Chapter 17

Women And Men 

I should be sleeping right now. 

It was already 2 AM and I was still wide awake, moving back and forth on my bed, thinking what the fuck is wrong with me. 

I was home at exactly 11:40 and I was tired and exhausted from all the things that Ciel and I did from 6 PM to 11 PM. 

I should be damn sleeping right now… But his words, the look on his face, his intoxicating scent, the way those deep brown eyes stares and suck every oxygen in my lungs, and the way that irresisti-fucking-ble dimple shows every damn time he smirk or smile or press his lips together, they were all fucking vivid inside my head. 

Maybe I was just guilty because I know that he has a long flight tomorrow pero pumayag pa rin akong magtagal kami sa Comercio at hinayaan ko pa siyang ihatid ako dito sa bahay. Dapat nagpapahinga siya. 

But still, I can’t deny the fact that the last night that I spent with him was awesome. That was the first time that I went to that place and I’d hate how he is who I am going to remember once I came back to that place again. 

I scooted on the edge of my bed, stretching my head to reach out for my phone on the bed side table. Naningkit ang mga mata ko dahil sa pagkasilaw nang buksan sindian ko ang phone ko. 

I unlocked my phone, tapped the messenger out and began typing the name: Ciel Alfieri. 

When the blank profile appeared, pinindot ko kaagad. He doesn’t have a profile photo, based on what I see on our group chat. Damn. 

If I was a man and I have a face like that, I would probably print a tarpulin with my face on it and hangs it outside our house… I’m kidding, I won’t do that.

But honestly, despite how worth flexing his appearance is, he always tries to keep it lowkey on social media, he was like that ever since highschool.

And I prefer guys who change their DP after every 3 years— not that I prefer Ciel Alfieri because I was talking in general. And in my opinion, guys who are lowkey in social media are much more attractive. 

I don’t know how long I’ve been staring at our conversation, I tried to scroll up and the last chat that he sent me was a ‘goodnight’ with a smiley face on it. That was a few years ago, during highschool noong nag-uusap kami halos gabi-gabi tungkol sa school and I was still fat by that time. 

Napangisi na lang ako nang maalala ko. Siya ang unang nag chat sa akin noon at ramdam ko pa ang pagtalon ng puso ko dahil crush na crush ko siya. Nagtanong lang siya kung may quiz bukas pero ‘yung kilig ko para akong sinabihan ng ‘I love you’. Gano’n pala ako kabaliw kay Ciel noon? Grabe, parang tanga. 

Natawa ako sa sarili ko bago pinindot ang ‘unblock button’ It says that he was active 35 minutes ago. Maybe he was sleeping already. Well, that’s good at least I get to type whatever I want to type. 

Kinagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko bago inumpisahan ang pagtitipa. 

Me:

Have a safe flight tomorrow. Ingat kaaa! Thank you for tonight. I really had fun, Pascal! Hahaha 

I grinned the moment I sent my message to him. Ano kayang reaction niya kapag nakita niya ito bukas paggising niya? 

“Ay shit!” Nabitawan ko ang phone ko at sumapol iyon sa mukha ko nang bigla siyang nag ‘active now’ at sineen ang message ko! 

“Tangina, tangina…” I kept on murmuring through gritted teeth as I press my phone on my chest. I can even feel my own heart beating so damn loud! 

I bit my bottom lip hard before looking at the screen of my phone again. Our conversation was still flashed through the screen and I saw two grey bubbles coming from him. 

Ciel: 

Well… The coward just unblocked me. 

Ciel:

I’m: motherfucking shookt 

Me:

Block na kita ulit 

Ganti ko habang panay pa rin ang pagkagat ko sa pang-ibabang labi ko. Bakit gising pa kasi ‘to? Anong oras na! 

Ciel:

Bam! What a nice block from Clavel!

I pressed my lips together to prevent myself from laughing. Siraulo talaga. Ginawa pa niyang volleyball. Bwisit. 

Me:

Hahaha. Bakit gising ka pa? 

Ciel:

I just finished packing my things. 

Ciel:

Ikaw bat gising ka pa? May pasok ka pa ah 

Medyo na guilty naman ako. Dapat kanina pa siya tapos. 

Me:

Hindi ako makatulog kanina pero ngayon medyo inaantok na ko.

Me:

Ikaw, hindi ka pa inaantok? 

Ciel:

Actually, I am. I have a flight this morning and you still have classes. 

Ciel:

Tulog na tayo? 

I bit my bottom lip as I stared on his last chat for two solid seconds. 

Me:

Yeah, we should. Lalo na ikaw. Pahinga ka na. 

Ciel:

Grabe, iba pala epekto ng antok sayo. Bumabait ka bigla. 

Ciel:

Sana lagi kang inaantok

Natawa ako. I was about to type a reply again pero biglang may nag notify sa mismong convo namin. 

Ciel Alfieri changed your nickname to Dra. Moanuh Leesuh 

I smiled at the ‘Dra.’ he’s really claiming that I’d be one someday, huh?  

I tapped the settings to change his nickname as well. I changed it into ‘Capt. Pasciel Alfieri’. It’s a mixture of Pascal and his name. 

Ciel:

Am I a butiki to you??? 

Me:

No. Just a pesk. Hahaha. Kidding… Not kidding. 

Ciel:

🙄

He just sent me an emoji with an attitude. 

Me:

At least you’re a butiki that can fly. 

Ciel:

A butiki that will always fly back to you

Ciel:

To annoy you 

Me:

Diyan ka magaling. Hahaha. Goodnight na nga. 

Nagpaalam na ako. He seriously have to sleep and get enough rest. 

Ciel:

Goodnight. I’ll get in touch with you tomorrow.

Me:

You take care. 

Ciel:

I will. 

I yawned and reacted a thumbs up on his last chat before turning my phone into sleep mode again. I closed my eyes and slept with a faint grin on my face. 

--

Dismissed na ang klase and it’s our lunch time again. Our PracRes instructor was still on his table and some of my classmates are still consulting him. 

Sunod-sunod na pumasok ang mga kaibigan ni Logan na sina Adam at ang iba pang mga lalaki na kaklase ngayon ni Adam sa kabilang section. This always happens everyday. Parating nagpupunta sina Adam sa classroom namin tuwing lunch time to play ML or whatever that game is called. 

And of course, Nika and company. Parati rin silang nandito dahil kay Courtney. 

“Mauna na ‘ko. Nandiyan na si Lexie.” Dinig kong paalam ni Colton. Sinundan ko siya nang tingin habang palabas siya. Ni hindi man lang niya ako tiningnan, which I understand. We’ve been quiet since first period. Hindi kami nag-uusap at hindi rin kami nagpapansinan. 

I wanted to slap myself. Amin-amin ka pa, huh? Ayan ang napapala mo! 

Dumako ang tingin ko sa column nila Nika, they’re with Logan and those guys from the other section. Sobrang sama nang tingin sa akin ni Nika at halos magngitngit na ang ngipin niya. 

“Slut,” She mouthed firmly. 

I just grinned at her before giving Cyprian a quick glance. He was currently getting something inside his bag. Kunwari’y dinantay ko ang ulo ko sa balikat ni Cyprian at malandi inagkla ang mga braso ko sa kanyang leeg habang nakangising nakatingin kay Nika. 

I felt Cyprian’s eyes on me and his head tilted on probably Nika’s direction. Mukhang na gets naman niya ang ginagawa ko kaya natawa na lang siya nang bahagya at ginulo ang buhok ko.

Mas lalong sumama ang tingin sa akin ni Nika and deep inside I was laughing triumphantly. I’ve realized that people will always think whatever they want to think of you, that’s why I never bother clearing my name up. I let them think what they want to think and I let them call me what they want to call me and me being silent doesn’t make them right. Because the truth is that they know nothing about me. 

I am the one who knows myself more, I know my worth, I know my capabilities, I know what I’m fighting for, and them being insecure and calling me names won’t make me any less of a woman that I choose to become. And that is to be me. Mona Lisa Clavel. 

“Tara na? Susunduin pa natin si Missy.”  

Bigla akong napakalas ng yakap sa kanya at awang ang bibig ko siyang tiningnan. “Oh my God?” I said, amused and trying to hide my excitement. 

He smiled at me. “Okay lang ba kung isasabay ko siya?” 

“Oo naman!” Halos patili kong sabi. “Oh my gosh, Ian! You’re finally doing your moves!” Proud na proud kong sabi. 

“What’s the real score, huh?” Halos mapunit na yata ang mga labi ko kakangiti. 

He gave me a sheepish look, scratching the back of his neck. “I don’t know… Pero simula nung isinama ako ni Archie ay parati na kaming nag-uusap. Finally got the balls to chat her.” He said, laughing a little at himself. 

“I’m like a proud Mama.” I said. 

He grinned. “And I’m like a proud Papa.” 

My brows furrowed. “Huh? Why?” 

“You and Ciel. Last night. Comercio date pa more…” He said, giving me a wide grin. 

I almost stiffen from where I was standing as I felt heat begin invading my whole face. 

He nudged my shoulder. “Kaya pala late ka kanina, ah…” 

“T-That’s not a date! Nilibre niya lang ako kasi kakabati lang namin. Pero bakit mo nalaman? Sinabi niya sa’yo?” 

Umiling siya. “That’s not his thing. But I saw you in his IG story. And that asshole rarely posts stories on Instagram.” 

My lips parted and I felt my world stopped for split seconds. What picture did he post? Now I want to see it! Damn! And he has Instagram? Kaya pala ang sama nang tingin sa’kin ng Nika na ‘yon. 

“Let’s go, lucky girl…” He said nodding his head towards the other direction. 

I slightly frowned at him. “Lucky girl ka diyan.” Nakanguso kong sabi. Tinawanan niya lang ako bago na kami tuluyang naglakad. 

Mula dito ay dinig na dinig namin ang pagtatawanan nila Adam na para ba’ng pag-aari nila itong classroom. Tss. The audacity! Ni hindi nga namin sila kaklase. Isama mo pa ‘tong sina Nika. They are slut shaming me for having all guy friends as if they’re not friends with guys as well. I don’t get their logic sometimes. 

“Tell that to your kikiam size dick!” I heard Courtney hissed, making everyone in the room laugh. Mapa kasali sa grupo nila o hindi ay natawa rin. 

Natigilan kaming dalawa ni Cyprian sa paglalakad sa may bandang harapan nila. 

“Tangina! Kikiam pala, eh!” Logan laughed. Pati mga ibang mga lalaking kasama nila ay inaasar din si Adam habang panay pa rin ang kakapindot sa phone nila. 

“Oh, tangina. Adam, nasa’n na? Support ka gago!” Reklamo ng isa niyang kasama. 

Nang tingnan ko si Adam ay tumigil na pala siya sa paglalaro at binalingan nang tingin si Courtney. 

“Baka manginig ka kapag pinakita ko sa’yo ‘to,” Adam told him, grinning. 

Courtney’s whole face turned crimson red. “Bastos ka!” She looks really offended this time and as a woman, I felt my heart clenched. 

Instead of being sensitive to Courtney’s feelings, Adam and his friends just laughed. “Anong bastos? Ikaw ang bastos.” Nakangising sabi pa ni Adam at nagpatuloy sa paglalaro. 

“Wala talagang respeto ang gagong ‘to…” Iling-iling na bulong ni Cyprian sa tabi ko. “Tara na, nandiyan na si Missy.” 

“Mauna ka na. May kukunin pa ‘ko.” Pagdadahilan ko. 

Cyprian inspected me for a few seconds before pushing out a sigh and nodding his head. I watched him as he proceeded to go out. 

“Ikaw ang unang bumastos sa’kin, Adam.” Courtney said, firmly. I can see tears forming in her eyes. 

“Nagbibiruan lang naman tayo dito, Court. Chill mo lang.” Nika tried to calm her. 

Tangina? 

Doesn’t this Nika knows that a woman can actually feel harassed even with just a single word that they consider as one of their sick jokes? Harassment can come in many forms. 

You don’t have to touch a woman for her to feel harassed, your words and your malicious stares can actually be a form of harassment.

The thing that Adam said to Courtney a few moments ago? Boasting that Courtney would probably shiver the moment he shows his thing to her? Maybe for him that’s a joke but for Courtney whose obviously feeling uncomfortable, it’s not and he has to fucking stop. Hindi biro ang ginagawa niya dahil isa na ‘yong pambabastos!

Actually, even just a simple touch on a woman or a man’s thigh can actually make them feel uncomfortable, especially without their consent.

And women aren’t the only ones who can experience harassment, even men can feel harassed, too. 

“Biro? Is it necessary for him to call me ‘loose’ dahil lang sa nagbibiruan tayo?” 

“You called his thing a— pfft. Kikiam size dick. Quits lang, girl.” Gemma said before finally bursting into laughter. 

“I cannot with the kikiam size dick.” Panay pa rin ang tawa ni Gemma. 

“I know right. Winner.” Nika giggled. 

But looks like Courtney is not having fun. She just shot her friends a look that is full of disbelief. 

Napangisi si Adam. “Mga gago!” Aniya. “Oo nga naman, Courtney. Quits na tayo, h’wag ka na magalit. Tska ano naman ngayon kung maluwang ka na? Nasa galing naman ‘yan.” Adam said, making those trash guys cheer and give Courtney multiple glances. 

The moment I saw how offended and uncomfortable Courtney was that she’s starting to tear up, I couldn’t take it anymore. I feel so bad for Courtney because it is written all over her face that she felt so insulted and disrespected!

Hindi talaga alam ng Adam na ‘to ang salitang respeto!

I took slow steps forward when I was about to pass their group by, I stopped and turned to face them slowly. 

“I didn’t know that you believe in myths, Adam De Guzman.” I suddenly said, firm and loud enough for their group to hear. 

Lahat sila ay tumingin sa akin. I remained stoic and chin up, not even thinking about backing down. 

Adam stared at me, there’s still a left over grin on his lips but his brows fell into a confused furrow.  “What?” Aniya. 

One corner of my lips lifted up. “Loose vagina.” I said, making an imaginary quote in the air using my fingers.

Umayos siya ng upo, giving me his full attention. “There’s no such thing as ‘loose vagina’ because it’s naturally elastic. It will stretch, yes, but it will go back to its natural state. And there are only two things that can change the vagina’s elasticity. First is through child birth, second is as a woman aged. So, stop using the ‘loose vagina’ myth to insult women for having sex for as much as they want and to whoever they want.” I said, giving them my most sarcastic smile. 

Why can’t just people shut the fuck up when they don’t have something nice to say? 

“Ms. Know It All.” Logan commented, rolling his eyes. 

I pouted. “Oh, I’m sorry, Logan… I’m sorry that I’m smart and you’re stupid and ignorant.” I fired, still pouting as I stared at him like a baby. Because he is. He’s still a fucking kid!

He raised his middle finger at me and I was surprised when Adam who was seated beside him shove his hand down. Nagsukatan pa silang dalawa nang titig hangga’t sa manahimik na lang si Logan habang salubong ang kilay. 

Tiningnan ako ni Adam. “Thank you for that… but I was just kidding when I told Courtney about that.” He said and again, I was surprised. I was so used to him being rude at me but now he thanked me? For correcting him? In front of his friends? I shrug my thoughts away. 

“If you tell ‘jokes’ that disrespects another person then it’s probably time for you to get yourself a new sense of humor.” I fired at him and I heard everyone said ‘Ooh’. 

Natahimik siya, he was just staring at me. “And oh, don’t forget to add ‘respect’ to your cart dahil iyon ang mas kailangan mo.” I added before looking at Nika and Gemma. 

“Baka gusto niyo ring magpasabay kay Adam? Bili kayo ng ‘sensitivity’ because you both are clearly not sensitive towards your friend’s feelings.” 

That was the last thing that I said before finally making my way out. I was surprised to see Cyprian at the door, grinning at me proudly. 

“If Ciel was here… He’d be so damn proud.” He whispered, grinning. 

I smiled and nodded my head. He would be. 

--

I’m not used to it. Taking breaks and having lunch without Ciel sitting beside me, pestering me. 

Isang araw pa lang siyang wala and I wonder what he’s doing right now. 

Nag-angat ako nang tingin sa dalawa nang marinig ko ang mahina nilang pagtawa. It was then I found out that Missy was struggling to twist the cap of her bottled water, causing them both to chuckle. 

Is that even funny? Itong dalawang ‘to. Napakaharot. Napangisi na lang ako at bahagyang napailing. Now I know how it feels to become a third wheel. 

“Akin na,” Cyprian took the bottle from Missy’s hand at siya na ang nagbukas nito at iniabot ito sa kanya. 

Missy smiled. “Thank you.” 

Cyprian just nodded his head while looking at her. I grinned. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He must really like her. Well, Missy is a beautiful woman. She’s also nice and approachable. 

I took a sip of my iced coffee to hide my grin before checking my phone. I turned the 3G on at ilang sandali lang ay sunod-sunod na notification na galing kay Ciel ang nag flash sa notification bar ng phone ko. 

He’s been chatting me? I tapped our conversation, ignoring the other. 

He sent three pictures. The first picture was a waffle with creamcheese on top and that was around 6 am. Sa pangalawang picture naman ay ang kamay niya na may hawak na passport ang sinend niya, he was at the aiport’s waiting area, and the last one is a picture of the beautiful clouds through the plane’s window. 

I smiled with the realization that he just sent me all the things that reminded me of him. Waffles, passport, clouds. Three different things that signifies a single person… and that is Ciel Alfieri. 

But it was quite disappointing because I didn’t get any of his selfies— charot. What am I thinking? The waffle, passport, and clouds are way better, thank you very much. 

I typed a reply. 

Me:

Argh. Take me with you there 

Me:

I’m Cyprian and Missy’s thirdwheel here 

I joked. He was active fifteen minutes ago but after I send my two chats, his status suddenly turned ‘Active Now’. I felt that familiar skip beat again. 

Ciel:

Hahaha aww

Ciel:

Hayaan mo. Pag-uwi ko hindi ka na thirdwheel 

I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from smiling. The hell? I was about to type a reply when he began typing again. 

Ciel:

Kasi magso-solo ka na lang 

Ciel:

Ipapalit na namin si Missy sa’yo

I frowned.

Me:

Gago! 

I replied with conviction. 

Ciel:

Hahaha I’m kidding 

Ciel:

Ikaw lang ang gusto kong kaaway 

“Huy, Mona!” Sa sobrang gulat ko ay nabitawan ko ang phone ko sa mesa, it landed on its back, flaunting the screen for Missy and Cyprian’s eyes to see! 

I immediately snatched the phone from the table, shoving it inside the pocket of my skirt. 

One corner of Cyprian’s lips lifted. “Kaya pala wala kang naririnig… kanina ka pa tinatanong ni Missy kung anong course ang kukunin mo,” Nang-aasar niyang sabi. 

I avoided his gaze, clearing my throat. “B-BS Bio,” I replied, giving Missy an awkward smile. 

“Missy, pagpasensyahan mo na. LDR sila ngayon ni Ciel, eh.” Cyprian said and he earned a giggle from Missy. Gagong ‘to. 

--

It’s the 23rd of December today, bukas ay Noche Buena na. Ang mga kasambahay namin ay abala sa baba sa pagluluto ng mga putahe na ibinilin ni Mommy. Dad won’t be here for Christmas again. Kaming dalawa lang ni Mommy ang sasalubong ng pasko, pero at least kasama ko si Mommy ngayon. Hindi katulad noong nakaraang taon. 

Tiningnan ko ang oras sa phone ko. It was just 1 in the afternoon here and it’s already 10 pm there in San Francisco. I get to memorize the time difference since Ciel and I always talk. I had to update him about the activities that he missed. 

Hindi pa siya online, siguro kasama niya pa ang mga kaibigan niya. Ang sabi niya kasi sa’kin nag-aya daw ang mga barkada niya dati na umalis. I decided to go on Instagram. Unang-una kong nakita ang icon niyang walang laman sa column ng mga stories. 

alfieri.ciel ang username niya. I tapped his iconless icon at bumungad sa akin ang story ng isang babae na inadd niya lang sa story niya dahil nakatag siya. 

It was a picture of them, holding different kinds of alcoholic drinks in their hands and behind them is a tall rack that is full of wine bottles. They were six. Three girls and three guys, different races. I saw a Black guy on Ciel’s right, smiling widely doing that peace sign. I saw a Korean guy, two American girls and one Filipina beside the Black guy. 

But what caught my attention is the American girl on Ciel’s left, sobrang lapit niya at naka-akbay pa siya kay Ciel. 

I tapped the screen so that I can visit the girl’s account. She looks like a damn supermodel, she really have a nice feed, and it’s confirmed, she’s the girl on Ciel’s left. 

She have tons of stories that she uploaded and I watched them one by one. They’re really having fun, especially Ciel who was wearing a light brown sweater with a small pocket on its left chest area, his body was gracefully grooving with the music as he lip synced the lyrics, grinning and showing that irresistible dimple once again. 

Have I mentioned how handsome he looks with those hot as fuck curls? He has the same curls as Aron Piper does. He looks damn incredible! Ugh! I hope he stops ruining my life. Damn! 

“That’s my ex!” 

I was taken aback when I heard the girl’s voice on the background. Ex? This gorgeous, supermodel looking American woman is Ciel Alfieri’s ex?! 

Halos maitapon ko ang phone ko nang biglang mag flash ang profileless profile ni Ciel sa screen ng phone ko. He’s trying to video call me on messenger! 

What am I gonna do? Stare at it until it stops ringing? Fuck! 

I stared at it for about five solid seconds but I don’t know what has gotten into me that I decided to answer it. 

The first thing that I saw through the screen was the topless Ciel Alfieri, leaning on the headrest of his bed. His hair is messy but his face looks clean and fresh, as if he just got out of the bathroom. 

“Hey,” he greets me, smiling a little. 

Bigla akong na conscious. I was just wearing a spaghetti strapped satin nightgown that I wore last night before I slept. Oo, hindi pa ako nagbibihis dahil palagi akong tinatanghali ng gising. 

“Hey.” I greet him back. “Kakauwi mo lang?” I asked. Inayos ko ang pagkakasandal ko sa headrest ng kama ko at pasimpleng sinuklay ang buhok ko gamit ang mga daliri ko. 

“Kaninang kaunti pa. Mga fifteen minutes ago.” Sagot niya. I can see both his hands moving freely. Maybe he was on his laptop. 

I nodded my head. “Did you have fun?” I asked. 

“Yeah. I did. I also drank a little. Nag drive pa kasi ako…” 

Ngumuso ako at tumango-tango. “Ahh… Hinatid mo pa yata ‘yung Peyton Collins.” I said, trying not to sound bitter. 

Nangunot ang noo niya saglit ngunit ilang sandali ay bahagya siyang natawa. “Bakit kilala mo si Peyton?” 

“I saw your story. Ang ganda kasi kaya instalk ko. Ex mo pala?” 

Tumango siya. “It’s nothing serious. Grade 9 pa ‘yon. Tsaka hindi ko siya hinatid. Nagpaiwan siya do’n. Sina Lee at Nelson ang kasama kong umuwi.” Paliwanag niya. 

“Pero kapag hindi siya nagpaiwan ihahatid mo?” I asked. I’m just curious. 

His brows creased a little, staring at me through the screen with amusement as he bit his bottom lip. “She has a car, Mona.” 

I was about to ask a question again but he immediately cut me off. 

“Kapag wala siyang car, ihahatid mo?” He cut me off, mimicking my voice as he predicted what I was about to ask. 

My face fell into a scrunched as I glared at him through the screen. Bakit alam niya ang itatanong ko? 

A low and sexy laugh escaped from his lips as he ran his fingers through his curls. “You’re so fucking adorable, Mona. Gusto ko na tuloy umuwi.” Aniya. 

I rolled my eyes. “Diyan ka na lang. Ituloy mo ang naudlot niyong pag-iibigan ni Peyton.” I pushed him. 

Mas lalo siyang natawa sabay dila sa kanyang pang-ibabang labi. “Tangina.” He cursed as he deliciously laughed. 

Anong nakakatawa? Parang ewan naman ‘to. 

When his laugh died down, he looked at me and a soft grin formed on his lips.

“Peyton has a boyfriend and I don’t like her romantically. Ayos na po ba tayo?” Nakangisi niyang sabi. “Let’s not talk about her. Let’s talk about you. How’s your day so far?” He asked. 

I sighed, giving in to his low and soft voice. “It was alright. I finished reading the book that Adam gave me last night.” I told him. 

His eyes quite widened for a moment until his brows and forehead fell into a deep crease. “Who gave you what?” Kunot noo niyang tanong. 

Natigilan ako saglit. Oo nga pala, hindi ko naikwento sa kanya. 

“I forgot to tell you… Adam gave me a book nung Christmas Party. Nagulat nga ako, e. Sabi niya peace offering niya daw iyon sa mga ginawa niya sa’kin noon.” Pagkikwento ko. 

He went silent for a moment, his features went dark and hard as his jaw firmly clenched. “Anong sabi mo?” seryoso niyang tanong. 

“Sabi ko ‘thank you’.” I said. 

“Tss. Peace offering. Ulol niya!” Tiim bagang niyang sabi. Tingnan mo ‘to, kanina tawa nang tawa ngayon naman pikon na pikon. 

“Grabe ka naman. Baka nagbago na talaga ‘yung tao. Last time kasi, nabastos si Courtney. He tried to joke that Courtney has a loose vagina and I really felt bad for Courtney no matter how bitch she is so I came at Adam and I kind of embarrassed her in front of the people there and instead of insulting me like he always does, hindi niya ginawa.” Pagkikwento ko sa kanya. 

“Of course he won’t. Men are afraid of powerful women with clever minds.” 

He said, shrugging. 

“Are you?” I asked. 

He sighed. “Well, I’m not afraid of you… just fascinated.” His voice was low and quite soft this time. 

I bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from smiling. He thinks I’m a powerful woman with a clever mind? And he said that he’s fascinated… with me. 

“And I’m so proud. So proud of you for standing up for Courtney despite how she and her friends mistreated you for the past years... I love how beautiful your heart is, Mona...” He said with a faint grin on his lips.

“Kuya Third!” 

Before I could even answer a crying girl suddenly appeared on the screen. I don’t know how she went in and climbed on Ciel’s bed but she is now beside him, sobbing with the back of her hand pressed on her eye. She’s got those hot curls, too. 

“Megi… What happened? Why are you crying?” Ciel asked softly at his sister, cupping her face gently. That simple gesture caused a stir on my stomach. 

“I had a bad dream, Kuya…” Panay pa rin ang paghikbi niya. I was just watching them through the screen of my phone. Ciel was currently removing the curly strands on her sister’s face as he looked at her softly and full of worry. 

“What kind of dream, baby? Tell Kuya…” He softly said, touching her sister’s face. Damn. My heart is melting with the sight of them. The devil has a soft spot for his little sister!

“N-Nagsara na daw ang Jollibee.” Pagsusumbong niya at mas lalong humagulgol ng iyak. 

Natawa ako nang mahina sa sinabi niya at maging si Ciel rin. Damn. I’m not really fond of kids but Megi’s an exception. She’s adorable!

“Oh, Megi…” He chuckled deliciously. 

Megi glared at his Kuya Third. “Nakakatawa ba ‘yon?” Umiiyak nitong sabi. 

Ciel bit his bottom lip, trying so hard not to laugh. “No, no. It’s just that you are so adorable.” He said, wiping her sister’s tears. 

“Don’t worry, pupunta muna tayong Jollibee bukas bago tayo bumisita kina Granny. I’ll talk to Mom tomorrow.” 

“Really?” She said, pouting. 

“Yes, baby. That’s a promise.” He said, pressing a soft kiss on his Megi’s forehead. “Tulog ka na, ha? H’wag ka nang iiyak…” Marahan niyang sabi. 

“Can I sleep here? I miss Daddy. Walang akong katabi matulog.” 

“Of course, you can.” He said, pulling a pillow on his back and placing it on the free space beside him so that his sister could finally sleep. 

Megi’s face suddenly turned to me. “Who is she?” She asked, pertaining to me. 

Hindi ko na kailangang ngumiti dahil kanina pa ako nakangiti habang pinapanood sila.

“Hi! I’m Mona.” I greet her with a smile. 

“Hello, I’m Megomi Dmitria Alfieri. Just call me Megi.” She said, smiling at me despite how red her face and eyes are from all the crying. I’ve seen her, maybe twice? But we never had a chance to be introduced to each other. 

Muli niyang tiningnan si Ciel na kasalukuyang nakangiti habang nakatingin sa aming dalawa. “Kuya Third, girlfriend mo si ate Mona? She’s pretty!” Kunwari’y pabulong niyang sabi at tinakpan pa ang bibig niya mula sa direksyon ko pero dinig na dinig ko naman ang sinabi niya. 

Napangiti ako nang malawak. 

Ciel grinned, nodding his head. “She is.” He agreed and I felt that stir on my stomach again. 

“Now say goodnight to your ate Mona. It’s almost 11 hindi pwede ang nagpupuyat sa’yo.” Ciel told her. 

Tumango siya at hinarap ako. “Goodnight, ate Mona!” She said, waving her hand at me. 

“Goodnight, baby Megi.” I said, smiling sweetly at her. She then looked at her Kuya Third again.

“Goodnight, Kuya.” She said, kissing Ciel on the cheek. He smiled and I did, too. 

“Goodnight,” Ciel said pressing a soft kiss on the top of her head. Humagi na si Megi sa tabi niya at hindi ko na siya masyadong nakikita mula dito but I was just staring at Ciel with a sweet smile plastered on my face that I can’t get rid of. 

“She really can’t live without that red fat bee,” Iling-iling na sabi ni Ciel habang marahang nakangisi. 

I didn’t answer. I was just staring at him and I can see nothing but a man with a beautiful heart who loves his sister so much. I suddenly felt this strong urge to see him, feel him, and smell his scent again. The urge was so strong that it fucking hurts right here on my chest. 

“I miss you…” I said, almost a whisper. I saw his features suddenly invaded with shock, as if he was taken aback of what I just said. Maging ako ay nagpanic nang marealize ko kung ano ang sinabi ko! 

“B-Bro.” I added, frantically. Trying to put a band-aid on the huge damage. “I miss you, Bro!” I said, letting out an awkward laugh. Diyos ko, ang tanga-tanga ko. 

His brow lifted, inspecting me through the screen with a grin on his lips. I chewed my bottom lip, not knowing what to react or say. 

He was still staring at me, this time delicately, deeply, and in full sincerity. How is it possible for my body to get that emotion that he’s trying to give without seeing him face to face? 

“I miss you too, Mona… You have no idea.” He broke the silence with his sincere whisper. 

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thank u for showering me and this story with lots of love and support. luv u all