Kabanata 26

ENEMY'S PROPERTY
Kabanata 26
''Grandfather''

School has already started again, and it's our last semester. We are all graduating, so we have become really busy.

Lukas and I, along with Rona, Peter, and Terrence, are all in the same block again. We were just groupmates last year, but we have become friends and have remained so until now. Madalas pa ring may sariling mundo ang magkasintahan pero sumasama naman sila sa'min. But most of the time, it's really Lukas and I who are almost always together.

''Kumakain na, Kuya.''

Nahinto ko ang pagsubo nang marinig iyon. Isang beses lamang akong sinulyapan ni Lukas bago ibinalik ang tuon sa kausap. I didn't even notice that he was on his phone. Pareho kaming sobrang gutom dahil late na nakapag-lunch. Nagpatuloy na lamang ako sa pagkain.

Kuya . . . he's talking to Carlos. Wala namang ibang tinatawag si Lukas na kuya bukod sa kanya.

"Yeah, sorry, I didn't notice the time . . . I know it's already past lunch. She's busy eating, so please don't disturb her . . . Alright, bye."

I took my phone out of my bag, and I saw a message from Carlos. He told me where he was and reminded me not to skip lunch. I wasn't able to reply because I was too busy. Maybe that's why he's calling his brother.

Napailing na lamang ako. I was correct in my assumption that he calls his brother to check on me sometimes. Just like before, Lukas doesn't really say anything. He doesn't bring up any topics about his brother or me. He only talks about random things, mostly related to school.

I bought a drink for Lukas after our lunch. Hindi ko alam kung peace offering o ano, pakiramdam ko kasi inaabala siya ng Kuya niya sa mga bagay-bagay at hindi lang nakakapagreklamo. Lukas is the type of person who is very kind and obedient—especially with his family.

He smiled. ''Thanks, Anya.''

Carlos would be in Manila for work, and on weekends he's here. There are also days when he's here, even if it's not a weekend. However, since it's school days on weekdays, I can't meet him.

Carlos Lorenzo always updates me of his whereabouts and what he is doing. Hindi naman ako nagtatanong . . . pero madalas ay sinasabi niya lang talaga. Pakiramdam ko nga ay kasama na ako sa araw-araw niya dahil kahit wala siya dito sa Sana Monica, halos alam ko na ang lakad niya.

I don't reply often, especially when I'm at school, and he understands that. During school hours, I'm fully focused on my studies or schoolwork. However, to make up for it, I always make sure to answer his calls in the evening. Kapag pauwi na o nasa bahay na, kahit minsan ay may ginagawa ako, sinasagot ko talaga.

Tulad ngayon, I was at my study table, busy on my paper, when he called me.

Gabi na kaya medyo madilim na ang kwarto ko pero bukas naman ang lampshade dahil may ginagawa pa ako. It was a video call, so I grabbed my phone holder and positioned it on the table in a way that he could still have a good view of me even though I'm working on my laptop.

I instantly smiled when I answered the call and greeted him with my most enthusiastic "hello". Agad kong narinig ang mahina niyang tawa dahil sa inakto ko. I playfully rolled my eyes in jest.

''How's your day?'' he softly asked.

''The usual . . . how about you?''

Pinagmamasdan ko siya. He was in his office, but it was an office located in his penthouse. Tanda ko na iyon dahil madalas siya roon bago umakyat sa kwarto niya. And he's already wearing casual clothes. We also exchanged messages before this call, so I knew that he was already home.

''I went to three meetings today,'' panimula niya. ''I have a new project, a clubhouse for a hotel. It's in Santa Monica. Mas dadalas ako riyan sa susunod na linggo, pagkauwi ko.''

I slowly nodded. It's already February next week . . . At dadalas na siya rito?

"Still busy with your paper?" he asked, pulling me out of my deep thoughts.

''Ah, yup!''

''Do you need my help?''

I shook my head, smiling. ''I'm fine, but thank you for the offer.''

"Alright then. Do your thing, but know that I'm just here if you ever need me. I also need to review some blueprints, so I'll do that while you're busy," he informed me, smiling. "Can we not drop the call, though, Georgianna?"

This is one of the reasons why I answer his calls when I'm home, even when I'm busy. Dahil may mga araw na sobrang abala rin siya na hanggang pag-uwi niya ay dala pa rin niya ang trabaho, but he would always make an effort to spend time with me. If we're both pretty occupied, we won't talk much, but he will ask not to drop the video call because he still wants to see me.

It somehow makes my heart flutter. Regardless of how busy and occupied he is, it's like he'll always find time for me.

''Okay . . .''

His lips rose for another smile. ''We'll end the call when you're done and sleepy.''

Marahan akong tumango.

We didn't end the call. He stayed there while I continued working on my paper, and I was there for him as he did his work.

Madalas nga lang akong napapalingon sa gawi niya. Tumitingin rin siya sa gawi ko at kapag nagpapang-abot kami ng tingin, agad kong iniiwas ang mga mata.

Katulad ko ay nilagay niya rin sa isang lugar ang cellphone niya kaya kitang-kita ko rin siya. He's busy on his own laptop, pero paminsan-minsan ay tumatayo para may kunin na mga kung ano-anong papel.

His office is somehow bright, which is why I can clearly see him. I can even see the subtle stubble on his face, which looked incredibly attractive on him. My eyes were fixated on him as I watched him run his fingers through his jet-black hair, smoothing back a few rogue strands that partially obstructed his tantalizing eyes.

Tumikhim ako at agad na ibinaling ang atensyon sa ginagawa nang muli siyang sumulyap sa'kin. I pretended to be busy. I waited for a few seconds before I glanced at him again.

Nahigit ko nga lamang ang hininga nang makitang titig pa rin siya sa'kin.

He caught me!

He let out a manly chuckle at my reaction. I pursed my lips.

''I'll be home next week . . .'' marahan niyang bulong na tila ba may malalim iyong kahulugan.

''Y-you already told me that.''

''Hmm.''

I went back to working on my paper, and he didn't say anything further. Kaya akala ko ay abala na rin siya.

''Baby, I miss you.''

My heart felt like it almost leaped out of my chest when I heard that. His husky and slightly hoarse voice didn't help either. My throat suddenly went dry.

"I couldn't see you that much since I'm working here, and you've been busy with school. I took the clubhouse project so I could stay longer in Santa Monica," he said. I turned to look at him upon hearing that. "Seeing you personally once a week . . .  isn't enough for me. I miss you every day, Georgianna."

Uminit ang buong mukha ko. Unable to contain my emotions, I covered my face with both hands. Why did he have to say those things? I couldn't control the rapid beating of my heart whenever he was like that!

He has a new project, he says. And is he telling me right now that he took the project so . . . he can just see me more often?

Kinalma ko ang sarili at marahas na umirap sa kanya. I did not face him anymore because I could still feel how flushed my cheeks were right now.

He isn't just a businessman. Engineer nga rin pala si Carlos. He suddenly looks so sexy in my eyes, not that he wasn't before. However, I haven't seen him in the field or witnessed him flying either. I don't know why I started to dream of seeing him in those areas, especially flying.

I still can't believe these things. . . May manliligaw pala akong ganito? Pero manliligaw pa rin ba ang tawag dito? Ang lakas ng loob niyang umaktong boyfriend ko na eh. I shook my head, but somehow I still found myself smiling.

"Will I be able to see you most of the time now? But of course, I won't disturb you when you're in school. Just a few minutes a day will do," he said. "Will that be okay with you, Georgianna?"
 
I bit my lip and found myself nodding.

''I can't wait to come home to you then,'' he whispered.

I didn't get much sleep that night. I got sleepy, so we said our goodnights to each other. Pero nang nasa kama naman na ako, ewan ko kung bakit napuyat pa rin ako.

Medyo inaantok pa tuloy ako habang pababa ako para sa umagahan. Nahinto nga lamang ako sa paglakad nang makita kung sino ang nasa hapag kasama sina Mama at Lolo.

''Hi, good morning, Anya!'' he greeted me with a smile.

''Good morning . . . Hector.''

Medyo gulat pa rin ako pero nang makabawi na ay binati ko rin si Mama at si Lolo bago ako tuluyang umupo.

''How's your sleep, Anya?''

''Maayos naman . . .''

Laging maraming bisita dito sa bahay at si Lolo ang laging pinupuntahan kaya nasanay na rin ako kahit papaano na makakita o minsan makasabay ang ibang tao hapagkainan.

Pero napansin kong napapadalas ang dalaw niya nitong buwan. Alam kong pumupunta naman talaga sila rito noon pa. But Hector's always with his parents, or sometimes with his sister, Helena. But these days . . . he's alone.

My eyes went to my grandfather when he spoke.

''Hector has been helping me with some projects, Georgianna. If you have time, you can lend a hand too. The projects we have will benefit a lot of people.''

I see. Kaya pala palaging nandito si Hector ay dahil tumutulong siya kay Lolo.

I somehow felt relieved, and I didn't know why. At the same time, I was in awe. Hector was indeed a good man with a love for serving people.

Ngumiti ako. ''Titingnan ko po, Lolo. Medyo abala ako sa paaralan pero maglalaan ako ng oras para makatulong rin po.''

''Sa susunod na Sabado, Anya, may pupuntahan kaming mga barangay para sa livelihood program. Gusto mo bang sumama?'' magiliw na tanong ni Hector.

Next Saturday . . . It's 4th of February. That's also the day Carlos will be coming home. He told me last night. Although he hasn't specified yet if we have plans, I feel like I already know that he'd see me that day too.

''You should come, Georgianna. Para na rin makita mo pa ang iba't-ibang lugar dito sa Santa Monica. It's a good venue to lend a hand,'' si Lolo. ''Hindi ba ay wala ka namang pasok tuwing Sabado at Linggo?''

''Wala po, Lolo . . .''

''Alright, I'd bring you with us,'' my grandfather said in a tone that sounded final and irrevocable.

Tumango ako at inabala na lamang ang sarili sa pagkain.

Days later, Hector is still here every morning. He is polite, friendly, and kind, which is why Lolo and Mama are very fond of him.

Often times, my eyes would stay fixed on him, studying his expressions, and whenever he caught me staring, his smile would grow wider and brighter.

''Anya,''

Paakyat na ako para maghanda sa pagpasok nang tinawag ni Hector. Napalingon ako sa kanya at muling napababa dahil nakita ko siyang naghihintay. I also got a glimpse of the box he was holding.

"I'm not yet sure if you really like chocolates, but I remembered you when I saw this," aniya at inilahad sa harap ko isang medyo magarbong box ng tsokolate. ''This is for you. I hope you will like it."

Did he remember me when he saw this? Was it because the ribbon reminded him of the hair clips I usually wear, or was there something more?

Nanatili ng ilang segundo ang tingin ko roon bago muling inangat ang mata kay Hector. He's smiling, but I can see how nervous he looked. Tinanggap ko na lamang iyon.

Marahan akong ngumiti. ''Hindi ka na sana nagabala pa. But thank you for this.''

''You're welcome,'' he said.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit marami akong iniisip gayong mabuting tao lang naman si Hector. He carries a warm aura around him. I wasn't that uncomfortable with him either. But there's just something I couldn't pinpoint.

When that Saturday came, umaga pa lang ay tumatawag na si Carlos. Nasagot ko rin agad dahil tapos na rin akong maligo at lahat-lahat. I just wore a pair of jeans, a white shirt, and my sneakers. Tinali ko din ang buhok at inilusot iyon sa butas ng cap ko.

Maaga akong naghanda dahil maaga rin kaming aalis ngayon . . . nina Lolo.

''I'm already home. Are you free today?''

I bit my lip. ''Sorry, may pupuntahan kami nina Lolo. It's one of his projects.''

''It's okay, I understand.'' agad niyang sabi. ''Will that take your whole day though?''

''I guess . . .''

''Alright. I'll just see you one of these days when you're already free.'' aniya sa malambing na boses, hindi naman tunog nagtatampo o ano. ''Tell me when you're home, hmm? Don't forget to eat, no matter how busy you are. And please, stay safe.

"I will . . . thank you," I replied shyly. Sinabi ko rin sa kanya kung saan kami pupunta at ano ang mga gagawin namin nina Lolo para sa buong araw.

Carlos listened attentively to my story. He was familiar with the places we were planning to visit. He offered to help since he had the entire day free. However, I knew it wouldn't be possible. Just the thought of my grandfather seeing him made me anxious. I didn't want to entertain that idea just yet. I suggested that we meet next time instead.

Even after we said our goodbyes, I couldn't help but keep staring at my phone. My heart felt tight, but in a good way.

Malaki ang ngiti ko kahit noong pababa na. Medyo napawi lamang iyon dahil nagtaka ako nang si Hector lamang ang nakita ko sa baba. He's in the living room, drinking coffee, but he immediately stood up when he saw me.

''Nauna na sila Gov, Anya. Isabay na lang raw kita sa'kin.''

''Oh?'' I was a bit confused, but Hector isn't the type to lie, lalo na't binanggit niya rin si Lolo.

But I thought Lolo would wait for me. Akala ko nga ay isang sasakyan lamang kami. Alam kong may dalawang van pa kasi kaming kasama, iyong team para sa livelihood program. Pero siguro ay doon na sumama si Lolo? But why would he leave me be with Hector?

''Let's grab some drinks too, Anya. Okay lang ba? Medyo malayo ang pupuntahan natin.''

''Okay, sure.''

Huminto nga kami sa isang cafe na bukas na. Inaaya din ako ni Hector sa loob at pinapili ng akin. We were already at the counter, but I couldn't decide what to order. Hector probably saw my expression, which is why he leaned closer and pointed at something on the menu below us.

''You can try this if you want. It's good.''

Tumango ako at ngumiti. Iyon na lamang ang in-order ko. I waited for him to place his order as well. Marami rin siyang binili na kung ano-ano pa.

We waited until everything was given to us. Hector carried it all because he insisted, no matter how hard I tried to tell him that I'd help. Since his hands were already full, pagbubuksan ko sana siya ng pinto noong palabas na kami pero naunahan niya rin ako. Muntik na tuloy mahulog ang isang bag ng pastries.

Medyo pareho kaming natawa.

''Ako na ng iba, please.''

He smiled sheepishly before he finally gave me something to carry.

We were about to enter the car when my phone vibrated. Nasa pantalon ko iyon kaya ramdam ko. Using one hand, I took it out to check the notification.

There's a message from Carlos.

''Anya, let's go?''

''Uh, yes,'' sabi ko at umakyat na muna ng sasakyan.

I fixed my seatbelt. Hector is still busy with the food. Binuksan ko na lang din muna ang mensahe ni Carlos.

Lorenzo:

I thought you were with your grandfather? When did Hector Madriaga become your grandfather, Georgianna?

Nangunot ang noo ko. How did he know . . . ?

I scanned the area, searching for Carlos or any familiar faces. But my attention was immediately drawn to my phone as another message popped up.

Lorenzo:

You're so busy with him that you didn't notice me, huh? I'm here inside the cafe.

I turned my gaze back to the cafe. My eyes widened when I saw Carlos there. He was with his cousin, and both of them were looking outside . . . in my direction.

                     
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