Kanabata 12

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ENEMY'S PROPERTY
KABANATA 12
''Picture''

''Napapadalas ang punta mo sa mga Montecarlo, Georgianna.''

Napalingon ako at nakita ang pagpasok ni Mama sa kwarto ko. I wasn't even able to hear her knock because my mind has been wandering. Ngayon ko lang din napagtanto na kanina pa ako sa harap ng salamin at hindi pa nakakapagbihis.

''We are finishing a group work, Mama. It will also serve as our examination so we needed to really work hard for it.'' I explained.

''Hmm.'' She went to me, took my hairbrush and started to comb my hair. ''I didn't tell Papã about it. When he asks about you, I just tell him that you are with your classmates. Pero hindi ko sinasabing sa mga Montecarlo. You know his feelings about that family.''

I nodded understandingly.

''How are they to you?'' she softly asked.  ''Are they kind or are they treating you differently because you are a De Leon?''

I remember Senyora and Lukas who have been nothing but warm and kind to me. Senyora who always worries about me, and treats me affectionately and generously. And Lukas who always accompanies me in school.

''They are kind people, Mama.''

They are. But I know in myself that I wouldn't step anywhere near their land anymore if it isn't just necessary. If I knew Carlos would come home yesterday, I would've refused to go there today. Pero naka-oo na rin ako. And if I don't show up now, Rona would pull my hair out of my head when Monday comes.

Tumigil din si Mama sa pagsuklay. She went to the closet and rummaged around. Ilang sandali siya doon bago bumalik na may dalang damit. It's a pale baby blue puff sleeve dress with side pockets, one of the clothes she brought for me.

''Here, you can wear this dress. It's simple and something not tacky, this will also look good on you.''

I plan to just wear something simpler but I think this is also good. At tama naman si Mama, simple lang naman iyong dress. Wala masyadong kung ano ano.

I put it on. My mother went out and when she came back, she already had an oversized bow hair clip on her hand. Pinaupo niya ako muli sa harap ng salamin at muling sinuklay ang aking buhok. It's a rare occasion so I let it be.

''It's Carolina who does things like this for you before. Whenever you get home, you will always show me your hair with some ribbons and pins.'' aniya habang pinagpatuloy ang ginagawa. ''Minsan nagseselos ako dahil mukhang mas naalagaan ka pa nila kaysa sa'kin. Wala ako masyadong oras sa'yo dahil sa trabaho. I'm sorry, Georgianna.''

Agad akong umiling.

''Mama, it's nothing to worry about. I understand what our situation was before. I'm already beyond grateful because you are doing your best to provide for me... for us... even though I know how hard it was on your part, too. And aside from those, you love me unconditionally. It was more than enough po.''

Nakita ko ang reaksyon ni Mama, ang pagnguso niya. Medyo napangiti ako.

''I have more time now for you and Eli. I know you're already grown up but please don't get mad if I still treat you as my baby girl, okay?''

I rolled my eyes playfully at my mother, but eventually chuckled and nodded my head.

Maayos na ang buhok ko. Somehow it's brushed up and the bow clip held my hair. Medyo may mga takas pa rin sa gilid, malapit sa may aking tainga. Mukhang ganoon iyon inayos ni Mama. At mukhang konting parte lamang ang tinali dahil bagsak pa rin ang mahaba at halos umaalon kong buhok.

Kinuha ko na ang bag na dadalhin. Aside from my laptop, pen, and notebook, I bought extra clothes too, in case that we will indeed be trying to swim in the fall they are talking about.

Kael was already there waiting outside for me. Medyo natigilan pa siya nang makita ako. I smiled and greeted him, good morning.

''Good morning, Anya.'' he greeted me back with a small smile.

Maayos ang disposisyon ko at masaya ako habang nasa kotse. Kaya lang... nang nakapasok na kami sa malaking gate ng mga Montecarlo, I started to feel edgy again. Wala naman sanang problema... kaso naalala kong nandito nga pala si Carlos.

I stood there in front of the big door unmoving. Wala akong nakitang kahit sino sa mga kakilala ko. But a housemaid saw me and led me inside the living room.

May nakita akong isang babae na bumaba sa hagdanan. She saw me too. And I know we are both unfamiliar with each other. But if she came from upstairs, she is probably a family member. Kunot ang noo niya sa pagtataka pero maaliwas pa rin ang mukha. She has above shoulder length hair. Maputi, maganda, at mukhang palakaibigan.

''Hello...'' I tried to smile. I really don't know what to say. ''I'm Anya... uh, isa ako sa mga kaklase ni Lukas.''

She smiled brightly at me. ''I'm Heidi Montecarlo. Pinsan ako ni Lukas, Ate Anya.''

She looked younger than me, pero mukhang hindi naman masyadong malayo ang agwat namin. But she called me, Ate... pero hindi niya rin naman kinuya si Lukas.

''Anya nalang, Heidi.'' I suggested.

''Hindi pwede, Ate Anya. Magagalit ang pinsan ko.'' tawa niya sa malambing na tono. ''Tara sa dining? Nandoon na ang mga kaklase mo, nag-aagahan, Ate. Umalis lang ako saglit dahil may kinuha.''

Napalabi ako. At kahit nagtataka talaga ay tumango na lang din. Kumain na ako sa'min pero babati pa din ako sympre sa mga naroon.

''Ah, sino pa ang nadoon, Heidi?'' tanong ko habang naglalakad na kami.

She glanced at me and I saw her thinking for a while before she spoke.

''Bukod sa mga kaklase mo. Si Lola...'' she trailed off. ''...at pinsan ko lang, Ate Anya.''

I nodded again. Kaklase, Senyora, at pinsan... which is Lukas. I let out a sigh of relief. Muling napalingon sa gawi ko si Heidi kaya ngumiti ako.

But then, before we could even finally enter the dining room, I already caught a glimpse of Carlos! Napakurot ako sa sarili nang mali ang naisip. Si Lukas ang kaklase ko... at ang tinutukoy niyang pinsan ay si Carlos!

I discreetly took a step back, almost hiding in her back. Ngayon ko lang din na pansin na magkasingtaas lang kami kahit na mas matanda ako sa kanya. Napaka-well blessed naman nila.

I let out a small gasp when my attempt to hide, failed, when Heidi moved to the side. Hindi pa nakatulong ang esktraheradang bati ni Senyora nang makita ako. Ramdam ko ang pag-angat at pagbaling nila sa gawi namin.

''Kumain na po ako, Senyora. Maraming salamat po.'' sagot ko sa bati at naging tanong niya. ''Uh, sa library nalang po siguro ako maghihintay.''

''Sasamahan na kita.'' si Terrence.

I just nodded my head. Nakita ko ang pagtayo niya. Wala akong sinulyapan na kahit sino sa mga taong nasa hapag. I just wanted to get out of there that's why when Terrence took my bag, I let him. Nauna na din akong lumabas.

''Mauna na po kami ni Anya.'' rinig kong sabi pa ni Terrence.

We got into the library. Huminga ako nang malalim dahil tila ngayon lang nakahinga. Ilang minuto lang rin ay nagpakita na rin sina Lukas. We eventually did what we needed to do.

At dahil nga tapos na... ang halos lahat ng gagawin ko... ay ni-review ko lang at pinag-aralan ang ibang files... na gawa daw ni Carlos.

I was busy writing while glancing at my laptop from time to time, when I heard the door opening. Nakatalikod ako pero hindi na lumingon dahil madalas na mga kasamabahay naman iyon naghahatid ng inumin o nagtatanong ng mga kailangan namin kaya hindi ko na pinansin. Kung si Senyora naman ay agad malalaman dahil sa kanyang palakaibigang boses.

May hindi ako na intindihan sa isang parte ng binabasa ko kaya kinalabit ko si Terrence, na dalawang upuan ang layo sa'kin sa mesa. He instantly gave me his attention.

''Sorry, I can't understand this part. Can you help me?''

He nodded, smiling.

''May tanong ka sa gawa ko?''

My heart almost leaped out of my chest when I heard that baritone. Nabitawan ko pa ang ballpen na hawak sa gulat nang lumingon ako at nakita ko si Carlos. He was there, standing just behind my back, with his arms crossed while looking down at me with his usual dark expression.

Binalik ko ang tingin sa mesa. I also retreated my notebook that I put in front of Terrence. I mumbled a soft thanks to Terrence and told him I'll just do it.

''Anong hindi mo naintindihan at ipapaliwanag ko.'' aniya sa malamig na boses.

Napasulyap tuloy ako sa mga kasama kong nasa kabilang mesa na natahimik din. Mariin akong napakagat sa labi.

''Kuya sa labas ka na. Kami na ang bahala dito. This is our group work.'' si Lukas.

I finally thought he'd walk away but he didn't!

Carlos bent down a bit, he took my pen using his left hand. Dinungaw niya rin ang notebook ko mula sa may aking balikat. His other hand rested on the table, on my other side, just beside my right arm. He's so near that I can already feel his chest on my back, touching me. I didn't like this position... it was as if he was caging me in his arms, from behind.

It's making my heartbeat unstable. Halos hindi na ata ako humihinga.

''Which part? Tell me, I'll explain it to you.'' aniya, mas banayad ang boses ngayon.

I don't know if I was hearing it correctly. Or I'm already hallucinating because I feel like losing my mind with these happenings!

I swallowed hard. ''I-It's fine. I a-already got it.''

I glanced at him a bit and saw him raising his eyebrow. ''Are you sure? I can review every document for you. I have plenty of time, Georgianna.''

My heart pounded even more. He uttered my name without anything in his voice like anger, acid, nor disgust... it sounded a bit mellow... and it was the first time.

''Kuya.'' si Lukas sa seryosong boses. Lahat kami ay napalingon dahil sa kakaibang tono niya. ''Anya, ako na ang tutulong sa'yo. Come here, please.''

Before I could even stand up, Carlos already backed away and straightened his posture. He had that murderous look for his brother, before his eyes drifted to me, then back to Lukas.

''Tss.''

Pagkatapos ay walang sabi siyang naglakad papaalis. I watched him until he was already gone in our sight. The tension was so heavy that Rona tried to crack a joke, but only her and Peter were the ones who laughed dryly.

Tahimik lamang ako at nanatili lang sa'kin pwesto. Kaso si Lukas na ang lumapit at nagtanong kung ano iyong hindi ko naiintindihan. Bigla akong nahiya kaya nagpatulong na lang rin talaga ako sa kanya.

After a few hours, we went out to breathe some fresh air and take a break, too. Sa hardin nila kami kung saan punong-puno ng oras ang buong paligid. At bawat ihip ng hangin ay tila ba mas namumutawi ang bangong dala ng mga bulaklak. I can't help not to smile in awe, while appreciating the peaceful surroundings.

Lukas brought his laptop with him, still working even though it's break. Rona and Peter started to have their own world. Terrence is Terrence, he's always there. Habang ako, tingin-tingin lang sa paligid.

Dumapo ang tingin ko sa may itaas na parte ng mansion. May teresa sa gilid at agad na nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita si Carlos doon habang nakahilig ang dalawang braso sa barandilya. Hindi naman nakatingin sa gawi namin, kundi sa malayo, tila ba nagbabantay at nagmamasid sa kanilang lupain, na akala mo talaga ay may kukuha ng mga pag-aari nila.

Umihip ang malakas na hangin. At dahil may kahabaan ang buhok ko ay halos nagulo iyon nang matangay ng kaunti. The tips of my hair almost whipped Terrence's face. Pareho kaming gulat na gulat.

''Sorry, sorry!'' sabi ko at agad na sinikop ang buhok.

Tumawa lamang siya kaya natawa na lang rin ako. Inayos ko ang buhok dahil medyo nabuhol iyon sa may ribbon. Terrence watched me as I do my thing.

''Tulungan na kita.'' he offered.

''Thank you!''

I let Terrence help me with my tangled hair, especially on the back part. Panay din ang ngisi ko dahil mukhang hindi naman niya alam kung papaano ang gagawin sa buhok ko. Natanggal kasi ang clip pero susubukan niya daw ayusin... na kanina pa niya ginagawa, pero mas lalo atang nagulo. And we couldn't help but just laugh about it. Natigil nga lang kami nang marinig si Lukas.

''Terrence,'' tawag niya. ''Can you come here for a second? I saw something on your paper.''

''Ah, sige na, Terrence. Unahin mo na muna iyon.'' sabi ko sa kanya.

He nodded, smiling apologetically at me, before he went to Lukas.

Muli kong naiangat ang tingin habang mag-isa na lamang na inaayos ang laso sa aking buhok. Madali kong napansin si Carlos kahit na isang angat lang ng aking mga mata.

Napansin kong nakatitig na siya sa gawi namin ngayon. I couldn't see his expression well, but as my eyes stayed and lingered at him. I realized it's me... that he's watching this time.

I don't know why he helped me in my school works. I'm not that too heartless to not even express my gratitude. Hindi ko lang alam kung paano... dahil hindi ko rin alam kung paano siya haharapin.

Whenever I see him, I remember how furious he was. And how he told me he's going to throw me out once he sees me near him. That's why as much as possible, I don't want to come anywhere he is. Kung pwede nga sanang umalis ako ngayon, ginawa ko na. Pero ayoko namang pabayaan ang mga ka-grupo. I prioritize my studies.

Malapit na rin matapos ang ginagawa namin kaya hindi na rin ako babalik pa dito. I don't want that, either. I will never step foot on this land again.

Umalis ang tatlong lalaki at may bibilhin daw para sa pamamasyal namin mamaya. Naiwan lamang kami ni Rona sa hardin. Hindi siya sumama dahil wala daw akong kasama dito.

''Ganda naman...''

Nawala ang tingin ko sa fountain nang marinig ang iilang tunog ng cellphone. I frowned when I saw Rona taking pictures of me.

''Bakit kinukuhanan mo ako?''

''Ibebenta ko tong mga larawan mo sa mga ka-batch natin. Ang daming nag-aabang sa'yo eh. Wala ka lang pinapansin.'' tawa niya.

''Huh?''

''Ay, hindi mo alam?'' aniya, pareho na kaming naguguluhan. ''Ang dami kayang nagkakagusto sayo sa school! Usap-usapan ka din ng mga ibang kakilala ko. Hindi lang sila makalapit, alam mo kung bakit? Kasi parang out of their league ka daw. Kasing lebel ka ni Vernaise Sarmiento bilang habulin ng mga lalaki. Pero iyon, talagang out of the market. Una dahil bantay ng mga pinsan mo, at pangalawa matindi iyon mambasted. Lalapit ka palang, papaalisin ka na.''

Umiling ako. ''I don't know what you are talking about...''

''Sobrang ganda mo kaya, Anya! Ang amo din ng mukha mo. Tsaka gatas ba ang pampaligo mo imbes na tubig? Ang puti mo, eh.'' aniya pa. ''Mukhang 'di ka man lang naka-experience ng pimple days. Glow up simula pagkabata... sana all na lang talaga.''

Ramdam ko ang pag-init ng mukha dahil sa mga pinagsasabi niya.

''Yan! Isa pa yan, agad-agad kang namumula. Nagiging rosas agad ang pisngi mo. Pero kapag tumitingin ka sa mga hindi mo kilala, suplada minsan ang mga mata mo. Akala ko nga noon sobrang arte mo dahil sabagay, De Leon ka, talagang mayaman at alagang-alaga ka sa bahay niyo, itsura at kutis mo palang. Wala kang kinakausap sa room dahil siguro hindi mo gustong makipaghalubilo sa iba na mababa sa'yo.'' Muli siyang humagalpak ng tawa nang makita ang reaksyon ko. ''Pero nagkamali ako doon... sorry.''

What? Most of the time... I just don't know how to approach people first. I am friendly but not that too friendly... I don't know... I'm not really an outgoing person. Tahimik ako kapag hindi kakilala ang mga nakapalibot sa'kin, but when I'm with people who are close to me, I'm fun and jolly, too. I'm just somehow awkward... especially in starting a conversation with someone I don't know or I'm not acquainted with yet.

Pero kahit kanino naman ay nakikipaghalubilo ako. Wala naman akong pinipili. Lahat tanggap ko, lalo na ang mga mababait sa'kin. Lahat nang makikipagkausap sa'kin, kinakausap ko. If they want to be friends with me, I want that, too.

''Grabe ka naman-''

''Oo na! Kaya nga nagkamali eh, sorry na. Alam ko na, na masama talagang maging judgemental.'' maamo niyang sabi. ''Mabait ka at medyo mahiyain lang talaga. Naku, kung alam lang ng mga lalaking nagkakagusto sa'yo kung paano ka makitungo kapag kilala mo na ang isang tao, talagang hahandusay sila sa nilalakaran mo! Crush na nga din ata kita eh! Buti na lang may boyfriend ako, kasi baka jowain talaga kita.''

Iling lang ako ng iling habang natatawa na lang rin, lalo na sa huli niyang sinabi. Ang kulit talaga nito ni Rona. Ilang beses ko na ring nasasabi.

''Ewan ko sayo! Ang daldal mo...''

Rona continued to take my pictures while laughing. Inaabot ko siya at pilit na kinukuha ang cellphone niya, halos naghahablutan na kami. Tumatawa lang rin ako, pero ayokong ibenta niya no!

''Delete my pictures! Why would you even sell them-''

''Sell what? What pictures?''

Agad napawi ang ngiti ko nang muling narinig ang boses ni Carlos.

I leaned my body forward when I felt his hand on the back of my chair. Bakit kaya nandito na naman siya sa paligid? Akala ko ba ayaw niya akong makita? Tapos ngayon... lumalapit pa... sa'min.

Rona giggled. ''Binibiro ko lang si Anya, Carlos!''

''About?'' his cold voice asked.

''Yung pictures niya-''

''Delete them.'' he commanded in a hard tone. ''Or sell them to me, I'll buy them. I'd pay triple the price. How much is it?''

                     
#ENEMYSPROPERTY