Kabanata 27

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ENEMY'S PROPERTY
Kabanata 27
''Friends''

Although Carlos didn't have to worry about anything, I still felt the need to tell him everything. I explained to Carlos why I was with Hector. I explained it through text, though, because Hector had already driven away.

Carlos is definitely the possessive type, there's no denying that. I don't want him to misunderstand anything or think negatively. Surprisingly, he didn't seem angry earlier. In fact, his expression showed how remarkably calm he was. Pero iyon na nga eh, mukhang kalmadong-kalmado siya. With his personality, it's something really out of the ordinary.

Lorenzo:

Alright. I understand.

My forehead involuntarily creased upon reading his response to my lengthy message.

That's it? He understands? Not that I want him to burst out . . . but . . . Well . . . I guess this is a good thing, then? He's matured, thus, he probably really understands.

Huminga na lamang ako nang malalim.

Nakarating din kami sa unang barangay. My Lolo was indeed already there. Marami ring tao sa covered court kung saan gaganapin ang maikling programa. May mga taga-kapitolyo rin doon na naging abala sa kung ano-ano kaya sinubukan kong lumapit at nagtanong kung ano ang mga maaaring maitulong ko.

Initially, it felt like they were treating me like royalty, possibly because they knew I was the governor's granddaughter. As a result, I put in my best effort for every task. Hindi naman nila ako kailangang itrato nang ganon dahil doon, at isa pa nandito ako para tumulong.

Nang may nagsalita na sa harapan, nasa tabi na lamang kami para makinig din. There will be an orientation session first, which will be followed by the training. Napagalaman ko ring bawat Sabado pala ay may pupunta rito para magturo ng mga paraan na pwedeng pagkakitaan o gawing hanapbuhay gamit din ang mga bagay na makikita lamang sa kanilang barangay o sa buong Santa Monica.

A few minutes before the break, Hector handed me my drink. I muttered my thanks and started drinking. As I took a sip, I noticed that my grandfather's staff hadn't taken their break yet, not even for a water break. Aside from the food we bought at the cafe, Lolo's team had prepared snacks and water for all. Agad akong lumapit doon.

''Ako na, Anya,'' boses ni Hector sa aking likod. ''Magbibigay ka ng tubig?''

''Ah, oo sana.''

Tumango siya at ngumiti. ''Bubuhatin ko na lang at sasama ako sa'yo para hindi ka rin mahirapan magpabalik-balik.''

I couldn't say anything else but express my gratitude as Hector immediately lifted a box of water bottles. It was surely heavy, so I didn't prolong the process of handing them out, either.

A smile formed on my lips as I politely uttered, "Tubig po."

''Ay, thank you, Anya!''

''Ako na niyan, iha. Magpahinga na muna kayo saglit,'' ani ng isang babae, si Ate Mercy, isang social worker na kasama rin namin.

''Hindi na po, Ma'am. Okay lang po dahil nakapagpahinga naman na po kami.''

She smiled at me warmly. Hinawakan niya ako sa braso at marahang hinaplos iyon. Hindi naman na niya ako pinigilan sa pag-abot ng mga tubig.

We stayed there the entire morning, and we would also have our lunch there. After that, we would proceed to another barangay to do the same.

Nang matapos ang buong programa ay may inihanda ring packed lunches sa lahat ng dumalo. Ramdam at kita ko ang pagiging kuryoso sa'kin habang namimigay ako ng pagkain. The adults would look at me openly. Minsan ay tinatanong din nila kung sino ako.

''Anya po,'' palagi kong pakilala at nakikipagkamay rin dahil nilalahad nila ang kanilang kamay. ''Volunteer lang po ako. Hindi ko ako tatakbong kandidato.''

They would laugh whenever I would say that. Minsan ay nahahampas pa ako sa braso dahil ang kulit ko daw, na hindi ko alam kung totoo ba dahil mukhang hindi naman. Ngini-ngitian ko na lamang sila.

When everything has been settled, we finally have time to sit down and eat. Habang kumakain ay panay ang sulyap ko sa tahimik na tahimik kong cellphone. I expected some messages from Carlos, but there were none.

I guess he also got busy.

''Anya, here.'' Hector handed me water. Binuksan niya rin iyon bago iabot sa'kin

Narinig ko ang ilang bulungan at pasimpleng tingin at ngiti ng mga kasama namin, especially the adult females.

''Napakaalaga naman ng nobyo mo, Anya,'' ani ni Ate Tessa. ''Kanina ka pa inaalagaan, ayaw kang mainitan, tinutulungan ka, at laging nasa iyo ang kanyang mga mata.''

My eyes widened. I quickly raised my hand slightly, giving a small wave. ''Hindi po . . . Hindi po! Magkaibigan lang po kami ni Hector.''

''Ay, ganon ba? Sayang naman! Bagay na bagay pa naman kayo,'' hagikhik niya na sinabayan rin ng iba.

I blushed profusely, feeling embarrassed. Despite that, I continued to deny everything and insist that Hector and I were just friends.

We jumped to another barangay, at hanggang doon ay tinutukso pa rin kaming dalawa ni Hector. Hanggang sa makauwi at makapagpaalam na ang lahat-lahat ay bukambibig nila na dapat daw kami ang magkatuluyan. Sobrang nahihiya na ako pero hindi ko naman masaway dahil mga nakakatanda sa'kin.

''Magkaibagan lang po kami,'' ani ni Hector, na ikinatahimik na rin ng lahat ng nanunukso.

Hindi na nasundan iyon at mas inabala na lamang ang kanya-kanyang sarili sa mga gagawin. Hector would still usually be by my side once in a while, but I noticed his silence.

''Lolo, uuwi na po ba tayo?'' tanong ko kay Lolo nang matapos na ang araw naming lahat.

''Sa kapitolyo muna ako, Georgianna. Ihahatid ka ni Hector pauwi.''

I glanced at Hector, who had gone really quiet. Hindi na rin ako nakapagsalita dahil agad kinausap ni Lolo si Hector tungkol sa paghatid sa'kin pauwi.

''Mag-ingat po kayo,'' paalam ko kay Lolo nang ihatid niya kami sa sasakyan.

I kissed him on the cheek before finally getting inside Hector's car.

As we hit the road, silence enveloped us once again. I cast a peek towards Hector, who, despite his unusual demeanor, appeared calm. Nang mapansin niya ang titig ko ay umangat ang dalawang sulok ng kanyang labi.

''Gusto mo bang maghapunan muna tayo bago umuwi?''

I began to take notice of every little detail about him once more.

Iyong mga galaw niya, iyong mga pagdalaw niya sa bahay, iyong pagbibigay niya ng mga pasalubong o regalo—bukod kasi sa chocolates na una niyang binigay noon, nasundan pa ang mga iyon. His little cares a while ago, his silence when I asked him that one question back then when we were talking about why he was still single.

Hindi ko rin naman sana gustong bigyan ng malisya ang lahat ng ito. Pero gusto kong linawin din agad ang isang bagay.

I would rather be labeled as "assuming" than to have unknowingly led him somewhere.

"You are a good person, Hector," I said with a smile. "I hope we will remain friends for a long time, if not forever."

I noticed a hint of surprise on his face, causing him to turn towards me, his mouth slightly agape.

I really don't want to assume things, pero gusto ko ring malinaw ito. Kung pagkakaibigan lamang ay walang problema sa'kin . . . pero kung ibang bagay ay hindi ako pwede.

''Hindi pa ako nanliligaw, basted na agad ako sa'yo, Anya,'' mahinang tawa niya na sa sobrang hina ay hindi ko alam kung tawa na natutuwa o ano.

He was straightforward, while I attempted to be more subtle.

"You smile and blush so easily, as if you're swayed . . . but I guess . . . " he paused, a faint smile appeared on his lips. ''Huwag kang mag-alala, Anya. Kaibigan lamang muna ang hangad ko, kung iyon rin ang gusto mo.''

Muna, he said.

I bit my lip. ''Hector . . . I don't think my mind will change even in the future . . .''

"Someone already holds your heart, Anya?" he asked.
 
I did not answer. He didn't push for it either. We both stayed quiet until he reached home. He drove straight without stopping anywhere.

I unbuckled my seatbelt and glanced at him once more. He was already looking in my direction. His usually bright and soft eyes lacked their usual sparkle, and his smile didn't reach his eyes.

''I'm sorry . . .''

"Please don't be," banayad niyang tugon. "I will still be your friend, Anya. That won't change. I'll always be here for you if you ever need a friend."

I feel somewhat guilty because he has been really good to me. But I also don't want to give him false hope. Mas mabuti nang malinaw ngayon pa lamang.

I'm not interested in being in a relationship . . . well, not with just anyone else. Carlos is already in the picture, and I know he will always be there. I have no intention, and I don't want to, to entertain any other man besides Carlos Lorenzo Montecarlo.

Nakaakyat na ako sa kwarto, nakaligo, at nakapagbihis na.

When I checked my phone, there wasn't a trace of Carlos, which was once again very unusual. He usually messages me a lot, but now there isn't a single one.

I took a deep breath and sent him a text message. I remembered his words about letting him know once I was safely home.

Ako:

I'm already home.

I lay down on the bed, feeling exhausted from the activities of the whole day. Yet I still waited for Carlos to call. However, it never came. Instead, I received a text message, which took him quite a while to send.

Lorenzo:

Alright. I know you're tired. Rest well.

Napapikit ako at nakatulog na lamang dahil sa pagod kahit medyo inaalala pa rin si Carlos.

Days passed, and his texts remained limited. He would only greet me with a simple "good morning," and I would respond with my own greeting. And that was it. It continued like that for several days. I even asked him if he was upset, but he assured me that he wasn't.

I heard from Lukas that his brother has been really busy with his project for the clubhouse. Pero kahit naman abala si Carlos noon, he would still find time to call me. And he's just here in Santa Monica . . . but I haven't seen him around yet.

It was Friday when I texted him, asking for a favor for the first time.

Ako:

Lorenzo, are you busy? Our driver is not available. Gagabihin ata ako sa school. Can you pick me up later after your work?

I waited for his response. I fiddled with the pen several times, but his reply still didn't come.

I groaned in frustration. Nag-aral na lang ulit ako. After about twenty minutes of reading, my phone vibrated with a notification. I immediately grabbed it and checked.

Lorenzo:

I'm at the airport and about to fly to Manila. I'll ask my brother to ensure you get home safely. Would that be alright with you? If not, I can send my car instead. Please let me know where you're most comfortable.

Lorenzo:

I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you.

My shoulders slumped. I took another deep breath and placed my cellphone back on the table. I picked up my book once again.

I bit my lower lip, trying to contain the negative emotions welling up inside me. I realized that it might have been too much to ask of him. After all, we weren't even in a relationship yet. I needed to respect that he had other commitments or responsibilities in his life.
 
Besides, it wasn't that he outright refused me, it was just a matter of bad timing.

Kahit na ibinalik ko na ang atensyon sa binabasa, wala nang pumapasok sa isipan ko. After thirty minutes passed, I finally gave up.

Lukas glanced at me with furrowed eyebrows as I began to gather my belongings. After a while, I noticed that he was doing the same thing.

Carlos probably already asked him to send me home. Nakita ko ang pagkuha niya ng cellphone kanina at mukhang may ka-text.

It's true that our driver isn't available, but I'm already quite familiar with Santa Monica. I know where to go to find transportation home, the ways, and important places. Jakob taught me the ropes.

''Ihahatid na kita, Anya,'' wika ni Lukas nang pareho na kaming naglalakad palabas ng building.

''Binilinan ka ng kuya mo?''

''Oo, pero kahit hindi niya ako binilinan, ihahatid pa rin kita lalo na kung wala kang sasakyan pauwi.''

I couldn't help but purse my lips at his sweetness. Lukas is really kind-hearted. Aside from that, he is intelligent, respectful, and responsible. He's quite the perfect man. No wonder many of our schoolmates like him.

''Ililibre kita ng lunch bukas,'' sabi ko para makabawi man lang.

He timidly nodded. "Okay, I'll eat a lot tomorrow, then.''
 
I couldn't help but chuckle at his response.

"My parents have been here since yesterday. They usually come to check on us when Kuya and I are unable to travel to see them," biglang kwento ni Lukas. "They are scheduled to fly back to Manila today and wanted to take the Cessna, which is why my brother isn't here right now."

Tumango ako. Wala rin akong ibang nasabi kaya pareho kaming natahimik.

We were just about to approach his car when someone called my name. Isang lingon lamang ang ginawa ko, agad ko nang namataan ang papalapit na si Hector.

''Hi,'' he greeted. Saglit ring lumihis ang kanyang tingin kay Lukas, ngumiti bilang pagbati, bago niya ibinalik sa'king mukha ang kanyang mga mata.

My eyebrows furrowed slightly in confusion upon seeing him. Before I could even ask him anything, he had already spoken.

''Nabanggit ni Gov. na wala raw magsusundo sa'yo. I offered to pick you up, that's why I'm here,'' paliwanag niya.  ''Nasa kapitolyo siya ngayon, pati si Tita Cattleya. Doon na lang daw kita ihatid.''

''Ihahatid kita sa kapitolyo, Anya.'' si Lukas.

Hector and I both turned to face Lukas, who wore a dark expression on his face. As I watched him, it reminded me of Carlos and the way his face would darken in a similar manner.

I didn't feel like riding with Hector after our last encounter. I felt like the talk we had was too straightforward, and perhaps I had unintentionally hurt him. It might be too soon for him to see me or be around me, as it could also be awkward for him. However, despite knowing our clear standing, it was he who voluntarily did this favor. I guess . . . I shouldn't read too much into everything. He's here just as a friend.

''Uh, Lukas . . . okay lang. Kay Hector nalang ako sasama kung nabilin na din ni Lolo.''

My grandfather expects me to show up with Hector. My mother is also there. It would only complicate things if I were seen with Lukas Montecarlo.

''Are you sure?'' he asked darkly.

Nagkatinginan kami. I wasn't quite used to that tone from him. I know that Lukas and Carlos are brothers, but whenever I look at them or spend time with either of them, I can often tell that they're very different from each other. Pero sa mga pagkakataon na tulad nito, napagtanto kong may mga pagkakapareho rin pala sila.

I smiled at him, tapping his arm gently a few times. ''I'm sure.''

''Kukunin ko lang ang sasakyan, Anya. You can just wait for me here. I'll be back.''

I gave a nod to Hector. As he disappeared from our view, my eyes shifted back to Lukas.

"Just tell your brother that you sent me home," I suggested halfheartedly.

His lips twisted in disapproval as he responded, "You're asking me something you know I can't and won't do, Anya.''

''Sorry.'' I bit my lower lip. ''I'm not sure if your brother will ask, but if he does, tell him to ask me instead. I'll just explain it to him.''

Dumating na si Hector. Sumakay na rin ako kinaulanan. I waved at Lukas and tried to smile at him. However, he still looked serious and strict, watching me with sharp eyes.

My smile slowly faded when we left.
    
               
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