Home in the Terrains

 

Simula
Ang Eskandalo




 

Karma. A really bad karma. Or is it just what I thought?
I guess, anyone who could enter my thoughts would probably wonder why being in a place where I cannot see any hint of progress just as the States...is being... unlucky; being in a big trouble for me.

 

 

 

Yes. There is progress here. Yet, it is still far from the great lands of America.

 

 

 

O siguro nga, tama naman ang sinabi ni Natacia. I am a stupid, careless, heartless brat who's only smart in class.

 

 

 

One sip of whiskey from the glass I've been holding lately then I let out a heavy sigh. Tiningnan ko ang bote nito na nasa kaliwang kamay at ngumisi. I am smart, indeed. Not only in class, but also in sneaking alcoholic drinks.

 

 

 

"Dad is really not kidding..." Nakangisi ngunit may bahid ng inis na sabi ko habang ang tanaw ay nasa gitna ng dagat. 

 

 

 

Pagod ako sa biyahe ngunit hindi ko na iyon pa pinapansin. Hindi ko na iyon pa masyadong ramdam. Last week was just my legality and I already fucked things up. I wanted to scream badly but I am trying to control my temper. Hindi sa kalagitnaan ng gabi. That asshole ruined my life.

 

 

 

"Are you sure this isn't some kind of prank?" Starting to suspect that my bestfriend would do something stupid, I asked.

 

 

 

She only giggled. Medyo nainis ako roon pero nagtanong muli ako. Kanina pa ako naka-blindfold at kanina pa rin ang panghahatak niya sa akin habang naglalakad. Mula sa paglabas pa lang ng bahay hanggang sa ilang minutong biyahe ay puro kadiliman lang ang makikita ko.

 

 

 


"Edith, you better tell me or else—where in the darkness are we?"

 

 

 

 

 

"Shutup, babe. You wanna enjoy, aren't you? Don't start this by ruining my name!" Madramang sagot nito na ikinatawa ko habang wala pa ring nakikita maliban sa dilim.

 

 

 

Just strange. Walang ni isang ingay maliban sa tunog ng mga takong ng suot naming mga heels. The silence is giving me creeps plus the completely black vision but I trust her.

 

 

 

"Fine. Are we going in halo or heaven? Huh, Mary?" Tukso ko pa.

 

 

 

Natigil siya sa kahihila sa akin at bumitaw sa mahigpit na pagkakahawak sa palapulsuhan ko. I can now picture her making a face in front of me with hands on her waists.

 

 

 

"Seriously? Do you really wanna make your bestie a virgin? Ain't gonna happen anymore, hun. So shut the f-up and let's get you on the wild."

 

 

 

I chuckled and shook my head. As if she not already dragging me like a wild animal.

 

 

 

I am already coming off to ideas of what kind of surprise this will be. If this is some kind of set-up date with someone... I'm pretty sure she won't. A guy is not a good birthday present for me.

 

 

 

Nagpatuloy siya sa paghila sa akin hanggang sa lumiit na ang mga hakbang na ginagawa namin. I guess, we'll be stopping soon.

 

 

 

"No Filipino-style debut for you!" Humahalinghing na aniya nang tumigil na kami.

 

 

 

Agad niyang inalis ang blindfold sa mata ko. Saglit kong nakita ang dilim ulit ngunit sunod na umilaw ang paligid. Sinundan ito ng malakas na hiyawan at sigawan.

 

 

 

"WELCOME TO THE WILDERNESS, LATTI! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

 

 

 

Among many of them, Drake stood out as he was in the center with a bouquet of roses in his arms. It wasn't because of his looks. He may be a catch to other women but not to me. He is attractive, yes. But I am tired of him being full of himself.

 

 

 

Iwinaksi ko ang kaunting inis na unti-unting naiipon kay Drake. I felt warmth in my chest. My mouth was parted open with my eyes dilated upon the lighting of the lights.

 

 

 

My first time on a club. The first time I don't have to fake my age. Finally!

 

 

 

"Oh...my..." I only managed to whisper in surprise. I immediately turned to Meridith who is now running fast in small steps to join the group.

 

 

 

"Surprise!" She exclaimed, chuckling.

 

 

 

"Wow!" I made a fast "wow", not believing she could afford to spend a lot in this surprise.

 

 

 

Noon, nadadaanan ko lang ang sikat na club na ito. I'm not particularly dreaming of entering this club. Any good club would do, but this— is just amazing! I am not even familiar with many people here because I am not really that friendly.

 

 

 

Sino-sino naman kaya ang nag-imbita sa kanila dito? I bet, Meridith sacrificed her allowance to afford buying this club fot a night.

 

 

 

"Hey..." Aldrake smiled from ear to ear revealing his perfect white teeth. Hindi ko namalayan na nakalapit na pala siya.

 

 

 

"Uh...Thank you," I smiled as I receive the flowers.

 

 

 

"Happy birthday..." He softly whispered with his deep voice. Well, no one could deny that his soft manly features suits his baritone voice.

 

 

 

Unti-unti niyang inilapit ang mukha sa akin at dinampian ng malambot na halik ang gilid ng labi ko.

 

 

 

"I love you," he added.

 

 

 

It felt like an electricity rushing to conquer my skin. The hairs on my skin seems to get stiff upon hearing those words. Nakakarindi pakinggan. Hearing those three sacred words from a person like him disgusts me.

 

 

 

I took a step backward. Hindi ko pinapahalata ang pagka-irita. I have no intention to ruin my day. I didn't forced myself to feel this way. Pero bakit pakiramdam ko, masama ang mag-isip at damdamin ang ganitong damdamin sa araw na ito? I just felt violated but it feels like it's wrong to feel this way today.

 

 

 

"You're...so sweet, Drake..." I forced myself to make a smile without having an eye contact with him.

 

 

 

I immediately rushed my eyes to look for Meridith who suddenly disappeared beside me. Imbes na siya ang balak puntahan, nakita ko si Natacia. Kaagad itong kumaway sa akin habang malapad ang ngiti. Ngunit, bago ako lumayo kay Drake, ngumiti muna ako sa kanya. Just to make sure he won't think that I'm distancing from him.

 

 

 

I saw him smiled half-heartedly. His jaw clenched a bit and his eyes tells everything. He's not happy. Well... it's his issues.

 

 

 

"That asshole..." I threw the empty glass, frustrated. It shattered on the ceramic floor of the terrace and made a loud crash.

 

 

 

Nilaklak ko diretso ang alak sa bote nito kasabay ng pagnginig ng mga mata ko, pumipigil ng luha. My hands are trembling when thinking of the moment I felt destroyed. Hinigpitan ko ang hawak sa bote. I might wake somebody up if the bottle falls. A glass is enough.

 

 

 

Sumisikip ang dibdib ko sa tuwing sumagi sa isipan ko ang nangyari sa araw ng kaarawan ko. That day was supposed to be unforgettable because my legality I've been waiting for have arrived. But it was all ruined  in a sprinkle of drug and flash of a camera.

 

 

 

Malayo akong napatingin sa kadagatan. Malalim na ang gabi. The moon was hiding and so the darkness was scattered. The ocean is dark yet it was calm. I wish I could be this calm despite of the darkness.

 

 

 

Tanging ilaw lang na makikita sa dagat ay ang malayong mga bangka. Tila nga mumuntig puting alitaptap na naglilinyahan sa gitna. Maya-maya pa, mayroong kulay pulang laser mula sa isa sa mga umiilaw na bangka ang umilaw. Umiilaw at namamatay. It feels like it is signalling for something.

 

 

 

"How could I get used to this place...it just reminds me of how dark my life is at this moment."

 

 

 

I drank the whiskey again from the bottle. I closed my eyes as I feel the burning sensation in my throat going down my stomach. It feels strangely great to get drowned...

 

 

 

At this phase, I know my life would never be the same again.

 

 

 

Kabanata 1: Panggugulo



 


Damn this body clock. I was not supposed to wake as early as this given that I still have a hangover. Nagpuyat pa ako kagabi.

 

 

 

I rolled in my bed once more, trying to force myself to go back to sleep. I pulled the sheets angrily after realizing my sleepiness faded. Napahawak ako sa noo ko.

 

 

 

My head feels like watermelon. I felt a pain in my stomach. It feels like something is burning my intestines and crumpling them.

 


I get up slowly and took a sit. Naked. That is how I sleep. If not naked, then only wearing a lingerie.

 

 

 

I pulled a blanket and covered my body. Medyo nakaramdam na ako ng lamig ngunit nasanay na rin naman ako. Huminga ako ng malalim. Ilang minuto muna akong pumikit habang nakaupo lang sa kama.

 

 

 

Sa huli, tuluyan na akong tumayo at naglakad patungo sa bintana. As soon as I pulled the heavy curtains to the side, my room brightened with the morning sun.

 


Ngunit, kaagad na kumunot ang noo ko. Is the sunlight at sunrise different here?

 

 

 

“Oh—finally. You're awake.” Napalingon ako sa pinto nang may biglang bumukas nito.

 

 

 

“Mom?”

 

 

 

“Come downstairs already. You haven't eaten breakfast nor lunch yet.”

 

Kumunot ang noo ko. I looked for the wall clock and shocked to see that it was almost 2 in the afternoon.

 

 

 

How did my body clock failed this time?

 

 

 

“It's 2?!” Bulalas ko. My stomach growled as I exclaimed.

 

 

 

Mom let out a soft laugh.

 

 

 

“That dragon needs rice...” anito at sinarado ang pinto habang umaatras palabas.

 

 

 

I frowned and immediately complained loudly.

 

 

 

“Mom! I am not eating rice! It's Monday!”

 

 

 

“Yes, you are, honey...you should thrice a day every week...” her voice gets little as she speaks for she's walking away.

 

 

 

Thinking of dealing with the problem later, I decided to pull a robe and wear it. My stomach couldn't take this hunger any longer.

 

 

 

As I was walking down the spiral staircase, I couldn't help but to wander my eyes around the house. Brown, caramel, and white are the dominant shades that could be seen all over the house. This is a very tropical style with glass walls revealing the well-cared garden outside and the presence of sea from not very far.

 

 

 

The ambiance whispers relaxation and calmness. I felt warmth in my heart as I thought of a what if. What if I grew up here?

 

 

 

Laughters and giggles were heard down the living room. Iilang hakbang nalang at mararating ko na iyon. Namataan ko ang isang grupo na ang mga suot at itsura ay tila naghahanda sa pagligo sa dagat.

 

 

 

A girl in a racer back bra and denim short shorts captured my attention.

 

 

 

"Who is she?" Tanong ko sa sarili. Siguro ay isa sa mga kamag-anak namin kaya ganon nalang ka ingay dito sa loob.

 

 

 

Her hands were tightly wrapped around a man's arm while her head keeps moving back and fort as she laugh.

 

 

 

"Latti?" They all stopped. Sabay silang napalingon sa kinatatayuan ko.

 

 

 

Nico's face looked so stunned. I was about to smile at him when I saw who's beside him. An island girl who's also clinging on his arms.

 

 

 

 

 

Clingy.

 

 

 

I guess, that'll be my first impression of girls here. Tiningnan ko siya mula sa ulo hanggang paa. Her eyes dropped on the floor and pushed herself back, trying to hide behind Nicolai.

 

 

 

"Ew," I simply said and walked out.

 

 

 

What kind of games is he playing now? Para siyang highschool na namimingwit lang ng kung sinong babaeng available.

 

 

 

Biglang may humawak sa balikat ko at pinaikot ako paharap sa kanya.

 

 

 

"Wow! Ikaw ba talaga 'yan?!" Nicolai bursted and pulled me for a hug.

 

 

 

I don't know if he's just showing off or not. He's really this sweet sometimes but to think na last two weeks lang kami nagkita sa States?

 

 

 

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I pushed him jokingly and gave him a confused look.

 

 

 

I heard a series of "Woah" from his back. I rolled my eyes.

 

 

 

"You're not throwing a homecoming party, are you?"

 

 

 

Seryoso ba'to? Pinaglalaruan ba nito ako? Alam niyang galit na galit si Dad sa akin. Alam niyang dahil sa kagaguhan ko kung bakit ako dito sa Pilipinas.

 

 

 

"Are you serious?"

 

 

 

He laughed and tapped my shoulder.

 

Pinatong niya ang braso sa balikat ko at umikot paharap sa mga kasama niya.

 

 

 

"Latisha, my baby sister—"

 

 

 

"You're kidding, right?" I mocked. Baby sister, my ass.

 

 

 

"Hi, Latti!" The girl I noticed first earlier greeted wih a cheeky smile.

 

 

 

I accidentally turned my gaze to the guy beside him. Tan-skinned, might be fishing whole day. But his other features disagrees. With his roman nose, horizontally-narrowed honey eyes, flat thick brows, pushback hair...and not to mention his gym-pampered body...He must not come from a lower class family.

 

 

 

"Do I know you?" Even I was shocked of how rude it sound but I didn't take it back.

 

 

 

"I've heard a lot about immature young girls in the States who cares about nothing but partying."

 

 

 

My eyes narrowed. Who the hell is this guy?

 

 

 

"What you mean, Cai?" Natatawang tanong ni Kuya sa kanya.

 

 

 

Habang ang iba nilang kasama ay tahimik lang at kaswal na nakaupo sa sofa, itong isang lalaking 'to ay kung sino kung umasta. His girl is not even that pretty.

 

 

 

"I don't think one of them is your sister..." May halo ng sarkasmong sagot nito.

 

 

 

"I don't think I care about what you think. Sino ka ba?" Mataray na sabi ko.

 

 

 

"Good. You can speak the language," he smiled cockily.

 

 

 

Marahang natawa  ang iba sa kanila. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang tinatawanan. Ako ba o ang sinabi niya. I know that I looked so pissed right now.

 

 

 

"I don't have time for cheap islanders." Kaagad ko silang tinalikuran mabilis na naglakad.

 

 

 

"Suit yourself, sis! You'll be living with these islanders!" Pahabol na sigaw ni Nico at nagtawanan sila.

 

 

 

Bullshit. Who says I'm living here? I am sure that Daddy could fix everything and I can freely go back to America.

 

 

 

The weather is hot here and so is my head. Kumukulo ang dugo ko sa komento ng lalaking iyon. Who does he think he is? And that girl calling me Latti? Another "ew." Bagay nga sila.

 

 

 

"This is dried fish, Miss. And hot cooked rice. This one is called 'laswa'. It's a soup," the maid explained what's on the table.

 

 

 

Am I really eating this?

 

 

 

"Get me a ham—"

 

 

 

"Pero-uh...But, Miss...your Mom told us na...na you can't have food others...you can't uh..."

 

 

 

Napapikit ako sa natatarantang katulong.

 

 

 

"Nasaan si Mommy?"

 

 

 

Namilog ang mga mata nito ngunit kaagad ring umayos ng mukha.

 

 

 

"Ay..." rinig ko pang bulong niya.

 

"Nasa garden niya siguro, Miss. Gusto niyo po bang tawagin ko?"

 

 

 

"No. Hindi na. Just take this food away and prepare me ham sandwich. I'm not taking any of these. I don't have appetite for these." Kalmado at dire-diretsong sabi ko.

 

 

 

Natigilan siya. Tila muling nataranta kung ano ang gagawin. I rolled my eyes and stood up.

 

 

 

"If you can't do such simple job, I can do it for myself," I smiled sarcastically.

 

 

 

Kinuha ko ang pinggan ng kanin sa mesa at tinungo ang lababo.

 

 

 

"Pero, Miss...sinabi ni—"

 

 

 

"Shut up and move back! I'll handle things later. Hindi ako kakain ng ganito. Okay?" Iritadong sabi ko.

 

 

 

Sinubukan niyang harangan ang daan ko ngunit umatras rin nang agad nakaramdam ng takot.

 

 

 

As I was about to put the plate in the sink, a huge hand suddenly stopped my wrists.

 

 

 

Napaangat ako ng tingin sa kanya. Nagtagpo ang aming mga mata. Naniningkit ang mga mata kong tumingin sa kanyang mga mata; ang kanyang makakapal na kilay ay halos dumikit na sa pagsalubong.

 

 

 

"This is not how maids are treated here," marahan ngunit tila nangsesermon na aniya.
Gamit ang isa pang kamay, kinuha niya ang plato saka tinalikuran ako. Binalik niya iyon sa mesa.

 

 

 

"What do you think you are doing?" Naiinis na tanong ko.

 

 

 

"Eat. A lot of people out there are starving and here you are, wasting—"

 

 

 

"Excuse me?! Mabubusog ba sila o makakakain ba sila kung hindi ko itatapon ang mga 'yan?!"

 

 

 

He crossed his arms on his chest and eyed me intently.

 

 

 

His tight plain white shirt is revealing how fit he is. Plus his skin complexion makes him look sexier...yet, I've met men even hotter than him. I shouldn't be bothered nor amazed.

 

 

 

"I'm trying to tell you to be grateful," he said then pulled the chair I was using lately and gestured me to sit.

 

 

 

I scoffed. I slightly turned my head, avoiding his stares. This man is unbelievable.

 

 

 

"Why don't you just get that food and give it to those who you think needs it?" Pahina ang boses na sabi ko.

 

 

 

Ang sarap magsabunot ng sarili dahil sa sobrang inis. Halos padabog pa akong naglakad patungo sa hapag at umupo sa upuan. He was just observing me while standing beside my chair. I have no choice. I would rather eat these than to let him hear my growling stomach.

 

 

 

"Who do you think you are." Pabulong na sabi ko habang kinukuha ang kutasara at tinidor.

 

 

 

"Good girl. I'll see you at the shore?" Nanunuksong aniya at umayos ng tayo; hinahanda ang sarili para umalis.

 

 

 

"Get fucking lost." I said.

 

 

 

He just chuckled and turned his back to leave.

 

 

 

He just gave me another reason why I shouldn't stay here for long. Bakit ba ang pakialamero nito? Sino ba talaga 'to sa akala niya?

 

 

 

I must tell Mom about this. What a nuisance!

Kabanata 3: Out of Place

 

 

 

"Oh? Kuya?" Bakas sa boses ko ang bahagyang pagkagulat nang magkasalubong kami ni Kuya matapos kong buksan ang pinto ng kwarto ko.

 

 

 

"Are you off to somewhere?" He asked.

 

 

 

He's wearing a gray tee and a black short. Napangisi ako.

 

 

 

"Twinnie!" I exclaimed as I stood beside him to show him our clothes' colors.

 

 

 

Ginulo lamang nito ang buhok ko.

 

 

 

"Come with us. We're staying up late at night. Boatings and bonfires. I'm sure you'd love to explore the sea," anito at umikot upang hawakan ang beywang ko.

 

 

 

Sabay kaming lumabas ng kwarto ko ngunit nauna akong maglakad dala ang aking camera.

 

 

 

"What's up with the cleavage?" Hindi ko inaasahan ang tanong na iyon at hindi ko inaasahang nandito na naman sa living room ang dalawang peste.

 

 

 

"Uh I mean...I think you forgot to wear your bra," she added and casually holds Caio's arm.

 

 

 

"Ngayong naka bra kalang, may sinabi ako?" Taas-kilay na tanong ko.

 

 

 

"Okay. Cool it off. We're having fun tonight, aren't we?" Kuya Nico butts in.

 

 

 

Napa "tsk" ako at napailing-iling. She's creating reasons for me to dislike her.

 

 

 

"Even got tattoos..." Narinig ko pang bulong niya nang dumaan ako sa harapan niya.

 

 

 

Hindi ko na iyon pinansin pa. It's not a big deal.

 

 

 

She's talking about my tattoo on my upper-right chest, ευτυχία. A Greek word that meant "happiness."

 

 

 

That's what my Greek boyfriend told me as he tattooed me a year ago. This is actually just for a dare, but I've been loving this since.

 

 

 

"Is Dad aware of that tattoo?" Mahinang tanong ni Kuya Nico sa akin.

 

 

 

Kumunot ang noo ko. Is he concerned that Daddy might scold me if he finds out? Ofcourse, he doesn't know about this. I'm not really hiding my tattoo from him. It's juts, he have not seen this yet. Or maybe, he has but he doesn't make a big fuss out of it.

 

 

 

"Hindi ko alam. Maybe... It's been a year since I got this," sagot ko.

 

 

 

"Don't you think he'll get mad at you? Having tats at 17?" Muling tanong niya.

 

 

 

My lips protruded. Hindi ko alam ang sagot kaya nagkibit-balikat na lamang ako.

 

 

 

Hindi naman siya nagalit sa mga piercings ko sa tainga. Those are just piercings, why would he get mad? That goes the same for tattoos, I guess.

 

 

 

As we went out of our wrought iron gate, village houses in a closer look for the second time gave a strange feeling of amazement. People were busy with their different businesses.

 

 

 

There's a group of middle-aged women or in their 30s who were happily talking about something. They were all sitting in a hut where there are no walls.

 

 

 

At the shore not far from us were children running and some are swimming at the sea. Makikita rin sa karagatan ang mga bangkang pumapalaot, mga taong tumatambay lang sa tabi ng dagat at nagmamasid sa paligid, mayroong naglalaba sa isang parte kung saan may waterpump.

 

 

 

Outside our house is a wide view of the people's lives here. Kahit maliit na parte lang ito ng barangay, still I could picture and tell how's the life here. Payak ang pamumuhay nila.

 

 

 

"Hindi ka maliligo?" Tanong sa akin ni Kiya Nico.

 

 

 

I just fully realized that we're now here in a hut. There are quite a lot of wall-less huts near the shore. I assume these huts are where people spend their free time the most.

 

 

 

"Depende. Maliligo ba kayo?" Tanong ko pabalik kay Kuya.

 

 

 

His friends are now in a group talking to a fisherman who seems to be conditioning his pumpboat. Napatingin sa direksyon ko si Caio. Binalik ko ag tingin kay Kuya.

 

 

 

"Do you feel at ease?"

 

 

 

Kumunot ang noo ko sa tanong niya.

 

 

 

"Why such question?"

 

 

 

He leaned closer to me and whispered.

 

 

 

"Pinagtitinginan ka ng mga tao, Lath."

 

 

 

My brows arched on their own upon hearing him. Nang hindi masyadong nagpapahalata, nilibot kong muli ang tingin sa paligid. My eyes really met many pair of eyes. Indeed, they were observing me.

 

 

 

I shrugged.

 

 

 

"Why won't I? I'm pretty much used to attention," nakangising sabi ko.

 

 

 

Nagkibit-balikat si Kuya Nico.

 

 

 

"Sigurado ka ha? Tell me if you don't feel comfortable."

 

 

 

Tumango ako sa kanya sabay ngiti. I'm honestly not feeling any uneasiness. I'm completely fine. Wala akon nakikitang dahilan para kabahan o kung ano man. He just probability thinks I'm not used to this kind of attention. Or maybe he thinks I'll be culture shocked.

 

 

 

"The boat is ready, Nic. Pero sabi ni Tito Mario, he can only carry 4 if we want to go in the middle." Caio came walking towards us and began to speak as he reaches nearby.

 

 

 

Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapatingin sa kanya.

 

 

 

"Then, shall we get another boat?"

 

 

 

"Two more. We need three."

 

 

 

"Hindi ba pwedeng lima yung dalhin ng isa?"

 

 

 

Nagtaas ako ng kilay nang tumingin sa akin si Cai habang nag-uusap sila ni Kuya.

 

 

 

"Has she puts sunscreen?" He asked.

 

 

 

Lumingon si Kuya Nico sa akin.

 

 

 

"Do I need to? The sun is setting," sabi ko kay Kuya.

 

 

 

"But atleast you should. We're going in the middle of the sea," Cai answered so I turned to him.

 

 

 

"Don't worry. I have." Sabi ko nalang.

 

 

 

Pero, naglagay naman talaga ako ng sunscreen matapos maligo kanina.

 

 

 

"Okay."

 

 

 

Then, they went back to where they stopped. I rolled my eyes. Naglakad nalang ako patungo sa upuang kahoy sa bandang gilid ng kamalig at naupo. I positioned my camera infront of my face and gets it ready to take a few pictures.

 

 

 

Closing one eye, I focused the camera on Nico and Cai who's talking. I don't care about what angles I'm getting. I just wanted to take pictures.

 

 

 

Nang makuhanan ko si Caio na nakatingin sa camera habang kausap pa rin si Kuya, iniwas ko iyon. Instead, I captured the sky-blue ocean that reflects the sky.

 

 

 

A much better view.

 

 

 

"Akala niya gwapo siya para kuhaan ko, huh?" Bulong ko sa sarili habang patuloy sa pagkuha ng kung ano-anong pwedeng kuhaan.

 

 

 

I zoomed the camera to a huge tree on top of a mountain range. Napakalayo na no'n dito pero ang ganda pa rin ng view.

 

 

 

"Wow. A pretty huge tree..." I exclaimed and clicked the shutter.

 

 

 

"That's a century tree over there," someone with a familiar voice said.

 

 

 

"Oh really? That's amazing..." I said and put down the camera.

 

 

 

Hindi na ako nagulat pa kung sino ang nasa harap ko. Caio. He's looking at the tree when I looked at him. Lumingon din ito kaagad sa akin.

 

 

 

"The boats are now ready," he smiled.

 

 

 

I tilted my head and scanned his face.

 

 

 

Why do I feel like he's trying to pull a kind, gentleman, and soft-boy vibe when his facial features say otherwise? Or it's just his features doesn't reflect his attitude?

 

 

 

"Hm? So, we're going?" Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakaupo.

 

 

 

"Hindi kaya mababasa 'tong camera ko?"

 

 

 

"If you'll take good care of that..." he answered but paused for a moment.

 

 

 

"Why would you ask? It's a waterproof one."

 

 

 

Sarkastiko akong napangiti.

 

 

 

I know. Nagloloko lang naman ako nag kaunti. See? He's not very kind at all. He's annoying and seems to be someone who has a bad sense of humor or doesn't have humor at all.

 

 

 

"Sino kasama natin sa bangka? I mean, ko?"

 

 

 

"Ako."

 

 

 

"At?"

 

 

 

Nagsimula na kaming maglakad patungo sa kanila ni Kuya.

 

 

 

"Ako lang."

 

 

 

I suddenly stopped walking after hearing his reply.

 

 

 

Napalingon ako sa kanya, salubong ang kilay.

 

 

 

"Huh? I heard the boat could carry 4 excluding the fisherman?" I asked, confused.

 

 

 

"The other two boats are smaller. It cannot carry 4," simpleng sagot niya.

 

 

 

"Then, wouldn't it be good if your girlfriend goes with you and I'll go with the other group? Or maybe Kuya and I will go together?" Nagtataka pa ring tanong ko.

 

 

 

Why does it have to be me and him?

 

 

 

"She's not my girlfriend, Latti."

 

 

 

"Nah, whatever. I'm trying to say here is—"

 

 

 

"Susunod ba kayo o hindi?" Nicolai's shout echoed from the sea.

 

 

 

Sabay kaming napalingon ni Caio sa kanya.

 

 

 

My eyes widened to see them sailing already. The fisherman in the boat near them is pulling something and the motor was heard. Nauna na ang isang grupo. Apat sila ang naroon na walang kasamang mangingisda. Habang tatlo rin sina Kuya. Kasama niya ang dalawang babae kabilang ang babae niya.

 

 

 

"What the fuck, Nicolai?!" Bulalas ko at tumakbo patungo sa dalampasigan.

 

 

 

Nicolai only laughed at me, and the motor started. I gritted my teeth in annoyance.

 

 

 

"Let's go, Lath. Do you have a choice?"

 

 

 

"Yes, asshole! I could choose not to join anymore," naiinis na sagot ko ngunit naglakad rin patungo sa bangkang gagamitin namin.

 

 

 

Caio followed me as he laughs. He held my hand and helped me riding the boat. Then, his hand transferred to my bare waists as I stand on the boat and try to settle myself.

 

 

 

Halos mapaigtad ako sa kakaibang kiliting naramdaman. Gosh, this stupid skin of mine. Why is it even reacting that way?

 

 

 

"You good?" Caio asked.

 

 

 

"I guess?"

 

 

 

Sumakay na rin si Caio.

 

 

 

"We're ready to go na, Manong," nakangiting sabi ko sa mangingisda.

 

 

 

"Sige, Ma'am. Ingat kayo."

 

 

 

My brows knitted. Lalong nagtaka ako nang umalis siya at tinulak ang bangka upang makalaot na nang maayos.

 

 

 

"Wait, sino magdadala ng bangka, Manong?"

 

 

 

"Si Sir Zach, Ma'am. Marunong ho 'yan." Sabi nito at tumango pa.

 

 

 

"Zach?" Tanong ko sabay lingon kay Caio na may hinihila na nagyong lubid.

 

 

 

The motor started loudly.

 

 

 

"Zachario short for Caio, Miss." He said againts the loud noice of the motor.

 

 

 

I gritted my teeth and immediately reached him to punch his chest.

 

 

 

"What?" Natatawang tanong nito.

 

 

 

"Gago ka! Di mo sinabing tayong dalawa lang!" Malakas na sigaw ko dahil baka hindi niya marinig sa ingay ng bangka.

 

 

 

I was not sitting properly so I suddenly lost my balance when the boat speeds up.

 

 

 

Bigla akong napaupo sa hita niya.

 

 

 

Sinubukan kong tumayo kaagad ngunit hinila niya akon pabalik gamit ang isang kamay. Habang ang isa niyang kamay ay nakahawak sa maliit na kawayan na sa tingin ko ay kumo-control sa takbo ng bangka.

 

 

 

"Stay still o mahuhulog ka," he said calmly.

 

 

 

Tinulungan niya akong makaupo nang maayos sa tabi niya.

 

 

 

"Hindi niyo man lang sinabi ni Kuya sa akin ang plano niyo. You're being inconsiderate, do you know that?!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

 

 

 

"I'm sorry. The other girls are being impatient," sabi nito, nakatingin sa harapan.

 

 

 

I eyed at him intently. Naniningkit ang mga mata ko sa inis sa kanya.

 

 

 

He turned to me and shot a brow. His stares then dropped to my chest. My heart raced suddenly, and I felt my cheeks burning not because of the sunlight.

 

 

 

Before a short clicking sound of his tongue, he swiftly took off his shirt and threw it to my face.

 

 

 

"What the fuck—"

 

 

 

"Cover your chest, it's not good to expose it under the sun," anito.

 

 

 

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.

 

 

 

Should I wear this? Or should I just use this as a towel?

 

 

 

I didn't bother asking him. Sinuot ko na lamang iyon.

 

 

 

The smell of his perfume didn't escape my nostrils. It smells outrageously expensive and sexy. I bit my lower lip as I enjoyed the smell of his shirt.

 

 

 

Damn. He smells nice. I wonder how it would feel if I smelled his skin.

 

 

 

Fvck this. I'm losing my senses now.

 

 

 

"You're supposed to be enjoying the view, not my shirt." Tila bumalik ako sa katinuan ko nang marinig ko siya.

 

 

 

"Excuse me? I am not enjoying your shirt. I could even tell that you have a bad taste of perfume," pagsisinungaling ko.

 

 

 

My eyes dropped to his abdomen.

 

 

 

Oh sh!t. Halos maglaway ako nang makita ko ang matigas niyang dibdib at abs. Napalunok ako at kaagad umiwas ng tingin.

 

 

 

Saying that I'm not attracted to abs is a big lie. Alam kong iyon ang una kong magugustuhan sa isang lalaki kahit noon pa ako sa States. Who wouldn't like fit men?

 

 

 

"I wonder, between us, who are you fooling?" He smirked.

 

 

 

Kaya lang...ginagalit naman ako ng lalalking 'to.

 

 

 

Iniwas ko ang tingin sa nakaaasar niyang mukha. Tumingin ako sa tabing-dagat na malayo na mula dito sa amin sa gitna ng dagat.

 

 

 

Screw this. I just realized it's scary to think that we're on the middle of the sea, and many feet above the seafloor. But the view of the village is worth it. Plus the mountain ranges on the west is mesmerizing.

 

 

 

Here, I could have a closer look with the mountains. From the shorelines, it seems like the mountains are kissing the sea. But the view here is different. It looks like a well-created masterpiece placed in a huge canvas infront of us when we look to the west.

 

 

 

Kinuha ko ang camera kong nakasabit lang sa leeg ko. I decided to take pictures of the view.

 

 

 

As I begin taking photos, a muscular arm snaked on my waists and hold me tightly.

 

 

 

I didn't protest. Alam ko naman na alam niya kung ano ang ginagawa niya. He'll be responsible for whatever may happen to me. There's a chance that I'd lose my balance if he won't do it.

 

 

 

"You're such a great bodyguard. Magkano ba sweldo mo kay Dad?" I asked as I continue taking photos. May halong sarkasmo pa ang unang pangungusap na sinabi ko.

 

 

 

"Just a lifetime of happiness," he answered jokingly. Or is he really joking?

 

 

 

"Gold bars?" I asked again.

 

 

 

Wow. Where will we get those gold bars?

 

 

 

"Much expensive than that."

 

 

 

Pinagloloko yata ako nito eh.

 

 

 

"Wala katalagang kwenta kausap," naiinis na sabi ko.

 

 

 

"What? I was telling the truth."

 

 

 

A sound of a near motor came from behind us. It accelerated so it went ahead of us.

 

 

 

"Enjoying, man?!" A guy shouted while laughing with another guy. Siya yata ang nagdadala ng bangka nila.

 

 

 

Habang ang mukha naman ni Emy ay halos hindi mabati. Masakit ang tingin niya sa akin. Gano'n din ang babaeng katabi niya.

 

 

 

I understand. Who wouldn't be mad seeing your boyfriend with another girl. Not to mention, the girl is far more beautiful than you.

 

 

 

Hindi ko naman pakana 'to. Bakit ako ang aawayin niya?

 

 

 

"What's their names?" Tanong ko kay Caio.

 

 

 

Kinuhaan ko rin sila ng litrato kahit na papalayo na ang bangka nila sa amin.

 

 

 

"The one shouted was Valdemar. Rocco is who's sitting with Emerald. Next to Emy is Anabelle," sagot nito.

 

 

 

He then pushed the bamboo he was holding, and we started speeding up in the much middle of the sea.

 

 

 

My eyes widened as butterflies on my stomach went wild. Napahawak ako sa gilid ng bangka.

 

 

 

Napansin siguro ni Cai ang biglang pagtaranta ko kaya mas hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa beywang ko.

 

 

 

I bit my lip.

 

 

 

"It's alright. We're very safe," he assured me. Tumango ako at sinubukang pakalmahin ang sarili at ayusin ang paghinga.

 

 

 

As our boat slowly sails, we heard a series of blats, chirps, then clicks. Kaagad kong hinanap ang pinanggalingan ng tunog.

 

 

 

"Over there, Lath," Cai said as he gently pushed my shoulder to the south.

 

 

 

I gasped and almost stood up in astonishment as I see the dolphins swimming and surfacing out of the water.

 

 

 

"Oh my God! I must take pictures," nagmamadaling sabi ko at dali-daling kinuhaan iyon ng litrato.

 

 

 

My heart races as I kept watching them swimming away. It made my heart flutters seeing such moment.

 

 

 

"Hindi ka ba nagb-boating sa America?" Cai asked as soon as I calmed down.

 

 

 

Lumiko ang bangka at ngayon ay patungo naman sa silangan.

 

 

 

"I don't usually go to beaches. Honestly, it's not my thing—"

 

 

 

"Cause you like clubs, don't you?"

 

 

 

Hindi ako sumagot.

 

 

 

The crystal-clear water approaching us caught my attention. It seems to be shallower in that area. Hinanda ko na lamang ang sarili at camera.

 

 

 

The three boats stopped right in the middle, not too near each other. Inabala ko ang sarili sa pagkukuha ng mga pictures. There's a river that meets the sea here. Instead of dealing with Emerald's deadly stares from the other boat, I chose to enjoy the view.

 

 

 

Kita ko rin ang simpleng pag-uusap ng dalawang babaeng kasama ni Kuya sa isang bangka habang ang tingin ay nasa akin rin.

 

 

 

Tumalon sa tubig sina Kuya kasama sina Valdemar at Rocco matapos nilang patayin ang motor.

 

 

 

"Please, don't tell me you're going down too?" Lumingon ako kay Cai. I don't want him to leave me here.

 

 

 

It might be shallow but it's still many feet surpassing my height. What if there are sharks here?

 

 

 

"I'll stay," aniya at tuluyan nang pinatay ang motor.

 

 

 

I made a glance towards the four girls. Nagkakatinginan na sila, tila may pinagkakasunduan.

 

 

 

I licked my lips. They seemed to dislike me. Or much more than the feeling of dislike.