Episode 21

Vladimir

"Cheers para sa kaharutan ni Hyacinth na laging in-denial!"

Sangre raised her glass, full of alcohol, while shouting like a mad woman. I told them of Valentine's words last Saturday, when we went to his archery training center. I still can't believe anything that's happening today.

"Mabuhay mga marurupok!" Portia shouted the reason why I shushed her because the neighbors might be asleep now. "May pang-umaga riyan! Tumahimik ka, Portia!" I told her before smacking her shoulders.

We're currently on my condo in Darling Heights. Kumpleto kami ngayon at nag-iinuman na naman. Lagi kasi silang nag-aaya na uminom tapos nang malaman nilang may sarili na akong condo, ito naman ang pinatos nila.

"Sis! I still can't believe it! Imagine, thesis partner mo lang dati, manliligaw mo na ngayon! How to be you po!" Shreya shrieked before drinking her glass of wine.

Mukhang mas masaya pa sila no'ng sinabi ko sa kanila na nililigawan na ako ni Val. Muntik nang mabasag lahat ng salamin sa condo ko dahil sa lakas ng tilian ni Shreya, Sangre at Portia. Isama pa ang malakas na pang-aasar ni Sky.

"Hya... dalaga ka na... come to Tita," pang-aasar ni Sky na parang pinupunasan pa ang luha sa mata niya.

I rolled my eyes because of their over-reactions. I understand that they may be happy for me but we're not yet together! Hindi ba pwedeng magpakipot muna?

"Ikaw, bruha ka. Kung iniisip mo na patatagalin mo pa 'yan, sisipain na talaga kita. Ang tagal mo nang nagpabebe, sis! Mahiya ka naman!" Akmang hahampasin ulit ako ni Sangre ng bote ng beer kaya napailag ako.

I just sighed heavily. Of course, I have no plans to just leave Valentine hanging. Hinalikan ko na nga siya no'ng nakaraan e'. Kulang na lang ay sabihin ko rin sa kanyang gusto ko siya. I'm just finding the right moment to tell him everything.

"Take your time. Love can wait. Hindi 'yan hinahabol kasi kusa 'yang darating sa tamang panahon," sabi ni Luna habang may maliit na ngiti.

"Aww, Luna. I really love you. Ikaw lang talaga ang nang-iintindi sa'kin." Niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit at nagulat na lang ako nang may tumamang can ng beer sa ulo ko.

"Ah! Ano ba, Sky!"

"Sisiraan kita kay Val. Si Luna lang pala kaibigan mo, a'." Tinawanan ko lang siya.

Nagpatuloy ang gabi at nag-inuman lang kami at nagkwentuhan. We laughed until it's 3 AM and they had no choice but to squeeze in my condo unit.

We've also talked about the trip we'll be having during Halloween breaks. I told them that I cleared my schedule for the week so we can enjoy our vacation. Isama ko raw ang manliligaw ko at sagutin na rin daw.

"I've booked a glamping site somewhere between Baler and Aurora. Maybe we'll just have some stop-overs on certain tourist spots on Baler and spend our night near the beach on Aurora. Ah! I'm excited!" Shreya mumbled.

Umuwi sila nang mga 5 A.M dahil pare-parehas naman kaming marami pang kailangan tapusin. Si Sangre at Portia nga ay hindi pa nagpaalam sa magulang nila samantalang ang mga Quillito naman ay pinapayagan lang ng mga magulang nilang mag-gala. Si Luna lang talaga ang matino.

I gathered my things the next day because we still had classes. Our thesis defense ended, but it's still not the end of the school year. And by the way, that's just our thesis in Bio Chem and every subject requires one.

I just got out from UP Diliman when my phone beeped from continuous messages from my friends. Their messages are a mess because some of them still had headaches or were scolded by their parents.

Sky: sakit ng ulo ko. Awts gege.

Portia: sanaol may uLo0OooO

Sangre: wala kayo sa'kin. 5 A.M na dumating tapos may dalang pandesal. Sabi ko kay Mama, bumili lang ng agahan HAHAHAHA.

Hya: Mga baliw talaga kayo, ano maayos naman kayong nakauwi?

Shreya: wews concerned

Sky: wews concerned (1)

Portia: 'Pag may nangamusta talaga sa'king ganyan na lalaki, mag-jo-jogging ako sa dagat.

I fixed my phone inside my bag so it won't be snatched later on. Mahirap na dahil mag-j-jeep lang naman ako. I didn't bring my car anymore, to go to school, ever since I lived in Darling Heights. I mostly ride two transportations to go there. One TOKI towards the main entrance and another to go to my condo.

The scent inside my condo was so bad because of the spilled cans of beer and smell of my drunkard friends. Nauna na kasi akong umalis kanina dahil nagmamadali na 'ko at ang mga bruha ay hindi man lang nagligpit. Mga walang kwenta.

I tied my hair into a high ponytail and changed my clothes. I'm so stressed after going to school, and this is the environment that confronts me. Alam naman nilang ayaw ko sa makalat dahil hindi ako nakakapag-aral nang maayos nu'n eh!

Good thing that I have a vacuum cleaner in my unit and some cleaning materials. I guess the last owner or the Miller's, were also neat persons. Mga kaibigan ko lang naman mga balahubas eh.

I finished cleaning for more than an hour kasi sinama ko pa ang mga guest rooms na ginamit ng mga kaibigan ko at ang mga bathrooms na may suka. It's a disaster! If someone peeped inside my unit to steal something, he would immediately go away because of dirt.

I was sweaty and smelly after cleaning my whole unit! Para akong nag-work-out sa pawis at lagkit ng katawan ko. Even though I'm tired, nothing beats studying or doing your work, with a clean environment. It refreshes my soul.

Ni-videohan ko ang buong sala ko na malinis na, to post it on my IG story. I felt like I've earned a great achievement while witnessing how clean my condo became after so much hard work.

'Para akong nag-work-out. Send coffee and donuts for clear skin'

After I captioned my post, I went to the bathroom to meditate while cleaning myself in the bathtub. Oh, how the cozy warm waters from the faucets and the aroma of sweet roses, can cleanse my soul.

While inside the tub, I can't help but think about my life. My parents, friends, family and Valentine. Why is Valentine included? I don't really know. Basta simula lang nang maging thesis partner ko siya, parang nasira na lahat ng prinisipyo ko.

Inisip ko rin ang sinabi nila Tita last time na may lead na raw sila kung sino ang mga hayop at walang puso na pumatay sa magulang ko. They won't tell it to me until it's confirmed, they said.

I have built high walls to cage myself for the past 5 years. I always shut my suitors out and no one can enter my life except my friends and family. Valentine... he was the only one who can barge in.

Not to mention that I despise his name too much. It made me sad again that why does he have to be named that way? Almost everyone I know, knew that I hate anything related to Valentine's Day. So why the hell is my thesis partner slash suitor slash soon-to-be-boyfriend, is named Valentine Cyrus De Dios?!

I dipped for I think 2 hours or so because I got asleep while taking a bath. My sleep was so comforting that I have no plans to go up, not until I heard continuous door bells outside my unit!

"Argh! Nasira pa 'yung tulog ko! Lagi nalang!"

I wrapped myself with a towel since I haven't bought a new robe for my condo. I left my essentials in the mansion since I'm still not done with packing. Hinayaan ko nalang ang medyo basa ko pang buhok na tumulo dahil kanina pa paulit-ulit na may nag-ri-ring ng doorbell ko!

"Sandali! Sira na 'yan! Leche!"

Without even looking at the little hole on my door, I opened it with full adrenaline rush but my jaw dropped at the man in front of me.

Valentine was carrying doughnuts and coffee while on his phone like he's about to call someone. His brows were furrowed and concern was etched in his brown orbs. Nakakagat labi pa siya, while continuously tapping his shoes. Nagtama ang tingin naming dalawa na parehas pang gulat sa pangyayari. Bubulyawan na sana niya ako when he noticed my unusual attire for today.

"V-val... Bakit ka n-nandito?" I asked while still shivering from cold because I'm only wearing a towel.

A towel! Oh my god!

I ran off quickly to my bedroom and locked myself in my walk-in closet because of shame. I caught my breath and my heart beat too fast like it's about to explode. Ano na naman bang kahihiyan ang ginagawa mo, Hyacinth? Labas nang naka-towel pa more!

I quickly wore my undergarments and some comfy clothes so that Val won't wait anymore. Wait! Hindi ko man lang pala siya inimbitahan papasok sa unit ko! Baka hanggang ngayon naghihintay pa rin siya sa labas!

I was brushing my hair with a comb continuously while rushing to go to the doorway. But when I got there, the door was already locked, and no trace of Valentine was seen. Was I just hallucinating that I saw him earlier?

"Just what the hell took you so long, that you can't open the door, Elara?"

I almost jumped in shock when I heard Valentine's deep voice behind me. I carefully faced him with a shy smile. I raised my fingers for a peace sign while he just sighed, habang nakahalukipkip pa rin ng mariin ang mga braso.

Iginiya ko siya sa sala at dapat na gagawan na ng juice nang hilahin niya ang braso ko para mapaupo sa tabi niya. "Explain," tugon niya habang nakatingin pa rin sa'kin. I gulped hardly as I was staring at his brown orbs that's full of seriousness.

"Uhm... I just got out from the bathtub. And oh! By the way, why are you here with the donuts and beverages?" Tinuro ko agad 'yung mga pagkain sa lamesa para maiba ang usapan. Ayoko na kasing ipaalala niya pa 'yung pagkapahiya ko kanina nung naka-tuwalya lang ako.

He just sighed heavily like he was disappointed that I smoothly averted the topic. "You captioned, 'send donuts and coffee for clear skin'." He even air-quoted it and I can't help but laugh because he was too cute and adorable. Sagutin kita riyan eh!

Hindi naman na siya nagtagal pa dahil gusto niya lang talaga 'yun ibigay sa'kin. He said that he has an archery training today and he'll just text me when he's home. Besides, we're on the same towers anyways.

I waved at him for goodbye but stopped when he advanced and kissed my forehead. I was too shocked when he patted my head with my still damp hair! My heart was beating fast because of his sudden move!

"Be good. Mamahalin pa kita," that's what he last said before he left me, with my jaw dropped. What the hell, Valentine?! You're really unbelievable. You never fail to surprise me with your actions!

Hindi ko na namalayan na pagkapasok ko ulit ng k'warto ko ay nakatulog ulit ako sa pag-iisip kay Valentine. Maybe I'm just too tired because even after my sleep inside the bathroom, I even have the urge to sleep more. The next thing I knew, everything was hazy and I dreamt of a little boy named Cyrus and Valentine.

"Wow! Magkaklase pala tayo, Val!"

I raised my fist for fist bump but he didn't budge. He just stared at me like I'm a weird creature that wants to interact with him. I rolled my eyes.

Simula nang magkasama kami ni Valentine sa pag-e-enroll, hindi na niya ako iniiwasan. I don't know his reason but I find him easy-going even if he's most of the time serious and strict. Minsan nagtataka ako kasi kahit teenagers palang kami, parang ang dami na niyang pinoproblema sa mundo.

Sabay kaming pumasok sa high school namin. Wala pa nga akong masyadong kilala dito dahil bago palang kami. Buti nalang minsan ay dumadating din dito ang magkakambal na Quillito. Nami-miss ko tuloy sila.

I was assigned to sit on the back because of my surname 'Villaflor' while Valentine was on the front because he's a 'De Dios'. Hindi ko naman mapigilang kiligin dahil iniisip ko na 'pag pinakasalan ako ni Cyrus in the future, magiging De Dios din ako.

The class continued quietly and I payed to it attentively. Sometimes, I would glance at Valentine's position but he was also busy writing his notes and I can't help but be fascinated at how he resembled so much like his older brother Cyrus.

Valentine and I ate together at lunch in the cafeteria since we don't know anyone from the class yet.

Sinundo kami ng sasakyan ng mga De Dios dahil as usual sa kanila muna ako tutuloy at susunduin nalang ako nila Mommy mamayang gabi. Para na nga nila akong pinapamigay eh.

"Jash! What the hell is happening to our stocks! Our company's slowly crashing! This is all your fault!"

We were confronted by exchanging of loud shouts by the parents De Dios. I don't know what is their problem nowadays but I guess I don't have to pay attention to it anymore. It's not our business anyways.

Nang marinig ni Val ang sigawan na naman ng magulang niya, he didn't think twice but to walk out at the mansion. He marched fast towards the double doors at dahil nataranta ako ay sinundan ko siya.

"Val!" I called him but he didn't turn his face towards my direction. Instead, he walked faster and headed to the back of the mansion where the garden is placed. Sino ba namang hindi madi-disappoint at magagalit kung araw-araw nalang mag-aaway ang magulang mo diba?

"Huy! Val!" I cursed myself for having shorter legs than his. He's just so tall and so is Cyrus that's why I can't help but be mad at their height. Hindi naman ako maliit, sadyang sobrang tatangkad lang nila.

He continued finding his way towards the garden when he stopped at one round bush and got something in it. "A-anong-" I couldn't continue what I was about to say when he got a large wooden bow underneath the plants! What the hell!

"Val! Sandali! Bata pa 'ko! Marami pa 'kong pangarap sa buhay! 'Wag!" I shouted with over exaggeration because I was scared that he may suddenly fire an arrow to me. He just chuckled before pointing the arrow at one target.

Sa tagal nang stay ko sa mansyon nila, ngayon ko lang napansin na meron palang target pang-archery du'n! I watched how he skillfully fired the arrows towards the red ten-point mark and boom! He got it! A small smirk played in his lips.

"Ang astig mo naman maglabas ng galit sa magulang mo, Val! Ako nga tamang rant lang sa social medias eh!" I said, full of amazement and adoration. Gusto ko ring matutunan mag-ganyan!

"Alam mo para kang kupido. Kasi diba, Valentine pangalan mo tapos ayun! Dapat pala nickname mo Cupid!" Sabi ko sabay palakpak pa sa naisip kong ideya.

"And what? You're Psyche? Because you're a psycho?" he smirked while saying that. I can't help but be confused. Hindi ba magka-love team si Cupid at Psyche? Hala! Does he even know that the one I liked is his brother?!

"Ha? Feeler ka pala Val! Hindi naman ikaw crush ko eh! Hala haha!" I held my tummy because it got hurt from too much laughter at what he just said. Akala niya ba talaga ay gusto ko siya? Eh halos nung nakaraan pa nga lang kami nakakapag-usap eh!

"Who's your crush then?"

"Si Cyrus malamang! 'Yung kapatid mo kasi! Stupid cupid!" I continued laughing but no humor was seen in Valentine's face. He remained serious while staring at me before avoiding his gaze.

"Vladimir? Kuya Vlad?" he confirmed that's why I nodded repeatedly while still laughing.

"Ang astig nga eh kasi ikaw pang kupido 'yung pangalan tapos siya naman pang-bampira. Magkapatid talaga kayo! Parehas weird!" I said, my stomach hurting now. Nangangalay na rin ang panga ko sa kakatawa pero nagulat nalang ako nang itago niya ulit 'yung pana niya bago umalis.

"Magsama kayo, then." That's what he last said before walking out from the scene and the next thing I knew, I was catching my breath from a dream again from the past. My heart throbbed rapidly that's why I held it on the left part of my chest.

Vladimir? Vladimir Cyrus were Valentine Cyrus' brother? Sino at nasa'n siya ngayon?

Before I could even think of anything, my phone beeped for a call and when I saw that is was Rylie, I immediately answered it. Pero agad ko iyong nabagsak dahil sa susunod niyang sinabi.

[Ate Hya, si Daddy! Sinugod sa hospital!]

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#ACM21

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