Kabanata 17

Hello, it's been a while! I've been so busy in the real world, work and other ganaps. Huhu. But thank you so much for waiting patiently for the update! You may comment down your thoughts about this chapter or the story.

Happy reading, enjoy! ❤️

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ENEMY'S PROPERTY
Kabanata 17
''Worry''

''You've been quiet.''

Carlos stopped the car a few meters away from our gate. He doesn't usually bring me home, lalo na't lagi kong sinasabi na hindi siya pwedeng makita dito. I know he understands, that's why he never objected to that. May ilang beses lang na hinatid niya ako, tulad ngayon.

''I just don't have anything to say.'' I said.

''What are you thinking?'' banayad niyang tanong. ''Will you please tell me especially if it concerns us both?''

''I'm not thinking of anything aside from Javier's arrival.''

Tiningnan niya lamang ako. His eyes stayed at me for a while before he took my hand again. Bumaba ang tingin niya doon, marahang hinahaplos ang likod ng aking palad. I did not protest when he slowly took the spaces on my fingers with his. He filled the emptiness on mine, then he clasped our hand tightly.

Ilang sandali bago niya muling inangat ang tingin sa'kin.

''Are you worried?''

''About?''

He took a deep breath. ''Baby, I know the reason why you don't want to have a relationship with me despite us being together right now.''

Tila ba hindi na ako nagulat na alam niya. It's almost the end of the year. Ilang buwan na rin ang nakalipas. Paniguradong namang pansin niya na sumasama ako sa mga aya niya, pero lagi ko lang pinagpipilitan na wala kaming relasyon at hindi dapat magkaroon.

Kaya nga may mga araw o pagkakataon na lagi akong tumatanggi o itinataboy siya. My heart would clench every time. I feel like I'm too heartless to do that to him, to reject him, especially when he's been very patient. I may not want to, but I need to. Alam kong kailangan putulin na ang anuman, ngayon maaga pa lamang, bago pa umabot ang oras na pareho na kaming hindi makatakas.

I slowly pulled my hand back but Carlos gripped it more tightly not wanting to let go. I can see from his expression, I can feel from his movements, how much he wanted to hold on to me as tight as possible as if having gaps on our clasped hands... means a lot of things to him. Pero umatras lalo ang kamay ko. And when he heard my heavy sigh, he finally loosened it... until we weren't touching anymore.

I saw him swallow hard.

''Rest well. I'll see you again.''

My eyes only stayed at him when he said that. And I didn't know what expression he saw on me that made him look pissed, and he advanced aggressively to me and claimed my mouth.

Napadaing ako sa gulat. Pero napapikit na rin para damhin iyon. Carlos' hand went to my nape to push me closer to him and kissed me like he had never kissed me before. It started a bit rough but started to soften when he felt me responding.

Still not very expert and knowledgeable on how to kiss properly, nangapa ako ng kaunti. But I feel him moving on my pace this time. His lips gently guided mine until our lips danced and moved in synchrony. Ilang beses na humiwalay ang labi namin para huminga ngunit ilang beses ring muling naglapat.

''You can't run away from me. I will not let you.'' mahinang bulong niya. My breathing heaved when he bit my lower lip, let it go, and brushed his velvety tongue on it. ''You can try, but know that you'll never be successful with that. Hmm?''

I was panting and catching my own breath, but his kisses did not stop. His lips trailed my jaw up to my ear. Sinikop niya ang aking buhok sa isang kamay at medyo itinaas iyon na tila ba magiging sagabal iyon sa kanyang gusto.

My heart pounded when I felt his nose below my ear. Humagod ang kanyang ilong pababa't pataas. I felt him inhaling deeply and heavily, before his lips started to plant soft, wet, fluttering kisses on my neck. I mindlessly tilted my head to the side to give him more access. At tila hindi pa siya nakuntento sa isang bahagi, lumipat naman siya sa kabila at nagpatuloy hanggang sa aking lalamunan.

Bumagal at lumalim ang paghinga ko. I swallowed an invisible lump on my throat as I gripped on his clothes. This kind of intimacy is making me more breathless and weak.

''L-lorenzo...'' tawag ko nang makitang pababa ang kanyang mga halik.

He stopped right away at my call. Nagkatinginan kami, parehong namumungay ang mga mata. He cupped my face and pressed his lips on my forehead. With eyes closed, and just hearing both our heavy breathing, I didn't know why this moment pricked something in my heart.

''We will still see each other again, Georgianna.'' he said in a hard tone, uttering each word with emphasis.

That's his last words before I immediately left his car.

''What's wrong?'' Javier asked, pulling me from my deep thoughts. ''You don't like the food, Georgianna?''

''I'm fine... medyo busog lang ako...'' sagot ko at pinilit na ring kumain kahit kaunti.

I am actually still full from the dinner I had with Carlos. Pero heto't nandito ako ngayon sa hapag dahil nandito rin sila. Si Mama, Jakob, Javier, and even my grandfather is here.

Nasa magkabilang kabisera si Lolo at si Javier. Nauna kami dito ni Javier. Kaya nasa tabi niya ako nakaupo. Habang nasa kabila sina Lolo at Mama. The table was long, and Jakob took the opportunity to sit at the center of the two poles.

''Just eat the dessert then. You don't have to force yourself to swallow every bite like what I am doing right now.''

Agad kong nahawakan ang kamay niya at marahang pinisil iyon nang dumapo ang tingin sa'min ni Lolo. The atmosphere was dark and eerie. The dining room was so quiet that every sound could be heard. So I'm a hundred percent sure our grandfather heard that. 

Hindi kami nagkakasabay-sabay nang ganito sa hapag. Madalas na palaging wala si Lolo. At si Javier naman ay madalang lamang bumisita. Kung bibisita siya ay minsan sa labas lang at hindi pumapasok. When he came here a while ago, I asked him to eat dinner first, dahil kakarating niya lamang. Hindi ko naman alam na mapapaaga rin ang uwi ni Lolo ngayon.

''Javier, how are the businesses in Manila?'' My grandfather asked with his usual cold and strict voice.

''I'm eating. Let's talk about business at the office and not in the dining room.''

Muli kong pinisil ang kamay ni Javier. He looked at me darkly. I shook my head a little to stop him from whatever he's still going to say. Inirapan niya lamang ako.

Ako ang laging kinakabahan at natatakot kapag nagkikita sila ni Lolo dito sa bahay. Whenever they face it, it doesn't always end up in something nice. Their conversation will be full of hatred and darkness as they exchange words.

''Georgianna,'' si Lolo. ''Have you met or seen Vernaise Sarmiento?''

Tumango ako. ''Opo...''

''What do you think of her?'' tanong niya. ''Don't fall for her charms if she tries to befriend you.''

Pinagmamasdan ko si Lolo na kalmadong kumakain. My eyes drifted to Javier who's starting to emit a darker aura. Pinaguusapan naman namin ni Javier si Vernaise, pero hindi ganito ang reaksyon niya.

''I think I'm done here.'' ani Javier at agad na tumayo. ''Georgianna, I will just visit you one of these days.''

Marahan akong tumango at walang nagawa kung hindi ang ihatid ito ng tingin papalabas ng dining area. Jakob stood up from his seat too. I was left there with Lolo and Mama.

''Papã, stop talking about the Sarmientos in front of Javier. You know he is sensitive to any topic about that.'' si Mama.

Lolo scoffed. ''Among all the younger men in this family, it's him that I least expect to fall for that Sarmiento. He's intelligent, obedient, and he always puts the family's interest at first. Yet after meeting that woman, he has strayed too far.''

Nanatili lamang ang tingin ko sa aking plato habang pinakikinggan ang usapan.

''He puts the family's interest at first, Papã. See how he has been running the family now? Isn't that enough proof of that?''

''I will still not accept the Sarmientos.'' matigas na sabi ni Lolo.

I feel my heart sanking. No matter how great Javier is doing for the family now, my Lolo still wouldn't accept their relationship? Then, what will happen next? Javier will do everything... I'm sure of that.

''I don't want our family to be tied with the Sarmientos, especially not with the Montecarlos! Walang apo ko ang matatali sa kahit sinong pamilya. Hindi ako kailanman papayag!''

My grip on my spoon and fork tightened as I heard those words spewed like a curse by my grandfather. Pakiramdam ko biglang sumakit ang ulo ko.

''Georgianna Eleanor.''

I flinched at the way my name was called. I can feel my whole body shivering as I turn my head to look at his way. Mabait naman si Lolo pero kapag nakikita kong ganito siya ay talagang natatakot din ako.

''Do not disappoint me like what your cousin did, do you understand? Among the young De Leons, you, Javier, and Elias are my direct grandchildren.'' aniya sa mababa at seryosong boses. ''I am expecting you to not take the same road your cousin took, but a road that will benefit the whole family. Are we clear on this, Georgianna?''

My lips parted to say something but it seems like I couldn't find my voice. My hands trembled a bit when my mouth did not let out any words.

''Papã, ano ka ba?'' Marahang tumawa si Mama para ibsan ang mas namumuong tensyon. ''We have been living away from Santa Monica! Georgianna doesn't even know much about these families! Please do not scare my daughter like that.''

Uminom si Lolo sa kanyang kopita habang mataman pa ring nakatitig sa'kin. Kahit kinakabahan ay nanatili rin ang aking tingin sa kanya, mas takot na baka sa pag-iwas ko ay may makita o mabasa siya.

''Mas mabuti nang malinaw. Marami ang batang lalaki sa mga Montecarlo, at lahat ay wala pang asawa.'' aniya.

''Why, are you worried that someone from their family would take interest on my daughter, Papà?'' My mother asked in an indifferent tone.

Nang itinuon ni Lolo ang atensyon kay Mama ay naibaba ko na ang tingin. Mariing akong nakapagat sa aking labi.

''I'm sure you know the answer to that question, Cattleya. After all, she is a De Leon, and she takes after you a lot.'' ani Lolo sa malamig na boses. ''The women in our family have enchanting beauty no one can take their eyes off. If all of those young men are here, it isn't impossible. They have a history. Makakita lang ng babaeng De Leon, agad nang nababaliw.''

Natahimik ang hapag. Nangunot ang noo ko sa mga narinig, halos walang maintindihan.

''But good thing most of them are in the metro or abroad. Ang magkapatid lamang na anak ni Mateo ang laging naririto. Ang panganay ay nasa Maynila na nagtatrabaho, pero ang nakababatang kapatid ay dito nag-aaral.'' sambit ni Lolo, at muling tinawag ang atensyon ko kaya napatingin ako kahit malakas ang tibok ng aking puso. ''You are on the same year and course with Lukas Montecarlo. How is he? I hope he's not trying to get your attention and court you.''

Nagkatinginan kami ni Mama. She knows, Lukas is my classmate. Alam niya rin na lagi akong pupumunta noon sa kanila. Pero hindi niya sinasabi kay Lolo iyon. Dahil ganito pala ang magiging reaksyon ni Lolo.

''Hindi po...'' I answered truthfully.

''Are you sure?'' he asked with a firm voice. ''Is it the truth?''

I nodded. ''Yes, Lolo.''

Tila ba nakahinga siya nang maluwag doon. Habang ako ay mas lalong nanikip ang dibdib.

''Then good. I have don't have to worry about anything then. The first born of Mateo, Carlos Lorenzo, held a grudge and hatred towards our family. He's the least I'm worried about. Kahit nandito iyon ay alam kong hindi iyon lalapit kahit kanino sa pamilya natin.'' pahayag ni Lolo. ''But still, do not associate with of them, Georgianna.''

Napainom ako ng tubig. Ramdam na ramdam ko rin ang pamumutla ng aking mukha.

''Kahit sino ang iharap mo, basta makakabuti sa ating pamilya ay wala akong tutol. Huwag lang galing sa kahit anong pamilyang kaaway natin. Huwag ka nang tumulad sa pinsan mo na sinuway ako.''

Naiwan akong tulala doon nang umalis na din si Lolo. Mama glanced at me and smiled a little before she followed Lolo, still trying to talk about something. Mukhang pati si Mama ay nag-aalala rin, lalo na kay Javier.

My grandfather will never accept anyone from those families. No matter how much Javier tried, and worked hard for it, my Lolo is still not willing and accepting. At ngayon... pati ako ay pinaalalahanan na rin.

What is happening between Javier and my grandfather will only worsen in the next few days, weeks, or even years. And I'm not sure how things will unfold by then.

I started to feel suffocated here. Kaya pala hindi madalas pumunta dito ang iba kong pinsan. I've been living away for so long that only now I understand the reason behind that somehow.

A box of chocolates was placed on my desk. Hindi ko na inangat ang tingin dahil naupo na rin agad si Lukas sa tabi ko.

''My brother has been asking about you.''

Pinasadahan ko nang tingin ang buong classroom. Bukod sa amin ni Lukas ay isa pa lamang ang naroon. Wala pang tao dahil sobrang aga pa. Maaga akong nagigising nitong mga nakaraang araw kahit halos wala akong tulog.

I put the chocolates on my bag before I crouched down, putting both or my arms in my desk and resting my head there. Nakaharap ako sa gawi ni Lukas kaya kita ko ang seryoso ngunit may pag-aalala niyang tingin.

''You two don't talk anymore?''

''No...'' I mumbled silently almost a whisper.

''Hmm, why?''

''Your family has been so good to me.'' Iyon lamang ang nasabi ko bago mariing ipinikit ang mga mata.

It's not like Carlos and I don't talk anymore... pero parang ganon na din pala. Hindi na ako sumasagot sa mga tawag o text niya. I started to avoid him too whenever he comes to school. Madalas pa rin siya sa Maynila kaya mas madali iyon gawin.

The Montecarlos has been nothing but kind to me. They are warm people. As much as I want to rub elbows with them, my grandfather's rage is too intense too. It's deep, grudging, and beyond cursing.

I don't want to pull anyone into a war that I know we'll never win. Mahirap ipaglaban ang isang bagay kung alam mong kahit ngayon pa lang na hindi pa ito nagsisimula, talo ka na

''Lola has been looking for you, too. You always turned down our invites.'' I heard Lukas say.

My lips pursed a bit. ''I'm sorry...''

''It's okay. I'll just tell them not to meddle with your life.''

My eyes flew open and I saw him smiling gently at me. Marahan rin akong napangiti.

Lagi akong iniimbitahan ni Lukas sa mga salo-salo nila. Sa bahay nila at kahit iyong pagligo ulit nila sa talon. He told me that his cousin Maxwell is with his girlfriend, and that he let her meet the whole family. Umuwi din daw ang buong pamilyang Montecarlo para sa kaarawan ni Senyora Amanda.

Aside from Lukas' personal invitation, our whole family was formally invited as well. But well... my grandfather did not take me. Ang mga nakatatanda lamang sa amin ang dumalo sa party na iyon.

I just heard that my grandfather made an excuse for my absence. I feel like the real reason why he did not allow me is because all the young men of the Montecarlos are there. I don't think it is even true... that I will catch everyone's attention... that's just too extreme to believe and think of. But my grandfather is even taking precautions like that.

''Our cousin Maxwell will be getting married soon. Next week, I think.'' muling pagkwento ni Lukas. ''I just don't know all the details. It's a bit of a rush, but it's an intimate one.''

''Huh, talaga?''

Tumango siya. He told me a few more stories. Maybe he noticed that I was silent that's why he tried to be talkative even though he really isn't. 

My smile grew wider. ''I'm happy for your family.''

He ruffled my hair. Nang magsidatingan na ang mga kaklase namin ay umayos na rin ako nang upo. And just after a while, the professor came and the class has started.

Palabas na kami ni Lukas, pagkatapos ng klase sa maghapon nang muli kong maaninag si Carlos. Nasa labas ng kanyang kotse, salubong ang kilay at tinitingnan nang mabuti ang mga taong lumalabas ng building namin.

Right, he's here. Kapag may pasalubong siya ay ibig sabihin nakauwi o nandito siya sa Santa Monica.

Nandito na rin si Kael para sunduin ako, pero kapag lumabas ako, alam kong hindi ako makakatakas sa mga mata ni Carlos. I'm a hundred and one percent sure I won't be able to escape his hawk-like eyes.

''Do you want me to distract him?'' tanong ni Lukas na nasa aking tabi at mukhang alam ang problema ko.

I sighed heavily. ''I'm really sorry.''

''I said it's okay, Anya. If you aren't ready yet to face him, you don't have to force yourself.'' he then smiled at me. ''I'll go to him and distract him a bit. Take that opportunity to do what you want.''

I watched Lukas' back as he went to his brother. Natigil ang pagmamasid ni Carlos nang ibigay niya ang atensyon sa kanyang kapatid. I hurriedly went out of the building. Panay din ang sulyap ko sa gawi nila para makisugarado. When I saw our car, I hurriedly ran towards it. I was literally panting when I reached the door.

Bukas ito kaya agad na rin akong pumasok. Gulat na gulat si Kael nang makita akong tila may tinatakbuhang kung ano.

''Anya-''

''Let's go! Drive, hurry!'' natataranta kong sabi at napapatampal pa sa braso niya.

I felt his panic too. Hindi lang makapagtanong pero agad na sinunod ang utos ko. Hindi na ako lumingon sa likod kahit lumabas na kami sa paaralan.

Nang nasa bahay na ako at nag-aayos ng gamit nang muli kong nakita iyong chocolates. Ngayon ko lang napagtanto na medyo makapal ang mukha kong tanggapin iyon pagkatapos ng mga pag-iwas ko.

I was about to rest when I saw my phone lit up. I took it and saw a few messages from Carlos. Malalayo ang agwat ng oras.

Lorenzo:

Are you home?

Lorenzo:

Why do I feel like you're completely shutting me off, Georgianna? Are we okay? Do we have a problem? Can we talk about it?

Lorenzo:

Alright, if you aren't ready to talk about it yet, I won't force you. But please, at least text me, even once a day, to let me know how you are doing. I can't stand a day without hearing anything from you.

Mariin akong napapikit nang maramdaman ang kirot sa aking dibdib. I was tired the whole day but that night, I wasn't even able to sleep early nor peacefully.

Saglit lamang akong nakatulog at agad ring nagising. Nang bumama para kumain ng agahan ay natigilan ako nang makitang may ibang tao.

Hector Madriaga smiled at me. ''Hi, Anya! Good morning.''

''Good morning...'' I politely replied as I took my seat after kissing the cheek of my mother and grandfather.

Hindi ko inaasahan ang isang panauhin na ganito kaaga. And it's Saturday. But I guess it's normal since even before, the Madriagas, usually visit this house.

''Gov., nandito po sana ako para ayain si Anya sa pamamasyal. Naipangako ko noon sa kanya pero hindi ko nagawa dahil naging abala ako sa trabaho. Kung okay lang po sana sa inyo, Tita Cattleya, at sympre sa'yo Anya.''

Halos mabitawan ko ang kutsara na hawak sa pagsandok ng umagahan. My eyes lifted to Hector, he was grinning widely at me. The heartily laugh of my grandfather filled the room.

''This is why I favor you, iho! And your family are good people, too. Your father, who is a very close friend of mine, is surely proud of you.'' masiyang sabi ni Lolo. ''Georgianna, pagbigayan mo si Hector at nang magkalapit kayo kahit papaano para magkaroon ka pa ng ibang kakilala o kaibigan dito.''

My throat dried. I looked at my mother and saw her smiling at me, encouraging me as well.

''May gagawin ka ba ngayon, Anya?'' muling tanong ni Hector.

''Wala naman...''

Mabait naman si Hector kahit noon pa. Lalo na kapag nagagawi siya dito. At naging magkaibigan rin naman kami. Hindi ko lang alam kung bakit tila iba ang pakiramdam ko ngayon. O siguro dahil pagod lang ako at halos walang pahinga kaya hindi masyadong makasabay.

''Anya is safe with me, Gov! Iuuwi ko po si Anya nang buo at walang galos.''

''I know you will do that.''

Pagkatapos nang umagahan ay napilitan akong umakyat para maligo at mag-ayos. Bumaba rin agad ako pagkatapos. Hector waited for me in the living room. Nang namataan ako ay tumayo siya at lumapit sa hagdanan para salubungin ako.

Ngumiti siya. ''Tara?''

I just nodded my head.

                  
#ENEMYSPROPERTY