Chapter 42

"Do you love him?"

Mabilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang sundan ako ni Mom sa comfort room pagkatapos ng performance. I didn't close the door yet when she asked all of a sudden.

"M-Mom, kanina ka pa diyan?" I pretended that I didn't know that she followed me. I also ignored her question.

Tuluyan naman siyang pumasok at ini-lock ang pinto. I blinked few times while looking at her. Minerva Salvatierra is always this intimidating but I'm more scared to her now. It seems like I did something wrong based on her stares at me.

"I'll repeat my question, do you love him?"

I awkwardly smirked with her question even if I'm now really nervous. "I don't know what you're saying, Mom," I told her and shook my head. Kalmado naman akong naghugas ng kamay. "It's a good thing that you came kahit hindi kita sinabihan tungkol dito.."

"I really came here just to know the professor that you're talking about. I'm already here. Where is he? Iharap mo siya sa akin." Her smile is so different now.

Natigilan naman ako. "But, Mom.."

Kumunot naman ang noo niya at lumapit pa sa akin. "I'm sorry but you're not allowed to love him, darling."

My heart almost skipped from beating when I heard that from her. Inis at lungkot ang nakikita ko sa mga mata niya. While I'm now frustrated because of her!

"Bakit naman, Mom? Bakit hindi pwede?"

The tears started to form inside my eyes as I heard that from my own mother. My knees trembled while standing and looking at her.

“You see, Alindra. You're not allowed to love your professor. You know it's forbidden. It's wrong. You're just too young to be involved with this kind of love, anak. I don't want you to get hurt..”

Kaagad ko naman siyang hinarap. “I'm not allowed to love him as much as I'm not allowed to love someone else, too! Mas lalo akong masasaktan kapag hindi siya. Siya lang, please. I'm only in love with him, mom.. hindi sa iba. Please.. siya lang ang mahal ko..”

I didn't know what happened and I just found myself kneeling down in front of her. I don't remember that I have already did this before. Just because of Yves, I'm doing things that I don't usually do.

"Alindra, anong ginagawa mo?! Stand up! 'Wag kang magpakababa para lang sa lalaking 'yon!"

“Mom, I love Yves so much. Aalis siya sa kaniyang propesyon. We already talked about this. He'll sacrifice for us. Hindi ko na siya professor. That way, we will be possible. Just please allow me to love him. Nagmamakaawa ako. Ito lang ang tanging gusto ko, Mom..”

Umiling-iling lang siya habang nakatingin sa akin. "Hindi ko alam kung bakit mo nagustuhan ang lalaking 'yon.."

"At hindi ko rin alam kung bakit parang galit na galit ka sa kaniya at ayaw mong mahalin ko siya---"

I stopped when she suddenly slapped me. I immediately stood up straight and faced her while holding my cheek.

"I don't really understand why you're like this. I don't want to and I also don't want to stop from loving him," I intently told her and went outside the comfort room.

Mabilis akong naglakad palayo ro'n hanggang sa makarating ako sa fire exit. I suddenly want Yves beside me. I don't know where he is right now. I need him especially now that I'm mad at my mother! I don't know why she was like that at galit na galit siya!

What the freak is her problem?!

Mabilis akong nakarating sa unit at pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko, nag-unahan kaagad ang mga luha ko na kanina ko pa pinipigilan. I don't know the reason why Mom became like that when she saw me earlier with Yves! I thought she's fine with our relationship! Ano 'tong nagagalit siya ngayon?

Talagang hindi ko siya maintindihan!

But despite of that, she can't stop me from loving Yves! Even if she'll do everything just to stop us, I won't let her! Hinding-hindi niya kami mapaghihiwalay ni Yves!

Kailangan ko lang siya ngayon dahil masamang-masama ang loob ko sa nangyari! Mom just freaking ruined my day!

I tried to call for Yves but he isn't picking up his phone! Mas lalo akong naiyak at nainis doon! I need him! I badly need him right now!

. . .

Gabi na at hindi ko namalayang nakatulog pala ako kahihintay kay Yves. I checked my phone but there's no message or even calls from him. I deeply sighed as I feel the traces of tears on my face.

Nagulat naman ako nang biglang bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Mom. She's with our two bodyguards right now. She directly looked at me when she got inside.

"Sasama ka sa amin. Uuwi ka sa mansion. Your Lola Felicia is waiting for you there," she told me with authority.

My eyes widened because of that. Felicia Rivera is here? And she's waiting for me in our mansion? Last time I check, she's really mad at me and she keeps on saying that I'm not her granddaughter.

Bakit ngayon hinahanap niya ako?

"She's here? Why?"

"Galing siya sa Fuego, their province and she wants to see you now. So hurry up and fix yourself---"

Napatayo naman ako kaagad. "Magpapaalam lang ako kay Yves."

Kumunot naman ang noo niya at hinawakan ako sa braso. "Magpapaalam? He doesn't need to know about this! Bilisan mo na, Alindra!"

Mom forcefully opened the door again so we can now go outside. I'm trying to avoid her grip but the bodyguards held me, too and they're freaking strong.

"Don't let me do this, darling. Ayaw kitang nasasaktan kaya sumunod ka na lang!"

Umiling naman ako. "I'll call my boyfriend first!"

"Shut up! He's not your boyfriend!"

I didn't know what happened and I just felt dizzy and sleepy. After that, everything went black.

. . .

One day has already passed since Mom forced me to go here in our mansion 'cause according to her – Lola Felicia is here – which is true dahil ngayon ay sabay-sabay kaming kumakain ng breakfast paharap sa pool. I thought she's the only one who visited us but surprisingly, she's with my cousin Yasmin and Adam.

"Where's Yelena, Mama?" Dad asked all of a sudden

"Probably with Matthew Lope de Vega," kaswal na sagot naman ni Lola habang kumakain. She's now in her mid 70s but she looks way younger than her actual age.

I noticed that she's still not fine with my Mom especially to me. I don't really know why though. Isa lang ang naiisip kong dahilan pero ayaw kong paniwalaan.

"Ang bilis ng panahon. Parang kailan lang, bata pa ang kapatid mo, Yasmin. Ngayon ikakasal na," tumatawa-tawang sabi ni Dad sa pinsan kong babae.

"She doesn't really want to get married with that Lope de Vega, Tito. Napilitan lang talaga---"

"Yasmin!" suway naman ni Lola sa kaniya. Dad awkwardly laughed after that.

Nagkatinginan naman kami ni Adam na halos kaharap ko. He's, I think older than me for 3 years. He looks so serious while looking at me. Nakita ko namang palihim na umirap si Yasmin dahil sa pagsuway sa kaniya ni Lola.

Argh! I'm getting bored here! I want to see Yves now and be with him! But unfortunately, Mom doesn't let me go and even confiscated my phone! Hindi alam ni Dad ang tungkol dito! Kung alam niya, nagalit na siya kay Mom!

"What about your.. unica hija, Alesso?" tanong naman ni Lola at bumaling ng tingin sa akin. Her stares are different now. "Balak mo na ba siyang ipakasal? I believe, she'll turn 21 in a few weeks."

Napayuko naman ako habang pinaglalaruan ang mga daliri sa ilalim ng mesa. I've been stressed these past few weeks that I didn't even remember my birthday anymore. Nawala bigla sa isip ko.

"She's still young, Ma. Isa pa, hindi pa ako handa. Hindi na talaga namin siya makakasama." Tumingin naman sa akin si Dad. He smiled weakly at me.

"Kung parehas na kayong handa, marami akong kakilalang maaaring ipakasal sa kaniya. There's this handsome bachelor of the El Vierros. I also know Timothy Samaniego from the rich family of our province.."

"Actually, Mama.. I want her to marry the youngest son of the Dela Cuestas. I know his Mom, Carmina Dela Cuesta. One of my amigas," nakangiting sabi naman ni Mom kay Lola.

Up until now, I still hate her at ngayong sinabi niya 'yon ay mas lalo lang akong nainis sa kaniya!

"I already have a boyfriend.."

Tumaas lang ang kilay ni Lola pero hindi niya talaga 'yon pinagtuonan ng pansin. Natahimik naman sila dahil sa sinabi ko. Mom looks a bit mad after that but I just ignored her.

"Dela Cuesta is one wealthy family. I didn't know na may mayaman ka palang amiga, Minerva. That's surprising," naiiling na sabi naman ni Lola. Mom looks like she was insulted after that and didn't bother to answer anymore.

Dad looks happy when he said, "oh, anak. May boyfriend ka na? Si Rylan ba ulit?"

"Hindi po, Dad. We already broke up," I answered after I sipped on my orange juice.

"Talaga? I should know that new boyfriend of yours. Ipakilala mo sa akin. Alright?"

Tumango lang ako at ngumiti. Dad seems okay about me having a new boyfriend. But I'm wondering if he'll still be happy when he gets to meet Yves in person. I'm just hoping that his reaction won't be the same as Mom.

I hope he'll understand me.

"Alesso," Mom called him out. "You don't have to meet him. Maghihiwalay rin naman sila ng anak mo.."

Kumunot naman ang noo ko sa sinabi ni Mom.

"What are you saying, Minerva?"

I didn't let Mom to speak anymore and I just stood up. "Excuse me.."

"Alindra, you didn't finish your food yet! Umupo ka! 'Wag kang bastos!"

Napapikit naman ako sa inis dahil sa sinabi ni Mom. Nakatalikod na ako sa kanila at handa nang pumasok sa room pero tinawag niya pa ulit ako!

"Oh come on, don't prove to us that you're a bastard." Napalingon naman ako nang marinig ang boses ni Yasmin. "I won't say sorry for that, Tito, Tita.."

She just casually ate after that while we're still shock especially me. I didn't expect that she's this frank to tell that to me!

"Sige na, hija. Maupo ka na," sabi ni Lola na ikinagulat ko. She's looking at me while drinking on her tea. I have no choice but to follow her.

Nawala na ang usapan sa akin at napunta na kay Adam at sa kaniyang business. I feel like floating while eating. I'm just thinking about Yves.

How is he right now? Did he eat already? Anong ginagawa niya? Is he looking for me now? Is he frustrated that he can't call me and he isn't even receiving any messages from me?

I hope he's thinking of me, too 'cause I'm almost crazy now because of thinking of him.

The next day is still boring and Mom still isn't giving my phone back yet. Kahit ang laptops, wala. According to her, I'll get my gadgets again only if I'm nice to my Lola and I should impress her.

I'm not being rude nor even nice to her. Hindi ako madalas bumababa dahil makikita ko lang sila. I'll rather stay at the balcony and watch the sunset than to watch them look at me indifferently especially that Yasmin.

It's afternoon when I went outside my room. I like to go outside at this time 'cause I know that they're inside the guestrooms and sleeping. Natigilan naman ako nang mag-ring ang telephone sa living room.

"Hello? Who's this?" I asked after I answered.

"Can I talk to Minerva? This is an important call.."

Naupo naman ako sa sofa. The voice is familiar. "I'm sorry. Wala po rito ang Mom ko.."

"Alright. Wait.. Alindra? Ikaw ba 'yan? Nasa'n ang Mom mo? This is your Tito Fredrick.."

Nagulat naman ako sa narinig. That explains the familiar voice!

I smiled because of that.

"She's with Dad, Tito. Probably having their meeting.."

Hindi naman siya kaagad nakasagot doon. Naabutan naman ako ng maid sa living room habang naglilinis siya. I just told her to leave for the mean time while I'm having this call.

"Kumusta ka naman, hija?"

I sighed. "Honestly, I'm not fine, Tito. Pinauwi ako ni Mom sa mansion nang sapilitan dahil nandito si Lola. I'm also grounded and she even confiscated my gadgets. Please help me, Tito. I need to see my boyfriend.."

"Sige. I'll just send the car there later at night. I still have things to do. Hintayin mo na lang ang kotse. 'Wag kang mag-alala. Tutulungan kita."

"Really, Tito? Oh God, thank you!"

I almost jumped because of that. I didn't expect that he'll offer me some help. He'll really be a big help for sure!

I'm so happy after the telephone call that I didn't have to sulk inside my room anymore. I just enjoyed our pool that I missed and wait for the night to come so Tito Fredrick can send me back to my unit and see Yves again.

I have so many things to tell him when I get to see him again.

"Sa ilang days na stay namin dito, ngayon lang kita nakitang nakangiti.."

I was shocked to see Adam roaming around the pool while he's topless. I know that he'll swim, too. Ngayon lang niya ako kinausap nang ganito. While our cousin Yasmin isn't really talking to me. She just always uses her phone and rolls her eyes at me whenever I meet her gaze.

"Oh, really? How's my smile then? Does it suit on a bastard like me?" I sarcastically told him – imitating what Yasmin said last time.

He just mysteriously smirked and didn't answer. He just jumped on the pool and dived. Umiling naman ako at uminom sa aking cocktail drink. I'm only wearing a dark green two-piece swimsuit that's why I'm now shivering but I'm not even complaining at all.

Ilang oras na lang, maggagabi na at makikita ko na ulit si Yves.

"Yeah.. it somehow suits you but not as a bastard, of course," seryoso naman niyang sabi nang sandaling umahon.

"Talaga? Thank you then.."

Magsasalita pa sana siya nang biglang pumasok sa pool area si Yasmin. As usual, she's using her headphones along with her phone again.

"Kuya Adam, Lola's calling you. Dinner is ready," sabi naman niya at biglang tumingin sa akin. "You too. Kumain ka na rin daw.."

"I'm still full. Mamaya pa ako kakain," I said and smiled a bit but she, again rolled her eyes at me like what she usually does. I'm just trying to be nice here!

That bitch! Magkadugo nga kami!

Iniwanan naman ako ng dalawa. Sa likod na lang ako dumaan para hindi nila ako makita. It's almost 8 in the evening when I got inside my room to change and wait for Tito Fredrick.

Palakad-lakad ako habang hinihintay siya. I'm hoping that he'll really help me. Wait.. does he even know here? I hope so.

I became nervous when it's already past 10 PM but he still didn't arrive. I'm slowly losing hope when I suddenly heard few knocks. Napasimangot naman ako nang bumungad sa akin ang maid.

"Ma'am Alindra, lumabas na po kayo. May naghahanap sa inyo. Fredrick daw po ang pangalan.."

Nanlaki naman ang mata ko sa sinabi niya. "W-Wait, where's Mom and Dad? Sina Lola?"

"Tulog na po si Madam. Sina Sir at Ma'am po, wala pa," sabi niya pa. "Sige na po, Ma'am. Lumabas na kayo. 'Wag kayong mag-alala, hindi ko kayo isusumbong.."

I looked outside through the window and I can see the car of Tito Fredrick from here. I sighed and looked at the maid. Kahit naman isumbong niya ako, wala namang magagawa sina Mom.

"Bilisan niyo na po, Ma'am. Baka dumating pa sina Sir Alesso.."

I suddenly panicked because of what she said. Hindi ko malaman kung aalis na ba o mananatili muna. "Alright. What's your name?"

"Sonya po, Ma'am. Sana naaalala niyo pa ako," she answered that I didn't clearly understand 'cause I started running away.

Pumunta naman ako sa backdoor para doon na dumaan. Nang makita si Tito Fredrick – kaagad akong pumasok sa kaniyang sasakyan.

"Oh, what happened? Nahirapan ka bang makaalis?"

"Not that much, Tito," I said while still gasping for air.

I sighed in relief when his driver started to drive already. Hindi ko na masyadong pinakinggan ang mga sinasabi ni Tito Fredrick dahil gustong-gusto ko nang makita si Yves.

I hope he's looking forward to see me again even if he doesn't know that I'll be back there.

"Thank you so much, Tito. This is really a big help for me," I said and hugged him when we finally arrived at the building.

I didn't mind his reaction anymore and I just hurriedly went outside his car and went straight to the elevator.

Is he still awake? Sana!

Halos ako na mismo ang mag-angat sa elevator para lang makapunta na sa floor namin at makita na siya. I'm half-running when I finally went outside the elevator and look for his unit. I immediately pushed the door bell when I found it.

I'm just standing in front of his unit while doing that and waiting for him to open the door. I started crying when he still didn't open it yet. And when I finally saw him, I didn't utter any word anymore and hugged him like there's no tomorrow anymore.

"Alindra," he called me out while caressing my back.

"I missed you. I missed you," paulit-ulit namang sabi ko sa kaniya.

Hindi ko namalayang sinara na pala niya ang pinto at nakapasok na ako nang tuluyan. We stayed like that for couple of minutes. I'm crying because I'm happy that I saw and hugged him again and I also missed him a lot!

I feel like I didn't see him for a millennium!

"I think you need to explain something to me.."

Umangat naman ang tingin ko sa kaniya nang biglang magsalita. He gently wiped my tears using his thumb while directly looking at me.

"I-I'm sorry.. si Mom. Pinauwi niya ako sa mansion kahit hindi ko gusto. She doesn't want me to see you. She took all of my gadgets para hindi kita makausap." Umiling-iling naman ako habang lumuluha pa rin. "Ayaw ka niya para sa akin, Yves.."

He tiredly smiled at me. "I'm already expecting that. Alam ko nang magagalit ang Mommy mo kapag nalaman niya ang totoo."

Kaagad naman akong bumitaw sa yakap at lumayo sa kaniya. "But why?! I don't understand her! I don't know why she doesn't like you! Alam mo bang balak pa nila akong ipakasal sa iba, 'wag lang tayong matuloy na dalawa?!"

"Ayaw niya sa akin baka dahil professor mo ako---"

"So what if you're my professor huh? I don't mind it! I don't care about our age gap! I don't care about the hindrance, Yves! Mahal kita! I don't care if you're a saint.. a priest or even a god that I can't be with! Wala akong pakialam sa lahat! Wala akong pakialam kahit ayaw ni Mom sa 'yo! O kahit lahat ng tao! Wala akong paki!"

Another batch of tears rolled down on my face after that. My knees are now weak while looking at him. Napaupo na lang ako dahil sa panghihina.

I came closer to him as I held his face. "Ang dami-dami namang problema, Yves. Why can't I even love you freely? Huh? Why?"

'Yan din ang tanong ko sa sarili. Why do we have to experience this? Why do we have to be hurt like this? Hindi pa ba sapat na professor ko siya at tinatago lang namin ang relasyon namin? Kailangan bang mas masaktan kami?

"We can get through this. We just have to trust each other. Alright?" he said and kissed me on my forehead. "I love you. Always remember that. Kahit sino o ano man ang maging hadlang sa atin, nandito lang ako. Hindi kita iiwan.."

His words are so comforting that I almost forgot why I'm crying right now.

"But I still have to send you back to your mansion tomorrow morning. It's already your birthday tomorrow. Hindi pwedeng mawala ka bukas. Hahanapin ka nila. Ayaw kong mas lalo pa silang magalit. Don't worry, I'll go there.. wherever the venue is. I'll talk to your parents. I'll fight for us.."

Nagulat naman ako sa sinabi niya. Umurong ang luha ko dahil doon. "R-Really? You'll talk to them?"

Tumango naman siya at ngumiti nang kaunti. "Oo. Hindi ko kayang makitang ikakasal ka sa iba. Uunahan ko na sila..."

I laughed a bit after that. He wiped my tears again as he hugged me and kissed my forehead. Napangiti ako. Even if there are a lot of problems to face.. at least I have Yves on my side.

And I know that he'll never leave me behind.

... ... ...