Kabanata 14

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ENEMY'S PROPERTY
Kabanata 14
"Pursue"

Pagkahinto ng sasakyan, agad kong tinanggal ang seatbelt ko. Nahawakan ako ni Carlos sa may siko pero nabuksan ko na ang pinto at tuluyan nang nakalabas.

I saw Lukas, waiting for us. My heart is still pounding but I tried to smile at him when he eyed me carefully. His eyes drifted to my back and his eyebrows furrowed, before it went back to me.

''Lukas, isama mo si Heidi. Ako nang bahala kay Georgianna. Mag-uusap lang kami.''

Marahas akong lumingon sa gawi ni Carlos. His hand snaked again on my waist, stopping me from moving on my spot.

''Sasama ako kay Lukas!'' giit ko.

''We will talk first.'' tanging sabi niya.

''Tara na, Lukas?'' rinig kong sabi ng isang boses babae... si Heidi. ''Hayaan na muna natin sila Kuya at Ate Anya.''

Medyo nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang mapagtantong kasama nga pala namin si Heidi sa sasakyan kanina! Masyadong maraming lumabas sa bibig namin. Hindi naman pa naman niya alam ang kung anong meron...

She smiled at me as she pulled Lukas, who obediently followed both his brother and his cousin, out of there

''Come, let's talk.''

Napahilot na lamang ako sa sentido nang maiwan kami mag-isa. Carlos' pulled me back to the car, pero ayoko nang pumasok. Nanatili kami sa labas ng kanyang sasakyan, halos nakadikit na ang likod ko sa pintuan noon. Hindi ko kailanman siya tiningnan kahit nasa harap ko na siya. We both fell into silence... until he spoke.

''I'm sorry...'' he whispered gently again. ''When I learned the truth, I felt lost. I was upset and felt betrayed. But I know, I shouldn't have said those things, I shouldn't have let my emotions rule over me. And I am deeply sorry...''

My cheeks burned instantly when he tried to touch my face. Marahas kong hinawi palayo ang kamay niya. Mariin kong tinitigan iyon kaya ibinaba niya.

He sighed heavily.

''I assumed things before, and they are my fault. But your cousin did not help, either.'' aniya, at medyo nalukot ang mukha nang banggitin ang aking pinsan. ''The words he said... did not make me sleep. In my part, it feels like he confirmed my assumptions. Kinailangan ko pang tumungo sa bahay ng mga De Leon. I wanted to see you, and know if it's indeed real. I am willing to stop, Georgianna, but first, I wanted to know if you and Eli are being taken care of...''

My lips parted. Hindi ko na kinayang hindi siya harapin nang tuluyan. Mataas siya kaya kinailangan ko pang tumingala. His lips were pursed when I saw his reaction. Hindi galit pero bigo.

''Bakit, ano kung hindi, huh?'' matapang kong tanong. ''If your assumptions were indeed correct, and you found out that Eli and I aren't taking care of by the De Leons, what will you do, huh?''

''Tss.'' Suplado niyang tugon.

I squinted my eyes. Knowing him in that short while we've met... I feel like I already knew the answer to my question.

''Carlos, I get it already alright? I somehow lied to you, I did not clarify things. And I'm sorry about that. I felt guilty but did not do anything. So I'm apologizing now.'' pag-aamin ko. ''Pero hindi ko din naman kasi alam kung bakit kailangan ko iyon ipaliwanag sa'yo! We are not close nor even friends!''

''I told you about my feelings...'' he whispered almost incoherent already, before he directed his dark eyes at me again. ''I don't care if you are a De Leon and if Elias is not your son...'' His eyes pierced at me intently. ''Anya Fuentes or Georgianna Eleanor... things did not change and it won't, I still want to take you.''

''Nababaliw ka na ba?'' hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong. ''Alright, we already clarified the misunderstanding, but that's it! Let's stop there. Besides, we are not in any sort of relationship! And I don't want that either! Especially not with you!''

Tumalas ang tingin niya. Umabante siya kaya napaatras ako lalo at napasandal sa kanyang sasakyan. Ang kaliwa niyang kamay ay nasa sasakyan, sa gilid lamang ng ulo ko. He crouched down a bit and looked at me lethally. His grey eyes grew darker.

Galit na naman siya! Kanina mukhang nagmamakaawa palang. His temper is quite unbelievable.

Ngayon lang siguro natanggihan ng isang babae. With his caliber and handsomeness he probably did not expect that? This brute! I told him I'm not like the girls who would flock on to his feet! At isa pa, I've seen handsome faces aside from him too! My cousins! I won't be swayed by that face.

''What the hell is wrong with me?'' he asked in a cold and dangerous tone.

Kabado ako. Pakiramdam ko, hinahamon niya ako. At isang pagkakamali lamang mula sa bibig ko, bubugahan niya ako ng apoy.

''You're old!'' I uttered the first thing that came to my mind.

Natigilan siya at napaawang ang labi. Medyo pareho kaming nagulat. Hindi ko rin naman kung bakit iyon ang nasabi ko! My mind is just blank from all of this talk.

''What...'' he asked, like he couldn't believe it. ''Old? I'm old?'' Tumawa pa siya, tila nainsulto masyado. ''I'm just twenty-six years old! You make it sound like I'm an eighty-five years old obsessing with a woman who could already pass as his granddaughter!''

Agad akong umiwas ng tingin pero pilit niyang hinarap ang mukha ko sa gawi niya. I covered my face with both of my hands when I feel myself almost shaking just to prevent a chuckle from escaping. Oh my goodness, bakit ngayon pa!

''And now you're laughing, huh? Were you happy making fun of my age?'' he harshly asked.

He tried to remove my hands on my face. Ilang beses pa kaming naghilahan bago ako bumigay. I bit my lower lip hard and made my expression serious though. Huminga na lamang ako nang malalim kinalaunan.

''I still don't want anything to do with you. Why would I let myself be acquainted with you? You're an enemy of our family!''

''You're just saying that to push me away.'' marahan niyang sabi.

I'm saying that because it's the truth! He is a Montecarlo... a family name that the De Leons banned to be mentioned unless it was pure business. They are nothing but enemies. Just the mere sight of a De Leon and a Montecarlo in one place, seems already forbidden. Gulo lamang. It should be nipped in the bud before it even blooms.

Seeing my cousin, Javier de Leon, fight for his love for a Sarmiento, was already too much for me to take.

Galit ang mga De Leon sa mga Sarmiento pero mas naguumapaw ang galit nila sa mga Montecarlo. It was his great-grandfather anyway, who took the wife of the heir and foundation of the De Leons. Isaac Montecarlo declared the war first, but my great-grandfather, Juan Franco de Leon, was the one who fought ruthlessly and beyond wicked. And I heard how it was too much. Sobrang dami ng ginawa ni Juan Franco sa kanila, hindi kailanman nagpatawad. Pinatikim niya talaga ang galit niya sa mga Sarmiento at Montecarlo.

It was chaos, a war, an unending battle until now. And Javier is inside of it right now.

''Georgianna...''

Naingat ko ang tingin kay Carlos. His thumb grazed over my lips, tugging my lower lip a bit so my lips would part. It sent tingles all over my body. Hindi pa nakatulong ang namumungay niyang mga mata.

''If you tell me now that you don't want me... it's fine. I will wait for that time to come. Pagsusumikapan ko. Just give me a chance. I will show you how serious and sincere I am.'' he said, sounding weak yet there was determination in his eyes. ''But... as I wait... I'm going to brand you mine from this day onwards.''

My breathing hitched and my eyes closed instantly without a doubt, when I felt his lips on mine.

Tila ba nanghina ako at muling nawala sa sarili nang maramdaman ang kanyang nanunuyong halik. His hand even wrapped around my waist, pulling me a bit higher so he could claim my mouth freely. I was dazed. And when I only tilted my head a bit to the side, and Carlos was able to plunge his tongue inside.

His lips is like a sinful potion. Whenever it would land on mine, I feel like I am always caught in trance. Hindi ko lang alam kung ganoon lang talaga ang pakiramdam tuwing may nakakahalikan... I've never been kissed anyway. But as if his soft lips are telling me to move... I did.

I was almost tiptoeing, as my lips danced and swirled against his. Tila pinanggigilan pa ang pangibabang labi ko, kinakagat at hinihila-hila iyon. I was senseless when he licked my lip and deepened the kiss again to the point his tongue is already caressing the insides of my mouth.

I was out of breath when he decided to pull away. I was literally panting, inhaling back my lost soul. Our lips are just an inch away, but I can feel him pecking on my lips softly a few more times, habang hinahayaan akong humihinga.

''How can you tell me you don't want me, when you're clearly responding to my kisses, huh?'' he whispered hoarsely, out of breath.

My eyes flew open. Napalabi ako at pinilit na ilayo ang mga mata. I pushed him a little too. Kahit papaano ay niluwagan niya na ang hawak sa'kin, kaya napaayos na ako ng tayo.

''I'm just curious so I responded.'' I replied, trying to make my voice uninterested as possible, even though his questions lingered on my mind and made me ponder a lot.

''Curious?'' aniya. Nakita ko ang pekeng ngisi niya. He's trying to smirk but his whole expression shouts annoyance. ''What are you curious about, hmm? About kisses in general... or about my kisses, Georgianna? Do you want me to teach you every kiss and every way it is done? I'd be happy to provide for that damn curiosity of yours.''

Napakagat ako sa labi at umirap. ''I still don't want anything to do with you, nor enter a relationship with you.''

''Then let's not have any relationship yet!'' agap niya. ''I'm fine with that. Just don't date anyone, hmm? I'm going to pursue you.''

Natigilan ako sa kanyang sinabi, kinalaunan ay mariing napapikit. Ano bang hindi niya naintindihan sa mga sinabi ko? Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa lalaking ito.

''Ang hirap mo namang kausap! Bahala ka nga sa buhay mo!''

Iniwan ko siya at nagmartsa na papunta kung saan ko natandaang dumaan sina Lukas kanina. Naramdaman ko nga lang agad ang pagsunod ni Carlos. Hinuli pa ang kamay ko para hawakan iyon habang naglalakad.

I glared at him, he only sneered at me.

''Why are you holding my hand? We are not in a relationship!''

''We are not!'' aniya, mukhang galit pa siya dahil doon. ''I'm just holding your hand because you don't know the way. Huwag kang mag-alala at bibitawin ko rin mamaya.''

Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako, pilit na kinakalma ang sarili.

Parang ang gulo bigla ng buhay ko. I don't understand why these things are happening! It only started on the day I met him... the same day I stepped in Santa Monica. From that day, we would coincidentally see and meet each other often.

We aren't really friends but I can't deny the fact that he is the first person here, who somehow I became acquainted with. But then, the misunderstandings started... which led us to that day... where we first... fought or I don't know. Then we're here... apologizing to each other.

Are we finally settling what happened before? Is this true or what? And what did he say again a while ago, he'll pursue me? He will do that despite knowing I'm his enemy? He's crazy!

I don't know what's happening to my life anymore. Is this the change I have been wishing for before? Right... that's why they say to be careful with what you wish for, because you might just get them.

But I clearly did not wish for Carlos Lorenzo Montecarlo!

Anyway, he's clearly the type of man who's easily bored or insatiable. He'd lose interest once I don't show any interest as well. Magsasawa din siya at mapapagod. And once he finally realizes that, at least he'll end whatever he is planning nor thinking about us. He'd know that it's not worth pursuing me or having a relationship... especially with me, since I'm a De Leon.

Tumango-tango ako at kahit papaano ay napanatag. Walang magiging gulo.

''We're here.''

His voice pulled me from my deep thoughts. Agad kong nilibot ang tingin. He was indeed telling the truth when he said that the falls here are far more enchanting than the stream near the De Leons!

Napakaganda ng tubig at ang talon ay nakakamangha rin, but the thing that made it dreamy and surreal was the flowers all around enveloping the whole place as if it was hiding a gem. I have never seen such a place like this before!

''Close your mouth. A bug might get in.''

Sinipat ko ng masamang tingin si Carlos. He only smirked at me. Binitawan na niya rin ang kamay ko at naglakad na kung na saan sina Lukas. Sumunod na rin ako habang inililibot pa rin ang tingin.

Si Rona, Peter, at Terrence ay naliligo na. Habang ang magpinsan ay nakaupo, may mesa doon at may mga upuan na hinanda, all are foldable. Naiangat ko din ang tingin dahil may nakita akong kalakihan tree house sa itaas. And there's even a hammock below it. I realized again how this place is beyond magical.

''Ate Anya, maliligo ka?''

My eyes went to Heidi. I can feel my embarrassment rising when I remembered that she was there with us when Carlos and I had that kind of conversation. I wonder what she's thinking at the moment... pero sa ngiti at ekspresyon ng kanyang mukha, it was as if she was telling me that she didn't hear anything... or acts like it. I guess, I'll act just the same.

I smiled at her. ''Yup! I like to be in the water most of the time.''

''Oh, so you know how to swim?''

''Hindi masyado...'' mapakla akong tumawa.

I heard the slight snort of Carlos. Nakaupo na siya at ngayon ko lang napansin na nasa tabi niya ako nakatayo. I discreetly kicked his feet for his reaction.

''Maraming parte ang malalim dito. Kapag hindi na abot ng paa mo, huwag mo nang pilitin.'' aniya, hindi pinansin ang ginawa ko.

''Don't worry too, Ate Anya. My cousins and I are all good swimmers.'' aniya at sumulyap sa katabi ko. ''Hindi ka din pababayaan ni Kuya Carlos... at ni Lukas. Pati ako sympre, Ate Anya!''

Napangiti ako kay Heidi. She's so bubbly and lovely. We did a little more chitchat before she invited me to the water. Looks like she's ready to dive into the water since she isn't wearing her shirt anymore.

Hawak ko na rin ang dulo ng aking damit nang makita ang mariing titig ni Carlos. I looked back at him with furrowed eyebrows.

''Malamig ang tubig.'' he said.

''And?''

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa may parteng tiyan ko. Napatingin tuloy ako sa suot ko. Nang ibalik ko ang tingin ay nakita ko ang pag-irap niya.

''I'm just informing you.''

I shrugged. Hinila na ako ni Heidi kaya sumama na ako. I was debating whether I would remove my top or not...  pero medyo maraming tao. At isa pa, sabi ni Carlos ay malamig ang tubig, kaya hindi ko na hinubad at baka masyado akong lamigin.

''Matagal na kayong magkakilala ni Kuya Carlos, Ate Anya?'' si Heidi nang nasa tubig na kami.

She was with me all the time. Pakiramdam ko sinasamahan niya ako lagi dahil alam niyang hindi ako masyadong marunong lumangoy.

''Nakilala ko lang... pero hindi kami close.'' sabi ko. Nangunot ang noo niya doon, tila hindi naniniwala, kaya nag-isip pa ako ng pwedeng sabihin. ''Uh... bakasyon noong una ko siyang makilala. Mga ilang buwan na rin.''

''Hmm, ngayong bakasyon?'' tanong niya pa. ''Ngayong taon lang kayo nagkakilala?''

Napaisip ako. I'm sure I haven't met him before. Naririnig ko naman ang pangalan ng mga Montecarlo. Sa Maynila kilala si Maxwell, na kapatid pala ni Heidi. Pero hindi ko masyadong napagtutuunan nang pansin ang iba dahil abala ako sa sariling buhay.

Pero kung nakilala ko naman si Carlos noon... sigurado naman akong maalala ko ang pagmumukha niyan. Pero ni hindi ko nga kilala na Montecarlo sa unang naming pagkikita... nahimigan ko lang. So I'm a hundred percent sure I haven't met him aside from a few months ago. And he clearly does not know who I was, either. He didn't even know my name nor the fact that I'm a De Leon.

We wouldn't have those misunderstandings if he knew. I even doubt he'll come near me, kung sa umpisa pa lang ay alam niyang De Leon ako. He just hates that surname very much... so I really don't know what's gotten to him to act this way to me... because clearly, I'm carrying the name he loathed.

Ngumiti ako kay Heidi. ''Oo, ngayon lang.''

Napalingon kami sa ingay nina Rona. Tumatawa siya at matinis ang tili. Nandoon sila sa may kalakihang balsa. Kasya at kaya ang ilang tao dahil mukhang matibay rin.

''Anya!'' tawag niya. ''Tara dito!''

Lumangoy kami patungo sa kung na saan sila. Medyo naging malalim at halos kinakain na ako ng tubig pero kaya ko naman. Marunong ako, hindi lang nakakatagal masyado. At isa pa malapit na rin naman.

''Georgianna!'' A man roared my name.

Nakahawak na ako sa balsa at nahawakan na ni Terrence ang isa kong kamay. Huminga muna ako nang malalim at hinabol ang hininga bago nilingon ang gawi ni Carlos. He shouted my name so loud I feel like the birds got scared and flew away.

Kitang-kita ko na naman ang madilim niyang ekspresyon habang halos nasa paanan na siya ng tubig. Umiling ako. What is he mad about this time?

''Aakyat ka?'' tanong ni Terrence.

I nodded so he helped me and pulled me up.

Ang kulit-kulit talaga ni Rona kahit kailan kaya tawa kami ng tawa sa mga pinagsasasabi at kwento niya. Halos takpan na ni Peter ang bunganga niya dahil wala siyang tigil. Pati si Heidi na nasa tubig pa rin, kinukulit niya. But I can see how Heidi is having fun.

Panay lang ang tingin ko sa gawi ni Carlos, mariin pa rin ang tingin niya sa'kin halos sundan ang bawat galaw ko. Nandoon pa rin sa pwesto niya na tila ba isang kalabit lang ay lulusong na rin sa tubig. Lukas on the other hand, was just sitting prettily like a king while sipping on a canned beer.

Umahon na din kami kinalaunan para magmeryenda. Maayos naman akong nakabalik at nakaahon nang mag-isa.

''I told you not to stray far, you aren't a good swimmer!'' mariing salubong ni Carlos. ''What if something happens to you, huh?''

I only arched my eyebrow as I watch him wrap a towel around my shoulder. He even softly dried my face with it. Kahit pa mukhang Iritadong-iritado talaga siya.

Napanguso ako. Look at this man, getting mad... but still trying to be caring.

Pero hinila ko na iyon sa hawak niya at umiwas na nang mapansin ang paglingon ng mga kasama sa gawi namin. Mahirap nang mahuli at baka ano pang isipin nila. Lalo na't hindi naman nila alam at hindi naman kami nag-uusap noon, tapos may paganito pa si Carlos ngayon.

I coughed fakely and smiled at my friends as I went to their table to join them.

                      
#ENEMYSPROPERTY