Kabanata 32

In advance, happy new year! I wish you all the best in life. Thank you for reading and supporting my stories. Hoping you'll continue to do so next year. Lovelots. ❤️

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ENEMY'S PROPERTY
Kabanata 32
''Five Minutes 😧''

After our mini shoot in that studio we already went to the restaurant where he reserved an exclusive room for our early dinner.

Carlos freed up his schedule for today. He even worked overtime yesterday just so he could spend this day with me with no interruptions from his work. So here we are now, on a date . . . but in another province. Iyong medyo malayo sa Santa Monica. 

Carlos doesn't like the idea that we are somehow hiding. Pero wala siyang reklamo . . . wala akong narinig kahit isa at sumunod lamang nang sinabi kong sa ibang lugar na lamang kami magkita para sa araw na ito. Although he obliged, I can see and feel how he hates it. He couldn't hide them properly in his expressions and his voice when I told him about it. I felt bad. I didn't like it either. Still, I explained the situation to him . . . kahit alam kong alam niya rin naman kahit papaano kung bakit.

Masyadong maraming mata na makakakilala sa'min sa Santa Monica. Carlos Lorenzo is known there. His whole family is prominent as well. Kilala rin si Lolo at ang pamilyang De Leon. At alam kong alam rin ng mga tao ang tunay na relasyon ng dalawang pamilya. Gusto kong mag-ingat. Lalo na ngayon na napapansin kong medyo humihigpit si Lolo sa'kin. Pinapabantayan rin niya ako kay Kael tuwing ihahatid at susunduin ako sa paaralan.

My grandfather almost didn't allow me to go back to Manila for my internship, but my mother was able to talk it out with him. These are the things that made me finally decide to have my internship in Manila—to somehow be able to breathe away from Lolo, even just for a little time. Because I feel like I'm starting to get suffocated.

The only time I feel like I'm out of the loop in my neck is whenever I am at school . . . and whenever I am with Carlos. With him, I can breathe properly. With him, it feels like I always find myself at peace, just like today.

He's very attentive to me, to my words and expressions, as well as to my actions. Throughout our dinner, he was that attentive. And his simple gestures always melt my heart. Kaya hindi ko rin talagang maiwasang ngumiti buong dinner namin.

But the highlight of our dinner date was unquestionably the dessert! Desserts hold a special place in my heart, and I ensure they have a spot in my diet. As the waiter brought four delightful treats, my eyes lit up with excitement. There's a chocolate molten lava cake, a lemon souffle topped with raspberries, a mango parfait with coconut sorbet, and a blueberry cheesecake.

Kung titingnan ay tila marami, pero hindi rin naman ganoon kalaki ang mga portion, so I guess Carlos and I would be able to accommodate them . . . I hope so. Sayang naman kasi kung hindi.

I tried the mango parfait first. I smiled widely and almost did a happy dance when I tasted it. My eyes went to Carlos to tell him how good it is, but he is already busy watching me, with a small smile and pure amusement in his eyes.

''It's good!''

''You like it?'' aniya, habang malambing na sinusuklay ang buhok ko gamit ang kanyang mga daliri.

''I love it!'' I exclaimed with a happy voice.

His lips protruded a bit. ''I wish I was a dessert.''

My forehead creased. He wishes he was a dessert? Mukha naman siyang dessert! Should I tell him that, though? No, I'll just pass. Baka kung ano pa ang isipin niya. Especially knowing Carlos, his mind is just too exaggerated at times.

Sinubukan ko rin ang ibang dessert. And all of them really taste great. Kaya lang, napansin ko na ako lang ang kumakain ng mga iyon. Using a clean fork, I tried to give Carlos a small bite of the cheesecake. Kinain niya naman. Pinatikim ko din ang iba pero ako ang kumuha para sa kanya at lagi iyong inilalapit sa bibig niya . . . na tinatanggap naman niya. I don't know if he doesn't really like sweets that's why he isn't eating much of it, or he wants them but just wanted me to feed him. 

''Do you like sweets, Carlos?'' I asked.

''Hmm, not really,'' he answered.

''Eh, bakit mo kinakain ang binibigay ko?''

His brow shot up a bit. After a while, the corners of his lips curled upward. ''Because I like it whenever you do that. It's like you're taking care of me . . . and I love it.''

Hindi ko alam pero napangiti na lang din ako.

Carlos leaned closer to give me a kiss on my shoulder before he planted a kiss on my cheek. Magkatabi lang kami at sobrang lapit namin. His hand was resting on the back of my waist, too. Pinagmasdan ko siya nang mabuti. His expression was bright, and he looked happy. He's perfectly in a good mood right now. So I'm going to open the topic now.

''Carlos,'' marahan kong sambit sa kanyang pangalan.

''Hmm?''

''Classmate kami ni Lukas . . . So you probably already know that it's the start of our internship next week, right?''

''Uh, huh.'' He smiled. ''What company in Santa Monica did you choose? Maybe I know. I'll be able to visit you often then. I can drive you too, if it's far from your house.''

Oh, no.

I swallowed hard and bit my lower lip nervously. Saglit akong natahimik. There was a dead silence that enveloped us. When I glanced back at Carlos, and our eyes met, I saw how his expression instantly changed. He also moved away a bit, brushing his hair in a harsh way, like he was frustrated.

''You didn't tell me,'' malamig niyang sabi.

I bit my lower lip harder. Even without saying anything yet, he was already able to conclude everything.

Okay, time to use the tactic I learned from Rona whenever she's trying to appease Peter. Away bati kasi sila kaya nakikita ko kapag nilalambing ni Rona ang nobyo niya. And it works all the time for Peter. I don't know if it'll be of use at the moment, and with Carlos Lorenzo, but then I wouldn't know if I wouldn't try.

It was I who leaned closer to Carlos this time. Magkatabi naman kami kaya madali iyong gawin. Sumuot pa ako sa isang braso niya, and he let me, kaya naman halos akbay na niya ako ngayon. I even wrapped my arms around his waist to hug him too, so I could rest my head on his chest. His face is still cold, and he's watching me intently.

''I'm sorry,'' I softly uttered in my most feminine voice. ''I admit . . . I forgot to tell you. I have no excuses.''

Tahimik lamang si Carlos. Medyo kinakabahan ako dahil parang hindi gumagana. Should I just straddle on his lap and kiss him? Iyong medyo aggresibo . . . I think that would work on him. Ngunit umiling na lamang ako sa sarili. This isn't entirely an act anyway, I am genuinely apologetic, too.

''You have no excuse so you're trying to lure me in by acting like this, huh?'' He almost hissed at the end.

Napalabi ako at medyo nakaramdam ng hiya. ''Ayaw mo ba? Nilalambing lang naman kita.''

''It's not like I will not allow you, Georgianna,'' he stated in a cold voice, ignoring my last statement.

''I know. Iyon rin naman ang naiisip ko, Carlos,'' I trailed off, sighing a bit. ''Naisip ko rin nga na baka ihahatid mo pa ako pa-Maynila—''

''You thought of that, but you didn't even tell me! When are you going to tell me, huh?'' tanong niya. His eyes narrowed. ''On the day of your departure? You think I would be happy sending off my girlfriend when I don't even have an idea if she will leave?''

My heart clenched. Hearing them, made me ponder about a lot of things.

''I am your boyfriend now, Georgianna. I will not restrict what you want to do, nor on things you wishes and you desires, I will even support and help you. But I wished to always be informed about everything in your life or your decisions. Tell me, update me, and inform me. At that very least, please.'' 

Mas humigpit ang yakap ko sa kanya at halos itago na ang mukha sa kanyang dibdib.

I understand where he is coming from. We already agreed on having open communication with each other. I admit that it's I who lacked and at fault this time.

''I'm sorry . . .'' I mumbled silently.

Hindi naman siya sumisigaw at kalmado naman kahit papaano ang boses. I somehow even expected his anger to rise, but it didn't happen. It's just like he couldn't believe it, and somehow he's disappointed. Which even made my heart clench more.

I feel him sighing heavily. Hinawakan niya ang baba ko para maiangat ang mukha at magkatinginan kami. His thumb wiped something from my eyes. I felt my eyes getting moist a while ago, so it's probably my unshed tears.

''Can you do that for me next time, hmm?''

I nodded with eagerness.

''Do you promise, Georgianna?''

''Yes . . .''

''You know I have no problem going back and forth just to see you. No matter where you are, I will always go to you,'' banayad niyang sabi. ''So please, always tell me where you are going, hmm?''

Tumango ulit ako.

''That's my good girl,'' he whispered as he kissed my ear.

''Are you still mad?''

''I'm not mad, Georgianna'' marahan niyang tugon. ''And even if I am, it won't stay long. I am always weak when it comes to you.''

I elevated myself a bit so I could reach his lips, and he gladly welcomed me. It was only supposed to be a brief kiss, ngunit natagpuan ko na lamang ang sarili sa kanyang kandungan. Carlos told me he wasn't mad, but his kisses expressed his frustrations a while ago. Ramdam ko ang gigil niya sa halik at bawat kagat sa pang-ibabang labi ko. I did not complain, though, because somehow I liked it.

After the kiss, he caged me on his lap and made me talk. I told him everything this time and did not leave a single detail untold.

''You don't have to share a place with your classmate. You can stay at my place. It's also near your workplace,'' he said.

Rona and Peter rented a condo. Pero pinagbawalan silang magsama ng kanilang mga magulang. May bahay sina Peter sa Maynila at doon siya titira pansamantala. Rona asked me if I wanted to stay with her instead, dahil nakapagbayad na rin sila. Kung magkasama sila ni Peter, hindi ako sasangayon pero dahil hindi naman, um-oo na lang din ako. Hati kami sa expenses. And it's also way better than Javier's proposal to buy me one. Lalo na't ilang buwan lang naman kami doon.

I slightly shook my head. ''You know I can't do that, Lorenzo.''

''I'll buy you one, then.''

Nabigla ako doon. First, Javier. Then Carlos, too? I know they are wealthy, at mismong pera ang gagamit, but to offer things like these without even blinking, just how rich are they? Napailing na lamang ako.

''Hindi rin pwede!''

''Tss.'' He remained stoic, looking at me intently. ''Give me the address, I will check it thoroughly. I'll see if you'll be comfortable there and if the security is tight. If it isn't, I'm moving you out of there.''

Nahampas ko siya sa braso. Maayos pa lang kami pero mukhang mag-aaway na naman. Kung hindi lang niya nasabi na gusto niya lang maayos ako, ibabalik ko sa kanya ang mga sinabi niya kanina lang.

I know Carlos will not restrict me, but I guess he just wants to somehow be involved in my decisions too.

''Dadalaw ako palagi, Georgianna. Dadalas ako sa Maynila. Aside from the fact that I want to see you most of the time, I want to check on you from time to time,'' aniya. ''It'll be your first work experience. If ever you encounter a problem or you need guidance, I want to be there with you.''

''Oo na, gawin mo ang gusto mo!''

''That's good then.''

Everything turned out pretty well. This is far better than what I expected. Kabadong-kabado pa ako kahapon. Kailangan ko lang palang lambingin. Medyo effective naman pala. Although I know how Carlos also tried his best to be calm.

I went back on eating the desserts, and Carlos went back on watching me like I was the most beautiful and high prized art piece in the museum. Pakiramdam ko, baliw na baliw talaga 'to sa'kin. Ngunit hindi ko rin alam kung bakit.

''I am always grateful that you met my eyes that day, the time I first saw you,'' he whispered softly. ''You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Georgianna Eleanor.''

Nilingon ko siya. He stared at me deeply and meaningfully. He moved closer at naglapat ang mga ilong namin. He rubbed his nose against mine before he claimed my lips once again. Hindi ko na ring hindi mapigilang tumugon sa kanyang mga halik. His other hand went on my nape, pulling me closer to deepen the kiss.

He nimbled on my lower lip. ''You always taste sweet, and it's addicting, Georgianna.''

Another kiss, and it made me literally breathless. Kung hindi pa siguro ako kinakapos sa hininga, hindi pa siya titigil. Habang humihinga, hindi maalis sa isipan ko ang una niyang sinabi.

''You already liked me the first time you saw me?'' The first time our eyes met in that stream?

Namumungay ang mga mata ni Carlos, habang nakatitig pa rin sa labi ko. He didn't look like he wanted to eat me alive, but his eyes were soft, and he looked like he was pleading for more kisses.

''Hmm,'' he only said as his thumb brushed over my lips. ''I won't deny it. It's true that I already liked you the first time I saw you. But it's all different now. Sono follemente innamorato di te.''

I frowned. Hindi ko na naman naintindihan ang sinasabi niya. He chuckled at my reaction while pinching my cheek. Tinabig ko ang kamay niya kaya mas lalo siyang ngumisi.

''I find you fascinating, lovely, and beautiful, Georgianna. Even with a crowd, my eyes already know where it should settle.''

Pabiro akong umirap. ''Beauty will fade after a lot of years.''

''I wasn't just talking about your enchanting face, baby,'' bulong habang hinahalikan ang pisngi ko. ''Hindi lang naman mukha mo ang maganda. Your kind and warm heart is what's the most beautiful part of you.''

My heart almost leaped out of my ribcage when I heard that. Ano bang nakain niya at ganito siya? Pakiramdam ko hindi ako makahinga nang maayos. With probably my whole face, flushing, I couldn't even meet his eyes anymore. Pero ramdam na ramdam ko pa rin ang titig ni Carlos sa aking mukha. Pinilit ko na lamang ignorahin iyon at baka hindi ko na talaga kayanin pa.

Our dinner ended pretty well. Medyo gabi na rin at kailangan na naming umuwi. Ngunit hindi mapagkakailang masayang-masaya ako sa mga oras na magkasama kami ngayong araw.

Carlos and I were holding hands, with our fingers intertwined, when we went out of that room. We passed by a corridor and a few tables. We were almost at the exit door when I heard someone calling my name.

''Anya?''

And as always, as an instinct, I turned my head over my shoulder to find the person. Ganon na lamang ang gulat ko nang makita si Solenn. My eyes even widened when I saw Rhys. Agad napatayo ang aking pinsang lalaki, gulat na gulat rin nang makita ako . . . kami. I saw how Solenn's jaw dropped when Carlos turned around to look at the reason why I froze on the spot.

And it was too late to wriggle and free my hand from Carlos' hold when my cousins' eyes went down there. Kaya imbes na tanggalin iyon ay humigpit na lamang ang hawak ko kay Carlos.

''It's okay,'' Carlos whispered, when he was able to assess the situation. ''You don't have to worry.''

Pakiramdam ko nahilo ako nang agad silang lumapit sa'min. Wala pa silang sinasabi, ramdam ko na agad ang pagod. Carlos gently guided me to the side, a more private area of the restaurant, away from the exit door and the dining guests. Agad ding sumunod ang dalawa kong pinsan sa'min.

''Anya, what is this?'' Rhys asked worriedly at the same time with a stern expression. ''Why are you with this man?''

''Rhys . . .'' I was only able to utter his name because I felt like I swallowed my voice and couldn't find it.

''You know each other, Anya?'' si Solenn. ''You know Carlos Lorenzo Montecarlo? Kailan pa? Bakit parang hindi namin alam na magkaibigan—''

Carlos cut her off. ''We're not friends. Georgianna Eleanor is my girlfriend.''

''What?!'' sabay ng magkapatid.

I glared at Carlos for dropping the bomb like that, hindi man lang dinahan-dahan. Napabuntong-hininga ako. We're finally here in this situation I've been trying to avoid. Alam ko naman hindi ko matatakasan ang ganito . . . pero masyado pa atang maaga?

''Anya, is it true?!''

But, as I've said before, it's something we cannot hide forever. I felt mixed emotions, but what somehow made me a little bit at peace is the fact that I know that these two cousins of mine are people I can count on too.

I nodded my head. ''It may be hard to believe . . . but we are indeed . . . in a relationship.''

''What's hard to believe in that?'' si Carlos.

Patago ko siyang siniko para tumahimik saglit. Mukhang marami pa siyang gustong sabihin ngunit pinigilan rin ang sarili.

''Anya, let's talk,'' seryosong sambit ni Rhys.

Kabadong-kabado at naging aligaga ako pero tumango rin. But before I could even step forward to follow my cousin, Carlos had already stopped me.

We will all talk together, in private,'' matigas niyang sabi. Carlos' faced Rhys. ''I can't let you take Georgianna, not without me. Kung na saan siya ay nandoon din ako.''

Lahat kami ay napatingin sa kanya. He was just standing there without moving, but with his stance and hard expression, he looked really intimidating and scary.

I sighed heavily and touched his arm. Marahan ko iyong pinisil at hinagod ng konti para pakalmahin siya. When he glanced back at me, his eyes softened a bit.

''Lorenzo, saglit lang. Mag-uusap lang kami ng mga pinsan ko. It won't take long, I promise.''

''I can't let you be brainwashed by your cousins. You've been running away from me, Georgianna. I won't allow you this time!''

Mahina at bulong lang iyon pero alam kong narinig rin ng dalawa. Their shocked reaction told me so.

''I won't, Lorenzo . . .  I promise. Just five minutes, please . . .''

Hindi siya nagsalita. Nanatili ang tingin niya sa'kin tila ba pinagaaralan at tinitingnan kung nagsasabi ako ng totoo. Despite my inner turmoil, I still gave him a smile to reassure him more.

''Just five minutes,'' he repeated.

I nodded. Bumaling ako sa dalawang pinsan. My smile faded, and the worries I had started to eat me.

  
     
#ENEMYSPROPERTY