CHAPTER SIX

YELENA winced when she felt the pain on her ankle. Kanina ay hindi niya naramdaman 'yon noong nasa pagitan ng mga hita niya ang ulo ni Zacariel. Now that he's done and she's back to her normal state, the physical pain and embarrassment made her want to just leave his car and run away from him.

What did just happen? Did she really allow him to do that to her? Gano'n ba siya kasabik? Gano'n siya kadaling natupok ng apoy? Did she really miss him that much? That she easily gave in and let him please her with his damn tongue?

Mariin siyang pumikit at kinastigo ang sarili.

She shouldn't do that! Sumama siya kay Zacariel para mag-usap sila ng masinsinan at hindi para maranasan ulit ang matinding kaluguran na ito lang tangi ang may kakayahang iparanas sa kanya.

The silence stretched between them. Pakiramdam niya ay naririnig nito ang malakas na pintig ng puso niya. It's either she was still panting because of what happened awhile a ago or her heart really beats loudly whenever he's around. Hindi na natuto ang puso niya. Kahit na nadurog 'yon at nasugatan, tila nanatili ang pagiging tapat sa lalaking kasama niya.

Her phone beeped that woke her up from a deep thought. Kinuha niya 'yon sa sling bag at tinignan kung kanino galing ang mensahe.

From: Santi
I'm going home. Magpahatid ka nalang kay Zacariel sa condo, okay? I'll send you the complete address.

She quickly type a reply.

To: Santi
It's still early. Are you okay?

There was no answer from her friend. Talagang maaga pa naman at balak sana nila na umuwi kahit bago maghating-gabi. Nakapagtataka na tinapos na ng kaibigan ang oras nila sana sa Club.

"I need to go back to Santi's condo. Pwede bang ihatid mo ko do'n?"

Zacariel seemed like he still wants to stay or to talk with her, but she wants to go home and check if her best friend is really fine.

"Do you have spare key?"

"I don't have. Pero pauwi na rin si Santi. Kung wala pa siya, maghihintay nalang ako sa lobby."

Nag-umpisa na ulit magmaneho si Zacariel. Tahimik lang ito kahit pa noong sinabi niya kung nasaan ang condominium na tinutuluyan niya.

"Are you available tomorrow?" then he asks all of a sudden.

"I have a morning class. I'll be free until evening after that."

"Can I invite you for a dinner?"

He was so casual that it felt like he won't care if she refused or what.

"Okay lang," she acted like it's also nothing to her.

"Save your number here," he handed her his phone.

Kinuha niya naman iyon at ginawa ang sinabi nito. She even wrote her full name and saved it.

Tama ba ang ginagawa niya? Hindi niya ba pagsisisihan na isasali niya na naman si Zacariel sa buhay niya? Paano kung masaktan na naman siya?

Yelena was confused with her decisions about Zacariel. Her mind told her not to get near him again but her heart doesn't want to cooperate. And as a person who always choose to follow her heart, it was hard for her to stop what her heart's wants.

Dumating sila sa condominium nang wala pa rin sina Santi. She texted him but he didn't answer. Ayaw niyang mag-alala dahil alam niyang ligtas naman ang kaibigan kasama ang bodyguard.

Instead of waiting at the lobby, she told Zacariel to go to the coffee shop nearby. Nilakad lang nila dahil katabi lang naman ng building. Wala naman itong sinabi. Halatang susunod lang sa mga gusto niyang mangyari.

"I will only stay in Manila this summer. Babalik din sa atin kapag tapos na ang class ko."

"I'm glad that your parents allowed you to take that course."

She sips on her caramel macchiato. Then shook her head after.

"My parents are still the same. Especially my mom. Tumakas lang ako para rito at kailangan kong bumalik bago sila makauwi ng Pilipinas."

Zacariel sips on his black coffee.

Who would've thought that she will be with him again after last summer? And now they are having a damn coffee as if nothing in the past?

"Ikaw ba, dito ka na talaga?"

"I'm working here. I visit hacienda sometimes."

Sa tuwing naiisip niya ang Hacienda Guerrera, kaagad na pumapasok ang imahe ni Zacariel at ang ganda ng Querencia. And whenever her mind started to wander about their memories together in that majestic waterfalls, she couldn't help but to feel sad.

Sadness for the things that she thought would last but didn't. Sadness for the happy memories that she knew won't be the same again. And sadness for her young heart who have learned to hope that everything would be fine because she have him, and even until that very moment, its still hoping. And it's all because of him.

"Bumibisita ka pa rin ba sa..." hindi niya matuloy ang sasabihin dahil para siyang nasasaktan.

"Hindi," he answered shortly.

Isn't it funny that even though she didn't say the place, he still knew what she meant?

"Bakit?"

Tumititig sa kanya si Zacariel. Bagamat madilim ang mga mata, naaaninag niya pa rin ang klase ng emosyon na nahihirapan siyang pangalanan. Tila ba may kinikimkim na pait doon na nahalinhinan ng panghihinayang.

"I don't want to."

Ibinaba niya ang tingin sa iniinom.

He don't want to? Why? Dahil ba ayaw nitong maalala ang pinagsaluhan nila roon? Kahit siguro siya, ayaw niya. O baka may iba pa itong dahilan.

"Bakit naman? Maganda sa waterfalls. Tahimik at payapa."

"The only reason why I'd go back there is... you," he muttered, then avoided her gaze.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit imbes na matuwa, mas nangibabaw pa 'yong lungkot sa kanya.

"I don't think I'd ever visit Querencia again."

He remained silent but he's staring at her this time.

"I don't even know if I can finish my course. You know, my mom is very eager to give my hand to some random guy that they chose for me."

Zacariel then shifted on his chair. His thick brows furrowed. "They chose for you? May napili na?"

Yelena shrugs her shoulders. "Yes. Mom called me and informed me 'bout that."

"Are you going to get married?"

Bumuntonghininga siya. Of course she don't want to get married! But does she have other choice? Mayroon naman. Iyon ay kung tatakasan niya ang kapalaran niyang 'yon. Saan naman siya pupunta? Kaya niya na bang mabuhay mag isa nang hindi umaasa sa pera ng magulang niya?

She don't have enough money to support herself! Kaya paano siya tatakas? Unless, someone with a good heart would understand her situation and help her escape. Who would it be? Santi? Her brother Russo?

"I expected that this would happen. Gusto ko nalang tanggapin na maybe this is really meant for me. I am Altamonte after all," she chuckled bitterly.

"That's your family tradition and it doesn't mean what they want for you is meant for you. You have other choice, Yelena."

"What kind of choice, Zacariel? To break the tradition? I have no means to support myself if I do that. Itatakwil ako ng sariling pamilya ko."

"We already talked about these before. Let me talk to your parents."

Nanghihina na pinagmasdan niya ang kaharap. She can't explain what would she feel. He will talk to her parents? For what?

Yelena finished her macchiato when she saw Santi at the entrance of the cafe. Nahanap kaagad siya ng kaibigan at gusto niyang irapan ito nang makita ang malapad na ngisi dahil sa kasama niya. Alam niya na tutuksuhin siya nito mamaya!

"Hello, Kuya Zacariel, it's nice to see you again!" Santi greeted politely.

"Good to see you too, Santi."

"Anyway, I just drop by to check if Yelena is fine. Sige lang, ipagpatuloy niyo ang usapan ninyo-"

"Santi, we are done here. I'm gonna rest na rin."

Walang nagawa si Zacariel nang sabihin niya iyon. Imbes ay inalalayan lang siya sa paglalakad dahil mahapdi pa rin ang ankle niya.

"What happened to you?" Santi is worried. He even checked her ankle. "Natapilok ko?"

"Yes. May nangbangga sa akin sa Club kanina."

"Tss. You may need cold compress for that. Let's go."

Outside of the cafe is Santi's bodyguard. Tahimik itong nakasunod sa kanila hanggang sa nakatapat sila sa pinto ng unit.

Santi opened the door widely to welcome her and Zacariel.

"Thank you," she muttered when she put her down at the long sofa.

"Do you want something to drink Kuya Zacariel?"

"I'm good. Thanks."

Matagal siyang tinitigan muna ni Santi bago ito nagpaalam na magpapahinga na. Ang bodyguard naman nito ay ang kabilang unit naman ang inu-okupa.

Zacariel sat next to her. As much as she can, she ignore the feelings that she felt whenever he's close or he's just around. Ayaw niya na sanang magpa-apekto pa pero nahihirapan siyang manduhan ang sariling damdamin.

"Do you think you can go to your class tomorrow?"

"I think so. I need to go no matter what."

He nods his head. "I can pick you up here and drop you to the university."

She purses her lips. "Aren't you busy?"

"I'll go straight to the office after I drop you."

"Sasabay nalang ako kay Santi."

"Okay. How about I pick you up there?"

Yelena avoided Zacariel's eyes. Gusto niyang makita dahil sa mga offer nito at ayaw niyang ipakita rito na natutuwa siya.

"My class will end at 11am. If you're not busy, you can pick me up."

"I'll let you know."

"Okay."

After a few minutes of silence, she yawned.

"Magpahinga ka na. Uuwi na ako."

Sinundan niya ito ng tingin nang tumayo. Akala niya ay aalis na pero nagkamali siya. He bow down a bit so he can kiss her forehead. That made her closed her eyes.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he whispered gently.

Napalunok siya at tumango nalang. Animo nawalan ng lakas at kung may anong natunaw sa loob ng dibdib niya.

When Zacariel left, she went inside her bedroom and took a cold shower. Nang matapos at makabalik sa kama, nakita niya ang mensahe galing sa hindi naka rehistrong numero. At kahit na gano'n, alam niya agad kung kanino galing.

From: Unregistered Number
I'm home. Are you still up?

Never in her mind that she thought about her and Zacariel would text each other. Kaya naman hindi niya mapigilan ang mapangiti. Mabilis nga lang napawi dahil kinabahan agad siya sa sariling tibok ng puso. She's worried because a simple text made her smile easily. That's how Zacariel Guerrera made her feel.

Yelena lay on her bed and still thinking if she going to reply or not? Magpapanggap nalang siyang nakatulog? But damn, both her mind and heart screaming at her to type a damn reply!

Closing her eyes tightly, she took a deep breath. Nang mapakawalan ang naipon na hangin, nag desisyon siya na magrereply at medyo pinatagal niya rin.

To: Unregistered Number
Is this Zacariel?

Right! She really pretend that she didn't know it was him!

From: Unregistered Number
Yes. Save my number.

She rolled on her bed and stopping herself from typing quickly! Pinalipas niya pa ulit ang ilang minuto and while doing that, she saved his number.

To: Zac
Okay. I'm going to sleep now.

Kahit hindi pa naman siya matutulog talaga!

From: Zac
Good night.

Umirap siya. So, that's the end of it?

Annoyed, she didn't reply and put her phone at the side table.

The next day, Yelena feel lighter for some reason. Ganado siya kahit medyo may masakit pa sa ankle niya. At hindi pwedeng hindi 'yon mapansin ng kaibigan.

"Bakit blooming ka?" tukso nito ang aga-aga.

She saw it too while she was in front of the mirror and doing her light make up. She looked prettier and glowing. She don't really know why!

"Because I slept good."

Santi even eyed her from head to toe, then crossed his arms above his chest.

"Umamin ka, nagka-ayos na kayo ni Zacariel?"

Yelena sprays perfume then smell her wrist. "Not really. We talked a bit."

"A bit? Ilang oras kayong magkasama? Tapos kaunti lang ang napag-usapan ninyo?"

Hindi niya pinansin ang kaibigan. She wears a Gucci sneakers, a black short dress, then paired it with a fashion coat.

"At bakit parang handang-handa ka? You even put make ups. Huh, what is this, Yelena?"

She rolls her eyes. "I'm meeting Zacariel after our class-"

Nang binanggit niya palang ang pangalan ng binata ay impit nang napatili ang kaibigan. He looked like a big fan of their love team! That's who supportive he was.

"Really? Is this a sign of come back? Oh my!" then she fanned himself with his hands.

"There's no come back. Hindi naman naging kami dati 'no."

"Hindi, because he didn't like minors. He told you that. Remember?"

Napaisip siya bigla.

She's eighteen already and at the legal age. What if... he waited for it? Is that even possible?

"Maybe, he waited until you turned eighteen. Tingin mo?"

"I don't think so. Sana sinabi niya?"

"Sabagay..."

Lumabas sila sa unit at naroon na rin naghihintay ang bodyguard. Sumunod ulit ito sa kanila na parang robot.

"Susunduin ka ba niya mamaya?"

"He will call me-" she was cut off when Santi made a kilig face. "Maybe he's busy. Hindi rin ako sigurado kung matutuloy kami."

"Tuloy 'yan. He wouldn't lose this chance. Bahala siya. Kapag hindi pa siya kumilos, makikita ka nalang niya na kasal na sa iba."

Hindi niya sigurado kung paano nasasabi ni Santi ang mga bagay na para bang interesado sa kanya si Zacariel. Baka kaya sila magkikita ay para lang maipagpatuloy ang usapan nila dahil hindi nila natapos iyon kagabi. They did something else.

The images of her being pleasured by his tongue inside his car still made her blush. She can't really believe herself that she was able to do that after all the heartbreaks.

"Ayokong umasa, Santi."

"Be frank, Yelena. Ask him directly why he's doing all of these. Tell him that you don't have time to play a game if that's what he wants from you. But knowing Guerreras men, they don't play games when it comes to women and relationships, right? Palagi silang seryoso."

Tumango siya dahil totoo iyon. Guerreras men valued women and respect relationships. Something that she admired about them.

"I'll ask that later. I don't want to play a game with him. Alam kong matatalo ako."

"Yes, because you like him."

A small smile curved her lips. "Sana baliktad nalang 'no? Ako ang gusto niya at hindi ko siya gusto."

"Tiwala lang. Gusto ka no'n. Hindi naman siguro maglalaan ng oras sayo si Zacariel kung hindi? He's very busy but he still wants to meet you? That's one of the sign, Yelena."

Mabuti nalang talaga at kasama niya si Santi. He always boost her confidence and he always see the bright side.

Yelena's phone vibrated in the middle of their class. She was tempted to check it and see if it was Zacariel. Kaya lang ay ayaw niyang maantala siya. When they have their break, she checked her phone.

From: Zac
Can we have our lunch in my office instead? I have an important meeting after.

From: Zac
What time do you want me to pick you up?

Dalawang mensahe lang 'yon. Santi was reading the messages too. But he didn't interrupt. He just let her decide.

To: Zac
11:30am is good. I don't mind eating inside your office. I'd like to see your workplace.

Then she sent it.

Their class continued and she didn't receive a reply from Zacariel. He must be busy? She's curious how he works and what is his life in Manila.

"I'll have my lunch with our classmates. Call me later, okay?" Santi said then give her a cheek to cheek kiss.

"Okay. Hihintayin ko nalang dito si Zacariel."

Santi left with their classmates and she was alone near the cafeteria, where she can see the parking area. Zacariel texted her that he's on his way.

If what she's doing is right, she don't really know. This time, she's still allowing her heart to follow what it wants despite the fact that she knows being with him won't last. Because ever since, there was no Zacariel and Yelena, right? They won't last.

Everything is just temporary, might as well enjoy every moment with him.