Chapter 15

Alam ko na wala namang responsibilidad si Austin Archangel sa akin kaya hindi ko siya tinanong muna tungkol doon sa description ng kissing scene... Kaso lang ay isang linggo na ang lumipas at kailangan ko na siyang maka-usap para ma-revise ko na iyong script ko at maipa-basa ko na ulit iyon kay Kaleigh.

bluethecat: hi. Busy ka ba?

austingdl: No, why?

bluethecat: about the kissing scenes

Agad kong nakita na na-seen niya iyong message. Naghintay ako ng reply dahil nakita ko na typing na siya kaya lang ay huminto iyon. Tapos ay naging typing ulit. Tapos ay muling huminto. Baka busy siya dahil sunud-sunod na rin ang laban ng team. Kaya hindi ko na rin siya maka-usap dahil mabilis siyang umaalis after ng training tapos kapag may game naman ay naiipit siya sa mga nagpapa-picture.

bluethecat: don't worry about it. Good luck on the game.

Nag-exit na ako sa may conversation namin ni Austin Archangel sa Instagram. Hinanap ko sa Instagram si Dominic. Madali lang naman siyang makita dahil naka-tag iyong account niya sa mga pictures na pino-post nung official account ng basketball team ng Brent. Nagtataka ako dahil verified iyong account niya. After sleuthing, I found out that he was a child actor but not active anymore. But even though he's not active anymore, may mga fans pa rin siya.

I followed him and messaged him.

bluethecat: hi. Is the offer still on the table?

Naghintay ako ng reply, pero wala akong natanggap. Nagtext ako kay Kaleigh para sabihin na sabihin niya kay Dominic na replyan ako Instagram, pero hindi siya nagreply agad. Kailangan ko na talaga ng sagot sa mga tanong ko. Isang linggo na ang nasayang ko.

Dahil naaalala ko na sinabi ni Austin Archangel na kakilala niya si Dominic, ay naisipan ko na magmessage sa kanya.

bluethecat: hi. Kilala mo ba si Dominic? Can you tell him that I messaged here in Instagram?

austingdl: I don't have his number. Also, is this about the kissing scene?

bluethecat: yes.

austingdl: Okay.

austingdl: What do you want to know?

bluethecat: everything.

austingdl: Everything?

bluethecat: yes. How it feels before and what makes you decide to kiss the other person. What exactly happens. The movement of the hands and the lips. Do you breathe while kissing? What exactly happens? I'm very curious.

Excited akong mabasa iyong sagot ni Austin Archangel, pero na-seen niya ako at isang buong minuto ang lumipas at wala akong nakuhang sagot sa kanya. May sira ba ang Internet connection niya o talagang iniiwan niya ako sa seen?

bluethecat: if you're busy right now, I'll just send sa email mo iyong questions ko. I prepared a document. Send ko na lang sa email na nasa profile mo. I know I am asking for a favor, but if posible, within tonight. Thank you. Please advise kung hindi kaya.

I sent the document to his email. I was about to close the tab nang magfollow sa akin iyong account ni Dominic.

domiller: is this really you?

bluethecat: what do you mean?

domiller: you're Karaminah Viel?

bluethecat: yes.

domiller: why the cat account?

bluethecat: because I have a cat.

domiller: lol okay but what's up why have i been summoned?

bluethecat: you said tutulungan mo ako sa kissing scenes.

domiller: i remember saying that.

bluethecat: okay.

domiller: but what about it? Austin's not helping you?

bluethecat: i think he's busy. I already asked him, but another set of helping hand wouldn't hurt.

domiller: what can i do for you?

bluethecat: i'll send you a document and you can answer them.

domiller: i don't like answering tests.

bluethecat: then how do you propose to help me?

domiller: idk we can do demo

domiller: haha jkjk

bluethecat: ano'ng demo? As in you'll kiss someone in front of me?

That would actually be really helpful... I learned that watching movies and reading books are helpful, but still, nothing beats experiencing and witnessing things first hand. Mas magiging maganda iyong description ko kung makikita ko mismo ito in person.

austingdl: Can I ask for an extension?

bluethecat: no, it's okay. Dominic's already helping me.

austingdl: He is?

bluethecat: yes. He's talking about doing a demonstration.

Naiwan na naman ako sa seen kaya lumipat ako doon sa conversation namin ni Dominic. Sabi niya sa akin na ayaw niya raw talagang magsagot sa document, but he'd answer any of my question in person. I agreed dahil hindi ko naman siya pwedeng pilitin sa gusto ko. I would just record his answer and would transcribe it myself kahit na ma-trabaho iyon.

We agreed to meet in Cafè Dominique in an hour. I took a bath and wore black leggings, puting t-shirt na abot sa gitna ng mga hita ko na may naka-sulat na silence na typography sa gitna, at puting sneakers. I also got my tote bag kung saan naka-lagay iyong laptop, cellphone, notebook, at pens ko. Nandoon din iyong 'kit' ko kung nasaan iyong mga alcohol, lysol, tissue, wipes, toilet seat cover, and mini medicine kit.

"May pasok ka ba ngayon?" tanong ni Kuya Robert dahil 4:09PM na. Walang game ngayon dahil kung meron ay kanina pa ako nasa school dapat.

"Wala. Makikipagkita ako kay Dominic."

Napa-tingin si Kuya Robert kay Ate Gina na agad na lumapit sa aming dalawa.

"Sinasabi ko na nga ba! May bagong nagfollow sa 'yo. Ano ba 'yang account ni Blue, puro gwapo ang nagfo-follow!" sabi ni Ate Gina at saka tinignan nila iyong account ni Dominic na puro litrato lang naman niya. Tapos ay nagkwento si Ate Gina na napa-nood niya noon iyong palabas ni Dominic nung bata pa siya. I had to stop her after 5 minutes dahil male-late na ako. Ayokong ma-late dahil nakaka-bastos iyon sa oras ng imi-meet ko.

Habang nasa daan kami ay na-stuck kami sa traffic dahil mayroong ginagawang daan. I opened my Instagram and saw a message from Austin Archangel. And there was a missed video call there. And the last message was him asking for my permission because he'd ask for Coach Aldrin for my number.

My forehead creased, but an unregistered number was calling me. I really didn't answer calls from unknown numbers so I just watched the call until it ended. And then I received a text saying that it was Austin Archangel. So, I answered the call.

"What's so urgent?" I asked because I really preferred exchanging messages because that way, I would have the opportunity to gather my thoughts first.

"Where are you?" malayo na tanong niya sa tanong ko.

"On my way to school."

"To meet Dominic?"

"Yes. In Cafè Dominique," I said. Huh... That rhymed.

"Check your email. I already answered your survey. If you have any more question, I'll answer them for you," sabi niya.

"Oh. Okay. Thank you very much."

I ended the call after thanking him. I checked the email and true to what he told, he answered my survey. Medyo napa-kunot lang ang noo ko nang makita ko na tatlo silang sumagot doon—may sagot si Psalm, Saint, at Austin Archangel.

After 9 minutes ay umandar na ulit iyong sasakyan. Ibinaba ako ni Kuya Robert doon. Sinabi niya na hihintayin niya na lang din ako kahit sinabi ko sa kanya na hindi ako sigurado kung hanggang anong oras ako doon.

Pagpasok ko ay nakita ko agad si Dominic na naka-upo doon sa may pinaka-dulo. Naka-suot siya ng black na running shorts, puting t-shit, naka-black na Gucci slides at mayroon siyang itim na medyas. Hawak-hawak niya rin iyong frappe niya habang naka-tingin lang siya sa cellphone niya na naka-patong sa lamesa at nagsscroll.

"Good afternoon," pagbati ko.

Napa-tingin siya sa akin. "Good afternoon?" sagot niya. "So formal."

"Can I sit?"

"Sure."

Naupo ako sa harapan niya. Kapansin-pansin talaga iyong bouncy at black na buhok niya. Inilabas ko iyong cellphone ko para ipakita sa kanya na irerecord ko iyong usapan namin ngayon pero bago ko pa man masabi iyon ay napa-tingin ako sa likod ko nang may tumawag sa pangalan ko.

"Austin Archangel?" nagtataka na tanong ko dahil naka-tayo siya sa likuran ko. He looked like he came from some formal event dahil naka-suot siya ng black slacks, black shoes, at puting polo. Mukhang hinubad niya iyong coat at tie o tuxedo niya.

"I... was just around," sabi niya.

"Okay," sagot ko dahil hindi naman ako ang may-ari ng Café Dominique.

"Can I sit?"

Tumingin ako kay Dominic. "Can he join us?" tanong ko dahil originally ay kaming dalawa lang naman dito. I still needed to ask for his consent para sumama sa amin si Austin Archangel kahit ang pagkaka-alam ko ay magkaibigan naman silang dalawa.

"I can't see why not," naka-ngiting sagot ni Dominic.

Dahil naka-patong sa upuan sa tabi ko iyong tote bag ko kaya naman doon naupo si Austin Archangel sa tabi ni Dominic. Mukhang nahihirapan sila dahil pareho silang matangkad at mahaba ang legs. I pulled the table para magka-space silang dalawa.

I prepared my things, but I couldn't help but overhear the murmurings of the high school students. I suddenly missed the law students dahil wala naman silang pakielam sa nangyayari sa paligid nila. I stood up to order at para na rin mabigyan sila ng chance na magpa-picture doon sa dalawa. I really felt weird kapag nagpapa-picture sila sa akin kahit pa ba sabihin na iniisip nila na 'girlfriend' ako ni Austin Archangel. Because even if that were true, I still didn't like my picture taken and posted in public.

I normally don't treat people because I value my money dahil hindi naman ako palaging binibigyan. But today, I was the one asking for a favor. I bought a iced chocolate drink for me, iced coffee for Austin Archangel, and got a slice of cake for Dominic dahil nung nasa townhouse ako ay nakita ko siyang kumain ng cake. I stayed there and waited for the order para magka-time pa sila. After that, bumalik na ako sa table kasama iyong pagkain at drinks.

"Thank you, Karaminah Viel," sabi ni Dominic nang ibigay ko sa kanya iyong slice ng cake.

"You're welcome," sagot ko. Napa-tingin ako kay Austin Archangel na bahagyang naka-kunot ang noo. "Iba ba dapat ang inorder ko?" I asked because maybe that was presumptuous of me to order for him... napansin ko lang kasi na iyon ang palagi niyang order.

"No, it's fine," sabi niya. "Thank you."

"I will buy you another," I offered because it was my fault for deciding in behalf of him. I knew the feeling na mayroong ibang nagdedesisyon para sa iyo—I wouldn't consciously do that to anyone.

Umiling siya. "No, this is fine," sabi niya at bahagyang ngumiti.

"Okay," I said, taking his word for it. Kinuha ko na iyong cellphone ko at binuksan iyong recorder nun. I looked at them both. "I will be recording this conversation," I continued. "Is that okay?"

"Yes," sagot ni Austin Archangel.

"Sure," sagot ni Dominic.

"Okay," I said. "To begin, let's start with the why first. Why do you kiss someone?"

I looked at my them. There was a panic in Austin Archangel's face and Dominic looked at him and he chuckled. Kumunot ang noo ko. Siguro dapat pinaghiwalay ko silang dalawa para hindi biased ang sagot nila.

"I'll answer first," sabi ni Dominic. "I have plenty of reasons—sometimes it's because I like someone; sometimes it's because the moment calls for it; sometimes on a dare; sometimes when I'm bored."

I nodded and made some notes. I had 3 follow-up questions but I wanted to hear Austin Archangel's answer first.

"Ikaw?" tanong ko sa kanya. "Why do you kiss someone?"

Austin Archangel pressed his lips together. His hands were on the table and his index finger on his right hand was gently tapping against the wooden table, as if it has a beat of its own. "I will kiss someone if I like that someone," sagot niya.

I nodded. "You won't kiss someone if you're bored?"

Umiling siya. "No."

"Aww," sabi ni Dominic. "I feel like whore here."

"No judgment on this table," sabi ko kay Dominic dahil lahat naman ng isasagot niya ay magiging confidential—for research purposes lang talaga.

"Thanks, Karaminah Viel," naka-ngiti na sabi ni Dominic.

I nodded at him. I continued with the follow-up questions. Mas seryoso ang mga sagot ni Austin Archangel pero mas diverse ang mga sagot ni Dominic. Nag-enjoy ako sa mga sagot nila lalo na ni Dominic dahil pwede itong maging material sa mga susunod kong script.

Hindi pa kami tapos pero nagpaalam si Dominic dahil kailangan niyang bumalik sa Brent dahil may training pa ata siya. Nagpasalamat ako at binilhan siya ng isang cookie. Nang maka-alis siya ay nagligpit na ako ng gamit ko. Paglabas namin ay kumunot ang noo ko nang hindi ko makita si Kuya Robert sa pwesto niya.

I was about to text Kuya Robert nang magsalita si Austin Archangel sa tabi ko.

"Kuya Robert told me to bring you home."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Bakit?"

He shrugged. "You can call to confirm."

Umiling ako. His word's good enough to me. At saka bakit naman siya magsisinungaling sa ganoong bagay.

It was already night time nang matapos iyong interview. 7:28PM na nang maka-pasok kami sa village namin. Austin Archangel pulled over in front of our house.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be of any more help," sabi niya habang tina-tanggal ko iyong seatbelt ko.

"What do you mean?" I asked because I learned a lot today—especially kung paano huminga kapag mayroon kang hina-halikan at kung saan mo ilalagay iyong kamay mo. Dominic wasn't lying—he could be very descriptive.

"Dominic was talking non-stop," sabi niya.

I nodded. "It's apparent that he's very experienced," I stated. No judgment, though—that's his life to live. Hindi naman ako mamamatay sa mga ginagawa niya sa buhay niya.

Naka-hawak sa manibela iyong dalawang kamay niya. Naka-fold na sa gitna ng mga braso niya iyong polo niya. He was wearing a Rolex Cosmoraph Daytona—my dad has the same watch.

"Do you need help in anything else?" tanong niya.

"I think I have everything I needed," I said. "But should I have any question, I will ask you," I continued. "I think I will have a problem once I begin to describe the kissing scene. Dominic was very descriptive, but I feel like what he's doing is... somewhat extreme," I said. "Is it really possible to unhook the bra using one hand?" tanong ko dahil kahit ako na ilang taon nang naka-suot ng bra ay kailangan pa rin ng dalawang kamay.

"Yes," sabi ni Austin Archangel.

"Really?" He nodded. "Can you show me how?" tanong ko dahil nung sinasabi ni Dominic talaga kanina ay inisip ko na isa siya sa mga 'outliers.'

His forehead creased. His lips parted. "What?"

"I'm just curious," sabi ko.

"You want me to... unhook your bra?"

I nodded. "You won't see anything—naka-t-shirt pa rin naman ako," I said, if that's what he's worried about. Makapal iyong tela ng t-shirt ko. I was very particular with the fabric of what I wear—ayoko nung mga madaling maghimulmol.

His lips were parted still.

"It's okay if you don't want to, I will just confirm with—" sabi ko, pero bago pa man ako matapos ay mabilis na inunbuckle ni Austin Archangel iyong seatbelt niya at saka lumapit sa akin. I held my breath because of how quick everything happened—how one second he was just unbuckling his seatbelt and then the next, his head was next to mine and his left hand was on my back.

"There," he whispered and I felt that my bra was already unclasped. 

**

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