TW: Sexual Assault

Kabanata 11

Implausible Monsters with Inconceivable Thoughts

Pagkatapos kong umo-oo kay Seus, He was still talkative, samantalang ako halos umalis na 'yung puso ko sa katitibok-tibok. I am nervous, indeed I am.

He stopped the truck and reached for his tumber, He then gave me his tumbler, uminom ako. He know's something's up. Palagi n'yang alam na ako'y ninenerbyos.

"Oo, Sapphire, I asked your parents for permission kung pwede na tayo magkaanak."

Nabilaukan ako sa tubig na binigay n'ya. I then coughed.

"Uy! Sorry!" takot n'yang sambit, sabay kuha n'ya ng panyo at dahan-dahang pinunasan ang bibig ko.

"Alam mo namang nag jo-joke lang bebe mo, eh," He scratched his nose, alalang alala sa'kin.

"Si Oreo, s'ya 'yung anak natin," Seus cleared what he had said before.

I nodded, "I-Iuuwi..." I paused when he stared at me, I looked away, "Iuuwi ko muna si Oreo, you can have him tomorrow..."

He nodded, "Ma-mimiss ko 'yung mag-ina ko..." he whispered to himself, but I'm pretty sure that he intentionally made me hear it. 

He then kissed Oreo, "Momma will take care of you for today..."

Inandar uli ni Seus ang sasakyan at napagpasiyahang ihatid ako pauwi.

"But... how about Manong Ram and Mang Roel, how will they get home?" I asked worriedly.

"Alam ng pamilya mo 'to, Amara. I asked them permission..." He said, paying attention to the road.

"Really?" I whispered to myself, feeling an awe all over my heart.

Binuksan n'ya ang pintuan ng sasakyan, dahan dahan akong bumaba. Habang papalakad sa pinto ng bahay ay kitang-kita sila Manong, Manang, Papa at Mama sa bintana mukhang kanina pa sila nagaantay. They were pushing each other out of the excitement, kahit ang mama kong sobrang prim and proper ay nakikisali na din.

Seus opened the door for me, kami'y tumahak na papaloob at laking gulat namin nang makita silang nakaupo, sila manong naglilinis, at 'yung iba nakatingin sa itaas ng kisame.

I smiled, "We saw you guys..."

I pointed the window, "sa window..."

"Kasalanan mo 'to Boyet!" Manang Elda said irritatingly.

"'Yan kiliti pa more!" Manong Ram said.

"Tumahimik ka nga Ram!" Manong Boyet scolded Manong Ram. I looked at Seus awkwardly.

"'Yan sabat pa more! Manong Nescafe!" Mang Roel jokingly interfered.

"Stop na..." Mama and I calmed them down.

Seus chuckled, sabay naman kaming nagmano sa kanilang lahat.

Manong and Manangs curiously asked about Oreo. Oreo was a bit uncomfortable. Oreo actually experienced a neglection from its previous owner. It's very sad, buti nalang naamo ko s'ya sa dalawang oras na naroon kami.

Habang busy ako kay Oreo, ipinakikilala kina Nanay, Papa then asked swiftly to Seus, "Ano oo daw?"

"Opo, bossing!" sumaludo pa si Seus. I laughed because of it.

"Anong laman ng locket, Sapphire?" Manang Elda asked.

I looked at Seus, "I thought you told them?"

"Oo, 'di lang nila alam kung pa'no ko i-aaproach sa'yo,"

I paused and thinked, "You thought this by yourself?" I asked, really surprised.

"Oo, beb, creative ni master, 'no?" he chuckled.

I then looked back at Manang Elda, she was looking at both of us, Seus and I.

"Bagay kayo," comment ni Manang Elda.

"Cute, hehe..." dagdag pa nito.

"Sus! Masyado n'yo naman po kaming sinusuportahan Manang!" Seus had this very big smile on his face.

"Heh!" parang batang sambit ni Manang Elda. Seus chuckled.

"'Eto ang laman n'ya, Manang..." I opened the locket.

"Wow!" manghang tumingala si Manang sa locket.

"Gusto mo din ba ng ganyan?" ani Manong Boyet.

Nakangusong bumaling si Manang Elda kay Manong Boyet, "Ehe, sige ba..."

Pagkatapos ng ilang oras ay nagpasiyahan ko nang umakyat. Kiniss pa muna ni Seus si Oreo bago umuwi.

Binuksan ko ang closet ko at kumuha ng panyo, I brushed it softly sa bunganga ni Oreo, "Seus kissed you Oreo and I don't want no more any indirect things," I rolled my eyes.

Kinuha pa ni Mama si Oreo, sabi n'ya gusto daw ni Papa, but I know na-cu-cutan at naaliw din s'ya kay Oreo. I thought they wouldn't bring Oreo back dahil gabing-gabi na but when I woke up I saw Oreo beside me, he's cuddling with me.

"Morning, Oreo..." I smiled, "How's first night with momma?" I asked with love.

Tumahol s'ya, he immediately wagged his tail by the voice of mine. Dali-dali na 'kong nagligo at nagpalit as soon as I was done, binuhat ko si Oreo at hawak-hawak ko s'yang pababa ng hagdan. Nagulat na lamang ako nang nakita ko si Seus sa baba.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Ihahatid kita..." sagot n'ya.

I confusedly looked at him, "For what?"

"Nililigawan na kita, Amara... dapat lang na ihatid kita," He winked.

"M'kay..." sagot ko, I looked away when I felt myself blushing.

"Iiwan ko muna si Oreo kina Papa..." sambit ko sabay bigay kay Nanay si Oreo.

"Bye bye, Oreo," I kissed Oreo, while Nanay was holding Oreo, she was patting him softly.

Bumababa na kaming dalawa ni Nanay. "Bye Oreo..." Seus kissed Oreo softly.

Nanlaki ang mata ko when I realized I kissed Oreo, then Seus kissed him. Aangal na sana ako kaya lang I'm too embarrassed to even utter a word.

Pagpasok ko palang ng kotse ay may tulips na may card akong natanggap.

"Open mo card," sabay turo n'ya.

I opened it slowly and saw the drawing of me and oreo. Binasa ko naman ang nakalagay sa baba, "My Heart," pagbabasa ko, I smiled uncontrollably.

"Ang cute!" sambit ko, "Thank you..." I smiled with full of love.

"Wc, ma'am..." He chuckled.

"Wc?" I asked.

"Welcome, 'yan bibe. Wc to the shortcut world..." baritonong ani n'ya. I giggled.

Seus drove swiftly, nakadating kami ng maayos. I didn't thought he would drive softly since mukhang papaandarin n'ya ang sasakyan ng walang pakialam, that's why I was so worried for him nung una kong nalaman na nag da-drive pala s'ya.

Buhat-buhat n'ya ang bag at books ko habang naglalakad kami papunta sa aking classroom.

"Sorry kung ngayon ko lang na naisipang gawin 'to, Amara," He spoke out of the blue.

"Huh? It's okay..." sagot ko naman.

"Parang may nararamdaman na 'kong may idea ka sa nararamdaman ako sa'yo," paos at seryoso n'yang untag.

Bumaling ako sa kan'ya. "You were shy?"

"Mhmm..." napakamulsa n'yang ani.

"Do you want to keep it a secret na nililigawan kita?" He asked.

"You can say it, when people asked..." I then bid goodbye at pumasok na sa loob ng classroom.

"Sapphire!" kaway ni Haven.

Nanlaki ang aking mata nang nakita kong may dalang aso si Haven. Pinapalibutan ito nang aking mga kaklase.

"Awe! Ang cute ng aso mo Haven! Kainggit!" asik nila.

"Iuwi ko nalang, please!"

"Akin nalang! swap ko kapatid ko!" 

Pumunta sa'kin si Haven, hinawakan ang kamay ko at dali daling hinila ako papunta sa kanyang aso.

"Sapphire, meet my doggie girl, Happy," she then patted happy. It was a small golden retriever.

"Hello, Happy!" I uttered with happiness.

Natapos ang lecture namin at lumabas na kami ni Haven, ang mga kaklase ko ay agad na pumunta kay Happy.

"May pupuntahan me guys, mayang next subject n'yo nalang kalaruin si Happy..." I then saw the disappointment in my classmates' eyes. Haven smiled, "Babalik din kami 'no!"

"Sapph, may pupuntahan ako ngayon, makipag lunch ka na muna kina, Louisse, 'kay?"

"Sige, bye, Haven and Happy!"

Habang papalakad sa usual spot naming nila Jessa at Louisse. Everyone's eyes was with me.

Lumapit sa'kin 'yung isang estyudyante. "Uhm... Hi? Do you need help? What can I do-"

"Ikaw po ba 'yung nililigawan ni Kuya Seus?"

Gulat naman akong sumagot, "Uh, y-yea. I guess I am that girl..."

"Sana all ate!"

I smiled, "T-thank you?"

Lumapit pa 'yung ibang estyudyante, "S'ya ba 'yun?" usap nila.

"Excuse po..." I said as I walked away.

Jessa immediately ran to me when she saw me, "Sapphire, is it true ba?!"

Louisse then popped up, "Gagi! Ano 'yung naririnig kong sinasabi nila?"

We sat down, "Yes, guys, Seus is courting me..."

Napaisip ako, How did everyone knew that Seus was courting me?

Hinawakan ni Louisse 'yung magkabila kong balikat, "Okay ka lang?" sabay yugyog n'ya sa'kin.

"Yes, yes, I'm okay," I laughed.

"No way, there's no way, Seus can pull you off!" angal ni Jessa.

"Louisse, Jessa, wala pang kami, 'kay? He's just... courting me."

"Du'n na din 'yun!" Humalukipkip si Louisse.

"If he's gonna hurt you... tell me, okay?" Jessa smiled. I nodded.

"I'm going to support you with this relationship basta make sure he's not going to hurt you," Jessa uttered with sincerity.

"If he would, I would beat the out of him," Jessa scoffed.

"Gagawin mo 'yun?" Lingon ni Louisse kay Jessa. She seemed affected.

"Of course!" Jessa answered immediately. She even scoffed at the thought of it.

After we ate, I asked Louisse kung s'an si Seus, she told me na baka naroon sa coffee shop. I really want to ask him kung pa'no nalaman ng lahat na nililigawan n'ya ako.

I walked papunta du'n, pumasok na ako at hahakbang na sana nung nakita kong nag kakape sina Haven at Seus.

Are they close? Friends siguro. Maybe school thing? I was about to enter the exit when Happy came to me. Wagging his tail, looking so happy. She does fit the name Happy. 

Nanlaki mata ni Seus causing Haven to look at me. Tumayo at tumakbo papalapit sa'kin si Seus, sumunod si Haven.

"Akala ko ba surprise, Seus?" Haven uttered.

"Eh, malay ko-" He was cutted.

"Spoil ko na! Ikaw kasi!" Kinuha ni Haven si Happy.

"Lika, Sapphire, upo tayo du'n..." sabay hawak n'ya sa siko ko.

Everyone looked at me, I'm pretty sure it's because I was walking like a zombie.

"You know, Seus wants to bring Oreo sa school, you know 'yung puppy n'yo?"

Hindi ako umimik, processing everything.

"Happy goes to our school too, 'di ba?"

Hindi ulit ako umimik.

"Seus, umalis ka muna dito, thanks..." taboy n'ya kay Seus.

"S-sure ka?"

"Oo, bye!"

"Ingatan mo bibe ko ah?" I heard the chimes, it's the cue na umalis na s'ya.

"Sapphire, sorry if you think he's cheating..."

"It's okay..."

"Anong okay lang, Sapph? Things like that should never be okay."

She paused.

"He's not cheating. He wants to talk to me since si Happy may I.D ng school, parang student, look..." sabay angat kay Happy. I immediately saw Happy's I.D.

"He wants that for Oreo too..."

"Really?" asik ko sa sarili ko.

"Oo bes!"

"Surprise s'ya kaso dumating ka, eh..."

"Close ng fam ko si dean, kaya makakalusot mga pets natin, hehe..."

Nagusap kami nang ilang minute, I then also want to ask her another question.

"I have a question..." I uttered.

"Ha? Ano? Sige," sabay ayos n'ya sa buhok n'ya.

"How did you know Seus?" I asked.

"Please 'wag kang magugulat, ha?" She held my hand.

"My family and the Vergara's had this agreement..."

Napaangat ang tingin ko sa kan'ya.

"Seus and I," nilapit n'ya 'yung dalawang index fingers at ipinagdikit.

Nanlaki ang aking mata, "W-What?"

"We'll be married as soon as mag grad kami ng senior high or college, 'di ko talaga alam, wapakels ako d'un hehe,"

I covered my mouth. 

"Sapphire, h'wag ka mag alala 'di naman 'yun matutuloy... because in-end na ng Vergara 'yun, my family, mostly my sister just can't accept it,"

"I actually don't know kung ako o 'yung sister ko, si Hazel ang ipapakasal kay Seus," sabay tawa n'ya.

"Anyways, hindi naman 'yun matutuloy," she laughed, she looked happy na hindi na matutuloy.

"Hazel?" I asked.

"Kilala mo 'yun?" asik n'ya.

"Fraternal twins kami, ading ko s'ya..."

"Wait, may picture kami..." sabay lahad n'ya ng picture.

"No way..." I said faintly.

It's Hazel. THE Hazel.

"'Yan ang aking twin, Hazel Montenegro, ang baliw na baliw kay Seus," she chuckled.

"She even threatened me na kung ako ipapakasal kay Seus, aawayin and i-to-torture n'ya ako sa mga pranks n'ya,"

"W-What if?" tinuro ko sarili ko.

She chuckled, "Don't worry, 'di ka nu'n i-pra-prank,"

"Kilala mo ba, Sapph?" tanong n'ya.

I nodded.

"Hala! Baka ikaw 'yung kaaway n'ya!" She gathered her breath, "Imposibleng friends kayo, bratty 'yan, eh..."

"Number one kaaway n'ya si Phoebe..."

Nanlaki uli ang aking mga mata.

"You know her also?!" umiling nang umiling si Haven, she even rolled her eyes, "Small world."

"Phoebe and her family, sila ang nauna sa agreement but ended it, 'di ko alam rason. Kami naman second, they ended it, personal reasons na 'di ko na inalam pa. Grabe nga iyak ni Hazel nung nalaman 'yun..."

"I'm sorry kung inaway ka na din ni Hazel. Na fall, eh," sabay tawa n'ya.

"Sorry kung ngayon ko lang nasabi, Sapphire."

"It's okay..." I smiled, "Now I know..."

"Dala n'yo si Oreo, tomorrow, we'll take his I.D picture..."

Sabay kaming bumalik ni Haven sa classroom. Maraming lumapit sa'kin at tinatanong kung ako 'yung girl na nililigawan ni Seus. Our prof even asked me kung ako ba 'yung nililigawan ni Seus, my classmates teased me. After a few minutes, our prof ended the lecture at agarang lumabas  ako, I was surprised when I saw Seus waiting for me. They even teased me more.

"Akin na," he said, ibinigay ko gamit ko.

"Sabay na tayo pumunta sa Café,"

"Okay..."

"Is it true? 'yung sinabi ni Haven kanina?" I asked.

"Ano bang sinabi n'ya?"

"The agreement?" I asked once more.

He nodded.

"Okay." That's all what I needed to know, I don't want to know more about it. 

"We ended it already, sabi ko I like someone else... ikaw 'yun," He smiled.

"Good afternoon mga madam at sir!" sabay batok ni Damien kay Seus.

"Late kayo nang isang minuto!" sabay tawa nito.

Tumawa si Seus.

"Grabe naman kayo! Bossing n'yo 'ko dito, ah! Kayong dalawa ni Caly nakakailan na!" tumatawang sambit n'ya.

"'Di bale! Excuse na muna kayo, since nalaman kong nililigawan ng pare ko si Sapph!"

"May bago tayong uniform sa buong Feb!" sabay tapon ni Damien ng red na apron, marami itong hearts.

"Matagal pa 'yun, ah?" I asked.

"Excited lang ako, hehe...."

"May ka-date ka?" tanong ko. Tumaas naman ang kilay ni Ate Caly.

"Wala pa, pero-"

"Pare, ang liit sa'kin, pare!"

"Pagkasiyahin mo, wala na akong paki kung maliit sa'yo 'yan,"

"It's beautiful," I smiled.

"Naks! Thank you, Sapph! Ikaw na paborito kong empleyado!"

"Hehe, WC!" I responded.

"Naku! Gaya gaya na kay panget na Seus!"

"Grabe! Nakakahiya naman!" Seus chuckled.

"Anyways... magdedecorate tayo for Valentines soon!" 

"Okay!"

"Hello! Welcome to Caden's Coffee Shop! What could I get for you?"

"Ate, 'yung cookies and 'yung OG coffee n'yo..."

"Okay," sambit ko.

"OMG! Ikaw ba 'yung nililigawan ni Seus?" sabay bukas n'ya sa cellphone n'ya. Itinapat n'ya 'yung picture ko sa mukha ko.

Itinaas ko ang aking kilay, "Yes?" I responded, confused.

"Ikaw nga!"

"Grabe! Kainggit!"

"Ate okay lang na s'ya na mag serve sa'min?" She asked me with puppy eyes.

"Kung okay lang, ha!" Pinagdikit n'ya 'yung dalawa n'yang kamay at nagmukhang parang nagpra-pray pa s'ya sa'kin.

"Pakisabi sa kanya ate s'ya na mag serve nung akin, hehe..."

"Okay..."

"Yesh!" 

Natapos ang shift naming, very tiring but worth it. Pumasok na ako ng sasakyan ni Seus.

"How did they know?" I asked, "Like... ang bilis?"

"Sinabi ko lang kay Damien... mabilis kumalat ang kaganapan kapag kaibigan mo ang katulad ni Damien,"

I laughed, "Well... wala na tayong magagawa du'n."

"You can have Oreo for this night, I'll get him, h'wag ka muna aalis, 'kay?"

"Okay po misis ko!"

"Sa weekends 'yung drive in concert, perfect sa Valentines! kukunin kita dito, ha?" He reminded me.

"Okay!"

Dinala pa ako ni Seus sa pintuan naming at nakipagusap kina Manang, I gave him Oreo at umalis na 'sya.

"So... Seus is courting you now?" Kuya Timothee uttered.

"Opo, kuya!" I smiled.

"Good for you," he smiled.

"Hah! Ngumiti!"

Morning came at s'yempre hinatid ako ni Seus papuntang school. He gave me tulips and a drawing card again. We were also earlier since i-pa-pa-picture pa namin si Oreo, so that he can have his I.D.

"Morning, Manong Guard!" sambit namin ni Seus.

"Tuloy po, Ma'am, Sir!"

Haven waved her hand. Mabilis lang ang pagpicture kay Oreo. We filled up the forms and we were free to go. Sabi makukuha na daw ito mamayang lunch. Seus said he'll take care of Oreo, since alam n'yang may recit kami today.

Time came slower lalo na pag recit namin. I was surprised when I saw na ako ang unang nakarating sa spot namin.

I opened my lunch na gawa ni Nanay when I saw Louisse and Jessa ran to me, "Grabe! May bago nanamang news!"

"Si Ate Rein! She's dating na! And rumors said na they'll marry each other pagkatapos nang college!" hingal na sambit ni Jessa.

"Really?!" I exclaimed.

"Ebarg! Kahapon kayo ni Seus! Now si Ate Rein naman!" untag ni Louisse.

"When kaya ako?" Louisse chuckled, "Charot!"

"Marrying? Rumors lang 'yun!"

"Oo bes!" sabay upo ni Louisse.

"Kilala n'yo ba kung sino 'yung guy?" I asked.

"No... I hope he's nice to Ate Rein!" ani Jessa.

"Pa'no pala pag pangit s'ya kung totoong for businesses lang?" seryosong ani Louisse.

"Louisse!" parang galit na saad ni Jessa.

"If we'll think about those stuff, baka magkatotoo!" untag ni Jessa.

"I feel bad for Ate Rein..." Napakalumababang ani Louisse.

Luckily, I saw Sunny waving at us, masasagot na 'yung mga tanong na kanina pa namin iniisip, "Hello!"

"Hi bebe Sunny... Totoo ba 'yung sinasabi nila?" Louisse asked.

"We're... We're not chismosa, ha!" Jessa smiled awkwardly.

"Oo, totoo, 'di ko inexpect 'yun..." Sunny sat beside me.

"And, sana h'wag n'yo sabihin pero totoong for businesses lang 'to," she smiled faintly at us.

"Of course!" sabay naming saad.

"Kilala mo 'yung lalaki, Sunny?" usisa ni Louisse.

"Louisse..." I said, stopping her.

"Naku! Ate h'wag kayo mag alala 'di naman isisikreto si guy..." Sunny smiled at me.

"Anak s'ya nung senator natin..."

"Gagi! Yayamanin!" Louisse exclaimed.

"Cool, but their money... mostly from our tax..." Jessa stated facts.

Louisse then looked at me, "Huy beb! 'di ba may kilala kang anak ng senator! Si Vance!"

I nodded, Sunny looked at me, "Ano apilyedo, Sapph?"

"Leguizma," I stated.

Sunny gasped, "Leguizma?! As in?!"

"Omay! Leguizma talaga?!"

"Bakit? Si Vance ba?" Jessa asked out of her curiosity.

"Hindi! Si Vaughn!" ani Sunny, nakatakip ang kanyang bunganga. She's probably processing everything.

"I know him!" I said, surely.

"I hangout sa bahay nila. Tatlo silang lalaking magkakapatid, Vaughn being the first born, Vance the middle and Vinnie as their bunso," pagkwekwento ko.

"Gwapo ba?" usisa kaagad ni Louisse.

Sinipat naman ni Jessa si Louisse, "Concerned lang me kay Ate Rein, 'no!" pagdedepensa ni Louisse sa sarili.

"Sus!" I smiled.

"Bleh!"

"Oo, gwapo, gwapo, Louisse," I admitted.

"Update ko kayo... Sabi nila may pamamanhikan na magaganap, 'di ko lang alam kung kalian..." Sunny informed us. She got up at kinuha ang kanyang mga gamit.

"Sige, bes! Sabihin mo Congrats!" Louisse waved.

"Bye, Sunny! tell Ate Rein I'll punch that guy if he hurts her!" Jessa threatened Kuya Vaughn.

"Bye, Sunny! Take care! Congrats to Ate Rein!"

"Sige, sige, thanks!"

"Psst! Sapph! Lika!" bulong na tawag sa'kin ni Haven.

"Papunta na si prof natin, Haven..." I informed her.

"Mabilis lang 'to, promise!" sabay taas niya ng kanan niyang kamay, nangangako.

"Okay..." sabay lakad ko saupuan n'ya, I instantly saw Happy.

"Hi, Happy!" I kissed happy.

"Meron na 'yung I.D ni Oreo!" sabay ngiti n'ya.

"Wow!" sabay basa ko sa I.D.

"Parents; Perseus Amiel Vergara, Amara Althaia Sapphire Merritt," pagbabasa ko, halos mabilaukan pa ako sa sarili kong laway.

"Ganda 'no?!" proud n'yang sambit, I nodded.

"Sapphie, paparating na si Prof, balik ka na!"

"Okay, okay..." sabay lakad ko papunta sa aking upuan.

Natapos ang klase, Seus and Oreo was waiting me outside the classroom. As usual my classmates teased us again.

"Wow! May pa antay si Mayor!" Haven chuckled.

"Hello, momma!" baby talk ni Seus.

"Iwan ko na kayo mare!" Haven waved.

Hinalungkat ko agad ang aking bag at kinuha 'yung I.D ni Oreo, "Here..." sabay suot kay Oreo.

"Ang cute n'ya!" I exclaimed. Binigay ni Seus sa'kin si Oreo.

"Akin na bag at books mo ma'am," He smiled. Binigay ko ito.

A week then passed by. Seus was always so sweet and is pretty consistent of his efforts. I'm grateful that I have someone just like him.

"Op! Op! Op!" Damien stopped us, kakapasok palang naming sa Coffee shop.

"No pets allowed!" sabay ekis n'ya sa kanyang kamay.

"Ulol!" Seus laughed, hinawakan n'ya ang kamay ko at pumanhik sa loob.

"Sorry, Damien, wala namang customers today... please," I pleaded.

"Tsk!" He rolled his eyes.

"Sige sige! Basta tapusin n'yo ang pagdedecorate, ha?"

"Yay!"

We started to decorate the Coffee shop. Caly was bitter, Seus was always laughing, Damien was angry, and I felt the happiness.

"Lopsided 'yung heart na ki-nut mo, Damien..." Seus teased Damien.

"Panget mo!" Damien said pertaining to Seus. 

"Sayang!" dagdag nito, He then looked at it.

"Oreo is behaved, oh?" I informed Damien.

Kahit paming ulit ni Ate Caly at Damien na ayaw nila kay Oreo, their body psychology said otherwise.

Natapos ang pagdedecorate it was not easy, but I loved how it turned out. 3 weeks has passed, It's now February, meaning malapit na ang drive-in concert namin ni Seus. It's been 5 weeks since he courted me.

My Mom prepared this beautiful outfit a week ago. This outfit has a color palette of white and lilac, it even has a touch of gold jewelries. Bandana lilac top, White flare pants, Lilac fluffy baguette bag, Lilac dainty sandals. It was perfect. Agad akong nagpalit.

I sprayed my signature perfume and looked into the mirror, "You look very pretty, Sapph..."

Bumaba ako at Nakita ko kaagad si Seus. He's wearing Graphic Tee, Pants and his Nike sneakers. He looked so charming. We then said our goodbye to Manong and Manangs. Papa and Mama weren't there, they went to another business meeting.

"Ang ganda ganda mo, Amara..." He looked at me, a ghost smile at his face.

"Where's Oreo?" I asked. Trying to change the topic.

He looked at me, waiting for my reply.

"Okay, Okay, you look amazingly attractive today..." I admitted.

"Wew! Parang ang init dito, ah," sabay paypay n'ya sa namumula n'yang mukha.

I chuckled, "I could turn up the AC," I suggested.

"'Wag na baka malamigan ka, tignan mo 'yung top mo, oh..." sabay turo n'ya sa top ko.

Wait is he that kind of boyfriend na sobrang possessive?

"Ganda ng top mo bibe. Bagay na bagay..." He smiled.

Nope! He isn't that type of boyfriend. And Sapph! hindi mo pa s'ya sinasagot, okay?

We drove off. We reached the destination after 2 hours of driving. I didn't even realize 2 hours 'yun dahil puro usap kami ng usap ni Seus.

We saw this big entrance. I peeked outside the window at natanaw ko agad ang malaking stage. The guards there guided us to our designated place. It was the perfect since we could clearly see the stage. It was in the front. Our ticket was simple and has random numbers in it, they also gave us this qr code for our food. There are two famous OPM singers that will entertain us today, and one famous boy band.

Before I knew it, we were singing to every line the singer sings. We used flashlight and vibed off the song.

"Halika taas tayo," He said midway the song.

Bumaba s'ya ng sasakyan n'ya at binuksan ang pinto sa'kin, we went to the back of the truck or which they call the 'bed'. Seus then helped me get up and now we were on top of it.

"'Di ka naman takot sa heights 'no? Lapit ka nalang bibe ko..." He said as he wrapped his arms around me slowly.

Minutes came and natapos na naming 'yung dalawang OPM singers. They were so good! I love every song they've performed. Now, 'yung boyband na.

"Baba na tayo," he gave me his hand, I accepted it at bumaba na.

"Hi! Everyone! We're Hot Mess!"

We used our car's horn to clap instead of our hands. It was definitely fun. Seus and I even sat in the windows, we felt the cold wind.

"Messy na hair ko," sabay tawa ko.

"Messily Hot!" sambit ni Seus sa'kin, nakatingin sa'kin.

"Huh?" I asked innocently.

"'Yung grupo, hehe," He chuckled.

I rolled my eyes.

I danced and sang since it's the last song they'll play for today's concert.

The sunset was admiringly beautiful.

"Ganda ng sunset, beb, picturan kita..." He smiled as he took a picture of me.

He stared at it, "Wallpaper ko na 'to, kung okay lang..."

"What? You're asking me?" I asked.

"Yeah, I guess, I am," pumungay ang kanyang mga mata.

"No, baka kasi pangi-" he cutted me.

"Too late," he showed me his wallpaper.

"Okay, I look beautiful there, you can have it," I smiled.

"You look beautiful in everything, Amara..." pumungay ang kanyang mga mata.

I blushed.

"Mukha kayong couple!" Damien exclaimed.

"Apron 'yan, Damien, hindi couple shirt," tawa ni Ate Caly.

"May heart pa sa harapan, oh! Nakakahiya naman sa'ming mga single!" untag ni Damien.

We're working today ngayong hapon. Oreo was with us, he's very behaved. The customers actually liked him, and I'm very glad.

Seus opened his car's door for me. "Thank you," I smiled.

"WC," sabay saludo ni Seus sa'kin. I chuckled lightly.

A few weeks passed by. As usual Hinatid ako ni Seus pauwi, as usual I got my tulips and drawing card. After he left, I did my usual routine, when Jessa called me.

"Hey, Sapph? Are you free?" bungad ni Jessa, looks like she needed me.

"Yep, bakit?" sagot ko naman.

"I think... I think I know who Louisse' boyfriend is..." Jessa waited for my respond.

"Who? How?" I immediately asked. Questions forming inside my head.

"It's Keith. I saw Louisse, they-"

"No way!"

"Yes way!" Jessa corrected me.

"Sapph, pwedeng pumunta ka sa park?" Jessa asked me after a long pause.

"Mukhang naguumpisa na 'yung away nila," takot na sambit ni Jessa.

I then heard Keith mumbled bad words. I then and there ran, Manong Ram was supposed to bring me there pero I told him not to. Louisse would immediately know na paparating ako.

"H-hello?" I said panting, still running.

"I'm here... They stopped arguing, but please come here... ang dark dito, Sapph..." Takot na sambit ni Jessa.

"I'm almost there," I dashed myself to the park.

After a few minutes of running nakarating din ako sa park. My heart was beating so fast, "Jessa, where? I'm in the park," I said as I looked around.

"'Yung Kissing Rock... I'm nakatago sa puno."

After a few seconds of running around the park Jessa spoke, "I think aalis na sila..."

I ran a little bit faster, I felt relieved when I saw Jessa's silhouette. I went nearer and Jessa immediately hugged me.

"Habulin natin sila, Sapph, I have a very bad feeling..." sambit ni Jessa, her eyes looked like she was crying.

"Okay, okay, breathe, Jessa, breathe..." I smiled.

"Sa'n sila pumunta?" I asked when she was calm.

"Sa exit, sa right, I think aalis na sila ng park," Jessa said while biting her nails.

"Okay, we'll walk there, don't worry, I'm here..."

I felt a bit odd, my intuitions were screaming.

"We should run," sabay naming sambit ni Jessa.

We ran until we reached the exit.

"Where are they?" I asked to myself.

"Fault ko 'to... If we ran kanina pa naabutan pa sana natin sila-"

"Jessa, ssshhh," I placed my index finger to my lips.

I looked at Jessa when we realized something, "Did you hear the scream?" We asked at each other.

"Open your body cam, Sapph," sambit ni Jessa. "Text someone, someone you trust, tell them about the situation."

Nagtipa kaagad ako ng message. He immediately responded.

"Let's run together, 'kay?"

We ran to the north part of the park we heard the scream more. It was getting a bit more darker and darker as we go.

"Where now?" we stopped.

"It's in the northeast part of the park..."

"Keith, tama na! please!" sigaw ni Louisse.

"Sapph, kawawa si Louisse," Jessa said faintly.

My tears were forming in my eyes.

When we saw the remark of Louisse and Keith we ran there. It was the fastest ran Jessa and I have ever done.

We pushed Keith out of the way, "Louisse?" Jessa hugged Louisse.

I turned my body to Keith, "How- How c-could you?! How could you do that?! to my L-Louisse?!"

He reached something in his pocket, it was a knife.

I went nearer him, "Sapph, Jessa, umalis na kayo dito!" Louisse exclaimed.

"Keith, h'wag mo silang sasaktan," Louisse pleaded and kneeled underneath Keith.

"Get them out of here, at gawin mo ang nais ko," banta ni Keith.

"O-okay, o-okay," Louisse looked at us. "Jessa, Sapph, alis na kayo dito," she looked at us with sincerity.

Jessa shook her head, she's crying.

"No, Louisse, No," I went to Keith. Louisse held my feet.

He smiled then toched my hand slowly. He then touched my arm swiftly, It gave chills all over my body, but all I could ever think of is Louisse. My anger towards him is inevitable.

"Gusto mo gawin ko din 'yung ginawa ko kay Louisse?" he softly said, evil smile on his face. He touched my face.

I smirked, "Hmm..." I smiled sweetly I then changed it to an evil smile.

"You violated my Louisse! How dare you!" I then punched his stomach and kicked his private part. My fingers immediately went to his eyes. I took an advantage to my strongest joint, my elbow. I did my self-defense techniques. Tinapakan ko 'yung ulo n'ya, and last but not the least I took his knife.

"Jessa hold his hands," I demanded. Jessa looked scared but did it anyway.

I then ripped my shirt, and tied it unto his hands and feet. I still held him.

"You are a monster, a true monster!"

〰〰〰〰『𖤣𖥧𖡼..✎ ..𖡼𖥧𖤣』〰〰〰〰

sofiagii

Lovelots♡