The End of Daylight

Untold Stories

—

"How dare you do that to me?"

Kumunot ang noo ko sa paraan ng pagtanong niya sa akin. Her voice was full of exasperation, it was as if I killed her whole family. Hindi ko maintindihan kung anong ginawa ko para magalit siya sa akin nang ganyan. What did I do?

"What do you mean?" I was about to whisk her hand but her grip tightened, making me whimpered in pain. "Natasja, let me go." I pleaded using my soft voice but she didn't listen. I don't want to argue with her right here and right now. For heaven's sake we're in the library.

Her eyes darkened while looking at me before letting me go. Bumakat ang kamay niya sa braso ko dahil sa higpit ng hawak niya sa akin kanina. Geez. What the freak is her problem?

"How dare you roll your eyes on me?" She asked furiously.

I looked up to meet her gaze with brows furrowed. "Natasja, when did I do that?"

"You just did earlier!" She hissed. Her eyes were shouting in disbelief.

Napatingin ako sa mga tao sa paligid dahil bahagya silang napalingon sa pwesto namin. Natasja caught their attention, geez, this is embarassing.

I wanted to explain that I didn't even rolled my eyes but I refrain myself from doing so. Kapag sumagot ako at sinabi kong nagkakamali siya ay mas lalong hahaba ang usapan namin, mas lalo siyang magagalit, mas lalo niya akong aawayin. I don't wish to argue with her. It's not my thing and by looking at her right now, I know that she's not in her right condition. She looked so pissed. What's wrong with her?

"I'm sorry for that but I gotta go." I instantly walked out before she could even talk but to surprise me, she followed me outside.

"Bitch, you just said that you're not dating Jieven but now you're his fucking girlfriend? Are you playing with me?"

I paused midway when I heard that she called me bitch. I was never called bitch all my life except for my friends and they are my friends so it was considered as our call sign but coming from a mere stranger like Natasja? Oh God, forgive me.

Mabilis akong humarap sa kanya at tinaasan siya ng kilay. I refrain myself from sounding annoyed. "What did you just say?"

Natasja crossed her arms over her chest and arched a brow on me. "I said bitch. Why? Want me to repeat again? Bitch." She sneered, emphasizing the word bitch directly to my face. My grip on my hand bag tightened when she repeated that filthy word again.

"Why are you calling me like that, Natasja?" I tried so hard to calm myself.

"Because you're a two sided faced bitch." She answered, looking conceited. "Akala ko ba ayaw mo sa kanya? Bakit ngayon kayo na?" Her voice held both confusion and enraged.

"I don't understand where you're coming from, Natasja." I puffed a breath and looked intently at her eyes. I want to consider her, her feelings, her situation and such but she's actually pissing me off. "Hiwalay na kayo di'ba? Please correct me if I'm wrong." I tried so hard to sound pleasing.

And then it hits me, I sounded like a slut with that question. Parang pinagmamalaki kong hiwalay na sila at ako na ngayon ang kasama ng ex niya. Oh gosh, it was too late for me to take back my words. I didn't meant to sound like that. I just wanted to ask. Oh gosh, should I say sorry?

She smirked at me. "I let him go but that doesn't mean I'm done with him."

"Okay?" I don't know if that was a question or a statement, it just automatically came out from my mouth. "Natasja, look, I do understand that I didn't stick with my word but if you're furious about it then I'm sorry." I was really sorry for her. I don't know, I just had the urge to apologize. Oo nga't nakipaghiwalay na siya pero kahit papaano I need to show consideration to her. I know I had mistakenly said before to her that I'm not going to date Jieven but I suddenly had the change of heart, maybe she was furious because of that so I understand.

"Congrats." She said with no emotions at all, her facial expression softened but her eyes were still fiercely furious. "I must say, he was the best boyfriend I ever had." Nabasag ang boses niya sa dulo.

I forced a faint smile because I don't know what to say. She was right. Jieven may not be perfect but he was really the best boyfriend that any woman could wish for to have.

She was about to speak but my phone suddenly rang. I looked at the caller ID and it was Jieven. I glanced back to meet Natasja and let out a small smile. "I gotta go. See you around."

It was the last day of our school year so we decided to spend the whole night in the club with my friends. Claudine as the party popper girl also invited Jieven's friends so they had no choice but to come with us.

I was wearing a simple red halter sleeveless top, I tucked it on my black skinny jeans and completed my outfit with my red ankle strap heels. I just fixed my hair in a messy bun since I have no time to braid my hair earlier. Meanwhile, Jieven was wearing a dark blue short sleeve button down dress shirt, black ripped jeans and shoes. He was also wearing his ear piercing, making him looked dazzlingly gorgeous.

"Iinom ka?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang inaabot ang bote ng Black Label sa lamesa. Claudine and Czoren were already on the dancefloor, dancing like a party whore in the middle of the night.

Jieven leaned forward and whispered to my ear, he had to do that since the music was too loud to handle. We couldn't hear each other if we'll use our normal speaking voice.

"No." he simply answered before leaning on the sofa.

"Why?" I mouthed. It was new to hear that he won't drink tonight so I couldn't help but to ask. I sipped on my glass and reached for the chaser afterwards. Tinuro ni Kendra ang whiskey malapit sa akin kaya inabot ko sa kanya iyon.

"I'll look after you." He replied without looking at me. He was actually drinking some.. orange juice. Hindi ko alam kung labag ba sa kalooban niyang inumin 'yon o choice niya talaga.

"Let's go na sa dancefloor guys!" Kendra yelled and stood up as she hugged the bottle of Vodka. Maegan declined and I just gestured that I'll follow her later so Kalen ended up accompanying her.

"Ay joke lang pala, ayoko maging third wheel dito. Hoy teka! Hintayin niyo ako!" Maegan made a disgusted face before she stood up to follow Kalen and Kendra. Napailing iling nalang ako nang maiwan kaming dalawa ni Jieven sa lamesa namin.

"I can handle myself, Jieven. Just drink if you want but not too much, you still need to drive yourself home." I answered while chewing some nachos. Hmm, it tastes good huh.

"Oh talaga?" He snorted out. Bigla akong napalingon sa kanya at naningkit ang aking mga mata sa paraan ng pananalita niya.

"What?" I irritatedly asked when the side of his lips rose.

"You can handle yourself?" He repeated what I've said. There was a boyish grin playing on his lips. "You can't if the alcohol already drowned the only sanity left with you." He softly answered near my ear.

"Are you sure?" I sneered at him.

"I'm more than sure." He said, sounded so conceited of himself. "You're fucking wasted the second time we met in the club. So what makes you think that you can handle yourself?" He fired back and simply sipped on his orange juice after pointing that I was wasted the last time we met in the club.

Napakunot ako ng noo dahil hindi ko maalala 'yung sinasabi niya. "Kailan nangyari 'yan?"

Bumalik ang tingin niya sa akin at ngumisi. "Don't you remember baby? The night I stole your first kiss? The night you slept in my bed—"

"Stop it!" I hissed. Napailing siya nang makita ang reaksyon ko. I'm sure as freak that my face was as red as tomato right now. Kailangan pa ba talaga niyang sabihin sa akin 'yon? Sa harapan ko? Geez, you just asked Tammy! What do you expect him to say? Gosh. I'm so dumb.

"Huwag ka ng uminom." He snatched the glass of mojito from me when I was about to drink. Naiinis ko siyang tinignan pero wala siyang pakielam na tinignan ako. He even managed to playfully winked at me.

"We're in the club. Do you expect me to just sit here?" I furiously glared at him. Pinalo ko pa ang sofa na inuupuan namin para maramdaman niya ang inis ko.

"Well, you can do that." he sneered and looked at me in the eye with a wide grin plastered on his lips. Nilagyan niya ng ice cubes ang juice na iniinom niya bago muling sumandal sa sofa. He stretched his right arm on the headrest.

I arched a brow. "What if I don't want to?"

"Then sit here." Tinapik niya ang hita niya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko. I didn't think twice, I flicked his ear, the same spot of his eye piercing. He whimpered in pain and he almost dropped his glass on the floor.

"That hurts baby.." he mumbled as he threw me deadly glares. His face was looking frustrated but his voice was as soft as the clouds above.

"That was for your filthy mouth." Pangaral ko sa kanya.

Nagulat ako nang bigla nalang din niya akong pitikin sa noo. Malakas iyon kaya mabilis akong nakaramdam ng sakit. I frowned when he started laughing at my reaction. Hindi ako nagpatalo kaya nagpitikan kaming dalawa hanggang siya na ang sumuko.

"Okay! Okay! Stop it! That's enough!" He raised both of his hands in the air. Sa huling pagkakataon ay pinitik ko ang ilong niya kaya napaigik siya. He looked adorable when he pouted like a kid.

"Last na talaga." I awkwardly smiled at him. He just chuckled before reaching for his glass of orange juice again. He chuckled and shook his head with a disbelieving smile on his face.

When I glanced at his ears, they were a bit reddish. I suddenly had the urge to touch those so I did out of consciousness. Jieven flinched in surprise but he let me do what I want afterwards. Marahan kong hinaplos ang tenga kung saan siya may piercing. I felt guilty for flicking it! Geez!

"Bakit ka nagpalagay nito?" I asked him out of the blue. I tilted my head so I could see his face.

"I was dared to do." He answered.

My forehead creased. "Nino?"

"Czoren. We played and I lost the game. It was the consequence. I don't know. I'm not so sure." He casually answered before reaching out for my hand and looked at me directly to my eyes. His hazelnut eyes were glistening in so much fondness again.

"Why?" I asked when he didn't talk for a second. Nakatitig lang siya sa akin na para bang kinakabisado niya ang bawat sulok ng mukha ko. And so my heart started to beat faster when he showed me his dazzling smile.

"What if I'm not the one you saw in the garden that day, will you still give that person an ice cream?" He seriously asked with no emotion at all.

Mabilis kong nakuha ang ibig niyang sabihin at doon ko sinimulang tanungin ang sarili. What if it wasn't him? Paano nga kung hindi si Jieven ang taong nakita ko noon sa garden? Will I still approach that particular person?

I looked away as I cleared my throat. "Of course."

"Of course?" He sneered, sounding surprised.

Tinignan ko siya at magkasalubong na ang kilay niya. "Of course." I repeated. "Kahit sino pa 'yon basta malungkot siya then I won't think twice but to give him an ice cream. I already told you that I hate sad people."

He manly rolled his eyes before letting me go. He looked pissed pero imbes na mainis ay natawa nalang ako sa inaasta niya. "Hey, stop overthinking. Whoever that person is, still, I will give him an ice cream but I won't let myself fall for that person. Well," I shrugged. "Except if his name is Jieven."

Hindi nakatakas sa akin ang maliit na pagngiti niya. I immediately poked his waist upon seeing that so he failed to hide it from me but I was surprised when he pulled me and dipped me in between his arms. He kissed my temple before whispering. "I love you."

Mahina ko siyang sinuntok sa sikmura kaya napabitaw siya sa akin. My heart beat quickened, more faster than the usual. Jieven never really failed to make me flutter. Nakakainis lang dahil kahit paulit-ulit ko nang naririnig iyon mula sa kanya ay bumibilis pa rin ang kabog ng dibdib ko.

It feels so fresh. So new. So surreal. Like it was the most soothing music I ever heard in my whole life.

Nagpaalam akong sasayaw muna nang bumalik sa table namin sila Czoren at Kalen. I gave them time to chitchat while I came to look for my friends in the dancefloor.

Claudine was already busy wiggling her body with a random guy, Kendra was alive while pouring some drinks in the mouth of her social friends while Maegan was just slightly swaying her body while trying to meet the beat of the music. Siya ang nilapitan ko dahil siya lang ang nakita kong matino tino pa.

"Oh bat' ka umalis?" Tanong niya nang makalapit ako. I slowly danced and swayed my body as I showed her a seductive smile.

"Bro time." I answered and pointed Jieven's place using my pouty lips. Napatango siya nang maintindihan ang sinabi ko.

Sumabay kami sa ritmo ng kanta. The song was getting wilder and wilder every minute passing by as well as the people wiggling their bodies against one another to heat up the mood. Habang lumalalim ang gabi ay mas dumadami rin ang mga tao. I'm still in my normal state so I winced when I felt a strange arm slowly massaging my waist from the back.

"Hey," I whisked the hand away from me as I faced the person who did that filthy move on me. It was a young tall handsome man wearing a white button down short sleeve dress shirt. He was obviously drunk because his face was a bit red. Kumunot ang noo ko nang ngumisi siya sa akin.

"Hey beautiful.." he whispered and leaned forward but I instantly pushed his chest. Bahagya siyang nagulat sa ginawa ko. "Feisty. What's your name?" He maliciously looked at me from head to toe.

Bago pa ako makapagsalita ay may humawak na sa kamay ko. I smelled his familiar scent when he pulled me closer to his body as he encircled his arm on my waist.

"She's married to me. Get lost." Jieven uttered in a deep and firm tone before he dragged me back to our table. Married? What? Kailan ko siya pinakasalan?

Madilim ang mukha niya nang tignan ko siya kaya umurong ang dila ko sa tangka kong pagtatanong. Marahan lang ang pagllakad namin pero ramdam ko ang pagkainis niya. Mabilis niya akong pinaupo sa tabi ni Kalen at mabilis siyang tumabi sa akin. He gestured Czoren to give him the denim jacket on his side so he willingly obliged. Nagulat nalang ako nang ipatong niya iyon sa balikat ko.

"Mainit." I protested and removed the jacket.

"Put it back." Madilim ang mukhang asik niya sa akin.

When I didn't move, he grabbed it from me and placed it on my shoulders again. Mabilis kong inalis iyon kaya nagsalubong ang kilay niya.

"Mainit nga." I said, sounding a bit irritated.

It was true. Naiinitan ako at bahagya ring pinagpapawisan. I don't know if the aircon has something to do with this or it was just my body temperature. Tahimik lang naman na umiinom sila Kalen at pinagmamasdan kami.

"Cover yourself, Tammy." He commanded, sounding more serious now. He just called me using my first name. Halatang galit na nga siya pero anong magagawa ko? Mainit nga!

"Mainit—"

"You will put it back or I will cover you using my body? Choose your weapon." He cut me off in monotone. His eyes even darkened, making me swallowed hard.

Natulala ako sa tanong niya. My eyes settled on him with a surprising look. Naputol lang ang mainit naming usapan nang marinig namin ang halakhak ni Kalen.

"Ang init mo bro! Chill!" He teased.

Napabuntong hininga naman si Jieven bago umiwas ng tingin. I felt guilty when I remembered how frustrated he was earlier when the random guy approached me so I just placed back the denim on my shoulders. I greatly understand him, ako lang talaga 'tong matigas ang ulo. He was just being protective to me and here I am, being a hard headed lady.

"Done." I smiled genuinely and glanced at Jieven beside me. Napatingin siya sa akin at nang dumapo ang paningin sa jacket ay marahang napatango siya.

My eyes narrowed a bit when I saw a group of ladies nearby, they were giggling while stealing some glances from Kalen, Czoren and especially from Jieven. Kahit saan talaga may fans sila no? I just shrugged it off instead of paying attention to them. I don't actually mind them looking at us.

Time flew like a wind. Tatlong oras na ang nakalipas at sigurado akong madaling araw na. Lasing na ang mga kasama ko maliban sa akin, kay Maegan, kay Jieven at kay Kalen. Nasa restroom si Jieven, Claudine was already asleep while Kendra was trying to revive her senses by drinking some water. Meanwhile, Czoren was...

"Kung ako nalang sana ang 'yong minahal.. 'di ka na muling mag-iisa..."

I puffed a breath when I heard that song for the fifth time. Kanina pa siya kumakanta, paulit ulit lang naman ang lyrics. Akala ko tulog siya since his eyes were closed but he wasn't.

"Kung ako nalang sana ang 'yong—"

"Bro, tama na 'yan." Kalen cut him off.

"Broken ba 'yan? Bakit ganyan mga kinakanta niyan?" Maegan grimaced in annoyance while drinking her whiskey.

Naramdaman ko ang muling pagtabi sa akin ni Jieven but my eyes were still settled to Czoren.

"I don't know either. Ganito siya lagi kapag lasing. Pagpasensyahan niyo na." Kalen awkwardly smiled and secretly pinched Czoren's shoulder, making the latter whimper in pain. "May mga babae, umayos ka nga bro." He whispered but I was able to hear it, katabi ko lang naman kasi siya.

"Wow! Pag malungkot 'yung kanta, broken agad? Hindi ba pwedeng nagandahan lang? Kayo ah, mga judgements kayo." Asik ni Czoren na mukhang nagising ang diwa dahil sa kurot ni Kalen.

"Ulol!" Maegan fired back.

"What's happening?" Kunot noong tanong ni Jieven nang tignan ko siya. He still looked so fresh and fierce with his outfit. I flinched when I suddenly felt his arm on my waist. He then leaned closer to me and dipped a soft kiss on my hair.

"Oh bro ikaw pala 'yan!" Lasing na tugon ni Czoren. His eyes were half open, maya maya ang pagpikit niya at pagdilat. Bigla siyang napatingin sa akin kaya kinabahan ako. "Ay! Tammy, alam mo ba si Jieven, sobrang seloso niyan!" Humalakhak siya. "Noong sila pa ni Natasja ayaw na ayaw niyang nilalapitan ng ibang lalaki si Natasja! Diretso sapak ang abot nung lalaki pag nagkataon—"

"Bro manahimik ka kung gusto mo pang sikatan ng araw." Pagpuputol ni Kalen sa kaibigan niya.

"Teka bro 'di pa ko tapos!" Reklamo ni Czoren bago ako muling tinignan. "Tapos tapos! Meron 'yung isang araw na nag-away sila dahil sa—"

"Get him away from my sight, Kalen." Jieven said in monotone.

Kalen covered Czoren's mouth in an instant and pulled him out of our table before he could even utter a word again.

"Excuse us." Seryosong anas ni Kalen bago hinila ang kaibigan palayo sa amin. I arched a brow while my eyes were still pierced to Czoren. I was waiting for his next words! Bakit ba siya hinila ni Kalen? Geez.

Then at that exact moment, I remembered my last encounter with Natasja. I still haven't told Jieven about that and I don't have any plans in doing so. Problema ko 'yon at ayokong isipin niya pa ang maliit na pag-aaway namin. Kakalimutan ko nalang at iintindihan si Natasja. Understanding, she badly needs that thing.

"Teka! 'Di pa ako tapos!" Rinig kong sigaw ni Czoren. It brought me back to my senses. I almost stand up when he stumbled while walking in the middle of the crowd, lasing na nga talaga siya dahil natumba pa habang naglalakad.

"Tangina bro, shut your mouth if you still want to breathe!" Kalen fired back and with that, they disappeared from my sight.

Nang hindi ko na sila matanaw ay bumalik ang tingin ko kay Maegan na tumatawa.

"Sayang! 'Yun na 'yon eh!" She playfully chuckled at me.

"Guys, you're so ingay, oh my gosh, where's my hairclip?" Reklamo naman ni Kendra na ngayon ay napabangon mula sa pagkakahiga sa hita ni Maegan. She panicked while struggling to search for her hairclip. Hula ko ay nahulog na iyon sa dancefloor.

"Hey, hey, don't listen to that dumbass." Jieven worriedly cupped my face and forced me to looked at him when I was about to help Kendra. I couldn't help but 'to let out a laugh when I saw his reaction. He really looked worried and at the same time, pissed.

I removed his hand on my face. "Calm down. I'm not mad." Sagot ko.

The truth is, I'm not really mad or upset. I am just curious and I want to know more. Wala naman na akong pakielam sa history nilang dalawa. Before I even said yes to Jieven, I already accepted the fact that Natasja was once his world. Nothing could change that fact, even me. But surely, I won't do the same mistake she did. I won't break the heart of this young gentleman beside me, I swear that to God.

"Really?" His eyes flickered. "You're not mad?"

"Isa pang tanong mo magagalit na ako." I frowned just to tease him but to my surprise, he nodded thrice and gestured that he zipped his mouth.

Isang linggo ang nakalipas na wala akong ginawa kung hindi ang makipagtitigan sa kisame sa kwarto ko. Hindi ako makalabas dahil nandito si Daddy so I had no choice but to spend my vacation at home with my freaking little sister.

Frankly speaking, I feel so bad for hiding our relationship from my parents but I was left with no choice. I don't want to lose Jieven, I want him to stay and it may sound so selfish but I want him beside me.

Wala akong balak itago ito habang buhay. I am just waiting for the right moment, Dad would be mad, I know that, but I'll gladly accept the consequences of my action.

But what if Dad will cut off our deal? Am I really ready to face the reality? The reality that I am no longer be able to reach my goal? My greatest dream?

I don't know.

For now, all I want to do is to focus on striving harder for the sake of my grades. For now, I just want to make my parents proud of my achievements.

It was our usual routine every summer to spend our vacation abroad or in a certain place in the Philippines but up until now, no one dared to open that topic. I wanted to do the first move but at some point I'm also terrified to hear their answer so I just chose to wait. Our parents were so pre-occupied managing their own businesses.

And when Saturday strikes, I almost throw a party when my parents went out to check on something I don't know, I didn't bother to ask though. Mabilis akong pumayag nang ayain ako ni Jieven na mag jogging. Matagal na rin kaming hindi nagkita and I'm glad he understood my situation.

"Are you already tired, baby?" Jieven stopped running and so I did the same. He glanced at my face with his usual serious expression. He still looked good with his little sweat dropping down to his face. How could he do that?

"I'm fine, stop being paranoid." I chuckled before I leaned forward and wiped his face using my clean white towel. I let out a faint smile when he closed his eyes so I could wipe his whole face. Ang cute niya.

He smiled afterwards. "Thank you, baby." Nagulat ako nang mabilis niya akong halikan sa pisngi bago muling tumakbo. I instantly felt the familiar butterflies in my stomach because of that.

"Siraulo talaga." Bulong ko bago sumunod sa kanya.

"Next next week would be my birthday." He said without looking at me when I reached him.

Nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinabi niya. Shoot! I almost forgot about it. Nasabi na niya sa akin ang birthday niya noon. How could I forget about that? My gosh Tammy.

"Oh right. What are your plans?" Nagpahalata akong hindi ko nakalimutan.

"It will be a cruise ship party. It was actually planned by my Mom." He looked at me after saying that. Ang ilang hibla ng buhok niya ay nahulog na at tumatama na sa kilay niya. "I'm expecting you to come."

"Of course I will. What makes you think that I won't?"

He shrugged. "Well, your Dad might suspect you."

I smiled to assure him. May point siya pero siguradong gagawan ko naman iyon ng paraan. Hindi pwedeng hindi ako makarating. "Trust me. I'll come."

Matapos pa ang ilang oras na pagtakbo ay huminto na kami. The sun was already waiving at us. We're not jogging anymore but we're walking just to relax ourselves. Pabalik na kami ngayon sa lugar kung saan siya nagpark.

"Saan ka nga ulit nagpark?" I asked while we're on our way. May mangilan-ngilan din kaming nakakasalubong na katulad naming nagjogging din.

"Katerina's Restaurant." He simply answered then looked at me. "Let's eat there, I already made a reservation for us."

I smiled sweetly. "As you say so."

"I'm starving." He mumbled for the third time. Natawa ako dahil kanina niya pa sinasabi sa akin 'yan. Lukot na rin ang mukha niya at halatang gutom na.

"What do you want me to do then? Wala namang dumadaan na taxi dito and besides, naiwan ang cellphone natin sa kotse mo." I crossed my arms over my chest. I'm starving too, I didn't eat my breakfast. Simpleng gatas lang.

"Feed me, Tammy." Parang batang anas niya.

I arched a brow. "What food do you want?"

"Hmm." He casually held his chin and looked up as if he was thinking. "Something that starts with letter T." Sagot niya at mabilis akong nginisihan.

"T?" I repeated. Anong pagkain ang nagsisimula sa letter T?

"Yeah." He said with a devilish grin plastered on his lips.

I tried to think for a food that starts with letter T. "Tamarinds? Tangerine?" I reluctantly asked.

Mas lalong nalukot ang mukha niya. "Bakit puro prutas?" Asik niya sa akin.

"Can you blame me? I don't have any in mind. Sige nga, magbigay ka nga ng pagkain na nagsisimula sa letter T."

"Tammy."

My jaw literally dropped upon hearing his answer. I didn't waste any second, mabilis ko siyang sinipa kaya napaatras siya at hinawakan ang tuhod na sinipa ko. We stopped walking because of that.

"I'm just kidding!" He hissed with face whimpering in pain.

My brows furrowed and flicked his forehead. Hindi ko napigilang mapangiti dahil sa reaksyon niya. He was being really blunt nowadays! Hindi ko alam kung anong kinakain niya at may lakas siya ng loob sabihin 'yon. Geez. Akala ko seryosong seryoso si Jieven sa buhay pero akala ko lang pala 'yon. Gosh, he's so playful! He even made me a food!

"You're being childish huh." I put both of my hands on my waist and glared at him furiously.

He stood up straight and said. "Well, I'm your baby."

Isang sipa ulit ang natanggap niya mula sa akin.

All along I thought our summer vacation would be cancelled because our parents were so busy but to surprise me, what happened was the otherwise.

"We're going to France next week." Daddy said while we're in the middle of eating our dinner.

Mabilis akong napahinto sa paghiwa sa karne ko at napatingin kay Daddy. Si Tamara naman ay napapalakpak sa saya. It was actually our favor to Daddy last year, gusto naming pumunta ni Tamara sa France pero bakit hindi ako masaya?

"For how many days we'll be staying there, Dad?" I asked.

He stopped chewing and looked up to meet my gaze. His face shows no emotion at all. "One week, I guess?"

Shoot. Lihim kong binilang ang araw ngayon at ang isang linggong pamamalagi namin sa France, including the day of our flight. I swallowed hard upon realizing that I won't be able to come in Jieven's party. No way, I already made a promise that I'd come.

"Hmm, don't you think it would be better if we'll do that next month or next next week, Dad?" I suggested. I refrain myself from stuttering, the way he looked at me gave me goosebumps.

"What makes you think that I'll approve your suggestion, Tammy?" He fired back, sounding annoyed that I counter attacked his plans. Hindi naman kasi ako ganito dati. Kung ano ang sasabihin niya ay wala akong angal, but now, everything changed.

Binitawan ko ang hawak kong kubyertos. "As you can see, Dad, you guys are still busy—"

"We already cancelled all of our meetings for next week, Tammy." He cut me off and continued cutting the meat on his plate. "My decision is final. We'll spend the summer in France." He said in finality.

Napayuko nalang ako dahil alam kong wala na akong magagawa. I wanted to protest so bad. I want to voice out my opinion but I think it's no use.

"And also," Nagsimula ulit magsalita si Daddy kaya napatingin kami sa kanya, though his eyes were settled on mine. "You asked me last year if we could go in France, why sudden change of heart, Tammy?"

I bit my bottom lip as I shook my head. "Nothing, Dad." I shut my mouth before I could even talk more. Nakita ko ang tipid na pagngiti sa akin ni Mommy kaya kahit papaano ay gumaan ang pakiramdam ko.

Wala akong gana buong araw. I'm thinking on how should I say everything to Jieven, I know he'll be upset. Aawayin niya kaya ako? Hindi naman siguro. I'll try my best explaining to him.

"Hey, baby.."

He answered the call using his hoarse voice. Napataas ang kilay ko dahil mukhang patulog na ata siya at nagising ko.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" I worriedly asked. Hindi ko namalayan ang pagkagat ko sa daliri ko habang hinihintay ang sagot niya.

"No, no. Katatapos ko lang maligo. Why did you call me baby? Any problem?" He sweetly asked. Narinig ko ang mahinang yapak niya sa kabilang linya.

"Uh," I bit my bottom lip and swallowed hard. Paano ko ba sasabihin? Nakakaloka. "Uh w-we had a small talk earlier and Dad said that.. that we'll be in France next week.." nabasag ang boses ko sa dulo dahil sa kaba.

Natahimik siya. Wala akong marinig mula sa kabilang linya kaya kailangan ko pang tignan kung binabaan niya ba ako. He didn't ended the call though but he wasn't speaking. Geez, galit na ata siya.

"But don't worry, I'll try my very best to attend—"

"It's okay baby, go with them."

Ako naman ang natahimik dahil sa sinabi niya. I think it took me five seconds before I finally spoke. "Aren't you mad?"

"No, why would I?" Mabilis niyang sagot.

Base nga sa boses niya ay hindi siya galit. It was his usual speaking voice. "I thought you'll be mad.." I bit my bottom lip unknowingly.

Narinig ko ang mahinang tawa niya sa kabilang linya. "It's okay, I understand pero kung sakaling makaabot ka then message me right away, I'll fetch you."

After the call, he informed me about the details for his party. Nakakalungkot pero kailangan kong gawin ang gusto ni Dad. Hindi ko rin napigilan ang pag ngiti. He really understand my situation, he never dared to fire back everytime I'm saying that I'm not allowed to do this, everytime I wasn't able to hang out with him because of that, everytime I was occupied and busy doing my responsibilities as part of the council to the point that sometimes I'll ditch him— after doing all of that, I never received a single complaints from him. I'm so lucky to have Jieven. I'm so grateful I met him.

After three days, nakarating nga kami sa France. And as expected, we stayed in a five star hotel. On our first four days, we spent it roaming around, visiting famous places, and shopping for some gifts. Hindi ko rin napigilan ang pagbili ng regalo para kay Jieven.

"Ate, what is that?" Tamara asked when she saw me holding a brown paper bag. Mabilis kong tinago iyon sa likuran ko. Binili ko iyon kanina habang busy sila Daddy sa pagpili ng sapatos.

Ngumiti ako. "Just a simple gift, Tamara." I answered.

On our fifth day, we had our family dinner in a restaurant. I'm not really good in speaking in french kaya sila Mommy at Daddy lang ang madalas kumakausap sa mga tao. I must say that France is a good place to visit. I was so mesmerized the moment I saw the famous Eiffel Tower, hindi ko makalimutan kung gaano ito kaganda at kataas.

"Show me your grades, Tammy." Dad spoke while I was busy chewing my pasta. Mabilis kong nilabas ang cellphone ko at inabot iyon sa kanya.

He looked at it for almost a minute. Mom even leaned closer to him and took a glance at my phone. She smiled unconsciously while Dad facial expression didn't change. Nakaramdam ako ng kaba sa hindi malamang dahilan.

"Bakit may isa kang 2?" He asked after putting my phone down in the table. Madilim ang mukha niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Uh, I'm sorry, Dad. The subject was a bit diff—"

"This is not acceptable." He puffed a heavy breath and crossed his arms over his chest before leaning on his seat. "Walang bobong Rustia, Tammy." He added with brows furrowed.

Mabilis akong napayuko nang naramdaman ko ang pag-iinit ng mata ko.

"Ximson, 2 is still equivalent to line of 9 if I'm not mistaken. Drop being frustrated about it." Mommy tried to calm my father but it was no use. Halata pa rin ang galit ni Daddy dahil may nakuha akong 2.

Was it my fault? Hindi sa lahat ng bagay ay magaling ako. I'm not perfect, I'm not as smart as Einstein but God knows how much I'm trying to reach their expectations. Walang anak ang gustong madisappoint ang magulang nila.

"Stop concealing your daughter's mistake, Tracie." Daddy sounded so annoyed. Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay nagliliyab sa inis ang mata niya habang nakatingin sa akin. "Ngayon lang nangyari 'to. What's happening to you? I'm giving you everything you want, you need and such. Simpleng pag-aral ng mabuti hindi mo magawa?" His voice held so much exasperation.

I bit my lower lip as I tried so hard to calm myself. Yes, he was giving me everything he thought I wanted but he didn't bother asking me what I really needed. He was busy pointing out my mistake but not my achievements. Minsan nakakapagod na rin, nakakasawa na. Lumaki akong dapat lagi silang proud sa lahat ng ginagawa ko, na dapat the best lahat ng gagawin ko, na uuwi akong hindi sinisira ang image ng pamilya ko. I wanted to shout in frustration but I'm trying so bad not to do that. Hangga't kaya ko, titiisin ko.

I just want my Dad to praise me, to compliment me, to understand me. Mahirap ba 'yon?

"One more 2 and say goodbye to London, Tammy."

His words lingered on my mind like a sword stabbing every veins in my head, it was painful.

Hindi ako mapakali habang nasa loob kami ng kotse nila Daddy at pauwi na sa bahay. It's already 10 pm and today is Jieven's birthday. Nakahanda na ang susuotin ko sa kwarto ko at pagbibihis nalang ang kailangan kong gawin. Gusto kong umabot, gusto ko siyang makita, gusto ko siyang batiin.

And the moment the car stopped in front of our house, I immediately run inside like a hungry wolf. Mabilis akong nagpunta sa aking kwarto at nag-ayos. I put on my beige bodycon dress and my silver heels. I have no time to braid my hair so I just let it down and curl the edges for atleast ten minutes. Light make up nalang ang nilagay ko bago ako nagpaalam kila Daddy na may pupuntahang birthday party. Fortunately, they allowed me.

My friends were also invited and surely, they were already having fun there. Nakaramdam ako ng inggit dahil mabuti pa sila ay kanina pa nakasama si Jieven. Gosh, I miss him so much.

"Jieven!" I called his name when I saw him standing and patiently waiting for me in the pier. A wide bewitching smile formed on his lips when his eyes landed on me.

Mabilis akong tumakbo at kaagad siyang sinalubong ng yakap nang maabot ko siya. He encircled his arms on my waist in return. I unconsciously sniffed his manly menthol fragrance while hugging him.

"I'm glad you made it, baby.." he alluringly whispered in my ears. Nakaramdam ako ng kiliti kaya mabilis akong bumitaw sa kanya.

"Happy Birthday!" Masayang bati ko at binigay sa kanya ang isang maliit na black box. It was a smart watch I bought in France. Wala na talaga akong maisip kaya iyon na ang binili ko bilang regalo.

He smiled and wholeheartedly accepted the box. "Thank you baby." I was surprised when he leaned forward and gave me a quick soft kiss on the lips before holding my hand. "Let's go inside." He mumbled and so I nodded.

Sa function room sa loob ng cruise ship ginanap ang party niya. It was grand, I must say. Mas engrande pa ito kesa sa birthday ko. Each tables were occupied by people with different faces, some were familiar to me while some weren't. The buffet table was filled with tons of delicious foods, I was already satisfied by just looking at those so what will happen if I got to taste them? Geez. And the large chandelier in the middle were glistening in so much glorious.

I unconsciously looked at Jieven beside me. He was wearing a red three piece suit. He looked like a prince charming ready to fetch his damsel in distress because of his outfit and by just simply looking at him, it made my heart sank in so much fondness. He looked dazzlingly fetching. His hair was neatly fixed in a pushed up hairstyle with some strands falling off. Ang swerte ko sa kanya. And I'm proud to say that he's mine.. alone.

"I want you to meet my parents." He said, making my eyes widened in surprise.

"Wait, what? Your parents? Agad-agad? Are you going to introduce me now?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko sa kanya.

I expected him to bring me to my friends so I could chitchat with them but he actually had a different thing playing in his mind. Hindi pala kami pareho ng iniisip.

His forehead creased. "Why? Are you terrified?" He softly asked.

"It's not like that—"

"I'm going to introduce you as my girlfriend then." He cut me off immediately with a wide grin playing on his lips. Hindi na ako nakapalag nang hilain niya ang kamay ko at naglakad kami papunta sa isang table sa harapan.

My eyes widened even more when I saw a group of old individuals seriously talking about something. Kaagad kong namukhaan kung sino sa kanila ang mga magulang ni Jieven. They looked exactly the same as him, especially his mom. He got his features from her, I knew that. And she was the doctor I saw in the hospital, gosh, it was his mother all along!

"Mom, Dad." Jieven started and cleared his throat. Napatingin tuloy sa amin ang mga taong nakaupo sa table na iyon. A gorgeous old lady and a dignified man stood up and so my heart started to thug in an unknown rate.

"Yes, my dear?" The voice of his mom was as soft as cotton balls. It was very soothing, it perfectly suits her angelic face. She looked at his son then her eyes flew to meet mine afterwards. I smiled sweetly when our gaze met.

"Ahm." Jieven glanced at me before looking at his parents again. A sweet smile formed on his face. "I want you to meet Tammy, my girlfriend." He said, sounding conceited.

"Good Evening po." Bahagya akong yumuko upang batiin sila. When I looked up, they were already checking my face down to my toes, making me feel somewhat anxious. This is actually my first time that someone introduced me as his girlfriend in front of his parents. Kakaiba ang pakiramdam, para akong masusuka sa kaba.

"Oh what a gorgeous lady!" His mom exclaimed after a moment and pulled me for a hug. Mabilis na binitawan ni Jieven ang kamay ko upang mayakap ko pabalik ang mommy niya. Maya maya pa ay binitawan niya ako. "You looked familiar, have we met before?"

Shoot! "We actually met in Planteus Hospital, Ma'am." My voice held hesitation when I spoke which I greatly regret.

"Oh right!" Anas niya at mukhang naalala ang pagkikita namin. Natawa siya maya maya. "Don't call me, Ma'am ija. Just call me Tita Francess." She smiled genuinely. Kamukhang kamukha niya si Jieven, gosh. Kuhang kuha niya pati ang pag ngiti niya.

Nginitian ko siya pabalik. "Okay po."

His Dad then cleared his throat, making me glance at him. He let out a faint smile. "I'm Jiov, nice to meet you Miss?"

"Rustia po." Magalang na sagot ko.

Bahagya siyang natigilan pero maya maya ay tumango at nagkamayan kaming dalawa. Kakaiba ang pakiramdam ko sa Daddy niya, it was very unusual that I couldn't seem to explain how. Maya maya pa ay inaya na akong kumain ni Jieven, so I bid my goodbye to his parents. He let me joined my friends so I was able to catch up with them while he was busy entertaining some of his visitors. I even saw Kalen and Czoren so we talked for a bit.

Maya maya pa ay tumayo ako upang magpahangin sandali sa bintana sa gilid. From my position, I could see the dark ocean below, it was very calming.

"Hey."

Mabilis akong napalingon nang marinig ko ang boses ni Jieven sa aking likuran. He was holding a two champagne glasses with a sweet smile on his face. Inabot niya sa akin ang isa kaya tinanggap ko iyon.

"Are you bored?" He asked and leaned on the wall in front of me.

I shook my head. "No, nagpapahangin lang. Why are you here by the way? Are you done entertaining you guests?"

"I'm honestly tired from talking to them. For now, I just want to spend the night with my girlfriend." A wide boyish grin formed on his lips.

Natawa nalang ako but I was caught off guard when I saw his parents nearby, they were talking to an old man wearing a black tuxedo. Nakita ko kung paanong tanggalin ni Tita Francess ang pagkakahawak ni Tito Jiov sa bewang niya. My brows furrowed when she took one step away from his husband.

When I glanced at Jieven, I was surprised to learnt that he was actually looking at the same person I was looking at. Nang magtama ang paningin namin ay malungkot siyang napangiti.

"Do you want to hear a not very romantic story?" He asked out of the blue.

I nodded unknowingly while looking directly to his hazelnut eyes that were now filled with sadness.

"Well, there was once a young couple that were greatly in love but a tragic incident made them broke their promise." He let out a sad laugh. "The lady was forced to marry another man. Shockingly, she was impregnated by his high school lover when they were both drowned in liquor. They were forced to live in one roof for the sake of their child and the lady never showed affection to his husband, not even once." He paused and smiled sadly.

Hindi ko rin napigilan ang ngumiti ng malungkot dahil sa kwento niya. He may not have told me directly that it was his parents story but I know it was theirs. Ngayon ay mas naiintindihan ko na kung bakit palaging nag-aaway ang parents niya. Mas naintindihan ko na ngayon ang sitwasyong kinalalagyan niya.

He's the product of that tragic love story and he among all of them was the most affected everytime they fight, it was indeed frustrating. Hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng lungkot para sa kanya. If I were on his shoe, I would probably feel the same.

"What do you feel?" I softly asked.

He let out a small laugh before looking away, his voice held so much sarcasm so I reached for his hand and squeezed it to let him know that he still have me.

"I kept this to myself for such a long time, I feel so relieved when I finally got to share this with you, Tammy." His voice broke, lowkey proving that he's really in great agony.

"You okay?" I caressed his hand.

He just let out a faint smile and nodded. "What a liar." I mumbled, making him laugh. "Admitting that you're not okay doesn't make you less of a person, Jieven. Remember this," Humakbang ako papalapit sa kanya at hinaplos ang pisngi niya. "It's okay not to be okay." I whispered and forced a smile so I could somehow ease his grievance.

The pain and sadness on his eyes were visible, it was like a dagger that hits my chest so bad. He then nodded and smiled sweetly. Napahinto lang kami sa pag-uusap nang umalingawngaw ang isang sweet music sa buong function room. Ang ilang magkasintahan ay dumiretso sa dancefloor.

I suddenly had a great idea so I looked back at Jieven. "Do you want to dance with me?" I asked with full of emotions.

Nalukot ang mukha niya. "That was supposed to be my line."

Natawa ako bago ko binawi sa kanya ang hawak niyang champagne glass. Nilapag ko ito sa isang bakanteng table bago ko muling hinawakan ang kamay niya.

"Pahiram muna. I need to make my man smile." I playfully winked at him before pulling him in the dancefloor.

He carefully placed his arms around my waist as I put mine on his neck. He pulled me closer until our faces were just inches away from each other. He looked at me with so much fondness visible on his eyes. Gosh, I was so smitten with him.

He then started to sway his body against mine.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I couldn't help but to ask when he didn't even blink while staring at my face.

"You should be in jail for possessing so much beauty baby.." he whispered lovingly.

I bit my bottom lip to stifle a smile but I couldn't deny the fact it actually made my heart jumped. "You told me earlier that you've been keeping it to yourself for a long time. Bakit hindi mo sinabi kay Natasja?" I changed the topic.

I was really curious about that. Bakit nga ba hindi niya sinabi kay Natasja ang bagay na iyon? She was still his girlfriend back then, why did he chose to stay quiet?

"I don't feel sharing it to her." He simply answered.

"Then why did you shared it with me? Don't —"

He cut me off by giving me a soft kiss on my lips. Ngumiti siya ng pagkatamis tamis pagkatapos at muli akong tinitigan sa mata. "Iba ka sa kanya, Tammy. Ibang iba."

I couldn't help myself anymore. Hindi ko napigilan ang pagsilaw ng isang munting ngiti sa labi ko. Gosh, what did I do to deserve this man? Sobra sobra siya sa hiniling ko. I am so blessed.

"I need to say this," he mumbled. I smiled while waiting for his next words. Mas humigpit ang pagkakayakap niya sa bewang ko kaya mas naglapit ang mukha namin. I could smell his manly scent and I could even feel his heavy breathing.

"Say what?" I asked.

"This may sound so cheesy but thank you for taking the risk with me." He licked his bottom lip before continuing. "I thanked you for staying with me when you have to chance to run away."

"If I would to run away, then I want to do it with you." I truthfully answered. I giggled secretly when I saw how his cheek turned to red from being pinkish. "Are you happy now?" I asked after a moment. He pulled me for a hug. Naramdaman kong pinatong niya ang kanyang baba sa balikat ko. I could feel that he puffed a breath and slowly caressed my hair.

"The word happy is not enough to describe my feelings." He mumbled with so much emotions. Mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin at ramdam na ramdam ko na ngayon ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso niya katulad nang sa akin.

"I love you more than anything else." He mumbled then cupped my face. "Don't leave me, baby. I'm tired of being left alone. Ikaw nalang ang meron ako.." He pleaded with his eyes glistening everytime the lights touches it.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero bigla kong naisip 'yung pag-alis ko pagkatapos kong grumaduate nang marinig ko ang sinabi niya. I know when that time comes, I will surely leave him behind. Maiiwan ko siya dito sa Pilipinas. Noon, kapag naiisip kong aalis ako para abutin ang pangarap ko ay walang hanggang saya ang nararamdaman ko pero ngayon, iba na, masakit na. It hurts knowing that I need to leave him for the meantime.

I am scared. I am terrified to know that his emotions and happiness depends on me. He had been secretly suffering from his family problem and he only have me. Natatakot akong kapag iniwan ko siya ay baka mapabayaan niya ang sarili niya at mamuhay nalang ng malungkot. I don't want that to happen. I don't want him to feel that. As much as possible I want to see him happy.

But how could I do that if his happiness already depends on me?

"Of course, I won't leave with you." I pulled him for another tight hug so he won't see the tear that escaped from my eyes.

—