the lawyer left, he assisted Clarisse
inside the car.
"Are you still in the mood to go out?" he asked before turning on the engine.
Ramdam niyang nag-iba na ang timpla ng kasama.
Clarisse looked at him and grinned. "Oo naman. Do I have a reason not to?"
She took a deep breath while fighting the temptation to see him again. She can't.
She shouldn't. Kapag nakialam ulit siya, it means she agrees to his second choice.
"Okay ka lang ba?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Pierce after he heard her sighing.
"Yeah I'm fine. Stop worrying about me," she answered smiling and pretended to
smell the flowers she's holding.
----
Lance is silently standing in the area that borders his living room and kitchen.
He's leaning on the wall with folded arms. Lihim niyang pinagmamasdan si Scarlet na
noon ay naghuhugas ng pinggan sa kusina. Her hair is in a messy bun. She's wearing
an apron, jeans short at suot nito ang isa sa mga komportable niyang T-shirt. There
are food in the tables and the smell of her cooking still lingers in the kitchen.
His whole place is completely cleaned.
Walang ingay na lumapit siya sa babae. He embraced her from behind. He gave her
soft kisses in the nape and gently rubbed her belly.
Scarlet was startled. She almost drop the plate she was holding. She bit her lower
lip and closed her eyes as she feels his hand enters her shirt. His touches was so
enticing that her whole body couldn't help but to be electrified. Dahan-dahang
gumapang ang kamay ng binata patungo sa kanyang dibdib. He slid his hand inside her
brassiere and gently stroke her breast while slightly biting her ear.
She turned her neck and looked at him. She caught him gazing at her with his face
on her shoulder. Napatingin siya sa nag-aanyayang mga labi nito. She was tempted to
kiss him but when her lips was about to get closer to his, his flirtitous look
instantly shifted back to normal. He removed his hand inside her shirt. Bigla itong
lumayo at patay malisyang lumapit sa refregirator para kumuha ng tubig.
Napapiga siya ng madiin sa sponge. Her face gone red as if she was slapped really
hard. Yumuko siya at napapakagat sa labing tumingin sa agos ng tubig mula sa gripo.
He'd always been like this. Pretending to be sweet and teaseful but dropped her
like a hot potato when she's unto it already. And he never kissed her on the lips
again since the day he caught her cheating.
"D-Did you sleep well?" she asked. He just woke up from an afternoon nap.
"Yeah," Lance answered while stretching his neck. Then his eyes tranferred to the
table. "Did you cook all these?"
"Sabay na tayo. I'll wait for you to finish." He sat on the table with enthusiasm
habang pakonti-konting tinitikman ang mga pagkain.
"A former Pol-Sci classmate visited me last night and we talked until dawn," he
explained casually.
She tightly gripped the faucet. He's lying again. Nanginginig ang kamay na kinapa
niya ang isang bagay na inilagay sa bulsa ng apron. She found a lipstick in his
bedroom's floor and it doesn't belong to her. Inilabas niya ito at huminga ng
malalim. Humugot siya ng lakas ng loob para komprontahin ang boyfriend. She faced
him subalit nang ibubuka niya na ang bibig ay bigla siyang naduwag.
"What? May sasabihin ka ba?" kunot noong tanong sa kanya ni Lance nang mapansing
medyo may katapangan ang pagkakatingin niya dito.
Sumubo siya habang palihim na sinusulyapan ang kasamang maganang kumakain. She
wanted to ask him a lot of things pero hindi niya alam kung ano ang uunahin at kung
papaano magsisimula. Nilagyan niya ng tubig ang baso nito.
"I'm not doing anything tonight. C-Can I stay here with you?" mahinang tanong niya
habang inilalapit sa boyfriend ang baso.
"You can't. Lahat ng pupunta ay mga lalaki. I don't want any of them looking at
you."
Ngumisi si Lance. "My goal is to pass the exam not to perfect it," pilosopong
pangangatwiran nito.
Lance suddenly stop eating. Binitawan nito ang kutsara't tinidor and looked at her
with a very serious face.
"Don't mention other people's name randomly.... And next time, don't ask any favor
from her. She's a busy person," sabay tayo ng lalaki.
"I'm done," medyo galit na wika ng binata. "You can leave after eating. Ayokong
gabihin ka sa daan."
"L-Lance..."
He drank a glass of water and walked towards his room without looking back at his
startled girlfriend....
####################################
Chapter 37
####################################
####################################
Chapter 38
####################################
####################################
Chapter 39
####################################
*****
Another busy day has ended. Clarisse closed her eyes and took a deep breath right
after she went out of their office building. She looked around to check if Pierce
is there to pick her up. Pero bigla niyang naalalang may dala nga pala siyang
sasakyan. Nasa kanya na ulit ang kanyang driver's license subalit si Pierce pa rin
ang gumawa ng paraan upang makuha ito sa LTO. Siguro ay napapagod na rin ang lalaki
sa kakahatid-sundo sa kanya.
Naglakad siya patungong parking lot habang tinatampal-tampal ng isang kamay ang
balikat. Pagod na pagod siya maghapon dahil sa dami ng kliyenteng nagpakonsulta.
She opened her cardoor at tahimik na naupo sa harap ng manibela. Tiningnan niya
muna ang sarili sa salamin to check if she looks too haggard again. She was about
to lock the doors ngunit laking gulat niya nang biglang nagbukas ang kabilang
unahang pinto. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang makita kung sino ang sumakay at
tumabi sa kanya.
Hindi siya nakakilos. Ang kanina lang na nanahimik at normal niyang dibdib ay bigla
na namang naghuhuramentado sa pagkabog. Natutulalang tinitigan niya ang katabi,
gusto niyang matiyak kung si Lance nga ito.
He looked at her and smiled lazily nang mapansin kung gaano siya kasurpresa.
Tumigil sa paghalik si Lance but his eyes remains at her face and his hand still on
her cheek. Seryosong-seryoso ito sa pagtitig sa kanya.
Mas lalong napanganga si Clarisse. " Y-You told me not to see each other
anymore..."
Lance sighed. Binitawan nito ang kanyang pisngi at sumandal sa upuan. "I broke up
with Scarlet...I call off the engagement," seryosong pahayag nito.
"B-Bakit? I-I thought you'd forgiven her already," nalilitong sagot niya.
"Napatawad ko na siya but my eyes were opened to the fact that I can't love her
anymore. Masasaktan ko lang siya kung magpapakasal ako dahil lamang gusto kong
magbakasaling matututunan ko ulit siyang mahalin. I let her go...and decided to
keep loving you."
"W-What?!" bulalas niya. "Lance, I hope you won't mind if I ask this... may nakain
ka bang mali ngayon?
"Dahil nalaman kong hindi pala maling mahalin ka. Hindi pala kasalanan ang
ipaglaban ang nararamdaman ko para sayo. Wala akong naapakang tao and I won't be
stealing someone else wife because..... you don't really have a husband."
Parang binuhusan ng mainit na tubig si Clarisse. Nagising ang buong kamalayan niya
sa narinig. The pounding of her heart caused by excitement having Lance beside her
is now being replaced by tremendous nervousness and embarassment.
Ngumiti ng tipid ang lalaki. He looked outside the car and sighed.
Lalong nadagdagan ang pagkabigla ni Clarisse. Anong pumasok sa isip ni Pierce para
ibunyag ang pinakaiingat-ingatan nilang lihim?
"He's not completely a bad person after all," Lance added. "I guess he cares more
about your happiness too than the advantages he can get from your contract."
Her confidence to look him in the eyes were dismantled into pieces."A-Aren't you
disappointed? The lawyer you used to admire is in fact a dirty lawyer. Nagawa kong
pumeke ng marriage certificate kapalit ng materyal na bagay."
"Lance..."
"I'm disappointed...not with you but the idea of it...Actually to put it in the
right words I'm more worried than disappointed. I'm hoping this decision of yours
won't turn into trouble in the future. Natatakot ako na baka lahat ng pinaghirapan
mo ay mauuwi lang sa wala...But whatever happens, I will always be on your
side....Naiintindihan ko kung bakit mo ito nagawa. You had so much grudges in your
heart back then kaya hindi kita masisisi if you saw things differently."
Lance lifted her chin and let her look at him. "Keep your head up," he said
smiling.
"I-I feel very ashamed to you. S-Sorry if I'm not who you think I am," she said
with very embarassed face.
Tumawa ng mahina ang binata habang pinagmamasdan ang maamong mukha ng kausap.
"Hindi magbabago ang tingin o respeto ko sayo ng dahil dito. You're maybe an
excellent lawyer but you're a human being too. You're still entitled to commit
mistakes and wrong decisions. Ang importante ay kung papaano mo itatama ang maling
desisyong nagawa mo... In that point, I admire Pierce for what he did."
"There's no more suppression of feelings... I will love you and you will love me
too. I'll wait until you settle things with Pierce. You're free to decide kung
gusto mong putulin ng mas maaga o tapusin hanggang dulo ang kasunduan niyong
dalawa."
"Pag-isipan mong mabuti ang magiging desisyon mo. You can't afford to be careless
because it's your reputation being risked here. As much as I want you to be mine, I
also want to protect your good name. Don't worry about me... I'll patiently wait."
"I won't feel being treated unfairly. Besides, nakapasok ka na sa kasunduang yan
bago pa man ako dumating sa buhay mo. Among Pierce, you and me, ako pa rin ang
lumalabas na outsider..."
Clarisse wasn't amiable to what he said. "Don't look at yourself that way. Mahal
kita at mahalaga sa akin anuman ang sabihin mo. You're not an outsider. I'm the bad
woman who dragged you into my messy life."
"I'm not talking about feelings. Sa sitwasyong ito, kailangan ko pa ring mag-ingat
bilang respeto sa pagkalalaki ng taong sa tingin ng lahat ay asawa mo." Lance
paused and cleared his throat. "Nasabi ko na ang mga plano ko... it's my turn to
ask you. What's your plan now Clarisse?"
Nablangko si Clarisse sa tanong. Nakatulala't nakatingin lamang siya kay Lance
habang kukurap-kurap. Hindi niya alam ang isasagot. Parang napakabilis ng
itinatakbo ng kanilang pag-uusap. Ang totoo'y hindi pa nga siya tuluyang
nakakarecover sa matinding pagkasurpresa sa pagsulpot nito.
"I-I don't know what to say. I guess I don't have plan yet... T-This is too sudden
a-and to be honest I'm still in state of shock for the turn around of events. K-
Kanina lang I was battling whole day against my daily pain in imposing to myself
the fact that I needed to forget you but now you're here kissing me and telling me
you'll love me again... Aside from teaching myself how to get rid of my feelings
for you, I didn't really have a plan B," nalilitong paliwanag niya.
Lance took a piece of paper out of his pocket and gave it to her.
"A-Ano to?"
"I checked from Karen your schedule and she gave me your available days this
month," he answered.
Tumitig ng seryoso ang binata sa naguguluhang babae. "Let's have a short vacation
there..." He held her hand and stroke her palm gently. "Clarisse, can we start
dating....secretly?"
Muling siniil ng binata ng malalim na halik ang kanyang mga labi bago pa man siya
makapagbitiw ng susunod na mga salita. And when their lips parted, niyakap siya
nito ng mahigpit.
"What I meant by waiting patiently is about loving you openly... Sorry kung
nagmamadali ako. Ayokong mawala ulit sa akin ang pagkakataong mahalin ka kaya kahit
nasa kasunduan ka pa rin na yan, I want to nurture our feelings for one another...
Let's go to places kung saan malaya nating maipaparamdam ang pagmamahal sa isa't
isa. In places where we can hold hands anywhere, laugh together and kiss anytime.
Kahit maiiksing panahon lang Clarisse, let's give freedom to our feelings once in a
while."
Dahan-dahang naglaho ang kalituhan kay Clarisse. Her eyes start beaming at ramdam
niya ang unti-unting paglutang ng kanyang pakiramdam as she imagines themselves in
a place where they can express their love freely. Ito ang isang bagay na halos
gabi-gabi niyang iniisip ngunit inaakalang hanggang sa panaginip na lang pwedeng
mangyari. Kumawala sa yakap si Lance at tumitig sa kanya. He stared at him waiting
for what she'll say.
A smile drew in her face at maluha-luha niyang niyakap ng mahigpit ang binata. "I
want to go..." she uttered.
She leaned on his chest smiling until she realized something. She's happy but she's
not really rejoicing. There are things that hold her back from being too happy.
Niluwagan niya ang yakap sa lalaki at nag-angat siya ng mukha.
-----
"Yeah, as usual."
"Tapos na."
Pierce sipped from the wine glass. Dinig na dinig ang malalalim na hinga nito.
"Is there something bothering you? It's very unusual to see you drinking alone.
Lalo na't dito sa bahay. You don't drink here," pahayag ng abogada.
"It's only a wine. Nagpapaantok lang ako. Do you want a glass of it?"
Nakangiting umiling si Clarisse. "Thanks but no. I want to take a rest now."
She stood up. Lumapit siya sa ref at uminom ng isang basong tubig. Tumungo siya sa
lababo upang ilapag doon ang pinag-inuman. She pressed both hands on the edge of
kitchen sink habang nakatalikod sa direksiyon ni Pierce. Pinakiramdaman niya ang
lalaki. She could still hear him sighing repeatedly. Tumitig siya ng diretso sa
kaharap na dingding at unti-unting nagseryoso ng mukha.
"Why did you do it?" she asked out of the blue without facing him.
Nilagok ni Pierce ang lamang alak ng baso and he chuckled. "Were you glad seeing
him again?"ngingisi-ngising tanong nito.
Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Clarisse. Medyo galit na hinarap niya ang nagkukunwaring
walang alam na kausap.
"Why did you take the risk of telling him about our contract?!"
Tumapang ang mukha ni Pierce. "But can you handle the loss?! Paano kung pagsisihan
mo yan pagdating ng araw?! Ayokong umabot sa puntong kapag naiisip mo ako at ang
naging kasunduan natin ay panghihinayang at galit ang mararamdaman mo! Mas gusto mo
bang panindigan ang isang kasinungalingan kaysa ipaglaban ang kaligayahan mo at ng
taong mahal mo?!"
Natahimik si Clarisse. She bit her lip and lowered her gaze. "What about you?" nag-
aalalang sambit niya
"Me?" Tumawa ang lalaki. "Andito lang ako. I'll remain as your fake husband until
the end kung yan ang ikinakatakot mo."
"Hindi yan ang kinakatakot ko. I'm afraid of myself! Paano kung masyado akong
madala sa nararamdaman ko kay Lance. What if I become too happy at hindi ko na
kayang panindigan ang kasunduan natin. Hindi mo pa nakukuha ang car center and I
don't want to be unfair to you!" she said with shaky voice.
Ininom ni Pierce ang hawak na alak. He put the glass on the table and smiled
bitterly. "Nakahanda ako sa lahat ng pwedeng mangyari," he answered.
Nilapitan ni Pierce ang dalaga at tumitig sa mga mata nito. He took another step
closer at inilapit pa ang kanyang mukha sa mukha nito. His eyes weren't blinking
habang si Clarisse naman ay unti-unting pinanghihinaan ng mga tuhod. He stared at
every feature of her face.
"I told you I'll do anything to make the woman I love happy... and yes you are that
woman, Clarisse," he whispered.
Tumiklop ang isang tuhod ni Clarisse. Mabuti na lamang at nakahawak agad siya sa
gilid ng lababo. Kumapit siya dito at pinilit labanan ang panghihinang
nararamdaman. She turned her back from him and gazed at the sink. Her hands are
shaking and her eyes are starting to get teary.
Muling naupo sa mesa si Pierce at kaswal na nagsalin ulit ng wine sa baso. "If I
answered that, sasagutin mo rin ba ako kung bakit si Lance ang mahal mo?" ngingiti-
ngiting tugon nito.
"That's exactly my point! Why do you choose to love a woman who's already in love
with other man?! Ang daming naghahabol sayo! Kaliwa't kanan ang mga babaeng pwede
mong pagpilian. Bakit mas pinili mong mahalin ang taong sasaktan ka lang?!" She
raised her voice and her face gone red.
"Let me ask you too. Why do you choose to love Lance? Bakit hindi na lang ako? Mas
magiging madali sana ang sitwasyon kung ako ang minahal mo. This fake relationship
can easily turn into real one," he said with a smirk.
"The answer is very simple attorney. It's our hearts that decide who to love,"
mahinang sambit nito.
She took a quick step away from him. Natawa si Pierce sa reaksiyon ng babae.
"I'll be secretly dating Lance. Will that be okay to you?" diretsong tanong niya.
"Huwag kang mag-alala tutuparin ko pa rin ang kasunduan natin. Sinimulan ko ito
kaya nakahanda akong panindigan ito hanggang dulo," she explained with a poker
face.
He nodded and raised his glass. "I'll trust your words then. But in case you can't
fullfill it anymore, don't hesitate to tell me. As I said your happiness is much
more important than our contract now."
"Thank you," matigas na wika ni Clarisse. She grabbed her suitcase at nagmamadaling
umalis ng kusina. She walked away without looking at him. Subalit pagdating niya sa
kalagitnaan ng hagdan ay bigla siyang tumigil. She held the railing tightly at
unti-unting dumungaw ang luha sa kanyang mga mata. The way he easily yield to
everything is tearing her apart. She bit her lower lip at matapang na naglakad
papabalik ng kusina. Pierce looked at her calmly na para bang inaasahan na nitong
babalik siya.
"If you don't want me to date Lance now just say it," madiing wika niya. "I can
tell him to wait."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Dahil hindi ko siguradong magiging masaya ako kung alam kong nasasaktan ka!" Her
tear almost fell pero mabilis niya itong pinahiran ng kamay. "You've been a good
man and a friend to me... Sometimes I consider you as my family already... Do you
think I'm selfish enough to care only about my own happiness? Hindi porke't
nagmamahal ako ay wala na akong pakialam sa nararamdaman ng ibang taong mahalaga
rin sa buhay ko. Ganyan ba kababa ang tingin mo sa akin?! If you're hurt say it!
KUNG AYAW MO, SABIHIN MO!"
Lumapit si Clarisse sa isang silya at nanghihinang humawak dito. She touched her
chest to calm herself. Iniwasan niya ang mga mata ng kausap. Her eyeballs could not
stay in one direction.
"You're manipulating me, right? Because....I-I feel confused...It seems like you're
pushing me towards him but at the same time I feel that you're in fact pulling me
closer towards you."
He didn't receive an answer. He looked away and combed his hair with his fingers.
"Clarisse isa lang ang matatanggap kong dahilan para huwag mong ituloy ang
pakikipagrelasyon kay Lance..... at yun ay kung may nararamdaman ka rin para sa
akin," he said with a very serious face.
Ilang sandaling nanahimik si Clarisse. Afterwards, she looked at him with a very
firm face. "That's not gonna happen...Sa tanang buhay ko hindi ko pa naranasang
magmahal ng sabay sa dalawang lalaki. I'm sorry."
She turned away. Natutulala siyang naglakad patungong kuwarto. Her hands are
shaking again. She feels too weak and too tired na para bang kahit ang pag-akyat ng
hagdan ay hindi niya na kakayanin. Napaigtad siya nang makarinig ng nabasag na
bagay. She imagines a glass hitting the wall.
"AAAAAAAHHHH!"
Huminto siya at humawak sa barandilya ng hagdan. Dahan-dahan siyang napaupo sa
baitang. She gently rubbed her knees upang maibsan ang panghihina nito. Muling
dumungaw ang kanyang mga luha. His scream just smashed her heart at ang mga bubog
ng nabasag na baso ay para bang sa dibdib niya mismo nagsipagbaunan. Kumawala ang
luha sa isa niyang mata. Sumunod naman ang sa kabila. Her shoulders started
quivering until she let her tears flow freely and silently cried in the stairs....
####################################
Chapter 40
####################################
*****
Huminga siya ng malalim bago pumasok sa silid. Walang nakakaalam sa pamilya niya at
pamilya ni Scarlet sa totoong pinagdaanan nilang problema. Although he lost his
feelings towards her, gusto pa rin niyang protektahan ang imahe ng dating
kasintahan. Ayaw niyang mawala ang respeto sa babae ng mga taong malalapit dito at
lalong-lalo na ang respeto nito sa sarili. Kahit hiwalay na sila, importante pa rin
sa kanya si Scarlet hindi man bilang isang karelasyon kundi bilang kaibigan.
Nagkamali man ito, hindi niya rin naman maikakaila na sa loob ng mahigit dalawang
taong pinagsamahan nila mas marami pa ring mabubuting bagay na ipinamalas ito sa
kanya.
They broke up in a nice way. Both of them forgave each other's mistakes and decided
to remain friends. They had good talk. Nagpakatotoo siya sa nararamdaman para sa
babae. Inamin niyang hindi niya na kayang ibalik ang dating pagtingin dito. He'd
been vocal about everything except for one thing. It's about Clarisse. Kung gusto
niyang protektahan ang dating kasintahan mas higit na gusto niyang alagaan at
proteksiyonan ang abogada. For him it's not the right time yet para basta-basta na
lang aminin sa sinuman ang nararamdaman para kay Clarisse.
"Come in," his father said when the door opened.
Tiningnan niya ang hilatsa ng mukha ng ama. Pormal ito and yet he can't tell kung
galit ba o hindi.Naupo ito sa desk at iginilid sa mesa ang mga binabasang libro.
Suot nito ang paboritong pantulog na roba at ugali na nitong tumambay sa library
bago matulog. Tahimik na naupo siya sa mahabang sopa sa tapat ng inuupuang mesa ng
ama. Pinapatunog niya ang mga daliri sa kamay habang naghihintay ng sasabihin sa
kanya.
The old man leaned his back in the swivel chair and remove his eyeglasses. "The
real reason why you call off the engagement."
Napakamot si Lance ng ulo. "Dad hindi pa rin ba tayo tapos dyan? I already told you
everything. You and mom had punished me enough with your harsh words. Can we start
moving on now?"
"Scarlet came to my office and told me the real reason behind your break up."
"Is that true Lance? I want to hear the truth from your own mouth."
"N-No, it's not. I told you that we both fell out of love and we carefully assessed
our feelings before we get enganged," napapalunok at di makatingin ng diretsong
sagot niya.
Tiningnan siya ng masama ng ama. Nangalit ang mga panga nito at walang kaabog-abog
na hinampas nito ng malakas ang mesa.
"LIAR!"
Nanginginig ang mga kamay na dinampot nito ang ilang pirasong papel sa mesa at
ibinato sa kanya.
Sinundan niya ng tingin ang ibinatong mga papel at nanlaki ang mga mata niya habang
pinagmamasdan ang mga itong bumabagsak sa sahig. These are pictures of him and
Clarisse kissing inside the car. Nanlamig ang kanyang buong katawan. So this is
what Scarlet had disclosed?
Isa-isa niya itong pinagdadampot at tinitigang maiigi. "W-Where did you get all
these?"
Di siya makapagsalita. Hindi niya alam kung papaano ipapaliwanag sa magulang ang
lahat.
"D-Dad-"
Dali-dali itong lumapit sa kanya at sinuntok siya nito sa pisngi bago pa man siya
makapag-umpisang mangatwiran.
"ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE MY SON?! WHAT'S GOTTEN INSIDE YOUR HEAD TO DO THIS KIND OF
DISGRACE! NAUUBUSAN KA NA BA NG BABAE? SHE IS A MARRIED WOMAN FOR CHRIST SAKE
LANCE! AT HINDI MO MAN LANG BA NAISIP ANG KAHIHIYAN NG AMA MO! SHE IS THE WIFE OF
MY CLIENT'S SON! ANONG KLASENG MUKHA ANG IHAHARAP KO SA PAMILYA NILA IF THEY FOUND
OUT YOU'RE HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH HER?!"
Napahawak sa dibdib si Atty. Perez. Kaunting galit na lang ay tila aatakehin na ito
sa puso. Kumapit ito sa mesa and put some of his weight on it. Paulit-ulit itong
huminga ng malalim.
"Dad I know you'll misunderstand us but believe me, we're not doing anything that
we'll be guilty of," mahinang paliwanag ni Lance habang sapo ng palad ang pisngi.
"At ano ang tawag mo sa ginagawa niyo? Is that something to be bragged about?
Itigil mo ang kalokohang yan habang maaga pa!.... Her father-in-law is a very
influential man. He can easily ruin you. Hindi ka pa man nag-uumpisa sa karera mo
bilang abogado ay sira ka na. Huwag mong hintaying mangyari sayo yan kaya itigil
niyo ang kabaliwang yan hanggat hindi pa kayo nabubunyag!"
The old man's eyes slowly closed into slits. His nostril flared while his mouth
quivers. Kinuha nito ang nakapatong na mga libro sa mesa at pinagbabato sa anak.
"Yan ba ang mga klase ng mga salita na dapat mamutawi sa bibig ng taong kagaya
niyo! That's the most shameful thing I could ever heard from law people like you!
Lawyers don't yield to emotions. People like us should be driven by reason!"
Lance smirked. "Hindi porke't anak niyo ako ay kagaya niyo na ako mag-isip. Alam
niyo ba kung ano ang pinagkaiba natin? I know how to play the role of a tough
lawyer but I also know when to act as a normal human being."
Muling napakuyom ng mga kamay sa galit ang ama. "Bakit? Hindi ba tao ang tingin mo
sa ating mga abogado? If we are not humans then what are we? Ano ba ang tingin mo
sa ama mo? Hayup?!" kinuwelyuhan nito ang hindi papatinag na anak. "Tell me naging
masamang ama ba ako sayo at sa pamilyang ito for you to spout that kind of words?!
If you talk about acting as human being, sa palagay mo ba ang ginagawa niyong
kaimoralan ngayon ay normal na gawain ng mga mabubuting tao?!" sabay tulak nito kay
Lance sa sopa.
Nagngingitngit na tinalikuran ni Atty. Perez ang anak. Napako ang mga mata nito sa
isa sa mga nakapalibot na book shelves. His eyes sparkled with ferocity and he made
a smug smile.
"Attorney De Silva.... that woman." The old man murmured to himself. "I was totally
wrong about her. I thought she was one of the most promising lawyers I've met. I
can't belive she's capable of doing all these mess" He made a snickering laugh.
"She has a loving husband and yet she still cheats. Sinira niya ang isang dating
matibay na relasyon ng dalawang taong nagmamahalan. She seduced a younger colleague
instead of mentoring him. How can a lawyer with reputation like her do all these
sort of immoralities?!"
Tumayo si Lance at agad na tumutol sa mga maling akusasyon sa babae. "That's not
true! Wala siyang sinirang relasyon at ako ang kusang nahulog sa kanya! Hindi siya
kagaya ng babaeng iniisip niyo!"
His father glared at him. He was dying to tell him the truth but he couldn't. Mas
lalong mapapahamak si Clarisse kung sasabihin niya ang totong estado ng kasal nito
kay Pierce.
"STOP SEEING THAT WOMAN! Wala akong pakialam kung anuman ang dahilan o nakita mo
para mahulog sa kanya. Gamitin niyo pareho ang mga utak ninyo. If this is going to
be exposed, everyone's name will be tainted. Mine, Mr. Calderon's family, ang
pangalan mo na hindi pa man bumabango ay mabubulok na agad at higit sa lahat ang
reputasyon ng babaeng iyon! Do you even realize that because of these behaviors,
Atty. De Silva's license could be taken away from her? Sa mga katulad niyang bata
pa lang ngunit kilala na bilang abogado, hindi malayong maraming lihim na naiinggit
sa kanya. Kaya pag lumabas ang bahong ito, tiyak na maraming pipila para magfile
for her disbarment!"
Nanahimik ng ilang saglit si Lance. He can't talkback because all the possibilities
that his father just said were true. Itinago niya ang mga kamay sa likuran at
palihim ang mga itong ikinuyom. He can't win this argument.
"I was a good son and a good person. Lumaki akong walang ginawang anumang bagay na
pwede niyong ikahiya. Do you really believe that I'm already capable of doing
shameful things now? I have reasons that I can't tell yet and I'm not being
careless too with my actions. So I'm begging you to trust me this time. Ngayon lang
Dad," pakiusap niya.
Humakbang siya papalabas ng silid. Ayaw niya nang pahabain pa ang usapan dahil wala
naman siyang maikakatwirang pwedeng paniwalaan ng ama. Marami lang siyang maririnig
na masasakit na mga salita. The only thing he could wish now is to be trusted by
his own father.
He looked at him once more with his hand on the doorknob. His rebellious face
confronted his father's fiery eyes.
"Kapag hindi niyo tinigil ang kalokohang yan, ako mismo ang magpapafile ng petition
for her disbarment. Don't underestimate your father's connection. I usually protect
fellow lawyers but this time I'll protect my son first," matigas nitong banta sa
kanya.
Nagngitngit ang kanyang mga ngipin sa pambabantang narinig. Nagtitigan silang mag-
ama ng ilang sandali hanggang sa pabulagsak niya itong pinagsaraduhan ng pinto.
He walked faster in order to get out of the house as soon as possible. He feels
suffocated at ayaw niyang may makasalubong na kapamilya. He's not in the mood to
talk to anybody. Pagkalabas na pagkalabas niya ng pinto ng bahay, his face
contorted with fury. He closed his fist and punched the rough stone wall of their
facade.
Dumugo ang kanyang kamay ngunit hindi niya alintana ang sakit. Napasabunot sa ulong
sumandal siya sa dingding. His head almost explodes in confusion. What will he do
now? Paano niya ipapaliwanag sa ama ang totoong sitwasyon nila ni Clarisse kung
ngayon pa nga lang ay pinagbabantaan na siya nito. What more if he'll learn about
the fake marriage? Mas lalo itong makakahanap ng butas para sampahan ng reklamo ang
babae.
His phone rang. Wala sa sariling dinukot niya ito sa bulsa. Nanghihinang naupo siya
at tiningnan kung sino ang tumatawag. It's Scarlet. Nakaramdam siya ng bahagyang
pagkadismaya pagkakita sa pangalan ng babae. Her betrayal upsets him.
"Lance..." It's not Scarlet but her mother and she sounds like crying.
"T-Tita?"
"Lance si S-Scarlet..."
Nanlamig ang buong katawan ni Lance. His mouth was left open habang bumababa ang
kamay na nakahawak sa telepono. Natutulalang napatingin siya sa kawalan hanggang sa
hindi niya namalayang nabitawan niya na pala ang cellphone....
-----
Sa bahay naman ay wala rin siyang makausap. Nag-iiwasan at hindi pa rin sila
nagpapansinan ni Pierce. She admits it all her fault. She should have not reacted
that way when he confessed. Pero dahil sa takot na mas lalo lang itong masasaktan
pag pinaasa niya kaya she deliberately said those mean words para sa mismong
sandaling iyon ay kamuhian na siya nito. That was the first time she wanted to be
hated rather than adored. Natatakot siyang baka umasa ito sa isang bagay na hindi
niya kayang ibigay. Subalit habang dumadaan ang araw unti-unti niyang
pinagsisisihan ang binitawang mga salita, she's starting to miss the positive vibes
inside the house. How many times she planned to apologize pero lagi siyang
pinanghihinaan ng loob. Maybe it's better this way para tuluyan na ngang malayo ang
loob sa kanya ng lalaki.
"Clarisse."
Lumingon siya sa pinanggalingan ng boses at laking gulat niya nang makita si Pierce
na naglalakad papalapit sa kanya. Her eyes beamed and her feelings lightened in an
instant. Ngunit nang ilang dipa na lamang ang lapit nito sa kanya ay agad siyang
nagpormal ng mukha. Tumaas ang isa niyang kilay at nagkunwaring galit pa rin.
"Sinusundo ka."
Tiningnan niya ito mula ulo hanggang paa. He's wearing a grey long sleeve and white
slack pants. Maybe he came straight from a meeting again.
"Ni hindi mo nga ako pinapansin sa bahay tapos mag-aaksaya ka ng pagod pagpunta
dito para sunduin ako. Niloloko mo ba ako?" nakataas pa rin ang kilay na ika niya.
Pierce held her hand without a word and interwined his fingers into hers. Tiningnan
nito ang nagulat niyang hitsura at ngumiti.
Nakangiwing tiningnan niya ang ngingiti-ngiting mukha nito habang pilit pinigilan
ang sariling mga ngiti. He winked at her. Hindi na niya natiis ang sarili. Natawa
siya sa lalaki.
"Bakit mo naman ako kailangang sunduin eh may dala naman akong sasakyan," pakipot
niya pang sabi.
Instead of going home directly, Pierce brought him to a fine dining restaurant
inside a five-star hotel. When they entered the place, she started to feel awkward.
Napaalalahanan siya bigla ng totoong nararamdaman sa kanya ng lalaki.
"Don't worry, hindi kita dinala dito para ligawan. This is our friendship
reconcilation date," kusang wika ni Pierce nang mapansin ang pag-aalinlangan ng
kasama.
Tiningnang mabuti ni Clarisse ang mukha ng lalaki at nang maramdamang nagsasabi ito
ng totoo saka lamang siya unti-unting naging komportable. Muli siyang ngumiti at
masiglang lumapit sa itinuturong mesa ng waiter.
They ordered and Pierce included a bottle of expensive wine. "Let's have a drink.
If I think about it, ni minsan hindi pa kita nakakainuman," biro nito.
When they started eating, Pierce poured wine unto her glass. Nginitian ni Clarisse
ang kasama as she sliced the steak in her plate. "Thanks."
She secretly glanced at him. The calmness in his eyes brings peace to her heart.
Sana nga ay katulad na ulit sila ng dati. Comfortable and confiding. Living in a
friendlier atmosphere while spending the remaining days of their contract.
Tumitig sa kanya si Pierce at agad niyang binawi ang mga nakaw na sulyap dito. She
looked down on her plate and felt like blushing. She heard him took a deep sigh and
cleared his throat.
"B-But why?" she asked with awkward smile assuming that what she just heard was a
prank.
"Ako muna ang magmamanage sa branch ng business namin doon," he said with a serious
face.
Parang may bumara sa lalamunan niya. "C-Can you pour me some more wine please."
"My brother will take over. Siya dapat ang madidestino sa States pero nakipagpalit
ako sa kanya."
Her heart starts to beat faster. Natatakot siya sa susunod niyang itatanong. "H-How
long are you gonna stay there?"
" I already talk to my parents. I told them that you caught me sleeping with other
woman at gusto mo ng makipaghiwalay. Pinalalabas ko na ang pagpunta ko ng Amerika
is just a way to give you sometime to think. Pero pagtagal-tagal ko doon saka ko na
lang sasabihin sa kanila na finally we decided to get an annullment."
Clarisse mouth was left open and she's lost for words. Unti-unti siyang napangisi
nang may di makapaniwalang mukha habang nangingilid ang mga luha. So all these nice
treatments, the reconcilation thing , the dinner were just advance medicines for
the deep wound his about to inflict?
Pierce pause momentarily. He smiled with bitterness and then chuckled. "I realized
na pareho lang tayong mahihirapan kapag ipinagpatuloy pa natin ang pagpapanggap
bilang mag-asawa. Ako na masasaktan habang karelasyon mo si Lance samantalang ikaw
naman ay hindi magiging masaya kasama ng taong mahal mo dahil alam mong may
nasasaktan sa paligid mo."
"P-Pierce..."
"Kapag iniisip ko naman ang tungkol sa kasunduan natin, I actually received already
the best reward I could get from it? You know what it is?.... I learned how to fall
in love and understand what love is. For the first time in my life, I want to be
responsible over something. Though I want to love you more and stand up for my
feelings but how can I do it if I don't even know what I'm capable of..."
"I gave up the carshop because I want to know myself better. I want to discover the
things I can achieve from my own efforts. In States I'll start a new life and I'll
start from the bottom. Although I'll be working in our family company but still I'm
going to be an ordinary salary man. That's the deal I got from my father."
Clarisse couldn't identify kung hirap ba siyang intindihin ang sinasabi ng kausap o
ayaw niya lang itong intindihin. Sa lahat ng mga sinabi nito isa lang ang tumanim
sa utak niya. That tomorrow he'll be gone... and maybe today is the last day seeing
him. Her inside is going crazy. It's panicking. Her heart is having palpitations
and she can't breath properly.
She looked at his face and she feels like his starting to miss him already.
Humigpit ang hawak niya sa baso. Her heart is tearing her again and it's bleeding.
Bakit kailangan nitong magpaalam sa ganitong paraan? He surprised her with his love
confession and now he shocked her with his goodbye.
She wanted to stop him subalit batid niyang sa lahat ng tao, siya ang pinakawalang
karapatang pumigil dito. She was the one who pushed him away at alam niyang ang
tanging makakapigil dito ay isang bagay na hindi niya kayang ibigay. She doesn't
want to be selfish kung kaya wala siyang magagawa kundi igalang ang desisyon nito.
Sobrang sakit but she's helpless. She's drowning in sorrow that her tears won't
fall anymore.
They didn't talk again. Clarisse ignored him in the car hanggang sa makarating sila
ng bahay. She avoided to hear more words from him dahil baka bumaon lang ulit ang
mga ito sa dibdib niya.
Nagmadali siyang pumasok ng bahay at umakyat patungong kuwarto. Nilabas niya ang
susi but when she's about to put it in the keyhole, she hesitated. Napagtanto
niyang oras na lang ang binibilang ng pagsasama nilang dalawa. Are they going to
spend it this way? Hindi ba mas maganda na kalimutan na lang muna nila ang sakit?
Talk as much as they can and pretend to be happy. Can they at least show small
amount of appreciation for the good memories they spend together?
She looked over her shoulders and saw Pierce standing still beside his room's door.
Nakatingin din ito sa kanya na para bang alam kung gaano kabigat ang pakiramdam
niya. She gazed at him and smirked.
Are you enjoying the sight? Masaya ka na bang makita na nasasaktan din ako?! You
want to see me wounded too before leaving, right?!
Gusto niya itong sumbatan but again she reminded herself to ignore the pain. She
slowly faced him and her eyes suddenly mirrored sadness. She wanted to start a
conversation but when she noticed that Pierce is gazing at her very intently, bigla
siyang nakaramdam ng kakaiba. Her heart becomes uneasy kaya minabuti niyang huwag
na lamang ituloy ang balak.
She was about to turn her back but Pierce suddenly approached her. He grabbed her
right arm. Gazed at her with fire on his eyes, held her shoulders and quickly
pulled her closer. Niyakap siya nito ng sobrang higpit and his warm embrace almost
put her on tears.
Tumigil ito sa pagyakap. He held her face firmly but gently. He slowly leaned
towards her and pressed his lips to hers. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya and she
couldn't react. Unti-unting nanginig ang kanyang mga tuhod kasabay ng pag-iingay ng
kanyang dibdib.
The first time he did it, she hated it. Last time, she felt nothing....But this
time her heart flutters...Bigla siyang nakaramdam ng takot. She tried to push him
away but he won't let her go. Niyakap siya nito ng mas mahigpit pa while his lips
still pressing hers. He slightly opened his mouth and gently explored her lips. She
struggled pero hindi pa rin siya nito pinakawalan until she didn't notice that
she's starting to give in. She hadn't responded but she stopped resisting.
The tip of his tongue softly touched her lips, then gently opened her mouth and
slowly slipped inside. Nanghihina siya. Dahan-dahan siyang yumakap sa katawan ng
lalaki. Kailangan niya ng makakapitan or else baka matumba siya. His tongue lightly
explored while gently sucking her lips. She closed her eyes and finally accepted
the sweetness it brings.
She kissed him back and he pulled her even closer. Hinawakan nito ang isa niyang
kamay at kinuha ang hawak-hawak niyang susi. While their tongues start to play
passionately, he manuevered the key to her door until he was able to open it even
without looking.
Clarisse wanted to fight the temptation... But as of the moment, it is Pierce who
rules her whole being. She's totally lured into his cave and she's too weak already
to be able to get out.
Sa tanang buhay niya hindi pa nalito ang puso niya ng dahil sa dalawang
lalaki....maliban ngayon.
####################################
Chapter 41
####################################
****
She succumbs. And Pierce won't let go of this chance anuman ang rason ng panghihina
ni Clarisse. Be it desire, spark of the moment, wavering of emotion or a result of
anticipating their separation. Binuksan niya ang pinto ng kuwarto habang marahang
kinakagat-kagat ang mga labi ng dalaga. Ikinawit niya ang kaliwang kamay sa beywang
nito upang gabayan ito sa pagpasok nang hindi sila tumitigil sa paghahalikan. He
took a step inside but she didn't.
She stopped kissing and looked him in the eyes. Naaninag ni Pierce ang pag-
aalinlangan sa mga mata ng babae. Napangisi siya sa isipan. Tonight, there are no
rules to be followed except his. She already allowed him to reach the stage of no
turning back. Kapag bumilang na ng limang segundo ang halik ng sinumang babae sa
kanya, it's a sign for him to go all the way and Clarisse is no longer an exception
to that. He allowed himself to be possesed by his old self. Ito lamang ang paraan
upang magkalakas-loob siyang maangkin ang babae sa huling gabi ng pagsasama nila.
Walang pasabing binuhat niya ito. She was about to object but before she could
utter a word he covered her mouth with his lips. Hinayaan niyang malaglag sa sahig
ang mga dalang gamit nito and he didn't even bother to close the door. She gently
threw her body on the bed and turned on the lampshade.
He saw fears in Clarisse face. But it's not the fear of being taken advantage kundi
takot ito sa sariling nararamdaman. Naupo ito sa kama at umatras patungong
headboard. Napatingin siya sa umaatras nitong mga hita. Although she's wearing a
conservative pencil skirt, her sexy black stockings turns him on more.
"Pierce d-don't ever think about it..." she said blushing habang ibinababa ang
hemline ng palda.
He didn't listen. One by one he unbuttoned his shirts, itinapon ang damit sa sahig
at walang pag-aalinlangang inilantad sa babae ang matipunong katawan.
Napapaling sa kanan at sabay napayuko si Clarisse. Baka pagpawisan siya ng malamig
pag tinitigan ng matagal ang nasa harapan niya. Nabibingi na siya sa lakas ng kabog
ng kanyang dibdib. Napapikit siya when she felt that Pierce was crawling towards
her. Humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa bed cover. Ito ang pinakakinatatakutan niya
sa lalaki umpisa pa lang ng pagsasama nila sa bahay. She was too repulsive to him
as her defense mode from his mysterious sexual charm. Sa simula pa lang ay
natatakot siyang maging biktima nito at magising isang araw na kabilang na siya sa
mga babaeng nababaliw dito. She usually doesn't let her guard down but tonight
she's exceptionally weaker.
Pierce touched her arm. Tinangka niya itong itulak ngunit pinigilan nito ang mga
kamay niya.
He held her jawline at sapilitan siyang pinatitig sa mga mata nito. His touches are
warm and his eyes are on fire. His hand went down to her nape and his fingers
gently caressed the back of her ear. Her knees are melting.
"Let's spend our last night together like a true husband and wife..." bulong nito.
He suddenly pulled her and kissed her lips. She refused to respond but he continued
kissing. Gently biting her lips while the tip of his tongue tries to open them. His
kisses moved to her ear and playfully licked it. She's fighting the temptation and
again tried to push him away. Subalit tila hindi man lamang iniinda ng lalaki ang
walang kalakas-lakas na pagpupumiglas niya. Walang pasabing hinawakan nito ang
blouse niya sa bandang dibdib and ripped it. Napigtas ang ilang mga butones nito
leaving her underwear and cleavage halfly exposed.
She was surprised by his roughness. Her cheeks turned really hot from the
embarassment. Tinangka niyang takpan ang dibdib but he shoved her hand away,
abruptly inserted his hand to her bra and fearlessly cupped her breast. Inangat
niya ang kamay para sampalin ang lalaki ngunit bago pa man makarating ang palad
niya sa pisngi nito ay bigla siyang nanghina. His finger is cirling her nipple and
it gives a totally weakening sensation especially being done same time with the
licking of her ear.
Ibinaba ni Pierce ang nakakapit na kamay ng babae sa kanyang leeg. He removed her
coat and fully unbuttoned her blouse. Bumaba ang mga halik niya sa leeg nito habang
hinuhubaran ito ng damit. He unhooked her bra and the underwear's cups were
automatically replaced by his hand and mouth.
He stopped his hand before it reaches the delicate part at tumigil din siya sa
paghalik. He gazed at the face of war goddess who's now slowly losing all her
strength. Her eyes conveys nothing but desire and submission.
Tinanggal niya ang tali nito sa buhok at ikinalat ang mahabang buhok sa kama which
makes her look prettier and sexier. He sat between her legs. Dahan-dahan niya itong
hinubaran ng palda, threw the skirt on the floor and gently rolled down her
stockings.
Itinaas niya ang isang paa nito. He started kissing her pinky toes and even bit
them. His soft kisses went to her calf, to her knee, to her thigh and up to her
last cloth. He bit the undergarment between his teeth and his mouth slowly pulled
it down to her ankles. She attempted to close her legs but his hands were already
in anticipation and quickly stopped them.
He crawled back to her body at muli niya itong hinalikan sa mga labi bago pa man
kumawala ang isang ungol dito. He touched his womanhood and softly rubbed the
surface. He inserted a finger inside and she suddenly arched her body leaving her
breasts rub his chest. Then he stopped kissing to watch her enjoy the pleasure.
"Ahhhh...." she moans as his fingers move in and out.
He let her climaxed in his hand. He wanted her to experience heaven as many times
as possible.
Clarisse gasped for breath while her whole body trembles. Pierce is bringing her
into a different realm of pleasure. Ngayon ay naiintindihan niya na kung bakit
madalas siyang may naririnig na sigaw mula sa kuwarto nito. The guy can make a
woman forget everything in bed.
He unbackled his belt and she quickly closed her eyes. Natatakot siyang makita ang
nakatago sa loob ng pantalong iyon. Hinawakan ulit siya nito sa mga pisngi gamit
ang isang kamay.
Napilitan siyang magmulat. His face and his hand are commanding her to watch him
getting naked, as if telling her to prepare for what she's about to receive.
Napapalunok na sinunod niya ang gusto nito. He has a unique authority that makes
his partner feels like a willing slave in bed. When he removed his last piece of
cloth, muli siyang napapikit. She was terrorized by his hugeness!
He clamped her cheeks and didn't allow her to face any other direction.
Pinaghiwalay nito ang kanyang mga hita at muling pumaibabaw sa kanya. He invaded
her mouth again and sucked her lips while tightly stroking her breast. His
roughness brings different taste of sweetness and pleasure.
She felt his manhood rubbing into hers. Napakapit siya nang mahigpit sa katawan
nito sa tensiyong nararamdaman because of what about to enter her. Iniunan nito
ang kaliwang palad sa ulo niya and put the other one under her lower back.
Why bother asking as if she's allowed to refuse? Bigla siya nitong kinabig sabay
pasok sa kanyang pagkababae. She almost scream but he kissed her lips so deeply,
biting her lower lip so hard. Napadiin ang mga kamay niya sa likod nito. The
sensation is flowing all over her body and yet his size is still painful to handle.
He entered her abruptly ngunit naging malumanay naman ito sa paglabas masok sa
kanya. Napakapit siya ng mahigpit sa batok nito until she get used to his size.
His pounding gets faster and the pleasure inside her starts to build up again.
"Oh Clarisse."
Napapaarko siya sa bawat pagpasok sa kanya ng lalaki. Bumilis ang pag-indayog nito
ngunit huminto ito sa kalagitnaan. He sat on his knees, pulled her body closer and
wrapped her calves unto his back. He put her hands above her head and gripped both
her wrists with his right hand while his other hand leans the headboard. Again, he
began to pound her harder and deeper.
-----
CLARISSE
Nakakabingi ang katahimikan sa loob ng aking kuwarto. Umaasa ako na sana sa labas
ay meron pa rin akong kasamang kasalukuyang nag-iingay sa sala o kusina. I know I'm
brave but the thought that I might be leaving alone again in this house really
scares me this time.
Mahigit isang oras na akong gising ngunit hindi pa rin ako lumalabas ng aking
kuwarto. Pagmulat na pagmulat ng aking mga mata kinapa ko agad kung meron pa ba
akong katabi. Wala akong nahawakan maliban sa kumot at mga unan. I felt nervous....
and until now I haven't gathered yet enough courage to face reality.
He will not leave without even saying a formal goodbye, will he?
Pabalik-balik akong naglakad habang patingin-tingin sa aking pintuan. I'm waiting
for someone to knock and tell me that our meal is ready. But it's past two already
at kanina pa nakalipas ang tanghalian. Aasa pa rin ba ako at makikipaglokohan sa
aking sarili?
No one answered nor opened the door. Maybe he's taking a shower. Pinihit ko ang
doorknob. It's not locked. Binuksan ko ang pinto and silently entered the room.
Walang tao. Lumapit ako sa pinto ng kanyang banyo at idinikit ang tenga dito.
No one answers. At wala rin akong naririnig ng tunog ng naliligo. I sighed and
smiled bitterly. Siguro ay may pinuntahan lamang ito saglit at siguradong uuwi rin
ito. Iginala ko ang aking mga mata sa loob ng silid. Just like the first time I
crashed here, the room is extremely clean and neat. The bed is well arranged at
wala yata akong makitang kahit kaunting gusot sa cover nito.
Nahagip ng aking mga mata ang closet. Biglang nadagdagan ang kabog ng aking dibdib.
I refuse to follow what's running inside my head but something within me is pushing
me to do it. Nanginginig ang mga tuhod na lumapit ako sa damitan. Ilang saglit ko
munang hinawakan ang handle nito until I decided to open it abruptly.
Ang kanina pang nakaumang na punyal sa aking dibdib ay tuluyan nang bumaon.
Nangilid ang aking mga luha sa sakit. But before I totally lose hope inisa-isa ko
munang buksan ang mga drawers. Wala rin akong nakita ni isa mang gamit o damit
niya.
Nanginginig ang aking mga labi at naninikip ang aking dibdib. Muli akong lumapit sa
kama. Natutulala akong nahiga at tumitig sa kisame habang isa-isang kumakawala ang
luha sa aking mga mata. The house feels so empty and so am I.
I spread my arms to feel his bed at bigla akong natigilan nang may nakapa akong
papel na nakapatong sa unan. It's a white envelope. A letter perhaps.
Clarisse,
You're the best thing that happened to me. You made me a better person and most
importantly you gave me the greatest lesson in love. I will surely remember it for
the rest of my life.
Live well and be happy always. Don't make a bad decision, as bad as our fake
marriage, ever again. You've hurt yourself enough so it's time for you to embrace
your own happiness. I'm sorry for being a burden to you. I promised that next time
we meet, I'll be a better man.
Last night was the best night of my life. It was the best farewell gift I could
ever ask for. I decided not to wake you up because I didn't want to spoil the
beautiful memory.
Pierce
P.S.
Hindi ko na mabasa ng mabuti ang huling parte ng sulat. My hands are shaking and my
eyes are too blurry. The paper gets wet and some inks are smudging. Ayaw tumigil sa
pagpatak ng aking mga luha. Binitawan ko ang sulat at di ko napigilan ang malakas
na pag-iyak. I'm wailing in so much pain.
He's gone. He really bid goodbye at hindi lamang biro ang lahat. I know I should be
happy for him that he decided to make a better chapter in his life...but i must
admit too that the pain is almost intolerable. My heart is insanely tearing into
pieces. It's the saddest farewell I ever experienced from a man I'm not even
romantically committed with...
####################################
Chapter 42
####################################
*****
"Ma'am pahiram na lang po muna ng ID niyo para mabigyan ko kayo ng visitor's pass.
Lagpas na po kasi ng visitation hour," ika ng nurse.
Patakbong hinanap niya ang kuwarto. Her heart is thumping like crazy. But when she
saw the room number, biglang bumagal ang kanyang paglalakad. She suddenly
hesitated. She's aware that her arrival will cause awkwardness however she really
wants to check her condition.
Mas lalong lumakas ang kabog ng dibdib niya nang mga ilang hakbang na lamang ang
layo niya sa pinto. She noticed that the door was left ajar. Sumilip muna siya
dito.
She saw Lance attending to Scarlet. His face looks tired and worried. Una siyang
nakaramdam ng awa sa lalaki. And when her eyes transferred to the patient, guilt
started to strike her.
Walang ibang tao sa kuwarto maliban sa dalawa. She was about to enter but she
halted when she saw Scarlet gripping his hand tightly. Umatras siya at sumandal sa
dingding katabi ng pintuan.
Scarlet weeped. At unti-unti na ring nangilid ang mga luha ni Clarisse. The whole
situation is cutting her chest into pieces. Sumilip siya at nakita niya ang
nabibigatang hitsura ni Lance.
"I'm sorry for being weak. I-I'm weak in everything... Akala ko kaya ko ang mag-isa
pero iba pala kapag iniwanan ka na ng mga taong minahal mo.... It felt like you
already lost everything. Para akong nahuhulog sa madilim na balon ng kalungkutan.
And while I was inside that darkness, I had no other wish but to die," lumuluhang
wika nito habang hinahaplos-haplos ang kamay ng binata. "I'm sorry Lance. With all
honesty, I don't want to be a burden to you anymore. I did my best to let you go
pero naging mahina lang talaga ako pagdating sa dulo. You don't have to worry about
me from now on and I promise not to bother you again ...I-I'm really sorry..."
Lance chuckled while fighting his own tears. Hindi niya pagdududahan ang mga salita
ng taong kababalik lamang mula sa bingit ng kamatayan. Hinawakan niya rin ng
mahigpit ang kamay ng dating kasintahan at hinalikan ito ng marahan.
"Of course I will worry. Although we didn't end up the way we wanted it to
be...you're still a very important person to me Scarlet. Isa pa rin ako sa mga
taong malulungkot kapag may nangyaring masama sayo."
"Atty. De Silva."
Napalingon siya sa nagsalita. Nagulat siya nang makita si Atty. Perez. Agad niyang
inayos ang sarili.
"Atty. Perez... G-Good evening ho," may kahinaang bati niya upang maiwasang marinig
nina Lance.
"It was my secretary who called you about Scarlet," kusang pahayag ni Atty. Perez.
"Ganun ho ba? Salamat ho sa pag-inform," magalang na sagot niya habang ingat na
ingat sa kilos at pananalita.
Nagtaka si Clarisse sa tanong. She noticed there's something odd about his tone.
Ngumiti ang matandang abogado at bumuntong hininga. He wanted to talk more about
his question but he decided to shift the topic.
"I heard from your in-laws that your husband flew to States a few days ago. They
said na pansamantala niyo munang binibigyan ng espasyo ang inyong pagsasama. They
didn't disclose the reason though but they consulted me already about the chances
of you two getting an annulment."
Biglang nakaramdam ng hiya si Clarisse. "I-it's true that Pierce left the
country..."
"Seryoso ba ang naging problema niyong mag-asawa para pumunta pa siya ng Amerika? I
thought you guys were having a wonderful relationship."
"I-It's Pierce choice and I respect his decision..." she answered humbly without
looking in his eyes.
"Atty. De Silva hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy pa. I hope you won't mind me asking
this pero.... may kinalaman ba ang anak kong si Lance sa paghihiwalay niyong mag-
asawa?"
The old man sighed. "You don't need to deny it anymore. I already found out about
your affair with my son."
"I'm really disappointed to you Atty. De Silva," he said with frustrations and
disbelief. "Mas mahal mo ba ang anak ko para hayaan mong iwanan ka ng asawa mo?"
"You haven't even reached yet your ceiling as a lawyer pero bakit tila ngayon pa
lang kaaga ay mas pinipili mo nang bumagsak Attorney. I understand that maybe
you're suffering a huge confusion right now pero tandaan mo, hindi pwedeng emosyon
lang ang pinapairal. We must still give fair judgement to every decision we make."
"I-I'm sorry..." naluluhang sambit ni Clarisse. She wanted to explain more pero
anuman ang sabihin niya alam niyang mali pa rin ang magiging tingin ng matanda sa
kanya.
"If you're really sorry. Then I beg you to stop dragging Lance to your complicated
situation. I'm a father who has high hopes for his son but right now Lance is
willing to give up everything because of you. I know that chasing your own
happiness is a wonderful thing to do but it depends on the consequences Atty. De
Silva... I hope you realized that you're about to ruin a young man's future. You're
hurting a good husband. You're disappointing people who put their trust on you.
You'd destroyed a young couple relationship. At higit sa lahat, sisirain mo ang
magandang pangalang pinaghirapan mong ipundar."
Unti-unting dumungaw ang luha ni Clarisse ngunit hindi niya ito hinayaang pumatak.
People are watching. She doesn't want to grab attention lalo na't isang kilala at
respetadong tao ang kanyang kausap.
"Hindi lahat ng pag-ibig ay tama, attorney. There are those who are called
forbidden, ill-fated and untimely. And that's what's you and my son have."
Tumayo ang matandang abogado. "I'll leave you now. Umaasa akong pakikinggan mo ako.
We are lawyers, Atty. De Silva. We prefer to settle things with words before we
bring them to the next level."
Naglakad ang abogado patungo sa kuwarto ni Scarlet. Naiwang mag-isa si Clarisse na
maluha-luha pa rin. Hindi niya man lang nagawang ipagtanggol ang sarili. But what
for? In the eyes of normal people, Atty. Perez judgements were all true. Hindi niya
pwedeng gawing depensa ang katotohanan sa kasal nila ni Pierce because instead of
saving her from the wrong judgement, mas lalo niya pa itong ikakabaon.
He made a wry smile and lifted his hand holding her ID. "The nurse station called.
They said they saw you leaving but you forgot this."
Lance carefully stared at the woman in front of him. Her eyes displays
apprehensions and fears. With his father being around, tila nahuhulaan niya na kung
bakit ganito ang mukha ng babae.
Marami siyang iniisip na mga problema subalit ngayong nasa harapan niya si
Clarisse, he realized how much he's missing her. Natutukso siyang yakapin ito ng
mahigpit..Subalit hindi niya magawa because he feels that his father is looking at
them from afar.
"Paano mo nalaman?" he asked with a low voice habang iniaabot sa babae ang
lisensiya.
Pasimpleng hinawakan ni Lance ng mahigpit ang palad ng abogada nang kunin nito ang
ID. "I'm sorry if I was not keeping in touch with you lately. I don't want to
involve you in this mess. I don't want you to feel bad because of what happened,"
he whispered.
Ngumiti ng matamlay si Clarisse at tumango. She removed her hand from his grip bago
pa man may makahalata sa kanila.
"I understand. Take your time and take care of her well. M-Mas kailangan ka niya
ngayon. She needs someone who can give her strength right now," sagot niya nang may
pilit na ngiti.
"H-How is she?"
"Clarisse!"
"A-About our trip. Have you already discussed it to Pierce?" atubiling tanong ni
Lance.
"That's hard to believe. After he challenged me over you, he left just like that?
Does it mean he already gave up his feeling for you?" naguguluhang sambit ng
binata.
Malungkot ang mga matang tumingin si Clarisse sa kausap. "W-Were you aware about
his true feelings for me?"
"It's a guy thing," he nodded and answered briefly until he noticed the sadness in
her eyes.
"Y-You look unhappy about him leaving," he commented. "Why? Is it because of guilt
or you feel that you lost something?"
She smiled bitterly and looked him with teary eyes. Her lips slightly quivered.
"I-I d-don't know." She answered with honesty but looking totally confused.
Lance sighed and looked away. Pinipilit niyang balewalain ang reaksiyon ng babae.
Pierce is gone. He should be relieved but why is it that he felt more envious of
him now?
-------
Araw ng alis nina Clarisse at Lance patungong Thailand. Magkatabing nakaupo ang
dalawa sa labas ng departure area ng airport. Parehong nakatanaw sa malayo at may
mabibigat na paghinga. Magkahawak ang mga kamay subalit hindi gaanong nag-uusap.
Minuto na lamang ang natitira bago umalis ang kanilang eroplano ngunit wala ni isa
man sa kanila ang kusang pumapasok sa loob para magcheck-in.
Pareho silang dumating ng airport na walang dalang anumang bagahe.
Lance took another deep breath. Hinigpitan lalo nito ang pagkakahawak sa kamay ng
babae at mapait na ngumiti.
"W-When will that be?" mahinang tanong ni Clarisse habang napapakagat sa kanyang
labi.
"Hindi ko pa alam. Siguro pag dumating sa atin ang panahon na pwede na tayong
maging masaya ng totoo. Y-Yung sayang walang patong-patong na hinihinging
kapalit.... M-Maybe we need to wait a little longer until everything calm down."
Tumingin si Clarisse sa binata. The way he sighed and hold her hand, alam niya na
kung saan patungo ang kanilang pag-uusap.
"What makes you give up?" wala ng paligoy-ligoy na tanong niya habang pinipigilang
gumaralgal ang boses.
His eyes reflects nothing except pain and sadness. Ngunit nagawa pa rin nitong
ngumiti sa kabila ng dinudurog na kalooban.
"It's not giving up. It's making a choice. And I choose to protect a person over my
own happiness. If loving someone could end up hurting and ruining the person you
care, then maybe it's not the kind of love you need to nurture... We fought hard
but everytime we passed an obstacle, there's a bigger one coming. I can endure
anything pero hindi ko kayang tiisin ang makita kang nahihirapan..."
"Being with you is the only thing that can make me happy now pero mas pipiliin ko
munang pansamantalng maging malungkot than to witness you being destroyed for being
with me... I'd rather be a lonely guy in peace than be a happy man in chaos."
Clarisse tried to smile to fight her tears. Hindi niya na maintindihan ang
nararamdaman. She's been in pain for days at hindi niya alam kung ilang bukas pa ba
ang darating na masasaktan siya.
She looked away using the last courage left inside her. "I understand you very
well..." she chuckled while pretending to be tough. "As you see, you're not the
only one who came here empty handed."
She sighed and bit her lower lip. "I-I have one biggest reason to go...."
"I'm sorry Lance...I'm sorry for everything. Sorry for not being the right woman
for you... Sorry if you wasted your love for someone like me..."
Lance held her chin. Inangat nito ang mukha niya, pinahid ng kamay ang kanyang luha
at malungkot na ngumiti.
"We don't apologize for falling in love. Instead, It's nicer to say 'Thank you for
loving me'... Thank you Clarisse, whatever small reasons you have to stop loving
me, I know that you genuinely cared for me..."
"I'll be looking forward to the day when we can meet again....Attorney De Silva."
Lance stood up and walked away with tears flowing on his cheeks. He didn't dare to
look back. Hindi kayang sukatin ang sakit na nararamdaman niya. Pero alam niyang
mas higit pa sa nararamdamang sakit ang magiging kapalit ng sakripisyo niya.
Everything happens for a reason. Siguro ay may mas malalim na dahilan kung bakit
hindi sila hinayaang maging masaya.
Hinayaan niya muna ang sarili na ibuhos pa ang natitirang mga luha. At nang
bahagyang magmanhid ang dibdib saka lamang siya tumayo. She took a deep breath to
relieve herself. Sa lahat ng mga nararanasang sakit, wala siyang dapat sisihin
kundi ang sarili. Batid niyang ngayon siya sinisingil sa mga naging pagkakamali.
Walang magandang kinahihinatnan ang anumang bagay na sinumulan sa mali. Pilit mang
itama sa bandang dulo, hindi pa rin maitutuwid ang isang bagay na sa una pa lang ay
baluktot na.
She hurt people. She lied to her family. She mocked one sacred aspect of life.
Iginiit niya ang isang pagmamahal na sa umpisa pa lang ay alam niyang mahirap
magkaroon ng katuparan. She was selfish. She was full of herself. And now she's in
pain to pay the price of her mistakes.
Nagpahid siya ng luha. Suminghot at unti-unting tinapangan ang mukha. She walked
back to her car. Drove and stopped in front of a domestic terminal. Bumaba siya ng
kotse and there she met her secretary who's waiting for her at the entrance.
Binuksan niya ang trunk ng sasakyan. Inilabas ang dalawang malalaking maleta at
iniabot sa sekretarya ang susi ng kotse.
"I'm decided. Sige na Karen, iwanan mo na ako. By the way the buyer of this car
will contact you soon, pakideposit na lang sa account ko ng pera."
"Y-Yes, attorney."
She's quitting the law firm. Pinapaubaya niya na ang pangangalaga nito sa kanyang
mga partners. Kasabay ng planong pagpapalaya kay Lance, she decided to leave the
city to do a volunteer work in a remote town in Visayas. She won't be riding her
fame and success anymore. Wala siyang karapatang tamasain ang isang bagay na bunga
ng isang kasinungalingan. She'll start all over again. At sa pagkakataong ito mag-
uumpisa siya sa tama.
She confessed to her parents about the mistake she committed and now, they are
really angry to her. She can't blame them. They have the right to be. All she can
do now is bravely face and accept all her punishments.
Bago pumasok sa loob ng airport, she looked up to the sky, closed her eyes and
breathed deeply. Kasabay ng pag-alis ng eroplanong sasakyan niya ay ang pag-iwan sa
lahat ng mga naging hinanakit niya sa buhay. Sa pagsisimula niya ulit, she'll try
to find the real happiness. A kind of happiness that is not dependent from love,
money or fame. She'll find a contentment from doing things she likes and most of
all by being true to herself.
Not because you suffered heartbreaks and experienced miseries, you'll be bitter to
everything. You shouldn't mock life because when life gets back at you, hindi
lamang kapalaran ang kaya nitong paglaruan kundi pati na rin ang damdamin mo... And
this is the greatest lesson she learned from all the sorrows and dilemmas she
bears.
Sa mga taong nasaktan at nadamay sa mga pagkakamali niya, to Pierce, Lance and
Scarlet... gaya ng hangad niya para sa sarili, sana mabura din agad anuman ang
sakit na bumaon sa dibdib ng mga ito at lahat sila ay may natutunan sa kanilang
pinagdaanan. She hopes that next time she sees them, everyone is already happy and
living well...
####################################
Chapter 43 (Final)
####################################
*****
Clarisse
"The old saying like father, like son never gets old..." bigkas ni Atty. Fabro
Reynaldo, ang chief ng pinapasukan kong Public Attorney's Office. He's an old man
in his seventies whole life had been dedicated in pro bono cases.
Inilapag nito sa aking mesa ang isang lifestyle magazine. Nahinto ako sa aking
ginagawa sa laptop nang makita ko kung sino ang nasa cover ng nasabing magasin.
It's Atty. Lance Oliver Perez.
"Nabanggit mo dati na you had a chance to personally meet the famous Atty.
Dominador Perez. That's his son, " the old man commented sabay balik nito sa
kanyang table na katapat lamang ng aking mesa.
Huminga ako ng malalim. It was a sigh of relief. I could say that letting go of him
was one of the hardest but best decision I've ever made in my life. Di ako
nagkamali na lahat ng mga sakripisyo at sakit na pinagdaanan namin ay may katumbas
na magagandang bagay.
Hindi ko lamang nakikita si Lance sa mga newspapers o magazines kundi pati na rin
sa television. Minsan napapanood ko ang mga interviews niya tungkol sa mga
hinahawakan niyang malalaking kaso. Tama si Atty. Reynaldo na siya nga ang
magtutuloy sa magandang reputasyon sinimulan ng kanyang ama.
While staring at his face now, my heart is no longer thumping for any romantic
reason pero gumagaan pa rin ang aking pakiramdam everytime I see or watch him
smiling. I'm happy for all his achievements at sa mga bagay na maaabot niya pa. I'm
like a proud friend silently looking at him from afar.
"Hindi po. I met Atty. Dominador Perez but not his son," may ngiting sagot ko.
"What an impressive young man. Since his father became a congressman, he bravely
took over the management of one of the largest law firm in the country at such a
young age." He sighed. "How I wish you can find a man as capable as him."
Tumikhim ako, mabilis kong binitawan ang magasin, ibinalik ang aking atensiyon sa
laptop at nagkunwaring abala. Nararamdaman kong may ibang patutunguhan na naman ang
pag-uusap namin.
"Sa edad mong yan dapat naghahanap ka na ng mga lalaking gaya niya hindi yung
kuntento ka na sa kung anong buhay meron ka ngayon. You're a great woman at kahit
anupaman ang pinagdaanan mo, you still deserve a good man by your side," dagdag pa
nito.
He took care of me like his own daughter. And when I had my 32nd birthday nagsimula
na itong mangulit sa akin tungkol sa pag-aasawa. Wala na daw ako sa kalendaryo kaya
imbes na sa trabaho, mas itinutulak na ako nito sa paghahanap ng matinong
mapapangasawa. Madalas kapag meron kaming engagement sa ibang bayan, ipinapakilala
ako nito sa mga anak ng mga maiimpluwensiyang tao.
But meeting men is last on my list now. Naging kuntento at masaya na ako sa tahimik
na pamumuhay sa maliit na bayang ito. I'm living a very simple but peaceful life
with a family I can call my own. No fame, not so much money, no vanities and no
extravagances.
I helped a lot of people. Tumayo akong abogado ng mga mahihirap. I defended those
who suffered injustice in the hand of rich and powerful people. And for all the
things I achieved in this small town, I can say that I'm quite fulfilled with my
life now. It feels that I'd been able to accomplish one purpose in life.
I'm healed. I made a better and happier version of myself. At ngayon ay huling
buwan ko na sa bayang ito. Babalik na ako ng Maynila bitbit lahat ng mga mabubuting
bagay na natutunan ko dito. Nakahanda na ulit akong makipagsabayan sa totoong laban
ng buhay. I can say that three years to recuperate is long enough.
"Kahit alam kong nagbibiro ka, pero kung sakali mang magkatotoo. Siguraduhin mo
lang na tanggap ka ng buong-buo."
"Kita niyo na pati kayo nag-aalala. Kasi sa totoo lang, ang mga lalaking kagaya ng
anak ni Atty. Perez impossibleng mahulog na sa babaeng tulad ko. Kumbaga sa serving
ng mga ulam, bakit pa sila titikim dun sa bawas na. I told you, I can leave even
without marrying for the rest my life as long as I have my family by my side."
Natigil ang pag-uusap namin nang dumating ang isang matandang tindera sa palengke.
"O Lola Thelma, ano hong atin?" nakangiting bati ko sa matanda. Isa siya sa mga
naging kliyente ko. Isa itong land tenant for thirty five years na bigla na lang
pinalayas ng mga kaanak ng may-ari ng lupa.
"Dinalhan kita ng sumang kamoteng kahoy pangmeryenda at iuwi mo na rin sa inyo ang
iba," nakangiting sabi nito sabay abot sa akin sa dalang kakanin.
"Salamat ho."
"Balita ko'y paalis ka na raw sa katapusan. Totoo ba yan?" may lungkot na tanong
nito.
"O-Oho."
Naglabas ng panyo ang matanda at pinahiran ang agad na maluha-luha nitong mga mata.
"Totoo pala ang bali-balita. Nakakalungkot at mawawala na dito sa bayan namin ang
isang magaling na abogadong gaya mo. Marami ka pa sanang matutulungang mahihirap
dito."
"Hayaan mo na ang batang yan," sabat ni Atty. Reynaldo. "Marami na siyang nagawa
dito kaya pagbigyan niyo nang asikasuhin niya ang sarili. Panahon na para bumalik
siya sa totoong buhay niya sa Maynila."
"Naiintindihan naman namin kaya lang hindi lang talaga namin maiwasang malungkot,"
tugon ni Aling Thelma. "Teka ano bang gusto mong baon pauwi ng Maynila? Gusto mo
bang ipagpatuyo kita ng paborito mong danggit?"
"Sus kang bata ka. Huwag ka ng tumanggi yan na nga lang ang maisusukli namin sa
lahat ng mga kabutihang nagawa mo para sa amin. O siya hahayo na ako't baka umalis
na yung pinakiusapan kong magbantay sa tindahan ko."
Dinala ko ang suman sa kusina ng aming opisina at inilagay ito sa mesa. Napabuntong
hininga ako't napangiti sa dami ng prutas at mga kakaning nakapatong dito. This is
a daily routine here in the office. Yung mga naging kliyente namin ay nagsasal-itan
sa pagdala ng kung anu-anong mga pagkain. Hindi man mga mamahalin but these are the
gestures that keeps my heart warms.
"Attorney kayo na lang ho ang mag-uwi ng suman. Alam ko paborito yan ni Tita," I'm
referring to his wife. "I'll bring home the avocados. I'm planning to make a
milkshake tonight," nakangiting sabi ko habang bumabalik sa aking mesa.
Itinuloy ko ang pagtatype sa laptop leaving the magazine on top of my table. Mas
lalo akong ginaganahan everytime I glance at Lance picture.It makes me tell myself,
you did great Clarisse!
"Di ko po alam."
"Inabot lang po sa akin ng tricycle driver diyan sa tapat sabi sa akin. Ibigay ko
lang daw po sa inyo."
Para akong sinisilihan. I don't know if it's a coincidence but I feel that these
flowers are from that person. Wala ni isa man sa mga naging kliyente ko ang
nagbigay sa akin ng halaman maliban ngayon. And why does it have to be this plant?
"Attorney Reynaldo may titingnan lang ako sandali sa Anahaw Hotel." Ito ang kaisa-
isang hotel sa maliit na bayang ito. Matatagpuan ito sa tabing dagat at dito
tumutuloy ang mga turista o mga bumibisitang taga-Maynila.
Tumawag ako ng trycicle. The hotel is twenty minutes away from my office. At habang
nasa daan, wala akong mapaglagyan ng excitement. Sana tama ang aking kutob. I'm
too happy that finally I can be able to meet an old friend and a colleague.
-----
"Oh Atty. De Silva, napadalaw kayo! May imimeet ho ba kayong kliyente dito?" bati
ng isang dalagang resepsiyonista.
"Hi Patty! Meron bang nagcheck-in ditong Mr. Lance Perez?" humahangos at diretsong
tanong ni Clarisse.
"Mr. Lance Perez?" tiningnan ng empleyada ang log book. "Hmmm, wala ho. May bisita
ho ba kayong inaasahan ngayon attorney?"
Clarisse felt a bit disappointed. Ngunit naisip niyang baka ibang pangalan ang
ginamit nito. Ipinakita niya sa receptionist ang picture ni Lance sa magazine.
Inagaw ng kausap ang magazine at tinitigang maiigi ang litrato. "Whoah! Attorney
kilala mo to? May kaibigan kang ganito kagwapo't kasikat?" nanlalaki ang mga matang
tanong ng babae.
"It's work related. Abogado din yan," palusot niya. "Ano may nagcheck-in ba dito na
kamukha niyan?" excited uling tanong niya.
"Wala po," biglang tamlay na sagot ng empleyada. "Baka naman ho may matutuluyang
iba yun dito."
"Walang ibang kakilala yan dito. Are you sure na walang nagcheck-in na ganyang
mukha?" giit pa rin niya.
"Wala po talaga. Kung ganito kagwapo, sigurado hong matatandaan ko. Isa lang naman
ang nagcheck-in dito kaninang tanghali. Taga-maynila at saksakan din sa gwapo!"
sabay hina nito ng boses. " Sa totoo lang attorney siya na yata ang pinakagwapong
lalaking umapak dito sa aming hotel. Katawan pa lang busog na ang mga mata mo."
"Ganun ba?"
This is what she likes about this town. Everyone talks to her like a friend or
councelor.
"Di pagbutihin mo ang pagpapaimpress para magkaboyfriend ka na. Malay mo mas gusto
nun ang gandang probinsiyana kesa sa mga liberated na ganda," matamlay na biro
niya.
Her shoulders dropped. Sabi na nga ba't imposibleng ang kanyang naiisip. Paano
naman maliligaw ang taong yun dito? Nagkataon nga lang talaga siguro yung halaman.
If she thinks about it, that variety of carnation is a local one. Siguro nga ay
pinabibigay lang ito ng isa sa mga tagarito.
"Gusto mo bang makita yung sinasabi kong guest attorney? Malay mo kung hindi sa
akin baka sa inyo maattract!"
"Naku huwag na. Hindi na bagay sa akin yang mga pagpapacute na ganyan! Sige salamat
ha babalik na ako sa office."
"Sandali lang attorney! Ipapakita ko lang sa inyo, minsan lang may maligaw na gwapo
dito kaya gusto ko ring ishare ang magandang tanawin. Tapatin niyo na rin ako kung
dapat pa ba akong magpa-cute o makuntento na lang titigan siya sa malayo....Ayun
siya o!"
Itinuro sa kanya ni Patty ang isang lalaking nakatayo't nakaharap sa dagat. Kahit
malayo't nakatalikod sa kanila, Clarisse could tell that he's not from this
province base sa pananamit. He's wearing a fashionable menswear. Although it's a
bit weird that he's wearing a bit formal which is unsuited to the place.
Nangalumbaba siya sa front desk habang pinagbibigyan ang kausap na tingnan ang
nakatalikod na lalaki.
"Sa palagay niyo attorney? Ano kaya ang ipinunta niyan dito? Mukhang mayaman eh.
Ang dami namang magagandang resort sa ibang bayan pero bakit mas gusto niya dito?"
untag nang resepsiyonista.
"Hmmm... baka naman brokenhearted, gusto ng mas tahimik na lugar para makapagisip-
isip..."
Gumalaw ang lalaki at humarap ito sa pakanang direksiyon. Unti-unting naningkit ang
mga mata ni Clarisse. She fixed her eyeglasses para tiyakin kung tama ba ang
kanyang nakikita. She's seeing a familiar side view of a man.
Dahan-dahan siyang napanganga. A sudden rush of blood ran through her cheeks habang
hindi niya mapigilan ang unti-unting paglakas ng kabog ng kanyang dibdib.
"It can't be," natutulalang sambit niya habang umaayos ng tayo mula sa
pangangalumbaba. Wala sa sariling humakbang siya patungo sa direksiyon ng lalaki.
Her elbows, wrists, knees o lahat na yata ng joints niya ay unting-unting
nanghihina.
She ignored the question sa halip ay tulala pa rin siyang naglakad patungong
tabing-dagat. Lumulubog ang mga takong niya sa buhangin kaya hinubad at binitbit
niya suot na sapatos.
Ayaw niyang maniwala pero habang papalapit siya ay mas nakukumpirma niyang hindi
nga ata nagsisinungaling ang kanyang mga mata.
Her throat gone dry habang hirap na hirap siyang ibuka ang mga labi. Her heart is
about to explode in nervousness.
"P-P-Pierce..."
She's standing behind him. Hindi niya alam kung may lumabas bang boses sa bibig
niya. She couldn't even hear her own voice sa sobrang lakas ng tensiyon sa kanyang
dibdib.
He turned his head and looked at her na para bang inaasahan na nito ang paglapit
niya.
Biglang nabitawan niya ang bitbit na mga sapatos. Nakangangang tinitigan niya ang
lalaki habang unti-unting nangingilid ang kanyang mga luha.
"P-Pierce..."
He put his hands on his pockets and composedly stared at her shocked face.
"W-W-When did you come back?" gumagaralgal ang boses na tanong niya.
"The other day," he answered while looking at her from head to foot. "You haven't
changed a bit," he commented.
"H-H-How did you know I'm here?" wala pa rin sa wisyong tanong niya.
"I begged and kneeled down in front of your family," he answered shrugging.
"What do you think is the main reason of a man who go all the way to a far and
remote place just to search for a certain woman?"
Gumanti siya ng ngiti. She's containing her happiness and at same time anxious
because of something she hid from him for a long time.
"How did you know it's my favorite?" she asked childishly when the atmosphere
between them starts to get lighter.
"I haven't forgotten any single thing about you Atty. De Silva, from your favorite
ice cream flavor up to the smallest thing that makes you smile." Pierce laughed
softly.
"I'm not too late yet, am I Clarisse?" seryosong tanong nito habang titig na titig
sa mga mata ng babae.
Clarisse swallowed hard. She couldn't open her mouth right away.
She calmly nodded. "There's someone who owns my whole heart and I'm living with him
right now... P-Pierce I have a family already," she'd softly spoken while looking
him in the eyes.
During his stay in America, he tried to get rid of his feeling for her. Sinubukan
niya itong kalimutan. He tried to look for new love, entered another serious
relationship but until his last day in States, si Clarisse pa rin ang laman ng puso
niya. He heard nothing about her but he heard a lot about Lance kaya alam niyang
hindi natuloy ang relasyon ng dalawa.
Dalawang bagay ang dahilan niya sa paghahanap sa babae. First is to win her again.
Second is to put closure to everything kung sakali mang huli na siya.
Muli niyang tiningnan si Clarisse nang may pilit na ngiti. "Are you happy with your
life now?"
She's not lying. He can see the glow and confidence in her eyes as she answers.
"Glad to hear that," he said with a bitter smile. "Above all, that's what I really
want to know... that you're happy and living well."
Nagulat siya nang biglang kinuha ni Clarisse ang kanyang kamay. "Can I invite you
to our house? I want to introduce you to him," namimilog ang mga matang sabi nito.
He finds he situation a bit weird. He's jealous but can he refuse a friendly
invitation?
She shook her head and smiled. " I'm sure he'll be happy to see you. He heard about
you many times and he's been waiting too for this day when he can finally meet
you."
"T-That's unusual. Why would he like to meet your ex-fake husband?" naguguluhan
ngunit may halong birong sabi niya.
"Because I don't hide anything from him. Karapatan niyang malaman at marinig ang
mga naging mahalagang bahagi ng buhay ko," sagot nito sabay bitbit sa sapatos at
hatak sa kamay niya papaalis ng tabing-dagat.
----
Walang mapaglagyan ng kaba si Pierce nang marating nila ang tapat ng isang bungalow
type house. It has a wide lawn covered with carabao grass and flowering plants on
the side. The fences and the gate are both made of angle bars with cream paints. Sa
labas ng bakod ay meron isang puno ng mangga na siyang nagbibigay lilim sa ilang
bahagi ng bakuran.
He's looking at a simple but peaceful house. His chest is pinching inside. From the
look of the house alone, alam niya nang masayang pamilya ang nakatira dito.
"We've been renting this place for almost two years," kusang sabi ni Clarisse.
"Halika tuloy ka." She's getting more and more friendly.
She held his hand again. Nagtaka siya lalo to how comfortable she is in grabbing
his hand in front of her house. Though he hesitated, but he doesn't want to let go
of it too. They entered the gate at nang maglikha ito nang tunog, biglang nagbukas
ang harap ng pinto ng bahay.
"H-How old is he?" he asked while looking at the child hugging his mother's thigh.
Makahulugang tiningnan siya ni Clarisse sa mga mata. "Two years and four months..."
Ilang saglit siyang natulala't napaisip. Muli niyang tiningnan ang malusog,
makinis, maliksi at maputing bata na noon ay wala pa ring malay sa presensiya niya
sapagkat abala ito sa paglalambing sa kanyang ina. Why is it that he's seeing a
little version of himself?
"Aidan Chandler..."
Hindi siya sinagot ni Clarisse. She squatted on the ground to talk to her son.
Only then, the kid took notice of him. Tumingala ito at tiningnan maiigi ang
kanyang mukha. Aidan smiled at him shyly and then he tried to behind his mother's
arm.
"Don't be shy, baby. You know him right?" Clarisse talked softly.
Aidan nodded.
"P-Pictures..."
"Who is he Aidan?"
"D-Daddy."
Pierce breathing almost stopped. His eyes moistened habang tinitingnan ang mag-
inang parehong naghihintay ng sasabihin niya. When he slightly recovered from the
big shock, dali-dali niyang kinarga ang bata at niyakap ito ng mahigpit.
Aidan wrapped his arms around his neck at sumubsob ito sa kanyang balikat. " I-I
miss you...Daddy," he mumbled. " Daddy is home. N-Not leaving Aidan 'nymore. Don't
leave Aidan..Daddy."
Muntik ng tumulo ang kanyang luha sa narinig. He closed his eyes and repeatedly
breathed deeply. "I'm sorry Aidan. Sorry if Daddy made you wait..." he whispered
while tapping the child's back.
Napatingin siya bigla kay Clarisse. She's teary eyed while looking at them.
"Is it wrong to wait for the father of my child? Paano ko magagawang kalimutan ang
isang taong may nagpapaalala sa akin sa bawat pagmulat ko ng mga mata sa umaga?"
nakangiting sagot ni Clarisse na noon ay halatang pigil na pigil ang mga luha.
He moved closer to her and gazed at her beautiful face. He must be dreaming.
Kailangan niya yatang sampalin ang sarili para masiguradong hindi siya nanaginip.
Hindi niya akalaing sa pagbabalik niya ay naghihintay ang isang napakagandang
supresa. This is the best gift he could ever ask in his whole life. Sa isang iglap
lamang ay tila nahipan ng isang malamig at malakas na hangin ang lahat ng sakit at
lungkot na kanyang naranasan.
"Why you didn't tell me you were pregnant? Hindi ako magdadalawang-isip na bumalik
ng Pilipinas. I wonder if how difficult was it for you to raise him alone? You
should have told me Clarisse, " he said in a low voice.
"S-Sorry if I hid it from you. I didn't want to hinder the new path you've chosen.
Ayokong bumalik ka dahil lamang buntis ako. I want you to achieve something for
yourself. I wanted to give you a chance to fullfill your promise that next time we
meet you'll be a better man. Pinanghawakan ko ang pangako mong yun na babalik ka at
muli tayong magkikita... And, I wanted you to come back not because you're a father
of my child but because your heart still tells you to."
Her tears silently fell. "B-But I wasn't completely unfair to you. Dahil kahit wala
ka hindi ko ipinagkait na makilala ka ng anak mo. Itinanim ko sa isip niya na ikaw
pa rin ang ama niya. I made sure that you're still part of his growing up. Walang
araw na hindi ka naging parte ng buhay ni Aidan... sapagkat kahit inakala kong
malayo na sa katotohanan, mas masarap pa ring isipin na babalik ka."
Pierce touched her cheek and wiped her tears. "Thank you for believing in me," he
whispered. "I'm a better man now Clarisse. Gagawin ko ang lahat para maging
mabuting ama kay Aidan.... and this time I want to become a better husband to
you... for real."
"Marry me Clarisse....and since this proposal is unplanned let's consider our son
as our engagement ring for the meantime."
"Mabilis pa ba ang mahigit tatlong taong paghihintay? How can I have doubt when my
only wish for these past three years was for you to become my real wife.... I love
you so much Clarisse and I miss you a lot."
Muling sumilip ang mga luha sa mga mata ni Clarisse. She smiled while staring
intently at Pierce at sa karga-karga nitong anak.
"Mommy, Daddy said 'love you. A-Answer, don't be bad. When Aidan said love
you...Mommy said love you too," the child said habang nakakunot ang noong
nakatingin sa naluluhang ina.
"I love you too and I miss you too Pierce," she answered.
Pierce pulled her closer and kissed her lips passionately. Clarisse didn't hesitate
to kiss back. This time the sweetness of their lips taste differently. It's a kiss
that doesn't hold back. Walang halong kalituhan. Nangingibabaw ang tiwala at
paniniwalang mahal nga nila ang isa't isa. The feeling that they'll end up loving
each other more because they have the most important reason to do so.
Clarisse wrapped her arm around his waist. "Let's go inside the house," aya nito.
Inakbayan ni Pierce ang babae at kinabig ito. "I want to see your room," he
whispered.
Clarisse laughed. Kinurot niya ang pilyong lalaki. "I thought you're a better man
now," kunway tutol niya.
Pagdating nila sa loob ng bahay ay niyaya agad ni Aidan ang ama na maglaro. Kitang-
kita sa mukha ng bata kung gaano ito kasabik at kasaya. Halos ayaw nitong umalis sa
pagkakadikit sa kanyang Daddy.
Clarisse let the two guys spend quality time together. She watched them secretly
habang ipinaghahanda ang mga ito ng pagkain. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na tila
kinalimutan siya ng anak. The kid is too engrossed getting attention from his dad.
Wala siyang mapaglagyan ng kaligayahan lalo pa't nakikita kung gaano kasaya si
Aidan.
Wala na siyang mahihiling pa sa buhay. She learned to understand life and she began
to discover the many values of love.
There's a kind of love that put butterflies in your stomach. Turns your peaceful
world upside down. Make you walk on air, float on clouds and dance in the rain. A
love that everytime time you look up the sky, fireworks seem to appear everywhere.
Mayroon namang pagmamahal na hindi madali gaano man ito kalalim. Mahal niyo ang
isa't isa ngunit mas madalas kayong nasasaktan kaysa nagiging masaya. A love that
you'd rather sacrifice your feelings and happines to protect the person you love.
Yung mas pipiliin mo na lamang masaktan para lamang sa ikabubuti ng taong mahal mo.
But there's this distinct love that doesn't bring you to the dreamworld but rather
keeps your feet on the ground of reality. A love that makes you smile and gives you
comfort instead of making your heart pounds and brings you to the realm of
excitement. A love that doesn't blow away...but once you lost it, you know you'll
never be complete again.
"Ay!"
Napaigtad si Clarisse mula sa malalim na pag-iisip nang biglang may dumapong halik
sa kanyang batok. Pierce embraced him from behind.
"What do you want for dinner? Magluluto ako," patay malisyang tanong niya. "Meron
ka bang namiss na pagkain habang nasa Amerika ka?"
"I miss one thing but it's not food," bulong nito malapit sa kanyang tenga. "I
thought you're going to show me your room."
"Pierce ano ba? Hindi pwede baka magising yung bata," saway niya sa lalaking ayaw
tumigil sa paghalik sa kanyang leeg.
"He won't unless you scream," pilyong sabi nito sabay buhat sa kanya.
"We have an engagement ring already, now let's start making a wedding ring,"
ngingisi-ngising wika nito sabay siil sa kanyang mga labi upang pigilan siya sa
pagtutol habang papasok ng kuwarto.
####################################
Epilogue
####################################
*****
He chuckled.
"Tsk, tsk,tsk..." iling niya. "Sip some coffee first para magising ka Atty.
Calderon. You must be dreaming to ask that kind of amount."
"Anong malaki sa hinihingi ko kumpara sa total asset niyang kliyente mo?" she
retorted sabay tingin nito sa kliyenteng katabi niya na nagmamay-ari ng isang
multimillion company.
He crossed his legs, leaned comfortably on the chair and rubbed his chin.
"Ehem...baka nakakalimutan mo that there's a prenuptial agreement between them. The
amount you're asking is too big para sa tatlong taong pagsasama."
"I am not asking an unreasonable amount. My client deserves that compensation para
makapagsimula siyang muli ng panibagong buhay."
Lance clapped his hand while shaking his head. "Wow! You're amazing! You're making
me curious kung anong klaseng buhay yang tinutukoy mo na nangangailangan ng thirty
million pesos para makapagsimula," sarkastikong sagot niya sabay tingin sa kliyente
ng kausap na noon ay nakayuko at umiiwas ng tingin sa asawa.
"Your accusing my client for mentally and emotionally torturing a type of wife who
spent most of her time shopping, partying, gambling and drinking? Atty. Calderon
masyado mo naman yatang hinihele yang kliyente mo."
"Oo ginagawa niya yan but that's because she needed some outlet to release her
stress and pains. Your client is a womanizer, adulterer and most of all a wife-
batterer!" gigil na pahayag ng abogada.
Lance leaned forward and take a closer look of Clarisse. "Do you have proof on
that?" halos pabulong na sabi niya.
Tinawanan niya ang pananahimik nito. "What to do? You're accusing my client based
only on what Mrs. Co said while our side got all the evidences of her inappropriate
actions." Pinalo niya ang mesa sabay na nagseryoso ng mukha. "Ten million pesos!"
"Atty. Calderon stop teaching your client how to be greedy," nang-aasar na sambit
niya.
"Fifteen million pesos. Take it or leave it, Atty. Perez!"
"Then... see you in court," sabay ligpit niya sa mga gamit sa mesa. "Siguraduhin
niyo lang na may sapat kayong ebidensiya to defend your claim," nakangising paalala
niya.
Tumingin sa kanya si Clarisse with less intensity. She cleared her throat first.
"Twenty million pesos."
The settlement meeting ended. Naunang tumayo sa mesa ang kampo nina Clarisse but
before leaving, palihim muna siyang iningusan ng babae. Natatawa siya sa isipan
habang pinagmamasdan itong lumalabas ng meeting room.
"Thank you Atty. Perez! You're brilliant as always." Mr. Co praised while offering
him a handshake.
Hinatid niya ang kliyente hanggang sa labas ng gusali at hinintay itong makasakay
ng kotse.
"Care to have a drink now?" Mr. Co offered bago ito tuluyang umalis.
"Thank you but I have another client meeting after this," nakangiting tugon niya.
"Then let's do it some other time. Marami akong magagandang babaeng ipapakilala
sayo. I'll make sure you won't regret drinking with me," tatawa-tawang wika ng
negosyante.
He laughed and gave his client a naughty wink. "I'll look forward to that day."
Mr. Co rolled up the car's window. Ngingiti-ngiting hinabol niya ng tingin ang
papaalis nitong sasakyan.
Kaswal na tiningnan niya ang babae at nginisian ito. He gave her a teasing look
habang naniningkit ang mga mata at lumalaki ang mga butas ng ilong nito.
"Consider yourself lucky. You're the only enemy who makes me agree to meet
halfway," pagyayabang pa niya.
"Arrogant!" ingus nito. "By the way ano yung narinig ko about beautiful women
again?"
"None of your concern. It's a guy thing," pag-iwas niya sabay luwag sa suot na
necktie.
"Haist playboys really connects well with fellow playboys! Lance Oliver Perez
you're already thirty, start dating seriously!" She cleared her throat and raised
an eyebrow. "You're father called me. Ipaalala ko daw sayo yung blind date na
inarrange niya for you tonight. Don't ever escape again. It's a daughter of a
congressman kaya't huwag na huwag mong ipapahiya ang tatay mo."
"I can't, may lakad ako mamayang gabi. It's not fair to cancel it dahil mas nauna
ito sa schedule ko," diretsong sagot niya.
"At saan ka na naman pupunta? Kasama mo na naman ang mga babaero mong kliyente
ano?"
"I guess she's already enjoying her life now. Her apparel business is doing well,"
he answered.
Nagbago ulit ang hilatsa ng mukha ni Clarisse. Tila bigla itong nakunsumi sa
narinig. "Kitam ikaw na lang ang napag-iiwanan. Why don't you listen to your father
this time?! Start finding a good woman. Stop using work as an excuse for playing
around!"
"Stop stressing yourself over small matters. Ang mabuti pa magpalamig muna tayo.
Let's go to the nearest coffee shop and drink something cold."
"I can't go. My husband is picking me up," taas noo at mayabang na sabi ni Clarisse
sabay abang sa magiging reaksiyon ng kausap.
"You don't need to emphasize the word husband. Don't be full of yourself. I don't
feel any amount of jealousy to that guy anymore." Tumingin sa langit si Lance at
kunway nag-isip ng malalim. "Ahhh... everytime I think about it, dumping you was
the best decision I ever made. Hindi ba napapagod si Pierce sa pagbubunganga mo?"
nang-aasar na sabi niya.
"Dumped me?" pikong sambit ni Clarisse. "Excuse me, I'm the one who dumped you!"
tutol nito.
Tumigil sa pag-aasaran ang dalawa nang huminto sa tapat nila ang isang sasakyan.
Pierce get out of the car. Tiningnan nito ng masama si Lance at mabilis na lumapit
sa asawa. He grabbed her wrist at inilayo sa pagkakatabi sa binatang abogado.
Nagpalitan ng masasamang tingin ang dalawang lalaki hanggang sa sabay itong natawa
sa kanilang mga biro.
"She's all yours. Takot ko lang sa mamang yun," sabay nguso ni Lance kay Aidan na
noon ay dumudungaw sa bintana ng kotse.
"Hi Aidan!"
"Where's the toy you promised me?" singil ng bata.
Lumapit si Clarisse sa kotse. "Stop bothering Tito Lance about it. He'll definitely
buy you toys when he gets free time." Nakataas ang kilay na tiningnan niya si
Lance. "He's still too busy with many things right now," pasaring niya habang
pumapasok ng sasakyan.
Hindi pinansin ni Lance ang nanenermong mga titig ni Clarisse sa halip ay hinarap
niya si Pierce.
"Did you already review the contract that I sent you?" he asked. Ang law firm nila
ay siya pa ring legal representative ng kumpanya nina Pierce.
"Yeah I did. I didn't find any problem in it. Ini-schedule na ngayon ng secretary
ko ang contract signing. I'm just waiting for the availability of my partners since
they will still be flying from Malaysia." Pierce said. "The chairman wants to have
an appointment with you next Monday."
"I'll check my schedule to my secretary. Tawagan kita kung anong oras pwede," he
replied.
"By the way, about the complains of the employees union. Meron ka na bang naisip na
magandang counter-offer sa reklamo nila?" tanong ni Pierce.
"You're son is getting bored," ika niya sabay nguso sa batang nakapangalumbaba sa
bintana ng kotse.
Pierce looked at Aidan. Natawa ito sa nakasambakol na mukha ng anak.
"Let's talk about it next time," paalam nito sabay tapik sa braso niya.
"Okay."
Sumakay ng kotse si Pierce at agad na nagliwanag ang mukha ni Aidan. "Yes! We're
going to Fun Ranch now!...BYE TITO LANCE!"
"Puntahan mo yung date mo mamayang gabi kahit sandali lang!" pahabol na paalala ni
Clarisse bago tuluyang umandar ang kotse.
There's nothing more rewarding than seeing the person you loved living a happy
life. Clarisse and him are the perfect example that true love doesn't always mean
you'll end up together. May mga pagkakataong natatalo rin ang pag-ibig ng tadhana.
Sometimes great love comes to your life like a big wave. Dumadating ito para turuan
ka kung papaano maging matatag. It will test your faith, focus and determination in
life. Pwede nitong guluhin ang iyong buong sistema. But once you get out of it and
the wave is gone, just like in ocean, you'll start to appreciate more the beauty
and calmness of life.
"Attorney Perez!"
Lumingon siya sa tumawag sa kanya. His brows furrowed after seeing a nerdy young
woman with braided pigtails and black framed eyeglasses. She's wearing a plain
white blouse, floral knee lenght skirt and pair of sneakers with colorful socks.
Nakahawak ito sa dibdib at tuhod habang hinahabol ang paghinga. Bitbit nito ang
isang folder.
"Secretary? I don't remember hiring a new one," kunot noong sabi niya.
"O-Opo..."
"Ah.. I see." Tiningnan niyang maiigi ang kaharap. Napailing siya. Mukha pa rin
itong estudyante sa paningin niya. "How old are you? You still look like a student
to me."
"You're too young for the job. Can you do the work properly?"
"Opo. Tinuturuan naman po ako ni Mrs. Dakdak. Pamangkin niya po ako at sa kanila po
ako nakikituloy dito sa Maynila kaya madali lang po sa akin na magpaturo sa kanya."
"Ganun ba?" Nagsalubong ang kanyang kilay nang may napagtanto. "By the way, why are
you late? Tapos na ang meeting saka ka lamang dumating. Kanina ko pa pinapadala ang
documents ah."
Biglang namutla ang bagong sekretarya. "S-Sorry po.... N-Naligaw po kasi ako. Hindi
pa po kasi ako sanay dito sa Maynila," kabadong paliwanag nito.
"C-Cagayan de Oro po. Ngayon lang po ako maninirahan ng matagal dito sa Maynila
kung saka-sakali."
Natawa siya nang may di makapaniwalang mukha. How can her secretary give him this
kind of replacement?
"So I'll be stuck with a country bumpkin kid for two months," he whispered to
himself.
"B-Bakit po? H-Hindi po ba ako pwede?" takot na takot na sabi ng babae na narinig
pala ang sinabi niya.
"Don't mind about what I said. I was just thinking out loud," malumanay na
paliwanag niya matapos makaramdam ng kaunting awa sa kaharap nang mapansing
naluluha-luha na ito sa kaba. "Nasaan na ang dokumentong hinihingi ko?"
Inabot ng babae ang dalang folder at napansin niyang nanginginig ang kamay nito.
"N-Natatakot po kasi ako na baka nagagalit kayo kasi late ako. S-Sabi po kasi sa
akin masyado daw po kayong istrikto at mahigpit. M-Masungit daw po kayo,"
napapalunok na pahayag nito.
"Kristina Paula Bartolome po. Kris po for short," nakatungong sagot nito.
He sighed while flipping the page of the documents he's holding. "Ms. Bartolome
don't always believe what you hear," maiksing payo niya.
"Yes? Do you still need anything?" takang tanong niya sa bumubuntot na babae.
Nahihiyang ngumiti ito sa kanya. "Ah-eh sir. Okay lang po bang makisabay palabas
dito at pwede niyo rin po ba akong ibaba sa kung saan makakasakay ako ng biyahe
papuntang office?"
"Naku salamat po!" she exclaimed and approached his car in rush.
Bigla siyang nagtaka. Tila naglaho sa isang iglap ang anumang bakas ng hiya at
inhibition sa mukha ng babae.
"Whoah! Sir ang ganda naman ng kotse niyo?!" buhay na buhay na sabi nito nang may
namimilog pang mga mata. Halos hinahaplos-halop pa nito ang sasakyan na para bang
sa tanang buhay nito ay noon lang ito nakakita ng kagaya ng kotse niya.
He unlocked the door at nagulat siya nang binuksan ng bagong sekretarya ang
likurang pintuan.
"No problem. Kesa naman gawin mo akong driver," nagtitimpi at sarkastikong sagot
niya.
"Ahhhh.... ganun po ba yun?" inosenteng tugon nito sabay lipat sa unahang pinto.
"Embrace the arrival of doomsday Lance Perez," napapailing na utos niya sa sarili.
----THE END----
I'll be making story for Lance Oliver Perez. Since I'm attached to his character,
he's the first character na gagawan ko ng side story.