#BWB38

"Eto na pala yung binili niyong damit sa'kin," sabi ko sa mga katrabaho sabay bigay ng plastic na naglalaman ng damit 

Lumiwanag ang mukha nila sa tuwa. "Thank you Victoria," sabi nila matapos tanggapin. Inabot nila sa'kin ang bayad. Pinasok ko na iyon sa bag ko.

Tipid akong ngumiti. "Thank you rin and you're welcome."

I watch them as they took out the clothes from the plastic. Tinignan nila iyon isa isa. "Ang ganda nito. Sure ka na hindi mo 'to nasuot?"

Umiling ako. "Hindi. Noon ko pa 'yan binili. Hindi ko na nasuot kasi kinaliitan ko na, kaya naisipan ko nalang ibenta. Sayang e. Branded pa naman."

They nodded in agreement. "Oo nga. Tignan mo oh, may etiketa pa."

While they were busy checking the clothes, I sat on the mini couch and took out my phone. Nakatambay kami sa make-up room habang free time namin.

"Bakit wala ka pang jowa Victoria?" tanong sa'kin ni Sydney

Nagulat ako sa biglaang tanong ni Sydney.

"Hindi ako naghahanap ng jowa," tipid kong sagot 

"Gano'n? E baka tumanda kang single nyan," hirit ni Anna

"Ayos lang."

I was scrolling through my phone and someone slide through my DM's. I opened it and I was surprised to see a familiar face. Kumunot ang noo ko. Napansin iyon ng mga katrabaho ko kaya tumabi silang dalawa sa'kin.

"Sino 'yan?" tanong ni Syd

Agad kong pinatay ang phone ko. "No one."

"May nanliligaw sa'yo 'no?" usisa ni Anna

"Wala. Hindi ko yun kilala."

"Sayang girl. Baka tumanda kang dalaga niyan sa sobrang taas ng standards mo. Ano bang hinahanap mo sa isang lalaki? Gusto mo reto kita?" si Anna

Tumingin ako sa kanya. "Bakit ba kayo interisado sa love life ko?" inis kong sabi

Hindi sila sumagot. Tumayo na ako at lumabas na ng make-up room. 

I checked my phone again. The guy who slid in my DM's is Andrew, one of the actors that Ross has worked with. I didn't bother to read nor seen his message 'cause I'm not interested anyway. There's a lot of random guys in my message request. Some are flirting and asking for my number. Wala akong ni isang nireplyan sa kanila.

After work, I'm on my way home when out of the blue, I thought of something crazy to do. I've always been wanting to get a tattoo but I didn't have the time. It took me a long time to make the final decision but in the end, I went for it.

"Anong design miss?" the tattoo artist asked me

"Gusto ko sana kuya pangalan."

"Sige po. Ano pong pangalan?"

"Aurora," I replied

Tumango siya. "Saan ko po ilalagay?"

"Dito po," sabi ko sabay turo sa braso ko

Ilang sandali ay nagsimula na rin siya sa pagtattoo. He first cleaned the part of my arm where he'll make the tattoo. He then outlined and draw the letters of my daughter's name.

"First time niyo po ba ma'am?" 

I swallowed hard and nodded.

I admit, I feel so nervous and scared at the same time. I don't know if I can bare the pain but I guess I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I just hope it won't hurt too much than I expected it to be.

I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. Looking at the needle already made me weak on the inside. I think I'm going to pass out. 

"Magsisimula na po ako," sabi ni Kuya

"Okay..I'm ready."

He held my arm and began to push the needle. It stings at first but when the needle got faster and dug deeper in my skin, that's when it started to hurt the most. I winced in pain while watching him do the work. I saw how my skin turned red because of the blood. He wiped it as he continues. Seryoso lang siya habang ginagawa iyon habang ako ay halos hindi makatingin. It was painful at first but as time goes by, I slowly can endure the pain.

I literally have birth. I'm not scared of a fucking needle.

I want to look but at the same time I can't because I was too scared of my own blood but then again I want to know how tattoos work. I'm curious how the tattoo artist make tattoos. I think tattoos for me are beautiful. I think it's art. It's not just dirt on our skin. I've always wanted to get one since I was eighteen, but my parents forbid me to do so. Now that I'm an adult, I can do whatever I want now.

An hour has passed and he's finally finished with his work.

"Tapos na ma'am," wika niya

I looked at the final product and I was surprised how it turned out well. "Woah. This looks cool."

Aurora's name written in cursive letters on the side of my arm. It's not that big nor small either. It's the perfect size where I can clearly see the name. If I wore a t-shirt, it wouldn't be obvious.

I smiled at him. "Thank you po."

"Salamat din po."

Hindi maalis ang ngiti sa labi ko habang nakatingin sa tattoo ko. My skin still burns. Mamula mula rin iyon. I touched it lightly and it still hurts a little. I'm happy with the results. It was worth it. Thank God, kinaya ko yung sakit. I guess I'm numb with all the pain.

Nasa loob na ako ng taxi pauwi nang biglang nagring ang phone ko sa bag. I took it out and saw that Patrick was calling me.

"Hello Patrick? Bakit ka napatawag?"

"Victoria! Long time no talk. Kamusta?" he cheerfully said on the other line

I looked outside the window. It was sunny but the rain is pouring. "I'm doing good. Pauwi na ko galing trabaho."

"Ahh mabuti. May gagawin ka ba bukas? Are you busy?"

"I'm a single mom taking care of my five year old daughter and working full time as a make-up artist  so yeah, I guess I'm pretty busy. Why?" I joked

"Baka gusto mo ng extra income. Maliit lang 'di ba sweldo mo?"

"Marami na kong pinasok na trabaho Patrick."

"Oo pero hindi mo naman gusto. Perhaps you want to go back to modeling hmm?" he chuckled

I raised my brow in interest. "Ano nanamang trabaho ang gusto mo kong papasukin? Ang dami mo talagang connections."

"Gusto ko lang makabawi sa'yo girl. Trust me, legit itong offer ko."

I sighed. "What is it?"

"Kilala mo ba yung sikat na actor na si Andrew Velasco?"

My brows furrowed. "Yeah, why?" I asked curiously

"May Youtube channel din kasi siya and he's interested for a collaboration with you for a brand."

I scoffed. "What? Me? Really? Does he know me?"

"He wouldn't offer you that deal if he doesn't know you."

"I'm sure that's a scam," I said, a bit annoyed

"It's not Tori. He's really interested in working with you."

I smiled sarcastically. "You know what's funny? He tried to reach out to me first before he reached out to you."

"What do you mean?"

"He sent me a message on my social media accounts but I didn't read it."

"Oh, but why didn't you? Paano mo nga ba siya nakilala?"

"Through a friend," I answered referring to Ross

"Ayaw mo or pag-iisipan mo pa?"

I bit my lips. "I miss modeling Patrick. I really do, but there are things I must prioritize. Don't worry. Ako na kakausap sa kanya."

"Alright. I understand. Kung magbago isip mo, tawagan mo nalang ako."

"Thank you," paalam ko at binaba na ang tawag

As soon as I got home, I sent a personal email to Andrew Velasco. I didn't wait for his reply and I decided to get some rest since pagod ako galing trabaho. Kinabukasan ay nagising ako dahil sa tunog ng phone ko.

I yawned and rubbed my eyes. My daughter is still asleep beside me. Unti-unti akong bumangon sa kama at kinuha ang phone ko sa bedside table pagkatapos ay sinagot ang tawag.

"Hello?" my voice sound so raspy. I cleared my throat and massaged it.

"Goodmorning! Is this Victoria Andrada?" it was a man's voice

"Yes. Speaking. Who's this?" kumunot ang noo ko

"This is Andrew Velasco. I uh, received your e-mail yesterday."

Bigla akong nagising noong nagpakilala siya. I suddenly don't know what to say. "Andrew? Right uhm, my friend told me about your offer. Nabasa niyo naman po siguro yung e-mail ko 'di ba?"

"Yes and I was saddened when you turned down the offer. You were a model before right? I was just wondering if you could work on that project with me."

I slowly nodded. "Yeah. But, I'm sorry. I just don't have time at the moment. I'm not sure when I'll go back to working as a model again. But thank you, for the offer. I appreciate it."

"Can we atleast meet? Have coffee, so I can discuss the deal, maybe I could change your mind."

I raised my brow. Is he asking me out on a date to discuss the deal? Seriously, what is this guy up to? I know I shouldn't judge him easily but I can feel like he's up to something. Besides, I don't know him personally so why would I trust him. I don't want to get scammed again.

"Look, I'm really sorry but I've already made up my mind. Can I just ask why do pick me as the model you want to work with a brand? Saan niyo po ba ako nakilala?"

He's famous so I don't know why he'd settle with me, an amateur model.

"Kilala na kasi kita noon pa through a common friend. You were famous back then and I know you've worked with brands as well. You caught my attention that's why it would be an honor to work with you."

Napakurap-kurap ako sa sinabi niya. I was doubtful at first. I just went along with him. "I understand. I was just surprised. I didn't expect you'd want to work with me. It's an honor, but like I've said I-"

"Don't you want to clear your name?" he interrupted

My brows furrowed. "Excuse me?"

"I know about your past scandal. I just want to help you clear your name. I know you want to be in the industry but it wouldn't be easy, knowing about your past."

I swallowed hard. "Everyone knows about it. What's your point then?"

I admit, that was quite disrespectful for him to brought up about my past.

"If you accept the deal then this would be a great opportunity for you to reclaim yourself. Mas maraming opportunities ang magbubukas sa'yo-"

"And what's the catch? Anong magiging kapalit?" malamig kong sabi

Hindi siya nakasagot. I thought he already hanged up but I can still hear him breathing.

"Alam kong may kapalit," sabi ko. "I'm sorry to reject your offer Mr. Velasco. Thank you, by the way. I'm sure there's a lot of other models who wants the offer. But it's a no for me. I hope you understand."

I heard him sigh. "I understand. I'm deeply sorry for pushing you. Don't hesitate to call me back if ever you change your mind."

"Okay," I said and hung up the call

I sighed heavily and ran my fingers through my hair. 

I startled when I heard a knock on the door. I got up and went out of my room. I walked towards the door. When I opened it, I was surprised to see Ross.

"Goodmorning!" his face was covered with the bouquet of roses on his hands. 

My face lit up. "Ross!"

Binaba niya ang hawak at ngumiti sa'kin. "Hi Tori."

I looked at him from head to foot. He's wearing a stripes black and white long sleeves polo partnered with black pants. The first two buttons were opened and the sleeves are folded on his forearms. His sense of fashion is superb. He's not only an actor but a fashion icon.

Meanwhile, I'm here wearing my sando and dolphin shorts. Kakagising lang at wala pang ayos ang itsura. I didn't mind because I'm comfortable around him. Hindi na ako conscious sa sarili ko. I just put my hair into a messy bun.

"Can I come in?"

Hindi ko napansin na kanina pa ako nakatitig sa kanya. I nodded and opened the door widely. "Sure."

As soon as he stepped inside he went closer to me and kissed my forehead. I smiled at his simple gesture. Nilagpasan niya ako at binaba ang dala niya sa kitchen counter top.

"Why are you here so early in the morning?" ngiti kong tanong

"I want to see you. Tapos na filming e, kaya mabibista na ulit kita," sagot niya. "Nagdala rin ako ng breakfast."

"Aww thanks Ross," I said. Tinignan ko rin ang bouquet ng rosas na dala niya. "Thanks for the roses too."

"You're welcome. Where's Aurora?" he asked, preparing the breakfast he brought. Nilapag niya iyon sa lamesa

"She's still sleeping. Matutuwa yun kapag nalaman niyang nandito ka," I snickered

He only smiled in response. I walked towards the counter top. I placed my elbows on it and watch him prepare our breakfast. 

Naalala ko bigla ang nangyari kaninang umaga. Noong tinawagan ko ni Andrew. I'm sure they're friends since they worked on the same film. I just don't know if I should tell him.

"What are you thinking?" I heard him ask

Lumapit siya sa'kin dala-dala ang pagkain. He placed the food in front of me then went beside me. He also placed his arms on the counter and looked at me.

"Kilala mo si Andrew 'di ba?" I began

"Andrew?"

"Yung artista na kasama mo sa pelikula mo," I chuckled when he seems clueless

Napakurap-kurap siya. "Oh, right. That Andrew. What about him?"

"Well, he called me this morning."

His lips parted. "What? Why? What did he tell you?" he asked curiously

I chuckled and took a bite of the sandwich first before answering him. He's watching my every move, anticipating my reply.

"Nothing. He told me he wanted to offer me to work with a brand with him."

"And?"

"But I turned him down," I smirked

His eyes widened. "Oh, really?" he stammered

"Yeah."

"Why?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, I just feel like he has other intentions or maybe I'm just overthinking, whatever. Besides, I have other shit to do."

He looked away and smirked. 

I chuckled. "Why? You jealous?" I poked his cheek

He pursed his lips. "Hindi ah. Bakit naman ako magseselos?"

I looked down at the sandwich. "I'm just not ready yet. I'm anxious. I don't want people to invade my privacy and...there's a lot of worries. I can't explain it."

He nodded and kissed my shoulder. "It's okay. Take your time Tori."

I sighed and took a bite on my sandwich. "By the way, nagpatattoo pala ako. Kala mo ikaw lang ah," I bragged and showed my arm

His jaw dropped when he saw it. "Woah! It's beautiful. Pangalan pala 'to ng anak mo."

"Yeah. She means the world to me," I smiled

He touched it. "Nasaktan ka?"

"Mmm, just a little bit. Nakayanan ko naman. I'm happy with it."

"Would you get another one?"

I pouted. "Maybe in the future."

Tipid lamang siyang ngumiti. I noticed the LOVER tattoo again on his arm. Nilapit ko ang kamay niya sa'kin. I stared at it carefully. I remembered the meaning behind it. And it was about me.

"Why?" he asked

I pressed my lips. "Are you seeing anyone at the moment Ross?"

I can feel his eyes were on me. My eyes are fixed on his tattoo.

"Seeing, you mean, dating?"

I nodded.

He shook his head. "I'm not seeing anyone, only you. Why'd you ask?"

Binalot kami ng katahimikan. I slowly lifted my eyes on him. 

"Nothing. It's okay if you date other girls. I'd still be your friend. You won't lose me," I calmly said

He held my hand. "You're the only one that I want."

My lips parted. "I...I'm not ready yet."

"I know. Let's take things slow. Don't pressure yourself too much Tori," he smiled weakly

"You're special to me Ross."

"You're special to me too. I can be my true self when I'm around you. You support me, you give me comfort, you make me happy, you understand me. I can feel it. I don't need to hear those words from you because you already make me feel it."

Malungkot akong ngumiti pabalik. He perfectly described the feelings I have for him. He's so good with words which made me realize how much me knows and understands me more than I am. Our relationship is special. I don't want to break it. 

What is this feelings I have for him? Habang tumatagal ay unti-unti na rin akong nahuhulog sa kanya.

"Are you seeing someone else?" he asked carefully

"What if I am?"

Umiwas siya ng tingin. 

I chuckled. "I'm kidding. I'm not seeing anyone," I nudged his elbow

"I know," ngumisi siya

I rolled my eyes at him. "Weirdo."

"Can you come to the premiere night of my movie?" he asked

Sasagot na sana ako pero nagulat nalang kami noong tumambad sa harapan namin si Aurora. She's on her pajamas, half-asleep while looking at us.

"Gising ka na pala anak," sabi ko

"I woke up and you were gone beside me," she murmured. Nagising siya lalo noong nakita niya si Ross sa tabi ko. "Tito Ross? You're here!" she smiled

Nilapitan siya agad ni Ross. "Goodmorning princess," he knelt down in front of her

"Hello po," bati ni Aurora

They both smiled at each other. I remained behind the kitchen counter while watching them. Lumapit sila sa'kin at sabay na kaming kumain ng almusal.

"Kailan ba yung premiere night?" tanong ko kay Ross

"Sa Friday," sagot niya

I bit my lip. "Ah shit. May importante kasi akong gagawin sa Friday e."

He nodded. "Ganun ba? Sige okay lang."

I pouted. "Sorry. Bawi nalang ako."

He gave me a small smile. "It's fine Tori. We can just watch the whole movie together once the film is out in cinemas."

I smiled back. "I'd love to."

I continued to eat breakfast. Ross is now talking to Aurora. She's really a fond of him. She's very talkative, even if sometimes Ross can't relate to what she's talking about. Parang hindi sila nauubusan ng topic, more like paulit-ulit lang ang topic nila. Aurora shared the disney princess movies she's watched. 

"Who's your favorite disney princess Tito?" ngiting tanong ni Aurora, excited sa sagot niya

Ross glanced at me. "Uh, I don't have a favorite disney princess because I prefer a Queen."

 I rolled my eyes and smiled when he winked at me. Napailing nalang ako. Such a flirt!

Little did he know, I lied to him to surprise him again on the premiere night of his film.

Friday came and I'm here preparing for tonight's special event. I let Aurora stay to my parent's house, para may magbantay sa kanya.

I looked at myself once last time on the mirror. I'm wearing a black long sleeves top with ripped highwaisted pants with a black belt and my jordan sneakers. I also brought a jacket in case it'd be too cold at the cinema. I tied my hair into a high ponytail. I applied a minimal make-up as well. 

What I've learned during the past years of being a make-up artist, is that less is more. I used to wear a heavy amount of make-up before but now, I like to keep it natural. 

Nag-taxi ako papunta sa mall kung saan magaganap ang premiere night ng pelikula niya. Pagkadating sa mall ay sobrang dami ng tao. There were a lot of fans who came holding up banners and such. Paakyat palang sa cinema ay rinig ko na ang mga tili nila. Nakita kong nagkukumpulan at nakapila sila sa gitna. May mga guards na nakaharang sa kanila.

"Ross! Mahal na mahal kita!" sigaw ng isang babae

"Pakasalanan mo ko!"

"Oh my God! Andrew and Dean. Ang gwapo!"

"Mas gwapo si Ross!"

"Hindi. Mas gwapo yung magkapatid."

"Tumabi kayo diyan. Malapit na sila. Ayan na!"

Napatingin ako sa tinuturo nila. Tumingkayad ako upang makita. I remained standing a few feet away from the fans since I'm scared that I might fall or something. Ayoko makipagsiksikan sa kanila kahit gusto ko na ring makita ang mga artista. Lumapit ako ng konti. 

And there I saw the actors walking their way with their fans surrounding them. They kept on screaming their name. Nakipagsiksikan sila lalo at naguunahang lapitan ang mga artista kaya naging alerto rin ang mga guards. Lahat sila ay may hawak na phones at panay ang picture sa kanila. 

Only one man caught my eye since he's the tallest and the most attractive among them. His dark black hair was pushed back. He looks clean and frresh wearing a black tuxedo which I think suits him the best. His breathtaking side profile already catches everyone's attention, what more kapag humarap siya? My heart skipped a beat when he smiled and waved his hands to his fans. He even stopped to take pictures to some of them.

I took my phone out and texted him.

Ako:

I'm here at your premiere night! :)

I bit my lips when I realized that maybe it was a bad idea to surprise him. I'm sure he's busy for today's event. Dapat pala ay pinaalam ko nalang. I can't just call him knowing that he has fans everywhere. 

Binalik ko ang tingin sa harap at nakita kong pumasok na sila sa loob ng cinema kasama ang ilang fans. Tinignan ko ang ticket na hawak ko. Tumakbo na rin ako palapit at pumasok na sa loob. Mahaba ang pila at mabagal ang usad bago makarating sa mga upuan. It's pretty dark insise. I can barely see anything. All I could hear is the screams of their fans.

I startled when my phone vibrated. Tumingin ako doon at nakita kong sumagot si Ross sa text ko.

Ross:

Where are you? I'm already inside

I was about to type my reply when my phone rang. He's calling me now. Sinagot ko agad ang tawag. 

"Hello Ross?"

"Tori!" he greeted happily

I smiled. "Surprise!"

"I knew you'd come. Where are you? I can't find you."

Naglakad pa ako hanggang sa makarating sa sentro ng cinema. Iginaya ko ang paningin sa paligid. Halos nakaupo na lahat ng tao. Tumingin ako sa harap at nakitang malapit na magsimula ang pelikula. I still couldn't find Ross. Tumingin ako sa front row sa ibaba at nakita na nandoon ang mga artista. Nasa pinakaharap sila. Malapit sa screen habang ang fans ay nasa likod. Nagulat ako noong bigla ulit namatay ang ilaw.

I almost screamed when someone suddenly held my arm. I turned around and saw a tall figure of a man. I couldn't see his face since it was dark.

"I found you," he said

My eyes widened when I recognized his voice. "Ross?" I squinted my eyes and looked at his face carefully. 

"It's me Tori," he smiled

Napakurap-kurap ako habang nakatingin sa kanya. He looks handsome even in the dark.

"Come. I reserved a seat for us."

I was about to speak when he suddenly held my hand. Hinila niya ako palapit sa kanya. Naglakad kami pababa pagkatapos. Inalalayan niya ako sa hagdan dahil medyo madilim. He didn't let go of my hand until we reached our seats. Halos maduling ako sa laki ng screen sa  harapan. The next thing I knew, I'm already sitting next to him.

"Tori," he called

I looked at him, still in shock.

His lips curved into an amuse grin. "Okay ka lang?"

My lips parted. I nodded. "Yeah."

Tinignan ko ang kamay namin na magkahawak pa rin. Sobrang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko. Bigla akong pinagpawisan sa kaba kahit na malamig naman sa loob.

"Is it okay if I sit next to you? Hindi ba dapat katabi mo mga kapwa mo artista? Baka kung anong isipin ng fans mo," nag-aalala kong tanong

"Not necessarily baby. I can sit wherever I want to. And I want to sit next to you," malambing niyang sabi

I rolled my eyes at him but I couldn't help but to smile.

"Wait. Paano mo pala nalaman na..." I paused. "You reserved us seats, so you knew already?" I looked at him

He pursed his lips. "Of course at first I thought you'd come so I immediately reserves us seats but then you told me you couldn't. I still hoped. I kind of had the feeling anyway," he smirked

I chuckled. "Really huh? I guess my surprise failed."

"Nagulat pa rin ako. Konti lang."

Napailing nalang ako habang nakangiti.

"My sister is also here."

"Really? Where is she?" excited kong sabi

Tumingin siya sa paligid. "I think she went to the restroom. Pabalik na siguro yun-"

Biglang tumunog ang phone niya. Her sister was calling. Sinagot niya ang tawag. "Hello Ate? Asan ka?"

"Teka lang naligaw ako. Ang dilim. Saan ka banda nakaupo?" rinig kong sabi ng ate niya

I chuckled. Tumingin ako sa paligid upang hanapin siya.

"Dito sa baba. Malapit sa screen-" sagot ni Ross

"Tumayo ka nalang kaya para makita kita agad kapatid."

Ross then stood up and tried to find her. Ilang sandali ay nahanap na rin namin siya. Bumaba rin siya at naglakad palapit sa'min.

"Hi ate," bati ko nang makalapit siya

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Tori? Is that you?"

I smiled and nodded.

"Oh, long time no see! Hi!" she greeted back and made her way to her seat beside Ross

I was about to speak but then the movie began. Umayos na kami ng upo at nanood.

"Are you cold?" tanong ni Ross sa'kin

"Uh, nope. May dala naman akong jacket," sagot ko

He nodded and squeezed my hand. 

"Kabado ka?" I teased

"A little, yeah." He looks nervous and uneasy 

I chuckled. Binalik ko ang tingin sa harap.

The first scene was a beautiful scenery and plantation. Pinakita rin pagkatapos ang isang mansiyon. May pumarada na isang kotse roon at lumabas doon ang bidang aktres. She looks elegant and sophisticated with her dress. Doon siya nakatira sa mansiyon kaya pala mukha siyang mayaman. Napatili ako noong biglang pumasok si Ross sa eksena. Nakita kong nilingon ako ng ilang tao kaya tumikhim ako at umayos ng upo.

I heard Ross hiding his laughter beside me.

"That's you!" ngiti kong sabi sa kanya

He nodded and smiled. "That's me."

Tinuon ko ulit ang atensiyon sa palabas. Nakita kong seryosong nag-uusap si Ross at ang bidang babae. It wasn't long until the scene changed. I was pissed at first because Ross only got a few minutes of screen time. 

Calm down Tori. Umpisa pa lang naman ang movie.

Habang tumatagal ay sabik na sabik na ulit akong makita siya sa susunod na eksena. Kahit na minor pa lang ang role niya rito ay alam kong maganda ang magiging performance niya.

"Bakit sila biglang nag-aaway?" bulong ko kay Ross

Nakita kong nagkakainitan ang mga bida habang seryosong nag-uusap. 

"Magkakapatid silang apat. Kamamatay lang ng papa nila tapos hindi nila alam kung kanino mapupunta ang mana, kaya nagtatalo sila," bulong niya

"Ahh..." tumango tango ako habang seryosong nanonood. I heard him chuckled beside me.

I kept silent during the first twenty minutes of the film when Ross suddenly appeared again. My eyes widened when he showed his abs. He's the one managing the plantation. His white shirt was covered in mud that's why he had to take off his shirt. Napatili ulit ako pero agad kong tinakpan ang bibig ko at pumikit ng mariin.

I know I should have been more respectful of the people who's watching but I just couldn't help it. 

"Damn Ross. That was hot," bulong ko ulit sa kanya

He smiled sexily. "It's not like the first time you've seen it."

Hindi na ako sumagot at hiningi ang bottled water niya. Binigay niya iyon sa'kin. Agad akong uminom dahil parang nanuyot ang lalamunan ko sa eksena na 'yon. 

I don't think I can survive until the end of the film.

"So, you're like the poor guy?" mahina kong tanong sa kanya

"Yes. Ang magkakapatid ang may ari ng plantation na 'yan. They bought the land from my father. I work with them now."

I nodded. "Sorry for asking too many questions."

The scene changed again and I was surprised that it was a sex scene. Another character was introduced. Kapatid iyon ng bidang babae. She's in the bed having sex with a guy. I'm assuming that's her boyfriend.

My brows were furrowed while watching the scene intently. Ang daming tanong na biglang pumasok sa isip ko. I looked at Ross and he looks a bit uncomfortable watching the scene. Umayos siya bigla ng upo. 

Biglang tumayo naman ang kapatid niya sa tabi niya. I saw her on her phone, talking to someone. Nagpaalam muna siya sa'min saglit. Binigyan namin siya ng space para makadaan. Umayos ulit kami ng upo pagkatapos. Binalik ko ang tingin sa harap at hindi pa rin tapos ang eksena. It just turned hotter and sexier.

Nilapit ko ang ulo kay Ross. "Minsan curious ako kung paano nila nashoshoot yung sex scenes kasi 'di ba, hindi naman talaga sila literal na nag-sesex?" bulong ko at seryoso ako sa tanong ko na yun

He swallowed hard. Nanatili ang mata niya sa screen. "Y-yeah..." 

"Ang galing umarte ng bida. Natural lang. The camera work is amazing too. It really looks like they're having sex. It's all about the angles," I whispered to him while my eyes are fixed on the screen

Umayos na ulit ako ng upo at tahimik na pinanood ang movie. Ross sighed in relief when the sex scene finally ended. Kinuha niya sa'kin ang water bottle niya at uminom doon. Pagkabalik niya sa lalagyanan ay napansin kong naubos niya ang tubig. 

Kunot noo akong tumingin sa kanya. "Ayos ka lang? Uhaw na uhaw sis?"

He didn't answer me. Umayos lang siya ng upo. I saw how his ears turned red. I laughed.

"Cutie," I said and poked his cheek

I startled when my phone rang. Nataranta ako at dali-daling nilabas iyon sa bag ko. Medyo malakas ang ringtone ko. Agad kong hininaan ang volume. I saw that my sister was calling me. I glanced at Ross who's watching me. Sinagot ko na ang tawag.

"Hello ate?" mahina kong sabi para hindi masyadong makalikha ng ingay sa mga nanonood

"Tori, asan..asaan ka?" she stuttered

Kumunot ang noo ko dahil napansin kong may halong kaba at takot ang boses niya.

"I'm here at the cinema. Why? What's the problem? Why do you sound so-"

"N-nabalitaan mo na ba?" her voice was shaky

"Ha? Ang alin?" sabi ko

Hindi ko alam pero bigla akong binalot ng kaba sa katawan. Sumama bigla ang kutob ko. I feel like something bad just happened. 

Napansin iyon ni Ross. He shifted his weight and turned his body to face me.

"What's wrong Tori?" I heard him ask but I ignored him

 Nakatuon ang buong atensiyon ko sa sasabihin ni ate. Bawat segundong lumilipas ay maslalo akong ninerbyos. I chewed on my lips while waiting for her answer. 

"I've heard from someone that Aurora's father, Jared, got into an accident. He's in the hospital right now, in a critical condition."